Commitment issues? No.

[definingfuture]

You're trying awfully hard to blame me for your problems lately. You do remember that you were the one that wanted to do this, right? Right. Just checking.

So let's talk about options.

I'm not going to let you kick me out. You can forget that one. But there's nothing wrong with what we have now either. We don't need to worry about games, so stop worrying about it. That's an order.

Just think of this as my unconditional love. All of the perks with no strings attached.

Comments

[higherfurtherfaster]

They don't always know what they're getting themselves into with us.

[definingfuture]

...This isn't the opening to a lecture, is it?

[higherfurtherfaster]

Just an observation. I'm not the lecturing type.

[definingfuture]

You're the first. [Heh.] It's good to see you. Sorry it had to be here.

[higherfurtherfaster]

There are worse places to meet. I'm still getting my bearings around here.

So what's going on with you?

[definingfuture]

You know that saying things could be worse doesn't actually make the current conditions any better, right?

You'll get your bearings fast enough, though. Right now, there aren't any real threats or problems to speak of. This place is peaceful to the point of being downright boring.

[higherfurtherfaster]

Maybe not, but it puts things in perspective.

Boring, huh? Makes me wonder why we ended up here.

[sleeplessgenius]

As my mun always yells at the top of her lungs...

"DEAR MUN

DEAR MUN FOREVER!"

[definingfuture]

It's our own private purgatory. We get the cheap seats.

[When the going gets tough? Make a joke.]

It's all bound to pass in time.

[definingfuture]

Apparently that's more or less the plan. The unofficial track gives us more room anyway.

[higherfurtherfaster]

You, settling for cheap seats? That doesn't sound right.

[Answering his joke with a joke.]

[definingfuture]

No one said anything about settling. I just wanted you to know what you had to look forward to.

Don't get too comfortable.

[higherfurtherfaster]

We'll see. Apparently I just get to twiddle my thumbs around here while other me gets to go play in space.

[definingfuture]

You aren't the only one. But it's not like either of us need to go to space anyway. There are other things they can do with us.

[ofafeather]

No strings attached? I had no idea you had such a soft side, Stark.

[definingfuture]

Nothing gives me more pleasure than surprising you all.

[higherfurtherfaster]

So I've heard.

So who's been lecturing you?

[definingfuture]

Who hasn't? I think they're starting to form a line if you wanted to grab a spot.

[higherfurtherfaster]

Let me guess, Steve's at the head of the line?

[definingfuture]

Carol... [He's gearing up for a lot of rationalization and trying to avoid the topic of Steve.]

[higherfurtherfaster]

[She holds up her hands in surrender.]

All right, forget I asked.

[definingfuture]

[It's kind of like a magic button, sorry. He does let it go though.

Instead he just sighs heavily.]

Everyone has something to complain about.

[higherfurtherfaster]

It's the way of the world.

Just remember, I was on your side. If you want to blow off steam, I'm around, okay?

[She's just taking a guess what the lecturing was about. It's always going to be a point of contention.]

[definingfuture]

When did you become a cynic?

[...You don't have to encourage him. He'll always be sore when it comes to involving Steve in that particular conversation.]

I... yeah. Thanks, Carol.

[revisionism]

[ AMERICA CALLING. Making nice with this Tony is the order of the day! ]

Alright. The first is you settle in for the long haul in this place, I take it.

What's another option?