and he's back.

[shaves]

That was a little abrupt. Not that I'm complaining, a short leave of absence to recharge your batteries or more specifically, mine, can't argue with the logic behind that if it puts me in the long-term penthouse. You could still make it up to me, obviously. Those little Twisties things they sell near you? Toss a dozen in a box, send them my way and we'll call it even. You should probably send some to Pepper and Bruce, too. Add red and green sprinkles respectively, they'll love that. It won't look too Christmas-y, will it? Actually, scratch that, get the red glaze and make the topping yellow, nobody can complain about Sorry I Vanished gifts that present the universally delicious task of licking Iron Man themed pastries.

Arguably, I could have been doing something more constructive with my time than spending it in the garage for a couple of months. I've been relaxing, cut me some slack. Look what's coming up for me! I think I deserve a Get Out Of Jail Free card before the whole messy business hits home.

This was not my fault, you can't blame a guy for holding him in indentured servitude. Where are my chocolate Twisties?

Comments

[shaves]

If you don't cook for me, how will I ever learn how to do it for myself? Pepper gave up.

[hulkbusted]

That's because both of you know I'll cook.

You'd be a brilliant chef if you could think of it as constructing a meal instead of cooking.

[shaves]

I followed the instructions when we made ... cookies. Cakes? We made something, it involved whisking, I might've blanked the rest out to save the trauma of how stupid it was. And it still looked like an omelette when it came out, that's the only thing I can create on a basic food level.

Anyway, I don't need to be a chef, I have a phone. And you.

[hulkbusted]

I may need a reminder of why I haven't gone back to India.

[shaves]

It's called R&D.

[hulkbusted]

That's a fair point.

[shaves]

India doesn't have me, that's pretty valid too.

[hulkbusted]

That only works if somewhere other than the garage has you.

Somewhere other than the garage or Dubai.

[shaves]

So prescribe a suggestion.

[hulkbusted]

Come up for air now and then and see the people who care about you.

[shaves]

What am I doing right now, swimming?

[hulkbusted]

That is a very good question.

I'll make dinner and you can fill in the blanks for me.

[shaves]

What are you going to make? Is it going to be spicy? How long will it take?

[hulkbusted]

Curry. Yes. Another half hour.

[shaves]

Who taught you how to make this stuff, were you wandering around India when some madras-toting fakir took you under his wing? I keep imagining you like one of the Ninja Turtles, stirring a mystical pot underground until the world is ready.

[hulkbusted]

It's amazing what you can pick up if you ask "What can I make with this?" in shops. There was a distinct lack of ninja turtles.

[shaves]

There goes the dream.

[hulkbusted]

We can work on new ones without ninja turtles. One mutant around here is enough.

[shaves]

Mutant curry is the best, hands down. In fact, I'm swearing off all other kinds right now.

[hulkbusted]

I'm talking to JARVIS about getting a better ventilation system for the garage. You have definitely been inhaling too many fumes.

[shaves]

Never mind, just bring me food.

[hulkbusted]

No, you have to come to me. You have to emerge from your cave, stand upright, and wipe the dirt off your knuckles, and if you can do that, I'll have a drink waiting for you.

[shaves]

It's going to have vegetables shredded up inside, isn't it? You could always get me a McDonald's milkshake, it wouldn't kill anyone.

[hulkbusted]

The drink? I wouldn't do that to you.

Not today at least.

[shaves]

I feel bullied by your vegetables, Bruce. Is this a healthy relationship? Come on, now.