voicemail

[oldironsides]

You've reached the voicemail... Forgething... it... yeah... of Anthony Stark, Stark Industries. Leave a message if it beeps?




... how do you tell if it's recorded? Piece of alternate universe crap, you're lucky I don't rewire you into a double-ended vibra--





BEEEEEEEP

Comments

[voice]

[justice_is_blond]

Tony. [There's a little amusement to his voice now.] I've identified the pattern in the spots on the ceiling and found everything that doesn't match into it. I've read both of my books again. I have slept more than anyone should sleep unless they're running a fever. Downtime is not my favorite thing.

But I won't rush it. [Anders' voice goes gentle again. It's difficult, comforting someone and trying to cheer them up at the same time. Especially when, as much as Anders would like the company, he's trying to avoid guilting Tony into staying.] It would be worse if I tried to return too soon and wound up collapsing or not being able to fully take care of someone. ...Which I'm not going to do.

[voice]

[oldironsides]

So what you're saying is you need more books. That's doable. [He snickers.] What do you want? Romance? Science fiction? Pop-up?

How 'bout this... I go get you more stuff to read, uh. Somewhere. And spend the night in. I'll read to you! You'll lie around and recuperate, I'll show you how awesome my Lady MacBeth voice is. [Consequently, Anders, this might make you feel worse.]

Sound like a plan?

[voice]

[justice_is_blond]

[There's a quiet sort of hope there now, because even if Tony's horrible at voices, that's still company, and Tony's company on top of that.]

If you're sure you're fine with that instead of going to the bar, I'd appreciate it, Tony. The company and the activity. And I'd go for anything. [And then he sounds amused.] Though I'm not exactly sure what pop-up is. Is this some sort of explicit book, or something else?

[voice]

[oldironsides]

Hey, I own the bar. I can go there any time I want.

Pop-up books can be explicit. [He pauses as he remembers something, voice turning thoughtful.] I had a pop-up Kama Sutra book that got a lot of use. Don't let me forget to tell you about page eight... and what Kama Sutra is. Heh.

[voice]

[justice_is_blond]

True. And I like to see you there.

[There's a quiet chuckle.] This sounds promising. I'll not forget, especially as it sounds the sort of thing I'd want explained in person. Though I'm selfish, and I'd like a great many things in person.

[voice]

[oldironsides]

You should drop into the back office more. I'll show you whatever you want.

[Screw the book. One-on-one demonstrations were always more informative.]

... annnnnd alrighty. Consider rest time up. I'd apologize, but.... eh. No I wouldn't.

[voice]

[justice_is_blond]

If that's on offer, you'll see me in there quite often.

[His voice is warm. Anders is more than happy to stop resting and get Tony worked up.]

Mm. Do come and show me how not sorry you are.

[voice]

[oldironsides]

Sure... if you'll show me how selfish you are.

Fair trade.

[There's the sound of the shop door creaking closed, familiar footsteps on basement stairs making their way up.]

... but I'm not doing the Lady MacBeth voice.

[voice]

[justice_is_blond]

Gladly. Repeatedly.

[He's not particularly sure he can manage repeatedly just yet, still dealing with Mist effects, but Anders is darn sure going to still talk big.]

I don't know what a Lady MacBeth voice even is, but I'm quite all right with that. All I want is your voice and you.

[voice]

[oldironsides]

Don't over-exert yourself, alright. There's plenty I can do without you even sitting up.

[As if Stark would let the guy wipe himself out. No, this'll be a different sort of home care.]

... cute. Cheesy, but cute.

[voice]

[justice_is_blond]

[There's a short huff of laughter.]

This sounds exceedingly promising. And I'm always cheesy, Tony.

[voice]

[oldironsides]

It's alright. I forgive you.

[He can't help but echo the laugh.]

You wouldn't be you without the extra cheese.