(Untitled)

[liverletdie]

WHO: a_dark_crusader and iron_liver
WHAT: GETTIN' SOMETHING OF HIS BRO'S BACK FROM A JERKFACE
WHERE: Seattle.
WHEN: SUNDAY NIGHT... backdated like bawses.
WARNINGS: Assholes and their asshole faces
SUMMARY: Batman has something of Thor's and Tony's gonna make sure it doesn't get taken by someone who shouldn't have it

Comments

[a_dark_crusader]

[ Bruce sees him on the scanner long before he arrives, giving him time to secure the premises. If he has to guess why he's here, it would be the hammer. He gives the gnarled stick a glance before putting on some music, pouring himself a drink, and taking a seat towards the window. He wanted to appear as natural and at home as possible. The best thing he could do was let Tony think he was the one leaving the dramatic impression; if anyone knew about entrances, it was Bruce. ]

[liverletdie]

[ Tony flies in. He'd already pulled the information of his location from his computers, and when he swooped closer, he had a choice. Window, or door. He decided for the window, and flew up, hovering.

Oh good, he was sitting by the window. It always made things less dramatic when he had to tap the window to get their attention, if the sound of his jets didn't alert them.

Peering into the room, he was already getting information about everything inside the room he could from visual cues. Was that an Agnes Martin? Nice. He could appreciate good artwork in a room, and that was very fine. ]

[a_dark_crusader]

[ Right on time. Bruce sets his drink aside and stands, taking a moment to throw on a robe before he moves to open the window; it's very cold outside, after all. With a flick, he unclasps the window pane and pulls it open. A cool gust of wind hits him in the face, though he looks otherwise collected. ]

Tony Stark? I could have had the doorman let you in. Still, please, come in.

[liverletdie]

Doormen never do appreciate listening to metal boots on the marble, Mr. Wayne. It makes them nervous, and flying in is so much more convenient.

[ He does step in, and as he does, the faceplate of his suit moves out with a slight sound of decompression, before it slid up, and hovered over the top of his head. He'd already semi-retracted the underarmor, leaving a full head of hair still perfectly in place. He looked around, and his eye caught sight of a wooden staff. Oh yes, that was it, but the minuscule gesture wasn't enough of a pause to be noticeable. He continued scanning, before his eyes caught the painting. He stared at that instead. ]

[a_dark_crusader]

So do flying men in armor, Mr. Stark. Or so I hear.

[ After closing the window, he plucks his own glass from the table and finishes it off, at the same time strolling over to the kitchen to pour himself another glass. Just seltzer. ]

Agnes Martin. Not his best work, but the decorator preferred it. Can I get you a drink?

[liverletdie]

No, thank you. [ He paused, and took one last look at the painting, before looking back over to the man. ] I'll admit, I'm not a fan, personally. You might call me old fashioned, but I much prefer to look at works of something, rather than a grid. I would much rather prefer a blueprint to a ship over something like that.

[ Smalltalk. It made the business world go 'round, and he could play the game better than most. He was sure Mr. Wayne was just as savy.

[a_dark_crusader]

[ A tiny laugh. ] Variety is the spice of life, Mr. Stark, but if I ever need to buy you a gift, I'll keep that in mind. Still, I'm sure you didn't come here to discuss my taste in artwork. What can I do for you?

[liverletdie]

Oh please, you wouldn't have to do that. Believe me, I have more than enough money than I know what to do with.

[ Pleasantries done with, it was time for business. ]

You have something that belongs to a friend of mine, I believe.

[a_dark_crusader]

[ He purposely doesn't look at the stick, but rather stares into his glass while taking a sip. ]

I'm afraid you're going to have to be more specific. I own more than even I can keep track of.

[liverletdie]

I'm sure. It's rather unassuming, I'm afraid, but it's here.

[ He pauses and only smiles, still not looking at the stick. ]

Unassuming, and it probably looks like a worthless piece of driftwood by now, I'm sure.

[a_dark_crusader]

[ He almost chokes on his drink with surprise-- or at least makes it appear that way. ]

The stick? You had me worried, I thought you were going to say the Matisse.

[ He pauses, and there's a perceptive look from behind his glass as he asks his next question. ]

If you don't mind my asking-- it's hardly a piece of branch, and yet you came all the way here for it. What's so important about it?

[liverletdie]

[ He smiled sheepishly, and rubbed the back of his neck, a sigh falling from his lips as he looked at Bruce. ]

This is embarrassing, but it belonged to a good friend of mine. He was recently killed, and I keep hoping that maybe, just maybe he'll show back up. I know that sounds weird, but he can be a resilient bastard, and I'd like to make sure he gets it as soon as possible if he does.

[ He shrugged a bit, and sighed. Dejectedly. ]

And if he doesn't? It'll remind me that I need to not fail my friends.

[a_dark_crusader]

I'm sorry.

[ He responds, a somber weight to his tone, and then he sets his glass aside and replaces it with the the branch. He feels it's weight in his hand, and considers the incalculable power that such an unassuming thing holds within it. It may not be the total truth, but what he's saying... Bruce believes it. ]

An acquaintance from home asked me to hold it for her, as a favor, but... it's strange. How did you know I had it?

[liverletdie]

I have my ways, Mr. Wayne. I may be a little bit more subtle in my wealth gain, but StarkTech has been growing as a technology corporation, and our data net is starting to work, which, of course, includes satellites.

I'm afraid I was tracking it since my friend passed on.

[a_dark_crusader]

Hmm. I see...

[ He seems thoughtful for a moment, but only a moment, and then picks up the stick and holds it in his hand. Then, without hesitation, he holds it out towards Tony for the other man to take. ]

If it is what you say it is, then I hope you're ready for the weight of it.

[liverletdie]

[ He reached out, and took hold of the stick, the weight almost too heavy to bear as he held it. Not physically, but instead the knowledge of what this represented. ]

Not at all, but it's a weight I'll bear proudly.