[ video ]

[starveforscotch]

[ The network is flashing with something, a video uploaded by one Tony Stark. The only thing visible is the hand of the arm not holding the camera. His cufflinks glint against the light of wherever it is, and he spreads his hand out, waves it across the room for a moment. ] Would you look at this? Isn't this gorgeous?

[ The video pans along with

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[madefromserum]

[ Video ]

[ Outside the day is warmer than it's been in a while, and Steve is sitting outside beneath the shade of a tree when he responds to the video feed, graphite staining the pads of his fingers grey with a smudge on his cheek, which he's failed to notice.

He holds the communications device in his clean hand, grins at it as he takes in the room on display. ] You pulled off a deal, then, huh?

[starveforscotch]

Yup. [ Tony angles the device so he's smiling at Steve. He's cleaned up well, but when you're trying to close a deal, you've got to make an effort. His goatee is trimmed, the dark bags under his eyes covered up by a little old make-up trick he picked up from Pepper. Thinking of her makes his heart give a dip, so he simply amps up the smile a bit further, tilts his head. ]

Of course, I'm now building to a requirement but at least it's got promise. I'm getting money in the bank and a lab I can call my own, not too shabby after all.

[madefromserum]

[ Steve catches a glimpse of something sad beneath the mask, but he doesn't point it out, smiles it over and focuses on the positive. If Tony needs to hide, he's not going to stop him, but he's not going to desert him either. ]

Told you you'd land on your feet sooner or later, and it looks like you got it good. Bet you'll be climbing the ladder in no time.

[starveforscotch]

Better my feet than my face, that thing costs money. [ But the camera dips away from him again, back around the lab. ] Yeah, hello corporate, nice to see you again.

[ If he sounds the slightest bit bitter, it's simply because Londonium is not the land of hope and dreams for him. Tony misses his own world, his own time, the company, Pepper. He wouldn't give what he's shared with Steve up for the world, but this? It's hell, and he hates it. ]

[godoftricks]

video

What a grandiose parlour, Stark. Whatever shall you do with it?

[starveforscotch]

Well, hopefully I'll stay away from the whole catching spiders schtick.

[godoftricks]

Indeed? I rather thought you were the type for luring innocent things back to your lair. I recall dear Miss Potts appearing rather upset about it.

[ Said so sweetly. He really ought to meet this Steve Rogers of yours, you know… ]

[starveforscotch]

[ Tony does not know how to respond to that. What had Pepper said? She's vanished again and he has no way of ever making it up to her. With a hard edge to his voice. ]

I wouldn't believe everything you hear.

[i_am_dr_eggman]

Video

[Eggman clicks on the video to show off one of the labs in the Egg Carrier. Just a little bit of 'my lab is cooler than yours!' taunting from the mad scientist as he focuses the camera on himself.]

And what business are you in, Mr. Stark?

[starveforscotch]

[ Tony seems completely unpeturbed by these antics, smiles a little, the corner of his mouth lifting higher. ] Isn't it obvious?

[i_am_dr_eggman]

If that were the case, you would not be asked the question.

[starveforscotch]

We're in the same business.