i remember falling [open]

[fearlesswonder]

Late at night, the prodigal son returns to the streets of Minneapolis, hands tucked into his pockets and head down as he wanders, occasionally kicking at stray cans and other small, safely kickable objects

Comments

[needsmorepepper]

It's not unusual for Pepper to be out, on her own, late at night--it's not advisable, but it's not unusual. Tony calls or she forgets something during the day...whatever the reason tonight, Pepper's out wandering with purpose, direction, because that's how she does these things.

She's also on a cellphone, but that may just be for practical reasons rather than actually taking part in a conversation. It takes her a second to realize that she recognizes that possibly-moping boy walking in the other dir--

"Dick!"

Okay, there are better names to raise your voice with on the street at ridiculous o'clock. The boy needs a nickname badly.

[fearlesswonder]

Dick perks up when called, and by the time he's recognized her voice, lifted his head, and made eye contact he's smiling, though not as infectiously as he usually does.

"Hey, Pepper," he says, and hustles over to her as he pulls a hand from his pocket to wave, "Long time no see. How you doin'?" He finger guns and winks when he asks the question, annnd maybe he's trying a little too hard.

[needsmorepepper]

Some people would call that the dictionary definition of trying too hard, although Pepper is charitably not one of them. Even if she does give him a moderately concerned look--her polite enthusiasm and tendency to fuss come standard, don't they? "I'm good. I'm good! I'm going to school here, now."

[fearlesswonder]

"Cool- I just got back from the Alps with Bruce, but I'm still enrolled. Hopefully. I have to work everything out at the school Monday, grab some classes, catch up on those classes...I'm not looking forward to next week." He rubs the back of his neck and keeps on smiling. He's fine, Pepper! "How's Mr. Tony Stark doing?"

[havah]

Candice is outside now way more often than she ever used to be--possibly she got a taste of freedom last year and now she's having a hard time letting go, even though school has started. It's cool enough that she needs a jacket, but even once it gets dark she won't be deterred by the Minnesota chill. It's nicer outdoors!

When she spots Dick, she looks faintly surprised, since she hasn't seen him all summer really and wasn't sure where he was, but she waves.

"Hey!"

[fearlesswonder]

Dick snaps his head up at the sound of her voice, and breaks into an easy, friendly smile when he sees her.

"Hey!" He calls, waving back, and heads in her general direction to take hold of her shoulder and give it a quick squeeze. "Candice, how've you been- did you get taller while I was gone or what?"

[havah]

"No, I think I'm pretty full grown at five two, sorry to say," Candice tells him, half-smiling, "It's good to see you, though! I'm just--chillin', it seems like summer just kind of flew by. What are you up to?"

She might not be taller, but she is a little older, in a lot of ways. (Getting shot will do that to you.)

[fearlesswonder]

"Eat more red meat," he advises, dropping his hand. "Summer always flies by, and me- I haven't been doing much of anything. Just walking. I missed you, short stuff."

He did, too. He missed a lot of things back here. (Some very big things, apparently.)