006 | Video | Day 70

[manofiron]

[ Although the video’s on, it shows a remarkably dull view of the sky. After a moment, during which nothing happens, it may become apparent that its owner doesn’t realize that it’s on. When he starts speaking, in the vague, disconnected voice of a man who’s either delirious, sick, or extremely hungover, it may go a long way in explaining why he doesn’t know he’s being recorded. ]

Well, that… must’ve been some night. [ He sighs and the video blurs until it shows a delightful view of the ground. ] JARVIS, where’s the car? And the nearest source of ibuprofen. I need like, a bottle. Or six.

[ There’s a moment of silence. ]

Jay? Don’t do this to me again, buddy. There’s at least enough power in the— [ The image spins, like the hand the camera’s attached to is patting at something. ] Seriously? The car and the transmitter? What the hell happened last night?

[ There’s another blur and it resolves into a wobbly image of the sky again. ]

Okay, this isn’t the end of the world. Deliverance, maybe, or the woodsy version of The Hills Have Eyes. But that’s okay. I can handle it. Just gotta find a gas station, preferably one without a bunch of cannibalistic yokels, call Rhodey, try not to get eaten by said cannibals, and wait for help to come. And then take a vacation, because obviously going down to the Crab Shack for happy hour with Mister Irresponsible is a bad idea.

[ And with that, he stops talking and starts walking. ]

Comments

[greenisnteasy]

[ Tony had made that promise, and it's been part of the Hulk's distress. To be reminded of the fact that Tony wouldn't leave him is a nice relief, and he relaxes somewhat as he nods, the barest hint of a smile on his face. ]

No. Tony and Hulk stick together. [ He lays a hand on his shoulder and gives him a fond, and light, squeeze. ]

We spent a year with the white coats?

[manofiron]

[ He reaches up and lays a hand over the Hulk's, gives it a squeeze and tries to ignore the uneasiness that churns in his gut. ]

The people I've spoken to here tell me it's only been a few days, not years. But I was home. Back in California. It was...

[ Glancing away, he looks out at the town. ]

It was bad. Very bad. But not too long ago, couple days ago, I think, I talked to Bruce. I saw him. I didn't see you, but you two were there. So it, I don't know. I don't know where the scientists come into it.

[greenisnteasy]

You went home? [ Tony looks upset, and the Hulk doesn't like that. He likes when Tony's talking a million miles a minute, but he's been so upset the last few days that the Hulk's seen him, with the vampire thing and now this. He wants to fix it, but he doesn't know how. The scientists already need to be smashed, he knows that much. ]

How was it bad?

[manofiron]

I was attacked. Everything's gone.

[ He looks back up at him, smiles a thin smile that carries a hint of true humor in it. ]

But hey, I'm still here. And so are you, so maybe everything isn't gone. Just most of it. It's okay. It's over, it's done. No sense complaining about it, right?

[greenisnteasy]

[ He's not sure he buys that, but what has the Hulk ever had that was his anyway? Tony isn't even all his. ]

Aliens again?

[manofiron]

Terrorists. Humans. I pissed off the wrong people. They blew up my house. Tried to blow up me, too.

[ He rolls his eyes, tries to brush it off. ]

Take it from me. Don't challenge people on national television and give them your address. Never ends well.

[greenisnteasy]

Don't have an address. [ But he knows what it's like to have a lot of pissed off humans try to blow you up. He lifts his eyebrow as he examines Tony, even gently tugging him forward so he can check him all over for injuries. ]

Seem okay. Not blown up. What'd they do?

im3 spoilers

[manofiron]

[ He moves into the tug, willing to let him look him over. He trusts the Hulk, knows he won't hurt him. Ever so gently, he taps a finger against his chest, right in the middle. Once upon a time, there would be a noise. Now, there's nothing. ]

I don't glow in the dark anymore. But, if I wanted to, now I could be a little more like you.

[greenisnteasy]

[ He figures it out after a second, and then he moves to touch the center of Tony's chest, which just feels like a regular chest. No more shiny metal. He's not sure how that makes him feel; this doesn't change that he and Tony both don't fit in, does it? ]

How?

[manofiron]

[ Glancing down, he watches his finger touch his chest. It's a simple gesture, but it evokes a knot of feelings he doesn't know how to even begin to untangle. ]

Serum. I've got the directions right here. [ He taps a finger against his temple. ] I just have to make it.

[greenisnteasy]

[ He wrestles with what to say for a few seconds before he pulls his hand away. ]

...why would you want to be like Hulk?

[manofiron]

[ There are a dozen different answers he could give him. The choice between them isn't difficult to make. ]

How else are you and me gonna stick together if I don't prevent time from taking me away?

[greenisnteasy]

[ Part of him knows there's something tragic about that. He thinks on it though, really looking thoughtful before he sits down near his Tin Man, and he finally looks over at him again. ]

Don't like being without you, Tin Man. [ The little while between him waking up and him finding Tony was long enough. ]

You'll get big like Hulk? Turn into something else?

[manofiron]

[ After he sits down, Tony moves closer and leans against his shoulder. To his question, he shakes his head. ]

Sorry, buddy. I'm stuck being puny and pink forever. But I'll be strong and fast like I am in the suit, and any injury I get will heal. My body won't get old. Wounds won't kill me.

[ He gives him a rueful grin. ]

Think you can stand me like this for forever or should I try working on making myself green?

[greenisnteasy]

[ Strong and fast like he is in the suit, able to heal himself up. That doesn't sound too bad. When Tony asks, the Hulk doesn't even need time to think first. ]

Like you this way. You're Hulk's favorite person.

[manofiron]

Then I guess I better stay pink, huh?

[ He winks at him, gives his shoulder a squeeze. ]

I'm not giving up that title without a fight.

[greenisnteasy]

[ The Hulk smiles, and then pulls Tony in for a hug, one giant arm wrapping around him. ]

It's okay. Hulk's just going to keep you. [ Was that -- yes it was, it was a slight joke. ]

[manofiron]

[ Laughing under his breath, Tony slings an arm around his shoulders as best he can. ]

I can live with that. And for the record, big guy, I'm keeping you, too. No two ways about it.