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]

[ 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.