05 § video;

[definingfuture]

[Tony starts out sitting in front of the console. He's a little slow to start up what he wants to say-there's an awkward pause beforehand like he's just sizing them up through the video itself.]

So, I've been busy lately. And I've gotten a little distracted by other things, but-

[Something catches in his throat and cuts him off. Tony clears his throat and tries to look casual and calm. He's distracted and maybe in need of some sleep, with his attention wandering from the feed, but he's not going to drop the flippant tone. Especially not now.]

But apparently there have been some strange disappearances lately, and those people might actually still be around.

[He seems to want to say more, but his heart isn't in it. Maybe he should be offering to try to help those semi-disappeared people. Probably. Unfortunately he can't make himself do that.]

That's not what I want to talk about. I need... [Don't finish that, Stark.]

I need someone who knows how to take care of flowers. Horticulture isn't my thing and I have some and I have to make sure they, they don't die, so if you have any advice, I could use it. That or animal counselors. I'm sure those exist out there somewhere.

[ooc: cw for mentions of child deaths and violent arguing.]

Comments

[definingfuture]

Fish. Right. Of course we need more fish.

[Tony's answer is dry, but even with the exasperation, he seems to relent to the situation. As much as he pretends not to care, he has been dropping by to check up on the swizard clan at the stables.

Logan seems to grudgingly settle into the situation as well. He cocks his head to look at both Castiel and Tony in turns, clicking his teeth and watching the latter wince slightly before making a sound that is suspiciously like a chortle.

He's too soft.

But at least he seems to be amused by that rather than hostile. Tony still looks doubtful about the whole angel mediation bit, but he can't deny that Logan looks calmer. To Logan, there wasn't much to really work out.]

Uh... thanks. [The human is far less effective in this case than the beast.]

[thewaywardson]

Perhaps that’s why he wears the armor.

[ There are probably rules of etiquette about this sort of thing: carrying on a conversation with a non-human in the presence of one. Castiel, however, doesn’t know what they are and honestly, he doesn’t even consider that they might exist. He means nothing insulting when he suggests that Tony’s softness is why he wears the armor, any more than he could find fault in his eye color or the tone of his voice. ]

To compensate for not having skin as tough as what you’re accustomed to.

[ He glances at Tony again, nodding his acceptance of his thanks. ]

You’re welcome. I hope this conversation has helped to resolve your differences with Logan.

[definingfuture]

[Just hearing Castiel's end of the conversation makes Tony raise an eyebrow. As far as he's concerned, this guy is a little off. Who talks to animals like that, anyway?

And it does hit a nerve with him. He doesn't like emphasizing the fact he has to wear armor as a defense, because it makes him feel smaller. His answer comes out a little bit dry, but at least he tries to keep it under control.]

Yeah... Thanks, Dolittle. I'm glad we had this session.

[Maybe. He's not entirely sarcastic, since, well, Logan does seem to be acting calmer. His instinctive response is to brush the whole thing off, but results are results. Even if he doesn't like it, sometimes Tony just has to take things the way they come.

Logan, on the other hand, makes a low bubbly noise that sounds a little like a purr. He may be laughing at Tony's discomfort or the way the man steps back a bit when he puffs up, but either way he seems to find the man amusing. Too bad Tony doesn't know that.]

[thewaywardson]

My name is Castiel.

[ He says it helpfully, reminding Tony since it's obvious that he's forgotten. Why else would he be calling him by that name? It isn't one that Castiel's familiar with. ]

And I'm happy to help. If you encounter further difficulties, I'll be glad to help you resolve them. [ And because he's not convinced that he'll ever be able to operate the computer properly, he adds; ] It may be easier if you pray to me. I'll get the message sooner than if you use your computer.

[ He gives both Logan and Tony a nod. ]

Tony. Logan.

[ And then he's abruptly gone, with only the faint whisper of wings to herald his exit. ]