tushanshu | 05 § video;

[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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Take a few. They'll probably be better off with you anyway.

[Oh, Cassie. Tony can't help but smile at her enthusiasm. She's one of those good things in his life--a source for decent memories--that he can count on in times like this.]

Yay!

[ Quick second hug, right there. And then she flits off to examine the flowers, deciding which ones to take. ]

I will, though not all. It'll be good for you to keep some, too. Though I will remind you for daily care and will come to check on them!

[Tony's still not quite sure how to accept the hugs. He smiles, gently putting his arms around her in return even if he is awkward about it.]

Heh. You can remind me, but I can't guarantee I'll be any good at it. Maybe I should just give them to someone else.

[ She's fine with awkward. Her life is awkward, right now, and she blatantly ignores that. Besides, it's only a quick hug. ]

[ She does raise an eyebrow, anyway. ]

Uncle Tony... they were given to you for a reason. And I'll help. You can manage them.

[Oops. Caught. Tony does look a little embarrassed at trying to get rid of the plants, but not that much. After all, he's not the best choice and this is for the good of the flowers too, right?]

Okay, okay. I won't give them all away. For now. But if they start dying, that's not my fault. I tried to warn you.

[ Cassie crosses her arms and gives him a mock-irritated look. ]

Just don't try to kill them on purpose. It'll be all right.

Now, shoo. I'll take a look at them and arrange the ones I'm not taking around. You don't have to remind me how bad an idea it is the entire time.

[ The most cheerful and light-hearted shooing to ever be shooed, there. ]

Yes'm. [Tony raises his arms in surrender. He knows better than to argue with her.]

And I'm not trying to kill them. I just think they're trying to die on me.

[That said, he can at least try to help.]

Juice? I have juice. Don't know what kind it is, but I was told that it's good.

Give them a chance. They may surprise you, yet!

[ And she's already kneeling by the flowerpots when she registers his question. ]

Umm. Sure. But you have some, too.

[ Smile over her shoulder. ]

I've heard it's good for you, for some reason.

Are you trying to make sure I stay hydrated?

[It sounds like it should be a joke somehow. Tony goes to the kitchen and returns with two glasses of strange colored juice.]

I haven't actually tried this yet, so this is my disclaimer if you don't like it.

[He smiles a little. Tiredly, but it's there.]

You don't have to stay here, you know. I'm pretty sure I'll survive.

Well, I was thinking about vitamins and such, but, now that you mention it, I'll include reminders for you to stay hydrated when I remind you to water the flowers. Oh, just look at this one!

[ It's tender, almost orchid-like, in a deep blue/purple color, the blossoms almost hidden behind the two taller plants in front of it. Cassie gently cups the bloom in one hand, not quite touching the petals, and smiles as Tony brings in the juices. Then dusts off her hands, and is up on her feet, taking the offered glass and drinking thirstily. Then she chokes, because strange flavor. ]

Ummm.

[ She licks her lips, thoughtfully. ]

Not bad, actually. And, I'll be off your hair shortly. Really, just gonna do what I came here for, and I'm out. Okay?

[Tony's weak smile actually grows when he sees Cassie's reaction to the strange juice. It's a simple thing, but somehow it does make him feel better.]

You can take them all. I'm telling you, they'd probably be better off.

And you're not in my way, Cassie. I just think you should spend time at home.

[The two Langs need each other. Tony knows that. And he wants their family to be happy, which is something he's working to achieve in his own way. He takes a drink from his glass, making a face as he tastes the liquid inside.]

Eh. Maybe I should have asked for a sample first.

[ She grins; they were just over that, with her taking all the flowers and all, but she won't repeat herself. And she's just about to say that, yep, she's going right home, after, when he makes that last comment, and she narrows her eyes at him. ]

... how much did you get?

[Oops. Tony looks a little bit guilty, as if he's been caught stealing cookies he shouldn't have been eating.]

Ah... you know. Enough. [It seemed like a good idea at the time.]

[ Oops. Cassie just. Stares at him for a moment, then bursts out laughing, hard and long. After a bit, she tries to take a breath. ]

Sorry, sorry. That just sounded... so...

[ Normal. But she can't say it, because she's laughing again. ]

So what?

[He's trying not to sound offended, which just makes him sound more offended. A grown man trying very hard not to admit he made a really pathetic impulse buy is embarrassing in so many ways.]

It looked good. They said it was healthy.

[ No, she can't speak, quite yet. ]

[ But she'll rise on the balls of her feet, hiccuping with giggles, and kiss his cheek. It's okay. ]

[He gives Cassie a doubtful look, suspecting there's something insulting in her unspoken response. But he puts an arm around her anyway and gives her a quick hug.]

Thanks. For- well, just thanks.

05 § video;

action; don't worry!

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