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

[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.

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