002 ♛ video

[superieure]

[ Monet is seated, one leg crossed over the other, arms folded, lips curled into a smile, immaculately dressed as always, regarding the camera with a critical eye. In front of her is a chessboard, all set out for a game. She’s chosen black, so white faces the viewer. ]

I require an opponent.

Comments

video;

[definingfuture]

[Well, then.]

Now that's just impolite. You're baiting me before I've even done anything to you.

[This totally justifies him acting like a dick, right?

Right?]

video;

[superieure]

[She prefers him this way: he's more interesting.]

What's impolite is keeping a lady waiting.

video; > action;

[definingfuture]

[He doesn't say anything to that right away. There's a moment where Tony just smirks at the feed and then disconnects. Pretty much hanging up on her.

And then he shows up at her door roughly 10 minutes later, not even knocking when he opens it.]

First of all, I want to point out that your door was not, in fact, open. And second that it's only rude to keep a woman waiting if she doesn't expect it. Which is generally never. Women know me too well for that.

action;

[superieure]

[Someday she'll tell him he's not completely infuriating.]

It was unlocked. [Which in her book, is the same thing. She brings him a fresh glass.] You'll pardon me for being out of the same circles. [A deft jab. Or is it? She hasn't made the society pages like she's used to. X-Factor keeps her busy.] Wine?

action;

[definingfuture]

[They'll both be waiting for a while.]

Which is why I didn't kick it down. Unlocked and open are not the same thing. They don't even have all of the same letters, so you can't make an argument for that either.

[He smirks a little at her jab.] Your loss. And water if you don't mind. Thanks.

[superieure]

There's only a missing P.

[!!! why can't she think of something better, but she's turned away from him looking for the water, so she bites her lip.]

Here.

[She sets out a bottle of warm water.]

Unless you'd prefer it chilled.

[definingfuture]

Oh, well, if it's only a P that changes everything.

[His sarcasm is actually pretty mild this time. He seems to be actually enjoying this back and forth with her, if only because he knows he's got an advantage.]

I'd prefer a Perrier, but I guess we're short on those. Maybe next time.

[He takes the bottle from her before she can refuse him for that one.]

Thanks. Your hospitality is only rivaled by your good looks.

[superieure]

We aren't playing Scrabble, Mr. Stark.

[But that is what she considers a jab at her lack of Perrier bottles okay, even if she's placated by the compliment that followed it.]

There aren't any here that I've found, perhaps we'll be lucky next landfall.

[Gesturing to the side of the board that's white-]

Please, have a seat.

[definingfuture]

Oh, that's next. Get out your dictionary.

[He does know that really pissing her off is a bad idea. He doesn't want to. And it's really not so much fear as inconvenience and practicality to him.]

You know, we've found some interesting things, but I've never come across anything familiar.

[He raises an eyebrow slightly before taking the chair she motioned to. White, huh? He casts her a look over the board.]

You sure you're up to this?

[superieure]

Multilingual, I hope.

[Pissing her off is indeed a really bad idea, but she's more amused and annoyed than frustrated with him right now, and what's more, she really wants that game of chess.]

I found this set at the auctions, actually. [Sitting across from him, she waits for him to open.] The day I can't, I'll pack it in as a diva.

[definingfuture]

Anything for you.

[Honestly, he wants it too. He hasn't had a decent game of chess in a long time, and he's needed it. It helps him clear his head and step back from everything when it all gets too overwhelming.

His first move is normal. An advance from the King's Pawn, and nothing unexpected. He smirks, though, looking at ease now that they're doing something he feels comfortable with.]

Well. It sounds like you're just having all the fun. I'm jealous.

[superieure]

That a promise?

[An idle smirk as she opens with a pawn. Chess is a telepath's game; it's a challenge not to read your opponent's thoughts.]

You could always join in. That is, if you can keep up.

[definingfuture]

I could promise you a lot of things, but I think I'll wait to see if you win first.

[He smiles casually, just taking in the moment. Chess is a game he wasn't always into. It's a hobby he picked up late, and one that's become an indulgence since he reached Tu Vishan and lost his usual partners. So he takes his time with his next move. It's still an advance--the kingside knight--but a safe one. Nothing unpredictable.]

Maybe if I win, I will decide to join you.

[superieure]

Pressure, pressure.

[She's at ease under it - even if she's uncertain she might actually win this one. He's Tony Stark, after all, he may be him sometimes but he's still a genius.]

[definingfuture]

You haven't seen pressure yet, dear. We've only just begun.

[Tony sounds mild, as if he's commenting on the color of her eyes or perhaps complimenting a new shirt. Not overly into it--being sycophantic isn't his style--but he can manage to sound distinguished when he really tries. Or maybe just when he flukes into it.]

Don't tell me you're having doubts already?

[superieure]

[She pours herself some cold juice from a half-filled pitcher Midii had used, no need for wine in front of a former alcoholic.]

If I was, would you even know?

[Self-possessed, and utterly at ease. This battlefield is one she knows well.]

[definingfuture]

Would I? That's the question, isn't it? I'm not a psychic, and I've been told I'm not particularly that attentive on some of my worse days, so I'd say our chances are a grab bag of potential.

[He sounds completely at ease with this idea. It's all part of the game for Tony. The interactions around the board are just as important as the chess game itself. He takes his time, making another move almost absently.]

That's considerate of you.

[superieure]

Perhaps I'll be lucky and today's an off day. [said as she puts one of her pieces down with a particularly satisfying thunk. A game is better than none, whether chess or not.]

Hm? The juice is excellent; I made it myself.

[definingfuture]

Maybe. Maybe you're smarter than I expect and you'll catch me.

[Just kidding, Monet. Really. His lips twitch in a deliberate smirk just to emphasize that he's teasing her.]

Of course you did. Close to check, by the way.

[Because he needs to let her know that.]

[superieure]

[She mirrors the smile. Teasing. All friendly. See?]

We'll see.

[She moves out of check anyway. Damn, that was fast, Tony.]

[definingfuture]

[Tony's next answer is just a smile and an almost passive move on the board, like he's inviting Monet to advance. He catches her eyes with a look that could almost be flirting, and it might be, except they are still playing.

He raises his hand, gesturing to her pleasantly.

Your move, dear.]

I guess we will.

[superieure]

[Dammit Tony! She hesitates for a second, but aggressively advances anyway.]

[definingfuture]

[That return makes him smile. It's just at the edge of devious without looking too overtly pleased by her decision. Whether it is the move or not is in the open, though.]

Interesting choice.

[He answers by making a defensive move, almost like he's retreating. But he keeps his eyes on Monet's expression, watching her while he makes the play.]

[superieure]

[She's going to hunt you down and step on your Christmas presents while you sleep, Tony. She shows none of the annoyance, continuing her attack. Might as well go out with a bang.]

Predictability is for plebes.

[definingfuture]

[By the smirk he's giving Monet, Tony knows exactly what she's thinking about, and he's enjoying the chance to string her along.]

Really? Then you'll love this.

[Well, he says that, but his next move seems pretty stagnant. Compared to Monet's strong advance, Tony appears to be putting on a defense to meet her and just keep her from getting pieces into his open spots. He's showing more fire in their conversation than his actual playing.]