07 § video

[definingfuture]

You know what I want? A pizza. For those of you who are familiar with it, I just realized how long it's been since I've actually had a good pizza, and it's almost criminal. For the rest of you, you don't know what you're missing.

You think we can get a pizzeria started somewhere?

And while I'm thinking here, is anyone really that uncomfortable? It's not so bad once you figure out the secret to it.

[The smile he puts on is deliberate and smug. It's the kind of expression he gives when he knows someone else wants him to have a bad day just so he can ruin their plans. Or maybe he's just trying to piss someone else off. Who knows?]

Want a hint? Here's a hint: When is a door not a door?

[Locked; encrypted 30%]

"Ajar" doesn't sound like "a jar".

[Locked; encrypted 50%]

That's not even the answer I'm looking for. But this is the next clue.

[Locked; encrypted 80%]

M must be for marshmallow. And we all know that marshmallows aren't that intimidating.

The answer is adaptation. The riddle was just for fun. Also it's when it's ajar. [No it wasn't. It was "code" or "back door".]

Comments

[michaeljangelo]

Iiiii don't know. We're pretty strict. Do you have any siblings?

[definingfuture]

Nope. I'm an only child. Do I need siblings? [Aw, come on, man. He just wants a pizza. Don't be stingy.]

[michaeljangelo]

Kind of hard to be the Little Brother without them.

[There's a pause as Mike considers this.]

Do you pester people on a regular basis? Are you a thorn in anyone's side? Would you say you could be classified as a nudge?

[definingfuture]

True, but can't we work around that somehow? Adoption?

[Tony looks at the blank screen as if this question were deciding his future.]

On purpose? Sometimes. Only if they deserve it. I'm a thorn in a lot of sides, but that's kind of unavoidable when you're this good looking.

[michaeljangelo]

I could adopt you, but then like...not only would you have to change your name, but then I'd be your little brother, and that kind of defeats the purpose. I mean...unless you're totally up for some Grade A fantastic little brothering. Seriously, I've got sixteen years of experience.

[definingfuture]

Never had one. I guess it could be fun, but I'm kind of attached to my name. I mean, how are people going to know it's me if I start changing my name all of a sudden?

And there's always the question of whether or not you could keep up.

[michaeljangelo]

Trust me, there really isn't. That question? Already has a sure-thing answer of yes.

[definingfuture]

You're confident, but are you going to back it up? Because all I've got so far is talk.

[He grins, joking at the voice.] I don't mind putting it to the test.

[michaeljangelo]

Thaaaat sounds like a straight up dare to me.
What kind of dare are we talking about there? And what's in it for me?

[definingfuture]

Hey, I'm just telling the truth. Unless you've got some pretty good tricks, you're not going to keep up with me.

I'll even let you pick your best game. [He chuckles.] What do you want out of it?

[michaeljangelo]

Well I don't want to brag, but I've been known to have some pretty good tricks from time to time.

My best game? Well I'm pretty amazing at Galaga. I can run a four and a half minute mile. OH! I know! How good are you at flipping out of shadows and breaking someone neck?

[It sounds like he's kidding. He's totally kidding. Right? Kidding?]

You wouldn't happen to have an Everlasting Gobstopper on you, would you?

[definingfuture]

How are you at flying?

[Not even missing a beat. Hey, he's just making his own suggestion. It's only fair.]

Fresh out, but I'm sure we can come up with something more interesting to do than spitting.

[michaeljangelo]

Terrible. No...wait, scratch that. I was terrible the one time I ever tried it. Apparently just tying a sheet around your neck doesn't magically make you Mighty Mouse.

Who knew?

But point of order here? The gobstopper didn't make you spit. That was gum. And then Violet said spitting was a disgusting habit, while picking her own nose.

[Mike loves that movie like burning.]

[definingfuture]

You could always give it another try. You know, minus the cape and with a little more lift.

[He shrugs with a grin at the comeback though.]

Really? Huh. I don't remember that. I guess it's been a while since I've actually watched it. Been kind of... busy.

[Trying to not die and having no social life and all that jazz.]

[michaeljangelo]

A little more lift...how.

...

Do you have a jetpack?

[Please say you have a jetpack. Because that would be the best thing he's heard...like, ever.]

[definingfuture]

[Okay, that actually does get a grin out of Tony.]

Well, I won't say I don't have something like that.

[Kind of attached to him, but hey.]

[michaeljangelo]

I don't have the words for how awesome the prospect of actual jetpacks is.

[definingfuture]

So that means you're up for flying. Good, then it's my game. You know, if you really wanted to make it a competition.

[michaeljangelo]

As God as my witness, a turtle will fly.