video | un: iron.man

[buildsomething]

[Tony's in his workroom, look surprised. His expression is deadpan, but there's something almost pleased underneath it. An almost imperceptible loosening of the tension that's always there in the set of his shoulders.]

So I know we're all well aware that this place is weird as hell, but does stuff just like. Turn up sometimes? Your stuff, I mean. From home.

[As he's talking, a metal arm pops into view behind him. The claw at the front of the arm clicks together once, then starts slowly creeping forward like it's trying to peer at the camera over Tony's shoulder. It's about the least subtle thing imaginable, considering the robot's sheer size, but Tony seems to be quite comfortably ignoring it.

At least until the claw nearly knocks right into the camera and Tony has to move it out of the way like he's holding it out of the range of a toddler. The robot arm is still taking up most of the image now, though. When Tony's voice comes again, it's more than a little resigned.]

'Cause this definitely mine. Unfortunately.

Comments

[livingsymbol]

What's the difference between a crane and a robot?

[ So he did build it. And it is cute. ]

[buildsomething]

A crane is only meant for lifting things. A robot is much more versatile.

[Which Dum-E promptly proves by knocking Tony's mug off of his desk with great versatility.]

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve watches the mug go flying and tries to look impressed. Or at least mimics an attempt at being impressed. ]

It's certainly something. Does it do anything else?

[buildsomething]

[That earns Steve a narrow-eyed look. He can tell when he's being humored, thanks.]

He's a helper bot.

[How much helping he actually does is a different question.]

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve's eyes widen in response to Tony's narrowing, like he's trying to look more innocent. It's a beautiful robot, Tony! ]

He looks helpful.

[ Oh, right, the mug. ]

Having a robot that can move stuff around for you must be convenient. And it thinks?

[ That's the technical term, right? ]

[buildsomething]

[Tony stares at him a moment longer, then visibly decides to ignore it.]

He's got a limited AI, yeah.

[livingsymbol]

He. So what's his name?

[ Not saying Tony is a softie, but...]

[buildsomething]

[Tony eyes him for a moment, suspicious.]

Dum-E.

[livingsymbol]

Well, that seems rude.

[ What kind of a name is that, Tony? ]

[buildsomething]

[Everybody keeps saying that. Tony rolls his eyes.]

It's not rude, it's what he's called.

[livingsymbol]

You named your robot "Dummy"?

[ That doesn't sound even a little strange to him? Steve isn't sure if he should be surprised or not. ]

[buildsomething]

[Tony lets out a resigned sigh. But it's Cap and Cap isn't going to let this go, so he gestures vaguely.]

I didn't name him anything. I said it and he decided it was his name.

[livingsymbol]

You didn't mean to name him?

[ There's a curious, but gently amused tone from Steve. ]

If he's happy with it, then I guess you did all right. Maybe he's here because he missed you.

[buildsomething]

He just started responding to it. Not my fault.

[Okay, so maybe he could have called him names less. Too late now.]

Or he's here because that portal thing is weird as shit.

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve is thinking the same thing, that Tony's name-calling led directly to the robot assuming that was what he was called. But nevertheless they seem to have a decent relationship... as much as he's seen from this Tony so far. ]

Maybe a bit of both. Were you lonely, Tony?

[buildsomething]

[Tony just. Blinks at him once.]

I was seventeen.

[So, yes. Probably.]

[livingsymbol]

I think whatever brought him here, it's good to know that you have a piece of home. You may not have planned it, but surprises like this can make all the difference.

I'm happy for you.

[ See? He's not so bad. Steve might tease, but he also means well. ]

[buildsomething]

Uhm. Thank you?

[livingsymbol]

It's getting a piece from home. A friend. I think that's great, Tony. It might have just been accidental, but it's still a good thing.

[ As far as he sees it, anyway. ]

Everyone likes to have a little bit from home to keep close.

[buildsomething]

You...might be reading a little much into it.

[He does still look pleased, though. Home or not, Tony's obviously happy having them here.]

[livingsymbol]

Mm, maybe. It might be a little wishful thinking on my part.

[Because he would like a piece of home too.]

But I'll accept that even if it is just me.