Caius and Tony

[om_velikaia]

Caius decides that Tony and he should become better acquaintances and visits Tony in his workroom to begin doing so.

"What do you think of the allowances on that?" Tony asked as he spun his chair into the middle of the mostly-empty workshop, the only other movement being Dummy happily trundling around in the corner, probably nominally cleaning something. He could get away with so much more when Kitty wasn't around, really.

"For most people," JARVIS said with the kind of overly even tone that meant he was being judgey again, "or for you, sir?"

"I'm hurt." Tony tipped his head back against the edge of the chair, not that it was doing much to hide the smirk he was still wearing. "Really hurt that you would imply such things. Wounded to the core."

"My apologies," JARVIS said without actually sounding at all apologetic.

Caius didn't come by Tony's workshop often, there was never any need really, but he hadn't seen the boy again since their first meeting and as Tony was Midnighter's roommate and a fellow student he thought it best to become acquaintances at least. Poking his head in the doorway he heard Tony speaking aloud and the replies but could not see anyone else in the room.

"Who are you talking to?" he asked.

"God," Tony replied instantly, before he'd even turned to see who was lingering around. Though once he did, he just squinted for a moment -- person looked vaguely familiar, in a weird way. And not just a seeing-in-the-hallway thing.

It was almost visible when it finally clicked, and Tony pointed in Caius' direction. "You. Are you looking for the deathbot again? Cause I can assure you, he's not here."

"No," said Caius as he stepped into the room. "This time I came to see you."

"Okay," Tony said slowly as he turned to face him completely. "So what can I do for you?"

"First, you can tell me who it is you were really talking to."

"JARVIS," Tony said as if it was just that simple. "Invisible man in the sky. What's it matter?"

"Just curious," Caius shrugged. "So what are you working on?"

Tony gave him a more than slightly skeptical look. "Stuff. Many things that are terribly impressive."

"Wonderful!" exclaimed Caius. "I can't wait to hear more." He looked at Tony expectantly.

And Tony just stared right back at him. "...why?"

"Why not?"

"Because I am genuinely curious as to why you care. I'm fairly sure you have no actual interest in any of this," Tony said, gesturing vaguely around them.

"I thought we could get to know each other better."

Tony's eyebrow went up instantly. "Okay, that you're going to have to actually explain."

Caius blinked. "It's called socializing. Have you never encountered it before?"

"Not generally out of the blue," Tony drawled, "no. And not down here."

"Well, that's no reason it can't happen down here. It's not like we were able to talk much the time I dropped by your room."

"Because you were looking for Midnighter," Tony said with narrowed eyes. "Which, have I mentioned, that's still really freaking weird?"

"Oh?" Caius' head tilted curiously. "How so?"

"...are you. Are you serious?" Tony squinted at him like he'd become a fascinating new specimen. "We are talking about the same guy, right? Grunts a lot and threatens violence as communication?"

"To be fair, he usually uses the threat of violence as a means not to communicate with people," Caius pointed out.

"Which is pretty much the same thing," Tony said dryly. "So the question remains. Why do you want to?"

"I find his resistance charming and good friendships are worth the effort," said Caius.

"Charming," Tony echoed more than a little dubiously. "Well. Good luck with that, I guess."

"Thank you," said Caius, not at all bothered by the tone. He spotted a stool that seemed well enough out of the way and perched himself upon it. "So, you were going to tell me about the terribly impressive things you are working on," he prompted.

"Pretty sure I wasn't, actually," Tony said as he watched him with an arched eyebrow. What was it about this place that made everyone feel like they could just make themselves at home?

Caius tilted his head and looked back and Tony. "You're can't describe things as 'terribly impressive' and not want to brag about them."

"Sure I can. And it's not bragging if it's true."

"What would you call it then?" asked Caius.

Tony gave him another one of those long searching looks. "Product descriptions. Which I am not doing either, before you ask."

"Then what are we to talk about?" asked Caius.

"You tell me," Tony said with an utterly unconcerned shrug. "You're the one that came in here."

"Yes, because I thought it would be nice to get to know each other better but you are making it terribly difficult and not in a way that is any fun like Midnighter does."

Less fun than Midnighter. Clearly Tony was going to have to start threatening people more.

With a mildly exasperated sigh, Tony leaned back in his chair to stare at the ceiling. "Here's a tip, then. When you want to get to know someone, don't wander in and start rattling off commands. It tends to irritate are certain set of people." Like chronic contrarians, for instance.

"I didn't come in rattling off commands," said Caius. "The most direct statement I have made has been a suggestion at best."

"If that's how you make suggestions, I'd hate to see what happens when you need something."

Caius tilted his head. "Is being contrary something you do for entertainment purposes?" he asked.

"Just part of the package," Tony said with the most charming grin he was capable of. "Seriously, did you need something?"

"Not particularly, no," admitted Caius, "but I would like another conversation attempt in the near future. Perhaps outside this area?"

"I make no promises." Though there was something to be said for someone who apparently wanted to talk to him that badly. Tony was nothing if not curious. "Worth a shot, though."

"Wonderful. Perhaps lunch sometime?"

"Sure, I guess," Tony said, though he couldn't help giving him one last measuring look.

Caius beamed the boy a grin and hopped off his stool. "I'll let you get back to work then. Have a good evening Tony, JARVIS." Realizing that he hadn't had an opportunity to speak with the disembodied voice he added, "perhaps we'll get to talk some other time as well."

"As you like, Mr Greylace," JARVIS said politely. Tony snorted a little, but let that rest. JARVIS was a big boy, so to speak, he could make his own decisions.

With a last grin, Caius left.

Comments

[om_mimic]

AHAHAHAHAHA ahem. No comment.