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[buildsomething]

You have not reached Tony Stark. Clearly. Leave a message and I'll get back to you if I feel like it.

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[buildsomething]

...you got into a fight with Barnes.

[ Again is probably the wrong thing to append there, considering the first time had very definitely been Tony's fault. But it does explain how someone managed to get a sucker-punch in, considering the whole super soldier thing. ]

He's. [ There's a pause while Tony tries to work out the right thing to say. ] He's still got a lot of issues. But if he says he's trying to look out for people, I'd believe it.

[madeupnames]

Sure, yeah! A fisticuff, they call it.

... I mean, I didn't do any punching, but that's not my style. He freaked out and ran off after the second knock to the head, and I was kind of figuring — chasing him would just make things worse. Like you said. Issues.

[He winces, massaging the ice-pack into function.]

Could you let him know that he doesn't have to break into places, to get things done here? Maybe there's something you can do to help with whatever he needs? 'Cus I'm not gonna let him break into places, like, right in front of me.

[He will not hesitate to get punched in the head some more, obviously.]

[buildsomething]

[ Tony's expression shifts like he's not sure if he wants to be amused or exasperated or both or neither, but in the end he just lets out a long slow breath. ]

I'm working on it. But you might have noticed that he's a little on the stubborn side.

[ Which is a bit like describing water as a little wet, but whatever. ]

He gets it into his head that he has to do things by himself. [ And because Tony is Tony, he can't help adding a dnost and, ] Sound familiar?

[madeupnames]

[He crosses his arms and HUFFS.

WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN, MR. STARK, HMMM.]

I asked for help just now, didn't I?

[buildsomething]

I'm just saying.

[ Such a bland tone. Clearly, he doesn't mean anything at all. ]

Anyway, I'll talk to him if I see him. He doesn't come by too often.

[madeupnames]

[... Fine, fine.

He ices his brow with a wince.]

Hey, that's something, at least. And I'll let you know if we get into another boxing match.

[buildsomething]

I appreciate that.

[ It might be dry, but it's still true. ]

Just hang out for a while, you're not in the way.

[madeupnames]

[He says immediately, with extra sass:]

You want me to hang out literally or non-literally?

[buildsomething]

Non literally. Keep your footprints off my ceiling, please.

[ File that under things he never thought he'd have to say. Kids, man. ]

[madeupnames]

[He gives a salute.]

Roger that, Mr. Iron Man, sir. No ceiling prints.