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Post by Nomz on Oct 10, 2024 0:47:35 GMT
"Please do, Ms. Allard," Tony returns as she pauses on the stairs, not glancing up from his phone. "Your health is important to me."
Tony waits until he hears her feet at the top of the staircase and grimaces. He glares down at the glass of poison with more disdain than he would give Justin Hammer if he waltzed into the room in a tutu. There was only one way to deal with such a brazen opponent.
Upon her return, Des would find Tony exactly where she left him with an empty glass in front of him. Her glass has not been touched and will not be touched. One glass of hell is more than enough for Tony, thank you so very much.
"Yes, I have a pool room," he answers, pushing himself away from the bartop and glancing at the items in her hands. He sincerely hopes he's done enough to encourage her to wear the two-piece. Tony gives her a charming little smile.
"I'll show you the way since I've been told I could use some fresh air. As for the drink, I already finished it. It was quite the recipe, Des. You and your friends have great taste." The corners of his eyes crinkle just a fraction as he grins to himself. It would have been child's play to simply dump the juice, but Tony quite enjoys surprising people by being genuine. If he liked it less, he would probably be insulted.
The pool room is attached to a hallway off the kitchen. Like most of his home, there is an abundance of natural light coming in from windows. Unlike the rest of the house, these windows are up and angled away from the room itself. No chance of any peepers. There is a waterfall shower on one end and a little changing area on the other with a mirror.
"Take as long as you need." Tony gestures at the room at large before walking straight through it to the far end. There, he pauses to unlock and open a door, revealing a glimpse of his pool. "I'll be out here, sweetheart."
Stark does not give her the chance to pull him into any traps or prevent him from leaving the room. As fun as it would be, he doubts his heart could manage it. Instead, he finds his way over to one of the several chairs lining his pool and he reclines. Good God, the sun feels like heaven on his skin. How long has it really been?
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Post by Countess on Oct 12, 2024 23:44:44 GMT
Right, health. Des snickers to herself, making sure he can hear her do so. They are playing a game, these two, and she never wants it to end. Bully for her, she is here to make sure that he sticks around long enough to get boring. Des has already claimed that room he has allotted her as her own rather fully, even going so far as to put little touches of her own in the space. A picture here, a throw there. It is lovely, regardless, but knowing how much time she is to spend here in the coming weeks, or months, it was for the best to have it feel more like home. If Tony ever came in here while she was gone, he would find the changes, but also little crafts she has started. One in particular seems to be sketches of his home, she taking the time to immortalize the architecture. She has skill, a great deal of skill, especially with perspective and lighting.
Des, now downstairs, appraises Tony rather closely, an eyebrow up. Her eyes trail to the drink, then over to the sink. She seems to be thinking along the same lines as him, but she doesn't check. Not yet. She has another means of doing so, without showing she doesn't fully trust him not to heed her. "Thank you, I'll be sure to pass the praise along," she says cheerfully enough. Even if he didn't drink it, her pride is thoroughly stroked. They are birds of a feather in that regard. She follows him to the pool room, a part of the home she has not seen yet, and inspects it with her always critical eye. Passable.
"See you soon, Mr. Stark," she says, not bothering to wait for him to leave and shut the door as she starts to disrobe. It isn't like he will see anything he isn't about to- but damn she loves teasing him. Call it a favored pastime. When she is alone, she says, "Jarvis... did he really drink it?" She has to know.
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Post by Nomz on Oct 13, 2024 3:50:53 GMT
"Des," Jarvis says softly, audio lowered a bit as if he were whispering conspiratorially. "Tony drank the entire glass. I will say, he grimaced the whole time."
A slow yawn presses its way from Tony's chest, bringing tears to his eyes. If he stays where he is, he knows that he will fall asleep and miss Des. Tony groans as he sits up out of his reclined position, stands, and walks the few feet to the pool's edge. He pulls his sweatpants up and over his calves, the grey material thin and light.
Without further fanfare, Tony slips his legs into the cool water and sighs in relief. Yeah, he's not going to be falling asleep now. His mind wanders to his project and Oracle. If they can just get the right metal to work with, perhaps Tony could manufacture more of it. Or they could pair two metal types together to forge a new alloy.
The trick is in how the new material will adjust to the power fluxations between when he is just Tony and when he is Iron Man. If they can get one that also works more efficiently, he could always upgrade his suits. Maybe he could even make one that would work in space itself.
What Tony wouldn't give to be able to see the Earth from the stars. The water splashes when he kicks at it. Even when he is relaxing, Tony is working. The thought makes him smile.
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Post by Countess on Oct 13, 2024 4:06:35 GMT
Des smiles, quietly and for both she and Jarvis. He may not be a person, not like she or Tony, but she certainly likes him like one. "Thank you," she says as she completely undresses. As a tease, she adds, "No peeking." She isn't above teasing AI.
It doesn't take long for her to join Tony outside. Yes- he does deserve a treat. She's opted for the bikini, the top little more than a band around her breasts with a split in the middle. The bottoms are also tiny, honestly barely covering her modesty. Her hair has been pulled up into a messy bun that threatens to escape at any moment. She is pale, thin, and very tiny. The clothes she wears usually make her seem larger or more powerful, but in this there is nothing to hide. She is lean, but she doesn't seem to be lacking muscles. Her body is simply honed for endurance, rather than true strength.
Sun dances on her skin, and she lets out a sigh of pleasure. Outside is nice, and pool will be nicer. She walks on her toes, padding quicker than a walk but slower than a jog. Des gets to the steps and doesn't hesitate to get in. Another sigh, this one tinged with a moan. Damn, she needed this. The cool waters are nursing her hangover far more than anything else could have. She dips under the water, and he can see her swimming silently under the surface. Des moves across the pool towards him and surfaces close enough to latch onto the side of the pool next to him. The concrete is hot from the sun, so she splashes some water on it so she can hang off it with her arms crossed and head cradled. Her body floats, legs gently kicking to suspend her there.
"Feel better yet?" Des asks, clearly pleased with herself. Her eyes trail to his chest, where a little light can be seen through his shirt. "Can that get wet?" she asks, curious, and perhaps too innocently.
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Post by Nomz on Oct 13, 2024 4:21:13 GMT
"You are most welcome." There almost seems to be a note of laughter as Jarvis continues. "Even if I were the sort to do so, there are no cameras in there, Des."
Tony hears the door open as Des comes out, but he does not look away from where he is watching the ocean. So close and yet so very far away. Like most things in his life. He hears her little moan all too clearly, smirking to himself and letting his gaze drop to his lap as he hangs his head.
If the reactor didn't kill him, Desiree just might and he is sure he would not mind it at all.
His eyes find her when she soaks the stone next to him, chilling it a bit before hanging off of it. Tony hums at her question, considering it, before answering. "I do. Being cooped up in the lab all week, I forgot why I live in Malibu. I've always been a guy in love with the sun."
A smirk slips into place as she looks at his reactor. "Yes, to both. If you splash me, I'll only let you drive the BMW." There is a teasing warning in his voice and he shifts his foot to send a small wave of water crashing to her side. "Besides, if I start drowning, who's going to save me? Captain America?"
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Post by Countess on Oct 13, 2024 4:33:27 GMT
"It suits you," Des murmurs, content like a lizard on a warm rock. "The sun, I mean. You look better," she says. She thinks she likes him better like this, but anything is better than the half dead, sleep deprived, stressed out gremlin she found when arriving here today. Literally anything.
"Splash you?" Des asks, her tone going one of mock hurt. "Mr. Stark, I would never betray your trust like that, not at all," she says, shaking her head below him. She moves her head to the side so she can look up at him all the better. There is something mischievous in her eyes. This isn't over, not by a long shot. "I could save you, you know," Des says, giving a small shrug. "Captain America may have America's Ass, but he's nothing compared to me," she says with a prim sniff. "I would at least make sure you enjoy being saved, Mr. Stark. He would just fret and flutter about, saying catchphrases and warning you about the dangers of communism," she says laughing a little.
Des lets a little silence grow between them, basking in the sun. The water under her arms cooling the stone quickly evaporates, returning to its original heated state. She sighs, deeply. "Just a second, I am getting a towel," she mutters, a bit annoyed in her delivery. Easily, she pulls herself up and out of the pool, going behind him to grab one of the towels there. She folds it up for herself, making a cushion that she places beside Tony. Appeased, she takes a single step back...
Then strikes.
With all the strength she possesses, Des does not splash him... but tries to push him into the pool entirely.
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Post by Nomz on Oct 13, 2024 5:01:27 GMT
He snorts, shaking his head and chuckling even as she tries to assure him that she won't betray him. He knows better than most that alls[/u] fair in love and war.
"You would save me, Des? Oh, sweet Desiree, I feel faint," Tony sighs dramatically, pressing the back of his hand to his forehead and tipping his head back. "I may need you to save and protect me from America's Ass."
Stark laughs at himself, sitting up and looking down at her. "Poor man. Whatever did he do to deserve your ire?" He props one hand in his palm and his elbow on his knee. It puts him dangerously close to the water even as she lifts herself out of the water.
Dark brown eyes trail over her body as she moves like the little rivets of water and he turns his head to look out at the ocean again. If he isn't careful, he's going to get himself in trouble with her. Part of him craves that trouble.
"Hey, Des. Do you-"
His words cut off abruptly as he felt her palms on his back, shoving him forward and off the edge of the pool. On instinct, Tony half turns and reaches back to catch her wrist. This has two major results. The first is that Des is pulled into the water with him.
The second is that her water radiates through the calloused fingers on her skin, flooding Tony's body with her inspiration. Stark feels like he could do anything, and solve any problem if he applied his mind to it. The one he applies it to is the fact that his mouth is open and inhaling water.
Tony drops her wrist as if burned, kicking away from her and propelling him backward and further into the pool. His toes brush the bottom of the pool, giving him enough of a lift to push him out of the water. The watch on his wrist whines as the heart monitor goes off, noting the amount of duress the muscle is under.
He hooks his arms over the lip of the pool, pulling himself half out and resting his face on the warm rocks. It had felt so good. Tony shudders as he gasps for breath, trying to even everything. His mind keeps going back to just how fucking amazing it had felt to touch Desiree.
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Post by Countess on Oct 13, 2024 5:17:09 GMT
Des gives an uncharacteristic snort of laughter, looking a bit surprised at herself before swiftly moving past the sound. "Please, as if that boy scout would do anything against you, an upstanding citizen and fighter of crime," she says, rolling her eyes. "He's so... good, I suppose. Really inspiring to kids. Really hate that," she mutters, looking away. Weird reason to not like someone. Yet... she has this thorn about most heroes. Iron Man included. At least he encourages more sciencey things, not... war. Not for kids. She knows kids and war.
Des knows his intention as he reaches out to her. The color drains from her face, fear eating away at any of the fun they were just having. "Tony- don't!" she says, even as she pulls her hands back, but she is too late. It takes effort and concentration to pull herself back, and she has only one of those things right now. It is almost slow motion for her as they fall together, Des using her feet on the ground to push herself away from him so she doesn't land on top of him.
Des surfaces fast, swimming back. Her heart is pounding her her chest, a real and palpable fear coursing through her that she hasn't felt in a long time. "Are you okay?" she asks quickly, the exact moment that he surfaces. "I am so sorry, I didn't mean... Tony, please, tell me you are okay," she says, keeping her distance. Her arms are tight around her chest, holding herself.
The inspiration persists for Tony, even now without the contact. It will for a few more minutes, at least. Des doesn't really have it down to a science, but... this wasn't intentional. That could be good or bad. She can feel her energy sapped just a little bit, her body quietly weakening. Des is thankful she is in the water, because her legs are shaking just a bit.
"... I can go," Des is quick to offer. "Jarvis, he's okay, right?" she asks, not knowing if the AI can hear her out here.
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Post by Nomz on Oct 14, 2024 2:24:49 GMT
Tony heaves a hard breath, shifting a bit on the warm stone so he can press his cheek to it. He needs to think. To clear his head. He needs...he needs to reassure Desiree. One brown eye cracks open to find her and there is a wild tinge to it all, as if she is the sun melting his wax wings.
A wet hand plops on the stone near him, the water leaving a dark mark as he does so. He cracks a half grin that crinkles the corners of his eyes. "I told you I was waterproof and now you only get to drive the BMW. I'm sure the Acura could use a break anyway." His tone is light despite the way his chest shifts with each heavy breath.
"Come on, Des. Pretend to be a beached whale with me," Tony calls even as he pulls his arm back. There is a dark outline of where his hand and arm had been, like a measuring stick of how far she could be while still being within reach. "You aren't going anywhere, Des, unless we're going together."
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Post by Countess on Oct 14, 2024 13:19:20 GMT
Des isn't sure what to expect, but a joke certainly isn't it. Tony doesn't know it yet, and she isn't sure there will ever be a time she will tell him, but this is the moment that she knows she is in too deep. He isn't running off to work, he isn't trying to get more, he's just... existing, and letting her exist in this space with him. There is a chip on her shoulder she knows exists now, and he took the time to fill it in a little.
Slowly, Des slips underneath the water so that she can hide the tears that are threatening to overflow. She swims over to him, careful in giving him space. When she surfaces, she is all smug smiles. "Well, I suppose I shall have to live with the consequences of my actions, Mr. Stark. A BMW is beneath me... but even I see I deserve this punishment," she says, voice dripping with sarcasm.
Going together. Her nose flares as she places herself just within reach of him.
"..... you can't die," Des says quietly. It is something genuine and soft, lacking all the little sharp edges she typically hides behind. "Not when I happen to like you, Tony."
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Post by Nomz on Oct 14, 2024 23:36:46 GMT
Tony snorts when he sees her smug smile, deeming it safe enough to close his eyes. The sun on his back is perfect and comforting. He focuses on evening his breath, fighting the instinct to yawn.
"Hmm. Suppose you'll have to listen next time in order to avoid punishment," he teases quietly, folding his arms under his head. "I'll have you know that my BMW is not beneath very many. You'll still be above most of L.A."
He peeks out at her from under his damp lashes, watching as she speaks. Tony knows that he will always come running if she asks for him. They are at a point where he looks forward to the days where she'll be here to pick at him and make sure he's taking care of himself.
Tony reaches out to her, only getting halfway before letting his hand rest on the warm, wet stone. Close, but not too close for her comfort.
"I won't, Desiree," he promises. Tony knows that it is unfair to make such a vow when he inches closer to that finish line with every breath. At any point, his heart can just quit and there won't be a thing he can do about it. "Can't risk making you cry, right?"
Borrowed time. Each beat of his heart carves the words deeper into his ribs. He needs to talk to more people and expand the knowledge base he is working with.
"I knew you liked me. I'm irresistible."
END THREAD
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