Stark Industries, Monday

[endsthegame]

For once, Ender was abusing Stark's audio systems - for the value of abusing that he was capable of, which amounted to putting it on a low volume and letting it play whatever it pleased. For some reason, he had a need for the background noise.

He was messing with the arc reactor again (of course in between checking for emails), thinking about star drives and the improvements that were being made back home. Maybe...

[[ open! ]]

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[momslilassassin]

Ben walked into the shop with two coffees. He kept the larger for himself and held the other toward Ender.

"Ho, Ender," he said, trying not to look as tired as he felt.

[endsthegame]

Ender took that in, the size of Ben's coffee, but made no reference to anything he might have read off of Ben's face beyond the quick, wry bent of his mouth. He took the coffee. "On time as always, Skywalker."

[momslilassassin]

"Wouldn't want you to worry," Ben said with a grin. "I know you'd pine if I didn't show up."

[endsthegame]

"That's what I've been doing all morning since I left you behind in the room," Ender said, in a put-on monotone, "Pining."

[momslilassassin]

"Did you write poetry?" Ben asked. "I understand that's traditional."

[endsthegame]

"I'll read it to you after I come home for the day, honey."

[momslilassassin]

Ben burst out laughing. "Did you just call me honey?" More snickering. "Darling?"

[endsthegame]

"Sweetums," Ender said, unphased. "My sweet carrot."

[momslilassassin]

Ben was going to come dangerously close to shooting coffee out his nose if he wasn't more careful. "How I have longed for you in the time we spent apart, muffin," he replied.

Nope, no gremlin bites. Just plain weirdness.

[endsthegame]

Ender brought up his coffee, and took a long, thoughtful sip of it. "I hope you kept yourself busy," he said.

[momslilassassin]

"I carved our initials into every tree in preserve," Ben made up. "I hope that's not too much..."

[endsthegame]

"Did you at least remember to take the wood chips with you this time?" Ender asked, "The bright flames of our love can only do so much for the temperature in the room."

[momslilassassin]

"I did," Ben assured him. "And turned some of them into tiny dolls to represent us. So don't burn those. It would be creepy."

[a-demosthenes.livejournal.com]

"Hi, Ender."

Valentine had come around at about lunchtime, carrying with her a brown paper bag that contained a sandwich and a slice of pie in a plastic container. She put it on the counter and slid it toward him.

[endsthegame]

Ender's eyebrows went up playfully at the move. "And what have I done to deserve this?" he asked, lightly. "I don't know whether to be pleased or terrified."

[a-demosthenes.livejournal.com]

"You're a growing boy," Valentine informed him, "with a sister who cares deeply for you and wants to make sure you're eating right. Besides, it felt like a good reason to come down and see you."

Not that she needed a reason, of course.

[endsthegame]

Ender wouldn't be all too surprised if she had any number of reasons for the visit - none of which involved food at all.

Which he didn't say, of course. "You need a reason?" he asked, reaching for it, "I'm hurt in the deep reaches of my soul."

[a-demosthenes.livejournal.com]

"A strong growing boy," Valentine amended her previous statement with emphasis. "You'll get over it." She leaned a little on the counter, chin her hand as she looked over at him thoughtfully. "I was talking to Jack the other day about the play; do you think you'll do another one?"

[endsthegame]

"I was thinking about it," he admitted. "It turned out pretty well last time." He paused, shooting her an amused look. "Did you have aspirations, or were you just hoping to catch me on stage again?"

[a-demosthenes.livejournal.com]

"Jack seems to be under the impression that I'd make as good an actor as you," Valentine said, "but I had to break the news to him that the acting pants went to the boys of the household."

[endsthegame]

He grinned. "You're full of shit, Val," Ender said, fondly. "You'd be brilliant." For so many reasons.

[a-demosthenes.livejournal.com]

"Just because I am brilliant," Valentine said, grinning, "doesn't mean I will be brilliant."

Although, Ender was right, as always. She would be.

[endsthegame]

"Or if you turn it around," he noted, "Just because you're brilliant doesn't mean you won't be."

[a-demosthenes.livejournal.com]

"Or maybe I won't be because I'm brilliant," Valentine said. "All those expectations and everything that'd follow."

[endsthegame]

Ender chuckled softly. "Since when have you ever concerned yourself with expectations?"