Stark Industries, Monday

[endsthegame]

Ender was pretty sure he wasn't exactly needed at work right now, but that wasn't going to stop him from actually working. He had data to sort out, some stuff about Jacen from Ben to go through, and new arc reactor schematics to put up.

He worked diligently all day; by the end of the afternoon, he was mailing Val some of his findings.

[[ open ]]

Comments

[momslilassassin]

"Ho, Ender," Ben said, poking his head through the door at the usual time.

[endsthegame]

"Ho, Ben," Ender said, looking up. "I'm surprised to see you outside the room."

[momslilassassin]

Ben made a face. "I leave the room," he declared. "I go on runs and work out in the gym and stuff."

And what a varied social life that was.

[endsthegame]

"I don't think that counts as getting out," Ender noted, "Except when you're trying to win on a technicality."

[momslilassassin]

"A win's a win, right?" Ben said with a smile, handing over Ender's cup of coffee.

[endsthegame]

"It depends on what the agreed-upon goal is," Ender said, taking the coffee. "In this case, making me believe you've been out and around."

[momslilassassin]

"I also went to the Perk," Ben pointed out unnecessarily. "Where else do I need to clock time in order to be considered a functioning member of society?"

[endsthegame]

"Anywhere you talked to people for more than five minutes?"

Honestly, he was just nagging because it amused him. It wasn't like Ender had talked to anyone who wasn't Ben or over email lately.

[momslilassassin]

Ben looked smug. "I saw Jono yesterday," he said, "since I'm assuming you don't count as people."

[endsthegame]

"But did you time it?" Ender wanted to know. "Because that's of the essence."

[momslilassassin]

"It went for at least a half hour," Ben said, thinking back. "I gave him his Christmas gift."

[endsthegame]

"I think that falls under 'special expenses'."

[momslilassassin]

"I didn't bribe him to be my friend," Ben said.

[endsthegame]

"No, but you did bring him a Christmas gift to convince me you went outside the room," Ender deadpanned. "I'm on to you, Skywalker."

[momslilassassin]

"In that case, I'll take your coffee back," Ben teased.

[endsthegame]

"Oh, no," Ender said, faux-upset, "Not the caffeine."

[momslilassassin]

"And then I'll stuff your boots full of mud," Ben replied.

[endsthegame]

"I hear that's good for your skintone. Thanks."

[momslilassassin]

"Planning on impressing a lot of people with your pretty feet?" Ben teased.

[endsthegame]

"I thought you'd be pleased," Ender said, effortlessly, "You have to live with them."

[momslilassassin]

"You should cut your toenails, then," Ben declared. "And not on my bed."