jumpthegun | IC Inbox (v1.0)

I don't blame him for any of that. I can just see it for what it is and be frustrated as hell with him for it. [No one likes watching someone make their own mistakes.]

And I understand everyone copes differently. His is just... he shouldn't be doing that. It can just get worse and... [John tuts. There's honest frustration in his tone. Some of it is directed at himself, though. He knows he probably shouldn't be getting this riled or invested.]

I'm worried too.

[In contrast to Watson's frustration, Tony's response is quiet and soft. He lowers his voice instead of raising it to the energy of the conversation.]

He's a stubborn man. And the more people try to convince him to back down, the more he fights. It's infuriating sometimes, because he just refuses to see reason.

[Like another blond-haired man. Tony sighs.]

You can't force him to see himself. If Natasha can't make him straighten out, you aren't going to stand a chance. It's upsetting you.

I got him to agree to let me prescribe the damn pills. That's halfway to getting him to use them, but that's on you lot.

It really is upsetting you. John, it'll be okay. He'll be okay.

[John feels himself bristling.]

He really won't be if he doesn't take care of himself, Tony. You don't need to talk to me like I'm a kid, though. Thank you.

I wasn't. [Why is he mad now? What did he do??]

I know you're worried about me, and I appreciate that, sir. But it's probably best you focus on Clint for now, hmm? He needs it more than I do. I didn't kill anyone.

[Which means he's totally fine.]

Neither did I. And I'm not talking about that anyway.

[Wow, so defensive!]

You don't have to talk to me like I'm a kid either.

[John pulls a face, mostly at himself.]

We're off to a fine clip with this fresh start, aren't we? Sorry. It's... habit. I don't like people having to worry after me. They've usually got enough on, themselves.

Edited 2016-12-13 04:43 (UTC)

You're not the first one to argue with me. Don't worry about it.

[He sounds tired. Too many fights with friends have practically made this normal.]

Clint would say the same thing. He doesn't want anyone else to go out of their way for him. He's capable too, and doesn't want anyone to forget it.

I'd say you two have a bit in common.

If only I'd run away to join the circus.

He left the circus to aspire to something he thought was greater. It didn't make him any less stubborn or sarcastic, but he found something important to keep him going.

I feel like a soldier would know something about that.

Thank you, by the way.

Mm... [John really doesn't know what to do with the parallels Tony keeps drawing here. The doctor's aware that he's somewhat chosen his 'side' and it's with Alfie, as much as he tries to ride the line in the center. If they come to blows, the gangster is his friend before Tony and the rest.] Maybe a little.

And you're welcome. Prescribing medicine is my job. [He's assuming that's what that thank you is for.]

I mean thank you for caring. For being angry for him and wanting to see him recover. You don't have to care. That's just you.

[Tony just sees the positive side. He knows that if push comes to shove, he'll be fighting Watson, but he can still admire the good parts of the man. Just like Steve.]

I think Sherlock might tell you I'm physically incapable of not-caring, mate.

[There's some mild humor in his tone, but it's... sort of true.]

Clint's my friend, anyway. I'd like to keep them around and well while I can. Bit selfish that way.

Good. [That comes out firm.] More people need to. I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

He needs friends. Even though he can be hard to talk to about some things, he's a good guy and he needs to be reminded of that sometimes. And I'm pretty sure if I'm the only one pushing him he'll end up punching me, so I appreciate your contribution to the cause. Be as selfish as you want to be.

And how about yourself, Tony? You seem fine after everything. How fine is that, really?

[He almost makes a comment about Watson redirecting the concern back on him. But he manages to bite his tongue and skate by with just the hint of a laugh.]

I am fine. I'm not happy about being controlled, but this is pretty basic Avengers work. If it's not some supervillain coming up with an evil mind control scheme it's aliens messing with our heads, so this isn't exactly new.

I'm just angry it worked. I should have been ready before this.

[It's how he rolls, bro.]

How d'you even begin to prepare for this? Just have the restraints ready? I was lucky I picked up a pair of handcuffs not a day before.

Buddy system, having a good plan for defense in case people have to protect themselves, or just being aware can help people resist mind-control, believe it or not.

I'm not saying there are perfect plans, but it's still something.

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