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[sciencesquid]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, OCTAVIUS. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 015.03.020.15 *** OCTAVIUS has joined 015.03.020.15 <OCTAVIUS> You've reached Dr. Otto Octavius. Please leave a message.

Comments

[sciencesquid]

I'm sure he'll be fine. How many times has Iron Man saved the world and narrowly avoided death, again?

I'm sure it depends on the marriage, but I don't believe there's any push for growth in most of them. Instead, it's settling into a routine both are comfortable with.

[heyunderoos]

Yeah, true. Right now he's from a point in time where we lost so... he's having a rough time. I need to stop worrying about him as much, but idk.

I guess that's fair. May always said she and Ben were challenging each other every day, so I just kind of assumed.

[sciencesquid]

No, I understand. It's alright to worry, and to offer a helping hand, but don't get too carried away.

It's possible that the challenge was the routine they're comfortable with. And even then, there's different sorts of challenges, from intellectual to emotional.

[heyunderoos]

Getting carried away is kind of Mr. Stark's whole M.O, Otto. Its... a thing.

I'm trying to remember specifics, but, my head feels so scrambled lately. Doesn't help I've died twice semi-recently. Not sure what I've forgotten yet.

[sciencesquid]

It's alright. I don't need the specifics. Ultimately, each marriage is a little different. As long as it works, it works.

The main takeaway is that Beck getting married has the potential to change him, but not the guarantee.

[heyunderoos]

Yeah, I figured. I'm just thinking I guess.

I'll hope for change. Steven is a good influence on him.

[sciencesquid]

[There's a long moment where Otto just stares blankly at the screen, fingers tapping against the surface of the desk.]

Are you sure you'll be alright, yourself? After what happened with that altered life of yours a few months ago, I mean.

[heyunderoos]

I dunno.

He's not living with us, or that close, but... I'm the only person he knows and is less inclined to lash out at.

I don't want him to feel alone.

[sciencesquid]

[He'd argue that a grown man can find his own company, but that'd be hypocritical. He had Norman and Peter here when he first arrived, and he stuck with them.]

There's nothing stopping you from visiting him. Check up on him every other day, maybe.

[heyunderoos]

I'll see if and when he's available. I don't think he really gets how serious this is yet...?

He's naturally pretty flippant, so, I get it. Might be coping still. He remembers me dying in his arms and losing to Thanos, being lost in space- so this has to feel like a surreal nightmare.

[sciencesquid]

Yes, I understand. Give it time, it'll sink in. The next big 'incident' is sure to cement it for him, if not his monster changes.

[heyunderoos]

Mr. Stark is pretty stubborn, but you're right. Everything should click in place soon enough.

Thanks, dad.

[sciencesquid]

No thanks necessary. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help the situation, alright?

[heyunderoos]

I will, trust me. If I feel overwhelmed I'm probably going to you first.

Thanks feel pretty necessary, since you're the most normal level headed person here, dad. Everyone else literally just... explodes into constant drama. The fog really doesn't help either.

[sciencesquid]

Of course. I pride myself on my levelheadedness.

Though I have to say, Reira's very levelheaded as well, if you ever need someone closer to your own age to talk to. Or Chiaki.