Grown Accustomed To His Face (Tony)

[Dr. Linksano/Wayne Schlumper]

(April 21st. Evening.)

Linksano had locked the lab asking to be left alone for the day. He'd been inconsolable but kept his emotions hidden viewing them as a weakness. Harvey, Linkara and 90's Kid had been some of his clost friends and he'd started to avoid them and everyone else by locking himself in the lab at long hours. He didn't normally lock it knowing that others had their own projects to work on but he just wasn't in the mood to see anyone at the moment. He just wanted to be alone with his work. But as he worked the finishing touches on the device it came up negative as Linksano slammed it against the wall in his fury.

"I have to get this right. Science must be the answer. What am I missing?" said Linksano.

He sighed in frustration picking up the broken device and set it on the counter glancing at a framed photograph of him and Magnus. He'd remembered posing for that day and how tedious it had seemed at the time. And now it was one of the few mementos he had of Magnus. He felt like he hadn't always been a good friend to his friends in general but he felt he'd let Magnus down. He'd been distance from Mike and Sherlock as well. They'd orchestrated this plan that had gotten Thor and Magnus kidnapped. He knew it was irratonal but he blamed them for Magnus being taken. And if he was thinking more clearly he'd have seen the shock and pain on Mike's face. But he was more focused on his own pain.

"I have to get this to work. Have to get you back." said Linksano.

(ooc: figured Tony could hack it pretty easily. And he and linksano are going through similar things. maybe tony's one of the few who saw what linksano and magnus were going through but didn't interfere. linksano and tony would kinda of need each other to lean on.)

Tony Stark/Iron Man

[Tony Stark/Iron Man]

First bruce, now Magnus and Thor. People were getting captured more lately. And a LOT of people were mixed about what happened. On one hand, they had a good point to ally with enemies, if only to get rid of a more annoying enemy. On the other, they basically did a shitty thing towards their leader. Critic, with a couple of the other higher members, got angry, especially at Holmes and Stone. Not enough to not communicate but not so forgiving as to be pleasant. Tony was one of the more forgiving members and helped Mike and Sherlock through their pain. But Tony still had his own suffering to deal with. Ever since Bruce himself got captured by Jafar, he hadn't really been as happy-go-lucky as before. This was truly serious. They thought with science they'd be able to defeat his magic, like they did with Loki's. But they were wrong.

Linksano was one of the lesser forgiving people, going so far as to isolate everyone. He understood. He had been in that position many times at a younger age. He was angry too, he just was wiser to use it to his advantage. Linksano was using anger in a wrong way. Punishing himself AND the world around him. Tony felt bad, mostly because he knew the obvious tension between the two members. He stayed out of it, wanting the scientist to handle it himself, as it was not his business. Still, even a two year old would figure out that Linksano and Magnus had a thing going on.

He went to the lab. Wanting to talk to the doctor. Maybe in a way encouraging people encouraged himself, maybe tony was lonely and needed someone to understand, maybe tony just didn't know how to handle his own grieve and ignored it by helping others. Whatever the case, Tony wished to comfort Linksano. He hacked the locked lab doors, it wasn't really that hard, a little paper clip can go a long way. He opened the doors to see the younger scientist huddled in a chair, muttering that he had to get Magnus back.

"And you will, Linksano. He's a tough guy. He's a cop. He'll be okay. You don't need to be alone in this you know?" Tony spoke, firm but kind. He walked cautiously, worried the other might demand him to get out.

[Dr. Linksano/Wayne Schlumper]

Linksano paused looking up hearing a familiar voice and smiled seeing Tony. Out of anyone he would be one of the few who understood his pain. Bruce had been missing longer than Magnus.

"You're right Tony. But Facilier and the others can be brutal. I've been a poor friend to him and now he's gone. If anything happens to him and I couldn't---"

He trailed off not able to finish his sentence.

"I feel lost now and it's hard to think. That's never happened to me before. I don't know what's wrong with me. Maybe I'm coming down with something." said Linksano.

Tony Stark/Iron Man

[Tony Stark/Iron Man]

"Oh believe me. I know they're cruel. Bruce and Magnus don't deserve it. Bruce handled a lot in his life. And the minute he comes back, I'll do my best to make him feel better again. But right now I can't focus on Facilier's cruelty. I need to focus on getting bruce home. You can't think about the what ifs, you need to think about the now" Tony insisted. Thinking about how cruel they were caused Tony to feel sick. He didn't want to think what bruce was going through. If he did, he'd never get anything done. He'd be too busy moping, not too far off from what Linksano himself was doing.

"Um, hate to break it to you goggles but you're not sick. You care about Magnus" Tony took a chair and smiled knowingly "When you care about somebody so much, it's hard to think of anyone else. When magnus got captured, some of you went with him. I think you might like him, Linksano. If you don't mind me saying so" Tony offered, waiting for the other's answer.

[Dr. Linksano/Wayne Schlumper]

Linksano sighed.

"I just hope they don't end up like others have. Jasmine was so badly hurt even magic couldn't completely heal her." said Linksano.

He blinked in surprise as Tony said he cared about Magnus.

"Of course I care. He's a friend." said Linksano .

Linksano looked at Tony confused.

"But I like all my friends. I was worried when others went missing but not like this. I still wonder if maybe I'm coming down with something." said Linksano.

Tony Stark/Iron Man

[Tony Stark/Iron Man]

Tony's heart froze as Linksano expressed hope that the captives hopefully weren't hurt. The fear came crawling back, so Tony distracted himself by listening to Linksano express more of his feelings. Tony smirked "Linksano. I mean you like him more than a friend" He chuckled "I mean you care for him more than a friend. You care about him like he's a boyfriend" He patted the man's shoulders and looked him right in the eye. He smiled softly and replied "What you're describing isn't some sickness. You're more worried about Magnus because he is more than a friend to you. You feel feeling for him right? Like you want to spend time with him alone? You feel good when he's with you? I mean you're in love, goggles" He hoped this would get through the scientist's head.

[Dr. Linksano/Wayne Schlumper]

Linksano looked at him confused.

"No. I like him as a friend. I don't do "best friends" like some people do cause I view all my friends equally." said Linksano.

He blinked realizing what he said staring with his mouth open and then laughed.

"What? Where did you possibly get that idea from? I've never loved anyone. The closest is my friends and well I suppose I treat them more as acquaintances than friends. The only thing I love is science and working on inventions." said Linksano.

He listened as Tony tried to explain what he was feeling was missing him.

"Of course I miss him. He's my friend and likely been tortured. If he's even still alive." said Linksano.

He shook his head focusing back on his invention. Science always made sense to him. He was sick with something but it wasn't love.

"You're just projecting own situation with the doctor onto me. You and Bruce seem like a good fit. Like me and inventing." said Linksano.

Linksano was so far into denial that he didn't even realize it. He'd blocked off most of his emotions for most of his life. At first considering them a weakness and he had to get stronger. After all only the strong survived. He pulled some Advil out of the drawer with a bottle of water taking a few pills and swallowing them. If that didn't work maybe it was heartburn and he'd take something for that.

"So what have you been working out?" asked Linksano, trying to change the subject.

Tony Stark/Iron Man

[Tony Stark/Iron Man]

(OCC: Oh linksano, you forget how stubborn Tony is lol)

Tony sighed, realizing this was going to be quite hard to get the scientist to understand. However, he then saw it slowly came to a realization to Linksano only for him to be in such denial. Tony smirked "Oh you think it's funny huh?" He knew how in denial Linksano was. Most people who were workaholics tended to not understand how in love they were. And linksano was the definition of workaholic. "Um, I got the idea from how puppy-eyed the detective is when he's around you. I got the idea from when you deliberately show magnus the prototypes of our inventions. When you once told me you would never do that to someone who wasn't a scientist unless that person was trustworthy. I got the idea from how you get more excited and anxious when he's around. Or you do what he asks even when you fucking hate it. That's where I got it from, Goggles" He was very blunt, stubborn and annoyed. But he couldn't take Linksano's nonsense anymore. It was complete denial.

"Oh come on, no I'm not! We know how into him you are! Linkara knows! Donny knows! Dr. Tease knows! Kim knows! The kids know! Eveyone and their grandmother knows! You're so desperate to care about your work because you're so scared of your feelings. Well, you can't hide from them forever! You just can't! You're allowed to care for somebody! Don't put this on me!" Tony insisted. He wasn't patient like most of the people were. Tony was a scientist too but he knew the kinds of emotions people had when in love. He saw it in himself. He saw it in bruce. He saw it in everyone. Because he was a playboy once as well as a genius.

Then he got a bit irritated when Linksano tried to change the subject. Tony grabbed Linksano by the arms and replied "Oh no, no no no no! You are NOT changing the subject when it gets complicated! You're not sick, you're not crazy, you're obsessed with rescuing him above everyone else because you love him" He replied, slowly "Admit it. You. Love. Him"

[Dr. Linksano/Wayne Schlumper]

(OCC: And Linksano is just as stubborn in his denial and beliefs. xD)

Linksano shrugged trying to focus on his work.

"Of course he's trustworthy. He's a friend. I've shown my work to Linkara and Harvey all the time. Even 90's Kid. We've had to work together for years fighting off Vyce, Mechakara and others attacking us. Magnus has a keen eye for observation and I value his input." said Linksano.

He dismissed the other things Tony was talking about. Doing things he hated that others liked was being sociable. He was told it wasn't good to stay locked up in a lab all the time of course now he used Magnus's capture as an excuse to focus on his work.

Linksano glanced back at Tony oddly and shook his head.

"We definitely are on two different wavelengths. I'm interested in women. I was going to take over this world and have a harem of my own. But Linkara gave me a better offer. And I could still work on my inventions." said Linksano.

Linksano pulled out of Tony's arms glaring at him.

"Unhand me. I know you're upset about Bruce but that's no excuse to take it out on me." said Linksano.

He glanced at him oddly.

"Love? How absurd. I don't love anyone. Love is a weakness. A poison. It's killed more than any disease or war and completely illogical. I want no part of that." said Linksano.

He glanced back at his desk which had a picture of Linksano with Iron Liz, Linkara, Harvey, 90's Kid, Ensign Munroe and Ninja Style Dancer.

"I do have friends. They have their usefulness. Linkara and the Atop the fourth Wall Crew. Magnus. And others I've met here including yourself. Although you're sure not acting like it. "If you're just going to get upset and shout then leave. I have work to do." said Linksano.

He sat back down facing away from Tony wanting to focus on his inventions and a way to start a rescue attempt.

Tony Stark/Iron Man

[Tony Stark/Iron Man]

(OCC: I know Linksano and Magnus are gonna end up together. And I know we should make a thread with only them. But sometimes Linksano makes me want to pinch his arm)

"But why? You only met Magnus recently. Sure he's smart but he doesn't know the material like Linkara or you do. You trust him more than Linkara? Come on, this is just a typical movie waiting to happen. The workaholic likes the other and does all these things to avoid the person they like but ends up liking him. You can't hide it from me. I've been in your place before. Multiple times" Tony insisted. Now more passionate than angry, Tony just wanted Linksano to desperately tell him the truth. Because if Linksano really was serious, then Magnus was going to be absolutely broken-hearted and Tony didn't want this.

"News flash goggles: Not everyone is a hundred percent straight. You can screw countless women and still want to be with a man. That's called bisexual. How do I know? Because I'm bisexual" Tony snapped before sighing softly. He was shocked about this whole denial. Listening to Linksano just either ignore or find arguments to Tony's reasoning was unbearable. This was going to be way tougher than the iron man thought it was gonna be. He let go of Linksano and snapped angrily "I am NOT taking this out on you! Believe me if I was taking this out on you, I'd make you invent a big bazooka to blow up everything in Facilier's house. And no wouldn't be a answer I'd take"

He then glared annoyedly as Linksano denied love. That love was a weakness, a poison, something that made another lose their life. He snapped hurtfully "You're wrong. Love isn't a weakness. If it is, what does that make me for loving Bruce? Does that make me weak? Or stupid? Or useless? You better watch how you say things goggles, because sometimes you may not realize how deeply your words affect people" Tony then lost it. He sniffed, wiping his tears and yet they continued to come. Somehow. Someway. Linksano's stance on love made Tony feel vunerable "I'm not weak. I've been called weak my whole life. I won't ever be called weak for feeling the way I do. And I won't let you think you're weak for loving another man" He then glared hatefully "You fucking take that back, Linksano. Now"

"How dare you. No seriously. How dare you just walk off like some brat who can't get his way. I'm not leaving you to despair on work just because you can't admit you love him. Or that you can't admit you're just as human as the rest of us" He then sat down and forced Linksano to look at him "I was you. I used sex and work to get through my pain and suffering and I believed I was going to be alone with nobody to understand me. Sure, I had friends, but I thought of it as nothing. Then I nearly lost everything. So when I got it back I learned to never take it it for granted. Then I met bruce and now he's gone too" He softly started to sob "I won't let someone turn into someone as pathetic as me. I won't let it. I can't. I won't let you become like me Linksano"

[Dr. Linksano/Wayne Schlumper]

Linksano shook his head.

"I trust him like the rest of my friends. I show my work to all of them but most of them it goes over their heads or they don't care. Linkara's another version of me and the closest I have to a brother I suppose. And Magnus is just another friend. A colleague." said Linksano.

Linksano shrugged.

"I've never been attracted to men. Always women. I don't know why I'd start now. But don't label me like you do yourself. We're different people." said Linksano.

He paused as Tony started getting angry and flinched shrinking back having the urge to hide under the table or bolt from the room. He'd never dealt with people getting this angry. Emotions were never his things. Science and inventing were what he was good at.

"It makes you weak as anyone in love. Emotions cloud your judgment. He got himself captured because he cared too much about you. I'll never let myself become that weak and unable to think or plan." said Linksano.

He shook his head.

"It's my opinion. My right to think and say what I choose. I'm sorry if I offended you. This is why I don't interact with people much. Always easy to hurt them or be hurt." said Linksano.

Linksano sighed.

"I'm sorry you are in pain Tony. You miss him a lot I get that. He'll be back soon. They've never been able to keep hostages from us for long. And they'll all suffer for taking him in the first place." said Linksano.

He paused as Tony started to sob and Linksano was now completely at a loss not sure what to do.

"I'll get someone else for you. Perhaps Mrs. Potts or Splinter. Someone who can help you better." said Linksano.

He couldn't stand to stay there for longer. He reminded him too much of himself.

"Don't you get it? I'm already there. You just never saw it. Too wrapped up in your own problems and love life. Just like everyone else. It's Linksano can you invent this? Or can you fix this? Or oh the security's messed up. I might as well be a robot because that's all people tend to what me for. Sometimes I wish I was then I could focus better with fewer distractions." said Linksano.

He started walking towards the door intending on trying to find someone to help Tony.

"And you're wrong about me. Magnus doesn't love me and I don't love him. I don't love anyone. I've never loved anyone and never been loved so it's impossible for me." said Linksano.

Dr. Linksano/Wayne Schlumper

[Tony Stark/Iron Man]

Tony was admittedly impressed with how in denial his friend was. Tony would've been amused if he wasn't so annoyed with it. Tony rolled his eyes and annoyedly replied "Come ON! You're the most cynical person here! You wouldn't trust somebody so easily as you did with magnus! Sure you may be friends with him but Linkara had to do a lot to gain your trust! Hell you didn't even trust ME with your weapons! He's a cop, not a scientist, cops don't have the same skills scientists do and you showed him your things!" Linksano was a very good debater but Tony was anything but stupid. His whole life he had been pretty clever and street-wise. Linksano had to do better than this.

"That's bullshit and you know it. You may not know it but I've seen the way you look at him. That's not friendship. You allowed to be bisexual Linksano. I'm not labeling you! I see it how it is! Everyone can tell!" Tony snapped, even more annoyed that his so-called friend was snapping at him like this. Maybe he was pushing too far but Tony didn't care. He couldn't stand lying or insincerity. He was going to make his friend see the light, even if it meant arguing.

Tony's body started to shake in rage as Linksano sunk himself lower into a deeper hole. Tony couldn't help but allow his thoughts to snap back with venomous intention. He allowed Linksano to say his piece. Saying emotions did make you weaker and clouded judgement and that tony couldn't get upset because this was his opinion. Tony knew Linksano was not going to apologize, so Tony just snapped angrily "Yeah, you're right. It is a opinion. Not a fact. You're wrong about emotions. You may never have felt love in your life but I have. It makes you stronger. If you gave yourself a chance maybe you wouldn't be in such a position to say such awful things" He then glared annoyedly at Linksano promising to help get bruce back "What does bruce matter to you? You just said emotions make you weak. Why the fuck do you care about me or bruce when you just said you don't really feel love?" He did this to challenge or maybe get Linksano to finally show emotions other than cold logic. He wanted Linksano to bite back.

Tony growled, tears streaming more as Linksano tried to escape the situation "No you're going to talk with me. I don't want counciling. I want you to fucking tell me the truth" He got closer to Linksano "Deny it all you want but I'm not as stupid as you clearly think I am. You care about magnus more than the rest of us because you have something for him" He then growled as Linksano continued to deny magnus' feelings "Oh he never told you did he? Well he told some of us that he is falling for you. Like me. And I can prove it if you don't want to believe me. He clearly cares about you. And to hear this makes me feel so sorry for that detective. He better know you don't feel the same way otherwise that poor kid's gonna have his heart broken by you" He then shrugged mockingly "But I guess that's not logical. So you don't give a shit do you?"

(OCC: Hope you don't mind this. I want tony to get linksano to admit it lol. And yes, Tony was told off-screen by magnus out of having such conflict over his emotions, hope you don't mind that either)

[Dr. Linksano/Wayne Schlumper]

Linksano raised an eyebrow and chuckled.

"I trust nobody but myself. Not even Linkara, Harvey and the others. They're my associates. That's all everyone is." said Linksano.

He sighed.

"It appears we just an impasse. You wish to believe in this fantasy you've concocted about me. That's your choice. I choose to live in the real world. No happy endings, no true love. Only thing I can trust is science." said Linksano.

He paused at Tony's words.

"He is an ally. He matters as much to me as anyone else here. The more people we have the better our chances of winning this war and defeating the other two armies. We're not close but I don't want the guy a prisoner or tortured. He doesn't deserve that." said Linksano.

Linksano paused as Tony got angry and flinched as he got closer. He ducked out of habit covering his face only to be relieved when nothing happened.

"This topic is pointless. You won't listen and think you have the right to say what i do or feel. No one knows me better than myself and I don't care about Magnus. I don't care about anyone." said Linksano.

He paused hearing his words as he looked sadly at that.

"For his sake I sincerely hope this just more made up stories but if not then I pity him. Once he is rescued I'll ask Elisa, Nella and the others for help. I'm sure they can set him up with someone else. Someone he'd be happy with." said Linksano.

He paused pressing his communicator on his wrist teleporting away from Tony and back to his desk on the other side of the room.

"I have a rescue plan to finish." said Linksano.

He focused back on his table trying to tune everything out. He had to get this plan right and free Magnus, Bruce and hopefully Leonardo. Then they could work on freeing Thor from Ask That Guy. He had to get this done. But as he tried to work he couldn't stop seeing Magnus laughing and smiling. He always did like seeing him happy. LInksano smiled faintlyat that before he shook his head.

"Too many distractions. Maybe I'll try from my room instead." said Linksano.

He stood up but his coat caught on the drawer opening it. There appeared to be something inside but it was hard to tell. He grabbed a flashlight and peeked in. Then he frowned.

"What is this? Some kind of joke?" asked Linksano.

(ooc: Figure it'd be something big to snap linksano out of it. he's so far in denial..... but thought maybe magnus left something there. maybe early/late birthday present or something he was going to give him later. but he was captured before he could give it. and he left it in there c ause he knew linksano didn't check the drawers often or something. up to you what it is. maybe a note too. if that's ok. xd)

[Tony Stark/Iron Man]

(OCC: Totally fine. I want linksano to realize his love! So I'll give Tony some time to try and find him while Linksano is alone to realize it! I'm sorry about the gift. I thought it'd be really cute if Magnus gave Linksano another pair of goggles to wear for fashion lol)

"So that's it huh? You didn't trust magnus with your stuff but let him have it anyway. Pretty careless. That doesn't sound like you. I can read you like a kindergarden book, goggles. You must think I'm stupid" Tony's voice was patronizing at this point. Too overwhelmed with anger. He felt frustrated. Mocked even. He wanted Linksano and Magnus to be a love story to be frank. And he felt pain for Magnus. He felt insulted FOR the cop.

"It isn't a fantasy. You just don't want to believe it. I can see it. You care about this man. I can tell. You are more afraid for this man's life than bruce's. And that's okay. I totally get it. Because I know you have feelings for him. And Magnus is in love with you. I'm telling you the honest truth here. I don't make up stories here, Linksano. I don't have time for fairy tales!" Tony snapped, angry that his ally wouldn't or at least couldn't listen to him. He wanted Linksano to see it like he did. How could one man be so damn blind? How could one man be in such denial?

"Oh bullshit. I see how you look at him when he laughs. You blush and get all nervous. I see how you get closer with him when you two talk. You say one thing but your body tells me a whole other story. You may say he's just one of the boys but I know love when I see it. Bruce did the exact same things when he was around me. I was just like you. I thought he was just being my friend. Turned out he confessed that he was in love with me. And I'm telling you this so you don't waste your time ignoring your feelings. You're hurting yourself this way. It's not worth it. Stop being in denial. Wake up!" Tony shouted, wanting Linksano desperately to confess. Or at least stop being so cold. It was scary to see someone so heartless or pretend to be.

"This isn't pointless. You don't want to feel emotions because you're afraid. You're afraid of what will happen when you do. So instead of facing your fears you hide in your comfort zone in here. You just want to hurt people by being cold rather than be happy with people that do care about you. You may not think of me or linkara as friends be we care about you. You say you don't love magnus but I know for a fucking fact that boy loves you. And he stay here for you" Tony was getting more angrier and angrier. This man was so blinded. It was sickening.

"It's not made up! I'm not making it up! He told me himself! He said and I quote 'I don't care if he loves me. I love this man. I love doctor linksano tony' you can look into my memories and torture me and I'd still say it's true" Tony snapped. He then was shocked to see Linksano say he'd set someone to help Magnus get over it and find someone else then disappeared. Tony banged and threw papers away "That son of a bitch left me here. Fucking prick" He then mumbled "I'm gonna find that idiot" He then searched around the area to find him.
XXXXXX

Meanwhile in the room Linksano was in, there was a new pair of insano-like googles but they were in blue rather than the regular black with a note next to it. The note read clearly "To dearest Linksano, I'm so sorry this was late. But I knew your birthday was coming up. Have the happiest birthday. You deserve nothing but the best. These goggles I thought you would enjoy. These goggles made me think of you and I just thought you would like them. You mean a lot to me is all. It's not the best gift but I'm going to give you a even better gift when I get back. I hope you love them. With all my sincerity, Magnus"

[Dr. Linksano/Wayne Schlumper]

Linksano looked shocked at the new goggles and the note as he was shocked. He paused looking around seeing Tony leave saying he'd left him. Had he been turned invisible? He chuckled wondering if Magnus had pulled something but guessed it didn't matter. He glanced back at the note and goggles still shocked.

"He remembered my birthday? No one's got me anything for my birthday." said Linksano.

Well, he was sure Linkara and the others would have tried if he said when his birthday was. But he'd never mentioned it. Sure he'd gotten more than enough. His life, a new home, a job. It felt wrong to get more things for his birthday. A day he hadn't celebrated in years so he'd just kept quiet about it. If anyone asked he just said he preferred to celebrate by himself and didn't like gifts.

"What did I do to deserve this? I was a villain before. I nearly killed Linkara and the others on my own and working for Vyce." said Linksano.

He paused glancing at the note once more and clenched his fists.

"This is my punishment for my past. Someone cares for me and they get taken away. Tortured or worse. I should have never come to this universe. Even when I try to do good all I can do is hurt people." said Linksano.

He paused walking towards a locker off to the side.

"I should return to my universe before I cause more harm." said Linksano.

He began trying to open his locker.

(ooc: they were in the same room but since you edited it guess linksano temporarily became invisible or something then? tony could just came back and find him. xD)

Tony Stark/Iron Man