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Vincent Amorason ([info]quitethecharmer) wrote in [info]marvel_nextgen,
@ 2010-02-23 13:38:00


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Entry tags:awesome andrea, kristoff vernard, plot-"what if", vincent vernard

Last Season's Model
Vincent von Doom loved New York City. So vibrant and diverse compared to his father's kingdom. It was why he spent as much time as possible living out of the Latverian embassy there, rather than at home. The city was just so wonderfully dirty, so unrestrained.

His father had been remarkably indulgent of this, as Vincent more often than not provided a certain measure of distraction. The boy had been quite happy to play the role of the free-wheeling and globe-trotting heir over the past few years.

Today, however, was his eighteenth birthday. He was a man. He felt like testing the limits of his leash somewhat.

There had been a certain issue he'd never been ordered to approach, although it had been some time since he'd been specifically told not to, that piqued his curiosity.

Which is why he was standing at the front entrance to the Baxter Building, in formal Latverian attire, carrying what amounted to a picnic basket. The spiced tea and banitsa, teleported in only minutes earlier, in particular smelled wonderful.


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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-23 07:28 pm UTC (link)
Roberta contacted Kristoff in his lab to inform him that Vincent von Doom was at the door. He told her to let open the door and ask him if he needed something as he headed for the elevator. He wished he could ask someone to come with him, but his fiancee was on an errand with friends, Andrea was not yet back visiting her father, and the buildings other frequent denizens were all elsewhere. Just in case, he quickly checks that all the automatic defenses beyond Roberta's desk are maintained. He has no idea why his little-brother-after-a-fashion is here.

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[info]quitethecharmer
2010-02-23 07:31 pm UTC (link)
Vincent smiles and nods as his predecessor shows up.

"Good afternoon, Doctor Vernard. I was wondering if I might be able to steal you away from your work for a bit." He smiles easily, but there are gears clearly turning in his head.

He holds up the basket. "I brought you some pleasantries from home I thought you might enjoy. Good Balkan specialties are so hard to find here, in spite of the plethora of cuisine."

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-23 07:45 pm UTC (link)
"Good afternoon, Mister Von Doom." It's not a word Kristoff uses often. 90% of the time he addresses males without doctorates or other earned honorifics by their last name only. But this is not normal circumstances.

"I have some time. And they most certainly are. Thank you." Kristoff tries to keep his expression politely formal and not react to the fact that that smells so good.

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[info]quitethecharmer
2010-02-23 07:49 pm UTC (link)
Vincent laughs and waves a free hand dismissively.

"I may be eighteen, but I'm hardly a 'Mister'. Vincent will suffice, or.." The slightest of pauses, his eyes shifting to examine his host. "--Young Master, if you insist on formality."

His smile settles back in as the request is accepted. "Splendid. Am I to be invited in, or would you prefer a more public venue? The park is, of course, lovely." Another calculated pause. "I apologize for not being able to invite you to my sitting room at the embassy."

It's a testing addition, not quite trying to salt wounds just yet, if ever.

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-23 08:10 pm UTC (link)
It takes a great deal of self-discipline to stop the wince.
And for the moment, he just doesn't address his little-brother-of-sorts as anything at all.

"The park would be excellent, thank you. I would rather not confuse my colleagues or anyone else more than necessary."

Not trying to salt the wounds isn't the same as not salting them.
"There is nothing for which to apologize. I could not legally accept if you did." His tone continues to be polite by sheer force of will, but he can't keep the pain out completely.

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[info]quitethecharmer
2010-02-23 08:57 pm UTC (link)
"Splendid then." Vincent moves a hand in a circle, and a hole in space opens up. "This way, if you please." He strides through, adjusting the basket on his arm.

Once he arrives, Vincent spreads out a forest green blanket and begins setting up the light fare he'd broguht, entirely by hand. Certain things can only be done without magic, else there is no value in them. Tea is poured, bansita, cheese, and crackers, are served, and some fruit is sliced.

"The manner in which you were removed from Latveria... was most inelegant. Had I known more of your manner at the time.. I would not have seen fit to remove you so forcefully." He bows his head ever so slightly as he places a teacup on a saucer for Kristoff, pushing a sugar-bowl, lumps rather than loose, towards him.

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-23 09:06 pm UTC (link)
Kristoff leaves a message with Roberta for the ladies of the Building and observes the portal for a moment before following.

He sits with as much dignity as a picnic blanket allows and, when it reaches the point at which it is polite to, bites into some fresh, straight-out-of-Doomstadt banitsa with the expression of a man who hasn't actually eaten in thirteen years.
And when that bite is over, he listens when Vincent talks.

"I certainly have no intention of holding against you your behavior at the age of five. The problematic nature of the occasion was no one's fault, least of all yours."

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[info]quitethecharmer
2010-02-23 09:26 pm UTC (link)
Vincent contents himself with some cheese, allowing Kristoff time to enjoy his own fare.

"Gracious of you." He replies, before remaining quiet for a bit longer.

He'd heard a great deal about Kristoff Vernard, leader of the second generation of the Fantastic Four, Latverian exile, and all around respected genius. Vincent knew about his continued reverence for his father, but he was surprised at the measure of politeness he was receiving, all things considered.

He examines the man carefully.

"Near the beginning... my progress in my scientific lessons was compared to yours."

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-23 09:34 pm UTC (link)
Kristoff reflects on that comment for a moment. "Ah. Yes, quite coincidental that we both started our education at the same age." He sips his tea. "I certainly hope no serious inconveniences resulted," he says sincerely. He's familiar enough with what happens when one Says the Wrong Thing.

At any rate, the extent of Vincent's educational process had not been rendered almost-moot (almost, not entirely. He liked to think learning the various basics by study instead of encoding better prepared him for initiative in his research) in the same way Kristoff's had when he was eight.

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[info]quitethecharmer
2010-02-23 09:43 pm UTC (link)
For the first time Kristoff would have seen it, the other male's expression darkens slightly as 'inconveniences' are mentioned.

"There are, of course, standards to be adhered to." He takes a long sip of his tea, composing himself again. "Things a small child, whatever their origin, learns quickly."

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-24 02:44 am UTC (link)
Kristoff simply nods as he drinks.

There's something he's curious about, but he will not ask. A 'no' would be socially awkward, and his inner glee about it inappropriate. A 'yes' would be, against all reason, too much to bear.

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[info]quitethecharmer
2010-02-24 03:07 am UTC (link)
The younger man leans back, watching Kristoff over the rim of his teacup. He still feels in control of the situation, but is finding it more awkward than he expected.

Certainly, the veiled apology for blasting him through the castle walls as a child had been due. It was as if one had been caught hunting a rabbit with a guided missile. A stray thought wondered if walking out of Doomstadt, past the guards and attendants, would have been worse anyway, but was put aside.

"Latveria is doing well. Obviously, voices to the contrary are not permitted on the world stage, but.. it prospers indeed, with its borders typically secure, and the crops managed."

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-24 03:24 am UTC (link)
There are certain levels of shame that are hard to rate even against each other.

Kristoff's eyes linger in a 'blink' a little longer than necessary. "I am very glad to hear it. Thank you for telling me," he says sincerely.

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[info]quitethecharmer
2010-02-24 03:33 am UTC (link)
"Mm." Vincent nods, raising an eyebrow as he looks over Kristoff's shoulder. "Smile nicely; my SHIELD surveillance team just caught up with me after the teleport must have lost them." He raises a hand, waving with practiced casual calm at the agents who have to at least act like he can't spot them.

"Being perfectly frank with you, Dr Vernard..." He speaks up again. "In spite of all reports of your usual decorum, I was prepared to deal with significantly more... well, contempt." He lays it out on the ground. "As I said... my actions were, most inelegant, small child or no."

He diverts the topic, only able to apologize in brief intervals. "Do you play chess at all? My father only plays against me once a year, I've outpaced all the other castle residents, and playing against a computer is so dull. The lack of physical presence of an opponent makes it feel so very dry."

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-24 03:48 am UTC (link)
Kristoff can't very well ignore the first matter. He looks at him blankly. "You were not yet six years old, and Your Father had asked you to dispose of me. You truly expect me to have held a grudge over the manner in which it was done? If I may be equally frank, accepting that the entire matter was no one's fault was the first necessity in achieving a functional level of mental health."

"I do play, yes."

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[info]quitethecharmer
2010-02-24 03:51 am UTC (link)
"Yes, you do seem to be exceptionally functional. Else I'd not have inquired about the chess." He finishes his tea.

"A weekly, or monthly, if that is easier, engagement of an hour or so would be appreciated. Point-based within a time limit to determine wins, or a continuing game, if you prefer to play to completion."

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-24 03:55 am UTC (link)
"I would prefer the latter. I do not like to abandon a game without the intent to resume. Here in the park, every second Tuesday?"

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[info]quitethecharmer
2010-02-24 03:59 am UTC (link)
Vincent cracks a small smile. It's different from the imperious cheshire grin he displayed earlier.

"Of each month, or did you mean alternating weeks? I'll see to it that my schedule is kept to accomodate."

He regards the older man a bit longer, before laying back on the blanket and tilting his head away.

"If there is anything you care to ask about your homeland, you needn't hesitate to ask. I'm perfectly capable of simply withholding any information I haven't been specifically told not to."

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-24 04:23 am UTC (link)
"Of the month. Simpler to accommodate schedules. And my fiancee and our son are generally otherwise occupied."

He hesitates. "I fear if I got into too much detail, I would never stop." A pause. "You have said the country fares well. Does he?"

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[info]quitethecharmer
2010-02-24 06:26 pm UTC (link)
The energy fades from around Vincent again.

"If he were not, I am the last person he would let know."

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-24 07:28 pm UTC (link)
Kristoff stares just a little, concerned.
Of course the Master could be reticent, but who should know him better than his own, son -- his real son, particularly?

Fortunately, the concern is predominate, and Kristoff can completely suppress any feelings of....smugness before they have a chance of showing. That would be Rude.

Instead, he eats the rest of his food.

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[info]awesome_andrea
2010-02-25 12:15 am UTC (link)
But for the silvery, metallic texture of her skin, the girl could have easily been mistaken for human. But it was clear that she was a kind of artificial lifeform. New Yorkers, of course, were more than accustomed to the sight, much in the same way they had rather quickly grown used to Mister Grimm many years ago.

She had, at Cassandra's request, gone out to locate Kristoff. Not that either believed Kristoff to be any particular danger, but, well, better safe than sorry.

She approached the pair. "Hello, Kristoff," she said. "I hope that I am not interrupting unduly?"

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-25 12:21 am UTC (link)
He stands as soon as he sees her approaching. "Not at all, Andrea. This is Vincent von Doom." He looks to Vincent. "My colleague, Awesome Andrea."

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[info]quitethecharmer
2010-02-25 12:23 am UTC (link)
At her arrival, Vincent grins, standing up and extending a hand to her, kissing hers once she offers it.

"Nonsense, miss. Beautiful women do not intrude, they grace others with their presence." He nods to Kristoff. "I'm familiar with all the members of your team."

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[info]awesome_andrea
2010-02-25 12:38 am UTC (link)
Andrea admitted to a limited understanding of human behavior, but was still surprised at Vincent's display of gentlemanly behavior. Few individuals reacted so calmly and naturally to her upon first meeting her.

"A pleasure," she responded.

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-25 12:42 am UTC (link)
Kristoff refrains from saying that one still introduces people because That Is How Things Are Done.

He turns to Andrea. "Is everything all right at home?"

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[info]awesome_andrea
2010-02-25 12:52 am UTC (link)
Andrea's passive scanners were giving Vincent quite the once over, though she would not probe deeply.

"Everything is fine. I was simply planning on visiting Mister Grimm and Daniel today and as this was on my way, Cassandra requested that see if I could find how you were doing."

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[info]quitethecharmer
2010-02-25 01:10 am UTC (link)
Vincent sighs and shrugs, feigning innocence. "As you can clearly see, I've done Dr Vernard no harm. I'm simply enjoying the company of my.. predecessor."

He gestures to the blanket. "Would you like to join us for tea? Or me for dinner this evening?"

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-25 01:19 am UTC (link)
"Thank you, Andrea. I am well and I shall see Cassandra reasonably soon."

Kristoff raises an eyebrow at the extremely quick and abrupt invitation of Andrea to dinner. He knew who the boy's mother was, and while he's sure the Master would never bring anyone up to consider such attitudes acceptable, he nevertheless is glad Andrea would be immune to any inappropriate mental effects.

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[info]awesome_andrea
2010-02-25 01:32 am UTC (link)
"I shall let her know then," Andrea said, briefly pausing to send a text message to the Baxter Building mainframe from her Wi-Fi connection.

She shook her head. "I do not need to be at the Grimm's for a little while yet, so I can stay for a time, but I must decline the offer of dinner."

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[info]quitethecharmer
2010-02-25 01:35 am UTC (link)
Vincent lets out a somewhat exaggerated sigh. "Oh well. For the moment then."

He pours her a cup of tea. "Curiosity compels me to ask, Miss Andrea: Do your systems metabolize food, or simply accomodate its disposal?"

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-25 01:41 am UTC (link)
Kristoff focuses for the moment on finishing off his own tea, letting Andrea answer the questions as she wishes.

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[info]awesome_andrea
2010-02-25 01:51 am UTC (link)
"I am capable of breaking foodstuffs down for energy," Andrea informed him, "but it is largely an inefficient process."

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[info]quitethecharmer
2010-02-25 02:06 am UTC (link)
Vincent tilts his head. "I see... I must say, your apparent level of self-awareness is fascinating. My father's designs always tend towards more hardwired subservience."

He looks between her and Kristoff. "A collaborative design of Dr Richards and the Awesome Android, correct?"

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-25 02:09 am UTC (link)
Kristoff's expression gets a bit...distasteful. "The list of differences between Andrea's variety of synthetic sentience and the kind at home would be...time consuming. And yes, Dr. Richards and I had the privilege of assisting her father."

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[info]awesome_andrea
2010-02-25 08:20 pm UTC (link)
Andrea's expression was perfectly metal neutral. "Awesome Andy is my father," she informed Vincent, shifting the focus from a creator one to a familial one.

"My neural net, however, is largely Doctor Richard's design, with a few small elements borrowed from Doctor Pym's studies of the original Human Torch and the Vision."

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[info]quitethecharmer
2010-02-25 09:07 pm UTC (link)
"Ah yes... I've studied Dr Pym's work thoroughly. Primarily his Ultron designs and biochemical studies, although it's somewhat debatable at what point in Ultron the generational marks that it still qualifies as his work."

He tilts his head to Kristoff. "Regularly scheduled demands for me to study the classical masters, but it took a quite vigorous debate before I was permitted to follow the work of my father's... well, 'contemporaries' I believe was the term that upset him less than 'peers'."

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-25 09:10 pm UTC (link)
An exceptionally slight nod. "Or 'rivals,'" Kristoff said quietly. That had been a bad day.

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[info]awesome_andrea
2010-02-25 11:44 pm UTC (link)
"According to my father," Andrea added, "the Thinker was much the same way. It seems few men of genius are able to handle competition."

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[info]quitethecharmer
2010-02-26 12:00 am UTC (link)
Vincent shrugs. "It's a certain kind of men of genius, if we're to compare common traits between my father and the Mad Thinker." He doesn't ask Kristoff for his agreement, not wanting to press the issue.

He begins packing up the food and settings, as interest in them seems to have waned. "Well, this has been a most pleasant outing. Dr Vernard, I'll look forward to meeting you next month. Miss Andrea, another time perhaps." He bows to her, and less so to Kristoff upon standing.

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[info]discardedheir
2010-02-26 02:59 am UTC (link)
Kristoff returns it just a bit more. "As do I."

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[info]awesome_andrea
2010-02-26 10:15 pm UTC (link)
Andrea nodded politely. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Vincent," she replied.

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