nextgenerationmarvel | Retirement Just Isn't For Everyone

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Retirement Just Isn't For Everyone

Vincent was restless. School was now a part-time affair, and he was working from home for his obligations to Stark most of the time. There had been no crime-fighting to speak of, and only some token magical research to keep his skills sharp. He hadn't started a pet project in ages.

...so maybe he could start one.

He let his mind wander back to the rescue he'd made of that armored girl, Mira, in the river. There had been serial numbers on a couple of the components of her equipment. Serial numbers mean registration, and contact information. It doesn't take him more than a couple minutes to have a cell number.

"Hello, Mira?"

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"An hour away by bike. Went to school two counties over though spent a lot of time there. One of the elders kind of adopted me into his family because of my love of music." She grinned. "He taught me how to play the blues. Not something I play often though."

"Really? I'd love to hear it some time. My father had me learn how to play the violin as a manner of connecting with our Zafiro heritage. I'm ready to order when you are."

And there would be another blush, so far only one who's heard her play was Jay. "Sure after lunch if you want."

She raised her hand to get their waitress's attention. "But only if you play violin for me it's been a while since I've heard someone play it."

"My sister has a lesson and I don't want to disturb her. Could we go to your place, or are you okay setting down in the park or somewhere like that?"

He pauses, then lets out a grunt. "I'd need a violin first... I haven't had one since I left home."

"I'm not sure the boss or the others would like me bringing people in yet. Though the park sounds good. It's a nice enough day." She nodded.

"Then I'll patiently wait." She tapped out the tempo of the song being played on the piano lightly on the table, not even realizing it. "The piano's off key again." She muttered softly, it wasn't badly off key, but she could tell.

"You kids ready to order?"

Mira ordered her usual, a Tuscan chicken salad and side of mozzies share.

"You should offer to fix it then."

Vincent gets himself a chicken parm, sauce on the side. He rarely trusts kitchen staff to determine what he considers an appropriate amount of sauce.

"Not mid-song, it's rude to the performer." She grinned. "That is if Dave doesn't get there first." She nodded to the bartender across the room who looked like he was waiting for something. "He doesn't like it when I tinker with it. Been coming here about a month, and he wants me to quit what ever job I have to come play at the club." She turned back to Vincent. "I'd be tempted if I didn't like being able to have time to tinker."

He smiles, just looking at her for a minute. "You seem like you've got a regular home away from home here."

He used to feel that way about the Mansion, before... the complications.

"Getting there." And if she knew he left right before she arrived she'd think she was his replacement and probably complain about it a little. "Never thought I'd handle the city though ya know. It's just... so much different from what I grew up with. Still not sure if I'm that comfortable, but well beats being on the road all the time. That takes a lot out of you after a while."

"So, tinkering, fighting crime, music... do you have time left for anything else?"

"Nope every moment I have free's usually spent looking over my shoulder for the jerks that want my machine." She took a sip of her drink, "Or being bored, I really wasn't supposed to be out there that day."

He sits back in his chair, tilting it gently. "I went from being overwhelmed by the demands on my time, to the point where my efficiency at them was suffering, to having more time than I know what to do with."

"I think better when under pressure, but not having anything to do... I'd go nuts." She gave a small grin.

"Is that why you called? Needing something to work on?"

He raises an eyebrow and smirks. "You put it that way, are you planning on working on me?"

"I don't know, you want me to." She waited for him to take a drink before saying it as flatly and off handedly as possible, just to see his reaction.

"Resarch should never be feared, nor experimentation, only results." He smirks back, raising his glass before drinking as well.

~~Von Dooms~~ Geniuses do not spit-take.

Challenge accepted Vincent, she will make you spit take at some point.

"Never said I was scared. Just you know science isn't my strong point. Wouldn't want to damage the equipment you know."

He smiles, grinning even. "Don't worry, I don't bruise easily."

A beat, after which he seems a little more unsure.

"So... a date?"

She chuckles and sputters at the last bit a moment. It wasn't really what she was expecting him to say, but she grinned why not.

"I was meaning in general, but sure. We could try it."

He smiles and takes another drink. "You can take your time and think about it more. Today's just... hanging out."

She chuckled again. "And I've been enjoying it. I couldn't bring anyone I work with here, they're used to the gear head me. Kinda don't wanna blow the image."

He smirks, maybe a little more playfully now. "Shame to keep you cooped up under that helmet all the time." He takes a second glance. "Done something different with your hair lately?"

She reached up brushing the hair from her face. "Not really. Just, haven't spent all morning with parts in my lap."

Vincent manages a laugh, just as their food arrives. "I don't know, I think there's also something to be said for anyone showing the mark of their craft on them."

"I don't need the grease for that." She touched the band on her wrist. "Or even Lucy here." She nodded to her guitar.

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