Chapter 10
It is a twisted pleasure that bubbles up in Wade's stomach as he watches Tony's eyes turn cold and a snarl form at his mouth. Such a harsh expression looks unthreatening when accompanied by two shining brown eyes and a tear-streaked face.
Before Tony can even respond, Wade feels a gravelly chuckle make its way past his lips as he feels his face revert to the blank expression he’s used to wearing under his mask.
“Believe it or not Bambi, but I’m not trying to kill you. Though there is a pretty price for your head that’s being broadcasted to anyone with a good reputation and high success rate.”
“How would you know the price unless you were interested in the job.”
And would you look at that for all that Bambi breezes through life unassuming, if the weeks' Wade’s spent trailing and breaking into his tower is to go by, he’s able to pull it together.
Albeit at the last minute and after having the information offered to him.
“If I was interested in the job, I would have been paid already.” And look at that, his eyes are positively frosty now, “Better question is who’s footing the bill, eh?”
The question lulls the car into a tense silence. Sharply turning down an empty street, Wade contemplates what to do from here. Turning down a job isn’t unheard of, but he sees little benefit in sticking around Bambi, his suit may be retired but he has a tower full of gadgets at his disposal.
Wades is not the only one who is contemplating his choices either as Tony “discreetly” fiddles with his phone. More than likely alerting someone or something of what has transpired and sending help to the diner.
He doesn’t have it in him to say that by now the diner is in perfect condition and any traces of the people who used to work there are on their way to being erased.
Gotta love Governments.
I happen to prefer Government Mo-
Abruptly cutting the engine, from his peripheral he can see Bambi's eyes dart away as if steeling himself for something before turning fully to face him.
"I'll ask you once more, who sent you?"
Judging from the increase in confidence and the fact that he can hear something speeding towards them at an alarming rate, Wade would bet all the Chimichangas in his fridge, bet something el-, that right now an Iron Man suit is waiting for Tony's signal on whether to attack.
And he really wishes he didn't give up those personal teleporters now.
"The thing about hiring Mercs, Bambi, is that being discreet is key. Especially if their target is high-profile, don’t even get me started on funding."
At the lie, he can hear manic laughter and a comically worried voice echoing in his mind. Feeling his head tighten he takes this as his cue to wrap the night up before he ends up snapping and killing Bamb- I’d rather have my way wit-
It’s really time to go.
Unlocking the doors, he tunes out the questions spewing from Tony's mouth, before cutting him off with his own voice. And if the flinch he sees Bambi try to suppress is anything to go by, he sounds a little less than sane.
"You should watch your back Bambi. Being retired and a civilian won't stop anyone from shooting at you less, it just makes you an easier target.” Closing his eyes, he can hear the tale tell sign of the Repulsors in in the Iron Man suit up above. “Hop in your suit and try not to die, it really would be a waste for someone as pretty as you to leave this place.”
He hears the door swing open and just as fast slam shut before it inevitably swings back open. Cracking open an eye he’s greeted with an expression like the one Bambi wore when he cornered him on the pole - vulnerability mixed with curiosity.
“Answer me this, why didn’t you take the job?”
Who wants to fuck a corp-
On how to respond; he doubts replying that Tony and his lack of self-preservation and observational skills despite being a “Hero” appealed to the dormant part of Wade. Or that his eyes remind him of his once dead/now mutant mercenary ex-fiancé.
He settles on a too wide grin and saying, “You’re always asking the wrong questions Bambi.”
At that Tony effectively slams the door shut, before stalking down the empty street. Wade waits until he sees him step into his suit and slowly flying off before speeding back home. He will have to tell Leslie to be even more aware now that he’s effectively failed at his job, no doubt that by the time Bambi reaches his tower he’ll have investigated his identity and his work.
As for him, he should dabble in the “anti-hero” scene again. For as much as tonight turned out to be shit, he is still set on claiming bright eyes for himself.
And he doubts Tony would be impressed with the number of corpses he is known for leaving around.
Good thing he knows a Professor who is more than happy to vouch for him… at a price of course.