Stranger: (( I think I lost you yesterday! I fell asleep sadjgljsg typical ))

You: ((haha that's cool! we can continue? Would you be up for short convo between Tony and Maria?))

Stranger: (( :^) I would definitely be up for a convo between Maria and Tony! ))

Stranger: (( I still have the log from yesterday if you want it? ))

You: ((yes, that would be cool ! thank you! And nice!:)))

Are we still having brunch this Sunday? - MS

Stranger: (( Just kidding the link is broken now :\\ omegle always does me dirty smh ))

Yeah, of course we are. Wouldn't miss it for the world. :-) TS

You: ((That's okay! I usually save logs but I forgot yesterday!))

Good, I've missed you. I brought you some souvenirs from my trip! - MS

How are you doing? - MS

Stranger: Missed you too, Mom. -TS

I'm doing alright. Dad and I are trying to work shit out. I think things are looking up. He's always so negative though, y'know? Talk about a pessimist. -TS

We had this big fight earlier, but he said sorry and stuff. So, I think he's kinda... getting his shit together. -TS

You: You're trying to work things out? He said he's sorry?? The world must be ending. - MS

I'm glad for you though. You deserve it. Just don't get your hopes up too high, alright? You know how he is. Enjoy it now. - MS

Stranger: I had the same impression, hah. I guess if I whine and cry enough, I can get him to apologize. I think he feels kinda bad for being such a shitty dad. -TS

I'll do my best not to get my hopes too high, though. I unfortunately /do/ know how he is. -TS

How are you, though? How was your trip? -TS

You: You shouldn't spend your time whining and crying to him just so he'll apologize to you, honey. - MS

I hope the fight wasn't too bad. I know you guys like to yell at each other. - MS

It was great! I visited your Nonna and she can't wait to see you again. Maybe next time you can come with me. - MS

Stranger: I /know/, but I like it when he does. If I whine and cry enough, he has to like... /think/, y'know? About why I'm upset. -TS

Yeah? That's nice. :-) I'd love to come next time. Hope you told Nonna I miss her. -TS

Or maybe I just miss her cookies. -TS

Regardless, I'm glad you had fun. You definitely deserved a little vacation. -TS

You: And does he? Does he think about why you're upset? I'm happy that he's trying but I just wish you wouldn't need it. - MS

I showed her recent pictures of you and she didn't recognize you. You're growing up so quickly. - MS

Yes, I really did. I had so much to do over the holidays... - MS

Stranger: I don't know. I'd like to think he actually thinks about why I'm upset. But, I guess I don't know that. Maybe he just wants me to stop bitching. -TS

You're a busy lady. Bet it was nice taking a trip by yourself, huh? I can't remember the last time you went somewhere without Dad. A little lady retreat. Sounds pretty awesome. -TS

You: Hey, no. I don't think that's it. He wouldn't pretend. He'd just tell you to stop bitching, right? Your dad's a complicated person. - MS

It was amazing. I could finally catch up with everyone without having your dad to think about. He always gets so bored when he's in a situation he doesn't want to be. - MS

And who knows? Maybe on the next trip I won't be alone... - MS

Stranger: I guess that's true. Wish he /wasn't/ so complicated. Here I was thinking girls were complicated. He'd got any girl I've ever met beat my a long shot. -TS

Oh? Is that because you're gonna take me, or because you're gonna get yourself a new boyfriend? Maybe all of the above. -TS

You: Yeah, you're right. Girls are /not/ as complicated as him. How's his drinking ? - MS

If I already had a new boyfriend, would you want to meet him? - MS

Stranger: Umm... Well, I don't think it's too good. But it's not as bad as it's been in the past. Our big fight earlier was because of some dumb shit he pulled when he was drunk last night. So, go figure. -TS

We had this weird ass conversation about how he used to hit us when he was drunk. Says he doesn't remember. I think it freaked him out. Maybe he'll cut back. -TS

Whooooa, look at you go, Mom! A new man already? Of course I wanna meet him. Is he cute? Rich? What's his name? -TS

You: Oh, Tony... I don't know. Sometimes I feel bad for not being around. I hope he didn't lash out on you again because he was drunk. - MS

He /is/ weird about that whole topic. One time he went on this long rant about how he'd never turn out like his dad and I didn't have the heart to remind him that we'd have to walk on eggshells around him all the time back then. - MS

His name's Nick. We met when I was still married to your dad. We met at a party again and just hit it off. - MS

What about you? Is there anyone able to keep you interested for long enough right now? :) - MS

Stranger: Nah, we didn't talk until after he had sobered up. I don't like talking to him when he's drunk. Freaks me out too much. -TS

Oh, I've got plenty of heart. I decided that if he starts acting like a jackass to me again, I'm gonna remind him what a shit dad he's been to me. -TS

Oooooh, Nick. Good for you. Guess he's gotta be pretty well off if he was at one of your guys' parties. -TS

Very funny. Unfortunately, I'm married to my work. Or something like that. -TS

You: Because he's unpredictable when he's drunk. I have all kinds of scenarios in my head sometimes. I worry about you. - MS

If that's whats going to make him apologize, you do that. It's about time he started taking responsibility. - MS

I wouldn't say he's well off, he's just one your dads friends from work. Which is why we won't be telling your dad about it, okay? Not yet at least. - MS

Oh god, that's what your father used to say .- MS

Stranger: Don't worry about me. I'm a big boy and all, right? I can stick it to Dad if I have to. Besides, you're the one who told me I should stay with him for now. It's all good. Promise. If anything crazy happens, I'll let you know. -TS

Sure, my lips are sealed. I can keep your new man a secret. Contrary to popular belief, I keep a secret like a pro. -TS

Oh, come on. Don't compare me to him. I was joking. Mostly. I'm just not interested in anyone right now, I guess. -TS

You: And that's what worries me. I know he'll try eventually and then you'll fight back and... oh wow.. I won't even think about it. If you say you're fine, then you're fine. - MS

Thank you! Just for now, until we figure out how to tell him. - MS

Well, let me know. Some of my friends have really interesting kids ;) - MS

Stranger: I'm fine, Mom. Seriously. Don't worry. I know you guys are divorced and all, but try and have a little faith in him? I'm doing my best to keep positive. I've spent the last 20 years of my life hating him. If I can do it, you can do it too. -TS

Very cute, Mom. But I promise I don't need my mom setting me up with anyone. Don't forget how charming I am. -TS

You: I have a tiny bit of faith in him otherwise I wouldn't have told you to stay with him, honey. - MS

That's really sweet of you. Be patient with him and he won't be as defensive as he usually is. - MS

Well, how's work anyway? Are you enjoying being able to build? - MS

Stranger: I'm doing my best to be patient. But it's hard putting in tons of effort if he doesn't give it back, y'know? I'm just lucky he's been being nice to me today. -TS

Yeah. Work's good. I'm not really interested in all the weapon stuff, so I've been focusing on like... artificial intelligence and stuff like that. Dad doesn't like it much, but I don't like his weapons. So. -T

You: If you're expecting him to change that about himself, you'll be let down. He loves you but he's always been more of the 'taking' side of things. He tried to compensate with material stuff.Do you remember all the presents you got whenever was rough with you? - MS

You're way too bright for weapons. Let him and Obadiah deal with that. - MS

Stranger: Yeah... I know that. Guess that's why you two ended up so rough, huh? All you do is give, and all he does is take. Must get exhausting. -TS

I'm letting them deal with it. I really don't want anything to do with the weapons. Weighs too heavy on the conscience. -TS

You: I'll always love your dad but he's put us through things that we still deal with sometimes. All three of us. Even now he calls me sometimes when he's drunk. - MS

I'm sure your father understands that. He didn't have that much of a choice, you do. - MS

Stranger: That's true. You wouldn't think a rotten childhood could stick with you for so long. Kinda sucks. Sorry he calls you, though. Didn't know that one. -TS

You: He doesn't say much. Just cries into the phone sometimes. Mostly on Christmas and birthdays. - MS

Maybe I'll come over one day and visit you guys... We'll see. - MS

Stranger: Seriously? Dad cries? -TS

That's kinda... sad. You think he's okay? I think he's got a masculinity problem. It sucks wanting to be there for him, but being afraid he'd gonna be pissed at me for trying. -TS

Well, I'd like if you came to visit. I'm sure Dad would too. -TS

You: It is sad... I usually stay on the line with him until he hangs up. The first Christmas after our divorce was the worst. We were on the phone for almost an hour and neither of us said anything. - MS

Oh yeah, he does. He's got lots of issues but I'm glad he didn't force this one onto you. I love how compassionate you are. Now that's strong. - MS

Well, be patient and give him some room. There's not much else I can tell you. You never know with him anyway. Like I said, he's unpredictable. - MS

Alright, honey. We'll see each other on Sunday, okay? Tell your dad I said hi. - MS

Stranger: Geez... I didn't know that. -TS

Thanks, Mom. Guess I'm just trying /not/ to be like him. At least when it comes to all the things about him that upset me. -TS

Okay, Mom. I'll see ya Sunday. And I'll tell Dad hi for you. Love you. :-) -TS

You: And that's the right step. Always work on yourself but don't be too hard. You're already doing amazing. - MS

Love you too! Don't be late. - MS

I'm in a meeting and I'm /bored/. - HS

Stranger: So you text me, huh? Glad we're finally at the "I'm bored, entertain me" stage. -TS

Mom says hi, by the way. -TS

You: Finally? Wow, I'm so lucky that you like keeping me entertained. - HS

Ah, right. She should be back from her trip. How is she? - HS

Stranger: :-) There's no one I'd rather entertain, Daddy. -TS

She's good. Said she got to catch up with a lot of old friends. -TS

You: This would be a lot more fun if you were sitting next to me ;) - HS

You guys are probably seeing each other this Sunday like always, aren't you? Then I can spend the whole day catching up on work. I barely get anything done anymore now that we've moved our sex life upstairs. - HS

Stranger: Oh, I know it would be. I'd be playin' footsie with you under the table. -TS

Yeah, yeah. The usual Sunday brunch. -TS

It's not /my/ fault you're the horniest old guy in all of existence. I'd be perfectly content snuggling while you work, but you're always putting your hands somewhere naughty. -TS

You: But instead I'm stuck here with Obie. You think he'll go for it? - HS

When you get back, we can tinker in the lab together. And this time I'll be good. No naughty stuff. - HS

Stranger: Obie'll probably kick you in the shins if you start playing footsie with him. He'd hate it. -TS

Yeah? We can tinker in the lab a little. I'd like that. -TS

Not too long though, hm? I'm still holding out for takeout and space movies. -TS

You: He's no fun today... Apparently wife number three is a nagger and they've been fighting. - HS

How about we do that Monday? I really need to finish this thing until next week. - HS

Stranger: Dumbass needs to stop getting re-married. He gets divorced, then remarried in three months. He's gross. No offense. -TS

Ughhh, seriously? You told me tonight. You make me all upset, then promise me nice things, then take /away/ those nice things. -TS

Every time you reschedule on me, you just /keep/ rescheduling. By Monday, you're gonna have put it off 'til Wednesday. That's how it always happens. -TS

You: And he's already cheating on this one too. He might be a dumbass but he works hard. - HS

Tony, come on. Don't do that. You know how busy I am, baby. I've got a deadline for this thing but I've been so distracted.- HS

We'll watch our space movies... just not on Sunday, okay? - HS

Stranger: Ugh. He's /so/ gross. I seriously can't stand him. -TS

Sure, sure. I'll try not to be too disappointed when you never get around to it. Realistically, I should be used to it by now. -TS

Mom says I shouldn't get my hopes up because you like to take and not give. Which--I'm not trying to start a fight, I swear--you kinda /do/. You should try giving a little, y'know? It's like I said. Even getting away from work for an hour or two at night. To spend time with your son... boyfriend... whatever. Or to just relax. Y'know. -TS

You: I usually like him when he's not feeling you up at a party. - HS

We will get around to do it, okay? I promise. With all the take out you want and you don't even have to change the sheets afterwards. - HS

Whoa, are you serious? I gave you /life/ that should have been enough. - HS

Why don't you just come help me with my project? This way we can spend time together and I'll get done faster. - HS

Stranger: Ew--stop. I do not want to think about that. -TS

Mmm... Okay. If you say so. But I'm not getting my hopes up this time. -TS

Do not pull the "life" card on me. It's boring. Overdone. I didn't /ask/ for life. I could tell you a lot of shitty things you gave me too. Come on. No fighting. All I just was you should try and give a little more when you can. It wasn't supposed to be /rude/. -TS

Does your project include building a missile or a bomb? I'll help you if it's not deadly. -TS

You: You know where my bedroom is. If we haven't done movie night by Wednesday, I give you the permission to wake me up and force me to watch those movies with you. - HS

...Yeah, yeah. Okay. I'll give a little more when I can. Happy?- HS

The part that I need your help with isn't deadly. But that part is going to be a part of something bigger. - HS

So I'm guessing no? - HS

Stranger: It's not /fun/ if you're just cranky and annoyed the whole time, though. -TS

Yes. See? Was that so hard? -TS

Yeah, that's gonna be a no from me. Sorry, Dad. I'm just not gonna be your bomb boy anymore. I don't like it. -TS

You: It won't get to that. I'm sure Monday night will be good and I won't be cranky. I want this, too. It's not like I'm only doing this for you. Well, except for movies. - HS

Yes. All of this is hard but I'm doing it because you've been a really good boy lately. - HS

...Really? Not even if I pay you this time? It's a damn shame, Tony. You've got talent. - HS

Stranger: I'm just used to you /not/ wanting stuff like this. I'm just afraid I'm riding the high of you feeling bad for making me so upset last night. -TS

I'm always a good boy. So long as /you're/ a good boy, I am too. -TS

Nope. Sorry, Pops. Weapons aren't my thing. My little passion projects are loads more fun. And they don't kill anyone. And, y'know. Mom says I don't have to build weapons if I don't want to. So, I'm not going to. -TS

You: It's fine. I've done this to you before. I just get so busy sometimes... - HS

Hey! What happens if I'm not a good boy? You know that I have a really hard time being good :( - HS

Your little passion projects don't pay the bills though. At least not yet. - HS

So you're kind of useless to me right now. - HS

Stranger: I don't wanna hear it. Yeah, you're busy. Cool. Make time for your son slash boyfriend slash whatever the hell else I am to you. -TS

Well, when /you're/ not a good boy, you're mean to me. And then I get upset. And angry. And then I'm a brat. Domino effect, Daddy. -TS

Okaaaay. Don't call me useless. That's fucked up. -TS

You, a billionaire, can't complain that my projects aren't making money yet. They'll make you /loads/ of money eventually. Unfortunately, I don't have a team. It's just me. It takes longer. -TS

You: You're my favorite person right now and I'm already spending most of my free time with you, it's just not that much. - HS

Okay, I'll have to be a good boy too then. I don't want to be mean to you... - HS

It's just a fact. What can I do with your dumbass robots? Nothing. We already have a bunch of other projects that don't get any profit in. What I really need you to do right now is to help me with my work. - HS

Stranger: Your favorite person "right now". I would have been over the moon with the first few words. Then you tacked on "right now". -TS

You gonna have a new favorite person by dinner? -TS

Jesus. You're really gonna pick another fight? Right now? I already spent the whole morning moping around and crying. -TS

I don't wanna help you with your work. I don't wanna kill people. I think I'm already fucked up enough without the constant "I wonder how many people my weapons have killed?" buzzing around in my head. -TS

My robots are really fucking cool if you'd take the time to look at them when I try and show you. You should see what I'm working on right now. The most intelligent A.I. on the planet. He's got a personality. He /learns/. It feels like a real guy. I'm telling you my "passion projects" are gonna take off eventually. I'm 22 years old. I don't wanna throw away what I love to help my dad build his bombs that he has thousands of employees working on. -TS

You: I don't decide who my favorite person is! All I know is that right before you threw your legacy in my face, it was you. - HS

Okay, I don't want to pick another fight. That's not what this is about... and why would you even cry? I thought everything was fine after I apologized. - HS

You have to help me with my work though because lately I haven't been able to keep up and it's not like I trust anyone else with my sensitive designs. I don't need you to design them, I just need your help. Damn it, Tony. - HS

Stranger: Come on. I'm not throwing any legacy anywhere. Even you have to realize that these weapons aren't... good. I know you didn't have a choice. Grandpa started all this. I get it. And you can't just wake up and decide you're not gonna do the weapons anymore. -TS

I cried around before you apologized. It's fine. -TS

Dad. Seriously. It's gonna fuck me up if you make me help you with this stuff. I'm fucked up enough. You don't want my help. Please. -TS

You're smart. You can figure it out. What about Obie? Why don't you ask him to help? You've never cared about my opinion before. You don't need it. -TS

You: I was hoping that you'd eventually get to do something else but right now you don't have much of a choice either, Tony. I'm sorry. If I suddenly decided to stop making weapons, I'd lose the company. I'm sure no one would like to lose their money over a smart robot. - HS

I'm sorry you cried. Was Jarvis there? - HS

I honestly don't even want to hear it. I know that you don't want to do it but what am I supposed to do here? I've got a genius kid at home and yet I still have to trust complete strangers with my ideas. - HS

Obie doesn't know shit about it. - HS

I can't force you. I know that. I'm just asking you to reconsider. For me. You've already profited from it... it doesn't make that much of a difference now. - HS

Stranger: Jarvis was there, sure. Kinda weird not being able to tell him /why/ I was crying. He made me coffee. -TS

Please don't pull the "for me" card. Seriously. I don't wanna do it, Dad. I know I already profited off of it. I don't like that either. The difference here is that I'm not /directly/ profiting. -TS

I don't wanna be a war profiteer. I don't wanna build weapons. I don't even wanna start. If I get started on my shit /now/, by the time I inherit the company, I can start phasing out the weaponry. Believe it or not, I've thought really hard about what I was S.I. to be in the future. I don't want to get my hands bloody, Dad. -TS

I know you're mad. But I won't forgive myself if I start helping you on these projects. -TS

Mom told me you'd understand. /Please/, Dad. -TS

You: I'm sure he can tell why you're crying. He's probably just wondering what I did this time... - HS

I do understand, Tony. It's not like I want all these things but that's my life right now. I can't just say no. - HS

And sometimes you have to make sacrifices. For the company and for your family. If you can't do that then you're not the right man to run the company. - HS

I'll be in my lab getting my hands bloody. Don't come down here or I'll actually have to work the whole week through .- HS

Stranger: I'm fucking 22 years old. I shouldn't have to make sacrifices like this. I shouldn't have to sacrifice my goddamn morality and heart to make money. -TS

Jesus. You pick a fight even when I ask you not to. You're just incapable of being nice to me for more than a handful of hours at a time. -TS

You: This isn't about being nice. I dedicated most of my life to that company and you refuse to pull your weight, that's all I see right now. - HS

I'm just tired today, okay? I woke up hungover and upset. - HS

Don't worry I won't ask you again. - HS

Stranger: I'm pulling my fucking weight! You think I sit and work on my /dumbass/ robots solely because I get a kick out of it? I'm working on the /future/. -TS

It's not just about me. I'm not as selfish as you think I am. I'm trying to build something /new/. Something that can phase out the weaponry when you retire. I have the company in my best interests. I swear to god. But /my/ vision of the company is some place in the future. -TS

/That's/ why this works, y'know? You're you. Living in the present. Making sure the company's grounded. And I'm me. Working towards the future. Making sure the company's got somewhere to /go/ once I'm in charge. -TS

You: We all had dreams and plans that didn't work out. You shouldn't be living in the future like that or you'll end up making stupid flying cars and energy sources that don't fucking work. And they'll make you put them on display so people think that you're actually doing something meaningful beside the weapons but in the end you'll still end up having to build them. - HS

Like I said, I will leave you alone with this. I can't force you and it's not like I don't know how you feel. I just know how it turns out and I don't have time for you to make mistakes like that.- HS

I love you but you still have your head in the clouds- HS

Stranger: I know your dreams for the company didn't work out, Dad. I know you're still upset about it. But, you've gotta understand, you were so limited by the technology of your time. Technology evolves /so/ quickly these days. I really think I can handle everything I've got mapped out in my head. -TS

My head's not in the clouds. Maybe I'm a little optimistic, but that's because I'm /excited/. You should be stoking that excitement, not telling me it's just a dream of grandeur. -TS

Even if you don't have faith in me and what I wanna do, I do. I believe in myself. I'm one kid working by myself and I've got the biggest tech conglomerates in the world beat already. I really think the future's bright. -TS

You: I can't remember the last time I was excited for anything work related... It is a nice feeling. HS

Just promise me not to run the company to the ground, alright? At least make sure it's in good hands if your plan doesn't work out. - HS

I want to believe in you. But I also want a drink right now. - HS

Stranger: I'm not gonna kill the company. I'm gonna be smart about it. Promise. You'll probably still be around to kick my ass if I fuck up. -TS

No can do, Daddy. No drinking. I don't like it when you drink. Plus, you have work to do if you wanna make our Monday movie date. -TS

You: I'd feel a lot better if I knew that the company meant as much to you as it means to me, you know. I know you mean well but you just haven't been able to experience a lot yet. - HS

Come have a drink with me before I actually start working. - HS

Stranger: The company means a lot to me, Dad. Sure. I'm young. I'm sure I'll be more attached after I've /owned/ it like you. You can't be mad at me for not having the same experiences you have. I'm 22. -TS

You sure? You're not gonna be mean or harass me about your bomb or whatever? -TS

Just one drink, okay? I don't like when you drink too much. And neither does your work. -S

You: Okay. That does make me feel a little better. I'd love for you to prove me wrong but I also have to look out for you, right? - HS

No. You can sit down and watch me work like you used to. Maybe you'll need it one day. - HS

You've got it, boss. One drink. - HS

Stranger: Come watch you work, huh? It's been a while since I did that. You look cute when you concentrate. Maybe it's the glasses. -TS

You've got a lot of cute quirks. -TS

Alright. You already down? I can meet you in like five. -TS

You: I'm sure the last time you did that, it ended up with you on your knees. - HS

I haven't been called cute in years. Stop or I might get used to it. - HS

Yeah, I'm already here. Looking over the blueprints. - HS

Stranger: I'm sure I'll end up on my knees sometime tonight too. So you better plan for at least a ten, maybe fifteen minute break to fuck around with me. -TS

You are cute. I could just pinch your cheeks. All four of 'em. -TS

'Kaaaay. I'll be down in a few. -TS

You: I don't know about that. This whole company talk has me in a weird mood, okay? I just want to have a drink, work on my stuff and have my favorite person close by. - HS

You're funny. Calling a grown man cute.. - HS

Okay. And bring me the bottle of bourbon on my desk.- HS

Stranger: That's surprising. But, sure. I am the one who said not everything has to be about sex. I'll rest my head on your shoulder while you work, if you want. -TS

You are cute. Sorry, Pops. -TS

Will do. Bourbon from your desk. We need some glasses too? -TS

You: Yeah, you do that. I would like that. - HS

Just don't wanna be mean to you during sex.- HS

Bring the glasses too! If I'm only going to have one drink, I'll make it count. - HS

Stranger: Ooooh. Yeah. I'd hate that. You'd probably trigger the hell out out of me. Y'know what I mean. -TS

Bourbon and glasses. Got it. Anything else, your majesty? -TS

You: Yeah, that wouldn't be good. I'd feel guilty as hell. I like it better when I can take care of you. - HS

....Did Jarvis make dinner? - HS

Stranger: Yeah. Me too. I like when you take care of me best. -TS

Uhhh.... Yes? He might have? I can go check. Do you want me to bring dinner down too? -TS

You: Has that happened before? Did you freak out during sex? - HS

Yeah, bring dinner down too. I didn't exactly have the chance to eat today. - HS

Stranger: A couple times, yeah. But it's fine. I didn't wanna make a big deal about it. I wasn't about to ruin the moment or make you soft by saying something stupid. -TS

I only have two hands. I'll bring dinner, though. -TS

You: You're not making me soft by that. I just don't understand it, you know. I don't... that never happens to me. - HS

It's better if we have that drink later anyway. Dinner will just soak it up immediately. - HS

Stranger: Okay. If I get freaked out dinner sex again, I'll let you know, okay, Daddy? -TS

That's true. Keep you more sober. -TS

You: Oh, you mean that happened during sex with me? Seriously? I thought you meant it happened before me. Huh.- HS

I guess. All work and no play... - HS

Stranger: Oh--yeah. It's only happened once or twice with you. But it happened a lot more before we started all this. Talk about the biggest mood killer. -TS

You have /work/ and I want my movie date on Monday. -TS

You: I'll be more careful from now on. Nice and slow like you like it. - HS

I'm just messing with you. I'll wait until you're in bed. Deal? - HS

Stranger has disconnected.