InsaneJournal

Who: Ben Hargreeves and Tony Stark
What: Meeting
Where: Tony’s Lab; Stark Industries
When: Wednesday Afternoon



Ben hadn’t been lying when he’d told Tony that he was willing to do anything to protect the people he loved from himself. He’d taken matters into his own hands once, and though it wasn’t the ideal way to go about it, he had done what he felt was necessary. Here, luckily, he had more tools at his disposal. His siblings were supportive in a way they hadn’t been at home (not that he could blame them, they were all teenagers when he’d died).

Even now, a week removed, he was still struggling with the Maze. That was his problem-- the reason why he didn’t respond to the Hero ideals as well as his siblings had-- his dad had told him that forever ago, he was too sensitive. Ben wanted to help people, but he seldom wanted to fight. He didn’t want to train, or release the Horror, or watch his brothers and sisters get injured in combat. His father had always been more concerned about the reputation of his “Academy” than the children actually in it.

Out of reflex, Ben’s eyes darted to the brand they all wore: the black inked tattoo they’d been forced to get before the age of 12. It was covered by a cast, that he’d had his siblings sign, and Klaus doodle on. It was almost a relief not to see it, as if it was the first time that Reginald couldn’t control him.

Ben had entered Stark Industries and was being guided up to one of Tony Stark’s personal labs. Stark Industries was an impressive building, more so even than the Manor, not that he would admit that outloud. He allowed himself to get lost in the things they passed, as to not get bogged down with the sudden nervousness of meeting the man. Both his brother, Five and Klaus, had talked highly of Mr. Stark. He’d helped Vanya, though the extent of Vanya’s power’s alluded Ben as he didn’t know she’d even had any until recently. Maybe the older man could help him too.

“Hi.” Ben greeted the man, as the doors swished open and he walked through. He didn’t know what else to say, and he stayed close to the doors, in case he was intruding. There was a slight flash back to the time that Ben had dared enter his father’s lab (though that had been mostly for medical purposes, and the mechanical maintenance on their mother), and how angry Reginald had been for the intrusion. Instinctively, Ben straightened his stance, but was ready to leave in a moment’s notice. “I’m Ben. It’s… nice to meet you.” He offered, with a tiny wave, intended to keep a distance from the man.