They’re competition , but do not let that deter you . So are we .
Projections , holograms and drones filled the cavernous ceiling , creating an artificial sky of shining gadgets and twinkling electronics . Harry had made his best effort not to stare , look unaffected , keep his gaze fixed forward ---- but even then innovative inventions filled every other square-space , crook and cranny . His fingers twitched , deep in the pockets of his neatly pressed pants , resisting the need to adjust his tie .
Suddenly , his straight A’s seemed like child’s play . And that had been far from easy . Stark’s tech looked effortless , like the man had breathed it all into existence .
For the upteenth time , Harry shifted his gaze to find something that wouldn’t send him spiralling into an existential crisis ( which , in the middle of college , were already flourishing ) ---- and finally his prayers were heard . Thoughtlessly , boyish joy shattered his previously professional expression , smile warmer than it had any right to be at a business venture . Then , he noticed who Pete was standing next to ---- and his stomach jolted .
Otto Octavius . Of course he knew him . He had been the foundation of his father’s success , no matter how overshadowed his one appearance in their home was by Norman’s single-handed accomplishments . What had happened in between had always been brushed aside . Professional differences . When he was younger , Harry had taken it as the other man just being lazy . He knew the high expectations his dad held , and how easy it was to fail to reach them .
Then Harry himself had gotten into the field , and though they had never crossed paths , he’d kept an ear out for word of him . Fishing for secrets he wasn’t meant to know . Except what he’d found was the opposite of sinister . Octavius , if anything , was doing the sort of work Harry hoped to be doing . The kind that helped , rather than controlled . The kind he hadn’t been able to do ... or allowed to .
Drawing a quiet breath , feeling as if he was on the precipice of committing a small-time crime ---- he detached from his station at his dad’s side , whose attention was elsewhere , and carefully made his way across the floor . Touching him above the elbow , Harry's smile slipped easily back into place once his best friend turned around .
‘ Hey , Pete . Come to beg Stark for an internship after all ? I’m almost positive he doesn’t have a go-get-me-some-coffee ! drone , so you might actually stand a chance . ’ Eyes sparkling , amusement gave way to wonder as he looked at the machinery the pair had been studying . ‘ This stuff is crazy , isn’t it ? ... I’ve got some things I’m working on , but now ? I think I’ve got some tweaking to do . Like , years worth of tweaking . ’ Years ... Inside his pocket , his thumb pressed against his knuckle . Then , acting as if he’d only just noticed the older man , perplexion and embarassment flitted over his features in a perfect perfomance . ‘ Oh , jeez , I’m sorry ---- you’re already here with someone , aren’t you ? ---- I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure . ’
starter for @webquip / @octaviusindustries / @opportunityknocking
