maskormenace | 001; Video

[The feed starts, showing Normie sitting out on the balcony of his residence. He's dressed in a beige t-shirt over a green long-sleeved shirt, and his wavy brown hair (the signature Osborn look) slightly mussed. ...Did something on his shoulder just move? Nah, just your imagination, 'cos it's not now. Normie gives a little lopsided smile to the camera.]

Hey there. [Small wave.] My name’s Norman Osborn, and uh, according to my file I'm apparently a genealogist now. Well, "Family Genealogy Researcher," but I'm pretty sure that's the same thing. I don't think anyone seeing this will really need one, but honestly I don't know too much about genealogy so I'd appreciate any help anyone can give, even if it's just pointing me in the direction of the nearest library. Oh right, I'm in Nonah, so that would be the library there.

[He leans over to turn off the feed, then suddenly stops and resumes his original position.]

Before I forget, I'm looking for the location of the nearest junkyard, or maybe a pawn or thrift store that might have some broken electronics I can take off their hands. I'm also looking to buy some welding equipment. I need them for...

[For a fraction of a second, there's a crazed smile stretched across the young Osborn's face. However, just as quickly as it comes, it's gone, replaced by the lopsided grin that had been there all along.]

...reasons.

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[ Even Norman is taken briefly aback, although he gets over it pretty quickly; he's well aware of the existence of another Norman Osborn where he come from, although one he hadn't really seen since the boy's toddler days.

Is it possible? Well, yes. Probable? It doesn't really matter; Normie's other conversations are proof enough of identity. ]

It's obvious this is going to get confusing. So you're going by Norman now? [ He says it good-naturedly enough, because who would he be if he couldn't turn that paternal tone on and off? ] It really has been a long time.

[It's one thing to be told that his grandfather is wandering around this strange place he's suddenly found himself in, it's quite another to actually see him on screen, talking. Careful to keep the motion off screen, he balls his hands into fists and tries to steady his quickly-beating heart.]

Grandfather. I had heard rumors you were around. So nice to see you.

[You aren't the only one who can fake it, gramps.]

Well, that is the name my parents gave me. I can hardly run the Osborn Corporation going by a childhood nickname, can I?

[He refuses to even humor that last part. As far as he's concerned, it hasn't been long enough.]

[ Faking it is a crucial part of the Osborn DNA. It's strange to see his grandson all grown up like this, all logic aside. Norman has very little frame of reference to know what to expect from him now that he'll have grown into his own personality, unless it isn't only in looks that he takes after Harry so strongly. ]

It's always nice to see family. I'm sure you're tired of hearing it, but you really do look just like Harry.

[ Who Norman assumes must be dead if Normie's already running the business, or retired exceptionally early. Either way: Typical Harry. ]

We'll make it work -- no sense in disappointing them. Or is it just you and your mother now?

Yes, my mother always used to say that. Though I would say that more people compare me to you.

[Which Normie doesn't take as a compliment. Just in case you weren't sure, Norman.

He gives his best Osborn grin.]

I'm making it work. I'm afraid it's only me and my step-father, Franklin Nelson. A wonderful man but he never did have a head for business. Just law.

Of course they do. Your name is Norman; they know what sort of shoes you have to fill.

[ What shoes he should be expected to fill. Norman considers that for a moment himself, immediately outlining the ways he might use Normie's appearance here to his advantage in the future. He'll have to continue to feel out possibilities. ]

You sound well on your way to filling them already. [ Have an Osborn grin in return, the perfected balance of appearing both friendly and threatening at once. ] I suspect business-sense must skip a generation.

They can say whatever they want. I will carve my own path to greatness.

[Because over his dead body will he be filling your shoes. He tried that once, and it's still his biggest regret.]

Just because someone's lacking in business doesn't mean they don't make up for it in other areas. [Watch your mouth, grandpa. Don't you be talking about his dad like that.]

What sort of greatness is that? You mean running my company now that Harry can't? Or are you going to try something more novel like owning a coffee shop?

[ Norman's expression barely changes, although the grin recedes into a mere smug sort of smirk. ]

You're right. I'd hate to suggest otherwise. [ He pauses, brows furrowing briefly as if he's contemplating something. ] Which reminds me. I hope you know that if you're struggling with anything I should know about, I'm always available. You aren't, are you?

Norman.

I don't know yet. I've only just started down the road. But my mother's company has been thriving for years under her leadership, and continuing that tradition is just the start. But perhaps you're right. Perhaps I should take your advice and start my own coffee shop. Starbucks is due for some direct competition.

[His smile never falters. If anything, it gets bigger. You don't scare him anymore.]

Thank you for your concern, but following my mother's death I finally figured out exactly who I am. Don't worry, grandfather, your legacy will live on through me. [At least in the sense that he's single-handedly bankrolling Phil's entire Goblin operation. Because technically without his money there would be no Goblin.]

[ Norman's eyebrow quirks upward slightly, something in his smirk tensing for just a moment at the implication that his company could ever be considered belonging to Liz Allan(-Osborn).

No.

HELL no.

Okay but -- calm down. Norman knows Normie said that expressly to piss him off, but he's not about to fall for it. He says: ]

You mean had been thriving. [ It'd be interesting to know how she'd died. ] Though I'm relieved to hear that at least you had someone to set an example. No coffee.

[ It's difficult to get a solid read on Normie this way, and so soon, but Norman feels he sees what he needs to see. Like Harry had, Normie has somehow fallen under the impression he's outgrown Norman. An easy mistake, if neither of them has seen the other since Normie was a child. Plenty of time to absorb other influences. ]

Would you meet with me? I'd like to see my grandson in person after so long.

Has. There was no decline in profits from my mother's death to the day I took the reigns.

[The thought of spending time alone with Norman sends a chill down his spine, but declining would be a sign of weakness. And he's not going to let his grandfather win.]

I'd love to. Do you know of any good places we could meet up to eat? I'm kind of hungry.

[Because at least then they'll be in public.]

You can relax. I wouldn't undermine my company's continued success -- that's something I like to hear. Even better if it stays that way.

[ Norman's grin spreads across his face again, as if renewed. The company doesn't matter right now, of course; it's not here. But they are. ]

I'll make reservations. Why don't I meet you in Nonah in, say, an hour?

I can't see how you would be able to undermine my company's success either way.

[It's his now, no takebacks.]

It sounds like a plan.

( If this works for you! I can make any necessary changes, too. )

001; Video

VIDEO/PRIVATE.

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would you like a log?

yes please <3

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