IC CONTACT.

[osreborn]

(555 - 888 - 3010)

"Norman Osborn. If you're calling about a job interview, hang up now and call [ business phone number ]. Otherwise stay on the line and leave a message. I'll get back to you when I can."

beep!

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Comments

[enigmaestro]

Do I relish the fact that you heed my call, every time? Yes. Of course I do. But you're making innuendo out of an endearment.

You don't like hearing that, do you? How you're a beloved, well-worn plaything to me.

[osreborn]

You play coy, but I happen to know you're not someone who wastes your own time.

[enigmaestro]

[His tone is excessively theatrical.] Who told you that?

[osreborn]

What, am I wrong?

[enigmaestro]

I'm hardly offering you affirmation, one way or the other. You've this annoying habit of turning every phrase around to compliment yourself.

[osreborn]

Why should I compliment myself when you're here to do it for me?

How was your day?

[enigmaestro]

[-- What, he thinks. The gesture of comfort throws him, as he's sure it was intended.]

Just fine. I finally hadn't worked the full weekend.

[osreborn]

[ Norman tsks, equal parts jovial and idle. ]

Has the Mayor been overworking you?

[enigmaestro]

[Running the gauntlet:] He's punishing me because I was naughty.

[osreborn]

Having any trouble walking?

[enigmaestro]

You -- Norman!

[SHOCKED GASP.

SO SCANDALOUS.]

Why must everyone assume I take that position?

[osreborn]

The position of the deputy?

[enigmaestro]

Is that how you'd use your theoretical deputy, Norman?

[osreborn]

We're talking about how you do yours.

[enigmaestro]

Depends what face we put on him.

Let's use your face. Oh, he'd be on his knees groveling.

[osreborn]

You have ever the vivid imagination.

[ Very dryly. ]

[enigmaestro]

I'd have to give him credit, though. Rather hard to grovel with a leather muzzle strapped to the face.

[osreborn]

That's enough.

[enigmaestro]

He can squeeze out a few moans. Just barely.

[osreborn]

Nygma.

What are you after?

[enigmaestro]

Your discomfort.

Mission accomplished.

[osreborn]

Annoyance, not discomfort. There's a world of difference.

[enigmaestro]

You have that in common with Mitchell.

[osreborn]

I have nothing in common with Mitchell.

[enigmaestro]

Falsehood. [Blithely:] You're both men, presumably.