Damn, but this kind of interaction has always been Tony's least favorite part of the job. Pierce is as good as any other politician he's met, all warm smiles and overly friendly observations. He suspects if he held his hand out for a shake, it would come away with an oil slick on the palm. This thought keeps his hands pocketed, where he would've been obliged to offer it back home. Rank doesn't mean shit here.
Tony just offers a smile of his own, completely insincere. It strains at the edges at the mention of his mother, but he's not giving anybody the satisfaction of letting on to his displeasure.
"I think I'll stand, actually," he returns smoothly. He gestures for Pierce to resume his seat - he should really be careful with those old knees, of course - and genuinely wonders if Pierce will lower himself to Tony, or remain stubbornly standing. It'll be telling either way.
"Adjusting to your downgrade? I can't imagine they have you doing anything nearly as interesting as your work back home."
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Tony just offers a smile of his own, completely insincere. It strains at the edges at the mention of his mother, but he's not giving anybody the satisfaction of letting on to his displeasure.
"I think I'll stand, actually," he returns smoothly. He gestures for Pierce to resume his seat - he should really be careful with those old knees, of course - and genuinely wonders if Pierce will lower himself to Tony, or remain stubbornly standing. It'll be telling either way.
"Adjusting to your downgrade? I can't imagine they have you doing anything nearly as interesting as your work back home."