05 § video;

[definingfuture]

[Tony starts out sitting in front of the console. He's a little slow to start up what he wants to say-there's an awkward pause beforehand like he's just sizing them up through the video itself.]

So, I've been busy lately. And I've gotten a little distracted by other things, but-

[Something catches in his throat and cuts him off. Tony clears his throat and tries to look casual and calm. He's distracted and maybe in need of some sleep, with his attention wandering from the feed, but he's not going to drop the flippant tone. Especially not now.]

But apparently there have been some strange disappearances lately, and those people might actually still be around.

[He seems to want to say more, but his heart isn't in it. Maybe he should be offering to try to help those semi-disappeared people. Probably. Unfortunately he can't make himself do that.]

That's not what I want to talk about. I need... [Don't finish that, Stark.]

I need someone who knows how to take care of flowers. Horticulture isn't my thing and I have some and I have to make sure they, they don't die, so if you have any advice, I could use it. That or animal counselors. I'm sure those exist out there somewhere.

[ooc: cw for mentions of child deaths and violent arguing.]

Comments

video;

[definingfuture]

Who's bluffing? I'm a genius, you know.

[Because he clearly has to inform everyone now. Just in case.]

You can spend your time grounded and collared. A week, right? No crying about it later.

[This definitely helps. It gives him a distraction from everything else. Hopefully it's useful to Jack too.]

Re: video;

[wintershepherd]

I think we ought to have some kind of genius Olympics here on the turtle, since it seems like anyone can just walk around claiming that.

One whole week.

[ If Tony's not going to back down, then Jack damn well isn't either! ]

Re: video;

[definingfuture]

Trust me, you do not want that. It'd get messy really fast.

But if you want to test me, I'm game. One week, provided you can bust it using cold.

[Well, Jack asked for it. Tony can devote some of his time to making a cold-resistant collar. And who's to say the technique won't come in handy later? He's sure that this is an appropriate use of his time and knowledge. No one is going to convince him otherwise, now.

Plus, he can say he beat the spirit of Winter later.]

Re: video;

[wintershepherd]

What, are smarts like contents under pressure?

[ He's just being a little smartass now. ]

Re: video; I meant "can't" >8|

[definingfuture]

Smarts are extremely sensitive. You can't take them lightly or you'll get reactions you never dreamed existed. Also, possibly a mess in ways you never expected.

[Being a smartass is good. That keeps Tony going.]

[wintershepherd]

Can you experiment with them? Put them through paces?

Seems like a project all on its own.

[definingfuture]

You'll just have to find that out in person. I'm pretty sure you don't want to, though. I won't lose. And I'd hate to see you embarrass yourself that easily.

[wintershepherd]

Not my smarts, I know I'd lose that one! But there are lots of really clever people around here.

[definingfuture]

Planning on getting help? I don't mind if you want to call in back up.

[And now he's just going to give him a hard time.]

[wintershepherd]

I'll have to assemble a team. Know anyone I can call with reasonable rates?

[definingfuture]

I might know someone who could help you out.

[wintershepherd]

I'm all ears.

See, I can say that kind of thing without Bunny around.

[definingfuture]

I'll give you a crutch. A few of the best I know.

I don't want you complaining about there being an unfair advantage later.

[wintershepherd]

Good! Help this old guy out.

[ A tease on the spirit's own age, then Jack smiles a little, less teasing and more reassuring. ]

We'll figure that out later, when I come over for this grand test, okay?

[ "Take care of yourself until then." ]

[definingfuture]

[Tony catches the unspoken sentiment behind what Jack says and pauses. He's not really trying to make friends, but he does appreciate the effort there. A smile manages to reach him, almost resigned.]

All right. I'll keep everything until then.

[And try to keep himself together.]

Later, Jack.