06 § video (backdated to Feb 10)

[definingfuture]

Well someone here has completely dropped the ball. I know there are at least a few people around who are rich and Earth-savvy enough to get everyone presents for the month. Maybe celebrate the break from so much cold or the coming of good fortune or something like that. We could use a celebration right about now.

At the very least, I'll try to do my part. [Tony gives the network a winning smile and holds up a small, strange-looking flower playfully. It almost makes the next part sound more like a joke than any real offer.] I've got a few too many of these, so if anyone would like to take them off my hands, I'll be happy to give you a discount.

And if you're available, Miss Frost, I'd love to spend some quality time with you. If your schedule will allow it, of course.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm personally missing my chocolate.

[He even winks at the feed before disconnecting.]


[Private messages to Arthur Curry, Shockwave, and Kyle Rayner]

[...Or just to switch directions.]

Afternoon. I've got a proposal for you. Give me five minutes when you've got them.

[End Messages]

[Private message to Annabeth]

So. I've been saving up my pennies--so to speak. I wonder if I could buy some of your thoughts?

[End Message]

[Private message to Bucky Barnes (616)]

I. [Cap. Forgive him.] I need you to do me a favor.

[end transmission]

Comments

[definingfuture]

Nothing's overly extravagant. I think this is just the right amount of extravagant for a gift.

[Ouch, Diana. And here he was trying to lighten the mood.]

I didn't realize people felt that strongly against a holiday with love as its theme. I'll give you one for free if it helps convince you I'm being sincere about this.

[mythically]

I can appreciate the spirit of the holiday. I take issue with the way it pits people against each other. Love shouldn't be a competition.

( her tone lightens, and she tilts her head. )

Are you not a very good salesman, then? If you're willing to just give things away.

[definingfuture]

Not a great fan of love being a battlefield?

[He smiles with a gentle, teasing expression.]

Oh, I'm a great businessman. [He's not sorry at all for saying so, either.] The best.

This isn't for business. It's for us. If I'm selling for profit, I'll sell myself. Better returns and everyone goes home happy.

[mythically]

So many things in life are. I always thought love should be the reprieve.

( her smile is wry, a little cynical. )

And so modest.

[definingfuture]

I just know what I can do. Where I'm from, the name "Stark" is an international household word and people know what to expect.

[He shrugs. Modesty is wasted at this point. Even if he tries, no one believes it, so he doesn't bother. Simple as that. But he's also not pushing this to boast.]

As for love... you're right. It should be. [This is says with a quieter tone.] Unfortunately, I've found that is rarely the case. So maybe a surprise gift, even if it is small, can give us one thing to smile about. Don't you think?

[There was more than one reason to this announcement, and the front he put on was still an attempt to encourage good morale.]

Maybe a reminder that we still have friends around.

[mythically]

I can appreciate gifts. ( she nods, graciously. )

If you're a friend, Mr. Stark, then I'm glad to meet you.

[definingfuture]

Well, I'd like to think I am. I'm not sure what the requirements are for that. And call me Tony. It's less... it works better.

[He stumbles over that, trying to sort out what he wants to say as he's talking.]

You've got some strong feelings about holidays. Or is it just this one, Miss...?

[mythically]

Tony, then.

You may call me Diana.

[definingfuture]

Diana. Nice to meet you, by the way.

Question still stands, though. Is there something wrong with me wanting to spread a little romance?

[mythically]

That would depend, really.

[definingfuture]

Really. On what?

[mythically]

Your intentions.

[definingfuture]

Do I look like I have bad intentions?

[mythically]

Not at all. But the strangest things tend to go wrong, here. It doesn't hurt to be careful.

[definingfuture]

Well, I can give you my word I'm not trying to do anything to upset the neighbors. I thought maybe we could use something a little more positive for a change, that's all.