( video; stark )

[inebriety]

[Tony and Loki staring at everyone with shiteating grins on this great fourth of July.]

We’re happy to present the American Eagle. Customized for this very celebration, Captain America’s birthday. It has many features. Note its colourful plumage and the fact that it can sing the national . . . anthem? I believe that is what it called. Though why a nation needs its own song, I know not.

[Tony rolling his eyes.]

Because God Bless America etc etc. Our great nation was created so we may all look upon those asses today.

And since I blessed it last year, I have come again to bless it once more. With this eagle and my continued presence to his ass.

[Presenting the burd. It starts to sing.



Tony meanwhile is taken aback.]

Wait what? When did you hit that? Which one?!

Comments

[livingsymbol]

Follow me? You think I need an animal companion?

[He's not sure if this is a joke at his expense or a nice gesture, but somehow it actually makes him feel at home. It feels like a gift even if it's more like a prank.]

[inebriety]

It'll help when you're trying not to fuss over something you can't control.

[livingsymbol]

[ That's actually sweet. Steve smiles. ]

Thank you, Tony. I suppose you're right. Sometimes I need the reminder.

[inebriety]

[Tony's just a fast thinker who can make up a good reason for a prank present.]

You're welcome. It's loud, flashy and in your face. It's the perfect distraction.

[livingsymbol]

[ And Steve is the type to take him at his word. There's no reason for him to doubt as far as he knows. ]

You think I need loud and flashy or is that just the two of you?

[inebriety]

You were moping just a while ago and you didn't want something that might have been useful.

So you get this instead.

[livingsymbol]

Mm. But he is useful.

[inebriety]

The Bridge would have been more useful.

[livingsymbol]

Mm, maybe, but I like him. He can keep me company.

[inebriety]

Why do you have to be one of those people who don't want something that had effort put into it and prefer the junk I thought up in 5 seconds?

[livingsymbol]

I appreciate everything you do, Tony. And the thought still counts, no matter what time you spent.

[He still believes Tony is a good man.]

I just don't want to put you through all that effort for nothing. I'm still figuring things out. I'd hate to make you waste your time.

[inebriety]

[The point is that the appreciation doesn't match to how much work he put into it!! It's devaluing his brain!!!]

I could redo it if you didn't like it. If I've spent this much time on something you didn't like I might as well work on it a little more until you do. Otherwise it's a waste, right?

[Saying things outright doesn't always seem to work with Steve so what if he just nudges him carefully this way?]

[livingsymbol]

The doorway or the eagle?

[Steve is confused by that. Somehow he's managed to hurt Tony's feelings, which he can only tell because he's seen a few Tonys with hurt feelings before, but he isn't quite sure how.]

I appreciate the gesture, Tony. It's not that I don't want it. I guess... To be honest, I spent a lot of time thinking about going back. When I first woke up. I would have really given anything to step back and get home. But now I realize that trying to get out isn't always the best answer. Or safe for anyone else.

We could work on it. I just don't want to make you work on something that ends up hurting you or anyone else because I was feeling selfish.