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entry_info={ .03 span:making_cake, engage:video }, username=stark.naked

[ when the feed clicks on, it looks as if Tony hasn't seen his actual skin in about thirty six hours (or a bed for that long, at that, but what else is new?). there is grease smeared more of less everywhere and his hair looks like it was styled using a fork and an electrical sock, but he is grinning and looks very pleased with life as he addresses the network.]

So, since the incident that happened a few months ago involving monsters and other bullshit, I have been trying to put together a defense system for the Quarantine that would act as a primary system to both alerting us about any predators that might get too close, as well as perhaps even as a system that can be used to stun said things for easier removal deeper into the forest. [ look, Loki, he is thinking this time.]

I have come up with a prototype, [ he moves slightly to gesture over his shoulder and, if you are looking close enough you might see a turret shape amidst all the chaos in his workshop, wearing a ridiculous red, blue, and white crown but whatever ] named it Cake so far, but-- well I know that I am not the only engineer here and I think that help would be greatly appreciated.

[ sure he is sure enough that he knows this will work, but it has taken him the better part of two months to get Cake here to the point where he was confident in its build and coding. and the Quarantine will need more than one for this to work.]

Basically, what I am asking for is anyone with any background in coding, or mechanical engineering to help out in the construction and streamlining of these defensive turrets; I have coding done, but more eyes the better. I have also managed to test it out a few time with the help of some friends, but-- I know you can never be too careful.

[ is he a little rueful there? maybe.]

Anyone that might be able to help, I would be very grateful. Swing by the perimeter defense office if you can to let me know.

[ he moves as if to turn the feed off before:]

Oh, and happy birthday Steve.

[ then, with a wink, the feed is shut off]

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[ there is a pause at that because... what? Tony blinks a few times before huffing a laugh and leaning in, smile on his lips.]

So you don't want me to sing to you then? Is that it?

[ it is easy teasing, even easier now that the worry has loosened from his chest. ]

I mean, the rib is still twinging but I am sure I can sing well enough.

You'd better not. I don't want you to distract your audience like that. I appreciate the thought, though. Thanks.

You did it. Should I come over and see how Cake it doing now?

[He is absolutely comparing this announcement to the other one, where Tony sounded very different.]

[ look Steve, you got him to laugh.]

Uh huh, it has nothing to do with how terribly I sing at all, I get it.

But that would be nice, I am sure Cake misses shooting you as well. You and Bucky. After this next round of trials, we should take him out again and let you two have fun.

[ he is better now, who knew making amends with your closest friend could help you feel like living a little more.]

Well, I didn't say it.

[ Steve is smiling as he murmurs that, which means he gets the joke and is returning it. See, Tony? They can still play their verbal games of catch. ]

I'd be glad to come around whenever you need me. Between Bucky and me, I feel bad for Cake, but I'm sure you'll cook up some surprises for us.

It's okay, I still remember the reaction I got last time I tried singing, I am not too hurt.

[ and that smile? is totally only going to brighten. wow, he really missed this, missed Steve.]

Mmm, I think it should be good in a few days, I probably shouldn't have something fire lasers at you on your birthday though. I think that is considered rude or something. Maybe if it were confetti... or cake! Cake should totally fire cake....

[ The teasing is familiar and easy. Steve laughs somehow feeling relieved and not exactly sure why. He knew Tony wasn't badly hurt and he had been acting more positive lately. What was he expecting? He doesn't really know, but somehow talking to Tony has made him feel better about it. ]

You probably shouldn't have your robot fire cake. Pretty sure it'll clog up the systems.

You have so little faith in my ability to create small cake projectiles, Steve. So little faith. They have cupcakes, why not ones that don't clog turret machinery?

[ the smile might just make his cheeks hurt if he keeps this up, the familiar banter and back and forth something that makes him feel more at home, more grounded, than he has in a while.]

If anyone can come up with it, you can, Tony. But I think that we might get better defense from something other than bakery munitions.

And you'll need something tougher than cupcakes to beat me.

[ Which is absolutely an invitation for Tony to test his limits. ]

Mm, probably. But who knows? Maybe the monsters will be so busy eating cupcakes that they forget about wreaking havoc? I mean, what a peaceful way to settle things.

[ no really, that isn't half a bad idea, maybe he should look into this idea... hmmm...]

Well I don't really want Cake to beat you, just give you a hard time. I should get you and Bucky to come at it at the same time, see how it does with multiple high-speed targets....

[ that is his thinking voice...]

[ He sees the way Tony's gaze shifts along with his tone, drifting into thought and he clears his throat. ]

Tony.

[ If he doesn't interrupt, he'll lose him completely. ]

I'm sure Bucky will be glad to help with the tests too. We'll both come over. Help you run those tests. Just try not to drown us in frosting.

What?

[ his gaze snaps back to Steve, eyes wide. look, it is a wonderful idea! maybe he should make addictive cupcakes or something to lure the monsters to places and then...

wait, Steve. talking. right.]

Okay, new target practice! Two against one! We can see how Cake handles that. I think I have the infrastructure of the actual turret design down, so this will be a good time to test it before I go and make a few more. The coding is still a little off, but it will work. And I still think frosting is the best idea.

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