scripted_sra: Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, RDJ as Tony Stark, looking at each other. (marvel's the avengers: bruce/tony)
Sara ([personal profile] scripted_sra) wrote2012-09-26 11:55 pm

Marvel's The Avengers | Slow News Day | PG-13 | Tony/everyone

Title: Slow News Day
Fandom: Marvel's The Avengers (2012)
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Tony/everyone, hints of everyone/everyone
Summary: Tony Stark is no stranger to the media, no matter what universe he's in.
Word Count: 2,550
Disclaimer: All copyrighted material referred to in this work, and the characters, settings, and events thereof, are the properties of their respective owners. This work is not created for profit and constitutes fair use.
A/N: This a companion to [personal profile] bookblather's excellent fic, Stark Spouse #N, set in an alternate universe where polygamous couples are the norm (though Tony, of course, still manages to be unique). This was ridiculously fun to write, almost as fun as hers was to read. Definitely check it out! Thanks to her and to Kelly for reading this over.


Which indiscriminate playboy and his long-time BFF tied the knot in Vegas this weekend, after a long, long night of partying hard and drinking heavily?

This marks the first marriage for each of these two lovebirds, but given the participants involved and their not-so-auspicious beginning, sources close to the couple are already wondering how long it’s really going to last.

Though this particular media attention magnet has dealt with his share of public outcry, a possible looming future divorce would still easily become the biggest and most potentially disastrous public relations scandal of his career.

One supposes he didn’t stop to consider this before downing those shots and saying, “I do.”

---


“Ms. Potts! Excuse me, Ms. Potts! Do you have a moment?”

Pepper gave the camera her most professional smile as she made her way to the elevator. “I’m afraid not. Excuse me.”

“We just have a couple questions about your recent engagement to Mr. Stark,” he pressed on. “There are rumors that you accepted his proposal under duress, that there’s coercion involved, he’s forcing you into it. We’re just trying to find out if there’s any truth to these allegations.”

“Oh, is that what you’re doing?” she asked, tone deceptively even. The elevator doors opened and she stepped inside. “Well, I will say that I encourage anyone worried about my well-being to voice their concerns directly to me, so I can properly reassure them in person.” She smiled at the camera again. “Have a nice day.”

The elevator doors closed.

---


“So, Stark and Banner, this is—what? What’s your take on this?” the host, Will McKinnon, asked his first guest—Ronald Boxer.

“It looks good,” Ronald said promptly. “That’s all. PR. Dr. Banner is a cut-rate scientist, and practically a liability as the Hulk, so sooner or later everyone’s going to question why he’s even an Avenger in the first place. This, perhaps, postpones those questions for awhile—it’s the only thing that makes sense.”

“Do you agree, Matt?” Will asked his second guest.

“I actually think Dr. Banner is just bought and paid for,” said Matthew Trilby. “Sources say that Stark just gave him a brand new, top-of-the-line, private lab in Stark Tower, and he is not the kind of guy who does something like that out of the goodness of his heart. There’s clearly some kind of quid pro quo. PR would explain some of it, but not all, I don’t think.”

“Two very interesting theories,” said Will, nodding, and turned to his last guest, Nicole Wetherby. “What about you, Nicole? What do you think?”

“I’m more interested in the cultural ramifications than speculating about personal motives,” she said, giving him a wan smile. “The interesting thing is that, following this announcement, Stark Industries’ stock jumped—”

“Temporary,” said Matt, dismissively.

“Probably, but it is interesting. I think underscores a broader cultural picture—that people really want to see the Avengers as a unit. Two of them getting married—it speaks to that.”

“So you agree, it’s a PR stunt,” said Ronald.

“I didn’t say that,” she said.

“But you just said, it makes us, the people, more inclined to like them. That’s what PR is all about.” He shrugged. “It’s like a TV show hiking up the drama during Sweeps to boost ratings. That’s all.”

“I think Mr. Stark and Dr. Banner, whatever their reasons—”

“For this financial transaction,” interrupted Matt.

“I think none of us know,” she continued, her smile strained. “I think they probably got married for the same reason that most people get married, because that’s what people do, but I think it’s more interesting—”

Matt scoffed. “You can’t be one of those idiots thinking this is true love—”

“The man holding a decade-long grudge against Mr. Stark because he fired him for gross incompetence does not get to call me an idiot,” Nicole said, voice icy.

“Now, now, there’s no need—” started Ronald.

“No, you’re just as much of a punch line,” she cut in, standing. “Dr. Banner consistently showed you up in college, and you’re still bitter. This entire segment is a farce.”

She stalked off the set.

---


POP CULTURE REDUX: A lot of people were really surprised, and maybe a little concerned, about your first marriage—about Captain America’s first marriage—being to Mr. Tony Stark, someone who already has three spouses, because of the implications that brings. Can you comment at all about that, and if that consideration factored into the decision in any way?

STEVE ROGERS: Well, first of all, this isn’t my first marriage.

POP CULTURE REDUX: Oh? You’re already married?

STEVE ROGERS: I am. Back before I was Captain America, when I was just Steve, I married my best friend, Bucky Barnes. We were eighteen. He, unfortunately, died in the war.

PCR: Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that. He died in World War II?

SR: Thank you. Yes, that’s right. And I think this is important to note, because the truth is, most of the time, I’m not Captain America. I’m just Steve, a guy who’s trying to live his life. Sure, my life is far from normal, and I am very aware that I’m a symbol, that Captain America is a symbol, but I don’t think that symbols should overshadow real people, you know? Symbols are only as good or as helpful as they are genuine.

I also think that this particular implication you’re talking about—uh, the idea that Tony doesn’t love me as much as he loves Rhodey [James “Rhodey” Rhodes], Pepper [Virginia “Pepper” Potts], or Bruce [Banner] because he married them first? I think that’s just ridiculous.

So with those two things in mind, even if this—that is, me marrying Tony—had been my first marriage, my concern would not have been about any societal implications. My concern would have been, and was, about the fact that I love Tony, and Tony loves me, and we wanted to marry each other. And as much as I love America, when it comes to my personal life, that’s always how it’s going to be. I can and would give my life for my country, but I’m not going to give up my identity, you know?

---

beginning

Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                  1m
oh my god everything is beautiful and nothing hurts
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Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                  3m
what what what is happening is that a TIGER?
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Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                  6m
are those ACROBATS?
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Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                19m
everything here is larger than it should be
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Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                21m
and I’m already sorta drunk
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Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                22m
Okay the booze here is ridiculous…I think I just drank alien ale.
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Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                25m
…I didn’t know they made wine glasses in that size.
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Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                29m
And now *Thor* is making out with Captain America. This is the best party ever.
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Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                33m
Now I think he’s making out with Captain America…well, spouse #4.
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Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                36m
I just met Tony Stark!!!!!!!!
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Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                41m
SPOKE TOO SOON. That idiot went down FAST.
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Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                51m
I count at least eighteen people who could kill me with their pinkies. Do they really think someone’s
gonna start shit HERE?
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Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                  1h
Also, tons of backup dancers.
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Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                  1h
There are ten different bands.
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Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                  1h
OH MY GOD, JARVIS JUST TALKED TO ME.
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Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                  1h
Oh my god, I’m walking inside Avengers Tower.
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Jacqueline @jackiejumpedover                                                                                                                  3h
So. A wedding reception for Thor and *Tony Stark*? This is going to be *epic*.
Expand

---


Warren Combs
Just heard Tony Stark is marrying Jane freaking Foster. First Banner, now her. Why does Tony Stark get all the hot scientists?
LikeCommentMonday at 6:39pm

6 people like this.

Allison Schall Because…he is one?
Monday at 6:47pmLike

Warren Combs Do you think they have science dirty talk?
Monday at 6:50pmLike

Rachael Taggart omg, i hope so. yeah, imagining that…i’ll be in my bunk.
Monday at 6:58pmLike

Colin Young Ugh, so sick of hearing about this. It’s his SIXTH ONE, the sheen has worn off, guys.
Monday at 7:02pmLike

Allison Schall Uh, the point is that all a person’s marriages are important, be it the first or eighteenth.
Monday at 7:09pmLike

Colin Young Protectors are so deluded if they really believe that. Then again, they think marrying everyone and their brother is the way to ~fulfillment~ so idk why I’m even surprised.
Monday at 7:11pmLike

Allison Schall At least our religion allows for the possibility that the Earth is more than 6000 years old. Just saying.
Monday at 7:19pmLike

Warren Combs Hey, hey. This post is supposed to be about sexy science love, not religious debate. Take it to messages if you want to have it out.
Monday at 7:27pmLike

Rachael Taggart also the truly important question is: if Stark, Banner, and Foster are in a room together, which is more likely to be happening: sex or science?
Monday at 7:39pmLike

Persephone Quinn …it can’t be both?
Monday at 7:50pmLike

---


A DESPERATE TONY STARK TRIES AGAIN

That’s right, ladies and gentlemen: billionaire mogul Tony Stark has just announced engagement number seven, this time to recent grad student Darcy Lewis. Unsurprisingly, Ms. Lewis is already married to two of Mr. Stark’s other spouses: Jane Foster and Thor Odinson.

It’s common knowledge by this point that none of these so-called marriages are genuine. There is considerable evidence that Mr. Stark, a man of substantial means, has been paying off each and every one of his supposed true loves in increasingly desperate attempts to hide his real nature. It’s just too bad everything linking him to various and sundry underground Christian cult organizations can’t be bought, huh? We’re not fooled, Mr. Stark.

We do have a word of advice, though: Maybe if these ‘marriages’ of yours weren’t so incestuous, we’d all buy the act a little more.

---


Re: Tony Stark is a prime example of the evils of polygamy/Six Truths run rampant

Dude, are you kidding me with this? I’m as Christian as they come, but Tony Stark is probably the worst example you could have used here. For one thing, the man is a billionaire. If you’re going to go on a whole screed about how financially irresponsible polygamy is, maybe not pick someone who could literally afford to marry half a million people before making a noticeable dent in his net worth.

For another thing, he’s pretty damn secular. None of his weddings have been overly traditional, and he’s admitted in countless interviews that he’s, at best, a Solstice Protector, and that he finds it hard to believe in any kind of divine creator(s) without proof.

Lastly, the Maria Stark Foundation is one of the few Six Truths-affiliated charitable organizations that does not object to working with Christian charitable organizations, provided they have anti-discrimination policies in place. (And, frankly, as a queer Christian, I appreciate that a lot.)

Please get another scapegoat. You’re making the rest of us look bad.

---


It’s hardly news at this point, an announcement that Tony Stark is getting married—this one marks the ninth such occasion, to fellow Avenger Clint “Hawkeye” Barton.

Still, we here at SixBySix.com wish the eccentric billionaire and his newest intended the best of luck.

We promise our wishes are sincere, even as we idly wonder if Tony Stark thinks he’s going to get some kind of prize for collecting the whole set. A commemorative pen, perhaps? Maybe an engraved plaque upon receipt of all five marriage licenses? The possibilities are endless.

All kidding aside: congratulations, Mr. Stark, Mr. Barton, and may you have many happy returns.

---


Marriage is sacred. That’s a core tenet of our religion, the idea that to love many is to love like the Gods themselves, to nurture our families as the Six nurture us.

Once you start marrying everyone in your immediate vicinity, marriage becomes less sacred and more like a game. It becomes a formality, a convenience, maybe even a novelty, and that is something I consider unacceptable.

Tony Stark is a notable secularist, yet he’s being touted as the quintessential Protector, and I, for one, would like to clearly stake my distance from this man’s irresponsible brand of polygamy. The practice is supposed to be about family, deep connection, and love, not seeing if you can collect the most toys.

That may sound harsh, but this is about our children. It’s not a game of Pokémon.

Click to continue reading ‘Gotta Catch ‘Em All: Why Tony Stark Is Not a Protectorate Role Model’...

---


Marie glanced up when Paul started laughing, hard, at whatever he was looking at on his computer. “Did you finally crack under the pressure?” she asked him, idly.

He just kept laughing and shook his head, beckoning her over. Raising her eyebrows, she stood and made her way over, hovering right behind his chair. Leaning in, she squinted as she read what was pulled up—a statement from Stark Industries’ press liaison.

Marie slapped a hand against her forehead the second the information sunk in. “Again?” she said. “He’s seriously getting married again?”

“Yep!” Paul said brightly, still letting out the occasional giggle. “Gods, I owe Penny fifty bucks. I was so convinced he was going to stop at ten!”

She snorted. “If it were anyone other than Tony Stark…hey, do you think we could just recycle a previous reaction piece? Search and replace the soon-to-be new spouse’s name?” She paused for a second, considering. “Or would that be fundamentally wrong?”

Paul giggled again. “I think that would fall under ‘fundamentally wrong,’ yeah.”

“Yeah,” she said, sighing. “You’re probably right.”

---


“What do you have to say to the people who say you’re not a role model for Protectors?”

“That’s a gross mischaracterization,” said Tony, easily. “I’m not any kind of role model. Singling out a particular brand of role model I’m not is just incredibly misleading.”

There was a smattering of laughter, and then another question: “Do you have any response to the allegations that your marriages are for show, intended to cover up a Christian background?”

“I’d like to meet the sort of person who looks at me and goes, ‘That guy, right there? Yeah, the one with eleven spouses? He’s definitely a secret Christian monogamist, it couldn’t be more obvious,’” Tony replied. “Truthfully, though, I just love it. I have a couple of those articles framed. They’re hilarious.”

“Is this it as far as marriage goes?” asked another reporter. “Or do you think you’ll get married again?”

“Why, are you proposing?” Tony asked, to more laughter. “Who knows? I didn’t plan to have eleven spouses. Hell, if you ask Pepper, I never plan anything.” More laughter. “It depends on what happens. I can say without out a doubt that I love all the people I’ve married—that’s what they all have in common. That’s the X factor.”

A thoughtful pause fell over the room, and Tony shifted slightly, pushing up his sunglasses and breaking out a rakish grin. “Now, next question, and this time I promise not to be so sincere.”
geena: (Default)

[personal profile] geena 2012-09-27 04:47 am (UTC)(link)
I WANT TO GO TO A STARK PARTY. Like, I am not even kidding, Sara. Half of my life goals amount to hanging out and drinking with Tony Stark.

oh my god everything is beautiful and nothing hurts

BEST.

Uuuugh, I even hate fictional Facebook, but this does make me think of sexy science and sciencey sex, so I love it. Whole new meaning to DOING SCIENCE, though.

A DESPERATE TONY STARK TRIES AGAIN

So, I simultaneously love this section and want to punch the fictional author, so good job!

“What do you have to say to the people who say you’re not a role model for Protectors?”

“That’s a gross mischaracterization,” said Tony, easily. “I’m not any kind of role model. Singling out a particular brand of role model I’m not is just incredibly misleading.”


I love this, I love your Tony, I don't understand because everything is so beautiful.

THIS FIC. THIS 'VERSE. ALL OF THIS (I'm sort of waving my hand at the screen in a vaguely circular motion). ALL OF THIS IS GOOD.

I love it. I want to hug this in glee.
subluxate: Sophia Bush leaning against a piano (Default)

[personal profile] subluxate 2012-09-27 05:04 am (UTC)(link)
... I don't know if I like the Twitter or Facebook section better.

THOUGH right up there is the "omg Tony's a ~secret Christian~!" and the one from the Christian guy arguing against the one making Tony a scapegoat.

I looooooove this. Love love love, man. And I really, really love Tony's subtle "screw you" to the press at the end; highly fitting.

Amazing job.
bookblather: A picture of Yomiko Readman looking at books with the text "bookgasm." (Default)

[personal profile] bookblather 2012-09-28 12:14 am (UTC)(link)
Dear blind item writer: since when did Tony ever think about ANYTHING before doing it, come on. Also, not subtle.

PEPPER YOU ARE THE BEST EVER. Do people still not understand that Pepper can coerce Tony into doing anything she wants and he can't coerce her into doing a damn thing? Because Pepper rules the world. And knows everything.

Nicole, you're my favorite. Dear Tony; hire her to do your PR. She's much better at it than you. bought and paid for my ass.

STEVE PRECIOUS BABY YOU ARE ALSO THE BEST EVER. PRECIOUS BABY.

Jacqueline's live-tweeting Thor and Tony's wedding gets more hilarious every time I read it. I love her. I want to buy her a pony. Maybe Thor will. I do want to know why there's a tiger there. Because Tony is an acceptable answer.

I tried to hit "like" on Persephone's comment about five times. And ten points to Warren for sexy science love. SO MUCH SEXY SCIENCE LOVE.

The conspiracy theory one continues to make me choke on my own spit. Tony's not a secret anything, guys. I'm frankly surprised he maintained his secret identity in the comics for so long.

I also like that Christian kid, he or she or they deserve hugs. I mean, where is the problem here? Tony can afford it, he does love every single one of them, there are children (read, daughters) from every single marriage, he can multitask like a boss and can make sure none of them feels neglected... I genuinely don't see any problem here. He was like, built for Poly AU.

SixBySix has the best jokes. I hope someone does send Tony a commemorative plaque.

Tony would like to make everyone aware that he's not interested in being a role model. Fuck being a role model, being a horrible warning is so much more fun. Although his brand of polygamy totally isn't irresponsible unlike almost everything else he does, see above.

BAHAHAHHA THAT LAST ONE

TONY I CHANGED MY MIND YOU ARE MY FAVORITE. FOREVER. PROMISING NOT TO BE SO SINCERE. BEING IN LOVE WITH EVERY SINGLE ONE. TONY, I LOVE YOU. FOREVER.

In related news this is the best thing ever and I adore it.
bookblather: A picture of Yomiko Readman looking at books with the text "bookgasm." (Default)

[personal profile] bookblather 2012-09-28 01:06 am (UTC)(link)
Well, the Christian kid is going to have a happy ending BECAUSE I SAID SO. Would he like to date Jack? Jack would like to date him. Jack is also (surprisingly) monogamous even if he's not technically Christian so...
bookblather: A picture of Yomiko Readman looking at books with the text "bookgasm." (Default)

[personal profile] bookblather 2012-09-28 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
YES I HAVE but Jack has some issues? Namely that he will sometimes prioritize his sisters, and also, he can get depressed and disappear very very quickly. But hey, if Christian Guy is up for it...
bookblather: A picture of Yomiko Readman looking at books with the text "bookgasm." (Default)

[personal profile] bookblather 2012-10-07 07:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Sooooo new headcanon, Christian Guy is Felix.
lonespark: Cassidy from "Far Beyond the Stars" (Default)

This is fantastic!

[personal profile] lonespark 2012-10-02 02:19 pm (UTC)(link)
I like the sexy science part best. I love this kind of...documentary? Epis...something?... fic. And what a great universe. I will have to read the companion story, too.
justice_turtle: Image of the TARDIS in a field on a sunny day (Stargate dreamsheep)

Re: This is fantastic!

[personal profile] justice_turtle 2012-10-15 02:48 am (UTC)(link)
"Epis...something?... fic."

Epistolary? Although I think "documentary" is probably a bit closer to what it is; epistolary is specifically letters iirc, this is... not. *g*
isweedan: White jittering text "art is the weapon" on red field (Default)

[personal profile] isweedan 2012-10-25 01:17 am (UTC)(link)
Lovely read!
sarcasticsra: A picture of a rat snuggling a teeny teddy bear. (Default)

[personal profile] sarcasticsra 2012-10-25 02:17 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you!