Tony’s first response? Hang up. It was strong and it was visceral and he really hated the way his stomach twisted up just at hearing Steve’s voice. “Bit formal. Even for a centenarian.” Finer words had and would again be spoken, but not by Tony Stark and not at this moment. He wanted to kick himself. “Did you manage to un-ruin the rest of your birthday? Set off some firecrackers in the yard and run hoops down the street with a stick?”

His attempts to be amusing were not so much and he could feel the strain because of it. Maybe that was why he subconsciously did what Steve predicted he would not do.

“Thanks for the card. It’s going in my unmentionables drawer with a sache of lavender. I was hoping for some wildflowers pressed between the note but I guess you’re just losing your charm.”

Smoooooth.

“Anyway, I have a new idea for a bike engine. I’m coming over tomorrow to install it in your Harley.”