The Dark Matter Sage

Tony leaned against the counter, scrolling through his phone as he absentmindedly sipped a beer. The week had been relentless—a blur of work, frustration with his training, and restless nights. He was still grappling with the intricacies of sensing dark energy in every moment. The hum was there, but his ability to hold onto it felt like trying to catch fog in his hands. Exhausting didn't begin to cover it.

His phone buzzed, jolting him from his thoughts. It was Jay.

"Hey," he said, answering. "What's up?"

Her voice on the other end was playful but tinged with an edge. "What's up is that I haven't seen my boyfriend in over a week. What's the deal, Tony? You dodging me?"

Tony smirked. "Dodging you? Never. Just been... busy."

Jay snorted. "Busy doing what? Saving the world or something?"

"Something like that," Tony teased. "What, you miss me?"

"Obviously," Jay shot back, her tone mock-serious. "And I want you to make it up to me. I'm talking serious spoiling, Tony. 

Tony raised an eyebrow, leaning against the fridge. "Decadence, huh? Big word for someone who usually just wants tacos."

"Don't test me," Jay warned, though her laughter betrayed her amusement. "You've got a week, Carter. Impress me."

Tony grinned, his mind already racing with ideas. "A week, huh? Alright. But I'm not just gonna impress you—I'm gonna wow you."

"Big words," Jay said. "I'll believe it when I see it. I want to be surprised."

"Oh, you will be," Tony replied. "Trust me."

After the call ended, Tony sat on the couch, his grin fading into thoughtfulness. He'd promised Jay, and now he had to deliver. His brain cycled through ideas, rejecting most of them as uninspired.

"Roomie," he said aloud. "You there?"

"Always," Roomie replied smoothly. "What troubles you?"

"I need your... unique skills to help me plan something big for Jay," Tony said. "Something over-the-top. Think luxury. Think unforgettable."

"Define 'big,'" Roomie said, its tone tinged with curiosity.

"Big enough to make her forget I've been working too much," Tony replied, rubbing his chin. "I'm talking private dinners, luxury hotels, the works."

There was a brief pause as Roomie processed. "Your goal is to create an experience of excess and indulgence tailored to Jay's preferences. I can assist by accessing data on high-end experiences in your area."

Tony grinned. "Let's do this."

Roomie quickly compiled a list of luxury activities, but the process of narrowing them down turned into a back-and-forth negotiation.

"Private yacht rental," Roomie suggested.

"Too much," Tony said, shaking his head. "Jay likes the ocean, but she'd want something more active. Next."

"Exclusive wine-tasting tour."

"She's more of a cocktails-and-dancing girl."

"Chartered jet to Las Vegas for a weekend."

"Too cliché."

The back-and-forth continued until they landed on a comprehensive plan that felt perfect. It was indulgent without being over-the-top, tailored to Jay's love of food, adventure, and luxury. Tony read over the final itinerary, a grin spreading across his face.

"This," he said, pointing at the screen, "is going to blow her mind."

Throughout the week, Tony couldn't resist dropping hints to Jay about the upcoming weekend. The two of them were sprawled on the couch one evening, Jay scrolling through her phone while Tony pretended to read.

"So," Tony said casually, "what's the fanciest thing you've ever done?"

Jay glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "What? Why?"

"Just curious," Tony said with a shrug. "Dinner at a nice restaurant? Fancy hotel? Helicopter ride?"

Jay narrowed her eyes. "You're fishing."

"Am I?" Tony asked, his tone innocent. 

Jay set her phone down, leaning toward him. "You better not ruin the surprise, Carter. I mean it."

"Relax," Tony said, smirking. "You'll just have to wait and see. But, uh... maybe pack something nice. And comfortable shoes."

Jay groaned. "You're the worst."

"And you love it," Tony replied, leaning over to kiss her forehead.