[Gladio was eating a cookie with one hand and flipped Tony off with the other. It wasn't his fault Tony's nicknames for him where either references he didn't get or humiliatingly bad. 'Gladio' was already a nickname.
While Tony went through his spiel, Gladio had gone through three cookies and two cups of tea. The second was in his hand.
And yes, he did have a glazed look. 90% of this conversation had gone over his head. He didn't get it. He wasn't tech minded like the other two. And no, he had no questions. Gladio figured he'd leave that for Prompto.]
[He is absolutely enraptured by the explanation, though it does go on for a while. And some of it goes over his head - WTF is a nano-particle? He's feeling a little starry-eyed.]
I have so many questions. But, um...that's not really why I'm here? [He leans in to whisper not-so-quietly:] We might put Gladio to sleep.
That one! He's my favorite. I'm sorry Gladio, I know you had your heart set on being the favorite this time. I really tried with you. But really.. I mean, come on.
[He almost said more when he realized he was getting too close to a certain topic.]
Anyway, I'll be happy to answer all your questions but since Gladio did make the tea and everything, maybe we shouldn't make him pass out from boredom.
[At some point he's turned sideways on his couch, the small two seater not nearly big enough for his large frame, so his long legs hung over one arm while his head rested on the other. All he was missing was a good book. Which he didn't have. Maybe he needed to find out how to get those...?
When he realised he was being talked about, and to, Gladio yawned and looked their way. He waved a hand not holding a cup of tea. He didn't comment on the 'favourite' part. He knew there was no way to compete with Prompto.]
Talk about whatever you want. Did you tell him that thing could fly?
[He wasn't about to piss on their parade because he was bored to tears. Gladio was happy the two were getting along.]
[Gladio smirked, completely unabashed. What? He knew Prompto. And he didn't get why Tony was being coy about it. Having someone fawning over him and his boys should have been the stroke to his ego he needed. He got to show off! And probably fly someone around. And Prompto got a fun time out. It was win/win in Gladio's book.]
Let him fly with you. Maybe then he'll stop pesterin me.
[Tony looked at Gladio for a moment and he smiled finally catching on to what his friend was doing. With that, he shifted all his focus back on the blonde.]
Absolutely and.. if you want, we could even do the scan while we're having doing it. I can show you all the data at the end but.. it'd just be way more fun.
[He was no longer standing next to his suit, but he held out a hand and the armor did the same trick as before without actually touching him.]
Oh and for the record, Tweetie Bird, I'll never stop pestering you. Never!
[With that, Tony led Prompto outside, slipped an arm around his waist, and blasted off. He kept the movement smooth so he wouldn't hurt the young man with whiplash or anything, but doing barrel rolls and spirals to almost the very top of the dome- those were fair game!
That is so long as it seemed the kid was having fun. He slowed down and let them stop on top of a building a dozen stories high or so. He was careful to keep a hold of Prompto until he was sure the boy's legs would hold him.]
[The take off startles a gasp out of him, prompting him to cling to Tony as they zip up. He says he's afraid of heights, but that's not entirely accurate. He's afraid of falling from heights. Which makes the first few minutes a little nerve-wracking, until he's convinced that he's not going to fall to his untimely death.
After that, it's much more enjoyable. Fun, in fact! His grip on the suit doesn't lessen even a little, but he laughs through the dips and rolls.
His legs are a little shaky when they finally come to a stop, but he gets them to hold him upright. It's like getting off the boat and finding that standing on land feels weird.]
Yeah! Holy crap, that was fun. You must have a blast in that thing.
[Tony's helmet rolled back and he grinned as he watched Prompto. It was great to see that smile on his face.]
Not gonna lie, it's pretty damn awesome. Back on my world there were only two other people who had anything like it and I made both of their suits- my wife and my best friend. Pepper only wore it like.. twice, but Rhodey and I wore it for a whole bunch of missions protecting our world.
[He stepped close to the edge of the building and looked in the direction of his and Gladio's townhouse.]
[Prompto hung back, away from the edge. He knew his own feet, and his legs were still a little wobbly. He smiles over at Tony - it's sympathetic. It's nice to learn something about the place where Tony came from, but he understands how hard it is to be away from home.]
That sounds awesome. Like super heroes.
[He laughs.]
That is too bad. Pyra outfitted the Regalia with wings, so it can fly now. Sad to think he might not enjoy it.
That's what I was called. I even had action figures and Saturday morning cartoons of me. Eventually there was a team I worked with called the Avengers, but initially it was just me.
[At least, only him in the media. As much as he's bragging, his eyes lit up with interest about the car.]
The Regalia is the car you all traveled around the country side in isn't it? Ignis told me it could fly, but I would love to see it! And Gladio probably would like a flying car better. Just so long as it's not crowded. He's terribly claustrophobic, but you know that.
It's uh.. well, as you could tell, it's a bit different when all you have is my arm around you. Personally, I think that's part of the fun, but.. that's just me.
He nods.] That's the one. I don't really have a say in what happens with the car. That's more Noct's territory. Or Regis, seeing as it's his.
[As for the flying: He rubs the back of his neck, looking a little sheepish.] It's a little nerve-wracking, honestly. And it was fun, once I was sure you wouldn't accidentally drop me. I mean, if Gladio trusts you, I don't see why I shouldn't.
[He smiled, pleased that he had won over at least one of Gladio's friends.]
Ahhh! Good, Reggie should let me take a look at it then. Is it usually kept with Noctis or with the king?
[The confession was met with Tony's smile softening. He reached out and gently put his hand on Prompto's back.]
You have my word that I'll never do anything to hurt you. Same goes with Ignis and Noctis. Not unless it's to give them a dose of tough love, but I want only the best for you three- four if you count Pyra.
[His tone changed to playfully amazed.]
How the hell did Noct catch a girl as great as her?
[A small shrug.] Guess it depends on who wants it more. I'm sure if you ask, Regis will make it available if you want to see it.
[The hand on his back feels like a solid comfort. As much as the words that follow. But he isn't sure how to respond. He looks up at Tony, brows drawing together. The switch to something lighter is welcome.
He grins.] She's pretty great, huh? I think she's really good for him.
[After some of his conflicts with Noctis, he felt it needed to be said. They might not see him as family anymore, but he always would. He didn't need Prompto to say or promise anything back.]
She is. She's just about my favorite person I've met here.
[He paused and glanced back at Prompto with a teasing grin.]
Really? [He's a bit skeptical, even as he grins. His hair was already ruined by the flying, but he tries to put it back in order anyway. He sobers up when his hand brushes over the spot behind his ear where a small bump used to be. Right. There was another reason for his being here.]
Did you already do the, um...[He waves a hand around his head.] ...thing?
[He'd actually been meaning that as a joke, like he'd said earlier Prompto was his favorite because he liked his suit. However, blame it on his stupid dad meter or something, but he just couldn't bring himself to admit that. So instead, he smiled and nodded.]
You're always so upbeat and caring. You've been so kind to Gladio and I even with all the weirdness with the 'other' Prompto, Noct, and Ignis we knew. What's not to love about that? Plus, I always kind of wanted a puppy.
[And yes, for 'other', he really does do the air quotes. The question about the scan had him nodding again and fortunately, he could be reassuring there too.]
Yes, thank you for putting up with that. I can show you the file and how we can delete it but you're fine. Just so you're aware, if you do get hit in the head at that precise spot your skull is weaker there. You may be slightly more prone to concussions, but .. here's what it looks like.
[He brought up a holographic image of Prompto's skull and zeroed in on that spot by his ear. He showed him the odd pattern that had been etched there.]
Do you want to keep that image anywhere in case you need it or would you like me to delete it too?
[Give him time. He'll figure out Tony's sense of humor soon enough. He can emphasize with the "weirdness", even if his experience with other versions of his friends wasn't exactly the same.
But just wait a sec...]
...Puppy?
[He listens carefully as Tony goes over his findings. While he was pretty sure there was nothing to worry about, he'd been stressing a little over the what-ifs. He held back the urge to fanboy over the hologram and focused on the image of his own skull. It was disturbing to think something had actually been stuck in there.]
Can't think of any reason why I'd need it. But...I don't know. Maybe, just in case? If it's no trouble.
[The likelihood of getting hit in that spot seems pretty slim, but it might be good to have some record, should something skull-breaking actually happen.]
[Tony chuckled and gave the young man an overly innocent smile.]
You remind me of a puppy, you're cute. That may have been a nickname I gave you too along with Goldendoodle.
[He nodded, finding that a perfectly reasonable answer.]
Friday, show the boy all related files and content on my tablet.
[He hands Prompto his tablet and there's a visual of several files going into a particular folder. It gets encrypted and a password box pops up.]
Go ahead and give it a password. To be upfront with you, if I had to I could technically break into that but this is the most secure I can make this file from anyone else and myself and keep it on my system. I can promise you I won't touch it again unless for some very unexpected reason it's an emergency.
[There he goes with the compliments again. It probably doesn't help when Prompto tips his head to the side, flattered and a little confused. WTF is a Goldendoodle?
He takes the tablet, nodding.] Sure. Got it.
[After a moment of thought, he taps in a password, confirms, and hands the tablet back to Tony.] Um, thank you...for doing this.
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While Tony went through his spiel, Gladio had gone through three cookies and two cups of tea. The second was in his hand.
And yes, he did have a glazed look. 90% of this conversation had gone over his head. He didn't get it. He wasn't tech minded like the other two. And no, he had no questions. Gladio figured he'd leave that for Prompto.]
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No, it's cool. Call me anything you want.
[He is absolutely enraptured by the explanation, though it does go on for a while. And some of it goes over his head - WTF is a nano-particle? He's feeling a little starry-eyed.]
I have so many questions. But, um...that's not really why I'm here? [He leans in to whisper not-so-quietly:] We might put Gladio to sleep.
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That one! He's my favorite. I'm sorry Gladio, I know you had your heart set on being the favorite this time. I really tried with you. But really.. I mean, come on.
[He almost said more when he realized he was getting too close to a certain topic.]
Anyway, I'll be happy to answer all your questions but since Gladio did make the tea and everything, maybe we shouldn't make him pass out from boredom.
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When he realised he was being talked about, and to, Gladio yawned and looked their way. He waved a hand not holding a cup of tea. He didn't comment on the 'favourite' part. He knew there was no way to compete with Prompto.]
Talk about whatever you want. Did you tell him that thing could fly?
[He wasn't about to piss on their parade because he was bored to tears. Gladio was happy the two were getting along.]
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[They'll never get around to why he's actually here at this rate. Part of him is okay with the delay, the excuse to keep procrastinating.]
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[He couldn't keep that scolding look on his face though, especially with the goldendoodle looking at him like that.]
Yes, it can. It can reach speeds up to Mach 10. Has multiple laser and repulsor weapons including a missile launcher and liquid nitrogen based cannon.
You.. wouldn't want a ride would you?
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Let him fly with you. Maybe then he'll stop pesterin me.
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He bites his lip, looking between Gladio, Tony, and the suit.]
I don't wanna impose. But...That would be really cool...please.
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Absolutely and.. if you want, we could even do the scan while we're having doing it. I can show you all the data at the end but.. it'd just be way more fun.
[He was no longer standing next to his suit, but he held out a hand and the armor did the same trick as before without actually touching him.]
Oh and for the record, Tweetie Bird, I'll never stop pestering you. Never!
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We'll see. Go show Prom the time of his life and let me have a nap.
[He stretched and folded his arms behind his head. Yeah, he was comfortable and he was sure Prompto would love getting to fly around with Tony.]
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[So the scan must be done through the suit? He considers the offer, then nods. It does seem it would alleviate some of the stress.]
Okay. Sure. Let's do that.
[He give Gladio a wink and a smile.]
Enjoy your nap, Big Guy.
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That is so long as it seemed the kid was having fun. He slowed down and let them stop on top of a building a dozen stories high or so. He was careful to keep a hold of Prompto until he was sure the boy's legs would hold him.]
Still doing alright?
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After that, it's much more enjoyable. Fun, in fact! His grip on the suit doesn't lessen even a little, but he laughs through the dips and rolls.
His legs are a little shaky when they finally come to a stop, but he gets them to hold him upright. It's like getting off the boat and finding that standing on land feels weird.]
Yeah! Holy crap, that was fun. You must have a blast in that thing.
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Not gonna lie, it's pretty damn awesome. Back on my world there were only two other people who had anything like it and I made both of their suits- my wife and my best friend. Pepper only wore it like.. twice, but Rhodey and I wore it for a whole bunch of missions protecting our world.
[He stepped close to the edge of the building and looked in the direction of his and Gladio's townhouse.]
It's too bad, Glads hates flying.
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That sounds awesome. Like super heroes.
[He laughs.]
That is too bad. Pyra outfitted the Regalia with wings, so it can fly now. Sad to think he might not enjoy it.
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That's what I was called. I even had action figures and Saturday morning cartoons of me. Eventually there was a team I worked with called the Avengers, but initially it was just me.
[At least, only him in the media. As much as he's bragging, his eyes lit up with interest about the car.]
The Regalia is the car you all traveled around the country side in isn't it? Ignis told me it could fly, but I would love to see it! And Gladio probably would like a flying car better. Just so long as it's not crowded. He's terribly claustrophobic, but you know that.
It's uh.. well, as you could tell, it's a bit different when all you have is my arm around you. Personally, I think that's part of the fun, but.. that's just me.
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[Joking aside, he's impressed.
He nods.] That's the one. I don't really have a say in what happens with the car. That's more Noct's territory. Or Regis, seeing as it's his.
[As for the flying: He rubs the back of his neck, looking a little sheepish.] It's a little nerve-wracking, honestly. And it was fun, once I was sure you wouldn't accidentally drop me. I mean, if Gladio trusts you, I don't see why I shouldn't.
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Ahhh! Good, Reggie should let me take a look at it then. Is it usually kept with Noctis or with the king?
[The confession was met with Tony's smile softening. He reached out and gently put his hand on Prompto's back.]
You have my word that I'll never do anything to hurt you. Same goes with Ignis and Noctis. Not unless it's to give them a dose of tough love, but I want only the best for you three- four if you count Pyra.
[His tone changed to playfully amazed.]
How the hell did Noct catch a girl as great as her?
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[The hand on his back feels like a solid comfort. As much as the words that follow. But he isn't sure how to respond. He looks up at Tony, brows drawing together. The switch to something lighter is welcome.
He grins.] She's pretty great, huh? I think she's really good for him.
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She is. She's just about my favorite person I've met here.
[He paused and glanced back at Prompto with a teasing grin.]
Well, next to you, of course.
[He ruffled the blonde's hair affectionately.]
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Did you already do the, um...[He waves a hand around his head.] ...thing?
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You're always so upbeat and caring. You've been so kind to Gladio and I even with all the weirdness with the 'other' Prompto, Noct, and Ignis we knew. What's not to love about that? Plus, I always kind of wanted a puppy.
[And yes, for 'other', he really does do the air quotes. The question about the scan had him nodding again and fortunately, he could be reassuring there too.]
Yes, thank you for putting up with that. I can show you the file and how we can delete it but you're fine. Just so you're aware, if you do get hit in the head at that precise spot your skull is weaker there. You may be slightly more prone to concussions, but .. here's what it looks like.
[He brought up a holographic image of Prompto's skull and zeroed in on that spot by his ear. He showed him the odd pattern that had been etched there.]
Do you want to keep that image anywhere in case you need it or would you like me to delete it too?
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But just wait a sec...]
...Puppy?
[He listens carefully as Tony goes over his findings. While he was pretty sure there was nothing to worry about, he'd been stressing a little over the what-ifs. He held back the urge to fanboy over the hologram and focused on the image of his own skull. It was disturbing to think something had actually been stuck in there.]
Can't think of any reason why I'd need it. But...I don't know. Maybe, just in case? If it's no trouble.
[The likelihood of getting hit in that spot seems pretty slim, but it might be good to have some record, should something skull-breaking actually happen.]
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You remind me of a puppy, you're cute. That may have been a nickname I gave you too along with Goldendoodle.
[He nodded, finding that a perfectly reasonable answer.]
Friday, show the boy all related files and content on my tablet.
[He hands Prompto his tablet and there's a visual of several files going into a particular folder. It gets encrypted and a password box pops up.]
Go ahead and give it a password. To be upfront with you, if I had to I could technically break into that but this is the most secure I can make this file from anyone else and myself and keep it on my system. I can promise you I won't touch it again unless for some very unexpected reason it's an emergency.
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He takes the tablet, nodding.] Sure. Got it.
[After a moment of thought, he taps in a password, confirms, and hands the tablet back to Tony.] Um, thank you...for doing this.
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