callmegladio | IC inbox & Interactions: Hugtopia.

Neither does Wei! Did you ever taste that shit he used to make? It was like eating and passing a burning charcoal briquet! I swear, I breathed fire once after that idiot tried to make soup.

[He wiped a tear from his eye as he kept cracking up. He took a second to catch his breath.]

Alright, alright. One native to do dishes and clean up and we'll hire Wei Wuxian and some hottie with giant cans. Sound good?

[He gave Gladio a devilish grin.]

I should offer it to Era!

[And now he was laughing his ass off again.]

I was smart enough to avoid it. [Gladio grinned.] After the first time.

[He was a good friend. He'd try anything once. But some things he would ever try a second time.

Shaking his head, Gladio laughed, but he was wondering if he should throw something at Tony as well.]

Think helpin us is the last thing on her mind. And a hottie with giant cans? Really?

Just think what... if we told her... she'd be so pissed!

[Tony could barely make out the words in between laughing. She'd kill them both with her bare hands! He really wanted to do it just to see the look on her face!

But no, he wasn't at all suggesting they literally do this. He knew better than that. As he wiped tears from his face again, he flicked the ash off the end of his almost forgotten cigar.]

Who doesn't like a hot woman serving them drinks?

[Pyra had big jugs, but that was inappropriate. Who else?]

Have you met Aerith?

Edited 2021-03-05 22:20 (UTC)

She's tear your nuts off and feed em to her chocobo.

[He was grinning. It was good hearing Tony laughing so feely. He'd relaxed over the last few days and Gladio was glad for that. As weird as Havenwell was, it wasn't nearly as stressful as other places...]

I've seen her around... Brunette, yeah? Pink coat a ribbon and big black boots. [It had been the boots he'd remembered mostly, they'd seemed so out of place on her.]

[Tony chuckled and nodding in agreement. He frowned a little at the description of Aerith though.]

Honestly? I've only spoken to her once and it was over the phone. It was video though and she was very lovely.

[He squints a little, just remembering something.]

Huh, I forgot I asked her on a date.

[Maybe he should do something about that. Maybe. Shrug.]

Who else? I feel like there aren't nearly as many attractive people here as there were on the train, but maybe that was because we were packed in tighter than a can of sardines.

Oh she's cute. Beautiful really. Always smiling whenever I pass her.

[He's seen her a few times and she'd always seemed so cheerful. She's call out a greeting to anyone she passed.

Gladio burst out laughing.]

You asked her out... and ditched her? You'd an asshole, Stark.

But you're right, not many people here. Think the best case'd be to ask. See who bites.

[Tony took a drag from the cigar and shook his head. Turning so he blew the smoke out away from his friend, he laughed.]

No! Not quite that bad. If you think she's so pretty why haven't you asked her out?

[It would be better if Gladio found someone pretty, young, and had their whole life ahead of them. Someone with less baggage.]

What cup size should I say is the cut off point?

[Gladio stretches his legs out in front of him and went back to crossing them and his arms over his chest.

Another glance, trying to work out if Tony was actually being serious.]

Not really my type.

[The next question was met with a groan.]

Not touching that one, Stark. And don't you either. I won't save you when they come for you with weapons drawn.

[He just laughed.]

Are you only into men?

[He looks over at Gladio, no judgment on his face, only curiosity.]

There was someone back on the train I thought was into you. What was her name...

[Started with an 'S'.. he didn't really care, so he wasn't actually bothering trying to remember.]

Isn't it odd how out of everyone on that blasted train, it'd be you and me who ended up here together?

Samata.

[Gladio's smile turned fond, maybe even a little sad. She'd been a good friend, and one he'd almost screwed up. But they'd worked it out and... then he'd been taken away. He hoped she was doing alright.]

She liked me, yeah. Even kissed me. But... I had Prom and Noct and... she bolted. But we made up.

As for my preference, I like both. But I definitely have a type when it comes to women. [He grinned.] They're hotter when they can kick my ass.

But yeah. It's strange. But I'm glad it's you and not, say, Edge. [Gladio had gotten along with most people, but Edge and Bucky had been two he hadn't been too keen on.]

[Tony watched Gladio's face and smiled, glad that was a good memory. He laughs and nods his head at his friend's preference for women.]

Pepper used to work for me at my company.. way back when. She was my assistant and seriously, I don't know how she did it all. I was way more of a chore back then, trust me. Anyway, she was never hotter than when she said she was done taking my shit and tore me a new one..

[He dropped his feet and sat forward thinking about those memories.]

I put her through so much hell.

[And then he did the same to Ignis and broke him. He leaned further over so he could extinguish the butt of his cigar.]

Thanks. Let's um.. I'm ready to get walking again.

[He needed a drink. Why couldn't their bar already be open?]

Strong women. Nothing more beautiful in my opinion.

[He's started off teasing, but fell quiet when he realised Tony hadn't come along with him. He eased himself up again, straightening even as Tony began to lean forward. He sighed softly.]

Maybe you did. Maybe you were an ass and maybe she could've done better. But she must have seen somethin' in you, Stark. You two made a life together. Doesn't matter what kinda hell started it, but you ended up with a daughter you loved. That counts for something.

When all you think about is the bad stuff, who's there to remember the good times?

[He pushed himself to his feet and stretched.]

Lets go.

[Tony was quiet as they walked, but he was thinking deeply about what Gladio had said. She had chosen him. He'd given her chances to walk away, though often enough he'd begged her to stay too. He knew he needed her. She was his everything and had kept him sane.

Ignis had then been the one who had helped him through countless flashbacks and anxiety attacks. They'd been awful on the train. The stress and the claustrophobia had been bad enough but the Void.

He shivered. He wasn't cold, but he tugged his jacket tighter around him. He had to stop thinking about that or he'd give himself an attack.]

Glads.. talk about something. Tell me.. um.. your birthday. Tell me about.. just talk..

[Gladio had just been walking quietly beside Tony, letting him have his thoughts. But when he spoke, Gladio looked over. It wasn't much to take a step to the side and slip an arm around Tony as they walked.

If a distraction was what was needed, he could do that.]

My birthday, huh? Guess that's comin' up soon.

Never really did much for them, usually too busy. But I'd head home when I could, the day before or after if I couldn't on the day. Iris always made a cake. She's gotten better at decorating over the years. She made one when she was, damn, think she was 8 when Jared let her do it herself. It was green. It was supposed to be chocolate. How the hell she made it green was anyone's guess. Looked like she'd dropped it a dozen times but tasted good. [He grinned, remembering that cake.]

But yeah. My birthday? No big deal. It was to Iris so I made an effort.

[This was helping. He could remember good things about birthdays- ten to be exact. Five of Morgan's and five of Pepper's. The first one of each wasn't too exciting, but he was alive with them. That made it special, or so they said.]

Children always make those special. Christmas too.

[He glanced at Gladio and then remembered.]

Or uh.. whatever holiday you Eos-ians celebrate.

[His breath was evening out and the grip he'd felt on his heart was loosening.]

One more. Anything.. when is it?

[Gladio tightened his hold on Tony a little, enough to pull the man closer to his side. He didn't comment on what was happening here, but he was worried.]

Next month. [He admitted quietly. It could have passed by quietly without anyone knowing. But he couldn't say no to Tony.] The 2nd. And I just want a quiet day.

Y'know... Its funny, this place. Ever wonder if it's all connected? This place, the Voidtrecker, even that place Prom came from. But given my choices I'm glad I'm here. And I'm glad you're here.

[Tony was so grateful for Gladio in that moment. He often was. It was one of the reasons they'd gotten so close. The young man might be Noctis' Shield, but he had been Tony's Rock for months.

He slowed to a stop and turned to face his friend. Reaching his arms up, he wrapped the man in an embrace. He'd get back to their conversation in a minute, he just.. he was really glad Gladio was here, okay?]

[He trailed off when Tony pulled him to a stop and smiled gently when arms went around him. Gladio wrapped his arms about the older man and gathered him in close, just holding him for as long as he needed to be held.]

[After a long minute, he drew back and gave Gladio a somewhat embarrassed half smile.]

I um.. I'm getting fewer of those here, but random things can still trigger me.

[He was so tired of it, but it wasn't something he could help.]

[Even when Tony pulled back, Gladio didn't relinquish his hold, he kept his arms around him just more loosely now.]

I'm sorry. I'll be more careful.

[Though he couldn't help wondering if naming the bar after Pepper was now a bad idea if it meant risking attacks like that whenever she was brought up. But Gladio would ask later, when his friend wasn't feeling so delicate.]

Are you gonna be alright?

[He reached up and gently cupped Gladio's cheek with his hand.]

You didn't do anything wrong. I know you hate this answer, but there's nothing you can protect me from here. I'm getting better though, thanks to you.

[He nodded and though he looked more tired than he had been, his smile was genuine.]

Yeah, I will. I think this place is going to be good for me. I'd like to keep going for a while, if you're okay with that.

[No, he really didn't like that answer, but he knew it to be true. He could protect against many things but this was beyond him, beyond his experience. But he'd trust Tony to ask for help if he needed it. In the meantime Gladio would just be there.

He lifted a hand, gently took Tony's from his cheek and tugged to pull him closer so he could hold him again.]

I think this place'll be good for us both.

Lets keep going.

[Tony really thought about kissing him. He almost did. He just wasn't sure if Gladio would want him to in public like this, so he held back. As soon as they started walking though, he regretted it. He shoved just done it and to hell with everyone else. They didn't owe anyone else an explanation.

He sighed. There would be another chance. Still, he stayed close to Gladio's side as they walked, enjoying the comfortable silence.

That was until Tony had to talk again- he really couldn't do the silence for very long, even when it was comfortable!]

What would you suggest if we needed a back up name?

[He wouldn't have minded a kiss, it wasn't like anyone was watching them after all. But he was also happy to hold off until later. He walked beside Tony, kept one arm around him at all times.

When the question was posed, Gladio's lips quirked.]

Insomnia.

Open all night.

[Tony found himself smiling at that. It seemed kind of appropriate given all the former citizens of that place.]

I like it. Do you think we should run it by anyone like Reggie? What about Insomnia 2.0?

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