Video

[runs_on_batteries]

[Someone may have been drinking, so the clarity of this message might be a little off. He toasts the screen with the mostly empty tumbler.]

Couple thoughts for you-

Don't forget we have some young children on board. Just keep that in mind if you're spouting off about something- you know- really traumatic or whatever, you guys know what I'm talking about, it could harm or upset them. Just.. don't be a dick to the kids. Be a dick to someone else. K?

Also, there have been a couple of ideas floating around for platform days and ways to welcome new people- which is great. I remembered a charity from back home for kids who were stuck in the hospital over Christmas and thought we could borrow that idea. If you have a spare 10 team points you're willing to donate by purchasing a mascot, I'll be- or someone.. maybe Peter, I don't know- but bears will be given to any new kids who show up. Oh, and they come with little hoodies, see?? So we could use people from other teams.

[As he's talking, you can see in the background, Ignis entering the room. Unfortunately someone else noticed he was there too.]

Hey! Tiger! Wave to the camera.

[Ignis frowns and quietly comes over and turns the ICP off.]

~~~~~~

[A short time later, Tony opens the chat again for an additional comment.]

Okay, due to some really generous souls on board, let's keep it to two donated bears per person, okay? Also, does anyone know what the souvenir is?

Comments

[flatteries]

[ First more compliments, and then he just has to say that?! ]

W-What person would hit on someone during battle?! [ His face is getting so red. Something in his brain is breaking. Thanks, Tony. Yet somehow he still manages to strike back with his sword anyway. ]

[runs_on_batteries]

[This was turning into a verbal bloodbath and Tony was loving every minute of it.]

To distract you, of course. Now you're thinking of yourself and questioning my sanity instead of focused on the fight.

[He lays in to a series of aggressive strikes to get his point across.]

Deflect! Deflect the blows and the words! You can worry about yourself being cute later.

[flatteries]

You're right about the questioning your sanity part!

[ But to Inigo's credit, he is actually managing to keep up very well with the strikes, despite his face being about as red as a tomato at this point. Muscle memory can be pretty damn impressive. ]

But just-- Stop! Mentioning! That! Word! [ Each word is paired with a strike from his end, each stronger than the ones from a few moments ago. ] I'm 17! It's weird!

[runs_on_batteries]

That's not- [He was doing so well too! Right up until Inigo points out the creep factor and his expression immediately shifts to horrified and that last strike cracks against his forearm- the motion just a little too slow to get his blade there to catch it.

Tony curses at the sting and his shirt tears, showing a small cut.]

[flatteries]

[ It might just be a small cut, but it's enough to make Inigo instantly stop. Honestly, worse has probably happened while sparring with his friends back home, but that's different. He's used to it with them.

So the boy's expression immediately drops to guilty puppy levels as he lowers his sword. ]

By Naga-- I'm sorry! [ He really thought Tony would've had that one! ] Are you alright?

[ It's a small cut, and honestly probably not worth fussing about, but Inigo can't help it. He just feels bad. ]

[runs_on_batteries]

[He shook his head. He looked ready to strangle the boy.]

I wasn't hitting on you! I was teaching you a distracting technique! And besides, if I was using that word in a serious way, it's like how a puppy is cute, not like I'm attracted to you cute.

[They needed to be REALLY clear on this. And yes, he was ignoring completely that he was cut.]

[flatteries]

What? [ It comes out more as a squeak than an actual word, although it's hard to tell if it's in response to what Tony is saying or that look on his face. Please don't strangle him?! ]

Y--Yes, sir! I totally get it! Clearly understood! [ The words fly out of his mouth almost a little too quickly in his attempt to pacify the situation. ] But also-- you're bleeding!

[runs_on_batteries]

[He sighed, not sure he's totally satisfied with that answer. However, the kid does look contrite. Saying anything more would probably just add to the awkwardness instead of improve things.

His gaze shifted to his arm. It wasn't deep, but he could tell by how much the kid was panicking he wasn't going to get away with shrugging it off and continue sparring.]

Don't worry about it, Inigo. You've proven you know what you're doing with that thing. Let me know if you want to spar again, alright?

[flatteries]

[ He lets out a deep sigh before nervously running his free hand through his hair. ]

I think I've shaven enough years off my life just now..

[ He's fought literal huge killer zombies that were easier to deal with than this. ]

But, uh.. yeah. Thanks for the sword. I'll take good care of it.

[runs_on_batteries]

[He gives him an odd look.]

Because of the sparring or because of this cut? You know I've had a whole lot worse than this right? I'll just find Lightning and she'll make it vanish.

[flatteries]

[ Usually Inigo would think a little more before he answers.

But he's totally used up his entire reserve of nerves, so instead the truth comes right out before he even realises what he's said. ]

Because I want to make a good impression on you and I'm pretty sure I botched that.

[runs_on_batteries]

Hey..

[Tony says softly, coming back over to the young man. He put a hand on his shoulder.]

Inigo. You're a great young man and I like you. Wherever your parents are, they would be really proud of you, kid. If it makes you feel any better, Peter has gotten me electrocuted a half dozen times in my workshop and set it on fire once, so a little scratch like this is nothing.

[flatteries]

Ah.. [ For a moment he just stares at Tony, although Inigo fails to hold the gaze for more than a few moments. Especially when he says his parents would be proud of him. If only Tony knew what a huge disappointment he is to his dad. ]

.. thanks. [ He shoves the feeling down as quickly as possible, managing to smile a bit again when Inigo does look back up. ] You're a pretty cool guy too, Tony. I'm glad a guy like you is in charge of things around here.

[runs_on_batteries]

[Tony notes the change in expression when the parents are mentioned. He would press the issue, but Inigo had likely had enough of Tony for one day. Still, he understands that expression more than most.

At the compliment, his eyebrows rise in surprise and.. was that just the slightest color in his cheeks?]

Glad I have you fooled kid. Now let's get out of here before we start growing ovaries. See you around!