Following that other one... [video]

[runs_on_batteries]

If there are any kids- both big and small- who don't want to be alone right now, I'm making hot chocolate and blanket forts in the dining room.

Also, bring a blanket.

Comments

[callmegladio]

"Not really." Gladio gave a gentle smile. There was something he was good at though. He reached out, hooked an arm around Tony's neck and tugged him into a one armed hug.

"Relax. It's damage control right now. You don't have to fix everything on your own, just gotta ease the kids fears. Most'll be easy enough. Just got to let them know they're safe. Distract them. Blanket forts and hot chocolate was a good idea." He loosened his arm some, to let Tony pull away.

"I'm here to help where you need me though."

[runs_on_batteries]

He sighed. He needed Feanor and wished Maglor was still here. That gorgeous man could tell stories and sing like a god.

His thoughts went flying out of his head when he was brought into a hug. He wanted to protest that he didn't need this, but.. it was actually rather nice. It felt like the few times he'd gotten an embrace from Steve.

"Thanks," he finally said, relaxing into it. "I don't approve of how it was done, but I agree with whoever that was to some degree. We were taking too long making a decision."

[callmegladio]

Gladio moved his arm to around Tony's shoulder and held him against his chest. It was a simple comfort, Tony was able to move away with ease should he want to, or stay and accept what he was giving his friend. Whether he needed it or not, it was there for the taking.

He sighed... and slowly nodded. "Something had to happen. I don't like how it was done. Showing everyone? What was the point in punishing everyone like that? I don't agree with the mental torture that shadow put the guy through. If he'd caught him, he should have brought him to the council. Taking it into his own hands was... a stupid fucking move."

[runs_on_batteries]

Tony's lip curled. "Glad you're on my side." He stepped back and straightened his shirt. He needed his dignity back after that hug, no matter how pleasant it had been. Those little twerps were lucky to have the big fellow willing to be part of their trio.

"You know we could use someone like you on that council. You've got charisma and you don't take bullshit. Ignis never did figure out the comfortable balance between supporting me and speaking his mind on the council. It was a pity."

[callmegladio]

He let his arm drop before rising again to cross over his chest with the other, he looked mildly amused by Tony's words.

"Too much of a risk." Gladio's lips twitched into a smirk. "Too tempting to beat people around the head for taking too damn long to make simple decisions." And thus forcing the hand of others.

[runs_on_batteries]

He chuckled at the joke and shook his head. He hoped Gladio would think about it and reconsider. The train needed good, strong leaders like this one. However, he also didn't want anyone who didn't want to be on the council taking up someone else's spot. In this case, he doubted that would ever be a problem with Gladio.

"Well, always good to talk to you, my friend. I'm going to go and make up a couple stories for the kids. You can come join me if you'd like."

[callmegladio]

Gladio would go where he was needed. If there was a need for him on the council, he would do his best. But he wasn't going to bend over backwards and kiss anyone's feet for the privilege. Still, it was nice to have Tony's vote of confidence.

"I think I'll leave that to you." Gladio chuckled. "I'll go and take a walk around, check on a few others. Come find me if you need me." He'd be around. And it wasn't as if he could hide, being as big as he was.