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.

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[callmegladio]

"Now?" He asked, looking away from Tony and back to Madoka. When he pushed himself to his feet he was grinning widely.

"We could tag-team him? You get him from one side and I get him from the other?" And wouldn't that raise a few questions? Though he could also just grab him and hug him so tight he'd lift him off of his feet and give people something even better to talk about. And maybe annoy Tony some. Because that was always amusing to do.

[happyends]

"Oh.. That's an idea! Do you think he'd like that, mister Gladio?"

Of course that's what Madoka is innocently asking. Because she's totally oblivious to the fact that it might annoy Tony more than he'd like it.. Although even Tony might start to lean towards the latter if Madoka is involved, huh, so maybe her way of thinking isn't too oblivious after all.

"I can't reach very high, but I'll try my best..!"

[callmegladio]

"I bet he'd love it." Gladio chuckled and held his hand out to Madoka.

"How about I pick you up? You can latch on and I'll get the other side?" Seemed like a good idea to him. And he was sure that Tony would love being the middle of a cuddle sandwich. Surely that would cheer him up? Gladio knew it would cheer him up!

[happyends]

Honestly, how could that not cheer up Tony? It'd cheer up Madoka too, because.. even as she's just thinking about it now, the idea of it seems really amusing. They'd be like some kind of cuddle robot! A big hug machine! The train better watch out!

So Madoka actually thinly smiles and nods, moving to grab onto that hand.

"Okay. You can lift me up. I know you won't drop me, mister Gladio."

[callmegladio]

Now there was no way he could ever drop her, not with those trusting words ringing in his ears.

So he smiled and with his hand in hers, he lifted her up and into his arms, and sat her upon the forearm of his right arm. "You ready?"

This was going to be fun. Armed with Madoka, Gladio headed Tony's way. The poor guy suspected nothing at all. This was either going to get him a punch or it would go down in memory as the best Surprise Hug that ever happened.

[runs_on_batteries]

"Higher. High- yes, right there," Tony said, instructing someone on where to hang on of the clothes lines to make the blanket fort bigger. He stepped back from the group he'd been working with and saw what it looked like from a few feet back.

Nodding his approval, he noticed someone coming up to him. Slowly he turned to see who it was...

[happyends]

At least to Madoka there doesn't seem to be much doubt. Clearly it's just going to be the best hug, right? Gladio wouldn't suggest anything bad to her, she knows, and surely Tony can use it in such a high-stress situation..

So when she's close enough and Tony turns, Madoka lets out a giggle from where she's sitting on Gladio's arm before reaching out to latch onto Tony.

"Dad! It's a surprise hug!"

[callmegladio]

No, Gladio would never, ever suggest anything bad for her. Because he knew that Tony wasn't the only one who needed hugs. Even if Madoka had gotten some earlier from her dad, it never hurt to have extra in your pocket for later.

When they got closer, he let Madoka make the first move, grabbing for Tony. He was laughing as he wrapped his own arm, the one not holding onto Madoka, and gave the guy a hug as well. "Better than that, it's a group hug. Spur of the moment, so you just get us two. Next time it'll be a bigger group." He promised, laughter in his voice.

[runs_on_batteries]

Tony let out a surprised yelp and quickly moved his hands so he could help hold Madoka- it was reflex not that he didn't trust Gladio! Of course, next thing he knew he had both of them hugging him.

"Wha-" A surprise hug? It was incredibly cheesy, but Tony found himself smiling anyway. "This is going to be a regular event?" He asked with a laugh. He pulled Madoka a little tighter to him and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

[happyends]

"Maaaybe."

Madoka says, very slight cheekiness fueled by the fact that she's now having physical contact with both her dad and Gladio - two of her favourite people - and the fact that Tony is smiling at the hug.

"If you could need it. It felt like you could use one right now, dad." With everything that's going on, all of them could probably use a hug right about now.