[ And this... she didn't expect. In her mind, she had thought him losing others would meant those he left behind on the Voidtrekker, not--
"I've had time to come to terms with my fate there."
--this.
And from the context of it, it seems that it was a sacrifice on his part, one in which his loved ones as well as the world remain alive and intact. It's a conflict she can understand, painfully so... and it's something that she knows to be the soundest decision, should there be no other way to save the world and those one loves. (Coincidentally, he's not the only one she's heard about that must sacrifice themselves for their world.)
But where does that leave him, now taken from his world and placed in this one, not being able to see those he loves? Still "worth it", as he puts it. She lifts her hand from his, and instead... she raises it, slowly, and reaches for his cheek. Warm palm to his skin, she angles his face a bit more towards her, bright eyes searching his expression in silence.
... ] It's worth it. [ She repeats, finally, her voice soft. That he says it's worth it only solidifies the image of a hero. ]
It's also worth... acknowledging what it cost you. [ Specifically, his happiness, too, and contentedness of seeing his family again. While they can never be truly reunited, he should be allowed to mourn for himself. Pyra sees someone strong in him, someone who can overcome grief, but she also refuses to believe that his heart is so iron that he can dismiss his losses with but a nonchalant shrug. That would be at odds with everything he's said of his family and daughters so far. ]
[Tony lets her guide his face and smiles at her. There's something real in the smile even if there's pain to. A touch of humor.]
Gladio said you were dangerous.
[His friend had said, Pyra gets people to say things they didn't mean to share. Here he was doing the same.]
The part that's...
[Unfair? Hurts the most? Sucks? Felt like he has dumped gasoline on his skin and lit it on fire?]
.. Hardest, I guess?.. is doing it twice.
That family that you were describing is something I found on the Voidtrecker. It started with Ignis and then Gladio boarded not long after. A few stops later Noct and Prompto joined them.
[He moved his hand and tugged from under his shirt where a silver chain had been kept hidden was a tiny, skull charm that Pyra would have no doubt seen many times before on a certain advisor's neck.]
Ignis and I were partners and eventually engaged. He found a little girl in need of a family and fell head over heels for her. It was so sweet watching them together. We weren't married, but Ignis insisted she take both of our last names. He was.. as you can imagine.. very formal about those sort of things. All the boys- Gladio, Prompto, and Noct- loved her and were excited to be her uncle.
There were actually many children on board that I was close to. Only one other boy that I 'officially' adopted, but it meant something to him to have a last name he could be proud of. So..
But our family included Noct, Prompto, and Gladio. We fought together and struggled through things, particularly when Ignis vanished. I hope Noct and Prompto have someone else they can lean on when they woke to find Gladio and I were gone. Maybe they went home or somewhere else too, I don't know.
[He went quiet then, unable to say more for a few moments. Any attempt and he knew he'd break. This was kind of embarrassing pouring his heart out to someone he knew hardly at all but for whatever reason this story had to come out.]
[ The necklace he wears catches the soft light of the afternoon, glinting bright as if it smiles just as wistfully, and painfully, as Tony does. He's like Gladio, then, in that he had someone extremely close to him, then lost them when he appeared in this world. This happened twice over to Tony Stark, however, in two separate worlds, one of which he may no longer return to, given his fate.
Now he's forced into another realm while meeting the same people for whom he's cared and loved, and he needs to start all over should he wish to have a relationship with any of the ones present. The task isn't impossible, but it must hurt like knives. The hurt must come from not that he's been "forgotten"-- it's not the fault of any of those here they do not know Tony-- but that he lost the ones he knew.
...And loved. ] Gladio and you... What a truly beautiful family you all have.
[ From the start with Gladio, she's seen him be around town and active. Tony, as well. Both of them, nothing but non-stop as they learned of this place and met with person after person after person, some familiar, some not. They live with each other, they can help each other surely, but--
When have they stopped to rest, or is it that they do not know how, after coming from a cramped train that sowed so much hardship?
Her palm leaves his cheek only to return to reach for his hand, which she brings up between them and reinforces the grasp by cupping over his knuckles with her other. Scarless fingers curl around his earnestly, and she speaks. ] Have either of you grieved yet, for whom you left behind...?
[ That's the hardest part, she thinks, permitting themselves the respite to feel their losses. But, perhaps, when they do (she's presuming, of course, that they hadn't already)... it's not the end, but just the start of moving forward. ]
[It was a challenge for him to go from where he was emotionally to where Pyra was looking at the embers of what he'd had and found something beautiful in it. He didn't know what he and his roommate had become, but family was part of the title.]
He's one of the truest of friends, that's for sure.
[He could've gone on too about ways Gladio inspired him or impressed him. The man could be terribly sensitive, but that was part of his charm. He was this large, bull of a man that could quack a mountain with his roar, but had such a tender spirit underneath it all.
However, the next question brought his attention back to Pyra and he could hear the worry. It touched him that she would care so much, but he he nodded.]
Yeah, we've been working through it. I couldn't imagine having to do this alone. I wish I'd been able to come sooner for Gladio's sake, but late is better than nothing.
[He breathed a laugh and shook his head.]
It doesn't always come out so well. I invited Era to come over after having a poor introduction when I first arrived. I was hoping to make up for it. Damn girl ended up saying a few things that managed to hit all the wrong triggers and I ended up chasing her out of here like an angry lunatic. That's grief in one of it's finer forms.
[He kept going back and forth between being pissed at her and embarrassed for losing his temper on her.]
[ And in this time as he speaks, her eyes have misted. It seems that his words have effected her, emotionally speaking, and moved her in a way to feel sorrow for his story-- for her to mourn for their losses as well.
That they're working on it, and perhaps finding solace in each other (and defending each other from emotional harm, from the sounds of it). That does make her reassured enough to smile. She feels a bit silly for tearing up-- overly emotional, as it were-- and so she takes a steady breath in. Don't make it awkward, Pyra! ]
I don't know how you do it. Both of you have lost so much, and... [ And still he has made the time for tea and cookies and-- even jokes from time to time. She releases that breath. ]
It's good to take care of your heart, Tony. [ It's worth it, he had said. Each and every time, no matter how much the loss, it's worth it to give it time to mourn and to heal, but to also have love and family.
She takes one of her hands back, bringing it to her own chest, slight-left of the crystal, as if she could symbolize her own. ] From everything you've said... yours is extraordinary. And... precious. I'll help, if I can.
[He watched with a little concern as Pyra started looking so affected by his story. He pulled a clean cloth handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to her.]
Looks like I'm off to a good start.
[He very gently bumped his shoulder against hers. He watches curiously as she puts her hand to her chest again. He remembered she did that last time too. That crystal was just so curious, but he pushed that away. She'd tell him when she was ready.]
I think this plan to make a trip for our... I feel like we should call them something. They aren't exactly my family again.. yet, but they're clearly yours. I have an invested interested though. The Eos Boys? Team Noct(is)? Well, whatever, we'll get t-shirt rights later, but once we can get them back in sync it'll make my life better because Gladio will be happier.
[Gladio deserved as much happiness as he could possibly get.]
[ She accepts the handkerchief with a smile, only using it to dab at the corner of an eye with her free hand... She's not crying! Just. She gets a little emotional for others. What he's told her is equally tragic and... heartwarming, that he continues to move forward. That's the most important, and inspiring, part.
She's certain that, eventually, he'll have family here, too, with them, since she'd like to believe that he's practically that with Gladio already (or maybe she's assuming too much-- still, optimistic!). From there, however, it'll only be a matter of time. ]
I'm not sure, but if and when they do become yours, [ Her smile grows a bit. ] ...I suppose you'll have to be called Superdad, won't you?
[Even happy tears deserved handkerchiefs! He wondered if she needed a hug, but he didn't want to overstep. He was needing to adjust still to this place and its odd social norms on personal space and touch. For now, he was emotionally present with her and he let their hands connected be enough.
He laughed at the name, finding it cute and horrifying all at once. That tended to be how good nicknames are formed, but he'd at least give her options.]
The kids used to call me Iron Dad, since my Superhero name is Iron Man but.. I don't think I had a special name from the family.
[ She is very much here, emotionally. Maybe too much. And as he gives her the options of nicknames, she nods in response. 'Iron Dad' rolls off the tongue more nicely than Superdad. ]
I've seen some photos of their campsite... Sometimes they'd have cards out. [ They couldn't always be expected to just fight daemons or train when the sun went down. ] But come to think of it, I've never asked what it was they've played.
[ Okay... okay. Her eyes have stopped misting, and she smiles. ] You look like you're good at playing cards, though.
[Tony lowered his voice, like maybe this was a big secret.]
I've asked a number of times and I don't always get a straight answer. I think they play children's games and they don't want to admit it.
[It was the only thing he could figure out. Both Ignis' he knew had be reluctant to stay on that subject long so he pictured everyone playing 'Old Maid' or 'Go Fish'. Actually, given the name of that last one, that might be exactly what they were playing.]
I have been known to play some. There's nothing like a good poker game with a fine brandy and cigar..
That, my dear, is an excellent idea! I knew I liked you for a reason.
[They could start it off as just games in the bar, then tournaments, then maybe an empire. He'd own this town before they could blink an eye. Sigh, if only. He chuckled.]
I'm kidding. I wouldn't really want to do that to people.
[ And compared to such a heavy topic from before, she laughs, well and truly, at the mirth they're sharing. It helps-- she hopes it helps, these moments of smiling and laughter despite all he may have been through or lost. ]
Because you'd beat everyone at poker?
[ Her lips curve upward, giggling again at she silly image this paints: ] What would one even bet, chips for hugs and kisses?
[ Sourpuss... Sourpuss... Her brow furrows for a moment, then understanding dawns on her from the other context he gives. ]
Oh, you mean Noct?
[ She smiles again, exhaling a short breath through her nose. Yes, she knows that Noct has his prickly moments. He’s still amazing to her, though, and by his smile she recognizes that Tony doesn’t mean the term in any harmful way.
Still, there’s a light blush upon her cheeks— not embarrassed, but happy. ]
[He'd thought maybe talking about Noct she'd say more, but even that topic was barely getting a sentence. He thought Pyra was a sweetheart, but she'd flunk his essay questions if she took his science classes.
He was quiet a moment as he thought over where else to lead the conversation. His eyes lit up and he gave her a smile.]
[ She cants her head, looking at him, her lips pursed as if attempting to provide more context to the names. Pepper and Morgan... More of his children? ]
I'm not going to say no, but... Who are they? [ She scoots more up next to him, giving his hand a squeeze. ]
My wife, Pepper, and my biological daughter, Morgan.
[This life could be so strange. He'd felt like he'd been doing nothing but talk about himself since Pyra got here and yet somehow the names of his family whom he loved the most and suffer the greatest heartache that they are gone hadn't been said. How does that happen?
His suit came back to him and from the helmet, a holographic scene started to play. The image has a bluish hue, but she can get the idea of what colors are supposed to be there.
The first is a beautiful wooden house in middle of a forest and the camera turns to a little tent and a figure huddled in some kind of blanket near it. A little four year old girl with long brown hair comes running out with a pink dress and fairy wings. Tony, who pulls a hood back, has a mask on of some silly monster and he playfully runs around the tent a few times before falling on the ground and getting 'vanquished' by the fairy queen. He, of course, has to be very overly dramatic with the death scene but the girl laughs through the whole thing. The scene fades and Tony tells Friday of another one to play.
This one is much earlier. It's evident by the baby being assisted walking along a quiet beach by a pretty blonde woman. Higher along the beach, Tony sits watching them. He's smiling, but he doesn't look like he does now. He's emaciated, has a glowing disc at the center of his chest, and has a picc line in one arm. Pyra can almost make out a wheelchair not too far behind him, but the 'camera' moves away from that angle fast and back to the baby and woman.
That image fades and Tony looks at Pyra.]
Sorry I should show you something more fun than these.
[ ...And this must be of the family he's left behind in his world, the one to which he might never know. She notes what the "camera" shows: his wife, his daughter, and his expression and behavior in both of those scenes as they play out. She also notes the difference in how he appears in either of them, where in one he appears as if he's recovering from something, the arc reactor seemingly implanted into is chest, and in another he's sturdier, able to walk and play with his daughter.
And as she notes his expression within the scenes, she also takes care to glance back at the Tony beside her, too, to watch him...
Her own expression is wistful for a moment, and she turns her head to face where the hologram had been. If she had to guess, he probably needed to see the scenes himself. ]
...Look... how happy they are. [ She comments quiet, respectful, and then pausing. ]
That's... amazing. [ She breathes out, as if in awe. ] It's amazing that you gave them that.
[ That happiness, she means, and there's no doubt in her mind that he's the reason for their smiles. If he can make a family like that smile, she's sure that whatever "family" he finds again, he'll be able to do the same. ]
[Pyra had a gift. She could say very little but those words were so impactful. Very few times did he stop and think about the good he'd done for his family. It seemed so pale in comparison to all the heartache his behavior or bad luck had brought them.
He looked back where those holograms had been and wondered, had he really given them anything he'd classify as 'amazing'? Sadly, he shook his head.]
No, that happiness? That's what they gave me. I... I don't know. I gave Pepper migraines and poisonous berries.
[His lip curled up despite the words. It was a bit of a joke between them toward the end.]
[ Is he being serious, is he joking, is he being cynical, is he doubting? The shake of his head, the "I don't know", makes her believe it's the latter rather than any of the former, which is--
She refuses to believe it. When she had seen the hologram, she had seen their smiles, their joy, their contentedness. She refuses to believe that he hadn't had any part of their smiles-- which means he's woefully diminishing himself. ] Mm... hey.
[ Pyra leans forward, lifting up her hand again from their sandwiched hands, and, after one moment, raises one finger and wags it, just a bit chastising. In the soft way, of course. ] Stop that.
That doubt, I mean. [ She smiles kindly. ] Play it again, and you'll see-- those smiles? Are definitely because of you, too.
[As gentle and kind-hearted as it was, Tony was shocked at the scolding. However, the surprise softened. His gaze dropped and.. was that pink on his cheeks? Please stop looking at him.]
I can't. It's a one time only v- okay, that's not true. I um..
[He struggled to find words for her, but he couldn't. No answers, no sarcasm, no jokes, nothing.]
[ With the hand still upon his, she gives his a squeeze. The light that dances in her eyes this time is just a little bit satisfied, as if to convey that she absolutely believes she's right.
Getting him to believe it-- or accept it-- is another thing entirely... Although from that soft color upon his cheeks, perhaps it's possible that he already knows it, somewhere in his heart. ]
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no subject
"I've had time to come to terms with my fate there."
--this.
And from the context of it, it seems that it was a sacrifice on his part, one in which his loved ones as well as the world remain alive and intact. It's a conflict she can understand, painfully so... and it's something that she knows to be the soundest decision, should there be no other way to save the world and those one loves. (Coincidentally, he's not the only one she's heard about that must sacrifice themselves for their world.)
But where does that leave him, now taken from his world and placed in this one, not being able to see those he loves? Still "worth it", as he puts it. She lifts her hand from his, and instead... she raises it, slowly, and reaches for his cheek. Warm palm to his skin, she angles his face a bit more towards her, bright eyes searching his expression in silence.
... ] It's worth it. [ She repeats, finally, her voice soft. That he says it's worth it only solidifies the image of a hero. ]
It's also worth... acknowledging what it cost you. [ Specifically, his happiness, too, and contentedness of seeing his family again. While they can never be truly reunited, he should be allowed to mourn for himself. Pyra sees someone strong in him, someone who can overcome grief, but she also refuses to believe that his heart is so iron that he can dismiss his losses with but a nonchalant shrug. That would be at odds with everything he's said of his family and daughters so far. ]
no subject
Gladio said you were dangerous.
[His friend had said, Pyra gets people to say things they didn't mean to share. Here he was doing the same.]
The part that's...
[Unfair? Hurts the most? Sucks? Felt like he has dumped gasoline on his skin and lit it on fire?]
.. Hardest, I guess?.. is doing it twice.
That family that you were describing is something I found on the Voidtrecker. It started with Ignis and then Gladio boarded not long after. A few stops later Noct and Prompto joined them.
[He moved his hand and tugged from under his shirt where a silver chain had been kept hidden was a tiny, skull charm that Pyra would have no doubt seen many times before on a certain advisor's neck.]
Ignis and I were partners and eventually engaged. He found a little girl in need of a family and fell head over heels for her. It was so sweet watching them together. We weren't married, but Ignis insisted she take both of our last names. He was.. as you can imagine.. very formal about those sort of things. All the boys- Gladio, Prompto, and Noct- loved her and were excited to be her uncle.
There were actually many children on board that I was close to. Only one other boy that I 'officially' adopted, but it meant something to him to have a last name he could be proud of. So..
But our family included Noct, Prompto, and Gladio. We fought together and struggled through things, particularly when Ignis vanished. I hope Noct and Prompto have someone else they can lean on when they woke to find Gladio and I were gone. Maybe they went home or somewhere else too, I don't know.
[He went quiet then, unable to say more for a few moments. Any attempt and he knew he'd break. This was kind of embarrassing pouring his heart out to someone he knew hardly at all but for whatever reason this story had to come out.]
no subject
Now he's forced into another realm while meeting the same people for whom he's cared and loved, and he needs to start all over should he wish to have a relationship with any of the ones present. The task isn't impossible, but it must hurt like knives. The hurt must come from not that he's been "forgotten"-- it's not the fault of any of those here they do not know Tony-- but that he lost the ones he knew.
...And loved. ] Gladio and you... What a truly beautiful family you all have.
[ From the start with Gladio, she's seen him be around town and active. Tony, as well. Both of them, nothing but non-stop as they learned of this place and met with person after person after person, some familiar, some not. They live with each other, they can help each other surely, but--
When have they stopped to rest, or is it that they do not know how, after coming from a cramped train that sowed so much hardship?
Her palm leaves his cheek only to return to reach for his hand, which she brings up between them and reinforces the grasp by cupping over his knuckles with her other. Scarless fingers curl around his earnestly, and she speaks. ] Have either of you grieved yet, for whom you left behind...?
[ That's the hardest part, she thinks, permitting themselves the respite to feel their losses. But, perhaps, when they do (she's presuming, of course, that they hadn't already)... it's not the end, but just the start of moving forward. ]
no subject
He's one of the truest of friends, that's for sure.
[He could've gone on too about ways Gladio inspired him or impressed him. The man could be terribly sensitive, but that was part of his charm. He was this large, bull of a man that could quack a mountain with his roar, but had such a tender spirit underneath it all.
However, the next question brought his attention back to Pyra and he could hear the worry. It touched him that she would care so much, but he he nodded.]
Yeah, we've been working through it. I couldn't imagine having to do this alone. I wish I'd been able to come sooner for Gladio's sake, but late is better than nothing.
[He breathed a laugh and shook his head.]
It doesn't always come out so well. I invited Era to come over after having a poor introduction when I first arrived. I was hoping to make up for it. Damn girl ended up saying a few things that managed to hit all the wrong triggers and I ended up chasing her out of here like an angry lunatic. That's grief in one of it's finer forms.
[He kept going back and forth between being pissed at her and embarrassed for losing his temper on her.]
no subject
That they're working on it, and perhaps finding solace in each other (and defending each other from emotional harm, from the sounds of it). That does make her reassured enough to smile. She feels a bit silly for tearing up-- overly emotional, as it were-- and so she takes a steady breath in. Don't make it awkward, Pyra! ]
I don't know how you do it. Both of you have lost so much, and... [ And still he has made the time for tea and cookies and-- even jokes from time to time. She releases that breath. ]
It's good to take care of your heart, Tony. [ It's worth it, he had said. Each and every time, no matter how much the loss, it's worth it to give it time to mourn and to heal, but to also have love and family.
She takes one of her hands back, bringing it to her own chest, slight-left of the crystal, as if she could symbolize her own. ] From everything you've said... yours is extraordinary. And... precious. I'll help, if I can.
no subject
Looks like I'm off to a good start.
[He very gently bumped his shoulder against hers. He watches curiously as she puts her hand to her chest again. He remembered she did that last time too. That crystal was just so curious, but he pushed that away. She'd tell him when she was ready.]
I think this plan to make a trip for our... I feel like we should call them something. They aren't exactly my family again.. yet, but they're clearly yours. I have an invested interested though. The Eos Boys? Team Noct(is)? Well, whatever, we'll get t-shirt rights later, but once we can get them back in sync it'll make my life better because Gladio will be happier.
[Gladio deserved as much happiness as he could possibly get.]
no subject
She's certain that, eventually, he'll have family here, too, with them, since she'd like to believe that he's practically that with Gladio already (or maybe she's assuming too much-- still, optimistic!). From there, however, it'll only be a matter of time. ]
I'm not sure, but if and when they do become yours, [ Her smile grows a bit. ] ...I suppose you'll have to be called Superdad, won't you?
no subject
He laughed at the name, finding it cute and horrifying all at once. That tended to be how good nicknames are formed, but he'd at least give her options.]
The kids used to call me Iron Dad, since my Superhero name is Iron Man but.. I don't think I had a special name from the family.
Hmm.. do you know if they like cards? Like poker?
no subject
I've seen some photos of their campsite... Sometimes they'd have cards out. [ They couldn't always be expected to just fight daemons or train when the sun went down. ] But come to think of it, I've never asked what it was they've played.
[ Okay... okay. Her eyes have stopped misting, and she smiles. ] You look like you're good at playing cards, though.
no subject
I've asked a number of times and I don't always get a straight answer. I think they play children's games and they don't want to admit it.
[It was the only thing he could figure out. Both Ignis' he knew had be reluctant to stay on that subject long so he pictured everyone playing 'Old Maid' or 'Go Fish'. Actually, given the name of that last one, that might be exactly what they were playing.]
I have been known to play some. There's nothing like a good poker game with a fine brandy and cigar..
Do they have those here somewhere?
no subject
Parroting that playfully secretive tone, and also leaning in, she asks slyly, ]
Aah, are you looking to set up Havenwell’s very first gambling ring? Casino?
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That, my dear, is an excellent idea! I knew I liked you for a reason.
[They could start it off as just games in the bar, then tournaments, then maybe an empire. He'd own this town before they could blink an eye. Sigh, if only. He chuckled.]
I'm kidding. I wouldn't really want to do that to people.
no subject
Because you'd beat everyone at poker?
[ Her lips curve upward, giggling again at she silly image this paints: ] What would one even bet, chips for hugs and kisses?
no subject
[He chuckles, but the idea of playing poker for 'hugs and kisses' has him leaning back and laughing a whole lot more earnestly.]
If there was a god of poker, they would track this world down just to smite us over that one. Blasphemy!
[After another small laugh, he looks back at her thoughtfully.]
So are you feeling better now, sweetheart? I know I dropped some really heavy things on you and I'm sorry for that.
no subject
No-- I mean, yes, I'm better. But no, for... Don't say sorry. [ With her free one, she pats atop his knuckles. ]
I'm glad you told me. You've been through a lot.
no subject
Maybe sharing about your life isn't all bad, right?
[He gave her hand a light, playful squeeze.]
One more question.. how did such a lovely, sweet girl like you end up with such a sourpuss?
[The tone is still playful. Whether Noct is grumpy or not, Tony likes him. Teasing was just one of his weird ways of showing affection.]
no subject
Oh, you mean Noct?
[ She smiles again, exhaling a short breath through her nose. Yes, she knows that Noct has his prickly moments. He’s still amazing to her, though, and by his smile she recognizes that Tony doesn’t mean the term in any harmful way.
Still, there’s a light blush upon her cheeks— not embarrassed, but happy. ]
Well....It’s very easy to love him, isn’t it.
no subject
Whatever you say.
[He'd thought maybe talking about Noct she'd say more, but even that topic was barely getting a sentence. He thought Pyra was a sweetheart, but she'd flunk his essay questions if she took his science classes.
He was quiet a moment as he thought over where else to lead the conversation. His eyes lit up and he gave her a smile.]
Would you like to see Pepper and Morgan?
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I'm not going to say no, but... Who are they? [ She scoots more up next to him, giving his hand a squeeze. ]
no subject
[This life could be so strange. He'd felt like he'd been doing nothing but talk about himself since Pyra got here and yet somehow the names of his family whom he loved the most and suffer the greatest heartache that they are gone hadn't been said. How does that happen?
His suit came back to him and from the helmet, a holographic scene started to play. The image has a bluish hue, but she can get the idea of what colors are supposed to be there.
The first is a beautiful wooden house in middle of a forest and the camera turns to a little tent and a figure huddled in some kind of blanket near it. A little four year old girl with long brown hair comes running out with a pink dress and fairy wings. Tony, who pulls a hood back, has a mask on of some silly monster and he playfully runs around the tent a few times before falling on the ground and getting 'vanquished' by the fairy queen. He, of course, has to be very overly dramatic with the death scene but the girl laughs through the whole thing. The scene fades and Tony tells Friday of another one to play.
This one is much earlier. It's evident by the baby being assisted walking along a quiet beach by a pretty blonde woman. Higher along the beach, Tony sits watching them. He's smiling, but he doesn't look like he does now. He's emaciated, has a glowing disc at the center of his chest, and has a picc line in one arm. Pyra can almost make out a wheelchair not too far behind him, but the 'camera' moves away from that angle fast and back to the baby and woman.
That image fades and Tony looks at Pyra.]
Sorry I should show you something more fun than these.
no subject
And as she notes his expression within the scenes, she also takes care to glance back at the Tony beside her, too, to watch him...
Her own expression is wistful for a moment, and she turns her head to face where the hologram had been. If she had to guess, he probably needed to see the scenes himself. ]
...Look... how happy they are. [ She comments quiet, respectful, and then pausing. ]
That's... amazing. [ She breathes out, as if in awe. ] It's amazing that you gave them that.
[ That happiness, she means, and there's no doubt in her mind that he's the reason for their smiles. If he can make a family like that smile, she's sure that whatever "family" he finds again, he'll be able to do the same. ]
no subject
He looked back where those holograms had been and wondered, had he really given them anything he'd classify as 'amazing'? Sadly, he shook his head.]
No, that happiness? That's what they gave me. I... I don't know. I gave Pepper migraines and poisonous berries.
[His lip curled up despite the words. It was a bit of a joke between them toward the end.]
Morgan, I made the cookies.
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She refuses to believe it. When she had seen the hologram, she had seen their smiles, their joy, their contentedness. She refuses to believe that he hadn't had any part of their smiles-- which means he's woefully diminishing himself. ] Mm... hey.
[ Pyra leans forward, lifting up her hand again from their sandwiched hands, and, after one moment, raises one finger and wags it, just a bit chastising. In the soft way, of course. ] Stop that.
That doubt, I mean. [ She smiles kindly. ] Play it again, and you'll see-- those smiles? Are definitely because of you, too.
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I can't. It's a one time only v- okay, that's not true. I um..
[He struggled to find words for her, but he couldn't. No answers, no sarcasm, no jokes, nothing.]
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Getting him to believe it-- or accept it-- is another thing entirely... Although from that soft color upon his cheeks, perhaps it's possible that he already knows it, somewhere in his heart. ]
What do you say, Irondad?
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Wrap?
yup yup