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Regis nods as Tony comments about how he felt they'd had a connection at first. They must have because otherwise Tony wouldn't have gone to such efforts to try and help her, especially after she lashed out the first time. At least he does recognize the risk there is to his own mental health if he pushes too hard.

Of course, leave it to Tony to point out the very obvious flip-side of that coin.

Regis can't help but laugh when his friend finally settles on the word 'pansy' to describe him. In fact, he laughs hard enough that he ends up resting his forehead against Tony's shoulder until he gets control of himself again.

Well, he isn't wrong.

"I appreciate the concern, but I think the big difference is that I am also a king. I am used to having to set aside my feelings and address things disconnected from them. Now, I'll admit, I have not had to step back and make that disconnect a lot lately. The skill is rusty, so I do need people to keep an eye on me. I had a whole inner circle to do it back home, after all."

For a moment, he really wishes Cor was still here so he could ask him what he thought of all this, but wishes aren't going to help them through this mess, "I will be happy to see the papers you have, but I think talking about it will be the most useful. Personal perspectives are often more useful than clinical ones. We don't have to do it now, though, if you don't feel ready to. We have already spoke on a lot."

Tony grinned. He was very pleased that Regis took his remark so well. They both needed a little tension relief while he also genuinely was worried about his friend. He ends up laughing too and puts an arm around Regis' shoulder to hold him there. No hard feelings. He loves you, you pansy.

"If you say so," Tony relented, though there was still doubt in his tone. He knew Regis was a wise man and a good king. It was possible that he could disconnect from his emotions and make decisions from a more objective than what the older man could, but Tony doubted it. He didn't think being a king vs a man of science were too different. The part that separated them was that this mental condition had sank its fangs into Tony's psyche and that made it personal.

"You're getting an inner circle back. If Gladio can't be the prince's Shield, draw him in more as yours. He'd love to feel useful again and have a place among his people in a way he doesn't currently. And just because the boy band of choco-brains are young and were supposed to be for the next generation, that doesn't mean anything now. They'd step up if you even implied it was needed. Ignis was a leader on the train and so was Gladio. Listen to them, they're almost even smart sometimes." He grinned at the end, trying to make it clear that was just a joke. He knew they could be very smart.

"Are you doubting me? How dare you!" Regis chuckles and then shifts to lightly punch Tony in the ribs. His amusement lasts only a moment, though, as something else Tony says catches his attention in a different way.

Yes, he is trying to rebuild his inner circle, and it's going better than he had ever thought it might, but that isn't what has caught his attention.

He sits back, gently detangling himself from Tony's grip.

"What do you mean 'if Gladio can't be the prince's Shield?." Is something going on between them?"

As happy and honored as he would be to have Gladio at his side, the young man is suppose to be Noctis' Shield. If they are having issues getting along well enough to work together, then something is very wrong.

Tony laughs with a slight 'oof' when he was struck. It wasn't hardly hard enough to warrant that sound, but he was teasing. "Of course I doubt anyone saying they can do anything better than I can or is this the first time we're meeting?" He joked back. "Just.. also, don't underestimate the power of a daughter- of any child, even as a king. They're little gremlins in pigtails." And he loved them.

When Regis drew back, he watched his friend confused before realizing his mistake. No, he'd promised to back the hell off. He glanced at his friend and knew immediately he needed to come up with something or he'd end up having to admit had he'd screwed up with Noctis too. Unfortunately, he'd already hesitated too long for any of that. He ran a hand over his beard before settling it over his mouth and he continued to think what to do here a moment longer. Finally, he glanced away again, sighed and asked, "Got anything stronger on tap?"

He'd screwed up.

Tony is, of course, right about how much power children have over their parents. There is nothing that Regis wouldn't do for Noctis, after all, and he is about to say so when he notices just how badly Tony reacts to his questions about Gladio and Noctis. A knot of worry starts to twist in his stomach.

"I should be able to find something," Regis says, concern on his face. "Dare I ask how much stronger I should go?"

Tony sighed again. "You know what, no. I need to let them handle it. I promised to butt out. It's not the way I would handle things and that's likely for the best," he huffed a brief laugh, turning so he could look at Regis more directly.

"Gladio made it clear the issue is really between me and Noct and not the two of them, but I think it's shitty how Noct has treated Gladio before and since I've gotten here. I told him as much too." He at least had the sense to give Regis a guilty look at admitting that. "I uh.. I went off on him like an asshole.. but in my defense-" He began and then cut himself off and lifted a hand in surrender. "Okay there is no defense to that."

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Apologies for the delay! I apparently didn't get the notif for this one. X.x

Sure sure, I know you don't really love me

Pffft....

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