[ No, it's certainly not new, but it catches him off guard every time regardless. Gladio shifts with him, his arm still draped over Noct's shoulder though it slides back slightly as the prince moves and he meets those eyes even if they humble him at the same time. Those eyes are like standing on the shore facing the vastness of the sea and being reminded of his place in the world. He likes it, even if it leaves him breathless sometimes. ]
Are you offering? [ It's easier to joke, to offload the tension slightly like that, but he knows the answer before Noct even has to say it, but there's a part of him that wants to hear it anyway. ]
[ That's the thing with Noctis — he can't joke when he gets like this, single-minded and relentless, and he won't stop until Gladio either relents or shuts the conversation down.
So he continues to pin his Shield with a fierce look when he replies, ] It's my duty to you, [ in a voice that leaves no room for argument. The words are deliberately chosen, too — a perfect mirror image of everything Gladio stands for. Because to Noctis, they owe each other the same exact things. ]
[ Years ago, shutting it down might have been the way this would go, Gladio too caught up in what he thought being a Shield meant with the shadow of his father cutting across everything. Now, he gives a little, because he knows the alternative is breaking, and he can't do that to Noctis. ]
Your duty, huh. [ There's a serious note to his voice now, but beneath it, something grateful and warm. ] Then I have to accept. [ But it's more than that, it's not obligation and that's clear in the look on his face, open and just a little vulnerable. ]
[ Sometime during their prolonged stare down, the trolley comes to a stop — but Noctis doesn't move. He continues to hold Gladio's gaze, steady and certain, waiting for the man to yield. Eyes narrowing slightly at that first response, Noctis' jaw tightens just a little, a protest rising up his throat before Gladio continues speaking.
Relief floods through him. Then a smile tugs at his mouth. ] You better. [ Squeezing Gladio's shoulder, Noctis stands, offering him a hand up. He feels far more energized than he did earlier. ] Now let's get this done.
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Are you offering? [ It's easier to joke, to offload the tension slightly like that, but he knows the answer before Noct even has to say it, but there's a part of him that wants to hear it anyway. ]
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So he continues to pin his Shield with a fierce look when he replies, ] It's my duty to you, [ in a voice that leaves no room for argument. The words are deliberately chosen, too — a perfect mirror image of everything Gladio stands for. Because to Noctis, they owe each other the same exact things. ]
no subject
Your duty, huh. [ There's a serious note to his voice now, but beneath it, something grateful and warm. ] Then I have to accept. [ But it's more than that, it's not obligation and that's clear in the look on his face, open and just a little vulnerable. ]
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Relief floods through him. Then a smile tugs at his mouth. ] You better. [ Squeezing Gladio's shoulder, Noctis stands, offering him a hand up. He feels far more energized than he did earlier. ] Now let's get this done.