[ Noctis is never more grateful for Gladio's discretion than right now. He doesn't know how he does it, but knowing when Noctis should talk and when he shouldn't has helped him more times in his life than he could possibly count. And right now, he knows he can't articulate everything he's feeling. It's just too much — and when it gets to that point, Noctis shuts down. Old habit from old trauma. ]
You think he knows what we're doing? [ As if on command, Umbra brushes against Noctis' side, tail wagging helpfully. ]
[ If Umbra knows anything, he's certainly not telling them, or at least, not Gladio. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter and he's focused on what he can do, and right now, that's keeping Noct's head above water and that starts with getting them to the trolley. ]
When's the last time you ate something? You'll need something in you before we get there and it's a good half and hour's ride down.
[ Because Gladio knows he has to lead in on this one. ]
You're gonna put Ignis out of the job if you keep that up. [ It's a quip that lands unevenly, Noctis' tone too wavering and distracted to really cover the fact that he's hurting. But like everything emotional, his knee-jerk instinct is to bottle it all up, and he isn't interested in talking about it right now. Not for a good while.
Still, he knows what Gladio is doing. And he exhales softly, keeping his gaze trained ahead of them when he finally offers, ] I'll eat if you think it'll help. [ A small concession. Mostly to make Gladio feel better. ]
I'd have a lot of catching up to do, if replacing Iggy was even possible. [ Gladio's tone stays light despite the concern that's eating at him. It's all a game of patience and Gladio needs to keep his eyes forward when Noct's are down, pushing them along because they can't afford to stop. But slow down? That he can do.
He pulls something out of the Armiger, an old favorite of Noct's he always keeps around for things like this, a thank you for humoring him and an I see you all at once. ] Catch.
[ There's no pause between that and him tossing it over. Catch it, or Umbra gets a treat. ]
It'd probably take a lifetime. [ There's nothing but warmth in his voice when he says it, though. Noctis has adored Ignis since they were introduced, and not having him here is like nursing a gaping hole in his chest. He knows Gladio must feel the same way — like there's something so essential missing.
But he tries not to linger too long on the thought, knowing Ignis wouldn't want them to get distracted. That, too, makes his heart ache.
Just barely catching the snack, Noctis is surprised to find it's one of his favorites. ] Now you're definitely not catching up to Iggy, [ he says, a bit of cheerfulness returning to his voice as he peels the packaging off. Tossing a piece to Umbra, who catches it effortlessly, Noctis munches on the candy bar, satisfied. ] So this place — you been there yet?
And then some. [ Not that he'd dream of it. Gladio's known Ignis as long as Noct has and over the years, they'd worked out a system to keep themselves sane in the capital, or at least just keep their heads above water. It's never been easy, but it was easier together and Gladio's been missing that piece of this whole thing since they got here.
But this isn't the time to let thoughts like that weigh him down. Looking at Noct again, expression softening a little. He doesn't know what happened, but he's got a job to do and that's what he's going to focus on. ]
No. [ Gladio laughs warmly. ] I could have grabbed one of his premade granola bars, but I though you could use a little pick me up. [ A hint of a smile finds it's way onto his face. ]
Just got back from there. There's one pool that's good, but we've got a couple options in case you sense something off with the first one. They're all in the same general area, so not too out of the way.
[ With his free hand, Noctis gives Gladio a little nudge with his knuckles, nowhere near a punch but a warm, appreciative gesture he knows he'll understand perfectly. ] Thanks, [ is stated simply, but there's so much more emotion hidden in the word, woven into the shape of his tone to convey more of what he's feeling. It's not just gratitude, it's a feeling of comfort and peace he sorely needs right now.
Noctis eats slowly while they make their way to the trolley, which is thankfully waiting for them. He ushers Umbra on first, then Noctis follows, trusting Gladio to be right behind. ]
You say that like you've ever picked one that felt off, [ he teases, choosing a seat up top. He wants to see this place as they approach. ]
[ With the hint of a smile on his face, Gladio leans away slightly as if that gesture was enough to knock him over. It's all teasing, but if it can lift Noct's spirits even a little, that's all that matters. ] Anytime, [ is all he says, hand resting at the small of Noct's back.
The rest of the walk is quiet and it's a familiar silence that settles in around them. Gladio hangs back once they're at the trolley, waiting for Umbra and Noctis to hop on before he bounds up the couple of stairs and then up the ones to the top. ]
There's a first time for everything. [ He laughs, but he's pretty sure the place will be fine. Gladio can't say he's in tune with the spiritual side of things like Noctis is, but he thinks he's better at picking it up now after those trials. ]
[ Leaning on the railing from his seat, Noctis closes his eyes for a minute, enjoying the way the breeze ruffles his hair. He doesn't know it, but their thoughts are following a similar thread. It's what inspires him to speak again, eyes still closed. ]
Dunno. You seem better at it since your solo trip. [ He leaves that topic of conversation open in case Gladio feels like sharing. He's curious, but not enough to push right now. Maybe when he isn't feeling so sad and worn out. ]
[ Resting his forearms on his thighs, Gladio leans in, eyes fixed on Noctis. Up here, away from the city, he finally looks better. Not good, but better. It's all Gladio can hope for at the moment. He threads his fingers together and just watches, though he manages a smile when Noct breaks the silence, one that's in his voice clear enough, right there with the warmth. ]
Better than nothing doesn't put me anywhere near your level. [ Gladio chuckles softly. Pushing himself up, he settles back in his seat, head tipped back and trying to feel the heat of the sun on his face. ] It's not easy, dealing with spirits. They can suck the life out of you.
Maybe not. But it's a lot closer than anyone else is. [ And if he leans into Gladio's side a little, well. He doesn't think he'll get called out on that. Noctis finds it difficult to express himself on a good day, but he's saying what he really feels in all the other ways — seeking closeness, offering warmth, eating when he's asked.
Studying him for a long moment, he hums in the back of his throat. ] I guess. You get used to it after a while. And besides, [ there's a note of sadness in his voice now, ] Who else is gonna help them? [ For better or worse, Noctis will always feel for people who ask for support. And spirits, to him, are still very much people. ]
If you say so. [ Gladio shifts, draping his arm along the back of the seats and pulling Noctis closer, hoping to offer a little reprieve from everything else, at least for a little while. Despite his best efforts, Gladio can only do so much, but warmth, quiet, understanding? That he can do, without hesitation.
Humming back, Gladio stares on ahead for a moment, contemplative, before looking down at Noctis, holding his gaze. ] Guess you're right. But you're not doing it alone.
[ Gladio doesn't know how much good he'll do with spirits, but he'll always be right at Noct's side. ]
[ Feeling that arm slide behind him is all the invitation he needs. Noctis leans his head on Gladio with a sigh, and for once, all the tension bleeds out of him at once. He closes his eyes and soaks up the warmth along his side, letting it unwind the stress tangled between his ribs. ]
Yeah. [ It's almost a sigh, the way he says the word. There's relief in his tone, but there's also gratitude. ] I know. I gotta get better at asking for help. [ Noctis is fully aware of his shortcomings, but he figures Gladio might appreciate hearing this out loud. ]
[ Exhaling softly, Gladio just settles in and lets Noct get comfortable, watching him sag slightly like all his strings have been cut. It makes him smile a little, arm draping over Noct's shoulder now, tugging him a little closer. ]
Yeah, you do. [ It's said warmly, because while Noctis does sometimes need a little push, the fact that he's admitting it out loud without needing him to pull it out of him is a big deal. ] You never really need to ask, just know that I'll be here no matter what.
[ Noctis exhales hard, shifting a bit but careful not to jostle Gladio's arm off. ] I do need to ask, [ he says in that stubborn way of his. It's the tone he's always taken whenever he's made his mind up about something and there's nothing that can shake him from it. ] Or I need to admit it at least. Half the time you're fighting me just to help me. It's — [ another exhale, this time longer.
He doesn't finish the thought. Really, he doesn't need to. They're both fully aware of the consequences that choice has yielded time and again. Noctis wants to do better. He wants to try. For Gladio, most of all. ]
You don't, and you know you don't, [ Gladio counters, though he recognizes that tone. It's one he's worked with — and sometimes against — all his life. ] But that? [ And he pats Noctis where his hand reaches, right over his heart. ] That's what I want. Just let me help you.
[ The look on his face, though, says what he doesn't say; that he's also admitting that he needs to let Noct help him too sometimes. It's not going to be easy, for him most of all, conditioned from birth to feel expendable, but he's willing to try. For Noctis, he's willing to try. ]
Oh yeah? [ And Noctis is shifting to sit up now, pinning Gladio with a blazing look of determination. ] And who's helping you? [ It's not exactly a new argument between them, and it certainly won't be the last time they discuss this. But even familiar territory can be treacherous sometimes.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, he's aware of the fact that Gladio's touch left a mark over his heart. It burns there, right where his hand was, a warmth that won't leave for a long while yet. Not that he'd ever want it to. Later, maybe, he'll think about that. But not now. ]
[ 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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You think he knows what we're doing? [ As if on command, Umbra brushes against Noctis' side, tail wagging helpfully. ]
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[ If Umbra knows anything, he's certainly not telling them, or at least, not Gladio. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter and he's focused on what he can do, and right now, that's keeping Noct's head above water and that starts with getting them to the trolley. ]
When's the last time you ate something? You'll need something in you before we get there and it's a good half and hour's ride down.
[ Because Gladio knows he has to lead in on this one. ]
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Still, he knows what Gladio is doing. And he exhales softly, keeping his gaze trained ahead of them when he finally offers, ] I'll eat if you think it'll help. [ A small concession. Mostly to make Gladio feel better. ]
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He pulls something out of the Armiger, an old favorite of Noct's he always keeps around for things like this, a thank you for humoring him and an I see you all at once. ] Catch.
[ There's no pause between that and him tossing it over. Catch it, or Umbra gets a treat. ]
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But he tries not to linger too long on the thought, knowing Ignis wouldn't want them to get distracted. That, too, makes his heart ache.
Just barely catching the snack, Noctis is surprised to find it's one of his favorites. ] Now you're definitely not catching up to Iggy, [ he says, a bit of cheerfulness returning to his voice as he peels the packaging off. Tossing a piece to Umbra, who catches it effortlessly, Noctis munches on the candy bar, satisfied. ] So this place — you been there yet?
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But this isn't the time to let thoughts like that weigh him down. Looking at Noct again, expression softening a little. He doesn't know what happened, but he's got a job to do and that's what he's going to focus on. ]
No. [ Gladio laughs warmly. ] I could have grabbed one of his premade granola bars, but I though you could use a little pick me up. [ A hint of a smile finds it's way onto his face. ]
Just got back from there. There's one pool that's good, but we've got a couple options in case you sense something off with the first one. They're all in the same general area, so not too out of the way.
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Noctis eats slowly while they make their way to the trolley, which is thankfully waiting for them. He ushers Umbra on first, then Noctis follows, trusting Gladio to be right behind. ]
You say that like you've ever picked one that felt off, [ he teases, choosing a seat up top. He wants to see this place as they approach. ]
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The rest of the walk is quiet and it's a familiar silence that settles in around them. Gladio hangs back once they're at the trolley, waiting for Umbra and Noctis to hop on before he bounds up the couple of stairs and then up the ones to the top. ]
There's a first time for everything. [ He laughs, but he's pretty sure the place will be fine. Gladio can't say he's in tune with the spiritual side of things like Noctis is, but he thinks he's better at picking it up now after those trials. ]
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Dunno. You seem better at it since your solo trip. [ He leaves that topic of conversation open in case Gladio feels like sharing. He's curious, but not enough to push right now. Maybe when he isn't feeling so sad and worn out. ]
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Better than nothing doesn't put me anywhere near your level. [ Gladio chuckles softly. Pushing himself up, he settles back in his seat, head tipped back and trying to feel the heat of the sun on his face. ] It's not easy, dealing with spirits. They can suck the life out of you.
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Studying him for a long moment, he hums in the back of his throat. ] I guess. You get used to it after a while. And besides, [ there's a note of sadness in his voice now, ] Who else is gonna help them? [ For better or worse, Noctis will always feel for people who ask for support. And spirits, to him, are still very much people. ]
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Humming back, Gladio stares on ahead for a moment, contemplative, before looking down at Noctis, holding his gaze. ] Guess you're right. But you're not doing it alone.
[ Gladio doesn't know how much good he'll do with spirits, but he'll always be right at Noct's side. ]
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Yeah. [ It's almost a sigh, the way he says the word. There's relief in his tone, but there's also gratitude. ] I know. I gotta get better at asking for help. [ Noctis is fully aware of his shortcomings, but he figures Gladio might appreciate hearing this out loud. ]
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Yeah, you do. [ It's said warmly, because while Noctis does sometimes need a little push, the fact that he's admitting it out loud without needing him to pull it out of him is a big deal. ] You never really need to ask, just know that I'll be here no matter what.
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He doesn't finish the thought. Really, he doesn't need to. They're both fully aware of the consequences that choice has yielded time and again. Noctis wants to do better. He wants to try. For Gladio, most of all. ]
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[ The look on his face, though, says what he doesn't say; that he's also admitting that he needs to let Noct help him too sometimes. It's not going to be easy, for him most of all, conditioned from birth to feel expendable, but he's willing to try. For Noctis, he's willing to try. ]
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Somewhere in the back of his mind, he's aware of the fact that Gladio's touch left a mark over his heart. It burns there, right where his hand was, a warmth that won't leave for a long while yet. Not that he'd ever want it to. Later, maybe, he'll think about that. But not now. ]
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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. ]
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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.