it makes him feel both relieved and terrified that gladio is the one that came out of the tent and followed him here. he wants to feel strong in front of him, wants him to think that he can handle himself. now he just felt weak and kind of embarrassed. crying wasn’t manly, at least not his definition. crying in front of gladio wasn’t exactly gaining him brownie points for strength, either. but there’s a sudden softness, subtle as it is in gladio’s features, he sees it and he knows.
prompto had always picked up on the fact that the shield seemed to be sweeter around him, at least when the two were alone anyway. they had their quiet moments, stolen glances, soft words of affirmation. gladio makes comments here and there about how far he’s come, how well he did that day, and it makes him feel like he’s not messing anything up. tired eyes look up at his friend once more when he grabs his chin, gaze forced to meet the other’s. for once, prompto doesn’t feel ashamed of his emotions. for this split second he convinces himself that it’s okay to cry, to crumble to the point of another having to pick up the pieces. he doesn’t mind being broken so long as it’s gladio to piece him back together.
a soft chuckle passes his lips, nodding his head while he brings his arm up to wipe at his tear stained cheeks. slowly, his palms meet the gravel beneath them and he crawls forward until he reaches gladio. he settles between the muscular man’s legs, his own winding around gladio’s waist. ❛ still, ❜ he mumbles, more to himself than the other, ❛ i should’ve asked first. it’s just … ❜ he cuts himself off, mentally making a note to stop talking. gladio likes him, it was okay. he rubs his hands against his jeans and hesitantly one arm comes up to wrap around his shoulders, the other allowing his hand to tangle his fingers into the shield’s hair.
his eyes rake over every detail of gladio’s face, taking all of him within the few moments he gets to be this close to him. it’s a privilege to see the older man like this, something that he doesn’t take lightly. ❛ i’m sorry for waking you, ❜ prompto frowns, his own nose brushing against gladio’s before his eyes flutter shut and he leans in to close the distance between their lips. he kisses him softly, more sure of himself this time, and a lot slower. he wants to savor the taste of him, the feeling of their lips pressed together, all of him.
Gladiolus waits patiently as Prompto readies himself, wipes away his tears. He’s being more patient than usual, more willing to wait. If anything, Prompto inspires him to be a better person, and that’s definitely a good thing, isn’t it? Gladiolus’ gaze is warm as he watches Prompto speak. “It’s fine, Prom. You were caught up in the heat of the moment. It’s okay.”
He lets out a soft hum when Prompto tangles his fingers in his hair. Lets himself close his eyes for a moment and simply enjoy the close contact. Sure, he has had flings on their journey, but they don’t mean anything. This kiss—hell, Promto has always meant something to Gladiolus.
“Again, it’s fine. Geez, Prompto, if you keep apologizing I’m gonna shut you up with a kiss.” That doesn’t happen though. Instead, Prompto kisses him, and it’s the most perfect thing in the world—soft, tender, glorious. Gladiolus pulls Prompto flush against his chest. He wants him to feel the way his hear this hammering in his chest—wants him to feel the warmth of his skin.
When their lips part, Gladiolus smiles. “Shiva help me, I’ve wanted this for a really long time. . .I sure am glad you worked up the courage to kiss me.” He pauses. Presses a line of kisses along Prompto’s neck. “I’m not that great parsing my own emotions, but know this: you make me happy. I’m happy to be here with you, in this moment, and I’m grateful you worked up the courage to kiss me.”