When you see comments on YouTube about how some high damage attack is hard to dodge
Like say the Lawachurl in Dragonspine. And you reply to that comment with “laughing in Zhongli’s shield” and unintentionally flex that you have a Zhongli.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DEAREST GLADDY DADDY!! You are the greatest Shield ever - and we are so blessed to have you and your abs. HERE’S A DRABBLE IN YOUR HONOR! *bows*
There were three distinct birthdays that Gladiolus remembered vividly in his mind - and on days like today - it tended to bring them to light.
The first that came to mind was his 15th birthday.
All had been well for that day.
His father and little sister had gifted him with presents earlier that morning, and a nice breakfast had been prepared. Little more was necessary to do for the day, so Gladio had resumed his scheduled duties as normal.
He wasn’t big on announcing these kinds of things, so typically only close friends and family even knew about the special occasion.
He was fine with that.
But when he had gotten to the citadel to train with Noct that day - he had been surprised when he as informed by the guard that the prince was sick. It wasn’t unusual for that to happen - but the most confusing part was when they reported to him that Noct had requested to see him in his chambers immediately. Mildly confused and alarmed, Gladio had done as he was told and made his way to the room.
His initial thoughts were that Noct wanted to apologize for missing another session, as they had very recently just begun to understand one another and probably didn’t want to damage it by skipping out, but that was not the case when Gladio entered the room.
The young boy was sitting up in his bed, medicines and tissues around him. He looked impressively tired and flushed, but his eyes lit up when he saw Gladio enter the room.
“Jeez, you look like hell, kid.” Gladio had said with a laugh, approaching the bedside. “This is what you get for not eatin’ your veggies.” He quirked an eyebrow at him, smirking as he did so.
Noct sniffled and glared at him, but the sneeze that followed broke his expression. “No way. This is your fault.” He grumbled, reaching for the tissue box.
Gladio blinked at him. “Huh? How’s this my fault?” He said abashedly, folding his arms together.
“Cause you didn’t tell me it was your birthday today - so I couldn’t think of anything else to get you.” Noct pouted, his cheeks puffing in frustration.
Gladio furrowed his brows. How had he found out in the first place -
Iris.
Obviously.
“Er - uh. Sorry? So you got sick ‘cause I didn’t tell you?” Gladio asked, eyeing him a bit confusedly.
Gladio reflexively caught the thing that was thrown at him, and his eyes grew wide as he looked down at it.
His hat.
His favorite hat.
He’d found it.
He’d lost it a few days prior when the wind had whipped it off of his head while he was taking a walk. He’d remembered complaining about it, but he didn’t think Noct had been so perceptive as to pick up on it - or remember.
“I went to go find it - but it rained on me - then I fell into a pond when I tried to get it.” Noct admitted - a mixture of embarrassment and frustration staining his cheeks.
Gladio took a moment to gape at him - but his expression morphed completely when he threw his head back in laughter at the pouty face, the sound loud and genuine.
This kid…
He wiped a tear from his eye, still chuckling slightly. He took in a deep breath and shook his head, regarding Noct with a bright smile. “This was really thoughtful a’ you Noct.” He said after a moment, watching as the big blue eyes flashed up to him.
He had really been thinking about him.
Gladio let out a breath through his nose, then casually leaned forward and ruffled the prince’s dark hair. He kept it on his head until Noct turned to look at him, his flushed face the picture of adorable.
Gladio smiled.
“Thanks.”
Yeah, he’d never forget that one.
On his 15th birthday, he was given the gift of honesty.
*
The next distinct birthday was his 21st.
There were few things that Gladio hated more than people intruding or imposing on his personal life. He kept most of his personal feelings and emotions out of the mix, so when they were realized by people that he did not want seeing, it bothered him.
But...this day had been odd in the sense that it was one of the few times he appreciated it. Especially in the manner in which it had been presented.
It had been a ridiculously busy day and Gladio was flustered.
Training with the guard had been more brutal than usual that day, and he kept finding himself running back and forth between his responsibilities to Noct, the archives, and the training grounds. He had a lot to do before he was sworn in in a few weeks -
And it was driving him mad.
So he wasn’t exactly in a good mood when he returned home, he was just about ready to flop into bed and sleep away his bad temper. He’d debated visiting his home that day at all - but he knew what it meant to Iris that he was there on his birthday.
He had been stopped mid way up to his room, however, when Iris had called to him.
“Gladdy! Prompto dropped something off for you! I put it on your bed!” The little girl had called.
Gladio paused for a moment, but called back shortly afterwards: “Thanks, Iris!” and continued up to his room.
He knew it was likely a gift, but he was surprised by gesture - he had gone out of his way to come all the way to his place simply to drop it off? And Gladio hadn’t even been there?
It was unnecessarily kind.
When he had gotten up to his room, he found a small wrapped package laying neatly on his bed, on top was a note that was characteristically scribbled in Prompto’s handwriting.
Gladio had tentatively picked it up and opened it.
Hey big guy!
Happy birthday! I know it’s kinda weird for me to be dropping stuff off at your place but i really wanted to get this to you. Ive been working on it FOREVER. I think youre gonna like the last one hehe.
Happy birthday!
P.s - don’t show Ignis please
Gladio narrowed his eyes suspiciously at the last words
What the hell did this have to do with Ignis?
He set the note aside and reached for the package, undoing the wrapping paper.
For a moment, he simply stared at the cover of the gift.
It was a photo album - and the first picture in the center was the crest of the Shield with his name in the center.
It was very aesthetically pleasing with the swirls mixed nicely in with the font of his name. The rest was bound in soft leather, and he ran his hand over the material in slight awe of it.
Wow.
He opened the first page of the album, and was immediately pleased by what he saw. Pictures of the citadel cast in a myriad of brilliant sunset colors covered the first two pages, and he briefly remembered the tiny conversation he’d had with Prompto about how he liked how it looked -
The boy was way more perceptive than he’d given him credit for.
The next few pages were similar - though some had pictures of himself and his companions in various poses. Funny, epic, nonchalant, etc. The last images were particularly interesting, however. They each held a picture of his individual friends.
Noct was standing amongst the gardens of the castle, epically posing as wind whipped around his hair.
Prompto’s picture consisted of him giving a big thumbs up to a Cup Noodle stand in the citadel.
Iris had her own little picture - the girl smiling brightly while holding a vase of roses while a blue flower crown donned her brunette head.
Gladio had absolutely no idea how he had managed to take a picture of Cor smiling - though Prompto had likely used his advantage of being his adopted son to convince him to do so.
Clarus had opted to pose with Iris again, his eyes shining in genuine happiness as he and Iris stood next to each other.
This was...so thoughtful. He loved each and every one of the pictures so far. It was obvious how much thought Prompto had put behind each one - the boy had been questioning him lately in what he liked in pictures - but he hadn’t realized that he was doing that to put this together for him.
Prompto had been asking about it for so long he didn’t even give thought that it was perhaps for his birthday.
There were even a few pictures of his various friends in the crownsguard amongst them - it was so thoughtful.
They were all of his favorite kinds of pictures, but it was when he reached the last page that his heart jumped slightly.
He barely registered the tiny piece of paper that slipped out, as his eyes were completely fixated on the image.
It was of Ignis.
It was a close up of his sleeping face, sound and peaceful in a cushion of pillows and blankets. The filtered light cast him in a soft glow. His hair was uncharacteristically unruly, and it stuck up in various ends and partially covered his face in light brunet strands.
Gods was it cute.
This was...everything he wanted in a picture of him. Seeing his walls down and defenseless...it was incredibly endearing.
It rang off a few alarm bells, however - as it was quite obviously different from the other individual pictures of his friends…
Gods...Prompto didn’t...know, right?
He snapped himself out of it when he realized that the slip of paper had fallen at his feet, and he bent down to pick it up, opening it with twitchy fingers.
Got this one when we all went to that overnight carnival thing. I’m not a creeper, but I couldn’t resist. thought youd like it hehe
Seriously please dont tell ignis
Gladio stared dumbly at the note - attempting to decipher any meaning behind it.
They hadn’t told anyone - at least as far as Gladio knew…
He shook his head.
Maybe this was just a little joke between them. Gladio reassured himself with the notion that he tended to like to ruffle their heads and mess up their hair - maybe Prompto was just picking up on the fact that he found bedhead particularly funny...
He gulped as he stared at the picture.
It certainly wasn’t a...funny picture though…
Gods.
Regardless, Gladio felt a smile come to his face for the first time that day, and he shook his head once, regarding the last picture on more time before he shut the album.
The gift had completely turned around his bad mood.
On his 21st birthday, he was given the gift of kindness.
*
It was the memory of his 19th that brought a soft smile to his lips.
It was this day that he could legitimately say he’d forgotten that it was his birthday. He hadn’t been home lately, his studies in college were keeping him away - even though he tended to forget his birthdays initially, it was Iris and Clarus that usually reminded him.
He was away, however, and finishing up his first year in college. Busy wasn’t even an accurate testament to his schedule. Running from his classes to the citadel back to his classes was work of itself, and that wasn’t even counting the things he had to do when he got back to his apartment - and it was downpouring - with no signs of it stopping - which had increased traffic.
Gods.
Gladio threw back his head as he flipped close the textbook he was currently studying, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders as he finally completed his last task. He sat back in his chair staring blankly up at the ceiling in his small apartment.
Man…
He placed a hand on his stomach when he heard it growl, and he pressed his lips together as he looked at the pantry with only a few Cup Noodles left.
He sighed.
He’d not eaten today yet - he was going to end up devouring two of his precious Cup Noodles again.
Oh, well.
Ding dong
Furrowing his brow, the warrior pushed back his chair and stood to his feet, sauntering over to the door.
Who’d be here this late at night?
Especially in this rainy weather?
He stepped up to the door, unlocked the handle, and pulled it open.
His heart jumped in a mixture of delight and confusion.
At first, all he could do was stare straight into the green eyes tinged with annoyance. His jaw was set as he stared back just as intensely, and his expression relayed to Gladio that he was not exactly pleased at the given moment..
Uh, oh.
“Gladio.” Ignis greeted staley.
Oh, shit. He was in trouble.
“Hey, Iggy.” Gladio finally responded, his eyes doing a once over before he locked with his again. “What’re you doin’ here?”
Could he have sounded any more stupid? He at least could have said something like: It’s good to see you, or I missed you, or lemme get your things.
Because gods had he missed that face lately.
That clearly resounded with him as Ignis’s eyes narrowed a bit further. “Do you not answer your calls or texts anymore?” The younger man said impatiently, “I’ve been trying to contact you all day.”
Oh - SHIT.
He hadn’t even glanced at his phone that day. Not even so much as a look - in fact - he was pretty sure he’d left it on his bed this morning and hadn’t even noticed.
But - Ignis wouldn’t go so far as to drive all the way to his place if he wasn’t answering his calls...
“Uh - no, I - I forgot my phone today…” He answered dumbly, scratching the back of his neck. It was only when Ignis shifted the bags in his hands that Gladio realized that he was making an even bigger fool out of himself. “Uh - shit, come in. Sorry.” He apologized, stepping out of the way as Ignis gingerly walked in.
He shut the door behind him and clasped his hands together, watching as Ignis set down his wet umbrella amongst other things and turned to address him.
“You could have perhaps told me you’d be busy enough today that you couldn’t respond.” The strategist said - a tint of bitterness on his tongue as he neatly set aside his things. “I had no idea how to get a hold of you.”
Gladio furrowed his brows.
This was weird.
Ignis was typically very understanding of his busy days. This had happened before when he wasn’t able to contact him until later that night and explain himself - and Ignis had been caring and kind-worded as always.
He always understood if Gladio was kept away from their conversations.
Had he messed that up somehow?
“I’m sorry, Iggy - I really didn’t think that it’d be a big deal.” The warrior said sheepishly, suddenly intimidated by Ignis’s piercing eyes.
“You didn’t think it would be a - “big deal”?” Ignis repeated incredulously. “That’s terribly inconsiderate of you, Gladiolus.” He finished with a frown.
What in the gods names -?
Wow. He’d really ticked him off.
“I’m sorry, Iggy - I don’t know why you’re so upset. I’ve done this before an -”
“-Indeed. But I had hoped you have a small bit more wherewithal on the matter considering it is your birthday.” Ignis interjected, his hands coming up on his hips as he continued to glare solidly at him.
Gladio felt his body freeze.
Oh...oh….OOOOHHHHhhhhhh…
Wow.
He’d completely forgotten.
And it quite obviously showed on his face, as Ignis’s brow furrowed just a second before he brought up a hand to brace his forehead. “Ah...I see. You’d forgotten, then.” He said calmly, rubbing at his face.
Yup. Totally and completely.
“Yup.” Gladio admitted openly, harshly pressing his lips together as his guilt swelled in his chest.
Damnit. Ignis had probably been calling and texting him all day - along with the others. He didn’t even want to know the whooping he was going to get from Iris - as he’d completely ignored her. Prompto would pout - and Noct would go take a nap. And Iggy - well...yeah…
Gladio shut his eyes as he let out a deep sigh. “Shit...I’m...really sorry, Iggy. That was - wow. I feel really bad.” He admitted, using a thumb and forefinger to rub at his eyes.
Shit.
Ignis regarded him for a moment before he sighed and turned away. “Though, I suppose this makes more sense now.”
There he went again. All understanding.
But...Ignis had driven all the way up here...for him? Was he agonizing over it all day? Probably. Had he been trying to plan the day with him in mind? Probably. Was Gladio a complete and utter idiot? Definitely.
“Ah...can I get you somethin’? Somethin’ t’drink or eat or whatever?” The warrior spoke up after a long pause, deciding that he may as well try to make amends now.
Ignis’s eyes cast up to him, an uneasy light beneath them as he shifted his feet. “Actually...I was hoping I could do that for you.”
Ignis’s eyes fell to the bags on the table, and that was when Gladio noticed exactly what they were filled with.
Oh, gods. Likely all of his favorite things.
Gladio’s face melted into a soft smile, and he nodded once. “That’d be great, Iggy.” He said sincerely, and he took a few steps towards him, watching as Ignis’s eyes met with his. “- I’ve been dying for some a’ your cooking.” He used a hand to gently tilt up his face, planting a soft kiss on his forehead. “Kitchen’s all yours.” Gladio’s heart fluttered slightly as Ignis’s hardened eyes softened considerably and a gentle smile pulled at his lips.
“Very well.” The strategist conceded with small nod.
The two of them made work to prepare the ingredients, and just as Gladio had thought, it was all of his favorite things - well - besides Cup Noodles that was. Meat skewers, potatoes - and he had even managed to sneak his favorite wine.
Leave it to Ignis.
They’d indulged in small conversation and easy laughs. Gladio’s heart felt lighter and his mood shift each second he stood in the presence of his cherished one. Though it had only been days, it felt as though weeks had passed since they’d spent any quality time together - and he knew that that had played a significant role in his fraying patience.
The meal had been fantastic, as it always was - especially since it had been made with such care and thought in mind. After they finished, they’d quickly retired to the small couch in his living room, each with a glass of wine and many stories to share about their recent ventures in school, work, and their personal lives.
The mood changed, however, when they both fell into a comfortable silence, listening to the soft music Gladio had set in the background while the gentle rain poured outside.
He was about to speak, but stopped when Ignis chose to first.
“I...suppose I should give this to you now, as I see no better time.” Ignis had said slowly, hesitantly reaching into his back pocket.
Gladio watched in curiosity as he pulled out a small, wrapped brown package, tied neatly with a dark rope, and held it in his hands for a moment.
“Excuse the terrible wrapping...I was hardly given time…” It was evident he was trying to avoid sounding embarrassed, and it made Gladio’s lips rise in a tiny smile.
Gladio laughed lightly at the remark, reaching forward to take the offered gift. He exchanged a single glance with him before he turned his attention to the small wrapping - and he carefully undid the neatly tied twine and let the loose wrapping come apart as he pulled a the edges.
His eyes widened.
It was...a necklace…
And not just any necklace.
“I’m not sure if you’ll recognize it, but it’s in replication of the Lucis’s fifth King’s Shield: G -”
“Gladiolus.” Gladio finished immediately - knowing exactly what it was the moment he laid eyes on it. “It’s…” He couldn’t even finish the sentence as he reached for the jewelry, picking up the long string of beads linked together with silver shards dotting in a patternized order. At the end hung two crossed silver bars, and he ran his thumb over the material, marveling at the weight.
“I wouldn’t give this to you unless I truly believe that you may uphold the namesake you’ve been given.” Ignis said after a brief pause. “Gladiolus was a fearsome and loyal warrior to his king - righteous as he was courageous. He was the embodiment of strength and protection - though that did not define him. His character was awe inspiring, and all who knew him offered him their sincerest trust.” Gladio was transfixed on Ignis’s smooth motion as he reached for the necklace, gently taking it from his hands. “And that it was I see in you.” Ignis’s arms reached above him as he easily looped the long chain around Gladio’s neck, but Gladio could barely look away from the honest eyes that followed his movements. A small pause filled the space between them as Ignis finished smoothing out the necklace, his hand lingering on his chest.. His eyes flashed to his as he reached up to caress his face with both hands. “I see strength not defined by muscle; but character.”
The rush of movement that followed the words was amplified when Gladio dove forward, his lips trapping Ignis’s in a movement so fast he had barely registered it. Ignis must have been expecting it, though - as he allowed himself to fall back, wrapping both arms around Gladio’s neck as he passionately returned the gesture.
Gladio found himself attempting to pull back, realizing soon that he was quickly unraveling - if they continued at this pace -
But Ignis had locked his arms tighter around his neck, and the rest of his resolve was lost against his mouth. He kissed him gently - somewhat cautiously to test the waters, but it wasn’t what Ignis wanted. Not in this moment - not after so much time time spent apart. Gladio felt him knot a fist into his shirt, pulling him harder against him. A soft groan emitted from deep in Gladio’s throat, and he wrapped his arms tighter around Ignis’s body, gathering him against his chest - any self control lost to the warmth of their entangled bodies.
It was a gift that he could hardly comprehend - it was beyond anything he deserved.
It wasn’t just a physical gift - it was something that meant far beyond that.
It was a gift of Ignis’s trust.
And though he may not have felt himself worthy of such a sacred thing, he continued to hold him against his warming body - relishing in everything he exposed to him in that moment.
It was a gift that had no price - and he would wear it proudly for the rest of his life.
On his 19th birthday, he was given the gift of trust.
*
Perhaps there was no accurate way to judge what meant more to him - but it was the moments that lead to this that allowed him to see how they had manifested.
Even as he lay against the couch, eyes heavy with exhaustion, he smiled at the two figures sprawled on the small hotel room floor, practically toppled on each other as they sought warmth from the chilly ground.
Innocent in every sense of the word - kind in Prompto’s gesture to offer him the couch that night, and honest enough for Noct to offer only small protest before they had passed out on the ground.
The warmth he felt against his shoulder from Ignis’s head laying against it was proof enough to Gladio that, even vulnerable, Ignis trusted him wholeheartedly enough to let his barriers down enough to sleep soundly next to him.
No. He couldn’t decide what meant more to him - but combined - the gifts were something that had truly made this day into one of his fondest memories.
On his 24th birthday; he was given the gift of unconditional friendship.
