Noctis’ eyes narrowed dangerously. He was in no mood for that, getting belittled and scolded at for the umpteenth time. Feelings or not, he could have jumped down Gladio’s throat right here and there. Get the big guy down and punch him the face, because what, did he came all the way for that?! Did he really think he needed to hear those words?! Well no need rubbing it in, thanks, I already hate myself perfectly well without your help!
But he didn’t want to cause a scene… or rather, another one. He felt tired and resigned and he just wanted the Shield to leave. So he withdrew into a stubborn silence. Not even looking at Gladio, but at the floor instead. The closeness between them was a torture in itself, one he only prayed would not last longer than what his broken heart could endure.
He expected so many angry fits and nasty comments to follow… that Gladio’s composure, his almost soft tone, totally took the prince aback. And his surprise grew even bigger as his hazy brain proceeded just what exactly the Shield was saying here.
First words that came to his mind, and obviously not the best ones, but with the lack of sleep, thinking before speaking was definitely beyond his reach. He got up, stared down his friend. What could have motivated that speech… pity? He didn’t want that… if anything, it would feel worse than rejection.
“I know you’re not serious…” he said again. “You can’t be. You’re playing with me, or… trying to bargain maybe? Well, you don’t have to. I’ll do what’s needed without anyone baiting me into it.”
His head was starting to hurt too, just to make things even worse. He let out a long, deep sigh, rubbing his temples.
“Dammit, that’s why I didn’t wanna talk… I don’t even know what to think anymore.”
One part of him wanted to believe in that, the same part that so desperately tried to keep hoping, against all odds, that maybe his life wouldn’t be too much of a failure. While the other part acted like an injured animal, wary, doubting everything. And he was lost in-between the two, unable to decided which to trust.
“Tricking you into doing shit is more Iggys thing isn’t it?” Gladio huffed and rolled his eyes. “I’d just kick your ass again and again until you did what I wanted you to do... Though I’d probably end up getting arrested for assault.” A quiet chuckle escaped the large man as he leaned back and rubbed his hands down his face.
“Look Noct, you... You think way too much. I’m not the smart one out of all of us... I want to act, do what I wanna do without thinking about what might follow, but if I do that, we’ll both end up hurtin’.” He hated having to treat Noct like he was fragile, but well.. He kinda was right now.
“I don’t know what to tell you Noct. I want to be with you, but I can’t while you’re like this... Everything weighing you down, I gotta be your shield. I HAVE to act as your shield and keep you standin’, for the people. Love doesn’t mix.” By the gods he wished he could just force his way and have both, but he knew better... He’d been taught better.
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