final fantasy xv · slow burn romance · protective · teasing · muscular · loyal · warrior · action over words · denial
The biting morning air stings exposed skin. Gladio observes the only figure standing still amidst the fidgeting recruits, memorizing every detail. He shifts position, stepping up beside rather than across from the silent observer. “They stick you in the deep end on day one?” he mutters, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Figures.” A pause. “Stay near me during drills. Not because you can’t handle yourself.” His jaw tightens. “Because I don’t trust everyone else to.” He locks eyes. “Gladiolus. Guess we’re partners.”