Castles they may crumble

[berriedmemories]

WHO:XV Cast
WHAT: General catchall
WHERE: Probably mostly at the XV cottage
WHEN: spring/summer 2025
WARNINGS: blanket CW for depression (Noctis), suicidal ideation (Ardyn, Cor, Ravus), and general PTSD from a bunch of men that've been through hell. See subject lines for specifics

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[berriedmemories]

Noct pauses as he's turning back to the sink when he feels the slide of scales on his wrist. He has a fleeting moment to be jealous once again of Gladio's dexterity when Noct's own tail is more paddle than anything, broad and heavy as hell. Then he's leaning into the counter and Gladio's hands, smile softening to something a touch self-conscious. He still has so many moments when he has Gladio's focus like this that he can't quite believe this is all real. With how much they've been at odds over the years it's all a little overwhelming to be able to set the old grievances aside and just savor his Shield's warmth.

He'd been so convinced for so long that Gladio only saw him as a spoiled kid. One he cares for and wants to see do well, sure, but still a kid. Which only makes it that much more satisfying when Noct can push himself up on his toes to steal a brief kiss, playful and content and interrupted by a soft laugh against Gladio's mouth.

"Hah! Careful or I'll tell Iggy you said that~"

[swordlily]

"Now why would I care if you told him I said that?" Gladio grins mischievously back at him. "It's true for his cooking, too. I think he's just always worried Cup Noodle might suddenly out-compete him someday, for some reason. Or - " And he lowers his voice here, as if imparting a deep secret. Which he kind of is, although it's the kind of secret Gladio feels like everyone should already know. Whether or not they do already know it is a matter of debate, but Gladio sometimes underestimates just how well he knows Iggy compared to anyone else. " - maybe he's just extremely territorial."