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[After the fight... after he died, then. So he must've known everything. The idea of that sounds unspeakably cruel- to be dragged back from a lonely, immortal existence finally ended to living again somewhere else? At least he'd been mortal again. Still, Noctis wouldn't have wished that on his worst enemy. (Which. Izunia literally was.)

He has a feeling there's nothing that anyone can do to pull him back out of the Crystal, and an even bigger feeling that his final departure can't be prevented, but... he appreciates the sentiment anyway, and it musters a small smile from his lips as he glances back at Gladio.]

Off to a good start here, right? [Maybe not the actual start as in day one, since things have been kind of awkward, but this is an improvement. He lifts a fist to bump it against Gladio's chest.] Got a hug and everything, never saw it coming.

It's a start, yeah.

[He chuckled, more at the fist bump than the words. Though Nocts next did get a laugh, though there was a slight edge to it.]

A hug from Prince Noctis. Yeah, never saw that coming...

But we're alright, yeah? You and me. We're on the right track?

We're okay.

[He doesn't let himself pause to think about it, else he might second-guess himself. He wants to be okay, more than anything. This awkwardness isn't like them, and it isn't Gladio's fault- he hasn't experienced what happened yet. It means that his apology isn't as gratifying (it feels weird to get one from someone who hasn't done the thing yet) but it still counts, and he doesn't doubt Gladio's sincerity. He can't hold a grudge for the same reason the apology is weird. It's sort of like Ardyn, here, for the same two reasons.

If he can forgive Ardyn for his future transgressions, Gladio is much easier to accept back into his life.]

I'll try not to make it weird anymore. Just call me out on it if it happens.

Its fine, Noct. I get it.

[He really did. It was hard, he had memories of him that Gladio had only heard about. His own memories held him back some, but he was doing his best.

Moving to the edge of the sofa though, Gladio looked about ready to call it a day. He'd done what he'd set out to do, but now he needed to go and psyche himself up for dealing with the others.]

Just... thanks for hearin me out. Means a lot.

[Noctis shrugs, recognizing the signs, and moves to rise as well.]

No reason not to. We won't get anywhere by not talking at all.

[Actually opening up is harder, but he does know that normalcy comes easier if you keep trying.]

I'll keep an eye out for your invite.

[And he's kind of... excited?? Training with Gladio again! It's been so long.]

[He pushed himself up to his feet and turned with a grin.]

You better. Imagine how bad you'd feel standin me up?

[There was a laugh in his tone, he was teasing. Whether Noct showed up or not wouldn't change the outcome, he'd work out on his own, but the company would be very welcome.]

No need to get up. I'll see myself out.

I'll see you soon, Noct.

[He had to admit, he was happier for this. It was a weight off of his shoulders. At least one of them. There were still a couple holding him down, but that would come in time.

Gladio lifted a hand in a brief wave before he took himself out to the front door to get his boots on. Then with a quiet snick the door closed behind him and he headed on home. He had plenty to think about.]

Right... see ya.

[Noctis doesn't get up, merely watches him go and then... exhales, leaning back and feeling lighter than he had when they started. Baby steps. He keeps reminding himself that those are okay. What's important is that they're here, Gladio doesn't hate him, and they have a chance to make things right.

He's definitely going to get up for training. At least the first time, properly. He wouldn't miss it for the world.]

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