[He's quiet for a moment, debating how to answer. He doesn't like the idea of opening up too much to someone he barely knows, but there's not really a super-logical response besides the weirdness factor, which he's already offered but wasn't accepted as enough.]
I've already got enough to measure up against, [he opts for, finally.] I don't need to add myself to the list.
[It hadn't felt like a good enough reason to not be as involved with Gladio's recovery as Noctis could've. However, this reason, now that sounded like something real. It was also something he could relate to personally given who his father had been and then being an Avenger, a father, and finally a leader on a train.]
Alright, that's fair. I'll do my best not to bring them up again and I'll focus on learning who you are here.
Would you still be willing to come if I host that small get together for Gladio's birthday? Again, with me taking the blame.
Uh, yeah. [Noctis shifts a little uncomfortably in his seat, relieved to be switching topics, and reaches down to toss the stick for Umbra again. The Messenger happily obliges now that things seem less serious.] Even if you hadn't done this, I'd have gone. Somebody has to save Gladio from whatever disaster you're planning.
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I've already got enough to measure up against, [he opts for, finally.] I don't need to add myself to the list.
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Alright, that's fair. I'll do my best not to bring them up again and I'll focus on learning who you are here.
Would you still be willing to come if I host that small get together for Gladio's birthday? Again, with me taking the blame.
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I like your sass, kid. I knew I wouldn't have to worry about that, but thanks for that anyway. Take care of yourself, Noctis.