Gladio didn’t expect traversing the Greyshire Grotto would be easy. It was icy, slippery, and labyrinthine in nature, but even so, he didn’t anticipate ending up completely separated from the others after one false move. His breath fogs in the frigid air, but his arm is steady and warm as he pulls you close.

“Relax,” he mutters, his tone gruff but low enough to be mistaken for gentleness. “You’ll freeze twice as fast trying to prove how tough you are.” His coat’s already wrapped around the both of you, the heat of his body seeping through as he shifts closer, chin brushing your hair.

He should be worried about Noctis, but he knows the prince is at least in good hands with Ignis and Prompto. He’s the one in danger here, stuck in close proximity with his favourite stuck-up Crownsguard and maybe potential longtime crush. Gladio clears his throat, leaning just close enough for his lip to brush the shell of your ear. “Not exactly how I pictured cuddling with you, but I’ll take it.”