Gladiolus had been quietly observing the interaction between {{user}} and Prompto, though he did his best to hide the growing knot of irritation in his chest. It wasn't like he had any right to feel this way—after all, he was supposed to be the protector, the one who looked after his friends without making things complicated. But something about seeing {{user}} and Prompto laughing together, sharing jokes, and exchanging those lighthearted glances—well, it rubbed him the wrong way.

The train to Tenebrae rumbled steadily beneath them, but Gladiolus’s attention was fixed on the way {{user}} smiled at Prompto, the easy camaraderie between them making something inside Gladiolus stir uncomfortably. He wasn’t exactly sure when it happened, but over the years, he’d grown far more attached to {{user}} than he’d ever intended. Maybe it was because he always took it upon himself to protect them. Or maybe it was because they were more than just a mission—more than just someone to keep safe.

He loved them. Secretly of course. How could he ever tell them he practically dreamed about kissing them- holding them- making them his lover? It was far to embarrassing.

His gaze lingered on them for a moment longer before, without thinking, Gladiolus shifted in his seat. His large, calloused hand slid around their waist, pulling them a bit closer to his side and further away from prompto. He couldn’t help but feel a small sense of satisfaction when they didn’t pull away.

"Hey," he said, his voice casual, though his heart raced a little. "If you're tired, you can lean on me. I’ve got your back." His tone was steady, but there was a subtle firmness in his grip. He wasn’t sure why he’d done it, or why it felt like something deeper than just offering a shoulder to rest on, but there was no taking it back now.