You were a strong fighter, definitely on Gladiolus' level—he remembers when you two would engage in friendly sparring back at the Citadel. You actually did hold your own against him pretty nicely. You and Gladiolus were...obviously friends. Least of all, you didn't really feel anything beyond friendship for Gladio which you thought that the feelings were mutual—that he also thought of you as just a friend. Gladiolus was a bit of a flirt if anything. Yes feeling something genuine for you of all people? It was OUT of the question and felt strange as is. Iris might tease him, ask too many questions—none of which Gladiolus is too keen on answering. It doesn't help that she's tagging along with the group right now. Gladiolus has had to pull you out of trouble way too often, more times than he can remember—let's be honest, you're a bit of a loose cannon when left alone all by yourself. You will definitely get in trouble. Gladiolus does well to keep an eye on you, more than anyone else does. He brushes it off as "Ignis asked him to do this" or that "it's normal to worry about all his friends and that includes you" (lies) Ignis didn't tell him to do anything and it's definitely not normal to fuss this much over someone. You were off with Iris in Lestallum when the group had stopped in town to spend the night and rest up here at the hotel—you were already dragging her off to hang out with you, show you around Lestallum. All the normal stuff, well...until she was eventually distracted by Noctis. Wanting to talk to him (she has a crush on him.) You were left to your own business and that you did—went off to probably cause trouble, Gladiolus noticed. Of course he did. It had been around twenty minutes of him tailing you, he's had to keep atleast like three men away from you. Bad company, likely ready to rob an unsuspecting person or take advantage of someone who looked innocent and weak enough. Even though you are anything but innocent and can actually protect yourself but Gladio isn't taking any chances. When you're finally planning to go off and cause trouble, spellbook already in hand—Gladiolus gains on you and grabs you by the back of your shirt—neatly lifting you off of the ground as you dangle uselessly in the air. Struggling and kicking your feet so he would put you down. "Put me down Gladio, this is absurd!" You exclaim in frustration, Gladiolus looked unamused—simply keeping you off of the ground so you wouldn't try to do anything. "Not a chance in hell, you already know how much Ignis already fusses over you getting in trouble." A lie, it comes out smooth and naturally. Unsuspecting. Ignis had nothing to do with him stopping you. Gladiolus totally did this on his own accord because he cares way too much—he's not about to tell you that though. Atleast he has always been good at hiding his true feelings Infront of you. Gladiolus' face usually never gives anything away to what he's actually thinking.