Shield of the King

Based on the title given to the Lucian King's bodyguard.

AN: Mainly Lightning x Gladiolus. Very subtle Lightis (if ya squint). If any of your are uncomfortable with this pairing, you are more than welcome to skip this. Enjoy~

His greatsword flew across the dirt and to the other side of the training grounds. Before he could even lift up his shield, the blade of his opponent's sword was already pressed into his throat, though not lethal enough to cut the skin.

"Gladio." His opponent gave a frustrating sigh. "If you have something to say, just say it." Lightning dropped her blade and sat next to him on the ground.

"I can't do this anymore." He responded with gritted teeth, unable to meet her eyes.

"You mean train with me?"

No, damn it. Can't she see this was hard enough to say as it is? But he needed to do this soon, before any more damage could be done, before both of them make a mistake. Summoning the little courage he had left, Gladio turned his head towards her.

"I'm breaking up with you." There, he said it while holding her stare. The words flew straight out of his mouth and he clenched his hand into a fist.

The young woman next to him simply sighed. "So this is it, huh? I'm getting dumped at the training grounds." She didn't sound like a woman scorned. She sounded like she was talking about the weather.

"Claire." Gladio said her name, almost in pain. He didn't want to do this, but he had to. They both had to stop this from going any further.

"I know." Lightning sighed again and looked up at the sky. "We both knew this was how it's going to end."

The two remained silent, neither talking nor moving as they watched the orange sky darken, indicating it was almost evening.

"If I'm placed in a situation where I have to choose between saving you or Noct…" Gladio started, then shook his head, never finishing his sentence. He can't imagine what would happen if he was forced into that situation. "Well, you see the problem."

She simply nodded in understanding. "That's true. We'd both hate each other and ourselves if it comes to that. Noctis will always be the top of our priorities." Then she met his gaze and surprisingly, her eyes held no resentment or anger. "But for some reason, I'm not sad." She continued. "Because while we're not together like we used to be, we're still friends."

"Yeah." Gladio agreed, almost in awe of her acceptance. And he was briefly reminded that her nature of understanding people and their perspectives were few of the many reasons why he'd fallen for her. "I'm glad things hadn't changed between us." He placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. "I'm counting on you to watch my back."

She laughed softly. "Same." With a soft grunt, she stood up and held out her hand to his, which he gladly took. But before he could fully stand up, Lightning pressed her lips to his, giving themselves a final kiss.

"Claire." He said her name once more, knowing this would be the last time he would say it. Her name was precious and it deserved to be uttered by someone who can truly love her. Perhaps someone like Noctis, as much as he was bitter to admit. "You know I'll always love you."

She pressed her forehead to his and whispered. "I know, Glad. I know."

This was just how it is. Both of them were bound to a lifetime duty they cannot simply abandon. As the future King's Shield and Glaive, they both knew that a relationship between them can never become fruitful. So the best they can do is care for each other from afar.

AN: You guys. I can totally see this happening. Their duties and priority to Noctis keeps them from being together and it hurts me. And Light sometimes calls him Glad *sobs grossly* But don't worry! Lightis is still endgame :D