My friend recently got into FFXV and started shipping Prompto and Gladio (among other ships) so while this collection is still very much intended to be platonic, it did remind me that these two boys didn't have a chapter together yet so here we go.
Hope you enjoy!
Gladio is almost disappointed when Prompto, after a glance at the large clock at the wall, nearly drops his gun in shock and explains that he should've gone home ages ago.
Since Prompto's going to take the Crownsguard exam this year, Gladio has been tasked with his training. At first, it was kind of weird. Prompto was awkward, clearly terrified of Gladio, a bit clumsy when it came to weapons, and completely untrained.
That last part especially wasn't his fault, but usually, people had at least some basic training when they were paired with Gladio. Even Noct was introduced to some form of training at a very young age, usually coupled with physical therapy after his accident.
But Prompto came to him with absolutely zero understanding of weapons or combat, and so their first couple of lessons were purely theoretical. Teaching the theory to him wasn't difficult. In fact, he was an amazingly quick learner, and it was refreshing to educate someone who would actually listen for a change.
Still, even though the theory was crystal clear, Prompto was obviously not comfortable with the classic weapons. They tried swords and daggers and even a broadsword once, though Prompto had nearly chopped off his own foot when it turned out to be way too heavy for him to lift. So, yeah, weapons didn't work out too well.
Until Gladio let him shoot.
He didn't think much of it at a time, just remembered the guns in the back of the armory and thought, well, why not give it a try. The Glaives he usually trains with all look at guns with scorn and call them 'a coward's weapon', a sentiment Gladio personally doesn't agree with. It takes some serious skill to fire a gun accurately in battle, and if it could save the King's or Noct's life one day, it doesn't matter if someone wields a sword or a gun.
Either way, Gladio decided to let Prompto try himself with a gun. And watched as the kid fired at the targets, completely oblivious to Gladio's delighted grin that grew wider with every shot. It wasn't perfect, Gladio didn't expect it to be. But considering it was the first time Prompto pulled a trigger, it sure was really fucking good.
After that, Gladio would usually him go through some basic training first since he'd still have to prove himself in direct combat, as well as some self-defense because that kid was just so damn scrawny and it only felt right to give him the means to protect himself if needed. And afterwards, he'd let Prompto have fun with the targets and occasionally chime in with some tips.
Now that he found his weapon, Prompto grew more confident during training, would crack a joke every now and then, and was just a walking ray of fucking sunshine in general. Gladio looks forward to training with him every week because it's just impossible to be in a bad mood with Prompto in the room.
Today, Prompto immersed himself completely, focus complete with the tip of his tongue poking out and all, and neither he nor Gladio noticed the time until now.
"Your parents gonna get mad? I can write them a note, say I held you up," Gladio offers.
"No, uh," Prompto says, cheeks red as he scrambles to put the gun away properly and gather his stuff. "I'm just, I think I gotta get that next bus or there won't be any until tomorrow morning."
Gladio frowns and looks at the clock. He has no idea what the bus schedule is like, perks of being nobility, but considering the time Prompto usually leaves… "When's that bus leaving, exactly?"
Prompto looks up barely long enough to glance at the clock, too busy shoving his street clothes into his bag. "In, oh shit, in like, exactly two minutes."
Two minutes to pack up and get to the bus station on the other side of the citadel. Yeah, sure. Gladio rolls his eyes and goes to tower over Prompto with his arms crossed. "Look, you're not gonna catch that bus. And it's cold out, if you go home in your gym clothes, you'll get sick."
Prompto throws another pleading look to the clock as if that would somewhat make it run more slowly, but then he slumps and sits back on his heels in defeat. "I… ah, shit, you're right. Guess I gotta walk home, then."
"Can't your parents pick you up or something?"
Something flashes in Prompto's eyes and almost makes Gladio wish he didn't ask. It's gone very quickly, though, and when he answers it's in his usual cheerful voice.
"They're on a business trip, they won't be home for a while. It's fine, though. I'll just walk and call it extra exercise."
"You don't need extra exercise after more than three hours of training," Gladio points out.
He mentally goes through the list of people with a car and a license, someone who could pick Prompto up and deliver him to his home safe and sound. It's not a surprise who the first person who comes to his mind is.
"I can call Iggy, I'm sure he'll drive you home," he says. He knows Iggy will drive Prompto home, recently he's started mothering him almost as bad as he does with Noct.
Prompto shakes his head, determined. "No! Noct said it's his day off today! I can't disturb him on his day off!"
Gladio thinks Ignis would drive Prompto anywhere even if he were on his honeymoon or whatever, but fine, he's not about to make Prompto feel guilty by calling him if he doesn't want to. Also, he kinda has a point, Iggy deserves to chill on his rare off days.
Jared would be an option, but it's pretty late so he's technically off duty now. Would be kind of a dick move to drag him out of the house and make him play driver at this hour.
He's already familiar with Prompto' stance against taking any kind of financial aid from his friends, so he doesn't even try to offer to call and pay for a cab, either.
"Well, guess we have no choice. I'll walk you home," he decides. "Don't want your scrawny ass kidnapped or anything. But first, you gotta throw on some warmer clothes because I won't put up with you if you get sick."
"You don't have to walk me home!" Prompto protests. He looks very flustered and Gladio thinks it's hilarious.
"Well, tough titties, I'm doing it anyway. Clothes, c'mon."
Gladio marches towards the changing rooms and pretends he doesn't notice the look of gratitude and relief Prompto gives him.
Hey, would you look at that, a chapter without Iggy. That's rare. I couldn't go the entire chapter without mentioning though, I'm sure you understand.
Hope you liked!
I'm also on Twitter ( Butterfly_OnIce) and Tumblr (thisfairytalegonebad), and even on Discord too (thisfairytalegonebad#2939) and I'm always happy to chat, about my fics or your fics or these boys or literally anything!
