Chapter Text
"Astrals I'm bored."
Gladio peaked over his book to see his charge slumped across an armchair.
"Why don't you call Iggy, I'm sure he can find a way to keep you busy."
Noctis snorted and shot Gladio a bemused look, "No way, you and I both know the only thing he'll try to get me to do is read over some reports and I am not about to spend my day off doing work." The man's nose wrinkled in disgust.
"Well then what do you want me to do about it, Princess?" The Shield leaned forward and tossed his book onto the coffee table as he continued to observe the prince. Noctis' eyebrows scrunched together as he thought before he pulled his phone out, still not saying anything. After a few moments, he finally let out a small groan.
"That movie theater with the soft chairs is playing that Rom Com you've been wanting to see."
"I thought you hate those movies. Are you really that bored?" Gladio smirked.
"Yes. I am. Now take it or leave it big guy."
That was how Gladio found himself seated in a soft theater chair next to Noctis. Since they had found their seats Gladio decided it would be a good idea to hit up concessions before the trailers finished, so he turned to the prince, "I'm going to go grab some snacks, want me to get anything else?"
"Ooh, get a bottle of that red wine we got last time."
Gladio snorted, "Leave it to a prince to get wine at the theater."
"Hey, if it was wrong they wouldn't serve it! Besides, I'm going to need help getting through this movie." Noctis jabbed playfully at Gladio's arm.
"As you wish, Highness." Gladio got up and made his way towards the exit feeling satisfaction upon hearing an annoyed hiss from the prince behind him.
Gladio looked at the treats and snacks offered until it was his turn in line. The first thing he noticed, upon stepping up to the counter, was the striking blond hair framing the sales attendant's pale freckled face, before he was greeted with a bright smile.
"What can I help you with today sir?" The attendant practically chirped.
"Could I get those, those," Gladio pointed to two different candy boxes displayed behind the glass of the counter, "and a bottle of the Tenebraean red wine."
"Could I please see some identification?" The attendant flashed another blinding smile. Gladio handed over his ID, and the attendant checked it thoroughly before giving a shocked look from the card up to the large man.
"Something wrong?" Gladio inquired, causing a bright pink to flush across the man's face.
"I didn't realize you were so young, you look so mature." He laughed as he handed Gladio back his ID.
"Yeah, I get that a lot,” he chuckled, “though, I'm sure it won't do me much good when I get older." He grinned.
"You'll probably look even better." The blond blurted out, and when he realized what he said his face flushed an even deeper red, in an obvious attempt to hide his blush, he spun around quickly to grab a wine glass from the shelf behind him.
After placing the glass on the counter Gladio handed him his credit card, politely ignoring the impressive shade of pink that still threatened to hide the man's freckles.
"Here you are, please enjoy the movie!" The attendant smiled once more, if not a bit hesitant.
"Actually, would it be possible to get another glass?"
The attendant's smile wavered a bit, "I'm sorry, I'm going to need to see another ID in order to do that."
Gladio mulled over his thoughts, he could just go back and give the prince what he wanted, but the expressiveness of the blond was kind of amusing.
"Oh, I understand, I was really only asking for the sake of appearances anyway. I'm here alone tonight." The blond's expression changed, a look of sympathy etched into his eyes, "Truthfully, I was stood up, but what's a sadder thing to witness than a guy publicly buying a bottle of wine for himself at a movie like this, you know? Though if I'm being honest, it wouldn't be the first time." Gladio sighed, playing up the theatrics. Funnily enough, the sob story seemed to be working, the blond's eyes looked almost shiny, as if he were on the verge of tears, he glanced at the clock, then back to Gladio.
"Listen, I get off in a couple of minutes if you want company for the movie..." Gladio's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Sympathy he understood, but why would this attendant go out of his way to try to comfort a complete stranger?
"That sounds... really nice actually,” Gladio was a little surprised by how genuine it felt saying that. “But I couldn’t put you out like that." Gladio gave him a warm smile, and the man practically beamed at him.
"It's no trouble really, I insist! Oh! I see the next person on shift, let me go get changed real quick, then we can head in!" Before Gladio knew how to react the blond disappeared, so he quickly grabbed his phone and texted Noctis telling him what happened. He was thoroughly unamused by the prince’s response.
Gladio: You’re on your own for the movie princess, I guess I’m going on a date with the cady seller.
Noctis: that’s funny af,
how did you even
manage that??
Gladio: No idea, but if you want wine you’re going to have to get it yourself.
Noctis: and miss this trainwreck?
never!
Gladio groaned and slipped his phone back into his pocket just before the blond came trotting back out in a black tee, skinny jeans, red flannel tied at his hips, and a black beanie pressing down wild golden locks. His outfit was entirely different from his work uniform, and somehow he looked even cuter.
"Ready to go in big guy?" The blond smiled.
"Lead the way." Gladio smiled back.
"Hang on a sec!" The blond dashed behind the counter, his coworker spoke to him briefly and the blond laughed brightly before he grabbed a second wine glass and sped back over to Gladio.
"For appearances, right?” The blond grinned before tilting his head toward the entrance to the theater, “We gotta make sure to get some really good seats!” The blond led them in, unknowingly passing by Gladio's boyfriend.
Noctis fell into a fit of quiet snickers at seeing the pair, but the blond must not have noticed as he led them a couple of rows in front of where the prince sat. Gladio did his best to ignore his immature boyfriend and instead turned his attention to his impromptu date. "Before the movie starts perhaps we should have introductions, I'm Gladio.”
"Nice to meet you Gladio, the name's Prompto!" The smaller man smiled contentedly as he got settled into his seat.
"Would you like some wine Prompto?" Gladio figured he should at least offer.
"Oh! If you're alright with it, yeah, I'd love some!" Gladio quickly filled both of their glasses generously just before the opening credits began.
Prompto, as Gladio found out, was as enthusiastic a movie watcher as he was a concessions attendant, gasping, and giggling appropriately throughout the film, Gladio ensured their glasses remained filled, but about halfway through the film he realized they had run out. Prompto seemed to notice and grabbed the empty bottle from its spot on the ground before speeding off. It was only a few minutes before he returned with a fresh bottle and goofy grin. Gladio felt something stir in his chest as he watched the bubbly blond refill their glasses. During the climax of the film the blond had gone suspiciously quiet, and it was only when Gladio heard a small sniffle did he understand why, casting a glance over he could see silent tears pouring from Prompto's eyes, Gladio quickly reached into his pocket for the pack of tissues he kept with him in order to offer one to the blond.
"Thanks," The blond chuckled wetly.<br/><br/>
After the film had finished they sat through the credits until the lights turned on. Prompto stood up and stretched. "That was a really good movie!" The Prompto laughed.
"You liked it?" Gladio smiled, standing up as well.
"Yeah! I'm really glad I got a chance to see it before it left theaters! I'm sorry about your date though." Prompto frowned slightly and Gladio waved it off.
"This has been a much better night than some lousy date." The blond beamed as they made their way out of the viewing room.
"Oh would you mind waiting for just a second, I really need to use the restroom." Prompto looked at him almost nervously, and Gladio smiled with a small nod.<br/><br/>
"Astrals, that was way too funny." Noctis strolled up to him with a smug smirk on his lips.
"I'm going to call a car for you," Gladio said without indulging the prince’s teases.
"Why?" Noctis raised an eyebrow with a frown.
"I'm going to give him a ride home, he's been really nice, and it's the least I can do."
"Suit yourself, big guy." Noctis grinned. "By the way, I told iggy about everything and sent him a bunch of pictures."
"Of course you did. See you tomorrow princess." Gladio shook his head in exasperation.
“Have fun on your date.” Noctis gave him one more smug smile before leaving and Gladio pulled out his phone to shoot a text to Ignis for him to pick Noctis up from the theater. Just as he hit send, Prompto stepped out of the restroom, cheeks slightly flushed and walk slightly wobbly.
"I should try to remember how much of a lightweight I am." He laughed, and when he spotted Gladio's phone his eyebrows squeezed a bit. "Did your date message you?"
"It's nothing, they want to reschedule. Third time's the charm right?" Gladio couldn't help but kick himself in his mind as the blond's expression grew even more sympathetic.
"I think they're crazy for standing up someone so amazing." Gladio felt a thrum in his chest at the compliment.
"That might be saying too much blondie." He smiled, but Prompto pouted.
"It's not! You seem like a really nice guy!" Gladio held up his hands in surrender.
"Alright I concede," he laughed, "so, we calling it a night, or would you like to join me for a nightcap?"
Prompto's pout melted into a smile, "Only if we go somewhere with food, I'm so hungry I could probably eat a behemoth."
"I think I know a good place." Gladio laughed.
Gladio took Prompto to a small pub he frequented with members of the Crownsguard and Glaive. The blond seemed excited, his gaze darted all over the place after they took a seat at a small corner table.
"Wow, this place is hidden away pretty good!" Prompto mused barely managing to sit still.
"Yeah, my friend says this is the only place that sells authentic Galahdian food and beer, it's become kind of a favorite of mine."
"That's amazing! What would you recommend?"
"Their meat skewers and house lager are what I usually get." Prompto nodded and stood up before making his way to the counter and, he came back nearly in a fit of giggles.
"The bartender told me to tell you not to rob the cradle because she didn't believe me when I told her I was twenty-two."
Gladio felt a warm tingle zap through his body, he cleared his throat in an attempt to sound casual when he asked, "Did you order already?"
"Yeah, I tried to pay too but she refused to take my money, just told me to keep you in check."
This caused Gladio to snort, "Good luck with that blondie."
"Don't let Gladio give you a hard time sweetie, make sure to really kick his butt into gear." The bartender sat down two pints in front of them.
"Yes Ma'am!" Prompto called out cheerfully as she walked back to the bar.
"You really have a way with people, don't you?" Gladio chuckled.
"Not really," Prompto took a generous gulp from his glass before letting out a satisfied sigh, "You were right though, this is good beer."
"Glad to be of service," Gladio smirked before taking a sip from his own.
Gladio found himself really enjoying the presence of Prompto. He was excitable, passionate, and really, really cute. As the night wore on, a bell in the bar rang out for last call, and Gladio had to double-check his watch, not believing so much time had passed.
"Wow, it's gotten really late!" Prompto giggled, his cheeks flushed as he did his best to finish his second beer.
"Yeah, I didn't even realize, can I offer you a ride home? It's the least I can do."
Prompto laughed, and gave a nod, "I think I'll take you up on that. Only if you feel well enough to drive, that is."
“I’m perfectly fine, and if you’d like I can do all the balance tests.” The pair stood up and the blond wobbled in place, “Or maybe you should be doing the balance tests.” Gladio chuckled as he quickly slid in next to him gently guiding him with a hand on his lower back, in order to ensure a safe trek.
“Hey, if I was as insanely large as you I could probably drink you under the table.” Prompto grumbled, still allowing Gladio to guide him, if not leaning a bit more into his touch than was strictly necessary.
"Gladio, be sure to bring him in again!" The bartender called out, as they exited and he gave an affirmative wave, and the pair made their way to his truck.
"You gotta stay awake to give me directions, alright Blondie?" Prompto bobbled in his grip as he tried to give a nod, but instead, he almost lost his balance and gripped Gladio’s side a bit tighter. The shield helped him into the car by practically lifting him in, eliciting a string of giggles from the blond, once he was buckled in Gladio walked to the driver's side. After he climbed in he noticed Prompto's eyes flutter shut and he couldn't stop the fond chuckle from escaping his lips.
"Prom. At least give me your address so I can navigate." Prompto took the offered phone and started typing, it seemed to be taking a while, but just before Gladio took the phone from him to type it himself Prompto was done.
"All set?" Gladio smiled to himself when he noticed Prompto had already dozed off again. Gladio drove in a comfortable silence. With the radio on low and the steady breathing of Prompto, it felt so calming Gladio was enjoying it, to the point that the drive felt almost too fast, and before he knew it he was pulling up to a small house with all the lights turned off.
"Is this the right place?" Gladio gently nudged Prompto who grumbled incomprehensively before looking up and out the car window.
"Woah. That's my house," he said in wonder, before yawning, seeming to register the situation, “I mean, yep, that’s my house.” He tried to sound more grounded, but the slight slur at the end of his words gave him away.
"You think you can make it in alright?" Gladio couldn’t stop the hand that reached over and brushed some of the slightly more unruly strands of hair sticking out from under the beanie to the side.
"Yeah, thanks for the ride, I had a lot of fun. It was really nice meeting you." Prompto gave him a sleepy smile, lightly leaning into Gladio’s touch.
Gladio pulled back his hand, if somewhat reluctantly, and responded, "It was nice meeting you too Prompto. Now get in before you pass out." Prompto gave him a lazy smile before slipping out of the car.
Gladio waited until Prompto had made it inside before driving home. On the ride back he was stopped at a red light when something clicked in his mind, he swore loudly, and hit his fist on the steering wheel. He forgot to get Prompto's number!
He made it back to his apartment, his mood somewhat dampened before he looked at his phone; he had three new messages. Gladio laughed at the string of messages and quickly messaged back.
Prompto: gotcha!
Prompto: put my number
in your phone
Prompto: text me if you get
stood up again 😜
Gladio: I'll be sure to get stood up more often! Goodnight Prompto.
Yeah, that blond was way too cute.