Chapter Text
The weather report was nothing but clear skies with temperatures rising according to Ignis. Noctis had long since made his displeasure about the situation known, and you too couldn’t wait to get back to the hotel and central air. Eventually, your leader stopped in his tracks. “That’s it. I need a break,” he said and leaned against the wooden fence lining the dirt road.
“Thank the Astrals,” you tiredly sighed in agreement. You wiped your brow, squinting as the sun beat down more intensely.
“Come on, Noct. A little heat never killed anyone.”
You looked to your left to see Gladio urging the prince forward. You laughed. It was easy for Gladio to say since he ran around half-naked most of the time. That's when it hit you, a great idea involving perfectly tall, broad Gladio. You motioned for Gladio to come over. “Hey, I need you.”
“What’s up with you, kid?”
"Could you just do me a favor and stand...right about here?” You lightly squeezed his biceps and repositioned him in front of you.
Gladio answered with a confused stare. “Okay?”
You let out a sigh as his shadow overtook you. “Yeah, perfect. Just hold that.”
Gladio crossed his arms, shifting to his side as he slowly caught on. “Are you using me as shade?”
“Of course not...” you groaned and shielded your eyes from the sun that had hit you due to his shuffling.
Gladio was about to say something, probably scolding no doubt, but Prompto beat him to it. “Really? I didn’t know that was a talent of yours, big guy.” The blond patted him on the shoulder and slyly slid in next to you.
“Must be a hidden skill.” You’re not even sure when Noctis joined in, but you were effectively squeezed in with them.
Then, Ignis followed, adjusting his glasses, “Honestly amazing we haven’t thought of it before.”
“Much better,” Prompto commented.
Noct grinned. “Definitely.”
“Okay, that’s it!” The shield pushed you all forward at once with one mighty shove. “All of you start walking.”
You all, sans Ignis, whined in unison. “Not cool. Come on, Gladio!”
“No complaints, you bunch of wusses.”