Work Text:
Patience is a virtue, his father had said. So he learned how to wait.
From age 8, when he first met the boy named Ignis, he knew he wanted to be with him forever. But the best things, his father said, are always worth the wait.
When he grew up, and boys his age thought patience was something for old people who were out of touch with hormones and the times, he still kept his father's words close to his heart. He'd seen how patience was a virtue that Ignis himself valued, as he worked hard to achieve his dreams, letting nothing distract or hurry him.
Gladio stayed by Ignis' side, content to be inspired. And waited.
After Noct was King, he said to himself, he would confess. He would make his move. Their duty to protect him until he took the throne was done, after all - and even if they both had plans after that, there would be nothing left to wait for.
But life always had a way of throwing curveballs. Noct was betrothed, Insomnia fell, they fought gods and ran from death. At each turn, Gladio told himself to be patient.
***
And then Altissia happened.
Gladio waited by Ignis' bedside, until Ignis recovered from his wounds. He waited until Ignis was well enough to wait by Noctis' bedside. Then he allowed himself to feel sick of waiting.
Now. Tell him you love him now.
But it was not a good time.
When would it ever be a good time?
Later, he told himself. Later.
When the Dawn broke. When the Prophecy had been fulfilled. When they could finally have room in their hearts for one good reason to rejoice.
He would wait.
And wait.