#ffxvgame

**

"Libertus, do you really think this is a good idea?", Nyx asked, stopping in the street some distance to their destination. It was already late but the house got illuminated by warm, welcoming lights. It still resembled Nyx’ memory.

Libertus turned around, looking at his friend who was dressed in a black hoodie to hide his face, "Are you crazy? Of course! YN waited for you!"

"Actually, I told them not to do so...", Nyx whispered, regretting it already that he had said that to you even if it had been the right thing.

Libertus laughed, "Yeah, right... because they were always so good at listening to you, huh? Come on.", he joked but stopped as Nyx didn't follow, "Alright, what is it?", he asked, this time more serious.

"Look at me. It's not that I... I don't look the same anymore.", Nyx whispered, touching his left arm which was covered in the sleeve of his hoodie. Sometimes, the skin felt still hot as if it was burning even if it was just an illusion.

Libertus nodded understanding before he looked Nyx straight in the eyes, "I get your point but... They never cared for such things and you know that. YN will be more than happy to have you back."

**

And Libertus had been more than right. He had knocked at your door and after the first joyful scream and hugging, Libertus had stepped aside to give the view free on Nyx. Quickly, he retreated himself because he knew he was more than needless.

First, you thought you saw a ghost. The man in front of you wore a black hoody with the hood pulled down deep into his face but it was Nyx. It were his eyes, his lips, his face and his soft, insecure smile you would never forget. With shaking knees, you closed the gap and as you were in front of him, you just embraced him strongly.

*

Nyx stood on your terrace, a soft breeze of cool evening air greeted him and carried the smell of Ghaladian's flowers and ocean to him. He was happy to see that you had been able to keep the house on the beach. You always loved the beach and the ocean. The sun had sunken and the first blinking stars were approaching in the night sky.

"I can't believe that you're really here.", you said as you joined Nyx on the terrace.

"You've waited for me all this time.", Nyx said low, not able to look at you.

"Yes, I did."

"Even if I said you shouldn't?"

"Yes."

"Wasn't I serious enough with what I have said?", he asked and looked finally at you. Just to look into your eyes let his heart racing. He even became nervous just by the thought of being close to you again.

"Oh, you were very serious. Don't worry. You even changed your number so I couldn't call or write to you.", you answered with a soft smile.

"Yeah... I did it so you wouldn't have to be worried if I wouldn't answer anymore someday.", Nyx said and kneaded his hands.

"I expected something like this."

"But yet, you waited?", Nyx asked and looked at you again, even turning over to you.

"Yes.", you said softly.

"Why?"

"Because I love you and I knew you would come back.", you answered serious.

"You couldn't know that.", Nyx breathed while shaking his head.

"And still I was right. You're back home.", you said with a grin. It was the grin Nyx always had loved and yet, it wasn't working how you had hoped.

"I have changed.", Nyx pointed out.

"No, you didn't."

"I did!", Nyx said more serious, gritting his teeth.

"No!", you fired back, holding his glance, "When I look into your eyes, I still see the same guy I fell in love with. The same fire. The same energy...Oh, wait! You mean the scars you try to hide? I don't care about them if you fear that."

"YN...", Nyx sighed, looking away.

"Look, I... If you don't want to be with me anymore, that's okay. You don't have to feel obliged to stay here with me just because I waited...", you said even if the words were paining you.

"Wh-what?", Nyx stuttered, shocked. As he even saw your sad expression he just wanted to scream.

"It's about that, isn't it? That you don't feel the same for me anymore. It's okay-"

Nyx stepped forward, getting your attention, "No! Hell, no! That's wrong! I.. I do still feel the same for you. I love you! I loved you all the time. But... Just look at me. And I mean really. I'm...not the man who had left you. It's not what you deserve.", Nyx said and looked at his feet.

You stepped forward, cupping his face softly in fear he could vanish like a ghost. You searched his glance and smiled softly as he looked at you, "I'm not deserving- what? A King who came back to his love?"

Hope was spreading through Nyx' veins. He leaned against your touch, "You still see me like this? As your King?", he whispered. The old nickname you gave him once felt odd now after all this time.

You stepped as close as possible and as Nyx embraced your waist, you noticed your increasing heartbeat, "Yes, of course I do. Nyx, I love you with all my heart. Your scars... They're signs of your strength. They're part of you now. Of your 'new' you. Please, don't push me away because you think you don't deserve me. Nothing has changed between us."

Nyx saw the truth in your eyes. These beautiful, amazing eyes that always had been sparkling just for him. Nyx had simply missed everything on you. The way your lips curled into this soft smile when you looked at him. The softness of your touch on his skin. As you stroked over his cheek, a shudder went down his spine as he realized that he was really back home. Back with you.

Nyx leant his forehead against yours, "I've missed you so damn much. Every second, I was just thinking of you.", he whispered. And just like that, he felt your lips on his. Once again, Nyx shuddered, goosebumps spread on his skin because of your tender kiss.

As you leant back, to check on Nyx, he had tears in his eyes, watching you sadly and overwhelmed.

He pulled you close to him, burying his nose into the crook of your neck, "God, you smell so heavenly.", he breathed. The grip around you became even stronger in fear to lose you again.

Low sobs were escaping his lips and quickly, you felt your skin getting wet as Nyx cried silently but you didn't care. Not for one second. Not when it meant that he was back in your arms.

Together, you stood like this for several moments until Nyx was stable again to lean back, taking in your face with all its features, "Thank you for not listening to me. Thank you for ... waiting for me.", Nyx breathed with a thick voice, layered with tears.

"Nyx, you... Do you just remember how you told me not to wait for you? Have you really forgotten everything before?", you whispered low.

Nyx titled his head with a frown, not knowing what you meant, "Before?"

You chuckled low, "Here.", you said and pulled out a chain from beneath your shirt. On this chain was a ring with a sparkling stone in the color of your eyes. You laid it into Nyx' shaking hand, "You remember now?"

With big eyes, Nyx looked at the ring, "You... You still have it?"

"Of course! Nyx...", you said softly, searching his eyes, "You wanted to ask this question before you left. But then, things changed. I told you to ask me when you're back home and you agreed. So, I kept this ring secure until you would be by my side again."

Nyx still stared at the ring, "Many times, my mind meddled with me. It showed me things. Pictures that you have found someone else. I saw you happy in my fantasy...and... You know... that was okay. I wanted you to be happy. That's why I said you shouldn't wait. You can't be happy if you just sit around and wait for me to come back, which might not happen at all. Slowly, I got used to the idea that I have lost you. It was torturing but ... But the idea of you being happy gave me strength to keep going.", he said and looked slowly at you.

You smiled as your eyes met, "Oh, I wasn't unhappy. I was looking forward to seeing you again. That gave me the power I needed to wait for you."

Nyx smiled softly about your undying loyalty and love towards him, "Well, I... I have imagined this situation a million times when I was awake at night. I thought I would never be here again. And now? My heart is bursting out of my chest. I... I- I...", he stammered. He knew what he wanted to say but he couldn't.

Gently, you closed Nyx' fingers around the ring, "Relax, alright? There's no need to hurry anything.", you said calmly, searching his eyes again, "Take your time. Arrive first. Come on, let us go in.", you said and offered him your hand.

Nyx smiled and took your hand in his to get guided inside the house. The home of both of you. Nyx was back in Galahd. Finally.

*

Of course, Nyx couldn't find any sleep the first night lying next to you. As he looked down, you were lying on his chest, hugging him like a pillow with a content expression on your face. Softly, Nyx stroked over your bare shoulder to feel your warm, smooth skin.

"If you don't fall asleep soon, Nyx, I can't admire you while you're sleeping.", you whispered, which earned you a soft, low chuckle from Nyx. As you opened your eyes, he was looking right back at you with a caring glance.

"But I just have to stare at you. You're still so beautiful. I... I know, I repeat myself but, hell, I have missed you so damn much.", Nyx leant forward and kissed you passionately pushing you on your back softly.

You followed his lead, pulling Nyx on top of you so you could snake your arms around his neck to have him even closer. To feel him. You were still overwhelmed with the idea of him being with you again. After all these long years.

Nyx let his hand slide along your body, down your leg and slipped his hand right under the shirt you wore to sleep in. Proudly, he listened to the soft pants and moans escaping your lips caused by his simple moves.

Your own hands found their way to his sweatshirt Nyx was still wearing. You took the rim to undress it.

Nyx leant away from you, looking at you with a scared expression, "Don't... Please...", he whispered breathlessly.

You waited for a moment but then, slowly, you moved on to undress the sweatshirt over his head.

Nyx kept his eyes closed in fear of what he would see in your eyes and face. He almost expected you to push him away from you and as he felt your hands on his chest, Nyx winced. He got ready to move but instead that you pushed him away, your hands roamed admiringly over his chest, to his shoulders and down his arms. Both arms. Reluctantly, Nyx opened his eyes and was shocked by the sight of the love-filled expression in your eyes.

With your fingertips, you brushed down Nyx' left arm with the white, ashen-like, scars covered skin, "Does it hurt when I touch you?"

Nyx relaxed under your touch, "No. Not at all."

"How did this happen?"

"It was... I fought against the bad guy. And won."

"You have to tell me this story but... Well... Not now.", you breathed, stroking your hands up, back to his face again to cup it, "Now, just kiss me again, my King."

Nyx obeyed more than willingly because he was home. With you. How he always had wanted to be. Every burden just fell from his shoulders. There was no restriction anymore. As Nyx and you connected again, it was as if everything made sense. Everything relaxed and Nyx knew the next morning, he would ask you to marry him, your King.

As you opened the door, your eyes grew big by shock and surprise, "Nyx? What are you doing here? Are you crazy?", you whispered, pushing Nyx back into the hallway to get him out of sight.

"I have to speak to you.", he slurred softly, slightly swaying on his feet but keeping his balance, shaking his head to get a clearer mind.

"You- what? Are you... Are you drunk?", you asked, concerned, holding him by his shoulder to keep him steady.

"Not as much as I would like to be. But I had to get some courage to tell you that I... I love you, YN. I love you for a while. I want you to be mine. I don't care what you think about me. I don't care if you're not interested in me. I don't care if I'm not right for you. I don't care about Drautos. I will even fight him if necessary. I want to have you even if I know I can't.", he said serious.

"What...no! No, you can't do that! Drautos will kill you if he finds this out. Why are you telling me that?", you said scared, checking the apartment over your shoulder.

"Because I think you should know that. You deserve more than this kind of fucked up life. You're precious and wonderful. You're everything I can think of and it drives me crazy. You keep me up all night occupying every single bit of my being. And-"

"Nyx? What do you want?", Drautos said serious, taking the door from your grip to fully open it and filling the door frame with his huge body.

"Nothing!", you called out in fear about Nyx' mood and what he had said but you tried to relax yourself quickly, "I- I mean, he was just bringing a book back I gave him. And now, he's leaving again. Right?", you said, looking at Nyx with a pleading glance to do nothing stupid.

For a split second, Nyx considered taking out his blade from behind his back. With his fingertips, he was already touching it, ready to attack Drautos to stop his dominating behavior about you but as he saw your concerned, fearful glance and how you shook your head, he held himself back with the last bit of restraint he could find in his body, "Yeah, right. See you tomorrow, Captain.", he muttered under his breath, walking away with a feeling of getting defeated. Again.

*

The cold rain cooled down Nyx' temper and cleared his mind. He cursed himself and this idiotic idea to visit you. Maybe even causing you trouble. What was he thinking? That you would run into his arms, admitting your undying love to him right then and there while Drautos was in the room next to you? That you would kiss him and take the risk of getting caught?

"Nyx!"

Shocked and surprised, Nyx stopped as he heard your voice calling him. He turned around, seeing you running through the pouring rain. As you reached him, you just grabbed his arm to find some shelter under the roof of a closed food stand where you would be out of sight from anyone.

"What were you thinking? Coming to me like this? Making such a scene?"

"I'm sorry. I know it was stupid but I couldn't handle this anymore-"

"Handle what?", you snapped.

"Seeing you getting oppressed by this idiot!", Nyx pointed out, referring to his harsh, overreacting Captain.

"Says the one who comes to me drunk as fuck and risking too much!", you fired back, staring at the Glaive in front of you who acted dangerously. He was the man with the bluest, most drawing eyes you had ever seen. And with the hair you longed to feel between your fingers. Nyx Ulric, the man who jeopardized his life while you didn't even see yourself worth this kind of trouble. He was the man who had stolen your heart without even knowing it. He was the reason for the biggest fight you had had with Drautos in your life with him beating you unconscious which no one knew.

"I already said I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking straight. I just had to do something!", Nyx hissed, annoyed about himself that he didn't have the guts to tell Drautos off how he would deserve it.

"Oh, please, just shut the fuck up!", you called out, grabbing into Nyx shirt to pull him into a crushing kiss. You still tasted the high-proof alcohol on his breath while inhaling sharply by the sensational feeling of his full, warm lips and his stubble scratching along your skin.

Nyx pushed you back against the nearest wall as he felt your delicious lips on his. Completely losing his mind over you and your unexpected reaction. He grabbed your hips possessively, listening to your deep moans while exploring your mouth with his tongue. Your own caressed him in a wanting way. Nyx pressed himself against you, pinning you with his body to keep you in place no matter if you wanted to run away or not, not letting go of you for one second.

But the way your hands clawed into his clothes told him your true desire. You wanted him. You kissed him desperately while your hands explored whatever you could find of him. With your nails, you scratched along his neck, making him moan in his throat while your other hand slipped underneath his shirt, digging into his muscles and skin to leave some scratchy, bloody marks on your way.

Nyx let you do. No matter what you wanted to do, he wouldn't stop you for one second. You wanted to hurt him? Great! Leave your marks of possessions on him to make him yours. You wanted to have him close? Nyx would crawl right under your skin if you wanted that. Nyx would even die for you if necessary.

Nyx left your lips, kissing down your neck, biting into the soft skin under your ear and embracing you to bring you even closer, "Hell, I know this is wrong.", he breathed, "But it's all worth it. You're worth it.", and continued to savor your scent.

"I'm not worth it that you would get punished because of me, Nyx.", you breathed raspy, leaning your head back to give him even more access to your throat while you dug your fingers into his long strands to tug on them. His hair was even softer than expected. You were already addicted to everything he had to offer.

Nyx left your skin, looking into your hungry eyes, "You're totally worth all hell on earth.", he whispered, brushing along your nose with his in a caring, gentle way, "Tell me that you want me. I don't care if it's a lie. I just wanna hear you saying it and I will accept whatever punishment there will be.", he begged. Just the imagine was painful but everything he needed. He would embrace every single tiny bit of pain and sadness willingly when he just could hear you saying these words.

"I want you, Nyx. It's not even a lie, I promise. I want you so badly for so long. But I can't… we cannot-"

Nyx grabbed your face, pressing his lips on yours for an all consuming kiss driven by pure desire. You were everything for him. Extremely forbidden. But he would burn in hell for you. Nyx would endure every single punishment as long as he could bask in this one moment just filled with lust you allowed to him.

Your lungs demanded fresh air so you broke the kiss. You watched Nyx panting for air, biting down on his lower lip as he looked at you hungrily like a starving wolf. You held his eyes captive with yours as you let your hands roam appreciatively over his body, reaching his pants and feeling his thick erection throbbing underneath the fabric.

Nyx gasped, supporting himself with his hands on the wall and rested his head on your shoulder as he felt your gentle touch on him. He was on the rim of bursting and crumbling into pieces just by your small touch. So many dreams he had had about you and none was like reality. You were like the alluring devil but just made for him.

You felt flattered about the power you had on this strong soldier to make him weak like this just with your hands. Softly, you stroked over Nyx' bulge, feeling it getting thicker while you felt your own sexual desire growing bigger and bigger, trying to bubble to the surface but you were running out of time before Drautos would notice your disappearance.

Soothingly, you tickled Nyx' neck while you laid your lips on his ear, noticing him shuddering, "I want you to go home, Nyx. Go home and lay hands on yourself. Think of me when you do it. Think of me and what I could do to you right now in this moment if we would be somewhere safe. Just the two of us."

Nyx raised his head, feeling all dizzy with shaking knees, "Trust me, I will. You're so much more delicious and gorgeous than my imagination had shown me.", he whispered, leaning his forehead against yours and flinging his arms around you, "I will find a solution to stop this controlling of you. I can't just watch this horrible treatment any longer.", he promised before he kissed you passionately one last time. He left you a few moments later, almost not being able to leave you at all but he had to.

You had to go back to Drautos, your brother. He was the one who kept you away from anyone because of blind jealousy and in fear you could love someone more than him, getting snatched away by someone else.

Nyx had watched it a long time how your brother treated you: he demanded calls from you as control every hour, you couldn't leave without his knowledge and you never were allowed to meet someone without his permission which he barely gave you.

Drautos was the Captain of the Kingsglaive and also the guy Nyx would love to kill to free you. Instead of being kept on a short leash, you belonged to Nyx' side, doing whatever you wanted. Being free. Maybe he could show you that he was right with that. Maybe you had realized that you could have it so much better if you would take the place next to Nyx.

"This little bit of rain? Couldn't stop me from going out.", Gladio said, what caused yn to roll with her eyes. Gladio smirked as he saw her grimace. To tease her at any time was one of his most favorite hobbies. She knew that. It was their thing. A big part of their friendship was to tease each other about everything. And still, yn couldn't stop to lay herself open to attack right now.

"It's for Noctis to decide this.", Ignis said, maybe taking the easiest way even if yn could see that he preferred her idea as well. And it was true, the prince made the decisions on this adventure. That was the point where yn got new hope that they would stay in the hotel. Therefore, they would be able to avoid the upcoming weather. Noctis hated camping in the rain.

The only thing yn hadn't considered was Noctis' willingness to help the people on their way. So, while the group sat around, watching the strolling people and the view of the meteor, they also waited for Noctis to come back. He had excused himself for a moment to speak to one of the merchants in sight distance to be on Gladio's observing glance. As Noctis came slowly back to join his friends, yn's heartbeat dropped in fear. She noticed the piece of paper the prince was holding. It was one of these countless hunting quests yn and the group did on their journey.

"What's that?", Gladio asked and nodded to the paper in Noctis' hand.

"A bunch of saberclaws are terrorizing the outskirts of Lestallum. We got asked for help.", Noctis explained.

Gladio already jumped up from his seat, "Alright, what are we waiting for?", he said, already willing to go on the next hunt. Ignis and Prompto also stood up. Yn followed them reluctantly.

Once again, yn checked the sky which was more troubled with grey clouds than before, "Boys, please, the weather... These beasts won't run away. We should wait till tomorrow until the weather is better.”, she suggested.

It was Gladio who walked over to her, placing one of his massive arms over her shoulders, pressing her against his side with a lopsided smirk on his lips, "Since when do you say no to a good fight, huh? That's not you. I checked the position. It's not that far away. If we go now we will be back before the rain even has a chance to destroy your pretty hair style.", Gladio said while guiding her to the car. Noctis and the others already were sitting inside waiting for them. Defeated, yn gave up. There was no way to argue against all four boys if she wouldn't have any kind of support...or good arguments.

*

Around sixty minutes later, yn was breathing heavily as she pulled out her bloody short sword out of the lifeless corpse to her feet. With her foot, she stemmed her bodyweight against the dead animal to drag the material swiftly out of the flesh with a squishy sound. She was still trying to catch her breath as she looked around to check on the others. But everyone was alright, dirty and kinda bloody, but unharmed. It was then that yn noticed how the sun already set behind the treetops. It became darker with every passing second. The black, rain filled clouds increased her worries even more. They had to hurry if they wanted to reach Lestallum before the storm would break loose.

As if reading her mind, Prompto looked at the sky as well, "We should hurry. These clouds don't look too promising."

Yn thanked silently for Prompto's words and already was on her way into the direction where the Regalia parked as Ignis said the words she feared to hear, "We shouldn't drive back. It's already too dark."

"But Ignis the city isn't that far away. Ten or twenty minutes. We still can make it before it's getting too dark.", yn tried to convince the most reasonable of the group. If she could convince him, the others would follow.

But she couldn't.

"We really shouldn't drive back. We should find a good spot for the tent to camp here instead.", Ignis argued.

"But the weather-", yn tried once again. Camping during a thunderstorm didn't seem to be less dangerous than to drive back into the city through the darkness.

And once again it was Gladio who walked over to her, pushing her into the direction where the others already went, "Forget the weather, sweetheart. The Coleman gear can withstand everything.", he said in his typical light manner.

But this time, yn pushed Gladio's arm from her shoulders, "Yeah, it can...", she muttered and followed the others with a sullen expression.

Gladio frowned and looked after her with a confused expression. Never before, yn had acted like this and mostly not towards him. Usually, they were a unit as best friends. Inseparable. They always could count on each other no matter what. And she never, really never, had pushed him away before.

*

Twenty minutes later, the group had found a good place for the tent. They made a fire and got ready for the night. Ignis worked his magic with the food and all were eating in silence. Everyone except yn. She was just pushing the food around on her plate with her fork.

Ignis watched it for several minutes before he lost his patience, "Alright, yn, that's enough! I'm used to this behavior of Noctis but since when aren't you eating your meal?", he asked sternly mixed with concern in his voice.

Releasing her breath, yn put the plate down, the food was completely untouched, "I'm sorry but I'm not hungry. I go to bed. Goodnight.", yn said low, stood up and went into the tent without another word of explanation.

Speechless, all four boys were staring after her. Noctis was the first who reacted. He smacked Gladio's arm and looked seriously at him, "What have you done to her? You were talking with her lastly. Why is she mad?"

"I have nothing done. I don't know what's wrong with her.", Gladio said in his defense.

"Maybe it's this time of the month again?", Prompto asked carefully, hinting at the point that yn was a girl.

But Ignis shook his head firmly, "No, it's not this time.", he said, being the only one of the group who was cautious enough to know her cycle, "And even if, you all know her. She never acts like this. And mostly, she never leaves her food untouched.", he pointed out, worried about this totally unusual behavior.

"Should we ask her?", Prompto asked.

Once again, Ignis shook his head, "No, we should give her a break. I'm sure tomorrow, she will be the old one again."

*

The boys stayed outside around the campfire until it started to rain. The announced storm was finally arriving and darkened the night even more as the stars and the moon disappeared. As the boys crawled into the tent, yn already laid in her spot. Like every time they were camping, Gladio laid next to her. The other three boys changed their position almost every night. Usually, Gladio and yn were talking quietly until one of them would fall asleep but now, as Gladio laid down, yn already seemed to be sleeping, facing the inside wall of the tent.

'Odd like everything else on this weird day', Gladio thought as he stared at her small back. But maybe Ignis was right and she would just need time. And if she was still weird the next day, Gladio would ask her about it.

The wind increased and tugged violently on the ropes of the tent that it was shuddering into every direction. The leaves on the trees were crinkling and the branches whipped against each other. Yn knew that the sound she heard was just the wind flying through every small gap but for her, it sounded more like howling ghosts on their hunt for every living soul they could find. The heavy rain poured on the tent surface like violent war drums calling for a battle. All of this was already too much for yn but then, the thunder started.

First, it was just a rumbling in the distance but soon, driven by the stormy wind, the thunderstorm reached their position. As the first lightning cut through the night sky, yn counted the seconds to establish the distance. The next thunder boomed through the night, followed by the next lightning and yn didn't need to count any further to know that the thunderstorm had almost reached them. Maybe five to ten minutes away.

The next lightning illuminated the tent and several seconds later, the thunder echoed through the air. It was the loudest and strongest thunder so far during this storm and yn knew it wouldn't be the last. As the thunder broke loose like a bellowing shot, she winced and curled into a ball. While trying to calm her racing heart with steady breathing, yn placed her hands over her ears to silence the sound. But as the next thunder exploded, she knew that it wasn't working.

Hot tears were building in her eyes because of the panic she felt deep inside of her and while squeezing her eyes shut, the tears were running down her cheeks, soaking her pillow. Small sobs were escaping her throat and she placed a hand over her mouth to silence the sound in fear to wake one of the boys.

But it was too late. As the next lightning shot through the night followed by the thunder, she winced and two seconds later, she felt a strong and heavy hand softly lying on her shoulder. Even without looking, she knew it was Gladio's hand. It was always Gladio who cared for her the most. Slowly, he tried to turn her over so she would face him. She let him do it but avoided his eyes in hope he wouldn't notice her state, "Yn, are you alright?", he whispered but his voice was filled with concern and worries.

Yn felt bad that he was awake because of her and that he was worried. She had tried to stay as quiet as possible but Gladio had always been more empathetic when it came to her and her mood, "I- I'm fine, Gladio. Just go back to sleep.", she whispered in hope it would work.

Of course, it didn't. Gladio searched her eyes and as she still refused to look at him, he cupped her chin carefully between his fingers to force her to look up. It was then that he noticed the shed tears on her skin, "You cried.", he said low, matter of factly.

Reluctantly, yn raised her eyes to meet his amber orbs which were now filled with so much concern that it almost hurted her to see it, "Y-yeah but it's nothing.", she said weakly with a small smile that didn't reach her eyes. It was a bad attempt to reassure him and she should have known better that Gladio wouldn't buy it for one second. Even if he was goofing around a lot, he could also be very serious if needed to be.

"I don't believe you, yn. What is going on with you? The whole day you act strange. Did I do something wrong? Or one of the others?", Gladio asked carefully while replaying the day but everything had been the same. Everything...except the weather.

"No, of course not. None of you had done something-", she got stopped by the next loud rumbling thunder. Violently, she squeezed her eyes shut and winced.

Gladio watched her in shock. He never had seen her acting like this and he knew her since so many years, "Y-you're scared.", he breathed, watching this small woman curling into a ball, embracing herself and ducking her head, removing herself from his touch, waiting for the storm to end. Carefully and with a soft touch, Gladio stroked strands of her wet hair out of her face, "I... Yn, I watched you fighting fearlessly so many times against the biggest beasts on this planet and now, you're scared of this storm?", he asked.

"I never expected you to understand that. That's why I never told you anything about it.", she whispered breathlessly, trying once again to calm her racing heart.

Gladio felt a pain stinging his heart by her words. He thought he would know everything about her. They could talk about everything and now, he had to learn that there were still things he had no clue about, "But why? Why have you never said anything?", he asked.

Slowly, she raised her teary glance to look at him, "Because you're Gladio, the King's Shield. You're fearless. I know you wouldn't take me seriously if I tell you that I'm scared about some stormy weather. I knew you would make fun of me.", yn said bitterly, closing her eyes slowly. New tears were running down her cheeks.

Her words pained Gladio but mostly, it pained him to see her like this. Here he was, lying next to her, thinking of himself as her best friend and yet, she wasn't brave enough to talk with him about her fears because she really thought he wouldn't understand her. If he thought about it, she had mentioned her concerns about the weather several times and he had made fun of it. He hadn't really thought about the reasons behind her concerns. Now, he understood it and felt bad. Slowly, he scooted closer to her, "Look at me, please.", he pleaded.

As yn opened her eyes, Gladio's face was as close as possible to hers. His glance bored into hers, a stern expression on his face. With slow moves, he cupped her face with his hands, tangling his fingers with her hair to tickle her calming, "I'm sorry, yn. I really am. I would never make fun of you about something that scares you, believe me. I'm sorry that you couldn't tell me this. I would fight against the storm to stop it if I could help you with it."

"Oh, I would like to see you trying. I'm sure you're the only person in this world who would be able to terrify a thunderstorm.", yn said with a soft chuckle between two sobs, feeling a bit better.

Gladio smiled softly before he became serious again, "I... I don't like seeing you scared like this. It's nothing I'm used to.", he said what caused yn to smile once again.

"It's silly that I'm scared. Mostly, considering the fact what we're facing every day since we left Insomnia. But it's the sound of the thunder and the ravenous natural force that always scared me since I was a kid."

"That's why you wanted to stay in the hotel.", Gladio understood, nodding slowly, "Sure, staying in a tent is not really helpful."

"Yeah, but having you boys with me is already helping, at least, a little bit.", yn said but was wincing as the next lightning and thunder shook the tent.

"You know what, maybe I can help you even a bit more.", Gladio whispered with a smile that caught yn's attention.

"W-what are you doing?", she asked surprised as she saw Gladio moving.

"Just trust me, sweetheart.", he said. Swiftly, he snaked one of his muscled arms underneath her head and around her shoulders to pull her close to his chest. He took his blanket to place it over both of them before he laid his other arm protectively around her frame as well. While she snuggled against his warm skin, relaxing slowly, she listened to his steady and strong heartbeat. His natural body heat enclosed her and his familiar scent flooded her brain.

Gladio buried his face into her hair, "I'm here for you. You're not alone. Nothing can happen to you. I will protect you.", he whispered reassuringly while drawing patterns on her skin with his fingers.

"Thank you.", yn breathed against his chest, snaking her arm around his body to pull him even closer.

The next lightning cracked through the night sky followed by a loud thunder and even if yn winced a little bit, she already was calmer than before. Gladio noticed the change immediately. She stayed where she was, lying in his arms. As the next wave of the storm broke loose over the tent, Gladio noticed her staying even calmer. And ten minutes later, yn didn't even respond anymore to the harsh weather outside. Gladio didn't have to check on her to know that she had fallen asleep lying secure in the protection of his body. Slowly, he drifted back to sleep on his own, keeping yn in his arms the whole night.

*

The next morning, yn awoke by the first rays of sunlight that fell through the open tent door. She could hear Noctis, Ignis and Prompto talking about something outside of the tent. It sounded like a discussion about breakfast. Cool air was flooding the tent and yn breathed in the freshness. She was slowly moving but got stopped by warm, muscly barriers: Gladio's arms.

Without waking the still sleeping, peacefully looking man, she tried to sneak out of his embrace. But as yn was almost free, she got dragged back to her former position by the said arms and their tightened grip around her, "Where do you think you go?", Gladio mumbled sleepy.

Yn looked up into Gladio's face, "It's morning. The storm is over.", she explained quietly with a soft smile.

Gladio tightened the embrace a bit more, "I don't care. It's perfect like this.", he whispered.

"So, you want me to stay?", yn asked surprised.

"Always.", Gladio mumbled and drifted back to sleep.

And just like that, a ravenous storm had changed a friendship to a next level.

Before yn even looked up, she knew to whom the shadow belonged to that covered her suddenly. She had asked for this talk but now, where it should happen she was nervous and she needed several deep breaths before she was able to look up. As yn did it, she had difficulties getting her thoughts under control, "I- I can't talk to you when you look like that!", she stuttered with reddening cheeks, already regretting saying it out loud.

"When I look like what?", Gladio asked confused, looking down at himself.

Yn pointed at him with her hands, "Like this!", she said in hope he would understand. But he didn't. Yn saw that he still had no clue because for him it wasn't unusual to walk around shirtless or with an open shirt like right now, "Ugh! Gladio!"

"What?", he asked, irritated about her sudden outburst, "You wanted to talk about something so, let us talk.", he reminded her that she had asked for this conversation if the others would be away for some shopping.

"Y-yeah... But... I can't. Let us talk later.", she said sheepishly without eye contact before she got up, turning around to go back into the tent.

Of course, Gladio followed her. He was hooked on what was going on and now, he wanted an answer, "Something's going on. You act strange around me for a while. If I have done something wrong then tell me, please.", Gladio pleaded, stopping in some distance from her to give her space.

Yn sat in the farthest corner of the tent, her knees drawn to her chest and her arms looped around her legs, avoiding Gladio's eyes. He watched her, concerned what problem could be between them. They never had fights or arguments and Gladio knew that she trusted him with everything, "Yn, please... Can I do something?"

"You could close your shirt, for the start.", she whispered, her cheeks turning pink again.

Gladio looked surprised with raised brows. Looked down at his open shirt and back at her, "Why?"

Yn just looked him dead in the eyes, then down at his body and back into his eyes.

"What-? Oh!", Gladio whispered as he suddenly understood, seeing her changed glance at him.

"Yeah, ‘oh’...", she copied him before she looked away once again. But this time, she felt how Gladio came slowly closer.

"I... I make you nervous, right? You like me and that's the reason why you act this strange?", he asked carefully, searching her eyes.

Even if he was so close, she couldn't look at him but nodded reluctantly. He was right and there was no way she could lie to him.

"You know, yn, I'm glad that my plan had worked.", Gladio breathed, stroking one of her strands behind her ear, brushing her cheek with the back of his hand.

Yn turned her head and got faced by Gladio who was just inches away from her, "Wh- what do you mean with- with 'your plan had worked'?", she whispered.

"I tried to get your attention in a certain way. I hoped you would find me attractive.", Gladio answered and smiled softly, with his eyes flickering between her eyes and her lips.

Surprised, she looked at him, "Why? Why me? There are others-"

"Are you kidding? There's no one like you. I have never met a girl so strong as you are. For some time, I tried to win you over for me-", Gladio got stopped with yn’s lips on his as she kissed him. Within one second, Gladio snaked his arms around her body and let himself fall on his back with her on top straddling him. She kissed him desperately, digging her fingers into his longer strands which caused him to moan deeply.

Gladio roamed with his hands appreciatively over her small frame, over her shoulder blades, down her back and rested his big hands on her thighs to squeeze them with soft pressure.

Slowly, yn slid her hands over Gladio's neck to his thick chest to place them there. She supported herself to get some space and looked into his now dark, brown eyes. His breath was uneven and matched her own, "I-I'm sorry...", she whispered against his lips as she remembered her attack on him.

"Seriously? You're exactly where I wanted to have you all the time and you apologize?", he chuckled, visibly amused.

"I was attacking you-", she said but got stopped by Gladio's rambling laugh that went through his body.