Gladio knows Ignis doesn't always welcome casual touch, but both of them are far enough from sober - and the subject is so ... sensitive that he's pretty sure Iggy won't mind this time.

Because the little hiccup is enough to tell Gladio that his oldest and closest friend is hurting in a way the Shield thinks he hasn't ever hurt before, so he leans forward to wrap a reassuring arm over Iggy's shoulder. Honestly, there's a burning in Gladio's eyes and he's doing his best to keep them from misting over.

"Iggy... I -" Shit there's no stopping them. A Shield is supposed to be strong, but how can he not crack after learning that his Prince - his friend and brother - is destined to die?

He gives the shoulder under his arm a squeeze and his voice only wobbles a bit when he tries to speak. "That's ... that's not ... how did you see this?" Wet eyes stare imploringly at Ignis, silently asking the man to tell him everything.

"What aren't you telling me?"