sweetestsurrender

"Don't look at me like that. They've got those things outside of stores and all sorts of places." And okay, even as he said the words he realised he'd mentioned stores. But given how much he was probably about the fork out for a dumb keychain, he didn't think a store would be happy (or even able) to give him that much change.

"Well yeah, but the King's Knight one is an arcade exclusive." Noct said. Not that Gladio would probably know that. "Hopefully they have more than one rare one..."

No, he would not have known that. It was new information to him! But it was fine. An arcade was better than standing out on the street emptying one of those things.

"Think if I just ask to buy the whole machine they'd hand it over?" He asked conversationally.

Noct shrugged. "I don't know. I've never asked." He honestly hadn't thought about that. "Takes the fun out..."

"So it'll be fun just watchin me shove money in and pop these things out, huh? Alright. We'll do it your way." Though Gladio secretly thought buying the whole thing and just shattering it would also be a great way of getting what they wanted. But if his Prince wanted him to do it a coin at a time then so be it.

"Well... Yeah. It's kinda like fishing. You never know when the bite you have will be the big one." Noct shrugged. "I guess the find is more rewarding if you do it one at a time... Or something."

So that's why. If Noct could liken a thing to fishing then it all made sense. It was amazing the things Noct could find the patience for, but other things he would rather hide away from than deal with.

"So it's just like fishin. Got it." He still didn't know why throwing some explosives in a lake killing many at once was frowned upon. But if Noct wanted to be patient, they could be.

"Yeah. I mean... If you would rather, you could just take me fishing." Now that he was talking about it, a fishing trip would be way better than a plastic Keychain.

Gladio laughed and again looked over, a brow raised. "Fishing, huh. Could do that. Sure you wouldn't cry over missin out on that keychain?"

"I'm sure...especially if you make a trip out of it." Noct grinned. Fishing would always win.

Gladio thought about it. Thought about what he had going on the rest of the day, or for the next few days since he had a feeling this might be an overnight kind of thing.

In the end he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. A quick dial and he lifted it to his ear.

"Hey." He spoke once the phone was answered. "Taking the rest of the day off. Nocts with me. We're heading out. If you need us... it'll have to wait until tomorrow." Gladio nodded, listened and smiled. "We'll bring you something back. Thanks, Iggy." He hung up and smirked. "Fishing it is then."

Noct was brimming with excitement. "No way. For real? Right now?" This was way better than a Keychain. "I've gotta get my tackle box."

"Why not? I've got the time. You grab that. I'll grab my campin gear. We can make a day of it." They both got something they wanted. It seemed a win win situation to Gladio.

Noct grinned and ran off to get his tackle box. It didn't take him long to get all of his stuff together and meet back with Gladio. "I can't believe Specs is letting me go..."

Gladio went ahead and did the same. Even going so far as to procure a car for the journey. He was parked out front and waiting for Noct, just leaning against the side of the car with his arms crossed over his chest and a wide grin.

"Maybe if it was with someone else. But you're goin with me. Course he'd say yes."

"I guess, but usually I have to ask in advance." Not that he was complaining. If Ignis wanted to let him fish, he would take it.

"Don't look a gift chocobo in the mouth, kid. Get in before he changes his mind." Still grinning, Gladio stepped to the side and opened the passenger side door.

"Don't have to tell me twice!" Noct laughed, climbing into the car. "Let's go!"

With a roll of his eyes, Gladio pushed the door closed and rounded the other side. Once in the drivers seat, and after ordering Noct to buckle up, they set off.

"Anywhere in particular you'd like to fish?" It didn't bother Gladio. He could pitch a tent anywhere. Where the fish were was another story.

Noct gave that a good long think. He could have been cheeky and ask to go somewhere far, but this was about fish. "Maybe the huge lake just outside the city gates...or can we go further?"

"We can go wherever you like, so long as we get there before night fall." Gladio replied. He'd been quiet until that point, letting Noct think about where he wanted to go. Since he didn't have a preference himself, it was all up to the Prince. He'd take him wherever he wanted, within reason.

"Okay then..." Noct bit his lip in thought. "Just start driving. I'll let you know when I spot a good fishing spot."

Gladio nodded. "Whatever you say, Your Highness." He grinned, shooting a quick glance over.

Just driving was fine. He'd trust Noct would know where to go and call direction changes as needed.

It had been a while since he'd just driven. So he wound down the window, settled his arm on it and relaxed. This would be an interesting trip.

For a while, Noct just enjoyed the ride. Tension he didn't even realize was building up in his body eased away. He watched the landscape go by, content in silence for a good long while.

It wasn't too long before he spotted a small fishing spot off the road.

"There! Let's stop there!"

Gladio was quiet too, other than the rhythmic tapping against the door and the occasional hum under his breath. He could have put the radio on, but the quiet was easy and comfortable. It was fine the way it was.

When Noct called out, Gladio moved his hand, both on the wheel now and turned without question in the direction the Prince pointed.

"This is the spot you want?" It seemed good enough. And even from a cursory glance he could see a place to set up camp. This could work.

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