sweetestsurrender

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.

"Yes." Noct smiled. "It's perfect." And it really was. Just enough cover, a good place to camp. He couldn't ask for a better spot.

Gladio slowed the car down as they approached and found a good enough spot to park before he stopped and leaned forward a bit, arms folded across the wheel.

"Yeah, not bad. Quiet too. Doesn't look like many people come by here." Other than the area that was clearly designed as a camp ground there didn't seem to be much in the way of human traffic. Noct was right. It was perfect.

Noct nodded. "It's perfect for fishing." He shifted in his seat and then opened the door."Do you need help setting up or...?" He would help if needed but he really wanted to get fishing.

He gave it some thought, but in the end shook his head and lifted a hand from the wheel to wave Noct away.

"Go fish. I'll set us up. You catch our dinner." Besides, the tent would get set up faster if he did it himself. Then maybe he'd wander over and sit with Noct for a bit.

"You got it!" Noct grabbed his tackle box and headed to the shore. After baiting his hook, he casted his line and relaxed. This was definitely better than a keychain.

Gladio waited for Noct to get his shit together and head off before he climbed out of the car and did the same. Only instead of the waters edge, he made his way to the camp area.

Within 20 minutes a tent was set up. Along with seating and what would be a camp fire once night fell. Gladio didn't bother lighting it yet. What he did do, though, was grab two tans from a cooler before he wandered down to where Noct was and dropped himself down beside him. A can was offered.

"All set up. Caught anythin yet?"

Noct took the can with a smile and motioned at the small cooler next to him. "A few. Decent enough for a meal." Now it was time to try and catch a prize. Or not. It didn't really matter.

He peered over and nodded approvingly. Good enough for grilling, that was fine.

"You did good." Gladio carefully popped the tab of his can, doing his best not to make too much noise. Scaring the fish was a great way to get Noct to lose his cool.

Normally, maybe, but Noct was feeling too chill to mind a bit of noise. He opened his own can and sipped as he watched his line.

"Hey, Gladio?"

"Yeah?" Gladio tilted his head, showing he was listening, even if his eyes were on the lake before him.

Aside from the little lure bobbing, the water was amazingly still and calm.

"Thank you." Noct said softly. "Really. This means a lot to me." And it did. Even if it spawned from a dare over a Keychain.

"No sweat, kiddo. It's good to get away now an' again. Could do with some relaxation myself." He grinned and took a deep drink from his can... and regretted not just bringing the whole cooler over. But it'd be fine. One now, the rest later when the sun went down.

Noct offered a bashful smile and returned his eyes to the water. "I wish every day could be like this."

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