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♥ Who: Gladio and OTA.
♥ Where: Everywhere.
♥ When: January 3rd.
♥ What: Gladio finding his feet and meeting the locals.
♥ Rating: PG-13

Another Strange Place:
[Gladio had been walking toward a small group of children, smiling as disarmingly as a man as large and seemingly intimidating as he could. The adults were nowhere to be seen, aside from some of the elderly. He'd hoped to gain some information. Anything, to help...

But between one step and the next... everything went dark. Not not a bad kind of dark. It felt... strange...

... When Gladio opened his eyes to see sky above him, white clouds, blue, clear sky... He turned his head slightly to see... nothing he expected. Instead of rustic houses, dirt paths, wooden fences and children at play, he saw white. White pillars and columns shaped like trees. Red and white ornaments. Strange looking birds. And he was laying down in the centre of it all.

He rose slowly, turned and dropped his legs over the edge of slab of carved stone he lay upon. When Gladio looked down he still wore the same clothes he'd been wearing (black leather pants, dark brown tunic, black cloak), so at least that hadn't changed. There was a sigh as he lifted a hand to scrub across his face.]

Damn train's done it again...

[Was this a side mission? Why had he been pulled away? And where was everyone else? When Gladio looked at his wrist he frowned, his SCA was gone. That didn't bode well. He was just contemplating calling out when a strange robot approached him... and that's where Gladio found out that he wasn't in Irivar anymore.

He was lead from the stone slab into another area to find more robots... he was handed a tablet, some local currency... and sent him on his way.

Gladio stepped out of the, what was it? He looked back and up. Temple... definitely a temple. He stepped out... and immediately sat himself down on the steps in the snow to try and work his head around what the hell he'd gotten himself into this time.]

A Teeny Tiny Fortune:
[Having noticed the strange booth, Gladio approached curiously. These robots were a strange thing, but so was the box that he was handed. He shook it as directed, a small, amused smile on his lips.

Then he was given a piece of paper.]

"The smallest things can bring the biggest rewards." Huh... good things in small packages, right? Thanks.

[Still looking very amused, Gladio shoved the paper in his pocket and turned to go.]

Stuck On You:
[Apparently he needed to look for a place to live. This was a big step up from a small room with a smaller bed shared between four people.

Gladio had taken his cloak off and had it wrapped over one hand. The laces of his leather tunic had been loosened and he was considering just taking that off as well, but figured near stripping in the middle of the street could be frowned upon.

He was so distracted by his surroundings that he wasn't paying attention to where he was going. Gladio bumped into someone. Automatically he reached out to stop whoever he ran into from hitting the ground... except that never happened. Wait, why couldn't he let go?]

Sorry! You okay?

Taking Stock:
[He'd found his way to the centre of the city it seemed. He'd found a fountain, an interesting structure that Gladio stood for a while, just looking at. He moved around it slowly, looking at all angles, before he sat himself down on the edge.

He stretched his legs out in front of himself and sighed.

So far this place didn't seem to have anything in common with where he had been before... He was starting to get a sinking feeling.

It was cold, there was snow everywhere, but nothing that was going to bother him so much that he was rushing to get indoors. He'd spent so much time inside over the last few months, even the snow was welcome.]

Home Away From Home:
[Houses... Small houses bunched together... And he was supposed to find one.]

Right... so how the hell does this work?

[Gladio walked up the street, then down it again, before he stopped in front of a house that appeared to be vacant. The tablet thing claimed it was unoccupied, so he walked on in.

After having a look around, he laughed to himself and did what was necessary to become the new owner... and then dropped himself down on sofa. Well and truly done.]

Wildcard:
[If you have another idea for a prompt, have at it, I'll run with anything. Though if you'd like to contact me I can be found on plurk and discord:

JustAnotherUsername | Theo#4816 - poke me as needed![

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[Gladio was busy making a mental map of the place. Maybe it'd seem stupid to others, but he liked to know where he was at. It was always a good idea to know where all the entrances and exits were. Not that there were any of those. He hadn't ventured to the wall yet, but once he'd worked out all the points the city had to offer, walking around the wall would be his next port of call.

It was as he was doing this, just looking around, that he turned to find someone was watching him. And for a moment his mind was coming up blank on why this guy looked familiar... until he spoke.

Without quite realising he'd done it, Gladio's back straightened, a cold wash of something akin to fear washed through him. The King. Was... that how he saw his absence here? Gladio was trying to think of a way to respond that didn't include an 'fuck you, it wasn't my fault', when the King spoke again and he realised that the first comment hadn't been serious. At least, he hoped. Because he'd had zero control over where he went. If he had... things would be different. And he wouldn't have been wandering around alone.]

Your Majesty. [He bowed, and as he rose again, he smiled and started walking toward him.] And, if you don't mind me saying, you're looking good for an old man.

[Regis knows very well just how uncontrollable coming and going is. He would never blame anyone for it for real. After all, if it could be controlled, he knows Cor would not have left him here alone.

Regis returns the bow, a welcoming smile on his face when he straightens.]

So I have been told. This place let me see how I will be in the future, and I will be honest. I have no wish to rush that time's arrival.

[Not just because of the aches and pains but also because of what he knows waits there.]

Have you been here long?

[Kings shouldn't bow to the likes of him. Gladio wanted to protest, but it was already done so there was nothing he could really say.

Though his words bothered the Shield somewhat.]

You were, are a good King, Your Majesty. No matter how things end. You've that to look forward to.

Just a few days. And you?

[Ah, but he's not a king here, is he? Technically, they are just two men, but Regis has nothing but respect for the line of Shields that have protected his family for so long, and this is his own Shield's son. How can he not have respect for him? Even if he doesn't always get along with Noctis--according to the prince's own words--there is still so much he has sacrificed for his son.]

Thank you for the vote of confidence. I just have learned that things will not be easy for any of you. I may have done what I had to, but that doesn't mean I don't regret the difficult situation it places you all in.

[But, to answer the less serious question...]

I have been here since the first group arrived approximately a year and a half ago. Can I assist you with anything?

[Wow, just come out and say the thing, Regis. Gladio wasn't entirely sure how to reply to it. He wasn't sure if he was sure he had the mental capacity to deal with that whole can of worms. He could easily have been angry with Regis, though he knew that was a Future Regis problem and not this one.

All he could do was sigh.]

You know about all of that...?

[He shook his head.]

I'm just finding my feet right now, sir. [Just working things out and his place within it.]

I've learned a great deal since arriving here.

[He could go into more detail, but he can see just how uneasy Gladio is, so instead he changes the topic slight, pulling a small smile to his face.]

Would you believe that son of mine actually kept who he was a secret for several months? I am honestly a little ashamed I didn't pick up on it sooner.

[Of course, Noctis hadn't even been born in his time at that point, but details...

That 'sir' earns Gladio a wave of a hand.]

Please, just call me Regis. This is not Eos, so technically, I rule nothing here.

[More sad than uneasy, Your Majesty. It wasn't the best of subjects, but he appreciated the skip over that line of questioning onto something a little easier. Something that made him laugh.

Yeah, he could see that.]

Honestly? I'd probably do the same. [If his dad ever showed up and didn't know him. But that might be harder, he and his dad had apparently looked similar when they were the same age.]

Uh... That'll be harder to get used to. But I'll try.

[Regis places his hand against his chest over-dramatically.]

Wow, all of our sons are spurning us. Where is the love?

[He then laughs and lets his hand drop back to his side.]

It's all right. It took Cor a long time to get use to it too. I won't be upset if you forget. It is a big change for everyone.

Less spurning, more saving you guys a headache. Can't imagine it was easy to accept your kids nearly the same age as you.

[Nearly, since Noct wasn't a baby, or a twinkle in the Kings eye, he wasn't too sure where Regis landed on that.]

Old habits die hard.

[Maybe if he just avoided calling him by name OR title he could get away with ever messing up? That made more sense than it didn't.]

It was less difficult than you may think. The oddness strikes me from time-to-time now that I am far enough along that I have lived through his birth, but I am so grateful for this extra time, that doesn't really strike me all that often. I suspect it affects Noctis a little more.

[But then again, there is a huge and very complicated series of events that Noctis has lived through that Regis hasn't yet. That makes a big difference.]

That they do, for good or ill.

[That plan may work, but then again a wily, not-quite-as-old king may just catch on too. After all, he's already been through this a time or two.]

[That would make sense, he supposed. If Regis had only lived up to the birth, Noct had lived through 20 years of having and losing a father. He knew it would be hard if he ever saw his own dad again...

And that would cause him not to say anything as well. But who knew? Gladio doubted it would be a situation he'd ever find himself in, so thinking about it didn't seem worth it.

Gladio gave a low laugh and tilted his head up to the sky where a few flurries of snow were slowly descending.]

Is the weather always like this?

[Regis brushes a few snow flakes from his dark hair before shaking his head.]

It wasn't snowing at the house at all, and I am willing to bet if we go the few blocks to my shop, it won't be snowing there either. Either that, or we'll walk into a blizzard.

[Never has the phrase "Take a few steps and watch the weather change" been proven more true.]

I've gotten into the habit of leaving an extra cloak or coat in the Armiger just to be safe.

Hah not a bad idea...

[He looked down at himself. His mission had partly expected the cold. The leather pants were a thick, hardy kind, same as his boots. Okay, the leather tunic wasn't the best but the shirt under was thermal and warm. And his own long cloak shielded him from the worst of the cold air. Gladio would just have to make sure that he kept the cloak handy for when he was out and about... or just wear it. That would work also.]

Spent the last four months in a place with zero weather. This is... actually good. For now.

I can't imagine being in a place without weather of some kind.

[His eyes shift in the direction of the shop and then back to Gladio.]

If you don't mind the weather, would you like to accompany me the few blocks to the shop? It's primarily for distributing potions to people in need, but I do keep some food and drink there. Cor and I wanted it to be a place people could recover from injuries as well as get things to prevent them. I can get you something warm to drink and a snack before you head back out.

You'd have hated it.

[He didn't think he'd known anyone who'd liked it.

Gladio's gaze moved to follow where the older man looked, curious. He grinned.]

Sure, a warm drink sounds real good right now. Love to see this place of yours and Cors.

I am certain you are right.

[Regis motions in the direction they will be taking to the shop and then starts walking.]

You might be surprised at what you find there. My side, unsurprisingly, was going to focus on selling potions while Cor was learning about making teas, soaps, and other herbal remedies.

[He chuckles softly.]

Then again, perhaps it won't be all that surprising. He was going above and beyond to take care of the Lucis Caelums who were here while he was. Nothing could be more in character for him.

Cor... making teas and soaps? You're serious?

[It was actually a surprise, though when Regis explained it he supposed not nearly as much. Learn and adapt. When there was nothing to fight, no reason to protect, you found other ways to be of use or become obsolete.]

This is something I definitely need to see.

[He was grinning as he walked beside the King, falling into step with him and matched his pace with ease.]

[Gladio's grin makes Regis chuckle again.]

Don't go thinking he let himself get soft. He still woke me up every morning at dawn for training. If he wasn't training me that early, then he was training Noctis. You'd think he would learn how hard it is to get one of us up so early, but it never deterred him. At least he started bringing me coffee when he drug me out of bed.

[Literally, drug him out of bed at times. Can't a king get a few extra hours of sleep now and then?]

I take it he never invited you to one of his tea services? He quite enjoyed them. All the little rules and traditions were relaxing for him to work through. It was a chance to display control in an environment that wasn't a life or death battle.

[All he could do was shake his head. He'd heard tales... But no, he'd never been invited and he'd never believed it was actually a thing! Though it did tickle a vague memory. Had Cor mentioned something? Gladio found memories really strange sometimes, things could be so clear and other things hazy at best. Whatever, he was just amused by the whole idea.

But not the training. Of course Cor wouldn't slow down. Though what he was fighting for her, Gladio wasn't too sure.]

Sounds about right for him. And soft? Cor? Nah, I'd never think that. He could dress up in a pink princess dress with fairy wings singing lullabies and he'd still be the most badass of us all.

[Shifting between worlds has a way of doing that. Regis has only been to this one and there are times when he thinks of home and the memories seem more distant than they really should be.

He tries not to think about it too hard. It's unsettling.]

A pink...princ...

[Sorry, Glaido. Regis gets just that much out and then has to stop walking lest he trip over his own feet while laughing so hard.

Just...give him a minute to process that mental image.]

[Gladio stopped and just stared for a second when Regis started laughing. It wasn't long after that he chuckled along with him, a broad smile on his face. It felt good he could make someone laugh.]

Don't think he'd suit it? I think he'd rock the look.

In his youth? Perhaps.

[Regis admits this after he has finally gotten his laughter under control.]

The Cor who was here was from farther in the future than the rest of us. Still Cor, of course, but... Oh, here I can show you!

[With a quick flick of his wrist, Regis pulls his tablet from the Armiger and dives into the photos he has saved on it. Eventually, he pulls up a shot before passing the tablet to Gladio. The picture was taken near the beginning of their stay here, so it clearly shows just how much older and more grizzled Cor had looked before the gods had been merciful and shaved a few years off his age so he could better "keep up with the youngins."]

I just can't picture that face in a pink dress.

[That face, of course, looking properly annoyed, but unwilling to dissuade his king from taking another picture that was probably going to cut his head off because Regis and technology was never a good thing. The joke was on him, though, as this particular image had turned out perfect by some miracle.]

[Gladio took the tablet when it was handed over and looked down at the picture with a puzzled frown. It was Cor. It was definitely Cor Leonis. But so much older than even he remembered him. He shot Regis a look before looking back at it.]

... I guess he came from an Eos further in the future than us, huh?

[His tone was one of quiet curiosity.]

By a fair bit, if I'm not mistaken. He said something about being a few years into the Dark, whatever that is. There were...things we didn't talk much about. Not after he accidentally revealed I was long dead in his time.

[Regis steps closer and reaches in so he can flip to a new picture. Something to lighten the dark topic he just had touched on. This one is Cor at an age Gladio will more likely recognize. They are in a dusty shop, and Cor--same annoyed, but also amused scowl--is looking back at the photographer. The smudge of dust on his cheek shows at least one of them is doing some work.]

We never did quite figure out how it happened so we blamed the gods for it, but a few months into our stay he woke up having had several years trimmed off his age. There had just been a bit of an upset with everyone here, and I couldn't help but tease that he wished hard enough for more energy to keep up with all of us that the gods granted his wish by making him younger.

The Dark, huh...

[Gladio frowned, it tickled a memory but he wasn't too sure... So he brushed it aside for the rest of what Regis said and the new picture of Cor. A Cor that was more in keeping with his memory.]

That can happen? Just waking up one day and being younger? [He laughed.] So the gods here can be nice. That's good to know.