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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![

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He might very well have murdered her for pulling a Prompto on him. Even Prompto had generally asked. And he didn't much like his humiliation being broadcast. But what the hell could he do to stop it? Arguing with her wouldn't work.

So he just... closed his eyes and decided to wait to be unstuck and then he'd go back to his house and lick his wounds. Simple.]

I'm fine. Just need to wait...

[ For most anything else Era always asks permission, but with photographs she rarely thinks to. A memory is a memory, and if it's one she would share with words she may as well just take a picture.

When she gets home she'll properly categorize it and file it away with the hundreds of others she keeps. Safe and sound and ready to remind her should her memory ever fail her again. ]

I can heal it once we're unstuck.

Do you like chocobos?

No... it's alright.

[It was nothing less than he deserved, and he didn't think she could heal an old pain. So it was easier just to shrug it off.]

So long as you're not hurt, that's all that matters.

... Prompto's the chocobo fanatic. They're cute though.

It's hardly 'alright' if it causes you discomfort. If a wound doesn't heal properly it is a liability on the battlefield.

[ Her tail flicks in irritation. ]

Ifrit, Titan, Leviathan, Ramuh, Shiva, Bahamut.

I know these particular names are familiar to you. In my world they are also deities. I have slain every single one, and more besides.

You aren't the first to assume my size equates to frailty, but if you ever do so again I promise you will regret it.

[Gladio slowly opened his eyes to stare down at the woman laying on him. If it had just been a conversation they were having, he might have been impressed. Her assumption of him pretty much overrode that feeling though.]

... Did you hit your head?

What part of what I said made you assume I thought you're frail? I'm... me sized and hurt like hell. But if I hurt you because I was an idiot not looking where I was going... I... Look, forget it.

[A Shield's gotta Shield, but he needed to remember that some people didn't want that. Lesson learned. He filed it away for future.]

Edited 2021-01-06 03:55 (UTC)

"So long as you're not hurt, that's all that matters."

[ She'd heard similar things from men all her life. And while she knows a great many wonderful men, far too many make assumptions based on her size, sex, and favoured combat style. ]

Being a warrior both small and female in a chauvinistic society is a bit shite. [ Era does, however, both look and sound apologetic. ] My apologies for assuming your assumptions. I... have a strong dislike of others hurting themselves for my sake.

You know my name, he must've told you my title too? Telling me not to protect it'd be like me telling you to stop being small or a woman. I didn't even see who you were before I fell.

[Shielding her had been pure instinct on his part. His training had kicked in. It wouldn't have mattered if she was big or small, man or woman or anything in between, he'd have reacted the same way.]

Just throwing this out there...but I'm almost certain you deliberately tried to hurt me. I've the bruises to prove it.

You're his Shield. I didn't realize that extended to others.

[ She frowns, trying to decide the best way to explain it. ]

I was trying to hurt you. I have PTSD, so being touched unexpectedly is unpleasant.

Speaking of which, can you remove your hands yet?

Let's call it instinct.

[But it hadn't been deliberate. And he truly didn't blame her for fighting back when he'd grabbed her like he did, but he did question the contradiction.

Again he tried to pull his arms away. He grit his teeth and, with a little more force, he was able to get one arm from around her.]

Okay... Think after this, this worlds goin to be annoyed. I'm not touching anyone again. This sticking thing gets old.

Instinct then.

[ She can agree to that. Especially if it means not having to talk about it anymore.

With one hand removed Era is able to roll off and put some very welcome space between them. Unfortunately the sudden lack of shared body heat combined with the cold temperature leaves her shivering.

She doesn't mind it though. The space brings with it some clarity of mind now that she is no longer desperately ignoring her visceral discomfort. ]

I've never noticed it happening inside of a residence before—only in public areas.

[Gladio let her roll away and take his other arm with her, but remained where he was. Just laying in the wet snow, contemplating his life choices]

Ive no idea. I'm new here. This is all new to me.

Ah. I remember that feeling. It's kind of shite.

[ She sighs loudly. Rubs at her cold face with her gloved hands. Then she reaches into her pocket and pulls out a blanket, tossing it onto Gladio's chest. ]

My answers may be laced with bias, but if you've questions I can try to answer. Though I'd rather not freeze my tail off in the snow while I do.

D'you want hot chocolate?

... What?

[Not his most eloquent response, but one full of confusion. He'd fully expected her to tear his arm off to get away from him, run and never look back.

Insted a blanket was pulled from seemingly nowhere and now am offer for a drink. Gladio was definitely confused.]

What?

[ She echoes with equal confusion. ]

[Gladio just stared at her for a long, quiet moment, before he slowly eased himself up into a sitting position... and blinked when his other arm came with him. Just dropping away from Era with little effort on his part. He looked at the arm like it had delivered his greatest betrayal.]

Not sure I'll ever understand this place.

[Still, he was now able to get himself up. He slowly eased himself to his feet. The back of his new, dark green jumper was even darker with how much icy melted snow water it had soaked up.]

... Hot chocolate would be... nice. Thanks.

I doubt even the 'gods' understand this place.

[ The moment his hand no longer touches her Era puts more distance between them, then slowly gets to her feet. The last of the tension in her shoulders immediately fades and the anxious shifting of her tail stills. ]

I'd offer you a hand up, but I'd rather not be stuck again, if it's all the same.

I'll ask my husband to take the birds out for a run, so you needn't worry about evisceration by chocobo. [ Peki is a good boy. A bit feral, but generally good. Though she's biased, as most chocobo owners are. ] We don't live far—about a five minute walk from here, give or take.

I'm fine with animals. [Generally better with them than people, though he was getting better at that. At least, usually.

Now he was on his feet, he could feel the several places he knew would give him problems later. But pushed it to the side. He'd deal when he returned to his own home and maybe wallowed in a hot bath for a while.

He gave a little gesture of a hand.]

Lead the way.

Peki is not fine with strangers, and I don't want blood all over my house.

[ Eorzean chocobo are a special breed of violent. Wonderful, loyal companions. But very, very violent.

Era remains alert for any signs of injury and, after a brief, scrutinizing look, she gives a nod and guides him to her cozy house in what she'd like to think is companionable silence.

Not long before reaching her block she receives a message from her dream-guide, alerting her that the amaro are currently napping and Ardbert is heading out with Peki. Era senses a wonderful opportunity for ambush and promptly squats down to make the perfect snowball.

Once she rounds the corner she launches it at her husband's retreating form—and receives a snowball to the face just as Ardbert is struck by hers. She hears him laugh as he and Peki disappear from sight. She can't help but snicker as well, wiping snow from her scales. ]

His aim has improved.

[Gladio shrugged, accepting that and not pushing. If she wanted to hide her pets from him, so be it.

He just stands there then, staring the woman down, even as she looks him over. Then shakes his head when she deems him worthy enough and off they go. The house he was lead to was... really lovely. It shouldn't have surprised him, but it did.

Before he could say anything though, Era was down and making snowballs and Gladio just stood there, puzzled. He followed her and... almost stretched out a arm to intercept the snowball before it hit her in the face. But remembering how she'd told him off earlier, Gladio just crossed his arms over his chest. If she had a weird complex over people protecting her, he'd just leave it alone. Though it was all a bit strange to him.]

Good to know.

He had to relearn how to use his body the past year. He's come so since then! [ She is almost unbearably proud and fond, tail perked and wagging as she leads Gladio to the front door, opening it, stepping through, and then gesturing for him to enter. ]

Shoes off, please! We've slippers if you would like footwear, and I can loan you a poncho if you'd like your shirt put in the dryer.

[ Probably the only item of clothing in the house that would fit both length-wise and width-wise. ]

The amaro are napping in the back gardens but may wake up, so don't be alarmed by large black birds moving outside.

Sounds rough. Good on him though.

[He didn't know the specifics and he wasn't going to ask, wasn't his business. But he could appreciate hard work.

He went with her into the house and was already bending to take off his boots even before she spoke. They were covered in snow, after all. Stepping out of them he set them aside, hesitated. It was warm enough in the house, he supposed. So he shrugged a single shoulder and pulled his green sweater off over his head, as well as the shirt under it, which was also soaked.]

If you point me to the dryer...?

I suspect he'll want to spar you one day, especially now that there's finally an arena suited to it.

[ She does give him another brief once-over after he's removed his shirts, though her look is notably very clinical. Once assured there is nothing concerning to note, Era grabs a large, warm poncho from the coat closet and holds it out for him to take with one hand while the other is held out in askance for his shirts. ]

Are there special drying instructions, or is a standard cycle fine?

... An arena?

[He made a mental note of that to check out. As for checking him over, aside from the bruises she gave him, partly masked by the dark tattoo that covered most of his torso, there were scars. All of his scars are older though. The newest being the line of three claw marks on his back. As well as the scar on his right shoulder. The largest the one straight across his chest.

He handed over his clothes, reluctantly, and took the poncho with a strange look.]

Uh, yeah. Just throw them in I think.

An arena. There is some nanotechnology available to create specific opponents or landscapes, along with artificial intelligence. It was opened not too long ago now, though I haven't had the time to really test it properly yet.

[ The tattoos are interesting, as she isn't often privy to seeing them. Clan markings, facial tattoos, marks from glyphs or bindings, or painted on runes are commonplace to her, but the limited amount of nude torsos she's seen have largely been marked by tooth, claw, or steel.

The scars... She wonders how well they've been healing. If he's been using ointments to keep the skin healing properly and to maintain valuable elasticity. But she can pry later on, perhaps.

She does quietly note the complete lack of hair anywhere on his torso, if only because by now that, too, is an oddity to her. Apparently she isn't the only one to have seen an oddity, given the strange look Gladio sends the poncho. ]

It's cashmere. [ She tells him, taking his clothes and draping them neatly over her arm. ] Nice and soft and warm, and should be broad enough in the shoulders.

The washroom is over there if you need it. [ A quick gesture to it. ] The upstairs is off-limits, but you're welcome to go wherever else you'd like. I'll just be a minute putting the laundry in.

[ She gives him a shallow, informal sort of bow out of reflex before striding off to do just that. ]

[The look was because he'd never worn one before, and wasn't entirely sure HOW to wear one. So he just nodded. Looked slightly amused by the bow, and then was left alone.

A low laugh, a small shrug of a single shoulder, and Gladio set the poncho aside in favour of going to the washroom to check out the damage. Luckily it didn't seem too bad. But there were some points of dirt that he tidied up with the corner of a dampened washcloth.

By the time he left and eased himself down, he was a little cleaner, but would enjoy a bath once he returned to his own home. Though this one was nice. His gaze wandered, taking in the ornaments and figurines, the weapons... He was tempted to have a closer look, but held himself back.

Given his impressions so far, he wasn't sure if his nosing around would be appreciated.]