"We all grow up sometime, Noct. I know I've given you a hard time... But think of it this way. I wouldn't go to that trouble if I didn't believe in you. I'd get angry or frustrated because I cared. Because I know you have what it takes. I believe in you, Noct. Always have."

And that was the truth. Maybe he hadn't seen it when he was a kid, but as he'd grown up he had worked it out.

Sure, the kids laziness could drive him up the wall, but so what? When Noct actually applied himself he was impressive. And seeing how he was here, in this world, Gladio felt he'd been proven right. Noct had flourished. He'd grown stronger. And Gladio couldn't have been prouder. As a Shield it was all he'd wanted.