blackwatchnan:

Long Nights

Hello all! This is my first ever reader insert and my first time posting any of my writing online. It’s a short little Gladio x Reader drabble I guess?? No warnings really, a little angsty, reader cries a bit, plenty of fluff. Please let me know what you guys think, any feedback is appreciated! 🙂

It was late, you could tell by the position of the moon in the sky and the way your eyes were burning from how long you had been staring at your phone screen. It was going to be another sleepless night. You huffed, adjusting yourself into a more comfortable position. Sharing a tent with four dudes had quickly become the norm but it wasn’t without its drawbacks. The tent was now a bit cramped and unbearably warm, Gladio was like a furnace.

The sleeping arrangements were simple. The two larger men slept on the outside, the smaller of the two guys cocooned themselves in the middle. You were on the very edge. Gladio slept to your left, leaving you the freedom you needed to scroll on your phone endlessly through the night. When sleep came to you that’s when the nightmares came. You refused to admit this to anyone but yourself. Better to not worry the group with childish issues.

The rustling from the sleeping bag next to you set you on edge. If Gladio caught you up he would ask questions and you would much rather not get into that right now. You shoved your phone under your pillow quickly and tried to feign sleep.

Gladio’s gruff voice called out to you. “You don’t have to fake it. I know you’ve been awake for hours.”

Busted. So much for keeping a secret. You opened your eyes slowly an explanation at the ready.

“Nightmares??” Gladio’s voice was soft. It was something not often heard by the big man. You could only manage a nod in response.

“Do you…want to talk about it?” Gladio asked. You shook your head no. No need to bother him about it.

“You don’t need to put up a wall. You’re aloud to feel vulnerable.” Gladio continues “in fact, I allow my walls to come down, I’m doing so currently. Talk to me…please.” He gently urges. You huff and toy with the decision to tell him about the nightmares. To narrate what haunts you the most.

“It’s always the same, starts with getting caught in a scrap with some demon and ends with me not being able to get to you guys in time.” You feel your chest start to ache and your eyes moisten. You sniff quietly.

“Hey now…no need for tears.” Gladio soothes. He pats the empty area of his sleeping bag. “Come here.” He motions.

You shuffle closer to him, slotting your body against his massive frame. He spoons you and rests his chin on top of your head. He urges you gently to let out your fears and frustrations and that’s when you feel the real tears coming.

A quiet sob falls from your lips as your body shakes. Gladio holds you tightly against him. He brushes his fingers through your hair and continues to croon soft words into your ear. You cry for hours, the lack of sleep and built up emotions adding to your tears. By now it is well past the early morning hours and you can feel the beginning stages of exhaustion settling in.

Tucked against Gladio, encased in a warm embrace you allow your breathing to slow. An apology has already been whispered and hushed.

“There’s no reason to be sorry. It’s human, you’re human. It’s all okay. It’s all going to be okay.” Gladio’s warm voice lulls you into a light sleep. He continues his soft words until you fall into a deep slumber.

The next morning the boys are up and moving. Ignis was the first to rise and he found it odd that Gladio was not awake yet. Noctis and Prompto are the next to rise and are just as equally dumbfounded as Ignis to find Gladio still asleep. That is, until they see you wrapped up in his arms, face still red and puffy from your crying. The three say nothing and continue to get ready for the day ahead. Breakfast is made and the two of you are allowed to continue to sleep.

When you finally wake, you’re unable to move, restricted by Gladio’s heavy arms. Your attempt to pull free is met by a disgruntled groan and the tightening of arms.

“No need to leave. Stay wrapped up in my arms” Gladio mumbles sleepily. Who are you go refuse such a thing especially when he’s vulnerable like this.

You allow yourself to lay back against his chest once again. You can hear his heart beat steadily thrumming and it puts you at ease, however the situations between the two of you stirs anxiety and questions that need answers.

“Gladio….will you stay by me? Always?” You mumble softly. He hums, nuzzling into your hair before responding.

“Always.” Is his response. It warms your heart and you can’t help but roll over and face him. His face is scruffy and eyes tired but over all he’s yours. You kiss him softly and feel him melt into you. This was something you could certainly get used to.