how would Gladiolus go about making friends with someone who is was nervous and discouraged around people? Like they’re a little withdrawn because they’re always prepredicting an attack instead of friendliness? (probably due to being bullied in the past)

theydonotbindus:

Hi Anon, thanks for the ask!

• Gladio has an advantage going in–something about him is inherently charming and trustworthy, so this person is just a little less guarded. 
• When he talks to NPCs in the game, he always appears to be more invested in them than he is in presenting himself (e.g. Sania–he knows about her nature knowledge and suggests Noct talk to her). 
• This might come across as suspicious to a guarded person, so he probably makes sure to interject a bit about himself too. Little things like “I prefer XYZ dessert there” or “I usually walk by here on my way to ABC.”–just enough to humanize himself. 
• Isn’t going to judge them for being withdrawn–some folks are just like that, you know? Especially won’t if they have a backstory to being that way. 
• If they’re intimidated by his size…well, not a lot he can do there. But he probably tries to keep body language non-threatening and his voice lighter/happier. 
• Will unabashedly use Iris or Prompto as a prop. Look, they trust him! He’s a trustworthy guy!
• Gladio is patient. If they prefer to just text for a few weeks–cool. If they don’t want to grab coffee and chat with just him–he gets it. If they finally work up their courage and see if he wants to check out something in town, he’ll do everything he can to get out of existing plans that day. 

Something you want to see? Asks are open!