🐍 [Voice]

[sullenstallion]

[It's early when Dylas' message is sent out. Too early. The sun isn't up in most places, and it even catches him yawning.]

Yue isn't here anymore. If anyone is looking for him, he's...gone. He's been gone for weeks.

[There's a long silence that follows. Dylas has been minding himself for more than a month now, not showing his face in public, but...]

I was thinking about fishing since it's that time of year. If any of you are interested in coming along, I might consider telling you where I'll be. It depends on how I'm feeling.

Comments

[Video]

[hashtagdaddy]

[Gladio huffs in amusement at Dylas' aversion to Noodle's enthusiastic well-wishing. For such a little thing she can be quite loud when the mood strikes her.

But his grin fades when he's asked about his new appearance and his eyes focus somewhere off to the side of the camera.]

The Dream Width took me back to my home world ... I was only gone a week here, apparently, but I lived through 10 years on Eos. [A pained look passes over Gladio's face, but he tries to shake it away.]

So now I'm older. Stronger. [Ha. Strong enough to still let his King be killed.] Got more scars.

[A pause.] So about that fishing trip?

[Please, anything but this conversation right now. Not over video chat. Not when his return is still so fresh, when the memories from home still burn behind his eyelids every time he blinks or tries to sleep.]

private;

[sullenstallion]

I'm guessing they weren't happy times, or you just don't like looking like you're older than me.

['Looking like you're older than me' because Gladiolus isn't older than him. Dylas has a few centuries on him yet.

At 'older, stronger' he finishes the thought with a word of his own.]

Thicker.

[See? He can be charming.]

I'm in Nakagawa. If you feel like making the trek, there's a river that runs right behind my house.

[hashtagdaddy]

[No, they were definitely not happy times. And Gladio has no idea how old Dylas is, but he'll let that comment slide. The one that catches his attention - that draws out a genuine smile and a short chuckle - is "thicker".

Trust Dylas, usually fairly socially-inept at best, to say something honest and kind and pleasant almost out of nowhere.]

Making a day trip to visit a friend for his birthday is definitely something I can do. [He'll have to talk to his boyfriends about it, and make sure they stay in contact throughout the day (to appease both them and himself), but he can't see it being an issue. It's only one day, and coming home to them should be reaffirming for all three of them.]

I'll bring Noodle along too. She'll want to give you her own 'Happy Birthday' and maybe she can try talking some sense into your renegade Moogle.

[sullenstallion]

We're not friends. [He scoffs.] What kind of friend doesn't check in on another friend for ten years? You're practically a stranger now.

[His tone is light, teasing. He's not actually serious about this, it's just easier to give Gladiolus a hard time than to admit he's happy to have some decent company on his birthday.]

She's welcome to come along if she wants, but I haven't seen him in weeks. I think Monika saw him when she stopped by, but I dunno if he's actually around.

[His shrug is practically audible. His Moogle still refuses to talk to him, but, hey, he's a Moogle who basically has to deny that his Hero of Light keeps human flesh in his fridge. It's a lot of stress!]

[hashtagdaddy]

[Gladio huffs a laugh at that, lips twitching into another half-smile at the Naga's brusque manner and teasing words.] That's why I should come over for your birthday. I've gotta make up for ignoring you for ten years, right?

[When Noodle hears that she's allowed to tag along she squeaks in glee and immediately darts into Gladio's space so that Dylas can see her in the video.]

Thank you, kupo! I can't wait to see your home! [Her little arms wave wildly in excitement as she flitted about in happiness. Gladio just looks at her fondly before replying to Dylas.]

Then I'll just let my boyfriends know where I'm heading and we'll see you soon. And if your Moogle is around we'll try to get him to see sense.

[With a short wave, Gladio ends his reply and gets a few things together before notifying both Ignis and Ravus of his plans for the day. With a kiss to each of them (okay, a few kisses) he departs for Dylas' place. He might not have his own fishing gear, but he can keep himself occupied with some small wood-carving projects if he needs to.]