[Ignis' lips pull into a frown at Gladio's answer. Wasn't his older self's habit of keeping secrets what caused this in the first place? How is Gladio not telling him the whole story any different? It's frustrating to be stuck with only a fraction of the whole picture when he could have more, but Ignis knows he has to balance his need for a clear picture with what Gladio can handle emotionally. One step at a time, he said, and if it must be by these small half steps sometimes, then he will just have to be patient.

A soft, assenting murmurer slips from his mouth as Gladio draws him nearer. There's something telling in the way the Shield pulls him physically closer even as he keeps his emotional distance.]

It's not time. All right. Just promise you will tell me when it is.

[Unconsciously, Ignis' hand moves up Gladio's back, tangling itself in the man's hair once again.]

Until then, I will stay here waiting as long as you need me to.