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Pretty sure you've known about this longer than I have, Genji. Do I really need to repeat myself?

[ It's matter of fact, that assertion Gladio makes, but it's not said unkindly or harshly. He lifts a hand out and gently insists with a push that he lay back onto the cushions, rest while he attends to his detached limb and - more importantly - let him see his face as he does so. ]

...It's all starting to add up.

[ He looks at him for a long moment before he focuses on the limb. Blasts it with some air as he examines the ports and other hard to reach areas for blockage. Why Genji seemed to yield to a kiss and then tore away from it just when he thought there was something that felt like a spark. Usually that meant things escalated, so when he suddenly withdrew, the reason was a mystery until now. ]

Do you wanna talk about it?

[ Genji's almost a little blindsided, trying to figure out how he suddenly knows... but maybe the hair was the key? He doesn't know and he supposes it doesn't really matter. He had just assumed Gladio didn't remember it at all and that ended up being wrong.

Genji does shift and turn so he's leaning back against the couch, his brows pinched together. ] I do. I had tried to bring it up but something always seemed to get in the way... I ended up assuming you just did not remember.

[ His expression turns a little pained. ] I apologize if I ever made you uncomfortable, Gladio.

[ The tension leaves Gladio in increments, starting from the brows, then shoulders and finally his mouth. He sighs. ]

Knock it off, you did nothing like that.

[ But he's also not going to dwell on it, draw attention to the fact that he was the one who was just as swept up in that one fairie light incident. Just that it explains a whole lot why he pushed him away. It's because he remembers the hot mess that is Gladio's future, isn't it? ]

If anything, I owe you an apology. I can understand why you'd wanna have nothing to do with me after seeing me at my worst.

It says a lot about you that you'd still want to be friends. [ Gladio looks up from his work and back to Genji, offering him a grateful smile. ]

...Thanks.

[ That just makes Genji's expression look even more pinched. All his attempts to just forget the incident had just made him think about it more, and that kiss on the balcony had been sort of like popping a balloon until he got a hold of himself. But knowing now that Gladio remembers as well...

He shakes his head and tries to move, teetering the one side a little bit before he catches himself. ] No, you don't need to apologize. It had nothing to do with that.

[ Genji looks down at his hand a moment, closing his eyes at the memory. ] If anything, I should be the one saying that. There's a reason I don't talk much about how I was when I was younger... I was selfish and arrogant and I didn't care about anybody else.

[ He looks back up, shaking his head. ] I— pushed you away before because I thought you didn't remember, and I thought it was unfair to you. It had nothing to do with the person you were then.

...Wait.

[ Gladio leaves the limb in his lap, eyeing Genji as he struggles to sit up enough to look at him. Struggles even more with his response. ]

So you mean to tell me you've been avoiding me because you thought you hurt my feelings?

[ His tone is vaguely incredulous, amused. Just how old do you think he is, Genji? ]

[ That causes Genji's brows to shoot up considerably. ] No, it isn't that—

[ He rubs between his eyes and sighs. ] I thought you didn't remember what had happened between us. So I felt that if we... continued that night on the balcony I would be taking advantage of you.

[ Genji looks back to him, managing to look a little sheepish. ] I value your friendship, Gladio. I wouldn't want to harm it.

[ Hoooh, is that how it is. Gladio relaxes a little more, enough to continue that teasing tone of his, as if nothing's changed. ]

You've literally entrusted your body to me, I'm pretty sure I knew how highly you regard our friendship.

[ Gladio leans in and presses the detached arm against the socket in his shoulder, his other hand bracing high up on his thigh for leverage. ]

...Thanks for being considerate, but I'm not a kid... old man.

[ Gladio smirks over him, adding a flicker of a wink before he pulls back and suggests: ]

Try it now. Can you lift it any higher?

[ Something about that makes as brief dusting of pink go across his cheekbones and he huffs, rubbing under his nose. ] I suppose so.

[ Although, goodness, the warm hand on his thigh. Thankfully the sudden rush of his nerves activating again is enough to distract him from that. He sees that wink and playfully rolls his eyes, but smiles back. ] I know you're not. I just tend to... overthink things.

[ He rolls his shoulder then lifts it up, managing to raise it above his head without any whirring or clicking. Genji beams. ] Wonderful! Thank you very much. I'll have to repay you.

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