There have been times over the years where he thought that he might not be able to continue if something didn't give. A glimmer of light, some sign to remind him of what they were fighting for. He's needed a break for years but he would never dream of actually taking one, even if it was offered.

Asking? Out of the question.

Ignis touches his face and Gladio leans into the contact just a little, breathing out tension he wasn't even aware he was carrying. Even if he didn't know all of it just knowing that he could share some of that burden with Ignis eased his heart.

"No such thing as paradise." And the worst of it was, he truly believed that. "But maybe... Maybe it could be close."