Sentinels and Guides;

[inborn]

 

Sentinels and Guides Shipping Meme
A Sentinel!AU Meme

 

There are special people in the world: Sentinels--whose five senses are incredibly enhanced, sometimes to the point of overwhelming and who can easily lose themselves in fugue states--and Guides, the empaths with the ability to ground a Sentinel and focus them. Meant to be the protectors of the Guides, for every Sentinel there exists a guide that is their perfect match. In some universes, when matches are made, a Sentinel and Guide form a soulbond to fill the feeling of emptiness.

How easy was it for you to find yours? How are Sentinels and Guides treated in your universe? Or maybe you're one of the normal, unremarkable people. Do you fear Sentinels and Guides? Despise them?

 

Rules
1) Post with your character/canon in the subject header.
2a) Choose whether your character is a Sentinel or a Guide
or
2b) If you don't know or don't care, just leave it blank!
3) Information about Sentinels and Guides can be found here and here. Information on 'The Sentinel' which this meme comes from can be found here.

 

4) All the tagging! Have fun 8D

Prompts
oo1. The Meeting: 
How did you meet? Was it at an event organized specifically for finding your other half? By accident? Did you follow a mystical calling to them? Some other way?

oo2. The Bonding: 
Do Sentinels and Guides in your universe soulbond? How does it go down? Is there a ceremony or do you just retreat to the bedroom?

oo3. Rejection: 
Sometimes Sentinels or Guides propose a match but it's just not perfect. You don't feel the pull or maybe you think there is someone better or maybe you're already claimed. Maybe you were claimed and someone better came along?

oo4. Protection: 
Sentinels are meant to protect Guides, any Guides, but it's even worse when they feel their Guide is in danger. They go feral; blind to anything but stopping and killing whoever threatened their Guide or the bond. Maybe someone attacked your Guide or you haven't bonded yet and you feel threatened or maybe you're the one doing the threatening. Whatever the reason, Sentinels in a feral state are dangerous and only their Guides can stop them.

oo5. Lost: 
Sentinels often lose themselves in their senses. Either you're a Sentinel who has lost themselves or a Guide that has stumbled on one or a friend trying to draw them out. Unbonded Sentinels will find it hard to escape without a Guide. Or maybe you're bonded already which means you just need yours to come home.

006. Persecution: 
Sometimes normal people or the government fear the power of Guides and Sentinels. Guides are empaths, feeling the emotions and sometimes passing thoughts of others and it can make people feel violated. Sentinels often have enhanced strength, which can make them dangerous. So they scorn them, hurt them or in the case of governments, regulate them.

oo7. Death: 
Unbonded Sentinels and Guides eventually lose themselves to the empty cavern inside them. Torn apart from the inside by the feeling of something missing. Breaking the soulbond of a Sentinel and Guide is agonizing and horrifying, leading quickly to death for the remaining partner. 

oo8. Old-School: 
Guides used to be treated on the same level as slaves. Unable to work unless their Sentinel said. Not allowed out on their own. They used to wear collars and couldn't own land or inherit money. Maybe the old ways haven't completely fallen out of style. 

oo9. Unbonded: 
Nothing is worse than being an unbonded Guide or Sentinel. Always looking for your other half to fill that empty feeling but you probably have friends that aren't your match or who are trying to set you up with someone. Maybe you're skeptical about the whole love at first sight thing and haven't been looking.

o10. Wildcard: Some mish-mash of the above or anything else you can come up with!

Image from weheartit / original meme by imadeamistake 

Comments

[jumpthegun]

Being introduced as someone's Guide is... a strange sort of thrill. It's nothing John's ever really wanted, but he'd be lying to himself if he didn't say it felt good. Of course Ignis' once over is about like being non-verbally sandblasted and assessed for clues. John endures it, staring impassively at the other man. He's suffered worse scrutiny in Afghanistan, and even during basic training.

"Well, seems like a bloke who'll get things done before laying in, at least." There's that to be said for him. "He's not gonna... threaten them or anything if they refuse to take the money he brought, is he?" Because that's something John won't tolerate. He'll march right back into that clinic after Ignis and drag him out, himself, if he thinks he's going to pull that crap.

The Guide glances back toward the door, but does move to the car, sliding into the back seat.

[iwillshieldhim]

"No." At least that he can safely say, do a little soothing of his own. "He'll get creative if they won't personally take the money. I bet that clinic is going to get the highest donation it's seen in years." He flashes a half-smile towards John with that, knowing the doctor had seemed intelligent enough so far to get it, before he also gets into the car. Nearly on the driver's side - he's used to American cars, forgive him - then into the passenger side. Why will be quickly obvious as he adjusts the seat back as far as it'll go, grumbling about tiny English cars.

The door gets shut, a pause of silence, before Gladio rumbles, "...I'm sorry." An apology is a very rare thing out of him but in this case, the things he's done are worse than the norm. He might not have had much control and he hates that. He's worked damn hard over the years to perfect how much control he does have as a Sentinel... gone in a flash.

[jumpthegun]

That's all right then. John quirks his own lips when Gladio smiles at him. It's going to take time to figure out the dynamic and personalities of the new people being thrown into his life because of this. The doctor is fairly quick on the uptake, though. That's not just his nature as a Guide, either. He'd been a keen listener and reader of body language well before his Awakening. He'd had to be to figure things out at home. Mum and Dad worked too much to pay much attention, and Harry was never going to be the responsible one.

At the apology, John does finally sit forward and rest his hand on Gladio's shoulder. "Hey, I'll complain about it, but that's on me as much as you. Should've told them to send you to Paige--Dr. Khan--when they told me you were a Sentinel. Could've zoned you out and gotten away, too." Probably. His head had been a mess once the pheromones were filling the room. "And, well, I'm more keen to blame biology. Bloody inconvenient finding someone who drives you mad in a random London clinic room. Sorry I'm not..." Young? Handsome? A standard Guide? Appropriate for those in the service of royalty? "What you might have expected."

[iwillshieldhim]

That reminded him. Gladio turned in his seat, looking at the doctor with an odd expression on his face. That wasn't going to do, if this was going to work out. "You're not," he said bluntly, "but I didn't think I was going to get a Guide by nature. You're a hell of a step up from being forced to Bind with someone, so you can start there. I doubt I'm what you expected any more." The corner of his mouth lifts, briefly.

"But... damn are you strong." That tone in his voice? He had been, still is, impressed. "I've had to deal with a lot of Guides in the past but they can't do half of what you do unless they're Bound."

There's a part of his pride that his Guide would be a powerful one. He's already seen that now in John a few times just in the short time since they've met and good. That's how it should be.

[jumpthegun]

They're compliments he's heard before, and they make John flush with pleasure coming from Gladio. Or they're words he's heard before. Sometimes as compliments, sometimes as irritated comments from the Sentinels in his unit who resented a Guide who could match them, but whom they couldn't actually have. The resentment had never carried very far or very long--everyone knew it was better to have that skill than not--but there had been grumbles. Particularly from the more aggressive ones. John had been a captain, though. That lent its own credibility, even beyond his abilities as a Guide.

"Yeah, I, uh... never really expected to be Bound." He'd rather been hoping it. Into the mid-30s and no match? Surely that had to be home free! Surely. Reality has a way of knocking a man down a few pegs when he gets over confident, of course.

The Bond is still new and heavy between them, and John can't help raising his hand to brush along the underside of the Sentinel's jaw. His ears are tuned, listening for Ignis' return so that he can pull away, but for now he'll indulge.

"You're not so bad, as far as unexpected goes. I like your sword." That's not actually a euphemism in this case. "I was guns and short swords over in Afghanistan, but a couple of the blokes in my unit had ones like it." Enjoy that new tidbit of information, new Sentinel.

[iwillshieldhim]

Sure glad he gave into that indulgence. Gladio's chin turned into the touch of John's hand, his eyes partially closing as the Bond rippled with a certain feeling of contentment. As it was, there was still the powerful urge to drag off John somewhere they wouldn't be disturbed and simply hold the man close for several hours until the Bond felt at rest, but without that luxury he would take anything he could get.

Only for his eyes to snap open and John to get another look over from his Sentinel. John had been a soldier?? There was a questioning appreciation in Gladio's eyes now, but a certain growing pleasure at hearing that not only was his Guide strong but also a fighter and a doctor. A grin crosses his lips at that. "Huh. Not much in the way of guns but the Prince's Guide is. Ignis tends towards daggers and spears and Noct can fight with just about anything but he specializes in swords." He leans in closer. "I wouldn't mind getting to see your skills soon."

[jumpthegun]

John huffs quietly in amusement. "Don't imagine we'll be seeing much action in the city. You'd need to head out past the defenses for that. Planning a road trip to Herefordshire any time soon? Wouldn't mind seeing what your prince's Guide can do." It's one of the most rural portions of the country... and one of the most monster-infested. For all the advances of technology, wiping out magical creatures would never really be possible... or desireable. Too much benefit from the supplies that could be gathered from them.

"I've got a couple of magic flasks at the flat with my kit. I'll make sure to grab them." Those, along with his service pistol and sword are things that should have been handed in when he'd been honorably discharged, but it had been Bill signing the paperwork. The nurse had saved his life and seen to it John was able to keep his things. Never mind that was all just as illegal as him being unregistered. The press really would be having a field day if any of this came to light.

John leans further forward to rub his cheek against Gladio's, feeling far less self-conscious than he knows he should.

[iwillshieldhim]

"America's... a lot different than here," Gladio starts, the corner of his mouth lifting. "Wilder. The cities are still safe but there's a lot of wilderness to go around and it's all full of things ready to kill you." It actually is hard to concentrate on what he's saying when John leans in that close. His head leans into John's, eyes closing completely until he can shift his head and press his lips to John's neck.

Taptap.

Gladio jerked back, looking towards the driver's side and realizing that Ignis is looking in on them. He doesn't feel guilty or anything but he does give a long look to his friend before Ignis opens the car door. Clearly Ignis is ignoring what he just saw as he settles himself in.

"The clinic will be receiving a sizable donation from the Caelum family in the near future," Ignis informs them both and Gladio gives a 'told you' look back to John.

[jumpthegun]

John also jerks away at the tapping, settling back in his seat and putting on the safety belt. Where Gladio might be shameless, the doctor is a little more embarrassed. He'd been trying to listen to avoid just that situation. Getting caught up in the feeling of the Bond is something they're both going to need to work on for John's peace of mind and sense of dignity. He stares down at his hands until Ignis speaks, then nods at Gladio's look.

"Right. Okay. Good." It's a good clinic. They could always use the money. "Thank you, Mr. Scientia. I'm John Watson, by the way." Since his name was left out of the introduction. "I was hoping we could stop by my flat before we go to..." Wherever they're going. He still isn't sure. "Your base of operations. I'd also like to know if I'll be allowed to leave once we have the immediate complications sorted out."

He's very aware that his life is not his own anymore. Gladio is his partner, but Gladio is also in the service of a very powerful man. The answer Ignis gives will determine if John brings all of his things... and also if he'll need to prepare for negotiations for his freedom of movement. It's the modern day, but Noctis is royalty. John isn't sure how 'old fashioned' he might be about the treatment of Guides.

[iwillshieldhim]

Gladio actually turns in his seat enough to give John a look almost like horror, or as if he is insulted (John would feel that pulse of unhappiness instantly) but Ignis doesn't even bother. That comes across in his voice instead as he joins into traffic. "You will not be a prisoner."

"Is that what they do with Guides around here?" Gladio scowls at the idea of it all. "Prompto comes and goes as he pleases as long as it's not going to fuck things up." Which earns him a brief side-glance from Ignis on the language.

"...Things may become more complicated later, but Gladio is correct, though I would suggest you remain with us until matters are resolved. Now, your address, Dr. Watson?"

[jumpthegun]

John would typically just let that unhappiness wash over him if this were any other Sentinel. But when it hits, there's a sense of guilt that immediately flares up. I'm sorry. I don't know the rules. He projects remorse back as he responds verbally for Ignis' benefit.

"Sorry. I just... you lot are royalty. They're... different from what I've been told." More rigid. More protocols. More about tradition. At least they are in the UK and on the Continent. And he's literally just Bonded with Gladio. He'd want to stay close in any case, but he's still feeling out what level of autonomy he can expect. A high one, it sounds like. "Didn't mean to insult you." He gives Ignis the address for a place in Bexley. It's not exactly a horrible neighborhood, but it's definitely the sort of place that an estate agent would advertise as 'affordable' and 'up-and-coming.'

"I haven't really attended any of the classes or training sessions where they talk about what to expect, either." Just old books from when he was a kid and things were more restrictive and films. Those are his points of reference and they're not always the best sources of information. Especially not for another country.

[iwillshieldhim]

"I think you'll find out that Noct, if no one else, is not what you're expecting," Gladio says with a bit of dryness in his voice, still partially turned in his seat so he can look to John as Ignis drives through traffic. "Iggy and Prompto and I aren't royalty, so don't think of us like that."

He rolls a shoulder in a shrug. "I've been through the other half of those classes, and Prompto might be able to help you through some of it at least. He's a good kid."

"I believe there will be a great deal of learning involved for all of us," Ignis adds, keeping his eyes on the road.

Gladio jerks his head in Ignis' direction suggesting 'what he said'. "We'll just... figure it out one step at a time."

There was a swift glance into the rear view mirror, studying the doctor, before Ignis' lips thinned. Gladio could practically hear the gears turning in Ignis' head and wonders just how bad this is going to get. A total stranger being near the Prince... even he is torn on that idea. John is his Guide, damn it, he's not going anywhere, but there is the greater duty to Noct that will always overrule it.

[jumpthegun]

"Together, right." John clears his throat as he glances out the window at traffic. He's used to taking the Tube or limping along, so getting to ride in a car is a little different. Nice. Probably no more limping. His leg still isn't hurting. "I can give you a few details about myself, if it would help with any of this." Sorting out what to do next. Mostly the words are aimed at Ignis, but he looks toward Gladio periodically.

"I trained at Barts--St. Bartholomew's Hospital--here in London for my medical degree. I'm originally from Chelmsford, but we moved to London when I was a kid. I'm not registered as a Guide." Another clearing of his throat. "I've dealt somewhat extensively with Sentinels, though. Doctor's one of my titles, captain's the other. Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers. Three years in Afghanistan... Kandahar and Helmand on the recent offensives there. I worked with the Sentinels in my unit, and my commanders... kept my status off the record."

He's never really laid this all out for anyone, and it feels a bit awkward to do so now to perfect strangers. It would have come out to Gladio piecemeal, anyway, and from his reaction to Ignis, John suspects all of it would have gotten back to the other man anyway. "I was invalided home a few months ago after being incapacitated. I have skills in firearms, short swords, and elemancy. Primarily lightning and ice elements.

"So... that's my abridged CV. How about the two of you?"

[iwillshieldhim]

Both of the other two men in the car listen intently and for different reasons. Gladio is damn proud to hear about John's experience in combat, though a part of him rumbles at the idea of John using his abilities on another Sentinel (...hell, when did he become so jealous? Right. When he sunk his teeth into someone else's neck.) Ignis, however, speaks up about what he clearly thought is more important.

"We are lacking any formal training amongst us in the ability to heal, medical or magical. It will be welcomed." The value of a doctor. "Now, Gladio, if you would be so kind as to explain precisely how you and the good doctor met?" He turns his head just enough to give Gladio a look out of the corner of his eye.

"Bar fight." Gladio sums it all up in those two words or so it seems. The sound from Ignis is a sigh of someone familiar with such foolishness and is less than pleased about it. "Doc got me stitched up."

"You were injured enough to require stitches?" That, finally, holds some real emotion and Ignis looks over again, a pinch in his brow. Signs of humanity in the otherwise cold tones.

Gladio, though, just waves it off. "I'm fine, I'm fine. Just going to be annoying for a while until it heals up."

[jumpthegun]

That's good to hear about the medical training. That's very good to hear. At least it is in so much as it means John has an excellent angle to work. It's very reasonable Prince Noctis might take on a physician if he's lacking one. Particularly after his Shield had to make use of medical services in a foreign country. It's only natural to take precautions and hire someone local temporarily... and then less temporarily.

"The wound's shallow," John adds. "And I've given him a tetanus booster on the off chance his new friend wasn't taking very good care of his knife. We got into a minor altercation in the clinic, as well. The stitches held well enough. I'd like us... him... you... I'd like you to avoid fighting for the next week, Gladio. Barring any unforeseen complication, I can pull the stitches out after that and you'll be just fine. Probably can't avoid the scar, but I can make certain we minimize it with changing your bandage daily. Or... you can change it."

John gestures vaguely, finding himself stumbling over that. He's making assumptions about how much he'll be doing here. It's an excuse to touch his Sentinel, though, and as minor as it is, John finds himself wanting it intensely right now.

[iwillshieldhim]

Ignis watches John from the driver's seat as the doctor speaks, little flicks of his eyes while remaining watchful on the road. Gladio, however, only grunts at the doctor's orders, rolling his stitched shoulder lightly. "Don't care if it scars as long as it heals right. Do what you gotta do." As if he was going to complain at the idea of his Guide touching him. Right now, it was what he wanted on a level that might have been disturbing if it wasn't so desired by their biology.

"Right now, our priority will be introducing you to the Prince and settling you in for the night. Tomorrow-" Ignis' hand leaves the steering wheel to nudge his glasses back into their proper place, "we will see what damage has been done, or if we have managed to stave off anything further. By morning I will have an effective cover story."

If Ignis said he would, Gladio trusted the man completely to have it done. There was a certain deep need to make sure his Guide was safe, and what normally might have led to running away somewhere, even if temporarily, with a Guide was tempered by his stronger will about his duty. ...At least they would have the night to be able to spend together.

[jumpthegun]

It's a little strange to have someone just taking charge like that, figuring it out for him. John hasn't had that in months, not since being discharged from the Army, and there had certainly never been any civilians. "If you need any help with that, please let me know. The cover story, I mean."

As he says it, he notes that they're getting close to his flat. The buildings are looking more rundown. "If you want to park just there?" John directs Ignis' attention to an area along the curb. Gladio may be able to pick up the scent of shame coming off of the Guide as he unbuckles and starts to get out. Or he might just be able to see it; though, the doctor keeps up a decent poker face. John is not and never has been a rich man. Having his Sentinel see that so immediately is embarrassing.

"I'll be a few minutes." He lingers at the car door. His head says not to invite Gladio along. He doesn't want the other man to see his pitiful flat. The new Bond doesn't want to let his Sentinel out of his sight again. It had been bad enough dealing with it at the clinic, and the need for connection has only grown with them unable to simply hold one another.

[iwillshieldhim]

This was why most people didn't believe Ignis wasn't a Sentinel. He took charge as absolutely as any fully powered Sentinel, maybe even more so. There was a precision and a certainty in his words that didn't seem quite human, though Gladio saw through it after so many years working together, then as friends.

John, however, is something very new to understand. It takes him a moment to understand that he is feeling shame, then it takes longer to realize it's coming off of John. Gladio frowns towards his Guide, trying to puzzle out what is going on. However as John gets out he begins to feel that unconscious urge that all but screams that his Guide is leaving him, he has to go to protect him--

His eyes squeeze shut hard and he growls quietly at himself. Stop it. This- the doctor is fine. He'll be back shortly. Fucking stop it-

"Go." A single snapped command, something meant to push John before he regrets it.

[jumpthegun]

"Right." He goes. Quickly. Better to do this and start working on overcoming their instincts than giving into them. John's entire life fits into one large suitcase and a dufflebag, and he's seriously considering just bringing it all. That's ridiculous, though. They're not going to keep him locked up. He has a life... of sorts. In any case, he'd need to come back here to deal with the landlord if he was moving out.

He heads into the bathroom to grab his toiletries and pauses when he gets to the mirror. John tugs down his shirt collar and takes a closer look at his Bond mark. He's seen it on other Guides, but this? This is his.

The enormity of what's just happened hits him very suddenly, like a freight train ramming into the side of him. His breathing picks up, and he realizes he can smell Gladio's scent all over himself. That's comforting, but at the same time...

The doctor turns on the taps and washes his hands, then his face, then his neck, his hair. By the time he's finished, he's half out of his button-down and smelling strongly of lavender soap. Almost ten minutes have passed. "Pull it together, Watson," John tells his reflection, forcing down the panic. He dries off, combs his hair, and changes quickly into his one suit, a dark blue number with a matching tie and white shirt. If they're making this out to be some sort of interview in their cover story, then he'll dress the part. Not to mention, he's off to meet with royalty. His duffle is packed quickly, but neatly with enough clothes for half a week. John adds his laptop, magic flasks, and short sword to the packed items and sticks his gun in the back of his waistband.

When he makes it back to the car, John slips in, and his expression is on lockdown. "Sorry about the wait. Thought I ought to freshen up." Only the very edge of his Bond mark is showing, and John's managed to wash away most of Gladio's scent, which is likely perturbing. He projects calm at his Sentinel, but doesn't actually look at him, just up toward the rearview mirror. The Bond is crying out for him to wrap around Gladio and bathe himself in his Sentinel's scent once more, but John just tightens his jaw and tries to ignore it. There will be time for that later. For now, he wants to appear in control and not completely lovestruck... Bondstruck? Is there even a term for this? Probably.

[iwillshieldhim]

When John returns to the car smelling of lavender, it couldn't be more clear how much that affects Gladio. The blow out of his pupils as he sniffs at the air, the grip of his hands on the seat, the way his eyes track John like he would pounce him right there. Practically all that keeps it from happening is John's forcible attempt to calm him, leaving Gladio still breathing slightly hard as Ignis watches with an unreadable gaze.

"Gladio." That sharp tone from Ignis, making the Sentinel look towards him. "Focus." For someone who wasn't a Guide by nature, Ignis certainly had a way about him that would fool most people. He kept Gladio's gaze without fear, and surprisingly, it was Gladio that looked away first, but it was to watch John.

"Let's get back," Gladio rumbled, and with a visible effort, turned around in his seat and stared out the windshield.

Ignis let out a quiet breath that belied how confident he had sounded, then started up the engine again. "Indeed."

[jumpthegun]

John can't help raising a brow at Ignis. His ability to measure up to Gladio is impressive, particularly for a man who isn't a Guide or a Sentinel. Maybe once this isn't an immediate emergency, they can get to know one another a little better. Well, he'll probably be getting to know a few people a little better, whether he wants it or not.

"Where are we going?" That still hasn't been answered, nor has much about the other two men. John keeps his tone neutral, unable to stop his gaze flicking to Gladio now and again. As much calm as he's projecting, a good bit of it is artificial. A good Guide has to be able to project beyond what he's actually feeling, or it wouldn't be much use to a Sentinel in the middle of a bad situation... like battle. "If I might ask." He knows enough to know who Prince Noctis is, but he isn't exactly in the business of tracking foreign dignitaries-cum-businessmen.

[iwillshieldhim]

[... *quietly googles places that look expensive?*]

"Currently, we are lodging in the Lanesborough while trade agreement discussion continue," Ignis informs John, seeing no reason not to let him know as they would be, eventually, pulling up in front of the five-star hotel.

Gladio can't help the faint snort that leaves him. "Eight hours a day of the most boring stuff I've ever listened to."

"Boring or not," Ignis' tone suggests he doesn't believe so, "these are very important talks. This will not be interrupting them." That is the sort of voice no one wants to argue with. No wonder he can work effectively against a Sentinel.

"It won't." With a flick of his eyes back to John. As long as they could have the night, he believes he can manage tomorrow. His attention can't be divided, damn it.

[jumpthegun]

The Lanesborough is somewhere that John would never even entertain the possibility of staying. He's suddenly very glad Gladio hadn't come into the flat with him.

"I'll stay out of the way," John adds. "I'm very sorry for the inconvenience, Mr. Scientia." He glances at Gladio before continuing. This isn't going to make a great first impression, but he doesn't want his Sentinel being punished for what might come of all this. "Please be aware that the current situation is mainly my fault. I didn't inform Gladio of what I was and began Guiding him during the procedure to ease some of the pain. When he began responding more than I expected, I failed to call in another doctor to prevent anything unnecessary happening. I've never had any difficulty putting off Sentinels, but I've been out of practice since returning to London a few months ago. I got cocky.

"My deepest apologies to you, Prince Noctis, Gladio, and your entire party. I will do everything in my power to make this... new situation as marginal to your lives as possible." He's not really sure what he can do to help with that apart from just play along as the good and obedient Guide until their work is done. But he'll try.

[iwillshieldhim]

Gladio wouldn't have given a damn what the inside of John's flat looked like. In fact, it would have reeked of the Doctor and he would have just stood there scenting at things without thinking much on what it looked like at all. (He would have, later, pointed out it looked a lot like Ignis' apartment before he moved in near Noct...)

"Ignis. Since it seems we will be a part of each other's lives for some time, I see no reason to not be on a first name basis." He glanced in the rear view mirror once before his eyes settled on the road again. "Gladio should have returned to us if he had been injured and we would have had it handled, so if you require blaming someone, you may settle on equal blame. As it is, I would prefer until you met the rest of our party before any other decisions are made."

"You wanna see if Noct hates him or not." It isn't even a question from Gladio but a statement, his arms crossing over his chest. He knows the push of glasses is a sign he's right.

"It would be preferrable if we are all capable of getting along peacefully."

"Right." Sigh. Gladio looks back to John and rumbles, "we'll figure it out." Like a promise, but he knows as well as Ignis does that in the end... Noct will come before even his biology.

[jumpthegun]

John is aware that, at a baseline, he's a likeable person. Maybe unmemorable to most people, but he's polite and seemingly friendly. He's a person who goes out of his way to be accommodating and shrugs off insults where he can. Of course, there's always some arsehole who's going to decide they don't like that. He very much hopes Noctis isn't one of them.

"Anything I should know about the prince to avoid making a bad impression?" John's not above taking tips, certainly, and both of these men know the man better than the doctor at the moment. "I'd rather keep it civil, as well." It makes life easier for everyone.