A subtle heat rises to Noctis' face when Gladio takes his chin in hand and studies him. It's...probably just because he's been in Amani so long, but the moment feels so intimate that Noctis can almost convince himself Gladio's going to kiss him. The thought's got his heart beating faster, but a moment later he chides himself for wishful thinking. Or letting his attraction run away with him, maybe. Gladio is his Shield. If he was going to risk muddying the waters by treating Noctis like anything beyond his friend and his charge, he'd have done it by now.

So - belatedly - Noctis bats Gladio's hand away and scoffs. "You're seeing it right now. I'm wisely taking back that compliment. Your ego clearly doesn't need my help."