"I know," Gladio half-says, half-groans, smearing a hand over his face. "Like I said, the intent was never to hide it from him in the first place. Just to...let it come out naturally when he noticed. And I can justify it in retrospect, but honestly even I'm not sure how it ended up going this far."

The truth is, there were so many complex reasons behind it that Gladio can't even perceive or articulate all of them. One of those reasons might have been the fear that it would somehow change things for the worse, that Noct might react poorly, and - given Ignis' complete devotion to Noct - a very real chance that Ignis would bow out of their relationship rather than do anything that might affect Noct adversely. Another might have been some deeply buried, quiet longing for them to just...have something entirely to themselves. Something not revolving around Noct, the way the rest of their lives do. Telling Noct about it wouldn't necessarily have taken that away from them, but just being able to keep it private was a privilege that, perhaps, they both subconsciously felt it hard to voluntarily give up. Better to leave that sacrifice to passive forces.

Before today, the unease was uncomfortable enough that Gladio largely avoided thinking about this subject at all. No pressing need to, after all. But he can't keep dodging it now.

Iggy's request makes him hesitate, and then he steps closer again. He reaches out, a hand finding one of Ignis' and holding it loosely. "You sure? You're processing a lot, Iggy. I don't blame you if you need some alone time. And it's not like I won't talk this out with you later, if it has to wait."

Even around him, he knows it's a sign of extremity for Iggy to let himself look this weary to an observer.

"Also, you shouldn't have to take responsibility for decisions you've never even had the chance to make yourself."