~(Y/n)'s POV~

I was currently in the palace's library, researching events for King Regis. I've been reading the same book for the past three hours. The door to the library opened slowly, causing me to glance up. Gladio wore a grand smile as he walked over to me.

"There you are. I've been looking for you for the past three hours," he said. I close the book and place it back on the shelf I got it from. "I've been here for the past three hours. You know I'm the one who researches anything his majesty needs."

"Take a break. You need one," Gladio said as I took another book off the shelf. "I can't, Gladio. The king needs me." Gladio sighs and crosses his arms. "(Y/n), please?" He snatches the book from my hands and holds it high above my head. I glare at him with my arms crossed. "Glad, give the book back," I demanded.

This only made him hold the book even higher. I tap my foot gently against the tile and a small shock of lightning surges through Gladio's foot. He dropped the book and I caught it with ease. I spun on my heels and walked back to the table. "You're extra feisty today," he said. I knew he was smirking because of the tone he was using. I sat down and ignored him. A few minutes pass and silence fills the room. "Peace and-- hey!"

Gladio picked me up and slung me over his shoulder like a sack. I squirmed in his grip and smacked his back. "Gladiolus, put me down!" I shout. He tightens his grip around my waist and I gasp. "Not gonna happen," he said sternly. I groan in frustration as he carries me around the palace. He enters the training room and gently sets me down on my feet. My glare never left as he ruffled my (h/c) hair. "Oh, you found her!" Prompto gleefully said.

"I was in the library," I said while still glaring at Gladio. He ignores my glare and I roll my eyes. "It seems his majesty has been keeping you busy,
(Y/n)," Ignis said. I nod and close my weary eyes. "She wouldn't take a break, so I dragged her out of the library," Gladio said with a smirk. My eyes fly open and I shock him with a small lightning spell. It hit him directly on the hand.

"Now you're just being mean," Gladio said as he shook his hand. "Listen, I'm glad you care so much about me, but I need to get back to work." I turn to leave, but I felt myself being lifted up. Gadio lifted me up like I was a child. He placed me far away from the door and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. Since he was much taller than me, he had to bend down to reach my height.

"How about this. If you beat me in a match, I'll let you go back to the library," he said with a grin. I free myself from his hold and raise an eyebrow. "And what happens if I lose?" Gladio's grin widened. "You'll have to do anything I say. Deal?"

"Deal." I head to one side of the room while Gladio went to the other. Noctis and Prompto stopped training to make room for us. Gladio summoned his broadsword while I called upon my staff.

"I'll let the lady go first," Gladio said, grinning from ear to ear. I could hear Prompto, Noctis, and Ignis making bets on the sideline. "I think you should be the one to start. After all, you're the one who wanted to challenge me. Also... you're gonna need it." Gladio chuckles deeply at me. I just smile and grip my staff tightly. "Alright, (Y/n). I'll go first." Gladio rests his blade on his shoulder and charged at me. He may be strong, but he was slow. Before he could swing his blade down, I warped behind him and kicked the bend of his leg.

He crashes to one knee and looks over his shoulder at me. "Your skills have gotten sharper since we battled each other. I'm impressed." Gladio swept his blade near my feet, but I jumped out of the way before he could knock my feet from under me.
"You need to work on your speed, Gladio," I smirk. He quickly gets back to his feet. I cast a lightning spell, but he deflects it with his sword.

I charged at him with great speed. "What the hell?!" He shouts as I close in on him. I kick him in the stomach and his body goes flying. "Now that was impressive," Noctis compliments. Gladio recovered quicker than I thought. An idea came to mind and I casted a water spell. Multiple puddles of water were scattered around the training room.

"Nice move (Y/n)," Gladio said while grinning. I shrug my shoulders with a small smile. My body turns to water and I disappear into a puddle. I jumped from puddle to puddle to confuse Gladio. His eyes darted around to each puddle in order to find me. I was in a puddle next to Gladio and reached out. I froze his feet to the floor and emerged from the puddle.

I aimed my staff at his throat. "It seems I've won." I smirk in victory at the man before me. I dispel my staff and free Gladio from the ice. Prompto had to give up a few Gil to Ignis and Noctis. I guess he betted that Gladio would win. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be in the library." Before I left, I gave Gladio a kiss on the cheek.