If either of them were actually thinking and not just reacting, then Ignis might remind him that there were various forms of strength. There'd been no weakness in succumbing to the venom and while Ignis knew that, he couldn't give that knowledge words. Not when his throat tightened up every time he looked at Gladio.

He hated it. Gladio was his closest friend. He should be able to turn to him and tell him that he was afraid and he wasn't sure how he could get past it, but he couldn't. Instead, he watched him with tired eyes for a long moment, then padded closer to hand him the book he'd snagged out of his bag.

"... we'll be alright. Won't we?"