[Gladio lets him press that hand over his eyes for a long moment before he grits his teeth and scoots a little closer. Not close enough to lean or cuddle like he wants to but just close enough to be sharing his space a little. He waits until Ardyn naturally goes to let his hand drop before reaching for him, carefully, gently trying to take Ardyn's hand in his. Even if only for a moment.]

I can't just accept that. I don't care how stupid or stubborn it is. I can't just shrug it off, "oh well Ardyn's miserable, no big deal", and go about my life. I want to make things better for you, I want to help you. Maybe there's no quick and easy fix but there's still some improvements we can make, there has to be.

[This is where he's pushing too far, asking too much. Because he squeezes Ardyn's hand and for a moment he does consider pressing a kiss to his knuckles.]

I just... constantly feel like you hate me for trying.