[ Maybe his deflection was a little too personal, he realizes in hindsight, but Lightning isn't overstepping anything with her line of questioning. They've shared more intimate things than this, there's no reason for him to be cagey about this topic now.

If anything, he appreciates her reaching out, even if he's bad at sorting it out in his own mind. He's not angry or sad about the situation, but something is keeping him from embracing it completely, too. Maybe it's the threat of losing their parent all over again if this place changes it's mind about Clarus belonging here. But that's true for everyone, isn't it? ]

If he seemed happy, even after all of that, then why're you so scared of him?

[ He leans forward, the tone in his question matches his expression - he's being playful again. ]

Think he won't approve of who I'm seeing?

[ As if that would even come in the way of anything. Gladio is his own man! ]