Guilt flooded through Ignis and he waited to be struck. There would be no fight in return and no tattling because leaving the shield's side (as well as his team's) to go fuck off and disappear for who knew what reason was no excuse at all. He felt like he should be punished for something even if he had no control over it.

So green eyes widened in surprise as the tense moments ticked by and Gladio dropped. The strategist was almost disappointed he didn't get hit. After watching the other slumping forward, leaving was what he thought to do but then he reconsidered. He wasn't the only one suffering here, that much was so very plain.

Instead of turning away, Ignis got down on his knees and studied the shield for just a moment, deciding if what he planned next would be alright. Well it was a calculated risk so either it would be accepted or he'd get hit. And either way he was alright with the outcomes.

And that's when he reached for the shield and pulled him in for a hug.