[ While he well at keeping a straight face, there's a spike in the tension around him, just from hearing those words. Happy to have him... huh? While he tries his hardest to force a smile, it doesn't quite work out. All he manages to do is strain his face. With a quiet exhale that he hopes shows that he isn't upset with this guy -- hell, it's not like he knows a damn thing about what's going on in his life -- he shakes his head. ]

That's a nice thought, but I doubt it. [ ... ] Coma... It's been four years now.

[ He really doesn't want this guy thinking he'd said anything wrong, though. He quickly shifts his gaze back over to the younger man. In spite of his expression holding clear exhaustion, he tries to push some reassurance into it. And before he'll will have a chance to say anything, Gladio adds: ] Not like you could've known. So thanks -- for the thought.