Gladio wasn't stupid. He might look like a six and a half foot wall of tattooed dumb muscle, likely only brought for the potential risk of taking punches and possible dealing them out, but appearances aren't always what they seem.

He was definitely smart enough to tell that We Don't Like Szayel. The less than glowing introduction said as much. It wasn't too surprising, especially when he'd practically licked him when he'd spoken.

"Szayel," he said, with a nod, by way of greeting. "Apache," he said, rather more warmly. And then... "Wow, your eyes are beautiful."

He'd never seen eyes not match each other before. They stood out, even more than the weird yellow-orange eyes of Tyki Mikk and Ignis's new pink-haired friend.