And that had been Gladio's final deciding factor. Sure, there were still some interesting plants in the desert, especially the areas he was looking at, more so than most people realized, but for Nell's birthday? Surrounded by trees was the only way to go.

So it was pretty nice that Nell felt the same way, and he grinned a little, pleased with himself and pleased with the lean, but especially pleased with that kiss, leaning down into it so she didn't have to stretch up too much.

"At this rate," he murmured with another grin, keeping close and leaned in, "we'll hit that waterfall by sunset."

It did not at all sound like a complaint.