The man-child tackles him, something that's like play-fighting with his father. So Gladio 'whines' in return, giving a light growl and he snorts and noses at Noctis' shoulder but no teeth as he falls back, tail wagging hard. It's fun, though he doesn't understand the point of the stick other than sometimes wrestling over it when he's feeling playful. Thankfully there's no blood on his nose and he's already forgotten about it in that way only pups and children can.

Instead, he's far more interested in his new playmate as his back paws kick, bucking Noctis' lower half.