He'd always loved those words, but now, hearing Gladio calling him his mate meant so much more. There had been no doubt of the big man's love for him, but now, there was something more there. A new, unshakable bond between them that quietly thrilled Ignis as much as it worried him. He worried that this bond between them might harm Gladio's status, or cause Noctis some trouble in some offhand way, but Ignis had always been one to overthink things. That was why Gladio was such a good partner for him. He rarely let him get too deep into his own head.

There was a soft, muffled snort into Ignis' mug as he quickly finished that one off, already readying himself to get up and get more of that rich, bitter liquid he loved so.

"I think I should be the one laying on you. You're bigger, after all."