(no subject)

[fieryknowledge]

It wasn't uncommon for Ignis to be out late at night. Between his work and keeping an eye on his charge, nights were definitely something he was used to, though most would say he was a creature better suited to the sunlight. Most of the time, he just offered those that dared say anything a cool stare and his back as he moved on past them. It wasn't really him being rude. He simply didn't have the time for such silliness. Not when there were always things to do.

On nicer nights, he would walk himself home from Noctis' and tonight was no different. The moon was close to being full, if not already full, and the night was pleasantly warm. The walk might be longer than most would like, but he enjoyed the chance to have some peace and quiet while mulling over the business of the day. Court politics could anger the calmest among them and the chance to think things through had left Ignis better able to handle such things.

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[fieryknowledge]

A moment later and heat washed over him. It wasn't the heat of climax, but it was similar enough to leave Ignis breathless as he let it rush through him. Another flash of heat and his skin felt like it split asunder. It was painful and for a long moment, not in the good way he enjoyed. Claws dug into Gladio's chest as he clung to him, his voice rising in a pained cry just as his hips pushed up into Gladio's broad hand and the next cry was one of completion.

It was the quickest he'd come since he'd first started seeing Gladio. There should be shame in that, but at the moment, his mind was still reeling from the fading pain wracking his body.

A few moments longer and Ignis was there, still lithe limbed and pale, but the sheen of his new fur couldn't be denied. It shone in the dim light of the moon, silver and copper and when he looked to Gladio again, his eyes were hazy and vaguely confused.

"... what-"

His voice died off at that, clearly unused to the new timbre.

[sworn_shield]

Ignis writhes underneath him, in pain and pleasure and needy. Gladio never lets him go, even when he snarls as his back is torn at, lycan form emerging from him to start the healing right away. He presses his face to Ignis' cheek as his mate trembles in the strange feeling of part pleasure, part all of his new senses coming in.

He doesnt say much, instead presses his weight down against the man. Ignis' scent has burst through him in levels he has never had bedore, and Gladio can almost taste it. But his weight is warm and comforting, a promise to protect him as only his mate can do.

"It's okay, Ignis. Your body's changed, but you are still you." At his core, he means. Instincts can be rough sometimes, Gladio would very much know.

[fieryknowledge]

Everything seemed sharper then. Gladio's scent was so rich that it was almost too much now, and when he settled himself heavy on Ignis, the heat was distracting. Shaking hands pulled away from Gladio's skin as a slow realization settle over the adviser. This time, there was a hint of dismay and panic in his gaze.

"This... it can't be. It can't."

[sworn_shield]

One large paw like hand comes up to the side of his face, Gladio soothing the man as much as he can. Gentle even with the bright eyes of something inhuman looking back at him.

"It's... I don't know, Iggy. But you're safe, and you're with me. I won't let anybody change anything because of it, and I know you, it won't change your duty either.

[fieryknowledge]

It was so hard to stay agitated when Gladio had it in mind to ease his mood. By now, Ignis was so used to the simple ways Gladio managed to keep him on an even keel and now was no different. The gentle hand cupping his cheek gave the barely held back chatter pause even as he absently leaned into the contact, soaking up whatever comfort he could from it.

"Weres are only from noble houses and I'm anything but. Regis could have me expelled from Court for this and to think what that'll do to Noct... They'll never let this go."

[sworn_shield]

"He would never, Iggy. You know that."

A low growl escapes him, but he stops, resting his chin on his lover's chest. They both know Regis adores him and has since he came to be with Noctis. He would never pull Ignis away from the prince.

And yet that doesnt help, at least not right now. He takes a deep breath in, and as usual, doesnt think too much about what to say, just says it.

"Besides, you're my mate, aren't you? It's only a matter of time until youre a member of House Amicitia, Iggy. The council could complain all they like, but thats been obvious for years. No matter where you're bloodline came from, it doesn't matter."

Not because of Gladio, speifically, but because all of the Amicitias would back him up.

[fieryknowledge]

That low growl snapped him out of the dark little train of thought he was currently entertaining. Huffing under his breath, he dropped his gaze to Gladio's face, not realizing that he was rumbling under his breath while he listened to Gladio.

"... I don't even know how weres go about cementing permanent relationships. There isn't really a lot of information about clans work."

[sworn_shield]

And well... Gladio doesnt really know how it works either. He has an idea, knows that at some point he or iris will have to continue the clan- But there are more important things.

"I love you Iggy, and I know you believe that, youve heard me say it a hundred times. Thats all it takes for me, even if you had asked me about it a week ago before all this."

[fieryknowledge]

There was never any doubt. Ignis knew, down into his bones, that Gladio loved him. Ignis had loved him for years, even before he realized it, back when they were young. Sighing, he reached up and carded a clawed hand through Gladio's shaggy hair before tipping his head back and letting his eyes slide closed. It was easier to think then, though the wash of fresh, intense scents around him made even that difficult.

"... how do I look like this?"

It was no secret that Ignis was fastidious about his appearance. Even sparring, he did his best to remain as composed as possible. Some might whisper that he was vain but it wasn't a case of vanity. It was simply that for him, being clean and orderly was just how it was done.

[sworn_shield]

Gods. Gladio can't help but be thankful Ignis understood. That he said it in the way his mate could understand. Being a lycan didn't matter, the Night court didn't matter, only how much he cared about him. And, as friends and advisors, how they take care of Noctis.

"You're beautiful." He sighed out, tilting his head into the touch of his lover doggedly,and he leans in to kiss him, showing how to fit their forms together like this. "But I did make a mess of you. Are you ready to go inside?"

[fieryknowledge]

The praise pulled a soft rumble from Ignis even as he met Gladio's kiss with a bit of effort. Kissing like this was different, but as always, Gladio seemed to be a patient teacher. When he pulled away, he was a little breathless, but there was still enough in him to absently nod at Gladio's question.

Getting up left him a little wobbly simply because his body had just gone through a lot, but it passed quickly enough, though don't think that he didn't reach for Gladio's hand and once he had it, he didn't let go.

"Is the first change always so... startling?"

[sworn_shield]

Seeing Ignis limp, Gladio wraps an arm around him, holding his lover close and up. He wants to keep him safe after all, and not freaked out. That was rough, bur Gladio would do it again for his mate.

"It is. Iris and I both had it bad- was painful and made us violent both. Luckily we showed signs early enough to be easily scruffed." He chuckles, and takes them both carefully to the bathroom.

[fieryknowledge]

For Ignis, the change hadn't led to violence. It made him want to run. Deep down, the instinct was still there. It was sheer force of will and Gladio's presence that kept that at bay, but for how long, he had no clue. For now, he let himself be tucked close to his mate's side and let him guide them to the bathroom.

"Violent isn't what I... feel."

[sworn_shield]

"Mm, I noticed. Might of been easier if I just had to knock some sense into you. But I think..."

He lets Ignis settle in, looking at his shredded clothes and stripping himself of the last of it.

"We were suppose to have next weekend off, but I bet we can coordinate with the glaive and take it in the next few days instead. Just call it going camping outside the wall, nobody else needs to know until you are ready."

[fieryknowledge]

While camping wasn't one of Ignis' favorite things to do, it did sound like a good idea. Fresh air, space and quiet were just what he wanted right then. His mind working, he turned his gaze to Gladio, watching him work the remains of his clothing off.

"His Majesty and Noctis have to know as soon as possible. I... figure you should tell your father as well."

[sworn_shield]

Thankfully he has more than one uniform. Gladio tosses it all in one heap to pick up later before he wraps his arms around his mate, trying to comfort him the best he can.

"They do need to, but you're probaply pretty tried right now, right? Let's take a nap for a few hours- its going to take thst long get an audience with my dad and the King anyway."

[fieryknowledge]

Gladio was right. He was tired, but as always, that never entered into the equation. There were things that needed doing and people that needed talking to and-

He cut off that train of thought with a muffled sigh that almost shifted into a yawn.

"... while I might be tired, there are still things that need doing. I really should take care of them, especially if we're going to be taking time off sooner rather than later."

[sworn_shield]

Of course. Gladio smiles, as much as he can like this, and scoops up his love despite any protests. It is only a few steps from the bathroom to their bed, but all the same, Gladio won't let him go.

"Which can all be handled after we have a direction to go after the meeting. Right now you would tear your folders in half id you picked them up, babe."

He points out, though slowly is shifting back to human form himself. He has had years to control it, after all, and he picks up his phone once they settle on the bed.

"You let me take care of the setup, okay? You'll probaply go back to how you normally look if you let yourself rest. I promise not to leave the bed without telling you though, okay?"

[fieryknowledge]

The protest came as a low growl, but there was no real heat behind it. Not when he knew Gladio was right, damn it. He wouldn't admit it for the moment, but after some rest, he likely would. Another low rumble of protest curled in the back of his throat but he shifted to settle himself in bed, watching Gladio the whole time.

"I'll try to sleep. Is that good enough?"

Something he'd learned long ago was that if Gladio strongarmed him into bed for something other than fun, then he likely wouldn't let him out until the bigger man felt Ignis had rested.

[sworn_shield]

"It is."

Gladio says, and he arranges himself so thst his back is propped up against the headboard, coaxing Ignis to rest his head in his lap. A very good incentive for that is a hand soothing through his fur, trying to put his lover at ease despite the manhandling from Gladio today.

"I promise I'll let you up an hour before we need to go. Thats plenty of time to put your game face on. Noctis and his stuff I'm gonna take care of all from here."

[fieryknowledge]

There was another huff of discontent from Ignis, but he let himself settle next to Gladio, his head pillowed in his lap. The big man got a couple more grumbles before Ignis went silent and thanks to the way his limbs had gone slack, it was clear he'd dozed off, just like Gladio had wanted.

It wasn't an easy sleep thanks to him slowly shifting back while he was out, but he managed to stay down the entire time.

[sworn_shield]

Thoae grumbles were recieved with gentle smiles and no verbal soothing, Gladio writing emails as fast as he could to try and take care of everything. It was rare, if never seen before that Ignis was sick, so he spends a lot of time reassuring the appropriate people, especially Noctis, that Ignis would be okay, and everything would be settled soon.

He hears from his dad after a bit, confirming a meeting with the King and himself. Ignis look finally just a small bit peaceful that he pushes it back as late as he can, giving them a few hours in bed. Once that is handled, he looks down at his lover as he finally comes back to the human he knows, Gladio pensive and a little unsure.

What did he do to Ignis to cause this?

He knows it messes with his lover's perfectly scheduled life and can't help but feel bad. But at the same time... He can't help but be relieved as well. It has always been a point of contention about his relationship with a human to nosy nobels, and while Gladio would rather piss them all off than leave Ignis, he never had forgotten the fact that Regis, Noctis, or his father could eveantually order him away from him.

Or worse, demote Ignis entirely, take away the thing he had been born to do, serve Noctis.


He shakes his head, checks the time, and deeming it close enough, slowly runs his thumb over Ignis' cheek. Waking the man up gently the same way he often wakes up next to him.

[fieryknowledge]

Ignis must've been tired if Gladio had been able to get so much done without waking him up. He'd be quietly pleased to know that everyone had been so concerned about his well-being, but that could come later. At the moment, he was busy snuffling and trying to drag himself to wakefulness. Being awakened by something other than an alarm or his lover's demanding libido wasn't common for him, after all.

Muffling a groan against Gladio's thigh, he shifted and willed his sluggish body upright, though the motion was difficult. He was sore and stiff, much like he'd been when he'd first started learning how to handle weapons and the reminder wasn't a good one.

"How long was I asleep?"

[sworn_shield]

As Ignis sat up, Gladio took a moment to soothe him as he could. His poor lover looks sore, dischevled and a little bit lost. Gladio will keep him guided in the right direction.

"About two and a half hours, babe. Hopefully it helped a little. King Regis and my dad are gonna meet us in the private reciving room in an hour, so you do what you need to to get ready, okay?"

He knows his mate likes being well put together after all.

[fieryknowledge]

An hour?

Slim lips tugged down into a faint frown as Ignis hauled himself from the bed, grumbling under his breath. An hour wasn't nearly enough time for him to shower, get dressed for a meeting with his Majesty and the elder Shield, plus grab something for his grumbling stomach why in the hells was he hungry at this hour. The sleep had been nice, but he would've rather forfeit a bit of that to have adequate time to prepare himself for a meeting that could change his life.

Sighing under his breath, he padded off into the bathroom, scrubbing a hand through his mussed hair.

"I'll never be ready in time."