(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.

Comments

[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."

[sworn_shield]

"You'll be plenty ready, babe. I'll make sure of it."

It's not often that Ignis lets takeout into their apartment, but Gladio assumes this can count as an exception. He answers the door and sets the food out while Ignis is in the shower, takes a few big bites himself before grabbing a can of ebony from the fridge for his mate as well.

They have to pass on sharing a shower this time, and while Ignis grabbing a few quick bites he scrubs down as well so he can pull out a new uniform and get presentable. One look at the other one tells him the jacket and shirt are unsalvageable, but he has had worse things happen before.

"You're kinda still uh... bit up around here, Iggy." Gladio gestures as he towels off his wet hair, around the man's neck. "Just thought you should know."

[fieryknowledge]

Sharing a shower would be a bad idea since both of them had a hard time keeping their hands to themselves when they shared. The takeout was met with a stiff of disapproval, but no real complaint. He ate as quickly as he could manage, mostly just to put something else in his stomach other than Ebony (since he knew Gladio might grump if he just went with coffee for breakfast) and was busy digging through his closet for something presentable to wear when Gladio mentioned his appearance.

".... a bit what?"

As he spoke, he reached up to pat an absent hand around said area, brows furrowed.

[sworn_shield]

"Bit up."

He emphasises, coming forward to his lover. He sweeps a hand down from his cheek to his neck, thumb rubbing gently around one of his bite marks. It's pretty high up on his neck, despite Gladio's usual attempts to not leave anything visible on Ignis.

"Wasn't exactly thinking about it trying to get through to you at the time."

[fieryknowledge]

His fingers found the spot just as Gladio's thumb slid along it and damn if his skin didn't prickle up at the feel of his mate touching that still fresh mark. The contact tugged at deeply buried instincts that left Ignis ruddy cheeked and trying not to lean into Gladio's touch since that would mean even less time to get ready.

"... lovely. Just lovely."

Lips pursed, he scrubbed his hand over his face, trying to will away the pink on his cheeks as he tried to keep from thinking back to Gladio giving him those marks.

[sworn_shield]

Gladio notices the change as well, and without thinking rumbles in approval from deep within his chest. Even his scent is still on the other, faint after the shower, and only someone standing as close as Gladio was now could notice.

"It's gonna be fine this time. They've know forever, anyway."

Gladio had needed permission to date outside of his clan from Clarus, not to mention he had been hopefully and obviously in puppy love with Ignis as a teenager. He leans in to Kiss Ignis on the forehead, trying to be soothing.

"What else can I do to get you ready?"

[fieryknowledge]

"That's not the po-"

The protest stilled as Gladio moved even closer, his lips warm against Ignis' forehead. The contact was sweet and gentle and enough to help settle some of Ignis' misgivings. That wasn't something new, though. He'd know Gladio most of his life and trusted him. Falling for him had just deepened that and while he might protest some of the things that Gladio did, he knew that in the end, the big man wouldn't lead him astray.

There were still moments where he had to remind himself of that, though.

Huffing under his breath, he settle a palm against Gladio's chest, absently pushing him away even though his body wanted nothing more than to stay close to his mate.

"Just let me get ready. You're... distracting and in far too good a way."

[sworn_shield]

"When we get oht of the city, you can have me all to yourself as long as you want, promise."

He lets Ignis push him away, reminding himself that it has to be everything he is suddenly experiencing all at once that makes Ignis think he needs to. Gladio knows that his mate shores up his defences and withdraws into his mask of perfection in stressful situations, when he needs perfection, and Gladio can't fault him for thst, not when so much is expected of him.


" 'm gonna get dressed. I'll put up the takeout and we can head out." He says as he parts, snagging his belt and formal uniform trappings like his aigulliette and pins to put on, busying himself as well.

[fieryknowledge]

It's just easier to secure himself behind that perfect mask when he's so very unsure of things. No one questions that side of him, the flawless veneer enough to distract anyone enough to keep them from realizing that in the end, Ignis is still a young man. He'd been raised to serve and guide, but years spent watching over Noctis had left him precious little time for himself and at moments like this, it was clear.

Green eyes remained on Gladio as he moved away, quietly watching him for a long moment as the other man put the finishing touches to his uniform. Even now, under stress, he couldn't deny how handsome Gladio was. Just the sight of him could still Ignis' busy mind at times and now was no different. It took a mental push to pull his gaze away from the big man so he could tend to his own business and this time, he did his best to keep from looking Gladio's way while he finished getting himself ready.

[sworn_shield]

Gladio waits until they are just at the point where they need to leave to arrive just early enough to be considered timely. Ignis he knows doesn't really need help, but he is there to support him, and has always considered it his job as his mate to do so.

"Ready when you are." He calls out, leaning in the doorway, eyes on his lover. Ignis is gorgeous and he adores him, and he does so find it hard to keep his eyes off him.

[fieryknowledge]

In a way, he hadn't needed the verbal cue. Deep down, he always seemed to know where Gladio was. By then, he was ready, his own uniform neat as always. Usually, he wore more formal clothing, dress slacks and the like, but this just felt like something that needed the precision of his rarely seen uniform. Perhaps a silent show, matching Gladio as if to show that they truly belonged together, both as Noct's retainers as well as partners and mates. If the still livid marks resting above the collar of his uniform bothered him, he gave no clue.

Without a word, Ignis passed Gladio by as he slipped out the door, but there was no hesitation as he reached out, his fingers drifting along Gladio's arm in a silent show of gratitude.

[sworn_shield]

Smiling briefly, Gladio's fingers catch Ignis' own, a brief squeeze to his gloved hand as they head out. Luckily their place is rather close by, and the private floor of the reciving room is mostly traveling upward by elevator.

In all honesty, he isn't sure exactly what to say to the King and his Shield about this situation. He doesn't have any sort of speech planned out, but he had informed them that it was of the upmost importance to the point of a personal emergency.

In the elevator with Ignis, he stays pretty quiet, focusing on what was coming up. But he does stay close to his mate, his hand resting gently on the small of his back in the brief privacy of the elevator that they have.

[fieryknowledge]

He wouldn't have considered it a personal emergency, even if it felt like one. Not when it was just dealing with him, not something of 'true importance'. Still, the Crown's willingness to see him so quickly when asked was gratifying. It was't a secret that Ignis liked Regis for the man he was, not for the title and Clarus... once Clarus had stopped intimidating him then he was younger, he'd learned to respect the elder Shield. He ust hoped that this wouldn't screw things up.

Ignis might be standing there, his face set in politely pleasant lines, but there was no way to hide the tension stiffening his back. Not when Gladio stood so close, his hand low on his back in a clear show of support.

"For once in my life, I have no idea what to say. I don't even know how to start."

[sworn_shield]

Ignis says what they are both thinking, Gladio is well aware. He sighs softly and gathers the strength in him that he has been working on cultivating since this all started. A lot of this is likley his doing therefore his responsibility.

Besides, Ignis was his mate, he would do anything for him.

""We've got to tell them the truth, I guess is the place to start." Gladio says, gentle. "I don't mind doing the talking. If I forget anything I know I can count on you to chime in."

He can feel the elevator slow as they reach their floor, and even though it is a little risky, he leans in to kiss his lover properly, like he hasn't been able to in hours.

"I love you, okay? No matter what."

[fieryknowledge]

For a moment, Ignis felt his stomach drop at those words. Not the declaration of love, but the second part. No matter what- It sounded so... final. So ominous. He didn't like it one bit. Still, no matter his trepidation, he returned the kiss with ease, a hand sliding into Gladio's for just a moment, offering a squeeze before the doors opened and Ignis pulled away.

The meeting went well enough, or so Ignis thought. He could've been stripped of his rank and position altogether, but the older men seemed oddly understanding. While Ignis' circumstances were odd and rather rare, they weren't completely unheard of. It just showed how secretive the were community could be that this kind of information wasn't common or easily researched knowledge. The only real issue was that most weres went through their first shift at a much younger age, which is why Ignis seemed so off kilter. Only time would ease that so as decreed by Regis, Ignis was relieved of council duties for the time being, as well as many of his other daily time constraints. He'd still be responsible for Noct's well being and care as well as tutoring, but the rest could be taken on by secretaries and the like until Ignis had his newfound gifts a bit more under control.

The first order of business was a few days off to help him get a bit of rest and center himself from the sudden upheaval in his life. He might need the time off, but he wasn't too pleased about it. On their way back to their apartment, Ignis had fallen quiet, lips pursed in a pensive frown.

At least they hadn't tried to separate them. He wouldn't have stood for that.