(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]

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.

[sworn_shield]

Gladio had hoped for the best and prepared for the worst. His father amd Regis both adore Ignis for the good work he does with their sons. If they are a little suspicious of the timeline- Clarus does even point out that Gladio had not met with the pack on the last night of the full moon four days ago- They thankfully do not say anything about it.

("You are absoultely welcome to our pack, Ignis." Regis told him warmly. Clarus does run the majority of it due to circumstance, yet by birthright it is his, and in the future Noctis'. Though it is rare for royalty to shift. He is welcomed as he always has been, he will not be treated like an outsider.)

Of course, someone can always go dig through historical genealogy to find his actual clan, but Gladio seems so happy and relieved about those words that it will be brought up in an email later. For now THEY promise by the time the weekend rolls around kn a few more days Ignis can get out of the city for a bit and let his other form stretch. Accompanied by Gladio, of course.

"That went as well as it could have." Gladio says on the elevator ride back, much more relaxed posture now. He peeks over at Ignis, sneaking his hand into his as a thoughtful gesture.

"Are you okay?"

[fieryknowledge]

The feeling of that big hand curling over his pulled Ignis from his overthinking. The gesture was sweet and more of a comfort than Gladio could know. He was right, of course. The talk went well. Better than Ignis expected, honestly. He wasn't sure what he'd been expecting, but it hadn't been that. Such... open acceptance.

Sighing, he glanced up at Gladio, the public mask gone for the moment. In its place was nothing more than a tired, unsure young man.

"It's just a lot of things to take in. I've never really been a fan of personal change. You know that."

[sworn_shield]

"I do know. I'm sorry it could not have come easier, Iggy."

His voice is a little more gentle now that they were alone, not having to worry about what words to say to The King and his Shield. The same soothing he had used to get Ignis into bed earlier today.

"I know it has to be hard but I guess I'd better ask- Would you want to go tell Noctis now, or should we wait until after school tomorrow ?"

[fieryknowledge]

"I'll take care of that later."

He didn't mean to sound so short with Gladio, or so closed off. Not when right then, his partner's presence was exactly what he both craved and needed. It was just his way of compartmentalizing things so he could handle them better. Noctis... was so very important to him. To both of them, yes, but for Ignis, the prince had been his everything for so long. Until Gladio and he had become friends then more.

"For now, I just want to get out of this uniform and into something more comfortable. I'll call him later and tell him that we're taking some time off and will give him the reason tomorrow."

[sworn_shield]

"Alright babe. And if it will worry you less, I can be the one who ferries him to and from school until we leave this weekend, that way it's one variable to worry about."

Of course, then that puts him away for his mate for about an hour each morning and afternoon. At rhis state, it might be a little too much for Ignis.

[fieryknowledge]

And there it was again. That frown, showing that something else was changing yet again and Ignis wasn't about to stand for it. Huffing under his breath, he shook his head and pulled his hand from Gladio's, lips thinned out in frustration.

"I can still drive, you know. I'm not helpless."

The temper absolutely wasn't meant as anything personal. It was just Ignis trying to adjust.

[sworn_shield]

Gladio doesn't move or pull away, but he does look at Ignis. This is going to be hard on him, Gladio just has to give his mate a little bit of leeway with his feelings, just like the pack did with him when he was changing.

"You know I didn't mean it that way, Iggy. Just trying to make what the Princess needs a priority. It always is for yoj, so there isn't any reason why I can't help more to help you."

As the elevator opens he waits for Ignis before moving forward, still moving together as a unit as they get back to the apartment.

[fieryknowledge]

There was another sigh from Ignis before he stepped out, his pace quick as he moved toward their home. Gladio was right, of course. Ignis knew he didn't mean it like he took it. He had no idea why his nerves were so damned on edge at this point. It just seemed like everything around them was putting him on edge. Maybe it was instinct, him wanting to be out and free for a while. Maybe it was just the idea of his life changing so much so quickly. Who knew?

"... this might be a good time to see how self-sufficient he can be. He is living on his own now, after all. Maybe we can trust him a bit more if we let Prompto know what's going on as well."

[sworn_shield]

Gladio sees his lover having a hard time, and he only wishes he could do more. But they will get through this. With that in mind he trails after the other, listening determinedly.

"It's true, he's almost an adult now. If youre okay with bringing him in on it, he already knows about Noctis and I."

And well, maybe Noct would even do a good job taking responsibility for himself. Gladio might pull him asode and impress the importance of it on Ignis' mental health after.

[fieryknowledge]

This wasn't an ideal situation, but it might be a good test for the young prince as well as his best friend, to see just how much they could be trusted to handle themselves. Mind made up, he absently nodded to himself and pulled his phone from his pocket. A few quick messages and his mind ended up a bit more settled.

The rest of the week passed quickly thanks to Ignis' distracted state. He made plans for things to get done while he and Gladio were gone and for once, he let Gladio handle most of the plans for their little 'vacation'. After all, his partner knew better what Ignis would likely need and want while he was letting himself adjust to his were side, but don't think he didn't side-eye the decision to drag along, what Ignis though, a 'crap ton' of blankets and such. It wasn't as if he'd get cold at night since his mate was damn near a walking space heater, right?

Still, he kept his peace until the trip itself, remaining quiet on the drive out and staying that way until they'd set up the camp to their liking (including Gladio dragging in all those damned blankets... for some reason).

"... I still think it's weird you brought all of those, you know."

[sworn_shield]

Gladio had done his best to keep things neat and organized as they prepare. Both for the sake of changing things around to accommodate their leaving, and packing for the trip. The haven they are staying at was just used by the Glaive on their way home, so the area is safe enough to be in that he feels confident.

As for the blankets...

"It's just a precaution. I know dad sent you those documents about all thr habits and instincts, but some of them can hit really hard."

And well, that had been a bit embarrassing of a document to go through. Thankfully Ignis had not opened it in front of Noct and Prompto.

"Besides, I'll keep them folded in the tent, if we dont use 'em, we dont use them."

But camp is to his liking, and Ignis already seemed marginally happier being out of the city.

[fieryknowledge]

Oh, he'd read it, but he'd dismissed some of it as just silly. Surely that part had been exaggeration. Sure, he'd developed a liking for the blankets on his own bed, but nothing to such an extreme. He'd only added one more since everything changed, after all. Still, he appreciated the simple fact that Gladio was wanting to be prepared even if it was all a bit much.

Being away from Insomnia was both calming and unnerving. Part of his training for the Crownguard had been roughing it just in case, but he'd rarely spent much time away from the city proper. Now, he felt vaguely disjointed. Part of him seemed calmer and content, out in the wilds, while the rest of him wanted nothing more than to drive back to Insomnia and lock himself in their apartment or his office and get back to work.

The view was beautiful and the air was fresh around them and Ignis felt an odd contentment slowly start to ease his nerves as they settled in for a few days. First things first, though. Ignis needed to thank his mate for doing so much to help him through this change in his life. After a long, silent moment, he padded over to him and wrapped his arms around Gladio's waist, leaning up to press a kiss to his jaw.

"Seems you've thought of everything when I couldn't. Thank you."

[sworn_shield]

Fussing over the camp, wanting his mate to like it, Gladio misses Ignis in thought until the man sidles up to him, arms wrapped around him.

"Anything for you, Iggy. If can make it easier on you, then I want to."

His arms come around his mate, warm. And tight as he tilts his head to kiss him properly. They haven't exactly abstained from each other since this started, but it is finally the best chance they have to relax and experiment with whatever comes to them.

""This might take a while to get the hang of, but I'll be by your side, okay?"

[fieryknowledge]

He knew. Even at his most unsure, Ignis knew that Gladio would be there with him and for him. Humming under his breath, he let the kiss linger on for a long moment before pulling back, his breath a bit quicker than before. Things seemed so much more intense now that Ignis could clearly smell his mate and seemed drawn by his scent and now was no exception. He was hard pressed to pull completely away from him so he didn't bother to, his arms remaining loosely draped around his lover's body.

"I've been a testy mess the few days and you've been nothing but patient and kind. I'm so sorry."

[sworn_shield]

Feeling his lover's breath quicken as he nuzzle gently, not wanting to pull away either. He always is much happier with Ignis in his arms after all.

"I appriciate the apology, babe. It's been hard on you, so you've got some slack cut by me."

Instead of letting him go, gladio purrs happily, and gathers Igbis in to sit on his lap on one of their camping chairs.

[fieryknowledge]

There was a muffled noise as Ignis was manhandled a bit, but there was no protest. Out here, there was privacy and Ignis didn't feel so constrained by duty and responsibility. For a little while, he could be 'just' Ignis and not the adviser to the future king.

It was as liberating as it was terrifying.

Settling himself as close to Gladio as he could managed while still clothed, he leaned in, nuzzling along his lover's jaw again.

"So you would prefer that I not make it up to you?"

[sworn_shield]

He chuckles, not at Ignis, but how easily they can finally relax like this. It is nice, and with Ignis in his lap he runs his hands up the man's chest, fingers finding and teasingly plucking at the buttons of his shirt.

"Oh? I didn't know that was the plan. Sounds interesting... Just what are you planning?"

[fieryknowledge]

Don't think he didn't lean into that contact, a low rumble curling in his chest at the feel of Gladio's hands on him. There was something comforting down to his bones knowing that Gladio wanted him, even now that things were changing for Ignis.

"I'm... not. That's what's so odd. I'm not planning a thing. I'm just going to... be. For once. At the moment, I'm planning on dozing for a little while since I didn't sleep well the last few nights. Care to join me?"