(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]

There was a pause when Gladio's hand closed over his, but a moment later, there was a squeeze back and this time, Ignis didn't let go. It was a silent invitation to join him. Ignis could hold a grudge if he wanted, but at the moment, he wasn't in the mood. Not when everything in his world had gone sideways and the support was wanted.

"I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for this."

[sworn_shield]

"Babe, it's been less than a week."

Gladio says, with a chuckle and moving to come closer, he settles warm and safe over him, keeping that hand in Ignis' own.

"You've learned about a whole different life, dealt with all of your normal job things on top of that, and your changes are kind of crazy. I'd say you are doing fucking great right about now."

[fieryknowledge]

There was a soft hum from Ignis at the praise, even if he inwardly disagreed. It was common knowledge that Ignis hated not being good at something he has to do. That was why he worked so hard when he first started to learn how to handle weapons. Having Gladio there to help, both then and now, was a gift and he knew it.

Sighing, he tucked himself in against Gladio, biting back a yawn.

"I can do better."

[sworn_shield]

"You can, it just takes a little time, love."

He leans in to kiss his lover before settling next to him, wolf part of him satisfied that he has made his mate content. One arm slips around his waist, and he settles in happily to sleep after their hard run.

[fieryknowledge]

The rest of their time off passes in a bit of a blur of sex, hormones and the rich mingled scents of himself and his mate. He'd managed to learn to hunt and was on track to be just as quietly deadly as a wolf as he was a human and they both knew he was just as fast. If anything, Ignis had always been a quick learner and there was no exception with this new part of his life.

They won't discuss that one nasty tumble into the bush, though. He felt like he'd never live that one down.

The following weeks went by quickly. Once they got back, life resumed for both of them and Ignis had to learn new ways to balance everything. In some ways, Insomnia was even more distracting now that sounds and scents were much more enhanced for Ignis now. For a few days, he'd find himself pausing in the middle of a conversation, his head slowly panning as he found himself trying to figure out a new scent or realize that he was hearing birds that he'd never heard before.

Everyone took that distraction with good humor and patience once word got around that Ignis was a 'late bloomer'.

Right around the full moon, things seemed to change. Council members started to linger closer to him than before and Clarus took him aside to quietly caution him about how some weres took the full moon. He was fine with everything save his own growing nerves until he was damn near cornered by one of the younger Crownguard during a spar. A low, soft growl was all the warning he got before the other man burrowed his face against Ignis' neck, taking a long, slow sniff before Ignis kicked him off and damn near gutted him for it.

The rest of the day had left him on edge, enough so that Regis and Noctis both had told him to go home early. After all, they both knew what was going on. A hour later and Ignis was unlocking the door to his apartment, still vaguely disgruntled.

[sworn_shield]

Their trip goes well- Gladio teaches Ignis what he knows and his mate absorbs it like a sponge. Although they do spend many hours completly engrossed in each other, their tent turned into a den of sex and debauchery between naps. It was a wonderful time and really a good way for Ignis to get use to the basics he would be dealing with. As a late bloomer, it can show up hard and fast, bur rhis helps.

When they head back home the two of them are happy, new limits learned and boundaries set that Gladio intends to keep. Sleeping back in their apartment that first nice is nice, and he feels really good about where all of this is leading to.

As the full mood draws closer, Gladio starts to notice things that bother him. People standing closer in Ignis' personal space, lingering looks that make his lips curl up, ready to growl. He isn't the only one who notices, and on the days when he is standing guard in a meeting, the sheer annoyance radiating off of him tends to curb most of that behavior.

But he cant always be there, nor is Ignis someone who needs to be protected like a fragile doll. They talk about it and agree that as long as nobody touches, Ignis can't risk his position on the council with any angry outbursts from either of them.

The afternoon before the full moon is when things get a little too out of hand. Gladio nearly marches down to the medical bay to further fuck up said mentioned Crownsguard when he is intercepted by his father and Cor. They assure him that they will handle it and send him off back home, with a reminder to wither stay home or join the pack before the full moon rose tonight.

When he enters the apartment, probaply about an hour after Ignis has, he has calmed down. Somewhat. Being at home- close to their den- makes him much happier, espcially when he can smell Ignis nearby.

"Everything okay, Iggy?" He calls as he enters, shoes coming off before he pads past the entranceway.

[fieryknowledge]

The rumor mill had already started churning by then. Word was spreading that Ignis was a new were, that 'I heard he smelled damn good' and 'did you see so-and-so when he got done with him?'. There were other, more unsavory things being said as well, and don't think he hadn't heard some of it. Not when Prompto had shared some of what he'd heard around the halls of the Citadel when going looking for Noctis.

None of it made Ignis happy to hear, but Ignis was Ignis. He knew Court gossip was nothing more than idle speculation mixed with maybe 2% of the truth. By the time Gladio walked in, he'd had a shower to try and wash away the scent of the other Crownsguard member that had pinned him down and was already in the kitchen, trying to decide on what to cook for dinner.

"It's fine."

[sworn_shield]

Asking him if he was sure it was fine was on the tip of Gladio's tongue, but he refrains. With a sigh he wraps his arms around Ignis from behind as he usually does, stopping him for a moment to steal a kiss.

"Okay, just wanted to make sure. I know you can take care of yourself, but I still worry."

Because well, he loves him. Why else? He nuzzles the back of his neck, maybe a tad bit posessive.

[fieryknowledge]

"I know you do."

And he did. He'd seen Gladio's sour face more and more often as the full moon approached, even to the point of it being a distraction during meetings when the other was in attendance. He never gave on that he was watching his mate as much as he was paying attention during those meetings, but he knew damn well that Regis and Clarus had noticed. At least they seemed to be the only ones.

Having Gladio close to him settled a bit more of the nerves that had been roiling in his gut since he'd turned violent on the other Crownsguard for getting too 'friendly', a sigh slipping free as he let his head tip a little to give Gladio all the room to nuzzle that he could want.

"Clarus said that's common between mates. I told him I was well aware of that fact by now."

[sworn_shield]

"To be fair, I was that way before."

He chuckles, pressing his scent to the back of his neck as well with stubbly kisses. For all of his flirty nature, one of his flaws was that he hated it when people flirted with Ignis- half because he knows the other hates it, and half because he was posessive. Over time, of course, he has gotten better at not letting it get to him. They had been together since they were teens after all.

"Council stuff is suspended like normal until the moon wanes, so hopefully since this is the first time, it won't happen again."

[fieryknowledge]

There was a muffled snort from Ignis, but there was no way to miss the faint humor in his tone. In the back of his mind, he idly wondered if scent carried things like amusement or other more positive things. He already knew it could carry fear and anger, after all.

Humming under his breath, he moved his arms to settle atop Gladio's, letting himself lean back into that welcome, familiar warmth.

"Perhaps, but I've still got a lot of work to get done for Noctis and Regis."

After all, he'd managed to put a reign on letting his instincts run over him, right?

[sworn_shield]

A happy rumble escapes him, and that should answer his question, as he was clearly pleased.

"You'll have plenty of time to get it done. Dad said we only need to show up to the pack at least one night, since it's your first, but the rest of the time can be ours or for your work."

His fingers spread to catch Ignis' own between them, threading together and yes, this is much, much better than those meetings.

[fieryknowledge]

Knowing that he'd have to join the pack was something a bit nerve wracking for Ignis. He'd been raised to handle courtiers and councilors and lords and the like. That was something he knew and understood. He'd only been a were for a short time now, not like the rest of the pack that were born and raised into it.

Still, Gladio would be there. He knew he wouldn't let Ignis falter.

A quick squeeze to Gladio's hand and he closed his eyes as he pulled one of them up to brush a kiss over their joined fingers.

"Is there anything I should know about handling the pack?"

[sworn_shield]

Feeling him relax Gladio was happy, because after what he heard had happened he was not sure what kind of mood he would be walking in on.

"Well, most of them know who you are already, so that shouldn't be a problem. They might want to know what clan you are from..." He frowns at the thought, remembering that they had not quite dug deep enough into his family history to know yet

"You can always say mine. That will keep from too many questions, right?"

[fieryknowledge]

"I'm not going to lie, Gladio."

Lying wasn't something Ignis did. Diplomatic truths, sure, but a flat out lie? It was something he avoided. Too much opportunity for things to go wrong that way.

"Your father told me the same thing, you know. He mentioned that I might be more appealing so some of the others since I'm not permanently mated. Not in the eyes of the pack."

It was said with care since Ignis knew how moody Gladio had been lately when he'd noticed a lot more attention being paid to Ignis.

[sworn_shield]

There are some grumbling noises behind the other, but despite were culture, Gladio has been in a 'human' relationship with Ignis for more than a few years now. He understands that some things take time, and on top of that, Ignis own pride will never allow him to lie.

He pulls away, but not ou5 of any sort of anger, but so that his eyes can meet Ignis' own, steady and hopeful.

"Welcomed with open arms to the Amicitia clan, then. It wouldn't be a lie, if even my dad said that to you." He points out. They have talked about what the future holds for them more than once, and Gladio really is a romantic at heart.

"Whatever you come up with, I'll stand by your side for it. I just... You know. Hearing what happened today makes me a little protective of you."

[fieryknowledge]

The grumbles pulled a soft snort from Ignis. Really, he was expecting even more from Gladio. When Gladio moved to look him in the eye, there was a small smile curling his lips. The simple fact that they'd both decided on years ago was that there wasn't anyone else for them. Perhaps in time, when Noctis sat safely on the throne and their world was at peace, then they might make it 'official'. Perhaps before that. They'd know when the time was right for them.

Ignis would never admit to being a romantic, but deep down, he was as bad as his mate.

"You've been protective of me all week, love. Don't think I haven't noticed the looks you've been giving people when they get too close to me."

[sworn_shield]

Gladio ducks his head, a little embarrassed at getting caught so easily like that. He tugs at the collar of his uniform a little self conciously- he should be taking it off now that he is home, anyway.

"I was trying not to be so obvious." He mutters, a little pink on his cheeks, embarrassed. "I know you hate that, but they've really been pissing me off with how obvious they are about it."

Look, he is head over heels for Ignis, okay? Gladio would follow him to the ends of Eos.

[fieryknowledge]

Oh, it was obvious. At least, it was to Ignis. Gladio had been part of his life for as long as he could remember, friends at first before they'd taken the steps to forge a relationship that could serve both the Crown as well as them. If anyone knew Gladio, it was him.

Shaking his head, Ignis reached up and gently tugged at a lock of Gladio's dark hair before stepping back, silently letting Gladio know he could go get comfortable if he wanted to. In a few hours, uniforms and the like would hardly matter, once the moon rose.

"I've never been a fan of such public displays, but... that's a bit different now. I understand it a bit better now."

Now that I'm a were.

[sworn_shield]

"We are still ourselves, I can promise you that."

Gladio sounds confident about that part. Really, they had known each other for so long, grown better because of each other. Ignis, not Were culture, will always come first to Gladio.

He smiles and steals one more kiss before going to change, taking a quick shower since their night was going to be busy, one way or another. He is so glad he does not have to leave Ignis like he usually does on these sort of days, and because of that when he comes wandering back into the kitchen- Pants on, yes- he spends a moment just happily watching the other.

"Do you want to go today and get it out of the way, or save it for tomrrow night?"

The pack meeting, he means.

[fieryknowledge]

The responsible side said tonight, but the rest of him wanted nothing more than to spend the first night of his first full moon as a were with his mate and no one else. Let him go to the pack covered in his mate's scent. Give both of them a chance to preen at having such a bond. Right then, he knew which option he wanted, but both sides were still tugging at him.

By the time Gladio was done with his shower, Ignis was almost done with the prep part of dinner. All that was left was for the stew to cook down and that would take some time. He'd made it thick and meaty and a lot of it since he knew that it was unlikely that he'd be of much of a mind to cook for a few days. Once he felt Gladio's eyes on him, he turned and let himself lean against the counter, his gaze dragging along his lover's bare chest.

"Mmm. Would it be bad if I said I wanted to wait?"

[sworn_shield]

Gladio was of the same mind as Ignis about this. The responsible thibg to do would be to introduce him right away, but Gladio doesn't know if he could deal with the thought of all those eyes on his mate like that. Now the next night, when Ignis has his marks and scent on him, and Gladio the same...

"It's what I was thinking."

He crosses the kitchen to him, bringing a hand up to drag his fingers over the man's cheek. Aware he was being looked at, that he pulls his shoulders back and flexes to show off as his thumb traces those pretty lips.

"Besides, I want your first full moon to go perfect. I might make a scene if someone does something again."

[fieryknowledge]

Sure enough, the responsible side of him was losing ground. How could it not when all of Ignis' attention seemed to lock in on the thumb sliding along his lips and the way Gladio's shifting muscles made his ink move with them. He couldn't help but let his tongue flick out, barely teasing at the tip of Gladio's thumb as it passed along his lips.

"We wouldn't want that, would we?"

[sworn_shield]

"Not at all. It wouldn't do to embarrass you by being a brute."

He teases, eyes bright as Ignis, so quick he could have missed it, teases his thumb. Gladio rumbles in pleasure, in want for him, and he passes over his mouth one more time before sliding his fingers down his neck, undoing the first button of his shirt.

"Although, I know you like when I am in private."

Gladio has been always pretty easy to read, and right now he's obviously debating in his head if he can get away with sexing Ignis up in their kitchen.

[fieryknowledge]

Right then, Ignis was more than happy to be pressed against Gladio with his back to the counter. Normally, the kitchen was a no go zone for sex, but Ignis was far from caring at the moment. Not when Glaido's fingers were busy gliding along his skin only to take the time to try and bare more for him to touch.

No, he really didn't care at all at the moment.

"Perhaps."

The slow, lazy smile on his face said he did.