fieryknowledge | To have and to hold, in case you get cold-

To have and to hold, in case you get cold-

Insomnia was white under the newly fallen snow. The soft blanket of white covered the still ruined parts of the city, lending it a peaceful air, but around the Citadel, life was teeming once again. The Citadel proper had been repaired and the buildings around it were well on their way as well. Once the people had heard the the Chosen King had won and returned to them, they started to flock back to the city, bringing life and joy with them, as well as calloused hands and the willingness to help rebuild.

For Ignis, it'd been difficult. For the first month, he'd hold his breath each night, watching until the sun rose again as if he expected it to just vanish. It wasn't that he didn't have faith in his beloved King. It was simply too many years spent in the dark. Too many memories better left in that same dark. Too much pain.

Now that there was life in the city again and he knew it was good and permanent and safe, he settled into a routine as was his nature. Up before dawn and while he'd claim it was still to do things for his liege, anyone that really knew him knew that he would be looking for the dawn, even a year later. Now was no different. He'd risen before the sun and once it was up, he'd gone about his day. Meetings with the council that he now headed in Noct's absence, or working on helping the rebuilding efforts with Cor and the like. Each night, he returned to his new rooms in the Citadel, looking to curl up in Gladio's arms and sleep, praying there would be no nightmares to plague them in their sleep.

Tonight, while the snow fell silent around the city, Ignis found himself getting back home earlier than expected. Everyone was in fine spirits thanks to the weather and once he realized that there would be no real work for any of them, he called off the late council meeting and made his way back home, sure that Gladio wouldn't be there for a while since he knew his love liked to train in the evening. That left him plenty of time to cook something nice for both of them instead of the quick meals he'd grown used to whipping up for the last few months.

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It's all too easy to let himself fall into that kiss, but don't think he can't read the tension in his lover while he's there in his arms. He knew that his news wasn't exactly good, but it was unavoidable. Sooner or later, they'd be separated for some reason or another. At least now that the world was stable, there would be easier communication and no real worries about dangerous adversaries to threaten them.

"I know you will, love. It's not set in stone, though. I might be able to stay here for the duration if I can convince Cor to go in my place. Everyone there respects him and honestly, some of them fear him. That just works in his favor. No frowning, alright? Not until there's a reason to frown."

Ignis is warm, comforting and Gladio can't help but lean into him, eyes warm and mouth. Smiling as he looks at the other while he speaks. His beautiful, wonderful Ignis.

"A practical excuse." He teases gently, then adds on. "Heck, if you do go, maybe I could even convince Noct to let me come up for a weekend. After all, when's the last time we had a vacation?"

Spending time in the long night recovering from injuries underneath Ignis care didn't really count, no matter how he had made a joke of such at the time.

"If you're looking for a vacation, we could always see about visiting Galdin Quay soon. Maybe get Noctis and Prompto to join us, though... I don't plan on sharing a room with them again. I'm sure they wouldn't mind getting away from everything."

The rebuilding was going very well, but it was draining on everyone. There was a lot to do, between rebuilding infrastructure and wooing new ambassadors and cementing good relations with new governments that came into light after the Long Night. The work was worthwhile, but he knew they were all wearing out. Most days, Ignis was happy being home again, but there were moments he missed the freedom their road trip had offered.

Sighing, he let his head sink down to rest against Gladio's chest, just content to soak in his presence while he could.

"But if I do end up going. I'd love the chance to see you while I'm there, even if Lestallum isn't exactly a vacation paradise."

"It doesn't matter where it is, so long as I'm with you."

Gladio said, and it isn't some grand declaration of love more than it is simply fact. Ignis relaxes against him and Gladio holds him, smile on his face and wondering just what he had done to be with someone so caring, so wonderful. Ignis was simply the very best part of him, he things as he raises a hand to stroke through blond hair. The very best part, and he never wants to lose that.

"Galdin sounds nice. We could camp out on our way there, like we tried to do the first time- I'm sure we could pull some strings for the best private room, have our own little getaway while the boys fish."

...This is sounding a lot like a honeymoon, the more he thinks about it. And really, it's not a bad idea. He thinks about the ring sitting in their bedroom, and he can't help but notice his heart pound a bit faster.

"...Good place to get married to, when we're ready."

Some would call it romance, but for Ignis, it was just how it was between them. Years of understanding and trust wrapped up in a lasting affection and attraction that even the longest of nights couldn't break. Bruise and bend, at times, but never broken.

The idea of camping pulled a low chuckle from Ignis as he let his head tip a bit as if to encourage the fingers carding though his hair. They still had a bit of time before dinner was done and Ignis intended to enjoy every moment of quiet time he had with Gladio, even if it was spent as simply as this.

"... indeed. When we're ready."

When they were ready. It was a nebulous thing, really. Ignis knew that Gladio was the one for him and he'd known that for years. After everything they'd been through, he knew that nothing would come between them and while he'd let his mind wander to the idea of marrying Gladio, he'd never tempted fate by proposing. Not when the Astrals seemed to finally be letting them live their lives without some great and terrible destinies hanging over them.

"Soon."

Gladio thinks back on their very first kiss, when they were mere teenagers and dealing with confusing hormones and feelings, muddying up the perfect little schedule they should have had. Taking care of their prince, Ignis working so damn hard on top of training with him to the point of exhaustion, and the moment where Gladio realized that his usual natural flirting was met with little but he always wanted more.

He strokes his fingers through Ignis hair, then repeats himself more confidently. "Soon. I think we've waited long enough, right?" The ten year period of darkness has kept them apart often, to the point that the idea of marriage seemed so far off and wrong without Noctis there. But now everything was better, was perfect.

Just like Ignis being with him felt perfect.

Their first kiss... how long ago was that now? Ignis could still remember it vividly. He was still all gangly limbs and quietly held insecurities and how in all the hells had he managed to win over Gladiolus of all people- They'd been so damned young. So foolish, but in the end, that foolishness had taught Ignis a strength that he never imagined he could have. He knew that, with Gladio at his side, he could accomplish anything. After all, they'd managed to defy Fate, right?

The questioned pulled his attention away from the strong fingers sliding through his hair and for a moment, he wondered if Gladio was up to something.

"... we've waited a long time, I suppose. You've never seemed truly interested in it before, though. What's changed?"

What had changed? So much around them and yet, at the core it was always the same. Ignis at his side, ready to face the world. Sure, their duty will come first, but they both know that. With the Gods will subverted however, and the scourge defeated there is little more to worry about than human politics.

Gladio considers this for a moment, eyes on Ignis as he looks for the right words. "It's just that... I'm not worried about dying at any random moment, just for making one misstep, you know? Worried about leaving you behind to deal with that. It isn't something constant looming over our heads anymore, worrying about tomorrow. Now we can plan months, years ahead."

Gladio isn't sure if he is getting g through right, but he speaks from the heart, and he knows Ignis will understand what he means. "And when I think about that, any plan always has you in it. It always has. Since Noctis is the last king and there's no worries about bloodlines and duty more than what we have now... I know it's always going to be with you, so why not make it official."

He's rambling a little bit, but all of what he says, Gladio means.

Why not make it official?

For a moment, he just stood there, his face burrowed against Gladio's chest. There was a soft, muffled chuckle from him before he pulled away to turn back to check their dinner though at that moment, he was hyper-aware of Gladio there with him. Oh, he understood Gladio's words quite well and he shared the same sentiment, but in a way, the planning for months and years ahead wasn't just something for their lives. It was something for everyone's lives and deep down, Ignis wondered if he'd truly thought it through.

He loved Gladio since they were both young and even to this day, he was still madly in love with him, but he knew that there was a better than average chance that the rebuilding would take up so much time and energy that he was concerned that Gladio would feel slighted. Add on his remaining duties to Noct as well as council leadership for their King and-

"... are you proposing, Gladiolus? It almost sounds like you are."

Gladio doesn't protest Ignis leaving him, pulling away and the both of them she'll shocked to quietness. Shit, had he had messed up? No, not exactly- he had spoken his mind. Said what he really meant and how he really felt.

It should be no surprise to anybody thst Gladio is also a terrible liar when it comes to Ignis as well. Not that any of this was a lie now, just flustered words spewing out of his dumb mouth.

"I-" Fuck. This was an awful way to do things, wasn't it? Iris was going to smack him for being so damn unromantic about it. But he goes forward, arms wrapped back around Ignis, and doesn't let him go. If he has already gone this far...

"I love you. Some days during that dark that was all I knew, Iggy. I won't propose if you don't want me to, but I do want you to know there isn't anyone else on Eros for me and never will be."

Now thst there is a almost functioning government back, he wants it official. Seems both Amicitias has a thing for romance.

No, he hadn't messed up. In fact, Ignis was the one feeling like he'd messed up. Maybe he should've just come out years ago and asked. Maybe he should've asked the night before they'd taken Insomnia back, like he'd wanted to. It would've been impetuous and for Ignis, such a thing was unusual. Noct used to tease him and tell him that there wasn't a romantic bone in his body and at moments like this, he believed it.

Sighing, he let himself sink back against Gladio once again.

"I never said I didn't want you to propose. Far from it, in fact. I never thought we'd have the chance to do something so... normal. That never stopped me from imagining it from time to time."

To some, normal would be boring. To Ignis, after everything they'd been through, normal would be bliss.

After everythingthey have been through, Gladio can understand the hesitation. It seems their lives were meant fir adventures, but why couldn't they have what they wanted on top of that?

There was no reason why Ignis couldn't do his job and wear a ring. No reason Gladio couldn't add Ignis last name to his own. He takes a deep breath and holds on to the other man a little tighter, steadying himself in their, yes their, kitchen.

"Marry me, Ignis. We deserve to be happy."

As far as Ignis was concerned, they deserved more than just happiness but right then, he had everything he needed and wanted. Gladio's arms were warm and firm around him, his voice a low, beloved burr in his ear and the safety and security that all their pain and suffering had bought them. All the years in the dark, waiting for their brother and liege to return, every single moment of fear was worth hearing those words.

He felt his face aching and realized that he was smiling like some lovestruck fool and really, he was. He'd been lovestruck since he was a much younger man, his heart captured by the big man pressed in so close behind him.

"I thought you'd never ask. Iris is going to be disappointed that she wasn't here to witness it."

" 'M sorry I took so long. You know I'm slow on the uptake sometimes." Not knowing Ignis had harbored a crush back when they were young, but those days are thought of fondly now. Because they figured it out, made it through the worst of the worst, and have a sense of love and security in each other that even a blossoming Kingdom can't provide.

Gladio smiles just as much, nuzzling into the other man,coaxing him up for a kiss. Dinner is still being made so he can't sweep him up into their bedroom, but there will be plenty of time for that once they manage to eat. If they manage more than a few bites.

"More like she'll be mad I was so unromantic about the whole thing. I might have to receeate it with a ring so she can squeal over it." He teases with a laugh, eyes warm and only for Ignis in this moment, despite talking about his sister.

It wouldn't take much coaxing to get Ignis lifting his face into that kiss. It was met with a pleased murmur and he idly thought about turning around and setting the stew on low so it could take its time finishing up while he let his new fiance debauch him. It really wasn't responsible and he knew he shouldn't, though.

It was tempting, though. Very tempting.

"You don't have a ring? Perhaps I should reconsider."

There was no missing the tease in his voice, nor the smile on his face that seemed to just be stuck in place.

Gods Ignis is beautiful like this of smiling so much that even his eyes seemed to glow wilrh his love. Gladio doesn't want to let him go, debates ruining their dinner fornthe third time in as many minutes to wisk his newly minted Fiance off out of the kitchen.

"Actually, I've been working on that." He admits, and pulls back and away from him to pad to the bedroom. "You know im no good at secrets, I havent had them for very long."

When he comes back the box is in hand, and he thinks about just handing it over, but changes his mind and instead opens it up, slipping the ring off to put on Ignis hand himself.

For a moment, Ignis had been worried when Gladio pulled away. He had no idea why, but when he saw him coming back, that little box in hand, he felt his breath catch. For all his teasing, it seemed like he'd underestimated his lover. It was clear that Gladio hadn't just been thinking about proposing... he'd been planning it.

There was a soft sigh of Gladio's name as he looked down, the ring shining where it was held between Gladio's fingers and before he could think to move, his hand was up as if drawn to the other man.

"... how long have you been planning this?"

Astrals, this was... maybe not the way romance novels do it, or any of the fun lovely stories, but damn it , it was theirs. Gladio has Ignis and he wants him now and forever. He knew that already, even before the long night, and even did iris makes fun of him for accidently ruining his own proposal plans, he has what he wants in the end.

"...The rings took about four weeks to make. I just got them today. He admits, and kisses the top of his lover's hand reverently before slipping it onto him. But he has says rings plural, hasn't he? Once done with Ignis, he pulls a second larger one out of the box, make for his own more thicker fingers. "I wanted them both to fit us and our lives, so you don't have to worry about them breaking or becoming a problem in a fight."

Yes he went all the way for the strongest stuff. That mountain turtle wouldn't miss any of it while he was sleeping after all, right?

Ignis had read his share of romance novels (but would never admit it and if caught, would blame Gladio for influencing him), but he'd long ago decided that not only were they unrealistic, they weren't meant for people like himself and Gladio. Their grand romance had been played out over the span of decades of friendship and trust and hardship and if given a choice, he wouldn't change a damned thing... not even the pain they'd endured.

Gladio's forethought pulled a warm smile to Ignis' face. It was clear that his lover had given this a lot of thought and he was charmed to see it. A moment later, he noticed the ring meant for Gladio's hand and reached for it, wanting to take a closer look at the craftsmanship only to be stilled by the chirping of his phone.

Damn it-

The smile went a little brittle around the edges as the phone trilled on and it was clear that Ignis was torn. He knew he should answer it, but it wasn't the right time... but what if it was-

With a sigh, the smile faded back into his public face, all calm and even as he stepped back, shooting Gladio an apologetic glance before mouthing an apology to him even as he moved to accept the call. It was Cor, so it had to be important, right?

Gladio is near giddy with happiness, waiting to see how Ignis liked the rings. Of course he know the other man's taste and had kept them mostly low profile, but the little bit of flair to them was theirs and for them alone. Over the years from their teenage hormones to their vast unbreakable love now had lead them to this moment, and it was really only now that it was hitting him that officially, in front of their friends and the world, they would absolutely become one.

Okay, so there went hisromance novel addicted mind a bit, but it all comes crashing to a halt as Ignis phone went off. Gladio pauses and his eyes flick to the counter on which it lay, seeing Cor's name pop up. Ignis is looking at him imploring apologies and he just shakes his head to let him know it was fine. This was okay, he hasn't exactly told anyone that tonight was going to be special for them after all, right?

Instead he turns and works on finishing the soup off so it is one less thing Ignis has to do. It is nearly ready and he tries to take his mind off things by reading down to the end of the little black recipe notebook and following the instructions, ladeling them out the food and taking it to the table before heading into their wine stash to select something. One glass won't hurt even though they have to be up early, not on a special occasion like this.

So he sets himself busy. And waits, and waits more impatiently. Sneaking glances at the other to see what the problem was.

If it was a sign that Ignis wasn't paying attention to Gladio in 'his' kitchen, he actually padded off a little, his voice low as he conversed with Cor. It was both a sign of trust that Gladio knew enough around the kitchen to figure things out as well as simply Ignis getting absorbed into work.. yet again. Rebuilding the world for the good of everyone was tiring and thankless and never ending, but work like that was something Ignis had done for years. He'd say he was used to it, but in truth, it wore him out quicker now than ever before.

He'd never admit it, though.

Three minutes into the conversation and he had his fingers up, dislodging his glasses so he could pinch the bridge of his nose in clear frustration. Cor was just as stubborn as he was and damn it, hadn't they already discussed this earlier in a meeting? Did the marshal not take notes??

"I told you, that isn't possible yet. That won't be a workable solution for another six- no. Three months isn't long enough..."

It isn't sounding good, and Gladio frowns as he picks his head up and listens to the conversation, a frown on his face as he watches Ignis start to get irritated.

Well, that isn't good. Cor is stubborn but usually he and Ignis agree. Gladio gets up from the table and makes his way over, his usual tactic of wrapping and arm around Ignis redeployed as he steps behind the other, pulling him in close. Over the phones least he can provide that kind of comfort, and he stays quiet for a few minutes more to let the conversation take it's course.

But it doesn't seem to go anywhere, and Ignis is more tense in his arms than ever. Gladio hasn't made any noise but his frown is evident, and he taps Ignis on the wrist before finally choosing to take control of the situation, plucking the phone from the other and moving his thumb to speaker so he can be heard.

"This isn't the time you two, not with the ambassador here tonight when you should be watching both him and the king. You can figure this out in the morning, got it?"

He doesn't rely wait for an answer, knowing he will pay for it later, and ends the call on Ignis' phone.

Gladio's presence was soothing, but Cor was ruthless once he had his mind set on something. Even standing there, wrapped in Gladio's embrace, wasn't enough to settle himself as the conversation drew out even longer. He should've expected the tap on the wrist, telling him that enough was enough, but there was still a noise of protest when Gladio pulled the phone away from him.

He didn't get a word in edgewise before Gladio had straight up told the Marshal off and when he heard the soft beep from his phone that told him the call was disconnected, he twisted just enough to shoot Gladio a less than pleased look.

"That was important."

"Keeping an eye on Noctis is important. that-" He waves a hand, indicating bullshit- "can be dealt with like it normally is."

Gladio rarely exerts any control over Ignis like that- he'll, Ignis would verbally (and physically) smack him down if he even thought of trying. They only have the evening together, a normal regular evening and not one with a late morning on the other side of it, and he wasn't going to let it end up with Ignis tangled in knots over work.

Although he may already be a bit late to that.

"Trust me on this one, okay? You need to eat, we need to celebrate, and we still gotta call iris and tell her the good news." The last part said with more of a smile, as if coaxing his lover into it.

"Yes, with hours of meetings now that Cor has a bug up his-"

At least Ignis had the grace to cut his words off before he could completely start on a real tirade. He muffled a sigh behind tense lips, his breath ghosting from his nose before he finally let himself lean back against Gladio. He was still tense, though and from the feel of it, that tension wasn't going away any time soon.

"... alright, but I'll need to get back to work once we're done eating. Cor wanted a resolution to the refugee issue that we've been going over and while I had some ideas, I need to rework them if I'm going to get them workable in three months..."

There was hesitation there, clearly pointing out that work was the last thing Ignis wanted to be doing, but as always, he was driven by an insane work ethic as well as sense of duty.

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