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

[fieryknowledge]

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.

Comments

[fieryknowledge]

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..."

[sworn_shield]

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.

[fieryknowledge]

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."

[sworn_shield]

"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.

[fieryknowledge]

"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.

[sworn_shield]

No, this wasn't turning out well at all. Gladio frowns a little, taking a slow steadying breath- Is this really how he wants Ignis to remember such an important day?

No, that's the answer. Gladio let the rest of the world have him every other time, but this, this was special. His mouth finds the shell of Ignis ear, voice a low and quiet rumble when he speaks, free arm coming up and his gloved hand catching Ignis chin between his fingers, requesting- no, demanding his attention.

"Wasn't a suggestion, Iggy. Cor's a big boy, if he wants a revised plan, he'll find an expert to look it over, but not even then till morning."

[fieryknowledge]

There was a flicker of protest in Ignis until he felt those fingers settle on his chin. Gladio's voice rolled through him almost like a shiver and he found himself slowly easing up as he gradually let himself relax, knowing Gladio would be there to keep up him upright. He knew that touch for what it was and almost wanted to weep in gratitude when he felt it. It was the chance to let himself go if he wanted to and honestly... knowing Gladio, even if he didn't.

In years past, Gladio had always seemed to know when Ignis needed that. It was part of why he loved him. He knew he could trust him enough to give himself over to the big man as he'd long ago given him his soul.

"... as you wish."

The words were soft, barely there, but clearly showing that Ignis welcomed what Gladio was offering.

[sworn_shield]

Ignis immediately starts to go pliant under his hold and Gladio is ready, holding just a little tighter at the waist to keep his lover there with him. With how easily he gives in its obvious he needed this, had let up the stress of taking care of everyone around him build and build, leaving nothing left for himself.

Poor Ignis. Gladio had knowing he was selfless even when they were small. When they grew closer and started becoming intimate it had been a problem, Ignis never letting himself fully enjoy until Gladio had cracked his code. It was rare he needed to pull this card as hard as he has now, but Gladio is glad he has.

"Thank you, love. We're gonna change plans just a little- Eat now, call Iris while we clean up, and then we are gonna blow off some steam, okay?"

The kiss he presses is to the back of his neck before he lets his lover go, not denying Ignis any hug or soft intimacy if he wants it- but the rest is better saved for being in the bedroom. For now, he just guides them back where their food is still waiting.

[fieryknowledge]

That was something Ignis had a nasty habit of doing. He gave and gave until he had nothing left to give and when he started to wear thin, he had a habit of taking it out on himself. He'd done it for as long as he could remember and while some saw it as the thing that made him indispensable to the King, even Noctis knew how destructive it could be if left unchecked. Hells, if Noctis knew that Ignis was already to this point, he might even order a day off just to get the adviser to rest up.

That was why Ignis rarely told him that he was worn out.

The kiss to the back of his neck pulled another soft sigh from him, but there was faint relief on his face when he moved to settle at the table to eat.

"I'll take care of cleaning up while you talk to Iris. I'm not sure I can handle the squealing that I expect to happen."

[sworn_shield]

Gladio, sure he made the right choice in intervening now, settles comfortably down to eat, Ignis food amazing as always. It isn't exactly too late in the day, the evening very dark because it was the winter months, but that was fine for their needs tonight, really. Once he wore Ignis out, they could clean up and rest early.

He laughs a little at the mention of his sister, and sips at his wine before answering. "I'm sure she'll have told everyone that she will be the one to walk me down the aisle by the time we get in tomorrow, so I can take the hit now." And well, the cat will just be out of the bag , but Ignis will be in a much better mood to deal with it.

[fieryknowledge]

"I'll prepare myself for the barrage of well wishes since we both know she won't be able to keep this on a need to know basis."

There was still a fine tension in Ignis, but each moment spent not thinking too hard on subjects best left alone for the evening seemed to ease Ignis' mood. Hopefully the morning will bring a well adjusted Ignis, ready to face his usual challenges without snapping at anyone he shouldn't.

Dinner passed quietly and quickly, even when Ignis' phone went off again. There was just a second of hesitation as the infernal device chimed, green eyes flicking up to settle on it before he just... let it go. There was no move to grab for it, no lingering glances back at it. Just... a denial to allow the device to control him for the evening. Not when there was someone else there that would prove to be better at it.

"Go ahead and call her if you like. I'll get the leftovers put up and dishes soaking."

[sworn_shield]

Gladio only looks at the phone to make sure it isn't Noctis or an emergency alert, and when he finds that it isn't- It isn't even Cor again- He settles back in to eat. Ignis has to make his choice and Gladio is glad to see that already he is having a positive effect on the other as he lets it go, and with a brief smile he takes Ignis' hand for a moment, thumb tracing the new ring there as a sign of comfort and promise.

When dinner was finished, Gladio stretches, happily full. His cock gives a little twinge at hearing Ignis a little eager to go along with his plans, and he smiles happily at his lover and helps bring his plate to the kitchen as one last small sign of affection, following right after him.

"Sure thing babe. If you finish before me, everything off below the waist, okay? Then wait for me on the bed."

Wait, in this context, is a little less easygoing. With a soft order like that it is pretty clear Gladio's definition of wait is to assume a position of waiting, his lover on his knees spread wide at the edge of the bed, feet nearly dangling off the edge. Meant to keep him anticipating, through Gladio would never start laying into him without checking in on his mental state first.

Because Ignis has put that In his hands right now. Phone call starting, he leaves for the balcony, cold air rushing in but worth it to take the call thst might set off Ignis' still-shot nerves privately.

[fieryknowledge]

The order made Ignis' stomach twist in odd ways. There was anticipation there, a hint of what was to come thanks to the conditions laid out in that order, but there was a faint undercurrent of fear. It wasn't something that he ever spoke of with Gladio simply because that was a failure all his own. Ignis worked himself to the bone in service to others, but even now, with years of experience under his belt, there were moments he felt as if he wasn't enough. Inadequate. That one day, Gladio would see that. Sure, his rational mind knew better and he really owed Gladio more than that kind of thinking, but again, that failing was his and his alone.

He watched as Gladio made his way to the balcony and silently mused to himself that if he knew Iris, he'd have plenty of time to actually finish the dishes and not just wash them. Sure enough, he did. Once he had them drying, he made his way to the bedroom and did as he'd been told, deft fingers undoing and stripping away anything below his waist. Once he was done, he gave himself a quick once over, then pulled his glasses off and settled them on the large dresser he shared with Gladio and settled himself into position.

He knew how Gladio had wanted him. Years together had taught him such things. Gladio would find him on his knees at the edge of the bed, his toes hanging off the edge and the loose, faintly wrinkled shirt tail draped over his newly bared skin.

[sworn_shield]

His sister's happy yammering ("It took you guys FOREVER!") Only serves to make Gladio laugh, smile back on his face as she describes how hilariously disgruntled Cor had been about Gladio hanging up on him, The Marshal offering begrudging (Only for the slight, not the occasion) congratulations to the both of them from the background. It takes a good ten minutes to get off the phone, citing that he can't keep his Fiance waiting before he is able to go. Iris informs him that they will certainly be celebrating after the formal dinner tommrow.

Gods does this feel good. When Gladio walks in he can't help but feel his heart bursting with happiness, and he settles next to the other on the bed, one hand going through Ignis hair as he leans in to kiss him, cold skin already warming back up.

"She's so damn excited for us, Iggy." He says, love in his eyes even as he undoes his boots, settling in a little more comfortable, trying to make the scene comfortable as well, because that was the only way Ignis can be in the state of mind Gladio wants him in. This isn't a punishment, it never is, just a way to make him let go of everything he needs to.

"And so am I. I know it won't change much, but it's what we need." Gladio has his love, deeply and immeasurable, but this just feels like the smallest last step to go with it.

Still smiling, he trails his hand down his lover's back, gently stroking over his spine, all the way down to his tailbone. Ready to focus on this now. "Let's keep your color green, okay Ignis? You tell me if it changes." As usual, yellow if it starts to get too much and they need to readjust, or red if Gladio needs to stop on a dime. It's the easiest way for this to go, because sometimes Gladio is just moving too fast, and Ignis can warn him without having to pull the plug.

[fieryknowledge]

He couldn't help but shoot him a sidelong glance, a faint smile teasing at his lips. Oh, he expected Iris to be thrilled and if he knew her, he knew that Gladio would be in for a world of hurt once she got her hand into helping plan things. It could be a disaster but in the end, it would be just right for them. Just wait until Noctis found out. They could conspire about wedding plans together.

The glide of a warm hand along his back made that smile inch up a bit more as he nodded his agreement, absently leaning into that touch. Not many knew it, but the adviser enjoyed physical contact and craved it from those he loved and trusted, Iris, Prompto and Noctis included much to the King's chagrin at times.

"I will."

[sworn_shield]

Settling them both in, Gladio looks his lover over, feeling him arch into the touch of his hand looking for contact. Instead of taking it away he continues to give it, even as he finally stands up off the bed, indicating that he was nearly ready to take Ignis mind apart and put the King's advisor back together again, all his stress released.

"You just tell me if it changes, babe." He murmmrrs, slow and warm as he finally gets into the right mindset himself, ignoring the growing feeling of arousal and the thought of anything outside this room to put him there.

"I'm gonna take everything off you, piece by piece, button by button. Give your pretty little ass a lovetap for each one." His voice is soothing and low again, loving and warm both, even while telling him, not asking if it was okay. He knew it was what Ignis needed. "By the end of it you'll be hard and needy for me just the way I like, and I'll give you what you crave the most then."

Gladio leans in, pressing a kiss to the top of Ignis head as his hand finally stops to caress the firm flesh of his ass. Caress, then pull back, and after he reaches around to undo the top button on that high collar, he brings it back down on him with an open handed smack.

The leather of his glove turns the noise into a loud, satisfying crack.

[fieryknowledge]

Hearing Gladio's plan for him made Ignis ache, the catch in his breath a clear sign of just how eager he was to be taken apart. It was all too easy to let his eyes close as he tried to sink back into that headspace that he knew would bring him a modicum of peace. It was never easy to let himself go, even if he knew that Gladio was there to keep him safe so when that first strike came, he answered with a sharp hiss and newly tensed muscles as his nerves prickled up with protest.

There was no move to shift away from that stinging contact, though. Not when he knew that it was what he needed.

[sworn_shield]

Once the first strike had been delivered, Gladio keptbhis hand over the spot, murmmering soothing words to his lover to try and get him to relax again. He leans into kiss him, knowing that it is a good distraction from all their years together, but at the same time he allows his thumb to press into and stroke over irritated and pinkening skin. A distraction his lover needs, yes, but also a reminder that this is what is going on, what Gladio was doing to him.

Once he's satisfied that Ignis is settling properly, another button comes undone. His hand comes down again, close to the same spot but not overlapping yet. The third and the fourth ones go much the same on his other asscheek, with almost a minute in between of Gladio soothing his lover before the next strike, helping him get into it.

[fieryknowledge]

His skin was a constant sting now, the flesh warm and clearly irritated. The quiet protests had died off already, each strike met with nothing more than a soft gasp or soon enough, a shaky sigh that ended up ghosting against Gladio's lips. His heartbeat had already picked up the pace as his body worked to adjust to the flickers of pain, but don't think parts of him hadn't taken notice of the situation. His cock was already on its way to hardening.

[sworn_shield]

Ignis let's go of his protests thankfully quickly, and Gladio murmmers his approval to the man, sitting on the side of the bed so he can reach his shirt and continue to spank him at the same time. It also allows him to place those kisses on his mouth, to get a good look at his lover- How his pupils diliate with pleasure and pain bloom, even in the flush on his skin.

"There you go Iggy, uou just let it all out. I've got you." He says, getting those last two buttons of his shirt undone, and then his hand comes down twice in quick succession, sudden and with only that little bit of warning.

[fieryknowledge]

The last two strikes pulled a low grunt from Ignis as he felt the pain slowly starting to edge into pleasure. When he was young and first discovering that side of him, he had thought he was broken, that something was wrong with him. It had taken time and patience for him to learn, with Gladio's help, that there was nothing wrong with him. That was the reason why there was no hesitation to let Gladio see that side of him.

Slim fingers tightened in the blanket he was kneeling on as he slowly let his head drop, breaking a bit of the contact between himself and Gladio. It wasn't avoidance, really. It was simply a way for him to ease his way into the headspace that would bring him relief in time.

[sworn_shield]

Ignis is quiet and Gladio does not mind, knowing that was how the other just was. It took a lot more than just getting him to submit, and he loves those few breathy and catches noises as much as he loves it when Ignis can't hold back voicing himself.

He can see Ignis' cock hardening with interest, but now isn't the time to touch quite yet. He presses his mouth to the top of his head again before standing, moving behind Ignis now. They have always done this in a certain way, and he knows the little stages of it where Ignis needs to be touched softly and lovingly, or when he needs Gladio to be purely focused on spanking him.

Another crack of his hand hits his ass, layering them over each other now to blur pleasure and pain. He undoes the shirt garter on one side and spanks the other for each clip that needs to come off, less time between hard smacks this time that net him neatly eight in a row, four for each garter as he tosses then off to the side of the bed.

[fieryknowledge]

This time, there's a low, quiet groan that he couldn't quite hold back even if he wanted to. He knew better, really. Gladio had long since learned how to listen in for his tells and he had a suspicion that each noise the Shield could pull from him was a small victory.

Teeth sink into his lower lip as he absently let himself lean back into the strikes, breath catching at the last one. His skin felt like it was burning now, nerves alight and pinging.

[sworn_shield]

"That's it, babe." Gladio murmmered, smile on his lips and he leaves his hand where it is, massaging sore flesh gently, petting over him after that quick series of spanking. He lets that stay for a bit as he moves behind the other, inserting his large fame against him to lean on. His knees have settled outside his legs, knowing that makes him feel even bigger than usual behind him.

"I know you like it when I make you feel good like this, so you just share that with those pretty little noises, alright?"

His free hand comes down now to slide over a hip as he coaxes his lover into kiss, gloved hand sliding down to find Ignis' hardening arousal, stroking him gently.

[fieryknowledge]

It was all too easy to let himself lean up and back, pressing back against Gladio's sturdy frame. The kiss was a natural progression of that contact, leaving him groaning into Gladio's mouth as he felt warm leather close around his cock. Instinct pushed him toward canting his hips against those knowing fingers but this wasn't his scene to run. Sure, it was for his benefit, but he didn't want to push Gladio and tempt a punishment even if he could withstand one.

He broke the kiss with a gasp as he let his head tip back to rest against Gladio's shoulder, baring his neck as he fought to keep still. Still trying his best to keep some control over himself and the situation.