Chapter Text
Ignis was careful to avoid Gladio over the next. He felt like there was a breach in his defenses that he couldn’t patch. If his already fragile fortress lost anymore of its structure, it was going to be irreparable. He wasn’t equipped for such a thing, nor could he be responsible for anything he said or did around the Shield.
It is imperative you regain control of yourself before you see him again.
In the halls of the Citadel, he didn’t have to pretend to be busy when he rushed past Gladio. After work he said nothing or made excuses as to why he wasn’t available. Ignis hoped with time he could shore himself up against Gladio. It felt like he was haphazardly flinging brick and mortar, hoping it would firm up into something that could keep out the battering ram of fantasies involving Gladio. No treatise on war or diplomatic record had ever prepared him for an assault from within his own mind.
The following Monday was his deadline; they were scheduled to set out for the outposts then. If he couldn’t cobble together a better plan, Ignis knew he may as well admit defeat.
Before he knew it, it was Saturday and his hope at holding out was returning. Today he had set aside to do some baking, both for Noctis and his own benefit.
Ever since Noctis was attacked as a child by a rampaging daemon, something within the prince had changed. Ignis had spent his life trying to assuage that darkness wedged in his prince’s heart through whatever means he could. When Noctis had mentioned in passing that he had shared a dessert with Lunafreya in Tenebrae, Ignis had asked him to describe it. He hoped that in recreating it he would remind Noctis of his time spent with the young Oracle and bring them closer together in his own way.
With Noctis’ memory of the pastry vague, Ignis took the liberty of testing variations on the crust and filling. Today he was trying what was shaping up to be his favorite so far. The filling was homemade orange jam with a whipped cream cheese topping sweetened with honey and flavored with orange zest.
While Ignis was mixing the topping and preparing to pipe it, he heard his phone buzz on the table. He set the piping bag down and checked it in case it was Noctis in need of help. Ignis sighed, affection and frustration warring in his breast at Gladio’s name on his screen.
Against his better judgment, Ignis read the message from his notification bar: Mind if I stop by?
Ignis debated ignoring the message. He didn’t feel strong enough yet to resist Gladio.
You agreed to this. You wanted Gladio to convince you. Why are you fighting so hard?
He exhaled slowly through his nose and set his phone back down on the counter where he couldn’t see it. Ignis picked up his piping bag and paused again.
What if he’s already nearby?
Ignis fought the urge to check his window to see if Gladio was standing outside the apartment complex. Knowing Gladio, he might wait an unreasonable amount of time for a response. He was likely stubborn enough to wait until the sun went down. Ignis didn’t know if he could take the guilt.
You do realize you’re hung up on a hypothetical scenario, don’t you?
“I should have more sense than this. I’m about to make an unwise decision, aren’t I?” Ignis said aloud to his half finished pastries. “Gods, I’ve gone mad. I’m talking to confections.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose under his glasses. He had successfully dodged him all week only for his discipline to fail now. At this point Gladio was a more potent drug than caffeine to Ignis. As absurd as it was, Ignis swore he was having some sort of withdrawals. There were some moments Ignis missed Gladio so strongly that he felt it as a physical pain. If he could see him for just a bit, perhaps it would take the edge off his discomfort.
Ignis shook his head and snatched his phone up before he could think better of it. His fingers flew: I’m in the middle of something, but you’re welcome to come in for a little while.
Gladio’s response vibrated in his hand: Great, I’ll be there in maybe half an hour. I won’t stay long.
Ignis knew finishing Noctis’ pastries wouldn’t take but another minute or two. He glanced around at the extra ingredients and knew if he sat idle while waiting for Gladio, he would fret.
“May as well keep busy.”
He quickly whipped up an airy cake batter, an old favorite he was practicing since he hadn’t made it in so long. The precise work held his attention enough to keep him from overthinking. As long as he was busy, he wouldn’t second guess himself.
You will remain calm. It’s only a short visit. You won’t do anything foolish.
Gladio’s knock pulled him from his trance just as he was putting the pan in the oven. He wiped his hands quickly on his apron and answered his door.
“Hello.” Ignis managed to remain neutral though his heart felt buoyant at seeing Gladio. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“I was taking Iris to a sleepover with her friend and I wanted to see you.” Gladio’s eyes were soft on Ignis' face. “That’s all.”
Ignis rested his hands on his hips, both suspicious of Gladio’s answer and thrilled by it. "You see me at work frequently."
"Yeah, but not like this." Gladio looked him over as if committing him to memory. "I can't stop and appreciate the view, especially since you don’t want to draw attention." He loved seeing Ignis in an apron. It was one of the secret things he couldn’t help but fantasize about when he was alone at night.
He’s going to notice if you don’t stop staring.
“A surprise like this would definitely turn heads at the Citadel.” Gladio offered the bouquet Ignis hadn’t realized he was hiding behind his back. They had mutually decided to keep their arrangement private for now, especially from Noct. Neither of them wanted to complicate things by having to worry about outside interference or rumors.
“You brought me flowers,” Ignis said slowly. He stared uncomprehending for a moment. It was a gorgeous arrangement of red spider lilies, velvety crimson roses, and white chrysanthemums. Gladio held them out to him with a smile and Ignis took them gingerly. Their scent was delicate and reminded him that the change in seasons was happening quickly this year.
“Thank you,” Ignis gazed up at Gladio with wonder.
“You’re welcome.” Gladio smirked as he folded his arms. “What’s with that look? You’re acting like you’ve never gotten flowers before.”
“I haven’t.” Ignis wasn’t quite sure where to look so he stared at the spots on a lily. They reminded him of flecks of blood. For a moment he was standing alone, surrounded by white flowers, the sweet scent of grief cloying. “I don’t suppose I’ve ever held a bouquet for a happy reason.”
Shit.
Gladio felt like an idiot. He reached out and stroked the back of his finger down Ignis’ cheek. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Ignis raised his eyes. “They’re lovely.”
“I thought you might like something colorful since you always brighten up my day.”
Ignis didn’t know what to say to that. He had noticed Gladio made no move to step further inside or take his shoes off. “Where are my manners? Come in.”
Gladio hung back. He knew that baking was one of the few ways Ignis relaxed and he didn’t want to impose. “I sprang this on you last minute.You don’t have to ask me in.”
I don’t know if I can be trusted alone with you if you look like that.
“I insist.” Ignis opened the door wider and stepped aside. He felt compelled to give Gladio something meaningful in return, and luckily he had just the thing. “I’m nearly done. I just put the last cake in the oven. It’s yours, but it won’t be done for a while.”
It was Gladio’s turn to be still. “You made something for me?”
“Yes.” Ignis glanced back at his kitchen. “You can either wait until it’s ready, or I can drop it off later.”
“I’ll wait.” Gladio stepped in and shrugged out of his thin jacket. It was warm with the oven going and it smelled heavenly in Ignis’ apartment. “Wouldn’t make sense for you to go out of your way if I’m already here.”
Gladio followed Ignis. He tried to think of anything else besides how Ignis’ apron swayed above his knees, and how it cinched behind his neck and lower back. They would make the perfect handles to grab him by.
You’re doing it again. Gladio shook his head as if to shoo away his traitorous thoughts.
“Were you baking just ‘cause?” He asked to distract himself and because he was genuinely curious.
“Yes and no.” He nodded to the tarts on the table. “I wanted to try something new and I promised Noct an incentive if he did well on his exams. He and Prompto performed exceptionally, so I’m holding up my end of the bargain. Pardon me a moment while I look for a vase.”
While Ignis searched his cabinets, Gladio looked around the kitchen. Ignis worked as neatly as he could but the counters were dusted with flour and his utensils were strewn about. He had already set aside a container for Noctis and Prompto, but there were a few left over that weren’t visually up to Ignis’ standards.
“Apologies for the mess.” Ignis appeared at his elbow, dusting his hands on his apron. The flowers sat in the window catching the rays of sun filtering in through the trees. “I was just about to clean up.”
“I’m glad I get to see this.” Gladio leaned against the wall. “You’re always so tidy, it’s nice to know you’re human too.”
Ignis was going to say something but Gladio leaned over him and examined his face. “You’ve got something here.” He wiped Ignis’ cheek with his thumb and brought it to his lips. “Mmm,” Gladio hummed as he licked it. “Tasty.”
Ignis stiffened. He hadn’t realized he had smeared cream on his cheek when he pushed up his glasses earlier. He was flustered by Gladio’s cavalier treatment and resorted to being stoic. “Telling me I had something on my face would have been sufficient.”
“Eh.” Gladio’s shrug was entirely unrepentant. “I like my way better.”
Ignis chose to ignore him and reached for one of the finished pastries. “If you liked that, then try this.” He offered it to Gladio who lightly held Ignis’ wrist and raised his hand to his mouth. He took a bite and licked his lips, holding Ignis’ stare.
Gladio finished it on the second bite and wrapped his lips around the tip of Ignis’ thumb. He slowly sucked off any remaining crumbs and licked the tip of his index finger, letting his tongue linger a little longer than necessary.
“Delicious,” he murmured as he let go of Ignis’ wrist.
A few days hadn’t been enough to inure him to Gladio’s unabashedly salacious nature. Ignis couldn’t think as Gladio ate from his hand. All consuming heat welled up within him and overtook his senses.
You knew what you were doing when you invited him in. You wanted this to happen. You want him.
Ignis slid his arms around Gladio’s neck and leaned up on his toes to kiss him slowly. Ignis could still taste a hint of citrus and honey as he slid his tongue across Gladio’s. It made the Shield’s surprised moan all the sweeter.
“You’re staring more than usual.” Ignis narrowed his eyes shrewdly. “Could it be the apron?”
Gladio’s lashes flustered as he looked down again, unintentionally giving himself away. Ignis smiled. “It is, isn’t it?”
“It looks good on you,” Gladio admitted. His throat bobbed as he struggled to bring his eyes back to Ignis’ face. “Really good.”
Ignis felt like he had stumbled upon an unexpected treasure. He was intrigued by Gladio’s fixation. “You look as if there’s something you want to ask me.”
I can’t believe I’m doing this again , Gladio spared half a thought to admonish himself. It was a perfect storm, and he was unprepared against the elements. Gladio pressed Ignis’ hips against the countertop. He snaked his arms around his waist and whispered against Ignis’ ear, “Have you ever worn your apron with nothing underneath?”
“Can’t say I have.” Ignis shivered as Gladio nuzzled his throat. “It wouldn’t be very practical.”
“Practical isn’t the point. I think you’d look incredible.” Gladio grazed his teeth down the side of Ignis’ neck, as if he could just barely resist taking a bite. “People would pay to see that. Hell, I would pay.”
That only piqued Ignis’ interests further. “How much are we talking?”
Gladio sounded breathless as he considered. From the way he looked, Ignis didn’t doubt that the Shield would have parted with a small fortune.
“Unfortunately for you, I would never accept credits for such a thing.” Ignis ran his hand up Gladio’s head, combing against the grain of his hair. He knew he had all the leverage right now, and he was drunk on the power to use it. So rarely did he have such a clear advantage over the Shield.
“However, I may be amenable to a trade.”
“You already have my whole heart, Iggy,” Gladio answered sultrily. He tipped Ignis’ face up with his thumb and forefinger and looked deeply into his eyes. “You gonna take my soul too?”
As he gazed into Gladio’s eyes, he felt awe once more that the Shield could be so transparent with his feelings. Even if Ignis didn’t believe he could ever fully accept Gladio’s love and freely return it, he could stand and face it without feeling so afraid. Ignis felt some guilt at taking advantage of Gladio this way, but the Shield seemed more than happy to play into his scheme.
“I was thinking more along the lines of a favor.”
“Name it.” Gladio didn’t hesitate. “Whatever it is, it’s done.”
“That’s the catch. I haven’t decided what I want from you yet, so I’d like to be able to ask you for one favor I can redeem at my leisure.” Ignis leaned up to whisper in Gladio’s ear. “In return, I’ll grant your wish.”
“Deal.” Gladio growled as he crushed his lips against Ignis’. He didn’t wait to start helping Ignis out of his clothes. He worked around the apron so that it didn’t have to come off.
“Let me get a good look at you.” Gladio held Ignis away from him just enough to see him in all his glory. The apron just barely covered the fronts of Ignis’ thighs and his nipples peeked out from either side of the high neck. Gladio was speechless at how the skirt of the apron revealed hints of Ignis’ hips and bare back. He’d had dreams like this with Ignis at his fingertips, but he always woke up too soon.
“You’re so fucking hot, I can’t stand it.”
“I haven’t even turned around.” Ignis held Gladio at bay with a hand and slowly showed him his back, keeping his eyes on Gladio’s face as much as he could. He watched the Shield trace the strings down to the knot crossing his hips just above his buttocks. “Is this the view you were so eager to sell your soul for?”
Gladio swore beneath his breath and kissed the nape of Ignis’ neck, his hands cupping the adviser’s finely sculpted cheeks. Gladio pressed Ignis against the table and bent him over it. He kissed his way down Ignis’ neck and spine. His lips only left Ignis’ skin to ask, “How long do we have until your timer goes off?”
Ignis had to glance up and force himself to read the time. “About half an hour.”
“I can work with that.” Gladio lightly scratched his fingers down Ignis’ shoulders. “I know last time you asked me to choke you, but I have a different idea you might like. I won’t have to worry too much about hurting you either.” He rubbed one of Ignis’ cheeks, dragging his palm up and down it. “Have you ever been spanked?”
Ignis half turned, intrigued by Gladio’s offer. He considered it a moment. “No, though, I am open to trying.”
“We’ll keep it simple to make this quick. If it hurts or you need me to stop for any reason, just tell me stop or get up from the table. I’ll have a hand on you, but I won’t hold you down. That sound good?”
“Yes. That’s more than acceptable.”
Ignis watched as Gladio tested a soft silicone spatula head against his own forearm first. It was flexible and broad, perfect for dissipating energy over an area.
“This’ll do. I’ll start easy.” He lightly smacked Ignis, a blow heard more than felt.
Ignis rolled his eyes. “You can do harder than that.” Gladio tried again with more force. “ Harder .” Ignis urged him. Gladio incrementally added weight to his blows until Ignis was satisfied. “That’s superb, Gladio. Just like that.”
As Gladio covered his ass in controlled slaps, Ignis could feel himself dripping down his length. His cock tensed in time with each sweet impact. It was painful, but only just. Ignis’ tolerance was quite high and Gladio had to be careful not to leave significant welts. Only when Ignis’ cheeks glowed rosy pink did Gladio decide he’d had enough.
Gladio knelt down and inspected Ignis’ skin, caressing with his fingers and littering his ass with kisses to ease the sting. “I normally don’t like sweets this much, but you’re making me crave honeyed buns.”
Gladio chuckled as he drizzled honey from a nearby jar over Ignis’ tender cheeks. It was cold by comparison to his skin, and it oozed like a salve down his backside.
“They may be a tad overdone,” Ignis chuckled.
“They look perfect to me.” Gladio grinned broadly before lapping up the back of Ignis’ thigh to catch some stray honey. Ignis leaned his forehead against the table at how Gladio’s tongue felt like wet velvet dragging against his burning skin. The trail of kisses he left was sweet against the spice of the lingering pain.
Gladio’s mouth was even warmer than Ignis’ flesh and the air cooled the trail he left. Gladio was thorough in making sure he cleaned up the mess he made. He could hear Ignis’ breath tremble when he licked up the droplets closest to his valley.
Ignis moaned involuntarily when Gladio’s tongue swept up his wanting crease and took his time probing. He pressed softly, undulating his tongue against the puckered flesh until Ignis spread his legs further apart and leaned against Gladio’s mouth.
“I thought you were more patient than this.” Gladio firmly grabbed the back of Ignis’ thighs to keep him from moving. He used his thumbs to part Ignis’ ass wider. “You’re a delicacy I’m going to savor right down to the very. Last. Bite.” He lightly dragged his teeth down Ignis’ cheek, nibbling just beneath the swell of it. He could see Ignis’ entrance twitch as he spoke.
Ignis clung to the smallest splinter of composure he could find. “I’ll be patient so long as you feast to your heart’s content.”
“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that. I don’t hold back when I dig in.” Gladio teased him with the flat of his tongue. He lightly spanked both cheeks, making a pleased sound at how he felt Ignis’ entrance twitch.
A wordless exclamation rose from low in Ignis’ throat as Gladio unapologetically swirled smaller and smaller circles against his pliant hole, lazily switching directions like he was contemplating how to break him down.
Ignis pressed his knuckles to his mouth and bit them at how spectacularly Gladio ate him out. No one had ever gone down on him like this before; he had never trusted anyone enough to accept being in such a prone position. Gladio’s strong tongue left him trembling and sweating. He wondered if he was just that sensitive, or if Gladio was exceptionally skilled, and quickly came to the conclusion that it was both.
Gladio speared the tip of his tongue against his tight ring and clamped his lips around the edge. He was unhurried, yet obstinate, a maddening combination that made Ignis want to buck against Gladio’s face.
The lewd sounds of Gladio devouring him and the rough way he kneaded Ignis’ sore cheeks only added to the layers of sensations. With his hands clamped around his thighs and entrance succumbing to Gladio’s siege, Ignis was coming undone at the seams.
“Gladio.” Ignis arched his back and craned his neck to see. “I’m already close. So near that I’m—” He broke off soundlessly as he felt the beginning of his orgasm cresting. “I’m there,” he cried hoarsely.
The folds of his apron beneath him caught his spend as he ground himself against the table in time to Gladio’s vigorous lashing. Ignis braced himself against the surface, faintly wondering how he’d ever be able to eat here again without recalling this exact moment.
Gladio ran his hands carefully over Ignis, soothing his skin with just a touch of healing magic. He was beginning to make peace that small amounts of pain were acceptable if he could undo them.
“Told you I could work with a time limit.”
As Ignis tried to ask what he meant, the timer for the oven went off. He had completely forgotten he’d been in the middle of baking something. Truly nothing else mattered when Gladio was pleasing him.
Ignis stood and had to reorient himself. He mentally talked himself through putting on his oven mitts and removing the cake. He set it down and turned to Gladio, instinctively moving to kiss him.
Gladio quickly turned his head away. “I shouldn’t after that.”
“Right.” Ignis inwardly grimaced. He hadn’t much experience with this and in his daze forgotten it was unsanitary. “There’s a spare toothbrush and mouthwash in the bathroom cabinet. Use whatever you need.”
“Thanks. Be right back.”
Ignis assessed how the cake had turned out to calm himself. If he thought too long about how he was standing in his kitchen in nothing but a come stained apron, he would start to question his sanity. By the time Gladio was finished, he had moved the cake to a cooling rack. It was perfectly done with just the right color and rise he was hoping for.
“All clean now.” Gladio kissed Ignis with unabated hunger. “Seeing you like this doesn’t get old. It’s better than I could have imagined.”
“Your cake still has to cool before I can decorate it.” Ignis stepped out of Gladio’s reach and plucked a pastry from the counter. He leaned back carefully so that one of his hips was more exposed and the apron fell away from his thigh, leaving him just barely covered. “That means I won’t be taking this apron off just yet.”
He took another bite while holding Gladio’s gaze, and licked his fingers clean. “I wonder, what could we do with all that extra time?”
It was exhilarating to see Gladio’s self control at war with his baser instincts. Ignis wanted to see Gladio undisciplined again. He would deal with the consequences later.
“While your tongue was exquisite, I find I need something more filling.” He slid a brazen hand down Gladio’s chest, lower over his taut abdomen, until he gripped him through his pants. “I’ve had enough sweets. I’d like something savory.”
“Oh?” Gladio pressed himself into Ignis’ hand. “How do you take your meat?”
“Medium rare, usually. But in this case, I think raw would be perfect.” He saw the exact moment Gladio’s control snapped and it sent a thrill up his spine.
The Shield was practically drooling as he threw Ignis over his shoulder. They didn’t even make it to the bedroom before Gladio decided he couldn’t wait any longer. He unzipped his pants, spat on his palm to slick himself, and lined himself up with Ignis against the nearest wall.
Ignis clung to Gladio’s shoulders and hooked his ankles behind Gladio’s back, utterly at the Shield’s mercy as he plunged into him. Trapped midair against the wall, Ignis reveled in the indulgent lack of control. All he could do was ride out Gladio’s passion and let it carry him away. If an apron and a few innuendos were all it took to make Gladio go this wild, Ignis felt like it was almost unfair he had such an unholy trick up his sleeve.
Gladio leaned his forehead against Ignis’, clutching the side of his face with one hand while his other arm held Ignis up. His eyes were molten with unadulterated desire. Ignis felt like he would slip into them and emerge gilded. Changed. New.
Ignis ran his hands through Gladio’s hair and dug his fingers into his back through his shirt. The fact that Gladio was so intent on him that he hadn’t even bothered to undress began to push Ignis toward another mind shattering climax.
“You deserve more than just flowers,” Gladio rasped as he pumped into Ignis. “I’d give you the whole damn world if I could.”
“I don’t need it.” Ignis’ glasses were slipping down the bridge of his nose as he tried to hold out a little longer. ”This is more than enough.”
“It’ll never be enough.” Gladio adamantly thrust and hoisted Ignis higher on the wall with his hips alone. Ignis gasped loudly and clenched his legs tighter around Gladio’s waist. “Not for me. I want to give you everything.”
“Come inside me. That’s the only ‘everything’ I need from you right now.” Gladio was so deep inside him that Ignis was certain they were as close as anatomically possible to fusing.
“Whatever you want, Iggy. I’ll grant all your wishes. Every last one.” Gladio pounded Ignis faster still and the shelves on the wall shook. Ignis was beyond caring if they fell or if the rattling picture frames shattered. He was beyond conscious thought. His glasses fogged over though he could see Gladio over them. He exclaimed wordlessly as Gladio bucked him like a wild stallion trying to throw him from his back.
“That’s it. Oh, gods, yes. Yes!” Ignis held Gladio as they climaxed one after the other. He felt like a star had burst inside him, leaving his vision hazy and insides melted. Gladio moaned long and low as he gushed into Ignis.
They breathed for a moment, frozen as they were. Impaled, Ignis took a moment to appreciate how skilled Gladio was at wielding both steel and flesh. Both massive instruments took more finesse than one might think; brute force alone wouldn’t have the intended effect. He felt slain in the best sense of the word.
Gladio still had his face pressed to Ignis’ shoulder as he recovered. Now that he had some clarity out of the fog of his lust, what he had done set in. Without lifting his head, he sighed, “I did it again.”
“You did.” Ignis thought he was encouraging Gladio. “Superbly, I might add.”
“I’m sorry, Ignis.”
“Whatever for?” Ignis caressed his fingers down the back of Gladio’s head. He held nothing but tenderness for the man both holding him and collapsing against him. “You were magnificent in every way.”
“I didn’t mean to have sex with you.” Gladio looked up and Ignis was taken aback by the shame in his eyes. “Honestly, it was the last thing I was trying to do.”
Ignis had known Gladio didn’t want to come inside, yet he pulled him in anyway. Gladio had avoided looking at him, and Ignis had purposely tempted him. He’d been selfish and the shadow in Gladio’s eyes was his doing.
He touched Gladio’s cheek. “In that case, I’m the one who should be apologizing. I weaponized your fetish against you. After seeing how it affected you, I continued to push."
“You didn’t do anything wrong. I could have done a lot of things differently.” Gladio stepped back and carefully sat on the couch with Ignis on his lap. He held him tightly, still sheathed so he wouldn’t spill out.
Gladio took Ignis’ face in his hand and studied his face solemnly. “I’m no good at romance. Never have been. Sex is what I’m used to, and it’s the only way I really bond in a relationship. It’s all that people want from me most of the time.”
Gladio stroked his thumbs across Ignis' cheeks. “I can’t keep my hands off you, but that doesn’t mean that’s the only reason I want to date you. With you, sex isn’t the only thing I think about. There’s so much more.
“I missed you. Wanted to hear your voice, see your smile. Don’t get me wrong, the sex is amazing, but it’s you I keep coming back for. I’m doing a real shit job of showing you that though.”
Ignis felt an unexpected lump in his throat. He could see Gladio was struggling to bear his heart to him and that he was deeply troubled. Afraid, even. Slowly he leaned forward and touched his forehead to Gladio’s, the tips of their noses brushing.
“If I’m being honest, I missed you too.” He pressed his hands to Gladio’s chest, one over his heart and the other cradling the side of his neck.
Say it. Look him in the eye and say it. Honor his bravery with some of your own.
“I love that the first flowers I received are from you,” Ignis murmured. He felt like a coward for skirting around what he actually meant, but it was still a step forward. “To know you thought of me means more than you can imagine.”
“You deserve to have people think about you. You deserve more credit, more appreciation, more everything.” Gladio closed his eyes. “I just wish people could see you like I do.”
Ignis could see how much it pained Gladio that Ignis wasn’t a priority to very many, often not even to himself.
“I will always be the quiet support at Noct’s back while you walk in front of him. That is how it has always been, and always shall remain.”
Ignis traced Gladio’s brow, his cheekbone, the solemn set of his mouth. “I have made my peace with the roles we have been assigned. I’m content going unnoticed and being underestimated. So long as I can serve Noct, I’m satisfied to have a purpose.”
“Are you happy though?” Gladio opened his eyes, and they were uncharacteristically melancholy.
“My happiness isn’t your responsibility,” Ignis said kindly. “But I thank you for your concern.”
“That doesn’t stop me from wanting to do things for you.” Gladio sighed, not pressing the fact that Ignis didn’t answer. “I need to do a better job of showing you how much you mean to me.”
Ignis kissed Gladio’s bottom lip and coaxed him into a kiss, if only to bring him closer to smiling again. “For what it’s worth, I think you’re being too hard on yourself. I know who you are, and I know you mean the things you say. You’ve never given me a single reason to doubt you.”
Not like me.
Gladio played with the apron band around Ignis’ waist. He ran his thumb over it, strumming it like a guitar string as he searched Ignis’ face for any sign of what he heard hiding in Ignis’ voice. He felt the warmth in it, same as the one in his breast. Maybe if he called out to it, Ignis’ heart would answer.
The Shield kissed Ignis softly, lips brushing his as he whispered, “I love you.”
He watched his words land a little differently this time. Their weight settled behind Ignis’ eyes with deeper understanding, and maybe a little acceptance.
Ignis dipped his head graciously without pushing back. He smoothed Gladio’s shirt down, finding it difficult to meet his gaze. “You should know my own experience with romance is severely limited. Any attempts have ended swiftly and poorly. Perhaps my standards are not what they should be, but so far I think you’ve gone above and beyond to be attentive toward me.
“You don’t have to worry about me misunderstanding your intentions. It’s clear you care for my well-being and you’re very vocal where your feelings are concerned.”
Even if I haven’t been.
“If sex is how you find it easiest to express yourself, I can handle that. If I didn't want to do anything, I have no trouble saying so. Sex with you is vastly different from what I’ve come to expect with partners. It feels more complex and meaningful than transactional.”
Gladio nodded. "That's a good way to put it." When he and someone didn't click but they decided to sleep together anyway just to relieve some tension, he often left feeling like it had been nothing more than a trade. With Ignis sex wasn't the whole point, but it was a very satisfying bonus. That Ignis felt the same way put some of Gladio's worries to rest.
“I also think you should know the flowers weren’t my only first today.” Ignis raised a brow suggestively.
Gladio leaned back and blinked. He knew the spanking was new to Ignis.
So what else…?
“Oh.” His cheeks colored slightly as he realized he had naturally assumed Ignis had been rimmed before. “Did you… like it?”
“Very much so. They do say good things come in threes, and I’d have to agree. I didn’t expect to enjoy being spanked as much as I did.”
“Gotta say I didn’t like the idea of causing you pain at first, but I’m coming around on it because I see how much it gets you going. I do want to try more things with you and figure out how to make them safe like we did today. As long as you let me heal you, I can keep doing more.”
“That’s more than reasonable.” Ignis let his hands come to rest on Gladio's shoulders. "Just as you want me to be honest about whether or not you’re hurting me, I’d like for you to feel free to clear up misunderstandings. I wasn’t aware you were trying to hold back today, and as a result I pushed for more than you initially wanted to give. If ever you need to set the record straight, simply tell me."
"I will.” Gladio kissed the tip of Ignis’ nose. “Even if we mess up here and there, I want you to know I'm here for you. I'm not going anywhere."
"I know."
You’ve always been there for me.
Ignis remembered how Gladio had been the only one to reach out to him when everyone else had looked at him with pity from afar. He had silently stood by him and held his hand. It was the first time Gladio had saved him from his loneliness, but it wasn’t the last.
Ignis gently cleared his throat, forcing himself to return to his train of thought.
“You owe me nothing, Gladio. It would be in poor taste to hold something like a favor over you. In the heat of the moment I was simply curious as to how far you were willing to go to get what you wanted.”
“Nah, fair’s fair. I made you a deal. It’s not your fault I was thinking with the wrong head when I agreed to it.” Gladio smirked. “Consequences help people learn lessons, right?”
Ignis chortled. “Most people, yes. You on the other hand seem to take exception to many things most people do.”
“Is that your way of calling me exceptional?” Only Gladio could find a way to twist his words into a compliment.
“More like an exceptional pain in my arse.” Ignis clenched around Gladio who was just beginning to soften inside him.
Gladio’s laugh warmed Ignis’ chest like sunlight streaming through his ribs. The way his golden eyes cleared brought Ignis a staggering sense of relief. It made him feel as if his entire world shifted to include Gladio as a focal point.
“I’ll be waiting for you to call in that favor. I don’t care when or where, you just tell me what it is. Okay?” Gladio caressed his hands down the sides of Ignis’ face and neck as if he was made of something as delicate as butterfly wings.
Ignis nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He didn’t know if he could accept more from Gladio than he already had. Their relationship already felt unbalanced and it was getting harder to tip the scales back to center the more Gladio showered him with love. He didn’t want to think about how cruel he was to lead Gladio along by his heart as Ignis kept it on a leash. He couldn’t let go, but neither could he set him free.
Do you truly want to break this man’s heart?
Ignis shied away from that thought looming over him. “I should change.” He excused himself and tactfully retreated.
“I’ll wait out here while you get cleaned up.”
Ignis quickly washed up and emerged in fresh clothes, including another apron. “I did say I was going to keep it on until I finished decorating your cake. I can take it off if you’re afraid you’re going to maul me again.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not going to jump you.” Gladio followed him into the kitchen on his heels as if he were his shadow. He slid his arms around Ignis’ waist and tucked his chin against Ignis’ shoulder. “Is this fine?”
Ignis’ heart fluttered at being held from behind. He had to breathe to keep his hands steady. “Yes. You aren’t in the way.”
They didn’t speak as Ignis decorated the orange chiffon cake with a thin honey glaze, fresh oranges, and dollops of whipped cream cheese frosting.
“All done.” Ignis slid it into a box. When Gladio didn’t let go, Ignis asked quietly, “Is something else bothering you?”
“No.” Gladio nuzzled the crook of Ignis’ neck. “I just want to hold you a little longer. Can I?”
Ignis leaned his head back against Gladio’s shoulder and rested his arms over Gladio’s. “If this is your way of stopping me from taking my apron off, then no.”
Gladio chuckled. “If I say it’s not?”
“Then I suppose I could allow it.” All week he had felt Gladio's absence like a missing limb. It left him off balance and aching for what he knew should be there. Ignis knew standing in his kitchen and just being held should seem strange, but it wasn’t. It felt right.
“I’m going to keep trying at this,” Gladio whispered, hugging Ignis a little tighter. “Before you, I didn’t…"
I didn’t think I could love anyone.
Gladio slowly let go. He didn’t want to make Ignis feel responsible for being his first and only romantic interest. He didn’t want his pity, nor to sway his feelings in any way. If he wasn't responsible for Ignis’ happiness, then Ignis wasn’t responsible for his either.
“You didn’t what, Gladio?” Ignis turned in place to try and see his face.
Gladio pulled Ignis against his chest and kissed his forehead. “It’s not important. What I wanted to say is that I’m not giving up on you yet.”
Ignis ran his hands up Gladio's back and cautiously laid his head against his chest. He still felt Gladio’s tags beneath his shirt, an unspoken symbol that he belonged to the Crown first. They both did.
Ignis let go and said as he hung his apron up, “Going forward I would like for there to be no more trades between us. I think this works better if we’re just honest. I don’t want either of us holding anything over the other.”
“You sure you won’t want to negotiate anything from me in the future?” Gladio gave Ignis a smug look. “Might be something you want from me one day.”
“Then I would need only ask.” Ignis crossed his arms. “You said yourself you’d grant any wish I had. Of course you’re welcome to say no to any request, but the evidence all leads me to believe you wouldn’t.” He let his lips lift gently at how Gladio sheepishly scratched his cheek. “If I were you, I’d learn to say ‘no’ to me sooner rather than later.”
“Got me there, Iggy.” He sighed and said under his breath, “‘All’s fair’, eh?”
“Indeed.” Ignis held Gladio’s cake while he put on his shoes and jacket. He handed it to Gladio carefully, letting his fingers brush the Shield’s. “Thank you for stopping by.” He looked up and hoped Gladio saw his sincerity. “I enjoyed having you.”
“That’s my line. It’s always a pleasure.” Gladio grinned and pressed a quick peck to his cheek. “See you bright and early Monday.”
“See you then,” Ignis agreed. He turned back to his empty apartment and his eyes were drawn to the vase of flowers. His brows drew together at the picture that hadn’t been there before.
He must have left it when I was changing.
When he picked it up, Ignis didn’t know if he wanted to chase after Gladio to berate him or thank him. The Shield was completely naked and crawling toward the camera on his bed. He was angled slightly so that his thigh completely obscured his length. The look on his face was ravenous and the slope of his strapping torso drew the eye to the perfect swell of his bare ass.
Ignis lifted it and turned it over. On the back Gladio scrawled, Like what you see?
He grabbed his phone and the Shield answered his call on the first ring. “You found my other surprise, didn’t you?” His voice dripped with self satisfaction.
“You’re a fiend.” Ignis glared at the door as if Gladio would feel his irritation. He wasn’t sure if he was rankled because Gladio was toying with him, or upset because he liked it.
“You may know my weaknesses, but I know yours too.” He laughed darkly and the sound gave Ignis chills as if he were right beside him. “So, do you?”
“Do I what?” Ignis snapped.
“Do you like what you see?” Gladio’s smile in his words was infuriating.
Ignis hung up and tossed his phone onto the couch. It buzzed and he saw Gladio’s parting message: I’ll take that as a yes.
Before he could look at the photo again, Ignis put it in his desk drawer atop the other and locked it. He rubbed his temples. This emotional roller coaster with Gladio was exhilarating yet taxing in ways he hadn’t anticipated.
At all times Gladio fluctuated between oversexing Ignis to the point of obliterating his thoughts and bearing his soul in such a heartfelt way. His love was intense and strange, a range of extremes that kept Ignis on his toes. At this rate he didn’t know if he should look forward to or dread their upcoming assignment beyond the Wall.
At least I won’t have to go it alone. There will be others to keep him on his best behavior.