(no subject)

[broments]

[ Ignis can't call it a pathetic attempt on his life because had Gladiolus not been watching it would have been successful, but it is a frustrating one. The event - a charity one, raising funds to help outer district schools - had been quiet and with copious amounts of security, nothing had gone wrong. It was only after, when Ignis was in the courtyard waiting for Gladiolus to get off of his shift tending to the Crownsguard (which would really need a different name, but that was neither here nor there) that things had really gone to shit.

Ignis was nothing if not competent and he'd heard the sounds of something from behind him but with the loss of his sight, he hears a lot of things and his mind sorts them one by one. Footsteps hadn't registered as important because he hears footsteps all the time and doesn't recognize all of them.

The gait was off, though; it wasn't Gladiolus' heavier, sure footsteps coming up behind him and that had put him on guard to begin with. Had he not been paying attention, the garrote would have slid properly around his throat rather than around it with his hands in the way, buying enough time for Gladiolus to come and subdue the man.

From there it was a solid hour of talk - the bruising around his throat was checked over and deemed not life-threatening (which he felt was obvious, but wasn't going to fight on) and Gladiolus' own injury, a slice that simply needed bandaged from a dagger the woman had tried to attack him with. Finally, his living room empties of Cor, Iris, the doctor, and Prompto, who'd hovered anxiously until Cor had dragged him out with Iris and the rest following behind to leave the two of them alone.

Not quite certain what to say, Ignis rises and trusts Gladiolus to follow him into the bedroom, heading for the closet to change into pajamas. Cautiously, hoping Gladiolus doesn't intend to make this a larger deal than it is: ]

Will you stay here tonight?

Comments

[fortificare]

[ Gladio tries very hard not to think about what would happen if he had been a minute or two too late, or if Ignis hadn't been more alert. The brusing would've become a cut throat, and there would be one hell of a lot more blood. He tries very hard not to think about what would happen if he loses his Ignis, if he slips out of his grasp the same way Noctis did.

So he does everything he can to make sure it doesn't happen again, subjecting Ignis to the physician's examination, ignoring his own injury -- it's minor compared to what could have been for Ignis, and he can't help but fixate on that truth as he's tended to. He doesn't even register when it's finished, and he makes a note to strengthen security around the perimeter so that this would never happen again.

His lieutenant is already off doing the investigation -- she'll report back to him tomorrow and heads are bound to roll, and for now, Gladio can only silently follow Ignis into the bedroom. He knows why Ignis had been there -- it's their agreed-upon place; tonight was supposed to be a night they could spend together quietly in each other's company.

And now, Ignis almost gets killed and somehow he manages to still be so unruffled about this. ]

Yeah.

[ He says after a moment. Gladio's coming in after him, circling over to the windows to make sure that the bars are securely bolted and that there are patrols redoubled just in case someone is stupid enough to try. ] Need to make sure that no one's trying to make a repeat attempt tonight.

[broments]

[ He sorts through his pajamas by touch, moving until he finds the correct ones and tugs them out of the closet to change into. Gladiolus heads for the window; Ignis can tell by the sound of his steps approximately where he is and can imagine him looking out, making certain nothing else is happening. It'd be impressive if someone managed to rappel up to this floor, really, but he doesn't exactly want to encourage kind of thought, either.

Button by button, Ignis works out of his shirt and then strips off his undershirt, tossing both into the dirty clothes hamper next to the closet so he can slide on the shirt and then works on the belt to his slacks. ]

I should hope no one would be foolish enough, but we'll see what the report says in the morning once they've spoken to her.

[ There have been other attempts but none so brazen. Ignis grimaces faintly, sliding his slacks off and tossing them into the hamper too, tugging on a loose pair of pajamas and tying them in place. ]

You were there, Gladio, as you always are.

[fortificare]

I might not be, next time this happens. You shouldn't be left alone anymore.

[ Gladio says sharply after a moment. It's always been a sensitive subject since Noctis passed -- Ignis would never want to mention anything about the Amicitia duty as Shields to the ruling class of Lucis. In this case, it's no longer the Lucis Caelums; the last of them vanished, sacrificed for the sake of the world. And now, Ignis has assumed presidency, and he's no less worthy of protection than Noctis, but that's always been a sore subject between them.

Gladio turns from the window now, watching his lover button up his pajamas like it's just another night -- if it is not for the dirtied clothes in the hamper, he can almost be fooled into thinking that nothing awful tonight has almost happened.

But, see, Gladio at heart is a logical, focused person, even if he'd been shaken by the attempt on Ignis' life. He takes a breath and comes over to him, setting his hands lightly on his shoulders. ]

We need to talk about you and me. More specifically, in the context of my duty to you.

[broments]

I won't be trailed after like a school child.

[ He may be President and he may have certain expectations he has to adhere to but he won't be told that he can't go places and he won't be told that he needs an escort. He survived the worst years of Lucis and made it through to the other side, to here.

It wasn't luck that brought Gladiolus there that night, nor was it luck that brought him here to Ignis' bedroom. With the loss of Noctis, Ignis has taken over much of his duties and divided up the rest as they sort out how a monarchy changes into something else. It's been difficult but rewarding, though Ignis isn't overly pleased at the idea of a full detail on him at all times.

Maybe that's not necessary, though. There were some things that carried over from the monarchy. Gladiolus' duties...could be one of them and it would satisfy everyone's desire to have him guarded. Ignis hasn't wanted to ask this whole time because Gladiolus is good at his duties and Ignis doesn't want him to give them up, but he also knows that Gladiolus won't want to trust him to someone else

Sighing, Ignis takes the extra step forward until their chests touch and he can press a kiss to Gladiolus' cheek. ]

I've a feeling you're considering the same changes I am.

[fortificare]

Most people just call that a retinue, Mr. President.

[ Gladio raises his brows at him coolly because no, he's not taking your shit, babe. Presidents need escorts, it's as simple as that -- tonight, it's obvious that Ignis is targeted, and where there are one there can be many. And so when Ignis steps close, warm and beautiful, Gladio sighs and runs his fingers over his jaw, his cheek, cupping his face. ]

I won't take any chances where you're concerned, Iggy.

[ He admits softly, hand curving over his jaw as he leans down to kiss his mouth with all gentleness, fingers trailing gingerly over the marks of the earlier attack, feeling an anger stir anew in the pit of his stomach. And no, he wouldn't trust his partner and lover to anyone else -- how can he, when he's the one best equipped to guard him? ]

I'm thinking I'll take up the position as shield, as it has always been.

[ His arm comes around his waist, the heat of his body pressed against his, and Gladio turns his head to nuzzle him, his beard rubbing up against his cheek. ]

These assholes will have to come through me before they get to you. I won't let you be hurt again.

[broments]

I don't need a retinue.

[ Ignis' tone goes stubborn in an instant like he wasn't someone who had an assassination attempt on his life. It's not the first time he's dealt with nearly dying and it certainly won't be the last. To act as if there's anything else possible would be foolish, but he knows that it doesn't mean he should ignore it, it means he should prepare. ]

...Gladio.

[ Ignis softens in a heartbeat, hating that he'd made Gladiolus worry when he knows how much he worries about Gladiolus just as much when he's out in the field or putting his life in danger at any point. Gently, he winds an arm around his shoulders, curling a hand into his hair. Gladiolus' fingertips touch the bruising at his throat; he wonders how bright it looks, if it's stark against the line of his throat but there's nothing he can do, everyone has to heal normally now. ]

I know. I trust you. I just.... [ Ignis trails off, uncertain for the first time in a while. Pressing another kiss to his chin, Ignis sighs. ] I'm not him.

[fortificare]

I know you're not him.

[ He's dead, he wants to say, but that won't make anything better, and so Gladio doesn't. He's embracing Ignis, holding him in his arms now and keeping him tight against his chest as if the man will slip away if he lets him go.

It's a stupid thing to be feeling, but whatever. He's nudging his head upwards so that he can kiss him properly, mouth to mouth. ]

But I want you to be safe. You're running things now, it can't be like before.

[broments]

[ He is dead. Ignis has had a while to settle with that knowledge and he's not so convinced it's his fault; he knows whose fault it is, and the Gods aren't someone he can actively fight. Knowing it doesn't make anything easier, though, and he and Gladiolus are both still grieving in their own ways.

Tilting into the hug Ignis presses his face into the curve of Gladiolus' throat again, shuddering out a breath until he's coaxed into a terribly sweet kiss, melting against him.

Gladiolus is, of course, right. Ignis knows it, but it feels disrespectful to Noctis to call him his 'shield' but disrespectful to Gladiolus to call him just a 'bodyguard.' ]

I know, my love. [ Ignis' tone softens and he presses another kiss to his lips before trying to tug them both to the bed. ] Change into something comfortable and help me think of an adequate title for that job?

[fortificare]

Chief Security Officer.

[ Gladio drawls, pleased that at least Ignis isn't putting up all that much of a fight about this. The thing he learns about Ignis is that his lover can be exceptionally stubborn when you go head to head with him -- but react with logic, with gentleness, react the way he doesn't expect it, and chances are higher that he may yield.

The kiss is sweet and wonderful, and Gladio's licking his lips; Ignis isn't the only one pleased tonight. Letting himself be tugged to the bed, he manages a cheeky: ]

Since I already thought up of something adequate, what if I just changed into something naked?

[broments]

You just suggest that because you like the idea of me calling you 'officer' in bed.

[ It's a weak attempt at a joke but at least he's trying, right? That has to count for something, even if there's more exhaustion than humor in his tone. Once the backs of his legs hit the bed, he settles onto it and slides his hands from Gladiolus' broad shoulders, down the thick swell of his arms to his hands, kissing the knuckles of one, then the other. ]

I wouldn't mind cuddling nude, but I'm afraid assassination attempts aren't the most arousing event I've experienced.

[ Much as he wishes, he knows that he's not going to be up for it but the idea of cuddling a naked Gladiolus is always a welcome one and he finds he likes the intimacy of it. ]

[fortificare]

Well, yes. What's the point of being titled officer if I can't get the President to call me that in bed?

[ Yeah, Gladio's leaning into the joke. He has to, because the entirety of it is just messed up -- without the kings, the Shields have little to protect. The royal bloodline died with Noctis, and so perhaps the role of the shield will die with Gladio, too.

He's trying not to think about that.

Looking down at his lover, soft and beautiful, those plush, full lips put to good use by pressing against his coarse knuckles, Gladio runs a hand through Ignis' hair, squeezing the back of his neck gently. ]

I know, baby. [ He murmurs. ] I'm not looking for sex tonight, either. I just want to hold you.

[ He pauses. ] But after a shower. Wait for me.

[broments]

I'll call you whatever you like in bed if you ask prettily enough.

[ Banter comes easily to him when it's Gladiolus he's bantering with and he'll never stop being grateful for the way Gladiolus is just...able to do that. To complete him, there's no other word or phrase for it. They've known each other too long for anything else, but Ignis will never stop being a little awed by how lucky he is.

Like a cat accepting affection, he turns his head into that touch, sighing contentedly at just the warm squeeze. ]

I promise you, this is the one time where I'd rather both of us just crawl into bed like this.

[fortificare]

[ Gladio's chuckling, and he takes a few seconds to weigh the odds before deciding, ah, fuck it, cuddling beats shower any day. Besides, if a stickler like Ignis is fine with it, who's to say otherwise?

So he's gently pushing him back into the bed, shedding his clothes carelessly onto the floor and hoping Ignis doesn't notice, kissing him deeply just so he'd be guaranteed a distraction. ]

All right, c'mon, you cuddle monster. Be gentle with me.

[broments]

Don't get used to it.

[ It's a warning uttered between a yawn and a stretch, leveling a single finger at Gladiolus from where he's stretched to the ceiling. He'd so much rather have Gladiolus near him and be able to hear his heartbeat and breathing than he'd rather be in bed alone or standing up at all for another moment. ]

You were a wonder today, even if I wish you hadn't needed to step in.

[ He doesn't need eyes to see it and know it, it's Gladiolus. Ignis vividly remembers how graceful the man is in battle. ]

[fortificare]

I know that look on your face. You're imagining I'm doing sexy things again.

[ Gladio murmurs, teasing him. He's crawling into bed with him and slipping down under the covers, instinctively pulling the man into his arms. His lover feels good, warm and yielding, and he tries not to think about how he could've lost him tonight.

It doesn't do anyone any favors. It's true, that Ignis completes him, that Ignis makes him happy -- and he hopes that he does the same for him, too, and he presses a soft, lingering kiss to his forehead as he folds him in his arms. ]

I love you, you know. Meant what I said about not losing you.

[broments]

I have so many very good memories.

[ He's lucky his memory is so good, really. Not only is it a help for work, but it means that he can perfectly picture what Gladiolus looked like and can make a good guess as to what he looks like now. Fingers sliding gently over the sharp line of his jaw, he trails them down the center of his throat before sliding to the nape of his neck to tug him into a kiss. ]

I know, Gladio, but it means you're jumping in the way for me. You're keeping me out of danger and I -- Gladio, I can't even watch, can't help you.

[ Gladiolus is the one most in danger if Ignis is threatened, how can he not worry? ]

[fortificare]

Hey. Hey --

[ He senses a spiral when he hears one, and Gladio's gently nudging him to get his attention, to urge him to snap out of it because that's a slippery slope, darling. ]

You'll help me by letting me be around you, all right? I'm not gonna die on you or anything -- we've got too much to do.

[ Too much to get done in this world that Noctis has left them, and in the back of his mind Gladio has always wanted to propose to him, to officially make him his. After all, it's not like the President has to make strategic marriage plans for himself when diplomacy can do.

He strokes his cheek softly, gently. ] Too much I want to do with you.

[broments]

I know. I'm particularly displeased you've found so easy a way to keep me from actively seeking out trouble.

[ Gladiolus tugs him out of it near effortlessly and Ignis drops his hands down to shove out of the pajamas he'd put on. Where normally he'd fold them up again and be fastidious, Gladiolus is solid and a wonderful distraction from his worries. His pajamas get shrugged off and slither off the side of the bed until Ignis is naked under the blankets with him. ]

I know it comes with the stances I've taken, but that it even happened...

[ Extremists will always happen but Ignis has tried a level of transparency that others have protested. Depending on why she was attacking him, it will tell him what the next steps to make. ]

[fortificare]

Your role is to make difficult decisions for the sake of the kingdom. The country. If it makes you enemies, then I'll see to that.

[ Ignis shouldn't be sidetracked -- he's not here to make friends, he's here to make sure that Noctis' sacrifice needn't be in vain. Gladio helps him to remove his clothes, drawing him into his arms and feeling the way his skin rubs up against him, soft and intimate.

Like this, it's difficult to believe that Ignis is now the most powerful man in Lucis. He's kissing him back, slow and sweet, an arm wrapped around his waist. Now, too, Gladio will help him focus. ]

Your job is to make sure this country gets back on its feet -- leave out all the rest.

[broments]

You're supposed to guard me, not act as an assassin.

[ Ignis has always been the sort less prone to enjoying body hair on himself - he's fastidious to a fault, shaving his face every morning, and intermittently when the hair becomes too long, shaving elsewhere too. While he doesn't like it on himself, he finds that he loves it on Gladiolus, sliding a leg down between both of his, enjoying the coarse hair there. Without being able to see him, he relies on everything else, taste and touch and everything in between. One kiss, and then he pushes Gladiolus onto his back, shamelessly shifting up closer until he can drape himself over the broad length of him, arm around his waist, cheek pressed onto his shoulder. ]

I know my duty, but if anyone feels so strongly about what I'm doing that they're willing to kill and subsequently die for it, we need to sort out how to bring them in with everyone else.

[ There has to be a reason for it. It can't all be senseless. ]

[fortificare]

I'm supposed to do what it takes to keep uo you safe.

[ Gladio says plainly. Ever since their adventure, he has taken to wearing something more conservative and elaborate, which means he no longer has to wax his chest.

And, of course, it means that Ignis has a bear for a lover. Hairy legs, hairy chest, the works. And, as it turns out, it isn't a dealbreaker for him.

He's smiling as Ignis snuggles, an arm protectively around his waist, sliding down to cop a feel and grope his ass, capturing his lips in a lazy kiss. ]

Maybe opening up dialogues would work? But you can disseminate that to your council of executives.

[broments]

I know.

[ He might not be prince or king but he sounds remarkably like Noctis when he knows they're telling him what he needs to do and hear, but he doesn't like it. It's borderline sulky, even if Ignis would never call it that when asked.

Ignis traces the smile on Gladiolus' lips once he's been kissed again, stroking over the swell of his lower lip, skimming up over the arch of his nose just because he loves it. ]

I know. I know, Gladio, it's just - [ He can't sit idle and none of this requires he act yet because he doesn't have enough information to act and know it's the proper direction. ] This...felt easier, when it was Noct.

[fortificare]

How so?

[ Gladio asks softly between kisses, lavishing him with open affection -- he gets it, baby. He gets it. Things are always easier with Noctis around, but he wants to hear Ignis share it with him anyway.

He's gently running his fingers through his lover's hair, pulling him closer. He's leaning into his touch, closing his eyes and almost purring at how lovely his touch is. ]

[broments]

I could analyze a situation and give him options. It felt as if they were much less...complicated than these, but I suppose it's a different sort.

[ There wasn't much ruling in Noctis' time with Ignis at his side, something Ignis will always regret. Noctis would have made an amazing king if it weren't for the fact that the prophecy upended all of it.

Gladiolus' hand settles onto his ass and a hand runs through his hair, gentle and soothing even if he knows it won't fix the way it feels as if he's going to crawl out of his own skin. ]

The simplest answer is it's a different sort of duty, doing this, and I know I'm holding myself to unreasonable standards. Unsurprisingly, that doesn't make me feel better.

[fortificare]

Then let me be that for you. Let me look through the options and propose them for you.

[ Gladio is smart, he can do that -- he can fulfill the role Ignis once filled. There is so much asked of Ignis now that Noctis is gone, and he can't help a pang of sympathy for him. He nuzzles close, breathing him in and deliberately keeping himself even, lending himself as an anchor for Ignis to hold on to. ]

You're doing really well, you know. Noctis would be impressed and proud. And possibly exhausted just watching you run around.

[broments]

[ While he knows and is intimately familiar with how capable Gladiolus is, he hadn't expected the other man to suggest that so easily. Ignis lifts his head, bracing himself on the bed with a forearm. He might not be able to look down at him properly, but it always feels strange to be talking at nothing, or a different part of Gladiolus' body. ]

You're suggesting something that's going to be a job all on its own, aside from what you intend to do already. The truth is I need to be better about delegation and hire the assistant all of you are after me to obtain.

[ It's not a no, but Ignis is well aware of how exhausting it can be to have to take care of someone physically, mentally, and then to have to collate reports and go over everything in advance. Ignis drops an apologetic kiss onto Gladiolus' chin, missing his mouth and settles back down slowly, running his hand back and forth over Gladiolus' arm. ]

I do appreciate the thought, Gladio, even if I'm doing a piss-poor job of articulating it.

[fortificare]

It's what I'm here for, babe.

[ Gladio croons, accepting the kiss however he can find it. His fingers come up to trace under his eye, stroking over the soft scar tissue. It's strange how Ignis is even more beautiful because of this, and he sighs quietly. Ignis has been running himself to the ground near constantly, and Gladio just wants to do what he can to manage it.

He's nuzzling him, pulling him up against his fuzzy chest and tangling his limbs with his. ]

What about this, I'll see if I can get the report done up by early next week, latest. And we see where we go from there. Tonight, it's just you and me and this bed.

[broments]

Silly me, I thought you were here to act as a very large, wonderful pillow.

[ The joke loses most of its humor because Ignis is tired, but he smiles and kisses the hand wandering his face when it comes close enough all the same. It's sweet of him to offer, not just because of what they are and who, but because Ignis knows Gladiolus has his own tasks to attend to. They'll sort this out, though. They have to, failure is literally not an option. ]

That's an acceptable solution. No more talk about reports or meetings or duties.

[ Being cuddled by a man Gladiolus' size is always wonderful; Ignis is grateful he's not any taller or broader because they fit together so nicely and Ignis is all too eager to fold in closer, kissing his cheek. ]

Thank you. I know I don't say it enough.

[fortificare]

You could thank me by taking care of yourself better.

[ Gladio says softly when Ignis snuggles. There's no reproach in his voice -- how can he, when he's doing the same? -- only a gentle wistfulness. The last thing Ignis needs is someone to nag him into subservience, but he's going to do that anyway because he just loves him that much.

Ignis fits in beautifully, too, perfectly, like he was made just for him. He's lifting his head for another kiss, desire simmering soft and low and he holds on to him a little tighter than he should.

The scar on his neck is jarring, unpleasant, and Gladio frowns at it, finding himself hating the sight of it -- a reminder that he almost lost him today. ]

And I love you. Very much. I don't know what I'd do without you.

[broments]

I take care of myself just fine.

[ As if that isn't patently untrue given the last few hours. That said, he likely could have killed the assassin if he'd had a moment more, but Gladiolus was nothing if not prompt and dedicated when it came to protecting Ignis and he's grateful he didn't have to fight more than he had already.

Tilting up for another kiss, Ignis sighs into it when he's tugged in closer, warm and comfortable. He loves Gladiolus too, of course, but the truth of it is if one of them lost the other, Ignis hopes that they would be able to keep going. He doesn't want to ask Gladiolus that of course, but he's pragmatic all the same.]

You and Prompto would find a way to push forward, as would I. None of us are strangers to loss.

[fortificare]

We might not be strangers, but it doesn't mean they're welcome.

[ He says simply. He and Prompto will go on, of course -- they always do. It doesn't mean it won't be keenly felt. His arm is possessive around him, and he exhales softly, tucking Ignis against his shoulder. ]

C'mon, rest. We'll handle this when morning comes. I'll put in the proposal for chief security officer, and we'll see where we go from there.