#but ignis' harder to imagine in comedy-romance

[moonraccoon-exe]

(40) (End) Ignis' pick-up poem.

Even though it is not a new realization, Ignis Scientia is aware he may be a bit too uptight and rather cold as a boyfriend to Gladiolus Amicitia.

His feelings are all true, yet he is aware he may not show it as much as he could or should. While Gladiolus does not mind and understands that’s just his way of being, Ignis has not yet stopped thinking about Gladiolus’ sweet poem, and feels a bit in debt: Gladio, in his strange, sometimes childish but always sincere and honest way, loves and appreciates him, and Ignis feels he hasn’t shown himself thankful enough.

Grateful for all those 69 attempts of flirting (...or at least some of them) and a poem, and those wonderful 5 years of relationship so far, and wanting to do something special for Gladio, Ignis has been drabbling down poem ideas in secret.

Decided to have an ultimate weapon after 39 attempts of a pick-up line, having cleaned the poem and memorized it, Ignis has come to be prepared, and awaits for an appropiate moment.

Today the hunter’s being hunted.

Ignis doesn’t know what an “appropiate moment” may be in those cases (Gladio’s not only his longest relationship, but also the first), so he has kept the poem to himself for about a month now, and can’t hold it any longer.

So while Noctis is being offered to try food from a stall at the marketplace and Prompto snaps pictures of the moment, Ignis, too moved by the only sight of his boyfriend, reaches to pull from his hand, stopping him.

Gladio: Anything the matter, Iggy? Ignis: Yes. No. Not anything that should concern you: I just wanted to tell you something. Gladio: Oh? What is it? Ignis: Gladio, I do am aware of the way I behave towards you at times, and I do realize and admit I may be harsh when you’re just trying to give me a compliment. Gladio: Iggy, it’s okay, don’t w- Ignis: No, no. Despite your bouncy and sometimes obscene behavior and jokes, you’ve always been a gentleman to me and have always shown care and love. And I fear I may not have been as explicit about my own feelings. Gladio: I appreciate it, Iggy, but you don’t need to if you don’t want to- Ignis: Silence. I made you a poem too. Gladio: ... Gladio: Okay, I’m listening. Ignis: Alright...

Ignis had NO idea he would feel this nervous until the moment came. It seemed so easy and funny in his head, and now he feels like he’s about to propose. Flustered at the idea and unexpectedly shy, he, feeling like he’s a hopelessly in love sixteen year old, looks to make sure Prompto and Noctis are busy and not listening, and clears his throat.

Ignis: I call it “Things I Love of Gladio”

Gladio laughs softly.

Gladio: I’m interested. Shoot.

Ignis: *clears throat* Ignis: Uhm... Ignis: *clears throat again* Ignis: Things I love of Gladio:

I love your hands on my waist, And all your offers to taste test. Your eyes, I love them as well, And I must admit you’re hotter than hell. I love everytime you sneeze, Makes me deal with trembling knees. I love you training at night, Your loyalty for the king of light. I love to see you calm, watch you read, Your unconditional help when I’m in need. I love your nose, your mouth and your scars, Your soul, too, bright like stars.

I love your passion for exploring this land, And I love to walk it with you hand in hand.

And, mostly, I love when you fill me with cuddles, Every time that I feed you Cup Noodles.

There’s silence between the two of them.

Ignis, currently feeling rather stupid, holds out said Cup Noodles after having them hidden with himself the whole time, decorated with a ribbon. 

Ignis: I tried to make it as amusing as yours, but I fear I may not handle comedy as well, and I know Lestallum’s marketplace is not a romantic choice like Galdin Quay was, but...

Ignis doesn’t know how to interpret Gladio’s blank face. Gladio, carefully, reaches a hand up and accepts the Cup Noodles from the smaller man’s hands.

And he puts them away.

He puts them on the floor at their side, and Ignis blinks at him.

Ignis: Did you not like-?

Gladio: Oh, shut up.

Before Ignis could question him again, he’s suddenly caught into a tight hug, which he can’t return for his arms are trapped in Gladio’s. The King Adviser groans in pain, but he’s far too used to this kind of squeezes and doesn’t mind. 

Gladio hugs him like the world is about to end, not only in strength but also in color. He keeps a hand on Ignis’ hair, and the other around his waist, and doesn’t move or say anything, like one who mourns. Ignis still doesn’t know how to interpret that.

Ignis: ...are you okay, Gladio?

Gladio: Of course I am. 

Ignis: Are you- are you crying? Did I say anything that I shouldn’t?

Gladio laughs very quietly and softly, and Ignis yet doesn’t understand anything, and worries on the tiny sniffle he hears.

Gladio pulls apart, and Ignis reaches his hands up, not understanding Gladio’s damp cheeks, and tries to clean them with his thumbs.

Ignis: I didn’t mean to upset you.

Gladio: Iggy, you failed at comedy. That was romance, sweetness and affection in one small poem. 

Ignis: ?

Gladio: I’m not upset, you ass. I’m just...happy. Overwhelmed. I don’t know what to tell you. 

Ignis: :D So are you accepting those Cup Noodles in exchange for some cuddles?

Gladio laughs louder this time, and leans down again to hug Ignis one more time, lifting him up the ground. The adviser laughs quietly and hugs him back as tightly.

Gladio: You, dumb idiot. I’d do it for free, all of my life.

Ignis: You’d reject Cup Noodles?

Gladio puts him down but doesn’t pull apart from the hug. He moves his head to a side so he can nuzzle at Ignis’ hair, lovingly, holding him tightly and secure in his arms.

Gladio sighs, smiling.

Gladio: I love you more than I love those.