Tag: writings

Distorted Reflections

Or, Cor accidentally adopted a Nif general oops. 

1705 Words ~ General

Note: Had a 3am thought and ended up thinking about it too hard. Basically a what if scenario of Cor and Loqi meeting during the world of ruin in it’s early years, with Cor reflecting on just why he never actually finished off Loqi. I think on some level Cor became fond of him, and then my brain came up with reasons why. The main one being that Cor saw himself in Loqi. And of course I started thinking about Loqi having been a youngster when he joined the army, because he’s in his early 20′s canonically, and being discovered as a sword prodigy as well. Difference between them being Cor outgrew his hotheadedness. Loqi didn’t. 

Honestly, this was completely self indulgent. (I’m actually a little pleased that this week has been oddly productive for me.) 

Enjoy.


Cor looked down at the sleeping man. He was slumped against the wall of the diner, hidden behind the far end of the counter. His knees were curled up to his chest with one arm wrapped around them. Likely, he’d wake with a crick in his neck from his position. His other hand was wrapped around the hilt of his katana loosely, the grip slackened with sleep. The armor that the brigadier normally wouldn’t be caught dead without was nowhere in sight. Abandoned for more practical clothes now that the endless night called for stealth. Especially for people like him who refused to flee to safety.

He’d changed since the last time he’d seen him. Gone was the
patronizing hostility that was usually so present on his face, and instead
there was a weariness that even sleep wouldn’t erase. Dirt was smudged on his
cheeks from the time he’d been on the road, and he looked like he’d lost
weight. A sigh left him when the thought of Loqi being just a kid crossed his
mind again.

A kid that had tried to kill him multiple times, but still.

The first time he’d tried it, he remembered the bravado that
Loqi had when he’d leapt into the fight. A tiny teenager shouting about ending
the ‘great immortal’ for the empire. While someone, likely his handler, was
trying to shush him and talk him out of what was a bad idea. It had made for a
surreal experience. But then Loqi had actually attacked. And to his surprise, he’d
been good with the blade. More so than Cor might have been at that age.

…That didn’t mean that Cor didn’t flatten him though.

When the kid had been beaten down to the point of collapse,
he had clearly expected Cor to end him. With how he was curled up against the
wall right now reminded him of then. He’d been on his knees, his hand holding
the hilt of his sword tightly. He was slightly slumped forward, but that didn’t
stop him from trying to glare a hole through the Marshal’s head. The sword had probably
been the only thing holding him up.

Rather than kill him, as Cor should have considering he was
a Tummelt, he sheathed his sword.

“You shouldn’t charge in so recklessly. That’s the quickest
way to be killed.” He said. He’d left then, ignoring the profanities directed at his
back.

He later found out that Loqi had only been 15 in that first
encounter. The knowledge had made Cor reflect on his own life at that age. 

Honestly, the handler had reminded him of Regis and Clarus, always trying to
talk Cor out of picking a fight. Headstrong. Too headstrong. The only reason he
wasn’t now was because being that headstrong had caused him to charge into a
fight with Gilgamesh. And that hadn’t ended well for him at all.

At the time, he’d hoped to be the kid’s wake up call. Like
the blademaster had been for him. But no. Over the course of years, they’d
clashed time and time again. Each time Cor left him with a bit more advice than
the last. To his surprise, the kid did seem to take the advice to heart, but
that arrogance was a hindrance. His undoing with every fight.

Why did he give him advice at the end of their battles? Truthfully,
Cor wanted to see him reach his potential. Curiosity killed the cat and all. But
then he’d switched to those mechs, and it became rare for them to cross blades.
Cor didn’t want to admit it, but he’d wished that he’d been born in Insomnia.
Such talent was wasted in those mechs.

A small snore startled him out of his thoughts.

Loqi had slightly shifted in his sleep and his face was now
completely pressed against the wall. Cor sighed and then crouched down to his
level. He observed him, trying to guess how he’d react to being woken, and
decided to take the chance. His hand came to a rest on Loqi’s shoulder and
lightly shook him until he stirred.

His eyes opened in a daze and it took him a moment or two to
fully wake up. And once he did his hand tightened around his sword. Before he
could draw it out of its sheath, Cor halted its progress by laying his hand on
the base. The glare he shot at the Marshal would have sent lesser men running,
but Cor only returned the stare with a flat look. He half expected Loqi to
start another long-winded speech about killing him.

However, after a moment of staring each other down, the
fight suddenly went out of Loqi and he settled with a huff of annoyance. It was
strange to see someone who had once been so lively in such a muted state.
Though he did shoot him another surly look, as if offended Cor was breathing
the same air as him.

“…If I was a demon you’d be dead.” Cor said quietly,
breaking the silence.

Loqi grunted and closed his eyes, attempting to get
comfortable again. “Good thing you’re not then. If you’re going to kill me,
wait till I’m back asleep. If not, then leave.”

“Not doing either of those.”

One eye peeked back open, “Oh? Why’s that.”

“I’m currently on a hunt for a young kid with sandy brown hair
who some people have seen around here. Runs around with a blade. People are
worried he’s on his own out here.” Cor said, keeping a straight face.

“You can’t be serious.” Loqi hissed as he sat up with a
jerk. Hit a nerve there Cor guessed. The look in his eyes spelled death for
anyone within reach. That only served to amuse Cor slightly. They both knew
that he wasn’t a kid, despite what Cor thought of him.

Cor simply raised an eye brow at him in response. Loqi then huffed
and dropped his head against the wall with a thud. “Well, now you know it’s just
me, so you can go report back to whoever sent you and tell them to stuff it.”

“Not likely. You’d have to tell them yourself for them to
believe that.” Cor stood back up and offered a hand to him.

Loqi frowned and remained where he was. “Right. Because a Nif
walking into the only city left in the world is going to go over so well. You’re
the immortal, I’m sure that title still has some pull. Leave me be.”

Cor had the sudden urge to roll his eyes. Of course he wasn’t
going to make this easy. “Tummelt, you’ve spent enough time out here trying to
atone.”

“Atone for what I believed was right? I’m not out here to atone,
Marshal. I’m here because my chances of survival are higher with the demons
than in Lestallum.” His voice was filled with disbelief at the thought of
atoning for his action with the empire. But a moment of being surprised allowed
his face to shift into an uncertain expression. Had he been so transparent to Cor? 

Then it was gone again, hidden
behind a screen of confidence in his words.

It was almost believable. After all, ever since night had
fallen the empire’s generals had scattered to the wind. Occasionally, people
would catch glimpses of them in the dark. Moving from place to place. Not daring
to risk the Havens in case one of the hunters got it in their head to seek
revenge on them. And some people did blame them for the world ending.

Due to that, over the past two years the people were seeing
less and less of the Nifs. Demons picking them off over time. Some believed it
was only right they’d fall to the aftermath of their actions. Others sympathized
and wished for them to join them, to lend their skills to the survival effort. Loqi
was one such general, people recalling he hadn’t really hurt anyone outside his
orders. Caligo had been the one to fear, among others, and he was long gone.

Another sigh left Cor and he reached down, seizing the back
of Loqi’s jacket collar and lifting him to his feet. A string of curses fell
from Loqi’s lips as he knocked Cor’s hand away, and stumbling as soon as he put
weight on his legs. With a raised eyebrow, Cor simply stared at Loqi, who
refused to meet his eye.

He kept staring until Loqi answered his silent question.

“…Sprained it running from an Iron Giant.” He muttered it
quietly to the floor, but Cor still caught it.

He shook his head. “You’re dead out here if you try and wait
for that to heal.”

As someone who’s speed was his greatest asset, Loqi surely
knew that the moment his ankle had been hurt it meant death.

“And why do you care, Marshal?” Loqi asked with a sigh of
his own, the exhaustion catching up to him once more.

“You’ve grown on me.” Cor said honestly, offering an arm. “Now
come on. You can lean on me until we get to the others.”

“Wonderful.” The amount of sarcasm he forced into the one
word dripped like venom into a beating heart. But he didn’t refuse the help. Rather,
he allowed himself to lean heavily on Cor as they made their way outside.

It was a long walk, one they made in silence and one sided
rude looks, but they eventually came to the small group that Cor had come along
with. Loqi was forced to explain that, no he wasn’t a kid, he was 25 thank you
very much, and yes it was him running around alone. Surprisingly, no one was
openly hostile with him. Rather, when he wasn’t looking, they’d shoot him
pitying looks. He’d been a child when he’d rose through the ranks after all. Who
could blame him for following what he had believed was right?

As soon as they’d secured the truck they’d traveled in and
got on the road, he’d fallen back asleep. Cor on the other hand, stayed awake
and watched the passing landscape, trying to think of a way to explain bringing
an old enemy back with him to Prompto, Ignis, and Gladiolus.

He already had a headache.

Lucian Theif

3846 words ~ General

Note: So this happened. I saw this post and just…this happened. Then I got about half way through and was like…Shit this got stupidly long. One of these days I should have someone beta for me. 

Anyhow, it’s just a thing with Cor being the one who snuck in and stole Prompto. Threw in an OC to move the story along. Funnily enough, I almost changed the story completely and had him steal two of the clones instead. But I managed to talk myself out of that. Anyways, enjoy.


It was frigid in the hallway, and the dimmed lights only
added to a feeling of being out of place. And he was very out of place since he
was neither one of Niflheim’s scientists, or one of their experiments. Such was
the nature of Cor’s mission though. Infiltrate the facility, find any useful
information, don’t get caught. 

Being out of place wasn’t anything new.

However, what was new was all the luck he’d been having once
he was inside the building. The first door he’d managed to sneak through lead
to what appeared to be a staff lounge of sorts, giving him a chance to catch
his breath after being outside in the cold. Not only that, but there had been a
map of the facility with a note on it, labeling a recent add on as where the
Deathless project would be stored.

He’d figured that just the map would have been the Astrals
smiling upon him. But the note? That sent red flags up in his head considering
Project Deathless was precisely why he was here. Could someone have leaked
that? Was it a trap? But trap or no trap, he’d have to check out the location
marked on the map anyways. It’d be a good starting point. And on the off chance
it wasn’t a trap, he’d be that much closer to getting the information he needed
and getting out.

So, he’d left the room and embarked down the hall, making
sure to memorize the way back for a quick escape. Occasionally, there was one
of the Magitek soldiers ambling through the halls on a patrol. They weren’t
very good at it though, considering that hiding behind the occasional box or
around a corner seemed to be enough to keep himself out of trouble.

But then he’d stumbled upon a small shelf with papers on it.

He’d grabbed the top most paper on the stack and frowned. A
memo with an all access pass code to the facility. Ironically, it stated that
the employees needed to stop leaving the passcodes laying around. If he wasn’t
careful, the frown on his face would become permanent. This was entirely too
convenient, the enemy must have known he was coming, and he was probably dead
the moment he’d walked through the doors. No. The moment he’d left Lucis

…That, or he’d done something that’d pleased the Astrals
astronomically.

He could guess which was more likely.

But it had him curious. Just what kind of trap was he
walking into? So, he’d continued to the room, which was, predictably, locked
with a keypad. Warily, he punched in the code from the memo and stepped to the
side as the door opened with a pressurized noise. He drew his blade and waited
until the count of five before stepping out from his cover and rolled into the
room. He landed in a crouch and was ready for a fight, tense and waiting. His
focus was on the area around him, and his intuition ready to tell him where any
strike may come from.

So, it was something of a surprise to find nothing popping
out to attack him.

Cautiously, he lowered his blade and rose to his feet, eyes
scanning the room. Nothing. There were no guards, none of the magitek, or even
any scientists.

“Just what kind of security are they running over here?” He
muttered under his breath and he sheathed his sword and started to look through
the room.

It’d been quiet for almost half an hour as he perused the
documents laying around, hoping to find something of use. Since it was so
quiet, when lights turned on behind him suddenly, he’d been startled. He spun
around quickly, hand already on his hilt when he ended up freezing.

His heart clenched. The documents had mentioned infants he
recalled. He’d assumed that had been for a study of some sort. Assigning case
numbers and such. Instead, he was face to face with an unspeakable act. The
light that had startled him was emitting from seven tanks, and inside each one
floated an infant. All of them drifting in their tanks, unware he was there.

Each tank also had what appeared to be paperwork attached to
it. Perhaps holding what he was looking for. Though he hoped not. Slowly, he
made his way over, and with every step his morals were screaming out that
everything about this was wrong. He approached one of the tanks, picking up its
papers, and slowly inhaled before reading. As he read, his face slowly paled,
and his eyes widened by the slightest of margins.

The realization that this was what he was looking
for almost knocked the wind out of him. He looked at the baby in the tank,
floating inside, eyes closed as if it was sleeping, blond hair floating freely
around him.  He’d never been an emotional
kind of man. No. But seeing a child’s face, and knowing what their fate would
be was one of the hardest things he’d ever experienced.

This was Project Deathless.

He dropped the paperwork before he thought better of it,
needed a moment to adjust to the reality he was in. How had Niflheim allowed
this to happen? To let infants be raised for war and nothing else. To be
twisted by demon blood and changed from human to machine.

His hands slightly shook as he picked up the papers to take
them with, recalling just how many of the magitek he’d slain over the years. If
the papers were to be believed, they’d all started out as this. Just a child,
robbed of any other life they might have had.

With a heavy heart, he turned to leave. He had what he
needed. But as he got to the door he paused and looked back. He felt tired and
knew that making decisions when he was tired wasn’t the wisest of choices. But
as he gazed back into the room at the child, he made a choice. He crossed the
room quickly, recalling what he’d read and pressed three buttons.

One to drain the tank, the second to turn off the vital
monitors, and the third to lower the glass.

This wasn’t his best idea, and there was also no way he
could rationalize saving one life, and he knew that this wasn’t atoning for the
countless he’d taken. But his damn conscience wasn’t going to let him walk away
from this child. It was screaming for him to take them all in fact.

But he couldn’t.

Once the glass had dropped, he picked up the child as it
coughed up the liquid and cradled it to his chest. Once the child had finished
coughing, he breathed normally, and his pulse was strong. Considering that the child
had just been submerged in what he assumed was liquid oxygen, his mind turned
traitorous and wondered if the infant was used to switching between air and the
liquid. If so, how many times had the infant been taken out and then placed
back into the tank?

A huff of disgust left him before he could stop it, and he
glanced around the room for anything to cover the child with. If he was taking
him with, he’d need to be covered with something to protect him from the cold. It
was then he noticed the shelves sitting just outside the light of the tanks.
Upon them were heaped what looked like blankets and supplies for the infants.
Bags, food, clothes…

Convenient. Again.

But he didn’t care. For all he knew the child could be a red
herring with false information attached. If that was the case he’d gladly
accept that he’d failed the mission in exchange for saving one of these
children. He quickly packed a bag and filled it with what he could for the
child. Supplies that he’d probably need considering there was no way in hell he
was prepared to care for a child on the way back to his extraction point. Once
a bag was packed and he had it situated on his back he turned his attention to
the baby sleeping in his arms.

As Cor pulled the clothes on him, that was when the child
started fussing. Its eyes popped open and immediately turned watery. Cor
hurriedly finished dressing him and bundled him into a blanket.

“Shh,” Cor scooped the child back up from where he’d lain him
and lightly bounced him, thanking the astrals that he’d seen Regis with the
prince more than once, “Hey now. It’s alright.”

He spoke quietly to soothe the child, and watched the door.
No one was coming so far. But the crying did make him second guess his choice.
Only now did he remember that there were Magitek throughout the halls. Could
the child be quiet enough to make it through them all? Did he dare risk an
alternative route?

But then the baby quieted, and looked at Cor.

Cor without thinking really, offered his pinky to the child.
The baby’s hand grabbed onto him, and cooed, but not happily, no. Rather, he
just wanted to make noise it seemed. Cor kept his face neutral as he studied
him.

Bright blue eyes stared into his and this time a happy coo
did leave the baby’s mouth. Almost as if he was just happy to be looked at.

Cor inhaled slowly and then sighed, knowing this was the
right choice, and turned his attention back to the door.

Back the way he came then. He could make in one shot if he
ran maybe… Wait, shit. Running with a baby. Bad idea. He’d have to go as slowly
as he came, if not slower. Plus, how was he going to explain that the mission
might be a failure? Technically, this was…project Deathless. There was the
paperwork, and he didn’t have to put in the report that he’d pretty much been
guided here… They didn’t need to know he didn’t look anywhere else, right? And
it might not be a red herring!

…

He was so fired.

But, he figured as he looked back down at the baby, it’d be
worth it. If he could get them out of the facility and back to his extraction
point that is.

“What do you think little guy? Can you manage to be quiet
for that long?” He muttered.

The child squeaked rather loudly, but with a smile. Another
slow sigh left Cor, followed by the child reaching up and hitting his nose
lightly.

But that was when he heard footsteps at the door.

His head swiveled up and he froze, as did the woman who’d
began to walk inside.

For a moment, they just stared at each other. Sizing each
other up. Ordinarily, she wouldn’t have been a problem. She was clearly an
academic. He could have incapacitated her within seconds of seeing her.
However, the child in his arms posed a problem.

Her face, one of shock and fear, slowly turned into narrowed
eyes and a hardened gaze.

“You…You’re Lucian…no?” Her voice was quiet and the words thickly
accented. The woman sounded like she’d hardly spoken a word of Lucian until
this point. But he still understood, and nodded slowly, his own eyes
scrutinizing her, trying to figure out what she was doing.

“Yes.”

She glanced back at the door, giving him a moment of panic
at the thought she was going to go get help. But then she stepped into the room
quietly, and pressed the keypad beside it to shut the door.

“Quickly…The child… She said, turning back to him, her
expression pleading.

“You…want me to take him?” He asked, confusion running
across his face freely. He was anyways, but he’d expected her to have the
opposite reaction. Like trying to stop him.

She nodded and then beckoned him to follow her over to the
computer. He did, though slowly. She placed what looked like a jump drive into
the man computer and began to sort through files. Over her shoulder he watched
the screen. Data from the project streamed across it rapidly, and his grasp of
Gralean only allowed him to catch small phrases, or part of a word. Something
about demons? He frowned and tried harder to translate faster, but she moved
from file to file too quickly.

Eventually, after minutes of silence, she stopped, closed
all programs, and pulled out the drive. Her eyes met his as she handed him what
was probably the most information Lucis would ever have on the Magitek. He took
it from her, looking up with absolute confusion. She shrugged and gestured to
the tanks.

“Project…Deathless.” She scoffed. “Many die.”

She shook her head, “It’s… This is not what…”

She said something in Gralean, which he took to mean she had
meant to help the people. Which he understood how sometimes people could be
twisted against themselves. He could hear the regret in her words. Perhaps she,
like him, hoped to save at least one of the children from a life as a machine.

She gestured to him to follow her again and he did,
tentatively. At the back of the room, a secret hall opened, and she stepped
through. He peeked inside, and jumped when the child suddenly babbled. He’d
almost forgotten he was in his arms. Of all things.

The woman turned and looked at the child fondly, almost with
what Cor could call longing as well. But then she faced forward.

“This path leads to the…The-” She muttered what sounded
like twenty different curses in Gralean before snapping her fingers, “-the
entry hall.”

“No Magitek?” He asked, an eyebrow raised as he followed
her. He knew following her blindly like this was stupid. It was. But part of
him honestly wanted to believe that some shred of human decency could be found
in this facility.

“Some.” She said, and he stopped in his tracks.

But then she held up her wrist, a silver band with a small
red light going off every few seconds. “They won’t attack.”

“What is that?” He asked, starting to follow behind her
again.

She glanced back at him, and then gestured to another
doorway. “Electronic pass. They don’t attack.”

“That’s handy.” He mutters. Maybe if they had that in Lucis
as well…they could use the Nif’s tech against them.

Almost as if she could hear his thoughts she added, “Also
tracks. It… records our movement. We can’t leave.”

“We?” He frowned. Did she mean him and her, or her and
someone else?

“Scientists.”

She then stopped and pushed him into a room.

“Hey-!”

“Shush!” She stepped in front of the doorway and blocked it
from view. Rounding the corner was one of the Magitek security details. She
dropped her gaze to the ground, but held up her wrist. There was a moment where
it paused, but then it soon continued, not bothering to look inside the room
she was blocking.

They waited a few moments until it was out of sight before
she let him step back into the hall. They then continued at a fast pace.

“Hurry. The timing…” She shrugged as she walked, giving up
on trying to get what she wanted across to him.

He understood though. Kind of. He could only guess, but he’d
hoped she meant that if they timed it right, no further troubles would happen
across them. And it was true. They went down hall after hall, with her in the
lead, and came across nothing else. Soon enough, they were back into the lobby
he’d started in.

She’d then paused in the room, and turned to look back at
him. “May I…?”

She gestured to the baby and he nodded. So, she stepped
closer to him and placed a hand on the child’s head, who burbled at the
contact. Up close, he could see that she was about his age. Maybe a few years
older possibly, but still in her twenties. And there was a definite sadness in
her eyes as she looked at the baby.

Without meaning to, he asked, “Why are you helping me?”

The question, he thanked his lucky stars, didn’t offend her.
Instead, a small smile crossed her face when the baby’s hand wrapped around one
of her fingers.

She said quietly, “Let me at least save this one.”

He looked up at her and watched as she pulled her hand away
from the baby’s grasp, and then took a step back.

“Go. In that file, you have the…names. You have the names of
scientists here and other…Facilities? Who don’t want this.” She said, returning
to the determined mindset from earlier.

“If you don’t want this, come with me.” He said without
thinking. That same longing from earlier crossed her face.

“I can’t. Go out the door and-” she held up her wrist,
“-Magitek will come.”

“We could out run them. You could come to Lucis.” He knew
that what he was saying was a lie. They’d likely be caught. But there was a
slim chance they’d make it. And, like before, it wasn’t sitting right with him
to leave someone who, for all intents and purposes, was being forced to carry
out these inhuman experiments.

She shook her head. “We do not expect to be saved, Lucian.”

He stared at her for a few moments, and opened his mouth to
try and convince her to take the chance. Even though he was already taking one
with the child, he was willing to try and get her out too. But then a voice
startled both out of their conversation.

“Oh dear. A Lucian is making off with one of our star
experiments.”

The voice sent chills up both their spines, and Cor whirled
on heel to face whoever it was. The woman paled, but stood up a little
straighter upon seeing who it was. And in his arms, the baby began to fuss.

“Chancellor.”

“Sunna.” The man strode into the room with a smirk on his
face. “One of our researchers assisting a Lucian. What would Besithia say?”

“Who are you?” Cor, though he knew it was dangerous, drew
his sword and held it in front of him one handed. An attempt to keep them safe.

“It doesn’t matter. Consider me a friend.” He grinned even
wider, and Cor felt very uneasy.

“You’re no friend.” The woman, Sunna he recalled, said.

“Aw,” The Chancellor feigned being hurt by placing a hand
over his heart, “And here I’d brought a gift.”

Cor watched as the man reached into his pocket and pulled
out what looked like a metal key of some sort. Beside him Sunna stiffened.

“The key to your freedom Sunna. Imagine. No more hurting
those children you seem to adore. No more learning from Besithia.” He smiled.

Cor glanced at her, and saw that she was looking at her
wrist. But then she looked up and her eyes narrowed. She was going to refuse,
it was clear on her face. Before she could respond, Cor cut her off, seeing an
opportunity to get her out of there as well.

“What’s the cost?”

The man smiled, and instead of answering, tossed the key
over. Sunna’s face was bewildered as she caught it. “No cost. I merely wish to
aid you in your mission.”

Cor grimaced, “There’s always a catch.”

“Oh…Alright. I wish for you to return my map to where it
was.” The man laughed as Cor visibly paled.

“You…It was you?”

“Oh yes. We knew of your mission months ago. Or rather I
did. And I saw an opportunity.” The man out stretched his arms, gesturing to the
whole facility. “This facility. Easy to get into and out of wouldn’t you say?
And if Sunna had the resources, that thing on her wrist wouldn’t have stopped
her from leaving. She’d have been able to get out of it I’m sure.”

“But alas, no matter how much I told Besithia that the
security was lacking, he has not listened. And so…” He gestured to the three of
them. “Once he hears that not only a scientist escaped, with one of the experiments,
and at a Lucian’s side none the less…He’d have no choice but to better our
security.”

The reason sounded as insincere as they came. But Cor wasn’t
going to question it any further. He recognized a snake when he heard one. So
instead of responding, he turned to Sunna.

“Hurry, take that off.”

She startled out of whatever thoughts she’d been having and
moved to comply. She looked…hopeful almost. And soon enough, the bracelet
clicked open and dropped to the floor. She kicked it for good measure, sending
it sliding to a stop at the man’s feet.

“Well, what are you waiting for?” He said, almost playfully,
“Unless you’ve changed your mind. I’m more than willing to take the child
back.”

He held out his arms at the same time Cor tightened his hold
when the baby let out a soft coo. “Not on your life.”

“Oh? Pity, and I thought we were friends. Ah well.” The man
then turned on heel, and began to leave. As he left he called back over his
shoulder, “You’d best hurry on by the way, the other scientist will be waking
soon.”

When he was finally gone, they both stood in stunned
silence. But then they both turned into a flurry of movement. He placed the map
back where he’d found it, note and all, and sheathed his sword. Sunna accessed
a box of jackets, for when the scientists had to go outside and put one on,
alongside a hat and gloves. She then took an extra one out as well and hat as
small as she could find.

She then walked over to Cor and then arranged the hat on the
baby’s head. “For the child, the blanket will not be enough.”

She said in
explanation, and gestured for him to hand him over. He did so without
complaint. Sunna could be trusted, he was sure of that now. She tucked the
bottom of the coat over the baby’s feet before zipping it up and tucking the
rest around him, creating a makeshift snowsuit. Then she picked him back up and
cradled him to herself. In her arms, the child began to drift back to sleep.

“We need to go. That man…” She started, but Cor stepped
forward and to the door.

“Come on then.”

He felt like she had more to say, but it was better to leave
sooner. Considering that he originally was sure he’d failed the mission, and
only just now realized that he was coming back with the project data, one of
the experiments, AND a researcher, he did NOT want to tempt his luck by staying
any longer. What she had to say could wait.

And so, for what she hoped was the last time, Sunna keyed in
the code and opened the door to the outside. They both then stepped outside,
and departed, the tracks left behind them disappearing as the snow quietly fell
around them.

Angsty request here! So the chocobros are fighting against some imperial soldiers and as they go to land the final blow on the last enemy standing, that enemy uses their s/o as human shield. It’s too late to stop mid-attack, and their s/o is injured badly (almost fatally, but not quite). How would the chocobros react a) when it happened b) with the other chocobros while their s/o recovered and c) after their s/o had healed? I know, I’m horrible, but the idea won’t get out of my head!

You get a short fic thing. Because I couldn’t pass this up either. (Prompto’s is next.) Gender neutral pronouns for the S/O. 

Noctis:

They lock eyes once, and he’s moving too fast to stop.

“No!”

At the last moment their eyes closed and their face relaxed, accepting what was about to happen. But then a scream leaves them and their expression turns to one of pain. The strike goes clean through them, their blood running down it’s blade in slow rivulets. Their had reaches out and grabs a hand full of his shirt. They opens their eyes and offer a shaky smile, trying to reassure their love that they’ll be fine. But then they start to sink to the ground.

For a moment, he’s too horrified to process what he’d done. But then he snapped out of it and hurriedly grabbed them and guided them to the ground before they could fall. He made sure they were on their side, so the blade wouldn’t shift and hurt them more. A sun shot sounds over his head, Prompto finishing their enemy with two guns in hand, overheating them both. Not that it mattered since that was the last MT. They were safe from further attack for now, but…

“Ignis!” He yelled, a touch of panic in his voice. This wasn’t something that he could do alone. Pulling out the blade would hurt them, and he wasn’t sure he could do so without them bleeding out without immediate healing. They were already losing too much blood.

In the dirt beside him Ignis lands on his knees after running over, eyes quickly looking over the injury. There wasn’t any other choice but to pull it out. And so he places a hand on their side to hold them steady and looked to Noctis, “On three. Ready?”

Noctis nods and grabs the hilt with both hands, waiting for Ignis’ count.

“One, two, three!”

He pulls with all his strength while Ignis, careful not to cut himself, guides the blade in a straight path. Once the blade is free, Noctis drops it to the ground and rushed back to their side, taking their hand in his. It’s ice cold, and they didn’t so much as move when the blade was pulled. Not a good sign. But it’d be fine soon.

Ignis broke the elixir over their wound after shifting them to their back, and they waited for the wound to seal. For a heart stopping moment, nothing happened. He worried they were too late. They didn’t have another phoenix down on them, the last had been used earlier in the fight. But then they breath, the wound closes, and they are whole.

And though they are asleep, Noctis pulls them close and buries his face in their hair.

Too close.

That had been too close.  

~

It was his fault and he can’t let it go.

They had set up camp at a nearby haven, waiting for them to wake and rejoin them. But the blood loss had been extensive, and no one was sure when they’d wake. So they’d settled in, and were now biding their time with training before night fall. Something Gladio had suggested and that Noctis, to everyone’s surprise, had agreed to.

He should be able to pull out of a warp strike he thinks to himself as he moves. Though he knows that it’s not possible without endangering himself. Stasis is the last thing from his mind as he warps from Gladio, phases through his attack and strikes, warps to Prompto to knock him off balance, then to Ignis. But right as he prepares to attack Ignis, his magic runs out and he ends up full on crashing into Ignis as dead weight.

The momentum sends him rolling off Ignis, off the haven, and to the ground below. It knocks the wind out of him, but he’s otherwise unharmed.

“Noct!” “Noctis!”

His friends call from above him. He opens his eyes and finds the three of them peering down at him in concern.

“I’m alright.” He raises his hand to them to wave them off of coming down after him and rises. Though he doesn’t miss the shared glance between Gladio and Ignis. Probably just put together that he was distraught. He’d been trying to hide how upset he was with himself. They were worried about them too. They shouldn’t have to worry about him as well, especially since…

A sigh escapes him before he finishes that thought, and he begins to walk around the haven to the path that would allow him back up.

“I should of been keeping an eye on how much warping I was doing earlier.” He says in explanation as soon as he reached the trio.

“I’ll say.” Ignis pushed his glasses back up and frowns. “If that ever happens in combat,be sure to use an ether right away.”

“I know specs.” Noctis smiled slightly, but saw Ignis about to launch into a lecture and the smile fell. Before he could start speaking though, he needed to know. “You alright though? I was going pretty fast.”

“Aw he’s fine.” Gladio said slapping Noctis on the back. “He was just about to start dinner, right?”

A rare display from Gladio, taking it easy on someone. Ignis, when faced with that knowledge, let it go. “Yes, I was actually. I’ll get back to that.”

They all departed for their own areas of the Haven. Ignis to his kitchen, Gladio by the fire, and Noctis with his legs dangling over the edge. Prompto would normally be on the other side of the fire doing maintenance on his guns, but instead went to join Noctis.

Prompto snickered as he sat and said, “Dude. I got the best picture of Ignis because of you.”

“What?” Noctis raised his eyebrow.

“Take a look!” Prompto held out his camera for Noctis to see.

On the screen was them from earlier. The light around Noct wasn’t it’s usual blue, but the dark purple of stasis. It was immediately after he’d crashed, as his face was planted into Ignis’ chest, and his arms were trapped between them. That didn’t look comfortable for either of them, and Ignis would at least have a bruise from it.

Speaking of Ignis, his eyes were widened in an expression of confused terror in the picture. His feet had tangled with each other when he’d tried to step away from the prince, causing him to fall backwards, and the spear that had been in his hand was just out of reach and hovering in midair. He’d clearly let go of it in surprise. Along with everything else, his arms were extended straight out from the force of the impact. His mouth was pressed together in a tight line. He looked almost owlish and all together cartoonish.

A laugh escaped from Noctis before he could stop it, and Prompto joined in. “See? I told you!”

“Oh man, we need to get that printed.” He said, a smirk still on his face.

“Oh totally. Blackmail material.” Prompto grinned at him and then they lost themselves to pointless chatter.

If Prompto could help it, he wouldn’t let his friend dwell on the sleeping person in the tent. They all wouldn’t. It was all too clear that he was blaming himself. If they could all distract his thoughts until they woke up and dissolved his guilt themself, then they’d have done enough.

~

It took them three days to wake.

It was quiet. No one had noticed that they had shown signs of stirring. And so they were alone when they woke. Which they didn’t mind. It gave them time to get their bearings and recall just what had happened. Once they did remember, a sigh left them and they sat up slowly. A wince crossed their face as they did so, and they had to take a moment to let the pain subside before doing anything else.

They pushed their hair out of their face and grimaced at how greasy it felt. It’d been a while then. Before anything else, they crawled over to their bag of things and changed out of the dirty ones. After that, grateful for the tent’s height, they stood up. A dizzy spell hit them, but they remained standing. Time to face the day.

They left the tent quietly, bare feet making no sound as they moved. The boys were all around the camp, Prompto and Noctis sitting at the edge, Ignis was washing dishes, and Gladio was sitting by the fire. It was peaceful, and they were loath to break the peace. But…Noctis. They remembered his face clearly when they’d been hurt. It wouldn’t be fair to make him wait for them any longer.

“Hey guys.” They said softly. They smiled slightly at how startled they all were. But then Noctis’ head whipped around and the sheer look of relief on his face was worth waking up for.

“You’re awake.”

He rose from his spot and crossed the distance between them and him, wrapping them into an almost bone crushing hug. They held him gently in return.

“I’m so sorry.” He muttered into their hair, and they shook their head.

“Don’t be. It wasn’t your fault.”

They didn’t know how long they stood together, but the others didn’t see fit to interrupt them. Noctis’ embrace spoke volumes about how scared he was. As if he was pressing his fear of losing them into their hug.

They closed their eyes and pressed their forehead into his shoulder. 

“I’m here.” They whispered to him. “I’m here.”

For the short request maybe the Chocobros reacting to an affectionate and clingy Tonberry? I just love Tonberries gheyre my fav creature!

Noctis doesn’t quite know what to do when instead of a Tonberry attacking, it tugs on one of his shoelaces as if to get his attention. 

There’s no knife in it’s hand, and it’s just staring at him with large eyes. 

He eventually just goes with it and reaches out to pat it on the head. After all, when else would he get a chance to pet death incarnate? 

And the Tonberry seems to enjoy the attention, so he ends up sitting on the ground cross-legged, and holding a Tonberry. 

The others, though they initially freak out upon seeing just why the prince has fallen behind, let their weapons slip away upon seeing it’s not hurting Noctis.

No, rather, it’s not letting them get near him when it first sees them. At all. As if they’re the threat. 

Eventually, he convinces the small critter to let them near him, because he emphasizes that they’re friends. 

Of course Prompto is the one to win over the Tonberry’s trust. Because once he sees that it’s not attacking, he just rolls with it like Noctis did. 

…except, he actually scoops it up and spins around with it in his excitement. It doesn’t seem to mind thankfully. Rather, he plops down on the ground next to Noctis to spend time with it.

The older two keep their distance, which suits the Tonberry just fine. 

However, the trouble starts when they tell them that it’s time to go. They set it on the ground and tell it goodbye and start on their way. 

…but it follows. And keeps following. And if they stop walking, it grabs Noctis’ shoelaces again.

Both the younger two give Ignis a look and he has to tell them that no, they CAN’T keep a tonberry. 

It doesn’t agree. 

When they get to a haven, it is gone for a short while, but soon reappears. It goes on like this for days, and eventually, they actually smuggle it into Cape Caem to stay with Iris. Which was Gladio’s idea. Because the boys can’t BEAR the thought of leaving it behind. 

(Even ignis has warmed up to it.)

And that’s the story of how Iris the Daemon hunter got a pet Tonberry that assists her in fights. 

Hey Gladio, Prompto, or Noctis? Can you give this letter to Ignis for me? *blushes and shuffles feet- it’s a love letter*

Prompto, without really giving you an opportunity to move, slung his around around you and snapped a selfie with you right before taking the letter. A mischievous grin crossed his face and he took a step backwards. 

“Sure no problem! I’ll make sure he gets this and has a face to go with the letter.” He winked at you before taking off with a laugh. He wouldn’t really. It was just fun teasing you. 

The reader is a young woman training to be a new guardian for Noctis and is left to survey the city of Lestallam with Ignis, who she really likes. He takes her for a tour to reward her work but begins to struggle with the city temperature. She admits her feelings and he panics from shock and has a little asthma attack he never spoke of before, revealing he doesn’t want it to affect his position with assisting Noct.

Your eyes opened as the cars slowed into it’s parking space.

“Finally.” You muttered. You didn’t even give the prince or Gladio a chance to opened their door before just swinging your legs over the back of the car and sliding down the trunk.

Behind you Noctis made an indignant noise, while Gladio arched an eyebrow at your actions.

You snickered and shrugged, “What? Isn’t my fault your both slower than molasses.”

“We hadn’t even stopped fully!” Noctis said, finally opening his door and getting to his feet.

Gladio did the same while shaking his head. “At least wait until Iggy get’s it into park.”

“It was stopped enough for me.” You said flippantly, waving away their protests. “Besides. We’re here! Finally! I don’t know how ya’ll are so used to such long rides.”

You stretched your arms up, trying to working out the kinks in your back. Prompto was also stretching before coming to stand beside you. “You said it. Would it kill you to stop more often Ig?”

He only looked at the both of you and sighed without responding, lacking the energy to even try. Something that was common ever since you joined their group. Prompto’s energy was bad enough, but with you added into the mix? He didn’t stand a chance.

You in turn slung your arm around Prompto’s shoulders as you bounced up and down on the balls of your feet. “I haven’t been to Lestallum since I was a child! There’s so many people! And it’s so loud! Everything look so…different!”

“What? Really?” Prompto turned to look at you and then looked at the others with huge eyes. “You guys, we can’t NOT show her the town. Is it possible to stay for the night?”

Noctis perked up a bit at the suggestion of staying, he was about to say something, probably in favor of it. But then Gladio put his hand over his mouth and muttered, “Don’t even think about it.”

So he didn’t. Instead, you assumed by Gladio’s shout of disgust, he licked Gladio’s hand and warped away before the bigger man could crush him. “Well, I have to go see what Holly wanted, I’ll catch up with you all later!”

Then he was off at full sprint. Gladio glanced at the both of you and then Ignis,  “I have to see Iris, but first…” 

He took off in the same direction as Noctis, and you could swear you heard a shout of terror in the distance.

You snickered, but you really felt bad for the prince. Once Gladio caught him he was dead. Like, dead dead. You’d experienced that first hand when you had played a prank on him while on watch duty. Revenge for the socks incident you said. But he retaliated and now it was an on going thing. Gladio had managed to start a prank war with you and Prompto both, and it looked like Noctis was about to join your ranks. You couldn’t wait.

With a laugh you stepped away from Prompto, looking toward the over look, and the landscape behind it. That settled you down a bit. The sight was amazing. Breathlessly you said, “By the Astrals, and people get to live here and see this everyday.”

Ignis, who for the most part had remained silent through all the shenanigans, nodded, “Astounding isn’t it?”

You nodded, falling quiet and looked up at him with a smile. But then you tore your gaze away and sighed. “But as soon as we get done here, we really should get back on the road. As much as I complain, we got a job to do.”

Ignis hummed in agreement. “True, but it doesn’t seem fair that you don’t get to see the city…”

Prompto, being ever helpful, starting bouncing on his feet much like you had been earlier. “We can take her on a tour before we leave! Show her around! There’s this really great spot that I wanted to take a picture at too, so…wait.”

He stopped bouncing and frowned, pulling his camera out of his pocket. “Aw man. I have to get these pictures to Vyv though.” But then he brightened, “Ignis! You’re not doing anything, and I’m sure Gladio has caught up with Noctis by now and he’s fairly safe with him…kinda… So why don’t you and her go look around the town?”

You turned to look at Ignis with a hopeful expression. “Please? I mean, we’ve already established we’re not staying the night so….?”

Ignis stood in thought for a moment before sighing and giving you a small smile. “I suppose…Just this once. Consider it a reward for your hard work thus far.”

You cheered to yourself and turned to look at the city, eyes darting to everyone and everything. It was true, you hadn’t been here since you were a child. And then when you became a hunter, you stuck to pretty local hunts and tasks. Getting the chance to see the city, and with Ignis no less, you were filled with glee. 

After snapping out of your thoughts, you turned to Prompto with a smile. “I’ll catch up with you later, yeah?”

“You bet!” He said, then he turned to dart off to find Vyv, leaving you alone with Ignis.

“So…” You turned and started to bouncy slightly on your feet again, “Where to?”

Ignis gestures for you to follow along, and you fall into place behind him, enjoying the start of the stroll. “Well, I figured we could go through the market and pick up a bite to eat from the stand there.”

You tilt your head and offer a grin to him, “So, Ignis Scienta eats street food? I’d never have guessed.” 

“Is it really so surprising?” He gave you a frown as you crossed the street, but you could see the amusement in his eyes, “It tastes good, it’s quick, and fairly filling.”

“It is a surprise, considering how you fret over spice combinations and portion balance.” You snickered and strode ahead of him, wandering into a random direction now that you were in the city. “But…I guess now that I think of it, it suites you.”

“Street food?” He asks.

You blink and turn around not realizing you said that out loud. Instead of getting flustered you flashed a smile and said, “Yeah, let’s go with that.”

His face was confused, but he did let it go. “Alright.” 

The rest of the walk continued in peace, with you both greeting people as they greeted you. Aside from that, the walk gave you time to think. 

What you had meant was that he was a bit more adventurous that he let on. He wasn’t scared of trying new things, or of unknown paths. And, even though it was odd, him liking street food did fit into what you knew of him. And how adventurous he was when he let his hair down was something that you found endearing, and a big part of the reason that you liked him.

While you were thinking, you didn’t catch that he was clearing his throat more than usual.

The soft call of you name to get your attention pulled you out of your thoughts. You stopped where you were and stood beside Ignis, looking up at him questioningly.

“How about we try this one?” He suggested, gesturing to a few meat skewers. 

“Sure!” You chirped, and followed along after him as he went to pay for two of them. You took one from him and said thank you to the vendor before departing with your food to look at the rest of the stands. As you ate, you couldn’t help but note how spicy it was. You never figured Ignis for someone to like hot foods, but the more you knew. 

He introduced you to a few of the people in the market him and the boys had helped before they met you, and you found yourself losing track of time with him. You both had to take off your jackets soon enough, but you found yourself enjoying the heat. Eventually though, he pointed out that it would soon be afternoon, so you both went to look at the powerplant, one of the things you were extremely curious about. So he wanted to ensure you got to see it before you left. But as he started to explain how it worked, he suddenly began coughing harshly.

“Ig? Do you need something to drink?” You asked as soon as it stopped, worry coloring your voice.

He nodded before answering, “If it doesn’t bother you?”

You shook your head and raised your hand. “Not at all! You’re not catching cold are you?”

Without thinking you stepped closer to him and pressed the back of your hand to his forehead, and you stared at his forehead as if you could see if he had a fever written there. While you weren’t looking, his eyes roamed over your face. He could see the concern on your furrowed brow and in how you were biting your bottom lip.

He cleared his throat and took a step back, offering you a shy and unsure smile, “No, nothing like that. Just a dry throat I’m sure.”

“If you say so.” You thought it strange but lowered your hand. “Perhaps the vendors in the market have something, huh?”

You set off in the direction you both came from to hunt something down for him to drink. “Anything particular you like?”

“Pick what you think would be best.” He said. There was a look of concentration on his face, and you didn’t want to interrupt what he was thinking about, so you kept your mouth shut until you got to the vendor.

 You got two drinks, a pink one for you and a green one for Ignis. You didn’t know what the flavors were, because you had told the vendor to surprise you, but yours was good. And judging by Ignis’ thoughtful face, his was as well.

You both made your way back to the look out point and leaned against the bars there, watching the landscape change with the sunset’s light. But then you made the mistake of glancing at Ignis. His face was completely relaxed, and his eyes in the sunlight almost made you say a prayer to the astrals in thanks. He was still rather winded it seemed like, and would occasionally clear his throat still. But with him so distracted…

You ended up leaning over to press a kiss to his cheek. However, when he caught the movement out of the corner of his eye, he turned to face you. Which resulted in you kissing him full on the mouth. 

You pulled back with mild surprise on your face, but then huffed in amusement before pressing another fleeting one to his lips. He stood in stunned silence, and you could see a blush beginning to form on his face. To spare him some dignity while he tried to get himself back together, you turned and faced forward again. Then you decided you mind as well get your feelings for him out there, considering things would be a bit weird if you just kissed him and then never said anything about it. 

“I wanted to thank you for today… It meant a lot to me.” You smiled out over the land, glad that this was easier without meeting his gaze. “And I have a feeling you know just how much from that just now. Truthfully…”

“I like you more than I should. And you’re under no obligation to return that if you want to keep this professional.” You kept your smile frozen on your face so he wouldn’t feel pressured.

“I-I…” He trailed off and let out a sigh to steady himself. “I enjoyed today as w-well…and…Well-”

You’d never heard him stutter before, a testament to how nervous you had made him. You braced for rejections. But it didn’t come. He ended up coughing again instead, and this time it sounded worse. Your head whipped around and you placed a hand on his shoulder to steady him. “Ignis? Whats wrong?”

He couldn’t answer, and it was beginning to worry you when you could hear slight wheezes coming from him when he’d inhale before another cough. You glanced over your shoulder and then told him, “I’m going to find the others. They’ll know what’s wrong, right?”

You went to dart away but a grip on the back of your shirt short stopped you. You tuned in surprise and watched as he shook his head. “Don’t-” He gasped out, and you went back to his side. 

“Ignis, I don’t know what to do here.” You said calmly.

“It’ll pass.” 

You frowned at how dizzy he looked, almost as if he was wilting in place, and then you muttered, “Oh hell.” 

Quickly you dug into your small bag and dug out a potion and pressed it into his hand. “Use it. Usually these things help almost everything right?”

He opened his mouth to protest, but was interrupted by another coughing and wheezing fit. While he was distracted you shattered the bottle in his hand for him. The effect was almost instantaneous, and you could hear him taking in a large gasping breath. Almost as if he had been drowning. 

“…You alright there?” 

Another small cough left him as he was catching his breath, so he nodded instead.

You waited until he could stand up straight again before speaking. “If you don’t mind my asking…What was that?” 

“…An Asthma attack.” He muttered, down casting his eyes so he wouldn’t have to see you.

You frowned and looked at him in concern. “Asthma? I didn’t know you have asthma.”

“Not many are…in fact…I’m almost sure that I’m the only one with Insomnia gone.” He stated in a careful voice. 

“Ignis…That’s unusually reckless of you.” You whispered, thinking of all the times you’ve heard him cough on outings with them all. Was he dealing with it then as well?

“Yes well….If people were to find out…I’m pretty sure I’d not be welcome at Noctis’ side any longer.” 

You hummed in disagreement. “You really think the prince would let anyone chase you away? I’m pretty sure if someone tried he’d stick to you like a burr if you tried to go.” You gave him a small smile, which he did not return, so you continued. “Anyways, Ignis, it’s terribly dangerous of you not to tell anyone. What if this happened during a battle or while driving or…”

“It wouldn’t. I go to great lengths to ensure that.” He then turned to go to the car, but when he swayed on his feet you stopped him.

“Iggy, I know I said that we shouldn’t spend the night earlier, but after that I really think you should rest.” You pleaded with your eyes, and he let out a sigh. 

“Normally, I’d disagree, but this attack was particularly disagreeable with me. So…” 

You didn’t cheer or anything. You only nodded and pulled up Prompto’s number and pressed dial.

“Hey there!” He said cheerfully. In the back ground you swore you could hear Gladio and Noctis bickering.

“Prom, hey. Change of plans.” You said, ignoring the stare Ignis was giving you.

“Oh?”

“Ignis is a little under the weather, so we actually are going to stay in the hotel tonight.” You could almost feel the relief coming off of Ignis when you didn’t explain what happened.

“Yes!!” Prompto cheered on the other end of the line.

“Pass it along to tweedle dee and dum? We’re heading there now to secure the rooms.”

“Will do, Sunflower!”

“Alright Sunshine. See ya there in a bit.” 

“Later!”

You hung up the phone and then nodded, “We’re good Ig. Let’s go.”

The first part of the walk was in silence, and it was peaceful. (You didn’t dare take your arm off of Ignis though. Just in case he was still dizzy.)

“It’s usually under control.” He began to explain, breaking the quiet. “Its just…the temperature sometimes triggers it…and getting startled makes it worse.”

You gave him a confused look, wondering what he was talking about.

“When were you star-” You started. But he cut you off when he looked at you. Or more specifically your lips. “Oh.”

You swear, you tried to stop the nervous chuckle that left you.

“Gracious Astrals, I know I’ve been called breathtaking before, but this it the first time it’s actually happened.” You teased. 

He gave you such a surly look you had to laugh as you began to pull him toward the hotel. “Sorry, was that in poor taste? I’ll make it up to you by not telling anyone else if you don’t want me to.”

“If you’d be so kind…Thank you.” He smiled at you and you beamed back.

“Don’t mention it.”

In reply he surprised you with his own kiss to your forehead. 

You blinked and ended up stopping in your tracks as he went on ahead. “Just to let you know, now that I’m not so surprised, I like you more than I should as well.” 

You let out a laugh as he left you behind. You couldn’t contain your delight at the sight of a blush travelling up the back of his neck as you began to follow him once more. 

Imagine a f! S/o inviting Gladio to a ride with her chocobo, and at the question “what’s its name?”… “Gladio” ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

She leaned against her chocobo as she waited for her lover to arrive. A grin split across her face as she saw him and the others pull up. 

“It’s about time!” She’d call as they clamber out of the car. The rest stay by the car while their legs readjust to standing, but Gladio makes a bee line for her. 

When he arrives at her side, she pushes herself up from where she rested and wrapped her arms around him in a hug as he literally swept her off her feet. A laugh bubbles out of her and she presses a chaste kiss to his lips.

“It’s good to see you.” He’d breath in her mouth as she pulls away. Then he’d chuckle, letting her back to the ground. 

“Come now, we only have the day, so let’s go!” She’d start tugging him along, the smile never leaving her face. And he would follow her over to Wiz to collect his Chocobo for the day. Then they’re off. Gladio knew that leaving the prince’s side wasn’t very safe, but he trusted Ignis to keep them all out of trouble until he was back. It was as she said after all. They only had the day.

They race through the hills and dart pass any enemy they cross, and are filled with an almost wild glee when they end up racing each other back to the post when the sun stars setting. They don’t speak during any of their wildness. Actons have always meant more to them. And the teasing touches and challenging glances they gave each other were enough to convey everything meaningful they wanted to say. I missed you. I love you. And upon arriving back, they give their Chocobo’s back to Wiz, and Gladio bids goodbye to his bird.

“See ya Ruffles.” He’s says with a fond smile.

Beside him she snickers, and he picks up on something…devious. “You named him Ruffles?” 

He raises an eyebrow at her, “Yes. Why, what’s your’s name?”

She looks him dead in they eye, fully aware of the implications of what she was about to say, and smirks, “Gladio.”

He can’t help the booming laugh that leaves him. He doesn’t say goodbye, but merely pulls her in for another kiss before her has to go back to his duty. 

Story between reader and Ignis. She’s known the guys for ages and is invited to a camp gathering and becomes upset due to her years long crush on Igis and fears rejection due to his duties and lack of interaction so she leaves mid way in secret and sits on a high rock crying and having anxiety but she’s found by her crush himself.

(Righto! Second story ever using second person. :D….TBH this
ended up being a character study on…well, you the reader. Pfft. WILL ALSO BE A TWO PARTER! D: It’s been forever since I’ve been able to write guys, and I’ll hopefully have the second part done soon. I hope this is alright!)

It’d been a long time since you’d last seen them all. Since
before Insomnia fell to be exact. So, the invite was welcome when it’d come. A
night out with the boys at the camp site, just for friends to catch up. You
were going of course, being one of the unfortunately few survivors that got out
of Insomnia. Iris and Jared, along with Talcott, were also going. A few people
from Hammerhead were coming out as well.

It would be a small affair, but one that meant a lot to you.
You saw it as a signal that things would return to normal.  After all, it wasn’t easy being the last
living member of your family. And everything you’d owned had been left in your
fallen city. A gathering of friends was just the change of pace you needed. A
night to forget about the problems being a refugee presented.

You’d been staying with Iris for the past few months, just
until you saved enough working in Lestallum to get your own apartment. Even
though Jared had assured you that you’d be welcome to stay with them if you’d
like, it didn’t feel right. They’d done enough when they had taken you out of
the city with them.

You were lucky.

You’d been Iris’ tutor in some of the subjects she was
struggling with in her high school classes. You had been going to the
university at the time, and welcomed the Amicitia’s offer of a part time job as
her tutor. Your mothers had been friends and that day, it had saved your life.

The attack happened during one of your sessions. Your mother
had been in the next room speaking with hers. It happened so fast, and both
your parents rose to protect their children. You, being of a lower name, had
been told to escort her away and OUT of the city. It had been hell, and you’d
had to cut through most of the chaos to reach the gates. Of course, it was
later, when you’d reached the city of lights, that you’d been informed of your
family’s passing.

Normal would be welcome.

You moved across your room and grabbed your jacket, carrying
it in your arms rather than put it on. It was too warm in the city, but you
figure that if you were going to be outside city limits until morning, you’d
better have it with you. Iris and the other had already gone ahead with
everything else you needed. You’d have gone with them, but the shop you worked part time in needed you to stay for a bit longer than usual. Not that it mattered. You
could still make it before the sun was completely down.

You left the room and descended the stairs, waving at the
hotel clerk as you left through the doors. As you headed to where you had last
parked, you greeted everyone and chatted as you went. It had become habit, and
though you found being greeted so warmly by strangers’ odd at first, it quickly
became a part of why you loved the city.

A small smile crossed your face as you reached the parking
lot and slipped on your jacket. Both hands found their way into your pocket,
one pulling out a pair of shaded goggles, the other pulling out your keys. You
couldn’t wait to see the boy’s reaction to what you had managed to buy, and then
get working.

Without further ado, you lifted your leg over the motorcycle
and took your seat. The engine started easily enough, and you gunned it out of
the lot, flying down the road faster than what any car could do. Or that’s what
it felt like anyways. You gauged the sun and then mapped out your route in your
head, speeding up.

You’d make it.

~

You did not make it.

Night had fallen quicker than you’d anticipated, and you
cursed your luck as you turned on your headlight. It was bright enough to light
your way, and you were certain your bike was quick enough to avoid any major
trouble. But it still made your heart beat a little faster with worry. You’d
taken off your sunglasses and returned them to your pocket so you could see a
bit better, but it was still too dark to see much beyond the headlight. You
could see the lights from the camp site ahead of you though, so you relaxed a
bit.

And thankfully the Astrals must have been smiling at you,
because you got the rest of the way unharmed. As soon as the engine was cut,
you quickly hopped up into the haven and dusted off your jacket. However, right
as you were about to greet everyone, you found yourself wrapped in a pair of
arms and tightly squeezed.

“You’re late!!” Iris squeaked, lifting you off the ground. An
Amicitia through and through, the girl had more than enough muscle to manage
that and squeeze the life out of you while she did it.

You wheezed and lightly kicked your feet. “S-sorry! Sun went
down quicker than I thought it would!”

Your arms found hers and you tried to pry her off once she
set you down. But it was hopeless as Talcott rushed the other side of you and
wrapped his around you as well, excitedly babbling about his day. Normal for a
boy his age, and hearing him set you at ease. Though you didn’t want to admit
it, you all were very attached to each other. Having lived together for the
past few month, and being survivors of the mess in Insomnia, had made you all
closer than friends. Family would have been the word to describe your
relationships with them, if the word didn’t hurt so much to think about.

“We called the hotel and they said you had left two hours
ago. We thought…” He said, a slight waver in his voice calling you back to the
present.

You sighed heavily and draped your arm over him, “I’m
alright. I would have called to let you know where I was, but didn’t dare to
once the sun went down.”

Iris squeezed you tighter for a second and then let go.
Talcott on the other hand held on. But you didn’t mind. Instead you walked
beside him as he led you to Jared, who subtly fussed over you as well. At least
he trusted your skills enough to get there unscathed. It was only after all
three had ensured you were unharmed that you could go and join the small
gathering at the campfire.

Instead of saying hi, you just plopped down in an open spot
and grinned at everyone. You had taken Iris’ spot, which no one noticed until
Iris made Gladiolus scoot over. It was only then that everyone’s eyes slowly
slid over to you and you smiled.

“Long time no see fellas.”

“Holy shit you made it.” Noctis said.

Prompto responded by lightly smacking him in the back of the
head. “At least say hi first Noct!”

“I did!”

The two proceeded to bicker back and forth, forgetting you
were there for a moment. Which was fine. Sunshine and the prince always were
easily distracted. You were used to waiting for their attention. However, you
weren’t expecting the voice that spoke next to affect you so much.

“What he meant was, it’s great to see you again.” Ignis
said, softly smiling.

You grinned and tried to brush off the sudden feeling of
breathlessness. “Likewise.”

You’d assumed that after the trauma of Insomnia, and the
ordeals you’d been through since then, that the feelings you’d held for Ignis
would have dissipated. Most other childish notions had. You were an adult in
full now, and adults didn’t get crushes. Or so you told yourself. But clearly,
by just your reaction to hearing his voice, you still liked him.

You cleared your throat after an almost unnoticeable pause
and looked across to Glaido and his sister. “I thought there were others supposed to be here?”

The shield nodded and said, “There were. But they couldn’t
make it this time. Maybe next time when we all get together.”

“And next time, we’re all staying in the hotel!” Prompto
called before getting distracted again. 

You looked over to him and blinked in surprise, as he and Noctis were
busy grappling back and forth where they were seated. They were doing their
best to annoy each other by pushing and jabbing the other when they weren’t
expecting it. It was mildly entertaining seeing the two. Prompto managed to get
Noctis moving, while at the same time the prince managed to get the flighty
blond to calm down…Well, calm down as in stay in one place.

“They…always at each other like that?” you said with a
chuckle.

Ignis chuckled as well, noticing what was going on, “Unfortunately.
It gets old after a while.”

“I can imagine. God, the car rides must be terrible.” You
teased, loud enough to get the other’s attention.

“We -ow- We’re not that bad.” Noctis grumbled, trying to
protect the side of his ribs where Prompto had just jabbed.

Ignis looked at you with a raised eyebrow, as if asking ‘See what I put up with?’

And you laughed.

Somewhere in the heart of you, you knew it hadn’t been a
crush at all. It had been a seed and somewhere along the line, it had bloomed
into love. But if you still called it a crush, you’d hoped the feelings would
fall away. Or at least make it easy to suppress. Because unfortunately, just
the feeling of your returning crush was enough to tip you backwards into the
past. It made you nostalgic. Just hearing his voice took you back to Insomnia.
To memories you simultaneously treasured and wanted to forget. There was a knot
in your throat that you barely managed to swallow down, and you yawned to cover
up the burning you felt in your eyes.

You still had not dealt with your grief. You didn’t know how
to.

Gladio whistled lowly at what Iris had said and caught your
attention, pulling you out of your thoughts before you wound up crying in front
of everyone thankfully. Iris was talking about what life had been like, and
what you had been up to in Lestallum. Hearing your current life grounded you
back in the present. You let her speak for you, not fully trusting your voice yet,
only correcting small details when you had to.

“-sometimes when she’s getting back from a hunt, she’d so
banged up we don’t let her near her bike for a week!” Iris finished, and you
gave an embarrassed laugh, finally joining back in the conversation.

“That’s only happened twice.” You countered, trying to keep
your face from turning red.

“And counting.” Talcott added with an innocent smile.

“Hey!”

“Bike?” Prompto frowned, cutting in. “Bike as in…?”

You coughed and turned away, not meeting anyone’s gaze as
you replied. “Motorcycle.”

“Aren’t those kind of…” Prompto said with a concerned look
on his face, “…dangerous?”

“It got me here didn’t it? And what isn’t dangerous these
days?” You laughed it off, playing it as a joke, and everyone, thankfully, let
it slide, returning to brighter topics.

You knew the risks of riding a motorcycle. Considered dangerous
for their lack of protection in the case that their riders should wreck. (You’d
experienced that first hand plenty of times while learning.) Also, the high
speeds one could attain on one was also many peoples concern. And that was inside
a brightly lit city. Outside the city? Easy pickings for a Daemon. What you’d
run into a lot of was people worried for your health, both mental and physical,
for choosing to ride your bike. But the speed was worth it. You could drive
from Galdin Quay to Lestallum in half the time it’d take a car.

Plus, what was a little danger these days? Just by being a refugee from Insomnia you were always in a bit of danger. 

You didn’t try jumping back into the conversation after that, becoming
muted once more. You simply sat back and enjoyed being with the others again. And the didn’t seem to notice. So you considered everything alright.
(But you couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was staring at you. And if you
had happened to look to your left, you’d have seen a pair of green eyes
watching you.)

Hi! Can i ask for a oneshot in which Gladio has to stay away for really long time because of work and is scared that his s/o might fall out of love with him or cheat on him. Plus he doesn’t really have time to reply to his s/o, even if they do send texts to him. A little bit of angst I suppose? His s/o wants to be sure he still loves them because he almost never texts or call them, because they DO love him? I hope this is clear ;;

((Tis clear enough my dear! Sort of went with a perspective shift and left the ending ambiguous.))

-Gladio-

He glared at the pages of the book when the lines go out of
focus for the fifth time that morning. This was starting to get on his nerves. With
a huff, he closes it and sets it beside him, leaning forward in his seat to
rest his head against the chair in front of him. He’d like to distract himself
from the long car ride with a book, but no. Instead his mind returns to the
phone in his pocket.

It was on silent, but he knew that by the time they stopped
for the night, there might be a text waiting for him to read. Maybe more if
they had a particularly exciting day. Or, even worse, there would be nothing. ‘They’
referring to the one he had been parted from by his responsibility.

They were a hunter they’d encountered at the Prairie Outpost,
and one that he’d ended up falling for. They’d first met when they volunteered
to take them to Cor at the ancient tomb after Insomnia fell. From there, Cor
suggested they could use an extra hand for the trip down into the second tomb
and then to Lestallum, and they’d agreed to go with them. Upon arriving, they’d
stayed when he’d invited them to, taking the four on hunts and showing them the
ins and outs of the trade upon realizing they had little idea of how to track
the creatures they’d be fighting.

Travelling together had worked for a time. And as time
passed, his feelings of comradery had taken a step toward attraction. Which was
mutual he soon discovered. And before they both had known it, three months had
passed with them fighting side by side. But their nature was capricious, and
they were used to going where the wind took them. (One of the things he loved
about them really.) So expecting them to stay with the group had been a foolish
expectation. That they had stayed for as long as they had was a miracle in
itself.

They’d left with only a note for him in their wake and an
apology text later that day.

And now? He was frustrated. Being on the road and watching
all their back’s didn’t really leave much time for him to take care of anything
else really. Even when he read, he was well aware of his surroundings.
Something he knew he wouldn’t be able to do if he was texting them. Because he
was worried about them. Truly. Working so closely with them had allowed him to
see their weaknesses, their gaps in their defense. Though he’d try to work on
those weaknesses with them, there was still a fear buzzing around in the back
of his mind that they’d slip up. And it’d be their tags he’d be forced to find
one day. His thought’s would revolve around them instead of keeping the prince
safe.

But lately, it was bordering on the
fourth month after their departure, he worried of another thing all together.
They’d used to text him almost every hour if they could. A status update he’d
appreciated at the time. He’d leave it on read until they stopped for the night
and he could message them his own update. And they’d make time to call one
another at least once a week. However, they soon found out neither really had
the time, or the energy really, to keep up with one another so far apart.                                                                                                                  He
was always on the move and needed his rest. And with them being on their own,
they’d always needed to keep an eye on their own back to make sure they were
safe. There was no time for talking with one another.

But they’d at least text him
something every day. Or they used to. It was getting less and less frequent
now. Which brought him back to why he was distracted. The lack of contact. Did
it mean anything? Were they finally at the end of their relationship? Did they
even still think of him as he thought of them? He was too scared to ask. Not
only that, but he couldn’t figure out how to start the conversation in the
first place.

“We’re here.”

His head snapped up at Ignis’
voice, and he mentally cursed himself when he saw that the car was parked and
the others were already climbing out. Distracted. Exactly what he was afraid of
being when he thought about them. He pushed his hand through his hair as he got
out of the car, reorienting his thoughts for the coming hunt.

“Right…So what’re we after again?”
Prompto asked, yawning away the last dregs of sleep.

“Something big and ugly if I
recall.” Ignis said. His voice was deadpan as he began walking to where the
entrance to the Malmalam Thicket would be. “Come along then. The sooner this is
done the sooner we can get back to civilization.”

He said that last part as
motivation for the Prince to catch up with them. Something that made Gladio
snort and finally bring him fully back to the present. When they’re actually in
the thicket, his phone goes off. One glance at the screen tells him it’s them,
and he’s forced to press ignore even though them calling was rare. He missed
their voice. So to himself he promised he’d call them back once this is over. He
then turns off his phone so he wouldn’t be tempted to answer if they called
again.

~

On the other line, they brought
the phone down from their ear, and brush away the tears in their eyes quietly
when their call suddenly gets sent to voicemail. How they wished he’d answered.
They hung up on the call before leaving a message, and then leaned back against
the tree they sat against. Honestly, at that moment, they felt alone. Too
alone.

They knew that they’d been distant
lately. But they’d been working. Living from hunt to hunt wasn’t easy, no. But
lately, it was more of an honor thing among them all to take on more work.
Especially the higher ranks. Daemon specific hunts were getting more and more
common. High risk, low reward. But…none of them could turn their backs on those
hunts. Especially not Slayers and up.

Anyone who was a lower than rank 5
wasn’t allowed to go after daemons, which took away most of their numbers. Most
hunters, truthfully, only did hunts to supplement their income with their
earnings, having other jobs to fall back on. They made up the majority and most
of them were all lower ranks. Not like the others.

The others, like them, were often
people who wandered from place to place, living off successful hunts and going
hungry the nights they weren’t. They were often in the higher ranks, just from
the sheer amount of work they undertook. And they all were trying to stem the
daemons as much as they could. But the nights were getting longer and the
higher ranks were losing their lives at such a high rate, they would soon be
forced to revise who was allowed to go on hunts, and maybe even implement regulation
for the hunters to hunt in a group. It was that dangerous these days.

And this time they may have bitten
off more than they could chew themself.

With a groan they shifted into a
better position at the base of the tree, a large gash on their lower back
making moving difficult. They were cold, and they were tired. But…They owed it
to him to at least leave a message. Even…even if he didn’t feel for them what
they felt for him.

They hit the redial button on
their phone, and waited. They tried not to feel too hurt by the fact their call
went straight to voicemail this time, and waited for the recording to start.

“…” For the first few moments,
they could think of nothing to stay, and their sleepiness was catching up to
them. So they went with simple.

“Gladio. Hey,” They began, “So…I
miss you first off. And I know I’ve been busy…”

Into their message they explained
that they missed him, that they were unsure about what he felt. They questioned
if he saw them as a fling or not, stating that they didn’t. They had seen a
future with him, maybe not in great detail, but it was impossible to picture a
future without him. But they said it didn’t matter now. They explained their
recent absence from their texts. They explained the situation with the hunters.
And they explained their injury. They had to end the call after that, not
wanting to risk calling more attention to themself. It was, after all, the
middle of the night.

“…And…If you find my tags…Just know that I
love you.”