iwillshieldhim | What Stalks in the Night [for fieryknowledge]

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What Stalks in the Night [for fieryknowledge]

The day had started out like any other. The pinging of Ignis' phone alarm. The snuggle of Prompto because that kid turned out to be a snuggler at night and always tried to hide it in the morning. The grumbling from Noct. Breakfast. Clean up. Deciding what to do.

Today turned out to be a day for a hunt. Good. Gladio itched for a fight today and a hunt mean a fight and gil, even if the latter was the more necessary right now. Those damn energy drinks for Noct to turn into potions were annoyingly expensive; thank the Six they were popular enough to be absolutely everywhere even if the blasted things were pricey.

The hunt itself proved to be surprisingly elusive, though. Most of the afternoon was spent in just trying to track down the beast, perched on the backs of their chocobos with maps pulled out and a lot of cursing because this place proved to be a bit of a maze of canyons cut into the rock. Eventually, they found it, though, and Gladio had to admit... this wasn't going to be easy.

It was almost like a giant scorpion, except it had paws and a sort-of-face like a lion and it was furred. The tipster had called it a Chimera; Gladio called it ugly. By the end of the long, damn difficult fight, he had called it several far less appropriate names. It had managed to put the hurt on all of them, but only Gladio had taken a blow from its glowing tail, stabbing right into the muscle of his left arm. One of those expensive potions had taken care of that, or so they thought, and they had gone back to camp stinking, exhausted, and ready to just get some food in their stomachs and pass out.

But as they finally saw camp in the distance, Gladio was surprised at how the heat of the day was clinging to him because he felt even more sticky-sweaty under the leather. Fuck. Last thing he needed right now was to have to air-dry his fatigues, but he probably wasn't going to have a choice.

Little did he know.

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"I'm a good cook, but I'm not that good. Between you and Cor and everyone else, you'd all wear me out."

For a moment, he almost sounded like his usual self. It might be the moment between them, a sign of the usual banter that had helped ease him, but when Gladio asked about Noctis and Prompto, he turned serious again. Prompto had been such a help but Noctis... he hated that the young man had withdrawn so much, even though he could understand why.

That withdrawal hurt Ignis to no end, but that was something else to worry about another day. After all, Ignis knew how his prince was.

"... he did. Kept him safe and in place until Cor could locate them since we were both out of commission."

He wasn't blind to those changes, either of them. Had to go and mess it up, didn't he, but what was done was done. So instead, he tried to ease it back towards 'better' with no idea of how Noct had been acting and how little his attempt would mean in the face of it. He'd have a few words to say to Noct if he knew, but Noct... Noct could be tough, at best, when it came to his emotions. Somewhere between unreadable and unpredictable, and it'd gotten worse the older he got.

Everything that happened before and during his time in Tenebrae really had changed everything, specially what Ignis had told him Noct was like when he was younger.

"Guess that means we owe Prompto. First time he's had to take that kind of responsibility on on his own." There was definitely a hint of being proud about that in Gladio's voice, something he didn't show too often to the blond.

"He did well. Still is, in fact. He's been trying his best to keep everyone positive as best he can. It... hasn't been easy."

Gladio wasn't the only one was proud of Prompto. Ignis hadn't told the blond, but he would once things had settled a bit more and their 'company' had left them on their own. Hopefully Cor had realized what had been going on with the younger members of their merry little band and had acted accordingly since Prompto deserved all the praise he could get.

"... I shouldn't stay too long. You still need rest."

"I can sleep forever," Gladio half-joked, but it honestly felt like he could at this point. "Kind of enjoy getting the chance to be awake and talk and not be completely out of the loop." His fingers crept up to where the chimera had stung him, feeling bandages wrapped around him. However, he also was well aware this might have been Ignis trying to back himself out. "If you want to go, go ahead."

Though... "Mind grabbing one of my books for me? Right at the bottom-back of my pack." At least he could read until he passed out. It wouldn't take long.

It was just as much concern for Gladio as it was a way for him to get back to his own space and try to get some more sleep of his own. He hadn't exactly had the most restful sleep as of late, after all. For a moment, he almost chided Gladio when he noticed he was fiddling with the bandages, but he kept quiet about it. As long as the bigger man wouldn't try and undo them, then Ignis wouldn't mention it.

"Of course. I'll get you some more water as well. Anything else?"

He wouldn't try to undo them... for now, but that wasn't likely to hold on forever. Gladio didn't do well with bandages or letting things heal fully, though he tried on the latter. Gladio shook his head to the question. "Nah. If you find me acceptable for human company," dry joke, there, "you could let them know I'm okay? Don't want the kids worrying about me any more than they have to." Already had been.

"And... try to get some rest yourself, Iggy?"

That just drew a low, dry chuckle from the adviser. Rest was the last thing Ignis was worried about. In fact, if he could avoid it, he would. In a way, it helped to see that Gladio was more himself. Maybe that would help ease the memories of being stalked by the big man. He'd been more animal than anything else then, so seeing him like this, trying to joke, fiddling with his injuries... it was all just pure Gladio.

"Do I look that bad?"

"I get the feeling we both look pretty rough," Gladio said, more jokingly. It was good to hear that chuckle from Ignis, something almost like normal. "I know if I look like even a quarter of what I feel like, I probably look like shit." He looked sallow, his hair bedraggled and sweat-soaked and a sheen on his skin. A few good meals, some rest, and a hot shower would cure it all along with time. "You always look good though. Not fair." He brought up a hand to rub it across his face, hating to feel how weak that gesture felt.

"You look good once you consider everything that happened."

And he did. Ignis wasn't one to lie. Gladio might look ill, but it was an improvement over how he'd looked when they weren't sure if he'd wake up at all. Sure, he wasn't his usual charming, handsome self, but that would chance as he got better. Ignis was sure of it.

Not so long ago, even Ignis wasn't exactly immune to Gladio's charms but now, when his friend openly complimented him, there was no amused huff and no flush to dust along pale cheeks. Instead, he paused, green eyes staring over at him before his gaze dropped away. After a moment, he blinked as if remembering something then got himself up to go find Gladio the book he'd wanted.

"... well. I'm sure we'll both be back to normal soon enough."

The difference was obvious and it tore through Gladio worse than anything. His fingers slid back through his hair and he nodded, giving Ignis that respect. "...hope so." Quiet, nodding, because what more could he do?

He'd attacked one of his friends.

They'd never trust him again, he was certain of it. He wasn't so sure he deserved to be, even if it wasn't his fault. Shouldn't he have been strong enough to conquer it? He was supposed to be the strong one among them...

He sighed quietly, rubbing that hand over his face.

If either of them were actually thinking and not just reacting, then Ignis might remind him that there were various forms of strength. There'd been no weakness in succumbing to the venom and while Ignis knew that, he couldn't give that knowledge words. Not when his throat tightened up every time he looked at Gladio.

He hated it. Gladio was his closest friend. He should be able to turn to him and tell him that he was afraid and he wasn't sure how he could get past it, but he couldn't. Instead, he watched him with tired eyes for a long moment, then padded closer to hand him the book he'd snagged out of his bag.

"... we'll be alright. Won't we?"

Will they.

Gladio reached out and took the book, looking up to Ignis and trying to see his old friend in those familiar green eyes, but it felt like someone new was looking out from them. He had to believe, for both of their sakes, didn't he, even if it was a total lie?

"Yeah." The lie fell from his lips, but he couldn't tell if Ignis was doing the same or not. "Yeah, we will. Thanks." Gesturing a little with the book to indicate what he was thanking Ignis for. "Probably won't last more than a page or two."

The sight of amber eyes gave him pause. There was a hazy memory of crimson eyes staring down at him, not that rich amber. Not the same as the eyes that he'd seen approval or dismay in. Not the same eyes that tried to search his.

Ignis knew the lie for what it was, but he was grateful that Gladio had tried. Part of him wanted to linger, to test things on this tenuous new ground between them but he knew that Gladio was tired and truly, so was he. Maybe the world would look better in the light of a new day. He could go and tell the others that Gladio would be alright in time and once they'd had a couple of days to rest up, they could be back on their way.

"I'll make sure to check on you in a little while. I'm sure Noctis and Prompto will want to come see you as soon as possible. You'll probably need to get some sleep before that happens since we both know how exuberant Prompto can be."

"Exuberant," Gladio said on a huff of a laugh. "That's definitely one way to describe him." It was a good choice, really. Prompto had more energy than all of them combined on most days, for all of his whinging. However, in this case? "...I think it's gonna be Noct who's the tougher one, this time." Given what Ignis had said earlier about him.

"Let them know I'm okay and I'll see 'em when I get up. ...Thanks, Iggy." The corner of his mouth lifted, but his smile was only a fraction of his normal ease. Inside, he wanted to do... what? A part of him wanted to reach out an just squeeze Ignis' shoulder, a physical touch, to ease off some of that fear in him, but he knew it would only make things that much worse.

On the subject of Noctis, Ignis wisely kept his mouth shut. He couldn't deny that it was a bit of a sore subject for him, but he wouldn't openly share that knowledge. Instead, he would just quietly sit back and wait for things to resolve. Noct wasn't a child anymore. He didn't need someone to tell him what to do. Ignis was his adviser, after all. He couldn't very well advise if he wasn't asked.

Gladio got a half-smile in return before he let himself out. As promised, he told their companions that Gladio would be up for company after he'd had a bit more rest, then set about coming up with something for dinner for everyone. It wouldn't be much and in the end, he likely wouldn't be too happy with the results, but it was still warm and filling and good, even if the cook fussed about it not being his 'usual quality'.

Noctis wasn't a child, but he was afraid. In the course of a few hours, things went from fairly normal on a tough hunt to two of his friends and family being lost out in the darkness with daemons, then getting a phone call finding out that they were both hurt, being forced to wait until morning to go find them, then feeling utterly helpless once they had, to finding out that one had done this to the other. Noctis had never been good at dealing with major emotions and this had been a roller coaster of them.

He wanted to wrap his arms around Ignis and cry, but he knew (thought) he couldn't. He had to be strong and couldn't act like a little kid over this. So he pulled back. Walled up. It wasn't a great emotional response.

Prompto was hugely relieved to hear that Gladio was okay, and Noctis showed the same before turning his head away and nodding. "Good." Dinner was, in the end, only for three because as predicted, Gladio passed out hard not two more pages into his book. Noctis, however, snuck in there and spoke to his unconscious Shield while no one could hear him.

Ignis knew what Noctis was up to. He'd seen him glance around as if that was noticeable enough. He'd seen him slip out of the room and he knew where he was going. While Gladio's condition was still not great, Ignis knew that Noctis wasn't in danger. With that in mind, he let him go and went about clearing away what was left of dinner and made sure that there was some left, ready for when Gladio wanted it.

Not much later, he excused himself and shut himself away in his own room. He was still worn out himself, though his injuries were gone. He could write it off to his body working to replace spilled blood, but it was more than that. The weariness went deeper than bones. Sighing, he dropped into bed without even bothering with his usual evening routine. It all seemed rather pointless now.

Three hours later, he started to scream, his mind locked in a nightmare while his body jerked to try and get away from whatever was causing it.

It was, of all people, Noctis that came in to Ignis' cries. He actually looked ready to attack something because why was someone screaming, his blade out in his hand, but when he saw nothing the blade fell, disappearing into blue sparks as he bolted over to the bed. "Iggy!" He reached out for his advisor, grabbing his shoulder and shaking hard. "Iggy, wake up!"

He barely managed to avoid a flying fist, trying to pin it down. "Come on, come back to me-" he said through gritted teeth, a knee braced on the bed and trying to push down because he had no idea how to help this.

There was no recognition. Noctis' voice went unheeded as Ignis writhed, his hands trying to push him away. When one was captured and pinned down, a low whimper rolled through the adviser and oddly enough, he went still. Rigid, but still. Maybe then, Noctis might notice that his eyes were open, vivid green glassy with fear as his breath sped up and his body started to shake.

By the Six..! Noctis let out a breath and gave up on the wrist, instead bringing up his hands and taking Ignis' face between them, looking down into his eyes. "Ignis! Ignis, it's Noct- come on, focus! You're safe! I won't let anyone hurt you. Come back to me-" He tried to hide down the fear in his voice but he couldn't entirely, not knowing what to do.

He jumped a foot when someone grabbed him from behind and pulled him off, then a cold glass of water splashed Ignis in the face. There stood Gladio, in nothing but his boxers, breathing hard as he stood there, watching down at Ignis.

His eyes flicked toward Noct for a moment, but the shaking never stopped. Not until Noct was pulled away and replaced by chilled water. Gasping, Ignis shifted back, his body sprawled in an inelegant heap as sense slowly came to his eyes.

This time, his gaze was locked on Gladio even as he slowly shifted to try and get himself sitting up.

"... I'm sorry."

Gladio put out a hand and planted it firmly on the wall as the world spun, looking down at Ignis with honest and open worry in his face before he managed to hide it down again. "Don't be," he said roughly, clasping his other hand on Noctis' shoulder.

"You okay?" Noct asked of Ignis, his brows furrowed and he almost looked angry, but really worry was still evident in his eyes. He was completely dressed, which if Ignis took note would be weird given the time of night.

Panic and fear still thrummed through his veins and now, with Gladio standing so close, he felt bile rise up in the back of his throat. What he didn't notice was that he was slowly sinking back into the bed as if trying to make himself a smaller target, or disappear altogether.

It took Noct's question to pull his gaze away from Gladio, swallowing as he quietly pondered how he should answer. He certainly didn't feel okay and he figured he didn't look it and while he could lie with the best of them, he rarely did. It wasn't something he detested. Instead, he reached up to shove his hand through his hair in a mock effort to try and tidy it a bit.

"... of course. Such things are to be expected, after all. I apologize if I bothered either of you. Gladiolus, you should be back in bed. Both of you should be."

When it doubt, fall back on something you know. For Ignis, that would be mothering the group. It was something that was second nature to him, something easy and safe.

...Ignis was afraid of him. Ignis also wasn't the only one with bile in the back of his throat. Gladio looked away, the worry there dying before he only nodded, saying nothing else before he walked out of the room. By the time he got back to his bed his knees were trembling from the effort, too soon after how sick he'd been, but it hadn't mattered when he'd heard Ignis screaming out.

Because of him, he realized now. Nightmares. Because of him.

Noctis though shook his head, though he didn't quite get the connection of it all as quickly as Gladio had. "It's fine; I wasn't asleep. ...Do you want me... to stay here, until you can get back to sleep?" Like Ignis had for him when he was young.

Ignis looked more like a wary animal as his eyes followed Gladio on his way out. He hated himself for fearing his old friend, but something primal in him was petrified and after the nightmares, he was starting to realize that Cor had been right. It was the worst feeling, knowing that his fear was probably affecting Gladio as much as it was him.

Noctis' voice broke through his melancholy, his eyes flicking back toward his charge a moment later. There was something that stood out to him about Noctis. He hadn't been asleep? That was unusual for him.

"... no. That isn't necessary. I don't think I'll be sleeping any more tonight. Are you alright?"

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