Chapter Text
After moving in with Gladio, Ignis became sure of 3 things.
- Gladio consumed far more Cup Noodles than Ignis had initially theorized.
- No matter how much they loved and enjoyed each other, setting rules and making compromises were mandatory.
- Learning new information was a constant, both about Gladio… and himself.
Living alone for so long, there were some habits Ignis had developed without even realizing. Some unconscious routines ingrained within him. One such habit became very clear to Ignis one early afternoon, thanks to 5 words from Gladio.
“You were humming just there?”
Ignis froze for a moment, and then continued stirring the soup. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“No, no, I definitely heard humming.”
Ignis heard the scrapping of a chair and then heavy footsteps coming closer. They halted, and Ignis felt Gladio’s warm presence behind him.
“Was that the Chocobo Theme?”
Ignis leaned closer to the pot of soup, trying to ignore the rushing heat to his cheeks. “Soup’s almost ready, you should sit back down.”
“No, come on, hum it for me again.” Gladio encircled his arms around Ignis’s waist from behind. “I never hear you sing.”
Ignis clicked his tongue. “I don’t sing.”
“Just a little? ‘I want to ride my chocobo all day!’”
Ignis flipped his head to glare at his partner. “Gladio!”
Unfortunately, the glare had no effect on Gladio, who just chuckled and kissed Ignis’s cheek. “You’re so cute when you’re embarrassed.”
“I am not!” Ignis grumbled and turned back to his cooking. “And if you want to have lunch today, I advise you sit down now!”
“All right, all right.” Gladio released Ignis but otherwise didn’t move. Just before Ignis could issue another warning, Ignis felt Gladio’s lips brush against his ear. “You little, grumpy chocobo.” Giving Ignis’s behind a soft slap (earning a slight gasp from Ignis), Gladio walked back to his seat. “I want to ride my chocobo all day!"
Ignis furiously stirred the soup. He was definitely hiding all the Cup Noodles for a week.
~
Ignis tried to be more aware after that. Whenever he cooked, he reminded himself of Gladio’s proximity and forced himself to remain silent. And for a while, it seemed to be working.
Except one afternoon when Gladio was napping in their bedroom, and Ignis was making cupcakes for Talcott’s upcoming birthday. The batch had finished baking, and Ignis was icing them. Something about the captivating scent of red velvet and the repeated satisfaction of each icing swirl relaxed Ignis. With his guard already lowered due to the absence of his partner, Ignis hadn’t even noticed that he was humming once again. Until…
“THERE! I heard you!”
Ignis fumbled the piper but regained his hold and whipped around. There was Gladio, at the entrance of the kitchen area, grinning like a Cheshire cat and pointing his finger right at Ignis.
Ignis glanced to his boyfriend’s tousled hair. “You should get a hairbrush.”
“Hey, hey, don’t you change the subject!” Gladio shook his finger, then brought it up to his chin. “Now what were you humming this time? Sounded familiar…”
Ignis gritted his teeth. “Gladio…”
Gladio’s eyes widened, and he snapped his fingers. “real Emotion! Really, babe!? I didn’t know you were into pop!”
The Advisor felt the prickling of heat at his cheeks. “Gladio, can’t you see that I’m busy?”
“Ah, come on, babe! You don’t need to be embarrassed! It’s a really catchy song!”
Gladio approached Ignis with his arms outstretched. Ignis raised up the piper just as he came within arm’s reach. “That’s enough!”
“Or what? You gonna ice me to death?” Gladio laughed. “And oh, I know, the world of real icing has surrounded me, I won’t give into it!”
Ignis huffed and turned around. “If you wish to partake in these cupcakes on the eve of Talcott’s party, I advise that you leave me to finish!”
Ignis heard Gladio sigh. “Come on, Iggy! Is it that hard to admit?”
“I won’t say it twice!”
After a few moments, Ignis finally heard Gladio walk away and towards the cabinets, singing softly.
“What can I do for you? What can I do for you? What can I- Babe? Where are the Cup Noodles!?”
Ignis smirked.
~
A few weeks later, Ignis was alone in the apartment, making dinner. Gladio had night training, but Ignis had promised that he would have dinner ready by the time he came home.
As he chopped the carrots, Ignis became aware of just how empty and silent their apartment was. He couldn’t help but feel a little lonely, missing Gladio’s presence. Ignis let out a breath as he gathered up the cut carrots and arranged them on the baking tray, surrounding the meat. He took a moment to glance out of the window, noting the soft glow of the moon.
Unable to bare the stillness any longer, Ignis opened his mouth and began to sing.
“Midnight, not a sound on the pavement.
Has the moon lost her memory? She is smiling alone.
In the lamp light the withered leaves collect at my feet,
And the wind, begins to moan.”
He reached to take some spices from the rack and continued the song while spicing up the food.
“Memory, all alone in the moonlight.
I can dream of the old days, life was beautiful then.
I remember the time I knew what happiness was.
Let the memory live again.”
After opening the oven, Ignis took the baking tray to put inside, still singing.
“Every street lamp seems to beat, a fatalistic warning.
Someone mutters and a street lamp gutters, and soon it will be morning.”
Setting the timer, Ignis leaned his lower back against the counter. He closed his eyes, fighting off an odd stinging behind them, and sang the next verse.
“Daylight, I must wait for the sun rise,
I must think of a new life, and I mustn’t give in.
When the dawn comes, tonight will be a memory too,
And a new day…”
“WILL BEGIN!”
Ignis’s eyes burst open, pupils dilating. There, once again, was Gladio at the entrance, beaming widely and practically vibrating.
Ignis couldn’t move or form a coherent thought. He could only gape and stare at Gladio in absolute horror and shock. So Gladio made the first move. He rushed forward, grabbing Ignis around the hips and lifting him up.
“That was amazing, Iggy!” Gladio exclaimed, shaking Ignis from side to side. “I never knew you could sing like that!”
Ignis finally found the ability to move and grasped the tops of Gladio’s shoulders. “Put me down! I don’t appreciate this swinging!”
Gladio complied but kept his arms tight around Ignis, that wide, stupid grin still plastered on his face.
Ignis crossed his arms. “I thought you had training for another hour.”
“Finished early, babe! Was gonna message you but thought you might be making music again, so I’ve been hiding in the bedroom. Guess I was right!” Gladio wriggled his eyebrows a few times, laughing.
Ignis scowled but then realized something. “Wait, you snuck in through the bedroom? We live on the 4th floor! How did you-“
“I used a grappling hook!”
“…since when do you have-“
“I borrowed it from Nyx! But we’re getting off-topic here!” Gladio squeezed Ignis tighter, burying his face into Ignis’s shoulder. “That was so good, Iggy! You should sing more!”
Ignis exhaled, feeling both annoyed and comforted at Gladio’s strong grip. “…it’s not something I’d like to advertise publicly.”
“Aw, is someone shy?” Gladio asked teasingly, raising his head to look at Ignis.
“I am not being shy!” Ignis stated, narrowing his eyes as Gladio raised an eyebrow. “It’s just…” Ignis averted his eyes, “something I prefer… just for me.”
They stood in silence for a moment, Ignis still averting but aware of Gladio’s eyes on him. Unable to take it any longer, Ignis snapped his eyes back to Gladio. “What?”
Gladio sighed, leaning down to touch his forehead to Ignis’s. His eyes held such adoration. “I’m still learning new things about you. And I love it.”
Ignis let out a dry laugh and encircled his arms around Gladio’s neck. “You’ve been reading one too many corny romance novels.”
Gladio kissed his forehead. “You like it.”
“…perhaps.”
The two stood for a moment longer, lost in each other’s gaze and arms.
Finally, Ignis cleared his throat. “It will be about an hour before the roast is ready. Perhaps we should relocate?”
“Can’t you sing again?” Gladio asked, shifting the weight between his feet, swaying himself and Ignis a bit.
“Gladio, I-“
“I know you said it’s just for you, but can’t you make an exception, just for me?”
Ignis paused, taking in Gladio’s pleading eyes and voice. Then, he followed Gladio’s swaying. “…very well. But no more grappling hooks.”
Gladio chuckled and pecked Ignis’s lips. “I can make that compromise.”