Work Text:
"You shouldn't have." Ignis wants to sigh but can't bring himself to.
He rests an elbow on the counter and grabs a nearby wine glass filled with blood and takes a drink.
"It's your birthday, Igs." Gladio replies. "I wanted to wine and dine you."
"You know I stopped keeping track of that a while back….I forget how old I am."
Gladio leans forward, folding his arms on the counter.
"Think of it as just a dinner date then."
Ignis rests a hand against Gladio's jaw.
"I'd be a terrible date if I burst into flames."
Gladio smirks.
"You think I'm dumb enough to book a date when it's bright out. You wound me Iggy."
"Heavens no." he plants a kiss on the behemoth's lips. It's short but sweet. "I have a little more faith in you. More than I do in Noct."
"Kid put aluminium foil in the microwave..Almost blew up his apartment..Not a high bar to pass. "
Ignis sighs.
"I'm well aware."
Gladio heads behind the counter, he puts an arm around Ignis and kisses him, mindful of his own horns. Ignis kisses back until Gladio gives his butt a squeeze.
"Do you want me to puncture your lip or your tongue?" the vampire sighs.
"I'm a big boy. I can handle it." Gladio offers him a smirk.
"I'm sure you can but I'm more worried about if I could."
Gladio eyes the glass of blood on the counter.
"I think you've got pretty good self control now." Gladio wraps his arms around Ignis' neck.
"Years of training." Ignis replies. Gladio goes for another kiss but Ignis stops him.
"I fear if I let you continue this would go far beyond just kissing."
Gladio chuckles.
"You know me too well."
"Years of experience with you." Ignis mutters, a smile on his lips.
Gladio's phone vibrates and he hums before looking up.
"Gotta train princess."
"Do try not to be too hard on him this time."
"No promises." Gladio jokes before heading to the door. He waves and offers Ignis a fanged grin. "Pick you up at nine. Wear your best."
"You too." Ignis smiles and takes a drink of blood.
* * *
Gladio arrives early wearing a white t-shirt with a chain around his neck. Ignis thinks it's a skull, dark denim looking open shirt over it, black jeans and some brown laced up shoes with a slight heel. He's six foot six he doesn't need the extra height yet here he is.
Ignis can't help but stare a little. He's grateful that he doesn't drool. He'd be mortified if he did.
"You look good." Gladio compliments him, looking the vampire up and down.
Ignis is wearing a cosy but fancy green jumper, black vest under it, black jeans and black ankle boots. He didn't opt for a suit; he figured it'd be a casual sort of date.
Date. Just the word makes him a little excited. He's lost count of how many he's been on with Gladio before but that was before they were a thing, when this was just a friends with benefits type thing.
He must have been smiling because Gladio's staring rather fondly at him. Or maybe that's just cause he loves him. Or both.
"Ready honey?"
"More than ever dear."
Gladio blesses him with a soft smile before leading the way out of Ignis' apartment.
"I picked that place you like." Gladio says, offering Ignis an arm to link. "The one who does the meat extra bloody."
Ignis links his arm and hums.
"I quite like it there. It's rather cosy."
Gladio nods.
"It's not too cold out too, we could eat outside too."
"Only if you promise to alert me if you get cold. It wouldn't do to have a frozen boyfriend."
Gladio kisses his head.
"I will. I promise."
* * *
The restaurant in question is about five minutes from Ignis' apartment. It's been there for a while, run by a friendly vampire coven.
They both know that Ignis won't get nervous glances and looks of fear when he enters there. Last thing Gladio wants is people staring at Ignis like he's some leech with no control.
"The moon's rather large tonight." Ignis speaks up.
Gladio blinks and glances up. "Hm...Werewolf weather."
"Hopefully they have spare clothes on hand after the transformation subsides."
"I knew a girl in highschool who was a werewolf. Always wore designer brands...Must have cost a pretty penny to replace." Gladio replies.
"Probably." Ignis sighs. "Poor girl."
Gladio nods.
They fall into a comfortable silence for a minute before Gladio speaks again.
"...How much does it cost to replace all the sweaters Noct nibbles through?"
"A price that would make Prompto's eyes water." Ignis states.
Gladio gives Ignis' arm a little squeeze. Ignis leans a little more into his touch as they walk.
"I heard this place is doing a new experimental drink. Blood coffee mix."
Ignis eyes light up somewhat.
"You've piqued my interest."
* * *
They decide to sit inside so Ignis wouldn't grow concerned about Gladio possibly getting chilly.
After ordering some drinks; Gladio a beer and Ignis the blood coffee, Gladio rests a hand against his jaw and looks at Ignis with a fond expression.
"Do you want a photograph?" Ignis teases.
"You wouldn't show up." Gladio replies with a smirk.
Ignis adjusts his glasses and offers him a smile.
"That is the life of a vampire unfortunately."
Gladio reaches his free hand across the table and rests it over Ignis'. It's cold.
"Shame online doesn't get to see the hottest guy in Insomnia."
Ignis looks a little embarrassed.
"Hush you." he mutters.
Gladio rubs a thumb across his hand.
"I'm serious, Igs. You're perfect. Like an art piece."
He feels like he'd blush if he could. He's rather flattered by Gladio's kind words. Instead of thanking him however he ends up saying:
"Are you after something Amicitia?"
He internally curses himself and resists the urge not to slap his own forehead.
"Maybe." the behemoth teases.
Ignis smirks and shakes his head.
"Ridiculous. I can't take you anywhere." he jokes.
Their drinks come soon after along with some menus. Gladio takes a sip of his and Ignis follows.
"Astrals." Ignis gasps.
"What is it?"
"This is delightful." Ignis stares at his coffee and takes another sip.
"New recipe to try and learn then?" Gladio asks and Ignis hums.
Gladio looks at the menus.
"What's the perfect date meal?" he asks Ignis. "Should we share or get solo dishes?"
"Nothing with garlic, love, you know I'm allergic." Ignis replies after swallowing.
"How about pasta?"
He slides the menu over to Ignis, pointing at a pasta dish. Ignis skims over the text checking for any warnings before nodding.
"Ask for a larger portion. We can share...If you want to that is." he goes uncharastically shy, making Gladio chuckle.
"Cute." the behemoth mutters. "Pasta it is."
* * *
Once the pasta comes, they dig in. Gladio's phone vibrates and he glances at it briefly, looking amused as he does.
"Who's texting?"
"Iris. Kid's wishin' us good luck."
"Uncle did the same this morning. They're acting like it's our first date again."
Gladio chuckles and grabs some pasta with a fork. "Gods remember that?"
"You spilled wine on my shirt, panicked and tried to blot it up with a napkin before offering to pay for my dry cleaning..You gave me your jacket...I still have it."
"You do?"
Ignis nods. "I should return it."
"Nah. Keep it. You look hot in it. Granted you always look hot."
"You're rather attractive too, dear."
Gladio smiles, leans forward and kisses him, dropping his forkful of pasta back onto the plate.
Ignis happily kisses him back.
"I love you." Gladio mutters just loud enough only Ignis has the pleasure to hear it.
"I love you too."