Chapter Text
Ignis and Noctis had been dating for about three months now, after the Prince had discovered his advisor had tattoos, things had spiraled out of control for them, but in a good way. It brought them together and they were happy for it, being so smitten with one another and falling deeper in love, they were always pining for and over each other before they came together. Once they confessed their mutual feelings, everything fell into place for them.
The puzzle complete.
The relationship was so refreshing, igniting newness in both and changing them for the better, Noct was further responsible as he wanted to push himself and be better, wanting to make Ignis proud.
Ignis relaxed a bit, loosening his reins and was at ease, able to adapt and take things in spontaneity. Unlike previously, but now he was better for it and it showed, though subtly.
They were so in love, pushing each other and striving for better. The feeling had been so intense that they got a secret tattoo together and it was a silly tattoo, small, subtle and delicate, most wouldn’t know they had one, but they knew and that was all that mattered.
This was a way of joining one another together as they couldn’t marry, if they could they would have already after three blissful months of dating, they had loved one another since their fateful meeting when they were young. It was as they say, love at first sight, but years of invested time made it grow stronger and fond between them, it wasn’t superficial or just rushed, this was true and honest love, almost as if they were soulmates.
Ignis believed they were, along with Noctis.
So, they had matching tattoos, written in neat, tight cursive of one word, worn on the inside of their left hand’s ring finger. The tattoo remained hidden for both as Ignis wore gloves almost ninety-five percent of the time and Noct wore fingerless gloves as much as his advisor even when casual. It was just something the two did, nothing unnormal about it.
It was simply the fashions (or so they thought) of Insomnia’s youth.
Never mind that, the tattoo on Noct had almost been discovered while he and Prompto had been gaming one day.
The freckled blonde asked as he noticed as he watched as Noct was showing him how to execute the button sequence for the combo in the game they were play. “Prom it’s like this,” he said, look scrunched in concentration as his brows were forked down and his tongue slightly poked out. It was rare when the Prince made this face, this was true concentration on his part. “Up, down, triangle, square, back, forward, circle, R1, L1, R2, L2 and finally X.” He explained as he watched his knight pause, glowing, readying for a power up, before crushing his opponents.
“Uh Noct,” the blonde began as his eyes widen largely as he pointed, not absorbing the instructions his friend gave him. “Is that – um a tattoo?” He asked and the Prince straighten his slouch, pausing the game as he balled his fist up and stared wide eyed at his bestie.
“No – well,” he flushed scratching his hair with his left hand hiding the evidence. “It is, but don’t say anything.”
“Oh gods! How could you keep this from me,” Prompto bounced and moved closer as he was giddy and not mad as he moved closer, almost clamoring into the Lucian heir. “When? When did you get this? Oh mee gee, does anybody else know?”
“I got it two weeks ago and Ignis knows,” he explained as his face redden further.
“Oh shit! Did he flip his shit or what?!”
“No –,” he murmured as he looked sideways. Prompto bounced in suspense, wanting more details. “He went with me since it was my first and made the arrangements since y’know –, can’t have everybody and their mom know about my business in the media.”
“That is true, but wow man!” The blonde says in wonder as he tips his head back. “Wish I could have been there and speaking of which. Why wasn’t I there, what the heck Noct?!”
“Sorry,” was the only thing the freckled blonde got in return. “I would say next time, but there won’t be one.”
Prompto sighs with a little eye roll, being a bit dramatic as he wanted Noct to feel some inkling of guilt for not telling him or bringing him along. “So, what does it say?” He saw the look of alarm flash across that face and then his friend was looking away.
“Can’t say yet,” he said softly. “I’ll tell you this weekend.”
“During our ultimate hangout bonanza?”
“Yeah, that.”
“Alright, I’ll wait till then, but the suspense is gonna kiiilllll meeeee,” he whined as he leaned back on the couch, laying down as he’s trying to sell how desperate he is to hear what the tattoo says. The cursive was neat and crisp, but too fancy for him to read as Noct fingers were moving when he was gaming a moment ago. “So, where’d you go for your work?”
“House of Cards.”
Now it was Prompto’s turn as many emotions came dancing on his face as he heard this. He flushed and hid his face in hands.
“Are you thinking of Nine, your ex?” Noct asked as he knew Prompto went both ways and had dated the piercer years ago when they were still in high school.
“Wha –, no. Not really. Just when I met Iggy for the first time while he was getting his second tattoo. I didn’t even know his name back then.” Prompto said distractedly as he thought about those events and how he had blown the chamberlain that same day without knowing his name (he wasn’t one for flings or one night stands, but Iggy was irresistible).
He and Ignis were close friends now. Their past physical relationship had lasted a good while till he met Gladio, after that he was distracted, crushing hard on the Amicitia and now was dating the Shield which Ignis gave his blessing on and wishing them well. Even Noct knew about his best friend dating his Shield and didn’t care or mind, only wanting his friends happy.
“What?! Wait, I thought I introduced you guys, wasn’t that the first meeting –? Hold up, you know about his tattoos?”
That knocked Prompto from his enjoyable thoughts about Ignis and Gladio. He slipped up, he had kept his physical relationship with Ignis under wraps, Gladio knew because he felt inclined to tell his boyfriend and Gladio had confessed he had dated the sandy brunette before Prompto.
How did Noct not know –, unless Ignis kept him in the dark. He did recall Iggy asking him to keep quiet about their friends with benefits.
Did Ignis hide this because he served Noctis or was it something else?
His blue eyes widen and he crawled off the couch, panic evident. “Weelll look at the time, gotta run. My shift starts soon, see you this weekend.” Prompto had never ran so fast in his life, the front door slamming hard behind him.
Something was up, Noctis knew as he pouted on the couch as his arms were crossed and his look darken. He would find out during the bonanza, as Prompto called their four-day weekend they were having together.
Besides, Prompto’s shift started in four hours!
--
Friday passed lazily and glorious, well at least for Prom and Noct. It was filled with lounging on the couch, junk food, gaming, and movies. Though Ignis on several occasions tried to clean, with Noctis telling him to chill, as the four of them were hanging out at the Prince’s apartment for their four-day weekend.
While they were having a grand time, Noctis constantly thought about asking Prompto what the hell he meant. There wasn’t an opportunity to do so and it annoyed him, he thought better than to be agitated. Tomorrow would present him with a better chance.
The night went on, in to the late hours. As it got closer to the wind down point the petite blonde broke out extra blankets and pillows –.
Then funnily enough, Prompto had built them a blanket fort in the living room, which earned him a comment from Gladio, he may have been called juvenile for it, but the Shield smiled nonetheless. Prompto’s rebuttal was the fact he had never done this as a child, he had missed out on many experiences. Even though he was an adult now, this was the perfect opportunity.
The quartet laid down under the ‘fort’ as it was more like a blanket canopy draped over Noct’s furniture and giving them a corridor of cool comfort, a breeze blowing in as they left the balcony doors open and the fans going. Prompto and Noct were in the center of both Gladio and Ignis, the freckled blonde snuggled to Gladio.
“So, tomorrow is the barbeque and pool party.” The chocobo chirped as he was going over how tomorrow would go. “Can’t wait, lounging by the pool with some good eats from Ignis.”
“Well yes, Iggy can cook but we shouldn’t leave all the food prep to him.” Gladio said as he kept his boyfriend tucked close to himself.
“I know, the helping part was included.” Prompto leaned his head back looking at his love. “I figured it was y’know kinda one of those unsaid things, just kinda assumed.”
“I appreciate it,” Ignis said as he laid on his side, head propped as Noct was near him but they weren’t touching, the Prince on his back. They hadn’t informed the two dating men that they were in a relationship themselves. “We should sleep, it is already approaching the wee hours of the morning.”
“Yeah, wouldn’t want me to sleep the day away.” Noct chimed in.
“You’d do that anyway even if it wasn’t late.” Gladio arched a brow, giving a knowing look.
“Shut up,” he huffed as he pulled a blanket over his head. From there the conversation stops, but good nights were issued between all.
The four slept in the fort, comfortable and cozy –.
--
The following day came, Ignis left the three sleeping till the afternoon. He rested as well, later than he normally did as he woke mid-morning, cuddled in his Prince’s arms. It was always nice to wake against his love. Embracing each other.
In the meantime, he had cleaned up a bit, getting the trash collected and washing the few dishes that were in the sink as they had purchased disposable plates, cups and cutlery, Noct got it so Ignis wouldn’t have to clean as much. It was thoughtful of his boyfriend for sure.
Once the three were up, they got ready for the day. Carting food and supplies to the rooftop pool, it didn’t take them long to set up and get the food on. As the food was cooking or warming in the apartment complex’s fancy grill, the boys were kicking it by the pool, lounging and enjoying the day of leisure.
“Pool time?” Prompto asked.
“Yeah,” Noct grinned as he moved getting up and shedding his shirt.
“Wow, looks like I need to get your ass back to training. You’re so scrawny,” Gladio said with a dip of his sunglasses as he stared at his charge.
“Don’t ruin the moment,” he shot his Shield a look. “C’mon Prom,” he waved as he ran with the blonde close on his heels as they both went barreling into the water, breaking the smooth surface. Once they emerged they clowned around, splashing about and tumbling in the water as if they were children, funny to see two grown men having such carefree fun.
Ignis was looking at his phone, reading an e-book as he enjoyed the free time as he basked in the sun. Though he was wearing a zip-up hoodie, keeping his torso covered.
“Iggy,” Gladio called as he sat next to the other. “Aren’t you hot in that jacket?”
The sandy brunette hummed, lowering his phone as he thought and then shook his head. “Not really, but it would be good to get some sun.” He stood up and began to unzip the hoodie revealing his sleek muscled body.
Noct caught the movement, pausing in his play as his eyes watched his boyfriend peel the jacket off, it was like slow motion for him and he felt his mouth drop, face heating as his eyes widen. Ignis peeled the clothing off and dropped it into the chair he had been sitting in, damn, those swim trunks were small and tight, framing everything and leaving little to the imagination. Noct wanted to peel them off and have his way with his chamberlain.
The Prince felt his mouth go dry in that moment, even as Prompto jumped on him dragging him under –.
Gladiolus move, scooting to the edge of his chair as he reached out touching the Scientia family crest that poked out from the top of Ignis’ aqua colored trunks. His fingertips touched over the inked skin. “Whoa, when did you get this? This is new,” he said as his amber eyes looked up at his ex, hand resting on his hip as he gazed up.
Ignis tipped his head to the side. “I got it some odd months after our breakup,” he said quietly.
“Huh, well damn.” A thumb grazed that inked skin as Gladio’s large hand rested on his friend’s hip, he smirked. The advisor arched a brow at that, but said nothing as he settled down. Sitting across from him as they faced one another, it almost seemed and maybe it was his imagination or he was overheated from wearing a jacket, but he swore Gladio was flirting.
Noctis had watched the exchange and frowned, that touch Gladio gave had lingered too long for his liking. Feeling like he needed to be near Ignis, he climbed out and came over quickly, water dripping from him as if he was a storm cloud. Coming over he plopped down next to his boyfriend and looked at the bodyguard. “How’s the food Igs?” He asked as he sat close, looking at the man next to him.
“It should be fine, but it wouldn’t hurt to check.”
“I’ll assist,” Noctis offered as he got up and followed his lover. Walking side by side. “When do you think we should tell Gladio and Prompto that we’re dating?”
“Soon I suppose, maybe once we settle to eat? I think that would be best, news over a meal is better received.”
“You’re right.” He agreed as they began to look over the food or more like Ignis as Noct had no clue what to look for when cooking any sort of food. “Was it me or did Gladio touching you – linger?”
“Indeed,” Ignis sighed as he placed both hands on his hips. “It was rather strange, but I wouldn’t read into it too much, Noct.” He said with a smile. Raising his left hand up he kissed the inside of his ring finger, trying to soothe his love’s ruffled feathers as his lips lingered on the tattoo.
Noct gave a coy look, but did the same, kissing his own tattoo on his finger. With that he felt pacified.
--
They were having a late lunch/early dinner now as they ate at one of the wooden tables that were under the vine and flower covered gazebo that was near the pool. The area provided enough shade for them to eat comfortably. They were passing around dishes and such loading up their plates, laughing and talking with one another as it was comfortable and pleasant with all of them. Ignis sat next to Noct and Gladio with Prompto opposite their friends.
Prompto laughed and snorting as he leaned into his boyfriend’s arm. “Noct! Noct you remember that time you tried to sneak out while we were in school because Ignis had fallen asleep on your couch? That was so funny because you tried to use the fire escape but Ignis was suddenly up and looking for you, you panicked and warped into a bush of poison ivy.” He snorted again chuckling as tears came out of his eyes.
“Really? How’d I miss this story?” Gladio laughed as he held a fork in hand, resting his forehead on the back of his hand.
The Crown Prince flushed in embarrassment and frown, more like pouted cutely. “Okay, so not one of my finest moments. Look, I learned my lesson after that as being itchy for a week sucked.” He groused, but smiled as he looked to Ignis.
“So, what was the lesson?” Promoto asked with an arched brow, calming enough for now.
“Well one, I don’t have to sneak around anymore as I’m a man now.” He held up his left hand, holding up the number two with his fingers. His tattoo was partially visible. “Second, if I’m upfront with Specs, he may give in to what I want, no need to sneak. The worst he could do is advise against it or tell me no.”
“But would you listen if he told you no?” Gladio placed his fork down as he crossed his arms over his chest.
Ignis arched a brow at this, giving a head tilt as he waited for this answer. The slightest of smirks on his face, his boyfriend flushed and glance at the other beside him and then gave a small nod. “I – I would.”
The couple let out a laugh and even Ignis made a small amused noise, finding Noctis absolutely adorable in that moment. He wished he could lay kisses upon his brow, but they hadn’t revealed their relationship yet.
“Speaking of which,” Prompto broke out as he pointed at his best friend, making Noct straighten in his seat. “Circling back to a conversation we had, wanna talk about your tattoo? Since you asked Ignis to make arrangements to get it done.”
“What?!” Gladio eyes widen and he looked between the advisor and his Prince.
“Well,” again he was flushed before looking to the brunette next to him.
Ignis smiled, not looking flustered like his boyfriend. “Well this is a good lead in,” he began as he leaned back in his seat as he grabbed the bottom of the wooden bench. “We actually have matching tattoos,” he said before a slight pink made his cheeks aglow. “Noct,” he said as he raised his hand and showed the neat written cursive, it was thin lined and delicate, loopy and fancy looking. The tattooed word indeed matched, but was hard to make out.
Both Prompto and Gladio leaned in looking at their hands. “What does it mean?” The Shield asked.
“Us,” Ignis answered simply.
Gladio’s brow was raised and Noct put his hand down on the table. “Iggy and I are dating now, we wanted to tell you guys.”
“WHAT!?! OH NO!” Prompto exclaimed as he cupped his redden face and Gladio grimaced. Both looking guilty.
This was not the reaction the two were expecting and frowned, they were hoping they would get the same warm response like they gave the other couple.
“Okay, this feels a bit shitty. Sorry guys,” Gladio began as he put his arm around Prompto and was just as red as his boyfriend. “Look, we’re happy for you two, really, but – hate to say this.” He looked a little worried as his eyes looked to Noctis in that moment before his eyes dipped down towards the table. “Confession time, Prom and I were going to try to seduce Iggy this weekend to see if he’d be up for some action with the both of us. Well since y’know,” he gave a shrug of his broad shoulders.
“What do you mean?” Those sapphire blue eyes narrowed in that moment and he frowned. “Ignis, what does Gladio mean?”
“I – I used to date Gladio,” he said softly. “Prompto and I used to be friends with benefits for a time.”
It grew silent in that moment and Noct looked thoughtful, contemplating as he pondered this news. “Prom what you said the other day. So, when I introduced you guys, you two had already met?”
“Uh yeah, it was actually the day before. When you had asked me to get info for you when you were thinking of piercing your tongue. We met at House of Cards, he was getting work done and we clicked.” The blonde sighed as he watched his best friend digest this info and he didn’t want to put a dampener on things for the new couple, he and Gladio had to make this right. Ignis had barely said anything, he looked worried though his face was composed, but his green hazel eyes betrayed him. “Look Noct, the big guy and I are not going to act on this. Now that we know he’s taken.”
“I get that, but why didn’t you guys tell me about any of this?”
“I had intreated them, not say anything,” Ignis finally said after a time.
“Why?”
“I – I do not know –. I perhaps wanted to tell you in my own time.”
“Listen Noct,” Gladio interjected as he pointed his hand at the Prince. “I’m gonna tell you something even Ignis doesn’t know.” He began and that made the advisor look at him wide eyed, wondering what the Amicitia heir was going to say. “He’s always loved you, even I knew that once we had been dating for a while. I just don’t think he realized it, it was one of the reason why I wanted out with him.” Ignis was staring at Gladio, he didn’t know this. It made sense on why Gladio had attacked him verbally before they broken up, before he could think more the Shield began again. “Look, Prom and I are his past, get over the fact we once may have had something. It’s always been you.”
“Yeah man, I guess I unconsciously realized I wasn’t the one for Iggy. I had always wondered why he never took the next step with me, we were sex-friends and nothing more. I always dropped hints I wanted more, but never got passed being friends. Eventually, I met Gladdy and I was smitten the moment I laid eyes on him in the arcade that one time he found us. I called quits with Ignis shortly after that as I knew we would never be in a relationship.”
Ignis was shocked, he had realized he had feeling for Noct and even then, he had deemed the affection as loyalty but now thinking back it was more than that. He had fooled himself and drug both Gladio and Prompto along. He felt guilty in that moment, he felt an apology at the tip of his tongue.
“Don’t bag on Ignis, you should feel awesome knowing that you had him before he even knew or before you two came together.” Prompto beamed happily as his boyfriend had a matching look as well. “Iggy don’t feel bad, things worked out for a reason. I think being with you lead me to him and maybe vise versa for Gladio.”
“Yeah, you were our guide. Just like we helped you get to Noct, though he’s a brat.” Gladio pulled the small blonde deeper into his side.
“Hey,” Noct cried out indignantly as he frowned. “I’m not a brat, I’m just particular.” He smiled and put his arm around the sandy brunette’s shoulder pulling him down, as Ignis was leaned into him as their faces were pressed close together, the Prince beamed happily. “I guess you two were just practice for him.”
“Noct,” Ignis said in warning as he knew his ward could be a cheeky so-and-so. “They get it.” He sighed as he felt his own smile tug at his lips. Reaching down he tangled his fingers with his love’s. “Thank you both for being true friends.”
“Of course, Iggy! Sorry we were trying to get you in a threesome,” the blonde blushed and Ignis flushed.
“No need to apologies.”
“Okay then, since you two are official and all, what the hell does that tattoo say? It’s loopy and elaborate, it’s hard to read.” Gladio looked at them expectantly.
“We did that on purpose,” Noct said as he pressed a kiss to Ignis’ cheek, before resting his forehead with his. “We wanted it to be almost illegible in case anybody saw it.”
“So?” Prompto postured.
Both men stared at each other, their love shining in that moment before green and blue eyes turned on the other couple. “Ignoct,” they said in unison. It was perfect portmanteaus to sum up their coupling and love. A reminder of loving one another since their first meeting.
Ignoct