Mythological Mayhem (Book Two: Sapphire) [Ignis x Reader]

• XIV •

At Oathe Haven located just west of Costlemark Tower, the royal retinue made camp. They were waiting for nightfall and Ignis figured he'd make a quick meal to fill their stomachs before descending into the ancient structure. It didn't take him long to make something and he passed out the plates to everyone.

After their meal, Noctis and Prompto dragged (Y/n) into the tent to introduce her to the world of King's Knight. Gladio and Ignis remained sitting in their seats around the campfire. The brute had been reading his book, but closed it when realizing (Y/n) was out of earshot. He focused his amber gaze on the tactician as he seemed to be lost in thought. "So when're you gonna grow a pair and ask the lady out?"

Ignis, eyes narrowed, focused his attention on Gladio. "I beg your pardon?"

"You heard me. When're you gonna spill your guts to (Y/n)? Or are you okay with another guy stealing her right out from under your nose?"

"She has her own concerns as of late. I will not add to it by professing my endearment to her," the tactician declared.

Gladio scowled in annoyance. "That's bullshit and you know it. What's really stopping you? You afraid she doesn't feel the same way? Or are you scared because you think a relationship will cause your duty to the crown to slip? If it's the latter, you're definitely pulling my leg. If anyone can balance a relationship and their job, it's you, Iggy. Besides, you and (Y/n) deserve to be happy."

Ignis' emerald eyes focused on the dancing flames of the campfire. "I refuse to comment on such an absurd topic."

He was fed up. Instead of pissing Ignis off, Gladio angered himself. Standing up, he placed his book in his chair and tried to get more of a rise from the advisor before leaving. "Fine. Be a stubborn ass. But just to let you know, if you don't make a move soon, I will."

Ignis' eyes widen at Gladio's declaration. He stared at his back as he entered the tent to join the others. Would he really try to steal (Y/n) from him? From the brute's expression, he was serious. Ignis gripped the arm of his chair tightly. "Bloody hell..." He couldn't help but find truth in Gladio's words. Somehow, he managed to list all the things that prevented him from making a move. He was afraid of a relationship with her, that is if she felt the same way. He feared he would let his duties slip simply because of finally being with the one person that truly meant the world to him. He didn't want his job to suffer and cause issues for Noctis and the others.

But something nagged Ignis' mind. (Y/n) was aware of his position as royal advisor to the prince. She would understand more than any other person on Eos. Recalling Gladio's words, he could try his hardest to balance a relationship and his duties. He wasn't one to take risks when he was unsure of the outcome, but maybe he would. He didn't want to lose her to someone like Gladio.

His conversation with Jasper was helpful and seemed to have given him more courage than before, but it didn't drive off all his concerns. But for his happiness and (Y/n)'s, he would push them aside and see the unseeable outcome of spilling his heart to her. Now all he had to do was find the perfect moment to confess. His brows furrowed together as he wondered when such a moment would present itself. "Why are these matters so trivial?" He muttered to himself.

"What matters?"

Ignis was startled by the voice. Looking to his left, he saw (Y/n) standing in front of the tent. Her sapphire eyes bore into his emerald ones. Clearing his throat, he shattered their eye contact. "Apologies. An analytical overview of our possible encounters was in order. Costlemark is a treacherous site."

"It is filled with daemons. We will have to be extra cautious," she said, sitting in the chair beside his. "We've plenty of curatives, right?"

"I do believe so," he replied.