Solo Panicking

The Red Gate

Here's how I imagined Ignis!

~♡♡☼♡♡~

You were borderline panicking, half-convinced you'd misheard, but there Jinwoo was, kneeling on the floor in front of you, his face sincere and eyes brimming with expectation. Your heart pounded, sure, you'd known this day was coming, but not so soon, right? He looked so genuine and serious.

"Y/N... will you—"

Your mind went blank for a second, and you remembered he wasn't exactly proposing, no, he'd been on his knees after playing with Ignis, and the muffin was currently nestled in Igris's arms, watching you both with wide, curious eyes.

"Come with me on my next raid?" Jinwoo finally finished, waiting for your response with that calm but hopeful gaze that always seemed to pull you in.

"Oh! That's what you meant," you blurted, relaxing just a bit but feeling the heat rush to your cheeks. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

Jinwoo tilted his head, clearly amused as he rose back up to his full height, towering over you with a lopsided smile. "So... that's a yes?"

Your instincts were already screaming at you to find some way out of this, and you took a step back, holding up your hands in protest. "I don't know, Jinwoo. It hasn't been that long since Iggy hatched and I haven't been in a dungeon for a while-"

"Y/N," he interrupted, stepping closer, his gaze gentle yet persuasive, "I know. That's why I'm asking you to come with me. You're the one person I trust out there. Plus," he chuckled, "Ignis thinks you're ready."

At the sound of his name, Ignis tilted his little head from where Igris was cradling him, his bright eyes looking between you and Jinwoo. When Ignis let out a soft, almost pleading sound, it was hard not to feel your resolve slipping. His little paws squirmed in Igris's hold, and he looked ready to wriggle free and jump to your side.

"Oh, you're in on this, too?" you laughed, trying to sound lighthearted but knowing Ignis could already sense your nerves.

Ignoring your hesitation, Jinwoo extended his hand. "Just one more raid. If you hate it or feel uncomfortable, we won't do it again. But... having you there, knowing you're by my side, it'd mean a lot."

His voice softened on that last part, Jinwoo, who was used to tackling everything on his own, was asking you to come with him again. It was enough to make your heart skip a beat in a way you hadn't expected.

You chewed your lip, glancing from Jinwoo's outstretched hand to Ignis, who was put on the ground by Igris. He let out another little chirp, his eyes almost pleading with you in a way you hadn't expected from a tiny muffin.

"Fine," you said, with a reluctant sigh, taking Jinwoo's hand. "But if I end up needing to be rescued, you're carrying me out of there, deal?"

Jinwoo grinned, his fingers tightening around yours. "Deal. Not that you'll need it, though. I've seen you in action." His voice dropped to a lower, warmer tone. "You're stronger than you think."

Ignoring the butterflies his words sparked, you gave a mock glare. "All I've done is cuss out a serial killer. Besides you're just saying that so I'll go along with your plan."

"Oh, I'm saying it because it's true," he countered with a smirk, releasing your hand but holding your gaze for a beat longer. "Just wait, you'll see."

A soft pat on your leg pulled your attention down, where Ignis had squirmed out of Igris's hold and was looking up at you, eyes wide and bright as he thrilled again, nuzzling his head against your leg in encouragement, his tail wagging. His enthusiasm was contagious, and the affectionate headbutt he gave you warmed your heart in a way you couldn't resist.