Surprises (Working title)

Chapter 4

A/N: I'm fixing shit I swear. Ignis is just one of those guys that shuts everything out when he's hurt and Gladio's in a constant internal battle with himself.

Over the next few weeks Gladio had become quite the actor, needing to give the public as well as Noct and Prompto the illusion that he and Ignis were still on good terms. Which they were so to speak, as a matter of mere professionalism than social preference, well it wasn’t Gladio’s preference. Far from it to be precise. He wanted nothing more than to have his best friend back, or perhaps to have had something more with Ignis. After that brief but much desired kiss those months ago, Ignis had only become more of a distraction and Gladio longed for a chance to make things right again.

Still, the Shield had fond memories to fall back on, even  if they left him hurting sometimes and only added to his longing. There were still glances that lasted a second too long, handshakes that lingered and hollow smiles exchanged, unreleased tension between the two often making things more awkward than necessary. Needless to say it infuriated Noct and Prompto to no end, Noct even had the bright idea to lock them in a room until they kissed and made-up, Prompto rationalised it wouldn’t work out that way.

“So… Noct, any more great master plans for Operation Gladnis?” Prompto said, glancing up from his phone.

Noct returned the stare after a moment of thought. “I got one. Get ‘em both drunk and then lock ‘em in a room.”

“Look buddy, Gladio and Iggy ain’t exactly on bad terms so they’ll just talk. Secondly, how in hell you gonna get Iggy of all people drunk? Gladio maybe but… Iggy’s a long shot even for you.”

“Well- Then- Maybe I’ll just get ‘em drunk enough they confess their love and I’ll record it for evidence.” When Prompto rose an eyebrow, Noct then added. “And for blackmail later.”

“Y’know, I admire your dedication Noct. Maybe it’ll happen on its own, y’never know.” At that Noctis just rolled his eyes and grabbed a controller, handing the other to Prompto.

“Yeah well they’re taking their damn time, it frustrates me ‘cause it so fucking obvious they’re into each other. Stubborn bastards…”

Prompto mocked surprise at Noct’s cursing, putting on his best serious face. “Don’t let Iggy hear you talk like that.”

“Like what?” Enquired a familiar voice.

“Nothing!” Both boys shouted in unison, startled by Ignis’ silent entry but thankful that’s all he heard.

“Oh? By the guilty look on your faces, I’m not convinced and really quite curious.” Ignis spoke plainly, a small smirk on his lips at the boys clear itch to blurt out whatever they were talking about before his arrival. “By the way Noct, you really shouldn’t leave your notebook open unattended.”

Noct instantly froze and shot Prompto a panicked glance, marvelling at the blonde boys calmness. “M-My bad. Did you ah- Read it?”

“From a fleeting glance I saw nothing more than crudely drawn pictures and illegible handwriting.”

At that both Noct and Prompto let out a quiet sigh of relief, thankful Ignis wasn’t one to pry where he knows he shouldn’t. That didn’t stop Noct from making a mental note to at least make sure his notepads were hidden or tidied away before Ignis came over, Prompto thought it best to remember that too, just in case Noctis forgot again.

“Yeah well- Not all of us can have fancy-ass writing like you Specs. Ain’t you supposed to be kicking Gladio’s ass instead of lecturing mine?” Noct retorted, Ignis just staring at him blankly in response.