Surprises (Working title)

Chapter 6

"So tell us Master Matchmaker, how can we stop Iggy getting married and get operation Gladnis back on track?" Noct asked with feigned politeness, almost as if he were trying to mimic Ignis' accent and way of acting. Only drawing out a bit of laughter at his sorry attempt.

Iris crossed her arms and sat there for a moment, she secretly loved being their go-to girl for this mission. "I think it'll work itself out. I heard Gladdy say he's gonna try sort things out with Iggy later."

That gave the three of them temporary reprieve. After all, both Gladio and Ignis could be unpredictable at the best of times, let alone after a fight and unprecedented circumstances so there may be more harm than good done during said talk. Even so, Noct and Prompto couldn't afford anymore tardiness and Ignis was bound to be on his way to Noct's apartment, so they split and made a vow to fix this mess. Even though it isn't theirs to fix.

Thankfully the duo made it to Noct's place before Ignis, giving them a little time to act natural and pretend to be doing homework or something. The latter seemed suspicious but didn't question it otherwise, continuing his usual routine of cleaning, cooking and explaining his notes to Noct.

A short while later, after finishing up with Noct and warning Prompto about not doing his homework, Ignis returned to the awaiting Gladio. Who of which seemed to be dozing in the car, music on at a low volume and a book spread on his lap. Nothing an exaggerated cough couldn't fix.

"So uh- Where to?" Gladio asked with underlying drowsiness in his voice.

Ignis sat in silence for a moment, he had no idea how this 'talk' was going to proceed and so the sort of venue wasn't abundantly clear. "I suggest somewhere quiet. My apartment isn't far from here... Unless you object?"

Gladio opened his mouth to speak but Ignis' phone rang and he fell silent, knowing it was likely important. By the look on the other's face it wasn't a call he wanted, at all. Ignis may look serious and calm on a regular basis, even when dealing with bureaucrats of the most snobbish standard, but he seemed frustrated by this person. From a glimpse Gladio saw a name but couldn't put it to a face.

"That seemed like a fun convo, who's Berin?" Gladio glanced across at Ignis, unsure of whether he should have asked that knowing how secretive the other can be. He didn't seem to be angry at him nonetheless.

"No-one you need to know of. I'm afraid this talk of ours will need to wait, I'm needed elsewhere right now, apologies." Ignis sounded sincerely sorry, as he made to hop out of the car Gladio engaged the locks, earning himself a confused look from his companion.

"I'll drop you off. Where we headed?" He said with a smile, one that was hardly forced given the circumstances.

Ignis sighed but relented and sat back in his seat. "As you wish. I need to go to my uncles, do you know where it is?"

"'Course, I picked you up from there a couple times. By the way," He paused and dug out his house keys, unhooking the spare key for Ignis' apartment. "I still have a key to your place..."

Gladio was willing but reluctant to hand it back, Ignis however had other ideas and pushed his hand away. "Keep it. You may need it if I ever become an invalid or on the verge of death."

The statement was meant to be humorous, but Gladio wasn't sure if he should laugh or not, especially since Ignis didn't have the usual glint in his eye or that subtle smirk, then again they were friends the last time that happened. It was rare Gladio saw Ignis smile, nowadays he'd seemed to have lost the smile that sent Gladio's heart aflutter or the one that seemed to light up the room, lost because there was no reason to use it anymore. It was apparent it was just Gladio that lost something the day Ignis walked away.