Who: Gladiolus Amicitia and Ignis Scientia What: talks, emotions When: November, directly after this Where: Orrinshire Rating: PG? Status: in progress
Ignis hadn’t meant to fall asleep on the couch with Prompto, but apparently he had. He couldn’t be too surprised, and was far from upset — Prom had been just what he needed earlier that morning, and was incredibly grateful for the comfort and understanding he’d found in his friend. It hadn’t been an easy conversation by any means, but whatever fears he’d had about telling someone had fallen aside in the face of having someone there. He knew he’d still have to work on that, letting others close when he truly needed someone to lean on, but as he woke to the pale winter sun that had just barely started to creep in through the window, he thought that maybe it would be the tiniest bit easier now.
Of course, that’s when he noticed what had truly woken him up — footsteps nearby, though familiar ones, or he would have been awake and alert instantly. He registered Gladio’s presence easily enough as he sat up and raked a hand through his hair. He’d certainly felt better other mornings, less headachy and groggy, but considering what he’d just relived with Prompto, it could have been worse. Realistically, he and Prom had probably only been asleep for two hours at the most, maybe three, depending on the time. He let out a breath and glanced at their larger friend. Goodness knew what he thought, but Gladio’s attention was definitely on them.
He probably looked a mess. No, he definitely looked a mess. He didn’t need a mirror to know — his eyes were dry as he blinked, and he could imagine that he still looked like he’d been crying. Prompto looked better, but as the blonde stirred as well, it was clear something had happened the night before, and it hadn’t been fun. He smiled at Prompto, faint but genuine, and took half a second to gather himself before directing his attention back to Gladio. There was little chance he’d get out of an explanation. Oh, he could put it off for a bit, maybe a day or two, but Gladio would likely watch him like a hawk the entire time. Hardly worth it. Probably.
Ignis considered for a moment if he was truly up for round two of talking about Altissia. He thought he was, despite the fact that once he had told Prompto and Gladio, he wouldn’t be able to put off telling Noct for too much longer. That… that would be hardest one, for many reasons, and he rubbed at his forehead. It couldn’t be helped how, and perhaps this was all for the best, anyway. He could let go of one of the last things that felt like a true tie to what he’d left behind, and while he wasn’t looking forward to telling his remaining two friends, a quick break would be cleaner now.
“Good morning, Gladio,” he said, voice slightly scratchy. He needed something to drink. And preferably a few minutes to fully wake up and pull himself together before questions and answers started. Ignis found Prompto’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Go to bed, Prom. I’ll be fine,” he told him, then added a soft, “Thank you.” He would make Prompto a late breakfast later — or whatever else he wanted — and check in with him, and he had a feeling Prom would be sticking close for a few days. That was fine by him. If Gladio hadn’t still been standing there he would have followed him up to bed, but as it was, he had an explanation to give.
“Nothing is immediately wrong,” he started with that reassurance, rising to his feet once Prompto had, and gathering the afghan to fold it and lay it back over the couch where it belonged. “Going on your morning run?” Ignis sounded normal enough besides the faint rough edge to his voice, brisk and business-like as he gauged what Gladio was thinking. If Gladio was going on his run, Ignis was going to take a quick shower and make some coffee. He probably didn’t need coffee right now — he certainly looked like he didn’t — but it would lend a sense of normalcy while they talked.