Chapter Text
Ignis listens to the shower running of their hotel bathroom, Prompto’s happy voice and song carrying out to him in the main room. Smiling he rolls over onto his side to grab his phone, settling onto his stomach fully to open his mail app.
The time while his love, his husband, showers is the perfect time to quickly check on his work emails. He’s not going to do any work of course, just check that Noct isn’t making good on his threat to burn the Citadel to the ground in his absence.
Ignis doesn’t really think Noctis would do such a thing but even so, Ignis likes to stay in the loop.
Unfortunately he gets sucked in. He doesn’t respond to anything because Prompto - and Noct, Gladio, Regis - had made him promise that he would use his honeymoon solely for the purpose of, well, being on his honeymoon. It’s still interesting, almost amusing, to watch Councillors bicker back and forth because no one was there to take minutes. To see his uncle chime in, annoyed with the constant dinging of his email to ask why neither of them had read the report he’d sent. That email chain quickly dies off after that.
Noctis copies him in on something only, Ignis assumes, to show Ignis that he can be professional in emails and it’s actually strangely validating for Ignis to see. He loves Noctis like a brother of course and it’s nice to see him come into his own, step up into a role that he never wanted but will one day perform exceptionally well. Ignis is sure.
Ignis doesn’t notice the sound of the shower shutting off, or the absence of Prompto’s singing, too busy scrolling through the back and forth chatter built up in his inbox. It really does build up when Ignis isn’t there to respond and delete as appropriate.
“You better not be working,” Prompto suddenly complains and Ignis hurries to turn the screen off as he feels Prompto settle over him, chest to Ignis’ back, a pleasant weight against him.
Prompto presses a kiss against the very edge of Ignis’ jaw, playfully nipping at his earlobe. Such a brave, confident thing he is now.
“You promised,” Prompto reminds him.
“Only while you were occupied, darling,” Ignis promises.
“I knew I should have dragged you to the shower with me,” Prompto mumbles but the next touch against Ignis’ earlobe is a gentle kiss.
Ignis turns his head as much as he can and Prompto meets him for a slightly messy kiss.
“But then we would have been late for today's activities,” Ignis tells him, like he had when Prompto had first asked this morning. And like then Prompto sighs and gives him one last kiss, climbing free of Ignis and the mattress. If Ignis wasn’t particularly excited about today's trip he might have put it off, pulled Prompto down onto the comfortable bed and wasted a pleasant morning that way instead.
But no, they’re off to see the Disc of Cauthess today, something Ignis has been interested in since he was a small boy. Prompto had suggested the day trip, noting that it’s only a few hours drive from Lestallum to the tourist track. The chocobos will be a nice surprise for Prompto though. They’d visited the ranch on the way through Duscae, spent an enjoyable afternoon with the birds before staying in the camper overnight. They'd eaten one of Wiz’s monstrous sandwiches for brunch and pushed on for Lestallum the next day.
Ignis had done the math, calculated the route and sure enough, by cutting over the land and skirting the road the journey by bird back will barely take any extra time at all.
Prompto pats his ass through the blankets.
“Up and at ‘em, Iggy,” Prompto says, “Shall I run and grab breakfast while you shower?”
“Why don’t you order room service,” Ignis suggests, finally pushing off the blankets and climbing to his feet. Prompto’s eyebrows draw together and he glances at the menu discarded on the small table their suite provides.
“Isn’t that expensive?” Prompto asks.
Ignis smiles softly and leans forward to kiss Prompto’s little frown, hoping the affection banishes it from existence.
“We can afford it,” Ignis tells him. Prompto’s mouth open and then slams it shut.
Ignis chuckles, “Regretting marrying me already?”
“No!” Prompto cries, “Never.” He pushes up on his toes to press a kiss to Ignis’ jaw.
“Order whatever you like,” Ignis says, hint of warning in his tone.
“Sure thing, Igs,” Prompto says and as Ignis turns to the bathroom Prompto drops him a playful salute, “And I’ll get you your favourite.”
-
Prompto’s chocobo is called Sunny and when Prompto dips his forehead to press against her neck the yellow of her feathers mingles in with the colour of his hair and Ignis thinks he might just expire from how adorable a picture it makes. Prompto has his camera of course, but Ignis snaps a picture with his phone, not trusting even his mind with perfectly capturing the image for him to treasure forever.
Ignis scratches his own bird under the chin, a beautiful soft brown bird called Peanut, before gently walking her over to the hitching post where she’ll wait with Sunny while he and Prompto walk the tourist trail around the meteor.
“Thanks Iggy,” Prompto says earnestly, stroking his hand down Sunny’s neck one last time, “This day was supposed to be about you and then you went and did this for me.”
“I’m happy as long as you’re happy, darling.”
Ignis holds out his hand and Prompto immediately slots his fingers right alongside into Ignis'. It still and always will send a little thrill through Ignis how happy and eager Prompto is to simply be with him. Ignis raises their joined hands to his mouth and brushes a kiss along Prompto’s knuckles, admiring the way his rings glint in the sunlight. Prompto flushes, pink and beautiful right across his cheekbones. Ignis lowers their hands and leans in to kiss that too.
“Iggy,” Prompto whines softly and then he turns his head slightly to catch Ignis’ mouth for a brief, full kiss, “Stop being smooth.”
Ignis smiles, “Never.”
“I miss the days when you were stabbing me -”
“I don’t.”
“- at least then I stood a chance. In hindsight anyway. At the time I thought you were the coolest thing.”
“And now I’m just you lame old husband,” Ignis teases.
As they walk Prompto swings their hands happily between their bodies, almost skipping as they head into the tourist trail. There are a few other people milling about even though it’s early in the season, late spring, just pushing towards the summer. Prompto’s bare armed and gorgeous as always, pale skin sun-kissed and more densely freckled than anyone Ignis has ever seen in his damn life.
Prompto had made the executive decision to advise Ignis on the contents of his own suitcase. Yes Ignis had button up shirts, nice deep colours with dark patterns and some lighter, more casual linen ones. But Prompto had also folded in some different coloured polo shirts and light thin sweaters. It was different for Ignis to dress so casually so many days in a row, but Prompto obviously likes it, eyes bright and full of joy each morning when he looks at him.
They’ve both got some fancier clothes to wear tonight though, Ignis has reserved them a table at one of Lestallum’s nicer restaurants. Not too fancy, to avoid the risk of upsetting Prompto’s tendency to be uncomfortable in places he deems above him. Nothing is above Prompto, of course. Prompto is the loveliest, sweetest person in the whole of Eos.
But tonight’s their anniversary. Not their wedding anniversary, they’re only five days out from that, but the anniversary of when they’d first come together. When they’d first kissed at Prompto’s graduation. That was they second kiss really, but that’s beside the point in the long run.
Unfortunately the stars hadn’t aligned for them to get married on the right day, but they’d still ended up being engaged for more time than they were simply boyfriends. Ignis was young, Prompto even younger, and he’d fielded a lot of questions in that time about aren’t you too young and don’t you think you’ll change your mind but Ignis had remained steadfast the entire time.
Yes they were perhaps a little young, but Ignis knows his heart will never be moved from this so no he does not think he will change his mind.
Ignis had posited the question to Prompto one night, a few months before their wedding day, waiting until Prompto was open and honest in those moments before his sleep. Prompto had simply laughed, warm puffs of air against Ignis’ throat and told him, “I loved you for like four years before I got you I don’t think that’s gonna vanish just because my age starts with a two now.”
“Tell me if you see anything you want a picture of,” Prompto tells him now, fiddling with the device where it’s hanging on his chest.
“Prompto,” Ignis says seriously, “I’ve seen something of which I would like a picture.”
Prompto drops his hand, picking up his camera in both and hops up on his toes to look around for whatever might have peaked Ignis’ interest. Spotting nothing because he alone cannot see the object of Ignis’ eye he drops down onto his feet again, frowning up at him.
“What is it?”
“You.”
Prompto splutters and playfully punches Ignis in the arm.
He does however, once his blush has receded, pull Ignis to a stop with some of the pretty reflective rocks of the meteor as a back drop, stepping in close for a selfie. Ignis makes a mental note to get that one printed out for his desk.
-
“You’re sure you’re not too tired?” Ignis asks as he watches Prompto yawn, sliding Prompto’s royal blue around his neck under his upturned collar.
“Of course not,” Prompto argues, “Today was just a little more exciting that I’d thought.”
“You enjoyed Sunny though?” Ignis check, folding the strands of the tie over and under one another.
“So much,” Prompto says, perking up a little, “I wish we could take her home.” Prompto actually flutters his eyelashes a little, like Ignis could be convinced. He probably could if he’s being honest. If they didn’t live most of the way up a very tall high-rise apartment building. Ignis shakes his head at him, smiling though, and when he’s finished with Prompto’s tie he drops a kiss to the end of his nose just in case his needs the sting taken out of the refusal.
The restaurant is just a short walk from the Leville and they meander through the sparse crowds hand in hand, stepping around the impressive women just off work from the power plant and men in wrinkled business suits heading home or to the lively bars littering the city. Prompto tugs at his suit jacket a little as they walk and Ignis chuckles, smoothing out the wrinkle he’s managed to fold into the lapel, calming his nerves with a kiss on his temple.
“You look wonderful,” Ignis tells him, “Did I forget to say?”
“No, you did,” Prompto says, smile pulling up one side of his mouth. Ignis had said it more than once. “I’m just still not used to these fancy threads, you know.”
“Perhaps we should have packed your dress uniform,” Ignis teases.
The restaurant isn’t particularly busy an their server leads them right over to a table just big enough for two, tucked away in a quieter part of the dining space with a view out of the window into the bustling city. Ignis steps in between Prompto and the server to helps his husband into the chair with the best view. Prompto smiles at him, a little crooked with all his teeth showing and as soon as the waitress has bustled off to grab the hastily picked out sparkling wine Prompto puts his hand on the table, palm up and inviting.
Ignis covers his hand eagerly, palm to palm and sneaking his fingers up to the delicate underside of his wrist. Prompto wiggles in his seat, pink across the cheeks. He’s so easy to blush and it’s just one of the things Ignis will never be over.
The table setting is pretty, two tapered candles set apart so the diners can see each other, a basic white table cloth set with a smaller dark, burgundy one over the top. Prompto looks around a little wide eyed but the set of his shoulders is relaxed, hunch of his spine not severe enough to suggest he’s genuinely uncomfortable.
“They serve a paella I think you might like,” Ignis tells him, encouraging Prompto to open his menu.
Prompto nods, chewing his lip as he looks it over. Ignis already knows what he wants, he’d looked up the menu several times to make sure there was something Prompto would not just eat but enjoy.
“Ooo it has options,” Prompto says, only briefly looking them over and mulling, “I’ll get the sea food one so you’ll enjoy it if you try it.”
“Prompto…” Ignis says, a fond bubble swelling in his chest.
It’s so sweet, so quintessentially Prompto that Ignis is suddenly upset they’re not alone, that he can’t bundle Prompto into his arms and press a dozen - a hundred - kisses over his perfect, wonderful face.
Ignis reaches across the table with his hand to brush Prompto’s cheek with his fingers, not really paying attention when his hand knocks against something. Prompto’s eyes soften and he reaches up to cup them closer to his face, tilting his head into Ignis' touch.
But then Prompto’s brow creases and his nose wrinkles. With a yell of surprise he pulls free from Ignis’ hold.
“Iggy, shit,” Prompto says and Ignis turns to look where Prompto points and -
Ignis knocked over the candle. He set the table cloth on fire. Ignis freezes dumb at the sight of the flames licking along the table top, completely dumbfounded that he could have done something so careless.
“Iggy,” Prompto repeats. Ignis watches as Prompto dumps both their water glasses over the flames, dampening them at once.
“I’m sorry,” Ignis blurts.
Prompto laughs, a nervous little bubble of noise and reaches to take one of Ignis’ hand back in both his own. Prompto runs his thumb over the wide band formed by Ignis’ wedding and engagement rings nestled against each other.
“You okay?” Prompto asks.
Ignis blinks a few times and then nods. The water from the table cloth started to drip, drip, drip down onto the floor.
“Okay, I’ve got your wine - oh.”
They turn as one to look at the server as she stares down at the mess of their table with wide eyes.
“We had a bit of an accident,” Prompto says.
She glances at the burnt mess and then at their joined hands. Managing a fairly passable smile she says, “Let’s get you guys to a new table.”
-
Every thirty seconds or so Prompto laughs, head turned towards his pillow to muffle the sound. Ignis squeezes him around the middle, tight enough it has to be uncomfortable but it only seems to make Prompto giggle louder.
“Stop laughing at your husband,” Ignis teases but in reality he loves Prompto’s laugh so much, loves him happy and bubbly, that he doesn’t even mind when it’s at his own expense.
“I’m sorry,” Prompto says, sounding anything but. Ignis is appeased a little when he Prompto wiggles over onto his other side, violet-blue eyes alight with mirth as he presses close, “Noct always says you’ll burn down the world for me but - I dunno maybe you should only do that when the world is hurting me and not just indiscriminately set restaurants on fire like you did today.”
Ignis kisses the tip of his nose, holding him close.
“Only if you insist,” Ignis agrees.
- - -
There’s apparently a pretty waterfall not far from Lestallum, off the tourist track enough that it’s never particular busy. The concierge tells Ignis about it on their second to last day in Lestallum when Ignis mentions he’d like something low-stress to do with his husband that day. The concierge drops a little pin on Ignis’ map app for the nearest parking spot and Ignis runs to the market to get ingredients enough to make them a little picnic.
Prompto pouts at him for putting himself out but ends up helping him stuff local cheese and smoked meat into fresh backed rolls before wrapping them all up and layering food and drinks carefully into a backpack.
“So where are we going?” Prompto asks, back pack strapped on and fairly bursting with excitement over an unexpected adventure.
Gods Ignis loves him. He makes every moment effortlessly brighter. Ignis can’t remember how he ever got on without him.
“Just a little afternoon trip. Did you charge your camera?”
“Duh,” Prompto says, “Will it be pretty?”
Ignis nods, “Will pale in comparison you you though, my love.”
Prompto rolls his eyes and slips the backpack into the back-seat before climbing into the passenger side. Ignis follows suit on the drivers side and snaps his seat belt across quickly and then pointedly stares are Prompto until he complies. They bought Ignis’ car for their little vacation, reliable and efficient if not particularly fancy. It has a jack for Prompto to hook his phone into and blast tunes though and as that makes his husband happy then so it does Ignis as well.
It really is a short drive, barely forty-five minutes and Ignis is pulling up to the parking spot a little after eleven o’clock, the sun shining through a thin layer of clouds to make a pleasant afternoon without being overly warm. Prompto seems content with his bare arms but Ignis had made sure to fold a sweater into the bottom of the back pack just in case.
“Ooo,” Prompto says in interest as they make their way down the edge of the road, towards the large wide steps heading down into what Ignis would describe as a well kept little wilderness.
“You’ve barely seen anything,” Ignis points out.
“Yeah but it’s green,” Prompto argues and he drops Ignis a wink, “I like green.”
Ignis feels his own cheeks warm a little and he steps close to Prompto to drape his arm over Prompto’s shoulders as they make their way down the steps. He presses a kiss into the soft spikes of Prompto's blond hair because why not.
Prompto almost trips over his feet when he hears the rushing of water, but thankfully Ignis still has a hold of him and manages to stop him face planting into rough ground.
“Careful, darling,” Ignis says.
“Waterfall?” Prompto says, “Did you bring me to a waterfall?”
“If I’d known you’d be this excited I would have skipped the chocobo post and bought you right here,” Ignis says.
Prompto mouth opens and then snaps shut.
“This whole trip has been perfect,” Prompto says.
“Not excited to go home?”
“Well sure,” Prompto says, “I miss Noct and Gladio and our bed. Plus I gave you a reprieve from pet-begging during the wedding planning but now I’m a Scientia officially I’m going to start right back up again.”
Ignis buries his smile by pressing his face into Prompto’s hair again. Prompto leans briefly into the affection and then pulls right out of his hold, scampering along the path eagerly towards the noise.
Ignis had quite liked the sound of Ignis Argentum-Scientia but when Prompto’s foster parents had flat out refused to come to their wedding and support their relationship well -
The least Ignis could do was give Prompto an escape from them completely. He’d shed his parents and old name like a cocoon, Noctis and his father standing on Prompto's side during the ceremony in their place and Prompto couldn’t have been happier for it.
“Come on, Igs,” he calls over his shoulder.
Ignis follows a few steps behind, enjoying the view of his tight little form in skin tight jeans and the extra bulk in his shoulders from his past year in the Crownsguard, the way his torso narrows down into his svelte waist.
They meander down the path together, Prompto stopping every few paces to take pictures of some lush shrubbery or try and snap a pretty bird that flies out in front of them. The river swings wide around a stretch of grass that edges to smooth rocks at the water’s edge and Ignis supposes this will be a good enough place for them to set out their picnic later. For now though they follow the river up the bank, right up towards the rushing waterfall.
“Wow,” Prompto says, camera right up in front of his eyes.
“Beautiful,” Ignis agrees. The path leads further up, right along the waters edge and beyond the rushing water to where the water falls down, leaving an open space beyond. Water sprays up in a fine mist, settling along the bare skin of Ignis’ arms where he has his sleeves rolled up. Prompto stops snapping pictures to wipe his camera lens clean.
“Iggy look there’s a cave,” Prompto says pointing ahead. Sure enough, hidden behind the curtain of water is an opening into the earth, dark and ominous with an - in Ignis’ opinion - completely unnecessary warning sign to Do Not Enter.
“Who would even want to?” Prompto asks, mirroring Ignis' thoughts with an affected shudder.
“Gladio,” Ignis answers at once. Prompto snorts.
“When you’re right, you’re right.”
Prompto wanders again, taking pictures of the light glinting off the wet rocks. Ignis is content, as always, to follow and watch, trying to see the world through Prompto's exquisite view. The sun manages to break through the clouds, a brighter wash of light that protects against the chill of the spray and as they step back out into it Prompto tilts his head up into the sun to appreciate it’s rays. It warms his face, eyelids fluttering closed and Ignis is thrown asunder all over again by how beautiful Prompto is, how lucky Ignis is to have found him and not given into the desire to push him away.
Prompto smiles as he starts moving again and Ignis follows like a man entranced.
Prompto stops to take pictures of a flowering shrub and as he crouches down the loveliness of him is obscured by the backpack he’d insisted on carrying himself. Having the view impeded rather brings Ignis back to himself and he shakes his head, forcing himself to give his husband a little space by wandering to the edge of the bank and peering down at the water. It’s beautifully clear and as Ignis is watching he sees the unexpected shape of a little grey fish swim past.
Ignis hadn’t been expecting that. Had thought that fishing would only be viable further out into the wilds of Lucis. He'll have to let Noctis know, maybe if they form a base in Lestallum they could get Noctis out of the city for fresh air and to explore the country he will one day rule.
Prompto gasps and Ignis turns around to look at him fast as a whip.
Prompto’s got his hand raised in front of him, a beautiful yellow butterfly hooked on one of his fingers, delicate wings fluttering.
And it’s so very lovely.
Ignis wants to be there, right by his side this very instant and he takes a step forwards -
But there’s only air underneath his feet.
Ignis hits the water with a smack, knee hitting a rock and cold rushing up over his body. The water’s deep enough to mostly protect him from the rocky bed of the river, but not so deep that Ignis can’t get himself orientated easily, drifting only a short way before he manages to turn over and plant his feet onto the river bed to halt his movements.
“Iggy!” Prompto cries, “Ignis, fuck, Iggy are you okay?”
There’s a sploosh followed by the sound of water being kicked up and then Prompto’s legs are in view right before he thunks down onto his knees. Warm hands cup Ignis’ face and he goes they way they press, looking up into Prompto’s face, creased with worry and eyes glassy.
“You needn’t have gotten wet darling,” Ignis says.
“Are you okay?” Prompto asks again, a demanding edge to his tone.
“Quite alright,” Ignis says, “A little surprised, perhaps.”
Prompto laughs weakly and then he leans forward, covering Ignis’ mouth with his own, warm and wet and wonderful. Ignis sits forward, wrapping his arms about Prompto’s waist and tipping him over into Ignis’ lap. Prompto lets out another laugh, a bright giggle right into Ignis’ mouth.
“Iggy the water is cold,” Prompto tells him but he wraps his own arms over Ignis’ shoulders and presses their chests together.
“But you’re warm,” Ignis purrs, dipping one hand below the water level to squeeze Prompto’s ass.
Prompto’s huff is warm against his cheek but the way his tongue sneaks into Ignis’ mouth is hot. Prompto presses forward and Ignis is forced to let go of his waist to stop them from both flopping straight back into the water and Prompto sighs beautifully as their bodies align properly.
“We’re in public,” Prompto mumbles, pushing a damp hand through Ignis’ hair.
“I don’t see anyone around,” Ignis points out and Prompto goes right back to kissing him.
Unfortunately they’re play is halted when Prompto’s teeth start chattering, almost biting clean through Ignis’ lip. They walk down the river a short way before they find a part of the bank that’s low enough to step up onto in skin tight, wet denim. Prompto wriggles, a little like a puppy trying to shake off water, before he trots away back to where he’d tossed down the backpack and secured his camera.
They have to head back to the hotel to shower - together this time, Prompto insists - and they end up spreading their food across the bed and eating it in their underwear, wrapped in blankets and passing little morsels of food from fingers to lips.
It’s better than any waterfall side picnic could ever be.
- - -
“Home,” Prompto says with a happy little sigh as Ignis pulls into his assigned parking space.
“Home,” Ignis agrees.
Prompto yawns with a stretch and as twists his neck around he spots the car filling the guest parking space.
“Is that Gladio’s car?” Prompto asks.
“I think he and Noctis wanted to see us on our return,” Ignis explains as neutrally as he can.
It’s only just getting dark, not far into the evening, plenty of time for them to head upstairs and eat take-out with their closest friends.
And should also be plenty of time for Prompto to meet the surprise Ignis has for him. One last wedding present.
“I’m gonna hug Noct so hard,” Prompto says as he starts to climb out of the car, “And he’s gonna hate every second of it.”
Ignis laughs, climbing out and heading over to Prompto at the trunk. They managed to pack light so it’s hardly any bother at all to get all their luggage wheeled and carried to the elevator. Prompto leans into his side as it climbs up to their floor and Ignis presses his forehead into Prompto’s hair, careful not to dig his glasses in.
Ignis is very happy to be home, delighted even. A lovely holiday with Prompto was just what he needed but there’s something to be said for being with Prompto in their own space. Curled up close and intimate with him in their bed. Even if that bed might be a little more full from tonight onwards tonight.
The elevator dings and Prompto pulls away, grabbing the larger of the wheeled suitcases and dragging it behind him as he approaches the door. When he gets there he doesn’t bother to try and dig out his key - Ignis suspects he may have left it inside the apartment anyway - but simply bangs on the door.
Ignis laughs.
“What’s up squirt?” Gladio says, grinning as he pulls the door wide for them.
“Wait!” comes Noct’s almost frantic voice, “Just one second.”
Gladio catches Ignis’ eye and winks. Obediently Prompto pauses in the entrance way, brow creasing as they listen to the pounding of Noct’s feet and then their bedroom door closes sharply. Noct must rush back over because he suddenly appears at Gladio’s elbow, a little out of breath and smile a little too earnest to be genuine. Ignis hopes Prompto’s trust in his best friend holds tight or he’s sure to be suspicious.
The notch between Prompto’s eyebrows stays but he abandons his luggage and squeezes past Gladio to launch himself at Noct. Noct oofs but simply rolls his eyes before wrapping his arms around Prompto’s back in return. Gladio shakes his head and reaches for Prompto’s discarded luggage.
“How are the Scientias?” Gladio asks, shifting Prompto’s stuff into the apartment and then reaching for the bag in Ignis’ hand despite his silent protests.
“Wonderful,” Ignis answers, “Or at least this half is.”
“Also wonderful,” Prompto says but his voice is a little muffled by Noct’s shoulder.
“Okay, Prom,” Noct laughs, “I missed you too.” Noct rolls his eyes again but Ignis for one catches the extra squeeze he gives around Prompto’s shoulders before releasing him.
“We already ordered food,” Gladio says, “Noct tried to force pizza but I talked him around to Galahdian.”
“Marvellous. Will it be here soon or do we have time to -?”
“Should be time,” Noct says quickly.
Prompto looks between them, eyes darting among his three companions. Pretty blue eyes narrowing slightly.
“Time for what?” Prompto asks.
“Noct?” Ignis suggests but the Prince shakes his head.
“You should get her.”
Prompto makes a noise, somewhere between a squeal and a whine. Ignis kisses his temple as he passes on the way to the bedroom and his darling is almost vibrating with excitement.
Ignis had found the cat shortly before they left for their honeymoon, in the three day gap between their nuptials and their departure. Ignis hadn’t meant to find a cat that day, he’d simply gone into the shelter during a rare moment of down time to see if he liked cats in a more general sort of way. They’d made his eyes itch and he’d been all but appalled at the smell - though let them off on that as there were two dozen or so in the shelter. The kittens were obviously charming, gangly legs and pitiful meows but it was only when the assistant had lead him through to the adult cats that he’d seen her.
And fallen in love.
They think she’s about four and they’d picked her up on the street in fairly good condition, if a little thin, and though she had a micro-chip the information stored in it had lead nowhere but a dead end. She’s gorgeous of course, calico coat with large orange and black splotches all across her back and flanks and the purest white from the tip of her chin all along her belly to the base of her tail. Her tail is fluffy and almost all black, hints of ginger showing through in the light.
Ignis had paid the adoption deposit immediately after he held her the first time, explaining that they were going away soon but Ignis would arrange for one of his friends to pick her up as soon as possible.
And so Noctis had spent the last few days cat-sitting for them - with Prompto none the wiser - letting her get used to her new home and getting her out of the shelter as early as they could.
She’s curled up on the corner of the bed when Ignis slips into the room but blinks open her bright eyes and pushing up onto her legs when he approaches. Ignis holds out his hand and she sniffs it before raising her chin allowing Ignis to give her a pleasant scratch just there.
“Are you ready to meet Prompto?” Ignis asks her. She flicks her tail but leaps into Ignis’ outstretched arms when he offers so Ignis supposes that’s a positive response. Noctis has text him many times the past few days to confirm how sweet she is - in vague, often incomprehensible terms though to make sure Prompto couldn’t work anything out if he happened upon the messages.
Ignis suspects if they hadn't arrived home soon Noct might have stolen her for himself.
She makes a pleasant purring noise close to his ear as Ignis carries her into the other room but Ignis can barely hear it over the sound of Prompto’s gasp.
“Oh Gods,” Prompto whispers, “Holy shit - are they - are we -”
“I hope you’re not upset you didn’t get to come help pick her out,” Ignis says, suddenly nervous. His throat feels a little tight but his eyes uncomfortably dry.
Prompto shakes his head, mouth adorably agape.
“She’s so pretty,” Prompto breathes.
Ignis smiles.
“Does she have a name?” Prompto asks and he suddenly seems to regain movement in his limbs, slowly approaching Ignis and holding out his hand. Like with Ignis she sniffs his fingers and then tilts her head back for a chin scratch.
Prompto makes a barely discernible whine.
“No name,” Ignis says, “Well, unless Noct -”
“Uh. Well,” the Prince hedges.
“He couldn’t just call her cat,” Gladio defends to Ignis’ surprise.
“What did you name the baby?” Prompto asks.
“Just like - when I was putting down her food and stuff -”
“Noctis,” Ignis sighs.
“Well I’d go, come on Little Miss and she’d follow me to her food bowl.”
“Little Miss?” Prompto says deadpan, “Little Miss?”
“What’s wrong with Little Miss?” Gladio asks, “She’s little, she’s a miss.”
“Little Miss is like the absence of a name,” Prompto frowns at his two friends, the closest approximation to a glare to ever happen on his wonderful face before turning back to Ignis and their new cat. He holds out his hands tentatively and when Ignis loosens his hold on her she climbs right into them.
And starts purring.
Ignis blinks, then sneezes.
It would be an awful shame for him to be getting sick now, right after he just took the better part of two weeks off work.
“You okay, babe?” Prompto asks.
Ignis smiles, opening his arm for Prompto to step into. With Prompto tucked close to his side Ignis reaches to stroke across their cat’s back as she nuzzles into Prompto’s jaw.
The cat has excellent taste, Ignis knew he liked her.
- - -
Ignis really thinks he’s getting a cold for a few days.
Until he realises that his symptoms are clearing up around lunch time and only settling in again in the evening.
After he’s been around the cat.
“No Miss Pickle Darling, Iggy won’t like it if you put your claws in the couch,” Prompto says, voice dropped like he’s pretending Ignis won’t be able to hear. Ignis is actually less concerned about claws in the couch - an inevitability - than about the other words that just came out of his husband.
“Prompto, what on Eos did you just call the cat?”
Prompto straightens up with the cat in his arms, nuzzling his cheek against her head. Ignis quite likes doing that too but he’s been avoiding it the last few days, hoping limited contact around his face might help lessen the symptoms. It’s worked somewhat which is good but disappointing because Ignis is now one hundred percent sure that he is allergic to their cat.
The cat that he and his husband both love.
The cat his husband has apparently given no less than three names.
“Well I was trying out names but she really only responded when I used a bunch at once.”
Ignis smiles at him, giving into the urge to scratch between her ears when Prompto carries her over.
“But, you are darling, love,” Ignis points out.
Prompto blushes and turns to press his smile against the top of Miss Pickle Darling’s head.
“Yeah I um - I like hearing you say it,” Prompto admits, unable to meet Ignis’ eye, “So I though if we called the cat that I’d get to hear it more.”
Ignis melts.
His eyes are itchy and his nose is about start streaming but it’s worth it. Worth it for this.
“My two darlings then, are you?” Ignis says.
Prompto nods, “Hopefully we’ll get her down to just Pickle one day. You know, because pickles are a thing you love but pretend not to. Just like you did with cats before you found this little angel.”
Ignis’ mouth opens and then closes.
Prompto's got a point.
- - -
Ignis goes to the pharmacy and buys some over the counter allergy medication.
If Ignis takes one before he gets in the car on the way home he makes it right up until they got to bed with little more in the way of symptoms than dry eyes - which he can simply use some of Prompto’s eye drops to relieve - and a slight itchiness in his throat. In the morning however he wakes up crusty eyed and stuffed nosed because no matter how hard they try to teach her not to Pickle likes to sleep up on their pillows, close to whichever face she can manage, wedging herself between the two of them if she can.
Prompto’s noticed something is wrong with Ignis. And he’s starting to worry.
He’s got one arm around Pickle, trying to keep her squirming form in his lap and the other palm pressed against Ignis’ brow.
“I’m quite alright,” Ignis tries to reassure.
“You’re hot,” Prompto argues, “And not in the oh shit you’re so fucking sexy kind of way I normally mean.”
Ignis smiles, “I promise I’ll be alright after a shower.” Prompto’s brow creases a little further and the corners of his mouth downturn in a way that is distinctly unappealing.
Prompto isn’t one for arguing though so he simply continues to look concerned, leaning forward to kiss between Ignis’ eyebrows where he’s laid out against the pillows. He pops Pickle down onto the bed.
“Keep daddy company, Miss Pickle Darling,” Prompto says, busting out the full name, “I’ll make him some coffee.”
“I love you,” Ignis tells him as he clambers off the mattress.
Prompto blows him a kiss over his shoulder, “I love you, more.”
Pickles settles on her belly, paws outstretched towards Ignis and showing off her precious toe beans that make Prompto practically expire every time she lets him touch them.
“I love you, too,” Ignis tells her and she meows quietly.
Ignis is going to have to make an appointment with his doctor. He’s sure there’s a way around the situation. Pickle is too precious to give up, but eventually Prompto will work it out and Ignis doesn’t think it’s overly prideful to think Prompto's love for his husband might trump the love for their cat.
Ignis doesn't want them to have to make that decision.
- - -
Prompto works it out.
Ignis gets home from work on the day he finally makes time to see his doctor, shiny new prescription tucked in his briefcase to find Prompto sitting on the couch with pickle in his lap, tearfully if not full crying as he strokes over her back. She’s purring up a storm but even that noise doesn’t seem to console him.
“Prompto, darling,” Ignis says in alarm, abandoning his briefcase haphazardly and rushing to take a seat next to him, “Whatever is the matter?”
“You’re allergic to Miss Pickle Darling,” Prompto says miserably, “And you’ve just been suffering this whole time.”
“I’d hardly say suffering -”
“Iggy,” Prompto cuts him off, “It’s why you keep seeming sick. You should have said something.”
“I didn’t want you to worry,” Ignis tries.
“Of course I’m worried,” Prompto sighs.
Ignis reaches out to pet Pickle’s head but Prompto gently smacks his hand away.
“Prompto,” Ignis sighs.
“I spoke to Noct,” Prompto barrels on, and from the way he’s breathing in deep and speaking very succinctly Ignis can tell he’s about three seconds away from losing it completely. Ignis may not be allowed to pet the cat but Prompto hasn’t said he can’t comfort him so he wraps an arm around his waist and squeezes him in close. Prompto slumps a little into his side and when he continues there’s a heart-breaking wobble in his voice.
“And Noct said that he would take Miss Pickle Darling in and that means we can still see her and hopefully the allergy meds you’ve been taking -” he pins Ignis with a watery glare that works better than any real glare he could ever try “- will work if we’re only there for evenings and stuff.”
“Prompto, there’s really no need -”
“You can’t be sick every -”
Ignis leans in and quietens him with a kiss. Prompto gasps softly and Ignis takes advantage of the part in his lips to sweep in with his tongue and truly distract him. Prompto’s got pink cheeks and lips when Ignis pulls away and so distracted that he doesn’t seem to notice Pickle has crawled into Ignis’ lap. Ignis kisses along his cheek towards his jawline while Ignis places one hand on Pickle’s head to welcome her in.
“I went to see the doctor today,” Ignis says simply when he’s finally had his fill of Prompto’s soft freckles skin.
“Are you - is it something else? Are you actually sick?”
Ignis shakes his head, “Unfortunately my littlest darling is to blame for my symptoms. But -” Ignis stresses as Prompto opens his mouth to argue again, “- the doctor came up with some stronger medicine for me to take that should completely alleviate all my symptoms.”
Prompto’s face softens but not, as Ignis had hoped, to complete acceptance.
“You can’t take medicine everyday,” Prompto says.
“No different to my multi-vitamin, love,” Ignis points out.
“Huh,” Prompto says, “And you - you really wouldn’t mind?”
“What I’d mind is having to give Pickle up. Even if it is only to Noctis,” Ignis tells him honestly.
Prompto reaches over to scratch under Pickle’s chin and she starts up a rumbling purr that vibrates against Ignis’ thigh.
“So she can stay? We can all stay together?”
“We can all stay together,” Ignis promises before teasing, “But I’m going to start insisting you simply call her Pickle from now on.”
Prompto laughs, all traces of tears gone.
“I will concede to Miss Pickle as long we’re both also darling,” Prompto says.
“Well that’s not conceding anything at all,” Ignis laughs.
Prompto pushes his head towards him and purses his lips like he’s asking for a kiss.
“Deal?”
Ignis kisses him.
<>
The Scientia household has a lot of anniversaries all in a row.
First is Ignis and Prompto’s original anniversary, followed just a few short days later by their wedding anniversary.
Some people - Noct and Gladio - insist that they’re supposed to stop celebrating their dating anniversary now it’s been superseded by a marriage.
Ignis does not agree.
Prompto would agree but he likes the opportunity to spoil Ignis as much as Ignis does him.
For their first anniversary Prompto had recreated their first date and they’d sat on that same bench, eating mixed seafood from brown paper all over again. Ignis had remade their wedding menu last weekend, better even than was served to them on that special day, in Prompto's opinion at least. Ignis had secretly thought so too but it was nice to have it confirmed by someone else, a pleasant boost to his ego from his preferred ego booster.
But today is a special anniversary. Because today Pickle has been living with them for an entire year.
Ignis’ dose of allergy medication has been being slowly reduced all year to build up a natural immunity and now, thankfully, Ignis can snuggle into her thick coat and trail a laser pointer around the apartment to his hearts content with little to no reaction - unless her nails catch against his skin of course, and then his eyes stream and his throat tries to close up and Prompto has to scoop Pickle up and away from him.
It's worth it.
She never scratches Prompto but then Prompto has the patience to wait hours on end for her to make her way into her pet carrier of her own volition while Ignis distinctly does not. Thankfully she doesn’t have to go to the vet often, nothing outside routine appointments and check-ups.
Last night Ignis had finely diced cooked meats, lightly seasoned to be delicious but not harmful, and then made a clear set jelly that smelt foul to Ignis but judging from the way Pickle had been twisting around his legs purring up a storm she was certainly eager. Ignis had pressed the meat into a terrine and poured the jelly over, settling it into the fridge to set for today - Pickle’s birthday. For all intents and purposes.
There had been left over jelly and Pickle had made such a pitiful mew that Ignis had poured it thinly on a small plate and then let her snaffle it all up the moment it had cooled. Prompto constantly accuses Ignis of spoiling her - the filthy hypocrite - but really Ignis just doesn’t like waste.
“Husband I’m ho-ome!” Prompto sings just seconds after the front door closes. Pickles springs down from Ignis’ lap and races off towards him.
“Hello darling,” Ignis calls, also getting to his feet.
Prompto looks tired and Ignis opens his arms to him, Prompto pausing to scoop up the cat before stepping into his hold and pressing close. Ignis passes his hands down Prompto’s spine, noting the tension up around his shoulders and makes a note to pamper him just as soon as they’re done celebrating their little angel.
Prompto nuzzles right into Ignis’ neck, fluttering little kisses against his skin and Pickle purrs loudly.
Ignis thinks this might very well be heaven.
Ignis strokes down Prompto’s spine again and nudges his head with his own to pull his face away from his skin and seal their mouths together. Prompto hums happily, hand twisting into the fabric of Ignis’ shirt.
“Lets get Pickle her treat and then you can have a relax,” Ignis suggests, “How about a nice bath, hmm?”
“Sure,” Prompto says happily, “I love having a bath with you.”
Prompto grins and Ignis can’t help but lean in to kiss the corner of that smile. That’s not what Ignis had meant but whatever his husband wants he shall receive.
They pull apart and Prompto sets Pickle down but she must sense something in the air because she immediately beelines for the kitchen and jumps up onto the end of the breakfast bar - the one counter Ignis has conceded to her use.
“Two secs,” Prompto says, “I got her a candle.”
“She’ll try to eat the wax,” Ignis warns but he stops to grab their matches from the draw on the way to fridge to grab Pickle’s dinner.
“She will not,” Prompto calls indignantly.
Ignis take the little dish over to where he’d set out a plate earlier - Pickle trying to stand on her back legs to get at it - and turns it over so it slides out in a neat squat disk.
“Ooo that looks like really fancy cat food,” Prompto says, coming over with a single candle in hand. It’s the sort that would normally appear on a birthday cake but coloured gold and probably more expensive than Prompto would allow on his birthday cake.
“For a second there I thought you were going to say it looked delicious,” Ignis says.
“Uh. I mean - if you asked me to eat it, I would,” Prompto admits. Ignis laughs.
“No need,” Ignis promises, “I will make you something far more tasty.”
Prompto pops the candle into the terrine, taking the box of matches from the side. Ignis steps up behind him and wraps his arms around his waist, crossing his hands on the soft definition of his belly.
Pickle meows.
“Alright, alright,” Prompto says laughing as he strikes the match.
They don’t sing happy birthday for several reasons: Prompto gets singing shy when he’s fully aware of his audience, Ignis doesn’t sing and, perhaps most importantly, Pickle is a cat.
Instead they say Happy Birthday joyfully together and when Pickle meows again in response Prompto pushes the plate into her usual eating spot. As Pickle lowers her mouth to the food Prompto hastily blows out the small flame.
Ignis is just pleased there's no jokes pertaining to him and a certain accident last year. Like there normally are whenever someone lights a candle in Ignis' presence.
Prompto watches for a few seconds then twists around in Ignis’ hold, wrapping his own arms under Ignis’ and around his waist to squeeze him tight while he presses his face into Ignis’ collar. Ignis shifts his arms so they’re a little more comfortable, resting naturally around Prompto’s shoulders.
“Hey, Iggy?” Prompto says.
“Yes?”
“I wanted to say thank you,” Prompto mumbles.
“Whatever for?”
Carefully Ignis coaxes Prompto’s face up with a hand on his chin, worried to discover Prompto’s perfect violet eyes glazed with anxiety and uncertainly. Ignis strokes his thumb over Prompto’s cheek, hoping his own face is open and free of judgement.
“Just for, you know, taking a chance on me - on us.”
“Prompto…” Ignis has the distinct impression Prompto would be scuffing his foot along the ground nervously if he could.
“I know you’re going to say there’s no thanks necessary but this is the happiest I’ve ever been - happier than I ever thought I would be. So. Thank you.”
Ignis strokes his cheek again and asks him, “You know I feel the same way?”
Prompto gives him a shy little smile and ducks his head.
“I love you.”
Ignis tugs on his jaw again, tilting Prompto’s face up so he can press a long, chaste but meaningful kiss against his soft mouth. Prompto sighs happily, one of Ignis’ favourite little noises and when they pull apart Prompto ducks his head back into Ignis’ collar and gives him another squeeze.
“I love you, too,” Prompto says.
Ignis might have been content to stay like this for a long while except -
“Prompto?” Ignis breaks the silence.
“Hmm?”
“Pickle is trying to eat the candle.”