A few weeks prior
Aranea was someone that was highly independent, not needing anyone to take care of her or anything like that. But ever since she started hunting with the King's friends, she couldn't shake the feeling she got whenever the adviser was nearby. She felt like a giddy schoolgirl whenever he spoke to her, his voice just made her cheeks heat up and thanked the gods he couldn't see, she'd never live it down. Of course she kept her flirtatious comments going, it'd be odd if she didn't since it was just part of her personality, though she tried not to speak as such around that man. Prompto and Gladio she was fine with, they were fun to mess around with but Ignis was another thing.
"So Aranea, what brings you out with us riff raff? Not got a date with the Empire?" It took a moment to register Gladio was talking to her, turning her attention to the large man.
"Change of scenery is nice, besides you three wouldn't last a day without me, hm?" Prompto pouted and sat back in his chair, Gladio satisfied with her answer and Ignis just remained silent for the moment.
"Technically we can, as we have until you arrived, Miss Highwind," Ordinarily she'd flip him off or come back with a quip or two. Not today.
"Alright four-eyes, technicalities aside, even you gotta admit my company is nice, don't complain kids," He visibly flinched at the nickname and she flashed a mischievous smile in return, Gladio leaned over to whisper something to Prompto and for the rest of the night the pair of them wouldn't stop staring at her and Ignis, as though they assumed something was there when in fact it was no more than friendly banter.
On the other hand, try as she might, Aranea couldn't keep her eyes off the man whose mere voice made her feel things she didn't think possible. The Dragoon was under the impression it was foolish to delve into relationships of any sort right now but there was just something drawing her to the blind man, even during their little trip to find Mythril she was enthralled.
"So what's the sleepin' arrangement? Tents are only big enough for 2 and we've only got 2," All 4 of them quieted down for a moment, ceasing conversations and thoughts.
"Seems logical to put Specs with Aranea, since he can't see so she's got nothing to worry about, and he's a rare gent," Gladio smirked at Prompto but winked at Aranea, who just gawked at his nerve, even Ignis looked uncomfortable with the arrangement.
"Why do I get the feeling you're up to no good Gladiolus? Prompto would be more than willing-" Aranea threw a stone at him to shut him up and it worked surprisingly, but not without a hefty sigh and glare of defiance.
"Well on that note we should all hit the hay, long way back tomorrow, c'mon Ignis," Prompto pouted again and both he and Gladio just watched as Aranea led their friend to one of the tents by the hand.
"You had no chance shorty, it's obvious she's got a thing for him," The livewire sighed and retreated with Gladio to their own tent, collapsing on his bedroll and falling asleep almost instantly.
"D'you always sleep like that?"
"Like what, pray tell? Is there a right way and wrong to sleep now?"
"With your visor and stuff on I mean, smartass. Ain't it uncomfortable?"
Ignis held back another snarky reply in fear of inducing Aranea's wrath, in close proximity it wouldn't be wise. "I suppose so, why do you ask?" She turned to face him properly now she was free from her armor, noticing the way he raised an eyebrow in question.
"'Cause it bothers me and I ain't even the one sleeping like it. Gimme these-" She leaned over and plucked Ignis' visor from his face, exposing the extent of the scarring on his face for her to see. "- Shoes off," Reluctantly he followed her orders, kicking his boots off and turned his head to 'look' at her again. "T-shirt," Once again, more hesitantly this time and with a hefty sigh, he stripped off his tshirt, leaving it beside his shoes and waiting for her next demand.
Though Aranea was too distracted by the newly exposed skin, she shuffled towards him and gingerly reached out to touch the thin scars maring his chest and shoulders. "Is there a reason you demanded my t-shirt to be off?" His question brought her back to reality and she instantly stopped her exploration.
"I'm cold. So I'm borrowing it," To illustrate or prove her point she threw on his discarded clothing, relishing in how it smelled like him, the ever present scent of coffee and just him. So much for shoving her feelings aside.
"In that case... I loathe to allow a lady to freeze," She watched as he settled into his sleeping bag, leaving the side open as an invitation she was all too eager to accept.
"The big guy was right, a rare gent indeed four-eyes," Aranea carefully slid in beside him, turned onto her side so she could curl up against him, he really was warm and she was very content.
Desperate though she may be to touch the soft skin behind her, trace his scars and the lines of his jaw, kiss the inviting lips… She settled for hugging his arm, originally settled innocently over her waist. It was nice to be so close to someone, she felt so safe and warm in Ignis' arms that she didn't want to leave, feeling the rise and fall of his chest against her back with every steady breath hot against the back of her neck, hearing every soft sigh as he slept.
"Hey Prom- C'mere, bring the camera, and be quiet-" Gladio carefully unzipped the opening to the tent Ignis and Aranea were in, it was uncommon for their friend to oversleep and curiosity set in. Although seeing the pair asleep and so content tugged at Gladio's heartstrings, it was cute for sure and if things worked out they'd be one hot couple, the shield wanted more than anything to confess his feelings for the adviser but now he would take them to his grave.
"Aw~ So cute, they're gonna kill us y'know that? This was your idea for the record, I don't wanna be skinned alive without bringing you down with me." Prompto crept over and snapped a picture as evidence, smiling to himself as he returned to the campfire. Gladio noted that there were no discarded clothes, aside from Aranea wearing what must be Ignis' tshirt. The adviser is, was and always will be a true gentleman, one that Gladio was never going to get over.
Aranea eventually woke up and was immediately disheartened that she was alone, but there was no reason to be, after all, Ignis allowed her to sleep beside him out of courtesy. Right? She still felt a little sadness that he was gone, moreover, what was he wearing? Since the Dragoon still possesses his tshirt. Quickly stripping it off and changing back into her clothes and armor, she peeked out of the tent, the other three sat around the campfire and Ignis must have brought a spare shirt, or it was Gladio's.
"Morning! Thought you'd never wake up Aranea," Proclaimed Prompto, as cheerful as ever, even at the end of the world he was a ray of sunshine.
"What can I say? A girl needs her beauty sleep. So we heading off or what? I don't wanna linger any longer than I need to," At her question Ignis looked ready to counter but held his tongue, Prompto wasn't opposed so Gladio stood with a groan.
"You heard the lady, let's pack it up and skedaddle," The other two rose and began packing away their belongings, the camp was to remain for the next hunters and since it was a haven it was protected. Aranea stood idly by and just watched, her gaze usually settled on a particular adviser who was uncharacteristically quiet and compliant.
"Hey Specs, thought you'd want this back-" She put the tshirt in his hand, tossing it would be both rude and inconsiderate all things considered. He stared at it for a moment but held it out to her, a faint smile ghosting his lips.
"I feel as though you need it more than I do, keep it," Sheepishly she took it, unsure of what to say.
"Uh- Thanks, say, if you ever need me, I'll be hanging 'round for a while at Galdin. Hit me up if you find yourself there, or just need a friend," A brief silence passed and Aranea tried reading Ignis' expression but it was a lost cause, he had one of the best poker faces she'd ever seen.
"I'll keep that in mind. Perhaps you'll join us on another hunt in the future, don't be a stranger, Miss Highwind," Something about how he said that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end and a faint pink rise to her cheeks, thankfully for her and her dignity no-one could see it.
Upon returning to Lestallum the four of them went their separate ways, the three guys likely to meet up later and plan the next hunt or venture. Aranea later found Gladio and Prompto sitting around a table with a couple of Glaives she didn't know, curious as to why their third member wasn't with them as usual.
"Hey big guy, shortcake- Where's Specs?" She came closer to the table, waving at the other two Glaives briefly but her attention focused on Gladio, who of which looked like someone kicked his puppy, a scowl that rivelled her own at times.
Prompto glanced from Aranea to Gladio and back again, opting to answer her himself. "Uh… Iggy's gone to Galdin. Didn't he tell ya?" He laughed nervously and flinched a little when Gladio shifted in his seat.
"Obviously not. What's wrong with you sourpuss?"
"None of your business." He said gruffly, it then occurred to her something must've happened between him and Ignis. Prompto looked at her for help but she just shrugged and shit him an apologetic look.
"Then how about I go ask Ignis, sure he'll tell me." She said in a taunting manner, trying to goad him into talking. "Or you could get over whatever it is and face it like a man. I didn't expect the King's Shield to be so childish." Gladio then shot her a deathly glare he no doubt picked up from Ignis, it was less perfected though, even Aranea had been on the receiving end of one and it was scary.
Eventually Gladio just stormed off grumbling and muttering under his breath, Prompto sighed and gestured to Aranea to follow him out of earshot from the Glaives. "It's complicated. Really wanna know what happened?"
"Now I'm thinking I don't wanna know, spit it out shorty before I change my mind."
"Well- Gladio kinda tried playing matchmaker with you and Iggy, y'knew that anyways right?" An affirmative nod from her and he continued. "He uh… Well when it looked like it might work out he snapped, he was so angry at something and Ignis just left, I kinda wanted to go with him but he told me to stay here."
"So basically muscle head got jealous that Specs might have a chance at something and blew a casket? Jeez… Look, I'll go find dandy and try make 'em reconcile, I doubt the three of you need this after losing Prince charmless." At that Prompto perked up with an appreciative smile.
"Thanks, hey, Aranea? Can I ask a favour?"
"Depends on what it is, shoot."
"Can you help Iggy? Like help him start fighting again? I can see he's frustrated and stuff but I dunno how to use a lance or daggers... I can't cook to save my life either. So maybe you can help him more than we can at the moment…"
Aranea stood in thought for a second but then flashed a small smile and sighed. "Sure thing, I'll help Specs if you finally tell Cindy you got the hots for her. Deal?"
She extended a hand and he timidly shook it in agreement. "Deal. Thanks again, I really owe you one."
"Don't mention it. I better get going if I'm gonna track him down, stay safe Prompto."
"You too! See ya around, Aranea."
