Chapter 9
A Shield's Job Is Never Done
Never in all the time he had known Noctis was Gladio ever nervous around the kid. But now, as he stood across from his image by his tomb the Shield shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. Noctis was pissed. If his expression and clenched fists wasn't a good enough clue, the wisps of magic that were angrily flickering around him also were a strong sign.
"How long has it been?" The King asked his Shield.
Gladio didn't even bother pretending he didn't know what he was asking. Somehow, Noctis knew about Prompto. "Since the incident? Over a month." He grunted.
"And when were you planning on telling me?!"
"Uh… now?"
"Dammit Gladio! It's been months since I saw him!" Noctis raged. "I have been going out of my mind! Luna's probably ready to send me packing."
Gladio couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "You saw him?"
"Yes." Noctis crossed his arms seething.
"Because…"
"Because he was that close to dying!"
Gladio felt the blood drain from his face. He had felt the strong magic presence when he had found Prompto, but it obviously wasn't his first priority at the time. Noctis had been there… and he had seen Prompto. They had been that close to losing him.
"So if one of us is here and is on our death bed so to say, we can see you? Even if they aren't a Shield?"
"Let's not test that theory." Noctis growled.
"Course not." Gladio quickly agreed. Not that he thought Prompto would try again, but he wasn't about to give him hope that it might work too. "No point in even telling the chocobo-brain."
Noctis gave a reluctant smirk at the nickname. "So he's ok?"
"Yeah. Back on his feet and working again. Iggy said they had a good talk and he believes that Prompto is in a much better state of mind now."
"Thank the Six." Noctis sighed. "Damn… I've been so worried that I would see him here again."
"There isn't any chance that he saw you right?"
"No. He was… passed out by then."
"Good. I don't want there to be any chance he knows. Just in case."
Noctis nodded in agreement.
"So Blondie said that back in Gralea you mentioned possibly some sort of merge with the Nifs? Does that ring any bells?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Ignis has been having meetings with their new leader lately and Prompto had mentioned it. If its something you wanted… well Specks was interested anyway."
"I still think it's a good idea. There will of course be those who hate the idea, probably try to form some sort of anti-merge groups. But it shouldn't be anything you and your men can't handle."
Gladio shrugged. "So far things have been exceptionally peaceful since the light returned. Maybe we'll get lucky."
"Just don't get lazy."
"As if your one to talk."
Noctis smirked. "Hey. I am keeping on my toes still."
"Doing what?"
"Stuff. Which I have been neglecting lately in fact because I've been worrying about a certain blonde. So if you're all set…?"
"Yeah that's it."
"See ya later Glads." The King vanished in a flash of blue light.
Gladio hated that. It was too weird to converse so naturally with him one moment, then the next he was gone. He knew that he probably should be updating Noctis more. But he couldn't stand that moment when he was reminded that Noctis was indeed dead, and then as if to slap him in the face as a reminder he was still standing in the fallen King's tomb.
"You're saying that Noct saw Prompto that night?" Ignis sounded amazed.
"That's what he said."
Gladio had stopped by Ignis's vast chambers in the Citadel to inform him of everything Noctis had said. They were lounging on the couch enjoying some scotch that had been given to Ignis by the people of Lestallum for helping people rebuild their homes. Normally Gladio didn't drink too much, wasn't good for the body. But he felt he needed it after being back in Noctis's tomb today.
"That is incredible. Of course, Prompto mustn't ever learn of this."
"That's what I said."
"How did he look…?"
"Pissed. And tired."
"I had hoped he would be at peace by now."
"It seems like he's working himself into a second grave."
"I don't believe that is possible."
"Double dead could be a thing."
"Gladio." That was crossing a line.
"Ugh. Sorry Iggy." Gladio had drunk a lot more than he had meant to and that usually made his tongue a little looser than he was comfortable with. "Where is Blondie?"
Ignis smirked. "He is meeting a friend."
"Ooh. The special kind then?"
"I would assume so by the way he was blushing and stuttering about leaving."
"Any idea who the mystery person is?"
"I have a few guesses. But I will refrain from saying anything else till I know more."
"Wonder if it's that hot blonde in Hammerhead."
"Cindy? She is on the list of suspects for me as well."
"I remember Noct saying something about Prompto stalking her once."
Sighing Ignis pinched the bridge of his nose. "Why am I not surprised? One thing we never taught those two was subtlety."
"We weren't their parents."
"We may as well have been."
"Fair enough." The Shield muttered. "They grow up so fast! He's a man of thirty whatever now."
"Time for you to go to bed." Ignis took the glass from the large man. "You're intolerable in this state."
"Psh. You mean too fun."
"I mean annoying if you must know."
"Whatever. It's been a long day anyway."
"Splendid. Good night Gladio."
"Night Bossy."
Ignis found his way to his bedroom and sat on the edge of his mattress. Someday, those two would both actually grow up and he could stop playing everyone's mother. He knew they called him that. And quite frankly he was fine with it, because someone had to be the voice of reason and it certainly wasn't anyone he knew. After getting ready for bed he rolled onto his pillow and tried to get some sleep. In the morning he had a meeting with the new ambassador from Niflheim and he had heard that they were hard to deal with. Even for someone of his caliber.
kira1525 - I hope I updated fast enough for you!
Zemby - I updated on that chapter quickly because I felt bad leaving Prom like that! But then realized the update didn't really help him. I am glad you are enjoying it though!
Annibal - Tears?! I'm sorry! Haha but I appreciate the follow!
Shepard Supreme - Glad you're still following! And I'm even happier you like it!
Defiant Drift - Any review is appreciated and loved! Even if its not for every chapter. And I definitely agree about Ignis being the 'mother hen'. Poor guy. :) Haha
I will be doing my best to update as often as possible but I am currently in the process of packing up my house in Michigan and moving to California. Its a big move and very time consuming so please be patient with me! I try to update one of my stories every day I have a couple hours free. Every review is much loved and helps me remember to keep my stories going!
So please keep up the awesome reviews and comments!
