School : 12:25pm : 16 days
Classwork... it was more of something to busy your time now that your days were winding down. It was something you did but knew it wouldn't be much help. Not where you were going. You wouldn't be able to see your diploma, but knowing that you earned it did some kind of good on your heart.
That wasn't where your mind was surprisingly. As much as you tended to think of your future, you were currently thinking of the past. A past that was creeping up and haunting your present.
"Are you alright squirt? You're not still thinking about the girl from the cafe, are you?" Noctis approached you in the hallway.
The two of you stood facing the window and looking out at the school yard. Your eyes were glued to the new budding flowers as you tried to think of everything but that.
"No, I'm not letting a random chick ruin my day again if that's what you're asking." You crossed your arms tightly as you lied through your teeth.
"Right, so then you won't mind if she hangs with us?"
"What?" You had to restrain your voice from raising mid word. Did he really just ask you that?
The prince laughed, "I'm joking, but I knew it was bothering you."
"Oh ha-ha. My pain is your pleasure, is that right?" You rolled your eyes with a scoff creeping from your throat, "He's a grown man. He can date who he wants. In two weeks I won't be around to see their blossoming relationship anyway."
"I doubt there will be a relationship coming out of that." Noctis subconsciously spoke.
Your eyebrows knitted together as you heard his words. Prompto practically told you the same thing. These boys were acting like they knew this woman but claiming they didn't. There was something fishy going on around here.
"So, do you know her or not? You can't speak on someone else's relationship unless you know the person. Either you and Prompto have met this girl, or Gladio has told you about her. Which is it?" You kept your dead eye contact with the boy, and although he wasn't one to get too intimidated, he didn't want to answer this question.
"I-" Just a single word came out of his mouth right before the bell rang.
It was a true relief for him, but you'd not soon forget this conversation. You had him boxed in a corner, and if he wouldn't talk you knew Prompto would. It wasn't even about the girl anymore, it was about them lying... maybe it was a bit of both, but the truth is you just felt hurt right now. Perhaps you were being sensitive, but the fact that it seemed as though they took his side over yours really cut deeper than you expected.
Instead of making him talk right then and there, you'd wait until class was over. That way you could have a proper dialogue with both him and Prompto.
.
Apartment : 3:59pm : 16 days
Here you were again, just like old times. You, Noct, and Prompto hanging out in his apartment and watching tv. It was fun and all, but you still needed to get this conversation out of the way. Noctis knew you wanted to, but he'd not ask you what was wrong as he didn't want to go down that road again.
Of course Prompto was oblivious to it all and was just enjoying the company of his two best buddies. The three of you laughed at the embarrassing video of Noctis at the dentist from the other day, but your laughs were only halfhearted. You needed to talk.
"Just so we're clear..." You blurted out as the video was playing. "You guys aren't hiding anything from me are you? Like... something you think might hurt my feelings? Something you would normally tell me but since I'm leaving in two weeks you don't wanna cross that bridge?"
"Wait what? Where did this come from?" Prompto paused the video and looked at you.
"She thinks we know Gladio's new girl." Noctis rolled his eyes.
Your eyes amplified as you turned toward Noctis, "I thought you said they weren't together."
"They aren't." Prompto yelled out. "You're worried for nothing, seriously."
You stood infuriated now. What the fuck were they talking about? Nothing was adding up. Again, it wasn't about Gladio dating again, it was about them lying.
"Don't tell me not to worry Prompto! I have every right to be upset, but not about Gladio. About you two. I thought you guys were my best friends. I thought that 'saving face' shit was behind us. I see where your loyalties lie. I'm sorry our bond wasn't strong enough for you to have my back. I didn't want these last couple weeks to end on a bad note, but here we are!"
You stood up and began to head for the door. Tears welled in your eyes. This wasn't something you imagined would break you, but eventually all of the cracks would alter the wall of your insecurities.
Heading back to grab your shoes, you spoke to them one last time. "I would do anything for you guys, and I would never question having your back. I just wish you felt the same."
As you turned toward the door, you saw it open and behind it stood Ignis. He was immediately thrown by your tears. It was like he wanted to get to the bottom of whatever was going on right then and there.
Placing a hand to his chest, you delicately moved him back a bit so he was out of your way. It was beyond you to make eye contact at this point. Even though you knew he had nothing to do with it, you just couldn't stand to look at any of these boys right now.
Ignis was torn as he didn't know who to confront first. Noctis looked at the blond man and nodded in the direction you went. It was his way of giving the man the green light to chase after you.
You didn't run away because you wanted some to chase you. You left because you often did your best thinking alone. Maybe you were the one being a bad friend for not trusting them... maybe.
"Wait." You heard Ignis call you as you headed to your car.
"Ignis... don't." You waved him off with your hand as you picked up the pace.
"Please. I have never wronged you. Don't shut me out because of another's actions." He stopped walking and his words held you fast as well.
He was totally right. You couldn't turn your back to him. Ignis never hurt you and the least you could do was give him the respect to hear him out.
You turned to the man with reddened eyes. Eyes of woman who had been hurt. To see your melancholy face again up close did some damage to his heart. He hated seeing you upset.
"What do you have to say to me? I'm listening."
He cautiously advanced toward you. "I just want to know what's wrong. What happened up there?"
"I don't wanna talk about it out here. I think I'm done looking crazy for the day." You still managed to throw in an underhanded joke even being downhearted.
Ignis nodded, "Alright then. We can go wherever you'd like, but I need to get to the bottom of this before you both end up doing something regrettable."
.
Ignis' Condo : 4:22pm : 16 days
You were seated on the couch beside Ignis. It was difficult to speak on something you weren't 100 percent sure of. Then again, it was Ignis and you knew you could trust him.
"I've been kind of distant these past couple of weeks." You started; looking forward as you spoke. "I'm sorry for that.. I just don't handle certain things that well."
"What happened?" He asked in a somber tone. Didn't sound like he was trying to pry and that made you relax a bit more.
"I'm gonna sound like some ansty teen in an afternoon drama." You sighed. "I just don't like feeling deceived. I know you've heard this drama about the red head from the cafe, but it's not even about her. It's about Noctis and Prompto saying they don't know her but they keep giving subtle details about her! Just be honest! I can take anything that comes my way! I'm leaving in two weeks! You think I can't take some stupid information about my ex dating a new girl?!"
You didn't mean to yell. Hell, you didn't even mean to raise your voice. Losing it in front of Ignis. It was never not embarrassing. He didn't judge you for the blowups though. He knew tensions were high.
"I made it 18 solid years before Gladiolus Amicitia came around! We dated for what, a few months? That's nothing to get high strung over. It wasn't that big of a deal." You crossed your arms and sank a bit into the couch.
"You don't mean that." Ignis gave you a stern look. "As for this woman, she is much less of a mystery than they're leading on, yes. They probably omitted the truth because they don't know how to tell you who she is in such few words."
"What does that mean?" You uncrossed your arms and sat up attentively.
Ignis sighed, "What you're digging for is not there, however if you keep digging in the same spot you might find something you wish you hadn't. Understand?"
You pondered his words for a minute. What the hell did that mean? It was so surfaced but it made sense at the same time.
"You're right Ignis. I should stop digging. Maybe it's best that I don't know..." You stood up from the couch and suspiciously walked away. "However, I'm not gonna stop digging with you." Your tone turned a bit upbeat.
You walked over to his open bedroom and began to peek in his dressers. You did it partly because you were curious and partly because you wanted to see if he'd get mad for once.
"Come on. Everyone's got a vice Iggy. What's your fix hmm? Porn mags? Porn tapes? Erotica? You got a lock of hair from your high school sweetheart? Do you smoke? You killed a guy? What is it?"
As you were looking you saw his arm reach around you and close the drawer. It was a normal push so you knew he wasn't mad. Of course not. When was he?
"You know it's rude to go through another person's belongings." He remained in close proximity as he spoke.
You turned around and took a half step forward as you looked at the man. The closeness was slightly startling. You didn't mean to close the distance like that, but it was something you often did with the other two boys. This was a little different with Ignis. Hell, you'd roll with it.
"And you should know it's rude to hide things from you friends." You rose your eyebrows, "Not that I need to know every gritty detail of your life, but c'mon. You can trust me. I'm a steel trap."
Ignis shook his head without further words. You weren't going to find out any vice of his. Not today. Maybe it was because he didn't have any. Or perhaps it was because he wanted you to remember him as he was when you left.
"Alright then." You backed away until you reached the edge of his bed.
You took a seat atop it, and it was a bit firm. Of course it was. No wonder he had good posture. He was even sleeping straight.
"Do you mind if I take a nap?" You rubbed your eye, "No tricks. I won't go through any of your things. I promise. I just need a nap. Sleep kinda hit me all at once, you know?" You yawned as you spoke.
"Of course you're welcome, but-" The blonde stopped as you were already getting comfy under the blankets. No guest room for you.
These pillows and this blanket was so nice. With comfort like this you'll be out in no time. Free to leave your traveling mind as it was. So much to resolve in so few days. Either that, or it'd be so much to let go of...
.
Ignis' Condo : 6:56pm : 16 days
You woke up with arms outstretched. That was nice nap, but something told you it'd through off your sleep pattern. You reached for your phone in your pocket and saw you had a couple of missed texts. The boys could never let you stay mad at them.
A conversation with Ignis mixed in with some well deserved sleep did wonders because you weren't mad. You didn't even think about it really. All you thought about was Prompto's sad face in the text he just sent you, and Noctis inviting you out for an apologetic dinner. Well, while everyone was on their apology tour you figured it was best you did it to.
Ignis entered the room and sat at the edge of the bed. "How are you feeling?"
"I feel okay. Well rested. Mind cleared." You nodded with a light smile.
Your arms reached for the man and pulled him into a hug. He was always caught off guard by your hugs even if he didn't show it externally.
"Thank you Ignis." You felt his arms reciprocate, "I feel so at ease every time we-"
Your words stopped into somewhat of a choke as you saw Gladio in the doorway. That was some next level ninja shit, because you didn't hear him at all. Usually at Noct's place he barges right in. Then again so do you. Maybe there was a thing about Ignis' home that made everyone naturally be more quiet? No, he had to have been there already? Right?
"Sorry, I left my phone." The larger man spoke with a bit of gristle in his voice; his eyebrows slightly knitted, "I'll see you two later then?"
"Of course." Ignis nodded.
You didn't say anything. You were still trying to figure out why he was here. Saying he left his phone implies that he was hanging out over here, but the fact that he seemed a little surprised meant that Ignis didn't tell him you were here?
You waited for him to leave before asking, "Did he know I was here?"
The man stood back up, "Yes."
"Then what the fuck?" You blurted out. "I mean- sorry. I'll see you- er- I gotta head back to my hotel. Thank you so much for letting me stay over."
You hurried out of the bed and made way for the door.
.
The Insomnian Window : 7:35pm : 14 days
A couple of days had passed, and although you were talking to Noctis and Promoto again, they still insisted on that apology dinner. That's where you all agreed to really hash out any feelings you had. Today was that day, and instead of getting emotional, you decided you'd just express yourself rationally and then move on.
You sat at in a booth with a circular sectional. This would be good so everyone could see everyone. Of course they had you in the middle. Probably so you couldn't run away. Not that you had intended to.
So far the conversation was going well. It was common for friends to argue and at the core of you it was a reminder that you were alive.
"I just want to apologize... again." You sighed, "Maybe I took it too far, but it just seemed like you guys were withholding information and taking sides. My feelings were hurt."
Prompto placed a hand on your shoulder, "It's fine. You just need to remember that we would never set you up for failure. We got your back."
The prince nodded in agreement, "Right... unless we're watching a horror movie. No budging there squirt."
You shook your head at his sarcastic comment and laughed alongside the boys. The chuckles and fun however ceased as you saw Gladio and Ignis walk over to your table. Looked like there would be some unexpected company joining you.
The surprised expression on your face was far from hidden as they walked up.
"Oh. Hey guys. I didn't know you'd be joining us. You guys carpool?" You spoke curiously.
You scooted further down toward Noctis and Prompto came toward you; Ignis was beside him and Gladio was on the end.
"As much as it would seem that way, we did not." Ignis looked across the table at you, "More of a coincidence really."
You picked up a mozzarella stick and continued to eat, "Feel free to eat anything we've ordered. There's a lot of it. Though I'm sure you'll take a pass on our greasy food won't you Iggy?" You chuckled.
The man shrugged, "It's not all bad."
"What?!" Noctis blurted out almost instantly, "Anytime I eat like this you scold me for it."
Prompto hastily chimed in, "Special privilege to the apprentice. You said it yourself Noct."
"What? That is such bullshit. I get scolded." You nodded.
Noctis scoffed, "I get scolded for stuff like vegetables. You get scolded stuff like not complimenting yourself enough."
"Whoa, whoa. What? That's totally untrue." You shook your head before taking a bite of a potato skin.
You chewed slower than normal as your eyebrows knit from you thinking about what was said. Okay so maybe Ignis didn't ever scold you, but there had to at least be one incident where you disagreed?
"Oh!" You slammed your hand on the table with little added force. "That time I-" You stopped short as you realized him telling you that you used too much salt did not qualify as him bitching at you.
Your shoulders came up for an extended shrug, "Well, guess we're just two peas in a pod. Is that what you guys wanna hear?
From that comment you could hear a subtle sneer come from Gladio. The hell was his deal? He had been rather quiet this evening. You supposed you should extend to him an olive branch... for your own sanity.
"How have... You been Gladiolus?" You cringed at your own words. You couldn't make that sound more awkward if you tried. And why did you call him by his full name?!
"Busy." He glanced up at you.
There was a dead silence at the table. It was ghastly. You could hear a pin drop if it weren't for the other guests chatting away. Didn't mean that the frigidness between you two was any less cold.
"I... need to use the bathroom!" Prompto blurted out.
"Yeah same here." Noctis nodded as he got up.
You scooted out so you could let Prompto through. Seemed like he was in a rush to get out of there.
Ignis being the perceptive man he was decided to join the two. "I do believe I should do the same."
Ohhh you saw what was going on here. They wanted you to talk with Gladio and work things out for the good of the group. Sure. You'd bite.
You waited until everyone left before speaking, "So you've been busy huh? Doing what? Like work or something?"
Gladio paused once again, "I..." He'd hesitate. "Are you and Ignis..?"
Your eyes must have looked huge upon hearing his response. Your fingers fidgeted in your lap as you had to refrain from acting. You wanted to slap him or throw your drink at him.
Your eyebrows bore down into a frown, "Yes. Ignis and I have been indulging in the greatest sex of our lives and we kept it under wraps because we're filthy sex addicts."
You could see his face relax a bit as he heard your sarcastic tone.
Reaching across the table you placed a finger to his forehead and pushed slightly back. "What are you stupid? You know two people can be close without wanting to get into each other's pants, right? Even if I was it wouldn't be any of your business."
You took a sip of the lemonade before you. There was a long pause before you looked up with vindictive eyes.
"Who's the ginger Gladiolus? She's cute I see why you'd choose her as a rebound. If you ask me she's a bit to hung up on your past though. Guess it's fair to be intimidated by someone like me." You shrugged.
The man frowned at your words; his mind still processing them. "Wait, what? How do you know about..." A subtle but quick smirk adorned his face, "What about her?"
"Nothing. I was just wondering how things were going with her." You looked away from the man as you subconsciously drew circles in the table with your finger.
"She's been amazing-everything I've hoped for and more. I can honestly say she's the best I ever had. Anything else?" His voice remained straightened as he looked at you.
Your fist clenched, "Nope. Cool. Glad you're happy." You said as you rolled your eyes with sharp sigh.
"Are you?" He asked; his eyes still studying your face.
You looked away from your food and into the eyes of Gladio. If looks could kill he'd be dead right now. What kind of question was that? If he was going to go out of his way to get a rise out of you, then you'd make it your mission to follow through.
"Gladiolus... shut the fuck up!" Your voice rose a bit, and those who were sitting near you quieted down. You weren't loud enough to make a total scene however.
"You can't keep sitting here with that smug ass look on your face and act like nothing is wrong. Fuck you! First I come home and you treat me like shit. Then you treat me like a basic ass friend but you still sneak around to see other people. I'm leaving in 2 weeks! If you felt so guilty about dating then you could just wait until I leave. Stop parading this girl around and introducing her to everyone but me. Either you have feelings for me still or you don't! Make up you fucking mind, because the fact of the matter is, I still do!"
You were damning yourself internally for saying that, but one way or another it would come out.
His eyes widened by your words, "I'm not dating anyone. You've got your facts wrong. She's someone I hired to do something special for you! But just like you told me, even if I was dating it wouldn't be any of your business."
What? Someone he hired? There was no way. That excuse was too convenient.
"I don't want to be your enemy... but I realized that I can't just be your friend either." You grit your teeth as you picked up your pursed and scooted out from the booth, "Excuse me."
As you were headed outside, you walked past the rest of the gang and they could tell you were upset. From the look in your eyes they could see that you didn't want to be followed. It never really stopped them before, but they figured they should ask Gladio what happened first before you chewed their heads off.
Tears pooled in your eyes as you thought about this situation. What the hell? Why did you show your full hand? Why did you tell him that? Guess you were honest two a fault. Two more weeks and you still didn't have your stuff together.
You stopped when you reached the alleyway of the restaurant. This was such a bad idea. Why did he have to come to this stupid apology dinner? It had nothing to do with him.
Your back was pressed against the wall, and your head faced downward. With your hair covering the sides of your face, you were at least content with the fact that passersby couldn't see your face.
It was then that you heard footsteps approaching you. You didn't give it much thought until those steps stopped right before you. You felt hands reach for either side of your face, and lips press against yours.
It was passionate and lengthy. One hand moved from your cheek to the back of your head to bring you closer. You welcomed this intimacy, but it also took everything in you to pull away. You knew this touch all too well.
"What are you doing?!" You barked at the man.
Gladio pulled away, but just enough so that he was still close to you. "Can we cut the shit now?"
You shook your head with a gloomy whisper, "There's not enough time."
The man balled up his fist, "We never had time… but it didn't stop me from falling in love with you."
You looked up at him; your hands reaching to hold his face. You'd lean in and press a tender kiss to his lips. Pulling back, you'd stare in his eyes before speaking.
"I have 14 days left. You better treat them like gold." You voice remained stern.
Gladio nodded, "I will."