Hey baby, if you ain't feeling good tonight I'll skip off early and make you feel real good.
My love, I look forward to our next meeting. At times I wish we were more free to our own devices. Please do not over exhaust yourself.
A month later and you still had no way of gathering the will to delete old messages. Eyes strained, you sighed heavily as you tossed the mobile device away, another round of tears welling up in the bottom of your eyes. How you managed to have so many you weren't sure, but they kept coming and you were unable to stop them. Since that night you had hardly left your bed, barely eaten and had no intention of rejoining society as you knew it. After two weeks Elise threatened to fire you and you didn't care. Lexie was more sympathetic, giving you the space you needed and assuring you that your place wouldn't be taken over. If it weren't for your savings you were certain you'd be on the street. This would hurt you worse in the end but you didn't care at the moment, your affliction far too heavy.
The return to work was so dreadful that Elise kept you in the back. You appreciated her attempts to keep your mind off things, however, you couldn't be seen in public and you knew why. The mere sight of you was disgusting and in every sense of the word. Groaning, you reached for your phone again in order to tell her that you would not be coming in today, that you truly were sick and unable to perform to the best of your ability. You honestly didn't care if you got fired, having no intention of leaving your bed today.
Groaning, you shoved your head under the pillows. The pain, it was unbearable. You could hardly move, reliving the moment over and over again with fresh tears. You hadn't spoken to either man, you knew that it would be futile to message them after everything you put them through. It would be stupid to hope that they would accept things as they were, even to expect a text and be let down that no one was on the other end and yet, every time your phone chimed you were desperately hoping that it was one of them. Tears welled in your eyes once more and you exhaled deeply before finally managing to fall asleep.
Dreams weren't a great escape either. Nothing seemed to get better, everything a downward spiral. It didn't help that the landlord had increased your rent either and you were struggling to make bank after missing so much work. Why were you so pathetic? Life was manageable before this and now you made things worse by letting things escalate this far. Separation anxiety, it was awful. You had experienced it before with Connor, but this was two people now and it was absolutely unbearable. As you woke from your slumber, tears streamed down your cheeks as you quietly sobbed, wishing that Ignis were there to hold you, console you for the pain you felt. How selfish could you be? Disgusting.
Another two weeks went by and you were able to finally leave your apartment while masking the pain you felt. You forced yourself into a routine, able to function during the day without your depression taking over every aspect of your life. Work was difficult, periods of calm having you look longingly over in the spots either man frequented. Every day began to get easier and you thought about them less as the two-month mark hit and you had to start preparing for school. You were going into the field and that thought excited you more. It was something to focus on, something you needed in your life.
You had to get away, you had to take some time to take care of yourself. There was no redemption in your actions and there was nothing left to say. Life goes on and those boys were more than capable of finding better mates. You didn't need to be involved anymore, you needed to focus on something else. One more month and you could be free, leave the city behind and start anew in the world of Lucis. The best part? You'd have no trouble avoiding the two biggest reasons you were running away in the first place.
It got better, it really did, even if you never thought it would. Before you knew it, you were already packing for your first assignment. You were taking more time than you needed to outside of the city but you had to. You wanted to see what was out there and explore the uncharted territory. Heaving a heavy sigh, you checked your phone once more while collapsing on your bed. You were no longer expecting texts from Ignis nor Gladio, not even disappointed when you didn't see them. Instead, you replied to Crowe, the Glaive that frequented at Andalus on her time off. Since this was your first time on the outside, she wanted to make sure you had the protection you needed and give you tips on how not to be a "cidtiot". You were grateful for the help, smiling genuinely as you replied to her. Soon you were immersed in your own slumber, dreams filled of your new adventure for the first time in weeks.
...
Another day, another training session fulfilled. Gladio sighed as he sank into the nearby bench, coated in sweat and nearly out of breath. Using a new towel, he wiped his forehead before downing a bottle of water and grabbing his phone. The large man sighed, silently berating himself for still expecting any sort of message from his ex-girlfriend. It was strange that he had grown so attached to her - even now despite that she had cheated and lied to him nearly the entire time they were together. And yet, even as the weeks turned into a couple of months, he found that her words radiated in his head. The look on her face when she was explaining what happened and how, he knew even as it was happening that she was sincere. She was right about one thing: it didn't excuse how bad her decision making was and what she did. Finding out that she was dating Ignis at the same time filled him with so much rage that at the time he didn't care about any of it.
Grumbling, he tossed his phone aside and hit the showers. Ignis had hardly spoken to him, the situation far too awkward for both of them. The only time the two of them were even in the same room was when they were forced to be for work, otherwise, they kept to their own devices. They both had to heal on their own before they could put this behind them, that much was evident. Steam billowed in the room and Gladio was instantly reminded of how hot his ex's showers used to be before he fixed the heat in that dingy apartment. Beforehand, he would be there to keep her warm, absently smiling fondly at the memories.
She was absolutely gorgeous, something that drew him to her immediately. Thinking about how those breasts heaved when he plowed into her had him harder than he had been in weeks, amber hues clouding over the further his mind went. Thank the Six there were shower stalls - not that he cared at this moment. The moans she'd be crying out filled his ears, his hand absently going to his own arousal as he exhaled deeply. The water turned his skin red as it ran over him, warm and wet, just like her mouth. Gripping on himself tightly, he recalled the numerous occasions that she would blow him as if it were happening right now. Gods she was so good, twirling her tongue around his length and taking nearly the whole thing in. Sometimes she would moan around it, sending a whole new sensation through him while she pumped with her lips. Her little fingers would come to toy with his sac as well, she knew exactly how to make him see stars.
Gladio grunted as he finished, the mess rolling down the drain with the water falling off his body. It wasn't the same, his thighs weren't trembling and near numb like every time he was with her. No one had ever done that for him before and for some reason he was certain no one ever would. Sighing, he finished cleaning himself up and hurried out of the place. The summer breeze on his skin was refreshing, walking to his car and getting ready to go home. On the way, he passed Andalus, absently looking over and see the alleyway in which he met the girl in the first place. It was no surprise that he didn't see her, not even sure why he took this long way back to his apartment. This wasn't the first time he had driven by the bar, but it was the first that he lingered a little longer than he should have.
Once he stepped into his home he could have sworn that the faint aroma of a previous ebony was there. That was impossible, everything clean aside from a whiskey bottle left over from his last visit. Gladiolus was absolutely disgusted with the fact that he was sharing a woman like that and actively tried to fuck her out of his system - only to fail every time he tried. The women he lured back to this place ended up going home disappointed that they were not getting what they were promised and he was in that bottle of whiskey that needed to be replaced more often than not. Tonight was no exception, dropping his things and taking the bottle with him to the bedroom. Flopping onto the mattress, he took another swig and brought an arm behind his head.
"The hell?"
There was something behind his pillow that didn't belong, frowning as he sat up to retrieve the item. A smirk passed across his lips as he held in his hand the bra his ex had left after the first night she had ever spent in his bed. It was initially the night he knew that he wanted to see more of her. Was she seeing Ignis on the side then too? Tossing aside the garment in disgust, he took another long drink of the dark liquid, reveling in the burn down his throat. At least it was Ignis and not some dirty stranger he didn't know. What was he thinking? It was all kinds of wrong no matter who the other man was. The very idea of Ignis touching her and making her hot... actually started to make him hot as well.
Groaning, he slammed the bottle down on the night table and violently wrapped himself up in the sheet, ignoring his half-hard cock. The faint scent of that girl still remained and he realized it was because that bra was right beside his head. Frowning, he hated to admit that his affliction was making him miss that girl He supposed that was normal, fingering the satin in the cup and letting it lull him to sleep.
...
Ignis found his morning to be rather dull as they were these days. His phone had no shortage of messages, all from the Citadel and the Crown Prince, ready to begin his work day. A sigh escaped him as he took a drink of his Ebony, missing the concoction he had grown accustomed to over the last few months. It was hard not to think of his ex, even now, weeks later and with such a busy schedule. Noctis's birthday was in the works and the celebration was always over the top. The young royal would be turning twenty and it was a big deal in his life. Ignis was far too occupied trying to plan this out, no time to think of a girl that betrayed him.
And yet, emerald orbs turned to the window with longing, the thunderstorm overhead bringing lightning and heaving clouds. Atmospheric, the very nature in which he had learned extensive knowledge in order to help his ex-girlfriend with her studies. None of it faded and he found that he yearned to speak of it, to hear the passion in her voice whenever she spoke of her schooling. If his timeline was correct, she would have already been out in the field by now, returning by the next week. His phone was silent, receiving no messages from her and he didn't expect any. On occasion, he wished to speak to her - almost as a second nature.
The way her face looked when she was confronted by himself and Gladiolus, he knew that she was sincere. The issue remained: could a heart be so evenly divided that it made a decision impossible? Ignis was certain that wasn't true, however, the look in her eye, the times they spent together, he knew that she truly did love him as much as she claimed. Even when she looked at Gladio, explaining things to him, Ignis could see the pain she felt because she truly did love him too. What's more, she didn't seem like the type to do something like this. Monogomous relationships were definitely more of a human concept, however, Ignis wasn't into sharing.
A frown creased his face as he once again thought of his best friend pleasuring his ex, all in front of him like it were an insult. Ignis was plagued by that vision in his dreams on occasion, hating every minute and yet, unable to get her face out of his mind. Even now, it confused him as to why the idea was stimulating. This wasn't the place, he had to pull himself away from that. It was initially those thoughts that made it hard for him to speak with Gladio, or even remain in the same room. But as time passed, so did the pain. None of it was the other man's fault and there was no need for all this unwarranted anger.
At the end of his shift he was lucky to be able to go home, sighing heavily as his things were tossed aside abnormally. An Ebony was in order and he went straight to his machine, stopping once he opened the cupboard and saw that he was out. The only blend left was what she used to use in order to make her Breve, something he dared not drink since the other night. It was unlike him to be so unprepared. Giving up on the idea, instead he settled for a glass of fine wine, coming toward his living room and setting music. It was soothing, allowing him a moment to close his eyes and catch his breath a moment. There was so much going on it was hard to keep up. The entire time his mind was elsewhere and no matter how much he tried, he couldn't keep himself from thinking of her. It was then he realized that the song playing was the last one they danced to.
"Blast!"
As Ignis jumped to change the song, he managed to spill the red liquid on his shirt - the very same shirt that always managed to retain some form of fluid upon it. Twice his ex had spilled drinks on it and now he himself had done it. The thought actually had him chuckling lightly to himself, rising from his seat and going to the kitchen in order to replenish his glass. Slowly he removed the shirt, remembering the last time this had happened on the very couch was back seated on. This sofa was where they were first intimate and perhaps it was the wine getting to him, but he could swear that he could feel those tentative fingers running along his bare skin. It was just like last time, cool to the touch and making their way down past the navel and at the belt.
Downing the glass in his hand, he placed it gently on the side table and leaned his head back, closing his eyes and indulging himself this time. Once she had the belt undone she always looked upon his arousal with such a hunger he could hardly keep his eyes off her. Lowering her head, she'd take him in, tentative, slow, delicately. The grip Ignis had upon himself did the fantasy no justice, pumping slowly in a poor attempt to mimic her. That girl was always thorough, taking her time and yet, she had a way of always wanting more. It was a hunger similar to his own, an appetite that he could hardly fathom, and it was all for her.
Easily he could rake his fingers through her hair, get a firm grip and simply place himself in those slick walls that always stretched around him. And that tight hole nearby, she had always ground her hips into it. She liked it and so did he, his own hand tightening as his pleasuring himself became more fierce. Ignis hardly noticed how he had thrown his head back, releasing one long drawn out grunt as he came in his own hand, making a mess along his pants as well. No, it wasn't the same as it was with her and it wasn't often he indulged himself like this.
There was no way around this. Despite knowing that she had betrayed him with Gladio, he couldn't help but miss her terribly - especially right now. Most of the affliction had subsided and he wondered if she would be satisfied with simply one man instead of both. It was a foolish thing to think and he chalked it up to the wine, shaking his head before rising from his seat. Clean up was in order and then bed, he wasn't thinking straight.
...
Nearly an entire month later and you were on your way back to the Crown City. The journey had you stopping in Hammerhead for the night, not able to make it back to Insomnia before dark. You had learned quickly about daemons and their capabilities, and knew that traveling at night was for fools unless you were a hunter. Combat training probably should have been something you took as an elective, however, you were certain it wouldn't be needed since you perceived that you would only be out on short trips. Perhaps it was time to get some training with one of the Glaives in self-defense - just in case you encounter more close calls like you did earlier.
Hammerhead was more of a rest stop than anything and you didn't drive so it was best to stay here anyway. The diner was happy to accommodate you, giving you access to the trailer and some food for a decent price - you had exhausted your funds. As you stared at the ceiling of the trailer you sighed deeply. This was such an amazing experience and you were sullen you had no one to share it with. That familiar affliction you had run away from was creeping back in knowing that you were going home alone. Originally you were going to share your experiences with the two most important men in your life but now... Well it was silly to think that you would even get the chance in the first place. Honestly, dating two people at once was not only stupid, but it was stupid to think that you'd be able to like that. Your head was a loy clearer with time away.
It wasn't like you went the entire time without thinking of one or both of them at the same time. When you were camping it was hard to forget about the Shield's enthusiasm about the outdoors. When you were looking up at the stars you remembered how Ignis's eyes would sparkle as you both discussed the mysteries of the sky. Once or twice you would dream of them both ravishing you, somehow okay with you being with the both of them. It made you feel like a slut and you hated that you still yearned for them like that.
It was human nature to want a connection and you'd be foolish to deny that you missed them both terribly even though you knew you had no right. There was still no sign of contact from either and you long since stopped expecting any. At least that was going for you. As you fell to your slumber, it was brief before you were on the road again, on your way home for the first time in weeks. Border crossing was not fun and you were datained longer than you would have liked. For once, you were happy to to see your bad neighbourhood.
Once you stepped into your dingy apartment it was bittersweet. Immediately you noted that your neighbour had lured yet another person into his bed and clearly enjoyed the fact that you weren't home because your wall was thumping to their rhythm. You didn't even care at this point, far too tired from the journey and just flopping on your bed. It squeaked beneath your weight and despite how cheap it was, you were happy to be back in it. Sighing heavily, you didn't even bother to check if anything was missing or out of place, falling asleep instantly and hardly moving at all.
When you woke up in the morning you were still tired and it was no surprise. Next time you would be better prepared, having learned a lot this adventure. Sighing you fished for your phone and groaned when you saw that it had died. Of course it did, you hadn't charged it before leaving Hammerhead like an idiot. You plugged it in while making yourself a coffee, waiting for it to boot up and nearly dropping your mug once you saw what was waiting for you. Breath shaking, your heart dropped when you read the message you definitely didn't expect.
Come get your shit.
...
Thank you so much! Sorry about this gap, I want to finish this and I appreciate all of you.