Ignis was just finishing up the last of his Christmas shopping. He'd been able to find everything, including a little dog plush for Prompto. It came in a miniature pink carrier with a turquoise brush, a bejeweled collar and a purple bow tie.
He had no doubt Prompto would love it, but whether or not it would substitute for the real thing remained to be seen, and that was what worried Ignis, the possibility of seeing Noctis's face light up on Christmas morning while Prompto's fell with disappointment. No one could grieve a loss quite so pathetically as Prompto, and Ignis was afraid what Prompto's sorrow might reduce Ignis to if given the opportunity.
That's why he had to be brave now and establish the boundaries of what he was and was not willing to do as a parent. Adding another complication into their lives seemed masochistic after the bliss that had been the uneventful week since the adoption ceremony. Everyone had gone back to their respective homes, and Ignis was just thankful to have life back to normal.
Ignis loaded his shopping bags into his trunk and decided to pop into the nearby convenience store for a can of Ebony to take his mind off of his worries. He made his purchase and sat on the bench outside, planning to relax and take a moment to himself before returning home to Gladio and the boys.
He had just finished the first, glorious sip when he heard a pitiful whining noise coming from somewhere near his feet. He looked down to find what appeared to be a puppy, or possibly just a very small dog. Ignis knew very little about dog breeds, but this one looked like a mutt. It was brown and a bit scrawny with the scrunched up black face of a pug and stout little legs. It was frankly rather ugly, but also endearing, if only because of its pitiful expression.
Ignis looked for a collar, and, seeing none, observed his surroundings for any potential owner in distress. Finding no one, he examined the cafe behind him. Perhaps it was the woman ordering at the counter who'd left her dog outside. Rather irresponsible, considering it wasn't even on a leash, but Ignis would do the right thing and wait to ask her when she left.
He watched as the little dog used all its strength to lift up its paws so they could rest on the bench next to Ignis, sniffing at his trousers before whimpering again. Now Ignis could tell it was a female dog. It was admittedly a rather cold day by Florida standards, and she was rather small. Perhaps she was just cold. Ignis looked for any signs of ill health before tentatively reaching a hand out to offer a little pat to her head, noticing with begrudging fondness how cute it was that the palm of his hand was larger than the circumference of her head.
He watched as the dog's tongue lolled out of its mouth, its expression instantly changing from sorrow to pure joy. She was admittedly much cuter than Ignis had initially given her credit for. He scratched behind her tiny ears just as the cafe door opened.
"Miss? Is this your dog?"
The woman quickly shook her head and continued walking. Ignis looked at his watch. He'd been here for almost ten minutes now, and no one had shown any indication of owning this dog.
Well, thankfully Ignis had a little more time to spare until he really needed to get going. He'd wait it out, and if the owner didn't show, he'd call a local shelter.
Ignis waited and petted her tiny head and tried not to get too caught up in the adoring eyes below him. After fifteen minutes had passed, he waited another ten before finding the contact information for the nearest shelter, thankfully only five minutes away.
Ignis had a crate he used to carry his things back and forth from the college. He planned to place the dog in it for safety on the drive over.
As Ignis stood up, he was surprised to find the dog followed him with no coaxing whatsoever. Ignis watched carefully for cars as the two of them made their way across the parking lot to his car where Ignis carefully unloaded the crate.
Having never held a dog before, and frankly, terrified he might hurt him due to his inexperience, Ignis did some quick research on his phone about "how to pick up a dog" and found the proper etiquette, feeling just a little silly for this entire situation, and still a little nervous the owner was about to appear and chastise him for trying to steal their pet.
No such thing happened, and Ignis loaded the dog into her crate and placed her in his front seat. He tried very hard not to pay attention to the energetic face with the big, round eyes and tiny, pink tongue in his side-view mirror lest it entice him to stray from his mission.
Once they arrived at the shelter, Ignis shared all the helpful information he could, even offering to provide his contact information should it be needed. The woman behind the front desk said it wouldn't be necessary. Ignis watched as the woman picked the dog out of her crate and took her towards the back room, all the while, wide, round eyes stared back at Ignis, confused.
It was a little heart-wrenching, but Ignis had done what he could for her. He made his way towards the door, only hesitating for a moment when he heard a tiny whimper behind him.
He returned home to find Gladio and the boys midway through making a gingerbread house, all three sets of fingers covered in icing, Noctis probably eating more of the candies than he was decorating with, judging by the lack of embellishment on his side of the house.
Gladio looked at Ignis, and his smile quickly faded. "Everything okay?"
Sometimes it was frustrating how easily Gladio could read his moods. Ignis was not keen to discuss it. He sat at the fourth chair at the table and didn't think about the little dog in a cold kennel, wondering why Ignis had left her all alone. Such a silly thought. He didn't owe this dog anything, and he'd done the right thing.
He tuned into Prompto's never ending prattling to hear him talking about the size of Santa's sleigh and how worried he was Santa wouldn't find their house. "It's like we just moved," Prompto explained dramatically. "What if he takes our stuff back to the last place?" he asked, throwing his arms up on the air. "I wrote him a letter—Noctis did too, right Noct?"
Noctis nodded vaguely and snuck another gumdrop in his mouth.
"I'm sure it'll be okay, little man," Gladio said. "I talked to Santa myself, and he said he's coming here for sure."
"He's gonna bring my puppy!" Prompto squealed, wiggling in his seat.
Ignis thought of those little, round eyes back at the shelter and felt a dangerous tug on his rib cage.
"What's wrong?" Gladio asked, approaching Ignis as he was flossing his teeth and hugging him from behind.
"It's really nothing."
"You were off tonight. You still seem out of it. Is it your uncle, or—"
"I think I just need some rest."
"Okay," Gladio said, pressing a kiss to Ignis's neck, "but if you decide you wanna talk…"
Ignis gave him one last doleful look before heading to bed.
The next morning, he called the shelter as soon as it opened.
"I just wanted to verify whether or not this is a shelter where the dogs might be at risk of getting, er, put down?"
"No, sir."
Thank goodness. Ignis wished he would've asked yesterday. It would've saved him an entire night of worrying.
"And, hypothetically, if someone wanted to adopt a dog, how does the process work?"
Two days later, on Christmas Eve morning, Ignis found himself in the shelter parking lot. He didn't mean to come here. He was supposed to grab some cloves for the mulled wine he was making. He was just supposed to stop by the grocery store, but he'd made a wrong turn and ended up here. He'd just go in and see how his little rescue dog was faring. Maybe she'd been adopted. Hopefully, Ignis amended. Then Ignis wouldn't have to persist with this wild idea. He hadn't even consulted with Gladio for goodness sakes! No, he would not be adopting a dog, especially not without Gladio's input.
Ignis sat stalled in his car with the heater on, looking at the dog kennel in the passenger's seat. There was no proper way to explain it, and no way to undo it now.
Ignis's fears were twofold. There was, of course, the possibility that Gladio would be upset with him for making a rash decision and adopting a dog Gladio had never seen in his life, when it was an important decision, effecting the whole family, they should've made together.
Or, possibly even worse, Gladio would approve of the whole thing, and then they'd have a dog to worry about on top of everything else.
He (reluctantly) dialed Gladio's number.
"Hey Iggy, what's up? How was the grocery store? Probably crazy busy."
Ignis couldn't bring himself to admit it just yet. "Could you come outside, please?"
"Uh, sure. Didn't hear the garage open. You need help unloading some things, or?"
"Actually, I'm in the driveway. Could you just come through the front door and make sure Noctis and Prompto don't follow you?"
"Uh, yeah. Okay. Be right out."
"Oh, and, when you get to the car, can you take a seat in the back?"
Gladio looked worried as he closed the front door behind him, trying to squint at Ignis through his car windows before taking a seat in the back as instructed. Just then, the dog let out a timid, little yelp.
When Ignis had the courage to look at Gladio in the rear-view mirror, his expression was only of surprise.
"Alright, well..." Ignis began and ended.
"Whose dog is that?" Gladio asked.
"You see…"
"Iggy."
"I adopted...this is our dog...I mean, only if you agree to keep her...I really didn't mean—but she was so cute, you see. She came right up to me, and..."
"Well...can I meet her?" Gladio asked, and Ignis turned to find his expression was bemused instead of frustrated, a very good sign.
Ignis turned the crate and let her out of her kennel. She only needed a little coaxing to come out, her paws resting on the center console for a moment before she climbed over it and sat in Ignis's lap, laying so she could keep an eye on Gladio.
"Apologies, Gladio. It was a very rash decision, and I'm afraid—"
"We're keeping her."
"Really?" Ignis asked hopefully.
"Yeah, we have to. She's adorable."
"Is she? I thought she was a little strange-looking, but yes, cute all the same," he agreed as he pet her. "You're not mad?"
"No way. Prompto's reaction will make it all worth it," he said. "But you gotta tell me the story, because last I checked you had told me in no uncertain terms—"
"I know. I know. I was sitting on a bench outside a shopping plaza, and she came right up to me. It didn't appear she had an owner, so I dropped her off at the shelter."
"That must've been the day you came home upset."
"It was," Ignis admitted. "I felt terrible, imagining her all alone, and you should've seen the look she gave me when I left."
"The look?" Gladio teased. "Can you do a recreation for me? I'd love to see what you mean."
Ignis, feeling contrite despite Gladio's reassurances, demonstrated the sad puppy dog eyes that had compelled him to act so rashly, and Gladio burst out laughing.
"You know what, Iggy? You make some of your best decisions when you don't overthink it."
"Perhaps you're right…"
"That's how we got Noctis and Prompto, and now this little girl. What's her name by the way?"
"She didn't have one, as far as I know. The shelter said she's around a year old."
"We've got our work cut out for us then, with a puppy."
"It probably won't surprise you to discover I know nothing about training a dog."
Gladio chuckled and placed a hand on Ignis's shoulder from the back seat. "We'll figure it out. You know Prompto's gonna come up with some wacky name, right? And you've gotta just go with whatever it is?"
"Yes, I know," Ignis sighed. "I can't believe I did this without even asking you."
"It's okay, Iggy. I mean, you knew I was onboard for a dog. And she kinda chose us, right?"
Just then, the dog got out of Ignis's lap and stood on the center console. Gladio put out a hand, which she sniffed for a moment before whimpering. Gladio picked her up effortlessly, and Ignis watched as she placed her front paws on Gladio's chest and licked his cheek, a most endearing sight.
If Gladio's subsequent smile and string of non-coherent baby talk were any indication, Prompto was going to love this dog, and Ignis felt a rush of relief. It might have been a crazy decision, but it certainly eased his mind about Christmas, and Gladio was right. Perhaps it was meant to be.
Ignis woke on Christmas morning an hour before dawn, hoping to beat Prompto's early schedule. He went next door to pick the new family dog up from the Nox Fleuret parents, who had so kindly housed her last night.
He returned and gently opened the front door to discover Prompto sitting in front of the Christmas tree. He looked serene as he stared up at the glow of lights in his little blue onesie pajamas, decorated with white snowflakes.
Ignis debated sneaking past him, but how was he supposed to hide a dog all morning? He returned to the entry instead and quietly opened the kennel, watching as the dog slowly came out of it and made her way to the living room where Prompto was sitting. From where he was standing, Ignis was able to see the moment Prompto realized, his jaw dropping in surprise, his expression soon replaced by the most amazed smile as she approached him. Prompto opened his arms in delight, and she trotted forward, allowing Prompto to embrace her, before quietly sitting in his lap. Prompto sat petting her in awe. Ignis had expected a more energetic spectacle knowing Prompto, but this was somehow even sweeter. It was obvious the two of them had an instant connection that didn't require words.
Of course, Prompto could never stay quiet for too long.
"Hi little dog. My name is Prompto," he whispered. "This is our Christmas tree. I'm five. My brother is going to love you. His name is Noctis. Do you like to play fetch?"
Ignis quietly came to the living room and sat next to Prompto on the floor.
"Do you like your new dog?" Ignis asked.
"Mmhmm, a lot," Prompto said as he pet her fur.
"Want to give her a name?"
"Really?! I get to name her? Ooo! Oh! Hmmm…."
Ignis watched as Prompto observed her closely. "Got it. She looks like a cookie, so I'm gonna name her Sprinkles."
Ignis smiled fondly and put an arm around him. It didn't quite have the sophistication of Umbra or Pryna next door, but who was Ignis to argue with such sound logic? "Now, that is an excellent name," he agreed.
Ignis, Prompto, and Sprinkles sat by the tree for some time after. Eventually Ignis turned on the miniature train that circled the foot of the tree. Sprinkles enjoyed chasing it around, and Prompto enjoyed chasing Sprinkles.
They were apparently loud enough to wake Gladio and Noctis, and Ignis, in a state of calm from his quiet morning spent with Prompto had almost forgotten how excited he was for Noctis to see his present.
He watched as Noctis made his way downstairs. He noticed Prompto and Sprinkles first and rushed over to pet her.
"Whoa! Oh wow, it's so cute," Noctis cooed. "Does it have a name?"
"Her name is Sprinkles!" Prompto announced proudly.
Noctis considered it for a moment before replying, "Oh yeah. She kinda looks like a cookie."
Ignis let out a stifled laugh at the odd wavelength his sons seemed to share before going silent when he saw Noctis notice his gift, the bright, red bicycle Ignis had promised so many months ago, on the first day they'd met.
"Go on," Gladio urged him.
Noctis glanced back at him, then at Ignis, then back at the bike, slowly making his way towards it.
"No way," he breathed, as he reached out to touch the handlebar.
Ignis felt Gladio's arm wrap around his waist. He looked over to find a smile as big as his own on his husband's face.
"Wanna try it out?" Gladio asked.
"Yeah," Noctis said thoughtfully as he reached out to ring the bell.
They all went outside into the brisk morning. Gladio stayed with Prompto and Sprinkles in the front yard where they found the perfect stick to play fetch.
Meanwhile, Ignis helped Noctis into his helmet, then offered a helping hand for him to sit, first adjusting the seat, then the handlebars to the perfect height. He felt a sudden nervousness flutter in his stomach. The bike still had training wheels, but what if Noctis were to fall and hurt himself? What if a car were to pass by too quickly and not notice him? Ignis looked down the street, thankful to find it clear in both directions.
He started off his lesson walking by Noctis's side as he got used to the pedals and keeping his balance, reiterating all the while that Noctis was to stop and go to the sidewalk at the mere hint of the sound of a car and urging him to ride slowly.
Noctis listened with his usual quiet patience, seeming more determined than delighted as he focused on getting everything correct.
"Can I try it on my own?" Noctis asked.
Ignis paused a moment, feeling his stomach flutter with nerves, all his worries passing through his mind at a startling rate. His final reassurance came from Noctis's curious blue eyes, waiting for permission. Hadn't he always wanted for Noctis to be confident, to make decisions and do things on his own? He couldn't contain him now, not when this bicycle was his dream come true.
"Of course," Ignis said. "How about I walk down the street, and you can ride to me? Just make sure you use the brakes like we practiced so you don't go too fast."
"Okay," Noctis agreed, that same determined look on his face.
Ignis took his walk, passing by Prompto and Sprinkles both playfully attacking Gladio at once, Sprinkles in front with his paws on Gladio's chest, licking his face. Prompto with his arms wrapped around Gladio's shoulder from behind, giggling as Sprinkles reached up to lick his face too. They'd really need to teach Sprinkles not to do that, but it was admittedly very sweet. Ignis would have to get his camera out later (if Prompto didn't do it first).
Ignis made his way to the end of the street, giving Noctis a good stretch to gain some speed. When he was in his place, he saw Noctis's expression, revealing perhaps a hint of hesitation and fear before he finally kicked off, placing his feet on the pedals and gaining speed.
And then Ignis saw it. That blooming smile on his face of unfettered and complete joy. Noctis once so reserved, shy, and even hopeless all those months ago, experiencing a pure thrill of childhood. Ignis found himself doing the same, as though he were the one on the seat of his first bike, remembering that infinite and weightless feeling.
Visions of the future flashed through his head, of all the things Noctis and Prompto would do someday, all the milestones they'd reach and goals they'd fulfill, excitements and disappointments, love and heartbreak. And Ignis got to be there for all of it, the big moments and the small ones, just like this one.
But as Noctis sped towards him with the breeze in his hair and a bright smile on his face, it didn't feel small at all. It felt like the most important thing in the world, Ignis being right here, healthy and happy, with his family—his husband, sons, and their dog, experiencing life's simplest and most profound moments of joy together.