Ignis showed up to the set thirty minutes early like always. Timeliness and professionalism were skills he knew well from a lifetime of more wholesome pursuits, but those pursuits didn't pay like this one did, and frankly, he liked the money.

He also enjoyed performing, far more than he'd anticipated when he'd started out. It was clear others were enjoying him too. In fact, his Instagram account had just hit 20,000 followers as of yesterday. Perhaps that wasn't an impressive number to some, but it was a milestone for him.

Indeed, he could hardly handle the influx of messages he had begun to receive daily. Some were sweet, some were comical, most were dick pics. He shouldn't be surprised when he chose to be a porn star. It was all part of the job. No matter if the dick was one to appreciate or quickly scroll over, he always responded with something cheeky and carried on (though he did keep a folder of favorites on his phone - there was something nice about knowing strangers wanted you after all, hence why he'd stumbled into this profession).

He introduced himself to the director - pale, flaky-looking fellow. Sometimes his interactions with the director were his favorite part of filming. He got off on making calculated eye contact during the shoot, and the directors seemed to like that too. Ignis enjoyed taking advantage of the fact that they were notoriously horny and incredibly vain, but he would refrain today, and that was probably for the best since he'd promised himself he would no longer hook up with people in the industry.

It was the hot directors- the so-good-you-want-to-start-a-threesome-on-set ones - that were the trouble. Ignis always got their numbers and almost always slept with them. That was not very professional, but he couldn't seem to stop himself. It was a perk of the job, and it wasn't exactly hurting his career. Besides, he hadn't been in a relationship in years, and he preferred it this way.

Ignis was pleasant and charming as he asked all the right questions even though he knew the answers already from going over every detail of the shoot meticulously with his agent. He never agreed to anything until he'd read the fine print. He'd learned that in the very beginning, and he just hoped his fans didn't expect more of the types of videos he'd done during his early career.

Kitten play was just not his thing. No judgement, of course, on those who enjoyed, but he was glad those videos had slowly made their way to the bottom of the results when you searched for "Alexander Ember" online.

"So I'm to call Mr. Amicitia 'daddy'?" Ignis clarified. The director was about to respond when they were interrupted.

"Hey, sorry I'm late. I'm Gladio - but you can call me daddy, if you prefer," he teased with a wink, reaching out to shake Ignis's hand.

Ignis was quite literally speechless. He had seen videos of Everett Rose, of course, and he'd found him extremely hot, but who could've guessed he would have a cheeky personality to match? Truthfully, most porn stars were boring, self-indulgent deadweights when it came to making conversation, but this man was… what was it the kids said these days? Oh yes - a snack .

Dear god, his smile alone. Ignis got to have sex with him?! No, Ignis was going to get paid to have sex with him. He felt a thrill of enthusiasm for his profession. Lucky him.

He supposed he should say something clever in response but nothing came. The director carried on while Ignis maintained what he was sure was a dopey grin on his face.

"Yes, you'll call him daddy," the director responded, "Not in the beginning, of course. You'll show up to the door in the Boy Scout uniform, ask about getting your new badge - you know the bit in the script - and it'll escalate pretty quickly from there, as I'm sure you're aware."

Ignis nodded. He was curious what this uniform would look like. He really wasn't going to be young enough to take these kinds of parts for much longer. He'd become troubled by the onset of wrinkles forming between his eyes.

"Would you like me to wear my glasses or take them off?" Ignis asked.

"Hmm, let's say keep them on," the director replied. "Why not? It goes with the theme anyway."

"I second that," Gladio added with a grin. "I like the glasses."

Ohhh Ignis was going to make this very fun for Everett, Gladio, daddy - who cared? He was already starting to get erect just thinking about what was in store. Giving head wasn't always Ignis's favorite, but today it would most certainly be a pleasure. He would take his time with that blowjob.

Maybe Gladio knew what he was thinking because he was wearing an unmistakable smirk.

The director was distracted by one of his crew members, and Gladio took a step closer to him.

"Before we begin, do you have any requests? Anything you're into?"

Just you was his mind's automatic response, but he knew that was a bit too forward for someone he'd just met. "I imagine anything you do will be perfectly welcome."

"There's not anything you're into that I could… Look, I've seen your videos. I don't know if it's weird to admit that, but I get the impression you like being submissive?"

"Well, that's just… that's just how I'm always cast because of my appearance, I suppose."

"So what then? You like being dominant?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Ignis joked. Gladio was so earnest, it was nigh impossible for Ignis not to give into the urge to tease him.

If Gladio was disappointed at not receiving an answer, he hid it well. "I'll make it a challenge to myself then, to find out what you like."

This reply sent a wave of warmth through him that concentrated itself on his growing erection. "Hm I'm pondering how easy I should make it for you to figure me out," Ignis grinned.

Gladio leaned in closer before whispering in his ear, "Make it hard."

Fuck, his voice was so deep and pleasurable. It awoke something visceral in his core. This scene couldn't get started soon enough. He looked around for the director, and Gladio chuckled softly, seemingly having read his mind.

A woman appeared with a stack of clothes. "You're a little taller than I'd anticipated, so I hope it fits. They told me they were going to cast someone much shorter."

"Apologies," Ignis said, not really sure how to respond to the statement. He eyed the costume. It would be tight on him. He hoped he didn't look too ridiculous, not that he had expected the look to suit him exactly. It was just that now that he had this hunky (and charming) beefcake in front of him, he really wanted to look good.

"Where can I get dressed?" he asked. She pointed to a room down a hallway.

Gladio reached for his arm, and Ignis was shocked by how much the small point of contact affected him.

"Do you mind if I watch you get dressed? It would really help me get in the mood."

It was a bold request, but Ignis had received them before. It wasn't unusual for performers to want to build a sexual rapport before scenes to make their performance more authentic. Ignis usually preferred it that way, but in this case it made him a little nervous.

"Sorry," Gladio shook his head. "I shouldn't have asked. I'll-"

"No, it's alright. You can watch," he agreed, relishing the spark his response awoke in Gladio's stunning eyes before heading down the hallway.

When the door closed behind them, it felt awkward again.

"I really hope this fits," Ignis said, holding up the shorts.

Gladio shrugged. "If it doesn't, they'll think of something else. It's not like the script on this one is exactly Shakespeare...or Ibsen...or Wilde," he laughed.

This gave Ignis pause. He was smart and well-read too? He hardly seemed real.

"What?" Gladio asked.

"Nothing," Ignis shook his head. He didn't think he could learn any more about how brilliantly perfect his co-star was without making himself feel more self-conscious than he already did.

He realized he hadn't started to take his clothes off yet, and he felt reluctant to do so. He wanted Gladio to like him - to think he was hot, and he was afraid he would look silly in this costume and vaguely wished their first sexual interaction was not going to be on the set of some outlandish porno. In essence, he wanted Gladio to take him out to dinner first. What a ridiculous idea. He was getting far too carried away. The rush of practicality gave him confidence as he began to undress himself, turning his back to Gladio before he began. It might be bearable this way, and Gladio might like it too, playing the role of voyeur. Besides, Ignis was a consummate exhibitionist. Then again, most porn stars were.

He unclipped his suspenders and let them fall before undoing the buttons on his shirt. He allowed the fabric to slide off his shoulders slowly for maximum impact. He had a lot more muscle now than in any videos Gladio could have seen. He'd been working out all summer and had gotten a slight tan, hoping to earn different kinds of roles than the shit he was usually offered. In fact, he'd been surprised this role had been offered to him at all considering his new physique. As they put it in the porn world, he had gone from twink to twunk, and this role didn't exactly suit him. Still, who was he to complain at such a juicy part with an A-list star - a role that was getting juicier every second he spent with Everett Rose?

He cast his shirt aside and unzipped his slacks, gratuitously pulling them down past his ass before letting them fall to the floor and stepping out. He realized the costume was sitting on a chair behind him, and he would have to turn around and discover what impact his undressing was having on his co-star.

He felt a flutter of nerves as he turned to find Gladio staring at him with a pleading intensity in his eyes, somewhere between soft tenderness and abject lust. It was not at all what he had expected. He'd expected Gladio to be looking at his ass, jacking off, or at least touching himself, but he was doing none of the above (even though Ignis could see a rather impressive bulge as he quickly glanced to his groin). Gladio noticed where his gaze fell, and a close-lipped grin appeared on his face.

Gladio picked up his clothes where Ignis had left them and held them out. Ignis looked into his eyes as he accepted them, feeling wholly engrossed by the striking amber color. He was captivated, but he shouldn't let himself stray down such a dangerous path. They were just here to fuck after all.

Ignis put on the shirt first. It was as tight as he expected especially around the shoulders, but it at least buttoned all the way up. He quizzically held up the neckerchief he was supposed to wear that was accompanied by a gold clasp.

"Here, give it to me," Gladio offered, putting out a hand. "I actually, uh, used to be a Boy Scout," he said sheepishly, his face coloring. Maybe Gladio felt it was too personal a detail to divulge, but he could have no idea what impact it was having on Ignis - not in his trousers, but in his heart. It was sweet, adorable really, to imagine this sexy heartthrob as a little boy on a camping trip.

It didn't help watching Gladio carefully roll up the scarf and slide it through the gold clasp. Gladio got up and stood in front of him. "Do you mind if I-?"

Ignis shook his head as Gladio put the loop over his head, lifting his collar to tuck it underneath. Ignis struggled not to shiver as Gladio's thumbs grazed the tender flesh of his neck. Gladio tightened the scarf and smiled. "Damn, that brings me back. Can't believe I still remember how to do that."

"I'm impressed as well," Ignis managed to say even as he felt almost out of breath from having Gladio within his reach. He wanted to kiss him - everything in him screamed for him to do it. Those full lips were so tempting, but kissing lay in a weird gray area where pornography was concerned. Sometimes kisses were more intimate than intercourse, at least to some performers - not Ignis, of course - he loved to kiss.

Ignis took a step back and examined the shorts.

"This will be the real test," he joked. "Do you think I should wear underwear?"

"As much as I want to tell you to take them off, I wouldn't mind leaving something to the imagination to, er, help my acting."

Ignis laughed before putting on the shorts. He was pleased to find they did fit, even though he had to jiggle them over his ass a little. It was doing up the zipper and button that was difficult.

"I think-," Gladio offered, "I think the waist is adjustable, if I'm not mistaken."

Gladio's fingers searched Ignis's stomach now, and he found what he was looking for. He undid a clasp that expanded the waistband and adjusted it until it fit.

Ignis was intoxicated as he watched those perfectly calloused, manly hands so dangerously close to his cock. He was embarrassed by the quick breath he took in when Gladio had the audacity to do up the button and zip them up before taking a step back, checking him out, bemusement written on his features.

"What - how ridiculous is it?" Ignis asked.

"No, it's not - it's not ridiculous. In fact, you look - you look pretty cute."

Ignis smiled in relief and delight. He approached himself in the mirror, turning to see the profile of his ass. He truly didn't look bad per se. Gladio was right. He did look rather cute, and the tightness of the clothing brought out some of his best physical features. He was pleased, and when he turned back to Gladio, he could tell that he was pleased too.

"What are you supposed to be wearing?" Ignis asked.

"I think just this," Gladio said, gesturing to his black button up and tight black slacks.

"Rather boring, don't you think?"

"What would you prefer I wear?" Gladio purred.

Ignis's mind went immediately to his favorite Everett Rose video - one he'd jacked off to many times. He'd been clad in tight leather shorts with a studded harness over his bare chest, revealing sexy tattoos and the delectable muscles in his chest and arms. Should he tell the truth? Gladio had admitted to watching his videos already, but he decided to play it safe.

"Guess," Ignis said.

"I think it's the same thing everyone wants to see me in."

"Sorry for being so boring," he shrugged, "But it suits you so perfectly."

"Just like kitten ears suit you."

Ignis could feel himself blushing. "You didn't-" was all he could manage.

"I did," he grinned. "I do. I love those videos. I've been a fan of yours since the very beginning."

Now that took him by surprise.

"Can't believe I made you blush," Gladio observed.

"It's just - I'd like to bury those videos. I'm not exactly proud of them."

"You should be," Gladio responded, his voice so confident and commanding that Ignis was starting to believe it himself.

"So you're into kitten play?" Ignis asked.

"I'm honestly not, except when you're doing it. It's not so much the way you act as the way you look. I don't know-something about it gets me hot."

Ignis licked his lips. He'd promised himself he would never wear kitten ears or a tail again, but now that vow was being entirely reconsidered.

"I have a confession to make," Gladio said, "And I hope it doesn't change your mind about today, but I didn't expect how much I would like you, and I don't want you to hear it from someone else."

"I'm listening."

"I asked for you to be hired for this role - well, kind of begged, if I'm being honest. I've always wanted to perform with you, and I heard you were very particular about your parts, so when I found out your agent was interested, I pulled some strings...Sorry, does that creep you out?"

"Quite the contrary," Ignis admitted. Gladio's confession had him reeling. It wasn't that strange to request to work with specific performers in their industry. It was always viewed as a compliment, or at least that's how Ignis always took it. Perhaps it was his own vanity speaking, but he couldn't care less. He was flattered, and he couldn't stand the thought of Gladio feeling insecure about bringing Ignis here when he was enjoying himself so much.

"I'm relieved to hear that," Gladio said. "I didn't know what to expect from you. You're so cute and charming on Instagram, but you're even better in person."

"You follow me on Instagram?"

"Maybe," he grinned.

"But surely I would've noticed if Everett Rose was following me?"

"I follow you under an, er, private account."

"Huh," Ignis mused, wildly flattered once more.

"But I'll - I should follow you from my business account. I can't believe I haven't already," Gladio chided himself as he got out his phone. "Besides, I'm posting the pictures from today asap, and I will be tagging you."

Ignis was deeply gratified in multiple ways - personally, of course, and from a purely financial standpoint. It wouldn't hurt to have the backing of someone with over a hundred thousand followers.

"Thank you so much," he said. "I really appreciate that. It will mean a lot for my career."

"I should be apologizing to you for not having followed you sooner. I've been keeping you all to myself," he said as he tapped a few more times on his phone and put it back in his pocket.

Ignis has his phone out now too. "You can make it up to me. What's your private account? I'd like to follow you from my private account. I'm curious to see what the world's hottest porn star does in his free time."

"I'm boring, honestly, I promise. I just read a lot and travel when I can. That's it, but you can follow me. I'd like to know what the world's cutest porn star does in his free time too."

Ignis smiled as he handed Gladio his phone.

Ignis couldn't help but glance at his username when he handed the phone back - doriangray

"I'm a fan of Oscar Wilde too," Ignis gushed, enjoying the surprised smile Gladio offered back. "I can resist anything except temptation," he quoted with a grin.

Gladio had a look of surprised awe as he took a step closer to him. "Would you mind if I - if I kissed you?"

Bless his heart, he was nervous. Everett Rose - well, Gladiolus Amicitia - was nervous to kiss him?

Ignis didn't answer, just pressed his lips to Gladio's, and hot damn, he was just as good of a kisser as Ignis would've expected from watching his videos. Full lips enveloped his as strong arms wrapped around his waist.

They jumped when they heard an aggressive knock on the door.

"Does the uniform fit?"

"It's, uh, it's - yes," Ignis finished, distracted entirely by the enticing look in Gladio's gorgeous eyes.

"Perfect," the voice said. "We're ready in five."

"Well, I suppose we should," Ignis mumbled before getting lost in his eyes again.

"Can I get your number?" Gladio asked.

"My number?" Ignis asked, positively dumbfounded.

"Yes, I'd hate not to see you again, especially after a kiss like that," he smiled. "And I can't call you from Instagram."

Ignis nodded as Gladio handed him his phone. He typed in his information and handed it back.

"You go by Iggy?" Gladio asked.

Ignis nodded.

"Hm, I like that. Iggy, please tell me this won't be the only time we have sex?"

"That depends entirely on how good you are," Ignis deadpanned. Gladio looked like he couldn't quite handle that response, unsure if Ignis was serious or not. Gladio's eyes danced between mirth and uncertainty. Ignis felt a little bad for joking when he was suddenly so earnest. "I think I still have those cat ears somewhere. Maybe I'll get them out for you, if you're lucky," he added with a wink, and Gladio smiled, relief smoothing his features.

"And I still have the harness and the leather shorts," Gladio offered.

The tasty thought sent a flood of warmth shooting through Ignis's trousers once more.

"Well then, I might just have to accept your offer," Ignis replied. "We should probably," he reiterated, gesturing to the door.

"Yeah," Gladio agreed. "So how do you think we're gonna get through all this terrible dialogue?"

Ignis laughed out loud. "Painfully. The badge pun is rather brilliant though, you have to admit. That's half the reason I took this job. Can't say much for the rest of the script."

"I'll try not to laugh."

"You'd better not. I'm hopeless if you do."

"Then I won't laugh," Gladio assured him even though they were both laughing as they returned to the set. It was when the cameras were about to roll that Gladio approached him and whispered in his ear.

"I just want to say that I really like you, and I'm glad you came today, and I can't believe you gave me your number. I feel totally smitten."

Smitten. Ignis could hardly handle such tender sentiments under the circumstances. He changed the subject.

"What will we tell people when they ask how we met?"

"Well obviously we'll tell them we met as Boy Scouts."

Ignis laughed, and Gladio's smile was sweet as they took their places.

When the director yelled "action," it took all his self-control not to jump Gladio's bones.

"Hello sir," Ignis said, "I was wondering if I could ask for your help? You see, I just need one more badge to complete my set."

"I'd be happy to help," Gladio responded, lip twitching. "Which badge is it?"

"It's my woodworking badge, sir," Ignis replied, trying to stifle his smile and look demure instead of like he was about to burst out laughing.

"I have some wood you can work," Gladio offered, his eyes devilishly playful.

The glory of the invitation was so overwhelming. Ignis forgot his line.

"Why don't you come in?" Gladio offered.

Ignis entered the door as the director yelled cut. The acting had been bad, but, per usual, no one cared. That's why Ignis had chosen a career as a porn star instead of a Shakespearean fellow.

"Thanks," Ignis smiled at Gladio. "What was my line anyway?"

"I forgot too. You're very distracting."

"I don't know what you mean. I just came here to learn woodworking. I just need one more badge."

"You make a great Boy Scout. Very believable," Gladio grinned.

Ignis smiled back, speechless once more. He couldn't deny it. He was most definitely smitten too.