Morning came to pass as the afternoon rolled in. Kyrie woke up slowly to the sound of Gladiolus groaning as he pulled his arm out from underneath her head. The two of them were both suffering the effects of a bad hangover. Gladiolus sat up slowly, rubbing his face. The smell of alcohol reeking from his skin. He looked over to Kyrie who had rolled onto her stomach and was rubbing her face on her bed, trying to convince herself to get up. Gladiolus reached over and grabbed his pants. The garment having not quite made it's way out of the bed as it was hastily kicked out. Finding his phone, he checked the time. On top of discovering how late it was, he discovered that he had missed a large amount of texts, as well as a handful of calls. "Man…" he groaned out as he dropped his phone heavily onto the bed and lay back down. Kyrie rolled back into him when he did. Gladiolus reciprocating by wrapping an arm around her and burying his face in her short hair. "We gotta get up, Kyrie."
Kyrie nodded, "I know…what time is it?"
"Almost lunch."
Kyrie groaned as she rolled over and faced his chest. Despite the smell of alcohol coming from both of them, she could smell the musky scent of cologne on him. It was a welcoming smell. When she opened her eyes, she was greeted to the view of an eagle looking at her. She backed up slightly to take in the image a bit better. Her actions made Gladiolus release his grip on her as he tried to figure out exactly what it was she was doing. When she began tracing the feathers that ran down his arm, the man was easily able to figure out what it was. "You and your dad have the same tattoo." she stated, remembering seeing a similar image on Clarus as she moved the rosary that hung from his neck out of the crease of his arm.
Gladiolus nodded, "Kind of. His is a bit less detailed."
"Is there some sort of meaning behind?" Kyrie asked as she traced the flight feathers of the eagle down his arm.
"Yeah. Family crest. We all get 'em done when we become a Shield." Gladiolus responded as he looked down his arm.
Kyrie cringed when she saw that the tattoo climbing into his armpit, "That had to hurt."
Gladiolus looked towards his armpit and shrugged, "Didn't feel good, but wasn't too bad. Wasn't big on getting my low back though. Anything touching my ribs and spine felt less than good."
"Oh come one. Compared to your armpit? That couldn't have been THAT bad." Kyrie said as she moved the sheets off of him trying to see his ribs.
The young Shield chuckled as he took the sheets off of himself, covering up Kyrie. The woman's completely blind lack of modesty showing as she seemed to forget how undressed she was. When he turned around to show her the rest of the tattoo, he heard and audible gasp. "Good gods above! Nevermind. How long did getting all of this take?" Kyrie asked as she traced the feathers. The sheets Gladiolus had covered her with failing to stay on her as she sat on her knees.
The feel of her curious finger tips enticed the man even still. His most primal of urges left unsatisfied from the night before. He slouched at the feeling, stretching his skin more evenly over his back, "Took about thirty-seven sitting hours if we count line work." He felt Kyrie's arms suddenly follow both of his shoulders as they stretched down towards his hands. Her warm skin pressing against the skin on his back as she did so.
"Of course it counts. That's wildly impressive. I don't think I could have done it." she stated as she rested her chin on his shoulder "Looks amazing."
Gladiolus let out a cocky smirk as he let his head tap into her's, "Yeah. Just gotta get some color added to it."
"Color?" Kyrie said as she lifted her head off his shoulder and looked down at the tattoo "I think it looks amazing as is." Gently she kissed the subtle v that sat on the young Shield's spin, the feeling sending goosebumps up the man's neck. Without even so much as a warning, Kyrie suddenly bounced on the bed as she hopped off. Gladiolus unable to even give his own version of a 'thanks'. "I've always thought about getting tattoos, but in my line of work, they end up looking a bit, tacky I guess." Kyrie said as she walked around carelessly in front of the man. Her complete openness to her own state of apparel making the man smile. He watched as she effortlessly, yet purposefully moved about her room cleaning up her own clothing from the night before. There was a reason the young Shield was a morning person, and a view like this was certainly one of them. He leaned back heavily and rested on his palms as she moved about the room, continuing to talk about tattoos she had considered getting in the past. He simply nodded and gave the occasional grunt. It wasn't until she stepped in front of him to enter her closet that his relaxed demeanor became tense. Her flawless, nearly olive skin flawed heavily with a massive bruise that sat between her shoulders. His mind rushed for a moment and he jumped to his feet.
"Holy shit. Did I do that?" he said loudly as he stepped towards her, fastening his pants as he did. His sudden change making Kyrie jump herself. He placed his hands on her shoulders, holding her still to look at the bruise on her back.
Kyrie looked back to see what he was looking at. She suddenly realized it was the bruise on her back and laughed lightly, "No no. That wasn't you." she said as she pulled a shirt up over her head.
"Who did it?" Gladiolus stated bluntly. All at once, Kyrie watched the near lustful gaze in the man's eyes change to pure anger.
Kyrie shrugged, "I don't know. It was on the subway back home. I'm fine. Really."
Gladiolus' arms crossed over his chest, "What did they look like?"
The man's eyes burned into Kyrie's as she stood there nervously, "Look…these things happen sometimes…but…I'll be okay. I always am. It's not the first time, and probably won't be the last. The authorities don't really care to help people in my position, and it's not like I'm not armed."
"Were you able to defend yourself?" Gladiolus asked sternly. Her lack of a response being the all too obvious tell for the man. What ever defense she had, failed her entirely. "You're not gonna tell me who did this…are you?" he then asked. A slight sadness in his tone.
Kyrie looked at the ground, shaking her head as she responded, "I'm sorry."
Gladiolus grabbed his shirt and jacket off the floor and swung them over his shoulders, realizing immediately that his demeanor made Kyrie extremely nervous. He knew he was an imposing person to have to face off with, and knew that nothing he did would likely get Kyrie to give any details on the people that hurt her in the subway. Even if she didn't believe it, Gladiolus would have done anything and everything he could have to help find the person that assaulted her. All at once, he realized exactly how much he didn't like what it was that she did for a living. Even if she was to be no more than a passing fancy for him, he wanted better for her. "Don't worry about it. But if that happens again while I'm around, you call me. I'll make sure it gets taken care of." Kyrie nodded as she found a pair of shorts to wear. The faked smile that sat on her face wiped clean as she saw exactly how upset it made the young Shield to see her hurt. As she buttoned up the shorts, she felt a heavy arm drop across her shoulders and without time to even brace, she felt herself clung tightly too as she was brought in to Gladiolus' side. "C'mon, Kyrie." Gladiolus then said, kissing her softly on the top of her head "I'm hungry as hell. Let's get breakfast."
"But you don't have a shirt to wear." Kyrie smiled as she poked him in the ribs.
"Please. When you look at good as me and clothes are just optional." Gladiolus chuckled as he checked his own features in the mirror.
"Ah. Strippers motto. I'm pretty sure there is a shortage of male strippers if you're interested."
"HARD pass, Kyrie. Hard pass."
Kyrie sat down as lightly as she could, her arms trailing up her own body before reaching behind her and dropped her head down on the man's shoulder. Her move enticing a low laugh from the man. His hands suddenly attempting to trail up her thighs. Kyrie softly grabbed his hands and placed them back down at his sides as she continued her dance, "No touchy, Tredd. You know better." She giggled as she turned around to face the man, letting her arms drape over his shoulders as she danced.
"What, no special privileges for me, Carmen? Tsk tsk at loyalty." Tredd stated as he leaned back into his chair and enjoyed the dance at hand.
"Even if you are my favorite, you know the rules." Kyrie responded with a sultry smile "You must be tense if you're willing to break the rules all of the sudden."
Tredd nodded and sighed, "You have no idea Carmen."
Kyrie leaned in close, letting her fingers trails around the man, "Wanna talk about it?"
"No he doesn't. Get up, Furia." another man suddenly interrupted.
Tredd rolled his eyes, "Dude…c'mon Luche. Go enjoy yourself for the night at least. Nothing little Carmen here will spill her guts over. Don't know when we'll get to enjoy the show again." The sharp look in Luche's eyes being all Tredd needed to see to put him off his own mood. Tredd shook his head as he gently nodded at Kyrie to move off of him. Kyrie moved and extended a hand out to Tredd, the man accepting readily "Looks like we'll have to finish this up another day Carmen." Tredd said disappointingly. Kyrie lightly hugged him as he and Luche walked out of the Seeing Eye.
"That cat eyed one sure is hard to please. He isn't any fun compared to that Tredd guy." Lily said as she hung on Kyrie.
"I told you he was last time he was here. Definitely the sort to have a stick in the ass, that's for sure." Kyrie responded. Even she found the man's behavior odd. Tredd was just far too tense for her liking as well. Kyrie was certain something was coming. Knowing that the two men were in the glaives and were tense never bode well for the future.
Nearly a month had passed. Another night was far slower than usual. Rumors of Niflheim having made advancements into Lucian territory had many of the usual patrons picking up double duty with the Kingsglaive, as well as taking up duty outside of the wall. Many of the other refugees who may have been otherwise attended were suddenly preparing for the worst and saving what reserves of money they had should war find its way into Insomnia again. Many of the woman working at the Seeing Eye found themselves sitting around idly playing their phones and messaging friends as well as staying up to date on social media. Kyrie was no different as she sat comfortably in a chair in her area. The music playing over the speakers playing far quieter than usual as they all sat around. Kyrie smiled at her phone as another text came through her phone: Gladiolus.
Lily peered over at Kyrie as she smiled at her phone, "Ooo. Talkin' to your new boy toy?" she asked innocently as she came and sat down near Kyrie.
Kyrie didn't even bother looking up at her as she continued messaging Gladiolus, "I wouldn't call him that necessarily, but he is pretty fun."
"That's awesome Carmen. When are you going to bring him around here so we can meet him?" Lily then asked as she attempted to see what it was Kyrie was texting, and to whom.
Kyrie quickly put her phone against her chest, "Ideally never" she said with a laugh "I don't want to mix business and pleasure."
Lily rolled her eyes at Kyrie, "I don't see why not. Not like it really matters. Are you guys dating?"
"No. I actually haven't seen him in a while unfortunately..."
"That's stupid. If you aren't dating, what's the issue in having him come down? He too good to come hang out with us here? What's his name anyway?" Lily asked
Kyrie laughed and shook her head, "You wouldn't understand Lily. And yes, he does. And no. You don't get to know it."
Lily rolled her eyes, "Yeah okay ya love struck puppy. SOOO….did ya'll bump uglies yet?"
"What? No!" Kyrie said as she laughed nervously.
"Yeah ya did!" Lily said loudly "I win the bet Mouse!" The large bouncer rolled his eyes as the words "dammit" could be heard being muttered from him. The man pulled out his own phone and began messaging someone as well. The expression on his face being that of annoyance as he sent the text off to whom ever it was.
Another hour passed in the dead building. The girls all becoming increasingly anxious as they paced the floor and filled their time as best as possible. Although Kyrie was by no means hurting for money, she too was slightly distressed at the complete lack of patrons. It was always telling of things to come when the usual patrons disappeared. It was hours until closing, but Kyrie decided to call it a night. There was no sense in her sticking around if she wasn't going to be paid for her time. As she normally did, she excused herself to the Madam's office and headed home, texting Gladiolus as she did. Given the hour in which she left, a few street vendors were still open, serving the late night patrons. She purchased a small bite to eat before heading to the subway.
While she stood around waiting for the next train into the inner city, she felt the nudges of a cat against her shins. The cat appearing to have seen far better days. Its coat filthy and dull and its bones far more pronounced than they should have been. Kyrie bent down, patting the stunted animal. "Times are hard, aren't they buddy?" she said. When she ran her fingers along the cat's neck, she found a collar had been attached to the cat at some point. The faded condition of it, showing that the cat had been missing for likely quite some time. When the cat smelled the food in her bag, its eyes instantly narrowed as it did its best to make an appeasement face of sorts. "Aw. You're hungry." Kyrie said, pulling out a small bite of meat from her paper wrapped snack. She handed the small bite to the cat who happily ate it up, soon begging for more. Without even giving it much thought, she handed the cat another bite as the chimes began to go off overhead, signaling the next train's arrival. Kyrie stood upright as she prepared to enter the train. The cat circling her legs frantically. "Oh you're no good for me baby. You need to find another person." Kyrie did her best to ignore the cat as it circled her more frantically. "Nah uh. You're just looking for a snack." The cat soon stood up on its hind legs, extending a paw upwards towards her as it purred loudly, unintentionally catching its claws in her jacket. "Oh come on kitty." Kyrie said as she began pleading with the cat to find someone else to pester. The train pulled into the station as the cat continued its relentless pursuit of her, seeming to try and stay as attached to her as it could. "Ugh. FINE." She said loudly, removing the remainder of her small meal and placing it on the ground for the cat. "You owe me kitty."
Kyrie couldn't be happier when she stepped into her home. Her stomach beginning to pang as he audibly growled. I'll just clean up first, then eat she said to herself as she dressed herself down. She soon started a shower. Her phone soon went off as she was about to step into the hot shower.
G. Amicitia: You get home okay?
K: Yep! Didn't get to eat the snack I wanted though.
G. Amicitia: Why not?
K: A cat forced me to give up my snack.
G. Amicitia: And he suckered you in to giving him a meal. Sounds like a smart guy.
K: I'm a sucker. What can I say. BTW, shouldn't you be sleeping?
G. Amicitia: Should be. Been swamped in the Citadel for the past few weeks. Gonna be another late night.
K: I'm sorry. Anything I can do to help?
G: Amicitia: Send pics ;)
Kyrie laughed loudly as she devised a plan. She soon began taking various pictures of items around her bathroom, to include the ceiling. She sent them to the young Shield at such a speed, that the man's phone soon began to get bogged down, unable to keep up with the incoming messages.
G. Amicitia: STOOOOOP!
K: You asked for pics! I'm just listening Mr. Shield.
G. Amicitia: Smartass. So you eaten anything at all?
K: No not yet. I need to. I'm going to clean up first though.
G. Amicitia: Give me an hour and I can come bring you something?
K: And what makes you think I want you around? I haven't even seen you in a few weeks.
G. Amicitia: It's me.
K: Ooo lucky me.
G. Amicitia: See you in a bit.
Gladiolus sat at his desk as the hour grew later. Mind and body stressed from the news of Niflheim having begun to invade Lucian territory more brazenly having changed the mood of not only the counsel of the high King, but all of the Crownsguard as well as Kingsglaive. Something was coming, and those within the inner workings of the King's counsel knew it. They just weren't sure what or when it was coming. Gladiolus' mornings training and sparring with his father, soon turned into morning briefings with the elder Shield followed by training sessions far more brutal than the young Shield was used to. The days Gladiolus would spend at the local gym soon became days spent training with other Crownsguard. Half the time, the young Shield hardly had time to even button up his own shirt. Mind disheveled from stress and training.
He would have given just about anything to have another weekend like the one he had shared with Kyrie, even if it was spurred on by copious amounts of alcohol. It had been a long time since he had felt comfortable enough to simply let loose. He didn't find a need to keep his own personal shields up for himself. She felt different to him. Perhaps it as her carefree attitude, or perhaps it was just his own rebellious need for change clawing to get out. What ever it was, he started to crave it more and more. He had made it a point to keep in touch with Kyrie while at the same time, attempting to not appear clingy. The attention she would give to him felt genuine, even if it wasn't. The man couldn't apologize enough for being unable to get together with the woman and worse, keep the impending attack on Niflheim a secret from her. He was certain she wouldn't say a word of it to anyone, but it was still better to remain silent, at least for the time being.
As his mind wandered back to things he could have done differently during his drunken excursion with her, he was interrupted. The gentle tapping on his office door making him drop his head slightly. The smile that crawled across his face as he attempted to write up reports for the day being pulled away from him.
"I see you're still on a rather good high." Ignis said as he walked in.
Gladiolus shrugged, "Wouldn't call it a high, but-"
"But it was rather invigorating. Indeed." Ignis stated as he quietly shut the door behind him "Have you made any progress with the reports? King Regis insists that Noct be well informed of what is to come."
Gladiolus shook his head as he grabbed his phone and responded to a message, "You know damn well I'm getting this done as fast as I can, Iggy. But I'm not exactly the most tech savvy guy. Noct needs to stop acting like a spoiled ass kid and get his ass in these meetings with us."
"How exactly is typing anything reminiscent of being 'tech savvy'?" Ignis asked he walked over to see exactly what Gladiolus had printed off, biting his tongue at the young Shield's comment. The subtle smirk that creeped back onto Gladiolus' face being an obvious clue as to whom the man was messaging. Ignis was well aware of exactly how it was Gladiolus felt about Noctis. The young Shield, while caring for Noctis in a way similar to that of a friend, had no respect for Noctis as far as being prince, let alone future king went.
"I can't type fast Iggy. You know this." Gladiolus stated bluntly, appearing to almost hunt and peck at his keyboard as he typed. The action making Ignis cringe.
Ignis gathered what reports Gladiolus had, placing them into colored folders. The room suddenly filled with noise as Gladiolus' phone went of a numerous amount of times, "It would appear that the woman you are messaging can type a mile a minute. Perhaps you should enlist her help." Ignis stated bluntly.
Gladiolus rolled his eyes, "Doubt it." the man sat in his thoughts before giving his closest friend a knowing stare "…we both know the kingdom deserves better…"
"And what, pray tell, do you propose be done Gladio?" Ignis snapped out, grabbing the files Gladiolus had printed out in a quick, yet dignified manner.
"Tch" was the only noise that escaped Gladiolus as he continued on typing "You and I both know what needs to be done…This kingdom is gonna be run by a spoiled prince who can't even pull his head out of his own ass half the time…you need to-"
"In another life, perhaps. I shall see you tomorrow, Gladio." Ignis said, interrupting the young Shield as he walked out of the office.
Gladiolus sat back in his chair for a moment. Wonder if she'd do it he thought to himself. Soon deciding to make an excuse to go to her home as he messaged her back.
Ignis walked out of Gladiolus' office. The Advisor maintaining an ever unreadable poker face as he walked at a steady pace out of the Citadel. The man's emotions, though unreadable, were clear to the young Shield. Ignis sighed as he walked through the parking garage. As he sat in his car, he sighed heavily. All things in another life he thought to himself as he eyed the files in the passenger side of his car. He swore an oath to King Regis to protect the prince and even if it caused he and Gladiolus many disputes, the man would always do his best to side with the future king. Ignis was forever grateful for his place within the kingdom, but even he, at times, couldn't deny the way the young prince acted. As Ignis drove to Noctis' apartment, for a brief moment, he felt a fire in his body that travelled all around, feeling as though it was going to consume him. A quite anger he never could seem to quell. He sighed as he drove through the night, putting the emotion he felt as far away as he could, regaining his ever professional demeanor.
Kyrie dressed herself in a soft red satin and black lace robe. If she was going to have company as tempting as the young Shield with potentially no pay off, she may as well make the temptation mutual. Foolish as it felt, she hadn't felt indulged or even tempted by any man in a while. She also wasn't used to any man forcing her to wait for any bedroom satisfaction. If she wanted it, she got it. When Gladiolus finally arrived to her flat, she answered the door before the man even had a chance to knock, eager to see him.
Gladiolus smirked when he say Kyrie, her outfit not helping him keep his intentions in check, "That's just not fair." he said in a low tone as he shut the door behind him.
"It's nice to see you too." Kyrie said playfully, her hands, trailing up his arms as she kissed either side of his cheeks before snatching the bag of food from his hands "Whatcha bring to eat?"
"Croquettes." Gladiolus answered quickly, snatching up two of the pastries before Kyrie even had a chance to grab even one. Kyrie giving him a side eye as the man quickly devoured one.
Within the hour the pair was able to catch up on near anything and everything they had been up to since their last physical interaction, enjoying the croquettes as they spoke. Kyrie less than surprised to hear that Gladiolus was swamped at work, and that he wasn't able to give any information on any of it. She watched as the man rubbed his face. The stress showing visibly as he leaned back in the wingback chair and sighed. She never was able to provide much in the way of providing advice, she was always used to simply being an ear to speak to and giving blunt advice. But in this circumstance, she was able to provide neither. All she could do, was be company. As Gladiolus sighed heavily, he looked at the watch on his wrist. The gesture signaling to Kyrie that he was soon needing to depart even if he didn't want to.
"Got a question for you Kyrie." Gladiolus stated bluntly.
"Sure, what's up?" she responded, her interest piqued.
Gladiolus looked around her home as though the walls would somehow give him scripts to use before inevitably leading his eyes back to Kyrie, "Would you be open to coming to the Citadel again?"
Kyrie shrugged, "I mean, sure. Why not. Why do you ask?"
"If I offered you a job, would you take it?" Gladiolus asked, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.
"Only if it pays well." Kyrie said, not giving much thought to what Gladiolus said.
"It'll pay damn well. Don't you worry." Gladiolus responded, sitting back in the wingback chair again. The stress of his day beginning to loom over his head again.
"Hey." Kyrie stated as she stood up and grabbed the man's hand "Follow me for a second." The woman walked him back to her bedroom and quickly set up a chair "Take a seat." she said with a welcoming smile, thinking to get his mind off of work, even if only for a moment the only way she knew how.
Gladiolus raised an eyebrow at her, "For?"
Kyrie rolled her eyes, "Just do it."
"Is there a point to this?" Gladiolus asked as he seated himself heavily in the less than comfortable chair, adjusting himself as best he could.
Kyrie put a finger over her lips, "There is, now shush." she said, soon starting a *song and dimming the lights in the room.
"No. I really don't." Gladiolus said with a smirk as he leaned forward to rise from the uncomfortable chair. The young Shield needing to get back to Citadel to type up the rest of the Crownsguard report.
Kyrie quickly placed a hand on his shoulder and pushed him back down into the chair, soon straddling over him, "Trust me, you really do." she said, running her fingers through his hair. The feeling of her nails gently scraping against the base of his neck sending a shiver up Gladiolus' neck. The moment she felt the man relax even ever so slightly, she continued where she had left off. As the music played, Kyrie swayed slowly. Her eyes locking on to his as she ran her fingers over her own skin. Gladiolus smirked. Even if the man was used to being swooned and swayed in every way imaginable by nearly any woman who he'd give the time of day to, he always enjoyed it. It was always a new feeling with every single one of them, and it was a feeling he lived for. Kyrie began to untie the satin robe that she had been wearing. As the laces came undone, Gladiolus placed his hands behind Kyrie's knees and easily brought the woman from straddling over him, to straddling on him. "Excuse you." Kyrie said as she now sat flat on the young Shield's lap, startled at the sudden drop she'd taken into his lap. Being the professional that she was, she immediately tried to stand back up. Her efforts stalled as Gladiolus placed his hands on her hips and held her in place.
A cocky smile crossed over Gladiolus' face, "Not used to being still?" he asked as he held her hips firmly.
"Not in this instance." she responded. She watched his expression closely and realized that the young Shield was not going to be taking in any efforts she may make in regards to what ever dance she would have attempted. Instead, she dropped both her arms over his shoulders, warranting a grin from the man "You're really no fun, you know that?" she said with a faked pout. The music continuing to play in the background.
"Don't need to be fun to be good at what I do." Gladiolus answered, his hands relaxing their grip on her hips.
"And what is it that you do?" Kyrie asked, an eyebrow cocking at him.
"Bore the shit out of people." Gently, he placed his hands under her undone robe, running his fingers along her skin. The man taking in every bit of sensation he could. His eyes following his hands as they travelled.
Kyrie smiled as she placed her hands over his, letting her own hands be guided by his, "You're not doing a good job of that."
"Guess I need to try harder than." Gladiolus' eyes fixed back on her's. Before either of them had a chance to conjure another thought, the man gently placed a kiss on Kyrie's lips, time seeming to stall as they kissed. As he backed away only slightly, he kept a close gap "…need to try a lot har-"before he was able to finish his sentence, Kyrie had closed the gap between them. The gentle kiss they shared soon turning into heavy breaths and lustful wills as their kiss deepened. The two living to do nothing more than consume the other in that brief moment in time.
"…you're right Mr. Shield…such a bore…"
**Lana Del Rey- "Groupie Love"
