Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Body

V

A/N: Well, its been a while, hopefully you guys will be seeing this in time for the (2 year anniversary of XV) (Christmas) (New Years) at some point soon! Dropping some more backstory this chapter, still have plenty more to tell. Hope you guys enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own any Square Enix properties nor any others mentioned.

"Oh crap! It's a big one," cried Prompto, timid, but ready to fight.

"Astute observation," added Ignis, steadfast as he readied his daggers.

"Why the hell ya do it, huh," growled Gladio, glaring into Aquas' eyes, "Now we gotta fight this thing by ourselves!"

"I know! I fucked up," Aquas said bitterly through clenched teeth. "Just focus on him, I'll do what I can to keep the MT's off ya!"

Leaving the thief to support himself, Gladio left to help his friends in a haze of anger. Aquas felt horrible, in more ways than one, but there was no time to dwell on it. It hurt to move, even more so to warp along the shipping containers to dismantle the MT snipers before they could get a bead on his allies. It was sloppy work, but it was the best he could manage with possibly broken ribs. Before dispatching the last of the gunman, he looked down to see Cor barely holding his own. That gash was hurting him more than he let on. Aquas wanted nothing more than to help, but he could hardly defend himself.

Without the snipers to worry about, Aquas warped back down to the ground and nearly keeled over. White and yellow stars of pain flashed over his vision as he struggled to catch his breath. That was it, that was all his body could do and he wasn't foolish enough to push it further. He could only watch the fight from afar, slumped against a container. As he watched, he analyzed the mecha, looking for a weak point to cripple it. Sure enough, his sharp eyes found a possible weakness and maybe, Etro willing, it would be enough.

"Noct," shouted the thief as loud as he could manage, "attack the joint in the middle of the left leg!"

By some godly miracle, Noctis had heard him over the crescendo of battle. The prince warped back to get clear shot at his target. Holding his breath, Aquas watched the lance leave his hand and fly towards the joint in question. In a blink, Noctis was plunging the weapon in between the parts of the leg. For a moment, nothing happened but the cajoles of the arrogant Imperial officer within. But then, a huge metallic clank cracked across the surrounding area before the knee buckled and fell out from beneath the hulking machine. Everyone scrambled to get away as it came crashing down, crushing a few mindless MT's.

But things were far from over, there was still a multitude of weapons at the officer's disposal as soon as collected his wits. So it was back into the fray as what remained of the standing group began to hack at what was left of the mecha, Aquas shouting warnings when it was about to attack. It wasn't long before the man inside decided retreat was the best course of action. As a final act of defiance, he caused the monstrous machine to self-destruct as the pilot's pod was launched into the sky in the direction of the Dreadnot. Everyone had a few seconds to get out of range of the blast and it was clear to Aquas that Cor wasn't going to make it. Making a split decision, the thief chucked his staff as hard as he could in the Marshall's direction and warped over to him, flattening them both to the ground and avoiding the blast.

Though, just barely.

A blast of heat passed over them for a moment, an instant, and it was gone. They didn't dare move due to the threat of shrapnel, not that Aquas could even do so. He could just barely move his fingers, let alone lift himself off of Cor. As four sets of footsteps raced towards them, the Marshall breathed out, "Why?"

"Repayin' a debt," grunted the thief, trying to keep his breathing under control, "ya saved my life, I saved yer's. We're square now."

Cor hummed a bit, hard telling what for, and said as an aside, "I thought you quit those things."

He could've said a million different things and it still wouldn't have caught Aquas off guard that easily. Aquas smiled and said, "Are ya ever gonna stop givin' me shit about that?"

"When you quit."

Aquas could only compose himself so much before Noct and everyone had got to them. Gladio was the one to pull the thief off the ground and Cor, slowing down to be more gentle when Aquas hissed and cursed in pain. Everything fucking hurt and it was an easy call that there wouldn't be much heroics from him for the rest of the day. Potions did hardly anything but ease the thief's pain but Cor was able to get back on his feet. Aquas looked into his eyes for a moment, almost searchingly, before he looked elsewhere, seemingly thinking something over.

"You should get him proper medical care," said Cor, walking away from everyone, "I wouldn't want you four to lose such a good soldier willing to put himself a risk for any of you. Do take care of him for me."

With that, he was off. Leaving them all puzzled by his sudden change of heart. But none of them seemed more pensive than Aquas as he mulled over that last sentence, 'take care of him for me." What did that mean? Did Cor think of the thief like a son to him like Aquas saw him as a father figure? It felt like there was more to it than that. Could it be that...? Nah, that can't be right, thought Aquas as they carried him into the car. Still, now he knew that Cor still cared for him, but the jury was out on whether he felt good or guilty about it.

The gang spent the next few days in Hammerhead, having it be the closest safe place for the them to stay while they looked for someone who could help Aquas recover. Cindy offered them a place to stay with her, much to Prompto's delight, and help aid them in their search as well as making sure the thief had a comfortable place to rest. It left him bewildered as he constantly tried to wave them off from making such a fuss.

"Ifirit's horns, 't's not like I'm dyin'," cracking a smile as he shot down the latest attempt, "Some booze and peace an' quiet, I'll be right as rain."

"Now what kinda talk is that," said Cindy, casually poking fun, "After all, a friend of the prince is a friend of mine. So ya better hush up before I let Pawpaw chew yer ear off."

"Yer one helluv a pistol ain't'cha," Aquas chuckled as he readjusted himself on the guest bed. "I thank ya fer yer kindness, but jus' don't go to too much trouble fer little ol' me."

"Okay sugar," Cindy relented, making for the door, "Jus' holler if ya need anythin'."

"I will," he promised.

Out in the living room, Noct and everyone were standing around, anxious about the thief's condition as well as being uncomfortable in someone's house they didn't know that well. Cindy's house was a simple, ranch style place and it was decorated with panels and Knick knacks that had something to do with cars or the shop. It was cozy, comfortable, not that they really noticed right now.

"How is he," asked Prompto nervously, fingers fiddling with the edges of his clothes.

"Doc says he'll be fine, jus' needs a few days to rest," Cindy said, soothing their worries, "He had a couple of bruised ribs. He'll be hurtin' but he'll be fine. He's as stubborn as an old goat, where'd y'all find 'im?"

"I kinda hit him with the car," Noct admitted sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

Cindy's smile faded into disbelief, apparently she wasn't expecting that. She just looked at the prince, processing what he just said before nodding. "That explains a few things, Doc said that he thought that he had been hit by more than the Marshall. I guess I'll have a look at the the ol' girl and see what ya did to 'er."

She didn't sound too happy about that, even though she walked out calmly enough. They all kinda shifted their feet, Ignis just glared at Noctis. A silent sort of chastization that he knew all to well.

"I guess it's about time I prepare supper," sighed Ignis, seemingly wore out. "Noctis, would you like to help me.

This wasn't a request but Noct still agreed while Ignis had Prompto go ask their host if she had any suggestions for dinner. The blonde was more than happy to comply, more of just getting out of range of the rouge's potential fury. Sensing his opportunity, Gladio walked off to Aquas' room fixing for a chat with their resident thief.

"How ya doing," he asked as a courtesy, taking a seat at the edge of the bed.

"Better now, wishin' that I could have a smoke right about now," he said, sounding as though all that happened today was a mildly exhausting hike. "But ya don't strike me as the type to beat around the bush, yer looking to talk about 'something' aren't ya." He gave Gladio a meaningful, almost glowering look before saying, "Close the door would'ja, I don't like eavesdroppers."

Surprised that it was that easy to get him to talk about it, the Shield was quick to do what Aquas had asked of him. The door now firmly shut, fingers crossed that there would be a knock before someone barged in, Gladio sat back down (a bit closer than the first) and waited for him to collect his thoughts.

"Now I'm only gonna warn ya once, so listen," he ordered, commanding all of his attention, "Any word of this leaves this room before I'm ready, yer ass'll be real sorry and I'll be gone before ya know it. This goes fer anything I tell just you, ya got it?!"

"Yes sir," Gladio said before he could stop himself. The was something familiar about that glare of his that forced out that kind of response.

"Good man," he said, satisfied with that answer, "I better start at the beginning of this whole mess then. Let's see..." he paused for a moment, searching his memories. "I had just turned nineteen, barely a man before I fell ass first into trouble. The big wigs had given me a mark, supposedly someone with a high profile. While doing my usual researchin', I came across a slight hiccup. There were two men in the godsdamned area with the same fucking name. At that point I figured this was some sorta test. So I became more cautious and staked out both places, going back and forth on who was the right mark. After two weeks of this bullshit, my patience had run thin and my reputation was on the line and like an idiot I said 'fuck it, that one' and began the heist. Wasn't long before I was caught, beaten unconscious, and shipped back to Filii Dea along with a mountain of gil from the supplier's house I just tried to rob."

"The trial wasn't pleasant, everyone put me down like the fuckin' moron kid I was. I thought I was a goner if one of the elders and the Oracle hadn't spoken up. I was offered a choice, I could die there or have the possibility of absolving myself through a brutal, illegal cage match tournament to prove to them that I was still an asset. Obviously I chose the second and that's how I met Cor."

At first, I didn't have a fucking clue who he was, didn't care either. Was more focused on livin' and only saw him as an obstacle to walking out of there a freeman. Those were the most stressful days of my life as I fought tooth and nail to the top spot of the finals. Imagine my surprise to see him as my last opponent, this almost generic looking guy who I thought would bite it long before that. I gave it my all but it wasn't enough. I was on the ground, good as dead, pleading with him to give me a quick death. He asked me why. I told him I was either gonna die here or they'd hang me from the nearest tree. I honestly lost all hope and was praying for him to finish me off. But then he did something weird. He put a finger to his ear and called the order."

"It was chaos after that, even today it's all still a blur. All I remember was Cor grabbing my arm and telling me to stay close as he lead me outside. Didn't know what was happening or where he was taking me, I was just glad to leave that hell hole behind. He took me to a car, pushed me inside, and got in the backseat with me and told the driver something I don't remember. But I do remember that fer the first time in a decade, I felt safe, like nothin' was gonna hurt me. It was such a relief that I was practically passed out asleep the entire time. Next thing I knew, I was in a house I didn't recognize, cars were constantly going by the front window, and there was Cor in his usual clothes reading a book, waiting for me to wake up."

"He made a deal with me, if I answered his questions he would let me stay with him, in the safety of Insomnia, rent free. I sat and pondered for a good while, weighing the pros and cons. In the end, safety was what won me over and the promise of an easy life. The entire time we were talking, Cor never got short with me and never asked who I was beyond my name. All he wanted was to build a solid case against the poor fuckers who were running the matches for Filii Dea. For five years we lived together, slowly getting to know each other through idle conversations, sparring matches, and just getting into a routine. I did the majority of the housework in exchange for some pocket money. The first year or so was lived just like that, livin' within the boarders of something like roommates. I stayed out of his personal life and he stayed out of mine. I tried to start a few relationships but they all fell through, none of those guys really understood me. After that, I started to take a closer look at Cor and wonder if there could be something more. There was seventeen years between us, too many differences at first and that kept me to just wonderin'. Little did I know that he was wonderin' the same thing."

"I still remember it like it were yesterday. It was real early spring and I wanted to go see the cherry trees bloom over in the park not too far from the house. For whatever reason, Cor was off that day and decided he wanted to tag along. As we walked, people were giving us all kinds'a looks, making a few snide comments ranging from harmless to outright malicious. Didn't bother me none, I was more than used to that kind of shit and wanted nothin' more than to respond in kind. I lost that fire when I looked at Cor and saw that it was really eatin' him up and it really surprised me, I've said worse shit to 'im while trainin' and he never bat an eye. I told him that he could go home, that I can more than take care of myself. He began to argue with me when one of my ex's came out of the blue to start trouble. More than the usual jealousy, verbally attackin' me with anythin' that might get under my skin and the fucker was doin' one helluva job or it too, even though I didn't let it show. He crossed the line when he started to say shit about Cor. That's when I backhanded him across the face as hard as I could and told him that he had five seconds t' walk on or he'd regret startin' shit with me. Cor was speechless at my bold threat fer easily making my ex turn heel and leg it. He was more shocked when I grabbed his hand and marched towards the park, figuring that I might as well go for broke now that he not only knew that I was into guys but had an idea of what I like. I found a quiet spot and told him that I liked him and that I didn't care about the age gap and if that weirded him out I would move out if he was uncomfortable with the idea and if he wanted me to. He said nothin', just stood there lettin' it all sink in before he scared the hell outta me by pullin' me in fer a kiss like no other."

"After that day our relationship grew, ya wouldn't think he was such a sweet guy by jus' talkin' to 'im. But as time went on, I began to feel real guilty about not tellin' him anythin' about who I was before he took me away from it all. Cor had let me into his home, let me see a side of him no one else did, the least I could do was tell him the full truth. Took me a few years to work up the moxy to tell him. Asked him to meet me at a café for lunch if he could make it, said I had to tell him something. I sat there for a couple hours, waiting for him to show up, but he never did. Instead, he sent the police after me, come to find out, and put me under arrest. It felt as though someone had stabbed me in the heart as I let them stuff me back of the car. I said nothing on the way there, still processing what was happening. By the time I came to my senses, I was handcuffed to a table and I found myself looking up to be face to face with His Majesty, King Regis and he didn't seem too friendly at the moment. I've always been taught to respect the man and being a few feet away from him, I knew why. He radiated power and grace and it chilled me to the bone. I wanted nothing more than for Cor to come in and save me, tell me everything was going to be okay. But he never showed, I pleaded and groveled for him so I could so I could at least tell him how sorry I was."

Tears had begun to fall from his eyes at the memory, but they didn't stop him from continuing, "I didn't know then, that morning, was the last time I would see him for four years. For a couple months after my release, by some miracle, I tried to contact him. But he was never home, he changed his phone number, never answered my letters, or was never in the places I knew he liked to take me. So I gave up trying to make up with him and went on with my life and made some new friends and held on to my old ones. One of those old friends was someone I met through Cor, an older feller named Clarus who was always very kind to me. I kinda knew who he was but I've never been one to pry into people's personal business when they have my respect, especially since he was giving me such a helping hand. He would help pass gifts to Cor for me when I knew his birthday or the holidays were near. Didn't expect much in return, just his company from time to time. It was... was a shock to uh... find his bod... I mean him in the Citadel. I would of given him a proper burial if could."

"Ya knew my dad," asked Gladio, stricken with emotion.

"Yeah, I see a lot of him in you," grasping the Shield's hand tightly, "I see his kindness the most. I only wish I could've told you all under better circumstances."

"Thanks for telling me this," he said, embracing him as gently as he could, "I really appreciate your trust and that you tried."

"Honestly, I want us to work," he said quietly as the tears fell faster, Gladio's hair tickling his nose as the man comforted him, "and I know what happens when I don't say what I need to say. I tell the guys when I'm ready, but not now."

"I get it," he chuckled, "I wouldn't know how to tell them I slept with Cor either."

Aquas laughed, really laughed for the first time in years. He felt like a little of the weight he'd been carrying had been lifted from his shoulders. It surprised him how easy it was to trust this person his only just met over a week ago, how at ease he felt when Gladio was around. It only convinced him more that he should pursue this relationship, make it work. Actually, now would be a good time to get on good terms with everyone.

Over the next few days, life at the Aurum household was all about slow and steady and it was a decent change of pace from the constant fighting and running from place to place. Everyone found something that they could do to help out either around the house or the garage. Noctis took care of running into town to pick up things that Cindy or Ignis needed, often accompanied by Prompto who tried to help in anything Cindy related. Ignis took it upon himself to clean, cook, and care for Aquas when he allowed it. The thief himself could often be found in the garage, helping in small ways like fetching tools and learning more about mechanics by watching Cindy work or listening to Cid's experiences. Gladio was either out doing odd jobs or at Aquas' side helping when he a "hard time" getting around. The others slowly understood that Gladio was really the only one of them that the thief truly trusted. Sure, Aquas would talk just about anything with them all and would occasionally let them see some semblance of vulnerability, but it seemed that those two were on more intimate terms. Only Ignis seemed to have an idea why and attributed it to the week they spent alone to the reason that the Shield was closer to Aquas than anyone else. Thankfully, they all seemed to accept that theory and tried to make the extra effort to talk with or just be around the thief. Much to his irritation of it getting in the way of the real reason that he and Gladio were on such good terms.

Even though it was frustrating to keep it all under wraps, Gladio found that it was thrilling to just barely steal a kiss from Aquas when the others where about to walk into the same room as them. There were other things that Aquas would only allow or do when there were absolutely no eyes on them. It was those moments that the thief would make some affectionate gesture to catch Gladio off guard since they turned into border line erotic touches rather than just innocent hand holding and the like. The Shield couldn't really complain either way, so long as they could the opportunity to have moments to themselves, he could pay the thief back in kind ten fold where no one could stop him. But that was all they could do, juvenile teasing. Whether it be not enough time or Aquas' still healing injuries, neither of them were getting laid.

There was on opportunity though, it came on one of their last nights at the house. It was late, most everyone was asleep. All except a lounging thief and a shield due for a deep soak in a tub. The bathroom Gladio had chosen had a large, four-clawed bathtub big enough to hold two of him. So when Aquas heard someone moving around in that particular room, he had an idea. Slowly, he carefully creeped around the house, silent as a wrathe, using his phone sparingly check on who was still asleep. After confirming that it was the one person he wanted to catch taking a bath in the middle of the night, he deftly made his way to the door and knocked softly. He couldn't help but smirk at the sound of sloshing water, plastic bottles hitting the floor, and Gladio cursing softly.

"It's me," Aquas said just loud enough to be heard through the door, failing to contain his amusement.

"Shiva's tits Aquas," swore Gladio, "Ya scared the hell outta me! Git in here, the door's unlocked."

Doing as he was told, the thief locked the door behind him and drank in the sight with a mixture of eroticism and levity. Gladio settling back in the tub after picking up the nearest soap bottle as another one was sill spinning by the sink. With a soft chuckle, Aquas scooped it up, looked at it for a moment, and handed it back to the tall, built man in the bath.

"Never figured ya a 'Altissian Shores' kinda guy," he teased.

"It ain't mine."

"I know. Jus' havin' a little fun with ya."

"Well if that's what ya want, there's room for one more."

"That was the idea," he said, striping his clothes slowly for Gladio's enjoyment. "But sadly we can't have too much fun with out waking the dead."

"Well damn," he hummed, not sounding displeased at all as he watched the thief climb in with him, "then what can we do?"

Sighing with relief at the warmth around him, he gave the Shield those bedroom eyes as his voice dropped, "Oh I'm sure I could think of something."

After pleasuring themselves, the thief eased himself back against Gladio's chest as his arms snaked around in a tender embrace as he planted a soft kiss on the back of his neck. Aquas hummed in both content and comfort, his whole body lax against the other man. It was one of those moments he wished he could freeze in time but his ever pondering mind wouldn't allow it. "So, what's next, " he asked softly.

"What do you mean," leaning forward to lay his chin in between Aquas' neck and shoulder.

"I mean once we leave here," getting a bit more serious, "Where's the next place we need to be?"

"I think we'll go to Lestallum and meet up with my sister," he answered, "Why?"

"Well, I've been rackin' my brain fer places I've seen other tombs," he said, his voice a little too at ease for such talk, "and I do believe, if memory serves, there's on in the ol' Balouve Mines. Good news is, it'd be on the way..."

Gladio, catching on, knew the answer but still asked, "And the bad news?"

"The place is full of deamons and I don't quite recall where it is," relented the thief, "But I don't remember the deamons in there bein' to terribly hard t' kill, jus' annoyin' and like messin' wit' the mine carts."

"Well, if its for a glaive," laying back against the tub as he considered it, "I don't think anyone else would argue."

"'Cept maybe Mr. Photographer."

"Yeah, Prom will probably bitch about a deamon infested mine."

"Think about that sentence, what's wrong with it?"

"Fair point. He'll definately bitch."

The next morning, Aquas told the group about the glaive that may be in the nearby abandoned mine and the possible dangers inside. Like the thief predicted, Prompto began to complain but was soon bolstered by Cindy saying she'd be 'real grateful' if they retrieved a rare car part rumored to be there. So the matter was quickly settled, as soon as Aquas had fully recovered, their next destination was Balouve Mines. But as soon as it was all set, the thief was beginning to have a bad feeling about going there so soon. Well, he had the same feeling when he entered the Citadel and look how that turned out! So he pushed it aside, assured that it'll all turn out fine in the end. He hoped to Etro he wasn't wrong.