Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 19

Prompto sat before the fire, Noctis curled into his side, as the humans and were's ate their dinner, some kind of really thick, meaty, stew since Gladio hadn't eaten in a week. It was thicker than the one he'd had when he woke up. Things were…tense and he knew it was because of him. Gladio did not like the way Noctis acted towards him, that was obvious. He'd sat beside his Dad and hadn't really said anything to him since they'd said hi. Why would he? As far as Gladio was obviously concerned, he was the enemy, just one he was stuck with unless he wanted to risk killing Noct. Prompto didn't think he'd risk it, not after their reunion in the tent, but could he be completely sure? He knew he was incredibly lucky to have not suffered any long-term effects from his own Sire's death, with the timing it could have killed him and Noctis.

He smiled as Noct nuzzled at his throat, obviously seeking comfort, upset by the tension. Prompto pressed a kiss to the top of his head and then gave him a flask of blood to drink.

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Gladio watched the soft kiss and then how he passed a flask to Noctis, taking a second to realise what was in it. Was it human blood? It helped make it real, what Noct had become, to see him drinking from that. He couldn't see anything; he could pretend it was anything Noctis was drinking…but he still knew what it really was. He couldn't smell it, yet, how long till his senses were good enough that he'd be able to smell the blood?

He didn't know what to think or feel about everything he'd been told so far. Usually he'd look to Ignis for answers and plans but…he glanced at him; he was so different now. Ignis met his gaze and there was something hesitant, withdrawn…oh. He was bound to Prompto so Gladio's dislike and distrust for the vampire… he just didn't know what to do. Only the fact his Dad was there and not doing anything was keeping him calm.

He was surprised when Prompto and Noct bedded down for the night outside with Pelna, leaving the tent to his Dad, him, and Ignis. He wanted to insist on Noctis being with them, the better to keep him safe, but his Dad shook his head, ushering him into the tent.

"Dad…"

"It's fine Gladio, Noctis is perfectly safe out there and you need rest. If anyone comes near, those three will know long before us," his Dad told him, shocking him.

Did he…did he really trust them that much? Noctis when he was human was almost impossible to wake up, he guessed stronger senses would make it easier but still. So he trusted the other two enough to wake them all, to protect Noct?

He…he still wanted to protect Noctis, even though he was a vampire. Did he really believe he was still the Noctis he'd known for so many years? He acted like Noct, talked like him, except for the whole cuddling with his Sire thing. He'd never seen Noctis act like that before but it didn't seem like he was being controlled or anything.

He watched as Ignis crawled into his sleeping bag, his own bag had been laid beside his, and Ignis looked up at him hopefully. Gladio got into his bag and then Ignis shifted closer hesitantly. "Can…can I?" Ignis murmured.

Gladio realised what he was asking, surprised. How much had changed between them in the time he couldn't remember? Then again…Noctis had told him, hadn't he? That everyone had been with each other except for Prompto and Noctis. He held his arm out cautiously and Ignis shifted to curl up against him.

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Clarus watched the boys sleep, seeing Gladio sleep with an arm around Ignis who had one hand twisted in his shirt even in his sleep. Gladio's near-death had shaken him badly, had shaken everyone. He was just better at hiding it than the children, though Noctis knew how badly he had taken the news at first. He wished he could stay with them, at least until the first full moon, but he couldn't be gone from the city for so long.

Legally, Gladio could come home with him, with the help already given surely King Nyx would give aid to him in the city too. It would be good publicity for them if nothing else. But Gladio was Noctis' Shield, they needed him with them. Four people stood a better chance in the wild than three. However, if Gladio couldn't accept and adjust to all the changes then he wouldn't be an asset to the group.

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Prompto held Noctis to his chest, purring softly for his Childe to comfort him. Noctis was clinging to him, whimpering ever so softly in distress. Pelna had thankfully moved to the edge of the clearing, giving them privacy. He knew Noctis was very upset by Gladio's near-death but also the fact he'd forgotten everything of the last months and the fact he was so wary. He'd hugged Noct in the tent but after…he could tell Gladio wanted him as far away from Noct and Iggy as he could get him but that wasn't possible. Noctis needed him and Iggy was blood bonded to him, he didn't know what would happen to him if they were too far apart or if the worst happened and he died.

"It's okay," he whispered, kissing his forehead and Noct lifted his head, revealing a tear-streaked face. "We'll work this out." Somehow.

Noct pressed even closer if that was possible and then lips were pressed to his own, his whimpers turning to whines. For a second, Prompto kissed back, a hand stroking up and down his back but then he pulled his head back.

"Noct no, we can't," he gulped in air. That had been…he wanted it so bad.

"Please…please…" Noct was literally begging, moving against him.

Prompto gently grabbed his hips, stilling him. "No Noct," he shook his head. Noctis wasn't thinking, just seeking some kind of comfort. He didn't really want what he was asking for, not now.

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Pelna lay still, able to hear everything, and very glad that Prompto was stopping things from going any further. He was right, now was not a good time for them to try and take things further. That was not something he wanted to be in range for… and not something that should happen while the Prince was bound to him. No matter how hard Prompto tried to not influence him, who knew what could leak through without him realising. Pelna was as sure as he could be that Noctis genuinely loved Prompto and that Prompto loved him but it would be best for everyone if they waited.

He knew the laws would soon be changed to allow vampires to live in the city, his own King had passed the word on just before Noctis had called him. Technically, once they had passed, the group could go back to the city, but would they? It might be safer to stay on the road, let any unrest happen before they did. The last thing anyone needed was someone getting to Noctis or Prompto, that would cause things to escalate beyond any control. The Empire would just love that.

Prompto's accent was gone now, it had been for a while thankfully, otherwise their ruse with the Hunters would have failed. Was it good enough to fool everyone at the Citadel? He wasn't sure. So maybe more time would be better for that too.

At least Prompto had managed to settle Noctis and it sounded like he was asleep.

"Sorry," Prompto whispered.

"He okay?" Pelna asked just as quietly.

"Hope so."

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Gladio didn't know what to say. He could go home…but that would mean leaving Noctis, breaking his oath as Shield, betraying his family legacy. Staying meant seeing the older vampire, the one that had killed Noctis and taken them all away from home. If he went with his Dad, people would know what had happened to him and that he'd abandoned Noct. He just…he jabbed the fire with a stick, feeling miserable. The others were asleep or not in camp, he couldn't see Pelna or either vampire and assumed they were hunting or something. He didn't like Noct being out there without him though.

"Gladio?"

He turned to find Noctis hovering, unsure, just outside the firelight. He was looking forward to them not being able to sneak up on him so easily. He peered into the darkness, trying to spot Argentum but he couldn't see any sign of him.

"You can go home; I understand if you don't want to stay," Noctis told him, staring at the fire and not him.

"Noct…" he got to his feet.

"You don't like Prom; you don't like what I am now. And as much as I hate that, it makes you a liability out here," Noctis told him, finally looking at him, and while it might have seemed cold, the pain in his eyes was clear, he didn't want Gladio to leave.

It hurt to hear…but it was true. All it would take was the slightest hesitation in a fight to get someone killed. And if Prompto died…it could kill or cripple Noct. Could he fight beside the Niff? Could he spend every day with them, watch them drink blood…would they expect him to offer his blood?

He stared at Noctis who stared back and all the signs were there, he was hurting and doing his best to hide it.

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Noctis hated telling Gladio that, but it was the truth. He could get them all killed…then again his adjusting to being a werewolf could throw him off in a fight enough to endanger them. He wanted so badly for Gladio to want to stay with them, to be willing to fight for all of them, but could he?

He tried to hide how much it hurt, especially after months of whispering love and being together. Gladio stared at him and then took a step towards him and Noctis made himself stand his ground. Gladio reached out, a hand resting on his shoulder for a moment before he tugged him in. Noctis slumped, hands coming up to clutch his jacket, even as he buried his head against Gladio's chest.

"Noct," Gladio murmured, holding him tight, "you're still a brat."

He laughed softly, taking that for a good sign. "I love him Gladio, and I know it's not him influencing me. But I love you and Ignis too," he tried to explain.

"Noctis, I took Oaths to protect you from everything, you know what they entail. Being with you…" Gladio looked torn, and it gave him hope that the feelings hadn't vanished with the bond and his memories.

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He hated hurting the kid, but even if he could get past Noctis being a vampire now, he was his Shield and that position came with a lot of rules. One of those was no sleeping with the Royal the Shield protected, no Royal at all really. A Shield couldn't afford to be distracted and a relationship with their charge would be a massive distraction on duty.

By the sound of it, he'd told Noctis he loved him…had he really felt that or was it because of what had been done to him? Why couldn't he

"Uhhh," he staggered, feeling cold hands catch him, pressing his hands to his face. It hurt!

"Gladio!" Noctis called in alarm.

He tried to keep his weight off him but he couldn't. His head….

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He caught Gladio easily, despite how much bigger than him the older male was. Yay for vampire strength. "Gladio!" he was scared, what was wrong with him? He was in pain and Noct carefully lowered them to the ground, wishing he hadn't rushed ahead of Prompto. He settled Gladio's head in his lap, carefully running his hands through his hair, hoping the cold would help.

He summoned a potion and broke it over him, just in case, but nothing changed. "It's okay, I've got you," he whispered.

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He could dimly hear Noct, felt a potion, it hurt! Worse than the attack that had left him with the scar over his eye. Images flashed before his eyes…Prompto holding him…Iggy looking innocent….Noct like a child…tangled with Noct in a bed…the feeling of fangs in his neck…kissing Noct and tasting blood…holding Noct as he slept literally like the dead…image after image, sensations…

He blinked, seeing a terrified Noct leaning over him, his head in his lap.

"Gladio?" he whispered.

He reached up and touched Noctis' cheek, feeling the cold of his skin, wondering if he felt hot to him now. Blue eyes widened slightly but he leant into his hand.

"Gladio?" his voice was shaky but…hopeful.

"I…" he swallowed. He remembered now and he felt so confused. He carefully sat up but the pain was gone. Gladio took a deep breath and then reached out to draw Noctis into his arms, the young vampire looking wary but going with it. He held Noct basically in his lap and it felt right. He pressed his nose to fine black hair, smelling his soap, but more, the ozone of his magic and something else…was his sense of smell already getting better?

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Prompto had heard Noctis' call and rushed back to camp, worried, but now he saw Gladio drawing Noct into his lap, holding him close. He felt a flicker of hope as the new werewolf pressed his nose to Noctis' hair, scenting him? Noctis raised his head and Prom could feel his cautious hope growing. And then Gladio leant in to hesitantly kiss Noctis. Yes!

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Noct whimpered softly as Gladio kissed him, hands rising to grip his shirt, his eyes fluttering shut. He shifted in his lap so they were face to face without breaking the kiss, pressing as close as he could.

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Clarus blinked as his son kissed his Prince, seeing Noctis react eagerly, before he withdrew back into the tent, glad that Ignis was still asleep. It went against everything he knew for the two to be together, for either retainer to be so close to Noctis, but Noctis' very existence broke the rules now. Perhaps, the King of Light needed different kinds of bonds to fulfil the Prophecy?

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Ignis woke to find Gladio's arm over his waist, closing his eyes again to just enjoy it, knowing once Gladio was awake he'd pull away. So he was shocked when warm lips pressed a kiss just behind his ear. "Gladio?" he whispered.

"I'm sorry Iggy," he answered softly, tightening his grip.

He shifted to roll over and face him. "For what?"

"Forgetting." He traced Ignis' face, and he stared at Gladio. Did he…remember now? and then Gladio kissed him hesitantly.

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Prompto kept an arm around Noct's waist, basking in his joy as they lounged around the unlit fire. They could hear Gladio and Ignis in the tent and he knew Clarus had seen his son with Noctis the night before so he was likely up so early to give the two in the tent time alone to talk. A glance at Pelna showed the wolf was relieved that things seemed to be going a lot better. The final test was to come though, how would Gladio react to him now?

Pelna had cooked a basic breakfast for them and Prompto'd made sure they had already drunk some blood. They hadn't fed from someone since Gladio had woken, sticking to bagged or animal, and Noct needed to feed properly soon, but seemed reluctant until Gladio came around.

A few minutes later, the two emerged from the tent and Iggy looked so content, his hand tangled with Gladio's. they got their breakfast and joined the rest around the fire, Prompto feeling hopeful when Gladio sat beside him for the first time.

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"Are you alright son?" Clarus asked softly, moving to lean against the rocks. Gladio was fully recovered and it was far enough from the full moon that Pelna was fine with him being further away so they had gone for a walk together.

"I remember now Dad," he admitted. "Everything and…"

"You love them," Clarus finished for him. "I saw you and Noctis last night, he woke me when he called your name."

"Dad…I'm sorry."

"Don't be Gladio. I've only ever wanted happiness for you and Iris. Noctis will be a very different type of King, even without being a vampire. Perhaps he needs a different kind of retinue to match. Your sister might be a little disappointed," he admitted. He knew she had something of a crush on the young Prince and would have been a valid option once she was older if Noctis had not already married.

"Is she okay? Does she…know about me?"

"It's been hard, I told her before Regis made the official announcement and she was terrified for all of you. Seeing the picture of you and Noctis helped a lot. No, I didn't tell her about you before I left, I thought it better to be able to give her good news when I returned," he admitted. He had dreaded the thought of returning to tell her Gladio was dead and was so happy he wouldn't have to.

"Do you think it'll be safe for us to come home once Noct's Pilgrimage is over?"

"I hope so. No matter when you return, there's a chance things will escalate once the people are forced to actually see Noctis and Prompto," he warned, and Gladio nodded. "Do you want people to know about you?"

"They have to, don't they?" Gladio asked.

"We could leave it until closer to your return," he offered.

"Whatever the King thinks best as long as Iris knows. I…I don't want to come home and have her scared of me."

"Your sister loves you Gladio, you'll have gone through several full moons before you come home. You can always call and talk to her too."

Gladio nodded. "She's still got the same number?"

Clarus chuckled, Gladio knew his sister well. "Her phone still lives," he promised.

Gladio sighed and stared at him. "You can't stay any longer, can you?" he asked quietly.

"I wish I could," he promised. "I love you son, no matter what." He rested a hand on Gladio's shoulder. "I don't know if I can get away again before you come home."

"Don't risk it Dad, if things are unsettled the King will need you and so will Iris."

Three hours later, Clarus had to force himself to drive away.

TBC…