It’s a warm Saturday afternoon. Noctis sways contently on Gladio’s porch swing while the two tiny kittens lay curled up on his lap, completely spent from the workout of attempting to capture a feather teaser Noct had brought over for them. He glances at them fondly, scratching the tops of their fuzzy little heads, their tiny paws kneading at the fabric of his cargo pants when Gladio emerges from within his house, two cup noodle containers in his grasps.
“Lunch is ready.” he says and sits down next to Noct. “Careful, they’re still hot.”
“Thanks.” Noct says as he takes one of the cups and snuggles up closer to the other man. “So where were you Thursday night, I missed you.”
Gladio blows into his cup before smiling at his guest. “Aww, I’m sorry. Had a meeting with my Agent about the new book I’m working on.”
“Oh that’s cool. What’s it about, or is that top secret?” Noct asks with a smile.
“It’s a children’s book about two naughty little kitties and the adventures they have during their day to day lives.” he says while eyeing the two sleeping kittens. “Like defeating diabolical houseplants, perilously climbing to the top of curtains, or signing the song of their ancestors at three in the morning.”
“That’s so adorable, I would love to buy a copy when it’s published. Especially if you promise to sign it.”
“Defiantly.” Gladio chuckles and takes a bite of his noodles. “So how did it go yesterday with your dad?”
“Better than I expected, he finally gave me his blessing for my life choices. I also saw your father.”
“Oh? And what riveting conversations did you two have?” Gladio asks with a snicker.
“Just about how my dad is proud of me, that it was good to see me again and how happy he was that you and I became friends.” Noct begins and gets a playful smirk. “Then I asked for his son’s hand in marriage and he shed tears of joy since he thought you were going to end up an old spinster.”
Gladio laughs heartily. “Okay, yeah sure.”
“What? You think I’m joking?” Noctis continues to tease, nudging the other man’s arm.
“Well if you did, I think you missed a few steps.”
“Oh, like what?” Noct asks friskily raising an eyebrow.
“Well you could buy me dinner first.”
Noctis gets a wistful look on his face before smiling and taking a bite of his lunch. “Okay, you got any plans for tonight?”
“Nope.”
“Great, I’ll pick you up at five then.”
“All right then.”
The two men look happily at one another, with Gladio placing an arm around the other man’s shoulders and pulling him closer. Noct rests his head against Gladio’s chest as the kittens readjust themselves by splaying across the two men’s laps, yawning deeply before the soft rumbling of their purrs start up again. The larger of the two men nudges his foot against the deck to gently rock them as they enjoy each other’s company and watch as the neighborhood children run and play. Then the proverbial stick in the mud returns home from shopping and huffs at the grinning pair eating their Ramen cups and petting the tiny kittens.
“Hey Iggy, what’s up?” Noct asks, his grin widening as he snuggles into the giggling Gladio.
But Ignis just forces a smile back and adjust the bags in his arms. “Nothing really, just having a guest over for dinner tonight and needed some fresh ingredients.”
“Oh, someone’s having a hot date tonight.” Gladio teases, receiving a scowl from the other man.
“It’s not a date.” Ignis snips and adjusts his glasses. “I am simply making dinner as a thank you for all her help.”
Noctis eyes lighten up, an excited look spreads across his features. “Her? It’s Aranea isn’t it? I knew it!” Noct laughs out joyfully. “Prompto owes me 20 Gil.”
“It’s not like that!” Ignis snaps, a redness creeping up his cheeks and ears. “We are merely friends, and do NOT make bets on my love life. That is truly shameful!”
Ignis lets out a frustrated scoff and storms into his house as the two men giggle sheepishly. They finish with their lunch and continue to cuddle on the swing with the two kittens still snuggled up on their laps. A while later, a young neighbor girl squeals loudly as she runs up Gladio’s front lawn and carefully climbs up the railing to lean over top and give a toothy grin.
“Hey Mister Gladdy! I wanna show you my friend, he’s really cute!” she beams brightly.
Gladio gives a bemused chuckle and pulls away from Noctis while softly adjusting the kittens onto the other’s lap. “Sure kiddo, let’s see what ya got.”
The little girl reaches into the front of her shirt pocket and pulls out something that Noctis can’t quite make out. The little girl looks at Noctis with a squint before gasping and her little hands flail excitedly.
“Hey I know you, you’re the Vet that took care of Princess and Bandit.” she squeals with delight. “You wanna see my friend too? He really is cute!”
Gladio smiles and looks back at him. “Well, what do you think Doc?” He says and presents the black and brown fuzzy caterpillar.
Noct turns sheet white and grabs the kittens before edging as far back on the swing as possible. “NOPE! Nope nope nope.”
“Jeez wuss, you afraid of a harmless little Wooly Bear?” Gladio taunts with a chuckle.
“Yeah wuss.” the little girl parrots and receives a tut from the large brunette. “But that’s not a big person word, not like asshole or bastard or fu-”
“Okay, that’s enough out of you.” Gladio says with a hint of embarrassment and hands the caterpillar back. “Why don’t you go take your friend and put him in a bush, so that way he can eat some leaves.”
“I will!” she says and hopes down from the railing before dashing off. “Bye Mister Gladdy, bye Doctor Wuss!”
“She’s a trip.” Gladio laughs as Noctis gives him a tender smile. “What’s that look for?”
“Oh, nothing.” Noctis titters and stands up. He gives a quick nuzzle to the kitten’s back before handing them to the older man. “Well I should probably head home and start getting ready. I’ll be back for you at five.”
Gladio chuckles and looks at his watch. “What, it’ll take you three and a half hours to get ready?”
“Hey, gotta look good for our date.”
The two exchange a laugh and say goodbye before Gladio heads back into his house and Noctis leaves with an excited smile plastered on his face. He eventually returns to Gladio’s and parks out front by the curb, but before he goes to pick up his date he spots a certain silvery blonde leaning up against the banister of Ignis porch and tapping away at her phone as she puffs away on a cigarette.
“Hey Aranea.”
She looks up from her phone and smiles. “Hey there pretty boy, what are you all dressed up for? Having a romantic evening?”
“Yup.” he says with grin. “So tell me, is it considered ‘Contempt of Cop’ if I give you the shovel talk?”
“For you, yes. But don’t worry, I’ll be gentle with him.” Aranea titters and pats his cheek.
He gives her a laugh and a waive before walking up onto Gladio’s porch and ringing the doorbell. The front door swings open and a young girl stands on the other side, a glint in her eyes and a broad grin twisting across her face. A noise that sounds akin to someone slowly releasing air from a balloon escapes from the teen as she pushes the screen door open and jumps onto Noctis, hugging him. Five other girls emerge from inside and titter loudly while snapping photos with their phones.
“Wow! It’s so finally nice to meet you Noctis!” the young teen giggles and finally releases her death grip from around him. “I’m Iris, Gladdy’s little sister.”
He smiles down bashfully at her and gives her a nod. “It’s nice to finally meet you too. Your brother has shown me some of the adorable outfits you made for the kittens. I might have to get you make something for my cat Bass.”
Iris’ face brightens and she squeals again. “Oh I would love that!”
“All right you shrieking banshee, that’s enough.” Gladio groans as he steps out from his home.
A whistle draws their attention over to Aranea who leans against the railing separating the two porches and gives the brunette a once over before looking to Noctis.
“I guess I could have put you in the holding tank overnight. You would have been in your glory with all those big burly men.”
Noctis turns a deep shade of red and bristles at the smirking women just as Ignis exits his house, curious as to what all the commotion was. He looks taken aback at his friend’s presence before scowling at his neighbor. It’s at this time that Noctis bids a quick adieu to the group on the two porches and clutches Gladio’s hand, sprinting with him to his car. Like a couple of love-struck teens running away from a disapproving parent, they hop into Noct’s car and peel out, but not before seeing Aranea drag a seething Ignis into his house by a belt loop. The two drive to their destination, laughing and singing to the radio while just enjoying themselves. Noctis pulls into the restaurant's parking lot and Gladio grins ecstatically.
“Ha! It’s that new noodle shop that just opened. I’ve been wanting to try this place since I heard about them building it. Man, you know how to win a man’s heart, don’t ya?” he says and gives a warm smile to his companion.
Noctis smiles at him and reaches his hand out to the other before they head in to enjoy a nice dinner. After telling more stories from their childhoods, stealing bites from each other’s dinner, and sharing a large slice of cake the two men decide to take a walk through the nearby park. They stop midway across a small bridge and peer over into the lake below where large koi fish swim about underneath the glistening water. Noctis smiles contently and leans into Gladio, who slips his large arm around the smaller man’s waist and pulls him in closer.
“This night is perfect.” Noct says calmly and nuzzles into Gladio’s arm before looking up at him.
Gladio looks down and smiles warmly. “It sure is, and you are the luckiest man in the world to get to spend it with me.”
Noctis laughs and smacks the other man’s chest softly but keeps his hand rested there as they look into each other’s eyes, a deep warmth cascading from them both. Noctis leans up slightly on his toes but begins to fidget and groan in frustration.
“What’s wrong?” Gladio chuckles out softly.
“You’re too damn tall.” Noctis pouts, getting an amused laugh.
“Or you’re just too damn short.” Gladio chuckles as he leans down a bit before shooting the other man a cheeky grin. “Better?”
Noctis brushes his hands across Gladio’s cheeks before tangling them into his brown mane and pulling his face towards his own. “Yeah, much better.”
Their lips softly connect together before Noctis pulls back and looks to the other for any sign of displeasure. But Gladio lets out a longing sigh and wraps his arms around Noct’s hips and pulls him into a deeper kiss. He gently lifts the smaller man and gives him a twirl as they both chuckle happily and lean in for another kiss.
“Is it too soon to say how madly in love I am with you?” Gladio asks and nuzzles Noctis’ nose with his own.
“Nope, because I’m madly in love you too.” Noctis says and peppers tiny kisses against Gladio’s lips.
Gladio gently sets Noct down and runs his hands softly down the other’s arms before taking Noct's hands into his own. He brandishes a wide smile before motioning to continue their walk. Noct releases his hands from the other and allows him to take a few steps ahead before he boldly jumps onto Gladio’s broad back; laughing and clinging on like a spider monkey. The tall brunette laughs just as loudly and adjusts his boyfriend to a more comfortable position and continues walking with him nestled snuggly against his back. Noctis wraps his arms more closely around Gladio’s neck and sighs lovingly as he nuzzles into his neck.
Fill Re: Noctis/Any, Veterinarian or Pet Store Owner Noctis (13/15)
“Lunch is ready.” he says and sits down next to Noct. “Careful, they’re still hot.”
“Thanks.” Noct says as he takes one of the cups and snuggles up closer to the other man. “So where were you Thursday night, I missed you.”
Gladio blows into his cup before smiling at his guest. “Aww, I’m sorry. Had a meeting with my Agent about the new book I’m working on.”
“Oh that’s cool. What’s it about, or is that top secret?” Noct asks with a smile.
“It’s a children’s book about two naughty little kitties and the adventures they have during their day to day lives.” he says while eyeing the two sleeping kittens. “Like defeating diabolical houseplants, perilously climbing to the top of curtains, or signing the song of their ancestors at three in the morning.”
“That’s so adorable, I would love to buy a copy when it’s published. Especially if you promise to sign it.”
“Defiantly.” Gladio chuckles and takes a bite of his noodles. “So how did it go yesterday with your dad?”
“Better than I expected, he finally gave me his blessing for my life choices. I also saw your father.”
“Oh? And what riveting conversations did you two have?” Gladio asks with a snicker.
“Just about how my dad is proud of me, that it was good to see me again and how happy he was that you and I became friends.” Noct begins and gets a playful smirk. “Then I asked for his son’s hand in marriage and he shed tears of joy since he thought you were going to end up an old spinster.”
Gladio laughs heartily. “Okay, yeah sure.”
“What? You think I’m joking?” Noctis continues to tease, nudging the other man’s arm.
“Well if you did, I think you missed a few steps.”
“Oh, like what?” Noct asks friskily raising an eyebrow.
“Well you could buy me dinner first.”
Noctis gets a wistful look on his face before smiling and taking a bite of his lunch. “Okay, you got any plans for tonight?”
“Nope.”
“Great, I’ll pick you up at five then.”
“All right then.”
The two men look happily at one another, with Gladio placing an arm around the other man’s shoulders and pulling him closer. Noct rests his head against Gladio’s chest as the kittens readjust themselves by splaying across the two men’s laps, yawning deeply before the soft rumbling of their purrs start up again. The larger of the two men nudges his foot against the deck to gently rock them as they enjoy each other’s company and watch as the neighborhood children run and play. Then the proverbial stick in the mud returns home from shopping and huffs at the grinning pair eating their Ramen cups and petting the tiny kittens.
“Hey Iggy, what’s up?” Noct asks, his grin widening as he snuggles into the giggling Gladio.
But Ignis just forces a smile back and adjust the bags in his arms. “Nothing really, just having a guest over for dinner tonight and needed some fresh ingredients.”
“Oh, someone’s having a hot date tonight.” Gladio teases, receiving a scowl from the other man.
“It’s not a date.” Ignis snips and adjusts his glasses. “I am simply making dinner as a thank you for all her help.”
Noctis eyes lighten up, an excited look spreads across his features. “Her? It’s Aranea isn’t it? I knew it!” Noct laughs out joyfully. “Prompto owes me 20 Gil.”
“It’s not like that!” Ignis snaps, a redness creeping up his cheeks and ears. “We are merely friends, and do NOT make bets on my love life. That is truly shameful!”
Ignis lets out a frustrated scoff and storms into his house as the two men giggle sheepishly. They finish with their lunch and continue to cuddle on the swing with the two kittens still snuggled up on their laps. A while later, a young neighbor girl squeals loudly as she runs up Gladio’s front lawn and carefully climbs up the railing to lean over top and give a toothy grin.
“Hey Mister Gladdy! I wanna show you my friend, he’s really cute!” she beams brightly.
Gladio gives a bemused chuckle and pulls away from Noctis while softly adjusting the kittens onto the other’s lap. “Sure kiddo, let’s see what ya got.”
The little girl reaches into the front of her shirt pocket and pulls out something that Noctis can’t quite make out. The little girl looks at Noctis with a squint before gasping and her little hands flail excitedly.
“Hey I know you, you’re the Vet that took care of Princess and Bandit.” she squeals with delight. “You wanna see my friend too? He really is cute!”
Gladio smiles and looks back at him. “Well, what do you think Doc?” He says and presents the black and brown fuzzy caterpillar.
Noct turns sheet white and grabs the kittens before edging as far back on the swing as possible. “NOPE! Nope nope nope.”
“Jeez wuss, you afraid of a harmless little Wooly Bear?” Gladio taunts with a chuckle.
“Yeah wuss.” the little girl parrots and receives a tut from the large brunette. “But that’s not a big person word, not like asshole or bastard or fu-”
“Okay, that’s enough out of you.” Gladio says with a hint of embarrassment and hands the caterpillar back. “Why don’t you go take your friend and put him in a bush, so that way he can eat some leaves.”
“I will!” she says and hopes down from the railing before dashing off. “Bye Mister Gladdy, bye Doctor Wuss!”
“She’s a trip.” Gladio laughs as Noctis gives him a tender smile. “What’s that look for?”
“Oh, nothing.” Noctis titters and stands up. He gives a quick nuzzle to the kitten’s back before handing them to the older man. “Well I should probably head home and start getting ready. I’ll be back for you at five.”
Gladio chuckles and looks at his watch. “What, it’ll take you three and a half hours to get ready?”
“Hey, gotta look good for our date.”
The two exchange a laugh and say goodbye before Gladio heads back into his house and Noctis leaves with an excited smile plastered on his face. He eventually returns to Gladio’s and parks out front by the curb, but before he goes to pick up his date he spots a certain silvery blonde leaning up against the banister of Ignis porch and tapping away at her phone as she puffs away on a cigarette.
“Hey Aranea.”
She looks up from her phone and smiles. “Hey there pretty boy, what are you all dressed up for? Having a romantic evening?”
“Yup.” he says with grin. “So tell me, is it considered ‘Contempt of Cop’ if I give you the shovel talk?”
“For you, yes. But don’t worry, I’ll be gentle with him.” Aranea titters and pats his cheek.
He gives her a laugh and a waive before walking up onto Gladio’s porch and ringing the doorbell. The front door swings open and a young girl stands on the other side, a glint in her eyes and a broad grin twisting across her face. A noise that sounds akin to someone slowly releasing air from a balloon escapes from the teen as she pushes the screen door open and jumps onto Noctis, hugging him. Five other girls emerge from inside and titter loudly while snapping photos with their phones.
“Wow! It’s so finally nice to meet you Noctis!” the young teen giggles and finally releases her death grip from around him. “I’m Iris, Gladdy’s little sister.”
He smiles down bashfully at her and gives her a nod. “It’s nice to finally meet you too. Your brother has shown me some of the adorable outfits you made for the kittens. I might have to get you make something for my cat Bass.”
Iris’ face brightens and she squeals again. “Oh I would love that!”
“All right you shrieking banshee, that’s enough.” Gladio groans as he steps out from his home.
A whistle draws their attention over to Aranea who leans against the railing separating the two porches and gives the brunette a once over before looking to Noctis.
“I guess I could have put you in the holding tank overnight. You would have been in your glory with all those big burly men.”
Noctis turns a deep shade of red and bristles at the smirking women just as Ignis exits his house, curious as to what all the commotion was. He looks taken aback at his friend’s presence before scowling at his neighbor. It’s at this time that Noctis bids a quick adieu to the group on the two porches and clutches Gladio’s hand, sprinting with him to his car. Like a couple of love-struck teens running away from a disapproving parent, they hop into Noct’s car and peel out, but not before seeing Aranea drag a seething Ignis into his house by a belt loop. The two drive to their destination, laughing and singing to the radio while just enjoying themselves. Noctis pulls into the restaurant's parking lot and Gladio grins ecstatically.
“Ha! It’s that new noodle shop that just opened. I’ve been wanting to try this place since I heard about them building it. Man, you know how to win a man’s heart, don’t ya?” he says and gives a warm smile to his companion.
Noctis smiles at him and reaches his hand out to the other before they head in to enjoy a nice dinner. After telling more stories from their childhoods, stealing bites from each other’s dinner, and sharing a large slice of cake the two men decide to take a walk through the nearby park. They stop midway across a small bridge and peer over into the lake below where large koi fish swim about underneath the glistening water. Noctis smiles contently and leans into Gladio, who slips his large arm around the smaller man’s waist and pulls him in closer.
“This night is perfect.” Noct says calmly and nuzzles into Gladio’s arm before looking up at him.
Gladio looks down and smiles warmly. “It sure is, and you are the luckiest man in the world to get to spend it with me.”
Noctis laughs and smacks the other man’s chest softly but keeps his hand rested there as they look into each other’s eyes, a deep warmth cascading from them both. Noctis leans up slightly on his toes but begins to fidget and groan in frustration.
“What’s wrong?” Gladio chuckles out softly.
“You’re too damn tall.” Noctis pouts, getting an amused laugh.
“Or you’re just too damn short.” Gladio chuckles as he leans down a bit before shooting the other man a cheeky grin. “Better?”
Noctis brushes his hands across Gladio’s cheeks before tangling them into his brown mane and pulling his face towards his own. “Yeah, much better.”
Their lips softly connect together before Noctis pulls back and looks to the other for any sign of displeasure. But Gladio lets out a longing sigh and wraps his arms around Noct’s hips and pulls him into a deeper kiss. He gently lifts the smaller man and gives him a twirl as they both chuckle happily and lean in for another kiss.
“Is it too soon to say how madly in love I am with you?” Gladio asks and nuzzles Noctis’ nose with his own.
“Nope, because I’m madly in love you too.” Noctis says and peppers tiny kisses against Gladio’s lips.
Gladio gently sets Noct down and runs his hands softly down the other’s arms before taking Noct's hands into his own. He brandishes a wide smile before motioning to continue their walk. Noct releases his hands from the other and allows him to take a few steps ahead before he boldly jumps onto Gladio’s broad back; laughing and clinging on like a spider monkey. The tall brunette laughs just as loudly and adjusts his boyfriend to a more comfortable position and continues walking with him nestled snuggly against his back. Noctis wraps his arms more closely around Gladio’s neck and sighs lovingly as he nuzzles into his neck.