riverviewlogs | AU Plot: Gladiolus (FFXV spoilers within)

Entry tags:

AU Plot: Gladiolus (FFXV spoilers within)

who: AU Gladio and various people (let me know if you want in)
what: Please refer to the AU plot announcement and below for deets.
when: June 15-24
where: Various locations
warnings: Possible discussions of death, suicidal thoughts, some adult situations, subject lines will have content warnings!

The Background:

Okay so basically in 10 years of darkness (we're talking no sun, no stars and pretty much non-stop monsters/demons running rampant over Eos) Gladio's undergone some significant changes - some of which are only insinuated and not well explained. He and the other Chocobros initially stick together but eventually go their separate ways - effectively joining the hunters in protecting the last bastions of mankind.

He's 33 years old, his skin is paler, his tattoos slightly faded in parts, his hair is blacker and longer, tied into a half ponytail.
The portal pulled him shortly after the sun returned; as dawn broke, it revealed that he was the last man standing... his friends dead.
For those who know him, he is notably less easy to smile, tends to slip into quiet brooding or stoicism.
The loss of his friends hit him very hard, but not so hard as his loss of mission/purpose - without a King to be Shield to and without anyone to protect, he's completely lost. He doesn't know what to really do with himself, since Demon Hunting is all he's known for the last 10 years.
He engages in more risk-taking activity; harder missions/hunts, heavy drinking, sex. He's not a train wreck of self-destructive behavior but for anyone who knows him it's a pretty stark change and hints that he's a man who has nothing else to lose (except his sister).
He still cherishes and dotes on his sister, but she's busy doing her own thing as a Hunter and doesn't want to burden her with his baggage.
He's no longer able to use his arsenal or hammerspace, this power was lost with the line of Lucis. He still carries his best weapon and shield, although he has to lug them both around now.
THIS IS A LOT OF ANGSTY HEAVY STUFF but really this just means he's less boisterous, less inhibited. He's almost out of out of fucks to give. That said, I won't just have every thread be sad and upsetting, he's fully capable of experiencing joy and amusement, he's SEEN SOME SHIT and obviously this has diminished him quite a lot.

i. Self Medicating; Closed to Genji

ii. Coming Home; Closed to Ignis

iii. Placeholder; Closed to Líadan

iv. Placeholder for Victor

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Integrating back - still strange, he thinks, that his memories overlap... 10 uninterrupted years in darkness back in his world while still recalling memories of this place - into life in this quarantine was... not going well. He's distantly aware that he's suffering from shock, probably should have remained in the hospital until he got through it, but hospitals don't have a liquor license and he'd rather self-medicate. He just lost everything in one day, felt it coming on their last night together and marched ever onward, thinking at least he would go down fighting with his friends at his side.

But he didn't go down. Couldn't quite bring himself to finish the job either, not with Iris still in the world. He'd planned on just taking it day by day, dulling the pain in the occasional cheap thrill he could stomach. Riverview had plenty of distractions for a troubled mind, colorful powders to take the edge off grim memories and drink to loosen him up, he could even manage to smile again, though it's not as ready on his lips as it used to be. He has a hard, stern look to him, steel and stone where he'd once been something warmer.

Under the artificial lights of the club in full swing, however, he felt a little better. Distractions, plenty of them - sounds, sights and substances abundant and Gladio takes them all in. He's older than most of the crowd of twenty somethings, but doesn't care. Had arrived wearing leather pants and boots and ink, allowing himself to have his shoulder and arm dusted with that colorful powder that he dimly recalls feeling good. And after chasing that down with a bracing drink, he finds himself blessedly loose. Falls right into that routine that helped him through many nights as a hunter - finding another distraction to distance himself from his thoughts and memories.

He turns, looking for one and his eyes fall on a shock of green hair. It looks ridiculous, but he finds himself pushing through the crowd - easy when you're as large a man as he is. ]

I've heard of 'carrot top' but I always thought that referred to redheads.

[ Hi, by the way. Have a half-naked dude you may or may not recognize when you were more cybernetic, Genji. ]

[ Genji was starting to get bored and that was a very dangerous thing. He was glad when he found a club because at least it was something to do, an easy way to find an utterly meaningless way to spend the night.

He was starting to get impatient too; really, when was something going to be done about him being stuck here? Father would never let him out of his sight this long, even his brother would eventually begrudgingly come find him... (Genji would die before admitting he was becoming homesick, even missing his sibling. What a preposterous thought!)

So he waltzes into the club like he owns the place, wearing something as tacky as he usually does, and glides through the crowds of people. Nobody really catches his eye until he sees the larger man coming towards him—

Ooh~ He looked older and he was certainly broad, reminding him of some of the body guards for the clan. When he speaks Genji snorts and tosses one of the ends of his orange scarf over his shoulder haughtily. ] I tend to defy expectations like that.

[ No, he doesn't recognize you. Although Genji would be lying if he didn't feel like there was something in the back of his mind that he was forgetting...

He eyes the man up and down for a second. ] But now I feel a bit overdressed.

[ There's a small twitch as he pulls down his brows, a flicker of recognition when the green-haired man speaks. Maybe this guy has one of those voices, but something about it tugs at his memory. Maybe it's just the drink saturating his system, but for some reason he could really go for a bowl of ramen right now. Weird.

He pushes the thought aside in favor of the haughty response. He can't help the sudden huff of a laugh. ]

The only expectations you're defying might fall under the dress code. [ Gladio gestures to the scarf, flicks the end of it with his fingers. ] Aren't you dying in that thing?

[ This is a club, it gets just the right kind of sweltering when in full swing, and it's one of the few places where Gladio can get away with going shirtless without scandalizing anyone. He also doesn't seem to mind the obvious up-and-down he's getting. Tactless, but this is kind of normal for a club too. Here, subtlety didn't always work under flashing lights and loud music.

He stretches out an arm and leans against a small table piled high with half empty drinks and discarded beer bottles, his other hand at his hip - the body language is simple, this guy's got his attention and inviting him to take his time looking.

Yeah, drink it in, carrot-top. He waits, then gets straight to the point - not even bothering with introductions. There's little point if he's too short-lived of a distraction, meaning unavailable. ] ...You with anyone?

[ That gets an amused snort out of him. ] It's a little thing called style, okay? [ No, it's just tacky. ] And sometimes you wear things just to take them off later, right? [ A wink. He's very, very subtle like that.

He watches the handsome stranger lean against the cluttered table (isn't anybody going to clean that up?) and gives him another once over. He doesn't seem the type who's built just for the illusion of seeming strong, he probably actually gets a use out of his muscles. Very intriguing. Genji's no string bean himself, all the Shimada men are broad at the shoulders and built from a lifetime of training, but he's definitely a touch impressed.

Genji slides over in the spot next to him, leaning an elbow on the counter and resting his chin on his palm. ] Nope, all alone for now. A tragedy, really. Unless present company wants to change that...?

Gift wrapped, huh?

No offense, but that's the sloppiest bow I've ever seen. [ Smart ass. That's a point in the green-haired man's favor. Just plain agreeable tends to lead to awkward silences he's forced to fill in with conversation or action or risk boredom when it's entertainment he craves - banter, flirtation. Anything will do, as long as it's distracting enough, loud enough to drown out his memories. ]

Eye-catching - I'll give you that much. [ Now it's his turn to size the other man up, purposefully - waited until he's had his fill before helping himself. Despite the shocking color of his hair, the man looks solid beneath his flashy clothes. He's definitely young, judging from his eyes and the smoothness of his skin, maybe by about... 5-10 years? Carries himself like he owns the damn place. ]

Maybe. [ He can't give a straight answer right away, that would be too easy. He doesn't mind conversation, but he isn't the sort of guy (no matter how low he is now) to string someone along. He's if anything forthcoming, sets down expectations so there's no question about his intentions. ]

I'm not looking for anything long term, just... blowing off some steam.

[ Gladio leans a little closer. Even with his weight on the counter, he still towers over most people in the room and especially over Genji as he parks himself next to him. Despite playing coy, his body language continues to invite - he picks up the hanging length of scarf with his fingers, feeling the fabric between them. It's a subtle invasion of personal space he thinks isn't uninvited, but not so invasive as to get a drink dumped on him. ]

If that's gonna be a problem...

[ Genji rolls his eyes, amused. He picks at a bit of glitter or something that had already gotten on his scarf. ] Well, I know plenty of other knots so you don't have to worry about that.

[ He loosens the knitted thing intentionally, exposing his collar bones and plunging neckline of a shirt. ] That is quite the point. Got your attention, didn't it? [ He was always a bit of a peacock, despite being named the sparrow.

And Genji is never intimidated, so when Gladio leans in above him he doesn't even flinch. The youngest Shimada heir always holds himself as if he's the tallest and strongest in the room, even in situations like these. He lets Gladio pick up an end of the scarf but doesn't break eye contact with him, just leaning in a little closer.

Then throwing his head back in laughter. ] Oh please, I didn't come here looking to get married. Just to have some fun.

[ And whatever kind of fun that ends up being. He never sleeps with anyone too drunk or high to consent, but beyond that he's up for anything. Genji grins slowly, with teeth. ]

[ Gladio never found it degrading to enjoy oneself, live in the moment. If there's chemistry and time, he indulges his desires where appropriate... never looks to score until recently, when he's desperate to crowd out despair with any thrill, even for just the temporary high of a one-night-stand. There's nothing wrong with getting what you can out of life, but he's not a man who feels like he's got all that much left.

Laughter, even the mocking sort, is fine by him. His is loud and brash, the kind of sound he wouldn't mind interrupting, an attitude that begs to be taken down a peg - surprise it away with some sensation, replacing the mocking sound with a startled gasp instead. But he's getting ahead of himself, sizing the man up for signs of what kind of night he could have. Figuring out what he wants and then matching it. ]

Knots? [ Gladio's brows shoot up at the implications the word 'knot' brings up and appreciates the nonchalance with which it's delivered. Cocky, self-assured, a bit of a show-off but that has it's own appeal. Now toss in a hint at an adventurous spirit and it sounds like the perfect recipe for just the kind of fun he's looking for. Amber eyes drop past the green-haired man's sharp jawline and the naked stretch of skin exposed to him. ] Not sure I've found one I couldn't break.

[ He is, after all, a big guy - his body isn't just for show, he has the body of a martial artist, and the scars to prove hard-fought battles. He probably could bust through your average restraint, unless someone had some real skill in that department. ]

Seeing as our goals are pretty much aligned... [ That smile is dangerous, attractive too. He drops the end of the scarf and runs a hand down the slope of Genji's back. The thumping music and the crowd doesn't make conversation easy, but that means moving in closer is acceptable. The hand running along his waist might not be. ] What's your story, carrot-top?

Aren't the best ones the kind you don't want to break? [ Genji chuckles and tips his head back a bit more to show off more of his neck. Some would think it a vulnerable position, but Genji knows full well there are far worse positions to be in. (Wink wink.)

He never fakes being nice, his mocking laughter always genuine; how people reacted was usually how he knew how to proceed. The man's eyes didn't drop, a frown didn't pull at his face, or a familiar flush of embarrassment and shame crossing his skin. All good signs.

It's why he lets him touch along his back and move closer. Genji shifts so he's facing him, hip leaning against the edge of the table. Now that he has a better look, this tall drink of water is definitely handsome and hopefully his interesting points don't stop there. (The amount of people who were pretty to look at but absolutely wet blankets otherwise were far too many, ugh.)

Genji reaches over to trace his index finger very, very lightly against his forearm in return. ] Oh, you know, the usual. Bored once the sun goes down. [ He looks up to meet his eyes again, then looking over the scars across it. ] What about you then, hmm?

[ He certainly didn't get those scars playing catch or tripping over his feet. He knew warrior wounds when he saw them. ]

[ The kind of bonds one doesn't want to break. Gladio tips his head back slightly, lidded eyes regarding him with a faint smile of amusement. ]

Interesting argument.

But like I said, I'm not looking to get tied down.

[ He can't help the occasional pun, low hanging fruit like that is the kind of banter he lives for. Gladio changes his posture, using the arm he had been leaning on to brush the scarf on his way to that exposed neck. He slides his hand along the back of it, a calloused thumb tracing his jawline. ]

I'm back after a long trip. At least it's good knowing the view has only improved.

[ 'The usual'. What an impressive non-answer. Gladio's been too long in the business of watching for threats to safeguard his king not to instinctively size up every creature within line of sight at least enough to observe them for signs. Genji seems... normal. His build suggests martial arts, subtle signs leading him to think he might be like every other adventurer here. Which is a surprising number, actually. Some of them have weird abilities he never thought possible, and he's seen a lot of weird. Gladio's smile widens for a moment. ]

You'd think winding up in some kind of alternate universe would be the perfect cure for boredom.

[ Gladio's used to things heating up rather quickly after making the moves on someone, has nearly suffered from mental whiplash from the swiftness of some eager individuals to get laid. Genji seems content to tease and flirt and that's really more his pace. A turn here, a touch there, moving toward each other inch by slow inch, closing in on each others' personal space in increments. Gladio puts his hand on Genji's side, thumb finding the definition of his hip beneath his clothes and tracing it, running his hand up his slide lightly as he speaks. ]

Guess when it comes down to it, it's the same song... different beat.

[ That gets a breathy little chuckle out of him. Clever, clever. ] Well, I'm glad we're on the same page then. There's plenty of other things to do.

[ The hand on his jaw is oddly tender, something Genji doesn't typically get, but he's not opposed at the moment. He'd cut people's fingers off for less, but this guy isn't demanding his attention like some foolish people tend to.

And then his compliment gets a little smirk. Flattery could get you places, absolutely. ] Good to know. I think I quite like the view in this place myself... [ Genji is the master at non-answers. He knows when people know who he is, usually a sniveling sycophantic type trying to get a debt lessened or the pressure from the clan off their backs. Never works.

But the mention of 'alternate universe' makes something stutter in Genji's head, although he doesn't show it. He is also the master at avoiding problems and he hasn't been letting himself think too much about this place he's stuck in. (What if nobody is actually sending for him? What if they don't care that he's gone? All such pathetic and weak thoughts. It's too close to a kind of self reflection that Genji wont be capable of for a little over a decade.)

Enough of that. This slow build is nice and hopefully it'll end in something even nicer. He presses his hip into his hand and lets his finger gently trail across Gladio's arm. Genji notices the tattoo, not quite able to make it out specifically, but it looks like it covers a vast expanse of skin. Even more than the tattoo on his own back. ] That's a good way to put it.

[ He leans in more. ] What kind of 'beat' do you think it'll be tonight then?

[ The tenderness in that touch is entirely unintentional, he's admiring the view and probably should take a little care at just how intimate he's getting with a stranger in public, but seeing as there are rooms people are frequently disappearing into to engage in more adult activity not too far, he's not too concerned.

Besides, running his thumb along his jawline was supposed to take the edge off the fact he was putting a hand on his neck. Thankfully, he hasn't had a drink thrown at his head yet, but hey - the night is still young. ]

I'm thinking something a little heavier. [ The innuendo clearly isn't lost on him, but after all that dancing around the topic of tying up, he's got the impression that his green-haired companion isn't looking for the boyfriend experience. ] Honestly, anything that gets my blood pumping will do.

[ Gladio looks at the finger tracing feather-light lines on his forearm and takes his hand away from the side of the other man's neck, hooks a finger onto the loop of his scarf instead. His eyes watch the smirk on Genji's face, his mouth so close that his breath ghosts on his skin. He's practically playing kiss chicken with him, but neither one of them is closing that scant distance. ]

...You wanna get out of here?

[ There's a hotel he passed by, a hell of a lot more comfortable and private than one of those play rooms in the cordoned off adults-only section of the club. ]

[ Genji's always gotten a thrill out of scandalizing people, such a deliberate middle finger to the staunch traditional upbringing he had. (Something had snapped when Mother died. 'Look at me! Look at me!')

And he isn't much of the drink throwing type, usually the 'stabbing' type. He's always armed but he doubts he'll have to use it on his newfound companion. Unless the man is amazing actor, this seems like a genuinely carnal pursuit on both their parts. But, the night is still young. Always room for a little blood and guts if needed.

He leans into Gladio's hand before he pulls away and hooks a finger there. Genji trails his own hand up and to his bicep, gripping it gently but not quite harsh enough to leave a mark. (Yet.) ] That's about the speed I was wanting as well.

[ He gets closer and Genji's still smirking, amused by the breath brushing across his face. It was always more fun when the other person wasn't so damn eager. Genji played around but if there was one thing he wasn't, it was a bad time. ] I'd like that. [ He thinks of the same hotel he saw when he was heading this way, making a mental note. ] There's a place just a block away.

[ Genji moves his hand, trialing his index finger up his shoulder and to the man's chin. He grazes a finger across his beard, mirroring the movement he did to him a moment ago. ] Let's get going then.

[ In more ways than one. ]

[ There's a decided lack of trust between the two despite their risky behavior. Gladio doesn't even know his name, but neither is his green-haired companion asking. They're both content to remain anonymous, knowing perhaps the way they fit together (or don't) on a primarily surface level.

Interest causes his pupils to flare open briefly at the vaguely aggressive touch that matched that smile with too much teeth, straight and gleaming. There's a distant alarm in Gladio's honed senses, his perception lining up the points of interest - the hard body he's caught glimpses of down the plunging v neckline and felt beneath cloth, the familiar callouses on fingers and hands that no amount of gentleness can hide - hands familiar with martial arts, bladed weapons - the palpable swagger in his voice, either skilled enough or young enough to think he was master of his own destiny... and of those around him.

Gladio doesn't care what his intentions are as long as he doesn't get knifed, so long as the dangerous portrait he sees emerging from those connected points continues to be interesting. He smirks as he feels that finger rasping through his beard. ]

Yeah.

[ He collects his coat on the way out, covering the only color he's got on him from the body powder offered at the club and looking nothing like his flashy, orange and green companion he walks beside. It's a short walk, they don't even need to see anyone to exchange money and obtain the key. It's just a matter of tapping his communication device against a panel and the rent is paid, the room number appearing on his display. It'll serve as the key too - all of the convenience and anonymity technology can enable.

On the elevator ride up, he pulls his hands out of his pockets and turns to Genji, regarding him carefully. The slow burn from earlier seems to have cooled a little in the more public setting, but he breaks his silence by frowning in thought and folding his arms over his chest. ]

Hm. [ He's thinking back on some of the choice phrases and words exchanged between them, needs to break the ice - however thin that might be - that's forming over the quiet between them. ]

...Still trying to figure you out. [ He quirks a (very large) brow, a smile lingering on his mouth. ] That whole bondage thing... should I be worried?

[ It is indeed quite dangerous but that's part of the appeal for him. The dilated pupils make that warm twist of victory settle in his stomach before they head out to the hotel. Genji drapes an end of his scarf back over his shoulders in a flourish as they walk out, giving one of the bouncers a look as they exit.

He lets his companion deal with the hotel (ever so selfish, as always) and follows behind (getting a good look at what's tucked into those tight pants,) leaning against a side of the elevator. The air around them isn't as heady for the time being, but he knew of plenty of ways to get the mood rolling again once they were finally alone.

Genji meets his gaze when he speaks, raising both of his own thick brows a tad. Then he grins and snorts, tossing his head back. (The view of his neck is entirely intentional.) ] That was just to get your attention, big guy. [ He runs a hand through his hair. ] And I'm— flexible.

[ Wink. ] And not that complex.

You seem like the kind of guy who likes to leave an impression.

[ Gladio lets him look, he might have been more of a peacock in his younger years, but he still knows he's got it. He flashes smiles less readily, his ultimate finishing move to someone eye he know he's caught. But when he's looking, like now, for someone to make sure he doesn't stare at the ceiling with nothing but his thoughts all night, he'll do what it takes. Gladio leans against the opposite wall and tucks his thumb into the front of his belt. Assesses what he can of the man by his mannerisms, his dress, his inflection and tone. ]

Flexible? I hope you mean that literally and figuratively. I like variety.

[ Leaving him with that thought, the corner of his mouth curves as he drops his head. The elevator chimes and the doors slide open. Gladio slips out - Complicated things aren't what he's looking for, although taking strangers home with you can create complicated explanations the morning after. Just another bridge to burn once he gets to it.

It's the last time he'll tap his device on a panel for tonight so when he gets to the door, he tucks it into his pocket and opens the door. Wastes little time in kicking off his shoes to the side. ]

I'm going to wash this off.

Make yourself comfortable, join me, whatever you'd like. I don't want the sheets looking like a box of powdered dye was spilled on it.

[ Genji's just grinning. ] You're not wrong about that. [ He stretches his arms over his head, giving a brief flash of his stomach as his shirt rides up. ] And oh, very much so. You'll find I'm full of surprises.

[ He follows after him easily once they leave the elevator and enter the room. Genji toes off his own shoes and sashays over to the bed. It's not the worst hotel room he's been in for this kind of thing, and the bed seems big enough. He presses a hand to it before hopping up onto it, legs over the side.

Genji waves a hand as he mentions going to bathe. ] No problem on my end, I'll be waiting. [ Stripping down and being alone with a stranger in a small shower is the one thing he won't do. Far too many ways to lose the upper hand; it's not like he still isn't a worthy fight without a weapon, but it was a pain in the ass to smash someone into tile or rip the shower head off, he learned the hard way.

Once his companion heads into the bathroom, he peels his scarf off and haphazardly tosses it over to a chair. And then after only thinking about it for probably half a second, he pulls his shirt off easily and tosses it on top of the gaudy orange thing. Considering tall, dark and handsome had been shirtless all evening he might as well make it even~

Genji flops back on the bed, arms behind his head, and waits. Probably the only time he's ever patient, much to his family's chagrin. ]

[ Gladio doesn't take long, it's an efficient scrub down and the powder dye - whatever it was that left him with a comfortable buzz - washes away easily with water. He knows he'll only end up taking another shower when he gets up in the morning but that doesn't stop him from presenting himself fresh. It's why he doesn't so much as bother with toweling off than just dabbing the towel where it counts, ties his hair back again and emerges with a towel tied around his waist.

Behold, instant glistening Gladio: just add water. ]

Nice ink.

[ Gladio has a Thank you for doing the honors of getting more comfortable and shedding some layers, it has the intended effect - Gladio's brows pull up in interest, his smile widening. He can't get a good view from this angle, so he unfolds his arms and gestures to him. ]

Come here and turn around. This warrants a closer look.

[ He drops down and sits on edge of the bed. As appealing as he looks languishing in bed in all his bare-chested glory, Gladio thinks that winding tattoo around his arm and shoulders is difficult to appreciate without having him turn his back to him. And of course, he intends for his investigation to be hands-on. ]

[ Now isn't that a wonderful sight? There were just some people that needed a picture frame to follow them around wherever they go. Genji's grin gets a little more devilish when he sees him emerge from the shower. ] Now you've gone and made me feel overdressed again.

[ Aw, giving orders, that's cute. Genji slowly sits up when he gets on the edge of the bed. ] Well, I could say the same to you. [ Now that the lighting was better and the blotches of powder were gone, he could tell the man's ink work was pretty intense. A bird and feathers and it seemed to go all across his back.

His own was much like his brother's, except in shades of green instead of blue. One of the claws of the dragon curls around his shoulder and bicep, but the rest is in full glory all across his back. (Far more easily hidden than his brother's and he's wondered, in the back of his mind, if it was intentional.)

Genji turns and leans back, stretching so his back muscles ripple a little. ] You can, but that better not be all you plan to do. [ Said playfully enough. ]

[ It certainly isn't. ]

Very nice.

[ Gladio watches the movement of his muscles beneath the green ink and it almost makes it look alive. His hands, calloused from a lifetime of training and combat, run up the green dragon's body and Genji's, his other hand sweeping around to touch his stomach. He wastes little time in visual study, dips in to brush his beard against sensitive skin on Genji's back before he breathes out and kisses up his spine towards the back of his neck. ]

Can't say I've seen that design before.

[ His world doesn't really have Yakuza in it, so the implication is lost. He sees a unique tattoo and a story possibly behind it. If Genji's willing to tell it or not matters little, since a moment later he's drawing that warm, wet body of his closer to him, the towel-wrapped waist bumping against his. He noses into the green hair at the back of his head, presses his mouth on his neck as he pulls his body closer. ]

[ The rough hands are nice and welcome; if there was one thing Genji hated it was being treated like he was delicate. He puts his own equally calloused hand over the one on his stomach, brushing a thumb there. Might as well start out playful, ease into it.

Or, well, maybe his companion had other plans. The hot mouth on his spine sent all the right kind of jolts to all the right kind of places, and Genji's toes curl for a moment. He lets out a pleased hum from the back of his throat and his voice is just barely rougher when he speaks again. ] Family tradition.

[ It isn't a lie, but it's all he'll say. He doubts the man can summon a mighty bird from his own tattoo, so the less said about that the better.

Genji presses into his toweled hips, let's him scrape his hot mouth all over his neck. All good signs this wouldn't be a boring evening, that's for sure. He turns his head so he can press his own face into Gladio's neck, licking a hot stripe with his tongue. ] You gotta thing for birds?

[ Well, clearly. Genji was Sparrow for a reason. ]

...Mn?

[ This Gladio has become less patient about this sort of thing. Gets straight to the point and goes beyond suggestive. Gladio holds his breath when he answers him, suddenly self-conscious as he lavishes his attention on the tattoo and it's bearer, his teeth drag on his skin as he closes his mouth and pulls away, the exhale catching in his throat. Family tradition, huh? That's... interesting. Also hitting a touch too close to home. Gladio closes his eyes and huffs a laugh. ]

Heh. Talk about relatable...

[ Amber eyes lose focus in the wake of that lick, and he realizes he needs for air and sucks it in. He rakes his fingers up Genji's thighs, over his pants while he noses into the green hair that ends at the nape of his neck. ]

It's the last time this tradition will go on, though. Last of the line and all.

...Birds. Yeah, I like them. [ He's only missed them because he hasn't seen them in ten years, but being here where there's so much sun during the day, so much light - it's the little things he's noticed. The way leaves play with sunlight, the coolness of the shade, the way the air feels alive with flying creatures. Even the night sky is a sight to behold.

Gladio rests his chin on Genji's shoulder, relishing the warmth of that mouth on his skin. ] Why... do you?

Mmhmm. [ Goosebumps dither his skin when he drags that hand across his thighs and along his neck as Gladio's beard brushes against his skin. Ah, very nice, exactly what he wanted, but he already wants more.

Genji nips at his neck since he's pressed up against it easily and trails his teeth back down. ] Got a stuck up family too, huh? [ Makes sense, he supposes.

But he also has no desire to be talking about that boring shit. It's the entire reason he's about to get naked with a stranger, to forget about all the apparent responsibility being shoved onto his shoulders.

"Last of the line—" makes something in Genji stutter, a nasty and fleeting thought of "I wish" goes through his mind. It makes his thick brows furrow and he goes to make another mark on Gladio's neck as the moment passes. ] I guess.

[ And then he pulls away just enough so he can shift his weight, turning himself around so they were now facing each other. Genji intends to climb onto his lap, right against that precariously held up towel. He trails a hand across one of the inked feathers on his skin, down to the head of the bird on his pec. ] But I think you're the only one I'm interested in now. So let's continue.

[ Too close to talking about feelings. He doesn't want to get to know him or whatever his sob story must be; he's just a warm, sturdy and handsome body for the night. That's all. If he's particularly good he might even ask his name in the morning.

(Genji Shimada, in his youth, was an incredibly lonely young man.) ]

[ Gladio grunts, his breath catching when he feels that mouth leave a mark on his skin. Note to self: wear high collared Kingsguard uniform until that shit heals, resort to curatives or magic if absolutely necessary.

What, don't think a guy who takes strangers home with him comes from a well-adjusted and happy family? Actually, no. He's not going to ask that, doesn't want him to answer it either.

He laughs away the comment, but he neatly side-steps any details. He'd rather not talk about his family, but the best way he's found to side-step around personal shit is to crack a joke and then distract. When Genji climbs into his lap, this presents him with ample opportunities to do so. Excellent, because this now allows him to cease all further questions that are off-topic. Meaning, anything that doesn't eventually lead to sex. ]

Not exactly. [ He doesn't bother elaborating, instead just seeks out some cluster of nerve endings to set things back on track, starting with a kiss to his clavicle that ends in another hungry scrape of teeth, followed by mouthing his way down his chest. He closes his eyes as if the taste of his skin is the best thing he's ever tasted - he's showing off, of course, and like the peacock that he still is after all these years, he opens his eyes and looks up through his lashes as plush lips capture the pale cap of his nipple and sucks.

Gladio must have worked some kind of towel tying magic on this thing because even with pulling Genji the rest of the way onto his lap, the thing miraculously stays on as he grips his hips. There's an audible pop as he pulls off and grins. ]

You gonna keep asking questions? Or should I find a better way to shut you up?

[ And it's good thing because Genji wasn't going to keep talking about it either. And, truthfully and terribly, he didn't much care one way or the other what his story was in the first place.

He tilts his head back a bit when he scrapes his teeth, feeling warmth roll down his body. Ah, yes, very nice. More of this—

And, well. When he does that Genji swallows thickly (but doesn't moan, not yet anyway, he has enough self control for that) and feels his toes curl again. Well damn. If he keeps that up he's definitely going to end up being one of Genji's regular booty calls. He's very much into it.

He looks back down, grinning as well, eyes hooded and pupils starting to widen. ] You asked just as many, pretty boy. [ Genji reaches up and puts a hand on Gladio's neck, against the newly blossoming mark he'd left. He presses his thumb not hard enough to hurt, but enough to feel. ] Let's see if you can impress me.

[ Gladio was discovering that this return to quarantine was nothing like the initial settling in. He remembers coming in alone through that portal, but it was easier then. His friends came soon after, bringing with them a certain satisfaction in knowing his faith wasn't ill placed. He had nothing to put his faith into except for the certain finality of their story, the last chapter read and book closed on each one of them.

Adapting to all the sunlight was difficult, a decade in the dark with only artificial light to guide you and keep the daemons at bay meant paler skin and darker hair and crows feet at the corners of his eyes from squinting into the dark. It meant dressing in warmer attire, swapping skin bearing clothes he was known for (or the absence of them more like) for long sleeved uniforms. Riverview is bright and vibrant and everything he remembers it being - which is strange, because he remembers the last ten years pass uninterrupted by this alternate reality, and yet knows he's been here before. The memories are fresh and they shouldn't be. It only adds to his disorientation, but honestly starting off his mornings with a stiff drink probably isn't helping. But it helps him steady his nerves and distance himself from the sharp absence of his friends.

Who, incidentally, are also here. 10 years younger and short a Prompto. It's good and also unsettling. They're young, he's old (well, older) - and wiser wouldn't be the word he'd use so much as a hollowed out version of himself. He's not sure if coming home is a good idea, even if just to crash or drop off the sword and shield he doesn't want to take up again for at least a week.

But here he is, standing in front of the door and hopes Ignis is inside. He lifts his hand to knock, hesitates, and then pounds it. ]

Ignis... [ Six, this is going to hurt, he knows it. Not nearly so much as his pride when he has to shout through the walls like a lost roommate. ] I - I don't have my keys.

[ Gladio winces and shakes a longer lock of hair from his eyes as he shifts his burden in his arms - shield and greatsword and a small bag containing his 'medication' in liquid form - As if adding insult to injury, his homecoming already feels awkward as hell. ]

I don't know how many times I've told you to put them on a lanyard, Gladio. [Ignis' voice comes through the door muffled, followed by noises of setting kitchen utensils down. He's already preparing what must be the evening's meal, the smell of stew sitting in a slowcooker already wafting through the apartment.

In contrast to this Gladio's past, Ignis is clearly at ease in domesticity. His reminder is in a softer tone, nearly hinting that he doesn't really mind his roommate forgetting, and he's happy to do it some more. To top it off, he's making his approach with haste rather than dragging it out to make a point.

Ignis even smiled when he opened the door, but it only lasted seconds once he took in Gladio's appearance. His eyes widen significantly, and his mouth hung open with his next tease dead on his lips. That's not what he anticipated, and quite frankly, it shouldn't be what's before him.]

It... seems you've forgotten your keys for some time, then.

[ The casual tease, lighthearted tone... it sounds painfully good, naive and blind to just how shitty their lives were about to get. The smells coming from the kitchen are distantly familiar, the memory of having some kind of domestic life here in quarantine with his friends sounds like heaven and it hurts. Gladiolus thinks he's ready to see what that door opens but nothing really prepared him.

The older man's lips part silently, his own variant of Ignis' shock mirrored in this way. He wasn't ready for that smile.

Not a single scar, eyes clear and brilliantly blue. A tightness grips his chest and his pulse hammers in his ears as anxiety tightens around him. He'd forgotten how Ignis used to look before his injuries. In the end, he'd come to know that knowing smirk, a strange sort of confidence as Ignis learns to perceive in a different way and discovers a new power in the wake of his disability. His old talents reasserted themselves, worked around his blindness that made him ultimately stronger.

Gladio swallows and drops his eyes to his shield and sword, corrals his body into a dead calm. He forces a laugh that doesn't quite reach his eyes. ]

Hah. Yeah. [ Ten years ago, somehow.

Stupid. He didn't even warn Ignis what he was opening his door to. Maybe it would have been better if he'd texted, told him what he was getting into. He doesn't think he would have shut him out, but he might wish he had later. Gladio can't help but feel Ignis is getting shafted by this encounter - he's kept so much from him, and while he's happy to see his friend more than he can ever adequately express, he probably doesn't like what he sees. ]

I should have called first, given you a heads up...

Sorry.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

AU Plot: Gladiolus (FFXV spoilers within)

i. Self Medicating (Closed to Genji) cw: suicidal thoughts/mentions, alcohol/drug use, adult themes?

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yikes I thought I hit this up a while ago, I'm sorry!

no worries bb!

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ii. Coming Home (Closed to Ignis)

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