burstmodes | ic inbox

( he could just peek into prompto's room, but. he's being somewhat nice. )

you awake?

[ Good thing he still doesn't know how to sleep properly (sometimes). ]

yeah
what's up?

( he almost feels a little dumb asking this. but, he has some things on his mind that is making it really hard to sleep rn. )

mind some company?

[ He doesn't know what he's expecting, and for some reason, such a simple question gets his heart racing. Why is it always like this now? Prompto rolls over in his bed and sits up. ]

nah of course not
the door's unlocked

( rather than say anything back, gladio just tosses aside the necklace and heads over to prompto's room. he's quiet, not wanting to actually disturb anyone. not because he doesn't want anyone to know what's going on. he's becoming less concerned with how things might look.

he slips into prompto's room, and offers a little flicker of a smile. )

Hey.

( his voice is quiet and tired. no hesitation as he crosses over to the bed and gets under the covers beside prompto like they do this all the time. and, honestly? it kind of feels like they are at this point. he does what he can to coax prompto to lay down beside him in whatever way he feels comfortable. )

Couldn't really sleep.

Hi.

[ His own smile is soft, a bit sleepy around the edges. Just because he isn't asleep doesn't mean he isn't tired. Maybe it shows in the way he rubs at his eyes, absently making room for Gladio without even thinking about it, and when he's settled under the blankets, Prompto slides a bit closer and props himself up on an elbow so he can look at him. There isn't much light in the room, but it's not like he needs it to see. Or knows what he looks like. ]

You wanna talk about it?

[ As if that means there's a particular reason that's been keeping him up. Although... it's not terribly, terribly late, and his brain is telling him he really shouldn't have asked to begin with. Now he's thinking about all sorts of crazy stuff, and it makes him somewhat jittery, a weird energy that makes him suddenly very restless. ]

( it's almost funny how he feels a little more comfortable being here. another warm body beside him. the general noise of someone else. it settles something rattling around in his head. it's nice. he can't help but smile a little more as prompto settles beside him. without realizing he's even doing it, he lifts a hand to push through prompto's hair. the tips of his fingers trail lightly over the side of his face until he drops that hand back to rest against his stomach. )

Nah, not much to really talk about.

( he shrugs, like it's no big deal. which, it's probably not. )

Just feels weird sleeping alone sometimes.

( he looks at prompto in the dark, and his brows raise. )

You mind? I can go back...

[ The touch is nice. Too nice. Somehow, he's gotten so used to the way Gladio's hands feel on him that he wants to chase it, and without much conscious thought, he does. He leans forward, moving closer and casually sliding a leg over Gladio's so that he's partially draped over him. This is normal too, cuddling up to him and wanting more of that hand in his hair or on his shoulder or anywhere honestly. He huffs out a breath, shaking his head. ]

I kinda like it. Reminds me of us being together back home, y'know? A lot comfier though. [ He pushes his elbow into the mattress to lightly bounce the bed. Definitely not the same as the camping part. ] It's, um, not gonna be weird if you stay, is it?

[ Not that he's asking for peace of mind or anything. This is just still sort of new to him. ]

( he guesses that there's just going to be this kind of question repeated over and over. yeah, all this shit is weird. but, it's a good kind of weird. a weird that's kind of turning into not so weird anymore. gladio's starting to get really used to this kind of thing -- having prompto close, touching him, kissing him. is that so bad? it's hard to see it that way when they're like this, with prompto draped over him. it is like home. only very, very different. )

Nah. This is probably the least weird thing about this place.

( his arm stretches out underneath prompto's pillow. the other hand seeks out to touch again, fingers dragging over whatever he can reach of prompto's skin. )

Not like we haven't shared a bed before.

( granted, he's shared more with ignis than noct or prompto. but, still. he looks at him for a few seconds, trying to decide what he should or shouldn't do. in the end, he decides to just lean up and press a soft, lingering kiss against prompto's mouth. prompto did tell him to do it more and not ask. so. he's just going to do it.

he lays back against the pillow, looking smug and not feeling bad about it at all. but, then it gets wiped away as he realizes how that might appear. )

Didn't come here looking for anything, by the way. Just kind of felt...like it'd be better sharing space.

[ For whatever reason, all those gentle touches make him blush, and he ducks his head after the kiss, trying to figure out if he should just shut up and soak in everything that's happening. His head tells him he needs to question each part of it, from the simple request of staying with him to the follow-up that he doesn't want anything out of it aside from just being with him. He doesn't know why that's such a new concept for him; it just is. Gladio could be spending his time with someone else a lot more interesting than him, and yet...

Prompto licks at his bottom lip and offers a quiet hum in response, trying to get his thoughts to shut up. ]

Yeah, I guess you're right. [ About the bed part, at least. ] Sharing stuff is pretty easy for us already. You, uh, you can stay as long as you want even if we don't do anything. [ And then, Prompto shifts once more to finally rest his cheek against Gladio's shoulder, consciously aware of how warm he is and how good it feels to be this close to him. ] But if you wanted to mess around a little...

[ It's the first time he feels comfortable enough – and bold enough – to settle his hand against Gladio's torso and slide it down a little to insinuate he definitely wouldn't mind. It could help them both sleep. ]

( as soon as prompto lays down against him, gladio curls one arm around his back. his hand immediately starts rubbing slow up and down prompto's arm. he could fall asleep like this. he can feel it. and, isn't that something? he tries not to look too deep into that. right now, anyway. it'll hit him later when he least expects it. he turns his head into prompto's hair. nuzzles there because he can and because the dark won't tell on him for being so lame. honestly? this is fine if they just stay like this. it's enough for gladio. because...he likes this kind of affection and rarely ever gets it. or, used to not get it. since this whole thing started, it's a different story.

but, prompto seems to have other ideas. not that gladio's opposed to it, either. as evidenced by the way a deep laugh reverberates through his chest. the skin beneath prompto's hand pricks with goosebumps and he breathes a little deeper. he doesn't want to discourage prompto being so bold since it's a rare occurrence. but, he also doesn't want him to feel like he has to or anything. )

Don't want you to feel obligated or anything. Don't mind just doing this. ( he grins and tips his head down enough to press a kiss, then speak against prompto's forehead. ) Not gonna say no if you wanna fool around for a bit, though.

[ It's so good being like this that he almost forgets about why they'd started doing stuff together in the first place. For a while, he can ignore it and enjoy the way Gladio makes him feel, how all of this is a lot different than anything he's ever had in his life before. He wants to explore it, wants to get to know all of the things that excite Gladio and turn him on, wants to know what makes him laugh or smile because that's honestly the best sensation. Knowing that they're happy even when they need to get back home is so much nicer than stressing out about every little thing. Prompto squeaks out a soft noise, tilting his head up so he can kiss Gladio on his own. ]

I don't. I like doing stuff with you. [ And he backtracks quickly because he knows how that must sound. ] I mean, not just this stuff. Anything really. But this is cool too. I definitely don't mind gettin' all close and cuddling. It's... nice.

[ He isn't sure what other word he should use to describe it, but it is what it is. Besides, he's comfortable, and it doesn't take any effort at all to drape his arm around Gladio instead, snuggling into him and being at ease with himself for once. Maybe he'd actually be able to sleep through the night without constantly waking up and rolling around before giving up to sort through pics or play some games on the device. ]

( it is nice. gladio doesn't really know how else to describe it, either. it just...is what it is? it's not something he's used to having, but the more he has it the more he wants it. there's some part of him that feels a little bad about how this whole thing has shaken out. like, they've only gotten this close because this place and all the weird shit it makes you feel and do. but, it can't be just that. it can't be. )

Yeah...

( he trails off as prompto curls into him. gladio shifts just a little to accommodate him more and to better situate himself so he can hold prompto better. it's not something he has to do, but it's something he wants to do. sharing space, being close and intimate with someone with no expectations beyond just that. being close and having that intimacy. gladio moves his hand in long, slow sweeps up and down prompto's back.

different thoughts try to creep in around the edges, dark and nasty ones. ones that gladio hates giving time to at all. he crushes them before anything can spiral out of control. breathes in deeply and is somehow comforted by the scent of prompto. he thinks about happier things. sexy things. his mind wanders from thought to thought, not really staying anywhere in particular yet. maybe it won't. maybe he'll actually get some good sleep tonight instead of lying awake and staring at the ceiling for hours.

gladio breathes in again as his fingers drift upward to play with prompto's hair. he twists a lock around his finger again and again. )

Wanna know a secret?

[ It's almost too sweet, letting that sort of heat soak between them until he's nothing but a useless blob half-clinging to Gladio like a lifeline. No matter how insecure he feels about a lot of it, he doesn't think he could ever trade this for anything. There have been so many good things to come of it, things he's learned about himself and about Gladio, too. It's part of the reason that his heart seems to race every time they're together, how it drums up loudly in his ears in moments where he thinks they're going to kiss or touch or share that specific kind of intimacy he's come to almost crave. It's part of the reason why he's pretty sure he has a crush on him, and despite all the questions and doubts, he's fine with this. He's okay with admitting that he wants to be with him, that he secretly wishes Gladio wants to be with him too. That, if they ever get home, there could be something else between them after they see Noct married in Altissia. He knows all of that stuff comes before their own personal satisfaction, but they could work at it. Just like they're working at it here.

And he's in that hazy fog of nearly asleep by the time Gladio speaks again, his head sort of lulling on his shoulder and chest. Prompto soaks up the heat radiating off him, lazily rubbing his fingers against Gladio's side as he tries to get his mouth to work. ]

Hmm? [ It's a slurred hum, and wow, that is most definitely not attractive. He tries not to yawn as he forces out a sigh. ] What kinda secret? Promise I won't tell...

[ Who would he ever tell it to anyway? Noct might be his best friend, but there are definitely certain things you just don't discuss with anyone. And with the way their relationship has been changing, Prompto trusts Gladio with a lot more personal things than Noct. Maybe because they're not as embarrassing to admit since they've done a lot of stuff together, or maybe it's because they're comfortable with each other in a different way. He isn't sure, and he doesn't have the brain power to figure it out. Still, he's happy to know Gladio trusts him with this kind of thing, so... of course he wants to know, and he leans in to press a lazy kiss to the spot just below his ear, nuzzling against him. ]

( does he have to secretly wish that? gladio's kind of in the same place. the whole thing feels like it's snuck up on him, but. he didn't just ask him out on that date for the hell of it. he meant it. intends to do it again. because, there is something here. whether it's something lasting or not is only something that they'll find out with time. until then, gladio will just enjoy what's here while he can.

he shivers a little at that kiss, momentarily forgetting whatever it was he intends to say. for a second, he holds on a little tighter to prompto and wonders if it wouldn't be so bad to at least just make out for a little bit. that'd be fine, right? but, he does sound a little sleepier than he did when he first arrived. so...in the morning gladio will get in there. kiss him awake. or, something else. he'll see how he feels in the morning.

anyway, it's not a real secret. it's more...a less known anecdote. it's not something he minds sharing since prompto's asked him about it more than just a few times. what could it hurt to share the info finally? he laughs softly. resumes moving his hand over prompto's body in slow sweeps. touching just because he can touch. )

Back when I was 17-18, Iggy and I started training more off and on with real weapons instead of practice ones. Wasn't an everyday kind of thing since we both had other shit to do. One day, he just came at me -- no holds barred. It was the best I'd ever seen, and he threw out some moves I'd never seen before. That match lasted so long. No matter what I did, he wasn't yielding to me.

( he laughs a little at the memory, remembering exactly how he felt in that moment. )

Honestly, it was pissing me off a little. ( shocking, right?? ) Before I even knew what happened, my sword was gone and Ignis had me pinned against the wall. His dagger clipped me on the side. ( gladio drags his finger over prompto's to mark where it'd been. ) Ripped one of my favorite shirts. ( then, almost as an afterthought compared to the shirt. ) Drew blood. I'd never seen him look so damn smug before. Haven't since then, really. Not the same way.

( this whole thing probably seems like no secret, and that's very true. but, he's getting to the part that isn't well known. honest. )

You wanted to know who I've dreamed about? That definitely caused the first sex dream I ever had about a friend.

( and, yes, there is the implication there that there's been more than just that. )

[ In all fairness, he's only half-listening.

It has nothing to do with the story or with the way Gladio talks – he actually really likes hearing his voice, that low, deep rumble that somehow manages to twist his insides a little (in a good way) – and everything to do with him being a lot more exhausted than he'd thought. He drifts, chuckling at the idea of Gladio being mad at someone (a real shocker) and hums in acknowledgement of exactly where Ignis had gotten him. In fact, it causes him to shiver, and he presses even closer to Gladio, tucking his face against his shoulder as if he can hide from his thoughts. Maybe it would be okay to mess around until they got tired or something, and he's just about to open his mouth and ask when Gladio follows up with that.

Prompto immediately sits up, balancing on his elbow again as he looks at him. It's not a hard expression by any means, considering his mouth his slightly ajar, but there's that familiar glint of excitement in his eyes. ]

No way. [ No way. That hadn't been what he'd expected at all. ] Are you kidding me, dude? All that build-up, and you're telling me you dreamed about that kinda stuff with Iggy? [ Give him a second. His mind is reeling. He rolls away and flops on his back, staring at the ceiling for a second or two before he starts laughing. ] Did you ever tell him? Wait... I guess not since it's a secret, huh? You ever have any others?

[ He definitely heard that implication, but he isn't sure if it's something he should be thinking about. Honestly, Prompto's been lucky in that he hasn't actually had super erotic dreams like that about his friends, but there's always the likelihood that he could. Well, before all of this. Now, sometimes, he'll wake up so turned on because of something he could only vaguely remember happening—and with Gladio, no less. He doesn't know if that counts though, having sex dreams about someone you're having sex with. Still... ]

You don't have to go into detail or anything. I'm just curious. [ And he shifts back to look at him, eager and just as bright-eyed as he had been when it had finally clicked into place. ]

( he figures prompto isn't expecting what gladio tells him, but his reaction is still cute. he doesn't bother to stop the laugh that builds deep in his belly. he doesn't think it's a big deal. it's just a dream. and, it's not like it's a big secret that gladio likes strong people. getting bested in a fight by noct's advisor was a blow to his ego, but still...really hot. even now gladio remembers it. clearly. )

Nah, I didn't tell him. Not really. But, it's Iggy. He just knows shit without having to be told, so I'm pretty sure he knows.

( it probably didn't help that gladio had such a strange reaction afterward. for, like, a week. but, it hadn't done anything to their friendship. so. gladio assumes it's all fine and natural. no big deal.

he turns just a little more on his side so he can look at prompto better. he wonders if he should say no, or make something up. but, gladio's not really prone to lying and...all things considered, he doesn't think it'll hurt anything if he tells him about another one. again, he starts touching prompto because...that just seems to be a thing he's going to be prone to doing now, he guesses. but, he likes the way prompto feels under his hands. sue him!!!! )

But, uh, yeah. I've had others.

( he makes like he's thinking about it, but he's really not. gladio's hand smooths up over prompto's shoulder and back down his arm. he smiles a little and chuckles softly, almost like he's embarrassed. but, he's not. he never is when he should be. )

Remember when Noct was using that great sword for a while?

( he already knows that prompto's probably thinking this is going to noct. gladio curls his hand around the back of his arm. rubs his thumb slowly back and forth. )

Don't really remember where we were, but that doesn't really matter anyway.

( his hand moves down until he finds prompto's. lifts it so he can press them palm to palm before he shifts just enough to slot their fingers together. )

Right in the middle of everything, the two of you switched weapons. ( gladio laughs again, genuinely amused and delighted. not disparaging in the least. ) I knew you were capable, but that impressed me. Made an impression on me, I guess -- seeing you handle something you had no training in. Couldn't stop thinking about it, so...

( he trails off, leaving it there with a wave of his hand. )

You and Iggy are part of the same elite club.

( lmao no one wants that, gladio!! )

ic inbox

guess who's turn it is for a late night text???

rude af 😤

deal w it 😎

no never 🙈

fine!! he'll never text again.

wow what a drama queen

yeah, and???

r u d e that's what

A N D?????

it's just rude!!!!!

yah well. he is sometimes!!

he needs to stop that!!!

don't tell him how to be!!!

wow whatever then!!!!

no subject

no subject

no subject