Sentinels and Guides;

[inborn]

 

Sentinels and Guides Shipping Meme
A Sentinel!AU Meme

 

There are special people in the world: Sentinels--whose five senses are incredibly enhanced, sometimes to the point of overwhelming and who can easily lose themselves in fugue states--and Guides, the empaths with the ability to ground a Sentinel and focus them. Meant to be the protectors of the Guides, for every Sentinel there exists a guide that is their perfect match. In some universes, when matches are made, a Sentinel and Guide form a soulbond to fill the feeling of emptiness.

How easy was it for you to find yours? How are Sentinels and Guides treated in your universe? Or maybe you're one of the normal, unremarkable people. Do you fear Sentinels and Guides? Despise them?

 

Rules
1) Post with your character/canon in the subject header.
2a) Choose whether your character is a Sentinel or a Guide
or
2b) If you don't know or don't care, just leave it blank!
3) Information about Sentinels and Guides can be found here and here. Information on 'The Sentinel' which this meme comes from can be found here.

 

4) All the tagging! Have fun 8D

Prompts
oo1. The Meeting: 
How did you meet? Was it at an event organized specifically for finding your other half? By accident? Did you follow a mystical calling to them? Some other way?

oo2. The Bonding: 
Do Sentinels and Guides in your universe soulbond? How does it go down? Is there a ceremony or do you just retreat to the bedroom?

oo3. Rejection: 
Sometimes Sentinels or Guides propose a match but it's just not perfect. You don't feel the pull or maybe you think there is someone better or maybe you're already claimed. Maybe you were claimed and someone better came along?

oo4. Protection: 
Sentinels are meant to protect Guides, any Guides, but it's even worse when they feel their Guide is in danger. They go feral; blind to anything but stopping and killing whoever threatened their Guide or the bond. Maybe someone attacked your Guide or you haven't bonded yet and you feel threatened or maybe you're the one doing the threatening. Whatever the reason, Sentinels in a feral state are dangerous and only their Guides can stop them.

oo5. Lost: 
Sentinels often lose themselves in their senses. Either you're a Sentinel who has lost themselves or a Guide that has stumbled on one or a friend trying to draw them out. Unbonded Sentinels will find it hard to escape without a Guide. Or maybe you're bonded already which means you just need yours to come home.

006. Persecution: 
Sometimes normal people or the government fear the power of Guides and Sentinels. Guides are empaths, feeling the emotions and sometimes passing thoughts of others and it can make people feel violated. Sentinels often have enhanced strength, which can make them dangerous. So they scorn them, hurt them or in the case of governments, regulate them.

oo7. Death: 
Unbonded Sentinels and Guides eventually lose themselves to the empty cavern inside them. Torn apart from the inside by the feeling of something missing. Breaking the soulbond of a Sentinel and Guide is agonizing and horrifying, leading quickly to death for the remaining partner. 

oo8. Old-School: 
Guides used to be treated on the same level as slaves. Unable to work unless their Sentinel said. Not allowed out on their own. They used to wear collars and couldn't own land or inherit money. Maybe the old ways haven't completely fallen out of style. 

oo9. Unbonded: 
Nothing is worse than being an unbonded Guide or Sentinel. Always looking for your other half to fill that empty feeling but you probably have friends that aren't your match or who are trying to set you up with someone. Maybe you're skeptical about the whole love at first sight thing and haven't been looking.

o10. Wildcard: Some mish-mash of the above or anything else you can come up with!

Image from weheartit / original meme by imadeamistake 

Comments

[iwillshieldhim]

Ignis watches John from the driver's seat as the doctor speaks, little flicks of his eyes while remaining watchful on the road. Gladio, however, only grunts at the doctor's orders, rolling his stitched shoulder lightly. "Don't care if it scars as long as it heals right. Do what you gotta do." As if he was going to complain at the idea of his Guide touching him. Right now, it was what he wanted on a level that might have been disturbing if it wasn't so desired by their biology.

"Right now, our priority will be introducing you to the Prince and settling you in for the night. Tomorrow-" Ignis' hand leaves the steering wheel to nudge his glasses back into their proper place, "we will see what damage has been done, or if we have managed to stave off anything further. By morning I will have an effective cover story."

If Ignis said he would, Gladio trusted the man completely to have it done. There was a certain deep need to make sure his Guide was safe, and what normally might have led to running away somewhere, even if temporarily, with a Guide was tempered by his stronger will about his duty. ...At least they would have the night to be able to spend together.

[jumpthegun]

It's a little strange to have someone just taking charge like that, figuring it out for him. John hasn't had that in months, not since being discharged from the Army, and there had certainly never been any civilians. "If you need any help with that, please let me know. The cover story, I mean."

As he says it, he notes that they're getting close to his flat. The buildings are looking more rundown. "If you want to park just there?" John directs Ignis' attention to an area along the curb. Gladio may be able to pick up the scent of shame coming off of the Guide as he unbuckles and starts to get out. Or he might just be able to see it; though, the doctor keeps up a decent poker face. John is not and never has been a rich man. Having his Sentinel see that so immediately is embarrassing.

"I'll be a few minutes." He lingers at the car door. His head says not to invite Gladio along. He doesn't want the other man to see his pitiful flat. The new Bond doesn't want to let his Sentinel out of his sight again. It had been bad enough dealing with it at the clinic, and the need for connection has only grown with them unable to simply hold one another.

[iwillshieldhim]

This was why most people didn't believe Ignis wasn't a Sentinel. He took charge as absolutely as any fully powered Sentinel, maybe even more so. There was a precision and a certainty in his words that didn't seem quite human, though Gladio saw through it after so many years working together, then as friends.

John, however, is something very new to understand. It takes him a moment to understand that he is feeling shame, then it takes longer to realize it's coming off of John. Gladio frowns towards his Guide, trying to puzzle out what is going on. However as John gets out he begins to feel that unconscious urge that all but screams that his Guide is leaving him, he has to go to protect him--

His eyes squeeze shut hard and he growls quietly at himself. Stop it. This- the doctor is fine. He'll be back shortly. Fucking stop it-

"Go." A single snapped command, something meant to push John before he regrets it.

[jumpthegun]

"Right." He goes. Quickly. Better to do this and start working on overcoming their instincts than giving into them. John's entire life fits into one large suitcase and a dufflebag, and he's seriously considering just bringing it all. That's ridiculous, though. They're not going to keep him locked up. He has a life... of sorts. In any case, he'd need to come back here to deal with the landlord if he was moving out.

He heads into the bathroom to grab his toiletries and pauses when he gets to the mirror. John tugs down his shirt collar and takes a closer look at his Bond mark. He's seen it on other Guides, but this? This is his.

The enormity of what's just happened hits him very suddenly, like a freight train ramming into the side of him. His breathing picks up, and he realizes he can smell Gladio's scent all over himself. That's comforting, but at the same time...

The doctor turns on the taps and washes his hands, then his face, then his neck, his hair. By the time he's finished, he's half out of his button-down and smelling strongly of lavender soap. Almost ten minutes have passed. "Pull it together, Watson," John tells his reflection, forcing down the panic. He dries off, combs his hair, and changes quickly into his one suit, a dark blue number with a matching tie and white shirt. If they're making this out to be some sort of interview in their cover story, then he'll dress the part. Not to mention, he's off to meet with royalty. His duffle is packed quickly, but neatly with enough clothes for half a week. John adds his laptop, magic flasks, and short sword to the packed items and sticks his gun in the back of his waistband.

When he makes it back to the car, John slips in, and his expression is on lockdown. "Sorry about the wait. Thought I ought to freshen up." Only the very edge of his Bond mark is showing, and John's managed to wash away most of Gladio's scent, which is likely perturbing. He projects calm at his Sentinel, but doesn't actually look at him, just up toward the rearview mirror. The Bond is crying out for him to wrap around Gladio and bathe himself in his Sentinel's scent once more, but John just tightens his jaw and tries to ignore it. There will be time for that later. For now, he wants to appear in control and not completely lovestruck... Bondstruck? Is there even a term for this? Probably.

[iwillshieldhim]

When John returns to the car smelling of lavender, it couldn't be more clear how much that affects Gladio. The blow out of his pupils as he sniffs at the air, the grip of his hands on the seat, the way his eyes track John like he would pounce him right there. Practically all that keeps it from happening is John's forcible attempt to calm him, leaving Gladio still breathing slightly hard as Ignis watches with an unreadable gaze.

"Gladio." That sharp tone from Ignis, making the Sentinel look towards him. "Focus." For someone who wasn't a Guide by nature, Ignis certainly had a way about him that would fool most people. He kept Gladio's gaze without fear, and surprisingly, it was Gladio that looked away first, but it was to watch John.

"Let's get back," Gladio rumbled, and with a visible effort, turned around in his seat and stared out the windshield.

Ignis let out a quiet breath that belied how confident he had sounded, then started up the engine again. "Indeed."

[jumpthegun]

John can't help raising a brow at Ignis. His ability to measure up to Gladio is impressive, particularly for a man who isn't a Guide or a Sentinel. Maybe once this isn't an immediate emergency, they can get to know one another a little better. Well, he'll probably be getting to know a few people a little better, whether he wants it or not.

"Where are we going?" That still hasn't been answered, nor has much about the other two men. John keeps his tone neutral, unable to stop his gaze flicking to Gladio now and again. As much calm as he's projecting, a good bit of it is artificial. A good Guide has to be able to project beyond what he's actually feeling, or it wouldn't be much use to a Sentinel in the middle of a bad situation... like battle. "If I might ask." He knows enough to know who Prince Noctis is, but he isn't exactly in the business of tracking foreign dignitaries-cum-businessmen.

[iwillshieldhim]

[... *quietly googles places that look expensive?*]

"Currently, we are lodging in the Lanesborough while trade agreement discussion continue," Ignis informs John, seeing no reason not to let him know as they would be, eventually, pulling up in front of the five-star hotel.

Gladio can't help the faint snort that leaves him. "Eight hours a day of the most boring stuff I've ever listened to."

"Boring or not," Ignis' tone suggests he doesn't believe so, "these are very important talks. This will not be interrupting them." That is the sort of voice no one wants to argue with. No wonder he can work effectively against a Sentinel.

"It won't." With a flick of his eyes back to John. As long as they could have the night, he believes he can manage tomorrow. His attention can't be divided, damn it.

[jumpthegun]

The Lanesborough is somewhere that John would never even entertain the possibility of staying. He's suddenly very glad Gladio hadn't come into the flat with him.

"I'll stay out of the way," John adds. "I'm very sorry for the inconvenience, Mr. Scientia." He glances at Gladio before continuing. This isn't going to make a great first impression, but he doesn't want his Sentinel being punished for what might come of all this. "Please be aware that the current situation is mainly my fault. I didn't inform Gladio of what I was and began Guiding him during the procedure to ease some of the pain. When he began responding more than I expected, I failed to call in another doctor to prevent anything unnecessary happening. I've never had any difficulty putting off Sentinels, but I've been out of practice since returning to London a few months ago. I got cocky.

"My deepest apologies to you, Prince Noctis, Gladio, and your entire party. I will do everything in my power to make this... new situation as marginal to your lives as possible." He's not really sure what he can do to help with that apart from just play along as the good and obedient Guide until their work is done. But he'll try.

[iwillshieldhim]

Gladio wouldn't have given a damn what the inside of John's flat looked like. In fact, it would have reeked of the Doctor and he would have just stood there scenting at things without thinking much on what it looked like at all. (He would have, later, pointed out it looked a lot like Ignis' apartment before he moved in near Noct...)

"Ignis. Since it seems we will be a part of each other's lives for some time, I see no reason to not be on a first name basis." He glanced in the rear view mirror once before his eyes settled on the road again. "Gladio should have returned to us if he had been injured and we would have had it handled, so if you require blaming someone, you may settle on equal blame. As it is, I would prefer until you met the rest of our party before any other decisions are made."

"You wanna see if Noct hates him or not." It isn't even a question from Gladio but a statement, his arms crossing over his chest. He knows the push of glasses is a sign he's right.

"It would be preferrable if we are all capable of getting along peacefully."

"Right." Sigh. Gladio looks back to John and rumbles, "we'll figure it out." Like a promise, but he knows as well as Ignis does that in the end... Noct will come before even his biology.

[jumpthegun]

John is aware that, at a baseline, he's a likeable person. Maybe unmemorable to most people, but he's polite and seemingly friendly. He's a person who goes out of his way to be accommodating and shrugs off insults where he can. Of course, there's always some arsehole who's going to decide they don't like that. He very much hopes Noctis isn't one of them.

"Anything I should know about the prince to avoid making a bad impression?" John's not above taking tips, certainly, and both of these men know the man better than the doctor at the moment. "I'd rather keep it civil, as well." It makes life easier for everyone.

[iwillshieldhim]

Ignis and Gladio briefly share a look. It's the look between two people who have known each other for so long that they could have a wordless discussion, and it's Gladio that speaks up after it. "Don't dismiss him," Gladio says, scratching his jaw. "He's young, but he's got a clever head in that skull of his. He's also lazy as hell and don't brook any shit from him. He'll push your buttons probably to see what he can do, but don't let him get to you. Mostly, just treat him like a normal person. He gets bowed and scraped to in public, but he doesn't like it behind closed doors."

"His Guide is Prompto Argentum," Ignis picks up easily. "He may get on your last nerve on occasion, but you will rarely find someone with a bigger heart. If you wish to get on the Prince's good side, I would suggest that as a more skilled Guide, aiding Prompto would be an excellent option."

Gladio can't help but laugh a little. "Yeah, that's a good point. Besides, Prompto could use a few lessons on the whole Guide thing."

[jumpthegun]

"Well, Prompto and I can trade lessons, I think. I can teach him about the mechanics if he'll teach me about the formalities." Because that's definitely an area that John is lacking in for a Bound Guide. Working on the battlefield where he wasn't beholden to one Sentinel and his unit didn't mind if he was rough with them has to be a bit different than what he has with Gladio now. Or maybe it won't be. He can't really say. That's probably something they should talk about once they're given leave for the night. Is this going to be just a business arrangement? A friendship? ...something more? John's mind and the Bond are currently screaming out that it wants Gladio's everything. He's not actually sure if that's genuine attraction or Hollywood tripe about how Guides are meant to feel toward their Sentinels.

"But don't be dismissive and have patience. Think I can manage that. Ta!" John falls quiet for the rest of the drive, trying to mentally work out his introduction. Something polite and formal, but not too formal. He's definitely not bowing to Noctis, but offering a handshake should be fine. Just a brief review of who he is, his skills, and an apology. He'll leave the explanation for what happened to Gladio.

"We're arrived," Ignis informs him as they pull into the valet parking line in front of the hotel, rousing John from his reverie.

John grabs his duffle and steps out of the car, slinging it over his shoulder. Okay, Watson, time to make the best bloody first impression Prince Noctis Lucis Caelum has ever seen. His back is straight, his head is held high... and one look at Gladio just about ruins that picture. The urge to smile for and cling to the Sentinel is nearly overpowering for a moment. Mustn't get distracted, though. In due course.

[iwillshieldhim]

Ignis and Gladio share a look and Gladio laughs at 'the formalities', though why will end up being a mystery until John actually meets Prompto. Still, Gladio thinks, Iggy's taught the kid pretty damn well up until now, so between the two of them, he's not worried about John getting along with this. There's still so much that needs to be discussed, figured out, but there's some place within him that feels the contentment that had swelled when he'd bit John to Bond, a place he hadn't even realized had been empty until it no longer was. It's hard to be too worried on the heels of a feeling like that, but he's equally not blind to the fact that the third in the car is still a virtual stranger to them all.

Oh Watson. The Prince is nothing like you imagine.

Gladio pulls himself out of the car and groans, stretching himself out. "What is wrong with English cars?" he mutters aloud, maybe just loud enough for John getting out of the back to here. "All too damn small..." He gives a grin that shows he's not actually angry about it, but the stretch does end up giving his shoulder a twinge, one that's visible as his arm drops back down to ease the twinge before it becomes something worse.

To cover, he reaches over and briefly brushes his fingers over John's back before a warm palm sits there. It's giving into the urge to touch while in public. "Come on." He nods to Ignis, and together the three head up into the hotel.

It's glorious, the hotel, though Gladio and Ignis don't even seem to realize it as they head for the elevator. A push of a button immediately suggests they're in the highest suite, and when they get off, that's even more likely. Gladio lets Ignis lead the way down, unconsciously taking the back of the group behind John in a protective sort of way. There's a quick swipe of a keycard, a black one at that, and John is led into total luxury.

Tucked into a huge sofa in front of a blazing TV are two kids. At least to John, they'll practically look that way. Noctis and Prompto both look a bit young for their age, but it doesn't help that both of them are currently lost in a video game, looking absolutely as un-princely as possible.

"You're going down!" Prompto hoots, grinning as he took a pot shot at Noct's character.

Gladio, standing just inside the doorway, sighs.

[jumpthegun]

The walk through the hotel only increases John's tension; though it isn't evident in his expression or the pheromones he's pumping out to mask the anxiety with calm. Gladio may be able to get a sense of it from the tension in the doctor's frame where his hand sits. He feels severely underdressed for the hotel itself, let alone the penthouse, even in a suit and tie. Not that Gladio or Ignis are dressed to the nines, but it still feels like he should have done more to clean up. Probably should have grabbed his nicer dress shoes.

Except it really doesn't seem like he needs to when they step in on a couple of teenagers (seemingly) playing video games. John recognizes Noct immediately, so the blond must be Prompto. He can't help raising his own brow, but quickly smooths it out as Ignis speaks up.

"In your own time, gentlemen." His tone is one of long-suffering.

Noct tilts his head back and to the side without actually looking over at the trio. His tone is almost bored. "Who's the suit?"

"Dr. John Watson," Ignis supplies. "A physician from one of the local clinics." His eyes turn to Gladio and he pushes his glasses up. Your turn.

john, welcome to a world of sass

[iwillshieldhim]

Gladio isn't even going to bother with being subtle about it. He can see the pinch in Noct's brow and can already guess that Noct's suspicious so he shrugs. "Not going into details, before you even ask, but... the doc's my new Guide."

Prompto, who had started to drink from a can of soda with one hand still on the controller, nearly chokes at that, the controller dropping into his lap as he coughs on inhaled liquid. "G-Guide?!" he coughs again, the game completely forgotten about as he stares over the back of the couch towards John.

Noct actually has the presence of mind to hit the pause button, though there is a brief look towards his own Guide to make sure Prompto doesn't actually choke to death. "...Guide, huh?" Gladio knows the prince wants more, but John's getting a once over before there's a faint look of, what, disgust? uncertainty? something similar on Noct's face and it's gone again. "You sure know how to pick 'em, Gladdy."

Gladio's eyes narrow faintly at that and he throws a look towards Ignis you're supposed to be teaching this kid manners before he gives a bit of a growl. "Show some respect, kid."

At least he can sass with the best of them

[jumpthegun]

"Perhaps we ought to all sit down together," Ignis begins, but John cuts him off.

Treat the prince like anyone else and don't take any crap from him. He's dealt with more than one new recruit who decided they wanted to test the captain. His expression doesn't shift and, if anything, the tension only increases his confidence. He stands up straighter and his tone is light. "It's all right. Not a fan of blue, Your Highness?" John asks, gesturing to his suit. He reaches up and touches his hair. "Or is it the gray?"

sass off

[iwillshieldhim]

Gladio actually looks sharply over at his Guide and despite himself, there's a grin threatening hard at his mouth. Looks like his Guide has some real spine in there after all, and damn if he doesn't like it, a lot.

Noct even briefly looks surprised, most people won't talk to him like that when they first meet, and Prompto beside him has an open mouth. The prince almost sneers, but Ignis and Gladio, watching him, might catch the hint of a smirk there. "Both. Least with you 'round here, Gladio won't keep trying to get on Pr--"

"NOCT." Prompto's choked name cuts the prince off, looking hard at his friend. What in the hell!?

Gladio can recognize the brat in Noct testing John and he wants to walk over there and whap him in the back of the head for it, but he equally knows these two have to find their own ground with each other so he crosses his arms over his chest and watches.

[jumpthegun]

"I'll keep that in mind. Looking for something more chipper? I can do yellow." John smiles at Noct. "Or is it more 'black like my soul' around here for the dress code?" John glances over at Gladio for effect and shrugs, ignoring Noct's implication about Prompto. "Would've dressed for it if I knew there'd be a swimsuit portion to this interview."

He steps forward, but it's not toward Noct. John offers his hand to Prompto. "John Watson. Gladio and Ignis told me a bit about you on the way over, but I reckon we'll be getting to know one another better. Thank you for taking care of Gladio."

[iwillshieldhim]

As John walks over towards Prompto, Gladio finally gives in and gives a bark of a laugh, leaning over to Ignis beside him. "Think he'll fit in just fine," he said with a smirk clear in his voice, pleased at how John was handling the whole thing.

Prompto, clearly stunned by the whole exchange, ends up fumbling a little before a grin comes to his lips. Is he using his gifts as a Guide? Because everything just lightens up around him when he smiles, leaning on the back of the couch to take the offered hand and gives it a quick shake. "Nice to meet you, Doctor!" His eyes flicker over to Gladio and he gives a bit of a sheepish look, his voice going a little bit softer, just between them. "I did my best? He's.... a lot. So, uh, good luck??"

[jumpthegun]

"He seems to be handling it better than in the car," Ignis agrees quietly. There's a calculating air to him as he adds, "Immediate pressure brings out his better side, it would seem."

John, for his part, smiles back at Prompto. "Think I'll be able to manage... maybe with a bit of help." He lets go and turns his attention back to Noct, sobering a little. "I am sorry about the current situation. I wasn't expecting an Unbound Sentinel to step into my clinic office this morning. I'll do what I can to avoid distracting Gladio from any of his duties or service to you. I am a trained physician as Ignis mentioned. I thought, perhaps, entering into your employ under that guise might be easiest for everyone, but I'm fully capable of actually carrying out that service."

[iwillshieldhim]

"Not gonna complain. Never seen someone get Noct to look that gobsmacked." He keeps his voice low, just for Ignis to hear. It really is something to see John handling the situation with such ease, and getting Prompto to his side is a smart move. Get the Guide, got the Sentinel.

Noct clearly isn't as impressed as his Guide, his forearms folded on the back of the couch. He gives a quiet huff, then turns back around and grabs for the controller. "Long as you don't get in the way."

Gladio can't help the faint growl that leaves him at that, but really, he isn't completely surprised. Noct has always been a little standoffish with strangers and just bringing John into his life, with little choice, probably isn't doing any favors. Still, he looks sharp to Ignis before grunting. "Unless there's a reason you need us, I'm getting out of here with John."

Prompto, though, gives a quick nod. "That actually sounds like a good idea. We're all pretty miserable as healers except for Noct's potions. I dunno how healers do out in fights, though..." His brows pinch together, trying to puzzle that one out.

[jumpthegun]

"Indeed," Ignis replies, a faint air of amusement creeping in. "Rather a shame Prompto didn't have his camera at the ready."

John's ready to go along with Gladio and leave Noctis to stew about the current change in circumstances--at least John won't be alone there, he doesn't trust easily, either, and the current situation is testing his own limits--when Prompto's comment pulls him up short. The Guide glances to Gladio and Ignis for a moment before deciding just to be out with it.

"I'm an Army doctor and trained trauma surgeon. I just recently returned from three years in Afghanistan dealing with the Taliban and daemons in the area. The battlefield is where I work best. I understand you favor guns, Prompto? They're my weapon of choice, as well, along with short swords.

"I hope that'll suffice?" It's directed more at Noct. "I don't intend to be a rope around your Shield's neck, Your Highness. I've looked after myself and after my men in battle as their captain. I don't intend for that to change."

damn taliban AND daemons. that's scary af

[iwillshieldhim]

"Woulda paid for that pic," Gladio says with a grin, giving Ignis a nudge. "If I ended up with a stranger for a Guide... looks like I can pick 'em. Otherwise you'd still be stuck with the job." Given that Ignis practically did act like a Guide half the time, it isn't entirely a falsehood, either.

That, little surprise, completely gets Prompto's attention. The grin on his lips is wide, sunny, and he's leaning so far over the back of the couch if Noct hadn't been a counter weight, he would have toppled it already. "Really?! Yeah! I mean I'm no good swinging a sword around or anything but I'm pretty damn good with them." He mimes shooting with a pistol - not like most people might have with an index finger extended and their thumb up but with an invisible gun in hand, butt against his other palm and finger curled around a trigger. "We'll have to go shooting some time, right??" With a hopeful look to the others.

There might have been approval in the slant of Noct's eyes at John's words, but the prince only shrugs in response. "Depends on if you're good enough to back up those words. Wouldn't mind getting out of the city."

Gladio looks to Ignis on that, raising an eyebrow. "Think we could manage it?"

YEAH. I figure it's, like... really bad times over there in this mixed world.

[jumpthegun]

"I never have minded," Ignis says with a look at Gladio that likely speaks volumes. Gladio is a friend and a confidant. There are few people Ignis would feel more inclined to help in a moment of need.

John can't help a brief smile at Prompto for his miming. Now there's a proper gunman. It's a good sign, and the soldier in him approves.

At Noct's question, Ignis frowns slightly and mentally reviews their schedule. "You'll be in meetings all day tomorrow and the majority of Thursday. There are a few known hotspots outside of the walls that may prove feasible for a weekend trip before negotiations resume on Monday. Provided your own schedule is amenable, John."

"Uh... yeah." Wait. "No. Well, what time would we be leaving on Friday? I have a, um... a thing." A therapy thing he doesn't actually want to admit to with a lot of strangers.

Ignis gives him another look that feels like his cells are being reviewed and catalogued. "We can accommodate whatever schedule you'd like. Presumable we would depart in the late morning."

"As long as it's after nine, I can do that. Couple of days, then." He tries to regain his confidence and poise, and shoots a look over at Gladio. "Think you'll have time in your own schedule for a little sparring? It's been a while since I've practiced with anyone apart from a mirror."

Agreed. /also this tag is just... sorry. in a silly mood. XD

[iwillshieldhim]

The look Gladio gives back is matched in volumes. Those are well matched feelings between them and long understanding.

Your cells are being judged, John. Every one of them.

Gladio's eyes light up at John's request and he gives a grin that's nothing less than predatory. "Sure you want to take on the tiger first?" He's playing it up and it shows, or at least gets Prompto snickering nearby and a whispered, 'behemoth!' following. "Could take on the kitten instead." Jerking his thumb at the blond who stops laughing and gives a 'hey!' in protest... then meows before laughing again.

This. This is what Ignis has to put up with, John. Sure you want to stick around?