Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Body

A/N: Hey guys, just letting you know if you like this I would be more than happy to write a series once the game comes out. Though I understand why it was delayed, I still harbor some resentmet towards Square. I think they just love baiting their fans with content. For further evidence, ask the nearest Kingdom Hearts fan on how they feel about KH III. But enough of that, hears something that took up seventeen pages in my composition book. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: Final Fantasy XV is owned by Square Enix and Sony studios. I do not own any other mentioned properties.

Aquas Nigrum joined the Prince's group soon after they left the beseiged Insomnia. Well..., joined and getting run over are basically the same thing. Last time Ignis lets Noct drive the Regalia.

Having been informed that he had mistook the clutch for the brake, they pulled over and quickly got to see if he was okay. Gladiolus got to him first, thanks to his longer legs, and began looking him over. "You okay," he asked, helping the man sit up with the support of his arm.

"Just peachy," he groaned grouchily. "Wasn't enough to fight off those metal monsters after stealing some crystals from the Royal Armory with weapons I barely know how to use. No, I had to get ploughed over by the very person I was trying to find."

"Sorry," Noctis apologized quietly.

Blowing his brown hair out his eyes with a huff, he said tiredly, "Its fine, at least I was able to find ya." Had a bit of twang to his voice, subtle enough that they hadn't noticed until now. "Here," reaching into his pocket, "these are the whole reason I'm here," holding an array of crystals in his outstreched palm. "Didn't understand why they were in the armory instead of the vault until I pick one up."

Everyone looked on stunned, taking the gems into hand to find that he had brought them some of the best weapons they could ask for. "If we're done, I think I'll have a bit of a lie down," he said before passing out, his body growing heavier againt Gladio's supporting arm in deadweight.

"What should we do Noct," asked Prompto insistantly.

"If I my your highness," input Ignis, "Its getting dark and we should break camp soon."

Noctis looked to the man's face for a moment before answering, "Might as well bring him along, I did run him over. The least we could do is get him out of the rain and dress his wounds." though he said it carelessly, the rest of the group grinned knowingly as they loaded him into the back seat of the car.

Gladio drove as Ignis looked him over in the back, trying to estimate the damage their new ally had taken.

"Best I can tell, most of his injuries happened during his escape due to the amount of debris in the wounds. They need to be cleaned quickly and thuroughly before they can fester," he announced after a few minutes.

"Better find a place to camp soon then," commented Gladio.

"Your highness?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm proud of you," Ignis lamented, " with what's happened, I'm glad to see you doing what your father would have."

"What's that?"

"Helping those in need," answered Gladio, pulling into a disused path, "even in the shitty situation we're in."

"He helped us, so I'll help him. Simple as that," Noct said, acting cool. But in truth, he would have helped regardless and was worried about the trial that have yet to come.

~At camp, inside the tent~

"So, any ideas as to who our mystery helper is," questioned Gladio, followed by the others.

"His name is Aquas Nigrum, penitent thief and store owner," said Ignis from his place next to the unconscious man.

"I've heard that name before," piped up Prompto, "Wasn't he arrested?"

"Yes, he was. When brought before the King, he repented his crimes and swore that he'd live a better life, given the chance," recounted Ignis, "The King asked if he truely ment what he said. When he continued to comfirm it, he was given that chance as well as a store to make his livelyhood. He has since kept his word and rumor has it that his store has never been stolen from thanks to his own thieving knowledge."

"Hang on," said Noctis, "How do you know its him? Have you ever visited his shop, seen him before?"

"Good question, how do you know Iggy," asked Gladio, arms crossed and eyebrow raised.

"His wallet fell out his pocket and his I.D. was inside," Ignis answered a bit reluctantly.

"Yeah, it 'fell out,'" said Prompto sarcastically, throwing up air quotes.

"Are you suggesting that I went through his pockets," accused Ignis.

"That's exactly what we're thinking," said Gladio in a low voice.

"Ignis," said Noctis testily, "tell the truth."

"Curiousity got the better of me and I went through his pockets, I'm sorry," he apologized.

"Could you keep it down and let a guy rest," said Aquas grumpily, startling everyone. He sat up, supporting himself with one arm as he rubbed the sleep from his violet eyes.

"How long have you been awake," Ignis asked incredulusly.

"Since he walked in," pointing to Gladio, "And for the record, I understand why he seached my pockets, I wouldn't trust me either. You know what they say, once a theif, always a thief."

"Its not that..." started Prompto.

"I wanted to know who would have the skills to break into the palace, out again, and escape the city under seige. But now that I know who you are," Ignis spoke quickly, "I'm really not all that surprised."

"You could've just asked, it's not like I wouldn't tell ya," sitting up fully, cross-legged, "There are things that you learn that stick with you, no matter how little you use it." Aquas was silent for a moment, as if for effect. He continued, "When you run with the crowd I did, you soon figure out that no place is impenentrable. Takes the right oppertunity and route to get you there." Taking notice of the collective intrigue, frowning he added, "In this case, it was a city wide siege and the sewers."

"That explains the smell," commented Gladio with slight disgust.

"You may think it horrible now, but the sewers will almost always get you out of a tight spot. Need I remind you," not even pretending to be polite anymore, "you wouldn't have those gems without me. Be thankful that I believed there might be a chance to pay back the King's kindness by helping his son out. Now," changing tone and subject, " you know who I am and I know his name," pointing to Noct, "but I don't know any of your's."

"Gladiolus Amicitia."

"Prompto Argentum."

"Ignis Stupeo Scientia."

"Now that we've gotten introductions out of the way," Noct began, "What are you going to do now?"

"Good question," Aquas said as though he just realized something, "Didn't really think this on through..."

Everyone, except Prompto, let out a groan of exasperation.

"Why don't you come with us," blurted Prompto, "What," when everyone except Aquas looked at him like he was an idiot. "He helped us once, maybe he'll help us again."

Noctis shrugged his shoulders and admited, "He's got a point."

"Thinking about it now," said Aquas, brow furrowed, "There's probably little chance of me sneaking back into Insomnia. Even if I did, I doubt my shop will still be there. So in other words..."

"We're stuck with ya," finished Gladio.

"Sorry," he apologized, probably the only time of his own intention.

At that moment, his stomach grumbled audibly. "Might as well make a dish for him as well," said Ignis, resigned to the fact that he'd be cooking for five now.

"Appreciate it," Aquas said gratefully. "So, a sword friend, some ready cash, a bit of amazed fire, a little black water, and a ray of night's light." Aquas smiled to himself, as if he remembered a joke, "A band of misfits if I've ever seen one."

Noct smiled too, perhaps for the first time since learning of the siege, "When you say it like that," he said with levity, "I guess you're right."

Prompto seemed to be the only one of the four in the tent who didn't get the joke, "What's so funny?"

"I would explain but," holding up a finger, "as someone once said, 'if you have to explain the joke, there is no joke,'" said Aquas knowingly.

Gladio, who slowly finguring out the what they were grining about, was happy with the fact that Noctis was smiling again. This guy's not so bad, he thought to himself.

With a fifth member added to their party, they continued on their journey while taking turns sharing something about themselves while bringing Aquas up to speed with most of what was going on. For the most part, he'd chat idlely with everyone. But mostly it ended with him talking avidly with Gladio and Prompto since they weren't as serious or broody as the other two. In combat, he was a better asset than they had initially believed. Though he was once a theif, an occupation that relied heavily on stealth, he was no stranger to a fight. Aquas had choosen to wield a staff in battle, or more accurately, it had chose him. Much like himself, at first glance it looked nothing special. At least until one noticed it was constantly changing length accourding to his whims. And though staffs are technically non-leathal weapons, but the way he wielded it, there may as well have been blades attached to the ends.

Aquas had a very 'take each day as they come and let the cards fall where they may' attitude towards life. Though the others didn't always agree with it, every so often, the group would take a break and do it his way. It would usually lower their stress levels. When those times that would role around where they would take a break, something odd would happen. One time, they found Ignis drunkenly wondering the wilderness half-naked. Another, Noct and Prompto were almost caught skinny dipping in someone's pool in the middle of the night. Most recently, Aquas and Gladio were kicked out of a sex shop. To this day, no one knows the reason. All they know is that it was Aquas' idea and everytime someone asked them about it, they'd just grin and childishly say "We'll never tell," in unison. Laughing at their attempts to prise an answer out of them. And that was just to name a few.

Actually, Noct had been noticing them disappearing a lot here recently. Most of the time, they'd come back with food or firewood. But there were occasions where he'd be half-asleep and hear them sneaking back into the room, if they were in town, or tent, if they had to make camp. Well, they had take a break in a lake-side town and Aquas and Gladio had took of again and Noct wanted to get to bottom it. Plus, since they where having one of their holidays, who knows what trouble they could be getting themselves into. So, Noct, Ignis, and Prompto began searching for them. They check the usual places, stores, restuarants, even bars while the younger two waited out front. One of the few places they hadn't looked yet was the lake bed where they had seen swimmers before dusk. Maybe they went for a dip in the lake.

Like most lakes that attracted holiday makers, it had an artificial beach of sand. The only difference was the many boulders that spaced themselves randomly across both the beach and the lake. At this point, it was with half-hearted determination that they spread out and began combing the area for their friends while calling their names occasionally. Prompto went so far as to call out 'Marco' to bait a response. But all he got was a disinterested reply of 'Polo' from the other two.

Begining to think it wasn't worth the effort anymore, Noct heard movement and hushed cursing from behind a rock that jutted out a ways into the calm lake. "Gladio? Aquas?" No reply. Intrigued, Noctis was tempted to remove his shoes, role up his pants legs, and have a look behind the boulder. He had gotten as far as removing one boot before Prompto called out to him.

"Hey Noct! I think I saw one of those shops they got kicked out of on the other side of town. Maybe that's where they are."

Sighing defeatedly, Noctis emptyed the sand from his boot before replacing it and running over to catch up with them some ways up the road. A few seconds later, when they were out of sight, the lean form of Aquas appeared from behind the boulder wearing nothing but a shiteating grin. "Ho boy, those three are in for quite the surprise! What I wouldn't pay to see that show," he hooted with glee. "Maybe we should follow them."

"Or," proposed Gladio, also in the nude, "we could go back to the empty room for some fun. Should be a while before they're back," hugging him from behind, his soft cock pressing against the top of his ass.

"Careful, I may just steal that silver tongue of yours," Aquas smirked, pulling a chuckle from the larger man. Dressing, "How much you wanna bet that the clerk are gonna think that they're in there for themselves?"

"2000 gil," pulling his jacket over his shoulders, "4000 if the other customers hit on Prom and Noct."

"And if they hit on Iggy?"

"Doubt it. But hell, if that happens, you can top next time."

They walked as fast as they could without looking suspicious back to the hotel room they all shared. As soon as the lock fell into place, Gladio place a hand on the door beside Aquas' head, leaned forward and said, "So what now, huh cutie," knowing how much he loved being sweet talked.

Turning around with a lustful smile, "So many options," he husked, hands gently carressing those abs that Gladio always left on display.

Humming as though he were thinking, "Why don't I have some fun with that sweet ass of yer's on the bed." Grabbing a handful before giving it a pat as Aquas walked towards the bed, purposely swishing his hips.

"Well how can I refuse an offer like that," he asked playfully, sitting himself down on the coner of the bed and kicking of his shoes.

Gladio did the same and walked over to bed, only to stop in front of Aquas and remove his jacket so the other could satisfy his tattoo fetish. After planting a breif, but deep kiss on his lips, Gladio whispered into his ear, "Why don't you get me hard for ya?"

Aquas was way ahead of him, a hand already groping his large member. Standing, Gladio unzipped his pants and pulled them down slowly with his underware to reveal his semi-hard cock. Aquas took it in hand, pumped it a couple times before taking the juicy head into his mouth. Tongue playing with a vein along the shaft, Aquas cupped his heavy balls in his hand and kneaded thm lightly with the tips of his fingers. Gladio loved having his balls played with, nothing made him moan and rock hard faster.

Standing proud at eleven inchs and bigger around than a half-dollar, Aquas licked his lips as he admired his handywork. "I know the drill," he smirked as he stripped off the rest of his clothes, underware getting stuck on his leaking hard-on.

Laying on his back, Aquas brought his knees up to his chest to give Gladio a full view of his cock, balls, and hole. Without waiting or prep, Gladio lubbed his member with liquid from a bottle he always kept in his jacket for times like this and speared himself into Aquas' ass. Aquas was a bit of a masochist, so he felt more pleasure than pain as Gladio quickly assumed his usual pace. Since they never knew when they could have sex or how long, they only focused on helping each other reach their climax rather than enjoying the experiance.

At the pace they were going and Gladio constantly hitting his prostate, it didn't take long Aquas to start feeling the pressure growing just above his groin. By habit, he grabbed his dick, pumping it and silently telling Gladio to get on with it. Picking up the pace, both of them mouned louder than usual let themselves as they came at the same time. As they rode out their orgasms, Gladio continued to rock himself in and out of Aquas until he went soft before pulling out and grabbing a towel from the bathroom.

Now clean, they had just enough pressence of mind to put their pants back on but no more than that. As per an unspoken agreement, Gladio sat with one leg extended with the other bent inwards so Aquas could settle himself in the crook of it against his bare chest. It took a few attempts to figure out that this was the best position for them without limbs falling asleep. But this didn't hold true for them. More than once, they'd fall asleep like this with Gladio holding him like a stuffed animal.

With Aquas' head tucked under his chin, Gladio hummed contently and, without knowing he was speaking, said quietly, "Gods do I love you."

Aquas made a small noise of surprise, he hadn't said this before. Heat rising in his face and swallowing hard, he responded as confidently as he could, "Yeah, me too."

"Wha-," Gladio breathed slighty confused. It took a moment befor his face flushed pink, realizing that he had spoken his thoughts aloud. He brought a hand to his face to hide his embarassment.

It wasn't long before Aquas couldn't hold back any longer and the sound of his snickering filled the room.

"What's so funny," Gladio growled, failing to be threatening with the amount of pink in his cheeks.

Regaining control of himself, Aquas answered, "Just the thought of you getting so worked over a simple 'I love you,' you'd probably be a mess if someone asked you to marry them." He started to chuckle again, but not as loud as the first fit.

"What makes you think that won't be the one to ask them," ha said strangely, shifting slightly.

Aquas went oddly silent after that. Gladio could almost see the cogs working in the back of his head as he twidled his thumbs. After awhile, he said, "Don't you think its about time we told the others about others about us." Trying despertly to change the subject. Gladio raised a suspicious eyebrow, but let it go at the sound of a key being fit into the lock.

Prompto walked in first, freckles promenant against his white face. Noct followed, looking as though he had just been tramatized. Last to file in was Ignis and he looked the worst out of the three. Glasses askew and hair out of place, he was voicing refusals to intercourse in varying degrees of disconnect. None of them seemed to notice the couple cuddling on the bed. That is, until Aquas broke the silence.

Clapping his hands together loudly and shouting, "Oi," he startled them back into consciousness. Sniggering, he asked without a trace of innocence, "So, where have you guys neen?" Even though he and Gladio knew full well where they were.

"Looking for you two," said Noct quietly, "We even went to see if you were... in one of those shops again." All three still failing to notice that Aquas was in Gladio's lap for (to them) no reason.

"And what happened while you were there," chirped Gladio, trying to figure out who won the bet.

"What happened? What HAPPENED?!" spat Ignis, "I'll TELL you what happened. First, we had to convice the clerk that we were only looking for you two and not interested in anything from their establishment. Repeatedly! Then, customers were begining to make solicited comments towards Noct and Prompto. When they got it through their heads that they weren't intersted in men, they started harassing me!"

"Wait! You guys went into a gay sex shop," he exclaimed. Eyes lighting up with mirth as he jumped to his feet.

"Apparently so," Ignis answered iratably, straighting his glasses.

The effect of those two words was astounding. The boom of of Gladio's guffaws filled the room while Aquas had to use the headboard to support himself from lauging so hard. They weren't expecting that at all. It seemed to go on forever before they finally started to sober up.

When his legs could support him again, Aquas pulled out two thousand gil and handed it to Gladio. "Hold on, I thought I said four," still wearing a goofy looking grin.

"You owed me two for the toy bit and," Aquas said matter-of-factly, "I'm topping next time."

"Dammit, I was hoping you'd forget."

"Wait," said Prompto, "Did you guys know where we were and make a bet?"

"Yes sir," Aquas answered shamelessly.

"'Next time,' have you two..." started Ignis, putting the pieces together.

"...been fucking each other? Yeah," Gladio finished bluntly.

"For months actually," added Aquas.

Noctis couldn't take any more after that. First the sex shop and now this?! Solving the mystery behind their disappearances was small comfort as his face turned green, forcing him to rush for the bathroom. As the door slammed shut, Aquas admitted as they put the rest of their clothes on, "Maybe we should've wait until tomorrow to tell them."

When Noct finally emerged from the room, he was wiping his mouth with a towel.

Whispering, "Gladio... isn't that...?"

"It is..." color draining from his face.

"Should we tell him?"

"I think he already knows," as Noct pulled it away from his face in horror.

"You know, there's an all-night dinner nearby," making his way to the door.

"Right behind ya," practically sprinting across the room.

No one saw them until the following morning, huddled close together on the terrace connected to the room, fast asleep.