#igcor week

Ignis follows the conditions in the contract flawlessly and quickly. While he enjoys his side jobs, he is glad for the extra breathing room. He also provides Cor with a budget, which Cor completely ignores and still puts way too much money into his account. He isn’t sure how the older got his bank information, but chalks it up to him being a leader in the tech world. There’s probably no information that Cor can’t find. The only thing that really bothers him is that is doesn’t know very much about his benefactor. When he checks in every week, they only talk about Ignis.

“Specs,” Noctis pokes him in the arms, “you are zoning out on us again.”

Ignis rubs the spot, “My apologies. I didn’t sleep well last night.” It’s true. Caffeine withdrawal is a bitch, but he’s slowly kicking the habit. He’s down to three cups of coffee a day. While it wasn’t apart of the contract, Cor has mentioned it no less than eleven times in the month since this started.

“Maybe you should go try and get a nap before class,” Prompto suggests while Noctis plays with the fingers on the blonde’s free hand.

That’s a new development, or just maybe one Ignis hasn’t had the time to notice before. So much is different now. He studies at the library with the two boys three times a week and sometimes even catch dinner or a movie. He isn’t struggling to meet deadlines anymore either. He’s enrolled in a cooking class to brush up on his skills.

Ignis’ first formal event with Cor is coming up as well. Despite Ignis questioning him about it multiple times, Cor just says it’s taken care of and not to worry about it.

So, no, Ignis isn’t going to be able to sleep, but maybe a walk would help him clear his thoughts. He says as much to his study partners before packing his things and exiting the library. His new, top of the line phone, also from Cor, buzzes with an email. His next and final class of the day is canceled, so Ignis decides to head back to his dorm after all.

***

Cor is sitting at his desk when Nyx unceremoniously flops on the couch, nursing a hangover. Cor has zero sympathy for him. This happens every Monday.

Nyx parties too hard the night before and comes into work the next day, acting like the world is ending. Today he decides that riling up Cor is in order. “So, how’s jalbait?”

Cor throws a water bottle at his head, which Nyx catches effortlessly. “His name is Ignis and he is well above age. Besides, I’m just his benefactor.”

“Which is code for he used his good looks to charm you out of your money.” Nyx holds his hand open, waiting patiently for Cor to give him aspirin.

“I ought to let you suffer or fire you. You are more trouble than you’re worth,” Cor tosses him the bottle of medicine.

“You love me and think I’m awesome. I’m the one that suggested the website in the first place. You wouldn’t have met jailbait if not for me.”

“Stop calling him that,” Cor smacks the back of Nyx’s head.

“Ow! Jeez! Fuck! It was a joke,” Nyx rubs the sore spot on head. “Are you going to bring him to the launch party?”

“Yes. It’s part of the agreement.”

Nyx takes the medication and then studies Cor. “What’s wrong? Are you regretting all of this?”

“No,” Cor shakes his head, “it’s just that he asks so many questions. He wants to know everything about me.”

“He’s curious. That’s natural. I mean you know practically everything about him, down to his blood type. Of course, he wants to know about you. Why don’t you take him out for a casual get to know you dinner?”

“You mean a date.”

Nyx gives Cor his best shit eating grin, “Well I hear that’s what the kids call it these days.”

***

Gladio stretches his large frame on Ignis’ bed, watching as Ignis searches through his closet. “Why does it have to be this particular shirt? Any shirt you have will make the same impression.”

Ignis pushes his glasses to sit properly on his nose, “It will not make the same impression. It has to be the green one, Gladiolus.”

Gladio winces at the use of his full name. Ignis only uses it when frustrated or nervous. But it always sounds hot in Ignis’ accented voice.

He keeps searching, “Aha! Found it.” He tugs off the tshirt and shrugs on the emerald green shirt, working the buttons as he exits the closet.

“I don’t know why you agreed to this. This is a lot of conditions for a scholarship.”

“The dinner is not a part of the terms. My benefactor has agreed to answer some questions,” Ignis rolls his sleeves to his elbows, “I’ve been trying to find out information about him for weeks. Also, you sound jealous.”

Gladio crosses his arms in front of his chest. “I’m not jealous, but you are dressing like this is a date.”

The two of them tried dating in high school, but it didn’t work out. Ignis loves Gladio, he just isn’t “in love” with him. Ignis can acknowledge that his very small, very insignificant crush on Cor might be clouding his good judgement. However, he isn’t in the mood to deal with a jealous Gladio.

“Gladio, this man has paid for enough that I can go to dinner with him. I felt that his terms were fair and I can back out at any time without consequences. I know it makes you uncomfortable, but I need you to trust me on this.”

The bigger man sits up, “I do trust you, Iggy. It’s him I don’t trust. I don’t want him to treat you like some arm candy.”

Noctis slides downs the wall to floor with a whine, “I’m not cut out for this kind of menial labor. I can’t believe Specs signed us up for this. We did him a favor!” He looks at his peeling hands. “My hands are going to fall off.”

Prompto laughs quietly while scrubbing the stuck-on food from the pot, “It’s not that bad, Noct. Helping out once a month doesn’t hurt. And if you would wear the gloves, your hands wouldn’t be peeling.”

Noctis rolls his eyes, “I am not wearing those. I can’t even move my fingers.They’re for peasants.”

“Whatever you say, princess. If you help me with the rest of these dishes, I’ll put some lotion on your hands later.”

Noctis likes the sound of that. Of course, he likes anytime Prompto’s hands are on him, “Fine. And don’t call me that.” He pulls himself off the floor and starts drying the dishes.

***

Ignis’ phone pings with a new text message. He takes the phone out and looks at the message with a smile and slips it back into his pocket.

Cor has been spending the better part of an hour not so subtly watching the younger as he works on a project on the couch in his office. “You aren’t going to answer it?”

Ignis shakes his head and pushes his glasses to rest more comfortably on his nose, “It’s just Noct complaining how unfair his punishment is.”

“How much longer is the sentence?”

“They only have two months to go and it’s only once a month. Noct has a flair for the dramatic.”

As penance for meddling in his affairs, Ignis signs the two boys up to volunteer at the local soup kitchen, one saturday a month, for six months. While Prompto takes the assignment in stride, Noctis goes kicking and screaming. But they have not missed a day so far and Prompto likes that he gets a couple of hours with Noct without electronics.

Cor shrugs, “So does Regis. I see where he gets it from.” He stands to stretch his limbs and pours himself a glass of water.

The door to his office flies open at the same time the phone on his desk buzzes. Cor answers the phone on speaker while looking at Nyx with a sigh. “Yes, Monica, I know Nyx is here.”

“I’m terribly sorry, Mr. Leonis.”

“It’s fine. Hold all calls and visitors until I get this moron to leave.” He hangs up.

Ignis doesn’t look up from his task. The first few times, he was startled by the behavior of the two, but now it’s common place and he can ignore them for the most part.

Nyx flings himself down on the couch next to Ignis and ruffles his hair, “Hey jailbait.”

“Stop calling him that.” Cor smacks Nyx’s hand.

“I just add it to the list of nicknames people like to call me. Good afternoon, Nyx.” Ignis replies.

Nyx gives Ignis his cheesiest smile, “See boss, the kid doesn’t mind.”

Cor sits at his desk and massages his temples, “What do you want?”

Nyx props his feet on the table next to Ignis’ laptop, “I need you to go to this black tie event tomorrow.”

“Nope. It’s your turn. Besides, tomorrow is Ignis’ birthday and I promised him that I wouldn’t do any work. Sorry, Nyx. Too many things working against you this time.”

“But we have to go together and put up a united front. InsomTech have been twitchy since you changed the terms and they may pull out.”

“So let them. They’ve been hesitating for months now.” Cor wants the deal but his patience is running thin. Losing out would be a hit, but they can recover. The deal is Nyx’s baby anyway. Let him figure out how to keep them happy. “I changed the contract because it gives them too much power.”

Nyx decides changing tactics is in order. He sinks to his knees and grabs Ignis’ hands, “Ignis, please. Just this once. Please let Cor come out to play.”

Ignis can’t help but laugh at the childish display but he also wants to be selfish and keep Cor to himself for his birthday. “You know as well as I, that he can’t be convinced to do something he doesn’t want to.” Ignis leans in to whisper, “But I’ll do my best.”

Nyx relinquishes his hold on the younger and stands. “Great. I’ll see you both tomorrow then.” He practically skips out of the office.

Cor bangs his head on his desk.

Ignis gets up from his perch and walks behind Cor, slowly putting his arms around the man. “It sounds like a pretty big deal.”

“It’s always a big deal,” Cor mumbles. He sits up and swivels the chair to face Ignis.

Ignis straddles him and kisses along his jawline. “But he usually just tries to get you to go in his place.”

“Can we not talk about Nyx right now?”

Ignis stops, “I’ll forgive you this time but you have to make it up to me.”

“Oh baby, I’m gonna spoil you.”

***

Cor eyes follow Ignis around the room while he sips on his glass of champagne. Even though he bought the suit, he’s still taken aback at how well it fits his boyfriend. Ignis looks ravishing and Cor doesn’t want him in that suit any longer than necessary.

A worried Nyx interrupts his less than pure thoughts, “Can you get your mind out of the gutter for five minutes please?”

“Why? Practically everyone is thinking the same thing I am.”

“Yes, yes. But he’s yours. Anyway, Regis is coming over to talk terms and I need you focused.”

Cor straightens Nyx’s tie, “Calm down. I’ve known Regis for years. He’ll try to bully you, but if you stand your ground, he’ll see reason.”

“Cor. Nyx. So happy you could make it to my little get together. I’d heard you weren’t coming.” Regis flashes the two men a smile. His assistant, Clarus, stands stone-faced behind him.

Cor tilts his head. “A last minute change in schedule allowed for it. Was there something in particular you needed from us?”

“Not from a business standpoint. I understand and agree to the change on the contract. What I wanted to discuss with you is more of a personal nature.”

Ignis saunters up the group and Cor puts an arm around his waist and pulls him in, out of habit. He’s not interested in hiding his relationship with Ignis. “Oh? And what would that be?”

Ignis, on the other hand shrinks under Regis’ stare. Like any self confidence he has just shrivels up and dies.

“You’re gonna work yourself to death, Specs. I don’t get why you won’t let my dad pay your rent. It’s not like he hasn’t offered.”

“Because he is already paying my tuition and I couldn’t possibly accept anymore assistance from him. Besides, working builds character,” Ignis retorts as he hands the patron the book they requested. He loves Noctis like a brother, but sometimes the laziness and entitlement of the younger grates on his nerves.

“Hey, Iggy I get working for your stuff and all, but you’re working two jobs plus a full class load. You survive purely off coffee. This isn’t healthy,” Prompto chimed in.

Ignis sighs. Now the two of them are ganging up on him. “What do you suggest I do, other than take assistance from Regis?”

Prompto looks down at his hands, ears turning red, “Well there are websites where you attend events with wealthy patrons for money. I did it my freshman year before I met Noct.”

Ignis knows exactly where Prompto is going with this and he’s not amused in the slightest. “Yes, and they usually require other services as well.”

Prompto looks up, purple eyes wide, “You don’t have to do that sort of thing. You basically have a contract that states what the expectations are between the two of you,” Prompto lowers his voice, “Sex doesn’t have to be on the table.”

Ignis takes his glasses off and rubs his eyes before putting them back on, “This isn’t a valid solution. Actually, there isn’t even a problem except for you two being pests. Now off with you.”

The two boys slowly gather their things and exit the library. The last class of the afternoon is almost over and there is always a rush on the campus library as students try to cram in study time.

As they walk to their apartment, Noctis brings up the website again, “So, you were really on a sugar daddy website?”

Prompto fidgets with the hem of his shirt, “It really isn’t as bad as everyone thinks. I mean sure, there are a bunch of old men that are just looking for a good time, but there are some that genuinely just want companionship.”

“Hey, no judgement here. It’s pretty easy to sign up, right?”

The blonde looks up, “Sure. What are you thinking?”

Noctis smirks, “Let’s create a profile for Ignis!”

Prompto’s mouth falls open, “How are you going to convince him? I mean, he’ll never go for it, even if we find someone. Between, his class schedule and his work schedule, we wouldn’t be able to get him to meet some stranger.”

“Leave that to me. You think you can create the profile,” Noctis practically buzzes with excitement and it’s contagious.

Prom nods enthusiastically.

A Few Hours Later…..

“Wow, Prom! Where did you find that picture of Specs?”

Prompto blushes, “I took a couple of candid photos when he wasn’t looking.”

Noct stares at the photo, “This is really good. You have an eye for this stuff.”

“Thanks, buddy.”

A ping from the computer interrupts their conversation.

“Ooohh, we got a hit already. Took me weeks.” Prompto clicks on the profile. The man is in his mid thirties, stellar military record, runs his own tech company, and has blue eyes as vibrant and Ignis’ green eyes.

Prompto spends the next few days chatting “The Marshal” up, doing his best to impersonate Ignis. Noct, on the other hand, tries to figure out when Ignis has a break in his schedule.

***

Noctis puts his head on the table and groans.

Ignis sets a cup of coffee on the table, “What is it, Noct?”

The younger man groans again as Prompto bounds into the cafe and plops next to Noctis. “Hey, Iggy. What’s wrong with him?” He pokes Noctis in the head.

Ignis eyes him warily, “I’m not sure, but I’ve got customers to check on.”

Prompto smiles, “I’ll take care of him.”

“Thank you, Prompto.”

The blonde waits until Ignis is busy with another table before asking, “Did you figure out something?”

“No,” Noctis sighs.

Prompto looks around. “Why not just have The Marshal show up here?”

“Well, it’s the best we’ve got. Let’s do it.”

***

Cor sits across from the blonde and the ebony-haired boys. He listens to their story with a skeptical attitude. “Let me see if I understand you. You made a profile without your friend’s knowledge and you basically want me to ambush him at his place of business.”

Prompto, at least, has the decency to look embarrassed.

Noctis just shrugs. “He needs the help, but he won’t take anymore from us. We figure this is a good option.”

Cor knows nothing good can come of this, but the blonde looks particularly pathetic, so he agrees. The worst thing that can happen is they don’t click. However, if it does work, Cor wouldn’t mind taking the kid to a formal event or two.

***

The university is right on the edge of business district. Even though it is mostly students that frequent the cafe, many business people stop there as well. It’s after the lunch rush, so there aren’t a lot of people. At the very least, Cor doesn’t feel extremely out of place. He finds an empty table close to the door and peruses the menu.

“I apologize for the wait, sir. What can I have started for you?”

Cor looks into the eyes he’s been staring at for weeks, now shielded by thin framed glasses, and dark around the edges from fatigue. The lenses only highlight the young man’s face. He’s slender, but fit. He is gorgeous. His accented voice is music to Cor’s ears and suddenly, he very much wants to make this work. “I’ll have a black coffee and a turkey sandwich.”

The young man smiles, “I’ll get that right out.”

Cor thinks that smile could bring about world peace. His thoughts are interrupted by his phone buzzing in his pocket. He answers it without looking at the screen, “This is Cor.”

“I need you to look at the proposal before we send it to InsomTech.”

Nyx. Of course it’s Nyx. It’s always Nyx.

Cor pulls out his laptop and pulls up the email, “If I have to look at this, Nyx, why did I hire you?”

The man on the other line chuckles, “For my good looks of course. Speaking of, did you ever put the moves on that guy you were talking to?”

“Do you ever mind your own business,” Cor continues looking at the proposal. “This looks good, but we aren’t giving them that large of a percentage. Shrink that by ten percent.”

“They aren’t going to like that.”

“Too bad. I’m not selling my proprietary software down the river for a buck. Fix it, and don’t bother me with semantics.” Cor ends the call right as his order is brought to the table. “Thanks. You know, I didn’t catch your name.”

“Ignis Scientia. Student, workaholic, and caffeine addict. If you believe my friends.”

Cor snorts, “Cor Leonis. Tech guru, penny pincher, and all around stick in the mud.”

Ignis lets out a small laugh, “I should get back. Let me know if you need anything else.”

The older man pretends to work while his eyes follow Ignis around the cafe. He can tell that Ignis’ friends may be right about the younger.

Ignis never seems to just stop. Even, when the cafe is empty, he’s cleaning and restocking. He’s in a constant state of motion. When his energy begins to flag, he downs an espresso shot or has a cup of black coffee.

Cor decides he’s seen enough. Ignis deserves what he can give. All he would have to do is get him to agree. Maybe a scholarship. Those sometimes came with conditions. He could definitely make it work. He slowly gathers his things, trying to think of the best way to approach Ignis with his proposition. He throws his trash away and takes the used mug to the counter.

Ignis rings up the total and Cor pays with cash. He also hands the young man his business card.

“You seem like a bright man, Ignis. I have a business proposal of sorts. If you are interested, give me a call and we’ll set up a meeting. You would be able to focus on your studies and not have to work this job.”

“Oh, well it’s not that bad-”

Cor interrupted, “I watched you drink three cups of coffee and 3 espresso shots in two and a half hours. You aren’t buzzing from a caffeine high which tells me this is a usual occurrence. You don’t need the health issues that come with this. Just give me a call and we’ll work out the details.”

Ignis nods and pockets the card.

Cor heads to his car and pulls out his phone on the way, “Nyx, I need you to draft up a contract for me.”

Ignis sits behind the counter at his library job, a forgotten finance book open, and turns the business card over in his hand. He likes his jobs and enjoys his studies, but it would be good to get more than 2 hours of sleep, to not need concealer to hide the dark circles under his eyes. Maybe his friends are right and he does need assistance. Although, he would never tell Noct. His ego is large enough as it is.

It takes Ignis a week to muster up the courage to call the number on the card after he searches everything he can find on Cor Leonis.

The man is successful. There isn’t a single piece of software in Insomnia that doesn’t have his fingerprint on it somewhere. There isn’t much about his personal life and for some reason that terrifies Ignis.

If Ignis says yes to whatever this is, what is going to change? He ruminates on all of this as he approaches the receptionist in the ritzy high rise that holds Cor’s office.

“Ah, you must be Mr. Scientia. Mr. Leonis has been expecting you. Please take the elevator to the top floor.”

He follows the instructions and exits the elevator right into an office. An office that takes up the whole floor.

There’s plenty of space and not a lot of furniture. A couch and coffee table are off to the left side, almost like a makeshift waiting room. A sturdy oak desk occupies the area in from of the window that looks like it spans the whole room. A large bookshelf filled with various titles on the right, but there are no knick knacks or personal belongings that Ignis can see in the space.

A door opens next to the shelf and Cor makes an appearance. “Ignis, please make yourself comfortable.”

Ignis moves to the couch and perches on the edge.

Cor spreads papers on the coffee table before sitting at the opposite end. “Relax. There’s no reason to be nervous. Everything that we discuss is written down and you do not have to decide today. Taking some time to think about the terms of this contract would be prudent.”

Ignis nods, trying to swallow past the lump in his throat.

“Words, Ignis.”

“Yes, Sir. I understand.”

Hearing those words from Ignis sends a thrill through him, that he’ll need to think about later. Cor forges forward with his terms and conditions. “I see that your tuition is already taken care of. I will pay for your room, board, books, and personal necessities. You will quit both of your jobs. Your grades are exemplary and I expect them to stay that way. You will provide me with a copy of your class schedule and report in once a week. If you need anything, you are to come to me and I will take care of it. There will be events that I have to attend and you will be expected to accompany me unless you have an educational obligation. If at any time you wish to terminate this contract, you will provide that wish to me in writing and all obligations on both sides will cease. This will automatically end at your graduation. Do you have any questions?”

Ignis doesn’t know how to respond. The only thing he can think of is “Why? Why are you doing this. You don’t even know me.”

Cor tilts his head, “You are a bright young man and your future potential is an investment I would stake my company on. Besides, I’d like to get to know you better and I can only do that if you have the time. I’m a rich man with a lot of free time on my hands. Like I said, thinking about it is a good thing.”

It wasn’t easy to be an unmarked omega at court, a male one especially. Ignis had to down copious amounts of suppressants and blockers just to do his job. Well, a job that isn’t traditionally fit for an omega. He could’ve just been a advisor. He didn’t have to join the Kingsglaive. He’s not built like a typical omega either. Sure, he’s small. But his wiry frame is packed with lean muscle. He’s not weak. Many of the trainees have already learned that lesson at his hand.

Despite it all, Galdio, his beta best friend, sticks to him like glue.

Ignis turns, exasperated. “Shouldn’t you be trailing Noct? You know, the alpha prince you are supposed to be protecting.”

The bigger man throws an arm around his shoulders, “Prompto is with him at the mall. Besides, Cor assigned me to you for the day.”

Ignis sighs. He supposes it’s no easier for Gladio. He’s built like an alpha. Comes from a whole line of alphas and presents as a beta. It shows that secondary gender has less to do with science and genetics than originally thought.

All the same, Ignis doesn’t need a babysitter. He’d have a word with the alpha during private training…..if he can get through it without blushing for a change.

“Your ears are red, Iggy. You thinking about a certain marshal?”

Ignis shrugs out of Gladio’s hold. “I should never have told you anything.”

“Aww don’t be like that.”

The rest of the walk to training is quiet as Ignis settles into the correct mindset.

Glado deposits him by the locker room with a wave and Ignis changes clothes and enters the training room to stretch.

Ignis eyes the wooden polearms while he waits.

“Early as usual.”

The omega jumps at the sudden voice before turning around.

It isn’t that Cor towers over anyone, but his presence and service record is intimidating. He’s a true alpha in every sense of the word.

Ignis bows in deference to the alpha. “I wanted to make sure I was stretched properly.”

Cor smirks at the unintentional wordplay and lifts Ignis’ head. “None of that. We are equals in here, remember?”

The younger man tries to tamp down the heat that he is sure floods his face and nods quickly.

“Okay, first stance.”

It’s Cor’s idea to train privately. Suppressants and blockers only work so well when they begin to sweat out your pores. Keeps his omega scent from driving the alpha trainees crazy, too. But Cor isn’t immune to the appeal of Ignis and it isn’t just his scent.

Ignis’ muscles shift as he moves through the stances and Cor finds himself distracted. He wants to touch, mark, and claim the man in front of him. His fingers itch to run his fingers through the ash blonde hair. Most of all, Cor wants to protect Ignis from the world, not teach him to fight his way through it.

After two and a half hours, Cor calls it quits to give the room time to air out a bit.

Ignis reaches up to replace the practice weapons, causing his shirt to rise up.

Cor stomps over, raising the shirt to get a better look, his ice blue eyes assessing the bruises. “Where did these come from.”

Ignis squeaks in surprise. He pulls at the hem, hoping to dislodge the the fabric from Cor’s grip. “It’s nothing. I stepped out of line. Please, Cor, don’t make a big deal about it.”

“Who?” He pulls the younger against his chest and buries his face in Ignis’s sweat soaked hair. He feels the wiry frame tremble in his arms and his anger cools to a simmer. He turns Ignis to face him, “I know you’ve never once stepped out of line. Please tell me who it was.”

A traitorous tear escapes, only to be brushed away by the alpha’s hand currently caressing his cheek, “Would you stand against the council, Cor?”

“I will do whatever it takes to convince you to take my mark. It hurts me to know you have suffered needlessly.”

Ignis smiles a small, ‘I have to learn to care for myself.”

Cor presses a chaste kiss to his lips. “That won’t stop and we don’t have to hide anymore.”

The omega rests his head on the older’s shoulder, “I’m tired of keeping us a secret as well.” He takes a deep breath and looks into the blue orbs. “Tonight, then.”