nascere | LET'S PLAY {open post}

Another Dr. Pepper!

[ Prompto calls out, red in the face.

Noctis says nothing, silently letting Ignis slip from him -- and with it, warmth. He could sense him stiffen; Gladio's hit the mark squarely, and here they thought they were being subtle. If it must already look like this to the other two, what must it look like to the others? Are they really that obvious. Gladio looks like he realizes it a beat too late, and pauses the movie. He stares at the face of some doll that's supposed to be haunted and pulls the blanket close, retaining the last of Ignis' body heat.

Six, if Gladio hadn't commented on that, they could have spent it like this, each blithely aware but unwilling to give a word to it. ]

We're not together. [ He speaks up finally. Because they aren't, not anymore. There seems to be no end in sight for this damn thing but he knows for sure that right now, there can't be more. ]

Sure you aren't. [ His Shield comments, and even Prompto looks dubious. ] Because that's normal, the two of you pretending you're not taking every chance to get close.

We're not -- [ Noctis is defensive, stiffening, but before he can say anything, Prompto hurriedly steps in. ] Hey, come on. This is movie night, we're here to have fun, get spooked, and then have wonderful nightmares for days after this.

Of course.

[ The lack of warmth against his side is jarring, and his suspender hangs at an odd angle before he realizes that he needs to reattach it. Frowning, he slides fingers under the edge and tugs it back into place, working on fiddling with Gladiolus' ridiculously large coffee maker. When he first got it, Ignis had eyed the size of it and then Gladiolus with raised eyebrows, and the owner of said coffee machine had grinned, wiggled his hand and said 'cause I have big fingers. Need a big coffee machine.

Now, he thinks it's because Iris visits often and she's hooked on the stuff, so it works out quite well for him when he visits. It also means he misses part of the conversation because while his hearing was sharper while blind, it certainly wasn't superhuman. All he catches is Noctis' not together and that's quite enough for him. When he comes out a few moments later, he settles the can of soda with Prompto and takes his place next to Noctis, but it's not nearly as relaxed, nor does he make an attempt to tug him in again. ]

You paused it on a rather ghastly image, didn't you.

Dunno. She looks quite cute from certain angles.

[ Noctis perches on the other end of the seat, curled up in his blanket and just as tense. It's one thing to pretend this works -- it's another thing entirely to be caught out, and he's very, very aware of Ignis settling in beside him; and it's not like he has very far to go when it's a damn loveseat. He can feel the warmth of him, and not for the first time wishes Gladio hadn't ruined everything. He looks over at where he'd adjusted the suspender strap, and settles just on his end of it.

So that's that, he supposes with no small amount of disappointment. To draw close again is to acknowledge it, which is somewhere they don't actually get to cross now. Prompto and Gladio, on the other hand, are settled in comfortably as the movie starts up again. ]

[ This movie is the sort that makes him wonder why people are so foolish in dangerous situations - don't they know better? Of course, it isn't as if he does the right thing in dangerous situations, though his life is a little more politically dangers rather than physically.

Noctis, next to him, is hogging the blanket but it isn't as if Ignis truly needs it; they hit play and Ignis relaxes into the couch a touch, but it's nowhere close to how it was. When they'll be able to fix this, he honestly isn't certain, but they need to sooner rather than later because he doesn't honestly know if he can stand this another few months. Especially, he thinks, eyeing the other two cuddled up on the couch, if this is what he's going to be around. He's happy for them, but oh, if he's not envious of Octavia and Noctis, apparently now it's these two.

focus on the movie. Willing himself to do it doesn't help but he isn't about to leave because he was uncomfortable. Instead, he sips at his coffee and then offers Noctis it; it's sweetened to help mask the taste of the alcohol in it, so Noctis may like it and it may help him stay awake. ]

[ Ignis offers it and Noctis takes it without thinking, fingers brushing his. He tries to ignore how that feels, the electricity that sparks in his fingertips. Grasping the warm cup and sipping from it. He doesn't like coffee -- but it's sweet and creamy-tasting and he takes another, the warmth suffusing him; as does the childish adage of indirect kisses. So this is what Ignis tastes, what he likes. It's strong, a little strange-tasting, but nothing too objectionable about it. Studying him out of the corner of his eye, Noctis watches how involved he is with the movie, musing at how he seems to be parsing the information so very seriously, those fine brows knitting as if he could puzzle out just why movie-people are that stupid.

Noctis has no answer for that, sweetheart, but he does like watching when Ignis gets perplexed. But then he realizes he's staring, watching the play of the light on those gorgeous features, and he looks away. Gods, but he's so beautiful, and Noctis doesn't have the fortitude to stay away.

He shifts then, coming to a decision. His hand rests on the spot between them, palm-up and silent. ]

[ Truthfully, the movie's not what's capturing his interest, and oddly enough it's not Noctis right now, either. It's what he sees out of the corner of his eye: the way Prompto's got Gladiolus tucked in against his chest. The former has has back to the sofa, legs spread and Gladiolus' massive bulk is settled in against him. It looks as if it should be uncomfortable, but it's clear that they're situated in such a way that they're in each other's space, fit together perfectly.

It's the sort of casual intimacy that he and Noctis used to do, back when things were simpler. Back when the idea of curling himself into Noctis didn't mean that he had to answer a thousand questions about timing and intent and justify the action to himself. On the couch, one of Prompto's arms, the one with the bandana, slips up in the space between Gladiolus' arm and side. It's the one he's so careful to never let anyone touch or remove the bandana from and Gladiolus -- Gladiolus wraps a massive hand around his hand and wrist and squeezes. It's painfully intimate and Ignis instantly regrets even having half-looked over there.

Beside him, however, Noctis' hand reaches out and Ignis-- well. I said no to you once. It turns out I don't have the stomach for it again, he thinks, and slides his hand over Noctis', looping their fingers together gently. ]

[ Noctis is looking over at them as well, catching side of Prompto moving in the semi-darkness, how Gladio so tenderly holds him, and he knows what love looks like when he sees it. It's envy, too, that stirs and curls in his chest. How they must have it so easy, how they must enjoy each other, every moment a special kind of bliss. They don't have to worry about what other people think, and in this there is only love.

But then Ignis takes his hand, curls his fingers with his and Noctis' heart flutters in his chest and this, this too is love. He squeezes his hand, a flare of affection so warm and potent in his chest. This is okay too, he thinks. For Ignis, he can endure anything, he can accept everything that he gives. They don't have to talk about it, they don't even need to acknowledge it. In the presence of their friends' love, gentle and true, Noctis comes to terms with his own for Ignis, and no amount of distance can turn it away.

He moves a little closer, then, mutters in his ear. ] Never give Luna dolls.

[ He's breaking every internal rule he's set into place so far but he can't quite find it in himself to regret right now. His two best friends are happy, basking in each other while this honestly atrocious excuse for a movie plays. Noctis is beside him, hand warm and that, too feels like something significant. It feels like they can move past anything in a way that just touching on the couch didn't; this was intentional.

It's been months, he thinks, and dares to rest their shoulders against each other, Gladiolus' sock clad foot sliding over the edge of the couch as he gets more comfortable. It's been months, they're with friends, and they're going to move forward. He can let himself have this. Noctis leans in to whisper into his ear and Ignis laughs quietly, shifting himself on the couch. His hand separates from Noctis' but only for a moment, long enough for him to lift his hand in invitation for Noctis to settle back into him. ]

Luna? Oh, no, I was going to use Insomnia's coffers to commission a reproduction for you and Prompto.

[ Noctis takes the invite immediately, delighted and giddy beyond words -- it feels like the sweetness of first times all over again, when Ignis gestures him close and opens up and Noctis and his blanket comes to curl up against his side like he had before. This time with the awareness that yes, they're doing it, and yes, Gladio and Prompto don't give a shit. Noctis can hear them now, in their bubble of happiness just beyond them, and he cannot help but smile.

He's tugging on the suspender strap again, easing it off Ignis before he really gets comfortable, spreading the blanket between them. The coffee cup is set carefully on the table in front of Ignis, all his if he wants it returned. Noctis doesn't need caffeine to stay awake when he has Ignis by his side, just as warm and solid as he remembers. But he's cringing, giving the other man's side a little jab. ]

You'll be sorry if it ends up possessing us.

[ He's not sure what he would have done had Noctis denied him after his earlier -- fluster. Noctis doesn't, though; he leans in and presses close and it's like everything slips into place where it should have been weeks earlier, months earlier, if things were better. The suspender strap is removed, the coffee cup out of the way and gently, Ignis stretches the blanket back up over his legs again so they're sharing it.

It's been so long since they've been in each other's space like this, and it has that same illicit feeling as sneaking around like a teenager did, except they're far past that age. Daring, Ignis runs his fingers along Noctis' forearm, tracing the line of it over the blanket, smiling faintly at the screen. At the prod, his breath hitches and his lips twitch a touch higher, clearly holding in a laugh. ]

I'd be sorry if we were ever this foolish when we were puttering around in caves killing creatures.

[ Noctis could never deny him, not really. Forgiveness is quickly dispensed; he has never been one to hold grudges for petty little things like these, anyway. He basks in the moment, happy for this, happy for his friends -- perhaps Gladio had meant well when he'd spoken up (he always does, Noctis thinks, although the delivery of it always could use work). Shivering pleasantly from the trek his fingers take, he feels his heart skip a beat when he watches the curve in that mouth, so tempted to cup his face to kiss it.

He doesn't, not quite intent to push his luck just yet. Tucking close at a particularly jarring jumpscare, he's momentarily distracted. Flying beds, screaming little girls. Okay, they can definitely deal with this one. Prompto makes a soft noise not too far away, and Noctis can't help but boldly drape his legs over Ignis' thighs, settling sideways just because he can. Sharing the blanket, right? ]

I think there's demon nun somewhere in here.

[ It feels stupid to punish both himself and Noctis for choices made in the past when they both know they intend to move forward with this in the future. There's no sense being absolutely rigid with the rules here and he knows how to keep his hands to himself in public. He'll just be a thousand times more hyper aware of it, now, which should help with trying to keep everything professional.

Right now, he can savor the way Noctis tilts into him, sliding a leg over, distracting him wholly and utterly from the movie. His stomach warms in response, hand settling tentatively on the thigh that's now basically in his lap, stroking down over his leg gently. It helps that the blanket hides his hand, even if it's not doing anything scandalous, but it also feels even more ridiculous to think about hiding when both Prompto and Gladiolus knew they were having sex over a year ago. ]

I never had the 'hiding your significant other from your parents' fear because I never brought anyone back, but I imagine it would have felt remarkably similar to this. [ A pause, amused. ] Less of a fear of demon nuns, though.

Felt like what?

[ Noctis wants to know, teasing him gently when he feels that hand stroking down his thigh. Oh, this one feels good. Forbidden and a little secret but in the good way; because it's not like Gladio and Prompto were completely wrapped up in each other again without a care in the world. A glance over reveals that they're starting up again, quietly affectionate and so in love that it makes Noctis' teeth ache. He leans in close to his ear and whispers wickedly. ] Tell me we weren't this sickeningly sweet before.

[ Because oh man they are adorable, and while Noctis would never quite had predicted something like this would happen, somehow it still feels right. Prompto has someone he can trust and rely one, and Gladio, too -- they both have found their happiness with each other. Noctis' own lies with Ignis, he has never been more clear of this than now. ]

That odd mix of a thrill, as if you're doing something illicit despite it really not being, perhaps a little terrifying, depending on what sort of parents you have and who you've brought home, but mostly, immensely satisfying.

[ Certainly paparazzi could hear that they're here at Gladiolus' and take a photograph and it would be damning, but the odds of that are slim to none and most of the curtains are closed anyway. If anyone needs anything from them, they'll call; they all have their phones on them.

It's not strange for the four friends to spend time together and it wouldn't be strange to him and Noctis leave tonight or tomorrow morning because they've also done that before. Tomorrow, he'll go in. Talk to the people he needs to talk to after he's made a list and ensured that he's familiar with everyone on it, and get this moving forward. They can at least start setting the ground work.

Beside them, Prompto and Gladiolus aren't in any danger of paying attention to what they do, so Ignis keeps his hand on Noctis' knee and considers the question. ] I honestly think there's a high probability that we were. Worse, perhaps.

[ Immensely satisfying, that sounds like a good thing. And he cannot deny that he feels a little of that thrill at his words. Will this be what he feels if Regis were still alive and Noctis brought Ignis to him? Would Dad have approved? Surely he must have noticed the bonds that formed between them in their formative years, the relationship that evolved and grew beyond loyalty and duty and companionship. ]

I think Dad would have liked it if it were you. And if I didn't have to marry anyone else. [ He's thoughtful; Noctis doesn't care for the paparazzi, doesn't give a crap if they see him tonight even though he'll take all precautions anyway. That's what the press team is for, isn't it? They've done a good job of managing the media and public opinion, and Noctis has faith that whatever comes out of this evening that they share, it'll be similarly handled as well.

Besides, it's not like they're doing anything egregiously wrong. It's just the two of them sharing a blanket in the company of friends and watching horror movies. And speaking of horror movies. He's twisting around to pick up a bag of chips, crinkling it as he opens it up. Spicy-ish, his favorite. Taking a chip, he holds it inches from Ignis' liphs with a frown. ]

Really, worse? [ ...Definitely worse. ]

[ He can't just say, 'Your father was always focused on what was best for you because that delves a little too close into a sensitive subject, he figures, and he doesn't really want to tempt fate on that, despite feeling it to be true. He always cared about what was best for Noctis; now that they understood why he did what he did with the wedding, he'd understand if he couldn't approve of them together. That said, in a perfect world, Regis would have given his blessing and there'd be no need for Noctis to have been sent away to save his life. ]

I hope so. Your father was a good man. I think he would have wanted to see you happy, in whatever shape that took.

[ In a perfect world where Ardyn didn't exist, where Noctis didn't have to be gone for ten years, where everything didn't go to shit. This world, though-- this one, where Noctis is curled against him and it's this rush of new and familiar all at the same time, the one where Prompto and Gladiolus are sharing a beer, balancing it on Gladiolus' chest, this world is good, too. Noctis offers him a chip and he takes it delicately, before reaching out to grab his own, and offers it to Noctis. It's kale, but it's crunchy, salty, and not nearly as unhealthy despite the dried outside. ] Absolutely worse. I got downright complacent when we first started out, the sort of thing from nightmares. I couldn't keep my hands to myself. It's quite like now, actually.

Blegh.

[ Noctis turns his face away from the green chip, which he's sure it's something created by evil because how in the hell would anyone decide to make chips out of vegetables that aren't potatoes? But he's fondly remembering his father -- it doesn't hurt as much now, knowing how he did what he thought was best for him, for everyone. Noctis has a more intimate understanding of the harder choices his father had to make while being king, and there really isn't ever a right or wrong answer sometimes. Sometimes you just had to make a decision and hope for the best, and sometimes the world just chooses to really, really screw you over.

But in a perfect world, Ignis and Noctis would have been so happy together.

He can hear the pop of a tab and a soft hiss of beer, and some low mumbling from the other side. In a perfect world, hell, they could go on double dates or something, although Noctis isn't sure he wants to subject himself to the other two. Which is a little hypocritical when they both have subjected themselves to them both. Entirely distracted from the movie now and fixated on Ignis, he leans his face against the crook of his neck, boldly nosing against him. ]

I don't want you to keep your hands off me.

[ Oh, they're just going fully into the stereotype of sneaking touches in the dark, aren't they. Ignis doesn't stiffen out of fear or concern, or try to move. Instead, he shudders in a breath and lets himself relax against his king, like it's the easiest thing in the world to get back to how his body knew Noctis'. Maybe it's not quite as graceful as it used to be, but he does try, shifting a little closer so he can press a kiss to Noctis' temple, smiling. ]

Trust me, I'm not particularly thrilled about the idea of removing them any time soon either, but I will want my coffee eventually.

[ A gentle sort of warning; he'll touch and he'll push at the boundaries but he's going to remove his hands if it gets too far. A little quicker after that pause, explaining: ]

I'm going to stat filing the appropriate paperwork to...get at least the basics of this started, tomorrow. If you like.

Yes, please.

[ Filing the paperwork means Ignis is finally open to this -- perhaps the rigors of the past few months have gotten to him, and Noctis can't find it in himself to be too guilty about that when he feels like he's been put through the wringer himself, where Ignis is concerned. They've waited long enough, haven't they? The public at large has moved on to at least three different kinds of scandals, both great and small now, the divorce a fact of life they've accepted. ]

I can just get your coffee for you. [ Noctis just reaches out to grab the coffee cup; in the same breath, some demonic face pops up onscreen. Startled, he almost drops the cup, hissing when the hot liquid splashes his fingers. Not much, but enough to sting. Even so, he's handing it to him, brushing the drops off. The kiss at his temple still lingers, a sweet, lovely thing he won't forget in a hurry. ] Sorry, you'll probably have to refill it quicker than intended.

Alright.

[ He'll do it first thing in the morning, or, depending on how much of this coffee and alcohol he drinks, tonight. They're not even all the way through the first movie, he thinks, so they've still got a while yet. At what point did he get so old as to think this was extremely late? Gods forbid he starts thinking Noctis is playing music in the Regalia too loud, that will be too much. ]

Yes, but if you're asleep it's going to be rather-- ah, Noct--

[ Ignis lifts a hand to help him, shoving the blanket out of his way with a flick of his wrist so he can take the glass. It's too dark to tell if he's injured, but he doesn't think it was too warm. One hand lifts to take the glass and with newly freed one he curls it around Noctis' own, tilting it to examine the potential damage in the eerie glow of the TV screen. ]

I thought you were the seasoned professional at these horror movies. Are you quite alright?

No, it's fine. I'm fine.

[ And he means it. It's just a minor inconvenience, and he makes a soft noise of amusement, leaning down to press a soft kiss to his cheek. See, here and now, he's in the prime position for it, and if they're starting the paperwork tomorrow, tonight is okay, right? He won't push it too far even if he does have a habit of taking a mile when Ignis gives an inch. ] I forgot the jumpscare happened here.

[ He hums wistfully, and then Prompto is looking over at them curiously, popping up from over Gladio's shoulder. ] What's up? You guys are missing the movie!

Yeah, yeah. Keep your eyes up front, stud. [ Noctis tosses back, smirking as he tightens his hand around the older man. Minor accidents happen, he's used to worse. ] Ugh, that was one hell of an ugly nun.

[ It's amazing how Noctis can fluster him in a heartbeat with a long look or a simple touch. Ignis is endlessly grateful for the darkness of the movie hiding his painfully teenager reaction, as if his body is mocking him for the comparison he made earlier.

Then, Prompto interrupts and Ignis breathes out a laugh, tilting his head into Noctis' own, lips resting against the crown of his head. ] I'll reread the summary of the movie once we finish this one, so I don't have any questions leading into the second one, don't worry.

[ That is as good as admitting I've been staring at our king or you two for the last hour and six minutes. No one calls him on it, though, so he'll take his easily won battles where he can get them. ]

She certainly is not what I would call conventionally attractive.

[ He loves it when Ignis laughs, and he doesn't hide it. When was the last time he did it? He cannot help but feel his heart race in that moment, and his fingers come to brush over the defined line of his jaw, unable to keep the open affection from shining in his eyes. It's stupid, he knows. They're adults and here Noctis is sitting in his lap like a sixteen year old with his first love. But he is, in all the ways that count -- Ignis is his first love, his greatest love, and he leans against him with a quiet sigh, unable to help himself. ]

Haven't heard that in awhile.

[ It's ridiculously, painfully sappy, but he doesn't care about that either. It's been almost two years since he'd last been allowed to touch Ignis, to love him at a closer distance and not afar, and he shakes his head. ]

If you were a demon, I wouldn't blame them all for being that stupid.

[ It's always shocking just how much easier it is to let go after a few minutes with Noctis. It's why he had to leave - how easily he slips back into old habits. Noctis' fingers trace over his jaw and Ignis looks down and away, even warmer, damn all three of them now for talking and Noctis for saying anything. ]

I suppose you could say I'm in a much better mood tonight than I've been in quite a while. Give me long enough and you might hear a proper guffaw.

[ The other two are focused back on the movie and Ignis tugs the covers back over with one hand while he tugs his coffee to his lips with the other before he's inclined to do something stupid like escalate this and kiss Noctis. Maybe best he just drink straight coffee from here on out if he wants to stay awake. ]

I would make a either a very good demon or a very bad one. It depends how the other demons took to forced bureaucracy.

Chasing sales targets when it comes to souls. Crushing paperwork before engaging in chaos. That'd be interesting.

[ Noctis banters right back, because this is a sweet moment, a rare one of levity for Ignis, who's actually taking that observation seriously. He likes that about him, really -- it's quite cute. He settles in with the blanket, settling in more comfortably. The warmth is making him drowsy, the coffee doing little in keeping him awake. Ignis looks away, and he's all the more handsome for it, the sharp line of his jaw impossibly attractive.

Once upon a time, Noctis would have latched onto that and suggested roleplaying just because, and the idea of Ignis as a demon is very, very hot. But he has some measure of restraint, probably, even though he should probably thank Gladio and Prompto for this. ] Extra bonuses if you got in seduction of some sort.

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