nascere | LET'S PLAY {open post}

[ 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.

Of course. Just because you're a demon doesn't mean you should avoid organization.

[ As much as he's being playful right now, he's also half serious. He isn't sure what sort of structure exists within them but he knows how he'd treat it because he's gotten so used to organizing messes that he's certain he could do it, the Council's messes can't be any greater.

Noctis settles into him a little more comfortably and Ignis strokes a hand over the nape of Noctis' neck, playing with the longer strands of hair idly. ]

Seduction? So, some sort of incubus or succubus, I suppose. I'd be a terrible one, you know; I'd still probably never leave the office.

Unless I asked you to.

[ His response is soft, and maybe a little pleased with himself. ] Tempted you with my soul, maybe.

[ Which is really weird to say when they're watching a movie about a demon wrecking things and terrorising a family. As well as whatever the hell that just jumped out of them in the basement. Ignis stroking his hair is a comfortable, pleasant thing, and he's closing his eyes, breathing evening out. He doesn't remember feeling this safe and contented in recent memory, but it's not a bad thing.

Hmmm. Maybe if he just rested his eyes a little.. . ]

What would I ever do with your soul?

[ Ignis' voice is patiently amused, soft in Noctis' ear so they don't attract the attention of the other two cuddled up on the couch. He doesn't normally talk this much during movies, but it's too nice to be able to lounge like this, to talk to Noctis not about work or the state of the kingdom but inane, ridiculous things.

Smiling, he kisses the crown of his head again and his hand slips up a little further so he can rub warm circles at the nape of Noctis' neck, scratching blunt nails lightly. He gives it another few minutes before Noctis falls asleep. ]

Unless I was going to use it to keep you by my side, then I could be convinced.

[ Oh, that's really sweet. He's smiling into the crook of Ignis' shoulder, and really, he'd probably purr if he was physically able to do it. It's nice, getting to do this without any particular reason -- how Ignis indulges him his inanities, and he settles into his hand, musing. ]

Don't think that'll go so well. [ He pauses, deliberate because he does like tugging at the chain now and then. ] I'm already by your side anyway.

[ A beat, then. ] Making a career out of arranging your files alphabetically, making sure every one is tagged last name first in clear letters, and color-coordinated to indicate level of urgency for each.

[ If there's anything he's learned about Ignis in the years they've been together, it's that organising shit like that really gets him hot under the collar. And for his sake Noctis subjected himself to really paying attention to how his desk always seems to be so incredibly neat in the morning. Likely Ignis' doing, or his aides had been specially trained by him to do it. Either way. ]

[ Oh, his heart. Ignis makes a soft noise into Noctis' ear, almost a laugh, tugging at the blankets so it covers his chilly feet. It's absolutely intentional that they've turned the heat down this low in here, he thinks; Gladiolus likes to keep the place warm so he can walk around in his utterly absurd tank tops. This was part of their plan and had it not included him and Noctis so neatly, he may have honestly thought it was a good one. ]

How can I be good at my job if I'm not organized, mnn?

[ Demons love paperwork, right. Well, it doesn't really matter if they did or didn't; they'd do it regardless, if Ignis were in charge. He runs offices with an iron fist. ]

If you're tired, I can drive you back to the Citadel, you know. Or if you want me to wake you up at a certain point.

There's a room here, right? We can just...

[ He trails off. It's magic, listening to that low rumbling noise, how it's so intimately murmured against his ear. Noctis' words are just as quiet, and really -- the king just thinks Gladio likes having Prompto press up against him than showing off marginally more at this point. The things people do for love, right? And speaking of the things people do, he's boldly leaning up to drop a soft kiss against his jaw before shamelessly humming under his breath. ]

Mmm. I'm awake, I'm awake. [ No, he's really not. Because he's already dropping off. But at the end of the movie, he'll stir and blink awake, soft-eyed and drowsy and so much younger than his thirty years. ]

I think the coffee was decaf.

On the loveseat.

[ Ignis points it out, no small amount of amusement in his tone but he doesn't make any attempt to move away or to reposition them. It's no shock when Noctis' breathing evens out after the gentle kiss, and Ignis is left with the warmth against his body and a horror movie he's only half invested in.

When it ends, it's barely ten PM. Ignis looks down when Noctis stirs, watching him come awake from the doze in phases, slowly focusing in on what's happening. ]

You had a sip of it, Noct, I don't believe that that's enough caffeine content to help anyone. Did we wish to try and power through the second movie?

Another time, maybe.

[ The rigors of the day have taken its toll on him, and sleeping on Ignis is the only real nap he's had in awhile. He moves off him reluctantly and stretches, stifling a yawn. Still staying close, he glances over Ignis' shoulder to Prompto and Gladio, and something tells him that they should be making themselves scarce -- but the thing is, he doesn't want to go back to the Citadel. Being intimate here is one thing, but going back to the Citadel, well -- Ignis will have to be parted from him to keep up the veneer of detachment from prying eyes and ears. ]

Gladio, you got a spare room here?

Yeah, you know where it is. Just up the stairs, second door to the right. Take the one with the bathroom.

[ Anyone else would have fallen all over themselves to make arrangements for the king, but this is Gladio, one of his most trusted, and Noctis hates all the pomp and ceremony anyway, so he's making his way there already, giving Ignis a quick glance. He's still too sleepy to discuss the ramifications of his next question, and he doesn't care. ] You coming?

I suppose that's our cue, then.

[ He could probably stay up through the second, but Prompto's wilting and Gladiolus is giving the two of them a look that says if they don't head for bed or leave now, he's going to want to have a conversation and Ignis isn't feeling up to touching that with a ten foot pole right now.

Yawning, he starts helping to gather everything up, placing clips on the chip bags so they stay fresh and ferrying dishes to the sink while Noctis works himself up to the point of moving. The question, while nonchalant enough, makes Ignis pause. He has a kit here for when he spends the night, but he hadn't...really intended to stay here. He has to work in the morning - they all do, but they could take one car back into the Citadel, assuming they can get moving on time. There's some safety in knowing he's not about to have sex with Noctis in Gladiolus' apartment, too, so there's a level of certainty that this won't turn into anything he doesn't intend it to. ]

I -- yes, give me a few moments to help clean up and then I'll be in there shortly.

[ It takes monumental effort to peel himself off the couch -- he might be king now, and has actually achieved quite a few things in his stint as monarch, but rousing himself still takes a lot of work, and he's staring down at his shoes, completely ignoring Gladio's silent cues because Six, it's really difficult to get everything working.

But eventually, he lurches upwards, noting how Ignis has automatically taken on the role to clean up even if it's Gladio's apartment, and he has to stifle a small smile. Some things never change, right? Dragging the blanket with him in the most undignified manner (whatever, they've seen the worst of him anyway), he climbs up the stairs. He hasn't slept with Ignis in a little over two years; just sleeping, really, and maybe it's a good thing he's too groggy to overthink this the way Ignis probably is, because he's looking forward to a flat surface, some pillows, and Ignis' body against his.

They're not doing anything terrible, right? They're not doing anything more than this, and it should be okay. He's missed him sorely, and he's lost track of when they'd simply slept, contented and unafraid of what comes in the morning. They'll have to part ways in the morning. but somehow this time around it seems less daunting. So he nods and finds his way to the bedroom, and it takes up so much effort that he barely manages to toe off his shoes and stumble to faceplant into bed, under his blanket and on top of the covers.

Okay, a short nap before Ignis comes up and nags at him. ]

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