nascere | LET'S PLAY {open post}

A little over a glass of wine is what equals a boozehound these days, hm? Perhaps we're all just grateful not to be drinking whatever they were brewing in the outposts.

[ Life finds a way, and so do miserable people who want alcohol. They hadn't been full on distilleries, but they'd been close enough. The amount of alcohol both consumed and created was utterly insane for how poor it tasted, but beggars and choosers. Ignis hadn't ever bothered to have more than a sip which was usually enough to remind him why he wasn't drinking.

Now, of course, it's much easier, but even then, he's not particularly eager to drink himself foolish. Caffeine is preferable, if he's putting unhealthy things into his body. ] There's a talent. Well, I'll try to keep her from chewing on too much of herself where I can. We may have to get her a new fish toy; she's nearly gummed the fin off of this one. And Noctis, please don't worry. We knew going into this that it would be less than ideal. I love you, as well.

But at least it's all out now. Nobody needs to be digging deeper because that's all there is.

[ The whole unvarnished truth -- mistakes he made for love and how he would be judged for it. Noctis allows it to be so; he regrets nothing but the pain he's caused to the ones who did nothing wrong but love him. ]

It's because you indulge her too much, Ignis. Maybe we should take her out fishing sometime when she's older. See how she takes to it.

It wasn't easy for you do this and we both know that. I can't speak for Octavia, but I am terribly proud of you.

[ Ignis finds himself with an arm full of baby as Octavia motions that she has to head off to the study to take her own call, and Ignis murmurs nonsense to Luna as she gropes for him again. ]

Indulge her? I haven't the faintest idea what you mean. And we should, that would be quite nice. How old were you when you started fishing?

[ a moment later there's another text, mostly incoherent gibberish. ]

gshwi2i92ifj

[ And then ANOTHER text, of Luna beaming happily with half of her fist in the mouth, reaching for the camera, Ignis looking faintly amused, if a little harried. ]

Apologies. She attempted to eat the phone.

Ever since I found out people would leave me alone whenever I did that.

[ Which is really refreshing. Noctis has never been a fan of all the protocol and bowing and scraping; it wears on the nerves after a very short while, and when he just wants to retreat and escape from everyone. But it still warms him to know that Ignis is proud of him -- that's more important than anything else. For that, he could face down a thousand firing squads; not that he'd ever tell Ignis something as lame as that. ]

Glad you approve.

[ His heart warmed by his daughter and Ignis, he can't help himself when he flicks on to video call mode; he misses Luna, and he wants to see them both together -- now that the divorce has been finalised and largely settled, they're free to move on. And Noctis is free to keep noticing that Ignis and Luna are surely developing a bond.

Which is excellent in every way; because Ignis can help parent her as well, right? The question lingers in his mind as he leans forward, making sure Luna can see him. Ignis looks so good with her, and he'd bet ten gil that right now, his lover is far more amused than affronted at having his phone temporarily pilfered. Just like that, he thinks, he feels better all at once. ]

Well, hey. She's shaping up to be a very handsy one when she's happy, isn't she?

[ Rather than text, he deletes what he had and accepts the phone call when it comes in, swapping to video mode a moment later. Octavia's still in the other room, so Ignis goes to the chair he'd been sitting in with Luna on his hip, cradling her gently so she doesn't wobble. She's still young - it startles him how fragile she is, sometimes, and then others she'll knock herself into things and be just fine. Babies are resilient, Octavia told him once after he'd been concerned about her knocking herself into something. ]

Some leaders pick up golfing, but your vice is fishing. I must say I must prefer that over golf.

[ It takes him a moment to get the phone situated but he gets Luna in his lap, grabbing for his hands and the phone, burbling happily and he sinks back, smiling at the camera. ]

Indeed. Evidently it's normal for babies to try and stick everything into their mouth. Her poor nursemaid was worried earlier that she'd somehow eaten a crayon but she'd only knocked it down off the table. Hopefully a habit she grows out of.

[ A pause, as he looks Noctis over with a critical eye, lips pressed thinly together instead of the half-smile from earlier. ]

You look as if you need a break. I can come back now; Luna's spending the night here with Octavia, I'm just tending to her while she's on a call.

[ Noctis can't imagine golfing, not really. Trying to get a ball into a hole is ultimately an insufferable sport, and he's sure he'll be cranky ten minutes into the game. Fishing, you see, fishing is serene. Fishing is productive -- he gets to be alone with his thoughts, and then be a provider in addition to that, which appeals even more to his male ego.

He's watching Ignis situate a delighted Luna onto his lap, and oh, Noctis always thinks he's beautiful when he smiles but this one, this one is even more special. Or maybe it's because it's come on the heels of a particularly draining session. He's not expecting better news the next day or the few days after this, when this bombshell is what grips the nation and the papers milk every drop of sensationalism out of it. ]

I wouldn't know. Dad mentioned I used to eat crayons. They had to take them all away. [ He grins lopsidedly but it's short-lived. He's tired, he really is, and at this point the two of them are what keeps him going. While normally Noctis would refuse the offer, too proud to admit that he needs help, he doesn't now. ]

Yeah. Yeah -- that's fine. [ He could do with his presence. Hold him and be convinced that he just did the right thing. ] What time will you be arriving? I'll send word for dinner.

[ Ignis has never held a particular fondness for it either, truth be told. He understands the appeal, he supposes, objectively enough, but fishing strikes him as something more interesting. There's skill required for both, but fishing at the very least leaves you with something to show once it's done. Or, in some cases, nothing to show and a rather uninteresting meal, but not altogether a bad one. ]

Ah, it's inherited, then. Do you suppose your father did the same when he was li-- sweetling, no, please.

[ Luna, apparently bored with conversation, reaches up for his glasses and he shifts out of the way of chubby, sticky hands, but not before a smear of drool covers one of the lenses. Sighing, he props the phone up on his leg and goes to clean them off, an arm wound around her so she doesn't fall over. ]

Octavia should be finished with her call soon enough. I can let you know when I leave, but probably in ten or twenty minutes. You should have seen it earlier; when you were on the screen she was sitting in her bouncing chair babbling at the television and reaching for you.

[ Noctis makes a soft, wistful noise, regret obvious in his eyes. He loves his little girl with all his heart, and in this moment he's profoundly, intensely sorry for everything that he would put her through.

She is more than his heir -- she is a part of him, the second greatest love of his life, and she deserves a home with loving parents. Ignis' tenderness towards her doesn't go unnoticed, and he watches as she turns to press her cheek to his fondly, a gesture of affection. He would make such a good father to this child, and he leans in close to press his fingers against the screen, as if she would know that he's reaching out to touch her. ]

She was, huh.

[ Would she hate him for this when she grows up, knowing he chose love? Would she resent Ignis? No, no. It won't come to that. The three of them would give her everything she needs, and she would want for nothing, especially not love.

He finds himself sorely missing Ignis' presence, and he sighs. ] Do you think she knows what's happening?

[ Part of him wishes that Octavia never moved out because this splitting of time is going to be difficult on all three of them, parents and child. They've worked it well enough so far, but hopefully when things are a little more settled they'll be in the same space together. The last thing Ignis wants is to push her out so completely; he'll never be Luna's mother and he never wants to step into that position. His duty is to the crown's needs, in whatever capacity.

Luna, of course, falls into that category. Ignis doesn't miss the way that Noctis touches the screen, or the way Luna leans into him, warm down to his toes. ]

While I'm certain that a child from both of you will be both brilliant, shrewd and terribly lovely, I do think that she's still at the age where she gets excited if I've handed her an avocado so she can roll it around on her play-mat. I highly doubt she understands the intricacies of politics just yet.

[ A moment later, Octavia's housekeeper comes out, and Luna babbles again, drooling all over one hand while she waves the other. There's a moment of shifting; Ignis murmurs an apology and then hands the baby off with a kiss to her forehead and keeps video on as he peeks in to murmur a good night to Octavia, as well. ]

If you'd like I can stay on the phone until I get there.

You handed her an avocado to play with?

[ Noctis can barely keep the amusement from his voice. Really? He can imagine her accidentally dropping and bruising the thing, and while he's generally fine with Luna wrecking everything related to vegetables, he can't help a curl of warmth at just how indulgent Ignis is with her.

But he gets it. He does, and he watches when he lands Luna off to the housekeeper. He looks like he's done this a thousand times before and wouldn't mind doing it for longer, and this time his smile really widens.

As much as he loves Ignis, and as much as he enjoys looking at him, admiring every fine feature, he can't help but tease. ]

Really. You're planning to drive while staying on the line with me? I must really look like shit.

Well, I wasn't about to hand her a bread knife.

[ He was out of options, okay, an avocado was the safest thing that he could think of that would still keep her entertained and it was only marginally worse for wear.

He knows Octavia's place as well as the Citadel these days; he'd been the one who helped set up the security for it, ensuring everything was in place that they needed to keep her safe and he's here at odd hours sometimes. There's a moment where the phone breaks up and then Ignis is outside in the fading sunlight, squinting faintly. ]

You look handsome as ever, Noct, but it's been a trying day for you. I don't mind.

[ Fishing in his pocket, he presses a button and then slides in, hooking his phone up so Noctis can still look at him while he talks and drives. ]

[ So do you, he wants to say. In the fading light he is stunningly beautiful, a beacon in his own right. Noctis manages to get up off his couch with a groan, keeping his phone close before treading towards his private quarters. Ignis is thoughtful, gentle, and he's sure the day hasn't gone easily for him, either. ]

Your phone's been blowing up too, hasn't it? All we can do is wait and see what comes up in the papers tomorrow.

[ Noctis might have some of the media moguls on speed dial, and have even had friendships of a sort with them, but exerting his influence on them is unthinkable, dishonorable. Let it not be said that their king stops to petty manipulations. He has an idea of what will be splashed over the headlines, and just thinking about it is giving him a headache. How would this blow back on Ignis, on Octavia? How does he nip that in the bud before they get hurt? ]

Are more press meetings on the agenda with the team?

Trust me when I say I'm much less worried about me than I am about you.

[ He's weathered concerns about his position before, and come out fine. Now of course, he's going to be thrown into the spotlight but his work, his duties, and everything else have been utterly impeccable. There's nothing that they could hope to pin on him, or mark as disappointing or handled improperly save for this affair. This too shall pass.

It takes him a few extra moments to answer as he's pulling out onto the highway, but then he continues: ]

I intend to update it more fully tomorrow; right now we're getting the brunt of it and it's overwhelming. We'll let the various departments do their jobs for the time being and then bright and early we'll focus on a plan outside of that. We won't have to give any other sort of statements outside what's already been provided, and if any emergencies come up, they know how to reach us. We're at a point right now where the most we can do is wait until tomorrow.

[ Not exactly true but true enough for Noctis, who needs to sleep someday. ]

I'll be fine.

[ Because that's just like Ignis, isn't it? It's just like him to worry about everyone else except himself; it's one of the things Noctis loves about him -- and is so often exasperated by, in the same vein. Reaching the innermost private chambers of his personal quarters, Noctis allows himself to relax, carefully setting his phone on the stand before shrugging the immensely heavy cloak off. He sets it aside with care, knowing how much Ignis hates it when he just drops it to the carpet.

He absorbs those words, silently marveling at how Ignis seems to already be so on top of this when Noctis had essentially only just dropped the bomb a couple hours ago. But he trusts him beyond all else, and he's grateful that he's here for him, and he smiles faintly. More than sleep, Noctis needs him. His presence, his comfort, for this small, peaceful moment with him amidst all the madness. ]

Sounds about right. You're coming straight to me when you reach the Citadel. No detours.

[ If they can only wait until tomorrow, then Ignis is doing it with him. ]

Yes, I have no doubt that you will be fine, I was asking how you are right now.

[ He doesn't really need an answer because he knows, truth be told. It's been a brutal day for all of them and if Ignis is emotionally exhausted than he can't even begin to imagine just how tired Noctis must be with this on top of everything else. At least he's relaxing, now, or making an attempt at it.

Ignis' toe presses the pedal a touch harder, flicking his signal on to turn. He's not speeding exactly, but he is passing cars more frequently than he needs to. So long as he drives carefully there's no issue. ]

I don't believe anyone is so foolish as to think I would do anything else, Noct.

[ The corner of his lips tug up despite himself, a lopsided little almost-there smile; if anyone wasn't aware of his devotion to his king, well, now they certainly were. ]

Another six minutes, or so. What were you intending to call for dinner?

[ Ignis doesn't need an answer to that, despite the question, and he notices him speeding up, based on the shadows that pass just a little quicker. Noctis spends a few moments just looking, just admiring him when he drives, and he stifles a smile. ]

I mean, no detours to the offices to check up on them.

[ Because he knows he'll probably do it, considering that intently driven nature. He finds that lopsided little smile charming, contemplating taking a long, long soak. But Ignis will be here in six minutes, so that's out. ]

I made them order pizza. [ None of the specially prepared gourmet meals tonight. He wants junk food. ] And a lot of wings.

[ And no sign of a salad in sight. ]

[ Oh, well. You're not fun, Noctis. Ignis doesn't make any promises, but he will endeavor to make the check ins the briefest that he can. Despite the shitty situation, he still wants to make sure that none of them are too miserable and if they are, that he can at least offer some sort of guidance. ]

I'll keep the check-in brief, I promise.

[ Oh, pizza. That's actually pretty promising. Ignis hums in response and doesn't even bother mentioning the salad for once, despite how he thinks about it. Some battles can't be won and shouldn't be fought. ]

I'm pulling into the garage soon; I'll likely lose service but if you want to meet me at the elevator I'll be up soon to deliver something to you.

Ignis. You have three minutes. Tops.

[ He knows, see? He knows. Noctis sighs, but he knows that nothing short of a royal edict will stop him from checking in on the others. He appreciates it, how devoted Ignis is to the staff, to the work -- the man might be a harsh taskmaster, but he's fair, and there isn't anyone else who practically knows and cares personally for everyone working here.

And that's also how he knows Ignis himself is weary, he's not even putting up a fight about the blatant lack of salads. Lurching himself up to his feet with a little groan, he's moving towards the doors; he wants to see him, and he's already making his way to the secured elevators down the corridor. He passes the glaives on guard, nodding at them. ]

Deliver something? What's that?

Yes, Majesty. And nothing exciting, I'm afraid. I'll speak to you soon.

[ He's about to pull into the garage so he disconnects the call after a tiny half-smile.

It takes everything not to roll his eyes. In the end, it doesn't take too long to check in and while it's absolutely a shitshow, he's able to cut and run to the floor where Noctis is likely waiting.

He doesn't have anything particularly fantastic, but he has picked up the little desserts for Noctis that he likes at a tiny shop down the way from the Citadel. The glaive holding the elevator hands them off with a carefully blank look. They're in a tiny bag in his hands when the elevator dings open and he doesn't hesitate to reach out to Noctis, sliding a hand around the small of his back so he can tug him into a gentle kiss, lingering. ]

Hello. You were remarkably strong today and I know it cannot have been easy for you.

[ Noctis will consider that a profound development, considering that Ignis only stayed three minutes rather than thirty -- he's half-expecting the latter, considering his workaholic tendencies. But he's pleased when the doors open a few minutes later, more than pleased to step into his arms and press his mouth softly to his.

It lingers and makes him warm, his arm wrapping around his waist. This feels better, this feels right, and he gives him a crooked smile when he pulls back. ]

And you know I've probably brought trouble on you.

[ The benefit of hiring good people to work with you is that they're able to handle things that you're not normally able to handle. Ignis fully trusts that their team can handle things until early the next morning and while he'll have to wake up obscenely early to work with it, it's still better than nothing.

Besides, not much could distract him from Noctis right now. Ignis presses another kiss to his lips at the mention of trouble, utterly unconcerned; they're in private, this section is secured to the king alone. ]

Even if I cared about such things, I would not blame you for it. Now. Take these to the table and let me change and I'll join you for this utterly horrendous mess of unhealthy food.

Oh.

[ Noctis notices the little bag he's holding, brightening visibly -- he knows where that bag's from, and he tugs him in by his collar again to deepen the kiss, grateful and pleased. Taking it from him, he smiles against his lips. ]

I hope you know you're the only one I let boss me around like this. [ And it amuses him, pleases him, before he lets go and starts down to his private quarters. ] And hurry, the pizza's just reached and it's piping hot.

Mmn, yes, oh indeed.

[ There it is. Ignis is equally pleased Noctis is so thrilled with the little thing he'd brought and lets himself be tugged into the kiss with a soft hum, lifting his free hand to stroke through his hair gently. ]

If I properly bossed you around I could get you to make your bed in the morning and eat your vegetables. [ Ignis says it too fondly to be actually mad, trailing after him. While his clothing isn't all in this room, he has enough to live with and after depositing what he has he heads for the bedroom to quickly change. On his way back into the dining room he adjusts the neck of the tshirt, borrowed shamelessly from Noctis. ] You may have ordered too much food for two people, you know.

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