nascere | LET'S PLAY {open post}

[ 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.

You're never too tired to riff on me about my food intake, are you?

[ Noctis teases him, and shakes his head with a smile. He helps to lay out the sweet little mochi sweets, sneaking a few pieces of what Ignis bought before he comes back just because he can't resist.

He's still chewing when Ignis comes back, and stops, mouth full and inexplicably resembling a hamster when he notices Ignis wearing one of his t-shirts. Ignis does tend to wear his shirts from time to time, but they never stop being ridiculously sexy, even when the words emblazoned over his chest are it's about to get reel. It's tighter on him, too, considering the difference in their sizes. It's hot. ]

Mmmph. [ He swallows. Oof. ] I could eat an entire pizza on my own, you know.

Mmnn, never so far.

[ He tries helplessly to tug down the shirt but there's no helping it. While Noctis may be a touch broader than him in certain areas, Ignis' extra height doesn't help matters. The tshirt brushes the line of the simple, striped black and white silk pants he's tugged on, along with the slippers underneath.

Prompto had gotten them for him last year - simple, black slippers, but he kept the chocobo pair in his own apartments because they were cute and Prompto lit up every time he visited and saw him using them. ]

Water, before you choke. [ Not in a sexy way you asshole. Ignis holds the water up after he pours it, handing it over. ] That's not a feat to be proud of, that's vaguely terrifying if anything.

[ No, his extra height doesn't help matters, and Noctis can't help but be appreciative as he takes the water, finishing just about half of it in one go. ] Thanks for getting it, by the way. I forgot how good it tastes.

[ There was never an opportunity to pick up sweets, and he's more pleased than anything that they're still in business. He tasted a few new flavors, too. Probably. It's hard to tell when he shoved three of them in there at once. ] Did they expand their selection?

[ He's reaching for the pizza, piled high with different kinds of meats with enough grease for any oil-hungry countries to launch an invasion, then offers it to Ignis. ] You know I work it off immediately after. Usually on you. Sometimes in the gym.

[ Maybe he should visit the gym soon, come to think of it... ]

Of course. I know the day wasn't ideal, by any means.

[ And Gladiolus, much as Ignis will constantly protest it, is right. Ignis spoiled him, far before there was anything romantic between the two of them but it isn't like it ever stopped. If anything, it ramped up even more strongly as time went by. ]

I'm not certain, honestly. I've only tried a few of their items, but I asked them to prepare the flavors you most frequently purchase.

[ And shops notice when the king or his men come in to purchase, so it wasn't difficult to send one of their men on the trip to obtain them with a generous tip for them and the confectionery store. ]

You could always come to the gym with Gladiolus and I, if you like.

[ Ignis makes the offer fully knowing Noctis likely won't. Another gentle kiss, this one to Noctis' forehead, and then he tugs him by the hand over to where the scent of pizza is. ]

Much as I'd normally protest, I have to admit this sounds remarkably good after this day.

[ No, he definitely won't. Noctis hums and settles in together with him. He might be spoiled silly by Ignis, but he's always liked doing the same for him, returning little treats whenever he can find them, or learning the finer points of organizational porn just so he can surprise him with it -- which, surprisingly, goes a long way.

Warmed and actually happier after the shitshow of a day they've all had, Noctis allows himself to completely relax. He's taking a slice of pizza, offering it to Ignis. ] What sounds good? The gym or the pizza? Because there's only one correct answer here.

The gym, tomorrow or-- well, I suppose it's not reasonable for at least the next week, unfortunately. But after, perhaps I can entice you into coming with me.

[ Ignis grabs a slice for himself, folding it neatly in two with a careful little tug and creases it neatly down the middle so that he can bite off the end while he's standing without making a mess, and while still keeping a hand at Noctis' side. Normally he'd like to sit in the chair and maybe keep up on the news idly, but today's been a day, to say the least. Casual won't hurt. ]

As it is, the pizza is remarkably good after such a day.

[ Oh, honestly.

Noctis is dragging him off to the couch, grabbing the box of pizza along the way before pushing Ignis to it, settling in beside him with the box on his lap. No news, no standing around. They're going to relax. On hindsight he'll probably have to grab the wings, too, but maybe he can charm Ignis into getting up to fetch it later. ]

I'm still amazed you can make eating pizza into an art.

[ Oh, oh, they're moving. Ignis takes his lone slice of pizza and follows to the couch, much too tired to argue about the semantics of eating it right now and far more concerned with fetching two drinks from the fridge and then sinking next to him with a few more bites of that slice. Multitasking, thanks. ]

Folding a pizza is now art? Mmmn, good to know if I ever have to entertain you.

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