nascere | LET'S PLAY {open post}

[ Yeah, the tasks weren't the problem -- Noctis had gotten the hang of them eventually, managing his schoolwork and the crown's demands, and he can't help but be warmed as he steps closer, clad only in his pants but in no real hurry to pull his shirt on. No, because Ignis is telling him something that makes him feel like a fucking bashful teenager again instead of a monarch of a recovering country and he cannot help but stay so helplessly in his orbit. ]

I heard you went on a date with a girl the day before. Katie, I think her name was. [ Yes, he remembers her name. Dark-haired, gorgeous, a perfect match for Ignis the way Noctis thought he never could be. ]

[ He's going to need to put his suit jacket on eventually, but a glance at the clock reveals he's doing adequately on time, which means he lets himself linger for a moment. He reaches for Noctis's shirt to start helping him into it, smoothing his fingers him when the material is pulled over arms and chest, and then over the buttons once they're fastened. ]

She was the daughter of one of the Crownsguard, I think. My uncle suggested that I meet with her to placate the Crownsguard's husband who thought they was spending too much time studying and not enough time being social. It was half political, I think, which I can admire the skill of now.

[ Ignis gives him a little smile, thumbing over his chest lightly. ]

We got on well but there was no urge to date; instead, we ended up collaborating on a linguistics project which drove her father insane. An added benefit. But, you didn't know that. You were jealous?

[ Oh. That's -- painfully cute and makes him ache a little at the same time. ]

Very.

[ He can admit that now, mollified by the explanation that comes years after the fact -- he hadn't known about any of that, and even though it's been a lifetime ago, he still remembers like it's only yesterday. Noctis was jealous, fiercely so, and dealing with the fact that somehow his crush had become something worse. He had been so young, months away from fifteen, and it wouldn't be until much later that he'd acted on it. ]

Kinda realised I was really in love with you, then. It wasn't fun.

[ Because he was a prince -- and princes don't fall in love with people; they just get married to whoever would be a sensible partner in that union. It was sheer luck that Regis had loved Aulea with all his heart. He's obediently letting himself be dressed, his heart fluttering -- which is weird, really -- and his hand comes to rest over where Ignis is thumbing over his chest. ] Kept wondering if you'd kissed her, you know?

[ Ignis' teen years had been positively bursting with things that he had to take care of that he'd barely had time for the inane political arrangements that came with any royal family duties. It wasn't the first, nor would it be the last time that someone tried to use him, or their children to gain an ear to the next king. It was political maneuvering about as subtle as a brick to the head, but still, it counted. The ridiculousness of it was too much for Ignis, sometimes. ]

I didn't, for the record. We spoke to appease her parent, and maintained friendship because of shared interests, but no interest in each other. I hadn't realized that you would--

[ Be jealous, over that. Ignis is strangely pleased by it and is sort of ashamed that he's so pleased, not quite sure if he should be smiling or frowning at himself. ]

I rarely had time to date - most of the ones I went on were due to political machinations, not real interest. There were a few, maybe, but it was like night and day. [ Ignis leans in, well aware this is a rather ridiculous line. He doesn't care. ] You were always the sun. Nothing else compared.

You're pleased.

[ Noctis notices, looking up at him because he knows that look. He knows it -- one learns to read Ignis after a few years, the subtle cues and the smallest change in expression, and he's ultimately convinced that this is definitely one where he's happy about it, and Noctis can't even blame him. He's inwardly chuffed about Ignis' feelings for him, too, like a dumb teenager this romance has devolved him to and he huffs a soft laugh.

Ignis must have been inundated with so much annoying little requests from hangers-on, and Noctis himself is so fiercely pleased that not much of the others have since caught his eye. He's meeting him halfway, pressing his forehead to his gently. They still have a little time, and he kisses him softly, slowly. ]

If I'm the sun, then I guess you're the sky. [ Ugh, gross. ]

It's-- I don't know, I'm pleased that you were jealous, though I know that's not quite the correct response.

[ He's not happy that Noctis was upset, but it's sort of wonderful to know that they were on the same page even then. Even before it could have been a proper consideration, they'd thought about it. Ignis leans in and kisses him back, warm down to his toes, fingers stroking over his chest and shoulders, hugging him close. ]

Well, you're going to have to go shine yourself on a meeting very soon, so-- [ Don't mind him leaning in for another kiss, murmuring the rest against Noctis' lip between gentle kisses, ] I love you very much.

[ But he has to go. Ignis visibly resists pulling away but then does, kissing his forehead apologetically. ]

I'd let you make me be late for everything if I could, but unfortunately punctuality remains important.

[ Ah, who cares about correct responses? Noctis is grabbing a hold of his sleeve, impossibly, overwhelmingly fond despite himself and the fact that they have to be out there soon. That leaves his vest, suit jacket, and raiment. He can already hear the buzzing of texts on his phone and a gentle rap on the door.

His aides are waiting to apprise him of the events of the morning, Cor Leonis and the heads of the various ministries already waiting for an audience, but Ignis and Noctis are heading their separate ways until they see each other again, and suddenly he cannot bear to leave him. He sighs, low and quiet as he steals another kiss with a soft little whine. ]

Love you, too. [ Gods, how is he supposed to leave when Ignis says that so softly, so sweetly that Noctis just fucking melts like an idiot in love? ] And no, you won't. Now c'mon, just one more for the road.

One more.

[ Ignis pockets his phone with a glance at the screen and then decides why not and drags him close. It's a kiss like they've got all the time in the world to follow through with how dirty it is, when in actuality as soon as he breaks the kiss, his phone buzzes obnoxiously. He's the one wearing the plug, though, and he's the one who's going to have a hell of a day, so leaving Noctis with a kiss that good feels appropriate despite the terribly soft, sweet conversation they were just having.

Teasingly, with a tilt of his chin, he heads for the door and gives Noctis a lazy little wave, awfully certain of himself. ]

Have a good day, I'll see you tonight for my congratulations on winning and for you to rip this shirt off of me.

LET'S PLAY {open post}

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