[ noctis does not have much in the way of experience either besides the kind of fumbling that tends to occur in campus closets with fellow students that don't count on a future with a prince, just hunting for a few heavy kisses and wandering hands that they might recount later to make their friends swoon. the few times it happened had been enough for noctis, just enough to satiate bothersome desires that got in the way of remaining more or less detached from the social conventions of public schools.
this is not that. he doesn't feel like he's trying to live up to an expectation and he doesn't feel like they're only trying to build up to a specified end. the emphasis here is on touch, on knowing one another, on trying to put into action what they can't quite manage in words yet. he moves on instinct rather than reasoning, and that's a shocking concept compared to what he'd had before. not quite so shocking as the way the word anything slips through ignis's lips, like he's shattered glass held together by noctis's hands, each kiss another hairline fracture. he doesn't seem scared to break, though. it seems to noctis that ignis feels as safe with him as he does with ignis, and that alone is enough to send another skittering cascade of shivers up his spine.
yes, he knows ignis will do anything. he hopes he will not have to ask so much.
it's all he can do to answer with a hum of approval as breath catches in his throat, words lost with the stomach flip that follows the drag of ignis's fingers in his hair and the tender marring to his bottom lip that grows more focused, more ardent as ignis sets his mind to it. his ability to take cues is impressive, and noct is unlikely to forget it. his hands slide up ignis's sides in a featherlight reward, hiking his shirt higher as noctis's legs curve to rub against the back of ignis's thighs, dispelling all space between their hips if there was any left to spare.
he almost wants to say anything might be a little too much this early in the morning, but the thought required for structuring coherent sentences is becoming less and less important. it's much easier to say ignis's name, and so he does, the delicate break in his voice on the first syllable alluding to a measure of difficulty he hadn't foreseen. ]
[ Something on the stove pops; Ignis barely hears it, but the only thing as well-honed in him besides Noct's general state of being is cooking sounds (probably more to the point burning sounds, by now) and so he stills for a moment, though--given the way he pulls back to look at Noct, pupils drowning the ambiguous sea-sky color of his eyes, maybe it's as much to let himself absorb and process how his name sounds on Noct's tongue like this, take it in without boiling over.
Much like the eggs are trying to do. Ignis manages a shaky sound like fond exasperation, though where it's directed is--all directions, really. Noct, himself, them, less fond exasperation that this is bloody necessary in the first place--he sighs and kisses Noct swiftly on the corner of the mouth, turning the exact minimum number of degrees required to get to the stove without actually detaching himself at all. ]
A moment, if you please.
[ This is the point where he discovers the spatula has rolled off into the dirt, and for a moment the temptation to just abandon all of this to kiss Noct silly is clear on his face; if the table would support more or less tackling Noct, there's a real chance that would have happened. As things are of course he has a passel of spare utensils around; he manages to rescue the eggs in a probably still edible state, pulls the skillet off the stove and...proceeds to muffle the welling of helpless laughter in Noct's shoulder, silent little shimmers rocking his back.
He's not quite moved to put his glasses back on, in fact he stays exactly where he is, just for a moment longer. Since he might have gone all of about six inches away in the first place. ]
My desire for you will be the death of us all, I fear. Or at the very least the malnutrition.
[ This isn't really an exaggeration, the others would resort to endless Cup Noodles, and man can only live on so much sodium alone. Still, given that Ignis is still taking advantage of every last possible second they have for more closeness, he can't actually mind too much. Or at all. ]
[ noct does not hear anything on the stove, which should probably tell him something about his level of focus and ability to remain aware of his surroundings even when he's got something to distract him, the kind of things that ignis might feel the need to lecture about in different circumstances. the truth of the matter is ignis has to do very little to capture the prince's attention, even, as has become apparent, during the dreaded mornings when noct's every impulse tells him to lie about uselessly and pretend the world in its entirety doesn't exist. or the world in its entirety besides ignis. and if that makes him vulnerable, well shit, he accepts. he'll be vulnerable in ignis's arms at any opportunity.
long story short, he's caught unawares in the moment when ignis pulls away to contemplate what he's just heard—his name or breakfast burning or both—and so he just stares at the face before his, thoughts a singing parade of you love him. the imaginary pageant of hearts doesn't silence even when ignis sighs like that, only quiets enough to make room in his brain for recognizing the situation here: the eggs turning black at the edges, the spatula missing from the table, ignis obviously torn between breakfast and noctis. the corner of his mouth curves upwards into a smile under ignis's kiss, his hold loosening all over so ignis can maneuver enough to stop the eggs from alerting the others with smoke signals.
he is caught between trying to catch his breath and laughing lightly by the time has ignis sorted out the spare utensils, and he reaches to pluck at ignis's shirt and tug it down again, fingers skimming over his skin in a way that is definitely not distracting, not at all.
his laughter graduates to full-fledged once ignis tries to bury his own utterly charming giggles in noct's shoulder. there is something about the sound that makes noctis warm all over, and he should really stop feeling surprised by the effect these small, gentle things have on him. this is a laugh that only noctis bears witness to, after all. ignis's breath tickles his neck and he feels so goddamn lucky. ]
Wow. You really know how to flatter a guy. [ sarcastic and teasing, an attempt to cover for the flush in his face at the word desire. the electricity that buzzed under his skin while they kissed is settling some, but it'll remain for as long as they stay close or for as long as they continue to touch. it spikes whenever some small movement makes him aware once again of all the places of contact. ] Never thought malnutrition could be so romantic.
[ his hand moves to cover ignis's again wherever it lies. ]
[ Ignis has one hand on the edge of the table (his knees are supporting most of his weight, so they're not going to collapse it .....yet, at least) and the other loosely settled around one of Noct's hips; he is, unsurprisingly, amenable to Noct doing whatever he wants with them, curls his palm idly upwards to skim the inside of slim wrist with one thumb. In an absurd flight of philosophical fancy it strikes him that what he's really feeling, in the rush of blue veins, is Noct being alive; as a conceit it's spectacularly beyond malnutrition in terms of romance. Ignis elects not to give voice to it, because then he'd probably have to fling himself into the ocean or similar. Instead he picks up Noct's hand and brushes his mouth across the same little lines; it's nearly as ridiculous, just not verbally so. ]
Poetics are apparently not my strongest suit.
[ A little self-deprecating, but comfortably. Ignis is aware of the things he does well and cultivates those, rather than insecurity regarding the things he doesn't. In this case he's managed to rescue breakfast and make Noct laugh in the same minute; if that's not a win he doesn't know what is. Anyway, at least he won't be attempting to write sonnets, since ultimately the prince could expect more of the same. Eyes as blue as this one set of dishes Ignis liked in a store once, et cetera et cetera.
If he notices the flush he doesn't comment on it, considering the heat bubbling merrily away under his own skin it would hardly be fair. On which note his eyes drop shut a moment, then open to seek Noct's gaze in some easy marriage of intent and wry. ]
While I have you, on the topic of romance--
[ emphasis on the second syllable, because that's how Ignis' accent goes ]
Much as I enjoy our forays into, ah, carpe noctem*, as it were, perhaps we might try for avenues less capricious. I'm certain I could concoct Official Sounding reasons to steal you away.
(as opposed to diem, because seize the noct, get it; ignis is so very very clever)
Edited (edits to change literally one word i'm so sorry) 2017-03-31 04:55 (UTC)
[ noctis blinks and lets his gaze wander to their hands as ignis's thumb brushes over his wrist. he imagines his pulse jumps at the contact, heart doing all it can to make itself known, to ensure ignis knows how much it wants his attention. noctis is almost sure he already does. maybe that's why he takes noct's hand and presses mouth to wrist; an attempt to reassure noctis's heart that ignis knows it, feels it, wants to protect it. or maybe that's a gross exaggeration on noctis's part, one that he should be embarrassed by as he watches with intense focus the meeting of lips and skin. with his hand now so close to ignis's face, he lets his fingertips touch his cheek, idle and curious. ]
Still, not your weakest. [ this a soft, skeptical mumble, not a comment on whatever ignis's weakest suit is—noctis has no idea what that would be and doesn't care to consider—but rather an appreciation for the poetics ignis puts into action. noct isn't in need of calligraphy confessions when ignis does this just as well, perhaps better. words have been in short supply lately but ignis has made do. ]
Oh yeah? [ his smile goes lopsided in his amusement, taken by the terrible joke and, more importantly, the suggestion. he doesn't tend to expect mischief from ignis, even if it's in small doses. that isn't to say he doesn't believe ignis would and could invent an important prince and advisor errand for them to attend to. in fact, he'd do so like an expert. he's who noct turns to when he needs a false name to offer or if they find themselves having to spin a story about why they're seeking a night's rest in each new town they happen on.
noctis's eyes seem to brighten a little as he considers. ]
Where are you planning on taking me? [ there's something in his voice that dares to be a little wistful. he has spent some amount of time daydreaming on four or five of their longer car drives, tentatively entertaining the thought of what they might do if they were given the time and the space alone that they're both in such desperate need of, but never with the hope that it would actually happen. everything else has always come first. ]
IT'S STILL ME ...wouldn't it be so weird if another ignis just charged in here
[ Ignis snorts, because he has been listening to Prompto and Noct complain about the thread count on their sleeping bags or whatever for so long it's just pleasant white noise at this point. Not that he doesn't also enjoy their rare appearances in actual buildings, he too likes a bed and plumbing, for instance, but it is part of the ritual of what they're made of to sigh and tut; Noct would think he'd taken a blow to the head otherwise. ]
Somewhere modest, I should think. The mere idea of privacy shames us more with decadence than silk sheets and marble floors could ever hope to manage.
[ Ever so deadpan, ever so dry, both affects seriously undercut by his eyelids slipping half closed to turn one sharp cheekbone into Noct's hand. After a second of what is clearly pure indulgence - which is probably as rare for Ignis as mischief - he rightens himself, one corner of his mouth tipping up into a lopsided half-smile. A caravan, or even a separate tent, would do just as well; anything to be alone without the deafening of seconds ticking by, rhythm merciless in his head. He lets the commentary on his abilities go by without comment, but his smile stretches over the rest of his mouth; if Noct feels like the brightest thing on Ignis' entire horizon, then he's made his point as it was meant, bare minimum eloquence at his disposal or not.
Speaking of bare minimum eloquence. ]
Now I've made the prospect of skiving off with me sound as romantic as malnutrition, goodness.
[ Ah-ha, so two can play at this "teasing" game. With "carpe noctem" in the mix already, may as well go on as he began, which is to say with mild absurdity. The idea of putting aside their respective duties for just as long as it takes to catch their breath decided, or at least put out into the atmosphere, Ignis captures Noct's hand back from his cheek to kiss the backs of his knuckles. He's been storing up these little gestures for years: Noct's hands rough on a practice sword making him want to trace each line and whorl, the exposed nape of his neck--Ignis thought of closing his mouth over the top vertebrae, precise and gentle. They've been side by side long enough for glimpses of every plane of skin, meaning: there's not one Ignis hasn't thought about. Sketching Noct's outlines with his hands and mouth, filling in all the edges he's imagined.
So. Talking may not be the only use this proposed privacy sees. For now, Ignis judges they have a few more minutes to spare; he eyes Noct, considering and sly. ]
Hmm. What are the odds you'll hear our fellows return before they're upon us?
[ It probably helps that while Gladio could glide smoothly and unnoticed through the trees, Prompto might as well bring a herd of elephants behind him. ]
[ noct doesn't think it's such a crime to crave a motel room from time to time after so many nights spent huddled in tents on the hard ground, and he knows ignis doesn't either. but yes, he does expect the gentle mockery of actual disapproval. it's become something of a staple of living life out of the car and the complaining about living life out of the car. ]
Can I cast my vote for an actual bed? [ his brow quirks, asking a less than innocent question with a surprisingly innocent tilt to his mouth. he doesn't need silk sheets or marble floors; a mattress and blankets and pillows in a roadside motel are all he's asking for here. those and ignis, obviously, ignis being the most important part.
seeing ignis looking so— he's not sure of the word, sensitive? helpless? caught? whatever it is, it makes something light and airy blossom in noctis's chest even if ignis's cheek settles against his palm for only a moment. he's not entirely used to ignis slipping from his calm and collected exterior, and so it continues to catch him off guard even when they are so intimate, the feeling increasing tenfold by the fact that it's noctis that does this to him. it's noctis that coaxes this indulgence from him. add that to the list of things noct has to be proud of, proud and grateful. ]
I kind of like the idea of skiving. [ he says on a contented sigh. ] And you're only gonna have yourself to blame for that. [ he looks at ignis pointedly, like ignis should feel guilty for putting the idea of shirking responsibilities in noct's head. it's too late to take it back now, though.
any hint of smugness that shows on his face smooths out when ignis's lips graze his knuckles, and the relief that washes over him at the suggestion that maybe they have just a little more time is enough to pull a somewhat shaking breath from him, trying and perhaps failing to hide how deeply he's effected by the tenderness with a laugh. he hadn't picked up on the threat of eggs going to waste and so he's not positive he'll be any better at sensing the approach of gladio and prompto, even if prompto doesn't seem to know the meaning of the word stealth. if it's the difference between whether or not he can pull ignis close again though, then: ]
There's a chance.
[ noctis's hair has become properly disheveled; it only seems fair that noctis curl his fingers into the hair at the base of ignis's skull and lean into him again, deciding before their mouths can collide to tilt his head and kiss ignis's jaw instead, both returning the favor and testing whether or not this is actually a good idea. it's far too easy to lose himself in this. ]
[ A thought bubble despairing for his hair blips briefly overhead for about half a second, then pops into nothingness as Ignis reasons it's not that noticeable, not like the spiky part at the front, and Noct's fingers feel good enough to override the rest of his better judgment. He used the last of that rescuing the eggs.
Though he is still keeping an ear out for their friends himself, so between the two of them--surely it will work out all right, even as his muscles are turning to water under Noct's curious mouth. Ignis makes a subvocal noise of approval, presses him closer with a hand flat at the back of his head. They both know they're at the end of the hourglass, though, so instead of letting himself drown totally Ignis picks up the thread of their conversation, hand in Noct's hair unabashedly like scritching a cat now. It continues to be apt that Ignis is thinking in cat metaphors since he's played by who he is, cats also being hellishly selective in what they're willing to care about. And terribly picky eaters, and--Ignis will share this later, probably. ]
Perhaps we'll be truly daring and spring for running water, as well.
[ That could also be perfectly innocent, real bathing being a nicety as well, but much like a bed in this case definitely isn't. Especially not uttered as it is, Ignis tipping his chin up to let Noct go wandering to his heart's content in the vicinity of his jaw and throat. So if nothing else Noctis will probably never have to guess what he wants; he believes in direct communication. Possibly because it's the best way to meet Noct head-on, he'd just never really let himself imagine it would be to convey how many sensitive places there are on the underside of his jaw. Noct has probably found most of them by the time Ignis clutches one of his upper arms out of reflex, looking around in his peripheral vision. ]
I think we're about to be encroached upon. Unless I miss my guess, and I don't mind saying I hope I do.
[ noctis has no intentions of wasting the last of their time; he mouths along the line of ignis's jaw, grip tightening just so in his hair, nails gently grazing skin. it's also quite obvious from the muffled mmm's that he's enjoying the scritching, even if it means he's unknowingly feeding into those cat metaphors.
ignis might feel him smile at the suggestion of a shower, in part because yes, one does not become truly aware of just how much dirt can find its way caked under fingernails or smudged on cheeks until the convenience of washrooms is in the rearview mirror, but mostly for other reasons. seeing as ignis barely ever seems to look anything less than immaculate probably attests to noct's theory that he has some other things in mind when it comes to hot water and porcelain tubs. a combination of anticipation and nerves sends a shiver through him despite the growing warmth of the rising sun. ]
Now you're talking. [ said against ignis's neck as noct works his way down a little, spurred on by the tilt of ignis's chin. his kisses are slow and lingering as he tests the waters, daring to nip when he's reached a spot that seems exceptionally tender. his teeth might have made more of an impression if it weren't for the knowledge that leaving marks would undoubtedly spark questions, and noct isn't sure even ignis could whip up an excuse for small and precise bruises on the swell of his throat.
he grumbles at the warning, managing to be lazy even in his irritation. he decides not to push their luck, though, catching the light sound of prompto's laughter not far off. ]
Too bad you're always right.
[ with this, he draws back, hands sliding away from where they touch, settling, almost sadly, in his lap as his legs free ignis from the temporary enclosure. he wets his lips, smiling carefully, eyes lidded in disappointment. ]
Edited (nothing to see here) 2017-04-02 18:02 (UTC)
[ Noct's expression makes Ignis somewhat abruptly and crashingly aware he is, if possible, now even more attuned to the prince's little hurts and disappointments; it won't do at all to dwell now, there's nothing to be done, but he chances a quick, hard squeeze of hands before they're out of reach, passable vision owlish as he fixes it on midnight blue. ]
You would say such things when I can hardly relish hearing them.
[ A little teasing, fond and wry, but--Ignis' gaze turns intent as he reaches up to put Noct's hair to rights as best it can be; that's probably a thing no one would bat an eye at coming upon, given the constant fuss over the entire group's tendency to become disheveled just by standing downwind of dirt. The focus on Ignis' face owes less to fastidiousness than it does to laser-focused affection, of course, but that's probably a mutable conceit at the best of times. He brushes a mostly imaginary smudge from Noct's cheekbone and steps back himself, puts palpable distance between them with a little sigh. ]
Soon, I promise. As soon as we can manage.
[ Actually verbalizing I promise is fairly extraneous, Noctis knows what it sounds like when he makes those, formally or not. He leans with excessive nonchalance by one hip next to the stove, fiddling with his own hair unconsciously before his expression goes all wide and quasi-alarmed, since. You know, his glasses are still sitting over there on the folding table. A quick, sharp gesture for them - thank you, Noct, you're a gentleman and a scholar - and he looks relatively himself, if not a little less terminally even-keeled than usual. Color slightly high, eyes a little brighter; he can only attest to either of these because he can see them on Noctis, a fact he will take no small satisfaction in for how well-concealed any smugness on his part might be. ]
[ no, there's nothing to be done. they've used up their too small allotment of time for the morning, and noct will have to live with it. not without vast leagues of exasperation and gloom, mind, perhaps for the better part of the day ahead of them, but he'll do it. it doesn't seem fair to ignis to burden him with this too, noct's unhappiness at being forced apart, but he has to know it's for good reasons. there is nothing comparable to the calm and the quiet that the simple action of being alone with ignis can create in the staggering noise of noctis's waking mind. ]
Yeah. I would. [ perhaps ignis will see that it is not entirely genuine, but his mouth tugs upward into a smile that borders on smug as ignis attempts to neaten his hair, a gesture that is far from unfamiliar but still new to these particular circumstances. ignis has been fussing about the unkempt appearance of the prince for as long as they have known each other, and it's this thought that turns noct's smile into something recognizably real. he reaches to brush his fingers through his own bangs, adjusting their sweep across his forehead to his liking before his hand drops unceremoniously to his thigh again, mildly defeated in the same way ignis's sigh is mildly defeated. ]
Hope it's worth the wait. [ he says lightly, hoping to keep up the trend of teasing. that seems to make things slightly easier, falling into the natural rhythm of things. though that isn't to say that kissing ignis feels any less natural than pestering him, and perhaps that's one of the reasons keeping this secret is so hard. at least there is no doubt that this will absolutely be worth the wait.
he watches ignis lean against the stove, the image of his usual grace until he realizes the lack of glasses on his face. noct manages not to snort at the wave of his hand, hopping off of the table before collecting up specs' specs. rather than place them in open palm, he unfolds the glasses and leans to slide them into place on ignis's face, slow enough to really take in the fading red of his cheeks.
it's a good look on him. ]
There.
[ noctis steps back again, putting regrettable distance between them so finally, it's safe for gladio and prompto to return. he reminds himself the distance can only last so long. ]
[ Ignis holds very still for this lightly ceremonious glasses replacement, rather like he'd do for some kind of official inspection. Especially since he can tell Noct is inspecting him to some degree, though since exactly what that might before remains a mystery, he just hikes an inquisitive brow, the sort of non-verbal "hm?" that's just as content without a real response. Either way the gesture is sweet and, if he's honest, a little arousing; there's little point in remarking upon, yet another time, how undone he is by the simplest of Noct's touches. Or not touches, or generally ...doing anything in his vicinity at all.
Utterly hopeless. ]
Ah. [ A small, self-contained smile: ] There you are.
[ Features crystal-clear once again, though Ignis can't spend as long as he would like studying them. Instead he laughs one of his husky, lower-register laughs, tilting his head to one side in an angle that just skirts flirtatious because he can hear Prompto's delighted crowing drawing closer with a swiftness. ]
I shall endeavor not to disappoint [ pause for effect ], your highness.
[ Then he goes to dispense breakfast and simply dare anyone to complain about the quality of the eggs. Go on, do it. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
honestly where are the kissing icons
this is not that. he doesn't feel like he's trying to live up to an expectation and he doesn't feel like they're only trying to build up to a specified end. the emphasis here is on touch, on knowing one another, on trying to put into action what they can't quite manage in words yet. he moves on instinct rather than reasoning, and that's a shocking concept compared to what he'd had before. not quite so shocking as the way the word anything slips through ignis's lips, like he's shattered glass held together by noctis's hands, each kiss another hairline fracture. he doesn't seem scared to break, though. it seems to noctis that ignis feels as safe with him as he does with ignis, and that alone is enough to send another skittering cascade of shivers up his spine.
yes, he knows ignis will do anything. he hopes he will not have to ask so much.
it's all he can do to answer with a hum of approval as breath catches in his throat, words lost with the stomach flip that follows the drag of ignis's fingers in his hair and the tender marring to his bottom lip that grows more focused, more ardent as ignis sets his mind to it. his ability to take cues is impressive, and noct is unlikely to forget it. his hands slide up ignis's sides in a featherlight reward, hiking his shirt higher as noctis's legs curve to rub against the back of ignis's thighs, dispelling all space between their hips if there was any left to spare.
he almost wants to say anything might be a little too much this early in the morning, but the thought required for structuring coherent sentences is becoming less and less important. it's much easier to say ignis's name, and so he does, the delicate break in his voice on the first syllable alluding to a measure of difficulty he hadn't foreseen. ]
CLOSE ENOUGH
Much like the eggs are trying to do. Ignis manages a shaky sound like fond exasperation, though where it's directed is--all directions, really. Noct, himself, them, less fond exasperation that this is bloody necessary in the first place--he sighs and kisses Noct swiftly on the corner of the mouth, turning the exact minimum number of degrees required to get to the stove without actually detaching himself at all. ]
A moment, if you please.
[ This is the point where he discovers the spatula has rolled off into the dirt, and for a moment the temptation to just abandon all of this to kiss Noct silly is clear on his face; if the table would support more or less tackling Noct, there's a real chance that would have happened. As things are of course he has a passel of spare utensils around; he manages to rescue the eggs in a probably still edible state, pulls the skillet off the stove and...proceeds to muffle the welling of helpless laughter in Noct's shoulder, silent little shimmers rocking his back.
He's not quite moved to put his glasses back on, in fact he stays exactly where he is, just for a moment longer. Since he might have gone all of about six inches away in the first place. ]
My desire for you will be the death of us all, I fear. Or at the very least the malnutrition.
[ This isn't really an exaggeration, the others would resort to endless Cup Noodles, and man can only live on so much sodium alone. Still, given that Ignis is still taking advantage of every last possible second they have for more closeness, he can't actually mind too much. Or at all. ]
I'LL TAKE IT
long story short, he's caught unawares in the moment when ignis pulls away to contemplate what he's just heard—his name or breakfast burning or both—and so he just stares at the face before his, thoughts a singing parade of you love him. the imaginary pageant of hearts doesn't silence even when ignis sighs like that, only quiets enough to make room in his brain for recognizing the situation here: the eggs turning black at the edges, the spatula missing from the table, ignis obviously torn between breakfast and noctis. the corner of his mouth curves upwards into a smile under ignis's kiss, his hold loosening all over so ignis can maneuver enough to stop the eggs from alerting the others with smoke signals.
he is caught between trying to catch his breath and laughing lightly by the time has ignis sorted out the spare utensils, and he reaches to pluck at ignis's shirt and tug it down again, fingers skimming over his skin in a way that is definitely not distracting, not at all.
his laughter graduates to full-fledged once ignis tries to bury his own utterly charming giggles in noct's shoulder. there is something about the sound that makes noctis warm all over, and he should really stop feeling surprised by the effect these small, gentle things have on him. this is a laugh that only noctis bears witness to, after all. ignis's breath tickles his neck and he feels so goddamn lucky. ]
Wow. You really know how to flatter a guy. [ sarcastic and teasing, an attempt to cover for the flush in his face at the word desire. the electricity that buzzed under his skin while they kissed is settling some, but it'll remain for as long as they stay close or for as long as they continue to touch. it spikes whenever some small movement makes him aware once again of all the places of contact. ] Never thought malnutrition could be so romantic.
[ his hand moves to cover ignis's again wherever it lies. ]
no subject
Poetics are apparently not my strongest suit.
[ A little self-deprecating, but comfortably. Ignis is aware of the things he does well and cultivates those, rather than insecurity regarding the things he doesn't. In this case he's managed to rescue breakfast and make Noct laugh in the same minute; if that's not a win he doesn't know what is. Anyway, at least he won't be attempting to write sonnets, since ultimately the prince could expect more of the same. Eyes as blue as this one set of dishes Ignis liked in a store once, et cetera et cetera.
If he notices the flush he doesn't comment on it, considering the heat bubbling merrily away under his own skin it would hardly be fair. On which note his eyes drop shut a moment, then open to seek Noct's gaze in some easy marriage of intent and wry. ]
While I have you, on the topic of romance--
[ emphasis on the second syllable, because that's how Ignis' accent goes ]
Much as I enjoy our forays into, ah, carpe noctem*, as it were, perhaps we might try for avenues less capricious. I'm certain I could concoct Official Sounding reasons to steal you away.
(as opposed to diem, because seize the noct, get it; ignis is so very very clever)
no subject
Still, not your weakest. [ this a soft, skeptical mumble, not a comment on whatever ignis's weakest suit is—noctis has no idea what that would be and doesn't care to consider—but rather an appreciation for the poetics ignis puts into action. noct isn't in need of calligraphy confessions when ignis does this just as well, perhaps better. words have been in short supply lately but ignis has made do. ]
Oh yeah? [ his smile goes lopsided in his amusement, taken by the terrible joke and, more importantly, the suggestion. he doesn't tend to expect mischief from ignis, even if it's in small doses. that isn't to say he doesn't believe ignis would and could invent an important prince and advisor errand for them to attend to. in fact, he'd do so like an expert. he's who noct turns to when he needs a false name to offer or if they find themselves having to spin a story about why they're seeking a night's rest in each new town they happen on.
noctis's eyes seem to brighten a little as he considers. ]
Where are you planning on taking me? [ there's something in his voice that dares to be a little wistful. he has spent some amount of time daydreaming on four or five of their longer car drives, tentatively entertaining the thought of what they might do if they were given the time and the space alone that they're both in such desperate need of, but never with the hope that it would actually happen. everything else has always come first. ]
IT'S STILL ME ...wouldn't it be so weird if another ignis just charged in here
Somewhere modest, I should think. The mere idea of privacy shames us more with decadence than silk sheets and marble floors could ever hope to manage.
[ Ever so deadpan, ever so dry, both affects seriously undercut by his eyelids slipping half closed to turn one sharp cheekbone into Noct's hand. After a second of what is clearly pure indulgence - which is probably as rare for Ignis as mischief - he rightens himself, one corner of his mouth tipping up into a lopsided half-smile. A caravan, or even a separate tent, would do just as well; anything to be alone without the deafening of seconds ticking by, rhythm merciless in his head. He lets the commentary on his abilities go by without comment, but his smile stretches over the rest of his mouth; if Noct feels like the brightest thing on Ignis' entire horizon, then he's made his point as it was meant, bare minimum eloquence at his disposal or not.
Speaking of bare minimum eloquence. ]
Now I've made the prospect of skiving off with me sound as romantic as malnutrition, goodness.
[ Ah-ha, so two can play at this "teasing" game. With "carpe noctem" in the mix already, may as well go on as he began, which is to say with mild absurdity. The idea of putting aside their respective duties for just as long as it takes to catch their breath decided, or at least put out into the atmosphere, Ignis captures Noct's hand back from his cheek to kiss the backs of his knuckles. He's been storing up these little gestures for years: Noct's hands rough on a practice sword making him want to trace each line and whorl, the exposed nape of his neck--Ignis thought of closing his mouth over the top vertebrae, precise and gentle. They've been side by side long enough for glimpses of every plane of skin, meaning: there's not one Ignis hasn't thought about. Sketching Noct's outlines with his hands and mouth, filling in all the edges he's imagined.
So. Talking may not be the only use this proposed privacy sees. For now, Ignis judges they have a few more minutes to spare; he eyes Noct, considering and sly. ]
Hmm. What are the odds you'll hear our fellows return before they're upon us?
[ It probably helps that while Gladio could glide smoothly and unnoticed through the trees, Prompto might as well bring a herd of elephants behind him. ]
HAHAH well i can see why they'd want to
Can I cast my vote for an actual bed? [ his brow quirks, asking a less than innocent question with a surprisingly innocent tilt to his mouth. he doesn't need silk sheets or marble floors; a mattress and blankets and pillows in a roadside motel are all he's asking for here. those and ignis, obviously, ignis being the most important part.
seeing ignis looking so— he's not sure of the word, sensitive? helpless? caught? whatever it is, it makes something light and airy blossom in noctis's chest even if ignis's cheek settles against his palm for only a moment. he's not entirely used to ignis slipping from his calm and collected exterior, and so it continues to catch him off guard even when they are so intimate, the feeling increasing tenfold by the fact that it's noctis that does this to him. it's noctis that coaxes this indulgence from him. add that to the list of things noct has to be proud of, proud and grateful. ]
I kind of like the idea of skiving. [ he says on a contented sigh. ] And you're only gonna have yourself to blame for that. [ he looks at ignis pointedly, like ignis should feel guilty for putting the idea of shirking responsibilities in noct's head. it's too late to take it back now, though.
any hint of smugness that shows on his face smooths out when ignis's lips graze his knuckles, and the relief that washes over him at the suggestion that maybe they have just a little more time is enough to pull a somewhat shaking breath from him, trying and perhaps failing to hide how deeply he's effected by the tenderness with a laugh. he hadn't picked up on the threat of eggs going to waste and so he's not positive he'll be any better at sensing the approach of gladio and prompto, even if prompto doesn't seem to know the meaning of the word stealth. if it's the difference between whether or not he can pull ignis close again though, then: ]
There's a chance.
[ noctis's hair has become properly disheveled; it only seems fair that noctis curl his fingers into the hair at the base of ignis's skull and lean into him again, deciding before their mouths can collide to tilt his head and kiss ignis's jaw instead, both returning the favor and testing whether or not this is actually a good idea. it's far too easy to lose himself in this. ]
plants flag they're not allowed :E
Though he is still keeping an ear out for their friends himself, so between the two of them--surely it will work out all right, even as his muscles are turning to water under Noct's curious mouth. Ignis makes a subvocal noise of approval, presses him closer with a hand flat at the back of his head. They both know they're at the end of the hourglass, though, so instead of letting himself drown totally Ignis picks up the thread of their conversation, hand in Noct's hair unabashedly like scritching a cat now. It continues to be apt that Ignis is thinking in cat metaphors
since he's played by who he is, cats also being hellishly selective in what they're willing to care about. And terribly picky eaters, and--Ignis will share this later, probably. ]Perhaps we'll be truly daring and spring for running water, as well.
[ That could also be perfectly innocent, real bathing being a nicety as well, but much like a bed in this case definitely isn't. Especially not uttered as it is, Ignis tipping his chin up to let Noct go wandering to his heart's content in the vicinity of his jaw and throat. So if nothing else Noctis will probably never have to guess what he wants; he believes in direct communication. Possibly because it's the best way to meet Noct head-on, he'd just never really let himself imagine it would be to convey how many sensitive places there are on the underside of his jaw. Noct has probably found most of them by the time Ignis clutches one of his upper arms out of reflex, looking around in his peripheral vision. ]
I think we're about to be encroached upon. Unless I miss my guess, and I don't mind saying I hope I do.
(˵¯͒⌄¯͒˵)
ignis might feel him smile at the suggestion of a shower, in part because yes, one does not become truly aware of just how much dirt can find its way caked under fingernails or smudged on cheeks until the convenience of washrooms is in the rearview mirror, but mostly for other reasons. seeing as ignis barely ever seems to look anything less than immaculate probably attests to noct's theory that he has some other things in mind when it comes to hot water and porcelain tubs. a combination of anticipation and nerves sends a shiver through him despite the growing warmth of the rising sun. ]
Now you're talking. [ said against ignis's neck as noct works his way down a little, spurred on by the tilt of ignis's chin. his kisses are slow and lingering as he tests the waters, daring to nip when he's reached a spot that seems exceptionally tender. his teeth might have made more of an impression if it weren't for the knowledge that leaving marks would undoubtedly spark questions, and noct isn't sure even ignis could whip up an excuse for small and precise bruises on the swell of his throat.
he grumbles at the warning, managing to be lazy even in his irritation. he decides not to push their luck, though, catching the light sound of prompto's laughter not far off. ]
Too bad you're always right.
[ with this, he draws back, hands sliding away from where they touch, settling, almost sadly, in his lap as his legs free ignis from the temporary enclosure. he wets his lips, smiling carefully, eyes lidded in disappointment. ]
no subject
You would say such things when I can hardly relish hearing them.
[ A little teasing, fond and wry, but--Ignis' gaze turns intent as he reaches up to put Noct's hair to rights as best it can be; that's probably a thing no one would bat an eye at coming upon, given the constant fuss over the entire group's tendency to become disheveled just by standing downwind of dirt. The focus on Ignis' face owes less to fastidiousness than it does to laser-focused affection, of course, but that's probably a mutable conceit at the best of times. He brushes a mostly imaginary smudge from Noct's cheekbone and steps back himself, puts palpable distance between them with a little sigh. ]
Soon, I promise. As soon as we can manage.
[ Actually verbalizing I promise is fairly extraneous, Noctis knows what it sounds like when he makes those, formally or not. He leans with excessive nonchalance by one hip next to the stove, fiddling with his own hair unconsciously before his expression goes all wide and quasi-alarmed, since. You know, his glasses are still sitting over there on the folding table. A quick, sharp gesture for them - thank you, Noct, you're a gentleman and a scholar - and he looks relatively himself, if not a little less terminally even-keeled than usual. Color slightly high, eyes a little brighter; he can only attest to either of these because he can see them on Noctis, a fact he will take no small satisfaction in for how well-concealed any smugness on his part might be. ]
no subject
Yeah. I would. [ perhaps ignis will see that it is not entirely genuine, but his mouth tugs upward into a smile that borders on smug as ignis attempts to neaten his hair, a gesture that is far from unfamiliar but still new to these particular circumstances. ignis has been fussing about the unkempt appearance of the prince for as long as they have known each other, and it's this thought that turns noct's smile into something recognizably real. he reaches to brush his fingers through his own bangs, adjusting their sweep across his forehead to his liking before his hand drops unceremoniously to his thigh again, mildly defeated in the same way ignis's sigh is mildly defeated. ]
Hope it's worth the wait. [ he says lightly, hoping to keep up the trend of teasing. that seems to make things slightly easier, falling into the natural rhythm of things. though that isn't to say that kissing ignis feels any less natural than pestering him, and perhaps that's one of the reasons keeping this secret is so hard. at least there is no doubt that this will absolutely be worth the wait.
he watches ignis lean against the stove, the image of his usual grace until he realizes the lack of glasses on his face. noct manages not to snort at the wave of his hand, hopping off of the table before collecting up specs' specs. rather than place them in open palm, he unfolds the glasses and leans to slide them into place on ignis's face, slow enough to really take in the fading red of his cheeks.
it's a good look on him. ]
There.
[ noctis steps back again, putting regrettable distance between them so finally, it's safe for gladio and prompto to return. he reminds himself the distance can only last so long. ]
no subject
Utterly hopeless. ]
Ah. [ A small, self-contained smile: ] There you are.
[ Features crystal-clear once again, though Ignis can't spend as long as he would like studying them. Instead he laughs one of his husky, lower-register laughs, tilting his head to one side in an angle that just skirts flirtatious because he can hear Prompto's delighted crowing drawing closer with a swiftness. ]
I shall endeavor not to disappoint [ pause for effect ], your highness.
[ Then he goes to dispense breakfast and simply dare anyone to complain about the quality of the eggs. Go on, do it. ]