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[ albert is everything ignis finds that he wants to cherish and treasure. the first person outside of his fellow eosians and his brothers-in-arms who is truly his own. they've discovered each other on their own terms, fallen in love with each other over so sweetly and so impossibly. there is much they still have to learn about each other, but everything he has learned about albert is heartening -- he is a remarkably kind man made to do terrible things in an unkind, cruel world, a man who can still love so readily, so willingly despite everything that he has been put through.
and his wit, his intelligence, the sheer joy that albert's company brings him makes him want to pinch himself sometimes, makes him wonder if this is a fever dream that he will wake from one day, and pine forever for a man who exists only in his imagination.
but here and now, he has never felt more real as he clings to him. they are a perfect match in every way, albert with his goodness, challenging him to be better -- and ignis in his shades of grey, drawing albert out of absolutes, slowly but surely.
ignis loves him in turn, holds him like he's everything precious, and as he lays him on the bed and follows after with a smile, tugging the scarf free and unbuttoning albert's shirt, he smiles. ]
I'll make sure I'm seared into your heart, dear Albert. [ his hand moves between his open shirt, splaying possessively over the flat of his stomach. ] I'll worship every inch of you, all night long. Take your clothes off for me, darling.
and his wit, his intelligence, the sheer joy that albert's company brings him makes him want to pinch himself sometimes, makes him wonder if this is a fever dream that he will wake from one day, and pine forever for a man who exists only in his imagination.
but here and now, he has never felt more real as he clings to him. they are a perfect match in every way, albert with his goodness, challenging him to be better -- and ignis in his shades of grey, drawing albert out of absolutes, slowly but surely.
ignis loves him in turn, holds him like he's everything precious, and as he lays him on the bed and follows after with a smile, tugging the scarf free and unbuttoning albert's shirt, he smiles. ]
I'll make sure I'm seared into your heart, dear Albert. [ his hand moves between his open shirt, splaying possessively over the flat of his stomach. ] I'll worship every inch of you, all night long. Take your clothes off for me, darling.
I felt it.
[ She admits, after her own bout of thoughtful silence. It wouldn't have been as intense as his connection with Ignis, but she'd have felt that twinge. The feeling of Albert's feelings intensifying from so far a distance. ]
I won't ask if you don't want to tell me, If you can think you can work through it, then that's fine.
[ She takes a sip of her drink, because otherwise she'll say something like I care about you, and look. Let's not. ]
Just tell me, though: I don't need to break some kneecaps, do I?
[ She admits, after her own bout of thoughtful silence. It wouldn't have been as intense as his connection with Ignis, but she'd have felt that twinge. The feeling of Albert's feelings intensifying from so far a distance. ]
I won't ask if you don't want to tell me, If you can think you can work through it, then that's fine.
[ She takes a sip of her drink, because otherwise she'll say something like I care about you, and look. Let's not. ]
Just tell me, though: I don't need to break some kneecaps, do I?
[Everything about Ignis wakes up a long-dead part of Albert, something he clings to now that he's seen it again. This man believes in him, in his ideals and his righteousness, and believes that Albert can forge his own path forward. No matter how much he loves his brothers, he does need to learn to stand on his own, and to believe in his own way of doing things. Even in the absence of MI6, he is strong, a powerful force in his own right, and he doesn't need to hold himself back simply because he feels beholden to an ideal he chased when he was a child.
Even if he was right, he did terrible things. Even if he deserves punishment and has no right to atone in his own heart, he has the chance to walk a new path. The world as he knows it now is full of contradictions that shatter his desire to see black and white. It causes him no end of mental stress, but this... This man makes things seem possible. The joy he brings Albert, the companionship and company, the adoration... They make it possible for Albert to step into light he'd avoided in so many ways for so long. And he's grateful.
As he's tasked, he shrugs off his shirt, smiling up at Ignis warmly. This makes the ache of profound sadness feel more distant, manageable. He's going to be adored by this man, someone he loves with passion and fervor and a beautiful, endless steadiness.
The rest comes off just as quickly and easily, Albert discarding his clothing carelessly on the floor before reaching up to ease Ignis down into a kiss.]
You already are, you know. Seared into my heart. [A hand runs along Ignis' cheek.]
You're remarkable, and I...
Even if he was right, he did terrible things. Even if he deserves punishment and has no right to atone in his own heart, he has the chance to walk a new path. The world as he knows it now is full of contradictions that shatter his desire to see black and white. It causes him no end of mental stress, but this... This man makes things seem possible. The joy he brings Albert, the companionship and company, the adoration... They make it possible for Albert to step into light he'd avoided in so many ways for so long. And he's grateful.
As he's tasked, he shrugs off his shirt, smiling up at Ignis warmly. This makes the ache of profound sadness feel more distant, manageable. He's going to be adored by this man, someone he loves with passion and fervor and a beautiful, endless steadiness.
The rest comes off just as quickly and easily, Albert discarding his clothing carelessly on the floor before reaching up to ease Ignis down into a kiss.]
You already are, you know. Seared into my heart. [A hand runs along Ignis' cheek.]
You're remarkable, and I...
[The growing distance strikes fear in Albert. He never wanted to lose William. He never wanted to be without him. A slow, simmering panic is building as he feels the gulf widen, and he doesn't know what to do.
And yet, Albert knows. He understands that this is because of his devotion to William. That this pain is because he won't let his brother go. Even if he could boldly say to Ignis that he needs to find his own path, walking away from William to any degree is terrifying, and he hates it. Loving William is all that's kept him afloat for so long.
If he can be open and vulnerable with Ignis, he can find it in himself to be so with William, too.]
Don't... speak as though you're going to abandon me, dear brother. Please. I lived a mere month without you here, and it was far too long.
[He breathes in, lets it out slowly. Leans in to press a kiss to William's cheek, then finds his brother's eyes.]
I just... [He falters, then tries again.] I want the chance to do things differently here. I told you this. That's all I can ask, Will. Let me do things by my rules and standards, but be by my side. Even if I gain political power, I'll still need your mind and your affection to stay alive. If only we could spill less blood, and accomplish the same. A more civilized route. If it proves impossible, I'll call myself wrong and repent, but until then I want to have tried. That's how I'll make myself a better man.
[A slow, deep breath again.] Ignis... That's his name. He's brilliant, William. He's gorgeous, he's kind, he's incredibly capable, and he understands me. He... [He's so sorry to say this to William, who he loves from the bottom of his heart.] He is what I have long needed to soothe wounds of my own making.
And yet, Albert knows. He understands that this is because of his devotion to William. That this pain is because he won't let his brother go. Even if he could boldly say to Ignis that he needs to find his own path, walking away from William to any degree is terrifying, and he hates it. Loving William is all that's kept him afloat for so long.
If he can be open and vulnerable with Ignis, he can find it in himself to be so with William, too.]
Don't... speak as though you're going to abandon me, dear brother. Please. I lived a mere month without you here, and it was far too long.
[He breathes in, lets it out slowly. Leans in to press a kiss to William's cheek, then finds his brother's eyes.]
I just... [He falters, then tries again.] I want the chance to do things differently here. I told you this. That's all I can ask, Will. Let me do things by my rules and standards, but be by my side. Even if I gain political power, I'll still need your mind and your affection to stay alive. If only we could spill less blood, and accomplish the same. A more civilized route. If it proves impossible, I'll call myself wrong and repent, but until then I want to have tried. That's how I'll make myself a better man.
[A slow, deep breath again.] Ignis... That's his name. He's brilliant, William. He's gorgeous, he's kind, he's incredibly capable, and he understands me. He... [He's so sorry to say this to William, who he loves from the bottom of his heart.] He is what I have long needed to soothe wounds of my own making.
Hush, my darling.
[ there it is, a pet name lovingly dispensed just for him, a glimpse into how ignis echoes his sentiments, how he reciprocates. albert is breathtakingly beautiful when he takes off his shirt, and he picks up on the sadness lingering, pausing for a moment to cup his cheek, leaning in to kiss him. it's gone quickly, like a butterfly in the morning light, but ignis wants to make sure he's all right all the same.
he draws him into a slow, sensuous kiss when he's fully naked under him, ignis himself still dressed as he gently spreads albert's legs, coaxing him around his waist. he lets his own feelings vibrate through their shared connection, the adoration and affection, the intensity of his own feelings and his desire, the genuine yearning to be with him, to take him however he can have him.
he looks into the fascinating, gorgeous green of his eyes, his hands coming to give his ass a playful little squeeze as he kisses him again, again and again, like he's long been addicted to the taste of his lips. ]
I want you to cry out for me tonight.
[ there it is, a pet name lovingly dispensed just for him, a glimpse into how ignis echoes his sentiments, how he reciprocates. albert is breathtakingly beautiful when he takes off his shirt, and he picks up on the sadness lingering, pausing for a moment to cup his cheek, leaning in to kiss him. it's gone quickly, like a butterfly in the morning light, but ignis wants to make sure he's all right all the same.
he draws him into a slow, sensuous kiss when he's fully naked under him, ignis himself still dressed as he gently spreads albert's legs, coaxing him around his waist. he lets his own feelings vibrate through their shared connection, the adoration and affection, the intensity of his own feelings and his desire, the genuine yearning to be with him, to take him however he can have him.
he looks into the fascinating, gorgeous green of his eyes, his hands coming to give his ass a playful little squeeze as he kisses him again, again and again, like he's long been addicted to the taste of his lips. ]
I want you to cry out for me tonight.
[He smiles faintly at all of the ways she talks around caring. He won't assume, but it does feel rather like he's being wrapped up in a warm hug when she asks if she needs to break kneecaps. Oh, how he wishes it were that simple.]
No need. It's a tragedy, not a betrayal. [He thinks. He's relatively certain Louis isn't telling him something else, and he can imagine how he reacted to William's death.] My younger brother, William... He arrived here after his entirely unfortunate death. I haven't experienced it in my time, and both he and Louis know a great many things I do not, so they understandably hesitate to tell me.
[For a man she knows to be steadfast and stubborn to a degree, always strong, and more often than not a little bit of a smartass, the next part might be surprising.]
What has me questioning myself is... certainty that I failed them. They don't see it that way, of course. But when an older brother can't protect his younger...
No need. It's a tragedy, not a betrayal. [He thinks. He's relatively certain Louis isn't telling him something else, and he can imagine how he reacted to William's death.] My younger brother, William... He arrived here after his entirely unfortunate death. I haven't experienced it in my time, and both he and Louis know a great many things I do not, so they understandably hesitate to tell me.
[For a man she knows to be steadfast and stubborn to a degree, always strong, and more often than not a little bit of a smartass, the next part might be surprising.]
What has me questioning myself is... certainty that I failed them. They don't see it that way, of course. But when an older brother can't protect his younger...
[ william feels it, the sharp spike of fear, so openly reverberating in their connection. he shifts, instinctively, wordlessly reacting to albert's honesty -- what a strange place this world is, that it would lay bare their deepest feelings and destroy any semblance of masks. william both hates and appreciates it.
his eyes widen briefly, before he presses up close to him, drawn back to his turmoil. william can never turn away from albert, not like this, not when he calls to him so, and william's heart, what's left of it, responds to him. ]
Then I will stay by your side here.
[ he says softly, finally, absorbing the weight of such words, the way albert has found new ways to survive. how new, how it echoes sherlock's plaintive cries for william to find another way. first sherlock, and now albert. william's way had lived out its use, fulfilled what they needed it to, and it's with a bittersweet, eventual acquiescence that he reaches to him. ]
After all, I cannot deny you what you want. We will do it your way, according to your rules and standards. [ he leans up, pressing a soft kiss to the side of his mouth in a bid to quell albert's emotional upheaval, to soothe him as best as he can. after all, had he not been seeing to albert's requests since they had been children? his hand comes to rest over albert's heart now, his gaze flickering down.
wounds of his own making, is it...? if this person can heal albert, then...
he steps closer, fingers curling briefly in the front of his shirt. oh, how he doesn't want to let him go, and yet. ]
his eyes widen briefly, before he presses up close to him, drawn back to his turmoil. william can never turn away from albert, not like this, not when he calls to him so, and william's heart, what's left of it, responds to him. ]
Then I will stay by your side here.
[ he says softly, finally, absorbing the weight of such words, the way albert has found new ways to survive. how new, how it echoes sherlock's plaintive cries for william to find another way. first sherlock, and now albert. william's way had lived out its use, fulfilled what they needed it to, and it's with a bittersweet, eventual acquiescence that he reaches to him. ]
After all, I cannot deny you what you want. We will do it your way, according to your rules and standards. [ he leans up, pressing a soft kiss to the side of his mouth in a bid to quell albert's emotional upheaval, to soothe him as best as he can. after all, had he not been seeing to albert's requests since they had been children? his hand comes to rest over albert's heart now, his gaze flickering down.
wounds of his own making, is it...? if this person can heal albert, then...
he steps closer, fingers curling briefly in the front of his shirt. oh, how he doesn't want to let him go, and yet. ]
[Now the weight of emotion pulls back in William's direction, and Albert can feel how conflicted his brother is. He does love him, deeply and dearly, more than he's ever loved another. Probably more than he ever will love someone else. But Albert is trying so desperately hard to be the man he ought to be, upright and true, instead of the man that their time necessitated.
He knows, somewhere in his heart, that he'll kill again. He hates that he knows this, that he'll never be able to close that book entirely. That he will always have spilled blood, deserved or not. That he will always have taken in equal measure to giving.
As much as he's glad to hear William give him this, it makes his chest ache. Surely this is what William wants, too, isn't it? Peace? Some chance to change things from a different vantage point?
He runs his fingertips along William's cheek, knowing he's said the wrong thing again in invoking another man in his presence after begging a favor. He's taken too much. He ought to be giving William the world, after William delivered it to Louis and himself... no matter what Albert himself did to mar that ending.
His hand curves gently along William's cheek, then slips under his chin to tip his head up.]
Don't speak with such resignation. I missed your fire just as much.
[Kissing him gently on the lips, Albert tries to seal things more kindly.]
He knows, somewhere in his heart, that he'll kill again. He hates that he knows this, that he'll never be able to close that book entirely. That he will always have spilled blood, deserved or not. That he will always have taken in equal measure to giving.
As much as he's glad to hear William give him this, it makes his chest ache. Surely this is what William wants, too, isn't it? Peace? Some chance to change things from a different vantage point?
He runs his fingertips along William's cheek, knowing he's said the wrong thing again in invoking another man in his presence after begging a favor. He's taken too much. He ought to be giving William the world, after William delivered it to Louis and himself... no matter what Albert himself did to mar that ending.
His hand curves gently along William's cheek, then slips under his chin to tip his head up.]
Don't speak with such resignation. I missed your fire just as much.
[Kissing him gently on the lips, Albert tries to seal things more kindly.]
[ here's the thing about killing -- eventually it becomes as easy as breathing, as the weight of it all becomes heavier and heavier. what's one more stain on the red, red of his hands? but then comes death, and a second chance in a new world that doesn't need him or his brand of revolution or justice.
here is a blank slate for william, for them both to find another way. for william, to atone -- for albert, to be the best man he can be, to veer from the path they had taken together. and perhaps, logically, it's all for the best; that path has no place here.
william leans into those gentle fingertips, pensive and contemplative, his mind fixed on the mystery person that had wound himself around albert's heart so. it's new and not pleasant, a development william had never thought he would have to handle, not when albert has always been his. he focuses on albert's roiling thoughts as he feels his chin tipped upwards, the intention to make things up to him before he tightens his hold on his shirt and pulls him close so he can deepen the kiss. ]
Good.
[ albert might try to seal things kindly, as he always does, but william is possessive; letting go of albert is not an option, and he wants to know: are you still mine? ]
here is a blank slate for william, for them both to find another way. for william, to atone -- for albert, to be the best man he can be, to veer from the path they had taken together. and perhaps, logically, it's all for the best; that path has no place here.
william leans into those gentle fingertips, pensive and contemplative, his mind fixed on the mystery person that had wound himself around albert's heart so. it's new and not pleasant, a development william had never thought he would have to handle, not when albert has always been his. he focuses on albert's roiling thoughts as he feels his chin tipped upwards, the intention to make things up to him before he tightens his hold on his shirt and pulls him close so he can deepen the kiss. ]
Good.
[ albert might try to seal things kindly, as he always does, but william is possessive; letting go of albert is not an option, and he wants to know: are you still mine? ]
[Perhaps it was proof enough that when sufficiently removed from his object of obsession, Albert could learn to walk on his own. But here William stands, close, warm, adored, and Albert's mind blanks of all other thoughts at that kiss. He'll be William's, even when William isn't his any longer. That much is true, and always will be. Perhaps that's what they're keeping from him.
The kiss lingers, deep and passionate and full of the feelings Albert pushed down for his own sake in William's absence. He's told him so many times how much he missed him, how he ached to be near him, how if London was too far then being in another world was absolute torment. The nights he spent alone were devastatingly isolating, and Albert looked forward to mornings because mornings meant people and tasks and distraction. Now he has William again. And he will be forever his, no matter what.]
Don't be foolish, William. You know I adore you. I'm yours until the end, and beyond it.
[He says it more for his own benefit than his brother's.]
Stay with me until you're satisfied.
The kiss lingers, deep and passionate and full of the feelings Albert pushed down for his own sake in William's absence. He's told him so many times how much he missed him, how he ached to be near him, how if London was too far then being in another world was absolute torment. The nights he spent alone were devastatingly isolating, and Albert looked forward to mornings because mornings meant people and tasks and distraction. Now he has William again. And he will be forever his, no matter what.]
Don't be foolish, William. You know I adore you. I'm yours until the end, and beyond it.
[He says it more for his own benefit than his brother's.]
Stay with me until you're satisfied.
[ there are some things that louis can never bring himself to say. not now, not when there's something in him that still aches, quietly, when albert's smile lights up his features in a way that louis hasn't seen in years,
and he never wants albert to stop smiling like that, again.
it just cements his resolve to never say anything about the fate that he knows has come to pass, something that maybe they can avoid here, in this strange new world that has come to pass. it's the least he can do.
but for now, he smiles back at albert, listening attentively like he always has before. albert's smile has always been contagious, after all, and louis has seen his older brother wield it like a well-used weapon to placate the almost predatory ladies of the nobility, to keep them at bay. it's different, seeing it be used for albert's own happiness instead. ]
I'm not even that good, really. [ just a little bit awkwardly. because his own cooking skills were more out of necessity than any kind of passion, so louis has always viewed those as more utilitarian than anything. to be compared like this-- louis can't help but go the slightest bit pink, although his own expression is torn between flattery and awkwardness. ] But I'm glad that you're at least being fed well while you were alone.
Does he-- [ a pause, and louis reaches over, almost as if to reach for albert's hand, before he thinks better of it, withdraws, lets his hand fall to his side instead. the question that he switches to instead is said a little bit more delicately: ] Is he who you went to visit last night?
[ logically, it's not hard to draw the conclusion, given the strength of the emotions louis had felt from albert. but if it's as serious as albert makes it out to be, then louis wants that reassurance, too. ]
and he never wants albert to stop smiling like that, again.
it just cements his resolve to never say anything about the fate that he knows has come to pass, something that maybe they can avoid here, in this strange new world that has come to pass. it's the least he can do.
but for now, he smiles back at albert, listening attentively like he always has before. albert's smile has always been contagious, after all, and louis has seen his older brother wield it like a well-used weapon to placate the almost predatory ladies of the nobility, to keep them at bay. it's different, seeing it be used for albert's own happiness instead. ]
I'm not even that good, really. [ just a little bit awkwardly. because his own cooking skills were more out of necessity than any kind of passion, so louis has always viewed those as more utilitarian than anything. to be compared like this-- louis can't help but go the slightest bit pink, although his own expression is torn between flattery and awkwardness. ] But I'm glad that you're at least being fed well while you were alone.
Does he-- [ a pause, and louis reaches over, almost as if to reach for albert's hand, before he thinks better of it, withdraws, lets his hand fall to his side instead. the question that he switches to instead is said a little bit more delicately: ] Is he who you went to visit last night?
[ logically, it's not hard to draw the conclusion, given the strength of the emotions louis had felt from albert. but if it's as serious as albert makes it out to be, then louis wants that reassurance, too. ]
[Even Albert is amazed that he's found some measure of happiness here. It seems impossible, but he really is content with certain aspects of his life, and one of those aspects happens to be his romantic pursuits. God forbid his dear brothers find out he's courting more than one person... But he's glad that at least Louis seems to understand, or at least accept more than William has.
They should know by now, Albert thinks, believes with his whole heart, that he's theirs before anyone else's. He's killed for them and with them, after all. No one can take away a bond forged in blood, no matter how hard they try. Albert will always find his way back to William and Louis.
His smile only grows as he sees Louis smile back.]
Nonsense. You'll always be my favorite cook. [And Albert at least has the decency to admit:] I haven't been letting him take care of me, though. Not as much as I probably should have. I am still rather hopeless in the kitchen, and I'm keeping the local restaurants quite well employed.
[Opening his hand, he places it on the table for Louis to take. It's nonsense for him to not reach out when he can.]
Please, Louis. Don't shy away from me. I'm still yours, and William's.
[And then he looks wistful, if only just.]
I went to see him, yes. I wanted to tell him some things I'd kept hidden. I stayed for a while, and it was quite the emotional affair, on my part. But he soothed me and understood me better than I even understand myself. I have this... unfortunate tendency to make things too stark in my mind, when subtlety is more called for. You know that about me.
They should know by now, Albert thinks, believes with his whole heart, that he's theirs before anyone else's. He's killed for them and with them, after all. No one can take away a bond forged in blood, no matter how hard they try. Albert will always find his way back to William and Louis.
His smile only grows as he sees Louis smile back.]
Nonsense. You'll always be my favorite cook. [And Albert at least has the decency to admit:] I haven't been letting him take care of me, though. Not as much as I probably should have. I am still rather hopeless in the kitchen, and I'm keeping the local restaurants quite well employed.
[Opening his hand, he places it on the table for Louis to take. It's nonsense for him to not reach out when he can.]
Please, Louis. Don't shy away from me. I'm still yours, and William's.
[And then he looks wistful, if only just.]
I went to see him, yes. I wanted to tell him some things I'd kept hidden. I stayed for a while, and it was quite the emotional affair, on my part. But he soothed me and understood me better than I even understand myself. I have this... unfortunate tendency to make things too stark in my mind, when subtlety is more called for. You know that about me.
I expect you have no other appointments?
[ william muses, a familiar mischievous gleam in his red, red eyes as he regards him with a growing predatory grace. he's pushing him back against the bed, sleekly coming to straddle either side of his thighs. he can feel it, the way albert comes back to him, the intoxicating shine of that familiar obsession he's never felt as vividly until now and here.
this is unhealthy for them both, how william's own possessiveness and mirroring obsession for albert manifests in a distinctly different way. albert remains his, and he intends to keep it that way for as long as he can. of course, he wouldn't begrudge albert his lovers and his flings, but this honest affirmation pleases him.
he leans down to kiss him again, again and again, deep and searching and fiery. tonight, too, speaks of their reconciliation in different ways, and he murmurs against his mouth, sweet and wicked: ]
You're mine, nii-san. I will brand my reminders onto you tonight.
[ he bites down on his bottom lip, hands coming to tug that scarf free less-than-gently. ]
[ william muses, a familiar mischievous gleam in his red, red eyes as he regards him with a growing predatory grace. he's pushing him back against the bed, sleekly coming to straddle either side of his thighs. he can feel it, the way albert comes back to him, the intoxicating shine of that familiar obsession he's never felt as vividly until now and here.
this is unhealthy for them both, how william's own possessiveness and mirroring obsession for albert manifests in a distinctly different way. albert remains his, and he intends to keep it that way for as long as he can. of course, he wouldn't begrudge albert his lovers and his flings, but this honest affirmation pleases him.
he leans down to kiss him again, again and again, deep and searching and fiery. tonight, too, speaks of their reconciliation in different ways, and he murmurs against his mouth, sweet and wicked: ]
You're mine, nii-san. I will brand my reminders onto you tonight.
[ he bites down on his bottom lip, hands coming to tug that scarf free less-than-gently. ]
Edited 2021-04-14 08:07 (UTC)
I will.
[It's breathless, Albert caught up in everything that is the glorious, incredible Ignis. He's kissed thoroughly, lovingly, in ways that leave him doubting absolutely nothing about the feelings Ignis has for him. They're together in this moment, just the two of them, and everyone else is far flung from Albert's thoughts.
He loves this man, honestly and with every part of his fragmented soul. His legs tighten around Ignis, even if his lover is still clothed, and Albert feels exposed but in a way that only serves to heighten the experience. It's like being taken, his breath and his heart stolen away and carried off. Nothing to hide means there's nothing Ignis can't reach, and as Albert's already bared his soul and his past, this is nothing at all by comparison. He will treasure this time, will cry out in lust and love, and mourning for his own spirit. Everything will be better, and he will feel more whole.
His hips rock against Ignis, though he's not hard yet and is simply taking in everything that is his lover. He wants to be impossibly close, marked and held and kept dear.]
[It's breathless, Albert caught up in everything that is the glorious, incredible Ignis. He's kissed thoroughly, lovingly, in ways that leave him doubting absolutely nothing about the feelings Ignis has for him. They're together in this moment, just the two of them, and everyone else is far flung from Albert's thoughts.
He loves this man, honestly and with every part of his fragmented soul. His legs tighten around Ignis, even if his lover is still clothed, and Albert feels exposed but in a way that only serves to heighten the experience. It's like being taken, his breath and his heart stolen away and carried off. Nothing to hide means there's nothing Ignis can't reach, and as Albert's already bared his soul and his past, this is nothing at all by comparison. He will treasure this time, will cry out in lust and love, and mourning for his own spirit. Everything will be better, and he will feel more whole.
His hips rock against Ignis, though he's not hard yet and is simply taking in everything that is his lover. He wants to be impossibly close, marked and held and kept dear.]
That's fair. Survivor's guilt is a nasty experience. All you can do is deal with that grief as best as you can -- as long as you make that effort count.
[ She looks back down on her half-eaten plate. For a woman as decisive and certain as her, it might've been the last thing he would've expected to come out of her mouth. ]
As for your brothers... [ She pauses. She doesn't have to tell him that they do it out of love. It's obvious he knows it. ] There's some experiences and memories words can't do justice. You'd need to live it to understand, especially if it involves you.
[ She thinks of Ignis' eyes, Nyx and Lunafreya's death, and Ravus' fate. ]
[ She looks back down on her half-eaten plate. For a woman as decisive and certain as her, it might've been the last thing he would've expected to come out of her mouth. ]
As for your brothers... [ She pauses. She doesn't have to tell him that they do it out of love. It's obvious he knows it. ] There's some experiences and memories words can't do justice. You'd need to live it to understand, especially if it involves you.
[ She thinks of Ignis' eyes, Nyx and Lunafreya's death, and Ravus' fate. ]
[ he can feel it, the overwhelming, glorious way albert loves him, how the man winds around him and seeks him out. in this instant, albert james moriarty is the only man that matters. he revels in the difference between how they're dressed, how albert is so completely exposed to him, open and trusting -- so different from when they first met that it makes his heart skip a beat.
his fingers track over the lovebites that were left on his skin, vivid but fading, and he presses his mouth to the one over his pulse point and kisses it. he sucks hard, now, sealing his mark over it. another, and another -- there is an odd sort of possessive, perverse pleasure he finds in claiming albert for himself, when his mouth, hot and hungry, trails down over his chest to take a nipple in his mouth.
his hands are skilled, roaming his lovely body, a hand coming to curl around his cock as he slowly works him, stroking and playing with the shape and feel of his shaft, the weight of his balls, the patch of skin behind it that he teases. ]
I'll ravish you all day long. [ he murmurs, low and sultry as he looks up at him with dark green eyes. ] I'll make you come until you can't come anymore.
[ and he kisses his way down, spreading his legs further. ] Look at you. Any man would kill to have you, and you're mine.
his fingers track over the lovebites that were left on his skin, vivid but fading, and he presses his mouth to the one over his pulse point and kisses it. he sucks hard, now, sealing his mark over it. another, and another -- there is an odd sort of possessive, perverse pleasure he finds in claiming albert for himself, when his mouth, hot and hungry, trails down over his chest to take a nipple in his mouth.
his hands are skilled, roaming his lovely body, a hand coming to curl around his cock as he slowly works him, stroking and playing with the shape and feel of his shaft, the weight of his balls, the patch of skin behind it that he teases. ]
I'll ravish you all day long. [ he murmurs, low and sultry as he looks up at him with dark green eyes. ] I'll make you come until you can't come anymore.
[ and he kisses his way down, spreading his legs further. ] Look at you. Any man would kill to have you, and you're mine.
[The promises Ignis pours on him make Albert's lips turn up into a joyous smile. He'll feel this tonight, and be his. It's crystal clear in the bonds between them that Albert is entirely captivated, that he won't look away from Ignis or so much as think of anything but him for the next several hours. Whatever may come after, in all its pain and tragedy, he can deal with. He can face them if he has this man by his side.
There's the smallest feeling in Albert that he tied himself to Ignis on that first night, when talk of ideals and loyalty mingled with loneliness and blind passion to make Albert more than willing to give over more than he usually would. Now, what he has to show for it is the only man here who knows all his secrets that didn't know them a mere month ago. What he has to show is overflowing affection that he can't contain.
Every mark Ignis makes sends a thrill up Albert's spine, his anguished thoughts melting into nothing. It feels good to be so wanted, claimed by strong, incredible men he has no illusions of ever parting from. They can make their marks, love or hate each other as fiercely as Albert adores them all, and he'll soak up every bit of the love he's shown. His fingers tangle in the sheets, eager and desperate.
Albert's hips rise as Ignis touches him, strokes and fondles and praises with his hands as well as his lips. He wants those hands to squeeze and undo him, wants those words to tear him apart.]
I'm yours. [The gravity of that isn't lost on Albert. He really will give his everything to Ignis, someone who sees his heart even when he doesn't see it himself. Moderation is what Ignis brings to his heart and mind, but in affairs like this he'd rather leave the moderation aside. Another man has killed to have him... and yet Albert is here. Selfishly.] Ruin me.
There's the smallest feeling in Albert that he tied himself to Ignis on that first night, when talk of ideals and loyalty mingled with loneliness and blind passion to make Albert more than willing to give over more than he usually would. Now, what he has to show for it is the only man here who knows all his secrets that didn't know them a mere month ago. What he has to show is overflowing affection that he can't contain.
Every mark Ignis makes sends a thrill up Albert's spine, his anguished thoughts melting into nothing. It feels good to be so wanted, claimed by strong, incredible men he has no illusions of ever parting from. They can make their marks, love or hate each other as fiercely as Albert adores them all, and he'll soak up every bit of the love he's shown. His fingers tangle in the sheets, eager and desperate.
Albert's hips rise as Ignis touches him, strokes and fondles and praises with his hands as well as his lips. He wants those hands to squeeze and undo him, wants those words to tear him apart.]
I'm yours. [The gravity of that isn't lost on Albert. He really will give his everything to Ignis, someone who sees his heart even when he doesn't see it himself. Moderation is what Ignis brings to his heart and mind, but in affairs like this he'd rather leave the moderation aside. Another man has killed to have him... and yet Albert is here. Selfishly.] Ruin me.
You...
[It's Moran who is inexplicably glorious right now, not Albert, and he laughs ever so faintly on the edge of that syllable, hanging on Moran's every word and motion. It's incredible, being had by him, more incredible than Albert could ever have dreamed. The connection, the way he can feel Moran's emotions like they're tangible things is unforgettable.
Perhaps it's Moran winning when Albert finally closes his eyes to soak up the sounds coming from Moran, the ones that echo and mingle with his own so sinfully in the air. But is it a sin, when it's so lovely?
They'll have each other in strict confidence from now on, more than ever before, this much Albert swears to himself, and wordlessly to Moran on a lingering cry as he's stroked and fucked just so. He comes with a jerk of his hips, and a press back against Moran's, begging with his body for the man to follow him.]
[It's Moran who is inexplicably glorious right now, not Albert, and he laughs ever so faintly on the edge of that syllable, hanging on Moran's every word and motion. It's incredible, being had by him, more incredible than Albert could ever have dreamed. The connection, the way he can feel Moran's emotions like they're tangible things is unforgettable.
Perhaps it's Moran winning when Albert finally closes his eyes to soak up the sounds coming from Moran, the ones that echo and mingle with his own so sinfully in the air. But is it a sin, when it's so lovely?
They'll have each other in strict confidence from now on, more than ever before, this much Albert swears to himself, and wordlessly to Moran on a lingering cry as he's stroked and fucked just so. He comes with a jerk of his hips, and a press back against Moran's, begging with his body for the man to follow him.]
[Albert's heart is leaping and he can hardly see the world beyond Ignis right now. The whole scene, the whole experience is so devastatingly romantic that Albert's sure for a moment that he's being wooed. And he loves it. He'll follow this lead, letting Ignis dance him through this place joyously until he finds himself in a better frame of mind and a better occupation than before.
One last, slow kiss, the very act stealing Albert's breath, and one last meeting of eyes... Albert knows this moment can't last forever, that he has packing and furnishing to do, and Ignis surely has many engagements as well. But he allows himself for one last, precious moment to be captivated entirely.]
I'll be waiting for you, dearest Ignis.
One last, slow kiss, the very act stealing Albert's breath, and one last meeting of eyes... Albert knows this moment can't last forever, that he has packing and furnishing to do, and Ignis surely has many engagements as well. But he allows himself for one last, precious moment to be captivated entirely.]
I'll be waiting for you, dearest Ignis.
[ albert's right, ignis is wooing the hell out of him.
it truly is agony to tear himself away -- with ignis realising that spending more time with albert only makes him crave him more, instead of simply satisfying himself with his company. he can't have enough of albert, his wit, his kindness, that warmth and gentleness and yet that sharp edge, too, the strength of his convictions and their shared experiences. their connection is stronger than anything that ignis has ever experienced, and when they part ways, he moves quickly through all his tasks until he's finally, finally done.
he reaches albert's home five minutes early, having washed up with a new change of clothes, this time more casual with a simple black button-up shirt and suspenders, sleeves folded to his elbows neatly. he knocks, and this time he comes with a large bouquet of two dozen red, red roses. ]
it truly is agony to tear himself away -- with ignis realising that spending more time with albert only makes him crave him more, instead of simply satisfying himself with his company. he can't have enough of albert, his wit, his kindness, that warmth and gentleness and yet that sharp edge, too, the strength of his convictions and their shared experiences. their connection is stronger than anything that ignis has ever experienced, and when they part ways, he moves quickly through all his tasks until he's finally, finally done.
he reaches albert's home five minutes early, having washed up with a new change of clothes, this time more casual with a simple black button-up shirt and suspenders, sleeves folded to his elbows neatly. he knocks, and this time he comes with a large bouquet of two dozen red, red roses. ]
[ that permission, that request is all the permission ignis needs. he isn't a stranger to the rough side of sexual play -- in fact, he's proven quite a natural at it, adept at pain and pleasure both, and he's more than happy to show albert how it's done.
he can feel that joy, that recklessness, that sharpened desire and intent, the need for more. ignis has never felt more connected to him than tonight, their bond taut and crackling with mutual need and the ferocity for more.
the gravity of those words is not lost in ignis, either -- he knows that albert has someone he is steadfastly loyal to, someone he loves deeply, and for him to offer himself up like that is a tremendous thing. the weight of his words are significant, as is the way he gives himself over so completely to him, entrusting himself to ignis. he presses loving kiss-bites to the sensitive inside of albert's thigh now, marking him up as he lets his cock brush up against his cheek.
it's brief, fleeting, because as much as he wants to suck him off, now is not the time for that. he's fishing out the lubricant for them both, smearing a generous amount onto his fingers gripping his hip to urge him up and turn him over. ]
On your hands and knees, and face the mirror.
[ the full length mirror, perpendicular to the bed, right where ignis can watch his every expression when he claims all of him. he's helping him into position, coming up behind him with a smile, a possessive hand gripping his hip bruisingly tight. ]
Spread your legs for me, darling. Let me see your tight little hole.
[ his lube slick fingers find it, and he murmurs, ] Tell me, does it miss me?
he can feel that joy, that recklessness, that sharpened desire and intent, the need for more. ignis has never felt more connected to him than tonight, their bond taut and crackling with mutual need and the ferocity for more.
the gravity of those words is not lost in ignis, either -- he knows that albert has someone he is steadfastly loyal to, someone he loves deeply, and for him to offer himself up like that is a tremendous thing. the weight of his words are significant, as is the way he gives himself over so completely to him, entrusting himself to ignis. he presses loving kiss-bites to the sensitive inside of albert's thigh now, marking him up as he lets his cock brush up against his cheek.
it's brief, fleeting, because as much as he wants to suck him off, now is not the time for that. he's fishing out the lubricant for them both, smearing a generous amount onto his fingers gripping his hip to urge him up and turn him over. ]
On your hands and knees, and face the mirror.
[ the full length mirror, perpendicular to the bed, right where ignis can watch his every expression when he claims all of him. he's helping him into position, coming up behind him with a smile, a possessive hand gripping his hip bruisingly tight. ]
Spread your legs for me, darling. Let me see your tight little hole.
[ his lube slick fingers find it, and he murmurs, ] Tell me, does it miss me?
Mmm. That's probably true, no matter how much my mind rails against it. Surviving him was never part of the plan.
[Plan? What plan? He smiles it off, sadly and thinly.]
I always thought I'd die for my ideals, not William. He deserved so much better. Deserves. [A pause. Albert doesn't know about his own future, and everything is conjecture when he tries to parse it out, but no matter how he looks at it it feels like a betrayal on his part. Jealousy, perhaps? Grief? All of the above?] I hope he finds happiness and comfort here, truly. Pardon me for being so softhearted, but it's all I want for him. That he can forget the past and live wholly here is... A dream I'll carry forever.
[Plan? What plan? He smiles it off, sadly and thinly.]
I always thought I'd die for my ideals, not William. He deserved so much better. Deserves. [A pause. Albert doesn't know about his own future, and everything is conjecture when he tries to parse it out, but no matter how he looks at it it feels like a betrayal on his part. Jealousy, perhaps? Grief? All of the above?] I hope he finds happiness and comfort here, truly. Pardon me for being so softhearted, but it's all I want for him. That he can forget the past and live wholly here is... A dream I'll carry forever.
Oh, of fucking course.
[ That's it, then. One of the answers that he's never quite given her, but it's been her instincts — as well as a serendipitous conversation with one Sebastian Moran — guiding her to the right train of thought, until he finally tells her what she's been waiting to hear. Living fully to fulfill his purpose in life, an ideal that he believes is worth is death.
She snorts, leaning back from her seat. ]
Guess I gotta just love the fact that I'm a magnet for self-sacrificing idiots.
[ There's a distinctly sharp flavor to Aranea's brand of sadness as she receives this confirmation — not simply resignation. But there is a twisted kind of wistfulness, as well as recognition, a memory triggered.
She twists to the side and reaches out for Albert, drawing him into a hug like she wants to crush him in her arms, but not quite. ]
Hey -- first of all, make sure you find happiness and comfort here, too, or else there's no point. They're your brothers; you know they'll worry about you, too. It'll be a never-ending cycle of drama. [ She rests her chin on his shoulder. ] I can't help you with what happened in your world, but I sure as hell can help you here. I've been vaguely offering all day, so let me put it clearly now: any time you need me, for anything at all, just come here or give me a call. I'll always answer.
Give my name and number to your brothers. I'll do the same for them.
[ That's it, then. One of the answers that he's never quite given her, but it's been her instincts — as well as a serendipitous conversation with one Sebastian Moran — guiding her to the right train of thought, until he finally tells her what she's been waiting to hear. Living fully to fulfill his purpose in life, an ideal that he believes is worth is death.
She snorts, leaning back from her seat. ]
Guess I gotta just love the fact that I'm a magnet for self-sacrificing idiots.
[ There's a distinctly sharp flavor to Aranea's brand of sadness as she receives this confirmation — not simply resignation. But there is a twisted kind of wistfulness, as well as recognition, a memory triggered.
She twists to the side and reaches out for Albert, drawing him into a hug like she wants to crush him in her arms, but not quite. ]
Hey -- first of all, make sure you find happiness and comfort here, too, or else there's no point. They're your brothers; you know they'll worry about you, too. It'll be a never-ending cycle of drama. [ She rests her chin on his shoulder. ] I can't help you with what happened in your world, but I sure as hell can help you here. I've been vaguely offering all day, so let me put it clearly now: any time you need me, for anything at all, just come here or give me a call. I'll always answer.
Give my name and number to your brothers. I'll do the same for them.
Edited 2021-04-16 18:56 (UTC)
Hey, sweet pea.
[ Oh, look, Albert's unlocked a new nickname. Good for him. ]
You still in Primavera? Hope you didn't get into too much trouble. [ Which is to say, she hopes he's well and alive, and not dead in a ditch somewhere. ] Let me know how you're doing.
[ Oh, look, Albert's unlocked a new nickname. Good for him. ]
You still in Primavera? Hope you didn't get into too much trouble. [ Which is to say, she hopes he's well and alive, and not dead in a ditch somewhere. ] Let me know how you're doing.
[He's surprised at the embrace, his eyes widening before they close and his hands settle at her sides. Perhaps all he needed was to hear this again, that his happiness is worth something, and that his ideals are not the only thing worth living for. She has a point, and though he hates to admit how weak he is for needing reassurance, he rests his cheek against her shoulder as well.]
You truly are the most remarkable woman I've ever met. I'll tell William and Louis... as long as you do promise to come meet them when things settle in the coming few days.
[Slowly, his arms wind around her, then he holds her firmly, with all due affection.]
Being here complicates things. I have people I honestly care about who aren't family or otherwise from home, and who would fight my giving up or passing with everything they have. That's... entirely new to me. Even at home, we all did our utmost for the cause we supported. If that meant not surviving, so be it.
[Another pause, and his voice drops.]
Not wanting to die frightens me infinitely more than death ever did.
You truly are the most remarkable woman I've ever met. I'll tell William and Louis... as long as you do promise to come meet them when things settle in the coming few days.
[Slowly, his arms wind around her, then he holds her firmly, with all due affection.]
Being here complicates things. I have people I honestly care about who aren't family or otherwise from home, and who would fight my giving up or passing with everything they have. That's... entirely new to me. Even at home, we all did our utmost for the cause we supported. If that meant not surviving, so be it.
[Another pause, and his voice drops.]
Not wanting to die frightens me infinitely more than death ever did.
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