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[Waiting for Albert’s response is agony. What if he wants nothing to do with Mitsuki any more? What if… He would rather be with someone who could understand him better? What if he’s angry at Mitsuki for needing time?
What if he waited too long?
So the answer is a relief, even if Mitsuki knows this is the easy part.]
I think in person would be better. We can meet by the cafe near my place tonight if you want? If not tomorrow is fine, too, I know you’re busy.
[He’s so nervous he doesn’t even feel like himself.]
What if he waited too long?
So the answer is a relief, even if Mitsuki knows this is the easy part.]
I think in person would be better. We can meet by the cafe near my place tonight if you want? If not tomorrow is fine, too, I know you’re busy.
[He’s so nervous he doesn’t even feel like himself.]
[THAT WAS NOT HIS FAULT OR IDEA.
But okay, sure, he's going to the table and watching with an almost comically raised eyebrow as Ignis just... eats... that... raw...
If Ignis can do it, so can he, so once he sits he reaches for the other pair of chopsticks and... looks at the way Ignis is holding his so he can figure out how in the actual hell to do it. The fork is there, sure, but... if that's the right way to eat it, doesn't he need to try?]
Is this a test?
But okay, sure, he's going to the table and watching with an almost comically raised eyebrow as Ignis just... eats... that... raw...
If Ignis can do it, so can he, so once he sits he reaches for the other pair of chopsticks and... looks at the way Ignis is holding his so he can figure out how in the actual hell to do it. The fork is there, sure, but... if that's the right way to eat it, doesn't he need to try?]
Is this a test?
[Nothing says this will be good news. Nothing says it will be bad, either, but a month... Whatever Mitsuki will tell him tonight will have been thoroughly thought out and full of his conviction and passion. Albert knows this much. Genuine, deep fear coils around his heart. He's sure he can handle a rejection with grace, as it's what he expects.
Well. He was sure until Mitsuki actually contacted him.]
I need to make my excuses to my present company, but I can be there in fifteen minutes. Will that be suitable?
[Formality is easy to hide behind.]
Well. He was sure until Mitsuki actually contacted him.]
I need to make my excuses to my present company, but I can be there in fifteen minutes. Will that be suitable?
[Formality is easy to hide behind.]
[It’s… Strange. It’s so, so strange and a part of Mitsuki hates it.
But… Hopefully it’ll all be worth it in the end.]
Yeah, that works just fine. I’ll see you then.
[And when Albert gets to the cafe, Mitsuki is already there. He has a cup of tea, but he hasn’t had as much of a sip or ordered anything for Albert. He… Wasn’t sure he would appreciate it.
Mitsuki looks absolutely dreadful, like he’s just been running himself ragged. His hair is messier than usual despite his attempts to tame it, there are dark bags under his eyes, and he just… Looks as miserable as he’s been feeling.]
But… Hopefully it’ll all be worth it in the end.]
Yeah, that works just fine. I’ll see you then.
[And when Albert gets to the cafe, Mitsuki is already there. He has a cup of tea, but he hasn’t had as much of a sip or ordered anything for Albert. He… Wasn’t sure he would appreciate it.
Mitsuki looks absolutely dreadful, like he’s just been running himself ragged. His hair is messier than usual despite his attempts to tame it, there are dark bags under his eyes, and he just… Looks as miserable as he’s been feeling.]
[Albert comes in, still in a fine suit and emerald tie. He's not sure what to expect, but he certainly didn't think Mitsuki would look like... that. That run ragged. The heart he thought he'd be able to ignore breaks anew when he sees this and knows, absolutely in the depths of his soul knows it's his fault.
He did this. To his sunshine, his bright, brilliant, beautiful Mitsuki, who has never hurt anyone or had an ill thought that wasn't wholly deserved, the most exuberant and delightful person in his life.
This... Albert caused this. For the rest of his time here, this will haunt him. Even here, he hasn't stopped being a monster, because only a wretched thing would make Mitsuki look so distressed.
He steels himself as he finally steps beyond the doorway and makes his way to the table. He doesn't order a drink because his nerves are about to send him off the damnable planet itself, and he takes a seat politely across from Mitsuki. The cafe isn't crowded right now, but Albert knows they'll have the be incredibly cautious about what's said.]
Good evening. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.
He did this. To his sunshine, his bright, brilliant, beautiful Mitsuki, who has never hurt anyone or had an ill thought that wasn't wholly deserved, the most exuberant and delightful person in his life.
This... Albert caused this. For the rest of his time here, this will haunt him. Even here, he hasn't stopped being a monster, because only a wretched thing would make Mitsuki look so distressed.
He steels himself as he finally steps beyond the doorway and makes his way to the table. He doesn't order a drink because his nerves are about to send him off the damnable planet itself, and he takes a seat politely across from Mitsuki. The cafe isn't crowded right now, but Albert knows they'll have the be incredibly cautious about what's said.]
Good evening. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.
It’s fine. I haven’t been waiting long.
[He’s been here since he sent those texts to Albert - he had too much restless energy, and he had to get out of the house, get some space to breathe.
His tea is cold by now, but he finally takes a sip of it. He needs to do something with his hands, and distract himself from looking at Albert. Looking at him just… He was expecting it to hurt, but seeing him just makes him think of all the good times they’ve had. It reminds him of how he fell in love with Albert, and… He wasn’t expecting that.
He puts the cup down, taking a breath to steady himself.]
I don’t really know where to start, but… I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about everything, and first off I don’t think what you did was okay. But…
[He fiddles with the cup some more, looking down at his hands.]
I really want to believe that you’ve changed.
[He’s been here since he sent those texts to Albert - he had too much restless energy, and he had to get out of the house, get some space to breathe.
His tea is cold by now, but he finally takes a sip of it. He needs to do something with his hands, and distract himself from looking at Albert. Looking at him just… He was expecting it to hurt, but seeing him just makes him think of all the good times they’ve had. It reminds him of how he fell in love with Albert, and… He wasn’t expecting that.
He puts the cup down, taking a breath to steady himself.]
I don’t really know where to start, but… I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about everything, and first off I don’t think what you did was okay. But…
[He fiddles with the cup some more, looking down at his hands.]
I really want to believe that you’ve changed.
[Albert's eyes are dull and full of his own pain, the remorse he feels for hurting the man who has made him happier than anything.
How badly he wants to reach out and hold his hand across the table again. Or to brush that unruly hair into pristine place with strong, careful strokes. He wants to hold Mitsuki in his arms again, to kiss him, to shower him with gifts and praise and love, endless, deep, abiding love that he realizes upon looking at him this close has not died. He's never stopped loving him, even if he forced himself to accept that things were over. A second chance isn't ever what he deserves. But gods, how he wants one. How he wants this man to love him again, if only a little.]
Change is a long and difficult process, and I know that. I do. And I understand you having reservations. What I did... was horrible. I will be the first to say that it was.
[He doesn't want to sound defensive, but he wants Mitsuki to know the truth.]
I never enjoyed it. I wanted it to end as badly as I wanted it to change things. I wanted... [He looks down at his hands, threading his own fingers together.] ...I wanted to die, now and then. To be suitably repaid for what I'd sown.
[These are words he didn't want to give him before, and now they tumble out in desperation. There's the briefest of pauses, then he sighs.]
I'm sorry. From the bottom of my heart, I'm sorry that this has hurt you so. I would rather die a thousand times than make you so distressed. But I am not the man I was in London. That man... The me who did such things... was desperate and dark. When I met you... [He looks at Mitsuki again.] ...I saw hope. The smallest glimmer of it. Hope that bloomed for me into something greater than the darkness that consumed me before. I will be grateful unto eternity for the joy you brought to my life. For making me believe I'd never have to do that again. I am so dreadfully disturbed by having dimmed that light merely by existing. Truly, I am sorry.
How badly he wants to reach out and hold his hand across the table again. Or to brush that unruly hair into pristine place with strong, careful strokes. He wants to hold Mitsuki in his arms again, to kiss him, to shower him with gifts and praise and love, endless, deep, abiding love that he realizes upon looking at him this close has not died. He's never stopped loving him, even if he forced himself to accept that things were over. A second chance isn't ever what he deserves. But gods, how he wants one. How he wants this man to love him again, if only a little.]
Change is a long and difficult process, and I know that. I do. And I understand you having reservations. What I did... was horrible. I will be the first to say that it was.
[He doesn't want to sound defensive, but he wants Mitsuki to know the truth.]
I never enjoyed it. I wanted it to end as badly as I wanted it to change things. I wanted... [He looks down at his hands, threading his own fingers together.] ...I wanted to die, now and then. To be suitably repaid for what I'd sown.
[These are words he didn't want to give him before, and now they tumble out in desperation. There's the briefest of pauses, then he sighs.]
I'm sorry. From the bottom of my heart, I'm sorry that this has hurt you so. I would rather die a thousand times than make you so distressed. But I am not the man I was in London. That man... The me who did such things... was desperate and dark. When I met you... [He looks at Mitsuki again.] ...I saw hope. The smallest glimmer of it. Hope that bloomed for me into something greater than the darkness that consumed me before. I will be grateful unto eternity for the joy you brought to my life. For making me believe I'd never have to do that again. I am so dreadfully disturbed by having dimmed that light merely by existing. Truly, I am sorry.
[Mitsuki looks up, watching Albert as he speaks, and... He straightens his shoulders. Takes another breath to steady himself, before he nods.
He doesn't know how things are going to be, from here on out, but... He believes Albert. He believes him completely, feels like he's telling him the absolute truth, and... And he wants to see him smile again. He wants to see him happy, again, wants to see Albert with a spark in his eyes and that confident, easy smile he always seemed to have for Mitsuki. It's all he really wants right now, sitting across the table for him, feeling like he's miles away from the man he loves.
He keeps his chin up, doing his best to look Albert in the eyes, and squares his shoulder.]
Apology accepted.
[Is it as simple as that? Not really, no. Mitsuki knows an apology doesn't make up for what Albert's done, but...
He wants Albert to live. Selfishly, he wants him to, and seeing him so broken... He can't ignore it any longer, and he reaches out across the table with his palm up. An offering, if Albert will take it.]
This doesn't fix everything, and I'm not sure where things are going to go from here, but [he misses him, he loves him, he forgives him] I'm willing to see where things take us.
[A pause.]
But no more secrets.
He doesn't know how things are going to be, from here on out, but... He believes Albert. He believes him completely, feels like he's telling him the absolute truth, and... And he wants to see him smile again. He wants to see him happy, again, wants to see Albert with a spark in his eyes and that confident, easy smile he always seemed to have for Mitsuki. It's all he really wants right now, sitting across the table for him, feeling like he's miles away from the man he loves.
He keeps his chin up, doing his best to look Albert in the eyes, and squares his shoulder.]
Apology accepted.
[Is it as simple as that? Not really, no. Mitsuki knows an apology doesn't make up for what Albert's done, but...
He wants Albert to live. Selfishly, he wants him to, and seeing him so broken... He can't ignore it any longer, and he reaches out across the table with his palm up. An offering, if Albert will take it.]
This doesn't fix everything, and I'm not sure where things are going to go from here, but [he misses him, he loves him, he forgives him] I'm willing to see where things take us.
[A pause.]
But no more secrets.
[Albert blinks rapidly at Mitsuki's acceptance. His eyes look a bit less dull, and he almost looks hopeful for a moment before he schools the expression.
But then Mitsuki puts his hand out, and every last bit of resolve Albert had in him crumbles. He tries to be dignified as he puts his hand in Mitsuki's, letting this distressed, distracted man be his foundation once again. It's unfair, and he knows it. It's unfair for him to pin so much of his happiness on Mitsuki. He hopes someday he'll learn to grasp more of it on his own, so as not to burden him. But as he feels that familiar warmth and softness against his hand for the first time in a month, his shoulders tremble, then shake with a silent sob as he lowers his head and covers his eyes.
He refuses to cry openly, and he fights and fights it until his body stops shaking, until he can stop gripping Mitsuki's hand so tightly, as though he's afraid he'll disappear. His fingers and thumb dig into his temples as his tightly closed eyes force back the urge to cry.
When all that's left is the lump in his throat, he looks up at Mitsuki, eyes shining with gratitude, a soft but genuine smile on his face.]
Thank you. [For yet another chance that he doesn't deserve. Yet he'll never take it for granted.]
I love you. I've never stopped. I love you with everything I am, with every fiber of my being. If there are to be no secrets...
[His smile twists apologetically.]
I only ask that you allow me to put the maudlin things behind me. You don't need to hear things that hurt you, not anymore, never again. But I can tell you the greater things... my career, my actual work... my few precious comrades... Please. I'll tell you everything, Mitsuki. My sunshine.
But then Mitsuki puts his hand out, and every last bit of resolve Albert had in him crumbles. He tries to be dignified as he puts his hand in Mitsuki's, letting this distressed, distracted man be his foundation once again. It's unfair, and he knows it. It's unfair for him to pin so much of his happiness on Mitsuki. He hopes someday he'll learn to grasp more of it on his own, so as not to burden him. But as he feels that familiar warmth and softness against his hand for the first time in a month, his shoulders tremble, then shake with a silent sob as he lowers his head and covers his eyes.
He refuses to cry openly, and he fights and fights it until his body stops shaking, until he can stop gripping Mitsuki's hand so tightly, as though he's afraid he'll disappear. His fingers and thumb dig into his temples as his tightly closed eyes force back the urge to cry.
When all that's left is the lump in his throat, he looks up at Mitsuki, eyes shining with gratitude, a soft but genuine smile on his face.]
Thank you. [For yet another chance that he doesn't deserve. Yet he'll never take it for granted.]
I love you. I've never stopped. I love you with everything I am, with every fiber of my being. If there are to be no secrets...
[His smile twists apologetically.]
I only ask that you allow me to put the maudlin things behind me. You don't need to hear things that hurt you, not anymore, never again. But I can tell you the greater things... my career, my actual work... my few precious comrades... Please. I'll tell you everything, Mitsuki. My sunshine.
[He squeezes Albert's hand as he trembles, and he wants nothing more than to get up and cross the table to wrap his arms around him. He resists the urge for now, because he has a feeling it might just make Albert breakdown even further, and he's not sure his heart can handle that.
So he waits for the shaking to stop, watching Albert quietly, patiently. He wants to be an anchor, something Albert can tether himself to to keep him from drifting away in his emotions, and he hopes desperately that he can manage that.]
Okay. Okay, I can do that.
[He smiles softly, hesitantly, feeling suddenly shy.]
If you want to continue this conversation, we should probably go somewhere more private.
[They should go somewhere where they can express themselves more freely, without prying eyes and curious ears, because Mitsuki isn't sure how much longer he can keep his composure.]
So he waits for the shaking to stop, watching Albert quietly, patiently. He wants to be an anchor, something Albert can tether himself to to keep him from drifting away in his emotions, and he hopes desperately that he can manage that.]
Okay. Okay, I can do that.
[He smiles softly, hesitantly, feeling suddenly shy.]
If you want to continue this conversation, we should probably go somewhere more private.
[They should go somewhere where they can express themselves more freely, without prying eyes and curious ears, because Mitsuki isn't sure how much longer he can keep his composure.]
Please.
[He squeezes Mitsuki's hand softly this time.]
I would love nothing more. Would you...
[Is it too soon to want to hold him? To want to be beside him all night?]
...would you like to go to a hotel?
[He suggests neutral territory first, just in case.]
We don't have to stay the night, but it's private, and comfortable. I'm... I don't expect things to mend immediately. I know I have to earn your trust and your love again.
[He stands, walking over closer to Mitsuki and urging him gently to stand.]
Given the chance, I'll do things properly. I'll do whatever it takes to win your heart back.
[He squeezes Mitsuki's hand softly this time.]
I would love nothing more. Would you...
[Is it too soon to want to hold him? To want to be beside him all night?]
...would you like to go to a hotel?
[He suggests neutral territory first, just in case.]
We don't have to stay the night, but it's private, and comfortable. I'm... I don't expect things to mend immediately. I know I have to earn your trust and your love again.
[He stands, walking over closer to Mitsuki and urging him gently to stand.]
Given the chance, I'll do things properly. I'll do whatever it takes to win your heart back.
A hotel sounds good.
[No brothers or friends to get nosy at a hotel.
He stands, looking up at Albert. He doesn’t know how close he should stand - how close is too close? What’s too much? Does any of that even matter when all he wants is for Albert to hold him close and never let go?
Well. He can wait. He doesn’t want to, but he can.]
Lead the way, Albert. Wherever you want to go.
[He bites his lip, looking down at their hands and reaching out again and threading their fingers together.]
You already got my heart once, I think you could do it again.
[No brothers or friends to get nosy at a hotel.
He stands, looking up at Albert. He doesn’t know how close he should stand - how close is too close? What’s too much? Does any of that even matter when all he wants is for Albert to hold him close and never let go?
Well. He can wait. He doesn’t want to, but he can.]
Lead the way, Albert. Wherever you want to go.
[He bites his lip, looking down at their hands and reaching out again and threading their fingers together.]
You already got my heart once, I think you could do it again.
[At that, at the unexpected threading of fingers, Albert's half uncertain smile turns radiant, if soft.
He's going to get him back.]
I'll do my utmost. You deserve only my best.
[And before he can stop himself, he presses a kiss to Mitsuki's forehead.
Heading out, he leads the way to a hotel somewhat nearby, fancy enough that Albert looks beautifully suited to the decor and the mood, but not so extravagant that they'll feel bad for not staying. It takes a few minutes to get there, and Albert makes little conversation, simply enjoying keeping Mitsuki's hand in his for the first time in what feels like an eternity. He can't hold it while they check in, but he takes it again soon after.
On the way to the elevator, his hand finds Mitsuki's again, almost as though he's afraid to let go.]
Thank you for coming with me.
He's going to get him back.]
I'll do my utmost. You deserve only my best.
[And before he can stop himself, he presses a kiss to Mitsuki's forehead.
Heading out, he leads the way to a hotel somewhat nearby, fancy enough that Albert looks beautifully suited to the decor and the mood, but not so extravagant that they'll feel bad for not staying. It takes a few minutes to get there, and Albert makes little conversation, simply enjoying keeping Mitsuki's hand in his for the first time in what feels like an eternity. He can't hold it while they check in, but he takes it again soon after.
On the way to the elevator, his hand finds Mitsuki's again, almost as though he's afraid to let go.]
Thank you for coming with me.
[He’s not expecting the kiss, and he flushes. Giddy warmth crosses their bond, Mitsuki unable to hide the way he feels in this moment.
Not that he wants to - he wants to be as open with Albert as he wants Albert to be with him, so the least he can do is let his feelings come across in Synchrony.
He’s quiet as they walk, but he stays close, even through the process of checking in.]
I am the one who asked to talk, you know.
[He bumps his shoulder against Albert.]
I wanted to see you again.
Not that he wants to - he wants to be as open with Albert as he wants Albert to be with him, so the least he can do is let his feelings come across in Synchrony.
He’s quiet as they walk, but he stays close, even through the process of checking in.]
I am the one who asked to talk, you know.
[He bumps his shoulder against Albert.]
I wanted to see you again.
[The Synchrony has dulled over the month, and Albert aches for the intensity he always felt. It's slowly coming back, and feeling Mitsuki's happiness instead of the horrific dull ache he's felt all month is beautiful.
They step into the elevator and Albert turns to Mitsuki.]
I know. And I'm going to pay the faith you have in me back a hundred times over. You didn't have to ever speak to me again, but you chose to. You... you came back to me. And I will love you with all the passion and fierce devotion you've deserved. The only thing that stopped me was... this. The lie by omission.
They step into the elevator and Albert turns to Mitsuki.]
I know. And I'm going to pay the faith you have in me back a hundred times over. You didn't have to ever speak to me again, but you chose to. You... you came back to me. And I will love you with all the passion and fierce devotion you've deserved. The only thing that stopped me was... this. The lie by omission.
[Mitsuki is quiet for a moment, looking up at Albert. The elevator ride won’t take long, so he can’t do much, but…
He lifts Albert’s hand, pressing a kiss to his knuckles.]
I want to understand why you’ve done the things you’ve done, and I…
[He huffs.]
I love you, even after all of this.
He lifts Albert’s hand, pressing a kiss to his knuckles.]
I want to understand why you’ve done the things you’ve done, and I…
[He huffs.]
I love you, even after all of this.
[If he isn't the one being charmed all over again, instead of charming Mitsuki... Albert smiles again, soft, meeting Mitsuki's eyes. He covers the hand he holds with both of his own, and makes a quiet vow to himself to never look away from this man again.]
I don't deserve it, but I will treasure that love. I'll make this world better the right way.
[His smile turns a little sad, and he looks like he's about to say something else, but the door dings and opens. Down the hall they go to their room, then, though Albert keeps Mitsuki close. He opens the door, ushers Mitsuki in, and locks it behind them, and in true Albert fashion it isn't the most basic room in the place, either. They'll be comfortable no matter where they sit, and they'll have precious privacy... and a nice view.
Once the door is locked, he makes his way back over to Mitsuki and moves to finally embrace him properly. It's not suggestive in the slightest, nor is it casual at all. It's the hold of a man who knows he's almost lost what he held dearest.]
I'm the one who doesn't know where to begin this time. I thought I'd lost you forever. Nothing I could possibly say would express how I feel right now. You saved me, Mitsuki. I've said that for so long. I've meant it in every way.
I don't deserve it, but I will treasure that love. I'll make this world better the right way.
[His smile turns a little sad, and he looks like he's about to say something else, but the door dings and opens. Down the hall they go to their room, then, though Albert keeps Mitsuki close. He opens the door, ushers Mitsuki in, and locks it behind them, and in true Albert fashion it isn't the most basic room in the place, either. They'll be comfortable no matter where they sit, and they'll have precious privacy... and a nice view.
Once the door is locked, he makes his way back over to Mitsuki and moves to finally embrace him properly. It's not suggestive in the slightest, nor is it casual at all. It's the hold of a man who knows he's almost lost what he held dearest.]
I'm the one who doesn't know where to begin this time. I thought I'd lost you forever. Nothing I could possibly say would express how I feel right now. You saved me, Mitsuki. I've said that for so long. I've meant it in every way.
[Well, that is how this whole thing started, isn't it?]
...I don't think that love is something that you have to "deserve". It's something that happens, that you feel, and you can't control it. You can try to deny it, and I really did, but... No amount of pretending or anger or betrayal could change those feelings. But it's not because you deserve it or not. It's because I've seen the kind of man you can be, and... I know you can be that man completely.
[Mitsuki clings to him, not giving a damn about the room or the view or anything else but the man in front of him. He doesn't want to let him go - that's the whole reason he reached out again. He wants Albert back in his life.]
I only gave you the means to save yourself. I really didn't do that much...
[And he almost ruined everything.]
...I don't think that love is something that you have to "deserve". It's something that happens, that you feel, and you can't control it. You can try to deny it, and I really did, but... No amount of pretending or anger or betrayal could change those feelings. But it's not because you deserve it or not. It's because I've seen the kind of man you can be, and... I know you can be that man completely.
[Mitsuki clings to him, not giving a damn about the room or the view or anything else but the man in front of him. He doesn't want to let him go - that's the whole reason he reached out again. He wants Albert back in his life.]
I only gave you the means to save yourself. I really didn't do that much...
[And he almost ruined everything.]
[He won't let go of him, and he's holding Mitsuki tighter than he's ever held anyone. This is still sinking in, that Mitsuki didn't give up on him. He obviously came so close to losing him for good.
And he knows those things about love all too well. When he says he doesn't deserve it, he means he deserves worse things more, really.]
You never should have had to feel those things. I should have never pursued my own feelings so recklessly. But... that being done, and you having decided, I'll work every day to be a man worthy of your trust and care.
[Sighing, Albert runs a hand up into Mitsuki's hair.]
I've been numb without you. Lost.
And he knows those things about love all too well. When he says he doesn't deserve it, he means he deserves worse things more, really.]
You never should have had to feel those things. I should have never pursued my own feelings so recklessly. But... that being done, and you having decided, I'll work every day to be a man worthy of your trust and care.
[Sighing, Albert runs a hand up into Mitsuki's hair.]
I've been numb without you. Lost.
[He wasn’t expecting to feel so comfortable around Albert - he was expecting that it would be awkward. That he’d not want to be touched by him, or held by him, and while there is still a bit of wariness there… He’s mostly just happy to be in his arms.]
Don’t work yourself too hard, okay?
[He laughs, as if he’s told a great joke.]
I’m here for you, and just… Talk to me.
[And also don’t kill people. Please.]
Don’t work yourself too hard, okay?
[He laughs, as if he’s told a great joke.]
I’m here for you, and just… Talk to me.
[And also don’t kill people. Please.]
[Albert wouldn't blame him if he was cautious or tense, awkward or distant. He earned that reaction from Mitsuki. Instead... he gets this wondrous brightness, and god help him, a laugh. It's enough to make him want to cry again, though he resists when he sees the smile linger for a fraction of a second after the laugh. His own relief finds its way out in an echoed laugh of his own.]
My goodness. I've given you leave to make demands and you're already demanding that I not work too hard? It's far too late for that. Oh, but you mean in this.
[He strokes Mitsuki's hair gently.]
A shame that I cannot honor that request. I'll work myself to the bone for you, and be thoroughly content while doing so. You are my liege, and I am but your humble servant.
[He's done killing people. He swore it off the day he met Mitsuki, and it is in fact slightly related to that very meeting. In a roundabout way, all the things that happened in Albert's first few days on the surface convinced him that this was a second chance, a fresh start, a place where he could live honestly and earnestly. There was an element of naive optimism in that conclusion, of course, but he couldn't help but see that optimism grow as he met more people, and learned to love differently than he ever had before.
Dragging light fingertips along Mitsuki's cheek, looking at him with all the wonder he had the first time they kissed, he sees him anew, commits every curve to memory again, more devotedly and sweeter than even before.]
Shall I talk, tonight? Though I would hear what you have to say, too, even if it hurts me, or casts me in an unfavorable light. Your heart and mind are precious and important to me. More than that, selfishly... I fear that if I don't know precisely how you feel, I'll continue to nurse this horrible heaviness in my heart, and a peculiar knot between my shoulder blades.
[Mitsuki, is it clear yet that you've fallen in love with a man who's as masochistic as he is anything else? The time he's had to brood on his failings as a man, and as a lover and partner, has worn him thin. It's clear up close, though he's taken to hiding it in various ways. There are dark circles under his eyes, too, and he does seem almost to have aged more than usual in the span of a month.]
My goodness. I've given you leave to make demands and you're already demanding that I not work too hard? It's far too late for that. Oh, but you mean in this.
[He strokes Mitsuki's hair gently.]
A shame that I cannot honor that request. I'll work myself to the bone for you, and be thoroughly content while doing so. You are my liege, and I am but your humble servant.
[He's done killing people. He swore it off the day he met Mitsuki, and it is in fact slightly related to that very meeting. In a roundabout way, all the things that happened in Albert's first few days on the surface convinced him that this was a second chance, a fresh start, a place where he could live honestly and earnestly. There was an element of naive optimism in that conclusion, of course, but he couldn't help but see that optimism grow as he met more people, and learned to love differently than he ever had before.
Dragging light fingertips along Mitsuki's cheek, looking at him with all the wonder he had the first time they kissed, he sees him anew, commits every curve to memory again, more devotedly and sweeter than even before.]
Shall I talk, tonight? Though I would hear what you have to say, too, even if it hurts me, or casts me in an unfavorable light. Your heart and mind are precious and important to me. More than that, selfishly... I fear that if I don't know precisely how you feel, I'll continue to nurse this horrible heaviness in my heart, and a peculiar knot between my shoulder blades.
[Mitsuki, is it clear yet that you've fallen in love with a man who's as masochistic as he is anything else? The time he's had to brood on his failings as a man, and as a lover and partner, has worn him thin. It's clear up close, though he's taken to hiding it in various ways. There are dark circles under his eyes, too, and he does seem almost to have aged more than usual in the span of a month.]
[ NO ONE SAID IT WAS.
it's adorable, albert trying something just because ignis asked him to, and he can't help a small smile as he observes him, settling in his seat adjacent to him so he can help him out with everything about this dinner. the hot stones are sizzling hot, still, and he deftly takes a slice of wagyu beef to lay it on, the rich meat smoking on the slab. ]
It's a new experience that I thought you'd enjoy, eventually.
[ he muses, patiently waiting for him to try at least the first slice. ]
it's adorable, albert trying something just because ignis asked him to, and he can't help a small smile as he observes him, settling in his seat adjacent to him so he can help him out with everything about this dinner. the hot stones are sizzling hot, still, and he deftly takes a slice of wagyu beef to lay it on, the rich meat smoking on the slab. ]
It's a new experience that I thought you'd enjoy, eventually.
[ he muses, patiently waiting for him to try at least the first slice. ]
[The amount of concentration on Albert's face is almost comical, but he smiles up at Ignis every few moments as he struggles with the chopsticks a few times. He gets the hang of it, though, and gamely plops the little sliver of fish into his mouth.]
Mm... mm! Ignis, darling, this is delightful!
Mm... mm! Ignis, darling, this is delightful!
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