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[That look. That intensity isn't unfamiliar to Albert in a person's eyes, but seeing it from Ignis is a delight that makes his heart leap and his breath run shallow. They share that look for a moment, the vulnerability, the sincerity that Albert would never make into a jest, and he lets out the smallest shudder of a breath to try to compensate for the way his chest is tightening.
The answer comes, and it's sweeter than anything he's ever heard. Before he knows it, he's against the wall, unable and unwilling to look away. Why does this make his chest ache? Why does this feel like he's doing something he doesn't deserve to experience? And why does he want to chase it down and hold it close with everything he has?]
Then... let me ask you not to stay away. Any time you call me, if I can come, I will. [Does he dare?] When we're apart, I long for your eyes on me, your hand in mine.
[Albert falls silent for a moment, letting his thoughts distill down into a single truth. He speaks it simply, as plainly as he can, trying his best to forget formality.]
I'm... I've never fallen for anyone before. Not like this.
The answer comes, and it's sweeter than anything he's ever heard. Before he knows it, he's against the wall, unable and unwilling to look away. Why does this make his chest ache? Why does this feel like he's doing something he doesn't deserve to experience? And why does he want to chase it down and hold it close with everything he has?]
Then... let me ask you not to stay away. Any time you call me, if I can come, I will. [Does he dare?] When we're apart, I long for your eyes on me, your hand in mine.
[Albert falls silent for a moment, letting his thoughts distill down into a single truth. He speaks it simply, as plainly as he can, trying his best to forget formality.]
I'm... I've never fallen for anyone before. Not like this.
[ ...oh.
albert's words does things to him, brings forth fantasies and warmth and an overwhelming depth of feeling as he studies him, raising their joined hands to press it up against the wall beside his head. in this light, he sees albert even more clearly, and searching through their bond only shows him just how much he means what he says.
he can feel it, too, the trepidation behind his words, the strangest feeling that albert doesn't believe he deserves this, but the instinct to want it overwhelming that. ignis decides to help it along, to quash that lingering doubt once and for all. ]
Then I shall pursue you, my beautiful, lovely, complicated man. [ he says, his chest light but full of feeling, exhilaration and excitement and surprise and joy at such a confession. he says little to that, only leaning forward to kiss his mouth, to seal his own over his as his own thoughts echo. can he have this? can he fall in love with albert, and have his own happiness too? a part of him feels that same guilt, but his passion, his desire for him wins out.
let him -- let them both have this, here and now. and whatever may come, well... ]
albert's words does things to him, brings forth fantasies and warmth and an overwhelming depth of feeling as he studies him, raising their joined hands to press it up against the wall beside his head. in this light, he sees albert even more clearly, and searching through their bond only shows him just how much he means what he says.
he can feel it, too, the trepidation behind his words, the strangest feeling that albert doesn't believe he deserves this, but the instinct to want it overwhelming that. ignis decides to help it along, to quash that lingering doubt once and for all. ]
Then I shall pursue you, my beautiful, lovely, complicated man. [ he says, his chest light but full of feeling, exhilaration and excitement and surprise and joy at such a confession. he says little to that, only leaning forward to kiss his mouth, to seal his own over his as his own thoughts echo. can he have this? can he fall in love with albert, and have his own happiness too? a part of him feels that same guilt, but his passion, his desire for him wins out.
let him -- let them both have this, here and now. and whatever may come, well... ]
[Of course Albert doesn't think he deserves this. This is the most incredible man he's ever met, giving him undivided attention. This is him wanting desperately for the first time since he was young, and purely for the first time. His mind races as he feels the bond between them seem to strengthen in an instant, as Ignis searches the shared feelings and commits to them just like that.
It was a snap decision to be vulnerable, a risk, uncalculated and uncomplicated.
To think all he was supposed to get out of this little meeting was a simple invitation to a date. Now it feels like more, like something resembling courtship, because there's more than just flirtation and excitement in play. There's the true, deep feeling that he'll come to trust this man as much as anyone, that he'll fall into his arms and his bed easier and more often.
That they'll be beautiful, equal, and perhaps even joyously happy. That's the way Ignis makes him feel when he kisses him now, like everything that happened to him until he arrived here was a fever dream of desperation and suffering. William and Louis and even Moran are still close to his heart, but there's room for more, now that he's here. There's room for him to learn, and to forgive, before the worst happens and he's irredeemable.
If this vulnerability and openness comes back to destroy him later, he will at least be able to say he lived.]
It was a snap decision to be vulnerable, a risk, uncalculated and uncomplicated.
To think all he was supposed to get out of this little meeting was a simple invitation to a date. Now it feels like more, like something resembling courtship, because there's more than just flirtation and excitement in play. There's the true, deep feeling that he'll come to trust this man as much as anyone, that he'll fall into his arms and his bed easier and more often.
That they'll be beautiful, equal, and perhaps even joyously happy. That's the way Ignis makes him feel when he kisses him now, like everything that happened to him until he arrived here was a fever dream of desperation and suffering. William and Louis and even Moran are still close to his heart, but there's room for more, now that he's here. There's room for him to learn, and to forgive, before the worst happens and he's irredeemable.
If this vulnerability and openness comes back to destroy him later, he will at least be able to say he lived.]
[ they cannot have this forever. sooner or later, they'll return to their worlds -- and ignis only hopes he brings the memories of him back into eos, into the oncoming darkness. pressed up against the wall, albert is impossibly, stunningly beautiful, and he reaches out to tuck a lock of his hair behind his ear when he pulls away to breathe.
it was a risk that albert took and it paid off for albert and ignis both. ignis, who is reckoning with his own future, the fact that he will pay for the use of the ring with his eyesight, and the years of darkness that will come for them before noctis is sacrificed and his own purpose, lost.
he swallows hard as he looks at him, really looks, as if this is the last time he will ever see albert like this again, and he wants more than anything to sear it into his own memory. he can't help the morose wistfulness even as he feels overwhelming affection and fascination, the tentative overtures of love and the strong desire to want to be with him. it is a courtship, and as he touches his cheek again, pressing his forehead to his, he can feel albert's own determination, the hope and anticipation that comes with blossoming love.
he knows it because he shares it with him, the desire to take these precious moments for themselves before the inevitable happens, and he cups his cheek to press a kiss to the side of his lips again, soft and gentle. another kiss, holding him like he's something precious. ]
I really should go. [ he says reluctantly, nosing his jaw before pressing another kiss there. he ought to go, but all he feels is longing. ] You must be busy, and I'm distracting you.
it was a risk that albert took and it paid off for albert and ignis both. ignis, who is reckoning with his own future, the fact that he will pay for the use of the ring with his eyesight, and the years of darkness that will come for them before noctis is sacrificed and his own purpose, lost.
he swallows hard as he looks at him, really looks, as if this is the last time he will ever see albert like this again, and he wants more than anything to sear it into his own memory. he can't help the morose wistfulness even as he feels overwhelming affection and fascination, the tentative overtures of love and the strong desire to want to be with him. it is a courtship, and as he touches his cheek again, pressing his forehead to his, he can feel albert's own determination, the hope and anticipation that comes with blossoming love.
he knows it because he shares it with him, the desire to take these precious moments for themselves before the inevitable happens, and he cups his cheek to press a kiss to the side of his lips again, soft and gentle. another kiss, holding him like he's something precious. ]
I really should go. [ he says reluctantly, nosing his jaw before pressing another kiss there. he ought to go, but all he feels is longing. ] You must be busy, and I'm distracting you.
[ He swallows the words that would dismiss the gratitude. Instead, he just offers a small nod as he looks toward the mansion. ]
Let's go.
[ Letting out a sigh, he realizes there is a lot more shopping that he is going to have to do to make sure their home looks as they like. ]
We can figure out where everything goes and the like. [ A beat passes before he reaches to take Albert's hand; he looks away again as he starts to head to the mansion. He wishes that he could have walked into their manor this way as well, holding onto one of their hands and passing the entryway as equals. But he doesn't mind his situation; he would rather be the dog of the manor and make their dreams come true. ]
Let's go.
[ Letting out a sigh, he realizes there is a lot more shopping that he is going to have to do to make sure their home looks as they like. ]
We can figure out where everything goes and the like. [ A beat passes before he reaches to take Albert's hand; he looks away again as he starts to head to the mansion. He wishes that he could have walked into their manor this way as well, holding onto one of their hands and passing the entryway as equals. But he doesn't mind his situation; he would rather be the dog of the manor and make their dreams come true. ]
[Albert knows this is temporary. Everything in life is mutable, except death, which Albert is all too well acquainted with. That will come for him sooner rather than later, he's sure. Maybe he even wanted it to before he came here, in all honesty. No matter how light his heart is about this, he will always be what he was, and always have done what he did.
If he could do things again, would he have chosen the same path? Would he have chosen to become a devil if he knew how much it would destroy him along the way? That the numbness he learned to use as a barrier would permeate everything and make him a liar, a cheat, a fake?
What will this brilliant, stunning, giving, glorious man ever gain from being with him? He'll think about this later, when he's alone, when Ignis is gone and thinking the most gentle thoughts, when Albert is left with only his shadows and the consequences of his actions. It will make this moment bittersweet, and his decision to confess his feelings will replay over and over in his head, haunting him.
He's going to love Ignis. He's going to fall completely, and utterly, and then the bottom will fall out of it all and he will be alone. That's what he deserves. He'll never forgive himself if he hurts Ignis in the process. Until then, he'll grasp at little moments like this and hold them unbearably tightly. If he's good to Ignis, if he's kind and generous and sincere, maybe the truth won't hurt so much when it eventually comes out. Maybe he'll even forgive Albert, or at least accept that he's doing his best to atone.
For now, Albert's heart is light as he looks silently at Ignis, being studied, being seen. This is something he absolutely doesn't deserve, this affection and kindness, but the way it makes his heart race and his body feel light is addictive, and welcome.
Less welcome is that flash of sadness, of trepidation from Ignis. How he wants to pry, to ask for secrets he wouldn't himself give. How he wants to dig so deeply into Ignis' heart that he forgets how dreadful his own is. So moments like this can take him by surprise, overwhelm him, and give him hope. Every gentle touch is memorable, and he maps out the way Ignis moves so carefully in his mind, dedicates the way his lips feel to a memory that he'll keep close.
This affection... it will undo Albert. But how, and how quickly, he still doesn't know. His voice is soft, hardly more than a breathy rush of syllables, so taken is he.]
You are the most welcome distraction I've ever had, dear Ignis.
[He wants him to stay. This is too picturesque of a moment to let go of easily. He wants to hold Ignis in his arms and be held, to kiss him and breathe the same air. He wants to cling so tightly, just for a moment, that he forgets that he is beyond redemption and not worthy of this at all.
Still, this dear man is a realist in certain key ways, and Albert is, too. Surely he's occupied for most of the day.]
But... if you must go, I understand. You only stopped by to invite me for later. You're probably terribly busy yourself, and we'll see each other in a few hours.
If he could do things again, would he have chosen the same path? Would he have chosen to become a devil if he knew how much it would destroy him along the way? That the numbness he learned to use as a barrier would permeate everything and make him a liar, a cheat, a fake?
What will this brilliant, stunning, giving, glorious man ever gain from being with him? He'll think about this later, when he's alone, when Ignis is gone and thinking the most gentle thoughts, when Albert is left with only his shadows and the consequences of his actions. It will make this moment bittersweet, and his decision to confess his feelings will replay over and over in his head, haunting him.
He's going to love Ignis. He's going to fall completely, and utterly, and then the bottom will fall out of it all and he will be alone. That's what he deserves. He'll never forgive himself if he hurts Ignis in the process. Until then, he'll grasp at little moments like this and hold them unbearably tightly. If he's good to Ignis, if he's kind and generous and sincere, maybe the truth won't hurt so much when it eventually comes out. Maybe he'll even forgive Albert, or at least accept that he's doing his best to atone.
For now, Albert's heart is light as he looks silently at Ignis, being studied, being seen. This is something he absolutely doesn't deserve, this affection and kindness, but the way it makes his heart race and his body feel light is addictive, and welcome.
Less welcome is that flash of sadness, of trepidation from Ignis. How he wants to pry, to ask for secrets he wouldn't himself give. How he wants to dig so deeply into Ignis' heart that he forgets how dreadful his own is. So moments like this can take him by surprise, overwhelm him, and give him hope. Every gentle touch is memorable, and he maps out the way Ignis moves so carefully in his mind, dedicates the way his lips feel to a memory that he'll keep close.
This affection... it will undo Albert. But how, and how quickly, he still doesn't know. His voice is soft, hardly more than a breathy rush of syllables, so taken is he.]
You are the most welcome distraction I've ever had, dear Ignis.
[He wants him to stay. This is too picturesque of a moment to let go of easily. He wants to hold Ignis in his arms and be held, to kiss him and breathe the same air. He wants to cling so tightly, just for a moment, that he forgets that he is beyond redemption and not worthy of this at all.
Still, this dear man is a realist in certain key ways, and Albert is, too. Surely he's occupied for most of the day.]
But... if you must go, I understand. You only stopped by to invite me for later. You're probably terribly busy yourself, and we'll see each other in a few hours.
Edited 2021-04-06 02:08 (UTC)
[It's going to be quite the effort to get the house in order, but Albert welcomes the challenge.
There's a moment's pause as Moran moves away, then an almost smug smile as the man takes his hand. They will walk side-by-side here, the equals as men that they always were, and he's more than a little glad of it.
The inside is remarkable, if completely different from what he's accustomed to back home. The architecture is different, the fixtures, the use of space... He imagines it's all just as modern and nice as his apartment, if not more so.]
Four bedrooms?
[He's not sure how the space is used...]
There's a moment's pause as Moran moves away, then an almost smug smile as the man takes his hand. They will walk side-by-side here, the equals as men that they always were, and he's more than a little glad of it.
The inside is remarkable, if completely different from what he's accustomed to back home. The architecture is different, the fixtures, the use of space... He imagines it's all just as modern and nice as his apartment, if not more so.]
Four bedrooms?
[He's not sure how the space is used...]
[No amount of looking at Ignis is ever enough for Albert, and he meets his gaze in the mirror for a lingering moment, flashing a coy smile. Then he tracks the motion of those hands, watching them as they shower him with affection he doesn't want to let go of, attention he memorizes with his skin and his eyes.
Ignis is so remarkable. Albert's hips barely stay still as he's fondled and stroked, his body warming from the heat of the lingering steam from the bathtub and the increasingly intent touches. He loves the way Ignis claims him with simple, sweeping touches, the way he makes every moment they're together feel like an intimate, sweeping dance that Albert only sometimes leads. It's a breathless awe that often takes Albert in his presence, and he's so close to admitting it.]
I do so wish you would, Ignis. Spend your hours taking me apart...
[He takes the lube in hand and coats three fingers with it, though he does it in such a slow, deliberate manner that it can't look anything but lewd. And so too does he slowly move to bend and hunch over just enough to do what he's tasked with, sliding a finger inside himself with a flutter of his eyelids.
His pulse races at this. It's nothing he's ever done before or even really considered, and he can tell by the way Ignis is looking at him and being so delightfully firm that he's delighted by it all. So the latent actor in Albert, that habit used so often for ill, comes out beautifully now. He commands Ignis' attention with a throaty moan, low enough to not make the room seem small, but loud enough to sink a claw into his attentive lover.]
Nothing feels as good as you do...
Ignis is so remarkable. Albert's hips barely stay still as he's fondled and stroked, his body warming from the heat of the lingering steam from the bathtub and the increasingly intent touches. He loves the way Ignis claims him with simple, sweeping touches, the way he makes every moment they're together feel like an intimate, sweeping dance that Albert only sometimes leads. It's a breathless awe that often takes Albert in his presence, and he's so close to admitting it.]
I do so wish you would, Ignis. Spend your hours taking me apart...
[He takes the lube in hand and coats three fingers with it, though he does it in such a slow, deliberate manner that it can't look anything but lewd. And so too does he slowly move to bend and hunch over just enough to do what he's tasked with, sliding a finger inside himself with a flutter of his eyelids.
His pulse races at this. It's nothing he's ever done before or even really considered, and he can tell by the way Ignis is looking at him and being so delightfully firm that he's delighted by it all. So the latent actor in Albert, that habit used so often for ill, comes out beautifully now. He commands Ignis' attention with a throaty moan, low enough to not make the room seem small, but loud enough to sink a claw into his attentive lover.]
Nothing feels as good as you do...
[ ignis can't take his eyes off of him, the way he's pushing a lube-slick finger inside of himself. he takes the lube back quick, squeezing out a generous portion before he slicks himself up just to make sure that albert has an easier time of it. of course, he's also stroking himself to the fact that seeing his companion's tight, firm ass swallow up that finger does so many primitive, savage, primal things to his libido.
the man is making a dramatic production out of it, and ignis is ensnared. albert has sank his claws into him all right, and ignis meets those enchanting green eyes in the mirror as he huffs a soft chuckle. in this moment, albert is all his; albert belongs to him, and ignis is the one who can give him this kind of pleasure.
he doesn't stop teasing his cock, palming his balls in his hand firmly to reward him for being so obscenely, lewdly obedient. he's the one that tucks his cock between his thighs now, so aroused that he's dripping with it, smearing pre-cum between those soft thighs.
he presses his lips to his shoulder now, moving flush against him but making space for him to fuck himself properly. ]
I will. You belong only to me tonight. I'll make you feel so good, you'll ache for me after. [ he reaches between them, gently coaxing albert to slip the other one in. ] Second finger. Stretch yourself for me.
the man is making a dramatic production out of it, and ignis is ensnared. albert has sank his claws into him all right, and ignis meets those enchanting green eyes in the mirror as he huffs a soft chuckle. in this moment, albert is all his; albert belongs to him, and ignis is the one who can give him this kind of pleasure.
he doesn't stop teasing his cock, palming his balls in his hand firmly to reward him for being so obscenely, lewdly obedient. he's the one that tucks his cock between his thighs now, so aroused that he's dripping with it, smearing pre-cum between those soft thighs.
he presses his lips to his shoulder now, moving flush against him but making space for him to fuck himself properly. ]
I will. You belong only to me tonight. I'll make you feel so good, you'll ache for me after. [ he reaches between them, gently coaxing albert to slip the other one in. ] Second finger. Stretch yourself for me.
[ how odd now, that the notion of a few hours apart seems ultimately unpleasant, that he will be counting down the minutes until he sees him again. but the adage proves true: that absence makes the heart fonder, and in albert's absence, ignis will contemplate the weight of what has been allowed to flourish between them. albert, who is impossibly complicated and yet absurdly compelling in his own right, is a man who is opening up to him in degrees. there is a kindness under that slick charm, a hidden pain that ignis is just barely brushing the surface of, and he supposes that perhaps it's true that like calls to like.
he looks back at him, really looks, memorising every inch of him -- and yet, it's still not enough -- the longing is overwhelming, powerfully pulsing in the bond that they share, like a siren's song calling out to him. albert doesn't want him to go, he thinks. so he kisses him again, breathes the same air as him before he slowly pulls away, releasing him from his hold.
they both have things to do and places to go, and despite feeling like a reckless teenager, ignis knows that he must leave for the day. he runs his fingers through albert's soft hair again, cupping his face briefly before he definitively steps away. his heart is still racing, even as he picks up on albert's thoughts, skimming the surface of it. despite not being able to grasp them, he can sense that lightness, that wonder.
albert's choice chases the shadows from his own thoughts away. ignis will face them on his own time, come to terms with the inevitable future that descends upon him -- that one day, albert's face will truly only be a memory. ]
So we will.
[ he says finally, with a soft smile. saying goodbye is such sweet sorrow, but they will meet again tonight. ]
I'll come for you in a few hours, Albert. Dress casually, we are visiting some lively places tonight.
he looks back at him, really looks, memorising every inch of him -- and yet, it's still not enough -- the longing is overwhelming, powerfully pulsing in the bond that they share, like a siren's song calling out to him. albert doesn't want him to go, he thinks. so he kisses him again, breathes the same air as him before he slowly pulls away, releasing him from his hold.
they both have things to do and places to go, and despite feeling like a reckless teenager, ignis knows that he must leave for the day. he runs his fingers through albert's soft hair again, cupping his face briefly before he definitively steps away. his heart is still racing, even as he picks up on albert's thoughts, skimming the surface of it. despite not being able to grasp them, he can sense that lightness, that wonder.
albert's choice chases the shadows from his own thoughts away. ignis will face them on his own time, come to terms with the inevitable future that descends upon him -- that one day, albert's face will truly only be a memory. ]
So we will.
[ he says finally, with a soft smile. saying goodbye is such sweet sorrow, but they will meet again tonight. ]
I'll come for you in a few hours, Albert. Dress casually, we are visiting some lively places tonight.
[If Albert's flair for the dramatic never came in handy in life before now, it's suddenly a useful tool, something he can use to ensnare and entice as much as the same has been done to him. Ignis needs only look at Albert just so to make his heart flutter and his knees weak; if he can have the same effect with this, he's content.
The sounds don't stop, breathy sighs and pointless hums that punctuate what he's doing and that only get more sensual as Ignis continues to stroke and touch him. Albert's whole body belongs to Ignis tonight, recompense for being listened to and so dearly cared for. It's more than he'll ever deserve, the attention he gets from Ignis. It is precious and fondly kept.
But Albert rewards sweetness with obscenity, sliding in a second finger as he's bid and letting a louder, more indulgent sound slip out from his throat, like he tried to hold it back.]
Ah, Ignis... I'm aching for you right now.
[He rocks his hips, feeling his own fingers, Ignis' hand, his cock, everything working in a beautiful symphony of shallow, needy movements. And yet he won't look away from the mirror, away from his beautiful, commanding lover.] Though you know nothing can prepare me for you.
The sounds don't stop, breathy sighs and pointless hums that punctuate what he's doing and that only get more sensual as Ignis continues to stroke and touch him. Albert's whole body belongs to Ignis tonight, recompense for being listened to and so dearly cared for. It's more than he'll ever deserve, the attention he gets from Ignis. It is precious and fondly kept.
But Albert rewards sweetness with obscenity, sliding in a second finger as he's bid and letting a louder, more indulgent sound slip out from his throat, like he tried to hold it back.]
Ah, Ignis... I'm aching for you right now.
[He rocks his hips, feeling his own fingers, Ignis' hand, his cock, everything working in a beautiful symphony of shallow, needy movements. And yet he won't look away from the mirror, away from his beautiful, commanding lover.] Though you know nothing can prepare me for you.
[ it's a series of texts during the period ]
The roses in the gardens are blooming beautifully, I thought of you.
I felt you, are you all right?
What you're feeling seems intense, I hope you are fine.
I came by, but it seems you were occupied. I've left you a rose graft on your doorstep. Red, your favourite. This time there will be more blossoms instead of just the one.
The stars are lovely tonight. I do hope you get a chance to see them.
I've made bread pudding based on what you've described. It seems I've put my own spin on things. Would you like to try?
The roses in the gardens are blooming beautifully, I thought of you.
I felt you, are you all right?
What you're feeling seems intense, I hope you are fine.
I came by, but it seems you were occupied. I've left you a rose graft on your doorstep. Red, your favourite. This time there will be more blossoms instead of just the one.
The stars are lovely tonight. I do hope you get a chance to see them.
I've made bread pudding based on what you've described. It seems I've put my own spin on things. Would you like to try?
Of course, yes.
My door is open, come on in.
[ he can feel albert's distress, and he tries again to reach out to him through the bond, the way he's done so many times before -- concerned but not overbearing. ]
My door is open, come on in.
[ he can feel albert's distress, and he tries again to reach out to him through the bond, the way he's done so many times before -- concerned but not overbearing. ]
[The connection that had been dulling steadily, fraught with emotion and pain, settles into something almost peaceful. Albert dresses quickly but carefully, covering the marks on his neck with an airy scarf, and heads to where he knows Ignis to be.
The door is open, so he lets himself in. Belatedly, he thinks he should have knocked, or brought flowers, or done anything but just barge in, and the second he looks at Ignis with his dead, dull eyes, the feeling of guilt radiates from him.
There's a long pause, where he just stares, then the saddest, faintest smile comes to his lips.]
The roses. They were so thoughtful. I'll have Mr. Moran plant them at once.
[It's all he can think to say.]
The door is open, so he lets himself in. Belatedly, he thinks he should have knocked, or brought flowers, or done anything but just barge in, and the second he looks at Ignis with his dead, dull eyes, the feeling of guilt radiates from him.
There's a long pause, where he just stares, then the saddest, faintest smile comes to his lips.]
The roses. They were so thoughtful. I'll have Mr. Moran plant them at once.
[It's all he can think to say.]
[ ignis spots him and knows that things are definitely worse than he's let on. he'd felt that low level, dull sense of emotion and pain nearly constantly, muted through their bond as if albert has been shying away from him -- or perhaps he had been occupied with someone else.
someone important, he knows. the man looks absolutely resplendent in his usual outfit and scarf, but his eyes -- his eyes are all wrong. ignis is used to a different albert, not this sad, guilty man, but both iterations and everything in between -- ignis will accept all of them.
and so he immediately sets aside the bowls he is arranging, striding over to him with purpose and pulling him into a full, intimate embrace, wrapping his arms around him and keeping him flush against him.
albert looks like he needs a lot of tender loving care today -- the man looks absolutely awful, and ignis' heart aches for him. ]
...Albert. My dear Albert. What's wrong?
someone important, he knows. the man looks absolutely resplendent in his usual outfit and scarf, but his eyes -- his eyes are all wrong. ignis is used to a different albert, not this sad, guilty man, but both iterations and everything in between -- ignis will accept all of them.
and so he immediately sets aside the bowls he is arranging, striding over to him with purpose and pulling him into a full, intimate embrace, wrapping his arms around him and keeping him flush against him.
albert looks like he needs a lot of tender loving care today -- the man looks absolutely awful, and ignis' heart aches for him. ]
...Albert. My dear Albert. What's wrong?
[There's the briefest pause, then Albert's arms wrap around Ignis in return, holding on more tightly than he thinks he's ever held anyone. His head rests on Ignis' shoulder, and his lips graze his neck as he speaks quietly.]
I don't know where to begin. I'm... fine, though. I'm fine.
[He doesn't sound convinced of that, but at the same time he means it. He's happy William and Louis are here, whatever the truth is of their arrival and whatever came before. Yet when he finally came out of his fugue and his bed to check his phone, all he wanted to do was be in Ignis' presence, and in his arms. Perhaps that's half the guilt.]
My brothers arrived shortly after we went to the Gardens together.
I don't know where to begin. I'm... fine, though. I'm fine.
[He doesn't sound convinced of that, but at the same time he means it. He's happy William and Louis are here, whatever the truth is of their arrival and whatever came before. Yet when he finally came out of his fugue and his bed to check his phone, all he wanted to do was be in Ignis' presence, and in his arms. Perhaps that's half the guilt.]
My brothers arrived shortly after we went to the Gardens together.
[ is he? ignis is quiet as he absorbs what he says, concern brimming through the bond that they share. he's holding him tight, feeling those lips against his neck. he doesn't like that he can't see his face, and so he gives him a moment before he shifts in albert's arms, moving only so that he can look him square in the eyes, an arm still possessively wrapped around him.
ignis is not a needy man -- it's simply that albert's mood fluctuations have snagged his attention. grasping his chin to make sure he's looking right at him, ignis' gaze is intent, searching. something doesn't add up, the emotion in their bond, the wild fluctuations, and the times he's certain that albert is having sex, that unbounded joy, the intensity of pleasure...
ignis remembers albert's deep love for them, but could it be... ]
Your brothers...? Was there anyone else?
ignis is not a needy man -- it's simply that albert's mood fluctuations have snagged his attention. grasping his chin to make sure he's looking right at him, ignis' gaze is intent, searching. something doesn't add up, the emotion in their bond, the wild fluctuations, and the times he's certain that albert is having sex, that unbounded joy, the intensity of pleasure...
ignis remembers albert's deep love for them, but could it be... ]
Your brothers...? Was there anyone else?
[He wants to be fine. Here, with Ignis, he's more than fine, he swears.
His eyes readily meet those of his lover, and he smiles faintly, like he was prone to doing when they first met. Before things became this. Arms still around Ignis, he moves to lean in for a kiss, but it's ill timed and his movement is arrested by one perfect, firmly guiding hand.]
I believe so, yes. He's... not someone I want much to do with, for various reasons. Not yet.
[Because what he's gathered by now is what hurts the most, what drove him to obsess beyond the reunion, to try to draw everything out despite seeing the pain in their eyes.]
Is... anyone from your world from a different time, Ignis? That is, people who know things that haven't come to pass for you.
His eyes readily meet those of his lover, and he smiles faintly, like he was prone to doing when they first met. Before things became this. Arms still around Ignis, he moves to lean in for a kiss, but it's ill timed and his movement is arrested by one perfect, firmly guiding hand.]
I believe so, yes. He's... not someone I want much to do with, for various reasons. Not yet.
[Because what he's gathered by now is what hurts the most, what drove him to obsess beyond the reunion, to try to draw everything out despite seeing the pain in their eyes.]
Is... anyone from your world from a different time, Ignis? That is, people who know things that haven't come to pass for you.
[ that doesn't explain the fact that he's been having really intense sex -- but ignis will set that aside for the moment in lieu of something far more distracting. he knows albert doesn't intend for it, but the question hits hard.
that question and its answer has haunted him ever since he came and gladio, cor, even prompto and aranea had looked at him like... well. like they were expecting him to be the him from their time. he frowns, unable to help the tension in his shoulders and the grim dread that rises to the fore. ]
My brothers-in-arms, and friends -- they are all from farther in the timeline than I am.
[ and something terrible happens to ignis. he closes his eyes briefly, then looks back at him, understanding albert now. he's endured it, the things they tried to hide from him. ] Are you wondering why they're keeping things from you?
that question and its answer has haunted him ever since he came and gladio, cor, even prompto and aranea had looked at him like... well. like they were expecting him to be the him from their time. he frowns, unable to help the tension in his shoulders and the grim dread that rises to the fore. ]
My brothers-in-arms, and friends -- they are all from farther in the timeline than I am.
[ and something terrible happens to ignis. he closes his eyes briefly, then looks back at him, understanding albert now. he's endured it, the things they tried to hide from him. ] Are you wondering why they're keeping things from you?
[The obvious reaction hits Albert so hard he blinks blankly at Ignis, brow furrowing from neutrality as a little more life comes to his eyes.
So it's happened to Ignis, too. People know things, terrible things, and perhaps like Albert he wonders what he could have done to change it, or what he might have done differently... If he'll ever know that future they fear and have lived.
It hits him, and it hurts him enough that one hand reaches up to brush Ignis' cheek in honest, obvious sorrow. Somehow knowing their experience is somewhat shared lifts him from feeling dead to feeling like he desperately needs to protect and cherish the man in front of him. This place may be temporary, their time together may be fleeting, but Ignis deserves...]
Darling Ignis. [He says it with ease, like sliding back into a favorite song.] I know why they're keeping some of it from me, and can guess at the rest, in all honesty.
[It aches. His chest aches. His mind is dull and his senses are trying to focus on Ignis alone, but an anxiety he hasn't felt since he was a child is simmering, waiting to boil.]
I need to tell you everything, and not for the reasons I'd liked to. I wanted to come to you on my own terms and tell you when you needed to know, but now I... [He glances down to Ignis' lips, then back up to his eyes.] I feel like doing anything less is lying to you. All this time has taught me was how much I needed to find someone like you. I dare not spend another day without you knowing the real me.
[And as he said before, if Ignis turns his back because of this, so be it. It's his right. It's only fair for him to have the opportunity.]
So it's happened to Ignis, too. People know things, terrible things, and perhaps like Albert he wonders what he could have done to change it, or what he might have done differently... If he'll ever know that future they fear and have lived.
It hits him, and it hurts him enough that one hand reaches up to brush Ignis' cheek in honest, obvious sorrow. Somehow knowing their experience is somewhat shared lifts him from feeling dead to feeling like he desperately needs to protect and cherish the man in front of him. This place may be temporary, their time together may be fleeting, but Ignis deserves...]
Darling Ignis. [He says it with ease, like sliding back into a favorite song.] I know why they're keeping some of it from me, and can guess at the rest, in all honesty.
[It aches. His chest aches. His mind is dull and his senses are trying to focus on Ignis alone, but an anxiety he hasn't felt since he was a child is simmering, waiting to boil.]
I need to tell you everything, and not for the reasons I'd liked to. I wanted to come to you on my own terms and tell you when you needed to know, but now I... [He glances down to Ignis' lips, then back up to his eyes.] I feel like doing anything less is lying to you. All this time has taught me was how much I needed to find someone like you. I dare not spend another day without you knowing the real me.
[And as he said before, if Ignis turns his back because of this, so be it. It's his right. It's only fair for him to have the opportunity.]
[ he can feel it even more vividly now, the sheer breadth of albert's reaction to him, his feelings stirring in the profound strength of their bond. how it seems like their connection has been slowly but steadily growing. he leans into his hand without a word, shifting to press a soft kiss to the center of his palm just because he can.
he can feel it, that heartache, the anxiety that is brimming inside of him, and ignis focuses on him as albert's soft, quiet words come forth. he has always known that albert has secrets of his own, dark ones, but ignis hasn't seen fit to pry or to haul it out of him until he's ready.
and here and now, it seems like he is. ]
Of course.
[ he says quietly, looking back at him, his gaze quietly searching. ] I will listen to everything you have to say.
he can feel it, that heartache, the anxiety that is brimming inside of him, and ignis focuses on him as albert's soft, quiet words come forth. he has always known that albert has secrets of his own, dark ones, but ignis hasn't seen fit to pry or to haul it out of him until he's ready.
and here and now, it seems like he is. ]
Of course.
[ he says quietly, looking back at him, his gaze quietly searching. ] I will listen to everything you have to say.
The kids were looking for you the other day. Said they haven't seen you around.
[ and when the kids at the underground notice when someone's missing it's usually pretty worrisome, with all the casual disappearances already happening here and there.
not that aranea's gonna say as much. ]
[ and when the kids at the underground notice when someone's missing it's usually pretty worrisome, with all the casual disappearances already happening here and there.
not that aranea's gonna say as much. ]
[Relief and worry intermingle on Albert's face, and he strokes that beloved cheek one more time before reaching for Ignis' hand. This hand, gentle and strong in equal measure, may never hold his again. It may never caress his skin or soothe his worries again.
This is a risk. A horrific one. He may lose everything. But better he lose it now, when his heart is already aching, than to lose it when he feels secure and content.]
We should sit. This may take some time, and you may have questions. I'll answer anything you ask.
This is a risk. A horrific one. He may lose everything. But better he lose it now, when his heart is already aching, than to lose it when he feels secure and content.]
We should sit. This may take some time, and you may have questions. I'll answer anything you ask.
[Aranea. Dear woman that she is, even she's noticed he's been gone. He's so enchanted by her that he can hardly stand it, even now. The pain and anguish is fading slowly, so he'll indulge a response.]
Tell them I've been ill, if they ask.
Did you also miss me, or are you simply playing messenger today?
Tell them I've been ill, if they ask.
Did you also miss me, or are you simply playing messenger today?
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