[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.