kittycaterer | [ Closed ] OU - Ignis and Noctis

[ Closed ] OU - Ignis and Noctis

[ It’s not that Noctis has never seen Ignis without his glasses, it’s just that it’s so rare that he takes them off. What with his obsession with clarity and all. He never really considered it until Ignis had managed to get them stolen by a wild chocobo the previous day.

It’s still funny to him. Noctis shouldn’t laugh, but the situation was a riot.

But Noctis finds himself oddly interested in the result. In how Ignis looks without them. It’s like a totally different person, yet the voice and personality are much the same. Noctis isn’t so much a liar about the attraction he has towards Ignis so much as he doesn’t know that’s what is going on. He’s about as oblivious to his own feelings as ever. All he knows is that he oddly wants to see it again.

That’s a bit embarrassing though. Maybe he should keep it to himself. Noctis mulls over the thought while staring at the fire at camp. They’ve nestled at Spelcray Haven, where the view of the night sky is honestly Noct’s favorite. They’ve stayed here before, taking another pit stop on the way back towards their destination.

Noctis sighs as he leans back in his foldable chair, Prompto and Gladio off doing a jog for some odd reason while Ignis prepares dinner. He’s not much for starting conversation, and so his head lulls to the side, eyes shifting upward to watch his retainer at work. Something Noctis often does without realizing: staring. ]

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[Ignis has become completely used to the feeling of distant eyes boring into him. It's something that became far too common the moment he was introduced to Noctis, the poor boy finding it very difficult to word his thoughts whenever he was around others, including Ignis. As time went by, that shyness seemed to fade away to a very sort of quiet demeanor, yet Noctis still continued with the habit. Just like human expressions, the gazes mean different things, different emotions, and there are times where they're difficult to decipher.

Tonight, Ignis can't quite pinpoint the meaning behind the itch at the back of his neck, the fact that he's being watched again, and simply brushes off as a fact that he's taking a little longer than usual to prepare dinner. He's trying a different technique with Noctis' catch from earlier in the day.]

It'll be a tad longer until our meal is ready. [The fillets aren't quite fully pink. Seems that this fish has quite a lot of fat in it.

Ignis turns to finally meet that persistent pair of eyes.]

I don't offer very much entertainment, I'm afraid. Are you sure you wouldn't like to take another fishing expedition?

[ He can see well enough where he’s sitting. The way the lenses reflect off the dimming sunlight and the diligent lantern Ignis lit shortly before starting. There’s a glint, a glare, and Noctis finds himself trying to peer beneath the frames from where he sits. It’s an exercise in futility from this angle. He can make out the sharp features he’d found yesterday. The curve of his nose. The shape of his eyes. Ignis has a certain allure about him even with the glasses, much like a stereotypical megane in the many animes he’s seen in his free time. Right down to the increased beauty when they’re removed.

Why is he obsessing over this?

Ignis speaks, Noctis doesn’t totally hear it until Ignis suggests he go fish more. And then he realizes he’s been caught staring. He shakes out of his reverie, stammering. ]

Uh.

I’m good. Bit worn out from catching that big guy.

[ He’s a bit red, but recovers when he stands. ]

You... Need help or something?

[While it's a little odd to see Noct decline suggestion to do some extra fishing, it at least makes sense that he'd wear himself out from the earlier efforts. He'd certainly been out at the pier for quite a long while, and it had taken their entire group to pull out this particular catch. Ignis had needed Gladio's help with removing the scales and bones then figuring out the right pieces to cook, saving the remainder as rations and the inedible rest as scraps for the gulls to feed on.

What is confusing is what appears to be extra color on Noct's face. It wasn't particularly hot, and the ocean breeze keeps them relatively cool. Unless it's merely a trick of the light from the sunset. So he comments nothing on it and makes to turn his attention back to the grill before the chair shifts against the stone of the haven once Noctis stands.

Ignis continues to look over his shoulder before he gives a soft smile.]

It isn't necessary, but appreciated.

[Initially he thinks to tell him that if he's tired he should simply sit and rest, but Ignis knows better than to decline this rare offer. Something must be on his mind. He tends not to help unless Ignis asks.

So Ignis steps aside to make room for Noct, turning the the fillets with a pair of tongs.]

Keep them in rotation. I'm trying to even the amount of heat on both sides.

[ Noctis seems almost too eager to get up and help. He’s where Ignis directs him to be within seconds, taking the tongs and minding the work in front of him. Already, it smells pretty good. This was a massive fish, so he can only imagine how much of an undertaking it was to gut it and slice it up.

For a few moments, he’s simply quiet as he focuses on the rotation. Only momentarily do his eyes shift to look towards Ignis, and he’s feeling weirdly small. ]

So...

[ Gods, he’s so bad at small talk. He’s just bad at talking. Ignis knows that, which makes this worse. ]

That was a close call yesterday. I would have just gone for the spares.

[Ignis cannot help but smile at how quickly Noct comes to his side and takes to the task given to him with vigor. Usually he's very stubborn and sluggish about doing any sort of chore, but at the moment, it's almost like he's been itching to do something. Ignis isn't sure if he's impatient to eat or was just terribly bored, but it's a welcome sight, even if he does linger rather close just to make sure Noctis does a good job. He wouldn't want for the group to have unnecessarily dry fish.

He can only assume that Noct's frequent gaze upon him is just so he makes sure that he's doing things correctly, and it doesn't bother him one bit, neither does the silence between them. However as they finally fall into a topic of conversation, the small upturn of his lips that hasn't faded finally shifts to a displeased frown as he uncrosses his arms and hastily adjusts his glasses.]

My spectacles were not intended to be a Chocobo's plaything. Were it a simple accident, I may have been more forgiving. [But no, the damned bird had to just up and steal his lenses for absolutely no reason. Certainly goes to show you that creatures in the wild are merciless.]

I don't take kindly to having my belongings swept up from under my nose.

[ Noctis is mindful of the heat with the fish, still paying close attention lest it burn. And so, his gaze can't linger on Ignis for too long.

He does, however, manage another snicker. ]

Sure did ruffle your feathers, didn't it?

[ It's still so funny to him. ]

[That gets Noct an audible groan as Ignis rubs at his temples.]

Please, I'm far too exhausted for puns.

[ He smirks like a fool, nudging Ignis with his elbow. ]

Aw come on, don't beak that way.

[There's a twitch at the corner of his lip but Ignis continues to scowl, refusing to meet Noct's eyes.

And then he mumbles under his breath.]

Stop flocking around.

[ Noctis grins, reaching to grab Ignis' shoulder and playfully shake him a little. ]

There it is.

[ Wouldn't be Ignis if they didn't exchange a few stupid puns back and forth. He can't help but laugh a little. But it eventually dies down, smile still in place as he gestures towards the fish. ]

How's it looking?

[With a quick adjustment of his glasses and fingers covering his mouth, Ignis tries his best to hide the clear look of amusement in his eyes as he just tries to brush off Noct's hand on his shoulder.

There's a lingering scolding pat low against his back before he focuses his attention back on the fish, leaning in close.]

If you're quite done fooling around, I'd say this is now well enough prepared for consumption.

[ Noctis is mindful of the pat to his back, seemingly more aware of it. He gives a muffled sound to it, but it's nothing beyond what he usually does. What's different here is he feels weirdly flustered, but he holds it down. ]

What do you know, I haven't lost my touch.

[ He did flip burgers for a while after all. Noctis uses the tongs to remove the fish from the grill, placing them on the tray adjacent to them at the table.

Noctis takes the liberty of turning off the flame, pausing as his eyes shift to glance at Ignis.

He says it plainly: ]

You know, you kinda look good without them.

[Ignis just gives a shake of his head with a huff, but honestly, he's pretty proud of Noct's help, as minimal as it was. He always tells him he should learn to be able to prepare his own catches on his own. Maybe this is the first step toward that.

Now seems about a good time for a break though, and he's assured that Noct must be hungry. He doesn't at all mind allowing him to be the first to eat when he's helped prepare the food, but when Noct speaks up, Ignis can't help the confused look he gives him.]

Without what?

[ Gladio and Prompto will be back eventually. He's not sure when, considering that they were both pretty set on getting a good workout in before the day was done. So Noctis doesn't feel too particularly bad getting a head start on dinner. He starts digging for plates.

Given that he realizes the implications of what he's saying, he closes in on himself a little. But, Noct being Noct, maintains an aloof demeanor that is very much force, not making eye contact. ]

Your glasses. Could see your eyes clearer.

[Noct has very good practice at making just about anything sound like a simple off-handed comment, as something that isn't meant to have much weight to it, just abstract thought, nothing important, nothing that needs much attention. People consider him abrasive because of this. Gladio finds it to be rude. Prompto calls him shy, awkward.

Ignis knows better, because he's known him for too long. He knows the truth in the way Noct speaks.

He knows exactly what he's saying.]

Was your first comment not that I appeared better overall?

[There's a hand on Noct's arm, and though he doesn't pull him away from grabbing the plates, it's clear what he needs from him right now. Eye contact. His full attention.

Ignis reaches upward and slips his glasses off.]

Which is it then?

[ One of the more comforting qualities of Ignis is that Noctis doesn't really need to elaborate much on what he's thinking. Ignis just knows when Noctis says something perhaps too vague or not quite on the nose. But there are many cases where this is a double-edged sword. Especially when Ignis so eloquently calls Noctis out in front of the others.

Ignis grabs his arm. It's very much happening now that Ignis is plainly calling him out, but they're alone. There's some comfort in that, but when his gaze is forced to meet Ignis? Everything falls silent.

He did not expect such a reaction. Noctis is instantly met with his doing, or his undoing to be exact. The image of Ignis casually removing his glasses, coupled with the blatant chiding. Noctis has zero control over the fact that his face dusts the slightest shade of pink.

It looks great with his deer-in-headlights look. ]

That uh... First remark was meant to supplement the other.

[ He's completely ceased to dig for the plates. ]

[Now would be a good time to apologize and maybe reel himself back a little. The effect of his teasing is clear. Or, as clear as it can be with his specs off. Noct's face is a slight blur, the pink of his cheeks hardly noticeable, but he can see the widening of his eyes and the full expanse of those blue eyes even under the fringe of dark hair.]

Funny, that. You're full of compliments now.

[Ignis' voice is a soft murmur even though it doesn't have to be. It's only the two of them, just the echo of the ocean behind them, gulls overhead, the lingering sizzle of the grill, the smell of fish and ocean breeze and the warmth of the setting sun against Ignis' back.]

Wasn't quite on your mind when you were having a good giggle at my expense.

[He's leaning in closer. Noct can probably see it better now, the green of his eyes, his lashes, thin neat eyebrows, the bump on the bridge of his nose, the scattering of acne scars. How plush his lips are.]

Which is it then? You're not laughing.

[ It's not unlike the two of them to push one-another. Ignis has managed to urge Noctis in certain directions, as a retainer and royal adviser rightly should. But this is a bit beyond what Noctis is used to. And for a good moment, Ignis is capable of doing just about as much as he's aiming for: cornering Noctis, getting that rise out of him in the most subtle of ways. Passively digging in and finding him where he is most vulnerable.

It's very effective.

Noctis is rendered silent for a good moment as Ignis leans in. And though the world around them is very much there, there's a sense of quiet that takes far more precedence here. Ignis is taunting, but gentle. A hard mix of something that creates enough of a sinister air that it makes Noctis' skin prickle ever so slightly.

Ignis knows him far too well. That armor is cracked, but Noctis refuses to go down without a fight. So even if there's that slightest moment of him looking bewildered and vulnerable, it's shoved back behind narrowing, midnight-blue eyes. He's enraptured by that mouth, by the way Ignis speaks so smoothly, and he tries to give it back equally.

So, Noctis faces him fully, not making an attempt to back away by any means, purposefully darkening his voice in turn. ]

Doesn't look like you're offended.

[ He even goes so far as to tilt his head, biting his lip for show, leaning in. ]

What's the end-game if I tell you?

Edited 2018-05-08 08:30 (UTC)

[Noct is beginning to crumble, it's so obvious at this point, but Ignis is not at all surprised to see that resistance, the way he refuses to fall, to bend, even to him. And there is a strange inkling of pride to know that this is how Noctis is, hot-headed, resilient, ever reliable in his actions.

It makes him love him that much more terribly.

Even if, really, he'd like it if the boy wasn't being so frustratingly stubborn in saying what he wants.

The fire in his eyes, like burning ice, is so hypnotizing. He wants to see that look more often. How it watches him. An ever demanding prince.]

I believe I'm content enough to leave the decision to you. I haven't much to consider. [There's a light shrug, the distance between them growing as Ignis begins to straighten his posture.] We've dinner to eat, can't allow it to get cold. There's a nice sunset we can watch. I presume Gladio and Prompto will arrive soon. Some King's Knight may be in order.

[He glances over his shoulder off to the distance where there is clearly nothing. Almost like he's no longer interested in this game anymore. Like Noct has lost him.

But there's that smile. That thoughtful, considerate, adoring smile as he returns his attention to Noct.]

You need only tell me. Whatever you wish for, Highness.

[ Ignis is far too good at this. Far too polished in seeing right through Noctis' attempts at appearing calm and cool. It becomes clear rather quickly that Ignis is keen on staying ahead here.

The second Ignis lists off what other matters he can focus on, the second he turns his head as if to feel indifference, Noctis feels a natural shift in his energy. A slight boil to his blood. Ignis is absolutely correct in knowing that Noctis can easily become huffy and pouty, especially when he's verbally cornered. It shows in his face, in the way his cheeks slightly puff in protest. But they deflate quick.

And it all happens completely natural. Noctis will hate later how good Ignis is at making him shift. Because he realizes he doesn't want any of that yet. If they waste time and the guys come back, this stops right here.

Noctis very abruptly snags Ignis' glasses from his hands, not at all with the intention of holding them hostage (he's well aware of what they mean to him), but certainly with the intent of being sly. ]

Oh, I get it. You like the attention.

[ Noctis puts the glasses on. They slide down the bridge of his nose, so as to not alter his own vision too much. But Noctis, throwing the mini-tantrum, thinks he's being clever nonetheless. If anything, he thinks he might look good in glasses.

He tilts his head again, so as to purposefully look Ignis in the eye. ]

Just makes your day that I'm making a pass at you.

[ He's not outright answering the question the way Ignis wanted, but he thinks he still has the upper-hand here. Even with the bright flush on his cheeks. Noctis steps closer, chest puffed. ]

That's not the end-game, Specs.

[He thinks he has him cornered, that this is basically the end for Noct's little game, but just like that for a second time that day he finds himself realizing that sometimes things don't always go according to one's plans. One always needs to be prepared for the unexpected.

His poor glasses, snatched once more by a fussy black Chocobo.

Ignis is clearly taken off guard as his glasses are pried out of his hand. He straightens fully, eyebrows raising as he just stares at Noct in silent confusion, watches him actually put on the glasses and he looks so absolutely ridiculous. They're a little too wide for the frame of his face, and he can see that Noct won't put them on properly, which makes Ignis want to press that the center and push them up higher along the bridge of his nose even though he knows they'd just slip back down.

He's making such a scene out of nothing and yet Ignis can't possibly be struck more speechless, not because Noct is here, huffing and puffing like a child, but that he's finally admitted what Ignis was only vaguely aware of.

Noctis had been hitting on him.

And then it's done. Their game is done.

Ignis has lost.

All he can do is laugh. It starts with a tremble of his lips, a twitch at the corner of his mouth and then a huff, but it just comes out of him right then, a melodious exhale that he can't stop as heat swells to his own cheeks, and Ignis has to try to cover his mouth because he knows he's going to upset Noct further by laughing at him but he just can't help it.]

[ Noctis is about as terrible at flirting as anyone could expect. He’s a sheltered prince, he’s only ever had close interactions with those in the Crownsguard. And even then, they’re all fully aware of how awkward he is. So he’s off the rails here in terms of being suave or prepared.

Ignis pushes his glasses up Noct’s nose and sure enough, the slip down. Only when Noctis raises his brow and looks absolutely baffled that Ignis’ reaction to all of this is to laugh. What is he laughing at? The glasses? What he said?

Noctis looks mortified. ]

What’s so funny?

[Oh no, he's upset him, he knew this was going to happen and so Ignis tries his hardest to smother his laughter. Unfortunately he's not having much luck. He's able to stiffle it down to a quiet chuckling but he still looks terribly amused, and his voice has that airy quality like he's just now remembering how to breathe properly.]

I'm-- I'm so sorry, Noct, I'm not laughing at you, I promise, it's just...

[He puts a hand on Noct's shoulder immediately, because he doesn't want him turning away or running off to escape.]

You needed to wait until I'd lost my spectacles, in order to tell me you fancy me?

[ Astrals, he’s not stopping! Does he really sound that silly? Was it really that funny? Noctis feels his face burn up, and so it easily reflects on his naturally pale skin. He ruffles up practically like an overstimulated cat the more Ignis laughs, absolutely mortified and embarrassed. Ignis even laughs out his apology and he honestly wants to crawl in a hole now.

And Noctis never takes to embarrassment well. His maturity reverts back a few years as he puffs his cheeks and shakes his shoulder out from beneath Ignis’ grips ]

I didn’t wait for it, I just made the observation.

[ He is so incredibly flustered right now. ]

A-And you don’t need to put it that way!

[ Fancy. Like he’s a fragile thing crushing on his advisor! ]

[Okay, he really needs to settle and stop, otherwise he's just going to upset Noctis to the point that he's going to throw a tantrum and simply warp himself into the tent. Ignis allows his hand to fall, fingers still tucked carefully against his mouth to attempt to hide the humored expression he still can't seem to squash down.

But there is clear, irrevocable warmth in his eyes as he speaks, as he refuses to move away from Noct's space as he gazes down at him with utter fondness.]

I should allow you to explain then. It'd make things much clearer to me. You understand how much I favor clarity.

[His voice hushes, the hand at his mouth finally dropping. The setting sun has his hair glistening an almost golden shade, tufted bangs swaying in the breeze, pink awash over his face from his laughter and the strange inkling of embarrassment he suddenly is starting to feel because Noctis was in fact hitting on him. And he hadn't noticed.

He wishes he had.]

Would you, please? Noct.

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[ Closed ] OU - Ignis and Noctis

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