[ for Steven, it was the weather that had him personally uncomfortable. it isn't that he's afraid of the rain, but storms of this length and caliber are enough to unnerve him by memory association. he's already spoken to Archie and May about it - as understanding as Ignis is, they're likely the only ones that can relate.
as for the residents of Eos that occupy the house, he knows that today is a particularly somber day. Iris had informed him of it this morning, and he has full intention of speaking about it to Ignis once he's back home. he perks up substantially from the reading he's doing when he hears a knock at the door, followed by a smile as he hears the voice that goes along with it. ]
You're in luck...
[ unfortunately, his momentary joy is interrupted by the fact that his poor partner is dripping. the wild storm hasn't done him any favours, and while he's thankful for the cup in the takeaway tray that he knows is his, that isn't going to stop him from scolding. ]
Did you not bring an umbrella this morning? [ his tongue clicks disapprovingly as he approaches, pushing a strand of wet hair away from his face when he's close enough. there aren't many people that Steven fusses over, but Ignis is a major recipient. ] I could have easily came to pick you up...
[Ignis sucks in a sharp breath of air, the relief at having located Steven without incident quickly dashed by the reminder that, yes, he may have overlooked something rather essential. He averts his blank gaze even as Steven fusses, letting out a soft huff in reply.]
I had one on the way in, but—
[This part is admittedly embarrassing, but if he's going to tell anyone, it should be Steven.]
I may have misplaced it at some point during the day and was unable to locate it before leaving.
[It would have been simple enough to ask any one of his staff members to help him look for it, but of course, Ignis Scientia is still too proud to ask for aid sometimes, even this many months after his initial injury.]
I didn't want to put you through the trouble. It's not a long walk— you needn't worry.
[ the explanation is basically what he expects, but he can't find himself to be mad per se. he knows very well that his pride can master him; it's something that he both loves and hates about his dear partner.
he lets out a sigh of his own before letting his fingertips trace his jawline, leaning in for a short, soft kiss. it's warranted after a long day, and they probably both need it on this particular one. ]
You're never trouble for me, and I'll always worry. You know that.
[ he manages a small smile before he slips their hands into a hold to lead him into the study, while the other takes the takeaway coffee tray out of his hands. ]
Come in and get comfortable. I'll get you some dry clothes.
[He offers a sigh of concession, along with a defeated sort of smile. Of course, he knew that— he should have swallowed his pride and let Steven assist him, but that was far easier said than done, even taking their closeness into consideration. He decides to make up for it now, relenting and letting Steven take hold of his hands and lead him into the study, releasing his hold on the tray he'd carried.]
Alright, alright— yes, dear.
[His smile is just a bit more genuine for a moment as he replies cheekily, and for a moment, he almost forgets what today is. He moves towards the sofa from memory, though rather than sitting down, he begins to shed his soaked jacket— he'll ruin the leather upholstery if he doesn't change first.]
[ he doesn't grace that cheekiness with a verbal response, but rather a roll of his eyes as he sets the coffee tray down and leaves the room when Ignis is safely in it. ]
If you'd call the avoidance of catching your death of cold a "service"...
[ their bedroom isn't far off, so he's back quickly with a change of clothes. when he re-enters the study, he makes sure to close the door before he lies the fresh garments onto the couch for easy access. ]
I'm assuming that you won't be leaving the house for the rest of the evening.
[ the clothes he chose are casual - good for house-lounging and resting rather than socializing. ]
[Ignis chuckles softly when he hears the tone of voice he knows as often being paired with a roll of the eyes, and goes on to continue disrobing in Steven's absence by getting rid of his shoes, belt and tie. He waits until he hears the sound of the lock latching before starting to unbutton his shirt, shaking his head in response.]
No, no. I'm yours for the evening, for better or for worse.
[He's aware that he's been rather quiet as company goes the last day or so.]
[ there's some relief in his voice, not only for Ignis' sake, but also for his own. he already feels more at ease now that his partner is here, and he knows that they'll be able to take solace in each other's company.
for now, however, his focus is on making sure that said partner is warm and dry. he'd be lying if he didn't catch a glance at him disrobing, but any temptations that stem from that are willfully pushed aside. now isn't the time. ]
Any time. [ he pauses, and the exhale he lets out is a bit pensive. ] Though... if I may be honest, I was hoping you would come home early today.
[ not that he would have been any less attentive if he was at the Hearth for the entire day, but he's just glad that they're together now rather than later. ]
[He raises an eyebrow as he glances in Steven's direction, midway through putting on dry trousers, reaching for his shirt immediately afterwards. He's gotten quite good at managing such mundane tasks by feel alone, but he's still quite grateful that Steven had kindly brought him fresh clothes so that he hadn't had to go fumbling for them on his own.
He smiles grimly in reply, shaking his head a bit.]
... I thought it best. Don't think I haven't noticed you've been rather on-edge lately. I thought perhaps a quiet afternoon at home would do us both some good.
[ though he no longer immediately jumps to help Ignis, he does move the garment so that it's slightly more within his reach. it's the little things that make a difference at this point, though Steven makes certain that his partner has plenty of room to exercise independence.
knowing that there's no hiding his emotions from Ignis, he smiles wryly. he knows that he's right. ]
Storms like these bring back less than pleasant memories.
[ but of course, this isn't all about him. there's another reason why he's glad Ignis is here. ]
I know that today in particular is much the same for you.
[It's only a small bit of assistance, but the sentiment behind it is appreciated all the same, just as Ignis appreciates how good Steven has been about letting him do most things for himself. It's a delicate balance at times, but they've done well finding their rhythm together. He dresses quickly, managing to keep his fumbling to a minimum.
He's reminded of the memory Steven had shared with him some time ago, and lets out a soft nose of assent before nodding. Yes, he recalls.]
I had thought that might be the case. I haven't forgotten what you shared with me.
[A beat of silence as he finishes dressing, lowering himself to sit on the leather sofa in the moments that follow. He smiles faintly, bittersweet.]
There are some anniversaries that aren't worth celebrating, but cannot be ignored, I'm afraid. I look forward to its passing.
[ he sighs as he sits down carefully next to Ignis, but not before taking their respective hot drinks in hand. he offers Ignis his coffee, taking a sip of his tea to help clear his head. he won't talk about it if Ignis doesn't want to, but there doesn't seem to be any objection so far. ]
Porom seemed concerned for everyone. [ a beat. ] So am I.
[ it's a somber day for everyone involved, to say the least. not only did it mark the fall of a city, but the deaths of many. ]
[Ignis offers a nod of thanks, accepting his coffee as gracefully as possible, helping himself to a long, measured sip. The warmth is especially welcome after being soaked through, and it helps to chase away some of the chill left behind by the rain, though the temperature in the room is still questionable due to the overall mood of the house.]
Not yet. I don't know that I will. There are a number of people in this house who did not survive that day.
[It's even more painful for them than it is for him, he knows.]
Should they wish to speak of it, then of course I would be amenable to doing so, but... I leave whether or not they wish to revisit such things up to them.
[He appreciates the standing offer, as well as the relative closeness— Ignis wastes little time in moving his own hand to rest atop Steven's, his thumb brushing against his knuckles.]
No doubt we're all doing our fair share of that. It's hard not to think back to that day, when we didn't quite know what we were walking away from. I had suspected that the ambassadors from Niflheim would be disingenuous, but I never imagined...
[He trails off before shaking his head, curling his fingers over Steven's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.]
Thank you. You know mine is always open to you, as well, whatever you may feel the need to share.
I imagine it's a reality that no one wanted to entertain.
[ he's heard the story from Ignis' perspective, and can't imagine how hard it was on everyone involved. everyone lost their home, loved ones, and hope for the future... it's bleak, to say the least.
he keeps their hands together, not wanting to move. ]
I know. Thank you. [ he smiles softly, then looks to the window of the study, where the rain is pounding onto the glass. ] This weather always puts me in a reflective state of mind... but I'll be fine.
[Ignis lets out a soft 'mm' in response before shaking his head, just once.]
None of us were willing to think on it for long, but I suspect His Majesty always knew.
[He'd been ready. That was exactly why he'd sent them away when he did, Ignis was sure. Their hands remain joined, and Ignis gently tugs Steven just a bit closer, encouraging him to relax so that they might recline together. It's a small and simple thing, but offers a comfort unlike any other, intimate and full of quiet understanding.]
I imagine that won't change for quite some time— I was concerned about you when I went out into the storm this morning.
[They both know there's no changing the past, but sometimes, knowing that does little to help.]
If that's true, how do you feel about him keeping it to himself?
[ he isn't leading him into an answer - it's an honest question. Steven enjoys Regis' company and respects him as a wise leader, but doesn't know him well as a person. whatever Ignis' answer is, he doesn't think that opinion will change. ]
I hope it will, eventually. [ he does relax, curling up against him when prompted. he feels protected when they lie together like this, especially when his emotions are what's feeling particularly vulnerable. he finds himself smiling at his words, though. ] You should have spared some of that concern for yourself.
[It's an answer that Ignis himself has given thought to on multiple occasions, and even so, he's not quite sure how he feels. There's a pause as he considers it once more, before offering:]
There is no doubt in my mind that the King did what he thought was best. I have never questioned that. He's always been dedicated, compassionate. He did what he thought was best for Lucis— I cannot begrudge him the fact that it was not enough.
[It's entirely possible that nothing ever would have been.
He curls an arm around Steven as they recline, falling into a comfortable sprawl that they've taken refuge in countless times before. He smiles faintly at Steven's observation, followed by a soft chuckle.]
Perhaps. You know better than most that I've never been very good at that.
[He's come to know Ignis incredibly well over the last year and a half, after all, and Ignis has always had a difficult time putting himself first.]
[ it's not the first time that they've laid together like this in a pensive manner, and Steven doubts it will be the last. simply taking solace in each other's presence seems to put both of them at ease, and it's something that he's eternally grateful to have. ]
That I do. [ he cracks a smile of his own. ] But you know I'll always have your best interests in mind, even if you don't.
[Ignis bows his head enough to press a grateful kiss against the top of Steven's. That, among so many other things, is part of why they're so well-suited to one another. Ignis can't imagine that he ever would have been able to have much of a life with anyone who didn't remind him to slow down every once in awhile and enjoy it, or otherwise take care of himself.]
You're always looking after me. With everyone else, that's my job.
[He's grateful. Even if he doesn't say so explicitly, the warmth of his tone does.]
[ the feeling of Ignis' lips on any part of his body warms him, though in this context it's undoubtedly platonic. it makes him want to stay like this for as long as he can, to make sure that his partner stays close to him. he exhales softly, letting his eyes fall shut to enjoy the moment. ]
You deserve to have someone in your corner. Incredible as you may be, everyone needs some form of support.
[ there isn't a hint of teasing in his words - he really does think Ignis is incredible, through and through. ]
I'm more than glad to play that role for you - it's my honour and privilige.
[He lets out a soft chuckle, both flattered by Steven's appraisal of him and too humble to eagerly agree, but he further shows his thanks by gently tightening his embrace, hugging Steven against his chest. The week has been a trying one for the both of them, but these quiet moments together always make everything else seem so much easier to deal with, simply because of the fact that they have one another.]
Just don't forget to allow me to do the same.
[There's a small part of him that's been concerned about their relationship becoming uneven since the loss of his sight, though he's made every effort to lead as normal a life as possible since then. There's no denying that he needs Steven for more than just emotional support from time to time.]
I won't. You always do an excellent job of reminding me.
[ he feels safe in Ignis' hold, making the uncertainty of the moment just a bit easier to bear through. after everything they've been through together, the list of things that could keep them apart feels short. ]
I love you, too. [ he leans up, dropping a soft kiss to his neck for lack of a better angle. ] And I always will.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
as for the residents of Eos that occupy the house, he knows that today is a particularly somber day. Iris had informed him of it this morning, and he has full intention of speaking about it to Ignis once he's back home. he perks up substantially from the reading he's doing when he hears a knock at the door, followed by a smile as he hears the voice that goes along with it. ]
You're in luck...
[ unfortunately, his momentary joy is interrupted by the fact that his poor partner is dripping. the wild storm hasn't done him any favours, and while he's thankful for the cup in the takeaway tray that he knows is his, that isn't going to stop him from scolding. ]
Did you not bring an umbrella this morning? [ his tongue clicks disapprovingly as he approaches, pushing a strand of wet hair away from his face when he's close enough. there aren't many people that Steven fusses over, but Ignis is a major recipient. ] I could have easily came to pick you up...
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I had one on the way in, but—
[This part is admittedly embarrassing, but if he's going to tell anyone, it should be Steven.]
I may have misplaced it at some point during the day and was unable to locate it before leaving.
[It would have been simple enough to ask any one of his staff members to help him look for it, but of course, Ignis Scientia is still too proud to ask for aid sometimes, even this many months after his initial injury.]
I didn't want to put you through the trouble. It's not a long walk— you needn't worry.
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he lets out a sigh of his own before letting his fingertips trace his jawline, leaning in for a short, soft kiss. it's warranted after a long day, and they probably both need it on this particular one. ]
You're never trouble for me, and I'll always worry. You know that.
[ he manages a small smile before he slips their hands into a hold to lead him into the study, while the other takes the takeaway coffee tray out of his hands. ]
Come in and get comfortable. I'll get you some dry clothes.
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Alright, alright— yes, dear.
[His smile is just a bit more genuine for a moment as he replies cheekily, and for a moment, he almost forgets what today is. He moves towards the sofa from memory, though rather than sitting down, he begins to shed his soaked jacket— he'll ruin the leather upholstery if he doesn't change first.]
What excellent service.
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If you'd call the avoidance of catching your death of cold a "service"...
[ their bedroom isn't far off, so he's back quickly with a change of clothes. when he re-enters the study, he makes sure to close the door before he lies the fresh garments onto the couch for easy access. ]
I'm assuming that you won't be leaving the house for the rest of the evening.
[ the clothes he chose are casual - good for house-lounging and resting rather than socializing. ]
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No, no. I'm yours for the evening, for better or for worse.
[He's aware that he's been rather quiet as company goes the last day or so.]
Thank you for your assistance, love.
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[ there's some relief in his voice, not only for Ignis' sake, but also for his own. he already feels more at ease now that his partner is here, and he knows that they'll be able to take solace in each other's company.
for now, however, his focus is on making sure that said partner is warm and dry. he'd be lying if he didn't catch a glance at him disrobing, but any temptations that stem from that are willfully pushed aside. now isn't the time. ]
Any time. [ he pauses, and the exhale he lets out is a bit pensive. ] Though... if I may be honest, I was hoping you would come home early today.
[ not that he would have been any less attentive if he was at the Hearth for the entire day, but he's just glad that they're together now rather than later. ]
no subject
[He raises an eyebrow as he glances in Steven's direction, midway through putting on dry trousers, reaching for his shirt immediately afterwards. He's gotten quite good at managing such mundane tasks by feel alone, but he's still quite grateful that Steven had kindly brought him fresh clothes so that he hadn't had to go fumbling for them on his own.
He smiles grimly in reply, shaking his head a bit.]
... I thought it best. Don't think I haven't noticed you've been rather on-edge lately. I thought perhaps a quiet afternoon at home would do us both some good.
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knowing that there's no hiding his emotions from Ignis, he smiles wryly. he knows that he's right. ]
Storms like these bring back less than pleasant memories.
[ but of course, this isn't all about him. there's another reason why he's glad Ignis is here. ]
I know that today in particular is much the same for you.
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He's reminded of the memory Steven had shared with him some time ago, and lets out a soft nose of assent before nodding. Yes, he recalls.]
I had thought that might be the case. I haven't forgotten what you shared with me.
[A beat of silence as he finishes dressing, lowering himself to sit on the leather sofa in the moments that follow. He smiles faintly, bittersweet.]
There are some anniversaries that aren't worth celebrating, but cannot be ignored, I'm afraid. I look forward to its passing.
no subject
Porom seemed concerned for everyone. [ a beat. ] So am I.
[ it's a somber day for everyone involved, to say the least. not only did it mark the fall of a city, but the deaths of many. ]
Have you spoken to anyone else about it?
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Not yet. I don't know that I will. There are a number of people in this house who did not survive that day.
[It's even more painful for them than it is for him, he knows.]
Should they wish to speak of it, then of course I would be amenable to doing so, but... I leave whether or not they wish to revisit such things up to them.
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That may be for the best. [ he takes a short sip of his tea. ] It feels like a day for reflection.
[ he knows there isn't much that he can do besides offer verbal support, but he knows that it can mean more than just a platitude if sincere. ]
Still, you know my ear is open for you.
[ just as it was on that fateful night; that has never changed. ]
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No doubt we're all doing our fair share of that. It's hard not to think back to that day, when we didn't quite know what we were walking away from. I had suspected that the ambassadors from Niflheim would be disingenuous, but I never imagined...
[He trails off before shaking his head, curling his fingers over Steven's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.]
Thank you. You know mine is always open to you, as well, whatever you may feel the need to share.
no subject
[ he's heard the story from Ignis' perspective, and can't imagine how hard it was on everyone involved. everyone lost their home, loved ones, and hope for the future... it's bleak, to say the least.
he keeps their hands together, not wanting to move. ]
I know. Thank you. [ he smiles softly, then looks to the window of the study, where the rain is pounding onto the glass. ] This weather always puts me in a reflective state of mind... but I'll be fine.
no subject
None of us were willing to think on it for long, but I suspect His Majesty always knew.
[He'd been ready. That was exactly why he'd sent them away when he did, Ignis was sure. Their hands remain joined, and Ignis gently tugs Steven just a bit closer, encouraging him to relax so that they might recline together. It's a small and simple thing, but offers a comfort unlike any other, intimate and full of quiet understanding.]
I imagine that won't change for quite some time— I was concerned about you when I went out into the storm this morning.
[They both know there's no changing the past, but sometimes, knowing that does little to help.]
no subject
[ he isn't leading him into an answer - it's an honest question. Steven enjoys Regis' company and respects him as a wise leader, but doesn't know him well as a person. whatever Ignis' answer is, he doesn't think that opinion will change. ]
I hope it will, eventually. [ he does relax, curling up against him when prompted. he feels protected when they lie together like this, especially when his emotions are what's feeling particularly vulnerable. he finds himself smiling at his words, though. ] You should have spared some of that concern for yourself.
no subject
There is no doubt in my mind that the King did what he thought was best. I have never questioned that. He's always been dedicated, compassionate. He did what he thought was best for Lucis— I cannot begrudge him the fact that it was not enough.
[It's entirely possible that nothing ever would have been.
He curls an arm around Steven as they recline, falling into a comfortable sprawl that they've taken refuge in countless times before. He smiles faintly at Steven's observation, followed by a soft chuckle.]
Perhaps. You know better than most that I've never been very good at that.
[He's come to know Ignis incredibly well over the last year and a half, after all, and Ignis has always had a difficult time putting himself first.]
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That I do. [ he cracks a smile of his own. ] But you know I'll always have your best interests in mind, even if you don't.
[ that's what couples do, after all. ]
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[Ignis bows his head enough to press a grateful kiss against the top of Steven's. That, among so many other things, is part of why they're so well-suited to one another. Ignis can't imagine that he ever would have been able to have much of a life with anyone who didn't remind him to slow down every once in awhile and enjoy it, or otherwise take care of himself.]
You're always looking after me. With everyone else, that's my job.
[He's grateful. Even if he doesn't say so explicitly, the warmth of his tone does.]
no subject
You deserve to have someone in your corner. Incredible as you may be, everyone needs some form of support.
[ there isn't a hint of teasing in his words - he really does think Ignis is incredible, through and through. ]
I'm more than glad to play that role for you - it's my honour and privilige.
no subject
Just don't forget to allow me to do the same.
[There's a small part of him that's been concerned about their relationship becoming uneven since the loss of his sight, though he's made every effort to lead as normal a life as possible since then. There's no denying that he needs Steven for more than just emotional support from time to time.]
I love you.
no subject
[ he feels safe in Ignis' hold, making the uncertainty of the moment just a bit easier to bear through. after everything they've been through together, the list of things that could keep them apart feels short. ]
I love you, too. [ he leans up, dropping a soft kiss to his neck for lack of a better angle. ] And I always will.