[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.
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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.]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
[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.