calcitrants | IC INBOX [ERKU]

I'm going to tell Noctis you're secretly a big softie.

[As if he doesn't already know. McGillis sheds his shirt with a put upon sigh, draws Ignis to his exposed chest and guides his fingers to that fragile spot—just over his heart. Monstrous nature or otherwise, it beats the same as any other man. Slow and relaxed as he smiles somewhat hazily.]

And maybe I have. I need to keep up with my dutiful instructor, after all.

[Weapons were awfully hard work. Especially the kind that weren't giant and golden.]

Noctis knows. This secret is just for you, too.

[ he's sliding his arm around him, a hand smoothing up his back as he rests his cheek on his chest, over his steadily beating heart.

proof that no matter what monstrous things mcgillis does, he's still human. ignis feels a pang of sadness when he remembers what mcgillis had said to him about his death, and he squeezes him tighter. ]

Stay. All day and through the night. I want you with me.

...I truly am sorry.

[For many things. For the lives lost, for the pain of his prince, for his own loss. But also because...]

I don't know how to love you. Truthfully, I'm not sure I ever learned at all.

[ ignis is quiet for a few moments, looking up at him. the words are bittersweet, making his heart ache.

he reaches up to cup his cheek then. oh, mcgillis. the sweet, tender man underneath that dangerous devil of one, someone who's lost, who has always had to fight and hurt others to survive. ]

But you do. And you have. All of these things you've done for me, with me, the exceptions you've made. [ has he not noticed? that he was so willing to be a listening ear, to make breakfast, that mcgillis has already opened himself to him knowing that he could be hurt but still trusting him anyway. ignis sees all these, and loves him for it. gods, he loves him, and he shouldn't. it won't end well. ]

What you've given me is enough. I will not press for more.

[No point arguing with the man over it. Maybe he hadn't been loved all his life, maybe it really was just youthful affairs and meaningless trysts, but he at least had known the love of his prince and embraced it. Gaelio was such a complicated matter he wasn't even sure what to call it anymore. Absent seemed the more appropriate term, for how far they had drifted apart.

But that was his fault and Ignis wouldn't understand that either. So McGillis just nods and lets it go; if Ignis wanted to love him, no one could stop him. Least of all McGillis himself.]

I will stay with you.

[All day and all night and some time after that.]

[ noctis is special, he always has been -- ignis has loved him before he even understood what it meant, and he would give his life for him without question, whether it's to let it burn up as the price for changing noctis' destiny, or to follow him to his death. but as it turns out, he has room to spare for mcgillis too, in whatever form it may take.

he frowns briefly at that response, and wonders. ]

McGillis. Talk to me. What are you thinking about?

[Good gods, this man was persistent. But McGillis was equally so and more than willing to resist.]

Tossing you on the back of my scooter and eloping to the nearest moon. It can fly, you know.

[ yes, well. bite him. ignis nudges him onto his back so that he can rest his chin on his chest, thus unceremoniously using him as a ridiculously gorgeous manpillow. skeptically: ]

Does that line work on people a lot, or are you trying this out for the first time?

[ remember when you said it to him before? he's doing it to you now, mcgillis. ]

So you don't want to marry me then?

[Deflection master right here. Although teasing Ignis was awfully fun, so he doesn't mind doing it for its own sake—or finding any excuse he can to hold him close, like now.]

You're terribly frustrating when you're deflecting. You do know that, right?

[ but ignis will allow it because it's fun to tease mcgillis right back, and he's smiling because the general can be witty when he wants to be. he presses a brief kiss over his heart, shaking his head with a soft smile. ]

Besides, I demand a lot from my husbands. I doubt you'd want that.

Well, naturally, you'd be one small part of a much bigger harem. And you'd all fight for my favor and I'd sit back and sip wine and watch.

[Is he joking? He must be joking... he's probably joking. He has to be joking, right?]

[ HE'S DEFINITELY JOKING. ignis just laughs, then leans over to press soft kisses over his chest, where he'd left those bruises and bites, a reminder of when he'd made him come just by playing with him here, here, and oh, here, too...

green eyes becoming more knowing, almost a little predatory. ]

Try again.

Uh...

[Don't show submission! Don't look in his eyes! You are the endgame antagonist, not this absurdly handsome hero with the super hot lips!]

I suppose we could switch roles on occasion. I might find such an arrangement amenable.

[...oops. Didn't last too long there.]

[ STOP BEING SO CUTE it's distracting. and it makes ignis want to lovingly bully you more, mr sexy endgame antagonist. ]

Maybe. But I might end up accidentally eliminating most of your harem when it's my turn.

[ ..."accidentally", he says. never try to compete with ignis scientia. ] And I feel like you might with mine, too.

[ never compete with mcgillis fareed, either. it's like trying to outswim a shark with bloody steaks strapped to your ankles. ]

...you are most definitely feeling better.

[Also the idea of Ignis beating up a bunch of other dudes to win his affections was kind of hot but he's not willing to entertain that idea right now so he just gingerly plucks his mouth a safe distance away and settles in to cuddle definitively for the next... however many hours. Schedules are vague here, since he already promised all day and all night.]

At least rest your eyes for a bit. Then we'll see about belated breakfast in bed.

It's your fault.

[ but ignis settles in and closes his eyes -- it's most definitely thanks to mcgillis, and not his fault, but ignis is exhausted and mcgillis is such a good cuddler that it takes only seconds for him to simply relax and nuzzle into him, seeking out the safety in his arms.

drowsily, after a couple of minutes, he murmurs. ] Remind me to talk to you... about the viability of McGillis Fareed full-length body pillows.

[ what is he talking about? dumb half-asleep stuff, that's what. but he's asleep in record time, and for the next five, six hours, roughly. ignis starts to stir awake after, comfortable and warm and reaching for him. ]

[The bad news: Ignis winds up reaching for a warm blanket.

The good news: there was the pleasant smell of food drifting from the kitchen, eggs and bacon and toast and all of the rudimentary things McGillis tended to demand whenever he stayed the night. All of that generous culinary attention, finally paid forward. And that smell was so pleasant, in fact, it seems nothing had even been burned. Not even a single blasted frittata.

The best news: just as promised, McGillis brings a hot plate to Ignis in bed. Sorry for the switcheroo with the sheets, your faux boyfriend has returned.]

As timely as ever, Ignis.

[Leaning over to peck him on the forehead, he hands him a glass of juice.]

How are you faring? No hangovers, I hope?

[ breakfast in bed. mcgillis seriously delivered on breakfast in bed -- ignis blinks blearily, a low grade headache settling in the back of his head but it's nothing he can't handle. ]

It's all right. It's usually much worse if it's hard liquor.

[ the smell of eggs and bacon is delicious, as if the sight of his faux boyfriend coming in with a tray of it. leaning up to accept the kiss and the juice with a sleepy smile, he pats the bed beside him. come back here. ]

It looks and smells heavenly, thank you. I'm almost convinced you burning the frittatas was a lie.

[ then he glances around. ] Where's your breakfast?

[Waving him off:]

Not to worry, I already plowed through your entire stock of pancake batter.

[And that was no joke. McGillis really could eat him out of house and home, if he put his impressive stomach to it.

McGillis props up the woozy Ignis and fluffs his pillows behind his head. A kindly gesture but also that of a man who was very much accustomed to playing host himself. He knows how to make guests feel welcome and in this case he knows how to make his host feel appreciated—something that was coming to define their surprisingly healthy relationship.]

There's plenty more on the counter, I'll fetch it if you want seconds.

[And yes, he absolutely will sink back down and sling an affectionate arm around his companion. No need to convince him otherwise.]

Good. I was wondering if you'd like those.

[ ignis has always kept pancake batter handy -- noctis tends to like it from time to time, but of late he had made extra batter just in case, feeling comfortable enough in this house to want to cater for the people he hosts. ]

Did you like them with butter, fresh cream or syrup?

[ he pulls him close when he gets in, making an approving noise when he takes a bite of his eggs and bacon. delicious -- mcgillis is a gifted learner, after all. ]

You really are a lovely, thoughtful man. [ and it's clear ignis is savouring it, genuinely appreciative of mcgillis' impeccable efforts. another bite, before he spears some on his fork and offers the mouthful to him. ]

Come, have some. I almost feel like a guest in my own home, now.

Everything.

[Probably not helpful but it was nonetheless the truth—his preferences weren't particularly strong. An obvious holdover from too much time spent on the streets.

McGillis noses back at Ignis, massaging soothing circles over his arm with his fingers. Hard to imagine this was the same man who ruined so many lives and caused so much destruction, but perhaps it was true, they really did bring out the best in each other. Politely declining the fork with a shake of his head, he keeps close watch over his companion. Almost hawkish.]

We should... you should take it easy today. You're still exhausted.

[Something tells him that won't happen, though.]

I'll be sure to have plenty in stock in the fridge.

[ he will have to ask for a few milk-giving cows, and very soon. wrapping an arm around him and keeping mcgillis nestled close while he eats neatly with the other hand. he's smiling faintly, because they do bring out the best in each other (arguably), and ignis really likes what he's brought out in mcgillis even though it seems like mcgillis brings out the bossy, headstrong gremlin in him.

even so. ignis treasures the affectionate, caring side of him -- after all, no matter what mcgillis has done, he's still very much human.

he finishes up nice and clean, almost disappointed there isn't more on his plate after the last bite. and when he wipes his mouth neatly, he's tugging him in for a proper thank-you kiss, right smack on the lips. sorry, you need to suffer this too. ]

I enjoyed it thoroughly. Thank you. You must've been a fine sight, cooking in the kitchen.

[ and ignis regrets not being awake to see it, even if it doesn't stop him imagining things. innocently, he adds: ] Do I get dessert?

[ he doesn't mean food. and this is also him entirely ignoring the 'take it easy' bit because clearly you were addressing someone else with that, sir. ]

[Innocent his thick ass. McGillis' eyes just about roll up and into the ceiling.]

You are not licking anything edible off my chest. But I'll get you another plate, if you ask nicely.

[Ignis' stamina was seriously impressive, matched only by his own. Even Gaelio begged for a break every so often, but Ignis was younger and perhaps more impulsive in that regard. Maybe he really was getting older or maybe it was just part of what allowed Ignis to protect his prince so well: an endless reserve of energy, able to be activated when necessary. Or desired.]

And I know it wasn't all that impressive, though I appreciate that. You are indeed an excellent host.

[Which was what every host loved to hear.]

[ what's the point of another plate if he can't eat it off his chest? but ignis moves on, already distracted by that comment. did he really think it wasn't that impressive? ]

It's the first time someone's made breakfast for me in bed.

[ the response is matter-of-fact, objective. ignis has never really expected it to be done for him, and as with his previous trysts, he would never have stayed till morning. there was simply too much to be done in the citadel. and while he really does appreciate mcgillis' praise, he wants mcgillis to understand that what he had done is important to him, that it matters.

(well, it's probably true that they do bring out the best in each other, after all.)

and anyway, the reason for ignis' near boundless stamina is definitely a mix of all four reasons, with one important inclusion: the stimulating visual of that magnificent man standing over a stove making breakfast. he'd seen porn movies that were much less sexy.

then, because he knows mcgillis would probably get embarrassed and deflect again, he follows it up with a mischievous: ] What if I licked your chest instead?

[Honestly, this man... did he ever spare a moment to think for himself? It's almost sad the way he says it, even it's just a silly thing, even if it's such a simple request. Although he can admire his practicality and pragmatism—he was cut from much the same cloth—this world had taught him the importance of treating himself like a person. Not just a cog in a machine.

McGillis sighs yet again, sharp enough to see where this was going. Laying a fond hand on Ignis' cheek and stroking the skin.]

Are you alright?

[Those drinks had long since worn off so it wasn't an issue of consent. But he wanted to make sure this was what he wanted, not just a byproduct of exhaustion.]

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