[A fair enough start, although it causes Itachi to reach back into memory and prod at tender wounds. He’s briefly silent; he hears nothing but Ignis’ footsteps and the passing scenery.]
It wasn’t a choice. If you refused it—a spiritual “Bond,” according to its natives—you’d eventually lose control of yourself. Either you would turn feral with animalistic rage, or you would die by an implosion of repressed energy. [He glances at Ignis, then away.]
The Bond was meant to balance this problem through a formal ceremony. The joining of a Monster and a Witch. I wasn’t special in these circumstances. A... family member also present in that dimension insisted on our union, so we formed a connection until he left. [NO BIG DEAL, ANYWAY.] Then I formed another out of necessity.
When close to someone else, physically and emotionally... [Itachi’s voice lowers, and he’s frowning again, seeming to change his words before he goes on.] Synchrony appears to be the most effective. I’m sure you have already heard as much from our benevolent hosts. In that way, it’s similar to the Bond.
[Did he even answer the question??? That was some vague shit, Itachi.]
but also ignis gets the broad strokes of the situation, although something comes up that bothers him: ] You were bonded physically and spiritually with a family member?
[ presented as neutrally as he can, because NO BIG DEAL. but anyway this is useful information -- somewhere out there in the vast, wide universe, there are worlds that adhere to some unseen set of rules as yet undiscovered by physicists in his own world.
so that's something. he reaches for his device and flicks it on, eyeing the manna count before setting it aside. as they reach the lobby of his apartment, ignis considers him thoughtfully. ]
[Sorry, this is who he is, and who he is still needs some work.]
Yes. [Itachi follows, stepping silently into the lobby and eyeing its corners as though to map every entrance and exit; this spatial model will stay in his head for the remainder of his stay as he learns the layout to Ignis' apartment. The better to escape as needed because he's a flighty asshole.] Only for a brief time.
[The next question is harder, and he's beginning to feel the pressure of attention singularly focused on himself—especially picking at vulnerable topics. He says shortly:] In a sense. Perhaps out of necessity, but it isn't an experience I seek out.
[Partially a lie when he considers a certain person in particular here with him. He steers his mind away from Stiles, carefully.]
Do you find it to be an easy adjustment? That your survival now depends on manna and emotional connection.
ignis supposes it's fair enough, he did just ask itachi something that digs deeper than the usual surface questions, and the man seems fiercely unused to talking about himself.
his fine brows knit contemplatively as the elevator takes them up. ]
No. [ he admits at last. it's evident that he's unsettled, even if he tries to hide it under that primly composed mask. ] Back in my world, we fought daemons and monsters of every shape and size to survive.
[ in other words, violence of every stripe. to switch gears suddenly from that to this, well. the elevator opens on the tenth floor, and ignis leads him to his door down the corridor. fourth door down, and he opens it to let him in. ]
But if I were continue to serve my prince here and provide, there's no choice but to be very good at it, very quickly.
[ that's as personal as it gets. well, more or less. ignis ignores his own feelings on the matter -- duty over all else; he doesn't actually know how to properly function otherwise. so maybe he needs some work, too. ]
[Distraction doesn't take hold of him often, but as he enters the other man's apartment, it strikes him then in the clean, gleaming surfaces of the interior. There's a sleek modernity here that was notably lacking in both Aefenglom and Hell. Itachi feels set apart from it as though he doesn't belong with these cool halls. Only when he realizes several moments have passed without a reply does he frown, head tipped, and walk in through the open door.
He toes off his shoes to the immediate left of the entrance.
Ignis has taste—if that was in doubt, it isn't any longer.]
Then you're more practical than many others. [Himself, in particular, at least in Aefenglom. Then again the stakes were different; it was only his own well-being that he neglected. Sasuke didn't need him.] ... And if your prince never arrives? Though I suppose you'll have to afford this luxury one way or another.
[ ignis notes the distraction and the subsequent frown. he doesn't actually know what villages in the land of fire entail, but he supposes it's markedly different from this. still, at least he enters. ]
Is that so? [ ignis doesn't miss that dry almost-joke that follows behind that practical question, and he can't help but huff a wry, brief chuckle. he likes that particular sense of humour, he finds. he hopes, with all his heart, that noctis finds his way here, but until then -- ]
I suppose I should start practicing in earnest. I'm accustomed to living rough, but having regular access to a shower has its merits.
[ he makes his way to the kitchen, gesturing for itachi to make himself at home. ] Do you have a particular favourite?
[The villages certainly didn’t have ceiling-to-floor windows, spotlights, or grass walls, to start.
Itachi tails his host to the kitchen, claiming one of the stools at the island. He perches on it as comfortably as a bird.]
I can’t imagine you’ll have difficulty.
[Not if what he’s seen so far of Ignis—as well as his own natural insight of people—is true. The way the man had initiated contact, had touched his hand and instinctively reached for the gem in his throat; surely he has intimate experience in spades. Itachi has had to learn all of that from the ground up, but he doubts it will ever become as seemingly effortless as Ignis manages.]
... I don’t. [He has likes, but he also can’t assume Ignis has the ingredients to whip anything up.] Whatever you decide is fine. What would you choose to make for your prince?
[ ...well, that's true. but at least there's a side-window for itachi to climb in at in/opportune times, if he wants.
ignis raises his brows briefly. if he were anyone else, he would have mistaken that observation for flattery. even so, he's reminded that his present companion, while quiet and relatively reticent, is also sharp as a blade and clearly sees more than he lets on. it's fascinating. ]
Perhaps. Although it has never been mandatory from an economics standpoint.
[ ignis muses. is that a little joke? maybe. he looks over at him thoughtfully, aware that he's probably asking this because he knows ignis would definitely have the ingredients for it. as a matter of fact, he already has that particular dessert waiting in the fridge from when he had been stress-baking.
clever man; ignis likes him more already. even so: ]
You're not asking that because you're fashioning a food trap for him, are you? [ he's already rooting around in the fridge. ] Are you sure you don't? You seem to have a sweet tooth.
[The remark—whether a joke or just a frank statement—is met with a downward tilt of Itachi’s head as if in subtle acknowledgment, his body slanting forward against the counter. He folds his arms neatly across its glossy surface, monochrome appearance fitting well into the monochromatic interior of Ignis’ apartment.]
Not at all. [He has more efficient means of trapping people, if he truly needs to do it.] So, because I enjoy tea that is sweet, you assume that applies to dessert?
[This time the low blade of his voice is lighter, toying with the other man’s words. Ignis must have a great deal of experience paying attention to what people consume and applying it to his cooking, as a chef. It makes sense.]
You aren’t incorrect, although I rarely have an opportunity to indulge. [Or allows himself to have those opportunities.] I have some preferences. Not many. I’m sure I’ll approve of your choices.
[ ignis is once again reminded that this man, perched like a bird on his chair, is remarkably dangerous the way a cobra is. reticent and almost amiable, but it is clear that he's here at ignis' table because he allows himself to be.
the knife-slide of the shinobi's quiet musing is curiously playful, and ignis smiles briefly as he heats up one of the pastries in the oven. out of all the people he's met so far, itachi is one of the most enigmatic and compelling ones, every bit of information dispensed with care, and that unexpected sense of humour. ]
An educated guess.
[ those dark, clever eyes hold a world of secrets, but for tonight, it seems that itachi is open to conversation. ignis contemplates his answer about the frequency of his dessert indulgences before asking: ]
[He watches the pastry go into the oven, although it isn't enough to evaluate the contents; soon the kitchen will smell sharp and sweet with its scent and he'll realize his own hunger, having forgone dinner.]
Why don't I indulge, or why do I have few preferences? [It comes so rarely that Itachi feels he's able to intellectually spar with another person; Ignis seems up to the task, even if their topics have strayed more personal so far. Perhaps that further reaffirms his decision to come home with him.] Or, perhaps, why do I think I’ll enjoy whatever you’ve made?
Edited (sorry, thought of another detail!) 2021-01-24 23:23 (UTC)
You can learn quite a bit about a person from the drink they order.
[ ignis says easily, which is why ignis has little doubt that itachi would favour the pastry. it's sweet but light, vanilla-custard with the tang of berries. but there's definitely more than he wants to learn about him -- how that sharp, intelligent mind works, for one. ]
But let's start with why you think you'll enjoy what I've made.
[ once the pastry is done, he plates the pastry with practiced efficiency, clearly taking pride in his food; more berries and fruit, with a dollop of fresh cream on the side.
he presents it to itachi, setting a fork neatly beside the plate. ignis would explain what it is, really, but he wants to see what his guest would make of it. ]
[With the pastry set before him, it's easy to admire the effort and care put into the plating arrangement alone—when was the last time he'd gone out of his way to consume something so elegantly constructed? The meals of high society hadn't appealed to him much in Aefenglom; in Hell, naturally, it was no priority. And before that was only survival.
Clearly, Ignis' skill is on display.]
I think I will enjoy it because I don't often indulge and I don't have many preferences.
[What a neat, tidy, roundabout little argument. Put a bow on it.]
How did you learn to cook?
[Using just his fingertips, Itachi slides the pastry closer to himself, picking up the fork by the stem as though selecting a tool after much consideration. He lets it hover for a moment, as if deciding where to take a bite first. Someone's a bit particular.]
You're putting a lot of faith in that. I could be a terrible cook.
[ no, he really isn't. but ignis finds himself wanting to tease itachi anyway. and possibly tug on that bow because that is such a crappy non-answer and you know it. ]
I suppose you won't find sharing your preferences objectionable?
[ gentle probing, and ignis allows his fastidiously particular guest his time to approach the innocent-looking fluffy pastry. he pauses for a moment, considering his answer. ]
I was self-taught, mostly. Learned from books, and through tasting several dishes. This pastry was the first thing I wanted to make, although I've never personally tried the original.
If your own confidence in your ability was misplaced, I’d reconsider trusting your judgment in other areas.
[Suffice to say: he doesn’t think Ignis possesses an overblown ego on the subject of his cooking skills. Someone in such a seemingly important position—multiple positions—can’t afford the conceit.
Anyway, fine. He’ll tell Ignis what he likes. This exercise in pulling-teeth finally pays off.]
... I enjoy things with bean pastes and rice. Mochi, dumplings. Dango. [Eminently Japanese, although Itachi doesn’t know the distinction coming from a weird ninja fantasy world.] I haven’t yet seen how the desserts of other dimensions might compare to what I’m familiar with.
[Itachi slices the pastry with the tines of the fork, bringing it to his lips with some of the sweet cream—and eats it carefully with a small nod of his head.]
It’s good. [That’s a stamp of approval.] Why was it the first you wanted to make?
[ ignis is aware of what itachi's listed, even if he hasn't had much occasion to make them. they're sweet snacks, light on the palate and require a degree of skill to make well. unaware of the eminently japanese nature of it thanks to coming from an equally weird final fantasy world that seems determined to blur the lines of every nation possible, he makes careful note of it. ]
I'm quite familiar with what you've mentioned, although I haven't had the occasion to make them up until now. Would the sweets in the tea shop count?
[ oh, this is exciting. he could make something new. a recipe moment! but of course, itachi seems determined to extract his pound of flesh with that wildly personal question. still, the fact that itachi seems approving of what he's made pleases him enough to answer: ]
My prince wanted to eat it again. [ it's really that simple; the dish that launched a thousand delicious dishes. ] He tried it once, but couldn't make out its ingredients. And so I learned how to bake, in order to replicate what he tasted.
[ and he can never forget how noctis smiled, the first time he cooked for him. ]
[There is something about the relationship, in the way Ignis describes the pastry diligently crafted for his prince through extreme effort and consideration. While Itachi had some glimpse into an idea, this further confirms it—the intensity of Ignis’ fealty to this person is an aspect of his identity. It is rooted in his essence. They may not carry the same blood, but the bond nonetheless speaks to a depth far from ordinary.
Itachi’s eyes lower to his plate as he slices off another delicate corner of pastry and brings it to his mouth.
This man learned how to bake, because his prince wanted to eat something specific. A life in service—no one expected anything else. The burning tug of envy he feels then is real and distracting, so he pushes it away.]
I haven’t tried the sweets at the shop, but they appeared well made. There is also a bakery on Summer Way that seems to occasionally sell dango. [He quietly takes another bite of the pastry, and another, finishing it off in silence. Then he lays down the fork with a clink of metal on porcelain.] I appreciate your courtesy. You’re clearly skilled, and though I don’t consider your earlier behavior a true indiscretion, I shouldn’t take up any more of your time tonight.
[ ignis makes note of the bakery on summer way -- he supposes he should sample it, see if he can replicate its flavour. but speaking of courtesy, ignis tilts his head briefly at his words. ]
I must admit, I was quite enjoying your company, so perhaps the offer is not as altruistic as I've made it out to be.
[ itachi's company is far from imposing, even if the man's sealed more tightly than nifleheim's most secure facilities. there is something about him that fascinates ignis. and look, here he is, circling back to the question that itachi never answered: ]
Were the lack of opportunities when it comes to indulging in sweets more due to external factors, or were they self-imposed?
[It's difficult to reconcile that admittance. While he knows he hasn't demonstrated poor company during their conversation throughout the evening, he can't see what it is that Ignis may be enjoying - the touch-and-go of topics, information not easily yielded, tends to put most off. Or perhaps he's just not accustomed to strangers having a positive first impression of him. Even in previous dimensions, it hadn't often happened.
Ignis doesn't let him take the polite out. Dark eyes angle down to the kitchen island, its glossy surface reflecting the outline of his face. Does he tell the truth? Does he want to?]
Moderation is important. In most cases, I simply didn't make an effort to seek those indulgences. [Self-imposition? It was possible, but not something he consciously decided. As a child he was too busy; as an adult, it was not important.] … And yes. Lack of opportunity played a role as well. The Land of Fire is mostly wilderness.
[He turns a sharp gaze on to the other man, deliberate now.]
[ that question, so bluntly and plainly asked, gives ignis pause. it seems like they're both unaccustomed to a lot of things about each other in this particular encounter -- never has ignis come across someone so closed off and private, and yet who also possesses an undercurrent of so much more underneath that outward reticence.
he has to think about his response for a moment before he answers, just as deliberate. ]
This seems rare, for you.
[ although he supposes it's not surprising for someone who has been accustomed to violence since he was barely out of diapers. ] But yes, I am. I've never met anyone like you before.
[Someone else might feel special, or seen, at the man's considerate - genuine - words. Itachi is not one of them. His otherness has been known to him since he was a child, and it's never served as anything more than a negative division between him and his peers. Not in any sense that he feels upset for himself, except in a form of distant, objective dislike for his own existence, but he's accustomed to being different.
It doesn't surprise him that Ignis has picked up on that; more remarkable is his willingness not only to point it out, but also pursue further conversation in light of it. Curiosity. He can't deny he feels the same toward this man. There's an undeniable draw to that cool, logical, charismatic personality, something he imagines Ignis uses to sway many. He only suspects that, should any of his own secrets gradually become unpeeled, he will face either abrupt rejection or a kind of detached pity - like someone watching an animal struggle in thorns, who cannot share its pain but feels badly the animal has to endure it nonetheless. It isn't something he would ever blame them for.
He decides not to respond to the first comment, knowing the lack of answer should confirm it well enough. Itachi can feel himself beginning to shutter against the direct scrutiny.]
When faced with something very different than what is familiar, it's natural to feel curious. Many of us come from strange places, with unique histories. [Wow, look at how deflective he's being now. His eyes pointedly lower.] It's getting late. I should leave.
[ itachi imagines correctly, that ignis is accustomed to making use of whatever he's been given -- whether it's weapons, his considerable abilities, intelligence or personality -- to achieve his goals. it's only fortunate that he isn't inclined towards any measure of malignant selfishness, and that he, in fact, is quite genuine when it comes to appreciating this man's company.
he picks up on that deflection but calls no further attention to it -- the pointed lack of answer is answer enough for him, and ignis is not rude enough to push itachi into something he doesn't intend to address. after all, he can feel it, the nearly imperceptible signs that this has gone on long enough. which makes him wonder just what it is that he does, that any attention on him is undesired. like a ghost, he supposes, or a shadow -- something that cannot abide the light. ]
Yes, of course. My apologies for keeping you. [ ignis inclines his head with a small smile, ever the courteous host. he's shifting, intending to walk him to the door. ] Thank you for your time this evening.
[Ignis’ intention to walk him to the door is noticed, but not followed. His eyes are on the nearest window, off from the kitchen in a small nook area, as an opportunity presents itself to him. He draws himself away from the island counter and heads in that direction, deft fingers prying open the wide slat of glass.
A humid evening breeze blows in, stirring the hair around his cheeks. He steps away from it to fetch his shoes from the door, then returns, all without comment to Ignis. Once ready, he swings his weight over the black-barred ledge and drops down onto the flat concrete roof in one graceful movement.]
If it isn’t an inconvenience, this will be faster for me.
[Yes, he’s about to scale down the fucking building, like a weirdo.]
[ ...so this is certainly one of the strangest things he's ever experienced. ignis doesn't comment either, not even when itachi so neatly picks up his shoes and climbs out his window like he's been climbing out windows and scaling buildings all his life like batman.
he's actually not entirely sure what to make of this, only that this weirdness has pretty much sealed ignis' interest in this strange, oddly beautiful man. he steps toward the window, a hand on the sill. he's aware that itachi's skilled, but it doesn't stop him from being concerned anyway. ]
Do be careful. [ he finally chooses to say, as if grown men climb out his window every night after dessert. ] I should like to see you again, if you're amenable.
[And he has, in fact, been scaling buildings the majority of his life.
When Ignis approaches the window, his head tilts up, black eyes studying the man caught in those last shreds of daylight. Glasses, meticulous appearance, the elegant set of a jaw - all of these details seemed a little more defined in the backwash of a late, golden sunset. He realizes he's looking a bit too long and turns to confront the drop down to the street. Preferable: an action to affix his mind.
Ignis is asking to see him again. How strange.]
… Yes. Perhaps another time.
[Then, with his attention over the sheer lip of the building, Itachi pools chakra into his feet and legs and makes the leap. He's gone just like that - a vanishing shadow into the dark below.]
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It wasn’t a choice. If you refused it—a spiritual “Bond,” according to its natives—you’d eventually lose control of yourself. Either you would turn feral with animalistic rage, or you would die by an implosion of repressed energy. [He glances at Ignis, then away.]
The Bond was meant to balance this problem through a formal ceremony. The joining of a Monster and a Witch. I wasn’t special in these circumstances. A... family member also present in that dimension insisted on our union, so we formed a connection until he left. [NO BIG DEAL, ANYWAY.] Then I formed another out of necessity.
When close to someone else, physically and emotionally... [Itachi’s voice lowers, and he’s frowning again, seeming to change his words before he goes on.] Synchrony appears to be the most effective. I’m sure you have already heard as much from our benevolent hosts. In that way, it’s similar to the Bond.
[Did he even answer the question??? That was some vague shit, Itachi.]
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but also ignis gets the broad strokes of the situation, although something comes up that bothers him: ] You were bonded physically and spiritually with a family member?
[ presented as neutrally as he can, because NO BIG DEAL. but anyway this is useful information -- somewhere out there in the vast, wide universe, there are worlds that adhere to some unseen set of rules as yet undiscovered by physicists in his own world.
so that's something. he reaches for his device and flicks it on, eyeing the manna count before setting it aside. as they reach the lobby of his apartment, ignis considers him thoughtfully. ]
Have you grown used to arrangements like these?
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Yes. [Itachi follows, stepping silently into the lobby and eyeing its corners as though to map every entrance and exit; this spatial model will stay in his head for the remainder of his stay as he learns the layout to Ignis' apartment. The better to escape as needed because he's a flighty asshole.] Only for a brief time.
[The next question is harder, and he's beginning to feel the pressure of attention singularly focused on himself—especially picking at vulnerable topics. He says shortly:] In a sense. Perhaps out of necessity, but it isn't an experience I seek out.
[Partially a lie when he considers a certain person in particular here with him. He steers his mind away from Stiles, carefully.]
Do you find it to be an easy adjustment? That your survival now depends on manna and emotional connection.
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ignis supposes it's fair enough, he did just ask itachi something that digs deeper than the usual surface questions, and the man seems fiercely unused to talking about himself.
his fine brows knit contemplatively as the elevator takes them up. ]
No. [ he admits at last. it's evident that he's unsettled, even if he tries to hide it under that primly composed mask. ] Back in my world, we fought daemons and monsters of every shape and size to survive.
[ in other words, violence of every stripe. to switch gears suddenly from that to this, well. the elevator opens on the tenth floor, and ignis leads him to his door down the corridor. fourth door down, and he opens it to let him in. ]
But if I were continue to serve my prince here and provide, there's no choice but to be very good at it, very quickly.
[ that's as personal as it gets. well, more or less. ignis ignores his own feelings on the matter -- duty over all else; he doesn't actually know how to properly function otherwise. so maybe he needs some work, too. ]
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He toes off his shoes to the immediate left of the entrance.
Ignis has taste—if that was in doubt, it isn't any longer.]
Then you're more practical than many others. [Himself, in particular, at least in Aefenglom. Then again the stakes were different; it was only his own well-being that he neglected. Sasuke didn't need him.] ... And if your prince never arrives? Though I suppose you'll have to afford this luxury one way or another.
[As close to a joke as he gets. Dry, dry, dry.]
What were you planning to cook?
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Is that so? [ ignis doesn't miss that dry almost-joke that follows behind that practical question, and he can't help but huff a wry, brief chuckle. he likes that particular sense of humour, he finds. he hopes, with all his heart, that noctis finds his way here, but until then -- ]
I suppose I should start practicing in earnest. I'm accustomed to living rough, but having regular access to a shower has its merits.
[ he makes his way to the kitchen, gesturing for itachi to make himself at home. ] Do you have a particular favourite?
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Itachi tails his host to the kitchen, claiming one of the stools at the island. He perches on it as comfortably as a bird.]
I can’t imagine you’ll have difficulty.
[Not if what he’s seen so far of Ignis—as well as his own natural insight of people—is true. The way the man had initiated contact, had touched his hand and instinctively reached for the gem in his throat; surely he has intimate experience in spades. Itachi has had to learn all of that from the ground up, but he doubts it will ever become as seemingly effortless as Ignis manages.]
... I don’t. [He has likes, but he also can’t assume Ignis has the ingredients to whip anything up.] Whatever you decide is fine. What would you choose to make for your prince?
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ignis raises his brows briefly. if he were anyone else, he would have mistaken that observation for flattery. even so, he's reminded that his present companion, while quiet and relatively reticent, is also sharp as a blade and clearly sees more than he lets on. it's fascinating. ]
Perhaps. Although it has never been mandatory from an economics standpoint.
[ ignis muses. is that a little joke? maybe. he looks over at him thoughtfully, aware that he's probably asking this because he knows ignis would definitely have the ingredients for it. as a matter of fact, he already has that particular dessert waiting in the fridge from when he had been stress-baking.
clever man; ignis likes him more already. even so: ]
You're not asking that because you're fashioning a food trap for him, are you? [ he's already rooting around in the fridge. ] Are you sure you don't? You seem to have a sweet tooth.
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Not at all. [He has more efficient means of trapping people, if he truly needs to do it.] So, because I enjoy tea that is sweet, you assume that applies to dessert?
[This time the low blade of his voice is lighter, toying with the other man’s words. Ignis must have a great deal of experience paying attention to what people consume and applying it to his cooking, as a chef. It makes sense.]
You aren’t incorrect, although I rarely have an opportunity to indulge. [Or allows himself to have those opportunities.] I have some preferences. Not many. I’m sure I’ll approve of your choices.
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the knife-slide of the shinobi's quiet musing is curiously playful, and ignis smiles briefly as he heats up one of the pastries in the oven. out of all the people he's met so far, itachi is one of the most enigmatic and compelling ones, every bit of information dispensed with care, and that unexpected sense of humour. ]
An educated guess.
[ those dark, clever eyes hold a world of secrets, but for tonight, it seems that itachi is open to conversation. ignis contemplates his answer about the frequency of his dessert indulgences before asking: ]
Why's that?
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[He watches the pastry go into the oven, although it isn't enough to evaluate the contents; soon the kitchen will smell sharp and sweet with its scent and he'll realize his own hunger, having forgone dinner.]
Why don't I indulge, or why do I have few preferences? [It comes so rarely that Itachi feels he's able to intellectually spar with another person; Ignis seems up to the task, even if their topics have strayed more personal so far. Perhaps that further reaffirms his decision to come home with him.] Or, perhaps, why do I think I’ll enjoy whatever you’ve made?
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[ ignis says easily, which is why ignis has little doubt that itachi would favour the pastry. it's sweet but light, vanilla-custard with the tang of berries. but there's definitely more than he wants to learn about him -- how that sharp, intelligent mind works, for one. ]
But let's start with why you think you'll enjoy what I've made.
[ once the pastry is done, he plates the pastry with practiced efficiency, clearly taking pride in his food; more berries and fruit, with a dollop of fresh cream on the side.
he presents it to itachi, setting a fork neatly beside the plate. ignis would explain what it is, really, but he wants to see what his guest would make of it. ]
And after, we can go into the other two.
[ because ignis really wants to know that, too. ]
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Clearly, Ignis' skill is on display.]
I think I will enjoy it because I don't often indulge and I don't have many preferences.
[What a neat, tidy, roundabout little argument. Put a bow on it.]
How did you learn to cook?
[Using just his fingertips, Itachi slides the pastry closer to himself, picking up the fork by the stem as though selecting a tool after much consideration. He lets it hover for a moment, as if deciding where to take a bite first. Someone's a bit particular.]
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[ no, he really isn't. but ignis finds himself wanting to tease itachi anyway. and possibly tug on that bow because that is such a crappy non-answer and you know it. ]
I suppose you won't find sharing your preferences objectionable?
[ gentle probing, and ignis allows his fastidiously particular guest his time to approach the innocent-looking fluffy pastry. he pauses for a moment, considering his answer. ]
I was self-taught, mostly. Learned from books, and through tasting several dishes. This pastry was the first thing I wanted to make, although I've never personally tried the original.
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[Suffice to say: he doesn’t think Ignis possesses an overblown ego on the subject of his cooking skills. Someone in such a seemingly important position—multiple positions—can’t afford the conceit.
Anyway, fine. He’ll tell Ignis what he likes. This exercise in pulling-teeth finally pays off.]
... I enjoy things with bean pastes and rice. Mochi, dumplings. Dango. [Eminently Japanese, although Itachi doesn’t know the distinction coming from a weird ninja fantasy world.] I haven’t yet seen how the desserts of other dimensions might compare to what I’m familiar with.
[Itachi slices the pastry with the tines of the fork, bringing it to his lips with some of the sweet cream—and eats it carefully with a small nod of his head.]
It’s good. [That’s a stamp of approval.] Why was it the first you wanted to make?
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I'm quite familiar with what you've mentioned, although I haven't had the occasion to make them up until now. Would the sweets in the tea shop count?
[ oh, this is exciting. he could make something new. a recipe moment! but of course, itachi seems determined to extract his pound of flesh with that wildly personal question. still, the fact that itachi seems approving of what he's made pleases him enough to answer: ]
My prince wanted to eat it again. [ it's really that simple; the dish that launched a thousand delicious dishes. ] He tried it once, but couldn't make out its ingredients. And so I learned how to bake, in order to replicate what he tasted.
[ and he can never forget how noctis smiled, the first time he cooked for him. ]
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Itachi’s eyes lower to his plate as he slices off another delicate corner of pastry and brings it to his mouth.
This man learned how to bake, because his prince wanted to eat something specific. A life in service—no one expected anything else. The burning tug of envy he feels then is real and distracting, so he pushes it away.]
I haven’t tried the sweets at the shop, but they appeared well made. There is also a bakery on Summer Way that seems to occasionally sell dango. [He quietly takes another bite of the pastry, and another, finishing it off in silence. Then he lays down the fork with a clink of metal on porcelain.] I appreciate your courtesy. You’re clearly skilled, and though I don’t consider your earlier behavior a true indiscretion, I shouldn’t take up any more of your time tonight.
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I must admit, I was quite enjoying your company, so perhaps the offer is not as altruistic as I've made it out to be.
[ itachi's company is far from imposing, even if the man's sealed more tightly than nifleheim's most secure facilities. there is something about him that fascinates ignis. and look, here he is, circling back to the question that itachi never answered: ]
Were the lack of opportunities when it comes to indulging in sweets more due to external factors, or were they self-imposed?
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Ignis doesn't let him take the polite out. Dark eyes angle down to the kitchen island, its glossy surface reflecting the outline of his face. Does he tell the truth? Does he want to?]
Moderation is important. In most cases, I simply didn't make an effort to seek those indulgences. [Self-imposition? It was possible, but not something he consciously decided. As a child he was too busy; as an adult, it was not important.] … And yes. Lack of opportunity played a role as well. The Land of Fire is mostly wilderness.
[He turns a sharp gaze on to the other man, deliberate now.]
Are you trying to learn more about me?
[Making friends is weird.]
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he has to think about his response for a moment before he answers, just as deliberate. ]
This seems rare, for you.
[ although he supposes it's not surprising for someone who has been accustomed to violence since he was barely out of diapers. ] But yes, I am. I've never met anyone like you before.
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It doesn't surprise him that Ignis has picked up on that; more remarkable is his willingness not only to point it out, but also pursue further conversation in light of it. Curiosity. He can't deny he feels the same toward this man. There's an undeniable draw to that cool, logical, charismatic personality, something he imagines Ignis uses to sway many. He only suspects that, should any of his own secrets gradually become unpeeled, he will face either abrupt rejection or a kind of detached pity - like someone watching an animal struggle in thorns, who cannot share its pain but feels badly the animal has to endure it nonetheless. It isn't something he would ever blame them for.
He decides not to respond to the first comment, knowing the lack of answer should confirm it well enough. Itachi can feel himself beginning to shutter against the direct scrutiny.]
When faced with something very different than what is familiar, it's natural to feel curious. Many of us come from strange places, with unique histories. [Wow, look at how deflective he's being now. His eyes pointedly lower.] It's getting late. I should leave.
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he picks up on that deflection but calls no further attention to it -- the pointed lack of answer is answer enough for him, and ignis is not rude enough to push itachi into something he doesn't intend to address. after all, he can feel it, the nearly imperceptible signs that this has gone on long enough. which makes him wonder just what it is that he does, that any attention on him is undesired. like a ghost, he supposes, or a shadow -- something that cannot abide the light. ]
Yes, of course. My apologies for keeping you. [ ignis inclines his head with a small smile, ever the courteous host. he's shifting, intending to walk him to the door. ] Thank you for your time this evening.
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A humid evening breeze blows in, stirring the hair around his cheeks. He steps away from it to fetch his shoes from the door, then returns, all without comment to Ignis. Once ready, he swings his weight over the black-barred ledge and drops down onto the flat concrete roof in one graceful movement.]
If it isn’t an inconvenience, this will be faster for me.
[Yes, he’s about to scale down the fucking building, like a weirdo.]
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like batman.he's actually not entirely sure what to make of this, only that this weirdness has pretty much sealed ignis' interest in this strange, oddly beautiful man. he steps toward the window, a hand on the sill. he's aware that itachi's skilled, but it doesn't stop him from being concerned anyway. ]
Do be careful. [ he finally chooses to say, as if grown men climb out his window every night after dessert. ] I should like to see you again, if you're amenable.
[ ...
WHATEVER. EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS IS WEIRD. ]
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When Ignis approaches the window, his head tilts up, black eyes studying the man caught in those last shreds of daylight. Glasses, meticulous appearance, the elegant set of a jaw - all of these details seemed a little more defined in the backwash of a late, golden sunset. He realizes he's looking a bit too long and turns to confront the drop down to the street. Preferable: an action to affix his mind.
Ignis is asking to see him again. How strange.]
… Yes. Perhaps another time.
[Then, with his attention over the sheer lip of the building, Itachi pools chakra into his feet and legs and makes the leap. He's gone just like that - a vanishing shadow into the dark below.]