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[He closes his eyes at the kiss to his brow, and the way his face and neck and shoulders visibly relax at the gentleness surely won't be lost on Ignis even in the low light. How remarkable, how utterly stunning Ignis is. How incredible that he can make Albert feel at home just by breathing the same air. It's only with some reluctance that he releases those hands so he can reach for the remote to drop the lights to darkness.

The lovely, large windows don't have curtains yet, so ambient light slips in even after Albert dims the bulbs entirely. He spends a moment staring out the window in seeming reverie before he turns back to Ignis and slides a hand along his cheek, drawing out a slow, sweet kiss.

Then he unties his robe and lets it slip to the floor, revealing a bare chest beneath. It's bold, he knows, but somehow he hopes he'll feel the warmth of that beloved body beside his even if he can't sleep. The sheets are still turned down, so he backs into the bed, guiding Ignis with him by one hand.]

That's not to say I won't still kiss you until I'm entirely satisfied.

[ ignis notices. of course he notices -- it's telling when he eases up and relaxes, and ignis is pleased. what an honour it is to have this man feel at home with him in this strange new world with a thousand strangers they haven't yet met. and here and now, of all of them, he feels an intimate, ever-strengthening bond with him.

the night outside is cloudless, and ignis studies his profile in the dim light of the evening. the strong jaw, stars reflected in his eyes, his lips, as if the celestial bodies themselves were in love with him.

when albert inevitably turns to him, wreathed in starlight, he forgets to breathe.

ignis kisses him right back, just as sweet, just as slow, drawing it out for as long as he can as his heart pounds in his chest. albert sheds his robe boldly, revealing that fair, flawless skin, the solidly strong, broad frame, and ignis does the same, wanting nothing more than to hold him and be held. following after him into bed, ignis presses him back against the pillows only to climb in after him, hands coming to cup his handsome face so he can claim his mouth again. ]

Please do.

[ he says roughly between impossibly soft kisses. another kiss stolen, and another, and ignis could be drunk off of him. you're so very beautiful. you must know that you've stolen my heart. ]

[He doesn't really get why he feels this way, when it's temporary, when he doesn't deserve it, but Ignis is a great comfort at all times, and Albert will hold fast to that until forced to do otherwise.

He looks forward to sharing this bed with him from time to time, for any and all reasons. The idea of being close to him is soothing and Albert knows in the moment that he meets Ignis' gaze that there is nothing in this place he wants more than to be by his side. All the philanthropy in the world can't compare to the peace Ignis brings to his heart, like a warm ray of sunshine on a perfectly lovely day.

The way they fall into bed, slowly, gently, beautifully in sync makes Albert's breath catch, makes his heart leap and his lips quirk into an easy, soft smile that is genuine and adoring. Those arms are his tonight, those lips, that solid body, all Albert's to hold and praise and memorize with slow hands and gentle thoughts. Gentler words.

That last thought lingers in the kisses, an echo of feeling in Albert's mind, in the connection they share. The way they're drunk off each other and the way he practically melts into those kisses is the only answer he supposes that needs, but after minutes of languid, sweet kisses and the sensation of Ignis' skin under Albert's fingertips, he breathes out slowly against his dear companion's lips. His voice is hushed, kept between them even in the otherwise empty house.]

I adore you in every way. For as long as this place lets me be such, I am unreservedly yours.

[ albert deserves a place to rest -- a place that drives away the shadows behind his eyes, if only for a little while. an oasis of hope amidst the darkness. albert deserves to be embraced and kissed, a place where he can lay his burdens at the door and partake of peace, however fleeting.

ignis creates it for him, with him, seeking his own sanctuary with albert and the taste of his lips, the press of his tongue and the intimate way their bodies fit together like they've always belonged. the heated slide of their bodies against each other is comforting, and his hands roam his body -- not with the intent to arouse, but wholly meaning to put him completely at ease. he smiles at those soft, soft words before he shifts to lay on his side, then his back, pulling albert into his arms and letting him half-rest on his chest. he can't help the intense, near overwhelming depth of emotion he has for albert, the flicker of possessiveness his words evoke, and his free hand comes to rest over albert's heart, feeling it beat. unreservedly his, for as long as this place shall allow it. ]

I'll hold you to that, Albert. [ he murmurs, nosing along his cheek lazily. ] Although if you do want to sleep tonight, we should probably talk about things that do not make me want to pin you to the mattress and have my way with you.

[ he gives him a mischievous little wink. ]

You do like the stars, don't you?

[Pulled into his arms, laid comfortably against his chest, Albert lets out a fond sigh, full of feigned exasperation.]

You can't let me be simply uselessly romantic for even a moment, can you?

[He's kidding, and his voice lowers as he puts a hand on Ignis' chest and settles it near his lover's heart as well, unconsciously mirroring Ignis. It's beautiful, the incessant, gentle beat, the thrum that reminds Albert they're both alive, and he can't possibly be dreaming, or even perhaps dead. This place he thought might be Hell has already become an oasis. With a quiet hum of amusement, he turns to look at Ignis up close, in this new lighting. Another first to add to a long list of them.]

The stars? They're bittersweet. They remind me of my time in the Army, but I still find them utterly captivating. Nighttime in general suits me, however.

Oh, my sincere apologies. I shall allow you to court me, if you like.

[ ignis' humour is dry and wicked, but he's no less fond as he feels albert settle beside him, their synchrony pulsing comfortably, wonderfully as he soaks in the moment.

he loves the feeling of his body with his -- more than just sex is this welcome intimacy, an extended embrace that isn't defined by frenetic, urgent need. no, this is good, and he watches his own chest rise and fall underneath albert's warm hand, his heart thudding along.

it is contentment that he savours, how rare and wonderful it is, and he listens quietly to albert sharing more about himself. tilting his head curiously, he presses a kiss to the crown of albert's head. the night holds different significance for ignis, but he's always been curious about albert. ]

Why is that?

I'll do a fine job at courting you. You may thank me later.

[Even if it's late, the sass has come out in Albert. It's because Ignis feels safe, comfortable and true, something Albert is drawn to like nothing else. His warmth is magnetic and his charms are deadly. More than looking in a mirror, it's like Albert has found a true peer, someone to debate and celebrate in equal measure.

How fondly he thinks of this man, as he curls slightly to tangle their legs. If it makes him seem needy, so be it. He's craving this closeness.]

It's when it's quietest. When I can be alone with my wine and my thoughts, or a good book. After the crowds disperse from parties and the carriages leave, the blissful silence of being without. It's when I'd see my brothers the most too, in evenings or just before dawn, so I think of them.

[Letting his eyes fall closed, he waits a moment until their breathing seems to synchronize right along with their shared feelings.]

I daresay it's when I see you the most, too. The most precious hours of my day.

[ a true peer, indeed. ignis can't help but chuckle when albert just as swiftly counters his dry humour with some of his own, and he can't help a swell of affection for him, enamoured by albert's wit.

their limbs tangle together smoothly, and ignis winds an arm around his bare waist as he trails idle circles up his spine, smoothing over the span of warm skin. oh, how he can spend forever with him like this, talking about everything and nothing all at once, entirely at ease with each other.

he imagines albert alone with his book or a glass of wine -- when the hubbub of the day dies down the most priceless thing is truly silence. but then he adds the next words, and his smile grows as he nuzzles against his temple. what a smooth, smooth man. he loves his silence, his brothers, and clearly time with him. he gives his waist a gentle squeeze, lazily pulling him closer. ]

I do appreciate how you can make my heart skip a beat even when you're half asleep. Are your beloved brothers as charming as you are?

Only repayment for all the times you've sent my heart into a frenzy.

[Oh, that question almost makes Albert laugh. His shoulders do shake slightly, at least.]

My brothers? [A fond, wistful sigh. He does miss them so. This house will be so empty without them. But it's amusing to think of their struggles.] Heavens... William is to an extent, but some find him eccentric. He's a mathematician, so he speaks most beautifully to people who understand his special sort of language.

[And part of him--the part that isn't desperate and passionate--does somehow hope William finds this kind of contentment someday. Something outside of his plots and schemes. Peace.

He presses even closer, relaxing so their bodies fit ever so perfectly together. He was meant to lay here, at this man's side. But where was he?]

Louis could charm with nothing but a look, if he cared to, though he can be shy. Some find that appealing, don't they? I daresay if he wasn't the youngest, he'd be more eligible than the both of us. Yet... things being as they are, I'm the social butterfly.

[He peeks an eye open and looks up to Ignis.]

Would you believe me if I said I'm a bit shy?

Oh, dear. I should do that more often. I like being repaid.

[ but he also really, really likes the thought that he had sent albert's pulse skyrocketing in turn, and it's emotionally gratifying and stirring to know that ignis has quite the effect on him, the way albert has on him too.

albert lays with him like he belongs with him, made to fit into all the spaces between them so seamlessly. he listens to albert, attuned to how much he truly loves his brothers -- there is a look in his eyes that ignis has never seen before; fond and wistful, with a fullness and longing in his heart that ignis picks up on. truly, the three of them must have been very close. ]

I hope they find their way back to you soon.

[ he murmurs, taking note of their vocations and what they're like. how rare it is for an older brother to speak so fondly and lovingly of his younger siblings, but they must have experienced so much together. his hand coming up to cup the back of his head, ignis regards him with keen eyes. ]

I would. [ he sees more than the social butterfly that albert is, right to the man underneath -- the glimpses of his vulnerability, his openness, that night at the gardens. he touches his jaw lightly, a thumb stroking over his cheekbone with warm tenderness. ]

I've seen it outside of our bedroom proclivities. [ he sees you, darling. ] You get shy when it gets truly personal for you.

You always know what to say.

[Ignis makes him feel like he's walking on a cloud, sometimes. Like the stars are a little brighter. Like his own soul weighs less heavily on him. They have this mutual something going on, and Albert wants to keep it close to his heart. While he's without his brothers here, Ignis is one of a small, dear number of people who take the edge off the ache of their absence. At least it's no worse than being in London, or away at war. That's how he can see it with good company.

And Ignis... Ignis is the best. He's listening even as Albert carries on about his brothers and peels back another little layer of himself, laying the deepest, fondest part of his heart bare. His brothers are his core, his very meaning for existing. Here, he only holds on so firmly to reality because he swears they'll arrive someday, like a late train.

To be seen, known, still adored for now? It's nothing Albert ever thought he'd have. He is in a tiny slice of heaven in his bed right now, his cheek on Ignis, his hands roaming idly, tracing little lines over muscle and more. His eyes fall closed at that gentle touch, and he sighs.]

When it's something I truly care about, I can hardly find the right words. All the social grace and charm in the world didn't prepare me for you, either.

[He smiles, taking a hand in his and kissing Ignis' fingers delicately.]

I'm more grateful to you than you may ever know. I was so certain I'd have faltered by now.

Albert...

[ he murmurs fondly, fingers curling in his, enjoying the soft kisses before he just as delicately, playfully shifts them to trace over his lips, gently easing them apart so he can tease the tip of his tongue.

he presses closer to him, basking in albert's affection. he can feel the warmth of his attentions, the tenderness that radiates in their bond. albert reveals his heart, and ignis cradles it lovingly in his hands, savouring the trust that the other man shows in him. ]

Faltered...?

[He can't resist this, the allure of being held so close, and he delicately teases at those fingers with his tongue for a few sparing moments. This is a life he never thought he'd have, a belonging that doesn't rely on shared secrets and horrible truths. It strikes Albert as something so much more peaceful than the affection he's experienced from his brothers.]

Mmm... [He lets those fingers slip out of his mouth for a moment.] That I would have given up, or isolated myself. [Closing his eyes, Albert makes a content little hum.] Or that I would have slipped and said something I'd come to regret.

It'll be all right if you faltered.

[ ignis tells him quietly, enamoured by the skilled way albert tends to his fingers, the alluring flash of soft pink tongue. unable to help himself, and with the desire to taste albert for himself filling their bond, he leans in to kiss him, his thumb gently parting albert's mouth so that he can have access.

a slow, searching, lavish kiss, and he murmurs against his lips. ]

I will be here to steady you. No matter how you keep yourself away, I will find you.

[When Ignis pulls things out of him so gently, Albert can't help being a little too enamored. It's beautiful, whatever this is that they have. He refuses to take it for granted.

The kiss is languid, too lovely for words, and one of Albert's hands raises to cover Ignis' near his chin.]

I can't imagine ever hiding from you, when you say things like that.

[A soft sigh.]

There's so much I want to ask you. So much I want to know. But I feel pulling your life into the light and hiding my own does you a great disservice. Do you know I find you endlessly fascinating, Ignis? That thoughts of you occupy half my waking hours?

Only half? Clearly, I must cast a much stronger spell on you.

[ ignis quips dryly, that mischievous gleam in his eye returning even if there is an intense, loving warmth from ignis' side of their shared bond at that confession, limned with a touch of heat and simmering desire. ignis is just as content to simply be tangled with him under the stars, feeling his body pressed up against his.

but he's running his fingers through albert's hair now, appreciating the loose way those soft locks fall, how it makes him look younger when he's more mussed. ]

Although... [ he settles in, more serious but no less warm. he's looking into his eyes, taking his measure. ] you're not usually an open book, are you? This is already so much more than what you're used to.

[This man. Albert says half to diminish his own attachment, to make himself less vulnerable. But he doesn't need to do that, does he? Ignis would love more honesty, he's certain, and he would love to adore him fully.

The way they fit together even like this is so perfect, so right. Like they've had years of practice getting to know each other's body. Like they share secrets and hopes and dreams and ideals. His expression softens as he gazes at Ignis, telegraphing with his mind the words he's beginning to ascribe to him. Safety. Warmth. Affection. Home.]

It's true, to a degree... There are things I still haven't let out to the light for anyone. With you, as much as can be unsealed does come out, little by little. I... I hate hiding things from you, or rather, omitting things that aren't even necessary to know. [He reaches up to touch Ignis' cheek softly.] Would that I were a stronger man, so I could tell you every secret I've ever held. I simply care for you that much. I want you to... [He hesitates.] ...to feel only the most sincere affection for the man that I am, and not merely the man I purport to be in public.

There must be a reason that you can't tell me. I'm no stranger to secrets, darling.

[ he murmurs, leaning into his hand affectionately and pressing a soft kiss to his palm. in his wildest dreams, he hadn't expected to form such a strong, intimate bond with albert -- they are from two vastly different worlds, and it's clear they can never be together forever, and yet, here and now...

he meets his eyes as he listens quietly to him, his hand coming to rest on albert's hand. ]

Right here and now, aren't you the man that you are? [ he leans forward to press a kiss between his brows, warm and fond. ] And I know, too, that you're an incredibly dangerous man. Gifted, but also kind. Will you tell me more about what you really do?

As many reasons as I have hair on my head. The man I am now is tame compared to my former self.

[He sighs faintly at that, almost sad, but it's so impossible to be down when he's in these warm, comfortable arms. Even if they can't be together forever, or possibly for very long, Albert is going to cherish every sparing moment he has with Ignis.

Staring up at him, it's so easy to get lost, to lose track of the conversation. And Albert does, for a moment, blinking a few times when what Ignis has said registers. A little laugh, and he allows his heart to open just a bit more.]

You certainly know how to speak too sweetly for me to resist. [He turns over languidly, stretching himself out atop Ignis and bracing himself by sliding his hands under the pillows. Their legs lay side by side, and he sighs contentedly at the closeness before continuing.]

It's a bit of a story, but I'll keep it brief. I was once special military forces, and in disrupting an opium ring in service to such, I caught the attention of the most elite government agency in Britain: MI6. We are... spies at one hand, special operatives at another, highly skilled, and with a carte blanche license to kill. When I said I was the shadow head of an organization, that's the organization I speak of.

[He leans low over Ignis, suddenly just a bit more awake. It's possible he missed the slightest thrill of the job.]

The man who is the government answers to me, because via him, I blackmailed the royal family. Do you still think I'm kind?

[ oh, look at him.

tame, is it? ignis' eyes gleam with amusement and fascination as albert just about stretches atop him like a spoiled cat who knows just how handsome and comely he is. he can't take his eyes off of him, reading just how strong he is in those graceful moves. it stands to reason that he's in special forces -- and that brilliance is clearly obvious, although it thrills ignis in the most primal ways to know just how skilled albert clearly is underneath all that gentle politeness.

he's amazed, and he doesn't bother keeping him from feeling it as he regards him warmly, cupping his face and looking up at him in wonder. ]

So you are the spymaster, with the government in the palm of your hand.

[ he muses, sensing that albert, dear albert misses the thrill of it, and his eyes briefly widen as he mentions the blackmail. ]

You've never liked the royal family. [ this much he knows. he can't help the simmering of excitement, of warm desire -- it's clear albert's turning him on. he's never met a man like him before, and he knows he never will again; not one who is capable enough to run a country in the shadows. albert understands the nature of power, and ignis is captivated. ] I think anyone would be a fool to go against a man like you.

[ he looks into the deep green of his eyes, a hand reaching out to brush his hair back as he smiles. ] You surprise and delight me, Albert. Do you miss it?

[Albert lets his mind wander as Ignis touches his cheeks, welcome and dearly cared for. This man... his fondness for him radiates so clearly from Albert, their warmth and closeness something Albert swears he won't take for granted.]

I never liked anyone who thought they were somehow superior by virtue of birthright. I may have been a noble, but I abhored my peers, and avoided being tainted by their sad, pathetic self aggrandizement as much as possible.

[He's going somewhere in his mind, somewhere Ignis can't follow, and when asked if he misses it, all he can say is the truth.]

I miss having purpose.

[Yet he smiles as though that statement is nothing, like he didn't just admit to feeling aimless and useless here, in a certain sense.]

You're the only thing I'm passionate about here. You give color to my days and deep comfort to my nights. Do forgive me for saying so.

[He leans down a touch further, planting a gentle kiss on Ignis' lips.]

Will you stay awake with your dear spymaster just a little while longer? I suddenly want to be closer.

[ albert's disdain for nobility, his contempt for them is warming, and ignis can only imagine how dysfunctional his world was like; and how lonely he must have been, with the exception of his brothers. ignis traces the side of his face with his knuckles, just as fond and loving as he listens.

his brows knit in concern when albert admits missing his purpose, and he cups his face, looking into those eyes. he loves those smooth, smooth words, the gentle confession about how he's the only one he's passionate about. oh, if only albert knows how ignis feels for him -- he can feel it, doesn't he, the way the warmth feels their bond, laced with intense emotion, that unfettered, ardent desire and appreciation? ]

Let's find you purpose again, dearest Albert. As much as I love being the only thing you're passionate about, a mind a brilliant as yours shouldn't be made to languish.

[ he murmurs, before deepening that gentle kiss with another, and another. ]

Well, Sir Spymaster. This rogue spy has just hatched a sinister plot to get even closer to you, and steal your breath while he's at it.

[ his eyes become wicked, the smile becoming a touch sharper as his hands slide down his firm, tight ass to squeeze and knead, feeling them in his hands. he rolls his hips playfully, his half-hard cock rubbing up gently against his thigh, sliding up against albert's own. ]

If I find purpose, I hope you'll be close by. The thought of going through my days here without seeing you from time to time at the very least is... disheartening.

[All he wants is to feel something. He spent too much time being nothing, a void of duty and promise, and he's awakened to all sorts of possibilities upon being removed from the object of his attention.

Ignis taking it directly to something sexual just does not surprise Albert at all. He laughs faintly, kissing him back between little shakes of his shoulders.]

You fiendish thing. You don't know when to stop.

[But he rolls his hips in response, his breath catching with a gentle gasp.]

But I do so adore that about you.

I'm insatiable when it comes to you, my darling.

[ he says softly, smiling tenderly against his lips as his hands roam over his body, soothing over his skin and claiming him silently. he adores him, loves every moment that he gets to share with this incredible man. he leans up to kiss him again, again and again, stealing every kiss he can as he murmurs. ]

I promised you some of my nights. Let me promise you some of my days as well.

[ he continues, reaching up to touch his cheek, thumbing over freshly-kissed lips. he's not immune to how good it feels to have albert grind up against him, their dicks sliding up against each other. his other hand comes to close around both, to increase the pleasurable friction they're both feeling. ]

I want to see more of you in the day, too. [ he smiles. ] Perhaps one day, we might even work together.

[The touches are delightful, and Albert lets himself be soothed and aroused in equal measure. Ignis just has that effect on him. He feels precious already, and while that does frighten Albert on some level, the certainty and comfort he brings makes it too easy to forget.

He kisses him with gentle, affectionate passion that only grows with the admission.]

I'd love nothing more. You are a tremendously formidable man, and I daresay a bit of a genius.

[He huffs a soft, reserved laugh, then offers a hum of pleasure when Ignis takes them both in hand.]

I can only imagine what we may accomplish together. I'd like to see it. The world we could create.

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