calcitrants | INBOX.

I can only guess it will soon be the other way around, and they'll all be envious of me. Who don't you charm, you glorious man?

[He didn't quite mean to set things off, but he has, and now their little love affair is at least the talk of one whole office building. It doesn't quite matter to Albert, whose only thought today is of his beloved Ignis, and how he might be able to win him over in dozens more ways.

When Ignis shows up to the Gardens with a picnic in tow, however, it's Albert's turn to look surprised.]

Well. I'll cancel the dinner reservations.

[A little laugh, and he steals the second kiss of the evening, lingering gently near Ignis' lips.]

I've missed you. I didn't see you at all yesterday, and I feared I might forget how your lips feel on mine. [Another kiss, because let the people stare, if they must.] It was the most devastating thought I've ever had.

Oh, this is just wine and cheese, and cold cuts. Let's have the dinner you planned.

[ ignis nuzzles in against him with a small smile, parting his mouth for him for that second and third kiss. he steals the fourth, fifth, because he doesn't care who sees. ignis is in the mood to show the world how much he adores and cherishes this ridiculously charming, soft, handsome man. ]

Oh, my darling. Let me remind you. And myself, as well.

[ so kiss #6 and #7 is long and lingering, because ignis cannot have enough of him, and so he has to live with being desired and loved and treasured and wanted. his hand comes to rest on his waist, keeping him close even when the kiss naturally tapers off. ignis looks back at him, eyes filled with warmth. let them stare, indeed. ]

I'm sorry we haven't been able to align our schedules properly. But tonight and tomorrow, I'm all yours.

[People are noticing by now, but Albert could not care less. Six and seven are pure bliss, like most moments with Ignis, and he is more grateful than this man will ever know. He steps in at the touch to his waist, resting his forehead against his lover's.]

Going even a day without you is torment I don't think even I deserve.

[Strong words from Albert, who nuzzles Ignis on his cheek faintly before pressing kiss number eight to the corner of his lips. He treasures him, every moment they spend in each other's company a soothing, beautiful thing for Albert's heart. Ignis is remarkable in every way that matters, and his heart... oh, his heart is why Albert has grandiose ideas.]

As always, I'm humbled and delighted that you've made time for me. I'm greedy, I know, but you are mine after all... as I am yours.

[He takes Ignis by the arm as he steps beside him.]

The question is... your plans or mine? You seem to have one, with your basket full of goodies. Mine pales in comparison, to be sure.

Oh, dear.

[ ignis is surprised, because albert has always seemed like someone who would gladly take on punishment for himself. but now it seems like he has blossomed, become more of the passionate young man that he is without the buttoned-up, elegant manners.

he's pleased, approval warm in their bond as albert reveals more of himself to him, and he is more than happy to wrap around him and accept everything about this man -- the light, the shadows, the petal-soft roses and its tearing thorns.

albert is precious to him, loved and adored, and ignis' lips lift in a soft, playful little smirk. his hand comes to thread through his fingers, intimately walking with him. strong words, indeed, and he can't resist lovingly teasing him, green eyes sharp and wicked. ]

You're becoming brazen in my absence, darling. Show me yours, my Albert. Dinner, then a night with you under the stars. And if all goes well --

[ he leans in playfully, the tip of his nose gently nudging against his smooth cheek. he's similarly captivated by albert, except something more primal and feral is rousing.

he tames it, for now. somewhat. ]

-- I shall unmake you. And make you mine all over again.

[The audacious way Ignis barrels through to their shared physical experience makes Albert lose himself for a moment in a quiet little laugh, fingers squeezing Ignis' hand as he fairly grins.]

Darling, who's the brazen one? It's you, in every way, and almost every time. Here I am bringing you sweet, romantic overtures and you've skipped all the way to the final curtain call.

[Another chuckle.]

I do so love that about you. You're decisive and iron-willed. What you want, you will claim, so long as it doesn't harm your lord. I'm your finest trophy though, aren't I?

[He looks to him as they meander towards a seating area.]

The sweet ambrosia, the one thing you will not be denied. It's me, isn't it? I love you with everything I am, and all that I have is yours to claim. I happen to enjoy it when you claim me...

Surely, you must bear some of the blame.

[ ignis teases but doesn't deny it. albert truly has a good read on him. his steadfast duty to his king aside, ignis is iron-willed and determined, and he has his sights on albert. ]

Look at you now, luring out that bestial side of me with your honeyed words.

[ ignis lets enough of his intent, sharp and focused, bleed into their bond, that powerful, undeniable desire and the will to have him. he joins him in the seating area, but doesn't let go of his hand as he brings it to his lips, pressing a kiss to it. ]

You are much more than my finest trophy, even if there is no greater pleasure than claiming you for myself, time and again. But perhaps we shall do that later -- I should like to savour your romantic, sweet overtures. What shall we be having?

Darling!

[He laughs, more genuinely and more warmly than he ever would have even two months ago. There's fond exasperation in his tone, an overflowing love that he can't and won't deny. Ignis sets him alight and makes him feel more alive, more present. Stronger. But still, he nudges his shoulder for the continued overtures and the undeniable desire in their bond. It's good-natured and adoring, though, the mildest scolding he could possibly give. He knows that once he's said what he has to say, Ignis will demand they go somewhere more private at once. He's accepted his fate. And he loves it.

They take their seats, and Albert watches Ignis with immense affection as his hand is kissed. He leans across, his free hand brushing against his lover's cheek.]

What shall we be having? After this, fine steaks and as much wine as you'd like. But for now... a conversation. I have something I'd like to talk to you about. And later, after dinner, I'd like to spend the next few nights in your arms, as nothing less will do.

Hmm. Are you sure you'd like to start this before dinner? We've never had a good track record of finishing our meals.

[ starting from the very first night they'd met in person, and ignis had been passionately, ridiculously smitten with him. here and now, he'd only fallen deeper in love, drawn to the light of albert's company, the profound bliss of being the man beside him.

he laughs softly, too, at the gentle chiding as they find a seat with the best view, overseeing the lovely, glorious sea of flowers. he's nuzzling into his hand, the candle-lit atmosphere of their current surroundings sweetly intoxicating. it's so easy to fall in love with him all over again here. nonetheless, he squeezes his hand and smiles sweetly -- ]

What is it?

[He laughs faintly.] You do have a point. Perhaps that's why I decided to meet somewhere that will tempt us less.

[Albert will admit freely now that he was enamored with Ignis from the moment they met, that their first night together was an experience he can't and won't forget as long as he's here. He loves him fiercely now, with every fiber of his being, with every part of him that only knew darkness before.

Somehow, Ignis has brought light into the darkest corners of his mind. Understanding and affection have transformed Albert little by little, and they continue to do so. He can never go back to being what he was.

His fingers intertwine with Ignis' as he looks over the countless flowers. This is where he belongs now, somewhere warm and gentle, somewhere that death and regret can't find him.]

Ignis... Being with you is the fondest desire of my heart. You know that, don't you? That you've become the center of my universe. This isn't... a dalliance, is it? You're quite as serious about me as I am about you.

[ ignis can't help but smile at that -- albert is mischievous and endearing in equal measure; that he found a place so they can have a talk, too, is just like him. although ignis can't guarantee that they won't have to find someplace private after.

even so. ignis decides to behave, because he's certain that albert has something important, terribly important to tell him. he looks down at their fingers thoughtfully, then up at the confession and the subsequent question. it is a massive thing to say, but ignis finds only truth in his words, because albert has steadily become one of the most important people in his world. ]

It is nota dalliance.

[ he affirms, lifting his hand up so he can press a soft kiss to his knuckles, their fingers still intertwined. ] I am quite serious about you, darling. Which is why I'm glad you brought this up.

[ he reaches into his pocket with his free hand, pushing forward the small box with a key nestled inside. the look in his eyes is steady, unwavering, as he finally says the words, right here in this perfect moment at a romantic dinner, surrounded by flowers and soft music: ]

...I love you, Albert. I want to spend more of my nights with you.

[He loves him. He wants nothing more than he wants Ignis, and as difficult as it is for him to admit that to himself, he's done it. If he could take one thing from this place and hold it dear, no matter what fate befalls him in the future, it would be the love he's held and been given where Ignis is concerned.

With a raised eyebrow, Albert opens the small box, not knowing what could possibly be inside. His heart leaps into his throat.

Ignis values his privacy and his sanctuary, that much Albert has always been able to tell. He has the apartment to begin with, after all, a clear indication of wanting his own time and space. And Albert has, thus far, been utterly fine with giving it to him. Never once has he demanded anything from Ignis, and not once has he encroached upon his private time. Albert knows well and truly that he is not the only love in Ignis' life, and he is wise enough to also know he may not even be he greatest of his loves. But Ignis... is his.

So it is entirely surprising that the little box contains a key, and there's absolutely no question what it goes to.]

Ignis... Darling, I don't know what to say. Are you sure about this?

I have thought about this for awhile now. And yes. I want you with me, even in my most private abode.

[ trust albert to figure it out immediately, that this is love, that even though ignis appreciates how albert gives him the space he needs when he wants to be alone, albert's presence is never a burden. albert doesn't need him -- he has only ever wanted him, which makes all the difference in the world. in this world, albert is a gift, albert is who he has wanted for the longest time since they had first met. albert is precious, understanding, brilliant with a dark side that ignis recognises and acknowledges.

and albert's presence is a soothing balm, a sweet escape into paradise -- to be with albert is to be with the man he loves, to be more like himself. and so ignis studies his reaction with care, concerned and wanting to know if he has overstepped his boundaries or pushed things too far.

certainly, they have others -- but albert is special to him, and he leans in close, giving his hand a gentle squeeze despite the nervous flutter of his chest. they are serious about each other, aren't they?

ignis wants to be with him, wants to spend his hours by his side, and he looks back at him intently. ]

Will you?

[Albert looks at him quite seriously, with a smile that is touched with all the gentleness that lies at Albert's core. It is the Albert he so wishes he was, the man he's always hidden away. Vulnerable. Loving. This is more beautiful and welcomed than anything Albert has ever experienced in his life.]

I humbly accept. [Pulling his hand from his pocket, he settles his own small box on the table, close to himself, then reaches to cover their held hands with his other.] I ask so much of you, yet you leave me wanting for absolutely nothing.

[How can he do this now? Now that Ignis has offered something so incredibly significant, Albert's own offer seems... pathetic. Perfunctory, or even trite.]

Forgive me, darling Ignis. I am, as always, a fool in your presence. I'd meant to ask you something this evening, and now I fear I can't. It seems so insignificant next to this.

[He glances down to their hands for a moment, then looks to those sharp, beautiful eyes again.]

I want to be with you until the end of our time here. Until fate sees fit to end this beautiful dream I am dancing through in your arms.

[ ah --

ignis blinks when he sees albert draw out a small box of his own, too, setting it with himself, and he can't help a flush of embarrassment. it's clear now that albert has intended to tell him something really important, and ignis had somehow just swooped in and turned the conversation around, too wrapped up in his own need to tell albert how much he means to him, how passionately he wants to keep him by his side.

but it's difficult to feel embarrassed for long, when albert looks at him like that, open and vulnerable and so tender and soft that he forgets to breathe. this is the real albert he'd caught only fleeting glimpses of in their time together. the man with his guard down, who is so completely honest with him that he can't help but want him more. he had made the right choice in offering this key to him, eager to deepen their growing intimacy.

the happiness bubbles in his chest nonetheless, and he squeezes his hand. ]

Albert. Nothing you do or say is insignificant. Surely you must know by now that there is so much that I would be willing to do for your sake.

[ a gentle, sweet chiding, and he leans forward to draw him into a kiss, nevermind that they're in a restaurant. he's pleased, joyously so, that albert has accepted his request, excited for the days to come and dreading the day they would separate. ]

I, too, want the same with you. [ his other hand comes to close over his, too, and he smiles at him warmly, apologetically. ] Although I really am sorry that I seem to have stolen your thunder, my love. How shall I make it up to you?

[At least it's a restaurant of their own making, really, here in the gardens. Everyone else is too wrapped up in the spring flowers to pay much attention to two grown men having an obvious moment with each other.

It's Albert who is embarrassed, though, and he accepts the kiss with a soft sound. When Ignis draws back, he looks at him with that suddenly shy embarrassment clearly written on his face. It shifts into a gentle smile of apology.]

Think nothing of it. What you had to say was far more important.

[They're going to spend endless amounts of time together now, and Albert wonders if offering something like an attachment rather than the freedom to choose that Ignis has just given would be the opposite of what the man would want. In all his being carried away with how much he adores him, and how afraid he suddenly is of losing him, he didn't entirely think of what Ignis might want.

What a time to second guess himself.]

All I ask is that you love me a little better each day, as I do you.

[Maybe if he changes the subject, Ignis won't ask about the box.]

Did the teacup suit you?

[ he can't think nothing of it, albert. the box is sitting right there, at albert's side. ignis' gaze rests on it, then on albert, because the man is infinitely more arresting when he looks apologetic and shy. goodness, but albert is beautiful.

he has always been, but the realisation of what he's confessed, the weight of his own words become more significant -- he loves him. he loves albert, deeply, truly, and he wants to spend more time with him. it's not a schoolboy crush, not when it feels so right. he can sense albert's trepidation and something else -- and he gives his hand a gentle squeeze. ]

The teacup was lovely. I'll think of you every single time I have coffee from it.

[ he muses, a tinge of playfulness in his voice because they cannot be more opposite with their favourite choice of beverage. ] And I promise you, I'll love you a little better each day. And actually let you finish dinner, for once.

[ he gestures for the waiter to take their orders. and when they're done ordering, he finally gestures briefly to the box by albert's side. ]

What you have in that box... are you waiting for the right time?

[Albert really just wanted the box out of his hand, and when Ignis' attention keeps going back to it, Albert's attention finally does as well. His smile is gentle, unassuming as he moves to push the box over toward Ignis. Lightly, his fingers linger atop it.

They are the same in many ways, and the opposite in charming others. They have a vibrant life together already. Albert can only imagine where they'll go from here, even if he bought his dear coffee drinker a teacup, even if he's still shell shocked by the key.]

I was, but I fear there never will be one. [All his plans feel thoroughly thrown out of the window, so he might as well be absolutely anticlimactic. Nothing could have prepared him for hearing that Ignis loves him tonight, nor for the honor of being allowed into his apartment freely.

This place is strange, and not the sort of place for conventions that Albert alone must hold. And yet...]

I love you with every part of my soul. My heart is thoroughly captured, and my mind craves nothing more than it does you.

[With a somehow chagrined look, he opens the box's lid. Inside, tied with a ribbon to a small emerald green velveteen cushion, is a ring. His eyes keep careful watch on Ignis' reaction.]

Even though I feel like I'm asking too much of you, I want you to have this. A token of my love, my esteem, my trust, and... an oath of sorts. That I will be yours until this place sees fit to part us. That I will listen to every word you say with rapt attention, and see to your needs with utter devotion. You... of course don't have to accept it, but I had to make things clear before it was too late for me to do so.

[ ...ah.

ignis stares down at the ring when it's uncovered. it is understated and elegant, so much like albert's style, with the vivid, deep green glittering in the dim light. out of everything that's impossible to achieve in his life, this is one crucial one -- to have someone essentially pledge himself to him, in devotion and love. his life is meant to be used to protect noctis, and here he is, having found love in albert james moriarty, a wonderful companion and an excellent partner.

he's silent for a long moment, listening to albert speak in soft, smooth tones, no less honest as he says his piece. his love, his esteem, his trust; this ring signifies everything that albert cannot put into words. somehow, he's earned this man's deepest devotion, and he feels something rise in his throat. ]

Albert...

[ and for the first time in his life, ignis is at a loss for words. what can he say to that? ignis offered him a place to come home to, and albert carves out a place at his side. he reaches to brush light fingers over the gorgeous jewels, the elegant band of it, before he delicately pulls it out of its velvet cushion to have it between his fingers.

so small, so sleek, and yet with a world of meaning gathered in it. he swallows. ]

...If this place parts us, and returns us and wipes our memories of each other. I want something that will tell me, without a doubt, that I was yours and you were mine.

[He watches with cautious optimism as Ignis lifts the ring, something that in Albert's mind places Ignis on the level of everyone in the Moriarty establishment without the danger and tainted past. Something that makes Ignis his. It's more than that, more than anyone he's ever met. If he's hasty, he doesn't care.

Those words that finally come make Albert's eyes narrow slightly as he smiles.]

Ignis... You are burned into my heart and my very soul.

[He reaches across to take the ring, so he can slip it onto Ignis' hand, if he's allowed.]

I am yours, even if I forget this world entirely. For as long as I am here, I will be by your side, steady and true. I will not hide my sparing light from you, nor my endless darkness. And when this ends, and everything in me is laid to ruin once more, I'll know that I have loved and been loved more intensely and beautifully than ever a man like me deserved.

[Lifting Ignis' hand, he presses a kiss to his fingers.]

I will never ask for your loyalty, as I respect your devotion to your fellows as much as I respect your brilliant mind and endless talents. But everything else... I'll hold close, and guard with everything I am and have ever been. Please, Ignis. Trust me with your heart until the end.

[ there is everything bittersweet about his confession -- one day, someday, they will have to return to their worlds and experience their own fate (or head it off, if one is lucky enough.

albert, sweet albert, gorgeous but deadly and dangerous in the same vein, is promising himself to him, pledging himself as his. his heart races, warm and full and almost bursting with love for him as he listens. the soft brush of his fingers against his knuckles makes his breath catch, and his fingers curl around his own, yearning to kiss him.

can you feel it, albert, how much he loves you?

he exhales a soft sigh before he leans forward now, gently nuzzling against him before he pulls him into a kiss. the ring is slid on his hand, cool and smooth, and he marvels at how it's a perfect fit, how it gleams on his finger. ]

Of course, my darling, my love. You have such a special place in my heart; a portion of it is yours, and wholly yours. I love you, and I promise to be worthy of your loyalty. Every ounce of loyalty I can give, it is yours. I will take care of you, and love you fervently. You have my promise. I only regret that I don't yet have a ring for you.

INBOX.

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