fourstrings | all the walls i hide behind

[ He overthinks it, of course. He overthinks everything, but this feels like the most important thing he'll ever do. It needs to be perfect. How, and where, and when - the planning of it makes him anxious to the point of forgetting meals and laying awake at night, until Gladio corners him with a none-too-gentle smack to the back of his head and a strict order to spit out whatever he's worrying at. Despite the rough approach, it helps immeasurably; it's a blessing simply to share his plans, and Gladio rightly points out that Noctis would be more embarrassed than pleased by string quartets or other overt displays and convinces him to “dial it down a little, Iggy”.

The ring is, oddly enough, the easiest part. His mother's wedding and engagement rings are among the very few possessions of his parents' that he still has, and it's easy enough to find a jeweler. The small, delicate pieces are reformed into something wider and less overtly feminine, the stones set flat against the ring to prevent them from catching, the band itself stamped with a subtle fish-scale pattern that lends it a little delicacy despite its otherwise functional design. It feels good in his hand; a ring that will, he hopes, be much more pleasant to wear than Noct's last.

And then there's Lunafreya. Wonderful, beautiful Luna, who'd played such a part in getting them to where they are today. If Luna hadn't survived, hadn't brought all her strength to bear to petition the Astrals the way she did – well, Ignis wouldn't be in any position to make such plans at all. Ignis is something of a traditionalist at heart, and in the absence of a parent to ask, she'd seemed the next natural option. To Ignis, at least. Not, apparently, to Lunafreya herself, who'd initially been puzzled, then whooped with delight, and then – when he was out of the room and, he suspects, not supposed to hear it – laughed herself sick. He can't hold it against her; not when she'd taken his hand in hers, soft laughter in her eyes, and given Ignis her blessing to ask her former betrothed for his hand in marriage.

In the end, he turns back to the beginning. A rooftop garden – not the same one of years ago, Noct's old apartment building having been destroyed, but still high enough to afford a similar view of the lights and bustle of a city that's thriving against all odds, the rebuilding almost complete. A picnic, some very fine wine, and jangling nerves. He can't help thinking back as he waits, pacing. Had it been like this for Noctis back then? All nerves and dread and excitement?

He can ask Noctis when he arrives, he supposes. Although not right away. That would rather spoil the surprise. ]

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Now there's a scandal waiting to happen.

[ Unfortunately the warning isn't enough to keep him from being very pleased with himself indeed, and he's still smiling as his fingers trail upward and under the hem of Noct's shirt to run over the skin above the waist of his pants. He's whiffed his carefully-planned proposal and still had everything turn out just how he wanted - chances are, he's going to be incorrigible. ]

What did you have in mind?

I dunno... [ and because he's never been one to turn down ignis in an incorrigible mood, he moves to pluck at the first few buttons of the other man's shirt, tugging it aside to expose the arch of his collarbones.

too tempting not to lean down and kiss, and why bother trying to resist?

still, it doesn't stop him from answering. ] Royal Ass Wrangler? Illustrious Butt Tender? Imperial Ambassador to the Derriere?

[ His eyes fall shut with a flutter as Noct's mouth meets his collarbone. Looks like they're going to be two for two on rooftop picnics that don't make it to an actual meal, but he can't find it in himself to regret it. ]

Hm. They all sound very grand. Like a title I'll have to earn.

[ And he's prepared to do so right here, if the way he starts unbuttoning Noct's shirt is any indication. Except: he gets an idea, and a wicked little glint in his eye, and places a hand on Noct's chest to guide him back juuuuust enough -

that he can rip the front of his shirt open, and send buttons flying. ]

[ cue a pause.

... because he knows damn well what ignis just did, and knows damn well that ignis is poking fun at him, but. well. ... that was really hot.

still, two can play at this game, right? ]

So. This is the part where I tell you we should probably take it slow, right?

[ Well, he deserved that. Of course, he also remembers that quite soon after the suggestion that they slow down he'd thrown all his nerves and caution to the wind, and that the feeling of Noctis cradled between his thighs and grinding against him had been a revelation. He at least has the decency to look mildly embarrassed as he skims his hand up Noct's torso to rub a nipple into a firm little rise that he can gently tweak as he answers. ]

I knew my misdeeds would come back to haunt me someday. Would you like me to slow down, Noct?

Hell no.

[ which comes out a little breathless, because that thing ignis is doing with his fingers is magic. and he can't help but arch himself into that touch -- except that's not enough, and he decides to hell with any attempt at playing coy when he wriggles right into ignis' lap. ]

You really wanna know what I'd like you to do?

Gods, yes.

[ He answers with indecent haste, but he's rather hoping the suggestion will be indecent as well. And that brings a smile to his face, even as he leans in mouth at the pale stretch of Noct's throat and his fingers keep playing over his skin. How can it be indecent when they're to be wed? ]

I really want --

[ and then he pauses, brow furrowing in thought as he blinks at the air just above ignis' head. wait, shit. his brilliant suggestion might be upset by a minor technicality. ] ... do you have to wait until the wedding to consummate your vows?

[ ...and Ignis' gentle ministrations against Noct's throat are interrupted as he laughs, sudden and bright. ]

I should hope not, [ and it's a little breathless with merriment, there. Though he's not too amused to roll that nipple between his fingertips, trying to make Noct gasp. ] I think we've rather missed the boat on saving ourselves for marriage.

[ ignis gets his wish as noctis' breath hitches, fingers tightening themselves helplessly in the other man's suit jacket. gods, ignis has magic fingers, and they are Absolutely Unfair -- especially when they're being used so skillfully against him. ]

Great. [ which is all the warning ignis is going to get before noctis undoes the front of ignis' pants in a few well-practiced motions, sliding his hand inside to curl warmly around his dick with a little squeeze. and he presses a kiss against the hollow of ignis' ear, turning to nuzzle warmly into him. ] That means we can get right to it, then.

[ Ignis presses up against that squeeze with a warm little moan, and shifts only enough to allow him to pull away Noct's brutalized shirt and skin out of his own jacket. It's almost funny how different it feels, given that all that's changed between them is a few words and a promise, but it does. He leans to meet Noct's mouth with his own, lips quirking up against the kiss with the knowledge that the man touching him is now his fiancé. It's a little intoxicating. ]

all the walls i hide behind

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