coin-operated boy

[blindsider]

[ This is Ignis' sixth body.

The process is a familiar one by now, and thanks to rapid technological advances, much faster than it used to be. His first hardware upgrade had been when Noctis was six, and after three years of having his personal android as a constant companion the young prince had not been enthused to lose him for several days while he was transferred across. These days it's something that can be done in the home, the old chassis being taken away after the new one is delivered, but Noctis had expressed a certain... discomfort with the idea of having the empty unit around, however briefly.

Truth be told, it's a strange feeling for Ignis, too. Perhaps it's the knowledge that this is likely to be his last upgrade; Noctis is nearly an adult, and it's far less important that Ignis appear to be of a similar age for Noctis to feel comfortable with him now. His appearance has never mattered to him previously, but the permanence of this change makes it feel different somehow. He's taller, broader in the shoulders, the angles of his new face sharp enough to mark his design as adult, and he's equipped with all current functions.

He hopes Noctis likes it. It's a pointless desire; Noctis, as the prince, has ample funds to send the unit back and have Ignis placed in a chassis that better suits him if he so desires. Ignis will remain unchanged should Noctis decide that he'd prefer him with brown eyes, or golden hair, or a feminine body, and Ignis had no part in choosing the design he currently inhabits. Whether Noctis finds it acceptable or otherwise is nothing to do with Ignis and has no bearing upon their relationship.

Nonetheless, he hopes Noctis likes it. The thought stays with him as he's driven back to Noct's apartment, and as he knocks on the door that he's usually the one answering – security protocols prevented any of his usual access keys being sent along with him, so all he can do is wait. ]

Comments

[linkstrike]

[ having an android for a best friend is probably something that should be weird. ... but so many other things in noct's life are weird that weird becomes relative, and so the fact that ignis doesn't have to eat or never sleeps or goes away occasionally to have his body swapped out have sort of become... if not normal, then usual.

mostly, noctis just misses ignis when he's gone.

the apartment is always emptier without him -- there's none of the pleasant sounds or smells of cooking, no one to nag at him to stop playing video games and read through his daily reports, and no one to talk to about the dumb thing prompto said when he tried to flirt with the girl from third period. home isn't home when ignis isn't there, and that's why noctis decides to just come home straight from school and nap until ignis comes back.

the first knock on the door doesn't rouse him, but the second one is enough to punch through the haze of sleep. still, he's more than a little foggy when he drags himself out of bed, scrubbing at one of his eyes as he shuffles towards the front door. and it takes effort to force his fingers to fumble with the locks, still yawning and trying to blink away the cobwebs of an interrupted nap.

... but, well. if there's one thing that could wake almost anyone up, it's ignis looking like... this.

this new body is taller, and more filled out than the last -- broader shoulders and definition that can even be seen underneath the clothing the android is wearing, tapering down to a slim waist and long legs. and they've changed his hair... or just styled it differently, maybe? it's swept up and away from his face, and the change defines the sharp angles of his face. he looks... good, and noctis flushes pink when he realizes that he's just been staring. ]

You look, [ a pause, the color in his cheeks darkening as he swallows. trying to think of something that sounds neutral enough to hide the little skip in his pulse, and ending up blurting out: ] Uh. Different.

[blindsider]

[ Ignis nods once, just a duck of his head in recognition. The prince doesn't seem offended by his appearance, at least, and it's always good to see Noctis. No matter how stilted the greeting may be, it's pleasant to receive.]

A few more creative liberties this time around, it seems. I believe it's intended to be my last upgrade barring catastrophe. Perhaps they were aiming for something... fancy.

[ He smiles at his own joke before he steps through the doorway - a liberty, but one he feels comfortable taking. He learned early on that Noctis objects more to being asked for permission in situations he feels it's unnecessary than to actions taken without permission. As his purpose is to make things easier for Noctis, it was a natural adjustment to make. ]

If you wouldn't mind quickly stating that you've received me safe and sound, I'll send the recording through for confirmation and crack on with getting dinner ready.