houseofscientia | White Day stargazing

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White Day stargazing

Thank you for agreeing to humor me, on very short notice, too.

[Ignis starts as he opens the door of the car for Gladio. If he may appear sheepish it's because of Gladio's imagination. Certainly.

While Ignis could arrange a perfect day for their Valentine's Day date, he seemed to have less luck with their White Day date. He started the arrangement just like usual and it was going well, because he's learned to manipulate his schedules how he wanted, but there are still things he can't count in. People are whimsical, people get sick, others also want to go on dates... probably. So even with weeks long of arranging, Ignis' plans collapsed right on White Day. He hoped to have a clear afternoon to bring Gladio to that bookshop he found, then check out a pastry place he heard good things about, but all that had to be put on hold for the day due to emergency meetings, and some last minute hold-up with Noctis.

Or so Ignis has thought.

Maybe it won't exactly be a full blown date like they planned, but maybe he can still save the day. So he tried if Gladio is still available at the evening and thankfully he said yes.]

And I apologize it has to be like this...

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It's cool, Iggy. Really.

[It kind of had, kind of hadn't been okay. But while Gladio had tried (and mostly succeeded!) in playing off the inevitable disappointment that had come with thinking that he'd been cancelled on, the not cool part had been that Iris had been receiving a veritable shit ton of chocolates from a bunch of assholes in her school.

It pissed him off enough to display it. Horribly. And he might've been wearing a few bitemarks from the experience. Enough to sober him, really. Enough to make him realize he was being an asshole. ...At least Ignis hadn't seen it. That was something.

What hadn't been expected was the call he'd got later in the day. He'd tried to say it was alright, that they could do something later, but it didn't seem to be a problem, so...

Here they were.]

Don't sweat it. I'd rather be told something ain't good than have you get in trouble.

[He raises an eyebrow when Ignis opens the door for him, but he slips in, waiting for the other to do so before putting his hand on his lap.]

Hey. Really. It's alright. You don't need to be sorry for anything.

[If asked, Ignis could help in background checking all those fuckers. For future reference. Iris deserves the best, after all, so weeding out the trash is just common courtesy.

With a sigh, Ignis gets in the car too, feeling a bit guilty for canceling then rearranging. It's really not something he usually does after all. Maybe that's why he's a bit nervous, or could be the hectic day behind him and the one ahead of him. He takes a moment to recollect himself, then reaches for Gladio's hand.]

It's truly frustrating. I was really looking forward to see you today. [He admits, as a matter of fact, running his thumb over the other's knuckles. Noting something suspiciously similar to a bitemark by his wrist...] So much I just couldn't bear it. So that's why... [He trails off, looking around the car with a bit of bitter smile.]

[That would be appreciated. But if Gladio's learned anything today, it's that Iris is a force to be reckoned with all on her own. His eyes move down to his hand when Ignis runs his against it, and he turns it, to both hide the bitemark, and mesh his fingers with the other.]

I don't want you seeing stuff like this as some kind of obligation.

[Even if, by gods, he couldn't help but feel a little salty about the fact Ignis may have ... not actually made it. That's something he needs to work on. But. Ignis didn't see that side. It's a private something to work on.]

We could go back to yours. That's fine with me, you don't have to stress thinking up something. As long as I'm with you, I'm happy.

[And.]

Hey. I, uh. [He moves his other hand to his pocket, handing over his (hard earned) present. A small box of actually, quite decent chocolates Iris had made for the occasion, decorated exactly alike Ignis had detailed to her, once. And intended toward someone she'd liked.

Two birds, one stone, really. He sure as hell couldn't do it himself, and this way, he stopped his sister cosying up to a potential jerk. Maybe Ignis would think he'd made them too? ...Maybe?

Either way, totally worth a couple of bites and scratches.]

[Ignis listens to Gladio with a small, thankful smile, squeezing his fingers.]

It's no obligation, if I want it. [He speaks quietly. He knows that he'd feel terrible if he couldn't at least catch a few hours with Gladio today. Not after their date before. Not after he had to cancel in the last minute.]

Actually... [He sighs, because going back to his place sounds appealing. Though not exactly what he had in mind. Not just that. But it feels nice to know Gladio likes to be with him, no matter what. So Ignis raises his gaze and parts his lips to speak, but Gladio is faster.

Chocolate? Ignis blinks as he takes the box. He can tell it's homemade, and that he'd seen something similar before. He also knows that Gladio has no talent in culinary arts. But Ignis won't tease him about that. Not today. Gladio may have already suffered for these after all.]

For me? [He can't help to tease, just a bit, as he leans over to place a light kiss on Gladio's lips.] Thank you.

I wanted to treat you something special today too. [He mutters, pulling away just a little.] But I had to improvise so... Let me just take you there.

[Taste tested and everything. He'd been careful, of course. Mostly because hell, if he was going to steal his younger sister's hard work, it'd just be embarrassing if she'd mixed up salt with sugar or whatever. He'd stolen a few from a previous batch before committing to stealing these, and they were pretty damn good. If he did say so himself.]

Yeah, for you.

[Ignis probably doesn't believe that they're his actual work. He's too sharp for that- and he knows Gladio well enough to know that he doesn't have the patience for the more finicky parts of baking. But he knows he's got the balls to get bitten and scratched. And hit. A lot. As well as the balls to take the majority of the fallout for Clarus' newest headache with his children.

He returns the kiss when it's given gently, unable to not show his surprise. He should have known Ignis would have something in mind. Hell, he can see the man organizing something while doing everything else, even as overwhelming as the day's been today.]

Damn, Iggy.

[When Ignis pulls back, he does- a hand reaching back for his seatbelt.]

Alright. Sounds good.

[If the chocolates tasted salty Ignis may even believed it was Gladio who made them. But they are going to taste sweet either way, despite who made them. Ignis will think of them as a gift from the family; because with Gladio he also received all the Amicitia members in some way. They were a part of him now and Ignis wouldn't have it any other way.]

It may be childish a little, I- [He cuts himself off there. No need to apologize again, otherwise all he would do all night is to apologize for basically everything. So he just puts the chocolate box in the holder between the seats and puts on his seatbelt too.]

Are you alright with heights? [He asks as the car is started. What he planned actually was just a trip to a place at the edge of the city to one of the oldest multiple story buildings. Knowing the old caretaker of it, Ignis decided to finally take up on the offer that he is presented all the time for years now. 'It was built in that spot because the sky looks the prettiest from there. But no one looks at the sky anymore' he would say. 'Everyone looks down now. Or ahead. Go and look at the sky sometime, you'll see a miracle.'

Ignis thought it just the dreamy words of a person who has and old and pretty imagination, but, well. With Gladio he sometimes allowed himself the liberty to believe in fairy tales. So he asked the caretaker to leave the door open for them to visit.]

I was hoping to take you to count some stars somewhere in the outskirts.

[Childish? Colour him even more surprised. His eyes play with a slight curiosity, as he shifts the seat back a little. He's about set when the engine starts, looking to Ignis.]

Yeah, heights're fine with me.

[He can be sappy, he knows it. He more than knows it, actually. So when Ignis continues, he listens- and gods it's so hard to not show a reaction to that idea. It's nice. And it's cute. And it's so hard to not lean across and kiss him at the thought.

His reaction, even if he's currently struggling with not showing more of one, is one of being impressed.]

Sounds awesome. ...Really awesome, actually. How'd you manage to get access to the top of a building?

[It had to be a large building, surely. He'd been asked about heights.]

Good. It's not that far, not in this traffic.

[Ignis assures, though that more for himself than Gladio. He still has things to do after this after all. And he hates that he still has to put a time on this, but well... something for something. He is partly sure he wouldn't have been able to focus much anyway if they wouldn't take just a little time for themselves.]

The caretaker of the building knows my Uncle. He served in the Citadel's kitchen for long years. [Ignis answers, adjusting his glasses as he drives them further out of the city.] He was a great help in arranging this.

[As Gladio would see when they arrive, it's not actually that huge of a building compared to the ones in downtown. Six stories or so, but there aren't other high skyscrapers to block the view. Still considerably high; so if anyone has problems with heights it would definitely come out. Taken the fence around the top was put there more as a decoration than precaution.

It's an old building and this is the first time Ignis sees it in person, other than on a picture. He parks the car in the empty parking area by the entrance, looking up at it. Once again, something like nervousness grips him. So then he turns his head toward Gladio.] Shall we, then?

Sounds good. Are we gonna be by ourselves? [He had to ask. Just had to. Because stargazing was nice. Really nice. Cuddling up under them? Even better. He listens to Ignis explain, bringing his eyes from the road, to his face as he drives.

Once he's parked up...]

Damn. When was this place even built?

[He doesn't even think he's been to this district, either. He gets out of the car when prompted, looking up at the building again.]

[Ignis sends a look at Gladio at the question. Not because he knows why Gladio is asking that, or that he wasn't thinking about it, it's because he... really doesn't know. He hopes for a little privacy too, but he has to check. It really was a last minute arrangement after all. And he did mention it's for... a date. So. Ignis hopes the message came through to an old man.

He gets out of the car, looking up at the oldest building he'd ever seen and wonders why it never been taken down or renovated before. It's such a relic, indeed.]

Seems like when the war of the gods were still at its high. [Ignis remarks and takes his phone to check his messages.] We get to have the roof for an hour. For ourselves. [He adds, letting out a relieved sigh; so they indeed get privacy. Good. He quickly checks the rest of the message and sends a short reply.] And the elevator's out of service, so we're gonna have to walk up the emergency stairs.

[Right. Of course. What would work today anyway, Ignis wonders as he pockets his phone with a huff. He then looks at Gladio, and holds his hand out for him a bit unsure.] You're still with me?

[If only Gladio knew. Ignis was a private person. More private than anyone. So him doing that. Wow. It's something, all right. But he doesn't know. So he can only laugh when Ignis responds, looking up to the building again.]

Probably. It's cool, though. It's kind of vintage. The people in the main square'd fall over themselves to get to visit somewhere so authentic. 'Sides. I've never been here before. It's not like it'll be boring. 'Course I'm with you.

[He then gives him his hand, giving him a playful smirk as he walks forward.]

And shit. I get to work on my legs too. This is an awesome date.

[He leans forward. No-one seems to be about, so... yeah. Ignis gets a small kiss on the cheek.]

So the roof's what. Six floors up, seven? If you get on my back it'll be even more of a workout.

[That might be his way of 1) Getting closeness, and 2) Making sure Ignis doesn't sweat on the way up. Since he cared about that sort of thing.]

[Old people are so nosey, and Ignis had to give something for the generosity. Information is pretty expensive, after all. With this they also stopped asking further questions.]

It's the first time I'm here too. [Ignis takes Gladio's hand squeezing it a little. The place is vintage and authentic indeed. It's not a bookshop, it's not expensive pastry, but it may do for how lat minute he was doing this.] I hope it's not going to be disappointing.

[He smiles at the kiss and leans in to give his own, but stops... He's a bit glad it's already evening, because his cheeks might show a bit of color at what Gladio's offering.] You'd carry me all the way up?

[Tempting, because for one, yes closeness. Ignis would have an excuse to press his nose against Gladio's neck, taking in his scent... But then again, Ignis isn't sure how he'd feel being carried while he has two perfectly working legs to take the stairs, sweating or not. As if six levels of stairs would make him sweat. It definitely earns Gladio a sheepish smile.] Maybe on the way down. [He leans in to kiss Gladio cheek too, nuzzling at him before he leads him to the back of the building toward the emergency exit.

The stairs would take them up to the roof, to a door which writes a warning about unauthorized people. It's usually locked, but for Ignis tonight they would find it open, letting them out of the roof.]

It won't be disappointing. Quit worrying.

[It's... kind of sweet that he is worrying though. He'd not really seen Ignis anything less than perfectly calm, and while externally, he's putting up a pretty good front, he's worried. He can tell.

When his cheek is kissed- that earns Ignis a slightly playful look. He pulls away slightly- just enough to follow along- keeping hold of his hand ass he's led. He twists his fingers in the other's as they scale the stairs, taking the steps two at a time.]

Yeah? You can get on my back if you want.

[Some stair-scaling later, and he's none the worse for wear- opening the door for Ignis.]

Damn, it's real high.

[Ignis wasn't kidding when he mentioned the height of the building compared to the others gave no false allusions of security. He turns, to face him again.]

S'nice though. This place is barely lit. You can make out the sky easy.

[Ignis isn't even sure why he's so caught up in his nerves. Could be the day still leaving him high strung, or the fact he still wants to give Gladio a proper date, which is of course not that possible right now, right at this hour. Ignis knows Gladio would be happy with him, no matter what. And yet, some childish part of him still being twitchy about it.]

I thought you're training to be a Shield, not a knight. [Ignis quips a little as they take the steps. Even the smell of this building is old. It seems like only half the apartments are occupied too.

Walking out on the roof Ignis looks around to check if it's secure at all. He indeed notes that it's high up. The dreading feeling could be due to the lack of security barriers, but that also means nothing really blocks their view either. Aside from a few airvents and antennas there aren't much there. No light source either indeed. But Crown City's downtown lights, along with the Citadel's ray of light glows up south of them while the vast, darker outskirts are spreading the other side, making it appear like the place wouldn't even belong to this world.

Just as Gladio said, it's a nice spot.] Yes. It's... there's something to it.

[After Ignis quickly assessed the place he turns to Gladio again.] I'm glad you accepted to come here with me.

Ha. Noct wouldn't get the offer.

[Of course, he'd carry Noctis if he had to. He knows the problem he's got post-marolith attack is stuff that he can't really overcome, even if his progress had been so good that most simply wouldn't think he'd ever been bound to a wheelchair as a kid. But.

He busies himself with finding a good place to sit, and fortunately, there's a little collection of cheap patio chairs. Seemed Ignis' caretaker friend came out here every now and again.]

Even if our date was some meeting at the Citadel, I'd still go with you. [He smiles at that, flicking his eyes over.] ....Seriously. This place is amazing. It's just us, the skies're clear, and looks like it's going to stay dry. This isn't a shitty date. Seriously.

[Reluctant knight, then. Ignis can't help to think as Gladio makes sure it's not for Noctis. He can't help to think about him for a second, how miserable he seemed even when he left him for today.

He sighs, following Gladio to the prepared chairs; a blanket is even thrown over one of them. Ignis wonders if this is indeed here for use or for them... But he's glad it's cozy at least.

He's smiling at what Gladio's saying. That he's trying to reassure him. Was he that obvious, he wonders as he's looking over at him, bringing his chair next to his.]

I just wanted to give you something as special as you did for our first date. [Ignis speaks quietly, looking up at the sky. Though he freezes for a moment as he's presented with the sight.] I was told this place will be miraculous, so I... obviously wanted to bring you along.

[Getting Ignis for any length of time felt like a miracle. ...Except that wasn't true. The younger of the pair tried. He really did. He raises his eyebrows at the preparations that'd obviously gone into the small little area, and when Ignis pulls up a chair next to his, he leans over and drapes his arm across the other man's shoulders.]

Appreciate it. Can't remember the last time I saw the stars from the city.

[Except he doesn't really keep his eyes on them for long. It's a sappy thought, but even though the view here's something else, it doesn't compare to whos beside him. So! He moves his eyes there, inching just close enough to graze his lips against Ignis' cheek.]

Hey. You want the blanket? Don't want you getting cold.

[As he feels Gladio's arm move around him Ignis lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He wasn't even aware that he's cold until then.]

They must look brighter out in the wilderness. Prettier too. [He remarks, wondering just how bright that could be. Because he has to admit it's a pretty sight. He leans closer when he feels those warm lips against his cold cheek, his shoulders dropping some of their tension.]

That would be nice, yes. [He smiles, turning his head to kiss at the corner of Gladio's mouth before he would reach for the blanket. Though there is only one.] You aren't cold?

Nah, I'm good.

[It's not really a lie. It's chilly, sure. Especially up this high. But it's fine. It's not straight cold, and he'd prefer Ignis got the blanket anyway, since... for whatever reason, his body heat tended to be a few degrees short of glacial.

That kiss is enough to make him hand the blanket over, and he waits until Ignis is comfortable before he places his head on the other's shoulder. He shoves his chair up a little more- just to get comfortable, pressing a small kiss to the side of Ignis' neck. Then he looks up at the sky again.]

I don't know. They look pretty good from here, too.

[Ignis arranges the blanket around his shoulders, noting that they still have options if it gets too cold. Too bad they can't stay here too long, he still has work after this, and early in the morning too.

As Gladio is leaning down his shoulder he also rests his head against his, looking up at the sky. Nothing how that ball of tension in his stomach slowly shrinks.]

That's good to hear. At least here we don't have to keep an eye of beasts here. [He mutters quietly. Then he falls silent, just watching the stars and wondering how he never really looks up at it. He's too busy to even raise his eyes at the sky... just like the caretaker said.] It's good to be here with you, even if rushed.

[He lifts his hand to help with that, and soon settles on his shoulder, rubbing the bristles on his cheek against the rough weave of the blanket on his shoulder, and taking in his smell.

It's just a roof. It's just cheap furniture. It's just for an hour, and in a pretty run down area. But it's Ignis- and that means that it's a good date. A very good date.

...And maybe he's pushing his luck, but...]

Might be able to see 'em even better from here.

[A small pat to his lap. What can be said. The chairs are single seat only.]

[Ignis tilts his head, looking where Gladio indicates the better seat is. They are out in the open, but maybe high enough for anyone to see them like that. And it would prevent Gladio to get cold, too. Ignis smiles a little, shaking his head at himself and at what Gladio makes him do. He takes a few moments to answer though.]

I thought you'd never ask. [He quips, turning his head to kiss at Gladio's forehead.] May I, then?

[Gladio has a feeling the only person that's going to see them would be the caretaker- should he be curious enough to get a look at Ignis' type. Only if he was here, he's probably already bolted at the realization Ignis' type is probably not the cute girl he was expecting.

So yeah. No-one around. Probably. He smiles at the kiss, pushing his leg out a bit.]

Sure.

[And should Ignis get on, he'd find himself with two
jacket-clad arms (comfortably!) around his torso. And Gladio's just going to lean in, and hook his head on his shoulder again.]

It's real quiet here. Must be an office area.

[In the background, there's faint music. Fainter sirens. Fainter sounds of people.]

And you're right. It's awesome to not have to watch all around you.

[These young people these days have the weirdest taste they would say. Thankfully Ignis is sure that even if they were spied on the info wouldn't leave far. Taken the old man was a servant of the Citadel, they know how to keep some secrets.

Ignis moves to find his place on Gladio's lap, once again with some heat in his cheeks. He leans against him, sighing again at just how warm he is, feeling it already affecting his limbs. So much better than a blanket. Though on the other hand it reminds him that he should have gotten some coffee, because this warmth is making him overly comfortable.]

Offices so out of the city? [Ignis muses quietly, placing his hands on Gladio's arms.]

Happy White Day Gladio.

[Who's going to listen to a servant, anyway. That's his mindset as he takes Ignis into his lap, already getting warm fuzzies. He can't help it. In size and shape, Ignis is perfect. Tall enough to feel significant against him, lithe enough to not make him uncomfortable. It's a good weight, and one that he attempts to get on him as often as possible.

But the best thing, (and something he might have worked out while Ignis has been asleep...) is if he angles his head just so, he can brush his lips against the curve of his ear, just where his smell is nicest, and not breathe grossly down it. So he does.

...And he enjoys it. Lots. He keeps his voice low, to not startle him.]

I don't know. Could be for accountants. Or something boring, like that.

[He smiles, half-laughing.]

Or you never know. We might be sitting on some kind of really weird place. Like some organized crime headquarters. Or something like that.

[The place is nice, yes, but his seat is nicer, Ignis can't help to think. His ears go pink at the softest touch of lips too. He relaxes into Gladio's hold, wondering if this isn't why he wanted to meet today. To just. Get away. To have someone joke to him about organized crime, to have someone look at the same sky as him. Even if just for the shortest time. It will be enough. It has to be enough.]

Accountants are doing important work, Gladio. [Ignis sighs, reaching up to run his hand over Gladio's stubbly jaw absently. Though he can't hide his amusement at them sitting around somewhere slightly dangerous.]

Why else would they keep an old building like this if not to hide something, right? [He smiles, loving how close Gladio's voice sounds. He can feel it against his back, too. Almost like inside his body even.] And now we're part of the scheme.

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White Day stargazing

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