Yes, but you were the future Shield. I'm a retainer. I was trained to care for children of your class. It's... very different. When Noct got into trouble, I was the one who allowed it to happen, and thus it was my failure. Not his.
Putting on a smile and doing whatever I had to do in order to keep my charge safe, happy, and successful is exactly what was expected of me. That's why I said it was harsher.
In Crownsguard training... I was only responsible for myself and my own progress. In a way it was freeing. An outlet for my emotions where I was encouraged to go all-out, instead of always holding back. Some days, training with you was all that kept me sane.
[And look at him now. The perfectly composed retainer who is an absolute beast in battle-- though always with one eye on his King, and managing the field.
More accurately, look at him a few months ago. Before Altissia. Back when he could cook, clean, and kick-ass whilst hardly breaking a sweat. Now its a struggle to accomplish any one of those tasks perfectly, never mind all of them, but there is one thing he can still do almost better than anyone else. And that's wrap both arms around Gladio and hold him close, one hand rubbing between his shoulder blades.
Ignis was never coddled, and in a way that makes him especially good at coddling others. All he really knows is how to give love. Receiving it is another story.
Thankfully, with a friend like Gladio, it doesn't really matter. The behemoth man has a behemoth heart and smothers him with it anyway.]
I don't hate who or what I am, it was simply a difficult road to get here. There's nothing I enjoy more than spoiling you all. My favourite part of cooking is seeing the happiness it brings... I miss that terribly.
Watching everyone eat and smile could turn a bad day into a good one. Now I have to listen for sounds of pleasure or approval, and sometimes it's difficult to tell.
On that note, what do you want for your birthday dinner? You have yet to tell me.
[ As if to hammer the point home, Gladio tightens his arms around him for a moment in an almost-painful hug. Maybe it's the fact that this is the first time in months that he's gotten to sit down and let everything sink in, or maybe it's the whole 'turning twenty-four an entire world away from home without one to return to' thing that's making him feel especially sentimental. Either way, Ignis is getting one and there's nothing the universe can do to stop it.
Except Ignis shifting the subject, of course.
But that doesn't mean he's pulling his head from his shirt anytime soon. No, he wants to cling to this moment for a little longer while he can. They both need it. ]
...Y'know, for the first time in my life I don't actually know? If we were back home-home, I'd probably wanna hit up that club that opened up a couple years back. Or... the Passiflora-Incarnara. That diner in midtown. I know you swiped the recipe for some of their soups 'cause you said they were too salty and said you could do it better, but the rest of it was always pretty good.
[ Finally, he turns his head a bit to the side so he can breathe in something that wasn't Ignis. A little fresh air to go with his advisor smell. ]
My uncle never wanted children. I suppose that may have had something to do with it. Our relationship greatly improved once I was no longer his responsibility.
Still, I do hope he made it out.
[Gladio isn't letting go, and neither is he. If anything, Ignis relaxes back against the wall. Pulling Gladio closer to him with a sigh. Rocking side to side ever so gently. Is he attempting to comfort the Shield, or himself? The correct answer is both.]
Why did you always want to go out, rather than stay in for a home-cooked meal?
[Not that Ignis ever took quiet offense to it (he did).]
I can do that. There's already one item on the menu I know without a doubt you'll go head over heels for. As for the rest... I'll see what else inspires me.
[Of course this will be a multi-course affair. Gladio will never turn twenty-four again.]
[ He makes a noncommittal noise in the back of his throat, but he doesn't argue it. He doesn't even fuss when he starts to feel Ignis move side to side. Instead, Gladio does the one thing he ought to have done months ago and lowers his guard. It's safe here. Perhaps not across Copalli in its entirety, but here in Ignis's arms. Here in this little house the four of them have landed. Here with his best friends and brothers.
It's fine to be vulnerable for a little bit. ]
Y'mean beyond the times dad would take us out somewhere? I dunno. I liked the energy. The people. And if I ever wasn't feeling it that night, I know I always had somewhere to go home to.
[ Either the family home, his own apartment, or Noct's. Usually where Noct was, Ignis and Prompto were too. Usually after texting Ignis, of course. ]
That makes sense. I suppose 'home with family' was always my ideal, as I had little opportunity to do so. I've spent more time with your family than my own... and it was a wonderful experience.
[The Amicitias are as loving as they are intimidating. Strong hearts make strong Shields. Seeing Gladio so relaxed, eyes closed, breathing soft-- being soft, only makes Ignis want to hold him closer for longer.]
All I will say is it's something you've had before, and that I've never made it for you. You said you wanted a surprise, and a surprise you shall receive.
[ The only thing Gladio does is groan loudly in protest, and buries his face right back into Ignis's shirt for a time while he ruffles his hair up in six different directions. He so very rarely lets himself act his age, so this? It's nice, even if the motion leaves him with a lingering feeling of something down his spine.
(It's a good something, he knows this.) ]
Something with cinnamon? S'all I got. Beyond that, my fate is in your hands.
[The cogs are already turning. While he could likely pull together a traditional cake, it wouldn't be half as well-decorated as Gladio is used to, and all too predictable. Enter the idea of a 'churro' cake. Layers of cinnamon-sweet, crunchy dough, separated by fresh cream and topped with a caramel drizzle.
Ignis tasted his first churro during Kiichpan's street festival, and has never made one before, but...]
Hm. I believe I've just come up with a new recipe(eh).
[ Gladio grins into his shirt, and without missing a beat he tilts his head to peer up at him. It doesn't matter if Ignis can see it or not, because he makes it known. He pulls himself up, arms tightening around his back, and his ear rests over his heart. ]
I could taste test for you?
[ So, it's not the best hug he's given. It's still something, right? ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2022-04-10 09:26 pm (UTC)Putting on a smile and doing whatever I had to do in order to keep my charge safe, happy, and successful is exactly what was expected of me. That's why I said it was harsher.
In Crownsguard training... I was only responsible for myself and my own progress. In a way it was freeing. An outlet for my emotions where I was encouraged to go all-out, instead of always holding back. Some days, training with you was all that kept me sane.
[And look at him now. The perfectly composed retainer who is an absolute beast in battle-- though always with one eye on his King, and managing the field.
More accurately, look at him a few months ago. Before Altissia. Back when he could cook, clean, and kick-ass whilst hardly breaking a sweat. Now its a struggle to accomplish any one of those tasks perfectly, never mind all of them, but there is one thing he can still do almost better than anyone else. And that's wrap both arms around Gladio and hold him close, one hand rubbing between his shoulder blades.
Ignis was never coddled, and in a way that makes him especially good at coddling others. All he really knows is how to give love. Receiving it is another story.
Thankfully, with a friend like Gladio, it doesn't really matter. The behemoth man has a behemoth heart and smothers him with it anyway.]
I don't hate who or what I am, it was simply a difficult road to get here. There's nothing I enjoy more than spoiling you all. My favourite part of cooking is seeing the happiness it brings... I miss that terribly.
Watching everyone eat and smile could turn a bad day into a good one. Now I have to listen for sounds of pleasure or approval, and sometimes it's difficult to tell.
On that note, what do you want for your birthday dinner? You have yet to tell me.
no subject
Date: 2022-04-10 09:51 pm (UTC)[ As if to hammer the point home, Gladio tightens his arms around him for a moment in an almost-painful hug. Maybe it's the fact that this is the first time in months that he's gotten to sit down and let everything sink in, or maybe it's the whole 'turning twenty-four an entire world away from home without one to return to' thing that's making him feel especially sentimental. Either way, Ignis is getting one and there's nothing the universe can do to stop it.
Except Ignis shifting the subject, of course.
But that doesn't mean he's pulling his head from his shirt anytime soon. No, he wants to cling to this moment for a little longer while he can. They both need it. ]
...Y'know, for the first time in my life I don't actually know? If we were back home-home, I'd probably wanna hit up that club that opened up a couple years back. Or... the Passiflora-Incarnara. That diner in midtown. I know you swiped the recipe for some of their soups 'cause you said they were too salty and said you could do it better, but the rest of it was always pretty good.
[ Finally, he turns his head a bit to the side so he can breathe in something that wasn't Ignis. A little fresh air to go with his advisor smell. ]
Surprise me?
no subject
Date: 2022-04-11 12:47 am (UTC)Still, I do hope he made it out.
[Gladio isn't letting go, and neither is he. If anything, Ignis relaxes back against the wall. Pulling Gladio closer to him with a sigh. Rocking side to side ever so gently. Is he attempting to comfort the Shield, or himself? The correct answer is both.]
Why did you always want to go out, rather than stay in for a home-cooked meal?
[Not that Ignis ever took quiet offense to it (he did).]
I can do that. There's already one item on the menu I know without a doubt you'll go head over heels for. As for the rest... I'll see what else inspires me.
[Of course this will be a multi-course affair. Gladio will never turn twenty-four again.]
no subject
Date: 2022-04-11 01:00 am (UTC)It's fine to be vulnerable for a little bit. ]
Y'mean beyond the times dad would take us out somewhere? I dunno. I liked the energy. The people. And if I ever wasn't feeling it that night, I know I always had somewhere to go home to.
[ Either the family home, his own apartment, or Noct's. Usually where Noct was, Ignis and Prompto were too. Usually after texting Ignis, of course. ]
Gimme a hint?
no subject
Date: 2022-04-11 01:25 am (UTC)[The Amicitias are as loving as they are intimidating. Strong hearts make strong Shields. Seeing Gladio so relaxed, eyes closed, breathing soft-- being soft, only makes Ignis want to hold him closer for longer.]
All I will say is it's something you've had before, and that I've never made it for you. You said you wanted a surprise, and a surprise you shall receive.
[A slightly daemonic smirk.]
no subject
Date: 2022-04-11 01:41 am (UTC)[ After all, with Regis around to actually spend time with Noct meant that they all had a bit of a vacation! ]
Something I've had before, but you've never made it... Huh. I gotta think about that one.
[ Sure, there was plenty of things that fit the bill but here? Those options were pretty limited. ]
What about dessert?
no subject
Date: 2022-04-11 01:48 am (UTC)[One hand lifts to ruffle Gladio's hair, mussing it something fierce before smoothing it back down again.]
Do you or don't you want a surprise? Or does the 'surprise' element only apply to savoury foods?
If you have a special request, I can do my best to fulfill it.
no subject
Date: 2022-04-11 02:06 am (UTC)(It's a good something, he knows this.) ]
Something with cinnamon? S'all I got. Beyond that, my fate is in your hands.
no subject
Date: 2022-04-11 02:36 am (UTC)[The cogs are already turning. While he could likely pull together a traditional cake, it wouldn't be half as well-decorated as Gladio is used to, and all too predictable. Enter the idea of a 'churro' cake. Layers of cinnamon-sweet, crunchy dough, separated by fresh cream and topped with a caramel drizzle.
Ignis tasted his first churro during Kiichpan's street festival, and has never made one before, but...]
Hm. I believe I've just come up with a new recipe(eh).
no subject
Date: 2022-04-11 02:56 am (UTC)I could taste test for you?
[ So, it's not the best hug he's given. It's still something, right? ]
Whatever you've got planned, it'll be great.