Castles they may crumble

[berriedmemories]

WHO:XV Cast
WHAT: General catchall
WHERE: Probably mostly at the XV cottage
WHEN: spring/summer 2025
WARNINGS: blanket CW for depression (Noctis), suicidal ideation (Ardyn, Cor, Ravus), and general PTSD from a bunch of men that've been through hell. See subject lines for specifics

Comments

[errant_knight]

He does know better at this point, but let a man dream. There has to be some alternate dimension somewhere out there where his embarrassment escapes notice. But alternate Ravus doesn't get to experience that teasing smile, so really, who is the lucky one here?

Theoretical existences aside, Ravus simply waits to be instructed, fondly watching the way Ignis so gently interacts with his mates. There's a softness to his gaze that he turns to Ignis when he's addressed. He's quiet a beat, before realizing he ought to answer properly. So to the question, he nods once, and then flicks his gaze to Noctis.

"Noctis has already taken to using me as one often enough. I do not mind." Said, for someone who simply doesn't mind, awfully fond. Equally fond, he continues as he shifts his gaze to the scrappy blond tangled with him. "Just as well, Prompto tends to clamber onto me at any opportunity. It will not be terribly different, I imagine."

[threevirtues]

It's hardly a surprise that Noctis has become so fond of Ravus already; his heart is a terribly soft thing at the end of the day. Ignis far from hates it. If anything, it is a part of what makes him love his prince so much. And he's glad that Prompto, too, has found safety and comfort with the other man.

That will help make this a touch easier. But just a touch, considering the practicalities.

"Then over here - lay down as I move the boys." It is a bit of a handful, really, pulling Noctis close so that he is a bit more on top of Gladio, and then just physically lifting Prompto in turn... But there it is, a bit of room there on the bed on the other side. "Lay down quick, so I can get them onto you."

Which will indeed make Ravus an oversized body pillow, with two men cuddling up on him in different ways, but Ignis has to worry about how he will wiggle into place with Gladio, thank you.

[errant_knight]

It's still a bit strange: sprawled out for sleeping, instead of his usual defensive curl. But he can't fit around them both, and besides that, he knows the pair is fond of pillowing on his chest. So he takes them both from Ignis' hold, and settles down mostly on his back. Hopefully without disturbing them too much.

Running his real fingers through Noctis' hair at the nape of his neck, and his metal claws through Prompto's, Ravus feels a great warmth in his heart that bays any chill from the fading winter night. The panic of the day having been subsumed by the soft closeness of the people around him. It's... nice. Nicer than he ever really imagined it might be.

There will be enough uncertainty and hardship for the future, of that, Ravus has never doubted. But for now, he's quite content to watch Ignis wiggle himself into place with Gladio. Once he does, Ravus pauses his petting long enough to gently brush the back of his knuckles first against Gladio's shoulder, and then Ignis', as a quiet bid of goodnight, and unspoken thank you for letting him share this.