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

[threevirtues]

"Myself, of course." Not that Ignis can blame him for being a little bit off-balance on something like this. Even as the person who cast the spell, Ignis can't help staring as the hand moves deftly. Just like his own. Having it described to him by Sveargith is a far cry from seeing it in action.

"It is... a very strange thing," he admits quietly. "Remembering this place, as though a dream, from my youth... and then coming back. And not a soul has been changed, physically speaking."

Disorienting is puttig it lightly.

[swordlily]

"Oh - damn, that's right." Gladio shakes his head a little, as if to clear it. "It wasn't even that long ago, but somehow it's easy to forget that for you it would've been like years passed between your younger self and your current self being here. It obviously didn't feel like that on our end...and at the end of the day, no matter what age you are, you're still Iggy to me. Being with either one of you - there's differences, sure, but nothing major." He presses a kiss to the spot behind Iggy's ear. "Can't improve on perfection too much, and you got there early."

[threevirtues]

With all that's happened in his life, the worries and encounters, all of that, Ignis has his doubts on being perfect. At the same time, he's calmed down enough from his initial arrival to know it is Gladio being the loving and adoring man that he is.

So, even if it is only for the immediate moment, Ignis tucks those worries and fears asides. Focuses on the warmth of Gladio's lips.

"...Well, I can say that my younger self was glad for that," he confesses, watching the patient rhythm of the mage hand. It's soothing, the constant movement and noise, never deviating. "What would I do without you? He never wanted to find out, and neither do I." He closes his eyes a moment, only to open them again immediately after. Something a little different, too purposeful and then anxious, to be only a blink.

"Even if I must have dinner out for you all, meaning you will have to let go eventually."

[swordlily]

"You don't have to have dinner for us, Iggy," Gladio says, with a a slight and fond eyeroll. "Nobody would hold it against you if we had to forage for a night, or just have some charcuterie type thing. You're putting unreasonable expectations on yourself, like always." He leans his head against Iggy's. "So if I have to let you go, it's because you're making me." He smirks a bit.

[threevirtues]

Damn him. Ignis's sigh is the answer to that eye roll he can't even see, with Gladio behind him as he is. "As though any of you have touched a charcuterie in the time I've been gone," he grumbles. "That is why I need to make a meal for you."

A shift of one trembling hand, curling into a light fast against Gladio's arm.

"Let me make a meal for you." Let him know he can still do something for them, still take care of them, while they're all safe and sound.