melodiesofeternity | Crystalline Chill

Entry tags:

Crystalline Chill

Who: Residents of house C-01 and friends!
When: All throughout May, see prompts and individual threads
Where: House C-01
What: Monthly catchall for the XV House shenanigans
Warnings/Notes: There's likely going to be spoilers for Kingsglaive and the main game up to Chapter 13 somewhere in the comments.

A. Sometimes you just want to ride...
Late in the morning of the 1st, there is a low purring sound of an engine going down the street. One that wasn't accustomed to travel aside by foot or chocobo claw. Yet, somehow, a certain man manages not to clip a single thing. And it sits there, in front of House C-01, black, shiny, and very much a wonder to a few moogles. Especially since the convertible's roof is airship-grade plexiglass.

B. [Insert "I'll Make A Man Out Of You" joke here]
There was one upside to living with the once-deceased leader of the Crownsguard, and that was one didn't have to go far for a training enthusiast. There was also one downside to this: not having to go far for a training enthusiast. It's the crack of dawn when the nice little symphony of insects and kwehs get interrupted by the sounds of wooden weapons clashing and spells being practiced.

Rest in pieces, light sleepers. They apologize in advance.

C. That's it!
Of course, no one can train or go through the day on no fuel. And one person in particular has taken upon himself to at least ensure a few others can eventually cook eggs without burning them. The real question is: Will Ignis come up with a new recipeh involving that jar of kupo nut butter?

D. I want to ride my chocobo all day~
If anyone is surprised at the fact that there are two or three (depending on the date because Chocobo Eater event) lovely birds, then they clearly don't understand at least 50% of the household's love for the magnificent creatures. The black one in particular seems to be particularly happy with their nice little stack of shiny objects...

There may or may not be a pair of glasses on the top of that pile. Sorry, Specs.

E. Hold my Ebony
(Feel free to come up with your own prompts, guys; these aren't the limits to our zaniness.)

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When Ignis sees the bird preening Noct, Ignis has a hard time feeling angry with him. Felix might be temperamental, but he sure does care for his owner. If Ignis gifted the bird glasses, would he stop trying to get the new pair?

The thought disappears quickly as chocobo turns to devour the veggies Ignis brought over. "You're very welcome," Ignis says after the wark, which he also translated as 'thanks' and gives the chocobo a gentle pat on the head.

Then he turns to Noct and eyes him critically. "...How long have you been out here?"

Ignis' guess is as good as any. Though Noct is almost convinced that this bird of his thinks it's a game of sorts. One he is slowly becoming more annoyeacd by, despite the flurry of panicked kupos that come from Ebony every time he tries.

Glowing red-violet eyes watch the pair for a moment before Noct buries the remains of the fire. Just in case.

"Long enough for the fire to burn out," he mutters, not quite meeting his gaze. Mostly because he isn't sure, but the cold hadn't set in yet, so... yay? "Couldn't get back to sleep, so I came out here to see what Felix nabbed this time. And found your glasses. Again." He eyes Felix critically, who just seems to ignore it in favor of chowing down on the carrot.

Edited 2018-05-11 10:05 (UTC)

Ignis just hopes that Moogles can't get heart attacks because Ebony might die. Every time he tried getting the glasses or anything that was stolen from the house, he'd come back squealing in fright.

"Noct..." he frowns, watching him bury the remains of the fire. He'd be a bit intimidated by the glow of those eyes if he didn't saw the almost identical look on Noct when he'd summon Ramuh or Archean back home.

"You weren't able to sleep at all?" Ignis asked quietly.

He can't help what his eyes do in the dim light of predawn, or any low light situation for that matter, with black mage as his primary. It just... happens. And has likely startled Prompto on more than one occasion. He closes his eyes for a few seconds, biting the inside of his cheek for a moment.

"Couple hours tops," he mumbles just loud enough for the other to hear. "Couldn't get back to sleep after." Not with both the thought of the night terror or Prompto's thrashing on the other side of the room, but like hell is he going to mention that.

It is a bit frightening, it's true, but far more amazing because it suited Noct. Or maybe that's just the advisor and friend bias speaking.

A couple of hours... that's- around 3-4am? Ignis can't reprimand him even though he wants to but, Noct had always had troubles when it came to sleeping. And he already did reprimand him for being outside so-

He takes the blanket that Noct folded and unfolds it, wrapping it around Noct's shoulders and nudging him towards the house and the kitchen. "Come. I'll make you some coffee to warm up."

Noct appreciates that advisor and friend bias speaking, just saying. Because he still kind of jumps a bit himself if he comes across his reflection in a mirror.

At least he never needs a flashlight.

It's just, weird. Having the opposite problem that he usually did. Deep down, he knows he should probably say something about it, but all the same... he had a hard time talking about Altissia to Clarus before. How was he going to talk about something even worse?

Noct holds onto the blanket around him tight enough his knuckles turn white, but says nothing as he takes that suggestion and heads back inside. Only glancing back to give a reassuring smile when he hears Felix kwehing worriedly.

It will get a bit of time getting used to it. And it is indeed really useful in the dark.

Whether it's the same thing as before or no, it doesn't matter. Something is interrupting Noct's sleeping pattern. And it will make Ignis worry about him regardless. Whatever that is on Noct's mind- Ignis hopes he will eventually be able to help him out with.

Once in the kitchen and Noct comfortably seated, Ignis moves to put coffee to brew. After it's done, he adds a generous amount of cream to it for Noct (he knows Noct hates bitterness of it) and places the mug in front of him and takes a seat as well.

"...is there something bothering you?" Ignis finally asks after a few long moments staring at the mugs.

Noctis sits down at the table, staring at his hands clasped in front of him the entire time the coffee brews. He's debating where to even start long before the sight of the mug with a large amount of cream is placed in front of him, earning a quick "Thanks, Igs" quietly stated.

By the time his hands wrap around the warmth, he still doesn't know where to begin. A quiet, sardonic chuckle escaping him when Ignis finally asks.

"More like, 'what isn't?'" he quietly corrects, keeping his voice down so as to not wake up anyone else. "Being stuck here, away from home without any known way of getting back. Unintentionally startling Prompto every time I look at him in the dark. Knowing what's likely happening at home and not being able to stop it..."

And that's just the short version. He finally takes a sip of coffee, letting a weary sigh escape him. "I keep reliving Zegnautus, trying to find Prompto but every time I think I do, it's just another shell of an MT or an unresponsive daemon propped up somewhere, followed by that bastard's laugh." Taunting him. Repeatedly. Over being able to do this with everyone they ever met.

Ignis huffs a small, sarcastic laugh himself as he stares at the mug. "A rather inane question coming from me," he says and takes a sip of his beverage. The things are off the charts here but, as always, Ignis chooses to focus on things he can affect immediately. The things that are out of his reach- if he thinks about them too much, they end up distracting him.

But, the things that have transpired in Altissia affected Noct more harshly than they affected Ignis. Or perhaps the horrors that he witnessed in Zegnautus Keep are worse than he can even imagine. Is there actually a way he can help him? Ignis finds himself thinking about these things in circles every day but never coming up with an answer.

"Is there any way I can help you?" Anything. Because he really doesn't know what to do.

"Yeah," it was, "-but, one that had to be asked anyway." Otherwise he likely wouldn't have said a word. A wry smile crosses his lips for a fraction of a second as he sips the beverage, hoping its warmth will help soothe him. It partially works.

Altissia was only the visible part of the proverbial iceberg, in the grand scheme of things. But yes, it had hit him hard; even now, thinking back on that day crashes into him harder than a tidal wave. Part of that reason sat across the table from him, still whole.

He doesn't have the heart to tell him that, though. So instead he reaches out a little, staring down at the mug of coffee in his hands.

"Already are, Iggy," he admits, a sad smile crossing his lips. "Just being able to talk like this." It means more to Noctis than Ignis could understand. Being able to spend time with them all was more than he could ever ask for. Though sometimes, like now, a little more than he could handle.

It doesn't make Ignis feel less silly, despite what Noctis says. He'll blame it on the lack of caffeine.

He leans back in his chair, fingers drumming silently against the table. Ignis knows that Noct means what he says, and he trusts him on that but- is it enough? There's a heaviness behind that gaze that Noctis didn't carry before. The death of Lady Lunafreya- it probably hit him harder than anything else.

There's only hope in Ignis that he's helping his King.

"I just want you to remember that we are all here for you, alright? Don't hesitate to seek me if you need anything."

Probably not, but it was true. Noctis sighs, leaning more onto the table as he stared at the swirling liquid in his mug.

"I know. Clarus reminded me, too," he replied quietly, before resting his elbows on the table. That was their first day here, and he'd only just barely opened up to Prompto in the last week, yet he hadn't been able to tell him what his fate will be in the end. He couldn't, knowing some of what happened to him.

Yet when he looks up, sees Ignis' unmarred face and brilliant green staring back at him, his heart aches for an entirely different reason. One the words refused to escape him for. "How long- do you think it'll be before the others get up?"

He wasn't sure he wanted to tell everyone so soon what happened.

"So long as you are aware of that," Ignis nods, giving Noct a, hopefully, reassuring smile. Whatever it is that happened between Altissia and Noct getting into the Crystal was difficult for Noct to explain, Ignis knew that. Noct always had a bit of a problem expressing his feelings and thoughts- they all kind of did- so Ignis didn't press it any further.

Especially when he gives him that look as if he just saw Ignis die on the spot and a quick change of subject. Ignis checks the light outside and hums with a small nod. "Lord Clarus should already be up. He likes morning jog. Prompto should be up soon."

Perhaps a little distraction would be good for Noct. "Would you like to join me in preparing breakfast for all? After you finish your coffee, of course."

Noctis smiled faintly back, trying to reassure his advisor in much the same way. It's just... trying to find a way to combat these night terrors that's kind of killer at the moment. So, one should be back in the door soon, and of course Prompto will wake up soon for much the same reason as Clarus. Usually wasn't awake to find out, and he knows Cindy has a similar habit of going on a morning hike... thanks to Prompto's slight creeper moment.

Moments like this he realizes he still doesn't know about Ulric's habits. Or much about him, really.

"Sure," he agrees, practically jumping on the opportunity for a distraction. Anything to do with his hands would be better right about now; anything that would make him feel less powerless. "Already up, anyway."

Might as well make himself useful. It won't be long before he drains the entire mug, either- awake and more at ease than he's been all week.

Ignis finishes off his coffee and stands, giving Noct's hair a playful, 'try to cheer up the Prince' ruffle and goes to the sink to quickly wash the mug so it doesn't loiter around. He too doesn't know much about the habits of Cindy and Ulric, except that they do get up early in the morning. When he talked to Ulric before, it felt like he had this veil of mystery around him that didn't really let Ignis see much of his personality.

But.

He doubts that any of them would say no to pancakes. Or waffles.

"Wonderful. What would you like for breakfast- pancakes, waffles and eggs or french toast?" Ignis asks as he opens the fridge to get the eggs and butter and then cupboard to get flour, sugar and everything else he needs.

Noct's head ducks under the familiar weight, one he hasn't felt that long time, and yet still gets a quiet annoyed sound out of him as he tries to bat the hand away. Despite the faint smile that crosses his lips.

"...Waffles and eggs," Noct answers after thinking about it for a moment. Because even if they didn't want waffles, the option of eggs would be there. And, quite frankly, he kinda wanted both.

He gets up from his seat, leaving the blanket behind and relieved to watch Ignis get to work gathering the ingredients. Because if he sees a can of beans ever again, it will be too soon.

He rinses out his own mug before washing his hands. He doubted anyone wanted hay or chocobo down in their breakfast.

"Waffles and eggs it is," Ignis announces as he pulls out the bowl and starts putting things together for a waffle dough. Cooking in the morning like this brought back some sense of normality to Ignis, despite where they actually are. It eased his mind a little and helped him think.

No beans for breakfast, Noct, don't worry.

"How do you want your eggs?" Ignis asks, looking around the kitchen for a waffle iron. "Do you want to prepare them yourself perhaps?" Ignis will be there so nothing will be set on fire.

Normality that was sorely needed, for all of them. Especially Prompto, considering their talk a couple nights ago. To say he's worried for their friend is an understatement.

He was going to say "scrambled", but then Ignis asks him if he wants to make them himself and he blinks. Before pointing to the cabinet with the waffle iron in it. He kinda ended up memorizing where everything is thanks to a certain moogle who was too enthusiastic about "helping." Ivory might have pulled him aside and told him after his talk with Clarus.

"Sure, and fried?" Because runny yolk over waffles sounds heavenly right now.

Normality and comfort food. Look no further than waffles and coffee or tea for that. All of which will be present for breakfast.

Well, Noct knows how to make scrambled eggs, he's sure of that. Just break eggs in the pan and stir them around. You don't even have to whisk them beforehand. But 'fried' is something else entirely and Ignis can see what Noct is aiming at.

Ignis pulls out the waffle iron from the cabinet as he speaks: "You want a runny yolk, correct? Then, do you want to do the waffles instead? Just watch so they don't burn," Ignis says as he turns on the waffle iron to heat up.

Noctis almost visibly recoils at the quick shift in offers, knowing that it's different, but...

"Givin' me the easy job, Specs?" Fine. That's- fine. The kitchen was Ignis' area of expertise, after all. He shuffles slightly, trying to act as though he didn't feel like he'd just been kicked. "Show me anyway?"

He wants to learn.

Ignis smiles: "I don't mind if you made eggs, but, I think you will end up overcooking them a tad bit." And therefore no runny yolks.

He pours the waffle dough into the waffle pan and closes it. "Give it six to seven minutes. Take a toothpick," he pulls one from the pack "and poke it. If no dough comes out and looks golden and crispy, it is done."

In the meantime, Ignis prepare the pan to fry some tasty eggs.

Noctis sighs, shrugging. Still didn't mean he changed his mind about wanting to learn how, but he'll watch at the very least.

"Six or seven minutes, got it." Thank you, moogles, for remembering to put a clock app on the slates. He pulls his own just to keep time. Hes a black mage, not an illusionist ~~and he'll never touch that with a ten meter pole~~.

...He may or may not be trying to peek at what Ignis is doing in the meantime, though.

Noct is allowed to peek as much as he wants. Once the pan and oil are ready, hot enough, Ignis cracks eggs open in it and starts frying them. Adding a pinch of salt and pepper as well. He cooks them carefully so that yolk doesn't break and that eggs don't lose the shape.

...he will go through a lot of eggs for today's breakfast, huh?

"Ebony," he calls out and the Moogle comes flying in.

"Write down a reminder about grocery shopping for later today." In case he gets distracted by something else.

"Done and done, kupo!"

Considering how many there are in the house? Definitely. He frowns thoughtfully, glancing at the time on his slate once in a while. Once it's been six minutes, he checks it like Ignis said to. It comes out clean, so he grabs a spatula to gently pry it from the bottom.

It's probably worrying Ignis with how quiet he is, so he asks: "How much batter?"

Ignis has been focused on the cooking so he wasn't that worried. He did glance at the waffle iron once Noct opened it to check it. It looked great so he smiled and turned back to the eggs. Ebony left the room singing some made up a song about chocobos ('I can't ride it, but I can pet it, chocobos, one, I want to get it' or something like that).

"Enough to cover the bottom of the waffle pan. The dough will rise while baking so don't worry."

Thank you Ivory

Any time, kupo!

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well this tag was physically painful to write

;A;

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