The Count Down To New

[thechurbyboxmod]

Sometimes feelings build up. Sometimes all it takes is a resolution, some liquid courage, and the rush of celebration to break through the silence. This is what happens on those nights



[Post a starter below, or request one. Just note who for.]

Comments

For Faithfulsupport

[skyward_eyes]

Celebrations are always so... intense here. How could they not be. A new year always seemed to be a metaphorical mark of the end of the long night, a bright look toward what will come. But hey, big parties at the Citadel were always nice, and the party this year was as wonderful as it always was.

And Nida? He was leaning against a wall in the ballroom where the main party was being held, watching with a soft smile as the King danced with his Queen, as Prompto took pictures, as the Shield looked protectively over his charges.

That said... There was one face he couldn't find. The one he looked quietly for every time he was on guard duty. The shadow of the King.

"Ugh, you're being stupid again, Nomura," he sighs. "New Year, new aspirations."

[faithfulsupport]

Even if there was a New Year coming, Ignis had pushed the King out of the room so he could work. All Noct kept doing was asking 'Are you done yet?' Which of course only got an exasperated serious look, sometimes over the edge of the glasses. And it made him want to hurry which was worse. These last minute tasks to get done before the new year was celebrated were definitely needed so that orders could be issued and requests could be sent out after all of the partying was done.

The royal advisor was looking to ease into the new year not start a brand new year out chaotically. Work was something he excelled at, he could work hard with the best of them and there had also been the king's good natured teasing about finding someone. Who in their right mind would want someone like him? So it was best to get that noise out of the room too.

There was one person he would like to spend time with, but that man surely was taken or something along those lines. And he never spoke of Nida to anyone because he didn't need someone going and pestering the man which he was sure at least Prompto would take a shot at.

So with a sigh and a shake of his head, Ignis got up from the desk with work finally done. Then he went and got dressed and then he headed downstairs, trying not to look around.

Heading towards the ballroom now, his green eyes spotted Noct dancing with his bride. Well at least the king was occupied.

[skyward_eyes]

Speak of the devil. Well, think of him. There was Ignis, coming in through the doorway that Nida had been assigned to. He watched the other man silently as Ignis watched the dancing royals.

"They look good together, my Lord," Nida mused.

He should be silent, but he had to... had to watch.

[faithfulsupport]

He had stood near Nida on purpose but hadn't actually looked at the man. Hearing his voice though sent a small thrill through him and Ignis allowed that to form a pleasant smile.

"Indeed." And the King and Queen did look good together. But there was one thing he had a slight issue with. "And no need for such formality, just Ignis is fine."

[skyward_eyes]

At least it's a small thrill for one of them. For him it's a rush of his heart, a surging of his spirits as he wants to reach for the other man. Instead he keeps his eyes on the dancing couple.

"They at least seem happy. Looking forward to fortune in the next year I expect. They're lucky, to have such happiness going into another year."

[faithfulsupport]

"They are indeed fortunate to have each other." Ignis remarked, thinking on how Noct had spoken of how the royal couple would begin working on a family in the new year as well. Their dance ended after a few minutes and a new one began with couples beginning to go out onto the dance floor now.

The royal advisor grinned broadly as his green eyes spotted Gladio leading Prompto out. Noctis now owed him from their private bet. But he said nothing and looked over at Nida briefly, feeling a little nervous. "Don't let me take up your time, if you're going out for a dance."

Surely this man had someone to come whisk him away for a waltz.

[skyward_eyes]

“Damn. I owe Cor thirty Gil,” Nida sighs as he watches Prompto and Gladio move to dance. “I bet that wasn’t happening before midnight.”

Oh well, he could live with that loss. A happy shield who was finally honest with himself and Prompto might go a smidge easier with that great sword in training sessions with the Glaives.

Still, Ignis’s prompting broke the restraint Nida was trying to put on himself. To not look at the right hand of the King.

“I’m on guard duty until the shift change at half til midnight. No dancing for me. Not that I’d have a partner.”

[faithfulsupport]

Green eyes lit up with amusement as he heard the part about the bet because silently he was happy others had wagers on them too. But then Nida said he was on duty until his time. However, that last part got his attention and he found himself looking directly into the other's dark eyes.

Wait, why didn't the man have a partner? Nida was a handsome man and of course Ignis had noticed. And the other seemed to have a very kind heart, from what little he knew and had seen.

Then why didn't he have someone to dance with?

So he stood a moment longer and turned his head away, debating within himself but decided against it. "In that case I'm sorry they couldn't make it."

[skyward_eyes]

They really were lucky, weren’t they? To be so happy together, in the light of the healed world. Well, light being metaphorical unless one meant the electric ones in here, given the night. Nida sighed as he watched the Shield and the gunner dance, jealous.

The comment from Ignis comes as Nida is caught up watching and aching for that sort of companionship, and so words slip from his lips without being fully intended. Yes, he would have wanted to respond, but not like this.

“Not all saw the return of the dawn. But he, like so many, fought in hopes that others would. He would be glad that moments like this came of what he gave.”

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis turned to look again at Nida concerned as he heard about what happened and his hands went behind his back.

Oh.

Well that explained why the man didn't have a partner. And the advisor nodded solemnly to the man, knowing that their battles took a lot of good men and women with it. Still, it couldn't be easy to be standing here and watching a happy couple dance while..well he didn't really want to finish that thought. So his voice went low.

"I'm very sorry for your loss."

[skyward_eyes]

"Thank you," he says, rather than just shrugging it off and pointing out that Elijah was a bit of an asshole, even for a hunter.

Physical intimacy was what he'd taken up in the Long Night. Love? Well, that wasn't something he'd let himself feel. So he just watches the dancing.

"What of you, My Lord? Surely there are a number of people who would whisk you away in their arms. Or want to be whisked away."

[faithfulsupport]

Nodding at the thank you, he'd turned back to watching Noct and his Queen but then there was that pesky title again. But before he could address it again the topic of dancing was now on his own plate and he laughed a little self consciously.

"I'm afraid not."

Really he was here because he had to be, it was expected and polite. Maybe he'd dance with the Queen later but that was expected of the Crownsguard and a formality.

"But that's very kind of you to say so."

[skyward_eyes]

Nida looks at Ignis and then rolls his eyes.

"I don't know," he muses as he looks at Ignis, "I think it's only because you haven't formally joined the party that there isn't a queue started to ask you to dance."

Because the man is stunning, even more beautiful tonight than he already was.

for looking_sharp

[ambitiousblond]

They had spent years unable to think about the future during those dark days of not knowing if he would live through the night. The future was lost in the black sores, endless lengths of stained bandages while Rufus faded away. It had taken a toll on all of them. The darkness under Tseng's eyes grew more pronounced, Reno grew quiet, Elena kept herself busy.

And then there was Rude. He had sat by Rufus's bed most nights either talking to him or reading to him. There were times Rufus woke up partly and felt one of his hands held in a warm grasp. He would fade in and out, squeezing the hand that often found his during the long nights.

But the healing rain had come from the sky when they least expected it and Rufus, along with the Turks, watched the black stains disappear from his skin. But though the disease was gone, the effects lingered. But each day came with an improvement, slowly but surely. His Turks stayed by his side, their relationship less than strictly professional by this point.

And Rude had stayed especially close. Rufus looked forward to their quiet walks as he regained his strength, the way Rude's hand lingered perhaps a moment longer than what was necessary when he needed to steady himself. Small moments like those that added up.

New Years that year would be a quiet celebration with just the five of them though Tseng had managed to procure a rather expensive champagne. Elena and Reno had passed out before midnight, Tseng had stepped out to take a call which left Rufus alone on the couch, reclining on the cushions with a half full glass of champagne in his hand as he looks at Rude.

"So, what's your new years resolution, Rude?"

[looking_sharp]

This wouldn't have happened to Tseng or Reno. Or, well, it's very clear because it hasn't happened to them. Perhaps because they had known Rufus for so much longer. Perhaps because Tseng had been there since Rufus had been a boy, and Reno had basically grown up in the tower. Rude? Rude had come in later under Veld. Rude hadn't encountered Rufus until the man was a young man, acting like an adult. Sure, one that hated his father, but almost an adult anyway.

But really, it had been about time. It had been about time and personal service, and pride as Rufus had grown and changed. So really, after he fall of meteor, things had... spiked.

Still, he thought he was handling it admirably. As admirably as it he could be, while hiding all of what he felt. Few people, of course, could estimate the esteem he had for his boss. Only Reno had figured it out from Rude's estimation, and that wasn't an estimation. Reno had called him on it before the stigma had been dealt with.

For now, though, he absolutely enjoyed the evening. Celebration of looking forward was always welcomed.

"Huh," he said, voice pensive as he considered the boss, Rude's fingers teasing in Reno's hair given his partner had fallen asleep half leaning across Rude's lap.

Resolutions? Not really his thing. But he supposed he did have one.

"Visiting home, and finally learning how to make my mother's mole."

[ambitiousblond]

"That sounds lovely," he says quietly, glancing down at Reno to make sure he didn't stir as he set his glass aside and leaned forward on the couch a little, leaning a little closer towards Rude. Elena was curled up on a chair on the opposite side of the room, an empty champagne bottle in hand.

"You'll have to teach me to come sometime. At least, something simple." Some of his favorite mornings were just sitting in the kitchen in the warm sunlight watching Rude cook breakfast and make him tea. There was something comforting about it and made it more difficult to keep his own emotions in check. Sometimes he could almost imagine that it was just them on a morning normal people would have while living together.

"You know you can have any time off you want, Rude." He wanted Rude with him but he knew that was an entirely selfish desire he found it difficult to live with.

[looking_sharp]

Cooking for everyone in the morning was something that just kept happening. Elena never seemed to learn, Reno tended to burn things, and really, Tseng was better off doing dinners because his breakfasts weren't large enough for Rude's Costan tastes.

"When you're up tomorrow, you could help with crepes."

Not much. Rude has to of course manage the crepe cooking itself. It was so delicate.

Time off, though...

"Costa isn't comfortable for me. Between Shinra and my own history, it wasn't something where I was welcomed. Might change."

[ambitiousblond]

"I'm sure Reno and Elena will be sleeping in so I would be happy to." He had never caught onto the fact that Tseng always seemed to vanish from the room when it was just him and Rude. He just enjoyed each moment that they could share even if it was just a brief passing moment.

If it wasn't for Reno leaning against Rude, Rufus wouldn't have been able to resist reaching out but for the moment he tucks his legs under him as he settles next to Rude.

"If it does..." Rufus trails off. "If not Costa, is there somewhere you've always wanted to go." He had been thinking that they needed to get away from Healen but he's not sure where they could relocate. He didn't need to be in Edge to help Reeve with rebuilding but he also didn't want to hide away again.

[looking_sharp]

Yes, Tseng was quite talented at giving them space, wasn't he? Rude hadn't noticed either. He was just happy to have these quiet moments.

"I imagine Reno and Elena will sleep through quite a bit."

It's fine. Rude will just cast ice on their feet when breakfast was ready. The question, though, has him thoughtful for a moment. Where else would he like to go?

"Icicle," he admits with a shrug. Sure, he was prone to being too cold already. "Would be nice. But what about you? Your resolution?"

[ambitiousblond]

"They've earned some sleep for now." They had all been through so much during the last year they both deserved to get a few more moments of rest. He even smiles a little fondly when Reno lets a noise that's a mix between a snore and grunt in his sleep.

"I want to live life. I want to experience new things and do things I've never had the chance to do before," he remarks thoughtfully, his gaze distant for a moment. He had spent his childhood under lockdown that changed to official house arrest after his attempt on his father's life. Even as President he was confined by his duties and then later his illness.

"I may never be truly free but I want to take what I can get while I can."

[looking_sharp]

An interesting resolution. Of course, it was also one that didn't really, you know, say what the man intended to do. What it meant.

"Live life in what ways? Maybe we can help you."

Not sir. Rude doesn't say 'sir' when they're alone. He doesn't even know it. Instead he just tends to let all formality slip away.

[ambitiousblond]

Rufus usually had no issue with going after what he wanted. If anything, he had a problem with throwing caution to the wind and taking risks that the Turks would consider unnecessarily and reckless though that often didn't stop him.

But with Rude he tread carefully, trying to control his own emotions the best he was able to. He was sure Tseng suspected something, there were comments here that hinted but the Turk had never said anything directly.

"I'm not sure yet," he admits quietly before looking down at Reno for a moment. "Can you help me to bed? I think Reno will be comfortable here for the night." His room was on the second floor and though he could climb the stairs now, there was always a Turk by his side just in case he falters.

[looking_sharp]

"He'll complain in the morning," Rude notes, but he does shift his partner away from him. The movement prompted grumbling from Reno, but other than that, he definitely didn't wake up. Once that was done he rose, straightened his suit, and nodded to Rufus.

"Let's take you up then," Rude agreed, adjusting his glasses. "Come on then. I put on clean sheets this morning."

[ambitiousblond]

Rufus carefully stands, automatically reaching out to steady himself with a hand on Rude's arm. He feels as if Geostigma had aged him beyond being 28 years old by now which sometimes is overwhelmingly frustrating.

But he's feeling warm and calm due to the champagne and having Rude by his side. "You did? You always think of everything," he says gratefully as he heads towards the stairs. Each step is slow but deliberate until he gets to the top.

"Stay with me for a bit?" It's not an order, Rufus looks almost vulnerable when he asks but it's a rare quiet night for a new year, he wants to enjoy it with Rude.

[looking_sharp]

"Tseng things of everything," Rude corrects. He only thinks of Rufus's comfort and safety. This was something he could do for the younger man. "Madre always said 'clean sheets for a new year'. Starting fresh to bring change."

He follows Rufus up the stairs quietly, not bothering to speak. He doesn't want the man to feel uncomfortable, or incapable. At the top he peels off immediately to go open the door for Rufus. And is left standing there, behind his shield of common silence.

It wasn't that Rude wasn't talkative. Truth was, when he got started on something that interested him, he could go for long periods of conversation. But that was dependent upon it being a topic he was comfortable with. All of his discomfort when he'd first learned the tongue of Midgar had made him so self-conscious.

Except, because there was always an exception, with Rufus. Already he was trying to come up with a list of things to talk about until Rufus had fallen asleep.

"Of course. I could tell you about traditional Costan New Years meals."