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



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[skyward_eyes]

Frankly, he was still wowed that Ignis knew he existed.

“At least I have looks. Beyond my position it might be the only thing to call attention to me. And even that hasn’t worked reliably over the years. But you? You’re a man of true beauty. And I did not kid. I have heard plenty of people long after you. You are just... well, so busy and serious and so far as it’s said, not interested in anyone.”

Why go out on that branch when it was already seeped likely to fall through?

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis smiled and lowered his hand. "No, I believe your kind heart makes you stand out among others." He tried not to be really touched by what Nida was saying here but it was damn near impossible.

Looking down at the ground, he tried to hide how he felt about others wanting him. Why would they even do that? He was nothing special. But then a small laugh came out about being busy and serious and not interested in anyone.

"I wasn't looking since my hands were kept busy with attending to the king."

[skyward_eyes]

His kind heart, huh? Nida has to laugh.

"Not sure a kind heart is really the best idea for a guard," he muses as he leans against the other man a bit more.

"I doubt he'd want someone so important to him to lack something for himself.

[faithfulsupport]

It was nice to hear Nida laugh if anything though he just smiled as he was leaned against. This was..rather comforting. Just them alone and no one had bothered them for whatever reason which was good. Still, the comfort lead to a gentle soft tone when he spoke next.

"No, but the crown can weigh quite heavily at times." That was a gross understatement but then again he did that a lot.

[skyward_eyes]

"Heavy is the head that wears the crown," Nida smiles. "But he's good. He's amazing, and he will do us good."

Nida believes in his king. But more than that, he believes in the man who believes in their king.

"What about you? What weighs heavily on you? Maybe I can... can help with the weight."

[faithfulsupport]

He nodded with a small smile. "Yes, that is very true as well." But then he laughed lightly because it was so heartwarming to hear of the Glaives and other people praise Noct. The king seemed to always just kind of nod some days when Ignis would tell him he was doing great or things along those lines.

A surprised but delighted face turned to look at Nida when he offered his assistance and that earned the man another brief kiss. "Have I told you that you have a kind heart? But no, honestly there is nothing that would help that I can think of at the moment."

Silently he was thrilled that he'd even been asked because the gesture had been quite unexpected.

[skyward_eyes]

Well, it was a new year. Maybe it was time to expect new things, Ignis.

For now Nida smiled and leaned a bit more heavily against the advisor.

"Are you still interested in dancing with me?"

[faithfulsupport]

He finally allowed himself to lean against Nida a little in turn. This was so lovely, just the two of them, sort of cuddling on a stone bench.

So when he felt the other leaning on him a little more, Ignis couldn't help but gently kiss the top of the dark head and spoke softly. "Of course I am interested, for as long as you'd like."

[skyward_eyes]

Well then. Nida rose to his feet and turned to face Ignis with a slight bow and an extended hand.

"Might I ask the honor of a dance with you?"

[faithfulsupport]

There was a slight blush on the advisor's face as Nida asked for a dance in a very gentlemanly way. He was quite impressed and nodded as he reached for the other's extended hand. "Yes, you may."

Ignis stood and smiled at the man with him. Let everyone else have who they were with, he was happy with who he had right here with him right now.

[skyward_eyes]

Be proud he didn't fall over. But Nida smiles and takes the hand in his, righting himself.

"How about you lead this time? I can feel the alcohol starting to make me fumble. I don't want to trod on your foot."

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis smiled as they held onto each other. "I can certainly lead if that's what you prefer. And if you step on me too many times, that would be a good indication that it's time to stop dancing for the evening and escort you safely to your room so you can get some rest."

[skyward_eyes]

"What a gentleman, escorting me back," Nida laughs. "But first, let's get our dance."

Just let him have that. He wants to dance.

"Show me a good time?"

[faithfulsupport]

"Of course." Ignis smiled. "I wouldn't wish to miss having another dance or two with you." Or more depending on how Nida was feeling of course. So they headed out onto the dance floor and the advisor found a suitable spot on the floor. He waited until the other was ready, and then he lead easily, having years of practice under his belt.

[skyward_eyes]

As many as he wanted. Nida smiles and when the man pulls him close, Nida nods so that they can start moving. And he keeps his eyes on Ignis because he's not really ready to face all of Ignis's friends staring at them.

"Two is welcome. More as well."

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis smiled at the request. "If you're feeling up to it, we can have as many dances as you like." And that's when his ears picked out Noctis, Prompto and Gladio cheering for them. Apparently the Queen must not be present, otherwise they wouldn't be acting this way.

So he sighed and pulled Nida in a little tighter to him.

[skyward_eyes]

"Oh Astrals," Nida whispers, blushing.

The cheering was definitely not going to work well with his nerves. "Don't suppose you can make them stop..."

[faithfulsupport]

"I think they've had too much to drink this evening." And Ignis almost apologized for them when he heard the request. "If they don't stop within a moment or two, I will go talk to them." So when he was able to get them into view, he lifted his head and gave all of them a look which resulted in silence.

Lowering his voice unnecessarily, he smirked. "I do believe they'll be quiet now."

[skyward_eyes]

"WHo hasn't?" Nida asks, giggling to himself. He wouldn't have this courage otherwise. But then there's... Well, there's this. The joy of the dancing wouldn't have mattered, and it's worth it.

"You're scary when you want to be. That's... that's hot."

[faithfulsupport]

Well Ignis himself hadn't but he wasn't going to say anything. And he realized Nida might not have said anything if he hadn't been drinking. Thinking on that Ignis let out a warm chuckle.

Then a small laugh escaped him. "They simply decided to behave." Never in his life had he been called 'hot' and probably wouldn't unless it was by the beautiful man in his arms.

[skyward_eyes]

But he really is hot. How silly that he can't see it.

"I'm sure it has nothing to do with how intense your eyes can get," Nida suggests.

[faithfulsupport]

That had Ignis immediately half snort. "My eyes aren't intense, they're simply green." But there was a smile on his face as he spoke. If Nida thought his eyes were that way, he was quite flattered.

[skyward_eyes]

"No, they're intense," Nida insists. "To be looked at them is to hope you are found worthy."

WHich was a weird thing to say, but he didn't care.

[faithfulsupport]

Ignis felt his face heat up at those words and laughed a little. "Now you flatter me but I do thank you for the kindness." But secretly he really was pleased that someone could think so highly of him. It was hard to believe or think that someone would honestly believe such a thing.

[skyward_eyes]

Flattery, or description? Nida thought it was more the latter. But he wasn't going to press and make the guy uncomfortable. Because his attention had gone elsewhere, to the column of Ignis's throat. That would look pretty all marked up.

The thought had Nida's cheeks going red.