The man had thought wrong, well — Ardyn’s face was friendly to a point, but his position made it so it wasn’t so. It was a shame really that they couldn’t see past their differences despite how much the Chancellor had offered his hand in help. Ardyn did as he was told, he took a seat opposite the man at the table in the Altissian cafe, it really was a coincidence that they met this time, Ardyn hadn’t expected to have met any of them until at least the next evening, and it definitely wouldn’t be as friends.

“Okay, I’m sitting down now — so Ignis, by yourself? Surely the others are around somewhere? Or did you want to see what this cafe has on offer?” Smirking, he knew from the caravan that the man was an enthusiast about his cooking hobby. “Looking for new ideas of what you can make for Prince Noctis? Oh, he’s going to be King soon, isn’t he? It’s not long now before they’re wedded.”

                ‘ am i not entitled to a personal outing every now and again ? we who                    dedicate our lives to service cannot simply act without rest. am i                   wrong ? ‘ eyes lift for but a moment, over the menu towards his new                    companion. ‘ i may or may not pick up recipes here, but i’ve spent                    more time on strictly experimental dishes... then again i feel that                    shouldn’t be much of your concern... seeing as you have much more                   important things to take care of. ‘ 

                  was there hostility in his voice ? he was certainly trying his best to                    avoid it. without the assistance of his traveling companions, his                    safety was questionable. the chancellor was a strong and influential                    man. there was no telling who or what he could call upon should things                   get ugly. 

“Oh.” She’d heard about this mysterious drink. There had been whisperings of it here and there. It was safe to say that Paine was intrigued. “Sure.” She reached for the cup. “Though I’ve never encountered a coffee that’s able to do that.” Most of the coffee she’d had hadn’t been able to wash away the stress. Exhaustion maybe, but not stress.

                   ‘ i never thought relief would come in the shape of a can,                       but beggars can’t be choosers. ‘ with his own drink, he                       silent extends a toast before taking a few delicate sips. 

                   ‘ it certainly isn’t for everyone so i wouldn’t be offended if                       you didn’t enjoy it. it’s more of a suggestion should you be                      looking for something to boost your energy. ‘

Noctis sighed and ran a hand through his face while stifling a yawn. It wasn’t like Gladio had kept him awake, he could usually sleep through the night without being bothered but for some reason, he couldn’t do it this particular day. And it was true, once he was awake, there was nothing that could protect him from Gladio’s snoring. 

“N-no, it’s okay Iggy. I shouldn’t have caught you off guard. I should’ve let you know, or something… I forgot you’re awake at this time.”

                     ‘ i’m rarely ever asleep. what’s more surprising is that you’ve just                         now realized this. ‘ this wasn’t entirely a new development. his                          time as an advisor held the same sort of sleepless work ethic                          that he has now. 

“What? I can’t walk around? When did you set that rule and when were you gonna tell me about it?”

It was obvious to anyone who knew him, could tell that he was still half asleep. Even if he didn’t yawn, his movements were slower than usual and well… He was just obvious about it.

“I couldn’t sleep, okay? And there’s no way in hell I’ll lay down and do nothing if Gladio’s snoring.”

               ‘ it’s... not so much a rule as it is that you’ve caught me off                  guard. i wasn’t expecting anyone to be awake. forgive me                   for getting-- uppity. ‘ 

                          it was the truth: not many people could sleep through gladio’s                            involuntary snoring spells. it only made sense that someone                            else was awake besides himself. 

                   ‘ noct ! 

                         what.... what are you doing here ? i mean awake-- here...                           i mean-- awake and wandering around out here. ‘ 

                  ‘ and here i thought i was going to be met with                      a friendly face-- i’m slightly disappointed, but                     i can’t say i’m not surprised. 

                                        so-- are you going to take a seat or are                                         you going to continue pacing. it’s off-putting. ‘ 

                 ‘ it’s called ebony. perhaps the only drink                     in the world that could make easy the level                     of stress and physical exhaustion life throws                    at you-- if you’d care for a sip-- i don’t mind. ‘ 

     there comes a time in every man’s life where they must think on their actions and choose wisely or face the consequences. ravus was not one of those men, he was impulsive and too stubborn to sit idly by and watch the advisor stumble around for the bathroom. he ignored the hands that approached him but he would not ignore the fact that the man was heading on a path to walking straight into a closed door. one rule when sleeping in the same room with ignis, always keep the bathroom door open when not in use, unless otherwise. perhaps the high commander let the rule slip his mind or be chance that he did it on purpose. either way, ravus was standing from the bed to pass ignis and open the bathroom door for him. there was no need to listen to the advisor lecture him on it, especially when he was currently in the process of scolding him for ‘suddenly’ kissing him. 

     ❝ allow me to be your eyes, take two steps to the left and walk forward, away from the coat rack. ❞ there was a bit of annoyance in his voice but with how the things have been tonight, it could not be prevented. however, there might be a chance that he can improve the night, that is if he doesn’t cause anymore trouble.

               the last thing he wants is-- that. he can hear incredibly well, and upon                 the sound of instruction, the advisor’s stopped in his tracks. ‘ i can find                 my way on my own. if i cannot do it on my own-- i will never be able to.                 allow me this-- please. ‘ 

               instruction aside, he takes hesitant streps, trying to scoot around the                 source of the voice. toes inch closer to the doorway, easing over the                 threshold onto the frigid tile. a chill rises up his spine, but he eases onward,                 closing the door behind him and quickly disrobing. thankfully, the bath                 had been fitted with a robe to cover himself. 

               a moment of silence follows suit before he’s ready to emerge and return                to his spot on his bed. 

                                                                 ‘ are you... still here ? ‘ 

          Wordlessly, the High Commander hums a short ❝ Mmmm. ❞ and begins to rise from the ground, careful not to slip or touch the mess that’s seeping further into the blankets and clothing of the advisor. He observed the man for a few seconds, restraining the laugh that tickled his throat, begging to be released. Ignis was near identical to a child as he patted at himself, almost as if his hands could magically rid of the spilled liquid. Turning from him, Ravus collected one of their bags and rummaged through its contents until he returned with spare clothing and a towel. Not much but it would do for now. ❝ Cease in playing with your mess and strip yourself. Discard your clothing to the side to be washed in the morning and the blankets as well. As for the cause of this, we will not speak any further of it until you are dried and have rid of that pungent smell of coffee. ❞ Slowly, he lowered himself to his knees and searched for the articles of their bedding that was NOT tainted by the liquid.

                 ‘ you think you can soil my clothes and then order me around ? ‘                     he reaches towards the source of the voice, swatting around                     the space between them until his fingertips touch fabric. ‘ i will                    not simply strip on command. it’s indecent. i shall retire to the                     restroom and handle this-- if you don’t mind. ‘ 

                   best as he can, he presses onwards, stumbling a bit against the                     corner of a nearby coffee table and bumping his shoulder into the                    door frame. still, he remains unfazed by it all. the bathroom was just                    around the corner was it not ? he heard the sounds of running water                    just about every night, so it made perfect sense. 

the high commander’s hand tightened in the soft locks of the advisor’s while drawing  his face closer to his own. his fingers released to lower and grip the man’s chin between thumb and pointer. ❝ quite a mouth you have on you. shame it never knows when to shut. ❞

dark hues noticed the sparkling blue sparks and his grip lessened as he straightened  himself. there was no need for a pointless quarrel. ❝ you wish to be the dominant one in this affair ? then prove to me you are worthy. if not, the title remains to me, scientia. ❞

                   ‘ i need not prove anything i would stake my confidence on, but                      if you insist, i won’t back down from an opportunity to supply                      you with concrete evidence to support my claim. now then--                      if you would be so kind as to remove yourself. ‘

                     the sparks shoot further up the confidant’s arms, illuminating                       the pinstripes of his suit. he would not hesitate to draw blades.                       there were moments that, he felt, ravus went a bit too far.                       it was always nice to be able to help get him back in line.