newrecipe | EMPATHEIAS: Mailbox

[ ignis isn't the only one between the two of them that can be stubborn, and even a birthday boy can at least clear his own kitchen table of its dirty dishes. it isn't ignis' job to wait on him, and he wants to at least show some sort of gratitude besides words.

considering he knows that it's coming, he only protests with an defeated sigh that's followed up with a smile of his own as he accepts the package. ]

Thank you, Ignis. [ he runs his fingers over the wrapping. ] Should I open it now?

[Stubbornness is just one more thing they have in common.]

Absolutely. There's no time like the present.

[It's going to get him a glare, he's sure, but he couldn't resist. He folds his arms across his chest expectantly, his smile quirking to one side.]

[ though it isn't without a smile, you can bet that he rolls his eyes hard at that. arceus above, noctis was right ]

You're ruining the moment.

[ but of course, he'll let it slide with a light chuckle and shake of his head as he gets to unwrapping his gift. the expertly-folded paper falls aside to reveal a smooth, leather-bound field journal. that alone would make it a fantastic gift, but what makes it stand out are his initials - SS - embossed in the corner. his fingertips trace the lines, captivated. ]

It's perfect.

[ he clutches it to his chest, looking at ignis with pure gratitude. yet again, he's managed to nail it - this time, an impeccable crossing between personal and practical. ]

Ruining? A bit harsh, don't you think?

[Noctis was right. Ignis has at last shown his true colors, revealing himself as a stone-cold punster after all these months, and now it's too late to turn back. You're trapped, Stone.

His smile softens as Steven peels the wrapping away, revealing the journal inside. It's nothing particularly fancy or extravagant, but Ignis has a feeling that Steven has had quite enough of both of those things, to a certain extent.]

I thought you might find it useful on excursions, or your various trips outside the city.

I'd hardly call puns romantic.

[ he'll eat his words if ignis can somehow swing that one day, but for now they will remain eye roll-worthy. right now, he's far more engrossed with his gift.

he opens the leather-bound cover, taking note of the spaces for pens and even for small samples in its inside pouches. the pages, fresh and untouched, beg to be filled. ]

I will. You know my habits all too well...

I like to think we've known each other long enough for me to get a general idea.

[They'd only been dating a small fraction of that time, but all those months still count for a great deal. He's pleased as he watches Steven open the cover and appreciate the extra details; he'd briefly stopped to wonder whether or not they would be too much, but he's glad he'd thought to have them included now.]

I'm glad you like it.

I'll have to think of something a bit more personal than just a stone for your next birthday.

[ not that he regrets the one that he gave ignis all those months ago, but things have changed between them. incredible specimen or not, he deserves something personalized.

he closes the book, bringing his eyes back up to meet his partner's. ]

I love it. [ it's a genuine confession. ] As I do everything else that you've done for me today.

I'll have you know that stone has held a place of honor in my study ever since.

[Ignis is absolutely the kind of nerd who appreciates such gifts, but his smile warms further at Steven's earnest expression and the words that follow.]

It was my pleasure, truly. I'll admit, this is something of a first.

I've seen it. It makes a very nice display piece.

[ it gives something of a warm feeling to know that it's been there for so long, even before they started dating. it's just like ignis to be so thoughtful.

his head tilts curiously at his next words. surely this wasn't his first time celebrating a birthday or giving a gift. ]

How so?

Ah-- well.

[He shifts slightly before letting out a short laugh that's less collected and confident than Ignis himself generally tends to be, and his expression turns just a touch sheepish. How to phrase it?]

I don't believe I've ever dated someone long enough to celebrate a birthday with them before now.

[That said, the two of them had been friends until only recently, but the fact still stands.]

[ his own smile takes a shy tone to it as well, but he likes how it looks on ignis much more. ]

I see.

[ ignis' own birthday has indeed come and gone, but their relationship was much different in that context. things have changed, but not at all in a bad way.

he hesitates for a moment, shifting the book to one arm before taking ignis' hand into his free one. though he doesn't normally make this kind of affectionate gesture, this one feels warranted after tonight's overwhelming comfort and warmth. ]

I'm sure it goes without saying, but I hope that we have more to celebrate in the future.

Perhaps it goes without saying, but I can't say I mind hearing it.

[It's a lot of words, honestly, to say what essentially amounts to 'so do I,' but it's the easiest way for him to manage the fact that he's decidedly beyond his usual realm of comfort-- though he's quite comfortable with Steven himself. A life spent wholly dedicated to his work after having to grow up at a frighteningly young age meant that he wasn't quite sure how to proceed with things past a certain point when it came to relationships, but he's actually quite enjoying sorting things out day by day.

He gently squeezes the offered hand, a sign of affection as well as solidarity-- reassurance that they were once again on the same page.]

That said, we're not quite through celebrating this one just yet.

[ in the few romantic relationships that steven has been in before, none of them have made him feel quite as taken as ignis does. it's a little embarrassing to dwell on, but with that embarrassment comes a feeling of subtle excitement. they might still be in their honeymoon phase, but they've known each other long enough to know that there's real feeling behind it.

he raises an eyebrow, his inquisitive gaze looking a little less innocent this time around. ]

I can't imagine what else you have planned.

[ liar. ]

[Liar, indeed. What comes next can largely be left unspoken, but there is certain criteria that Ignis feels should be shared.]

Actually, I've planned very little.

[At least by way of specifics.]

I thought it would be fitting if the progression of the evening was left in your capable hands.

I think that seems fair.

[ even if ignis hadn't made a point in saying it now, he would have petulantly requested it by the time they were in bed anyway. knowing that they're on the same page just makes things easier.

he sets his field journal down on the kitchen table, giving him a free hand to run up the length of ignis' arm and settle on his shoulder. ]

As it turns out, I have plans of my own.

Do you.

[He quirks a brow upwards, his stance relaxing as Steven's hand comes to rest on his shoulder. His interest is clearly piqued, and he smiles as he tilts his head towards the hallway.]

Consider me curious.

EMPATHEIAS: Mailbox

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