[ That. Might be a tad too quiet for the bike's engine, but... it's out there.
... and then he's sort of too startled by that last comment to answer before they tear on ahead. Yes, Gladio, feel free to imagine Specs' eyebrows hitting his hairline, or trying to.
When it's next plausible to be heard, ] I am afraid that I rarely have enough time off to experiment enough to get to slumming it? [ Yes, that is a very definite question inflection at the end of the statement. Is that... too pathetic? ]
[He catches the words, but he's actually not sure he heard that right. It's a little strange, a new territory they haven't quite moved into yet in their friendship, but then again this whole night is already crossing that initial line into the new and finding out where they can safely tread. It's something they're both doing, together, and he trusts Ignis enough to do that. Trusts in Ignis' ability to handle this well even if it doesn't quite work out.
Ignis' statement-question brings out a laugh from Gladio, keeping his eyes forward but his words carry.] I'll be glad to introduce you to it tonight, then. Good meal and then drinks, maybe? Get you to cut loose for a night. Our charge has got his baby sitters for the night and the blond to boot, so they'll be fine. All you gotta worry about tonight is yourself.
[ The contemplative silence from the back is possibly enough of
an answer, since Gladio knows rather well that Ignis does not hesitate to
shoot down what he dislikes. Not even when it comes from Noctis.
]
You... do not have to leave your bike out for my sake. The original
plan is sufficient.
[ Because 'drink and drive' does not
happen on his watch. ]
[...wait, what? Gladio is driving, so he at least has time to puzzle out what Ignis meant by any of that. Leave his bike out? However, Ignis will know the exact second he gets it because Gladio actually chokes a little, a flex of his rib cage under Ignis' arms, and he barely waits until he's stopped at another light before looking sharply over his shoulder.]
I'm not Noct. I know my tolerance. [Seriously did Ignis-- mom at him? Like he does with Noct?!]
[ Spoiler, Gladio: Ignis moms everyone. Clarus and Cor are not
entirely exempt from it, and the king, whenever he is otherwise unattended,
most certainly is not.
Besides, this is also a matter
of his own safety. ]
I do not doubt that, Gladio. Still,
drunk driving is not something I wish to happen tonight. [
Deadpan. ] Please.
[No wonder Regis decided on Ignis to take care of Noct. Just came with the instinct. Gladio, however, from that equally deadpan look, is not really keen on being mothered.]
Drunk driving isn't going to happen. A few beers isn't going to change my ability to get us home. It hasn't any other time.
[...Damn that please, though. Gladio takes a breath, holds it, lets it out.] ...Fine. We'll go another night, okay? Stick to dinner tonight.
[ ... and Gladio can probably feel Ignis relax against his back,
at that, and the words that come just before the lights turn are definitely
heartfelt. ]
Thank you.
[ Look at it from this
angle, Gladio. You have not even gotten to the place you have chosen and
you have landed yourself a second date. How is that? ]
[He'll take that. No guarantee on that second date, but hey, just maybe if he doesn't blow this one. Still, if Ignis had been that upset on the idea, then he feels better about relenting. Whole point tonight is to have fun, not stress Ignis out more than he constantly is. Luckily, after one more turn, Gladio pulls up in front of a row of buildings. They all look like small store fronts, the street itself small, but he turns the bike down a tiny alley and they end up in a hidden parking lot - full, but with a motorcycle, he slides it where a car wouldn't fit properly.]
We're here. Telling you, this is the hidden gem in Insomnia. [He sounds very sure of himself as he sets the bike up to stand on its own, pulling himself off and a little smirk playing on his lips as he offers his hand to Ignis.]
For now, Ignis tries not to give a small sigh at the absence of warmth against his chest (the suit jacket is not nearly warm enough for this), and raises an eyebrow at the hand offered to him, before shrugging and actually taking it. He takes off the helmet, then, running a hand through his hair to settle it back to its usual shape, and hands the helmet back to Gladio. ]
I never once said that I questioned you. But if you keep building up my expectations, it had better be spectacular, indeed.
[The helmet gets tucked up on the back of the bike - it's out of the way, he's not too concerned, and it's marked with the Crownsguard symbol in silver against the black, so anyone who spots it should think twice on taking something from the Crownsguard. Gladio squeezes Ignis' hand once before he lets go, his brows lifting a little. Was that some teasing? Ignis can wield words as well as a weapon, but he's seen little signs of a possible sense of humor under those dry tones.]
I'd like to think it's something worthy of building expectations up to. [He grins before he leads Ignis towards the front of the building. From the outside, it doesn't look like much, but as soon as they step inside it's warm, with heavy rich scents in the air and an inviting atmosphere. It's small, but intimate. Gladio tells the young woman at the hostess stand he has reservations, gives his name, and she smiles before grabbing menus and bringing them to a table tucked up against the wall, leaving them to peruse their menus in privacy.]
I want ten of whatever smells that good. [Gladio says with his eyes closed, breathing in slowly.]
[His eyes open again on the end of his breath, which turns into a quiet laugh at Ignis' words. When he sees that smile on Ignis' lips, it makes something warm in his chest he isn't sure he's ever quite felt before. ...Oh.]
I could definitely put away three of anything here. [Grin.] Maybe I'll share.
[He leans back, making himself easy and comfortable.] So there is a sense of humor in there. I'm glad we're prying it out there.
[ But there is a crinkle at the edge of his eyes, and he raises an eyebrow at Gladio, not backing off, now that he has Gladio's attention in a slightly less awkward manner.
Well.
He might make it a whole different kind of awkward. ]
[A very slight rise of his brow. Is... Ignis flirting with him with that statement, or is it innocent? The other has a slightly frustrating ability to mask his emotions and while Gladio's usually a good judge of a situation, it's different with Ignis.
Hells, he's already gone this far. Might as well take the chance, right? So he leans forward, making sure he's got Ignis' eyes before he grins, an edge to it keen on what was just said.]
Sounds like a plan. [It's easy to let a hint of heat come out in his voice, then break the contact and lean back, looking amused. If it was flirting... well, one good turn deserves another, right?]
[ Ignis taps his lips with a finger, trying to play it as cool as possible. While utterly flailing inside, between a. the way Gladio is actually looking at him, and him alone, a treat he doesn't usually get, b. thinking that being finger-fed will probably be interesting, if messy, and probably nice, and c. utter panic at people seeing him this messy.
He licks his lips, hand folding back down over the menu. ] Perhaps, when we are not in public.
[ His eyes hold Gladio's for a long moment more, and then they drop down to the menu. ]
What did you have when the place won you over, anyway? Garula steak with, mm. String beans?
[Hey give him some credit. He's capable of doing a bit of finger-feeding without making a complete mess out of it. And no one's looking, other than him, and his gaze speaks volumes about not caring a lick what any one else might thick. This has definitely not turned out like he'd expected and he's going to enjoy every second of this unknown territory with Ignis.]
Mm, but here we can share something... delicious.
[Those eyes. He could get used to seeing them look at him like that.]
Wouldn't mind ordering that, but it was a special when I tried this place the first time that really got me. I've never seen it since, doubt I'll get it again... but they had behemoth steaks.
[He holds up his hands and shows a steak about the size of his palm, maybe smaller.]
No bigger than this, but at least three inches thick and I'm glad I wasn't footing the bill. Never had anything like it since.
[ Hm. That would be rather expensive. On the other hand, it is also a challenge, and they both know enough people who go out beyond the Wall to be possible able to procure some behemoth meat. Eventually.
And, most of all, that is a challenge. Challenges are always a special subset of everything. ]
Still. If we cannot even come close to trying that tonight, I am sure that what we have will be good.
[ He lowers his eyelashes. On purpose. ]
Perhaps, if we take away dessert, we can find a secluded spot outside where the finger-feeding may still happen.
[How does any man have lashes that long? He can see thin hints of green peering up through those lashes at him, hear those hints playing in Ignis' voice, enough to wonder all over again if Ignis is doing this with the intent of just riling him up or if he actually means it. In either case, he's falling for it, hard, because the idea of getting to-- somewhere with Ignis, wherever that might be and that doesn't mean some secluded spot outside, would be... well.
Better than he might have thought on the idea before tonight.]
Definitely. Any place would be... perfect. [His eyes drop down to the menu, studying it before realizing that what Ignis had suggested, topped off by their talk of behemoth steaks past, sounds fairly amazing at this point.]
Suppose I'll bite on your suggestion. [On you, not saying that out loud-] You've got my stomach interested in steak. [You.]
Any place? [ Ignis gives him an amused look, because, really, Gladiolus. ] I would ask that you not say things like that, or I might take them as a ... challenge.
[ And he arches an eyebrow. Because they both know, no matter what, that neither of them takes challenges lightly.
... then he lowers his eyes again, letting his gloved fingers trail over the menu. ]
You have made your selection, then?
[ Yes, Gladio. He is doing this on purpose. If this is going to be a date, might as well make the most of it. ]
While I'm going mad from house packing and running around to get everything done in time! XD
[Just mirroring Gladio's arched brow because he immediately latches onto that word, exactly as Ignis knows that he will. A challenge, eh? Are you looking for a challenge out of him, Ignis Scientia? He could very well rise to that challenge and offer you something you'll need to figure out for yourself...
Then those eyes go back to the menu and Gladio sees the playfulness there- or at least he damn well hopes it's playfulness because if it's not Ignis is the worst cock-tease there is.]
Yeah. [His voice is purposefully low, heated, along with his eyes.] Yeah, I have.
[Challenge accepted. Sure you want to go this route?]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ That. Might be a tad too quiet for the bike's engine, but... it's out there.
... and then he's sort of too startled by that last comment to answer before they tear on ahead. Yes, Gladio, feel free to imagine Specs' eyebrows hitting his hairline, or trying to.
When it's next plausible to be heard, ] I am afraid that I rarely have enough time off to experiment enough to get to slumming it? [ Yes, that is a very definite question inflection at the end of the statement.
Is that... too pathetic?]no subject
Ignis' statement-question brings out a laugh from Gladio, keeping his eyes forward but his words carry.] I'll be glad to introduce you to it tonight, then. Good meal and then drinks, maybe? Get you to cut loose for a night. Our charge has got his baby sitters for the night and the blond to boot, so they'll be fine. All you gotta worry about tonight is yourself.
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[ The contemplative silence from the back is possibly enough of an answer, since Gladio knows rather well that Ignis does not hesitate to shoot down what he dislikes. Not even when it comes from Noctis. ]
You... do not have to leave your bike out for my sake. The original plan is sufficient.
[ Because 'drink and drive' does not happen on his watch. ]
no subject
I'm not Noct. I know my tolerance. [Seriously did Ignis-- mom at him? Like he does with Noct?!]
no subject
[ Spoiler, Gladio: Ignis moms everyone. Clarus and Cor are not entirely exempt from it, and the king, whenever he is otherwise unattended, most certainly is not.
Besides, this is also a matter of his own safety. ]
I do not doubt that, Gladio. Still, drunk driving is not something I wish to happen tonight. [ Deadpan. ] Please.
Ignis wins o/ XD
Drunk driving isn't going to happen. A few beers isn't going to change my ability to get us home. It hasn't any other time.
[...Damn that please, though. Gladio takes a breath, holds it, lets it out.] ...Fine. We'll go another night, okay? Stick to dinner tonight.
[Hells, did he just give in? Great.]
There are bright sides to it.
[ ... and Gladio can probably feel Ignis relax against his back, at that, and the words that come just before the lights turn are definitely heartfelt. ]
Thank you.
[ Look at it from this angle, Gladio. You have not even gotten to the place you have chosen and you have landed yourself a second date. How is that? ]
True.
We're here. Telling you, this is the hidden gem in Insomnia. [He sounds very sure of himself as he sets the bike up to stand on its own, pulling himself off and a little smirk playing on his lips as he offers his hand to Ignis.]
HA
For now, Ignis tries not to give a small sigh at the absence of warmth against his chest (the suit jacket is not nearly warm enough for this), and raises an eyebrow at the hand offered to him, before shrugging and actually taking it. He takes off the helmet, then, running a hand through his hair to settle it back to its usual shape, and hands the helmet back to Gladio. ]
I never once said that I questioned you. But if you keep building up my expectations, it had better be spectacular, indeed.
[ It is a tease. He is not very good at this. ]
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I'd like to think it's something worthy of building expectations up to. [He grins before he leads Ignis towards the front of the building. From the outside, it doesn't look like much, but as soon as they step inside it's warm, with heavy rich scents in the air and an inviting atmosphere. It's small, but intimate. Gladio tells the young woman at the hostess stand he has reservations, gives his name, and she smiles before grabbing menus and bringing them to a table tucked up against the wall, leaving them to peruse their menus in privacy.]
I want ten of whatever smells that good. [Gladio says with his eyes closed, breathing in slowly.]
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Then he says, totally even, ]
No more than three. I do see the portion size in this place. Not even you can tuck away that much without trouble.
[ Was that a joke, to answer Gladio's exaggeration?
Maybe?
Totally? ]
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I could definitely put away three of anything here. [Grin.] Maybe I'll share.
[He leans back, making himself easy and comfortable.] So there is a sense of humor in there. I'm glad we're prying it out there.
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[ But there is a crinkle at the edge of his eyes, and he raises an eyebrow at Gladio, not backing off, now that he has Gladio's attention in a slightly less awkward manner.
Well.
He might make it a whole different kind of awkward. ]
Share, hm? Will you finger-feed it to me, too?
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Hells, he's already gone this far. Might as well take the chance, right? So he leans forward, making sure he's got Ignis' eyes before he grins, an edge to it keen on what was just said.]
Sounds like a plan. [It's easy to let a hint of heat come out in his voice, then break the contact and lean back, looking amused. If it was flirting... well, one good turn deserves another, right?]
no subject
[ Ignis taps his lips with a finger, trying to play it as cool as possible. While utterly flailing inside, between a. the way Gladio is actually looking at him, and him alone, a treat he doesn't usually get, b. thinking that being finger-fed will probably be interesting, if messy, and probably nice, and c. utter panic at people seeing him this messy.
He licks his lips, hand folding back down over the menu. ] Perhaps, when we are not in public.
[ His eyes hold Gladio's for a long moment more, and then they drop down to the menu. ]
What did you have when the place won you over, anyway? Garula steak with, mm. String beans?
no subject
Mm, but here we can share something... delicious.
[Those eyes. He could get used to seeing them look at him like that.]
Wouldn't mind ordering that, but it was a special when I tried this place the first time that really got me. I've never seen it since, doubt I'll get it again... but they had behemoth steaks.
[He holds up his hands and shows a steak about the size of his palm, maybe smaller.]
No bigger than this, but at least three inches thick and I'm glad I wasn't footing the bill. Never had anything like it since.
Basically a year later...
[ Hm. That would be rather expensive. On the other hand, it is also a challenge, and they both know enough people who go out beyond the Wall to be possible able to procure some behemoth meat. Eventually.
And, most of all, that is a challenge. Challenges are always a special subset of everything. ]
Still. If we cannot even come close to trying that tonight, I am sure that what we have will be good.
[ He lowers his eyelashes. On purpose. ]
Perhaps, if we take away dessert, we can find a secluded spot outside where the finger-feeding may still happen.
Wow quite literally O.O
Better than he might have thought on the idea before tonight.]
Definitely. Any place would be... perfect. [His eyes drop down to the menu, studying it before realizing that what Ignis had suggested, topped off by their talk of behemoth steaks past, sounds fairly amazing at this point.]
Suppose I'll bite on your suggestion. [On you, not saying that out loud-] You've got my stomach interested in steak. [You.]
Presents? Because ilu?
[ And he arches an eyebrow. Because they both know, no matter what, that neither of them takes challenges lightly.
... then he lowers his eyes again, letting his gloved fingers trail over the menu. ]
You have made your selection, then?
[ Yes, Gladio. He is doing this on purpose. If this is going to be a date, might as well make the most of it. ]
While I'm going mad from house packing and running around to get everything done in time! XD
Then those eyes go back to the menu and Gladio sees the playfulness there- or at least he damn well hopes it's playfulness because if it's not Ignis is the worst cock-tease there is.]
Yeah. [His voice is purposefully low, heated, along with his eyes.] Yeah, I have.
[Challenge accepted. Sure you want to go this route?]