painedprince

[painedprince]

"Sure it would! But your cameras are pretty fancy, I have to admit..." Noctis was entirely to blame, of course, always getting him nice equipment back when they were in high school.

"Keep sticking your tongue out and I'll bite it." Was it a threat from Gladio or flirting? Maybe weird flirting, if so.

"I don't know if everyone... knows... about all of us, I mean. Probably the closest to us suspect it, but? I don't know. I guess I kind of worry about what people would think, if they knew. I used to worry what you guys would think, if you knew. Felt like I was a bad person for falling in love so many times.

The shield sighed and helped wrangle everyone together for Prompto's little group hug. "I couldn't care less about how others feel about it. You all are my family. Anyone with a problem with it's gotta answer to me."

@painedprince

"The phone would not capture this." Prompto insisted dramatically before falling into a soft laugh and a nuzzle. And if he jokingly stuck his tongue out at Gladio, well... he was prepared to be a little immature about some things. Some things.

Ignis huffed a laugh and kept his thoughts about Gladio's cuteness aggression to himself, but that also distracted him enough to be slightly unprepared for Noctis' questions. It was a different kind of fluster from the one his own fiance got out of him, and while he didn't quite want to bring up anything too serious... "All of us happy and together, to be clear." Very controlled in tone, very matter-of-fact. "No one needing to prepare themselves to pretend otherwise."

Prompto did not wait for any other comments or reactions. With Noctis still mostly clinging to him, it was easy to reach for Ignis with one hand and gesture wildly at Gladio to help him out and lean in a little bit so he could pull everyone into a big dumb messy group hug. "Okay, we are all gonna get used to this eventually..."

[painedprince]

Prompto had already received plenty of kisses within the hour, but Noctis gave him another for good measure, and a nuzzle. "Phone pics won't do, huh? Yeah, you- You're the one I really asked." He laughed.

"...You guys are so fucking cute." Gladio grumbled, almost as if it were a bad thing.

"Um, what weren't you prepared to see? Me getting married? I'm pretty sure you were always going to see that."

@painedprince

The urge to argue was still strong, but Ignis dismissed that as being confronted with the truth of how similar they were. Clearing his throat, he nodded. "i can accept that. And being similar in that regard."

Noctis actually moving to kiss the other two was a complete surprise, expressed fully in Prompto's gasp. Not bad, though! Anything but bad! Surprise almost instantly turned to pride, and an eager little clasp of his hands. "Aw, man, wish I had the camera ready..."

Ignis made an effort to ignore that idea, assuring with humor, "Consider the notes taken as always, thank you." The kisses were surprising, sure, but he was more glad and astonished that Noctis had felt comfortable enough for the impulsive act. "Let there be no doubt that we love you, as well. It's-- This isn't an event that I was ever fully prepared to see."

Careful as he was trying to be, Prompto could not fully hold back the urge to wrap his arms around his fiance. "We love you and I love you and I totally already qualified to be your #1 husband, right?"

[painedprince]

"...Yeah." Gladio huffed. "It takes one to know one. Probably why it pisses me off so much. Maybe not perfect, but- Good. Hard working. Dedicated. How about that?"

"I mean the collar itself doesn't necessarily lead to play. Just usually. Um- Yeah. I think the other symbolic jewelry works enough for me. I hope you're writing all this down or- committing it to memory, at least, because, you know, the planning is important, but also..." Noctis paused for a moment.

Then, almost suddenly, he kissed Gladio (who made a clipped noise of surprise) and then Ignis one after the other. He's probably more startled by his own boldness than anyone else. "Also, I- I'm really excited and happy! It's almost... almost like we're all getting married..." He says the last part quietly, like it's a secret. "Uh. I just- I really love you guys, and I love spending time with you guys."

@painedprince

"Well that's a relief." Prompto admitted. "He can still be bestest boy with a squishy fuzzy face." Okay, saying that out loud to anyone who wasn't a dog was a little embarrassing, but he tried to ignore it.

"Gladiolus." There wasn't any real heat in Ignis' tone, but it did rather serve as an argument in itself. "I'm willing to accept that you're very much speaking for yourself when it comes to your view of perfection. Is that a compromise?"

Despite the conversation with his own fiance, Ignis couldn't help but hear Noctis. It was a wonderful confirmation, but it also sparked a bit of an idea. "I'm glad we're accomplishing our goal, in that case." Mild teasing, a little humor first. "There's always the possibility of a day collar, if that might be of interest. A more casual necklace that wouldn't lead to any play in itself, but it might serve as a nice reminder. A symbol of devotion out of love, perhaps. Though we clearly have other symbolic jewelry to exchange in the near future, in any case."

"And you'd look good in anything." Prompto piped up. "Uh, just saying."

[painedprince]

"Nope! Pretty sure he loves it. He's a dog, after all." Now if Umbra ever revealed he had some greater form that could talk and reason... that might get embarrassing, but what were the odds?

It was rare to catch Ignis fidgeting. Did the compliment really bother him that much? "Maybe that's part of it. A perfect person couldn't be too boastful, could he? That just wouldn't do."

"What, taking care of me and loving me? You guys already do that all the time. And... I always need it." Noctis flushed, a bit embarrassed to admit it. "I didn't mean- Like... I didn't mean it literally." He shook his head quickly. "It's just what it represents. Someone who's loved, rather than worshipped. That's all. The roleplay is fun, too, but- I mean, it's... more than that."

@painedprince

There was a long pause from Prompto before he decided to finally give voice to the one totally realistic concern he had about the whole special magical Messenger dog thing. "It's not, like... embarrassing when I call him a good boy, is it?" Valid question! He just wasn't sure he wanted the response.

Ignis missed the question altogether thanks to Gladio's words, idly picking at his own sleeve just to temporarily avoid eye contact. Which most certainly did not hide the mild color on his cheeks. "I'm hardly perfect. I argue with compliments, for instance." And diverted slightly with humor.

Noctis' outburst distracted everyone, made Prompto worry a little before he really heard what his fiance had to say and, well... Glad that Gladio had interrupted the silence with that, he had a chance to quietly laugh off any building tension before pecking Noct on the cheek with a quick kiss. "Don't wanna speak for everyone, but... you know we're up for that whenever you want it, right?"

There wasn't much of a need to exchange a glance with Gladiolus in that moment, but as far as Ignis was concerned it was an intelligent habit to keep up. "And whatever you might need."

[painedprince]

"He does tricks, too! Like, he really enjoys giving handshakes." All things considered, Umbra and Pryna were very normal dogs, despite their magical abilities.

"You're just saying that because you won't accept the title of perfect," Gladio countered Ignis. He was surprised Ignis would mention it, but kind of proud he didn't immediately coddle Noctis, and yet here he was doing that instead. That's growth, right?

"...I don't want a crown!" Noctis suddenly exclaimed. "I don't wanna be paraded around and worshipped just for having magic blood or whatever... If anything, that's- I'd rather wear my collar. Rather be taken care of and loved because of who I am as a person (or as a cat...) instead!"

After a short pause, Gladio snorted. "...Kinky."

Noctis swiftly rewarded him with the weakest little punch to the chest.

@painedprince

Prompto bravely accepted the pat before adding his two Gil to the conversation. "Aw, even magical dogs like treats, I bet." At least maybe they'd appreciate the offer..? He'd have to find out.

Despite the general lightness of the conversation, an air of seriousness came over Ignis' expression. It was truly an appreciated thing, Gladiolus offering comfort, but the former advisor was a little bit stuck on the thought of the whole event. "Her Majesty Lunafreya is most certainly capable, and surely has people she trusts surrounding and supporting her, but I am rather certain even she would not accept the title of perfect."

"And she's gotta need to get out of there once in a while and enjoy the beach." Prompto was quick to add. He didn't want Noct to dwell too much on past choices and reasons, even if it all wound up for the best. Humor was the right move, right? "But, I mean. If you want a little crown to wear around the house, I'm not gonna judge you. Too much."

[painedprince]

Funny that Prompto should seek comfort in the guy laughing at him. Noctis pat him anyway. "Umbra doesn't usually ask me for treats... but I don't know that he'd refuse them, either. I... I mean it should be okay, right? Besides the whole uh. Being queen thing, but even royalty needs vacations, right? I could've dealt with a lot more, and... Six, I still can't believe I managed to escape becoming king."

Gladio sighed and pat his shoulder. "You would've been a good king. Granted, that would probably require actually wanting to be king. Still, we would've all supported you the whole time. You know that, right?"

"I guess... and, I'm sure Luna has people like that, too. Even if she is kind of perfect."

@painedprince

Prompto's frown was way too pronounced to be real, but it was a decent enough excuse to "seek comfort" from his fiance. Convenient, then, that they were already clinging to each other.

Ignis' attention had been easily pulled away by a clearly very happy Gladiolus, and while he was already very much aware that the idea of getting married was quite a happy one for both of them, it served as an extra reminder just how important family was to the man. "I'm perfectly willing to share recipes for bribery purposes, if need be. Otherwise, I promise to use my new position of power responsibly."

The little eye roll and snort Prompto tossed at the other two probably went unnoticed since they were getting all into each other all over again, but he was smiling too. "Maybe he'd do it for treats? Or is that an insult?" Yeah, maybe best not to think too hard about. "A-anyway. She can get away for a little bit, right? At least for the whole vows and cake thing."

[painedprince]

Noctis couldn't help but giggle at the way Ignis cut Prompto off.

"She's already started calling you her brother. Pretty soon, I won't even be her favorite anymore. Sucks." Gladio smiled the whole way. Family had always been deeply important to him, and he was excited for Ignis to join his.

"He's the specialest dog... Goodest boy..." And, yeah. An astral messenger, also, but even if he hadn't been! "I don't think he'd mind? Either way, it's the easiest way to invite Luna, if no one else."

He did not like being lowered down, still holding onto Prompto, and- okay, maybe it was a weird stance to be in during a somewhat serious conversation. Still! "You think the birds are gonna eat the cake? Uh. They might... I guess put it in a special fridge or something. How long do these cakes even take? Uh. Just definitely don't bake it here, I guess."

"Iris is gonna be the flower girl. I guess she's a little old for it, but... she'd kill me otherwise. I think she wants a hand in decorating, too? She's... really excited about it..." Gladio flushed even, flattered that Iris cared so much about the wedding.

"Yeah, I don't have a problem with that. And then... Uh. Would it be weird to have Umbra deliver the invitations?"

[painedprince]

"Do you believe in soulmates? ...I do."

[painedprince]

He did not like being lowered down, still holding onto Prompto, and- okay, maybe it was a weird stance to be in during a somewhat serious conversation. Still! "You think the birds are gonna eat the cake? Uh. They might... I guess put it in a special fridge or something. How long do these cakes even take? Uh. Just definitely don't bake it here, I guess."

"Iris is gonna be the flower girl. I guess she's a little old for it, but... she'd kill me otherwise. I think she wants a hand in decorating, too? She's... really excited about it..." Gladio flushed even, flattered that Iris cared so much about the wedding.

"Yeah, I don't have a problem with that. And then... Uh. Would it be weird to have Umbra deliver the invitations?"

"You're impressed by that?" Noct raised an eyebrow. "It's not like it's... a difficult topic or something. I mean, I'm surprised no one else brought it up, like... I'm not trying to rush you guys or anything."

"It's not like we didn't start planning." Gladio shook his head. "I mean- Trying to get Ignis not to plan anything that even remotely requires planning is pretty much impossible. Granted, most of the planning was more like worrying. We at least started deciding what flavor the cake should be. Or... cakes?"

[painedprince]

"How do you feel about being just a normal guy? A dude? A dude-guy?"

"It's..." He sighed contently. "It's the best thing ever, really. But sometimes I don't feel like a normal guy because you, and Iggy, and Gladio... You make me feel special. And not special like royalty, but- special like a person who deserves to feel special."

[painedprince]

Ask my character "How do you feel about ______?" Can be an idea, person(s), place, or thing, and they'll have to answer honestly.

Ⓦ

[painedprince]

"You're impressed by that?" Noct raised an eyebrow. "It's not like it's... a difficult topic or something. I mean, I'm surprised no one else brought it up, like... I'm not trying to rush you guys or anything."

"It's not like we didn't start planning." Gladio shook his head. "I mean- Trying to get Ignis not to plan anything that even remotely requires planning is pretty much impossible. Granted, most of the planning was more like worrying. We at least started deciding what flavor the cake should be. Or... cakes?"

"I'm always in need of you, Iggy," Noctis whined and pawed at him. Gladio rolled his eyes and pat him on the head- not too roughly.

"Uh. But..." Why was everyone staring at him, now? "Well. Like. We need a wedding date. I was thinking- Well... You can say no, but... Like, maybe early summer? Since I want to have the reception on the beach. So, it'll be good swimming weather but not too hot?" He looked around the room, hoping there would be at least some agreement.

[painedprince]

"I'm always in need of you, Iggy," Noctis whined and pawed at him. Gladio rolled his eyes and pat him on the head- not too roughly.

"Uh. But..." Why was everyone staring at him, now? "Well. Like. We need a wedding date. I was thinking- Well... You can say no, but... Like, maybe early summer? Since I want to have the reception on the beach. So, it'll be good swimming weather but not too hot?" He looked around the room, hoping there would be at least some agreement.

@painedprince [From here, since lack of spice. For now.]

"I guess that would be a little concerning, yeah... but if we had no cell service, I would totally carry you! ...And if Gladio wasn't around..." "Ah- Did I hurt your ears?" Noctis frowned and hugged him. "...I knew it!" he exclaimed once Ignis responded. Gladio's voice came, "Someone's gotta look after you two." He huffed.

"If Gladio were around, then I bet you'd get him to carry us both." Not like Prompto was complaining about that, though he suspected Gladio probably would be.

And it wasn't like he was going to refuse a hug, of course, but he was quick to assure with a soft laugh, "I'm okay, I'll heal. I can keep carrying you, anyway." Not that Noctis was letting go or anything.

Stepping into the hallway, Ignis' crossed arms might have indicated impatience if there weren't such a fond smile to counter it. "You were in need of me, Noct?"

Prompto gave his fiance a meaningful look. Not that he would mind breaking the news about picking a wedding date (sort of, a little bit, enough) himself, but he wanted to give Noctis the opportunity before jumping in.

[painedprince]

"I guess that would be a little concerning, yeah... but if we had no cell service, I would totally carry you! ...And if Gladio wasn't around..."

"Ah- Did I hurt your ears?" Noctis frowned and hugged him.

"...I knew it!" he exclaimed once Ignis responded.

Gladio's voice came, "Someone's gotta look after you two." He huffed.

"It's so not a separate thing! If you were just tired, I'd carry you for that reason, too." He frowned. "Dragging is like... really inefficient, anyway."

Noctis beamed as soon as he was picked up, too proud of himself. "Maybe the old fashioned way... IGGY! GLADIO! YOU IN HERE?" he called out into the hall.

[painedprince]

"It's so not a separate thing! If you were just tired, I'd carry you for that reason, too." He frowned. "Dragging is like... really inefficient, anyway."

Noctis beamed as soon as he was picked up, too proud of himself. "Maybe the old fashioned way... IGGY! GLADIO! YOU IN HERE?" he called out into the hall.

"Tons? Like, when you've been injured, at least... Usually I don't have to carry you." He shrugged. "You've got way more energy than I do, anyway."

Prompto's back before Noctis can paw at him, but paw at him he does regardless. "Uh... Yeah." He searches the bed for his clothes and starts to dress.

[painedprince]

"Tons? Like, when you've been injured, at least... Usually I don't have to carry you." He shrugged. "You've got way more energy than I do, anyway."

Prompto's back before Noctis can paw at him, but paw at him he does regardless. "Uh... Yeah." He searches the bed for his clothes and starts to dress.

"Come oooon... It's just this one time." Minus all the times he clung and latched onto Prompto. That was totally different than being carried! "In the vows? Nah... I'm not getting poetic or anything, like. I think I'll just say 'I love you so much, I'm gonna die.' and then pass out on stage. Is that cool? Because I feel like it's accurate."

[painedprince]

"Come oooon... It's just this one time." Minus all the times he clung and latched onto Prompto. That was totally different than being carried! "In the vows? Nah... I'm not getting poetic or anything, like. I think I'll just say 'I love you so much, I'm gonna die.' and then pass out on stage. Is that cool? Because I feel like it's accurate."

"Yeah, yeah... Yeah. I'll get up if you get up." Well, at least one of them had to move...

"...Carry me?" Really, he was just being a brat, now.