#nanodrabbles2018

[crownsguardbar-kingsglaiveclub]

Hot Chocolate

The old cabin at Alster Slough hasn't seen much use in recent years.

It's Weskham's, technically, has been in his family since his grandfather built it, but he's always let his friends use it whenever they wanted. When the children were young, Regis and Clarus would load them into the car in the summer and drive down to the cabin almost every weekend. Regis taught Noctis to fish, Iris caught bugs and snakes and frogs with Umbra's excellent help, Gladio practiced cartwheels and backflips until he tired enough to flop out on the porch to read beside Clarus.

Now and then, they'd bring a convoy with them. The cabin wasn't big, but the land around it was. Sylva and Aulea brought Luna and Ravus and Cindy and Pryna (and after a few years, Ignis), and pitched tents in the clearing around the cabin. Sometimes even Cor or Ardyn were enticed to join them, trading in the responsibilities of the city for the shrieks of children's laughter and the dogs' excited barking.

Regis had once proposed an employee retreat; all of them, plus Nyx and Selena and Crowe and Libertus and Pelna. The Galahdians started giggling at the Lucian idea of 'camping', and promptly started teaching everyone what 'roughing it' really meant.

But as the years passed and the Kingsglaive opened, everyone's lives got busy. With the children all in high school and beyond, there were other activities to fill their weekends. Regis still mandated an all-employee weekend every summer, but they weren't driving out every weekend like they had in the past.

And even in the best, busiest times, they'd never used the cabin much in the winter. It was sturdy but had minimal insulation, and got fairly chilly as soon as the summer heat left Duscae.

"Clarus, I'm cold."

Clarus can't help the fond smile that settles on his face despite the whining note in his husband's voice - the one Noctis seems to have perfectly inherited. He takes his time hooking his finger in his book to keep his place and looking up at Regis.

Regis pouts at him, a knitted blanket wrapped around his shoulders. He's holding two steaming mugs, and Clarus' smile widens. He shifts back on the old, plush sofa and sets his book aside, lifting the edge of the blanket draped over his lap in invitation. Regis brightens, setting the mugs down in easy reach before he practically dives into the warmth, startling an 'oof' out of Clarus.

There's a few minutes of wiggling, old bodies shifting around to find the familiar way they fit together, Regis' legs across Clarus' crooked knee and Clarus' arm wrapped securely around Regis' back, the heavy quilt Clarus' mother made long ago tucked in around them both. Regis sighs happily and nuzzles Clarus' neck for a moment, then reaches back to snag one of the mugs off the table and pass it to his husband.

"Ah yes," Clarus says dryly, sniffing appreciatively at the spiced hot chocolate but eyeing the mug it came in dubiously. "Our wonderful, adoring children."

The mug is bright blue and purple, painted by Iris and Noctis and with careful lettering by Gladio, '#2 Dad'. Regis just grins, taking a sip out of his own red and orange '#3 Dad' mug and leaving a skim of milk across his mustache.

(Cor has the matching yellow '#1 Dad' mug. It had been Noctis' idea for Father's Day when he was twelve, and his siblings had laughed so hard Iris actually, literally fell off her chair.)

Regis shifts a little more, settling his back against Clarus' strong shoulder and enjoying the crackling fire that helped heat the room along with the piles of cozy blankets. They didn't often get time for just the two of them anymore. Regis would never regret that; the bar was the best thing besides their children to ever happen, and he would never begrudge the extended family that they found themselves a part of. But when Cor had suggested he and Clarus get away for a bit, recharge, Regis had jumped at the idea.

Outside, it's snowing. Not much, and there will probably only be a slight frost on the ground in the morning, but they can see the flakes drifting down outside the window and it lends to the quiet ambiance.

Clarus finishes his hot chocolate and sets the mug aside, pressing a warm kiss to Regis' temple as he reaches behind him to retrieve his book and deposit it on Regis' lap. "Read to me?"

Regis smiles, setting his own mug on the table and picking up the book. A historical novel set in the time of the Wise, which he's fairly certain Clarus has read before. Not Regis' preferred genre, but for Clarus he would endure. His smile widens when Clarus picks up the knitting needles and bundle of purple yarn that had been resting beside the book.

They shift around again, Clarus wrapping his arms more fully around Regis so he can wrap his fingers in yarn, and Regis settling on his lap to lean back against his chest and read without impeding Clarus' view of his project. Regis cracks the book open to the marked page and clears his throat. "He prowled along the council table like a coeurl hunting prey. He knew a traitor sat among these men, and he watched to see who would sweat..."

"Happy anniversary, Reg," Clarus murmurs in his ear, warm and full of love, and Regis' smile is bright enough to light the room, though he doesn't pause in reading.

[crownsguardbar-kingsglaiveclub]

Noctis has been trying to figure out how to bring it up for weeks.

He'd had the idea in the middle of his morning routine, with his toothbrush hanging out of his mouth. Still mostly asleep, he'd happened to notice that there were three completely different razors sitting lined up across the side of the counter. His, Nyx's, and Prompto's. The two of them stayed over so often that they'd both, separately, given up and bought spares to keep at Noctis'.

His brow furrowed and mind thoroughly distracted, Noctis walks through his apartment. There are three toothbrushes in the bathroom along with the three razors. The textbooks for Prompto's Thursday classes are stacked on the coffee table, since Noctis' apartment is closer to campus and Prompto almost always spends Wednesday night here. Nyx's Coeurl-print apron is hanging in the kitchen for when he decides he's going to cook Galahdian food for them while they study.

They both practically live here already.

He has spare keys made that afternoon, but chickens out on actually bringing it up. He ends up carrying the keys around with him, waiting for the mythical 'perfect time' that doesn't seem to be appearing.

"Hey dad," he hesitates later that week, fiddling with the corner of the textbook he'd been trying to study from. "How did you ask papa to move in with you?"

Clarus pauses and puts aside the book he'd been reading to give his full attention to his middle child. Sunday evenings are traditionally Caelum Family Dinner, sometimes at the bar or down in Ardyn's basement apartment, but more usually at the house Regis and Clarus bought after moving out of the apartment above the bar when Noctis was nine. Almost everyone else is currently in the kitchen cooking (Ignis, Nyx, Regis) or in the dining room setting the table (Gladio, Prompto), and they can hear Ardyn and Iris arguing over... salad dressing?

Cor also looks up from where he'd commandeered Regis' armchair, and drops his tablet onto the side table. "Pass," he says flatly, getting up to go take a side in the dressing argument. Noctis can't help grinning at his back, and Clarus chuckles.

"Well," Clarus rubs a hand over his chin, considering the answer to Noctis' question. "Ours was a special case. After Regis' first year of university, Ardyn had already moved out on his own, and Reg didn't want to move back into his father's house without Ardyn there. I offered to let him stay with me until he could find a place, and then he never left."

Noctis makes a face at the mention of his grandfather, whom he's never actually met. He's not even entirely sure Mors Caelum is still alive, but he's gathered it's better that way. "So it just... happened?"

"That's about it," Clarus nods. "Sorry I couldn't be more help." He's clearly dying to know why Noctis asked, but unlike Regis he won't actually pry, which Noctis appreciates.

"No, I think it does help," Noctis rubs a hand over the back of his neck, knowing his cheeks are turning pink. "...I noticed earlier this week that there's three of a lot of things in my apartment."

Clarus smiles and leans over to pat his son's knee. Noctis had always been the quietest of their children, content to hang out with his siblings and Cindy and Luna and not make too many new friends. How fast he'd hit it off with Prompto had been a pleasant surprise. Clarus still isn't sure (and isn't sure he wants to know) how the two of them had then hooked up with Nyx, but it seems to be working for the three of them, and Clarus has never seen Noctis happier. "Then I think you already have your answer."

"Guess so," Noctis smiles. "Thanks dad."

It's another week before he finds the courage. He and Prompto are sitting together on the couch, Noctis with a book open against his bent knees and Prompto typing like mad on his laptop, grumbling under his breath about midnight deadlines. Nyx, free from the chains of higher education and quite content with his new role as the Crownsguard's assistant manager, smirks at them both from where he's casually doing push ups on the floor. They'd made him move around behind the couch after the first set so he'd stop distracting them.

Noctis sets his book down on the coffee table and stretches. "I'm getting coffee, Prom, want anything while I'm up?"

Prompto glances up briefly and offers him a smile. "Juice if we've got it, thanks."

Noctis nods and gets to his feet, glad just to move around a little as he goes into the kitchen to get their drinks. He chews on his lower lip, and then decides to hell with it. While the coffee's brewing he pulls open a drawer and pulls out the two keychains he's had stashed there. "Hey Nyx, catch."

Nyx pushes himself up onto his knees, reaching up automatically to catch the small metallic object being tossed at his head. He opens his hand, blinking down at the small plush Tonberry keychain and the key attached to it. For a moment he doesn't get it, and then it clicks and his eyes dart back up to Noctis. "You're giving me a key to your place?"

"Our place," Noctis corrects, smiling when he sees Prompto start to pout and tossing his other boyfriend the other key and its fluffy Chocobo keychain. "It's okay Prom, I bought two."

[crownsguardbar-kingsglaiveclub]

100 Ways to Say “I Love You”

Ficlet Master Post

Prompts and links to accompanying fics under the cut. I’ll be writing for familial and platonic love as well as romantic, since this AU is all about found family. If you want to request a certain pairing or character combo for a certain number, just drop me an ask. :)

1 - “Pull over. Let me drive for awhile.” 2 - “It reminded me of you.” 3 - “No, no, it’s my treat.” 4 - “Come here. Let me fix it.” 5 - “I’ll walk you home.” 6 - “Have a good day at work.” 7 - “I dreamt about you last night.” 8 - “Take my seat.” 9 - “I saved a piece for you.” 10 - “I’m sorry for your loss.”

11 - “You can have half.” 12 - “Take my jacket, it’s cold outside.” 13 - “Sorry I’m late.” 14 - “Can I have this dance?” 15 - “I made your favorite.” 16 - “It’s okay. I couldn’t sleep anyway.” 17 - “Watch your step.” 18 - “Here, drink this. You’ll feel better.” 19 - “Can I hold your hand?” 20 - “You can borrow mine.”

21 - “You might like this.” 22 - “It’s not heavy. I’m stronger than I look.” 23 - “I’ll wait.” 24 - “Just because.” 25 - “Look both ways.” 26 - “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” 27 - “Try some.” 28 - “Drive safely.” 29 - “Well, what do you want to do?” 30 - “One more chapter.”

31 - “Don’t worry about me.” 32 - “It looks good on you.” 33 - “Close your eyes and hold out your hands.” 34 - “That’s okay, I bought two.” - NyxNoctProm 35 - “After you.” 36 - “We’ll figure it out.” 37 - “Can I kiss you?” 38 - “I like your laugh.” 39 - “Don’t cry.” 40 - “I made this for you.”

41 - “Go back to sleep.” 42 - “Is this okay?” 43 - “I picked these for you.” 44 - “I’ll drive you to the hospital.” 45 - “What do you want to watch?” 46 - “You can go first.” 47 - “Did you get my letter?”  48 - “I’ll do it for you.” 49 - “Call me when you get home.” 50 - “I think you’re beautiful.”

51 - “Are you sure?” 52 - “Have fun.” 53 - “Sit down, I’ll get it.” 54 - “I made reservations.” 55 - “I don’t mind.” 56 - “It brings out your eyes.” 57 - “There is enough room for both of us.” 58 - “You don’t have to say anything.” 59 - “Wow.” 60 - “Happy birthday.”

61 - “I’ll pick it up after work.” 62 - “It can wait until tomorrow.” 63 - “Cross my heart and hope to die.” 64 - “It’s two sugars, right?” 65 - “I’ll help you study.” 66 - “Stay over.” 67 - “I did the dishes.” 68 - “You didn’t have to ask.” 69 - “I bought you a ticket.” 70 - “You’re warm.”

71 - “No reason.” 72 - “I’ll meet you halfway.” 73 - “Take mine.” 74 - “We can share.” 75 - “I was just thinking about you.” 76 - “I want you to have this.” 77 - “Call me if you need anything.” 78 - “Do you want to come too?” 79 - “I’ll still be here when you’re ready.” 80 - “Is your seatbelt on?”

81 - “Sweet dreams.” 82 - “I was in the neighborhood.” 83 - “Stay there. I’m coming to get you.” 84 - “The key is under the mat.” 85 - “It doesn’t bother me.” 86 - “You’re important too.” 87 - “I saved you a seat.” 88 - “I’ll see you later.” 89 - “I noticed.” 90 - “You can tell me anything.”

91 - “I hope you like it.” 92 - “I want you to be happy.” 93 - “I believe in you.” - Aranea/Cindy 94 - “You can do it.” 95 - “Good luck.” 96 - “I brought you an umbrella.” 97 - “I’ll pick you up at the airport.” 98 - “Take a deep breath.” 99 - “Be careful.”

100 - “I love you.”