bakerstreet | Dating and related sundry

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Dating and related sundry

The Dating Meme

Dating is, when you think about, really weird. It's a totally different thing for different people. Some are friends for years before they date; others start dating on the same day they met. Sometimes, there's a lot mushy stuff involved; other times, the couple acts just like friends. None of this is necessarily right or wrong.

Whatever it is, your character and the character you reply to are now dating. How? That's up to you. Whether it be awkward or not, the relationship will be uniquely theirs.

How to Play
-Comment with your character and preferences.
-Reply to others.
-Have fun.

Prompts

1. Best Friends to More: Oh, wow, you've been this person's friend forever! But then you realize you have feelings for them, and they for you. Will things change when you change your status?

2. The Sudden Decision: Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy, but here I am, date me maybe?

3. Confession: You've had feelings for this person for, like, ages, and you want to ask them to date you. Or maybe the confession just slips out...
4. Hate Date: You really don't like this person; actually, you hate them. But you don't want them to be with anyone else!
5. I Guess We're Dating: Huh. We are dating, aren't we? Everyone else knew before us...
6. Slow Decision: For the more mature and seasoned, they might fall into something sweet without needing to rush.
7. Been Burned Before: One of you has had a bad relationship, and now both of you have to bear that brunt if you want to date now.
8. Innocence: This is your first real relationship, so you have to figure it out together. That's harder than it looks.
9. Courting: You're from an old-fashioned world or are old-fashioned yourself, so it's courting, not dating. Still, maybe you can sneak away from the chaperon.
10. First Date: Your first true date. What's it like? What would happen if...I don't know...it went bad?
11. First Kiss: Of course.
12. First Time: Together or in general.
13. The Perfect Couple: The couple that never argues and is more like best friends than a couple.
14. The Not-So-Perfect Couple: Ugh, these guys always argue and seem to despise each other. Why are they even together?
15. Comfortable: You can do anything around or in front of your honey.
16. Not Cut Out for Dating: One of you is anti-social, a jerk, a stoic badass, whatever. You're not dating material...yet here you are.
17. Getting on Each Others' Nerves: Spending too much time together can get even the most patient people annoyed with the person they're dating.
18. Know What You Like: It's almost like they can read your mind, whether it be in the kitchen, at the store, or in the bedroom.
19. Trouble in Paradise: Maybe it's external factors, or perhaps internal, but whatever the case may be, things aren't looking so sunny.

20. Test the Strength: Someone else has an obvious crush on the person you're dating. What do you do?
21. Pregnancy Scare: Hey, it happens. So, how do you feel when the period turns up missing?
22. Getting Serious: Things are getting way deep with this person. They may be the one...or maybe they think they are, while you're not too sure.
23. Old Hat: This relationship is dull. Can you get back the spark?
24. End It: You don't want to date them anymore. You want to see other people.
25. Taking It to the Next Level: You don't want to date them anymore. You want to marry them.
26. FREE SPACE

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

( ho boy. )

[Info, kink list, and general permissions. Crosscanon and AUs and OCs welcome.]

[ Even with the windows open and the fans all turned up, it's ungodly hot in Noctis's apartment. He's done nothing but complain about it to Ignis since the weather turned brutal last week. Just about the second he gets home from school each afternoon, Noctis strips down to his boxers and plays video games, or studies, or just lays around miserably overheated and whiny because it's too hot to do anything else. It's too hot to exist. The Rock of Ravatogh's got to feel cool in comparison. Insomnia in the summer is hell.

Noct's in one of those self-pitying moods for it when Ignis shows up with ice cream and reaffirms Noct's belief that Ignis really is a messenger from the gods. There's no way he could be anything else. Sitting at the kitchen counter, thighs sticking to the wooden stool and hair a flat, wet mess with sweat, Noctis still laughs after the first bite. Maybe it's not pastry or steak, but right now, it feels like the best thing Noctis has ever eaten in his life. Every cold bite tastes like heaven. A couple spoonfuls in, Noctis finally gets his faculties back enough to ask, guessing based on the unlabeled plastic bowl it'd been scooped from. ]

It's really good. You seriously made this? I didn't know you could make ice cream.

[ Well, obviously SOMEHOW it gets made, but Noctis just thought like, you know, they have factories... Look, he never really thought about it. ]

[This summer was certainly hotter than any in recent memory. Ignis himself had found it particularly difficult not to wilt in conditions which, in the Citadel, could be described as absolutely blistering- especially with the fact that unlike Noctis, he didn't exactly have the luxury of stripping out of formalwear. Or allowing himself to be anything but proper.

On a particularly difficult day, he'd decided that something needed to be done. He'd initially looked into buying in ice cream, if something to cheer the prince up, but a casual look at the ingredients had... quite frankly, horrified him. Even more so after he'd actually looked on his phone to see what exactly half of the chemicals were. So. It'd taken a few days to perfect it, but eventually, he'd managed to get a result that sufficed.

And it was good to see that Noctis seemed to enjoy it. His own bowl contains something a little different- sorbet, since honestly, after tasting and tasting so many batches, he'd, even in this weather, lost all fondness for ice cream- it's still a good thing to see an expression on the other's face that wasn't lethargy or annoyance.

And it made it worth it.]

Thank you. It took some time to learn the specifics. Longer to implement them. [Especially since, in his mind, using a machine was cheating.] But I'm pleased you like it. I'll leave the container here.

[ How anybody could choose sorbet over ice cream is a mystery to Noctis. Ignis has the weirdest tastes. But like, that's nothing Noct didn't learn a long time ago. He wouldn't like Ignis half as much if he were any other way. ]

Thanks. I'm definitely going back for seconds later.

[ Finally cooling off a least a little, Noctis eats a little less ravenously, sucking on the cold spoon as much as anything while he eats through the last couple of creamy, sugar-sweet spoonfuls. Ignis really went out all for this, didn't he? Noct can't help feeling a little guilty. Mostly though, he's grateful. And he knows Ignis wouldn't do anything he didn't want to, even making ice cream from scratch. He could've just bought it, even if it wouldn't have tasted as good. The guy just really likes to cook, Noct's always figured.

He didn't seriously cook all day in a button-up shirt and dress slacks though, did he?? Noctis frowns as his eyes drop and come back up, a little incredulous. ]

How can you dress like that in this heat? I'd die.

I'm glad. I'll work on other flavours for the duration of summer.

[It was healthier for a start. And while indeed, he did have a sweet tooth, anything but ice cream was preferential now. Even sorbet- which while not as sweet, was cold enough. As he eats, a great deal more delicately than Noctis, his focus stays on him. Especially as he looks him up and down.

He raises a hand to adjust his glasses.]

Habit, mostly. It gets quite stifling in the Citadel in these sort of conditions. Unfortunately, Council meetings afford little opportunity to strip down.

Nice.

[ Other flavors, more ice cream.... If the whole summer stays this bad, Noctis will definitely look forward to that. Not that he couldn't make do with cold showers and the bought snacks, but... if it's a choice between those and something Ignis made, plus his company? Yeah, no contest.

Noct can't say the answer doesn't make sense. Responsibility and, like, making a good appearance and all that... it's a huge pain in the ass. Even when Noctis is only at school instead of the Citadel, he still feels that kind of pressure. He gets it. But... Still. It's just them. He's sitting in his boxers right now, would feel too self-conscious about his looks to hang out mostly naked around anybody else. But around Ignis? He's comfortable. Why shouldn't Ignis feel the same? Especially considering they're... Noct doesn't really have a word for it. Could he even call it 'dating'? Definitely not enough to call them 'involved.' But the tension's there, and it's cracked a couple of times. Not often enough for Noctis, which is why he still feels a little warmer, even with the cold spoon still in his mouth, when he tries to offer casually. ]

Nothing's stopping you here.

[ At least Noctis manages to keep his tone casual, even though the look he gives Ignis is a cat's long stare, obviously heated, and nothing less than challenging. ]

[By now, he knew Noctis far too well for that expression to not be unnoticed. And he meets it with his own long stare- playful, of course, but by expression, almost looking at the prince as one would some form of science project. Finally, he lowers his spoon to answer.]

Apparently not. I'd intended to return to the Citadel this afternoon. [As well as stop at his apartment for some fresh clothes first.]

Noct, Gladiolous mentioned something this morning. When your school closes for summer break, he expressed that a trip outside of the City may be something to consider. According to him, the Duscae region is considerably less humid than the weather we're experiencing.

[Of course, actually going or not depended on a lot of things. The political climate, for one. If something happened between now and that time, it would more than likely be impossible to have authorization to take Noctis as far as even outside the city gates- but if nothing happened, if the Kingdom and the Empire's present stalemate lasted, the idea was feasible.

... Given a lot of negotiation regarding the matter, for it was still the Council's to decide. Negotiations that could even take weeks. And of course, before comitting himself to that scale of additional work, knowing whether or not Noctis even wanted to go would be a plus.]

Well? Would you be interested?

[ That answer gets Noctis lifting his chin, because he's not sure how to take it. Does that mean Ignis cancelled his plans to come and see him? Do they have the whole rest of the afternoon and night together? Or is this just a pit stop, dropping the ice cream and running, and he's still going back to the Citadel after this to finish... whatever work he'd plan on doing? Noct frowns, thoughtful, but doesn't ask. It'd be selfish to ask Ignis to stay, and not that Noct isn't selfish, but... Ignis is already here, took the time to see him, and even made ice cream for him. It'd be way too much to push for more. He should just be grateful. He is, but...

Lost in his ~~teenaged angst~~ thoughts, the story, and the question after catch Noctis off guard. His eyebrows lift and his shoulders drop as he relaxes slightly, the idea washing over him just like a cool breeze. ]

You kidding? Yeah. I'd... That'd be great.

[ He never gets to leave the city, and when he does, there's always some kind of political reason tied up in it. Going somewhere else just to go, taking a road trip away for a while, putting his responsibilities a hundred miles behind him. Who wouldn't love that?

Ignis. Ignis probably wouldn't love that, would he? It'd take a day just to travel to Duscae, never mind the time staying, then coming back. No way Ignis would want to be gone from the Citadel for that long. So just him and Gladio. Noct's expression mellows back out, and he scoops up the last drips of ice cream in his bowl and licks it off the spoon before dropping it in the bowl and letting himself answer, light as he can. It'll still be great. Even if it could be better. It's not something he would want to miss out on. ]

You think Prompto would come with? That much time alone, Gladio and I would definitely kill each other.

Then we'll both see what we can do.

[It was intended to be a drop and a run, truthfully. But even then if Noctis asked him to stay, he would. His responsibility was to him first- and time spent here could always be made up later. As Noctis finishes, he moves to collect his bowl and then moves to the sink to wash it- flicking his eyes up to him as he speaks.

As for going on the trip himself... that would be more difficult. Substantially more. While the odd afternoon here or there could easily be explained, a few days were a different story. Even if it was Noctis. Aside from that, it wouldn't do either of them any favours to not attend meetings.]

I can't see there being a problem with your friend joining you. [He'd passed each and every background check a few years ago, after all. Furthermore, looking after an additional head shouldn't be a difficult task for Gladio.] You should ask him.

[And at the comment about Gladiolus, he half-laughs, moving his eyes back down to his task.]

I should hope not. The last thing I'd want to hear from Duscae would be that bodies need to be transported back.

[ Ice cream gone, Noctis leans back on the stool, palms digging into the edge to support his weight, as far away from the counter as he can lean, because even just resting his arms on it made him feel sticky and overheated. This weather seriously sucks. He thinks about offering to help Ignis with the dishes, but there's only the two of them, and he doesn't want to move any more than he has to. The cold water on Ignis's hands probably feels good, though. It's a challenge not to let his mind wander from there, about those cool, deft hands on his skin. ]

Thanks. And yeah, I will. Need somebody to complain to when the whole trip turns into one long training session.

[ It's a lot to arrange short-term, and more work for Ignis means seeing him less often. But it's not like Noctis could turn down an invitation like that, either. He's torn. He really wants to go, but between school and work, and tensions with the Empire ramping up, he hardly sees Ignis these days as it is. ]

Hey, Ignis.

[ He shouldn't ask. He's being greedy. He asks, anyway. ]

While you're rearranging my schedule and everything, think you could sneak a couple extra vacation days in there? For both of us? After Duscae, if it happens. Or even before then, maybe.

[He's just about finished up when Noctis asks his question, and it is a (faintly) surprising one. He places both of the dishes to the side to drain, moving to get a towel and drying his hands. He looks to him, refolding the towel and setting his glasses, looking thoughtful.]

I can certainly set them for days where Council meetings will be unarranged. Though Noct, it will depend on what happens between then and now.

[He knew that Noctis knew that if something got planned in the duration of the time between booking and actually taking his leave, he'd have to cancel it. Plus, even on leave he'd be at the mercy of his phone. If he was called in, he'd have to leave.

Perhaps Prompto's presence would be a blessing, should that happen.

Yet even with him, if anything bigger happened, they'd all have to. But it still needed to be said. If anything, so he wouldn't be so disappointed.]

Saying that, I can most certainly try. [Hands dry, he leans across the counter to lightly push away some sweaty hair from Noctis' forehead.] I'll message you later with confirmation of the dates.

[ All those words are Ignis-speak for 'maybe, I'll try,' which is the best Noctis can ask for. He knows how busy Ignis is, they all are, and how important it is, everything the Council is doing for Insomnia, and Lucis. Still, though... A couple days off now and then isn't too much to ask for, is it?

'Thanks' is the appropriate answer here. But Ignis's cool fingers are against his skin, and Noctis leans into them like a needy cat, eyes closing, shoulders going looser with how good it feels. His mouth goes looser too, apparently, because it's definitely not 'thanks' he says. ]

Great, 'cause I don't know if I'm going to survive this heat, and you owe me at least one real date before I die.

[ Noctis's heart kicks up a little after he says it, because that could've been... phrased a little more delicately. Or, better yet, not said at all. But he doesn't excuse himself or take it back, even though he knows he should, that he should be grateful for the time Ignis does make for him. He is, but... He doesn't regret saying it, either. What about what he wants, what Ignis wants? Isn't that important, too? ]

[That was unexpected. The thought goes through his head to withdraw, but he doesn't- curling his fingers against his cheek quite gently- as if he really was a cat.]

You'll have to survive the heat for some weeks yet. It's almost a month until you're on break, correct? If you and Gladio truly do intend on killing each other, he'll not appreciate the head start.

[Spoken dryly, of course- but his eyes do show some faint concern as he looks to him. Finally, he lowers his hand, looking thoughtful. A 'date' indeed.]

If something happens to change things, then I can take time off at another point to spend with you.

[Only that sounded too clinical. So.]

Like now. If you'd like, I can stay here for the rest of the day.

[ The reminder of weeks more of this weather is enough to get Noct groaning. He's going to have to figure something out besides eating ice cream in his underwear. That won't fly during school hours, or work, and there's no way he's going to survive the month at this rate. The joke about Gladio gets Noct huffing a laugh, and then Ignis's hand is gone too soon, and Noct is leaning away again to look up at him. He frowns at first at the answer, thoughtful. Then when Ignis clarifies, Noct's eyebrows lift. Also his heart. He feels a little lighter all over, just like that. ]

Really?

[ All he had to do was ask? Damn, if Noct'd known that, he would've asked ages ago, saved himself all this time moping about it. It can't just be that easy, can it? Noctis tries not to get his hopes up. One phone call, and Ignis is right back to excusing himself and heading in to the Citadel. But he wouldn't offer if he expected something like that to happen, would he? ]

Don't you have work to get back to? You're not skipping out on anything, right?

[ It's not exactly anything he's looking forward to, either. But, they'd manage. It'd be as uncomfortable as hell, and in his case, trips back to his apartment a few times a day for fresh clothes meant extra laundry. But. Of all the things experienced this year alone, an unseasonably hot summer was by far the least terrible.]

I do, but its nothing that I can't complete tomorrow. I'll just need to make some calls, if you don't mind.

[He moves, to place the lid of the ice cream back on, and to place it in the freezer. He turns then, and looks to Noctis. And an observation has to be made.]

I'll do so as you shower.

[ If you don't mind, like Noctis would mind waiting for a couple of phone calls when it means he gets Ignis for the rest of the afternoon. Finally, he gives that appropriate answer, his mind kind of blanking for anything else. ]

Yeah, sure. Thanks.

[ Of course that little dig gets his mind right back where it should be. Are you saying he's a sweaty, disgusting mess, Ignis. Because you'd be right, but also fucking rude. Noctis scoffs, and it comes almost as a laugh, his body betraying him. He's going for indignant, not gleeful excited for Ignis's unexpected company, here. But he stands from the stool and pushes off of the counter, heading for the bathroom without (much) complaint. ]

Whatever. Just going to get gross again.

[ A cold shower does sound good, though. ]