#cornis

There’s no more time for introspection once Cor barks out the order to begin.  There’s only the feel of steel in his hands, the swing of his arm, the thump of the lance sticking to the target, and the process repeating again.  Not only is this an exercise in accuracy without sight, it’s an exercise in stamina, in improving his other capabilities to make up for the lack of sight. When Gladio had first suggested training with Cor, Ignis had balked at the idea, but he’s long since come to see the benefits, both in his combat ability and in…

Well, his mood.

He doesn’t miss a single throw. 10 targets, 20 hits, all accompanied by the thud of success. Hopefully they’re in the correct areas for maximum damage, but at this point, Ignis is quite pleased with the improvement from when they began this venture.

“Better,” Cor declares, and Ignis can’t stop his heart from leaping into his throat at the praise.

“Thank you,” Ignis says, breathless again, adjusting his visor out of nervous habit. “I believe I’ll be ready to take the field again soon.” He pauses. “With your approval.”

Cor snorts, a noise Ignis has learned counts as a laugh for The Immortal. “If only everyone were as eager to take on daemonic hordes as you. I’d have a lot more soldiers to work with.” Heavy, booted footsteps indicate Cor’s approach.

“It’s important to me. I…” Ignis falters, unsure of how much he should confide in Cor. Perhaps it’s because he’s exhausted, perhaps it’s because he greatly admires the man now standing beside him, perhaps it’s because he’s lonely, but whatever the reason, Ignis lets the words flow freely. “I’ve always been motivated by purpose. With Noctis gone… joining the fight would give meaning to my days once more.”

There’s a pause, a shift, and suddenly Ignis can feel the heat radiating from Cor’s body, can smell the earthy spice of his sweat. “Why do you assume battle is the path to meaning?”

Ignis raises an eyebrow. “You’ll forgive me if I take that question with a grain of salt, given that it comes from one of Lucis’ most lauded soldiers.”

When Cor chuckles, Ignis feels the air leave his lungs in a rush, which makes it even harder to breathe when Cor takes hold of his bicep. “When you’ve been embroiled in as much death and chaos as I have, you learn to find meaning in unlikely places.” After a heartbeat, Cor’s face is so close that Ignis can feel his breath ghosting against his lips.

Pulled in by Cor’s gravitas, Ignis reaches one tentative hand up, running his fingertips in slow motion along the sharp line of his jaw, tracing out his features in bold sweeps. Cor doesn’t pull back and instead simply waits, as though waiting for Ignis to reach some forgone conclusion.  As Ignis reaches Cor’s lips, he hesitates for the briefest instant before continuing his path, delineating the thin line.

“Don’t hesitate.” Cor speaks the words against Ignis’ fingertips, as confident as ever, though there’s a low husk to his tone that sends a shiver through Ignis.

Ignis slides his hand to the back of Cor’s neck and pulls him closer. As soon as their lips meet, Cor takes charge, licking into Ignis’ mouth like he belongs there, tasting of mint and giving one ragged exhale through his nose.