Chapter XLII

Angelica was seated on her bed. She leaned back against the headboard, her pillow positioned to cushion her back. With a magazine in hand, she had one leg pulled up and the other crossed over it. Having bought new pajamas, she was wearing a red and black nightgown. It had short sleeves and came down just above her knees.

She had music playing on her phone while she flipped through a clothing magazine. She had already taken a bath and now waited for Ignis to get done. She hummed and sang along with some of her favorite songs.

"I'd like to feel the passion
To the point of no return
I will be in full reaction
I wanna take you in my arms
You're taking me
To the point of no return"

(The song is by Expose and is called "Point of No Return")

"Well, I'd be more than happy to oblige."

Angelica froze. She lowered her magazine, now seeing Ignis standing at the foot of her bed, a sly grin on his lips. She nervously laughed lightly, replaying the words of the song in her head, understanding what he meant.

"I was just... absentmindedly singing along. I happen to like this song."

Ignis chuckled. "I noticed. I was merely joking." His eyes went down to her neck, where the pendant was resting against the top of her chest. "You're still wearing the necklace, I see."

Angelica sat up, setting the magazine aside and gazing down at the pendant with a smile. "Yeah, I really like it."

"Glad to hear it."

"How about I give you a massage as thanks?"

"Alright, but only if I get to give you one as well."

He took a seat at the foot of the bed. Angelica moved to sit right behind him. She began with his shoulders. "You wanna give me a massage?" she questioned.

"It's only right that you get to experience the relaxing sensation that you treat others to."

Angelica worked into the muscles of his shoulders, slowly moving down to his back as well. Once she finished up, the two switched positions, Ignis now on the bed behind the girl. Angelica gathered her red hair and pulled it to the side, out of the way of her shoulders and back. Ignis removed his gloves and placed his hands on her shoulders. He carefully massaged her muscles, taking her smaller figure into consideration.

Angelica hummed in content. "That really does feel nice. It's definitely different to receive a massage than give one."

"It does indeed," the bespectacled man agreed.

Ignis made sure not to put too much pressure on her so he wouldn't hurt her. Having left the music going, a familiar song started up.

I will never give up on you
I see the real you
Even if you don't I do
I do

(In case you don't remember, this song is called 'The Real You' and is by Three Days Grace)

Ignis leaned forward, whispering in her ear, "Our song is playing."

Angelica smiled, remembering when it played on the radio back in Lestallum. The words described Ignis perfectly. He had always seemed to see who she really was deep down. His warm breath on her ear made her shiver. While his hands continued their work on her shoulders, his lips pressed against the side of her neck, right under her ear.

"I love that song," she quietly responded.

"And I love you, darling," he murmured against her neck.

He planted multiple light kisses along her throat. She almost instinctively tilted her head to the side, giving him better access. "I love you too, Ignis," she breathed out.

Ignis steadily moved his hands down to her upper back and to her hips where he gently ran his fingers along the fabric of her gown. His lips gravitated to the back of her neck briefly before going back to the side again. He was a bit curious to see what kinds of reactions he could get out of her like that. He started lightly nipping at her skin. He moved along the side of her neck until he found a spot that made a moan erupt from her throat. He paused, smirking against her skin. He kissed and nipped that same place, causing multiple low moans to escape the girl's mouth.

"Ignis, please don't do that," she said in an almost pleading way.

The advisor reluctantly pulled away. "Forgive me, darling, I was only having a bit of fun."

Angelica shifted around to face him, a shy smile on her lips as she leaned to the side to stop the music on her phone. "I know, and I trust you."

She then leaned forward, kissing his lips and wrapping her arms around his neck. He returned the kiss without a moment's delay, his arms winding around her waist and bringing her closer. Angelica pulled back, gazing into his emerald eyes.

"I know that we'll probably have a lot to deal with once Leviathan has awoken," she explained. "And we'll both most likely be focusing on aiding Noct. So, right now, I want to simply be here, with you, Ignis."

"It's true that we may not get many chances like this for quite some time afterwards, but that doesn't mean we won't still be together." Ignis leaned his forehead against hers, staring straight into her blue orbs. "Still, we can make the most of our time now."

His mouth swiftly enveloped hers in a passionate kiss. She barely had a chance to react before his tongue slid right past her lips. She moaned slightly at how easily he dominated and took control of the kiss. Her audible reaction caused him to smirk triumphantly against her lips. But he finally had to pull back so they could both breathe. They panted, and Ignis slowly leaned back with her until he was lying on the bed with her on top of him.

Angelica tucked her head under his chin and snuggled into his warmth. He held her tightly in his arms, a smile on his lips. "I simply adore the feeling of you in my arms, Angel."

"I enjoy it too," she replied. "I just feel... safe with you."

She closed her eyes and ended up dozing off. When Ignis realized she was asleep, he shifted slightly and pulled the blankets over them. He removed his glasses and set them on the bedside table, then drifted into a peaceful slumber as well. The following morning, Angelica's eyes fluttered open. Ignis felt her stir and smiled, having woken up before her.

"Good morning, darling."

He pecked her head. She slowly sat up, realizing she had been lying on him all night. "I'm sorry, Ignis. I didn't mean to doze off on you last night. Must've been uncomfortable."

He chuckled, propping up on his elbows as the girl sat up. "I admit, I never intended for us to share a bed. But it certainly wasn't uncomfortable. In fact, it was a rather pleasant experience."

Angelica sighed in relief. "That's good. I didn't want to cause you a stiff back or anything."

"I assure you, I'm fine." He reached up, running his fingers through her slightly messy red hair. "Come, let's fix ourselves up before breakfast."

The two swiftly changed, fixed their hair, and did their usual morning routines before meeting the others for breakfast. They sat around in the boys' room and ate.

"Hope you two had a nice evening," Gladio said to the couple, "cause from here on out, things might not be so serene."

"Oh, I knooow they had a great time," Prompto chimed in. He snatched his camera and showed a photo to the shield beside him.

Angelica narrowed her eyes. "And what is that?"

Prompto gave a goofy grin. "Oh, nothing."

Angelica held her hand out. "Give me the camera," she ordered.

"No way!" Prompto denied. "You'll just erase the picture!"

"Prompto!" The blond flinched at her raised voice. "Give. Me. The camera." The gunman hesitated. "How about this - I promise I won't erase a single picture, but if you don't let me see, I will break your arm."

Prompto hummed and reluctantly placed his camera in her outstretched hand. She took it and stared at the picture, letting Ignis lean over and see as well. The picture was of Angelica and Ignis kissing at the piers yesterday evening. Judging by the distance and angle, the image was most likely taken from the boys' room. The redhead glared at the gunman.

"Were you spying on us?"

"No, of course not!" Prompto defended. "I just... happened to be looking out the window when I, sorta, saw you guys. The lighting was perfect! I couldn't miss the photo op!"

"Well, it is a rather good photograph," Ignis pointed out.

"Besides, you guys are pretty cute together," Noctis added.

Gladio chuckled. "He's gotcha there."

Angelica handed the camera back to Prompto. "So... you okay with me hanging onto the picture?" he asked.

She nodded, smiling lightly. "Yeah, it is a great picture. The lighting and atmosphere are perfect."

"Let's just finish eating," Noctis interrupted. "We've gotta meet the secretary today."

Everyone nodded and went back to their meal. They had rested up and were ready for whatever it was Camelia had to talk to them about. They knew that Lunafreya was in the secretary's custody, but whether she'd allow the rite to proceed was unclear. Soon though, they'd find out.

Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top