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It was one of those days.

A day where it was barely past two in the afternoon and Ignis was opening his eighth can of Ebony. The kind of day where Ignis was willing to admit, to himself at least, that he was relying a touch too much on caffeine in order to pull himself through. 

Preparing Noctis to represent the Crown at the Fashion Charity Gala he was due to attend this evening had proven to be a monumental task. He was very frustrated by his charge’s refusal to take the society briefing seriously, resulting in Ignis having a very late night at the prince’s apartment. Now, today, on top of his usual responsibilities, he’d been in and out of a series of emergency council meetings, most of which could have been addressed via email, and the paperwork had piled up on his desk. 

Ignis closed his eyes with a sigh, and raised the can of Ebony to his lips, relishing as the smooth bitter flavor washed over his tongue. It was all he would allow himself. A small moment of peace before his eyes opened and he returned to the pile of forms that awaited his approval. He’d only just sat down in his chair when his phone went off.

It was Noctis, of course. He knew immediately by the unique ringtone Ignis had assigned to distinguish his prince’s messages. As much as he adored his almost little brother, and would do anything for him, another long, bolstering sip of Ebony was necessary before he could bring himself to see whatever it was Noctis needed this time.

He was tempted to drain the entire can before checking the message, but as always when it came to Noctis, he couldn’t bring himself to ignore him for that long. It would be just his luck that the one time he didn’t respond in a timely fashion that his services were in fact urgently required. So he set down the can of Ebony on the coaster he kept on his desk for the purpose, and picked up his phone.

Have fun tonight, Specs! (- ‿ ◦)

Ignis didn’t even have a second to ponder what on Eos, Noctis was talking about, let alone formulate a response, when King Regis, himself came strolling into his office. Immediately he rose to his feet, bowing deeply. “Your Majesty, what can I do for you?”

“Please walk with me, Ignis,” Regis requested. “I’m afraid I have little time to explain, and you have very little time to prepare.”

Puzzled, Ignis immediately followed the king into the hallway and asked, “Prepare for what, your Majesty?”

“I’m afraid my son has taken ill,” Regis explained as he directed their steps away from the administrative wing of the Citadel. “As such, he will be unable to attend his scheduled event this evening.”

“Wait… Noctis is what?” 

“It appears he’s come down with a violent case of the flu,” Regis replied seriously. 

Ignis’ eyes widened in sudden abrupt understanding of Noctis’ cryptic message. Irritation rose in his throat as the dots began to connect in his mind.

“Naturally, he cannot represent the Crown under such conditions,” Regis continued, “but neither can we leave the Gala without Royal representation. As such, it will fall to you to represent our interests this evening.”

Ignis wasn’t sure if the slight tremble in his hands was the result of his rising ire towards Noctis’ blatant ploy at faking sick to get out of his responsibilities, or the result of too much Ebony, but nonetheless he questioned, “Me?” 

“Yes, you,” Regis said with a hint of humor in his voice that sounded far too much like his son for comfort right now. “There’s no one better suited to this task than you. Speaking of which, is why we are headed to the royal tailor. Armand is waiting to take your measurements.”

“I see,” Ignis said as he straightened his glasses and continued to follow the king down the corridor. “As you wish.”

Pausing at the door, Regis said, “I’m afraid I must return to affairs of state, but you’re in good hands with Armand. Have fun tonight.”

Bowing again, Ignis replied, “Yes, your Majesty. I shall endeavor to not let you down.”

With a kind smile Regis reached out and grasped Ignis’ shoulder for a moment as he said seriously, “You never do.” Then he turned and continued on his way down the corridor.

As soon as the king was out of sight, Ignis sighed and prepared to enter the tailor’s studio. But first, he pulled out his phone and made certain his little brother knew exactly how he felt about the situation he’d been thrust into.

Vegetables, Noctis.

Nothing but vegetables for a MONTH.