sparkstrikes | empatheias IC contact. (archive)

[Lightning immediately switches to her face just as Steven does, and her face is already shifting into confusion and disgust at the sight before her, or in her head (whatever). She always admired Ignis for having good taste, probably the best, but even Regis is in a similar abomination. She squints as if trying to get a better look.]

Are they matching?

Dreadful, isn't it?

[ that's a yes, and he hates it. he's learning plenty of things about his resident eosians that he would have rather been ignorant to. ]

[She pinches the bridge of her nose between her fingers, letting out a loud, long sigh. It's too bad closing her eyes doesn't do the trick of pushing it out of her mind because regardless of how tight she shuts them, it's still there.]

I'm no expert on fashion but who's bright idea was this?

[Ignis wouldn't betray Lightning and Steven, would he?]

You don't have to be an expert on fashion to know how to feel about these.

[ that was his reaction as well. unfortunately, this sight is going to be burned into their brains for the foreseeable future. ]

From what I understand, Crowe. She wasn't met with much resistance... Noctis and Nyx have their own as well.

[ it's chaos. he already feels betrayed. ]

Crowe?

[Her tone makes clear that she's extremely surprised about it, but the other two -- Noctis and Nyx? She's not surprised about that one at all.

They're horrifying and this image is horrifying and everyone involved should feel bad.]

Have you tried talking to Ignis?

[She's not going to say it out loud, but it's kind of like getting dressed in the dark?? Maybe he's not even aware of how horrible the sweater looks??? Just a shot in the dark here. (No pun intended.)]

I know what you're thinking.

[ oh, how he wish that were the case. ]

He's fully aware. He finds it endearing, even.

[This just keeps getting worse and worse, and she narrows her eyes.]

What do you want me to do about it? [A legitimate and genuine question.] Only thing I can offer is burning it without a fire.

[Which... she would be more than willing to do.]

[ he sighs. it's not as if this is a big problem, but it's still an eyesore. ]

I don't really expect you to do anything. I was only looking for some sort of reassurance that I'm not going insane.

[ everyone in the house seems to love them. it's maddening. ]

[Lightning laughs a little, not managing to stifle it before it gets out. In spite of the ugly sweaters, the fact that he had come to her, of all people, for some solace is amusing.]

You're not. Unless looking at them for too long'll make you that way. Wouldn't be surprised if it did.

[There's a visible crinkle to her nose as another image passes through her mind, this one not shared with Steven but within her own imagination.]

Don't let Snow find out about these.

[ it's okay, light. as awful as this situation is, he can't deny the humour of it all - he even smirks along with her. he's just glad that she Gets It. ]

I don't exactly intend to spread the word. I trust you won't, either.

What, and spread the plague of tacky sweaters along with it? My lips are sealed. I'm starting to think this whole Christmas thing is a bad idea.

[If he shows up at any parties wearing that, Lightning is promptly leaving and will gladly take Steven with her if it comes to that.]

I can appreciate the good will that comes with it, though I've seen several traditions that leave much to be desired.

[ oh thank god. he actually feels something akin to relief knowing that she's willing to side with him. ]

I'll file this under the latter.

Don't bring it up around them. Knowing Ignis, he might start wearing them just to bug you. Or me.

[She doesn't actually know if that's entirely true, but she wouldn't put it past him. No harm in being cautious, though.]

I won't. This stays between us.

[ not that he'll probably be able to hide his disgust when ignis inevitably approaches him in it, but lightning doesn't deserve to be dragged into it. this is his battle... ]

I trust you'll do the right thing. You won't let me down.

[You got this, Steven!!

This is oddly dramatic for a conversation about ugly Christmas sweaters.]

empatheias IC contact. (archive)

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