The carousel revolves in a gentle cycle as sunset descends over the fairegrounds. Ignis sits beside you, his usually immaculate demeanour disarmed by the tenderness of the moment. He’d been reluctant when you first offered him tickets to attend the local faire together, especially since other Crownsguard colleagues would make far better company. But he’d agreed, and now, he was so glad that he had.

“This is all,” he begins, his voice measured but faltering, “…unexpectedly charming.” As his gaze lingers on your profile, it strikes him that this isn’t just another after-work outing. Somewhere between your laugh and the way you’d chosen him for this evening, he’d begun to feel strange about you. Ignis blinks, the realization settling heavily in his chest as the carousel starts to slow. Oh. He might actually be in love with you.