[Noctis doesn't answer immediately, focusing on the head resting on his shoulders, the sounds of his friends in the background, no longer accented by the snarls of the daemon. Sounds like it's over, finally. He won't be able to relax until they're all back together again at camp, but they're almost there.]
You don't have to carry anything. It's more than enough, just knowing you're with me.
[He'd meant what he said earlier, before things grew more serious; if they're not with him in body, they're with him in spirit. But he'd absolutely prefer to have one over the other, if he can help it.]
[ For once, he's glad that they're not going to play the blame game, on who should shoulder it. Tonight of all nights, or any other night really. He won't let Noctis take the blame anyhow. It had been his fault that he'd ended up in trouble. ]
.... How did you know that I was in trouble? [ Ignis doesn't know if Noctis heard him or just had gotten worried. In the end, his answer doesn't matter cause he's alive, but it'd be nice to hear how Noct knew anyway. ]
Heard you yelling. Did you think I'd fallen asleep already?
[They reach the edge of the campsite, and he doesn't bother with the chairs, scattered haphazardly by their hurried run to Ignis' aid; he sets the man down on the ground by the fire, crouching beside him so he can check over his body for any lingering injuries.]
No, I was only able to yell twice, but I was afraid it didn't reach you. [ He lets himself be set down by the campfire. Glad for it's warmth. While the worst of his wounds were healed, Noctis will find nasty bruises on Ignis' arms from when the daemon had him in a locked hold. ]
It was bad, Noct. [ he can feel his walls coming down around Noctis again. Just like the rest of tonight. ] I was toeing on the edge of death, fighting back against it, but the thing that kept me alive and fighting back was you.
...I could tell. [There's an edge of discomfort in Noct's voice, a lingering fear.] You don't sound like that over just a papercut.
[The thought and fear siezes through him: if he'd just been a little more careless, a little more lazy, he could have lost Ignis. They wouldn't even have one last day together, it would just be over.
His fingers curl against Ignis' arm, brushing softly over the bruises in firelight.]
[ Ignis isn't aware that he's still hurt, he's had bruises on him before and never noticed them. So when Noct touches one, he lets out a little wince but doesn't speak up. He'll take it over the death scare he just had.
As Noctis speaks, he can hear the fear in his voice. It matched Ignis' own fear, back in Altissia all of those years ago. He has a pretty good idea of what Noctis must be feeling right now. He to, had been scared to death that he wouldn't make it on time to save Noctis.
He still says nothing, but moves to pull the man into a hug, quietly thanking him again with it. Words unspoken coming from Ignis. ]
[It's what he needs, honestly. Not words, not apologies or praise or thanks. A solid presence, a physical reassurance that Ignis is still here, alive and well and breathing... that's enough. He slumps against Ignis, holding him back and trying not to rest too much weight on the man's bruised limbs, and buries his face against his neck. Today's been... so much. Waking up after leaving the Crystal, a frantic run for the road, finding out how long it's been, hearing everything that's changed in the world since he disappeared, sharing his fate with his friends, Ignis' confession, and now almost losing him... all in a single day?
He's exhausted. He doesn't know how much more he can take; he just wants to curl up in a pile with his family and keep all of them safe and surrounding him, as long as he can.]
[ He rests his cheek on top of Noctis' head when he feels the man bury his face on his shoulder. He knows that Noctis is trying to be gentle with Ignis' bruises, but he strengths the grip on Noctis anyway. This is what they need, a moment of quiet after everything that's happened in the day for both of them.
His ears pick up on familiar footsteps as Gladio and Prompto finally arrive. The latter going to say something, but the Shield clasping a hand over Prompto's mouth and mumbling a "Not now." The Shield drags them to the tent, giving Ignis and Noctis a knowing look, understanding the situation. Ignis makes a mental note to thank Gladio later.
Ignis shifts a little, going to lay back, carefully pulling Noctis with him as he lays down. He readjusts Noctis so he can curl up against Ignis' side, Ignis keeping his cheek pressed against the top of Noctis' head. The soft glow of the fire keeps them warm, along with their body heat.
He so so tired, honestly, he could fall asleep right here. But he keeps himself awake for a bit longer, letting his hand rub at Noct's back. ]
[Noctis knows better than to let them sleep out here- they're too close to the fire, the ground will be uncomfortable for both of them come morning (or whatever passes for morning in a world of endless dark) and his back and leg will feel wretched after a night with nothing between him and the cold ground. It won't do Ignis' bruises any favours, either, and they both need to be in top form to survive whatever Ardyn throws at them tomorrow. Plus to lose his last night with the others isn't something he can accept aeasily, either. Even for Ignis. He loves all of them, needs them with him. He'll carry Ignis to the tent himself if he has to.
It's nice by the fire, though, so he's okay to stay for a little bit. They both need a moment together to breathe. His fingers slide up Ignis' back, one hand stroking through his hair, like his father or Ignis himself used to do when they were kids and he was crying for some reason or another.]
Don't fall asleep. [It's something Ignis might have said years ago, with Noct's poor sleeping habits.]
[ As Noctis strokes his hair, he lets out a sigh of pure content. ]
You're not helping. [ he murmurs softly. though it's not lost on him what Noctis just said to him. ] Says the King of Naps.
[ the danger he'd been in is slowly fading from his body, adrenaline rush gone. the days events are catching up to Ignis, and he's slowly fading out. Sorry, Noctis, you might have to carry him after all.
It's funny, Noctis is usually the first one out cold, but Ignis is beating him to it tonight. His eyes close, slowly falling into a deep sleep. ]
[It's about what he'd expected, in truth, and he doesn't mind even if it makes him sigh. He lays a soft kiss to Ignis' forehead and carefully extracts himself from clinging limbs so he can stand up, kick some dirt around the fire to make sure it's properly contained and won't burn a path to the tent while they sleep, then gingerly lifts Ignis upright to take him to the tent. Much as he'd love to be cute and do the bridal carry, he hasn't exactly had a decade to build muscles- he's as thin as ever, and he's lucky his body didn't atrophy in the Crystal or something. Either way, he manages to get Ignis inside the tent and laid out with him between the other two, and the only accomplishment he can claim is that he doesn't drag Ignis along so roughly that it wakes him up.
Once they're inside, he murmurs a goodnight to the others, pretends not to notice the choking lilt in Prompto's response, and curls up between them all, his head pillowed against Ignis' chest and a hand back in his hair. He hopes quietly, desperately, that his dreams on this final night will be peaceful.
----
When he opens his eyes again, he's no longer inside the tent, nor is he with the others. He pushes himself upright and stares in shock at the sky- it's bright and beautiful, a clear blue sky lit by the rising sun. No night, no dark, no daemons. He's in the grass just outside of Hammerhead, but something about it feels... weird. The world around him is quiet, too empty to be real. As he pushes himself upright to his hands and knees, the answer comes to him in the form of a familiar squeak as Carbuncle trots towards him, a blessed sight for sore eyes.]
Carbuncle... [He opens his arms, and the little Messenger of his childhood dreams climbs up immediately, nuzzling against his cheek. He feels a buzz in his pocket, and he finds his phone there, with a text and a cheery chocobo emoticon:]
your beard tickles, Noct!
[It makes him smile, and he hugs it quietly for a long moment, stroking its silken fur and drawing comfort from its presence like always. He could sit and ponder how much Carbuncle knew about his fate all these years, as Messenger of the Chosen King, but he'd rather not dwell on more grief. What's done is done, and everything Carbuncle has done had been to his benefit. Even if it was hidden from him, he's grateful for the peace he'd been granted.
At last he draws back, and Carbuncle sits in front of him, ears lifted and tail curled.]
Hey. You here to guide me through a dream one last time?
One last time. [The Messenger flicks an ear and seems to smile.] And because it's the last one, this dream is special. Follow me!
[Before Noctis can ask any more questions, Carbuncle takes off at a run towards the Hammerhead lot, and he has no choice but to follow, smiling to himself at the familiarity of it. Years ago, he'd struggled to keep up; now fully grown, his long legs easily keep up with Carbuncle's scampering feet. He's led across the parking lot, past the empty garage and convenience shop, to Takka's diner. It looks like its old self again, no longer the last bastion of safety and shelter for the hunters of their ruined world, but a cozy oldstyle diner for a meal while out on the road. It's homey, and he can smell something spicy in the air. Unlike the rest of the area, there's a silhouette of another person inside, but he can't tell who it is through the tinted glass.
Carbuncle stops at the door, waiting for him, and he crouches down.]
This is it! I hope you like the surprise, Noct.
[Noctis smiles.] I'm sure I will. What about you?
[Carbuncle stretches out, then hops up once, twice, three times to perch on Noctis' shoulder, nuzzling his hair and licking his face.]
I'll always be with you, whenever you need me! But I wanted to say goodbye, while we have the chance.
[Noct's heart constricts in his throat, the pain sharp and gutwrenching. He understands, though. Even if Carbuncle is with him in spirit, this is the final dream they'll be able to share.]
...Yeah. Thanks... thanks for everything, buddy.
[One last hug, and a soft, sad squeak from the Messenger, and Noctis finally forces himself to pull back, fluffing Carbuncle's fur a final time before he stands and pushes his way inside the doorway, to see who's waiting for him.]
[ The first thing he's aware of, is his sense of sight being back. He's skeptical of it, of course. The few dreams where he could see has been nothing but nightmares. He'd prefers his dreamless sleeps.
But something about this one feels different. It's real, way too real. He recognizes where he is immediately - Hammerhead's diner, but Takka and others aren't around. It's a diner from ten years ago, which in itself, is odd. Ignis finds himself sitting on a stool. He takes in the colors, just seeing how bright, colorful and beautiful everything looks. He lifts a hand to take off his visor, but they aren't there. That makes sense, he supposes. His normal glasses aren't around either.
He removes himself from the stool, giving the diner a quick glance over. He has no clue what it looks like in the current world, nor does he care to. He knows that it's a base of operations for hunters, him, being there himself multiple times over the past ten years.
He's still confused though, wondering what the catch is here. Maybe his answer is outside? Before he can think to take another step, the diner doors open. Ignis' eyes go wide as he sees the person stepping through. ]
Noct?!
[ He's frozen in place, unbelieving his own eyes. He doesn't want to look away, fearful that Noctis might disappear from his eyes. His hand slams on the stool that he was on to hold himself upright, feeling weak in his legs. Shock and joy overcome his features.
Ignis is overwhelmed and overjoyed at this wonderful gift. He can see. He takes in Noctis' features, his beard, the longer hair, the way how he carries himself. He's too far back to see his eyes and that gets him moving towards Noctis. Ignis doesn't stop until he's directly in front of Noctis, shaky hands taking his shoulders. Green eyes are studying Noctis better.
The last time he had seen Noctis was back on the altar in Altissia, over ten years ago. Noctis was the last person he saw before he lost his vision. Now, ten years later, he gets to see him. In a dream, no less. ]
It's really you. [ he whispers, overjoyed and amazed. Tears prick at his eyes, but they don't fall. He's happy. ]
[Perhaps he should not have been surprised to find Ignis here, after the night they'd had, but even so he can't help his momentary stumble in shock at the sight. There'd never been another person inside a dream with him- it's only ever been Carbuncle. Lucid dreams are one thing, but this... this feels real.
He can't help staring back at Ignis, focusing on his eyes- the colour's returned to them, and more than that, recognition, responsive movement. Ignis' eyes shift in ways Noctis hasn't seen in months (ten years, he reminds himself for the hundredth time), drifting up and down to take in the features and changes Noctis had found just as alien when he'd seen his own reflection, and at last he understands Carbuncle's last gift. It had brought Ignis here, for the both of them. So Ignis would know him as he is now... so Ignis could see the world in the sun again, one more time. And so Noctis could share this final dream with someone he loved. It's unfathomably kind, and he blinks back tears of his own, hands lifting to grip Ignis by the arms in return.]
I... can see that. [His lip quirks, unable to help the pun; it's Ignis' fault he's fond of them, after all.] I never thought anyone else could come here...
[ He's still in shock over this whole thing, but he snorts in amusement at that terrible pun. It is his fault, perhaps he is rubbing off on Noctis. He's still a bit confused, but Noct's here. That makes whatever is going on worth it. He can't help but smile, fondly. He can't even begin to describe his own emotions other than that he's happy. ]
Do you know what's going on, Noct? [ His last statement sounds like he does. ]
[Noctis hesitates for a moment, expression unsure. He's never explained this place before; it was sort of... his, his little secret world. His and Carbuncle's. Twelve years (twenty-two years) and it had been an occasional safe haven, a land all his own to make and mold as he pleased, to escape the nightmares that so often haunted him. An escape from his darkest dreams, just as his father had promised when he was a toddler.
His friends knew about Carbuncle as... a rough concept, at most. A piece of folklore that the royals of Lucis treasured. No one had ever seen or heard it before, so over the years he'd learned to hide stories of his "imaginary friend", when he grew too old for a prince to reasonably be allowed such things. It had never been an issue worth the trouble of revisiting.
Until now. Until, inexplicably, Ignis is here with him.]
It's... where I go at night, [he starts, reluctant, uncertain, half-expecting Ignis to scoff at him.] When Carbuncle pulls me out of a bad dream.
[There's a subtle, relaxed tilt to Noct's shoulders, one that Ignis might have missed had he not regained his sight. It's nice to be believed, even with the obvious evidence right in front of them.]
No. [That, at least, he doesn't have to hesitate for or lie about. He'd closed his eyes and just... slept. It was as rare as it was delightful.] Today's, um. A special occasion. No nightmares required.
[His hands shift, curling around Ignis' and giving them a squeeze, hoping he can convey a more positive meaning than the truth. It's special because Ignis is here, not because it's the last dream he'll ever have.]
[ A special occasion. When he feels Noctis squeeze his hands, it dawns on him. It's him. It's cause that he's here. With Noctis. With someone that he loves and that someone loves him in return. ]
... Carbuncle pulled me here so we could be together. [ That last puzzle piece slipping into place. Though he knows that this will be Noctis' last dream, he doesn't need to say that. This makes Ignis determined to make the most of it. For Noctis' sake.
He squeezes Noctis' hands in return in understanding. ]
[Another wave of relief, that that's the conclusion Ignis reached. It isn't wrong, so he's grateful, and with a soft exhale he closes his eyes and leans forward, resting his forehead against Ignis' for a long moment. He loves it here, but sometimes it was lonely, even with Carbuncle to guide him; he'd wanted to share the wonder of this place, recognizing it as magical in some way, but there had never been a method of sharing it before. Now he doesn't have to explore this world on his own.
When he opens his eyes and leans back a handful of moments later, a smile crosses his lips, and there's a spark of mischief in his gaze.]
Hey... if you could go anywhere, see any place on Eos again, what would you choose?
[ When their foreheads touch, Ignis can't help but let out a soft happy sound. He shuts his eyes, enjoying the moment for what it is. He interlocks their fingers in their joined hands.
When he feels Noctis pull back, he reopens his own eyes and catches the mischief in Noct's eyes.
He doesn't answer right away, just leans forward to plant a kiss on Noctis' lips, though brief before he pulls back himself. ]
Just as long we're together, then I'm not picky. [ but. ] We never did get to see the Disc of Cauthess properly. [ If he had to pick one. ]
[Noctis finds himself grinning; the Disc had been such a dark time back then, with headaches constantly tormenting him, the start of Ardyn's obsession with following him around, losing the Regalia, and was the first covenant of many that had led him towards Altissia, where everything went wrong. His feelings on that hauntingly beautiful place had been soured for a long time, especially due to how it had ended. He liked the idea of revisiting it like this- peaceful, empty of everyone but them, no Imperials or covenants or expectations. Just the two of them, out on their own little exploratory adventure.]
Come on, then- I'll show you.
[He knows how this works. He hears the telltale squeak and sees the burst of crimson light at the doorway, and he knows that Carbuncle has accepted his wish. He tugs on Ignis' hand and guides him to the door; without another word, he walks through, pulling Ignis with him.
Immediately the world around them ripples like they'd fallen into a pond, warping and going dark for a few seconds, but all the while Noct's hand remains firmly around his, grounding him in the pitch black of this changing world. When the light returns, the sky no longer carries the brightness of dawn but the fading golds of approaching sunset, and Hammerhead, the diner, all of it is gone, replaced by the winding path leading up towards the Disc. They emerge not from Takka's place but a cave halfway to the Meteor, on the Imperial side where they'd been refused entry the first time they tried to go without Ardyn to grant them access. Above, the Meteor glows, endless and ethereal as ever, glimmering with the light of a million stars.
Noctis glances over at Ignis, leaning in to bump shoulders. He looks pleased with himself; even if it was technically Carbuncle's power that changed the scenery, this was still his dreamworld to shape into what they wanted to see.]
[ For just a brief moment, when they walk outside, he can feel the sunlight on his skin. But his world is getting dark again, and he holds firm onto Noctis' hand, wondering and curious, but he trusts Noct.
As the colors return to his sense of sight, he takes a small breath and looks around. ]
Ah, Carbuncle's power? [ he's just guessing here.
He doesn't answer right away again, just taking in the sights. The colors and the bright golden sunset. He looks to the sky, allowing himself to really see. He's hit just how beautiful everything looks around him. After being in the darkness for so long, he's missed this. Ignis wants to remember this moment. It's almost as if someone had taken a blindfold off his face and is giving him a chance to see. His gaze trails to the Meteor and he sees it glowing and glimmering. It's gorgeous.
But all of this pales in comparison to the man next to him. Even though he doesn't regret his decision on wearing the ring, saving Noctis, he's not going to let this opportunity go to waste. He doesn't want to take these things for granted.
He looks over to the man next to him now, seeing the smug look on his face. Ignis plays a small smirk of his own, his free hand going to tuck a stray hair behind Noctis' ear. ] I trust you know what you're doing. You know how this works better than me. Lead the way.
[Noctis nods at the question, as it's as good an answer as any. He doesn't really understand how it works, only that it does. Sometimes the dream changes on its own, sometimes he has to find the exit, and sometimes Carbuncle guides him from one adventure to another. It's always been different, usually (he guesses) based on the sort of dream he was trying to escape from. Tonight is special, as he'd said already. No dark dreams to run from, only dreams of a future that will never come- and those, he'd like to follow for a little while.
He scratches almost shyly at his cheek, just under where Ignis had brushed his hair back, almost feeling thirteen instead of thirty, and smiles as he starts up the path, walking side by side with Ignis, their hands still clasped.]
The first time I had a dream like this... Carbuncle said Titan was a gentle giant. He sure didn't act like one when we finally made it here, though.
[ He recalls that one all too well. Panic and fear had griped him when Noctis and Gladio both fell over the edge, while he and Prompto were safe at the top. He'd never forget the relief when he spotted the pair. ]
Indeed. [ he muses, keeping in step with Noctis. ] He was quite the angry one. [ Their fight with Titan had been challenging, but the four of them had pulled through it. ]
[Titan's the only fight he's prepared to think or talk about right now; the concept of Leviathan's rite is a distant and unpleasant memory he'd prefer to keep buried. Battling Titan had been a tough one for sure, but in retrospect, the big guy had probably gone easy on them. He was enormous enough to have crushed them like they were ants.]
I never did find out what the covenants were for. Maybe they'll show up at the last minute and do something cool. Think five out of six is enough?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
You don't have to carry anything. It's more than enough, just knowing you're with me.
[He'd meant what he said earlier, before things grew more serious; if they're not with him in body, they're with him in spirit. But he'd absolutely prefer to have one over the other, if he can help it.]
no subject
.... How did you know that I was in trouble? [ Ignis doesn't know if Noctis heard him or just had gotten worried. In the end, his answer doesn't matter cause he's alive, but it'd be nice to hear how Noct knew anyway. ]
no subject
[They reach the edge of the campsite, and he doesn't bother with the chairs, scattered haphazardly by their hurried run to Ignis' aid; he sets the man down on the ground by the fire, crouching beside him so he can check over his body for any lingering injuries.]
no subject
It was bad, Noct. [ he can feel his walls coming down around Noctis again. Just like the rest of tonight. ] I was toeing on the edge of death, fighting back against it, but the thing that kept me alive and fighting back was you.
no subject
[The thought and fear siezes through him: if he'd just been a little more careless, a little more lazy, he could have lost Ignis. They wouldn't even have one last day together, it would just be over.
His fingers curl against Ignis' arm, brushing softly over the bruises in firelight.]
...I'm... glad I made it in time.
no subject
As Noctis speaks, he can hear the fear in his voice. It matched Ignis' own fear, back in Altissia all of those years ago. He has a pretty good idea of what Noctis must be feeling right now. He to, had been scared to death that he wouldn't make it on time to save Noctis.
He still says nothing, but moves to pull the man into a hug, quietly thanking him again with it. Words unspoken coming from Ignis. ]
no subject
He's exhausted. He doesn't know how much more he can take; he just wants to curl up in a pile with his family and keep all of them safe and surrounding him, as long as he can.]
no subject
His ears pick up on familiar footsteps as Gladio and Prompto finally arrive. The latter going to say something, but the Shield clasping a hand over Prompto's mouth and mumbling a "Not now." The Shield drags them to the tent, giving Ignis and Noctis a knowing look, understanding the situation. Ignis makes a mental note to thank Gladio later.
Ignis shifts a little, going to lay back, carefully pulling Noctis with him as he lays down. He readjusts Noctis so he can curl up against Ignis' side, Ignis keeping his cheek pressed against the top of Noctis' head. The soft glow of the fire keeps them warm, along with their body heat.
He so so tired, honestly, he could fall asleep right here. But he keeps himself awake for a bit longer, letting his hand rub at Noct's back. ]
no subject
It's nice by the fire, though, so he's okay to stay for a little bit. They both need a moment together to breathe. His fingers slide up Ignis' back, one hand stroking through his hair, like his father or Ignis himself used to do when they were kids and he was crying for some reason or another.]
Don't fall asleep. [It's something Ignis might have said years ago, with Noct's poor sleeping habits.]
no subject
You're not helping. [ he murmurs softly. though it's not lost on him what Noctis just said to him. ] Says the King of Naps.
[ the danger he'd been in is slowly fading from his body, adrenaline rush gone. the days events are catching up to Ignis, and he's slowly fading out. Sorry, Noctis, you might have to carry him after all.
It's funny, Noctis is usually the first one out cold, but Ignis is beating him to it tonight. His eyes close, slowly falling into a deep sleep. ]
no subject
Once they're inside, he murmurs a goodnight to the others, pretends not to notice the choking lilt in Prompto's response, and curls up between them all, his head pillowed against Ignis' chest and a hand back in his hair. He hopes quietly, desperately, that his dreams on this final night will be peaceful.
----
When he opens his eyes again, he's no longer inside the tent, nor is he with the others. He pushes himself upright and stares in shock at the sky- it's bright and beautiful, a clear blue sky lit by the rising sun. No night, no dark, no daemons. He's in the grass just outside of Hammerhead, but something about it feels... weird. The world around him is quiet, too empty to be real. As he pushes himself upright to his hands and knees, the answer comes to him in the form of a familiar squeak as Carbuncle trots towards him, a blessed sight for sore eyes.]
Carbuncle... [He opens his arms, and the little Messenger of his childhood dreams climbs up immediately, nuzzling against his cheek. He feels a buzz in his pocket, and he finds his phone there, with a text and a cheery chocobo emoticon:]
your beard tickles, Noct!
[It makes him smile, and he hugs it quietly for a long moment, stroking its silken fur and drawing comfort from its presence like always. He could sit and ponder how much Carbuncle knew about his fate all these years, as Messenger of the Chosen King, but he'd rather not dwell on more grief. What's done is done, and everything Carbuncle has done had been to his benefit. Even if it was hidden from him, he's grateful for the peace he'd been granted.
At last he draws back, and Carbuncle sits in front of him, ears lifted and tail curled.]
Hey. You here to guide me through a dream one last time?
One last time. [The Messenger flicks an ear and seems to smile.] And because it's the last one, this dream is special. Follow me!
[Before Noctis can ask any more questions, Carbuncle takes off at a run towards the Hammerhead lot, and he has no choice but to follow, smiling to himself at the familiarity of it. Years ago, he'd struggled to keep up; now fully grown, his long legs easily keep up with Carbuncle's scampering feet. He's led across the parking lot, past the empty garage and convenience shop, to Takka's diner. It looks like its old self again, no longer the last bastion of safety and shelter for the hunters of their ruined world, but a cozy oldstyle diner for a meal while out on the road. It's homey, and he can smell something spicy in the air. Unlike the rest of the area, there's a silhouette of another person inside, but he can't tell who it is through the tinted glass.
Carbuncle stops at the door, waiting for him, and he crouches down.]
This is it! I hope you like the surprise, Noct.
[Noctis smiles.] I'm sure I will. What about you?
[Carbuncle stretches out, then hops up once, twice, three times to perch on Noctis' shoulder, nuzzling his hair and licking his face.]
I'll always be with you, whenever you need me! But I wanted to say goodbye, while we have the chance.
[Noct's heart constricts in his throat, the pain sharp and gutwrenching. He understands, though. Even if Carbuncle is with him in spirit, this is the final dream they'll be able to share.]
...Yeah. Thanks... thanks for everything, buddy.
[One last hug, and a soft, sad squeak from the Messenger, and Noctis finally forces himself to pull back, fluffing Carbuncle's fur a final time before he stands and pushes his way inside the doorway, to see who's waiting for him.]
no subject
But something about this one feels different. It's real, way too real. He recognizes where he is immediately - Hammerhead's diner, but Takka and others aren't around. It's a diner from ten years ago, which in itself, is odd. Ignis finds himself sitting on a stool. He takes in the colors, just seeing how bright, colorful and beautiful everything looks. He lifts a hand to take off his visor, but they aren't there. That makes sense, he supposes. His normal glasses aren't around either.
He removes himself from the stool, giving the diner a quick glance over. He has no clue what it looks like in the current world, nor does he care to. He knows that it's a base of operations for hunters, him, being there himself multiple times over the past ten years.
He's still confused though, wondering what the catch is here. Maybe his answer is outside? Before he can think to take another step, the diner doors open. Ignis' eyes go wide as he sees the person stepping through. ]
Noct?!
[ He's frozen in place, unbelieving his own eyes. He doesn't want to look away, fearful that Noctis might disappear from his eyes. His hand slams on the stool that he was on to hold himself upright, feeling weak in his legs. Shock and joy overcome his features.
Ignis is overwhelmed and overjoyed at this wonderful gift. He can see. He takes in Noctis' features, his beard, the longer hair, the way how he carries himself. He's too far back to see his eyes and that gets him moving towards Noctis. Ignis doesn't stop until he's directly in front of Noctis, shaky hands taking his shoulders. Green eyes are studying Noctis better.
The last time he had seen Noctis was back on the altar in Altissia, over ten years ago. Noctis was the last person he saw before he lost his vision. Now, ten years later, he gets to see him. In a dream, no less. ]
It's really you. [ he whispers, overjoyed and amazed. Tears prick at his eyes, but they don't fall. He's happy. ]
Noct, I can see. I see you.
no subject
He can't help staring back at Ignis, focusing on his eyes- the colour's returned to them, and more than that, recognition, responsive movement. Ignis' eyes shift in ways Noctis hasn't seen in months (ten years, he reminds himself for the hundredth time), drifting up and down to take in the features and changes Noctis had found just as alien when he'd seen his own reflection, and at last he understands Carbuncle's last gift. It had brought Ignis here, for the both of them. So Ignis would know him as he is now... so Ignis could see the world in the sun again, one more time. And so Noctis could share this final dream with someone he loved. It's unfathomably kind, and he blinks back tears of his own, hands lifting to grip Ignis by the arms in return.]
I... can see that. [His lip quirks, unable to help the pun; it's Ignis' fault he's fond of them, after all.] I never thought anyone else could come here...
no subject
Do you know what's going on, Noct? [ His last statement sounds like he does. ]
no subject
His friends knew about Carbuncle as... a rough concept, at most. A piece of folklore that the royals of Lucis treasured. No one had ever seen or heard it before, so over the years he'd learned to hide stories of his "imaginary friend", when he grew too old for a prince to reasonably be allowed such things. It had never been an issue worth the trouble of revisiting.
Until now. Until, inexplicably, Ignis is here with him.]
It's... where I go at night, [he starts, reluctant, uncertain, half-expecting Ignis to scoff at him.] When Carbuncle pulls me out of a bad dream.
no subject
He does think about that for a second, as far as he knows, he had fallen asleep before Noctis did. He does remember falling asleep by Noctis' side. ]
I believe you. [ It's strange to see Noctis' expressions again and that he can quickly pick up on them.
The proof of what he's saying is right here, after all. ] I fell asleep before you, you weren't having a bad dream, were you?
no subject
No. [That, at least, he doesn't have to hesitate for or lie about. He'd closed his eyes and just... slept. It was as rare as it was delightful.] Today's, um. A special occasion. No nightmares required.
[His hands shift, curling around Ignis' and giving them a squeeze, hoping he can convey a more positive meaning than the truth. It's special because Ignis is here, not because it's the last dream he'll ever have.]
no subject
... Carbuncle pulled me here so we could be together. [ That last puzzle piece slipping into place. Though he knows that this will be Noctis' last dream, he doesn't need to say that. This makes Ignis determined to make the most of it. For Noctis' sake.
He squeezes Noctis' hands in return in understanding. ]
no subject
When he opens his eyes and leans back a handful of moments later, a smile crosses his lips, and there's a spark of mischief in his gaze.]
Hey... if you could go anywhere, see any place on Eos again, what would you choose?
no subject
When he feels Noctis pull back, he reopens his own eyes and catches the mischief in Noct's eyes.
He doesn't answer right away, just leans forward to plant a kiss on Noctis' lips, though brief before he pulls back himself. ]
Just as long we're together, then I'm not picky. [ but. ] We never did get to see the Disc of Cauthess properly. [ If he had to pick one. ]
no subject
[Noctis finds himself grinning; the Disc had been such a dark time back then, with headaches constantly tormenting him, the start of Ardyn's obsession with following him around, losing the Regalia, and was the first covenant of many that had led him towards Altissia, where everything went wrong. His feelings on that hauntingly beautiful place had been soured for a long time, especially due to how it had ended. He liked the idea of revisiting it like this- peaceful, empty of everyone but them, no Imperials or covenants or expectations. Just the two of them, out on their own little exploratory adventure.]
Come on, then- I'll show you.
[He knows how this works. He hears the telltale squeak and sees the burst of crimson light at the doorway, and he knows that Carbuncle has accepted his wish. He tugs on Ignis' hand and guides him to the door; without another word, he walks through, pulling Ignis with him.
Immediately the world around them ripples like they'd fallen into a pond, warping and going dark for a few seconds, but all the while Noct's hand remains firmly around his, grounding him in the pitch black of this changing world. When the light returns, the sky no longer carries the brightness of dawn but the fading golds of approaching sunset, and Hammerhead, the diner, all of it is gone, replaced by the winding path leading up towards the Disc. They emerge not from Takka's place but a cave halfway to the Meteor, on the Imperial side where they'd been refused entry the first time they tried to go without Ardyn to grant them access. Above, the Meteor glows, endless and ethereal as ever, glimmering with the light of a million stars.
Noctis glances over at Ignis, leaning in to bump shoulders. He looks pleased with himself; even if it was technically Carbuncle's power that changed the scenery, this was still his dreamworld to shape into what they wanted to see.]
Wanna see if the big guy's still there?
no subject
As the colors return to his sense of sight, he takes a small breath and looks around. ]
Ah, Carbuncle's power? [ he's just guessing here.
He doesn't answer right away again, just taking in the sights. The colors and the bright golden sunset. He looks to the sky, allowing himself to really see. He's hit just how beautiful everything looks around him. After being in the darkness for so long, he's missed this. Ignis wants to remember this moment. It's almost as if someone had taken a blindfold off his face and is giving him a chance to see. His gaze trails to the Meteor and he sees it glowing and glimmering. It's gorgeous.
But all of this pales in comparison to the man next to him. Even though he doesn't regret his decision on wearing the ring, saving Noctis, he's not going to let this opportunity go to waste. He doesn't want to take these things for granted.
He looks over to the man next to him now, seeing the smug look on his face. Ignis plays a small smirk of his own, his free hand going to tuck a stray hair behind Noctis' ear. ] I trust you know what you're doing. You know how this works better than me. Lead the way.
no subject
He scratches almost shyly at his cheek, just under where Ignis had brushed his hair back, almost feeling thirteen instead of thirty, and smiles as he starts up the path, walking side by side with Ignis, their hands still clasped.]
The first time I had a dream like this... Carbuncle said Titan was a gentle giant. He sure didn't act like one when we finally made it here, though.
no subject
Indeed. [ he muses, keeping in step with Noctis. ] He was quite the angry one. [ Their fight with Titan had been challenging, but the four of them had pulled through it. ]
no subject
I never did find out what the covenants were for. Maybe they'll show up at the last minute and do something cool. Think five out of six is enough?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)