faesphere | Call Me Out / Open RP Post

[ He stands up with Noctis, feeling better than he had before. ]

You did recall that you didn't like coffee. [ he points out.

He keeps their hands interlocked, just in case if he collapses again, but he has a feeling that he'll be okay. It's only a short walk to the diner. ]

Lead the way, Noct.

[He makes a face. Yeah, he hadn't liked the coffee. And he's not likely to enjoy it now, either. He has a feeling some things never change.]

"Lead the way", he says. I'm the one with amnesia, remember?

[He doesn't hesitate to guide them outside regardless- Hammerhead isn't that big, and he hadn't missed the landmark right next to the caravan. Plus, that's where the dream began.

The diner looks a little different - more world-weary, perhaps not all repairs completed after whatever damage had been done over the course of those missing ten years - but it was still a nostalgic sight as they drew closer. Outside the door, Noctis pauses, tugging lightly at his sleeves and wishing they were long enough to cover him up, to no avail. He doesn't want to cause trouble when Ignis said they ought to try and stay on the down-low, but he can't exactly help that he's kind of lit up.]

Will it... be okay? Or should I wait outside?

That is true, but you do recall our shared dream.

[ Ignis has no problems walking to the diner with Noct, though it does help that the sun is gone. He figures that the sunlight really didn't help his case in passing out earlier.

He gives a soft hm. He's still worried about people picking up on Noctis being back, but if Cindy didn't recognize him, then Takka shouldn't either really. He considers the options for a moment. ]

I'd rather have you with me, [ he nudges the diner doors open. ] if Cindy didn't recognize you, we'll be fine.

We'll take the food to go.

[Noctis isn't entirely sold on the lack of recognition thing (he thinks she didn't, that isn't a guarantee) but he remembers Cindy better than Takka, which means they saw her more than him. He might be safe.

They head in together, and the man who runs the diner is immediately startled by their presence, giving them both a similar stare (much like with Cindy, he suspects for a different reason since he once again recognizes Ignis), before greeting them awkwardly and accepting their order. Ignis manages to negotiate a tab based on their good history, and shortly after they're on their way back to the caravan, settling in to eat at one of the tables outside. Noctis just pretends he didn't notice the awkward staring. The pair of them (disheveled and odd in general) are probably doomed to garner more than a few stares, not to mention Ignis is kind of an important person for whatever remained of the Lucian government. ...Actually, about that-]

You said this happened when you were at some kind of meeting... what's changed in the world since I was- [dead] ...gone? What's Lucis like these days?

[He's not king anymore, and barely was to begin with based on his limited recollection, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care about his old homeland.]

[ After speaking with Takka and Takka being shocked about what happened to Ignis, he gladly lets the boys have a bit of food. Thankful that went off without a hitch, he makes a mental note to repay both him and Cindy back (though Noctis hadn't said so, he has the feeling that their night in the caravan is covered thanks to her) later on.

As they sit and eat, Ignis almost misses Noctis' question, just taking in the food. He didn't realize how hungry he'd been until he started eating. He takes a drink as he starts to answer. ]

Peaceful, no more long dark night, the daemons are gone. [ he spares a glance at Noctis. ] There are still the normal monsters out, nothing big, but they're harmless so people tend to leave them be.

People are still rebuilding even after five years. It's what the meeting I was in was about actually. Negotiating a rebuilding process.

[ Then he frowns a little as it hits him here too. ]

My life might be in danger still if I were to return home. The man you killed - he probably had help to get past my guards and to get me out of Insomnia. [ he thinks again for a moment as he takes another bite out of his food, swallowing before continuing. ] That man, he had been pursuing me for a relationship of sorts, now I'm starting to wonder if that was a distraction. To keep me distracted from seeing a bigger picture as to why someone wants me dead.

[ He wipes his hands off on a napkin and he grabs onto one of Noctis' shoulder, giving it a squeeze. ] When Prompto arrives tomorrow, I'll have him and Gladio keep looking into the matter.

I'd rather go out on a road trip and help you, Noct. [ he gives a small happy smile. ] Even though I was fulfilled in life, my life was just empty without you.

[Noctis nibbles away at his own food as Ignis explains, though he does stop partway to tug a big chunk of lettuce out of his sandwich, setting it aside. ...And then the tomato, too. Evidently, he's still not a fan of healthy greens.

The idea of Ignis still being in danger angers him- still, after killing that awful man, there could be more? He grips his sandwich a little too tightly at the thought, squishing the bread. He's somewhat mollified by Ignis' reassurance and his smile, but that still leaves him with an aggressive, protective streak, one that isn't so easy to shake off.]

If anyone comes at you, they'll have to get through me. I'll protect you.

[They've only just found one another again, after so long. He's not about to lose Ignis to some madmen who have issues with those rebuilding the world. Not after everything Ignis sacrificed to save it.]

[ Well, he's a little thrown off guard by the reaction here. ]

Noct. [ he's seen what Noctis can do now, that and he knows that he probably needs the protection, but he won't know for sure until speaking to Prompto tomorrow. ] I know you will.

[ he takes a breath and lets it slowly. Maybe this is why Noctis was brought back, to become his guardian angel of sorts. ]

We always have each others backs. [ he moves a hand to cover the top of Noctis', to stop him from killing the poor sandwich next. ] I trust you with my life.

[Noctis exhales a quiet sigh, releasing the sandwich and turning his hand to curl it around Ignis', closing his eyes. The sentiment is... reassuring. Probably more than he cares to think about.]

Yeah... sorry. Just- you're all I've got right now. I don't want to lose myself again, and I don't want to lose you.

I don't want to lose you either. [ He looks down for a moment. ] I'm not up to losing you for a third time, Noct.

[ His heart is aching again at the thought of that, he's determined to keep Noctis by his side. ]

Did you want to head back inside? [ he's done with his own food anyway, having ate it super fast. ]

Probably should, yeah.

[He ought not waste food, but Ignis was clearly starving, and with him done much faster... hmm. Maybe he can save half a sandwich for breakfast. He's really not hungry at all.]

Why don't you go take a shower? If you haven't eaten for a few days, that means you haven't gotten to clean up, either.

[He reaches out, flicking at a bit of Ignis' dusty desert hair.]

I think I remember someone finding it "unbecoming" to be covered in dirt.

[ he looks up again, a small smile forming. ]

I was thinking the same. [ he'd like to wash off the leftover blood and dirt off his body and get out the tension in his muscles.

He jerks back a little in surprise at the playful mood from Noctis, giving a smirk. ]

I wonder who that someone was.

[ He moves to get up, starting for the caravan. Don't be surprised if he takes a while in the shower, Noct. ]

Really can't imagine.

[Noctis shares the smirk, rising to follow Ignis, mostly to make sure he gets in and settled safely. He'd fainted not that long ago, after all, though he seemed steady enough on his feet after a rest and a meal.

He won't be surprised by the long wait at all; rather, he expects it, and once the shower's going, he keeps himself busy for a few minutes - putting away the sandwich, disposing of the garbage, getting the bed ready - before settling in to sit at one end of the nearest bunk, arms crossed and leaning against the side, eyes closed to doze a little while he waits for Ignis to come back. The beds in the caravan are barely big enough to fit one grown adult, nevermind two, so sharing side by side isn't an option, but he still wants to be close.]

[ He does reappear after a while, having no choice but to redress in the clothes that he was in before. He'd gotten a good look at his shirt and it's a bit torn in the back and a gaping hole from where he was stabbed in the shoulder. Nothing he can do about it now.

The shower had done him wonders, his muscles relaxing after being stiff from being still for so long. Plus, the ropes didn't help matters either.

He dries his hair out at best as he can before working his way out of the bathroom, spying out Noctis. Some things never change, huh? That man can nap anywhere. ]

... Noct? [ Ignis moves to sit next to Noctis on the bunk. ]

Mmm...? [Noct's eyes flutter open, glancing over at Ignis, smiling contentedly. He doesn't like being woken up, usually, but he doesn't mind the friendly view greeting him this time.] Hey. Feel better?

[He looks better, even with the blood. Maybe they can find some clean clothes for him somewhere. Noctis doesn't really have anything to offer him but his own company, but Ignis has friends out here, so surely they'll get more help somewhere.]

Much better. [ He wraps his arms around Noctis' middle, pulling him into a hug. You're not getting away without a goodnight hug, Noct, sorry! ] Helps that I have real good company.

[ He gives out a yawn, exhausted from everything. ]

[Oh no, how terrible, an Ignis hug. He might even return it, albeit a little awkwardly. Still getting used to this.]

Your company's not going anywhere. Get some rest, okay? I'll be here when you wake up.

[ He smiles a little. ] You better be, I need you. [ He gets up after releasing Noctis from the hug, moving to the other bed. He glances back at Noctis. ]

Sleep well, Noct. [ After he's into the other bed, it doesn't take him long to pass out at all. ]

[Noctis waits a little while; he tries to lie down, but can't sleep like that. It's just too bizarre, being alive again after five years of nothing, and so much of his mind is a blank space that he's afraid of dreaming alone.

Eventually he gets out of bed, wraps the blanket around himself, and sits down on the floor beside Ignis' bed, leaning against it. It's not the most comfortable, but he feels immediately better anyway. He tilts his head against the mattress near Ignis' pillow, closes his eyes, and is quick to follow him to unconsciousness- properly this time, and peacefully.]

[ He shouldn't be surprised really, after everything that he's been through in the past couple days. His mind is plagued by nightmares, despite being saved and safe.

When he first wakes up, it's in the middle of the night. Heart racing, he looks to the other bed and panics. Where did Noctis go? He looks down by him, seeing Noctis' sleeping form and is touched. He doesn't want to be alone himself so he slowly sits up, gathers his blanket up and moves to sit on the floor by Noctis, cuddling up next to him. It's not the most comfortable position for sure but he feels better having Noctis by his side.

He falls back to sleep easily and is in a world of peaceful dreams this time. ]

[Morning comes all too soon, and with it, consciousness; Noctis wakes first, eyes fluttering, and is surprised to find himself rested, not tired at all. Even with his vague and disjointed memories, he's pretty sure that's unusual. Maybe that too is a gift from the Astrals in his rebirth- to have calm, uninterrupted rest at last. Wouldn't that be amusing.

He's aware almost immediately of the weight pressed against his side, glancing down to find Ignis cuddled up next to him. He exhales a huff of fond exasperation - honestly, what the hell is the floor going to do for someone who's probably still sore and in need of a good rest to recover? - but he gets it. It's the whole reason he hadn't been able to sleep in his own bed.

Ignis looks too content to wake, so Noctis shifts only subtly and brushes his fingers through the man's hair, waiting quietly until he's ready to wake up on his own time.]

[ With him waking in the middle of the night and having a panic attack over not finding Noctis, it's no wonder he's slept in. He needs it after everything too. Ignis is usually an early riser but it isn't surprising that he's out cold for a little while longer.

With the morning, he wakes up shortly after Noctis does, and feels the fingers brushing through his hair. ] Hm?

[ He gets his eyes open, surprised to see Noctis awake. This is unusual for Noct to be up before Ignis. ]

Morning, Noct. [ He doesn't move from his spot, content to keep resting here for a bit longer. ]

Nightmares, [ he whispers quietly ] when I woke, I didn't see you in the other bed and it scared me. I didn't want to be alone. [ so he moved down to the floor and will probably pay for it later, but he doesn't regret it. He wanted to be sure that Noctis is still with him and not some fever dream. He's still here, still real and breathing. ]

[Noctis hmms softly, his hand going momentarily still in Ignis' hair before it resumes stroking. He leans down, pressing a light kiss on his temple.]

Sorry for startling you. I couldn't really sleep unless I was closer to you, but there wasn't room on the bed, so.

[ He closes his eyes again as Noctis keeps stroking his hair. ] You might put me back to sleep if you keep that up...

[ He smiles at the kiss on his temple, lifting his head up a bit, getting his eyes open. Ignis pushes himself up a little, pressing a kiss against Noctis' cheek. ]

I wanted to be closer to you too. You kept my nightmares at bay. [ He wraps an arm around Noctis' middle, gently pulling him into a hug.

They'll have to find a motel room if they want to sleep together, he thinks. It'll be nice to fall asleep in Noctis' arms again. ]

Did you sleep well?

I slept okay. [He's still surprised by this, but life's thrown him plenty of surprises lately, so that's just how it is now.]

You wanna talk about them? [The nightmares that is.]

I went through an awful ordeal, Noct. I'm not surprised that nightmares would plague me. [ the rational part of his mind is speaking and he knows it's true. Ignis knows that this won't be the first time that he'll be having nightmares either, it takes a while for that part of the brain to process that he's fine and safe.

he can recall times when Noctis has needed his comfort before, back in the past from his own night terrors. ]

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/new account hype

eyyyy

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