[Noctis scowls at that idea; Ignis can't see it with his head down, but it's audible in his tone.]
Let them. ...Come at me, I mean. If we get their eyes on me, you can come at them from behind. They'll regret even thinking about it.
[They've more than earned a little payback... later, though. When Ignis is fully recovered, not just a half-assed healing that leaves him too weakened to fight back against the next attack. Surely they can shake off a few assassins until then. The world's a big place.]
[ He's definitely weakened by the two attacks on him, especially after them being back to back, a day after another. He's exhausted at this point, Ignis doesn't know if he could put up much of a fight in his current state. He needs a break, badly.
His wounds have been healed, thanks to Noctis, but he knows he needs to make a full recovery first. It's life though, stuff just happens. They can't predict when the next attack will be other than possibly at night hours if he's correct on that assumption.
A small smile tugs on his face at Noctis' words, hearing the scowl in his tone. He's been awfully protective over Ignis since he's returned, he appreciates it greatly, but he's due to protect Noctis. Hopefully it doesn't come to that. ] I'll always have your back. [ he murmurs quietly ]
[ He recalls a many of time when they've set up camp and Noctis complains about being tired, Ignis insisting that he stay up for food at least. That hasn't changed here, he's tired himself, but he refuses to let them go to bed hungry.
He pulls his head back a bit, planting a kiss on Noct's cheek before he pulls back a bit more. ]
I'll need some assistance in cooking something. [ No, he doesn't, but he's curious if that'll spark up any new memories within Noctis. He's not taking no for an answer either. ]
No vegetables. [ Not after what Noctis has done for him tonight here, off the hook just this once.... for now, he supposes. ]
[Always have his back... that's reassuring, even if it's something he already knew. Surely things will look better in the morning- when they've rested, recovered, and had a proper sleep and can think clearly. Then they can start making plans for what to do next and where to go. Right now Ignis is right: they need to eat, and they need to sleep.
Noctis lets him go with minimal reluctance, pushing himself to his feet and moving to fuss with some of the supplies, poking through the food they'd found. Some fresh, some rations, spices... with Ignis' skills, there's plenty they can make a decent meal out of.]
I won't die if I eat vegetables. [He'll just whine about it, probably.] Wish we could've had anak meat tonight, though.
[ He's a little hesitant to let Noctis go, but he does. They can cuddle up to each other again later, after food. He kneels down by the supplies, trying to decide on what to make. Something quick ought to be good. ]
Consider it as a thank you, [ he replies back, picking up one of the meats. ] you've done an awful lot for me.
[ A wave of guilt hits him, but it's not his fault that they're on the run. ]
We'll get that anak meat tomorrow.
[ Ignis pushes himself up to get what he needs to start cooking, getting the burner ready. He plops the meat down, fishing out a knife to start preparing it.
Before his capture, he told Noctis to go with his instinct: ] Did you recall anything about using a sword?
[This trip is in part for him after all; they may not be running for his sake, but his needs are factoring into their destinations. And he has no doubt that Ignis will be helping him parse those memories before too long. Still, if Ignis will feel better by spoiling him, he won't say no.
He thinks back to the fight; he hadn't been in it for long before he'd been overwhelmed and had to go looking for Ignis, but...]
It started to come back to me, I think. My body moved on its own... it wanted me to warp, but I had to hold that back, since I don't think I can anymore. You were right, though. I still have those instincts.
[He just needs to figure out how to separate good instincts from bad, since he can't do everything he used to anymore.]
[ Just like him and his daggers, he thinks quietly. That's a habit that he has to break and he'll have to be more careful going forward.
He gets the meat going in the skillet. ]
Indeed, it was quite difficult to keep up with you sometimes. [ the first hint of a playful smirk on his face since his rescue. ]
You'll find your way in battle again. [ Just like Ignis had to when he was blind for a good ten years. ]
What about now? Anything feel familiar about the camp? [ It's just them for the moment, but Gladio and Prompto had been around as well, rough housing while Ignis cooked. ]
[Noctis glances around, taking in the visual- the tent, the equipment, the chairs around the fire. He purses his lips, quiet for a long moment.]
...It's too quiet. Not enough chairs.
[While setting things up he'd reached for a third and fourth chair, and had had to catch himself and stop before it confused him. The lack of bustle, arguing, and chatter is a little jarring as well.]
[ Though Ignis welcomes the quiet tonight. After Noctis' death, he went camping once a year himself, this is the first in a while where he's had someone else with him.
It's small steps, but Ignis feels like that they're making progress on Noctis' memories. As they keep moving, he gets the feeling that Noctis will keep remembering things, big or small.
He flips the meat, turning it over. ]
You're still Noct at the core, [ he looks at Noctis now, giving a smile - the first in a while. Regardless of how many memories he can get back, he's still Noctis, to Ignis. ] even if you don't get all of your memories back, I still see you, for you. [ It's why he'd fell in love with Noctis in the first place, but that's another topic for another time. ]
[Another long silence, cautious and uncomfortable, until Noctis approaches him and brushes up against his side, gently leaning on him and watching him cook.]
I... wasn't sure if you'd still want me. If I couldn't come back the way I used to be. I didn't want to say anything, but...
[He'd been afraid. Afraid it was the truth, afraid of Ignis' answer, afraid of hurting him with the question. He didn't want to be an incomplete version, when Ignis deserved someone whole.
To see him smiling like that, offering an answer to the question Noct didn't even ask yet... it's such a comfort.]
[ As the silence stretches on, Ignis is worried that he said something wrong, but then he feels Noctis at his side, listening to his valid fear.
He only needs one hand for the meat so he gets an arm around Noctis' waist, tugging him as close to Ignis as he can. ]
Nothing could be further from the truth, [ he says softly, giving Noctis a glance. ] your old and new memories will make up the new you and I love you just the same. Nothing can shake the way how I feel about you.
[ He truly means that. It's been five years since he felt that stir in his chest, love, but even he can't explain it. It's just something the he feels deep down, something that's unbreakable. ]
I still want you at my side, Noct. [ Now and forever, if he says anything to say about it. ]
I'm yours. [ Those two words had gone unspoken between them before five years ago, quietly passing them. ]
[Noctis settles in against him, careful not to bump against the cooking arm, but winding his own around Ignis' waist to keep him close. Mine. It's strange to go from dead to alive (or close enough, considering who and what he is) to loved and belonging in such a short span, but it's far from a bad feeling. For a long moment he just stands there and quietly basks in the contact, the warmth of Ignis' body against his, feeling the soft sway and the way he breathes. That life he feels is more soothing than anything else, save for the words he speaks.]
You've got me, too. No matter what, I'll be here with you. One way or another.
[Messengers can come and go, right? It's how Umbra always showed up for Luna, and how Gentiana could just appear. If he had to leave, he'd be able to find a way back in an instant. He... thinks. He hasn't tried- hasn't wanted to risk not being able to come back in a timely manner. Better to way until his hand is forced. But either way, nothing could keep him from his family for long, now. Not as long as he remembers them.]
[ For a long moment, Ignis is quiet, thinking back to that night five years ago. They explored these romantic feelings with each other, but nothing could come out of it then. Both of them were aware of that fact, not with Noctis sacrificing himself to save the world. It was the hardest thing that Ignis ever had to do, was to let Noctis go.
Now, he doesn't have to, whatever gods are still around will have to pry Noctis out of his hands. He's determined to keep him around this time, instead of having to say goodbye.
His heartbeat picks up a little at Noctis' words, breath hitching in his throat. He didn't think that this topic would come up so soon, but with all of the hand holding, kissing and cuddling they've been doing, he'd been feeling them reaffirming their relationship together. He wants this, a life together with Noctis.
He quietly shuts the burner off, the meat done at any rate, but he isn't focused in on that anymore. There's a man standing next to him that loves him. He slowly turns to face the other man, his free hand going to his cheek, green eyes looking into Noctis' own.
It's been worth the stress, the tears and the pain to have this moment with him. He would do it all over again if given the choice. All of it, change a little thing in the past and they may not be together as they are now. For once, he's actually speechless, but in a good way this time, unlike his silence from earlier in the night.
Despite their height differences, Ignis lowers his forehead to rest comfortably against Noctis' own, listening to his breathing. He's calm and happy, the visions forgotten, his capture far behind him for now. Ignis is living in the moment, basking in it himself.
They need this, he realizes. A break from the worlds stress, a break from the people hunting them.
You're mine, he thinks quietly. He belongs to Noctis and no one else, no one else has his heart captured like Noctis does. This, he doesn't mind, his heart being kidnapped in this way. He put his heart on the line years ago and he'll admit, he'd been afraid of Noctis' feelings changing after he came back to rescue Ignis. Turns out, he didn't have to worry, the other man loves him.
No one else can get Ignis to smile like this, it had been a hard five years. He'd been alone, despite being surrounded by his friends, his heart empty. It had been a lonely five years until Noctis showed up again. A soft content sound escapes him, a sign that he'd heard Noctis speak up, along with his smile and his body language. ]
[Noctis exhales softly at the sight, quietly stunned, and lifts a hand to brush lightly over Ignis' cheek, thumb resting close to the corner of his mouth. He's only been back for a few days, but it really does feel like it's been a long time since he's seen Ignis smile like that. He can only imagine what the past five years have been like, working hard for the world, focusing on everyone and everything else, never allowing life and love for himself, shouldering the blame for whatever downfalls came after the sun rose again. He must have suffered and been terribly lonely, that whole time. He hopes there were enough good moments to balance out the bad; he'll likely never know what Ignis has had to endure the last fifteen years without him, only a handful of days at most in between to reopen old wounds and lay down the balm of healing before disappearing again. He knows they were hard, though. All he can do now is try to make up for lost time, regain as many lost memories as he can so that he can be the man Ignis deserves once more.
Something about this camp feels familiar- it isn't the dream they'd shared that comes to mind, but the night beforehand. Four men seated around a crackling fire, grieving the future they won't be able to share together, a life about to be lost, a dawn too costly. A sad farewell shared a day too early: "You guys... are the best."
And then later, more privately... a quiet conversation on the outskirts, shared words, sorrowful kisses... Ignis, and the man he used to be. A campfire overlooking the city they were to save, that's where this all began.
He closes his eyes briefly, blue and pink in the dim firelight, and slides his hand downwards, resting against Ignis' chest. He... remembers.]
I'll always have you in my heart.
[He meant it then, and he means it now. And while he's sad that Ignis couldn't find love in his absence the way he'd hoped, he's at least grateful (guiltily so) that it means Ignis is free to share this love with him again, five years later. He'll do his damndest to make himself worth the wait.]
[ The only sound now is their breathing together, the fire popping in the distant background. The smell of the meat hits his nose but he can't bring himself to care, this moment and this man is to precious to him. He has more important things on his mind currently.
He closes his eyes at the touch on his cheek, leaning slightly into it. It's a moment of quiet and reprieve as Ignis keeps basking into it. He's aware of Noctis' hand moving down to his chest, then the next words leave him more speechless than he already was before. His legs turn to jello, his hand sliding off Noctis' cheek and grasping him on his shoulder to hold himself steady. His grip tightens around Noct's waist as a startled sound escapes him, eyes snapping opening.
This was a memory that Ignis didn't expect Noctis to get back so soon, they're at the wrong campsite for it, but he's grateful now. This is how everything had gotten started for Ignis. He kept his walls up for so long, but they came crumbling down around the man in front of him that night. He recalls that night all too well, forever burned into his own memory and his dreams. He'd listened quietly to Noctis tell the others about his fate, but Ignis had already known for ten years.
He breathes quietly, taking in slow and steady breaths to help calm himself. His heart is hammering in his chest as it just clicks as to what Noctis is referring to. He doesn't even have to ask.
They had a private moment for themselves that night, Ignis confessing and taking a chance on his feelings. It didn't occur to him until then just how far his feelings for Noctis went. After the talk, he'd asked Noctis to get the tent ready while he had a moment for himself, but he'd slipped and fallen, getting captured by a daemon. His yells had reached Noctis' ears and he'd been rescued shortly after, after they gotten back to camp, Ignis had fallen asleep in Noctis' arms peacefully.
Selfish, Noctis told him to be selfish for himself for just once in his life. And he was, exploring these romantic feelings with Noct, never holding back anything anymore.
Just like five years ago, a tear runs down his cheek, but it isn't one of sadness. No, he's overwhelmed by this turn of events. He'd meant what he'd said earlier, he love Noctis no matter how many memories he gets back, both old and new. They're creating new ones together now. The tear on his face is one of pure happiness.
He feels himself falling in love with the other man all over again as the shock of it all leaves his system. A wave of love shots through his body then. Once he has control, he lets his hand slip off Noctis' shoulder and moves it to cover the one on his chest, fingers curling around it. He swears he can feel his heartbeat through their joined hands.
He finally finds his voice after a moment. ]
And I've always have you in mine....
[ He's lucky, no they're lucky to have a second chance like this. Noctis getting a second chance at life and them getting this second chance being together again. They have five years to deliver to each other, Ignis is more than ready to start delivering himself. ]
... Noct. [ His tone quiet, loving, needing as he speaks up again. He was blind before when he taken that chance at kissing Noctis, but he isn't now. He tilts his head to side a bit, moving his hand around Noctis' waist up to his neck, gently pulling him into a kiss. It's soft at first, but it's quickly changed into an urgent one. Just as strong, if not stronger, than the ones they shared five years ago. His passion and desires leak out, his joy and relief shows through as well as his love and care. His love and care, first and foremost.
He's not breaking apart the kiss, only pausing here and there to get air back into his lungs before he's kissing Noctis again. These are not sorrowful kisses either, they're happy ones. No, there's no sadness here. ]
I love you, [ he breathes in between kisses, never breaking them apart. He'll stop once they both need a break.
This moment is too special to Ignis, it's an important one to them as Noctis recalls that campfire and their talk from five years ago. He clutches onto the hand he's holding a little tighter.
No matter what comes their way now, they'll be fine. Just as long as they have this and each other. ]
[Noct's own hold tightens as Ignis falters, supporting him until he finds his knees again, and a soft exhaling laugh escapes his lips at the expression Ignis wears. He looks as surprised as Noctis feels about rediscovering another memory, one near and dear to both of their hearts. Perhaps he'll be made to remember his life backwards, first the dream, his death, the night before... they're not all unhappy memories, at least. Thanks to all he's remembered so far, he has a new life, a rediscovered love. Maybe a future, if they're able to fight for it. He wants to believe that they'll make it, and will cling to that belief as long as he's able to survive.
He listens quietly as Ignis speaks, and when Ignis kisses him, he leans into it, eyes closing as he re-learns the steps of it, the soft brush of lips on his, the urgency of emotions, the hands holding him close. His breath catches between kisses, and he arches his body into them, leaning in to feel that warmth against his own, stay as close as he can without being crushed against the other man. This... doesn't feel like the kiss or embrace of someone who fears him or the fire he carries beneath his skin. It doesn't feel like the touch of someone who could abandon him if he failed to remember anything else of worth to their relationship or the world. It feels real, and Noctis clings to that feeling, desperately and gratefully. He's seeking a purpose, here- a reason to stay and live and be what he could have been if he had survived the dawn. This is reason enough, for him.
He draws back as Ignis does, for breath, for pause, just to look at him and marvel at the fact that he's here, that he can see and they're together. It's a miracle, all of it. He's so grateful, and it feels absurd to even consider thanking the gods for his life when they stole it away in the first place, but- he could have died so many times. He has no regrets about dying to save this world, and the people that he must have loved at the time. Ignis is one of those people, and he's alive now. That means it was worth it. And he's not so ungrateful that he can't feel thanks for the gift they'd been under no obligation to give.]
I love you, [he whispers back with ease, without hesitation.] I love you.
[Even with the prospect of making new memories together, even with the reassurance that Ignis will love him all the same... he's even more determined than ever to remember who he was before. Remembering that night only makes him love Ignis more, and he wants to experience that feeling over and over, from now on. He wants to love Ignis as much as his heart can manage. It's what he deserves.]
[ Ignis finds that he doesn't want to think anymore, he only wants to feel. He's going with his feelings here, feeling Noctis' arms around him, their bodies close, but being careful not to crush them. The heat radiating off their bodies is warmer than any fire can give off. Ignis shifts the hand on Noctis' neck to his back, arm wrapping around there. He gently pulls him into Ignis, helping Noct get closer to him as he feels the man arching his body to get closer to his. He wants this too, the feel of the closeness of their bodies. He interlocks their joined hands, moving them down to their sides. His breath hitches with every kiss given and taken.
As he draws back from the first round of his kisses, he's breathless, breathing hard. He sees Noctis looking at him and he can't help but look back, drinking in the sight before him. He doesn't see someone that's he's scared of or someone that he'll walk away from, no, that's from far from the truth. Ignis sees a man that loves him greatly, he sees someone that he's in love with and that in turn makes him more determined to keep Noctis at his side.
Those three words have his heart racing again, a chill up his spine when Noctis returns them. He wants to give Noctis all that he can, all of his love, his heart, soul, body and mind. Whatever Noctis wants and desires out of Ignis, he'll gladly give it. He has a lot of love to give, he wants to share this love with the other man.
He'd been surprised at himself too, feeling himself falling in love with Noctis all over again. He wants to love the man even more and keep holding onto these feelings, of feeling love and being loved in return.
He exhales a breath. ]
I love you. [ He'll never tire of hearing that from Noctis, of saying it himself. ] I love you.
[ He pulls them back in, this time, his kisses are gentle and soft. Slow going this time around instead of the feverish ones he'd given before. Each kiss repeats those three words, not voicing it himself. There's five years worth of kisses and hugs coming, he has a lot locked in that's begging to be released now and he's only getting started here.
Boyfriend. Once that thought hits him, he can't help but pull back a bit and give out a laugh, the first of many happy laughs like this.
That has a nice ring to it - boyfriend.
He clings to Noctis tighter and gives himself a moment to reflect on what this means for him, for Noctis and for them. Out of everything that transpired here tonight, this is the best thing that happened to the both of them. He's smiling again, along with his laughter and it shows in his eyes just how happy he is. He couldn't begin to put it down on paper to describe his happiness here, and it's all of the man's fault in his arms. Noctis truly does bring this out of him, the best in him. ]
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no subject
Let them. ...Come at me, I mean. If we get their eyes on me, you can come at them from behind. They'll regret even thinking about it.
[They've more than earned a little payback... later, though. When Ignis is fully recovered, not just a half-assed healing that leaves him too weakened to fight back against the next attack. Surely they can shake off a few assassins until then. The world's a big place.]
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His wounds have been healed, thanks to Noctis, but he knows he needs to make a full recovery first. It's life though, stuff just happens. They can't predict when the next attack will be other than possibly at night hours if he's correct on that assumption.
A small smile tugs on his face at Noctis' words, hearing the scowl in his tone. He's been awfully protective over Ignis since he's returned, he appreciates it greatly, but he's due to protect Noctis. Hopefully it doesn't come to that. ] I'll always have your back. [ he murmurs quietly ]
[ He recalls a many of time when they've set up camp and Noctis complains about being tired, Ignis insisting that he stay up for food at least. That hasn't changed here, he's tired himself, but he refuses to let them go to bed hungry.
He pulls his head back a bit, planting a kiss on Noct's cheek before he pulls back a bit more. ]
I'll need some assistance in cooking something. [ No, he doesn't, but he's curious if that'll spark up any new memories within Noctis. He's not taking no for an answer either. ]
No vegetables. [ Not after what Noctis has done for him tonight here, off the hook just this once.... for now, he supposes. ]
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Noctis lets him go with minimal reluctance, pushing himself to his feet and moving to fuss with some of the supplies, poking through the food they'd found. Some fresh, some rations, spices... with Ignis' skills, there's plenty they can make a decent meal out of.]
I won't die if I eat vegetables. [He'll just whine about it, probably.] Wish we could've had anak meat tonight, though.
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Consider it as a thank you, [ he replies back, picking up one of the meats. ] you've done an awful lot for me.
[ A wave of guilt hits him, but it's not his fault that they're on the run. ]
We'll get that anak meat tomorrow.
[ Ignis pushes himself up to get what he needs to start cooking, getting the burner ready. He plops the meat down, fishing out a knife to start preparing it.
Before his capture, he told Noctis to go with his instinct: ] Did you recall anything about using a sword?
no subject
[This trip is in part for him after all; they may not be running for his sake, but his needs are factoring into their destinations. And he has no doubt that Ignis will be helping him parse those memories before too long. Still, if Ignis will feel better by spoiling him, he won't say no.
He thinks back to the fight; he hadn't been in it for long before he'd been overwhelmed and had to go looking for Ignis, but...]
It started to come back to me, I think. My body moved on its own... it wanted me to warp, but I had to hold that back, since I don't think I can anymore. You were right, though. I still have those instincts.
[He just needs to figure out how to separate good instincts from bad, since he can't do everything he used to anymore.]
no subject
He gets the meat going in the skillet. ]
Indeed, it was quite difficult to keep up with you sometimes. [ the first hint of a playful smirk on his face since his rescue. ]
You'll find your way in battle again. [ Just like Ignis had to when he was blind for a good ten years. ]
What about now? Anything feel familiar about the camp? [ It's just them for the moment, but Gladio and Prompto had been around as well, rough housing while Ignis cooked. ]
no subject
[Noctis glances around, taking in the visual- the tent, the equipment, the chairs around the fire. He purses his lips, quiet for a long moment.]
...It's too quiet. Not enough chairs.
[While setting things up he'd reached for a third and fourth chair, and had had to catch himself and stop before it confused him. The lack of bustle, arguing, and chatter is a little jarring as well.]
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[ Though Ignis welcomes the quiet tonight. After Noctis' death, he went camping once a year himself, this is the first in a while where he's had someone else with him.
It's small steps, but Ignis feels like that they're making progress on Noctis' memories. As they keep moving, he gets the feeling that Noctis will keep remembering things, big or small.
He flips the meat, turning it over. ]
You're still Noct at the core, [ he looks at Noctis now, giving a smile - the first in a while. Regardless of how many memories he can get back, he's still Noctis, to Ignis. ] even if you don't get all of your memories back, I still see you, for you. [ It's why he'd fell in love with Noctis in the first place, but that's another topic for another time. ]
no subject
I... wasn't sure if you'd still want me. If I couldn't come back the way I used to be. I didn't want to say anything, but...
[He'd been afraid. Afraid it was the truth, afraid of Ignis' answer, afraid of hurting him with the question. He didn't want to be an incomplete version, when Ignis deserved someone whole.
To see him smiling like that, offering an answer to the question Noct didn't even ask yet... it's such a comfort.]
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He only needs one hand for the meat so he gets an arm around Noctis' waist, tugging him as close to Ignis as he can. ]
Nothing could be further from the truth, [ he says softly, giving Noctis a glance. ] your old and new memories will make up the new you and I love you just the same. Nothing can shake the way how I feel about you.
[ He truly means that. It's been five years since he felt that stir in his chest, love, but even he can't explain it. It's just something the he feels deep down, something that's unbreakable. ]
I still want you at my side, Noct. [ Now and forever, if he says anything to say about it. ]
I'm yours. [ Those two words had gone unspoken between them before five years ago, quietly passing them. ]
no subject
[Noctis settles in against him, careful not to bump against the cooking arm, but winding his own around Ignis' waist to keep him close. Mine. It's strange to go from dead to alive (or close enough, considering who and what he is) to loved and belonging in such a short span, but it's far from a bad feeling. For a long moment he just stands there and quietly basks in the contact, the warmth of Ignis' body against his, feeling the soft sway and the way he breathes. That life he feels is more soothing than anything else, save for the words he speaks.]
You've got me, too. No matter what, I'll be here with you. One way or another.
[Messengers can come and go, right? It's how Umbra always showed up for Luna, and how Gentiana could just appear. If he had to leave, he'd be able to find a way back in an instant. He... thinks. He hasn't tried- hasn't wanted to risk not being able to come back in a timely manner. Better to way until his hand is forced. But either way, nothing could keep him from his family for long, now. Not as long as he remembers them.]
no subject
Now, he doesn't have to, whatever gods are still around will have to pry Noctis out of his hands. He's determined to keep him around this time, instead of having to say goodbye.
His heartbeat picks up a little at Noctis' words, breath hitching in his throat. He didn't think that this topic would come up so soon, but with all of the hand holding, kissing and cuddling they've been doing, he'd been feeling them reaffirming their relationship together. He wants this, a life together with Noctis.
He quietly shuts the burner off, the meat done at any rate, but he isn't focused in on that anymore. There's a man standing next to him that loves him. He slowly turns to face the other man, his free hand going to his cheek, green eyes looking into Noctis' own.
It's been worth the stress, the tears and the pain to have this moment with him. He would do it all over again if given the choice. All of it, change a little thing in the past and they may not be together as they are now. For once, he's actually speechless, but in a good way this time, unlike his silence from earlier in the night.
Despite their height differences, Ignis lowers his forehead to rest comfortably against Noctis' own, listening to his breathing. He's calm and happy, the visions forgotten, his capture far behind him for now. Ignis is living in the moment, basking in it himself.
They need this, he realizes. A break from the worlds stress, a break from the people hunting them.
You're mine, he thinks quietly. He belongs to Noctis and no one else, no one else has his heart captured like Noctis does. This, he doesn't mind, his heart being kidnapped in this way. He put his heart on the line years ago and he'll admit, he'd been afraid of Noctis' feelings changing after he came back to rescue Ignis. Turns out, he didn't have to worry, the other man loves him.
No one else can get Ignis to smile like this, it had been a hard five years. He'd been alone, despite being surrounded by his friends, his heart empty. It had been a lonely five years until Noctis showed up again. A soft content sound escapes him, a sign that he'd heard Noctis speak up, along with his smile and his body language. ]
no subject
Something about this camp feels familiar- it isn't the dream they'd shared that comes to mind, but the night beforehand. Four men seated around a crackling fire, grieving the future they won't be able to share together, a life about to be lost, a dawn too costly. A sad farewell shared a day too early: "You guys... are the best."
And then later, more privately... a quiet conversation on the outskirts, shared words, sorrowful kisses... Ignis, and the man he used to be. A campfire overlooking the city they were to save, that's where this all began.
He closes his eyes briefly, blue and pink in the dim firelight, and slides his hand downwards, resting against Ignis' chest. He... remembers.]
I'll always have you in my heart.
[He meant it then, and he means it now. And while he's sad that Ignis couldn't find love in his absence the way he'd hoped, he's at least grateful (guiltily so) that it means Ignis is free to share this love with him again, five years later. He'll do his damndest to make himself worth the wait.]
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He closes his eyes at the touch on his cheek, leaning slightly into it. It's a moment of quiet and reprieve as Ignis keeps basking into it. He's aware of Noctis' hand moving down to his chest, then the next words leave him more speechless than he already was before. His legs turn to jello, his hand sliding off Noctis' cheek and grasping him on his shoulder to hold himself steady. His grip tightens around Noct's waist as a startled sound escapes him, eyes snapping opening.
This was a memory that Ignis didn't expect Noctis to get back so soon, they're at the wrong campsite for it, but he's grateful now. This is how everything had gotten started for Ignis. He kept his walls up for so long, but they came crumbling down around the man in front of him that night. He recalls that night all too well, forever burned into his own memory and his dreams. He'd listened quietly to Noctis tell the others about his fate, but Ignis had already known for ten years.
He breathes quietly, taking in slow and steady breaths to help calm himself. His heart is hammering in his chest as it just clicks as to what Noctis is referring to. He doesn't even have to ask.
They had a private moment for themselves that night, Ignis confessing and taking a chance on his feelings. It didn't occur to him until then just how far his feelings for Noctis went. After the talk, he'd asked Noctis to get the tent ready while he had a moment for himself, but he'd slipped and fallen, getting captured by a daemon. His yells had reached Noctis' ears and he'd been rescued shortly after, after they gotten back to camp, Ignis had fallen asleep in Noctis' arms peacefully.
Selfish, Noctis told him to be selfish for himself for just once in his life. And he was, exploring these romantic feelings with Noct, never holding back anything anymore.
Just like five years ago, a tear runs down his cheek, but it isn't one of sadness. No, he's overwhelmed by this turn of events. He'd meant what he'd said earlier, he love Noctis no matter how many memories he gets back, both old and new. They're creating new ones together now. The tear on his face is one of pure happiness.
He feels himself falling in love with the other man all over again as the shock of it all leaves his system. A wave of love shots through his body then. Once he has control, he lets his hand slip off Noctis' shoulder and moves it to cover the one on his chest, fingers curling around it. He swears he can feel his heartbeat through their joined hands.
He finally finds his voice after a moment. ]
And I've always have you in mine....
[ He's lucky, no they're lucky to have a second chance like this. Noctis getting a second chance at life and them getting this second chance being together again. They have five years to deliver to each other, Ignis is more than ready to start delivering himself. ]
... Noct. [ His tone quiet, loving, needing as he speaks up again. He was blind before when he taken that chance at kissing Noctis, but he isn't now. He tilts his head to side a bit, moving his hand around Noctis' waist up to his neck, gently pulling him into a kiss. It's soft at first, but it's quickly changed into an urgent one. Just as strong, if not stronger, than the ones they shared five years ago. His passion and desires leak out, his joy and relief shows through as well as his love and care. His love and care, first and foremost.
He's not breaking apart the kiss, only pausing here and there to get air back into his lungs before he's kissing Noctis again. These are not sorrowful kisses either, they're happy ones. No, there's no sadness here. ]
I love you, [ he breathes in between kisses, never breaking them apart. He'll stop once they both need a break.
This moment is too special to Ignis, it's an important one to them as Noctis recalls that campfire and their talk from five years ago. He clutches onto the hand he's holding a little tighter.
No matter what comes their way now, they'll be fine. Just as long as they have this and each other. ]
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He listens quietly as Ignis speaks, and when Ignis kisses him, he leans into it, eyes closing as he re-learns the steps of it, the soft brush of lips on his, the urgency of emotions, the hands holding him close. His breath catches between kisses, and he arches his body into them, leaning in to feel that warmth against his own, stay as close as he can without being crushed against the other man. This... doesn't feel like the kiss or embrace of someone who fears him or the fire he carries beneath his skin. It doesn't feel like the touch of someone who could abandon him if he failed to remember anything else of worth to their relationship or the world. It feels real, and Noctis clings to that feeling, desperately and gratefully. He's seeking a purpose, here- a reason to stay and live and be what he could have been if he had survived the dawn. This is reason enough, for him.
He draws back as Ignis does, for breath, for pause, just to look at him and marvel at the fact that he's here, that he can see and they're together. It's a miracle, all of it. He's so grateful, and it feels absurd to even consider thanking the gods for his life when they stole it away in the first place, but- he could have died so many times. He has no regrets about dying to save this world, and the people that he must have loved at the time. Ignis is one of those people, and he's alive now. That means it was worth it. And he's not so ungrateful that he can't feel thanks for the gift they'd been under no obligation to give.]
I love you, [he whispers back with ease, without hesitation.] I love you.
[Even with the prospect of making new memories together, even with the reassurance that Ignis will love him all the same... he's even more determined than ever to remember who he was before. Remembering that night only makes him love Ignis more, and he wants to experience that feeling over and over, from now on. He wants to love Ignis as much as his heart can manage. It's what he deserves.]
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As he draws back from the first round of his kisses, he's breathless, breathing hard. He sees Noctis looking at him and he can't help but look back, drinking in the sight before him. He doesn't see someone that's he's scared of or someone that he'll walk away from, no, that's from far from the truth. Ignis sees a man that loves him greatly, he sees someone that he's in love with and that in turn makes him more determined to keep Noctis at his side.
Those three words have his heart racing again, a chill up his spine when Noctis returns them. He wants to give Noctis all that he can, all of his love, his heart, soul, body and mind. Whatever Noctis wants and desires out of Ignis, he'll gladly give it. He has a lot of love to give, he wants to share this love with the other man.
He'd been surprised at himself too, feeling himself falling in love with Noctis all over again. He wants to love the man even more and keep holding onto these feelings, of feeling love and being loved in return.
He exhales a breath. ]
I love you. [ He'll never tire of hearing that from Noctis, of saying it himself. ] I love you.
[ He pulls them back in, this time, his kisses are gentle and soft. Slow going this time around instead of the feverish ones he'd given before. Each kiss repeats those three words, not voicing it himself. There's five years worth of kisses and hugs coming, he has a lot locked in that's begging to be released now and he's only getting started here.
Boyfriend. Once that thought hits him, he can't help but pull back a bit and give out a laugh, the first of many happy laughs like this.
That has a nice ring to it - boyfriend.
He clings to Noctis tighter and gives himself a moment to reflect on what this means for him, for Noctis and for them. Out of everything that transpired here tonight, this is the best thing that happened to the both of them. He's smiling again, along with his laughter and it shows in his eyes just how happy he is. He couldn't begin to put it down on paper to describe his happiness here, and it's all of the man's fault in his arms. Noctis truly does bring this out of him, the best in him. ]