[He tries to smile at the encouragement Ignis attempts at his closing offer, but Noctis finds it difficult not to feel disappointed. Of course they'd have found lives for themselves... he'd wanted that for them, hadn't he? And he can't expect them to up and bail on everything they've built just to tour around on a whim. They've managed without him for fifteen years already. All he's doing is clinging to what feels the most familiar, reaching for an old life long gone and forgotten.
Maybe he shouldn't try to get his memories back. Maybe he should just be forgotten by everyone, the way he's forgotten them. He could just be fooling himself, and Ignis is the only one who'll be happy to have him back.]
Right... of course. I was just thinking out loud, nevermind.
[He doesn't pull away from Ignis' hand, but he doesn't quite squeeze back, either. He slides the photos back towards Ignis and reaches for his fork to focus on his food instead.]
[ Well, crap. He hadn't meant to make Noctis feel bad at all, he needs to fix this now. He likes to see Noctis' smile and he'd like to get that to return, even if it takes a bit here.
Ignis withdraws his hand and turns his body so that he can pull Noctis into a hug, cradling him against his chest. ]
You'd be proud of them, Noct. [ After he's gotten more memories that is, of the four. ]
Perhaps that wasn't the best photo to show you since our journey was never easy. [ Ardyn, Altissia, Noct's headaches, the crystal, among other things. Things that Ignis knows that will be hard on Noctis once he recalls those things.
He exhales a breath. ] They had to move on, Noct, they couldn't keep grieving. [ Yet, Ignis truly never stopped grieving himself. Death, by natural causes, was his way to see Noct again. At least he hoped that there was an afterlife but there's no need for that now.
He glances at the second photo of them at the final campsite for a second. ] You recall our final night together, I made some important promises to you. I kept them to you, to the best of my abilities. [ To live for himself, for them, to never forget Noctis, to not go out by suicidal means (which was far, far from his mind, no matter how much he missed Noctis) and one more that he's kept for himself too. ]
Admittedly, I buried myself in my work, I tried to move on myself, but no one could come close to you. No one could fill the gaping hole in my heart, I love you so much, Noctis.
[ A split second while he considers here, it's time to tell Noctis his own promise. ]
Every year, on the day we shared the final night together, I spent the night at that campsite to keep you in my memory, to recall that night and us. It was my way to honor you and what we shared together.
[ His own heart hurts too, as he thinks back on things. ]
The people, they honor you too, with a celebration of sorts. I approved of it when approached with the idea, to them, it was a celebration of the first sign of the dawn breaking for the first time in ten years. To me, it was a harsh reminder of what I lost that day.
[ He shuts his eyes and buries his face on top of Noctis' head, squeezing him tighter. Ignis says nothing more, comforting both himself and Noctis. They need it, date or not. ]
[He'd never wanted them to grieve forever. He hadn't wanted his memory to hold them back, either. It's good that they... moved on. Found lives without him, ways of fulfilling themselves, following their dreams. He'd just... he'd thought, maybe... but no.
He doesn't really want to be honoured, or celebrated, or remembered the way the people do, either. Not for dying, or for losing everything. Even for bringing back the sun they're enjoying here and now. All he wants is the friends he'd had, feeling the love he'd carried for them more than he remembers it. But maybe after this long, they won't want him anymore. His existence represents a weight on their shoulders and a duty to protect that they've managed to leave behind.
It isn't so terrible, really. He's happy for them. He'll- try to be happy for them, though it might take some time. But maybe he won't try too hard to regain more memories of them or their journey until he gets used to the idea. His life has started anew- he doesn't want to begin it feeling regret for coming back like this. He's already wondering how much time he has and would rather not see it spoiled.
Well... he should be used to not getting what he wants, if the flickers of old memories ring true. At least he has Ignis, though. He's always had Ignis.
Quietly he clings back, tucked in against Ignis' body, and allows himself to be shielded this way for a bit. It's enough... yeah, it's enough to not be alone anymore. He's loved, and there's happiness to be found in that.]
[ For a long moment, Ignis says nothing to that, just clings to Noctis tighter. He's forever grateful that they're getting this second chance, but he knows how rough it must be on Noctis to not remember much. He's more than happy to keep Noctis shielded away from the world for a while, keeping him tucked into his chest like this.
He's always been the protector of the pair, though the roles have been reserved within the past few days, he easily slides back into this role. He just hopes that he doesn't have to pay him back, if he does get into trouble.
They're on a date, but if they need to talk about things for a bit, Ignis doesn't mind. ]
No need to apologize, [ he murmurs quietly ] you did what you had to do. [ It took Ignis a long time to accept it, not until their shared dream, he wasn't happy about it at the end of things though, even if it was the right thing to do. It hurt and stung like crazy, but Noctis is here now, alive and breathing. ]
[Noctis doesn't move, but a little bit of the tension bleeds out of him, enjoying the calm comfort of being held this way.]
I feel like... I've been here before. Not here here, but- this place in my life. Out on a journey, running from our enemies, never enough answers to know for certain where things are going to end. I don't remember it all, but I know this feeling. [His fingers curl in the fabric of Ignis' shirt.] I- I worry. About that part of it. Last time it didn't end so good.
[He's here for now, yes. But without all the answers, he's scared of future expectations. And that's assuming they live- they've had several close calls already.]
[ It's true, things hadn't ended so good for them at all. Noctis had gotten snatched by the crystal for a good ten years, then he died for the world. His story didn't end on a happy one, but perhaps they can change that now, even with them being on the run.
He takes a moment as he holds Noctis close to him, keeping him cradle against his chest. ]
We knew who our enemies were last time around, [ it had made hiding so much simpler and they could run if they were spotted. Always careful out on the road too, never leaving anything to chance. But now? They have no idea who to look out for and that makes it a little more terrifying in and out itself. ]
... we'll be okay. You know I won't let anything bad happen to you. [ Not again, or ever. He'll make sure of that. ]
[Ignis has been so protective of him, despite his life being the most at risk. And while he appreciates being loved that way, he doesn't want the other to take too many risks for his sake. Ignis not letting anything bad happen to him could mean unintentionally letting something bad happen to himself.]
I don't want anything to happen to you, either. You're... Iggy, you're literally all I have.
[If the others have moved on with their lives, he won't begrudge them that. He'd wanted it for them, he knows. He's sure of it. But he doesn't want to go back to the nothing he'd been before awakening to save Ignis from that first man who'd abducted him. Just a Messenger, empty and waiting for a mission. He doesn't want to lose this feeling, or the person who helped him remember it. It would break him, and Ignis deserves better.]
I know you don't. You've.... had my back since you first saved me.
[ Ignis wouldn't be alive if it weren't for Noctis rescuing him from the shack near Hammerhead.
Outside of a few people that he can think of; Dave, Cindy, Cid... Noctis is all that he has too. He needs Gladio and Prompto to stay back home to keep an eye on things. If they became a four person group again, it'll be more protection, sure, but they might stand out more. That's what worries Ignis.
He hates that they have to watch their backs, but there's not much that they can do right now. Which is why they have to enjoy whatever quiet moments they can like this, together. ]
I did promise to stick closer to you, Noct. [ He gently nudges Noct to get him to look at him, letting him see Ignis' smile. ] I know we're both afraid for one anothers safety right now [ Ignis is in the most danger here, but he still can't help but worry about Noctis now. That's twice that Noctis has saved his life, the terrorists have got to be worried. ] but we're as safe as we can be, right here and now. Safe in each other's embrace like this.
[Noctis makes an agreeable noise at that, briefly burying his face against Ignis' neck and closing his eyes. It is nice here, and though he knows they can't stay long - probably couldn't even if they had the budget for the Leville - there is a comforting safety to be found in numbers. Surrounded by strangers, yes, so anyone could strike anywhere... but not everyone can be a terrorist, and it would be foolhardy to attack in broad daylight with so many witnesses. Easy for them to hide in a crowd, too. Still, much like Insomnia, big cities won't stay safe for long.
No, what's safest is for them to catch their pursuers, and they can't do that in hiding. For now, though, they have this.]
I like it here, [he mumbles.] With you, where it's safe.
[He feels like, at least for tonight, they can relax and ease off the paranoia. Just for a little while.]
[ Ignis makes a small noise at that, agreeing quietly. He's safe and home in Noctis' arms like this, there's nowhere else he'd rather be.
After a couple of minutes of quiet between the two, he gives Noct a squeeze in his arms before mumbling: ] Food's getting cold, did you want to take it on the walk?
[ He's not going to mind either way. But he hadn't expected Noctis' reaction to the photo. ]
Whatever you don't recall, I can tell you stories about it, if you like? [ If Noctis doesn't get all of his memories back, then Ignis can pick up the pieces for him. Help him slide in the puzzle pieces of himself. ]
Mm... whatever's good for you. I just- I want to stay by your side.
[He can eat fast, if they want to walk. Or they can sit here, close and enjoying one another's company. Until told otherwise, he... doesn't really have a life outside of Ignis right now. He's not sure if he ever will again. In truth he's afraid to look ahead that far.
The past is frightening for different reasons, but not as scary as the true unknown, so after a moment he nods.]
I like the sound of that. Hearing stories. Maybe it'll remind me of something.
[ Whatever is good for him? What's good for both of them is to stick close to each other's sides. Ignis tugs Noctis back in and shuts his eyes, giving him a soft and quick kiss. ]
I merely wish to stay by your side too.
[ Ignis knows the story that he'll want to tell as well, it can begin when they get back to the hotel tonight. For now, he draws back a bit, and pokes at the food with his finger a bit. It had gotten a bit on the cold side, but no matter. He is a cook after all and can very easily warm it up for the both of them. ]
Let's take this to go and enjoy ourselves on a walk. [ He rises up from his seat, carefully untangling himself from Noctis and reaches for his hand to pull him up. Ignis uses his free hand to grab at his dish, bagging it.
It's not quite how the first part of this date would play out in his mind, but he doesn't care, just as long as he has Noctis by his side. ]
[It's a quiet but content walk around the overlook, Ignis filling him in on some noteworthy differences, tidbits of what Lestallum is like back in the light, nothing important but enough to satisfy some of Noct's curiosity and cheer him up a little. Ignis has always been good at that.
Afterwards it's a short distance back to the hotel, where the food is set to re-heat, and Noctis disassembles the mask he'd acquired for being out in public: contacts out, gloves and jacket off. For better or worse, he is himself again, and at least with Ignis there's no need to hide. The inhuman changes that were the cost of his revival are accepted without hesitation, and he's grateful for that.
Once he's done he returns to Ignis, winding an arm around him from behind and resting his chin on the man's shoulder.]
[ As they walk together, Ignis points out the little things here and there, noticing how quiet Noctis is. He can tell that his mood is slowly improving though, which puts a smile back on his own face.
When they get back to the hotel and while Noctis is removing the contacts, he sets the case of Ebony down on the table that he'd brought back with them before starting the walk. He's starting the reheat process of the food when he feels an arm go around him followed by a chin on his shoulder.
Ah, that is a question indeed. He has many favorite moments, but one does stick out to him the most. The moment they met, but Noctis probably won't recall that one, he was too young. Ignis himself was six years old.
It's only reheating so he slides an arm back around Noctis' waist as he answers this one. ]
We've known each other since we were little kids, [ he begins as he stirs up the food with his free hand. ] your father is responsible for introducing us at a young age. I was six, you are a few years younger than me.
He asked me to stand beside you as a friend and as a brother. [ A lot has happened since then. If it weren't for that, they wouldn't have had the other memories that they've created together.
Speaking of, they're on the run, but Ignis hopes that he can do something special for Noct's birthday, it is coming up soon. ]
[His tone is thoughtful, not the same sort of quiet and sad that he used to carry years ago during their journey. In some ways, losing his memories means losing much of the tragedy he'd experienced that year, and now the words indicate only what he might have had once, rather than what he's lost and mourns. He tries to imagine his father's face, and the memory Ignis speaks of, but all he can see is an armored spirit wielding a familiar glaive.
Someday, maybe. Prompto must have a photo somewhere.]
I don't remember it... but if I was that young, maybe I never did. I can't believe I forgot that we'd been together that long.
[It's no wonder he feels so at ease in Ignis' presence. It must come so naturally to him, after this many years.]
[ Ignis leans his head back a bit to rest on the side of Noctis'. ]
Most people don't recall much from that age. I hardly blame you.
[ He takes a moment here while he keeps reheating the food, thinking about their past quietly. He is slipping easily back into the friend and brother roles though Noctis hasn't been back that long, but there's something more there too. The love that they share. ]
It has been quite the journey together and I don't regret a day.
[ None of it, if one little thing changes, they may not be together as they are now.
Ignis can't help but let a teasing smirk fall on his face though. ]
[Noctis sticks his tongue out briefly. Like a brat.]
How come you all split up... after? Do you get to see each other much these days?
[He's adjusting to the idea of them not getting to travel as a group anymore, and though that stings, he gets it, kind of. But they all lived in Insomnia, didn't they? They could still be close.]
[ Ignis gives off a slight chuckle at the response, seeing the tongue sticking out. ] You just proved my point, you know.
[ He squeezes Noctis briefly against him and he reaches to shut the burner off with his free hand.
Ah-, he pauses at that question, giving it a thought over. ]
You more or less know what happened to me already.
As for Gladio, he still trains people for Crownsguard, but he's married on top of that. [ Ignis gives off a sigh. ] You wouldn't know her.
Prompto, [ he shakes his head a bit as he gets the their food back into the bowls. ] does really well with his photos. He also spends a lot of time with Cindy - I wasn't too surprised to see him in Hammerhead when he came out to check up on me. He has a thing for her, but Cindy's too married to her work.
[ He rubs at Noctis' side idly. ] Life just happened for the three of us, but we still care for each other. We stuck together after it [ you died ] happened for a while, but life got us.
[ Noctis was the glue that held them together on top of that, but he doesn't say so now. Really, they started to drift apart after the crystal took Noctis in the first place, but came back together after he came out ten years later. ]
[Gladio's married... another thing he missed while he was gone. It's hard not to feel depressed about it, but he fights against it, exhaling and pressing himself more tightly against Ignis' side. He's not about to let himself get lost in this same miserable rabbit hole again. No, they're going to finish their meal, they're going to rest, and tomorrow they'll go back to enjoying Lestallum, or traveling, or whatever else. Life will go on, until... well, until it doesn't anymore.]
Life sucks that way sometimes, huh. [His tone is bemused, a little tired for it.] Is it... [He hesitates.] Would it be better if...
[-I stopped coming back? Stupid. Stupid question, especially directed towards Ignis. He already knows the answer, and asking it would hurt. Instead, he shakes his head.]
...Nevermind. I'll have to give them my congratulations, when we make it back there.
[ Ignis gives Noctis a curious glance, but he looks more worried than anything. Sighing softly, he slowly turns and tugs Noctis into a hug.
He knows that it can't be easy, to hear that the people he considers to be family to have moved on. They've grieved over Noctis, but no one hadn't expected him to come back. Ignis was willing to wait out his own death, through natural means.
Then Noctis showed up out of thin air. ]
I know it hurts to hear. I'm here if you need a moment.
[ He's concerned about the cut off from Noctis' statement too. ]
We're your family, Noct, no matter what.
[ Even if Ignis is somewhat thankful that Gladio hadn't shown up when he, himself, was still weakened from the first attack. Gladio's gotten more protective over Ignis and he doesn't think that he would've been able to stop him from attacking Noctis. It'll take Gladio a lot more convincing, even if he has mellowed out over the years. Prompto being accepting of Noctis being alive wasn't too much of a surprise though. ]
[Noctis shakes his head, recognizing his own foolishness. They already have enough to worry about, he doesn't need to start fussing over whether or not he belongs. It's been so long, and he can't expect to immediately slot himself into the life he barely remembers having before. Not just the five years since his death, but the ten years he was absent for... life had to go on without him. He'd feel worse if they'd done nothing but wait for him. This is better, it's just going to take a while to adjust to it. With his memories missing, you'd think it would be easier to adapt to a new normal. Still, it isn't without its own struggles.
With a quiet, tired sigh, he tugs back.]
Let's just eat and get some rest. Still got lots to do before we can see them again.
[ Ignis sighs quietly as he pulls back from the hug, grabbing the bowls and moving them to the table. Dinner is more or less quiet chatter now, he can't fault Noctis for feeling the way he does. Ignis doesn't know what he'll do in his position, being gone for fifteen years total abouts, memories gone. Noct's trying his best to adapt though, he can tell.
He grabs a quick shower before crawling into bed before letting Noctis get a shower in if he wants to. Once they're both situated, Ignis gently tugs Noctis into a cuddle embrace, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend. ]
I love you, [ he murmurs quietly, slipping into sleep. ]
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no subject
Maybe he shouldn't try to get his memories back. Maybe he should just be forgotten by everyone, the way he's forgotten them. He could just be fooling himself, and Ignis is the only one who'll be happy to have him back.]
Right... of course. I was just thinking out loud, nevermind.
[He doesn't pull away from Ignis' hand, but he doesn't quite squeeze back, either. He slides the photos back towards Ignis and reaches for his fork to focus on his food instead.]
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Ignis withdraws his hand and turns his body so that he can pull Noctis into a hug, cradling him against his chest. ]
You'd be proud of them, Noct. [ After he's gotten more memories that is, of the four. ]
Perhaps that wasn't the best photo to show you since our journey was never easy. [ Ardyn, Altissia, Noct's headaches, the crystal, among other things. Things that Ignis knows that will be hard on Noctis once he recalls those things.
He exhales a breath. ] They had to move on, Noct, they couldn't keep grieving. [ Yet, Ignis truly never stopped grieving himself. Death, by natural causes, was his way to see Noct again. At least he hoped that there was an afterlife but there's no need for that now.
He glances at the second photo of them at the final campsite for a second. ] You recall our final night together, I made some important promises to you. I kept them to you, to the best of my abilities. [ To live for himself, for them, to never forget Noctis, to not go out by suicidal means (which was far, far from his mind, no matter how much he missed Noctis) and one more that he's kept for himself too. ]
Admittedly, I buried myself in my work, I tried to move on myself, but no one could come close to you. No one could fill the gaping hole in my heart, I love you so much, Noctis.
[ A split second while he considers here, it's time to tell Noctis his own promise. ]
Every year, on the day we shared the final night together, I spent the night at that campsite to keep you in my memory, to recall that night and us. It was my way to honor you and what we shared together.
[ His own heart hurts too, as he thinks back on things. ]
The people, they honor you too, with a celebration of sorts. I approved of it when approached with the idea, to them, it was a celebration of the first sign of the dawn breaking for the first time in ten years. To me, it was a harsh reminder of what I lost that day.
[ He shuts his eyes and buries his face on top of Noctis' head, squeezing him tighter. Ignis says nothing more, comforting both himself and Noctis. They need it, date or not. ]
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He doesn't really want to be honoured, or celebrated, or remembered the way the people do, either. Not for dying, or for losing everything. Even for bringing back the sun they're enjoying here and now. All he wants is the friends he'd had, feeling the love he'd carried for them more than he remembers it. But maybe after this long, they won't want him anymore. His existence represents a weight on their shoulders and a duty to protect that they've managed to leave behind.
It isn't so terrible, really. He's happy for them. He'll- try to be happy for them, though it might take some time. But maybe he won't try too hard to regain more memories of them or their journey until he gets used to the idea. His life has started anew- he doesn't want to begin it feeling regret for coming back like this. He's already wondering how much time he has and would rather not see it spoiled.
Well... he should be used to not getting what he wants, if the flickers of old memories ring true. At least he has Ignis, though. He's always had Ignis.
Quietly he clings back, tucked in against Ignis' body, and allows himself to be shielded this way for a bit. It's enough... yeah, it's enough to not be alone anymore. He's loved, and there's happiness to be found in that.]
I'm sorry... I'm here now.
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He's always been the protector of the pair, though the roles have been reserved within the past few days, he easily slides back into this role. He just hopes that he doesn't have to pay him back, if he does get into trouble.
They're on a date, but if they need to talk about things for a bit, Ignis doesn't mind. ]
No need to apologize, [ he murmurs quietly ] you did what you had to do. [ It took Ignis a long time to accept it, not until their shared dream, he wasn't happy about it at the end of things though, even if it was the right thing to do. It hurt and stung like crazy, but Noctis is here now, alive and breathing. ]
... Are you alright?
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[Noctis doesn't move, but a little bit of the tension bleeds out of him, enjoying the calm comfort of being held this way.]
I feel like... I've been here before. Not here here, but- this place in my life. Out on a journey, running from our enemies, never enough answers to know for certain where things are going to end. I don't remember it all, but I know this feeling. [His fingers curl in the fabric of Ignis' shirt.] I- I worry. About that part of it. Last time it didn't end so good.
[He's here for now, yes. But without all the answers, he's scared of future expectations. And that's assuming they live- they've had several close calls already.]
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He takes a moment as he holds Noctis close to him, keeping him cradle against his chest. ]
We knew who our enemies were last time around, [ it had made hiding so much simpler and they could run if they were spotted. Always careful out on the road too, never leaving anything to chance. But now? They have no idea who to look out for and that makes it a little more terrifying in and out itself. ]
... we'll be okay. You know I won't let anything bad happen to you. [ Not again, or ever. He'll make sure of that. ]
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[Ignis has been so protective of him, despite his life being the most at risk. And while he appreciates being loved that way, he doesn't want the other to take too many risks for his sake. Ignis not letting anything bad happen to him could mean unintentionally letting something bad happen to himself.]
I don't want anything to happen to you, either. You're... Iggy, you're literally all I have.
[If the others have moved on with their lives, he won't begrudge them that. He'd wanted it for them, he knows. He's sure of it. But he doesn't want to go back to the nothing he'd been before awakening to save Ignis from that first man who'd abducted him. Just a Messenger, empty and waiting for a mission. He doesn't want to lose this feeling, or the person who helped him remember it. It would break him, and Ignis deserves better.]
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[ Ignis wouldn't be alive if it weren't for Noctis rescuing him from the shack near Hammerhead.
Outside of a few people that he can think of; Dave, Cindy, Cid... Noctis is all that he has too. He needs Gladio and Prompto to stay back home to keep an eye on things. If they became a four person group again, it'll be more protection, sure, but they might stand out more. That's what worries Ignis.
He hates that they have to watch their backs, but there's not much that they can do right now. Which is why they have to enjoy whatever quiet moments they can like this, together. ]
I did promise to stick closer to you, Noct. [ He gently nudges Noct to get him to look at him, letting him see Ignis' smile. ] I know we're both afraid for one anothers safety right now [ Ignis is in the most danger here, but he still can't help but worry about Noctis now. That's twice that Noctis has saved his life, the terrorists have got to be worried. ] but we're as safe as we can be, right here and now. Safe in each other's embrace like this.
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No, what's safest is for them to catch their pursuers, and they can't do that in hiding. For now, though, they have this.]
I like it here, [he mumbles.] With you, where it's safe.
[He feels like, at least for tonight, they can relax and ease off the paranoia. Just for a little while.]
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After a couple of minutes of quiet between the two, he gives Noct a squeeze in his arms before mumbling: ] Food's getting cold, did you want to take it on the walk?
[ He's not going to mind either way. But he hadn't expected Noctis' reaction to the photo. ]
Whatever you don't recall, I can tell you stories about it, if you like? [ If Noctis doesn't get all of his memories back, then Ignis can pick up the pieces for him. Help him slide in the puzzle pieces of himself. ]
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[He can eat fast, if they want to walk. Or they can sit here, close and enjoying one another's company. Until told otherwise, he... doesn't really have a life outside of Ignis right now. He's not sure if he ever will again. In truth he's afraid to look ahead that far.
The past is frightening for different reasons, but not as scary as the true unknown, so after a moment he nods.]
I like the sound of that. Hearing stories. Maybe it'll remind me of something.
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I merely wish to stay by your side too.
[ Ignis knows the story that he'll want to tell as well, it can begin when they get back to the hotel tonight. For now, he draws back a bit, and pokes at the food with his finger a bit. It had gotten a bit on the cold side, but no matter. He is a cook after all and can very easily warm it up for the both of them. ]
Let's take this to go and enjoy ourselves on a walk. [ He rises up from his seat, carefully untangling himself from Noctis and reaches for his hand to pull him up. Ignis uses his free hand to grab at his dish, bagging it.
It's not quite how the first part of this date would play out in his mind, but he doesn't care, just as long as he has Noctis by his side. ]
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Afterwards it's a short distance back to the hotel, where the food is set to re-heat, and Noctis disassembles the mask he'd acquired for being out in public: contacts out, gloves and jacket off. For better or worse, he is himself again, and at least with Ignis there's no need to hide. The inhuman changes that were the cost of his revival are accepted without hesitation, and he's grateful for that.
Once he's done he returns to Ignis, winding an arm around him from behind and resting his chin on the man's shoulder.]
What's... your favourite memory? Of us.
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When they get back to the hotel and while Noctis is removing the contacts, he sets the case of Ebony down on the table that he'd brought back with them before starting the walk. He's starting the reheat process of the food when he feels an arm go around him followed by a chin on his shoulder.
Ah, that is a question indeed. He has many favorite moments, but one does stick out to him the most. The moment they met, but Noctis probably won't recall that one, he was too young. Ignis himself was six years old.
It's only reheating so he slides an arm back around Noctis' waist as he answers this one. ]
We've known each other since we were little kids, [ he begins as he stirs up the food with his free hand. ] your father is responsible for introducing us at a young age. I was six, you are a few years younger than me.
He asked me to stand beside you as a friend and as a brother. [ A lot has happened since then. If it weren't for that, they wouldn't have had the other memories that they've created together.
Speaking of, they're on the run, but Ignis hopes that he can do something special for Noct's birthday, it is coming up soon. ]
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[His tone is thoughtful, not the same sort of quiet and sad that he used to carry years ago during their journey. In some ways, losing his memories means losing much of the tragedy he'd experienced that year, and now the words indicate only what he might have had once, rather than what he's lost and mourns. He tries to imagine his father's face, and the memory Ignis speaks of, but all he can see is an armored spirit wielding a familiar glaive.
Someday, maybe. Prompto must have a photo somewhere.]
I don't remember it... but if I was that young, maybe I never did. I can't believe I forgot that we'd been together that long.
[It's no wonder he feels so at ease in Ignis' presence. It must come so naturally to him, after this many years.]
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Most people don't recall much from that age. I hardly blame you.
[ He takes a moment here while he keeps reheating the food, thinking about their past quietly. He is slipping easily back into the friend and brother roles though Noctis hasn't been back that long, but there's something more there too. The love that they share. ]
It has been quite the journey together and I don't regret a day.
[ None of it, if one little thing changes, they may not be together as they are now.
Ignis can't help but let a teasing smirk fall on his face though. ]
You were quite the brat at times too.
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[Noctis sticks his tongue out briefly. Like a brat.]
How come you all split up... after? Do you get to see each other much these days?
[He's adjusting to the idea of them not getting to travel as a group anymore, and though that stings, he gets it, kind of. But they all lived in Insomnia, didn't they? They could still be close.]
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[ He squeezes Noctis briefly against him and he reaches to shut the burner off with his free hand.
Ah-, he pauses at that question, giving it a thought over. ]
You more or less know what happened to me already.
As for Gladio, he still trains people for Crownsguard, but he's married on top of that. [ Ignis gives off a sigh. ] You wouldn't know her.
Prompto, [ he shakes his head a bit as he gets the their food back into the bowls. ] does really well with his photos. He also spends a lot of time with Cindy - I wasn't too surprised to see him in Hammerhead when he came out to check up on me. He has a thing for her, but Cindy's too married to her work.
[ He rubs at Noctis' side idly. ] Life just happened for the three of us, but we still care for each other. We stuck together after it [ you died ] happened for a while, but life got us.
[ Noctis was the glue that held them together on top of that, but he doesn't say so now. Really, they started to drift apart after the crystal took Noctis in the first place, but came back together after he came out ten years later. ]
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Life sucks that way sometimes, huh. [His tone is bemused, a little tired for it.] Is it... [He hesitates.] Would it be better if...
[-I stopped coming back? Stupid. Stupid question, especially directed towards Ignis. He already knows the answer, and asking it would hurt. Instead, he shakes his head.]
...Nevermind. I'll have to give them my congratulations, when we make it back there.
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He knows that it can't be easy, to hear that the people he considers to be family to have moved on. They've grieved over Noctis, but no one hadn't expected him to come back. Ignis was willing to wait out his own death, through natural means.
Then Noctis showed up out of thin air. ]
I know it hurts to hear. I'm here if you need a moment.
[ He's concerned about the cut off from Noctis' statement too. ]
We're your family, Noct, no matter what.
[ Even if Ignis is somewhat thankful that Gladio hadn't shown up when he, himself, was still weakened from the first attack. Gladio's gotten more protective over Ignis and he doesn't think that he would've been able to stop him from attacking Noctis. It'll take Gladio a lot more convincing, even if he has mellowed out over the years. Prompto being accepting of Noctis being alive wasn't too much of a surprise though. ]
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[Noctis shakes his head, recognizing his own foolishness. They already have enough to worry about, he doesn't need to start fussing over whether or not he belongs. It's been so long, and he can't expect to immediately slot himself into the life he barely remembers having before. Not just the five years since his death, but the ten years he was absent for... life had to go on without him. He'd feel worse if they'd done nothing but wait for him. This is better, it's just going to take a while to adjust to it. With his memories missing, you'd think it would be easier to adapt to a new normal. Still, it isn't without its own struggles.
With a quiet, tired sigh, he tugs back.]
Let's just eat and get some rest. Still got lots to do before we can see them again.
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He grabs a quick shower before crawling into bed before letting Noctis get a shower in if he wants to. Once they're both situated, Ignis gently tugs Noctis into a cuddle embrace, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend. ]
I love you, [ he murmurs quietly, slipping into sleep. ]