[I love you, Ignis says before they sleep. He's out before Noctis can respond in kind, but he thinks it, and he hopes Ignis remembers what he feels tomorrow and on all the grim days that are likely to follow. He can't, and won't, promise that he won't feel this gloominess again. In some ways it's the most himself he's been since his revival. In his heart he is happy too, though. He's found happiness here. As hard as it can be sometimes, there is plenty of joy to find in this life, and he feels it strong enough to bursting in moments where he can forget about everything except the world that awaits them and Ignis' hand in his.
Of course, that's always the perfect time for fate to intervene and ruin things; such is the way of Noctis Lucis Caelum.
He feels it the moment he awakens, that soft but irresistable tug on his soul. The Astral's call. It doesn't feel like Bahamut, though with the powers he'd been granted, he assumed he was a Messenger for the Draconian. It feels kinder, more patient. Almost... apologetic.
He knows he can't escape it, but still, he fights that pull. Some time in the night he'd turned around so he was face to face with Ignis, and watching him sleep like this, arms around one another... he doesn't want to go. Don't make me leave, please, he thinks back to the voice calling him. Don't make me say goodbye again. He'd dreaded it of course, a day when he'd be called back, but... what reason is there for a Messenger in the world? The Chosen is gone, the Crystal is gone, the Oracles are long dead. The gods have gone back to sleep. Why was he sent back if not to be free, just for a while?
The voice tugs again, a noose around his neck. Less gentle. You will come. A pause, and then softly again, He will see your face again before the end, O Fragment of the Light.
He doesn't particularly like the sound of that- the phrasing, or the butchered title, but he can resist no longer. A Messenger is ever at the beck and call of the Astrals who created him. So Noctis closes his eyes, leans in to kiss Ignis on the forehead while he still sleeps, and vanishes from within his arms, leaving him alone on the bed. He follows the call.
He is summoned to the peaks beyond Lestallum's power plant, a cliff overlooking the meteor fragments and the city built up around it, gleaming in greys and silvers in the morning light. From above he can see the damage it must have endured for 10 years in the dark, much improved but still limping along in the recovery process. The dawn may have come, but all it did was shine a light on all the scars it had gained.
"Even were the dawn to break now... it would only bring the horrors to light!"
He blinks at the unexpected thought flitting through his mind, but before he can chase it, a voice calls him from behind.]
"Glad I am to see you whole and well." [He turns to find Gentiana there, smiling calmly in the way he somehow remembers she always did.] "Has our gift been to your satisfaction?"
[His brows furrow.] Gift... I guess. Why did you bring me back, though? Am I supposed to have some kind of mission again?
"A new mission for the Fragment of the Light..." [Gentiana hums at the question, beginning to walk. He moves to follow.] "We Six have decided. Now that the Calling has been fulfilled, until a new calamity falls upon the world, the Messengers shall live freely."
...Are... we expecting a new Calamity? [Gentiana smiles at that, and it just makes Noctis feel more nervous.] Hey, come on.
"The prophecy is complete. Whatever fate befalls the Star, it is in the hands of men now, not gods."
[It isn't reassuring, but neither is it damning. Like always, the Astrals are obtuse at the best of times.] Okay, so... I can live free. Cool. But why did you bring me back? I thought... [He winces, looking down.] I thought I was supposed to die.
[Gentiana pauses in her walk.] "...The King of Light fulfilled his calling, and made the sacrifice required for the world. He died, and so was meant to remain as dust. Like many who came before him, he earned the right to rest at last. But rest... did not come for him. He lingered in the dark, broken by all he had lost. In the place beyond the Crystal, his soul lay shattered, in pieces, and could not move on. Such a tragic end could not be allowed for a champion of the gods."
[Noctis listens quietly, his gaze shifting to the grass beneath their feet. So... what, he'd been too sad and broken to pass on gracefully? Or had something gone wrong with his sacrifice, and he'd never made it to whatever afterlife existed after his death? Either way... that sounded like such a pitiful existence. He's glad he doesn't remember five years of that.]
"A promise was made to the Accursed, and so too it was made, unspoken, to the Chosen who opposed him: that which is dead shall not linger for eternity. His soul found peace by the hand of the King of Light." [Gentiana continues, ignoring his racing thoughts.] "Together we gathered up the fragments of the king's soul, and bound them together as one of our own, so that peace can be found in a new life, as it was not found in death."
A new life... [He echoes quietly.] Is... that why I can't remember? I'm not meant to have my old life anymore? Do I have to start over?
[Her smile softens, and she reaches out a hand, fingers gracing softly across his forehead.] "We could not complete our work. Some pieces were destroyed in the dark, others were lost. The Six cannot promise that your life will fully return to you, but it was your choice to leave before you were ready."
My choice? Why would I-
"The Fragment of Light still carries enough of the king that was lost in his heart to do as he did in years past," [she answers, and there is amusement in her eyes.] "He protected that which he loves."
[It takes a second to click. He blinks at her, confused and puzzled, until the final piece of understanding sinks into place, and- oh. Oh, shit.] I chose to forget... so I could go save Ignis. [She smiles again, all the answer he needs to stumble back, both palms pressed up against his face.] Oh my god, I really did that. I've been freaking out this whole time, and it was my own damn fault.
[He kind of wants to laugh and cry at the same time. He doesn't regret- can't regret, not really. Not now that he knows. Remembering everything would be pointless, worthless, if he was alone with his memories. Ignis is alive because he threw away what wasn't important, compared to the safety of the one he loves. He can make new memories from now on. They can make new memories, together.
She begins to walk again, and he picks up the pace to walk beside her, asking more questions, some of which are answered and others not. Why he has powers (a gift to him, and to the world), what he's meant to do next (whatever he wants), can he get more memories back over time (perhaps), are the gods active (they're napping again), why are assassins absolute bastards (she did not answer that one). He quickly loses track of time, at first desperate for answers, but as the conversation carries on and he learns that for the most part, the expectations of what he's meant to do are basically nothing, he feels... so much lighter. The future is free and open, the world is waiting for him, and his calling is clear. It's over.
[ Ignis is worried, understandably so. He'd woken up to an empty bed, confused and puzzled. It taken him a second to glance over at the bathroom, but nothing. He'd checked their hotel room to a Noctis missing and he's cleared out Lestallum itself, even going as far as checking their hotel room again, but empty.
He has a choice, to head north or south, it only takes him a moment to make his decision to run towards the tunnel that leads to the Hunter's HQ, which is still standing, even after the long lasting night.
He'd though about grabbing a chocobo but decided against it in the end, not wanting to cause too much noise. The less noise he makes the better. Once he's clear from the tunnel, he uses the trees as cover to try to hide in the shadows. He keeps his flashlight dim, but bright enough for him to see. He's urgently calling out Noct's name, in a whisper, afraid that might alert a terrorist.
Ignis keeps moving, debating in his mind whether to keep looking or to head back, absolutely torn on what to do. Maybe he's worrying over nothing? No, what if Noctis is in trouble? He has to keep searching. It's stupid of him to be out like this without backup, but he can't bring himself to care; if Noct is in danger then he needs to find him. Now.
A hand is pressed against a tree, he's a little past the farm. He'd been surprised to see it alive and well, but it made sense. Where else would the food have come from during the ten years? He exhales a breath. He looks up at the night sky for a moment then starts to move again when something hits the back of his head.
Ignis stumbles a step and before he gets a chance to look behind him, he's out cold.
--------
They got him, the terrorists that is. They dragged him off to an empty building that's long since been abandoned. They get Ignis situated in the middle of the first room, turning his head to look away from the door. They debate on restraining him, but they decide against it. At first glance from afar, he appears to be dead.
They hide after that, waiting on the one who keeps saving him and killing off their men. They've lost two so far, surely the one will come and walk straight into this trap. ]
[When he at last parts from Gentiana, Noctis is smiling, still riding that confused high of having zero expectations or direction, something he's fairly certain he's never felt in his life, even without memories. He returns to the hotel room ready to wake Ignis and share the good news, but instead he finds it empty. He can see the frenetic energy left behind; the haphazard way the place has been searched, the signs that Ignis made a hasty exit. Of course... he'd been gone too long, and Ignis went looking for him. Idiot, he really should have left a note, but the call had been so intense that he hadn't had even a few moments to resist.]
You could have given me that much, Gentiana... come on.
[He grumbles to the empty space, trying to stamp down a wave of worry before it grows too strong. He's... fine, probably. He's just searching the city for Noctis. It should be a simple thing to track him down, ease his worries, and then they can grab breakfast and be on their way. No big deal at all. The worry grows as he sits on the edge of the bed, closing his eyes and focusing on searching for his quarry. Like before, that first time, finding him in the desert... and then after, beyond the hunt... find him, find him.
That worry only grows as he feels a certain... weakness to his destination. A familiar one. Pain.
Standing abruptly, he grabs his sword, focuses intently on the location where he'd felt it, and with a blur of energy gifted to him by the gods, he's there. An unfamiliar building, a seemingly empty room, and right there, slumped over like he's- NO-]
Ignis! [he cries out at the sight as soon as his eyes rest upon it, terror surging through him. He sees nothing else in that moment, his hand reaching, taking a step forward. He can barely make two steps before someone shouts at his back, an explosion rings through the air, and something hits him right in the small of his back. He stumbles, lunging forward to draw his sword and cover Ignis in one swift motion, tongues of flame licking their way up his arm; he'd left without putting in his contacts, so his eyes glow an otherworldly blue and red as he snarls at the men suddenly crawling out of the woodwork in the room around them. Just a handful of them, but enough to challenge him, especially if they're as skilled as the ones who came before. Carrying swords, knives, guns...
He doesn't think, only moves as quickly as his legs can carry him towards the first man, not giving them time to regain their courage against what is probably the first sign of magic in fifteen years, if they'd ever seen it at all. He has few advantages in this room, so he'll take what he can get. He found new purpose this morning, gained his freedom, and he is not losing his life or Ignis' to these terrorists, too blind and stupid to move on in the fresh chance at life they'd been given when the dawn rose. He'd died for men like them, and they can only think to waste it.
He doesn't stab, though such strikes would be more deadly. He can't risk getting his blade stuck in a body, wasting precious seconds. He slashes and he burns, twisting and spinning his way through the men with a ferocity he's never felt before. The other men had made him angry, yes, but he'd been fighting only for Ignis' sake back then, mindless to his own needs, expecting to live beyond the fight in some manner or other, the way Messengers often do. This time, though- this time, he's fighting for the both of them, for the gift of life he'd been handed by a goddess mere minutes ago. He dances through the ranks, batting their blades away, deflecting gunshots with fire and burning those foolish enough to give him the time to ignite flames beyond his defensive circle. One man goes down, then another. A third falls, but one rises again, not yet dead. He has no idea how long he fights, only that he will not stop-
-until suddenly, he does. Something impacts him from behind again, this time grazing his head enough to make him stumble, and that's all the men need to close ranks and knock him down. His sword is ripped away from his hand, kicked out of his reach, and two men pin him one on each arm, forcing him against the floor. A third moves in and kicks him in the gut, once, twice. He gasps for air, his head slumped back, trying to see Ignis, but they've blocked his view. I have to find him. I was- I was going to save him, I want-
The men don't care what he wants, though. They crowd around him, trying to crush his limbs so he can't fight, pressing down on his wounds so they bleed out. The leader stabs his knife into Noct's shoulder, blade twisting, and he screams, unable to help himself. Revenge, they say, for their fallen comrades. For the night of sin they lost. They'll kill him first, nice and slow to punish him, snuff out whatever corruption is inside him that made him like this, and then they'll move on to the others.
"You've been a thorn in our side, delaying our mission," the man above him is saying, angered, holding a knife smeared with blood. (His blood?) He keeps talking, but Noctis isn't listening. He's still trying to find Ignis. Ignis who he now thinks might be alive, but for how long?
I need to heal him, he thinks desperately, eyes darting back and forth, the enraged gleam in them growing clouded over with pain and fear. I can't let him die, I can't, I don't want to die without him-
He hears that, but something is keeping him knocked out. A groan escapes him, but he can't wake up. That's... Noctis' voice and he sounds terrified. What?
All he can do is listen to the ongoing battle around him, struggling to wake up. What in the hell did he get hit with? Wake up. he pleads quietly with his mind.
It isn't until he hears Noctis' screams of pain that he snaps fully out of it, eyes opening and head snapping up. He looks in the direction that he'd heard Noct yelling from and freezes. Three men got him, two have him pinned down, another one is hurting Noctis. A flash of blade and it's bloody. Noct's eyes are scanning the area and it dawns on Ignis. He's looking for me.
Ignis is up on his feet in a flash, giving the room a look over. Noct's sword is nearby and he moves to pick it up, quietly. By dumb sheer luck, a gun had been near it too and he pockets that. He has his daggers on him, but he could use any advantage right now.
He says nothing as he grips the sword in both hands, quickly moving to strike the leader in the back of the head with the flat blade of the sword. Ignis pushes the leader back, stabbing him hard in the chest with Noct's sword, knocking him back further. He drops like a load of bricks on the ground. Ignis spares him no words or thought as he turns back to the pair that are holding Noct down.
He's angry, terrified and as he pulls out the gun, he knows that he can't lose Noctis. Not now. Ever. He'd been letting his rage fuel him since he gotten up, letting the love and care he has for Noct fuel his need and desire to rescue Noctis. He's breathing hard and he quietly thanks Prompto for the gun lessons as he aims the gun at one of them, firing off a shot. It hits him, knocking him back from Noctis and he lets Noct's arm go as he stumbles back. Ignis is quick to fire a shot at the other terrorist holding Noct down, dropping the gun in the process and grabbing his dagger from his side.
That'd been a mistake on their part, leaving him armed like that. Another big mistake was leaving him unrestrained so he was able to move.
He moves quickly to the terrorist that he just shot at and grabs at his shoulder, stabbing his dagger into his chest. Blood pools out as he yanks his dagger out and stabs him again, delivering a killing blow. He yanks his dagger out and eyes search for the last one. No way is he letting them get out of here alive after what they did to Noctis.
The last one is attempting to crawl away, hand on the gun shot wound. Ignis huffs and runs on over, foot stomping down on the terrorists ankle. ]
Oh no, you don't. You're not leaving here alive. [ Ignis' tone icy and dangerous, anger in there, masking his worry and fear. Don't let him be too late.
He kneels down and yanks the guy up by the arm, dagger flashing into the gut, then again and again until the life leaves his eyes. Breathing hard, Ignis lets the terrorist drop and scans the room, seeing the three men dead. His dagger drops from his hand, they can always get new weapons later. He walks on over to the leader just to check, before his eyes fall on; ]
Noct! [ He's at Noctis' side in a flash, green eyes scanning him, worried sick. Is he awake? He's not alright, there are nasty wounds all over him. He sets his non bloodied hand on top of Noct's, quietly begging.
[He'd felt such fear in those moments, dreading the thought of dying alone again, surrounded only by blades that seek his demise. (Why does he even know that? Is that the last memory he gets before his life once again fades from this world?) His breath comes quick and harsh, but he clings to every gasp of it, knowing each one, and each pulse of his heart, means he's still alive. Blood pools slow and steady at his back, and from the wound left by the terrorist's dagger, and as the seconds creep by, his now-freed hand claws weakly at the floor, searching for something, anything to feel less alone.
Ignis... please...
Then a hand touches his, and he blinks weakly, gaze flitting around until he finds Ignis hovering above him, holding onto him. He hadn't had a chance to check Ignis over before the ambush had interrupted him. Is he hurt? Is he okay? If there are any injuries, he can try to heal them before he-]
Iggy, [he manages with a shaky gasp, fingers curling around the other man's.] You safe...?
[There could be more of them, they could still be in danger. He needs to get up, heal Ignis, they need to run. He braces himself and tries to push himself upright, but every limb refuses to budge for him, frozen in pain or too weak to obey his mind's command. He cringes, biting his tongue against the pain, and curses his own weakness. Why won't he move? They don't have time...]
[ Ignis frowns a little at that, a little confused. He gives their joined hands a squeeze. ]
I'm safe and unharmed.
[ Noctis... isn't, he's harmed badly. He lets their hands go and tears at the fabric on his sleeve, needing to do something about that shoulder wound. Once he gets the fabric off, he wraps it around Noct's shoulder, applying pressure to stop it from bleeding out further. ]
... Noct? [ His eyes are shut and Ignis' heart jumps in his throat. Panic hits him. No, don't be. Please. With shaky fingers, he feels around Noct's pulse and finds a steady beat of his heart.
He quickly moves to Noctis' other side and picks up him up carefully and hastily, giving him a quick glance. He's trying not to panic as he moves around the fallen bodies, stepping outside. His breathing is coming out shaking. Ignis steps quicker after that with only a single thought running through his mind.
Save him.
Then he almost bumps into someone and he steps back in surprise. ]
Dave! [ He hasn't see the man in.... years. His tone coming out quick and shaky. ] Help us, please. He's hurt. I... [ He looks down at Noct's form in his arms, frozen in place himself and trembling as he talks again. ] I have to help him, I... I can't lose him. [ again.
Tears drip off Ignis' cheeks at the mere thought of it. He can't do it again. He can't. ]
--------
[ Dave gets them back to the Leville safety and he shoos Ignis away, seeing how emotional the other man is. All Ignis can do is watch Dave patch up Noctis, pacing back and forth.
Will he be alright? Was he too late? What if he doesn't wake up? A few other thoughts like that plaguing him.
A hand claps itself onto his shoulder and he's face to face with Dave. He's done all that could do for Noctis, he's paid off their hotel room and he'll back in a few days to check up on them. He also mumbles to not worry about the building that they'd came out of, that he'll take care of it. ]
Thank you for everything.
[ Once Dave's gone, Ignis rushes to Noctis' side, taking his hand on both of his. He watches Noct's chest rise and fall with every breath that he's taking. ]
You were the one that was in danger, [ he murmurs quietly, tears falling off his face once more. ] yet you were worrying yourself sick over me.
[ Losing him again, Ignis doesn't know if he can go through it. It's cruel to get Noctis back, just to fail him again. He doesn't know what he'll do if Noctis dies like this. He'll break. ]
--------
[ Nothing can get Ignis to lose his composure like this, Noctis being in danger. All of his rational thoughts go out the window and as he sits there, that much hasn't changed at all. He has a can of Ebony between his hands, the can itself trembling.
He hadn't slept much at all. Too worried sick to sleep, his mind plaguing him with nightmares. Nightmares that he'd failed Noctis and he'd woken up in a panic just to check up on him. Relief had flooded his system as he checked Noct's vital signs. The relief was only temporarily however, as he can do nothing else besides sit and watch from the table, trying to keep the dark thoughts out of his mind. Trying, but failing.
Movement? Or was it just his imagination? Either way, he's up on his feet, the can of Ebony clattering loudly to the ground in his haste to get to Noct's side once more, taking his hand in both of his and sitting down on the bed. Worry and fear is written on Ignis' face, hope stirring in his heart. ]
[He doesn't dream while he sleeps; it's a void of nothing while he's out, but somehow, it isn't lonely at all. When Noctis begins to stir, he's stiff and sore but warm, and that alone is a comfort that almost makes him smile before he can even realize why.
His hand twitches on the bed, almost reaching for a moment until another hand closes around it.]
Ignis...
[The name is on his lips before his eyes open,and after a moment of struggling with it he finally manages to crack them open and look around for the one he'd been hoping to find at his side. Ignis... he's right there, waiting for him. Alive and well. And... he's alive, too. He stares quietly, tiredly, trying to parse what he sees as real. This isn't a dream, is it...?]
[Noctis grimaces, eyes clenching shut again at the light- it's not even that bright in the room, he just feels so bleary and weak. He does tilt his head a bit against Ignis' hand, though.]
Like... I got shot? [In retrospect he's pretty sure that's what happened. And stabbed, and kicked, and probably some other stuff too.] You saved me...?
[A little morbid, but his tone is almost humourous. He starts to shift his arm so he can push against the bed, maybe try to sit up, but just trying makes him hiss in pain and remain horizontal. Whoops, moving hurts right now. Instead he focuses back on Ignis.]
[ Ignis frowns a little at Noctis tries to move. He exhales a quiet sigh. ]
You need to keep resting.
[ He's gentle as he slides onto the bed next to Noctis - staying away from the shoulder side that's hurt - and carefully wraps an arm around Noct's middle, laying next to him. He rests his head down on Noct's shoulder, lightly resting. ]
When I woke up here, you were gone. What happened, Noct? [ That's been bugging him too, there's no anger in his voice, just worry and fear. ]
[Noctis blinks a few times, tilting his head to lean on Ignis' head as he tries to think back on what had even occurred the morning before the attack. His thoughts had been lost in the panic, and then everything had been dark and empty...
...ah. The voice.]
I heard her, [he says at last, shifting a hand to grasp at Ignis' hand around his middle.] Gentiana. She called me away... I couldn't refuse her. [He smiles tightly.] The price of coming back, I guess. She wanted to talk, and wouldn't take no for an answer.
[He hadn't even had time to leave a note- and even if he'd had time for it, what would he say? He couldn't even promise to come back, when he'd known so little.]
[ Gentiana. That explains a lot and the fact that Noctis is back is telling too. He's still afraid of the answer, but he needs to know himself as well. He's been worried sick about this. ]
Well... it's good news, so that might make you feel better. [Despite, you know, everything.] She said the Six brought me back because my "soul" wasn't resting, or something like that. Kinda like a ghost story- I had unfinished business. My body was dead and the rest of me was uh... in pieces. They had to put me back together as a Messenger because I didn't have a body anymore.
[He didn't know what happened to his corpse after he died - didn't especially want to know, too morbid - but even if it still existed somewhere, it would be nothing but a skeleton by now. He likes this better.]
She told me I'm free... I can live any way I want to, now. Same with all the Messengers. [His grip is still weak, but it tightens a little around Ignis' hand.] I can stay.
[ Noctis can stay; Ignis' breath hitches in his throat while he listens to that. He'd been so afraid that Noctis might get snatched away from him again. And he'd almost did lose him to the terrorist attack.
He strengths his own hold over Noctis. ]
"Unfinished business," [ He repeats, letting that sink into his system. ] You came back to save me... [ letting the puzzle pieces slip into place. They share a love so strong, he feels like. That nothing could keep them apart for too long. ]
[He glances away briefly, unsure, as he's not certain how Ignis will take the news. But after a long moment he closes his eyes, steels himself, and forges on ahead. Screw it. He's not ashamed of his choice- and he chose this. Memories are a small price to pay for getting to live on with the love of his new life. When he looks at Ignis again, his expression is determined and unwavering.]
If I waited, I wouldn't have made it to you in time. It was my decision to come back before I was whole again.
[ Ignis is quiet for a long, long moment, again letting everything sink into place. ]
... You gave up your memories just to save me. Oh, Noct...
[ That is a grand gesture of love if he'd ever heard one. He can't talk himself, since he saved Noctis in a really risky way in Altissia, where he could've died.
Ignis lifts his head up, gently carefully getting his out from underneath Noct's and looks into his eyes, reading him. Looking into someone that's in love with him too. A small smile falls into place on his face. ]
I love you, too. [ That's what he'd heard as well, there's other ways to say those simple words without saying them. ]
W-well. What else was I gonna do? [His cheeks go a soft pink, immediately embarrassed, though he's smiling, too.] There wouldn't be any point in coming back if no one was here waiting for me.
[A life without Ignis... it doesn't sound all that fulfilling. Gladio and Prompto have their own lives, the rest of the world has moved on and forgotten him. What would be here for him? It sounds like nothing but a waste if he stops to think about it. A waste of Ignis' life, a waste of his own revival. He'd never want to come back only to be alone, nor would he want to sacrifice Ignis' life just to give himself a few more tidbits of the past.]
[ What terrorist attack? What Dave? Ignis hasn't completely forgotten about those things, but he has something more important, someone more special looking back at him, blushing a bit and smiling at Ignis.
He gently lifts his hand up a bit on Noct's middle and laces their fingers together. His first reaction is to pick Noctis up and squeeze him hard, but that can wait until he's healed.
All he hears is I love you without Noctis saying it. After what he's heard about Noct being able to stay... and it was his choice to come back and save Ignis, throwing away his memories in the process. A price to pay for that.
He's loved. Undoubtedly so. He feels it and hears it from the man that's a bit embarrassed giving him a smile. Ignis' own smile gets a little bigger and he leans in to kiss Noctis softly, closing his own eyes. No, nothing else matters right now, other this man and this moment that they're sharing. Together. ]
[Noctis closes his eyes and leans into the touch, smiling tentatively as he recognizes that Ignis isn't upset or angry at his choice, but rather is touched, happy even. He's glad. It's not like he had expected the worst, but he remembered enough to know that Ignis didn't like him sacrificing himself, in part or in full, for others too much. But no, Ignis doesn't mind it. He can see what it is: a demonstration and declaration of love, more than anything else. That, on top of everything else they'd experienced since his miraculous return, is proof enough that he made the right choice.]
[ Ignis breaks apart the kiss, breathless as he lays his head back down onto Noctis' shoulder. His eyes are slipping shut, he's exhausted from worrying himself senseless and from the nightmares. ]
Thank you for loving me, [ Feeling absolutely grateful to have Noctis back in his life like this. He tries to fight off sleep, but he's failing. He mumbles a soft apology before sleep claims him, luring him into a world of dreams. ]
-------
[ When he wakes, he's not even sure how long he was out for. He blinks sleepily, looking up at Noctis. Did he sleep at all...? ]
[He slept! He absolutely slept, he needed it badly. It isn't an especially deep sleep however, so the sound of his name rouses him after a moment, shifting his head just enough to burrow against Ignis' neck. Now that there's no Astral voice in his head forcing him upright, he's resistant to waking- some things really never change, lost memories or not.
[ He's not all surprised that Noct's knocked out like that, considering the attack and Noct's horrible sleeping habits on top of that. He looks so peaceful sleeping like that he can't bring himself to wake him up just yet.
Ignis shuts his eyes again, nuzzling against Noctis while he waits for him to wake up fully. ]
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Of course, that's always the perfect time for fate to intervene and ruin things; such is the way of Noctis Lucis Caelum.
He feels it the moment he awakens, that soft but irresistable tug on his soul. The Astral's call. It doesn't feel like Bahamut, though with the powers he'd been granted, he assumed he was a Messenger for the Draconian. It feels kinder, more patient. Almost... apologetic.
He knows he can't escape it, but still, he fights that pull. Some time in the night he'd turned around so he was face to face with Ignis, and watching him sleep like this, arms around one another... he doesn't want to go. Don't make me leave, please, he thinks back to the voice calling him. Don't make me say goodbye again. He'd dreaded it of course, a day when he'd be called back, but... what reason is there for a Messenger in the world? The Chosen is gone, the Crystal is gone, the Oracles are long dead. The gods have gone back to sleep. Why was he sent back if not to be free, just for a while?
The voice tugs again, a noose around his neck. Less gentle. You will come. A pause, and then softly again, He will see your face again before the end, O Fragment of the Light.
He doesn't particularly like the sound of that- the phrasing, or the butchered title, but he can resist no longer. A Messenger is ever at the beck and call of the Astrals who created him. So Noctis closes his eyes, leans in to kiss Ignis on the forehead while he still sleeps, and vanishes from within his arms, leaving him alone on the bed. He follows the call.
He is summoned to the peaks beyond Lestallum's power plant, a cliff overlooking the meteor fragments and the city built up around it, gleaming in greys and silvers in the morning light. From above he can see the damage it must have endured for 10 years in the dark, much improved but still limping along in the recovery process. The dawn may have come, but all it did was shine a light on all the scars it had gained.
"Even were the dawn to break now... it would only bring the horrors to light!"
He blinks at the unexpected thought flitting through his mind, but before he can chase it, a voice calls him from behind.]
"Glad I am to see you whole and well." [He turns to find Gentiana there, smiling calmly in the way he somehow remembers she always did.] "Has our gift been to your satisfaction?"
[His brows furrow.] Gift... I guess. Why did you bring me back, though? Am I supposed to have some kind of mission again?
"A new mission for the Fragment of the Light..." [Gentiana hums at the question, beginning to walk. He moves to follow.] "We Six have decided. Now that the Calling has been fulfilled, until a new calamity falls upon the world, the Messengers shall live freely."
...Are... we expecting a new Calamity? [Gentiana smiles at that, and it just makes Noctis feel more nervous.] Hey, come on.
"The prophecy is complete. Whatever fate befalls the Star, it is in the hands of men now, not gods."
[It isn't reassuring, but neither is it damning. Like always, the Astrals are obtuse at the best of times.] Okay, so... I can live free. Cool. But why did you bring me back? I thought... [He winces, looking down.] I thought I was supposed to die.
[Gentiana pauses in her walk.] "...The King of Light fulfilled his calling, and made the sacrifice required for the world. He died, and so was meant to remain as dust. Like many who came before him, he earned the right to rest at last. But rest... did not come for him. He lingered in the dark, broken by all he had lost. In the place beyond the Crystal, his soul lay shattered, in pieces, and could not move on. Such a tragic end could not be allowed for a champion of the gods."
[Noctis listens quietly, his gaze shifting to the grass beneath their feet. So... what, he'd been too sad and broken to pass on gracefully? Or had something gone wrong with his sacrifice, and he'd never made it to whatever afterlife existed after his death? Either way... that sounded like such a pitiful existence. He's glad he doesn't remember five years of that.]
"A promise was made to the Accursed, and so too it was made, unspoken, to the Chosen who opposed him: that which is dead shall not linger for eternity. His soul found peace by the hand of the King of Light." [Gentiana continues, ignoring his racing thoughts.] "Together we gathered up the fragments of the king's soul, and bound them together as one of our own, so that peace can be found in a new life, as it was not found in death."
A new life... [He echoes quietly.] Is... that why I can't remember? I'm not meant to have my old life anymore? Do I have to start over?
[Her smile softens, and she reaches out a hand, fingers gracing softly across his forehead.] "We could not complete our work. Some pieces were destroyed in the dark, others were lost. The Six cannot promise that your life will fully return to you, but it was your choice to leave before you were ready."
My choice? Why would I-
"The Fragment of Light still carries enough of the king that was lost in his heart to do as he did in years past," [she answers, and there is amusement in her eyes.] "He protected that which he loves."
[It takes a second to click. He blinks at her, confused and puzzled, until the final piece of understanding sinks into place, and- oh. Oh, shit.] I chose to forget... so I could go save Ignis. [She smiles again, all the answer he needs to stumble back, both palms pressed up against his face.] Oh my god, I really did that. I've been freaking out this whole time, and it was my own damn fault.
[He kind of wants to laugh and cry at the same time. He doesn't regret- can't regret, not really. Not now that he knows. Remembering everything would be pointless, worthless, if he was alone with his memories. Ignis is alive because he threw away what wasn't important, compared to the safety of the one he loves. He can make new memories from now on. They can make new memories, together.
She begins to walk again, and he picks up the pace to walk beside her, asking more questions, some of which are answered and others not. Why he has powers (a gift to him, and to the world), what he's meant to do next (whatever he wants), can he get more memories back over time (perhaps), are the gods active (they're napping again), why are assassins absolute bastards (she did not answer that one). He quickly loses track of time, at first desperate for answers, but as the conversation carries on and he learns that for the most part, the expectations of what he's meant to do are basically nothing, he feels... so much lighter. The future is free and open, the world is waiting for him, and his calling is clear. It's over.
He can't wait to tell Ignis.]
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He has a choice, to head north or south, it only takes him a moment to make his decision to run towards the tunnel that leads to the Hunter's HQ, which is still standing, even after the long lasting night.
He'd though about grabbing a chocobo but decided against it in the end, not wanting to cause too much noise. The less noise he makes the better. Once he's clear from the tunnel, he uses the trees as cover to try to hide in the shadows. He keeps his flashlight dim, but bright enough for him to see. He's urgently calling out Noct's name, in a whisper, afraid that might alert a terrorist.
Ignis keeps moving, debating in his mind whether to keep looking or to head back, absolutely torn on what to do. Maybe he's worrying over nothing? No, what if Noctis is in trouble? He has to keep searching. It's stupid of him to be out like this without backup, but he can't bring himself to care; if Noct is in danger then he needs to find him. Now.
A hand is pressed against a tree, he's a little past the farm. He'd been surprised to see it alive and well, but it made sense. Where else would the food have come from during the ten years? He exhales a breath. He looks up at the night sky for a moment then starts to move again when something hits the back of his head.
Ignis stumbles a step and before he gets a chance to look behind him, he's out cold.
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They got him, the terrorists that is. They dragged him off to an empty building that's long since been abandoned. They get Ignis situated in the middle of the first room, turning his head to look away from the door. They debate on restraining him, but they decide against it. At first glance from afar, he appears to be dead.
They hide after that, waiting on the one who keeps saving him and killing off their men. They've lost two so far, surely the one will come and walk straight into this trap. ]
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You could have given me that much, Gentiana... come on.
[He grumbles to the empty space, trying to stamp down a wave of worry before it grows too strong. He's... fine, probably. He's just searching the city for Noctis. It should be a simple thing to track him down, ease his worries, and then they can grab breakfast and be on their way. No big deal at all. The worry grows as he sits on the edge of the bed, closing his eyes and focusing on searching for his quarry. Like before, that first time, finding him in the desert... and then after, beyond the hunt... find him, find him.
That worry only grows as he feels a certain... weakness to his destination. A familiar one. Pain.
Standing abruptly, he grabs his sword, focuses intently on the location where he'd felt it, and with a blur of energy gifted to him by the gods, he's there. An unfamiliar building, a seemingly empty room, and right there, slumped over like he's- NO-]
Ignis! [he cries out at the sight as soon as his eyes rest upon it, terror surging through him. He sees nothing else in that moment, his hand reaching, taking a step forward. He can barely make two steps before someone shouts at his back, an explosion rings through the air, and something hits him right in the small of his back. He stumbles, lunging forward to draw his sword and cover Ignis in one swift motion, tongues of flame licking their way up his arm; he'd left without putting in his contacts, so his eyes glow an otherworldly blue and red as he snarls at the men suddenly crawling out of the woodwork in the room around them. Just a handful of them, but enough to challenge him, especially if they're as skilled as the ones who came before. Carrying swords, knives, guns...
He doesn't think, only moves as quickly as his legs can carry him towards the first man, not giving them time to regain their courage against what is probably the first sign of magic in fifteen years, if they'd ever seen it at all. He has few advantages in this room, so he'll take what he can get. He found new purpose this morning, gained his freedom, and he is not losing his life or Ignis' to these terrorists, too blind and stupid to move on in the fresh chance at life they'd been given when the dawn rose. He'd died for men like them, and they can only think to waste it.
He doesn't stab, though such strikes would be more deadly. He can't risk getting his blade stuck in a body, wasting precious seconds. He slashes and he burns, twisting and spinning his way through the men with a ferocity he's never felt before. The other men had made him angry, yes, but he'd been fighting only for Ignis' sake back then, mindless to his own needs, expecting to live beyond the fight in some manner or other, the way Messengers often do. This time, though- this time, he's fighting for the both of them, for the gift of life he'd been handed by a goddess mere minutes ago. He dances through the ranks, batting their blades away, deflecting gunshots with fire and burning those foolish enough to give him the time to ignite flames beyond his defensive circle. One man goes down, then another. A third falls, but one rises again, not yet dead. He has no idea how long he fights, only that he will not stop-
-until suddenly, he does. Something impacts him from behind again, this time grazing his head enough to make him stumble, and that's all the men need to close ranks and knock him down. His sword is ripped away from his hand, kicked out of his reach, and two men pin him one on each arm, forcing him against the floor. A third moves in and kicks him in the gut, once, twice. He gasps for air, his head slumped back, trying to see Ignis, but they've blocked his view. I have to find him. I was- I was going to save him, I want-
The men don't care what he wants, though. They crowd around him, trying to crush his limbs so he can't fight, pressing down on his wounds so they bleed out. The leader stabs his knife into Noct's shoulder, blade twisting, and he screams, unable to help himself. Revenge, they say, for their fallen comrades. For the night of sin they lost. They'll kill him first, nice and slow to punish him, snuff out whatever corruption is inside him that made him like this, and then they'll move on to the others.
"You've been a thorn in our side, delaying our mission," the man above him is saying, angered, holding a knife smeared with blood. (His blood?) He keeps talking, but Noctis isn't listening. He's still trying to find Ignis. Ignis who he now thinks might be alive, but for how long?
I need to heal him, he thinks desperately, eyes darting back and forth, the enraged gleam in them growing clouded over with pain and fear. I can't let him die, I can't, I don't want to die without him-
not again-]
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He hears that, but something is keeping him knocked out. A groan escapes him, but he can't wake up. That's... Noctis' voice and he sounds terrified. What?
All he can do is listen to the ongoing battle around him, struggling to wake up. What in the hell did he get hit with? Wake up. he pleads quietly with his mind.
It isn't until he hears Noctis' screams of pain that he snaps fully out of it, eyes opening and head snapping up. He looks in the direction that he'd heard Noct yelling from and freezes. Three men got him, two have him pinned down, another one is hurting Noctis. A flash of blade and it's bloody. Noct's eyes are scanning the area and it dawns on Ignis. He's looking for me.
Ignis is up on his feet in a flash, giving the room a look over. Noct's sword is nearby and he moves to pick it up, quietly. By dumb sheer luck, a gun had been near it too and he pockets that. He has his daggers on him, but he could use any advantage right now.
He says nothing as he grips the sword in both hands, quickly moving to strike the leader in the back of the head with the flat blade of the sword. Ignis pushes the leader back, stabbing him hard in the chest with Noct's sword, knocking him back further. He drops like a load of bricks on the ground. Ignis spares him no words or thought as he turns back to the pair that are holding Noct down.
He's angry, terrified and as he pulls out the gun, he knows that he can't lose Noctis. Not now. Ever. He'd been letting his rage fuel him since he gotten up, letting the love and care he has for Noct fuel his need and desire to rescue Noctis. He's breathing hard and he quietly thanks Prompto for the gun lessons as he aims the gun at one of them, firing off a shot. It hits him, knocking him back from Noctis and he lets Noct's arm go as he stumbles back. Ignis is quick to fire a shot at the other terrorist holding Noct down, dropping the gun in the process and grabbing his dagger from his side.
That'd been a mistake on their part, leaving him armed like that. Another big mistake was leaving him unrestrained so he was able to move.
He moves quickly to the terrorist that he just shot at and grabs at his shoulder, stabbing his dagger into his chest. Blood pools out as he yanks his dagger out and stabs him again, delivering a killing blow. He yanks his dagger out and eyes search for the last one. No way is he letting them get out of here alive after what they did to Noctis.
The last one is attempting to crawl away, hand on the gun shot wound. Ignis huffs and runs on over, foot stomping down on the terrorists ankle. ]
Oh no, you don't. You're not leaving here alive. [ Ignis' tone icy and dangerous, anger in there, masking his worry and fear. Don't let him be too late.
He kneels down and yanks the guy up by the arm, dagger flashing into the gut, then again and again until the life leaves his eyes. Breathing hard, Ignis lets the terrorist drop and scans the room, seeing the three men dead. His dagger drops from his hand, they can always get new weapons later. He walks on over to the leader just to check, before his eyes fall on; ]
Noct! [ He's at Noctis' side in a flash, green eyes scanning him, worried sick. Is he awake? He's not alright, there are nasty wounds all over him. He sets his non bloodied hand on top of Noct's, quietly begging.
Please be awake... ]
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Ignis... please...
Then a hand touches his, and he blinks weakly, gaze flitting around until he finds Ignis hovering above him, holding onto him. He hadn't had a chance to check Ignis over before the ambush had interrupted him. Is he hurt? Is he okay? If there are any injuries, he can try to heal them before he-]
Iggy, [he manages with a shaky gasp, fingers curling around the other man's.] You safe...?
[There could be more of them, they could still be in danger. He needs to get up, heal Ignis, they need to run. He braces himself and tries to push himself upright, but every limb refuses to budge for him, frozen in pain or too weak to obey his mind's command. He cringes, biting his tongue against the pain, and curses his own weakness. Why won't he move? They don't have time...]
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I'm safe and unharmed.
[ Noctis... isn't, he's harmed badly. He lets their hands go and tears at the fabric on his sleeve, needing to do something about that shoulder wound. Once he gets the fabric off, he wraps it around Noct's shoulder, applying pressure to stop it from bleeding out further. ]
... Noct? [ His eyes are shut and Ignis' heart jumps in his throat. Panic hits him. No, don't be. Please. With shaky fingers, he feels around Noct's pulse and finds a steady beat of his heart.
He quickly moves to Noctis' other side and picks up him up carefully and hastily, giving him a quick glance. He's trying not to panic as he moves around the fallen bodies, stepping outside. His breathing is coming out shaking. Ignis steps quicker after that with only a single thought running through his mind.
Save him.
Then he almost bumps into someone and he steps back in surprise. ]
Dave! [ He hasn't see the man in.... years. His tone coming out quick and shaky. ] Help us, please. He's hurt. I... [ He looks down at Noct's form in his arms, frozen in place himself and trembling as he talks again. ] I have to help him, I... I can't lose him. [ again.
Tears drip off Ignis' cheeks at the mere thought of it. He can't do it again. He can't. ]
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[ Dave gets them back to the Leville safety and he shoos Ignis away, seeing how emotional the other man is. All Ignis can do is watch Dave patch up Noctis, pacing back and forth.
Will he be alright? Was he too late? What if he doesn't wake up? A few other thoughts like that plaguing him.
A hand claps itself onto his shoulder and he's face to face with Dave. He's done all that could do for Noctis, he's paid off their hotel room and he'll back in a few days to check up on them. He also mumbles to not worry about the building that they'd came out of, that he'll take care of it. ]
Thank you for everything.
[ Once Dave's gone, Ignis rushes to Noctis' side, taking his hand on both of his. He watches Noct's chest rise and fall with every breath that he's taking. ]
You were the one that was in danger, [ he murmurs quietly, tears falling off his face once more. ] yet you were worrying yourself sick over me.
Oh Noct, I... [ Ignis squeezes his eyes shut, trembling. ]
... I need you with me. Please, come back to me.
[ Losing him again, Ignis doesn't know if he can go through it. It's cruel to get Noctis back, just to fail him again. He doesn't know what he'll do if Noctis dies like this. He'll break. ]
--------
[ Nothing can get Ignis to lose his composure like this, Noctis being in danger. All of his rational thoughts go out the window and as he sits there, that much hasn't changed at all. He has a can of Ebony between his hands, the can itself trembling.
He hadn't slept much at all. Too worried sick to sleep, his mind plaguing him with nightmares. Nightmares that he'd failed Noctis and he'd woken up in a panic just to check up on him. Relief had flooded his system as he checked Noct's vital signs. The relief was only temporarily however, as he can do nothing else besides sit and watch from the table, trying to keep the dark thoughts out of his mind. Trying, but failing.
Movement? Or was it just his imagination? Either way, he's up on his feet, the can of Ebony clattering loudly to the ground in his haste to get to Noct's side once more, taking his hand in both of his and sitting down on the bed. Worry and fear is written on Ignis' face, hope stirring in his heart. ]
Noct. Are you with me?
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His hand twitches on the bed, almost reaching for a moment until another hand closes around it.]
Ignis...
[The name is on his lips before his eyes open,and after a moment of struggling with it he finally manages to crack them open and look around for the one he'd been hoping to find at his side. Ignis... he's right there, waiting for him. Alive and well. And... he's alive, too. He stares quietly, tiredly, trying to parse what he sees as real. This isn't a dream, is it...?]
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[ Ignis breathes quietly, watching him stir awake. He's so relieved to hear Noctis' voice again and to see his eyes opening...
He removes one of his hands from Noct's and leans forward a bit, placing that hand on Noct's cheek, thumb rubbing there in a comforting gesture. ]
... How are you feeling?
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Like... I got shot? [In retrospect he's pretty sure that's what happened. And stabbed, and kicked, and probably some other stuff too.] You saved me...?
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When I woke up, they were hurting you bad, Noct.
[ His eyes searches Noct's shoulder and gives a shake of his head. He doesn't want to talk about what he did in general, but; ]
I saved you, just as you saved me before.
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[A little morbid, but his tone is almost humourous. He starts to shift his arm so he can push against the bed, maybe try to sit up, but just trying makes him hiss in pain and remain horizontal. Whoops, moving hurts right now. Instead he focuses back on Ignis.]
Thanks, Iggy... you made it just in time.
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You need to keep resting.
[ He's gentle as he slides onto the bed next to Noctis - staying away from the shoulder side that's hurt - and carefully wraps an arm around Noct's middle, laying next to him. He rests his head down on Noct's shoulder, lightly resting. ]
When I woke up here, you were gone. What happened, Noct? [ That's been bugging him too, there's no anger in his voice, just worry and fear. ]
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...ah. The voice.]
I heard her, [he says at last, shifting a hand to grasp at Ignis' hand around his middle.] Gentiana. She called me away... I couldn't refuse her. [He smiles tightly.] The price of coming back, I guess. She wanted to talk, and wouldn't take no for an answer.
[He hadn't even had time to leave a note- and even if he'd had time for it, what would he say? He couldn't even promise to come back, when he'd known so little.]
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What did she tell you?
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[He didn't know what happened to his corpse after he died - didn't especially want to know, too morbid - but even if it still existed somewhere, it would be nothing but a skeleton by now. He likes this better.]
She told me I'm free... I can live any way I want to, now. Same with all the Messengers. [His grip is still weak, but it tightens a little around Ignis' hand.] I can stay.
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He strengths his own hold over Noctis. ]
"Unfinished business," [ He repeats, letting that sink into his system. ] You came back to save me... [ letting the puzzle pieces slip into place. They share a love so strong, he feels like. That nothing could keep them apart for too long. ]
... What about your memories?
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[He glances away briefly, unsure, as he's not certain how Ignis will take the news. But after a long moment he closes his eyes, steels himself, and forges on ahead. Screw it. He's not ashamed of his choice- and he chose this. Memories are a small price to pay for getting to live on with the love of his new life. When he looks at Ignis again, his expression is determined and unwavering.]
If I waited, I wouldn't have made it to you in time. It was my decision to come back before I was whole again.
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... You gave up your memories just to save me. Oh, Noct...
[ That is a grand gesture of love if he'd ever heard one. He can't talk himself, since he saved Noctis in a really risky way in Altissia, where he could've died.
Ignis lifts his head up, gently carefully getting his out from underneath Noct's and looks into his eyes, reading him. Looking into someone that's in love with him too. A small smile falls into place on his face. ]
I love you, too. [ That's what he'd heard as well, there's other ways to say those simple words without saying them. ]
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[A life without Ignis... it doesn't sound all that fulfilling. Gladio and Prompto have their own lives, the rest of the world has moved on and forgotten him. What would be here for him? It sounds like nothing but a waste if he stops to think about it. A waste of Ignis' life, a waste of his own revival. He'd never want to come back only to be alone, nor would he want to sacrifice Ignis' life just to give himself a few more tidbits of the past.]
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He gently lifts his hand up a bit on Noct's middle and laces their fingers together. His first reaction is to pick Noctis up and squeeze him hard, but that can wait until he's healed.
All he hears is I love you without Noctis saying it. After what he's heard about Noct being able to stay... and it was his choice to come back and save Ignis, throwing away his memories in the process. A price to pay for that.
He's loved. Undoubtedly so. He feels it and hears it from the man that's a bit embarrassed giving him a smile. Ignis' own smile gets a little bigger and he leans in to kiss Noctis softly, closing his own eyes. No, nothing else matters right now, other this man and this moment that they're sharing. Together. ]
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Thank you for loving me, [ Feeling absolutely grateful to have Noctis back in his life like this. He tries to fight off sleep, but he's failing. He mumbles a soft apology before sleep claims him, luring him into a world of dreams. ]
-------
[ When he wakes, he's not even sure how long he was out for. He blinks sleepily, looking up at Noctis. Did he sleep at all...? ]
Noct?
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He's smiling as he dozes, though.]
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Ignis shuts his eyes again, nuzzling against Noctis while he waits for him to wake up fully. ]
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