[It's not a perfect response, but it's what he'd expected. He's been trying hard to make up for past mistakes since coming here, since learning about the truth, trying to get everything all sorted like an old man settling debts before he dies. Most people don't get the luxury of knowing so far ahead of time. He could have died so many times already, suddenly and without a chance to sit down with friends and family, give them a heads up, share with them his final thoughts and words and apologize for stupid regrets that both matter and don't at the same time.
He doesn't resist the hug for even a second, pulling close and wrapping his arms around Ignis, hoping it gives him some comfort against the fear of a future that will come for them, whatever they might hope for otherwise. It breaks his heart to see Ignis of all people crying, and for him, really? He feels like he's done so little to deserve everything this man's ever given him. He didn't earn it, he was just born with this luxury, the proverbial silver spoon of royalty. In one small way, his long absence might be a blessing, though it doesn't outway the cost of all the daemons will take in the process: they'll have ten years to learn how to live without him. Maybe they will find a way to save him, who knows. But he'd rather not hope and be disappointed later. Doubting in that future will only make him falter, and he doesn't want more regrets to carry with him to the grave.]
You're stronger than you think, Iggy. [His hold is tight, stubborn, a sad bit of laughter in his tone as he speaks.] I know you can do it. The others need somebody to look after them, right?
[They're hopeless without him, all of them. Noctis most of all. With one-third of his responsibilities gone, just imagine what amazing things he'll be able to do with his life! It should be exciting, really. He'll be happy for Ignis from the other side, if he can find fulfillment in a prince-free existence.]
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He doesn't resist the hug for even a second, pulling close and wrapping his arms around Ignis, hoping it gives him some comfort against the fear of a future that will come for them, whatever they might hope for otherwise. It breaks his heart to see Ignis of all people crying, and for him, really? He feels like he's done so little to deserve everything this man's ever given him. He didn't earn it, he was just born with this luxury, the proverbial silver spoon of royalty. In one small way, his long absence might be a blessing, though it doesn't outway the cost of all the daemons will take in the process: they'll have ten years to learn how to live without him. Maybe they will find a way to save him, who knows. But he'd rather not hope and be disappointed later. Doubting in that future will only make him falter, and he doesn't want more regrets to carry with him to the grave.]
You're stronger than you think, Iggy. [His hold is tight, stubborn, a sad bit of laughter in his tone as he speaks.] I know you can do it. The others need somebody to look after them, right?
[They're hopeless without him, all of them. Noctis most of all. With one-third of his responsibilities gone, just imagine what amazing things he'll be able to do with his life! It should be exciting, really. He'll be happy for Ignis from the other side, if he can find fulfillment in a prince-free existence.]