hugtopia_logs | ♥ October (Lasohm) Fourth Wall Log

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♥ October (Lasohm) Fourth Wall Log

kool aid man crashing through a wall then nervously stepping out again

October (Lasohm) Fourth Wall Log

❥ Speaking of Wall Breaking...

The ghosts in town sure are weird, huh? But they're settling down, as the month draws to a close. They're becoming less anxious and random, their behaviour growing sort of… focused. As time passes some of them begin to develop features. They can interact with the world more consistently. You can… hear their voice.

And then suddenly they are people, real and physical and just as confused to be here as you are. They could be anyone, from your world, someone else's world, a place you've never heard of… some of them could even be you, from a different universe, a different timeline, an unknown reality. What does all this mean?

IT'S FOURTH WALL, Y'ALL. Tell your friends, people interested in apping or just playing around in the setting, anybody! Time to break the wall down and have some fun.

This post serves as a replacement for the usual Test Drive Meme, in order to consolidate the chaos a bit. Though it is being posted now, timeline-wise, this shift will occur ONLY during the weekend prior to applications opening: October 30th to November 2nd, after which point characters will either disappear or become permanent residents via the application process. This also means that the rest of the event effects will have worn off, and characters will be their normal selves through the duration of this prompt.

Some ground rules for the 4th Wall event:

For characters/accounts not in-game:

a character does not have to meet application qualifications to post to the 4th Wall Event, except in cases where there is an intent to apply when applications open. Duplicates, CRAU, AU, etc. are permitted for the event.
we do ask that crack shenanigans are reasonably limited, game rules are followed, and that the event involve characters only, not players or real people.
anyone can toplevel! It'll be a free for all. Go wild, have fun.
characters will be given a temporary, low-tech communicator for the duration of the event with limited network access, due to limited availability of the real deal.
you will not arrive with any items/companions beyond the clothes that you wear
check out the Setting or FAQ pages for location details! Also, have a look at the October event log, to see what else is going on these days.

For characters/accounts currently in-game:

players can decide for themselves at the event's conclusion whether or not memories of certain visitors remain, and to what extent; memories could become fuzzy, faces or communication obscured, they could disappear entirely, or they can remain fully intact whether the person apps into the game or not.
network communications with 4th Wall visitors that don't (or can't) app in will be wiped, with the locals citing a data error related to the older communicators being used. Technology can be unpredictable, huh!
any communication exchanges that you WANT to keep can remain with some discretion; for example, if a spouse visits and you happen to take a selfie with them, and they do not (or cannot) app but having that photo of them would give you comfort, feel free to keep it.
Similar to the TDM, 4th wall threads cannot be used for AC or AC Reward purposes unless it is between characters already in-game.

Click the above prompt to expand for details. Timeline-wise, this occurs October 30th to November 2nd. For players currently in-game, if you have any questions, please direct them to the FAQ or to the Mod Question thread on the original plotting post.

On this post, we've created both another Questions Thread and a Toplevel thread (see below) for visiting players, the latter so that anyone can track and see who's posted! When you've made a toplevel, feel free to comment HERE to let everyone know.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[This is worrisome. Is it the vision he received, is it that he knows Noctis is going to die? He opens his mouth to answer - that it's okay, that he knows - but having to explain how, to get into the revelation of Bahamut and the last significant conversation he can recall with the Ignis who had been here before... he doesn't want to. He doesn't want to assume, either. Maybe it's something else, something buried much deeper.

He tightly purses his lips and shakes off the urge to cut in to spare Ignis having to say it, instead reaching out again to make sure the man can feel his hand. Ignis can't see his face, but he can at least offer the reassurance of his physical presence. He should have done so much more for Ignis back then, if he hadn't been so weak. Least he can do is be here and support him now. It'll be a long, long wait before he can do this at home again.]

It's a promise. [He's already carrying so many secrets. What's one more, after everything, for his oldest and dearest friend.] Tell me?

[ The physical touch of Noctis' hand is honestly welcome, now, more than ever. ] Thank you. [ He's going to need to borrow some of Noctis' strength to get through this. ]

... I'll start from the beginning. [ He hasn't even gotten to the rough parts of this yet and he can feel a lump in the back of his throat forming. He hasn't realized how badly this is holding him down. ]

I got separated from Gladio and Prompto early on. We were on a bridge when a magiteck engine got knocked towards us. The bridge got destroyed. [ He's knows he's lucky ] When I came to, I was in the water, holding onto a piece of wood.

I made it to shore. Prompto thought I was a goner, but it'll take more than that.

[ He shifts a little in his seat, causing the cat in his lap to let out an annoyed mew. Oops. He hadn't meant to do that. ]

I tired reaching you on the comms, but you weren't responding, Noct. I got worried. [ to the point where he got reckless ] I asked Gladio and Prompto to keep the enemy distracted while I figured out a way to get to you.

[ this part isn't too bad, he's not cracking yet. though he knows how this might sound to Noctis. ]

I had a bit of help. [ in more ways than one, really. the hookshot, Ravus... ] The first bit of help I received was from an enemy I destroyed. He had something on his arm that allowed him to cross the rooftops so I took it.

[ enjoy that mental image of him doing that, Noctis ]

I was told to try the Eastern Bridge, but when I got there, it got destroyed. I had no choice but to retrace my steps, but when I did, I heard two voices. Ravus and Caligo.

[ He pauses here for a second, allowing Noctis to absorb this so far. Wondering if he recalls Caligo as well. ]

[Noctis furrows his brow, listening quietly. It's a story he'd gleaned only hints of, never the full tale; a part of him had wanted to ask, but he hadn't wanted to make them revisit bad memories, just as much as he'd not wanted to think about his own experiences that day either. It had all gone badly enough, from start to finish. From the moment the Imperials arrived, everything went wrong.

Their biggest mistake was thinking he could handle fighting an Astral alone. It was only the second time, Titan had taken all four of them together, and Leviathan was so much bigger... of course they'd all struggled, and of course he'd failed. He was probably unconscious by that point, if Prompto had already regrouped with the others and got separated again.

It's kind of nice to hear about Ignis' adventure, but now he knows where this story is leading them. The story of his injury, of what happened while they were separated, and everything he'd slept through. Gods, he's not ready for that one either.]

Ravus...

[He doesn't care about Caligo, never has. But Ravus... that one's personal.]

[ It's just one word out of Noctis, but it easily tells Ignis that he's here and listening. He shifts their hands a bit so that their fingers are laced together. I need you is the quiet unspoken words here.

He's starting this story from the start just so Noctis knows what he went through to get to him. And how he got his scar. ]

Ravus ordered a full retreat, but Caligo wasn't amused by it. After Ravus left, I heard Calgio accuse Ravus of caring more about his sister than the mission.

Even with the order to retreat, it was still quite the struggle to get to you, Noct.

[ He exhales a breath here. ] I overheard the commander asking for a retreat himself, in three minutes. I asked for a ship and was given it. [ He's gonna gloss over that he had to fight for it a bit ]

I made it there and took the ship out. I thought I was in the clear to reach you, but something knocked me out of the ship. Caligo had pursued me. I had to swim back to the ship, it ended up being a chase on the water. He asked me to surrender, but I would never.

He pursued me in some magiteck armor. I was thrown out of the ship once again but onto land this time. In short, we fought and I destroyed the magiteck.

He was badly wounded, but I didn't deliver the killing blow. Ravus did. [ Ignis stops for a second to catch his breath here. ]

I got surrounded by the enemy and I thought he was after me. [ He shakes his head a little. ] Ravus saved me, can you believe that? He wanted to join forces, leaving me little choice but to trust him and figure out his angle.

[ He takes a minute to catch his breath again and to let Noctis ask him questions. ]

[Ravus killed Caligo... to some degree it's unsatisfying, because they'd wanted to avenge Jared themselves, but it would be worse if he'd gotten away without consequence as they'd assumed. This is better, at least. His greater concern is always going to be his friends, the Imperials come well after everyone else unless they can't be avoided.

To hear that Ravus helped though- that is the strange part. He didn't know why or when Ravus had turned on Niflheim, besides the rumours in Tenebrae that he'd been executed. Guess this answers that lingering question. Or confirms when, at least. The why is something he might never understand. He wonders if even Ravus himself knew.]

I only believe it because you're telling me, not gonna lie. That guy... I really never understood his deal. Did he want me to be king or not?

[He shakes his head, exasperated. It was never about him, he knows. Ravus prioritized Luna even more than Noct himself did, and neither had managed to save her. But Ravus knew the cost of the covenants, and never bothered to explain himself. Maybe if they'd managed to work together... but of course he'd never have trusted her with a Lucian. Not again, even after all these years.]

Sounds like you had a hell of an adventure without me. Sorry for the trouble.

Perhaps I should finish this out so you can come to a conclusion yourself. [ Ignis says softly. Truth to be told, even he doesn't know to this day.

But first.] When it comes to you, Noct, it's no trouble. I always have your back.

[ and what a way for him to have Noctis' back indeed. ]

We got a chance to talk, Ravus and I. He made it clear that Luna was the reason why he went against the empire. Our goals had aligned in that moment, both of us wanting to save someone special to us. [ He doesn't need to say who here. ]

He kept his word, he promised a way to the altar.

[ He pauses, lowering his head down, not really looking at anything. ] We got there but I was stopped by her dog. I was given a vision of sorts. [ of Noctis' fate, though he doesn't voice it. He's quiet as he thinks on it, unaware of his own hand squeezing Noctis' hand tighter. ]

[...Ah. And there it is.

Noctis is quiet for a long moment, his fingers equally tense in Ignis' grasp. It's been months since that moment- months since the vision he'd received of his fate, even more since he faced down Bahamut and learned the truth of what it meant to be Chosen. Months since Ignis originally told him, quietly and carefully, that he already knew the truth, before Noctis could even say it. Now here he is on the other side of things.

Funny, how time and distance and a repeat of history doesn't make any of it the least bit easier. He truly wishes that wasn't the case. If Ignis never got that vision... he wouldn't ever have to say it. Not until the day came and it was too late to stop.

It takes longer than he'd like to admit to find his voice again, quiet and torn.]

I... I know what you saw. I've seen it too.

[The throne, the old kings and queens stealing his life away, blade after blade. The face of his future, lined cheeks and tired eyes he doesn't yet have but can recognize as his own. His father's sword, aimed at his heart. The dawn, waiting to rise.

His fingers tremble a little, and he tightens them, trying to force it away. It's fine. It's fine, he's accepted it. It shouldn't matter right now.]

[ He knows. The weight of Noctis' words crash down on him like a load of bricks. It's a relief to hear that he knows. ]

How...?

[ How does he know that Ignis knows? His past self?

He can feel Noctis' fingers tremble and he squeezes them tightly. ]

Noct, I... don't want you to die. [ He says quietly. It's selfish and he knows it, but he can't bring himself to care. The world can burn in his opinion if it means saving Noctis in the process. ]

It isn't what I wanted to tell you, but... [ he trails off, completely caught off guard by this revelation. ]

I didn't have time to think about what I saw then, not until later. I refuse to accept a world without you, Noct. I... I can't.

Iggy...

[He shouldn't be surprised. All the years Ignis has devoted to his service- no, to their friendship as well, all the time and infinite patience he'd given to the prince, all at the behest of a king who gave such a lofty request to children when they were too young to choose for themselves. He'd spent a lot of time, since he learned the truth, thinking about how to handle these moments. Prompto would be okay one day, he thinks; he has photography and technological passions, he's so good with people despite what he might otherwise believe. Gladio's stronger than any of them, he could find fulfillment in guarding the lives of the people around him, not the brat he'd barely tolerated for years and recently has learned to resent for the weaknesses he'd demonstrated, tethered to his job by lineage and family expectations just as much as Noct himself. They'll miss him, they'll grieve him, but they could live good lives once he's gone. Ignis, though... Ignis is the challenge. His whole life had been devoted to Noctis. Even his passion for cooking started because of the search for the Tenebrae recipe. It sounds so self-centered, but he can't think of what else Ignis does with himself. So much devotion, wasted on someone with no future.

He can't let that stand. Ignis deserves so much more.]

Ignis- you can. You will. When I do this... [Not if. When. When. He needs Ignis to understand.] When I do this, Lucis won't have anyone left. The world's already falling apart, it'll need people like you to do what I can't. I'm not... I was never going to be king. Not a real one, at least.

[And so much of his life makes sense in retrospect, now. Looking back, the limited training, council meetings skipped while he was in school or otherwise occupied with serving the community instead of being the prince in his castle, with Ignis attending in his absence. He knew more about the country, the government, the important people both domestic and abroad. No one else was better suited or educated. His dad knew he was going to die... he must have also known someone would have to lead when the monarchy was destroyed for good.]

...I need you to do this. You've already given me so much... just do this one last thing. [He holds Ignis' hand in both of his again, lifting it, pressing them collectively to his forehead as his voice drops to an urgent whisper. It's cruel perhaps, but...] I need you to live for me.

[ Ignis' world feels like it crashing apart, crumbling into pieces as Noctis talks to him.

It's true, he's spent his whole life dedicated to Noctis, doing everything for him since they were children. He'd never forget that meeting, even though he was young, far too young. He remembers a very young Noctis shyly smiling at him, taking his hand in both of his. He's holding onto that image now.

Ignis - it's the first time he's heard Noctis use his full name like that and not his usual nicknames. He's serious.

It's also true that he wouldn't know what to do with himself without Noctis by his side. He recalls what he felt when the crystal snatched him away.

A world without his oldest and dearest friend is terrifying. He can't fathom, accept it. ]

T-there has to be a way to save you and the world. [ Going off his vision, they've got time to figure something out. Right?

His heart and mind both hurt. He can feel his hand being pressed against Noctis' forehead.

I need you to live for me. is what pushes him over the edge. He's normally collected and can keep his own emotions in check, but he can't. He's trembling and a tear slides off his cheek. ]

I... [ he's not at all surprised by the lump in his throat. he takes a breath and tries again ] You're my oldest and dearest friend, Noct. The thought of losing you that way, it's... terrifying.

[ He reaches out with his free hand and tries to find Noctis' side, he wraps his arm around Noctis and tugs him into Ignis, needing a hug. Needing the contact. ]

I can't accept your fate. [ he whispers, voice crackling. ] But I'll try to do what you ask of me. I'll live if it... [ if it comes down to that. not when, if. He's in denial about the whole thing. ]

I'll live for you, Noct.

[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.]

[ For once, he's absolutely quiet, letting Noctis' words roll through him. For a long time, he doesn't speak, quiet in his own thoughts and world.

He knows the lengths that he'll go to save Noctis, hell, he's even had nightmares about his own death. He doesn't like to remember those dreams. As soon as he's up most days, he's quick to wash them away from his own mind.

He knows he's strong, he's worn the Ring of Lucii, but hasn't told the full tale yet. They were in the middle of that when this completely blindsided him. He hadn't expected himself to fall to pieces like this and for once, he's not ashamed of it. For once, he wants the contact, despite not being a touchy feel type of guy.

His grip only tightens on Noctis, afraid of what's to come for their future. He knows he'll have to accept it someday, if he ever can, but that day is not today.]

Noct. [ His voice is a little stronger than it was before, having calmed down a bit. ] You're stronger than you know. [ If Noct can accept this and he can't, then that makes the prince much stronger than him. ]

I hope you know I'll do everything in my power to find a way to save you. We've got ten years.

[ He takes a deep breath. ] When I saw you on the altar, I didn't know what to think. [ he admits freely ]

Luna, she was, dead. I couldn't tell if you were okay until Ravus tried to kill you. He blamed you for Luna's death. I had to get in the way of his sword, putting myself between you and him.

I had my dagger to block his attack on you. [ he amends after an afterthought. ] I had to fight him and talk him down, get him to see to reason. I drove my dagger into his right wrist.

The only thing he wanted for Luna, was to be free of her calling. To live and love as she pleases. I want the same for you, Noct.

[ At least he's talking again, as a means to distract himself and to finish off his own story. ]

[He doesn't feel especially strong, particularly in light of all that's happened and now, but he'll try his best to maintain some semblance of strength as long as Ignis needs it. He pulls back enough to look at Ignis as he speaks, watching his expression. He's not as good at reading people as he'd like, so expressions can make all the difference.

Ravus... of course he had to start a fight. He's hated both he and his father since Tenebrae fell, since Glauca had cut Sylva down in front of all of them. As if they didn't all gain a mutual enemy that day. Luna understood, and he wished Ravus could have found the same conviction. Perhaps if they'd stood on the same side, the line of the Oracle wouldn't vanish alongside the Lucian kings. And Luna would have been glad that her brother survived, too...

Impossible not to wince at the mention of Luna's death, though. Months later and it's still an open wound; it might always be. He keeps his mouth shut though, listening quietly and nodding as Ignis continues. His fate isn't the end of this story.]

[ He swears he can feel Noctis watching him and he might've felt him nodding. He takes a moment before he speaks up again. ]

"Gladio" showed up, but... [ he hesitates here, especially after their earlier talk about Ardyn ] I was fooled, but Ravus wasn't.

... It was Ardyn taking on Gladio's form. Things happened quickly.

I was apprehend by M.T.s, they had a good grip on me. I was thrown to the ground and my wrists were held behind my back. Ardyn knocked me unconscious. I don't know how long I was out for. [ Nothing more than a few minutes, he guesses. ]

When I came to, he was squatting near me with a knife in his hand. He taunted me and moved towards you, Noct.

[ He takes a shaky breath, recalling all too well the helpless he felt in this next moment. ]

He threatened to stake your life. Struggle as I might, I couldn't get free. I'd never felt so helpless and so terrified for you, Noct.

It was Ravus that saved you. He chucked his own knife at Ardyn and it knocked his hat off. [ of all things, thanks Ravus. ]

Ardyn didn't take too kindly to that and blasted Ravus back with his magic. He let you go.

I was made an offer, to either stay on the watery grave or to go with Ardyn.

[He took Gladio's form. Of course. That should have been the first sign that Ardyn was capable of so much more than they ever imagined. If only he'd known or stopped to consider it, maybe he wouldn't have been so stupid as to fall for those tricks on the train. Poor Prompto.

And... Ardyn offered to take Ignis with him...? That part, he hadn't heard before.]

You... didn't go.

[His tone is surprised, though not entirely by the choice made. If Ignis ever left with Ardyn, it wouldn't be by abandoning Noctis- although Ardyn had tried his best to instill that fear in him back in Zegnautus, implying that Gladio and Ignis would leave him there to die. (And after everything, he wouldn't have blamed them either.) But no, Ignis is too smart for that. It would have been tactical. As for Izunia himself... is this why he took Prompto? Because Ignis wouldn't go with him willingly? But they were already going to Gralea...]

What happened?

No, I didn't go. [ he confirms that much and the fact that Noctis had woken up to an Ignis in his room is telling to. ]

I don't know what came over me. [ he thinks back on that moment when he snapped. ] I don't know where the strength came from, but I was able to shrug off the M.T.'s holding me down like they were nothing.

[ he was able to get up and stand on his on two feet. ]

Noct, please, please don't blame yourself. [ if Noctis is still close enough to Ignis, he can pick up on his nervousness from his breathing and his heart beat picking up.

the fire that had burned in his heart will forever stick with him. the desire and will to protect Noctis. ]

When Ardyn let you go, the Ring of Lucii rolled out of your hand and stopped mere inches from my face. When I got up, I picked up the ring.

[ No stopping now. He'll finish it out. ]

I took an oath to protect you, Noct and I'll forever stand by it.

I put the ring on. [ he finally admits ] I knew the full risks when I put it on, it was a gamble on my part. I asked the Kings of Lucis for their strength and they saw my favor.

[ small, small pause ] When they saw my favor, my eyesight went. The last person I ever saw, Noct, was you. [ he can remember reaching out to Noctis, even as the fire burning pain was hurting him. ]

I went toe to toe with Ardyn until the ring's power ran out, but it was enough to get him to retreat.

I felt weak after that, collapsing somewhere and when I did, I took the ring off. Ravus found me and all I could ask about was you. He assured me that you were ok thanks to what I did.

Gladio and Prompto found us and I don't recall much after that.

[ He's quiet for a second. ] I'm so sorry, Noct. I'm so sorry.

Please. [ voice falling to a whisper ] forgive me. [ He can hear himself saying that in the past on the altar. Begging for Noctis' forgiveness. ]

["I put the ring on."

As soon as the words are uttered aloud, it's like the world falls out beneath him. He sits frozen, his breath picking up, stunned speechless, and all he can do is try and focus on everything else Ignis is saying while those four words echo over and over in his mind. He put on the ring, the ring that burned everything it touched, that was slowly killing his father, that claimed Nyx's life and burned many others alive for their hubris. Only royal blood, he knew, was the rule. Only those worthy. And Ignis survived, but he wouldn't have known that, and it took so much from him, all for-

-all for him, who'd failed everyone else already, who only existed to die anyway, who Izunia would never have killed because he wasn't the champion he wanted to destroy yet. To save him. Of course he's going to blame himself. How could he not?]

No, [he finds himself whispering, his voice shaky. Wait. What had Ignis said-] Iggy, no, you're so- why would you do that!? Why would you take such a huge risk for me? You're crazy!

[He pulls back, setting his hands on Ignis' shoulders to stare him down. Even if Ignis can't look back at him, he can't... he can't believe. There'd been hints, and he'd had suspicions, but to hear it from his own mouth...]

Iggy... you shouldn't have done it. What if you'd died...?

[What would he have done if Ignis had died? Does he think that Noctis would be any less broken, to find out that Ignis had died for his sake too?]

[ Why would you take such a huge risk for me? You're crazy!

He knows that he's gone and hurt Noctis with this confession. He's had a lot of time to think too. Looking back on his actions, it had been on impulse. In the heat of the moment and the fact that he was sick of seeing Noctis' life being on the line - the not knowing if he was safe or not before he got to the altar, Ravus wanting to kill him, Ardyn toying with his mind over threatening Noctis' life. He'd snapped. Big time.

He had a lot of time to think things through while he was waiting for Noctis to wake up in his hotel room. He knew how reckless he'd been. ]

Noct. [ he's surprised at how even his tone is. ] Things happened fast on that altar and it was an impulse decision on my part. [ One that's living with now, one he doesn't regret doing. ]

[ He swears he can feel Noctis' eyes on him. ]

It wasn't just that, or the oath to protect you. You're family, my best friend and I couldn't stand to keep seeing your life on the line from various sources that day. I snapped when I put the ring on. I wasn't in the right mind, admittedly.

[ He's normally a smart man but this? wasn't a smart decision.

He can feel Noctis' hands on his shoulder, really feeling the stare down from Noctis. He returns the favor with moving his own hands to Noctis' shoulder and tries - keyword tries - to meet his gaze.

What if he'd died? A shiver goes up his spine as the nightmares flash before his eyes of his death. What if he had gone with Ardyn that day? Would those nightmares had come true? He quickly shakes it off.

He tries to come up with an answer to that and he can't. He's failing. ]

I'm alive. [ he says as he squeezes Noctis' shoulders. ] Deep down I think a part of me knew that I could pull through. If I had been in the right state of mind, I don't know what I would've done. [ Would he put the ring on had he been more right in the head? He doesn't know. ]

But I do know this, Noctis. I won't dare leave you now or do anything that reckless again. You... have my word.

[ Noctis is... special to him, he knows that much. Family, friend, brother... someone he's known since they were kids. He loves Noctis, not in love, but loves him dearly. ]

Idiot...

[It's said with no venom or anger, only grief, and he helplessly bows his head, exhaling his shaken breath. Ignis is right, as usual. He isn't the one normally prone to recklessness, but he's seen his friend dive in between him and certain death when he's unable to rescue himself; it's saved his life a few times before. This risk... it was definitely greater than any before, but it's not outside of something Ignis might do for him. He wishes that wasn't the case, that he could go back and wake his useless self up and make him save Ignis from that fate. But there's no changing the past now.]

Accept the consequences... and never look back, huh.

[A weak laugh escapes his lips, humourless and miserable. He's never been a fan of that family pledge. If you never look back, do you ever truly learn? It's abandoning the past that got all of them into this mess in the first place. He doesn't want to forget, or move on and ignore everything. He wouldn't be who he is today without regret.

Lifting himself upright again, he slides his hand from Ignis' shoulder to his face, his thumb brushing lightly over the scar near his eye. It's long healed, weeks ago by the time they hit Gralea, but he can imagine what it must have looked like before. Grim and ashen, like what the ring does to him every time, like the scars left on Nyx's neck. Is he the only one who gets to heal from it? What's the point in paying a price that's only temporary? Or is it because he'll only burn away when the end comes...

Whatever the reasoning, he wishes he could heal it now. He misses the colour of Ignis' eyes, his clear gaze, the way he saw him when no one else did.]

Ignis... you don't need anyone's forgiveness, you didn't do anything wrong. But if it's what you need, then it's yours. [He'd forgive Ignis for anything. He's always been there, it's the least he deserves.] Thanks... for saving me.

[ Well, he deserves that one. He won't argue that one. He doesn't respond to the next comment or the weak laugh escaping from Noctis.

When he feels Noctis' hand touch his face, his scar, he leans into it a bit, granting his silent permission for Noctis to touch him. Ignis has no idea how badly the scar looks now or what it looked like in the first place. Going off from Prompto's reaction, he had been in bad, bad shape.

He misses seeing Noctis, seeing people, seeing things. It's a learning process to find his footing in things again. He's wishing he could see Noctis' smile. ]

I needed to hear that from you. [ His tone soft and thankful. ] I always got your back, Noct.

[ His hands fall off Noctis' shoulders and he fumbles a bit to tug off the glove where the ring had sat on his finger. He lifts that hand up to let Noctis see the damage there, if there is a scar that is. He isn't sure. ]

Yeah... yeah, I know.

[He shifts his hand to brush over the mark left behind by the ring, familiar as the one on his own hand, or his father's. All of them have scars from carrying it, but Ignis' are just more obvious than the rest, clear as day on his face. They look like normal burns now, rather than the ashen grey and glowing orange he's more familiar with, but he feels like a fool for not fully recognizing it before. He'd only noticed the hints of a truth he hadn't wanted to acknowledge could be real.

A "small sacrifice", Ignis had said. How wrong those words are. With a soft noise of resignation, he lowers his hand again.]

Just... do me a favour, and promise you won't ever do that again. Let me do the protecting for once, okay?

[ When Noctis is done studying his hand, he goes to tug the glove back on. He's been wearing that glove to hide whatever scar is there.

He actually gives a small, but weak smile. ]

I promise, Noct and I know you have my back. [ he's just too used to protecting Noctis, but the prince has come through for him to in battles. It was quiet and unspoken between them, but he got the sense that he wanted Ignis along after Gladio's dismal of Ignis.

He's not sure himself of how he's supposed to keep protecting Noctis, keep having his back in ways that he used to. He's been struggling with that too. He doesn't want to feel useless and darn it all, he's trying his best to find his way around things again. Battles especially are a big one that he wants to keep figuring out. Cooking, if given the right tools, he can find his way around. He knows his recipes by heart.

He's quick to find Noctis' shoulders again, letting his hands fall around his back and pulling him into a hug. ]

You know I'm not the touchy feel type, but we need this.

[Noctis scoffs against his shoulder, surprisingly unresistant, instead winding his arms around Ignis to hug him back. There's a glimmer of amusement in his tone, in between all that lingering sadness.]

Did you forget where we are? You should get used to this more. Even I have, kind of.

[He's still fussier with hugs, admittedly, since hardly anyone knows how to hug him without bothering his old scars, but he's getting better. And Ignis is one of the few who can get away with this with minimal complaints on Noct's part. Ignis wants a hug? He can have a hug.]

[ He just smiles a bit a that. ]

It'll... take some getting used to. But I'll manage.

[ Good thing that there are people from back home here, he wouldn't be super comfortable hugging strangers right off the bat at least.

He lets them linger for a couple of more minutes before he speaks up again. ]

I thought I smelled bakery goods when I got here.

Hey Noct? Go get some cake or something. [ No, he's not sick. ] Refresh our drinks? [ Hoping that he can get some more coffee?

Truth to be told, he wants to have fun and be a little normal now that all of the hard stuff is behind them. ]

Whoa, you sure you're the real Iggy?

[He bumps his hand against Ignis' forehead as if checking his temperature, though it only lasts a second. He pulls back and stands, snagging the empty dishware since he'll be heading to the counter anyway.]

You're in for a treat. The chefs here bake as good as you do. I'll be right back.

[It's rare to find someone on par with Ignis, even back home in the fancier restaurants, but there's little sense in denying it. He can see for himself.

He disappears to the kitchen area for a couple of minutes, leaving Ignis alone with his own thoughts, and potentially the cats. Eventually he returns with clinking plates and sweet smelling aromas; he sets another coffee in front of Ignis, along with a thick piece of pumpkin torte. For himself, hot chocolate and a strawberry tart smeared in icing.]

It's pumpkin... it's like they knew you were here.

[Why must it be vegetable cake!!]

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