hugtopia_logs | she's gonna say yes y'all

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!: noctis lucis caelum

she's gonna say yes y'all

♥ Who: Noctis and Pyra
♥ Where: In town
♥ When: Early December!
♥ What: Time to ask some very important questions
♥ Rating: S for Sugar

[It's funny. He's been fussing and wondering and worrying about this for what feels like ages, ever since the decision was made and he went about taking steps to prepare for it, his nerves fraying at the edges just about every time he thinks about it. Yet here he is, waiting for Pyra to meet him outside of a familiar little cafe in the middle of town, dressed nicely (it was a date, so of course he is), and somehow he doesn't feel nervous at all. There's been a curious sensation of peace that followed him out of the strange dream (memory?) of Pitioss he'd shared with her and Ardyn, chasing the mysteries of Eos deep into the core of the planet, looking for a way to change fate, to fight death. Learning about how space and time works according to certain gods, the possible origination of the curse that was killing their world, experiencing the unpleasant and unnatural cycle of death and revival. They didn't find exactly what they were looking for, but the resolution to not simply go quietly into the night like the gods require of him that the experience brought to him has, ultimately, done wonders for his mental state. He's… good. He's doing really good now. For the first time in ages he feels hopeful about the future rather than defeated, angry, sorrowful. It feels more like the determination he'd felt back when Insomnia fell and they'd all pledged to fight back and win, except instead of revenge for their home it's a wish to build a better future that drives him forward. It's better. He's better.

He'd promised he would do this when he was ready, and in truth, he'd felt ready months ago. It was well past time. Rather than nervous, he's… excited. He's eager to finally give her the answer she'd granted to him a long time ago, to ask what she's been waiting for him to ask.

He straightens up a little as he waits, chin lifted, watching a gentle snowfall dust the ground around them. He really couldn't have gotten a better day if he'd prayed for it.]

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[ Winter wear is unnecessary for her, given her natural body temperature, but today she's dressed for her date in a simple, cozy sweater-dress. Pyra's swapped her usual earrings for the skull-motif ones he'd given her a year ago, and they sway as she walks up to him, waving her hand in greeting. ]

You weren't waiting long, I hope.

[ As an established couple, they're well past the point of dating-- but that doesn't mean she no longer goes on dates. In fact, it's the opposite, and she's never grown tired of making dates their own special occasion. ]

[He returns the greeting, elevating it to a handhold when she draws close enough so he can tug her in for a quick kiss. Seeing her here at last makes his heartrate kick up, growing more excited for what he has planned. She looks lovely, but that's not unusual, and seeing her in those earrings just hits home all the harder how much he's incorporated her into his family already.]

Not long at all. Figured I'd wait out here because it's kinda noisy inside; it looks like they're behind today. I was thinking we could order, and then hang out here until it's ready?

[A gentle ploy. They are busier today, but there's room aplenty inside. Outside for the moment is his goal.]

[ She smiles at the kiss, answering with one of her own in return. So sweet, as usual. Hand settled snugly in his, she nods agreeably. ]

Let's.

[ And as she turns to him to nod agreeably, she gives his expression a notable pause. There's something... excitable? about his gaze today, but she can't figure out what.

Though before she can think too deeply on it, there's another snowflake that falls, one that settles right atop his dark bangs. ] Ah! [ She exclaims, grinning. ] You caught a snowflake.

Hm?

[He squints, trying to see it, but with it being in his own bangs he ends up cross-eyed and halts before it get him dizzy, smiling playfully instead.]

Here, it's for you. [He leans in, brushing it out of his hair and into hers, like a proper nuisance.]

[ If only she had a camera. Too late, the snowflake falls onto her, where it promptly melts from her unnatural warmth. She's giggling at the antic, though. ]

Stop, stop! The first snowfall of a year... Isn't it supposed to be good luck?

I don't know about that. Maybe? I hope so.

[He doubts he needs luck here, but every little bit helps. At the very least, luck to make this turn out the way he's planning, or something.]

What're you in the mood for? I remember this place having really good pastries.

Hm... That depends. [ Somehow she manages to make her smile both innocent and coy. ] Are you treating?

[ She could literally order every single type of cake they have. ]

I did ask you to come, so yeah. My treat, whatever you want.

[Either of them could probably buy out the whole store if they wanted to, so... not really a problem. (Though they'd be here for a while if she wanted all of it.)

With a light pull of her hand he guides her to the door, opening it for her so she can head in. The quaint and cozy cafe is occupied but not overly bustling, with a few people scattered throughout, including Shoremerans. They've been here before, so the menu is familiar.]

[ Once they enter the shop, she places an order for a strawberry shortcake, topped with whipped cream, of course, and waits for him. ]

[The leftover feeling of nerves has him not especially hungry, but he suspects it'll kick in later so he orders a plate of little puff pastries with cream and chocolate, along with hot chocolate for them both to accompany, since he remembers it was good here. Once their orders are in and paid for, he tilts his head towards the door and guides her out again. Distractions settled... and now they have something to look forward to afterward.

Once they're back outside, he glances around, then guides them to a space where there's a layer of snow freshly fallen and mostly unmarked by those passing by. Satisfied, he turns back to her.]

Do you remember where we are right now?

[It had taken him some time, but he'd tracked it down, and he suspects her memory is a lot better than his. It's where they danced that first time, where he'd taught her the formal Lucian waltz, spoken of expressions of love, changing fate, of duty and consequence. Their parting had gone much differently back then, but looking back, that was one of the first times they'd found themselves on the same level when it came to defying fate, despite whatever else his loved ones wanted. (To not do it, to not risk changing too much, to not fail.) Now, years later, they stand together on the opposite end of the decision, united in their desire to defy death, to create a new future, to live. He'd known so little back then. He still doesn't know much, but he knows at least one thing: he won't be changing his mind again.]

[ The snow continues to fall around them, and by the time they reach the plaza, she's already noticed how they're retracting their steps, in a sense.

This is where they shared that first dance together beneath the snow, tracing a pattern of his family's sigil into the ground.

Pyra's arm hooks around his, cozying up against him. ] Mm. [ She nods, her voice made soft with the fondness of the memory. ] Like it was just yesterday...

[He nods, reaching a hand up between them to give hers a squeeze where it's wrapped around his arm, glancing down at her with a soft smile, all affection.]

I thought about that day a lot, in retrospect. How much we've changed since then. How far we've come. Probably shouldn't have done that dance, but I never regretted it. Not with you. [He lowers his voice, fingers curling.] Dance with me now?

[It's rare for him to be the one to ask her. But today is all about asking, isn't it?]

[ His voice lowering, his fingers curling, him asking her for this dance, just the two of them with the snow above... A true prince-- king charming. ] Do you know how romantic you are? [ She teases, gently, but curls her fingers over his in turn, replying: ]

Of course.

[ She recalls how the dance goes, having memorized it since that day onward, both the steps and the story behind it. How far they've come, truly. ] I remember how it begins, but... I believe you lead.

Mm... got an inkling. Maybe I'll step it up a notch, if I'm doing that good already.

[He's glad she thinks so- that this is romantic. He'd wanted it to be - that was the whole point, to bring them back to where they started, to circle back to how far they've come - and he knows she's much easier to please than he perhaps deserves. Still, it's reassuring, and it gives him momentum and the courage to keep going.

They assume the position and as she'd said, he leads the first step, guiding them through the first arc of the dance with more practiced ease than any other time they'd done this. His movements are smooth, his posture relaxed, and the way he holds her is warm, and intimate. Each time he spirals her away he makes sure to draw her close again, his breath warm and steady between their bodies.]

If someone had told me back then I'd be here again, like this, feeling like this... I don't think I'd have believed them. There's no way the person I was could ever feel... I dunno, capable. Worthy. Like I was allowed to be this happy, when there was so much I had to do, still. So many people counting on me. All that destiny stuff was a weight on my shoulders. [They don't miss a step, but he slows the dance down, just enough so he can press close, resting his head against hers, close to her ear.] I chose to change, because you believed in me.

[ Snow continues to gently fall around them, catching in their hair and dusting atop their shoulders. She feels as if her feet are gliding over the ground as they pivot and turn, drawing out one petal to the flower-like sigil, then the next. Breathless, she rejoins him after one more spin, her grin widening from ear to ear.

Has he been practicing, she wonders?

Her fingers interlace with his as he draws close enough to speak into her ear, and she adjusts her own steps to account for the slower tempo. Pyra turns her head, adding a brief kiss to his cheek-- not exactly part of the dance, but one she couldn't resist. He is worthy, he is capable, and above all: his choice matters. ]

And you... [ She should probably say more, but all that comes to mind is this, as if it suffices for a summary of all that he has given her in return: ] You taught me how to be brave. You inspire me.

[They have no music to dance to except for the beat of his heart, so it's easy to shift from pace to pace, though eagerness to reach the conclusion - not because he couldn't dance with her for ages longer, because he could, but rather so he can see her expression when they get there - has him picking them back up to the expected step count. They twist around to carve the next petal into the snow, circling around the plaza.]

I've known for a long time that we make an awesome team. And we've come this far- no reason to think we couldn't keep nailing it, going forward. We're both amazing, right? We'll be amazing. Here, and wherever else we go.

[ She finds herself hanging onto his every word as he speaks of the future-- their future together. If carries the weight and significance of a promise to them both.

And... not only are his steps far more confident and leading from when they first shared this dance years ago, but his words are, too. Gone is any hesitation or trepidation from speaking of the future. It's not a question of if. They will, and they will, specifically, because they are together.

She's lucky to have him. So very, very lucky. ] Where you go, I go. Where I go, you go.

[ By his magic and by her crystal, they are inseparable. They'll be with each other, always, both in soul and heart. ]

Where you go, I go.

[It's so easy to echo, a promise familiar and unsurprising, but always good to hear nevertheless. They're drawing close to the end; it's not an especially long dance, the movements repetitive, easy to memorize but tricky to pull off the shape of it. He hasn't looked down - knows it's a surefire way to trip - but he can tell, he knows they're pulling it off, they'll find that familiar sweeping shape in the snow again, better this time. They're synchronized, perfectly matched, partners through and through. And while the tradition may be all but dead and gone, Insomnia fallen and the Citadel in shambles, it still matters, because the two of them know what it means.

One more twist around, one more spin, a lift, and then the finale: he dips her, assuming that last pose, holding her close with his hand lifted to stave off the weight of the world. They might have gained an audience, performing in the street again like this, but he can't tell because right now his eyes are only on her. His voice is soft, his eyes infinitely more so, as he whispers,]

I love you.

[They're both lucky, and he never wants to give this up.]

[ On the ground she feels as if she glides across the snow. Lifted, she feels as if she could touch the sun. This is it, the part up to which the rest of the steps had been building up-- her favorite part of the dance, the finale of the lift, spin, all in quick, coordinated succession, until they stop in a dip, his hand at her back.

She angles her neck, looking up at him as he holds her, breathless and beaming, adoration reflecting in her eyes. Her arms remain around his neck, but a part of her dares to bring one hand to his front, wanting desperately to feel the beat of his heart. And there she finds it, full of life, fluttering, and making her feel lighter than before.

"I love you." ] --I love you. [ She whispers in return, not a second later. ]

Always, you.

Mm.

[It's never been so easy to agree with her. The pose lingers for a few seconds longer, as his heart pounds excitedly against her hand and they gaze at one another as if there's no one else in the whole world. Slowly he eases her up again, back on two feet, and holds her hands in his, fingers intertwined once more. He leans in, bumping his forehead against hers, noses touching, and for a moment just breathes in her presence, taking strength from all that she is.]

I'm ready, [is all he says.

And in a familiar flash of blue crystals, he turns there hands over, and resting between their joined fingers is a ring. Small, silver, with a pale blue gem at the center, surrounded by a triad of smaller stones of ruby, citrine, alexandrite.]

[ If there had been a reason for him being especially romantic today, it culminates to this. The flash of his magic mixes with the falling now, and while she could easily gaze into his expression and adore his smile for hours on end, the twinkling lights call her attention down to their hands. There, he holds a ring between their hands, pressing the cool metal against her palm.

A quiet sound of surprise escapes her, and she looks from the ring, to him, then back to the ring. It dazzles in the light, or maybe that's simply the mist in her eyes that makes its shine all the more brilliant. Immediately she can tell the thought he's put into it, three different colored stones surrounding a larger, blue one.

"I'm ready."

She's ready, too.

She's been ready, been prepared to spend the rest of their lives together ever since they talked of returning to his world together. But even with that, if she had a heart it would doubtlessly be hammering away at this. ] Noct...

[ A rosy, delighted blush colors her face as her fingers curls around both the ring and his. She raises her head, unable-- no, unwilling to hide any of the adoration that paints across it. How long has he been planning this? How nervous had he been? She wants to ask him all these things, because although they had discussed this before, she had been none the wiser that it would happen on this day.

...In hindsight, she should have guessed: the cafe, the plaza where they danced, the dance itself-- it's been perfect. ]

Is this where I say "I do"? [ Her voice, hushed from excitement, ends with a short, breathless laugh as she attempts to diffuse some of her nerves. It's to no avail, of course, and so she continues. ]

Because I'm ready, too.... For everything, Noct. [ For what they have planned, saving them both, for returning to his world and living. ] For our future together.

[He'd known. She had told him, a long time back, what her answer would be. "Is this your way of proposing to me?" No, had been his response. "But when I figure it out, I hope you'll say yes." She'd given her answer then, almost a year ago, and nothing since then had changed so drastically between them that he'd ever thought she would say differently now.

Well, he figured it out. And she's telling him yes. But he'd vowed to ask the question, so with a broad smile he shifts their hands so he can hold one of hers beneath his own, lifting the ring to slide it onto her finger, a planned and perfect fit.]

Pyra... will you marry me?

[It's not a wedding, not a marriage yet. They have to ensure they have a future before he can give it to her properly. But if they make it, if they live, if he can save the world and she can save him then he'll give her a wedding fit for the queen she'll become, fit for the incredible woman she is right now. He'll spend the rest of his life trying to show her every day that this is the right call, for both of them. He wants to feel like this always.]

[ She's been waiting all this time to give him a formal yes, and now that he's finally posed the question-- ]

Yes.

Of course-- [ He's already slipping on the ring, and she extends her finger to allow it to take its place. A part of her wonders if this, too, will somehow make it back to Eos, and she sincerely hopes it does, but the thought is quickly brushed aside. Pyra takes a few moments to admire the ring set upon her finger-- forgive her, feeling its weight is different now that it's there, both physically and culturally. ]

Of course I'll marry you. [ She repeats herself, lost to the bubbling, fluttering, inspiring feeling as she lifts her hands to wrap them over his shoulders and around his neck, pulling him towards her. Yes, she knows this is sappy; yes, she knows this could very well be a cliché.

That's not going to stop her from kissing him fiercely right where he stands, unable to contain her joy, gratitude, and adoration. ]

[The ring is on her finger where it belongs, he has her answer, and she's kissing him now; all very good reasons for him to wrap both arms around her and kiss her back, fierce and gleeful, his heart still pounding with a pace that could only be described as giddy. It's such a different experience than being told he was getting married, the way it was with Luna. The state of a technical engagement is the same, but for it to be his choice, for it to be with someone he's spent so much time with, understood his feelings for, loved on such a deep level up close rather than from afar- it's a feeling that can't be compared. He can't wait to make this a reality back home, too. If the ring is lost, he'll get her a new one. If no one but him remembers her, he'll introduce her to everyone he needs to, certain that they'll love her as well. And he's sure that, should she see how happy he is, Luna would have blessed this union. Unlike before, there's no guilt this time. Only the steadfast belief that this is right, that this is good, that this is what they both deserve.

He pulls her up, swinging her around, and draws back from the kiss laughing and breathless, leaning in to catch her lips once, twice, again.]

This is... so cool. I can't believe it took that long. Can I just say? You have incredible patience. [Another kiss, because he can't not. Like his lips can absorb and pass between them the mutual joy they're both feeling in the moment.] Thank you.

[For so much. Waiting for him, saying yes. Loving him. Doing this absurd little dance with him yet again, without even knowing it would end would a proposal. ...Mostly for saying yes.]

[ Pyra throws her head back, laughing as he lifts and spins her around again, and when he sets her back down, she readily meets his kiss each time. Her arms stay over his shoulder. Although the ceremonial dance is completed, she continues to sway with him, confident that the warmth she shares with him will carry him through the snowfall. ]

As if it was that hard to say yes! [ Seriously, it would feel awkward to say "you're welcome" to a proposal, when she wants this as much as he does.

And, knowing how much proposing-- and choosing to do so-- means to him given his history, she's glad he took all the time he needed. Whether engaged or not, she's never felt as if their time was less. ]

Okay. Maybe it was a little difficult, [ She teases him, grinning coyly. ] You're too dazzling, it made me a little nervous.

[ This is absolutely a joke, there is not even a trace of shyness in the way she holds him. ]

[He hopes it was worth the wait, for her. It was to him, but that's mostly because for so long he hadn't thought they even had a future, that all they had was this world, and marriage was just a formality. It'll hurt, to not get married with his father with him like they have here, but he doesn't have Ignis and Gladio here in exchange, or Cor, or the rest of his still-living allies who sacrificed so much for him, and would surely like to see him learn how to lead them into the new world with such fine support at his side. The past is the past. They're moving toward the future, now. A king pushes onwards.]

You were nervous? I couldn't even tell. What did you think was going to happen?

[She opened the door, so even as a joke, he's got to tease her now.]

Mm-- [ Now she has to follow up with something silly and absurd! After the recent events, an idea comes easily to her: ] Oh, that right at that moment, another giant worm, seeing your dazzle as a lure, would spring out of the ground.

[ She lifts on her toes, giving him another kiss. ]

But I'd protect you anyway.

[He laughs, shaking his head. He's had enough of worms! But the visual is absurd enough to be funny.]

Thank Astrals for that. I'd have been so distracted I would have let it swallow me up.

[Save him from his own eagerness to get hitched, Pyra. Also yes, kiss him more. He's all for it.]

[ If she could make a list of all the favorite places to kiss him, it would be this:

✓ him.

That's it. All of him. In public, though, she'll have to settle for peppering his lips, the corners of them, and his cheeks, pulling away only because she knows all of it will leave him blushing, and she doesn't want to miss it. ] Too bad for it, I'll be eating you up first.

[ waggles eyebrows ]

[His brows quirk at that, followed by his lips into a different kind of smile.]

We should both eat well tonight. You know, to celebrate.

[ /MENTAL FINGERGUNS ]

[ She notes his smile, and she manages to hold his gaze up until she can't, finding herself bursting into laughter at how obvious they're both being. Not that there is any sort of crowd around them as they dance in the open snow.

Pyra finds herself snuggling closer to him, arms wrapping around his back. As always, she's mindful of the scars upon it, knowing exactly where to position her hands so as to hold him. Their dance has slowed even further, now nothing more than a gentle, slow turn. ]

I would like that. Cake first, then you, and then... The beginning, [ She murmurs quietly. ] The beginning of our lives together.

Mm... looking forward to that. All of it.

[His arms wrap around her waist, rocking them gently in a circle, leaning his head against hers. Whatever they want to do, going forward... soon, it'll really be their choice. Not everything, of course- they still have a world to save, then to heal, and as king he'll still have responsibilities. Even with all of that, though, the future is bright and open, with so many opportunities awaiting them, so many paths to choose from. It's... exciting. And who knew one little ring on her finger would make it all the more real?]

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she's gonna say yes y'all

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