[All he does is stare, trying to get his brain to somehow compute what he's just been asked. It takes far too long and far too much effort for the question to sink in and even more to formulate an answer.]
Because... do you remember when we were young, how you used to sneak me out of the citadel so we could watch the stars? And anytime I had a nightmare, I would never run to my dad. I'd always come to you. I never feel as safe as I do when I'm with you. You make me feel like I can do anything.
Of course I remember. [As if he will ever forget something like that.] I also remember all the sweets we keep stealing before dinner; hiding under blankets during thunderstorms; playing the piano in the empty music room; sneaking into the garden to feed that stray kitten that cook took in eventually.
I remember everything, every little detail, every memory and moment we spent together. They are all precious to me in ways no one will ever understand, and I don't even care if they don't.
You were always important to me, far beyond anything in this world. [He leans his forehead against Noct's and closes his eyes,] And I'd trade the entire world, watching it burn to the ground- if it meant keeping you happy and safe.
[Each word plays within his ears, sliding down into his system and soothing the ache that had settled over his heart. Perhaps he would never fully understand why any one of them held the feelings for him that they did. Would never see within himself the things that they saw.
But it didn't matter. It didn't.
Noctis had chosen Ignis. A decision that was entirely his own. Based on a lifetime worth of moments and memories that were only held by the two of them. Built upon the foundation that had been laid within his heart and soul the very moment he had taken Ignis' hand within his own.
Inhaling deeply, he allowed his eyes to fall shut once more and leaned into it, centered himself within that warmth and closeness.]
[It's not something that could be put into words. If it were that easy, it wouldn't be as meaningful. At least that's how Ignis sees it. The memories he shares with Noctis, a time in his life that he would never replace with anything- they will forever be a bright, shining star in his mind that shows him the way. That it is Noctis who gives him strength and support whenever he needs it- in his own ~Noctis~ way.
And he wouldn't have it any other way.
His hands come up to wrap around Noct's back, keeping him close and speaking in low voice,]
Then I will keep on going forward, always by your side. Staying there as long as you want me to stay. Because all I want for you, Noct, is to be happy. And I will do anything to grant you happiness.
[Always. Anything. Beautiful words that defines their love. Foundation built upon a bed of promises. So easily given it might appear unbelievable. Each one carrying so much weight that not even the strength of a hurricane mixed with a volcano could break it.
Those arms drew him in, surrounded him in warmth and comfort and kept him close. And he melted into it, surrendering to the embrace, to the power and strength of it. Breathed his faith and hope into this man which held his still beating heart within his chest.
Love was such a flimsy word. Short and weak and barely enough to explain what it was that he felt. This overwhelming, consuming fire that had been ignited deep inside of him. And he ran towards it, danced in the flames, fear the furtherest thing from his mind. Ignis was safety.
Ignis was everything.]
Marry me. [Two words. Three syllables. Slipping out and rolling off his tongue before he could ever hope to stop them.] That's what would make me happy. To be yours.
[The words of promise to always be there might sound empty to others, but to Ignis- they are as real as they are standing here, in the small kitchen of the cabin. He was always there with Noct, from the day he met him, until his last day in Altissia; and then here, too. He doesn't intend to leave his side, ever. It is probably an insane thought for the others but to Ignis, Noctis is his entire world.
Noct's words, however, knock all the air out of his lungs and make his eyes snap open. M... Marry him? Here? The logical part of his brain is instantly coming up with explanations as to why this is such a bad idea but...
...the constant darkness around them. The flickering lantern in the corner. The look in Noct's eyes and sound of his voice. What if they get reset, or devoured by World Eaters?
Ignis takes Noct's hand and places a soft kiss where his ring should be, giving him a soft look.]
I don't think there's anyone here that can marry us but... we can always exchange vows...
[A thousand different scenarios could play out within the blink of an eye. There were already so many things that Noctis held buried deep within himself as regrets. So many things that had been left unsaid. What if one of them were to die a second time? What if they weren't lucky enough to be resurrected? Could he withstand going through the motions of burying the body of this man? Of his husband?
He could. He thought he could, at least, if it carried along the knowledge that they had spent the time they had been given well. If this wasn't simply one more thing to add to the ever growing pile of suffering that rested upon his shoulders.]
That's okay. [Breathless now, heart preparing to beat through his ribs and out of his chest from the overwhelming excitement and never ending love and devotion he felt.] Let's do it, Iggy. Down by the water. Just the two of us.
[He's run those scenarios too, in his head, wondering if he could find a way to make their time here as worth as possible. Back when they were alive, they were fearful of the future, but managing to find the means to handle it day after day. Right now, he's dreading it, not wanting to accept the fact that one day, there might not be a chance for him to see these beautiful blue eyes ever again.
Ignis never wants to add to the burden Noct is wearing, only lessen it, if he can. There's a smile on his face when he brings up the dock and water and Ignis nods.]
I think it's the perfect place for it. [He kisses Noct's forehead.] We should probably wait a while until the dock is built. [There's a lot of people down there right now and Ignis wants to avoid them. His vows to Noct are for his ears alone.]
[Something very near a soft whine rises up in his throat at the thought of having to wait, especially when everything within him wanted nothing more than to take Ignis' hand and rush off down towards the water this very instant.]
Can we at least pick a date? Maybe sometime after Christmas.
[Not that Noctis hadn't ever given it an ounce of thought. What would a wedding he actually planned be like? Not exactly the royal affair that had been waiting for him in Altissia.]
[Noctis is convinced that the cutest thing in the entire world is when that bit of pink comes into Ignis' cheeks. Especially knowing that he was the one who put it there.]
Hey! It just kind of slipped out, okay? [And boy was he ever glad that it did.] You're gonna be a great one, Iggy.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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I could ask you the same. Why do you like me?
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Because... do you remember when we were young, how you used to sneak me out of the citadel so we could watch the stars? And anytime I had a nightmare, I would never run to my dad. I'd always come to you. I never feel as safe as I do when I'm with you. You make me feel like I can do anything.
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I remember everything, every little detail, every memory and moment we spent together. They are all precious to me in ways no one will ever understand, and I don't even care if they don't.
You were always important to me, far beyond anything in this world. [He leans his forehead against Noct's and closes his eyes,] And I'd trade the entire world, watching it burn to the ground- if it meant keeping you happy and safe.
no subject
But it didn't matter. It didn't.
Noctis had chosen Ignis. A decision that was entirely his own. Based on a lifetime worth of moments and memories that were only held by the two of them. Built upon the foundation that had been laid within his heart and soul the very moment he had taken Ignis' hand within his own.
Inhaling deeply, he allowed his eyes to fall shut once more and leaned into it, centered himself within that warmth and closeness.]
A world without you isn't worth saving.
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And he wouldn't have it any other way.
His hands come up to wrap around Noct's back, keeping him close and speaking in low voice,]
Then I will keep on going forward, always by your side. Staying there as long as you want me to stay. Because all I want for you, Noct, is to be happy. And I will do anything to grant you happiness.
no subject
Those arms drew him in, surrounded him in warmth and comfort and kept him close. And he melted into it, surrendering to the embrace, to the power and strength of it. Breathed his faith and hope into this man which held his still beating heart within his chest.
Love was such a flimsy word. Short and weak and barely enough to explain what it was that he felt. This overwhelming, consuming fire that had been ignited deep inside of him. And he ran towards it, danced in the flames, fear the furtherest thing from his mind. Ignis was safety.
Ignis was everything.]
Marry me. [Two words. Three syllables. Slipping out and rolling off his tongue before he could ever hope to stop them.] That's what would make me happy. To be yours.
no subject
Noct's words, however, knock all the air out of his lungs and make his eyes snap open. M... Marry him? Here? The logical part of his brain is instantly coming up with explanations as to why this is such a bad idea but...
...the constant darkness around them. The flickering lantern in the corner. The look in Noct's eyes and sound of his voice. What if they get reset, or devoured by World Eaters?
Ignis takes Noct's hand and places a soft kiss where his ring should be, giving him a soft look.]
I don't think there's anyone here that can marry us but... we can always exchange vows...
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He could. He thought he could, at least, if it carried along the knowledge that they had spent the time they had been given well. If this wasn't simply one more thing to add to the ever growing pile of suffering that rested upon his shoulders.]
That's okay. [Breathless now, heart preparing to beat through his ribs and out of his chest from the overwhelming excitement and never ending love and devotion he felt.] Let's do it, Iggy. Down by the water. Just the two of us.
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Ignis never wants to add to the burden Noct is wearing, only lessen it, if he can. There's a smile on his face when he brings up the dock and water and Ignis nods.]
I think it's the perfect place for it. [He kisses Noct's forehead.] We should probably wait a while until the dock is built. [There's a lot of people down there right now and Ignis wants to avoid them. His vows to Noct are for his ears alone.]
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Can we at least pick a date? Maybe sometime after Christmas.
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Hmmm... how about we make New Year's Eve even more special?
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[Not that Noctis hadn't ever given it an ounce of thought. What would a wedding he actually planned be like? Not exactly the royal affair that had been waiting for him in Altissia.]
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Only just now. I am less of a spontaneous person and more planning, you know that. Still... it was just the thought that occurred to me.
If you don't like it, we can choose some other date.
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[In battle. In decisions. In his entire life, really.]
No. I like it. A lot, actually. I just kind of can't believe it, you know? You're gonna be my husband.
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A husband, huh?]
You can't believe it and yet you're the one that asked. [Ignis chuckles in good humor.] ...I hope I'm a good one. [Husband, he means.]
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Hey! It just kind of slipped out, okay? [And boy was he ever glad that it did.] You're gonna be a great one, Iggy.
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I am glad it slipped. [He gives Noct a short peck on the lips.] I will do my best.
[He looks towards the pantry and then back at Noct.]
Do you want to make some strawberry jam filled crepes?
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That peck earns him a soft smile, and he dives in for another before Ignis can retreat fully.]
What kind of question is that? Of course I want crepes.