[ Pyra’s fond smile breaks into a grin, truly touched. ] My first nickname…
[ She won’t be getting over this any time soon, and it’s likely that when he calls her the nickname in the future, she’ll be delighted and blushing again just because. ] I’m glad you’re the one who’s given it to me.
[He means it, actually. It's odd to think about, someone so apparently long-lived hasn't had an experience so simple and integral as getting a nickname, something he's so used to that he doesn't even think about it- at least, not unless someone uses his when he's not yet comfortable enough. A part of him feels bad about it, but he's mostly glad that he gets to enjoy her first reaction.]
[ Her head shakes against his shoulder. ] Mm… She was more often referred to by a title.
[ Or “simpleton”, when she was being foolish.
Pyra doesn’t seem particular bothered by the lack of a nickname up until now, though. It simple wasn’t a thing they had, not something they thought about before. But now that Pyra has a nickname, she’ll cherish the moments when he calls her by it. ] “Aegis”… or… “it”. We’ve been called that, too.
[ Her body adjusts slightly against his, as if aware that telling him this might ruin the comfortable mood they’ve just found. So much of her past isn’t pleasant, though, so it’s hard to discuss it without some level of bittersweetness.
But she doesn’t want to make things awkward, so: ] Our names… we like those better than titles. [ That, she knows, is something to which he can relate, so she turns her head to look at him, eyes glimmering with appreciation. ] And the nickname you have for me, too.
[He makes a faint, displeased noise at the "it" part, quietly stewing on it and the injustice of the unpleasant things that he's learned of her world and history, how she's been treated. He can recognize that she's trying not to dwell on those bad memories though, especially when she looks at him, so he exhales and goes back to stroking her hair, hoping the gesture will mollify the both of them, at least a little.]
I never liked titles all that much, either. Anybody can have a title- there's been a hundred princes, you know? A name's personal, it's yours. Nicknames are even better.
[There was probably another Noctis in history- maybe a different prince, or an everyday citizen, he has no idea. But did the others go by "Noct" to their friends? Was the pronunciation the same, did they prefer a different or a middle name instead? Who knows. It isn't him. And the same goes for Pyra; there must have been others, but none of them were her.
Something pulses in the back of his mind, heavy and ominous, and the feeling is familiar enough that he knows not to chase it, pushing it aside in favour of holding her more tightly. This is better.]
[ He doesn't like titles... she doesn't like them either. Is there anyone who does-- anyone who's born (or created) into them, at least? Other titles like captain, doctor, senior, she can understand. But among royals, she's found that at least some of them prefer to simply go by their name.
She allows herself to be pressed against him as his arm holds her slightly more tightly, just enough to notice. Just enough to wonder if something else has bothered him. So she'll continue to talk, to keep his mind off of whatever it is. ]
You know... when we awakened, it felt if our names came to us instinctively. Mythra for light. Pyra for fire. [ Keepin' it simple. There's a pause, and she seems to suppress a giggle. ] You'd never guess what my brother's name is.
[ It's close enough that she'll give it. ] Mm... Pretty much. He decided to call himself Malos.
...A bit too on the nose. [ Then again, so are "Pyra" and "Mythra". ] But that's how we all are as siblings, apparently.
[ It's strange to think of it that way, truthfully. Malos has committed a number of horrendous acts, things she personally abhors and wants to fight against completely, and yet, there's something quaint about being able to make fun of him in this manner. ]
Damn, I was closer than I expected. [Well, even with so many words for darkness, the way she narrowed it down was very helpful. Not as many words for that.] I can't point fingers, my family's super obvious about names, too. My dad might as well have been called His Majesty King King the Kingliest.
[That's not even getting into Mors when their whole family is all about death. And Somnus? "Sleep", really, when he napped in the ring for thousands of years? It's kind of silly how on point it all is.]
[ She comments, happily, and makes a soft pleased sound. Really, both of their "families" are unconventional, which is something they can relate to as well. The names-aspect to it is just icing on the cake. ]
Were there ever any other Noctis-es... Nocti? In your family? Or other Regises?
[He chokes back a laugh at that- Nocti, god. That sure would be a way to pluralize him, huh.]
I can't think of any. A lot of the names of old kings have been lost to time. None of the kings I've researched or come in contact with have had those names, though.
[The ring hasn't shared any name twins, either, though he's not sure how he would even begin to check that. Shouting into the void, metaphorically speaking, doesn't get him that far.]
Mm… That means you’re the one and only. [ Not that it would have made a difference if a prior king had his name, but she likes to remind him that he’s special to her in every which way she can point out.
For a fleeting moment, she wonders what he would name any children he’d have, if he’d continue the tradition of naming his family so… traditionally, but simply. But that’s a thought not for right now.
Pyra turns further on her side, propping up her head with a hand, her elbow resting on the ground. ]
[He makes a thoughtful noise at that, tilting his head in her direction.]
What would you do, if there were two of me? Like you and Mythra, or something.
[Back when they first became a couple, the question that had been on his mind was more like, "what would you do if Somnus came back?" though he'd never dare ask it aloud. The idea of competing with another version of himself - very different people but with a similar background and appearance - had been daunting, especially when he felt he couldn't measure up with the Founder King. Now, though, the thought is more idle, almost playful. Like he's reached a point where he knows better than to worry, even if it did happen.]
Such as… a different version of you? I hear that’s possible, from people who come from other worlds before this one.
[ But a different version would have different experiences and different development. It could be possible that another Noctis would have no interest in Pyra, either. They’d look the same, but they could behave differently, and… ultimately, his looks aren’t what she’s fallen for. It was everything else, over time, and through thick and thin. That experience was unique unto them, not shareable with anyone else, not even another version of himself.
…
No, it has to be this Noctis. ]
I’d still want to be with you. The you who you are… it’s special and unique. You’re named after the night but you’re your own star, I think, and that’s the star I love.
[ She leans in, kissing his cheek once. ] And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
[Different versions... yeah, he's heard that too. There were two different versions in the world Gladio came from before his arrival here, and one of them was blind and a total asshole, apparently. He hopes those two don't show up here one day, as he's not sure how he would deal. If it's more for a joke, though-]
What, you don't wanna double up on the boyfriend? [He rolls to face her, cupping her face and kissing first one cheek, and then the other in return.] But you'd get so much of this.
[His tone is jovial, but the soft redness on his cheeks from the sincerity she just offered up is apparent, even in the dimming firelight. He certainly wouldn't want to share her with anyone else, and it's fortunate that she and Mythra are in such a unique circumstance that 'sharing' isn't really an issue. Though admittedly he does have some biased preference, with Pyra being the gentler soul he gets to spend every day with.]
Mmm, well, when you put it that way-- [ Pyra can't help a soft laugh flutter past her lips as he kisses her face twice, and he'll feel an upward tug of her cheeks as she grins, silly and delighted, in response. When she pulls away just enough to look at him, her eyes are shining with affection. Pyra's hand slips to his shoulder, giving it a small rub. ]
But no, I'll have you know that you, just one of you, is perfectly satisfying.
[ he does know how to satisfy her She, also, would not like share him like this with another set of Pyra/Mythra, if she had to think about it... ] My boyfriend spoils me so much, having two of you would be overwhelming!
[He does like spoiling her, but he might like it less if he had to share credit for it. He's a needy fella, the reassurance that he's doing well means a lot to him. He winds his arm around her again, tugging her close.]
Okay, okay. If another one shows up I'm gonna tell him to buzz off, I won't share.
[ Now pressed more closely to him, she snuggles against him to fit as perfectly as they usually do together. ]
Good, because... if another Pyra or Mythra shows up. I'll have to tell them the same.
[ Although, as anyone might imagine in such a scenario, she would be hella polite about it. Still, it's true. She wants to be the only one who gets to kiss this Noctis this way.
After a moment, her tone softens, her voice turning more sincere. She whispers to him, as if making a promise: ]
[He hums softly, the sound agreeable and thoughtful at the same time. He's tried to be mindful of wording like that, recognizing certain implications- her being what she is, who she is, and how people have sought to possess her before, he'd wondered if it was weird to think that way. It's not as if he thinks of her as a possession, far from it. She's not something to own.
Still, there's... a certain thrill to hear it, and he can understand why people like the turn of phrase. I'm yours. The thought of belonging, of her being connected to him and him alone this way, just as he is to her. He likes that. Loves it, actually. And so-]
I'm yours, [he echoes quietly, resting his head against hers. Just as much a promise to her, calm and content in the truth of it.]
[ And like this, she's content to drift into sleep alongside him, wondering not about the future or other versions of him that there might be, but of the present and the only Noctis she's known and grown to love. She's his. He's hers. Not as objects to each other, but belonging, a sense of home, comfort, safety, and care, all of which she also wishes to protect within the time they have together. ]
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[ She won’t be getting over this any time soon, and it’s likely that when he calls her the nickname in the future, she’ll be delighted and blushing again just because. ] I’m glad you’re the one who’s given it to me.
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[He means it, actually. It's odd to think about, someone so apparently long-lived hasn't had an experience so simple and integral as getting a nickname, something he's so used to that he doesn't even think about it- at least, not unless someone uses his when he's not yet comfortable enough. A part of him feels bad about it, but he's mostly glad that he gets to enjoy her first reaction.]
Mythra never got one either?
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[ Or “simpleton”, when she was being foolish.
Pyra doesn’t seem particular bothered by the lack of a nickname up until now, though. It simple wasn’t a thing they had, not something they thought about before. But now that Pyra has a nickname, she’ll cherish the moments when he calls her by it. ] “Aegis”… or… “it”. We’ve been called that, too.
[ Her body adjusts slightly against his, as if aware that telling him this might ruin the comfortable mood they’ve just found. So much of her past isn’t pleasant, though, so it’s hard to discuss it without some level of bittersweetness.
But she doesn’t want to make things awkward, so: ] Our names… we like those better than titles. [ That, she knows, is something to which he can relate, so she turns her head to look at him, eyes glimmering with appreciation. ] And the nickname you have for me, too.
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I never liked titles all that much, either. Anybody can have a title- there's been a hundred princes, you know? A name's personal, it's yours. Nicknames are even better.
[There was probably another Noctis in history- maybe a different prince, or an everyday citizen, he has no idea. But did the others go by "Noct" to their friends? Was the pronunciation the same, did they prefer a different or a middle name instead? Who knows. It isn't him. And the same goes for Pyra; there must have been others, but none of them were her.
Something pulses in the back of his mind, heavy and ominous, and the feeling is familiar enough that he knows not to chase it, pushing it aside in favour of holding her more tightly. This is better.]
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She allows herself to be pressed against him as his arm holds her slightly more tightly, just enough to notice. Just enough to wonder if something else has bothered him. So she'll continue to talk, to keep his mind off of whatever it is. ]
You know... when we awakened, it felt if our names came to us instinctively. Mythra for light. Pyra for fire. [ Keepin' it simple. There's a pause, and she seems to suppress a giggle. ] You'd never guess what my brother's name is.
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Bet I could if I knew his element. Mythra's brother... would be dark, maybe? But there's like eight words for darkness in my world.
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[ Easy deduction, there. ] But try more on the darkness-evil [ "Evil" is said with a playfully spookier tone here. ] side of things.
[ She looks at him expectantly, as if she can imagine he'll guess it correctly. ]
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...A bit too on the nose. [ Then again, so are "Pyra" and "Mythra". ] But that's how we all are as siblings, apparently.
[ It's strange to think of it that way, truthfully. Malos has committed a number of horrendous acts, things she personally abhors and wants to fight against completely, and yet, there's something quaint about being able to make fun of him in this manner. ]
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[That's not even getting into Mors when their whole family is all about death. And Somnus? "Sleep", really, when he napped in the ring for thousands of years? It's kind of silly how on point it all is.]
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[ She comments, happily, and makes a soft pleased sound. Really, both of their "families" are unconventional, which is something they can relate to as well. The names-aspect to it is just icing on the cake. ]
Were there ever any other Noctis-es... Nocti? In your family? Or other Regises?
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I can't think of any. A lot of the names of old kings have been lost to time. None of the kings I've researched or come in contact with have had those names, though.
[The ring hasn't shared any name twins, either, though he's not sure how he would even begin to check that. Shouting into the void, metaphorically speaking, doesn't get him that far.]
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For a fleeting moment, she wonders what he would name any children he’d have, if he’d continue the tradition of naming his family so… traditionally, but simply. But that’s a thought not for right now.
Pyra turns further on her side, propping up her head with a hand, her elbow resting on the ground. ]
I like it that way. Just… Noctis.
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What would you do, if there were two of me? Like you and Mythra, or something.
[Back when they first became a couple, the question that had been on his mind was more like, "what would you do if Somnus came back?" though he'd never dare ask it aloud. The idea of competing with another version of himself - very different people but with a similar background and appearance - had been daunting, especially when he felt he couldn't measure up with the Founder King. Now, though, the thought is more idle, almost playful. Like he's reached a point where he knows better than to worry, even if it did happen.]
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[ But a different version would have different experiences and different development. It could be possible that another Noctis would have no interest in Pyra, either. They’d look the same, but they could behave differently, and… ultimately, his looks aren’t what she’s fallen for. It was everything else, over time, and through thick and thin. That experience was unique unto them, not shareable with anyone else, not even another version of himself.
…
No, it has to be this Noctis. ]
I’d still want to be with you. The you who you are… it’s special and unique. You’re named after the night but you’re your own star, I think, and that’s the star I love.
[ She leans in, kissing his cheek once. ] And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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What, you don't wanna double up on the boyfriend? [He rolls to face her, cupping her face and kissing first one cheek, and then the other in return.] But you'd get so much of this.
[His tone is jovial, but the soft redness on his cheeks from the sincerity she just offered up is apparent, even in the dimming firelight. He certainly wouldn't want to share her with anyone else, and it's fortunate that she and Mythra are in such a unique circumstance that 'sharing' isn't really an issue. Though admittedly he does have some biased preference, with Pyra being the gentler soul he gets to spend every day with.]
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But no, I'll have you know that you, just one of you, is perfectly satisfying.
[
he does know how to satisfy herShe, also, would not like share him like this with another set of Pyra/Mythra, if she had to think about it... ] My boyfriend spoils me so much, having two of you would be overwhelming!no subject
[He does like spoiling her, but he might like it less if he had to share credit for it. He's a needy fella, the reassurance that he's doing well means a lot to him. He winds his arm around her again, tugging her close.]
Okay, okay. If another one shows up I'm gonna tell him to buzz off, I won't share.
[Even for a joke, let him be greedy...]
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Good, because... if another Pyra or Mythra shows up. I'll have to tell them the same.
[ Although, as anyone might imagine in such a scenario, she would be hella polite about it. Still, it's true. She wants to be the only one who gets to kiss this Noctis this way.
After a moment, her tone softens, her voice turning more sincere. She whispers to him, as if making a promise: ]
I'm yours, you know.
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Still, there's... a certain thrill to hear it, and he can understand why people like the turn of phrase. I'm yours. The thought of belonging, of her being connected to him and him alone this way, just as he is to her. He likes that. Loves it, actually. And so-]
I'm yours, [he echoes quietly, resting his head against hers. Just as much a promise to her, calm and content in the truth of it.]
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