[ Watching his eyes widen then his face flush, accompanied by his surprise that "It was- real?", she can't help but giggle softly. Pyra closes her eyes, leaning her head against his hand at her cheek, relishing the familiar, chaste touch he's given her before. If this is what it will be like to wake up to him every morning...
Her eyes flutter open, her gaze affectionate as her hand slides down to his upper arm, then back to his shoulder, only to repeat the motion. Her eyes are bright not with the morning light, but with fondness for him. She's happy to see him, to be near him, to have this little quiet moment just before rising for the day with him.
[The way she giggles and leans into him is proof enough- it isn't his mind and memory playing tricks on him. That's... kind of wild.]
I did, yeah. [She doesn't have to know how unusual that is, though.] You sure look like you did too.
[His eyes are still a bit sleepy, as it can usually take him a while to fully wake up, but a shy smile crosses his lips. Wow. Wow! They really- they did that! They kissed! And she stayed! That's... amazing.
[ She sure did sleep well, if how relaxed her smile is. Or maybe that's only because he's here with her.
She hadn't thought of greeting him with anything other than a good morning. But should she add something else? A compliment, a term of endearment? Should she have said good morning, handsome, perhaps beautiful, or maybe dear? Or maybe that's too much. Maybe that's not cool enough-- ]
Only because you're soft. Like a pillow.... A very handsome pillow. [ Nailed it. Her first compliment of the day. ] A surprised one, too.
[ Did he forget she was with him.... Pyra tilts her head forward. ]
[ But is he implying that he's dreamed of her beside him before? Or Luna? Or is it just the general idea of waking up alongside another that's dream-like?
It's... sad, in a way. That, perhaps, something so sweet as waking up with someone is something he considers could only happen in a dream.
From the way he cuts himself off, it seems he doesn't wish to elaborate. So, she doesn't press. ] ...This... [ Her hand lifts to his cheek in turn, stroking upward and to tangle her fingers into his hair along the side of his head, combing backward. ] Is real.
[His gaze drifts a bit, following her fingers until they move to his peripheral, then he returns them to look at her properly. Real...]
...Yeah, guess it is.
[He closes his eyes for a moment, making a soft noise and quietly enjoying the brush of her hand in his hair. It's soothing, especially with his hair down and the gel not in place- her fingers glide smoothly, sort of like how it'd done that month it'd grown longer. It's rare for anyone else to touch his hair this way, and it feels... nice. Really nice. He halfway wants to curl up and fall asleep with her again, while she does this.
It takes a handful of seconds resisting to pull back from that feeling, eyes fluttering open again.]
Okay... it's real. I... [-like it.] But what is this? Where do we go from here?
[Do they play it by ear? Go out? Is this meant to be a more casual thing like Cor has, or- or deeper? He's still parsing out how he feels, but the former... he doesn't want that.]
[ Leave it to Noctis to break the ice door and allow the elephant to parade around the room. It's struck surprised again by the blunt address, and afterwards she lowers her gaze from him, the first she's done so far.
What is this? Well, she knows how she feels. Where do they go from here? She wants to rise and make him breakfast. She wants to talk with him more, she wants to encourage him more. She wants to see him grow, she wants to be there when she sees him shine. This all makes the answer obvious, on her end. She wants to be with him, and she wants, selfishly, to be considered special among others he holds within his heart... just as she's keeping him in her own.
But how can she say that, when doubt creeps in to make her uncertain of how he feels? Her tone softens, a cover for the sudden anxiety of stating her wants. ] ...I [ It's always difficult to speak them aloud, but after a pause to gather her courage, she continues. For him, she should lay her cards down upon the table for him to see the feelings there. Otherwise, it's not fair to him. ] want to be with you.
[ She wants so much more too. To see his smile again, to hold his hand, to have another kiss. Finally, her gaze raises. There, a desire stated, torn from her. It's not cards that she's revealed, but a window of her heart. It's frightening and relieving at the same time, him seeing it. ]
Wherever you want us to go. Whatever you want us to be. [ Whatever he gives, she tells herself, she must accept. ]
[What is he good for if not uncomfortable bluntness? Her answer is undeniably satisfying for his nerves, though. "I want to be with you." There are no terms or conditions to her words, no rules or demands. A simple request to the very core. Will she be satisfied, then, by whatever he decides to offer her? The fact that she was even able to say that much is impressive on its own. She so rarely allows herself (or is allowed, maybe- he's not entirely clear on those rules yet either) to admit what she wants. If it's a struggle for her, if she's limited in that way, then... he needs to either help her along, or learn how to be more honest with himself.
Okay, he can do that. There's no rules to stop them- not even his father has that right, here. He can be selfish, he can let himself want this. Want her.
Delicately his hand touches her face again, curving along her cheek, tilting her head a bit to meet him in the middle.]
...Can I... kiss you again?
[It's quiet, but calm, which might be surprising for him and all his jitters when it comes to the socially unknown. But he knows this now- what he wants, what she wants. And if she acquiesces, he leans in and touches his lips softly against hers as he did the night before. Good morning, indeed.]
[ He needn't even guide her to angle her face further. She does so naturally, as if such instincts and emotions had been a part of her from the very beginning. It would be strange to think about, if she'd pause to think. But she's not thinking right now, only feeling, feeling him and his lips pressing to hers, soft and sweet and welcoming, a quiet greeting to begin the day.
Taken in by the kiss, this gentle act of affection, of want, she's breathless when it ends, quiet and chaste. Somehow during her own turn kissing him back, her hand had traveled down from his cheek all the way to his waist; perhaps this short shared moment hadn't been so short after all. The energy within her dances like swallows mid-flight, ready to dive in completely.
Is this his answer, then. Does this mean he wishes to be with her? She thinks it would. She's-- pretty sure it does. Suddenly, she feels heavy with hope and longing. Is that kiss enough for him, filled enough with meaning?
Quietly, ] ...That... was real, too. [ The kiss, what she said, her feelings. All of it, bare before him. ]
[A full night's rest and no wine to tire his mind has him in a better state to process what's happened, what has changed here. That dazed feeling can only be blamed on her presence, the warmth surrounding him; the brightness rising to life in his sleepy morning eyes a testament to what her words and her hand on his body can cause. He'll own it, now. Not a dream or a fantasy, but a truth that they arrived at together: wanting this. Her, wanting him. And him wanting her.]
I'm, um. A big fan of reality, turns out.
[Dreams are for chumps. This is... nice. Real nice. And once more, he's smiling, bordering on giddy. Everything's been so harsh and intense for so long, a steady series of pain after pain after pain- but here in front of his eyes, something good. His thumb strokes her cheek, and he leans in to kiss her forehead this time, trailing a line down one side of her face, pausing before he reaches her lips again.
He waited last time, with Luna. Took it slow for her sake, worrying he wasn't enough, didn't know what to do. Wasted too much time. Regretted. This time... this time, he'll try harder. He'll find a way to make sure she knows. And first things first-]
...You wanna go out? Uh, with me? [Gods, what a doofus, who else would she think he means?] ...Y'know.
[ This is a smile she's rarely seen on him, excited, almost boyish in his shyness, and it's one she'd rather take over the ones he had in the month he had returned from awakening again. Any smiles over those, even if they are not for her... But, she considers, that this one is. He's smiling because she's with him, his trail of kisses down the side of her face echoing what she had given him the prior night.
And as for her own, she can barely contain it-- no, she can't contain it, the joy and elation and hope that sparkles in her eyes. The prospect of being in an actual relationship with him... That seems absolutely wonderful. If not an honor then something like a gift he's just given her. Much like his light he's bestowed, she intends to cherish what they have. ] As in... we'll be together?
[ There's no show of a delay here, no thought to spare, but she's so excited that she giggles, then laughs, then stops, breathless, beaming, and pulling herself to him for an embrace. She's happy enough that one might think he'd have just proposed to her.
Together, with Noctis. With someone as incredible as him. He's already here in her arms, amazing and handsome and clever and strong, and now... Now they are together, and all of those qualities are something she'll see every day, be in awe of every day. Pyra pulls away just enough to have her gaze meet his, cheeks flushing and lips curling into a sheepish smile in return. ]
Y...yes. [ Her voice had been but a murmur, but she repeats, still quite but firmer as she searches his expression: ] Absolutely yes. If that is alright with you.
[It'd been hard not to hold his breath as she questioned his meaning, not sure what to say, but when she offers an answer - an affirmative, even! - he relaxes at once, arms winding around her to return the embrace, his chin coming to rest comfortably on her shoulder. "Absolutely yes", she'd said. So certain of herself, with barely a moment's pause between. Had she been hoping for this, waiting for him to say it? Was she surprised, and delighted enough to agree immediately? Either option is just fine with him. He'd worried a little when her first response had left so much up to him; he wants her to do what she wants, too, or it's only pure selfishness on his end. There's no denying how happy she'd looked, though, and how firmly she holds him now.
He's so out of his league here, but... he can learn. And it's a good feeling, not the so-over-whelmed-he's-drowning sort. He might still have doubts for a while, but this puts the worst of them to rest.]
Hey, I'm the one who said it. It'd be pretty pathetic of me to back out now.
[It's more than alright. He feels full, flushed, overwhelmed near to bursting. Despite her caution, how closed off she could be even if she's kind about it- she'd shared so much of herself with him already that the idea of sharing this too is just amazing.]
[ And he's not one to back down, is he? Not with such courage and bravery. Although jokes aside, she hopes that he doesn't think her so much as a challenge, much less a relationship with her like a mountain to climb...
For her, just knowing that they are together is uplifting. If she's able to give just a fraction of what he gives her in return-- no, if she could give it all back to him, then... perhaps he'll finally accept how truly dazzling he is.
Her hand falls down his neck, stroking upward against the longer strands upon the back of his head. ] Then... [ Her exhale, soft through her nose, is satisfied and sincere as the blush still decorating her cheeks. Pressed to him like this, it's cozy, cuddly, and warm. She's enjoying every moment of it, both his presence and the feel of him against her. ]
[He closes his eyes briefly, leaning into her touch with a contented noise; her touch is as warm as ever, and the soft stroking feels lovely. Her words aren't lost on him either. In this, the only hurdle to overcome is his own issues, nothing he can blame on her. And for what it's worth, she's doing a fine job of reassuring him every step of the way so far. He just hopes he doesn't come to rely on her for too much without balancing things, doing the same for her. That had been part of where he'd failed with Luna back home, chasing her shadow for weeks while she did so much for his sake, and him doing nothing in return. The situation is different, here - and Pyra is not Luna, nor would he wish her to be - but he'll try not to let himself forget.
Though, speaking of her - all of her - before he forgets...]
Is, um. Is Mythra okay with this, too?
[The nature of their connection is still unclear, but linked as they are, he doesn't want to make things unfair for her... "other".]
[ For a moment she only looks at him soft surprise. That he asked about her at all just shows not only how much he's come to learn of her, but that he's caring enough to even ask. It's... sweet, that he does. He's thoughtful, and that's another quality of his that she's come to admire. ]
Can you keep a secret? [ Her lips curl upward. ] Don't tell her I said this, but... [ Playful, light, and teasing, her tone gives away that Mythra already knows what's happening-- and that, perhaps, she's flustered somewhere within her. ] ...She wants to kiss you too.
[His brows lift at that. She does, huh... that just raises even more questions. But it's fine, he'll accept answers in a drip-feed if that's how it's going to be. Still means he can lean in a bit and comment on it-]
You can tell her... she'd better say hello properly first. I don't know if I can just go around kissing strangers.
[He's not Gladio, geez. Although the mystery of it all makes it kind of alluring.]
[ Soon, she thinks to herself. They should meet soon. Because if not soon, then it's possible they might never meet.
...What a proud thought, as if Mythra or Pyra are worthy of being held in his heart. But here he is, wanting to meet her too. Never could she have imagined something like this.
Oh, but it's not fair when he leans in, she just wants to kiss him further. ] Then... I hope you don't mind me in the meantime.
[It's not a refusal, still, but it's also very clearly not now. He wonders what the process might be- where does one meet someone's other self? Is it something Pyra controls, or something that requires specific timing? Will Pyra change, or is it all internal? Mysteries on mysteries, but not something he's going to find out today.]
I'll let you figure out whether I mind or not.
[Hey, turns out he kind of likes being this close to her too; he's the one to give in to the temptation and close the gap between them, pressing his lips softly on hers once more. No, he doesn't mind at all, and his curiosity can wait a bit longer.]
[ And she kisses him again, taking his lips with hers, letting herself indulge in the taste of him again. This kiss is a little more intimate, a little more languid in the way her lips move across and against his, her legs tying with his, her hand stroking down to his shoulder...
But she pulls away before she becomes too caught up.
She knows how she feels. She knows where she stands. With profound gratefulness and humility, she says this: ] ...You've made this morning beautiful, Noct. [ --Just by being here. He needn't even have kissed her, but he had, and he had smiled. ]
I... can kiss you again. [ She offers, pauses, then smiles shyly. ] Or I can make you breakfast.
[Oh, both are so very tempting, especially with how she's twining around him, pressed so close, his exhaled breath still tasting her exquisite sweetness. It's a little unfair on the latter part, with how she'd phrased that, but his stomach is going to be growling pretty soon, considering he skipped dinner the night before. Breakfast should probably definitely happen.]
I still owe you clean dishes. How about we head up together, and then we don't have to choose?
[They can totally kiss while taking care of breakfast, right? That's not at all distracting.]
However, Prompto's living with him. Perhaps he's already up early for his morning run. But on the off chance he's not, they might find him in the kitchen and he might see them walking out of his room together. While she's certain that Noctis isn't the type to keep something like a relationship a secret from his best friend, it might be too sudden.
Additionally, more surprising to her is-- ] But are you sure you wouldn't want to sleep in further?
[ She'd have thought he'd want to spend the morning remaining tucked in bed instead. Yet another surprise. ]
Yeah, you might never hear me say this again, but: I think I've slept enough for one night.
[He slept the whole evening after drinking with Ardyn and all night, and it was a really solid rest, besides. He's had plenty. Actually, between the two sleeps his position had been a little awkward, so if he doesn't get up and do his daily stretches he's really going to regret it later. With some reluctance he leans away from her and pushes himself into a sitting position, stretching his arms up above his head. Gods, he slept in yesterday's clothes, too. He's lucky that she smells so good (and apparently rubbed off on him or something), else his old-clothes odour would be stinking up the place.]
[ Reassured, she rises a moment after, raising her own arms in a stretch along with him. With an exhale she lowers her arms to her lap, craning her neck to look at him.
Even with rumpled clothes and bedhead-- not helped in part by how she had her fingers through his hair-- she can't help but admire him. If he needs to freshen up on his own, it hasn't even occurred to her. ]
Pancakes or waffles?
[ If there's nothing else to add, she'll make her way towards the kitchen. ]
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Her eyes flutter open, her gaze affectionate as her hand slides down to his upper arm, then back to his shoulder, only to repeat the motion. Her eyes are bright not with the morning light, but with fondness for him. She's happy to see him, to be near him, to have this little quiet moment just before rising for the day with him.
Also, his blush is cute. ] Did you sleep well?
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I did, yeah. [She doesn't have to know how unusual that is, though.] You sure look like you did too.
[His eyes are still a bit sleepy, as it can usually take him a while to fully wake up, but a shy smile crosses his lips. Wow. Wow! They really- they did that! They kissed! And she stayed! That's... amazing.
...Wait, now what.]
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She hadn't thought of greeting him with anything other than a good morning. But should she add something else? A compliment, a term of endearment? Should she have said good morning, handsome, perhaps beautiful, or maybe dear? Or maybe that's too much. Maybe that's not cool enough-- ]
Only because you're soft. Like a pillow.... A very handsome pillow. [ Nailed it. Her first compliment of the day. ] A surprised one, too.
[ Did he forget she was with him.... Pyra tilts her head forward. ]
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[He grimaces a bit, looking embarrassed now. Oh god, she noticed. He was kind of obvious about it...]
I thought it might've been... a dream. Wouldn't be- [the first time.
...He should not. Say that part. Though based on his expression, she might recognize the implication of that, too.]
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It's... sad, in a way. That, perhaps, something so sweet as waking up with someone is something he considers could only happen in a dream.
From the way he cuts himself off, it seems he doesn't wish to elaborate. So, she doesn't press. ] ...This... [ Her hand lifts to his cheek in turn, stroking upward and to tangle her fingers into his hair along the side of his head, combing backward. ] Is real.
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...Yeah, guess it is.
[He closes his eyes for a moment, making a soft noise and quietly enjoying the brush of her hand in his hair. It's soothing, especially with his hair down and the gel not in place- her fingers glide smoothly, sort of like how it'd done that month it'd grown longer. It's rare for anyone else to touch his hair this way, and it feels... nice. Really nice. He halfway wants to curl up and fall asleep with her again, while she does this.
It takes a handful of seconds resisting to pull back from that feeling, eyes fluttering open again.]
Okay... it's real. I... [-like it.] But what is this? Where do we go from here?
[Do they play it by ear? Go out? Is this meant to be a more casual thing like Cor has, or- or deeper? He's still parsing out how he feels, but the former... he doesn't want that.]
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What is this? Well, she knows how she feels. Where do they go from here? She wants to rise and make him breakfast. She wants to talk with him more, she wants to encourage him more. She wants to see him grow, she wants to be there when she sees him shine. This all makes the answer obvious, on her end. She wants to be with him, and she wants, selfishly, to be considered special among others he holds within his heart... just as she's keeping him in her own.
But how can she say that, when doubt creeps in to make her uncertain of how he feels? Her tone softens, a cover for the sudden anxiety of stating her wants. ] ...I [ It's always difficult to speak them aloud, but after a pause to gather her courage, she continues. For him, she should lay her cards down upon the table for him to see the feelings there. Otherwise, it's not fair to him. ] want to be with you.
[ She wants so much more too. To see his smile again, to hold his hand, to have another kiss. Finally, her gaze raises. There, a desire stated, torn from her. It's not cards that she's revealed, but a window of her heart. It's frightening and relieving at the same time, him seeing it. ]
Wherever you want us to go. Whatever you want us to be. [ Whatever he gives, she tells herself, she must accept. ]
So, what do you want?
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Okay, he can do that. There's no rules to stop them- not even his father has that right, here. He can be selfish, he can let himself want this. Want her.
Delicately his hand touches her face again, curving along her cheek, tilting her head a bit to meet him in the middle.]
...Can I... kiss you again?
[It's quiet, but calm, which might be surprising for him and all his jitters when it comes to the socially unknown. But he knows this now- what he wants, what she wants. And if she acquiesces, he leans in and touches his lips softly against hers as he did the night before. Good morning, indeed.]
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Taken in by the kiss, this gentle act of affection, of want, she's breathless when it ends, quiet and chaste. Somehow during her own turn kissing him back, her hand had traveled down from his cheek all the way to his waist; perhaps this short shared moment hadn't been so short after all. The energy within her dances like swallows mid-flight, ready to dive in completely.
Is this his answer, then. Does this mean he wishes to be with her? She thinks it would. She's-- pretty sure it does. Suddenly, she feels heavy with hope and longing. Is that kiss enough for him, filled enough with meaning?
Quietly, ] ...That... was real, too. [ The kiss, what she said, her feelings. All of it, bare before him. ]
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I'm, um. A big fan of reality, turns out.
[Dreams are for chumps. This is... nice. Real nice. And once more, he's smiling, bordering on giddy. Everything's been so harsh and intense for so long, a steady series of pain after pain after pain- but here in front of his eyes, something good. His thumb strokes her cheek, and he leans in to kiss her forehead this time, trailing a line down one side of her face, pausing before he reaches her lips again.
He waited last time, with Luna. Took it slow for her sake, worrying he wasn't enough, didn't know what to do. Wasted too much time. Regretted. This time... this time, he'll try harder. He'll find a way to make sure she knows. And first things first-]
...You wanna go out? Uh, with me? [Gods, what a doofus, who else would she think he means?] ...Y'know.
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And as for her own, she can barely contain it-- no, she can't contain it, the joy and elation and hope that sparkles in her eyes. The prospect of being in an actual relationship with him... That seems absolutely wonderful. If not an honor then something like a gift he's just given her. Much like his light he's bestowed, she intends to cherish what they have. ] As in... we'll be together?
[ There's no show of a delay here, no thought to spare, but she's so excited that she giggles, then laughs, then stops, breathless, beaming, and pulling herself to him for an embrace. She's happy enough that one might think he'd have just proposed to her.
Together, with Noctis. With someone as incredible as him. He's already here in her arms, amazing and handsome and clever and strong, and now... Now they are together, and all of those qualities are something she'll see every day, be in awe of every day. Pyra pulls away just enough to have her gaze meet his, cheeks flushing and lips curling into a sheepish smile in return. ]
Y...yes. [ Her voice had been but a murmur, but she repeats, still quite but firmer as she searches his expression: ] Absolutely yes. If that is alright with you.
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He's so out of his league here, but... he can learn. And it's a good feeling, not the so-over-whelmed-he's-drowning sort. He might still have doubts for a while, but this puts the worst of them to rest.]
Hey, I'm the one who said it. It'd be pretty pathetic of me to back out now.
[It's more than alright. He feels full, flushed, overwhelmed near to bursting. Despite her caution, how closed off she could be even if she's kind about it- she'd shared so much of herself with him already that the idea of sharing this too is just amazing.]
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For her, just knowing that they are together is uplifting. If she's able to give just a fraction of what he gives her in return-- no, if she could give it all back to him, then... perhaps he'll finally accept how truly dazzling he is.
Her hand falls down his neck, stroking upward against the longer strands upon the back of his head. ] Then... [ Her exhale, soft through her nose, is satisfied and sincere as the blush still decorating her cheeks. Pressed to him like this, it's cozy, cuddly, and warm. She's enjoying every moment of it, both his presence and the feel of him against her. ]
This means you... have me, Noct. All of me.
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Though, speaking of her - all of her - before he forgets...]
Is, um. Is Mythra okay with this, too?
[The nature of their connection is still unclear, but linked as they are, he doesn't want to make things unfair for her... "other".]
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Can you keep a secret? [ Her lips curl upward. ] Don't tell her I said this, but... [ Playful, light, and teasing, her tone gives away that Mythra already knows what's happening-- and that, perhaps, she's flustered somewhere within her. ] ...She wants to kiss you too.
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You can tell her... she'd better say hello properly first. I don't know if I can just go around kissing strangers.
[He's not Gladio, geez. Although the mystery of it all makes it kind of alluring.]
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...What a proud thought, as if Mythra or Pyra are worthy of being held in his heart. But here he is, wanting to meet her too. Never could she have imagined something like this.
Oh, but it's not fair when he leans in, she just wants to kiss him further. ] Then... I hope you don't mind me in the meantime.
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I'll let you figure out whether I mind or not.
[Hey, turns out he kind of likes being this close to her too; he's the one to give in to the temptation and close the gap between them, pressing his lips softly on hers once more. No, he doesn't mind at all, and his curiosity can wait a bit longer.]
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But she pulls away before she becomes too caught up.
She knows how she feels. She knows where she stands. With profound gratefulness and humility, she says this: ] ...You've made this morning beautiful, Noct. [ --Just by being here. He needn't even have kissed her, but he had, and he had smiled. ]
I... can kiss you again. [ She offers, pauses, then smiles shyly. ] Or I can make you breakfast.
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I still owe you clean dishes. How about we head up together, and then we don't have to choose?
[They can totally kiss while taking care of breakfast, right? That's not at all distracting.]
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However, Prompto's living with him. Perhaps he's already up early for his morning run. But on the off chance he's not, they might find him in the kitchen and he might see them walking out of his room together. While she's certain that Noctis isn't the type to keep something like a relationship a secret from his best friend, it might be too sudden.
Additionally, more surprising to her is-- ] But are you sure you wouldn't want to sleep in further?
[ She'd have thought he'd want to spend the morning remaining tucked in bed instead. Yet another surprise. ]
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[He slept the whole evening after drinking with Ardyn and all night, and it was a really solid rest, besides. He's had plenty. Actually, between the two sleeps his position had been a little awkward, so if he doesn't get up and do his daily stretches he's really going to regret it later. With some reluctance he leans away from her and pushes himself into a sitting position, stretching his arms up above his head. Gods, he slept in yesterday's clothes, too. He's lucky that she smells so good (and apparently rubbed off on him or something), else his old-clothes odour would be stinking up the place.]
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Even with rumpled clothes and bedhead-- not helped in part by how she had her fingers through his hair-- she can't help but admire him. If he needs to freshen up on his own, it hasn't even occurred to her. ]
Pancakes or waffles?
[ If there's nothing else to add, she'll make her way towards the kitchen. ]