[That surprises him, and for a moment he can only blink back at her, stunned into silence. He'd honestly never thought she would budge on this one, never expected her to. It was enough to have her love and care in this world, and their own worlds could wait, and depend on them alone when they go back. To hear her say that she might reconsider, that she might fight against all her fears of what could be worse, even try... he's touched, genuinely. More than he could say.
He shakes off his surprise finally and lifts his free hand to brush over her cheek, tucking a bit of her hair back, and smiles softly.]
For this... I don't know what I want, yet. At least, not enough to suggest any wild ideas. [And that was sort of the problem- there'd been few to no ideas that he could help with, at this point, and none so far that could guarantee a world better than the one he's going to save. Without that, he's not prepared to take risks.] But the offer means a lot, even if nothing changes. Thank you. And... you know the same goes for you, right?
[If she wants to change her own fate, or consider her options, or try an alternative to sacrifice- he's with her, all the way. Sometimes you can have both.]
[ Looking at him as the sun wanes golden and fuchsia pastels, filled with love and adoration, sometimes it feels that she can do just about anything in the world-- even live, or have him live. But that feeling, that pride and strength and courage he grants her with only a smile and a press of his hand to her cheek is what makes love so dangerous. She won't stop loving him, though, and she knows that whatever he chooses, he'll know her to continue to be cautious and careful.
Pyra smiles, tilting her head against his palm. ] I know.
[ A future where they both live? It's a long shot. But for now, she'll take this: the present in which they live.
She opens her eyes to look at him, lips parted in that too-often expression she gets when she's in awe of him, seeing something in his expression or eyes that he can't. Right at this moment, it's the sunset's gentle light upon him. She tilts her head just up enough to kiss him, pulling away with a smile.
......This reminds her how easily she's distracted by him. ]
And, um, don't think I've forgotten why I'm here to talk with you. [ He had been sad even before she... made things stained for a bit. ] Luna, Ignis... I want to know how you're feeling.
[The kiss is soft, and sweet, and his eyes are closed as they draw back, one more sliver of relief to soothe ruffled feathers after a stressful conversation. Her words snap him back to reality, as he too had forgotten... right. She'd found him out here, moping and worrying lone, for a good reason.
So... right. How is he feeling, exactly.]
I'm not... totally sure, yet. I know I love them- always will. I want them to be happy, and... I want to help them find out how to be, if I can. [He shifts a little, inching closer to her.] When we spoke... Luna asked me how I found happiness.
[And that makes him pause, realizing his own words, and he smiles a bit ruefully at her.]
Looks like I should have talked to you, first. I told her I learned how to be selfish, to focus on my own wants instead of other people or the world. I could probably give the same advice to Iggy. They've both spent their whole lives helping other people- for Luna, it was her work as the Oracle, and for Ignis it was taking care of me. I think it would do them a lot of good to focus on themselves. They don't need me in order to be happy, so... what I do shouldn't be all that relevant. I think.
[Even if they love him the same way, he can't offer them what he might have considered in the past. He can help, but... that's up to them. He hopes at least that his rejection (or at least redirection) of their love doesn't mean they can't still be friends. That... ah. He should say it, shouldn't he.]
I don't... want to lose them, by not loving them the way they might want. Like, if it's too painful or disappointing, or... I dunno. I just worry about that.
[ She takes a few moments to mull over his words, finding that what he says is reasonable to want for himself and for others. The "selfish" bit doesn't sting her, even if she might not agree with the term in this case, even if it might fit. He seems to see that, too. ] Just like you, they help others and think of others. Encouraging them to pursue their own wants... It isn't a bad thing.
[ Disappointing them because he cannot return their feelings in the same way, should that be the case, is another issue. She can understand both his hesitation and not wanting to hurt them. ]
...Do you truly think they'll leave you, if you explain your feelings to them?
[ She shakes her head. ] From what I know of them... I believe their hearts are bigger than that. [ It might hurt. They might need space. But... she highly doubts either of them will come to the point of leaving him entirely. ]
[Her question gives him pause, and he looks down, holding her hand a little more tightly, their fingers twined together. His voice grows quiet.]
Ignis did, kind of. When I said I couldn't.
[At the very least, he withdrew. The distance and quiet had stung, and he hadn't known what to do about it. He'd tried to pretend everything was normal, but... something changed, hadn't it? And Ignis had known he was going to die before then, so the confession is the only thing he can think of as being the cause.]
Maybe... because I couldn't answer him, and then when he needed space, I chose to be with you. I- I'm sure that hurt.
[Things are different now- Ignis knows beforehand, and he took that information with grace, without pulling away. He'd even moved in. Luna and he... were never committed, just thrown together by a long friendship and the manipulation of one who hates them both. Surely they could keep on going the way they'd been before.
[ Her fingers remain over his, securely. It's as much for him as it is for her. She knows now that she shouldn't feel guilty for being the cause of someone else's hurt-- feelings, after all, cannot be helped. So she uses a few moments after he finishes speaking to compose herself and brush that guilt away, overcoming it. Noctis chose her; this isn't selfish.
But of course she feels awful for the previous Ignis. Heartbreak, or heartache, whatever it had been, is never easy. So, what about this Ignis and this Luna? What about Noctis? ]
It... might be uncomfortable to simply ask them how they feel. [ Very awkward. ]
But, ah, Ignis... he now lives with us. I believe that is a good start. It shows that he wishes to be near you.
[He'd had some advice to broach the subject, but the how is definitely the hard part. His shoulders slump a little at the reminder of what Ignis had chosen to do, though, cautiously nodding.]
Yeah... he did. Last time he already lived with Dad and the others before I got here, but when I offered this time around, he agreed, and he already knew I was going out with you. So... maybe I got it wrong last time, or he hasn't changed his mind yet, or...
[He doesn't know. He hates that he doesn't know, but he wants to hold on to hope that he won't lose his friend to this, or to anything else save his own inevitable demise.]
[ She gives him a small, affectionate nudge with her arm, effortlessly turning it into a soft cuddle. ]
Between bringing up the subject yourself, or allowing him the time to choose to bring up any feelings himself... I’m not sure which one would be best.
But, he has just gotten here. Perhaps he’s grateful simply to be beside you. [ A pause. ] May I ask, at what point in time he’s come from in your world...?
About the same time as me, or near enough to it. [He grimaces.] Right after the Crystal dragged me in.
[Maybe things feel different, fresh from it versus several months later. There's a lot of variables to consider, here.]
I'm grateful he's here too... I'd be fine with waiting to see if he wants to bring it up. Even if I opened the door for him to talk, I can't just kick him through it and then shoot him down. That sounds worse than telling him outright.
[They're his feelings, whether still accurate or not. He should be the one to decide how and when they're shared.]
[ She nods, quiet for a few seconds after he finishes speaking. ]
Putting it that way... then, yes. [ If she were the one questioned about her feelings when she wouldn’t be ready to openly to say them, she knows she would be upset. ] It may be better to wait.
[ She gives his hand another squeeze. ]
You know... you said earlier that your heart talks too much. While that may be true, I think that you’re forgetting something... [ She smiles for him. ]
Your heart is just so easily lovable. [ How dare he be lovable! ]
[He can't help feeling relieved at her agreement. He'd wondered if it was cowardly to make such a decision, but the idea of pressuring anyone to say something had felt wrong, too. It isn't their fault that some alternate version of themselves showed up earlier and spilled the beans. They should be allowed to share or hide it in their own time. He just... needs to figure out how to open the door without accidentally inviting more than he can give in return. That can't be too hard, right?
...Hah.
He stifles a laugh at the last bit, tilting to press his face against her hair.]
You're impossible. [So! many! compliments!] I could say the same to you, y'know. Shouldn't I be the one with competition? Everyone likes you.
[ She brings up her free hand to her lips, giggling softly. No, not everyone likes her, and that so few do in this world is vastly different to how so many also didn’t in her own, to say nothing of the fear or disdain some regarded her with.
For better or for worse, no matter what Noctis does, others will still fall for him. ] And you Are selling yourself short! As if you don’t realize how charming you are. [ She huffs, faux offended. ] Did you not have a— a fan club back in your world?
A fan club? [He blinks, considering the topic.] I dunno... people followed me on social media, and I got stared at if I was around town and someone recognized me, but I assumed that was just because. Prince. [He shrugs.] Ignis handled most of the public-facing stuff unless there was official business I had to take care of personally. I was able to fly under the radar way more often than you'd think.
[Despite how pre-ordained his life was, and is, his father did let him get away with more than a crown prince traditionally should be allowed. He's grateful for that much.]
There was usually a group of girls lurking around during school, mostly because the concept of "prince" is just inherently romantic thanks to fairy tales and the like. Titles carry a lot of weight when it comes to garnering attention.
[ That.... Yes. That definitely sounds like a fan club, although the way her eyes glisten gives away that she finds somthing about this amusing. ]
...There you go again. [ She shakes her head, leaning towards him with a fond smile. ] You really believe they might only have admired you because you were a prince? [ Granted, being a prince might have kicked some things off, such as put him on interested parties' radar, but... ] You're speaking as if being royal is the only thing someone might find charming about you.
[ She purses her lips, briefly wondering-- if she is right in her assessment-- where that thought may have come from. Perhaps a lifetime of cultivating a princely image brought it about, or maybe his own vulnerabilities and perceived shortcomings, which she knows he has.
He shouldn't be surprised or in disbelief that someone might admire him for who he is! ] I'll tell you a secret: it's not.
[He glances sidelong at her, smiling somewhat musingly.]
You think? Here, lemme give you a demo of how my 'fans' would try and get to know me.
[He separates himself from her, scooting back along the roof so he's at least a foot away, and respectfully folds his hands together behind his back, leaning in towards her just a bit.]
Oh, Princess Pyra, tell me how many servants you have? You must have at least a hundred! Do they wait on you at all times? And when is the last time you saw the king? My parents would love to meet him.
[He's tempted to bat his eyes at her, but that might be too much. Bit more Prompto's style than his. Instead, he quirks a brow meaningfully.]
[ ....Okay. She sees his point, and in some ways she can relate to having others attempting to curry favor, what with being exalted as the weapon of the Architect.
That's not going to stop her from playing along, giving her best exaggerated, and knowingly faulty, Noctis impression. ]
You can't see the king, but I have a-- a cool car, baby, if you wanna ride. [ Insert two-fingered salute just above her temple, clicking her tongue as she waves her hand at him. ]
You bet. [ She places her hands upon her hips, adjusting her weight and tilting her chin a little upwards in the attempt to do just as Noctis does. ] Haven't crashed it once.
[ Would that inspire confidence in an interested partner? Or does declaring that raise the question if not crashing it once isn't the standard?
She makes her way over to him. ] What do you say we... head to the arcade. [ Wink. WINK. ]
She puts on her best cool (?) face, despite the apparent fissures of laughter threatening to break character. ] I mean... that's what only the cool princes do. [ Hrrrgnn struggling! ] B-baby.
Yeah, okay, he's gone. He has to cover his face with both hands, shoulders shaking. Amazing.]
Six, you win again. [He drags his hands down his face, glancing over at her with a helpless grin so big it's almost painful.] Is that how I should have seduced you? Was I wrong this whole time?
[ At that, she bursts into a fit of melodic laughter, sharing the mirth of the small, exaggerated attempt to impersonate him. She preens from the victory, despite blushing hard from the embarrassment. ]
Oh-- oh, no, please no. [ She waves a hand.
...Then again, they did have quite the time in the Regalia a few months ago-- ] I just... There's no way I could replicate your charm, but. I supposed I ended up flirting with you in a very unprincely way. [ Come to think of it, he never really did much flirting. Their falling, when just starting off, had been fairly stained because they had both lost others before then.
So, she's not sure how he would flirt, exactly. Not that it mattered, because evidentially, he didn't need to flirt with her at all to woo her. ]
I don't even know how to flirt in a princely way. Never done it before, and now I don't really have to, so...
[Here he's got a girlfriend, and back home it's a moot point anyway. What a fortunate man he is, to never have to navigate the perils of the dating scene...!]
The guys used to say I was clueless a lot when it came to girls. I probably just do whatever it is you like by accident.
[ She leans forward, just enough to tap him upon his nose, her smile coy. ]
That means you’re all natural at charming others.
[ He had just been himself and she still fell for him! No flirting needed! Which just reaffirms her belief that he’s easily lovable, so much so that he doesn’t need to try. ]
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He shakes off his surprise finally and lifts his free hand to brush over her cheek, tucking a bit of her hair back, and smiles softly.]
For this... I don't know what I want, yet. At least, not enough to suggest any wild ideas. [And that was sort of the problem- there'd been few to no ideas that he could help with, at this point, and none so far that could guarantee a world better than the one he's going to save. Without that, he's not prepared to take risks.] But the offer means a lot, even if nothing changes. Thank you. And... you know the same goes for you, right?
[If she wants to change her own fate, or consider her options, or try an alternative to sacrifice- he's with her, all the way. Sometimes you can have both.]
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Pyra smiles, tilting her head against his palm. ] I know.
[ A future where they both live? It's a long shot. But for now, she'll take this: the present in which they live.
She opens her eyes to look at him, lips parted in that too-often expression she gets when she's in awe of him, seeing something in his expression or eyes that he can't. Right at this moment, it's the sunset's gentle light upon him. She tilts her head just up enough to kiss him, pulling away with a smile.
......This reminds her how easily she's distracted by him. ]
And, um, don't think I've forgotten why I'm here to talk with you. [ He had been sad even before she... made things stained for a bit. ] Luna, Ignis... I want to know how you're feeling.
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So... right. How is he feeling, exactly.]
I'm not... totally sure, yet. I know I love them- always will. I want them to be happy, and... I want to help them find out how to be, if I can. [He shifts a little, inching closer to her.] When we spoke... Luna asked me how I found happiness.
[And that makes him pause, realizing his own words, and he smiles a bit ruefully at her.]
Looks like I should have talked to you, first. I told her I learned how to be selfish, to focus on my own wants instead of other people or the world. I could probably give the same advice to Iggy. They've both spent their whole lives helping other people- for Luna, it was her work as the Oracle, and for Ignis it was taking care of me. I think it would do them a lot of good to focus on themselves. They don't need me in order to be happy, so... what I do shouldn't be all that relevant. I think.
[Even if they love him the same way, he can't offer them what he might have considered in the past. He can help, but... that's up to them. He hopes at least that his rejection (or at least redirection) of their love doesn't mean they can't still be friends. That... ah. He should say it, shouldn't he.]
I don't... want to lose them, by not loving them the way they might want. Like, if it's too painful or disappointing, or... I dunno. I just worry about that.
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[ Disappointing them because he cannot return their feelings in the same way, should that be the case, is another issue. She can understand both his hesitation and not wanting to hurt them. ]
...Do you truly think they'll leave you, if you explain your feelings to them?
[ She shakes her head. ] From what I know of them... I believe their hearts are bigger than that. [ It might hurt. They might need space. But... she highly doubts either of them will come to the point of leaving him entirely. ]
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Ignis did, kind of. When I said I couldn't.
[At the very least, he withdrew. The distance and quiet had stung, and he hadn't known what to do about it. He'd tried to pretend everything was normal, but... something changed, hadn't it? And Ignis had known he was going to die before then, so the confession is the only thing he can think of as being the cause.]
Maybe... because I couldn't answer him, and then when he needed space, I chose to be with you. I- I'm sure that hurt.
[Things are different now- Ignis knows beforehand, and he took that information with grace, without pulling away. He'd even moved in. Luna and he... were never committed, just thrown together by a long friendship and the manipulation of one who hates them both. Surely they could keep on going the way they'd been before.
...Still.]
The not knowing part... it's scary.
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But of course she feels awful for the previous Ignis. Heartbreak, or heartache, whatever it had been, is never easy. So, what about this Ignis and this Luna? What about Noctis? ]
It... might be uncomfortable to simply ask them how they feel. [ Very awkward. ]
But, ah, Ignis... he now lives with us. I believe that is a good start. It shows that he wishes to be near you.
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[He'd had some advice to broach the subject, but the how is definitely the hard part. His shoulders slump a little at the reminder of what Ignis had chosen to do, though, cautiously nodding.]
Yeah... he did. Last time he already lived with Dad and the others before I got here, but when I offered this time around, he agreed, and he already knew I was going out with you. So... maybe I got it wrong last time, or he hasn't changed his mind yet, or...
[He doesn't know. He hates that he doesn't know, but he wants to hold on to hope that he won't lose his friend to this, or to anything else save his own inevitable demise.]
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Between bringing up the subject yourself, or allowing him the time to choose to bring up any feelings himself... I’m not sure which one would be best.
But, he has just gotten here. Perhaps he’s grateful simply to be beside you. [ A pause. ] May I ask, at what point in time he’s come from in your world...?
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[Maybe things feel different, fresh from it versus several months later. There's a lot of variables to consider, here.]
I'm grateful he's here too... I'd be fine with waiting to see if he wants to bring it up. Even if I opened the door for him to talk, I can't just kick him through it and then shoot him down. That sounds worse than telling him outright.
[They're his feelings, whether still accurate or not. He should be the one to decide how and when they're shared.]
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Putting it that way... then, yes. [ If she were the one questioned about her feelings when she wouldn’t be ready to openly to say them, she knows she would be upset. ] It may be better to wait.
[ She gives his hand another squeeze. ]
You know... you said earlier that your heart talks too much. While that may be true, I think that you’re forgetting something... [ She smiles for him. ]
Your heart is just so easily lovable. [ How dare he be lovable! ]
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...Hah.
He stifles a laugh at the last bit, tilting to press his face against her hair.]
You're impossible. [So! many! compliments!] I could say the same to you, y'know. Shouldn't I be the one with competition? Everyone likes you.
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For better or for worse, no matter what Noctis does, others will still fall for him. ] And you Are selling yourself short! As if you don’t realize how charming you are. [ She huffs, faux offended. ] Did you not have a— a fan club back in your world?
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[Despite how pre-ordained his life was, and is, his father did let him get away with more than a crown prince traditionally should be allowed. He's grateful for that much.]
There was usually a group of girls lurking around during school, mostly because the concept of "prince" is just inherently romantic thanks to fairy tales and the like. Titles carry a lot of weight when it comes to garnering attention.
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...There you go again. [ She shakes her head, leaning towards him with a fond smile. ] You really believe they might only have admired you because you were a prince? [ Granted, being a prince might have kicked some things off, such as put him on interested parties' radar, but... ] You're speaking as if being royal is the only thing someone might find charming about you.
[ She purses her lips, briefly wondering-- if she is right in her assessment-- where that thought may have come from. Perhaps a lifetime of cultivating a princely image brought it about, or maybe his own vulnerabilities and perceived shortcomings, which she knows he has.
He shouldn't be surprised or in disbelief that someone might admire him for who he is! ] I'll tell you a secret: it's not.
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You think? Here, lemme give you a demo of how my 'fans' would try and get to know me.
[He separates himself from her, scooting back along the roof so he's at least a foot away, and respectfully folds his hands together behind his back, leaning in towards her just a bit.]
Oh, Princess Pyra, tell me how many servants you have? You must have at least a hundred! Do they wait on you at all times? And when is the last time you saw the king? My parents would love to meet him.
[He's tempted to bat his eyes at her, but that might be too much. Bit more Prompto's style than his. Instead, he quirks a brow meaningfully.]
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That's not going to stop her from playing along, giving her best exaggerated, and knowingly faulty, Noctis impression. ]
You can't see the king, but I have a-- a cool car, baby, if you wanna ride. [ Insert two-fingered salute just above her temple, clicking her tongue as she waves her hand at him. ]
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Oh, but Your Highness, isn't that His Majesty's car? Are you really allowed to drive the illustrious Regalia?
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Haven't crashed it once.
[ Would that inspire confidence in an interested partner? Or does declaring that raise the question if not crashing it once isn't the standard?
She makes her way over to him. ] What do you say we... head to the arcade. [ Wink. WINK. ]
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[He raises a brow, still fighting to look more interested than amused. The wink is absolute murder for his composure.]
You h-... ha... an arcade, really? Is that what royalty does for fun? I expected something a little more refined.
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She puts on her best cool (?) face, despite the apparent fissures of laughter threatening to break character. ] I mean... that's what only the cool princes do. [ Hrrrgnn struggling! ] B-baby.
[ End her. ]
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Yeah, okay, he's gone. He has to cover his face with both hands, shoulders shaking. Amazing.]
Six, you win again. [He drags his hands down his face, glancing over at her with a helpless grin so big it's almost painful.] Is that how I should have seduced you? Was I wrong this whole time?
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Oh-- oh, no, please no. [ She waves a hand.
...Then again, they did have quite the time in the Regalia a few months ago-- ] I just... There's no way I could replicate your charm, but. I supposed I ended up flirting with you in a very unprincely way. [ Come to think of it, he never really did much flirting. Their falling, when just starting off, had been fairly stained because they had both lost others before then.
So, she's not sure how he would flirt, exactly. Not that it mattered, because evidentially, he didn't need to flirt with her at all to woo her. ]
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I don't even know how to flirt in a princely way. Never done it before, and now I don't really have to, so...
[Here he's got a girlfriend, and back home it's a moot point anyway. What a fortunate man he is, to never have to navigate the perils of the dating scene...!]
The guys used to say I was clueless a lot when it came to girls. I probably just do whatever it is you like by accident.
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That means you’re all natural at charming others.
[ He had just been himself and she still fell for him! No flirting needed! Which just reaffirms her belief that he’s easily lovable, so much so that he doesn’t need to try. ]
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