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[Noctis pauses after finishing the last stroke; probably a good time to take a break and rest his hand, give the latest layer a chance to dry. One benefit of working with a more classic medium rather than the tablet is he can't just switch layers and keep going.

The question is a harder thing to consider, but...]

...I'm okay. [And for once it's not just lying to keep someone from worrying about him. He means it, he's genuinely doing better these days. It's a very strange feeling, but one that he likes.] Getting by, at least. Isn't that weird?

[He can poke a little fun at his moods over the last several months, at least. He knows he's been miserable company.]

[ Ignis uses Noctis' voice as a cue to move about a bit, reaching out to gently grab at Noct's shoulder. ]

I'm glad to hear it, [ Though his own voice is a bit strained when he speaks up.

He knows though that the past few months have been rough on Noctis. Ever since, now that he thinks about it, since he'd almost died. It feels like it's been nonstop since. It's life and it happens, but he honestly needs a break. They both do. ]

I'd assume you know about Lady Lunafreya by now. [ He's been worried about Noctis since he'd heard, then Gladio's birthday party was just right around the corner. Awful timing. ]

[There's an immediate stiffness of Noct's shoulder in response to the name - and the reminder - and his hair brushes Ignis' hand as he bows his head.]

...Yeah, I know. That what this is about?

[He's not happy about having to remember it again, like it doesn't cross his mind often enough. He gets why Ignis is asking, though. He can't begrudge his friend for worrying.]

[ "And Luna?"
"She has passed."

Ignis walked away then, hearing the echos of Noctis' grief behind him in Altissia. He'd had a lot weighing on his mind back then too. But this time, this time: ]

I'm here.

[ And he's not going anywhere. ]

[Noctis clenches his eyes shut, silent in response aside from a quiet, shaken exhale of breath. Slowly he shifts his hand up to curl around the one on his shoulder, holding tightly.]

I know.

[He's grateful for that. Last time... Ignis was gone so soon after. If he lost them both again...]

[ Ignis takes a moment to think, himself and Lunafreya arrived in this world at the same time. She's gone now, not even back home, but dead.

But he's still here.

The shakiness in Noctis' tone isn't missed or lost on Ignis. He can't fault Noctis if he's worried about Ignis himself disappearing next. He doesn't want to think about that now, rather hang on to what he has going here.

Quietly, he extends out his other arm, the silent offer for a hug there. ]

[Noctis only allows himself a few seconds of consideration before he takes it, leaning in and pressing himself against Ignis, accepting and returning the hug tightly. Luna is gone, yes, but thank goodness he's not alone in this. He has to keep remembering that. Ignis is here too, as he always is, and he so often knows how to make Noctis feel better.]

[ Ignis is careful and gentle with Noctis, knowing about his bad back. Once he gets his own arms situated and away from the bad areas, he's squeezing Noctis back just as hard. Ignis remains quiet and will let them linger in the embrace for as long as they need to. ]

[Noctis, too, is content to remain like this for a bit, taking quiet consolation in the embrace and Ignis' familiar company. Just having him here is plenty, and he's glad for it.

Eventually, though, he speaks up again.]

Specs... I'm so tired of feeling like this.

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