@dawnryse
“Still, I’m… I’m sorry, okay?”
And he truly was. He would’ve given everything he could to help her if he had known earlier — he didn’t even want to imagine what it was like for her to practically drag herself all the way from Altissia to Tenebrae, it was no surprise she appeared so exhausted. For now, giving her as much support as he can by holding her form close to his own would have to be enough. He’dcarry her to a more comfortable space if he could, but alas, his back would likely be forever damaged by the injury sustained as a child, and he couldn’t risk to hurt himself now. For he knew what was at stake.
His eyes remained focused on her face, seeking her gaze — part of him still found it hard that this was really happening, that she was really here — and for a moment, it seemed almost as if Noctis was dreaming. But reality tore him back into its grasp when Luna’s face momentarily distorted into a pained expression, causing his own grip on her to tighten. He wanted to ask if she was alright, but she was faster to utter a question of her own. Of course. How could he forget.
“I… I do, yeah. Don’t worry, I just… I couldn’t… wear it just yet…” The latter half of words came out as an almost-whisper, for he hated to admit his own lack of strength in that matter. But somehow, he felt like Luna would understand why he couldn’t do it — because she always understood how he felt, and what was truly going on within him.
Her head shakes, eyes squeezed shut. It wasn’t his fault -- it wasn’t anyones fault but her own. She knew her risks. Perhaps if she had been more careful she’d be --
“No harm has been done by you, Noctis.” she reassured him, “Chancellor Izunia is the one at fault.” Saying his name left a sour taste in her mouth and the memory, despite how foggy it was, came back to her too forcefully. A hand moved to clutch her side, as if protecting the wounded area now would somehow make the memory less painful.
She takes comfort in his words -- briefly -- until she sees his expression. He knows what that ring is capable of; what it will do to him. And, in an entirely selfish way, she’s glad he hasn’t fulfilled his destiny. For once her mind goes to what she would like -- and that would be to spend time with him. Even if it is only for a few moments.
And so her tattered arms weave in between his and she rests her head in the crook of his shoulder. “Noctis,” she murmured against his neck, keeping her voice low, “Some day soon you will need to bear the ring...”
Her fists ball up portions of his shirt, as if letting him go now would end it all, “But until that day arises, I’d like to spend time with you.”
It was then that the paramedics arrived, ushering Luna into their care. Her eyes locked with his, moving into the center of the swarm of caregivers. “Do you understand, Noctis?”
