#ffxvloqiweek

[inuiru]

Sept 15th - Forgiveness

“I thought all others born outside of Niflheim as savages, but it was wrong. Actually, it was us who was savage...”

[ffxvloqiweek]

~ FFXV Loqi Week Prompts and Dates ~

The date for Loqi Week will be September 10th - 16th.

If this is a massive problem for the majority of people who wish to participate, please do let me know and I can try to amend this slightly.

Prompts for each day will be as follows: Sept 10th - Family // Loqi as prince of Niflheim Sept 11th - Enemy // Loqi as a spy Sept 12th - Pain // World of ruin Sept 13th-  First Love // Loqi as a Lucian Sept 14th - Duty // Trapped with another person Sept 15th - Forgiveness // Prompto and Loqi as siblings Sept 16th - Festival // Saved by someone unexpected

Each day has 2 prompts, involving:

1. A short prompt. 2. A situational/narrative prompt.

You can choose either of the 2 prompts, or both.

If you don’t wish to use any of the prompts, or have something else in mind, just state ‘Free prompt’ when labelling your work.

Work does not have to be strictly ‘canon’ for the prompts, you can use these for your own AUs if you wish.

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSIONS ARE BELOW UNDER ‘KEEP READING’ (PLEASE READ!!!) Guidelines updated (25/08/18).

General Guidelines:

- Please tag all content you post using the following tag: ‘ffxvloqiweek’.

- Do make sure the first tag you make for your work is ‘ffxvloqiweek’. We will check this tag for new content and reblog it to the Loqi Week blog.

- All works must involve Loqi as the main focus or shared main focus. Inclusion of other characters and OCs is fine.

- 18+/NSFW content is allowed, but must be tagged/warned as such.If you wish to create something that involves non-con or dub-con please also tag/warn for such content. The same goes for other mature themes.

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- If your work is not adequately labeled (see guidelines below for types of submission) we will message you to make adjustments before reblogging your work. This just makes things more clean and cohesive.

- Only post content that YOU have made. Do not post other people’s content without their permission.

- All work submitted for Loqi Week should be new (not shared online before).

- Work does not have be created within just this week, you can use something you might have been working on in the past but have never shared before.

- Feel free to add links to your work (e.g. Ko-Fi, twitter, patreon).

Fic Guidelines:

Please include the following at the top of your post when posting any written work for each day: Day and Prompt(s) Pairing (if any) Rating (refer to the AO3 rating system if unsure) Word count Warnings

- If your work is over 500 words long, please include it under a ‘read more’ link. - If you’re unsure how to do this, please send us a message via this blog and we’ll be happy to help.

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- Please tag your work if it involves NSFW content or mature themes.

Art/Gifs/Aesthetics/Screenshots/Snapshots/Renders/Cosplay Guidelines:

Please include the following in your post when posting for each day: Day and Prompt(s) Pairing (if any)

- Please tag your work if it involves NSFW content or mature themes.

Regarding posting links from other sites of your content (that aren’t fanfics):

If you primarily use other sites to post your art (twitter, pixiv, deviantart, instagram, etc), and don’t wish to directly upload your content (that aren’t fanfics) to tumblr, please feel free to post a link to your work instead.

Please include the following in your post when posting links to work for each day: Day and Prompt(s) Pairing (if any) - Please tag your work if it involves NSFW content or mature themes. - Also follow the same tagging guidelines as normal for your post, too.

If you have any questions about anything, please message the blog and we will do our best to answer you :)

[folightening]

Pictures and maybe a date

Loqi Week Day 6, Prompt: Siblings with Prompto

Summary: "You are a really hot police officer and I am trying to sneakily take pictures of you but you notice and start posing" AU. But this is Loqi, so he doesn't actually try very hard to be sneaky.

Pairing: Cor/Loqi

Characters: Loqi, Prompto, Cor

Rating: Teen

Words: 635

Notes: Prompto and Loqi are brothers. No war AU.

*****

"What're they here for?"

Loqi looked at Prompto, shrugged, and looked back at the officers across the street. Crownsguard by the uniform.

"Something must have happened to someone real important."

"Really Dude?" Prompto looked at him with a brow raised.

There were more important things to focus on than Prompto's annoyance.

One of the officers was attractive. Really attractive. Exactly Loqi's type, in fact. Tall, not too much facial hair, handsome features, and definitely older. His brown hair was cut short and professionally considering his job. Men who wore their uniform as well as he did needed their picture taken.

Loqi raised his phone and snapped a picture.

"How old do you think he is?"

Prompto looked across the street, then back to Loqi with a sigh.

"Old enough to be our dad."

"Doesn't bother me any. And Father's older than that."

Loqi took a few more pictures as he watched the officer. He wasn't doing much at the moment. Just talking to the younger tattooed brunette with him.

"You could try to be less obvious," Prompto said.

"Why?"

"Some people don't like having their picture taken."

Like Prompto was one to talk. He took pictures of everyone and everything. That was more or less his job, but Loqi still rolled his eyes.

"He's not even looking."

The sentence had barely left Loqi's mouth when the tattooed man went back inside and the older officer turned. He looked directly at Loqi, raised a brow, and after a few moments deliberately leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. In just the perfect pose for a picture; there was no way that was how he naturally leaned against a wall. Something akin to a smile changed his stern expression for a moment and Loqi smiled back without having to think about it.

If that wasn't an invitation to go ahead, Loqi didn't know what it was.

Every movement from the officer was deliberate. The way he placed a hand on his hip just so, the way he turned, when he looked at the notepad in his hand. He even actually posed with the usual 'flexing his muscles' pose. The flustered and slightly confused expression on his face almost had Loqi laughing.

"How many pictures do you need?"

"How many do you need of that mechanic?"

Prompto sputtered and Loqi grinned.

"At least I know Cindy," Prompto protested. "You don't even know that guy's name."

"I could if I went over there and asked."

Perfectly timed, the officer was waving for Loqi to come over.

"Go get him," Prompto laughed.

Loqi shut down his phone and hurried across the street.

"Keep those pictures to yourself," the officer said the moment Loqi was close.

"Promise. So... What's your name?"

"Cor Leonis."

"I'm Loqi Tummelt. Thanks for posing."

If he wasn't mistaken, there was a hint of pink on Cor's face.

"Don't mention it."

Now was as good a time as any, and Loqi wasn't going to waste it. No ring meant there was a chance. The worst that could happen was getting turned down.

"So, I was wondering,"

The door opened and Loqi was interrupted before he could get out the question.

"Marshal, there's something in here you should see."

"I'll be there in a moment." Cor looked back at Loqi as the other man went back inside. "You were saying?"

"I was going to ask if you'd like to go out tonight, but you're probably going to be busy."

Loqi didn't have long to feel discouraged before Cor was extending his notepad opened to a blank page and a pen to him.

"Your number. We can work something out when I'm done here."

That simple sentence had Loqi grinning. He made sure to write both his name and number on the page and hoped Cor didn't forget.

[moonraccoon-exe]

Duty/Love

For @ffxvloqiweek, which has been a blessing so far askjdhfdgajaajfkh

Day and Prompt(s): Day 5, “Duty” Pairing: Cor/Loqi Rating: Mature? Explicit?  Word count: 7,022  [[Well FUCK ME, I wanted to make a 2k fic but my hand slipped]] Warnings: Graphic depictions of violence and blood.

AO3 link. Your kudos over there would be appreciated if you enjoyed this! Thank you ^w^

I hope the read more line works. If not, I’ll remove this and keep only the AO3 link (due to length).

“It’s my duty.”

He would tell so to himself every time he forgot. Every time he got carried away. Every time that the lie was so good, he mistook it for reality.

Every time that he felt his heart race, when those rough-skinned fingertips explored his cheeks; every time his cheeks turned red when icy blue eyes stared adoringly at him; every time an army of butterflies invaded his body whenever hands held him by the waist, or the arms, or the face, and those words slipped past the pair of soft, hypnotizing lips; ‘I love you’.

Loqi sometimes forgot what it was.

‘It’s real’ he had murmured against his lover’s lips endless times. ‘It’s true’, he had kissed him. ‘It’s love’ he had breathed.

But it was different.

It was duty.

“Loqi” Cor greeted him in his usual quiet, secretly shy, but joyful way. The younger man had exited the room he shared with the Lucian and smiled at his sight. He liked how Cor said his name whenever he saw him; as if no matter if it was a week or three minutes, he would always say his name when he saw him, as if he had missed him, as if never having enough of the melody of his name. “I’m hungry. Are you not?”

“If you are, then so am I” the Nif said with a playful smile, going towards him. He was immediately and naturally received in the older man’s arms, which sneaked around his waist and lifted him off the ground for only a few seconds, while Loqi rounded Cor’s neck with his arms and kissed him casually, with a wide, happy smile. “What’s for dinner today, my dear?”

Cor hummed as if in his version of a purr, smiling widely. “What?” Loqi asked with a laugh. “You don’t usually call me any pet names” Cor said happily. “I like it.” “Well, don’t get used, you, fool” Loqi replied with a still playful smirk, and earning a chuckle from the older man. “You’re in your coat” Cor noted, arms still hugged to the smaller man. “You going somewhere?” “Why, you don’t want me to?” Loqi asked lowly and still playfully, raising an eyebrow. The Lucian laughed under his breath again. “Of course I don’t” Cor whispered as he pulled the younger man closer, leaning down for their noses to rub. “And if you do, I’d follow.”

Loqi smiled lovingly at the words and stared affectionately at either Cor’s eyes or his mouth. His hands moved to hold the Lucian’s face tenderly.

He’s so in love with me.

“You, cheesy old man” Loqi whispered, and both smiled playfully at each other. Returning to a more serious air, Loqi’s smile softened. “I love you, Cor.”

“I love you too” the older man whispered back and, finally, he closed the eyes. Loqi kept them open for a little bit more, but closed them when both leaned closer to press their lips together, softly, but firmly.

It’s my job.

Loqi had to remind so to himself after he let a minute of kissing go on. It was easy to forget when Cor’s mouth was on him; when his words pushed the lies aside; when his presence alone made him forget everything but Cor and Cor alone. Cor, and his beautiful eyes; his short hair, his beautiful body, his scars, and how incongruously soft and tender he was in his physical actions in contrast to how tall and tough he was.

Loqi’s hands softly moved down to rest on Cor’s shoulders while both still kissed. Their lips captured each other and let go, over and over. They shared and stole each other’s breath, tongues shyly poking, and mouths kissing as if not having enough, but remaining soft.

Soft. Leonis was a soft lover. He could get beastly and rough in bed, but in the same measures he could love tenderly. Loqi had discovered in a year of relationship that Cor was tender.

There was no way to kill the Immortal. Frontal attacks wouldn’t work; backstabbing won’t. You can’t kill him as an enemy, so they tried with a friend. It did not work, either. Cor had seen the betrayal and the disguise before the multiple Nif spies could make a move. No enemy or friend can kill him.

Loqi put his hands on the Marshal’s arms, softly. Slowly, while their mouths were still busy on each other, he let his hands snake down, caressing, following the path of the arms until he reached Cor’s hands, that rested at his waist, holding him. The Nif took them and gently put them away, only to bring them up. They broke from the kiss only for a moment, while Loqi adjusted Cor’s hands on his face.

He looked up at the Lucian and gave him a shy, innocent look. His cheeks turned red and he couldn’t help but look slightly away, keeping a hand on top of one of Cor’s, which cupped his face. Cor smiled as if moved and didn’t say a word. He leaned close to press a kiss to Loqi’s forehead. The cute and affectionate gesture made Loqi’s heart melt, and it brought butterflies to his stomach.

When they started kissing again, Loqi put his hands shyly on Cor’s chest, and started subtly and slowly moving them down. Exploring. Analyzing.

Your job is simple. If no enemy or friend can kill the Immortal, then you won’t be enemy or friend. 

Cor was a tender gentleman. He liked to give Loqi forehead kisses, and always did it with the eyes closed and the heart so full, it was almost possible to touch the affection he radiated. He liked to kiss his knuckles, too. He liked to caress Loqi’s body softly, love it quietly. He always tried to make sure he was comfortable, warm, happy. Took him to dates and always made sure he was alright. Gave him what he wanted, even what he did not ask for.

Sometimes he brought him a flower. A little pebble. A chocolate. Little details that made him think of Loqi, things he thought would make him smile.

As a lover, Leonis was tender, a gentleman, and innocent like a child that only wanted to give. When he was in love, Leonis forgot about every bad thing in the world, about malice or hatred. He turned into an innocent ray of light that adored his lover to the point of almost becoming worship.

He liked to praise Loqi. A lot. For his beautiful face; for his eyes, his nose, for his eyebrows. For his beautiful body; for his silky skin. For his lips. For his passion; for his secret kindness. For his loving heart; for his words; for his way of moving, for his way of loving. For existing. For sharing his existence and his love with him.

Loqi’s hands rested on Cor’s torso, above the stomach. He liked the strong sensation underneath. The way it subtly moved with every breath Cor took in between kisses.

Cor’s hands held his face adoringly, and his thumbs softly caressed his face. One of his hands moved back to start gently stroking his hair with so much adoration, Loqi’s breath trembled; even with little gestures like that, Cor made him feel…like a deity.

It was nice. It made his cheeks burn, and it sent his heart racing.

He breathed shakily against the Marshal’s mouth, and Cor paused too for a bit, but didn’t break apart. He leaned even closer to rest his forehead on Loqi’s, and both stood quiet for a moment.

Even the silence was nice with him. It felt even more intimate than saying something.

You will infiltrate in Lucis. Meet the Marshal by accident. 

Cor had been wary of him at first. Did not like to talk with him. But, eventually, in ways he could not catch, he had befriended him. Slowly, step by step, after literal years, Loqi had earned his trust.

Loqi leaned in again to unite their lips again, softly. He only kissed him once, and waited for a reaction. Cor stayed still for a moment, as if tasting the kiss, focusing in the sensation it left on his lips.

When Cor leaned close to kiss him back, and Loqi answered the gesture, and as both got distracted once again in the kissing, Loqi subtly removed one of his hands, and brought it into his own coat.

You will befriend him, but will go beyond that. 

Loqi subtly moaned in between kisses when Cor’s fingertips caressed his nape, at the time the Marshal’s tongue gently poked his. The moan had been so natural, Loqi was not sure if he had faked it or not. He grew eager; his hands grew a little impatient. He wanted Cor; he really was starting to crave him in those moments. Wanted to bring him to the couch, or to the bed.

When they started sleeping together, Loqi had asked him to be rough. Loqi himself had shown himself active and passionate, to the point of almost being obscene. Every man he had been with always liked it like that; rough, aggressive, vulgar. Cor himself had been like that, too, at the beginning.

But the more they slept together, the softer Cor turned. The less he thought about obscenities, the less he tossed Loqi around, the less he dirty-talked to him. As if the more time went, the more the sincerity of Cor’s love for him grew. For the past months, Cor had not fucked him.

He had made love to him.

You will bring him to your bed; you will conquer his heart. You will make him fall in love with you. So deep, so profound, he has no way back from it.

And, lately, that was what Loqi was craving. No obscenities; no roughness. Just Cor’s hands slowly exploring his body; gently holding his hips; tenderly caressing his face, stroking his hair with love. His warm skin against his own, slow, taking its time. His mouth on his; his eyes on his. Loving him slowly, with care. With love.

A man is alert against enemies and friends, but goes fully blind when he’s in love.

Loqi brought his hand back out from his coat. He had forgotten he had it there.

With a hand still on Cor’s stomach, he let the moment linger, and his mouth continued kissing Cor’s, non-stop. Despite how long they had spent there, Cor did nothing to bring him anywhere nor did he make a first move.

He always waited for Loqi to do it. As if it was his way of asking for permission; never wanting to do anything that could upset him; always wanting Loqi to want it.

And he wanted it. He really did.

You must make sure that he falls in love with you so profoundly like he’s never loved before, that he would fully trust his life on your hands.

Loqi’s hand moved again, caressing with careful fingertips the zone of Cor’s torso, above his tummy, under his ribcage. His hand moved down and explored through the shirt, as if looking for something.

Cor didn’t break from the kiss. He stayed there, caressing the younger man’s face and hair, feeling his neck with his fingertips, and always kissing him, dearly, with his shy but sincere way of loving. Tender.

And once he’s in love with you, you will wait for the correct moment,

Loqi started bringing his other hand back to Cor.

And you will kill him.

And he put the tip of the knife subtly against Cor’s tummy.

Loqi half-opened the eyes mid-kiss, to watch the Lucian. Cor had not reacted to the knife; he had yet not noticed.

It was strange. So strange, Loqi waited for a long while as if not believing it himself. The Immortal had a fame of seeing everything, knowing everything, unveiling everything. Rumors had it you could shoot a gun while he sleeps, and he would still move away of the bullet’s trajectory in the last moment.

The fact that Cor was standing in his own apartment, kissing his lover, and with the tip of a knife right on top of a vital organ, and had yet noticed…it really was amazing.

He’s really so blinded…

Love really blinded, Loqi guessed, even the wariest of men. The Lucian could trust wholeheartedly anyone and still have the guard up. But romantic love…it really had won against him.

Cor had prepared in case of being betrayed by friends and family…but never by what he had thought to be the love of his life.

Love is trusting your life on someone else’s hands, giving them the power to kill you, and knowing they won’t. 

What a shame, Loqi thought. That love could be one-sided.

Loqi, finally, tensed his hand and ordered it to move forwards…

But it suddenly didn’t move. His hand stayed frozen in the same spot, only the tip of the blade pressed against Cor’s shirt. He tried again, but his hand didn’t move.

You’re at risk of believing your own lie and back away when the moment comes. Do not. 

Loqi’s heart was racing madly in his chest. He could almost feel it in his throat. The more Cor’s lips moved against his, the more frozen his hand became.

It was hypnotizing; Cor’s kisses. The way his mouth kissed him so sweetly and with so much love. It was truly mesmerizing.

Loqi had no idea someone could love this intensely. This…sincerely. Cor saw him as almost a deity; always praised him, always treated him like that, looked at him like he was an angel…

Remember Your duty.

Loqi had been with plenty men in the past for similar purposes, and while he usually had fun with them, none of them had ever…loved him like that. With so much honesty. With the whole heart; with the whole soul. None had ever looked at him like they would go through every hell, earth, and heaven just to make him smile, like Cor did…and it was…nice.

No. You don’t love him. It’s not love; it never was.

It was not supposed to be…

Loqi’s hand trembled.

Why are you hesitating…?

He had never failed before. He had never hesitated. Men were disgusting; all they wanted was sex and someone that praised them. Loqi always felt satisfaction when the moment of killing them came, his hand was always eager to move.

So why was it not obeying this time…?

He stopped the kiss and left his mouth hanging open. Cor still kissed him a little, but soon noticed the way Loqi trembled, the way he left the mouth open. At first he had thought it excitement, the moment when he left Loqi breathless. But this was different.

Loqi had started the relationship fully aware of what he was doing. That it was a lie. That every time he said to Cor ‘I love you’, it was a lie.

But he had started to forget. He had had many chances to do this in the past, and he had not done it because he had forgotten why he was even there in the first place.

He was forgetting this was not real. He had been lying so well, he had believed his own lie.

He had said ‘I love you’ so many times as a lie…perhaps it had started to turn into truth.

Cor was different.

No…

Cor slowly and eventually stopped kissing him. He waited some moments, try to see if everything was in order. Loqi’s body was tense, and he had stopped breathing.

When Cor opened the eyes, Loqi panicked.

He’s going to see it.

So he did it before Cor would.

Cor had started to formulate a question when he felt it; a sudden piercing pain in his tummy, on the left side. The not-formulated question transformed into a noise that was half-gasp and half a groan of both surprise and pain. Cor’s eyes flew open as he bent slightly forwards at the sudden sensation in his stomach; a burning, hot, sharp pain that had pierced into his body.

He looked down at Loqi as if looking for an answer, as if looking…for help.

But all that Loqi did was look up at him with a frown and cold eyes. Full of hatred.

Cor took too long understanding; indeed, Loqi didn’t think he actually finished processing it. They were still hugged as if nothing had happened; Loqi kept the knife buried to the halt in his stomach, and Cor, breathless, was staring down at him in shock.

After a moment of staring, Loqi’s frown deepened, and he grew angered.

How dare he look at me with so much innocence…!?

Not standing the way Cor still looked at him adoringly despite the shock and the pain, Loqi growled under his breath and held tightly the knife, and then proceeded to twist it while still buried in Cor’s body. He did it with anger; he did it violently. He twisted it fully to a side, then to the other, and repeated multiple times. Cor, still holding him, groaned with every movement, letting out a noise Loqi had not heard before from him.

Whimpers of pain.

It hurt. Hearing Cor in pain…it hurt.

And it maddened Loqi.

He was not supposed to have these feelings; he was not supposed to feel hurt and scared by hearing Cor in pain. And the fact that he was, the fact that it really hurt him to hurt Cor, it made him angry.

I’m not supposed to feel anything right now…!

So he stabbed him again. Brought the knife out quickly, and as quickly he made it return to a second spot in Cor’s tummy.

Cor was not even trying to defend himself. Be it the shock, be it anything else, Cor didn’t try to do anything. He only let himself be stabbed, and groaned loudly again.

It hurt even more. As if there was a connection between Cor’s body and Loqi’s heart, and stabbing him was only a way of hurting himself in the process.

It maddened him.

So he stabbed him a third time. Brought the knife out and violently made it return to a third spot. Cor should have anticipated it; with his fame in reflexes, he should have anticipated this, to already be out of the shock. But he didn’t; he had not expected it.

Love had truly blinded him.

Frowning deeply and glaring at the older man with anger, Loqi twisted the knife again before bringing it out roughly.

And then he just looked at Cor. As if waiting for his reaction.

Cor was looking at him. Directly to the eyes. Mouth open and eyes widened, face pale, and still not breathing. He stayed still for a long while, doing but stare at him. Loqi breathed heavily, eyes angered, frowning.

And then, Cor fells to his knees.

As he fell, his hands immediately looked for Loqi; they held to him, and Loqi, by reflex, held him back. He tried to keep Cor upwards, and helped him to not fall too roughly on the ground; he guided his way down on his knees in front of him, slowly, but still heavily, while Cor’s hands held tightly to him like the world would collapse and he was the only anchor to hold to.

Cor fell to his knees letting out a shaky breath, legs weak and orientation gone. Even down, he still stayed holding to Loqi tightly and strongly, body heavy and threatening to collapse.

And despite everything, Loqi held him in place.

It was a long while with Cor shaking violently in his spot and holding tightly to Loqi as if waiting for him to do something.

“…Loqi” he managed to breath out shakily, eyes wide in terror. And then, as if it took from him all his physical and inner strength, and more than he had, Cor let it out; “…why?”

“…it was my duty, Cor” Loqi replied, trying to sound dry, and hating himself for the way it came out in a murmur. “It’s nothing personal…”

It took a lot of strength that was not physical to let go of Cor. Loqi held him against him, helping him stay on his knees, but he knew he had to let go. His job was done; he had nothing more to do here.

Loqi would normally slit the throats of his victims.

But he didn’t have the heart to do it this time.

He thought it would be more bearable if he let Cor bleed to death. That way, it would have been the bleeding what killed him, and not him.

And that way, he could at least walk away, and not see Cor when he died…

Cor’s breath was ragged and difficult, and he still trembled violently. Loqi hated to see him in such a state, but tried to remind himself that all this had always been a lie, and that it had no reasons to affect him.

This man was his victim; his job. He had never been important to him; he did not have to feel bad about this.

Angered at the chaos of emotions within him that he was not supposed to be having, Loqi let go of Cor and pushed him slightly to make him fall to the floor. Cor fell sideways, his hands finally letting go of Loqi to press his wounds. He was shaking, and he breathed as if asphyxiating. It was a pathetic sight; Cor was agonizing and burning in pain at his feet.

Loqi always thought he would enjoy it.

It sickened him.

“Don’t try to contact anyone, Cor. It’s useless” Loqi warned him, as dryly as he could manage. “I cut your phone line, every communicating device you have, and I have your cellphone” he explained. “None the neighbors are home, and I will lock the door from outside anyway. It’s useless. You’re alone.”

Loqi thought about putting a foot on the older man’s head. In the end, he couldn’t bring himself to that. He only glared harder.

“Die”, he said almost as if it was an order.

Said that, Loqi forced himself to look away, and gave a first step towards the door.

“Loqi-!”

He stopped when Cor’s hand grabbed his ankle. Cor was still down on the floor, a hand pressing his wounds, and whole body trembling violently. 

The way he grabbed his ankle, the strength of it would not have been enough. It had been the intention of it what made Loqi stop.

He stood still some moments, but refused to look down at him. He tried to convince himself that it was because he didn’t care.

His heart said it was because it hurt.

“…Loqi” Cor breathed out more calmly, but still with difficulties. “Just…I need to know-…” he paused and groaned in pain. “…did you never…love me?”

“Everyone asks the same” Loqi muttered. “And the answer is always no.”

“…Loqi” Cor called again from his spot, fingers curling around the cloth of Loqi’s pants, as if fearing he would walk away and trying to hook him in place. “…look…look at me.”

“I have no reasons to-”

“Please…”

As if it was an order from a superior, Loqi fell silent at that last word. He untensed a little, and hesitated. He tried to remind himself that he did not have any reasons to obey him.

Please. The way Cor always said please, it had always been so gentle. So sweet. Always for a cute purpose. Like when he asked Loqi for a kiss, please. For a hug, please.

To stay with him…please.

Loqi swallowed to try to get rid of the knot in his throat, and ended up looking down at Cor.

Cor was looking up at him, despite being thrown on the ground. Loqi’s eyes wandered down to his tummy, and his heart skipped a beat at the sight of the large pool of blood on the floor, and how horribly much Cor’s shirt and hand were soaked and heavy in red. Still, Cor looked at him, as if not even noticing or minding the wounds.

Suddenly frightened at the sight, as if it was the first time he saw blood, Loqi stared with sudden terror, but he looked away immediately by reflex when Cor murmured his name again.

“Loqi” the Nif turned to look at him, still frightened. Cor was looking at him still with shock, but, despite it all…relatively calm. Conscious. “Did you…never...love me?”

Loqi stared at him silently. He stayed mute. He knew the answer; it was simple. He should not have reasons to hesitate.

But he did. Something about Leonis...and the way he looked at him, it was making it impossible to say it.

Why is he making it so difficult…?

“…it was my duty” he repeated in a murmur, as if that would say it all.

Cor stayed quiet. He looked away for a moment and snorted in pain, trembling, but even then not letting go of Loqi’s ankle. He took a few moments to breathe and try to control himself and the pain, and then he looked up at Loqi again.

His eyes were drowning in tears. The sight made something in Loqi’s stomach wrench.

“…did you?” Cor insisted, and the question was enough to tell Loqi what he already knew; he had avoided the question. Cor was not asking him why he did it. Cor was asking for a different answer, whether it was duty or not.

Loqi did not reply. He stared at Cor with slightly wide eyes, frozen in his place. His mouth gaped, and he hesitated.

The same icy blue eyes that he had lied to so many times…they were looking at him, waiting desperately for an answer. As if he could stand the wounds, but not not having the answer to what he asked.

Instead of looking for help, or attacking back, or screaming, or anything else…was that question, really, the only thing that preoccupied him? Whether Loqi had ever loved him or not?

Was that what Cor cared about in his agony…?

Why is he so stupid…!?

Loqi’s eyes started itching. He swallowed again, but the knot in his throat only tightened.

“…of course not” he whispered. He looked away, shaking the head as if in regret, and then let out a shaky breath. “I never did.”

Cor still stared up at him, but this time it was with surprise. With sadness. With sudden hopelessness.

And his eyes suddenly looked at him…so brokenhearted, that Loqi forced himself to look away once more.

“It was just my duty, Cor” Loqi insisted. “Loving you was not personal, as so isn’t killing you. I’m paid for this. And I’m done.”

Loqi dared to look down at him again. But all that he found was the same brokenhearted eyes that looked up at him in shock.

Cor had been stabbed three times. He was bleeding at an alarming pace. He was dying. And, yet, never had he cried.

Until then.

After Loqi answered his question, Cor looked up at him brokenhearted and in shock. And he dropped a pair of quiet tears.

Loqi tried to convince himself that they were tears of physical pain. But he knew better.

Are three stabs not enough to make him cry, but saying I never loved him was…?

Loqi thought he would be angry at the idea…but all that he felt was his stomach shrinking, and his heart wrenching inside. It was horrible; everything inside him started wrenching and feeling as if on fire, he was sure he was literally burning inside.

After watching Cor drop a pair of tears of a broken heart, the Nif looked away roughly, and started hurrying his way to the door, making Cor’s fingers unhook from his clothes.

“Loqi-!” Cor let out hurriedly, in a hoarse hiss.

Loqi did not stop. He hurried to the door, putting the knife back in a pocket of his coat, and put a hand on the knob.

Before he could turn it, he heard a thud and a groan from the Marshal.

It paralyzed him.

After a moment, Loqi dared to look back.

Cor was trying to push himself up on a hand. He was shaking violently, and blood poured down his body like a thick cascade. Once more, Loqi stared at the blood and the alarming way it was flowing. He was distracted from the sight only by Cor’s inhuman effort as he tried to push himself up on his knees. He almost had it…but, then, after moving an inch forwards, he collapsed and hit the ground, whimpering in pain.

Loqi’s heart skipped a beat.

Why, you don’t want me to leave?

Despite the way he breathed as if hyperventilating, and the way he shook in a burning pain, Cor still tried with his free hand again, and he used it to pathetically drag himself on the floor a few inches forwards.

Of course I don’t. And if you do…

Loqi’s heart fell, and he put a hand to his chest at the sudden sensation that his heart had stopped.

I’d follow.

Cor stopped for a moment, head down, and wheezing out in effort and pain. Loqi stared at him, the hand holding tightly to the knob of the door, and the body paralyzed.

It was too much blood. Whatever Loqi had stabbed, it was going to kill Cor in a matter of a couple minutes.

And still, Cor moved the hand again; put it ahead, tried to keep it firm on the floor. And he used it to drag himself on the floor a few inches more, towards the door. Towards Loqi.

Loqi’s eyes suddenly drowned in tears. The man that had loved him so tenderly, the gentleman that always brought little gifts and details to him. Who always gave him his jackets when it was cold, who liked to kiss his knuckles. The man he had slow-danced with in the kitchen. Who proudly bragged about him with his friends. Who smiled at Loqi like he was the sun after a life of darkness, an angel among demons, the source of life itself. The man that hugged him and closed the eyes like it was both a first and last hug.

Who had trusted his life in his hands.

Literally dragging himself on the floor towards him, even after Loqi had shown to not be the correct person to trust.

Because he still loved him.

It was my duty, he told Cor. ‘Nothing personal’.

He had been given the orders. He met him because it was his job; talked to him because it was his job, enamored him, laughed at his jokes, looked at him because it was his job. Faked the relationship because he was told to.

“…Loqi…” Cor breathed out with effort, head still down and whole body still trembling violently. His hand tried to tightly hold his wounds, but the blood still escaped him. He whimpered, groaned, breathed raggedly and with effort as he tried to continue dragging himself on the floor. “…please…”

Nothing had ever been real; the love story he built, it was all fiction. He had never meant any kiss; any hug; any longing gaze, any secret shared, any hold of hands. Any ‘I love you’.

It was not love.

It had never been.

Loqi’s hand tightened on the knob.

“Loqi…” Cor called again, and once more tried to push himself up on a hand.

It’s not love. It’s duty.

And so, forcing himself to look away, Loqi turned the knob and opened the door.

“No!” Cor whimpered shakily as loudly as he could, with the voice breaking and full of pain that did not come from the wounds, but rather from within. Loqi heard the brokenhearted pain in that word. So short, so small, and still managing to send a shiver through his body, like a bolt. It was not just a word; it was a plea. “Loqi…”

Loqi opened the door more, not daring to look back. He gave a first step out, heard Cor hurriedly move behind him-

-and then another thud.

Loqi looked back. Cor had collapsed again.

He was using both hands to hold his wounds; both hands were so covered in red, it looked like he was wearing gloves. He was lying on his side, bleeding, shaking even harder than before. Every time he exhaled, he whimpered; every time he inhaled, he wheezed in pain. He was heaving.

This time he did not get up.

I must remember my duty…

Loqi stayed frozen at the door. He looked outside to the hallway, and back to Cor. As if waiting for him to try to push himself up again, as if not wanting to leave until he saw Cor move up again. Loqi looked at the hallway again, and his legs trembled, hesitating whether to give a second step out or not, and he looked back at Cor. Every second that passed was making Loqi’s breath heavier and quicker, and every second covered his eyes in more and more tears. He stayed there, trying to force himself out the apartment, until he was breathing as quickly as his heart beat, and until his eyes were so covered in tears he could not see anything.

His heart raced, faster, faster for each second that Cor spent on the floor and did not get up.

His duty asked him to leave.

But this is not duty.

Breathing heavily as if near a panic attack, and finally dropping a pair of tears, Loqi rushed back into the apartment.

He pulled Cor’s cellphone out from a pocket and immediately sent the emergency alert that connected straight with the Citadel HQs. He dropped the phone at the time he dropped himself down on his knees in front of Cor, hands hurrying to the older man’s face.

“Cor- Cor, no, wait- no” Loqi said hurriedly, stumbling upon his own words. “Cor, hang on, I-I didn’t-…it was not true- I was not- hang in there, Cor, you’ll be- you’ll be fine, okay? Answer to me. Cor, answer to me!”

As he spoke, Loqi turned Cor carefully but hurriedly, and he started adjusting him. On dead weight and as bigger than him as he was, Cor was a bit of a challenge to pick up, but Loqi tried until he pulled Cor into his arms, cradling him. Half-lying on the floor, and half-held in Loqi’s arms, Cor breathed as if asphyxiating, wheezing whenever he inhaled.

Loqi put a hand to his face, making it turn to look at him. Cor’s eyelids either fluttered or fell shut. He was cold. The man that was always warm to his touch, freezing. Pale like snow.

“Hang on, Cor…” Loqi whispered, tears streaming down his face, while he adjusted Cor in his arms. He held him in place with an arm, and used the other hand to press his wounds.

Cor was not pressing them anymore. His hands laid limp on his tummy, not applying any force.

Loqi’s hand immediately turned fully red as soon as he pressed the injuries. Cor responded with a quiet whimper, and the eyelids fluttering open for a second.

“It’s okay, Cor, you’ll be fine” Loqi cried, a hand on Cor’s wounds, and the other arm cradling him against his chest. “Just stay with me, okay?”

Cor didn’t reply. It took a moment as he blinked before he could keep the eyes open. They looked feverish and lost, and out of focus, but they looked up at Loqi, as if only now noticing him.

Loqi stared back, trembling, but keeping him firmly in arms.

“Hang on, Cor” Loqi cried, as tears continued rolling down his cheeks. “I’m sorry…”

Loqi wanted to cry harder, but he forced himself to stay as collected as possible.

“I’m so sorry…” Loqi whimpered and felt stupid at his own words. Unworthy; with no rights to say such a thing. He wanted to put a hand to Cor’s face, but he knew he did not have to let go of the wounds, so he didn’t. “Stay with me, Cor…I-I’m...I’m staying with you, but I need you to stay with me too…okay?”

Cor didn’t reply. He kept the feverish eyes on Loqi, and didn’t make any expression or gave any sign to be listening. Not other than a pair of teary eyes.

Even in agony, Cor looked at him like he was angel…

Loqi sobbed and looked at the cellphone on the floor, next to him. The alert signal was still on. He begged internally that the Lucian elite forces would not take much longer to arrive. He knew it meant his arrest, but he did not give a damn; he would gladly take anything, death sentence even, but, by the gods, he needed them to save Cor…

He breathed shakily. Sobbed once, and closed the eyes. His heart hurt, as if it had been pierced by a blade.

“…I lied” Loqi whispered. He was trembling, and those last words had taken more effort than he had thought. His jaw was tense and every tear he dropped burned like fire. He opened the mouth again to continue, taking in a gasp, and it took a moment. It hurt; saying what he said next hurt as if this truth had been buried so profoundly in his heart that taking it out was pulling it out from the deepest part of his soul. “…I love you.”

Cor was getting colder, and his breath, even though it was still fast and heavy, had grown quieter. The blood did not stop. His body was untensing. His eyes were losing even more focus.

Loqi said those words slowly, as if wanting Cor to know he meant them. As if knowing the effort it took to just listen. Cor’s unfocused eyes were still on him, teary, and looking at him as if he had never seen him before.

Loqi bit his lower lip to try to contain himself, but he ended up sobbing, crying a little harder.

“I love you, Cor” Loqi repeated among tears. “Please, don’t die on me…”

Again, Cor did not show any signs to have heard or understood. He only stared up at Loqi like he was the only thing that existed.

And then, almost without blinking, two tears shyly escaped his eyes and rolled down the sides of his head.

Loqi watched Cor’s lips move a little, as if he was trying to say something, but did not find the strength to.

“Save your breath” Loqi shushed him, forcing a smile despite the tears. “Just…calm down…but stay awake, okay? Stay with me, Cor. I’m staying with you, so you stay with me…”

Cor blinked, and kept the eyes on him, but again said and did nothing. He let out another pair of silent and shy tears.

Suddenly, his body tensed and he trembled as if he had been struck by a bolt; Loqi held him tighter and panicked a little as Cor spasmed a bit and took in a loud gasp, the head moving slightly back. He stopped breathing for a moment while he stayed tense. Loqi tried to shush him as the bolt of pain faded.

“It’s okay, I’ve got you- stay with me, Cor” Loqi repeated, pressing Cor closer to him. “Don’t die…please, stay with me…”

Cor stayed limp in his arms. His body was thrown on the floor, and his head was cradled in Loqi’s arm, against his chest. Loqi held him like he had loved him all the past year; tenderly. Cor wanted to help him with he wounds, but his hands had stopped functioning; for harder he tried, he could not get them to obey. They laid limp, one on the floor, the other on his tummy, next to Loqi’s hand. He wanted to reach to touch it, but his hand not even then would listen.

Cor started losing more focus; he tried to look up at Loqi, tried to look down at the place where he was almost touching his hand, but it became harder to see. Everything was blurry. He hated the sensation.

So he closed the eyes.

“…Cor?”

Even listening was difficult; Loqi’s voice was distant, echo-y. Like it was part of a dream and he was starting to wake up, but backwards.

He should have known that if he didn’t have the strength to keep the eyes open, he would not have strength enough to talk, but he still tried. He wanted to tell something to Loqi.

“Cor.”

He wanted to tell him that he had to stop worrying whether Cor lived or not. That it really didn’t matter if he died now. Because Loqi had come back. He had regretted what he did.

“Cor!”

He heard Loqi yell something else, but his ears did not quite catch it.

He wanted to tell him that true, what he did had been horrible but it was done. What mattered now was that Loqi had regretted it. That he was staying with Cor. That he had come back.

Whether he lived or died, the facts were that Loqi had come back, was holding him, and told him he loved him. Said it with both words and actions.

Whatever happened now, it was not important.

Loqi loved him.

Cor became numb to the pain. He could not hear Loqi’s voice that yelled and screamed, nor feel him shaking him in arms to bring him back awake. All that Cor felt was a warm bloom in his heart, and a sudden sensation of completeness.

Loqi loved him. Whether he had done it for duty or not, Loqi loved him. If he died, he would go with that last knowledge, and that was all that he needed.

Unable to hear, see, or feel what was happening, Cor let his head rest against Loqi’s chest, kept the eyes closed, and, as unconsciousness took over, he smiled.

[chocobostrinket]

Lost & Found

Prompt: Family 

Day: September 10th 

Platonic Aranea/Loqi, Platonic Cor/Loqi, or Cor/Loqi

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 3027

Warnings: Implied deep depression, implied emotional child neglect, implied violence.

Summary: Loqi’s family situation shifted from his actual blood family, to his idea of loyalty to the emperor being his family, to basically adopting Aranea as an older sibling along with Biggs and Wedge, and eventually the strange relationship he has with Cor. He reflects on this, along with the constant depression that’s been present throughout his life.

Also posted on AO3. 

Loqi sniffled in his seat. Not because he was crying, but because his nose was still bleeding, and he dared not get the blood on his uniform. A glower was aimed at the secretary of his school, the one responsible for calling his father. And in turn she only gave him a smug look, as if proud that she might see one of the proud Tummelts in trouble. Even if said Tummelt was only 13.

Meanwhile, the boy who had started the fight was currently on his way to the nearest medical facility. Loqi had, regrettably, broken the boy’s wrist after he had thrown the first punch. Allowed him to make him bleed so he could justifiably call it self-defense. He was after all, the smaller of the two, and could be called the weaker based on that alone. But his father…

Well, his father would know better. He’d been the one who’d taught him after all.

Loqi could hear the door of the school open in the distance then, thanks to the echoing halls. A heavy sigh left him, and he braced himself with every step of his father’s boots he heard. When the door to the office opened, he stood up straight and allowed his face to relax into something neutral. His father only glanced at him, and then at the secretary.

“Your reason for calling me here?” He said simply, his tone ensuring he got only a straight answer.

“Your son was involved in an altercation.” She said, also rising to her feet. She held her head up, as if sure she was just in calling his father here from the Emperor’s side.

She explained that a fight had broken out. But she neglected to mention that the other boy had started it, or why they had started fighting at all. Just that Loqi had broken the boy’s wrist. He managed to keep his face stoic through her run down of events, but he couldn’t help the slight tensing of his shoulders when his father leveled his gaze at him.

He looked at his face, as if searching for a lie before it could even leave Loqi’s mouth. His silence scared Loqi, making his father seem larger than he was, like a creature coiling for a killing strike. More than once, when he was younger, had he been on the receiving end of his father’s strikes. Honestly, the boy’s punch was nothing compared to his training sessions.

“Loqi. What happened?”

He sounded so calm, but Loqi, from experience could hear the traces of anger in his voice.

“Sir,” He started, his voice level, “Dean from class 7 started the fight. He claimed that the emperor’s health would fail him soon, and that his family was closer in line to the throne than ours.”

At that his father seemed to settle back into his bones, but not entirely. “And?”

“I told him the emperor was far from being ill, and had named his successor already, whom house Tummelt would serve to our greatest ability, as we always have, and would hold no claim over the throne no matter what.” He said, reciting part of his family’s oath. “I also said that he should watch his words, as one could take what he said as a threat upon the emperor from his family if he wasn’t careful.”

His father’s eyes narrowed, but he was appeased. Though ire was still present in his voice, just no longer directed at Loqi.

“And then what occurred?”

“Dean punched me.” Loqi said it simply, not realizing that his nose, though the bleeding had slowed, hadn’t stopped. “So I reacted to it as a threat to myself, as the future of house Tummelt.”

He knew he was laying it on rather thick with the family loyalty stuff, but part of him did want nothing more to uphold the honor his family had won for generation after generation. Plus, his father seemed satisfied with the explanation.

Loqi sort of mentally checked out then, glad he’d managed to direct his father’s anger at someone other than himself. And his father was upset that clearly his school was seeking to pin the blame on Loqi for the whole ordeal. The secretary’s face was no longer smug, but slowly sinking into placating and apologetic. He wasn’t paying attention at that point, letting his father get the anger out of his system without interrupting.

He was only pulled out of his thoughts only when his father pressed his handkerchief under his nose. Loqi looked up at his father, the brief thought of how he’d never catch up to his height passing through his mind, and made a questioning noise.

“Come Loqi. We’re going home.”

Loqi lifted his hand and took over on holding the cloth under his nose. “Yes father.”

He followed his father’s quick pace, taking two steps for every one of his fathers, and didn’t complain. It was only when they were in their car, with the MT designated to them by the emperor driving, that his father spoke again.

“I think it’s time we moved you out of the civilian school system.” His father seemed to mull something over, and then continued, “You’ve already proven that you understand what is being asked of our family. As such, you’ve proven ready for the next phase of your life.”

Loqi’s heart rate sped up, and he said, “Yes father.”

That could only mean one thing. He’d be placed into the military program, presumably the fast track like all Tummelts. Literally, something he’d been raised for all his life. But it was mildly concerning when he realized that he’d probably be the youngest Tummelt in history to go into the program. However, he didn’t dare to question his father. (Though part of him did wonder if his father was rushing him into the program for some other reason.)

He’d be made into a weapon for the empire. And while he was already considered advanced for his age, he knew that they’d hammer him into a prodigy in his own right. Equal parts dread, and excitement filled him. And for once, his father looked proud of Loqi. But only for a moment.

He then turned away from his son and looked out the window, watching the passing landscape instead.

~

He’d just turned 15, in the middle of sparring with some of the best instructors available for his fighting style, inside one of the empire’s numerous training facilities, when he received word.

“Loqi Tummelt.” A voice called from over his left shoulder, and he quickly snapped around and saluted on instinct.

“Sir.”

Ravus, the once prince of Tenebrae and current officer of the military, stalked closer to him, stopping only a few feet away. He’d always liked him. Ravus, though he’d been softer than Loqi had ever been allowed, soon enough had become a renown soldier. However, at the moment he seemed to look Loqi up and down. Or maybe he was searching for a way to start whatever he had to say. Loqi couldn’t tell. But then he simply stated what he came there for.

“Your father has fallen, listing you as his only heir.” Ravus paused, assessing Loqi’s facial expression undoubtedly. But when it remained unchanging, he continued, “Your house retainers shall take over his duties, until you reach the age necessary for you to assume responsibility of them.”

Loqi stood still, unchanging, almost as if he was paralyzed. At that moment, it felt like a stone was sinking down into his stomach, one made of intense dislike of Ravus. Simply for the fact he was the one telling him of his father’s death. And perhaps, the tactical side of his brain whispered, the emperor had planned for this result. It made sense, for him not to like a former royal of a conquered territory. The Tummelts were made to serve the emperor after all. Better to not risk the only heir of the house turning traitor for the sake of something silly like friendship.

“Lord Tummelt, do you understand what I’m saying?” Ravus asked, his face also unchanging, but there was concern in his eyes. Loqi had just become unresponsive for a time after all. (And it deeply bothered him, just how young Loqi really was.)

However, it was the concern in Ravus’s eyes that pulled him back. He snapped back into his body and nodded.

“Yes. I understand,” he said mechanically, “Will that be all?”

“Yes. Yes it is.” Ravus said, and he watched as Loqi returned to his sparring.

And if he noticed the 15-year-old was more vicious from then on, he said nothing.

~

A few months after that, he returned home. Home, where his father would never return. Where his mother had passed away from illness. Where he was alone, aside from those who now worked for him. There was a horrible hollow feeling in his chest. He’d felt it before as a child, but never to this extent.

He didn’t like it.

Part of him debated on asking Ravus, now a respected colleague and no more, to send for Lady Lunafreya. To see if she could pull what could only be described as sickness from his heart. But in the end he didn’t. Rather, he went into his father’s study and summoned his father’s- no, his retainers to him. To teach him the paper work and responsibilities his father had left him and let himself be lost in that work for a while.

But it wasn’t enough.

Soon enough, once he was proficient enough in his responsibilities, he requested an audience with the emperor and requested to be sent to war.

“I want to serve as my father did, in service to you and your glory.” He said, arm crossed over his sternum and bowed at the waist.

The emperor laughed, but it wasn’t cruel. Rather, it was one of fondness. “And so, his son is already prepared to swear his service and don his mantle. Your father did not lie when he said that you might be the brightest mind to come from house Tummelt.”

The Emperor hummed, seemingly in thought. But then answered. “Granted. You’ll start your new duties in a week. See to it that you finish all necessary paperwork and ensure that your responsibilities will be seen to while you’re away.”

“Thank you, your radiance.” He said in reply, truly meaning his gratitude. Knowing that he would be away from home, and risking his life, somehow made the hollowness recede. If only a little. “House Tummelt, as always, lives for the glory of the empire.”

With that, he was dismissed and immediately went to work doing as the emperor asked.

~

“My name’s Loqi Tummelt. Pleasure to be working with you.” He nodded his head to the woman he’d be working with for the next few months. Behind him stood one of his combat trainers, simply here to observe his actions and report back how he handles himself in live combat. So, he didn’t introduce himself.

“Shiva’s frosty ass, they sent us a kid.” Aranea shook her head and turned away, a strange look on her face. “Well. As long as you can keep up Tummelt. Name’s Aranea. Welcome to the crew.”

With her, he settled into himself. Her men became people he could trust unreservedly. They’d talk long into the day, and then greet the night and find the demons that were required. He threw himself into battle after battle, with each one becoming more and more alive. But it would always recede back into hollowness.

It was also with her that he first felt defeat.

With gasping breaths, and blood pounding in his ears, he fell to his knees.

They had been separated. Ordered to assist a frontal assault mission gone wrong. Aranea was off fighting with simple soldiers of Lucis. He on the other hand, ended up locked in battle with the immortal. He hadn’t meant to, at first. He and his trainer were just supposed to slip away from battle, and stay out of sight of Cor. But then something burned inside him, making him the hotheaded and headstrong kid he wasn’t supposed to be. He wanted to fight him. And before he knew it, he’d shouted at him, challenging him and throwing himself at the man while his trainer tried to talk some sense into him.

It hadn’t ended well of course.

He used his sword to hold himself up, not willing to endure the embarrassment of falling forward. Before him walked Cor the immortal, face just as blank as his was. However, their eyes held different emotions. Loqi never felt so alive, even with what he was sure was death walking toward him. Death on the immortal’s sword was an honorable one. The only thing he regretted was that his house would end with him.

But the hollowness was gone.

He glared upward at the man, and watched as he raised his sword, never breaking eye contact. But then, to both their surprise, he lowered his blade and replaced it in its sheath. He then leveled a stare at him that slightly unnerved Loqi.

Loqi was used to being able to read people. But the emotions buzzing in his chest after years of not feeling them made him unable to focus enough, so the strange look in Cor’s eyes scared him a little. But he only responded to that feeling with a glare. However, Cor’s gaze seemed like he could see through all of Loqi’s bullshit. That thought made Loqi both angry and hopeful in equal amounts.

(Please, please let someone see the hollow thing eating me.)

But the Cor shattered that hope.

“You shouldn’t charge in so recklessly. That’s the quickest way to be killed.” He said.

He’d left then, ignoring the insults that Loqi was screaming at his back. He was angry, upset about the small hope he’d felt, after years of feeling empty, being stripped away so callously. It was then, right after Cor was out of sight and Loqi finally allowed himself to collapse, that he swore that Cor would die by his hand.

Because how dare he give him that hope.

When he awoke, he was in one of Aranea’s camps. The battle was over and already the hollow feeling was back. She revealed that his trainer was killed by Cor after he’d passed out. But when she said it, she didn’t look at him. Her eyes were on the floor, but she was glaring. As if the words she said tasted bad in her mouth. She was lying. Cor had walked away.

But he said nothing and agreed to write his report on what happened. He left out that he’d seen Cor leave, and was pronounced proficient for combat since he’d outlived his trainer on the field.

Soon enough, once that was settled, months turned into years with Aranea, two to be precise. And eventually, when the hollowness came back and became too much to bear, he handed in a request for a general’s position.

To his surprise he was promoted and assigned to frontline assault rather than simple demon collection, with his own battalion of MTs to command. And when he left her side, he briefly entertained the thought that she must act like an older sister does, and thanked her for everything.

~

He becomes known for being reckless, but deadly on the battlefield. Headstrong, and able to stand up to the marshal.

(He begins to think that the Marshal, judging by the advice he leaves him with after every battle, one day wishes to be killed by him.)

~

He sat on the walls of Lestallum late at night, staring out into the darkness. A soft sigh left him. The feeling of hollowness was worse than ever before. He felt cold. He’d always thought it was just the ice around Gralea that made him cold, or the altitude of the airships. But no. Even here on the ground, in arguably the warmest place in the world, his hands were like ice, and he could barely suppress the shiver in his shoulders from making itself known.

“Loqi?”

Cor’s voice came from behind him, and when Loqi turned, he placed a hand on his shoulder. Loqi’s eyes flickered to his hand and then back up to his eyes. The corner of his mouth twitched, and that was all the sign that Cor needed these days. His hand ever so slightly tightened on Loqi’s shoulder, meant to reassure, but also keep him from ‘falling’ off the wall. He then guided him away from where he sat and made sure to stand between him and the edge.

As if Loqi would be so dramatic as to fling himself off the wall.

Cor had been the first one to broach the topic, with Aranea being unable to, no matter how she wished. She had explained his tendencies. His actions. His moods. His thought processes. And Cor had pieced it together. Loqi didn’t feel hollow. Cor said disassociating was common in soldiers, especially ones who had started as young as they had. And that was only a small piece of it.

He also explained why Loqi only ever felt alive when in danger, and Loqi had hated him for a while for it.

But now, when they got down from the wall, Cor took his hands, holing them between his own. Occasionally, he’d blow on them, trying to warm them with his breath. It worked for his hands, and he felt less cold. But also, Loqi noticed that when he did this for him, the place in his chest didn’t feel so hollow anymore.

A hint of warmth was there now as well.

“Come on Loqi, let’s go find Aranea. Maybe she’ll share some of that Tenebraen whiskey she found.” Cor suggested. And while Loqi couldn’t bring himself to talk just yet, he nodded.

He didn’t follow Cor, but rather Cor matched his steps, so he wasn’t forced to try and keep up with the taller man. And upon reaching the barracks where they called home, Aranea, Biggs, and Wedge were there to welcome him.

[ferairia]

Business as usual

September 11th/Day 2: Loqi as a spy

Loqi Tummelt, Cor Leonis, Monica Elshett. Mentions of the Chocobros and Caligo Ulldor

Rating: General

Word Count: 1656

Warnings: Disguises, mentions the Fall of Insomnia, mentions of the fight at Norduscaen Garrison, vague spy network, vague spy codes and code names. Picking lines directly from the game

Summary : Loqi is a spy for Lucis under Cor Leonis. Before the Treaty, Cor was already in trouble with the King. Now that Insomnia has fallen and Niffleheim side of the network is slowly and quietly being weeded out, Loqi has decisions to make. Thankfully, he didn’t need to wait long for answers.

AO3 Link : Business as usual

Loqi was sweaty and hot under all the hunter’s coverall that he managed to snag at the Prairie’s Outpost. He prayed to all the Six that the black hair dye or whatever he was wearing won’t get worn down with his sweat as he busied himself with a sword. He needed a temporary dye since he is now being posted beyond Niff territory. Had it been Gralea, all he had to do was style his hair differently and maybe some contact lenses.

Cor was supposed to meet him up at the Prairie Outpost but he hasn’t appeared yet.

He sighed to himself at the thought of the day being wasted but it’s a common enough not to cause him worry. Just annoyed.

“Sure is melting hot, out here.” A woman came. She was in full hunter’s garb as well.

Pausing in his blade sharpening, he looked up to the one who uttered it. That was the code. “With all the sun, can’t expect it to be freezing, Felicia.” He responded with a relieved smile. It wasn’t Cor but it was one of Cor’s subordinates, Monica Elshett.

Felicia nodded in response before settling beside him. She unsheathed her sword and set it before her, signaling for Loqi to continue what he was doing.

Rummaging through her pockets, she lets out a grouse. “You have an extra whetstone on ya, Al?” She asked. “I think I lost mine.”

Loqi gave her a knowing smile the whole time as he shook his head. He took a small box and gave it to her. “What’s big bro doing?” He asked as he watched Felicia fussed with the box and with a sleight of hands changed it with a proper box of a whetstone.

Felicia sighed. “Dad said told him to do some business out of town. Big bro didn’t want to budge so he’s trying to deal with dad and have someone else go for the business trip.” She explained, her hand barely moved as she explained. “It’s just that…” She began, trying word her thoughts properly. “Dad is pretty old, Al.” She said in a worried tone but the look on her face was more scrutinizing than worried.

It was Loqi’s turn to sigh. Long story short. Cor is on the verge of insubordination. Not that it’s the first time but as ‘Felicia’ said, the King is pretty old. And old people tend to not like it when their orders aren’t obeyed. Since it’s the King and not anyone else, Loqi smelt trouble.

“So, is big bro in trouble?” He asked frankly.

Felicia shook her head as she returned to whetting her blade. “Don’t know. Haven’t heard from him ever since. The Treaty is going to start this week. Just hope big bro is not going to get into too much trouble with everything’s that going on.” She said softly.

Loqi couldn’t agree with her more. If anything happens to Cor, he’s going to be in a pinch. Being a Brigadier General wasn’t easy and trying to escape is going to be a mess, if he survives it.

“Anyway.” Loqi began. “How’s the children?” He asked with a straight face. Knowing Monica, she had cats. Loqi never seen them but Monica had told enough of them to know how they were doing.

Monica or ‘Felicia’, snickered. “As rambunctious as ever. Broke a few of my plates just the other day.” She said. The two ended up talking about the cats for a while. Mission completed. Just to kill time until they could leave without suspicion. Being so near to a garrison and wary hunters had their difficulties. If the Niffs didn’t get them, the Hunters might just give them away accidentally.

Before their time was up, Felicia got a call. “Felicia.” She said curtly as she stopped fussing over her sword. “Uh, yes. Right at the old ruined house.” She informed whoever it is. “Ok. See ya.” She said as she ended her call.

“The client’s coming.” She said. The cold military discipline leaking into her voice before she cleared her throat and recomposed herself as a lighthearted Felicia. “No need to look like you’ve seen a ghost, Al.” She quipped.

Loqi shrugged. He paused in thought. “Do you think Big Bro got into trouble?”

“Don’t know, Al.” She answered as she turned to pack her stuff. “But my transport is just a short ride from here.” Code for – Cor is coming over as a Client. Act accordingly.

Al or Loqi, went about to pack his stuff, too.

They barely had gotten to their feet when a truck pulled towards their place. In it was Cor, waving at them.

“Hey, Felicia, Al.” He regarded with a nod. The two gave a nod back and Felicia got into the truck. “Melting hot here, huh?” He said as he gave Loqi a onceover.

Loqi replied with a tight smile. “If it’s freezing cold, it’ll be the end of the world.”

Cor gave a small smile at that. “Anyways, borrow Felicia here for a job. If I need more people, I might need to call you in, too.”

“Sure. Just make sure, you take care of her.” Loqi answered back amicably.

With that, they parted ways.

Almost three weeks passed since then.

Insomnia fell, the network collapsed and names were being brought up within the ranks and silently taken care off. Caligo made sure of that.

And Loqi, now without any form of communication, went after the only Lucian he knew that was on Niffleheim’s radar, other than the Prince. The very Lucian that his accolades in warfare were more or less based on. He went to confirm Cor Leonis’s status. Two birds with one stone, really. This way, he can decide whether to continue his work or get rid of everything.

He received word that the Prince was to escape via the Norduscaen Garrison. Even as he got on his ship towards the said drop site, he started to feel lost. Would he be forced to kill off the Prince? Something in him was screaming to back off and stop. But he was a soldier. He had his orders. He…could only pray he was doing the right thing.

The garrison came into view along with a slew of dissipating MTs. With them, he saw the iconic black coloured garb donned by the Crownsguard. Taking point was the Prince and Cor.

He was wildly relieved at that sight alone. Cor was alive! The Prince would be safe in his care, too. That feeling dimmed considerably.

He hovered over the opened courtyard. “Stay right where you are.” He declared imperiously from his ship. “Well, well. If it isn’t Cor the Immortal. So you’ve survived the Citadel.” He said before turning to man his Magitek Armour.

“But you won’t survive what I have in store for you. It’s past time your legend came to an end.” He declared grimly, knowing people from Niffleheim, especially, Caligo is listening through the comms.

The fight was more grueling than he thought and the ejection system was unpleasant despite saving his life.

Seeing off the prince, Cor dismissed Monica and returned to ‘watching the Niffs.’

Once he heard a truck and a car passed, he finally cracked opened the charred cockpit.

He was surprised to see Cor nearby, looking for him from the looks of things.

“Thank the Six, you’re still alive.” Cor said in relief with a smirk of satisfaction.

Loqi only managed a huff as he got himself out with Cor’s help.

Thankfully, the worse injury on him was a split lip. His armour seriously helped.

As the two recovered from the effort on the floor next to it, Cor held out a Potion for him.

He refused it. “It’ll get suspicious if I escape literally unscathed.” He explained.

Cor nodded in understanding. “How goes for you since the fall?” He asked as he made it dissipate into the ether.

“Unnerving to say the least. There was a leak in the network. Caligo has been on the hunt ever since.” Loqi explained. “Did not help that there was only static on my communicator.”

Cor’s lips pulled into a tight grimace. “At the very least, we’re confident that the leak is taken cared off with the fall.” He said cryptically.

“Well, for the time being, there won’t be much activities. If anything, I think I’ll be the only one going beyond enemy lines to meet up with you.” He said as he scratched his head. “Other than the Prince and his retinue, of course.”

Loqi raised his eyebrows at that. “Ah, the chamberlain is there too?”

“Yes, indeed.” He answered. “He was the one with the glasses.” He added, gesturing two fingers over his eyes.

“Well, then. The Prince is in good hands.” He said in an impressed tone. “A member of a network is with him after all.”

“Still, one must be cautious in times like these.” He said with a tired huff.

Loqi only chuckled in response.

“Well, then.” Cor said as he got to his feet. “It’s best we get moving.”

Loqi got to his feet as well. “As always, it was an honour to fight you.” He said as he stood straight and held out a hand, a proud look present on his face.

Cor mirrored him and shook his hand with a tight smile. “Likewise. Glad to still have you on board with us.”

At that Loqi lets out a mirthless cackle. “Careful there. You assume too quickly.” He warned. A gentle reminder that this could all end suddenly.

Cor’s smile turned into a knowing smirk. “If I was wrong, we won’t be standing here.” He said as he passed. “See you when I see you.” He said with a wave, not even looking back if it’s returned.

Loqi merely shook his head before getting his emergency beacon. When the ship came, it was already dark and none of the Lucians were in sight.

[inuiru]

Sept 10th -  Loqi as prince of Niflheim

[inuiru]

Sept 11th -  Loqi as a spy

～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～

If Loqi infiltrated Insomnia as a spy, I wonder how he’d feel about Lucis… The food’s delicious, the city’s beautiful, and resources are aplenty—would he still think of Lucis as an uncivilized kingdom only monopolizing the crystal’s power? 

【Thank you Alyssa(@ama01379) for translating my tweet to English!】