[ Apology accepted, it still doesn't mean it didn't hurt. Still, Noctis is quick to forgive, and he nods. He doesn't see any of the shadows, and isn't quick to discount that it's the town fucking with them all the same. ]
Okay.
[ He's racking his brain to figure out what to do, and he comes around beside him. Ignis is unsettled, and Noctis is quick enough on the uptake to know that everything about this place is getting under his skin for reasons he doesn't yet grasp. ]
[His answer is immediate, calm, but with an edge of that kind of forced calm that Ignis so often uses when circumstances are beginning to trouble him. He shakes his head, clasps his hands together for a moment then stands, letting a breath out sharply.]
I can't forgo my duties because of their ridiculous games. [He won't.] But... I'd welcome your company, if you'd join me.
[ Noctis smiles, acutely aware that Ignis is struggling with his emotions. He'd know that edge anywhere, and it seems like this thing, whatever it is, is hitting him hard. ]
C'mon, let's go see if there are things we can kill.
[ Noctis makes a small noise of amusement and reaches out to give his shoulder a firm squeeze. It's nice to see a change of expression, but more than that: ]
Hey. You know I won't let anything get you, right?
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Okay.
[ He's racking his brain to figure out what to do, and he comes around beside him. Ignis is unsettled, and Noctis is quick enough on the uptake to know that everything about this place is getting under his skin for reasons he doesn't yet grasp. ]
Do you wanna head back?
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[His answer is immediate, calm, but with an edge of that kind of forced calm that Ignis so often uses when circumstances are beginning to trouble him. He shakes his head, clasps his hands together for a moment then stands, letting a breath out sharply.]
I can't forgo my duties because of their ridiculous games. [He won't.] But... I'd welcome your company, if you'd join me.
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[ Noctis smiles, acutely aware that Ignis is struggling with his emotions. He'd know that edge anywhere, and it seems like this thing, whatever it is, is hitting him hard. ]
C'mon, let's go see if there are things we can kill.
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[He smiles faintly in return, even if his words come out slightly grim, and gives Noctis a pat against the back of his shoulder.]
Come on. There should be something along this way, if the reports from the last patrol were accurate.
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Hey. You know I won't let anything get you, right?
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[But he also knows that here, more than anywhere, Noctis can't always keep that kind of promise. Still, it's a nice thing to hear, regardless.]
Thank you, Noct.
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All right, lead the way.