[ On his own calendar, a week from today is a blank spot. One hour is set aside to talk to Noctis. From there, there are another three hours settled and then the easiest of meetings after. Either he's going to need those three hours to settle himself down from the ache of what could be a very final end to their relationship, or it will be uncomfortable, but bearable, and they'll continue as they have so far. Which is to say, not seeking each other out, and Ignis...leaves again? He's not sure - if Noctis won't even talk to him, that's something else entirely.

Leaving or staying won't fix that. There's nothing he can do until he has the talk, though, and secretly he can hope that maybe Noctis will take the time out of his day to say something, but no. His schedule is always full and Ignis doesn't push at it, not wanting to touch something so raw right now.

Octavia, somehow, is easier. It's a strange world.

He settles across from her, glancing from her to the wine, hesitating a brief moment before agreeing to take a glass. ]

I know, but I also know that five minutes where we're both free is rare, so I was trying to get here a little earlier to save you it for later. It's fine. Thank you for the wine, Your Majesty. What can I do?