[ Noctis helps. Tucks him in and makes sure the blanket is secure (even though he knows the other man will probably toss it off). He knows this is difficult for Ignis; Six, it's difficult thinking about it, too. He doesn't want to die, he wants to live his life out with Ignis and his friends and serve their people. He wants to see where he and Ignis go, he wants to keep loving him and to make up for all the lost time.

Ignis is not looking at him, and he frowns, gently grasping his chin to look at him. Theirs is a complicated relationship where duty and love are inextricably twined -- an innate power imbalance than can implode on itself if not properly managed. But they're doing quite well so far, aren't they? It's turning out that they have the same problems and issues and joys and fears that other couples do, and Noctis is endlessly grateful for that. ]

And it's my job to make sure I protect you, too. As your king. And -- you know. [ Lover still sounds so weird to say. ] More than that. What we are now. I won't have you dying for me. [ That first time, that time, seeing Ignis so close to death terrified him more than even the old kings of Lucis did. His love, dying because of him. He cannot bear it. ]