[ He sees the peace offering for what it is, accepts it and hopes it does some good for Ignis, too. It's awkward and strained with too much left unspoken, too much left behind but not forgotten. He notices the hesitation, wonders if perhaps the chair he's sitting in is Ignis' favorite, if he's taking kindly to the disruption.

Perhaps not, even if he doesn't let on; but it's between this and leaving Ignis on his own, and Noctis will have none of it. Ignis has been such a fundamental part of his life, the one thing that keeps him moored, the one person who Noctis always looks towards because that's how they've come to fit together, as friends, brothers, partners and lovers. How can he let him go like this?

He doesn't respond to the snippy retort, but he does nod lightly even if Ignis can't quite perceive it. ]

I'm sorry I failed you.

[ Since they're in the mood for apologies, and Noctis has always detested beating around the bush. ] You've protected me all your life, and when the time came for me to finally get to protect you, I wasn't there.

[ He's quiet for a moment, his next words almost inaudible, words he had thought to himself over and over ever since he returned. ] You would've been fully within your rights to kill me.