[Things had been different back then. Back before everything had exploded, had become so complicated. Back when they were nothing more than a prince and his adviser, struggling to traverse the paths both of them were expected to walk. Noctis trying to fight against the idea of his father dying, of becoming king. And Ignis trying to get him to see the truth of his own reality.

That fight had never really had a conclusion. They never talked about it. Just moved on from it and pretended it never even happened. That's what they all did. Forged ahead towards the future and tried not to look at the past.

Noctis hated it.

All he wants is to get out if this situation that he was entirely responsible for. That he had very much placed himself in. That he had caused. Slip past Ignis and take the time needed to forget all about it. To shove it down and ignore it. But he's being cornered, trapped against the counter top and there is no escape. Not when those hands are on his face and Ignis is speaking. Commanding. And as much as he doesn't want to, he has no other choice.

He looks up.

Steel blue catches emerald green and become lost. Trapped. Held steady there by the sheer force of that gaze and nothing could make him move.

'I love you' Ignis says. 'Everything I do is for you.' 'You're not a waste.'

And it all sounds so beautiful. So good and real and he wants with all of his being to believe it. That he's not a waste of Ignis' time and efforts. That he truly does want to do all of these things for him. That the love sparking between them is so strong that it only heightens that desire.]

I just... I hate this, Ignis. I hate how I feel right now. That I'm so jealous and possessive when I know better. I love you so much. Sometimes you're all that's even holding me together and if I didn't have that anymore I... I couldn't take it.