There are so many ways to answer that question, and none of them are the one that Ignis wants.
Ignis had already protected him. Had already given everything to try and save him. That's why they were here together instead of him being alone. Ignis was meant to protect him, to guide him. To keep him safe. Not quite his shield but just as fierce and twice as loyal.
That wasn't what Noctis wanted. Had never been what he wanted. Those who had sworn their lives to him had suffered so much because of it. Because of him. They had stuck by his side, always, and all he had ever done was cause all of them pain. He couldn't do that. Not to Ignis. Not anymore.
But Ignis speaks those words, kisses his palm like he's something precious, and his heart skips a beat. Aches with how much they both want this. How much they both want each other. Ignis wants this, wants him, and it's a revelation that had only ever come to him before in dreams. Always leaving him feeling hollow when he wakes, like something is missing that should be there.
Part of him understands, because all he wants is to protect Ignis. To keep him safe. To fight and give everything for the chance. It's like the two sides are at war within him, and he can't decide which one to chose. Yes or no.
Ignis wants this. Wants him. Wants everything that will come along with it. They both know the risk. Know exactly what they're getting themselves into.]
Yes. [It's more like a sigh than a spoken word, bright eyes falling shut as he nuzzled into the gentle touch.] I'll give you everything, Ignis. [It's like a promise that's been waiting for far too long to be made, slipping out so easily, so readily.] But only if you'll let me protect you too. [The single condition. The only thing he would ask for in return. That he be allowed to give the same for Ignis. That his life would no longer be held as somehow more important.
It wasn't. And he didn't want it if Ignis was no longer in it.]
no subject
Ignis had already protected him. Had already given everything to try and save him. That's why they were here together instead of him being alone. Ignis was meant to protect him, to guide him. To keep him safe. Not quite his shield but just as fierce and twice as loyal.
That wasn't what Noctis wanted. Had never been what he wanted. Those who had sworn their lives to him had suffered so much because of it. Because of him. They had stuck by his side, always, and all he had ever done was cause all of them pain. He couldn't do that. Not to Ignis. Not anymore.
But Ignis speaks those words, kisses his palm like he's something precious, and his heart skips a beat. Aches with how much they both want this. How much they both want each other. Ignis wants this, wants him, and it's a revelation that had only ever come to him before in dreams. Always leaving him feeling hollow when he wakes, like something is missing that should be there.
Part of him understands, because all he wants is to protect Ignis. To keep him safe. To fight and give everything for the chance. It's like the two sides are at war within him, and he can't decide which one to chose. Yes or no.
Ignis wants this. Wants him. Wants everything that will come along with it. They both know the risk. Know exactly what they're getting themselves into.]
Yes. [It's more like a sigh than a spoken word, bright eyes falling shut as he nuzzled into the gentle touch.] I'll give you everything, Ignis. [It's like a promise that's been waiting for far too long to be made, slipping out so easily, so readily.] But only if you'll let me protect you too. [The single condition. The only thing he would ask for in return. That he be allowed to give the same for Ignis. That his life would no longer be held as somehow more important.
It wasn't. And he didn't want it if Ignis was no longer in it.]