#ardynoct

Noctis is only five the first time he… changes. No one knows exactly when it happens - sometime in the early spring, they later figure, back when they were busy with the Promethean Festival and the Citadel was abuzz with preparations. While the nursemaids and nannies were decorating the Royal Apartments and Regis was busy running from one public function to another, Noctis… became someone else.

@nyardynn I hope this approach works for you! I based it on the concept art of Ardyn with the chocobros and Noctis and Lunafreya’s kids at the end of the game (we were robbed of so much, honestly).

Thank you for sending this request my way, it was such a treat to dive into, and I hope it gave you the kind of soft comfort you were hoping for 💙

There was something about the coast that settled even the rawest of nerves. Even Ardyn could admit it, though discomfort still gnawed at him. The waves pushed gently in and out against the sand near his feet, his attention pulled away by the sound of children screaming in delight. He glanced to his right, watching the young prince and princess dart across the beach, Gladio and Prompto in hot pursuit. The sight tugged a rare smile from him—one that quickly fell as a familiar figure approached.

"Majesty," Ardyn murmured, looking away after Noctis gave him a nod. He visibly flinched when the king sat beside him, keeping his gaze fixed on the ocean before sighing. "I hope you're not intending to drag me back to the festivities. I still need a moment."

"No one's forcing you to do anything. I just came to check on you," Noctis said, brows furrowed as he studied him. "You haven't been yourself since Seraphii asked about us—about our past. Are you okay?"

"I'm quite peachy, as you'd put it," Ardyn muttered, though his eyes softened when they landed on the princess as she scooped her little brother up, swinging him around with laughter. He let out a slow breath. "I know she meant no harm, and I'd never fault a child for curiosity about her family. I just…never had that conversation with myself."

"About how to talk to people about what happened?"

"Mmm." Ardyn nodded faintly. "And then it struck me—what must people think, knowing the immortal-accursed, turned hero spends his days with the king and his kin?"

"I don't think people really care, Ardyn. Not anymore," Noctis assured.

"Though the years have aged you, you're still naïve," Ardyn said, finally turning to face him. "The people still look on me with disdain wherever I go. They may not speak it aloud, but I know what lies in their hearts."

"Are you saying I made a mistake taking you in after Bahamut?"

"I'm saying that perhaps putting the people's hearts at ease would have been the better play."

The implication settled between them like stone. Noctis's eyes widened. "Ardyn, there's no way we're going to execute—"

"Don't." Ardyn cut him off, voice sharp. "I've said my peace."

Silence pressed in. The only sounds were the ocean and the distant laughter of children. Noctis knew better than to argue once Ardyn slipped into this mindset—reminiscing, picking apart every fault, every consequence.

Perhaps he had been wrong to keep him alive after all Ardyn had done, after all he had put them through, but when the cosmos—not the gods—had offered a second chance, Noctis believed everyone deserved a clean slate—even Adagium himself. Still, watching Ardyn sink back into self-loathing made his chest ache. He hated this: the way Ardyn clung to sadness, the way nothing Noctis said ever seemed enough to pry it loose.

So he did the only thing that could reach him.

He slid an arm over Ardyn's shoulder, pulling him into an embrace. Ardyn stiffened instantly, bristling like a chocobo's tail feathers at the sight of a predator.

"I hate it when you do this," Ardyn muttered into his chest, muffled, as Noctis laughed softly.

"You asked for it," Noctis said, smiling down at him. He blew a gentle breath across Ardyn's face, earning a grimace. "We forgave you a long time ago."

"I know that…"

"And I know firsthand what you went through. The Crystal showed me as much," Noctis said, choosing his words carefully. "I may not have stood in your shoes, but I walked your path while communing with the gods. I know it hasn't been easy for any of us, but look—you're family. We want you here. I want you here. So…obey your king."

Ardyn shut his eyes, turning away even as he leaned against Noctis's shoulder. He told himself there was nothing for him left in this world, not truly, yet he couldn't refuse. The tears burned at the corners of his eyes, but his voice stayed steady.

"As you command, your highness."

Namely, the fact noctis is visibly identical to ardyns brother, who he has EXTREMELY complex feelings about. The dawn of the future literally starts with ardyn going "noctis is so handsome and pretty in the exact same way as my asshole brother".

Its not incest from noctis' pov, who does not really care (or even know about for a majority of the game) about the distant relative thing, but ardyn cares VERY much that noctis is a stand-in for his brother both to him personally and for the purpose of prophetic metaphor.