#sam look

"Ignis!" He hears Gladio yell his name, and sees him point towards the edge of the current battle going on. "He needs to be healed!"

Without a thought in his head, Ignis bypasses the battle, and sees Noctis is on the ground. He summons magic into his system, and lays a hand on Noctis' shoulder. "There, Your Highness." A stab of guilt hits him, as it's his job to make sure the Prince is okay. It's his only job, and he's failed to do it. Too focused on the current wave of enemies, he forgets to keep his eyes on him. "Feel better now?" He holds his hand out to him, and helps lift him back onto his feet.

"Thanks, Specs." Noctis nods his head, and before Ignis can say something else to him, he's using his warp ability to jump back into the fray, going in headfirst as he always does.

Ignis wipes his hands off, and assesses the situation. Prompto is holding his own, attacking from the sides as his weapon requires it of him. Good. One person is at least managing themselves correctly. He watches Gladio swing his sword, and sees Noctis team up with him, delivering a deathly blow to one of the more pesky daemons that keeps respawning over and over.

Finally, a break arrives. He exhales, and looks at everyone, who are all breathing hard, but the adrenaline is still pumping fast in their veins. "We should go." He points towards the trail that will take them back to Wiz's. The sound of the catoblepas echos through the area, a soft dulcet tone that would normally bring peace to his soul, but right now, he is still on high alert. "Noctis, are you listening to me?"

"Oy, heads up!" Gladio yells, as a light begins to shine down on them. "Looks like we've got some company!"

Ignis wants to run. His feet remain planted, though, as the Niflheim Magitek soldiers begin to drop from the sky again, the never ending cycle of this is bringing him close to madness. He looks at Noctis, who is already in a defensive stance. "One more round!" He yells, and sees all of his companions nod their head in agreement. They can't keep doing this, or else someone is going to get hurt.

He steps into the battle, using his daggers to strike true and quick. He's dancing with the soldiers, sidestepping to make sure that they aren't as quick on their feet as he is, easily able to maneuver around them. He comes face to face with Noctis, and sees blood splatter on his shirt. His eyes widen, as he takes in his appearance. What he isn't aware of is the loud yelling coming from both Prompto and Gladio, as they take care of the rest of the soldiers, while Ignis is stuck in a trance, staring at the blood on Noctis' vest.

"Are you hurt?" He asks, his body beginning to feel weak all of a sudden. Is the adrenaline no longer keeping him alert? He can't slip now. Not when the Prince is clearly injured. As he knew would happen, as no one can tolerate this much fighting, over and over. "Noctis, are you hurt?" He repeats himself, but as he does, he begins to pitch forward.

"Ignis!" Noctis' voice sounds muffled, as his body continues to move in a free fall. He can't seem to work his limbs, as nothing is responding to what his brain is trying to make them do. He can't lift his arms. He's now struggling to breathe, his chest aching in a way he hadn't realized until now. His sides hurt. He isn't sure why that is, as that's never been an ailment of his before. "Ignis, stay with me!"

It's a struggle to keep his eyes open, as he's now on his back, staring up at the night sky. So many stars fill the sky, and the spirals of the galaxy are present. The moon has yet to rise again this evening. Or early morning. He has a feeling it's almost dawn, with how long they've been out here. "Cindy." He remembers now why they had come out here. "Did we get it?"

"We did." He's surprised to hear there are tears in Noctis' voice. No, now there are tears on his face. Were they his own? Or were they Noctis'? He isn't quite sure. Everything is a little fuzzy at the moment. "Ignis, please. I don't know what to do!"

"Are you hurt?" He repeats his question, trying to remain present, but it's becoming more difficult as the seconds slip away.

"No, you idiot! You're the one that's hurt! It not my blood! It's yours!" Noctis sounds frightened. "What do I do?!"

"Heal me." Now it makes sense as to why his sides hurt. One of the soldiers must have gotten a bullet through his body. Why he didn't feel it himself, he has no idea. "Use your magic. Or a curative."

"FUCK." Noctis yells, as he quickly pulls an elixir out from the Armiger, and lets it burst over Ignis' body. Instantly, he's able to breathe easier, but there is still a lingering pain that's residing in his chest. His eyes close as Noctis' hand touches his shoulder, a warm pulse of healing magic slips into his system, alleviating the rest of his pain. A direct copy of what he'd done earlier to the Prince. "I-Is that better, Ignis?? Ignis??"

He tries to answer, but his tongue feels thick in his mouth. He vaguely hears Gladio shouting something, and then the next thing he sees is complete darkness.

xXx

Something soft is beneath Ignis' body. Slowly coming back to, he blinks his eyes a few times, and sees a familiar room coming into focus. Oh, thank the Six. We made it back. He exhales a long, slow breath, pleased that somehow they had returned to Wiz's. He tries to get up, but winces as the pain on his sides returns.

"Don't move too much." He looks to his left, and sees Noctis is sitting there, looking haggard. "The magic didn't do what it was supposed to because of the Nifl tech."

Ah, that explains why he still feels so sore. "But the elixir worked."

"Long enough that we were able to bring you back here and get you stable." Noctis is still wearing the same clothes, his blood still splattered across his vest. Ignis inhales through his nose, hating to see Noctis in such disarray. "Ignis, you almost died last night."

"And it may happen again." He has always known the risk of being by the Prince's side. It's a life he has chosen to be a part of, and one he takes pride in. This trip may have begun as a bachelor weekend, but with the treaty ending in chaos, it has turned into something none of them expected. Except Ignis. He always knew that this day might come, and has tried to prepare for it as best as he could. But putting it into practice has been challenging.

"Stop." The Prince of Lucis shakes his head, and he can see that his hands are clenched into tight fists. "Stop, Ignis. Please."

He coughs, his throat parched. Noctis reaches for a bottle of water, and brings it to his lips, Ignis closing his eyes as he lets the cool liquid touch his tongue. He swallows on reflex, sputtering the first few sips out past his lips, but then recovers and begins to drink it with a normal swallow. Noctis doesn't move it until he's had his fill, and with a few blinks of his eyes, he pulls his lips away, which allows the Prince to move it back to the table.

"What's wrong?" He asks. "Did you not sleep last night?"

"How could I?" Noctis points to the bed. "I didn't know if you were going to make it."

"Noctis." Ignis reaches for his hand, and he's grateful that the Prince gives it freely to him. He's known him for close to fifteen years, and to see him in such a state is concerning. "I may fall."

"Don't say that!" He sees him blink back tears, as the grip on his hand tightens.

"I may fall." Ignis repeats, keeping his voice steady. "I need you to keep going."

"I'll use a phoenix down on you!"

"Noctis."

He holds his gaze, keeping his hand against his chest as he stares into his tear-filled eyes. "Ignis, please don't. I know what you're trying to tell me. That I have to keep going, even if you're not with me anymore. Even though I can't imagine a world where you won't be there."

"I know. And that is always my intention." Ignis offers him a smile, hoping to relieve any sort of sadness the Prince is currently feeling. "You need to rest. While I appreciate the gesture of you remaining by my side to make sure I was alive, you need to sleep."

"I'll sleep next to you."

There is room in his bed, but with his injuries, he isn't sure that's the wisest idea. He also knows the Prince won't take no for an answer, so Ignis winces as he moves over on the bed, the pain a dull throb on his sides. He knows the wounds are healing, but it will be a slow process. With there being enough room now, Noctis moves off of the chair and lays down next to him.

Countless times over the years, they've been in this position. But something feels different now. Is it because he's had a near death experience? Ignis isn't sure. He lifts his arm, and feels Noctis put himself up against his side - being careful to not push against his wounds. "Better?" He asks, keeping a gentle hold on the Prince's body.

"I was so afraid that you weren't going to wake up." Noctis speaks softly, tears evident in his voice. "I thought, well, if he doesn't wake up, how is he ever going to know how much I love him? He's never going to know that the only reason I wake up in the morning is because I get to see his face." A soft sob leaves Noctis' mouth, as Ignis listens. "I don't like thinking about it, and with it actually happening? Ignis, I had to stay by your side. I needed you to know that I'm in love with you."

He feels tears well up in his eyes. "Your Highness, we can't."

"Why not??"

"Do you remember why we're on this adventure?" Blue eyes are now looking into his, Noctis no longer by his side, but is now hovering above him.

"You and I both know that it's performative." Noctis shakes his head. "Luna knows my feelings for you."

His eyebrows raise up. "Really?"

"She's the one that's been pushing me to tell you. Course, I had to wait until I thought you were almost dead to finally get the fire lit." Noctis has a lopsided grin on his face, the tears still fresh on his face. "Crazy, right?"

All he can do is nod his head.

Noctis returns to his shoulder, now resting comfortably next to him. "This is a lot." Ignis comments, hoping that it won't upset the Prince.

"I know." Noctis' nose dips against his collarbone, Ignis biting his lip to stifle an inappropriate noise. He's under no condition to do anything of that sort right now, and won't tease the Prince in such a way that would not be fair to either of them. "Please tell me you feel the same way about me, Ignis."

The words sound like a plea, making Ignis' heart hurt. "Noctis." He swallows, his arm now holding the Prince more securely against his side. "Do you really need me to answer that? Shouldn't you already know?" He has tried for years to hide his true feelings for Noctis, but knows that he's been terrible at it.

"I know." Noctis squeezes a little too hard, making him grunt in pain. "Sorry!"

"It's quite all right." He tries to keep the pain out of his voice, but it's difficult. "Now that you've said your peace, would you care to sleep now?"

"One more thing."

"What is it?" Ignis asks, confused by what else needs to be said.

A pair of lips touch his with a soft kiss that draws a moan from his throat, his body responding to the touch on pure instinct alone. He lifts his hand, bringing it to the back of Noctis' neck, and prolongs the kiss by parting his lips for him, their tongues touching with soft, hesitant touches before becoming more aggressive. So many years, he's been dreaming of a kiss like this. To be infirmed while they share this first initmate moment isn't lost on him; but he also understands. He grunts out in pain as he tries to shift his body, the kiss coming to an abrupt end.

"Sorry." Noctis whispers against his lips, before kissing him again with a soft, pliant kiss, their lower lips staying attached for seconds before Noctis pulls away. "Sleep now."

"Yes, Noctis." He agrees, although his heart is hammering hard in his chest, his body wants to do things it physically can't right now, but the need to rest is equally as strong. "We'll talk more later."

"We will, Ignis." The Prince returns his head to the crook of his neck, his arm resting delicately over his chest.