I thought as much, [ Ignis laces their fingers together, thankful for the contact. ] it's... not an easy thing for me to talk about. [ It doesn't matter which version of himself it is, unless it's the train version of himself, this isn't an easy topic. But he's tired of keeping it hidden from his family, let alone his boyfriend now.
He exhales softy. ]
I once told you that eyesight is only a matter of time, I'm so sorry, Prompto. I couldn't bear to speak the truth then, it... would've broken Noctis further.
[ Ignis shifts a bit, tugging at the blanket with his free hand and griping it tighter. He might as well jump straight into it then.
He's just... isn't sure how Prompto is going to take it. ]
I used the Ring of Lucii. I... did it to protect Noct.
I know that I'm lucky to come out that alive. Losing my eyesight is the price I'm paying for it, the scars are a reminder of it.
[ The situation had been very dire indeed, but he'll stop here for a moment as to not overload Prom, but to give him a chance to let this sink in too. ]
[Prompto is lost for words. The grip he has on Ignis' hand tightens, until he lets go so he can move around to Ignis' side instead. He works his arms around the other man and presses his forehead to his shoulder.
There's no point in asking why. He knows why. He can't even say it was a wrong decision, even if it breaks his heart. All he can think of is finding Ignis and Noct's bodies at the alter and fearing the worst.]
[ When Prompto lets go of his hand, he's momentarily afraid that Prom's walking out then he feels him moving closer, then a pair of arms going around him.
Ignis puts his own arms around Prompto and buries his face on top of Prompto's head. He says nothing for a long moment, squeezing Prom in his arms.
After he gives himself time to consider the question, he lifts his head up a bit so he can talk properly. ]
... The Kings of Lucis accepted me. Noct is only able to wear the ring cause he's royal blood, I'm not a man of royal blood.
[ He exhales a shaky breath, quiet for a few more seconds. ]
I... if the Kings hadn't accepted me, I... [ He can't bring himself to say it. would've died. ]
I didn't want to die, I was afraid of it. [ another sharp inhale of breath ] Noct's life had been in danger more times than I care to count that day, I felt as though I didn't have a choice.
[ "Permit me to make a suggestion: rather than follow this flotsam and float away to a watery grave, why not come with me? What do you say?"
He'd been trained for this, but he loves and cares for Noct as one of his best friends. He'd never felt so helpless in those moments leading up to using the ring. He had to do something, anything. Even if it cost him his life. ]
[Ignis could have died. He understands that much. A cold spike of grief and anger runs down his spine. Not at Ignis, but that it was a choice he had to make at all. He can still remember what it looked like - felt like - to find both him and Noctis unconscious in Altissia. How long and uncertain the days that followed were.
His hold tightens, and his voice sounds weak to his own ears.]
Of course they accepted you. I...I guess I should be grateful they didn't take your life.
[But did they have to take his sight? It seems so unfair to extract such a price from the man who only wanted to save his friend - their chosen king.]
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He exhales softy. ]
I once told you that eyesight is only a matter of time, I'm so sorry, Prompto. I couldn't bear to speak the truth then, it... would've broken Noctis further.
[ Ignis shifts a bit, tugging at the blanket with his free hand and griping it tighter. He might as well jump straight into it then.
He's just... isn't sure how Prompto is going to take it. ]
I used the Ring of Lucii. I... did it to protect Noct.
I know that I'm lucky to come out that alive. Losing my eyesight is the price I'm paying for it, the scars are a reminder of it.
[ The situation had been very dire indeed, but he'll stop here for a moment as to not overload Prom, but to give him a chance to let this sink in too. ]
no subject
There's no point in asking why. He knows why. He can't even say it was a wrong decision, even if it breaks his heart. All he can think of is finding Ignis and Noct's bodies at the alter and fearing the worst.]
How...How were you able to...?
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Ignis puts his own arms around Prompto and buries his face on top of Prompto's head. He says nothing for a long moment, squeezing Prom in his arms.
After he gives himself time to consider the question, he lifts his head up a bit so he can talk properly. ]
... The Kings of Lucis accepted me. Noct is only able to wear the ring cause he's royal blood, I'm not a man of royal blood.
[ He exhales a shaky breath, quiet for a few more seconds. ]
I... if the Kings hadn't accepted me, I... [ He can't bring himself to say it. would've died. ]
I didn't want to die, I was afraid of it. [ another sharp inhale of breath ] Noct's life had been in danger more times than I care to count that day, I felt as though I didn't have a choice.
[ "Permit me to make a suggestion: rather than follow this flotsam and float away to a watery grave, why not come with me? What do you say?"
He'd been trained for this, but he loves and cares for Noct as one of his best friends. He'd never felt so helpless in those moments leading up to using the ring. He had to do something, anything. Even if it cost him his life. ]
no subject
His hold tightens, and his voice sounds weak to his own ears.]
Of course they accepted you. I...I guess I should be grateful they didn't take your life.
[But did they have to take his sight? It seems so unfair to extract such a price from the man who only wanted to save his friend - their chosen king.]