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Rococore Hobi 🪞🌹✨

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A flower, my lady 🌹

Artist's notes: 🌹 Pictological versions of Ignis & Carmen roaming Altissia. 🌹 Background photo of Altissia from chippersweetbaby. 🌹 Inspired by Ignis and his hookshot from Episode Ignis. 🌹 Since they are tiny, that flower is perfect! 🌹 Flower language: red petunias symbolize passion and love.

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Exotic Doll 🪭

Artist's notes: 🪭 References used. 🪭 Details in the kimono and accesories: Feathers and pearls, to represent her connection to Siren. 🪭 Eye color: Purple is her usual color, but what if she had gray eyes instead?

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Frost Love ❄️💞

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Gala ✨

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Noctis and The 'Black Moment' That Never Was

Given the recent discovery of an earlier version of a Final Fantasy XV scene featuring Noctis being imprisoned by Bahamut in Angelgard instead of the Crystal and him showing genuine fear about his destiny (here), I'm reminded of how unfortunate it is that the final game didn't explore the reaction to his fate as well as it deserved and how it could have been one of the most significant scenes in the game. In light of this new scene, I want to use it as an opportunity to address this vital plot point, how it affects Noctis' arc and the story as a whole and why what we got just didn't quite hit the mark.

THE 'BLACK MOMENT'

In typical story structure, this plot point would represent the "The Black Moment" or "The Dark Night of the Soul" among other titles. Taking place before the climax of a story, this pivotal moment is intended to feel like all hope is now lost and showcase the protagonist at their lowest and, in many cases, physically alone. To overcome this, these scenes demand that they gain new insight and understanding - essentially to realize the lesson meant to be learned that defines the thematic core of the story - to pull them out of their despair and carry them across the threshold to the final act. In the above image, you can see that this event precedes the "Road Back" which, in the case of this story, is obviously represented by Noctis returning to the world and regrouping with his allies before entering the climax to face Ardyn and fulfill his calling. Of course, everything leading to the end hinges on the 'Black Moment' beat, so let's explore how each version of this scene tried to tackle this and how they could have been improved:

SCENE COMPARISON

In the original version of the scene, Noctis is physically imprisoned in a dark and gloomy cell in Angelgard - a fitting choice that helps to highlight the tragedy of his circumstances and reflect how he feels trapped by his destiny as well as parallel Ardyn's own imprisonment. Noctis verbally lashes out at Bahamut and expresses genuine anger and fear towards the newly discovered truth of his impending demise.

"'Returned to naught'? I just... fade away? Wait - no! Lemme out of here! - Noctis

Though this missing scene does a better job portraying a stronger reaction from Noctis than the final game, it does still fail to give credible evidence to validate his decision to accept his fate beyond the player simply selecting an option to continue. As such, Noctis and the player may feel more coerced into saying 'yes' here without actually going through the time and processing necessary to truly accept it. Though I'm sure this scene doesn't fully represent the developer's initial intentions and there could have been far more to it, as it stands, it's still not enough to create a successful 'Black Moment".

"Only at the throne can the Chosen receive [the power] and only at the cost of a life: his own. The King of Kings shall be granted the power to banish the darkness, but the blood price must be paid. To cast out the Usurper and usher in Dawn's light will cost the life of the Chosen. Many sacrificed all for the King so must the King sacrifice himself for all. Now enter into Reflection, that the Light of Providence shine within." - Bahamut

In the final version of the game, the essential elements needed for this scene to work are... present to a degree but could have been greatly improved as these aspects are implied rather than explored. After being told the news of his impending death, Noctis does make a distressed expression, but he never gets to voice or process his feelings about it and the moment quickly moves away to show him being forced into slumber.

This is supposed to be a huge turning point. A gut punch to the character and audience and it deserved a stronger reaction - one more akin to the panic and anger that is showcased in the original scene. On the heels of this devastating news, discovering Ardyn's true identity and nefarious intentions and finding himself utterly alone without his friends, Noctis is understandably at his lowest and we need to feel that. Light shines brightest in the dark and the darker we allow this scene the be, the brighter hope can shine after and the more satisfying it will be.

By way of processing, we see a brief montage of footage from previous moments in the game to show Noctis reflecting on them and then he awakens 10 years later having completely worked through all of his trauma, grief and guilt and the sudden transformation naturally feels a bit jarring. Progress is assumed through the passage of time and the natural maturation that comes from age, but this simply isn't enough. There is a lot to unpack here and it deserves to be. The game can't simply rely on a time skip to produce a grudging acceptance. It needs to be a choice - one that he makes wholeheartedly and that the audience fully understands.

I will say, I do like physically seeing the power entering Noctis via the Ring of the Lucii in this version rather than implying he's powering up off-screen, but it's something he should earn after accepting his fate rather than it being forced on him without his consent. Gaining the power he needs to save the world needs to act as the reward for choosing to do so.

DIGGING DEEPER

So, what is necessary for him to grow here? What is the thing that truly awakens the inner King in Noctis and brings him out of the depths of his despair? What makes him choose to willingly sacrifice his life? Though it's an amalgam of a number of things, above all, it is love. Love for his father, love for Luna, love for his friends, love for the people he's met and the world he lives in. Love that counteracts his fear. He has to remember what and who he's doing this for. Though the cost is steep, he has to determine it's worth it to fulfill his duty and save the world.

Of course, Noctis' opinion about his calling changes throughout the story. After Luna first introduces him to the reality that he is the Chosen one as a child, he's hesitant at first, but promises he won't let her down. He has no real idea of what his task will truly be but shows enthusiasm anyway most likely because it was Luna herself who showed such belief in him. As an adult, Noctis begins to struggle with his new reality after the death of his father and shows great anxiety about the mounting responsibilities thrust upon him including his kingly duties, upcoming marriage and the growing burden of his calling. After the loss of Luna, his dedication to continue feels largely driven by immense guilt and need for revenge. In Episode Ignis, after Ignis suggests they end their quest due to suffering so much loss (and now knowing about Noctis' fate), he responds:

"Are you kidding me? That's exactly why I have to keep going - because if I give up now, their sacrifices would have been for nothing!" - Noctis

Though not wanting their sacrifices to be in vain is noble, this should not be his main driving force, especially if his desire to press forward comes from a place of pain and contrition more than anything else. He even refuses to put on the Ring - the symbol of his Kingship and destiny - which shows his lack of true commitment to what is expected of him. At this point, he still has a lot to process and understand before he can fully accept the reality of a fate he is still largely unaware of and truly let go of the fears and anxieties surrounding it.

Noctis has had little time to process his emotions on his journey thus far and the respite afforded by the 'Black Moment' now allows him the opportunity to do so. Whether through playable content that permits Noctis and the audience to tangibly explore his past and current emotions or a prolonged cutscene in either the prison or Crystal, we definitely needed to see him confront what's happened thus far - the good and the bad - and grow from it.

In the Dawn of the Future version of the story, we learn more about what Noctis was dreaming about in the Crystal which included witnessing some of the history of the world, seeing insightful pieces of the lives of characters such as Ardyn and Luna and even getting to interact with his father again. Given this was added to the book and therefore indicative of the developer's intention to feature it in Episode Noctis, I wonder if it had always been their desire to explore his time in the Crystal this way but never got the time to realize in the final game. Noctis actually getting to see and interact with the past and other significant figures would have made for a far more effective 'Black Moment' given its prolonged introspective and revelatory nature.

THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

To help guide and comfort him as she always has, I believe that somehow seeing or hearing Luna's spirit again in some way during the 'Black Moment' would have been essential given her narrative purpose and provide a satisfying reference back to her dying promise to him:

"When the world falls down around you and hope is lost. When you find yourself alone amid a lightless place. Look to the distance, know that I am there and that I watch over you always." - Lunafreya

Like the moon shining in his dark prison cell in the old version - the literal light in the night sky - she is the reminder of love and hope to cling to when the darkness threatens to swallow him. This dialogue is so accurate to this scene that I feel it was foreshadowing it specifically to payoff here. Also, if they had gone with the idea of Noctis drawing his power from the moon instead of the Crystal, her presence would be even more significant here and it certainly seems like the original version in Angelgard attempted to spotlight her to a degree as the translated dialogue after he accepts his charge reveals:

"No one tells me anything. I'm always late accepting. Luna, I'm sorry. I will fulfill my duty." - Noctis (Translated by K as in Kei)

This situation creates an even deeper connection between them as, to save the world together like they were destined to do, both Noctis and Luna have to die and surrender their personal desires for a future. As in life, Noctis has to continue to follow her lead and example to become the man she always knew he could be. If she could be dutiful and walk boldly to her fate, so can he and that knowledge would be paramount in helping to encourage him to complete his journey as he remembers his promise not to let her down.

Of course, to truly accept his death, Noctis would naturally have to mourn the life he won't get to live. So many aspects of his life have been derailed already and, after the loss of his father, his home and his fiancé, he now has to face that he has no future beyond being a sacrifice. This is a reality that Luna had to face as well, which would help him better understand what she had to go through and even come to terms with her death as he comes to terms with his own. By letting go of the guilt he feels and truly recognizing that it was an inevitable and accepted part of her calling and not a product of his own mistakes, can he start to forgive himself for everything else, too.

"[...] That may be but it's my choice. If only... if only I could hear his voice once more. If we could laugh together as we did as children. If we could live out our days together as we once dreamed. [...] Forgive me, I vowed to only cry where prying eyes could not see the tears in mine. [...] No, she is no different at all. She wants exactly what they do: to be with the one she loves. But want though she may, it is not to be." - Lunafreya

In a moving flashback, we see Luna grieve the life she wanted and knew she would never have but emphasize that, despite her sorrow, it was still her choice to "throw her life away" and one that she accepted fully with humility and grace. We see her persist to the end due to her strong sense of duty and, most importantly, her love and dedication to Noctis and the people of the world which is what he must use to guide him as well.

To me, this moment feels reminiscent of the campfire scene where Noctis also tearfully voices his acceptance of his fate while allowing himself to uncharacteristically reveal the pain of it, too. Though Noctis has had a decade to process these feelings by this point and fully come to terms with them, he's still a person mourning the sudden finality of his life and the now fleeting moments he'll get to spend with his remaining loved ones. The emotional strength of this scene could act as a reflection of his initial despair as the pain becomes fresh once more but, this time, Noctis is more readily able to tame it. As he stands and looks to each of his friends in turn, reflecting on their friendship and his love for them, he allows that love to outweigh fear and grief. As we watch his tears turn into a smile, it is a perfect display of how he's grown from the 'Black Moment' and a fitting final scene to the game.

"So, I... I've made my peace. Still, knowing this is it and seeing you here, now, it's... more than I can take. Well, what can I say? You guys are the best." - Noctis

All of this emotional progress would also lead him to simply start believing in himself and his worth. He has to remember that he has the support of so many who truly have faith in his ability to fulfill his duty and it's something he needs to accept in himself, too. If they had gone with the Angelgard prison version, a place once defined by punishment would herald Noctis' liberation and, instead of succumbing to darkness like Ardyn, he found light.

METAMORPHOSIS

By reflecting on and embracing his past and remembering what drives him, Noctis would then be ready to finally accept the reality of his calling and begin his metamorphosis, both physically and emotionally, into the King of Light. The man that emerges 10 years later is wise, mature and at peace with his fate. Though the sudden change may not feel as congruent in the final game without taking the time and necessary steps to get there, there are still many moments depicting just how far Noctis has come after the time skip that leave an impact regardless. Beyond the campfire scene, another great example that comes to mind is his conversation with Ignis, showcasing that he can now look back on his life fondly and doesn't hold onto negative emotions:

"You know, looking back, it wasn't all bad. [...] And our fair share of trouble too... but I don't have any regrets. Luna and you guys brought me this far and now I'm on my own." - Noctis

We can also see how much he's grown in his final battle with Ardyn. Not only is he physically stronger, but he's also gained the mental and emotional fortitude to withstand Ardyn's denigrations regarding his efficacy as the Chosen One and his guilt about his father and Luna. Though these barbs would have hit their mark in the past, Noctis is now resistant to them as he's fully processed those emotions and no longer gives them credence. Noctis has tasted the darkness Ardyn once knew but come out of it intact due to the strength of his relationships that ushered him through it. Unlike Ardyn, he is not alone and he fights for love instead of revenge and that is why he succeeds.

"Yet when your father died, you were off playing with your friends! When your beloved died, you lay watching powerless to stop it! You think 10 years is a long time? It is nothing to me! I have lived in darkness for ages!" - Ardyn

Despite what some might think, defeating Ardyn in the physical world is not the Climax. It's in the throne room that Noctis must face the true test of his calling and finally allow himself to be sacrificed. This is where the themes and the lessons he's embraced from the 'Black Moment' rise to the forefront and lead to Ardyn's ultimate demise. It is here that Noctis walks to his death without visible fear, summoning his own executioners with steeled resolve. There are no tears. No second thoughts. Just an unwavering determination to fulfill his calling and save the world once and for all as he assures his father to trust in his ability to do so.

"I'm home. I walked tall and though it took me a while, I'm ready now. I love you all. Luna, guys, dad. The time we had together, I cherish." - Noctis

Through dialogue, the scene reminds us that Noctis' relationships are his driving force and, in what could have been an even more moving parallel to the 'Black Moment', the flashback footage of his loved ones that he remembers at his lowest once more is what helps him endure the agony of his sacrifice and is enough to sustain his strength to continue to the end.

"It's finally over." - Noctis

As Noctis utters these final words at the culmination of years spent in turmoil facing the obstacles of his unjust fate, Noctis dies with a small smile on his face, relieved that his struggles are finally over. He has restored light and hope to the world, fulfilled his calling and can now rest with his lost love knowing he succeeded in safeguarding his remaining loved ones and provided a future for generations to come. It's a bittersweet conclusion to his life - one filled with great strife and heartache but also great love - love that was essential to save the world.

In another parallel between them, Noctis' end reminds me of Ravus' words regarding the death of his sister, Luna, in Episode Ignis and further showcases how much Noctis succeeded in following her footsteps:

"I always knew that [Luna] would face [her] fate without fear, fulfill [her] duty without regret. But part of me always hoped... she would get the chance to live and love as she pleased. [...] And, as in life, I know she will confront that challenge with a smile on her face." - Ravus

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, allowing Noctis to have a stronger reaction to the devastating news of his fate and exploring his passage to acceptance to provide necessary character growth would have been a huge improvement and further embodied and enhanced the heart of this story, one that, though touched upon to a degree, is lacking the immense impact it could have had. Though this game is full of powerful, moving moments, a more successful 'Black Moment' could have been one of the strongest and added more weight to an already emotionally resonant conclusion.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this meta, please like and reblog to help spread it around!

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Baby, it's cold outside~ ❤️

Ignis's disclaimer is very important. Do not forget, hehe.

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Lucian Nutcracker 🌰

“Ah, dear father,” exclaimed Maria at last, “to whom belongs that charming little man by the tree there?”

“Dear Maria, since friend Nutcracker is so great a favorite with you, I place him under your particular care and keeping.” Nothing but kindness and benevolence shone in his clear green, though somewhat too prominent eyes.

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Frosted moon 🌕

Lady Lunafreya has always been accompanied by Gentiana, messenger of the gods, lady of ice. What if the blood of the Oracle became the ice bearer?

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Random nonsense I just paid attention to:

In one of the demo trailes for FFXV, the gameplay one for E3 (2013), there's no Ignis in sight... We only see Noctis, Gladio and Prompto against the bad guys.

In Kingdom Hearts 3, in the Verum Rex trailer, we only see 3 male characters: Yozora, Aegis and Magia

Yozora = Noctis Aegis = Gladio (shield, but with a hint of Ignis, or buff Ignis) Magia = Prompto

I kinda wish we got a different character for both "Gladio" and "Ignis" in Quadratum

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I didn't want to ride the FFXV feels that hard but well...

Here I am ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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Note to self, and to anyone that reads any of the fics I wrote (or updated recently)

English is not my first language, please have patience with me and all the weirdly constructed sentences and typos.

I was and I'm still doing my best 😅😆

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In your heart

✦ Ignis Scientia x Carmen Mirabile, Aglaea Scientia OC . : Warnings: SFW. Fluff. Angst. Original Character.

Summary: Aglaea wants to comfort her father on a special day. Maybe that special someone is not so far away from them.

"Daddy?"

Ignis didn't expect the gentle voice of her daughter to reach his ears so late at night. Raising his head from the Tablet and guided by the light provided by a nearby lamp, Ignis made out the silhouette of the little girl holding onto her plushie near the door.

"Aglaea, dearest. Is everything alright?"

The little girl hesitated for a moment before her feet padded over the rug-covered floor, and she was near her father, who softly but swiftly hoisted her into his lap as soon as she was within his arms' reach. The small body quickly cuddled into his chest, where Ignis gently cradled her, dropping a kiss on top of her hair before he leaned back and started caressing her back.

She wasn't upset, as Ignis quickly discovered. Perhaps, she just missed him and wanted his company after being unable to go back to sleep. After all, she was his little cuddle bug as a baby, roaming the Citadel Halls at night while leaning her little head on his shoulder as he hummed a tune to lull her to sleep. Her small hands reached to tug at the fabric of his nightshirt, and he quickly moved to stare in her general direction.

"Daddy, does it hurt?"

"What does, my dearest?"

"Dunno. Here?"

Aglaea's hands splayed on his chest, over his heart. Ignis sighed, smiling tenderly at her for her consideration, taking her hands into his before kissing them.

That gesture, she had come to learn, was a clue to knowing if it was an emotional problem.

"It does hurt a little, my child. How did you know?"

"You look sad."

Ignis hummed, massaging her hands. She was so observant and perceptive.

"I miss your uncle Noct. Today would have been his birthday."

Aglaea hummed, taking his father's fingers into her palms. She had always marveled at the texture of his skin, rougher than her mother's, yet so warm and comforting. Ignis couldn't see it, but he could tell she was pouting at his revelation. She wasn't one to enjoy watching her loved ones sad.

"Can I hug you again? It hurts less that way."

Ignis smiled, accepting the offer without complaint.

To think this little girl had come to make her presence known into their lives not long after he returned to camp. As soon as he stepped foot on Lestallum, where Carmen waited for him, after the hard battle and witnessing dawn come again, Carmen had received him with an equally broken heart, hugging tightly onto him and crying on his chest as she felt the tug of magic disappearing from her. Noctis Lucis Caelum, the King of Light, had given them a new opportunity to live in the future while surrendering his life.

Mere days had transpired before Carmen had bolted from his hold one day and on to a nearby restroom, emptying the contents of her stomach. Ignis had still been battling with exhaustion, but a new wave of worry had made him rush to her side, thinking a different ailment had taken hold of her.

At first, they thought it was simply her body's response to how great her stress levels had been for so long. However, as days passed and the nausea came repeatedly, they began to worry about an entirely different reason.

"D-do you think?"

"But we… This can't be, can it?"

With trembling hands, Carmen had come back after a health appointment with a healer. He took hers in his, and while he was terribly worried, he stood calm and collected, whispering reassurances in her ears. What else could happen after so many tragedies?

"Pregnant. Ignis, I'm pregnant!"

Ignis still remembers how her body shook against his as she cried. Part from shock at how it came to be, so fresh after so many losses, part from immense happiness. "The baby dawn brought", has been the nickname with which the others have teased him mercilessly. Another parting gift from their dear Noctis.

"Uncle Noct misses you too."

Ignis stood still, breaking out of his reverie. Aglaea's pudgy cheek was pillowed by his chest, and she spoke with a drowsy tone that made Ignis believe she was on the verge of sleep now. He accepted her reply, and he felt her breathing even out. Sleep talking could be a possibility, but-

"She did it again…"

Carmen was now the one standing by the door. In her tone, Ignis noticed her exhaustion, with traces of sadness still coating her words. Ignis secured the little girl in his arms before gently standing up and walking towards his wife. Carmen caressed his arm as soon as he reached her and accepted the kiss he gave her before receiving their daughter into her arms.

Carmen had always worried that some sort of magic had lingered behind. From Siren, from the Crystal, she couldn't tell, but Aglaea's words always startled them when it came to Noctis.

The younger Scientia always spoke of him like she had genuinely come to know him. She had proclaimed how the veggies weren't his favorites, how he was a fan of fishing when a TV show about it came to view, and even how Noctis had a beard.

Ignis and Carmen had spoken about it in private, worrying over how she knew this information. They haven't shared that with her. Prompto and Gladio hadn't either.

"Uncle Noct is happy. Don't worry~"

Nuzzling into her mother's chest, Aglaea mumbled the words and relaxed once more. Carmen felt her eyes prickling with tears, and Ignis simply embraced them both, exhaling shakily.

It was but a mere, fleeting thought, but maybe, just maybe, Noctis continued to be around on his own way. Watching over them, always.

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A kiss under the stars

✦ Ignis Scientia x Carmen Mirabile OC . : Warnings: SFW. Romance. Fluff. Original Character.

Summary: Carmen wishes to go stargazing but it's unable too. The boys plot a plan to make Ignis take the initiative and fulfill the lady's wish.

A joyful tune fell from Prompto's lips as he exited the kitchen space and into the room. There, near the balcony, Carmen was looking at her phone, carefully reading something that the sniper couldn't figure out from that far. However, the look of disappointment that crossed her features and how she swiped at the screen did catch his attention.

"Hey, is everything alright?"

Carmen's face brightened in surprise at the blonde's voice. Her eyes softened as he approached her, but she was quick to dismiss his worry.

"Yes, I'm sorry- I was reading some news about a special event happening on the following days."

Prompto tilted his head in curiosity.

"There will be a meteor shower starting tomorrow night. The best spot to witness it will be at a location not too far from here."

Prompto didn't miss the spark of interest in her eyes.

"That doesn't sound bad! I heard Noct was gonna ask Iggy to go there while the big guy and I went to check that place you found suspicious. You could ask them and maybe join in the fun! "

Carmen's eyes dimmed a little.

"What is it?"

"I believe that spot can only be reached by foot. I would only slow them down," she said softly, dejected as she looked at her foot. The hint of the medical tape barely peeked out of her boot. However, after a brief moment, she raised her head, a small smile adorning her features. "I don't want them to miss it on my behalf. They should enjoy that beautiful view. I'll wait for you all at the hotel."

Prompto understood then. With pursed lips, he didn't press that matter anymore and changed the topic…

Until he disclosed the info to all the bros at night, at dinner.

All four men looked at each other, before all eyes set on the strategist. Noctis was the one to speak.

"Hey Iggy, wasn't there a route that could be traveled by bike?"

Ignis nodded briefly, vaguely remembering the descriptions they had heard from a few passersby that also discussed the topic earlier.

"It's a tad longer and difficult, but it can be covered by a motorcycle, not doubt."

Ignis looked at them, an eyebrow raised. "We don't own a vehicle like that, I'm afraid."

It was Prompto's turn to smile.

"I can talk to Hon, ask her if she can let us borrow those wheels for this special date~"

"Good to know Iggy here knows how to drive one, too."

Ignis felt his face heat up before he moved a hand to cover it, fixing his glasses quickly. The scheme his brothers had begun was a plan to set him up with the diplomat. All eyes continued to be on him, with a knowing glint too.

Ignis sighed.

"I suppose that can be arranged."

"Well, go on, Specs. Fulfill this request for the lady." A KISS UNDER THE STARS

The rustling of the motorcycle's backpack as Ignis checked that everything was in order had Carmen's hands grabbing the helmet with nervousness. Were they really going stargazing?

Despite him going the night before with the Crown Prince to check on that phenomenon, Ignis had knocked on her door and kindly asked her if she would like to accompany them once more the following night… Only that, this time around, they had prepared a vehicle to drive her there without problems.

While her heart had not stopped beating at a rapid pace since then, it was even worse now as she saw him confidently move around, the leather jacket hugging his shoulders, back, and arms so beautifully as he closed the bag and reached for his own helmet. Security was a must.

"All set, my lady. Shall we depart?"

Carmen gasped, embarrassed to be caught ogling him like that, before she nodded and donned his helmet carefully.

Maybe it had been a blessing that the helmet visor was down, as her eyes opened like saucers as she saw him move closer, a soft "May I?" being muttered as his hands carefully reached for the straps below her chin, his fingers moving quickly but gently to secure them properly on her head. His eyes, even in the sunset, were a beautiful shade of green, and Carmen felt herself blushing as he took care of her every step. She couldn't make a fool of herself, but she was almost afraid of stumbling on his way to the seat, seeing how weak her legs were becoming.

If only she knew how her proximity was affecting him too. The gentle whiff of her perfume reaching his nostrils as they got comfortable on the seat was distracting him.

"Is- Isn't Your Highness coming to join us?", she asked, her eyes looking around now that they were almost ready to go. Her hands hesitated over his back before she settled them there. Ignis straightened his back immediately.

"He will meet us there."

Ignis patted himself on the back for sounding so composed, but he felt his heart pick up the pace as soon as he started the engine, and her hands left his place on his back to come around his middle.

"E-excuse me. I feared I was going to lose my balance otherwise."

Before she could remove her hands, he quickly settled one of his over hers, squeezing lightly.

"It's quite alright. Please let me know if I go too fast or if you wish to stop."

"I will, thank you."

And so, with the purr of the engine, the bike rode off.

A KISS UNDER THE STARS

Talking while driving a bike was a difficult task. As the only way to hear one another was by speaking louder than usual, however, a passing comment here and there over a creature or the beauty of a certain tree wasn't missed.

Carmen had relaxed a lot since they left, as Ignis could tell. Her arms didn't wrap around his torso as zealously as before, but she didn't take them away. He was glad. Seeing how he was a source of security for her had made him more confident on the journey. His chest was full of a candid flame.

As they reached the spot, Ignis carefully squeezed her hands over his middle and let her know, before the bike came to a smooth stop. Carmen hesitated for a moment, her hands briefly pressing over his abdomen as the bike halted to a stop, before she quickly took them away in favor of slacking the straps of the helmet. The tight muscles there had felt so good under her touch… Ignis was a fit man, that had been one of the things that had been on her mind for a long while now. Ah, the heat with the helmet on was unbearable now. At least she could chalk it up to that as the reason for her flushed face and not her running thoughts.

"We arrived on time! We could set up camp and eat something before the meteor shower starts. Don't you agree?"

As Ignis took off his own helmet, Carmen thought there was no way she could focus on anything more than the flushed cheeks and the nice shin of sweat that made his skin glow under the mellow light of her chest flashlight. The smile and the gentle and joyful light in his eyes. He was a handsome man.

"Is something the matter?"

"Yes… Of course."

Ignis perked up at her answer, fixing his flat hair into its previous style as she continued to look at him funnily. Did he happen to have something on his face?

"Well?"

Carmen opened her mouth only to close it again and swallow. Her hands were moving quickly in front of her to dismiss the attention.

"I- got distracted. Please, pay me no mind."

Ignis' timid smile sent her heart racing. He moved gracefully from the seat and carefully took care of the helmets, secured a small backpack on his arm, and then helped Carmen to his feet. Like a true gentleman, he offered his arm and guided her on her first steps on the rocky ground, mindful of her weakened ankle.

"I hope I don't serve as too much of a distraction now. It would be a terrible anecdote to share if you came back injured while under my care."

His playful tone made Carmen chuckle and slap at his arm in kind. Was he flirting with her now?

"They wouldn't believe what a terrible bodyguard you could be."

"I must ensure that my honor is not tarnished, then."

They laughed and continued trekking down, slowly but surely. The clear safe haven was only a few feet away. There, Noctis and the rest of the party awaited. Greetings were shared before the camp was set up quickly under Gladio's instructions. And while the food was being made, a small conversation sparked under the barely lit camp. They couldn't risk dampening the view from the night sky with brighter ones, and, truth be told, those dim lights served as a perfect helper to share sneaky glances between Carmen and Ignis, most of the time with them not being directly aware of the other's eyes on them.

As the right time approached, however, only their chest flashlights remained on, and everyone was quick to disperse to the vast ground to have a nice view of the stars.

Carmen stood up and began to wonder how this could be a beautiful excuse for a date if the circumstances had been different. Would Ignis have agreed to accompany her, the two of them alone, to enjoy this occasion?

Nonsense. She quickly scolded herself. A man with such responsibilities wouldn't be able to.

"Carmen."

The woman stopped in her tracks at the touch of a warm hand on his arm. Her eyes followed the sound of her name as she met the strategist. A folded blanket was hanging from his other arm as he approached her. Her eyes went from it to his eyes.

"We could stargaze from that spot over there, if you care to accompany me."

Out of instinct, her hand moved to grasp the one he had offered to her, but she only took one step before she froze and looked back in the directions of the others. Were they setting them up? Not one of them turned their heads to spy on their interactions, and Carmen felt her belly and cheeks heat up at the possibility.

She turned to Ignis and took a long look at him. He seemed a little… nervous with how quickly he quickly fixed his glasses over the bridge of his nose.

"It is best if we remain here. Noct and the others wish to watch the stars from a different spot, but it would be hard for you to make that walk now."

"I understand. Please guide me."

The look of relief that briefly passed his features made her smile. With both hands on his, Ignis guided her carefully until they reached the place. The thick blanket made an excellent cushion for their heads and backs against the hard ground as they lay down side by side. In the quiet of the night, while they waited, both of them had their eyes on the sky, waiting. Ignis had softly shared why this event was dear to him, and Carmen heard him with full attention.

"Stargazing… is really special for me, too", she murmured.

"How so?"

"That custom of making wishes upon a star… I have done that since I was little. There's beauty in how there are millions of twinkling lights that can both be the safeguard of a secret wish and the magician that can make it come true."

Carmen turned to look at him and smiled shyly when he looked back at her in return. She continued, just as softly as before.

"I know it's childish. Even if that's not the case, anything under the stars is prettier: magical, poetic, romantic, even."

Ignis didn't say a thing but gazed at her with tender affection. Indeed, under starlight, her eyes shone brighter and more beautifully. Her lovely face was cast in the gentlest, softest sheen of pearlescent blue.

"Shall we lose that joyful wonder, too, when we grow up?", she continued musing. "Could we keep that part? Keep the hope of light alive in the darkness?"

Ignis was about to reply to something, that he later wouldn't remember what it was, as a dash of light crossed her eyes and her surprised gasp interrupted him. Her hand quickly grabbed his and squeezed as the other pointed above them, guiding his eyes to the majestic phenomenon happening.

Beautiful, dashing stars fell across the night sky like rain. It was the most marvelous sight, one that had them distracted and looking everywhere to witness one after another.

They stood like that for a few minutes, pointing vaguely in the direction of each falling star, smiling kindly as they pointed at the same one, and laughing softly as they settled down after a while.

Throughout the event, they weren't aware of how close they have moved to one another, as Carmen's head was gently leaning on his shoulder as they continued to gaze at the stars above. Their joined hands stayed together comfortably the entire time, fingers becoming intertwined in their hold. With the lack of leather from a glove, Carmen could feel the natural heat of his body, even more when Ignis squeezed her slightly colder one in his.

Time stood still when they noticed.

Carmen closed her eyes, trying to even out her breathing before moving away a fraction, turning to look at him, and stopping as she felt his bare hand graze his cheek.

"Don't", he pleaded quietly.

Ignis was so close, so warm beside her, and so focused on her.

His eyes closed on her pillowy lips, then on her eyes and back again into them, slowly moving closer. If she hesitated, Ignis vowed to part and let this be as it was. But, as she leaned on her side and moved closer to him to meet him halfway, he didn't dwell on it anymore.

Their lips met and stayed pressed for a moment before they parted, only to meet again just as carefully. His hand had migrated to the column of her neck, keeping her there, a thumb playing with the soft edge of her jawline as hers caressed the fabric of his shirt over his chest.

With a sigh, they parted at last, but they didn't move too far.

"Did you happen to make a wish this time?", Ignis barely mumbled.

Carmen smiled, leaning to rest her forehead on his.

"It was already fulfilled, too."

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[blossattic]

Remembering her (2024)

[blossattic]

Living the FFXV feels again

[blossattic]

hi i thought you might want to join this art project for jhope!

https://x.com/Equality_UandMe/status/1820112467177201855?s=19

Thank you for letting me know, anon 🫂💜 I'll give it a shot.