Chapter Text
-Noctis: 11 Ignis 13-
Plenty of people didn't understand exactly how the gods would let on who was a soul pair. What people did know was that your view of the world changed with your soulmate. Noctis was sure that just meant that you felt lovey-dovey gross stuff and so life didn't suck so much, kind of like wearing rose-tinted glasses. He was also one hundred percent certain that it had to be like in the movies, love at first sight and all that gross stuff. Noct remembers asking his father if it was that way with his mother. Regis would just smile and say that love didn't always work the way it did in movies; sometimes, you don't even realize it's happening. What kind of crap was that? Whatever, he had bigger things to worry about, like if Ignis would tell on him if he tried to sneak out the window in the garden. He was sure there would be a question of whether or not he was feeling up to so much movement and Noct knew he would just shrug and keep on no matter how his back was feeling.
Ignis has been around for as long as Noct can remember. He wasn't much older than Noctis but he had an air of grace that Noct couldn't even wish to have, even as crown prince. While Ignis may make sure that Noctis does what adults have asked of him, Ignis is still his best friend. Well, Ignis and Luna, but he doesn't see Luna that often anymore. Ignis is nice and he always listens. He even helps Noct with homework while doing his own. Ignis was the best.
Although, it didn't take long for Noctis to realize that Ignis was around because that was going to be his job as Noctis' royal advisor when they got older. He overheard his father say as much to Clarus one day. Most days, Noct tries to ignore that information and pretend that he just has a friend. He had plenty of people pretending to be his friends at school. He didn't need another person pretending to be his friend
It only takes a few more years for the dynamic between the Noctis and Ignis to shift to one of resentment, knowing that Ignis was around just because he had to be. Ignis didn't actually care. Noctis knew that. Why would Ignis care about what happened to him? He was being paid to take care of any mess that Noctis created. Noct was tired of Ignis' nagging. He knows that he is supposed to do homework and listen to some royal meetings, but they were boring and he just wanted to go outside and not think about his responsibilities. Noct wanted to sleep in on the weekends like other kids, not have someone not much older than him come in his room and wake him after he had already turned off his alarm. Ignis was only trying to do his job, but that was the issue. Noctis wanted to go back to when he had a friend. This was a job for Ignis. They weren't friends.
One night, Noct found himself sitting in a nearby park after having snuck out like he had plenty of times before. It was dark out and a chill was beginning to set into the air around him. He pulled his knees up to his chest and just breathed. He wondered if his father felt like this when he was eleven. Did his father get overwhelmed by all of the pressure that everyone sent his way? Did he handle it as well as he does now? Noctis wondered if he would ever grow up to be as good of a king as his father is. That idea alone was scary. If he were to be king that would mean that his father- Noct let out a frustrated cry. Why did he feel so weak against the pressure that had weighed down on every prince before him? One-hundred-thirteen to be exact.
He went silent when he heard footsteps approaching. He was mentally preparing himself to run, given that somedays he can't just drop into a sprint like he wished he could. He looked to the person that was approaching and let out a relieved sigh.
"You had me worried, Highness", Ignis said as he sat down next to Noct. He handed over a jacket. "I assumed you would be cold without this. I would appreciate it if you would at least tell me when you decide to go on these little excursions." That was something that had never changed about Ignis; he never said that Noctis was running away from his problems or his life. He just came to bring Noctis a jacket and keep tabs on him if something were to happen.
Noct hesitated before taking the jacket, making a little hum instead of saying thank you. "Didn't want to be found."
Ignis couldn't help the little chuckle that came from his throat, "Well, then it might be wise of you to not run off to the same place you usually go with me."
There was a pause before Noctis felt the corners of his lips twitch upward. "Hey, aren't you supposed to be, like, some perfect role model or something and not tell me how to sneak out?"
Ignis smiled, and even at ten years old, Noctis knew that Ignis should do that more. "Well, technically, I am to be the Hand of the King. I am to be by your side and be your aide." He gave a pause, "Do people expect that I should be a role model because I am older? Sure. Is it part of my job and what I plan to do? Not exactly." And if there was a smirk pulling at Ignis' lips, well, Noctis wasn't going to say anything about it, but he would remember what it looked like for the rest of time.
Noctis wasn't sure what to say. Recently, Noctis figured that Ignis nagged him because that's just what he wanted to do because he was annoying and uptight, not that he was trying to be a friend and help. He sat quietly for a while longer, thinking about the fact that Ignis wasn't much older, which meant that he didn't get to be a kid either. Noct believed that the pressure didn't bother Ignis, but surely it had to some days and he was willing to bet that this was one of them.
He stood up and finally put the coat on that Ignis brought out. "We should probably go back before I get you in trouble." He held a hand out for Ignis to help him to his feet. They walked in silence, climbing through the open window and making their way down the halls of the Citadel. They part ways and Noctis returns to his room thinking about what he has learned about his friend.
——————
"Prince Noctis," called out a stern voice.
"What?" Noct replied, he was tired and didn't want to talk to an adult. Honestly, he didn't want to talk to anyone. Noctis and Ignis were making their way to the gym so Noctis could watch Ignis practice with his Shield, Gladio. They stop and turn around to see a man that Noct recognizes as a councilman standing in the hall with a folder in hand. Oh no, he was going to be in trouble for that. He's not supposed to forget his manners, and he just had a lecture on respecting elders the other day.
The man's pressed his lips into a thin line as he inhaled slowly through his nose. "That is 'yes sir," The man corrected. "You need to start acting like the heir to the thrown. Perhaps you need more tutoring."
Noctis stopped listening to the man halfway through his impromptu lecture about honor, respect, and some other stuff that Noct really didn't care about. His mind was racing, thinking about all of the nasty things he could say or just how much effort it would take to run away. Right now would be a perfect time to warp… But if he could manage to do it while training, why would he be able to do it here?
Noctis remembered where he was when he heard Ignis clear his throat. "With all due respect, sir, Prince Noctis has been excelling at all of the work he has been given by his royal tutors, not to mention the fact that he must deal with the added stress that comes along public school. His highness's tutors and I would both agree that he respects his position as heir far better than an eleven-year-old would be expected to. Prince Noctis had a rather late night with a class project and he was woken early for meetings. Please excuse his arguably minor slip of the tongue. Now is there something that you needed with the prince?"
Noctis managed to keep a straight and sleepy face as Ignis spoke, but in his head he was freaking out. He didn't have a project lat night. There was only one meeting this morning. Ignis lied so easily. Since when could he do that? Did Ignis learn how to lie for his sake?
The man snapped his mouth shut and held his folder close to his chest. Noct wanted to laugh but he was certain that Ignis would get in trouble for this later. The advisor gave a curt goodbye and left.
The two boys watched the man leave them turned to each other. Noctis opened his mouth to say something along the lines of a thank you or you didn't have to do that, but no words came out. His train of thought had been thrown off the rails by the brilliant color of Ignis' eyes. Had they always been that color? Ignis had, for a brief moment, a look of complete shock on his face. It was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by something that Noctis couldn't describe. Was it something like fondness?
Coming to a complete loss of words like this made Noctis fidget. He turned his head to look out the large windows that lined the hall and his mouth fell open. The leaves on the trees, the grass on the ground, and even bushes scattered about were now vibrant shades of the color that was so much like Ignis' eyes. Had they always been that color? Noctis thought he was going to cry.
Then he realized that there was still so much that were the same shades of gray the foliage had once been. Why was that?
Noct heard Ignis sigh quietly. "Let's get going. We don't want to be late, or Gladio will make both of us do laps.." With that, Ignis was walking away. Noctis wanted to call out and ask what just happened. He never did. He just followed after his friend.
They didn't say anything about that moment for a long time. All Noctis knew was that they were more trusting of each other. He thought about the fact that everyone says that they see the world differently. He did see the world differently, but now that he knew that the grays weren't true colors he thought that something must be wrong. Why was there still so much gray?
——————
Noctis never properly thanked Ignis for helping him get out of trouble. Still, he tried to show his gratefulness by complaining about being told to do his homework or being reminded of a meeting to attend. He was still a little confused. Was he really connected to Ignis? Like, was Ignis actually his soulmate? All Noct had wanted was a friend, but a soulmate? Wow. He and Ignis were always going to be together because he was the prince and Ignis was the Hand of the Prince. Does that mean that Ignis really was his friend?
During dinner one night, Noctis was pushing around the veggies on his plate. Lost in thought about the fact that broccoli only looked a little more appetizing because it was no longer gross and gray, but that didn't mean that he would eat it.
"Noctis?" His father said from the other end of the table. "It's not going to bite you. Broccoli is actually very good for you."
Noctis scrunched his nose, "But it's gross. And it's green like a lot of vegetables."
His father laughed wholeheartedly, "It's not gross and green things are good for you."
Noctis looked up at his father, more attentive now. "I guess they can be," Noctis said, but he wasn't thinking about the broccoli. He then looked out the window to see the lively summer afternoon. Yeah, green things could be good for him, he thought as he remembered Ignis finding him outside at night with a coat.
"You seem distracted, is everything okay?"
"Huh? Oh. Yeah. Everything is fine. I think?"
His father furrowed his brows. "You think? Noct, talk to me. What is it?"
"I think I get it now. The soulmate thing." He looked back to his plate and thought about what he should say. "About the world looking different. But what if it's only some things? What if there is still a lot that hasn't changed."
"Some?" His father asked.
Noctis only nodded, feeling tears try to well up in his eyes.
"Well, like I had told you when you were very little, it's not always like the movies. Everyone's soul connections are unique to the person and may present themselves differently."
"I guess," Noct said quietly. "I'm full. May I go to my room?"
His father sighed softly and nodded. "Of course, Noctis. Have a good night."
——————
The meeting droned on and most of the discussions were still topics that were above his understanding. As part of his training and tutoring, Ignis was still expected to attend the meetings, pay attention, and practice taking minutes to share with Noctis. No one expected Ignis to understand the topics just yet, but he was expected to attend and understand the flow of a proper meeting and feel comfortable with the other attendees. Typically, Ignis can follow the conversations and take decent minutes without too much effort. Today was, apparently, not a typical day.
His thoughts kept slipping away to Noctis. The surprise on Noct's face when he stood up for his friend. The way the surprise slipped to full shook. Eyes locked together, brilliant green meeting regal violet. Ignis knew he would stand by Noctis' side until the end of time. Understanding began as they were children and found great friendship from the other, but as Noctis closed himself off from the world, Ignis knew that he had to stay by Noct's side because that was the duty he was to fulfill until he noticed that even with the whole world shut out, Noct would still allow Ignis in, though it was with more hesitance than before. It wasn't always ideal and Noctis wasn't always happy with Ignis' presence but Noct never seemed to cast Ignis out completely. Well, now Ignis knew there was a reason to stay by Noctis. They were quite literally made for each other. Destined by the stars.
This was also the first time that Ignis noticed all of the purple hues in King Regis' clothing. It looked like his usual attire but was it usually that color? Was this a detail that he had been missing before? Ignis couldn't help but stare. There was a moment that Regis noticed the way that Ignis was watching him and Ignis instantly felt embarrassed and kept his focus on his minutes that were less than legible.
When the meeting came to a close, Ignis began to pack away his things. The attendees chatted amongst the peers they were closer to as they did the same and filtered out of the room, some waiting to have a word with the king. Ignis was about to leave when he heard Regis speak up.
"Ignis, please stick around. I would like to talk with you." Regis looked at Ignis with a soft expression on his features, less of a king and more of someone who felt like a father figure to Ignis.
Ignis would be lying if he said that the wasn't nervous. What would have King Regis asking for him to stay behind, wasn't the man incredibly busy as always? Despite the nerves. Ignis sat down in his seat and waited. He wasn't exactly patient, but no-one would know any different.
The king wrapped up his conversation with the ambassador who had been occupying his time. Once it was just the two of them, the king walked around the large table and sat down next to Ignis. "How have you been, Ignis? You seemed very distracted today. Is something going on?"
Ignis couldn't help the embarrassed flush that came to his face when Regis asked how he was doing; it was like having a boss notice that you weren't doing your job properly. Even more so because Ignis had always looked up to King Regis. "I do apologize, Your Majesty. It would seem that I was distracted. I will make sure that I am more present from here on out," Ignis replied with the grace that his etiquette tutor has instilled in him.
The king was quiet for a beat, eyebrow knitting together, then let out a sigh. "Ignis, I am speaking to you as someone who cares about your wellbeing. Not as a king, but as the father of your friend. I understand that you may not want to talk to me about your personal life. I do wish that you understand that if you ever need, you can always come to me."
It was Ignis' turn to think about exactly what he was going to say. It meant a lot that King Regis was so concerned with Ignis' well being and that he would take the time to remind Ignis that he was not only employed by the royal family, but also a family friend. Does he open up about the revelation he's had recently? Surely that would be a betrayal of Noctis' trust. That was for Noctis and his father to discuss. "I'm sure you have noticed that over the past year or so, Noctis has been exceptionally withdrawn." Regis gave a hum of acknowledgment. "He has begun to do the same to me. The other day, he opened up to me… a little. I think he might let me in again. I hope. I don't know if he realizes that he is my best friend," Ignis said, his voice was quiet and for a moment, he was acting like the thirteen-year-old that he is and it felt nice.
Regis gave Ignis a fond smile. "I can assure you that Noctis knows that. Please just be patient with him. As you know, he has been through a lot and there is a lot of pressure that has been placed on a child. He needs a good friend like you. Eventually, you will have the friend you once had. Stay a steady presence for Noctis and he will appreciate it."
Ignis smiled. The conversation made Ignis feel better about being connected with Noct even if Noct had been so closed off recently. "Thank you, sir. I will keep your words in mind."
The king patted Ignis' shoulder and stood to leave. "You are doing well, son. Keep up the good work." And with that the king was gone and Ignis was left speechless.
——————
-Noctis: 13 Ignis: 15-
A few springs later, Noctis and Ignis sat outside, enjoying the first of the warm weather since the harsh winter. They were in between meetings that Ignis found to be boring at best and Noctis thought was a perfect nap-time. Noctis was staring up at the trees and their wonderfully vibrant greens and he couldn't stop himself from speaking up. "I know it's been three years, but it is so hard to believe that spring is so colorful and bright. Almost hurts my eyes it's so bright," he said tiredly.
Ignis gave a little laugh and smile. A smile that made Noctis ever thankful for the gift of seeing Ignis' expression in full detail as he was intended to be seen. "I had never realized just how regal the Citadel really is until I saw the wonderful violets that lace their way through the walls, furniture, and even your father's clothing."
"I didn't understand why everyone thought that stuff could be so pretty. I guess if you couldn't see all the colors, then it would be pretty cool to see it properly." Noctis kept his gaze on the garden in front of him, "But there is a lot that is still dull. Is that normal? I thought everything supposed to be bright and colorful."
Ignis was quiet. "I thought it was too... There are still so many bitter grays." This answer came as a surprise to Noctis. Ignis was always so certain of himself. That surety wasn't in Ignis' expression now. He still saw grays too? But- How was that possible? They were supposed to be a connected pair. Was Noctis not enough? He was sure that Ignis was enough for him.
"Are we broken?" Noctis asked, voice quiet, scared of the answer.
"No! Of course not", Ignis answered firmly, turning to look at Noctis properly. "What on Eos would make you come to a conclusion as ridiculous as that?"
Noct gave a little shrug. "I dunno. I just thought- Well. You stood up for me and I realized that maybe we are-" his sentence cut short. "I thought that maybe that was it and everything would be complete. But it's not. Is it? That can't be right. You are all I could ever ask for, I can't be that selfish. And you? Well, I know this is a job for you."
"Your Highness, that-"
"Don't call me that. Not now. I'm no prince right now." Noctis sounded bitter.
Ignis nodded, now understanding that Noctis was opening up to as a friend, "Noct. Do not think you are broken or incomplete just because this doesn't make sense. Soul connections are something created by the gods and I am not sure we have any right to question their plans." Ignis rested a hand on Noctis' arm. "Please never think that this is only a job for me. It was only a job day one. After that considered you a good friend." He squeezed Noctis' arm. "And whatever this is, we will get through this together. Like always."
Noctis felt himself relax. He was lucky to have Ignis in his life.