[ It's automatic, to reach up to catch and steady Noct. That doesn't change anything, although the hold on his hand feels nice. Soothes, a tiny little bit, the bite of the earlier reaction.

Then, those words. And Ignis blinks. Raises his hand to brush away those bangs. Press a light finger across Noct's lips. Noct really should not say such things, how hurt would Lady Lunafreya be--

And then it hits him, what Noctis actually said, and h actually stops breathing, eyes wide. Fingers stroke the prince's cheek. ]

Noct? [ For once in his life, Ignis doesn't know what to say. Noct - Ignis truly tried to make sure to keep things light, not engaging. To not pull him closer, at every opportunity he had to. Because his life is already complicated, because there is no future, because to try to draw him in would be wrong, and here the words are and.

He loves me. Too.

These last days must have been hell on-- ]

Six, Noct. Come here. [ And he opens his arms to gather the prince close. ]