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[ This isn't his first rodeo with social media, or he supposes... Something as close to it. Would this be considered social media if it's within a closed network? Noctis supposes it doesn't matter. This is his first shot, this is his means of feeling this place out. ]

I need a wheelchair.

Not for me... It's for a friend. I know there's a clinic, but I'd rather reach out and make sure I'm not signing myself up for the third degree when I try and claim one.

If someone could point me in the right direction of who I need to talk to or whether or not I just take it, let me know.

Ah.

Thanks. To whoever's reading.

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[ Ugh. Gods, that word sounds so awful when it comes out of Regis' mouth. He shouldn't have put it that way, shouldn't have used "lingo" of his own as his father so neatly puts it. Noctis visibly tenses at that, nose wrinkling for a moment. ]

Ugh, here we go.

[ He says it affectionately, actually. The complaint isn't really a true grievance, mostly because it's these kinds of conversations that Noctis often thought about after his father's passing. Noctis finds himself taking in every single aspect of this conversation as best as he can, committing it to memory. He'd often complained about Regis' little embarrassing quips, and would even go so far as to break away from affectionate gestures such as the ruffle of his hair. But he doesn't back off. ]

[ He does, however, grunt and groan the instant his head is forced down for his dad to practically shake it in a noogie. Noctis reaches up at his head, hands hovering at the sides in a mock-defense. ]

Nnk-- Dad, cut it--

[ Another groan, masked over a laugh. ]

C'mon.

[Hey! Regis can be all hip and savvy too. It's just a crying shame that he's so bad at it. He was raised much differently than Noct in a much different time period. While he'll never admit it, some of the things his son spews simply make no sense to him. It's almost as if the pair speak two very different languages. Regis speaks far too proper for his own good at times but he's always been a tad rigid and overly poised. It's simply how he is.]

It's gotten even worse since I last seen you!

[He jokes as he keeps patting Noct's head to affectively 'wake up' those wild black locks. Eventually, Regis stops trying to shake the 'chocobo chick' out and starts suddenly smoothing back Noctis' hair.]

You honestly haven't slept, have you? [Regis inches closer to Noct and tries in vain to comb his son's messy hair with his fingers. Without the proper tools he can't do much but at least Noctis is starting to look like his old self again.]

Is Lady Luanfreya doing well? If so, perhaps you would rest at last.

[ Noctis is well aware of the stark contrast between his manner of speaking and his father's. It's the product of growing up in a different time, living outside of the Citadel's walls in hopes of seeking as normal of a life as he could. While Noctis has tried to carry himself a bit differently in the eyes of dignitaries and politicians when needed, old habits die hard. ]

[ He scoffs one last time when his father finally stops ruffling his hair in trade of fixing it. Noctis doesn't bother to stop him, sighing as his hands resign to rest on his lap. ]

She's getting there. Better than before-- And I'm fine. I've slept fine.

[ No he has not. And that much is indicated in how much paler he is and the dark circles under his eyes. ]

You don't need to worry about me.

[Noct was actually fortunate to live beyond the Citadel. Regis never really had the chance. The only time he ever escaped was when he volunteered to battle Niflheim's troops on the front lines beside Clarus and Cor. His other two companions joined them much later by circumstance.

So, Noct wasn't the only one to wheel into Hammerhead back in the day.]

Noct. [He gives his son an exasperated sigh as he continues fixing that mop upon his son's head.] I'm your father. I know when you're lying.

[A frown settles upon his face briefly.]

I admire your loyalty and dedication, son, but you do need rest.

[ It's with a forced complacency that Noctis allows Regis to continue fussing with his hair. That, and the strong exhaustion that has taken over him the last few days. He's never gone long without sleep, and it seems the last few weeks have sought to change that. With that exhaustion comes the inability to really argue much, and it takes Noctis a while to even manage a response. ]

[ It still hurts. All of this. Noctis isn't sure why he can't just settle with the fact that Regis and Lunafreya are here, alive and well. Why can't he just be settled in blissful ignorance and be happy? ]

[ It's out of that weak frustration that he finally reaches his hand up to push away Regis' hand. ]

I'll sleep plenty when everthing's settled. I don't have time for that right now.

[It's then that Regis finally stops grooming Noct after that weak push. He stares at his son worriedly for a tense moment before glancing out the window again. The cheer in Regis fades as darker thoughts claim him suddenly. He's oddly quiet for a time before speaking again.]

...I won't vanish overnight. [Regis whispers as he does his best to keep his tone even.] Nor shall the Lady fade so quickly from your grasp again.

We are here, Noct. Living and breathing thanks to the good graces of another.

[A gloomy smile settles upon his lips as he turns to Noct.]

We'll still be here whenever you awake for this is no dream.

Edited 2017-01-18 04:27 (UTC)

[ He's exhausted. Truly. His father isn't wrong about Noctis' need for rest, and he sure as hell isn't wrong about his assumption as to why he hasn't been able to sleep in the first place. He's his father, after all, and it's damn near impossible to hide anything from him. Noctis isn't sure how that makes him feel after all this time. ]

[ He visibly deflates, slouching forward with his arms rested at his knees. As his eyes glance up at his father, it's clear as day just how sickly he looks after everything. Still looking beaten up from the coliseum, still looking a right mess from his time in the Keep. ]

And how do you know that for sure?

[ Noctis' tone is matter-of-fact, plain. Voice hoarse while he airs his anxieties as calmly as he can. ]

Both of you were ripped away like that.

[ He snaps his fingers. ]

How am I supposed to know that won't happen again, huh? That these gods aren't just as ruthless as ours?

[The sickly look upon Noct's face makes him draw back a little in shock.

He's in pain. His son is in so much pain. Regis doesn't know how to answer Noctis when he doesn't know the answers himself. It's not like he could lie to the prince. Regis has no idea if the Gods of Hadriel will be just as cruel as the Six but so far they seem devious.]

I don't. [He admit with a deep sigh as he kneels before Noct and takes his son's hands. Bad knee be damned. His grip is strong but gentle, reassuring even.] Alas, I vehemently refuse to be their pawn.

Never shall I kneel for them as long as I draw breath.

[ Noctis doesn't know at all how to react to his father kneeling before him. It's a gesture he hasn't gotten at all, even in the face of his sudden rise to the throne. Seeing his father, of all people, getting low despite the injury he's sustained for so many years makes him uncomfortable. ]

[ He's never stopped feeling helpless, he just refuses to be the protected. He's settled with his destiny, but this? This makes it so hard to maintain that acceptance. ]

[ Noctis sighs, closing his eyes as his body slouches forward. His forehead presses against Regis' hands. ]

I'm lost, Dad.

I should just be happy with what I've got and leave it there. But I can't.

[The anguish that Noctis feels now is nearly doubled for Regis since he doesn't know if there's anything he could do or say to make all this pain go away. It's painful to see his son like this. Hell, it's almost down right pitiful. This poor boy might be a man physically but mentally he has yet to let go of his youth. Noctis was given a harsh destiny since birth.

The Gods chosen him as their 'king' and all Regis could do was weep in silence for his poor boy. He did his best to let Noct live a relatively normal life outside of the public eye. It was deemed as taboo by his royal court to allow the prince to pick his own lodging outside of the Citadel but Regis allowed it because he wanted Noctis to experience all that life has to offer.

Somehow, despite all of his efforts, Regis feels as if he failed. Did he fail Noctis? Did he fail the beautiful son that Aulea and he brought into the world? Did he?

No. Regis knows he didn't fail because the same strength and power that flows in his veins flows within Noctis. His son is the Chosen King and he believes in his son more so than he believes in the Gods.]

This is a difficult road to walk, my son. [He whispers ever so gently as Noct presses against his hands.] I vow to walk it with you as long as I can but eventually, we may...part.

Happiness is a fleeting emotion that comes and goes as quickly as the day. Don't let the sadness confine you to misery but do not be ashamed to cry.

[His grip upon Noctis' hands tightens ever so slightly as if to let him know that he's still here.]

[ Often times, Noctis goes back to the day they had left Insomnia in lieu of their destination to Altissia. The smile and casual attitude that Regis had maintained before sending him off, knowing full well what was to come sooner or later. Hell, he thinks about it too much. Had he known, he would have insisted on staying, on protecting his father because at the time? He sure as shit wasn't ready to be king. ]

[ And he was never ready to lose his father. ]

[ But fate is a cruel thing, and over time? Noctis began to understand that one way or another, this all would have come full circle. He'd never truly understood what being the Chosen King meant until the fall of Insomnia and the eventual crumble of Altissia and Tenebrae. ]

[ Still, that doesn't make facing this any easier. While Noctis feels relief in the return of his father and closest friend, the pain and fear of losing them a second time lingers in the back of his mind. And he's certain that won't go away anytime soon. But there is truth in Regis' words of encouragement. He is here. For now. And Noctis doesn't have to feel alone in this. ]

[ His bones and muscles are weary with exhaustion, but he finds the strength to finally lift his head. To nod at his father. ]

"Walk tall."

[ He repeats words that Regis had expressed to him prior to his leaving Insomnia, though it sounds tired on his lips. ]

I've been trying as best as I can. I'm bound to hit a few dead ends, but...

I'll figure this out. One way or another, everything happens for a reason. I guess, for now, I've got you and Luna. And there's nothing I can do about tomorrow.

[A pleading look lingers within Regis pale green gaze as he stares at his son with such worry. Like any father, all Regis wanted was to protect Noctis however he could. Yet, it's because of his selfishness that so many perished. All Regis ever wanted was to do right by Noct even at the expense of his life. The thought of death never frightened Regis since he always flirted with it since Aulea passed but the thought of Noctis being all alone in the world scared him to his very core. He couldn't shed tears for himself bit he wept bitterly for Noctis.

The king forces a smile onto his lips but it's the saddest one Noctis probably ever seen. He knows how this story will end in death and knows he'll lose Noctis forever but until then, Regis wants to live as each every day is his last. That why if he does die again, he'll have no regrets.]

Yes, walk tall. Keep going forward until you can go no more.

[He smiles more at Noct as if trying to erase the prevalent gloom he feels deep within.]

Believe me when I say that I mean to stay however long I can, Noctis. Regardless of whatever horrors claim us, I much rather be here in Hadriel than anywhere else.

[ He often wondered what he would do, say, or feel if he were given the chance to see his father one last time. It was a thought that came to him plenty of times during the long car rides and restless nights. Since there were many of them? Not a single day passed without Regis crossing his mind. He loves his father dearly, always has. While the fact that he so casually smiled and sent Noctis on his way despite knowing what was to come angered him? He couldn't let that linger or fester. He'd forgiven his father quickly, even if forgiveness did nothing to settle his mourning. ]

[ Now that he has that last chance with his father, temporary as it may be, he realizes he has to force himself to thicken up. To take this as an opportunity and gift, rather than a curse or taunt. Noctis sighs, looking away from the painful smile that Regis gives him, finally nodding. ]

Yeah.

[ Swallowing thickly, he fights to gather himself as best as he can. For Regis' sake. For Luna's. ]

I'm not gonna squander this. I can't. I'll pull myself together one way or another.

[ His gaze shifts back, meeting his father's gaze again. Noctis tries a smile. ]

Thanks, Dad.

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