It’s the second to last day of their trip, and it starts off with a hint of a heavy atmosphere between all of them. Vanitas doesn’t bring up what happened yesterday, and everyone else follows his lead. To literally no one’s surprise, Ignis has opted to make strawberry pancakes for breakfast, one of Vanitas’s favorite dishes. The child is noticeably a bit happier to see them and is even more pleased to find that all of his art supplies are innocently waiting for him on the kitchen table.
Breakfast proceeds as normal, with noticeably no one nagging Vanitas about coloring while eating. Things are quiet but are by no means uncomfortable as they all eventually separate to take care of some chores before it’s time to head out.
Seeing as the Cape Caem home is used by multiple people, including the King and the Crownsguard, it goes without saying that whoever uses it should help with the upkeep. Prompto is out tending to the various fruit trees and vegetables gardens, while Gladio has decided to suit up and work on patching a part of the fence surrounding the bee hives. Ignis is sorting through some things in the kitchen, making sure everything is spick and span for whomever comes to this house next, and Noctis is busy gathering their things and bringing them out to the car. Vanitas, under the instruction of Ignis, has the much simpler task of joining Prompto to pick out a few fresh foods to take along with them.
All seems normal for a while, each person attending to their own task, until Noctis suddenly hears the indisputable sound of crying. He immediately stops on the dirt path and drops the bag he was carrying, whipping his head around wildly in search of Vanitas.
What he sees though isn’t the sight of Vanitas crying, but rather Prompto. The sharpshooter is clinging to Vanitas tightly, both of them on their knees in the mud surrounding the apple trees. The child looks at a loss of what to do, appearing tense in Prompto’s embrace. Vanitas says something, only to have the blonde squeeze him harder, and Vanitas hesitantly pats his back as the two of them talk in hushed voices.
Noctis lets out a breath as he watches them for a few moments. He casts a glance towards the house, catching Ignis’s frowning face through the kitchen window. They both share a silent glance, before Noctis looks to where he last saw Gladio. The Shield has a similar frown on his face as he has stopped hammering nails into the white picket fence.
When they all converge to get into the car, no one says a word about what they saw. Neither Prompto nor Vanitas bring it up either, and together they all leave Cape Caem behind in silence.
The day is spent visiting Verinas Mart- Ravatogh and Burbost Souvenir Emporium before making it to the long-awaited final stop on their list: Meldacio Hunter HQ. Throughout the drive, Vanitas was relieved to find that Noctis had kept his word, and he was allowed to sit up front in between the driver and passenger seats. Apparently Noctis had called Cindy this morning, and she explained how to convert the center console into a temporary children’s seat for now until they can make it back to Hammerhead and figure out something more permanent.
When they arrive in Meldacio, Vanitas finds that it is pretty much the same as he remembers, but the population is understandably way less than in previous years. After all, there’s not a lot of need for hunters now that there are no daemons to plague the world. A lot of former hunters are now actually exploring other avenues; either by joining the rebuilding effort, opting to enlist in the Crownsguard, or simply deciding to live normal everyday lives. For those who want to keep their profession, however, Dave is still around and kicking, and always willing to give out missions to take care of local problematic wildlife. He’s never far from the HQ these days, not after he had a nasty run in with a daemon a few years ago and lost one of his legs.
It’s a story that Dave is apparently never shy about retelling and goes on for way longer than Vanitas has the patience for, even with the added distraction of being able to color and paint again.
Thankfully, though, Noctis isn’t looking to stay here for very long. They end up settling down at the haven up the road near the Vesperpool, and it’s the perfect spot to spend the last night of their trip under the stars.
Noctis and Vanitas end up catching quite a few fish by the water’s edge. Prompto and Gladio scampered off at some point to hunt down a cockatrice for dinner, and Ignis opted to prepare it in a new way he’s never tried before. The resulting meal smells lovely, but Vanitas looks at it with caution as Ignis stirs the chili and offers him a spoonful to try. It ends up tasting weird and has a bit of an aftertaste that his young taste buds do not appreciate at all. Ignis must have added a few mild spices to it, and while he and Noct had previously asked Ignis if he could eat more normal adult foods, Vanitas wasn’t sure if he really could put his money where his mouth is with this dish.
‘Is it that the sauce is too spicy?’ Ignis says, putting a hand to his chin in thought.
‘It’s not that.’ Vanitas made a face while drinking some water to get rid of the taste. ‘It’s just…’
Icky would be the word that comes to mind, but he was hardly going to say that.
‘Hm…’ Ignis hums. ‘Regretfully I am not very knowledgeable regarding palatable cuisine for children.’ He admits, to which Vanitas nods, knowing that Ignis has mostly been going off a list of suggestions given by Vanitas’s doctor. ‘But I have never backed down from a culinary challenge yet.’
Ignis had not complained about Vanitas’s aversion to his food, quite the opposite actually. The advisor rolled up his sleeves, got to work, and together the two of them tried a variety of different spices and methods before eventually settling on a taste that everyone could enjoy.
‘Smells amazing, Iggy.’ Prompto comments after coming back from a walk with the others to scope out some picturesque spots to take advantage of in the morning. He dares to lift the lid of the pot, but only gets his hand smacked with a spoon for his efforts.
‘How long you think it’ll be, Specs?’ Gladio asks with interest.
‘Should be another hour or so. The ingredients need to simmer for some time.’ Ignis says while cleaning up his workstation, spoon at the ready should Prompto try any more funny business.
‘Perfect.’ Gladio nods then turns to Vanitas. ‘Let’s go on an adventure, shorty. You and me.’ He jerks his thumb behind him towards the water.
‘What?’ Vanitas asks from his perch in one of the camping chairs. His book is laid out in front of him with crayons nearby, and he doesn’t look very inclined to move right now.
‘Swimming.’ Gladio says, undeterred. ‘We still got some daylight left, and we should go now so you don’t get a cramp later.’
Vanitas makes a face, looking towards the murky water.
‘The water here is gentle.’ Gladio hums. ‘You should do just fine.’
‘The water here is also gross.’ Vanitas frowns, turning up his nose at the swampy lake.
‘Quit being a baby.’ Gladio says, not willing to take no for an answer. ‘I know a few spots that are crystal clear.’
After a bit more hemming and hawing, Ignis, Prompto and Noctis happily wave Gladio and a disgruntled Vanitas off for their swimming lesson as they themselves opt to relax at camp and watch from a distance. The water wings have noticeably been left behind, but Vanitas seems to be doing just fine without them as he takes to the water like a fish.
‘He really is a little guppy, isn’t he?’ Noctis asks with a laugh, easily able to watch the sight from the comfort of the haven as he lazily drinks his beer.
‘A guppy is preferrable to sinking like a stone.’ Ignis comments, not looking up from his workstation, where he appears to be selecting something for dessert.
‘Just call Vani the little mermaid.’ Prompto grins while sneaking a picture.
He doesn’t dare to move any closer, though. None of them do.
From this distance, it’s easy to watch, but impossible to listen in on any conversation. Gladio and Vanitas are definitely having one, though, they can see that. Vanitas appears distraught at some point, though, and turns back to shore, but Gladio only grabs him and gently holds the child up above the water, forcing Vanitas to look him in the eye as he earnestly talks to him.
It wasn’t that hard to imagine that Gladio invented this out of the blue venture for something other than just teaching Vanitas how to swim, after all…
They’re out there for quite a while, too, and just barely arrive back in time for dinner.
No one asks what it was they were talking about.
The sunset that is casting its golden glow over the gentle waters of the Vesperpool eventually tapers off and falls into sleep. The rest of that night was spent telling stories and jokes around the campfire, relishing the time and closeness they have without the inevitable interruptions waiting for them back in the Crowned City.
Vanitas easily falls asleep in his chair to the calming sound of the churning swamp waters nearby and the occasional calls of wild sahagin roaming up and down the shore.
Sometime during the night, though, Vanitas is abruptly awoken by one of his Unversed.
He’s been regularly sending them out to keep watch throughout the night whenever their entourage stops to sleep out in the wilderness. The creatures are merely for added protection, as the Unversed don’t need to sleep at all and can easily keep an eye out for any danger.
If the guys have noticed that Vanitas still opts to do this, however, they’ve never brought it up. Old habits die hard after all, and it’s not like anyone exactly wants a repeat of what happened 12 years ago anyway…
Vanitas is grateful in hindsight now for the Unversed as he sits up silently in his spot between Noctis and Ignis, and takes a look through the ears and eyes of the Flood that had noticed the threat. There’s nothing noticeable around the inner vicinity of the haven, but the sound of footsteps is unmistakable. The footfalls meander around the outer ring of the haven aimlessly, and Vanitas tenses when he realizes that they are not familiar in the slightest.
The Unversed he’s looking through turns its head, revealing the sight of a strange man walking dangerously close to their tent.
Quickly and quietly, Vanitas grabs Noctis’s phone lying nearby and sends out an automatic emergency message. He’s only ever had to do this once, years ago when a wild pack of sabertusks had gotten curious and wandered way too close for comfort.
The message is sent to each of the guy’s phones; instantaneous and alerting with a short, barely detectable beep that sounds like a bird call. Ignis is awake within moments, settling a hand onto Vanitas’s back to show that his call has been heard. Soon after, Noctis’s hand is there as well, and they all listen to the stranger’s footsteps walking around outside the tent.
Both Ignis and Noctis slowly sit up, locking eyes over Vanitas’s head and immediately understanding each other without words.
Vanitas can admit now that he’s always been a bit jealous of their friendship. Apparently, they’ve been together ever since Noct was around Vanitas’s age, as Ignis was made Noctis’s advisor when they were both very young. He can see that friendship, that trust, in everything they do together, whether it be fighting against enemies or simply deciding what to have for dinner.
In a way, they kind of remind Vanitas of those three; Terra, Aqua and Ventus. Their friendship had seemed so trivial to him back then, and was something that both he and Xehanorth had relentlessly mocked and pitied.
Only now, though, does he understand how wrong he was about friendships like that.
He sees it clearly now as Ignis and Noctis get out of their sleeping bags, working together easily to make as little noise as possible.
Noctis casts a glance over his shoulder at Vanitas, and he doesn’t need to hear Noctis’s voice to understand what the King has to say. Silently, Vanitas leans back an inch or two, showcasing that he will stay behind in the tent, though he doesn’t look happy about it.
Noctis only nods to him though in acknowledgement and turns back to Ignis as the footsteps outside do not cease. Ignis’s augmented sense of hearing is working overtime it seems, and he has a concentrating frown on his face as his brow is furrowed with extreme focus.
After a few moments, he makes a noise, a sort of low whistle.
The call is returned not a second later from the other tent.
They all wait a few more moments, tense yet determined, before Ignis calls again, and suddenly he and Noctis rush out of the tent. Vanitas can hear Prompto and Gladio join them, the magic schwing of their summoning weapons strident against the calm atmosphere of the night.
…
Then… nothing happens.
The sound of that same bird call comes to his ears, the signal for all clear.
Vanitas shuffles out of the tent to find the guys looking dumbfounded. Prompto and Gladio are searching around the perimeter of the haven, while Ignis and Noctis are standing together in the middle, both of them appearing puzzled.
There are no weapons in their hands.
‘Well?’ Vanitas asks, looking around.
‘There are no disturbances.’ Ignis reports.
‘West perimeter double confirmed clear.’ Prompto calls, with Gladio echoing the same a moment later from the east side.
‘That’s so odd.’ Vanitas signals for his Unversed to return to him. ‘Where did he go?’
‘Where did who go, exactly?’ Ignis asks curiously.
‘The guy.’ Vanitas crouches down when the three Floods reach his side. ‘Didn’t you hear those big boots stomping around?’
Both Ignis and Noctis share a look of confusion.
‘Who’s stomping around?’ Prompto asks as he and Gladio join them around the extinguished campfire.
‘You gotta be kidding me.’ Vanitas says, exasperated, as he absorbs the Unversed.
‘Maybe you were just hearing things.’ Gladio offers, crossing his arms.
‘No. I saw him.’ Vanitas denies with a huff. ‘It was a big guy with a brown jacket and a mustache. And besides, I know what I heard. Not my fault you’re all deaf.’
Prompto lets out a chuckle.
‘Hey who knows, maybe it coulda been a ghos-‘
Prompto is abruptly cut off, though, as Vanitas suddenly startles. There, behind one of the tents, is the stranger. His eyes are bloodshot and he’s looking straight at Vanitas.
He stalks forward, walking straight through the tent towards him.
‘Where…’ The ghost rasps.
‘Hey! Back off!’ Vanitas hisses, taking several steps away. He can hear the guys question him in alarm, unsure of what’s going on, but Vanitas doesn’t take his gaze away from the ghost.
‘Where’s my son?’ The ghost calls, reaching towards Vanitas. ‘Please, help me.’
Vanitas holds out a hand towards the ghost, and casts darkness into the ethereal being with practiced precision. He can hear the shocked gasps of his friends around him as the stranger abruptly becomes visible to mere mortals.
The ghost regards Vanitas for a few long moments, seemingly collecting himself as the whole camp grows eerily silent.
‘Apologies…’ He eventually says. ‘I startled you.’
‘No shit, idiot.’ Vanitas crosses his arms as he assesses the ghost with a critical eye. ‘So you’re looking for your kid, right? Where is he? I haven’t got all night, and you woke me up.’ He asks impatiently, knowing from experience that ghosts will never leave him alone unless he helps them with their problem.
Granted, Vanitas hasn’t gotten a ton of chances to shepherd ghosts just yet, only the odd few that he’s come across by chance in Insomnia. They usually find Vanitas whenever he is out in town with Ignis or making rounds with Prompto, and he’s managed to pick up a few things so far. One being that ghosts cannot leave the spot they died in without being escorted by an oracle, hence why they bother him so damn persistently in the first place.
Thankfully though, reuniting lost souls is not something that Vanitas needs practice with, as his instincts will always lead him to wherever he needs to be.
Actually, the whole entire process comes naturally to him, much like breathing would.
Thank the astrals for that at least.
The ghost looks away from Vanitas, casting his gaze towards the water and looking at a loss. Vanitas looks at him for a moment or two, before huffing and leaving the haven, letting his sixth sense as an oracle guide him in some unknown direction.
The ghost trails after him without a word.
‘Sheesh, that scared the bajeezus outta me.’ Prompto whispers while following Vanitas.
‘At least now we know whose footsteps they were.’ Noctis points out. ‘Good to know it wasn’t a fluke.’
‘Honestly would have preferred some guy instead.’ Gladio grumbles.
This is the first time that Gladio is actually seeing a ghost, and he doesn’t exactly look thrilled to be in the presence of the dead.
Ignis decides to follow a bit closer, unafraid as he’s witnessed a few of these encounters before.
‘If you don’t mind my asking, where did you last see your child?’ He dares to question the apparition while adjusting his glasses.
‘We were running. Towards the Haven.’ The ghost replies, his gaze centered on Vanitas as the child walks ahead. ‘It was… a few years ago now.’
No one asks what the man might have been running from. The answer is pretty obvious.
‘So, you kicked the bucket.’ Vanitas points out bluntly while pushing aside a small bush and walking out onto the dirt road that they had driven down earlier today. ‘But did the kid make it?’
‘He did.’ The ghost says wholeheartedly. ‘I know he did. He had to.’
For once, Vanitas keeps his pessimism to himself as they go further away from the Vesperpool and continue following the road. Vanitas can instinctively tell that they’re almost where they need to be when, further ahead, they can see the outskirts of Meldacio. The small hunter town is quiet, but as they approach closer, a child can be seen meandering about near the entrance. It’s a young boy with pistachio-colored glasses. He looks to be a few years older than Vanitas, and appears lost where he stands while looking for something.
‘That your guy?’ Vanitas points, unsurprised.
He has encountered this every time he is tasked with shepherding a ghost. Those of the living just somehow know when the spirits of their dead partners, family, loved ones etc. are calling out to them. Prompto had said before that it was creepy how the living just knew things like that, while Ignis just logically pointed out how useful it was, and Gladio told him to stop being a wuss.
Either way, Vanitas is grateful for this part of his gift now as it just means he can go back to bed sooner.
The boy looks up, appearing startled to see such a big group of people out so late at night.
When his eyes land on the ghost, though, he gasps.
‘…Papa?’ The child calls, his eyes wide in disbelief.
The ghost shares a similar look for a few seconds, before breaking out into a run.
‘Haley!’ The ghost man calls, scooping his son up into his arms and falling to his knees on the muddy ground.
‘Papa!’ The child calls, both of them crying as he clings to his father.
‘So the kid really did make it after all.’ Prompto says with a smile as he, Gladio and Noctis catch up to watch the happy reunion.
‘Guess he did.’ Vanitas shrugs before he feels a hand land atop his head.
Noctis’s eyes are hard when Vanitas turns to look at him, and have a hint of something that Vanitas can’t quite place. His only guess would be that Noctis is thinking about the crystal again. It’s no secret that the King has always struggled with the knowledge that he was gone for 10 long years. That’s a literal decade of people like this father dying and suffering with seemingly no end in sight, all the while Noctis was safe and sound inside the crystal gaining strength for the final battle.
Even so, Vanitas feels that this notion is not quite what Noctis is thinking of now as the King looks upon this father and son duo, both of them tragically separated during the Endless Night.
Eventually, slowly, the ghost turns back to Vanitas.
‘Thank you.’ The man says, causing his child to look up. ‘Thank you so much…’
‘It’s whatever.’ Vanitas shrugs with a yawn, waving a hand dismissively. ‘You got until sunrise. That’s when my magic usually runs out.’
‘I understand.’ The man says with a nod, before turning to look at his son. ‘We’ll make the most of it.’
Vanitas hums in acknowledgement, turning to leave back towards camp with his friends.
He misses the look of wonder the man’s child gives him.
Noctis is unusually quiet the next morning as they head out. After getting some decent shut eye, they all went back to Meldacio HQ to check up on the kid. They didn’t find him, though, but they did run into his mother, who informed them that the boy was still sleeping.
After such a presumably heavy evening, no one could really blame him in the slightest.
His mother, however, seemed to know Ignis somehow. The two of them had a rather lengthy conversation about something that Vanitas didn’t care to listen to until eventually they had to pull the advisor away with a gentle reminder that they really should hit the road.
Today was the final day, after all, and they were due to be back in Insomnia this afternoon.
They do need to make one last pit stop, though.
Cindy is as happy as ever to see them once they finally arrive at Hammerhead for their checkup on how well the Insignia did during her first long-term voyage in the skies.
‘Things around here have been real swell ever since puddin’ pop helped Paw paw get back on his feet.’ Cindy explains. ‘He’s been fixing up cars left and right ever since.’
‘Glad to hear it.’ Vanitas says with a nod.
Even so, he feels at a bit of a loss for words as he hears this.
It was only a few days ago, surely, but that first day of their trip feels like a lifetime ago.
So much has happened since then…
‘Paw paw said he didn’t wanna owe ya nothin’, so he whipped up somethin’ real special for ya.’ Cindy says with a smile as she gestures towards the garage. ‘It’s all ready and waitin’ if ya wanna have a looksee.’
Vanitas raises an eyebrow and moves to follow Cindy, before stopping to look towards Noctis. The King is distracted, as he has been all day, and Vanitas has been a bit reluctant to leave him alone in such a funk.
Noctis, though, seems unbothered as he only waves Vanitas off without a fuss.
Once the child is out of sight, Noctis and his retinue wearily meander over to circle around one of the tables in front of the restaurant, and take some time to relish the final moments of their vacation.
They all crack one open in celebration of a trip well spent.
‘So this was uh… eye opening.’ Prompto is the first to speak.
‘Could say that again.’ Gladio agrees, swirling the beer around in his can absentmindedly. ‘Specially last night. Honestly still surprised that’s the only ghost we ever saw.’
‘And one to invoke such a strong reminder of the tragic reality of those that fell during the Endless Night.’ Ignis says thoughtfully, looking towards his King and oldest friend. ‘I’m inclined to guess that’s what you’ve been mulling over so intensely, Noct.’
‘Yea.’ Noctis confirms with a sigh. ‘Made me remember that you never really know how much time you have left.’ He looks off towards the garage, spying Vanitas talking with Cid under the repair man’s favorite umbrella. ‘When we get home, I’m going to bring it up to him. The whole adoption thing.’
‘What’ll happen?’ Prompto asks curiously. ‘You know, if Vani says yes?’
‘I have taken the liberty of creating a list.’ Ignis says, ever the strategist as he whips out his signature notebook. ‘A ceremony of the official adoption would need to take place first and foremost, wherein Vanitas would swear loyalty to Lucis before doing so to Noctis, as next heir to the throne. Following that, there would be a gala to welcome the next in line for the Lucian crown, as is tradition. There would also be stricter security details that need to be implemented, most likely with protocols used to protect previous princes and princesses of Lucis. Following that line of thought, Gladio’s schedule would be changed to protect Vanitas as well, at least until he acquires a Shield of his own that can protect him at all times. On the other, more academic hand, tutors and extracurricular schedules will undoubtedly need to be arranged for Vanitas to extensively learn about the history of the kingdom he will be inheriting, though I suppose that can wait for now as he’s still quite young at the moment.’ When Ignis finishes his thought, he looks up and tucks his notebook away. ‘I have more, but these are the essentials that come to mind first and foremost.’
‘Wow.’ Prompto whistles in awe.
‘You’ve really thought about this a lot, huh?’ Noctis asks, impressed.
‘Since the day Prompto found Vanitas, it’s been in the back of my mind, yes.’ Ignis admits. ‘Given both your and Vanitas’s current ages, it seemed a possibility.’ He explains. ‘Were this a normal adoption, that would be one thing, but should Vanitas accept, he would be crowned as Vanitas Lucis Caelum, Prince and Heir to the throne of Lucis.’
‘Right.’ Noctis says with a sigh and nod. ‘It’s a big leap. Can’t exactly take it lightly.’
‘I don’t think Vani would.’ Prompto says reassuringly. ‘He sees how much you care about the people of Lucis. And he does too, in his own way.’ He nods over to the garage, where Vanitas and Cid have since disappeared into. ‘He healed gramps. He didn’t have to do that. And he saved August, and even reunited that dad with his kid last night.’
‘Exactly.’ Gladio hums. ‘I think it would be good for you both. And good for you especially with those old Q-Tip’s on the council.’ He grimaces. After everything that’s changed, those old fucks are still around and kicking, judging everything Noctis does. ‘Would get them off your back about an heir, and you could still keep your unmarried status out of respect for Luna.’
‘Precisely. I believe the council would actually be rather pleased with the idea now that you mention it.’ Ignis says, placing a hand to his chin thoughtfully. ‘They are rather obsessed with pleasing the astrals, and upon learning that Vanitas was a gift bestowed upon Lucis with the powers of an oracle, I’m sure any issue about the adoption would be null and void.’ He pauses for a moment, though, his eyebrows lowering with a more determined thought. ‘Either way, I do believe I may have a way around any protests regarding a blood relation, if push comes to shove.’
‘Well, when we put it all like that, it seems like the universe kinda put you and Vani together from the start, huh Noct?’ Prompto muses with a grin.
‘You know something, I think your right.’ Noctis says as he notices Cid and Cindy come out of the garage. ‘But still, he could say no. It’s his choice to make.’
‘If he does, what happens then?’ Prompto looks from Noctis to Ignis, but neither of them seem to have any solid ideas.
‘Jaida and I could take him in. Or hey, either you or Iggy could adopt him too ya know.’ Gladio points out. ‘Either way, he’s never gonna be alone again. No way.’
Gladio’s face hardens, and the others share similar expressions, each man lapsing into silence as they think back on their latest talk with Vanitas respectively. It’s in the silence that Cindy’s voice is more prominent as she waves towards the inside of the garage in a beckoning motion.
She’s saying something, presumably towards Vanitas, but she’s too far away to be properly heard.
All four gentlemen turn to her curiously, before watching with delight as Vanitas finally exits the garage.
He’s driving a miniature, child-sized car that looks just like the Regalia.
Prompto gasps and is immediately up and running, camera in hand, while Gladio laughs and gets up to follow after him. Both they, Cid and Cindy chat together as Prompto takes endless pictures, all of them sporting grins on their faces as Vanitas rides his little car around in half hazard circles, trying to get the hang of the controls.
Noctis huffs, waving with a smile when Vanitas drives past him and Ignis.
‘Noct.’ Ignis says. His tone is now serious as it’s just the two of them. ‘If he says yes, are you truly prepared for fatherhood?’
Noctis looks at Ignis, his oldest friend and confidant.
If anyone on Eos knew Noctis for all that he is, it would be Ignis.
‘Do you think I’m ready?’ He throws the question right back.
Ignis is silent for a moment or two, before he hums with a smile.
‘Most definitely.’
Despite Noctis’s promise and Ignis’s vote of confidence, it takes the King some time to muster up the courage to bring up adoption to Vanitas. He has had a very good excuse, though, as while they were gone work had piled up about a mile high.
Vanitas, for his part, was able to slowly recognize that something is different now that they’ve returned to Insomnia. He can tell by the way Prompto keeps smiling at him in a weird way, how Cor, Gladio and the other Crownsguard have been keeping a closer eye on him for no reason, how Ignis and Noctis have seemed very pre-occupied with something secret, and how they are all a bit dodgy whenever Vanitas thinks to bring it up.
Even so, Vanitas tries to wait it out and trust that his friends will tell him exactly what’s going on whenever they’re ready. He actually had quite a long talk with Prompto about something like this that day in Cape Caem. Prompto had brought it up first, asking if Vanitas ever felt like he was an outsider in their group. When Vanitas answered yes, Prompto had hugged the daylights out of him with no warning. Turns out that Prompto had quite the repertoire of his own in this regard, which made empathizing with Vanitas quite easy, and the two of them had talked for a long time until Vanitas thought that his back might break from the intense hug and awkward feelings.
In the end, they both agreed that they would place more trust in the others from now on.
Vanitas has been trying to reign in his limited patience and remember that conversation now as he spends his days getting back into his normal routine here in the Citadel.
Most of his time is filled up by bothering Cor and Prompto, visiting Jaida and Poppy, being chaperoned by Gladio or by shopping with Ignis. The only one that he noticeably can’t spend any consistent time with is Noctis. The only hours that Vanitas can spend with the King are at night, when the phone stops ringing, the paperwork ceases and the world grows quiet. Usually, the two of them talk off and on about various things, though often spend the time in comfortable silence while Vanitas works on his latest art project and Noctis relaxes in front of the television after a hard day’s work; simply just the two of them enjoying each other’s company.
One such night had just ended not too long ago now.
Vanitas has already gone off to bed, while Ignis and Prompto have long since left after dinner. Noctis is currently in his room, resting after a tiring day and playing some games on his phone until sleep calls his name. In the middle of a round, he hears Vanitas get up but thinks nothing of it.
Unlike the master bedroom, there is no bathroom attached to the nursery, so Vanitas sometimes will get up in the middle of the night.
After a while, though, he notices that Vanitas has suspiciously not returned to bed.
With a raised brow, Noctis gets up and goes to his bedroom door curiously. His senses are not picking up anything out of place, and there’s been no noticeable commotion, but still, something feels off as he places his hand on the doorknob.
Vanitas’s voice can be heard coming from the living room, along with another, deeper voice.
It sounds instantly familiar, with a specific glint and refined manner of speaking the likes of which he hasn’t heard in years.
Noctis immediately opens the door and steps out into the hallway, looking towards the living room.
There, on the sofa, is his father.
King Regis is sitting comfortably next to Vanitas on the couch, the two of them looking over the picture book that Prompto had made of their recent trip. Regis’s cane is next to him, leaning against the sofa, and he has a relaxed expression on his face as Vanitas is recounting some story.
‘I saw her.’ Vanitas says. ‘She was staring at me, so I told her to buzz the hell off.’
‘My goodness.’ Regis laughs a bit, and it hits Noctis deeply right in his heart to hear that sound once again. ‘You said that? To an astral?’
‘Hey, she started it.’ Vanitas defends himself, before noticing Noctis. ‘Oh, hey Noct.’ Vanitas greets, before his eyes suddenly widen. ‘Shit. I meant to wake you up.’ He curses, causing Regis to frown in response.
His father never did take kindly to swearing. Noctis could still remember the scoldings he would receive whenever one managed to slip by.
“A prince does not use such foul language, Noctis…”
Noctis lets the memories flash in his mind while his eyes take in the image of his father’s ghost. It’s a very hallucinogenic experience, coming face to face with someone you thought was long dead. With Luna, it had been easier somehow, but seeing Regis again has many things flooding to the surface.’
There are so many words left unsaid between them.
He thinks back to the last time they even saw each other. It was on the front steps of the Citadel. His father kept trying to steal moments of his time, just wanting to talk with Noctis for only a second more before they were inevitably parted forever.
The Noctis of back then had been stubborn, though, and was hurt that his father chose to send him away to Altissia to get married. He chose in turn to push Regis away during what would be their final moments together.
Looking back, it’s one of Noctis’s many regrets.
‘Hello Noctis.’ Regis is the first to speak. He doesn’t stand up from his seat, though he does put a hand on his cane, tethering on whether to use it or not. ‘It’s good to see you well.’
‘Ah, yea.’ Noctis says, tongue tied as he walks into the living room. ‘Same to you.’
The two of them go silent, neither approaching the other further. The atmosphere is heavy as the two King’s look at each other, neither one knowing how to bridge the gap between them.
Vanitas, thankfully, is the one to do so.
‘He asked about our trip, so I was showing the pictures.’ Vanitas offers, casually turning to look back at the book. ‘Wanted to know how the royal vessel or whatever it’s called was doing?’
‘Ah. Well, it’s still running. Same as you left it.’ Noctis says, grateful for the distraction as he finally finds the courage to approach the couch and sit down.
After a moment, Regis lets go of his cane and settles once again in his seat; Vanitas in between them.
‘That’s good to hear.’ The former king hums. ‘That yacht is your grandfather’s legacy, and he made sure it would last through several generations.’
‘Noct’s grandfather?’ Vanitas questions with a raised black eyebrow. ‘What was he like?’
‘He died before I was born.’ Noctis says with a shrug. ‘Never really knew much about him.’
‘He was a rather secluded man. I don’t believe you two would have gotten along now that I’m thinking of it.’ Regis says with a contemplative hum. ‘He died when I was a little older than Noctis was when…’ He pauses, the weight of the words he doesn’t say heavy in the room. ‘Well, at any rate, Noctis wasn’t even a twinkle in mine and his mother’s eyes back then.’
‘We found her crown a while back. What happened to her?’ Vanitas leans back against the sofa with interest. He’s never heard anything about the Queen at all, not even a picture.
‘You are full of questions, Vanitas.’ Regis says with a fond chuckle.
‘Is it a crime to wonder?’ The child answers with a frown.
‘No.’ Noctis says, looking from Vanitas and then up to his father. ‘You can talk about it, you know. We never… really talked about her.’
Regis looks at his son, a deep, nameless expression on his face.
‘Back then, I suppose I didn’t want you to feel sadness, trying to remember your mother. You were so little when she passed.’ Regis says with a sigh. ‘Her name was Aulea, we were friends since childhood.’
‘How’d she die?’ Vanitas asks with a bluntness that only a child can get away with.
‘Complications of childbirth that unfortunately never quite healed.’ Regis explains gently.
Noctis looks away. It’s not something they’ve talked about in depth, but it’s always been there, in the back of both of their minds.
‘Childbirth…’ Vanitas parrots, then makes a puzzled expression. ‘Like…?’
‘Yea Van, childbirth.’ Noctis raises a brow when Vanitas only tilts his head. ‘You know where babies come from right?’
Vanitas pauses. Does he?
‘Uh…’ He hesitates.
‘Best not to confuse him.’ Regis shakes his head. ‘Much too young to be questioning these things.’
‘Hey.’ Vanitas turns on him, offended. ‘Don’t talk about me like I’m not here.’
‘Apologies.’ Regis amends. ‘It’s just that truly, you remind me of Noctis when he was your age. Always wondering so much about everything you can think of.’
‘People have been saying that.’ Vanitas grumbles. ‘That I remind them of Noct.’
A few of the older staff of the Citadel have brought it up whenever Vanitas was being particularly mischievous or spirited. Cor had mentioned it on more than a few occasions, too, as he had been there as a part of Regis’s retinue as Noctis grew up. Ignis and Gladio have said so as well, though Ignis mentioned that Vanitas is a lot more cunning than Noctis had ever been at that age.
‘Is it such a bad comparison?’ Noctis chuckles, looking down at Vanitas with an amused expression. ‘That you’re like me?’
Vanitas pauses, brow scrunching as he thinks about it.
He’s only ever been compared to other people all his life. First Ventus, then later Sora. Or at the worst of times, Xehanort.
But being compared to Noctis… he supposes he doesn’t mind.
‘No.’ Vanitas says, grabbing the photo book again. ‘Anyway, can I show the rest of the pictures now or what?’
‘By all means.’ Regis gestures for him to continue.
One by one, all three of them go over the photos, noting their trip to Gauldin Quay, Lestallum, then later to Meldacio and the Vesperpool. When Vanitas describes reuniting the ghost of the father with his son, Noctis’s expression grows hard.
Regis, ever attuned to his own son’s hidden expressions, recognizes it instantly.
The final photo is one of Vanitas in his little Regalia replica. The guys are crowded around him in a mock picture of the one they took on that first day of their trip 12 years ago.
‘Prompto wants to blow this one up onto a huge canvas so we can hang it somewhere special.’ Vanitas comments.
‘Where were you thinking?’ Regis asks innocently.
‘Um…’ Vanitas says, looking around the suite. ‘I don’t know.’ He eventually says, before the pull of sleep causes him to yawn. ‘Could steal it for myself in the nursery or whatever.’
‘Speaking of, shouldn’t you be heading back to bed?’ Noctis asks, pushing a stray lock of black hair away from the child’s forehead.
‘I guess.’ Vanitas grimaces as Noctis takes the book from him and places it on the coffee table. He doesn’t bother protesting when Noctis gently picks him up, only looking over the King’s shoulder back at Regis. ‘You gonna be here again soon, old man?’
Regis pauses for a moment, looking at the two of them with a calculating expression.
‘I am always nearby to the both of you.’ He says simply. ‘In one way or another.’
‘Whatever that means.’ Vanitas rolls his eyes in response to the former King’s cryptic language as Noctis starts heading towards the nursery.
What Vanitas says next has Noctis pausing in place, though.
‘Goodnight gramps.’
Vanitas has used that term before, notably with Cid, or teasingly with Cor a few times. It’s such a simple thing, and Vanitas doesn’t mean it in the way that Noctis inwardly interprets, but still, it’s enough for him to pause and cast a look over his shoulder towards his father.
Regis, to his credit, only softens his expression into one that could be described as fond.
‘Pleasant dreams, Vanitas.’
Stepping back out into the living room is one of the most surreal things Noctis has felt in a while. For a moment he’s a small child again, leaving the safety of the nursery to go greet his father after a long day. Regis, as he usually had been in life, is standing at the window overlooking Insomnia with a silent, contemplative expression.
Wordlessly, Noctis approaches him, and the two of them stand side by side, two Kings looking out over their city.
‘I’m glad you could come visit.’ Noctis says, his words genuine.
‘I felt that you needed me.’ Regis says with a hum. ‘Seeing the two of you, now I understand why.’
‘I always need you.’ Noctis admits, causing Regis to place a hand on his son’s shoulder. The weight is different, lighter than it should be, but it’s there all the same and he’s forever grateful. ‘But for this, yea I imagine I do.’ He says, catching eyes with his father before looking back towards the nursery. ‘You always know what to say to push me in the right direction.’
‘What’s there to doubt?’ Regis asks. ‘I would be more than happy to welcome Vanitas as my grandchild. He’s very intelligent, mindful, though a bit crass. I can imagine he takes after you in that regard.’ He says, earning a laugh from Noctis. ‘The Lucii are no more, though I cannot imagine they would have much to protest either, considering how unusually strong of a bond the two of you have.’
Vanitas had mentioned that before; how Regis had asked about the bond he and Noctis share.
‘I’ve always wondered why I’ve taken to him so strongly.’ Noctis muses, crossing his arms. ‘Maybe it’s some kind of parental instinct or something.’
‘I can imagine.’ Regis hums. ‘Mine was a raging torrent when you were born.’ He smiles at memories that have long since passed. ‘I always wanted you to experience that for yourself one day, should you wish to.’ He looks at Noctis seriously, letting out a sigh. ‘But then, the prophecy…’
‘You knew.’ Noctis says. It’s a fact, not an accusation. ‘For how long?’
‘Since you were actually about Vanitas’s age.’ Regis admits.
‘And you chose not to tell me.’ Noctis frowns.
‘I wanted for you what all parents want, a chance for you to live your life as happily and without restraint as possible.’ Regis says, his expression complicated. ‘I admit, I could have done things differently, but at the time I wanted you to spend as much time with your comrades as you wanted, and not fret about the ring or the crown.’
‘Back then, it felt like you were pushing me away. The apartment… and then the trip. You have no idea how I felt.’ He looks towards the nursery again. ‘Only now, do I really realize what you were trying to do. Always putting me before yourself.’
Regis takes in a slow, steadying breath.
‘Vanitas helped you to realize that.’ He nods with understanding. ‘I acknowledge that I did come off as distant, but I want you to know, Noctis, that there was not a day that went by where I did not miss you when we were apart.’
‘I can imagine.’ Noctis says, reaching up to place his hand over his father’s on his shoulder. ‘Being here, in the suite. It’s not hard for loneliness to come knocking.’
Regis only nods, the two of them growing silent for a moment, before he gives his son a serious look.
‘You have the courage to ask Vanitas. I know that you do.’ Regis says with confidence.
‘This isn’t like putting on the ring.’ Noctis shakes his head. ‘Somehow, it feels more important.’
‘As it should be.’ Regis hums. ‘The ring was your birthright; but this is something else entirely. A different kind of venturing forward.’
‘I’m glad at least that this time will be without it and the crystal.’ Noctis muses.
‘As am I, in all honesty. I never wanted that fate for you.’ Regis says, his eyes weary.
‘I didn’t either.’ Noctis agrees, looking just as worn down as he thinks back to his own experience wearing that ring. ‘Good riddance then.’
‘Indeed.’
The two are distracted then as they notice the beginning of sunrise starting to shine through.
‘I must be on my way.’ Regis reluctantly admits. ‘Though as I stated, I will never be too far.’
‘Right…’ Noctis says.
The two of them lapse into an awkward silence once again for a moment or two, with Vanitas no longer here to bridge the gap between them.
After a moment’s consideration, though, Noctis steps in close to embrace his father. Regis wholeheartedly returns it, holding his son as tight as he can. It feels so surreal, to be so close to his father again. Truly, the two of them haven’t hugged like this since Noctis was a child himself.
It’s faint, but he can smell the familiar scent of Regis’s cologne, and distantly feel the warmth of his embrace if he focuses hard enough.
As if nothing has changed.
The following evening, once Gladio, Ignis and Prompto have said their goodbyes and the suite has grown quiet, Noctis decides that it’s now or never to bite the bullet.
Vanitas is currently sitting on the floor near the couch. There is a painter’s tarp underneath him as the child is working on some project. There’s pink and yellow paint on his cheek, and his hands are covered in different bright colors. Finger painting has been the latest medium that’s he’s been exploring, having expressed that the sensory stimulus against his fingers was very addicting now that he’s not forced to wear gloves all the time.
Noctis is currently working through the last of his reports for the day, absentmindedly looking up to watch Vanitas every now and then while the television is quietly running some show in the background. He keeps willing himself to put the papers down, to get up and start this conversation, but ends up refraining at the last moment due to nerves.
As the minutes drag by, though, Vanitas eventually starts to repeatedly blink his little blue eyes, a clear showcase to Noctis that he’s getting tired.
Right… So, it was now or never.
‘Van.’ Noctis puts his papers down and stands up to walk over towards the child. ‘How’s it coming along?’
Vanitas looks up at him, and then down at the painting. It’s a picture of a flamingo standing on one leg in the sunshine, with a multitude of flowers surrounding it on the water. The picture must be for Monica then, as she’s the only avid bird watcher Noctis can think of.
Vanitas has been doing that lately, making art for other people. He had said that he never wanted to keep his drawings anyway, and that giving gifts was kind of fun.
Something else he never got to partake in before.
‘It’s getting there.’ Vanitas squints at the painting before dipping his fingers into dark green paint.
‘Think it can wait for now?’ Noctis asks, looking for the damp washcloth that Vanitas keeps nearby. It’s been a necessity ever since he had stained blue paint on the carpet a few days ago. Thankfully, it had come out quite easily, but Ignis had not been happy in the slightest. ‘I need to talk to you about something.’
Noctis’s words cause Vanitas to look at him seriously, as if already picking up on the importance of the conversation that Noctis wants to have.
‘Yea?’ He asks, and Noctis hates the cautious voice he uses.
Damn. Should not have started with that.
‘It’s nothing bad just…’ Now Noctis is fumbling over his words. The King searches for something to do with his hands and ends up grabbing Vanitas’s wrist to gently run the washcloth over the child’s green and purple fingers. ‘I just… I wanted to ask you something.’
Why is this so hard?
Vanitas doesn’t answer, merely watching with curiosity as Noctis cleans his hands off. He noticeably leans away, though, when Noctis goes to touch the washcloth to his face.
The child looks at him with a furrowed brow.
‘Then say it.’ Vanitas frowns, body tense and his eyes untrusting. Noctis has never struggled to talk to him like this before, and it’s clearly throwing him off. ‘Whatever it is, spit it out.’
Noctis also frowns, something in his heart deeply hurting as Vanitas looks at him that way. As if Noctis is going to hurt him by saying some awful, unknown thing.
‘Alright then.’ Noctis starts slowly, sitting down on the tarp next to Vanitas and putting the washcloth away. ‘Remember when we stopped at Hammerhead, and you healed Cid?’
‘Yea?’ Vanitas raises an eyebrow, wondering where this is going. ‘You grounded me or whatever and took my stuff away.’
Noctis pauses before shaking his head.
‘Right. But uh, actually that’s not what I’m trying to talk about.’
‘… Then what are you trying to talk about?’ Vanitas asks, eyes not understanding.
Noctis sighs.
Astrals, please give him strength.
‘Remember what Cid said back then?’ Noctis starts. ‘About you getting a fresh start?’ He looks over Vanitas’s little face to gauge any interest. ‘Well, I think it’s a good idea.’
Vanitas straightens up, though, as if he’s been burned, and immediately the King can tell that he’s said something wrong.
‘Cid said that I could find a new family.’ Vanitas says, eyes furious as he moves to stand and put distance between them. ‘You think that too? That I should start over somewhere else?’
‘No! That’s not it.’ Noctis reaches out for him. The King places his hands on Vanitas’s sides, keeping the child in place. ‘That’s not what I mean.’
‘Let go.’ Vanitas looks down and places his hands over Noctis’s, though notably does not struggle.
‘Van, please just listen to what I want to say.’ Noctis pleads, pulling him closer. He tries to look into Vanitas’s eyes, but the child will not meet them. Noctis stubbornly puts his forehead against Vanitas’s, trying to get their eyes to meet. ‘Look… I do want you to get that fresh start. Here. With me.’ He says, causing Vanitas to look at him as Noctis finally gains the courage to say the words.
‘Vanitas, I want to adopt you.’
Vanitas blinks, and the world goes quiet as he digests just what exactly Noctis had said.
‘What?’ He asks slowly. His expression is guarded, unreadable.
‘You heard me.’ Noctis says gently. ‘I want to adopt you, Van.’
‘You can’t be serious.’ Vanitas makes a face and goes to pull away.
‘I am.’ Noctis says earnestly, tugging Vanitas that much closer. ‘I mean it, Vanitas. Will you let me adopt you?’
‘But why?’ Vanitas whispers.
‘Do I need a reason?’ Noctis asks gently as he wraps the child in a hug. ‘Van, you gotta know by now that you have been an irreplaceable part of my life ever since I found you on that beach.’ Vanitas doesn’t meet his eye, but Noctis can feel the tremor in his small body. ‘You are everything to me, and I want us to be a family.’
Vanitas is speechless for a long while, merely existing in Noctis’s embrace and hiding his small face. The King waits him out, and eventually, Vanitas pulls back to look at Noctis properly.
‘What happens if I say yes?’ He asks quietly. ‘I’d be…’
‘Prince of Lucis. I know.’ Noctis lets out a breath as he nods. ‘Believe me, I’m not asking this lightly.’ He says gently. ‘You don’t have to answer me right now, though.’
There’s something in Vanitas’s expression then, a vulnerability that Noctis has never seen.
‘Why me?’ Vanitas asks, slumping against Noctis. ‘I’m the most complicated and broken kid you could pick.’ He says bitterly. ‘And I’m not even a kid. Not really. I was created to be a weapon, remember? I don’t exist for any other reason.’
‘Forget what that old asshole said.’ Noctis shakes his head, a murderous glint coming to his eyes as he thinks of Xehanort. ‘You’re so much more than that. You’re creative, you’re clever, and brave, and thoughtful, and kind. Even though you’d never admit to that last one.’ Noctis says, causing Vanitas to snort. ‘Van, all of us know who you are. You’re the only one that doesn’t.’ He says, fondly moving a few pieces of black hair away from Vanitas’s eyes.
Vanitas looks at Noctis for a few moments before he sighs in response.
‘Don’t remind me.’ He says, then looks down. ‘But… whether it’s me right now, or the me back then, you’ve always been in my corner.’ He admits. ‘Whether I’ve wanted you there or not.’
‘Always.’ Noctis says, resting his chin atop the child’s head and holding him close. ‘I’ll always be here for you. I promise.’
Vanitas peeks up at him suspiciously.
‘Even if I say no?’
‘Even if you say no.’ Noctis nods.
Vanitas hums and looks down, his brow scrunching with thought.
‘Can I… think about it?’ He asks, his voice uncharacteristically shy.
‘Of course.’ Noctis says. ‘No rush. Not like I’m going anywhere.’
‘You could change your mind.’ Vanitas points out, his voice quiet. ‘Find a bride. Have a baby of your own.’
‘I could. But I won’t.’ Noctis promises. ‘And even if I did, you’d still be my first baby.’
Vanitas hums with a furrowed brow, not exactly sure how to respond to that, before he suddenly sits up straight.
‘Wait a second, so this is what’s been going on??’ He asks incredulously. ‘I was wondering why everyone’s been acting so weird around me.’
‘Yea. Pretty much.’ Noctis admits. ‘The thought did cross my mind before the trip too. A lot of people in the Citadel bring it up every now and then anyway, but I only recently decided to ask you.’ He pauses, leaning his head on Vanitas’s. ‘Out there… somehow it felt more real. I mean, no one knew us at all. So whenever anyone thought that I was your Dad then well, how could I deny it?’
Vanitas goes silent then, burying his face into Noctis’s shoulder.
‘I noticed.’ Vanitas says, his words not hinting on his feelings one way or the other. ‘It’s not weird to you, though?’ He asks. ‘We’re only five years apart if you really think about it.’ ‘
They met when Vanitas was around 15 and Noctis was 20. Even now, you could argue that they’re only 16 and 22 respectively with all the time jumps.
‘It’s not.’ Noctis says, his tone honest and open. ‘It feels… right somehow.’ He says, struggling with how to explain it. ‘But does it feel weird to you?’
Vanitas frowns and shakes his head, though doesn’t speak any more.
The two of them are silent for a long while, merely embracing each other without words there on the living room floor, with paint scattered on the tarp all around them. Eventually, however, Vanitas starts to drift as the pull of sleep becomes unbearable.
They both silently get ready for bed together, though neither wants to be apart from the other for too long. They end up settling down in Noctis’s bed, both a tangle of limbs in the expensive silk blankets. Vanitas is clingy, much more than usual, and Noctis lets the child hide his face in his chest as he threads his hands through Vanitas’s black hair.
Time wages on around them as Noctis stays awake, lost in thought.
Just when he was thinking that Vanitas had to be fast asleep, however, he hears something. A mumble against his shoulder.
‘What was that, guppy?’ Noctis hums.
‘I said… the answer is yes.’
Bonus Scene:
“So looks like Gladio’s not the only one that’s getting a Father’s Day present this year.”
Noctis sends the text, hoping for a casual break of the news. Vanitas is fast asleep on his chest, cuddled up in the blankets and unaware of the exuberant texts Noctis receives in return.
“WHAT??? VANI SAID YES???!!!”
“As I knew he would.”
“Congrats, dude!!”
“Took you long enough to ask.”
“So come on, tell us all the details!”
“Perhaps wait until tomorrow, as I assume Vanitas is sleeping at the moment.”
Noctis huffs with laughter, absentmindedly rubbing Vanitas’s back as he reads the replies. After a moment, he decides to ignore Ignis, Prompto and Gladio for now and finds another contact in his phone.
This message is a lot harder to send, and he rewrites it maybe seven times before finally sending it off.
“Congrats. Guess you’re a godfather now.”
It’s quiet for barely a few seconds before Noctis can see the icon signaling that Cor is typing something on the other end.
Figures that he would reply right away, even so late into the night.
“You speak as if I wasn’t one already.”
Cor’s message has Noctis raising an eyebrow, but smiling all the same.
“Right. How could I forget that you and Van are thick as thieves already? I knew somebody in the Crownsguard had to be his secret snack dealer.”
“You’re imagining things.”
Noctis laughs quietly at that, before his face falls into something more serious.
“I mean it, though. There’s no one else I’d pick.”
In a lot of ways, he and Cor have grown closer ever since Regis’s death. Cor was the first one he called when shit hit the fan after Insomnia fell, and Cor was the one to give Noctis back some dignity, some purpose, when everything was falling apart around him.
There is no one else that Noctis would rather have as a godfather to his precious child.
Cor is silent on the other end for a while, long enough for Noctis to think that maybe he won’t answer, before his reply comes in, short and sweet.
“I’d be honored.”
Dream Eater Allyphant Creations 
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