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WHO: Ignis Scientia, Noctis Caelum
WHERE: some coffee shop in Tisse
WHEN: Feb 2nd
WHAT: a reunion of sorts
WARNINGS: none

[He's about ten minutes early as he arrives at the coffee shop, deciding to take a seat and wait for his companion before Ignis considers ordering anything. Checking his watch, then his phone, Ignis turns his gaze outside the window.

Somehow, he doesn't doubt that Noctis will arrive even though it could be likely that he'd ditch him. Even he can see how this could be a nuisance. Who would take time out of their schedule to greet a person they haven't seen in over ten years? There was a brief phonecall during the final leg of his travel, a few select words exchanged just to greet Noctis and inform him of his arrival, but he chose not to give all the details, and for good reason. Honestly, he feels guilty. He's lying to him. Ignis just hopes that he can understand. He isn't sure what to tell Noctis' father if this doesn't work out the way it was planned.]

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[ Getting a phone call from Ignis of all people seemed a bit strange at first. Last he'd seen him, Noctis was a child. Hardly even close to a teenager. Sure, they kept in touch off and on, but never often and never for very long. That he's suddenly paying a visit to Recolle is odd, but hey. They're close in age, maybe he's trying to check out the University here. It's why Noctis came to Recolle, right?

They agree to get coffee. It's a weird, short-lived conversation, but Noctis isn't opposed to catching up. Even if he's mildly self-conscious, but that he will always keep to himself. No one will even be able to tell.

He arrives at the time promised, and it's weird getting coffee when it's essentially dark outside 24/7 these days. And he hasn't gotten used to it, not after the last memory he got. He can't stop thinking about it.

But that isn't important right now. What's important is apparently taking a nosedive into weird, almost bittersweet nostalgia with a childhood friend. Not that there's anything too exciting about the majority of memory lane residing in a pediatric hospital.

Noctis looks around the coffee shop, stopping at the entrance. His eyes wander the room until they land on a taller gentleman with a trendy, spiked haircut. Brown hair and glasses. With a face that is familiar enough, but not even close to the boyish one he remembered and thought of when he picked up the phone. Dude's voice is even ridiculously deep. He's grown a lot more than Noctis has.

Brows perk a bit, and Noctis walks over. ]

Geez, that maturity hit you hard.

[ Not that you look old. Just older. ]

[The darkness covered all over Recolle was certainly distressing the moment Ignis had arrived, and while he'd been assured by quite a few people upon questioning that it was really nothing to worry about, he couldn't help but wonder why in the world Noctis would be here. Why he'd still be here.

Not that England ever had very much sun to begin with, but he expected something a little better in the states. This was almost too dreary.

From the corner of his eye, someone steps into the building, a mess of black hair and dark clothes. Ignis however pays them no attention and continues flipping through his phone before footsteps approach and there is a voice. The same voice on the phone. It's Noctis. Ignis turns in his seat, stares at him, outwardly stares because.

It's Noctis.

He... looks almost exactly the same. And apparently he doesn't. He can't help it as his lips spread into a meager sheepish smile as he sits up from his seat. He towers over Noct quite a bit. Poor thing didn't grow very much.]

Puberty can be a cruel mistress. Left me these mementos at least. [Ignis turns his head and gestures with his thumb at a scattering of markings on the left side of his face, and they're basically all over his face, here and there. They're old, very much healed, but clearly acne scars.] Rather kind of her.

[His hand lowers, and for a moment, Ignis isn't sure of what to do. Its been ten years.

Yet this is the same boy from all those years ago. They spent endless hours together. He read to Noctis in bed, cooked him meals and cleaned up his messes, they had sleepovers together, snuck out into the garden together. So much time, just the two of them. It was almost like they were brothers.

Ignis extends his hand, his voice seeming to soften.]

Its good to see you again, Noctis.

[ Gods, look at him. Definitely much taller. Noctis finds himself surprised to be looking up the second Ignis stands to regard him. It's not entirely a surprise, considering Ignis has always been taller than him. But dang.

He eventually smiles. It's awkward in a sense, and so his smile reflects it. At first, because it truly has been long enough that Ignis is almost a stranger. But Noctis can easily recall their time together as children. Ignis had been the first person close to his age that Noctis had spent time with as a child, being surrounded mostly by nurses and doctors as he had been. They played together constantly, and Noctis recalls very fondly looking to Ignis as an older brother. The many books he'd read to him, the tutoring, walks...

Ignis makes a little joke at his own expense, and Noctis tilts his head to get a look. Definitely acne scars, and Noctis snorts. ]

Not as bad as never going past the "string bean" phase.

[ Of which, he gestures cheekily at himself. ]

Never hit that macho status I'd aimed for. Genetics are a bitch.

[ Without admitting he's still sick. Hah.

Noctis falters a bit when Ignis extends his hand, still feeling strange. But his smile brightens nonetheless, soft in its delivery. He extends his hand in turn, providing a firm grip. ]

Yeah.

[ His free hand cups over Ignis', making it so both of his hands are holding his. ]

It's been a while, specs.

[Noctis smiles the same way he always used to, hesitant and unsure, and it's so true to him now that very little seems to have changed. Granted he seems to have gotten a bit of a feistier attitude, which is a welcome surprise, but the question most prominent on his mind is that of his health. He still has that pale sort of complexion he remembers him having as a child, but Noctis is out and about on his own, his grip as he returns the handshake is firm and he never turns his gaze away from him.

They've both matured, really. And maybe now, they'll be able to continue where they left off. Perhaps this is the sort of thing they both needed in their lives, a startling new change, some sort of grounding.

Ignis huffs with a shake of his head at the language.]

It would make you more difficult to point out. I'd have to wonder just who the gentleman before me even was with such a startling change.

[That sort of appearance wouldn't suit Noctis very well anyway. And with his health... it probably wouldn't be reasonable.

He falls quiet for a moment, seeming a little surprised at hearing a nickname he has't heard in ages, and Ignis can't help the embarrassed sort of diversion of his eyes before he reaches up to adjust his glasses.]

Very lucky I never made the switch to contacts. There'd be no need for that nickname then. [Ignis nods his head over to the counter of the shop.] Can I get you anything?

[ Proper as always. It's like Ignis only has his defining looks to be the single change. Noctis feels weirdly at ease, and it's like the awkward feeling starts to trickle off in the handshake. Separated to disappear into nothing when the gesture breaks, and it's relieving.

Noctis recognizes the humble modesty Ignis expresses, and he huffs the slightest laugh. As if the nickname could go away; it fell off his tongue without thought. ]

Nah, I got this one.

[ He's happy to pay the bill ]

What are you having?

[He'd decline the offer, but it's an act of kindness all the same, and Ignis can't possibly say no to that sort of thing. When their handshake is finished, Ignis removes his glasses and pinches the bridge of his nose, sudden fatigue seeming to flood into his voice as he grumbles under his breath.]

The strongest thing imaginable. I slept like utter shite and I have the absolute worst case of jet lag.

[Clearly, he's loosened up enough that he doesn't mind complaining in front of Noct.]

My uncle said the time difference would be a lot to manage but I didn't expect it to be this bad. It doesn't exactly help that this perpetual darkness makes it difficult to figure out when night and day are.

[ Noctis gives a thumbs up, certainly amused by his choice of language. ]

Haven't heard that one in a long time. You got it.

[ The British pronunciation of such a word, it's amusing. And Noctis always feels a bit at home when he's around someone who speaks in such a way. As much as Noctis wanted to get away from London for some independence, he does miss home a whole lot.

Noctis orders the strongest drink he's aware of on the menu; a favorite of his during finals week, when his lethargy is at its worst. He orders a caramel latte for himself, with chocolate. His hands stuff back into his pockets after he pays and waits for their drinks. ]

If it weren't for that, you might be looking at just a few days of adjustment. Might be tougher under these circumstances.

[ His chin inclines a bit. ]

What brings you here anyway? University?

[He smiles, following him along just to be able to get a look at the menu and prices for future reference.]

How uncultured of you. [It really does make him feel a little more like home, speaking to Noct, not having to worry about the clear elephant in the room he's become. Being surrounded by American accents was a greater culture shock than he imagined.

He makes a quiet hum at the fact, thinking this is going to be a greater pain in his rear than he thought it'd be, but hopefully it's a change that eventually goes away. Isn't the states known for good weather? Not that he knows anything about Recolle to begin with.]

I've finished my schooling, actually. Nursing assistant. Mum was very affronted that I wouldn't take the complete plunge into becoming a nurse such as herself, but I've seen what that sort of work entails and frankly I'm not that insane.

[Of course he's joking. The pay and job opportunities would have been far better, and he certainly had the qualifications, but nurses go through far too much hell for Ignis to commit to that line of work. As much as he admires his mother and her career, it's just not something that suits him.

It also gave him ample space to try and find something else to do with his life if he ever wanted to look into a new line of study. Something that has never quite happened. Ignis crosses his arms, staring out the window again.]

I thought a change of scenery would be nice. About time, probably.

[ They take a seat at a quaint little booth in a dim corner; a preference of Noct's. Their coffee served, Noct is able to relax and lean back, simply bask in the nostalgia and gift of being able to catch up with an old friend. He takes a sip as he slouches against his seat.

Geez, the longer he looks at the guy, the more the time that has passed between them becomes obvious. Ignis was always a bit beyond his years, but he's matured so much it's almost uncanny. The voice certainly still gets to him, and it's going to take some getting used to. He only remembers the soft, lighter voice he'd had when they were kids. The culture shock is likely tangible for Ignis, especially since Noctis does well to avoid and hide his own accent. He's managed an American one for so long that it almost comes as second nature at this point.

It's not entirely surprising that Ignis took on nursing, considering how his mother has been doing it for so long and often cared for him as a child. The part suits him; Ignis did a pretty good job filling in for his mom when he needed to, and it was nice to have someone near his age as company. The nights spent in the pediatric hospital were pretty lonely and boring. Scary, too.

Noctis snorts at the remark of the profession. ]

Yeah, it's definitely thankless work. Not sure how your mom has been doing it for so many years.

[ Not that he was a difficult patient, but he's seen plenty who are. While he was generally kept away from other children, he'd seen others act out, and certainly saw his fair share of grumpy adults. Being sick is no fun, and it's easy to take it out on the nurse. ]

Actually, Recolle's not too bad a city. Wasn't a bad choice.

[ He has to wonder if Ignis has the Retrospec app on his phone... Otherwise, diving into why this place is a bit off might go through one ear and out the other. Or not make any sense at all. ]

Where are you staying?

[Ignis gives a light laugh along with the shrug of his shoulders.]

Sheer parental fortitude, maybe. Or perhaps there's a wider advantage to managing children than adults. They're certainly easier to please.

[He has plenty of memories of visiting his mother at work, watching her fret and dote and practically pamper children of various sorts, and very rarely did she ever happen to come across any prickly sorts. In fact usually the parents were the ones that tended to give her attitude, not providing enough pillows, not checking their temperature regularly enough, not being at their every beck and call, forgetting there was an entire hospital full of young patients that needed attention. She was worked ragged, nearly down to the bone, and yet his mother has had no plans to retire even as she nears seventy.

She's either a saint or she's mad. Neither of which are characteristics Ignis happens to have.]

A hotel, only temporarily while I get my bearings. I'm afraid I didn't come entirely prepared enough but I'm beginning my search for an apartment.

[ Noctis smiles, enjoying this. It's actually nice to know what Ignis has been up to all these years. ]

There're a few decent places around town. I can recommend a few places, if you need 'em.

[ A beat. ]

How is Mrs. Scientia? Haven't heard from her in ages.

I wouldn't want to trouble you, but then I hardly know what I'm doing. [A quiet chuckle, and his smile seems to widen as Noct mentions his mother.]

Lively. Still working. [He has to shake his head at that. His mother is already at retirement age and yet she continues spending far too much of her time at the hospital, working shifts she shouldn't be doing at her age. But as he'd mentioned, she loves her job too much to ever give up on it.] She remembers you. Nearly haggled me into bringing a care package for you until I told her it'd be a nightmare to get through customs.

[He looks at Noctis with almost an old sort of fondness.]

My parents still live at the same address. You should write to her. "I practically helped raise him." It's what mum told me when I gave her the news that I'd be moving to the same city you were currently living in.

[ Noctis fondly remembers Ignis' mother, and the thought of getting back in touch with her is actually a pleasant one. He's not the most eager to dive into his health situation, past nor present, but she was such a kind lady. Attentive, firm, honestly it's no surprise that Ignis turned out to have a similar passion to an extent. He's got relatively the same attitude as she had, far as he remembers.

But he's glad Ignis isn't nearly as insane as his mother is. The job is taxing, and he's been stuck in hospitals long enough to know that much. ]

She basically did.

[ Raise him. What with his father being gone most of the time, and he, attached to several machines that kept him going. Noctis rubs the back of his neck, meek as he stares down at his coffee. ]

Yeah, I'll write to her. I'd send a picture, but I'm not exactly a big success story. Didn't get "big and strong", like I'd promised.

[ He exhales a little, very short-lived chuckle as he leans back in his seat. ]

[Ignis gives a shake of his head, unable to take his eyes off Noctis.]

You're wrong. You've persevered greatly. You grew, traveled across the world, living on your own. [Sometimes Noctis couldn't even get out of bed on his own, too sick to manage. Almost always he was locked away in the small, safe confines of a hospital room or his bedroom of his father's estate. The only company he ever had were nurses and maids.

He never knew the explicit details of his illness, but from an outsider's point of view... it wouldn't be beyond assumption that some day, Noctis wouldn't make it to adulthood.]

You're actually living. Just the way all of us should. You're alive, Noctis.

[ Noctis feels... Something. Whether it's akin to embarrassment or the slightest bit of shame is beyond him, but it's a bit strange. Ignis sounds so proud, so happy to see him, and Noctis feels much the same. But this is bittersweet in that Ignis sounds so proud, when Noctis knows that he's been ignoring most of his symptoms again these days.

He's not as better as he could be. But Noctis fakes a smile, feigning modesty as he rubs the back of his neck. ]

Guess you've got a point.

[ He takes another sip of his coffee. ]

I'm hanging in there. Life out here hasn't been so bad, but even I get a little homesick sometimes, I guess.

You are a ways from home, yes. I anticipate the feeling will hit me as well soon enough.

[Unable to help but mimic his action, Ignis takes a sip of his own drink, cherishing the subtle hint of bitterness that he's learned to love from coffee. Granted he might prefer something stronger, but as a treat that he didn't have to pay for, it'll do well enough.

Silence falls between them, Ignis glancing out the window at nothing but darkness outside. There's something nagging at him to be spoken, but he's not sure when exactly is the right time for it. He'll have to push idle chatter for a while longer.]

How long have things been this way? I certainly hope it isn't permanent.

[ He sets his cup down, leaning back with a smile. ]

Eh, the accent always takes me back a little. Dr. Lutece is here too. I get a trip back to London with every class.

[ That, and his own accent slips out in the process. Noctis doesn't reflect on that, though. While he had an accent as a child growing up with Ignis, it's long gone now. And Noctis prefers to keep it that way. It's just a weird thing he has.

At Ignis' question, Noctis shrugs almost too dismissively. ]

Pretty recent. Didn't start having problems until a few months after I moved here initially.

Honestly, it's off and on enough that I don't think it's a big deal.

[ TOTAL. LIE. ]

[The lack of accent is definitely something Ignis has noticed, however he can only assume Noctis is either keeping it hidden or he's simply lost it during his time in the states.

--wait, did he just mention...?]

Lutece, as in... Miss, Rosalind Lutece...? [He stares long and hard at Noctis, nearly baffled, before he chuckles lightly and shakes his head.] I'm almost afraid to hear of how many more old acquaintances we'll run across.

[He stares down at his coffee, then before he can reconsider:]

And how have things been for you, over the years?

[ Noctis laughs a little. ]

She'll quickly correct that with "Doctor", but yeah. The one and only.

[ He was pretty surprised himself to see her. It had been so many years; last she'd seen him was when he was barely thirteen. He at least kept in touch with Ignis a bit longer.

Noctis hasn't noticed he's being pried yet. ]

What, with my health? Fine.

[ He's very good at sounding blase over this. ]

Had one or two tough stints, but it's been alright.

[ NO IT HASN'T. ]

Edited 2018-02-20 07:34 (UTC)

[Their conversation could easily deviate toward Lutece, but this is no longer the time for reminiscing. Not when he's finally realized that he's going to have to come out clear with his intentions and what he knows. Especially with the lies that are being given to him.]

Noctis. [Ignis pushes his cup away. It no longer has his attention.] I know you're not being honest.

[A beat of a pause.]

I've spoken with your father.

[ Noctis has gotten rather used to his excuses being just taken. There are moments that they aren't, but for the most part? He's gotten this far.

He's prepared to change the subject until there's that record scratch in his thought process.

I know you're not being honest. I've spoken with your father.

The smile is gone. Replaced by a look of confusion. ]

...

[ He's spoken to his father. His father, who he hasn't been able to keep in touch with because of Retrospec's bullshit, was talking to Ignis. And that statement alone brings on a lot more questions. Noctis isn't sure they're worth pursuing yet, and so he looks like a deer in headlights. ]

And?

[He already hates this, and they've barely reached the edge of this rabbit hole. Ignis laces his fingers together, perched atop the table, his relaxed posture tensing as he prepares himself for the worst yet hopes, prays for the best.]

I received news on the relapse of your condition. I don't know the full extent, only what your father wished to relay to me. Perhaps even he knew very little. I'm unsure. But what I do know is that your health isn't "fine", and your last stint was...

[His fingers tighten. He knows what he wants to say, but he can't, not while they're here in public. But the dire expression he gives Noctis should tell him everything.]

Noctis. I'm here because your father wanted me to be here. He wants me to take you under my care.

[ Oh.

Oh, it gets worse.

Noctis looks at Ignis, at how he hardens himself. Puts on this demeanor commanding presence, with that prim and proper tone of his. But in this sense? It doesn't spark nostalgia. It's not the endearing lecture on the importance of responsibility coming from the small voice of a ten-year-old.

This is a young man telling another young man that he basically needs a nurse. ]

"Your care."

[ It's not foreign on his tongue. He's not foolish, he's heard it all before. Noctis instantly starts to feel this sense of defensiveness and irritation that's very quickly starting to spread through him. This is the exact opposite reason he came to Recolle.

No. No, this is ridiculous. He's not going to sit through this. Noctis wears a forced smirk and scoffs.]

This some kind of joke?

[This isn't good at all, but Noct's shift in his attitude, this bitter sort of cold tone isn't going to deter him. Ignis remains hardened and assured that this'll work out, as much as he fears that at any moment Noctis is just going to stand up and walk out on him. Yet he can't. He can't be this ridiculous, this stubborn.

He slipped into a coma. He could have possibly died. He has a chronic illness that is never going away. And he lives here, in a foreign country, all on his own? Is he stupid?]

Do I appear to be laughing? Because I'm not. I'm serious. I have certification as a caregiver, and your father has offered me payment for my services.

[ Noctis' mood certainly has shifted. He's instantly put-off by this. Embarrassed. To know that while he hasn't been able to get in contact with his father, he hired a nurse? And Ignis, no less. He gets the move; "If I hire his childhood friend, he'll soften up and won't be able to refuse."

That's what this is. Not only that, it's his father calling the shots. Again. Not that... He never stopped. But Noctis likes to believe that he's fully independent out here. It's not true, he accepts money from his father to get by while he's in college, but Noctis likes to believe what he wants to believe.

Ignis doesn't flinch, and it seems very clear that this is not at all false. Or a joke. He's not here to find a "change of scenery". He's here to watch over Noctis and tend to his condition. Which he can instantly argue is not necessary for him. ]

I know what you're certif--

He paid you?

[ Noctis certainly sounds angry, and it shows in the way he's looking at Ignis. Is he serious right now? They've barely spoken in years and his father just pays for him to show up like this? Out of the blue.

He crosses his arms. ]

My "relapse" was a year ago. I woke up. I went home. I got better. My old man's reacting late to a situation that's not even relevant anymore.

I don't need a nurse.

[He can tell that he's struck a nerve, that if it weren't for the two of them being here in a public place Noctis would assuredly throw some sort of tantrum or make a scene, and while Ignis can't help but feel as if he's put him in a complicated corner there's absolutely no way he's going to budge. Especially not with the sheer denial Noctis happens to be in with regards to his health and just how much help he truly needs.]

Noctis, you are not better. You're ill. You've always been ill. Don't act as if you don't understand this because I'm sure you do.

[He's had good days among the plethora of bad, terrible, God-awful days, but as much as Ignis hates to say it he unfortunately knows for a fact that it's likely Noctis may never actually be better. There might never be a cure for what has affected him his entire life. But it can be managed. He can get by.

And he can't do any of those things alone.]

This is how things need to be, whether you're content with them or not. [Ignis lowers his voice to a firm whisper.] Your health-- your life is at risk, Noctis.

My life is my business!

[ Noctis says that a bit abruptly. Because yes, Ignis absolutely has struck a nerve. To the point that he raises his voice, enough to warrant the attention of others. He grits his teeth, scoffs when he notices, and quiets down.

After a good few moments of silence, at least. ]

So did Dad have any plans to tell me about this? Or did he rope you in to just ship you off and decide for me?

[ He pauses again, closing his eyes and gesturing with a negative wave of his hands. ]

No, you know what? It doesn't matter. Don't answer that.

[ Because it's irrelevant. ]

This isn't how things are gonna be, because I'm saying no. I don't need this.

[So much for not causing a scene. Ignis doesn't so much as flinch from the outburst, but his expression hardens in displeasure, not bothering to look at the confused, startled looks that he's absolutely positive are now being directed their way.

He waits, bides his time and decides to be patient with Noctis' angry rambling before he immediately leaps in with a harsh punctuation of his name.]

Noctis. [His voice doesn't soften. There's no longer that warm, amiable tone he'd started off their conversation with. He's no longer an old friend. He's become an adult scolding a child, someone who refuses to face reality and he won't stand for it.] You're making a mistake. Stop. Relax and understand that the position you are in leaves very little room for debate.

[ Maybe it's because it's been several years since he's really had to face the full brunt of other individuals' concerns about him. Maybe it's because Noctis immediately felt sick to the reminder that his life is hanging in some unfair balance over this unpredictable disease of his. But whatever it is, it's got Noctis feeling a very thick sense of anger. Something he's very poor at handling, because it's very rare he gets angry at all.

The scolding tone of his name doesn't help. The way Ignis looks at him doesn't help. It's been so many years since he's seen this guy, they failed to stay in touch, and all the memories he had were pleasant. Seeing this side of him instead is very poor to his emotional palette, and it leaves a sour taste in his mouth.

So he cant help but feel a little defensive. Even if he's wrong. ]

Oh, I'm as relaxed as I'll ever be.

[ He doesn't sound relaxed at all. ]

I'm a grown-ass man, Ignis, I'm fully aware that I'm perfectly in the right to decide when I'm making a mistake. Because that's the position I'm in.

[ As an "Adult". ]

And my decision is no. There's little room for debate because there is none.

So find someone else.

[He can't believe that this is happening. It's almost baffling, the sheer ignorance Noctis is portraying in front of him. He could very well shake him to try to knock sense into him if that were the kind of person he was, berate him and ridicule him for making the worst mistake of his life by turning him away. What's going to happen the next time a major episode occurs? What if he experiences another relapse? What if the next time no one is there to bring him to the hospital?

It's so damn infuriating to look at him, know that this was once the boy he promised to befriend and care for. Now he's just.... this.

A grown man indeed... [Ignis murmurs the words almost in disgust before he pushes aside his cup and stands from his seat, staring down at Noctis with a strange sort of distant expression.

How many more years will he make it through his adulthood with an attitude like this? He reaches into his pocket, opens up a wallet then deposits a card onto the table with nothing but his full name, his qualifications and a phone number.]

My number. If by some miracle you manage to come to your senses. Otherwise I'm done here.

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