[ For a few moments that feel longer, Noctis can't answer, except to squeeze Luna that much tighter, and shake his head, leaning into her warmth, her whispered voice, and the ghost of her unsteady breath against his neck. He's choked by tears, overwhelmed by a painful mix of pity and love. There's no reason for her to be proud. All he's done is fail all the people he loves, and watch them all die protecting him, protecting the light, one by one. His work isn't finished. He's still got that ahead of him, giving everything he can to be like them, to save his friends, and everyone, and then rest, like she is. He's a long way from when he'll make her proud.
He has to go back. He'll have to leave her again, leave this. And that's the worst part. They'll be together again, he knows it, but who knows how or where or when. Right now... It feels like everything. Like this moment is all they have. He holds her a long time, until they can both breathe steadier, until Noct's strong enough to pull away, at least to arm's length. Just enough to meet Luna's eyes again for this promise. ]
I will make you proud. I'll earn it. All the faith you've had in me... I won't let you down.
[ Even though it means leaving her, and this, eventually. She learned that lesson before him, too. She knew this pain long before he did. The least he can do is follow her footsteps, far as they lead, until they meet like this again. ]
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He has to go back. He'll have to leave her again, leave this. And that's the worst part. They'll be together again, he knows it, but who knows how or where or when. Right now... It feels like everything. Like this moment is all they have. He holds her a long time, until they can both breathe steadier, until Noct's strong enough to pull away, at least to arm's length. Just enough to meet Luna's eyes again for this promise. ]
I will make you proud. I'll earn it. All the faith you've had in me... I won't let you down.
[ Even though it means leaving her, and this, eventually. She learned that lesson before him, too. She knew this pain long before he did. The least he can do is follow her footsteps, far as they lead, until they meet like this again. ]