bakerstreet | Keep us apart

Keep us apart

Long-Distance Relationship Meme

a romantic relationship between two people who live far apart and so are unable to meet on a frequent basis.

What to do if the person you're with...isn't with you? They could be living a town over, across the world, or even across the universe. However, living with you may not be off the table for them; instead, it possibly could be a time to time affair. Most of the time, though, they're off somewhere else and quite busy: working hard to advance their career, playing with their band, leading a revolution, whatever their passion of choice may be. You've come to terms with the distance between you, no matter its origin. And on that note, you're determined to do your best and make this work, despite how much you have to rely on any sort of communication aside from face to face.

Of course, what this all means is that you've got to make up for lost time and make every second you do have when they drop by count. What exactly that entails is up to you. Romance? Fun? Sex? Just being close or hanging out together? In your almost constantly parallel lives, any intersection is good enough.

You know what to do. Comment with your character, info, prefs, wishes, desires, limits (serious only, fluffy preferred, no smut, humor encouraged, etc.)
What aspects of a long-distance relationship do you want to play: the communicating between far-flung parties or the times spent together? Leave that in your comment too.
Reply to others and do a thread.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Voicetesting, any and all opportunities to practice appreciated. ]

[Fluffy notes via magical time travel dog would be cute with Luna. Also willing to do dumb phone calls/texts with any of the chocobros! ]

[ Umbra's been a busy bee as of late. Twelve years may have passed since the last Luna has seen Noctis face to face, but that hasn't stopped the little notes and letters in their shared notebook from going back and forth. Whenever she sends Umbra off to deliver a message or two to the Prince, she most looks forward to whatever he's going to send back, and today is no different.

As the little black dog arrives at Noctis' location, inside their notebook is a freshly pressed sylleblossom and a note, as simple as it is: 'Thinking of you and missing you terribly. I pray all is well on your end. I look forward to seeing you very soon!' ]

[Twelve years is a long time to have not seen each other, but the notes they send to each other make it all bearable. They're at Hammerhead, waiting for Cindy to fix something on the Regalia. Noctis nearly groans about spending another night in the camper, but he stops when he sees Umbra show up.

Suddenly his day just got a lot better.

It takes him a few minutes to get away from his friends and even longer to actually think of something to write back. He's never really been good with words, but he tries his best not to sound like an idiot. He taps the pen against the book for a moment before he presses it to one of the pages. 'Things are going great. Sort of. The Regalia's out of commission right now, but we should get back on the road soon. If things go well maybe I'll finally get to see you in a few days. I hope you're doing well.

I miss you, too.'

He doesn't have anything thoughtful to send with it, so he simply closes the book and hands it off to Umbra.]

[ When Umbra returns with the book, Luna eagerly opens it up, a bright, grateful smile pulling at her lips. She skims over Noctis' words a few times, allowing her fingertips to trace over every neatly penned letter. Looking down at Umbra, she knows that he seems to understand he's going to be going out immediately.

He's always been a good sport about these sorts of things after all, tail wagging excitedly as he watches his mistress take a seat in her favorite chair and begin writing once more. She knows she probably shouldn't be bothering Noctis so much right now, he's busy and doing his best to get to her.

But he is stuck in Hammerhead right now, so....

'I'm sorry to hear about the Regalia, I do hope it gets fixed soon, and that you and your companions continue to remain safe during your travels. Things here have been as well as can be expected, but I cannot complain. It will be nice to finally be able to speak to you in person rather than through paper. I have so much I cannot wait to talk to you about and so many things I want to show you. We have so much to catch up on, and I'm excited to finally be able to have that chance.

Please take care of yourself and give your friends my regards. I can't wait to meet them as well.'

With a hum, she closes the book and gives it to Umbra to see it safely back to Noctis. ]

[ They're just getting back from a monster hunt at dusk and Noctis is more than ready for a shower and a night of rest. He's about to call dibs on the first shower, but he spots Umbra waiting for him with the notebook his his mouth. The prince greets the dog with a friendly pet and breaks away from his friends to begin writing.

'It looks like we're waiting for a part to come in, so we're stuck here for a few days. We're doing a few odd jobs to keep busy.' He debates on whether or not he wants to mention their lack of gil as well, but that would just be embarrassing. Its best to leave out some of the details. 'I'm sorry it's going to be a little longer until we see each other. I'm still looking forward to it. There's a lot that I want to tell you too and it'd be nice to see each other face to face. ~~It's been a long tim~~' He scratches the last sentence out. Of course she knows it's been a long time. They both know.

'I'll do my best to take care of myself if Ignis doesn't try poisoning me with another vegetable. I'll also tell the guys that you say hi. Prompto's really excited to meet you.

But not as excited as I am.'

He closes the book and gives Umbra a final pet before he sends him off. Noctis is already last in line for a shower now and he's pretty sure that the hot water will be gone by the time he's able to jump in.

It's worth it, though. ]

[ When Umbra returns, it's later in the evening and she's preparing for bed. She's busy brushing her hair out as the pup proudly approaches, and she beams at him, petting behind his ears a few times before taking the notebook to read over Noctis' message.

Stuck for a few more days? She can't deny the small pang of disappointment, really; but what's a few days after twelve years? Besides, it's probably better. She also knows that the further away from her he is, the safer he and all of his friends are anyways, even if it's only for a few extra days.

She decides to give Umbra a rest for the night because by the time he arrives to Noctis again more than likely the prince will be sleeping anyways.

She's up before the sun rises as per usual, dressed and ready to start her day, but not before sitting down at her desk to pen another note.

'Take your time, there is no rush. I'm not surprised in the slightest that even after all these years you haven't acquired a taste for vegetables, although after everything you've told me about Ignis' cooking I'm surprised you haven't found at least one you enjoy!'

She pauses for a moment, considering the look on Noctis' face at the mere sight of a vegetable, and she has to chuckle before she continues on, because honestly? She's excited to finally be able to thank Prompto properly for everything he'd done for Pryna and for being there for Noctis.

'Prompto seems like a very nice young man, and I can't wait to meet him, too. It will be nice to finally put faces to all of these names and stories I've heard so much about from you.

I pray your travels are safe, and that we will be reunited within the next few days.'

Before she passes the book back to Umbra, she can't help but dig through her desk drawer. She's still got a few relics from her childhood, after all -- she may have had to grow up pretty quick but it didn't mean she had to let go of everything -- until she finds a sticker sheet. There's one sticker in particular that she's looking for, and it's that of a silly little carrot with a happy face. She sticks it at the bottom of the page with a smile... she's allowed to tease Noctis sometimes, too, after all.

She attaches the book safely to Umbra's collar, giving his cheeks a light pet before she sends him on his way. She feels a peace she hasn't felt in quite some time as she watches the pup trot off to go find the prince once more, and despite everything... today is already looking like it's going to be a great one. ]

[Noctis stays up for a few more hours that night. He knows it's unlikely, but he still keeps an eye out for Umbra's form in the distance. It isn't until even Prompto says he's too tired to take on the next boss in Kings Knight, that he finally heads to bed in the cramped caravan they're sharing.

He doesn't want to wake up the next day as per usual. It's far too early for him to even consider being awake, but Gladio's booming voice has him stirring. Why did he have to be so loud in the morning? He still lays under the blankets for a few minutes until he hears a bark outside the caravan window. He nearly throws off the covers and heads out to meet his furry friend. There's a few comments from the others, but Noctis ignores them as ushers the dog inside and promptly closes the door.

With the Umbra settled next to him on the bed, he opens the journal. The prince has to huff a laugh when he sees the little carrot sticker. It's cute, even if it is a vegetable.

'A carrot? Really? Are you trying to poison me too? I won't be able to see you if I get sick from one of those things. Plus, I don't think I'll ever find one that I like... No matter how great Ignis' cooking is.'

He turns the page back and copies the sticker in his own crude drawing. Only this time, instead of a happy face, it has angry eyebrows and a frown.

'Prompto's the best. You'll love him when you see him. He's always so energetic. In fact, you'll like all the guys. They have their problems, but they're the best.' He pauses when he gets an idea. He quickly shuffles through one of Prompto's bags and finds some of the pictures he developed from the day before. Finding a half-decent one of all of them together, he slips it inside the pages of the book. Noctis is sure the blonde won't mind one of them missing.

'Here's a picture of us from yesterday. Sorry we're not looking our best. We were taking out a few monsters in the area. Ignis is usually much more put together. I'm pretty sure you can guess who's who.

I can't wait for that part to come in so we can be on our way again.

Miss you.'

He scratches behind Umbra's ears and under his chin before he attaches the journal back to his collar and sends him on his way again. Once the dog is on his way, Gladio claps him on a shoulder and informs him that it's time for some training.

Noctis groans and nearly regrets stepping outside the caravan.]

[ A few hours later, as she's walking down a hallway with Pryna following closely behind, she can hear an extra set of tiny paws tip-tapping against the marble floors. Pryna yips and goes to greet Umbra first as Luna drops onto her knees to welcome the canine home as well, picking him up and hugging him close for a moment. What a good dog, and she tells him so too, albeit quietly.

For now, she's alone, and she's grateful for that as she places the loyal dog back down onto his feet and takes the notebook from his collar. She giggles at Noctis' drawing, glad that even now with everything going on he can still have a sense of humor. More than that, though, she appreciates the picture he's sent along this time -- she can definitely tell which one is which. Gladio is easy enough, considering his size, and poor Ignis with his hair mussed and glasses slightly askew... and Prompto, the kind, talented young photographer that had saved Pryna years prior.

They all seem to mesh so well together, she can only hope that once they're all together she doesn't mess up their jive too badly. She hugs both the journal and the photo to her chest for a few moments, long enough to stand up and lead her beloved dogs back into her quarters, where prying eyes won't see what she's up to.

'Not poison, simply enlighten! I can assure you, a carrot would never poison you. Unless, of course, you asked me to cook it for you because I cannot cook for the life of me.' Which is true, too. She's pretty useless in the kitchen, save for simple things like cookies.

Another glance down to the photo. 'Everyone looks just as I'd always imagined them. Thank you for being so thoughtful, Noctis. It's good to see all of you together like that, and I will cherish this photo always. You have no idea how happy you've made me.'

He doesn't, either -- the fact that he's safe, that they're ALL safe, and having photographic evidence of it? It delights her endlessly.

'I can't wait, either. In the meantime, I hope you have a wonderful time with your friends and try to relax a bit. You deserve it. What is Hammerhead like? I'm afraid I've only ever seen it in passing. Is it still as small as it used to be?'

Because from what she can recall, it was out in the middle of no where, and seemed very small. But that could be because they'd literally gone whizzing past in a car. As she skims over the last part of Noctis' note, she hums, a content smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

'I miss you more. Please be safe.'

She turns to look for Umbra, but she doesn't have to look long. He's already standing up on the side of her chair, tail wagging and looking more than ready to go. Gingerly she attaches the book onto his collar and picks him up once more, giving him an affectionate squeeze, before placing him down and opening her sliding glass door. She stands there for a few moments until she can no longer see the black pup's form, turning only when Gentiana enters the room.

It's time to discuss a plan of action concerning Altissia, and so with one last longing glance out the window, she goes to sit on the couch with the other woman. ]

[They're packing up on a few potions before they head out to another hunt when Umbra comes trotting up. Gladio rumbles something about them never leaving at this point, and Prompto takes the opportunity to check out the rest of the machines (and maybe Cindy). Ignis doesn't say anything and simply goes with Gladio as they get their supplies together.

Noctis knows they're tight on funds at the moment, but he still orders a small meat dish for his canine companion. Umbra's been working hard and deserves at least a small reward for all the notes they've been sending as of late. Takka only laughs and when he's done preparing the dish, he leaves it on the floor next to the booth the prince is sitting in. Noctis' hand drops to Umbra's head as he begins writing in the journal.

'Enlightening sounds a lot like poisoning.

You can't cook either? It sounds like we're going to have to live off of cup noodles and diner food for the rest of our lives.' Which actually sounds pretty awful if he thinks about it, but he's sure they can find someone to cook for them. Hopefully Ignis would still stay around after all of this?

Yeah, he would. They all would. Hopefully.

'I'm glad you like the photo. Maybe next today we'll take one where we actually look decent.' Which never really happened. There was always something off for someone. Prompto had a knack for taking photos at some of the best and worst times.

'Hammerhead's so small that it's practically nothing. Just the Gas Station, diner, and the caravan we're renting. But the people are good. Cid and Cindy are great with machines. Prompto's like a kid in a candy store here (he also has a crush on Cindy but he can't get the nerve to talk to her). Takka's food is good (but still not as good as Ignis'). He's got plenty of work for us to do out here while we wait.

We're not really relaxing, but it's still kind of nice.'

He looks over the last part of her note and look towards Umbra who's sitting at his feet.]

What do you think I should write, buddy?

[The dog only tilts his head and Noctis huffs a laugh before he gives him an affectionate pet. He should just write it, anyways, right? It wasn't like he had anything to be embarrassed about with Luna... Well, except for the fact that he didn't really have much gil on him... and maybe a few other things.

Whatever, he was just going to write it, anyways.

'I'll be safe if you promise to do the same.'

He closes the book and attaches it to Umbra's collar. When he exits the diner, the dog is already ahead of him and headed back to his master. Noctis watches his retreating form until Gladio calls him.

Right, they had a monster hunt. Probably a few since he had spent more gil than he should have moments ago. ]

[ They're leaving soon, within the next few days, and anxiety is running high. She won't show it, of course, but she certainly feels it. She's no fool, she knows that the Empire will try and block her every move once she crosses the sea and lands in Altissia. They'll undoubtedly be just as harsh to Noctis and his friends as well.

When she sees Umbra, she feels a little bit of relief, a slight weight lifted from her weary shoulders. The dog seems to sense her unease, because he seems more than happy to jump up onto her lap and lay down, allow her to stroke his fur as she reads over the latest note.

Not only is Umbra a wonderful messenger, but his back also makes as a great makeshift desktop she finds as he settles down for a nap, allowing her to carefully begin penning her response.

'I'm sure together we'll be able to figure something out. Two heads are better than one, after all. But if it is our fate to eat cup noodles and whatever we can scrape together until we are old and wrinkled, then I am satisfied enough that I will at least be able to do so at your side.'

Really, it doesn't sound that bad. Repetitive, perhaps, but certainly not bad. Her words aren't exactly a lie, either; she hopes he doesn't mind her saying so, but her feelings for Noctis have not changed, nor will they ever. They could be living in a decrepit apartment for all she cares, so long as he is safe and happy that's all that's really ever mattered to her.

That is something time will never be able to take away.

'I look forward to another photo, then. You said you didn't look decent before, but I think you all looked quite handsome, so I can only imagine this next picture will be even better.'

And another little trinket to take with her, to help keep her strength up. Noctis' notes, after all, always fill her with joy and a renewed sense of hope.

'I'm sorry to hear you aren't getting much rest in. I take it you're still not a morning person, then? Are vegetables and mornings truly your downfall?' Here, of course, she draws a little smiley face. It's amusing as ever to think that even now as a grown man, some things will just never change.

'Perhaps when this is all over we shall have to give Prompto a little encouragement to talk to Miss Cindy, then? So Hammerhead is still as small, then. It sounds very nice. I think on the way home, we should most definitely stop in, because any friend of yours is a friend of mine and I would very much like to meet Miss Cindy and Mr. Cid.'

And maybe nudge poor Prompto in Cindy's direction. That also sounds like a good thing to do, because by the gods that man deserves to be happy as well. She's not exactly sure where 'home' is going to be at the moment, mostly because of the current state that Insomnia is in. They'll rebuild, of course, and Luna will do everything in her power to help in the efforts.

It's a future she very much looks forward to.

She closes her eyes, tapping the pen against her chin for a few moments. Noctis' safety is her number one priority, after all, and so she's not sure how to answer this. She can't and won't tell him how tired she feels lately, how angry Ravus is at her right now for the choices she's making.

These are things that Noctis need never find out, and his concern for her well being is extremely touching. She knows he means it, too, knows it isn't just a formality, and she's glad that she's alone right now because she can feel her cheeks warming slightly.

'I promise. We'll be safe for each other, then.' There's so much more she wants to write, to let him know just how much she really misses him and wishes nothing more than his safe arrival to Altissa, or wherever he may set foot even after that. Wants to remind him just how much he means to her, how much she cherishes these moments even if they're hundreds or thousands of miles apart. That she does, in fact, look forward to being his wife, even if things are crazy and rushed right now.

She can say that to his face, though.

'As always, you are in my thoughts, Noctis.'

As she re-attaches the journal to Umbra's collar, she gently places him down onto the couch and gestures for him to wait a moment. There's a vase of fresh sylleblossoms sitting on her desk, and so she stands to pick one, trimming the stem and using a thing white piece of ribbon to attached it onto the collar as well, along with fishing out some treats for her companion.

Once he's finished munching his treats and drinking some water, Umbra departs with a happy bark and wag of his tail, and Luna slowly sits down again, peering out the large sliding glass doors.

They'll be reunited soon, and that is enough to push any foreboding feelings and thoughts from her mind. ]

[They return to Hammerhead weary and tired. They had run into a Bandersnatch that had taken nearly everything they had to take out. On top of that, two Imperial ships had tracked them down. At one point, Noctis was afraid he had lost Prompto, but luckily Ignis had been able to help him in time. What was worse, was that they had barely made enough gil to cover their stay in the caravan and grab few hot meals. If they don't get a decent amount of gil soon, they'll have to camp. The only thing Noctis wanted to do at this point was collapse on the bed.

But that thought is soon abandoned when he sees Umbra's form waiting for them right at the door of the caravan. He gives a bark and happily runs up to Noctis while wagging his tail. Noctis has to laugh as he bends down and pets the messenger. He must sense how weary the prince is, because he immediately licks at his face and nuzzles him. Normally he would complain about anything doing that to him, but he can't complain when it's Umbra.

The guys are busy arguing over who gets to get into the shower first (Noctis tries not to laugh as Ignis slips in past both Gladio and Prompto without either of them noticing). In the mean time, Noctis plops himself in one of the plastic chairs outside and begins to read Luna's note. Umbra settles at his feet and Noctis pours some water into a bowl for him. He doesn't have a meal or treats for him this time, but he can at least give him some water.]

Sorry I don't have much for you today, boy. Hopefully tomorrow.

[He carefully removes the journal from Umbra's collar and notices the syllelblossom tied to it. He doesn't know how, but it's still nearly freshly picked. He carefully looks over the flower and places it on the nearby table. Reading over Luna's note sends a gentle smile to his face and he eagerly begins writing back.

'We can try every flavor of Cup Noodles out there. Gladio says that meat is the best, but I like shrimp. ~~Or we can find other flavors. Together.~~'

Maybe he's a little too eager. Did he really just write that? He nearly cringes at the words and shakes his head. He needed to stop hanging around Gladio. That sounded like one of his cheesy harlequin novels with his obsession for instant noodles. He crosses the words out before he continues.

'As long as we're together, I don't really mind what we eat.' Better. Plus, it was true. He doesn't know what the future has in store for either of them, but whatever it is, he wants her to be by his side through it all.

'They're not my downfall, but if I can live the rest of my life without eating anything green, I'll be happy. And no, I'm still not a morning person.'

He reads over the next part and gets up from his chair to go back in the caravan with Umbra close behind. Gladio and Prompto have stopped their squabbling while they both wait for Ignis to get out of the shower. Gladio's reading one of his awful books (no surprise) while Prompto is going through the photos he's managed to take throughout the day. The blond is more than happy to show his snapshots, and they both settle on an image they took early in the day (before the Bandersnatch and Imperials). It as all of them posing in front of the now non-functioning Regalia with both Cindy and Cid by their sides. He thanks his friend as he heads back out and places the photo neatly between the pages.

'At least in this picture we're not covered in dirt. Plus, Cid and Cindy are in it. We have to stop by Hammerhead on our way home. Home which doesn't really exist anymore. A home that he doesn't have to go back to. No family, no kingdom. His Dad--

His thoughts are interrupted when Umbra drops his head into his lap and whines. Noctis looks down at his companion an utters a thanks as he pets him and scratches behind his ears.

'Did you know that Cid knew my dad? He's always telling me stories about him that I never knew about. It's weird to hear someone call him 'Old Reggie' instead of 'His Majesty' but it's kind of nice. Cindy's practically in love with the Regalia. She gets really excited when she thinks of upgrades for it. Maybe that's why she can't notice Prompto's crush.'

He looks over the next words and feels a pang of guilt. He's already nearly broken that promise today. He won't mention the Bandersnatch or how badly they were beaten and bruised today. He won't mention how much he worried he is for her safety and their uncertain future. He knows things can't be going so smoothly on her end, either. With everything going on, it's taking a toll on both of them.

~~I lo~~ No, what was he thinking? He couldn't. He crosses out the words.

I'm always thinking about you. Stay safe, Luna.

He reattaches the journal back to Umbra's collar and gives him a rub down before he sends him off again. He sits outside, staring at the dogs retreating form until Gladio calls him in to remind him that it's his turn to shower.

The hot water is going to be gone again, but he doesn't care. ]

[ By the time Umbra makes his pleased and triumphant return, Luna's packing her things. Granted, she's not taking a whole lot with her; she doesn't see the need, after all, especially if everything goes accordingly in Altissia.

Seating herself on the floor in her bedroom, the former princess pats her lap and invites her beloved companion to take a rest as she detaches the journal and reads over what Noctis has to say. True to his word, he's sent her another picture -- she's never had the pleasure of seeing the Regalia until now. After all, when she'd been in Insomnia she'd been in Noctis' car (another gorgeous automobile, naturally). Like father, like son.

Her eyes fall on Cindy and Cid now, too, and she can very much see why Prompto would like her, or why anyone would. Not only is she beautiful, but she's talented and from what she's heard, a very kind soul as well.

She picks Umbra up, along with herself, and places him down onto her bed so that he can nap next to Pryna, before she takes a seat so that she can properly write back.

'We'll have to stock up on the shrimp flavor, then! Perhaps we can even come up with our own Cup Noodle concoctions?' Noctis has scratched something out there, though, and she squints a little bit to see if she can't make out what it says... she can only vaguely make out a few letters, and it makes her smile.

He's getting better with saying what he wants to really say, even if a few things have to get scribbled away. The gesture is just so genuinely Noctis that, even if she can't understand what he'd been attempting, it warms her heart and makes her giggle loud enough that Pryna's ears shift in her direction.

That next bit, though, she's glad he hasn't scratched out or tried to conceal, because she's glad to read that he feels the same. She never wants to pressure him or make him feel like he needs to reciprocate things or feelings. He has enough on his shoulders as is.

'I don't mind, either. I'm sure that some how, some way, Cup Noodles or diner food, we will survive. So long as we don't burn anything down in our attempts at cooking, of course.'

Because really? She can see it happening. She can see attempting to make pancakes, or even Cup Noodles and everything going up in smoke. It's on that thought she quickly adds: '--perhaps we'll ask Ignis to babysit us to ensure our combined culinary genius doesn't go up in flames completely. Along with our home.'

Wherever they established home, but those are details they can figure out down the line. She reaches to pick up the newest photograph to add to her small but ever growing collection and smiles, turning her attention back to the paper.

'Cindy is quite beautiful. She must be quite the devoted mechanic; I do hope that she takes notice of Prompto someday though. I think they'd make an attractive couple. I had no idea that Cid was acquainted with your father! It sounds like they must have been very good friends.'

Did the King have issues with the Regalia as well? Did he also go on a road trip in his youth? It wouldn't surprise her, really. She closes her eyes and tilts her head down for a moment to silently offer up a prayer for Regis; even now she holds him in the highest regards. Noctis doesn't know the details of his father's death, not intimately like she does.

She'd been disappointed to hear that he'd already left before she'd arrived in Insomnia, and yet, when chaos struck... she was glad Noctis was safely away from the Crown City. That he didn't have to see his father pass away -- she's not sure she ever wants him to know the full details, other than that his father died the death a hero, a true King who had only the best intentions for both his son and his people in mind.

That he'd saved her life in the process as well.

Before she can let herself get too carried away in her thoughts, she allows her eyelids to flutter open again and immediately begins writing again. She'll keep the subject pleasant and airy, of course, but there are some things that need to be said. Thinking of Regis is also a reminder of how fleeting life is, especially with the duties that both she and Noctis are sworn to uphold.

He's scratched something else out, and she thinks she can see 'lo' somewhere in there, but she can't be sure.

'I wish I could be there for you to help you. I'm sorry things have been so complicated, and that you're having to deal with so much. I would like nothing more than to take the weight of the world from your shoulders, because you of all people deserve so much more.'

He does, too. Life is a cruel mistress indeed. As she pauses, pen tapping lightly on the paper, she thinks. Does she have to wait until Altissia to see him? No matter where she goes, the Empire is going to follow anyways. She doesn't want to put him in more danger, quite the opposite -- she'd do anything in her power, anything in the world, to keep him safe.

Regis had asked her to go to him before, and she'd refused for that very reason. For the first time in a while, she feels hesitation welling up within her, but she has to at least offer. Danger or not... if he needs her, she will go to him.

'It also doesn't seem fair that you're having so many issues coming to me, and so I should also do my part, don't you think? Do you need me to find a way to you? To travel to Altissia together instead of apart?'

She stares down at the book, shifting a little. Finding a way to travel in secret would be no easy task, and would certainly anger quite a few people. But she's willing to try, should he so ask of her. By the time she places pen to paper again, she realizes a good half hour or so has gone by.

'If there is anything I can do, anything at all to help you further, you need only ask. Now, and always. I swear it to you here and now that no matter how far away we are, no matter the circumstances, I will always be here for you. Not just as Oracle, but as both a friend and wife.'

It's hard not pulling a Noctis and scratching out that entire paragraph, and the urge to tear the entire page out and start all over again is great. But she doesn't, because she genuinely wants him to know that. She lets out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding in, allowing her nerves to calm once more.

'You mean the world to me. Please take care, Noctis.'

Slowly, she closes the notebook and settles it on her lap. It isn't long before Umbra awakens, and after she's made sure he's well fed and hydrated and ready to go, she clasps the journal onto his collar once more, pressing a fond kiss against the pup's nose.

As he takes his leave once more, she heaves a sigh. As hard as that was to write, none of it was a lie. If she could, she'd reach up into the heavens and pluck the stars themselves from the skies if he so asked of her.

The future may be uncertain, but her feelings aren't. ]

[For the first time in a long while Noctis is able to sleep in. It isn't until almost noon that he finally rises from bed and steps out of the bed. It seems as though everyone else needed a rest from yesterday's blow. Gladio's welcomes him back to the world of the living and the prince only grumbles in return. Right. The world of the living. The only good thing about being awake is the fact that the sylleblossom is still on the table where he left it.

He wordlessly picks it up and places it in one of his bags. Nobody else comments and he's glad for it.

Cid offers to put an extra night in the Caravan on their tab, and the four of them graciously accept the offer. Still, it doesn't fix their current money situation. They take on a few extra hunts and just as they're about ready to leave Umbra comes bounding up to them. Gladio groans about this happening again but the prince ignores it as he brings Umbra into the diner again. Takka's already whipping up something for his furry friend, and places it down in front of him. Luckily this one is on the house.

His eyes move over Luna's note and he begins writing back.

'There's egg Cup Noodles, but I'm sure we can stock up on all the flavors. Maybe one day we'll figure out how to cook something else. Ignis tried teaching me once. It didn't go well, but maybe I'll try again so we can have some variety. Or I could try to get him to teach us both if you'd like that. '

Maybe when things settled down. When they find their way home, wherever that ends up being.

'Cindy's probably the best mechanic I've met next to Cid. She's a lot nicer than him, though. Maybe I'll give her and Prompto some alone time tonight. Who knows what might happen.' Prompto would probably just back out again but the prince can have some faith in his friend, right? Maybe. ...Probably not.

'I guess they were really good friends. Dad never really mentioned him, but Cid has a lot of stories. Some of them sound so unlike my dad that they're almost hard to believe. He sounded like a different person back then. I kinda wish I got to know him like that, too. I want to know what changed, but I guess I can't now.'

He looks over his words and frowns. Maybe he should just cross them out. But he doesn't. It's almost nice to get it off his chest. So it stays. If he can't talk about this with Luna, then who else can he talk to?

He has to lighten the subject. Somehow.

'But Cid can be a stubborn old man sometimes. He almost didn't want to help us for a minute, but he changed his mind. I'm glad he did, too. He knows more about weapons and machinery than anyone I've met. I think Prompto and Ignis want to help him out in the garage sometimes but he's too stubborn to accept their help so we're hunting monsters instead.'

Good. That was a better topic, anyways.

'Things sound worse than they really are.' It's a lie. There's a lot he's not telling her and he doesn't think he ever will. He's not going to make her worry. In fact, Cindy says the part should come in by the end of the day. We'll be back on the road soon and then we'll be together.' At least he hopes they will. For all he knew, another issues would pop up and they'd be stuck here even longer. Every day the Empire grows stronger, and the longer they're stuck in Hammerhead, the more difficult everything becomes.

He can only imagine it's the same for Luna. His fingers trace over the words she's written down and he lets out a sigh. He knows

'I'll meet you in Altissia. You'll be safer that way. We can handle the journey there. If nothing gets in our way, it shouldn't be more than a few days.' It was unlikely that that would happen. The Empire's reach grew longer each day. It was more than likely that they'd be stopped again.

'Our priorities are to make sure that you get to Altissia safely. I'll see you there as soon as I can. Plus, your wedding dress is waiting for you there, right? I can't wait to see it.'

He debates on scratching the last part out, but... she mentioned being his wife. It would be alright to mention the wedding, then? It also changed the tone of the letter. Hopefully it would convince her to stop worrying. She didn't need to worry about him on top of everything else.

You mean more to me. Stay safe and I promise to do the same.'

He reads over the letter again and debates on whether or not he wants to cross anything out or change it. Prompto calls from outside for him to hurry up and he closes the journal with a sigh. Right.

Umbra has already finished his free meal and is looking up at him with bright eyes and a wagging tail. Noctis attaches the journal and gives him a pat for all of his hard work. They both exit the diner and part in opposite ways.

Noctis sends a silent prayer to The Six that Luna listens to him and stays safe. ]

Edited 2017-02-18 04:37 (UTC)

[ Today in particular has been hard. It's been one argument after another with her elder brother. She knows he doesn't mean the harsh words he's been spewing, at least not towards her. He's worried about her, and as exhausted and ill as she's been feeling, it's been a challenge trying to get him to back off a little. He's gone for the evening now, though, and she's glad for that. It's dangerous, after all, for him to be communicating with her like this.

Umbra's arrival is more than welcomed, and he arrives with a bark of greeting. Pryna stands to meet him half way, and Luna takes the notebook from him and pets him affectionately before he runs off to go tumble and play with the white dog.

Eagerly, her eyes drink in each word Noctis has written, takes in all the information she can. She reads the note over a few times as she moves to her desk to properly put pen to paper.

'Lessons with Ignis would be splendid. If he wouldn't mind, that is. Although I must admit, egg Cup Noodles *do* sound interesting.'

She can already picture it in her head, really, poor Ignis having to watch over the royal couple struggling to figure out how to cook. It would be a lie to say the thought doesn't make her smile, or even giggle out loud -- because that's exactly what she does.

Poor Ignis.

'You'll have to keep me updated on dear Prompto's romance, then,' she begins, still smiling fondly down at the paper. 'I hope he takes the chance and at the very least attempts to talk to her. I really can't wait to meet both she and Cid now.'

As she reads over Noctis' note again, she hums, lightly skimming the words with the tips of his fingers. There's a lot Noctis doesn't know about his father, and she wishes that Regis was still here to tell him stories of his youth and his past. The loss Noctis must feel right now makes her own heart ache.

One thing is for sure, though -- Noctis will never have to feel the burdens his father did alone. She'll be at his side for all of it, to help take some of the burden from his shoulders.

'Your father was quite the intriguing man, and from what you've told me about Cid, it sounds like when he was younger he was far more like you are now. Assuming such responsibilities must have been very hard on him. But I can assure you, even though you had your differences, he loved you very much.' She doesn't want to leave things hanging like that, though. The grip on her pen tightens slightly, and she takes a deep breath. 'And so do I.'

Even on paper, some things are hard to say. But they need to be said; she wants him to know that he's still very much loved and she knows his friends feel the same. He may feel alone, but he's not, and once again she finds herself so grateful to his friends for being such a wonderful support system to her prince.

'I'm glad he changed his mind and decided to help you. He certainly sounds like he's seen much in his day; a very wise man indeed. No wonder Miss Cindy is so smart and talented.'

Things sound worse than they really are, he says. She wants to believe that's true, but she knows just as well the reality of their situation. She feels useless, just sitting back and watching the Empire do as they please; that Ravus has gotten himself so deeply entangled with them.

But nothing lasts forever. She'll see to it that Noctis gets the ring and takes his rightful place, that the Empire crumbles and bows to his feet.

'If you're sure. Gentiana and I will be headed on our way tomorrow evening, keep your fingers crossed that we will be able to cross the sea without gaining too much attention.' The Empire already knows what she's planning on doing there, though. Awakening Leviathan is a dangerous move, but a necessity to ensure Noctis' success.

Her heart flutters, though, when he mentions the wedding, and almost immediately she feels a pang of guilt. She hopes that he doesn't feel too saddled down by it all, suddenly being forced to be tied down to someone amidst the chaos. All she wants is his happiness and success.

'Indeed it is. I hope you like it.' She had it made with him in mind, naturally, since he's the one stuck seeing her in it. Truth be told, she's ecstatic to be tying the knot. Nervous, excited, everything a bride feels before her wedding. It's a welcome change to the anxiety that war and the Empire bring. 'I pray that the wedding hasn't placed too much stress on you. If it does, I hope that you will tell me.'

She stares down at the paper for a little while longer, trying to shove her silly, girlish thoughts about the wedding away. Those are indeed thoughts that she'll keep to herself; after all, he has far more important things to be thinking about.

'Altissia it is, then. I'm holding you to your promise of being safe. I, too, will do my best. May your journey be a safe, easy one. Take care.'

She's just about to close the book, when the dogs get a little too rowdy; messengers or not, they're still playful pups. Luna can't do a while lot when Pryna makes a leap onto her, effectively knocking over some ink, stepping into the substance and onto the bottom of her note as she flees an oncoming Umbra.

Chuckling, she adds just underneath the paw print, 'Pryna sends her love, too.'

Once the ink has dried, she closes the journal -- and when he hears the book snapping shut, Umbra's back at her feet.]

"I'm sorry to run you ragged, Umbra. This will be over soon, I promise... I'm sure you're looking forward to having Noctis around permanently too, aren't you?"

[ Umbra barks in response and jumps up, confirming her thoughts, and she laughs, securing the journal once more. She smiles as Umbra playfully bumps himself into Pryna on his way out, and Luna gathers the white pup into her arms and flops onto her bed.

Things are going to get a lot more interesting in the next few days. Hectic, but interesting. ]

[ For whatever reason, today's gone much smoother than the last two days. They return to Hammerhead with high spirits and a wallets filled with gil. They even have a few pieces of contraband from their recent hunts, including a few new ingredients. Ignis is excited to try out a new recipe (at least as excited as Noct will ever see him) and both Gladio and Prompto are more than happy to help him out. Nocits is 90% sure there's some form of vegetable in it, so he stays away and ends up heading toward the garage to find out the status of the Regalia.

The day gets even better when he spots Umbra waiting next to Cid. The old man is affectionately petting the dog until he takes notice of Noctis. He gets up from the shop with a grumble and heads toward the back of the shop. The prince huffs a laugh but he doesn't say anything. It's nice to see that the old man has a soft spot, even if it's for dogs.

Noctis takes Cid's spot when it's empty and quickly retrieves the book from Umbra. His eyes scan over the note and he has to smile when he sees the inked paw print in the corner.

'Make sure to give Pryna a good pet for me. I haven't seen her since I was a kid. Is she as big as Umbra, now?

I'll have to ask Ignis if he's up for the challenge when we get back home. I'm sure he will if the other two don't swear him off lessons for the rest of his life.'

He can hear a small commotion and the sound of pots falling. Gladio's voice yells out Prompto's name and Ignis' voice tries to smooth things over. Noctis tries to hold back a laugh and shakes his head as he continues writing.

'Every time Prompto's tried talking to Cindy he keeps freezing up. Kinda funny since he's usually so talkative around everyone else. But I guess it took him a while-' A few years, Noctis reminds himself. 'to finally talk to me. Maybe I'll ask Ignis to invite her to dinner tonight and we'll see what Prompto does.'

He looks over Luna's next words. Luna never knew his father like he did. Granted, not many people did. Sometimes he even wonders if he really knew his father, but... No, he can't think about that.

'The war and the wall kept my dad him busy and took a lot of his time and strength. I know it was necessary for the city and the kingdom but sometimes I wish I could have just talked to him. Or maybe he would just talk to me. Or that he didn't let me live on my own while I went to school. It's a lot of time we never got to have together and I didn't know what was going on.'

He looks over the last sentence and his fingers trace over the last words. He doesn't know how to address them. He doesn't know how to tell her that he feels the same. So he writes.

'But thanks. It means a lot to hear that from someone.' Should he write it down? Should he say that he lo-

There's a whoop from the guys and soon Prompto comes running in the garage. Apparently the part just came in and Cindy promises that once she works on it, they can set off sometime tomorrow. Cid and Takka are apparently taking out their good liquor to celebrate. Noctis promises he'll be there in a minute.

'I hope Umbra gets this to you before you you leave for Altissia. I don't normally pray to the gods, but I'll send one for the two of you. Please stay safe on your way there and I'll meet you there as soon as I can. The part we've been waiting for just came in. Cindy says we'll be on the road sometime tomorrow so I'm already almost there.'

And then... they'll be together. At least he hopes so. There's so much more that they have to do, but maybe for a moment they can see each other.

'The wedding is the one thing I'm looking forward to when this is all over.' He wonders if he should even be talking about this. There's so much going on, should they even be talking about this? If they couldn't talk about something they were looking forward to, then when could they take the time to be happy? 'I'm sure the dress looks beautiful, but whatever you wear is going to be beautiful on you. Maybe I won't go to see the dress on display so I can be surprised.'

It's cheesy, it's a little ridiculous sounding, but he leaves it in.

'~~Stay Safe~~' No, that wasn't right. ~~'I care about you'~~ Not that, either. ~~'You mean a lot to me~~' No. He pauses, takes a breath. Why was this so hard to write?

'I love you, Luna.'

He looks over the words but closes the notebook before he can scratch them out again. Umbra is already standing and nearly ready to go. The prince attaches the notebook to his collar and give the dog a quick hug before he lets go. ]

Thanks, Umbra.

[His canine friend goes bounding ahead of him, and by the time Noctis exits the garage, he's already halfway across the road. He watches him for a moment before Gladio calls him over and warns him that they're going to start dinner without him.

Things are looking up. At least for now, they are.]

[ Luna finds that sleep isn't an issue that evening; as the days go on and the nights grow longer, she can feel herself becoming more and more exhausted. She's retired exceptionally early tonight -- at some point, she can hear her door creak open and the familiar sound of boots and the light clanking of metal that can only be her elder brother.

He's come to try and apologize, she can only assume, but she can't bring herself to open her eyes. She also registers the pitter-patter of canine feet, can feel Pryna shifting from her curled up spot beside her. Everything else is lost to her as fatigue takes her for the remainder of the evening.

It's only Gentiana's gentle urging that forces her eyes open in the morning -- a glance at her night stand and the clock that sits upon it tells her it's five AM. Despite sleeping nearly ten hours straight, she doesn't feel any better. As she sits up, she feels the blanket fall from around her shoulders. Ravus' doing, no doubt, because as far as she can remember she didn't fall asleep with her blanket on.

As she forces herself to swing her legs over the side of the bed, as her blurry vision slowly begins to correct itself, the Oracle notices the red journal sitting just behind her clock, propped neatly up against the wall.

It's enough to bring some energy and life back to her as she immediately snatches it and opens it, flipping to the proper page. It's almost second nature as she begins writing in response, urgent but careful; the last thing Noctis needs right now is to catch on to her distress.

'I will. She misses you just as much as I do, I think. She'll be pleased to see you,' she begins, looking over at the slumbering pooch -- both sleeping dogs, rather, and she reaches out to fondly pet Pryna as she'd just promised she would. 'She is! They are nearly the same size, although I do believe Umbra may be a bit bigger.'

The bit about Ignis has her smiling, though, because she can only imagine what he's having to deal with between all three of them; a love sick Prompto, Noctis refusing his vegetables, and Gladio... actually, she can't really think of anything Gladio might be doing to drive Ignis up a wall right now. Mostly because she doesn't really know enough about the man who acts as Noctis' shield... from the picture's she's seen, he looks pleasant enough. Perhaps he isn't a source of stress at all. 'Here's hoping we can convince him, then. Perhaps if we ask him to do in lieu of a wedding gift?'

As she scans the next bit of his note, she hums. Poor Prompto... she's already fond of the blond man, despite not knowing a whole lot about him, either. She owes him a debt for more than saving Pryna, but for befriending Noctis and staying at his side. 'I hope you do just that, and I doubly hope that Miss Cindy is able to see how Prompto feels about her. I'm sure he'll find the strength within him to tell her soon.'

She hopes he does, at least. They'd make a cute item, she thinks; the beautiful Cindy and the handsome Prompto. The next bit of the note has her thoughts drawn away from the blond duo and back to King Regis and his strained relationship with the prince.

She didn't get to have her mother growing up, either; she knows the pain of separation as well... but it's different for Noctis. She knows that Regis loved his son; that he still does in the afterlife and always will. But the way things worked out... fate is a cruel mistress.

'Those difficult thoughts must weigh on your mind often. I also wish the same things, that you could have had more time with him, that you could have spoken on equal terms. I wish things could have been different. Mostly, I wish for your heart to heal so that you may find happiness and peace within. Perhaps he had a difficult time showing it, but please believe me when I say he truly did love you.'

She doesn't want to overstep her boundaries, though; it's not her place really to say things like that, despite her beliefs. One day, Noctis will understand why things happened the way they did, why they still are. But that is a battle that he will have to face on his own... she can only hope that her words and presence will help him come to terms and bring inner peace.

She can feel herself sucking in a quick, deep breath -- he'll be leaving Hammerhead soon. The conflicting sensations of joy and anxiety are almost overwhelming; she wants nothing more than to see him, to be at his side until the very end. She wants to watch him grow, to be there for him physically instead of just through pen and paper when he needs a shoulder to cry on. In turn, this places him directly in the line of fire, and she knows it.

Deep in her heart, as much as it makes it sink to the pit of her stomach, she knows there will be no wedding in Altissia. There won't be time for that, and she doesn't know just how exhausted he will be after she forges the covenant with the Hydrean. And with the way she feels now...

...

'Your prayers are much appreciated. We'll be leaving in a few hours -- it's nearly five thirty in the morning as I write this -- you must promise me that you, too, will remain safe. I know things are stressful now, but you have my word that when we are finally reunited, I will make it up to you in full.'

She doesn't know how she'll do that, but she's determined enough that she'll find some way. His next words take away her unease and sense of dread almost immediately; he's always been so sweet, and even now he's just doling out compliments left and right. She can feel her heart beating faster in her chest, and even a pang of excitement. There may be no wedding in Altissia... but so long as he is willing to wait, she is, too.

'You are far too kind to me, dear Noctis. I'm excited to see what you'll be wearing too, but most of all I can hardly wait to have the honor of being your wife. To start a new adventure with you and spend the rest of my days at your side is more than I deserve, and I thank the Six every day for allowing you to come into my life.'

It may be a little sappy, but it's true. She finds herself growing bolder with her words, because she's not sure how things are going to turn out... what if she doesn't get the chance to say these things again? That just won't do. She needs him to know, because tomorrow is not promised.

She has to read over the last sentence of his note over and over again for it to register, and it's then that she can feel her eyes water. She's been more emotional lately, but this is just the icing on the cake -- her tears are far from sadness, though; these are tears of pure joy. She holds the journal close and tight, so tight that her already pale knuckles are turning a brighter white, but she can't help herself.

Those four words mean so much to her, and it's enough to remind her that she may not be well, her body may be failing and the times ahead are not going to be easy, but she's not allowed to give up yet. She needs to stay alert and alive, because Noctis needs her just as much as she needs him.

Slowly, her grip on the journal loosens, and with happy tears still streaming down her cheeks, she responds, 'I love you, too. More than I could ever convey with mere words on paper. Travel safely, my soon-to-be-husband.'

She can't just leave the note like this, though. She's filled with a renewed energy, she hasn't felt this good in days. She pushes herself up and walks into her bathroom, digging around in a few drawers. She doesn't often wear makeup, but she does own some... well. Sort of. The only thing she can really find is a pale pink tube of lip gloss, but it will have to do.

Talk about sappy, she thinks as she applies a single, thin coat to her lips before traversing back across the room and to the journal, twisting the cap back onto the cosmetic product as she moves. In one swift, decisive movement, she presses her lips lightly to the paper, just under her last sentence, leaving behind a smooch mark. Waving it in the air a bit to let it dry before she closes it, she turns to look at the two dogs who...

...are no longer slumbering, but staring at her. There's a look in Umbra's eyes this morning; even though he's been busy the last few days, he seems to understand her urgency. She attaches the journal to his collar and presses a lip-gloss stained kiss against the bridge of his nose, lightly petting his cheeks. ]

Forgive me for running you ragged, Umbra. I'll make it up to you, too. [ She takes his paws in her hands and lightly rubs them for a moment, smiling as the canine leans to lick her cheek messily before he leaps away from her and takes off at a full run through the door and out into the garden.

When Gentiana appears in her doorway, she turns to face her before she can even say anything. ]

...Forgive me, but I've a favor to ask of you. May we wait until tonight to leave? [ She wants to wait and see if Umbra returns with a note or not -- even if he doesn't, she's not about to leave him behind, either. The other woman simply smiles and nods once, understandingly and knowingly. ]

Edited ((it's a fucking bean noct)) 2017-02-22 07:56 (UTC)

[ also available in original recipe if you're not down with genderswap ]

[ It felt like it had been forever since they last spoke on the phone. Sure, it was only a week or so, but it was an agonisingly long time when that was the only time spent listening to your girlfriend's voice. Between busy schedules and time zone differences though, there wasn't much either of them could do about it.

Haruhi lets out a sleepy yawn as she answers the phone; what was Ryoko's break between afternoon classes meant Haruhi was awake far earlier than she'd care to admit, but it was what worked out best for them both. ]

...Mornin', Ryoko.

[ It took a lot of getting used to, a lot of coordinating and the promise of something resembling free time. Classes were tough, and the amount of homework that she took on made things that much harder. The worst always came when she let her mind wander as she was working, and she thought more and more about how much she missed home, and missed her friends, and well... naturally, missed Haruhi.

This was the best time that worked, and unfortunately, it did mean that she was getting a fairly groggy Haruhi on the phone. Still, just hearing her voice made her feel better. It wasn't a full cure, but it helped. ]

Good morning. Did you sleep well last night?