week 6; secrets

[elemancy]

[there's really no bells or whistles to this one—noctis is completely shaken by the morning's events. all three deaths have gotten under his skin for different reasons—

and while there are people he knows he can go to that would probably commiserate in the same way, it's not the first place he goes. instead, it's to barnham's door he finds himself, knocking listlessly at it.]

Comments

[elemancy]

[it definitely helps to have that support. even though barnham has been through a lot and suffered—even if noct knows that it's a bit selfish and unfair to share his burdens in that way—he still appreciates having it.

barnham is reliable; he's strong and principled, and because of that, noct's trust in him is surprisingly unwavering. maybe he shouldn't place so much trust in someone he's only known a few weeks—but he feels like he's making the right choice here.

he nods in response to barnham's words as a result, even if he doesn't look up yet. he's still processing it all, getting a hold of his feelings, and doing his best to trying and not give barnham any reason to worry excessively. but the support helps, and after a couple of minutes, he'll speak up again.]

Guess... it wasn't fair to ask you to be my shield before you even knew why.

[but!] Just... trust me for now. That... may seem obvious about what happened today, it might not be that. And... if I stick up for someone, there's a reason for it.

[mostly, he's anticipating the wrong people being implicated here, and he hopes that barnham can truly trust in his judgment on this matter.]

I'll... talk to the others later, and see how much more we can say. [really, he wants to bring barnham into the fray, because his input could be valuable, but he can't make that promise until the others agree to it, so he doesn't suggest it quite yet.]

[moraled]

[It may not have been fair, but Barnham felt strongly about it then, and he feels strongly about it now. If Noct is going to ask him to trust him now, well... it's too late for him to do anything but that, isn't it? He snorts softly, shaking his head.]

I intend to.

[To trust Noct, to believe in what he says and why... well. It's difficult, because--]

My duty as Inquisitor is to find the truth. But... I do trust you. If you wish to defend someone, I shall assume you have a good reason.

[...]

That much, I can promise you.

[elemancy]

I might not always be right. But... I'll use what I know, the best I can.

[he doesn't want to steer barnham wrong, after all. but he knows that there are suspicions that will point to people he truly believes in.

but of course, believing in people doesn't mean they're innocent. so he's just being up front about the possibility is all he can really do right now.]

[moraled]

I believe in that.

[He can believe in Noct, after all. If there's nothing else he's certain of, it's that Noct believes in what's right and won't allow for the wrong...whenever he can.

Whatever they can do, anyway.

The situation is trying to destroy them--

but he still believes in Noct.]

... Thank you for confiding in me, Young Noctis.

[elemancy]

[he knows he could, and maybe should reply by way of thanking barnham in return for trusting him...

even despite the fact that he's in a position where he may really have to do dirty work even still if it means helping what few of them remain.]

You know—

[instead, he decides to shift things slightly, something lighter—but also intended to solidify that trust.]

You don't have to be that formal with me.

[moraled]

[... Hm.]

Oh?

[FORMAL IS A WAY OF LIFE, NOCT]

What would you prefer I call you, then?

[elemancy]

[but they're friends! he doesn't need to be so formal all the time.]

Just Noctis. Or... Noct, if you want.

[moraled]

[Well... it goes against his general formality, but...]

...Very well then. If that is what you would prefer--then I shall call you Noct.

[He's working on it.]

[elemancy]

[to that, he smiles a bit—it's definitely new hearing that from barnham, but it honestly makes him feel much more comfortable, as well.]

Sounds a lot better. I'm not too into all that formality between friends.

[of course, sometimes his friends do refer to him formally, but more often than not, it's just "noct," and that's how he prefers it.]

[moraled]

[He quirks an eyebrow at Noct in return for that.]

You know the reverse is true as well.

[You don't always have to call him by his last name...]

I do not mind if you choose to continue calling me by my last name, as it is goes with my title--but you do not have to.

[elemancy]

I don't have to. Just figured you preferred it that way.

[though...]

Might have to shorten it a little. "Zacharias" is kind of a mouthful. [just like he literally never calls gladio by his full name.]

[moraled]

Do with it what you will. It certainly would not be the first time it has been shortened, and it does not bother me.

[Everyone always is so formal with him but he doesn't really mind either way either??? Weird how that works.]

[elemancy]

...Zach's got a pretty good ring to it, I think.

[even if it definitely feels a bit strange to give barnham, of all people, a nickname. he's always been so formal, but....

well, it's got charm, right?]

[moraled]

You would not be the first to settle upon that, either.

[There's a fond expression on his face at that, thinking of Rouge and her tavern full of misfits. They're good people despite how they act and their appearances, and honestly, from them it's an honor to be granted a nickname.

From Noct, it's different, but not in a bad way--it still feels right to settle on this.]

Should you feel comfortable with it, I am not opposed.

[elemancy]

[well, the way barnham reacts to that—with fondness in his expression—it definitely gives off the notion that it's a good call.]

Zach it is, then. [truly lazy royalty, too lazy for long ass names.]

Muuuuch better. [so much less stuffy, too. even if noct had never bothered with formalities like "mister."]

[moraled]

[He snorts softly, amused as well.]

You did not have to wait so long, if it was truly something that bothered you.

[Six weeks isn't a long time but...on the other hand, it also feels like a long time.]

[elemancy]

There... really wasn't much time to think about it before.

[he's been kind of busy with all this stupid murdergame shit?] Guess it's like... Now that it came up, it feels right.

[moraled]

[...yeah, fair]

I suppose you are right.

[Well, either way--]

I believe we've come to a consensus, at least, on all matters.

[This...and what they talked about previously.]

[elemancy]

[to that, noct nods his head.]

Yeah. I think... that probably covers everything for now. [he said the things he wanted to say, after all. he accomplished what he set out to do, as well—there's still a lot they have to face...

but noct definitely feels better having barnham on his side this way.]