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

[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.]