[he nods, and for a moment, noct just closes his eyes. he's still not sure how to say it—

even with all of his conviction, this is still unfamiliar territory he's treading.]

Yeah. Guess it might sound kind of stupid, though.

[okay, so maybe that stupid, shy kid hasn't faded completely.]

I, um. [he'll spit it out. but he definitely needs a minute—he's never done this and his nerves are definitely starting to flit to the surface, if just a little.

but after that pause, noctis opens his eyes, drawing in a breath. even if it's embarrassing beyond belief, he should say it.

that's what he's decided.]

I admire you. A lot. [which isn't surprising.] You never let anything stop you, and you fight for your beliefs, wherever you are. It's... I get why other people would admire you.

[but there's really nothing strange about that.] I didn't expect it—that your comfort would help so much. Nobody else had done that for me... or with me, before.

[there is a point he's getting to, slowly. but he's still not fully sure how to approach her, and he kind of wants to see how milla responds before he decides whether or not he should abort this, regrets or not.]