"Alright Iggy here's the two water pills." Noctis says handing Ignis the pills he has to take. The long list of medicine was enough to make Ignis gag and cringe for having to swallow those down were and always will be the worst part of his day.
"I swear the second my bones are healed and this liquid leaves my lungs I'm not going to go back outside for the world is apparently trying to kill me." Ignis grumbles as he takes the blue sports drink from Noctis who was offering it to him. "Aww dude don't joke like that, you just get sick faster than us." Prompto says looking up from phone.
"Which isn't a good thing." Gladiolus says "You gotta take better care of yourself." He lectures causing Ignis to nod "I understand." Ignis mumbles looking down at the pills on his palm. Taking a deep breath Ignis pops them all into his mouth and swallows them all down with the drink only to end up coughing after choking on a pill.
"That wasn't smart." Noctis comments.
"Smart no, efficient yes." Ignis says drinking more of the sports drink.
"Hey you didn't react to your ribs, I guess that means they are healing fast." Prompto pipes happily causing Ignis to nod as he rubs at his chest "I supposed you're right." He smiles "That's good and just in time too for the treatment is tomorrow."
"Whoa it's been three weeks already!? Man time flies." Prompto says laughing a bit with a shake of his head.
"Easy for you to say, you aren't the one in bed." Gladiolus days looking at the gunmen earning a eye roll from him. "So what time do you go?" Noctis asks leaning close to Ignis as if learning the time of the appointment was a secret.
"Its at twelve in the afternoon." Ignis says carefully stretching. "So what is it, like a surgery?"
"I don't think so. I hadn't had the chance to research it thoroughly." Ignis explains. The look on his face tells the others that Ignis is nervous and not ready for this. That he regrets not looking into this treatment which gets Gladiolus to stand up and pull his phone out of his back pocket "Gimme a second..." he mumbles as he taps at his screen.
Noctis and Prompto, both impatient hops to their feet and runs over to Gladiolus' side looking at his phone. One of the boys was about to ask what he was looking at when a clip of the procedure plays causing them both to look away mortified. Cringing, Noctis looks away shaking his head "Ah I can't even look at that!" He practically cries closing his eyes and waves his hand.
"Yee-OUCH! That looked painful!" Prompto cries dramatically.
"What, what is it?" Ignis asks hoping he sounded much more curious than scared. "Its nothing, the princess are just overreacting." Gladiolus says shaking his head.
"Well what is it that they saw?" Ignis asks.
"They saw a clip on how the fluid is removed." Gladiolus says. He glances up at Ignis before continuing "Tomorrow when you get in there the doctor is gonna give you something to numb ya up, then he's gonna stick a needle right here." Gladiolus explains touching Ignis' back and taps the space behind his ribs "From there they'll pull all the fluid out. It may take up to fifteen minutes though."
"Oh..." Ignis mumbles softly looking away as he visibly pales at the thought of the treatment, not to mention it was making him feel timid. He hates needles, boarder line afraid of them, just the thought of one penetrating his skin even if it was to his benefit was making him cringe.
And the others know this. "Look you're gonna be all numbed up, you won't feel a thing." Gladiolus explains gently "But, I'll further into it. The needle can't be the only way." Gladiolus says as he opens a new tab.
Noctis looks at Ignis who has his head in his hands clearly thinking about the day ahead.
"Are you able to eat anything before the treatment?" Noctis asks curiously.
Ignis sighs as he shakes his head "My doctor told me to hold off on eating eight hours before. So no dinner for me." Ignis says chuckling a bit.
"Well, we'll just get you something super tasty when we leave afterwards, anywhere you wanna go we'll go." Noctis says nodding earning a small laugh from Ignis.
"Anywhere you say." Ignis repeats before bowing his head "That's rather kind of you." He adds flashing a smile.
"And all it took was for Ignis to get stuck in the back." Gladiolus teases.
"Shame." Prompto adds shaking his head.
"No I didn't mean it like-nngh..."
"Yeah, suuure you didn't." Laughs Prompto before turning to face the others "So we still got plenty of time to kill before we gotta start getting for tomorrow. How about we go do something?" He suggests.
"Like what? We can't exactly do a hunt or a quest just yet with Ignis still recovering." Gladiolus says reminding the photog.
"Yeah I know that. And I wasn't suggesting that, I was thinking something like just getting out and maybe go Chocobo back riding or fishing. Just something to get Iggy outdoors since he's been cooped up in here." Prompto explains.
"Yeah that does sound like a good idea, not so much the Chocobo thing though don't think riding those things will be good for him." Gladiolus says crossing his arms.
"Well maybe we can go for a drive and just get some snacks and listen to the radio." Noctis suggests "I'll drive." He adds "And we can always just turn right around if you become uncomfortable." Noctis suggests looking at Ignis.
Ignis nods "Rest assured, if I grow uncomfortable I'll tell you all. But I do believe I'll be okay for this outing." Ignis adds with as he slow scoots to the edge of the bed.
"Lemme get you your shoes." Noctis says as he goes to the door.
"Ooor, Ignis can ride without shoes. We're not getting out or anything. And riding in the car with no shoes is like the best thing ever." Prompto pipes happily.
"It is?" Ignis inquires curiously for he couldn't recall if he ever done that or if he did he must've done it once and had to have been really little for he couldn't remember it all.
"Yeah! The feeling is like you're getting away with something." Prompto explains "My mom and dad and I would always go get ice late at night and just drive around the Crown City listening to the radio and I would never wear shoes." Prompto says sounding nostalgic "It was always more fun to do around Christmas time because we'd listen to the Christmas music and look at all the decorated houses." He adds smiling as he wipes at his eyes hating that tears started to blind him.
"Well. I trust your word, I'll leave them behind this go around." Ignis says as he stands up, his hips pop as he begins to step forward earning him looks of concern from his friends.
"You all right there grandpa?" Noctis teases.
"Just a bit stiff is all." Ignis says nodding "I'll be fine." He says as he shuffles towards the door.
"Hehe, we'll buy you a walker." Gladiolus jokes as he opens the door allowing Prompto and Ignis outside "Trying to put me out to pasture so soon? I'm hurt. And all over a few broken ribs...hate to see what you do to me if I were to get seriously ill." He jokes as he makes his way to the Regalia.
The paved road felt strangely foreign under his sock clad feet. And simply standing there in his pajamas where he is about to get in the the and set off on some adventure almost made him feel like he was about commit some crime and get away with it. It reminded him of the times where he and Noctis would sneak off into the kitchen before dinner or late at night and sneak a cookie or two without getting caught.
Smiling at the memories Ignis makes his way around to the passenger side of the car only to frown when his eyes land on the off gray shapeless stain which now is permanently decorating the Regalia's floor. He knows that it's his fault that the regal car no longer looks flawless on the inside. If only he didn't have this persistent cough which would get so violent at times that it would leave him gasping for air, pain rippling in his chest, and feeling incredibly nauseous.
"It was pretty ease to clean up."
It was Prompto.
"Though, I wish I would've caught Gladio's face in a picture." Prompto smiles "He kept gagging." The blonde laughs only to yelp seconds later as Gladiolus passes by having hit him "We bought you some sick bags just in case." Gladiolus says as he points to the glove compartment.
"Thank you. Hopefully I won't need them." Ignis says with a small laugh "Yeah, well if you need them they're there for you." Gladiolus says as he gets ready to climb into the driver's seat only to be stopped by Prompto. "Hey would it be cool if I drive?" He asks. This question causes Gladiolus to look at Ignis who simply nods as he gets in the Regalia sitting behind Prompto.
"I say we give him a go. It can't hurt to let have a turn just this once." Ignis says as Noctis sits beside him.
"You sure you can handle this, we'll be out and in here for awhile. You think that you'll be okay sitting that long with your ribs and all?" The King asks looking over to his advisor.
"I should be alright. Besides my chest feels much better...it hasn't hurt much as of late." Ignis admits with a small stretch.
"That's good."
"I believe so." Ignis says as he settles down into the seat.
"So where are we headed?" Gladiolus asks as he looks over to Prompto "Uh well, I was kinda thinking that we just kinda go, ya'know. No real destination just going with the flow." Prompto admits.
"Well if that's the plan then go at it. But I'm choosing the tunes we listen too." Gladiolus says as he pulls his phone out of his pocket and connects it to the aux cord, as the gunmen pulls onto the road.
"Please don't play your playlist!" Noctis whines "What's wrong with my music?" questions Gladiolus as he looks towards the backseat. "Its just that your music is all boring, we want to have fun while on the road not asleep."
"What!? My music stimulates the brain not to mention it sets the mood when I read." Gladiolus says defensively "But its grandpa music." Whines Noctis.
"It's called Classical. Ever heard of Beethoven?" Grills Gladiolus.
"Like the dog?" Pipes Prompto.
"Like the- what no not like the dog! Like the composer!" Gladiolus shakes his head "You two wouldn't understand anyway, you two aren't mature enough to understand my taste in music. Iggy understands, don't you Iggy?"
"Well. I do agree that music of that genre is beneficial I must admit its not my favorite type. I prefer songs that remind me of you all and us, but I do enjoy alternative rock." Ignis says with a small smile.
"Huh, never took you for the type to like that genre. My favorite is EDM." Prompto says he continues down the road "What about you Noct?" Prompto asks causing the King to shrug "Eh, not really interested in music. Though my phone does have a bunch of videogame music."
Gladiolus rolls his eyes "Well I'm sure we can all agree that the radio is probably the best option for us." He says as he unplugs his phone and turns on the regular radio, though it was currently playing commercials.
As the radio continues to play commercials other three brothers settle into their own activities, Noctis opens up King's Knight and begins to play the game, Gladiolus was deep in his book, and Ignis was knitting trying to complete the unknown object he was creating.
The Regalia pulls up into a gas station and the car is shut off "Alrighty break time!" Prompto cheers out as he climbs out of the car "Okay so what snacks would you guys want?" Prompto asks "I'll get mine" Gladiolus says as he folds the corner of his page before closing the book and climbs out "Gotta use take a leak anyway." He adds as he closes the door and stretches a bit.
"Oh okay." Prompto says smiling turning his attention to Ignis how about you Iggy?"
Ignis looks away blushing some "To be completely honest, I need to use the restroom too." Ignis admits looking shy "But I don't have my shoes."
"Actually, I think your slippers are in the trunk." Noctis says as he doesn't take his eyes off his phone "Gladdy, get em for him will ya?"
"Sure thing your Laziness." Gladiolus grumbles as he moves to the back of the Regalia and pops the trunk where he finds Ignis' mint green slippers. "Here you go Iggy." Gladiolus as Prompto closes the trunk.
"Thank you." Ignis says as he shuffles into the soft house shoes before climbing out of the car "I wonder if they have any ice cream." Ignis comments as he adjusts his shirt and follows the others in to the store.
As both Gladiolus and Ignis go to the bathroom, Prompto and Noctis browse the selection of snacks "Aw man, they got corn nuts...but they don't got the flavor Ignis likes." Noctis huffs "You think he'll the spicy one?" The prince asks his friend "I think he'd like it, he does enjoy new things." Prompto says as he picks up a bag of beef jerky "Hmmm... speaking of which, you think Gladio would like this one its barbeque flavor...eh I'll just grab it...maybe two." Prompto says as he grabs the bags.
"Ignis said he wanted ice cream too right?" Noctis says as he heads to the freezer under the window "I don't see the one he likes...oh there it is." Noctis says as he opens the freezer and pulls out a small carton of mango ice cream. "Lets see, what else can I get him...?" The king adds as he prowls the shelves.
As he does this Gladiolus exits the bathroom and makes his way to the refrigerators and grabs out a bottle of water "Hey what's keeping Specs?" Noctis asks as he pulls grabs a drink for himself and Ignis "There was only one available stall. He let me go first, so he's going now." Gladiolus says as he grabs a bag of mini donuts.
"Oh, let's grab some more snacks and then head to the car. Iggy can meet us there." Noctis says with a nod.
With their snacks in tote the three friends pay for their food and head to the Regalia where Prompto pays for gas to refuel the regal car. As they waited for the tank to fill up, Ignis rejoins them looking a bit grossed out "You okay Iggy?" Prompto teases causing a visible shudder to go the older male "Lets just say I'd rather use a bush than another petrol station restroom." He says as he climbs back into the car "Well at least the front was clean." Noctis says with a smirk.
"Yes, I supposed...only if the back matched." Ignis teases as the king hands him hand sanitizer.
Once they were all back in the car and on the road once more enjoying the snacks as the ride. The radio was blasting and the friends were chatting enjoying one anothers company.
Ignis opens his mouth to say something only to end up coughing causing him to cuss mentally 'I thought this was over with. Perhaps its the excitement of this outting?'
"Take a deep breath Iggy." Gladiolus says looking back at him as Noctis begins to pat him roughly on the back.
"You okay?" Noctis asks as he looks Ignis over once the other stops coughing "I'm okay." The tactician says clearing his throat before taking a sip of his sports drink.
Noctis nods "If you say so."
The radio returns to playing music however the song that played was only that got Prompto to turn up the volume "Aw man this song is like the best song ever." He says smiling.
"Braver isn't that great of a song." Gladiolus says as he turns the page of his book.
"That book isn't that great." Jokes Prompto causing Gladiolus to shake his head laughing a bit "Says the guy who doesn't read."
"Hey I read, but the book has to either be scary stories or fantasy."
Gladiolus rolls his eyes once more as a new starts this time that gets the brothers to look up from they were doing "Hey, this is the song that played when we were pushing the Regalia to Hammerhead." Prompto says his eyes lighting up.
"Indeed it was."
The boys listen quietly to the song before Prompto begins to sing along drumming his fingers over the steering wheel "No I won't be afraid, just as long as stand...stand by me."
Gladiolus looks over at him this prompts Noctis to jump in "So darlin', darlin', stand by me, oh stand by me. Oh stand by me, stand by me." The prince adds smiling causing Prompto to grin.
"Come on Specs join in."
"I don't know..."
"Come on Iggy."
Ignis closes his eyes before a small smile forms on his lips, taking a deep breath he adds "I won't cry, I won't cry, no I won't shed a tear. Just as long as you stand, stand by me."
"Okay, big guy your turn!"
"No...I rather not."
"Come on, we all did it now you gotta do it too!" Noctis pushes.
"Gladdy! Gladdy! Gladdy!" Chants Prompto with Noctis soon joing in.
"Humor them." Ignis says with a nod
Gladiolus sighs before giving in to the younger boys demands "Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me, oh now now stand by me."
"Whoa, look at this guy!" Prompto jokes.
"What a show off." Noctis says lightly boxing Gladiolus' in the shoulder.
"You didn't tell us you could sing." Prompto whines.
"You didn't know but Ignis and Noct did. You just didn't ask." Gladiolus with a smirk.
"As it were Gladio, Noct, and I had all attended a boys choir as children." Ignis says sounding proud.
"I hated it." Noctis grumbles.
"It was okay." Gladiolus chimes in.
Prompto laughs "I understand Iggy, I can kinda picture Noct...but Gladio! Not all!" The blonde continues to laugh even after being hit on the head by Gladiolus' with his book.
It was eight in the morning when Noctis finds himself waking up to his phone vibrating softly on the nightstand next to his bed. He sighs softly before it morphs into a big nearly silent yawn as he rubs at his eye as he sits up and stretches a bit. He looks over at his brother where he sees that Ignis is still fast asleep, which the King half expected. Yesterday despite being fun must've been exhausting for Ignis.
As he drags himself out of the bed Noctis had to remind himself that Ignis couldn't couldn't eat or drink before his treatment which meant the brothers will get to see a very rare type of Ignis.
With a loud yawn Noctis stands and slowly makes his way to the bathroom where he begins to run a bath for his brother. As he waits for the bath to run warm he heads back to the main room and moves towards the side of the bed where Ignis was starting to wake up.
"Noct? What time is it?" Ignis asks his voice heavy with sleep "Its eight." The king says grabbing up the duffel bag and sets it on the bed. "You're up this early?" Ignis questions as he sits up fully "I couldn't sleep...I kept thinking about today...I was freaking out and frankly I can't wait for today to be over." Noctis explains.
"You and I both." Ignis says tiredly as he drags the bag onto his lap his eyelids slip close as a yawn escapes him.
"I do apologize..." Ignis mumbles tiredly as he dives his hand into the bag and begins to pull out a change of clothes along with his favorite body wash.
"Don't sweat it. You haven't had coffee to jumpstart you."
Ignis sighs "Ah yes...it's a bit weird not having my morning brew to start off my day." Ignis chuckles a bit "Even when we were out camping I had my cuppa." Ignis explains.
"Well its not forever, just for today." Noctis says smiling as he gently claps his hand against Ignis' back "You're bath oughta be ready now, go ahead and wash up." Noctis says nodding towards the bathroom.
"Right." Ignis says as he stands up, he must've gotten up to fast for a begins to cough. Unlike the previous times these coughs were short and fairly painless but still irked him as much as they worried Noctis.
Ignis continues to cough as he makes his way over to the bathroom with a arm snaked around his belly. He enters the bathroom stumbling towards the sink as he coughs violently into the sink's bowl. The fit lasts for a few seconds longer before Ignis is able to breath normal once more.
Ignis, shaking uncontrollably turns on the faucet and cups his trembling hands under the tap waiting for the water to pool just enough allowing him to drink a bit. Ignis carefully lifts his hands to his lips and greedily drinks down the water which soothes his raw throat.
Ignis takes several more handfuls of water before turning of the faucet and moving towards the tub where he shuts off the water and begins to strip down to his birthday suit before climbing into the bathtub.
As Ignis bathes, Noctis was waking up Gladiolus and Prompto. The King picks up his duffel bag and dives into it pulling out his King's Knight shirt "Guys c'mon get up we gotta start heading soon if we wanna reach the hospital on time." He says pulling off his shirt and throws it at his Shield.
Gladiolus grunts with a snort as he lifts his head blinking a bit as he glares blindly at Noctis "The heck!?" He growls as he sits up.
"What do you mean the heck, we gotta move." Noctis says as he tugs on his pants that he fished out "You even set the alarm." The king adds.
"Yeah, I set the alarm for nine." The Shield grumbles as he runs his hands over his face with a noisy yawn.
Noctis looks at the clock before looking at Gladiolus "Eight, nine. Its just an hours difference." The King says as he reaches into his bag once more earning him an eye roll from the oldest.
" 'Just an hours difference'...funny coming from the guy who we couldn't pay to wake up early. Better yet coming from the guy who'd out sleep the dead." Gladiolus complains as he moves to the dining table where his own bag sat.
"Hehe, well what can I say?" Noctis says as he walks over to Prompto and playfully thumps his shoulder "Wakey wakey Prompto." He says moving towards the bathroom door "Iggy you okay?" He asks with a knock to the door.
"I'm alright, just a moment more then I'll be out." Ignis calls from behind the door as he drains the tub.
Noctis nods as he moves towards to Prompto shaking him awake "Prompto come on." He grumbles feeling annoyed. But the blonde only snuggles deeper into the blankets "Give me a few more minuets."
"What? No, come on get up already." Noctis growls as he tears the blankets off the blonde causing him squeal out in surprise "N-Noct! It's coooold!" Cries Prompto as he flails his arms searching for something to cover up with.
"If you get up and move around you'll warm up." Gladiolus says as he pulls on a green muscle shirt.
"Easy for you to say big guy, you're always moving and doing stuff." Whines Prompto as he sits up as a heavy sigh leaves him "Where's Iggy?" He asks looking around realizing he didn't see the second oldest.
"I'm here." Ignis calls as he steps out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist "How you feeling?" Noctis asks his eyes tracking the other as he makes his way to his side of the shared bed were his bag rested "I'm alright...the bath did me some good." Ignis says flashing him a smile as he pulls out a pair of black briefs "Might have even eased my nerves a bit too." Ignis adds.
"That's good. Just remember this ain't nothing to be afraid of." Gladiolus says nodding.
"Right."
Ignis didn't really sound confident. He knows that Gladiolus is trying to put him at ease but at the same time Ignis wished that the larger man understood that just hearing that was making him anxious for he knows that treatment deals with needles and that part was making him nervous.
"Yeah Iggy, it'll be over in a flash." Prompto adds as he begins to tie his boots having finished dressing.
Ignis nods quietly as pulls on a pair of grey slacks with his suspenders attached.
'I hope so.'
Once the King and his men finished their preparations they headed out of the motel with Ignis locking the door to their motel room "Man, is it me or does it kinda feel like this place is our home?" Prompto asks as Ignis climbs into the drivers seat having insisted that he takes up the wheel once more.
"It does feel a bit like that." Ignis says as he starts the Regalia and pulls out of the parking space and onto the road.
"Guess you can say that."
"Its cause we basically spent a month in the same one room."
"Apologies."
"What, no I didn't mean it like that."
Ignis shakes his head as pulls onto a new road "Its quite alright. I know full well I'm the one responsible for our delay. I need to be better aware of my health and take caution of my surroundings and its enemies."
Gladiolus sighs "Still. I didn't mean it like that Iggy. I know that you been under the weather and I just want you to know...sorry."
Ignis knows better than to debate so he looks up into the rearview mirror and smiles kindly "Its quite all right, I forgive you."
The brothers arrive at the hospital around eleven. They park the regal car and shut her off but neither of them makes a move to get out and make their way inside.
Instead they all sit quietly with Ignis who was trying to get his nerves under control. He was sitting with head on his hands as he grips the steering wheel "I can do this." He says softly.
"Ignis?" Prompto squeaks.
"I can do it." Ignis repeats trying to get himself up and ready for this for there was no turning back now at this point. Ignis lifts his head and sighs before nodding, he opens the door and climbs out with the others following after him.
"Best get this over with. For I do miss going on hunts and camping with you three." Ignis says not taking his eyes off of the path ahead of him.
"That's our Iggy."
"We'll be right behind you!"
"All the way."
The four of them step into the hospital and disperse, with Noctis and Ignis heading for the front desk as Gladiolus and Prompto go sit down. Ignis is greeted by the receptionist as he signs the patient sign in sheet "Hello there sweetie, what can I help you with?"
Ignis gives a small smile before looking up "I'm here for the thoracentesis, with Dr. Trager." Ignis explains. He could feel the tremble in his chest he just hopes it didn't slip into his voice and if it did he hopes no one heard it.
The lady at the front desk hits a few buttons before glancing up at Ignis "And you're name?"
"Ignis Scientia."
A few more mash like taps to the keyboard before she nods "You're early, but Dr. Trager will see you soon. I'll page him to let him know you have arrived."
Ignis nods as he turns on his heels and heads for the chairs where the other two are sitting. "Did I sound nervous?" Ignis asks his king who fell in step with him "A little...but hospitals will do that to you." Noctis says as he lays a hand on Ignis' back.
"I suppose you're right." Ignis says as he sits down in a chair next to Prompto. Burying his head in his hands Ignis closes his eyes trying to steady his nerves that at this point were fried. He was nervous and scared but he didn't want to admit it to his brothers for he didn't want them to worry or fret over him.
"Iggy?"
Ignis lifts his head to the sound of Prompto's voice looking in the direction of the youngest "Yes?" he asks softly "You okay?" The blonde asks "I'm fine...just-...I have a lot on my mind-" he says before falling into a short coughing fit. Ignis gasps leaving him to let out short hacking coughs causing Prompto to pat Ignis on the back "Try to breathe Iggy."
Ignis takes in a deep yet slow breath as he tries to calm the coughs. "I hope that this, what we're going in for, will help you breathe better. I hate that we had to have you suffer so long...you don't deserve this." Noctis says looking to Ignis. Who gives him a sympathetic smile "Well, I'm just glad it's me dealing with this and not you. I'd for you to endure what I'm about to, especially with the knowledge of your injury." Ignis says clearing his throat.
"Yeah, but..." Noctis looks at Ignis sadly "But I don't want you suffering this. Especially when I know that you are scared of needles."
Ignis doesn't say anything.
"How about we all look at it like this." Gladiolud starts "We're here to support Ignis and get his lungs cleared. He'll be in and out just like that." Gladiolus says snapping his fingers.
"Then we can grab some food." Prompto pipes happily "I heard there is a spot close by that has awesome ramen."
"Is it Cup Noodle style?"
"No. Its like a ramen shop. So like ramen ramen."
"If it ain't Cup Noodles I ain't eating it."
"What!? Dude doesn't that just taste like every other ramen cup!?"
Gladiols laughs shaking his head "Clearly you haven't eaten enough cup noodles to tell that Cup Noodles is the superior ramen."
"Uh-huh."
Noctis and Ignis simply listen to the two bicker back and forth though Ignis wished they wouldn't talk about food. Despite his nerves he could feel his stomach growling.
"Don't worry after this we'll get something good." Noctis says with a smile having heard Ignis' stomach.
"I could go for anything really. Even the Crow's Nest sounds appetizing." Ignis says already thinking the Kenny Special.
Noctis simply shakes his head smiling as he sees a nurse approach "Ignis." he calls as he looks at his clipboard and then around the near empty waiting room.
Ignis looks uneasy as he stands up with a weary glance at his friends "Well, I guess we ought to get this ball rolling." He says as he approaches the doctor.
"You're here to see Dr. Trager?" The nurse asks causing Ignis to nod "I am." The advisor says as he begins to toy with his necklace. "So, this Dr. Trager...he'll be able to get Ignis all better right?" Noctis asks as he walks up to Ignis' side.
"I believe so." The nurse says as he starts to walk away. "Noct-" Ignis starts to say but the king narrows his eyes defiantly "Nope. I'm going with you back there. I'm not letting you go through this by yourself." Noctis says. Ignis simply gives him a small smile as he nods before walking away towards the nurse.
The nurse leads the boys to an vacant room. "Dr. Trager will be in shortly." He explains as he exits the room closing the door behind him. Leaving the two alone in silence as they wait for the doctor.
Noctis looks at Ignis who was sitting quietly on the examination table with his head down "What are you thinking about?" Noctis asks softly. "I just...I just can't seem to settle my mind on what's to come. I know I need to do this but part of me wants to not do this, I know it's my nerves playing a huge part in thinking that but...I'm just-" Noctis looks at his brother's explanation and hearing just how scared he sounds makes Noctis sad. He holds two fingers up to Ignis getting him to look at the gesture before smiling weakly and wraps his own pointer and middle finger around Noctis' own, one of the many gestures that both boys had done to show comfort to one another.
"I'm here. I won't let you do this alone."
"I know...I know Noct."
There is a knock on the door before it clicks open revealing Dr. Trager, a tall lanky old man with silver hair styled in a combover "Hello, it's good to see you again Ignis, you look like you're doing well." Dr. Trager says as he shakes hands with Ignis before turning his attention to Noctis "And who is this?" he asks looking over to the dark king. "That's my little brother." Ignis says with a half smile making the elderly man nod as he extends a hand to the young king.
"Ah hello, Dr. Trager."
"Noct. Nice to meet you."
"Likewise."
"Well we have you scheduled for the thoracentesis correct." Dr. Trager explains rhetorically as he flips through the folder he has "Well, we'll need to do a few tests first."
"Tests?" Ignis and Noctis say simultaneously before looking at each other "What kind of tests?" Noctis asks beating Ignis to the question for the other begins to cough.
"Just a few scans and a ultrasound."
"Is that the Thora-whatever?" Noctis asks.
"No, those will give me an idea of what I'm working I'm with." Dr. Trager explains and with that he claps his hands "Well, shall we get started?"
"I suppose."
Ignis sighs as he gets up to his feet and follows after the doctor with Noctis at his side. They are lead to the part of the hospital where the patients are prepped for surgery. Rows upon rows of beds separated by off pink curtains, the smell of too clean that it's almost chemical, along with the occasional cough and continuous beep of machines it was all to unsettling for Ignis.
"All right we'll have you boys in here for the time being. We'll need you to change into this, we can't have any metal on you along with any jewelry. Could mess with pictures we take of your lungs." Dr. Trager says as he reaches into a metal closet that was in their little space and pulls out a lime green hospital gown along with a baggy "You can stick all your belongings in here. There's a bathroom right over there pass the nurses desk... we'll be right here waiting for you." The doctor says passing off the change of clothes and a bag to Ignis. Ignis nods as he makes his way to the unisex bathroom "I hope that this doesn't last all day. I want to just get in and out, I pray we can go home after after. Home, we stayed at that motel for so long I'm already thinking of it as home. Though it's a nice thought. Not to mention it was comforting to wake up in a consistent and familiar place that didn't warrant us to be on alert as we rested...well for me to be on alert."
Locking the door, Ignis stands in front of the mirror as begins to unbutton his purple coeurl print shirt. He shrugs the shirt off and buttons it back up before folding and sticking it in the bag which sat on the sink. He unties his shoes and slips them off leaving his socks on he goes for his belt only to hesitate with pulling at the end part. Ignis looks over to the door and then back down to his belt.
Was he that much in a hurry to get to the procedure?
Not really.
So why was he rushing?
Part of him wanted to get it over with but his other half was wanting nothing to with it. If he was being honest he wanted to crawl under a rock and hide or better yet skip this part. He couldn't help but think about Prompto as he wishes for this to be like a video game or a video ad that allows him to skip to the main game or video though to be usually some cut-scenes and ads are entertaining.
Does he truly need this treatment?
Nah he's o-
Ignis begins to cough. He can't help but feel like the others outside of the bathroom could hear him making him reluctantly remove his belt adding it to the bag. Grabbing the lip of his pants Ignis frowns he was never comfortable about undressing in public despite the only times he's done that was when he would go shopping for clothes or taking off wet clothes with Gladiolus and the others to let their clothes dry.
With a huff of annoyance Ignis shimmies out of his pants.
Back in the main room as they waited for Ignis to return the doctor had begun discussing the steps of which Ignis will undergo.
In all honesty the whole conversation blew over the king's head. But he did his best to understand what was being discussed. "So, what I want to know is...will this cause him pain?"
"The procedure itself can be painful but I'll give him something for that."
"..."
The idea of Ignis being in pain was upsetting, heck even when they are out on the field battling against various monsters, beasts, and daemons Noctis hates seeing Ignis hurt. Now thats not to say seeing Gladiolus or Prompto hurt doesn't affect him but its the simple fact Ignis is his brother and they had vowed to keep each other safe.
With a sigh Noctis runs a hand through his hair "How long will he hurt?" He asks.
"Not for long, just a couple of days."
Wait.
Noctis opens his mouth to comment on how that was a long time but was stopped when he sees Ignis returning dressed only in the hospital gown and socks with the bag in his grasp.
"Nice outfit." Teases Noctis as he smiles at him.
"Don't expect me to wear again." Ignis grumbles softly.
"Just be happy that you don't got the part with the butt showing." Noctis says smiling.
"This is just as bad." Ignis says setting the bag containing his clothes down next to Noctis.
"Are you ready?" Dr. Trager asks as he collects the folder containing Ignis' information.
"Yes. I'm ready." Ignis says sounding reluctant. He wasn't looking forward to this treatment at all and here he was seconds from it starting. Sure he knows that they must run a few tests first but those didn't matter. Not in the least for they only lasted for a few minuets.
True they bought him some time but it was not enough time to get him comfortable with the thought of being stuck in the back with a large needle.
"We'll be starting the chest X-ray, then the chest fluoroscopy, followed by the ultrasound, and finally the CT scan." Dr. Trager explains "The whole thing could take up to two hours, so you should make a quick trip to the bathroom real fast. I don't want you to be uncomfortable during the tests." He adds.
"I had already gone after I finished changing." Ignis says softly.
"Oh okay then. Well, let's get you in for the x-rays." The doctor says as he leads the boys out of the small space and out into the twisting hall and through some double doors and then down another hall before stopping at large metal double doors "Through here is the x-ray room." The old doctor turns facing the king "If you like you can come inside, there is a shield you can stand behind." He explains as he opens the doors allowing Ignis and Noctis through.
As they step through the doors they both are greeted to a fairly large room. At the center of the room was large table that looked like it could rise up if need be. The walls lined with padding and a rack of vests varying in size, and closest to the door was a large curved wall with various computers behind it.
"Ignis?" A radiologic technologist questions as she looks to the young men.
"That's me." Ignis says stepping forward.
"Hi there. So you're here for the chest x-ray?"
"Yes. Yes I am." Ignis says softly.
"Right this way." The radiologic technologist says as she leads Ignis to the padded walls "Alright stand right there and hold still, we'll be taking four pictures today." The RT says as she moves the x-ray down and adjusts the image some until it was level with Ignis' chest. With things set she moves behind the wall gesturing for Noctis to join her from there she takes a photo.
"Alright face that wall we need to get the left image...alright hold still."
Another photo.
"Face that wall...for the right...okay, three two one."
Another photo.
"Alright now for the last one. Just face this wall, good. Okay hold still, three two one."
Another photo taken.
"Alrighty! You're all set." The RT says as she gestures for Noctis to follow her out from behind the wall "That wasn't to terrible." Noctis says with a hand on Ignis' back and smile "Agreed. Then again we have large amounts of practice of taking photos thanks to Prompto." Ignis says with a short laugh.
Noctis smiles as he and Ignis head for the door "Alright let's head down the hall and to the left is where we'll have the chest fluoroscopy taken." The RT says as she opens the door allowing the boys out of the room.
"So what's a chest fluoroscopy anyway?" Noctis asks falling into step with Ignis who begins to cough "Think of it as a live x-ray. We'll be able to see what his lungs are doing in real time." The RT explains glancing at Ignis with concern. "We'll be able to see what exactly his lungs are doing."
Noctis nods in understanding "Oh...will I be able to sit in there with him while he does that."
"I don't see why not."
The nurse opens the door to the room where they are lead to a that reminds the both of them of a dentist office, yet at the center of the room was a massive device that reminds them of a massive microscope. "Lay down on the table, and put your feet firmly against the platform at the bottom and we'll start." She says as she watches Ignis climb onto the table, once settled in the RT moves to the left side of the machine which the control panel and a large monitor stands. She turns a dial to the left which leans the table forward just enough that had Ignis laying at a tilted angle.
"Okay, now just breathe normally."
Ignis nods as he does what he is told. The RT turns on the monitor and they begin the exam.
Meanwhile, Prompto and Gladiolus were sitting quietly in the waiting room. Both were restless and anxiously awaiting their friends return.
"I hope Ignis is okay." Prompto says softly as he looks towards Gladiolus "He's gonna be alright, its gonna take a lot more that a few coughs to put him out."
"Yeah, but he was put out by being stomped on." Prompto says.
"Anyone would be...Iggy ain't made of steel. And don't forget all that coughing cracked his ribs."
"Yeah I know...but still seeing him like that...its upsetting and not normal." Prompto continues.
"That doesn't just bother you...seeing him like that hurts all of us." Gladiolus says he sips from the coffee he had gotten from the cafeteria.
"All we can do is hope that everything will be alright and they can clear his lungs."
Noctis and Ignis sit quietly in a private recovery room. The room consisting of a hospital bed stationed in the middle of the room, leather armchairs to the left, a small underneath the massive window, and a televison on the wall.
Ignis was sitting on the hospital bed with Noctis in one of the chairs "How you doing?" Noct asks causing Ignis to sigh.
"Sick to my stomach...and I know its because I'm nervous." Ignis admits and if Noctis were being honest he'd admit that Ignis did look a bit sick, his skin taking a sickly hue.
"I feel like I'm going to be sick." Ignis mumbles softly. "Just try to calm down. You'll only hurt your stomach worrying." Noctis says softly and Ignis lowers his head into his hands.
There is a knock on their door which opens revealing the doctor, Dr. Trager, who is to do the procedure on Ignis, with him he brings a tall metal tray on wheels with various tools on it. The sight of them was enough to get Ignis to feel a cold chill go through him.
"Okay, here we go. Are you ready for this?" The doctor asks making Ignis nod a bit "As ready as I'll ever be." Ignis admits softly as he looks towards the king who nods.
Dr. Trager nods as he moves to the tactician's left and picks up a IV from his tray and attaches the end to the stand with the morphine drip that had been brought in when the boys entered the room.
picks up the end with the needle "Okay on three. One, two..." the ash blonde braces for the pinch. Without saying three the doctor inserts the IV into Ignis' arm.
"That will be for any pain you should feel afterwards." He explains as he moves behind Ignis "Alright go ahead and lay down." He instructs as he picks up and prepares the syringe.
With Ignis laying down Dr. Trager picks up a large and long cotton swab and soaks it alcohol cleaning the selected spot on Ignis' back. "Okay now I'm gonna add the anesthesia to your back. It'll be just enough to numb the site." He says as he grabs another swab and dips it into a small brown bottle. "Will it be enough to make this entirely painless for Ignis?" Noctis asks.
"It will be. But I'm not going to lie, patients still mention that there is some pain but it's nothing to bad." Dr. Trager explains as he paints a small circle onto Ignis' back with the anesthesia.
Ignis frowns for he wasn't looking forward to any pain.
"Okay when I say hold still you will need to be completely motionless. Do you understand?"
Ignis nods as a weak 'Yes.' leaves him.
Ignis was shaking uncontrollably and when the doctor told him to hold still Ignis went rigid the only movement being that of his hands which were visibly violently shaking.
When the needle goes into the young advisors' back Ignis' eyes widen, his breath hitches as a whimper of pain leaves him. He can feel the needle moving, digging deeper into his back and flesh. Ignis gasps as he buries his face into the mattress as he cries out weakly in agony, he curls and squeezes his toes as he tries to lessen the pain he was feeling.
"Iggy."
Ignis shifts his head just enough to look up and see that Noctis is standing directly in front of him. The dark haired boy takes hold of Ignis' hand causing it to shake a bit less as he gently squeezes his hand. Noctis could see that Ignis' has a light sweat decorating his forehead, face is flushed, and his eyes are bloodshot and puffy. Noctis knows without a doubt that his brother is scared and he hates seeing him like this but at the same time even though he wants to rush over to the old doctor and punch him in his face for hurting Ignis. Noctis knows that this, despite being a bit painful, was going to help tremendously in the end.
"Okay we're now going to drain the fluid in your lungs."
Ignis didn't hear a word of it, he was to caught up in his thoughts and the pain that still ripples through his back despite the needle having stopped seconds ago. He can't help but think that Noctis thinks of him as an embarrassment.
Someone who can't handle a little poking and prodding.
'Gladio would've taken this like a champ.'
He told himself he was going to handle like a professional. Like someone who isn't afraid of needles or-
"You're being really brave right now Ignis. I'm proud of you." Noctis says as he gives him a small smile. Ignis wants to smile back but his back was uncomfortable and it was hurting so instead a small tear leaves his eye as a look of discomfort crosses his face.
"Okay the fluid is draining. Continue to hold still."
Ignis only sniffles as he feels another tear leave his eyes "Hang in there Iggy, it'll be over soon. You're doing great." Noctis says softly as he brushes a few strands out of Ignis' hair.
Ignis whimpers as he lets out a shuddering breath "I don't feel brave..." he sniffles as he squeezes his eyes shut and another pained moan leaves him.
"You're doing better than my previous patient. I forgot his name but he kept talking about some sport. I stuck him and he screams which turns into this creepy obnoxious laugh." Dr. Trager says as he adjusts the catheter in Ignis' back draining the remaining fluid.
"Obnoxious laugh?" Noctis repeats.
"His name was...Ti-...Tidus I think?"
"Tidus? Maybe Prompto or Lars knows him." Ignis croaks out as he squeezes his eyes shut.
"I doubt Lars." Noctis says with a laugh.
"Well, I just gotta say you're a great patient and you have a very kind and supportive brother." Dr. Trager says as he removes the syringe and catheter from Ignis' back causing the breath of the ash blonde's to stick in his throat.
"Alright, let me clean this up and I'll bring you something for your pain." Dr. Trager says as he places a bandage on the puncture before he cleans up the tools and brings a warm blanket from the closet and drapes it over Ignis.
"Alright, shall I bring anything else?" He asks as he heads for the door.
"Maybe some crackers and some water?" Noctis suggests earning a nod from the doctor as he exits.
With a sigh Noctis pulls out his phone and texts the others.
'Hey, waiting 4 the dr 2 come back'
...
'Is he done?'
...
'Yeah.'
'Hes in pain dr said hed get him medicine 4 the psin anf some snacks not sure if he csn leave yet.'
'Can we c him?'
'Y not'
Noctis lets out a breath as he looks back at Ignis who was shaking slightly "You okay?" Noctis asks "It doesn't hurt to bad but it still hurts."
"We'll he'll be back." Noctis says as he pulls the blankets up closer.
"Here we go." Dr. Trager says as he reenters the room with several packs of animal crackers, the pain medicine, and a bottle of apple juice which he passes off to the King.
As the doctor sets the medicine down he sets to work checking Ignis' vitals. He gives them a one over before checking his patient "Alright he sounds clear but I want to keep him over night just to be safe." Dr. Trager explains as he watches Noctis hand Ignis a chocobo shaped cracker.
"The medication will make him sleepy. Give him two."
Noctis looks at Ignis "You want some right now?" He asks and Ignis nods "Alright tomorrow we'll discharge him after we check him over."
"Alright." Noctis says as he opens the medicine bottle and shakes out two pills handing them over to Ignis along with the juice so he can take the medicine.
"Well, I'll let you two be." Dr. Trager exits the room bidding them a good night. As for Ignis, he isn't sure what was having him feel so exhausted and unable to keep his eyes open. Well he knows the medicine had something to do with it for his doctor did say it was going to make him sleepy but that fast?
Maybe.
Was it possible?
Why was everything blurry?
"Lay down Iggy. Lets get you comfort." Noctis says as he eases Ignis back down for he had sat up to take his medicine.
"Ignis!"
"Hush! Keep your voice down."
It was Gladiolus and Prompto.
The two step into the room, Gladiolus moves over to the king and lays a hand on his shoulder and Prompto moves to Ignis' side. From where Gladiolus and Noctis are they able to see that Ignis had fallen asleep. "So how did it go?" Prompto asks softly not wanting to wake Ignis.
"He was in pain, but he did his best not to freak out with the process. But the doctor said he has to stay the night...oh he was also given pain medicine but we gotta be careful when he gets it. Its gonna make him fall asleep." Noctis explains.
"Sleepy is better than being in pain though."
"Yeah."
"So is the fluid gonna be tested or something, so we can find out what caused this?" Gladiolus asks.
"I think so...I don't really know. The doctor didn't explain anything."
"Well at least he'll be breathing better." Prompto says smiling a bit.
"We'll all be breathing better." Gladiolus jokes.
"Yeah."
Noctis looks over at his brother who had begun to loosely hold onto Noctis' hand "I just hope that Ignis will be okay after this."