Ebony
Based on Ignis' favorite brand of coffee.
AN: Subtle mention of Lightis. Mainly Ignis x Lightning. Enjoy~
Lightning shivered slightly as a chilly breeze passed by. Perched on the edge of the Emmelle Haven, she dangled her legs off the rock overlooking the desert and Longwythe Peak. She watched as small dust storms danced like currents in the ocean. Overall, it was a pleasant sight. Quiet and peaceful, the world still sleeping as the dawn is yet to break.
She heard a small clatter behind her, but she wasn't startled. She knew only one person who would be up as early as her. A tin mug entered her view. "Ebony?"
"Thank you, Ignis." Lightning took it in her hands, warming them up and took a sip. Oh, that was some good java. "I swear you're the only one in all of Eos who knows how I like my coffee."
The man chuckled as he seated himself next to her. "Well, it helps that we have similar tastes."
A comfortable silence was shared between them, with the occasional sip of Ebony. The two rarely spoke to each other outside of the frequent group banters, though confided in each other concerning strategies and politics, but there was no need to. They had a mutual understanding, like being on the same page, and, oddly, silence was one of their ways of communication.
A few moments later, Lightning spoke up, a bit teasing. "So, it's rare for you to share your stash with me. What's on your mind?"
Taking his sip of coffee to clear his throat, he replied. "I just wanted to thank you, Lightning."
Her eyebrows created the tiniest crease. "For what?"
"For always being there for Noct. Believing, supporting, and protecting him." He said in a soft murmur. "You've always given everything for his well being." He paused and Lightning was surprised that his voice can go any more tender. "You've always given him everything I can't. And I appreciate that."
At his words, rare and deep, a light blush appeared on the stoic Glaive's cheeks. "That was rather sudden." Very sudden. "What brought all this on?"
The royal advisor shrugged. "Just a revelation. And a chance to thank you before… Well, before I don't get the chance to."
Another silence, this time one that was more tense. Both of them aware that the path they were on was a dangerous one, one that defies promises, and one that was ruled by fate's hand. But if there was one promise, one wish that they can make, it would be that their Prince would ascend to his rightful throne.
"Do you remember the first time we met?" Ignis suddenly asked, breaking the tension.
"Oh yeah." A small smile appeared on her lips, then she shook her head. "That really wasn't a good first impression. You thought I was a boy."
He spluttered at the time of his mug and this time color rose on his cheeks. "That short hairstyle was rather convincing."
She gave him a look, one that was usually directed at Prompto whenever he said something stupid. "Even though my hair was pink?"
"You beat Gladio in a spar." He explained as if that was reason enough to assume she was a boy. It was rather shocking seeing someone her size take down a behemoth like Gladio. "And you had a very… rugged attitude when you were younger. A boyish charm."
She scoffed. "Hm, thanks."
He tried for sincerity. "My apologies."
She shrugged, completely unoffended, and played along. "You're twelve years overdue. But I'll accept it."
With their cups of Ebony finished, the day's first light began to peek through. "The sun's almost up." Ignis said.
"Mm, yeah."
"A new dawn. A new day." He said solemnly. "Who knows what will happen?"
She turned her head to look at him and Ignis could only stare at her pale blue eyes. There was a time when those eyes were cold, lonely, and angry. But now, all he could see was warmth, strength, and comradeship. "We can only hope that everything's going to be okay. That we're going to be okay."
With those words, Ignis believed, truly believed, they were going to be okay.