Noctis ran through the brush at a brisk pace, ignoring the sharp branches and bristles that scratched and his exposed skin and caught on his clothes. He didn't even feel it. Inwardly, he seethed, caught between annoyance with Gladio for his demands and worry for Luna so acute it was as if a rubber band impeded the beating of his heart. This was it. This was it, this was it, this was it…!

At first, he hadn't believed anything that came out of Jason's mouth. Why should he? Who was Jason, after all, but a seemingly insane random foreigner? An annoying one with his stupid long hair and stupid exotic features and stupid funny jokes. But as time passed, and Jason's predictions came true more and more, Noctis was forced to believe. And he hated it. He hated the future that Jason described, hated the connection he shared with Prompto, the way Gladio looked at him, the ease with which Ignis accepted him. The list goes on.

But he grudgingly admitted to himself that he believed him, and he couldn't deny that Jason was giving them a chance to make sure that terrible future never happened. Noctis was going to try his damndest to set aside his personal feelings in order to make that happen….which meant that he was going to have to follow Gladio's advice. Because he was right. Jason was useless unless he could use magic. Being...proficient in hand to hand was all well and good, but that wasn't going to help against wild beasts or enemies that could use magic. The way he was now, he was just a useless lump. Even the time control thing he could do was a bust without Prompto.

It sickened Noctis a little, what he would have to do to give Jason power. So far, only three people had been connected to Noctis in that way, and he loved them. To do so with someone he actively disliked...it wasn't going to be fun. And to make matters worse, Jason looked like he swallowed a lemon at the very idea.

Being connected in that way, with another drawing the power of the Crystal through Noctis, was an intimate experience for both parties. It drained Noctis to a certain extent, but only a little. No, that kind of strain was nothing compared to the power it would take to, say, power the Wall. It would be no more difficult than blinking his eyes or some other minute task. That was why his father could share power with hundreds of Glaives.

The problem was more symbolic than physical. Because it meant that, no matter how little, Noctis was sharing his life force with another being. He couldn't even fathom how his father did it with so many, knowing what it meant. Regis described it to him once, what it felt like to have so many drawing from him. Like having little pricks of energy tickling through his body every time one of his Glaives or Crownsguard used their power, he'd said. But the strain of keeping the Wall standing dwarfed that exponentially, so after a time he no longer even felt it.

But Noctis did feel it. Even now, he could feel his friends' heartbeats, their energy. Noctis did not have the Wall the temper the connection he shared with them. For him, he felt every little shift, every pinprick of power drawn, their energies distinct as the different flavors of his favorite foods. Through that connection, the three of them could feel each other, though not so strongly as Noctis did.

Noctis wondered with disdain what Jason's energy would taste like. Caramel, his mind supplied unbidden, like the warm color of his skin. He grimaced, not liking the comparison. No, he wasn't going to be taken in like the others. Any favorable features were easily overridden by Jason's shitty attitude and general annoyingness. He's probably going to taste bitter, a nastier, vindictive side of his mind hissed, bitter like... like the way Noctis felt every time Gladio smiled at Jason, or every time Jason made Iggy laugh, or the way Prompto always wanted to take care of him as he would a wayward chocobo chick.

Cool it, Noctis told himself firmly, forcibly taking a step back from his irritation. This isn't about you. No. It was about Luna and saving his loved ones and his people. Noctis wasn't the most selfless of princes but he was learning. Still, he knew he was far from the man who supposedly sacrificed himself for everyone.

That night Jason revealed everything he knew– choking fear, I don't want to lose you all, I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE YOU –

Well. It was even worse than his crippling fear of having to take over when his father died. But now, that slow death of being drained of his life force was starting to look preferable, because even if it was horrible– the bitterness of aging before his time, the crushing strain on his body, the burden of leading people who only contested his father's every decision, giving up EVERYTHING for them only to have them demand more, more, more, not fair, not fair, not fair –at least he would have had more time with the people he loved. Now there was none. In all the time he had left, he would spend it making sure they lived, unharmed and whole. And if there was even the smallest chance he could avoid his own death...he would do anything to stay with them forever.

Even create a permanent, intimate bond with someone who didn't understand or care what it meant.

The campsite came into view and Noctis slowed. Not bothering to go around the protrusion of rock to walk up the ramp, he propelled himself up and over the edge in a flash of blue, blinking the flecks of light from his eyes as he landed lightly on his feet. With an abrupt wave of his hand, he banished all of their gear to the armiger, only giving a slight wince at the mess they would have to deal with later. Maybe he'd make Jason deal with it. After all, Mr. Perfect could apparently 'see' everything in the armiger. Speaking of, the man in question jogged up the ramp, slowing to a stop as he regained his breath. Noctis tried to school his face but he could feel himself scowling. The animosity between them had lessened considerably lately, but what they were about to do had it all rising up to the surface again.

Jason regarded him warily as he came to a halt. "So what now?"

"Now you kneel," Noctis said bluntly, crossing his arms.

Jason's eyes hardened. "What?" he almost hissed.

Noctis bristled, but a second later realized that that might have come out a little wrong. Still, this arrogant bastard. Through gritted teeth, he tried to explain. "I'm about to connect you to the Crystal. The experience is...disorienting. You'll want to be close to the ground."

Jason's shoulders straightened and his eyes narrowed. "Why can't I just sit, then?"

Noctis' fingers dug into his arms. "Fine! Sit, lay down, stand on your damn head for all I care! Just don't cry to me when you fall the fuck over and give yourself a concussion." Ass.

"...This sucks." Jason growled, mirroring Noctis' irritated pose. "Why do I have to be connected to that damn crazy rock? Its whole freaking existence is part of this whole mess anyway."

"You–I'm about to grant you power! The least you could do is be grateful!"

" Excuse me? You can keep your power, or whatever. I don't want to be a part of your Crownsgaurd for the rest of my life." He said it as if that were the worst fate he could think of and Noctis grit his teeth so hard it hurt. This asshole–he didn't know anything.

Noctis couldn't help the pang in his chest at the words. He remembered when he inducted Gladio, Prompto, and Iggy. The dedication in their eyes, their love, their willingness–no desire –to walk through this life with him. To stand for him when he wasn't strong enough, to catch him when he fell, to support him at his most vulnerable, when he felt he just couldn't go on. "Trust me," Noctis said acidly, quietly, "you won't be. I may have to pay this price for you, but you can just walk away when all is said and done. You won't have to experience the burden of the Crystal's drain when you use it's power or have to deal with the knowledge that your life force being used by someone who doesn't understand the gift he's being given. You'll receive power and lose nothing. " He was the same as all the rest, just demanding more, more, more and not caring about what is sacrificed on his behalf. Just like those protesters in Insomnia who whined and complained without considering the pressure dad was under, his 'council' who only ever made his life harder, the countless citizens who could live their lives selfishly because of his family. Noctis saw red.

But Jason...Jason looked stricken. He took a step back, hands falling limply to his sides, chocolate eyes wide. A single strand of curled black hair fell from its tie and into his face and it only served to make Noctis more annoyed. "I–" he said, before cutting himself off, and Noctis watched on coldly. "I wouldn't do that…I don't want to be a burden on you like that. What I did when I drained you...It was wrong. And I'm scared, okay? I don't want that power over you!" By the time he'd finished, he'd broken eye contact, staring at the ground, shoulders tight.

Noctis paused. Was that...really the reason Jason was reacting this way? He felt guilty about that…? As he should, Noctis thought, chest tightening. When Jason had forced the connection to the armiger like he did, it was terrifying for Noctis. He'd felt his heartbeat stutter, felt his consciousness slipping through his fingers like falling into an infinite abyss and not knowing if he would wake. It was one thing to do something knowing that Stasis might be the result, but to just have it happen to him without any forewarning...

But. Jason had already made up for that misunderstanding. Several times over now. Noctis wasn't so cold-hearted that he would hold a grudge for something that had Jason clearly torn up, the man looking close to being physically ill at the mere thought. Besides, there was something that Gladio had pointed out not too long ago that Noctis had to admit was true. "If you were a member of my house, that wouldn't have happened," he said grudgingly. Jason looked up, uncertain. "The only thing I have to do is keep you connected. The reason that happened was probably because that connection was forced." He shrugged. "The guys could summon stuff constantly for a week straight and only take about a few minutes off my life." It would eventually wear Noctis down, but it wouldn't come close to the Stasis induced by warping too many times in a row.

"But...you said–"

"It's," Noctis sighed, relaxing a little. "It's not that. Not really. That's only a part of it. I don't think–Usually, there would be this huge ceremony. Vows would be given, rules enforced to prevent the abuse of power, allegiances pledged. It's meant to be an honor, power granted to fight for your people. Not...this." He threw his hands in the air. "Not just...given to some foreigner for the sake of convenience. Because it's permanent. The only way it can be broken is if I die."

"If that's the case," Jason asked slowly, "then why did Gladio insist?"

"Because he's right," Noctis sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You can't come with us if you can't use magic, not with what we're up against. The Crystal will grant you the strength you need to fight alongside us and we...need you."

Jason's brow dropped thoughtfully and he bit his lip. Noctis tracked the little flash of white teeth against russet lips, not really wanting to look him in the eyes after that admission. At least until Jason released his lip and said, "I know this isn't nearly good enough but…I can at least pledge to fight with you to the end. I won't take your power for granted. And after this is over, I won't use it again. I promise. "

He sounded like he meant it. Noctis lifted his gaze, looking into Jason's determined eyes thoughtfully. Noctis wasn't an idiot, no matter what Gladio said. He could see that Jason had been truly trying a while now. Even if they didn't get along and Noctis couldn't really imagine what it was that drove him to do so, the plain facts were that he hadn't left when Noctis released him and he'd faced every hardship with barely a complaint, no matter how badly he was treated.

Dammit. Noctis believed him. "...Okay." He uncrossed his arms. "Are you ready?"

Jason seemed surprised as if he hadn't expected Noctis' acceptance. Then he shifted nervously. "Yeah. I guess so."

"Then kneel. Or, um, sit." Noctis said, more gently than he had before. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. Jason's nervousness was obvious, and Noctis realized that his words earlier might have only been the half of it. He tried to see it from Jason's perspective for a second, without the haze of his jealousy clouding his vision. Heh. Iggy would be proud.

Noctis' perspective shifted slightly, and suddenly Jason just looked...scared. In over his head. Kind of like how Noctis felt.

Still, Jason's lips tightened, and he did kneel on one knee, propping his hands on his other leg almost formally. He looked familiar with the position, and it struck Noctis that he was taking this seriously. A bit of the angered, overwhelmed knot within Noctis loosened a little. He stepped forward and placed both hands on Jason's shoulders, pushing him down until he was sitting back on his heels, then crouched to mirror the pose. Jason shifted nervously, getting comfortable as he could against the hard ground.

"Is it going to hurt?" He sounded kind of resigned, and Noctis almost chuckled.

"Nah. You'll just feel dizzy for a sec. Might tickle," he teased, and Jason quirked a smile, one of the very few Noctis had ever seen turned in his direction. He didn't dwell on it though, quickly closing his eyes and seeking out that thread of energy always tethering him to the Crystal. It was there, cool and sinuous as always, wrapping around his consciousness and flowing like water sliding over his skin on a hot day. He found it both comforting and terror-inducing in turns, but it was a part of him, always had been. Next, he reached out to touch Jason's energy. Jason gasped as Noctis got his first taste, surprised to find that it wasn't sweet as he'd first figured, but spicy, like the flush of heat after biting into a pepper just hot enough to feel the warmth, to taste the slight sting on the back of your tongue that makes you crave more. Unconsciously he licked his lips, glad he didn't have to deal with something unsavory at least. At his bidding, the Crystal reached out to Jason, who rocked a little beneath Noctis' hands as its energies mingled with his.

"Feels kinda like falling," Jason mused, voice a tad slurred. Noctis wouldn't know. He'd always been connected, after all.

And it was done. Noctis pulled back, levering himself to his feet. Jason swayed, probably adjusting himself to his new senses. Then he opened his eyes, wonder plain on his face.

"Whoa," he breathed. "Is this what Ignis meant when he said you guys could sense each other?"

Noctis shrugged, adjusting himself to the new energy in his awareness until it was nothing more than a flicker in the back of his mind. "I wouldn't know what they feel, but yeah, I guess." Jason stood, wobbling a little on his feet before regaining his balance. "This is usually where I say something super formal like 'go forth and serve in the name of Lucis' or whatever, but since we're, you know," he gestured vaguely, "Yeah. Just don't abuse your new power and stuff, okay?"

Jason chuckled, relieved. Maybe he was just happy he wasn't set on fire or something. "Sure, okay. So should I try to summon something?"

"Go for it."

Jason blinked, and his eyes glowed white, frowning consideringly. He held out his hand and in a flash of blue, summoned one of Ignis' daggers. His eyes cleared when he blinked again.

Huh. So he could control precisely what he summoned. Usually, it took months of training to even summon their personal weapon Noctis connected them with, and even longer than that to recognize the signature of certain potions. Must be a Messenger thing. Noctis realized after a second that Jason was looking at him expectantly. "All good here," he shrugged. He hadn't even registered the usual tingle of one of his companions summoning an object. It felt normal.

A relieved smile bloomed over Jason's face. "That's great!"

Noctis grinned smugly at the fascination dancing in Jason's eyes. "Here, try this." He summoned Gladio's sword, easily hefting it with one hand. Jason gaped at his casual display of strength and Noctis preened a little. He gestured for Jason to take it.

"Uh, I dunno…" Still, he reached for it, and his eyes went comically wide as Noctis released the weight and Jason was practically jerked to ground. It hit the stone with a loud clatter and Noctis huffed a laugh. "Ugh! How?!"

"Training. With practice–a lot of practice– you'll be able to channel the Crystal's magic through your weapon."

Jason sniffed, banishing the sword. "Jerk. Coulda' warned me." But he didn't look upset, taking it with good humor.

"Come on, you can learn on the go. We've gotta get to the chocobo post before nightfall." Noctis spun on his heel and jumped from the haven with an oof, making his way back to the road at an easy lope.

"Wait, hang on," Jason called, scrambling to catch up. "What else can I do now?"

"The Crystal's magic will protect you from serious injury to an extent," Noctis said as the other man caught up. "Just like Iggy's shield magic. You'll be able to take blows that would otherwise kill you. It's not going to help you with small stuff like scratches or bruises though," Noctis demonstrated by lifting his arm, a red scratch from the brush earlier clearly visible.

"Huh," Jason mused. "That's kind of weird."

"Hey, I don't make the rules," Noctis shrugged. "You'd have to ask the Gods about that one."

Jason's visage darkened. "Those guys are kind of assholes, aren't they? I mean, all those rules they impose… 'the king and oracle must die in order to save everyone'? What's that about? Because irony?"

While Noctis totally agreed, he thought he might warn Jason. "Hey, moron, they can hear you. I wouldn't go insulting the most powerful beings in Eos, 'cause they'll...I dunno, smite you or something. Besides, aren't you a Messenger for one of them?"

Jason made a face. "Jesus, I hope not. Those guys are nothing but manipulative assholes. 'Sides, I wasn't getting a 'god' vibe from our mysterious friend. And, no, actually, I think you're the most powerful being in Eos," he said, completely disregarding the warning. Noctis blinked in surprise, giving him a startled look. Jason smirked a little, explaining. "No, seriously, think about it. The Gods have been trying forever to get rid of the Scourge, and couldn't. Apparently you're the only one who can, ergo, you're the most powerful."

Noctis thought about it. "Yeah, I guess. But it was granted to me by the Gods, so…"

"Yeah, but now that you have it, they can't take it away. Trust me on this, Noctis," Jason grinned, canines flashing and eyes hard, "You can take out a god, no problem. In fact, you have. Will. "

Noctis didn't know about that. Jason had already told him he battles them to gain favor or something, but...he could barely take out Gladio on a good day, much less a freaking god. Jason sounded so sure, though, and he hadn't been wrong so far. "Wait, what are you saying? I'm going to have to kill some Gods?" That was a staggering thought. He thought they would, y'know, be on his side. Plus, killing the creators of all life as they knew it is just...yeah. Bad idea.

"Well," Jason said slowly, "I don't know about kill. I can't remember if Ifrit dies or not but honestly? I kind of think you'd want to. I'm going to say that about ninety percent of all this mess is the fault of the Six."

"Yeah, well. Maybe we'll get the chance to take it up with them when we meet one." Noctis kind of doubted they would listen, though. The Six weren't exactly known for their willingness to work with mortals, just impose fates or whatever. Still, Jason did have a point. If he could fight them and gain their respect, then he could make them listen. His lips tightened in determination as he shifted a branch out of his way. As much as the very thought seemed daunting to the extreme, he had to try.

Jason looked just as solemn, determined as Noctis did. His eyes were far away, seeing things–memories? The future?–that Noctis couldn't. Noctis glanced at him out of the corner of his eyes every now and then, considering. When he was like this, Jason seemed much more Messenger-like to him, almost omniscient, even. It made all this just seem a little more believable. Noctis focused on the path ahead. Jason's confidence in him was...heartening, he had to admit. That's not to say that Prom, Ignis, and Gladio didn't have absolute faith in him, but this felt different. Even if they butted heads over most everything, Jason's faith in Noctis' abilities seemed unshakeable. And it was weird because he hadn't actually done anything yet to earn that faith. It kinda felt like he didn't deserve it. Who was it that Jason saw when he looked at Noctis? His accomplished future self that saved all humanity? Or the stumbling, self-absorbed, lost princeling that he felt like most days?

He frowned. He didn't know if he liked either option.

The road was in sight when the spell was broken rather dramatically. Jason's borrowed phone buzzed insistently and Jason nearly tripped over his feet in surprise, all signs of his earlier solemnity vanished as he nearly fell flat on his face. As it was, he did manage to half fall into a bush. "Whoa!" Noctis let out a surprised snort of laughter as Jason tried to untangle himself from the branches clinging to his clothes. "Shut up, Noctis," Jason grumbled, finally wresting himself from the brush. He pulled out his phone and frowned at it, squinting. "Did someone try to call, or...Man, I can't read this ridiculous font you guys use." He poked at it for a second, then grimaced as if the phone had talked trash about his mother. "What even–ugh, here," he shoved the phone to Noctis. "I don't know how to work this thing."

Noctis rolled his eyes. "Haven't you ever used a phone before? What kind of world do you come from?" He glanced at the screen, where several text notifications blinked. He swiped it open and quickly read the contents.

"Yeah, we've got something similar. The interface looks completely different though."

Noctis hummed, then choked on a laugh. "It's from Gladio. The first one says 'quit fucking with my sword. scratch it and I break you.' Then Ignis says 'Apologies, Gladio commandeered my phone. Please focus on the task at hand.' Then Prompto was feeling left out I guess, 'cause he just sent a chocobo emoji." It buzzed four more times. "Okay, a sadface emoji. A piece of lettuce, I think? Sadface, sadface." Noctis shrugged. "I think he's jealous we're going to see the chocobos without him."

Jason gave him a disbelieving look. "Isn't it a little bit, I dunno, silly to be sending all that stuff? We're on a serious mission!"

"Yeah, well, you know how Prompto is when he's bored. And stressed." Noctis lifted a brow.

Jason paused, then nodded, a little pleased smile growing on the corner of his mouth as Noctis handed him back the phone. Noctis narrowed his eyes, a small stab of jealousy fighting to make itself known. With a force of will, he banished it, turning back to the road. He didn't know if he liked they guys texting Jason but he had to accept that they were friends. They could text him if they wanted to.

"Um… how do I text back?"

"Save it for later," Noctis snapped, a little more harshly than he intended. "We need to find a ride."

Jason's brows quirked up, eyes widening slightly in shock and smiling falling. "...Right. Sorry." He fell back in step behind Noctis, shoving the phone back into his pocket, eyes tracking the ground. Noctis grimaced internally as the easy mood between them vanished. He almost said something but didn't trust himself not to make it worse, so he let it go.

They stepped onto the road, and Noctis eyed the diner on the other side. They could start there, he guessed. He made forward, Jason trailing along behind. The door opened with a tinkle and immediately the smell of fried food made Noctis' mouth water. He felt tempted, but it was kinda early in the morning...They'd missed breakfast though. Iggy's stern face popped up in Noctis' head and he grimaced, then shrugged. What Iggy didn't know wouldn't hurt him. He smirked and turned to Jason casually. "Hungry?"

Jason looked up in surprise. He eyed Noctis for a second before answering his smirk with one of his own. "Bad, Noctis. Diner food? What would Ignis say?"

"I won't tell if you don't."

Jason laughed.

They made their way to the counter and sat down.

"What can I do for you boys?" an aged man asked them, large hands busily working over the grill behind the grease spattered glass shield on the other side of the bar. He barely looked up from his task, flipping an egg with practiced ease.

Jason's eyes lit up in delight as Noctis ordered them both two large plates of pancakes. "Also, we need a ride to Wiz Chocobo Post. Do you know of anyone heading that way today?"

"Not that I know of," the man mused, jotting down their order before he stopped, looking at them fully. "Wait, you boys Hunters? I hear Wiz's been having some trouble with a beast hecklin' his hens. You wouldn't be heading down there for that, woulda'?"

Noctis and Jason exchanged a look. Jason shrugged. "Uh," Noctis said. "Yeah. We saw the post and thought we'd take a look."

The old man regarded them shrewdly before smiling widely, revealing several rotted teeth. "Well, that's just wonderful! Ol' Wiz's been pesterin' me for weeks to find someone to take care of it. If that's the case, my boy Olly will take you down. Oy!" He turned and shouted loudly, friendly smile vanishing into a scowl. Noctis and Jason jumped. "Boy, 'git in here! I need you to take these folks to Wiz's!"

"What!" A voice called from just outside the back door. A young man poked his head inside the store, scowling just as fiercely as his father and said in an accent just as thick, "I just got back from Wiz's!"

"They're Hunters."

The young man's face cleared, and he brushed a blond lock from his forehead as he strode inside. "Oh! Yer here for the bounty. Sure, I'll take you down. Been forever since I could 'git any work done without Tina." When Noctis and Jason only gave him a blank look, he elaborated. "My chocobo."

"Can't 'git any work done anyway," his father grumbled, placing two plates of pancakes in front of Noctis and Jason.

"Shut up, paw. Y'all finish your breakfast and I'll pull the truck 'round."

"Thanks, we really appreciate...it." Jason said, but the man was already out the door.

"Tch, that boy's always so rude," the cook grumbled. "I'll let you 'git to it. Be careful now, y'hear? I heard thatun's a nasty one." And with that, he grabbed a rag and wandered to the other side of the counter, wiping down surfaces.

"Okay, that was weird," Noctis said before he nudged Jason. "Have any idea what the bounty is?"

Jason pursed his lips. "Um...can't recall. I'm sure it will come back to me though," he shrugged before digging into his pancakes. He groaned. "Mmmm, I wish Iggy would make us sweets more…"

Noctis winced at the casual use of Ignis' nickname. He'd come up with that nickname… "Thought you didn't like sweets."

"I don't like sweet drinks," Jason clarified. "I love me some cake though." Jason jumped as his phone buzzed about six more times in quick succession. He pulled Gladio's phone out and Noctis watched as Jason struggled to read the screen. That phone case looked wrong sitting in his dark hand...it was the one he'd bought Gladio for his birthday a couple of years back; jet black with a silver-toned logo of his favorite band on the back, limited edition. Even as prince it had taken ages to track one down since it was out of production...

Noctis looked away, poking at his pancakes idly. He didn't have much of an appetite all of a sudden… Jason laughed, and Noctis shoved a bite into his mouth broodily, jaw stinging from the overload of sweet syrup. He thought of his own phone sitting silently in his chest pocket and swallowed thickly.

Suddenly, his neck tingled a little and his mouth was infused with the mouthwatering satisfaction of a salty snack after a good workout followed by the rich sandalwood finish of Noctis' favorite dark chocolate. Prompto and Gladio...Noctis summoned the new object they'd placed into the armiger and a full-blown grin took over his features. A half sheet of paper, folded twice, with a small heart drawn on the front. He outright laughed when he realized the heart had a disgruntled face. He opened it.

Noct,

You jerk, I can't believe you left without saying goodbye :0 I know you're super worried about Luna but–

The last sentence was scribbled out.

Okay, I'm also super worried. Nothing's going to happen though! You'll get her in time, no problem! You've got Jase after all. Trust him okay?

I miss you already! Please, please, please be careful! And I know what you're thinking, but you have no reason to be jealous. I'm yours, Iggy's yours, and NOTHING will change that. Don't kill Jason!

We love you. Come back safe, okay?

P.S. This is probably the last note I can send you for now, cuz Iggy's pissed that I keep stealing them from his journal. :( It's more fun than texting though…

P.S.S. Iggy says not to eat too much junk food or you'll get fat (get it while you can, bro! He's probs going to make you diet when we get back together!)

P.S.S.S. ~-~~

There's a bunch of pen scratches after that, and then it abruptly switches to Gladio's handwriting.

Hey Princess, had to steal this from the pining chocobutt before he ended up writing a damn novel. Keep your head down, watch each other's backs. None of us will feel right till we have you both back in one piece. Also. Thanks for taking my advice. I know what it means to you.

Come back alive.

Noctis choked out a laugh. Ah, Gladio. Always so warm and caring and not abrupt at all. He folded the paper carefully, warmth suffusing his chest, and held it to his forehead for a second. Just a few words and his heart was eased, anger and uncertainty draining from him in a soothing wave. He summoned his personal journal and tucked the note carefully inside, along with all the other notes and photos that were special to him.

"Aha!" Jason cheered. "The reply button–wait, what? What is this keyboard?"

Rolling his eyes, Noctis plucked the phone from his fingers and began the painstaking process of teaching him how to use it. He didn't even register the irritation from earlier and he managed to be only slightly condescending.

His reward was Jason's smile, warm and kinder than he'd ever seen it pointed in his direction. "Thanks, Noct."

Noctis stumbled over his words a little before scowling, eyes cutting away so he could shove more breakfast in his mouth. He did not remember giving Jason permission to use his nickname. Through his mouthful, he muttered, "Come on, finish already. Luna's waiting."

"Yeah. Let's go."

This was going to be a long few days.

AN: Next Chapter: Jason and Noctis find a way to work together, and Jason decides he is NOT a cat person.

Hope you guys are enjoying this story so far.