Stop, [ comes the immediate corrective reply to Cain's showy soothing of his latest possible bruise. There's no one out here but them, and he knows damn well his friend isn't trying to elicit sympathy from him over a perfectly manly strike or two.
The mood sobers when Cain begins to speak, however, and he does his damndest to focus and listen despite his habit of casually dropping lines that rattle him so effectively and completely. They're from different worlds, both literally and figuratively. That's been the chief takeaway explaining their instinctive incompatibility, but just because it's difficult doesn't mean it isn't worth trying to see behind the veil. Not when Cain cares about them, and finds it in himself to say it out loud. ]
... then I'll try. [ It's the best he can do, and it's obvious by the offer's imperfection that he means it. ] Playing a part's necessary for me. Less here, and even less with you guys. If I slip up, it's not 'cause I want to.
So same for you. I told you before you don't have to trust me; I get it. Just don't lie to me. It's better if you just tell me to fuck off if I start getting on your nerves. So... whatever. Whole package it is, then.
... I practiced something to say to you, you know. With Reze.
[He makes the offer with such solemnity, it feels more like an oath than some gesture of returned friendship. If they weren't where they are in the conversation, after all that's happened — it might make Cain intolerably uncomfortable. But because he does understand, and with the added gravity of Noctis's confession of royalty now between them, he just... nods his head in acceptance and agreement.]
I won't lie to you.
[Curiosity causes him to refocus, looking carefully at Noctis's face in the dark. Less guarded with the awareness that he went out and did this just for Cain's benefit. Their point of connection, through language.]
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The mood sobers when Cain begins to speak, however, and he does his damndest to focus and listen despite his habit of casually dropping lines that rattle him so effectively and completely. They're from different worlds, both literally and figuratively. That's been the chief takeaway explaining their instinctive incompatibility, but just because it's difficult doesn't mean it isn't worth trying to see behind the veil. Not when Cain cares about them, and finds it in himself to say it out loud. ]
... then I'll try. [ It's the best he can do, and it's obvious by the offer's imperfection that he means it. ] Playing a part's necessary for me. Less here, and even less with you guys. If I slip up, it's not 'cause I want to.
So same for you. I told you before you don't have to trust me; I get it. Just don't lie to me. It's better if you just tell me to fuck off if I start getting on your nerves. So... whatever. Whole package it is, then.
... I practiced something to say to you, you know. With Reze.
no subject
I won't lie to you.
[Curiosity causes him to refocus, looking carefully at Noctis's face in the dark. Less guarded with the awareness that he went out and did this just for Cain's benefit. Their point of connection, through language.]
Reze, huh? ... What'd she teach you?