[This is not what he expected his life to be like. Noctis knows that he isn't the only person in the Quad who would say the words and maybe that's part of what keeps him from saying it- but every now and again, the thought vibrates through his body. He doesn't belong here. He had a home before this. He had a life and responsibilities of his own, he had politics of his own to navigate; here was upheaval and chaos and uncertainty back there, things he knew. Things he never got to see through to the end.
Would it have turned into this if he'd stayed? The woman on his shoulder goes slack, knees giving out only seconds before help reaches them.
What Noctis sees first is the Company uniform and he knows with bone deep certainty and five years of adjusting to the norms here that if he pulls a weapon on a Company enforcer- it's going to change the course of his life again. But if he doesn't, this woman might die and so might he.
The hilt is in his hand. But the man doesn't attack.
It takes Noctis a moment too long to place his face- the do-gooder guy from the alley. Mr Hero, at it again. The relief is almost immediately replaced when the man's words register and with one arm around the injured woman's waist, his head whips up, anger creasing his brows.
Does he not realize what he's saying? Does he not realize what he's saying while wearing that uniform?]
"He understands." ??? !!!! this kills the man
Would it have turned into this if he'd stayed?
The woman on his shoulder goes slack, knees giving out only seconds before help reaches them.
What Noctis sees first is the Company uniform and he knows with bone deep certainty and five years of adjusting to the norms here that if he pulls a weapon on a Company enforcer- it's going to change the course of his life again. But if he doesn't, this woman might die and so might he.
The hilt is in his hand. But the man doesn't attack.
It takes Noctis a moment too long to place his face- the do-gooder guy from the alley. Mr Hero, at it again. The relief is almost immediately replaced when the man's words register and with one arm around the injured woman's waist, his head whips up, anger creasing his brows.
Does he not realize what he's saying? Does he not realize what he's saying while wearing that uniform?]
They don't all want to stay off the streets.