(Dated after Barry's dungeon and Jaunt)

[prince_of_pain]

[Thankfully, the second time that Noct accessed the psychic network he was much more in control of himself, and had a purpose. He was hoping that his 'message was working properly, as he'd never filtered anyone out before and he really preferred physical social media.]

Okay, if this is working properly, Ignis shouldn't be able to hear this. If he can, then you better not be listening.

[Not that it would do anything. But it better be working.]

So now that I'm not drugged out of my mind from pain, I realized that Spec's-I mean Ignis' birthday passed. Like I figured, he-didn't tell anyone, and I'm usually the one who forces him to celebrate.

Look, I don't know many of you or how many of you are friends with him but like. It would mean a lot. You know. If you knew him and helped out and such.

[He took a deep breath so he stopped rambling like an idiot teenager.]

I'm formally requesting the help of anyone involved with Ignis to set up a small get together for his birthday. Any help with food, presents, and anything else would be appreciated.

Comments

[prince_of_pain]

That's-

[Shiro could probably feel and hear the frustration from Noct as he figured out what exactly was bothering him.]

Everyone else is still doing something. The only thing I'm really good at is video games, stabbing things, and fishing, and only one of those is an actual lifestyle skill that can be used.

[And there was no water around here.]

Actually, no-uh, sorry. I shouldn't keep dumping on you. Thanks for the help, really.

[private; protection 1]

[how_they_shine]

[Noct can feel the psychic line go quiet around the edges, like they've stepped into a separate room. Shiro's taken it to a private line.]

Hey, that's what friends are for, right? You don't have to apologize. Why don't we have you cut cake? And you can help figure out what video games would be good - things he'd like. You can't be expected to know everything, Noct. No one does, even if they act like they do. [Elliot.]

But I'll tell you what you do know. Ignis. You know him better than anyone else here. Help us figure out how to make this a fun time for him, okay?

Re: [private; protection 1]

[prince_of_pain]

[Privately, he was a little glad that Shiro had the ability to do that. He'd spent enough time being selfish and he didn't need to keep doing it with his emotions.]

He still doesn't. Say anything. Like I told Prompto, he doesn't tell me stuff because I'm me. Duty before his own comfort and all that. Like, I know stuff from living with him like even if he's not a video game person, he still likes playing them with other people and beating them too, but like...

[Noct wished he could mentally shrug.]

Re: [private; protection 1]

[how_they_shine]

I get the feeling he doesn't say anything to anyone, Noct, not just you. And even so, I wouldn't have pegged him as a video games kind of guy, so I wouldn't have even thought to make sure there were some here to tempt him.

You know, maybe this is your chance to ask him about some of this stuff. Or at least indicate that you'd like to hear it. He might not want to bother you with it.

Re: [private; protection 1]

[prince_of_pain]

I still should KNOW. I know people are already judging me for growing up with him and not even being sure at what his favorite food or color is. I can't tell if he likes something because he actually likes it or because I gave it to him.

[Ignis did keep almost everything Noct ever gave him, including the now faded coeurl plush he was gifted when they first met.]