⬛️ a kiss on the hand (:eyesemoji:) (if you're still accepting)

“Mhrmm?” Lifting her head up already seems too taxing, never mind forcing her eyelids to open and glare at whomever dared to disturb her slumber. There’s some shuffling, then she’s greeted by the feeling of the bed dipping slightly from the new weight upon it that’s settling right beside her. A creak of old springs, the thuds of boots being kicked off, and then a soft grunt which she easily recognizes–

“Noct?” murmurs the girl with a suppressed yawn, and though she claims to be too worn out to bother, she’s too concerned not to check up on the boy and ends up giving a groan when she drags her frame onto her side to face him. It’s late, she can tell, and they both need rest if Gladio’s still planning on taking them on that hunt tomorrow. And besides, how is he not asleep at this hour? “Wh’sup?”

He reasons simply, “Your brother’s snores are even worse tonight”, voice just as groggy as hers, perhaps a little more weary and downright annoyed, and it sends the girl snorting a laugh. How the boys managed to share a tent with Gladio for the past few months in the first place is still beyond her but it’s now allergy season. Makes perfect sense that his snoring is far worse.

“Y’free to stay here for the night, then,” Iris offers even though he had already made himself comfortable under the blankets while making sure there’s still enough on her side. And though already sluggish with sleep she still manages enough strength to give Noct’s ribs a poke and inciting a squeaky yelp from the prince (music to her ears) knowing full well he’d be too weary to retaliate at the moment (and she’s thoroughly prepared to accept whatever act of revenge he has planned for her in the morning).

What surprises her is his loose grip on her offending hand, pulled up from his side all the way to his face so that he can press a firm kiss upon her knuckles. An odd act– but some kind of show of affection nonetheless, and Iris welcomes it wordlessly. While still keeping his hold on her, Noct sleepily tucks their hands underneath his chin, effectively preventing her from delivering more tickles. He’s already half-asleep yet he manages to make a show of sticking her tongue out at her– a drowsy, triumphant and childish look that suits him well, but more importantly it also tells her he’s already plotted his revenge. But sleep comes first. Iris doesn’t mind at all. Especially not after that rather sweet gesture, and not with the feeling of immense comfort and safety that comes with Noct’s warm presence so close to her. 

For the first time in a long while, Iris is granted a slumber devoid of nightmares. It’s not until morning that’s she’s terrorized–

by the Prince of Tickles.