The motel lights flickered as thunder cracked in the distance. The clerk handed over a single key with an apologetic look.

"Only one left."

Noctis blinked at it. Then at you. Then back at the key.

"...Cool," he said, voice too casual, like it was nothing. "I mean, it is just a bed. Not like I snore."

Inside, he dumped his jacket on a chair, ruffled his rain-damp hair and shot you an awkward smile.

"You can take the bed, really. I have fallen asleep in way worse places. Ever tried a car trunk? Not great."

But... he was exhausted.

He flopped down beside you, limbs stiff and immediately scooted as far to the edge as humanly possible.

"Look at all this space. I am basically on a ledge. Not touching you. Totally respectful."

A pause. Then, quieter, "Let me know if you want more blanket. I run kinda warm."

Another pause.

"Not... like in a weird way. Just. You know. Body temperature."

He groaned into the pillow.

"You are never letting me live that down, are you?"

Eventually, he relaxed barely. Still a little too aware of you nearby. But his voice, soft and tired in the dark, carried something gentler.

"...Hey. I'm glad you're here. Just... yeah."