Nokto stands near the grand palace doors, leaning against the back wall as far away from the open casket as possible. Everything about him screams polished except he feels the opposite. Jin made an attempt to bring him to sit with the rest of them but it didn’t work. Yves tried after, followed by Leon but Sariel was at least able to get him from the hallway and into the room.

His eyes are bloodshot, his makeup feels like it’s beginning to smudge as he keeps his eyes away from the scene. He feels eyes on him but he doesn’t have the energy to care.

He wants to leave but his feet are frozen to the spot. Nokto feels your arms around him, encouraging him to take his seat at the front. Why… Why did he have to lose his other half? “I can’t…” Licht’s funeral is about to begin, and Nokto feels like he might burst.