[For a moment, he says nothing more, but he welcomes to contact. It's the closest they've been since before Altissia, before everything went wrong. As strange and hollow as this moment itself feels, as seemingly dark as his world has become, this one thing feels right: he and his closest friend, shoulder to shoulder, quietly drawing strength from one another whether they realize it or not.

He reaches, slowly and carefully, to take Noct's hand, closing his own over it tightly, offering a squeeze of reassurance.]

Things may seem exceptionally dark at the moment.

[They were kind words, really, too gentle for what the situation was, but he could not help being delicate.]

But I will ever remain at your side, Noct, as will we all. I will keep my promise to you as best I can.