video; (open to action for those near or traveling to the casas de eos)

[regisrex]

[ The announcement comes early on the 21st, though not ungodly early. Regis himself seems composed, tranquil, though those who have had a chance to spend time with him can see he is pale and drawn, his eyes red-rimmed if dry. ]

Good morrow. It seem this night, the Dream Width has taken several people of note from us.

Amongst them are my son, Noctis Lucis Caelum, and his fiancée, Lunafreya Nox Fleuret. If you know them and either of them has made a commitment you are in need of assistance with, please let me know and arrangements will be made.

And, please. Think of them well.

Comments

[Action]

[hashtagdaddy]

The day after the announcement, Gladio walks to Cor and Regis' house intent on finding the former King.

"Regis?" His voice carries through the house as he opens the door.

[Action]

[regisrex]

By that time, Regis has done his best to compose himself. It is paper-thin, and he is aware of it. Cor is aware of it. Even Sidra is aware of it, and she has only known Regis, as he is now, for weeks.

"This way, Gladiolus." Regis is sitting on a window seat, the growing kitten in his lap, sleeping in a way that is making him sprawl all over his master's legs in a way that cannot possibly be comfortable but apparently is. And, yes, Regis is soaking up the little creature's comfort as much as he can.

He is dressed up, his eyes are dry, his back is straight. It's only in little things like the unsteadiness of his hand as it strokes the kitten, the hollowness of the green eyes, that one can see how hard this hit. But he has taken lethal hits before. He can only keep going.

[hashtagdaddy]

With Aster on his shoulder, the cat still small enough to easily fit on her chosen perch, Gladio makes his way to Regis. The curious menace had developed a fondness for the former monarch's beard and Gladio figured that the cat's presence may also help Regis' countenance.

His eyes land on Regis and he catalogs every detail. The outward appearance - a facade he's come to recognize both from himself and from others. The trembling hand and the empty eyes - smaller signs that he is hurting.

"Here, keep an eye on her for me for a sec?" Gently, Gladio placed the cat on Regis' lap. He makes sure not to disturb the dozing feline currently draped over said lap and Aster immediately settles in before stretching up to gently tap at the coarse hairs on the bottom of Regis' face, occasionally rubbing her face against them.

In what seems like no time, Gladio returns with chopsticks and two steaming containers of the Original Cup Noodles (from home) that someone had managed to obtain and stash away. Only the finest comfort food for both of them right now.

"I figured you could use a bowl of the best noodles in the universe." He tries to put a smile on his face, for Regis' sake, and hopes it looks more convincing than it feels.

"I promise not to bug you about eating if you take at least three bites of this."

[regisrex]

"Of course." Regis does make sure that Aster is safely enough in his lap, some of the emptiness receding from his eyes at the kitten's attention.

Then he blinks at the offered food, and up to the man offering it, and his eyes soften, appreciating the kind of sacrifice Gladio is making for him. What they have of home is little and rare to come by, unpredictable. To give him this...

"I thank you, Gladiolus. I would very much like to share this with you, aye." The smile is a valiant effort, too, and Regis knows it far too well, and the cost of it, too.

"Would you rather join me here at the window, or use the table all properly?" There is not so much a teasing light in the dark green eyes as a hint of one, but Gladio's efforts are far from wasted.

[hashtagdaddy]

He's glad to see a fraction of sparkle return to Regis' eyes and mentally pats himself on the back for bringing Aster. She has definitely done her share to comfort Gladio and the Shield feels it's only fair to let her comfort the others too.

Humor's shadow peeks out at him, and Gladio responds in kind.

"I'm pretty sure movin' the cats is a Capital Offense, so I'll join you at the window if that's alright."

Gladio's smile is a touch brighter as he sits on the floor next to the man he grew up calling 'Your Majesty' with whom he's now sharing, of all things, Cup Noodles. He'd laugh if the reason for this meeting wasn't so crushing.

With a nod to Regis and a slight lifting of his styrofoam container, Gladio digs in and savors the first bite before speaking again.

"I failed you, twice now, technically." He stares vacantly out the window, tone both heartfelt and dull. "It's not enough ... but I'm sorry."