HighSpecs Week Day 4-Shopping/Illness: All The Things You Do To Me
Here’s my first shot at writing a pregnancy! Like seriously, along with Noct and Luna, Iggy and Ara would have some damn good looking kids. So what better way to write but for HighSpecs Week? I’ve written a couple pieces before on HighSpecs Babies, so go ahead and check out out my writing tag for them! This is set way after my Day 1 fic, btw. But anyways, on to the story!
Aranea tried to stretch out her back, but the kid inside her had other ideas as it gave her a swift kick to the ribs, causing her to flop back down on the bed with a huff. She gave a petulant glare to the mound that was her belly under the sheets as she resigned herself to a couple more minutes in bed. “Seriously, kid? I can’t do anything without you saying I can. Ugh…” Being 7 months pregnant was getting on her nerves, and she only knew that she was going to get bigger until the baby came out. She loved Ignis, she really did, but dammit, this kid he had put in her was not being all that loveable right now.
A violent sneeze and fit of coughing consumed her for a good ten minutes before she could breathe normally. It felt really shitty that on top of being hugely pregnant, she was sicker than a dog. Fumbling for the tissue box kept perpetually next to their bed, she loudly blew her nose followed by more coughs. Ignis had best hurry up with the meds and food…
Ignis let out a sigh while pinching the bridge of his nose and felt as if the situation could not get any bleaker. In addition to only being able to secure a few days’ worth of the medicine needed to combat Aranea’s cold, ingredients were in short supply due to the foraging groups running into a particularly nasty pack of daemons on the way back to Lestallum. They were awaiting repairs by the mechanic Cindy, who had taken his friends Prompto and Gladiolous, along with several other Hunters to the site of the crash to help get the much-needed supplies back to the city. He had just about volunteered himself to go along and help the rescue party, but was eventually forced to stay behind so he could care for Aranea in her sick condition. Grateful though he was that he could spend time with his wife, he would’ve liked the situation to be far different from what it was currently.
Ignis jest let out another huff and turned back to the grocer he had been haggling with. Worrying over the problem would not help solve it, so he went ahead with just dealing with it. Being blind made him no less perceptive in his dealings with the market vendors, and he was quickly able to figuratively spot the holes in the supplier’s arguments. Finally, he got the answers and food he had been looking for after negotiating back and forth, and set out to return home after being gone all morning. He gathered the meager items his trip to the markets had furnished and trudged his way back to the apartment, taking the well-memorized path along the streets. “Well, we’ll see how long this lasts…”
After finally reaching his doorstep and searching for his keys, Ignis shouldered the front door open and stumbled his way inside. “Ara! I’ve finally returned. So sorry for taking so long!” He managed to guide himself to their kitchen table and deposited his wares onto its surface. A quick rummage through the bags found the medicine for Aranea, and he made his way to their bedroom.
“Thank the Six, Specs. I was getting worried.” Ignis could hear the smile in her voice as he walked to her side of the bed and sat down beside her gently. Taking two of the pills, he placed them in her waiting hand heard her gulp them down with water from the glass she held. He placed it back on the table once she handed it to him, and was soon assaulted by her cuddling into his side. “You’re one heck of a lifesaver, you know that?”
“I do try, my love,” he chuckled, situating himself on the bed so she could fully curl into his broad chest. Ignis rubbed her back lovingly and it elicited a groan of comfort from his pregnant wife. “How have you been today, Ara?”
“Kinda shitty. Couldn’t seem to get out of bed today.” Her cough shook them both and he hugged her tight to comfort her. “Doesn’t help that the kid has been using me as kickboxing practice all damn morning.” In response, he moved to place a large hand over her swollen belly, feeling the little one give another sharp kick.
“I believe they get that from you.” A playful slap of his shoulder caused him to laugh and cheerfully kiss the top of her braided hair. “We’ll have our hands full with them, that’s for sure.”
Aranea hummed and placed a kiss on his neck. “Wish they’d hurry up and get here. This whole bedridden thing is driving me nuts…”
“Be patient, my love. You’ll be back to normal in no time.” Ignis gave her one last kiss on her forehead and gently removed himself from her embrace. “As for now, how does some soup sound?”
“Sounds lovely, Iggy. Hop to it.” Chuckling to himself, he made his way to their kitchen, his hand trailing along the wall like an old habit. Whenever his wife wanted something, she almost always got it, and he didn’t mind giving her what she wanted in the slightest.
Aranea watched as the handsome figure of her husband disappeared down the hallway and gave off a huge sigh. Man, not only had she landed a stud, he had some damn good cooking and fighting skills to boot. It must be the hormones raging through her, but she loved that she was carrying his kid. And more so than ever she wanted to be holding the little bugger in her arms. This motherhood thing might be the best thing that had ever happened to her. Well, besides Ignis, of course. As if reading her thoughts, the baby inside her pressed softly against her hand on her belly. “Yeah, yeah, kid, I love ya too.” Hardened badass that she was, Aranea always held a soft spot for romance and family, and she had to be the luckiest woman in the world to have found both.
HighSpecs Week Day 2-Rainy Days/Teamwork: What Is This?
Okay, on to the second day! I think I’m going to try and connect all of my fics this week into each other, so this is set way before my Day 1 fic, but will be followed by a direct sequel in my Day 6 fic, and so on. Hope it’ll be easy enough to follow. But anywho, onto the fic and be warned, this is gonna get angsty! Have fun!~
The rain didn’t seem to be letting up, and Ignis knew that visibility would be poor for the woman fighting next to him, let alone his own missing sight. It irritated him to no end that they were stuck fighting horde upon horde of feral creatures when they just wanted to get back to the campsite to rest. The days were getting shorter and soon there would be no light from the sun, and this in turn embolden not just the daemons that roamed the night, but also the regular fauna of the daytime hours. Ignis, and his erstwhile companion Aranea, were now embroiled with a vicious pack of Sabretooths after just finishing with a particularly nasty group of Coeurls. Gripping his daggers tighter and gritting his teeth into a snarl, he tried hard to discern where the animals were with just his hearing. It was hard without his sight to aid him, and to this day he cursed himself for being careless enough to lose it.
“Ignis! On your right! 4 o’clock!” Aranea had called out the location of the beast and he was grateful to have her fighting by his side. His head snapped around as he let his daggers fly into the meaty flesh of the dog who had let out a dying howl as the metal sank in. Quickly retrieving the weapons with a flip, his quick and practiced movements took down each foe with his daggers finding hide with a sick thud. Aranea was constantly beside him, barking out directions and doing her own fair share of the fighting with her lance. In no time the pack was down for the count and once again they tried making their way back to the drenched camp.
“Damn things just don’t stay down, do they?” Aranea was huffing beside him, the constant battles taking a toll even on her well-trained body. “Assholes. And this rain is definitely not helping things.”
“You’re quite right, so the sooner we get to camp, the better.” Ignis couldn’t help but let the irritation he felt at their situation slip into his tone. He was tired, hungry, and in need of a damn good rest.
Aranea gave off a hmph as they pressed onward, and by the sound of her footsteps on the wet ground had pulled ahead of him. “You go that right, bud. Now keep moving, soldier!”
He squinted his unseeing eyes at the backside he surely knew was in front of him. Since when was he one of her soldiers?
A strangled roar caught them both off guard and before they knew it, a Behemoth of all things had come charging at them through the downpour. Its grand entrance was punctuated by Aranea’s shout of something incoherent before Ignis was shoved to the side. He heard the crunch and yell of the woman who had gotten hit by the monster’s paw, and dread filled his heart.
“ARANEA!” Pulling himself up from the muddy ground, he charged at the beast with a hoarse yell of his own. He thought he had managed to dodge another strike of its massive paw, but the tell-tale sound of his pants being shredded and the pain lancing up his left leg told him he hadn’t been so lucky. Ignis fell into a messy roll across the ground and futilely tried to shove against the mud to get up again. The pain from his wound was clouding his judgement and he was starting to panic. He needed to get up, he needed to save her, he needed to-
“IGNIS, YOU IDIOT!” An audible slice against the thick hide of the beast rang out and it bellowed once more. A rough pair of gloved hands lifted him up from the ground, and he could feel Aranea straining at the effort to get him out of the silt. “I ain’t fighting this thing by myself because your dumb ass decided to be a hero!” Getting him to his feet, he felt a lance being shoved into his hands as she ran to get the Behemoth’s attention once more. “Use what I taught ya and let’s kill the bastard!” Another thunk sounded, and the creature sloshed away from Ignis as it turned to the source of the irritation. “HEY DIPSHIT, OVER HERE!”
The blind man was well and truly pissed now and followed the Dragoon’s lead in the fight once more. He was being a burden again and hated himself for it. He had no idea how bad his or Aranea’s injuries were, but he knew they had to end the fight with all haste. The lance was still a heavy weapon in his hands, but he kept up his strikes with a ferocious velocity. Aranea was doing her damndest to keep the fiend occupied as he heard her calling out and dodging in time with the monster. Ignis wished he could see her to know if she was in need of help but had to keep to the back to focus on taking it down. One well-placed slice took out its tendon on its back-left leg, and the pair took this as their time to end it. A splash echoed as Aranea took to the skies and Ignis too launched himself up Behemoth’s backside towards its head. In tandem, they both came down on the beast’s neck, their lances being buried up to the shaft in flesh and blood.
With one final gurgled cry, the fiend collapsed in a heap onto the water-logged ground. The two combatants struggled to catch their breath and Ignis could tell from Aranea’s labored breathing that she had gotten hurt worse than he had feared. Without a word, they managed to tread wearily back to the campsite, their steps heavy but fast. It had been one hell of a day, and it was only going to get worse.
As soon as they stepped into the protective ring of the camp’s barrier, Aranea let out a dreadful cough and nearly collapsed. Ignis was there to catch her, and felt even through her armor that she had some broken ribs. Guiding the weary woman into the tent, Ignis tried to rummage around for the first aid supplies. Finally finding them in the corner, he crawled back over to Aranea’s side and began undoing the clasps on her chest piece. Her hand shot out to stop him, and Ignis was nearly done dealing with her stubbornness. “Aranea, if I don’t get this off you, your ribs will-”
“I know, dammit, but your leg is worse!” The clanking of her armor and the sharp yelp soon after indicated to him that she had tried to get up.
A firm push against her shoulder was enough to send her back sprawling on the ground, and Ignis continued getting the damned piece of metal off of her torso. “My leg will have to suffer a bit longer.” The woman’s protest was cut off into a cry of pain as Ignis finally removed the offending piece and had immediately crushed a potion against her side. He could smell the acrid scent around him and knew indeed his leg was getting worse from the blood loss, but he had to suffer to make sure she was okay. It was his fault that she got injured. He didn’t hear the damn beast coming over the rain.
Before he knew it, he too was shoved to the ground with a pained gasp escaping him. His left pantleg was being torn away from the gash on his leg and a potion was soon crushed next to it. The healing waves of magic into the wound nearly made him kick out from the pain of it being mended, but he soon realized through the haze that Aranea was holding his leg down with one hand. Once the vial had worked its magic, bandages were being swiftly wrapped around his leg as he tried to finally say something. “Aranea! Your chest nee-”
“I know, dumbass. But any longer of you babying me you would’ve lost too much blood.” The hands tying the linen were harsh, and he bit back a yell, tasting blood in his mouth. “Try to be a good boy, okay?”
“Fine then.” As soon as the last bit of the fabric was tucked into place, Ignis swiftly got up into a seated position and grabbed at Aranea’s shoulders. “Your turn to be babied.” He could feel her struggling weakly but he persisted in starting to bind her chest in bandages as he reached for the kit.
“Fine then,” he heard her spit back at him as he began his work. The blind man had to rely on touch to get the fabric in the right place around her torso, but he was too mad to even try and consider that he was basically fondling her.
Once done with the bandages, they both decided to turn in for the night with a few terse words and frustrated noises between the two of them. The day was just horrible and Ignis had no idea why it went so bad. Just what the hell was wrong with him? What was this thing between them now? What in the name of the Six was going on?
HighSpecs Week Day 1-Moving In/Drinking Together: One More For The Night
I am sooooo sorry this is late for the first day of my FF XV OTP week! I had work and a family event going that day so I had no time to write! But now I’ve got three days off so I’m gonna be writing up a storm. Ignis and Aranea are my top OTP besides Noctis and Luna, and Cindy and Prompto. They just fit so well together and I can’t get enough of them! A special thank you and shoutout goes to my dear HighSpecs Capitan, Eszter! You inspired me with your love of Ignis and Aranea, and I can’t wait to write all about them! Well, here’s the first story, so enjoy!
The last box was placed on the ground with a heavy thud and Ignis soon rose to stretch his aching back. Rubbing his practiced hands against his protesting muscles, he sighed as he realized the moving in was finally done. How could a girl have so much stuff in this dire time? The world was in the middle of an apocalypse, with the skies blotted out by the Starscourge, and yet Aranea had enough clothing to clothe a small battalion it seemed.
“Hope you didn’t throw out your back there, Specs.” The rough voice of his companion came from his right and he turned to face her. Being blind he couldn’t see Aranea, but he had come leaps and bounds with adapting to his other senses ever since losing his sight three years ago. He felt her hand wrap around his arm and her head leaning against his shoulder. Her long hair tickled against his bare arm and he held her hand against his skin. “We’re finally home, huh?”
“Indeed we are, my love.” Ignis chuckled as Aranea tightened her hold on him and he in turn moved his right arm around her strong waist. “I would have never thought that we would be living together. Let alone falling in love.” A kiss on her head punctuated his last sentence and Aranea in turn kissed him underneath is chin in response.
“You took the words right out of my mouth, handsome.” The sensation of a smile against his neck greeted him as she nuzzled for a moment before pulling away. Tugging gently on his arm, the Dragoon guided her blind love to sit on their worn-down couch. “C’mon, let’s celebrate!”
“With what, pray tell?” The man was intrigued over what his love meant, and was only met with the sounds of a laugh, the clinking of the glasses, and the pop of a wine bottle. “Wait, you have alcohol?” Among other commodities, alcohol was rare in the now impoverished world, and it boggled his intelligent mind as to how the ex-Imperial Dragoon had acquired some.
“Yep! I figured that this was a special enough occasion to break into my secret stash.” That explained it. Ignis didn’t need his sight to practically hear the wink Aranea tossed his way. There was a splash of liquid in glasses, and her padded footsteps across the carpet as she took her seat next to him. A cooled glass was pressed into his waiting hands as she snuggled closer and brought her glass next to his. “Cheers, love. And to many more!”
“Cheers.” Clinking their glasses together, Ignis brought the glass to his lips and took a quick sip. The aroma of grapes and the sweet taste of the wine soon engulfed him and he allowed himself a satisfied hum. It was a good quality red wine and Ignis couldn’t have asked for a better person to share it with than the one next to him.
They had made quite the tenacious pair at first. Ignis was still reeling from losing Noctis to the Crystal along with his brothers-in-arms, Gladiolous and Prompto, as the three escaped from the Imperial Capital of Gralea. They had managed to make it back to Lestallum in one piece and shortly after went their separate ways to help the people deal with the coming disaster. Gladiolous had departed with other Hunters to start bringing people to the city, a quick word of encouragement to his companions being all he had to say before leaving. Prompto had elected to head to Hammerhead to warn the people and to make sure Cindy was all right, no doubt, and gave his best wishes to Ignis on his new mission of intel gathering. Left behind, blind, and alone in the now unfamiliar city, Ignis stumbled quite literally across Aranea in a stroke of luck, or perhaps fate. Thinking of no other alternative, he begged the mercenary in an uncharacteristic display of brokenness to help train him to fight without his eyesight. He felt useless beside Gladiolous and Prompto and knew he would be more of a hindrance than a help to the people around him in need of aid. Shocked and intrigued by the once stoic man crying his eyes out in front of her, Aranea had agreed, and the two had been inseparable ever since. Prompto and Galdiolous had always come back to the city to check up on Ignis and see whatever information he had dug up to help fight. The two had at first been shocked to see the Dragoon right beside their old friend, but as it became a regular sight for them, the boys couldn’t help but agree that it was natural that Aranea and Ignis were a thing. They had noticed the chemistry between the two, and even though Prompto had a small crush on the mercenary and Gladiolous had a passing interest in her, it was agreed she was the best match for Ignis. Her stubbornness got through to the Royal Advisor in ways the boys never could, and Aranea had lit a fire into the once despondent man with her training and constant companionship. Of course, that same stubbornness had caused no end of friction between them until the fateful mission a year ago finally brought them together as a couple.
Said second half of their couple was now pouring herself a second glass of wine, and was asking Ignis if he too wanted a refill. Brought out of his reminiscing with a smile in her direction, he acquiesced to her proposal and lifted his now empty glass for her to fill. Settling back down into his side, Ignis wrapped his arm around Aranea as she curled herself up on the couch. Life it seemed couldn’t get much better than this and he very much liked it that way. There was no telling how long it would take his King and dear friend to gather the power he needed to defeat the Chancellor once and for all, so Ignis decided to relish the small moments of comfort he had with Aranea; before they both were inevitably thrust back into the chaos of the world. Though he was always devoted to Noctis, Ignis found that he had more than enough room in his heart for Aranea and living together was just the next, natural step in their relationship. A relationship Ignis could feel would last both his and Aranea’s lifetime.
Also as a small note, I’ll be finishing up my last three entries for NoctLuna Week and posting them up soon! I’m so late with them and I apologize. Work and life sucked ass for me, but I’m determined to get them out for people to read along with HighSpecs!
Finally done with Day 2! Sorry it was so late, since work kicked my ass and this story was too lol I nearly went to description-y on it but pulled myself back to focus on the two main subjects, Noctis and Lunafreya. So, enjoy and have fun and hopefully tomorrow will come out easier to me xD
“Happy Birthday!” The shouts came from all around him and the party poppers rained down confetti and sparkles. King Noctis just laughed, happy to be surrounded by his friends and loved ones. By some strange twist of fate, or perhaps Bahamut decided to be nice for a change, Noctis had been given a chance to live again on Eos. His beloved home had come a long way in the two short years since he had returned, and three years since he had sacrificed himself. Surrounding him were not just his stalwart allies who had survived the ten years of darkness, but also those who had been saved by his light by curing their daemonification. And the one person he cherished more than he could ever imagine was by his side, hugging him softly around the waist.
“Another year older, hmm?” His wife and beautiful Queen, Lunafreya, was as radiant as ever in her white blouse and black skirt with the new gray knitted shawl she wore lovingly draped over her shoulders. Noctis had been incredibly shocked upon awakening to see that not only was he alive again but that Luna had been given a chance to live alongside him. Their powers as Oracle and Chosen King were gone, but in their place was their lives. And Noctis figured that was more than enough for him and Luna.
“Yeah, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Noct just hugged her closer and the party continued into the night with drinks and food aplenty. Galdiolous nearly flattened Noctis into the ground with a few slaps to the back, his smaller wife Floriana chiding him for being so rough while wrapped up in Gladio’s arm. Ignis had joined in the chastising as well, but his fiancé Aranea only told him to lay off, playfully smacking his shoulder from their curled-up position on the couch. Prompto just laughed and snuggled closer to his fiancé Cindy, who was trying to gently calm down him down in his drunken merriment but only wound up laughing along with him. Iris was chatting with Cor and Monica, Talcott close behind her while he conversed with Dino and Coctura, two of the Starcured and close friends to the king among others.
Luna had soon excused herself to the balcony and Noct had followed with worry etched into his face. Though the city was quiet now after the day’s festivities in the kingdom, the party behind him in his private chambers was as loud as ever even as he walked outside. He found her stroking the window basket filled with sylleblossoms overlooking the city in the cool night air. His queen had looked a bit pale and sickly over the past few days and tonight was not any different. "Luna? What's wrong? You still feeling sick?"
She then turned to him, with the most joyful smile on her face as she closed the distance between them. "Everything is perfect, my star." Taking his right hand, she placed it on her abdomen and stroked the back of his hand lovingly. "I found out today that, we are to be parents!"
"What!?" Noctis could hardly believe his ears or touch, but in an instant, it clicked. Wrapping Lunafreya in his arms with a shout of jubilation, it was the best birthday gift he could have ever received. He was going to be a dad! “That is amazing, Luna!” To even emphasize his point he had spun her around in a small circle, oblivious to the world except for the woman carrying his child.
Luna laughed along with him, holding on for dear life in his arms. “Yes, yes my star! Now please,” she patted his arm to be let down and gasped for breath. “Be gentle. I am as excited as you are, bu-“
“Gah! I’m sorry Luna, I got ahead of myself.” Noctis softly kissed her forehead and rubbed her back, his eyebrows knit together in consternation. “Are you going to be okay?”
“I will be fine.” Her demure smile assuaged the fears in his heart and they lovingly embraced. Parting, Lunafreya’s blonde hair shifted with her gaze as she looked over at the now silent gathering behind them. “Though I think we should tell our guests the good news as well.”
Chuckling, Noct could only agree and started to guide her back to their loved ones. “I think I scared them with how I acted. Some king I am, huh?”
“You are my king, and my husband.” She squeezed his hand in emphasis and walked steadily next to him. “But most of all, you are Noctis. I would be surprised if you had acted any differently.”
“True. And guess we better add ‘father-to-be’ to that list too.” The king smiled warmly and his queen returned it in kind, the pair entering the light of the room once more.
“What’s up?” Gladio cocked his head to the side with his arms crossed. Floriana nearly mirrored her husband’s expression with a hand on his arm.
“Is aught amiss?” Ignis frowned in confusion, his now-seeing eyes alight with curiosity and Aranea just as curious next to him.
“Hey, Noct, Luna, everything okay?” Prompto had perked up and was sitting attentively in his seat. Cindy had an eyebrow raised and was perched on the armrest next to her fiancée.
Grinning together and nodding, they both announced the happy news to their loved ones: “We’re going to be parents!”
The party once again erupted with shouts and the expecting couple was soon lost in a sea of hugs, well wishes, and congratulations. The talk very quickly shifted onto what the child would look like and it was a heated debate on whether the child would have black or blonde hair, if they would take after Noctis or Lunafreya more, or heavens forbid have Noctis’s temperament. Noctis was sure to stay by Luna’s side for the rest of the night, an arm never leaving her side. He held not one, but two lives next to him now, and he was not about to let anything happen to them. Noctis had his own little star to look forward to and he felt as if the world was a bit brighter; a world that he would cherish together with his child. His family.
NoctLuna Week Day 4-Chocobros Meeting Luna: When I See You Again
I’ve had this song stuck in my head while thinking of this fic, so that means feels time! I’m not gonna do another song fic like my first day fic, but it is inspired by this song. Also since the Festivals are going on, why not use them for this prompt? Well, the Moogle Chocobo Festival specifically, since I haven’t played the Assassin’s Festival yet. Be warned, this one is a bit of a long one and sorry it’s late. Well, enjoy!
Noctis let out a slow breath as he opened his eyes to the scene before him. He was back at the Moogle Chocobo Festival again just like his dream oh so long ago. He was even dressed in his old festival outfit with the yellow t-shirt but without the funny hat. But everything was different now then when he had visited last time. He had sacrificed himself to save Eos, had aged ten years trying to gather the power to do so, and had left his friends and brothers behind. He even had a human companion this time as Lunafreya blinked in the sunlight, her lithe hand shielding her sight from the sun. She too had noticed the fanciful decorations around them and turned to her husband with a questioning look.
“My star, is this Altissia?” Luna frowned as she looked about again and at her new yellow chocobo dress. He could tell that she was surprised by the festivities, the people, and her new outfit. Plus, the live chocobos kwehing by the prize counters weren’t helping matters.
“Yeah, it’s Altissia. But I’m thinking it’s more of a dream.” Noct sheepishly swept some of his longer black hair out of his face. “I’ve been here before when this festival was going on.”
“Truly? Then, would you know why we’re here?” Luna still had unabated questions and had fully turned to him now for the answers.
Noct just chuckled, sending some of his fringe back into his face as he shook his head. “Even when I was here way back when I never really found out ‘why’. I tried asking Carbuncle but he wouldn’t answer me.”
“Carbuncle, the Messenger? I had never known he was connected to you…” She sighed and placed a hand over her heart in contemplation. “It would seem he was as Pyrna and Umbra were to me as he is to you, Noctis.” Taking a deep breath and releasing it, she glanced over at him with a smile now gracing her lips. “But no matter now. I believe that since we are here, we should enjoy this carnival.” Her smile broadened as she started to walk into the light, warmly taking his hand to usher him along.
“Sounds like a date.” Noct had a similar grin on his face and even snickered as she stumbled at the thought of his words. They loved each other deeply and had even gotten married here in the afterlife; but they both were still getting used to the idea that they were together finally. Gripping her hand tighter to help her up, he took the lead to show her the wonders that had now decorated the city.
They ventured to and fro through the streets, taking in as many as the attractions as they could. Luna let out her musical laugh every time Noct got excited about catching a tagged fish only to come up with no tag at all. Noct had an equal opportunity to laugh back at her when she was determined to get the high score with the shooting minigame. They laughed together when trying to catch a runaway chocochick and went sent sprawling into a fountain. It was a time filled with laughter and not a care in the world.
Chirp chirp!
Noctis stopped browsing through the prizes at the counter that he was looking to get with his medals when the sound interrupted him. Craning his neck about, he finally spotted the fluffy blue fox creature sitting on the pier. “Niveus!” He immediately approached the fox and crouched down to pet him, which Niveus allowed with gusto. “I was wondering where you were at, buddy.”
“Niveus? Oh! Is that Carbuncle?” Luna had gracefully squatted next to him and giggled at the sight of an almighty Messenger accepting belly rubs from The King of Light.
“Y-Yeah, that’s my nickname for him.” Noct continued scratching Carbuncle on his belly as the fox merrily squeaked in happiness. Though all too soon he rolled back to his feet and shook himself off. Indicating to Noctis’s right front pants pocket, he chirped out what sounded like an exclamation.
“Oh right, you can talk through my phone. Hang on a sec…” Rooting the device out, he surprised to even still have a phone on him. Then again, this place was special and anything could happen. Activating the messenger app, he noticed out the the corner of his eye that Luna was reading over his shoulder as well at what Carbuncle had sent him.
Sorry I took so long to see you! I had a few friends to bring with me this time!
“Friends?” Noct looked up and regarded Niveus with a confused look. “You mean me and Luna, right?” He was a bit shocked when the fox shook his head no, and redirected his attention to his phone to read the next text.
You both will see! They’ll all be arriving at the pier soon, so you might wanna step back!
“Who…” The king merely gave a shake of his head and stood up, bringing Luna to a standing position with him. “Always with the surprises and unanswered questions, huh old friend?” Carbuncle just chirped happily at him and he gave a small roll of his eyes. “C’mon Luna, let’s do what he says.”
“Well, all right.” His queen was frowning as they obligingly took a few steps back while watching the pier. “I wonder who Niveus meant…”
Their questions were soon answered when after blinking a couple of times, a multitude of people instantly appeared on the dock. They all look shocked and completely befuddled as to where they were. Noctis couldn’t believe his eyes and, judging from the loud gasp Luna had let out, she didn’t either.
It was their friends and family, their loved ones who had passed on and the others who were still yet living: Noct’s friend and Shield Gladiolous was shaking his head in disbelief while a woman frowned in concern at him. His best friend Prompto was glancing around at all the decorations as their mechanic companions Cid and Cindy followed his example. His advisor Ignis was blinking up into the sky with the mercenary Aranea by his side. Luna’s brother Ravus blearily rubbed his eyes and their maid Maria was on the brink of tears to see him again. The reporter Dino stumbled over a plank and the cook Coctura was there to catch him as the Marshal himself, Cor, had an unnerved expression for once with his second in command Monica inspecting the surrounding area. Sania the biologist was gazing in wonder at the city along with the lead Hunter Dave while the journalist Vyv couldn’t stop taking pictures. Iris, Galdio’s little sister and Noct’s friend, wearily took in her surroundings with Talcott, the butler and friend to Iris’s family, right next to her, and three old Kingsglaive soldiers, Nyx, Crowe, and Libertus, rejoicing at the sight of one another. Lastly, Noctis’s father, King Regis, and Lunafreya and Ravus’s mother, Queen Sylva, smiled warmly at their children and the gathering of their companions.
Noctis was paralyzed in surprise of seeing them all again, even the ones he barely had even known in life. Luna was crying joyfully with her hands over her mouth, and nearly collapsed to her knees had Noct not unfroze himself and kept her standing.
“C’mon, let’s go see them again…” Taking a deep breath, he guided himself and Luna through the small crowd to the group, Niveus skittering along behind them. Coming to stop just short of the landing, the king put on the biggest smile he could and greeted his friends. “Hey you guys!”
“NOCT!” Gladio, Ignis, and Prompto all roared in unison as they charged into Noctis, landing in a pile of hugs and tears. Iris, Talcott, Cindy, Cor, Monica, and Regis were joining into the hug pile soon after, as Cid, Dino, Coctura, Sania, Dave, Vyv, Aranea, Gladio’s companion, Nyx, Crowe, and Libertus all happily watched on. Luna was similarly pulled into a tearful hug by her brother, mother, and maid which she returned with aplomb.
The introductions were soon made once they all had calmed down and the situation was explained to the best of Noct and Luna’s abilities with Niveus chiming in. Once pleasantries and bygones were dealt with, as Ravus was forgiven for his disastrous deeds and apologized profusely, with Aranea giving her side of the story and was vouched for by Ignis of all people, and the three Glaives aired their grievances and soon accepted what had happened, it was decided that all present would make the best of whatever time they had at the Moogle Chocobo Festival. Striking off, most of the group pulled forward with Ignis, Gladio, and Prompto staying close to Noct and Luna.
“So you’re the great Lady Lunafreya, huh?” Gladio gave an approving smirk to the woman in question, as the other woman holding his hand, who had been introduced as Floriana, giggled.
Lunafreya gave a bow of her head and smiled back warmly. “Yes, but please, call me Luna.” She swept her gaze among the three men and the women who accompanied them. “It’s an honor to meet my husband’s closest friends and brothers.”
“The honor is all ours, La-I mean, Luna,” stuttered Ignis with a small blush as Aranea snickered next to him while she held his arm. “You’re as radiant as I remember seeing in the papers.”
“Man! I can’t believe you two actually got married like you wanted!” Prompto had pouted a bit at the thought of not being with his friend when he got married, but had perked right back up thanks to Cindy’s help as she walked beside him with her hand in his. “Wish I coulda been there with ya, but now’s better than never!”
“Well said, Prompto,” agreed Luna as they all made their way to catch up with the others. “I could not have said it better myself.”
“Yeah, it’s great to see you guys again.” Noctis was grinning from ear to ear and was the happiest he had ever been. His brothers were alive and were helping to rebuild the world, just like he had hoped they would. They had even found their perfect matches in Floriana, Aranea, and Cindy, and was sincerely hoping they’d all get married soon like he had with Luna. Sania, Dave, Vyv, Coctura, Dino, Iris, Talcott, Cor, Monica, Cid, and Libertus were also doing their part in the healing process, and Noct’s heart swelled at the thought. Though the remaining people of the group that had come to visit him and Luna were dead like them, Ravus, Regis, Sylva, Maria, Nyx, and Crowe had all promised to not be strangers in the Astral Realm now that they knew Noct and Luna were there with them.
Hours seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye, and yet Noctis, Lunafreya, and the ones they loved did not mind in the slightest. They all laughed together playing the carnival games and explored the city to their hearts’ content. At night, they found the best seats they could and watched the fireworks explode with color in the darkened sky. Noct had pulled Luna close, his brothers next to him, and silently thanked the Astrals and Carbuncle for giving him this chance to reunite with those he loved dearest. It was all he could have ever asked for.
I really love the Noctis and Luna are getting their own week here on tumblr! I have loved them since day one and I will be participating in the entire week. So thank you to the organizers of the week, and please enjoy my first entry!
I kind of liked it your way,
how you shyly placed your eyes on me.
Did you ever know that I had mine on you?
It was strange to meet the Prince of Lucis, even stranger still given the circumstances of their meeting. Princess Lunafreya regarded the young boy across from her with a curious look as he glanced down from in front of his father. He had come to her home of Tenebrae to heal after a grievous injury from a daemon and could barely stand even with his father’s support. Lunafreya could tell he had been sheltered and unaware of the world as the young boy fidgeted, with his rich black hair falling into his sight. She put on her warmest smile and smoothed over her white dress, calmly approaching the darkly dressed boy.
It was King Regis who made the first introductions as he cleared his throat and urged his son forward. “Come now, don’t be shy. Say hello to the princess.” The man always had a kind look on his face and had an even kinder demeanor. It served to endear Lunafreya to him, and she suspected the same for her family as her brother Prince Ravus and her mother Queen Sylva smiled a bit wider when greeted by the king. Regis gave his son a gentle squeeze to his small shoulders to reassure him as the light from the bay windows glinted off of his ring on his middle right finger. Witnessing the gesture, Lunafreya silently wished she had had a father like King Regis growing up before her thoughts were dashed away as the boy looked up.
Darling so there you are!
With that look on your face.
What she had first noticed were his brilliant blue eyes. They shone and shimmered in the afternoon sun and held a wide range of emotions. Shyness, disquiet, fear, pain, curiosity, all of it simmered within the depths of his sapphires. He had a rounded face and unrefined features befitting his age of 8, and was garbed in a black, short sleeved sweatshirt, with a black shirt, black shorts, and black shoes with white outlines and white socks. All in all, he was very cute and it made Lunafreya’s smile grow even wider.
As if you’re never hurt.
As if you’re never down.
This in turn caused the boy to finally grin as well, lighting up his once gloomy features. “I-It’s an honor to meet you. I’m Prince Noctis,” he gave a small bow which made her giggle, “and I’m happy to be here, Princess Lunaf-…” Noctis faltered over her name and had a look of consernation as he tried again. “Princess Lunaf-f-f…”
Shall I be the one for you,
Who pinches you softly but sure?
“Luna is just fine, Prince Noctis.” Luna giggled as she reached out her hand to the prince, taking his small hand in hers. “And I welcome you to my home. Welcome to Tenebrae.” Their eyes met then, blue on blue and she felt a deep connection from their gazes. Luna already knew he was to be the Chosen King and of the sad fate that awaited him later in life. But that was many years down the road and as the Oracle in training for him she wanted to be there for him now. She had vowed to stay by his side and what better way to start their partnership then by having him be comfortable as he recovered among the groves of her birthplace?
If a frown is shown then,
I will know that you are no dreamer.
Noctis had looked downtrodden soon after not being able to pronounce her name, but brightened up again after Luna’s words. His grip on her hand tightened and he nodded in ascent, his grin widening enough to show his teeth. “Thanks, and you can call me Noct if you want.” He cast an excited glance around her room before returning his attention back to her once more. “It’s really pretty here!”
His father was beaming along with his son and chuckled in relief. “Indeed it is, my son.” Beckoning to the glass doors leading outside with a twinkle in his sapphire eyes, he patted both of the young children on the shoulders. “Come, let us try walking around the garden if you are up to it, Noctis.” King Regis looked slightly troubled at something, but was quick to dismiss it when he noticed Luna had caught his glance. The burdens of ruling a kingdom never truly allowed him time with his son, and knowing his destiny only worsened the feeling of loss. All he could do was help his son heal, and raise him as best he could. Luna knew this and was more than willing to help the older king with his burdens.
So let me come to you
Close as I want to be.
They both were interrupted in their thoughts by an enthusiastic cheer from Noct who had already started toward the entrance to the garden. “Let’s go, Dad!” He had turned to look at them and nearly stumbled, but Luna was there to catch him. He sheepishly thanked her as he stood again and shook his head, his smile never leaving his face and the glint of happiness never leaving his brilliant blue eyes. “Do you mind showing us around, Luna? I wanna see what’s out there!” Luna could already tell that he was the same as her in that they both wanted to have time with their parents, and that he was practically leaping at the chance to be with his dad.
Close enough for me
to feel your heart beating fast
and stay there as I whisper
She gave a small incline of her head and matched his grin with her own. “I would be more than happy to, Noct.” Guiding her small retinue to the world outside, she once again took Noct’s hand and gave it a warm squeeze. “Please, feel free to lean on me if you tire.” With his nod, she led the way into the cool air of the outdoors. Her practiced steps took them to her favorite spot in her mansion: the field of sylleblossoms she had so lovingly cultivated.
Noct’s eyes had lit up in excitement and he had let go of her hand to crouch down and admire the flowers. Luna joined him with King Regis watching over the two of them, the feeling of ease washing over their small party. She was soon explaining all there was to her flowers and Noct was drinking in all of the information. His sapphires eyes never left her face as she talked, and she admitted she quite liked the admiration. She regarded him with a look of wonder with her own grey blue eyes, and they both smiled in companionship, their hands touching amidst the grass and sylleblossom flowers of the field.
Orpheus leaned up, the joints in his back popping as he stretched from being hunched over his homework. He had been pouring over the arithmetic for over an hour now and still had his history pamphlets to get through. It had been a bit boring as he already knew most of the information thanks to learning it all from his dad. Being the son of such an intelligent man really did a number on his brain and spine though. Seriously, he wondered to himself as he rubbed the back of his neck, how does Papa do it?
The man in question soon nudged the door open to the living room, his arms full of groceries from his market trip. He looked a bit haggard with his hair flopping over into his eyes, brows pinched in concentration. Orpheus immediately jumped up to help and left his paperwork behind him. He honestly wanted to be rid of that headache for a little while.
“Hmph, it doesn’t get any easier…Oh!” Ignis startled when his son grabbed two of the bags that had been perched in his arms. He was quick enough to recover and offer a grateful smile as he made his way to their kitchen. “Why thank you, Orpheus. Would you mind helping me put away the supplies as well?”
“Sure! No problem, Papa!” Orpheus was quick to jump at the chance to hang out with his father. Ignis was constantly busy with helping run the city of Insomnia and Republic of Lucis in general. As such, he often did not have a chance to spend much time with his family, so every little moment counted. Together, father and son made quick work of the groceries, putting the items in their proper places all the while making small talk. “How was work? Did they finally get that law through?” Orpheus paused as he held one of the cans of vegetables, waiting for a response.
“With flying colors, actually,” Ignis smirked, placing the eggs and cheese into one of the drawers in the fridge. “The only problem that was holding most of the Senate back was the small tax hike needed to fund the hospital, but with a talk to the people, it was approved unanimously.” He stood up and stretched with a hand on his back, his joints cracking not unlike Orpheus’ own. “It turns out the outer lying citizens don’t mind paying a bit more in order for the hospital to be built in Cleigne. It would mean much more accessible healthcare to them and the Hunters of course.” He bent again to reach for the next bag, only to be stopped halfway by Orpheus, who was holding the bag up for him after taking care of the pantry goods.
“That’s awesome!” The kid beamed, his father returning it in kind as they finished storing the last of the food. “Really, it was a smart idea for you to suggest that hospital.”
“As much as I would like to take credit for the deed, I’m afraid it was President Leonis who originally thought of it.” Ignis tossed out the leftover bags and made his way over to the coffee table where Orpheus had abandoned his schoolwork, his son following behind him. “I merely helped to push it forward. Now then,” he gestured to the scattered papers, “let’s try to finish this before dinnertime, hmm?”
Orpheus tried to make another comment, but all that came out was a groan. I know Papa means well, but this stuff is kid’s work…, he mused as he reluctantly took his seat again. Picking up his pencil, he made to start the task once more when he noticed that his father had actually sat down next to him. “Papa?”
His tone of surprise made Ignis give another smirk. “What? Can’t a father help his child with his homework?”
“Oh, n-no, of course not; It’s just that…” I’m usually left to myself since you have work things to do…Orpheus intentionally left his last thought unspoken as he didn’t want to sound ungrateful for more time with his perpetually busy dad.
His father’s eyes shone with understanding, the skin around his right eye crinkling in concern while the scarring around his left eye prevented the same action. “I know, my son, but I believe it’s high time I tried to change that kind of behavior.” He quickly tried to pass off the worry with a grin but it did not reach his eyes. “Especially with you about to enter into middle school soon.”
Thanks to inheriting his father’s vast intelligence, Orpheus was only 8 years old but already well on his way to start 6th grade in the fall. In fact he was the smartest out of his siblings, but that by no means made them dumb, and he knew that fact quite well. It was a fact that he hated. It made him feel horrible for overshadowing his older sisters and brother as he was the youngest and the special treatment his father just decided to give him only made it worse.
Just for me, huh? Gee thanks Dad. Hope Lucie, Julian, and Fraxinea don’t throw a fit when they hear that. I get the brains while they get the brawn and I have to sit through lectures while they go out there doing something in the world…The child’s silence spoke volumes in the quiet room, and the scarred man next to him frowned in consternation.
Ignis tried to speak up to break the sudden chill. “Orpheus-”
“When will I get scars like you and Mom, huh Dad?” His father’s face was struck with awe at his son’s audacity and this only emboldened Orpheus to continue. “When can I fight instead of just doing all of these stupid worksheets and tests? All this thinking with no action? I want to be strong like Lucie, or Julian! Or like Fraxinea!” Orpheus’ voice grew steadily louder through his tirade until at the end he was shouting. “WHY DO I HAVE TO BE THE SMART ONE? WHY CAN’T I FIGHT!?”
In an instant, Orpheus regretted what he said when he saw his father’s expression just crumble, as if his heart had been shattered to pieces. Though his rage had been building for months now over his somewhat forced accelerated learning, seeing his dad turn away in shame made him feel horrid about himself.
“Oh, Orpheus,” Ignis finally whispered, his normally powerful voice trembling with sadness, “you do not want these scars. They robbed me of my sight, and very nearly of my life.”
“Dad, I-I’m sorry. I didn’t…” His small hand tried to reach out to his father’s arm but abruptly dropped it, fearing a reprimand. It was Orpheus’ turn to be interrupted instead, his father still speaking in a wavering tone.
“I still thank the Six that my eyesight was returned to me just before your brother Julian was born, but those years spent in darkness were some of the most trying in my life.” Subconsciously, Ignis’ long fingers rubbed the scar over his eye, almost as if he was trying to scratch it away. “I was a burden to everyone, my brothers and my king, and failed horribly in my duty to be Noctis’ eyes and shield to the world. My other injuries barely let me continue with the journey, and had it not been for your mother being my light in the darkness, and your uncles for staying by my side, I fear I would…” He chocked then, the tears he had been trying to hold back now freely falling down his face and onto the parchment underneath him. “I fear I would have ended it all, and let Leviathan and that bastard have the last laugh for what they did to me…” He trailed off as his frame shook from his sobbing. The pain from his old memories and scars were plain on his face though he soon buried it in shame into his hands.
Similar streams of sorrow were raining down Orpheus’ face as he made to reach out to his father once more. He had heard only snippets of what had happened during the Starscourge Wars, as both of his parents had not wanted to recount their struggles. But seeing his dad freshly reliving the past because of his careless words before him broke his own heart. Without a word, he gently pushed Ignis’ hands out of the way and placed his own small hands over the wounded skin of the man’s face. Orpheus pulled him close and rested his forehead against Ignis’ in a gesture he had seen his mother Aranea do whenever he had spied on them. It was a small comfort to Ignis and it always seemed to calm him down whenever he seemed to be freaking out over things. It did the trick as Orpheus felt his father’s arms encircle him in a hug and the both of them stayed motionless for several moments.
“I’m sorry Papa.” Orpheus finally broke the silence when his and Ignis’ sniffles had subsided, pulling back slightly to look his father in his matching green eyes. “I didn’t mean to hurt you so badly. I just want to be there with you and Mom when you fight together against any bad guys. I want to be with Lucie when she hunts with her lance. I want to be with Julian as he trains with his daggers for the Shields. I want to be sparring with Fraxinea with our fists. I just…”
“I know, Orpheus.” His father had pulled him into another embrace, his hand brushing through his son’s honey brown hair. “I know how frustrated you feel. There have been many times in my life where I wanted to fight with physical means rather than words. And indeed I did so that you and your siblings may be able to live in a world free of darkness. But,” he slightly smiled as he released the boy again, “Even though you wish to be strong like us, you indeed already are.”
“I am?” His statement only served to throw Orpheus for a loop, the child’s brow furrowed in confusion.
“Yes, you are. There is a great pride to be shown in learning about and understanding the world and people around you.” Ignis’ smile grew wider and his expression softened at last as encouraged his son. “Through that, you can fight for what you believe in, for the spoken word is a weapon in and of itself. It’s what I do every day at my job in the government and how I was able to help realize the construction of the hospital, among other things.” He chuckled, letting his speech sink in as the realization dawned on his child’s mien.
“Wait, yeah, you’re right!” Orpheus’ answering smile was just as brilliant as his father’s. He finally felt at ease having gotten his feelings off his chest, and could feel excitement at what his dad had just said. I really can be like Papa and Mama. I can fight just as hard as they do with my words to make Eos a better place!
“Well now.” Ignis gave a relaxed sigh and shifted, bringing both of their attentions back to the homework lying in front of them. “Since that is over, why don’t we work on this together? And after dinner, what do you say to helping me out with my own work? I think it’s high time I start training you much like your siblings in your own path.”
“Seriously? Dad, I’d love too!” Orpheus could scarcely believe his ears when he had heard his dad’s offering. He was going to get to be around his dad more and get to learn from him, just like he had wanted.
Ignis seemed to pause for a few seconds before adding on, “And, if you still want, I could deign to train you in the ways of combat as wel-“
His next sentence had been cut off as Orpheus tackled him into a tight hug and sent both tumbling to the floor. “You’re the best, Dad!”
“I do try!” Ignis’ busted up laughing as he returned his son’s enthusiastic glomp and they laid there trying to catch their breath before sitting back up again.
“I can’t wait to tell Mid!” Orpheus said about his best friend, the youngest child and only boy of the Argentum family, who was turning into quite the gunman like his father Prompto. “He’s gonna be so stoked!” And I get to spend more time with Dad just like he does with Uncle Prompto!
“I’m sure Midas will be, but as of now, let’s get started. Shall we?” Ignis shared in his son’s excitement, his eyes sparkling with emotion.
“You got it!” Eagerly Orpheus grabbed his pencil once more, and together father and son worked on conquering the beast that was homework. Their banter was relaxed and carefree as they solved problem after problem, wrote word after word. The joy and warmth were palpable to the two, and when the rest of the family came home from their own activities of work and school, they could feel it too. Aranea wrapped her arms around Ignis in a tight embrace as she was welcomed home, and Lucie, Julian, and Fraxinea all piled on top of Orpheus. Hearing the news of Orpheus’ new training, the family decided that dinner would be celebrated at their favorite restaurant. The siblings were all excited that their youngest brother would finally be training with them, and chattered amongst themselves as they got ready to go. The parents couldn’t be prouder of their kids as they ran about and gave each other knowing looks as they held hands. The scars of their pasts would always be there, but with their kids able to spend their days free of the nightmares they had faced, their hearts felt healed and whole once more.
It had been a long day of driving in the Regalia, and Ignis was more than happy to have the chance to stretch his legs. The royal entourage of Noctis, Gladio, Prompto, and Ignis had made the drive from Galdin Quay to Hammerhead to help deliver some sorely needed supplies as a favor to Cid and Cindy, and was now getting ready to set up camp. As a surprise, the trio of ex-Imperials of Aranea Highwind and her two subordinates Biggs and Wedge had accompanied them with their motorbikes. When asked as Gladio was packing up the last of the supplies at the port, Aranea mentioned that she wanted to make sure the parts for the new headlights that Cindy was making would get there in one piece. Though a little miffed for doubting the integrity of him and his friends, Ignis nevertheless welcomed the soldiers’ presence as they made their way to the garage. There had been a small herd of Garulas blocking the road, and with their help, the boys had no trouble clearing the way.
Now, after picking up groceries for themselves and their guests, Ignis was grabbing the last bag out of the trunk. Gladio was with Biggs, setting up the tents and such, Prompto had accompanied Ignis while shopping but ran off with Aranea and Cindy soon after, while Noctis went to get firewood with Wedge, and Cid was dozing off in one of the camp chiars. Reaching into the depths, oddly enough there was one more bag than the man had anticipated; tucked away behind the parcel he now carried.
“What the devil…?” he muttered as he bent low, bringing the bag out into the light of the late afternoon sun. It was a short, square box filled with an odd of assortment of pastries that he could only describe as donuts. Frowning, the advisor to the wayward prince knew that he had not purchased them with the other ingredients, leaving only…
“Prompto…” A sigh escaped the man as he shook his head and made his way back to the now erected campsite on the outskirts of Hammerhead. The boy had an incorrigible sweet tooth, and must have sneaked the box in with their purchases when Ignis had had his back turned. No doubt the blonde gunslinger would try to gorge himself on the snacks with the prince, Noctis, and completely spoil their dinner. Setting the food down on the dining table, Ignis had gone to check on the stove when lo and behold, Prompto popped up next to him, Aranea and Cindy in tow after taking a tour around the camp with the energetic ray of sunshine.
“Heeey, Iggy! Need any help?” The freckles on Prompto’s face were spread wide with his smile as he skipped up to the makeshift kitchen. Ignis wondered how on Eos he could have such boundless energy. And judging from the subtle glance the blondie threw at the girls, it was all to impress them.
“It would have been nice having some help carrying this lot from the Regalia, but it seems you’ll have to settle for helping cook.” The girls laughed at Prompto’s sputtering and sheepish look, and Ignis allowed himself a small smirk. He definitely took any chance he could to mercilessly tease the youngest member of their four-man band. It was a bit of a small game to them, kept them knitted together through jokes and jibs.
“If y’all need some more hands, I’ve two more right here!” Cindy, their loyal mechanic and friend, offered. Prompto had been smitten with her since day one of meeting her, and did everything he could to win her attention. Ignis sometimes wondered if she was just playing hard to get or if she honestly did not return the boy’s affections. Either way, she looked after the men as much as the Regalia and it was always a warm welcome from their travels.
The ex-Dragoon of the Imperials stepped around from the back stove, a cheeky grin playing on her visage. “Got room for one more? I’m just as handy with a knife as I am a spear.” A wink and a laugh at Ignis’ shocked expression, and the deal was sealed. Aranea had a way of getting what she wanted and it always left Ignis bewildered as to how. Women were dangerous and Aranea seemed to be a master at it.
Dinner thereafter was a quick affair as Ignis directed his three compatriots in the art of preparing their feast. Prompto was put on sauce and vegetable duty, Cindy on table setting and drinks, and Aranea on meat prep and grilling with Ignis assisting her in both. Aranea had not lied about her skill; easily slicing through the meat with precision as the bespecled man watched and transferred the pieces to the cooking area. He rather admired the camaraderie they had developed, and struck up an easy conversation with her as Prompto and Cindy did the same.
Soon finished, with Noctis and Wedge having returned with arms full of firewood and having started a roaring fire and joining Galdio, Biggs, and a now-awake Cid, dinner was served to the delight of everyone. The steak and vegetables had come out excellently of course and the group was tucking in and chatting about random topics of their fancy. The advisor soon noticed his prince was pushing his vegetables to the side of the plate like usual. It always perturbed him that the young royal had such a strong distaste towards necessary nutrients. Shaking his head, he happened to glance back at the doughnuts that were still on the table and an idea sparked into his mind.
“Prompto,” Ignis called over to the boy across the firepit. “Forgive me as it had slipped my mind, but what exactly are those confectionaries that you so readily slipped into the groceries?”
The freckled youth had a look of embarrassment on his face again before responding. “O-Oh, those. Yeah, the shopkeep saw me eyeing them and said I just HAD to try them! She said they were called “poon-shkees” or something, but there was no way I could say no!” He rubbed the back of his neck as he spoke, nervous of the reproach that he could hear was about to come from the older man. “We haven’t really had a chance to have any sort of dessert stuff lately, so I thought, why not?” Prompto finally looked up, his blue eyes trying to search Ignis’ green for any sort of reprieve.
Ignis surprised him and everyone else who was listening in with a smirk. “Well, if Noctis would be as so kind to eat some of his vegetables, I don’t see why we couldn’t enjoy some dessert.” Gladio barked out a laugh at Iggy’s clever gambit and was soon joined by everyone else.
“What? Iggy, not cool!” Cornered with his companions finding amusement at his expense, Noctis seemed to mull over his decision before finally taking a bite of the asapargus and grimaced. The moment was memorialized with a flash of Prompto’s camera and more laughter. Ignis could only beam in triumph, and mentally filed away the tidbit for future use.
Once the plates were (in Noct’s case, mostly) clean and placed to the side for washing, Prompto excitedly grabbed the box of doughnuts and started passing them out to everyone. He shoved one into Ignis’ waiting hand and another just as quickly into Aranea’s, who was seated to the advisor’s right. As the photographer dashed around to the next person, the man studied the pastry he now held. It was somewhat of an oval shape with powdered sugar dusted all over its surface. Taking a bite, he had an explosion of flavor in his mouth, the crème filling nearly gushing out by accident. Though it was his favorite flavor of chocolate, it was almost overwhelming to have so much in his mouth at once.
A laugh at his side made him turn in his seat. Aranea had also taken a few bites of her dessert, but didn’t have nearly as much crème dribbling from her mouth. “You’ve got to take it slow, hotshot!” Reaching out before he could react, she deftly wiped the sugary goodness from his chin with her finger and stuck it in her mouth to lick it off. “Ooooh, you were lucky to get chocolate. I got strawberry.” Laughing again at the dumbstruck look on Ignis’ face, she gave a coy wink before turning away to strike up a conversation with Cindy.
Ignis just sat frozen in his position, his once-bitten pastry laying forgotten in his twice-shy paralysis. He had no idea how to even start processing that not only had Aranea touched him without permission, but had done so with a brazenly flirty move in front of the gods and everyone. His brain was being so slow to bring him back down from La-La Land that another camera flash startled him out of his reverie.
“Prompto! Delete that photo at once!” Tossing his treat aside into his chair, he made to go after the younger man who had skipped off giggling. Aware he was making even more of a fool of himself by giving chase, Ignis just couldn’t seem to care as he had to make sure such an embarrassing picture was not left for posterity. It did the trick of sending everyone into a laughing fit, and indeed, helped bring the group even closer in comradery. Ex-Imperials along with Lucian nobility and commoners alike delighted in the scene of the bespecled man chasing after the blond gunslinger. It made for a good end to a long day with good friends, good food, and good memories.
