Author's note: I had all but given up writing fanfiction but events of late have forced me to take the keyboard up once more and type my heart out.

I had recently finished FFXV a few days ago and for a game I had waited 10 years and 7 months for… I feel a bit disappointed. I had expected so much more truthfully. While several aspects of the game were brilliant (*cough* Ignis *cough), the story was lacklustre. Not lacklustre in its grand scale but lacklustre in execution. The characters, the world, and the conflict had so much potential. I felt it was wasted. They say DLC will try to fill in the void somewhat so we'll see how that turns out but overall, I was so sad that I did not love it as much as I had wanted to when I first saw the trailer in May of 2006. I enjoyed the game for its open world segment (Heck, I even like Cindy who some people absolutely hated) but during the linear parts where the story plays such an important role… things fell so flat. Don't even get me started on the ending. It has left me so confused and conflicted. Although the wedding scene was glorious. Absolutely glorious. But not enough to make up for the things that were missing.

That brings us to this fanfic, here. As a way to come to terms with my feelings for the game and to bring closure to my love affair with FFXV, I decided to expound on the ending sequence of the game. Everything is written in the way that I felt I would be most satisfied with, had those events actually happened. This will basically be a collection of stories, not chronologically arranged, about life in Imsomnia after the game and maybe even before the wedding scene. I'll probably give a timeline factoid of something right at the beginning of the story if it's not obvious when it happens. Fair warning, I am a MASSIVE LunaXNoctis shipper and I hope this fanfic can help people see just how perfect they are together. The game did not do much justice to Luna who I believe is one of the strongest women Square has portrayed. Not strength in battle per se but her fortitude, will and dedication really got to me. Pity almost everything happened off screen. I picked up on context clues and small stuff they showed in the flashbacks to build what I think is her character. These chapters will all be my feel good stories so if they can make someone else happy, I would be honoured. Lastly, as this is mainly to placate me (haha), the ending is twisted to suit my fantasies. Such is the beauty of fanfiction. Chapters won't be so long so I can write more of them.

With that said, I give you the first helping of my "moving on from my FFXV heartbreak" fanfic.

Disclaimer: FFXV belongs to Square-Enix. I do not intend to profit from using their characters and settings.

-xXx-

Chapter 1: Rumors in the Citadel

Noctis had spent the better part of four hours holed up in his personal office looking through the reports that littered his desk. The reports were from different teams of the Crownsguard, Kingsglaive and the general Lucian army detailing the reconstruction work that was happening in the city as well as areas nearby like Hammerhead and the Prairie Outpost. Noctis had also dispatched small teams to help reconstruct the roads going in and out of the crown city. Their first major project was tearing down parts of the city walls and replacing them with gates. Imsomnia had all but isolated itself during the war with the Empire and now that a time of peace has finally come, Noctis felt it was only proper to open the city once more. If there was anything he learned during his travels it was that the crown city kept for itself so many things that could have helped the other parts of Lucis.

He was currently looking through the plans that Cid had drafted for these gates. Despite his vocation as an automobile mechanic, Cid himself was quite the architect. He was about to call on Ignis to drive the old man to the city for a meeting when the door to his office opened to reveal Cor, Prompto and Ignis.

They greeted him with the customary Lucian bow, a clenched fist over their hearts. "Good morning, Your Majesty," Cor spoke in his unmistakeable baritone. Ever since the days returned to Insomnia, Cor had immediately called up all the remaining members of the Crownsguard and had them all report to the Citadel. Some of the members of the Hunter Association even enlisted. As such, the Lucian military was more or less the first group that was reformed from the ashes of Insomnia. Cor had been the obvious choice for their commander.

"Cor, Ignis, Prompto." Noctis nodded to each person in turn. "Good morning as well."

Prompto gave him a wide grin while Ignis bowed slightly in greeting. Cor's face remained emotionless.

"Reconstruction on the south side of the city is going well. More of our civilians are returning and are helping with the restoration efforts. Cid's advice on investing in arable land close to Astor Slough and the Wiz Chocobo Farm was a stroke of genius and food supply for the crown city and the neighboring lands are stable and looking to increase in the next few months. We have focused on the hospital and basic government facilities while Gladio's group is assigned to the residences." Cor finished his report with a nod to Noctis.

Not quite used to the change in treatment Cor was giving him, Noctis simply smiled at him. Ever since his ascension ceremony, a lot of the people around him had changed the way they interacted with him. It came with being King, he supposed. Still, he sometimes missed how open and carefree they were when he was still a Prince. There was also something odd in Cor's demeanor. Like he was uncomfortable about something. He was a sharp contrast to Ignis's unnatural calm and Prompto's boundless energy. Energy which seemed to be bursting from the seams given how restless his childhood friend was acting beside Cor. Noctis decided to leave that for later though. "Thank you for the update, Cor. Although that's the same thing written in the reports I have in front of me now so I fail to see the reason why you had to come here and tell it to me personally."

Cor stiffened and Noctis figured his guess was true. Something was definitely up.

It took a few seconds before Cor spoke again."Prompto has heard word of distressing news in the citadel."

Without further prompting, Prompto was already speaking his heart out. "Noct! You gotta stop 'em! The people downstairs are making Cindy out to be some kind of gold digger! I know having a richer man means having more cars she can play with but Cindy…my beautiful grease monkey goddess… would never stoop so low as to go for an old rich man just to get ahead! She's so much -"

Noctis raised an eyebrow and wondered why the conversation had gone to Cindy all of a sudden. Given Cor's expression, however, this wasn't what he wanted Prompto to report. Ignis cleared his throat discretely and Noctis had the urge to smile at his old friend's subtle warning for Prompto. Cor was not as forthcoming though. The displeasure in his face was mounting. Prompto, completely oblivious and caught up in his "Protect Cindy's Honor" agenda, continued on like nothing was amiss.

"-you believe it? The things they say about her! Her outfit is completely fine. Super fine, if you ask me. Bunch of prudes. They're probably just jealous of her radiating -"

Cor seemed to have snapped as he said, "Lieutenant Argentum."

Prompto stopped whatever he was saying and straightened his posture. He gave a hasty salute. "Yes, Sir, Mr. Cor Marshall, Sir."

Cor was close to the members of the Crownsguard and he only pulled rank with them when he was displeased about something. Although Gladio's family were traditionally the head of the Crownsguard, there was no mistaking that for this generation, it was definitely Cor Leonis who deserved to be their High Commander. Noctis could not help but smile at their antics.

"Thank you. I will speak with you later." Prompto's posture slumped a little and he bit his lower lip. Noctis was not privy to how the Crownsguard under Cor were disciplined but it must have been something if Prompto's terrified look was any indication. Cor let out a tired sigh and continued, "Ignis, if you would."

"Certainly, Marshall." Ignis turned to Noctis. "There have been rumors flying about in the citadel with regards to the wedding. Or lack thereof to be more specific."

"What kind of rumors?" Noctis asked with a frown.

"Mostly between the people who used to serve house Tenebrae," Ignis explained. "They are worried about the delay. They think you've lost interest in Lady Lunafreya and are cavorting with other women. "

Noctis could not help but snort. "Cindy?" he asked, incredulous.

Prompto looked mortally offended. "What's wrong with Cin-"

He was immediately quieted by Cor raising his hand. Prompto slumped his shoulders and grumbled something Noctis could not hear.

Ignis continued once he was sure no one would interrupt. "I apologize if this comes out of nowhere."

It wasn't that unexpected, Noctis thought to himself. It has been almost half a year since the days have returned. With the return of the days, both he and Lunafreya were also given second chances at living. As soon as news broke that they were alive, the people that served House Tenebrae all rushed to Insomnia to serve their lady. They were betrothed but circumstances had not favoured them ten years ago. Now, with nothing standing in the way, a wedding was the one thing the people wanted the most. It was probably vexing that nothing had happened all these months with no indication that the coming months would be any different. Noctis understood the unease of the people of Tenebrae. Lunafreya was poised to be the Queen of Lucis. Having lost Tenebrae, if she lost favour with him, she would have nothing left. The same would hold true for her people. She was their symbol and they all looked to her for guidance and protection.

"I can see why they are worried. They really like Luna after all," Noctis answered.

Ignis gave a sharp nod. "Indeed they do. The entire kingdom does actually. She's worked tirelessly after she's returned. She's become a symbol of hope and peace to the people."

Lunafreya had been working continuously since the restoration began. Although she still came home to the citadel every night, during the day, she was mostly out travelling. It was not unheard of for her to travel to somewhere as far as Ravanogh. Despite their duties, Noctis always makes sure to come see her as often as he can. It seemed though, that the people could no longer be patient about the fate of their relationship.

Noctis let out a deep breath before speaking. "Do they not realize that Cindy spends more time with the cars down in the basement than she does with anyone else here?" He found it a bit humorous that they were pairing him up with Cindy, of all people. He'd barely seen her since the beginning of the restoration efforts.

It was Cor who spoke next. "Forgive my impertinence, Your Majesty, but I would also like to ask about the wedding." Noctis figured that this was why Cor looked a bit uncomfortable when they entered. It seemed as though even the people within his immediate circle were worried. He couldn't blame them. He had specifically refused to even acknowledge the wedding.

All of them seemed reluctant to broach the subject. It was Ignis who finally decided to bite the bullet. "I think everyone would like to know if there will even be a wedding… seeing how everything has turned up." Ignis let his words hang.

It was no use pretending he didn't understand what they were getting at. "You want to ask why I'm delaying it."

"Yes, Your Highness," Cor answered.

Noctis steepled his fingers and organized his thoughts for a bit. This only seemed to make the men in front of him uneasy. There was nothing else to do but be honest. "Ever since our… resurrection, or whatever it is you would like to call it, Luna is the person that has given me the most joy. I truly do care for her. Much more than I thought I had before I had lost her more than ten years ago. "

The ten years in his stone prison had given him so much time to think of many things, his feelings for Luna included. There were so many things he had wanted to say to her that he did not. Those things he kept to himself which he wanted to say not only to Luna but to his father as well, were his greatest regrets. When he had awoken months ago, he was greeted by Luna beside him. He had already made peace with giving up everything so finding her again was truly something he had not expected. Being within such close proximity of her the past few months, his innocent affection for his childhood friend had immediately morphed into something deeper. As such, his priorities had taken bit of a jumble with Luna coming out on top.

Despite that, he could not find it in him to push through with the wedding. "Our betrothal was something desired by the empire," he continued. "It was one of the demands for Lucis's surrender. It was our duty, both Luna's and mine, to be wed."

Noctis looked at his three friends in turn. They were all listening intently. Prompto even replaced his pout with a look of eager attention.

"Now, that is not the case. There is no pressure that forces her to be my wife."

It was Prompto who decided to interrupt. "Uh.. So you're gonna let her go, Noct?"

That thought had never once crossed his mind. "I can't imagine marrying anyone else though. So I can't let her go. But, what I do want is that she becomes my bride willingly. Of her own choice. For the simple reason that she wants me as her husband. It is a bit selfish, I know." Cor looked as if he wanted to say something. Noctis understood what Cor wanted to say. "I also understand what our union would be to the world. What it would symbolize. It would make the people happy. And that's worth so much in these times. I know that… But –"

Their wedding would indeed be the most celebrated event today. Having come from the eternal nights of the last ten years, their wedding would truly be a sign for life returning to better times. Their wedding had been something people looked forward to long before the advent of the darkness. It would transport everyone back to those simpler times. A time when the memory of the suffering they experienced under the cover of endless night did not exist. It would be a joyous occasion that would perfectly mark the return of the dawn.

But Noctis could not find it in him to force Luna into it. The wedding would mean a lot to his people. However, what he wanted was for the wedding to mean something to Luna. Not a duty or a responsibility but just like Noctis, something she truly wanted. "Before, Lucis was always the most important. My duty her as king weighed heavy on my shoulders. I have already delivered her from darkness. I have already given her my life once before. This second chance I have been given, may I not put someone above Lucis, now? Have I not earned that right?"

The looks on his three friends softened. "We understand, Your Majesty," Cor answered for them.

Noctis only smiled at them. "Besides, I would rather you focus the city's coffer's on rehabilitation and reconstruction rather than my wedding. Money is better spent on roofs over Lucian heads than flower arrangements for my wedding."

Cor's serious face finally split into a grin. "You say you want to place Lady Lunafreya before anything else but your actions say other wise."

"Force of habit. I am still the King after all," Noctis says with a shrug.

Cor gave a small nod. "Your people know of your sacrifice, Your Majestry. They will not begrudge you that little bit of happiness. The wedding would mark a true beginning for our new era. The people will be sincerely happy for the both of you. You have both given us back the dawn, after all."

"Thank you, Cor. I will think about it." It was heartening for Noctis to hear Cor's words.

Cor turned to Prompto and the younger man flinched. "Now, Lieutenant Argentum, a word if you will." Noctis wanted to save his friend from the lecture but he knew Cor always meant well so he let them be. Cor saluted him once more. "Please excuse us, Your Majesty."

Ignis remained in the room and immediately went to prepare Noctis a cup of tea. Even with his sight gone, Ignis remains to be one of the most capable men Noctis had ever seen. He did things so much better that people who had their five senses. Noctis continued his work. Moments of silence with Ignis were never uncomfortable. It was a mark of how well they understood each other.

After signing the last reports, Noctis stretched out his aching muscles. "You would think after all I did for Eos I wouldn't have to do such menial tasks anymore."

Ignis chuckled. "Signing edicts are important duties of the king."

"I know. Now I understand why my dad barely has anytime to see me. These are just the reports, there are still the inspections. How did he manage everything?" Noctis was amazed at the amount of work he had to do after his ascension. It gave him a new perspective of looking at his father. The restoration work was adding much more work than usual but Noctis doubted his father's work was less than what he was doing now.

"He had capable men with him," Ignis said as he took away the reports on the table.

"What do you think about the wedding, Ignis?" His friend had not said a word about it ever since Cor and Prompto left. Ignis had always given him sound advice so he was anxious as to what the older man had to say. He raised the tea cup Ignis had placed on his desk not long ago and took a sip.

"As far as I'm concerned, I'd be fine with you eloping, Noct," Ignis answered with a straight face.

Noctis was taken aback at his friend's words. He placed the cup on the saucer and coughed as the tea went down the wrong pipe. "Are you really Ignis? What have you done with him, you impostor?"

Ignis laughed at Noctis's response. "You and Lady Lunafreya have already done your part. It's already much more than anyone else has done. You have given the ultimate price in exchange for the life we can have now." Ignis stopped what he was doing to look in Noctis's direction. "The both of you have been burdened with your destiny all your lives. This second chance you both have is an opportunity to make up for everything you were denied in your first life."

Count on Ignis to always be on Noctis's side.

Although Ignis had his back, he doubted the other members of the Crownsguard would be as generous. "You would honestly face down Cor when he blows his shit after we've run away in the night?"

His friend only shrugged. "I would even help with preparations. Although I will insist you keep me informed of where you are at the very least. Rest assured no information will be leaked to people you do not like."

Ignis had always been his constant ally. Noctis was always grateful for that fact. "Thank you, Ignis."

"That said, the rumors are no laughing matter, Noct." Ignis took one the seats close to the desk.

"Really?"

He nodded. "They get more vicious as time goes by. I'm afraid of what Lady Lunafreya would think if they reach her ears. If they haven't already."

Noctis had to wince. "They're that bad, huh." Noctis had to wonder just how bad they would become. Ignis phrased it mildly but he knew things could get worse very easily.

"I'm afraid they are." There was a slight pause before Ignis spoke again. "A word of advice, Noct."

"You know I always welcome your advice, Ignis."

He saw a small smile light Ignis's face. "I think it would be best if you and Lady Lunafreya were on the same page with regards to the wedding. These rumors will not help your relationship so it's best you know where you both stand."

"How can I squash these rumors?" he asked Ignis.

"Copious amounts of public displays of affection."

Completely taken by surprise at the answer, Noctis could only stare at his companion. "I'm sorry, what?"

Ignis looked every bit as serious as before. "PDA, Noct. And quite a bit of it by the looks of things."

Noctis could not help but laugh at the suggestion. "I'll see what I can do."

-xXx-

Author's note: Hopefully my writing hasn't deteriorated so much that it's unreadable. I'm currently doing graduate studies in Japan right now and let me tell you… it's RIP English. It's a lovely and beautiful country and the people are really nice but your English skills will die a slow and sure death. I might even take up writing fanfics again just so my English skills won't regress so badly. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed despite my skills, I'll try and improve so I hope you'll continue reading. Thanks for sparing the time to read my story. Reviews are always welcome. Until the next chapter. :D