A/N- The first of many oneshots starting off with…
Lavender Rose – Represents "Love at First" or "Enchantment"
Noctis first met her when he was fourteen. He was forced to move due to his father's work, leaving behind the only life he knew. At first, he was reluctant to go to school at Bodhum Junior High seeing that he was somewhat an awkward child which meant he would probably have a difficult time making new friends and to top it off it was the middle of the school year. Noctis was still growing; currently he stood at 5'6, had a scrawny build, with a kid cute face. He was definitely not looking forward to his first day at a new school, but he complied with his father's demands anyways seeing that there would be no way for him to win.
Noctis stood outside the door nervously. Crap I'm late, why today of all days. He knocked on the door hesitantly. The door swung open revealing a tall dark haired man clad in a white dress shirt and black pants. "Would you be Mr. Caelum by any chance?"
"Y-yes sir, excuse me for being late sir." Noctis replied apprehensively.
"You'll get a free pass for today considering it is your first day here," He sidestepped to make way for Noctis to enter. "Listen up students; you will be getting a new student as of today. Please introduce yourself." He said turning to Noctis. Noctis walked into the now silent room and scanned the classroom roughly to become acquainted with the atmosphere. His eyes immediately noticed a head of salmon pink hair on a girl sitting at the far corner of the room staring out the window. As if she felt his stare she looked forward and glanced back at him passively. That was when he saw her captivating blue eyes pierce his dark ones. His body tensed and he held his breath. She looked at him questioningly as if she was waiting for something. Oh yeah the introduction.
"Hello my name is Noctis Lucis Caelum. I moved from Niflheim to Bodhum due to my father's line of work. I hope to get along with everyone here." Noctis introduced himself swiftly. His mother always told him to present himself proudly and modestly to make up for his gawky look. Being the son of a of an influential business tycoon Noctis had learned how to put his best foot forward and to make a good impression.
The class exploded with questions and murmurs consisting of 'Caelum? As in Caelum Inc?' and 'He's a rich kid?' with the additional oohs and awes. Noctis looked back to the pinkette only to see an indifferent expression on her face. Noctis for one was surprised but also relieved to find a person that didn't care for his father's reputation and just thought of him as another student.
"Alright settle down class. Claire, if you would raise your hand, Noctis please sit in the desk next to her." On cue the girl Noctis had been staring at lifted her hand off of her desk signaling him to approach her. Sitting down Noctis looked over to her noticing that her pink hair framed her baby face perfectly. She looked roughly 5'5 in height with a thin body structure.
"Hey, nice to meet you" greeted Noctis.
"Likewise" Her bored tone replied as she turned to look out the window again.
The morning went by relatively fast; probably because Noctis paid no attention to any of the teachers whatsoever, but he did keep in mind to not disrupt any of the classes. Noctis already learned most of the content in the lessons anyways. Lunchtime rolled around and many of the students invited Noctis to join them for lunch; to which he all respectfully declined noticing that Claire was sitting in the shade of a large tree eating away at an apple. He paced over and sat across from her.
"Hello." Claire spoke monotonously.
"Hi" Noctis smiled at her. The two sat in a borderline uncomfortable silence, but then again that could have just been Noctis.
"Is there something you need from me Caelum?" She asked in an irritated manner. Finishing off her apple she tossed it into the garbage can three meters away. "I usually don't associate myself with rich kids like you."
"Why is that? Is it because you think I'm one of those conceited and snobby kids?" Noctis smirked at her.
To this Claire nodded followed by her opening her mouth, "You going to prove me wrong?"
Any person would be furious if they heard this but Noctis was used to it. Noctis knew that if he was in their shoes he'd probably think the same. "Well for starters I don't buy pointlessly expensive and luxurious products, because I think it's a waste of time. I'd rather buy something efficient over something flashy any day. Secondly if I did grow up to be a pompous jerk my parents would beat it right out of me. "Noctis chuckled before continuing. "Lastly I don't have a reason to brag about anything; I have a reason to be proud, yeah, but to brag? No way. The accomplishments are my dad's, not mine. If anyone has bragging rights it's him, he's got the evidence to back it up… not that my dad would ever do that though. I'm just a kid who's pinned with a lot of expectations from the public."
There was another unsettling silence that hung between the two.
"…You're alright Caelum" A ghost of a smile appeared on Claire's face. This by the way made Noctis' heart skip.
From that day on the two became the best of friends. Between the two there was witty banter, silly arguments and caring conversations that strengthened their bond. Over time they learned to open up to each other and showed their true selves in the progress as well. It was rare to see the both of them apart from one another at school. It continued like this until the last days of middle school. Noctis and Claire were inseparable, or so they thought.
On the last day of school Noctis greeted Claire with a wholesome smile as they entered the front of the school. Being such close friends Noctis immediately noticed Claire's different attitude, though she did hide it well. Noctis was worried for her, he saw Claire as a tough, straightforward and passionate girl, to see her otherwise was disheartening. He played along with her charade though just until the end of the day, knowing that if he asked her now she would just become extremely angry; Noctis knows this from past experience. During the entire day Claire would avoid eye contact with Noctis whenever he tried to start a conversation with her. Having tire of Claire's behavior he pulled her aside to an isolated area when the final bell range alerting that summer vacation had just begun.
"Claire what's wrong? Why are you acting like this?" Noctis asked gently. Claire stared down at her feet without uttering a single word. "Damn it Claire, look at me!"He placed his hands on both sides of her face and tilted her head up so their eyes met and their faces inches apart. What Noctis did not expected to see was Claire's sad eyes as tears rolled down her cheek. "Claire…?"
"N-Noctis" She sobbed. "M-my parents…t-they said…for Serah…they said" Claire clutched onto Noctis' wrists that were holding her face. "I have to move Noctis… Serah's sick and it's getting worse… We have to move elsewhere so we can get her better treatment."
Noctis pulled her close and hugged her. He placed his chin on her shoulder and let her rest her head on his. "It'll be okay Claire. Serah's health is your first priority isn't it? I know you're worried sick about her. The faster she recuperates the better right?"
"Yeah, I know. I really want Serah to get better. I love her so much. Moving to Palumpolum is our best bet for her to get better…but…" She pulled away from Noctis and looked up at him, tears still streaming down her face "I'll miss you."
Noctis' heart ached. He wrapped his arms around her once again. "I'll miss you to Claire," More than you know. "But we're best friends right? We'll see each other again… When are you leaving? For how long?"
"We finished packing yesterday… We'll probably be leaving in an hour or so…" She tried to choke back more tears. Claire didn't want to leave Noctis and he didn't want to let her go, but what choice did they have?
The last time he saw her was when her face peeked out the back of the car with a grief stricken smile on her face. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying, but in Noctis' eyes she was as gorgeous as she was the first day they met. He watched as his love disappeared off into the distance. Only then did he finally lose his self control. He had to stay strong for Claire, he had to send her off with a smile, but now she was gone he too broke down as tears cascaded down his face.
Goodbye Claire…
_
"Noct. Yo Noctis! Earth to freakin' Noctis!"
A finger jabbed Noctis' forehead breaking him from his thoughts. "What?" he grunted obviously annoyed.
"Valentine's day is coming up Noctis. You got any plans with a special someone?" The blonde man asked excitedly.
"Prompto, for the past two years I didn't do anything, what makes you think this year will be any different?"
"Oh C'mon Noct! It's our last year here! Girls are always throwing themselves at you and yet you reject every single one! What the hell is wrong with you?!" the man named Prompto exclaimed.
"He does have a point Noctis. You are more than capable of getting a date, so why don't you?" The scar faced man piped in.
"I'm not going to whore around with girls I don't even like just because I can you know? I do have an image to uphold Gladiolus." Noctis shot back.
"Yeah, as the scared virgin" Prompto taunted.
"What was that Prompto?"
"Nothing~"
"Perhaps Noctis is the sentimental type of guy" The man with glasses inquired.
"Ignis! Whose side are you on? Anyways stop psychoanalyzing my love life."
The teasing did not cease at the lively table. Noctis was in his senior year at Bodhum High. There he made three close friends. At first Noctis planned on going through high school without making friends, but it looks like fate had something else in store for him. On his first day he was seated next to the overly cheerful blonde that did not know when he was not wanted. Prompto immediately attached himself to Noctis. Next was Gladiolus, which he was paired up with for a biology project. They soon became friends seeing as how Noctis respected Glad's hardworking spirit just as Glad respected Noctis' leadership skills. Later on he met Ignis through Prompto, Noctis sympathized with Ignis, probably due to the fact that Prompto attached himself to Ignis as well; despite his protests. Overall he was glad that he met these guys, but they couldn't stop Noctis from thinking back to his middle school days.
A lot of things have changed since middle school. Now a day's Noctis stood at a height of 6'1. He developed a lean muscular build that many men envied. His facial features have grown more masculine and dominant. He still had a shy personality but could put up a cool and confident mask when needed. This of course, his friends have been able to see through as they got to know him. He had grown more mature and had a large sense of duty since realizing that he will be working parallel with his father not too far off into the future.
"Wait or could it be Noctis already has someone on his mind?" Prompto gasped. Noctis stared blankly back at the three men when they turned to Noctis.
"What?"
"Noct, do you already have a special someone? It would explain why you're not interested in any of the girls here." Gladiolus continued to put the pieces together.
"…No…I told you guys to stop speculating"
"YOU HESITATED" Prompto yelled accusingly, attracting attention from the other tables in the cafeteria.
"…I'm leaving now"
"NOCT COME BACK"
A week had passed since Prompto's little outburst. It was now three days before Valentine's Day (including today) and Prompto still did not drop the subject concerning Noctis' secret crush. The two boys sat in their first class; history. Their teacher, Mr. Katzroy gave the students class time to work on their own. Prompto moved his desk beside Noctis' so they could share a textbook. Prompto had lost his textbook somewhere in the confines of his locker a long time ago. The class was spent mostly by Noctis listening to Prompto's crazy antics as he copied off of Noctis' work. A group of students consisting of two boys and two girls sparked up a conversation that both he and Prompto listened in on.
"Hey, did you hear what said yesterday? Apparently we are getting a new student."
"Seriously? Boy or girl?"
"I dunno, she didn't say."
"I hope it's a boy; there aren't any good guys around here… Well except for Noctis. He has it all, looks, money, grades." one of the girls sighed dreamily.
"Whoa Whoa, what does that make us?" the boy who instigated the conversation questioned feigning a hurt expression.
The second girl laughed "So when is he or she coming?"
"I think Nabaat said that they'll be coming tomorrow around lunch."
At this point Noctis and Prompto clocked out of the four's conversation and started their own.
"Wow a new student! I wonder what they're like. Noctis wanna bet? Boy or Girl?"
"Doesn't matter, it won't affect us" Noctis responded disinterestedly.
"You're no fun" Prompto pouted.
Their day progressed as usual, rolling smoothly into the next day.
_
"Glad, keep your eyes peeled, the new student should be here today."
"Yeah I heard you the first time Prompto"
Noctis plopped down in the seat across from Ignis as he saw Prompto perched on his seat like a bird looking for its prey. Noctis sighed. At least Glad is more discrete than Prompto. He looked at Glad to see that he mimicked Prompto's actions. …Or not… It was times like these he was very happy to know Ignis. Noctis dug into his meal, every once in awhile he would take food off of the blonde man's tray; this came unnoticed to Prompto. Noctis finished his meal as well as part of Prompto's before he decided to speak up.
"Your foods going to get cold" Noctis muttered while Ignis nodded in agreement. The group heard two unfamiliar boys walking by as they gossiped enthusiastically.
"Holy fuck did you see her? She was soo hot. Think she'll accept Valentine's Day gifts?"
"I know right and did you see her hair? I didn't even know people had pink hair. Do you think it's natural?" A girl ran up to the two males.
"Did you guys see the new student?! She's looked so cool; do you think she's a model?"
Pink haired girl? It couldn't be her right? Noctis thought disbelievingly. Get it together Noct, you haven't seen her in almost three years; don't get your hopes up... But what if it is her? Noctis struggled in a mental battle with himself.
"There!" Prompto yelled as he frantically grabbed at Glad's arm then pointed to the girl entering the room. Noctis turned to look over to where Prompto pointed and he froze. It was her, what were the odds of that? Noctis couldn't believe it. There she was walking down the middle of the cafeteria inspecting her surroundings. She was not yet aware of him. Noctis stared at her. She was beautiful, even more beautiful than he remembered. Her hair grew longer, flowing down her left shoulder. Her face was now heart shaped, and her electric blue eyes grew sharper. She looked like she was around 5'7; her height was definite given her long slender legs and slim build. Wow, she was breathtaking. As she walked by Noctis stood up abruptly calling out her name. She turned to acknowledge the person that called her name and when she did her eyes met Noctis'.
"Noc…tis?" Claire whispered lowly, but loud enough for him to hear. In an instance they walked over to each other meeting half way; now only a foot between them. Before Noctis could say her name again she leapt into his arms wrapping hers around his neck. In return, he curled his arms around her waist and held her tight. There was no doubt in his mind that she could hear his heart racing in his chest. Noticing his shirt was getting wet he pulled back his head slightly to see her crying. He removed one of his arms from her waist and used it to press her head into his chest as his head leaned down to kiss hers. Softly, he called her name. Both Claire and Noctis began to hear murmurs when realization struck them; they were standing in the middle of the cafeteria in front of everyone. Without delay Noctis grabbed her hand and led her outside without missing a single beat.
They walked out to the flowerbed near the school building. Noctis sat first and pulled Claire down to sit in between his legs; her back pressed against his front. They sat in a peaceful quietness, sorting out their thoughts. There were so many questions to ask but they didn't know where to begin.
"Claire… when did you get back?" Noctis asked as he wrapped his arms around her again.
"Just a couple of days ago, we live in the same neighborhood we did before" Claire leaned back to look at Noctis.
"How's Serah?"
"Full recovery, she's doing better than ever. You know she's going to the Junior High school that we went to."
"…I've missed you Claire; I've missed you so much." Noctis adjusted himself when Claire sat up to turn to him. She stood on her knees putting her arms on Noctis' shoulder.
"I've missed you too Noctis. You grew so much; I don't think I can beat you up anymore. It's not fair." Claire grinned happily. "You know there was something I really wanted to tell you the day I left."
"What would that be?" Noctis moved forward to place his forehead against Claire's.
"…I…back then I really…I really started to l-l-ike you"
"And now?"
"…I still …really do…lik-"
"Hey Claire?" She hummed at him in response turning a darker shade of pink with every second passing. "I love you." Claire looked up unsure if she heard correctly, her doubts vanished when Noctis pressed his lips against hers.
"Hey Noct as much as I would love to watch you two be all lovey, we're going to be late for class so hurry your ass up would ya!" Noctis heard Prompto complain from across the flowerbed standing on the concrete. Noctis pulled away from Claire and looked over to Prompto.
"Go on without me, I'm walking Claire to class."
"So Claire's her name huh? Nice to meet you Claire!" Prompto flailed both arms hysterically in a waving motion before taking off in the opposite direction.
Claire turned to Noctis. "You don't have to take me to class Noctis, I know where I'm go-" Noctis pecked her on the lips once more.
"Yeah, but I want to. Also I don't want any other guys to hit on you." Noctis winked at her before getting up, brushing the dirt off his clothes. He then held out a hand in Claire's direction. She gladly took his hand and pulled herself up, dusting off her skirt. Noctis threw an arm over Claire's shoulder as they walked to her locker.
"Valentine's Day is tomorrow isn't it?" Noctis brought up as Claire retrieved her books.
"It sure is"
"I was wondering… do you have any plans?"
"Actually yeah I do, a date"
Noctis stared at her skeptically. "Yeah? With who? Where?"
"Well that would depend on where you plan to take me tomorrow Noctis"
"… I hate it when you do that, why couldn't you have just said no I don't have plans?" He glared playfully at her.
"Because…" Claire said as she approached her class. "Where would the fun in that be?" she replied comically. Before entering her class she turned to Noctis one last time "Better hurry to your class Noct, wouldn't want to be tardy."
" Right" Noctis retorted sarcastically. "I'll see you afterschool."
_
The next day Claire arrived at her locker to see a bouquet of lavender roses on the shelf inside. She read the golden note attached to it.
Fun Fact: Lavender roses mean love at first sight. Did you know that Claire? I'm so romantic right? Now if you could please place the roses back into your locker, close it and turn 90 degrees to your right I would very much appreciate it.
-Noctis
Claire did as instructed. When she closed her locker she turned to see Noctis leaning on the locker next to hers. He took a step towards her placing a hand as support above her head as he loomed over her.
"I bought lavender roses for you for a reason you know? I don't know if you know this or not but I fell in love with you the moment I laid eyes on you that day. I've waited for four years to give these to you and now I finally have you. I love you."
"I love you too Noctis" Claire then eyed him suspiciously. "By the way Noctis, how'd you get into my locker?"
The only answer she received was a sly smirk and a gentle kiss on the lips.
_
A/N- This is the first of many oneshots surrounding the meaning of roses both color wise and number wise. I am taking suggestions as to which colors and/or numbers to do first. I will try to cover as many as possible, so it would be very helpful to have your guys' feedback! Please let me know what you think. Thanks for reading!