Apartment : 12:03pm : 182 days
It was the day before the Winter Formal and you knew just how to spend it. You walked inside of Noctis' apartment and saw Ignis once again preparing the ingredients for today's lesson.
"Welcome back." The man gave you a friendly wave. "You should be excited for today. We're making a special dish."
You pranced inside and placed a plastic bag atop the counter. "Put away the ingredients Iggy, today we're going on a field trip."
"A field trip?" He looked at you in a peculiar manner.
"Yeah, a field trip." You opened the bag and pulled out two Styrofoam boxes. "Come on. I brought these for little Noct so he won't get hungry while we're gone."
He was so taken aback. What was your angle? "I don't think it would be a good idea to leave him."
You walked over to the couch and looked at the young prince sleeping as normal. You'd move a bit of his hair back and give him a kiss on the cheek. As you pull away you could see the dark red lipstick left on his skin. It was an indicator between the two of you. Anytime you gave him a kiss on the cheek that meant you either did or were getting ready to do something he didn't like.
There was nothing romantic about it. A kiss on the cheek was just a lot easier than explaining yourself and apologizing. It was a vague statement, and some of the times he didn't know what you were even apologizing for, but he knew it was something irritating.
"He'll know what that means. Now come one, let's get going." You saw that the man was not moving, so you took it upon yourself to physically drag him out of the kitchen.
You stopped and looked up at the man with a face of slight impatience. "We're not going to be gone all day. Let's say we were going to cook for 2 hours today. Instead of actually cooking we'll use that time to do something else. Come on it'll be fun, and grab your keys."
.
Upper West Side : 12:25 : 182 days
"A Botanical Garden? I still don't understand why." Ignis was in the driver's seat getting ready to park the car.
"Took us long enough." You began to unbuckle your seat belt before the car was completely parked.
You were so excited for this trip. As much as this little outing was about you, you truly did want the man to have a good time as well.
"Look at it!" Your eyes lit up as you looked back at him, "It's so fucking beautiful, isn't it?! Say it's fucking beautiful!"
The tall blond straightened his glasses as he closed the car door, "It's very beautiful."
"Close enough! Now come on!" You walked over to the man and pulled him by the end of his jacket sleeve.
He didn't understand why you were so thrilled to be here. Part of him felt a little bad that he couldn't match your excitement in the least.
You walked up further and saw the stunning picturesque vista. There was green meadows as far as the eye could see. Atop the grass were shrubs that stood many meters' high that were shaped into fine masterpieces of the Six. There was a large pond that surrounded the Leviathan shrub in the middle of it all. Elegant flowers ornamented the base of each sculpture. They were shades of colors you didn't even know existed.
It was almost winter however, so the leaves of the trees were not as full as they'd be in the Spring time. Didn't mean it was any less breathtaking though. Right in the middle was a glass dome that housed the main attraction of plants. Leading up to the front was a long cobblestone path with white hellebore's tracing its sides. Even if all you had was a couple of hours, you could tell this was going to be one hell of a day.
"I should probably tell you why we're here." You released the material of his shirt and walked beside him.
"That would be good, yes." He glanced over at you.
"There's this plant that only grows in this specific garden. It's not normally used for cooking, but it was used in a dish that I'm trying to remember. The ingredients are so vague to me, but this I remembered. I was hoping that if you tasted it you could help me find out what I'm trying to know." A hard sigh left you nearly breathless, "I never said I was an easy person to be around Ignis, so save your eye rolls, okay?"
What was that? You actually coaxed a chuckle out of the man. "I'd be happy to help you. What is the plant called?"
"I dunno." Your shoulders came up to a shrug. "I just remembered what it looked like. And don't worry, we're not stealing. They have a restaurant in the back of this place that sells it with one of their dishes."
As you continued to the entrance a breeze moseyed its way on through and you were so ready for it. You wore your dark gray mid length pea coat dress, and black knee high boots. There was no way you were going to let the weather get the best of you today. You didn't understand how Ignis would hold up in his black leather jacket and slacks, but knowing him he'd probably never let you know.
The blond man grabbed the door for you and you civilly entered. Before you could even see anything, the smell hit you like a ton of bricks. It was overwhelming. It was a strong scent of earth, flowers, and running water all in one. It wasn't a bad thing, but just a bit startling.
The trees were so much more tropical in here than it'd been outside. It was like a rain forest in here. You worried about being too cold, but in this dense space it would probably get hot very quickly.
You walked over to one of the plants and relished in its violet beauty. "Have you been here before?"
"I never got around to it, but I've done a lot of research." The man replied as he knelt down with you to take a look at the flower. "Magnificent."
You nodded in agreement and stood up once again. There was a path that would lead you around the place, and that's what you were going to take. This dwelling was somewhat of a wonderland. Every time you thought you'd seen all of the colors out came a new one.
"Whoa! What is that?!" You ran ahead as your eyes caught a glimpse of 2 flowers hidden by the larger ones.
"What is it?" Ignis apprehensively followed behind.
It was deep red plant that was almost the same shade as your lipstick. Your black gloved hands covered your mouth in awe as you looked at the flower.
"Chocolate Cosmos." He took a closer look as he once again knelt by your side. "Yes, they are an endangered plant. Take a whiff, the title suggests their scent."
You placed your hand underneath the flower without touching it and took a deep inhale. Sweet chocolate is what it smelled like. Not only were they a sight for sore eyes, they were a smell for stuffed sinus'.
With your arms rested on your legs, you placed one hand under your chin and looked over at the judicious man. "I'm curious about something."
"What is that?" He embraced your curiosity with an earnest grin.
"Who are you? I mean, I know you like to cook and whatever, but I know there's more to you than that. There's more to you than babysitting Noctis all the time too. When you're at home and you lay your head down for the night, who are you?"
It was a loaded question, and one that came particularly out of the blue.
"Strip away my duties and I just become a simple man, really."
"You're too modest. Give it time; I'll shake it out of you." You stood up and continued down the rocky pathway. "What do you do in your spare time? Do you read? And I'm not talking about cook books." You stopped in your tracks, "In fact, I've just come up with a rule. With the exception of the dish I'm trying to recreate, there will be no talking about cooking on this field trip."
"Very well then." His eyes continued to take in all the exuberant colors surrounding him. "I do like books."
You stopped again, but this time you turned around to face the man. "Is that all you're gonna give me? Do I have to put my prying skills into maximum overdrive? Tell me more." You pantomimed pulling a rope as you walked backwards. "What's your favorite season? Are you hiding a full torso of tattoos under that shirt? How old are you? Do you think I'm annoying? Do you consider your hair dirty blond or light brown? Because I think you're a blondie."
As you rambled on your foot caught the back of a rock and you were getting ready to fall backwards into the open pond. The highly alert man caught your hand and pulled you back to him.
His green eyes looked into yours as he held you close, "Spring, perhaps, 19, no, and light brown."
His hand released yours and you tapped your chin to match up his answers to your questions. It was like you were doing math in your head.
You mumbled to yourself, "Spring, mhmm, mhmm, not a blond even though you are." Your eyes blankly stared out and then shot back in his direction. "Did you say perhaps to the full torso of tattoos?!"
Keeping his composure, he'd shake his head, "No. I didn't."
"Yes you did!" Your hands tugged at his shirt, "Let me see! Is it colored or just black?! That's awesome Iggy!"
He grabbed your wrists to prevent you from accidentally ripping his white button up open. "I was being facetious. I don't."
You didn't even try to hide your disappointment as you pouted. Your hands released from his shirt, "Well at least I know you have a sense of humor... somewhat."
"Now it's my turn." Ignis suggested as you pressed forward on the trail once more. "Why is it that you never once allowed anyone into your home?"
"I hate going home." You kept your eyes away from his as you knew they were a tell all.
There was no need to hide however; the things you said were all true. "I never want to bring someone I care about like Noctis into a place that I have so much disdain for."
Your hand runs over your hair until you keep still on the back of your neck, "If your follow up question is why I don't ever meet any of his family and friends, it's because I don't like getting attached to people. The fear is not that they'll abandon me, but just the opposite."
It was a good thing you weren't looking at him. Your eyes were so magnified right now. You said a lot more than you intended, and you knew a perceptive guy like Ignis would notice it quickly. You had to think of something fast.
"I mean, it's all just in my head, but it still gets to me." You picked up your pace and walked faster.
The taller man fell a bit quiet as his mind dissected the words you just spoke.
"Look!" You pointed at the exit of the botanical garden. The exit of the garden of course was the entrance to the restaurant. It wasn't directly connected, but there was a long glass hallway.
"Come on, let's get something to eat!"
The two of you head out of the dome and into the establishment. It was much more extravagant than one would expect it to be. It was spacious with its high cherry wood ceilings. The lights were dim from the white paper lanterns hanging down. There were tables that seated four out on the floor, and booths that were hidden in private rooms. It was very poetic, and you sort of wanted to smack yourself for immediately thinking about Gladio upon entering.
"Can we get one of the private booths please?" You spoke to the host as he guided the two of you away.
"The booth costs extra just to let you know." The host pulled open the sliding door and allowed the two of you to enter.
"That's fine." Ignis gave a polite nod as he followed behind you.
Was he going to be like Gladio where he insisted on paying the bill? Would you ever get to pay for anything? Not even half?
You took a seat on the circular black couch and you could just dissolve right into it. It was so soft, but probably not the best for your back. You grimaced a little from sitting directly on your healing tattoo, but no matter, it wouldn't ruin a good time.
Inside the room was even dimmer than the restaurant itself. There was enough light to see the menu, but you could tell they were going for a particular mood here. Maybe bringing a friend wasn't the best idea for this type of place. It was too late now.
You grabbed a menu from the holder behind you and passed one to Ignis. You kept the other to yourself and took a look. It didn't take long to find the plant you were looking for. The colors were much different than anything else on the page.
"This is the one. The-" Your words cut a moment short as you felt your phone vibrate in your purse.
Taking it out you saw a text from Noctis. It just read 'What did you do'? Before you got a chance to respond your phone vibrated again reading 'PUNKASS'! Your teeth revealed from behind your red wine lips as you read the text.
"Aww, someone's cranky." You giggled as you put your phone back inside your purse.
"Noct?" Ignis questioned with a bit of concern.
"He'll be fine." You waved off the subject.
Man you were a passive aggressive son of a bitch when you wanted to be. You left him with a meal that was much more suitable for Ignis rather than Noctis. That being said, it was heavy on the vegetables and protein.
Your eyes focused in on the centerpiece atop the table, and your fingers came to fidget with your red diamond necklace. You didn't know why you always did that, but it was second nature.
"Red diamond?" Ignis asked in the manner of a question even though he already knew the answer. "That's one of the most expensive jewels in the world. One that size must've cost-"
"Don't tell me!" You practically lunged over the table to put a hand over his mouth. You remove your freshly ungloved hand from his face and sit back. "Sorry, I didn't mean to touch your face. I just don't want to know the price or guilt will devour me. It was a gift."
His green eyes fixated on the necklace, "Well, I'll say whomever gave it to you must care for you very much."
"Yeah." You tucked the small chain back inside your pea coat.
Your eyes eased up as the server entered the room. "Hello, are you ready to order?"
You pointed at the menu, "I see that the Corpse Flower comes with the Rose Salad, so I'll take that."
The woman took your menu and smiled, "That has become a very popular dish these days. This restaurant is the only place in the that you can find it." She turned to Ignis, "And for you sir?"
"Same please." He gave a gracious nod and she was on her way out.
You put the menu's back in the holder and turned back to the man. You looked at the glass of water on your table and began to swirl around the straw. You didn't mean to, but your eyes just glazed over and your mind was out of this world.
"Something the matter?" Ignis leaned down to meet your eyes.
Raising up, you shook your head. "No!"
You hastily changed the subject before he could grill you for answers. "If you were trapped on an island and could only have one item, what would it be?"
Your questions were getting more random by the second, but he'd humor you on this one.
"A boat." He simply replied.
"No, Iggy, that's not how the game works." You scoffed, "You have to say something like a box of matches, or a knife."
"Ah, I see. Well what are the weather conditions on the island?"
"Ignis, no! You don't get to know the weather conditions." You put two fingers to your temple. "Pick one item of any kind, and pray for survival. Now go!"
"How about a care package with survival tools inside?"
You turn to the man with wide eyes, "You better be messing with me! A care package would count as multiple items. There can only be one!"
"A box of matches doesn't exactly qualify as one item either."
He was right. Leave it to Ignis to find some kind of loophole. "Sure, have your survival kit. I'll be on my island with my giant tv, thanks."
"Is it solar powered?" He asked not to be cynical, but truly questioning.
"Damn straight, and it comes with all the good channels." Your eyes shifted from left to right as if you thought of that to begin with.
Just as he was going to continue the conversation, the door slid open once again. The server carried two rather sizable plates of the rare salad. The it consisted of deep green leaves mixed in with eatable rose petals and a small dwarf Corpse Flower as garnish. Atop the salad where cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots.
Normally the smell of the Corpse Flower was putrid, but it hadn't reached that stage in its life yet.
You picked up the flower and smiled from its presence. "Have a taste. Maybe you can help me out a little?"
The man picked up his flower and peeled it back to reveal the fruit on the inside. He picked off one of the berries and tossed it into his mouth. His eyes amplified as the peculiar taste took refuge all throughout his mouth. The taste was absolutely jarring, and he didn't need to think twice about eating it again.
"Pretty weird huh?" You twirled around your flower. "I know this was used, but I just don't know how."
"This dish." He took a short breath in between his words to recover from the taste. "It is not native to Insomnia."
Your heart dropped as he was so perceptive. You knew that, but how did he know? Just from taste alone?
"Is it giving you any ideas? Have you had this?" Your head tilted inquiringly.
"There are very limited recipes that use this flower. I can prepare it for you, but it may take some time."
"Really?!" Your eyes widened in absolute excitement. "Thank you so much! Even if you don't figure it out, I appreciate you trying."
You picked up the salad fork and stared dully at the food before you. You kind of sided with Noct on this one. Although you weren't as bad as he was, you preferred not to eat too many vegetables at once.
"So, you going to the Winter Formal tomorrow?" You harshly swallowed your salad.
The food tasted like a lightly sweetened garden salad. Definitely not your forte.
"I am required to, yes. How about yourself?"
You twiddled around with the cherry tomatoes on your plate, "I'm staying in. I'd rather people not see me turn back into a pumpkin when the clock strikes 12. Besides, I don't have a date."
Ignis held his fork in place and gazed at your somber face. "There aren't a lot of people in this world who walk around with the self-assurance that you do. You don't seem like the type to stay home because things didn't go your way. I'd be surprised if you did."
"So what are you saying? I should go by myself?" There was something sadistic about the way you punctured the tomato and watched the extracts pour out.
"You should do what makes you feel comfortable, and not because of outside influences." He finished up his last bite of the salad and set his fork aside.
You lightly elbowed the man, "Well look at you. My official confidant. I finally pulled more than one word out of you." Your eyes looked up at the paper lantern as you sat back. "Thanks Iggy. I guess we'll see."
You sassily narrowed your eyes. "And I expect you to use me as a confidant as well. Everyone needs to talk sometime." You gave a playful wink, "I'll be offended if you don't. Okay, now let's get out of here."
You sat back up and your demeanor changed to perky once over, "Noct's probably trying to put a fork inside an electrical socket right now, so back to babysitting for you."
"You're not coming back?"
"Nah, I have some things I need to take care of. This was fun though. Next time I'm gonna take you to an amusement park so I can really pull you out of your comfort zone. Don't worry, it won't be just me. I'll invite everyone so we can be extra annoying."
Another chuckle was hooked out of the man by you, "I'm looking forward to it."
.
Downtown : 11:58pm : 182 days
You were presently sitting above the city on the roof of a high-rise building. It was peaceful up here. The honking and bustle from the streets down below were so minute from this point. You sat with your legs dangling down off the side, and in your lap was the head of Noctis. He lay on his back, and your hands coursed through his hair.
His eyes remained closed as you did, and it was a peaceful moment of calm between the two of you.
"Thanks for coming up here with me." Your voice quietly whispers to the boy.
"We do this every year. Where else would I be?" His blue eyes open up and look into yours.
"My turn for hair pets!" Prompto abruptly yells from the background.
You sigh and mutter loudly to Noctis, "See I told you we should have left Prompto at home." You guide the prince away and turn to face the eager blond boy. "Alright Prompt, get your ass over here."
Noctis sits beside you, and Prompto takes his former place in your lap.
Before you could touch his hair, he pulls out his camera and faces it toward you three. "Last day of Fall selfie! Say cheese!"
He snaps the photo and looks back at the reel. Quickly he sat up and showed you two the picture. "Look at that!"
In the photo it showed a snowflake blocking the lens. The three of you swiftly raise from where you're seated and look up at the sky.
"Right on time." Noctis held out his hand as the snow fell into his palm.
"Happy first day of Winter!" Prompto held his camera back up, "First day of Winter selfie!"
Again the photo snaps and the three of you revel in the freshly fallen snow.
"I was thinking something." Prompto turned to face you. "Getting a tattoo of my name seems a little harsh. You don't have to get it if you don't want to."
Your eyes broaden upon hearing the statement, and all you could think about was killing him with your bare hands. "You little shit! I already got it! You saw me walk into the tattoo parlor!"
Without hesitation, you jump on the boys back put him in a mild headlock. "Where was this sympathy earlier, huh?! You asshole!"
His strained voice enthusiastically as he spoke through your choking. "You did?! Lemme see! I wanna see it!"
"No!" You jump off his back. "You can't see it. It's on my ass." You held down the back of your skirt.
Noctis approached you and you flinched even though you knew he wouldn't try anything funny. "So, are you gonna go to the Winter Formal or not?"
"Why so pushy?" You put a faux offended hand to your chest.
"I just want to know if I should save room for you in the Regalia."
"Don't bother." You wave him off, "Save the room for your dates. While you guys are miserable and cold I'll be warm with hot cocoa and blankets."
"Fine." Noctis gave up with you right now. "If you change your mind in the next 19 hours let me know."
Your arms reached out into the still falling snow. "It's sweet of you to worry, but don't. I'll be okay. You guys have fun alright? No guilt trips, I promise."
You sounded so sure in your words, but there was a dash of guilt weighing on the boys. They couldn't show it though, because they knew it would make you feel shoddier. Today was finally the day of the Winter Formal. With only 181 calendar days left, this would be the last time you had to go. You told the boys you'd stay in, but something was telling you to go against your better judgement.