Author's note: Another chapter here and it's a bit of a monster. It was a bit stressful writing the thing down. The chocobo/moogle carnival was kind of a distraction as well. Kenny dancing? That was priceless. I also had writing block at some points. But it's done so I hope everyone will enjoy.

On a side note, Squeenix recently released images of the cover for the FFXV Piano Collections. I made use of it as the artwork for this fic. Hopefully it's been updated already. What can I say? Salt in the freaking wound, Square. SALT. IN. THE. WOUND. The picture was beautiful but I felt sad and depressed looking at it. I thought I was moving on properly but it seems like I haven't. I just love NoctxLuna so much.

Thank you for all the people who put the story on alert and on their favorites list. As for those who left reviews (Ixychan, Silvan Arrow, Knownobody, zoeb91, Iaya R. White, xxlittleblackcatxx, Puchi Beoulve, LadyAriadna, niteshade000, Marshmallav, Guest1995, Nishaven, Guest (from the first chapters, I'm guessing?)) I appreciate the kind words. Let us all cope with the heartbreak together, haha.

I realized from some reviews that we have the same sentiment when it comes to Luna and Noct. We just want them to be happy. I'm so glad some people feel the same way.

That said, here's the new chapter of Dawn. Just a head's up. This is a bit of a conversation heavy chapter. Not much really happens. Blame the carnival. I just wanted to write an adorkable Noctis. Anyway, enjoy!

Disclaimer: FFXV is not mine. It will never be. And that makes me a little sad, haha.

-xXx-

Chapter 4: Firsts

One of the great unsolved mysteries of Eos was how Ignis was able to do the things he did. Despite being handicapped, his skill set would put any normal person to shame. People simply assumed he had too much ability to begin with that actually getting a disability was a minor setback for a man of his talents. The people in the room were already used to Ignis's cooking but for Lunafreya who had only eaten his food twice, she could not stop herself from taking a loud intake of breath as she saw what Ignis had laid out front of her. She looked at Ignis in amazement and thought for a second that maybe Ignis was just pretending to be blind. The spread on the table only supported this thought. Cakes and sandwiches of different kinds filled each corner of the table and the smell of fragrant tea was in the air. Lunafreya was currently in the indoor garden of the citadel. Noctis had attended to some kingly duties so now she was being accompanied by members of his Crownsguard, Ignis, Prompto and Gladiolus. Prompto and Gladiolus had to step out momentarily so she was with Ignis at the moment.

The table was overflowing with delicacies but what caught her attention the most was a large platter of ulwaat berry pastries, each one perfectly dusted with the right amount of powdered sugar. She smiled as the pastry reminded her of the happier times of her childhood in Tenebrae. This was one of her favorites. She slowly reached for one and took a big bite. The crunchy texture instantly made way for the deliciously rich berry jam inside. Ignis was perfectly able to balance the tartness and sweetness of the berries. They tasted just like home.

Lunafreya savoured each bite and only after she finish her treat did she speak. "That was absolutely divine. It takes me back. Noctis and I had this all the time in Tenebrae when we were young."

Ignis placed a cup of tea in front of her and responded with a slight bow. "Thank you, my Lady. I am quite proud of that particular dessert." He took his seat a foot away from her own chair.

This was a specialty in her home country. For Ignis to have perfected it to this extent means he must have learned the recipe from a master pâtissier. "Were you taught to bake this by someone from Tenebrae? I'm amazed you could bake it so well. This is a very difficult dessert to make."

"Not really, my Lady," Ignis answered with a smile.

"Oh? How did you know how to get the taste just right?" she asked him again.

"Well, Noct was very fond of it as well. When he returned from Tenebrae, he always made mention of how he missed this particular dessert. I had not yet served the House of Lucis when they visited so I did not accompany them to Tenebrae to actually taste the dessert. I basically did trial and error to get it right. I tried to recreate the dish from scratch and Noct's hazy memories of it. He tasted every batch and he'd give comments on it. Eventually, we were able to eat this ulwaat berry dessert in Galdin Quay. I thought it might work and that's what you have before you. I say it like that but it did entail quite a bit of work."

She was touched by Ignis's dedication. She did not expect anyone to try and recreate a dish simply because someone asked for it. It spoke of his regard for Noctis. "Thank you for the consideration you have given Noctis. You truly are capable, Sir Ignis. Now I understand why Noctis can be without worry whenever he says he left everything to you."

Ignis cleared his throat with an audible cough. The tips of his ears were slightly red. "Thank you very much, my Lady. Your words give me much pleasure."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of Gladiolus and Prompto's voices as they entered the garden.

"Nice spread, Iggy." Gladiolus's comment was accompanied by a low whistle.

Prompto took the place beside Lunafreya and hurriedly presented his find. It was a photo album from their travels ten years ago. "i got it, Luna!"

"Took you long enough," Gladio said as he took his own seat across them.

Prompto rolled his eyes at the older Crownsguard member. "Ugh. Go back to your book Gladio."

He turned back to Lunafreya and handed her the album. "Anyway, look at this, Luna."

Ever since Prompto and Gladiolus accompanied her on her excursions, they became more chatty with her. They had been deathly serious at the start but a few hours in, they started to be more comfortable. Prompto had even gone as far as to address her informally. She and Prompto already had a connection all those years ago when he saved Pryna after being injured. She felt as if she was with an old friend. Prompto seems to have felt the same as he was treating her the way he would Noctis. Gladio was a bit more guarded and Ignis was as respectful as always. Still, she enjoyed their presence because they let out small bits about Noctis that she had not known. She was so hungry for these little tidbits that she would purposely steer the conversation into such topics. They were the things she knew Noctis would never say about himself.

That was the reason she immediately requested to see this album the moment Prompto let slip its existence. She had wanted to get a glimpse of how those times had been for Noctis.

"There are so many," she remarked as she flipped through the pages of the album.

Prompto shrugged and there was a smug smile plastered on his face. "Yup. I'm the official photographer after all."

Gladio grunted and said, "I was thinking more official mascot."

If Prompto was a fountain of energy and good cheer, Gladiolus was more reserved in his words. Although he did let out sarcastic remarks here and there. Still, Lunafreya could sense the affection he had for his companions despite his sometimes snarky words. Ignis always carried himself with dignity. He was the type of person Luna was more used to. They were a mish-mash of different personalities but she enjoyed the task of getting to know them

Prompto stuck out his tongue at Gladiolus and replied, "Shut up, Papa Bear."

The epithet came out of nowhere and Luna had to smile. This was why she loved being around them. You never knew what they were going to say. "Papa Bear?" she repeated. There was something really cute about the name.

"Everyone in the Crownsguard calls Gladio Papa Bear," Prompto answered with a snicker.

''Shut it, Prompto." Gladio seemed embarrassed.

Ignis was calmly sipping his tea, seemingly used to such a scene.

Lunafreya found nothing wrong with the name. She actually found that it suited Gladiolus. He was as big and strong as a bear, surely. But he was also very caring towards the people under him. Like a parent. If anything, Ignis was more of the mother hen for the group. "I think I understand why, Sir Gladiolus. You care for them. Your strength and wisdom must help them in so many situations. I feel honoured to have you escorting me."

Gladiolus turned a shade redder. "Uh. Yeah. That. Exactly."

Prompto made a displeased sound and turned her attention back to him by moving the album to a particular page and pointing towards one of the pictures found there. "Look at this, Luna."

It was a shot of the horizon from the Lestallum observation deck. "I must commend you on your eye for beauty, Sir Prompto. A lot of this pictures are so well taken."

Prompto puffed up his chest while Ignis shook his head in slight disdain. "I used to be so bad at it." He moved the page to one of the earlier shots and Lunafreya could immediately see the difference. This shot was messy and you didn't really know what the focus of it was. "I got used to it though and practiced like crazy."

Lunafreya turned the pages slowly while looking at each one. "It was time well spent. These pictures are beautiful."

"Right?" The look on Prompto's face could only be described as smug. Lunafreya could only smile at it.

Gladio grunted. "Careful, Prompto. You might not be able to walk at the rate your head is swelling." He turned his body towards Lunafreya. "You shouldn't flatter him so much, Lady Lunafreya. He gets full of himself so easily."

"Hey!" Prompto was frowning at Gladiolus's words.

Although the way Prompto interacted with her at times would be considered inappropriate for his rank and position, Lunafreya was very much willing to forgive the lapse. Given Gladiolus's military background, she understood where he was coming from. But still, she preferred that Prompto be himself when he was with her.

"I appreciate the concern, Sir Gladiolus, however, I quite disagree." She turned the full force of her smile on Prompto. "I think you are very kind and considerate. I will never forget the kindness you have shown Pryna all those years ago. I asked a favour of you once and even if you didn't know me, you were gracious enough to grant it. I will be eternally grateful for that."

The favour she had asked him was to be Noctis's friend. Noctis had been taciturn and silent when he first arrived in Lucis. It took her a while before she was able to break through his shell. She somehow knew he would also be reserved growing up. She wanted there to be someone who would be his companion when she was not there. Seeing how close they are now, Lunafreya knew that Prompto had made good on that favour.

Prompto's smile was part silly and embarrassed. He rubbed the back of his neck. "Well. Gee."

"What favour is this?" Gladiolus asked, obviously curious about what they were talking about.

The youngest Crownsguard only smiled wider. "It's a secret between Luna and me."

The sound of a teacup being placed on the saucer turned everyone's attention to Ignis. "My Lady, you are free to scold him if Prompto acts too familiar or if he speaks out of line. A public whipping is no longer practiced but there are so many more farms in Lucis that are in dire need of an overseer."

Lunafreya had to laugh at that statement. Ignis was brought up in the citadel and has been serving the Lucian line for years so it was difficult for him to let go of such principles so easily. "I will keep that in mind, Sir Ignis."

"How come there are barely any shots of me?"

Both Prompto and Lunafreya jumped at Gladiolus's voice. They had not noticed him move behind them. He was carrying a fresh cup of tea for himself. He inspected the pictures over their shoulders.

"There are a few, you know," Prompto replied. He shuffled through the pages of the album. "Like this." He pointed to one such picture. "And this," he said as he pointed to another that was quite a few pages from the first one.

Gladiolus snorted. Lunafreya was still unused to the interpreting some of the sounds these three gentlemen made. She had once seen Gladiolus and Prompto hold a conversation with just those sounds alone.

"Two pictures in like 10 pages?" Gladiolus remarked.

Lunafreya examined the pictures again and she did indeed notice a lack of Gladiolus in the pictures.

Prompto ignored Gladiolus's question. "Why so salty, Gladio?"

"I'm not salty!" Gladiolus said with an angry huff.

"Salty?" Lunafreya repeated, confused.

"Please don't confound the lady with that type of vernacular. There is a proper language to be used in the presence of royalty, you know," Ignis scolded them. "I apologize, my Lady. I told them to watch their language but…"

Ignis always seemed to feel whenever Lunafreya was having difficulty catching up with the antics of their companions. She was always grateful that he was looking out for her but she was determined to get along better with them so she always shrugged off these moments. "It's all right, really. As you were. I am not particular with how I am spoken to."

Ignis did not seem satisfied with this, however. "But still-"

Prompto did not allow the other Crownsguard to continue his lecture. "Ignis has been serving royalty forever so he has this huge stick up you-know-where."

"A… stick?" Lunafreya asked in confusion.

He yelped out in pain instead of answering. He glared at Gladiolus and Lunafreya wondered what exactly the older man did. They stared at each other for a few seconds before Gladiolus returned to his seat. Before she could ask what was wrong, Ignis spoke.

"You were talking pictures." He was trying to divert the conversation back to the album.

"Yes. Why I don't have any," Gladiolus added.

Prompto sighed. "You're in the group shots, Gladio." Prompto pointed at a few of the pictures in the album.

"Everyone is in the group shots," Gladiolus answered with a frown.

Prompto only shrugged. "Not my fault, Papa Bear. The captain told me he wanted shots of Ignis."

"The captain?" Gladiolus asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Noct," Prompto replied. "Remember how I used to ask him who he wanted me to take pictures of? He mostly answered either himself or Ignis. And me every now and then of course. I am photogenic after all."

Gladiolus's frown became more pronounced he was almost scowling. "Whatever."

The scene looked serious but the sight of Gladiolus sulking over the pictures was hilarious to Lunafreya. She could not hold it in for much longer. The sound of her laughter cut whatever tension was in the air. They all turned to her in worry. She fought to control her giggles. "I'm sorry. I'm not laughing at you or anything. It's just… it's entertaining to watch you. I've never been in the midst of this kind of conversation before. Please, don't mind me. I would be pleased if you would act the same way you would if Noctis were here." As soon as the laughing fit passed, she smiled to reassure them. "He told me he treats you all as his brothers. He does complain every now and then but I can always hear the fondness in his voice when he speaks of you all."

Prompto leaned in a little closer and in a conspiratorial voice said, "He complains about us? What does he say exactly?"

Her smile only grew wider. "Unfortunately, he trusted me with those words so I'll be keeping them to myself."

It was Gladiolus who spoke next. "Well, Noct can get whiny now and again."

Prompto nodded. "Yes, extremely whiny."

Ignis chuckled. "Careful. He might actually hear you."

Lunafreya was about to speak up in Noctis's defense when an empty spot in the album caught her attention. "Why is this empty?"

Prompto looked at the spot she was referring to.

"Noct has that one," Prompto answered instantly.

Ignis nodded. "You can ask him to show it to you, my Lady. I dare say it's the best of the lot."

Lunafreya's interest was piqued. She wanted to see what the picture was.

Prompto pointed to a picture beside the empty spot. It was a picture of Noctis on a dock by the sea. "Now this is one of my best shots. We were down at the rocks below the cape at Caem. There's this small dock over there that is an absolutely gorgeous spot to take a picture from. You're completely surrounded by water and the rocks create a great tableau behind you." Prompto was waving his arms trying to emphasize the scale of the area. "I asked Noct to model for me before we broke camp in the morning."

Lunafreya looked at the picture closely and furrowed her brows. Noctis was contorted in an odd way. One hand went around his torso while the other was raised so his hand would obscure his face. She did not know what to make of it.

Her rapt attention to the image was noticed by her companions and they waited for her to comment on the picture. "This pose is a little…" She was having a hard time thinking of a nice enough word to describe how she felt about it.

"Oh this?" Prompto excitedly performed the said pose for her. "It's called the ultimate pose."

It looked even more ridiculous up close.

"Ultimate… pose?" She finding it hard not to burst out in laughter. She bit her bottom lip in an effort to calm herself.

Still in the same position, Prompto answered. "Yup. It's really manly, don't you think?"

It took her a few seconds before replying, "Quite."

Ignis shook his head slowly. "You don't have to humor him, my Lady. You can be honest and say it looks ridiculous."

Lunafreya bit her bottom lip tighter in order not to laugh.

Prompto looked mortally offended. He finally got out of the pose. "It does not! It's the ultimate pose, Ignis!" He did the pose again, this time with more gusto. "You can't even see it."

Ignis let out an exhausted sigh. "I have seen it. I'm actually grateful I'm blind so I don't have to see it ever again."

Lunafreya looked at the image again and smiled. It looked absolutely ridiculous. She would definitely have to tease Noctis about this as soon as she was able. The men around her continued to bicker about the merit and demerits of the pose with Prompto defending it to the death and Ignis explaining point by point how stupid it was. Gladiolus just sat in his chair, peacefully his book.

She finally had the time to actually look through the album carefully. There were a lot of pictures of them mid-battle. Lunafreya had to wonder if Gladiolus had not scolded Prompto for getting distracted during a fight. There were also a lot of pictures of scenery. She recognized only a few of them from her own travels. Other shots were candid shots of them walking around town, of Noctis fishing, of Ignis driving and of any random mix of them posing for a quick snap. As she looked through each picture she realized there was so much of Eos she had yet to see.

As expected, her eyes were immediately drawn to any picture of Noctis. Most of his pictures had him smiling. You could tell from the pictures that they had all experienced much. Their journey was one of hardship, loss, pain and struggle. But these pictures showed that there was also joy. She was relieved that though Noctis had to endure such an experience, he had people that had been with him. She looked at the men in front of her in turn. Each one of them had pledged their life to him. They had been with Noctis through everything. They had been his brothers in every sense of the word. Grateful was not enough to describe what she felt towards these three men.

She must have had a weird expression on her face because eventually Gladiolus asked, "Is everything all right, Lady Lunafreya?"

"It is," she reassured him. "I was just looking through the album. You have been through quite a bit. You have a lot of pictures camping. You must enjoy it a lot." That was another observation she made. They were dozens of images of them under the stars in different havens.

Prompto grimaced, the memories of camping outside not really happy ones to him. "Not really. Camping is nice once in a while but a soft bed is better than anything." He turned the page of the album and pointed to several pictures. "The only reason we camped here was because Noct completely got hooked on fishing that he forgot about everything else. By the time he was done, it was dark out and it was too dangerous to go out. Good thing there was a haven nearby. He was so hell-bent on reeling in a tired louper. It was just one fish after another. Fishes that were not what he wanted. I swear, we spent like 3 days straight in that place looking for that one fish."

"It wasn't all that bad," Ignis added. "I thought up great recipes for the fishes Noct was catching. I was also able to gather enough food supply for Monica's house at the cape. And just so you know, Prompto, it's called a tide grouper."

"Fish look all the same to me, Ignis," Prompto answered with a shrug. "Anyway, I lost count of how many times we were sidetracked because Noct found some secret fishing spot somewhere. I won't ever forget those days in the Vesperpool. We were there for like what? Two weeks?"

"Sorry, I'm afraid that was my fault." Lunafreya was surprised to find that Gladiolus actually looked sheepish.

"Ah, yes. The Liege of the Lake," Ignis said with a nod of his head.

"The Liege… of the Lake?" Lunafreya repeated. She looked at Gladiolus searching for an answer.

Gladiolus let out a laugh before speaking. "Noct sucks at waking up early. If you leave him alone, he'd wake up well past noon. I tried to bait him into waking early by trying to catch this fish. It only comes up at the crack of dawn. We failed during the first attempt of course. The fish was legendary after all. What I was not prepared for was how Noct became so obsessed with catching it. He woke up like a champ everyday until we finally caught the thing."

"And then he slept way into the morning the day after," Ignis said with a sigh. "I tried to cure that by asking him to help me with cooking."

"Were those the times the food didn't taste as good?" Prompto asked.

"Probably," Ignis answered with a laugh.

"I made him the model in my pictures, the early morning sun is a unique kind of lighting in itself," Prompto added.

This sleeping-in habit of Noct was something she did not know of. He had always been sleeping when he was in Tenebrae but she assumed it was because he was convalescing. She wondered if he really did just like to sleep a lot. His companions seemed to think so.

"So all of you tried to cure that sleeping-in habit?" she asked them.

"To no avail, my Lady," Ignis replied with a disappointed shake of his head.

"Should I try as well?" she offered.

"If anything he might want to sleep in even later." Gladiolus and Prompto shared knowing looks.

"Of course. Nothing more comfortable than spooning," Prompto said as he waggled his eyebrows at Gladiolus.

Gladiolus burst out laughing. Lunafreya was about to ask what they meant but she was interrupted by Noctis's voice.

"I really hope you're not talking about me behind my back."

All three men immediately stood up and bowed in welcome. Noctis waved his hand as a sign for them to be at ease. Prompto hastily vacated the spot beside Luna and seated himself beside Gladiolus instead. Lunafreya watched him as he shrugged out of his coat and headed towards them. He was once again dressed in his kingly raiment of black. Lunafreya had always thought that the color had suited him best. They were signs of fatigue on his face but he looked well. Ignis poured him a cup of tea and placed it on the table in front of him.

Noctis held her gaze the moment he entered. She immediately returned the smile he gave her. "Noctis, welcome back," Lunafreya greeted him as soon as he took his place by her side.

"They weren't backstabbing me were they?" he asked as he put his arm around her waist.

Lunafreya shifted her body closer so their sides were touching. It became almost automatic how they would naturally seek to be closer to each other. They felt no shame in people seeing their intimacy. She had been embarrassed at first but the happiness she felt at being by his side won over the shame in no time.

"They were showing me some of the pictures from your travels," she replied. She placed the album on her lap so Noctis would see them well. He looked at them with interest. "It looked really enjoyable. I wish we can go to these places as well."

"Prince… er King!"

Everyone but Noctis turned to the intruder. Prompto stood up stiffly and started fixing his hair. Ignis stood up as well and took away the dishes he had used.

Noctis hung his head and muttered, "I thought I lost her."

A woman was standing in the doorway in all her grease-covered glory. She was wearing a cropped shirt and overalls littered with grease stains. There were traces of soot on her face, neck and arms but she didn't seem to mind as she walked towards them with confidence. "I was talking to you, you know. You slipped away while that mechanic was tryin' to-" She stopped in her tracks when she noticed Lunafreya sitting beside Noctis. "Whoops, sorry. Was I interruptin'?"

"Perfect timing though," Noctis said under his breath. He stood up and offered his hand to Lunafreya. She took it instinctively and stood up as well. He turned them towards the newcomer. "Luna, I'd like you to meet Cindy."

The sight of Cindy was not quite what she had expected. The maids had always painted her as a harlot but her looks said otherwise. She was dressed comfortably in what Lunafreya assumed was most appropriate for her work. She seemed nothing like what the rumors painted her as. What she wore was not really flattering but you could feel her womanly appeal even under all that grease. She struck Lunafreya a someone who had complete confidence in their abilities. She liked what she was seeing.

Lunafreya smiled in greeting. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I have heard a lot of things about you." She walked towards Cindy and offered her hand.

"Really?" Cindy said in a worried tone. Lunafreya assumed Cindy was talking about the rumors.

"All good. Don't worry," Lunafreya reassured her. Noctis had already told her quite a bit and that was all Lunafreya needed to believe.

Cindy breathed a sigh of relief and shook the hand Lunafreya offered. "That's a relief. The maids here spread rumors like wildfire. Anyway, it's a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Lunafreya."

"Please join us for tea, Cindy. I'm sure you will have some things to talk about. " Ignis had offered the chair he had been using. There was already a fresh cup of tea waiting for her.

Lunafreya noticed how Prompto was glaring at Gladiolus. Gladiolus looked like he could not care less. She wondered at the silent conversation the two of them were having.

"Thank you, sweetheart," Cindy told Ignis as she took the offered seat. Ignis relocated himself to one of the chairs closer to the other Crownsguard members. Noctis led Lunafreya back to where they had been sitting. Prompto had also taken his seat again but he was now sitting straighter. Cindy looked at home with them. She looked at the food on the table and eagerly grabbed an éclair. She bit into it with a loud crunch and let out a content sigh. She looked like a cat lounging on the chair. "Nothing better than Ignis's cooking! Papaw really misses this." She then took sip of the tea Ignis had offered, "That hits the spot."

"What brings you over here, Cindy?" Prompto asked. Lunafreya thought his voice sounded a little nervous.

"The car, silly," she said with a little laugh. She looked at Noctis and said, "As I was sayin' right before you gone and ran away, the car's done! All pretty and everything."

"You should have said so sooner," Noctis replied.

Cindy looked at Noctis like he grew an extra head. "That was what I was saying before."

"No," Noctis said with a shake of his head. "You were saying something about jet black rims."

"I was telling you about the modifications I did," Cindy explained.

"Wouldn't showing me be enough?" Noctis asked. He sounded a little exasperated.

Cindy crossed her arms across her chest. "Nuh-uh. My baby needs a big reveal. I gotta buff her up and make her shine like diamonds."

Noctis made a face that was a both irritated and impatient. It was the first time Lunafreya saw it on his face. Hoping to lighten things, Lunafreya decided to intervene. "I would love to see your work, Miss Cindy."

Caught off guard by the way Lunafreya called her, Cindy could only stare. "Really? Like really really?" she asked. Cindy blushed and Lunafreya had no idea that it was the first anyone in the room ever saw her blush. "Gosh, Lady Luna. You sure know how to make a girl feel special," she said with a small smile.

The declaration made the men stare.

"One of those cars saved my live during the fall of Insomnia," Lunafreya explained. "I remember riding one from the basement parking in the citadel when Nyx and I were running away. Noctis tells me all of those were cars for Lucian royalty. I'm actually interested in seeing if I can recognize the car."

"Who's Nyx?" Noctis was on the name in an instant. Lunafreya had to look at him for one second. He had spoken nonchalantly but there was a bit of an edge to his voice. She wondered why.

"He was brave and strong knight of the Kingslaive," Lunafreya replied. "I owe him my life."

"I see." Noctis voice softened. "Do I know this Nyx?"

It was Ignis who answered him. "You've met him. He drove you to your apartment the night before we left for Altissia more than ten years ago."

"Didn't leave an impression," Noctis replied.

Ignis had a small smile on his lips. "He wasn't supposed to."

Noctis rested his lower arm on the small of Luna's back. He gave Lunafreya a smile before saying, "I should thank him for taking care of my fiancée. As the King, it's my duty to thank everyone who has done my Queen a service."

Gladiolus looked thoughtful. "I don't remember a Nyx in our current roster of Lucian military personnel."

"I don't think he survived the fall of Insomnia," Lunafreya said sadly. "He was granted power by the Lucii. After King Regis passed, all powers granted to the Kingslaive disappeared. However, Nyx was able to convince the Lucii to lend him their strength. Only the chosen can wield those powers. Those outside the Lucis line who try have their lives forfeit. Nyx could wield those powers but I am certain that there was a heavy price to be paid."

Noctis understood immediately. "The blood price. The Lucii don't really accept any other form of payment."

He gently pulled Lunafreya towards him. She was grateful for the comfort he was giving her. She leaned her body into his and laid her head against his shoulder.

"Then we should go to the memorial," he suggested. "I would very much like to thank him."

Lunafreya looked up and her eyes met his. The sadness she felt had melted away. "I would like that very much as well," she whispered.

Noctis's response was to kiss the top of her head.

Their private moment was interrupted by the sound of coughing. Everyone looked towards Prompto.

"Sorry. The puff pasty was all over my windpipe," he said before downing a glass of water.

Although Noctis did not seem affected, he still apologized. However, he did not move away from Lunafreya. He was perfectly comfortable with people seeing how they were like together. Although Lunafreya was initially embarrassed, this attitude of Noctis made her secretly happy. Noctis's own behaviour emboldened Lunafreya so she did not feel uneasy when Noctis decided to publicly display their affection for each other. No one dared to tease them but she felt their stares. She eventually learned to simply enjoy the moment. She had been given another opportunity to be with Noctis so she did not want to waste any second of it.

"Don't mind me, Prince- I mean, King," Cindy said with a dismissive wave. "Watching you and Lady Luna's giving me all sorts of happy butterflies in my tummy. Y'all are so sweet to each other."

"I appreciate it," Noctis replied.

Cindy looked at Lunafreya. "Anyway, as I was saying, Lady Luna, I dolled up the car so much that the old baby looks completely revamped. I tried not working on her like a maniac but I couldn't stop. I told myself to wait until the Regalia came back but one look at her and I knew I had to make her pretty."

The mention of the late King Regis's car grabbed the attention of all the men in the room.

"Wait for the Regalia to come back?" Noctis repeated. Lunafreya turned to him at the confusion she heard in his voice.

Cindy nodded. "Yeah. Prompto told me he'll be on a mission to Nif territory a few weeks from now to find the old girl and bring her back to me. I'm the only one who can make her good as new."

"Oh really," Noctis said as he gave Prompto a pointed look.

Gladiolus and Ignis also turned towards the youngest Crownsguard. Prompto refused to meet their eyes.

"Wow. These ulwaat pastries are great. Really good," Prompto said with a little too much enthusiasm.

Lunafreya looked at Ignis, then at Gladio and finally back to Noctis. They were all giving Prompto the evil eye.

"Interesting," was all Ignis said.

Gladiolus raised an eyebrow. "That's funny. I thought the Nifleheim mission a few weeks from now were exploratory teams headed for the center of Gralea. Like at the imperial palace. To find clues on what Ardyn had done to it and to find a way to restore the surrounding land based on information that will be taken from the imperial archives." He tried to catch Prompto's eye but Prompto's gaze was glued to the table.

Ignis only added fuel to the fire. "If memory serves, the place where we left the Regalia was a few miles away from the destination of the expedition team."

Cindy looked at them in confusion. Lunafreya gathered that Prompto had not been entirely truthful to her. "Oh? But-"

Noctis cut Cindy off, surprising everyone. "I remember! I asked him to look for it."

Prompto finally looked up and stared at Noctis. "Noct?"

Noctis turned to Cindy, "It's a very important car. I wanted to have it back."

Cindy looked genuinely pleased at his words. "That's sweet of you, Prince. I mean King. The Regalia really needs to come home."

Lunafreya was still watching Noctis's face. She felt as if some secret conversation had just happened between him and Prompto. True enough, she saw Noctis look Prompto's way and mouth, "You owe me." Lunafreya smiled at how despite being the sovereign of a kingdom, Noctis would always have his friend's back. She squeezed his hand gently. He met her gaze and understanding what it was she was trying to say, he smiled and held her hand even tighter.

No one seemed to notice their stolen moment for the conversation just continued.

"I'll work real hard when she comes back," Cindy promised. "It'll be me and Papaw's belated wedding present."

Noctis chuckled. "Thanks."

Cindy just smiled even wider. "Around six weeks more, yeah? Seemed ages ago when I first met you in Hammerhead when you were off to Altissia. I didn't even know what you looked like, Prince… I mean, King."

"It does seem so long ago," Noctis said in agreement.

"I'm really happy for you. After everything the wedding is still on! Makes a girl believe in true love and all that." Cindy used her palms to cover the blush on her face.

"I believe in true love, too, Cindy!" Prompto cried out.

She looked his way and smiled. "Really? That's sweet. Hope you meet your girl soon, Prompto."

Prompto deflated and slumped in his chair. "Ugh. Yeah."

Cindy stood up and bowed to Noctis and Lunafreya. "Anyhow, I'm off to the garage again. Got to make my baby presentable for Her Highness."

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Cindy," Lunafreya said with a smile.

Cindy blushed again. "Gosh, I kinda like being called a Miss."

Noctis thanked her as well. "Thanks for your hard work, Cindy,"

She gave one last wave before heading for the door. "Well, I'm off. Bye y'all."

Everyone watched her leave. As soon as the door closed, Gladiolus was scolding Prompto.

"Noct saved your ass today but next time, try not to mix your personal affairs with official missions of the Crownsguard. I'll let it slide today but the next time it happens, Cor is gonna hear about it. Like Ignis said, there are lots of farms in Eos that need overseers."

Prompto gulped. "Sorry. Never again." He let out a sigh that sounded as if he had the weight of the whole world on his shoulders. "What do I have to do so she notices?"

Lunafreya felt pity for Prompto. He must truly like Cindy for him to go out of his way for her. Noctis did mention that he had been trying to woo her for years now.

"Maybe you should start calling her Miss Cindy," Ignis suggested.

That earned a snort from Gladiolus. "Yeah. Talcott does and she likes him a lot. Much more than you actually."

Prompto gave Gladiolus his best kicked puppy impression. "That was a critical hit, Gladio." He pouted. "I wanna be with my perfect match soon, too."

Wanting to cheer him up, Lunafreya said, "I am sure you will, Sir Prompto. You seem to get along quite well with Miss Iris."

Instead of cheering him up, Lunafreya's words seemed to have had the opposite effect. Silence fell on the people in the room. It was almost as if the temperature in the room dropped a few degrees. She saw Ignis smile from his chair but he immediately wiped it off and put on a serious expression. Prompto was acting like a deer caught in headlights, his eyes darting here and there – anywhere but Gladiolus. Gladiolus on the other hand had his eyes narrowed to slits as he eyed Prompto. Lunafreya did not understand what was going on. As if sensing her distress, she felt Noctis circle his arms around her waist, his broad chest flush against her back. She felt his warmth engulf her, easing whatever worry she had.

She watch as Gladiolus straightened his back and ground out, "Do they now?"

Lunafreya nodded slowly. She chose her next words carefully. "I often see them about at different times of the day."

She caught Prompto's expression and frowned. His eyes were wide as saucers and she thought he was trying to send her some sort of message but she could not understand it.

"Maybe I should join them." There was something in the way Gladiolus spoke that made Lunafreya feel she made a mistake somewhere.

Prompto stood up and gave a hasty bow. "Uh. Do you hear that? I think Cor's calling me. About that expedition and stuff. Gotta go. Work, work, work."

Gladiolus stood up and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'll join you."

Prompto whispered, "Ignis. Help."

Ignis stood up as well. "We'll take our leave, Your Majesty."

Lunafreya had no idea what just happened. She watched the three Crownsguard bow and head out the door. She could hear their voices long after they left.

"It was nothing, Gladio! Come on. This sister-complex thing has got to stop!"

"Then explain what-"

Lunafreya wondered at Gladiolus's reaction. She replayed back their conversation, trying to decipher what she had said wrong. She was distracted from her thoughts by Noctis burying his face in her neck. He was shaking. She placed a hand on his head in worry but was surprised when he started to laugh.

"Noctis?"

"You're amazing," he said after he finally composed himself.

Lunafreya frowned. "I feel as though I made a blunder."

Noctis laughed again. "Maybe because you accidentally landed Prompto in hot water."

Her eyes widened in surprise. She had no intention of doing so. "Did I? I'm sorry." She looked at where the three men had disappeared. "Should I go and save him? Although I don't really understand what just happened."

"It will be all right." Noctis kissed the bare skin of her shoulder. "Gladio is overprotective of Iris. He doesn't take jokes like those very lightly."

"I didn't mean offense."

Noctis rested his chin on her shoulder. "They know. It's just hardwired into Gladio."

Lunafreya was already thinking of ways to make it up to Prompto. She had wanted to cheer him up but she ended up doing the opposite. She had to apologize immediately.

Noctis shifted his body and used one hand to turn Lunafreya's face towards his. "It will be all right, don't worry."

"Are you certain?" Lunafreya was still worried.

"I am. Ignis will stop things if they get out of hand," he reassured her.

The thought of Ignis being with them eased Lunafreya's fears. Ignis would surely know how to pacify them both should worse come to worst.

Noctis held Lunafreya even tighter and let out an exhausted sigh. Lunafreya decided to leave things to Ignis and focus on the things she could do something about.

It was a bit difficult given that Noctis was hugging her from behind but Lunafreya managed to give his head a few soft pats. "Another tiring day?"

She felt Noctis nod against her neck. "A bit. And yours?"

She rested her entire weight against Noctis's chest and relaxed. She placed her hands on top of Noctis's. She always enjoyed being held. "The three of them accompanied me for the most part. I enjoyed their company very much."

"That's good to hear."

It had been a rather rambunctious tea break all things considered. She was still unused to such boisterous behaviour but she felt she was not against it. Their enthusiasm for things was contagious and they could make her laugh as well. They also told her so many things about Noctis that she did not know. She was always happy to hear stories about how Noctis was in school or during their travels. It was a side of him she so desperately wanted to know. She was also interested in getting to know them as individuals. Noctis was very fond of them all so she wanted to get along with them as well. They had their own inside jokes and secrets but she did not mind. She truly did enjoy their company.

"They seem so alive," she said with a laugh.

"Too alive sometimes," Noctis muttered.

Lunafreya had to laugh at his response. "All the people that were around me were either guards or retainers with such sombre and serious faces."

Being raised as a hostage in Tenebrae did not allow her the chance to meet with many people. Aside from when she healed the sick, she had always been in the company of the same people in the palace. Joy was scarce in her kingdom. Pryna and Umbra had been her constant companions. The one thing that never failed to bring her joy in during those bleak times was the diary she exchanged with Noctis. He would always answer and send back the diary without fail. She sometimes had to wait for days and weeks but the replies would always come. Even if they were just short scribbles, seeing Noctis's handwriting gave her joy. She was happy that even just through those short messages, she was still a part of Noctis's life. She would read through that diary during the times when she felt as if she would break from the pressure.

She was thankful to Prompto for showing her the album today. She had been pleasantly surprised to see that there had been some pictures of Noctis writing on the diary during their travels. What had stuck with her was the expression on Noctis face as he wrote. His emotions had translated so well on film. Luna could perfectly see the affection he had for her as he wrote on those pages. The smile she saw in those pictures were the same as those he would give her when they were alone together. Lunafreya loved seeing that smile.

She was broken out of her thoughts by Noctis speaking. "We're basically like a family. Ignis is the mom and dad. Gladio is a combination of the dependable big brother and that uncle you don't want in your life sometimes. Prompto alternates between the whiny little brother and the pet."

"The pet?" she asked incredulously.

"A dog, more specifically."

Lunafreya laughed at the description. She could actually see what Noctis was saying. Prompto had endearing qualities that you often found in dogs. They were very sweet and loyal. "And you are?" she asked.

"The goes-their-own-way middle child." She could hear the smile in his voice.

"That's an interesting way to put it."

"I'm fine with you spending time with them but I just wished they'd watch their language around you a little," Noctis grumbled.

She could not quite follow what they were saying at times but Lunnafreya did not want them to change just for her sake. "To be around their banter is such a refreshing change. I could get used to being around them."

Noctis grimaced. "That's nice and all but I have no intention of sharing your attention with any of them in the future. Maybe a smattering here and there but I intend to fully enjoy every second I can with you. Just the both of us."

"I like being with you the most as well," Luna whispered.

They stayed in that position for a while, neither of them speaking. There was never any need to fill in any silence that fell between them.

"Just six more weeks," Noctis said eventually.

Lunafreya nodded. Their wedding was finally going to be held six weeks from now. She thought back on how their betrothal came about all those years ago and how everything came full circle. It was sometimes difficult to believe that it was actually happening. Only when she was with Noctis like this did it really sink home that she was truly getting married.

She was embarrassed to admit she was having wedding jitters. "Sometimes I think it's so far away and sometimes I think it's so close. Sometimes I get nervous and then sometimes I wish it would come sooner. I don't understand myself."

Noctis hugged her tighter. "I get you. It does seem unbelievable. But it is real. And it is happening."

She turned her head his gaze. "Will it really be all right?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean us doing nothing for the wedding," replied.

He smiled to reassure her. "It's definitely all right. Ignis is handling it. It will be more than perfect."

She leaned back into his embrace once more. "Before, when the Empire made our wedding terms of the peace treaty, I was worried I was burdening you. I knew it for what it was after all. Just a political ploy. We were both being used. But, truth be told, even if I knew it was so… I was happy."

The things that happened ten years ago seemed like a world away. Sometimes, Lunafreya felt as if they did not even happen at all. Still, she remembered the things she had felt then. She had been surprised by the Empire demanding she marry Noctis. It was the perfect way to grab onto power in Lucis. She had worried incessantly over how the circumstances would make Noctis feel. Her biggest fear at the time was that she was burdening Noctis. He was already carrying the weight of his own destiny. She did not want to add more to his troubles. As the Oracle, it was her duty to support him.

"I told Gentiana this," she continued. She recalled their conversation as they both looked at the dress she would have worn. "It was so embarrassing having to admit it out loud to her. I was the Oracle and I had to have a straight head on my shoulders all the time. I had no time to be entertaining frivolous thoughts, a-"

"Why?" Noctis interrupted. "I was happy as well."

"You were?" she asked in a small voice. He said such simple words but it wreaked so much havoc on Lunafreya's heart. Her chest was full to bursting, the love and joy she felt threatening to escape. His words warmed her very soul.

"I was," he answered simply.

"I'm glad."

She could not stop herself from smiling. She was falling in love with Noctis more and more each day and she did not regret it. She felt Noctis slowly release her. He stood up and walked to one of the tables in the corner. He grabbed a remote and the room was instantly filled with the sound of music. Lunafreya did not recognize it but the sound was familiar to the music they played during royal functions in Tenebrae. She looked at him, a question in her eyes. He walked back to her and stopped a step away from the settee.

"If you really want to practice…" He bent his waist and offered his hand.

She placed her hand in his and he guided her to a standing position. He led her to the viewing area of the garden. It was a small open space surrounded by flowers.

"What is this?" she asked. She had an inkling but she wanted him to be the one to say it.

"We'll be dancing in front of almost everyone in Lucis during the wedding. I don't want to step on your toes of anything so I think a little practice is in order."

He guided her left hand to his shoulder and he stretched their right hands outwards. He waited for a few seconds before he started moving in time with the beat of the music.

Lunafreya did not know of this dance but she instinctively followed his lead. She had been taught traditional ballroom dances for royal functions in her country so it was easy for her to follow. "This is a Lucian waltz?" she asked after a while. The cadence of the steps was similar to waltzes in her own country.

Noctis nodded. "Yes. One of the harder ones. It's a fairly complicated one with so many crosses and things."

They waltzed around the room for a few minutes more before Noctis started to spin her around in different ways. Lunafreya's skin was flushed and she was having a good time. She had never danced with Noctis before and seeing him looking like a proper gentleman twirling her around the room, she could not stop her peals of laughter as they danced.

"You're good at this," she complimented him as they returned to the simpler sequences of the dance. "Who taught you?"

"Cor."

It was not the answer she was expecting. "Sir Cor?"

Noctis nodded. "He doesn't look it but that man has kills it on the dance floor."

"I was expecting Ignis would have taught you." Even if he was blind, Lunafreya felt Ignis would have found a way. He was a miracle worker after all.

"Well, I asked him first but he said he would have needed to see how sloppy I was dancing so he shipped me off to see Cor."

She found the thought of him practicing to waltz highly entertaining. "You should have asked me to come and practice with you."

"No. It took me a while to actually learn it so I'm glad you didn't see me floundering about like a duck with its head cut off. This way, your first encounter with my dancing would be with my impeccable waltz skills."

Lunafreya laughed at that. She would have loved to see him flustered indeed. "What a pity. You lead very well. I don't get the finer points but I don't think we're dancing sloppy at all."

Noctis grinned. "If there's anything Cor drilled into my head - well, aside from combat and all that- is that the male should lead his partner properly."

A mental image of Noctis dancing with other women made Lunafreya uneasy. She hated that she was being jealous over such a small thing.

"It makes me rather of jealous," she confessed. She learned that it was always better to tell Noctis exactly what she was feeling instead of bottling them up. Noctis had a way of easing all her worries.

"Why do you say that?"

She thought for a bit before replying. "I think of you practicing with some other woman and I get jealous. It's petty."

"You don't need to be jealous of Cor," Noctis said with a frown.

Lunafreya did not quite understand why she would be jelous of his instructor. "Jealous of Cor?"

Noctis nodded. "During my lessons, Cor insisted he be the female because like I mentioned," He lowered his voice in an attempt to copy Cor, "The male has to lead his partner properly."

The poor impression made her giggle. "Somehow that makes me feel better." The mental image of Noctis leading Cor in a waltz only made her laugh.

They continued to waltz for a few more minutes until the music ended. Both of them were laughing by the end of it, their cheeks flushed. After a few seconds, a slow, relaxed tune started to play. Noctis released her hand and wrapped his arms around her waist. She in turn, placed her hands around his neck. With their eyes closed and foreheads touching, they were swaying to the music, content in each other's proximity.

"There's no need for you to be jealous of anyone, Luna," Noctis said after a while. Lunafreya opened her eyes slowly and was greeted by deep blue ones. "You don't ever have to worry about not being the first with me in something. From now on, you and I will be experiencing a lot of firsts. This was our first dance. We'll have our first official trip soon, first address as King and Queen, first parade around Insomnia, first meal at the Meldacio Hunter HQ, first chocobo ride and maybe even our first fight. All through those, we'll be experiencing it together. We'll be so sick of experiencing those firsts that we might even be desperate enough to bring those guys along with us for the rest of our firsts just to spice things up."

Luna only smiled in response.

Noctis returned her smile in kind. "At the end of it all, Luna, you will always be first in my heart. You are my first priority. My first in everything."

She buried her face in his neck and nodded. Her cheeks felt like they were on flame after his declaration. He pulled her closer and she did the same, not wanting an inch of space between them. If there was one change she had welcomed wholeheartedly, it was allowing herself to be vulnerable when she was with him. When he held her, she felt as though nothing could ever harm her. He would protect from any and all danger. He would protect her even from herself. All of her life she had had to be strong. For her country, for her duty, and for herself. She did not allow herself any moment of weakness. She had always put her needs and wants behind everything else because she had a duty to so many.

In his arms she could just be Luna. A woman who had needs, a woman who could be insecure, and a woman who could be weak. She could be a woman who just needed to be assured that there would always be someone to pick her up should she fall, someone to hold her hand when she was afraid and someone who would wipe away her tears when she cried. Now, she could finally be the priority. She truly felt that she was no longer alone.

"I love you," she whispered. She had wanted to say so much more but her emotions were threatening to choke her. She loved him so very much.

Noctis lifted her chin so she would look up at him. Slowly, he tilted his head. His lips brushed against hers softly. It was over in a second but heat exploded in Lunafreya's body. It reached right down to her toes. She blushed a violent shade of red. She no longer had any control over her reactions. She was so embarrassed that she was reacting in this way. She had fought down the gods of Eos but something like this was leaving her in such a state. She immediately looked down, desperate to hide her face.

"What's wrong?"Noctis asked in concern.

Noctis was waiting patiently for her answer. "Please don't laugh," she begged.

"I won't," he answered instantly.

She bit her lip, not really wanting to answer. She knew Noctis would wait as long as needed until she could muster up the courage to speak. She let out a breath she did not know she was holding. Refusing to meet his eyes, she whispered faintly, "That was my first kiss."

Lunafreya wanted the ground to swallow her up right then. It was such a childish thing to tell him. They were adults so those little things were not really important. But still, here she was acting like a girl of fifteen. Lunafreya was mortified. The silence stretched on for longer than was comfortable. The lack of response made her worry. She looked up and watched Noctis's eyes widening a fraction. His poker face eventually slipped until he was grinning widely. His mirth was reflected in his eyes.

Lunafreya felt herself burn in shame.

As if to comfort her, Noctis pulled her close and whispered into her ear. "Do you want to know a secret?"

Shivers went down her spine at the low timbre of his voice and the feel of his soft lips against the shell of her ear. Lunafreya felt herself getting even redder. She could not find her voice to answer him so she simply nodded.

"That was my first as well."

-xXx-

Author's note: Ending it here. Woohoo. It's basically a wifey-meets-the-bros (what am I saying? haha) kind of thing with just a bit of fluff. I tried to make it the kind of fluff that leaves a smile on your face though. Hope I succeeded. You can imagine Gratia Mundi (probably a slightly slower version?) playing during the waltz and Noctis theme playing right after. I sometimes write this fanfic during my waiting time in the lab and I have to wear a face mask because I can't help but smile when writing it. Ugh. They are so meant to be. And Ignis is just so perfect. Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. Please leave a review if you have the time. Oh yeah, Gong Xi Fa Cai! Until the next chapter!