The royal couple sat at the table with the three crownsguard enjoying the lunch that the chamberlain had prepared for them. Prompto was happily babbling away about their adventures so far to Luna, while Gladio and Ignis added priority details alongside the fun. She had gotten a little down hearing about their interaction with her brother when retrieving the Regalia after the Trial of the Archaean and the Fulgarian. She didn't have to say much in terms of words but Noctis noticed her shift in body language, quickly changing the subject in order to ease the tension that had formed in her body. Prompto also had a million questions about Umbra and his keen ability to find Noctis wherever they were. Ignis smiled at the genuine curious nature that the young blonde had for all things related to the Oracle. He wanted to say that maybe it was a crush but he remembered what the blonde had said earlier in the day about the impact she had on his life at an early age. It's personal admiration for Lady and not infatuation. She did after all create the bridge for him to want to be closer to Noct, not as a subject looking for political gain but as one child to another, looking for friendship. He took a sip of Ebony and watched the two blondes chat about the messenger dog some more.

"So, um, Lady Lunafreya," Prompto began hesitantly, causing the group to stop talking and stare. "You're being horribly formal, Prompt." Noctis humorously stated, noticing the tension in his friend's body. This only caused the blonde to blush and rub the back of his neck shyly. "There's something I really wanted to say before I forgot to, not that I would have regardless," he stated humorlessly, his tone nothing short of serious. Luna tilted her head sideways and smiled, "What it is Prompto?" she asked happily. "Well, I am sure you don't remember this, but about ten years ago I found your dog as a puppy, injured and nursed it back to health as best I could. Then the dog ran away again and I thought something bad happened to it but got a letter about a week later from you thanking me for helping the dog…" he hesitated to say anymore when he saw Noctis' look of surprise. This is his fiancee after all. Here I am bringing up something that he has no idea happened and I've kept it to myself all this time. Prompto watched the two royals and their body language, looking for a que to continue his words. She had smiled, while Noctis remained confused on the matter.

"I-I-I just wanted to say thank you, Lady Lunafreya. I was going through a depressing time of my life when Pryna came into my life for that brief moment in time, and your words were very uplifting. You see, it was your words that gave me the courage to talk to Noct for the first time, even though I made a complete fool of myself." She looked at Noctis before he turned his face away remembering what he said while helping Prompto up after he tripped that day...

Flashback

Noctis stood alongside the mini outdoor shed, hidden away behind the school and away from the crazy fan girls that were constantly asking him a million questions a day. He knew he was a royal prince so lashing out at them like he did to Gladiolus would do him no good, especially if Ignis found out. He would be stuck doing etiquette lessons for a month. So instead he chose to hide, not noticing the chubby blonde from the class next door that was hidden behind the building.

Prompto had just received a letter of gratitude for finding Lady Lunafreya's dog. Although, Prompto and the prince were not actual friends, the princess of Tenebrae had given him the courage to speak to the young prince he saw everyday. Prompto also noticed the lonely look he always had while everyone always talked his ear away. He looked around the corner, seeing the prince in his usual hiding place, that lonely look completely on his face, unguarded.

"I can do this," Prompto stated determinedly. He straightened his posture and began to walk towards the prince. He began to step over a pole on top of two orange hazard cones, "H-Hello, Prince." Noctis looked up at him with a mild irritation on his face but Prompto was just happy the future king turned his attention to him as he spoke, "Would you-" was all he got out before he fell face first into the dirt. This is so embarrassing. How could I be so stupid and trip before the prince? Talk about the worse first impression ever, he probably thinks I am clumsy now. Prompto thought as he tried to pick himself up.

"Are you alright?" Noctis asked as he ran over to the blonde."Y-yes, it looks fine…" he replied, looking at his camera. A gift from his mother when he entered kindergarten. Noctis stretched his hand out and Prompto in his confusion was going to give him the camera, "Oh… Uh, here you go," he stated. This action caused the Lucian prince to smile and let out a brief laugh, "No, not that." "Huh, oh sorry…" was all Prompto could say as he began to get up. He took ahold of the prince's hand, while the prince tried with great difficulty to help up Prompto, even going so far as to use both hands for the one that was extended to him. As he was pulling, the words just fell out of his mouth, unaware that the blonde had heard him, "You're heavy."

Prompto felt his heart sink, he was too heavy for the prince to help up. That thought alone made Prompto's minimal confidence to speak to the prince go out the window. As he got to his feet, the bell signalling the end of their break period had rung. "Well...see ya," Noctis stated calmly as he made his way past the blonde and back to class. "Heavy… uh, w-wait! I…" he began again only to once again trip on the pole that the prince just hopped over and he originally fell over. He rolled over and looked at the blue sky, watching as the clouds passed by, "I knew it. There's no way we could…" He stopped the words before he could finish the sentence, shaking his head and pulling his shirt down, the determination returning to his face. "No. We will be friends."

Back in the Present

I owe Lady Lunafreya a huge debt of gratitude. If it wasn't for her kind words, I would have never had the courage to talk to Noct. I wouldn't have tripped over that pole and been told I was too heavy by him. I wouldn't have refound my determination to want to be an important person of his world. To take that lonely look away from his eyes. I owe all of that to them. The least I can do is tell them how grateful I am, Prompto thought.

"Prom?" Noctis stated concernedly. "You okay?" Prompto nodded before looking at Lunafreya. "I would not be the man I am today if it wasn't for your kind words of gratitude. I wouldn't have gathered the courage to talk to Noct, to lose the weight, to be a little more confident in myself. I just wanted to thank you for saving my life, even though you didn't know me." He bowed to the princess causing the rest of the group's eyes to widen in shock at the proper manners he displayed to the princess.

"I had wondered what had happened to the boy who had saved Pryna, it really brings me so much joy to know that you are that boy. You have a sincere heart, I just hope that my insistence of becoming friends with Noctis did not cause you any trouble," she replied. So did he become friends with me because Luna told him to? Noctis thought to himself. Almost as if he could read his friend's mind, Prompto looked at him to answer, "No she didn't tell me to become your friend just cause she said so. She mentioned in the letter that you seemed a bit withdrawn, like you were not making any friends. I remembered how the girls at school always seemed to be asking questions about your life in the royal palace and what it was like to be royalty. Those questions always got the most mundane answers out of you. I was always wondering why you had such a dejected look on your face all the time. Why does he look so alone? Doesn't he smile? Why does he look so lonely?"

Ignis and Gladio quietly observed Prompto and Noctis as they talked about the reasons behind their meeting and becoming friends. "You know, Noct," Ignis interrupted. "Prompto is right. You were rather withdrawn as a child. Particularly after you returned from Tenebrae at eight. Prompto first approached you at ten and although you wouldn't admit it, you were rather curious about him. Especially when he would watch you from afar and not come talk to you. The look on your face was almost offended that he wouldn't talk to you." Gladio smiled at the memory of an extremely bratty Noctis, the one that made him want to knock him out every single time they had training for swordsmanship. "Iggy is right about that. Granted you and Iris were slightly friends but there was something about Prompto that made you irritable to the point that even I could barely stand you with training. It took about a year before you became readjusted to being alone." Gladio had added, causing Prompto's eyes to widen, "Wait, so I made an impact on you?"

This caused Noctis to blush at the blonde, making Luna giggle. "Well, I thought we were already friends when you first approached me. It really hurt that when you finally gathered the courage to talk to me again, we were freshmen in high school and you acted as if it was the first time we ever met. Was I that impactful to you?" Noctis had a hurt look on his face, taking the boys aback. "There's an expression that I've never seen," Gladio and Prompto said simultaneously. Ignis shook his head as they bickered over who jinxed who and who owed who a Kenny's soda. Luna looked at him and smiled deeply and serenely, "I remember that look on your face. The last time I saw it was when you were a child back in Tenebrae, when Ravus told you that you wouldn't be allowed to marry me unless you beat him in a game of chess. You were heartbroken when you lost game after game in frustration. I never saw you look so deflated until then." They all stopped to look at the prince who had turned a deep shade of crimson in embarrassment.

"L-LUNA!" he exasperated, only causing his ears to redden as well. "Why would you tell them that?" He saw the flash of the camera in the corner of his eye, Prompto grinning at his camera. "Absolutely not! Prompto! Delete that!" Noctis felt his body heating up in embarrassment. Prompto had gotten up from his seat and ran off laughing as the prince chased after him the whole time screaming about deleting embarrassing pictures. Luna took the opportunity to speak to the chamberlain and the shield alone.

"Gentlemen, I owe a huge debt of gratitude for helping mold him into the man he is now. I know he can be a brat but his heart is always in the right place. I only ask that you stay by his side as he continues on his journey to fulfill his destiny. He needs all the strength and wisdom he can get." They both looked at her in mild disbelief, "I am not going anywhere, unless I die. So no need to worry about his safety, Princess. I am an Amicitia after all, our duty is to our king." Ignis nodded in agreement with the older's words, "Although I his chamberlain, I have been everything else the entire time. His maid, nurse, driver, tutor, even his mother as he jokes when he is sick. I never intended to ever leave his side. Not now or ever. He is our king, you are our queen and the world needs the two of you. I truly hope that we can serve you in a way that is worthy of your title and position, my lady." She blushed at the formality in their behaviors, wondering why they were so relaxed with Noctis but so proper with her. Is it because I am a girl? Ignis smiled at her, "It is not your fault that we are so formal. WE technically do not have permission from his highness to be so relaxed with you. I gather it has to do with the sense of intimacy he has with you and is more than happy to be the only one with a sense of intimacy." Luna blushed at the comment, "Does he truly care about things like that?" Gladio smirked, "Only when it comes to you."

Hearing those words had cause Luna to blush a deep shade of red that matched Noctis not even five minutes before. Ignis got up and began collecting the dishes so that he could wash them, "Gladio, go break up the children before they break something." Gladio groaned, "I told you to stop calling them that. It's bad enough that Noct and Prompto call you Mama Iggs when they don't feel good or when they want to be babied by you. Now you've got Prompto calling me Gladdy daddy every time he wants to pester me. For the last time, we are not married." Luna looked at them, her mouth agape, and hand covering her mouth as her eyes went wide at the bizarre confessional order from the larger man. Gladio caught the look on her face before raising his hands, waving them frantically in an almost comical way, "It's not what you think! Please pay no mind to us your highness!" Noctis and Prompto stopped running around and bickering at the sound of the older man shouting.

"Hey what's up, Gladdy Daddy?" Prompto questioned with humor lacing his voice.

"Prompto!" was all Gladio could say in response.

"Please tell me you two are not having another marital spat?" Noctis asked amused at how flustered the two men were becoming.
"Highness, we are not having a marital spat. I merely asked if Gladio could deal with you two being absolutely unruly in the presence of a lady. Where are those manners?"

This caused the younger two to look at each other before bursting into hysterics. Luna also found herself laughing at the bespecaled man. This only caused said man to blush slightly, clearing his throat to stop them from laughing. "Honestly, I thought you two grew out of that ridiculous notion after you graduated. Perhaps it was presumptuous of me to assume that you boys outgrew such juvenile antics such as teasing me and Gladio over whose role is what."

"Nah, never gonna get tired of that one," Noctis stated as he made his way around behind Luna. "So, what now Luna?"

She turned to look at him, "I'd like to go shopping if that is okay with you. After all, I don't have anything to wear to our dinner date this evening." Noctis nodded, helping pull out the chair to help her up. "So where would you like to go?" She shook her head, "You boys are staying here." Before any of them could begin to protest, there was a knock on the door. She made her way over to open it, revealing her lady-in-waiting, Gentiana. "I am going out with Gentiana, girl time. I will leave both Umbra and Pryna here with you four, please be good little Lucian boys while I am away." She hurried out the door, ignoring the blushes on all four of their faces. Astrals, I truly enjoy teasing them. They're just so adorable.

Ignis resumed collecting dishes and cutlery as he had Gladio collect the leftover food. They were making their way towards the kitchen as Prompto pushed chairs in. Noctis was going to walk away before Prompto spoke up, "When do we get to hear the rest of the story? After all, Lady Lunafreya's not here at the moment. Probably won't be back for a couple of hours." The older two males looked over at the younger pair from the kitchen, curious as to what their leader was going to say. Noctis took a deep breath and exhaled before looking to the trio, "Specs, mind getting some desserts ready? Might want to get some coffee or something to go with it." He went to sit on the sofa as they all began clean up. Noctis closed his eyes, feeling sleep come to him.

Dream Sequence

They had been seeing each other secretly for almost a year. She had asked him so many questions about his life and he had given her so little answers. Nyx had stopped babysitting on him after the fourth or fifth date, choosing to be nearby in the local shops and restaurants instead of directly inside of the locations that were chosen for the couple's dates. It didn't help that on more than one occasion, Stella had seen Nyx following them and threatened to call the crownsguard if he didn't stop following them. She still had no clue who he was though.

It was nearing a year and she still knew less about him than he knew about her. She was a college freshman, going to school in the political science area in order to work her way into the Lucian embassy. She wanted to be an ambassador for the Lucian government, serving the crown in affairs outside of both Insomnia and Lucis itself. She was a pacifist in nature, with a strong moral code and sense of justice. Noctis thought about how her qualities would have been a refreshing change in the stuffy cabinet that was the Council. But he was not going to tell her that detail yet.

Today he had to focus on this task. The task of getting through her birthday in one piece. After all, he knew that there were a few people she associated with that knew exactly who he was, dressing less than his usual self or not. After all, according to Methias, the media chief of her university's media department, he had an unmistakable look to him that anyone who knows anything about the royal family could easily piece two and two together. Noctis and Nyx both had to see him after hours the day after in order to convince him not to say anything to the news outlets. He had yet to make a proper royal debut, which wasn't for another three weeks.

He currently sat at the table, listening to Stella go on about what she wanted to do for her birthday, it was only noon after all. They were having lunch at the Mog Cafe, just a couple blocks from her school. He had skipped school today, begging Prompto and Nyx to cover for him with the other guys. Noctis nodding slightly every time she asked him a question. He was spacing out slightly but was brought back to reality when she spoke a particular sentence, "I wanted to meet your father." His eyes widened in slight horror, did she know he was the crown prince? "You said it's just you and your father right? I was wondering why we haven't met yet. He sounds like a kind and wise man, especially since you're such a sweetheart, I figured it'd be nice if we finally met. Do you object?"

Noctis was fully awake now, a bit of panic beginning to set in at the words. "Dad's always working, he rarely makes time for me Stel." He frowned at the pout beginning to form, "Noct, I haven't met any of your family or friends. You've met all my girlfriends, even had dinner with my parents last week for the first time. Why do I feel like you're hiding your life from me?" Noctis knew he had to barter with her for a little while longer, Keeping her in the dark will only harm our relationship but can I trust this woman with the greatest secret in all of Lucis? Noctis battled with himself internally before looking at her violet eyes.

"How about dinner together in a week? It'll be my birthday and he tends to make the effort to see me on those days," Noctis lied slightly. The odds of his father leaving the Council high and dry as he sat and spent quality time with him was far and few. He also could finally tell her the truth about who he was and maybe they could continue dating after she learned the truth. "Besides, it's your special day, how about we do some things that you want to do?" Stella smiled at him, "I wanted to go to a couple shops around here, buy a nice little outfit and maybe spend the evening with you. If that's not too much trouble?" He nodded, "Sure, I have been saving my cash for something special for us tonight, if you want to let me lead the evening's festivities?"

She smiled, standing up from her seat, walking over and kissing him gently. She is rarely one to be affectionate in public. Must be because it's her birthday. They pulled apart, ignoring the few people looking at them, paid for the bill and made their way out. She interlaced her fingers with his as they made their way to the local clothing shop. "You know, you don't have to go through all this with me, if you don't want to. Guys rarely want to watch their girlfriends spend money on the things they want." Noctis snorted, "True but I am not like other guys, but if you want me to stand back and let you shop till you drop, I'd understand." He raised his hands in mock surrender causing her to laugh, "No, stay with me. I want to spend this day with you more than anyone in all of Eos." He leaned in and kissed her lips, before pulling away, "Lead the way gorgeous, I am your humble puppy." She laughed as they walked into the boutique.

Meanwhile…

"Eos to Noct!" Prompto shouted meekly. He was trying to wake up the prince who had fallen asleep while they cleaned, which only took about thirty minutes. Ignis had prepared a light tiramisu with some coffee on the side. He brought it inside the living room, placing the tray onto the table. Reaching for a cup of cocoa, special made for Noctis with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top, he moved the cup right below the prince's nose, gently blowing it in his direction. "Highness, wake up. I have prepared some light after lunch desserts." Noctis groaned, not enjoying being pulled from his memories of Stella. I seriously can't believe I got annoyed by the fact that I was dreaming about the past. She and I are no more. Never meant to be. Besides, Luna has my heart, she always has, always will.

"Smells great Specs," he said as he took the mug from the advisor. Ignis nodded before grabbing some for himself and taking a seat next to Gladio, who was sitting on the other couch. Prompto sat with the dogs on the balcony, petting them as he waited for Noctis to start. "Alright, Prince Charmless," Gladio began smugly. "Time to fess up to us, the rest of the story." Noctis nodded in agreement, "Yeah, I know." He sat back and stretched a bit before putting the mug on the coffee table and took a deep breath.

"So you remember, I met Stella in one of the bars in West Block. I was with Nyx that night. It kinda became a regular thing for me to leave the Citadel to slip into the city to see her. For an entire year, this was my first serious relationship with a woman, and she had no idea I was the crown prince, even though I didn't do much to disguise my name. She was a freshman in the University of Eos, studying political science. Her ambitions were to help broker peace treaties for Lucis and the rest of the world. This woman had goals." He laughed to himself at the thought of how goal oriented she was.

"I used to go to galas with her, ran into people who knew who I was but didn't say anything because Nyx was always right behind me, keeping things from turning into mayhem. I really owe Nyx so much for that time." Noctis smiled at the memory of the glaive, wondering what happened to him during the Fall. "So you kept sneaking out? How the hell did Iggy not catch you?" Gladio joked, jabbing the brunette in the side causing the other to growl. "Believe me, I finally did catch him," was his answer.

Noctis nodded, a smile on his face, "That he did. And man was I in for a world of trouble. You see dad gave me a special black card that had an almost infinite amount of cash in it, a trust fund that mom set up when she was eighteen, long before she married dad. Ignis is responsible for all my cash, whether it is the trust fund, the royal accounts or even the secret account dad had that was also mine. Specs noticed the spending that was happening on the various accounts and sat me down for a very serious conversation about my spending." Prompto remained silent, not saying anything the whole time, "What did she look like?" They all looked at Noctis, who was blushing slightly. "Well, she was about five five, sandy blonde hair that formed her face perfectly. Her hair was kinda the same length of Gentiana's hair. She had the most gorgeous purple eyes I had ever seen, they were violet colored. She had a smile that could cheer you up on a rainy day. She was definitely not born in Insomnia, I would take a guess but she had to be from either Tenebrae or Altissia. She was definitely too gorgeous to be a Lucian born woman." Prompto let out a low whistle, "Sounds like you were in love buddy. So what happened to her?"

Noctis' expression mellowed out, almost melancholic in nature, "She never wanted to see me again." The whole room got quiet, shock initially taking over. "What the hell do you mean by that Noct?" Gladio asked, breaking the silence. The ravenette looked at his shield, eyes slightly glossy with tears, "She said she hated me, slapped me and said to never come near her again." Noctis threw his head back and exhaled deeply.

Stay away from me!

But Stella… I- I meant to tell you sooner!

Liar! How could you betray my trust in you! Especially when I gave myself to you, heart body and soul!?

It was never my intention to hurt you like this! I swear to the goddess…

Swear till you're blue in the face! I don't believe you. You've been keeping so many secrets from me, what else is there to tell?

I-I'm so sorry…Stella...