Chapter 10
"I didn't know he had a car." Stella joked as she and Ali watched a black and silver automobile pull up in front of them, right next to the pavement they were standing and waiting on.
"You're late, dumbass!" Alisha scolded, tapping her knuckles against the driver's side window.
It rolled down to reveal Prompto's grinning face, and he reached out a hand and quickly tweaked Ali's nose before she could pull back from his assault. Stella watched with mirth in her eyes as Alisha reached out and slapped Prompto's hand away.
"I'm not late. Now get in, you two. The man is sure to be early and he doesn't want to be kept waiting." Prompto pointed out, honking the car's horn for emphasis and startling a few people walking on the street.
Stella allowed an exasperated sigh to leave her lips at the glare they received from passers by. Ali was already getting in the car and Stella swallowed her tiny shred of suspicion at Prompto's motives and followed suit. As soon as they were in, Prompto was driving down the street again, the radio playing music softly in the background.
"Say Pro, you aren't planning on doing anything nasty to us in here, are you?"
He glanced at them through the rear view mirror and smiled impishly. "Not unless you want me to."
"Pervert!" Ali snapped, arms folded across her chest in what Stella guessed was a mild effort to restrain herself from whacking him over the head.
"Who says I'm being perverted?" They turned a corner. "Maybe it's all in your dirty little mind." He smirked mischievously.
"Hey," Ali elbowed Stella lightly. "Did I mention that he's much more annoying than your smart ass boyfriend?" She spoke in a voice that was she sure Prompto would hear.
"Speaking of which, you have not introduced me to the guy yet." Prompto smirked.
Stella gaped at the two. Did Ali seriously mention Noctis? Her best friend seemed to catch the mortification evident in her face because Ali offered a very sheepish smile. The other girl shook her head, assuring Stella that it would be all right.
"Why do you want to meet him?" Stella asked Prompto.
He shrugged. "The guy sounds interesting coming from your friend. Told me once that I was worse than him. Makes me wonder if the comparison was an insult or a compliment. What do you think, Seraph?"
To be fair, Stella did not know the answer to that either. "I don't know."
"Sounds complicated." Prompto grinned, cutting the engine. "We're here, ladies."
vVvVv
The small cafe was devoid of customers on a Sunday afternoon. Stella walked in with Ali, Prompto following right behind them. His eyes scanned the tables for any sign of a man with spectacles. Sure enough, Ignis was seated at the farthest table from the entrance. There was a cup of steaming coffee on the table already and his eyes were glued to the screen of his laptop, working on something.
"There he is!" Prompto hollered, leaving Stella and Ali behind to follow as he made a beeline for his friend.
The two girls threw glances at each other before following Prompto's lead. They knew better than to expect the stereotype by now. Prompto was proof of that in their first meeting, although, this man dressed slightly different. He appeared more business like. The stranger looked up and met their curious gazes, while throwing an amused glance at Prompto. The blonde was smiling from ear to ear that Stella suddenly felt uneasy for some unknown reason.
"These must be are new business partners." He chuckled, closing the lid of his computer.
Prompto scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, talk to them for a while and I'm going to grab to something to eat." He said, jerking his thumb towards the counter. "You gals want anything?"
Ali replied with a curt 'no,' and Stella merely declined the offer with a grateful smile and a shake of her head. Prompto shrugged and was off. The man gestured to the vacant seats across from him and Ali and Stella wasted no time in claiming them.
"I do not understand how he can possibly maintain that body state when he eats too much." The man mumbled under his breath before turning to their two guests.
So after making the necessary introductions, the three of them proceeded to discuss. It simply would not do to stall any further.
"So was it good enough?" Stella asked in a kind voice.
He seemed to scrutinize her for a while before answering. "The boss has approved. I would like to congratulate you in this small step." He nodded and reached into his wallet before pulling out a business card. He handed it to Stella. "If by any means we find it necessary, we will contact you. Demands on the product have risen and we have quite a number of clientele who are highly interested in purchasing them."
Well, the information shouldn't come as a surprise. That only proved that drug addiction in the world was getting worse. Stella tucked the card into her own purse, noticing that it did not contain the kind of information one would find on other business cards. To put it plainly, Ignis just handed her a piece of stiff paper that did not tear easily with nothing printed on it but a contact number. She had caught sight of Ali's expression. Her friend had cocked an eyebrow. It was at that moment that Prompto returned, sipping on a frappe.
"Rest assured that your share of the deal would be delivered in time."
"Contact this number when you plan to deliver them." Stella slid the strip of paper Cloud had given her at the party towards Ignis and Prompto who were seated across from them.
"Of course." Ignis nodded, taking the object from the table. "We will name a time and place and I sincerely ask that you two should cooperate without asking unnecessary questions."
"What do you mean?" Alisha asked, drumming her fingers on the table top.
Ignis looked at her over his glasses. "Inquiries that have nothing to do with our business deal would not be entertained. Understand?"
"Yes of course." Stella nodded sincerely, the gears in her head already working to form a plan that would counter the arrangement. "It is not our place to question a much more superior transactor."
Ignis seemed satisfied with the answer and Prompto smirked.
"You're in. Congrats." The blonde chirped.
"You make it sound like we entered the 'it' crowd." Alisha grumbled.
"Well, I think you have." Prompto replied, winking at the dark-haired girl. "Are we done here?" He asked Ignis who was still looking at the girls in the assessing way of his.
"I believe we are." Stella smiled again, and made to stand up.
"Need a ride at some place?" Prompto offered, a small quirk on the corner of his lips and a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes.
"Thank you, Prompto, but I don't think it's necessary." Stella answered politely.
"Yeah, I'd rather catch the ugly yellow bus than spend time riding with you in your car while you're planning Etro knows what." Ali had the jab aimed at Prompto, but instead of taking it as an offense, he only laughed.
"What would I be planning?" He forced out through his laughter.
"Beats me, Pro. An evil scheme of sorts." Alisha shrugged before following Stella's lead but not before she heard Ignis pipe in.
"He's planning classic world domination." Ignis spoke dryly.
That made Ali smile secretly before they left the two men alone to do their business.
vVvVv
"What'd I tell you about her?" Prompto turned to Ignis with a smug smile on his face.
"I can see her appeal to you, but you should not be flirting with Stella's friend." The other man pointed out as he took out the untraceable phone he had bought.
"Why ever not?" Prompto asked, playing with the end of the straw before putting it between his lips to have a sip of the treat.
"Simply because it makes things more complicated than they are." Ignis explained, speed dialing the person he was going to call.
"But I never made a move on her!" Prompto protested loudly to which Ignis responded with a roll of his eyes.
"Then keep it that way."
"Are you calling Noct?"
"Who else?"
Prompto was quiet for a few seconds, waiting for Ignis to start speaking so he could pester him to put the phone on loudspeaker so they could both talk to Noctis. But then the audible ringing soon died down to a couple of beeps.
"His phone's probably dead... Or he's snoozing." Prompto shrugged, slurping loudly on his drink.
"Probably the latter." Ignis sighed, unhurriedly putting away his things so he could leave.
"Should we go to his place? It wouldn't take a couple of minutes to call Gladiolus and we can discuss matters there." Prompto suggested, pushing the empty plastic cup of frappe away.
Ignis shook his head as they stood up to leave. "We would have to content ourselves with four-way conversations over the phone for now. His father is probably going to be home tonight, and we wouldn't want to draw unnecessary attention."
Prompto sighed heavily, pushing the glass door open as they left the cafe. "Right. You think his old man would notice?"
"Let's hope not."
vVvVv
For some reason, she thought she would be happier... But she wasn't. And she did not know why. There was only a nagging feeling left in her gut; a feeling that suggested something bad was going to happen.
Stella sighed as she tossed her bag on top of her bed and took a seat on the edge of the mattress herself. They were given a project. She and Ali paired up. Alisha had suggested a dangerous topic, but she had consented. She made a silent note to go behind Noctis' and her father's back. She had enlisted Cloud's help. She and Ali met Prompto on a convenience store that night. The night after making direct contact with a Mafia member, Noctis had confronted her about their secret. She convinced him to help her and Alisha out instead. Prompto had called back after three whole weeks of waiting. She and Ali had been trying to find a secure deal. Cloud had presented an opportunity, and the party was the venue. She had slept over at Noctis' house. They all went to the party together. The key person declined to show his face, but Cloud had managed to secure a stable deal and a steady stream of those experimental drugs. That same night, Ali had called Prompto and informed him. They were told to wait for his signal of approval. This Sunday morning, Ali had called her to tell that Prompto called again and they would be meeting another member to discuss their business matters. Thus, it led her to the conclusion of the events that transpired a few minutes ago.
The list was a long one, and she couldn't believe that things were happening faster than she had expected them too. The video documentation was progressing nicely and as far as Noctis and the Mafia members were concerned, she and Ali were just doing a write-up. So far so good there. What was really bothering her was Noctis' informant. It couldn't have been Cloud. If it had been him, then surely Noctis would have known that she and Ali were actually creating a video documentation. If you were going to tell on someone, what was the point of giving out only half of your knowledge? So she was sure it definitely was not Cloud. But if not the blonde, then who? Nobody else knew. Only Cloud, Ali, and herself. Noctis was told that it was a write-up; the Mafia members as well. Unless...
Stella shook her head. No. The idea was ridiculous; inconceivably absurd. To think of Noctis as one of them. But it was a possibility, and possibilities are endless. She could not simply rule out that fact just because he was her boyfriend. She had indirect knowledge of him for two years, and she hadn't noticed anything suspicious. But then again, perhaps she overlooked things; facts that would have led to his involvement. The Mafia was far from her concern as a student back then. The organization only mattered to her now because it was a subject they were investigating. That made her wonder. What would her reaction be if her ridiculous assumptions were actually the truth?
Stella absently reached for her phone lying on the bed sheets and grasped for it, watching the screen light up and display Noctis' name on her history of calls. She might be wrong. She hoped she was going to be wrong. She really had no other choice now. She wanted to know the truth of the matter, because there was something else going on here. She was not entirely sure, but she could feel it.
'I have to observe him more closely from now on. Not too openly that he would notice. Just subtle enough for me to prove myself wrong. He doesn't have to know.' She thought.
There was another thought that bothered her though. She was perfectly aware that she and Ali were involved in criminal transactions now. It still wasn't too late, maybe she should involve the cops. Not a great number of them, but maybe a private investigator that she could trust. She knew one—her father's comrade, but would he believe her? Let alone cooperate with her for the slightest amount of time and not tell her father? But she would have to take that chance. It was a gamble, but it was better than nothing. Better to tell now than be caught red-handed later. That left another thought to eat at the back of her mind. Why is Noctis so persistent about warning her not to involve the authorities?
"Stella." Someone was knocking.
Her train of thought was cut off and she turned to her closed door to face the source of the interruption.
"The door's open." She called out, replacing her phone on the mattress.
The door to her room opened wide enough for her brother's blonde head to poke in.
"Stell, Mom wants you downstairs." Stefan pursed his lips and saw the look on her face. "What's up, Sis? You okay?"
"I'm fine." She managed a small smile that disappeared as soon as she had her back to her younger brother.
Her mother was downstairs packing some food into containers, stacking them one on top of the other inside a black lunch bag.
"Mom, what is it?" She asked softly, appearing in the open archway that led to the kitchen.
"Sweetie, I know it's quite a little after dark, but could I ask you to take this to your father at the police department? He's going to work overtime on a criminal case tonight, and..." Her mother trailed off.
"I get it. I'll do it, Mom." Stella tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear as she offered a small smile. Good thing she hadn't changed out of her jeans and blouse yet.
"Sorry Sis. I would've gone, but I'm kind of busy studying for exams." Stefan rubbed the back of his blonde head sheepishly, tousling his already tousled hair in the process.
"It's all right. Let me just get my purse and I'll take it to Dad."
"Thank you, Sweetie."
She needed the ample distraction anyway. And besides, it was now or never. It was a good moment as any to ask for the aid of a member of the Intelligence Unit. She didn't have a ride to the Police Department, so she would have to catch public transportation. She swiftly grabbed her purse and opened the bottom most portion of her nightstand drawer. She reached inside and pulled out her Beretta 92 FS pistol. She pulled the safety down, cranked the gun, and tucked it into the waistband of her jeans behind her. Better safe than sorry. It was licensed anyway, so she had nothing to worry about. It was her father's birthday gift when she had turned eighteen.
"It's not a normal gift, but it's to keep you safe." Those were her father's words and she couldn't have been more grateful.
Years of practicing target shooting wasn't a waste. Her father was insistent that she and her brother learn how to use firearms and other weapons and at least one art of self-defense. Stella had no doubt that Stefan would get a firearm for his eighteenth birthday too. Nobody knew about her knowledge and skill in weaponry or self-defense. She had kept that a secret. And besides, she really found it useless to brag about such skills. She only learned them for her own safety and in the hopes that she wouldn't go down without a fight just in case she would be assaulted. Her mother didn't have qualms with the precautions her father had imposed. He was a police officer, and his family would not escape the threat that constantly followed him around in every waking moment of his life. Before she had taken possession of her gun, she often carried a heavy-duty survival knife that was standard issue in the military. She still brought it with her everyday. She only ever brought her gun out when she would roam the streets at night without a private ride.
So after heading downstairs and bidding a farewell to her mother and brother, she went outside, the chilly wind biting at the exposed skin of her cheeks as she headed for the nearest bus stop.
vVvVv
How long had it been since he had dinner with another member of his family? Noctis couldn't really remember anymore. He often ate alone, but now his father had requested that they have dinner in the dining hall. He descended the grand staircase, and entered the dining hall; the grand doors that led to the room were wide open. His father was already present, seated at the head of the very first table. He approached it warily and took the seat across the man.
"Good evening, Prince Noctis." The man said in a low voice, a genuine smile upon his aging face.
Noctis smirked at the title that accompanied his name. No, not really. He was just a prince in the Mafia because his father was considered king.
"Good evening, father." He replied as he pushed back a chair, already knowing what was to come.
Their meal commenced at once and Noctis ate sparingly, not having much of an appetite. In all truth, he hadn't been planning on eating tonight, but his father had called him down for dinner, so he didn't have much of a choice.
"I have good news, my son."
'Really? I wouldn't have guessed from the ecstatic look on your face.' He thought sarcastically as he stabbed a piece of steak on his plate.
But he forced a smile on instead. "What is it?"
"We have secured a stable supply of a Class A experimental drug that is known for its instantaneous effects." The man watched Noctis as the boy refused to look up, only continue pushing his food around in his plate.
'And your supplier just so happens to be my girlfriend.' He growled inwardly.
"That is great news indeed." The corner of his lips quirked up into an amused smile, but there was no trace of mirth in his eyes.
"I am tempted to arrange a meeting with our most recent associate; just for the sake of learning the tricks of their trade. They have decided wisely to invest in a global community such as ours." His father mused.
Noctis' jaw clenched at that. He knew his father would never push through with it. It was merely wishful thinking. But his father's thoughts alone proved that the man admired the skill and wit behind the transactor—which so happened to be Stella and Ali. To reveal the face and identity of the boss would be a danger, and Noctis knew his father would never risk that.
"That is what you have hired my friends for." He stated calmly, taking pride in his comrades. "Specifically Ignis."
His father had chosen his friends. And although the Consigliere himself questioned the Boss's decision, his father was insistent. Gladiolus, Prompto, and Ignis were more than capable of handling the job. Entrusting the welfare and secrecy of the Mafia to such a young group of people was unseemly and it had made things tense among the higher-ranking men, but his father had made the decision, and it had been final. He himself had been assigned to govern over the Capo Regime, but Noctis barely viewed his friends as his subordinates. And his father really had no knowledge that the three were more loyal to the Under Boss rather than the Boss himself. That brought a smug smirk to Noctis' face. Hierarchies aside. Those three men were his brothers, so to speak. The four of them had been through tough times together and had stood by, ready to be of help to one another, offering support and companionship at all times.
"I have half a mind to let you interview them incognito yourself." His father spoke, shaking Noctis out of his current thoughts.
That was until the words sank in and he found himself shaking his head.
'I don't want Stella to know who I am, damn it.' He cussed.
"It wouldn't do good father. It is dangerous to endanger your heir." He smirked.
"Of course, of course." The man agreed, taking a sip of the vintage wine before continuing. "But they are intriguing, aren't they?"
"Most indeed." Noctis agreed, biting the inside of his lower lip.
"Noctis, I have been told you are dating someone." His father mused, watching his son's reaction closely.
Noctis exhaled through his nose. It was about time his parents approached the subject. His mother must have done most of the speculating herself and only thought to alert his father when she was positively sure.
"Yes..." He answered simply, giving nothing away as he returned the inquisitive gaze.
"Your mother and I haven't had many opportunities to meet her." Was the curt reply. There was underlying statement and it wouldn't take a genius to figure it out.
He had no qualms with the idea, and he was sure Stella would not mind. "Perhaps we can invite her for dinner some time." Noctis suggested, cocking an eyebrow. He hated being the one to voice the implication.
"Splendid idea." Regis agreed. "When your mother arrives home next week. Invite her here."
"Of course..."
A/N: This is an AU, so I can't really involve Noct and Stella's powers here, can I? Well, maybe I can but that would make the story more complicated and it would stray from the point. And I don't want that. :3 Besides, it's amusing and kind of cool imagining Stella with a gun. On another note, I have borrowed information from the internet about the actual Mafia and used certain parts of it here in the story—the hierarchy for example. I don't exactly know how the real Mafia operates. But then again, this is a work of fiction. I'm the author and I do what I want with the story. So the Mafia hierarchy, the operation, the tasks of the key members, etc etc, may or may not be correct. But it doesn't really matter, does it? This is just a fanfiction story, and some things may be borrowed from the real world, but most of the things are mostly altered. Anyhow, leave a review to tell me what you think. Feel free to add your constructive criticisms, and thank you so much for reading. :) Until the next chapter then.