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The music pulsed loudly enough for the bass to throb in the bottom of their stomachs the moment they opened the doors to the club. The voices of the dense crowd were drowned out, the air thick with body heat and the smell of people. Colored lights flashed against the walls in tune to the music. Lunafreya hesitated near the doorway, the sudden assault on her senses momentarily confusing.

"Are places like this always this loud?" she tried to ask, her voice muffled by the waves of sound. Noctis looked at her and she could read the what? on his lips. She stood on her toes, holding herself up with a hand on his shoulder as she repeated herself into his ear. She could feel his chuckle, and he leaned down to her own ear,

"Usually. Come on, they always have speakers near the doors to get people to come in so let's go in a little," she hesitated, then followed him. She could feel Ignis's hand on her shoulder and she stopped to turn to him, he looked almost as lost as she was,

"It's too crowded for my cane," she could hardly read his lips, but when he gestured to the crowd and held up his cane she caught his meaning. She guided him towards a small high table where Noctis was waiting for them.

"I don't think this is Ignis's cup of tea," away from the loud sub-woofers by the door hearing eachother was slightly easier, though still required shouting and a lot of lip reading,

"Do not fret over my m'lady. Enjoy yourself, I'll just stay here, have a few drinks, and enjoy the music,"

"Didn't know electronica was your thing," she smirked a little, expecting a rebuke,

"We all can be full of surprises from time to time. Now I do believe your King has asked you to dance," he shooed her away, and a very excited Noctis tugged on her arm to pull her towards the dance floor,

"Noct... I don't know this type of dancing," she protested again, and he merely grinned at her in reply,

"You don't memorize dance moves, just go with the music!" he tried to reassure her, and began moving to the music. The young woman bit her lip, feeling a warm flush to her cheeks as she trick to mimic him, unable to suppress how foolish she felt. After the song finish Noctis drew closer to her, "why don't we go have a drink with Ignis?" he asked, hoping to ease her discomfort. "We can leave if you want," he added quickly, only to have her shake her head,

"Don't force yourself to leave on my behalf," she replied, and silenced him with a forefinger on his lips, "I always say I want to try new things." He smiled at her and they returned to the table where Ignis was, the man reassuring them that he was enjoying himself and to stop fussing. Noctis ordered a beer, and after some coaxing convinced Lunafreya to order one as well,

"I'm already a bit lightheaded," she tried to protest to Ignis after Noctis left her to gather their drinks at the bar, "I've never had more than a glass of wine at a meal in one night," she flushed a bit, glad Ignis couldn't see it.

"It's nice to see you letting yourself loosen up a little," the shouting at each other's ears was beginning to grate on her nerves, and she settled for trying to listen to the music rather than carry on conversation until Noctis returned holding three beer bottles in his hands, handing them out.

"Where's the others?" Lunafreya asked, scanning the room for Gladiolus and Prompto,

"Probably in the sweaty mass of people," Noctis replied, taking a large swig of his beer. Lunafreya mirrored him, her action got a laugh from her King; who gave her a rough pat on the back and thumbed his approval, getting a skeptical raised brow from her in response. He laughed at her expression. She still feeling the slight relaxation from her other drinks at the bar, and the newest one warming her ears and weighing down her limbs. She returned his smile, and after taking another long sip of beer,

"come on, let's dance before I lose my nerve," she insisted, pulling on his arm and together they returned to the center of the room and awkwardly began to move to the tune of the throbbing electronica. After several moments of awkward bobbing Noctis reached for Lunafreya, one arm wrapping around her waist as the other clasped her hand in his own, "Noct?" she asked, confused. "This isn't that kind of music."

"So? I don't know any other dance," he argued back

"I feel foolish," she flushed, hoping no one was noticing them.

"That's half the point of dancing!" he led her into a fast-paced waltz, finding the tempo of the music and Lunafreya couldn't help but giggle a little,

"But a waltz?" she inquired, everyone else is... well..." she lost her words, realizing she didn't quite know how to describe the strange motions of the others around her. Some were awkardly bobbing to the music like she had been moments ago, others tangled together moving their hips in an altogether sensual manner that made her cheeks burn hotter, and still more people doing little more than jumping with their fists in the air.

"I always enjoyed waltzing with you," he continued to insist as he tightened his grip to force her to follow his motions, pulling her closer to him so they were flush together and less apt to continue colliding with the thick crowd.

"I too..." she meekly agreed, "you are quite the dashing partner," a part of her was bitterly grateful he was holding her so tight, as the dance continued she feared without his arms she would find herself on the floor. With that fear rising a wave of dizziness washed over her, momentarily bringing her vision to a needle-point as the music and sound vanished into throbbing waves of static.

"Hey... you okay... whoa!" Noctis gripped her tighter, feeling the way her legs gave out suddenly as her eyes rolled back, lids fluttering.

"Mmm..." it lasted but a moment, her vision returning and music replacing the dulled static and she was able to right herself and push on her husband's chest to get his grip to loosen, "I think it best I not finish that last beer," she smiled.

"I thought you were gonna pass out there..."

"Just a little dizzy," she insisted, "blame the beer."

"Well let's get back to Ig, he probably needs some company anyway." Noctis offered, wishing the stubborn woman would stop pretending, but continued to play along. But the tense moment passed, a smile replacing her frustrated frown and she stood on her toes to give him a quick kiss,

"I'm okay, I promise," her smile anything but forced,

"Since when are you so affectionate with people within twenty meters of us?"

"Hmm... blame the beer," she smirked. Noctis chuckled before following her lead and leaning down to kiss her again, and hoped anyone who recognized her was feeling jealous as hell as he allowed himself a moment of possessive pride. He had kept his kiss innocent, but this didn't seem to satisfy her. She stood on her toes again, reaching her arms around his neck to gently bite down on his lower lip, prodding him with her tongue to show her a little more passion. And passion he showed her, gripping her tight, tasting the alcohol in her kiss, smelling the sweat on her skin, feeling the warmth of bare skin under his hands as they scrambled for anywhere she had left exposed. He had to admit, he was enjoying this new side of her. "When we get back to the Manor..." she whispered after they finally broke apart,

"Careful or you'll make me want to rush us back, and I don't think the others would appreciate us running off on them," he teased. She flushed, and let him lead her back to where Ignis was still nursing his drink, and appeared to be humming along to the music. A small part of her felt embarrassed at her behavior, but the rest of her was feeling strangely fulfilled at having let herself shower Noctis in the affection she always restrained around others. Might even be worth the harassment Gladiolus and Prompto would have in store if they had seen them.

"I didn't know you liked techno-y music?" Noctis questioned when they got to the table and saw Ignis's humming.

"We all have our surprises, like the Lady's fondness for a certain malted beverage,"

"You sure you haven't felt lonely with us going to dance and leaving you here alone?" Lunafreya asked, but the man simply shook his head and once again reassured her he was more than capable of entertaining himself from time to time, and sometimes the solitude was quite nice. She worried he was merely humoring her, but decided she'd rather not let herself slip into dark thoughts and accepted his words at value.

The other members of their retinue joined them at the table after several more songs. The trio had each finished one more drink before a very inebriated duo returned to their table, both clearly having had enjoyed drinks at the bar between songs on the dance floor. The group welcomed them with teasing words, getting some in return.

"Unless I'm crazy or seeing things... which I might be actually... I think I saw a certain King getting some lovin' from a certain Oracle?" Prompto asked, elbowing the aforementioned woman in the ribs. He expected her to turn red or stutter, but rather she gave him a proud smile,

"Can't resist a pretty face," Noctis replied, "certainly the prettiest one at this table," he added, gesturing at his friends.

"You know I'm prettier than you," Prompto quipped back, and slung and arm over Lunafreya's shoulders, "said it before and I'll say it again. Us pretty ones gotta stick together," The blonde woman laughed, putting an arm around Prompto's shoulder in return which drew an exaggerated jealous pout from Noctis. She winked at him and mouthed you know you love me.

"You guys are gonna make me vomit," Gladiolus complained,

"I think it's the three shots of tequila that's doin' that buddy,"

"No it's definitely those lovebirds. I'll be sure to steer clear of their room tonight, that's for sure," Both royals had enough dignity to blush, but Lunafreya refused to dodge his gaze, instead staring the man down. He seem determined to rile her enough to deliver on her endless threats; or at the very least never forget the time they traumatized him when he walked into their room. "I have no desire to ever see Noct's pale gyrating ass again,"

Prompto snorted before dropping his arms, slapping his thighs in a laughter so intense he could only manage to wheeze at first, before his voice broke into a mad fit quickly followed by Ignis; even Lunafreya caught the infectious laughter her own embarrassment now masked by hysterics. She had never felt so childish, and let herself join the gang in laughter until her throat throbbed, her ribs ached, and tears rolled down her cheeks.

"You know what, I think I'll be the one knocking your head in!" Noctis jabbed, holding up his beer mug threateningly.

"Sparring match tomorrow?" Gladiolus asked,

"Oh it's a promise," the large man laughed, and bellowed his enthusiastic agreement to kick his friend's ass. He gave Luna a hard pat on the back as well, insisting she finally follow up on her threats and show him what she had.

"And since when are you not embarrassed by that?!" Noctis added, incredulous as he stared at very red-faced Luna, cheeks wet with laughter-induced tears.

"Just because I'm embarrassed doesn't mean I can't laugh," she defended, and scooched a little closer to him, giving him a gentle nudge which finally broke his stern expression and he gave her a crooked smile,

"Man I've never seen you like this. I like it," he told her. Feeling cheeky, he leaned over and whispered to her ear that he wondered what she would be like tonight behind closed doors, if she was feeling this bold outside of them. The others tried to goad the couple into sharing his words, but both inebriated royals managed to stand their ground and insist they were allowed to maintain some privacy, even if they were drunken fools.

**,**

"Thank the Astrals cabs run late. I thought Insomnia was the only city that never sleeps!" Noctis stated as said cab pulled away.

"Hard to have a city with a night life if people don't have a way home," Prompto answered. "Well I'm going to collapse into bed, and hope I don't wake up dead tomorrow. I apologize in advance if I vomit my guts out, but promise to only do it on Gladio's pillow,"

"You do that little man and I'll make sure you sleep on that pillow without washing it for a month,"

"Specs would never allow such a mess. He'd take one sniff of the room with that thing in it and insist we burn down the entire Manor," Noctis answered back,

"Burning down the entire Manor might be excessive. Perhaps just several of the rooms," Ignis shot back.

"Noct, you'll protect me right? King's job to protect his subjects!"

"Naw, I have Luna. I'll just let Gladio kick your ass and have Luna patch you up,"

"So Kingly, I feel so safe thanks to you," Prompto replied, the sarcasm thick enough to cut with a knife.

"Speaking of Kingly, you best get to bed Noct. All of us, before we make fools of ourselves before our host,"

"You get to bed guys, I promised Luna some stargazing,"

"Sure. Stargazing." Gladiolus replied with an obvious wink, "I'll stay away from windows tonight," He waved off Noctis's embarrassed protests and head back to the manor, Prompto following him caught into another fit of giggles. Ignis was last to join them after chiding Noctis for not coming to bed and expressing surprise that the usually responsible Oracle wasn't insisting.

"Allow me one foolish irresponsible inebriated night Ignis, I promise to be your fellow responsible adult again tomorrow," She requested, and he seemed to reluctantly accept before turning back to the manor himself. "Now, it seems I finally have you all to myself," she craned her neck back, looking at the sky, "and the sky is so clear tonight, look at all the stars,"

"Let's go lie in that spot you showed me when we were kids," Noctis replied, and took her hand. She began to walk in front of him, the heaviness returning to her limbs. After several feet her pace began to slow, "want me to carry you?"

"Noct..." her tone held an edge of danger to it,

"I just mean you used to push me in that wheelchair all the time. Let me return the favor," he tried to make the offer sound motivated by nostalgia, but she could see through it.

"I'm fine." She insisted, and let her hand slip from his grip and continued to walk. She made it a few dozen more feet before her vision closed in and her legs gave out. She fell to her hands and knees, chest tight, and ears filled with that rushing static.

"Whoa!" Noctis wasn't able to catch her on time, but quickly knelt beside her and placed a hand on her back, "hey..."

"I just had too much to drink," she tried to insist.

"Stop that!" he snapped, "stop always telling me you're fine! It's not the beer, and you're not fine," She looked at him, shocked by his tone, and angry that he was fussing over her. "I'm not blind," he added, cutting off any retort she was preparing. "I know what those covenants cost..." he sat next to her, his hand sliding off her back as he rested them in his lap. "You can talk to me damnit," his voice softening.

"I'm just-"

"Just... stop." He cut her off again. "You're not just tired. Not just drunk. You didn't just trip."

"I'm just weak?" her own tone harsh now, bitter, face turned to dodge his gaze.

"I would never call you weak..." He replied quickly, "you're the strongest person I know. But you paid a toll. We both did," Noctis held out his right hand, flexing his fingers so she would see that accursed ring. "You know what this thing does to me. And I know what those covenants did to you. Just stop blaming it on anything, everything, else," he let the silence hang between them for what felt like the eternal minute.

"I... I just don't want you to worry for me," she finally broke the deafening silence between them. "I fear the toll I paid at the covenants... was too much," admitting it hurt. Admitting it meant telling Noctis the fear she had been keeping inside since they had forged the covenant with Ramuh. He bore enough pain and weariness, she did not want him to carry hers too. She only wished she could take some of his burden upon herself. That was her job as the Oracle, to help the Chosen King and carry the weight of his burdens so he could save the world from the scourge. And now he needed to repair Eos.

"That's my job. I'm your husband. I'm supposed to care for you,"

"And I'm the Oracle. It's my job to carry this burden for you," She quipped, feeling the hints of her previous anger,

"It was." he almost snapped, straining to control his tone. She was finally opening up about the state of her well being, and he didn't want her to bring those walls right back up because he decided to be a jackass. "We defeated the damn Nifs, and ended the Starscourge,"

"You still have to rebuild Eos. From all the damage the Empire did," she answered back, the words hardly out of his mouth before her voice rang out.

"Stop trying to carry this alone!" He balled his fists, all his fears surfacing. Fear that he could lose her. Fear that she would never regain the independence she craved. Fear that she would continue to put up walls around herself, and shut him out. He couldn't bear the pain of their trials alone. He needed her to admit the truth of her state of health. He needed her to admit the toll she paid. The pain she feels. He couldn't bear his own pain, watch her bear her own as she refused to share it with him. "I can't carry this alone. And neither can you. I know why you don't rise at the crack of dawn like you used to. Why you often go to bed before me. Why you collapse like this," he listed. "Stop... stop pretending everything is fine and those damned covenants, and this damned ring haven't cost us anything!" He pleaded, and was struggling to hold back the tears that were now burning his eyes. The silence settled over them once more, and with a short sob Lunafreya again broke the silence,

"I'm sorry..." she whispered. "I just... I hate seeing you worry. The price of talking to the Astrals... that was my burden to bear. As the Oracle. It's what I was trained for my whole life," I spent twelve years learning how to bear my pain alone. To pretend the empire never did those terrible things to me. That my scars were from normal childhood injuries. That my nightmares only started after our journey did. "You want to hear it? Fine. I was always told forging those covenants would cost me my life. But somehow... they didn't. I survived. Complaining about how damn frail I am felt like I was being ungrateful for that mercy," her voice was quiet, all anger gone and replaced with palpable sorrow. "You bore enough pain because of that ring. Why should you bear mine too?"

"Because we need to bear it all together. You've always carried my pain as well as yours. Let me do the same for you,"

"Sometimes... sometimes it feels like I'm still paying the toll..." she whispered. "Some days I feel fine. Almost like my old self. Other days... I fear when I go to bed I will not wake," her voice cracked again, her throat burning with suppressed sobs. "I'm so grateful for every day that I have with you... I was never supposed to have those. I think it had something to do with Shiva..." she shook her head, closing her eyes to try and will away her tears. "That's why I never talked about it. I was afraid if I complained, the Astrals would think I wasn't grateful for this gift. I may be frail, weak, and pathetic. But I'm grateful," She felt arms wrap around her, and she buried her face into Noctis's chest, sniffling before letting out a shuddering breath.

"Letting me help you isn't spitting on that gift. You're human too... you're allowed to have feelings," he told her. "You doted on me when I was just a sick injured little kid stuck in a wheelchair. Let me return that favor, let me take care of you." he answered her, and she finally stopped trying to hold back,

"I never meant to hurt you," I was trying to spare you more pain. He held her as she wept, let her call herself ridiculous names and repeat apologies. He rubbed her back, resting his lips against the top of her head and let her weep in his arms until she was spent. He held her until she calmed herself, and eventually sat back on her knees, "I love you... I'm so sorry... I just-"

"No more of that phrase," he cut her off. "no more 'I just's, let me help you. I love you too. So let me take care of you on the days you need it, or help you move around before you collapse. Now, why don't we do what we came out here for?" She smiled at him, forcing herself not to amble out more excuses or apologies or explanations.

Noctis laid back against the grass, Luanfreya lying beside him, fingers laced with his as they stared up at the clear sky. The pink swath of the galactic arm swing across the sky, blotched with blue and purple. Innumerable stars twinkled in the sky, several of the brighter dots the resting place of the planets. Noctis broke his wife's melancholy by asking her to remind him the names of constellations, and admired the one nebula visible to the naked eye. She eventually began to ramble, telling him all she knew of the various stars and planets. The stories of the constellations. He felt like a child again, an impatient eight-year-old somehow able to focus his attention on the words of an excited twelve-year-old girl who finally had someone with the time to stargaze with her. Someone to share this fascination with.

Silence settled on them again, but this time a comfort rather than a dreadful thickness. Noctis turned onto his side, and Lunafreya turned her head to look at him, and he reached out a hand to brush her cheek, musing her earlier words. I'm so grateful too. I'd be lost without you. The words first in his head, and he repeated them aloud. She furrowed her brow at them, and reached out to cup his cheek, moving closer and met his lips. Tentative at first, she repeated his words in her head and clutched at him, wanting to tell him how lost she would be without him. Lunafreya leaned over him as he laid onto his back, feeling her press her weight on him and he wrapped his arms around her. She broke the kiss, moving her lips to his neck, feeling his pulse under her tongue, tasting the salt on his skin. He moaned slightly as she bit him gently before her lips met his neck once more. She inhaled deeply, smelling the mix of the detergent he used on his clothes, the spice of his deodorant, the slight smell of salt and musk from their foolish dancing. She was lost in the taste of him, the smell of him, the taste of him.

Noctis rolled over, pushing Lunafreya back against the ground, returning her gesture as he brought his lips to her neck, finding her weakness just below her earlobe eliciting a restrained moan that sounded more like a shuddered sigh,

"No one can hear us, you don't have to silence yourself," he whispered to her, wanting to hear her voice, wanting to hear her losing herself. Those maddening sounds he could never get enough of. She responded by weaving her fingers into his hair and tilted her head, arching her back slightly so she pressed up against him. His lips clashed back down against her throat, moving to nibble gently on her earlobe one hand sliding down her chest,

"Here?" she panted, turning to look at him. He smiled at how flushed her cheeks were and the bewildered expression in her eyes,

"Why not? We're far enough away..." He silenced her with his lips against hers before she could have a chance to respond, his hands wandering beneath the hem of the dress,

"We should go inside," she managed to mumble against his lips, and he pulled away with a pout, "a bed will be more comfortable," she added. He sighed, pulling back from her. He stood, reaching out a hand to pull her to her feet. He lifted her in his arms to carry her back inside the manor, and for once she didn't protest the help.