Chapter 12 – Fixing a Mistake
"I truly can't believe this is going on! And in my kingdom!" King Caelum paced furiously, antagonized by the mysterious events caused by Guardian Corps, "How is it that my forces were infiltrated? Or worse, we could be among traitors! Worthless conductors of treason!"
Noctis sat in front of his father's desk with a bored expression on his face. "I know what's going on. But what does your little rant have to do with me?"
The King stopped and barked, "It is you they're after! But why? And who wants you dead? And why would they go after your bodyguard too? It seems rather unnecessary to take out any guard that you are assigned." Noctis hadn't told his father about his date with Lightning or his growing feelings. He and his father didn't see eye to eye all the time, and the last thing Noctis wanted to do was cause a big argument about his love life.
"That's not what I meant. Why is it I'm here to listen to your complaints and questions?" Noctis rested his head on his fist. "I've got other things to take care of."
The royal went back to the desk Noctis sat in front of and pulled out what looked like a magazine. "Noctis, is there something you're not telling me?"
"What?"
"Well, I didn't call you here to tell you what you already know about the strange attempts to have you assassinated. No, I wanted to have a little… talk with you."
Becoming nervous about his father's odd change in mood, Noctis straightened in his seat, "A talk about what?"
"Noctis, are you seeing anybody?"
Damn. The King awaited his son's answer as Noctis tried to determine whether he should say he had been seeing Lightning. "What makes you believe something like that?"
With a swift movement, Constantine slapped the magazine he held down in front of Noctis. On the front cover was a picture of him and Lightning on their date, holding hands.
Noctis bolted upright in his chair and snatched up the magazine. "Wait, how—"
"You were careless, Noctis." His father sat down in his office chair with his elbows on the desk. "What I don't understand is why you didn't say anything about this."
Noctis flipped through the pages of the magazine to find that their date was plastered over about ten pages of the book. No, no, no! I didn't see anyone around us! How did they get so many pictures? Damn it! Noctis put the magazine back down. "I didn't say anything because I didn't want to blab about it to anyone, not even you. Not like it matters now. But I was careful."
The King shook his head. "Not cautious enough. Don't you understand the severity of this, Noctis?" His voice rose as he spoke.
Noctis replied bitterly, "No, I don't."
Leaning forward in his seat, Constantine explained, "You were seen with a commoner on what looks to be a date."
Noctis yelled back, "What's wrong with that? That doesn't change how I feel!"
Noctis' father leaned back again. "In my eyes, nothing. But—"
"Then why are you angry about this! Just because she's a commoner doesn't make her any less—"
The King stood and slammed his hands down on the desk. "I didn't say anything like what you're thinking! You're mother…" He paused at his son's sudden sullen look. He sat once again with a sigh. "Your mother was a commoner. There's no way I would judge who you choose to be with by their social status. My father was against my marriage, so I won't put you through hell for it like he did. I actually support you finally opening up to a woman.
"But you have to understand that not all people see this situation the way you and I do. You are very aware that other nobles that you are associated with will look down upon you for being romantically connected with a 'lower' person. We can't have this affect other's view on you. If a powerful celebrity influenced the public to stand against you just because they feel you shouldn't be with commoners, who knows what rumors they'll spread or secrets they'll let out."
"That's Bullshit!"
"I know, Noctis. But there's not much we can do to keep others from thinking that way and causing trouble for you."
Noctis glowered back at his father in frustration. "And your point is…?"
With a hesitant look on his face, Constantine said, "I've scheduled an interview on a popular talk show. When you are on there, you will explain that this woman doesn't mean much to you. Say she is an old family friend, a childhood companion, someone who is like a sister. I don't care what you say, just don't make this look like you're connected in the way everyone thinks you are."
Noctis stood and gave his father a mortified look. "Wait… you want me to lie… about Lightning!"
His father nodded.
Images of Noctis' mother invaded his thoughts. Her sick face, the pain he felt… the sadness his heart held after she lied to him. She knew she wouldn't survive. In the end, that lie she told him about getting well… it only hurt him. And never would he inflict that pain on anyone else.
After all of the times when he had been tricked and lied to so someone to get his money or power there was no way he could turn around and deny the truth as well. With all the crap he had suffered through because of lies, he would never lie, not even about a trivial thing.
"No, no way! I'm not a liar! And I'm not going to deny that—" Noctis broke off before he could start pouring out his heart out about his feelings. "You know I hate lying!"
"You are going to do it! This could affect our allies and their view on you! We can't risk losing a valuable ally!"
Noctis growled back, "I don't' care!"
The King relaxed a bit. "You're acting like a child, Noctis. You're doing this and that's final. You're dismissed."
"But—"
"I said you're dismissed!"
Noctis showed his hatred through the look in his eyes before stomping to the door. Just as he was about leave, Constantine called out, "Actually, one more thing."
Without Noctis looking at him, he continued, "Lightning will not be your teacher any longer. You've gotten to a point in your lessons where Lightning can't teach you much more. The only person who could tell you more about using your powers is the only one with abilities similar to your own. In other words, I will be teaching you from now on."
Noctis grumbled bitterly, "You are just itching to take her away from me, aren't you?"
"She'll still be your guard, but I'll be your teacher instead. I'm not trying to make things hard for you. I'm just doing what I have to do."
No more words were exchanged as Noctis stormed out, leaving his father alone.
Waiting outside, Ignis began following Noctis as he left in a rage. "How did it go?"
Noctis stopped and yelled, "You knew, didn't you?"
Ignis closed his eyes. "He's only trying to make sure your future as a king will be easy."
"How is this going to help me?"
Ignis adjusted his glasses. "Be reasonable. A simple white lie will let this all blow over with the press and you and Lightning could still be friends."
"That's not the point! I'm not going to lie and you know why I won't!"
"Noctis, it's—"
"I won't lie, and especially not about her!"
Ignis sighed. "I understand why you don't want to do this, but it's not something we can just ignore and let the press blow out of proportion."
Noctis bellowed, "Then what? What do you want me to do! What do you want me to say!" He threw his hands around as he spoke. "I don't care about her! I don't need her! She's nothing to me!" As he spoke Ignis became wide-eyed and shook his head as if he was signaling him to do something. His attention seemed to be drawn to something behind him. "She's just a peasant that I could never care for!" Noctis lowered his voice to a whisper. "Is that it? You want me to say that? You want me to stoop that low?"
Ignis pointed behind his friend. "I think you should actually find a way to explain yourself."
The Prince turned around to only be met by a bone crunching slap to his cheek. He hit the wall next to him, knocking over a picture that hung as a decoration. When Noctis looked to his attacker, he cursed himself for saying those things earlier.
Lightning lowered her hand, her eyes showing her agony. She began walking away with Noctis regretting his outburst. Damn, I thought she left for the day! Wait… Did she hear me?
"Wait! Lightning!" He chased after her with a knot in his stomach. He caught up and grabbed her shoulder, earning him a rough shove. As she tried to get away again, Noctis seized both of her wrists, forcing her to face him. She still wouldn't look at him. "Lightning, listen –"
"No!" She punched his gut with all of her might.
Noctis grabbed his abdomen with one arm and kept Lightning from getting away with the other. "Just let me—"
"You meant all of that? Is that all I am to you? A worthless peasant?" her words were hollow. It was like she was trying to refuse to believe it.
"Light, I…" he didn't want to tell her about his interview. He couldn't bring himself to say that he would have to utter words like the ones she heard to calm the press. He had never felt so ashamed before now.
Lightning finally looked at him. Noctis flinched at the wetness forming in her eyes. I really hurt you…
She stated with a weak voice, "I trusted you…" Her expression turned sour. "Guess I was wrong to do so." She snatched her arm back from him and left.
Noctis could only watch as the only woman he cared for abandoned him in the corridor, her last words burning his heart like acid. He bowed his head at the thoughts that swirled in his mind. Maybe it's better this way. She won't be hunted by assassins now. If she's not close to me, she won't get hurt, right? Noctis shook his head wildly, rejecting the idea.
No, I'm not letting this stop me! I've come too far and gotten too close to let her go now! I don't care who comes after her. I'll protect her! Nothing and nobody will hurt her… but how will I get her to forgive me? Noctis couldn't help but feel like he was acting childish with his conclusions and reassurances.
She obviously won't listen to me that easily. I just need to get her attention… The idea hit him like a ton of bricks. That's it! I'll just have to finish it early!
By now, Ignis had caught up to him. "What are you doing just standing around?"
Noctis suddenly dashed down the hall without answering Ignis.
"Noctis! Where are you going?"
"I've gotta take care of something! And cancel all of my plans for the rest of the day for me!"
Ignis just scratched his head. Noctis sure had his moments, but even this was odd.
999
"I'm glad you're cooperating." The King brushed a few flakes of dirt off of his suit while he waited with Noctis backstage. They had arrived at the talk show's studio some time ago. Now all they had to do was listen for Noctis' cue to meet with the host in front of the audience.
"Whatever." Noctis was too preoccupied with going over his plan to return a memorable response. He would go to Lightning's apartment after this whole disaster-of-a-talk show was over with, give her what he had been working on for a while, and hopefully say something to get her to accept his apology. Huh… it sounds way too easy in my head…maybe this itchy suit is bugging me too much and making me think unclearly.
"Just do what I told you: get it, explain that the girl isn't special to you in the way they think, and get out. Just go along with whatever the host does."
Noctis huffed, "You've only told me a million times now. I think I got it."
The host's voice rang throughout the set. The crowd cheered as Noctis was cued to enter. Taking a deep breath, Noctis smiled and waved as he strutted onto the stage and to a small seat next to the host's. He shook hands with the blonde-haired man that would be interrogating him tonight.
Noctis scanned the crowd, straining to see the faces beyond the bright lights that were aimed on him. Just before he was ready to return his attention to the interview, he caught a familiar sight; a bright pink stood out from the rest of the crowd. …Lightning? He could faintly make out her features and face through the darkness from where she stood. She didn't appear to be paying much attention to anything, but that didn't change that she was here. But why? Wait… she mentioned something earlier today… she said she would be keeping watch over some television studio with some other officers tonight… did she mean here?
"Your Highness?" The host snapped to get his attention.
Noctis shook his head. "Sorry, I was just thinking. What were you saying?" Great, I didn't know she was here! If I do what Father said and lie… shit, she'll be even more pissed at me!
He occasionally stole glances at Lightning through the whole interview. She didn't seem to care about what was going on. It's not like she really paid attention to any of the gossip in television shows and magazines anyway. As the night rolled on, Noctis' desire to slap the host and say "Skip all this crap and ask what you really want to! Let's just get this over with!" grew.
After about ten minutes of the host asking silly questions like "what's your favorite color?" and "do you like sports," Noctis was finally asked, "I think we should all hear what we've all wanted to know for a little while. You are aware of the top news in most magazines, yes?"
Noctis answered, "About the 'date,' correct?"
"Yes, and what we want to know is," he paused for dramatic effect, "who is this woman with you? Is she a friend, a business partner… a girlfriend?"
Noctis began, "Well, actually—" he broke off when he looked out to the audience again. Lightning was paying attention this time, listening for his answer. Noctis hesitated with his response. How could he just lie to the whole world about the woman he loved? She didn't deserve that. Being called a stupid peasant by the prince of Potentia? He wouldn't do that to her.
From behind the curtain and out of the camera's view, his father nodded for him to get the job done. Noctis turned back to Lightning one more time. No, this is wrong…
Noctis groaned mentally for the punishment that was coming his way for this. "Actually, she is… not what you think."
The host ushered, "What do you mean?"
Noctis kept his eyes on Lightning the whole time he spoke. "You all may see her as a friend, a business partner… or just some random person I decided to take out. But… she's more than that."
Lightning's stoic expression slightly altered at his words. What's he doing?
Noctis continued, "She is by no means a business woman, a wealthy heiress, or even a simple person with recognition among the nobles and entrepreneurs. To me… she is much more." Noctis' father was signaling for him to be quiet from afar. He looked pretty pissed. Noctis ignored him and went on.
"When you all see me, you imagine that I am some perfect and gentlemanly guy that can charm anyone. But that, my people, is a lie. The prince you see isn't all that I am. But isn't that how we all are? We all have different sides that are triggered by different emotions. We all have parts of our personality we want to hide. We show certain sides for certain people. We hide specific sides for specific reasons. We go on in life, fooling those around us with some sort of show we put on for the world. That's exactly how I was. I was hopelessly lost in my past, a past that made me want to leave the world behind and forget about everyone else. I would just sit back and think of nothing other than me and my needs. Coming from your future ruler, that may be hard to stomach. My true colors are ugly ones… that's for sure. A side of me that feared a world of pain and hurt was what I always let out. And that fear caused me to be the opposite of what you would want me to be – as a prince and a person alike.
"But the side of me that wanted to be an idol – a person to look up to – for my people takes over in front of cameras and crowds. But away from it all – I was a jerk, a worthless, stupid, inconsiderate, unforgivable ass with no regard for the people that needed me. It may be hard to believe, but it's true. Although the story doesn't end there.
"The woman you have seen me with… has helped me a great deal. She took that cold and hateful side of me and… turned it into what you imagined. She's helped me become a prince that we all can be proud of. Because of her willingness to tame my dark side and bring out the 'me' you all want to see… I have never been happier. She didn't give up on me like most others did. She taught me how to be a better person, even though I suffered through a few beatings for her to get her life lessons through my thick skull. For that… I can't be more grateful. It is a person like her that really leaves a mark on the world and shows what life is really about.
"So who is she, you ask? She is my role model, my teacher, my pillar of support, my master… my friend. All I can give as an answer is this; she is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. She is a person of great kindness and compassion, even though it is all hidden behind a stoic mask of strength and individuality. She gives to the world and asks for nothing in return. She gives her life for the ones she love, a thing some of us never do. If this isn't the answer you're looking for, then… I can say that she the one who I can never repay for all she has done. And that, as one may say, is that."
The auditorium was silent. You could hear a pin drop from the next country over. The host was at a loss of words. Noctis took one last glance at Lightning and mouthed, "I'm sorry."
999
Lightning sat back in her couch, watching the reruns of Noctis' speech in a grey tank top and black shorts. It was already all over television. It was hard for her to accept what he said. What confused her most was his change of heart. He said he didn't need her before, but now he went on and on about how much she did for him.
She sat up and turned off her old T.V. set. Maybe I should have listened to him. He couldn't change his mind that quickly. What was it that made him say that anyway? It goes without saying that Lightning had been impressed by Noctis' speech. He threw phrases that everyone could relate to. There's no way the tabloids would look past this. What Lightning liked most of all… was that he sounded genuine. There was no hint of any bluff in his voice. And he had said he was sorry after. Maybe he was trying to tell her something…?
Her thoughts were disrupted by a knock at the door. It was rather late, making Lightning's guard go up. Her paranoia got the best of her as she made her way to the door, grabbing her spare pistol on the way. When she turned the door knob and swung the door open, she pointed the gun at the visitor out of instinct. Her soldier side took over pretty often.
"I guess you're still mad?" Lightning lowered her pistol as Noctis smirked at her.
She sighed, "After that… I can't really be sure. I want to be mad, but… I don't want to at the same time."
Noctis immediately began his apology, desperation in his voice. "Look, Light, I'm sorry about what I said, I didn't mean a word of it. I was supposed to go up there and lie about what you mean to me and what you heard was what I thought I had to say. I was angry and upset and just blurted out what I felt I was being forced to do. But when I saw you out there… I couldn't do it." His voice grew quiet. "I couldn't hurt you again."
Lightning looked down. "Don't be an idiot. This was my fault for not listening."
Noctis shook his head. "No… Let's just… forget it. Besides," his smile returned, "I want you to be gracious instead."
Lightning glared at him. "Gracious? For what?"
"This," Noctis smirked. From behind the wall, he pulled out a flat object that was covered with a cloth. "Ready?"
Lightning only gawked at him as he removed the cloth with a swift movement, revealing what he had to show her.
Even a soldier like her would gasp at the painting. "You said you painted, but this?" The painting in front of her was not very big, about size of twenty inch television. Even so, it packed so much finesse on the small surface. In a whirl of colors was a gloomy desert, storm clouds above. A purple sky made the world it portrayed seem hopeless and empty. But not all was lost. A single red rose was in the middle of the picture, its colors radiant and vibrant as ever. The petals seemed to glow on the canvas.
Noctis explained, "In a terrible world of hate, sorrow, and hopelessness, there is a single rose of outstanding beauty, one that is graceful, yet still strong enough to withstand any obstacle… just like you." He gave her a longing look. "You came into my world of selfishness and hate, despising it enough to change it. I guess what I'm trying to say is… you are the rose in my dreary world."
Lightning took the paining from him as he handed it to her. "Noctis… I…"
Noctis snickered, "You better like it. I've been working on it for some time and struggled to finish it today just so I could give it to you."
Lightning said, "I don't know what to say."
Without warning, Noctis lunged at Lightning, wrapping his arms around her torso. He kept one arm around her waist while holding her head to his chest with his other hand. "Then say you'll forgive me. That's all I need."
"Noctis…" She couldn't help but think of how cliché this looked with him bringing gifts and wearing a suit, hugging her late at night.
"Light… It's taken me so long to notice this, but I know that I need you. You're the best person who's ever come into my life. I can't just ignore everything you've done for me…
"Lightning, you've helped me become the person I wanted to be, even though I didn't know I wanted to be this way. You've taken my complacent heart of stone and… made it able to love again. I know there are people after us, people who want to kill us for some reason. But just know that… I care about you enough to protect you with my life. I need you, I can't live without you… I… I…" He couldn't say what he felt. His words were beginning to escape him.
Lightning put the painting she had kept in her hands down and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you."
Noctis jumped slightly at her sudden declaration. "Y-you do!"
She pulled him closer. "I-I do. I didn't know it at first. But somewhere along the way… I felt like I really was beginning to love you. I abolished the idea, labeled it as confusion or stress. But after everything you've done in just one day… has made me sure of how I feel." Lightning went on her toes so she could reach his cheek. She pecked it and said "I forgive you."
Noctis loosened his grip to let her move back. When she was about to let go of him, Noctis abruptly snatched her up again, this time taking her lips to his.
Lightning felt her cheeks burn. She did nothing for a second, just stood there in amazement. She then relaxed and melted into his lips as they were on hers. She savored his taste, took in his smell, and even ran a hand through his hair. Her lungs cried for air, but she didn't care. She just wanted to relish in the moment she had with Noctis.
Their lungs couldn't hold much longer and soon drove them apart with their begging for air. Noctis put his mouth next to her ear and admitted, "I love you too."
She smiled a little and said, "I figured that out."
Noctis chuckled. They stood there awkwardly before Lightning asked, "What made you come here this late? Couldn't you have waited until tomorrow?"
Noctis shrugged. "If I wanted to sound romantic, I would say I couldn't keep this from the one I love for so long, which is true. But another reason was because I wanted to avoid my father. Like I said, I was supposed to lie about our relationship, so he'll have my ass when I get back."
Lightning looked back at her apartment before hesitantly offering, "Well, you could… stay here for the night…" she quickly added, "but just this once."
Noctis put on an arrogant smile. "Inviting me to bed already? Lust is a sin, you know."
Lightning punched his arm as he laughed. "You want to or not?"
Noctis nodded, "Yeah."
She moved over to invite him in. She shut the door behind him and picked up the painting. "I'll put this away. Wait here a second." She walked down a narrow hallway, leaving Noctis in the doorway. He admired the small abode. A couch was behind a coffee table, both in front of an elderly television set and stereo. From there, a kitchen was to his right. The hallway to his left seemed to hold doors that led to storage rooms or something of the sort. Lightning soon came out of a door and back to him. "I'll show you to my bedroom. You'll stay there."
Noctis wondered, "And you?"
"I'll take the couch."
Noctis stopped, "Wait a minute, I'm not letting you do that."
"Then what are we both supposed to do, share the bed?"
Noctis thought for a moment. "I don't see why not."
Lightning sighed. She looked away before saying, "Only this one time. And I hope I'm right when I think you won't try anything. Keep in mind I've hidden weapons around for protection."
Noctis rolled his eyes. "Why am I not surprised?"
She paid him no heed and showed him to a door that led to a neat bedroom. She went around the queen bed and sat down. "This is it."
Noctis shrugged off his jacket and tugged at his shirt, "Might as well get ready for bed then." He was ready to start stripping before Lightning saw him.
"Stop!" She held out her hand to emphasize her command.
"What?"
"Why are you stripping?"
"I won't be comfortable in this, will I?"
Lightning's cheeks were turning pink. "I guess not. Just… don't take too much off."
Noctis giggled as he removed his shoes and dress shirt, leaving only his pants on. He normally slept in just his underwear, but he Lightning had suffered enough.
From the other side of the bed, Lightning had to use all of her will power to not stare at Noctis while he was shirtless.
They both ended up getting under the covers at the same time, the awkward position making them both blush. Lightning scooted back and put her arm in between them. "Don't come onto my half of the bed."
Noctis laughed, "You're really that worried that I'll do something?"
She grunted, "Just don't, okay?" She turned her back to him and lay on her side.
Out of pure childish amusement, Noctis reached over to her and put his hand over her shoulder. She swatted it away angrily. He then moved his leg over to bump her foot, earning him a kick. He soon found himself sticking his limbs past her "line" just to get a good laugh out of her annoyance. Not long after, even Lightning was laughing at his teasing.
999
Noctis awoke in somewhat of a daze. It took him a little time to remember where he was and who he was with. He tried to sit up and look back at her and ended up feeling something against his back. He turned his head to see Lightning cuddled up against him, her head buried in the nape of his neck. He smiled fondly, "And you told me not to cross your 'line.'"
He carefully rolled onto his other side so he faced her. He pulled her closer, holding her head to his chest and snaking one arm around her waist. Noctis closed his eyes again, drifting back into his blissful sleep.
"Goodnight, Love."
