Insomnia Luxury Spa & Resort : 9:10pm : 162 days
"Wait, so Gladio is your boyfriend? I thought you guys were just casually... you know?"
You sat beside Prompto inside the sweltering sauna. You needed a break from life, and did so by taking a nice relaxing vacation for a couple days. You felt as though you and Prompto hadn't hung out one on one in a long while, so you invited him along.
"See, this is why I didn't want to tell you or Noct. I knew you'd poke fun of me." You stood up briefly and rewrapped your towel.
"Oh, come on. It's all out of love." The small boy scooted closer to you. His elbow lightly nudged at your arm. "So The Great Anak finally found an even greater anak."
You slouch back so your back pressed against the wet panels behind you. "Shut up Prompto. And when are you gonna stop calling me that?"
"Never." His eyes directed downward and then back up to you, "I'm so excited for Adventure Park tomorrow!"
Adventure Park was a popular theme park in Insomnia. Roller coasters, games, over priced food, the works. Now was the perfect time to go because it was right after the holidays. The lines would be virtually non-existent.
"Me too! I can't wait!" You perked back up. "We've gotta get on every ride twice."
"Mhm!" Prompto nodded dramatically. "The lines are gonna be so short we could probably fit in a third time!"
You were trying to hit the sauna to clense your body before you went to bed, but you probably wouldn't be getting that much sleep after Prompto hyped you up. You were all rattled for the day you had coming up.
Your steam covered hand tapped Prompto's leg. "Let's get going. We don't want to be sleepy tomorrow. Ugh! This is going to be so fun!"
.
Adventure Park : 9:45am : 161 days
"This is going to be so lame." Noctis stood at the front gate of the theme park. Somehow you guys dragged him out of bed and into the world at this hour.
It was you, Noct, Prompto, Ignis, Gladio, and Iris. Needless to say, you took two cars getting here. Gladio knew how much his sister would love this place, so he let her tag along today. That was fine with you guys. She wouldn't slow you down any, although her being here meant that you'd be getting like zero kisses.
"We should just turn around go back home." The prince fussed.
Normally this was a time for people to be gone and crowds to cease. Not today. No. Today you were in the middle of a swarm. It was absolutely packed. Forget riding everything twice, you'd be lucky to get on half the rides once.
"What a freaking circus!" You barked in agreement to the prince.
"Then what should we do?" Prompto anxiously looked at the group.
"Paintball?" Noctis threw out an idea.
"No way. I'm not taking Iris to get shot by rubber paint bullets." Gladio hastily responded.
"I can handle it Gladdy. I'm strong." The young girl looked up at her brother.
"Not gonna happen." He was going to stay firm on this one. He barely wanted her to get on a roller coaster, let alone getting shot at.
"Bowling?" The small blond boy rubbed his chin. "That could be fun."
"Nah. I don't feel like bowling." You shook your head. "Too early."
"Arcade?" Gladio suggested with a hand rubbing his chin.
"It's not open yet." Ignis shook his head. "Perhaps we should just continue with our itinerary for today?"
You all thought about it. Being around such a huge crowd would suck, but you were already here anyway. May as well make the most of it.
"Alright. I agree with Iggy." You advanced toward the ticket booth. "Let's just try to have a good time."
Maybe this was a huge mistake, but you wouldn't know until you tried. There would be no negative tendencies coming from you. At very least you wanted to give this place a shot.
The six of you waited in line to pay for your tickets. If this line was massive, there was no telling how crazy it would be for the rides. After a good 20 minutes you all finally reached the booth to pay.
Why did you even bother reaching for your wallet? Gladiolus was not gonna let you pay. He was so annoying with his gentleman ways.
The six of you finally made it past the front gates and you inhaled deeply as if there were fresher air on this side.
"Picture?" One of the employees approached you.
"Yeah! Guys, lets take a picture!" You excitedly shrieked.
They'd not argue, but begin to pose. Yes, this photo would be one for the books. You couldn't let an opportunity for silliness pass you by.
"I have an idea!" You stared to reposition the boys. "All of you stand in a line and hold me up. Iris, you stand on my back."
Yes, the boys held you as if you were a prized fish caught straight from the ocean. Iris stood atop your back like the proud captain to the vessel and honestly, she wasn't as light as you thought she'd be.
You gave a smile to camera and... was that a hand grouping your chest? Yes, it was. Gladio was gonna slide in a feel somehow now wasn't he?
Cheese! The camera flashed and you were ready to get going.
"What should we do first?" You dusted off your back and looked at the group.
"Let's start with the best. The biggest roller coaster, then we'll go from there." Prompto pointed to the main attraction.
Everyone nodded in agreement. You'd knock out all the good stuff, that way if you missed anything it wouldn't be that big of a deal.
Gladio offered you his hand and you were quite surprised. He didn't want to kiss you in front of his sister, but that didn't mean you couldn't show affection. Who were you to decline?
It felt nice to be claimed by undoubtedly the hottest guy here. Oh man were you floating right now.
You looked over to your right at Iris, "So, this is your first time coming here? Are you excited?"
"Yes." She replied hastily.
Strange, but you'd shrug it off for now. Perhaps she was just caught up with all of the colorful sights and yummy smells. That in itself was definitely distracting.
"Gladdy, can I get a piggyback ride?" Iris' adorable brown eyes seriously rivaled that of your sad puppy face. She was good.
You felt his hand release yours and he'd kneel down for his sister to climb atop his back. Well, long lived your sweet moment.
"Is that the line?!" Prompto's poor blue eyes nearly bulged from their sockets.
Yes, that long trail of people wrapped around the corner was the line. May as well break out your phones and play King's Knight, because you'd be here a while.
"Iggy, please tell me you brought some snacks with you." You whined to the man as you wanted to eat your way through this boredom.
"I did not. Apologies." The man shook his head.
You moaned just low enough for only the person next to you, Gladio, to hear.
"Tough it out Half-Pint." He took a militant tone with you.
He was right. It sucked, but you were already in line. Didn't make a difference either way you were going to be bored as all hell.
Time passed. A lot of time. Like 2 hours. The 'not really worth it' amout of time. It made no sense considering it was so early, but here you all were. It was fine though, because your turn was next.
The sleek blue ride called for 3 in a row. You pretty much assumed it would be you, Gladio, and Iris. That left the other 3 in the back.
"I want to sit in between Noct and Gladdy." The brunette girl gleefully declared.
"That cool with you?" Gladio faced you.
No actually. It wasn't cool. You wouldn't despute it though. The cars from the last ride were pulling in, and there was no time for conflict. Sandwiched between 2 blond men is where you'd be.
Prompto climbed in first, next was you, and last was Ignis.
You briefly faced the green eyed man. "You having fun yet? I promised I would take you to a theme park and annoy you to death. Am I starting off well?"
Ignis chucked just barely as he removed his glasses. "It's not bad."
"Dammit!" You fictitiously snapped your fingers disappointingly.
You all pulled down your harnesses and strapped in tight for the ride ahead. Prompto was just as ready as you were. In the back of your mind you always had the same thoughts. What if this roller coaster fell apart while you were on it? Chances were low, but still, it crossed your mind.
After checking all of the seats, the attendant fired up the ride and sent you all on your way. There was no build up. Right from the very start you all flew out of there. The wind blew your hair back, and tears welled in your eyes.
You rose your hands and attempted to give a pretty pose for the camera. Man was this group stoic. Not a peep sounded from anyone but Prompto as he joyfully woo hoo'd. Not even Iris screamed. You thought about letting out a huge one just to throw everything off, but you were having too much fun.
Finally the ride came to a stop and you were able to step your dizzy self off. You were so ready to see that picture.
You walked back by the photo booth and took a glance. Oh, it was glorious. Noctis, Gladio, and Iris were 'asleep'. Meanwhile in the back, you and Prompto held your arms up with your wind blown hair. Then there was Ignis with a hand under his chin and...
"Where the hell did you pull sunglasses from?" You looked wide eyed at the man.
"Well..." He shrugged unwilling to reveal his secrets.
You had to buy that one. Both the picture from the front and the ride were compiled on one card. There was an option to buy it online if you so pleased later on.
"Can we do a slower ride next? I need a cool down." You massaged your temple's.
"I want to do another fast one!" Iris shouted out of excitement.
"Let's do it!" Gladio and the others agreed.
Were they being serious? Okay, maybe they didn't hear you. Yeah, that you could let slide.
The time went on and you were able to get through a lot more rides than you thought. The seating was basically the same for almost every ride, and that was sort of starting to bug you. Who the hell died and made Iris queen? One thing was for sure. She was trying to keep you and Gladio apart for whatever reason.
The thing that irritated you most was the fact that Gladio said nothing. He just let it happen. When you wanted to hold his hand, she'd ask for a piggyback ride. When you fixed his hair, she'd suddenly 'trip' and get his attention. When you wanted to stop for food, she wanted to press on. Why was this happening? Your first introduction went well on Christmas, you thought. You were having no more of this.
You were soaking wet from the last ride, and somehow miraculously no one else was. This is why you were never too fond of the water ride here anyway. You didn't want to be a Grinch, but you kind of wanted to go home.
This day was not going according to plan, and before you knew it the sun would set soon. Maybe you should have agreed to paintball. That way this day would have went a lot differently.
You all were next on the tea cup ride. Was this your idea? Absolutely not. In fact, you mentioned a tinge of nausea just before coming here.
Heading on, the seating was Gladio and Iris, Noctis and Prompto, and you and Ignis. You didn't complain this time because you knew Ignis wouldn't vigorously turn the cup.
"I don't mean to ruin your experience, but if you want to turn this, can you do it lightly?" You held your stomach as you sat.
"I have no intention of turning it at all. Are you alright?" Ignis took notice of your sick looking face.
"Yeah. I just need something to eat I think. I can't tell if I'm hungry or getting ready to vomit. Or both."
Yeah, that was troubling. Feeling that bad on a ride like this was not a good idea. He was not going to let you go through with this.
"Let's get off before it starts." Ignis stood up and opened the door.
You were in no position to refuse, so you didn't. You hobbled off the ride and over to the sidelines.
"I'm really sorry Iggy." You began to work up a cold sweat as you saw the ride start up.
"No problem. Let me go get you some gingle ale." He started to head away.
"No, no. It's fine." You pulled him back over to you. "I can wait until the ride is over."
You'd occasionally glance up to see Noctis and Prompto going absolutely ham. They spun the tea cup like the mad men they were. Gladio and Iris on the other hand did a moderate pace. It was actually really sweet to see them interact. Well, it would be cuter if she hadn't been so in the way today.
"I shouldn't have gone on all those fast rides at once." You put a hand over your mouth. "I don't feel so good."
Your knees began to get wobbly, and even the cool weather offered no relief. Your hands cleanched to the fence as you attempted not to fall down.
"Whoa there." Ignis grabbed you before you could fall.
He carried you bridal style in his arms, and honestly, you didn't even know he was that strong.
"Careful, careful. I got you." He brought you to a nearby bench and sat you down.
"I'm good." You gave a lethargic thumbs up. "I just need something to eat, I think."
He was hesitant to walk away from you, but you seriously needed food.
"I'll be just a moment." Ignis walked quickly over to a nearby booth to buy you some food and drink.
You didn't eat or drink anything all day, ans barely the day prior. That combined with all this cardio, and riding on roller coasters was not healthy. It made you feel like you needed to vomit even though there was nothing to vomit.
"Here. This should settle you for the moment." He handed you a sports drink and lightly salted pretzel.
"Thanks Iggy. You're too good to me." You took the food and inhaled it in an instant. You swear you ate that thing in two bites.
Your eyes amplified as you turned to Ignis, "I'm so sorry! I didn't offer you any!"
"It was for you. I didn't want any. It would be best if you got a little more in you though."
He was right. This was a good snack, but now was the time to eat. You saw the rest of the group laugh and dizzily wobble away from the ride. All day no one let you decide anything, you knew you had to be firm on this one.
"Okay, well I'm hungry right now, so I'm going to get something to eat and I don't care what anyone has to say." You stopped in the middle of the bustling crowd as you barked at the group.
"Geez squirt. You mad about something?" Noct frowned as he looked at you.
"I'm just hungry, okay? Now I'm going to buy a pizza that's over priced and underwhelming. Whoever wants to come, go for it. Whoever wants to slither on to the next ride, I don't really care." Damn your poker face crumbled right before their very eyes.
You walked away and didn't give a second thought to who would join you and who wouldn't.
The small brunette girl looked up at her brother. "I'm not really hungry Gladdy. Let's go on the next ride!"
The big man thought to himself a moment. "We should probably eat now. It's been a few hours. Then we can go back to the rides, okay?"
"Okay, but can we get burgers instead?" She tugged on his sleeve.
You honestly didn't give a damn what they were doing. You were going to get pizza, and no one was stopping you from that. You walked away in the middle of their decision making, and part of you wondered if they were following behind or not.
Prompto ran to your side as you stood in line. "Hey, you okay? You seem, I dunno, mad."
"Where is everyone?" You looked around.
"They went to get burgers." His eyes narrowed as he repeated himself. "Are you alright?"
Apparently the group was divided. You and Prompto would be getting pizza, while everyone else got burgers. That annoyed you to high heaven. So yes, his analysis was correct. You were mad.
"No Prompto, I'm not alright. Why the hell did he have to bring his little sister anyway? Ughh, she's trying to get under my skin and Gladiolus is just going along with this shit like it's okay."
"You think Iris is trying to annoy you on purpose? She's a total sweethear-" He cut his thought short as you have him a death glare.
"Know what? I just realized, I'm in the mood for ice cream now. Come on."
Oh he knew that look. You were definitely up to something. You were choosing ice cream instead of food? That was suspicious as hell. What were you getting ready to do?
Your whole demanor changed. It was like you found a new peace, and oh how it was nice.
You pranced your way to the ice cream vendor.
"Can I get the strawberry mango ice cream cone?" You turned to the blond boy beside you, "What do you want?"
"Nothing." He shook his head. "I'm gonna grab a burger with everyone else. You gonna be okay?"
"Of course." You reassured him with a smile. "I'll be over there in a second. Go eat."
You handed the vendor your card and with that you were on your way. You ripped open the wrapping and began to indulge. Your eyes caught that of the group, and this was the perfect time to put your plan into action.
You walked so you were in the direct eye line of their table. It was enough so they could see you, but far away enough for you to look innocent.
You walked to a planter and stood beside a man eating ice cream as well.
"Good to know I'm not the only freak who eats ice cream in 40 degree weather." You chuckled as you moved your loose hairs behind your ear.
The young man shook his head, "Nothing strange about this at all. You come here alone? That's pretty bold."
Right in your peripheral you could see Gladio taking notice of you. Now was the perfect time to strike.
Your hand lightly touched his arm, "Well, bold is what they call me." You took a long lick of your ice cream. "But no. I came with a group. However, they're a little preoccupied right now. I know this is strange to ask, but my boyfriend has been very distant all day. Do you mind if we get him just a little riled up?"
You'd not point, but nod in his direction. "He's the scrawny little blond one. Don't worry. He won't do anything."
So it was a little white lie. If you said your man was the obvious giant behemoth this guy would probably back out. Prompto had the least threatening face, so you just said him.
"Uh, sure I guess?" It was a strange request, but he'd not decline.
All was going according to plan. If Gladio was going to forget you existed, you'd be there to remind him of what he was missing.
Your hand reached in the boy's brown hair and pulled out a small bit of debris. "Sorry. I don't want you to feel weird, but it has been such an annoying day."
You went in again on the ice cream as your full attention turned to this stranger. "I don't mean to lay all of my problems on you, but he's been so neglectful. Is he looking?
"It's cool. No, but the brown haired guy next to him is."
You couldn't help but smile as he was wrapped around your finger. With one final hoorah, you gave the boy a flirtatious wave goodbye.
"Thanks. That should be good enough. Nice talking to you." You merrily skipped back to the table where your friends were.
Gladio was staring boldly at you. Normally he would keep up his poker face, but this time he wasn't going to. It was because you acted as though it was unintentional.
"Hey guys." You squeezed in next to Noctis, innocently licking the melted ice cream from your fingers.
The big man's amber eyes were locked on you. But as far as you were concerned, if he was upset that was on him.
"Let's talk." His voice was reserved, but his body language spoke volumes.
"What about? We can talk here, yeah?" You bit into the cone and looked guiltless in your eyes.
The brunette man stood from the table and waved you over. "We're gonna be right back. Excuse us for a moment."
He walked until he was out of ear shot of the group. You didn't keep up this facade any longer. You wanted him to know exactly how you felt.
"Oh, so you finally noticed me Sweet Pea?" You sardonically spew as your eyes roll.
"What are you talking about?"
"Barely a week into the new year and already you're breaking your resolution?" You finshed off the rest of your ice cream cone and licked your fingers nonchalantly.
He was taken aback by your words. You didn't want to specifically say that it was Iris bothering you, but hopefully he'd catch on.
"You think I've been neglecting you?" His hand lifted your chin so you'd look at him.
"All day I've suggested things and they've been overruled. Guess it was foolish of me to expect you to have my back." You pushed away his hand.
Okay, now you were just going from one issue to the other. But you were upset dammit! He needed to hear this.
"I'm sorry, okay?" His eyes displayed truth behind his words. "I'm sorry. I'm trying to juggle a lot at once. I'll pay more attention to you."
"I know you are. I'm not a very needy person Gladio. You know that. I just need a little more than you're giving me."
"Okay." He'd nod, "What next? It's your turn to pick. Anything."
"The day is practically over now. Make it up to me another time." You rose a sassy eyebrow.
He grabbed your waist and pulled you in close. His hands dipped a bit too low for public viewing. "You're lucky we're not at home or I'd make it up to you right now."
It was funny hearing him say that. Your relationship was based a lot on the physical, but you still have yet to go past second base. He was taking it nice and slow with you, and it was exactly what you needed. No reason to rush things.
He moved you in even closer and growled in your ear. "You weren't slick with that ice cream cone. Definitely gonna have to get you back for that."
"I'd like to see you try." You pulled away from his grasp and headed back to the table.
"Hey." He called out to you.
"Hm?"
"In three days I'm taking you on that second date; be ready. It's long overdue. Make sure you have something fancy."
"Ooh, something fancy?" You put a cutesy finger to your lips. "Someone's obviously put a lot of thought into this. Lounge room fancy or gala fancy?"
"Gala fancy." He'd grin something sinister.
Gala fancy, you thought? That was pretty damn fancy. What was he planning, or already planned, rather?
Squeezing back in next to Noct, you leaned over with your head on the boy's shoulder. "This has been a time."
"Squiiiirt?" He spoke suspiciously. "You only say that when you didn't have a good time." Noctis gave you a pat on the head.
"I mean, I had a time. It is what it is." You took a long sigh. "Let's watch the fireworks before we go."
It was briefly silent, and surprisingly no objections. It was settled then. The day would end under a faded sky right below the fireworks. Kind of like New Years again.
"Fireworks! Fireworks!" Prompto chanted. "Let's get a good spot!"
After finishing up their food, you all moved to an open area where the fireworks show would take place. There were chairs set up for those in front. For those in back, was a standing area. Luckily you were all quick enough to get some seats.
This time you sat between Ignis and Gladio. There was something poetic about it. Poetic, and ironic. Man this day truly turned out to be everything except what you thought it would be. You were still a bit unsettled by Iris. Was she doing things on purpose, or was she just truly oblivious? She really did seem like a sweetheart as Prompto said, but then again, that's when you were introduced to her as Gladio's friend.
Aha! That's what it must have been. An overprotective sister just looking out for her big bro. Was that also the reason he didn't want to kiss you in front of her? Well, like it or not, you were here to stay. You weren't going to compete with her, but you damn sure weren't going to lose either.
Your head lifted just as the first firework set off. You were like a child at their first parade. Eyes wide, jaw hung, and pricelessly shocked. Glitters of white burst in the sky, and it always felt like the first time.
"Ooh, ohh, look!" You grabbed the pant leg of each man sitting next to you.
In all honesty you probably grabbed a bit of Gladio's skin while you were at it, but he didn't care. You were so happy, and he didn't want to disturb you from your moment.
Your heart was sent aflutter with each burst of light. So many colors, so many patterns, and so many shapes. Sitting on the edge of your seat was no longer a metaphor. You were really doing it!
"You're so nauseating." The large brunette man stared at you.
In fact, ever since the first firework let loose he did nothing but stare at you. You didn't know it though. You were too preoccupied with the brilliant lights.
"What?" You tilted your head.
"Too damn cute."
You swear you felt your cheeks warm from the blood rushing to them. Wasn't the first time he said sweet words to you, but it was just the way he said it. As if he truly meant it.
"Stop it. I'm literally going to turn into a tomato after this!" You held your cheeks and pouted your lips.
Prompto leaned out to catch your eye line as his singing voice gained volume. "First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes-"
"My fist down your throat if you don't stop singing!" You growled before he could finish.
Yes, let it not be forgotten that there was a surplus of texts from Prompto about this. Even some from Noctis. It was strange for the boys, especially the prince. They never saw you actually like anyone before. Maybe you'd say someone was attractive, but even that was rare. It wasn't because you didn't feel like you couldn't have 'girl talk' with them, because of course you could and do. It was really just something you never brought up.
"Just telling it like it is." Prompto smugly grinned.
"Kiss my ass Prompto, okay?" You couldn't hold back your laughter.
"Sure, I'll kiss my na-"
"Nap time?! I-is that what you were going to say?! I totally agree with you! I'm getting sleepy. We should probably go home now." You voice was frantic.
Yeah, about that tattoo... You sort of kind of never wanted Gladio to find out that you had Prompto's name in permanent ink on your ass cheek. Whatever you had to do to keep him in ignorance, you would.
"I agree. Time for sleep." Noctis stretched out his arms.
"This has been fun." Ignis smiled as you all stood up and made way for the parking lot.
.
Home : 9:34pm : 161 days
You sat in the passenger's seat, per usual. Gladio was driving, and Iris was asleep in the back seat. You were parked right outside of your home. Technically you were still checked into the spa resort, but maybe you needed to be home right about now.
You unbuckled your seat belt and headed toward your door. Gladio followed closely behind and walked you there.
Before putting your key in the door, you turned to the man and wrapped your arms around him. He did the same, and he was just so warm. You felt like you could seriously stay wrapped up in his embrace all night, but you couldn't. It was time to go to sleep.
The amber eyed man took a glance at your front door. "I don't know what you're hiding in there, but I'm gonna go in eventually. You know that right?"
A slight chuckle breathily bellowed from your throat. "Well, we'll see how good that second date goes, and maybe I'll personally invite you in."
You tilted your head back and he'd grant you the kiss you longed for. His lips were cold from the weather, but soft no doubt. He lingered a moment before pulling away, and you'd get in just one last peck before allowing him to do so.
"Only if you're a good boy though." Your hand reached inside your bag for the door key. "Can't allow naughty boys into my home. Just wouldn't be right."
His teeth gently bit his bottom lip, "If that's what it takes then I might not ever be invited in."
"I know." You winked as you opened the door and slowly disappeared into your house. "I'm counting on it."