Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or its characters; that right belongs to Hiro Mashima. Nor do I own Final Fantasy XV; that right belongs to SquareEnix and the fantastic team of developers, graphics and musical artist. This story is a work of Fiction by a fan. So, anything is possible if I (the author) dreams it! Welcome Fanfiction.

Author's Note: So, while playing the game and watching a whole bunch of Videos on Youtube from the channel Final Fantasy Union, I have come to love two characters so much. One just makes my heart weep and want to hold them and tell them it will be alright, have faith. The other is an unsung, badass, fucking Hero. If you can figure out who these two guys are just from this, then Kudo's. Also, remember that this is FanFiction, Fiction written by a fan. So, things don't have to be perfectly accurate or follow a set timeline/pattern when they can be mixed and matched for the purpose of the story.

Author's Note 2: This is dedicated to my three main ladies who are always there when I need them the most. Picking me up and talking things through with me. Assuring me that I am not a bad person and do horrible things when my depression gets to me... So, LeosLady4Ever, LittlePrincessNana, as well as, DragonsHost. This story is for you my nerdlings!

He sighed as he listened to the scene play out before him. He had high hopes for this meeting to go well. It had been five years since his Liege took up the mantle and throne of the Lucian Kingdom as the True King of the Light. It was well past time for him to make sure that his line was secure. It was after all a royal duty. And he'd be damned if he hadn't found the perfect woman for his King and friend.

Lifting a hand and waving a hand, signaling to the guards to open the double doors to the throne room to allow the guests to enter. A small smile was playing at the corners of his lips. Ignis could easily recall the first time he had met the young woman. She was vivacious and full of life, and rather strong-willed from what he had heard of her telling of people for harassing some people for no better reason than to have fun. The sense of right and wrong she had was astounding. Drawing him and Gladiolus over to hear her tell the youths that they were lucky they were minors, and she was in a dress, or she'd beat them senseless.

He didn't have to see her know she was a beauty. Something just told him instinctively and was only confirmed when Gladiolus muttered about how eye-catching she was. Of course, them showing up did stop her before she whipped around on them and laid into both of them about getting better people to patrol so that this type of situation didn't occur as often. Something he had not been aware of.

When she had finished her little tirade, Gladio had, of course, asked if she even knew who she was addressing. The disdainful sniff of dismissal was hard to miss. He was sure that at that time, the woman had her head tilted up and looked down her nose as she clearly stated she knew who the King's Aid was, as well as that they were both members of the King's Glaive. Her voice was communicating to him that she was unimpressed.

After that exchange, he had taken an interest in the woman. He found out that she was the only daughter of a minor noble who was very good with business. So, he had when time permitted, gone to their small home, and had long talks with her father, Jude Heartfilia — finding out a lot about his daughter, Lucy. He had learned that she was out-spoken, very much like her mother in her sense of justice and doing the right thing. It let him know that her little stunt the other day with the youths was not wholly uncommon. And that her heart was large, forgiving to a fault, accepting, and exceptionally loving. And throughout these visits, he got to know Lucy herself.

To say he was a bit shocked that she was very educated, well-spoken, and not afraid to give her honest opinion, even if it was not wanted or warranted. That was when it hit him that she would be a good match for Noctis. And if she caught Gladio's attention for being beautiful, then he had no doubt she was a looker, which brought them to today.

"Sir Jude Heartfilia and his daughter Lady Lucy Hearfilia!"

Ignis let his smile grows wider as he heard them walk up and bow. After losing his eye-sight, he had trained hard to make his other senses sharper. So, the sound of material rustling, indicating that they were bowing. After a few seconds, Noctis told them to rise.

"Ignis has told me much about you, Lady Lucy. And I do value his opinion above all others," Noctis said.

Controlling himself at the bored tone that Noctis used, Ignis waited.

"Your Majesty, I have no words to say to that. For I was not aware that your aide had even told you about me, the daughter of a minor noble," Lucy replied in a soft, shy, and very polite voice.

The sound of Noctis shifting on his throne let Ignis know that his friend was sitting up straighter. Lucy had replied in a manner that was befitting her station, but not how he had described her. If he were able, he would have loved to do this in a more personal and private setting. But, alas, it was not to be due to decorum. The other Nobles that were at court got to bear witness to this.

"You left an impression on him. That is something noteworthy," Noctis said, his voice holding a small amount of humor. "Do you know why I have called your father and you to my court today?"

There was silence for a few seconds before Ignis heard Lucy speak up and say no. Meaning her father hadn't said a word about it. Which was for the best, since it was in a public setting, with many watchful eyes. Thus, it would force her to be honest, even if she was not acting like her usual self.

"Hmm, I see," Noctis said. "I have something to ask you, Lady Lucy, and I want an honest answer. Not this polite act that is mandated while at court. And don't worry, I doubt you can hurt my feelings."

The way Noctis spoke, his voice showing his amusement as he teased and taunted Lucy, Ignis was a bit shocked. Then again, his friend still didn't hold by the royal politics any more than he did when he was still a prince so, as he continued to listen, wondering how Noctis was going to do this.

"Your Majesty, I will do my best to be as honest as possible, since you have asked," Lucy said.

Ignis didn't miss the curiosity mixed with amusement in Lucy's voice. She was an intriguing enigma. Because he did not doubt that she still looked like she was the image of decorum. While the soft laugh from Noctis let him know that Noctis had picked up on the undertones of what Lucy said.

Seconds later, Ignis heard Noctis getting up and walking towards Lucy. A part of him wished he could see what her facial expression was at this moment. Keeping his face a blank mask, Ignis waited as he heard Noctis come to a stop, while hushed whispers were coming from the other Nobles.

"Lady Lucy Heartfilia, I Noctis Lucis Caelum, am asking if you'd be my wife."

The words rang out across the throne room. It was apparent that everyone gathered was shocked at what their King just asked. This was a topic that had been discussed (whispered) about by those in and out of the Royal Court. Other countries had even broached the subject when they sent emissaries and ambassadors. Only to have it brushed aside as something that was not important.

So as he stood there listening, like everyone else, Ignis was glad that Noctis at thirty-five was finally taking a step towards this topic. Securing an heir was important. That the Lucian Kingdom wouldn't end with Noctis if Ignis had his way.

"No, your majesty," came Lucy's softly spoken reply.

Her words rang out in the heavy silence. And Ignis was sure that everyone was just as shocked as he was by her answer. This was a possibility he had factored on but thought it was so slim. He was blinking his eyes behind the visor he wore.

"Oh? May I ask why?" Noctis asked.

There was the sound of many people shifting as if leaning in to hear her response. He was curious as to what she would say in the way of explanation for declining an offer of marriage from her King.

"Because you understand what it means to have your heart belongs to someone," Lucy replied.

A soft chuckle broke the silence before Noctis spoke up, "The heart wants what it wants. I appreciate your honesty, Lady Lucy. And respect your choice. But why have you not told this man your feelings?"

He could feel the literal tension in the room. It was as if some sitcom drama played out before him. Ignis felt grateful for being blind and not having to see it.

"I am not worthy of this man, your majesty. All he has done and accomplished in his life," Lucy said, her voice a bit sad. "And I am fine with growing old and alone. Since, if I cannot marry for love, then I would rather not marry at all."

Ignis couldn't believe her answer. That a person like her is unworthy of someone? And that she was willing to be alone and just watching this person from afar? That made absolutely no sense at all. Then again, he was sure in the short time he had come to know her, and about her from their meetings and her father, that there was much he didn't know.

"I can respect that. And you are right, the one I love is gone, but I have a duty to my kingdom and people," Noctis stated. "You and your father are free to go. As is everyone else, I have duties to attend to."

When Noctis declared that everyone could leave, Ignis stepped forward and then lifted his hand and gave the signal for all the nobles to leave the throne room. He turned his head when he heard Noctis start to laugh just after the doors to the room shut. Only to be quickly followed by Prompto and Gladio. It was leaving him feeling as if he was missing something.

"Ignis, I want you to invite that girl back for lunch in a few days," Noctis said as Ignis heard him begin to walk away.

"Sir?" he asked.

"I am not going to try and woo her. No, I want to get to know her better," was all Ignis got as an answer from Noctis.

5 1/2 Months later

Ignis stood there, smiling as he listened to the banter going on back and forth between his Liege and Lady Lucy. It was rather amusing. He couldn't be happier that they were getting along so well. Ignis was sure that Lucy was bringing Noctis more and more out of his little shell of isolation he lived in. That and it was nice to see him not so apathetic.

"So, Lucy, in two weeks, I am holding a formal ball and would love to see you there, maybe have a dance?" Noctis said in a fairly subtle manner.

The sound of tea being spit out, let Ignis know that Lucy had been taken by surprise. Further proven when the cup was sat back on its saucer with a loud clunk as she sputtered incoherently. He found this rather odd since Lucy seemed to be a bit nervous. Something that in the almost year he had been acquainted with her had never thought she would express. She was leaving him mildly astounded.

"Lucy? I didn't mean to startle you like that," Noctis said, concern in his voice. "But I am serious about having a dance with you."

Renewed sputtering came from Lucy. It was almost comical. But after a minute or so, Ignis heard her take a deep breath and get herself under control.

"I... your majesty, to be honest, you did startle me," Lucy said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But, there is a problem with that. You see, I uh... I am unable to dance..."

Ignis was sure that if he weren't blind, his eyes would be bugging out his head as they hyper-focused on the woman. He was well aware that Lucy had all the training that was required of a young heiress. That meant formal dance was included in her training. So, to hear her say that she was unable to dance was peculiar.

"Did you not take lessons as a child and young lady?" Noctis asked.

"Yes... I just... I am unable to dance. It is a skill that several teachers were unable to teach me, sadly," was all Lucy replied.

Ignis was at a loss for anything to think of. To hear the defeat in her words as she admitted to failure. He knew she was prideful to a fault about many things. So, like with a younger Noctis, it was a huge thing to admit to it.

"Seriously? None of your teachers were competent in teaching you to do even the most basic of waltz?" Noctis asked, his voice riddled with incredulity.

Cringing internally at how tactless that was asked. Ignis made a mental note to let him know that was not appropriate as his ears caught Lucy's sigh.

"Yes," she replied succinctly.

"I see. Then, how about I propose a small wager to you then?" Noctis asked her.

This had Ignis' attention in full. And he was sure if Prompto and Gladio were there, they'd be rather attentively listening. It was well known that Noctis was not one for such things as this. Instead, that was more Prompto and Gladio's something. Mostly the former.

There was no missing the leeriness in Lucy's voice as she spoke up, "A wager? What do you mean?"

A light laugh was her response before Noctis spoke up, "I will assign to you for the next two weeks a person who I believe can teach you how to do even a simple waltz, and if you are still unable to dance at the end of the two weeks, then you may request anything of me that will not harm my person or bring shame to the crown."

Ignis felt his brown pinch as he opened his mouth to rebuke Noctis for such a thing. Except Lucy beat him to the punch and accepted the deal. Though it was apparent, she was feeling rather dubious about the whole thing. It was now out of his hands; all he could do was just wait for this train wreck to happen though he was curious about who Noctis had in mind to teach Lucy to dance.

Four sets of eyes watched the duo that was spinning around the small, personal ballroom. There was no doubt that in two weeks, one Lucy Heartfiliar, had learned to dance. And beautifully. Nor could any of the onlookers deny what they saw either. All shared a knowing smile as they continued.

The moment the last note of the set faded, a loud clap arouse across the ballroom. Ignis let a rare smile graced his lips. He was rather proud of his Liege and Lady Lucy. Since they were the ones receiving such a loud round of applause. Lucy had been the first dance of the evening. Noctis had chosen her to be his partner. Of course, during the dance, his keen ears picked up the whispers from the gathered nobility and guards who wondered if Noctis was going to propose to her again.

The last six months had been a rather heated debate. Since Lucy turned their Kings' marriage proposal down that she had caught his attention. And all the time they'd spent talking and interacting made it such a hot topic that many rumors had flown around. Most harmless, others had to be silenced should any harm come to Lucy's person due to petty jealousy. He didn't like even the notion of Lucy being hurt. Not that he'd admit it, but Ignis had become rather partial to the girl.

The sound of familiar footsteps coming his way drew Ignis from his thoughts as he tilted his head in the direction and gave a polite smile.

"Thank you, Ignis."

Those three words had him pausing. There was a wealth of emotion in them, yet something unspoken. Something that he didn't quite catch. So, when Lucy continued, he felt stunned. It was not a brush off, but it was something.

"Dude, I think you should go follow her," Prompto said from his left.

When a large hand clamped down on his shoulder, he looked to the right as Gladio spoke, "Don't worry, we can watch Noctis for a bit."

Unsure of why they were so nice and insistent, Ignis gave a sharp nod of his head and turned and started to follow in the direction he was sure Lucy had gone, only to pause.

"She is on the veranda along the back, eastern wall," Gladio said.

"Now go," Prompto muttered, giving him a push at the small of his back.

Frowning as he started in the direction he'd been told and shooting a dark, unseeing glare over his shoulder at the two. Knowing that they were both probably smiling ear to ear. This felt like a setup. Straightening his jacket, squaring his shoulders, Ignis made his way to the eastern wall. His ears were picking up the soft strains of a child's song.

He knew that it was Lucy, having heard her sing the song subconsciously when she was deep in thought. Following it until he felt the cold air on his face, he paused as he stepped through the open double doors. The light, exotic scent of the flora on the air, he heard rhythmic footsteps, indicating that Lucy was dancing to her song. She was making him smile.

Coughing to announce himself, he kept his face a blank mask as he heard her gasp and spin. The rustling of the fabric from her dress as it settled around her let him know that she was wearing a full skirt instead of one of the fashionable knee-length dresses.

"Ignis?"

His name softly spoken question. It had him pausing because there was that undertone again. He was stepping forward until he could slightly feel the heat of her body.

"Lucy, you didn't wait for me to reply before just walking away," he said. "That is a bit rude, is it not?"

The way her breath hitched let him know she was feeling guilty at his light teasing. Which was not his intention? Leaving him to feel like he had for two weeks, awkward. Never once had he felt out of sorts with a woman as he had with Lucy. The lessons were fun once he got her to quit stepping all over his feet, and gain some sense of coordination. Once he had found a way for her to do that, the lessons had become easy. She was allowing him to teach her a bit more than the basic waltz.

"I didn't mean to sound like I was lecturing you, Lucy," he said softly. "But it seemed like you had more to say, but you just left."

The way she gave a soft, shocked gasp told him that she hadn't expected him to pick up on anything. Taking another step forward putting him, what he guessed was, only a foot or two away, Ignis held out his hand.

"If you don't mind, and I know you are still self-conscious, would you do me the honor of having this dance?" He asked.

Internally he was frowning. His hands felt sweaty, and his heart was beating slightly faster than usual as he waited. Lucy's tiny hands, that was both soft and calloused, slid into his own, he closed his hand over hers and pulled her to him — finding it more manageable when her familiar curves were pressed lightly to his person, and he led her in the simple four-step dance. His sense of smell picking up the light scent of what he could only describe as honeysuckle and sugar.

As he led her through the steps, he felt her body relax naturally as she let him lead her around the small veranda. The way her breathing evened out as she began to hum along with the music to help keep time with steps. It had him openly smiling.

"So handsome when you smile."

He was utterly unprepared for the softly spoken words that came from Lucy, that Ignis found himself stumbling a bit as she stiffened in his arms. Trying to get back into the rhythm of the waltz, he discovered that Lucy was completely stiff. He was wondering why she was like that; he loosened his hold on her. Not at all surprised when she stepped back and away from him. He felt as if something had changed with her speaking those words.

"Lucy?" he said her name.

"I... I didn't mean to... please forgive my rudeness," was all he got from her in a stutterer.

Curious as to why she would ask for forgiveness at giving him an honest compliment. A compliment he hadn't been paid in decades. His mother being the last to tell him that.

"There is nothing to be forgiven. You spoke honestly," Ignis said. "In fact, you are not the first person to tell me that. My mother was quite often telling me that when I was a child before I began my training to be Noctis' aide. So, if anything, I appreciate hearing it honestly spoken."

"Oh?"

Shaking his head, Ignis started to step forward, stopping when he heard the sounds of attempted smothered whispers from the doorway to the veranda.

"Yes," he stated simply.

Deciding in a second that the subject was one he didn't care to elaborate on at the moment. As they now had an audience, one that didn't need to know anything about his childhood. Ignis lifted his head and decided to ask the question that had been on his mind for the last six months. And he was sure those spying on them currently as well had been curious.

"Lucy, if you don't mind me being a bit forward and possibly rude," Ignis started. "But, I have been wondering for the last six months, just who you say you pine for, that you'd turn down a marriage proposal from the King himself, yet feel you are not worthy of."

The slight squeak that came from her was cute as it told him he had taken her off balance again. Then there as the shifting of her dress's fabric, before he heard her footsteps carrying her away from him, towards the railing around the veranda. Something had him staying where he stood.

"You've had that on your mind for the past... six months?" Lucy said.

It was clear to him that her voice held a mix of laughter and shock.

"Yes," he replied promptly.

The sound of nervous laughter reached his ears, as he noticed that those spying on them had gone eerily quiet. It was making him think that they might know something.

"You know, Ignis, how a woman sees the world is vastly different from a man. But his majesty, he understood what I said," Lucy spoke up, drawing his attention back to her. "And in my eyes and mind, this man is without equal. His faith and devotion to the one he serves, His Majesty Noctis Lucis Caelum, is unshakable and unquestionable."

This had Ignis feeling like cold water had been thrown on him. It narrowed down the possible people vastly. As far as he knew, there was only him and two others who could have done that since she was very specific in what she said.

"He is something else, from all I have heard growing up about him," Lucy continued. "And when I finally got to meet this man, it was under unconventional circumstances. Safe to say, afterwards, I felt like an utter fool, one who was thoroughly horrified. Though, six months ago, I had come to see just what type of man he was and fell in love as we interacted."

His mind tried to think of each interaction that Prompto and Gladio had. Then it dawned on him that she seemed to be referring to Gladiolus as he was there for both her first meetings with the two. And only Gladiolus could leave her horrified at how she gave them both a verbal tongue lashing. Ignis felt like he had been punched and no clue why.

"Then, why do you feel you are unworthy of him?" Ignis asked, hating that he needed to know so badly when he wasn't liking what he was hearing.

"Because I come from minor nobility that until a year before my birth was of common stock. That alone would be called into question for pedigree," Lucy said, her voice showing a bitterness he wasn't aware she was capable of. "Then again, I feel like I just... I just can't be with him. He intimidates me just as much as I feel drawn to him as he fascinates me. Setting my heart fluttering in my chest. How my head gets light and leaves me breathless."

He heard her turn around and stayed silent. His face still lifted to the sky.

"You have this person upon a pedal stool, Lucy," he stated. "Do you fear rejection from him? Is that also a reason why you do not tell him how you feel? Personally, I think you should just bite the bullet and march up to him and tell him exactly how you feel. And if you cannot tell him, then show him. You are a unique person, and if he cannot see that, then it is he who is not worthy of you."

When he got a peal of laughter as a response, Ignis lowered her head. He was a bit taken aback at her reaction. Making him wish he could see her. To be better at reading her. For she was one of the few people, he was not able to completely understand. It was just another thing about her that he liked.

"I may have him on a pedal stool, but I do believe he is worth it. And, yes, I am worried about rejection," Lucy said, still laughing. "So, was that advice or just a suggestion about how to go about telling this person?"

Blinkin behind his visor, Ignis tilted his head to the side and thought for a second or two.

"Advice," he stated.

Then he heard her moving back towards him. Staying still and patient. When she stopped, he could feel her warm breath spread across his white shirt just above where his heart sat in his chest. His mind tried to recall if Lucy had ever gotten this close to him on her own, besides dancing. When his memory came up as a blank, Ignis shifted and dropped his head down, giving the appearance as if he was looking at her in the face.

"You think... I am a unique person?" she asked him.

Slowly he nodded his head. He thought he had made this clear with the many things he had said to her over the course of knowing. Ignis knew he had paid her plenty of compliments, and instead openly.

"I wasn't aware," she said in a soft, breathy voice. "As to your advice, I think I will take it."

At this, he stiffened, finding he didn't like that she was going to take his advice and confess to his friend.

"I love you, Ignis," she stated calmly, though her voice got a bit high pitched.

Unsure he heard her correctly, he just stayed still and didn't react. He was sure that he listened to that wrong. Then he felt her hands cup his face and pulled him down towards her, as she repeated herself, a bit louder. His mind racing as he tried to form an answer when he felt soft, supple lips press against his own, making him go rigid.

Still aware that they had an audience, Ignis pulled himself back, breaking the kiss. He knew that it would seem as rejection by her, though it was not. He felt chilly air start to fill the space where Lucy's body had been. Reaching out, he was able to grab her lightly, halting her retreat.

As he held her in place, he tried to sort out his thoughts and feelings. The latter was easy; he felt relieved, happy. His heart was beating slightly erratically in his chest.

"I... this is..." Lucy said, stumbling over her words.

Giving a shake of his head, Ignis knew what she was trying to say, hearing the pain in her words. Advice from his mother when he was younger filtered through his mind. It had been given when he had gone back home for a visit after finishing up the final bits of his training to be an aide to Noctis. He had asked his mother how she knew she was in love with his father, after seeing Noctis and Lunafreya interact. And how he would know himself if he was in love.

His mother's reply was to rely on his instinct and just do what his heart demanded. And right now, his heart wanted one thing. Smiling, Ignis pulled her to him and let his hands slid up her bare arms and neck until he was cupping her face. Then dipping his head down, he placed his lips against hers in a gentle kiss.

It took only a few seconds before her body relaxed and melded to his as Lucy returned the kiss. The feel of her curves pressing tighter to his person, as her small hands grasped at the lapels of his King's Glaive Uniform as if to meld their two bodies into one. He could care less that they were being watched by four people now. All that mattered was the woman he was kissing and being kissed by.

Later he would get to the bottom of things because he was sure that this whole situation was set up to get Lucy to confess to him. Or something along those lines.

THE END!