Noctis sat next to his father as they sat around a large table with the council. He wasn't fully there. He knew this is important but he couldn't help but think about Gladio acting weird and Ignis. He saw both of them acting suspicious as they ran to the regalia before this meeting. What are they hiding and why?
Maybe they are dating? They are close and it wouldn't surprise him but if that's why they are acting strange it hurts. There is no need to hide that from him. Did they think he wouldn't approve? It's like they don't trust him.
Though he hasn't been active lately, not with Prompto disappearing from his life. He really thought nothing would rip them apart. That was just him being naive. Of course it would be hard for her to be around him. He's sure he broke her heart. Why would she stick around? He thought they could be friends even after everything but it's not that easy, for both of them. He really miss her.
"What are we going to do?" Noctis looks at the old council member. They all look worried, even his father.
"We can't do much at the moment, we don't know who or where this person who is connected to the Crystal is." His father the king says.
"Is there's no way to find out?" Another man asks. Regis shakes his head.
"Not unless they use the crystals power in front us or comes up and tells us directly." Regis tells them.
"How did this happen? How can someone just get connected to the Crystal? Without Lucis blood?" one of the council members wonders.
"What if they learn to use the crystals powers?"
"Would they attack us?"
"The real question is who is it? If we could can we talk to them? Maybe even negotiate something."
Then both Regis and Noctis let out a loud gasp. Who ever is connected to the crystal is close. "They are close." Regis says. The whole table stare shocked. Looking at each other for answers of unasked questions.
"What do we do?"
"We can't walk out and interrogate everyone. For now let this be. Many people come by the Citadel." Regis says, silently praying nothing happens. "It wouldn't help us if this person doesn't even know they are connected. If we tell them then they might get ideas. If they have no clue then let's keep it that way."
They continue talking as Noct tunes them out. He wanted to think about something other than Prompto and their night together but that seems to be harder than he thought.
Prompto sits on the couch with Astrum. Here she is back at the Citadel to discuss with Ignis. She didn't think she would be back but she and Ignis had to discuss things with each other.
"So to be clear, you will be babysitting Astrum?" Prompto asks for the thousandth time. She really didn't see this working out. Their objective, mostly Prompto's is to keep Astrum a secret. How can Ignis taking care of him be keeping him a secret?
"Yes, but if I know my work will bring me to Noct I will have Gladio take him instead. I have already talked to him about this. He has agreed to help." Ignis says setting down a cup of tea for them both. Prompto carefully reaches forward. Ignis' tea is always the best.
"I guess that's okay." She says, drinking some of her tea, smiling at the warmth and taste. Nothing beats the advisors tea. "You already know I work the weekdays, from one in the afternoon to eight in the evening." Prompto says. Ignis nodding with his own cup of tea in his hands. "What about the king? Would you be able to hide Astrum from him?"
"We could do the same for the king too. Switch who is taking care of Astrum." Ignis says. Although Ignis thinks she's being a little paranoid. At first glance it's hard to tell who Astrum is related to. For all anyone can tell he's just a random baby.
"But wouldn't that be moving him around too much. What if he's taking a nap? Or it's time for him to eat, or he needs changing?" Prompto asks, looking at the advisor skeptically.
"Then while I'm doing my work I'll have him in a room like this one. And if he's napping like you say I'll call Gladio to take over for me."
"But wouldn't Gladio be working too. What if he's busy?" Prompto speculates. Ignis smiles, he's glad they are talking about this. Also it's interesting to see Prompto like this, taking the initiative, asking questions, wanting answers, making sure everything works out, especially the plan. Usually she's blushing, to shy to answer so she just nods and listens. But that's a mother, stepping up when needs be.
"Gladio has a little more flexibility when it comes to his work. He can drop what he's doing if it's important enough." Prompto nods.
"And you both really won't get into some sort of trouble?" Prompto raises one of her eyebrows as she look at the advisor drinking his tea.
"It's alright. As long I as do and finish my work I could be anywhere I want. And Gladio is to protect Noct, as long as Gladio checks in on Noct every so often and sees he's safe there is no problem. Also, he isn't not doing his job if he were to take care of Astrum, he's also a prince so he's being a shield." Ignis tells her.
The questions are mostly dropped, it felt like Prompto was interviewing him for a babysitting position. Hopefully he passed with flying colors. Seeing how Prompto relaxed on the couch and finished her drink he would like to believe that he did. When he finishes his tea he gathers both cups and take it to the kitchen to clean. He could hear Prompto playing with Astrum before it goes silent. He goes to the couch to see Astrum lying awake with a sleeping Prompto.
He knows the tea he gave her was suppose to help her relax and be calm but he didn't expect it to get her so relaxed and calm that she fell asleep. Astrum looks at Ignis with a toothless smiles, giggling out as he wave his arms around. Ignis pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose with a smiles back. "Well, why don't we let your mother rest while we do some work?" He suggest though he knew not to expect a proper answer. Instead Astrum kicked Prompto, who surprisingly didn't wake up, and almost squeal in delight as he threw his arms up and down. Ignis will take that as an answer. He seems more eager to do paperwork than any adult he's met.
Carefully Ignis picks Astrum up. He read the babysitting book, so he knew to support the head and neck then the butt. Ignis held him close, hoping he is carrying him right, he's only read how to hold a baby so he didn't know if he's actually holding him right. He thinks he is. Of course he's seen Prompto rest his head on her shoulder so he must not be as delicate as he initially thought. Astrum looks at Ignis curiously then turns his head, not able to see his mother but then looks back at Ignis with a smiles.
"Let's get to work." Ignis says causing Astrum to laugh for no apparent reason.
