Posting a day early! We have some proper Lunoct here to make up for the teaser in the previous chapter. It's a bit long... but I couldn't find a place to cut it without cutting out some of the Lunoct stuff. I hope you find this chapter enjoyable!
aqir:I hope you enjoy this update!
KingPlotBunny: Oh goodness the Dino quests annoyed me, mostly because of their premise. Blackmailing Noct? Seriously? I'm glad you enjoyed the way I subverted that questchain for the story :) We have a proper Lunoct reunion here I hope you enjoy it. And you'll just have to read and see where I take Ravus in this story!
Camelia opened a folder that was sitting in front of her, as well as several pens. She introduced everyone at the table, although it was hardly necessary. Everyone nodded to each other with sharp motions, everyone sitting tall, hands fisted tightly resting atop the table's surface. They exchanged forced pleasantries; each answering it went well when asked about their trip to Accordio from their respective countries. It was Ravus's impatience that finally forced the group to set to the task at hand. While the ceremony was not for another week, the betrothed royals were asked to review the marriage certificate, both agreeing that their respective names were spelled correctly. Per tradition the Tenebraean princess was to forego her family's name, and adapt that of the line of Lucis. Lunafreya Nox Caelum. She rolled the name through her mind, and found it difficult to force back the small smile creeping into her face, and the hardly discernable pink stain to Noctis's cheeks brought one to her own. The drafted agreement also stated that while she would bear the Lucian crest on the left breast of her royal garb, she was also to bear the banner of Nifleheim on her right sleeve. The rings the couple brought were surrendered to First Secretary, to be returned to them during the ceremony. Watching Ravus hand over the small box containing the braided silver ring she bore for Noctis weighed heavily on her heart as Gentiana's words began to resurface in her thoughts. They went through other details of the arrangement, including living arrangements. Lunafreya was to return to Tenebrae for six months of the year to heal her people, the documenting not specifying the Lucian Prince's role, leaving it open for him to decide year by year.
"Of course I'll come with you. It would probably make the people of Tenebrae happy to see the Oracle's husband taking interest in her people." He provided with a reassuring smile, drawing one from her. She felt her brother bristle beside her, and pushed on his foot with her own until she felt his posture release, an irritated sigh escaping his nose.
"I'd like that," she finally answered. He smiled wider at her answer, bringing a heat to her own cheeks. They continued to review details of the document before declaring they had gone over the various details.
Lunafreya watched as Ravus picked up the pen that was handed to him, Noctis mirroring his actions. Both men held the object with such tension the tendons in their hands were visible. They signed the document with more pressure than was necessary. Once they had both signed, the form was given back to Camelia who placed it inside a manilla folder which she passed off to the man standing behind her right shoulder, said man disappearing through a door several meters away. She declared the meeting completed, with both parties due to meet once more the night before the wedding, and again the morning of. Noctis nearly overturned his chair in his haste to stand, quickly walking in a near-jog to Lunafreya's side, extending a hand to help her stand.
"What do you say I treat you to lunch?" he asked her, "we can walk there. I feel a little stiff after sitting so long."
"That sounds lovely." She answered with a smile, squeezing the hand that was holding her own. Her smile dropped and she looked up as three unfamiliar faces approached her, and from the periphery of her vision could see Ravus and their soldier escorts walking up to her.
"Sister, we should return to the hotel." Ravus stated, standing tall beside her,
"I'm rather hungry and Noctis has invited me to lunch." She answered him. He looked about to rebuke, exhaling through his nose.
"Fine," he turned to the approaching soldiers who were standing to close for comfort. "She will be safe with the Lucian retinue." He insisted. He lacked the confidence of his words, but knew his sister would not want to be tailed by these men. "Will she not, Noctis Caelum" the vitriol in his tone caused his sister to turn her head sharply at him, furrowing her brow. He heard her sigh deeply, posture tensing beside him. He hand was still tightly clamped in the Prince's, knuckles flushed white from the tension in her grip.
"I'll keep her safe." Noctis answered back, squaring his shoulders, locking his aching knees to appear just a bit taller. The men stared at each other for several seconds before Ravus turned sharply, gesturing for the soldiers to follow him. She was grateful for her brother's gesture, knowing he entrusted her to the Prince's custody reluctantly. Once alone in the room she threw her arms around him once more, her desperate need for his contact had not been satisfied by their brief embrace earlier. Her eyes burned once more and she closed them tight, swallowing hard to keep the sob in her throat. She felt his arms wrap around her, this time wary of where he placed his hands, his limbs tense, fingers curling around the fabric of her dress once more. "Luna…" he whispered against her skin. "Gods I missed you."
"I missed you too." She answered him. He nuzzled her neck, sending a shiver through her, to which he responded by holding her tighter. She winced slightly, but gripped his jacket tighter so he wouldn't let go of her just yet. "We won't have to miss each other anymore." she remembered Gentiana's words again, wondering how to tell him. How could she break this joy that was enveloping them? How was she supposed to drop this burden on him. He came here for a wedding, not to face the Astrals. She felt him begin to release his embrace, and she settled back on her feet, her palms resting on his chest. He smiled at her for the barest moment before she felt the warmth of his hands on her cheeks, and closed her eyes when he leaned towards her. Their lips brushed in a simple kiss, the tension in their forms betraying how much they longed for so much more.
"Guess you couldn't wait for the wedding, huh buddy?" The couple broke their kiss, sporting matching crimson cheeks and ears. Lunafreya stepped back out of his embrace and dodged the eyes of the blond man who had made the off-color comment.
"This," Noctis sighed, "Is Prompto. The big guy over there is Gladiolus, but call him Gladio. Specs here is Ignis." She managed a smile at them, nodding her head slightly, Recalling their names. Noctis had mentioned them before in their notebook. His friend, his Shield, and his Hand and advisor.
"Pleasure to meet you."
"Honor to meet you Lady Lunafreya." Prompto stammered, bowing at her which caught her off-guard.
"Please don't" she asked. "And call me Luna. Prompto… you're the one who helped my dog Pyrna several years go." She recalled. "Lovely to finally meet you." She held out her hand, and he gripped it shaking it with a bit more energy than she expected.
"So Pyrna is her real name?" he asked, "I called her Tiny. How is she?"
"Quite well." She smiled at him, glad to have a common ground to try and connect to someone with.
"It's an honor to meet you Lady Lunafreya." The man introduced as Ignis approached next, his handshake far more gentle as she asked again to simply be called Luna. The larger man approached her, and she flinched slightly when he reached his hand out to her, his grip on her hand tight as he greeted her. Much to her relief he didn't seem to notice her flinch, though she saw Noctis tense beside her.
"Noct's a lucky a guy!" he laughed, and she seized up when he reached to pat her shoulder. "Whoa, didn't mean to scare you little lady. Though these guns here could scare a behemoth!" he boasted, flexing his bicep. She managed a light smile at his comment.
"It's nice to finally meet you all. Noct has told me much about you."
"I think Noct mentioned lunch, I'm starved!" Prompto declared, and Lunafreya grasped at the chance to leave into the city.
"I haven't eaten since leaving Tenebrae. Lunch sounds like a great idea." She echoed his sentiment; the rest of the retinue voiced their agreement. The three men walked ahead, Noctis lagging behind to grasp her hand, guiding her forward with a gently tug.
"I know Gladio looks like a garula, but he's harmless I promise," he smiled at her. "He's my sworn Shield. Which means he'll be your sworn Shield while you're here he'd protect you with his life." She tried to settle and trust in Noctis, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
"Just startled me a little." She offered. "Are we going anywhere in particular?"
"Well seafood is your favorite, and I can never get enough fish, and I hear the bass in Altissia are the best around." She smiled up at him and began to feel genuinely relaxed.
"Speaking of fish. Have you had the chance to go fishing yet?"
"Not yet. Been pretty busy since we got here. I was hoping to go tonight, and that you'd come with me?" he asked.
"I'd love to, though we best at least stop at the hotel to inform Ravus. Last thing I want is for him to expect me back after lunch then come looking for me when I don't immediately return." She felt the grip on her hand tighten, and she could see Noctis clench his jaw for a moment, which brought a furrow to her brow. "I know you don't like my brother-"
"I don't like people controlling you like that. So what if you go out for lunch then stay out late to go fishing with me. Why do you need your brother's permission to do that? Or anyone's permission?" she knew the question wasn't directed at her, and let the subject drop. "Soon though… you can do whatever you want." He tried to grasp at something more hopeful, but was surprised at how she averted her gaze when he brought it up. "You know I won't order you around like the Nifs…"
"I know you won't Noct." She forced a smile. "When I'm with you… it's the most free I ever feel." She didn't intend to make him think she was questioning him, and felt her stomach knot up. "Perhaps you can steal into my room tonight?" she whispered. "I always feel safest the nights you're with me." This earned her a smile, which she returned, her heart beginning to flutter at the look he was giving her.
"The Princess feels safer when the tall dark handsome Prince breaks into her room at night."
"Will he rescue his Princess with true love's kiss?" she asked,
"She'll have to wait and see." He answered back, and she gave him a half-hearted glare.
"Teasing now are we? You think I can wait that long?" she inquired
"It'll be worth the wait." The gaze he gave her left her face hot, and she gripped his hand tighter,
"It better be."
"You two planning on joining the rest of us, or what?" Gladiolus shouted as the royal pair had fallen behind the rest of their retinue. They jogged lightly to catch up, apologizing, sporting matching blushes. As they walked to the seafood restaurant Noctis told Lunafreya about the reporter who attempted to blackmail him, and how poorly that went for said man. She laughed at the thought of someone being so bold, and asked if there were any other incidents during their trip.
"Not really." Noctis shrugged, and Gladiolus grunted his disapproval,
"Did you forget about the sabertusks?" he asked,
"What sabertusks?" Lunafreya asked, looking up at Noctis who was dodging her gaze to glare at his Shield.
"Oh man Gladio… why'd you bring that one up?" Prompto asked.
"Sorry, what'd you say Prom? Can't hear you, I'm a little deaf in one ear." Noctis teased, twirling his pinky in his ear.
"These three failures got their butts kicked by a pack of sabertusks." Gladiolus answered Lunafreya's previous question, all three of his friend shouting their protests that all four of them failed. The young woman smiled at the banter as they told her about their failed first quest, and the subsequent torture the Shield put the through as punishment. They arrived at the restaurant and were seated at a round corner table that was large enough for the group of five, the royal retinue appreciative of the relative privacy of the corner. Drink orders were taken, Lunafreya and Ignis requesting tea, Gladiolus beer, the other two enjoying a sugar-laden soda.
"So Luna, how big did… Pyrna? End up being?" Prompto asked, trying to lure the quiet woman into conversation. She had been quietly observing the banter of the friends.
"Oh. Not very large. 10 kilograms or so." She answered. "Her leg recovered quite well too, you would never know she was hurt. Thank you again for taking such good care of her."
"She here in Altissia with you, or did you leave her behind in Tenebrae?"
"She's at the hotel." Prompto's excited smile was infectious, and she felt some of the tension in her shoulders relax. "When we go back you should say hello to her."
"I'd love that!"
"You guys never told me you knew each other." Noctis cut in curiously, smiling at her so she he wouldn't imply jealous. He had intended to ask earlier when Pyrna was first mentioned, but the conversation had changed so rapidly he forgot. It was Prompto who answered his inquiry, regaling the story of finding the injured puppy and how he nursed her back to health and the letter of thanks he eventually received.
"I'm glad you two are still such good friends." She added once he finished his story.
"Oh… we weren't friends yet back then. But your letter encouraged me to try." He fell back into the role of storyteller, regaling Luna with his determination to lose weight so he could feel confident enough to try and befriend Noctis, the Prince insisting that he would have been friends with him regardless of his weight if he had just talked to him.
"You talked to me like a person instead of The Prince." He commented. "That's all I really needed."
"And you repay Noct's friendship by blowing his eardrum." Gladiolus tisked, shaking his head as he swigged back the beer he had ordered.
"Oh come on didn't you make me pay enough for that yet?"
"Nope" Noctis and Gladiolus answered together.
"I'm never living that down…"
"Never." Gladiolus grinned. Lunafreya smiled at how the amicable teasing, happy that Noctis had such comradery. But she couldn't help the small twinge of jealousy she felt.
"Excited for the wedding?" Prompto asked, turning back to the Oracle, trying to get the subject off of him. She flushed at the question, and tried not to flinch. She hesitated for moment, wondering if Noctis's friends knew how close they were. "Or nervous?" his addition to the question provided her with a cop-out, and she grasped at it.
"Bit of both." She answered in earnest. She avoided his gaze hoping in vain no one would see how hot her cheeks were growing.
"I can't tell who looks more like a Lucian tomato!" Gladiolus chuckled, "Guess Noct is a little worried about night after" Noctis suddenly began coughing on the soda he was chugging, his counterpart dodging everyone's gaze as her eyes fixed on her tea, thumbs running long the rim.
"Gladio! Impolite to discuss such matters." Ignis chided, "I apologize for our boorish friend Lady Lunafreya." The continued, noting how uncomfortable she looked. "Pay him no mind. Feel free to slap him if need be."
"Trust me, take him up on that offer." Noctis responded, reaching across the table to swing at Gladiolus, the man leaning back sharply to dodge the blow.
"How's your father?" Lunafreya asked, trying to change subjects. He sat back from his attempts to box his friend's ears and took a sip of his soda before answering.
"Umm he's okay." He answered, and she winced at his tone, not having intended to bring up any sore subjects. He had so rarely talked about his father in their notebook. "You should have seen the look on his face when I agreed to the wedding." He smiled.
"Yeah lover boy here wouldn't stop smiling for a week!" Prompto laughed; glad to see his comment earned a genuine smile from her. Noctis was blushing even harder than she was, and busying himself drinking his soda so he could pretend he wasn't nearly as embarrassed as he was. He was grateful at that moment for the waitress appeared to take their food orders, giving him a brief reprieve as they all ordered some seafood.
"You were really smiling that much after your father told you about the betrothal?" Lunafreya inquired, cheeks heating up.
"I told you I was in the notebook." He answered her, reaching for her hand under the table to give it a light squeeze, smiling when she returned the gesture.
"I think I'm developing diabetes" Gladiolus complained, turning to Ignis. "You're prepared for everything, you have any insulin on you? I think I'm going into… shock…" he rolled his head back, lolling out his tongue, only righting himself again when he felt Ignis lightly tap his this with a sideways fist,
"Ten units should fix you." He mocked, thumbing an invisible syringe.
"Assholes." Noctis's sudden curse had Prompto and Lunafreya laughing again, the latter smiling at seeing Noctis looking so within his element. It made her happy to know that he had people he could lean on back in Insomnia. Noctis fished an ice cube from his soda, throwing it at Gladiolus, who dodged it at the last moment.
"I just came out of a diabetic coma and you're throwing a sugar-coated ice cube at me? Iggy I think our Prince is trying to kill his Shield. Is this how you fire people?" he asked, feigning offense, giving him a rude hand gesture that Noctis returned, making the rest of the table laugh. Noctis looked at Lunafreya, relieved to see her tension finally begin to ease, but couldn't help but notice the way she was clutching her side as she struggled to reign in her laughter.
"You alright?" he asked, though he didn't expect her to give him a straight answer. She simply smiled and nodded at him. He made a mental note to probe her again later.
"You know, for someone recovering from a diabetic coma I doubt beer is the healthiest choice." Noctis commented when Gladiolus had reordered a beer at the reappearance of their waitress.
"No more saccharine sweetness just oozing off the two of you over there. Seriously. Making me nauseus." Gladiolus quipped back. Conversation shifted to more casual topics. Prompto inquired more about Pyrna, and Ignis probed about Lunafreya's favorite teas. Noctis smiled, glad to see her relaxing and opening up to someone other than himself; hoping his friends would eventually get to know more about her. The food was everything they could have hoped for, and it was no mystery why Altissia was known for its seafood. After their meal was completed the party departed the restaurant and made their way to the hotel as Lunafreya had requested, so she could inform her brother of her intention to go fishing with Noctis.
Lunafreya argued with her brother for nearly ten minutes, and she was exhausted by the time she rejoined Noctis. She wished she could enjoy some time with her brother that didn't involve an argument. Ravus eventually caved in, knowing he was fighting a losing battle. He ordered the soldiers to stand down, begrudgingly trusting in the Lucian Prince to keep her safe; but he couldn't resist threatening to show Noctis how good a prosthetic made by the empire could be. He appeared equally frustrated, explaining that he had argued with his Shield nearly as long to convince him to allow him a little private time with her. She flushed at the thought he too desired a little alone time. She took his outstretched hand, gripping it tight as he gently tugged her towards the end of the hall where the elevators were. The doors closed, and Noctis couldn't hold himself back anymore, pulling her flush against him and bringing his lips down to meet hers.
She let out a surprised yelp, wincing as his arms enveloped her, causing him to release her and pull back from the kiss far too soon, leaving her aching for more but the ding of the elevator reaching the lobby caused them to step away from each other. She mouthed the words not here at the questioning look he was giving her, and forced a smile as she tugged on his hand and they left the hotel.
"Is your room as nice as mine is?" she asked him, and he shrugged.
"I didn't see your room, but I'm going to assume so. They making you share a room with your brother or do you have a nice large bed all to yourself?" he inquired, and she smiled a little at the subtext to his words.
"They figured I would need some alone time to wear off my pre-wedding jitters." She answered, smiling at the way he squeezed her hand. Her smile faded when she saw how tight he held his shoulders, the way he pursed his lips.
"Noct?"
"They hurt you again." He answered her, and she flinched at his words. He had pulled her off towards the railing overlooking the water, allotting them a small bit of privacy. He stood across from her, hands clasped within his own. He wanted to pull her into his arms, feel her warmth against him; to let out six months of denied affection. But the damned Nifs had to steal this one last thing from them before their union; had to deny her this small bit of affection while they could. A final fuck you. He thought bitterly.
"Ravus gave me some medicine to help." She answered, knowing denying it was useless. She allowed herself to feel bitter for a moment. He wanted to promise her to keep her safe, free from fear, free from pain. But he didn't know how to reassure her without it sounding like empty platitudes. He reached for her carefully, wrapping his arms around her shoulders tugging lightly, allowing her to set the pace and strength of their embrace. He buried his face into her hair, his sigh sending a shiver through her as it tickled the skin on her neck, her arms wrapped around him and gripped the back of his shirt.
"I'm here to help too now." He finally said. She drew back, placing her hands on his shoulders, reflecting his sad fragile smile.
"I know you are." He reached up and squeezed her hands, and began to guide her further down the road.
"I found a nice fishing spot." He explained as they walked. "It's nice and secluded too, I didn't really see a lot of people walking around it, so no one to scare the fish." She smiled at the excitement in his tone, happy to join in him in a hobby that brought him such joy. She always quite enjoyed sitting on the end of a dock with him, feet dangling in the water. Frequently she had a book with her. They would sometimes talk, other times be content to simply be in each other's presence while she read and he fished. They reached the aforementioned area, and it was indeed quite secluded. It was quieter than the surrounding streets, no street performers were nearby and most of the people were talking down the busier streets. There was no destination in this area behind several buildings other than a nice spot to fish from. Even the gondolas didn't cruise through these waters. She sat at the end of the dock, removing her shoes and placing them behind her so she could dip her feet in the cool water, and felt Noctis sit beside her. Once he cast his line she leaned against him, letting out a sigh of contentment.
"You'll have to show me your favorite fishing spots in Lucis."
"You don't like fishing with me that much," he answered her.
"I can still like seeing new places and just sitting with you." She answered. He turned to her, sporting a matching smile. He reeled in his line and placed it beside him, slipping an arm around her shoulders and tugging her towards him slightly. "Didn't you come here to fish?" she asked, and she felt the shoulder she leaned on shrug,
"There's no rush." He answered her. He reached over with his free hand, tilting her chin up and met her lips in a careful kiss.
"Really can't wait for the wedding, can ya?" A deep voice asked. Lunafreya jerked back from Noctis so suddenly he gripped her shoulders to keep her from falling off the dock. He felt her tremble beneath his palms as he jerked his head towards the source of the voice.
"Gladio?!" He asked, incredulous. His friend laughed, but Noctis jumped to his feet and stormed at his Shield gripping the front of his jacket with both fists, mustering every ounce of willpower he contained not to bury his fist into the man's jaw.
"What the hell is wrong with you?! You promised to let us be alone!" He shouted, shoving the man as hard as he could, nearly knocking himself back with the effort.
"Whoa, calm down Noct,"
"I will not calm down!" he snapped.
"I'm your Shield! I can't just let you run off, you're the godsdamned Prince of Insomnia!" Gladiolus bellowed back, fists balled as he reached for the front of Noctis's own jacket, jerking him closer. "I'm supposed to just let you run off?!"
"After you promise me? Yes!"
"Look man, sorry I saw you face-sucking with-"
"Shut up! This isn't just about being embarrassed being caught kissing! I haven't seen her in six months, we just wanted some alone time without someone breathing down our necks!" He thought about the way she flinched when reached for, the slight gasp when he tried to hug her. The way the empire tried to steal the happiness of their reunion from them. To think his own Shield would do the same. "You get back to that hotel before I break your fucking nose!"
"You really think you can take me on skinny?"
"You really think I'm joking around right now?! Get the hell out of my face!"
"Noct, please." A careful voice broke into the argument, and he turned to see a pale-faced Lunafreya standing just out of arm's reach.
"No. It's not fair…" he argued, but shoved Gladiolus's arms away again. He opened his mouth to argue further and clamped it shut again. "Fine. Let's go back to the hotel. Should have known a moment alone was a pipe dream." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to force himself to calm down. He relaxed his balled fists, fingertips tingling as they relaxed. His palms felt itchy and he bit his tongue to gain better control over his tone. "I won't be far behind. Just head back." He ordered Gladiolus, and was surprised to see the man hesitate for only a moment before he began to walk in the direction of the main road. "I'm sorry Luna… I just… I just wanted to give you a moment without someone watching you or…" his eyes flickered to her side.
"Noct… you can't change what the Empire has done."
"But that doesn't mean my own friends have to…" he forced himself to stop, taking another deep breath before looking up to meet her gaze. All I want is to see you happy. He took a step closer to her, reaching carefully with a hand to cup her cheek, and felt her lift a hand to brush her fingers against his. She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch, and they tried to enjoy this solitary moment. He tilted his head, brushing her lips with his for a quick kiss, pulling back only reluctantly with the concern Gladiolus would come back to wonder why they weren't following him. "I promise… I'll make it up to you."
"I'll hold you to that." They managed to exchange fragile smiles and walked hand-in-hand to the road following Gladiolus.
The betrothed royals parted reluctantly and head to their separate rooms, Noctis promising to see her soon enough. She returned the gesture by leaning against his shoulder and whispering her room number into his ear. Noctis and Gladiolus had gotten off the elevator at their designated floor; Lunafreya's rented room the floor above. The Prince followed his Shield and once in the room his voice broke out at nearly the same moment he heard the click of the door shutting.
"Why did you do that Gladio?" Prompto and Ignis were startled at the sudden noise, turning towards Noctis not used to seeing him so angry.
"I'm your Shield it's my job to protect you! I can't just let the Prince of Insomnia run off so he can make kissy-faces at a pretty Princess!"
"That's what you think this was about?!" Noctis admonished, shaking his head and gesturing with his palms. "You think I'm mad because you interrupted a kiss? For the sake of the Six man open your damn eyes!" he resisted the urge to punch the wall to his left, eyes locked firmly with Gladiolus, refusing to be the first one to break eye contact. "Luna has been alone with the empire for twelve years. Every damn day of her life is dictated for her. She's told what to wear, where to go, what to do. Even when she goes out to heal people they tell her what towns, for how long. I finally wanted to give her a moment of privacy, let her make a choice for once!" it took every ounce of self control he could muster to control the volume of his voice, the effort leaving his throat feeling like he swallowed a pool ball. "You agreed to it, then secretly followed us? You don't think she's spied on enough?"
"I'm supposed to protect you!" Gladiolus shouted back, less concerned about being overheard. "You never would have let me follow you if I just insisted!"
"You just assumed being secretly followed was better? Then make some shitty-ass comment to reveal yourself? You have any idea how bad you scared her?!"
"You told us you were going out to grab yourself another beer." Ignis interrupted their fight, growing tense at the shouting.
"You would have stopped me!" Gladiolus bellowed, "all of you are acting like doing my job was a bad thing!"
"The way you did it was most untoward Gladio." Ignis managed to squeeze in after a series of angry curses from his Prince. "Noct please, go sit and grab yourself a soda from the refrigerator before you break a blood vessel. The Prince looked about to object, but his advisor held up his hand. It was only the fact the man jumped to his defense earlier that prevented him from continuing his angry tirade. "Gladio… the Lady Lunafreya has been treated quite poorly by the empire for many years. Noctis was merely trying to show her a pleasant evening out. Your sneaking to follow them, then apparently interrupting a moment of affection, could only have reminded her of the empire. Think man." He explained.
"Oh come on, like you wouldn't make some cheeky comment if you had to watch these two making out-"
"Damnit Gladio I haven't seen her in six months!" Noctis snapped, his can of soda overflowing as he squeezed the metal in his fist, and began cursing again at the mess he made. "I'm not entitled to a moment with her after all this time? She's not entitled to a shred of friendly human contact in six fucking months?! Even her brother is an ass!"
"Well you-"
"Stop this Gladiolus!" Ignis shouted, and the resulting silence in the room hung in the air for several long moments, three wide pairs of eyes staring the man down. "They're entitled to a little alone time. She's been getting abused by the empire for over a decade." Ignis explained. The Shield turned to Noctis,
"You didn't find it necessary to share that with me?"
"Look how you handled me showing her a little attention! How would you have reacted to that?!"
"If it was that bad why didn't you do something about it?" he ground out, pointing a finger at him. The Prince winced, soda splashing in the small kitchen as threw the can into the sink, the object bounced and hissed in protest to its assault.
"Don't you think I wanted to?! Don't you think I tried?!" his breathing was quick, his fingers were curled and tense, "The one time I tried you want to know what happened? I went up to the soldier who hit her, who beat her, and punched the guy. I expected him to kick my ass. But you know what he did? He hit her. He stormed straight past me, throwing me aside like I was nothing, and beat her so badly I had to carry her back to her room! If I tried anything she would be the one who paid for it!" tears burned his eyes, his throat ached, and his stomach threatened to evacuate. Pain surged in his head and he walked towards the door, roughly shaking away the hand Gladiolus tried to place on his shoulder. "I swear to the Six Gladio better not follow me this time!" he opened the door, slamming it behind him.
He walked down the hall, thumbing the elevator call button repeatedly until it answered its summons. He got on and tried to think about the fact he finally would have the power to keep their hands off her. That he wouldn't have to wait six months just to see her again. He tried to cling to these ideas but found that his thoughts were lost in the guilty memory he shouted at his Shield. The pain felt almost as fresh as it did that day. He swallowed back bile as he exited the elevator and was relieved to find the hallway was empty. He took several seconds to soothe his breathing and carefully walked down the hall, trying not to make any noise as he looked for the door bearing the number 412. He found it and hoped liked hell he was remembering correctly as he phased through the door. Lunafreya flinched in her seat and stood quickly as he entered but relaxed her tense posture and let out a breath. He felt a moment of guilt at startling her, giving her an apologetic smile.
"Sorry, I was afraid knocking would draw attention." He offered.
"You just startled me a bit… I don't think I'll ever get used to you sneaking into my room like that." She answered him. He had learned the ability two years prior, and they took full advantage of it to steal some true alone time. After a few seconds she noticed his eyes were red, and he was fidgeting. "Noct?" He approached her quickly, drawing her into an embrace with a palm on her lower back, the other high on her shoulders, fingers gripping the fabric of her dress.
"I should have rescued you from the empire years ago. I should have figured something out… I should have-" She drew back from his embrace just far enough to place her index finger over his lips and gave him a sad smile, shaking her head at him.
"I know you would have done so were it possible. We both know stealing me away from the Empire was impossible. But I don't wish to talk about them right now." She tilted her head to kiss his reply silent. She felt some of the tension in him release, his fingers releasing the fabric of her dress so one hand could cup her cheek, sliding down to touch her neck, this thumb brushing her skin with a touch so light it tickled slightly, causing her to smile into the kiss.
"I'm sorry Gladio-"
"Let's not talk about him either" she silenced him again with a kiss, one hand sliding up the back of his neck to slide through his unruly hair, enjoying the feel of it sliding through her fingers as she gripped it lightly, causing him to moan slightly against her lips. He pulled her closer to him, and she felt the fire in her ribs return and she winced. She felt him begin to loosen his embrace and she tightened her own, trying to tell him he better not take his arms off of her. He kept his hands where they were, but broke the kiss.
"Are you-"
"I'm alright," she answered with a fragile smile. She gasped when he tilted his head to bring his lips down to her neck, starting off with hardly a brush of his lips, her sigh encouraging him to bring his tongue to taste her, gentle nips at her skin causing her breath to hitch. She tilted her head to give him better access, closing her eyes as she languished in the feel. She wound one arm to grip his jacket to hold herself upright, the other continued to fuss with his hair. His breath tickled her skin as his teeth and tongue found that spot just below her earlobe that always made her lose her senses. She whispered his name, and the palm against her lower back pulled her closer to him. His hand left her neck, the other sliding carefully up her back so he could fumble with the clip at the top of her dress, and a shiver coursed through her.
"Mmm… cold? I should do something about that." He mumbled against her skin. She giggled at his words and sighed when he pulled the zipper of her dress down, allowing his other hand to trace the line of her spine, the feel of his hand against her skin driving her mind to impure places. "The bed should be warmer than standing in a drafty room."
"Hmm…" she hummed, trying to think of a response to his flirtatious words. "It is quite cold here…" He slowly slid his hands back up her back, her words trailing off into a quiet moan. His thumbs brushed against the skin of her neck as his fingers curled around the shoulders of her garment, sliding it off of her. His fingers trailed her skin as he guided it off of her. Her fingers released his hair, and began to push his jacket off him, his hands parting with her reluctantly so he could shrug it off. He wanted to admire her pale skin now free of her restrictive clothing, his fingers having found no bra beneath the garment, but she was busy pulling at the hem of his shirt, and he pulled it off in one swift motion. Free of his shirt he lifted her in his arms, and felt her tense as her side rested against him, she saw his brow furrow and a frown wipe away his smile,
"Just focus on this," she whispered, brushing her fingers against his cheek,
"But you're-"
"That doesn't matter" she cut him off. "Now I am a bit cold… you were going to do something about that?" she inquired, grasping at his earlier flirting and hoping it didn't make her sound foolish. He walked her over to the bed and laid her down on it carefully, not wanting to see her flinch again. Once she was laid out before him he moved to climb over her, but stopped when he saw the deep purple-blue mark on her ribs, rimmed with a fading green tone.
"Luna… by the Six I knew you were sore but-"
"Noct please… don't focus on that. I'm alright." She tried to assure him. He closed his eyes tight, lines forming in his brow.
Memories of chasing down a soldier after he saw bruises in the shape of fingerprints on Luna's shoulder flooded his mind. He tried to force the thoughts away, to listen to her words and focus on their reunion and not on the things he couldn't change. All these years I couldn't protect her. Will I be able to protect her now? He questioned himself. "Noct." She whispered again, hands reaching up to cup his cheeks. His eyes opened and she followed the light tug of her hands, forcing his eyes to meet hers. "Don't focus on what you can't change."
"I'm supposed to be the one comforting you." He admitted a little sadly.
"Then comfort me" He hesitated for a moment, and she feared he was going to voice further concerns but instead he leaned over her to bring his lips to hers once more, his hands finding her skin in the ghost of a touch. He was careful not to lean his weight on her, and the tentative brush of his fingers shifted into a desperate search for skin, his hands seeking to know every inch of her, to make up for six months of longing. He mumbled more words of devotion against her neck, the feel of his breath tickling her skin causing her to dig her nails into his back. One hand toyed with her earlobe before ghosting down her neck, tracing the line of her collar bone. His hand slid lower, his fingertips grazing the curve of her breast before cupping it lightly, his thumb brushing lightly over her nipple. He bit down on her neck, his tongue easing the pleasant discomfort. Her sighs grew more desperate, one of her hands tangling in his hair, raking her nails down his back with the other. She sighed again, letting her eyes roll back as his hands drifted from her chest and down her stomach, and she giggled lightly as he tickled the sensitive skin near her hips.
"Ticklish?" he teased, though he knew damn well she was and continued his light touches.
"Noct!" she managed say between giggles, letting go of his hair to push his hand away. He laughed, pulling away just enough to see the smile on her face, bringing one to his own, easing his prior aching at the sight of her. Figuring he had tortured her sensitive skin enough he brought his hand to her inner thigh, his thumbs teasing her for several agonizing moments before answering her breathy whines with the touch she craved, fingers sliding beneath the edge of her undergarments
"Hmm… has the Princess been thinking naughty thoughts of her Prince?" he whispered against her ear as he felt his effects on her, and she answered by reaching for him, hands stroking him through his pants,
"I could ask the same." She wasn't sure where her bold answer came from, but his groan told her he seemed to like it. She fumbled with his belt, and he pulled away from her, getting up from the bed to remove his pants and boxers, Lunafreya responding in kind by removing the last article of her clothing. He climbed back into the bed, hovering over her for a moment to admire her. He forced himself not to focus on the pain she must be in every time he saw the cacophony of color on her side, and rather admire the way she was looking at him. Her eyes wide, mouth parted as her chest heaved with each breath, her lips eventually coming together to whisper his name, a hand reaching to his cheek, sliding past his ear to tangle in his hair and pull him down to her for a heated kiss.
His hand wandered again, glad for the loss of their final cloth barriers. Lunafreya gasped at the intimacy of his touch, and was in awe of how six months had not made him forget the things that drove her from her senses. Curled fingers, a thumb moving in small rapid circles. It nearly drove her mad with pleasure, and felt her cheeks flush as she bucked her hips beneath him, hands reaching for his waist to pull him flush against her, his arm pinned between them, arching her neck so she could bring her lips to his neck, smiling against his skin when he moaned. Another roll of her hips and he couldn't bear the tension any longer. He had wanted to draw it out, to drive her to the edge at least once before joining her, but six damned months of fantasizing and longing, of missing her to the ends of Eos and back, and his senses left him. He removed his hand from her, grasping himself to guide into her, his moan drowning out her shuddered sigh. She arched and writhed beneath him as he found the patterns he knew would drive her crazy.
Lunafreya was a quiet partner, and he had to rely on the shifting pattern of her breathing, on the ways she moved beneath him, to tell him the things she liked. He restrained his own voice, wanting to hear her, wishing she would let go of whatever barriers were making her temper herself. He wanted to hear her cave to desire, make his ears ring with her divine voice. He whispered her name, and she responded in kind. He felt her reach her climax, and he hardly had the sense to withdraw from her for his own, having completely forgotten the concept of protection in the heated race for intimacy. Spent and sated Noctis rolled from her onto his back after helping her with aftercare, welcoming her into his arms as she climbed up next to him. Both were panting, foreheads shining with beats of sweat.
"I don't want you to leave." She whispered after enjoying their afterglow in silence. "Stay tonight?" she asked, her voice quivered betraying how vulnerable she felt. She didn't want to spend another night lying in bed alone, daydreaming of a pair of warm arms around her, of a familiar voice talking with her until she drifted off to sleep. She knew the request was dangerous. Her door was locked, but Ravus was an impatient man, and she tried to run scenarios in her head how to hide Noctis, or spirit him from her room should he knock early in the morning to summon her.
"There's nowhere else I want to be…" he answered her, tightening his embrace around her.
"I hope no one heard us." She admitted, allowing her fears to surface. She feared what the soldiers would be brazen enough to do should she lose her image as the demure and holy Oracle. Is that why she's so quiet in bed with me? Noctis pondered, though he didn't want to shame her while she was so fragile, allowing him this glimpse into her darker fears.
"I think if anyone did your brother would have already torn your door off its hinges and beat me with it," he joked, relieved to hear her chuckle. He hadn't realized just how tense she was until her limbs relaxed, and she fit better in his embrace. His right arm that she was leaning on was already beginning to grow numb, and he shifted uncomfortably in the bed. "The bigger question is how do we order enough food for two people without being obvious?" She let out an amused exhale through her nose,
"Hungry already?"
"No, just thinking about later."
"Then we'll think about it later… right now, I'd like a little sleep." She answered him. She wasn't excessively tired, but had no desire to part from him just yet and sleep seemed like a perfect excuse.
"I wouldn't argue with a nap."
"You never do." Lunafreya chuckled. The numbness in his arm was beginning to get to him and he shifted on his side, lightly pushing on her shoulder to get her to do the same. Noctis reached towards the foot of the bed for the blankets and pulled them up over them. Once on his side again she shimmied backwards so her back was flush against his chest, smiling with a quiet hum as he wound an arm around her to keep her close, blankets pulled snug around them.
"I love you."
"And I love you."
