Grilled Wild Barramundi

Based on the recipeh, which is Noctis' favorite dish.

Lightning sat at edge of Neeglyss Pond, patiently waiting for her desired fish to bite. Muffling an unexpected yawn with her palm, she gazed at the early sun's reflection upon the waters.

After a few minutes, she twisted her neck and glanced at the unmoving Coleman tent. There was no doubt that the boys were still asleep. Although, she expected Ignis to be up soon. The two had come to an unspoken agreement, in which the earliest riser will be in charge of breakfast.

Returning her attention to the pond, she reeled in the bait to entice the fish. As she waited once more, her mind drifted off as to why she decided to fish at dawn.

Navyth was an interesting man. An adventurous fisherman who liked to challenge himself by catching unique and rare fish. As Noctis engaged in conversation with the man, she could tell the Prince was intrigued and happy to have met someone who enjoyed fishing as he did.

You're… into fishing? Noctis had asked, the tone in his voice suddenly became upbeat.

Indeed I am, Navyth replied with interest. You, too?

Yeah, I fish whenever I can, the Prince eagerly responded.

After receiving a challenge of catching a specific fish, Noctis eagerly grabbed his gear. Let's fish.

Like a kid in a toy shop, Gladiolus teased.

He had caught a Crag Barramundi, but gave it to Navyth as proof for completing his challenge. She could see that Noctis had the slightest reluctance to hand it over. So, she decided herself to catch one for him and make breakfast.

Lightning felt several quick tugs on the rod and immediately began to reel. The Barramundi began to tug back. Feeling tension on the spool, she allowed it to go lax until it stopped and began to reel again. After a few minutes of tugging and reeling, she was pleasantly surprised to have caught a rather large Barramundi.

As she prepared the grill and cleaned her catch, Lightning recalled the time where Noctis taught her how to fish.

It was by a pond at Insomnia Central Park. Noctis wanted to kill some time after school so he had Ignis bring his gear when he picked them up.

Have you fished before? A 16-year old Noctis asked while removing the jacket of his uniform.

No, Lightning responded with a shake of her head. She took his jacket, folding and placing it on the nearby bench. Patting her skirt, she sat down on the space next to it.

It's fun. I'll teach you, he replied, fiddling with his little box of lures. Now, let's see. I've been wanting to catch a Lucian Carp. But for some reason, they don't wanna bite.

While Noctis was looking for the right lure, Lightning reached into her bag to retrieve her book and read today's assigned material. Maybe they're picky with their lure… Just like you are with your food.

Hey! Can't blame me for wanting meat. I'm a growing boy. The Prince grumbled as he rolled up the sleeves of his white button down and loosened his tie. Vegetables are the enemy.

Hn. She gave a soft scoff and turned the page of her book. It's no wonder I always kick your ass.

That may be true, but I doubt the Glaive includes fishing in your training. Noctis pointed his rod at her, like he would with a sword. So I'm confident I can kick your ass at this area regarding skills.

Are you challenging me?

You can say that.

Needless to say, the Prince was the better fisherman which left the Glaive in a slightly sour mood. He showed her the ropes, as to when to reel in and stop and to what kind of lures to use. Lightning listened attentively and managed to catch her first fish, in which Noctis was very pleased.

She would always remember that soft smile on his face. The way the setting sun shined behind him like a halo, the rare smile, and the rare moment where he was able to relax and forget, at least for an afternoon, his duties as Prince.

As she placed the cleaned and cut fish on the grill, a delicious scent wafted in the air and the sizzling sound was satisfying to the ear. With intuition that the bottom side was cooked, she flipped the Barramundi. After a few moments, she heard the tent unzip and turned around.

To her surprise, Noctis was the first to wake. Eyes still shut, t-shirt wrinkled, and hair as messy as a chocobo's, he stumbled his way to where she was.

"Hey," Lightning greeted, amused. "You're up early."

Yawning and ruffling his bed hair, he perched himself on a boulder and cracked open his sleepy eyes, "I smelled fish."

"At least now I know how to get you up," she chuckled. Giving the fish another flip, she settled it on a plate with some cherry tomatoes and greens. "Grilled Wild Barramundi. Eat up."

The Prince took the plate with thanks. With a forkful of the grilled meat, he popped it into his mouth. In an instant, the fish melted on his tongue and a hint of smokiness permeated his palate.

Lightning watched as his eyes lightened up, now fully awake.

"This is amazing, Light," Noctis praised as he took another large forkful. "It's perfect."

The Glaive felt a small rush of heat to her cheeks. She turned around and began to cook another set for the rest of the boys. "Thanks… and don't talk with your mouth full."

AN: Thanks for supporting my drabble(s)~ I have more ideas to come~