Title: Not a fairytale
Genre: Hurt/comfort
Summary: Lunafreya tries to come to terms with her and Noctis' changing relationship.
Chapter 2
Sunlight peeked through the curtains. Luna's eyes fluttered open. She glanced at the grandfather clock. 5:30 am. A little too early, but she knew she wouldn't be able to fall back asleep. She was fairly certain she had shut the curtains the night before, so how come had she been roused from her slumber prematurely? Irritated, she shielded her eyes and turned towards the disturbing light.
The curtains had been pushed aside as if someone had been to the balcony. Groggily she sat up and nearly jumped off her skin when a sleepy mutter protested. Her head whipped around to eye at the dark mop of hair peeking from under the covers.
Who…?
Slowly the events from the day before returned to her still stirring mind.
Noctis. The wedding. The feast.
She closed her eyes and rubbed her temple. A migraine was already building up behind her eyes. Hesitantly she opened her eyes and studied her husband. His face was mere inches from where her pillow lay. She noticed he was loosely holding something small in his hand. Curious, she leaned closer.
Blood drained from her already pale face.
A condom! Of all the things-!
Mortified, she turned away. She knew he had attempted to make some sort of advances on her the previous night, but she had been beyond exhausted and had just wanted to turn in and take what little sleep she could before duty called. Was he really that eager to bed her? She wasn't sure what to feel. On one hand she was flattered, but on the other he was still young and inexperienced. He was probably just eager to shed his virginal status and brag about it to his friends.
Sudden movement returned her attention to the Lucian prince. His arms had wrapped around her pillow and his nose was buried deep in it. He was inhaling her scent greedily in his sleep. It was almost endearing. Silently she moved to the edge of the bed.
She must be jumping into conclusions. This was Noctis, the sweet, kind and caring boy she had exchanged letters with. Not some horny teenager eager to enlarge his fragile ego with sexual conquests. Perhaps his friends had pressured him with tales of passionate wedding nights. Or maybe the Imperial ambassador had filled his naïve head with garbage about siring an heir the moment they were alone. Would be like him to try get back at her through her husband for that one time when she had refused his 'affections' after a political meeting. A shudder ran through her body at the unpleasant memory. That man had always played the long game. If she were to become pregnant, she wouldn't be able to participate in politics as much as she needed to. But if that were the case Noctis wouldn't have bothered with birth control.
She shook her head to clear her jumbled mind. Whatever the case, she would have to eventually talk about it with her husband. She didn't wish to further embarrass him by turning down his advances. He already had plenty of that in front of the altar. Pity for the young prince made her heart ache in sympathy. He was on his own now. He had no familiar servants or attendants to turn to like she did. Perhaps she could persuade his three companions to prolong their stay by few days, just enough to get Noctis settled and comfortable. She would rather stay in Altissia a little longer than the agreed one month honeymoon period mentioned in the peace treaty, if only to postpone the inevitable confrontation between Ravus and Noctis. Her brother's grudge might've been aimed at King Regis, but she didn't exclude the possibility of it extending to his heir.
She glanced at the clock. 6 am. Time to begin her day. She pulled at a string on the wall which was attached to a bell downstairs. She didn't have to wait long for Gentiana to emerge.
"Good morning, Lunafreya", she greeted, her ever present smile curving her painted lips.
"And to you."
Gentiana turned to eye at the still sleeping prince. "Should I summon a manservant for His Highness?"
"Could you call for his friends instead? I think he would prefer having familiar people around him for a few days. This is a rather drastic change to him, after all."
"Very thoughtful of you", she agreed and left.
The sun was fully visible above the watery horizon. Still the prince remained unconscious. Even when she went to push the curtains aside he merely turned to his other side, soft barely audible snoring filling the silence. She put on her morning gown and waited.
Gentiana knocked on the door. "Are you decent, my Lady?"
"Yes, you may enter."
Three men trailed after her attendant. The first to enter was a blond freckled youth whom she recognized as Prompto, the prince's best friend, from a photo he had once sent to her. He looked around the room in wonder. She could see his hands itched to take out a camera and snap photos to remember the place by. Next to him stood a solemn young man wearing spectacles. Ignis, the cook who had attempted to recreate the Tenebraean kukuru tart. He was frowning at the sleeping prince in clear disapproval. Behind them came a tall and muscular man. She hadn't seen his picture, but his features clearly identified him as the eldest son of Clarus Amicitia. His long wild mane and tattooed upper body reminded her of the two Galahdan members of Kingsglaive. She had had the pleasure to make their acquaintance when King Regis had sent them to escort her and her closest servants to Altissia. She had grown fond of them during their short time together.
The men bowed respectfully to her in unison.
"Thank you for coming on such a short notice. I bid you welcome to Altissia." She curtsied. "I am honoured to finally make your acquaintance." Prompto's cheeks flushed lightly as she turned her polite smile his way.
"I would like to personally thank you specifically, Prompto Argentum, for taking care of Pryna when I was unable to. Your friendship with Noctis has eased my worries and brought much joy to him." She walked to him and placed her hands on his slim freckled shoulders. He seemed to shrink under her gaze. She leaned in to place a chaste kiss on his forehead. He bit his lip and twisted his hands bashfully.
"T-think nothing of it, Lun- Highness! I'd do it again in a heartbeat! Tiny, er, Pryna was a good girl." Luna's smile softened. She removed her hands from his shoulders and returned to face all three.
"I would ask all three of you to stay for another few days if possible. It would help Noctis to get to know his new surroundings, servants and general circumstances better with friends. Will you accept?"
The three friends looked at each other, but seemed to quickly come to the same conclusion.
"You can count on us, Your Highness", Clarus' son vowed. Luna smiled in return and turned to her attendant.
"I believe some privacy would do both parties well. Let us go." As she left the room she could hear her husband stirring. He tiredly sat up and stretched the knots from his stiff muscles followed by a wide yawn. His bed hair reminded Luna of a zu's nest. Gentiana closed the door behind them, but as they entered the room next-door Luna could hear their muffled conversation through the wall.
"So, how was she?" Confused silence. "In bed", the tattooed man elaborated impatiently.
"Not a discussion we ought to have when her Ladyship is in the next room", Ignis warned.
She was beginning to think her first theory about his companions pressuring him to be true. She purposely went to the other end of the room to avoid eavesdropping. Gentiana took a hairbrush and removed tangles from her hair with gentle practiced motions. She began to braid it to her usual style.
"Quite the gossipers", the dark-clad woman remarked.
"Indeed."
"Although they have piqued my interest. How did it go?"
Luna snickered. "Now you're just the same as them." She examined her image in the mirror, gathering her scattered thoughts. "It was", she searched for a fitting word, "difficult. He tried to embrace me. And he kept staring at me with this strange look the moment he entered the room. I don't-" She sighed. "I'm not sure what to make out of it."
Gentiana had a smug look on her face. "Sounds like he was quite taken by your appearance. I take it as a compliment." She had been mostly responsible for the blonde's wedding look. Luna elbowed the older woman good naturedly. The attendant chuckled in return. "Although it is safe to assume he has also missed you and merely wanted some physical proximity after being separated from you for so long."
Another sigh. "Gen, he had a condom in his hand."
Her attendant's expertly braiding came to a pause. "Really?" The blonde nodded mutely. "What did he say? What did you say?"
"Nothing… He just unexpectedly embraced me from behind after I had gone to bed. I told him to sleep. He let go and retreated as far from me as the bed allowed. I was too tired to really talk to him about it. I didn't even notice the condom until this morning."
"So that's what that was about", Gentiana murmured and continued to work on Luna's hair.
"What was what about?"
"The prince asked me on our way here about what was going to happen that night. I completely missed what he was trying to imply."
Luna clasped her hands together in her lap. "Do you think he", she cast a meaningful look to her attendant's mirror image, "likes me? In a romantic way?"
"All the signs seem to point that way." Gentiana's tone was thoughtful. She finished binding the braids and lightly tousled the high ponytail. "But I do not claim to know what is on his heart. What about you, Lunafreya? Do you fancy the young prince?"
"I do not know. I've regarded him as a little brother all my life. It is a little disorienting to be forced to see him in a different light. As a man with needs and desires." Gentiana squeezed her ward's shoulder compassionately.
"Now the only question is whether you will continue to treat him as a friend and a younger brother or as a husband."
"That remains to be seen." Luna stood up. Gentiana helped her into her Oracle's garments.
"Would it not be fitting to wear the moon pendant the Caelum family gifted to you?"
Luna glanced at said necklace dubiously. "Would that be considered appropriate?"
"I do not see why it would not." The older woman put it around the blonde's neck. "It suits you well. I am sure the young prince would approve." Gentiana's serene smile curled to a teasing grin.
"Oh hush. I'm presenting myself to the people, not him." She fingered her wedding band. She was now bound to him, but her duty would always come first. She accepted the ceremonial trident from Gentiana and departed.
She spent all morning travelling around the smaller villages and towns of Accordo and blessing the citizens that gathered to greet her. It was midafternoon when she returned to Altissia to give a speech. As she stood in front of the people of Accordo and spoke of her undying conviction to keep the darkness at bay and ultimately banish it to restore the Light, she spotted an unexpected face among the masses.
Noctis watched her and stood still as a statue. His friends stood few steps away from him. It was as if they were giving him space to be with his own thoughts. He was close enough to her podium for her to see his lips stretched into a thin serious line. Something akin to admiration shone within his cool blue eyes.
As her speech came to a close, the audience clapped, hope once more renewed for those who had lost their homes and family members to the ever lengthening nights and daemons that plagued the lands. She stepped out of the podium and descended the stairs. The crowd split to make a path for her to walk through. Trident in hand she walked past the people. Crying, cheering, hopeful, pitiful, broken people. There was nary a man on Eos whose life hadn't been touched by the unnatural darkness.
Once she was out in the clear Noctis and his friends approached her.
"Inspiring speech", Ignis commented.
"Sure lifted my spirits up", Prompto cheerily added.
"Thank you." Luna politely bowed her head. "I trust you have enjoyed your day so far?"
"Sure have, got our portrait drawn and everything." The freckled blond lifted a framed drawing for her to see.
"Impressive."
Altissia was the center of trade and art. Every summer artists from around the world would come to Altissia to earn some coin as street artists and draw portraits and caricatures for tourists. Musicians alike were often heard gathering and rallying the citizens with a cheerful song. There seldom was a day without something happening in the floating capital city.
"We've been checking some cool little cafés and vendors and even found this neat bar that was built under a bridge, just above sea-level. They served some wicked looking cocktails! We've also been riding the gondola all around the city and I've been recording everything here." He motioned to his trusty camera. "We saw an ad for this famous photographer's gallery that's being held in one of the art museums, definitely wanna go check that out! Gladio and Noct were even thinking about visiting the coliseum and participating in a fight or two", he chattered excitedly.
"Actually", Noctis interrupted. He was slightly embarrassed to have his friend retell all the tourist activities they had been up to while his wife had been doing something actually important. "I was thinking we should go eat. You skipped breakfast." She could sense the subtle accusation in his tone. He was not happy she had left him without so much as uttering a 'good morning'.
"Afraid free time is not a luxury I often have these days", she retorted.
"You don't have any duties to perform now, do you?"
"No, but I have a meeting to attend to within an hour. I really appreciate your invitation, but I simply do not have the time. This is important." She had to be there to act as Tenebrae's voice. Their trade with the Accordians was vital to their economy. She hadn't had the time to make final preparations with the Tenebraean ambassador for the meeting and she was already short on time.
Her heart seemed to drop at the same time as Noctis' hopeful eyes fell to stare at the ground before him in disappointment. "Your friends will stay here for a limited time. Enjoy your time with them. Go have fun at the coliseum", she encouraged.
"Sure. Have a good day, my Lady." He stiffly turned on his heel and hurried off. Prompto called after him, but the prince didn't acknowledge him. The blond man rushed after his best friend.
"I beg you to forgive his immature behavior, Your Highness", Ignis said and bowed politely before following the two men. Gladiolus lingered. Luna raised a brow expectantly.
"Y'know, Highness", the tattooed man began conversationally. "He might act like a brat sometimes, but the kid usually has his reasons. He hasn't seen you since he was eight and from what I heard you never even got a chance to exchange how are yous yesterday."
She opened her mouth to protest, but he held his hand up to silence her. "I know, I know. Your duties are important, I get that. But he's your husband now and you have a duty to him as well." He ran his hand through his long hair and sighed. "Just… Give him a chance, okay? He's fancied you for a long time and is a little too eager to prove himself to you."
"I did not realize that", she murmured. It would certainly explain a lot from his behavior the day before. She had assumed it was merely his nerves and that he was uneasy being the center of attention. From his letters she had gathered that he was quite the introvert.
"Well, catch you later, Highness." The bodyguard half-bowed and jogged after his companions.
She could only wonder how she would be able to fit Noctis in her schedule and still get enough rest to get through the next day. It had been so much easier back when all she had to do was write a letter. She could take a few days to write it and would hear no protests from the young prince if her answer arrived a little late.
No rest for the weary.
She headed back to their suite to change and get ready for the meeting.
The meeting had dragged on and on. The Solheimian ambassador couldn't seem to close his mouth for a moment to let the rest of Eos' representatives get a word in. By the time the meeting was finally closed, heavy rain clouds had gathered over the capital city. Fortunately Gentiana had been paying attention to the weather reports and had provided Luna with an umbrella.
She walked down the cobblestone streets, heels clicking loudly. Back when she had been a relatively care-free child – excluding the death of her mother and the abuse she endured under Niflheim's rule before she was blessed with the title of an Oracle – she had enjoyed sitting by the window looking at the grey world around her and listening to the gentle tapping of raindrops. She wished she could just stop there in the middle of the street and listen.
The only time she truly had time to listen and leave her restless mind behind was during her midday meditation when she communicated with the gods. It was as much therapy to her as it was being the communicator between the divine and the mortals. She missed the quiet. Her days were full of hustle and bustle and no matter how much she hurried and tried to be efficient she always seemed to run out of time.
She waved a passing boatman over and told him her wanted destination. She sat down and watched the world around her. People were hurrying to their homes to escape the downpour. Water trickled down from the rooftops to the streets where they merged into steady streams. The many tiny streams continued until they reached the edges of the street and disappeared into the sea water. Always in such a hurry. Like her.
She fingered her wedding band. On top of catching up they needed to discuss what had happened the night before. They needed to be clear and honest with each other to avoid hurting the other's feelings. She wouldn't let their marriage to become unhappy and bitter as long as she had a say on the matter. If nothing else, she would be a loyal companion and a steadfast friend. She owed King Regis that much.
Luna thought back to the way Noctis had looked at her the previous night. She had seen a similar expression on men's faces before, sometimes even aimed at her, but she had never stopped to acknowledge it. Was it desire? She doubted there was any romantic passion in her heart to give in return. She had always been so consumed with her duties; she hadn't really had the chance to even think about romance outside few brief flings that never evolved into anything meaningful. But now it seemed to be one of the most pressing matters on her mind. She didn't like it. It felt like a hindrance. She was married now and she had to take her husband and his needs into consideration.
Her eyes felt heavy and her stomach growled mournfully. She had been running on empty for twenty hours straight. She took out her phone and sent Gentiana a message to inform her she was on her way back and would like to have a hot meal waiting for her.
After a minute her phone buzzed. Her wish was being fulfilled to their best ability.
Thank Eos for Gentiana.
Luna thanked and paid the boatman before stepping out of the boat. She saw two figures approach her through the heavy downpour. The smaller figure cantered towards her. As it got closer she recognized it as none other than her beloved husky, Umbra. Luna kneeled in front of the drenched dog and scratched behind his ears.
"What are you doing out here, Umbra? You'll catch a cold!"
"I tried to make him stay, but I guess he missed you as much as I have", Noctis spoke once he reached the pair. The grim prince seemed to blend in with his surroundings better than ever in the dreadful weather. The world was as black and white as he was. His hair had lost its usual style thanks to the heavy rain water pulling his locks down. His bangs were plastered over his eyes, water trickling down his chin. She shrugged off her light summer coat and wrapped it around Umbra. It didn't seem they had been out for long, but it didn't take more than few minutes in the rain to become completely soaked.
"How did you know I was here?" she inquired.
"Gentiana told me you were on your way home. Rest I let Umbra handle."
Home. He already considered their temporary resort a home?
"C'mon." The prince offered his arm for her. She politely looped her arm around his clammy arm and held her umbrella over them both. To her amusement it soon became apparent who was leading who as the prince had already lost his way. Dutifully Umbra took point and Noctis followed. They walked in silence for few minutes. Eventually Noctis cleared his throat and slightly turned to face her even as his eyes remained focused on Umbra.
"How did the meeting go?" She could hear the unspoken question in his tone: 'Was it worth more than spending five minutes with me?'
"It could have gone a lot faster, but some people had a lot on their mind. Unfortunately all of it was important and not something I could put aside lightly." It wasn't an apology, but it might as well been one.
"I see." Their suite was barely visible through the torrential rain. "But you have no other obligations tonight, right?" She didn't miss the soft hopeful timbre in his voice. She recalled Gladiolus' words. Noctis was clearly trying to make up for his earlier behavior.
"No. I am all yours", she said and instantly regretted opening her mouth. That came out wrong.
She felt his body tense and saw his earlier lax posture stiffen upright like he had been stabbed. His Adam's apple popped as he swallowed heavily.
"That's… Great!" he sounded every bit as awkward as she felt. Thankfully they reached the door and Noctis removed his arm from hers to fetch a key from his pocket. Luna shook her umbrella and wiped the remaining raindrops off it before handing it to the waiting servant girl. Umbra shook his fur, her coat and water drops flying everywhere. She shrieked and covered her face from the assault.
"Umbra, you cheeky little–" The canine ran off. She vowed to get back at him and punish his furry hide by tickling his sensitive flanks.
Her dress was wet. Noctis picked up her discarded saturated coat and wrapped it around her.
"What are you doing?!" She found herself echoing her words from the night before.
"Unleashing a coordinated attack on you with Umbra", was his childish reply. His arms held her in a gentle embrace, his wet nose nuzzling her exposed neck. Luna stood frozen and glanced helplessly at her servant who was clearly holding back a giggle. A tiny part of her enjoyed the warmth he provided to her chilly body, but the rest of her wished to flee. They stood like that for a good ten seconds – yes, she counted – before he placed a tender kiss just below her ear and let go.
"I think Gentiana readied spare clothes for us", he flippantly said and gave her soaked coat to the servant. He cast a final meaningful glance to Luna before disappearing upstairs to their shared room.
All she could think was whether Gentiana had become a turncoat and joined forces with the prince in some harebrained quest to play matchmaker between them. With a defeated sigh she trailed after her husband while making sure to give him plentifully time to dry up and change before entering their shared bedroom.
Noctis sat at the edge of the bed, his foot tapping with nervous energy. His hair had been dried and fixed back to its regular style. He had put on a black shirt with a faintly visible pattern of the Reaper's symbol and a comfortable looking hoodie with tiny skull imprints at the ends of the sleeves. As if he wasn't wearing enough black, he had chosen to wear black jeans – with skull shaped buttons and belt buckle to boot. She had never realized how seriously the Caelums took the Reaper worship. Even Noctis' companions had been outfitted with their family's guardian deity's symbols.
He turned to meet her gaze and mutely pointed at the folding screen. He made an exaggerated show to turn his back towards it and went back to tapping his foot. It wasn't like he could see through the screen so why was he…
He had. He must have with the way he was acting. She knew he had gifted eyes that could see the Light of expired souls, but did he also have X-ray vision? She shook her head for even thinking such an utterly ridiculous concept and made her way behind the screen to remove her damp clothes. She looked around her, but saw no reflective surfaces that could've helped the prince to peep. There were the windows and the mirror on her vanity table, but they weren't anywhere near the folding screen. Perhaps some mysteries were best left unsolved.
She casually tossed her wet dress on the folding screen and heard a soft gasp from the other side of the room.
Really? How on Eos was he doing that? Better yet why was he peeping at her? Angrily she removed her underwear and put on the dry ones Gentiana had left for her.
"Luna, I forgot to tell you something", Noctis' shy voice interrupted her inner ranting.
She forced her irritation to die and opted to use the gentlest tone she could muster. "Go on."
"Nyx Ulric sends his regards. He stopped by to offer congratulations for our wedding."
She nearly stumbled as she pulled on black stockings – another subtle jab from Gentiana no doubt. "What was he doing here?" She didn't quite manage to keep the slight tremble from her voice.
Noctis seemed to pick on it and sense something was off for his foot stopped its persistent tapping. "Said he had something important to deliver me." Deliver to him? Disappointment ran through her like a chill breeze. She scolded herself for allowing such feelings to surface. It had been a brief fling and it was all in the past now.
"What was it?"
"Dunno, didn't check yet. He said you could explain." What could it possibly be?
"Is he still within the city?" she casually asked as she put on a white tunic. She emerged from behind the screen and saw Noctis was still sitting with his back towards her. Perhaps she had completely misinterpreted him earlier.
"He said he'd take the first boat back to Caem. He was here four hours ago, so I guess it's safe to assume he's gone by now."
She sat down next to him. He jumped back a little in surprise, but quickly put on his cool aloof expression.
"Well, are you going to see what the glaive brought you?" Noctis' eyes lit up in childlike glee. She could see he was trying his hardest not to appear too excited as he retrieved a small envelope that was sealed with the King's insignia. He sat down next to her, his thigh pressed against hers, black against black. With well-practiced motions – undoubtedly honed to perfection from their over decade long letter-exchanging – he opened the envelope and turned it upside down. The ring of the Lucii fell to his open palm.
"A ring?" he mumbled. Luna took the envelope from him and fished out a letter. She straightened it and began to read out loud.
"My dearest son,
I've grown very old these past few years. It is past time that you received the legacy of the Caelum line. With it you will be able to partake in the wisdom of the Lucii, your forefathers. Wield it with pride and know that when the time comes for me to depart from this world, I will join the Kings of old and you will be able to speak with my dormant spirit through it. I will always be with you and I will always be proud of you.
With all my love,
your father King Regis Lucis Caelum CXIII."
Noctis bit his lip to keep it from quivering. He tried to blink the forming tears away, but one slipped and another followed. His shoulders slumped and he clutched the ring in his hand like a lifeline.
Tentatively Luna put her arm around his shoulders. A sob wrecked his frame. Luna could feel tears forming in her eyes as well. King Regis had always been such a gentle man who dearly loved both his family and people alike. She knew from Noctis' letters how the aging King struggled between his responsibility to his people and his devotion to his son. With a startle she realized she was exactly the same as him. She put her duties above everything else, but now she had more to consider than just her own wellbeing. She finally began to understand what Noctis was feeling. It wasn't loneliness. It was fear of abandonment, of being deemed less important. First his father, now her.
She wrapped both of her arms around the silently weeping man. He gratefully buried his face to the nook of her neck and closed his eyes. Luna lifted her left hand and ran it comfortingly through the prince's dark locks. She didn't say anything. There was no point claiming that it would be alright. She had seen her mother die and she had seen how it had sent her brother over the edge. She held Noctis until the sobs lessened and he had no more tears to shed. She continued to hold him until he shyly removed himself from her embrace.
Embarrassed, he ran his hand through his bangs and let out a strangled laugh. "Some adult I am, crying like a baby when my old man is still alive and kicking."
"It is not any easier knowing you are losing someone than having already lost." She knew. She had lost both of her parents and she was losing what little was left of her and Ravus' relationship.
"Thanks." He timidly covered her hand with his. They sat in silence, thighs barely touching and hands lightly clasped. It wasn't a tense or even an awkward silence. For the first time since seeing her dear friend in his present adult body, she felt comfortable next to him.
Her stomach growled. Loudly. She felt a faint blush creep up her neck. The alluring scent of freshly cooked food had awoken her previously forgotten belly from its adrenaline numbed sleep.
"Smells like dinner's ready", Noctis commented. "About time we got something in you." They stood up and headed downstairs. Noctis refused to let go of her hand and she decided not to make a big fuss out of it even if his hand was uncomfortably warm around hers. He was undoubtedly still raw from the earlier emotional breakdown and she couldn't risk turning down even the smallest signs of affection without damaging his fragile heart in the process.
Gentiana waited in the dining room and looked mightily pleased with herself when she spotted their linked hands. Luna removed her hand from her husband's and sat in her usual seat at the head of the table where utensils had already been set. Noctis sat next to her. Frowning, Luna turned to address her attendant.
"Gentiana, why have you not placed my husband at the head of the table?" They might've been childhood friends, but she didn't want to offend him by implying he was less than equal to her.
"He requested the change himself, my Lady." Luna didn't miss the impish glint in the older woman's eye. Gentiana rang a bell and servants brought their meal to the table. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, my Lord, my Lady. I take my leave." Luna was now positive Gentiana was entertaining herself by taking the role of a cupid.
The royal couple were left alone with the exception of a servant standing by the door should they require anything.
"I hope you don't mind", Noctis said, his eyes not quite daring to meet hers. She now understood he had wanted to be physically close to her even during their meals.
"Not at all", she assured. "I merely did not want to make you feel like an inferior. I was worried we might have offended you."
"You don't have to speak so formally. We're… We're friends, right?" His eyes peered at her uncertainly through the veil of raven locks. She put down her utensils even as her stomach grumbled in protest.
"Of course we are."
"Then don't talk to me like we're in a stuffy political meeting. I'm not the Crown Prince of Lucis to you." His tone grew heated with each word. "I'm your-" He caught himself and trailed off with a frustrated sigh.
"You are my husband", she finished for him. His eyes shot up to hers. She couldn't even begin to name the several emotions dancing in his blue gaze. "But most of all you are my most cherished friend."
"Then–?" he egged on.
"I apologize." He frowned. She rolled her eyes and corrected herself: "I'm sorry. I've been in politics for so many years. I constantly need to watch what I say and be careful not to offend anyone. Clearly you are the opposite. You get offended by my formality." She smirked.
"Well, that's a given. You're stuck with me for the rest of your life, so you might as well speak normally and address me like a friend."
"Does that mean you want me to call you 'Noct'?" His genuine smile warmed her heart.
"Yeah."
"Then it's only fair I permit you to call me Luna." He grinned and raised his glass. She followed his example.
"To our renewed friendship?" he proposed.
"To friendship", she agreed and they toasted.
An hour later the couple made their way back to their bedroom. Gentiana had left their nightwear by the folding screen as the night before. As Luna emerged behind the screen in her familiar white gown, she noticed Noctis was staring at her with that same strange look.
"What?" He seemed to snap out of his daze and folded his legs with an innocent smile.
"Nothing, nothing. Just enjoying the view."
"The view", she deadpanned. She couldn't make up her mind on the matter anymore. Was he peeping or not? And in the end did it even matter? They were expected to have a level of intimacy even if she wasn't willing to exercise it in practice.
"Yeah. Your necklace."
She brought her hand to her neck and surely enough felt the familiar texture of her moon pendant. She had completely forgotten about it.
"Do you like it?"
"It is..." She brushed her thumb over the silver crescent moon. She was supposed to be honest. She had an inkling that he had a fairly decent bullshit detector. "Nice", she concluded. Truthfully it was nice on its own. But the fact that Nyx had given it to her when they had arrived to Altissia made her feelings towards the piece of jewelry complicated. It was one of the numerous wedding gifts received from the Caelum family and Nyx had merely been the messenger boy, yet…
She forced the images of his hands on her neck and his hot breath on her face to fade away.
Noctis nodded thoughtfully and stood up in front of her. His hands lifted to touch the pendant. Her skin tingled uncomfortably under his unintentional caress. "Do you want me to help you take it off?" Mutely she turned her back to him. A shiver ran through her as his cool fingers tickled the nape of her neck.
"There you go." He placed the necklace in her palm. She quickly put it in to her jewelry box and hid the box in a drawer. She couldn't afford to think such thoughts anymore. Her body and soul belonged to Noctis now. She wasn't allowed to have room for any other man in her heart.
Her husband went behind the screen to change. Luna's eyes widened as she realized she could see his shadow moving on the screen. It wasn't a distorted ghostly shadow either, but a clear cut silhouette. It hadn't been reflective surfaces that she had to worry about. She made a mental note to move the lamp further away from the screen.
She turned to look towards the balcony. The sky had grown dark, but she could still hear the gentle tapping of raindrops against the windowsills. She had to get up early again the next morning, but she was far too awake to fall asleep now. She picked up a decorative pillow from one of the plush armchairs and sat on it next to the door. Noctis switched off the light by the screen.
"Um, what are you doing?"
"Listening to the rain."
He took another pillow and placed it next to hers. "Wouldn't it be nicer with the door open so you could hear it better?" he suggested. "Or better yet, we could just go sit outside."
"I don't know. Someone already drenched me once today. I really can't afford catching a cold." He went to the bed and pulled off the blanket.
"We can wrap this around us. The balcony roof takes care of the rest", he assured her. He pulled her up by her arm and handed her their pillows. "C'mon."
They made their way to the lone balcony swing hanging from the roof. Luna put the two pillows on its wooden seat. Noctis sat on it and motioned Luna to sit in his lap. She hesitated for a moment. Considering all the events leading to this moment she didn't dare to sit down between his legs should she discover something she really didn't want to be aware of.
She could already see him ready to put on his indifferent mask in fear of her rejection. Counting to three she settled in the swing sideways, her legs propped over his lap and head resting against his shoulder. He closed the blanket cocoon around them and gently swung the swing with his bare feet.
"Comfy?"
"Yes." She would've preferred a little more personal space and less forced intimacy, but she had to admit it was nice. His body was warm and solid against hers. She could rely on him being there the next morning. Not that he could exactly make a stealthy exit with her sprawled over him. Noctis wouldn't leave her. Unlike certain tattooed Galahdan.
Her eyelids grew heavy with each gentle swing her husband pushed with his feet. His chin fell to rest on top of her head and she could feel his lungs inhale and exhale in content.
They fell asleep to the sound of falling rain.
A/N: This turned out quite fluffy. (There should be a seperate genre for fluff.) Next chapter will be again from Noctis' POV and most likely more fluff than angst. Fourth chapter will have some heavy angst, so ready yourselves! Dx
Ps. Feel free to point out typos, grammatical errors etc. English isn't my first language so I'm prone to mistakes.