Disclaimer: Don't own Final Fantasy XV, nor any of it's characters.

Rating: T

As the disclaimer said, this takes place after my semi-retelling of FFXV, and it's somewhat-altered events. Now, we'll see how Noctis and Iris go about things post-eternal night

"Oh no..."

Iris couldn't help it; she'd heard that the Regalia had been damaged beyond repair long ago, and that they had to leave it behind in the former empire, thanks to the guys' story. But seeing this in person (well, on a phone screen) brought back those feelings again, enhanced by the sight of what it'd been reduced to - after a time, she couldn't help but glance at Noct, who was seated next to her at this little table. His expression was a little sad, but mostly he's resigned about the sight, provided by Aranea during her recent flight in that area; after all, he and the guys were there when it was wrecked. Still, she touched her fingers to his - he slowly grasped back without looking away from the video, showing that he appreciated it.

"Yeah" Noct breathed after a moment, tapping the screen to pause it. "It isn't pretty, but I'm okay, Iris."

"I believe that" Iris admitted, moving her fingers against his. "But it's still so sad. Has- has Cindy seen this yet?"

He let out a breath, placing the device on the table and turning toward her, before giving a little nod. "She did, and I swear she looked close to tears for a moment" he answered, a little heavy yet sincere. "She told it to me straight though, of course. Even without the years exposed to the elements, a complete repair job would entail replacing most of the outside and inside, and by then it wouldn't be the Regalia anymore. She didn't want to do that to the old girl, but still insisted upon being the ones to handle the salvaging, as did Prompto."

She gave a little smile, knowing that that's so like the two of them, but especially Cindy.

"So then... will you ask them to make a new Regalia later? One more suited to your style this time?" Iris asked, getting curious by the end.

Noct slowly raised an eyebrow, lip quirking.

"I swear you just read my mind" he said after a moment, more mild.

Iris gave a slight giggle. "Well, maybe as a tease, but that's where the conversation seemed to be heading" she admitted, adjusting a bit of her own hair. "Plus I have to admit, the thought of a Regalia 2.0 seems cool. A car fit for the newest King, the one who helped saved us all."

He moved a bit, but otherwise just gave a small smile.

"Well, not just me: the guys will want to pitch in, even if it's just a comment or two" he answered, fond. "Otherwise they'd never let me hear the end of it."

"Don't they already do that?"

"Of course they do, but better not to add to the list."

They spent a few moments chuckling, with Iris covering her mouth partway through; moments like these were just too good, always reminding them that life was getting better. Maybe they were sitting in the middle of an empty house that somehow survived eternal night - an out-of-the-way spot for them to just be alone - which needed a lot of cleanup, but that didn't change the fact at all.

Noct 'recovered' faster than her: "Still, it might take some time before I can ask Cindy and Prompto" he admitted, which made her curious. "Not just because today's already taken for our training, but I'm a little low on personal funds. It's only fair I pay them for the work."

Iris tilted her head. "But I thought you got a bunch of gil from last week's hunts" she said, confused. "How are you low already?"

For a moment, his gaze moved to the house's windows, seeing beyond what's in front of them. "Well, aside from the money I keep for myself, for things I need, I gave a lot to those in need recently" Noct breathed, sincere as he looked back at her. "If it would help improve the quality of their lives, it's better for them to have it."

After the surprise, all she felt was warmth - without thinking, Iris leaned over and kissed him for awhile, cupping his cheek. Noct was surprised at first, but soon didn't mind, free hand moving onto her cheek in return (if after several seconds)... and was still a touch awkward about it.

"If you keep that up" she whispered to him, really soft, "People might start calling you the best King we've ever had."

"...W-Well, that's their right to say" he managed to say, still flustered by her tone. "And it'll- they'll mostly be exaggerating anyway."

"Maybe for now" Iris breathed, leaning even closer. "But who knows?"

Noct didn't seem surprised by her semi-tease, but then again, she knew he's 'busy' dealing with his own reaction. She kissed him again, trying to show her warmth, but ended it soon afterward to make sure it didn't go overboard.

"It's kinda weird though" she whispered, briefly catching her breath. "Even though you're King, you still have to get your own money thus far."

"For now" Noct said after a few moments, still 'struggling' but better - his cheeks were slightly red, but he managed a small lip curve. "Months or years later, when everything has properly settled in Lucis, I'm sure that'll go back to normal. Yet for now, I've declined so it can all be focused into rebuilding - that's far more important than wasting it on luxuries right now."

She gently drew a finger across his cheek for that, smiling as his reaction before drawing back.

"When you do get all those funds though, just don't let it go to your head" Iris teased, before tugging his hand with both of hers, pulling him 'up' as she stood. "Now come on, we should probably get started on training."

He took a moment, glancing down at the hand arrangement. "Okay, and you're pulling me along like this because why?"

She grinned. "Because I've always wanted to do this, duh."

Noct soon 'slumped', half-looking like he realized (too late) that that was a stupid question - but either way, he barely held back his chuckles as he rose, following her.

/

A little later

Well, Iris certainly made things interesting - her teases weren't constant, per se, but they're pretty close to it, especially when she's happy. Though admittedly, if she'd tried to to be physically forward outside of small stuff, he probably would've been turned off quite a bit... or at least, that's how he would've felt ten years ago, before everything happened. Now, Noctis thought maybe it wouldn't be so bad, even if he would probably prefer small bursts rather than constantly... mmh, just the thought of the latter made him a bit awkward. Then again, um, his recent thoughts kept threatening to do that in general... he shook his head then, knowing he can't let those distract him right now.

"So" Noctis started, trying for mild - across from him, Iris looked over at him, lightly stretching her limbs. "This time around, training will focus mainly on you, Iris. Choosing a royal arm to wield for yourself, and start learning how to properly wield it, as far as the most basic of basics."

A little smile, Iris held her hands behind her back now, excited yet also focused. "Ready and raring" Iris agreed. "Might have a few questions first, but I've otherwise narrowed it down."

"Sure thing."

A second later, he swept his hand and all thirteen weapons appeared in a circle around him, moving for a few seconds with that shimmering tune. Iris took a moment to admire them before moving closer - she carefully slipped between two, taking a second look before glancing at him with a smile, which he returned.

"So, the one I'm leaning toward most is that one" she outlined, pointing toward the Blade of the Mystic, before her tone and expression changed somewhat. "Though I will admit, a few others were strong competition. Especially one other, for several reasons."

"Oh?" he breathed, curious.

Iris half-turned, looking behind her- her gaze was upon the Trident of the Oracle.

After this registered, Noctis felt a lot of things in his gut... but that being said, he wasn't entirely surprised. Iris had said that she couldn't repay Luna for what she'd done, either for purifying souls or bringing him back (but especially the latter, he knew), and Luna's recent accomplishment only added to the list. After a brief hesitation, he stepped closer and intertwined their fingers, which briefly startled her - when she looked at him, he tried for a little smile, understanding. It must've worked, for her expression softened, fingers moving against his as she looked down at this.

"Well, I think it would've been okay, Iris" he whispered, intent but sincere. "I'm sure you've guessed that."

"Yeah" Iris breathed, a bit softer. "But of course... my decision still stands. Any comments, Noct?"

Noctis just gave a small hum, acknowledging her statement - he gestured with his free hand, and the assembled royal arms disappeared with a crystal hum. Only a second later, he gestured again, and the sword itself materialized in his hand - it wasn't long before Iris looked at it, wondering.

"It's called the Blade of the Mystic, and was wielded by the Founder King of Lucis" he explained, more gentle. "Ever since I've gotten it, it's become one of my go-to weapons, particularly when I'm attacking with the Armiger. The tomb itself was right next to the Meteor, though it fell quite a distance when Titan tested me... thankfully it's back now, near the entrance's gate; don't ask me how that happened."

Iris's interest grew as he talked, though she giggled at that last part.

"So it was a crazy trip; I really did miss out not going with you" she admitted, before getting curious. "But does that mean it's your favorite?"

To that, he felt his lip curve. "Technically, I have several, so no."

Iris gave him a bit of a look, trying not to smirk at his playing that up a little - but hey, if it's working to make her feel better, that's a good thing.

"Well then, let's try these questions instead: will it bond with me the moment I touch it?" she started, before curiously tilting her head. "And um, what does it feel like when that happens?"

Glancing down for a moment, Noctis took a moment to look over the sword.

Although what he'd said was true, he still knew of the Mystic's less-savory qualities from their fight in Insomnia... and maybe Iris deserved to know those things, but now didn't seem like the right time to bring them up.

"No, it won't. The method to grant this power is that you have to hold it a certain way - in both hands, pointed straight up - and I have to touch it at the same time, for ten seconds" he explained, looking at her again. "But anyway, it won't really hurt; it'll feel almost like someone tapped their fist against your stomach, enough that you'll feel it, but that's all."

A moment passed while Iris considered that. "That's neat" she said, before inclining her head. "And I think I'd like to try it out now."

To that, he nodded, and handed the Blade of the Mystic over to Iris - she hesitantly grasped it by the hilt with both hands, letting go of his other one to do so. Because it was a long sword, it's weight made it dip close to the ground, at least before Iris steadied her stance.

"Hmm... not as heavy as Gladdy's weapons, but definitely heavier than I'm used to."

Noctis was curious even as Iris began a few test swings, aimed well away from him. "You tried to wield his greatswords?"

A small laugh. "Well, only so far as trying to see if I could lift one at all" Iris semi-teased, still powering through some basic moves. "As a kid, I didn't have a chance. Later I could lift one, but only for a few seconds or so, and certainly couldn't wield one like him. Now though is a different story."

Secretly, he glanced at her arms, which were more muscular than they'd been before his ten-year-nap. Not overly so, nor the size of her brother's, but she'd definitely gotten stronger fighting to protect everyone and make a name for herself as a Daemon Slayer.

Definitely not a bad sight either; quite the contrary, really.

"I can see that, Iris" he said, mild yet sincere. "I respect it too."

"If you like that, Noct, just wait till I get this down. It'll take me awhile, but I'll get there" Iris answered, definitely smiling; he gave a knowing little smirk, even as she paused her test swings. "Before that though... well uh, how do you actually warp, or phase?"

For a moment, Noctis had to contain a chuckle, then moved closer. "I'll tell you, but first you need to have the royal arm accept you" he said, standing just in front of her now - he gave a little smile, which she returned. "Otherwise nothing will happen when you try."

She nodded, taking a moment to hold up the sword, seeming to appreciate a number of details about it.

"Well that figures, I guess" Iris admitted, softer before specifically holding it as he'd said earlier. "Though I'm slightly nervous."

"It'll be fine."

"I know."

They kept up the look for another second, then he looked down at her hands - gently, he touched his hand to the hilt, fingers brushing against hers; a light crystalline hum began to sound out. At first nothing happened, with Iris briefly glancing at him, but he kept it up... then exactly ten seconds later, the sword took on that familiar ethereal white glow: it slipped right through their hands, floating upward until it was floating point-down a dozen feet above them.

For this part, he backed up a little while Iris remained in place, showing a little wonder and anticipation.

The sword flew toward her, point-first - Iris jolted as it 'impacted', but otherwise didn't make a sound as her hand reflexively brushed over her stomach. Little soul crystals briefly appeared around her, the weapon circling around her body, both of which she noted with interest.

The scene was so familiar, that Noctis felt a rush of emotions... it's really something to see this sword become a part of Iris...

Several seconds later, the small spectacle disappeared, leaving Iris standing where she was - she considered things for a little, then lifted her hand. Based on her concentration, she was trying to summon the sword, but after several attempts gave him a rather-sheepish glance.

His lip curved, still feeling nostalgic before he stepped closer again.

"Don't worry, Iris; I was gonna teach that too."

/

Later

"Whew... now that was training, and then some."

Immediately after, Iris landed flat on the couch; it felt good, half for the cathartic 'oomph' and half for actual rest... sure, she's not fully exhausted, but it just felt good to do so anyway. From the doorway, Iris heard Noct make a small 'heh' at her doing that; she smiled, imagining his reactions as her body started to wind down. Then her imagination shifted, just remembering some of the sword's moveset, and an underlying feeling that the sword itself seemed to be... observing her efforts, in a way. Part of her wondered if maybe this was the feeling of the Mystic's soul, as she recalled Cor stating that the power bonds to each person, that fateful day when Noct first began collecting his inherited powers.

Maybe she can ask later; either way, it was definitely amazing.

After several seconds, a chair was pulled up close-by - slowly opening her eyes, Iris looked over.

Two feet away from her, Noct gave a small lip curve. "In some ways you haven't changed, yet in others you have, Iris" he noted, nostalgic and gentle; she tilted her head, curious. "Way back when, you helped us out in a few battles. And somehow you were focused, yet remaining cheerful the whole time during battle, just like you normally were."

Seeing where this is going, she returned the little smile. "But the way I fight now is rather different" Iris spoke, more of a whisper-

"Hah!"

So Iris yelled as she swung at Noct, who countered each strike with his Engine Blade, which whirred with every impact. Just as she went for a fourth overhand strike, she canceled it and kicked at his leg instead, trying to get him off-balance, but he simply phased his way through and aimed a near-stab toward the edge of her torso. Just in time, she managed to deflect it before doing a 360-spinning attack, aimed with the flat of the blade - Noct still phased through it, but he ducked under the return swipe. In the zone, she kicked at him again, and this time actually connected- he grunted a bit and was sent to the ground, though he quickly recovered and held his Engine Blade at the ready.

Holding the Blade of the Mystic, breath only slightly heavier, she remained focused and intent, deciding on her next angle of attack. Noct himself was also focused, but had subtle changes in expression as he watched her,...

-"My focus is sharper, I'm nowhere near as cheerful, and I'm definitely more aggressive as well."

"A change born of years fighting daemons, no doubt" he added, fainter - his hand reached forward, grasping her own. "But I have to say that I don't mind the change, Iris."

"Oh?"

A slight, knowing smile appeared. "For one thing, they show that you're not one to be messed with" Noct answered, fingers gradually moving across hers, before his other hand joined near her wrist. "All that while still being your normal self outside of battle, even if you're more teasing than you were."

If her body wasn't already warm all over, she'd have felt a small rush - as it were, Iris made sure to sit up and add her other hand.

"So, that's another thing to add to the admirable list" she breathed, softer.

A little twitch of his lip, but otherwise his expression didn't change, and his eyes just closed as he smiled a little. "I assume this is where you'll tease me, about what else I- that I admire about you?" he asked then, rather knowing. "Whether it be in personality, or your looks, or 'everything'?"

She thought a moment, then giggled. "Tempting, but I think I'll pass for today" she whispered, a little inviting.

Noct didn't reply for a moment, probably to cover for any awkwardness or relief he felt- 'probably'.

Soon though, he got up from the chair to sit beside her, which she didn't mind - one hand left theirs, slowly brushing against her cheek/the fringes of her hair now. Iris let that go on for a little, knowing (and liking) that he always started off small, before working his way into more of a 'mood'; it's all part of an ongoing effort to be more openly, even comfortably soft around her.

The entire time, she gently moved her fingers across his other hand.

After a point, they were close enough to feel each other's breath, with Noct the first to initiate things this time - his gentle yet slightly-hesitant brushes made her feel warm and happy, and Iris touched a hand to his cheek midway through. His hand kept up the cheek brushe while the other went to her shoulder, pulling her closer... in answer, she moved her hand to the back of his head, threading through his hair. He moved slightly at that, but was fine, and at least a minute passed like that, though it was probably closer to two before Noct pulled her even closer to him. It took her a second, but she realized he'd (somewhat) opened his mouth in their kiss... after a split-second, she pulled back slightly and caught her breath a little.

Up-close, Noct was doing the same, but appeared a little confused (and slightly worried).

"Too much?" he breathed after a second.

"No, that's not it" Iris answered, her cheeks warm. "I'm just surprised; I didn't think you'd try that for awhile longer."

For a moment, she could've sworn his brow furrowed, but then it disappeared and his hands moved to her cheeks; he kept them there too.

"Why?" he whispered, seeming genuinely curious.

Not minding where his hands were, she put hers over them, managing a smile. "Because, while I- I feel a lot about you Noct, you only just started several months ago" Iris admitted, if gentle. "That, plus you taking time to get used to things, and I thought you'd want to take some time before trying anything more. Even if you're more proactive than you were before, I thought that remained true."

A little 'mmh', before his eyes closed for a time.

"It's true that I still feel awkward a lot" he breathed, before getting a touch softer. "However, I'm still capable of behaving more forwardly, even if I feel that way. R-Remember our first kiss?"

His voice had hitched, but the words still brought everything back.

"Vividly" Iris admitted, able to recall every detail. "I still don't know exactly what possessed you right then, to kiss me out of gratitude... but I'm really glad it did."

Several seconds passed, Noct seeming to slightly struggle with himself, but otherwise he leaned forward and kissed her.

"Me too" he whispered afterward. "I also thought you'd say something like that."

"Hmm?" Iris breathed, a bit confused.

A little smile appeared, before he glanced off for a time. "Recently, I was thinking about us, and how we both said we wanted things to happen naturally" Noct said, making a sound - his voice had hitched again. "I then realized, because of that, that you might only try the bigger stuff if I started them first... because you don't want to rush anything."

Her cheeks grew warmer; it's sorta true, but hearing him say it with that softer undertone was something else.

"And if I were to go awhile without realizing this" he continued, with some effort, "It would lead to time wasted, when we could potentially be doing... other things. I don't want us to rush, but neither do I want us t-to waste our time, Iris."

As he spoke, she felt a growing sense of wonder, along with excitement.

"You mean that...?" Iris whispered.

Noct hesitated slightly, but looked at her evenly. "Sometimes I might need to get used to such things, awkward or not" he managed, more gentle. "But otherwise, I just want us to do our best, Iris, as long as we're both willing. I- I won't mind if you make any first moves, on occasion I mean, as long as they're not big jumps."

Soon as he finished, Iris smiled and kissed him again; the suddenness surprised him, but otherwise he managed to return it.

"You've definitely grown, Noct" she whispered softly, pulling back - he had a small reaction, but said nothing. "So, you'd be willing to go as far as- as 'that' type of kiss?"

A moment passed, but he managed a slightly nod. "As long as it's not flat-out intense, the first times anyway" he said, more slow and awkward; she had to suppress giggles. "Otherwise I should be good."

"Well, that's reasonable. What about after that?"

Noct's expression changed, blinking once - he didn't seem to have an answer at first, before he jolted slightly. His gaze moved down, seeing how she'd moved a single finger onto his collarbone, gently tracing it over his clothes, before he looked at her again.

Iris kept the smile, hoping he understood how happy she felt.

"As you said, it doesn't have to be anything big; just little things like this" she assured, gentle. "Tracing my finger here, resting my hand against your chest, that sorta thing. I'd aim to be quite comforting with those, if that's okay with you, Noct."

He considered that, glancing at her finger again with some awkwardness, but never once showed discomfort.

"As- As long as you start off slow, like I said" he eventually answered. "But would uh... would me brushing over your legs be okay too?"

That time, Iris truly did giggle: he sounded like he really wanted to know, yet otherwise didn't have a clue deep down. Noctis Lucis Caelum, their King and her boyfriend, who's still semi-awkward around women and romance in general, even if he tried to hide it.

She savored that knowledge; it's too good.

"Well, you can try" she admitted, softer as her finger moved, lightly tracing the curves of his upper lip (which surprised him). "I think I'd like it, but I can't judge until I've felt it."

Noct was silent for a few moments, before letting out a breath and slipping closer.

"Well, we'll see" he breathed, more quiet and focused (probably using his Kingly confidence). "For now, we'll just..."

He trailed off, but Iris merely closed her eyes - the kiss started off simple, but the buildup to other affections was considerably shorter than before. As much as she welcomed that, there was still a nervous-excited rush in her belly, and a growing happiness.

She intends to enjoy it all.

Somehow, a Regalia 2.0 just seem like an eventuality, not an 'if' when it comes to Noctis - it isn't FFXV without a cherished car, and I wish I could say that completely un-ironically.