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

Lestallum

"So, it's really about a tingling sensation in the back?" Iris asked, surprised. "I felt that a few times, and Noct did mention it, but I didn't think it was the key; just a part of it."

Working beside her, with a pot of Ebony being heated for himself, Ignis gave a small chuckle. "Well perhaps it is a tad unusual, but the inner workings of magic operate differently from reality" he said, putting the finishing touches on the food. "In this case, phasing through enemy strikes involves such a feeling. That's just how it is."

She giggled once, smiling. "Apparently. That's a little weird, but I'm sure it'll work out."

"It should; myself, Gladio, and Prompto have had an increase in success since we observed this, and we'll definitely need it for the task we intend on handling for His Highness."

"Sweet" Iris agreed, hoping to try this trick out soon, though she did wonder about this task. "For now though, I'll take these appetizers over before the guys get peckish. Would you mind handling the rest, Ignis?"

He briefly turned toward her, lip curving as he nodded. "It would be my pleasure, Iris."

Just like that, she took the small bowls and went into the living room area - Gladdy and Prompto sat in separate chairs, facing a TV that's currently on. At the moment, they were waiting for the inevitable broadcast that would cover Noct's interview today, even if all he's doing is taking questions from the people - it's been a regular thing for some time now, to keep up a sense of progress and keep peoples' spirits up even as they worked hard. She wished she could've been there for today's interview, but their scheduling didn't work out; a shame, but hanging out with the other guys is fun too. And thankfully, the Kingsglaive were all perfectly willing to take up her official job of guarding him, which they took to with the utmost seriousness.

She couldn't blame them; by their own account, those still around/the new recruits had to prove themselves to Bahamut, so it's no wonder they were serious about the job.

Anyway:

"Here you go, Gladdy."

Gladdy took his steaming bowl of soup with a smirk. "I'm all for the main course, but I need this too after training" he said, mild and practically eager. "Can't just be all strength and speed."

Iris smirked as well, tapping his arm with her fist, but he purposefully didn't look back. "Like you need any more muscles, Gladdy" she said, entirely playful. "As you are now, you could probably pick me up with one hand; don't deny it."

"You've been saying to that to me since we were kids. Get a new exaggeration" he 'retorted', if trying to hide a grin.

Suppressing a laugh, Iris just moved on over to Prompto, who'd been checking something on his phone for the last minute. "Hmm?" he breathed when she prodded him, looking up before seeing the bowl, which he quickly took. "Oh, thank you, Iris. Mmh; smells reeally good."

That got her to grin. "Glad to hear it, since I made this much myself. Though, Ignis made the main course."

Prompto gave a little laugh. "Well, I'm looking forward to both" he said eagerly, moving his spoon through the soup. "After all the calories I burned during training, I gotta stock up on a few more. Whatever the main course is should do that easily, and this time I can actually afford it."

"I'm sure you'd be fine anyway" Iris said, sincere. "We can all pig out once-in-awhile."

Strangely, his glance at her seemed more inward than anything. "It's not that easy for me, Iris, though I get what you mean" he said, before starting to eat - she was a bit confused, wondering what he meant, but maybe now wasn't the right time. Particularly since Noct would be on soon; she wanted to listen, both to the general flow of questions and what the guys might say to them.

"Well, we also have a few vegetables on hand" Iris made sure to add. "Want some?"

From behind her: "Think I'll pass for today. Veggies are necessary, but today we'll just enjoy ourselves."

Without missing a beat, Prompto nodded with a small grin. "What the big guy said, Iris" he said, a little cheerful. "I mean, I'm not gonna pig out, but I'm gonna enjoy myself too."

"Oh, you guys" Iris said playfully, sitting down in another chair; she figured they'd say something like that. "Kinda like old times, right?"

"Yes, quite. Speaking of vegetables however-"

This came from Ignis, who'd arrived with their meaty main course, making sure to (carefully) give them to everyone as he went.

"-I nearly fainted when I heard our King eat some recently" he said, with numerous undertones. "I first thought that I was hallucinating, actually."

"Oh yeah! I thought it was a joke, but he had that dead-serious, uber-annoyed look when I told him to stop pulling my leg" Prompto added, if seeming a little awed (and curious). "For a moment I was actually weirded out, thinking that it might actually be true. Then later, it kinda just hit me dead-on... it was quite a shock."

"I know that feeling, Prompto" Gladdy 'rumbled', if amused. "Noct would never eat veggies period, and now he suddenly is? I suspect a certain sister of mine influenced him."

Iris felt extremely sheepish when the guys looked at her... after all, she'd thought they might 'suspect' her for this...

Still, after adjusting in her chair: "Actually, I didn't have anything to do with this, guys" she said, before quickly adding, "I mean, I didn't know he was gonna until he started eating some in front of me!"

Gladdy had a more intense look, as per usual. "So you knew before us; guess I'm not surprised" he said, if still amused. "How long ago?"

"About two months. I only saw him eat more on a handful of occasions, but that's just in person; he hasn't said anything about otherwise. Not that his opinion of them has changed at all, even if you count 'getting used to them'."

Having finished handing over their plates, Ignis sat down in another chair, leaning forward. "Given the fact that he still hates them, there must be a reason, Iris" he said, also intent. "I understand why he kept this from us at first, knowing we'll never let him live it down, and we certainly won't. Yet you were the first to see this almost-miracle, it seems, so you either must have an idea or Noct has told you the reason.."

Iris took a moment, finishing her mouthful of the main course. "Well, it's... it's an effort to help keep up his long-term health, even if it's not much" she answered, more quiet. "I'm sure you all know the context, as I do."

No one answered at first; thankfully, it gave her a little time to compose herself.

"So it's because of that" Gladdy eventually said, letting off a sigh. "It would take something serious for Noct, and even then he's starting it half-assed. But even that much is a major improvement."

Prompto picked at his meal, almost kneading his lip. "And a hard adjustment" he added, more internally-focused and quiet. "I should know."

Ignis leaned back into his chair, head turning in the direction of the TV (as the session with Noct was just beginning); his expression seemed faintly exasperated for a time.

"I still can't believe this development, but I do approve of it" he said, trying to interject a lighter note. "I doubt our pushing him to be more consistent with eating vegetables will accomplish much - this is Noct we're talking about - but as his friends, it is our royal duty to keep trying."

Watching the TV, only half-listening now, Iris did wonder if Noct had anymore surprises in store for them.

...

Somewhat later

"Your Highness, how are the situations with Accordo and Tenebrae, as of right now?"

"Altissia is still in the process of rebuilding, but the situation is stable and aid will continue to be sent to Accordo for the next several months, under the care of Camelia. Tenebrae is less stable, but many of the refugees who came to Lucis have decided to start over there, so things should begin to improve; the kingdom of Lucis will do it's best to help on that end, as well as possibly help them settle the remains of the former nation of Nifheim, since it is now technically part of their lands now."

On the TV, Noct continued to answer questions, while Iris just smiled from her seat - he's doing a good job as usual.

Being able to read his expression fairly well, his natural composure worked wonders for him - Noct made sure to give off a friendly air, but also making sure that he's fair about everything. In fact, she secretly thought that if you didn't make him awkward/surprised/shocked, he could talk about anything within reason, which helped with the questions thrown his way. Again though, she wished she could be there with him, to help whenever questions about 'them' popped up; Noct was always slightly flustered when answering, even if the details he gave were still reasonable. He's able to handle it, but still... Iris thought he's either got a ways to go before things become fully natural, or he'll always be slightly-awkward when broaching such subjects.

She certainly wouldn't mind if it's the latter, hehehe.

"You stare at that screen much longer, it'll affect your vision" came from behind her, along with a tap on her shoulder.

Iris made a sound, looking up at her brother. "I'm just watching, Gladdy" she said, a bit mild/playful. "But since Prompto and Ignis excused themselves, and you haven't told me to get lost yet, I'm guessing there's something else on your mind."

A little smirk. "Close enough" he assured, sitting down in a nearby chair. "It's been six months, Iris. Despite my instincts as an older brother, I have to wonder if you and Noct are getting 'serious' yet."

Her reaction was somewhere between flustered and not-quite-surprised - were she not distracted, Iris might have registered the questions Noct was being asked now on the TV.

"Gladdy" she chided, standing up and 'glaring' at him. "What happens between me and Noct is none of your business, even if you are my older brother."

Gladio chuckled. "So long as it's happy and behind closed doors, sure" he said, and she struggled (slightly) to keep down a blush, before his gaze sharpened a bit. "But that's not what I'm talking about."

She paused, heart beating faster as she glanced down - without really noticing, she began to sit upon her chair's arm.

"Ever since we were kids, you crushed on Noct, even though he was the prince" he went on, if not unkindly. "At the time, you didn't think that you had a chance, but it didn't stop you from feeling that way. So while you thought he didn't seem interested in you, you held onto your feelings, and resolved not to tell him... at least for a long time. You should be getting the idea by now."

"...yeah, I know where you're going with this" Iris breathed, rather listless. "If somehow things changed, and he actually gave me a chance and it all worked out, like it has... being with Noct would eventually make me Queen."

Gladdy lifted his head slightly, having noted her change-in-tone, before he let out a sigh. "So you've known all along, yet avoided thinking about it. Perhaps you're still not thinking about it even now" he said, more shrewd. "That because mentioning it around Noct would just weird him out?"

"Well... yeah, basically. He tries his best, but even with my vocal teases, that would've been going too far... at least, if I said it."

"What's that mean?"

Iris remembered back, to that second time they stood on the cliffside overlooking Insomnia. "One time, he guessed that my unsaid forward tease was that- that I was the Queen-to-be, simply because we'd started dating" she admitted, feeling a lot. "He was struggling a little, but from the way he talked, just played it off as a non-serious tease like normal... admittedly a one-off one; he hasn't mentioned that since, just as I haven't. I quickly realized that it was such a serious thing to be saying, even as only a tease, and I'm sure he felt similar."

A moment of silence.

"So both of you know" Gladdy said, quiet-but-intent; he leaned forward. "As King, no doubt Noct has that angle on his mind sometimes, when he's thinking about the long-term; it is a possibility. But what about you, Iris? ...Are you really that scared to think about it?"

"...I wouldn't exactly say that, Gladdy" Iris answered, if not focused on what she's saying; in fact, she didn't realize how quiet her voice sounded. "I just... I feel like I have no reason to think about it, seriously or otherwise. At the moment we're still just dating, and while he knows I love him, I don't know how strongly he feels- w-well, other than it's good. But I'm happy with how things are between us now; I don't want to seriously bring this up again, and potentially make things seriously awkward between us..."

A few moments passed, then he stood up and walked beside her chair.

"Well as far as that last part, if that's really what you think, there's not much for me to say" Gladdy breathed, clapping her shoulder; she slowly looked at him, finding his gaze intense. "Except this: the longer your relationship goes on, the less weight that reasoning holds. Even if you don't think it's likely to happen for a long time, that's no excuse not to give it some thought. After all, what if it does work out? What if it does get that serious? And when/if that does happen... are you still gonna refuse to face that possibility because you're afraid of thinking about it? Or clinging to something else? I ain't sure which it is yet, but you'd better figure it out before I do."

The struggle to hide her blush was back full-force, and she gave him a mixed look, but was inwardly struggling right now; she... wasn't sure how to answer. Hearing Gladdy say all that, Iris was becoming troubled by this apparent flaw she had - whatever it was - and how she hadn't realized it before: it's almost like she's secretly worried their relationship might not get too far, or didn't want them to.

Or worse, that because she spent a long time believing they could never be... she's still partly clinging to that, unconsciously or otherwise.

Is that it?

"I'll-" Iris started, before slightly clearing her throat. "I'll do my best, Gladdy."

After all, she's definitely gotta try and do something about this, at the very least.

Not having looked at him while she said that, Iris didn't see his reaction... all he seemingly did was shift where he stood, until he stepped even closer and hugged her. She made sure to return it, feeling a little better - after it was over, she'd regained her composure, which was good too.

"...So then, is this the part where you ask me to get lost now?" she asked, almost lighter. "After all, I doubt your girlfriend would be pleased that I'm hanging around so long."

Gladdy wasn't fooled, but pushed her shoulder as he rolled his eyes. "Always the comedian, Iris" he 'retorted', more knowing.

"Well, it's pretty fun to tease you."

"Even if true, it's bull. But I'll go along with it, this time."

Hehe, of course he would.

Insomnia; near Citadel

Hours later

Noctis felt he's gonna need to think seriously, and soon... n-now if only his heart would stop pounding...

The panel itself had gone great, as he'd answered a lot of questions, and finally explained the new conditions about others wielding a single royal arm, after having determined the particulars in private. The crowd and press officials had been all over those details, including the question about a hypothetical Queen - he'd felt awkward at the mention, but answered honestly that they'd have access to all powers of his bloodline so long as he agreed to it, as per the arrangement.

And then they had to voice the question of if Iris, who he's dating, is likely to become such at this point... plus some stuff about if she (or anyone he chose as Queen) would be like previous consorts, or be another monarch alongside him.

"Man" Noctis thought internally, struggling a bit. "I mean it- i-it's kinda obvious that... mmh. Still, I'm lucky I didn't outright mumble there."

He'd said 'no comment at this time' regarding Iris, but also added that he hadn't given thought to the dual ruler idea before, which was true. From a purely-Kingly viewpoint, it's an interesting thing to consider... but also required a lot of thought, about the good, bad, and more, before he could decide such an important change period; right now, he needed to be focused on the immediate future.

Secretly, he also hoped Iris hadn't been watching the TV - yet if she had, she'd probably brush the questions off and have them continue as normal.

"Looks like someone was struggling at the end there, Your Highness."

Pulled from his thoughts now (and slightly glad for it), Noctis turned and composed himself. From her spot, Aranea gave a friendly little smile, along with the Lucian salute before she came up to where he's standing.

"Aranea" he greeted, inclining his head. "It was that obvious?"

She gave a slight laugh. "Pretty much, sir" Aranea answered, glancing toward the door he came through earlier, which led to the podium and the now-dispersing crowd. "But I wouldn't worry; underneath the hero worship, they know you're doing your best. Being flustered and verbally flatfooted just means you're a regular person, like them. That's basically a good thing for royalty, so long as it isn't too much, right?"

Honestly, he's still feeling odd about that hero worship angle, even if only some were 'too much' about it. Noctis knew it came with having ended eternal night - even though people didn't know about the cost of his own life, or Luna's hand in his still being here (not yet) - but it was embarrassing really.

"Of course" he answered, outwardly normal. "While I am King, I aim to be a friendly and personable one."

Aranea rested a hand on her hip. "In my opinion, you've succeeded, Your Highness" she said, with a slight friendly-playful stress; he gave a brief knowing look. "It's just what the people need nowadays from their King."

Noctis made sure to non-verbally show he appreciated that comment, before taking in a breath.

"Thank you. Now, Aranea" he said, getting to business. "What is today's report?"

She briefly smirked, before standing straight like before. "As of today, we've completely cleared Niflheim's former domain of it's non-daemon weapons" Aranea stated, professional now. "Myself and my men are still sweeping Tenebrae and Accordo, just in case, but mostly we're finding wrecks with little that's salvageable. What isn't being recycled is being stored, as per procedure."

A little nod. "Well, the timing works out" Noctis mused, glancing off. "Lucis is the only kingdom that had the manpower and supplies to handle this situation, even with rebuilding efforts continuing. But now that Accordo is relatively stable, and Tenebrae is getting closer to such, that situation must start to change."

"Because this kingdom is currently the only one with access, let alone authority to handle these weapons" she said, quite smooth. "May I assume, that you'll gradually begin negotiations on that point, Your Highness?"

"Correct" Noctis said, glad that she understands; it's important that once the nations recover, and hopefully become allies, no one is so much more powerful than the other. "You'll need to keep your ear on these negotiations, Aranea, as will Cor."

"And I will sir, once this begins" Aranea assured, before her lip curved. "But unless there's any other business, I think you should get back to your own private thoughts. Those questions were some serious stuff, after all. So, allow me to excuse myself, Your Highness."

"...Very well."

Even as she left, it was only a small effort of will that he didn't sigh; Aranea's not wrong, but she could've been a bit more subtle. But anyway, he did have a lot of things to go over, and a bunch of big decisions to make too... unbidden, he thought of how he's been feeling these past few months...

He's- he's nervous, yeah, but he won't turn away from it... b-because he's not against where this is leading.

"It's crazy, but- well sometimes life is crazy" Noctis thought, determined to psyche himself up. "Considering that I was given a second chance, I'm not gonna waste it. Hell if I'd do that after everything that's happened."

Still, even with that said, Noctis knew he'd have to- to bring all this up with Gladio, or there'd be hell to pay...

/

Feeling the wind push at her hair/clothes, Iris took in a deep breath, enjoying all of these sensations for a little while. Just like at Cape Caem, there's (almost-)always some kind of cross breeze, and the smell of salt in the air... she loved it all, especially compared to how the Crown City used to be.

"It's funny how for a city girl, I've come to love scenery even more" she thought, content.

And to think, this immediate area was her's to do with as she would now; this lower area near the shoreline where she stood, the rising slope that lead up to the area she'd showcased to Noct several times, and the small forest growth that overlooked part of the cliffs. The idea would've been crazy to her younger self, for sure - but now, with the long years spent under eternal night, she was more determined than ever to have a place of her own.

A place she can call home.

Iris gave off a sound, knowing the real work would begin tomorrow, or roundabouts when everyone could gather - building the actual house was gonna be tough work, as was the utilities work and other matters. For now though, she turned and walked among the lapping waves, aiming toward the recently-completed dock she'd requested: built into the ground itself were metal poles, upon which was the framework that held the wooden boards together. For now it was finished, yet was unpainted, but luckily she could finish up that last part herself, even if it'd take a little awhile. She thought with some mischief how it'd look much better once it's painted, which would really make it stand out.

Might require her bathing suit to paint the underside, or what she could reasonably get, but good thing she always carried that around with her (just in case).

"I really hope the color is a surprise to Noct" Iris said to herself, a little cheerful. "He'll probably snark that he would've preferred black, but that won't change my mind. A dark-blue is much more interesting... hehe..."

Well, either way it'd be interesting - and overall, it'd give her a lot of time to think upon what Gladdy told her, as she knew she needed to start doing, though the thought did cut into her cheer. Whatever this issue was, it'd stopped her from doing a lot of heavy thinking... like if she and Noct did get serious, t-that would make her Lucis's newest Queen, something she had never once given thought to since they've been together, as something that could actually happen. As her family had served Noct's, she knew a few things about how it all worked, but it didn't seem like enough to get by, a-although Noct would probably take the brunt for awhile. Either way, she felt nervous and embarrassed by the thought... and she'd barely even started considering it all yet...

But uh, maybe she could bring this up with Talcott, when she goes over to visit him at Cape Caem later; he needed a little help with a few miscellaneous things.

When Iris came back to herself, she realized she'd spaced out: the dock was still unpainted.

...Well then, time to get started.

Also a bunch of set-up for later stuff, and also the first time 'onscreen' they haven't directly interacted with each other, being a day when their schedules didn't match.

^But they'll be plenty of that again soon.