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

Iris stirred where she slept...

"Cor, Aranea!"

She barely had time to shout that, in the middle of helping evacuate the others; the Red Giant swung at her again, and she dodged, feeling the heat from up-close. She leapt backward again as it tried a second swing, but it's blade got stuck in the nearby building- she instantly leapt forward and sank her sword into it's wrist, causing the thing to roar, particularly as she twisted the blade in it's flesh.

But she can't keep at it alone forever - all it had to do was let go of the sword and physically hit her, and then she'd in trouble.

As luck would have it, the Red Giant didn't stay stuck for long; it yanked it's sword out and regarded her, the fiery light illuminating the area even as she prepared for it's next attack. In that exact moment, all she could hear was guttural breathing, the receding sounds of the evacuation efforts, and from above the sound of support gunfire (aimed at something other than the foe in front of her). Then a blur zipped over her head, appearing in the air above the Red Giant - Aranea, powering forward and swinging at it's head, which the Red Giant turned to block (having also seen the blur). She was about ready to help Aranea before she paused, Cor having caught up to her- they shared a nod and charged forward.

He went at the arm, while she went right at it's leg-

Like a switch being thrown, suddenly it ended and Iris half-opened her eyes, breathing a bit heavier - she slowly realized that she'd been remembering to back then, and it was just a dream. She spent a moment just looking at the ceiling, remembering the difficulties of living in eternal night, before she sighed and started to move, instinctively getting her body to wake up and recognize that it's morning.

Her elbow bumped into something-

-Iris instinctively hitched, almost sitting up before she controlled herself.

When she looked beside her, all she saw was Noct, still fast asleep and laying on his back; he hadn't even stirred.

Iris just stared at him, breathing heavier and her brain still struggling to wake up... she spent a bunch of time just lingering over his features, the contentment in his face. Even though she knew his looks by heart, unbidden, part of her recalled how Noct used to be ten-plus years ago, and how much he'd grown/changed (in the good ways) when he came back...

"Then, would you- would you stay by my side, forever?"

Equal parts warmth and wonder spread through her body, then with a jolt, she brought her hands up- her ring was there, as beautiful as ever. A little gasp escaped, and Iris felt tears come on as she brushed her fingers over it, seeing how it subtly reflected a little of the sun's light...

"I-It was real. We're really..."

In love? Engaged? The royal couple?

All were true, and yet her mouth just wouldn't work after those last words.

She remembered everything from yesterday, particularly how warm she'd felt, before and after h-his sudden proposal. It was only then that his reasons fully registered, including the realization that this was 'kinda' crazy - an understatement - and yet he'd still wanted them to be together, even if he's shaking on the inside. For a moment, she felt like doing the same... but then it passed, and a growing contentment took it's place, slowly leading her to smile - Iris rested her head against the pillow, just looking at Noct's face and how he breathed. Slowly, gently, she brushed her fingers over his cheek, his hair, the stubble of his beard... then equally so, she pressed herself against his body, one arm resting against his chest and just holding him close.

She lay like that for awhile, eyes closed, focused on breathing and their shared warmth.

Minutes must have passed, as her eyelids started feeling that heavy, content sensation again, and she knew she had to get up... but very much didn't want to. However, Noct started to stir for real, which made her half-open her eyes, seeing his brow start to furrow - eventually he went 'mmh', and started to lift his head before he paused, no doubt feeling the situation he's in.

And also, that her fingers were trailing up-and-down his arm.

Noct's eyes half-opened, turning toward her for a bit, breathing heavier - still trailing one hand over his arm, Iris brushed her other fingers against his beard's stubble. He reacted a bit but let her do that, saying nothing before he pulled his other arm out from 'underneath' her body, managing to get it out-and-behind-her with some effort. After a moment, it touched the back of her head, fingers moving through her hair... the warmth only got better, as did her smile. He got a little lip curve too, slowly moving closer to her- as soon as Iris saw this, she leaned over and kissed him.

"Noct" she whispered, feeling a small thrill come over her.

For a moment, she felt his breath quicken, and saw traces of warmth and nervous-awkwardness. "Iris. G- Good morning" he breathed, voice reflecting both.

"Mmh, likewise. But please, don't get up just yet."

"...you want us to miss breakfast?"

Iris giggled a little, continuing to tease his beard. "So we'll be late" she breathed softly, "We do have today off."

A little quirk in his smile, even as he slowly looked at the ceiling then, one hand still moving against her hair (which she didn't mind). "That's actually a little tempting" he admitted.

She kissed the corner of his lip. "Well, I'm mainly just being playful" Iris whispered, resting against him. "Even if we don't spend the morning here, I'll still feel like I'm on cloud nine, and will be for a long while. You've made me so happy, Noct."

Three seconds afterward, she felt his other hand gently tilt her chin up - she found Noct looking at her, inwardly nervous but intent, before his little smile returned.

His voice was gentle: "Still think you're dreaming then, Iris?"

The warmth only got more intense - with a soft smile, she nodded.

This got a small smile out of him, before he slowly moved closer again, and Iris immediately kissed him, soft-yet-passionate. She wouldn't let him go for a long while, so great was her warmth; Noct seemed to quickly adjust to this, just going with it after awhile.

...

Somewhat later

Breakfast was pretty quiet that morning (at first), as neither of them had much to say, unless it was something specific like what they actually wanted for breakfast. But it was certainly a sweet one: she was pretty affectionate with him, even more than usual, and while sometimes awkward Noct never minded this, as his little smiles showed. Even when they sat down side-by-side and just starting, she often would brush her hand over his for no reason, which he'd seemed to have expected even. However, her favorite moment was when Noct chose to take her hand, in such a way that their rings occasionally bumped together- though she could've sworn that he had a faint blush afterward, hehe

Even so, it was all nice to see.

"So Noct?" Iris eventually asked, with a small smile; he answered with a 'Mmh?' "I'm guessing there's some things to talk about, now that you've- well, you know."

"...We do, but this seems a little soon" he answered slowly, glancing at her; he looked a bit surprised. "I thought you'd wanna wait till later."

Part of her did want to, that's true.

"Well honestly, I think right now, the only reason left to wait is to let everything sink in" Iris breathed, pausing a bit. "That'll happen at it's own pace though, no matter what. And also..."

Noct tilted his head slightly, waiting.

She looked at him, fingers brushing against his. "No matter what the situation is, or how you feel, you never shirk away from what needs to be done" she stated, sincere. "Even if it takes me awhile to fully adapt to- to us being engaged, I want to start doing the same alongside you."

His fingers returned the brushes for a little, and he gave a smile.

"I'm glad to hear that, Iris" he answered, gentle. "But even still, it's no reason to rush anything. That'd be as bad as waiting too long."

"I know" Iris breathed, leaning her side against his for a few seconds; he didn't mind. "With how much I have to learn, and to adjust, I certainly can't do either. But what I can handle right now, I won't put it off, including stuff that comes later. I need to start working off this habit of mine, where I don't think not thinking about the future."

"Mmh. Fair enough."

A little pause, mostly to continue eating.

"I believe that, I want to be in the know about everything, Noct. Everything" Iris whispered, looking right at him. "I mean, I- I will be the Queen-"

So she said with a changed tone, as something that hadn't fully registered yet; Noct's little flicker showed he hadn't missed this.

"-and that's not something that I can take lightly."

After a moment, Noct slowly made a sound. "No, it's not" he breathed, nostalgic - his arm moved around her back, touching the ends of her hair for a second. "People always watch those in authority, the things they do and why they do them- handling that is one of the most important parts of the job. People will have higher expectations of you, though you have already dealt that somewhat, as a former Daemon Slayer."

Iris closed her eyes, just thinking for a moment. "I'm not worried that everyone won't accept me, or that I won't try my best" she admitted, if liking the way he held her. "I just know that... I'm not exactly qualified for the job, technically speaking."

A few moments passed.

"It's alright, Iris" Noct breathed, gentle. "People may bring that up eventually, but I'm sure you'll prove yourself."

Iris opened her eyes, feeling warmer as she looked at him, fully grasping his hand; he gave a little lip-curve. "I do plan to try" she agreed. "That being said, I don't think that I should be your equal, as I'm not not suited for that. Even so, I don't want the title to be an empty one either."

"So you wanna start off gradually?"

"Mmh, yeah. That way I'll have time to adjust, along with learning everything I can."

He didn't answer for a time, thoughtful even as he ate, still holding her close- she made sure to continue eating herself.

"That sounds good. And I was planning on handling most of the heavy stuff for you, at least for awhile" Noct agreed then, before glancing at her. "Still, would one week be enough time for you?"

Iris looked at him, questioning-

-he gave a small lip curve. "To tell everyone about us" he said, only a few hitches showing the internal awkwardness. "This kind of announcement will uh, demand a press conference. And that'll demand questions, particularly about what changes this will entail, along with 'when's' and 'why's'."

Hearing that made her feel several things, but after a moment, her only answer was to lean over and kiss him.

"I think so, Noct."

"Okay, but I'll wait at least a few days before I announce the announcement, just in case, Iris. And while we're at it, anything else you feel like discussing?"

"Well..."

A week later

Insomnia

Iris took in/let out a breath, but kept her smile for the crowd, sitting beside Noct.

"Well, here's where the small rehearsing pays off" she thought to herself, comforted by his presence. And on the plus side, the thought helped distract her from her freshly-cut hair, which was back to it's usual level now and thus felt 'weird' because her body was used to the longer hair.. "Though it's been a week, it still feels unreal... just a bit."

Beside her, Noctis leaned forward, camera/cellphone flash occasionally going off - as he spoke into the microphone, his words gave her a small feeling of pride.

"I'll get to the point about this press conference" he said with practiced ease. "You all know of how I've been romantically involved with Iris Amicitia, youngest of her family and a noted Daemon Slayer during eternal night in my absence. Recently however, that relationship has changed-"

Some murmurs, but Iris liked how he's secretly playing it up a little, even during Kingly business-

-and just below, hidden by the table, her fingers moved over her ring (again); well, she won't have to keep it hidden much longer.

"-but not for the worse. I asked Iris for her hand in marriage, and she's accepted."

The reaction was explosive, as expected: a 'physical' wave of sound, light flashes, and questions/statements in varying tones resulted from the gathered people/reporters. Some were surprised that this happened so soon - and not without good reason - while others just wanted to know this-and-that, but mainly the reaction was pleasantly-surprised and/or joyful. Though both of them managed not to react, Iris found she didn't particularly like how loud reporters could get... and Noct probably had the same opinion too, because she knows he's more of a peaceful, quiet kind of guy. Still, Noct kept his expression controlled as he waited a few seconds, before raising a hand for silence; the crowd gradually got the message and tried to curb itself, though it took awhile.

Quite awhile, hehe.

He lowered his hand after everyone was silent, pulling his microphone closer for a moment, then took her hand in full view of everyone, with particular emphasis on showcasing their rings (well, insofar as them being in plain sight now). Iris was aware of Noct's internalized awkwardness, but other than a brief grin, she didn't show it - instead, she focused on intertwining their fingers, if aware that she's taking a lot of the crowd's attention now...

Not sure she'll ever be fully comfortable with that, but she can handle it.

Noct smiled, if still keeping his Kingly visage. "While the exact time of the ceremony has yet to be determined, it shall be a joyous occasion for the Kingdom of Lucis. When the date is set, it shall be announced ahead of time, so that everyone can properly determine scheduling, whether you physically attend or watch it on devices" he said, before looking at her. "And now before questioning begins, Iris has a few words to say."

Iris slowly stood up, Noct letting her hand slip out of his - she had to clear her throat a bit.

"Hello everyone" she said, managing to hide her small nervousness; luckily it got easier. "I will aspire to represent the people of Lucis, and support King Noctis at his side, as the newest-to-be Queen of Lucis. It's a tremendous responsibility, but I shall do my best with this authority, as I have with my position of Daemon Slayer. And while my position may demand respect, I plan to remain as friendly and personable as my fiance - that being said, as Queen, I will always try to move forward while leading, accepting the consequences and never looking back. Thank you."

While sitting down, Noct gave her an approving side-glance; her only response was to take his hand again, which didn't seem to surprise him at all.

As she'd learned this last week, that was something Ignis had advised Noct to do during their post-Leviathan journey, as well as a line King Regis had advised Ignis with when he was a child. It obviously meant a good deal to Noct - not just because he respected his friend's devotion, but also because he'd attached himself to the phrase, as a means of remembering/honoring his father - and she thought it in her best interests to try and emulate it, even if she's just starting now.

"Iris insists upon both aspects, and I approve of her resolve" Noct added, completely sincere. "Now as I stated, onto the questions. One-at-a-time, if you all please."

Almost immediately after he finished:

"King Noctis, what did Iris mean by 'authority'? Does this mean she's to become a monarch like yourself?"

"No, Iris will not become a full monarch" he said easily, with hints of his natural tones. "The fact is that despite her family's knowledge of what being a monarch entails, she does not have the skills nor training to rule a country. Therefore she is unfit for sharing that responsibility, so I will remain the sole monarch of Lucis at this time. However, Iris and I have agreed to giving her some authority, starting with a limited sort that she will settle into, that may eventually grow to become second only to my own. Depending upon what she prefers, along with proving in time what she is capable of, we will adjust as needed."

"But until that's all determined, I think I'll start by helping manage the Hunters" Iris added, slightly playful; Noct's lip briefly twitched, meaning he would've chuckled were it not for their audience. "Or rather, I'll help my brother, Gladiolus, do that as a starting point, so as to help keep people safe while our expansion and rebuilding efforts continue."

"And let it be stated for the record, that both I and Gladiolus have agreed to her decision" Noct continued. "Now, next question."

This time there was a rabble of questions, forcing Noct to manually pick one person from the crowd; she wasn't surprised, as that sometimes happened at previous interviews.

"Iris, will you be changing your family name in this marriage?"

Iris glanced at Noct, her smile non-verbally saying that she saw that coming, though the crowd seemed to have a few different reactions. He gave her a small shrug, essentially saying 'Go on. Might as well tell them', almost a bit amused at the reporters' implied reaction - good thing she can read him well, as it really came in handy for situations like this.

"Of course I will" she stated, her voice growing pretty warm. "By law, I'll soon become part of the royal family, and I'm honored to join it's ranks. But at the same time, I want it made clear that I'm not giving up my family's duty, or that I won't carry on it's pride; in terms of bloodlines and personal spirit, I will always remain an Amicitia, and I see nothing that will change this."

Noct leaned forward. "I myself appreciate Iris's position, her pride in her family's duty, as I have always appreciated the efforts of the Amicitia family" he said, a bit more serious, yet sincere - his eyes closed for a time. "This includes the late Clarus Amicitia, father of Iris and Gladiolus, who gave his life trying to protect my father, the late King Regis."

Outwardly, Iris did pause, despite knowing that was coming - and so did the crowd, having a moment of silence.

She felt sad that they'd never gotten to say goodbye, but the important thing was moving on, honoring his example.

"It's true" Iris added, more intent - not just so she wouldn't dwell on her father, but so Noct wouldn't for King Regis either (just in case). "My father always stood by King Regis, while myself and my brother have always stood by King Noctis as well. We are the King's sworn shields, and will always protect the royal bloodline, no matter what. Although this is the first time an Amiticia - myself - will marry into the Lucis bloodline, that duty is still one that I'll follow just as my brother will do. Yet at the same time, I will take my upcoming role seriously and do the best I can, no matter how many mistakes I might make in the days to come... I know everyone will expect no less."

By the end, most people were modestly applauding, which put the questions on hold for a bit; inwardly she was a bit sheepish, if also glad. It was easy to keep the smile though, knowing that she'd spoken the truth - from the way he grasped her hand, Noct was all approval and support.

Still, this was gonna take some getting used to: she knew there's a lot things to keep track of as the Queen-to-be, a certain way of behaving in public that her family, and so on. Yet as far as presenting herself today, Iris thought that it's going well... then again, she had some experience watching Noct present himself to crowds over the past months, so maybe she has an advantage that way.

Once the crowd died down, the questions naturally continued.

...

Citadel

Thankfully he and Iris had already discussed many aspects in the past week; it'd helped a lot in answering most of them.

"Now if only that one woman had waited to ask us about- about children" Noctis thought, rubbing the back of his head, still semi-awkward. "I mean, i-it's still early for crying out loud. Of all the things I mentioned, we haven't had that discussion yet, because Iris still needs time... which I get."

Beside him - with them having been left alone - Iris leaned against the wall, looking at the pictures that'd been sent to his phone; the new crown design artwork, representing a fresh start for Lucis. They weren't finalized, but were visibly different from the crown his dad had worn - these were more like circlets, or at least patterned after such, so as to not be 'too much' as opposed to previous crowns. Yet while these crowns had a different design aesthetic, they retained the silver color, as well as the hornlike bit that's modeled after Bahamut's own aesthetic. Unlike the single-horn crown though, these new ones had two horns - one on each side - and were supported at several points instead of just jutting up-and-backward.

After a moment, Noctis realized she's still looking at the pictures, and glanced at her expression for a little - without realizing it, he smiled a little, feeling the awkwardness fall away. And with that gone, he just felt the small, warm pride and approval from earlier, having seen Iris handle herself well during her speech... they both know it'll take time before she gets used to it, but that's okay.

"Iris?" he gently prodded.

She stirred a bit, then slowly turned toward him.

"I thought that it'd already sunk in" Iris breathed, half to herself. "Yet this... it's bringing it all back, again. I'm really the newest-to-be Queen of Lucis."

Deep down, Noctis sympathized with her reaction; she had never grown up/lived with the expectation of becoming royalty, even with her family's job. Gently, if a bit slow, he put an arm around her shoulder - she chose to lean against his body, almost settling her head against his shoulder, and he didn't mind either.

"I had a feeling you wouldn't adjust that fast" he whispered, a little softer.

It wasn't long before a small, knowing smile appeared on her lips, even as she glanced at him.

"Well, it's not like I'm complaining, Noct" Iris breathed, gentle. "I certainly meant what I said out there."

"I know" he breathed back, his hand moving down from her shoulder - the moment he touched her fingers, she immediately grasped them back. "And there's still plenty of time."

To that, she didn't say anything, and merely handed his phone back; Noctis took it without looking away.

"Well, thus far... I think the artist's new design is pretty cool. Not sure what else could be added, or changed."

"Mmh. I'll make sure they get the message, Iris."

Iris slowly nodded, but then looked around the room more - in particular, she seemed to eye the empty 'crater' where the throne had previously been, her gaze sometimes flickering. He looked there too, feeling that familiar mix of emotions at everything that'd taken place inside this room... eventually it would be rebuilt too, and here is where numerous official matters would commence when that happened. The only reason it wasn't yet was because of practicality; the nation itself needed rebuilding first, not its formal seat of power, which he'd insisted upon. Plus, it helped to see their King getting his hands dirty along with them, making sure that while a monarch he's still considered one of them in all senses. He will take up all the formalities that came with his position, but only once they had a little elbow room to practically do so, which would perhaps be soon (as a starting point).

"But not just me anymore" he thought, more content - this helped him to not dwell on the less-savory memories. "Iris too."

Speaking of whom:

"It's amazing, how much you have to deal with on a daily basis, Noct" Iris said, completely sincere - his gaze soon moved to her, even as she did the same. "Right now, you've got preliminary arrangements for the ceremony to consider, still haven't fully decided about the design for the Regalia's successor, and that's probably just some of it. Anything I'm missing?"

Noctis considered for a moment, then chuckled slightly.

"Well, not going into the diplomatic situations, or the regions' minutiae, just a few miscellaneous stuff" he said, slightly played-up.

Her look became a little knowing. "Still, it'd help if I start getting into the details now" she breathed, returning the finger motions. "At least the important, 'summed-up' ones anyway."

"Sounds good" he agreed, working his phone with his free hand, which she took again when offered, letting go of his other hand soon afterward. At his direction, Iris found the organizational app and began to skim across the various headings, though he noted she wasn't asking questions yet... or maybe she'll do that later, once the gist has sunk in. A quick glance or two showed her lingering on headings like 'Investigation of Longwythe Peak', or 'Menace Beneath Lucis', with part of him wondering how she'd react to those, perhaps even asking if that's the task that the guys are preparing for. Most likely, she'd sigh at the thought of more potential threats, but then offer to help him deal with them - and admittedly,, there's no way he'd turn her down.

Regardless though, he watched her expression for awhile, just thinking...

"Mmh. I don't think I could keep track of all this and more" Iris admitted several minutes later, if with a little smile, gaze still upon his phone. "Not without training to be that way, or experience at least."

Noctis felt his lip curve in response.

"Even for me, it's more a matter of repetition than anything" he answered, sincere. "Looking over this stuff every time I need to, and eventually the habit just settles into my brain."

For that, she nudged his side with her elbow (and gave him a look), giggling as he chuckled once. "Well, it's still insane" she breathed, gentle. "Makes me glad that I don't want to be your equal, responsibility-wise."

After a moment, he reached forward and took her hand again.

"I'm glad for it too, Iris" he admitted, softer. "When I imagine both of us on the throne, I know that we'd spent little time together at- at home."

Her expression softened even more, and then Iris brushed against his side.

"Together at home" she repeated, equally soft as she intertwined their fingers. "Something we're both still getting used to."

Even as he felt warmer and a bit sheepish, Iris kissed his cheek - as soon as this registered, Noctis decided on-the-spot to turn it into a real one, and she was quick to return the favor.

/

Home

Nighttime

"Wow..." Iris breathed, feeling warm as she slowly sat on the edge of the bed - it was a new addition to this house, delivered during the conference. Part of her was even a bit nervous, despite the fact that they'd been sleeping together every night now... though, maybe that's just because she's still adjusting; it is a silly little thing, after all. "How long has it been since I've slept on a bed?"

Just in front of her, hand rubbing the back of his head, Noct turned in surprise.

"You still haven't, Iris?" he wondered. "Not since eternal night descended?"

Remembering all the times she'd worked to help out everyone, she slowly shook her head.

"Wow. That's... crazy" Noct admitted, before slowly walking closer - carefully, he sat down beside her, fingertips brushing against hers.

"I'm guessing you have though?" Iris asked after a moment, glancing at him with a smile.

A small lip curve. "Being King, people try and arrange the best for me out of habit, or respect" he admitted, fainter. "So sometimes, yeah."

It wasn't hard to guess that the other 'sometimes', he'd insisted others get the beds before him- as she imagined this, Iris moved her hand over his. Without a word, she leaned against his side, which didn't surprise him much; if anything, he seemed more comfortable the moment she did.

They stayed like that for about a minute.

"Noct?"

"Yeah?"

She lifted her head a little. "This, all of this... is crazy. It still feels like a dream" Iris admitted, even though her tone was soft. "Like it's not real."

He didn't stir for a few seconds, aside from his fingers moving against hers. "I think that, well uh, it always will be crazy, Iris. I did just- just propose out of the blue, even if I had my reasons" Noct said, with several awkward (and sheepish) undertones. "And I feel the same way... but I know it'll pass, eventually."

"Yeah, I know that too. Eventually I'll stop saying it out loud so much, and just accept it" Iris brought her hand up, turning him to face her, and she smiled. "I just never imagined that we'd... h-have a life together like this."

Despite a clear effort, Noct's cheeks turned redder, but then again so did hers.

Slowly, he choose to lean closer, and she gladly met his kiss - several seconds in, she began stroking his cheek.

"Neither did I... at least, u-until a few months ago."

Iris let out a breath, looking at him in wonder.

He was distinctly embarrassed, but didn't look away from her. "Yeah. I mean... I had a thought or two, back then, but I only gave it serious thought recently" Noct admitted, before going 'Mmh'. "If- if a month still counts as 'recently'."

Warmth slowly spread through her body, but this time Iris wasn't wondering if she heard right. Slowly, gently, she brought his right hand up... she spent a good few seconds looking at his ring, remembering how she'd slipped it on that day...

Well, after she'd calmed down a little. Hehe.

Noct let her do so, and after a time his left hand joined in, which she appreciated - he didn't say a word, but she could see his gaze lingering on her own ring, much like she's doing.

It was crazy, and more - but no matter how long it took to get over those feelings (if ever), she wouldn't trade it for anything.

Having been a Daemon Slayer for nearly a decade, I imagine Iris would be good at talking to a crowd, even if she doesn't exactly like the spotlight; it would help keep people's spirits up, enough to get by. Even her voice in the Royal Edition call showed a quiet confidence, while still being herself, which would definitely help with that.