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

Insomnia; Near Citadel

Iris looked at herself in the mirror, feeling a lot - she kept self-consciously fingering her new threads.

According to the guys, it was explicitly modeled after Noct's 'Kingly Raiment': mostly all-black with some gold bits here and there as per Lucian royalty, but this was more her style, as the gold had red-and-brown tints supplementing them. Broadly, it looked like she's wearing a short dress over pants, which made an interesting fashion statement- well, maybe she wouldn't put it that far, but it was certainly regal.

It felt so strange, yet so right at the same time; had everything not happened as it did, she would've gotten regular Crownsguard attire when she got older, as per tradition. Yet because of how things were, only Noct, Ignis, Prompto, and Gladdy still had their Crownsguard attire, specifically because the guys had kept them stored. And for a long time that's how it had stayed, as Noct knew survival and homes were far more important than ceremonial stuff... it's only now that they could start affording a little extra. As Cor and Aranea were active authorities, they'd been given priority for theirs - as had the Kingsglaive and Crownsguard - but now it was her turn to wear them proud.

Even as she looked herself over, Noct was speaking to the crowd outside the building, voice enhanced via a microphone and with an echo-effect:

"-It's been a long time since the end of eternal night and the extinction of daemons. There is still much to do, much to rebuild, but Insomnia and it's people have not faltered in the face of this hardship, as have the other nations - all of us have done our part, and I know we will continue to face things head-on. Yet even as we look forward, today is a day where we will celebrate what we have, and honor those who cannot be here with us today. I myself will do this as well, via the new crown I wear before you all today; it symbolizes a new start to Lucis, a new Insomnia and it's people changed by events, yet also honors my predecessors' crowns - including my father, King Regis."

"And today another will stand before you, joining me at my side as Lucian royalty."

He continued with his speech, but Iris smiled pretty big, proud (and nervous); Noct has proven himself a great King, and she knows he'll do his best to help her in this new role. Were she not required to get into place soon enough, she would've just stood there and listened to him talk, but her time's fast approaching - okay, just gotta psyche herself up for this!

She can handle it; it'll be nerve-wracking, but she won't back down.

...

A little later

It really was a celebration fit for royalty, and Iris observed it all with wonder in those first few seconds, stepping out of the Regalia Mark II's passenger seat.

People surrounded the front of the Citadel, still the center of power of the Crown City, which was the most appropriate place you could imagine. Thousands had gathered around, some able to see everything up-front while the rest watched it on the big screens, which hung suspended by hovering transport ships. Everyone was dressed their best, and people had gone to town with their own private decorating/celebration stuff, with more banners and balloons than she could count, along with the usual crowd items like signposts and cellphones. Her nervousness kept trying to overtake her; sitting in front of a crowd asking questions was one thing, yet even with her psych-up, this was a different level...

From where the Regalia had parked, a straight path led toward the Citadel and up it's steps - lined by Crownsguard and Kingsglaive members to keep order - right to where Noct was standing in place, waiting for her. A glance showed that the cameras were now focused/focusing upon her, and the crowd was soon cheering, while the closest people were going crazy with pictures and stuff.

All because of her; it's almost unreal.

A meaty hand clapped her shoulder then.

"Hope you're ready, Iris" her brother said, if trying to hide a smirk.

Iris didn't bother hiding her own smile, slowly moving her arm through his, swallowing her nervousness.

"As I'll ever be, Gladdy" she answered, before becoming a little mischievous: "But feel free to cry manly tears, if you're up for it."

He gave an amused snort. "Not gonna happen. Now, let's go."

With a fanfare playing, Gladdy lead her through this long path toward the Citadel, keeping a steady pace while she gave little waves. Iris knew her brother's proud to take the place of their father, but she hoped that he's watching them now - she wanted nothing more for him and mom to be proud of them.

That thought helped pushed the nervousness away.

It took several minutes, but eventually they moved up the last stretch of stairs, where Cor, Aranea, Ignis, and Prompto stood at the sides. They were all 'flanking' Noct just ahead, dressed in their own Crownsguard attires and with smiles - as she passed them, she got various reactions from each individual, mainly approving. Cor inclined his head to her, to which she returned the favor; Aranea in particular winked at her, which made her sheepish; Ignis' reaction was much like Cor's, yet Prompto flashed her a quick thumbs-up, but she simply at this little 'antic' hehe. Gladdy soon let her go, going to stand beside the guys at his designated spot; he crossed his arms then, having put on his best 'smirk' expression.

As if to say 'about damn time', despite anything else he's feeling.

"Oh Gladdy. Still, thank you."

Just before she continued forward, Iris also caught sight of Cindy, who'd gotten her VIP spot behind Prompto with ease- the woman gave her a grin, tipping her hat to her. She easily returned the favor another head nod; it was really sweet of her to come, especially since her work was so important.

After that, Iris took in a breath and didn't hesitate, crossing that final stretch over to where Noct was standing - he waited patiently, entirely regal in his own Kingly Raiment threads. Right away, she could see his expression was a mix of his Kingly composure and happier emotions, yet also doing his best to keep down any nervousness, or awkwardness (and there's a bunch of those).

A rush went through her again... this is really happening.

He gave her a smile as she took her place opposite him, his gaze lingering over her new threads for a little - deep down that pleased her, making it easier to return the smile.

"Now then, let's begin" Noct spoke warmly, half-raising his hands after a moment, his voice echoing via the viewscreens. "Iris Amicitia."

Heart beating faster, she reached forward and formally grasped his hands, holding them in-between each other.

"As the 114th King of Lucis, I do my best to help guide this kingdom and it's people every day. Will you take me, Noctis Lucis Caelum, as your lawfully wedded husband, and share the rewards and challenges that come with being Queen?"

Iris didn't hesitate.

"I will" she spoke, really warm, even as the viewscreens made her voice echo. "On my word and spirit as an Amicitia, I pledge to prove myself worthy of the Lucian bloodline, and the people of Lucis, as it's new Queen. I also pledge to always stay by your side, to support you however I can, in sickness and in health, through all the years of our lives."

"Your pledges have been heard, and heeded. I accept them with grace, and much warmth in my heart" Noct continued, still warm - that Kingly confidence did wonders for him. "I pledge to always stay by your side as well, to support you whenever I can, in sickness and in health, through all the years of our lives. Let these engagement rings we both wear now also serve as an eternal symbol of our love, as we've agreed upon."

"I accept your pledges with grace, and much warmth in my heart, King Noctis. And may our love never once waver, no matter what happens."

A small gleam in his eyes, along with a brief lip twitch. "With the people of Lucis as our witnesses" Noct continued, more intent. "It is my duty and honor to bestow upon you the official title of Queen. Now, kneel."

For a moment, Iris felt like she's gonna shudder, excited and nervous like hell - still, she knelt upon both knees, tilting her head downward. Even as Noct let go of her hands, a servant hastily stepped forward, and she knew Noct was taking her crown...

Delicately, he slipped it onto her head; it fit perfectly, while her emotions (and heart-rate) just kept growing.

In fact, she only vaguely heard the crowd's cheers, which went on for awhile.

"Rise now, Iris Lucis Caelum, 114th Queen of Lucis" Noct continued, after the cheers had died down - she lifted her head and rose from her kneeling position; his smile was soft. "May the two of us always walk tall, together."

Iris managed to wait two seconds - allowing this moment to go on, practically beaming - before she stepped forward and kissed Noct, hard. Judging by the crowd's reaction, most were pleasantly surprised by this; Noct was far from surprised, and just returned the favor as he wrapped his arms around her, which she easily did too.

The crowd's cheering got much louder again as they saw this, but she barely noticed, just enjoying their kiss.

"You always will walk tall, Noct. And I promise that I always will too."

Pulling back, Iris was still practically beaming, but she had to make a conscious effort not to hold his hands; much as she wanted to, there's still one thing left to do. Her nervousness soon came back, knowing this would be a real turning point, but she pushed that away again - the Lucian royalty probably wouldn't appreciate it, since she's not of their blood.

To her pleasant surprise though, Noct briefly touched his fingers to her cheek- his expression was a little more intense.

"You'll do great" he said, tone reassuring, before he then pulled back, moving some distance away to prepare.

Here they go...

The air itself turned darker around the Citadel, and Noct spread his arms, becoming surrounded by all thirteen royal arms - there were numerous murmurs from the crowd, many no doubt seeing them for the first time. Then the darkened filter effect became more pronounced around the two of them, each weapon floating up until they were lined up beside each other, turning a blinding, ethereal white in the process. Iris expected something like the latter, but she was surprised when suddenly - without her command - the royal arm she'd taken, the Blade of the Mystic, began spinning around her even as Noct's version hovered above. When she looked back, she saw the intensity of Noct's gaze, and it nearly sent a chill down her spine (in the good way).

Unnoticed by anyone, high up above on the building's roof, Gentiana stood observing this entire thing with a small lip curve...

Noct's voice reflected his intensity:

"Kings of Lucis, come to me!"

Immediately, each weapon was floating next to a ghostly figure, all considerably larger than them and burning with a supernatural blue fire as they gradually formed. They eerily regarded her in silence, with the exact same intensity as Noct, and the air itself felt charged... even the crowd had gone silent in wonder...

Iris definitely felt that chill now.

Almost unbidden, she glanced at King Regis's sword, and the figure that must represent him- oh wow.

Several seconds passed during that time, Noct lingering where he stood, though his gaze didn't move, just allowing her (and everyone else) to take this all in.

"The time has come" he spoke with weight. "By the will of the late Oracle, Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, and blessings given by the Six, the Kings of Lucis, the one wed to Lucis' ruler shall now share in the powers of the Lucian bloodline, for as long as that ruler shall will it to be. Receive now the power of the Lucian bloodline, Queen Iris, given forth with my own blessings."

Iris slowly set her expression and steeled her spine, ready (enough).

"I'm- I'm prepared, and honored to receive this power, King Noctis. I also humbly thank the line of Lucis for allowing me to share in this proud tradition, even though I'm not of their blood" she spoke, before pausing, her emotions getting even stronger. "And I give my thanks to Lunafreya as well, not just for for making this possible, but for all that she's done for us."

A slight change in his eyes, outwardly approving, but inwardly feeling a lot of other things.

The Lucian Kings/Queens took hold of their weapons then, even the one who's blade she already held at her side - probably for appearance's sake - moving with an ominous, eerie pace. They regarded her for what seemed like a long time, weapons hovering, yet Iris remained intent and stared back the entire time... then with a rush, all thirteen sent themselves at her, each one-at-a-time. Despite having braced herself, she instinctively groaned at the numerous gut punches that resulted, where were enough to send her to one knee... she coughed heavily over and over afterward, hand clutching at her stomach, which felt hot with energy. Though her breath came less easily for a few moments, numerous soul crystals surrounded her, lending a transcendent glow to the darkened air... soon enough, all thirteen royal arms floated around her with a shimmering tune, only adding to this effect.

Just as the energy in her gut started to ease, her body got several unconscious 'flashes' of what might've been muscle memory.

A little nudge perhaps, helping her to learn how to wield them... but that didn't overshadow how she felt at the moment.

The crowd was cheering again, praising her and no doubt impressed by the King's display, along with the power she now wielded. On the sidelines, Cor and Aranea shared a look, mainly approving but in the vein of 'things will get interesting', while Cindy mainly looked relieved that she (Iris) is okay now - the other guys had a similar reaction in addition to the approval, but there was some good-natured-ribbing looks to Gladdy, as was to be expected.

Iris barely noticed any of that, still focused upon the hot sensations, and her own emotions... she felt like if she eased for even a moment, the past rulers might see it as weakness.

Then Noct was at her side, which slowly got her to lift her gaze - his gaze was full of concern, but also relief and pride as he smiled a little. He was quick to offer both hands, and it wasn't long before she took them, pulling herself up and wordlessly (if slowly) trying to assure him that she's okay, even though the hot energy was slow to fade.

A small, gentle flicker in his expression, before his gaze again lingered on the crown she wore.

Heh, yeah; that's gonna take some getting used to.

Still, Iris slowly gave a smile as well, turning to face the crowds along with him as the cheering continued-

-celebrating her, their newest Queen.

Hours later; dusk

Noctis finally managed to excuse himself from the festivities, with help from the guys; he thought that it'll just be a little longer, before he can drop the fully-confident act. Or more specifically, he can drop the formal air and fully start showing his more natural nuances, instead of merely a confident, friendly, personable King. Even as he had this thought, he managed to get past the doors with Gladio keeping the masses at bay, before Prompto and Ignis quickly grabbed the door handles. They were closed in an instant, mostly cutting off the loud sounds going on, and he definitely heard the others definite breathe out in mixed relief/amusement, even as they dusted themselves off.

"I owe you one, guys" he said after a moment, with a little smile.

Ignis half-turned his head. "It sounds as if you're getting better at expressing gratitude, Your Highness" he said, lighter. "Or are my ears deceiving me?"

A shared chuckle between them all.

"Well, I heard it too" Prompto admitted, hands held together. "But uh... I hope everyone doesn't get the wrong idea, about you excusing yourself from this party. 'Private business', I think I heard from one group?"

"Yup" Gladio said, turning back with a (brotherly) scowl. "But many will get the 'wrong idea' anyway; it's a wedding. Royal or not, people expect the couple to get busy."

Noctis didn't back down from that comment, since it's directed at him, though privately he very much wanted to. "Well, they can think what they want" he answered calmly. "Iris and I will work at our own pace."

Just then, he got a light tap on his arm. "Does that mean you two have been going slow?" Prompto asked, a bit cheeky.

Normally, he would've asked if Prompto really wanted to say that while Gladio was nearby, but didn't of course. Instead: "Thus far, yeah" he answered sincerely, with only some effort. "So, even if we're in a mood tonight, I doubt much will happen."

"And that is all the detail we require, at least for today" Ignis noted, almost amused. "Wouldn't want to keep you from your stunning bride too long, no matter what you engage in."

"Yeah, that too" Prompto said, with a sincere smile. "Plus Gladio would likely blow a gasket if you said anymore, Noct."

"If I would've blown a gasket, I wouldn't have allowed this wedding in the first place."

He just gave a smile as Ignis and Prompto chuckled, with Gladio 'trying' to keep his mean face on, but he had to turn away to hide a smile; presumably, anyway.

"Nonetheless, thanks. Let's all get together sometime" Noctis said, half-turning. "Say, next week or so? Let me and Iris know what works out."

Prompto held his hands together, glancing up. "Well, I definitely gotta let Cindy know first, so she can adjust her schedule" he breathed, before chuckling. "So I should be good, Noct. Oh, wait, I'm supposed to say 'sir', aren't I?"

That lightened the mood among them, including Prompto giving a little grin at his joke.

"Some things never change" Ignis mused, but patting Prompto's arm. "Still, I will ensure that I am available, Your Highness."

"Of course" Noctis answered, before looking at his brother-in-law. "Gladio?"

After a moment, the big guy's brotherly scowl lessened, turning toward him. "I'll be there" he said, before giving him a 'curious' side-grin. "Just remember what I said, Your Highness, or you will answer to me, King or no King."

Noctis didn't back down, but his lip did curve, which seemed to meet Gladio's approval even as he turned to leave, adding a 'Come on' to Ignis/Prompto. However, while the two did slowly start to follow, they gave him a curious glance-

-and he went 'heh'. "Gladio's referring to his 'warning', when I asked for his permission to marry Iris" he explained, starting to walk away himself. "I'll tell you both later, when we have more time."

"Good to know." - "We'll hold you to that."

Even as he walked, Noctis was still thinking about that warning, bemused that Gladio thought he wouldn't follow it. Or alternatively, because he knew deep down that they cared for each other, was just messing with him; sounded like something he'd do.

"Keep her happy. Keep her safe. And always remain equals outside of royal decisions."

...

Let's see now... she should be in this direction.

Noctis knew she'd been called away by Cor and Aranea, just before he'd been able to excuse himself, and still wondered what this was about. He just hoped she's okay though, as before that, Iris had started to look like she needed to clear her head, having had to deal with a concentrated dose of public behavior regarding her new status.

That aside, Iris has still done well thus far, which he approved of.

"Don't worry, I'll keep practicing."

He heard that from down the hallway, faint due to the distance, yet unmistakably Iris's voice - as he got close, he slowed and saw that she's talking with Cor and Aranea. All three were speaking comfortably, leading him to remember that each of them had gained the status of Daemon Slayer, so of course they'd be friendly with each other.

"You'll be a natural in no time, Iris" Aranea said, slightly teasing before making an amused sound. "Oh wait, I have to call you 'Your Highness' now, don't I."

"*slight giggle* Pretty much. Just don't overdo it, Aranea."

"As if, ma'am. Respectfully, of course."

Cor shook his head a little, but in the knowing sense, and gave a little smile. "That aside, you know that you can always depend on us to help you out" he told Iris. "Just say the word, and we'll be there, Your Highness."

"Thank you, Cor. And you too, Aranea."

From his spot, Noctis kept the little smile, glad to see that he wouldn't be the only one Iris could turn to for help. Not long after, Cor and Aranea took their leave of Iris and walked off in another direction, leaving her standing there for a moment... she slowly raised one hand, hesitating for a moment before sweeping it in a familiar pattern. Nothing happened, leaving her to glance at her hand, but Noctis choose then to start walking closer - she didn't jolt, but her head did move at his footsteps. Soon, he stood close at her side, gently slipping his fingers over her arm and settling upon her hand:

"Not so straight" he whispered, with only a small hitch. "Start like this, then curve it backward toward your side."

As he guided her arm, he noticed her get a small smile/blush; it was nice to see.

After he let go, Iris took up a stance more like what he'd taught, and swept her arm again-

-out of thin air, all thirteen royal arms floated around them with their shimmering tune, the light casting patterns over the area. Noctis felt that pang of familiarity again, emotions building in his chest as he looked... then Iris slowly brought her hand up, just looking at it.

"You know something, Noct?"

He looked at her, hearing how her tone changed.

"Out of everything that's- that's happened today" she whispered, before gesturing around them, at the floating ancestral weapons. "This is still the most unbelievable part."

Noctis gave a little smile, intertwining their fingers after a moment.

"Yeah" he agreed, looking around. "I knew this was coming, but to see you actually wielding all of them... it's something else, Iris. But also, I have to say that you- you look great in those threads, like you belong in them."

A bit of surprise, and Iris turned toward him before she smiled, quickly hugging him - the royal arms disappeared at that moment, briefly stalling him, but he returned the hug anyway.

"I suppose they do now" she whispered, really soft before her tone changed. "Crazy as it is... I'm the Queen."

He adjusted a little, still holding her but slightly pulling back, enough to look at her; she didn't seem to mind.

"I'm the Queen" Iris repeated in a more normal tone, before glancing at him; she gained a small, teasing curve to her lip. "I'm the Queen."

Noctis needed several moments, just looking at her before he smirked a little.

"I'm not sure if that's an act, the last bits of denial, both or what" he teased, eyebrow raised.

A slight giggle, her fingers coming up to his cheeks; her touch was soft, but there was a little quiver in them, which didn't escape his notice.

"You do know, Noct" she whispered, gentle. "You sounded pretty sure there."

"Heh, whatever" he 'brushed off', keeping the smirk.

For that, they both laughed a little, more content as she settled against him again, eyes closed - they stayed like that for at least a minute. He lightly moved his hand over her back, and the motion definitely seemed to agree with her, judging by the way she smiled.

"So, do we have to go back to the party? I might be able to handle another hour, if I have to."

"You won't have to, Iris; we've been excused. Let's go home."

"Home. Yeah, okay."

/

Home; nighttime

Standing in front of the sink, Noctis briefly washed his face, thinking that the ceremony's behind them now; he and Iris aren't just engaged, but married. A slightly-awkward warmth slowly built in his chest, but he sought to not let it get to him, as he's chosen this and is grateful for the second chance at everything, including love.

And if he knew Iris, tonight would probably just be them savoring things as they are, before going to sleep.

No need to rush anything, after all.

Then:

"...I hope you can hear me, King Regis, somehow."

He paused, heart beating faster, glancing toward the open door that lead to their bedroom... is Iris doing what he thinks she's doing? Noctis slowly moved that way, peeking around the corner - Iris sat at the foot of the bed in her nightwear, gaze downward, his father's sword serenely laying across her legs with one hand on the hilt.

Feeling a lot, most of it good (even warm), Noctis silently choose to lean against the doorway in plain sight.

Iris didn't move or lift her head, but he's certain that she's aware of his presence, or at least aware that he could hear her words.

"Other than the occasional chance meeting, including you sending me off with Noct and the guys, much of what I heard about you was from my father. He spoke highly of you" she whispered, a bit heavy yet sincere. "I respected and admired your rule, but I never thought much of knowing more about you as a person, other than the obvious. Maybe at the time, it was understandable, but now... it's different. Here I am now, officially your daughter-in-law by marriage, and the 114th Queen of Lucis, as Iris Lucis Caelum; crazy, right?"

No answer.

Iris shifted, and her eyes half-closed. "I know two things though. One is that dad would be so proud of me and Gladdy, just as I know mom would be, and I hope they're watching from above" she continued, more soft - there were almost tears in her eyes, but her voice was steady. "And two, I think- I think you'd be proud too, not just of Noct, but of me. I'm sad that I won't be able to talk to you now, as my father-in-law, but I promise I'll do right by your son, and that I'll always stay by his side. I'll do my best as Queen too, no matter how many mistakes I make."

Seconds wore on, but still no reply; Iris didn't seem surprised - after a bit, she let go of the hilt, and the sword de-materialized from her lap.

Noctis made his way over, sitting at the foot of the bed beside Iris, his hand taking hers by instinct; she grasped back without thinking (or looking). Heart beating fast, he reached over with his other hand, brushing against her cheek for a little - that made her stir, turning to look at him, but she was surprised at the intensity of his gaze. He kissed her, hard, enough to make her squeak slightly- Iris tried to return the favor, but the way his tongue slid over her mouth really surprised her. In fact, he kept that intensity up as he leaned forward, slowly pushing Iris until she was flat on her back, and he hovered above her while keeping the kiss going for awhile.

After it ended, he found her looking at him, catching her breath and cheeks redder.

"W-Wow..."

"That means a lot to me, Iris" he whispered without thinking, intense but gentle. "Y-You have no idea."

Iris almost shivered, but her expression grew soft as she smiled. "I think I do" Iris whispered, fingers caressing his cheeks. "The way you kissed me... it said more than words ever could."

As if his feelings could be adequately put into words right now; the warmth in his gut was overwhelming, and yet so comforting too.

If this w-wasn't love, he wasn't sure what it could be...

Iris's fingers traced over his lips, his hair; they couldn't seem to settle. "I felt like I had to say all that" she continued, still a bit breathy. "Like I owed it to them."

"Whatever the case, I'm- I'm glad you did" Noctis breathed, pulling her up for another kiss-

-Iris didn't mind, going with it easily. "Mmh- mhh- oh yes" she breathed against him. "Oh Noct."

"Iris."

"Yeah?"

"Let's- Let's keep this up for awhile. Like, mmh, for an hour... o-or something."

"You just read my mind."

...

Later

Honestly, neither of them actually kept track of how long they kissed; just that it was a full-out session.

Near the end of it, Noctis was laying flat on his back, his head resting on the pillows while Iris was practically laying on him. Even as their tongues slid across each other's, her hands were firmly 'planted' against his cheeks, while his hands kept moving across her back/head (sometimes gripping, other times not-so-much). He'd only just begun to remove his hand from her hair, again, before the demands of breathing finally caught up to him - somewhat against his will, he pulled back and took in a breath. There was a motion that might've been Iris instinctively trying to reclaim his lips, but she ultimately settled against him, catching her breath as well.

Eventually:

"Oh Noct" she whispered, really soft, fingers moving over his chest. "Y-You've definitely gotten better. I wouldn't mind if that happened more often."

"M... me neither, s-sometimes" he managed, feeling so... loose, kind-of. "Though, we still have a- a long way to go, Iris."

"Mmh, that's true. Still... would you like to go further, e-even a little? Or would you rather rest?"

If he weren't thoroughly affected by their kisses, he probably would've become full-out awkward, knowing exactly what she's talking about. Instead he just closed his eyes, trying to feel how mentally-steady he is, if/how much he could handle this stuff right now... plus considering if it'd be worth the sleep lost by doing so.

"I-" Noctis whispered, briefly pausing. "I might be able to continue, but I'm not sure how much. What- what about you, Iris?"

Several seconds passed, her fingers moving over his collarbone, and she looked at him from close by - her cheeks were still reddish, yet her expression was soft. "Kinda borderline myself" Iris whispered back, one hand idly smoothing her hair, at least somewhat. "I could try, but I'm just loving this softer mood, and don't want it to end."

Whatever tension he might've built up just, well, disappeared.

"So, we're both leaning toward 'no'" he ventured, a little softer himself. "At least toward doing a lot."

A little smile, nodding. "Looks like it, Noct. If only for tonight."

"Mmh. You do seem a little tired from earlier, after handling all that."

"Well, it was a lot of preparation, and I'm still taking in this new reality... Plus you didn't seem into the idea either, and that's okay."

Making a slight sound, Noctis gave her a kiss as his answer; she wasn't surprised at all, merely cupping his cheeks afterward, really soft about both affections. Then he leaned up a bit, enough to make sure Iris had to get directly off him - he began pulling his shirt up, since he'd been distracted from doing so 'earlier'.

It didn't escape him that Iris noted this, or the little twinkle-in-her-eyes that appeared, but he kept a smile as he tossed it toward the clothes basket.

Nailed it, by the way.

Iris gave a small giggle, lightly tracing a finger over his collarbone again. "Even if we're just gonna sleep, that's better" she said, a little playful - she was completely unsubtle about her meaning, which briefly made him sheepish.

"Come on, Iris" he said, a bit knowing himself, beginning to get under the covers. "You can't stare forever."

A little hum, but she chose not to reply, instead following his lead - eventually they were settled, she on her side (and facing him), while he was on his back. They spent a few seconds looking at each other before her hand came over, gently caressing his cheek and lightly toying with his hair, at least before closing her eyes, simply resting against him, which he gently leaned into himself.

Even now, he always found that comforting.

And that wraps things up so far, as while they've legally become married now, there's still a bunch of stuff that can be covered post-marriage. Including the usual angle of becoming intimate, and the natural progression to family, but that involves either M-rated stuff or a much-larger timeskip than is standard here, both of which would be handled better by a new fic.

^Particularly since my writing style is a bit wordy on it's own :P All that said, hope you enjoyed reading.