Hey guys, I come to bring you a new chapter! It's about double the length of what I usually post for this project, but I figured we could all use it during these trying times. That, and I received some extremely good news today that takes an enormous weight off my chest, so this is also a bit of celebration for myself, haha.

I hope you enjoy this very fluffy, completely angst-free double-length chapter! 3


Ignis sighed heavily at the message on his phone. At first, he hadn't even known to whom the unknown number belonged. Only after he'd inquired, Ardalio had revealed his identity, although he seemed a bit vexed that he wasn't saved in Ignis' phone yet.

Ardalio was the sort of person who thought everyone should know him, should want to listen to what he had to say, and should feel honoured if he elected them worthy of his attention. A handsome young man, no doubt, but way too full of himself. He was only a few years older than Ignis, but due to his father being a rather important member of the council, Ardalio hadn't had to work particularly hard to earn a position in the council himself.

Unfortunately, Ignis had, as it appeared, become one of those lucky people who were blessed with Ardalio's attention. More, the man was asking him to be his date for Noctis' upcoming birthday party. Ardalio was smart, to attend the party with one of the people closest to the Prince would be a valuable boost to his reputation.

Ignis, naturally, had no intention of going to the party with Ardalio. That did mean he would have to find a date for himself, though. Up until now, he had simply planned to attend the event alone, but claiming he already had someone else to accompany him was the only valid excuse he had to avoid having to accept Ardalio's proposal.

He put the phone down with the screen against the table and went back to his work. Ardalio could wait until he'd found himself a date. That way, Ignis wouldn't have to lie to him, he justified to himself. And maybe Ignis was leaving him on read was because he liked the mental image of Ardalio's indignation at not being replied to immediately, too. Just maybe.


"Gladio, a word?"

Training seemed to have gone well; both Noct and Gladio were in a good mood. Gladio even held his hand out for Noct to give him a fist bump before he sent him off to the changing room.

Perfect circumstances for Ignis to make his request.

"Sure, what's up?"

"You wouldn't, perchance, happen to be in need of someone to accompany you to Noct's birthday party?"

Gladio grinned at him. "Iggy, are you asking me to be your date?"

"I suppose I am." Ignis smiled back. "You would do me a favour if you accepted."

"So, that's how it is." Gladio wagged his eyebrows knowingly. "Out with it, who asked you?"

Ignis made a face. "Ardalio. Although he didn't exactly ask. His message made it sound more like he had elected me. An honour, I'm sure."

Gladio laughed. "What, and you don't appreciate it? Anyone else would be thrilled to go with him."

"Well then anyone else may gladly have him," Ignis said dryly.

"Your loss," Gladio said with a shrug. "If you're wanna settle for me instead of him and his big ego, go ahead. Actually, I'm kinda glad you asked. Dad's been hounding me for weeks already, said I should go with one of the girls who think it would be cool to participate in breeding future Shields. But I ain't stupid, I know how this sorta thing goes. I go to the party with one of them, her family thinks that basically means I'll marry her."

Relieved, Ignis nodded. "We wouldn't want that now, would we. That reminds me, Noct is bringing Prompto as his date."

"Really?" Gladio whistled. "Damn. The nobles are gonna hate that."

There was no doubt that a commoner accompanying Noct to the party would cause some outrage among the nobility of Lucis. Countless families had tried to introduce their daughters and sons to Noctis before, to no avail. As a result, Noct had gained a reputation of being unapproachable and indifferent- a reputation he happily embraced if it meant not having to put up with people trying to make them notice their children. Prompto's presence at Noct's side would mean all those who had been rejected by Noct before would be forced to admit that the issue did not lie with Noctis being unapproachable at all.

Ignis should probably have discouraged him, but he found himself looking forward to the reactions of those attending the party too much to tell Noct not to invite Prompto. He also didn't have the heart to tell Noct his best friend couldn't be at his birthday party. And since Prompto clearly intended to remain in Noct's life, the birthday party was the best opportunity to introduce him to Noct's world beyond video games and fast food.

"I've no doubt about it. Either way, thank you for accepting my proposal. I really was not looking forward to spending the evening with Ardalio of all people."

"No problem. Not like you aren't helping me out here too." Gladio smirked. "Pick you up at seven?"

Ignis rolled his eyes. "We aren't going to a prom. And you needn't pick me up."

For such a hulk of a man, Gladio sure could pout. "You're a killjoy, Iggy."


"Damn, Iggy, who dressed you? The Fairy Godmother?" Gladio said when he, true to his word and not at all impressed by Ignis telling him not to, picked Ignis up at seven. He gave him an appreciative once-over, then offered him his arm in an exaggerated gesture. "Looks good! Ready to go?"

"Yes, but remember I need to be home before midnight, lest the magic loses its power and you figure out who I really am," Ignis played along, holding on to Gladio's arm. "And, thank you. You look rather handsome, yourself."

"Watch us steal Noct's spotlight. Are we allowed to be hotter than the prince?"

"I doubt Noct would mind not being in the spotlight," Ignis pointed out. "And, since he isn't a bride, I'd say we are allowed to be hotter than him."

As it turned out, Noct was holding his own pretty impressively in terms of hotness, but as Ignis had seen him in a formal setting before, it was Prompto who was the real surprise.

Of course, Ignis had been the one to take him to buy a suit, so he'd seen him wear it already. But surrounded by nobility and royalty, he was pleasantly surprised to see how nicely Prompto fit in despite his lack of experience in this particular world. He seemed a bit anxious, a bit bouncier than usual from nerves, but mostly he looked thrilled to be there.

"Wow, kid, I didn't think you could pull off a suit. Looks like I was wrong," Gladio teased, punching Prompto lightly in the shoulder.

"Thanks! I feel like I'm someone really, really important," Prompto gushed. "Ohh, do you think I could get one of those champagne flutes? They're so fancy!"

"Well, considering you're the Prince's escort tonight, I would say you are an important person," Ignis told him. "That doesn't change the fact that you are underage and won't be getting any alcohol, though."

Prompto pouted, but Noct patted his shoulder with playful sympathy. "Don't worry, we can still try all of the food. The stuff without veggies is really good, you'll see."

"The stuff with veggies is also really good, you just don't know how to appreciate food," Gladio said dryly. "Anyway, Prompto, has he told you you're going to have to dance yet?"

Prompto groaned. "Don't remind me! Noct's taught me some stuff, but I'm really not looking forward to it." He eyed Gladio warily. "You don't know how to dance, do you?"

"Don't encourage them!" Noct hissed, elbowing Prompto, but it was too late; the devilish grin already formed on Gladio's face.

"I don't know, Iggy, do I know how to dance?"

Ignis resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Yes, Gladio, you know how to dance." To Prompto, he said, "He may not look like it, but Gladio is a great dancer. In fact, he's even my favourite dancing partner."

"Yeah? Show me," Prompto demanded.

"Later," Gladio promised. "For now, let's check out the food. I'm starving."


"It's later and people are dancing. Show me."

Prompto had been distracted first by the food, then by all the people who wanted to talk to him. He stood his ground pretty impressively, winning the nobility of Lucis over with the natural charms he likely didn't even know he possessed. Soon enough, they might even forget he was a commoner. But by the time people were starting to dance, he was beginning to look a little tired of the constant attention. When the music started playing, he immediately latched onto it, remembering Gladio's earlier promise.

He'd earned the show, Ignis figured. They might as well indulge him for a while.

Gladio seemed to agree as he delivered an exaggerated bow before Ignis and held out his hand. "May I have this dance?"

"Certainly," Ignis said, and let himself be led to the dance floor.

As usual, Gladio took the lead. The music started out rather slow, leaving not much room for impressive moves. But when it picked up eventually, he grinned at Ignis, mirth sparkling in his eyes.

"Let's show the kids how it's done," he said, and then the world around them blurred as he whirled them across the floor in a rapid series of footsteps.

Ignis hadn't been joking when he said Gladio was his favourite partner to dance with. He led easily but firmly, and with Ignis' own skills, he was sure they were a sight to behold. Both of them had been required to attend dancing classes a few years ago. Neither of them had been particularly looking forward to it, regarding it more as a necessary evil. They'd elected to go together hoping it would make the time pass more quickly, but instead, they figured out dancing could be a lot more interesting than they gave it credit for, provided one had the right partner.

Gladio was going all out, clearly showing off by pulling out some of the fanciest moves in their repertoire. Ignis would have loved to see Prompto's face now, but there was no time to stop and check as he was focusing on keeping up with Gladio.

It took a considerable effort not to break into laughter; dancing with Gladio was just so fun. There was something about dancing wildly in a formal setting like this; a chance to get away with something they couldn't do otherwise.

By the time the dance ended, they were breathing hard, but that didn't stop Gladio from dipping Ignis deep, ending their impromptu performance as dramatically as possible. He held him steady for a moment, hands securely around his waist before he pulled him back up and let go of him.

Trying to catch his breath without being too obviously winded, Ignis rejoined Prompto and Noct with Gladio trailing close behind him.

"So, whatcha think?" Gladio asked, winking at Prompto. His cheeks were flushed and there was a happy grin on his lips. Obviously, he'd enjoyed it just as much as Ignis had.

"Dude!" Prompto said, sounding shocked and impressed and in complete awe. "That was amazing! You two looked like gods, it was the coolest thing ever!"

Noct didn't look nearly as impressed and made sure to roll his eyes at them to let them know how very much not impressed he was, but even he didn't bother hiding his smile. "They're extra, that's what they are."

"Prompto did want to know," Ignis retorted. "We simply showed him what he asked to see."

"Yeah, like you didn't go out of your way to impress him. Some of these moves I've never even seen you guys do before," Noct snorted- thankfully, there wasn't anyone close enough to have heard him make such undignified noises.

"Man, how am I supposed to dance now? I won't get anywhere near their level," Prompto moaned, shoulders slumping dramatically. "Your dad's probably gonna throw me into the dungeon because I embarrassed his son."

"We don't have a dungeon," Noct explained patiently, slinging an arm around Prompto and steering him towards the dance floor. "If anything, you'd just go to prison."

Prompto's squeak of distress was mercifully drowned out by the music.


You guys won't believe how much I would've loved to write the dancing scene with more detail! But sadly, I don't know a single thing about dancing, absolutely nothing. I was forced to take a dancing class once in school and I absolutely hated it, so I forgot everything I learnt immediately after it was finally over.Hope you enjoyed! Stay safe and healthy, everyone. Focus on the good things, don't read too many negative headlines, and don't beat yourself up if creating is harder than you feel it should be. To those who work in hospitals, grocery stores etc. thank you! Love you all 3