#noctis lucis caelum/original female character

[theskyisbrighthere]

Haunted By Yesterday

This is a 2 Parter that I made as a somewhat type of sequel to Meet me in the Middle. I hope you guys enjoy!

Chapter 1

Grace is thirteen when she has her first Heat. Although it can’t be described as such, its more of a practice Heat for when she’s older, when her hips have widened, and her hormones have regulated. She remembers her mother’s soft purr directed at her trying to ease the mild distress that she was going through, while her mother did her best to wipe the sweat from her face with a damp face washer, the purr only stopping when her mother did her best to explain what was going on. How Ásdis saw fit to bless her with the gift of life. Had granted her the designation of Omega.

The purring had stopped altogether with the next words from her mother. Not everyone was so lucky to receive Ásdis’ gift, and there were many out there who would want to hurt her for it. Those who would view her as less than others purely for who she was. Who her family was. All because evolution had decided to do its thing after a near devastating event that had meant the end for a majority of their people. If only it wasn’t still so new.

Maybe then they wouldn’t be as viciously hunted like the animals others proclaimed them to be.

“You must hide yourself pomètod.” Her mother had whispered. “No one must know. But it will be hard pomètod, you will want to let your instincts take over. To show your emotions through your voice. To spread your scent on to those you cherish, but you must control it my kootioì. You must suppress it, only around us can you show it. Only around others like us are you safe”.

Grace was too young and her mind too hazy at the time to understand all of what her mother was saying. Not until later at least. By the end of her first month, her throat had felt raw and painful, the urge to purr or whine held back lest she make herself know. Her body aching with the need to hug her friends but she held back, only resorting to casual touches, when all she wanted to do was smother her face all over her friends. Her only comfort came at home. Where she was free to burrow her face into her father’s arm in passing, the warm comforting scent of Alpha and Sire wafting up to her nose, the tight muscles in her body loosening in the meantime. Or the indulgent hugs from her mother whenever the mood struck her, and the fairly often hair tussle from her Alpha brother as they passed each other in the hallway or the stairs.

She never thought she’d miss it as much as she does, especially now that she’s in a world where she doesn’t have to worry about hiding. She just wished her family was here to see experience it with her.

Grace comes to with pleasure singing through her body. The phantom feeling of Noctis’ hands on her hips falling away as she tries to catch her breathe. She can feel Noctis’ own satisfaction in the back of her mind, the feeling somewhat reminding her of a lazy fat cat who has gotten its way, and in a way, she supposes he has. Its been a month since Noctis and Grace have seen each other, or rather since they’ve been allowed to see each other. Due to old traditions, they weren’t supposed to consummate their mateship until they were both properly wedded the Royal way. Which meant that instead of the quick official ceremony that would have taken place the night they met, they get the full actual wedding first, which normally comes a month after the consummation, so that they could both recover.

To say that her life hasn’t changed would be a lie. She’s had to leave her job, not that she was all that upset about it, and she has an all-new wardrobe full of clothes and jewellery to go along with it, her protestations about the new clothes and pretty pieces of metal falling onto deaf ears, the future Princess Consort was expected to look a certain way. She wasn’t all too upset about it; the clothes were in her style the fabric they were made out of was just more luxurious. The biggest change though that she was struggling with so far was the armed guard that followed her every where she went, (which wasn’t far maybe to her mailbox and that was it, and apart from that they mostly stood outside her front door, and one was in her lounge room while she slept which was weird) and the new attendant that she now had as the future Princess Consort.

Grace had the quite the shock when she woke up the morning after her Heat had ended and had wondered into the kitchen following the smell of cooking food, leaving Noctis safe in her Nest (her instincts pushing the proud feeling that he felt safe enough to still sleep in it even after she left it) and had found Ignis and an unknown woman in the kitchen together. The Alpha was at the stove stirring what her nose was telling her was a type of porridge while conversing with the unknown woman sitting at her bench with a slim laptop open in front of her, wearing a smart fitted grey pantsuit with black enclosed heels and her hair pulled back from her face in a no-nonsense bun her makeup minimum but expertly applied. The tones of their voices professional and to the point.

Ignis was the first to notice her, as the unknown woman was looking down and typing furiously onto her laptop, and Grace could only imagine the speed in which the words flew across the screen.

“Good morning My Lady, I trust you are well?” he paused as he turned to grabbed one of the two bowls that were sitting on the bench to fill with the porridge he had made and setting it down to the left of the unknown woman, who had quickly but gracefully shot up to greet her. “Come sit, I have prepared you both a nutritious breakfast, no doubt you will both been needing it after the week the both of you have had. I bid you start while I go wake up His Highness, we’ve all got a busy day today and I’d like you both to eat together as today will be the last for quite a while before you see each other again.”

With those parting words Ignis pulled out the chair in front of her and pushing it back in as she made to sit and placed the bowl in front of her before he made for her bedroom, Grace staring at his back trying to figure out what he meant by those last words. Her attention was quickly snapped back to the unknown woman when she politely cleared her throat, and seeing that she had her attention she smiled, a soft gentle smile coupled with that her soft scent that of a relaxed Omega almost didn’t suit her current getup.

“Good morning My Lady, I hope you are well? I would like to introduce myself if I may?” she paused, her smile widening slightly when Grace nodded her head, her voice was very similar to Ignis’ in the way they spoke. “My name is Aurora Foest, I’m to be your new attendant until you marry Prince Noctis where I will then become your adviser, I understand this is new to you so I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

And Grace, already capable at recognising battles she wouldn’t be able to win skipped right over all the arguments she had about how she didn’t need an attendant or an adviser and went straight to what was bothering her.

“What did he mean? When he said we wouldn’t see each other for a while?” She tacked on that last sentence at Aurora’s confused look before reaching for the spoon that was already on the bench, Grace only just now realising that it was set for two, the seat to the right of her also set. Gesturing for Aurora to sit down again, she closed her laptop as she sat, and waited for Grace to swallow the mouthful of porridge she had taken.

“For traditions sake of course His Highness and yourself will be separated until the wedding, which will be in about a month but to be more precise it will be in approximately twenty-five days. As I said before it's to keep to tradition where this is more a celebration of the Union. We normally have the ceremony mere minutes before the Mating cycle kicks in for both parties, of course that’s only if they are a Fated Pair. Liberties have been taken this time of course due to the circumstances.”

Grace flinched, and Aurora did her best to pretend that she didn’t, but her scent gave her away as Grace could smell the mild spice of sympathy mixed into the lavender and pine of her scent. But whatever she was about to say was forgotten as she could feel the tug of Noctis’ mind at her and her eyes shot up into the direction of her bedroom as Noctis into view, Ignis following behind him before overtaking him to fill up Noctis’ own bowl of porridge before setting it down to the left of me into the empty space. Noctis paused rubbing at his before looking around the kitchen and landing on her and her heart skipped a beat when he smiled at her, his features still soft from sleep his rumpled clothes and his hair wild, Grace wondered how she would be able to survive twenty-five days without seeing him. But she pushed the thought from her mind as he came closer to her, flopping into the seat next to her and pushing his face into her neck and pressing a gentle kiss to the claim he left on her skin. Grace felt herself relax as she smelt their combined scents, the green apples and caramel scent being flung in all directions due to his very un-prince like flop.

Twenty-five days was definitely longer than she remembered, the only relief they both had was the dreams, and the fact they could feel each other at all times. Which almost felt like breaking the rules and when she brought it up with Aurora while they were at the modiste, she laughed at her.

“It’s a loophole, one that the Crown and everyone else ignores.” She had laughed. “I think it’s so that they don’t have to deal with a hormonal Prince and equally hormonal Princess to be. But enjoy them for the time being, no one is going to judge you, after all it’s a very common thing and it feels very good does it not?” She had laughed again when Grace’s face had flushed.

Aurora had very quickly become one of Grace’s favourite people. Grace didn’t really have to worry much about wedding preparations as it was mostly being taken care of by the Crown but what she did have to do herself, which was just the one thing, Aurora was there every step of the way.

That one thing being the wedding dress.

She only had two conditions. It had be black as that was the Royal colour and it had to be presentable. Which were both easy for Grace. Which is why they were at the modiste, doing the last fitting two days before the wedding. It was long like a ball gown with off the shoulder sleeves and a puffy skirt that had little accents on it that sparkled like stars. Grace loved the dress.

But she was also excited as this was her last fitting. The wedding was into two days. Which mean no more dancing lessons, no more hairdressing appointments and no more fittings. But more importantly, it meant that very soon she would get to see Noctis. But before then, she still had one more place to go. Getting changed back into the soft pink dress she came in, she emerged from the dressing room to see Aurora signing some papers the modiste owner a lovely woman named Sabine had handed her. She looked up just as Grace came into view, said a few more words to the Sabine before bidding her farewell and making her way over to Grace.

“Are you ready to go My Lady?” she said as she came to a stop at her side. Grace only hummed and Aurora laughed before they made their way out the front door and set off to their last stop of the day.

“I don’t like it here it smells weird.”

“It does not My Lady, its sterile and I assure you that that is all you are smelling.”

“Can we go yet?”

“In just a moment My Lady, you have one more Doctor to see and then we are done I promise you.” Grace groaned which got her a look from Aurora before she turned back to her phone to respond to an email that she had gotten from one of the florists for the wedding.

“I don’t understand why we’re here, I’m fine, the Bite healed well, and the last Doctor said that both Noctis’ and my own hormones had settled nicely.” Aurora briefly looked up from her phone and looked very mildly annoyed at Grace. “It’s a contraceptive appointment My Lady.” And with the Grace short circuited, but Aurora continued taking no notice of the way Grace froze.

“Babies need to be planned My Lady, especially Royal babies. And now that you and Noctis are mated the need for suppressants aren’t needed as now the both of you will be seasonal, but in saying that accidents can and do happen outside of a Mating Cycle My Lady.” And with that she looked back down at her phone just as her name was called. “I’ll wait out here for you My Lady and then when you are finished, I shall escort you home.” And with that Grace numbly followed the Doctor into the private room.

She had forgotten about babies. Soon in the future she would have to give Noctis babies. Which she wasn’t terrified of. It was more to do with the fact that she was expected by the whole country and the Crown to give Noctis babies. And that was quite a lot of pressure suddenly put on her shoulders.

The only saving grace was that she didn’t have to do it immediately after they we married.

don't worry the smut will be in part two

also a few notes

pomètod means shining star I made it up and kootioì means my little love. let me know what you guys think.

[happybookowl2]

Amor Non Exurat Flamma Chapter 28

[princesssalmavegeta]

A Day Off

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy XV.

OC: Lillian Nox Fleuret is the third princess of Tenebrae and the youngest sister of Ravus and Lunafreya. She is an Oracle. Following the attack on the Fenestala Manor, King Regis rescues Noctis and Lillian and takes them back to Insomnia. She and Noctis grew up together in the Citadel before moving to the apartment in their first year of high school. Their friendship blossomed into love over the years, and after realizing their feelings for each other, they began dating.

This takes place two years before the game. Both Lillian and Noctis are 18.

***************

M.E. July, 754.

"Noct... Noct! Get up. We need to clean your room before Ignis comes." Lillian announced after knocking on the still-sleeping prince's door and inviting herself.

Noctis groaned and snuggled deeper in his blanket. He mumbled a few incoherent words then the room fell into silence again. Lillian sighed and refrained from jumping on him and dragging him out of bed, "Wake up It's afternoon, Your Highness." she tried not to trip on the piles of clothes thrown on the ground and went to open the window.

A hand got out of the covers and patted blindly around it. Once he found his phone, he switched it on. Lillian sat on the bed and looked around her. The prince opened one eye, read "13:56," and then put his phone next to his pillow. He sat up after removing the blanket from his face, "'morning, sleepy-head." Lillian chuckled at his bed hair. She let her fingers tangle in his messy locks and started fixing them. He grunted a greeting and leaned closer to her as she gently combed his hair. It was a habit that he loved. Moments like these made him forget all about his responsibilities and bask in her calming scent.

"I told you to sleep early... Have you completed watching season two yet?" He had told her that he had started the second season, and they made a bet whether he could finish it in a single day.

Eight episodes. Each episode is an hour long. It was safe to say that he had won the bet.

With his eyes still closed, Noctis grinned. "Yup. All of it. Slept at four am... I feel like shit, but it's worth it," he finished with a yawn. His voice is still deep with sleep.

The Oracle shook her head at the prince. He can be silly sometimes. "Don't do that again, please. You look lifeless," she removed her hand from his hair, and he pouted in protest, "Now get your ass up. Ignis is coming at five, and we still need to clean your room."

"Right," he sighed, then smiled, "can I get a 'good morning' kiss?" He tugged at her sleeve, his other hand reaching for her face, cupping her cheek.

Lillian chuckled, then planted a soft kiss on his forehead, making his heart flutter. He sighed happily. Truly, nothing made him happier than these peaceful moments with his princess. He watched silently as she gave him a small smile before getting up from his bed.

"Your breakfast is on the dining table. I'll go get the cleaning supplies that we need." She tied her hair up so it wouldn't bother her during the cleaning. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Noctis finally getting up, running his hand through his hair, and stretching. She left Noctis' room and went to the kitchen when she realized her first mission of the day, waking him up, was complete.

Looking through the cabinets, she gathered several plastic bags for all the trash lying on his bedroom floor. Just as she pulled out a cleaning detergent, Noctis entered the kitchen, rubbing his eyes as he sat on the dining table's chair. "Thanks for the food, Lilly," he said with a smile, before eating the pancakes.

"Hm? Oh! No problem, Noct," She said dismissively, waving her hand. With the supplies in her hold, she went to start the cleaning.

"I'll be right there once I'm finished," he called over his shoulder.

"Okay!" Was her reply.

He sat there, chewing on the chocolate-covered pancakes, then his thoughts drifted to Lillian. Ever since Ignis reprimanded and threatened to take him back to the citadel, Lillian volunteered to help him. Well, in this case, help Ignis since he was the one who would usually clean up after him.

"Ignis already has enough on his plate," Lillian said one time, "You shouldn't make his life miserable with your mess!"

Noctis promised her to try to keep his room as clean as he could because he felt guilty and didn't want to be separated from Lillian — who would stay in the apartment while he went back to the citadel. Emphasis on Try... He just couldn't help it! He tried but failed. All the royal training and political reports made him neglect to tidy his bedroom.

Once he finished, he got up and downed the strawberry smoothie. Ignis had asked Lillian to keep an eye on Noctis' dietary habits. He hated vegetables, but he hated upsetting Lillian even more. And so he ate every meal she prepared for him. He also noticed how she tried to make the greens delicious for him. She was constantly coming up with new recipes that included vegetables to make eating them more fun for him.

He adored her so much for doing this.

He cleaned his cup and plate, then hurried off to his room. He was greeted with the sight of a full laundry basket containing all the clothes he had tossed around.

When Lillian noticed his arrival, she handed him a garbage bag and said, "I'm gonna put these clothes in the washing machine," she then hoisted the hamper by its handles and added, "This is the last time you bring food here, understand?" She spoke with a stern tone that caused Noctis to avert his eyes sheepishly.

He nodded, "Understood."

Soon after that, she left, leaving him to his task. The young man looked around his room, empty packages of several snacks and bottles of juices scattered all over the floor and the desk. He glanced at the digital clock next to his laptop, "2: 13 PM," less than three hours remained until Ignis arrived. Thankfully, his room was not as wild as it used to be.

He nodded, ready to prove his independence to Ignis and Lillian. With this mindset, he began, starting with the floor, "Let's do this."

***************

Noctis proudly smiled as he admired his now sparkling clean room.

Lillian cleaned everything thoroughly, from the floors to the walls to the windows, and Noctis assisted her.

He turned to Lillian, her keen eyes looking for any spot they might have missed. Noctis draped his arm over her shoulders and pulled her close, side-hugging her, "Relax love," he chuckled, "The room is spotless. Even Iggy would be taken aback by how it looks."

Lillian returned the side hug by wrapping her arm around his back and nodded, "Yeah," she smiled when he kissed her temple and muttered a sweet 'thank you.'

"I promise to keep it as clean as possible. I won't let your work go to waste."

"That's right! Plus, we did it together, Noct," she looked up at him and smiled. She turned to the digital watch, "We still have thirty minutes before Iggy comes... Until then, I'm going to take a shower."

Earlier that day, she had cleaned her room and their living room, not that there was much to clean; she always kept things organized. And now, after cleaning Noctis' room, she was worn out. She figured a nice, hot shower would relax her muscles and clear her thoughts.

The prince smiled mischievously and said, "Mind if I join you?"

He faced her, hands moving to her hips as he pulled her flush against him. She blushed, and he smirked; He loved teasing her.

"No, I don't mind," she said, smirking at his surprised expression. Pushing away from him, she made her way to the bathroom. "You'd better hurry, though. We don't have much time."

Noctis looked at the doorway. He chuckled; she had caught him off guard. He didn't expect her to agree. With a cheeky smile on his face, he rushed after her.

***************

Ignis raised an eyebrow at the flushed face of the young princess and the prince's satisfied smile and decided not to ask about whatever had happened. Something told him that he was better off not knowing.

He nodded in approval after touring the apartment and then placed a folder on the coffee table.

"This is a report on the current situation between Insomnia and Niflheim, have a look at it later," Ignis then turned to Lillian, "Nyx asked me to let you know that he'll drop by tomorrow."

She smiled in excitement, "Alright!" It had been two weeks since she had seen the Kingsglaive, and she had missed him. Helping the Glaives around Insomnia's borders was a job she loved; she always looked forward to it. According to Libertus, she had made their life much easier by taking care of the Daemons and them fighting off the imperial army.

Ignis smiled at her enthusiasm and glanced at Noctis who was looking curiously at a bag he had set down on their kitchen counter.

"I had time earlier and decided to bake some desserts," the advisor adjusted his glasses, "I'll take my leave now-"

He was cut off by Lillian, a frown on her face, "What?! You can't leave just yet! I'm going to make us some coffee and eat the dessert together, so please take a seat," and with that, she went to prepare their drinks.

Noctis looked at the princess, a look of admiration on his face. The sun was setting, and the apartment was bathed in orange rays giving it a cozy atmosphere. A gentle smile on his face as he watched her prepare cups and a plate to display the pastries. The comforting smell of the coffee filled the air, and Noctis exhaled a contented sigh. He wanted to hold on to these moments when nothing mattered and the whole world seemed tranquil.

Ignis cleared his throat, snapping Noctis out of his reverie. They both took a seat at the dining table, and Lillian joined them after bringing them the food.

"This tastes amazing!" Noctis exclaimed as he took a bite, "But something is missing...right, Lilly?"

She nodded, "Yeah, it almost tastes like the one we had in Tenebrae," she hummed in delight and added, "This tastes so good! This is what happiness tastes like," she giggled, and Noctis nodded his head in agreement.

Ignis sighed slightly in disappointment before taking a bite. At least he was close this time. He watched silently as Lillian and Noctis chatted about some series he had stayed up late to watch. He listened to them and made a few comments here and there. The trio kept talking about random topics until Ignis checked his watch and told them that he had to leave.

After wearing his shoes, he turned them, "I'm glad to see that you're doing well. I'll return in two days to go over the report with you."

"Right," the prince said as he leaned against the wall, "Thanks for the dessert, Iggy," he said with a small smile.

Ignis nodded and then addressed the princess, "Be careful tomorrow, alright?"

"I will. Don't worry," Lillian assured him.

"Good. Have a good night, then," and with that, Ignis left.

Noctis locked the front door and followed Lillian into the kitchen.

"Maybe we should leave these to Prompto..." She muttered as she placed the pastries in a paper bag before putting them in the fridge.

He took their empty cups to the sink and washed them. "I'll invite him over for some gaming tomorrow."

The young Oracle sat on the sofa and sighed. She watched Noctis dry his hands with a paper towel before sitting beside her. He opened his arm, and she rested her head on his chest, his arm hugging her frame as he placed his head on top of hers. His other hand sought hers and intertwined them.

"Are you all right?" Noctis spoke softly after a moment of silence.

"Mmhmm," she closed her eyes and listened to his heartbeat. "Just thinking."

He had an idea about what she was thinking and sighed, "... Another vision?"

The Oracle took a deep breath and started, "Yeah, and as you already know, I can't talk about it."

"I know, I know... Is it that bad?" Noctis inquired.

Lillian nodded, and he sighed heavily. He didn't want to think about the future but from how somber Lillian looked every time she had a vision it just made him nervous. But he knew that as the future king, he had to be strong for everyone's sake. To avoid ruining the mood, Noctis changed the subject, asking, "So, when do you think Nyx is coming?" He will worry about their future later; for now, he will enjoy every moment.

When he mentioned her best friend's name, her smile returned, "Certainly around noon. I intend to heal as many Daemons as I can," she stated with a determined tone.

"I know you will," he chuckled, lovingly caressing her hair.

Lillian glanced at the report Ignis had left on the coffee table; they could review it tomorrow. "Do you wanna watch a movie?" It was still too early to go to bed.

"Sure. Any suggestions?"

"I heard 'Wolf Children: Ame and Yuki' is pretty good!"

"If you say so," with that, Noctis and Lillian moved to her room. After turning on her laptop and getting comfortable on her bed, the couple started the movie.

***************

A/N: And there you have it! It took me a while to write this one, and I'm happy with it.

The series Noctis was watching was "Alice in Borderland." I was watching the 2nd season- which was a masterpiece by the way, then thought to myself to include it here.

'Wolf Children: Ame and Yuki' is one of my favorite films, and I figured that it was the perfect movie for them to watch.

I'm planning on writing more one-shots of Lilly and Noct's life together before their journey.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and have a fantastic day/night!

[ao3feed-ignoct]

If Memory Serves

read it on AO3 Here

by Anonymous

Noctis drinks a memory potion.

Words: 2672, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Final Fantasy XV

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: M/M

Characters: Noctis Lucis Caelum, Ignis Scientia, Gladiolus Amicitia, Original Female Character(s)

Relationships: Noctis Lucis Caelum/Ignis Scientia

Additional Tags: Post-Episode Ignis Verse 2, Married Couple

read it on AO3 Here

[ffxvficrec]

by Lythearwen "And I did not fail to notice that you've added another among your number since last we met." The man named Ardyn gazed upon her, amber seemingly piercing into her soul. "What is your name, my dear?" The healer extended her hand out of courtesy for a handshake. "Eira Mirus." It was subtle, but she caught how his eyes widened slightly before he managed to compose himself. "Eira Mirus," he muttered. Gently taking her hand, he turned it over and brushed his lips over her exposed knuckles in a chaste kiss. Smiling, he said, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Words: 2366, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: Final Fantasy XIV , Final Fantasy XV Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: F/M Characters: Warrior of Light (Final Fantasy XIV) , Scions of the Seventh Dawn (Final Fantasy XIV) , Ardyn Izunia , Noctis Lucis Caelum , Prompto Argentum , Ignis Scientia , Gladiolus Amicitia Relationships: Ardyn Izunia/Warrior of Light (Final Fantasy XIV) , Ardyn Izunia/Original Female Character(s) Additional Tags: ardyn lucis caelum - Freeform , FFXIV/FFXV Collaboration , A Nocturne for Heroes (Final Fantasy XIV) , Adventurer from Another World event quest mentioned , Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence , Patch 5.0: Shadowbringers Spoilers (Final Fantasy XIV) , Post-Patch 5.0: Shadowbringers (Final Fantasy XIV) , Episode Ardyn Spoilers , Eventual Romance , Eventual Smut , Enemies to Lovers , No Beta

[writtenxbeginnings]

General Info

Name:  Solanna Lucis Caelum Nickname: Sol, Anna, Princess, Brat Gender: Female (She/Her) Race: Luciean Age: 18

Appearance

Time Period

Main story is set anytime during the anime Final Fantasy XV: Brotherhood, the main game itself, and all DLC.  If you want a more indepth story for how I created her, feel free to look under the cut. She’s much more fleshed out than any of the other characters, but I also took her info from a solo blog I had made for her a while ago.  Up for AU’s, bringing her to other shows, or making a new world in general.

Verses

Main - This will follow along with the FFXV game, though under the change that Noctis had a younger sister. 

Below is a MUCH more detailed bio for her. This is my baby, and as Noctis’ sister, I wanted her to be as fleshed out as herself.

SEXUALITY: Bisexual and Biromantic ORIGIN: Lucian born and raised CURRENT LOCATION: Unknown, but it is rumored Lestallum NATIONALITY: Insomnian ETHNICITY: Mixed (Caucasian and Mexican) SPOKEN LANGUAGES: Galahdi (brokenly), Lucian (Latin in lore? English in RPs), and bits of Accordon, and Tenebrae. RELIGION: The main god that Solanna prays to is Bahamut because of the tie to her family, and Shiva because of her own beliefs. HEIGHT: 5′4 BODY TYPE: Slender, but muscled. When Insomnia fell, she had already been going through the same training her brother had been, but since she has worked twice as hard to make sure she could take care of herself. EYES: Blue TATTOOS: None, though she has always been interested in getting one. PIERCINGS: Earlobes and belly-button. SOCIAL MEDIA: Of course, she’s a young adult that wants to be kept up on news of the world that has slowly been falling apart. SMOKING: Occasionally DRINKING: Occasionally. DRUGS: Nope ATHLETICS: Solanna has always been a fan of training, unlike Noctis. While she didn’t exceed as well at first, she worked hard to get her stamina up, and to become a better fighter like the rest in her family. She is also particularly fond of swimming. HOBBIES: She loves listening to music and playing games, just like her brother did - something she picked up from the man, of course. When she has enough down time, she is also quite fond of drawing. VIRGIN: It depends on the verse, but more than likely. Though she is a flirt and a tease. FAVORITE DRINK: Cherry Soda FAVORITE FOOD: Donuts FAVORITE MUSIC: Pop music. She likes something with a beat so she can sway to it in the car, or dance to it in her room. CLOTHING STYLE: When she lived in Insomnia, she tended to dress the typical way for royalty her age- flowing dresses for meetings and simple dress otherwise. Now, she tries to blend in more, though she does like clothing and hugs her body and shows her off somewhat. It goes along with her ‘flirty’ personality. UNDERWEAR TYPE: She is one of those girls that has matching bra and panties.

Background ( I added this as a place for her history)

Princess Solanna was born a year and a half after her brother, Noctis, was born. The doctors had been sure that Aulea wouldn’t have been able to carry her to term, not when they found out that the Queen was ill and couldn’t be cured. The Princess was born early, a month premature, when it became clear that her mother wouldn’t last much longer. As such, by the time her original due date came around, she was the daughter of a widowed father and the sister of the future king. Her life, other than Queen Aulae passing away soon after her birth, was actually pretty calm. She wasn’t there when her brother was attacked, and only got to spend a little bit of time in Tenebrea when he was there to recover, her father wanting her to stay at the Capital just in case. When the attack happened, while she didn’t understand, she did know that Regis would hold her closer - tighter - for a while after that. Once Noctis came back though, as good as before if not a little quiet, things went back to normal. She grew up training just as her brother, though she had to work twice as hard with certain things, like hand to hand combat. She did it, though, wanting to prove that she wasn’t weak, that she could take care of herself in the long run. Yet, she knew just like Noctis had Gladio to look after him, she would have Iris once they were both old enough to be titled as such. It was comforting, and it was something that Solanna relished in knowing, in getting to know her future Shield. They became good friends, bonding over their interested and teasing eachother about their crushes. It was when Insomnia fell that everything changed for her, her entire life twisting and turning. When Iris got out, Solanna get saved at the same time, though the news was kept from everyone but the ones that were there when she was taken out of the ruined city. Once they got to Lestallum, they tried to make the Princess blend in, not wanting word to get out that she had survived. At that moment, all the focuses needed to be on keeping her brother safe, and ending this war. Since then, she has been living as a civilian in public, listening to the news and doing what she can while staying hidden in her hotel room, to help where she can. She may not be able to broadcast who she was - not yet - but she was certainly going to use it to her advantage.

[ao3feed-noctluna]

Break Control

by AriDragon

Since ancient times, there has been a dark secret kept by the royals of Lucis, keepers of the crystal; that their world, Eos, is not alone. Over millennia there'd been many visitors to the lands of Eos, though those visits were brief and discreet. The public did not know of other worlds besides Eos. Until ten years ago, when the world of Thaos and its largest kingdom, Ikkaros, made permanent contact with the Kingdom of Lucis, offering goods in exchange for materials harvested from Lucian soil. It was because of them that Lucis had the supplies necessary to keep the empire of Niflheim at bay as they encroached on the crown city and its crystal. But little did they know, Ikkaros had schemes of its own. It all began with an offer of the hand of their princess, the fifth in line, as a way of bonding their nations and a promise to keep the empire at bay, but there was an ulterior motive. They needed to rid themselves of a troublesome princess, and they knew how to keep her silent. Regis has his own suspicions of the mysterious kingdom's motives, and thus, with his son already promised to Lunafreya, he chose Noctis's royal advisor in his place to keep an eye out for anything suspicious with the princess.

Words: 2873, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Final Fantasy XV

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Categories: F/M, Multi

Characters: Original Characters, Ignis Scientia, Noctis Lucis Caelum, Prompto Argentum, Gladiolus Amicitia, Regis Lucis Caelum, Clarus Amicitia, Iris Amicitia, Nyx Ulric, Monica Elshett, Cor Leonis, Crowe Altius, Crownsguard (Final Fantasy XV), The Kingsglaive (Final Fantasy XV), Libertus Ostium, Luche Lazarus, Titus Drautos | Glauca, Ardyn Izunia

Relationships: Ignis Scientia/Original Female Character(s), Prompto Argentum/Original Female Character(s), Lunafreya Nox Fleuret/Noctis Lucis Caelum, Gladiolus Amicitia/Original Female Character(s)

Additional Tags: Love at First Sight, Mutual Pining, Arranged Marriage, Isekai, Multiverse, Espionage, Spies, Forbidden Love, Unrequited Love, Dragons, Additional magic system added, Expansion of canonical magic, Lots of OC content, Angst, Smut, Lingerie, Politics, Found Family, Childhood Trauma, OC's parents are shitty, Loss of Virginity, Gets kinkier as time goes on, Canon Can Kiss My Ass

source https://archiveofourown.org/works/47180446

[ohdaim]

Hard Day’s Night - Chapter 2

The Gala

First chapter (AO3)

If anyone ever asked Ela about her job, she would only have one thing to say. She loved what she did. For all of its stresses, it wouldn’t be a lie. Her boss was a touch flaky, but he was brilliant. The person she deemed her true boss, based on his knack for actually being at work every single day, was no less. That was part of the enjoyment, impressing upon the world that she belonged with people like them. She deserved to be there.

All the more prominent a reminder to herself as she reworked Noct’s schedule yet again. Such tedium made her feel smaller on some days.

She loved this job, and it loved her. It treated her right, was totally committed, and didn’t want to lose her. She’d been reminded of this with the pay raise she’d gotten after her day off post-incident. It was accompanied by a non-disclosure agreement to keep what had happened a secret, but it wasn’t as if she’d ever tell anyone about it. She wouldn’t even know what to say.

Almost died having a sex dream so visceral that I’ve revisited it every night since was not on the table.

Finalizing the new schedule, she sighed. Accepting the fact that she shouldn’t be fantasizing about— no. She shouldn’t even think about it. She tilted her head a little to look past her monitor. On the other side of the wall of glass that looked into Ignis’ office, the man flipped through a binder with a frown on his face.

She closed her eyes and sighed as she leaned back in her chair. She couldn’t think about it in broad daylight. Not with him right there. An unreasonable paranoia that he would somehow know kept her steady.

That and the question of Noctis not being there until the very end. Being her dream, presumably the last experience she was meant to have before dying, why wouldn’t he be there the entire time?

She opened her eyes and began to straighten things on her desk, tidying unnecessarily before bringing her mug to her mouth for a dose of much needed caffeine. Her thoughts continued to race.

It must’ve been situational. Ignis and Ravus were the last people she’d seen, so of course they would be the subjects of the dream. Noct’s brief feature in it had probably been a reflection of a memory. The first one she ever had of him.

Thinking that far back to the days before she’d worked at Caelum Corp, was all but impossible. But that memory, when she’d met Noctis, that one would always be with her. It marked the change of her luck.

She smiled softly at the memory of Noct’s cameo. It had only been a kiss, but it warmed her face just thinking about it now. Touching up the schedule one last time, she decided to extend his lunch hour by another half. Ignis would notice, but she’d chalk it up to Noctis needing more time to prepare for the gala.

—

Ignis loved a fair number of things. A can of Ebony on his commute to work. The light scent of lime and lillies on an attractive person. Perfectly organized files. Cooking. The cat he’d briefly adopted when he’d been silly enough to think he’d have the free time to properly care for it.

Love, to Ignis, came in the form of accidents. He’d never meant to love Ebony. Most found canned coffee questionable at best, himself included at one point. He’d simply been a busy university student who’d developed a taste.

He’d certainly never meant to love Madam Selene, the only pet he’d ever had. What had that been— three weeks? The single photo he’d gotten of himself with the cat remained his profile photo on all of his social media accounts. Perhaps it was misleading since that had been nearly a year ago, but he hardly frequented them enough to be bothered.

One thing he enjoyed, something he feared would cross that threshold, was every morning spent at work with Ela. These quiet moments were dear to him, and like everything he grew to love, he would never outwardly voice it.

He stood up from his desk in an idle and unnecessary stretch of his shoulders. Looking through the expanse of his glass wall, he watched Ela type something at her computer, then pause. Her eyes flitted back and forth as she read, and her lips parted with a soft sigh he didn’t hear but recognized in the tension that left her with it. Then, she rested her chin on the heel of her hand. No drawing today. She appeared thoughtful.

Ignis forced himself to look away. Walking around his desk, he went to a filing cabinet and pulled it open to look for a binder. There was much to do today. The gala was already a headache he’d been dealing with for months now. The last thing he needed was a distraction added to the stress.

A frown pulled at his mouth as he immediately rethought that. Ela wasn’t a distraction. She was the quiet morning, the face he would see before they both had to put on something a little less sincere, his partner in performing.

He allowed another glance at her as he walked back to his desk. She’d leaned back and closed her eyes. A negligible bit of concern came to him. Was she feeling the pressure of the day already? But she was already sitting up, eyes open, hands quick in their movement over the things on her desk. When she brought her coffee cup to her lips, he fought a smile.

With the binder left on his desk, he took out what he’d made for her the night before. It was different from the usual, and he hoped she enjoyed cheesecake as much as she seemed to like his pastries.

His computer gave a muted beep, likely indicating an updated schedule for Noctis, who was verging on late this morning. Ignis suppressed a sigh, pouring his focus into the last bit of the morning quiet that was left.

This morning, however as equally pleasant it was as most others, felt different to Ignis. Maybe it was Ela’s sudden day off she’d just returned from that was slipping them up. Maybe it was the new dish he placed on her desk as she stared in slight awe at the admittedly showy garnish he’d given it with berries and sauce.

But he knew, as he smiled at her excitement when taking that first bite, that it was a strange morning because of what had happened. How where they to move past nearly dying with one another? How were they meant to address what had happened while unconscious?

Being subject to magical psychological warfare was no small matter. Whether it had been a… pleasurable experience was entirely beside the point. Once she’d been sent home, and the exact contents of the projectile were made known, he’d been mortified.

Ela made a small, pleased sound as she took another bite, and Ignis had to leave. Perfect timing, it seemed, as the elevator doors opened while he stepped away from her desk.

Prompto, as was his nature Ignis noticed, bumbled out of the lift with a bag at his back, packages in his arms, and a smile on his face.

“Yo!”

Ignis felt ire build, sudden and sharp. There it went, the pleasant morning. Prompto winked at him as he passed by, dumping the packages onto Ela’s desk carelessly.

Automatically, Ignis crossed his arms over his chest, watching as the delivery boy scratched at his goatee and leaned playfully on her desk. His job was done, yet he lingered. He was always lingering. If anything was a distraction, it was Prompto. Ignis knew them to be friends, but a friend didn’t make it a point to waste time giggling and flirting every day.

“That looks great,” Prompto said, reaching over her file organizer to the plate of cheesecake. “Share?”

She intercepted him, knocking his hand away and picking up the dish to hold it out of his reach. “Back off.” It was said in a hiss, but she was smiling. “This is the only gourmet food I ever get.”

Ignis unintentionally perked at the notion that she considered it gourmet. His spike of pride was dampened by Prompto’s laugh.

“Yeah right.” He gave up trying to get the cheesecake and began to fiddle with the packages on her desk. “Don’t pretend you don’t get fancy food all the time by having this job.”

Ela put the dish down with a roll of her eyes. “It’s not as glamorous as you think, Prom.” She looked over the things he’d dumped on her desk, her brows arching at one of the parcels. “Hey, they came in time!”

She lifted it and stood from her desk, only to look at Ignis as if she just realized he was still standing there. There was a stall, a second where her eyes flicked to Prompto before she rounded her desk to stand in front of Ignis. “The business cards we ordered came in, sir. I can’t wait to use them at the event.”

Ignis looked from her face to the package in her hands. “That’s fortunate.” Meeting her eyes again, he uncrossed his arms and tilted his head in a slight nod toward Prompto. “Do make sure your friend doesn’t miss his other deliveries.”

Prompto fumbled, uttering a string of sounds that Ignis had no time to listen to. He walked back to his office and closed the door behind him. Passive aggression wasn’t strictly something Ignis sought to practice, but he couldn’t stop analyzing the details. Was he so forgettable that Ela no longer saw him when Prompto entered the room? Why had she looked at the delivery boy before approaching him?

He shook his head and drew the blinds at the glass wall to allow himself privacy. He couldn’t afford to spend the day checking on her, anyway. He trusted her to get her job done, and he had no right being concerned over Prompto’s interest in her. Ela could do whatever and whomever she wished, he reminded himself. He couldn’t fathom why this seemed to bother him. When had his care for her become defensive, bordering on possessive? It was wrong for such a fair number of reasons. Professionalism, proper boundaries, and long term personal commitments aside, he shouldn’t have been entertaining anything beyond their simple mornings together.

Sitting at his desk, he considered the tasks for the day that lay ahead. One of the largest involved a plan of diverting Regis from a guest of the gala the former CEO deemed most inappropriate. Noctis had wanted to invite the man anyway, on Ignis’ advice, after a bit of research. Ignis couldn’t understand the hatred coming from Regis, considering how influential and impressive the supposedly offensive guest was. It was engrossment enough that he successfully forced Ela and the Delivery Boy from his mind entirely.

—

Ignis didn’t like the look of her on sight. Primarily because she was far too young and abjectly unqualified. Her blouse was wrinkled and untucked, and her exuberance abutted excessive. Ignis peered at her through the blinds at the glass wall of his private office as she looked around the open floor of the empty assistant’s office. When she appeared to be cooing over the potted violets Luna had placed on the unattended desk just the day before, he flicked the heavy blind closed and turned around.

“Noct, did you accidentally pick up a child from the nearby secondary school on your way to the office today?”

Noctis sat in Ignis’ desk chair, running his hands down the armrests with interest. “This thing new? It’s better than mine.”

Ignis was having none of this. “You cannot be serious.”

Noctis stopped rubbing the chair and sighed. “She can do the job, Iggy.”

There was no way on Eos she could do the job. Ignis rose a brow. “Show me her resume.”

“She doesn’t have one.”

Drawing in a slow breath, Ignis stepped toward his desk with a hard frown. Of course she didn’t have one; that would’ve been far too much to ask. “How old is she?”

Noctis sent him a confused look. “I didn’t ask. What does it matter? She needs a job, and I need an assistant.”

Ignis crossed his arms. “So take her to the nearby Crow’s Nest. I’m sure they could use a fresh face among their servers.”

Pushing the desk chair back, Noctis stood up. “I already told her she had the job.”

Suddenly, Ignis had a horrible thought. His arms slackened, and he gave the other man a worried look. “Please tell me you aren’t sleeping with her.”

Noctis’ confusion became incredulity. “N-no, what? Ugh, Iggy, she’s the woman I told you about. The one from the crash.”

That didn’t explain as much as Noctis seemed to think. Ignis knew few details about what had happened the week before. Noctis had helped someone from a car crash. He’d taken her to the hospital, and they’d become fast friends by the time she was let out with her minimal injuries taken care of.

Noctis held up a hand before Ignis could say anything. “Look, just give her a chance.” He dropped his hand with a sigh. “She’s really smart.”

“Perhaps she received good marks in history or… spelling last semester,” Ignis said, still not convinced. “That doesn’t mean she’s the appropriate choice for a position that generally requires a decade of experience.”

“My dad gave you this job when you were only twenty two,” Noctis countered.

It was a weak argument. Ignis had been chosen by Regis when he’d been a mere teenager entering university. He’d been recognized due to his various accolades and awards. He’d been trained and groomed for his position. That was a far stretch from being pulled out of a burning car and immediately thrust into a job that offered the best benefits and a salary that neared 100k.

Ignis could tell he wasn’t going to change Noctis’ mind. Resigning himself to this, he sighed. “Alright. I’ll help her acclimate, but I expect nothing less than perfection after I’ve trained her.”

Noctis smiled, leaving the office to speak to her. Ignis could hear her excitement through the open doorway, and he turned away from it, already wondering how long it would take to change her mind if Noctis was unwilling to bend.

This entire situation was ridiculous.

He went to his desk, relaxing into his—yes, it was new—chair to start the onslaught by notifying the accounting department that she should only be receiving entry level pay. Even if she miraculously lasted longer than a week or two, she’d never know the difference.

—

Around five in the evening, as most workers left the building, Ignis stayed later, always finding at least a dozen more things that needed to be done before the day was up. Ela was often the same, and today proved to be no different for either of them.

Ignis found this a blessing at first due to its familiarity. He would remind her that rest from work was necessary even if it made him a bit of a hypocrite. When the time came around, sometime just before six in the evening, he suddenly remembered the gala was taking place that night. So it would’ve been a waste of breath for him to remind her of anything outside of how important it was that Noctis presented himself well.

He’d kept his blinds closed all day to keep himself focused. For that reason, her goings on the entire time were a mystery to him. It was far from the usual, more interdependent system they had with each other, but today was, as he’d acknowledged, rather strange. Time to reacquaint himself with her, he thought as he walked from his desk to the blinds, intent to open them and stop closing himself off.

He pulled on the blinds, but froze after they parted just in front of him. In the open expanse of her office area, Ela was unbuttoning her shirt. She glanced toward the elevator nervously, then rolled a small shrug over her shoulders. Undoing the buttons of her top, she pulled its hem free of her pencil skirt and slipped it down her shoulders. She placed it on her desk and walked over to a dress that hang from the coat rack nearby.

Ignis quickly closed the blinds, his hand remaining on the parting strings as he averted his gaze to the side in complete confusion. What was she doing changing in the middle of the office? Everyone had gone home, but he was still here. Had she completely forgotten about him after he’d holed himself away in his office all day?

Shamefully, he tugged a little on the string, opening the blinds enough to see her hold the dress up to herself. There was no mirror in the area, but she seemed to be alright appreciating herself with a small onceover, holding the garment to her chest. The smooth arch of her back, the dark straps of her lacy bra, the creamy skin of her bare shoulders and waist— Ignis swallowed at the sight of it.

She hung the dress up again, nimble fingers unzipping her skirt at the back and working it over the curve of her hips. Bending forward, she let the skirt slide down her legs and pool at her feet. Black in its entirety, her undergarments were stark against her pale skin and covered… very little.

Ignis couldn’t believe he was still looking. He couldn’t think. He couldn’t move.

The straps of the garter pulled against her skin as she picked up her skirt from the floor. She put the garment with her top, using a finger to casually adjust her rear pantyline. Then, she reached across her desk for something. When she turned around, Ignis felt a millisecond of fear. Only she didn’t notice him, instead focusing on her reflection in the glass wall.

One of her new business cards was in her hand, and she tried placing it between her breast and her bra. It didn’t seem to be working. She frowned, her hands resettling the bra more comfortably. The motion bounced her breasts, and Ignis could no longer find his breath.

Nothing seemed to be working. She pulled the card from her bra, holding it between her lips as she reached behind herself. Her bra came loose, and she did a little dance, shimmying her shoulders until she was free of it entirely. It fell to the floor, a slip of black that took Ignis’ remaining sense with it.

His grip on the parting string tightened, his eyes devouring the sight before him. She was a vision. The gentle slope of her neck brought goosebumps to his own as she brushed back strands of her hair that had fallen out of its professional updo. The lush curves of her breasts taunted him. He wondered if they felt as supple in person as they had during the— He fought the thought of it, his gaze leaving her hardened nipples for the little dips of her collar bones.

She plucked the card from her lips and considered her reflection with a tilt of her head, and Ignis began to curse himself for not moving away from the glass when he could’ve. He cursed himself, and he cursed the glass for being between them.

Thankfully, she seemed satisfied with herself and turned around. Ignis remained still as she walked over to her dress. Her casual gait, measured in the sway of her hips and the lithe curves of her body, had him inhaling a quick, sharp breath that sent relief through his burning lungs.

She touched the garter at her hips with both hands, pulling at the straps that connected to her stockings. They dug into her thighs, little indents in her skin for a moment. Then she was letting them go and smoothing hands down the sheer stockings.

The bend of her back, more hair falling loosely over her shoulders, the brush of her inner thighs against each other as she walked— Ignis needed to move. He backed away a step, the string connected to the blinds still tight in his grip.

She had a slight stumble, her stockings slipping on the polished floor. Her startled laugh and the slap of her hand on her desk were loud enough for him to hear clearly. It snapped him into reality enough to have him pull the string. The blinds closed in a quick jerk, leaving ripples of movement that gave him panic.

He let go of the string, his hand tense. The blinds continued to waver, and he went to the door to quickly lock it. He stopped himself at the last moment, finding that to be more guilty. He couldn’t possibly leave his office now, but if she did realize he was still there, it would have to seem like he’d been too consumed with work to have seen anything.

His heart thickened, beating harder in both the sudden spike of guilt at accidentally invading her privacy and the excitement of what he’d witnessed. How could she change in the middle of the office? Had she done this before? The questions pulled at him as he went to his desk.

He rested a hand on the surface, staring blankly down at his desktop calendar. Sudden visions assaulted him. Sweat slicked skin pulling and sliding against his own, her breathy moans at his collar and neck, and her warmth consuming him completely.

That had happened right here.

He pushed away from his desk with a hard swallow. Except it hadn’t happened at all. He looked toward the glass wall, seeing nothing beyond the closed blinds. Was she still changing? Surely it would be safe for him to leave somewhat soon.

The fresh image of her analyzing her reflection right in front of him came to mind. Yearning, hot and heavy, fell over him. With a forced calm, he crossed the room to his private restroom. A splash of cold water should do the trick, he thought. He wasn’t going to acknowledge his reaction to her. Not this time.

He took off his glasses, placing them aside before removing his gloves. The water cooled him, but the pink tint to his cheeks remained. He could only glance at his reflection, shame biting at him. Both hands rested on the edges of the sink, he leaned forward and closed his eyes. The light pressure against him drew out a shaky breath. He held himself still there for a short stretch of time, unmoving though his body begged for more.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t do this. Past experience proved well enough that he could in his worst moments of silent desperation. It also wasn’t that he shouldn’t. He knew damn well this was wrong, and that— that was the crux of it.

He backed away from the sink, letting go to run fingers through his hair. It didn’t matter that he couldn’t or that he certainly shouldn’t.

He wouldn’t.

He opened his eyes, meeting his reflection in the mirror.

He wouldn’t.

Swallowing thickly, he dropped his hand from his hair. He was straining in his trousers, the angle of him uncomfortable and pressing against his right thigh. He undid his belt to fix this.

That was all.

He looked down as he set himself free. The cool air of the bathroom kissed his heated skin. When he took himself in hand, his other poised to pull his waistband back up. He’d tuck away his shame. Even if it felt impossible.

He smoothed his hand over the shaft. Just the minimal movement to adjust himself. His eyes closed as his fingers took a tighter hold. His other hand left his waistband, going to the edge of the sink in a hard grip. His lips parted with a heavy breath. He thought of Ela’s look of soft concentration, of the way she’d smoothed her hands over her bare breasts. Her nipples had been pert and her hair beautifully messy.

He shifted his hand to the base, resting there before drawing back to the tip in a languid pull of his wrist. A shiver coursed over him, and he repeated the motion. His back arched forward, shoulders curling. His grip on the sink steadied him. He froze and clenched his jaw.

He was going to let go. He wouldn’t do this. He remained unmoving. All he could hear were his heavy breaths.

Then… he relaxed.

The memory of Ela bringing him coffee and placing it on his desk came to mind, immediately juxtaposed with the image of her sprawled across the same surface, bared for him.

“All yours,” she’d say in either situation.

He let go of himself and pushed away from the sink. This was a waste of himself. To hold himself back this way when she was so near. A shame, he thought with a touch of self deprecation. With shaky hands, he drew up his waistband and fastened his trousers. Pressed flush to his navel, his cock throbbed.

He washed his hands but didn’t put on his gloves. He slid his spectacles into place, the sudden clarity a comfort. Leaving the restroom, he crossed his office to the door. His resolve wavered, a brief question posed by his conscience over how indecent it would be for him to approach her while aroused. He ignored it in favor of opening the door.

Ela stood near her desk, feet still bare of shoes. The dress covered her but for its unzipped back. She’d let down her hair and it flipped over her shoulder as she quickly looked at him.

“I-Ignis?”

He stopped two steps out of his door. “Elanore.”

A beautiful blush came to her cheeks, and her eyes escaped his. “I didn’t know you were still here.” She tucked a lock of her hair behind an ear and smiled at him, meeting his gaze once again.

He wanted to assert the truth. Of what lay deeper. Of what they’d shared, however unreal it had been. His voice, though, was seized by the sight of her easing the dress off her shoulders. The dark fabric slipped down her arms and caught at her elbows before she slowly shifted out of it.

He strained harder in his trousers, taking slow steps toward her. The dress fell away with a few final movements of careful hands. She stepped over it as it piled on the floor, meeting him in the middle of the room. The attractive blush on her face reached down her neck and kissed her collar. Ignis’ eyes traveled over it, then freely traced the inviting curve of her breasts.

She took one of his hands, lifting it first to press against her cheek, then to her breast. “I’ve never—” She cut herself off with a quick breath that he felt in the movement of her chest. Unbelievably soft in his hands, she stepped closer, her body brushing against him. “It felt so real, you know? And now we’re here. Alone.”

Ignis lifted his free hand, disbelief seeping into his immense arousal. He cupped her face, and when her eyes fluttered closed, he understood. She hadn’t been unaffected by the shared fantasy they’d survived through. She wanted him in return, and Ignis— he would always be there.

Their lips met in a wet tandem, a sudden break in the calm. She grasped at his shirt, the buttons snapping loose. His hand kneaded her breast, thumb roughly teasing the peak. Her bare feet stepped on his designer shoes, lifting her just enough to press herself harder into the kiss, into him.

Ignis wanted to fuck her. It was the basest thought breaking free from the furthest depths of his psyche. He wanted Ela, and he no longer cared if it consumed him.

His hands left her to find her waist. He walked forward, leading her back in steps that were punctuated by the roll of her tongue in his mouth. When she bumped into her desk, she broke the kiss. Ignis followed. He couldn’t be without the taste. He wanted to savor her.

She undid his trousers with the same ease she’d had with her bra, tugging them down and freeing him from his confines in quick motions. Her hand was soft around him, her lips pliable and wanting against his own.

He moaned into the kiss. She began to jerk at him, slowly and steadily. This time, he broke contact, gasping at her touch. His eyes met hers, their noses brushing. Her hand was an exquisite vice over him, pulling at more than his desire alone.

Her hands left him to draw her panties down. Kicking them off, she sat on her desk and reached for him. Being drawn forward by her grasp on the hem of his shirt, he was hit with the familiarity of this situation. How similar it was to the deadly fantasy. Her desk was lower, so he had to bend down to meet her. The tip of him grazed her just before she began to push him away.

He stilled, his heart hammering in his chest. Documents shifted on her desk, the Moogle paperweight clattering to the floor as she turned around. His hand, grasping air, hang between them. She grabbed it as she looked over her shoulder. Pressing it to her side, she hitched a knee on her desk.

Ignis moved forward with her, his other hand lifting to brush her hair over a shoulder. He pulled her close, his mouth nipping at her shoulder, his cock firm and aching behind her. When she rested her weight on the desk, bending forward, he arched with her.

“Ignis.” It was a plea, her head lowering to the desk. He wanted to lean back, to see how she prostrated for him, but he couldn’t leave her.

Answering her want, he skimmed his hand down her hip and over her ass to take himself in hand. He entered her roughly, though she accepted him easily, so slick he moaned into the quiet air when his hips met her fully. He began a steady rhythm, long draws and hard thrusts. It rocked her desk, her monitor shifting with every rough jerk of their bodies.

It was everything he wanted. She was everything. The wet warmth that engulfed him blinded him to all but her sweat-glistened skin and wild hair. She cried out that she needed him. Needed him harder. Needed more of him. He indulged, enjoying her shuddering gasps as their bodies met in increasingly intense slaps of skin.

She lifted herself, resting a hand flat on the desk. Her other arm rounded, reaching back to tangle fingers into his hair. Head turned, her mouth met his. The kiss was wet and uncoordinated, more of a shared moan held between them.

Ignis was melting, falling apart to his basest components. He sank into her, a rough rutting repetition he’d never experienced before. He saw only white and felt only bliss. It burned and coiled, coursing through him and into her.

He wanted to give her every part of him.

A hand gripping her waist, he reached for her breast, holding her back flush to him. She whimpered his name against his lips. He was close. By the feeling of her tightening around him, he could tell he wasn’t alone.

He bit down on the sweet ache in his heart. Burying himself in her as deep as he buried his ever growing desire. He wanted to be closer. To blur the bounds of their physical forms. She squeezed around him, and the air thickened with her loud, breathy cry. He thrust harder. He reveled in her coming around him. Her legs quaked, and he kept going, intent to overstimulate, to draw it out.

“I, ah, I love you,” she panted, her hand in his hair tight and pulling. “Ignis, I—”

He spilled into her, his hand at her hip holding her in place. He— he wanted to give her every part of him. His heart burst into a litany of joy. “I—” He gasped. His mouth was so dry now. He licked his lips and opened his eyes.

His reflection stared back.

Clarity hit him at full force. He looked down, unable to face himself. Cum covered his hand and the sink. It dripped in slow rivulets down the basin’s edge. He cleaned it before washing his hands.

What little satisfaction there could possibly be found by his own hand was diminished by the reminders of why he shouldn’t have these thoughts or feelings. Spying on her had been an unfortunate accident. He couldn’t think about it or the intense fantasy any longer.

He buttoned himself up, then smoothed his collar, finally looking at the mirror. The Ignis before him appeared calm, bereft of the storm that swelled inside.

As it should’ve been.

—

The venue for the gala was ornate and startlingly baroque. Ela marveled, somewhat ironically, at all of the golden accents. Her gown was black to keep things simple and unobstructive. She was here to help Noctis. Networking, too. But mostly for Noct. Speaking of, where was he? She peered around the place, past the finely dressed bodies, for her boss. To no avail, apparently. Almost every man there looked the same, sporting a tux and holding a glass of champagne.

Well. Most of the men.

Ela’s gaze stopped on Ignis. He spoke with a small group of people some distance away. The corners of his mouth were upturned in the lightest smile as he spoke. When someone said something in response, he paused. His lips pursed, then he said something that made the others laugh. She made herself look away when she realized how closely she was watching his mouth.

Although Ignis was wearing the standard black tie like all the rest, he had a presence that separated him. Palpable grace. Ela made a ninety degree turn. As much as she wanted to greet Ignis, she still couldn’t face him quite yet. Their interactions that morning had flustered her enough.

He suspected nothing of her dream. How could he? Still, she felt like she was unintentionally acting weird. It was a mercy that he had stayed in his office all day, especially that he’d left early to get ready for this event. She hadn’t had to cover up her embarrassment over something that was really none of his business.

“I wish Prompto was here.” The voice, smooth and friendly on the verge of inappropriate, considering her relationship with its owner, made her stop in her tracks. Noctis approached her with a soft, casual smile.

She returned the smile with a roll of her eyes. “He couldn’t scrounge up the one grand entrance fee, sir.”

His smile waned. He wanted to groan, she could tell. “Don’t do that here.”

She rose a brow, her smile growing. “Why not, sir? This is where it matters most. At least try to pretend you’re a professional.”

Noctis looked down at himself, a finger touching his crooked tie. His smile returned, slightly sheepish this time, as he gazed at her again. “How long do you think I can fool everyone here into believing I’m not a mess?”

She lifted her hands, brushing his away so she could straighten his tie. “You’re brilliant. If you’d just have better attendance, you’d know everything.” She twisted the fine fabric, pulling it taut in the right position at his neck. When her hands dropped, she looked up and paused.

She could smell his aftershave from this distance. Her eyes traced the line of his jaw upward, to where his hair softly fell to frame his face. She wanted to lift her hand again, to brush his hair behind his ear. Maybe kiss his jaw for encouragement. Instead, she blinked and met his eyes, forcing away the crazy thought.

His lips parted, his eyes shifting between hers. Then he cleared his throat. “You look beautiful.” It was his turn to blink, his eyes averting for a moment. “Very… professional.”

She wasn’t wearing a bra because the gown she’d chosen was so tight, it wasn’t needed. Was it bad form that she’d decided to go backless? Selfconsciously, she ran a hand up her opposite arm. Warmth came to her face despite the doubt. Because Noctis had never called her beautiful. She knew he was only picking on her for calling him sir, but that didn’t stop her heart from picking up its pace.

Before she could rebuff, he looked away and ran fingers through his hair. It was growing past his jawline, and appeared to be somewhat styled today. She was impressed. Not that that was anything particularly new for her when it came to Noctis; he was a litany of pleasant surprises. She wanted to think that’s part of why he kept expectations of himself so low.

“I’m gonna—” He looked around, at anything else. Pink began to color his cheeks, something Ela rarely saw. Lunafreya must’ve arrived. “I’m getting drinks.”

Ela watched him walk away, deflating as he disappeared into the crowd. Right. Of course he’d rather be near Luna. She was his… whatever they were. Ignoring the swell of disappointment that had begun to overtake her warm feelings, Ela resisted the urge to give herself a once over. She had a mirror in her clutch, but she’d just arrived, and she looked fine. Noctis had called her beautiful. Sure, he’d been joking and immediately rushed away after saying it, but that didn’t mean she looked bad!

Right?

Her fingers were fumbling with the clasp of her clutch when she heard her name. She froze and looked up, her head arching higher than it had with Noctis to meet Ravus’ eyes. A rush of memories bombarded her, a flash of feelings that made her throat tighten. Like Ignis, she didn’t think she could face Ravus just yet.

But he was already here. Staring down at her. Holding out a hand. “Don’t drink?”

She blinked at his question, then looked down at the champagne flute he was offering. Drawing in a quick breath, she took the glass. “I do. Thank you.”

He nodded, lifting his own glass to his lips. She took a drink with him, the taste of champagne unfamiliar on her tongue. It tingled on its way down her throat, and she smiled at Ravus even though he didn’t return it.

“How are you feeling?”

His question, like the first one, slightly startled her. She drank more of the champagne before answering.

“Getting right to the small talk, then?”

Ravus tilted his head, eyeing her. “Asking after your health, rather. Last we met, you were being escorted from your office. I trust you’re now well, being as you’re here.”

Ela bit her lip while he spoke. It was like opening a late century book and letting an Old Tenebraen gentleman monologue at her. Ignis’ accent was so much less pronounced, being second generation Lucian. She was used to his soft lilting tones. Ravus’ was cutting and thick, and she’d been too focused on the tour the first time they’d met to notice. Not that he’d spoken much to begin with.

“Yeah,” she said intelligently. Another sip from the flute. She didn’t want to talk about what had happened. Just the night before—and again that morning in the shower, gods help her—she’d thought about how heavy he’d been in her mouth, how he’d stretched her— She drained the glass, following it with a small laugh. “I’m alright. How are you?”

He continued to consider her. Why did it feel like he was attempting to deconstruct her? She refused to wither under his gaze, meeting it steadily. The champagne was already singing in her blood.

“My thoughts have been owned by a singular idée fixe, as of late,” he said, his look unwavering. He nodded at the empty glass in her hand. “Another?”

She was too busy rolling her eyes to catch on immediately. Then, she nodded, looking from her empty glass to Ravus again. He reached an arm out, eyes not leaving hers, stopping a member of the wait staff as they passed. They stilled, eyes shifting between her and Ravus.

Ela placed her empty flute on the tray they balanced, taking a new glass with a smile. She was feeling so lovely and light. She liked champagne. “Thank you so much.”

They nodded before walking off, their bowtie a deep maroon and smile much less genuine than her own.

“What thought had been plaguing you?” Ela brought the flute to her lips but drank him in rather than the champagne.

His hair was longer than Noct’s but much more styled. His jawline was a beautifully hard line, his eyes two sharp, unique points. She bit her lip again. Forget Old Tenebraen gentlemen; he was a perfectly sculpted statue.

“I pondered the possibility of acquiring your expertise.”

The statue was speaking to her. She blinked, using the glass to hide her smile. Then, she lowered it, her gaze shifting downward to stare into the pale beige liquid. “Is that some sort of come on?”

Her eyes flicked up to peer at him through her lashes. The champagne was smoothing out all of the edges around her. A light buzz in her mind. It came to a blunt end as Ravus replied.

“Nay, I would like to offer you an opportunity for better employment.”

It wasn’t so much curt as impatient, similar to the sure, sure Ignis would give on the rare occasion that he didn’t have time to completely hear her out. It left her with the same hollow feeling, which only deepened the more he spoke.

“I’ve a department that needs a director who is highly organized and self-driven.”

Already, she was shaking her head. She loved her job, and her job loved her. She was but two late night crunches with important paperwork away from putting on a ring and calling it forever. There really was no polite way to reject someone outside of pure directness. So that’s what she did.

“Why?” Ela startled herself with the question. She’d meant to give him a definitive no.

Ravus drank from his glass slowly, his eyes never leaving her. The way his jaw worked suggested he was savoring the champagne while he eyed her. She refused to be unnerved. Or charmed. Except she was already just a little of both.

“Consider it,” was his only answer. He took another drink, eyes closing briefly.

Almost content to let it go, she watched him. Her mind was ablaze, this sudden—super fucking vague—job offer changing the direction of her thoughts. She’d been under the impression their rapport had been less professional toward the end. Friendly, even. Dare she think… flirtatious? It felt silly to think that now.

She was flattered all the same, still shaking her head. “I don’t need to. I’m not leaving Caelum Corp.”

Ravus opened his eyes, the blue and lilac of them falling on her curiously. “If it’s the comfort of familiar faces that keeps you here, I’ll allow you to hire anyone of worth you know for your team. What university did you attend? I’m sure there are alumni already in my employ.”

A sour feeling began to pool in that hollow place left in her, the fluff of his flattery doing nothing to abate its course. He was only offering a job because he thought she was something that she wasn’t. Assumptions. Apparently, Ela wasn’t the only one who’d been making them. She mulled over her reply for only a moment.

“I didn’t go to college,” she said, adding a shrug. Not to add indifference to the statement, but because it wasn’t something that ever crossed her mind until someone else made it a point to mention. This job had been her life after— out of high school. She didn’t know much else and, frankly, didn’t feel that she needed to.

She sipped from her glass of champagne in an attempt to settle herself, attention piquing at the sight of Noctis. He curved his way around the crowds, dodging people with one glass in each hand. He had a smile aimed at her, and his bowtie had somehow become crooked again.

“Hey,” he breathed through his smile, seeming younger for a moment. He stopped in front of her, straightening his back before offering out one of the glasses.

Ela looked at it but didn’t take it. Both of her hands were preoccupied. One held her glass while the other gripped at her clutch. She really didn’t need to drink any more than she had already as it was.

“I trust that is for my sister,” Ravus spoke up.

Ela looked up at him next, realizing that yes, that’s right Lunafreya was actually related to Ravus. Which now seemed a little weird, given how well she knew her compared to her brother. He usually blew off events like this.

“Oh, right.” Noctis speaking made Ela settle her attention on him again. He drew the glass back, his expression a soft sort of sheepish. She only ever saw that face when Ignis caught him attempting to get out of an obligation. He never gave her that look, but Ravus could get it out of him, evidently.

She reached for the glass, taking it from Noctis in a swift pinch of her fingers on the delicate stem. “I’ll take it to Luna. You two should go over your speeches.” She peered from Noctis to Ravus with a serious expression she didn’t fully mean. “Tonight is important, boys.”

She didn’t wait for either of them to respond before weaving through the guests away from them.

—

Lunafreya Nox Fleuret stood taller than Ela, even with the three added inches on Ela’s heels. Her features were soft and her smile warm. Although a decade Ela’s senior, she’d never treated her with anything but honest respect. Ela understood why Noctis loved her.

“For me?” She took the glass Ela held out to her. “How thoughtful, thank you.” After a polite sip, she added, “I’d almost expected you to sit this out. How are you feeling?”

Ela rolled her eyes. “Luna, please. Ravus just asked me that. I’m fine.”

Luna laughed a little, most of it in her eyes. “Did he? I’d wondered when you would finally meet one another. Never did I expect it to be such a deadly experience.”

Flashes of her debaucherous dream assaulted Ela, and she lifted the glass to her lips, closing her eyes to repress them. The light feeling the champagne created began to overtake the hollowness left by her earlier conversation.

Glancing at Luna again had her meeting the other woman’s eyes. She appeared expectant. Of what, Ela had no idea.

“Really, I’m okay. No one’s asked Ravus and Ignis if they should be at a party so soon.”

Luna crossed an arm under her chest, her other holding up her glass. Her nails were painted a pale blue, and Ela wondered how the hell she always got away with wearing pastels to black tie events.

“Neither of them took such a hard fall the way you had. We were so worried, Noctis and I.” She arched a delicate brow, saying more that Ela missed by the sudden high pitched laugh that cut through the air.

Through a wide gap in the throngs of people, they spotted Ignis making his way across the gala proper. His arm was about the slender waist of a woman in a deep red dress. He seemed to be guiding her, saying something too quiet for them to hear. She laughed again, the lush curls of her hair draping over his shoulder as she drew herself closer to him.

He stopped in place, a gasp leaving him. Her face disappeared into the crook of his neck. His eyebrows arched over his glasses, which became askew as the woman lifted a hand to his jaw, turning his head toward her.

Ignis was quick on grabbing her wrist, tilting his head back to say more things that were too low to hear over the din of the party. Lipstick smudged his jawline. His arm pulled her closer at the waist, flush to his side.

Ela stared at the scene, suddenly perplexed.

“Who is that?” she asked Luna, unable to look away from the woman as she shamelessly grabbed at Ignis.

“I haven’t a clue.” Luna sounded just as surprised. “A lady friend of Ignis’, perhaps? I’ve always been curious about his taste… Thought it would be men, really.”

Ela’s stomach began to sink again. The woman backed Ignis two steps until he was pressed against one of the supporting columns that made up the rococo interior of the venue. She hiked a leg up, catching it at his hip. The slit of her dress bared everything from ankle to ass for all to see. Ignis let go of her wrist to grab her thigh, his gaze going over her shoulder to meet Ela’s.

Feeling embarrassed at seeing her boss this way, Ela averted her eyes. As if she were invading his privacy rather than it being him presenting an inappropriate show for everyone in the middle of the party. She looked at Luna with wide eyes, desperately wishing she hadn’t seen any of it.

“Not what I expected, either,” was all she could say. And it wasn’t. It really, really wasn’t. She suddenly felt sick.

“I’m surprised you didn’t already know.” Luna drank from her glass, clearly a bit uncomfortable with it herself. “You and Ignis must be close, given how well you’ve worked together for so long.”

Ela blinked at the assumption. She and Ignis weren’t close. She and Ignis weren’t even friends. He was her boss. Her slightly intimidating, secretly kind, and very professional boss. Her brow furrowed at the last thought. Maybe less than professional now. She didn’t know what the hell that had been about; she didn’t care to know. She couldn’t believe she’d been embarrassed all day about having a sex dream that featured him when, if around the right woman, Ignis became unrecognizably uncouth.

The corner of her eyesight where Ignis remained, the giggles of the woman still filtering through the air, burned with the need to look at the travesty again. No, Ela hadn’t known Ignis was attracted to people who were so blatant with their affection. To say this was jarring her would’ve put it mildly. She felt like she could throw up the cheesecake she’d eaten for breakfast.

Instead of responding to Luna, she drank deeply from her glass, emptying it with a grimace. Reminding herself that this was an important party, she schooled her expression and forced a smile to Luna.

“Who are we impressing this time?” A subject change. Business talk. Good. Ela resisted the urge to take a deep breath. “I haven’t seen Regis yet.”

Luna considered her for a moment. “He wasn’t feeling well. Noctis and I visited him this afternoon.”

Ela nodded and wondered what the point was in her ever making schedules for Noct if he always diverged from it.

“As for who we’re hoping to sway,” Luna said, her voice growing softer, conspiratorial. “There’s tell that an important representative from Aldercapt Industries is in attendance. I haven’t seen him myself, but I’ve heard he’s terribly charming.”

Ela latched onto that, grateful that Luna had taken the subject change in stride. “Should Noctis be worried?”

Luna laughed, brushing her braided hair over a shoulder. Her simple earrings sparkled in the lighting, and Ela felt the telltale ripple of envy. Luna was so casual, downplaying herself despite being one of the most important people there. She had the audacity to treat Ela like a friend. Because they were friends. Ela just wished she were less likable so she wouldn’t feel so guilty over how she felt for Noctis.

“I’m fairly certain I’m the one who should be worried,” Luna said. “With how you’d kissed Noctis upon waking from the incident, I hadn’t seen him so overcome since his first kiss with me. ”

Ela’s mind came to a complete stop. Her eyes left Luna’s, roaming the area that surrounded them. Ignis and his woman were gone. Beyond the crowd, she saw Noctis, still where she’d left him with Ravus. Neither seemed to be enjoying the conversation they were having. She had kissed Noctis. She’d kissed him, and he’d kissed back.

“Ela, it’s merely a jest.” Luna’s voice brought her attention back to the woman next to her. Her amusement had softened. “He was rather stricken, but you can’t have helped it. The psychological effects of the—”

“I really kissed Noctis?” Ela blurted, her mind trying to catch up.

Luna’s blonde brows pinched, then rose in realization. “You must not remember. Oh, I’m sorry to have mentioned it.” She put a hand over her mouth, then dropped it to tack on, “I assure you it’s a non-issue.”

Ela nodded, but she wasn’t entirely present. “I need some air.” She left Luna, putting down her empty glass on her way to the exit.

—

She couldn’t win.

Her wrists ached from typing without a break all day. She’d skipped her lunch hour to get the reports finished in time. Ignis had said he expected them by the end of the day. She knew, from the two weeks of working at Caelum Corp that, to her boss, the end of the day meant as late as nine in the evening.

Ela was going to do one better, though. She’d have it completed by five, when the sensible people left the office. Maybe then she’d get to leave, too.

Leaning back in her desk chair, she circled the joints of her wrists and stretched her fingers. It was a quarter til five, and she was finished! Across the open space of her so-called office—more of a lobby, she thought—the printer spat out copies of the completed reports. It was music to her ears.

While the printer did its job, she organized everything on her desk, slotting her phone into her bag and placing it on the edge so she could pick it up on her way out in just a few minutes. She could taste the freedom, the time away from the dreadful Ignis Scientia. She wished Noctis came in more. He was her actual boss, after all.

The paper from the printer was warm on her hands. She arranged the reports exactly like Ignis had instructed, down to using color coded paper clips to fasten them rather than stapling. It was absolutely perfect. She felt a thrill walking into his office knowing he’d have nothing to complain about. Was there a chance he’d even give her a… look of approval?

She stopped in front of his desk. “Sir, I’ve finished the reports.”

He didn’t look up from the documents he read. He didn’t say anything. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, then cleared her throat.

“Sir, the—”

“Alright.” It was impatient, and when he looked up, her gaze was met with disinterest. He put down the document he’d been focused on and took the stack of reports. “Completed them so soon. Hm.”

Ela felt a swell of pride in her chest. Was that praise? She opened her mouth to say it was no problem, but stalled when Ignis glanced at the first page of the topmost report before turning and dropping the stack directly into the trash bin next to his desk. The swift thud of it hitting the bottom she felt in her bones.

Ignis returned his attention to the documents on his desk, saying nothing more. Ela remained there, standing in front of his desk. Nothing. Her pride crumbled, and she swallowed.

“Was—” She cleared her throat again. “Sir, was there something wrong with the reports?”

This time, he acknowledged her immediately. His eyes met hers, a finger easing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. The corners of his mouth were turned down in a faint frown. She couldn’t possibly see what she’d done wrong here. Anger burned in her stomach, but she squashed it in hopes of talking it through with him directly.

When his lips parted to speak, she prepared for whatever correction he had for her. She steeled herself because she needed this job. She was still learning, but she knew she could do it. She just needed him to give her a chance.

“Get me a coffee.” He said it with the same amount of seriousness that he said everything else. “There is a shop four blocks west. Large, medium roast, no cream or sweetener.”

Ela gaped slightly. “Right now?”

Ignis rose a brow. “Too difficult a task?”

This was ridiculous. She bit her lips and shook her head, fighting the compulsion to tell him off. Being manipulated was nothing new to her, especially by the likes of older men. Ignis was different, though. He wasn’t exploiting her so much as giving her an unnecessarily difficult time. She didn’t know his motives, but she didn’t really need to.

She just needed to prove she wouldn’t break.

—

The air outside was chilly and slightly humid, an abrupt change from the atmosphere she’d left behind. The venue’s entrance was open, giving way to a wide expanse of steps that led down to the sidewalk. Each corner of the staircase was adorned with a statue of an angelic figure, the gender of which too vague to define. Ela walked down the steps toward one, wishing she had a cigarette.

The statue towered overhead, twice her height. Her eyes traced the wings of it, of the dark spots on the stone that implied it had rained earlier. At the foot of the stairs, she rounded the statue to lean on its base as she thought. She was abruptly halted by the sight of a familiar face.

One hand tucked into a pocket of his trousers, the other holding a silver vape pen to his lips, Loqi Tummelt turned toward her with mild interest. His blond hair was dry, a sign that he hadn’t been out here for long. A small, barely there cloud left his mouth as he said her name. She’d come out to think, but this was better, in a way. She eased at the way he offered her the pen. Taking it, she sidled next to him and brought it to her mouth.

“I didn’t know you were here,” she said. “You should’ve emailed me.” She had to stop herself from leaning back against the statue’s base as she took a hit. The granite was wet, darkened like the cracks in the sidewalk.

“For what?” He took it back from her, the pen between tight lips.

“I heard an important rep from Aldercapt industries is here.”

“I know.” He actually chuckled. “That’s my boss.”

She was surprised by this, eyes widening as she looked at him. Loqi had wanted to work for that company for as long as she’d known him. Every event they’d both attended for the past three years had always held brief intermissions of them commiserating over their positions as assistants.

“Congrats,” she said, smiling slightly. “Is it everything you ever wanted?” She took the pen from him, drawing from it with a deep breath. The nicotine alleviated her nerves, and she closed her eyes as it slowly left her in a long exhale.

She had serious doubts about Aldercapt Industries being all that great. She hadn’t heard the best things about the company. Loqi had sang their praises for so long, but a brief look had revealed enough negative media attention that she’d felt a deeper dive to be unnecessary. His admiration had become off-putting after that.

“It never is.” His hand left his pocket to straighten his tie. “But I can’t say I’m disappointed. You still with the Caelums?”

“Always.” It was released into the air with an unseeable huff of vapor. She passed the pen back to him.

“I’m surprised. You complained about your boss so much that one time.” Loqi took a step forward, stretching a little with the pen clenched in a hand. “Not the heir but the other one. The one with the glasses.”

Ela fought a roll of her eyes. This was another thing he always brought up, the contentious relationship she’d had with Ignis in the beginning. Everyone knew they hadn’t gotten along, but that had long since passed. Loqi just liked to be negative. He liked to keep others in uncomfortable positions, to remind them of things they’d rather forget and move past. She didn’t trust him because he comisserated but never truly supported her. He wanted her to do well, just not better than he did.

“Not treating you that well at Aldercapt, huh?” She touched his arm, and he turned around to face her. “Always have to be a dick.”

His shrug was a casual roll of his shoulders, as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Ela knew better. Loqi was a bundle of nerves. She was waiting for him to ask about Cor, the previous head of security who’d retired before she’d ever worked for Caelum Corp. Loqi always asked about the other man, his scorn over being thrown from the Caelum building years before an apparent obsession of his. He didn’t take rejection well.

“No vacation days,” he admitted, shoving his hands into his pockets. “No sick days. Nothing. I’ll end up dying there from overworking. Happily.”

She huffed a light laugh. Happily. What a ridiculous thought. No one owed a corporation their entire life.

Her watch began to beep, and a quick glance at it told her she needed to be meeting with Noctis soon to go over the last minute preparations for the presentation. Without so much as a “Gotta go”, she walked around the base of the statue and ascended the wide stoop.

—

Her watch alight with a message, Ela swiped it away to read later. She couldn’t visit her sister today. Three months into her new job, and she’d yet to tell anyone but her sister about it. What was there to tell, anyway? Her boss disliked her; it was only a matter of time before she slipped up. Ignis would find a way to get rid of her if he really wanted.

“Could you collate these, Elanore?”

Elanore. No one called her by her full name but him. She looked up from her computer to Ignis, who stood in the doorway of his office. A large, messy stack of files, spilling with documents, rested in his hands. Shocking that he’d walk even that far for this request. He’d called her from his desk that morning and given her an unapologetic “Clear your schedule. We are working late on the Coernix project for the rest of the week.”

Shoving her desk chair back, pasting on a pleasant smile, she nodded. “Got it, sir.”

She took the stack from him and watched as he walked back into his office. The blinds had been opened, his office a fishbowl for her to observe. It was very much the other way around, though, her every move on display for his discerning eye. She kind of hated this job. As much as it seemed to hate her, at least.

The papers fanned when hitting her desk, scattering among what was already there. The Coernix project was small and short notice, an acquisition Caelum Corp made just so they’d have easier access to fuel resources for more important projects later on. So far, the paperwork she’d had to handle had been standard, but the previous owners of Coernix had been so unorganized. Most of her work on this came down to alphabetizing and trying to make sense of the poorly structured system that had been in place before.

It was, in so many words, really fucking boring.

She rounded her desk and took her seat again. Opening a desk drawer, she pulled out the case for her wireless headphones. It was nearing eight in the evening. Ignis had, so far, overlooked her zoning out around this hour on days that they’d work late. Her job wasn’t necessarily difficult, in her opinion. It was just a lot. Ignis was constantly asking for things, and she was readily meeting them. Easy. So she hoped her putting on music wouldn’t be something he felt the need to stop tonight. The tedium of organizing documents didn’t need that much brain power.

Putting the buds into her ears, she peered over her monitor to Ignis, sitting at his own desk. He sipped from the takeout cup she’d brought just an hour earlier, before the cafe down the block closed. Even from there, between his long fingers, she could make out the “Dingus” written on the cup’s side by the barista.

“I told them Ignis when I ordered,” she’d said, pretending to be sheepish.

He’d stared at the word with the hardest frown, and the deeper it went, the more amusement she felt. She was finally beginning to understand him. He took himself too seriously. On top of disliking her, he was impatient, cutting, and horribly intelligent. All things he’d used against her so far. This was such a small, petty way of getting back at him, but she could only do so much.

“I guess there’s a lot of similarity there.” She said it as if thoughtful, playing dumb and friendly. She was so used to playing dumb and friendly with him. She held up her hands, palms up, as if weighing the two names. “Ignis, Dingus. Pretty close. All the employees at that cafe are teens just trying their best, sir.”

His brow had furrowed, and she’d fought a smile. She dared him to mention her own age. She wasn’t above shoving a finger into his chest to call out discrimination. She needed this job.

He’d taken the coffee to his office, nothing else said on the matter. She’d won for the time being. It was a shame, the way it felt less satisfying than she’d hoped. She could win against him in these insignificant ways, but none of it mattered when all she truly wanted to do was win him over.

She smiled to herself as he drew the cup away from his lips and glanced down at the incorrect name written on it. Leaning back in her chair, she made sure her earbuds were comfortable before opening the music app on her phone.

Pressing play did nothing. She frowned at her phone’s screen, the song appearing to begin playing despite the silence in her ears. She took out one of the buds, looking it over before putting it back in. She turned up the volume on her phone. The sound of the song was faint but there, and she realized a moment later just where it was coming from.

Standing abruptly from her desk, she looked into Ignis’ office to see him staring at one of the bluetooth speakers on his desk. The music came through the small opening in his cracked office door, resounding off the glass walls. She’d completely forgotten she’d been connected to them before. He’d made her take audio notes during a visit to one of the labs earlier in the week—“handsfree, Elanore, it’s important”—and he’d listened to them that morning, his soft judgement coming through when mentioning how often she’d said “um”.

He looked her way now, brows arching. She scrambled for her phone, pressing pause on the song and disconnecting the bluetooth. Looking up from the device, she wondered if she should go apologize for the disruption. After the coffee thing, he probably thought it had been on purpose. He was already facing his computer again, typing as if entirely unbothered.

Slowly, she retook her seat and made sure her phone was connected correctly before pressing play again. The song began in the middle, right where she’d paused it. Too loud at first, she turned down the volume and sighed.

I’m achin’ now, I’m achin’ now. It’s times like these I need relief.

She shifted the papers around on her desk, unfocused because shit. It just had to be one of the more suggestive songs. Skipping the song for now, she listened to the next and poured her concentration into organizing the disaster that was the Coernix paperwork.

When she finished just past midnight, she took the files to his office. She was slow about coming in. Not tentative but careful. Her knuckles paused just over the doorway before she knocked. Ignis, fiddling with his pen in quick motions between his thumb and forefinger, seemed to be considering an important dossier. He was humming, a quiet sound that reached her in pleasant waves. She’d never seen him this relaxed, and it made her pause there in his doorway for longer than she meant.

He suddenly looked up, the pen in his hand coming to a stop. “Finished, I presume?”

She lowered her hand, holding up the stack with her other arm. “Yes.”

“Good.” He nodded toward where he wanted her to put them in the usual spot on his large desk. The back end of his pen touched another stack. “Begin on these next.”

She nodded, trading out the completed work for the new pile. With a pause, she stayed in front of his desk. “I’m going to that convenience store on the corner. I need an Ebony. Do you want one?”

She wasn’t asking because she felt bad about blasting music at him. She wasn’t even asking because she wanted to suck up. It was just… polite. She also needed a moment away to think about him humming the melody of the song she’d accidentally played.

His brows pinched. “At this hour?”

She blinked. “I need the caffeine, sir.”

He looked from her to his computer screen. Then he seemed to make a decision. “Right. I’ll join you.”

She blinked again, stepping back from his desk as he stood up. She couldn’t imagine Ignis perusing a dingy shop in the early morning hours in his Gucci attire. “I’m fine going on my own.”

He ignored her, taking his jacket from the coat rack in a corner of the room. A glance at the watch on his wrist, and he gave a light shake of his head. “Hardly halfway finished, and it’s already nearing one.” He slid his jacket on, one arm at a time, turning to her as he adjusted the collar. “We’ve a long week ahead of us, Elanore. Perhaps we should stock up on Ebony while out. It would save us the trouble of those teens in the cafe who can never seem to get my name correct.”

She gripped the stack of documents tighter, forcing a small laugh. This wasn’t at all what she’d wanted, but he was already passing her on the way out of his office.

—

Her climb up the stairs was halted at the uppermost step, a voice— a pair of voices catching her attention.

“It’s a wonder we haven’t been investigated already.” Ignis. Oh?

“This is entirely unrelated, and you’ve already sent her on her way.” Ravus. Oh?

Ela froze, holding her breath because they were being so quiet. They were standing just a yard or so away from the venue’s entrance, a wide column not entirely obscuring them.

“The fact remains,” Ignis said, sounding frustrated. Ela imagined him pushing up his glasses to pinch the space between his eyes. “We don’t know who the perpetrator is, or what their motives may be.”

“We know their motives.” Ravus sounded much less scandalized. “You found her in a private room and made an ass of yourself in the middle of the gala. We know exactly what they’d planned to do to her.”

Ignis sighed. A silence followed, and Ela stepped closer, wanting to eavesdrop more. What were they whispering about?

“Ela?”

She startled, looking up from her concentrated look at the wet ground. Ignis peered beyond the column on one side. Ravus took a step back to do the same, both men staring. She rounded the column, smiling. Not sheepishly— that would imply guilt. “Getting fresh air.”

“It’s rather cold to be—” Ravus gave her a once over, cutting off just as Ignis cleared his throat.

She looked between them. Had it been that obvious she was listening in? She wanted to ask what they were talking about, but considering the way she’d been shut down after the last incident, she didn’t want to waste her breath.

As far as the weather, she didn’t think it was all that cold. The barest pink rose to Ignis’ face, and she figured they must get colder easier than she did even in those tuxedos. She took in the light flush, her eyes tracing his jaw, down to the smudges of lipstick that remained on the curve of his neck. Averting her gaze to Ravus, she found him looking pointedly away from both of them. He must’ve been uncomfortable, too, not mentioning the lipstick to Ignis already.

Ignis began to remove his suit jacket. “Here. To keep warm.”

She rose a hand in protest, about to explain that she was going inside anyway. When she caught a glimpse of one of his shirt cuffs, she frowned. “You lost a cufflink.”

He brought his wrist up, frowning in turn. “Must’ve come off when— ah, well.” Dropping his arm, he took his jacket off completely. His face grew slightly pinker. It really wasn’t that cold. “Perhaps it’ll turn up.”

Ela bit her lip, shaking her head at the offer of his coat. The woman he’d been making out with had probably loosened it when she’d grabbed him. Ela didn’t want to think he deserved that for how weird that situation had been to witness; this gala was throwing her for too many loops, and she wished Ignis could’ve, at the very least, remained normal. She didn’t want to think he deserved it because she knew how much those cufflinks meant to him.

“I’m going inside,” she said, throwing a thumb over her shoulder. Her other hand came up to motion vaguely at Ignis. “You have something on your neck.” She wanted to wipe it off, but she also didn’t want to get too close to him. The three of them standing there, alone as they were, was beginning to dredge up memories of the dream. She’d yet to digest her kiss with Noctis. She didn’t need these thoughts, too.

With his jacket draped over an arm, Ignis’ brows arched above his glasses, his hand coming hesitantly to his neck. As his blush grew, she turned around to leave them to whatever whispering they had left to do. He should probably go inside, too, if he were that chilly. She had more important things to think about and even more things to suppress.

—

Ignis didn’t return to his office. Or, if he did, it was only to gather more paperwork or file what they’d already completed. Some of the more important reports were only held in paper copies and needed to be transcribed into data that could be accessed from their network. Even worse, some of those irreplaceable reports were handwritten. Halfway through the week of late nights, and she had a splitting headache. Because all of the more tedious tasks were falling onto her.

It didn’t help that Ignis had pulled one of the lounge chairs up to her desk. They were comfortable, for clients and guests, and Ignis leaned back in his, one finger tapping against his mouth while his eyes flitted across a document in his hand. While she typed things out, occasionally squinting at the more difficult to read pieces, he went through them to first determine if they were worth keeping a record of at all.

So far, everything had been worth keeping.

Ela flipped over the report she was currently working on, and her hand cramped. She frowned, flexing her fingers before relaxing her hand on her desk. She took that moment to stretch her back, too. She’d barely moved since they’d stocked the minifridge with Ebony. Now that Ignis had made the other side of her desk his new base of operations, she had even less reason to get up.

She grumbled under her breath, stretching out her legs underneath the desk. What was Ignis’ problem? She’d thought they’d had a moment when he’d went with her to the convenience store two nights earlier. He’d recommended a flavor of “crisps” to her that she already really enjoyed. It had turned into them jokingly arguing over whether they should’ve been called “chips” instead.

They were chips. She was Lucian, for Astrals sake.

It’d been the first time she’d ever heard him laugh. The next day, after he’d dealt with his usual business, he came out to her desk, setting up without warning. Did he not trust her to get it done properly on her own?

Looking up from her sore hand, she met his eyes. His mouth pinched with a frown, his finger leaving it as he put the document down. “Do you need a break?”

What she needed was a smoke. She was trying desperately to quit. She would quit. With a shake of her head, she went back to typing, but the muscles in her hand were still tense.

Ignis sighed. “Why don’t we move to the sofa? I’ll type while you sort.”

Head jerking up to look at him, she blinked. “The what?”

He tilted his head toward the couch in the waiting area, upholstered with the same black leather of the chair he’d pulled over. Standing up, he tapped his current stack of documents neatly before sliding them into the large binder that then went into a box that sat on the floor near his feet. When he picked it up, he looked down at her impatiently. “Come. No wasting time.”

She followed him, pushing the chair back into place as he put the box down on the coffee table. After another prompting nod from him, she sat down on the couch like he’d suggested. It was immediate relief on her back. She sank into the plush feeling while he disappeared into his office. Closing her eyes, she listened to the ambient hum of the air conditioner. She counted her breaths.

“Elanore, you may rest when you go home.”

Her eyes snapped open, and she sat up. “Sorry, sir.” She reached into the box for the binder. Opening it on her lap, she was startled a second time by the clunk of something placed on the table in front of her. A can of Ebony. She looked to her side, the couch shifting as Ignis sat next to her, and reached for the can without hesitation. With how much coffee she’d been drinking, she wasn’t sure how helpful it would be. She’d built a mighty tolerance working here. “Thanks.”

“Mm.” He nodded, cracking open his own can. She knew that meant he didn’t want her wasting anymore time talking. She’d gotten enough memos about “maximizing your time, Elanore” to understand what the man was about.

Her sip went longer, and when she placed the can back onto the coffee table, Ignis was already typing away at the laptop he’d brought from his office. His elbow bumped hers every so often, but he didn’t appear to notice. She sifted through the files, not letting it bother her.

When she came across a contract that was as old as she was, binding Coernix to a now defunct company that sold mudflaps, she spoke up. The air conditioner had cut off, and she’d already emptied her Ebony to no avail, so her voice broke clear in the room, just over the sound of his typing.

“I don’t think this is important. We should shred it.”

Ignis paused, glancing at the papers but not taking them from her. “Alright. Begin a discard pile.”

As she put the paper down in a separate part of the coffee table, her watch beeped with a new message. Like all previous attempts at communication from her sister, she swiped it away to be read later. She tried not to feel guilty. She was doing this for her. She was working so she wouldn’t be stuck where she was forever. She was going to fix everything. Someday.

“Is that important?” Ignis asked.

She looked at the next document she’d picked up. “I haven’t read it over yet.”

“No.” Ignis looked at her watch. “The messages. Considering how late it is, you should let whomever know of your whereabouts.”

Ela stared at him for a second, then waved him off. She didn’t have a roommate or a boyfriend waiting up for her. Her sister shouldn’t have been awake at this hour anyway. She knew she shouldn’t have bought her sister that new phone with her most recent paycheck. But it had been so much money… And Ela didn’t know who else to spend it on.

“On yourself,” her sister had said, eyes not leaving her new phone. It boasted an amazing camera.

“And what would I buy myself, Ellie?” She’d sat on the edge of her sister’s bed. The machines were louder in person than they were on the phone.

“Art supplies. Makeup.” Ellie had looked at her then, sunken eyes full of excitement. “A new car.”

Ela had given her a tight smile, looking at one of the monitors, listening to the measured beeping. She didn’t want to drive anytime soon. So far, taking the bus only meant waking up an hour earlier than she would’ve if she drove herself to work. It was a small price to pay.

“A convertible,” Ellie continued, grabbing one of Ela’s hands and squeezing. “I’ve always wanted to ride in one of those. Feel the wind in my hair. Eat a few bugs.”

Ela’s smile broadened, became more genuine, and she’d squeezed back. “I don’t make that much money.”

“Then save it. We can go for a drive when I get better.”

Ela looked at Ignis now and gave him a small smile. “It’s fine. Let’s keep going.”

His eyes searched her face, and for a moment, she feared he wouldn’t believe her. That maybe he’d find a way to use this against her, to finally get rid of her. Her personal life —what little of it that existed— was hers, though, and her sister was solely her responsibility. No one had to know. No one would ever know. She wasn’t going to be hurt again.

The train of thought came to a crashing halt when Ignis nodded, reached for his Ebony, and tried to drink from the empty can.

“Drat.” He put his laptop down and stood up with the can. Looking over his shoulder on his way back to his office, he asked, “Would you like another?”

She nodded, stifling a loud yawn once he disappeared into the other room. Her eyelids felt heavy, but she estimated she had another hour or two left in her. It was only midnight.

Ignis returned with the promised Ebony, and she drank a bit from it before returning to the task of sorting. Words became hard to understand, hard to read. They blurred and swayed, and she leaned into something warm to gather her concentration, her eyes coming to a close.

Just for a minute, she thought.

When she woke the next morning, it was the to the smell of fresh coffee and indistinct chatter. She lifted herself, a suit jacket pooling on her lap. With a wide, bleary look around, she saw Ignis talking to someone being much louder than he was.

“Thanks! It’s a new route for me so I’ll catch you tomorrow, probs!”

Ela watched the stranger pass on his way out. He shot her a finger gun as the elevator doors closed. Who could be so happy this early in the morning? A check of her watch told her she had to be at her desk in twenty minutes. She groaned, dropping her feet to the floor and pushing the jacket off of her. She couldn’t believe she’d slept here. That was the nightmare level of bad luck and something she’d worried would happen after so many nights spent late in the office.

Standing up, she oriented herself and looked at Ignis, who looked at her. He was dressed down, his unbuttoned dress shirt and suspenders a pleasant sight compared to the usual tightly buttoned suit. Was she still dreaming? Then she realized something, picking up the jacket that had covered her. Barefoot and feeling crusty, she rounded the coffee table toward him with it.

“Um. Good morning, sir.”

He took the jacket from her, draping it over an arm. “If you would like to go home for an hour to freshen up, please do. Return promptly by nine.”

She nodded, fully intending to take that offer. Part of her wanted to ask why he hadn’t woken her up. A larger part of her wanted to ask him what cologne he wore because she loved the smell that lingered on her from his jacket. The largest part won out; the part that told her to keep pushing forward and not think too deeply about it.

—

In the somewhat warm embrace of the venue, surrounded by the guests and overly ornate decor, Ela was further stalled on her way to Noctis. But of course.

“El, babe, didn’t expect to see ya here.”

She grimaced at the sound of the voice, its thick accent setting off alarms in her mind. Her shoulders automatically rose, a sense of defensiveness falling over her like a shroud. She turned to the source of the noise, not hiding her displeasure.

With his press badge looking polished and the usual smarm on his face, Dino gave her an exaggerated once over. He was on the prowl. She suspected almost any woman would do, but one unfortunate fact would always haunt her. It was what made him beeline for her at every event. He was the only boyfriend she’d ever had. And he knew it.

“El,” he said, stepping closer. “El for love.”

She made a disgruntled noise, just short of a groan. “Dino, I don’t have time for you.”

She’d liked his eyes when they’d first met. She’d found his accent obnoxious and his smile sleazy, but he’d made her laugh. He’d been so uncomplicated, and in the end, his lack of depth had become… boring.

“No time for your first love?”

She regretted ever telling him that. It had meant to be a joke said over the bowl of popcorn between them when he’d said something especially stupid during a movie. I can’t believe my first love is this big of an asshole. Gods, had he clung to it.

“Torture me after the presentations.” She tried to brush him off. Usually, all it took was a few pointed statements, then he’d wander off to other women to harass. He wasn’t necessarily a bad guy. He was an awful guy. Harmlessly awful.

“If ya wanna talk torture, hows about you let me wear your thighs like earmuffs,” he said, more serious than anyone had a right to be saying something like that to another human being. “I’ll eat you out ‘til I’ve got you comin’ so hard ya waterboard me.”

She lifted a hand, palm toward him. Her mouth opened, then closed. What was she even supposed to say? She had to admit, that was a new one.

“Gladio, get him out of here.”

She didn’t process the newest voice—still trying to work through the amalgam of verbal shit that had just been aimed at her—until Noctis was at her side.

Dino began to protest, albeit lightly, coward that he was, when Gladio brought a great hand down on his shoulder. She didn’t get to see much of him being escorted out because Noctis was bumping her elbow with his own to get her attention.

“You alright?”

She turned to him, remembering she needed to walk him through the main points of his presentation. “Right. Noct, we should—” Then she remembered, as she looked from his eyes to his mouth, that they’d kissed. It had been so warm. Warm and too brief. She swallowed, forcing her eyes back up to meet his. “We should go over your points really quick.”

He didn’t seem to think that was important right now. “Are you sure he wasn’t bothering you?”

“It’s Dino. He always bothers me.”

Noctis looked off, in the direction where Gladio had taken the reporter. It wasn’t the first time Dino had been pulled out of an event for pressing too hard. She couldn’t understand the continued fascination; their relationship had only lasted two months, and the last time she’d seen Dino, he’d seemed almost entirely over her. There had even been a small hope in her that he’d merely ask a few questions about Caelum Corp before moving on during tonight’s party.

Looking at her with what she thought was soft concern, Noctis frowned. “I heard there was someone—” His frown became a grimace. “It would be a creep like him. Be careful, okay? I need to talk to Iggy.”

Then he was off, brushing past Ravus on his way toward the exit. She stared after him, confused and hoping he wasn’t just blowing off the refresher she’d planned. Be careful? She was growing further and further from understanding what was happening anymore.

Wait. Ravus.

She blinked, looking up at the man as he stopped in front of her. She closed her mouth, not even bothering to wonder how long it had been hanging open. This night continued to get away from her; now all she hoped to do was get through the presentations without Noctis falling off the stage or Ignis having another gropefest with a scantily dressed daughter of some important bigwig. Ela was going to gray early, just like the man in front of her apparently had.

Ravus ran a hand through his hair, not caring how unkempt it made him appear. She watched the way it fell back into place, touching his high cheekbones and catching in the light of the chandeliers overhead.

“I’m not going to work for you,” she blurted, hoping to cut this off here and now. She’d said no, and she’d meant no. It had been one thing after another all evening. This, at least, she felt she could stop.

Ravus frowned down at her, a hand shoved into a pocket while the other once again coursed fingers through his hair. “Make no mistake, you’d be an asset to any department. But I’ve no intent to pressure.”

“Great.” She wasn’t trying to be rude, but her patience was dwindling. She was supposed to be helping Noctis, and Ravus was a distracting wall of fancy words, muscle, and old fashioned charm. “I’m getting another glass of champagne. Excuse me.”

He caught her by the hand, stopping her after one step. She looked back and up at him, pulling her hand free but not walking away.

“Don’t drink the champagne.” He was serious, suddenly. More so than before. “Someone soiled it. I hear it’s making others ill.”

Ela hadn’t heard anything like that. She looked around, spotting no one causing a scene over it. That didn’t mean it couldn’t be true, she told herself. For what reason would he lie to her? A man nearby took a glass of it from one of the serving trays still being walked around the gala.

“Shouldn’t we stop others from drinking it, then?”

Ravus sighed, a quiet sound that broadened his chest for a moment. “We aren’t certain…”

Ela had a thought, sudden and curious, because there Ravus was, once again avoiding eye contact. He kept making that worried motion with his fingers through his hair.

“Tonight is making everyone weird,” she said, providing him with an excuse. She had no clue what was going on, but everyone seemed slightly off. He’d been so self assured when she’d first seen him; and now his eyes were so much softer when meeting her own.

“Indeed.” He nodded, once, finally dropping his hand to his side. The other left his pocket, outstretched to her. “Would you care to dance?”

She looked from his hand to his face. She’d never danced at one of these parties. People attended so they could flaunt and increase their wealth. They came to make professional connections. The only people who danced were those who wanted to be watched. Gazing out toward the dance floor, she spotted a few couples and one eccentric woman in a feathered gown dancing alone.

Facing him, she put her hand in his. What could be the harm? She had a small mess of business cards in her clutch she’d yet to hand out. The attention could help, she reasoned.

What she couldn’t reason, though, was why Ravus wanted to be seen with her.

He took the lead, first by weaving her through the bodies to the more open area of the dance floor, then by drawing her close, his other hand coming to her waist. He smelled like sylleblossoms, something she usually associated with Luna. It was pleasant and flowery, but out of place. The Ravus in her dream had been musky and— fight the thought, she told herself. Even if he was holding her terribly close now.

His hand holding hers was gentler than the one at her waist. The carbon fiber of it was surprisingly warm around her hand. Probably from having been in his pocket. She hadn’t thought about his prosthetic, hadn’t given it attention because, in her research into him, she’d learned that he didn’t like to talk about it. Not explicitly. She’d been able to tell through his body language in photos. In the sheer absence of the topic across all media in which he could’ve been found. It was most often covered by a glove —both hands, for science— but it was bare tonight. She peeked at it now, at the smooth, white finish and the intricate, silver joints.

“I must admit,” he said, catching her attention. His hand tightened on hers as they spun a wider turn. “Part of me is relieved at your adamancy to remain loyal to the Caelums.”

She matched his steps across the polished floor. “Why’s that?”

There was no explanation for why she felt so confrontational with this man. Maybe the night’s events had tired her. Maybe he felt like the only one who’d push back. Maybe she needed that right now.

“Did you realize how underqualified I am on paper?” she asked.

She wasn’t. Underqualified, that was. But she knew how others saw it, and why it had taken her so long to start attending events like this.

His hand over hers held tighter, and she squeezed in return, slowly spinning with him. He didn’t acknowledge what she said with anything more than a roll of his eyes. It was surprisingly expressive of him, she thought.

“There is a rule in my company that employees aren’t permitted to fraternize with one another.”

“We have the same rule,” she said, thinking about how it had been the main reason she’d never approached Noctis romantically.

Ravus drew her closer for a short stretch of seconds, arching her in a dip before lifting. Internally, she laughed at herself for pretending that was why she’d never told Noctis how she felt. The scent of sylleblossoms only drove it home, and the laugh bubbled out of her quietly. “Did Luna spray you with her perfume?”

Ravus arched a brow. “Yes. I arrived directly from my lab. She believed the chemical smell inappropriate.” His shoulder tensed, then relaxed underneath her grip. “How could you tell?”

She quieted her laugh, smiling up at him. “You smell like a garden. Not earthy but—” She bit her lip to keep from laughing when he frowned at her. “I’ve always wanted a garden,” she added in an attempt to amend. It was true; she always had. It also wouldn’t do any good for her to insult the head of a company that was working so closely with her own.

Especially now, with so many eyes on them. Ravus had wanted to be seen. With her. She still didn’t understand.

His frown remained, but there was no edge to his voice. “You tease me.”

She realized as he held her ever closer that it wasn’t a confrontation she’d wanted. His hand left her waist to press flat at the arch of her back, resting there. Skin to skin. Flashes, not so much images coming to mind as spikes in sensation, came to her. How roughly he’d taken her in her dream, and the contrast of that to the gentle but stern man who held her now.

“I could taste it,” he said, “for hours. Long into the evening. The sweat. I couldn’t rid myself of the memory of how you felt.”

Ela stared at him, her eyes widening in confusion.

“This is inappropriate. More so, had you accepted my offer.” His jaw worked. “But I cannot forget the fantasy, however much it was driven by another.”

The dance ended even though the music continued. She stared up at him, a slow creep of awareness coming to her the more he spoke.

“I wonder.” His hand at her back smoothed upward. It caressed her shoulder blade and came to rest at her nape. When he bent forward, she moved with him. They were flush to one another, his heartbeat rocking against her, strands of his hair tickling her cheek. “Should I dare hope to at least kiss you? That, I must say, has been most consuming. He wouldn’t allow me.”

It wasn’t a confrontation she’d needed. No.

She tilted her head, chin lifting upward to—

A high pitched screech of audio feedback from a microphone made her jump. She pulled away from Ravus, her footing wobbly. She rested a hand against his chest to steady herself, then jerked it back. Heat came to her face, a burn that was accompanied by the sudden drop of her stomach. Her mind swam, awash with thoughts, drowning.

“Good evening, ladies, gentlemen, distinguished guests.” The opening speech began, the party continuing with no respect to what chaos was happening in her life.

Ela swallowed, repressing more now than ever. Only she… couldn’t. Not anymore. Not this. Ravus looked from her to the man on stage. Then, he turned and began to make his way through the crowd. It was a beat before she followed. At the bottom of the stairs leading up to the stage, she slowed. Ravus ascended them, passing Ignis. Already on the stage, stood Noctis, just beyond the man who would soon introduce both him and Ravus to the entire venue.

Ela stared at Ignis, unable to really absorb what Ravus had said. Ignis, to his credit, smiled softly. A morning smile. A pastry smile. Encouragement in expression. It softened her, eased her turbulent thoughts into something she could push to the back of her mind.

She snapped opened her clutch, quickly withdrawing a silken tissue. One hand coming to his jaw to make him tilt his head, she wiped away the smallest remaining bit of lipstick on his neck. He must’ve missed it when cleaning up. She didn’t want to think about it.

Her eyes flicked from the smudge of red to his own eyes, a brilliant green focused on her. His smile waned, and she was so close, she could smell the champagne on his breath when he thanked her. She wasn’t the only one imbibing more than was necessary, she thought. Some things made a bit more sense. Drawing away, she considered wadding the tissue back into her clutch, but Ignis took it, tucking it discreetly into a pocket.

“After you,” he whispered, taking her hand in one of his own. His other motioned for her to go ahead of him up the steps.

Once on stage, she schooled herself into a professional smile. Several paces in front of her, Noctis and Ravus began their presentation on the co-branding project. Where she’d expected to worry about the two of them talking over one another, she instead found herself stunned by the sudden confidence Noctis appeared to have. As Ravus spoke, Noctis looked back at her, smiling over his shoulder.

Next to her, Ignis tensed, and that made her tense. As much as she wanted to, she couldn’t look at him. Because, as the presentation continued and she’d mentally sifted through what Ravus had said, she realized she hadn’t had a sex dream about them. It had been a fantasy. One they had shared. That she remembered vividly, and Ravus claimed he couldn’t get out of his mind. She’d… reflected on it more than once since it had happened. Had they, as well? Had Ignis?

Against her better judgement, she gave him a side glance. His profile offered nothing but his slight frown. He lifted a hand to push his glasses up the bridge of his nose. He caught her, from the corner of his eye. She didn’t look away when he returned her subtle glance, one of his careful brows arched. She knew the look.

Alright, there?

She wasn’t but nodded, just once, a slight movement before returning her attention to the men speaking. He relaxed next to her, lifting a hand to pat her with a comforting gesture. The touch of his hand at the curve of her back felt like a spark. Static electricity along her skin, shooting directly up her spine.

Ignis remained unbothered, his hand resting there, unmoving for a short stretch of time, then falling away. Of course he didn’t think about it. He’d probably banished the memory to the darkest depths of his mind. What a relief, really.

—

She held his tuxedo jacket and watched him with mild fascination as he fixed his cufflinks. They were round and silver, accented with tiny marks to make them look like little compasses. He noticed her staring, and she startled at the sound of his chuckle.

“A gift from my mother,” he said, taking the jacket from her. “To help guide me on my path to success.”

Ela nodded, surprised he’d share this with her. She didn’t know what to say. He’d grown a little more talkative during the past week of late nights working together. It was still unsettling. Luckily, Ignis spoke before she had to.

“I think of them as a good luck charm.” He rolled his shoulders while adjusting the jacket. His fingers went to the buttons, beginning in the middle. “I wear them to every major event.”

It was such a fancy way of dressing, and Ela wished she could attend the event, too. She didn’t have a reason to go, and the attendance fee was too much just for one night. Ignis finished buttoning his jacket and returned his attention to the cufflinks. Ela liked them, but she didn’t say so.

Ignis looked up at her, dropping his arms to his sides, one hand coming to rest at his hip. “You must think me silly.”

She shook her head, covering a smile with her hand. He must’ve been in a good mood, talking to her as if she weren’t a constant irritant for him. They had finished all of the paperwork in time. She wasn’t entirely sure what the event was about, Coernix acquisition or not, but the excitement was apparent on him.

“Not at all,” she said, dropping her hand. Her smile waned as she looked down at the stack of unfinished paperwork on her desk. It was everything she’d had to put on hold for the Coernix project. “I’ll have these finished before I go tonight.”

Looking up at him, she found his brow pinched. He put a hand on his hip with a frown. “You’re going to continue working?”

She nodded. Why not? There was a lot to do. She couldn’t dance and mingle with potential clients, but she could be useful here.

Ignis’ frown sharpened. “No, you’ll go home.”

Ela’s jaw loosened, confused at his sudden order. “Home?”

He moved his hand in a vague motion. “Not necessarily home. Go out with your friends, whatever it is you do.” He arched a brow, his frown easing. “You’ve worked late all week. Your dedication is appreciated, but you need rest.”

Hand leaving his hip, he walked toward his office. Ela stared after him. After all of his pushing, his intense rush to have everything done, this felt like cold water being thrown on her. He disappeared into his office, and she looked away, still confused. She picked through the documents on her desk, wondering if he was serious. It would only take a few hours to get them all processed…

“Ela, were you not listening?”

Her hands paused in their shuffle of the papers. She looked up quickly to see Ignis shaking his head. He stood in the doorway of his office, his frown slowly becoming a smile.

She opened her mouth to speak, but he beat her to it.

“You’re not allowed to work late without me.” He nodded toward the papers in her hand. “You’ll finish those on Monday.”

She lifted the stack of documents. “It’s really not a prob—”

His smile grew, and along with it, her confusion. “You’re overstepping. We make a fine team, but I’m still your superior. Now go.”

She snapped her mouth shut, then nodded. Sure. She’d leave. Whatever the boss wanted. Feeling odd, she put the papers down and began to gather her things into her bag. She was further disquieted by Ignis’ chuckle before he closed his office door. She looked at the nameplate, deciding she wasn’t beginning to understand him after all.

He’d called her Ela.

—

She applauded along with everyone else once the co-branding project was officially announced. Noctis turned to her fully, and she couldn’t help but smile back.

“Great job, sir,” she praised, stepping toward him, delighting in the roll of his eyes. It was what she needed right now. She wanted to embrace this familiarity. To embrace him.

Before she could gather the nerve, Ravus turned around next. No smile came to his own face, but when her name fell from his mouth, it was soft. He slipped a hand into his jacket, pulling out something small and thin. A business card.

The sight of it made her perk up. Right! She had her own she’d been neglecting. She opened her bag, intent to trade with him. If Ignis and Ravus could be professional, she could, too. The thought was laughable, all things considered.

Ravus looked at his card, then reached into his pocket again, fishing for something. Ela glanced from hers to Luna, who’d joined them on the stage. She hugged Noctis as Ravus withdrew a pen and wrote something on his card. Ela’s card bent in her hand as it curled. Luna kissed Noctis twice before letting him go, his face dusted with red.

“I’d like you to have this.” Ravus’ voice cut through her attention. He held out his card, flicking it between fingers to show her the back. “I’ve written my personal contact.”

She took it from him, bringing it close to stare at the simple design. Black lettering on a white matte background. A simplistically drawn amaryllis graced the back of hers— for success and strength. She tried to draw from those intended feelings when looking at Ravus. He still held the pen.

“May I?” She took it from him and wrote her own. The numbers fit nicely along the outer edge of a pointed petal. She handed it to Ravus when returning the pen. She wasn’t going to tell him to call her. She was close to suffocating in her thoughts and felt the weight of the others watching.

With the presentation over, she wasn’t obligated to stay any longer. Turning to Ignis, she met his eyes and touched his arm. “I’m heading home.”

He lifted the hand on his opposite side, looking as if he wanted to say something. He wouldn’t make her stay late if she didn’t want to. Dropping his hand, he nodded. “Goodnight.”

She gave both Luna and Noctis a wave, feeling unbelievably tired suddenly. Ravus was already making his way out of the venue, the same line of thought on his own mind, she supposed. She walked in a different direction, having parked on the street rather than forking up more money to park in the garage underneath the building. She turned his card over in her hands as the chill air kissed her heated skin outside the entrance.

Putting it in her clutch, she descended the stairs. The cold air brought clarity. Or maybe just calm to the storm. She could think about everything later. She was now on vacation.

[ffxivimagines]

Commission 005 | campy

Commissioned by @mathclasswarfare ! Thank you for your patience and cheer! 

Noctis Lucis Caelum is having a no-good, horrible, terrible, very bad day. Well, maybe it’s not that bad, but the Regalia breaking down in the middle of gods-know-where combined with no cell reception that he could use to call Cindy for a tow feels abysmal. The sun is intense, making the back of his neck itch with the force of it, but it’s no worse than the height of Leiden summer. If there is any time worthy of regretting his birthright and the color that comes with it, it’s now. Even the dash of the Regalia grants him no respite once it heats enough to rival one of Ignis’s carbonsteel pans. 

Noctis would quite like to go home now, please and thank you, even if home is a moderately stinky sleeping bag shoved up against the back of a tent. 

He stands next to the Regalia and waits for someone to come down the road. When that fails, he starts pushing. The irony is not lost on him, but neither is his growing dehydration. There are only so many water bottles left in his Armiger and even fewer snacks (no thanks to Gladiolus’s appetite). He has time before he begins to truly overheat, but not a lot of it. 

The first person that passes is very much in a rush, charging past on a particularly fleetfooted chocobo, and Noctis has nearly no time to wave and attempt to flag them down for help. They pass in a blur of yellow and brown without giving him so much as a glance. Right, onto the next. He waits, inching the car along toward where can make out the vague outline of a building, and wonders if it would be a better investment to walk there first and ask for help. 

He waits and sweats in equal measure until there is a very clearly child-sized being charging toward him alongside the smallest chocobo Noctis has ever seen. “Do y’need some help there, lad?”

He has to stop for a long moment, squinting and blinking with his face scrunched up like the foreign being was some sort of hallucination. They’re not quite a child, Noctis notices, as if their tone of voice and way of speaking wasn’t proof enough, but he still grasps at nothing for a name. The closest thing he can think of is gremlin, but that’s a non-starter and rude besides. He settles for asking, “Wha─who are you?”

“Sabiha Humi, at y’r service,” they reply with a smile curving their words. “What’re y’ pushing?” They take a long look at the Regalia as if it’s some strange, likely dangerous deathtrap. It’s not the covetous appreciation he’s used to from Cindy whenever he brings the car in for maintenance, nor the casual-yet-respectful way Prompto always eyes it (he had freaked out after the Regalia had been dented by an Iron Giant’s sword, murmuring rapidfire apologies to Regis as if Noctis’s father would skin him alive for prioritizing his own life over the wellbeing of the car). Noctis is not sure what to make of it. 

“I’m Noct and this is a car,” he says, feeling mightily stupid for phrasing it so rudely. He assumes they don’t know what in the Astrals’ seven circles of hell a car is, but he fears for his shins if they do. To his benefit, Sabiha just nods. 

“I’ll call Cid, then.”

“Uh… Cid Sophiar?”

They shake their head and smile patiently, correcting him with a casual, “Garlond, actually. There a Cid where y’r from?”

Noctis huffs a laugh and says, “Yeah. He’s old and doesn’t like me much.”

Sabiha giggles and reaches up to pat him on the hip. “Let me call via linkpearl an’ he’ll be here within a bell.”

Noctis sits down in the shade of the Regalia to wait it out and wonders what on Eos’s great surface a linkpearl is. 

Noctis finds that he likes this place’s (world’s?) Cid a lot better than his own. The Garlond Ironworks folk are intimidating when they grill him for part specifications and schematics he does not have, but are nice enough when not consumed by technophilia. Noctis really, sincerely hopes Prompto hasn’t left any empty chip bags in the glove box again when Cid suggests a cleaning and some attempts at maintenance. Sabiha tugs him away to wander when he keeps fidgeting and flicking things in and out of the Armiger with the very real excuse of finding him a way home. 

“So y’r not from around here at all.”

“Yeah, about that,” he starts before something in his aether jumps, pulling taut at the vague sound of MagiTek weaponry echoing across the hills. “Nevermind. We have bigger fish to fry.”

Sabiha hops onto chocoback and follows along, chattering to ease his nerves as they search for the cause of his intrinsic anxiety. “─so y’see, I’m here talkin ‘bout how infuriatin’ it is to have some o’those midlander folk talk t’ me like I’m some sort o’child and then, to add insult t’ injury, they ask why a little gal like me is runnin’ about alone! I’m a grown woman, thank y’ very much! Even Gurney knows better!”

Noctis nods along as they traverse the dry brush, tossing in a comment here and there to make sure Sabiha knows he’s listening. Her easy way of speaking reminds him of Prompto─they have a lot in common, the more he thinks about it, if you ignore the obvious difference in physical form─and Noctis misses him acutely. He wants to get back home, to Eos, to his friends, to the destiny he is eternally tempted to ignore. 

He spots a MAX-Maniple clunking along and signals to Sabiha to wait.  He sets his nerves in steel, summons a blade in a flash of blue-white magic, and watches her do much the same. They lay waste to the familiarly damning machine with ease and Noctis hopes it is the last of the ones that followed him. 

They face other creatures over the course of their journey to find him a way home. The Regalia is repaired quickly enough, but Noctis hisses curses when Iseultalon all but shaves multiple years off his life with a few too many close misses. He keeps falling back on familiar patterns, calling for people that aren’t there to back him up, but Sabiha hurls magic into his bones all the same. Her arrows fly true and it becomes a familiar comfort to hear riffs amid the ringing of steel as she suffuses their surroundings with aether. 

Camp is much the same. The first new nights are rough when he pulls a can of Ebony from the Armiger and has to fight to dismiss it instead of putting it on a cooktop that isn’t even set up. Sabiha asks him about his companions, pressing for details about Prompto when he admits they have a lot in common. It’s like something just unlocks─Noctis can’t quite shut up about it once he starts, and Sabiha sits and listens with rapt attention to every one of their adventures spanning from before the Fall to their most recent attempt at completing their Imperial Destruction Plan™ (named as such by Prompto, of course, and agreed upon by Ignis)─where he can talk about his troubles and how much he truly is grateful to Prompto for reaching out and being his friend without having to worry about anyone looking at him strangely. 

“You’re a strong lad,” Sabiha tells him, “an’ I’m quite sure y’r friends are waitin’ for ya to come back n’ tell ‘em all about this. What’s the thing Prompto does? That “selfie” thing.”

“Want to take one? He’d like that.”

They wander through Gridania for a while, Noctis looking for a place he can fish same as take a decent enough photo, and they settle down for the afternoon. It’s a wonderful break from the usual adventuring-to-kill gig they both have going on. Having to kill Garuda (again. Of course it would be a murderous wind bird again) interrupts their relaxation and grants Noctis the way home he so dearly needs. 

Noctis forgets that Sabiha is terrible at warping. She chips away at Garuda arrow by arrow, but most are knocked aside by gusts rather than hitting their mark. He yells over the storm every so often, but it’s a trial in futility when his voice is stolen away time and time again. They manage a few synchronized attacks, but not nearly enough, By the time they make it out of the fight, Noctis has smashed more than a few potions over his head and chest in desperation. Sabiha glares balefully for all the broken arrows littering the ground. 

“I hate this fight.”

Noctis grimaces. “Do it often?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

They stare at the not-quite-Garuda with matching expressions, Sabiha not quite off guard yet while Noctis flicks his sword back into the Armiger. They listen while the primal speaks in a familiarly grating tongue as if its acceptance and blessing is all they’d need want. 

“You have proven your might, Chosen King. At the world’s peril do we grant our might to the untested. I bequeath to you and your companion both my blessing.”

They share a look of absolute exasperation before Noctis remarks, “Divinities… one second they’re trying to kill you and the next they’re helping you. I’ll never understand them.”

Sabiha nods and pats his hand in solidarity. “Time f’r you t’ get going back, it seems.”

“Yeah,” Noctis agrees. “Thanks, Sabiha, for everything.”

She grins when he gets into the Regalia and flashes a thumbs up. “Be safe! Don’t f’rget t’show Prompto those pictures!”

And Noctis drives into the portal, lead home by the Oracle of his world, leaving Sabiha with the pulse of new-old aether still thrumming in her ears. She tests the bright blue sensation of it and pulls a note from the Armiger on accident. 

Hey, Noct! Wherever you are, come back soon, okay? Iggy is drinking enough Ebony even Gladio is getting concerned!

I hope you’re safe. 

Come back soon, Noct. Please. 

Prompto 

P.s. don’t forget to take pictures if it’s someplace cool!!

Sabiha presses it back where it came from and smiles.

Askbox | Ask Rules | Commissions | FFXIVWrite 2019 Fills

[saber007ff]

The prince and imperial princess delve into the dungeon for Mythril. While the oracle and imperial retainer undertake a rescue mission.

[theskyisbrighthere]

Haunted by Yesterday

Grace is trying her best to adjust to the changes in her life. She has very abruptly gone from being a service attendant to being the Princess consort to heir Noctis Lucis Caelum, Crown Prince of Insomnia.

hey hey, heres the first of my one shots for this series, although this one is a twoshot and part two will be posted soon!

Grace is thirteen when she has her first Heat. Although it can’t be described as such, its more of a practice Heat for when she’s older, when her hips have widened, and her hormones have regulated. She remembers her mother’s soft purr directed at her trying to ease the mild distress that she was going through, while her mother did her best to wipe the sweat from her face with a damp face washer, the purr only stopping when her mother did her best to explain what was going on. How Ásdis saw fit to bless her with the gift of life. Had granted her the designation of Omega.

The purring had stopped altogether with the next words from her mother. Not everyone was so lucky to receive Ásdis’ gift, and there were many out there who would want to hurt her for it. Those who would view her as less than others purely for who she was. Who her family was. All because evolution had decided to do its thing after a near devastating event that had meant the end for a majority of their people. If only it wasn’t still so new.

Maybe then they wouldn’t be as viciously hunted like the animals others proclaimed them to be.

“You must hide yourself pomètod.” Her mother had whispered. “No one must know. But it will be hard pomètod, you will want to let your instincts take over. To show your emotions through your voice. To spread your scent on to those you cherish, but you must control it my kootioì. You must suppress it, only around us can you show it. Only around others like us are you safe”.

Grace was too young and her mind too hazy at the time to understand all of what her mother was saying. Not until later at least. By the end of her first month, her throat had felt raw and painful, the urge to purr or whine held back lest she make herself know. Her body aching with the need to hug her friends but she held back, only resorting to casual touches, when all she wanted to do was smother her face all over her friends.

Her only comfort came at home. Where she was free to burrow her face into her father’s arm in passing, the warm comforting scent of Alpha and Sire wafting up to her nose, the tight muscles in her body loosening in the meantime. Or the indulgent hugs from her mother whenever the mood struck her, and the fairly often hair tussle from her Alpha brother as they passed each other in the hallway or the stairs.

She never thought she’d miss it as much as she does, especially now that she’s in a world where she doesn’t have to worry about hiding. She just wished her family was here to see experience it with her.

xXx

Grace comes to with pleasure singing through her body. The phantom feeling of Noctis’ hands on her hips falling away as she tries to catch her breathe. She can feel Noctis’ own satisfaction in the back of her mind, the feeling somewhat reminding her of a lazy fat cat who has gotten its way, and in a way, she supposes he has. Its been a month since Noctis and Grace have seen each other, or rather since they’ve been allowed to see each other.

Due to old traditions, they weren’t supposed to consummate their mateship until they were both properly wedded the Royal way. Which meant that instead of the quick official ceremony that would have taken place the night they met, they get the full actual wedding first, which normally comes a month after the consummation, so that they could both recover.

To say that her life hasn’t changed would be a lie. She’s had to leave her job, not that she was all that upset about it, and she has an all-new wardrobe full of clothes and jewellery to go along with it, her protestations about the new clothes and pretty pieces of metal falling onto deaf ears, the future Princess Consort was expected to look a certain way. She wasn’t all too upset about it; the clothes were in her style the fabric they were made out of was just more luxurious. The biggest change though that she was struggling with so far was the armed guard that followed her every where she went, (which wasn’t far maybe to her mailbox and that was it, and apart from that they mostly stood outside her front door, and one was in her lounge room while she slept which was weird) and the new attendant that she now had as the future Princess Consort.

Grace had the quite the shock when she woke up the morning after her Heat had ended and had wondered into the kitchen following the smell of cooking food, leaving Noctis safe in her Nest (her instincts pushing the proud feeling that he felt safe enough to still sleep in it even after she left it) and had found Ignis and an unknown woman in the kitchen together. The Alpha was at the stove stirring what her nose was telling her was a type of porridge while conversing with the unknown woman sitting at her bench with a slim laptop open in front of her, wearing a smart fitted grey pantsuit with black enclosed heels and her hair pulled back from her face in a no-nonsense bun her makeup minimum but expertly applied. The tones of their voices professional and to the point.

Ignis was the first to notice her, as the unknown woman was looking down and typing furiously onto her laptop, and Grace could only imagine the speed in which the words flew across the screen.

“Good morning My Lady, I trust you are well?” he paused as he turned to grabbed one of the two bowls that were sitting on the bench to fill with the porridge he had made and setting it down to the left of the unknown woman, who had quickly but gracefully shot up to greet her. “Come sit, I have prepared you both a nutritious breakfast, no doubt you will both been needing it after the week the both of you have had. I bid you start while I go wake up His Highness, we’ve all got a busy day today and I’d like you both to eat together as today will be the last for quite a while before you see each other again.”

With those parting words Ignis pulled out the chair in front of her and pushing it back in as she made to sit and placed the bowl in front of her before he made for her bedroom, Grace staring at his back trying to figure out what he meant by those last words. Her attention was quickly snapped back to the unknown woman when she politely cleared her throat, and seeing that she had her attention she smiled, a soft gentle smile coupled with that her soft scent that of a relaxed Omega almost didn’t suit her current getup.

“Good morning My Lady, I hope you are well? I would like to introduce myself if I may?” she paused, her smile widening slightly when Grace nodded her head, her voice was very similar to Ignis’ in the way they spoke. “My name is Aurora Foest, I’m to be your new attendant until you marry Prince Noctis where I will then become your adviser, I understand this is new to you so I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

And Grace, already capable at recognising battles she wouldn’t be able to win skipped right over all the arguments she had about how she didn’t need an attendant or an adviser and went straight to what was bothering her.

“What did he mean? When he said we wouldn’t see each other for a while?” She tacked on that last sentence at Aurora’s confused look before reaching for the spoon that was already on the bench, Grace only just now realising that it was set for two, the seat to the right of her also set. Gesturing for Aurora to sit down again, she closed her laptop as she sat, and waited for Grace to swallow the mouthful of porridge she had taken.

“For traditions sake of course His Highness and yourself will be separated until the wedding, which will be in about a month but to be more precise it will be in approximately twenty-five days. As I said before its to keep to tradition where this is more a celebration of the Union. We normally have the ceremony mere minutes before the Mating cycle kicks in for both parties, of course that’s only if they are a Fated Pair. Liberties have been taken this time of course due to the circumstances.”

Grace flinched, and Aurora did her best to pretend that she didn’t, but her scent gave her away as Grace could smell the mild spice of sympathy mixed into the lavender and pine of her scent. But whatever she was about to say was forgotten as she could feel the tug of Noctis’ mind at her and her eyes shot up into the direction of her bedroom as Noctis into view, Ignis following behind him before overtaking him to fill up Noctis’ own bowl of porridge before setting it down to the left of me into the empty space.

Noctis paused rubbing at his before looking around the kitchen and landing on her and her heart skipped a beat when he smiled at her, his features still soft from sleep his rumpled clothes and his hair wild, Grace wondered how she would be able to survive twenty-five days without seeing him. But she pushed the thought from her mind as he came closer to her, flopping into the seat next to her and pushing his face into her neck and pressing a gentle kiss to the claim he left on her skin. Grace felt herself relax as she smelt their combined scents, the green apples and caramel scent being flung in all directions due to his very un-prince like flop.

xXx

Twenty-five days was definitely longer than she remembered, the only relief they both had was the dreams, and the fact they could feel each other at all times. Which almost felt like breaking the rules and when she brought it up with Aurora while they were at the modiste, she laughed at her.

“It’s a loophole, one that the Crown and everyone else ignores.” She had laughed. “I think it’s so that they don’t have to deal with a hormonal Prince and equally hormonal Princess to be. But enjoy them for the time being, no one is going to judge you, after all it’s a very common thing and it feels very good does it not?” She had laughed again when Grace’s face had flushed.

Aurora had very quickly become one of Grace’s favourite people. Grace didn’t really have to worry much about wedding preparations as it was mostly being taken care of by the Crown but what she did have to do herself, which was just the one thing, Aurora was there every step of the way.

That one thing being the wedding dress.

She only had two conditions. It had be black as that was the Royal colour and it had to be presentable. Which were both easy for Grace. Which is why they were at the modiste, doing the last fitting two days before the wedding. It was long like a ball gown with off the shoulder sleeves and a puffy skirt that had little accents on it that sparkled like stars. Grace loved the dress.

But she was also excited as this was her last fitting. The wedding was into two days. Which mean no more dancing lessons, no more hairdressing appointments and no more fittings. But more importantly, it meant that very soon she would get to see Noctis. But before then, she still had one more place to go. Getting changed back into the soft pink dress she came in, she emerged from the dressing room to see Aurora signing some papers the modiste owner a lovely woman named Sabine had handed her. She looked up just as Grace came into view, said a few more words to the Sabine before bidding her farewell and making her way over to Grace.

“Are you ready to go My Lady?” she said as she came to a stop at her side. Grace only hummed and Aurora laughed before they made their way out the front door and set off to their last stop of the day.

xXx

“I don’t like it here it smells weird.”

“It does not My Lady, its sterile and I assure you that that is all you are smelling.”

“Can we go yet?”

“In just a moment My Lady, you have one more Doctor to see and then we are done I promise you.” Grace groaned which got her a look from Aurora before she turned back to her phone to respond to an email that she had gotten from one of the florists for the wedding.

“I don’t understand why we’re here, I’m fine, the Bite healed well, and the last Doctor said that both Noctis’ and my own hormones had settled nicely.” Aurora briefly looked up from her phone and looked very mildly annoyed at Grace. “It’s a contraceptive appointment My Lady.” And with the Grace short circuited, but Aurora continued taking no notice of the way Grace froze.

“Babies need to be planned My Lady, especially Royal babies. And now that you and Noctis are mated the need for suppressants aren’t needed as now the both of you will be seasonal, but in saying that accidents can and do happen outside of a Mating Cycle My Lady.” And with that she looked back down at her phone just as her name was called. “I’ll wait out here for you My Lady and then when you are finished, I shall escort you home.” And with that Grace numbly followed the Doctor into the private room.

She had forgotten about babies. Soon in the future she would have to give Noctis babies. Which she wasn’t terrified of. It was more to do with the fact that she was expected by the whole country and the Crown to give Noctis babies. And that was quite a lot of pressure suddenly put on her shoulders.

The only saving grace was that she didn’t have to do it immediately after they we married.

don't worry the smut will be in part two

also a few notes

pomètod means shining star I made it up and kootioì means my little love.

[sephirotha]

Stylish Starcourge

“Prompto!  Noct!”

Prompto lifted his head from his phone whilst Noctis stayed focused on playing King’s Knight.  Stella skidded into her twin’s bedroom, her eyes glinting with joy.

“I just saw the Chancellor of Niflheim!”

“Yeah?  I had to sit in meetings for three and a half hours yesterday with the creep staring at me from across the room.”

“Prompto,” Stella said as she ignored her brother and sat between the boys.  “His coat is so cool!  We have to borrow it for some pics!”

This made Noctis lift his head from his phone.  Prompto went pale and shook his head.

“No, Stells!” he said, and Stella pouted.  “I still have nightmares from when we stole Luna’s brother’s coat!”

“Yeah, he wasn’t very happy about that,” Noctis said as he lowered his phone.

“He was fine,” Stella scoffed.  “He thinks I have good taste.  And we had a laugh about it at breakfast.”

“Really?” Noctis raised an eyebrow.  “Ravus laughed?”

“Close to a laugh.  He wasn’t unhappy to sit next to me.  Even said the offer to go to Tenebrae was still open after the negotiations are done.”

“Yeah right, he hates us.  Can’t stand being in a room with me.”

Stella turned to Noctis.  “Maybe if you started growing up and taking these political situations seriously, he might warm up to you.  Also, it can’t hurt for you to use more dressed up words when talking.”

“First of all, you have practice pretending to be interested in boring crap and second, you want to steal the Chancellor’s coat.  Maybe you should take politics more seriously.”

“We’re getting off topic.”  Stella turned back round to Prompto.  “Come on! Please!”

“But he’s the Chancellor!  We could ruin things!”

“He’s not going to threaten to invade Insomnia because a fashion curious princess questioning her gender identity wants to try on his coat and hat,” Stella scoffed.

Prompto shook his head.  “Sorry, Stells.  I don’t want another heart attack.  I like being alive thank you very much.”

“It’ll be fine!  I literally saw him laughing at a meme twenty minutes ago.  He has a better sense of humour than Ravus.”

Prompto shook his head again and Stella turned to Noctis.  

“Noct…?”

“Nope.  I would like to stay at least a hundred feet away from the weirdo.”

Stella pouted and pushed herself to her feet.  “Fine!  I will do this by myself!”

“What?!”  Both boys sat up straight.

“Stells, no!” Prompto shouted as Stella stormed out of Noctis’s room.

“STELLS, YES!” she yelled before running down the corridor.

 ---

Stalking the Chancellor wasn’t easy with Prompto and Noctis actively trying to stop her.  They knew most of the passageways in the Citadel so Stella had to be very careful in where she was going.

Things didn’t help when they told Ignis and Gladiolus of her plans. Soon, there was added security around the Chancellor just to make sure she didn’t even swipe his hat.

Needless to say, Stella was a little moody by the time four o’clock rolled around.  She was pretty stubborn, and she knew the security wouldn’t be called off until she was caught.  She was also getting a little peckish.

She was ready to give up but then…

“Gentlemen, I must say I have had a long day enjoying your company.”

Stella spied the Chancellor conversing with his bodyguards. He looked amused, glancing up at the grate she peered through.  She moved back a little, hoping she hadn’t been caught.

“But I must retire to my quarters.  Please forgive an old man, but I do need my beauty sleep.  I’m sure you understand.”

Stella’s heart skipped a beat as the security murmured their farewells and the Chancellor went into his room.  She crawled through the vent and slipped into the passageway that was right next to the bedroom.

She pressed her ear to the secret door and listened to the jovial hums inside.  A door closed and a shower was turned on.  Carefully, she pried the door open.

She grinned as she spied the coat and hat draped across the chair next to the bed.  She tiptoed across the room, snatched the garments and took off back through the passageway.

She spent a good fifteen minutes finding an abandoned corridor, shifting the surprisingly heavy coat on her shoulders.  She placed the hat on her head and took her phone out, snapping a selfie of herself.  She squealed a little as she took a few more and lowered her phone to examine the pictures.

Her smile slowly faded when she saw in the background…was the Chancellor approaching her.  She spun around and nearly dropped her phone when she saw him a few feet away from her, arms folded and an amused smile on his lips.

“Well, well,” he purred.  “It certainly suits you.”

Before Stella could speak, he took her hand and pecked the back of it.

“Ardyn Izunia,” he said with a small bow.  “At your service, Your Highness.”

Stella swallowed as he pulled away.  She took a deep breath, grinned and took the hat off.

“Stella Lucis Caelum, Chancellor,” she said as she bowed dramatically to him.  “At your service.”

Ardyn chuckled as Stella placed the hat back on her head.  He took his phone out.

“Now, I must take some pictures of you,” he said as he stepped back. “If you don’t mind.”

Stella’s eyes lit up and she nodded.

“Of course!” she exclaimed as she fell into her first pose. “It’s the least I can do for someone with impeccable fashion sense.”

Ardyn laughed again as he started taking pictures of her.  Stella spun around, bowed and tipped the hat, her smile wide and bright.  When he lowered the phone, he beckoned her closer.

“Now, a few selfies.  If you don’t mind.”

“Course,” Stella giggled as she approached him and stood next to him.

Ardyn wrapped an arm around her shoulders and took a selfie with them side by side.  Stella blinked when he kissed her head and took a selfie of the pose.

“Wonderful,” he purred as she pulled away from his grasp.  “Now, as adorable as you are in my coat, I do need it back.”

“Sure,” Stella nodded as she took the coat off and handed it to him.

“Oh, but you may keep the hat.  As a memento.  To celebrate…the beginning of a beautiful relationship.”

Stella blinked as he put his phone away, shrugged his coat on and bowed.

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Stells,” he said as he held her gaze. “I hope to see you a lot more in the future, now that we are going to be close allies.”

Stella nodded mutely as he walked away, humming under his breath. She took his hat off to look at it and smirked.  She turned on her heel and ran up to Noctis’s bedroom.

“Look what I got~!” she sung, bursting in with the hat back on her head.

Noctis, Prompto, Gladiolus and Ignis turned around and stared at her with wide eyes.

“STELLS!!!”

[chocobroing]

A New World Chapter 6~Gladio/OFC, Ignis/OFC, Noctluna, Promdy NSFW!

Tagging: @themissimmortal, @lady-asuka, @ignis-scientia-estrogen-brigade, @itshaejinju, @poisonous-panda, @dirtyffxvconfession, @xnoctits, @cupnoodle-queen, @chocobro-daydreams, @nifwrites

Warnings: Horror movies, sexual content, bath sex, childbirth

...

Chapter 6: A Day in the Life    

A few days after Christmas, the snow got really bad. It was a borderline blizzard. The roads were closed and no one could get to work. The snow was about seven feet tall and a snow truck couldn’t get out there. The only one who went to work was Gladio so he could help anyone who was stuck in the storm. Ella never really worried about Gladio when he worked because he knew what he was doing, but here she was praying that he was going to be okay and that he wouldn’t get stuck in the snow.

Ignis, who adjusted to having his sight back in his remaining eye, made everyone some warm soup and hot chocolate and they lit a fire in the fireplace to keep the house warm just in case the power went out. It probably wouldn’t because Ella’s father installed a backup generator for the backup generator. Ella wasn’t worried about the power, but she was worried sick about Gladio. She gazed down at her sparkling engagement ring on her left ring finger and prayed to God that he would make it out of the storm in one piece. She just got him. She couldn’t lose him now. She wouldn’t survive if she lost him.

Prompto, the ever-glowing sunshine, noticed Ella nibbling on her bottom lip nervously and decided to cheer her up. He sat down next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“Hey, don’t worry, Ella,” he said cheerfully, causing her to gaze at him with a furrowed brow. “I know Gladio. He’s tough. A little storm like this is nothing. He’s held back three Behemoths at the same time. He went up against the Blade Master and survived.”

“The Blade Master?” That piqued Ella’s curiosity and it took her mind off worrying. “Who’s that?”

“He was original Shield to the King,” answered Prompto, thinking back to what Gladio told him. “You see, after Gladio had his pride bruised by Ravus Nox Fleuret, Luna’s brother, he left the group and joined up with Marshal Cor Leonis, a friend of Noct’s dad. Cor knew where the dungeon housing the Blade Master was and Gladio wanted to go up and claim the honor of fighting said Master. Gladio got knocked down a few pegs when he first went up against the Master and he trained hard to reach a level that rivaled the Master. Finally, he managed to best the Blade Master and claimed his sword. Gladio learned that Cor also fought the Master but he survived when most men died. That’s where Cor got his moniker ‘The Immortal’. Gladio got some of his scars from it. Gladio’s tough, Ella. You don’t need to worry about him.”

Ella nodded in consideration and was slightly awed that her fiancé went up against such a dangerous foe and survived. She knew Gladio was a tough fighter but she never knew about the Blade Master story.

“So, the Blade Master was a ghost?” she asked, thinking about the man Gladio fought against.

“Not exactly,” replied Prompto. “In my world, magic was real and it kept his will alive. He was waiting for the chosen Shield that would protect the chosen King. Gladio proved himself worthy—of living and power.”

“That sounds like my Gladio,” said Ella, smiling to herself. “He’s too stubborn to quit.”

“That he is,” mused Prompto, nodding. “He’s not a quitter and he refuses to let others quit. His father and sister were the same way.”

“Wait, Gladio has a sister?” That came as a shock to Ella because he never talked about his family.

“Yeah,” replied the blonde, nodding again. “Didn’t the big guy tell you?”

“No,” said Ella bitterly, narrowing her eyes in anger. “He didn’t tell me anything. Why wouldn’t he tell me?”

“I’ve known Gladio for a long time,” said Prompto hesitantly. “It probably hurts him to talk about his family. His father died when the Empire attacked our home. According to some documents I’ve read, Lord Amicitia’s body was placed right next to the king’s when they took over Insomnia. Gladio never had time to grieve for his father the right way. He took out his anger on everyone, mostly Noctis because Noct was not hiding his grief from everyone. Ignis was the mediator in our group so he had to frequently tell Gladio to back off of Noctis. Iris, Gladio’s sister, survived the attack on our home because some loyal servants of the Amicitias and we met up with her in Lestallum. She, too, was affected by her father’s death but she hated to let anyone see it. I’ve walked in on her crying a few times and was sworn to secrecy not to tell anyone. Do you get it now?”

Ella’s anger melted away and she felt immense pity for Gladio and his sister, who was pushed out into the real world too quick. She knew Gladio wasn’t one for showing weakness. He always acted too macho to reveal the feelings in his heart and when he did, he did it out of anger. He never hit anyone but he would raise his voice and say sharp things.

“I’ve told him about my family life,” remarked Ella, still curious. “Why didn’t he tell me about his?”

“Some things are more painful than others, Eleanor,” said Ignis, sitting down on the couch. “It’s not easy for Gladio to admit that he is flesh and blood too. During the time Noctis was in the Crystal, Gladio told me that he regretted not telling his father that he loved him. Gladio, of course, would tell his father that he loved him, but Gladio felt he didn’t say it enough.”

“I see,” whispered Ella, nodding, with a sad expression on her face. “Poor guy. No one would know he is carrying all that baggage around. He’s always so happy and content.”

Ignis gave her a soft smile. “Being around a loved one can change everything,” he said gently, placing a hand on her arm. “He confided in me that with you, everything will be okay. He told me that you make him feel better. You make him happier, Eleanor. You’re the reason for the twinkle in his eyes and the joy in his heart.” The sincerity of Ignis’s words made her smile and she felt a little better.

She didn’t want to dwell on depressing things so she decided to change the subject. “How about we have a movie day?” she suggested. “I’ve set up the Blu-Ray player to watch The Conjuring. What do you guys think?”

“Isn’t The Conjuring a horror movie?” asked Prompto, looking a bit nervous. “They’re not my cup of tea.”

“Oh, come on, Prompto,” said Noctis, appearing from relatively nowhere. “It’s not that bad.”

“Okay,” said the blonde, looking a bit hesitant. “But, if I end up with nightmares, I’m kicking Gladio’s ass.”

“Fair enough,” remarked Ella, shrugging as she went the put the disc in the player.

…

About thirty minutes into the movie, Prompto was clinging to Cindy and burying his face into her shoulder. Freya was hiding her face in Ignis’s shirt, trembling in fear. Luna had a protective hand over her stomach and used Noctis’s shirt as her vision block. Ignis, Noctis, Cindy, and Ella just stared at the screen in awestruck fascination. When Prompto thought it was safe, he turned and looked back at the movie only to hide again because it showed the witch Bathsheba. To make himself feel better, he started up a conversation with Ella.

“Y-you know, you and Gladio remind me of Ed and Lorraine,” he remarked in a shaky voice, making it a mission to avoid looking at the movie.

“How so?” asked Ella, chuckling, not taking her eyes off the screen. “Those two are the best power couple ever. Noct and Luna are more like them.”

“Thanks,” said Noct brightly, seeing that as a compliment.

Soon, the conversation went flat because everyone kept screaming at the jump-scares and were terrified by the creepy stuff happening. Even dignified Ignis jumped in shock. Prompto was pretty much sobbing at the end when the exorcism was almost done. When Ed condemned Bathsheba back to hell, everyone did an ovation. They were happy that the bitch was sent back to hell where she belonged. Finally, the movie ended and everyone was quiet until Ella spoke up.

“Anyone wanna watch the second one?” she asked with a devious smirk on her face.

“No way in hell!” yowled Prompto, trembling like a leaf. “I’m done with scary things!” As soon as he said that, the power went out and the room was pitch black. A loud, high-pitched scream came from Prompto and he jumped into Ella’s lap like he was a five-year-old.

Ella felt like her legs were going to lose circulation because how large Prompto was. He wasn’t fat but he was muscular and muscle weighed more than fat. He wrapped his arms around her neck and sobbed into her shoulder like a child. Apparently, he was too afraid to know that she felt like she was being strangled by him.

“Prompto,” she said in a strained, choked tone. “The house has a back-up generator. It will turn the lights back on in a second.”

“It’s Bathsheba!” he screamed, ignoring her trying to reason with him. “The witch has come to kill us!”

“No, she hasn’t, Prom,” said Noctis, reaching around in the dark to grab Prompto by the arm. “It’s just a movie and the Warrens condemned her to hell so she can’t come back. I promise she isn’t here.”

That calmed Prompto down a bit. “Really?” he asked, a hopeful note in his voice.

“Yeah, hon,” said Cindy gently, placing a hand on his other arm. “That witch ain’t coming back. ‘Sides, if she did, y’all could send her back. Y’all fought daemons. She’s a cake-walk compared to them.”

“You’re right,” said Prompto in a confident tone, unaware he was still on Ella. “We are stronger than her.”

“As great as that is, Prompto,” squeaked Ella, pushing on his chest to get his attention, “could you please get off of me? You weigh more than you look, you know.”

“A-are you calling me fat?” asked Prompto, sounding wounded.

“N-no,” wheezed Ella, feeling as if her chest would explode because how heavy Prompto was. “Muscle weighs more than fat, meathead.”

“Oh,” said Prompto cheerfully, getting off of her lap.

As soon as he was off, Ella gasped to catch her breath and placed a hand to her chest to slow her racing heart. “God, Prompto,” she sighed, shaking her head. “You are bigger than me, you know that, right?”

“Well, not by much,” he pointed out. “You’re five foot four and I’m five foot eight.”

Ella let out an exasperated sigh, rolling her eyes, and she straightened in her seat. “I swear, when the lights are back on again, I will kick your little Chocobo booty.” That sounded like a promise, but Prompto knew she wouldn’t act on it. He was too lovable to stay angry at. However, he got off her lap and it felt like she could breathe again. It was a like a huge bag of bricks had been lifted off of her.

Suddenly, the front door slammed open and shut and everyone jumped like it was a gunshot going off. Prompto was back in Ella’s arms and everyone huddled around each other in a protective manner.

“It’s the witch!” bawled Prompto, clinging to Ella again. “She’s here to kill us!”

Everyone was too scared to deny his claim and tensed up. Noctis and Ignis got in front of the women and Prompto to form a protective shield. Like predators, they carefully walked over to the entrance of the living room to confront whatever was coming. It wasn’t long before Prompto jumped up and joined the other two, pulling his pistol out of its carrier. Ella positioned herself in front of Luna and Cindy just in case a crazy axe murderer was going to strike at them. A large black figure moved down the hallway leading into the living room and Ella’s heart skipped a beat.

A low, familiar groan came from the figure but no one relaxed. “I’m exhausted,” complained the voice, sounding very much like Gladio. “Hey, why are the lights off?”

As soon as he said those words, the lights flickered back on and the heater came back on. The first thing Ella saw was Gladio standing in the entrance of the living room looking like a giant human popsicle. His police uniform and official jacket were covered in white powder and his face was unusually pale. His lower jaw trembled with shivers and shaky breaths came from his blue lips. His long black hair was completely mussed from the storm and his amber eyes were full of exhaustion. It was apparent that willpower was the only thing keeping him on his feet.

Ella dashed over to him and threw her arms around him, ignoring the fact that he was freezing. She ran her fingers through his drenched, tangled hair and held him tightly, trying to transfer her body heat to him. It wasn’t like Gladio to get cold easily. He always felt like a huge furnace and it kept Ella warm in bed. The fact that he was shaking from head to toe told Ella how cold it was outside.

“You need to get out of these wet clothes,” she said immediately, peeling his jacket off his shoulders. “We need to get you into a hot bath or shower. You’ll catch pneumonia if you don’t get warm and dry soon.”

“Ella, baby,” he said shakily, trying to sound strong and nonchalant, “really, I’m fine. I’ve been through worse.”

That wasn’t untrue but she didn’t want to hear it. “Gladio, get into the bathroom and into the tub,” she said, enunciating her words slowly like she was talking to an idiot. “You’ll catch your death from chill.”

“Babe, I’m fine,” he said again, taking her warm hands into his cold ones.

“Gladiolus, don’t argue with her,” said Ignis, coming to Ella’s rescue and sounding just like his usual mother-hen self. “She’s right. You’ll get ill if you don’t get warm soon. Go draw a hot bath and soak in it. It will raise your temperature again.”

“Iggy, I’m fine,” he repeated, sounding more annoyed this time. “Stop mothering me.”

“Dude, your lips are blue,” intoned Noct, pointing to Gladio’s mouth. “Do what Ella says. You’ll get hypothermia if you don’t warm up.”

Gladio looked like he wanted to deny it but he conceded with a sigh. “Fine,” he groused, pursing his lips in a pout. “But only if she takes a bath with me.” He wrapped his arms around Ella in a possessive way, not unlike a child latching to its mother’s leg when going to school the first time.

Cindy and Luna hid their laughs with coughs and Ella’s face flooded with heat, making her face crimson. She would never hear the end of it from the others. She knew Gladio could be clingy sometimes when it came to her. He was acting like a big baby.

“Alright,” sighed Ella a little dramatically. “But it’s a bath only, Gladio. No…playtime in the tub, okay? That’d be a mess I’d have to clean up later.” Her stern look dissuaded any argument Gladio might have.

“Okay,” he agreed a little reluctantly, deflated from her words.

With that, the two walked to the bathroom and shut the door behind them.

…

Once in the tub, Gladio sat behind Ella and she had her back resting against his muscled chest, sighing in contentment. He wrapped his arms around her stomach and smelled the fresh scent of her skin. When he looked down past her shoulder, he could see her breasts lifting and falling with each breath she took. She looked very happy being in his arms again. He wanted to make some passionate love to her but he was going to respect her wishes and hold off. Just feeling her nestled up in his arms was enough.

“Don’t fall asleep,” he said, his chest rumbling from his voice.

“I’m not,” she murmured, her eyelids heavy from weariness. “I’m not sleepy.”

Gladio smiled at her in a fond manner and stroked her arms with his large, calloused hands, making her sleepier. He kissed her on the side of her head and his lips trailed down her cheek and neck, stopping at where her shoulder and neck met. She let a small smile spread across her face and rested her head on his shoulder.

“That feels nice, Gladio,” she murmured, sounding very pleased.

“You haven’t been sleeping well, huh, baby?” Even though it was a question, he knew the answer because he had been in her bed. He knew that she was exhausted from her work.

“The weather has been hell on my job,” she whispered, tension building in her brow. “Not many people buying means no money, which means not much in the bank, and that—”

“Shh,” murmured Gladio, kissing the shell of her ear. “Let it go, baby. Go to your quiet place.”

She allowed a chuckle to escape her lips. “Shut up,” she teased, poking him and leaving a crescent-shaped indent with one of her long, sharp nails. “How do you feel, Gladio?”

“I’m warming up if that’s what you’re asking,” he replied suavely, running his fingers over her stomach. “On the other hand, there’s something else that’s warming up too.”

When she looked back at him, she saw him giving her a sultry smirk and it made her feel weak. She knew she told him no bath sex but he was too damn persuasive. The look he was giving her made her breathless. His half-lidded amber eyes were dark, almost a melted color, and his lips were parted. She turned so her body was facing him and placed her hands on either side of his face, bending to press her lips to his. As soon as their lips met, Gladio reacted immediately and moved so his wet form covered hers. Ella spread her legs to accompany him and he sank into her effortlessly with a deep groan.

The love-making was fast and erratic as if Gladio was needing it to feel alive. He had a rough hand supporting her back and surged into her, causing her to let out moans of bliss. She couldn’t even breathe because of the heat and how she could feel his deep thrusts in her throat. She wrapped her arms around him and arched up into him, pressing her chest against his. He let out a growling moan and came deep inside of her, holding her tightly. She looked at him through blurred eyes and could see the passion and adoration in his handsome face. A smile spread on her face and she caressed his cheek with a gentle hand.

A loud moan came from her as she reached her climax and her inner muscles contracted around his member. She dug her nails into his back and her head fell back, giving him access to her throat. Gladio’s vengeful lips sought her neck and began kissing and biting it, leaving marks on her skin. She didn’t feel any pain because she was in the throes of ecstasy. In the midst of her high, she was dimly aware of Gladio fisting her caramel locks of hair and growling her name. Hot cream shot into her uterus and it prompted her to release, hard. She screamed out Gladio’s name as she clenched around him and released her liquid onto his member.

Finally, boneless, she fell against him, her cheek resting against his chest, and drifted between awake and asleep. Gladio ran a soothing hand down the column of her back and smiled when she nuzzled into him. They stayed in the water until it started to cool. Gladio pulled out of her but kept her in a tight embrace. With all of his strength, he picked her up and carried her out of the tub, wrapping her up in a towel first before wrapping himself.

After he wrapped the towel around himself, he gazed back at Ella and saw her legs were trembling with the effort to keep herself upright. He tried not to feel prideful, but he couldn’t help himself. It gave him primal glee to know that he reduced her to a shaking, graceless mess. Smiling, he approached her and scooped her up, carrying her out of the bathroom with her head resting on his shoulder. He knew that she was almost asleep. Her breathing became steady and even.

When he stepped out into the family room, he saw that the gang was watching a movie about an animated lion cub and the cub was crying out for his dad. He recognized the movie as something from Disney, one of the biggest animation studios ever, but this one wasn’t entirely light and cheerful. The cub found his father’s body and began crying and snuggling into the body. Gladio gazed over at Noctis and saw that the king was crying out loud. The poor man was bent over, his face buried in his hands, and Luna wrapped her arms around him, tears in her eyes as well. Gladio didn’t know what the movie was all about since he just got out of the bathroom, but he knew it hit Noctis hard.

“What’s going on?” Gladio asked quietly, looking over to Ignis for answers.

“Freya turned on this movie called The Lion King,” explained the tawny-haired man, nibbling on his bottom lip nervously. “It’s about a young lion prince and his relationship with his father. The cub’s uncle murdered the father and the little cub is devastated. I think Freya didn’t know how hard this movie would hit Noctis. She didn’t know about his father.”

Gladio’s gaze traveled over to the bent over king and saw that Freya and Prompto were trying to comfort him. He felt deep pity for the young king. He didn’t know that his father’s death still affected him like this.

“For heaven’s sake, Gladiolus,” hissed Ignis, getting the shield’s attention.

“What, Iggy?” Gladio was lost as to why Ignis sounded so scandalized.

“Put some clothes on,” he said, exasperated. Sometimes, Ignis felt like the only adult in this family.

Gladio just remembered that he and Ella were still naked from the bath and hurried to get to their room. As Gladio was drying her off, Ella seemed to wake up enough to get dressed. She selected a loose long-sleeved shirt and a pair of warm, comfortable woolen pants and she tied her hair up in a sloppy manner. Without a further word, she got into bed and bundled herself up under the covers, falling asleep almost immediately. Gladio gave the sleeping woman a kiss on the forehead and stroked her cheek with a gentle hand.

“I love you, baby,” he whispered to her, feeling her shift under his touch.

“I love you too,” she mumbled before turning on her side and going into a deep doze.

With a fond smile, Gladio turned the light off, walked out of the room, and carefully shut the door behind him. Ella needed some rest after the hectic week she had been through. He was exhausted too but he was used to grueling work. He was trained for it, and he expected it. However, Ella was a small woman and she wasn’t used to heavy work. The snow made it extra hard for her because it did some water damage to the store and ruined some of the stock. That was money being lost and it had to be replaced, but trucks or planes couldn’t make it out in the storm. He’d help her, but she was more stubborn than him. He loved that about her.

When he got back to the living room, he saw that Noctis was wrapped in a blanket roll and the tears were gone. His face was still flushed and his eyes were red-rimmed. However, he seemed better now that the death scene was over. Gladio let out a sigh and walked over to sit next to Noct, who scooted a bit to give the larger man some room.

“Where’s Ella?” stage-whispered Prompto, leaning over from his spot on the other couch.

“Sleeping,” replied Gladio quietly so he wouldn’t interrupt the movie. “She was bone-tired after that bath. Hell, she almost fell asleep in the tub.”

“Indeed, she would have if you didn’t make her, as you put it, bone-tired,” interjected Ignis, giving the large man a disapproving look.

Gladio had the grace to look flustered and embarrassed. “You heard that, huh?” he muttered, nibbling on his lower lip.

“We all did, Gladio,” commented Freya dryly, turning to give him a deadpan look. “Why do you think we turned The Lion King on? You were both too loud. Also, we could hear the thudding in the tub.”

Prompto let out a snort. “If you really wanna get the motor running, why don’t you just fuck her at work?” he suggested sarcastically. “I’m sure that would get her rocks off.”

Gladio smirked at the idea. “Not a bad idea,” he admitted, looking devious. “I’d love to bend her over the desk, rip open her professional outfit, and bury myself right in her—”

“Are you done?” hissed Noctis, shooting them all a glare. “I’m watching my movie.”

“Sorry, princess,” said Gladio, settling back on the couch. “I didn’t know a movie about an animated lion and his doofus co-pilots meant so much to you.”

“In Noct’s perspective,” came Luna’s soft voice, “he’s Simba, I’m Nala, Prompto is Timon, Ignis is Zazu, and you, Gladiolus, are Pumbaa.”

“He thinks I’m that fatass pig!” Gladio sounded horrified. “That’s rude, Noct!”

“You’re right, Gladiolus,” agreed Ignis, his irritation coming to the surface. “The pig is smarter than you.”

That burn was too much for Prompto. The blonde fell over Cindy and the couple began snorting and laughing. Freya had to bite her bottom lip to keep herself from laughing out loud. Ignis seemed proud of his little zinger. Noctis put a hand over his mouth to smother his laughter and Luna, to her credit, did a good job hiding her chuckles. However, when she did, she felt a sharp-shooting pain in her abdomen. It felt like her pelvis was screaming in pain. She had felt some cramps during the day, but thought it was just pregnancy gas. However, these cramps felt different. Noctis seemed to notice her discomfort.

“Lu, you okay?” he asked, concerned for his wife.

“I-it’s fine, Noct,” she said weakly, placing a hand on her stomach. “I just felt some pain.”

“Hey, where’s that odd water coming from?” asked Prompto, pointing out a growing stain near Luna’s legs.

Ignis and Gladio knew immediately what it was. Freya bolted off of her comfortable position near Ignis and ran to turn the lights on, noticing the water was from Luna herself. Noctis and Prompto began to panic. Luna was in shock, but she wasn’t terrified.

“Oh, shit,” said Gladio, running to grab his phone. “We need to call an ambulance.”

“We can’t!” snapped Ignis, his stress coming out as anger. “The roads are bloody closed! The ambulance wouldn’t make it!”

“Airlift?” suggested Freya, a note of hysteria in her voice.

“It’s too dangerous,” negated Ignis, shaking his head. “She’s either going to have to hold on, or she delivers right here in the family room. Freya, love, you are a medical practitioner. You’ve delivered babies.”

“No, I haven’t!” screamed Freya, panicking. “I’ve delivered puppies and kittens, not human babies!”

“How different can it be?” asked Prompto, smiling in his fear.

Before Freya could answer, Luna let out a pain-filled scream and placed a hand on her stomach, bracing herself. The scream made everyone jump and shake. They had never heard such a horrible sound from the sweet, quiet woman known as Luna. Dismissing her obvious lack of training, Freya was the first to move.

“We are not delivering this baby in the living room,” she said sharply. “Noct, carry her to your room. Ignis, get me some towels, scissors, and water. Make sure you disinfect the scissors. I have some rubbing alcohol in the bathroom. Gladio, wake up Ella and tell her it’s time. Prompto, you and Cindy keep trying to get ahold of the hospital. The phone lines and cell service are most likely knocked out but keep trying.” Everyone just stared at her, not moving, as they took her in her orderly, professional attitude that she portrayed at work. “Go! Now!” At the sound of her voice, everyone moved.

Noctis scooped Luna up and dashed out of the living room. Ignis ran about the house looking for the items Freya told him to find. Gladio was quick in going to his and Ella’s room to wake his sleeping lover up. Freya ran into hers and Ignis’s room and changed into some scrubs. She found some rubber gloves and went into the process of scrubbing her hands. Ignis was in the same bathroom with her, disinfecting the scissors like she ordered. They barely acknowledged each other because how important this was.

After cleaning her hands, Freya slipped on the gloves and ran into Noctis and Luna’s room. Ignis followed after her with the towels, scissors, and a basin of warm water. Ella was in the room, hair mussed from sleeping but wide awake. She held Luna’s hand as the woman tensed with a contraction. Noctis hurried to pull up her maternity gown and remove her panties, so Freya could get to work. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Freya carefully spread Luna’s legs and saw that it was past being time to deliver.

“Okay, Luna, I need you to push,” instructed Freya, positioning her hands in front of Luna’s vaginal opening to catch the baby when it was time.

With a loud scream, Luna pushed and squeezed Noctis and Ella’s hands, sweating with the exertion. Noctis felt like passing out but he had to be strong for his wife’s sake. He glanced over to Freya, who looked deep in concentration, and Ignis, whose face was a pale shade of green, and noted that whatever the other man saw, it wasn’t pretty and Ignis had seen some shit.

Much to their shock, Prompto came in with the camera he got for Christmas and prepared to take pictures. Noctis was wondering what the fuck Prompto was thinking, but couldn’t find himself to care. Luna, however, noticed and went into full daemon mode.

“GET OUT!” she screamed at the blonde, who was shaken by the sight of the baby crowning.

The man ran out of the room, green in the face, and went to throw up presumably. Luna didn’t seem to give a shit at the moment because she was still pushing and screaming out her agony. Ella grabbed a washcloth and pressed it to Luna’s forehead, wiping the sweat away. Noctis stroked the hair out of Luna’s face and caressed her cheeks, trying to keep her calm.

After what felt like hours later, the baby was finally out. Freya’s brown eyes were full of tears and a smile spread across her face as the beautiful little human fell into her hands. Ignis was quick in getting a towel and wrapped the baby up. Freya took the scissors from Ignis and snipped the umbilical cord, snapping the baby free from its bonds from the sac. The little one let out a mewling cry and the happy parents looked to see their pride and joy. Luna and Noctis fell in love with the baby instantly. Freya handed the baby to its beaming mother and Noctis had nothing but love and happiness in his eyes.

“It’s a beautiful girl,” said Freya, her voice weak and hoarse from shock.

Everyone noticed that the baby had a small tuft of black hair and the congratulations commenced. Gladio walked over to Noct and pulled the smaller man into a hug. Ignis patted Noct on the shoulder and beamed at his crying friend. Prompto dashed in, camera in hand, and snapped a picture of the baby immediately. He threw his arms around Noctis and hugged his friend tight.

“Congratulations, man!” he cried, patting his buddy on the back. “She’s beautiful!”

“Yeah, looks nothing like you,” jabbed Gladio, smirking in a teasing manner.

“Oh, shut up,” snapped Noctis but his smile never wavered.

The boys crowded around Luna and the baby, oohing and awing over the tiny person. Ella helped Freya with the afterbirth and hugged her shaken sister tight. Cindy ran in, phone in hand, and smiled upon seeing Luna and the baby.

“Great news,” she breathed, green eyes beaming. “I got through to the hospital and they’re sending an ambulance.”

“About bloody time,” snorted Ignis, shaking his head. “Freya here already did their work for them.” He went over to his lover and kissed her on the forehead, noting how pale she was. “Are you alright, darling?”

“I just helped a woman deliver a baby, Ignis,” replied Freya, eyes wide. “How do you think I’m doing? I’ve never delivered a human baby before.”

“You did beautifully, my love,” he purred, pressing a kiss to her neck. His lips started trailing lower and lower, over her shoulder, until Freya lightly patted him on the chest.

“Stop it,” she reproved, but she was smiling. She couldn’t help it. He was too magnetic and persuasive. She wondered how anyone could resist him once he turned the charm on. “We can do this later. Preferably after I shower.”

Ignis gave nod but his green eye darkened with lust at the thoughts of what was to come. He was anticipating and his body was waking up at his salacious thoughts. He couldn’t wait to get her alone. All he wanted was to pin her to a bed and adore her until her body was sore and trembling. To distract himself, he gazed over at the happy couple holding their baby. He smiled softly and saw how tenderly Noctis kissed his wife on the forehead. He felt like a proud father and wished that King Regis could see this.

“I haven’t seen anything this miraculous since the Lady Lunafreya healed my sight and allowed me to see you,” said Ignis, smiling at Freya, who blushed crimson.

“That had to be your best Christmas gift, huh?” Freya was only poking fun at him, but she knew he meant it.

“Of course,” he replied in a silky tone, pressing another kiss to her temples.

“You did good,” she said softly, wrapping her arms around him and squeezed him tight as they watched everyone admire the baby.

“No, you did,” said Ignis, giving her a look of pure love and adoration. He gave her another kiss on the forehead and held her close.

It didn’t take long for the EMTs to arrive with a stretcher. Even though Luna was fine, they still placed her and the baby on the bed and ran her out to the ambulance. Noctis ran after them, followed by Prompto and Cindy. Freya dashed after the EMTs and told them everything that happened, about how she was a veterinarian and that she was the only one who knew how to deliver a baby.

As Gladio watched everything happening, he realized that there was a never dull moment in this crazy family and he hoped it would never go away. The craziness fit their family. It’s what made them, well, them. This was them. This was their family, and they couldn’t be happier. No matter what hard times would come, they would always lean on each other, like many families did before them. This was a family that many wanted and that Gladio felt blessed and lucky to have. He wouldn’t trade it for the world. He found his reasons for living and continuing on, and this was it. He couldn’t wait to see what the coming years would bring him and it anticipated it with open arms. As long as Ella and his family were at his side, he didn’t need anything more. The future was waiting and he couldn’t wait to be a part of it.

[strongheartmaid]

Bonus Day: Halloween costume/ Party

Tying in to Day 1 of Childhood memories and Day 3 of Final Fantasy crossover. This is cute - a work in progress but a cute work in progress. Just a note: Aurore is born towards the end of December so she’s slightly younger than Noctis.

tags: @ffxvsoul @ffxv-oc-week @expectogladiolus

Ignis stared down fondly at a photo he had pulled out from the back of his notebook. He gave a soft chuckle, gently running a finger across the so young faces. So young, so innocent - what he wouldn't give to go back to those days.

"Hey, Iggy," Prompto said, leaning over Ignis's shoulder to look at the picture. "Oh, look at those little cuties," he cooed.

Ignis chuckled. "Don't let Gladio hear you call him a little cutie, we'll never hear the end of it."

Prompto boggled for a moment. "Gladio? Which one is he?" he asked, trying to look for a mini version of the Shield in the photo.

Ignis tapped the one with a decided pout on his face. "That one," he said, looking amused at the memory.

"Aww, he's precious even if he is pouting. What happened?" Prompto asked.

Gladio glanced over and groaned. "You're not going to tell him that story, are you?" he asked, feeling vexed. No, he did not want to be reminded of that particular incident, thank you very much.

Noctis glanced over at the rest of his brothers before shrugging at Aurore's questioning look.

"Yes, that story," Ignis said, grinning. "Introducing the dramatis personæ," he continued pointing to each figure in turn. "The little moogle being held protectively by Bahamut is Aurore with our prince being Bahamut," he chuckled as he ignored Gladio's grumbling. "I'm right here in the little Judge uniform," he said, sounding a wee bit proud. "And the," he paused as he tried to compose himself, "floof woof is Gladio."

"Floof woof..." Prompto repeated slowly before breaking into laughter. "That's precious, that's utterly precious. So, deets, why is the floof woof pouting?"

Gladio shot a dark look at Prompto.

"The floof woof, which is what Noctis called him," Ignis started.

"Hey, I was three," Noctis called over. "Cut me some slack."

"As I was saying, the floof woof was pouting because he got a stern talking to by Clarus for scaring the little moogle, who mind you is only two years old," Ignis continued.

"Aww, that was mean, Gladio," Prompto said.

[ao3feed-ignoct]

Against all odds (Work title)

read it on AO3 Here

by Yaoifangirl93

Noctis has survived the prophecy. He and Ignis lead a happy marriage and slowly lead Insomnia back to the old glory. Everything could be so beautiful, the only thing missing is an heir to the throne...

Words: 1177, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Final Fantasy XV

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M, M/M

Characters: Noctis Lucis Caelum, Ignis Scientia, Prompto Argentum, Gladiolus Amicitia, Iris Amicitia, Cor Leonis, Original Characters

Relationships: Noctis Lucis Caelum/Ignis Scientia, Iris Amicitia/Prompto Argentum, Gladiolus Amicitia/Original Female Character(s)

Additional Tags: Mpreg, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Established Relationship, Childbirth, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Happy Ending, Post-Canon, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon Compliant, Older Noctis Lucis Caelum, Older Ignis Scientia, Older Prompto Argentum, Older Gladiolus Amicitia

read it on AO3 Here

[ffxvficrec]

by Insomnia_Skye In his role as a Glaive, Nyx has always stayed loyal to his duty and the king who saved him. But when a fiery-spirited girl, 10 years his junior and sharing the same name as his deceased sister barrels into his life and challenges his boundaries, he finds that there’s more to life than just loyalty. Selena pushes Nyx to accept what he deserves in life, and they share a love that knows no boundaries. But when gut feelings and a need to protect take over, they find themselves bound to promises they may not be able to keep. After Insomnia is taken by the Imperials, Selena finds herself stranded outside the Crown City with her best friends and brothers, Noctis, Gladio, Ignis, and Prompto. What was once a short and simple trip turns into a journey of duty, grief, friendship, and undying hope for reunion. Words: 11169, Chapters: 2/?, Language: English Fandoms: Final Fantasy XV Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: F/M Characters: Nyx Ulric , Original Female Character(s) , Noctis Lucis Caelum , Gladiolus Amicitia , Ignis Scientia , Prompto Argentum , Regis Lucis Caelum , Cor Leonis , Titus Drautos | Glauca , Lunafreya Nox Fleuret , Libertus Ostium , Crowe Altius , Cid Sophiar , Cindy Aurum , Iris Amicitia , Pelna Khara , Luche Lazarus , Umbra (Final Fantasy XV) , The Kingsglaive (Final Fantasy XV) , Crownsguard (Final Fantasy XV) , Kings of Lucis , Ardyn Izunia , Other Final Fantasy XV Characters , Other Character Tags to Be Added Relationships: Nyx Ulric/Original Female Character(s) , Chocobros (Final Fantasy XV)/Original Character(s) Additional Tags: POV First Person , POV Multiple , Fluff , Fluff and Angst , Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV (2016) , Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV Spoilers , Final Fantasy XV Spoilers , Good Parent Regis Lucis Caelum , Smut , Angst and Fluff and Smut , My First Fanfic , Dawn of the Future (Final Fantasy XV) , Grief/Mourning , Nyx Ulric Needs A Hug , Female Character Also Needs a Hug , Everyone Needs A Hug , Pre-Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV , Tags Are Hard , Kiss Kiss Fall in Love , Other Additional Tags to Be Added , Spoilers , LOTS OF SPOILERS