#cinderella theme

   The Prince was tugging on his black tux, fixing its slightly disarrayed appearance and looked up as he patted away unseen dust from his torso.  “Hey,” Noctis chirped, “Sorry to surprise you like that but I thought it would be the fasted way to catch up with you.”

  Mind just barely able to piece together that Noctis had just used his Lucian magic to warp in from somewhere Chrysanthus asked, “Catch up with me?”

   “Ya, I have wanted to chat with you without a crowd of watchers, so when I saw you hiding out the same as me, I decided to catch you before the throng of people did,” Noctis said stepping closer, just on the boundary of Chrysanthus personal space. “I have been curious to learn more about the stoic Niflheim Prince I always hear about. Call me Noctis.”

   Taking the hand that Noctis had extended out, Chrysanthus shook it with a solid grip. Hoping it didn’t feel sweaty from his heartbeat increasing once again, an uncontrollable heat rising within him. “Chrysanthus but call me Chrys…” Chrys replied with a small smile and then stumbled on his next words because of the brilliant smile he received back from Noctis. “I..uh..I also was hoping to talk to you without a crowd. Not the most comfortable environment to get to know someone.”

“Definitely. Seems kinda funny since we were destined to crowds as Princes. Want to compare our princely grievances?” Noctis asked invitingly.

   The tension at being in the overly attractive Princes began to evaporate as both he and Noctis shared experiences. Chrys held back at first from showing too much emotion, but he soon allowed himself to laugh along with Noctis. He also gave up on not feeling anything for Prince Noctis, since it was impossible now as he learned more about him. The infatuation growing for a man who was beautiful inside and out. Chrys though didn’t expect anything to come from it. Chrys doubted Noctis had similar feelings, he was just friendly.

   The thought that Noctis was only talking to him because of ulterior motives crossed his mind since the Niflheim Prince had planned to do so, but he chose not to believe it. Instead he enjoyed Noctis’s company while it lasted. Soon though they both knew they had been absent for too long from the gala. No doubt missed by their retainers. (Well Chrysanthus knew Ardyn wasn’t worried.)

   Standing facing each other after voicing the need to return an awkwardness descended between the two princes. Chrysanthus unsure of what to say and Noctis looking like he wanted to say something. It was Noctis the broke the silence with a clearing of his throat, releasing his bottom lip he had been biting. The bright redness of blood filling the lower lip drawing Chrysanthus attention before he could stop himself. Hearing Noctis clear his throat once again, Chrys dragged his eyes up to meet Noctis’s. Knowing the flush on his face was increasing every second.   

   While shifting from foot to foot slightly, Noctis said, “Well…before we are lost to the crowd again, I want to leave you with a Lucian gift. Wishing you well in the year to come.” The prince was obviously nervous, but his sapphire eyes remained steady upon Chrysanthus amber ones.

   “I will happily receive a gift from you, although it is not necessary. Sharing my woes with you has been a gift.” Chrys answered, his voice sounding much huskier than intended.

  Noctis smiled, eyes twinkling like the stars hanging in the sky behind him. “Well, I’m going to give it to you anyways.” With that Noctis closed the distance and surprised Chrys with the gift of a kiss. The Lucian Princes lips soft and gentle against his. Silky dark hair tickling his nose as Noctis drew closer upon feeling Chrys’s lips respond in kind.

  The kiss only lasted several seconds but the electricity it sent through Chrysanthus veins made it seem to last a lifetime. When Noctis pulled away with a soft sigh, settling back down flat on his feet, having risen on his toes to reach Chrys lips, the Niflheim Prince himself let out a moan of disapproval. The small taste of the Prince making an insatiable hunger rise up.

    Noctis chuckled at seeing Chrysanthus yearning evident on his face. “I’ll call that a successfully accepted gift.”

“Yes, it was,” Chrys answered after a second, his mind having been stuck in blissful blankness, “I think we should exchange gifts more often.” Smiling fully to show his pleasure. Chrys’s heart ready to burst at the unexpected and reciprocated affection demonstrated by the gorgeous Prince.