#ffxvloqiweek

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Hosting and preparing for the Lucian prince’s coming of age celebration was certainly an arduous task. The sheer number of people invited to attend made the whole thing so much more troublesome, yet wholly necessary. After all, it wasn’t everyday that the crown prince of Lucis turned 18.

Reaching such an age marked a momentous and pinnacle moment in any royal’s life. It was common practice, among the nations of Eos, for an heir’s 18th birthday to pave the way for their future, with discussions of courting and marriage being the ulterior motive behind the grandeur of the celebratory events. It’d already been assumed that Noctis, only son of Lucian King Regis, would be set to marry the eldest son of Niflheim’s royal family. It was just the mere formalities that needed to be addressed, hence the invitation extended to Emperor Aldercapt and his two sons.

Having an Alpha heir to the throne put Regis in perhaps the most favourable position, especially when the only heirs to Niflheim both happened to be Omegas. The Lucian King knew that Niflheim’s Emperor wouldn’t give his sons away to any old royalty or aristocracy. No, no, no. The man could be very meticulous when it came to that. It was just a shame, Regis thought, that he himself didn’t have a second son - Alpha or Beta - to pair with the remaining Niff heir. But such luck was not on his side.

Standing at the very top of the steps leading up into the Citadel, both Noctis and his father greeted the Niff Emperor, his two sons, and their nation’s Chancellor upon their arrival. The eldest Aldercapt boy was full of warm smiles, his friendly demeanour rubbing off on Noctis, making a smile of his own pull at his lips.

“Prince Noctis.” Prompto bowed his head a little, Noctis doing the same. “It’s nice to see you again.”

“Been a while, hasn’t it?” The Lucian prince looked the blond up and down.

It’d been several years since he’d last seen Prompto in the flesh, being only a young boy around 10 years of age. Noctis could see that he’d certainly changed, his eyes flitting over to the younger of the Aldercapt twins, thinking the same thing about Loqi. Out of the two of them, Loqi was still the more meek of the pair, standing slightly behind his twin with Chancellor Izunia, a somewhat shy air surrounding him. Noctis supposed Loqi fitted the stereotypical nature of an Omega better than this brother.

Leading Niflheim’s royals and Chancellor through the Citadel, Noctis stood close by Prompto’s side, noting how Loqi tried to latch himself onto his brother, seemingly wanting to distance himself from the Chancellor. He didn't know what the deal was between the younger twin and Chancellor Izunia, but it was obvious that Loqi didn't appear to enjoy his company.

“If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.” Regis smiled warmly at their guests, arriving at the guest wing, showing them to their rooms.

With the celebratory ball not until later that evening, the spare time gave them all a few hours still to prepare. Leaving them be for the time being - reluctantly, in Noctis’ case - the Aldercapts and the Chancellor were left to their own devices until the start of the celebrations. As much as Noctis wished to spend more time with Prompto, his duties came first. Both Noctis and his father still had the duty of welcoming the Fleuret’s upon their arrival, keeping themselves busy in the meantime while the Citadel’s maidservants handled everything else.

~~~

“So, what do you think of Noctis?”

Alone with his twin, while his father and the Chancellor no doubt used their time discussing the evening’s events, Prompto wondered what Loqi’s impression of the Lucian Prince was. It’d been a good few years since he’d last seen him, having changed an awful lot in that time, but his brother’s opinion still mattered to him. In the event that Loqi didn’t like Noctis, Prompto had already decided not to go through with the glaringly obvious marriage arrangement that was sure to be announced that night.

“He seems nice.” The younger twin nodded, standing by the window, looking out onto the view of Insomnia’s city. “I think he’d make a good mate for you. He seems to like you, at least.”

“He does, doesn’t he?” Prompto laughed, sitting on the plush bed of the guest room. “He’s handsome, too.”

Letting out a soft sigh, shoulders slumping ever so slightly, Loqi stayed silent. He wanted to be happy for his brother, he truly did, but he knew that any marriage between Prompto and Noctis would come at an expense - an expense that he would sadly have to live with.

“What's wrong?” Sitting up straighter on the edge of the bed, Prompto could see something was bothering his brother. He had a gut feeling he knew what it was.

“Prom...” Loqi started out sadly. “I really don't want to marry Ardyn. But I know that's what father will have me do if you marry Noctis.”

As much as he didn't want the Chancellor as his mate, it seemed like an inevitable possibility. Regis didn't have another heir, which put him in a rather unfortunate situation.

“But father might try to seek a partnership with the Fleurets, their eldest son is an Alpha.” Prompto reminded him of Tenebrae’s Prince. “There's always that.”

“We’ll be apart still. If you live here with Noctis, and I end up marrying prince Ravus, I'll have to stay with him in Tenebrae.” He tried to get his sibling to understand the bigger problem.

“I know...but it's got to be better than being with Ardyn.”

“I guess. It's just...” Loqi paused, glancing to his brother with a sad smile. “I don't want to leave you.”

Having been rather clingy with his brother growing up, Loqi felt an ominous tug on their brotherly bond ever since talk of marriage had been added to the equation. He didn't wish to be separated from his twin. Such a thought had his heart aching of the loss that was still to happen.

“I know, I know.” Prompto sighed. “But there's not much we can do.”

“I just hope father reconsiders the idea of giving me away to Chancellor Izunia. I don't want to be with him, but I can't tell him that. I pray to the Astrals that he changes his mind.”

Knowing that praying alone wouldn't help his situation, Loqi couldn't do much else but hope things would change, hope that his seemingly sealed fate would be changed by some stroke of luck.

~~~

The hall was teeming alive with guests, people having travelled from far and wide to attend the Lucian prince’s coming of age celebrations. Royalty, aristocracy, and government officials made up most of the numbers, followed by the rich and elite of the city and their families. Gifts were bestowed in vast droves as a show of loyalty and honour to His Highness, prince Noctis; the young man accepting each and every one graciously, just as he’d been taught. But the most precious of those gifts were not the material kind. For Noctis cherished his soon-to-be announced betrothal to Prompto the most.

The intricacies had been discussed and agreed, both parties understanding what was to be asked of them and taking on that responsibility. As serious and significant as the betrothal was, Prompto initially agreed with very little thought. He knew it was the right thing to do for both Niflheim and Lucis, the marriage between both he and Noctis would help to strengthen the peace between the two nations as a result. Not only did he agree for the greater good of his nation, but he could tell that Noctis would be able to fulfil his role, as his mate, with utmost competence. Prompto had no qualms with the choice in Alpha. None at all. The thing that topped it all off for him - the cherry on the cake, as it were - was the fact that their liking was mutual. The last thing he wanted was to be paired with a mate that didn’t want him, or vice versa.

Regis ushered both Prompto and Noctis toward him in the midst of the celebrations and mingling, standing besides Emperor Iedolas and Loqi, garnering the room’s attention with ease. The murmuring of the guests slowly dimmed, all eyes watching the two families with focused interest, speculating what was about to be said.

“My esteemed guests, if I may have your undivided attention for just a brief moment.” He started, addressing the room. “With my son coming of age, it is with great happiness that I announce something all the more special to you all. With His Radiance’s approval and permission, my son, prince Noctis Lucis Caelum, is to be wed to prince Prompto Aldercapt of Niflheim.”

The room erupted into rounds of applause, congratulating the couple with smiles, Prompto and Noctis joining hands as they stood close to one another’s side. As happy as Loqi should’ve been for this brother, he couldn’t help but hate the idea of the marriage, knowing that his future with Ardyn seemed all the more plausible. Scanning his eyes over the guests, each of them had their eyes trained on his twin and Noctis, thankful that he was being spared any attention. Each and every person beamed brightly at the new couple, yet a pair of striking blue eyes caught Loqi’s attention among the smattering of people.

For they stared directly at him. Not at his brother. Not at Noctis. But at him.

Just taking a quick look at the owner of that powerful gaze, Loqi could tell the man was an Alpha. He seemed somewhat familiar - like a face he knew but had somehow forgot. The man must’ve been a noble of sorts, Loqi supposed. The sharp gaze never faltered, even as the Omega glanced away in his shyness. He could feel the man’s eyes on him, boring into his being even as the guests dispersed once more, as Prompto and Noctis moved to speak with the plethora of people wishing to congratulate them.

His attention on the stranger was torn all of a sudden, with Ardyn taking him by the arm and leading him away to speak with a bunch of Lucian aristocrats that he didn’t really care for. Being paraded around like the Chancellor’s possession only served to sour his mood further.

Taking Prompto by the hand, Noctis made a beeline for one person in particular that he’d been meaning to speak to all evening, even more so now that he he’d spotted something quite peculiar about the man’s behaviour. Even as he approached the elder Alpha, the man seemed to be a state of very near hypnosis, not even noticing both young princes’ presences.

“Cor.”

The sound of his name broke him from his daze, looking away from the one that’d held his attention.

“Your Highnesses.” He bowed his head a little in greeting. “Congratulations to you both.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Noctis waved him off with a roll of his eyes, making even Prompto laugh. “You weren’t even paying that much attention to the announcement.” He smirked.

“My apologies.” Cor looked off to the side in mild embarrassment. “My...attentions were engaged elsewhere.”

“They’ve been ‘engaged elsewhere’ for most of the night.” The young Alpha teased. “Prompto, this is Cor.” He introduced the two. “Not sure if you remember him. He’s Commander of the Crownsguard. Also a close friend of my father.”

“Pleased to see you again, Sir.” Prompto smiled friendlily, vaguely recalling the name from years back.

“Likewise, your Highness.” Cor bowed his head, smiling back politely.

“So...” Noctis nudged the elder man in the arm, nowhere near finished with teasing him. “You gonna tell me who you’ve been ogling all evening?”

“...Noctis.” Cor sighed with a shake of his head. “I was merely admiring.”

“Ah, so you don’t deny you were eyeing them up?” He grinned, Prompto watching on in amusement at his antics.

“Admiring, your Highness. Admiring.” Reminding him with a firm tone, Cor let his gaze wander back to the one that’d caught his attention in the first place.

“Just go talk to Loqi already.” The Lucian Prince nudged him again, this time with more force.

“Loqi? My brother, Loqi?” Looking up at the taller man, Prompto’s eyes widened in surprise, quickly taking a peek over to his twin who stood miserably next to Ardyn while the Chancellor chatted away to the guests.

“I, um, I was just...appreciating the charm your brother has, your Highness. I mean no harm. I apologise.”

Floundering for an explanation, Cor swore he could’ve hit Noctis upside the head for dropping him in it like that, especially in front of Prompto. Noctis had always had an excellent affinity for being perceptive, perhaps too perceptive, the elder Alpha thought.

“Don’t apologise, there’s no need.” Prompto shook his head. “Hey...you know...” The young blond glanced back to his troubled sibling. “You might just be able to help Loqi.”

“Help?” Cor questioned, struck both concerned and intrigued.

Stepping closer to the elder Alpha, Prompto made sure no one was eavesdropping, keeping their conversation between the three of them.

“How much do you like my brother?” He whispered. “Would you consider courting him if you had the chance?”

A little voice in Cor’s head screamed yes. Every inch of him thrummed at the idea of courting an Omega such as the youngest Niff prince.

“The look in your eyes tell me yes.” Prompto continued with a grin, a playful lilt colouring his tone.

“Your Highness.” The elder sighed. “I cannot simply wish for such things. Your brother is out of my reach. I have nothing substantial to offer him that he doesn’t already have.”

And he really didn’t. The Omega was a prince, of royal blood, while Cor was a mere commoner in all actuality. While gaining the title of Crownsguard Commander, one that saw him treated with the same respect as all the Lords and Ladys of Lucis, he was of no prestigious bloodline.

“You could save him from a future he hates, Cor.” The young blond spoke seriously. “I have a feeling he’ll like you. If I like you, then Loqi should, too.”

“I can convince my father to put in a good word for you to Emperor Iedolas.” Noctis piped up. “I’ll tell him how interested you are. I’m sure he’ll have no issues with it.”

“I can talk to my own, too.” Prompto nodded enthusiastically. “I mean, if I get to be happy then Loqi should, too. And being with Chancellor Izunia isn’t gonna do that.” Shaking his head, Prompto urged the man to consider the offer seriously.

“Chancellor Izunia? Is your brother set to marry him?”

Looking over to the other Niff Prince, Cor could definitely see the discomfort he had around the Chancellor, if the distressed look on his face was anything to go by. Watching him being paraded around like the man owned him of sorts, Cor wanted nothing more than to take him away, to calm his unease, to see him smile.

“Not officially. Well, at least not yet.” Prompto briefly explained, face showing his own dislike at the thought. “But I know my father will pair them up, it’s only a matter of time.”

Tired of the elder Alpha’s pussyfooting, practically trying to pull him towards Loqi, Noctis attempted to take matters into his own hands, seeing as Cor evidently wouldn’t.

“Go ask him to dance for Astral’s sake, Cor!” Noctis whispered, urging him to make a move. “I’ll speak to my father while you get Loqi away from Ardyn.”

Flitting his gaze between the two princes before him, the elder Alpha gave in. With a small nod of agreement, he left the two of them, making his way over to the younger twin, his heart beginning to thud heavily in his chest. The thought of what he was about do almost had him turning back, unable to approach him as anxiety rose. But he soldiered on, thinking back to what Prompto said about the prince’s pairing with the Chancellor.

“Your Highness.” He greeted, bowing his head as the young blond turned, the Chancellor busy chatting away with his acquaintances to notice. “I do apologise for intruding. But...would you do me the honour of sharing a dance with me?”

Nodding dumbly at the request, not able to formulate much of a response in front of the man whose eyes had been watching him, Loqi found himself taken by the hand and led into the centre of the room with the other dancing guests. A vast assortment of instruments played as the guests weaved in and around one another, moving and swaying to the sounds, chatting and dancing the evening away with partners of their choosing.

“Uh...I uh...” Loqi stumbled over his words, his shyness getting the better of him as he was pulled close to the Alpha, letting him take the lead in their dance. “Not to sound rude, but...who exactly are you?”

“Do forgive me, your Highness.” Cor chuckled, forgetting his manners. “Not sure if you remember me from your last visit to the Citadel. I’m Cor Leonis, Commander of His Majesty’s Crownsguard.”

“Cor...” Loqi tested the name on his tongue, familiarity hitting him again. “Your name and face ring a bell.”

“I don’t expect you to remember me that well, your Highness. It was a number of years ago since I last saw you myself. You were but a young boy then.”

Recalling the Omega at about ten years of age, he compared the bashful and demure child to the young man that now stood before him. He still retained a degree of his nervousness, but overall he'd matured well.

“If it's not too bold of me to say...” Cor leant in. “You've grown into such an extraordinary Omega.”

Face breaking out into a full on blush, Loqi didn't know what to say or where to look. Such words had never been directed his way before.

“O-oh, I'm not sure about that...but, thank you.” He graciously accepted the compliment, as a prince should.

“Believe what you want, but I’m not one to lie.” Cor smiled softly. “You're a wonderful dancer, your Highness. Has anyone ever told you that?”

Letting out a tiny laugh, a smidge of confidence returned to the Niff. “You're very good at sweet talk, aren't you, Mr. Leonis?”

“I don't sweet talk just anyone. And please, call me Cor.” The Alpha insisted.

Glancing over to Regis, Cor saw his King and Iedolas chattering away with Noctis and Prompto, the four of them looking over in their direction for a moment as they spoke among themselves. He wondered what the two princes were saying about him, how they were trying to convince both parties like they said they would. It would be no easy task, Cor told himself, but it was at least worth a try.

The Chancellor himself didn't exactly look too pleased, now that Cor had noticed. But he didn't plan on letting Loqi walk back into the Ardyn’s clutches so easily, not if he could help it. The only way he could keep the man away from him for the rest of the night was to keep himself and Loqi scarce.

“Loqi.” He grabbed the Omega’s attention once more. “Would you care to take a walk with me through the Citadel gardens? I'd like to talk a little more, away from the...festivities.” He side eyed Ardyn as the man glared at him from across the room.

While Loqi knew the man was of good standing, and wasn't a threat to his safety, a hint of hesitation bubbled up within him.

“Um, I-I don't know...I mean...”

“Don't worry, your Highness. I mean you no harm. I only wish to speak with you privately, you have my word.”

Trusting the look in the Alpha’s eyes, Loqi nodded in agreement, letting himself be led out of the hall and through the Citadel’s corridors. Reaching a large annex, two of His Majesty’s Glaives stood by by the entrance leading out into the royal gardens, keeping guests from wandering in and out.

“Marshal. Your Highness.” One of them spoke as the two of them bowed their heads.

“I need a while in the gardens alone with his Highness.” Cor explained.

“Of course, Sir.”

Without another word, the pair were let through. Smatterings of lights glowed around the walkway and among the flowers as they entered down a small set of stone steps, leading the way into the core of the gardens.

“Wow.” Loqi looked around in awe. “It's beautiful.”

If the inside of the Citadel had been a sight to behold, then the outside was just as remarkable. Loqi could tell the Lucian royals took great pride in appearances, seeing as nothing - both inside and out - around the Citadel seemed out of place.

“I'm sure your own royal gardens are the same, too.” Cor smiled, watching the blond gaze about.

“Pssh. Hardly.” Loqi waved off the remark, gazing around in wonderment. “It's too cold in Gralea for much to grow. We have an artificial bio-dome to grow exotic plants...but it's not the same as this. This is all natural— are those Sylleblossoms?!”

Hearing the excitement in his voice, Cor followed the Omega down the path, chuckling at the child-like innocence he displayed. Stopping at the patch of the native Tenebraen flower, the Alpha plucked one from its stem as they crouched down to get a better look at the plant, and placed it behind Loqi’s ear.

“A charming flower for a charming Omega.” He spoke quietly, acutely aware of the silence around them. “It suits you. Brings out the colour of your eyes.”

The glow of the lit walkway gave the prince’s eyes an almost violet tint, light reflecting off the blue in the most captivating way.

For the second time that night, Loqi found himself speechless. The Alpha before him certainly had a way with words.

“I'm sorry, have I said too much?” Cor apologised, sheepishness suddenly settling into him.

“No, no. It's okay.” With a shake of his head, Loqi assured the man he was fine. “It’s, um...thank you.” He averted his gaze, cheeks warming up yet again.

Taking a slow walk around the gardens, talking away about everything and anything that took their fancy, the evening drew on without much notice from either of the pair. It didn’t take long for the Alpha to know what he wanted from the prince. Though he bearly knew him, there was something, something he couldn’t place about the young blond that had him throwing all caution to the wind, letting him give his damn best at least trying to win the Omega over. Never having been more interested in someone - let alone a person he wished to court - to Cor, Loqi was a rare beauty, something to be treasured and cherished like the most precious of things.

Even as the evening gave way to night, Loqi never ran out of things to say to the Alpha, letting his thoughts flow freely in his company. It was nice, he thought, nice to have someone seem genuinely interested in him as person, and not just for his royal title. All worries of his impending future were forgotten, until the Chancellor’s name was brought up. Even the sound of it struck dismay into his heart.

“Your brother tells me there are plans for you to marry.” Cor recalled what the elder twin had said. “To Chancellor Izunia, correct?”

“Yes.” Loqi sighed. “I believe so.”

“You don't sound too happy. I'm sure the Chancellor has a lot to offer, being a well respected man among your father’s advisors.”

“I don't...” He trailed off, trying to find the right words to say. “Maybe it's foolish of me to think I could marry for love. Or at least companionship.” Playing with the lilies off to the side, Loqi admired them. “Prompto and Noctis seem to like one another well enough. I can see them building a strong bond quickly.”

“Is that what you wish for?” Cor asked, hearing the wistfulness behind his voice. “And you don't think the Chancellor can give you that?”

“I don’t feel anything for him.”

And he didn’t. If there was one thing Loqi did feel about the man, it was unease. It was as if the Chancellor knew of what was to come, knew he would be given a young, ripe Omega to take. Every ounce of Loqi’s being cringed with the thought of having to bear the man’s children.

“Maybe it might be bold of me to ask.” Cor took the Omega by the hand. “But... With your father’s approval, would you consider allowing me to court you?”

Blinking in confusion, wondering if the man was simply jesting with his offer, Loqi couldn’t quite wrap his head around what he’d said.

“You want to court me? But why?”

“Why? It's more a question of why not?”

Finding no fault with his wishes, the Alpha could still see it would be a struggle of sorts to convince Loqi of his sincerity.

“Cor...” Loqi gazed down at his hand in Cor’s own, doing it his utmost best to find the words to let the man down lightly.

It wasn’t that he loathed the idea of being courted by the Alpha, it was the thought that his father would vehemently disagree and immediately pair him with the Chancellor as a consequence.

“Your brother and Noctis were the ones that convinced me to come over to you. They saw me staring, embarrassingly.” Cor explained, a tad mortified at the memory of being caught out by the Lucian prince. “Your brother said he wants to see you happy. He, too, doesn't think the Chancellor is the right mate for you.”

Loqi knew Prompto felt the same. Yet there wasn’t exactly much either of them could do. It was up to their father to make such decisions, and whatever he decided wasn’t something to be contested lightly.

“And you believe you are?” Loqi asked, genuinely wondering what the man’s answer would be.

“If you give me the chance, Your Highness, I can most certainly try to be.” Cor spoke sincerely, squeezing the Omega’s hand gently. “I'm not one to rashly jump into things, but I've never wanted to court anyone more than I do with you.”

Speaking the truth, no matter how inappropriate it seemed in the presence of royalty, Cor sought to win him over, even if it meant being for more frank about his sentiments than he was usually comfortable with.

“You're a very genuine man, Cor. But I can’t see my father ever agreeing.” Loqi sighed with a shake of his head.

“Hmm, I wouldn't be too sure of that.” The Alpha smiled, his tone brightening. “Your brother and Noctis were already trying to convince your father and Regis when I whisked you away.”

“What?”

Blinking several times in surprise, Loqi could scarcely believe his twin had the audacity to do such a thing. But if his brother had no reservations with Cor’s wants, and was actively trying to make it happen, then maybe the whole idea wasn’t so bad.

“They didn't seem too put off by it, from what I could gather.” Cor recalled the looks of his King and the Niff Emperor. “Perhaps there is a chance. Only if you want the same thing, of course.”

“If...if they agree,” Taking a moment to think things over, Loqi cemented his decision. “I suppose I wouldn't mind giving you a chance.”

Lifting the Omega’s hand to his lips, the Alpha pressed the chastest of kisses to his skin, a newfound sense of challenge twinkling in his eyes.

"What're they here for?"

Loqi looked at Prompto, shrugged, and looked back at the officers across the street. Crownsguard by the uniform.

"Something must have happened to someone real important."

"Really Dude?" Prompto looked at him with a brow raised.

There were more important things to focus on than Prompto's annoyance.

One of the officers was attractive. Really attractive. Exactly Loqi's type, in fact. Tall, not too much facial hair, handsome features, and definitely older. His brown hair was cut short and professionally considering his job. Men who wore their uniform as well as he did needed their picture taken.

Loqi raised his phone and snapped a picture.

"How old do you think he is?"

Prompto looked across the street, then back to Loqi with a sigh.

"Old enough to be our dad."

"Doesn't bother me any. And Father's older than that."

Loqi took a few more pictures as he watched the officer. He wasn't doing much at the moment. Just talking to the younger tattooed brunette with him.

"You could try to be less obvious," Prompto said.

"Why?"

"Some people don't like having their picture taken."

Like Prompto was one to talk. He took pictures of everyone and everything. That was more or less his job, but Loqi still rolled his eyes.

"He's not even looking."

The sentence had barely left Loqi's mouth when the tattooed man went back inside and the older officer turned. He looked directly at Loqi, raised a brow, and after a few moments deliberately leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. In just the perfect pose for a picture; there was no way that was how he naturally leaned against a wall. Something akin to a smile changed his stern expression for a moment and Loqi smiled back without having to think about it.

If that wasn't an invitation to go ahead, Loqi didn't know what it was.

Every movement from the officer was deliberate. The way he placed a hand on his hip just so, the way he turned, when he looked at the notepad in his hand. He even actually posed with the usual 'flexing his muscles' pose. The flustered and slightly confused expression on his face almost had Loqi laughing.

"How many pictures do you need?"

"How many do you need of that mechanic?"

Prompto sputtered and Loqi grinned.

"At least I know Cindy," Prompto protested. "You don't even know that guy's name."

"I could if I went over there and asked."

Perfectly timed, the officer was waving for Loqi to come over.

"Go get him," Prompto laughed.

Loqi shut down his phone and hurried across the street.

"Keep those pictures to yourself," the officer said the moment Loqi was close.

"Promise. So... What's your name?"

"Cor Leonis."

"I'm Loqi Tummelt. Thanks for posing."

If he wasn't mistaken, there was a hint of pink on Cor's face.

"Don't mention it."

Now was as good a time as any, and Loqi wasn't going to waste it. No ring meant there was a chance. The worst that could happen was getting turned down.

"So, I was wondering,"

The door opened and Loqi was interrupted before he could get out the question.

"Marshal, there's something in here you should see."

"I'll be there in a moment." Cor looked back at Loqi as the other man went back inside. "You were saying?"

"I was going to ask if you'd like to go out tonight, but you're probably going to be busy."

Loqi didn't have long to feel discouraged before Cor was extending his notepad opened to a blank page and a pen to him.

"Your number. We can work something out when I'm done here."

Loqi charged Cor again, and once again got knocked to the floor.

"Have you learned anything from your training?"

Loqi got back to his feet and glared at Cor. Usually, he was better behaved than that and didn't glare at his superior but that was the fifteenth time today he'd been flattened.

"It's only because it's you," Loqi argued. "Why are you even sparring with me?"

Of course he knew the answer to his own question. Cor enjoyed surprising new recruits and trainees with unfair sparring matches. Loqi in particular had quickly become a favorite target. Probably due to how arrogant he'd been the first time Cor picked him.

"You have potential."

"I'm sure that's what you say to all the trainees."

"Don't confuse me with Clarus."

Loqi grinned at him and prepared for another round.

If Cor the Immortal thought he had potential, then he must be doing something right. Even if he did spend half their sessions on the floor.

The next time he landed on the floor- after a full minute this time, a new record- Cor sat next to him.

"Why do you want to join the Crownsguard?"

Loqi looked up at him. Such a simple question he'd been asked numerous times, yet he felt as if his answer was more important this time. Maybe that was just the effect Cor had on people.

"It's the Crownsguard," Loqi said. "I've always- I want to be something more than what my parents want. To do something great with myself. Being a member of the Crowsguard will do that."

"We don't do as much as you apparently think. If you want to make a name for yourself, try for the Kingsglaive."

"And get sent out to fight the Niffs if I do make it in?" Loqi shook his head. "I don't want to worry my parents too much. As much as I would love to go out there."

Protecting king and country was what Loqi wanted to do with himself. More than anything. It was the highest honor he could think of, save for being linked to the king's magic like the Glaives were.

"I've always thought you were cooler than Captain Drautos, anyway."

That was a severe understatement. Cor was the most amazing man Loqi knew. His idol, his hero- some people insisted it was a fanboy crush, especially those that knew his sexuality, but that wasn't it at all.

"Not because of the Immortal thing," Loqi explained when he heard Cor snort. "Well, maybe a little. You're just... You got where you are on just your strength and skill. From nothing; I mean no offense to your family."

"Drautos isn't that diff-"

"The king trusts you with his life, and you aren't even his Shield. You care about the people in the Crownsguard. You don't rely on the King's magic. And you're easier to approach."

That last one was definitely not something Cor got often. Everyone said he was difficult to approach and talk to, but Loqi didn't find it that hard. Ignoring the fluttering in his stomach and the pounding of his heart. Talking to the person you idolize had that affect on people.

"Are you sure that isn't a problem with where he comes from?"

"Cor!" Loqi looked at him in offense. "What kind of man do you take me for? I have no problems with him being from outside Insomnia."

Now. He used to share the same beliefs as his parents. Then, he had actually met non-Insomnians.

"All right; I'm sorry for that." Cor said it with the same tone he used for everything else, but that was good enough for Loqi. "You really find me easier to approach than Drautos?"

Loqi nodded. Despite how nervous he could get when they were talking, Cor was definitely easier to talk to.

"Definitely. There's just something about him that... I can't explain it." Loqi laughed for a moment. "Maybe it's just the fact that he's the Captain."

Rather than point out how much that statement didn't make sense, Cor stood and looked down at him.

"Are you in the mood to try again?"

"I can't think of any better way to prepare myself for the Crownsguard."