#otp:lightofthenight

She had read her father's last will before he got killed, and one of them was having assigned a royal guard - like a bodyguard - for her, which she knew, and her father knew, she didn't need.

The advisor fidgeted in his place and cleared his throat. What a sore to look at! 

She huffed but stayed silent as she was taught to listen. She waited, tapping her black heel against the black marbled floor.

"A-as I was saying, your highness…"

"Cut to the chase," she cut him off, clicking her tongue. 

"H-His late majesty wanted you to have someone to look after your back."

Just as she thought.

She scoffed which echoed coldly across the wide hall making everyone silent and their breathings shallow. 

"I told you I don't need a bodyguard. I'm afraid I’ll end up saving their asses instead." 

"I-I know, Your Highness. But they've come a long way, so if you would kindly let me bring him before your presence and meet him." The advisor bowed gallantly.

The princess tapped her fingers against her seat as she thought for a moment. Then she said, "All right."

With that, the advisor bowed again before he walked away.

She sighed, pissed.

A minute had passed, but for Lightning - the name she began to call herself since her mother died from the same war her father had been killed - it was forever. 

The huge double doors pushed open and a sound of footsteps clad against the floor, echoing through the stillness. Slowly, the advisor appeared from the shadows along another stranger, who was also wearing black. Their face hidden in the dark as the only light serving the throne was the one coming from the huge windows, but it still wasn't enough to brighten the place for its high ceilings.

"Here he is, Your Highness. Let me present to you Sergeant Noctis Lucis Caelum." Her advisor stepped aside to make way for the Caelum guy who stepped forward, revealing his face through the light. His hair black and spiky but it reflected blue as light touched it.

He bowed with grace and authority before her. "Your Highness."

"Leave us be, Sazh," Lightning said, referring to her advisor, who, then, silently took his leave.

"What made you come here, Sergeant?" She asked, her voice flat. She straightened in her seat.

Noctis slowly raised his body, lifting his gaze to her. His dark blue eyes shone yet his face, unreadable. But the princess admitted that she didn't expect for her would-be bodyguard to look so well and young. She, maybe, was expecting something rougher and older.

She smirked to herself. He looked like a total weakling. Her father never really knew her and what she wanted or needed.

"I was trained to look after Your Highness. The King had chosen me."

Now she wanted to laugh. Her father never mentioned anything about him or someone he would train to look after her. 

"You do know, rather, must know, that I don't need anyone to look after me," she leaned on her seat, crossing her legs.

"I understand. But it is my duty--"

"Thanks for your service, Sergeant. And for your loyalty, but I am sorry to send you back this instance…" she trailed off as an idea hit her. The corner of her lips pulled up into a slight curve. "Or maybe you can go look after my sister for me, since I don't trust the man assigned to guard her. Then report it to me the next morning. Your choice."

The sergeant paused and looked at her carefully. After a moment, he sighed, "All right."

"All right, what? You're going to leave?"

"I'll look after you and your sister," he said slowly, stressing each word.

"What? I didn't mention-"

"I told you, Your Highness, that I was ordered by the late king to look after you. And as you commanded, I'm going to look after your sister as well."

Lightning huffed, glancing down as she thought for a moment. She had to do this for Serah. She couldn't brush the idea of her sister developing feelings towards her bodyguard whose name was Snow Villiers, as what the rumors said. Though, her sister disputed that it wasn't true, however she didn't trust her this time. I'm sorry, Serah.

She lifted her gaze back to the sergeant and said, "All right." 

* * *

The smell of roses wafted in the air. Closing her eyes, Lightning basked in its scent and let it embrace her. The rose garden was the only thing her late mother left as her remembrance. So, she made sure to look after and took care of it herself. It had become her favourite place to go to in the palace. It felt like her mother was there, and never really left.

Reaching for a rose, she heard a faint rustle among the bushes. She stopped. Her senses told her she wasn't alone.

"Who's there?" She called, turning her body slowly. "Show yourself. I know you're there," she said  when, whoever was behind the bushes, didn't come out. 

Then a pair of black boots appeared, the Sergeant revealing himself. 

She crossed her arms, shifting her weight on her other leg. “What are you doing here?”

The sergeant shrugged.  "Watching you?"

Lightning squinted at him and drawled, "Watching, huh… Well, it looks like you're stalking, by hiding in the bushes." 

"Since you said that you didn't like me to watch over you. But I shan't fail the late King of what he ordered me to do as a promise, so I decided to do it in secret."

She scoffed, shaking her head once. "You have a weird sense of humor, aren't you? Besides, we all know he's dead so whether you keep your promise or not wouldn't matter."

"No. A promise is a promise."

"Are you going against me, Sergeant?"

The sergeant straightened his back and bowed slightly. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I do not intend to."

"I am, as you call it, Your Highness. So whose orders are you going to follow?"

"Whoever rules the Kingdom."

"And that's me."

"And your father…"

Lightning gave him a sharp look. This man's testing my patience.

"May I ask a personal question, princess?"

She regarded him a moment before she nodded her head.

"Why is it like you're going up against what the late king wishes for you? It's for your own good."

Her hand balled into fists. Her jaw rigid. "He never knew what's good for me. All he cared about was the Kingdom. And now he thought he knew what I needed? Where was he when I needed him the most?" She then sighed sharply, closing her eyes. Her heart hammering wildly inside her chest. And she thought she revealed too much.

Shooting a glare at Sergeant Caelum, she waited for him to say more or for him to scold her that she got her father all wrong. She wanted to know if her father really cared about her, but all she got from him was a nod of understanding. How disappointing.

They turned silent and still. None made a move. Yet the silence was disturbing, when a gentle rush of wind blew past them, making the rose rustle, as if her mother was urging her to say something. But she’s lost for a moment. What shall I do, mother?

The sergeant cleared his throat, stealing her attention. "Then... will you just let me do what your father wishes this time and watch over you?" 

She sized him up for a moment. Her mother raised a queen that could defend the kingdom, not to be looked after. "On one condition. Defeat me in a spar."

* * *

Lightning took him to the training grounds. In her hand was the Blazefire Saber, her personal weapon which the gods had given her on her 18th birthday.

"Where's your weapon?" She asked when she saw Sergeant Caelum holding nothing.

Without uttering a word, Noctis held his hand, palm open in front of him and then a sword materialized into thin air.

How--

Her grip tightened on her gun-blade, her brows furrowed. She looked at him grimly.

The sergeant swung his sword and placed his body in a stance. 

With a faint huff, and stillness surrounding them, Lightning charged first, swinging her weapon to him which he countered with his sword. 

His sword, Lightning thought, was not unexceptional. Surely, an ordinary person wouldn't be able to gain it. Her eyes flicked to his dark blue ones, feeling an unexpected force. She broke out from the contact and was thrown backwards, the sole of her boots glided against the smooth wooden floor. Good thing she had her balance in check, or she might be thrown off.

"Who are you?" she uttered, almost like a whisper, looking at the man with disbelief. Where did her father meet him?

The sergeant stood straight, his sword disappeared as he placed a hand on his chest and bowed. "I do not wish to fight you, Your Highness. As I told you, I'm here to watch over you."

"Yaah!!!!" Not giving him the chance to utter another word, she launched at him. And in a blink of an eye he vanished into thin air and appeared right behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulled her close to his body before she could make the fall; her sword fell from her grip. She grunted, and gritted her teeth, trying to hide the pang of embarrassment and humiliation. She's the queen, she must be better. Do better.

"Let go of me," she grunted between her teeth, and the sergeant did so, gently.

"I told you, I do not wish to fight you," he said.

She turned at him, frowning. Her pride refused to speak to him, but the way he held himself only humiliated her more, and was telling her to act how a royalty should.

She held her chin high despite being shorter just a few inches than him. "All right. I can see you’re fit to watch my sister. But not me. I can handle myself."

"I've sworn my life to you."

Lightning paused. Sworn his life. Normally, all of her soldiers had sworn their lives to her, but he, this sergeant, the way he said those words carried such weight as if he’d been preparing all his life for this. To serve their kingdom. Or worse, to serve her, solely.

Not wanting to give up to him yet, she sighed. "Yes, I know. And that means watching over my sister. She needed you more than I do."

The sergeant, intently, stared at her. She shifted on her weight and about to glance away when he spoke, "I know. But how am I going to look after you?"

She chuckled, which sounded like a scoff. She couldn't believe this guy. "You don't need to look after me. I thought we had an agreement that you'll look after my sister."

"Yes, but you are my priority. Don't make me stop now."

"You're stubborn, are you?"

"Maybe."

Then the words, she had been wanting to ask, just slipped off her tongue. "How could you have the ability to materialize a sword and teleport? What are you?"

A faintest smile touched the sergeant's lips. "You are curious it seems, Your Highness."

She didn't like the way he’s looking at her. And that smirk.

"No. I'm not," she tilted the corner of her lips then she spun around, turning her back on him and started to walk away. However, she felt his presence behind. Urgh! She wasn't going to live like this with someone following behind her.

"Stop doing that, you're creeping me out!" she said, sharp.

She heard him smirk. "My apologies. If you want we could talk."

"All right. Tell me how you got the power then I'll let you look after me. Don't leave one bit of information." 

"Certainly, Your Highness. I got it from a near death-experience when I was young. We have been attacked from the war ten years ago…."

Lightning could still remember it, she was eleven and that’s when her mother died. 

Bodhum had been at war against Niflheim, wanting to get their hands on the crystal, which they won. But the enemy kingdom attempted again,  two years ago, which her father had sacrificed his life for. And in her reign, she vowed she would not let what her parents sacrificed to go to waste. She would protect the Kingdom and the crystal as her life. But this sergeant, listening to his story… Etro had blessed him and gave him a prophecy of protecting it - the crystal - thus, her father had chosen him. 

But why him? And not… me? 

Was it also the reason her father tasked him to look after her?

"It was a curse. I know that someday, I'm going to pay its price and sacrifice my life for it… But I'm ready," he said, finishing his story.

She stopped walking, and looked at him. If that was so, and he was called to protect the crystal… she had made her decision.

"No, you're not cursed," she said, "because I need you. And you're not going to die… because who will protect me, then?"

Her face turned soft and then... she smiled. 

Now she’s angry. How Odin also wished that Etro would grant him the skill to understand human language and to communicate with her, but all he could get off was whines and huffs or whatever horse noise he could make.

* * *

“And she agreed on having a date with me, Ignis.”

Ignis remained calm as he stopped himself from taking a sip of his afternoon tea. “Oh?... uhm… I think that’s ...great.”

“WHAT?!” The bigger man, Gladio, pulled the drapes, which divided the apartment’s division, aside and peeked from the other room. His eyes were so wide it might pop out of its sockets.

But someone laughed out loud, coming from where Gladio was and later appearing from the room, his other friend with blond hair, Prompto. He kept on laughing with his hands on his belly.

“That’s… the… hahahaha! F—fucking funniest joke—pfft… hahahaha... Ha! Oh Noct!” He wiped his teary eyes from laughing so much. But the latter stared at him grimly. Gladio chuckled along though. Noctis turned to his last resort of having someone believe in him - his advisor and also his friend, Ignis, who just went to continue sipping his tea, avoiding his gaze.

“Seriously guys?” Noctis looked at each of them. 

“Well… it’s okay, Noct. Any man can dreahihi… hahahahahaha!!!...” Prompto went laughing again and Gladio joined in this time. 

“Hah!... Oh! Sorry, couldn’t help it.” Prompto sighed heavily, but still smiling from ear to ear.

That’s it! Noctis huffed and at once, rushed outside stomping on his feet. Shutting the door behind a little louder, as he did.

* * *

He continued marching outside with nowhere to go. He’s just so mad and disappointed.

He couldn’t believe his friends! Why wouldn’t anyone believe in him?! Were they even his friends?! They’ve been together since they’re still practically in their diapers. Their fates to serve his royalty was told by the gods itself.

And now they’re not acting like one or doing what a royal advisors and guardians should be to a royalty like him, especially since he so badly needed their help!!!

Noctis’ jaw tightened and his hands balled into fists. 

Calm down, Noctis! Calm the fuck down! Ugh!

He was turning the corner when he got collided with someone and he fell backwards with his ass meeting the solid ground. He groaned a little loud. He rubbed his hands on his sides to soothe the pain. Then he heard a whimper of a… woman? With a pink hair color. She was in the same position as him but her legs were wide spread and she was even wearing a short skirt. He accidentally saw her undies, so with flustered face he looked away at once, and hastily, stood up. Well, she’s wearing shorts underneath but it felt not so gentlemanly to look.

He held out his hand towards her without  looking at her, but the way she gripped his hand was surprisingly strong.

“Thanks!” she grunted. 

And now Noctis took the liberty to look at her. 

Oooh! But those pale aqua ones struck him and it took him a moment to speak. 

“I’m sorry— whoa!” Noctis backed away when suddenly a white horse was marching towards him.

“Hush! Odin.” The lady said. And the horse just huffed and stood behind her but it was still glaring at him.

Noctis chest was heaving out from the slight panic attack. This lady was filled with weirdness in her.

“I’m sorry too. Are you alright?” she said as her eyes trailed down his body.

Noctis just nodded. Speak you dumb fuck! “Uhm, yes… Are you hurt?”

The lady waved her hands. “No, I’m perfectly fine.”

But Noctis saw a marks of red and gray on her thighs. 

“Hey!” The lady protested as she saw him looking at her milky white thighs. 

The prince blushed and looked away. “Sorry. It’s just that y-you got some scratches.”

“Oh, ‘tis just a little scratch. Nothing to worry about.”

Noctis looked at her in disbelief then to the horse. “So… are you taking him on a walk?” He decided to move on.

She glanced to the horse. “Oh uhm.. you can say that. I mean, partly, yeah.”

Noctis only hummed along.

“How about you? You heading somewhere?” she asked. And Noctis almost forgot why he was here.

“N-not really! Just walking.”

She just nodded.

They just stood there and none of them moved or even attempted to walk away and leave, like there’s an awkwardness hanging in the air and he wasn’t sure if it’s only him who felt it. 

“So…”

“Maybe…”

They said all at once, and they stared at each other, blinking at the same time. 

But Noctis was the first to break off the uncomfortable thing embracing them as he let out a chuckle.

“You go on first…” The lady said.

“Erm...Ladies first.” 

“Sorry to say, but I’m no lady!”

Noctis looked back at her with utter confusion What?!  She couldn’t fool him, she looked beautiful in every way to not be a lady.

“Oh, dear!” she rubbed her face with her palm. “Just messing with you!” She nudged him by the arm and he wasn’t used to such kind of contact so he pulled his arm slightly away.

“Ooh, he’s sensitive.” she smirked.

“So are you going somewhere?” Noctis hesitantly asked, but he really felt the need to confide in someone. So he was kind of hoping that she would be available.

“No. Not really. How about you?”

“Great! I mean, No. Nowhere. I was just thinking, if it’s not too much, for us to go on a walk together, because I need your help.”

“I was actually about to say the same thing.” She sheepishly said. “I-I also need your help.

Noctis blinked. “Oh what is it?”

“You see, I have this teeny weeny problem. And… I need some advice from a man like you. ”

Noctis flustered, and his eyes widened. “Well, I also need an advice from a woman like you.” He chuckled.

“Really?” She chuckled but soon her face faltered. Then she started to pace away.

Panic surged inside Noctis and he hurriedly followed her. “Hey! I’m sorry. Have I said anything wrong?”

“No. I… Well…” then she stopped walking and blew another sigh. Then she sat on the bench along the sidewalk. She seemed bothered, he noticed.

 “Can I tell you something personal?” 

“Sure.” Noctis sat beside her. It’s weird how willingly he was to listen to her.

“I know we’re both strangers from each other but I don’t have anyone to talk this thing with. I mean… I don’t trust myself enough…” She really looked disturbed and Noctis wondered how serious the issue was.

“O...kay?” Noctis said slowly.

She cleared her throat. “Okay… here it goes. But first promise me you won’t laugh.” She raised her pinky finger.

Noctis took it and laced his pinky finger together with hers.

“Good. So… here…There’s this guy. And I… I agreed to see him. L-like a date… because he offered me to a restaurant that cooks a good steak. And I love steak. And now I’m freaking out as I don’t know what a date is like!”

Noctis tried to keep himself from smiling but he found, watching her freaking out …kind of cute.

But soon his worries and anxiety came rushing back.

“Yeah,” he sighed.

“What?”

“It’s funny how we’re experiencing the same thing.”

“You haven’t been on a date?”

He glanced to her. “ I have, but it’s not… the real date date! Just a let’s walk the garden date. Have some tea date. You know, just simple things that can be a date but not really a date.”

“Oh, like this?”

Noctis blushed and his heart started beating. “I-if you want to consider it like that.” He chuckled in embarrassment. 

“Okay. So what happened?” She scooted a little closer.

“So… This girl who I’ve been casually dating, agreed to go on a real date with me. Some candlelight dinner date.”

“That’s tough.”

“I know.” Then they became silent. 

His eyes trailed on the white horse eating the little grass underneath a tree. “So, by the way, what’s your horse’s name?”

“He’s still a pony. I call him Odin.” She smiled.

He looked at it gently. Then he looked back to her. “I’ve always wanted a horse.”

“If you want, we can go on a  ride together.” She, at once, stood up without even waiting for his answer.

She pulled and positioned Odin, and hopped onto him at once like a pro. It amazed Noctis.

“Hey, you ridin’ or what?” She asked.

“I thought… Okay.” Then he hopped in, but he was actually hoping that he’d be the one to take control of him.

They ride Odin through the city until they made it to the fields where she made him run faster. It felt so nice and Noctis somehow forget the pressure he was in earlier and just basked in the cool air that brushed against them, smelling the fresh scent of the greens around them.

 * * *

By the way, when’s your date?” Noctis asked. They decided to laze in the meadow in the  middle of the forest. He plucked a wildflower surrounding them and played it in his fingers.

“Oh. Tomorrow evening. Yours?”

“In two days.”

She hummed. “...Do you think I should go?”

“Yes. Unless you don’t really like him.”

“I’m just all for the steak.”

He chuckled. “You can’t always go on a date with someone just because of the steak.”

“I know. But… I can eat it for free and in the best restaurant there is.”

“If that’s the case, then, you will go on a date with me, if there’s a steak?”

“Well, we're on some kind of a date already, right? And there’s no steak.”

It sounded different to Noctis. He felt his heart skipped a beat. He suddenly couldn’t take his eyes from her. Whoever her date will be, would be lucky.

“What? Is something wrong?” She brought her hands to her face and he looked away, flustered.

“Well, it’s just that… I haven’t gotten to know your name.” He cleared his throat.

“Oh, right…. It’s Lightning” She held out her hand.

He rolled his eyes this time. “Please be serious!”

“Yes, I’m serious.”

“Okay, I’m thunder.” He shook her hand, but she pulled it away at once.

“Oh etro!” She sighed, brushing her face with her palm.

“You can’t call yourself Lightning!”

“Why not? Then call me Light.”

Noctis looked at her incredulously. No way did her parents give her that name?

“You’re more like a cherry to me than Lightning.”

“Cherry? Please, you’re much worse.” she chuckled. “And I’m serious, I’m Lightning. So what’s yours?”

“You… don’t know me?”

She blinked and raised her brows in confusion. “Do… I have to know you?”

“You’re not from here.”

“Nope.” 

Then that’s better.

“It’s Noctis.”

“Noctis… Where have I heard - wait,don’t tell me you’re... Prince Noctis?”

Noctis brought a hand on his chest and bowed his head. “At your service.”

“I’m sorry, where are my manners?” Lightning was about to stand but Noctis held her wrist.

“Please.” Then he shook his head.

“So, you’re the prince, huh. Where are your guards then? They’re supposed to look after you, right?”

The prince chuckled. “That’s too cliché. No, I’m not that type of prince. I can go out with my friends. See? Lucis is a safe place to live in.”

“I can see that, proud prince.”

“So, what made you visit here? And what’s your name? I’m sure it isn’t Lightning.”

“What if I’m a spy? Or a serial killer? Haven’t you thought of that? And yet you’re walking all alone.” She said, ignoring his question.

“Well, then I can just turn you in, and you gotta do some explaining, you know the drill.” Then he looked at his hand that’s still holding her wrist. 

Her eyes moved to his hand on her wrist and she chuckled. “Cocky, are we?”

And suddenly something seemed to surround them. A complete stillness. It felt strange. But a  nice feeling of strange. They stared back at each other, and Noctis know it was different. He’s sure it wasn’t only him who was feeling it, but also her.

“I just wanna know your name.” He stated silently as he gently let her wrist go.

“Why bother? You might turn me into the police.”

“You’re not serious, right?”

She chuckled and shook her head. “What do you think?”

“You’re a good person. That’s how I feel.”

She looked at him and he did just the same. “How could you say that? And what will happen if you knew my name? It’s not like we’re going to see each other again, right?”

“You know where I live. I’m the prince.” He shrugged.

“Give me one good reason why should I give you my name, then?”

He stayed silent and shifted his eyes on a wildflower being blown softly by the wind. “Then I think I should’ve just protected my identity from you, if you think I couldn’t be trusted.”

“I just don’t like attachments, prince.”

He looked back to her… intently. Holding her gaze. Then, slowly, he inched his face closer. He didn’t know what he was thinking but he dared himself. As she didn’t make any move, he went on until their lips were just mere inches away and he could feel the warmth of her breath against his, drawing him much closer. His breath hitched as he felt her lips brushed against his. Then he slowly and gently took them in, colliding hers in his mouth, kissing her passionately. His hand grabbed her face softly. Her lips were so soft that he couldn’t help but grazed his tongue along its softness and wanting to taste more of her. But just before their kisses became heated, she broke away.

“What’s … I’m sorry.” she said breathlessly.

And Noctis couldn’t speak, as he tried to process what’s going on.

‘A ROYALTY IS HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH HIS PERSONAL BODYGUARD!’

 Lightning read the headlines, imprinted in bold on the newspaper, with her eyes. ‘Tch!’ she tossed it off the table. And the said royalty appeared from the bathroom door, his lower body only wrapped in towel. She moved her eyes away from him, quickly.

She and the prince were even staying in a same hotel room that the Niflheim locals provided for them to stay in for the Peace Talks that would take place in the said country for a week.

“If you’ll excuse me, sire” Then she started to turn around and leave but the prince stopped her and reasoned that it was fine.

She sighed, still remaining on her place where her back was facing him. She slightly tilted her head to his direction and said, “Rumours are spreading”.

Noctis, the prince of Lucis and the royalty being mentioned in the newspaper was very much aware of that rumours going on between him and his bodyguard, Lightning.

“What rumours?” but he decided to play along.

Thankfully, his personal bodyguard was not facing him as a smile formed his lips or else he wouldn’t like the consequence awaiting him if she ever learned that he was enjoying the rumours surrounding them. Both of them knew that a relationship between a royalty and a mere bodyguard was forbidden, more of a disgrace, as it may brought humiliation for his country, Lucis.

But Noctis couldn’t find anything wrong about it. Especially, if it’s Lightning they were talking about, because he knew her. She had done so much for the kingdom more than she should like protecting him and his father to the extent of almost sacrificing her life for the good of all. He’s proud to have met her and even more proud to have her. There were no other like Lightning and just imagining of sending her away was something Noctis wouldn’t want to happen. It’d be better for him to slay a hundreds of Behemoths instead of her being removed from his life. If possible, he would be willing to make Lightning the queen of Lucis.

“I think you already know about it”, then Lightning went outside and waited for the Prince to finish dressing. Noctis shook his head and decided to wear a simple dark colored shirt and pajamas to lessen the regal title he holds even on physical aspect. He wanted to look simple for Lightning, so she wouldn’t think that she didn’t deserve to be linked with him, and for her not to think less of herself just because.

After he dressed up he called her back inside and he went to sit on the couch and continued to talk to her about the said rumours.

“There are lots of rumours spreading, Light. Which one are you talking about?”

“I’m not sure if you have heard of this or if it even bugs you but there are rumours about us having this non-existent relationship. As a matter of fact, it even reached Niflheim.” Lightning’s eyes were only fixed at him, like what she said was something not to get awkward of.

A smile played on his lips, “Oh...well, if you want we can bring our non-existent relationship into existence.”

“Not funny”, she crossed her arms. But she received a hearty laugh from the prince. She turned at him, her eyes squinting then she smirked “You seem to find these amusing, my prince.”

The way she stared at him made him look down and rubbed his nape, “But... does it make you uncomfortable?”

“No, but you see we are together in this room and people would think that-that we slept together.”

 “So? Why would we care? Besides, we really are going to sleep together.”  He rested on the couch, placing his hands at the back of his head, resting comfortably.

“Did you just hear yourself, Noc-Prince?! Here I am, getting worried for your wellbeing and dignity and you’re taking these all lightly.”

“You’re right. And you’re wrong. You are my personal bodyguard. So being ‘my’ bodyguard,” he placed one of his hands on his chest, emphasizing the word, “it is your duty to watch over me, meaning you gotta stay by my side at all times even how much you hate it. And besides, we know the truth, it’s all that matters.”

She sighed “But you know, it is my will to do anything I can for your own good. And that rumours would just--”

“Really?”

She blinked in confusion.

“Yes, of course,” she said in a questioning tone.

“I mean you would do anything for my own good?”

“Y-yes.”

“You stammered.”

She couldn’t believe he doubted her.

“I don’t like your tone.”

“Answer me.”

“Of course, Prince Noctis”

“Then go take the bed and I will sleep here on the couch.”

“What—No.”

“You just said anything”

“For your own good, my prince. Not mine.”

“Then go take the bed.”

She sighed in defeat, finally sitting on the bed. But Noctis was intently staring at her, “What?”

“I have another favour.”

“Okay?”

“Just for tonight. Would you call me Noctis and act like we’re friends. And you change into pajamas.”

“I apologize but that is impossible. We’re in the enemy’s territory, remember?”

“I can take care of myself, besides it’s only you I gotta protect here.”

“You’re out of your mind. I am the one who has the duty to protect you so just go to sleep before I change my mind in letting you sleep on the couch”

“Then your vowing of doing anything for my own good is untruthful if you do.”

“I don’t understand you right now, Prince.”

“Who’s prince? I am Noctis.”

She rolled her eyes, sighing. He was impossible. And with that she gave up, not because she wanted him to shut up but she decided to follow his favors knowing they were not only simple favors but orders. He was the prince she sworn her loyalty to after all. So she stood up and went into the bathroom and showered, then it all came back to her, striking her realization. Her hand slowly touched her chest, and her heart was beating fast.

She was alone here with him.

“Noc-tis” she tried to mumble his name but she stammered. Then she felt her face and body heating up.

‘This is all so wrong’, she thought as feelings that she had been controlling and hiding started to emerge within her.

She lifted her head up and let the water fall down her face, because she was aware deep inside that she had developed feelings for him long time ago, but she managed to stop it from growing much more, but her feelings never disappeared, and now she was afraid it would burst anytime soon.

She sighed in exasperation and turned the shower even stronger.

Noctis wondered if Lightning has fallen in love before as he waited for her to finish showering. He turned his head to the bathroom door and lewd thoughts started to form. It took his willpower to brush it off especially he respected Lightning. Then the bathroom door opened and noticed that she already changed into comfortable pajamas, thankfully. A smile appeared on his lips, but his body guard didn’t look at his way and went straight to the bed instead, but she made sure to have her weapon with her all the time.

She placed her Blazefire Saber beside her as she lied down, and her body was facing his direction. And Noctis found himself feeling a little jealous of her weapon to be lying beside her instead of him, much to his surprise.

“Lightning”

 “Hm?”

“I just wonder, but please don’t laugh, okay?”

“Okay”

“erm...What if... I didn’t happen to be a prince and then...”

She just looked at him, calmly and as he didn’t said anything, she said “and then... what?”

“And then ... rumours like that started to spread, what would you feel? Would you hate me?”

The question caught her off-guard. She was just having dilemma while she showered and then now he was asking her the kinds of questions she wished to avoid, “Well, that depends.”

“Depends on what?”

“Depends on what kind of a ‘commoner’ you are.”

“Well, what kind of prince am I?”

“Uhm... At first, you look a little snob but it’s only because you’re shy and you’re still little irresponsible but you’re getting there. And … I like how you cared so much for your family and friends even if you lack on showing it. But if you happen to be a commoner and you still have those qualities, I think I would still like you.”

She kept her face calm but her heart was beating hard. ‘Keep it subtle’.

“R-really?” he sat up, out of impulse. And his reaction took Lightning by surprise.

“Y-yeah?” she said, softly.

But soon his little happiness soon faded realizing, “if I just happen to be a commoner, isn’t it?” then his face fell then he lied back down, deciding to face the ceiling.

He sighed and waited for her to say something.

Until a minute passed and still nothing.

He was afraid to turn and look at her. Did he show more information than he should? Would she realize that he felt something for her and would really want for the rumours to be true?

“I like you” came a very light response from her, he almost ignore it.

What?

In an instant he materialized on top of her.

“What did you say?” Noctis looked desperate and Lightning couldn’t move out of utter surprise from his sudden teleportation over her, locking her up on the bed.

“Uhm...” she gulped down hard.

“Shit! I’m sorry”, Noctis went off from her, at once, and started to be uneasy whether he would face her or just go back to the couch. “I-I was stupid. I really am sorry”

“No, no it’s fine” She managed to say but her cheeks were tinted red. She could feel like her heart would burst out of her chest.

“G-good night” Noctis went to lie back down the couch facing his back at her. But how badly he wanted to kiss her; he still could feel her sweet breath against his face.

“Good night” she mumbled.

“Make way! Make way!” a rush of adrenaline ran through her as she raced after the man who stole her heart three years ago.

The City of Lucis was crowded as ever. She dodged the people that were on her way while her eyes focused on her opponent.

‘Damn cheater’ she mumbled, breathlessly as she saw that he used his teleportation, again, even if he was surrounded.

‘He’s out of his mind.’ She decided to do a race on a crowded place so that he would refrain himself from using his powers, but it seemed not the case for him nor any of his concerns.

So she made a shortcut around the corner making a sharp curve on the right, running along the narrow streets filled with vendors. ‘If cheating is what he likes, I will give it to him.’

“Excuse me!” she shouted among the crowds, and then she saw him running behind her now.  She smiled to herself in her little victory as she continued running to the finish line, which was at the airstrip near the city, but it’s still a kilometre run.

Then not long after she’s nearing the airstrip, she looked around to check for signs of her cheater boyfriend but found him nowhere. Good! Etro was on her side. She would win this time and she would never let him defeat her again. She ran harder, exceeding her limits. And she could care less about it since all she cared about was winning.

But as she was getting near the finish line, she felt a light tap on her left shoulder just to see Noctis, her rogue boyfriend. And not long enough, he was already running ahead of her towards the finish line. Adrenaline rushing, Lightning ran even faster than she could imagine, almost closing off the distance between them but her efforts were all in vain as Noctis, in that instant, used his teleportation in those last few meters towards the finish line.

“Wooo!” Noctis cheered as he threw her his one of his boyish smiles she loved so much.

 But she didn’t let it wash off the bitterness she felt.

She gave up and decided to just walk giving him one of her deadly glares, “Cheater!”

She was sure she would win every race they had if he just didn’t use that damn teleportation everytime. But Noctis was even laughing at her after all he did.

 “How dare you – “, but Noctis’ lips were fast on stealing kisses from her, leaving her more breathless, “…cheat–kiss me?” she stammered while shoving him off lightly and her cheeks were tinted red. But Noctis was rigid and he kept her lock up in between his arms.

“Sorry babe! I’m just claiming my prize for winning, and sorry for cheating against you because I can’t afford to lose when the punishment is not gonna be able to kiss you for a day. No thank you, Thunder.”

“It’s Lightning, princess. And because you cheat you have to eat vegetables. And that’s for a week, Prince Caelum!”

“Salty, much?” he chuckled, crossing his arms. “I win so I don’t have the right to be punished.”

“You cheated for goodness sake, Noctis!” her brows knitted even more and Noctis couldn’t help but to find her cute even though her glares sent him goose bumps.

He lifted up his hands in defeat, “Okay, chill now, princess. I will eat vegetables if that’ll make you happy. Besides, it’s a better punishment than not being able to touch you”, he wiggled his brows, suggestively and she couldn’t help but to blush, again, although the frown was still resting on her face.

“Savor?” Lightning raised a brow in confusion.

“N-No, I mean savior. So you were a savior before?” Noctis mentally cursed himself for almost getting caught by his lewd thoughts while observing her speak. Those lips were just to die for.

‘Argh! Cut it off!’ he told himself. 

“Uhm. Yes? Something like that.” She even took another spoonful of Vanilla ice cream which caused Noctis’ imagination to ran even wilder.  He decided to look away but he couldn’t help on glancing back at her. And the pinkette even licked the vanilla around her lips. He gulped.

“You want ice cream?” she suddenly asked.

He was taken aback and he blinked. “S-sorry?”

“I was wondering if you want some ice cream since you keep staring at mine.”

He blushed in embarrassment “N-No. I’m fine.” He managed a smile. “T-thanks” This girl was so tormenting him. He wanted her. Not the ice cream.

Then silence surrounded them. And it’s awkward.

None of them dared to break it until he couldn’t contain it anymore. 

“M-May I excuse myself for a bit? I think an ice cream could benefit me.” He stood up and went to order some ice cream, and then he heard Light asking for another. He never saw her as one to love ice cream that much, especially Vanilla.

UNFAIR

Lightning noticed her fiancee not touching his food while she has already eaten the half on her plate. She stopped. “Hey Noctis”

Noctis just humphed like a kid, and Lightning sighed, getting what was going on. “Aren’t you going to eat that?”

Noctis took a moment to respond before he shook his head. Lightning, then, hurried to finish her food and scooted over beside Noctis. He just watched her took his spoon and put some spoonful of veggies on it, and then she turned to him. “Open your mouth, say ah!”

Noctis didn’t budge; he crossed his arms, lowered and shook his head. And this expression of him almost received a giggle from his girl who stopped herself before it happened so it sounded like a snort. “What a kid my future husband will be?” But she still insisted for him to open his mouth but still the prince remained his stubbornness.

“You sound like Ignis. Did he just possess you right now?” Noctis turned his body away from her.

“Noctis, if you didn’t learn to eat vegetables how can we run our relationship smoothly?”

“Well, we can still deal with each other smoothly without any vegetables involve.” He shrugged.

“Now I’m afraid women won’t be my problem with you but this.” Lightning emphasized the word as she raised the spoonful of vegetables. “Then, at least, just eat this one.”

Noctis kept silent and stared at it.

And

Just

Stared.

Not

Moving

Even

An

Inch.

Lightning just waited.

.

.

.

Then he sighed.

But before Lightning could react, the spoon was snatched out from her hand but thanks to her fast reflexes her finger has stopped Noctis’ lips in attempt on kissing her.

Noctis leaned off and sighed in disappointment. “What a spoilsport” he mumbled. But Lightning had an idea. A very tempting one.

“Okay” she started “Let’s have a deal. I will let you kiss me all you want; we can do it the entire day even, if you will finish your food. But if you don’t, you can’t kiss me the entire week.”

“What? But that’s unfair!” Noctis grumbled lowly this time and complained, “Why do I even have to eat those?”

“Because it is good for the body.” Lightning rolled her eyes.

“What about meat, a-and fish? Fish are nutritious too, why force me to something I don’t want?”

“I just don’t want to throw these out. And eating vegetables won’t kill you. It will help you live, Noct.”

Noctis only sighed but a little louder. He rested his chin on his hand and, again, they had another staring contest. But Noctis looked more dismayed this time. Then he straightened up and Lightning positioned the spoon of food in front of him, waiting for him to open his mouth.

“Come on, love, just this one.” Lightning managed to call him that and hoped that it would work. But Noctis squinted his eyes at her, smiling in disbelief that his fiancée would go that far to call him love which he knew wasn’t her thing.

“Love, really?” he mused, smiling even more while nodding his head. Then he chuckled. “Nice trying, love.” He said the ‘love’ word in a mocking tone.

What comes after had Lightning regret herself from even sighing in exasperation in the first place as she felt Noctis lips fiercely taking hers and his hands crawling on different parts of her body. She almost lost her willpower at the contact, especially, feeling his tongue sensually forcing itself in hers. She moaned, “Noc..hmm.” But she gave all the remaining strength she still has to push him away. And she succeeded. Both of them were breathless but Noctis’ smile was priceless.

“I love tasting you better.” He said, breathless, licking his lips. Lightning’s face reddened, speechless.

“You’ll pay for what you’ve done.” She tried to, at least, threatened him, in a situation she’s currently in.

Noctis started to stand, “Sure thing. Later, on the bed, milady.” He smiled and winked and left his lovely fiancée, who was still speechless.

“Yo Noct! It seems like your fishing rod will lose anytime. Do you mind letting me give it a shot?” Prompto grins, pulling out his gun to indicate what he means. 

“Get lost, Prompto!” Noctis said in a boring tone.

He still feels sleepy but mother Ignis insisted for him to go fishing, and of all people, with Prompto, ever the troublemaker. But he got no choice. And in the very first place he hadn’t, especially the only person he would rather be with is still sleeping. But he has to do this because the only ingredients left are veggies, and he hates anything that is green.

Bang!

“Yeee-haw!!! And that’s what I’m talking about!!!!” Prompto boosts in laughter after he shot a fish dead. 

‘He thinks this is fun huh?’ Noctis thought.

He tries to give Prompto a death glare.

“Still sleepy, Noct?” 

Fails.

He just blew a sigh and continues fishing.

“You want me to tell the truth?” Noctis reels in his rod as his prey nibbles his bait.

“Aye Prince-y!” Prompto even saluted.

“You are not helping.” 

“How? I shot the fish for you.”

“It’s dead!”

Prompto, who seems to not understand what the prince meant, raises a brow. “So? … Ignis needs it dead, right?”

Noctis wants to give Prompto some Armiger about his ignorance. “Just get me a basket.”

“Yes, sir!” And thankfully, Prompto leaves him.

                        [ A R M I G E R - the means to wield the royal arms all at once ]

Prompto happily makes his way back to camp to get a basket for the prince as he sings to himself “Get a basket for Prince Nocty! Get a basket for Prince Nocty and serve his highness!” 

“WATCH OUT!” A girl’s voice shouts from a distance out of nowhere.

And Prompto did what the voice said; he dodges, ducking down at once and he saw strings flying off somewhere. He slowly stands up and searches where it came from. 

“I am sorry!!!” the voice speaks again. He follows it and spots a cute girl across the pond. He smiles and waves. “It’s okay!” he shouts back. Then he observes the girl from afar before finally deciding to approach her. Maybe she needs some help.

“You fishin’?” Prompto speaks behind the girl when someone also speaks in a stern voice after him. “Don’t move.” 

Prompto, carelessly turns when he was asked not to, only to see a gun pointing at him. His eyes widen . . . and shines.

“WOW! Where’d you get your gun?!” he beams.

“I said don’t move!” Then the gun clicks.

“Light, cool it down! I think he isn’t a bad guy!” the cute girl said.

“Yes, I’m not.” Prompto raises his hands in surrender and puts them down, still smiling. Then he starts circling around the woman called ‘Light’. 

“But who are you? I bet you’re not supposed to be here.”

“I am Vanille and she is Lightning and we resides at Galdin Quay.” The Vanille girl with cute ponytails holds out a hand to Prompto. “Nice to meet you….”

“Prompto” Prompto said and about to take Vanille’s hand when Lightning slaps his hand off.

“Ow!” 

“How could you trust this stranger easily, Vanille?” Lightning still on guard.

“Woah-wait! I am from Lucis and I am accompanying the Prince right now to get some breakfast.” He smiles then his eyes lands on Vanille and oh did he just love those innocent green eyes of hers.

“The prince?!” Vanille gushes. Her eyes literally shines “Oh take us with him. I want to meet him!”

“Vanille” Lightning grumbles. “Our only plan is to catch some fish and get back.”

“Good timing! The prince is fishing as well. I am sure he needs your amazing fishing rod!” He looks at Vanille’s cool fishing rod. And he leans on to Vanille and whispers “Since he sucks at fishing.” 

Lightning doesn’t approve of the proximity this Prompto makes. She just scowls from behind. Prompto’s phone rings, receiving a text message from Noctis asking where he is and the basket.

“Oh come on now ladies, and let’s not make the Prince wait.” Then Prompto, successfully, bring the girls with him. And as they are making their way there Prompto muses over their appearances. “Your names are kind of weird …in a good way, I mean. I actually like it. Vanille and Lightning! And Vanilla’s my favorite ice cream flavor by the way.” 

“Oh I love Vanilla; it’s my first time tasting it here.” Vanille gleefully said and she and Prompto seem to get along pretty easily. But Lightning has her doubts and that is if this guy will really lead them to the Prince. It’s not that easy to get and meet the Prince.

Or…

“Yo! Noct!” Prompto waves.

Maybe not.

The said Prince is quietly fishing and beside him lays a dark cloth with fishes on it.

“Genius, Noct! Your jacket as a substitute for the basket.” Prompto went closer.

“So where’s the bask–” Noctis pauses, seeing unfamiliar guests and the fish he is reeling in has escape. But the pink haired girl catches his interest. The girl is just sooo looking at him, looking into his soul. He looks away and tries to hold his composure. “W-who are they Prompto?”

“Friends!” As usual of Prompto, easy to make friends. 

“Hi!” Vanille waves and Noctis turn and give her a little nod then her rod catches his eyes.

‘WOW!’ he mouths and just looks at it without moving.

But Prompto notices it “The Prince likes your rod, Vanille.” he said like he predicted what the Prince was thinking.

“Oh! I would love to give it to you, your Highness but I just…can’t. It has sentimental value to me.” Vanille clasps her rod a little tighter.

Noctis blinks, feeling a bit embarrassed. “N- No. Y-you don’t really have to do that.” He manages a smile and glances at Lightning. 

Prompto leans down to Noct to tell him of his manners. Then Noctis stands up and dusts himself. “Oh… I-I am Noctis………” then his voice slowly dies down realizing how awkward it already looks, then still he adds “…. by the way,”

“We know.” Vanille said, smiling. “Mine’s Vanille and this is my friend, Claire.”

Lightning slightly twitches at the mention of her name and said “It’s… Lightning.”

She shots Vanille an eye. But Vanille just ignores her. “Want to borrow my rod, Prince?”

And Noctis is more than happy. He smiled. “Do you mind?”

“Not at all.” Vanille giggles and hands the rod to him and moves closer to Noctis to teach him how to use it.

Prompto feels jealous at the attention Noct receives from Vanille when the gun catches his interest so he approaches Light. “Hey show me how that gun works!”

Lightning was observing Vanille and Noctis when blondie, suddenly, appears beside her. He reminds her of Snow. She looks at the gun at her holster. 

“Say, you see those Arbas? Let’s shoot them.” 

“Sure.” Then she and Prompto set off to kill. Lightning just looooves huntin’.

Prompto isn’t a bad guy after all, Lightning thought.

Together they beat the Arbas while showing him how Blazefire Saber works.

[ B L A Z E F I R E  S A B E R - gunblade only issued to highly trained soldiers ]

“Lightning, we should hunt together in the future.” Prompto said as they get back to the camp.

Lightning carries the Prince’s jacket that’s filled with fishes. While Prompto and Noctis carry the Arbas they skinned and Vanille carries the fishing rods and other things. Ignis spots his two friends who got some company. He is currently reading a book as he waits for them.  He gets up and approaches his friends, fixing his glasses.

“No wonder you took so long.” He looks at the two lovely ladies then to Noctis and Prompto.

“Ignis, meet Vanille and Lightning, and girls, meet Ignis.” Prompto happily introduces. Vanille waves enthusiastically and Lightning gives a gentle smile.

Vanille reminds Ignis of Prompto as to how they look delighted in everything. And he somehow sees himself in Light. But he’s not sure; she just gives him that vibe. Ignis smiles back “Please to meet you. But where do you come from?”

“We’re currently residing at Galdin Quay.” Vanille simply said and Ignis takes note of the word 'currently’ but he rather not say anything more.

“Care to join us?” Noctis finally speaks, being a prince.

“Sure, we’d–” Vanille was cut short.

“As much as we’d like to, but sadly, we have to take down the offer as our friends are waiting for us too” Lightning said, politely.

“Too bad.” Prompto comments from behind. But Noctis manages a smile despite feeling dejected “It’s alright.”

A lie.

Then Lightning faces her back and starts to walk away and Vanille gives a little bow and goes after Light.

“L-Lightning, W-wait!” Noctis half run after them and stops as Light pauses and slowly turns in confusion. She just stares at Noctis, waiting for him, which makes the prince feel more gauche as he already is.

“Erm…. w-when do we meet?” 

Lightning is taken aback by his question; she blinks once and opens her mouth slightly to say anything. “….J-just come by at Galdin Quay if you have time…” her words left hanging like there’s something more to say, but she just gives an awkward bow-not knowing how to acknowledge a prince, especially he doesn’t give her some vibes of being one.

Then she adds…

“ So…s-see you around, Prince.”