Tag: writings

Request please? What would happen if the reader really loves Prompto, but she gets depressed and sad when he keeps talking about Cindy and eventually just breaks down crying? D: Have a lovely night!

Reader like, second person right? First time writing this way. Here we goooo!! (Kind of short.)

Your hair is in your eyes, which you don’t really mind. It helps hide your face from sight. Though, there’s no one else around you to see you. You were also further hidden by your knees, which were drawn up to your chest and cradled your forehead. You’re alone, sitting atop a rock away from the haven you and the boys are camped at. Why? Because you just can’t stop your damn tears from falling. 

Earlier that day, you’d all run into the blonde haired beauty by the name of Cindy, and dread had settled into your gut. She was everything someone could wish for. Her kindness was second to none. Her humor was something that drew smiles from every. And her personality ensured that she got along with everyone.

Including Prompto. 

That damnable, chocobo haired, laid back, goofball was someone you’d held in high regard since you’d first met. And naturally, that regard evolved into feelings of a romantic nature. Which he never noticed. Even though the other teased you about your affections, the dummy never noticed. In fact, he’d make them stop so you wouldn’t be embarrassed by them. Which was why you were crying right now. 

The day had been spent listening to him in the car, while walking, during hunts, and in the camp, go on and on about Cindy. Cindy was so pretty. Cindy was kind. Do you think Cindy has a boyfriend? On and on. Like always.

You got that you weren’t Cindy’s type of nice. You got that maybe your attitude wasn’t always sunshine and puppies like hers. You understood that you had scars, and your body wasn’t ideal. You were nothing like her. You did understand that. But was it so much to hope for Prompto to notice you despite that?

“Y/n?” Someone called, “Where are you?”

You picked up your head and turned toward the voice, and mentally cursed your luck’s horrid sense of timing. Your hand shot up to your face to scrub away at the tear trails, and you tried to sniffle quietly to clear your nose before answering.

“Prom-ki? That you?” You called out his nickname. You silently congratulated yourself on being able to make your voice sound normal. “I’m up here.” 

You didn’t bother getting to your feet, but rather crawled over to the end of the rock you were on, looking below for Prompto. His back was toward you, and he was looking around trying to find you. So you leaned down as far as you could and managed to flick the top of his head.

“Yowch.” He turned quickly and looked up. “There you are.”

You smiled down, grateful for the darkness hiding your face from him. You’re sure that it’d be red and splotchy. And the moonlight wouldn’t be your friend. So you hoped the clouds stayed while he was with you.

He began to clamber up the rock to sit next to you and you reached your hand out to steady him as he pulled himself over. 

“Oof. How’d you even get up here?” He questioned, looking at the edge with a cautious eye.

You chucked and went back to your original spot, curling up like before. “Wing and a prayer man.”

He laughed and took a spot next to you. “Really? You just winged it? What if you fell?”

Already have thanks, you thought. Instead of saying that you just shrugged. “I’ve fallen from higher.”

You both then sat in silence, and you brace for what was coming.

Earlier, when camp had been set up, you had enough of hearing about Cindy. Bless her heart, but you’d had enough. Especially when he was the one saying it. 

“I’m going to explore for a while.” You had suddenly said, getting up from your chair and turning from the haven. And even though someone called your name, you kept walking. When you had gotten out of sight of the camp, you broke out into a sprint which had lead you to this rock. Honestly, sprinting and running up the rock was how you’d gotten up there without help.

“Sooo…” He began, like you knew he would. “About earlier.” 

You sigh but keep silent. 

“Are you alright? I mean, you hardly ever go off on your own. An we were worried when you didn’t come back for dinner.” He nudged you with his shoulder, just to get a reaction from you.

“I…” You cleared your throat. “I was just…i don’t know. I felt like I needed to get away.”

Half true. You needed to get away from him and his fixation on Cindy really. And thinking about it was sort of making your eyes tear up again. And god damn his eyes. Now that he was closer he could see your eyes.

“H-hey! Whats wrong?” He asked, his eyes widening. Reflex kicked in and he put his arm around your shoulders. Which was as welcome as it was unwelcome. 

“Nothing.” You said, but your voice choked and you could feel the tears begin to fall again. “Would you believe I’m just crying because I missed Ignis’ cooking tonight?” You said with a watery smile. 

He laughed lowly, but pulled you closer. “As much as I appreciate your sense of humor, I’m still worried.”

“I know.” You said, “Just give me a moment.”

He nodded, but you didn’t see. And true to your word, you came to the conclusion that if you didn’t get your feelings off your chest, you wouldn’t be able to move on. 

“I… if you liked someone and they didn’t notice, how would you feel?” You began, deciding to stick with your half truths. “Would you feel like something was squeezing your throat? Your chest ache? And your thoughts turn against you?”

He frowned, but answered anyways. “…Yeah. That’s pretty accurate.”

“I’m guessing you don’t have to guess how that feels. How I feel right now.” You continued. “It hurts a lot. And I didn’t want to drag you all into my mess at the camp. That’s all.”

“I don’t think any of us would have minded. We’ve all felt that way I’m sure. Hell. I feel that way sometimes even now.” He said softly, arm still around you. 

Somehow, that statement got under your skin and gave you that last burst of courage needed to get your feelings out. You grabbed his arm and gently took it off your shoulders, lowing it back to his side before wrapping your arms around yourself again.

“You’re talking about Cindy again right?” You said, and then continued without waiting for his answer. “You talk about her, over and over, it’s got to be her. You saw her and there was no room left for me. Because they person I was talking about was you, you know. I like you Prompto. I have for a long time. And…you just didn’t notice.”

You still couldn’t look at him, and drew your arms tighter around yourself. “I’m sorry if that’s sudden, but I just…if I keep it to myself I can’t move on. And I’m tired of feeling jealous and alone. You can head back to camp without me. I’ll be along after I put myself back together okay?”

It was silent, and he was still beside you. Six, you did not want his pity. You about to say as much until you felt his hand turning your face toward him, and a gentle kiss pressed against your mouth. You froze, surprised. 

But he didn’t. He moved from your mouth to your cheek, and kissed his way up to your temple before whispering by your ear, “You’re wrong. It’s not Cindy.”

“You were the one who made me feel that way. When you’d talk about the others, or how you don’t look at me when I feel like I’m always staring at you, and sometimes you stare at complete strangers.” He smiled as you digested this information.

And before your brain could really finish processing what he said, you leaned forward and returned what he gave, kissing just as softly. And it felt like everything was finally coming to rest. 

I know I commented on it already but I love that festival scenario you did for Ignis/childhood s/o! So fluffy and sweet! Would you be up for writing another part? Since it’s nearing Valentine’s Day, I was wondering if you could do a date night in Lestallum (bonus with the stalker!bros and Iris XD) complete with dancing with the street music and sentimental gifts because hey it’s their anniversary too?? Thank you so much!

Let’s see where this goes. Makes no sense, but I tried? Oops it turned into a drabblish type thing.  takes place a few days after the chocobo fest with them finally to lestallum after going on a few hunts with them to help earn some extra gil. Ignis wouldn’t want them nearby when leviathan is called.

It’d been a long trip back to Lestallum. They’re bone tired, and everything just seemed like it was too much and too fast. The other’s were lucky, they thought, and had all fallen asleep leaning on each other in the back seat. And while Ignis had told them to go ahead and sleep as well, but they weren’t going to leave him to face the night alone. So they stayed awake, and were currently whispering back and forth in hushed tones to keep one another awake. 

Ignis, his exhaustion getting to him, spoke quietly. “It’ll be four years tomorrow when we first started dating.”

They looked at him and smiled, their face softened from their own sleepiness. It wasn’t often Ignis said such sentimental things out loud. They took it as a sign that he was truly tired, but they also relished the chance to talk about their anniversary as well. 

”And we’ve known each other for fourteen yesterday.” They pointed out. 

He laughed quietly, and brought their hand up to his mouth to press a kiss to the back of their knuckles. “Truly? I can’t believe I didn’t realize.”

“Not many people would Ig.” They huffed in amusement and squeezed his hand very briefly, their own form of a kiss since they couldn’t lean over and distract him while he drove. Then their dry sense of humor kicked in and they cheekily added, “Also, you turned twenty-three six days ago.” 

They grinned at him when he snickered. “I didn’t know that one,” he teased, “Maybe I need to keep you around to act as a planner for me since it appears I forget important dates all too easily.”

“Oh yes. Finally, I’m useful to the great Ignis.” They hummed in amusement. But then they returned to being semi-serious. “You remembered my favorite day out of everything though. That counts for something.” 

“I enjoy my birthday too much to forget it love.” He teases and smirked at them, glancing at them briefly before returning his eyes to the road.

They ended up laughing at the quip into the night air as he drove and he sighed contently. Both then lapsed into a comfortable silence for the rest of the drive. Neither noticed the blonde haired gunner’s eyes barely open in the backseat, with the smallest smile on his face. 

When they pulled into Lestallum, they roused the others, and booked a few rooms for the night with minimal effort. Ordinarily, they would have all just shared a room. But Prompto managed to convince the others that they all wanted their own beds for once, and demanded more than one room. They didn’t question it and readily agreed. They then took their leave to find their own way into bed after the others were taken care of.

Normally, Ignis wouldn’t have caved, and they certainly wouldn’t have let him cave. But they both had lost their will to fight for the night and needed a good night’s sleep to replace it. When they finally arrived at their room, they both just collapsed into their bed next to each other, and completely checked out of waking life. 

~

It comes as a shock to them both when they open their eyes, and it’s one in the afternoon. They struggle to shake the grips of sleep from themselves, but suddenly both snap fully awake when they realize that it’s ONE IN THE AFTERNOON.

Ignis sit’s up and starts texting the others, trying to figure out where they are. Meanwhile, his intended got out of bed and started going through their bags to find clothes for them both. Honestly, they had all the money, and hoped the boys hadn’t managed to starve while they slept. And the six knew that they’d never hear the end of them BOTH managing to over sleep. 

While they sorted their clothes out, Ignis was furiously texting the other three, demanding to know why they hadn’t woken them up. When he suddenly falls backwards onto the bed in frustration, his paramour tilts their head in concern.

“Something wrong?” They ask, leaving the bags for later. 

He sighed wearily and ran a hand through his hair. “They’ve gone off on their own I’m afraid. Much like 5 days ago.”

“What a bunch of meddlers.” They said fondly, returning back to their task. “Well. Honestly, the last time didn’t turn out too horrible. Unless you’re having second thoughts…?”

The grinned to themself when they heard Ignis sit up in a hurry. They knew he was tired, but couldn’t resist teasing him. 

“N-no! Not at all. Far from it!” He managed to get out, blinking at them when they chuckled and looked over their shoulder at him. Then it sunk in that they were only joking and he sighed heavily once more. “That’s not fair you know. You wake up quicker than me.”

“Yes darling, I do.” They kept grinning fondly and continued, “And I relish every moment I can hear you stutter.” 

His face flushed at that and they shook their head with an amused huff. They were proud that around them, and only them, he relaxed enough to act his age. They both were relatively young, but had been forced to act so much older. It was a cherished secret that around each other they could comfortably allow themselves to be their age. And they loved this side of him as much as the master statistician he had to be around the others. 

“Well, we best get a move on today. I doubt they thought to extend the rooms for another night, and we still have to replenish our stores of supplies, and there are a few-” Ignis kept muttering behind them, making a mental list of what needed to be done before nightfall. So they interrupted him

“Take a shower first before you start planning how the world will work today. Your hair is sticking up everywhere, and honestly, at the moment you look so put out by everything the boys will go running when they see you.” 

He frowned at them, got up, and rolled his eyes in mock exasperation. “Yes mother.” 

They chuckled quietly to themself as they got to their feet, clothes picked out and in their arms, and walked over to press a kiss to Ignis’ cheek before he went to the bathroom. 

“Happy anniversary.” They whispered next to his ear. He flushed a very pleasant shade of red in response. 

“To you as well.” He murmured.

But then they both stepped apart and continued with their own tasks, getting ready on their own and in a comfortable silence. It wouldn’t be until sundown they’d be ready to leave the room really. 

Then, when leaving the room, they found a note on the door. Ignis got to it first and skimmed it. They raised a questioning eyebrow at Ignis when he sighed heavily and shook his head. 

“They really are meddlers.” He said, handing the note to them so they could read it too.

Their eyes scanned the page, and a laugh bubbled out of them. It was a sweet note from all three, letting them have some space for the night. Which, they apparently weren’t letting Ignis back out of by taking the Regalia on a hunt while leaving the two behind.

“Well, we can’t disappoint them.” They said while taking his arm in theirs and tugging him toward the entrance of the hotel. “You know they’re not really on a hunt. They’re probably lurking around.”

Ignis followed them willingly, and chuckled. “You’re probably right. Want to check?”

They grinned at him and nodded.

~

This was becoming something of a habit. 

Ignis and them stood by the fountain, and it looked like they were having a good time. They were both smiling and laughing. And then…

Ignis’ hand shot out and pushed them backwards lightly. Their knees hit the back of the stone’s edge and they tipped back, and almost into the fountains waters.

“Oh not again!!” They both could hear Prompto’s voice ring out from a nearby alley.

But this time, Ignis’ arm also shot out at the same time their’s did, and caught their hand mid-fall. They stopped just short of the water, and he pulled them back upright and snickered.

“There they are.” He stated and they threw back their head and laughed. 

They could hear scuffling from where the voice originated from, but dared not look so they wouldn’t give away that they knew they were being followed again. Truthfully, they didn’t mind. Ignis was the other three’s dear friend. And even if he and themself had been friends since childhood, of course they would worry about him being happy with them. And would want to make sure things went well between the two. 

“They won’t be too much of a bother I think.” They replied as they began to lead him toward the nightlife that was just starting up, “Truthfully, it’s kind of sweet of them.”

“How so?” He asked, eyeing the people and stands they passed.

“You do realize they want to see you happy right?” They smiled at him before pressing a kiss to his jaw. “That’s all. Now lets just ignore them for now and have fun. It’s not every year we have a 4th anniversary.”

“Quite right.” He said before returning their kiss with a quick peck. 

Public affection from Ignis was rare, so they lit up with a large smile and tugged him into the crowd. They had nothing in particular planned. It was more just a stroll around Lestallum together. Which was perfect. Time with Ignis was all they wanted before he had to leave again. 

~

“Oh look Ig.” They pointed at a lone musician, playing a guitar softly and sweetly. More than one couple were dancing to the music they played. And the woman playing softly smiled as they did so. 

Ignis smiled himself, took their hand in his, pressed a kiss to their knuckles, and then said, “Would you dance with me?”

Pink dusted their cheeks and they shrugged, offering an apologetic smile, “We haven’t in a long time. I’m afraid I’d probably step on your feet.”

“Humor me? I think for our anniversary I’d like to have one dance with you.” He replied easily, tugging them along toward the rest of the dancers.

“Just do it!” They heard a muttered whisper behind them and ended up snickering. That sounded suspiciously like Noctis….

“Oh alright.” They step forward willingly along with him after that, the whisper giving them the courage they needed. “I suppose it couldn’t hurt.”

They fell into position easily, both having been taught as children. Though, the only one who’d actually used their lessons in real life would be Ignis. He’d danced a lot more often than they had. For a moment they stood with his hand on their waist and their hand on his shoulder. And then they began to move with the rest of the couples.

But it was surprisingly fluid how they remembered to move. Ignis led them of course, pulling them into a gentle and slow step. And every time he felt them hesitate in a step, a small reassuring whisper of encouragement would leave him. And soon enough, it all came back to them and both were freely moving. 

Eventually they both ended up losing themselves in each other. The world dropped away, and it was just the two of them with the music. It was lovely, they thought, just to be here with him and sharing a memory. Soon enough they slowed to a stop along with the music, and leaned their foreheads against one another’s, their eyes closed and hands held together.

“I really and truly do love you.”  He whispered to them, his eyes still closed. But at his words they opened their eyes and leaned forward, catching his mouth with theirs before closing them again.

“And I you.” They replied. 

He pulled away and continued holding their hand as they walked back into the crowd. They made their way to the fountain and sat next to each other. They leaned against him, while his hand traced the lines on their palm. They sighed in contentment. 

“If we could just stay like this forever, I wouldn’t mind.” They voiced out loud, closing their hand around his so he’d stop his tracing.

He was silent for a moment before replying, “I find…I wouldn’t mind that either.”

Both left it unsaid that it wasn’t possible. And they wouldn’t ask that of him even if it was. This was their life. And all they could ask for was stolen and gifted moments such as this.

“I know I asked you to marry me a few days ago.” Ignis suddenly began.

“Five to be exact.”

“Right.” He cleared his throat, “But we were missing one crucial part of our agreement.” 

They blinked, sitting up. Nervousness had begun to creep into his voice, so they looked at him in concern. 

“Ignis?”

“I’ve a gift for you. I know you’ve already said yes, but…” He reached into his pocket. “An anniversary gift and engagement gift.”

In the space above their laps, he opened a small box, revealing a plain black engagement ring, with golden embellishments on it. 

“You don’t have to wear it of course…Its just…” He couldn’t look directly at them, his face beginning to burn. If they were reading his face right, there was a mixture of fear and hope running wild in his mind. 

“You don’t have to finish Ignis.” They whispered softly. “Of course I’m going to wear it.” 

They reached forward and turned his face toward themself. “I’m going to wear it, and think of you all the time until we actually get married.” 

He met their eyes and smiled. They held out their hand and he, being the gentleman he is, slipped the ring onto their finger.

“Consider this a promise then. Of a future together someday.” 

“We’ve the rest of our lives dear. And I’m willing to wait.”

They smiled and scooted closer to him, wrapping one of their arms around his waist and leaning their head against him. He in turn rested his head on top of theirs, and put and arm around their shoulder.

And there they sat, content in silence, and not daring to think about the future. Because despite his promise, they both knew it was very likely that they may not get to see it fulfilled. But this moment was enough. They’d grown up stealing moments of each other’s time from their duties and responsibilities. Destiny had never placed love in their cards. So they had placed it there themselves. And moments like this were always enough. 

They had forgotten about the nearby trio, who were currently jumping around and celebrating their friend’s good fortune of finding someone who loved him.

“We’ve been dating for four years today.” They said and he hummed in agreement.

“We’ve known each other for fourteen years as of two days ago.”

“Yes?”

“Your birthday was seven days ago.” 

“I am aware.” 

He nudged the top of their head with his, as if trying to get them to the point faster.

They then smiled and said, “My birthday is at the end of the month.”

He finally began to catch on and grinned. “We were engaged five days ago.” 

“You do realize we have to have a wedding in this same month right?”

“In order to keep with the trend…” He laughed, “I suppose you’re right.” 

They laughed with him, and then they both went silent, enjoying the night air in peace. 

~

Bonus:

“The boys are going to hate us.” Ignis said after 30 minutes of silence.

“Yes. But they’ll still love us all the same too.” They replied, their eyes still closed, knowing what he was thinking. 

“Brace yourself.” They could hear the laugh in his voice when he suddenly pulled them backwards with him into the fountain’s waters, ruining the seriousness of the moment. 

“OH COME ON!” 

I’ve got a plot bunny running around in my head for Luna. Like…

Luna knew she was going to die. So how would it have gone if Gentiana let her know there was a choice? Like, maybe there was something Gentiana could do, and the responsibility of the true king and the last oracle would pass onto Noctis’ and her own children. But then, the price would be the fate of their children and Eos would become uncertain, because the last of both line’s power would still end with them.

I kind of want to explore Luna’s abilities as Oracle. Like, could she see the future and stuff? Or was she limited to healing? 

:o how about if ardyn’s (sorry if you dont write for this chara !) had a past lover and one of the chocobro’s s/o looks exactly like them?

omg. I love this. I want to write this as a drabble. (I’m horrible at drabbles but here we goooo!)

The six could be cruel.

Ardyn knew this. But until now he didn’t know just how cruel they could be. When they made him immortal, doomed to walk this plane of existence for the rest of his days, he thought that had been the pinnacle of their cruelty. No. Bringing them back was the cruelest thing by far. And seeing them love another was even worse. 

He stood watching from a distance, close enough to hear them laugh. They were sitting at the edge of the haven, their lance in their lap, and feet dangling over the edge of the rocks. Behind them, the boy was training with his shield. The adviser was preparing them all a meal. And the blonde gunner was fiddling with his camera. But after his general observation, his eye’s focus was on the person watching the darkness, with their back to fire. Always watching, just like before…He wondered if it was just their face they possessed or if they held some memories of their past life? Did they know what came from the dark?

It had been so long ago he had loved them. And though age had somewhat stolen away the memories of their visage, he was certain it was indeed them. With dark brown hair as wild as his, that shone like a raven’s feathers in the light.

A tanned face, wide brown eyes, high cheek bones, delicate nose, and smallish mouth. Features so beautiful and a body that appeared so fragile yet was so strong, how could it be anything but them? Features that six themselves must have picked out. 

Or that’s what they said. Back in the day, when he was king and they were the oracle, their looks had both been held in high regard. Shallow. Their people had been shallow and fell in love with their faces, not knowing how hurt either of them had been by their ascension as the first king and oracle. If he was being honest, they exaggerated their strength. The person he had loved had been weak behind closed doors, and they’d often go to sleep crying into his arms. And he…well, never mind his own shortcomings. 

Anything they had was certainly not from six though. The six only took what they wanted, and gave no regard to the wishes of the mortals they took from. Even their gifts took their price. When they took death from him, they also took them. They left pain in death’s place. Eternal life, because his soul was sullied. Eternal loneliness, because they were pure. And now? He must be damned, to see that face again, and know that they couldn’t be the same person. They only looked like them…Or so he told himself.

He had his doubts. He’d been watching them all for days. Especially them. They sounded the same as before, with a lilting voice much like his own. They fought in the same way, with grace, strength, and nimbleness that few could match. The only thing different was that they fought with a lance instead of the trident now. Tiny little mannerisms, like touching their nose when thinking, tilting their head when annoyed, always looking into the air when daydreaming…They were all the same. It made him think that it was possible they were a reincarnation. 

Almost. 

Part of him hated them for forgetting if it was true. Even if it wasn’t, he hated them all the same. Because how dare they be born with that visage. A reminder of what he lost. How dare they love another. How dare the six mock him one last time, pitting someone who looked like them, that gave him such hope that it might be them, against him. 

He watched on, his face growing distorted and angry. They in turn stared unwavering into the darkness and, he pretended, meeting his gaze. He knew by now that they were a steadfast guard, their attention not easily taken from the task at hand. He loathed to admit that their sense of duty was the same as before too, but it was true. His Oracle had been as attentive as this person to what they thought was their burden. And yet…

When one of the four approached them, they willing turned from their duty to face them, accepting the love and affection offered them. They turned their back on the dark. Something that made his heart clench uncomfortably. They let the man take them by the waist, hold them close and press his lips to theirs. They even smiled with the same adoration on their face that had once been only for him.

He had enough for the night. 

He’d watch over them from the dark until he could bear no more. And when the starscourge came this time, he’d take them. He’d take them and never let them go. Even if it turned out they only looked like his lost love, he would be content until the boy rose up as a king and killed him. Even then, he’d find a way to take them with him, even if it meant cutting their life short. And he’d kill the one they thought they loved if he dared try to stand between them. 

He watched them with both love and hate in his eyes, and then turned and left.

~

When their lover walked back to what he was doing, they turned back to the darkness at the sudden rush of emotions they felt coming from behind them. A strange gust of wind pulled at them, as if calling them into the darkness. But then it was gone, and they felt…

Loss. 

Of Temperance (Prt. 2)

*Summary: A series of connected vignettes on how an OC meet’s the four chocobro’s. Warning, a lot of liberties were taken.

Meeting the Prince was the quietest of all the meetings.

It was their first dancing lesson, and he looked very…enthusiastic about being there. He was sitting on the floor of their studio, leaning with his back pressed against the wall. His eyes were closed, and at first glance he just seemed to be bored and resting with his eyes closed. However, being able to hear the snoring was something of a tip off that the prince was actually deeply sleeping.

Alec sighed heavily and pressed their fingers into their eyes and rubbed them. They’d never had a student fall asleep on them. With a huff the stalked over and crouched down in front of him. They tilted their head and tried to decide what they’d do. Wake him by yelling or shake him? In the end, they decide on neither and simply reached out and plugged his nose.

With his air supply so suddenly cut off, Noctis sputtered awake. At first he glared at the one who dared disturb him. But then it dawned on him where he was, and he connected the dance studio to the person in front of him. Presumably his instructor. His face immediately began to burn when he realized that he had already been caught sleeping in class and they hadn’t even met yet.

They beamed brightly at him, and he had the sudden sinking feeling they didn’t appreciate finding him asleep. “Welcome to the world of the living! Now that you’re back, you ready to get started?”

“Uh…Yeah?” He said hesitantly.

“Good!” They stood up in a fluid motion and pulled him to his feet. “My name’s Alec in case you don’t know. And we have exactly 6 months before you have to be able to dance at the king’s ball.”

He was about to cut in but they did’t pause in their talk. It didn’t help that he was suddenly rendered speechless when they grabbed his hand and placed it on their waist and took his other hand in theirs in the most basic of forms.

“The king’s ball, as you probably know, has been something of a tradition for ages. It’s held annually, but only adults are allowed to go. And this is your first year in attendance correct? Don’t interrupt.” They had placed their other hand on his shoulder, and when they saw him try to respond they frowned and mildly scolded him. “Anyways, it’s not every year we have a prince in attendance. And considering your lacking knowledge of the most basic of courtly dances, your father sent you, and your friends because I’m assuming they’re going to be in attendance with you, to my mother’s academy. Keep your hand here.”

They guided his hand back onto their waist, as he had let go while they were speaking. “My mother taught your father this too. And my grandfather taught the beloved queen before Regis, may she be at rest. So, I guess we’re next in this odd tradition. Now, pay attention and remember where your hands are. This is just a simple box step.”

They used their feet to guide his to their places, one at a time and step by step. Noctis was a bit tongue tied at how they seemed to be rushing things. He suspected they were a tad nervous, but didn’t want to point it out. When they were satisfied that he had the basics, they nodded and pushed him a little faster through the step. For a moment he thought it was rather easy, and there was no way it was going to take six months to learn this. But then he stepped down onto their foot and they winced.
“S-sorry.” He looked up from their feet and they shook their head.

“Happens all the time, don’t worry about it. I lost count of how many times Ignis has stepped on me. And don’t even get me started on PROMPTO.” They snickered and he couldn’t help but chuckle along with them.

They spent the rest of their time together talking about nothing, and just going through to motions. Muscle memory would be key and they wanted him to memorize this. And there was never an awkward moment, though there were a few times where Noctis stumbled or stepped on them again. But they were good at keeping thing moving fluidly. When their time came to an end, they both felt as if they had made another friend.

~

Meeting the fourth of the quartet went smoother than they expected. Smoother, if the definition of smoother was ‘most stressful’.

They had yet to meet the infamous Galdiolus Amicitia, as he had skipped about a month’s worth of lessons. Which wasn’t too big of a surprise. He’d texted the first week to let them know just how useful he thought dance lessons were in the first place, and that he wouldn’t be attending. Now, it was rather petty of them they knew, but they had gone straight to Ignis with his attitude. They felt it unfair, considering the lessons had already been paid for, that he’d walk out of lessons with them without having learned a damned thing.

Ignis told them where he could be found when they stated they were going to drag him to his lessons by his ear. Though he didn’t say anything against it, and even gave them a fair warning the Galdiolus could be difficult. He wouldn’t even go when Ignis had asked him to. Then they saw that look on his face and knew that there was something he hadn’t told them. And they quickly found out what it was upon reaching the training arena for the recruits for the crowns guard. Apparently, like them, he was the child of an instructor. Difference being his family specialized in combat. But still.

They were not expecting a GIANT.

They had barely asked a recruit where Galdiolus was, or rather demanded to know, they heard a gruff voice say, “Behind you.”

The recruit scurried away with a look of terror on their face and Alec frowned at the reaction. Surely he wasn’t that scary. They turned on heel, ready to give him a piece of their mind only to come eye to eye with his chest. They blinked and then craned their neck backwards to look up.

…Sweet mother, what had they done to get him as a student?

Unfortunately, they were so caught off guard that the first thing to pop out of their mouth was, “Whoa.”

Then they shook their head and took a step backwards so they didn’t have to crane their neck so far, and he had the audacity to laugh of at them. They crossed their arms and waited for him to quiet himself before speaking, their cheeks turning color. They knew they were a tad bit on the short side, but standing next to him seriously made them feel like a child again. No wonder Ignis laughed. Even they had a hard time picturing anyone dragging him by anywhere by his ears.

“So you’re looking for me?” He finally said after settling himself, a wide grin on his face.

They nodded, their face still burning. “Gladiolus ‘won’t dance’ Amicitia I take it.”

He frowned but the amusement never left his eyes. “The one and the same I guess. I take it you’re…”

He paused and then frowned for real this time.

Alec’s eye narrowed. “You don’t even remember my name, do you.”

He shrugged and didn’t meet their eyes in embarrassment. “To be fair, it’s been a month since we spoke…”

“Which is why I’m here.” They sighed. “You haven’t been showing up for your classes. At all. And you’re still listed as one of my students. As one of my students, I fully expect you to be in your sessions and-”

“Yeesh, when did ballerinas become bounty hunters?” He drawled, turning his head to hide his smirk. He didn’t want them to know he was messing with them. It was kind of funny seeing someone so small trying to scold him.

Their mouth dropped for a moment before they could collect themself, “Excuse me?”

Their arms dropped from their chest and they seemed a bit stunned by how offended they felt. So they marched over to where he was standing and jabbed him in the chest before launching into a rant.

“Now listen here Tiny!” Gladiolus blinked at the nickname, but was curious enough to let them keep going. “You are currently listed as one of my students, and as such you are expected to show up and learn something! IF you’re not going to attend, then tell whoever it is who paid for the class to get a refund so I can drop you as a student. I can’t have you walking out of my class having learned NOTHING! You are messing with my reputation and I WON’T HAVE IT.”

Alec, at the end of their rant, looking like a small bird with its feathers ruffled, sent a scathing glare at Gladio when he started laughing. Again. While his eyes were closed and he was distracted, they muttered to themself, “Well, Ignis didn’t object to it…”

So without really thinking it through, they reached up and grabbed his ears and pulled him down to their level. “Ignis said you’d be difficult.”

The got Gladio’s attention and he fell silent, shocked that this person had actually GRABBED HIS EARS. When they were satisfied they had his attention they let go and crossed their arms once more.

“Now, I know you don’t think much of dancing, but you will be attending the king’s ball in 5 months. No student of mine is going to walk into something that important without knowing what to do. So either quit or start showing up.” They narrowed their eyes, “Am I clear?”

He blinked and shook his head, shaking the surprise away. “Yeah…”

They then smiled almost too sweetly, and said, “Great! So see you tonight at 6.”

They then pushed past him and walked out, with a triumphant smile on their face. Neither seemed to notice that a small group of the trainees were watching them with amusement. Nor did they notice Ignis when he stepped out from where he had been observing the event. He couldn’t keep the chuckle from leaving him as Gladio saw him and walked over to speak with him.

“Really Iggy?” They both watched Alec disappear around the corner, their grin still in place. “You siced a rabid pigeon on me?

“Well, they’re perfectly civil when you DON’T call them a ballerina.” Ignis shrugged. “…And I honestly didn’t think that they’d actually grab your ears.”

Gladiolus laughed at that, and asked, “So, you wanted to meet up to talk about something?”

Ignis nodded. “Yes. Combat lessons for someone who wants them.”

His head tilted. “I’ve already got Prompto, who else would to learn how to fight? And why me?”

“Well, I don’t rightly know. And I may have mentioned something about knowing someone who might be able to help.” Ignis got that look in his eye again, and Gladiolus frowned.

“Alright…Doesn’t answer my question, but I’m willing to meet with them if they’re serious about learning.”

Ignis huffed with suppressed laughter. “That’s good. Because you’re meeting them at six tonight.”

“I…already have a meeting then as of five minutes ago…”

Ignis raised an eyebrow.

“…You mean…”

“That’s right ‘Tiny’.” Ignis smiled, “And for future reference, their name is Alecto Sollertia.”

Now there was a name he knew. “From the Sollertia family? Like the ones that received the king’s commendation?”

Ignis shook his head, “And you called them a ballerina. No wonder they got so riled up.”

Gladiolus sighed. What a wonderful first impression. Though… “So what’s an artist want with learning combat?”

“You’d have to ask them that question, I didn’t pry.”

It was then the conversation turned from Alec and onto other things. Gladio went to his lesson that night, and talked it over with Alec about them learning a form of combat. Which they decided to merge both lessons into one, spending some of their meeting time on dancing, and some on fighting. Slowly, not that Alec noticed, Gladio shifted the lessons completely from dancing to fighting. Which was fine by him.

Though he never got his answer on why they want to learn how to defend themself.
Not until much later.

~

Of Temperance (prt. 1)

*Summary: A series of connected vignettes on how an OC meet’s the four chocobro’s. Warning, a lot of liberties were taken. 

The first meeting with the four had been forgettable, despite their near decapitation.

They had been sitting in the park, reading a book behind sunglasses, a hat carefully holding their hair in place from the light breeze. Though their attention wasn’t entirely on the book. All around them the sounds of others enjoying the day distracted them. They had a mental tally going; How many people were around them, how many people within a certain distance from them, how large and how small were also factors their brain registered, along with ages were all factors that added lines to their count.

They wished they could turn off their awareness, but it had been a long time since they had been able to. Which, at that moment was a good thing when they heard a sudden shout.

“Duck!”

Their eyes widened and without a moment’s pause they did as they were told, leaning forward over their book. They squished themself as flat against their lap as they could, just in case. They didn’t know why they were ducking after all. At the sound of something whistling over their head and hitting the back rest where they had just been, they winced. The offending object bounced off the back of the bench and to the ground by their feet and they huffed with slight amusement.

A Frisbee. Being as this was a park, it wasn’t a surprise. It was just that most people, when playing in public, were careful not to damage others in the park. A fact the thrower must have known, considering the embarrassed and worried gibbering they could hear approaching them. As they sat up and glanced toward the source, they could clearly see the mortification on the blonde’s face as he approached.

“I am so, so sorry!” He said as he reached them, leaning down to grab the toy before standing back up straight. “We were playing catch and I missed it because my friend threw it too high and- “

“It’s fine.” They said calmly, flashing a smile at him. “Don’t worry about it.”

He nodded but continued waving his hands about, trying to explain himself. He needn’t have bothered, but it was slightly endearing that he tried. Instead of interrupting him again, they decided to looked him over. A bit on the scrawnier side of things, and with hair almost too bright to stare at for a long period of time. Blue eyes, much too bright and a little startling to see. With freckles everywhere. He was very animated they noted, and his face moved along with his emotions. Which, if they were reading him right, he was still panicking. But he seemed comfortable in his panic, which probably meant he did it a lot. The fact he was so easy to read set them at ease. It wasn’t very often they met someone so expressive.

“Prompto! Let’s go,” called someone behind him.

They tilted their head to look behind him slightly to see who it was. Another boy around ‘Prompto’s’ age stood a few yards away, and two more further behind him. Probably waiting for the Frisbee. Another smile graced their face.

“You should get back to them.” They looked up and met Prompto’s gaze as best they could from behind the sunglasses. “It’s not nice to make your friends wait.”

Prompto looked behind to the black haired boy and then back to them. “I…I guess you’re right. Sorry again though!”

As he darted away, they laughed quietly to themself. They then placed their book in their sweater pocket and pulled out their phone to send a text off.

‘Please pick me up at the west end of the park. I’m done here.’ Almost as soon as they pressed send, the car they had called for pulled up. Their encounter with the blond was soon forgotten after that.

“Did you enjoy your time away from home?” Their driver asked as they pulled the door shut.

They nodded, “I did. It was a nice to be outside again.”

The driver began to pull away, “That’s good. Perhaps this venture could become a regular occurrence? I’m sure your mother would be pleased.”

They leaned back in their seat and buckled up, giving themself a moment to think.

“I…I think that could be done…” They replied quietly, a hint of unease leaking into their voice.

The driver only nodded and continued on his path to their home. It was quiet once they were fully in motion, both of them falling into a comfortable silence. He knew not to push them into anything, least they shut down again. He was just glad that they had agreed to go to the park more often. They had been somewhat of a recluse since they had moved back to their mother’s estate. And for good reasons.

“You can take off the sunglasses now that you’re in the car dear. No one else can see you.” He said, glancing in the rearview mirror.

They turned from the window, glancing into the mirror to look at the driver. “Oh…Right.”

They lifted their hands to their face and for a moment paused. Then, as if reaching a decision, they pulled the glasses off to reveal the mottled blotchiness of bruising around their right eye.

~

The second time they met, they made an even larger impression on.

A month had passed and they had fully healed from their injuries. And since they were living with their mother again, they were working for her once more as well. Their mother’s art academy was one of the best in Insomnia, and for good reasons. The first foremost reason being that their family specialized in art, and almost every member of their family was an artist in some way, shape, or form. Their art, like their mother’s, was dancing. And so they worked as a dancing tutor, limited to only a certain people, and only in one on one sessions.

Tomorrow, they’d get to meet their next student. From what they knew of him, he was someone around their age, needed to be taught from the basics up, and that they would be working together for almost half a year. It was nice to have someone so committed, but intimidating as well. Plus, if you really thought about it, learning all the dances they wanted to was nearly impossible in the time they had picked out. But…they thought of themself as a damn good tutor, and would do their best to make sure he learned what he wanted in that time.

It was then they reached their studio. After unlocking the door and turning on the light they surveyed the room, looking for anything that might be out of place. It was only when they were satisfied that the room was empty that they began to settle into the room and stretch. They stood tall and reached their arms up as far as they could go, and then they leaned forward, keeping their legs straight while they pressed their palms flat to the floor. They repeated this motion a few more times before moving into other stretches, and then finishing with a controlled exhale.

They then pressed play on the music, allowing the first few bars to wash over them. Right now, they were trying to visualize what they were going to do for the school’s exhibition. They had an idea, but had never moved through it before. And since it was their free day, they figured they’d give it a physical try out.

The melody washed over them, and they took a few steps forward, and knelt down. To the music, they inhaled exaggeratedly, and then their head dipped down. Then once more, as if the song dictated how they breathed. But it was as if something caught them, holding them in place, and in response they tilted their neck back, and their hands trailed up to caress their throat.

It was only then they launched into a more melodic movement. They fell sideways, onto their back, and from their rolled onto their feet. Their back arched and they let themself fall backwards into a back bridge, before going into a hand stand, and then back onto their feet. They had always believed that stories could be told by dancing. And as they moved they began to get a sense of what story they were telling.

They moved as if the music was made for them, and suddenly set into a gentle movement, going on pint and twirling across the floor with each step before settling into wide sweeping movements. Their body moved as if they were being held in an embrace, and their hands floated up as well, as if reaching for someone above them. The movement reminded them that they had been loved. It was just…not enough.

They had been called greedy for expecting more.

Suddenly the music paused, and they lowered their hands to their sides, their head bowed back to the ground. It was silent, as if being on the edge of a choice. Then the music swelled back to life. They spun around and then began to move with a bit more roughness. Large flowing movements, with power behind them. But they also moved through the air, lighter than they had allowed themself to be during the beginning and middle of the song. As if they were trying to get away. They made their jumps look effortless, a point of pride with them.

They had almost reached the conclusion of the song when there was suddenly a knock at the door.

That snapped them out of the zone they were in, and since they were mid-landing, they ended up going sprawling to the floor. For a few moments they were stunned. And in that time the door swung open, the music stopped playing, and rapid footsteps could be heard approaching. They huffed in embarrassment and rolled back over and onto their back to greet whoever it was.

“My apologies. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

They looked up and were a little surprised to see a guy with green eyes peering down at them. They blinked once, still mildly dazed but waved their hand in front of themself. They barely managed to keep their face from turning red. Of course someone had to be around to see them take the worse fall they’d had in a while.

“It’s fine, I wasn’t aware I had an appointment today,” they stated as they sat up.

The guy’s hands gently rested on them, helping guide them back to their feet without being asked.

“Thank you,” they dusted off their backside as they continued, “So, introductions. I’m Alecto. But Alec is fine.”  

How long had he been at the door they wondered, coughing lightly before forcing themselves to look him in the eyes through their embarrassment. “How can I help you?”

He chuckled quietly, and said, “Well, my name is Ignis first off, and I’m afraid I may have disturbed you on a break. I just want to meet who’d be tutoring me before we actually started.”

“Ignis?” They tilted their head. That name did sound familiar… “Oh. Wait, you’re the new student I’m going to be working with tomorrow right?”

“That’d be me. I was told I could find you here by the receptionist. I hope you don’t mind me stopping in?” He asked.

At first they hesitated a little, thinking of the implications of the receptionist giving out her location on her days off to the wrong people. But then, they smiled and offered their hand to him for a handshake. “It’s no trouble at all, It’s always good to meet new students.”

“A pleasure as well. Are you all right? That did look like a nasty fall.” He asked.

They shrugged. “Dancing teaches you one thing that’ll stick with you forever.”

“Oh?”

They grinned, “How to fall gracefully.”  

“And dancing is just a side benefit I assume?” He added with a smirk.

They snorted, “Quick learner.”  

They both laughed quietly, and then Alec continued, “Anyhow, was there anything you wanted to discuss? I usually save this conversation until our first session, but it since you’re here perhaps we could work out scheduling details?”

He nodded, and returned their smile. “If that wouldn’t be a bother of course. I’m here to set up I, and three other’s lessons.”

“Three others? Who may I ask?” They tilted their head and began to walk toward their bag to get their schedule to keep it updated. “I’ll look and see if I have their general schedules planned out.”

“Their names are Prompto, Gladiolus, and Noctis.” He said, and they could have sworn that they could hear a hint of amusement in his voice, but brushed it off. And soon forgot about it when they realized the names he had said.

It clicked in their head then, and they ended up dropping their planner as they turned back to face him. “O-oh Holy Six you’re talking about the prince. And that makes y-you…”

Ignis Scientia. They knew that name sounded familiar. He came from one of the families sworn to the crown.  It came back to them then that their mother had informed them that the prince and his retainers would be taking lessons here for their first formal crown ball. But they’d had no idea that their mother trusted them enough to tutor people of such importance. They quickly gathered their thoughts and scooped their planner off the ground before rejoining him.

“Problem?” He raised his eyebrow at them, but there was a glimmer of amusement in his eye.

Cheeky bastard.

“None at all! It’s just…” They stumbled over their words, trying to figure out how to phrase what they wanted to say.

“Yes?” A tone of concern entered Ignis’ voice, “Something the matter.”

They shook their head and averted their gaze from him. “No. It’s just that…I think my mother would be better suited to tutoring you all. She must have made a mistake making you all my students.”

“Judging from what I saw earlier,” Ignis said quietly, “I think you’d do just fine.”

This time they could not keep their face from turning red. That just confirmed he had been at the door for longer than they had originally assumed. Their head whipped around to look at him and they stammered, “Y-you saw that?”

He nodded, not elaborating that he had been watching them from the beginning.  He then cleared his throat, “Now then, their schedules?”

“Oh, right!” They opened their planner and started reciting off days, and things returned to business as usual.

They spoke into the night, picking and choosing when each of the four would take their lessons from them. And if they were a little flattered that Ignis though they were good enough to teach a prince, they kept it to themself.