#final fantsay xv au

[amarabliss]

Galahdian Dreams - 15 (Nyx Ulric/Reader)

Synopsis: Your father was the king of Insomnia. He was good and just. You never thought you’d meet anyone like him after he was taken from the world. Your Uncle Regis, has taken the throne and followed through on your father’s plans. It was good to see the city in capable hands.

Enter Nyx Ulric, refugee, Glaive, fighter…how is it he can see all your secrets? He knows how to set you off and he’s promised to not let you go…(AU for sure, Regis wasn’t supposed to take the throne, and our lovely Nyx has more of a past then we thought…)

Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five Part Six Part Seven Part Eight Part Nine Part Ten Part Eleven  Part Twelve  Part Thirteen  Part Fourteen

** Warning there is a Character Death in this chapter**

You pen scratched against the paper as you finished pushing through reports and request from the out-laying towns to the west. You happy to say there were less this week then the weeks prior, it meant something was changing…

You stopped looking out the small window in your office. It wasn’t enough change though…Three weeks had passed since you’d spoke to the council. Help had been sent a week later, yet no one returned.

The reports were mixed messaged. Some said they needed everyone there…others said the assistance was crucial…none said anything about casualties.

You took a deep breath in through your nose before turning back to the work. You still cried…you couldn’t help it after a while. You felt split in two, especially since your last few hours with Nyx.

You were pretty sure you knew what he was going to say that day. You reached up playing with the bead around your neck again.  You’d been thinking about it a lot actually and how you wanted to respond…then you’d start feeling guilty cause you were dreaming when he was fighting.

You let out frustrated sigh setting the pen down running a hand over your face. You’d been working since early morning, perhaps it was time for a break.

You walked out locking the door behind you taking in a deep breath as the realization once again settled on you that you were helping your uncle run the country. How strange…you’d accomplished a lot in such a short time.

“There you are…” You cringed hearing the snobbish voice approaching behind you, “I didn’t realize I’d be chasing you down everywhere.”

“Prince Ravus…” You turned looking at him as your jaw clenched noticing he was no longer in his mourning colors. He’d been here for a month with Luna as guest during the occupation of Tenebrae and insisted on hounding you for an audience, “Do you need something?”

“I was hoping to spend the day with you. I have it all planned out. You should go change into to something less suffocating.” Ravus smirked at you as he reached out to take hold of your chin.

You didn’t give him a chance to touch you moving around him, “Your grace, I’m too busy to play your games. Perhaps you can call ahead next time and see if I’m available…”

You felt him try to grab your arm and instantly you became defensive, “Y/N, I demand…”

“Do not touch me!” You hissed at him as you tore your arm away from him finally feeling a breaking point. He always tried to touch without your permission. It was always possessive and demeaning, “We are not friends. We are not companions, and I will not be handled like-like a toy to be played with.”

“Why are you being like this? I’m only trying to help you!” His voice rose as he stepped toward you once again.

“Help me?” You stared up at him as your fist balled up, your voice low in a hushed tone, “You have never once tried to help me…you only want me because of what it will do for your status. Poor little Ravus…just a prince…not an oracle, not the heir to the throne…”

What happened next wasn’t so surprising, though it hurt none the less and the stars you were seeing made you dizzy. However, your delight out-weighed the sting in your check as you lifted your head seeing your cousin throwing Ravus up against the wall the shimmers of his warp disappearing behind him, “Touch my cousin again and see what happens?”

“Noct…” You resisted reaching up to touch your cheek. You didn’t want to give Ravus the satisfaction knowing you were in pain, “he’s not worth it.”

You heard running approaching as the trio caught up to their prince. Noctis stared at Ravus a moment longer before letting him go. Ravus readjusted himself as the others came to a halt, “Someone will hear about this…”

“Funny…I think it will backfire on you.” Noct glared at him, “Evidence points that you’re in the wrong here…”

“You weren’t here…you don’t know what was said…” Ravus threatened glancing over to you, “And you’re to proud to see unrest fall within these walls…”

You stared at him shaking your head before you spoke, “Ravus, I have complete authority of who may stay with in these walls. I asked Luna here, only if she felt comfortable leaving her country…I only have to be friends with Luna to ensure things continue between our country…do you see where you lay on the list of important people I care about? If you don’t, let me point it out to you. It’s exceedingly lower then Niflheim soldiers at the moment…”

Ravus growled and took a step toward you, “You need to learn your place in the world…”

The trio and Noct stepped between him and you, glaring daggers at him. You took a deep breath in, “I know my place Ravus…It’s time you learned yours. Now your welcome to stay here as long as you respect everyone and follow our laws. Is that understood?”

Gladio glared at him before he spoke, “Hey, she asked you a question?”

Ravus snarled before walking away. Noctis made a move to stop him but you caught him just in time shaking your head watching him walk away, “Thank you for that…it could’ve been much worse.”

“I wish you would let me teach him a lesson.” Noctis reached up looking at your face frowning as you winced away, “Come on…we need to get someone to look at that.”

“I’ll be alright…some ice and make up does wonders…” You told him forcing a smile before looking at them all, “What are you all doing here?”

“We came to visit you.” Ignis smiled a little despite the worry in his eyes. He held a basket up full of goodies, “We thought you might need a break.”

You looked at all of them feeling touched, “And I think I know the perfect spot to go…”

A couple hours later and a good lunch in your stomach, you smiled listening to Prompto as he took pictures from the crystal room’s balcony, “This is such an amazing view! You can practically see the whole city!”

“Don’t get to close to the edge…” Ignis chided a little before beginning to walk over to him.

“Stop moving…” Gladio growled at you.

“I don’t need help!” You snapped at him swiping the bag of ice he went and found, “You’re supposed to be pestering Noctis not me…”

“Yeah…well…old habits die hard.” He sighed sitting back on his feet looking over to Noctis and Prompto posing for a selfie, “Believe it or not…I miss you.”

“You do?” You looked surprised as you placed the ice against your cheek.

“Yeah…I didn’t have to worry about fan girls and the public so much.” He smirked at you before it turned into a sincere smile, “But really I just miss my friend.”

“Oh…” You reached over squeezing his arm. You had been neglecting everyone lately. You’d have to change that, “I’m always around if you need me…”

“I know…but just like when you were going to be queen…you always have something planned and going on.” He chuckled, “Don’t get me wrong…I’m happy to see you working again. You’re doing a great job.”

“Thank you…I’m actually hoping to get your help aga-” You stopped as you heard your name being called from the entryway. You looked over seeing Drautos running in. Your heart nearly stopped as you let the ice drop from your hand.

This was a moment you had thought about over and over. It played out two ways…one…was happy, the other, heart wrenching. Either way you had to know the answer to question you were about to ask…

“What’s happened?” You asked him as he stopped in front of you.

He stared down into your eyes before he smiled, “He’s home…they’re all home…”

Your eyes widened as you took off running everyone calling after you as you stepped into the elevator. You pressed the floor you needed making the door shut before anyone else could join you. You leaned against the back of the elevator as tears just started pooling down your cheeks.

You watched the numbers and as soon as the door pinged you rushed out past two soldiers. The yelped as you pushed by, you called back, “Sorry!”

“I…ma’am?” They started following you worry in their eyes, “Is something wrong?”

“No!” You smiled back at them, “Not at all…have a good day!”

You laughed a little as they both stopped looking at each other confused before you ducked into the locker room Nyx had taken you to so long ago. You skidded over to his locker quickly undoing the lock before pulling out clothes you had stashed there after he left.

If Drautos knew you’d been sneaking out once or twice a week you’d be a dead woman for sure…after today your secret was probably done for. It didn’t matter though…you needed to see him. You pulled on Nyx’s ball cap after you zipped up your sweater before shoving your other clothes inside shutting the locker.

You slowly stepped out making sure the coast was clear before heading toward the gate. You could feel the giddiness rising in you the closer you got, but it was quickly dashed when you saw Drautos standing there waiting with a car.

He rolled his eyes as he shook his head opening the car door, “Ma’am…”

You sighed looking at him before you got in, “Can you blame me?”

“Without a doubt, one hundred percent. I would lose two jobs, if anything happens to you.” He told you as you settled into the seat, he shut the door going to the driver’s side, “But for the record…I am excited too…”

You smiled at him as he drove you to the Refugee quarter, it still needed a better name. You wanted to wait for Nyx’s input on the matter. Drautos instructed you to keep the hat on and to stay close to him when he parked.

As you stepped out you could see a large crowd gathering. You looked at Drautos, “Is this normal?”

“I don’t know…I imagine everyone is excited to see everyone?” He told you as you both moved toward the crowd. Everyone was whispering. You glanced at Drautos again seeing his face fall a little as he peered over the crowd, “Oh no…”

You heard a loud wail as everyone bowed their head. Your head snapped back feeling your gut wrench at the noise. You recognized it…you experienced it…loss… You swallowed down your emotions whispering to Drautos, “Who?”

He looked down at you struggling with a well of emotions himself, “…Pelna…”

You shut your eyes bowing your head as you put a hand over you mouth to try and stifle the cry. He’d been so welcoming to you. So, kind, and compassionate. He’d answered all your questions and encouraged you when you needed it.

And Nyx…oh god Nyx…he’d loved him like a brother. Always spoke of how his progress was going and how much he enjoyed seeing Pelna advance. He was going to be a mess…

“What can I do?” You looked at Drautos once you composed yourself, “There has to be something…it’s why no one is doing anything, right?”

“…he needs…a sky burial…” Drautos shut his eyes speaking quietly, “It’s difficult to get in and out of the city…and we can’t burn the body here.”

“Let me handle it…” You told him taking out your phone, “Just tell me when and I’ll get it done…”

“Ma’am…” He put his hand over yours getting your attention.

“I have to do something…Everyone in this city has a right to practice how they wish…this just one more difference. I bury my family in a giant tomb outside the city walls…why should it be hard for your people to practice your beliefs?” Your eyes watered before he nodded slowly allowing you to step away.

It took you several minutes, but you managed to get the west gate open. You walked back over but couldn’t see Drautos anywhere. You frowned as someone looked over to your eyes widening a little. They tapped the next person’s shoulder and it suddenly became a ripple effect as everyone parted to let you through.

This isn’t what you expected but everyone seemed to be urging you forward. When you came to the center you saw a casket in the back of a truck. You paused staring at it for a moment before you saw Nyx standing a few paces away holding onto an older woman as Drautos consoled the man beside her.

You stood there unsure of what to do. You felt like you were intruding…you felt like you had no place here. Your eyes flicked back over to the coffin as a tear fell down your cheek. You looked around seeing all the men and women who had just returned.

All of them looked beaten and weary. Yet, they still stood waiting to bid their comrade a proper farewell. Finally, Drautos saw you waving you over, “Ma’am…This is Mr. Kahara…”

You looked at him seeing where Pelna got his kind eyes. You teared up before taking his outstretched hand, “Sir…I am so sorry for your loss…”

He nodded before letting go of your hand. You could see the pain in his face as he struggled to speak, “Pelna…he always spoke of how kind you were. Then we all got to experience it here in the ward…he died fighting for the future you’re building for us…Please don’t let him down.”

You felt a heavy weight fall into your stomach as he moved to pull his wife from Nyx’s arms. You looked over to him as he let go. His face was blank as he turned to Drautos, “Where do we go?”

Drautos looked to you for the answer. You swallowed before you answered, “The west gate…I figured the cliffs you took me to…I’m sorry if…”

“That’ll be fine…” Nyx moved away from you as he crawled into the back of the truck with the casket putting a hand on it.

“Captain…” You whispered watching Nyx.

“He’ll be alright in time. He was close with Pelna…” Drautos put a hand on your shoulder, “Will you walk with us?”

“Of course…” You nodded as everyone proceeded to follow the truck. The walk was long, but every soldier followed behind it. You hung your head a little as you listened to them start to sing a song. A lament of some kind.

It spoke of traveling far away from home, never turning around, never making any plans. There would be a place at the end of the road where all would be good. Home was with you and good enough, for tomorrow was never guaranteed.

You cried…you cried hard and silently soaking in their pain. Knowing it all to well as Nyx sang those final words before lighting the body on fire with his hand, “This is not a farewell…just a goodbye…”

Drautos asked if you wanted to return with everyone at some point and you couldn’t pull yourself away. The song haunted you, and the way Nyx had just looked past you…you were worried. Drautos sighed understanding remaining with you as well.

Finally, when the embers began to fade away you watched Nyx reach in pouring a bit of the ash into a bag. Every soldier followed suit before turning and heading back to the city, until Nyx was left alone at the pyre.

Drautos stepped away from you walking up to him. They spoke quietly for a long time before they both turned walking back to you.

Nyx stared at you for a moment before he spoke, “I…”

You shook your head reaching out taking his hand in yours, “I’m so sorry…”

He sniffed as he struggled for a moment before he pulled you to him. He hugged you tightly as he started to shake in your arms…soon sobs followed as he buried his face into your neck. You shut your eyes letting your tears fall silently as you rubbed his back in soothing circles.

After some time, he pulled away looking down at you. His eyes were red and face puffy as he spoke, “Thank you…for being here…”

“Of course…” You nodded a little watching him taking in a deep breath, “I’ll do whatever I can.”

“Let’s get you home to rest.” Drautos put a hand on his shoulder as he started for the truck everyone left behind.

“Right…” Nyx whispered as he started to take a few steps before he began to collapse.

“Titus!’ You shouted catching him crumbling under his weight as you fell to the ground, “Nyx…Nyx! Open your eyes…Nyx please…”

“Please…please don’t leave me…”

Nyx’s eyes opened looking at an unfamiliar view. He was supposed to be in a tent…wait…no…that’s wrong…where was he? He sat up grunting a little bit as he threw his feet of the side of the bed he was in. He looked at his wrapped arm before feeling his ribs, also wrapped.

He knew he was hurt he, he just had better things to deal with then medical attention. He looked around seeing clean walls of a bedroom. He stood up slowly as the door opened letting Drautos inside. His mentor gave him a relieved smile, “Oh good…you can walk…”

“Where are we?” Nyx frowned a little.

“Your place.” Drautos told him with a small smile, “Wanted to give you the grand tour the right way, but…situation changed that…”

“M-my place?” Nyx stared at him as everything started to catch up to him, “Right…right…the construction…”

“Far from your mind, I know.” Drautos nodded before sighing, “Kinda like the three broken rips and fractured arm…”

“I had more important things to worry about.” Nyx glared at him a little watching him raise his hands surrendering.

“I know…all the same…you need your rest now.” Drautos told him sighing, “Though you should probably show Y/N, that you’re alright first…”

“She’s here?” Nyx felt a bit of panic fall over him.

“Yeah, she’s sleeping on your couch right now. She didn’t want to leave without knowing you were alright.” Drautos told him before nodding at him to follow.

Nyx carefully hobbled his way down the small hallway passing a kitchenette that led to a small living area. He leaned against the wall when he saw you curled up on the couch sleeping. He made a face finally seeing the bruise on your face, “What happened to her?”

Drautos took in a deep breath, “Apparently there was an altercation…I didn’t have time to press her or anyone for information. When she found out you were back, she rushed to see you…”

Nyx shook his head as he spoke quietly, “She shouldn’t worry about me.”

“But she does…and you’re lucky for it. Just be thankful…” Drautos told him as he moved to the front door, “I’ll be downstairs waiting for her in the car…take your time.”

Nyx waited for him to leave before he walked over taking a seat on the arm of the couch. He watched you for moment taking in deep restful breaths. You had tear stains on your face probably caused by him. He didn’t deserve you, yet here you were…and astrals above he was grateful.

Carefully he reached down pushing your hair behind your ear. In a fluid motion he gently traced your face coaxing you awake slowly. He smiled when your beautiful eyes opened looking up to him as he whispered, “Hi…”

“Hi…” You repeated back to him before reaching up catching his hand as you sat up. You placed it on your face leaning into his touch.

He choked up shaking his head, “I’m sorry…”

“No, Nyx…you don’t have to explain…” You interrupted him, “I can’t…even fathom…”

“You’re too understanding…” He moved off the arm sitting next to you letting his forehead rest against yours as his other hand came up to your face. He wished it wasn’t wrapped, he wanted to feel your skin when he touched you, “It’s okay to be mad at me…I am…”

“I’m not…I’m worried, but I’m not mad…” You shook your head staring into his eyes, “I just…just tell me what you need…”

He shut his eyes before he kissed your forehead pulling you into his chest. He tensed when you fell against his rips, but the pain subsided and he relaxed feeling you against him, “You…I just need you.”

“I can do that.” He could hear the smile in your voice. No doubt that it was small and worried.

He sat there with his eyes shut just feeling you pressed against him. He allowed the weight to push him far away from the thoughts he’d been thinking since packing up from the front. He knew he’d have to deal with them eventually, but for now he just wanted to just be with you.

He took in several breaths until his breathing began to match yours. Your rhythmic rising and falling washing over him like peace.

“Nyx?” He heard you speak quietly. He gave you a squeeze and a soft ‘hm’ to tell you he heard you, “…never mind…”

He cracked his eyes open seeing you staring up at him. It took him by surprise actually, most women just curled up in his embrace, but of course you weren’t most women, “What is it?”

“I’m…” You seemed to be a little bit hesitant to say what you wanted to say, “I’m…happy you’re here…”

He felt his nose tickle understanding then you were trying to be sensitive, “…thank you…I’m happy to…I’m happy to be near you…”

You frowned a little before nodding a little, “You should be laying down…you’re pretty banged up.”

“I am…laying down…sorta…” He smiled a little holding you tightly to make sure you didn’t move reaching up to your cheek frowning, “I’m more concerned about this honestly…”

You sighed leaning into his touch, “It was a misunderstanding between a guest at the Citadel…”

“I hope you responded in kind.” He felt his brow come together.

“Noctis did actually…followed up by his posse…and political threats.” You smirked a little, “Spoiled petty princes don’t scare me.”

“Hey, I resemble that remark…” He smiled as you chuckled a little.

“That’s a lie… You’re a spoiled petty king.” You smiled at him as you leaned up toward him.

His eyes shut as your lips met his. Damn…damn this felt good and it was just a kiss. His arms wrapped around your waist drawing you closer to him as he slipped his arms behind your legs. In one smooth motion he scooped you up laying you back against the couch as he parted looking down your face.

His eyes flicked down to the small chain you wore around your neck, the bead from his hair on it. His picked it up gently before he whispered, “You still have it…”

“Of course…it kept you near me…” You stared up into his eyes as smiling at him before reaching up taking his face in your hands whispering, “I missed you…so much…everyday was…”

He didn’t want to hear it. He lived it while he was away, dreaming of you night after night. Talking with Titus, asking after you…he missed you desperately. His lips locked with yours craving the same exhilaration he’d felt moments ago.

He found it letting his hands settle on your hips, slowly drifting them up. He felt you shiver as his thumbs grazed the skin under the sweater you were wearing. Your fingers laced into his hair tugging gently sending small electric sensations down the back of his neck.

You both froze as an obnoxious ringtone sounded off. He watched you reach into your pocket pulling out your phone as he licked his lips trying to calm down. Your face became serious as you started to sit up.

He helped you slightly as you answered, “Uncle?”

Nyx waited keeping quiet as your hand wiped over your face. You nodded slowly, “I understand…no…I will…attempt to provide him something to…”

You were cut off and your face looked shocked. Nyx felt every nerve in his body go on high alert as you stood up, “I will not…No I refuse…because he attacked me after…No. No! What I do with my time is just that…mine! I will not waste it on some insolent little prick who thinks he can get ahead by bedding me…”

“Fine, I’ll come see you now.” You spat out angrily , “I won’t be bullied…”

Nyx stood up as you listened to the other end. He knew who this ‘prick’ was now, and he didn’t like what he was hearing. Something would have to be done.

“You can’t…you can’t be serious…” You spoke quietly looking up to Nyx horrified, “I won’t do it.”

You listened for a moment longer before the call ended. Nyx frowned having a suspicion of what was going on, “I won’t let him take you from me…”

“Nyx…” You teared up as he pulled you into a tight hug, “why can’t we just be left alone?”

“Don’t worry…” He kissed your forehead as he rubbed your shoulders, “I’ll take care of it…”

[amarabliss]

Galahdian Dreams - 13 (Nyx Ulric/Reader)

Synopsis: Your father was the king of Insomnia. He was good and just. You never thought you’d meet anyone like him after he was taken from the world. Your Uncle Regis, has taken the throne and followed through on your father’s plans. It was good to see the city in capable hands.

Enter Nyx Ulric, refugee, Glaive, fighter…how is it he can see all your secrets? He knows how to set you off and he’s promised to not let you go…(AU for sure, Regis wasn’t supposed to take the throne, and our lovely Nyx has more of a past then we thought…)

Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five Part Six Part Seven Part Eight Part Nine Part Ten Part Eleven  Part Twelve 

Nyx smiled a little watching the little girls talk around you as they played with your hair. You had no idea what you had agreed to when you told them ‘yes, you can play with my hair.’ He looked down to his phone as it buzzed.

T – Are you guys on your way?

Nyx looked at his watch cursing a little. Things had been a little strange since a couple of weeks ago. He’d decided to try and give you your space, since he was the one who seemed so adamant about being careful. You on the other hand acted like nothing was wrong.

You smiled at him, talked to him like it didn’t matter, and he had just bit your head off…

He hated it.

“Nyx…” He looked up from the bench he was sitting on to you. You gave him a small smile, it wasn’t that fake one you learn to master early on being a royal. No, it was the genuine article, “I’m going to see the kids…”

“Right…” He nodded standing up waving his arm out for you to proceed, “I’m sure they’ll be excited to see you again.”

“I think they’ll be more excited to see you.” You looked at him eyes twinkling a little, “It’s been eye opening seeing how everyone moves around you.”

“What does that mean?” His brow came together when he looked at you.

You stopped briefly looking at him. “Nyx…not everything I say regarding your…past…is an attack…”

He sighed looking away nodding, “Yeah I know…I just don’t know where I stand with you right now. The last few weeks…I feel like I did something wrong…but I’m not exactly sure what…I just want to protect you…Then trying to find the time to talk to you about it…when you’re surrounded by people all the time and pretending to be something I’m not and at the same time being that something wholeheartedly…”

You reached out taking his hand before pulling him away from the crowds into an alleyway. He stared down into your eyes as you spoke, “Nyx, I am not mad or angry or anything with you…frustrated maybe, but for completely other reasons that any person in a relationship like ours would be…and I know that all this is much harder for you because you do have to put up this wall…I forget that everyone knows exactly who am, but you have two roles to fill…that is all that I meant…”

You stepped closer to him taking his other hand, “Your people love you. I see it with every look they give you. They’re loyal and respect that you don’t want the world to see that you are more than just a man from Galahd. I know the day when you’re ready to come forward…they will follow you to the end. I used to know what that was like.”

You had wisdom far beyond your years and yet you always uplifted everyone else. You saw everything they had and made sure they did too. You would humble people in a way that left them feeling more than a moment before.

He realized right then you were simply cherishing the private moment you could have with him. Being able to express yourself freely and openly. Relating to him on a level no one else would be able to. He began to realize how much a fool he’d been something he wasn’t for you.

He wasn’t the perfect prince. Hell…he was definitely not a noteworthy king…but you weren’t looking for a prince or a king. You were looking for a man…just a man…and you happened to be looking at him and saw all this wonder around him that he’d seem to forgotten about. You centered him in ways he didn’t know he needed to be adjusted and appreciated you so much.

N – We’re just finishing up b there in a few

He stood up pocketing his phone, “Sorry ladies, the salon must close. We’ve gotta go do grown up things…”

He trailed off as the girls moved away letting you stand up. They had styled your hair with braids, ribbons, and beads. You practically looked like your stepped off the streets of Galahd.

You smiled at him sheepishly reaching up touching your hair like you always did when you were self-conscious, “What?”

“He thinks you look pretty!” One girl jumped up as the other giggles.

“Lila…” He looked away feeling his ears get hot as the little girl outed him.

“What! I’m just saying what you’re thinking…” Lila giggled looking back to you, “Are you two going to get married?”

“Oh my…” You laughed a little before kneeling down looking at them all, “We’re a little ways from the question still.”

“Mmm…but he seems lonely…” Lila pouted a little

“Ah ha…” He coughed a little before turning around, “You guys should get back to class…Ma’am we gotta go.”

“Thank you all for the wonderful hair style. I will make sure to come back!” You bent over looking at them all with a big smile, “I’ll see you all soon alright?”

He smiled as they all giggled at you before running back to their classmates, “You’re real good with kids. Noticed it before it from an article I found on you, but seeing you in action is far more impressive.”

She turned stepping over to him, “You looked me up?”

“Uh, yeah…I was curious. I wanted to see why you were so important.” He told you as he turned with you to walk away, “Understand why you were so…hurt…and I wanted to understand.”

As you walked behind a van he felt your hand gently graze against his palm. It was enough to make his heart race and you knew it. He looked at you and saw you smile before wrapping your arms around yourself, “It’s something I envy about you Nyx…you know how to figure out people quickly.”

He blushed a little as he scratched the back of his neck, “Well…you’ve seemed to figure me out pretty good…”

You laughed as the school bell went of releasing the students, “Oh my, we’re late aren’t we?”

“A bit…but I think you’ll impress everyone with your hair…they can’t be too mad at you when kids are involved.” He explained as he started walking a head of you, “At least it’s been my experience.”

He heard the scream first making his blood run cold. He as he turned he felt a familiar sensation brush against his skin as he began to reach for his kukri. The clattering of scaffolding was the next sound as he finished moving not seeing you anywhere nearby. Panic set in as his eyes scanned the area frantically.

“Lila!” He saw a group of people rushing over to the scaffolding that was collapsed on itself.

A sinking feeling began to fill his gut as he ran over helping to pull the pieces away. Lila’s mother was standing off to the side hysterical. As they removed a few more pieces he finally felt relief hearing your voice whispering reassuring words.

“Y/N…” He looked down into an opening seeing your frame curled around Lila protectively.

You looked over to him and smiled, “See look…your king came to rescue you.”

“Just hold on ladies…we’re almost there…” He told you before helping everyone else remove the last few bits carefully ensuring you both could come out safely.

You were covered in dust as you carried Lila out walking her over to her mother who embraced Lila tightly kissing her face over and over before turning to you hugging you tightly. You took the hug and smiled telling her everything was fine. She and everyone else thanked you all the same.

Nyx pulled you away from the gathering crowd looking you over as you began to spit dust that had gotten in your mouth, “Are you alright?”

“I…I think so…” Your eyes met his as he felt your arms for breaks, “Nyx, I’m alright…”

You were…covered in dust and looked liked you’d been in a mine for days, but you were alright, “That was stupid.”

“Excuse me?” You blinked at him.

“You! Running in like that…how…” He threw his arms out looking at the scaffolding, “How did you even get over here?”

You followed his gaze to far across the street away from where they stood, “I…I don’t know. I just…I heard it creak and I saw her…does it matter? Everyone is fine.”

“But it could have been really bad…” He looked back to you as he felt a lump in his throat, “ Y/N…”

“Your Ladyship…” Nyx clenched his jaw adjusting his posture as Drautos ran over, “Astrals…are you hurt?”

“No I’m fine…” You told him but your eyes never left Nyx’s, “I just happened to be in the right place, at the right time.”

“We should get you back to the Citadel…” Drautos told you quickly, “We can arrange…”

“None sense…I’m sure I can clean up somewhere and we can finish up…it’s just dust.” You told him brushing yourself off a little before smiling. Drautos began to protest, “I refuse to let this stop us…what you can do is make sure the rest of the scaffoldings are secured properly.”

“Ma’am…” Drautos looked at you in disbelief.

“I will go after we have our meeting, please do as I ask first and check the scaffolding.” You told him firmly before you walked past him to Nyx, “Your place is still one of the ones we haven’t started on, yes? You don’t mind taking me to freshen up there?”

“Not at all ma’am…Follow me. Drautos we’ll be there in…45 minutes?” He looked to Drautos for confirmation.

“Just…make it an hour and…make sure she’s alright.” Drautos sighed heavily as you both began to walk away.

Nyx brought you back to his dingy studio apartment, quickly pulling things off the clothes line shoving them into a bin kicking it under a card table, “Uh…bathroom is just there…”

“Thank you…” You smiled as you brushed your arms off for the hundredth time, “Can I barrow a shirt…I’m just going to rinse off…”

“Rinse…uh…” He looked at the door of the bathroom as he began to ramble, “We…don’t really have hot water all the time…and…”

“It’s fine…” You tilted your head a little eyes narrowing slightly, “Nyx, what’s going on?”

He looked at you for a moment before he felt his wall crumble a little, “You…you were just gone…”

He watched your face as understanding began to fill your lovely eyes as he went on, “You just disappeared and I…I felt everything slip away from me in an instance again and I just…”

He looked away putting a hand over his eyes the feeling of embarrassment fill him as his confession passed his lips, “I can’t lose you…not you too…”

“Nyx…” Your voice was just a whisper, but it penetrated him taking down any piece of his cool exterior that remained. You stepped forward taking his hand way from his face, “Nyx…I’m sorry…I’m sorry I didn’t think…”

He blinked as a tear trickled down his cheek. You reached up gently brushing it away with you thumb. He sighed closing his eyes before his hands found waist and rested his forehead against yours, “Please don’t do that again…”

“I will try my best but…” He sighed as your other hand found his face, “Nyx…”

His eyes opened as you leaned up kissing him. He tensed at first feeling the same sense of needing to hide, but soon relax in what comfort his small place provided them at the moment. He sighed relaxing into the kiss letting his arms wrap around you.

When you parted from him your eyes twinkled as you bit your bottom lip, “We must find and cherish these rare moments…”

He smiled a little looking at your dust covered face, “You look like you’re covered in flour…”

You blushed a little as you started to pull away from him, “I should get cleaned up…”

“Yeah…” He held you closer making your eyes widen, “It can wait…”

He kissed you again this time letting his hand work up your neck until his fingers laced with your fresh braids and hair. He felt himself get hot as your arms returned wrapping around his neck. Six you made him feel crazy and he was an idiot keeping away from you like this…but there were reasons…

“Y/N…” He whispered against your lips when he parted from your reluctantly, “I have…the worst timing…”

His forehead rested against yours as your cool hand fell against his neck, “Drautos…I know…”

His hand moved from your hair to your cheek getting you to look up into his eyes, “Y/N, I care about you…so much…I…I want to find these moment with you. I hope we find more of them…”

You lips curled into a smile before you leaned up pecking him on the lips, “I need to get cleaned up.”

“Yeah…” He licked his lips watching you walk toward the bathroom, “I wasn’t joking about the hot water…”

You glanced back at him smirking, “I don’t intend on being in there forever. I just want to get this grime off…”

“Towel is on the counter…” He rattled off as you shut the door. He stood there a moment before putting his hands on his hips smiling as he thought back to just a moment ago. Find the moments…

He would have to start looking for them more. You seemed to find them easily. Gentle grazes here and there. Small comments…brief glances…he loved you for anything you did…

He looked up feeling his mouth drop open some as the realization dawned on him. He loved you. Did he? He did…without a doubt…he loved you.

His eyes flitted back to the bathroom door. How did that happen? He was your guard…a king in disguise…and a broken man…how did someone so completely destined for greatest end up in his path? Was he allowed to even consider you? You were so much more then him…he may be a king, but the king of what? A broken country, so desperate that they sold themselves out for protection?

He looked away from the door remembering your words…Your people love you… They’re loyal…they will follow you to the end…

Would they follow a king who would ally himself to a country willing to pretty much enslave his people for cannon fodder? He had to hope that everything you were doing would help him. He had to believe it because he knew deep down that you were doing everything you could to help them.

He looked down to where he’d thrown his clothes just before reaching in grabbing a shirt he considered snug on himself before walking over the door tapping on it. He could hear the water running, “Hey…uh…shirt is hanging on the outside knob.”

“Thank you.” You sounded muffled through the door.

He turned looking around the room seeing how big of a disaster it was. He quickly moved around picking up and straightening everything. His phone buzzed in his pocket.

T- Is she alright?

Nyx glanced at the bathroom door hearing the water running still. He sighed before texting him back.

N – she’s fine…but I think we need to talk later.

… … … the weight of those bubbles made his stomach churn. He looked over to the picture of his mom and sister. He kissed his fingers before reaching out touching the picture. God he missed them so much…

T – Are you alright?

Nyx sighed putting the phone back into his pocket not replying. He heard the door open behind him. He turned seeing his shirt missing from the knob. He felt his phone buzz a few more times before he pulled out sighing.

T – Nyx if this about Y/N and you…

T – Never mind we should talk about this in person

T – I’ve been meaning to bring it up…I

T – I’m not mad…damn phone and my big thumb…

“Everything alright?” He turned seeing you squeezing the towel on your head attempting to get the water out of your hair. You hadn’t taken the braids out it seemed. His mouth dropped open slightly at his shirt hanging off you, covering down to your mid-thigh. You weren’t wearing your pants, “Nyx?”

His eyes darted away from you, “Uh yeah…everything is-is fine…”

You laughed, “Bashful much? You’ve seen me in dresses that showed more then this.”

He let out a half laugh nodding before looking at you again. His face felt really hot, “Uh yeah, I suppose you’re right…feel better?”

“Much.” You stepped toward him smiling, “Thank you.”

“Uh…don’t thank me yet…” He held up his phone for you to read the messages, “I guess we’re pretty transparent.”

“Or it could be everyone in zone saying how cute we look together.” He looked at you his eyes going wide as you spoke, “Have you been trapped in your head that much lately? That’s the entire gossip section right now, us.”

He didn’t know what to say really. It made him happy to hear that people weren’t against it. His people at least, “What about your uncle?”

“What about him?” You handed his phone back to him.

“What if he happens to hear these rumors?” He frowned a little bit.

“…I don’t think we need to worry about that.” You sighed bringing your hand up over your heart massaging your scar, “Things with the war are keeping him pretty busy lately…”

“Is it getting that bad?” He took a step closer you, putting his hands on your arms feeling the moisture on them still.

You looked up at him nodding, “I think so…it’s the one thing he won’t talk to Noctis or I about…but I happened to hear some councilmembers in the hall the other day. They’re pushing for a full…full something I’ve never heard the term before…they sounded so sinister about it.”

“Do you want me to ask Titus?” He gave you an encouraging smile.

You shook your head, “No…when the time comes, I think my uncle will talk to everyone and inform them of the decisions being made…I hope at least…”

You rested your hands against his chest as he smiled looking down into your eyes, “I will follow your lead in those matters.”

“Hopefully, we won’t need to worry about it.” You leaned up kissing him lightly before moving away from him.

“Wait…” He pulled you back to him, “I need to say something…”

“Okay…” You smiled looking up at him, “This sounds important…”

“It…it is…” He smiled licking his lips, “Y/N…I…”

You both jumped at the sound of his phone going off. He sighed pulling it out seeing Titus calling. He clicked ignore as you began to protest, “Nyx…he’ll…”

“He can wait…I wanna say this…” He looked at you seriously, “Y/N…”

Now your phone went off. He sighed as you moved to go get it from the bathroom. He heard you answer, “Hello…what’s happened?”

He frowned hearing concern in your voice as you went on, “I will head back now…of course…but…alright…”

His phone started to ring again he turned away answering, “Titus…”

“Report to Citadel. Car is waiting for you outside.” His mentor sounded serious.

“What happened?” Nyx looked back to you as you walked fully dressed a serious look on your face as you remained on the phone.

“I’m not sure, I just received word that Lady Caelum is to return to the Citadel at once…wear your jacket…” Titus sighed, “I think we’re all being called in…”

“Got it…Titus…” He frowned as you hung up, “Never mind, we need to talk later…”

“Yes sir…” He hung up looking at you as you walked over to him

“Y/N what’s wrong? What happened?” He watched as your face was hardened, “Y/N…”

“Things have gotten worse in Tenebrae…Queen Sylva…she was killed…” You told him frowning as you moved to the door, “I…I’m sorry I have to go…”

He stopped you briefly nodding, “I’m going to take you…let me do my job.”

He grabbed his jacket putting it on and equipped himself with everything he normally wore. His glaive uniform felt heavy and foreign as he put it on. These past few weeks he’d become to comfortable it seems.

He turned to you opening the door for you. You stopped in front of him looking into his eyes. He gave you a smile, “Car’s waiting for us downstairs…ma’am.”

You gave him a smile but your eyes betrayed you, you were worried, “Let’s go.”

Some how he didn’t think he was going to get a chance to tell you what he wanted…and somehow he knew it was probably for the better at this moment.