Stars in the Night Sky [NOCTIS X READER]

CHAPTER 10 - A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME

Liiiittle bit of a POV swap here, but only for the suspense of two oblivious idiots. Enjoy! :D

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Meldacio Hunter HQ was probably the one town in all of Lucis that people rarely visited. People were more inclined to visit more tourist-friendly locations - like Lestallum for the Meteor or Insomnia just to catch a glimpse at the Citadel. But that didn't mean it didn't have its uses, either.

As the name suggested, it was the home of the hunters, where they received their orders and returned to after a long day of daemon-fighting and escorting civilians. It didn't boast anything worth seeing (aside from the Vesperpool but, again, the unpredictable wildlife made it a questionable vacation spot at best) but that didn't seem to affect the small town at all. In fact, what it lacked in tourism, it more than made up for in sheer practicality; the arches shielding the down from above prevented it from being seen from the outside and most buildings were either weapons shops or places to stock up on supplies. Very few people actually lived in Meldacio, as most hunters had homes elsewhere or chose to make their living on the road. However, it was a hotspot for incoming information for people in need or needed a job done. If there was someone that needed their help, Meldacio would be the place to find out who.

It was with this thought in mind that Adelaide got out of the car and looked around. Though, she realized pretty quickly that the air in Meldacio wasn't all-serious and professional like she was expecting. In fact, the hunters that passed by seemed almost eager. They carried streamers and packets of balloons, chatting and laughing with each other. Every available surface was covered in some kind of decoration - posters, balloons, streamers, they had it all.

"How odd," Ignis commented, helping Autumn out of the car. He cast a curious gaze around at the buildings. "A celebration, perhaps?"

"Maybe," Gladiolus rumbled, glancing around.

Prompto, who had his nose practically pressed to a nearby poster, made a noise of interest. "Says here that there's some kinda party going on today to celebrate the founding of the hunters. Think we can attend?" He was grinning, bright blue eyes bright with excitement.

"Well, we're technically hunters, right?" Gladiolus pointed out. "Since we do those jobs for Dave and all. We also took out a bunch of crazy wildlife and daemons before we got busy. I'd say so."

"Hell yeah! We should do it!" Prompto grinned.

"It's up to Noct," Ignis inclined with his head to said prince, who was too busy eyeing the flora festering up the side of a wooden cabin. Prompto bounced up to him, taking Noctis by the shoulders and looking seriously into his face.

"Noct," he said. "We have to go. When was the last time we've really let go and had fun like this?"

Noctis blinked. "Uh..."

"Exactly!" Prompto stressed the word with far more vigor than what was needed. "So...we should go!"

Noctis scanned the group and shrugged languidly. "Don't see why not."

Prompto pumped his fist. "Yes!"

"Sounds good to me," Gladiolus crossed his arms. "We could use the break. And it's not like we have anything else to do."

"Indeed," Ignis pushed up his glasses. "The boat repairs will take quite a while."

"Woohoo!" Prompto cheered. "Party time!"

After spending the rest of the day helping out the hunters prepare for their celebration. Tables were pushed aside, a makeshift awning was built out of wooden stakes and fabric and you and Adelaide worked together to string fairy lights from the edges and beneath, creating a makeshift dance floor. The smell of something delicious hung in the air. Adelaide couldn't wait to try it.