Final Fantasy XV 💖Crystal Heart

13---Making Memories

It has been a couple weeks since the dawn of new life began.

"Hey wake up," a hushed whisper in Issas ear.

Standing over her is.....Gladio?

"Errrmmmm, what?" She says, still lying in her sleeping bag.

It was Gladio's idea to go on a camping trip, he thought it would be good for everyone to remember Noctis and celebrate his life.

"Shhhh.... I want to play a trick on Prompto, Ignis is in on it. Let's go." Gladio says.

A smirk rolls across Issa's face. It was fun that these guys have such a sense of humor after all this time.

****2 hours later***

The  alarm goes off on Prompto's phone...
He sighs and begins to stretch his arms...but wind breaker fabric prevents him from fully extending.

"What the?" He starts to freak out, Waving and flapping his arms like a bird.
  After wiggling around he finally manages to find the zipper.

He emerges hopping on one foot, "what the heck?? The tent is collapsed." Scratching his goatee.

Still disoriented he reaches in to grab his boots to put them on.

Now that he's more awake he realises that Ignis, Gladio and Issa are not around. The chairs, the cooler and everything are gone.
"Guys???!!"

He runs in one direction...

Sitting beyond the edge of camp sit the three, snickering behind a huge fallen tree.

Prompto hops over it l looking for them.

Gladio reaches out and grabs Prompto by the ankles, knocking him down while  Growling loudly.

He screams high pitched trying to get away, kicking and flailing his arms.

Everyone busts out laughing.
"Oh Prompto you should have seen your face heheheh!" Gladio laughs robustly.

"I can imagine the confusion you must have felt. " Ignis smirks.

"Laugh it up guys! It was not funny. I'm glad your smiling tho Ignis, you have a sense of humor somewhere in there." Prompto flops over to lay on his back. "Whew, you guys really got me. I was freakin out."

Issa leans against the Log watching her friends, laughing it up. Poking fun at eachother. So far today has been great. She laughs to herself. It was a good idea to come out here, we all needed this. If Noctis was here he probably would have enjoyed seeing Promoto scream like a girl.

***she remembers a conversation she had with him***
Camping near the ocean, Noctis favorite fishing spot. Everyone else asleep, she takes a seat by him.

"Noctis, I know you are going thru this hard time but may I ask you something?"

Noctis--"Whats your question?"
He looks up at the stars, almost to avoid her.

"If someone had one last day to live, would it be better to love or not love at all?"

Noctis---"Whats this about?"

"I...have come to have affections for someone, but have been holding back.. because I know my time left is short, I don't want him to hurt when I'm gone..." she says.

He turns his head her direction, making complete eye contact. with seriousness in his face he speaks,
"We can all see it, you and Prompto. Even if I had known that Luna was going to die..I still would have spent every last second, loving her with all that I am."
He let's a tear fall then continues, "Just..... don't hold back. Prompto is a good guy, he's my best friend and he adores you. It must have been love at first sight, he never stops talking about you.." 

His face softens and he thinks about how he loved Luna as a child. Bittersweet memories....

*************

"Are you alright?" Ignis is at Issa's side.

"I am....I am just thinking." She smiles to herself.
Noctis had never said much before or after,  but those words meant the world to her.

She looks up and sees Prompto and Gladio bumping shoulders, "Yeah, I admit it. It was pretty funny. I am gonna get you next time Gladio so you better watch out."

He takes his index and middle finger pointing to his eyes then at Gladio.

Prompto really makes her laugh...she appreciates these guys.

"Hahah okay then." Gladio pats him on the shoulder," Alright buddy, Ignis and I are going to give you two some alone time." He makes kissy faces at Prompto while backing toward Ignis and Issa.

"Aww man.... stop... your embarrassing me." Prompto puts both hands on his hips and makes a pout.

The two men go back to pack the rest of camp, leaving Prompto alone with Issa. ;)

He walks up to her looking down, "So....uh... wanna go for a hike? I promise I'll make it worth your while."

Issa still seated, her cheeks turn red. She took it the wrong way.

"Wait...that didn't come out right.. the view.. is worth your while. Aww man."

He lifts his hand to brush his hair on the back of his head. His freckled face has a deep shade of red across it.

Seeing Prompto get flustered makes Issa giggle, "It's okay, let's head out together."

She lifts her hand and Prompto helps her up.

She loses balance and makes him fall backward making her land on top of him.
"Oh my gosh." prompto freezes.

She lays there with her face in his neck for a moment, pressed against him.

The leaves on the trees rustle with the wind. He looks up into the blue sky...

"He said, don't hold back."she whispers in his ear.