A Man Of No Consequence (Ardyn x Reader)

A Gentleman's Agreement

An annoying, persistent buzzing sound tears you from your sleep, and you reach over to your nightstand, looking for your phone. A thud, signalling you've just dropped it on the carpet, and reluctantly you shuffle to the edge, finding your phone on the floor, flashing an incoming call.

Without giving it another look, you lift it to your ear hastily, your foggy mind trying to comprehend where you are and what time it is.

"Good morning, sunshine! Time to get ready!"

"...what?"

"You're being summoned. This is it, better get up and head here ASAP. You got your big chance."

Rubbing your eyes, you sit up in the bed, tiredness giving way to the adrenaline starting to rush through your sleepy body.

"Nyx, that's not funny. You've woken me up at 8 am and I've only had a few hours sleep... my head hurts..."

"Had a heavy night, huh?" the voice at the end of the line snickers.

"Don't laugh..."

"I'm not laughing, and it's not a joke. Orders from the Captain. They want you in the briefing room by ten."

Your eyes widen with disbelief as you jump out of the bed, starting to search around the room, not really knowing what you're looking for.

"Me? But they said I'm not even fully accepted as a member! I haven't had any training yet! I'm only on standby for an absolute emergency."

"Well, it must be an emergency..."

"Seriously, Nyx, what is it?"

"Look, it's all news to me. They were looking for someone with skills in photography, and I dropped your name. Despite a few others stepping forward, they ended up choosing you, so it seems. You must've made a real impression on the Captain at the tryouts," he laughs again.

"That weird old perv..."

"Hey now, this is a good chance to make yourself useful. I'll meet you outside the building, just hurry up, you don't wanna be late."

"Of course not! Thanks, I'll hurry..."

"Alright. See you soon."

Popping a piece of bread in the toaster, you brush your teeth while dressing in pieces of clothing you find on the floor that seem moderately clean.

My life is a mess...

Pulling on your leather jacket, you pop a few painkillers and down them with a glass of water, before slabbing a spoonful of jam on the toast and rushing out the door, promptly dropping the jam on your trousers in the rush.

Now I am a mess...

Making your way through the city on public transport during rush-hour is a doomed idea, so you hop on your bike and ride down the backstreets and shortcuts, giving your all to arrive on time. Pulling up to the headquarters, you look for a spot to tie up your bike. In the midst of shiny, expensive looking cars, all you can find is a lonely tree. As you kneel down to wrap the chain around the trunk, you feel a gentle pat on your back.

"There you are. Made good time. You ok?"

Looking up you see Nyx, dressed in his Kingsglaive uniform, looking clean and dapper.

"I rode like crazy," you confess, realising you're still catching your breath as you speak. "I'm all sweaty, I probably stink..."

"Well, I didn't wanna say anything..." he grins, earning a little shove from you.

"Shut up," you chuckle. "I'm so nervous. I have no idea what to say or do..."

"Don't be," he reassures you. "I'll escort you in. Just relax, be yourself. If it feels too much, you can always say no. But if you want to get in, I would say yes..."