(The Chapel)
You step out of the sleek black gondola, gripping the gloved hand offered by, one of the fancily dressed men, who have been chaperoning you since the start of the day. The gondolier gives a cheerful wave in farewell. His boat is decorated with lush roses and he himself is dressed to the nines for the wedding. Before you stands, Altissia's elegant ivory church, a unique mixture of bold and delicate architecture. Golden domes rise high in the blue skies with white steeples that reach higher still. Colorful banners twist together in the highly arched entryway.
"Right this way." The chaperone motions for you to walk beside him. Feeling a bit sheepish you oblige, had you really been staring at the building for so long? He leads you and Iris to a spacious waiting room. Two couches rest adjacent each other with an ornate coffee table in between them. A mini fridge sits unassumingly tucked against a couch's side. There's also a small bathroom attached. "Well then, I'll leave you two, to rest before the ceremony. It will begin in about an hour, I'll return for you then." The man bows politely as he exits the room quietly closing the door behind him.
A full length mirror leans against one of the walls. You walk up to it and stare at your reflection. A bashful bride stares back at you, she's in a foreign country, the bride of a Prince no less! You're not entirely sure if this is a dream or reality. Arms lean heavy against your shoulder. Iris's playful eyes peer back at you through the mirror. She tilts her head and whispers 'You look beautiful in that dress.' She pauses catching your gaze once more. ' But something's missing. ' Missing? Had you lost something?! Panic starts to well up inside.
Cold metal touches your skin and you freeze. Iris is unaware and you realize she's still talking. "I know it's a big day and I also know that you aren't the most alert in the mornings, so I made sure to keep track of this for you." Your eyes fall to the chain around your neck. It's the carbuncle necklace Noctis had bought for you in Lestallum... Warmth floods your chest and you stroke the small charm affectionately. How could you have forgotten it this morning! "There see, now it's perfect." She pats your shoulder reassuringly.
"Thank you so much Iris! You saved me. And I'm not the only one who looks beautiful today." A genuine smile spreads wide across her face, for a moment her cheeks color. The young girl looks away in embarrassment. She pushes off your shoulder and extends a hand. Quizzically you turn to face her, that familiar Cheshire grin is spread across her features. Should you take her hand? Hesitation lingers... But impulse takes over and you grasp her slender hand, feeling impish yourself. Iris lifts your hand high and spins you in a gentle circle, your dress trails swiftly behind you. Giggles echo the small room.
***
A knock sounds at the door... Is the ceremony beginning? The hours had flown by earlier in the day, a rushing blur. But with the down time offered in this small wing of the church, time seems at a standstill. Curious you approach the closed door but hesitate a moment. Iris had locked it not wanting anyone to accidentally wander in. The girl in question, is currently in the small attached bathroom adjusting her dress with clumsy fingers. You watch her in amusement through the agape door. A voice brings you back to reality.
It's a man's voice, calling your name. That slightly raspy tone, your heart skips a beat. Noctis! He continues speaking - unaware of your confusion. "-It's been ages since I've seen you, I've been awake for hours now, it's the time I should've been asleep!" He calls your name in the cutest, most torpid way. It melts your heart. You reach for the door's lock, intending to let your wonderful fiancé in. He's only inches away! a simple plank of wood is all that separates you. He jiggles the locked handle in desperation, calling your name sweetly.
"Ah! There you are!" Prompto's panicked voice rings out. "Noct what did I tell you about seeing the bride before the wedding? It's bad luck! C'mon, let's go!" You hear the sound of Prompto grabbing Noctis's arm. He pleads, nearly whines, for Noctis to give up his plans.
The King scoffs in disgust. "Like I believe any of that crap." His voice, authoritatively, carries through the door. "Upcoming Mrs. Caelum, open the door." A pause follows and his voice softens. The words are spoken hesitantly and colored with self-consciousness. "I - really miss you..." A soft thump sounds against the wood. You realize he must be leaning against the door frame. The handle jiggles once more, light rattling echoes through the small space. Cheeks warm and heart pounding, your fingers find the lock and begin to twist.
"No!" Iris and Prompto yell out in unison. Your brunette Maid of Honor flies across the room, snatching your hand off the lock. She pulls you away from the door, planting her body firmly between you and the lock. Iris defiantly stands guard, scolding you as she makes sure the lock is secure. A frenzy of anxious words flood your ears, a constant stream of stress pouring from your friend. She pauses sighing. Beginning again with a slow, tired tone.
"Honestly, all that hard work and you want to ruin the surprise now? The ceremony is less than an hour away." She places a hand against her forehead in exhaustion, remaining in that position. But soon, a sly smile spreads across her face. She moves closer to you, eyes alight with mischief. Your stomach curls in anticipation. "Besides, the expression on his face, when he sees you for the first time will be priceless." She whispers the words seductively against the shell of your ear. Iris moves away, facing the door, she cups her mouth and calls out.
"Hey Prompto, don't let him anywhere near this room again alright! I'm counting on you." Iris waggles a finger in mock displeasure. A playful gesture lost to Prompto and Noctis, on the other side of the door. But the gunslinger responds enthusiastically nonetheless.
"Leave it to me!" The blond's energetic voice resonates through the wooden door and Noctis groans loudly in irritation. You hear sounds of Prompto dragging Noct away. Resigned to his fate, The King goes silently. An Image of Noctis being dragged by the back of his shirt's collar, slumped in defeat, while staring longingly at the door plays in your mind. It's a cute image. The Young King, must have, one of the best sulking expressions in all the land.
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Night Owl - Final Fantasy XV - NoctisxReader
FanfictionThis is the story of a night owl, who's mind evades sleep. She muses deep into the night, about her travels with a ragtag group of men. I'll give this story a rating of T for Teen. It contains: Blood, Death, Violence, a Splash of Strong Language...