Immortal Poison (FFXV)

Chapter 1

Insomnia; a very fitting name for a city that never slept. In the very late hours of the night, most Lucians of the Crown City found themselves at the local bars. It didn't matter why they were there; a rough workday, boredom, just wanting a night out, the Lucians didn't care. A couple months ago, almost every bar was packed, as they celebrated the first birthday of their prince, Noctis Lucis Caelum. They drank to his good health, as well as his father's, King Regis.
There was one bar, The Underground, where some of the younger Crownsguards liked to hang out. It was the closest one to the Citadel, and very well hidden, as it was located underground. Most people would call it a sketchy spot, since the entrance was down a dead-end alleyway. The Crownsguards weren't worried; they were fully capable of defending themselves. Their biggest worry, however, was if their boss, Cor Leonis discovered their hangout spot, with them in it on a weeknight.
"Hey! Fifty bucks if Cor doesn't shut this place down once he finds it!" One drunk man laughed.
"A hundred bucks he will!" Another man challenged.
They all jumped in, raising their voices as they tried to sort out that bet, but didn't notice when Cor entered the bar. He spotted them immediately, and decided to let them have their fun. For now. Cor was a strict man who was devoted to serving the royal family. At twenty-five, it seemed like he had everything figured out, and some of those who followed his orders were just a little envious. He'd instructed guards who were just a little older than him, a little younger, and those who shared his age. Some of them, mainly the ones that were the same or closest to Cor's age, thought that slacking would be easier; that all they had to do was convince him to go with them, and get on his good side. Become his inner circle. Even just one night, with the hopes of seeing his drunk side. Of course, that never happened. Cor wasn't the type. He'd have a drink or two, depending on his poison of choice, but he never wanted to cross those lines. Even tipsy was unacceptable. His reasoning was simply that the royal family could've needed them at any time, including their personal days.

That night, he was there for reasons he never really agreed with. He never liked the idea of hunting down a person so they could do their job. It's either they're present to accept it, or not. However, when it came to this person, he'd often made the exception, simply because it was a blind act. It was done without thinking, and without hesitation. He wanted to find them. Cor was in search of someone who was always difficult to find, which is partially what made them so good at their job. The Crownsguards called this one The Ghost.
Cor had taken a few steps towards the bar, pushing through the crowd of people who reeked of alcohol. Among all the talking and laughter, he managed to hear the loud snap of one pool ball hitting another. Through the crowd, he could see her; the curvaceous honey-blonde who was busy maintaining her title as the champion of Pool. The large group surrounding her made the most noise. Half cheered while the other half complained. Clearly, they had lost a bet. The young woman paid little attention, and in the blink of an eye, she had vanished. Cor blinked a few more times; always astounded by such movements.

"Well, well, well. Took you long enough to find your way here." She said pleasantly.
He looked over his shoulder before fully turning around, and found her staring at him with her lavender eye. Her hair was always covering her right eye, and it was rare that she'd allow people see her full face. Many felt it was unfortunate, because those who had seen it, said she was beyond beautiful.
"Business or pleasure?" She asked.
He folded his arms, and tilted his head slightly to the side. She grinned, fully aware of what the answer was.
"I've got a job for you, Ruby." He said.
"All work and no play, makes Cor a dull man." She teased with a pout. "You want a drink?"
"No. Have you been drinking? I don't want you calling me tomorrow to say you don't remember what I said."
"It's a weeknight, so I only had a soda. Though this last week and a half has been kinda weird for me. Maybe I should have a drink."
"All right, let's go." He said, dismissively to the idea of getting a drink, as he opened the door.
They left the bar; climbing the stairs up to the alleyway. One of the lights had died, darkening most of the relatively narrow side street. She leaned against the building, folding her arms and crossing one leg over the other. It was cool out, and after being in a hot bar for the last couple hours, the light breeze felt nice against her exposed arms.
"So how long have you been looking?" She asked, fully aware that he'd been searching for her for a much longer time than that night.
"A week. Where have you been?" He was clearly concerned; a combination of worry and anger in his tone.
"Out in Lucis." She grinned. "Did you miss me?"
Cor closed his eyes, pinched the bridge of his nose, and let out an irritated sigh. He would've been lying if he said that he didn't. Ruby had been a bit of a thorn in his side for years, but one that he tolerated for various reasons.
"Niflheim. Departure is in two days." He said, lowering his arm and opening his eyes. The priority was discussing work.
"Niflheim? What do you want; an update on what they're up to?" She asked.
"That's one way of putting it."
"Sounds like a simple assignment." She rested her hands on her hips as she stood up straight. "Why me?"
"Why not? You're one of the best, much like your teammates who have been waiting for you."
"Sounds like this mission could have been done, had you not spent a week looking for me. Stop slacking, Cor." She teased.
"I'm never-" He began, before she silenced him with her finger against his lips.
"Don't lie to yourself." She said in a low, sultry tone. "You didn't want to find me for their sake. You're always looking for me. If you weren't slacking, you wouldn't have come all the way out here, at this hour. There's more you want to say, but this isn't the place to say it. Correct? ...I'll go first."
Standing on her tip toes, she pulled him closer and whispered something in his ear. He raised his eyebrows, and she grinned as his hands found their way to her waist. He'd never admit it, but he was wrapped around her little finger tighter than the tattoo that spiraled down her right arm.
"You're bluffing." He said, shifting his eyes towards her.
With a grin still on her face, she said, "Never. I'll see you soon, Mr. Leonis."
He watched her walk to the end of the alley, and then sighed when she looked back and waved at him, before turning the corner.
He sighed. "She's gonna get me fired one day."