Exeuntes, a Story Based on Final Fantasy XV

Chapter XII: Accession, Part II

An Introductory Note:

Super late but better than never, right? I think we're finally done with this arc of the story.

Song for this chapter:

20. Zadok the Priest (Coronation Anthem No.1, HWV 258) by George Frideric Handel

Pictured:

Altissia, Kingdom of Accordo

September 23rd, 2020 - It's been a while since I've made any edits because I've been busy with university. Here's an update now though. 

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"This isn't so bad, is it?" Jordan asks while leading Nathan through the Accordoan waltz.

"What? Dancing?" the latter asks, almost stepping on one of Jordan's shoes.

Jordan chuckles, "Yes, but I meant going to the coronation in the first place."

"We didn't really have a choice..."

The pair manage to finish the waltz gracefully, receiving surprised expressions from the other guests.

"Th- thanks for leading me through this," Nathan says, as they walk away from the dance area.

"No problem," Jordan replies, taking in the beautiful environment around him.

"I- I know this may be weird for you to do. Especially since you're not actually gay."

Jordan considers Nathan's words as they wander through the Main Courtyard aimlessly, the crowds thinning out as they get closer to one of the palace's gardens.

Finally, he takes a seat on a bench in one of the gardens. Nathan sits beside him, careful to leave some space between them. Both boys look around at their surroundings, not daring to say a word.

After what seems like hours, Jordan finally speaks, "When you were in a coma, your friends and I had a good conversation. It was abo- about you."

Nathan perks up and gains the nerve to look at Jordan — who surprisingly is looking right back at him.

Jordan continues, "When I first heard that you had a crush on me back in ninth grade, I shrugged it off. I thought they were just some dumb rumors that people were spreading around. Your friends also thought the same. I told them that I'm Florian, by the way."

Nathan nods, his expression changing slightly after learning of the revelation. When he looks back up at Jordan's face, he can see that he genuinely feels bad.

"At first, I thought it'd be fun teasing you in ninth grade, I kinda gave hints that I was into you without being obvious about it. Obviously I didn't like you back but it was funny seeing your reaction and how you changed your behavior every time you saw me." He pauses, turning to look at Nathan.

He involuntarily blushes, automatically looking away. Jordan continues, "The reason I ignored you in tenth grade is... well..." he trails off, spotting a guard at the far end of the garden.

"You see him over there?" Jordan asks, slowly directing his eyes toward the guard.

Nathan lifts his head up and does the same, finally locating the guard after squinting his eyes. "Which side is he on?" Nathan asks, adjusting his earpiece.

He receives static in response, "Hello? Domani, are you there?" Again, no response.

Seeing his worried expression, Jordan replies, "I can't make him out from here. Should we try to get closer?"