For Noctis Lovers

  You aimlessly stride across the dark marbled floors, clicking over top of it in your silver strapped heels. You were wearing an elegant white, one shoulder mini cocktail dress. There was a ruffle decorated around the body of the dress. The empire waistline was a light silver color with a sapphire stoned pin embellished on the left side of the empire waistline. Accessorized with your dress you wore white gold, diamond dangling earrings and a sterling silver bracelet. As the soft classical music plays in the background your mind wonders through old memories. It wasn't so long ago that you had met him at a ball similar to this. How that night drastically changed everything you thought to be right.
    ~You were sent to the ball by your employers; a local mob that was the shadiest, most violent group known to the city. Get involved with them and your reputation would be shot; literally or theoretically. However you weren't on your knees begging for their assistance, they were requesting yours. With a large sum of money and each of their lips promising to keep the whole plan a secret, they hired you to spy for them and to pull off an assassination. You were hesitant at first, killing someone for the benefit of others but, whomever your target was they must be a bigger threat then the mob. A threat so great that they should obviously be taken out, or so you assumed. Not much information on your target was shared, as if you really needed it though. You've had a talent for secret missions like this. You put all emotions and virtues aside to fulfill your orders simply and correctly. You were looking for a powerful man, very well-known and wealthy but they also informed you that he possessed supernatural powers. They assured you that once you spotted him you would know that he's their target. Not one to question, you accepted their request and went off to go ready yourself for the ball.
    It was held in a mansion's brightly decorated grand ballroom. The reason for the ball or why it was organized was beyond you, all you needed to focus on was getting in and finding your target. You had already slipped in with ease so now you had to call upon your patients as you stalked several times around the ballroom searching for someone that fit the description of your target. There were a handful of wealthy men in the room and several well-known men as well. You disregarded them quickly as you picked out each flaw in the description that they didn't match. The night was beginning to become a tantalizing chore one which you were becoming exasperated with. Giving yourself a momentary break, you kept yourself near the back end of the ballroom and observed the crowd on the floor dance carelessly. You had your arms folded across your torso as your chest filled like a balloon then let the air escape out in the form of a sigh. Your attention was so caught up on watching the swirling blurs on the dance floor that you didn't notice someone approach behind you. You felt a large hand land on top of your right shoulder as a male's voice asked, "Who are you?" Your body flinched at the sudden presence as you whipped your head over your shoulder, spotting the hand, and traveling up its arm until you met the man's face who had just spoke to you. You're eyes widened and your lips parted as you stood in shock staring up at the man.
     Completely taken off guard, you instantly recognized the short, spikey black hair and blue eyes that belonged to none other than Prince Noctis Lucis Caelum. Unable to say anything, the Prince restated his previous question, "Who are you?" You shook your head, gathering your composure and looked back to Noctis. "Forgive me, my mind was elsewhere. My name is _____." You responded politely. "______," Noctis slowly repeated, his eyes scanning you up and down. His hands slid into his pockets and he leaned his body onto his left leg. "I don't believe we have met." You held your arms behind your back and nodded, casting your gaze towards the floor. "We haven't." You bit the inside of your lip hoping he wouldn't start debunking your sudden and uncanny presence and throw you out of the ball under suspicious reasons, despite him not being the host of it. "I see," he started. Your eyes traveled back up to his as he continued to speak. "I'm Noctis." You nodded and smiled, even though you already knew who he was. "What occasion has brought you here?" he asked. "Oh. Um," Your eyes trailed over towards the dance in front of you as you rapidly piece together an event that created you to show up suddenly. "I was invited here, as someone's date." You returned your gaze back to Noctis's unwavering blue orbs. "But, it seems that the jerk stood me up." You tilted your chin down and regarded a bitter-sweet chuckle. "I feel so foolish. It's probably best if I left." You started to walk away with your eyes aimed down to the floor and your left hand holding the side of your right arm. "Will I see you again?" Noctis's voice halted you in your path. You rotated your body around and caught sight of his eyes flickering away as he shifted in his stance, switching his body's lean onto the right leg now. Uncontrollably, you felt your lips slide heavenward across your face. Noctis lifted his vision over to yours and caught sight of your beaming smile. Your eyes jumped down to the floor at the sight of Noctis's gaze but, eventually they urged to see into those blue eyes of his again. "Won't that be a surprise?" you answered, twisting your body back around and exiting the ballroom with the smile still present on your face.
      It wasn't until the next night that you received a call from the mob asking how last night's plan went. You informed them about the guest and how each fell short of the description. Towards the end of the call when you mentioned Noctis's name they started a rapid fire of questions. It suddenly became apparent to you who you were hired to kill, it wasn't just some high-class guy with pockets full of money; it was the Prince, the last Heir to the Kingdom. The mob desired him dead and expected you to take him out. You never finished that phone call; the phone dropped from your hands and hung itself up. The following days they attempted to reach you several times but you continued to let it ring as you hid in your house. You knew the mob was an impatient group and eventually they would seek out to find you, discovering your home and most likely were more than eager to get their hands on you for going against them. Obviously you weren't that naive to antagonize them into turning their sights on you but, you weren't empty-headed on the consequences of assassinating the Prince either. With all of the phone calls, the midnight pacing, and sleepless hours wasted on thinking, you decided to go out on a long drive to clear your head. Before heading out you forced yourself to finally return the mob's calls. You lied to them saying you were busy with other jobs for the past week and were just returning to the city. They believed your stories as if you fed it to them on spoons. The mob granted you a night free of their pestering calls in order for you to rest however, after you hung up you instantly got in your car and drove as far as your gas tank allowed you.
     
   You eventually were forced to pull over due to the dehydrated gas tank. Off the deserted road you saw a gas station. You pulled in, plugged the gas pump's straw into your car and entered into the gas station to browse around until your car was done feeding. As you were scanning the stock of beverages the station had, a familiar voice arose from behind you. "____?" You turned at the mentioning of your name to see none other than your target; The Prince himself. It was as if fate wanted to make your life even more difficult than it already was, replacing your contemplating thoughts about him by actually send him to you. Once your eyes set upon his you witnessed a slight glimmer flash across his eyes and the sides of his mouth barely tuned up, you could tell the meager difference because his lips always were formed in a neutral pose. Your lips were unable to form any words as you just stared at him in shock. "Seems like you were right about our next meeting being a surprise." Noctis spoke, referring back to what you said to him before you left the ball that night. Your lips stretched up as you responded with a small giggle. "I didn't think I would have been right about that." You admitted. It's true; you really weren't expecting to see him again, despite him being your current target. In fact you were hoping you didn't have to run into him again. All that time you spent pacing your floors at night while everyone was fast asleep, you were conflicting in your head if you even would kill him. As much as you tried to envision assassinating him, you would end up with a knot in your stomach and felt overwhelmed with unsettling sensations. You were stuck between a rock and a hard place; it was either he dies, or you.
    You looked away from him as you had those thoughts swirling through your head. Noctis was practically giving you perfect opportunities to kill him (unknowingly of course) but, you never jumped at the chance. The atmosphere was an awkward calm. You peered out from your peripheral vision and caught Noctis mid stare at you. His hands were in his pockets; his body leaned on his right leg slightly along with his head lightly tilted to his side and his eyes fixated directly on you. Your face felt heated as you noticed him concentrating on you. You rubbed your arm and fidgeted in your stance as you cleared your throat and brought yourself to look at him. His blue eyes were beautifully illuminating into yours as if they were stars glowing in the night sky. "So, what brings you out here?" You managed yourself to ask. Noctis nodded over his shoulder, directing your attention out the window and towards a very expensive looking black car. "We were running low on fuel." He turned his head back around to you. "I assume you had the same situation?" You nodded. "I was lucky to find this gas station. I thought I was going to be suck in the middle of nowhere."
    "That would be unfortunate." Noctis replied. Your shoulders rose and fell as you added "Well, it wouldn't be the worst thing that's happen to me." Inside your words you secretly were referring to the situation you were in however, Noctis assumed differently. "Was being stood up at the ball one of them?" You instantly felt embarrassed hearing him repeat the lie you conjured up and fed to him. Your eyes sank down to the floor as you thought back to that night. "Forgive me," Noctis started in a soft tone. Your eyes migrated back up to his as he continued to speak. "I did not wish to upset you." You rocked your head left to right with a small smile painted on your lips. "Don't worry, I'm over it." Noctis gently nodded then you noticed his unwavering eyes actually faltered away. "____, I don't want to seem forward but," His eyes peeked up to yours. Your head tilted slightly, your full attention focused on him. "I'll be hosting a ball later this week. Would you like to come, as my date?" A rainbow of emotions shined through you. Surprise- the Prince himself was actually asking you to attend. Confused- For what reason was he asking you for. And Guilty- For lying to him before and because you were just going to be leading him on so you could assassinate him. However, there was one more emotion that vibrated through you; Happy- For some strange reason you're body was surging with glee. As your lips stumbled on words you couldn't say, Noctis's car began honking for his attention. He glanced over his shoulder and saw his driver inside waving him over. He turned back to you who was still trying to process what he had just asked. "I'll let you think about it. I just want you to know," His chin tilted down as he spoke within a quiet tone, almost like a whisper "I would never stand you up." After  that he turned and walked out, your eyes watching him leave and drive off into the distance as a whole new conflict was now weighing on your shoulders.~

         You had no choice but to eventually tell the mob of your run in with Noctis. They were overjoyed at this, especially when they heard the part that you were personally invited by him. Tonight they planned for you to finally take him out. They saw it as the perfect moment, get him alone and insert a poisoned dagger into him that they personally crafted for you. It was strapped to your thigh underneath your dress. It's cold metal chilled your skin around it, which was your constant reminder of what you were supposed to do tonight. The ballroom was lighted dimly and the floors and walls were a dark color while you seemed to be a bright candle shining through the night. You maneuvered your way through crowds and wondered the floor looking for the man who invited you. Your eyes caught onto the giant aquarium to your left that had stairs built around it that lead to the top floor. The tank was massive and inside it held various species of fish and aquatic plants. You were drawn to it, wanting to observe its insides at a closer spot. As you drew closer, the group of guys standing in front of the tank quickly focused their attention on you. First a slender, blond man who was sticking out of the crowd like a sore thumb. While everyone around attempted to dress as formally as they could, he wore dirty jeans, a white cut-off shirt with a brown leather vest that was also sleeveless. He flashes a smirk and nods over to you as he remarks to the guys around him, "Hey, check out what's coming our way!" A man with short, spiked up dark brown hair who wore goggles along with a suit jacket and a nice white buttoned shirt underneath with the top open, turns his head over to you with a blank expression on his face. One of the other guys within the group who was tall and largely built also looks over. He had brown hair that was straightened back, a beard along the length of his jaw, and a long scar over his left eye. He was one of the people you noticed who attempted to dress up. He wore a dressy button down short sleeve shirt and dark jeans. He glances at you then towards the blond in the group. "Contain yourself; you don't want to scare her off." Lastly, the last man in the group who stood with his back facing you turns around. Your eyes met with his instantly and your stomach began to flutter with the beat of butterfly wings. Noctis had been standing with the group of guys and now that he sees you he walks the few feet over to meet with you. As he stood in front of you, you noticed that small change with his lips again, meagerly turned upwards as his eyes were lighted up. "You came."
      "Of course I did. I wouldn't stand you up." You smile up to him. Since you first met him, he never laughed or fully smiled however, he gave a soft chuckle at your response as his lips turned up even more than before. Suddenly standing next to you is the blond man who was still wearing his smirk. "Noct, aren't ya going to introduce us to your 'friend'?" Noctis didn't respond for several seconds, being occupied staring at you but, finally he responded by shaking his head 'no'. The blonde's smile quickly sank as he groaned in protest. "Perhaps latter." Noctis offered over to his blond friend who just folded his arms against his chest. "What's with the sudden change? You were just telling us about her a few minutes ago and got us so eager to meet her now you can't even- Gahh!" The man with the long brown hair that was straightened back wrapped one of his muscular arms around the blonde's neck and pulled him away. "He said later, so we'll just have to come back later- Kay?" The blond tried squirming out but he was locked in tight. "Ughh Gladiolus not you too! I was hoping you'd back me up on this!" The man with short, spiked up dark brown hair looks over to Noctis and says, "We'll make sure he behaves." Noctis nods, "Thank you Ignis." The now confused blond looks to all his companions frantically as they begin to drag him away. "No fair you guys! This is mutiny!" Noctis steps by your side and looks down to you. "Forgive him. He can be quiet energetic." You giggle as you turn your head back over your shoulder to watch him being pulled away. "I can tell." Unexpectantly you feel Noctis's touch against your arm. His fingers slowly travel down and cup around your hand, bringing your attention over to him. "Why don't we go someplace less crowded?" You nod in agreement and walk with him up the stairs, rounding the giant fish tank, and climbing up to the floor above the ball below. Hanging from the ceiling are large, crystal chandlers glowing faintly. Your heels click over top of the small black tiles designed across the floor. Surrounding the entire area are tall glass windows that allow you to see out across the city. You walk over and stare out in amazement. The lights of the city appear like fireflies glittering on a grassy hill. Noctis places himself by your side and admires the city with you in silence. Your eyes shyly peek over to him, you can't help but to think repeatedly how good he looks tonight, not that he doesn't any other day. Tonight he was wearing a nice black suit jacket over a dressy black button down shirt with dark dress pants and polished black shoes. As you were secretly admiring him, the realization of the real reason you were here starts to settle in. You had him alone; everyone else was busy below you, dancing and enjoying the night. You could easily plant the dagger into his back and disappear from the scene before anyone could notice. You have to, that's your mission. Panging sensations sailed through you as you were at war in your head with what to do. You put your forehead into your palm and removed yourself away from Noctis who instantly noticed your strange behavior. "____?" You kept walking away faster as your thoughts swirled inside your head. Kill him, don't kill him. Be killed, or kill him. Fear, guilt, love. Everything was twisting so fast within your head it felt as if there was a tornado trapped inside. You began to feel light headed and weak in your knees. Your legs began to stumble as you pushed yourself to flee Noctis's side. Finally your body couldn't take the pressure and you quickly sat down on a black leather couch to your side as you tried to regain your composure.
      "____? Are you alright?" Noctis questioned as he quickly approached. You turned and held out your free hand while your other held your forehead. "Don't! Just stay back." Noctis's brows rose baffled as his head tilted like a confused puppy. "____, if something is wrong I want to help." He advised. You removed your hand from your head and slowly let it slide down to your thigh were the dagger awaited. Your eyes were filling as your emotions clashed within you. "You can't help me Noctis. You just can't…" Your head tilted down as tears start to roll down your cheeks. The sight of you crying provoked Noctis to go against your commands to stay as he rushed in front of you and knelt down, his hands softly holding onto the sides of your arms. "____ please, tell me what is upsetting you?" You bite the inside of your lip as your force your emotions to the side. The mission. That's what is important here- I have to do this. You swipe Noctis's hands off of you as you raise yourself up to stand. Your eyes are closed and your chin is tilted down. Noctis stands himself up and looks at you puzzled and concerned. "I've been lying to you," you whisper, starting your confession. "You don't suspect me as a threat, and that's good for me. But, if only you knew," Your hand trails the rest of the way down to the dagger and takes hold around the handle. "What I'm meant for." You open your eyes and look to him as you pull out the hidden dagger. Splashed across Noctis's face is pure bewilderment. Your eyes stare down to the floor as you bring yourself to announce, "I've been hired to kill you…" A sudden gush of wind encircles around you. You whip your head up to witness a swirling of transparent, lighted swords spinning in front of Noctis. The swirling completely stops as Noctis pulls out a large metal sword from thin air. You instantly notice something strange about Noctis, other than his ability to summon a weapon from thin air and his readiness to attack; his once blue eyes were now glowing red. He swung his sword out to his side which sent a shock wave of wind to blow you onto your back, your hand releasing the dagger and watching it skid across the floor. Panic pulsed through your veins now as you looked over to Noctis and see his blade aimed right in your face, his eyes glowing with sudden enmity towards you. Your eyes let out small streams of tears slide down your face as you stare up to Noctis. You felt a stabbing pain that wasn't coming from a weapon but, the sight of Noctis glaring down at you. You didn't mean to end up caring about him nor did you want to end up hurting him like this. "Noctis, please listen to me!"
   "Who hired you??" His voice was deep and sharp. Your eyes let rivers fall down your cheeks again as you try to reason with him again. "I can explain if you just give me a chance!" His sword slowly lowered, it was still pointed at you but it was now away from your face. This was his gesture saying "You have five minutes. Impress me.". Your head tilts down as you begin your tale. "The mob contacted me and hired me to spy and kill this 'threat' to them. They wouldn't tell me who the 'threat' was and sent me to go find out on my own to the ball where I first met you. I had no idea that they hired me to kill you. When I found out I tried to back out of the deal but of course they wouldn't allow that. The only thing I could do was hide, and so I did. That one day you ran into me at the gas station was when I was trying to clear my head of the decisions I had to make. I never once thought that killing you was what I wanted- How could I want such a thing when I unintentionally began to fall for you." You whipped the streaming tears with the back of your hand as you continued. "They planned for me to do it tonight, to kill you. But I can't do it. I rather be stabbed myself then to do something to harm you." There was a long pause of silence after you ended your story. Your damp eyes hesitatingly travel up to Noctis's face. His glowing red eyes start to dim and reverted back into their original blue color. His sword that was aimed at you disappears within thin air as he replaces it's presence with and extended hand. You take it and he lifts you up. You look up to his face as your guilt filled tears run down your face. "Dry your eyes," His hand cleared a stream off tears off your right cheek. "You should not have to cry for me."
    "But," You began to protest but were stopped by Noctis's finger and his soft hush. "I have no reason to distrust you any longer. You do not wish to harm me, and…" Noctis's hands snaked around your waist and pulled your hips to his. "I do not wish to harm you." He leaned his head against yours as he slowly starts to move his body with the gentle sounds coming from the piano below the two of you. You place your hands on his chest and push back slightly, staring up into his eyes with concern. "What about the mob? Since I didn't kill you they'll try to kill me." Noctis ushers you back into place against his body, swaying with the soft tune as he brings his lips to collide with yours. You cheeks heat up and your heart skips a beat. His lips against yours feel so soft and warm that you can't control yourself but to kiss back. Noctis lets a smile play across his face and he indulges himself to your mouth. When he pulls away he rests his head against the side of yours and lingers his lips right beside your ear as he whispers, "Let them come. I'll be here to protect you."