AFTER returning to the citadel and a quick shower, you found Ignis and yourself in the kitchen as you both started making breakfast for everyone. The two of you were busy in the kitchen as you were making a full french toast feast while the rest were cleaning up. The two of you had figured out a way to work in the kitchen and not run over each other. You each took on one part of the meal.

Ignis was taking care of the French toast. While you were cooking up the sausage, bacon, and eggs. Once your food was cooked, you each placed your part down carefully on each plate before putting them under the heating lamps so that they didn't get cold. This worked very well and seemed to speed up the whole process.

You smiled to yourself as you placed the last piece of bacon on the final plate. Then right as you reached up to place it under the heating lamp, the kitchen door opened up as someone walked in. You glanced up and saw that it was Korn who had walked in. He stood by the door and just watched as the two of you loading up two large trays before he said anything.

"I'm impressed. I see that you two have already figured out a way to work well with each other." Korn said as he watched the two of you put on the final touches for each plate with smooth precession before placing the lids on each plate.

"Thank you." You both said as you turned and gave him a slight smile.

Then you both stood up with a tray each that was full and ready to serve. Korn smiled as he stepped out of the kitchen and held the door for both of you. You walked out and saw that everyone was already seated and ready to eat. You watched as Ignis went to the left side of the table and started to place the plates down. You slightly smiled, then turned right and did the same on the other side.

Ignis glanced across the table and smiled at you as you both watched each other as you simultaneously set down the plates with care and turned them the right way for displaying the plates. Once all of the plates were set down. You walked past each other on the far end. Then you went to opposite sides of the table and removed the plate covers from each plate as you walked past them. Everyone seemed impressed with the look and smell of the food, which brought a smile to your face as you met Ignis back at the head of the table before returning to the kitchen to return the trays and lids.

You entered the kitchen after Ignis did. You watched him place his tray and lids on the counter then he turned to you. He took your tray of lids from you and slide yours beside his. Then he nodded back at you.You smiled back in return.

"I think that went rather well." He said in smooth tone.

"I couldn't agree more." You replied.

"I suppose we should join the others before Korn comes looking for us again." You continued as you turned to head back out.

"Yes, I suppose we should." He said move his glasses with his middle finger. "And Noct will certainly come looking you if you don't join him for breakfast."

"Very true." You replied with a smile as you turned towards the door. "And we certainly wouldn't want to upset him this early in the morning."

"Most definitely not." You heard Ignis say as you stepped out of the kitchen.

Noctis quickly looked up at you and smiled. His tossed hair and sleepy look told you that he was just as tired as you felt. But his gentle smile told you that he didn't really care. He was just happy that you were there.

~~~~~~~~~~0~~~~~~~~~~

After everyone was done eating, you and Ignis gathered up the dishes and carried them back into the kitchen. You smiled at each other as you both carried them over to the sink. Then you washed the dishes, while he wiped down the counters and straightened up the kitchen. By time you put the final tray in the dishwasher, he was finished with the kitchen and you were both ready to go. You walked out of the dish area and saw him put the last dirt cloth in the laundry bag to be washed later that night.

"Ready?" He asked as you approached him.

"Yeah." You said as you stopped in front of him.

"If you two are done?" You heard Noctis ask impatiently from the kitchen door as he opened it up. "Tredd is waiting out front for us."

"Coming." You commented with a smile as you jogged over to Noctis.

Noctis smiled back at you as he held the door open. Then when you reached him, he grabbed your hand and the two of you walked away. Ignis slightly dropped his gaze as he followed.

~~~~~~~~~~0~~~~~~~~~~

You smiled as you glanced over at Noctis as the two of you rode in the back seat. Noctis smiled back and slightly squeezed your hand. He hadn't let go of your hand since you exited the kitchen. But you didn't mind. You really didn't want to let go either.

It had been forever since the two of you had ridden in a car together. But his strong hand and warm smile made it seem like yesterday. Which made you forget what you were about to do.

"How was your workout today?" He asked as he glanced at you.

"Much better than yesterday." You answered back.

"Good." He replied with relief. "I was a bit concerned when Ignis said that you had gone down there with your dad."

Ignis slightly turned his head when he heard his name. But he didn't say anything. Instead he just quietly listened. He usually didn't eves drop on Noctis' conversations. But he made an exception in this case.

"We were good." You simply smiled back at him as you slightly squeezed his hand in return. "We had talked this morning before we went down."

"Was anyone else there?"

"Well Ignis popped up at the end of it. But he was the only one."

"Really?" Ignis heard Noctis ask in a slightly sarcastic tone that Ignis knew was meant for him. "And did he join in?"

"Not today." You replied. "Like I said, he came in at the very end."

"Perhaps later then."

"With me, yes. With my dad? Probably not." You replied as you slightly looked down. "My dad told me that he won't be working with anyone but me."

"And why is that?" Noctis asked as he gave you a curious look.

"After what happened yesterday," you started to say before you met his eyes again. "He's afraid that he might hurt one of us again."

"But he's still working with you."

"Only as a pad holder. Nothing more."

"Well I'm not going to lie and say that I'm upset about that." He said as he dropped his gaze for a moment as he kissed the top of your hand before looking back at you. "But I will say that I'm actually glad that you will be with us instead."

You gave him a gentle smile as you watched relief wash over him. "Me too."

Then before you knew it, Tredd turning down your street. You grew silent as you glanced outside the window. The old neighborhood hadn't changed much since you left. So far the only thing difference that you noticed, was that the house on the corner had gotten new siding and a paint job. But beyond that, everything was still the same.

But then as you saw your house come into view, you were reminded, that outside appearances can be very deceptive. For everything in your house had changed. It may not be a new paint job or new siding. But hidden behind those brick walls and white windows, everything inside it was very different.

You sat there staring at the house as Tredd pulled up to the curb. Your heart started to race again as all of the emotions of losing your mom came back again. You kept hoping that she would just walk out of the house like nothing had ever happened. You dropped your head as you fought off tears as you reminded yourself that were was no way she could be alive.

No one survives a bullet in the middle of their forehead.

Noctis watched you for a couple moments. Then he reached over and pulled you into his arms. You slightly shuddered as he held you. Then you closed your eyes as you curled up in his arms. Noctis slightly smiled as he gently gathered a few strains of your hair.

"We don't have to do this today if you don't want to." Noctis quietly said as he slowly curled your hair around his fingers.

"I know." You quietly said as you placed your hand on his chest and slowly opened back up your eyes. "But my dad's right. It's time to go home. We've been away long enough."

"Well, if your sure." Noctis said as he gave you slightly squeeze as he tucked you closer for a moment.

"Yeah," you replied before you looked up at him. "I'm sure."

"Okay." Noctis said as he gave you slightly smile.

He then closed his eyes and leaned down towards you. Then you felt his lips on yours as he gave you a gentle kiss. You closed your eyes as you felt all of your fears disappear with his loving affection. And in the private moment, nothing else seemed to matter except him.

You then reached up and gently gripped his neck and kissed him back. You both slowly exhaled as he pulled you closer as he kissed you one last time. Then with great effort, he slowly pulled away and looked back at you. You slowly opened back up your eyes as met his gaze.

Then before you could talk yourself out of it, you slowly released him and got out of the car. You closed the car door behind you. Then you slowly made your way up to the door. But you couldn't help but stare at the house as you approached. And you were so focused on it that you didn't hear everyone else getting out of the car and slowly following you to the door.

You stopped at the door and looked down for a minute as you tried to calm your nerves. Then you reached into your shorts pocket and pulled out the new house key that your dad had gotten for you. You took a deep breath, then slowly unlocked and opened up the front door. You slowly walked in and looked around again.

Everything looked exactly the same. So why did it feel like you didn't recognize any of it anymore? Then suddenly you heard a beeping from your right. You looked over and was reminded that now you had an alarm to deal with when you came in.

But after deactivating the alarm system, you slowly walked into the living room and glanced around again. You could almost see wisps of your mom's ghost as if it she was in one area or another. But you knew that is was just you remembering your mom doing different things in different parts of the house.

From her relaxing in her recliner in the living room, to her vacuuming the carpet. Next she was straightening out the blankets on the back of the couch. And finally to her smiling happily from her chair at the dining room table. You glanced down for a moment as you tried to gain control again.

Is this what my dad had experienced yesterday? Was it this raw for him to stand here in our home? You thought as you felt your body start to shake.

You closed your eyes as you stood there for a moments as you tired to calm back down. But then you slightly jumped as you felt a pair of arms wrap around your waist. But your nerves quickly calmed back down as Noctis' familiar cool musk scent filled your senses.

Then he leaned his head down towards you and placed a secret kiss right on your cheek. You placed your hands on his and let his comforting touch take over. You needed his touch. Because without it, you didn't stand a chance of fighting back the depression that was trying to take over.

"Take your time princess." Noctis whispered in your ear as he pulled you closer as everyone else slowly started to walk into the house.

Don't leave me. Please. I don't know if I can do this alone.

"Don't worry, we aren't in a hurry. And we've got all day." He said then quickly kissed your cheek again before anyone else noticed. "And I'll be right here with you this time. And I'm not going anywhere without you."

You closed your eyes tighter as you could feel the tears starting again. You felt your whole body starting to shake again as the emotions started to take over. Noctis slowly turned you around so that you were facing him. Then he gently raised your arms up to his shoulders so that he could hold you in a tight embrace.

You wrapped your arms behind his neck as you buried your face in his neck. He tucked his head beside yours and slowly pulled you flushed against his body. Your whole body trembled as the emotions took over and shook you to the core. But he didn't let go. Instead he started to slowly rub your back.

You took comfort in his touch as he slowly ran his fingers up and down your back. Each slow motion calmed you down more and more. And for the moment, that was all that you could concentrated on. But with each of his soothing strokes, you were slowly able to control your body once again, until you were simply standing still as he held you close.

And after a few moments, you were able to slightly lean back from him. He gave you a gentle smile as he held you close. Which was all that you needed to give you the strength to finally stand on your own again.

"Thank you Noctis." You said as you gave him a warm smile.

He reached up and ran the back of his fingers across your cheek as he smiled back. "You don't have to thank me. I just did what you wanted me to do."

"What do you mean?" You asked as you gave him a confused look. "I didn't ask you to do anything."

"Yes you did." He replied as he lifted up your chin. "You told me not to leave."

Your eyes got wide as you realized that you must have spoken your thoughts out loud and didn't even know it. "Did I?"

"You may not have said it out loud." He replied with a smile. "But I still heard it loud and clear."

"But how?" You asked as you searched his face.

"I sensed it through your thoughts while I held you."

"Really?" You asked as your eyes got big.

"Well that and you whispered under your breath."

You couldn't help but to slightly laugh as you tried to hide the heat in your cheeks. "Ha ha Noct. Very funny."

"I got you to laugh." He said with a smirk.

You smiled as you playfully rolled your eyes and gently pushed him away. "Whatever."

You then made your way to your room. Once you were there, you spotted the necklace from your mom on your desk. Slowly you walked over to it. Then you stopped in your tracks again as you started at it.

"That's the necklace that I mentioned this morning." Ignis whispered to Noctis.

"I kinda figured that out on my own." Noctis replied without looking at him. "Tell everyone to give us a moment."

"Of course." Ignis replied as he stepped away from Noctis and started to herd everyone else back down the hallway. "Let's give them some privacy."

Noctis then stepped into your room and closed the door. But you didn't even notice as you stood frozen in place as you stared at the heart pendent as it laid there are your desk. And you couldn't seem to even touch it again as your heart started to pound against your chest again. Which explained why you slightly jumped when Noctis placed his hand on your back as he walked up and stood beside you.

"Hey." He said as he slid his arm around your waist.

"Hey." You quietly responded as you leaned into him for support.

"Did you get it from your mom?"

"Yeah." You absently replied as you wrapped an arm around his waist.

"It's beautiful."

"Yeah."

"I know what will make it look better." Noctis said as he looked at you.

"What?" You replied as you slowly looked at him in confusion.

"Being around your beautiful neck." He replied with a half smile.

You gave him a half smile as he slowly leaned forward.

"May I?" He asked as he started to reach for it.

"Mmhmm." You answered and watched him gently grabbed the necklace off of your desk.

Then he brought the necklace in front of you as he stepped behind you. You then watched him unclasp the chain and bring it to your chest. The cool chain hit your skin as he re-clasped it behind your neck. He then ran his fingers through your hair as he combed your hair around to your back. Which sent a thrill through you.

"There." He replied as he put his hands on your waist and turned you towards your mirror. "Much better."

You gave him a strained smile as he slid his arms around you. This was the best that you could do at the moment as your throat was starting to close shut again. Noctis pulled you back against him and placed his head beside yours.

"The best way to heal is to always remember the person that you've lost. And I can't think of a better way to remember your mom, then to wear the special gift that she gave you while she was alive."

"Your right." You quietly replied as you leaned back against him as you reached up and placed your hand on the cool metal.

Noctis then gave you a kiss on your temple as you slowly rubbed the pendent between your fingers. You couldn't help but to smile as you were starting to feel better as he held you close to him. He really did have a soft side. And you were glad that he shared it with you.

After a few moments, he released you. You then started to go through your dressers as Noctis called everyone into your room. The process itself was easy. All you did was look at the tags to see if you could still fit the article of clothing or not. Only to toss most of the clothes into a garbage bag so that they could be donated to the local charity for the homeless.

Noctis didn't quite understand the whole homeless thing and clothes donation. But you figured you would explain that to him later. It might take a bit to get the young crown prince to understand what it means to worry about things like clothing. And at the moment you had other things to focus on.

You were starting to relax as you finished up your room and saw that ninety percent of your clothes were indeed too small for you anymore. But this wasn't a surprise to you. You had changed a lot since you left. As you tied up the last bag, Gladiolus, Monica, and Ignis each grabbed a bag and hauled them down to the cars.

You then turned to Noctis and smiled as you headed for your parents room. You slowly pushed open the door, half expecting one of them to say something to you. But as you walked in, the only thing you saw was an empty bedroom that looked like it hadn't been touched in yearsaqz.

The bed had been made, the floor was clean, and all of your mom's jewelry and makeup was still neatly placed on her vanity. It looked like she had just been there. For not a thing was out of place as if waiting for her to return so that she could use them.

You walked over and gently ran your fingers over her hair brush handle. You left your fingers there for a few minutes as you remembered her gentle touch. You knew that you could move this into your room so that your dad would have his space again. But you just couldn't bring yourself to disturb the comfort of it. So instead you turned your attention to the closet.

Perhaps it's best to start here. You though as you walked up to the door.

This part, you figured, should be the easiest part. Since you knew your mother's style and had only really liked a few of her outfits anyway. So you figured that most of the clothes you could safely donate and not feel bad about it. But as you opened up the walk-in closet, you found that there was a lot more there than just the clothes that you had hoped to go through. For there on the floor in crates, were all of the family albums that she had hidden away after Derek had died. She hadn't thrown them out like you thought that she had. But then again she couldn't bring herself to display them since it hurt too much.

With a heavy heart, you decided to go through those at a later date. You knew that there was no way that you or your dad would part with those. But perhaps once you were both back at the house, you could go through them together. Noctis watched you carefully as you slowly walked away from the albums as you moved further into the closet.

"When I hand these to you," you said as you started pulling the hangers off the rod that held you mother's clothes, "can you put them on the bed?"

"I......um?" Noctis stammered as he stood fast, as you started handing him clothes.

But he did as you asked, as you went through and pulled out all of her clothes. By time you were done, the closet was half empty and the bed was covered. You smiled to yourself as you walked out of the closet. Then once you were out of the closet you repeated the process that you had done in your room.

So far so good. You thought to yourself as you started flying through the clothes.

But then your hand touched soft velvet. Your heart rate increased as you raised the dress up so that you could look at it better. Your breath caught as you stared at the very dress that your mom had worn on that first dinner night at the citadel. You took in a shaking breath as you raised the dress up and showed it to Noctis.

"Is that the dress your mom wore to dinner that night?" Noctis asked as he watched you staring at the flowing black velvet dress.

"Yes it is." You quietly said as you laid it in front of yourself. "And I think that it will be perfect for the ball."

"Absolutely." Noctis replied as he smiled back at you.

He could already picture how beautiful you would look in it. He half smiled as he realized that the two of you would match perfectly if you did wear it. Which made him smile as he pictured your reaction when you found our yourself.

~~~~~~~~~~0~~~~~~~~~~

That same morning.......

The elevator door opened up on the 15th floor for Sara to get out as she got ready to start her day. She quickly exited and headed to the office. She was slightly relieved that Korn was going to be out of the office today. For she knew that she would be able to get caught up with all of the paperwork if he wasn't there.

It wasn't that she couldn't work while he was there. More like it seemed that every time she turned around, there was another project that she had to quickly complete before she could finish the last one. She had known that it could be like that when you worked for the Head of the Security Department. But sometimes she felt a bit overwhelmed.

Her heart dropped for a moment as she went to unlock the office door, and realized that it was already unlocked. She thought that arriving early would guarantee that she would maximize her alone time in the office before the rest of the office staff arrived at their office doors. But it looked like someone had beaten her there. She sighed to herself. So much for uninterrupted work.

Fine. She thought. I can handle this. He won't be here long. He has an early appointment over at the police department today.

Perhaps he will leave as soon as I walk in. She thought as she looked at the door again.

Only one way to find out. She thought then pushed the door open and walked in.

As she walked in, she saw the light pouring into the main office from Korn doorway. Sara cocked her head to the side, Korn didn't usually do that. He usually turned on every light, even when he was here by himself. This made her nervous as she approached his office. Who could be in the office then?

But as she entered Korn office she saw no one in the office. She stood there in shock for a moment until the desk loudly thumped followed by a shout of pain. She slightly jumped from the sound.

"Ouch!" Hissed a male voice. "Fuck that smarts."

She stood there staring as a man stood up from behind Korn's desk. He was tall, with well groomed dark hair, (e/c) eyes and broad shoulders that were perfectly matched up to his strong frame. Her breath caught as she watched him stand up as he rubbed the back of his head. Then he paused and looked at her after he was at his full height.

"Oh." He said as he dropped his hand. "Hey. Good morning. Sorry about the language. I had dropped my pen under the desk and apparently I forgot how wide his desk was before I stood up."

"Oh." She quietly said as she continued to stare. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah." He said as he dropped his hand and put it on the desk as he leaned again it. "No harm done. Except to perhaps my ego."

Sara smiled at him. Good. I don't think he recognizes me. "I could get you some ice for your head if you like?"

"It's Sara right?" He asked as he searched her face.

"Yeeeeesss....?" She answered as she gave him a nervous look. Did I speak too soon?

"We had met once before." He returned. "But it looks like you don't remember me. That's fine." He said as he walked around to stand in front of her.

"I'm Paul. Paul (l/n)." He said as he held out his hand to her. "I take it your Sara Long, Korn's secretary?"

"Yeah. But how.....?" She stammered as she loosely shook his hand as the old electricity once again shot through her like a lightening bolt.

"Korn told me about you." Paul said before he released her hand. "It's good to finally meet the woman who has been able to keep him in line."

"I wouldn't go that far." Sara said as she dropped her gaze and slightly back up.

"I would." Paul said as he watched her nervously look at the floor. "I've known Korn long enough to know that it takes a lot to keep up with him sometimes."

Sara shyly moved her hair behind her ear.

If only he knew the half of it. She thought as she nervously shifted her feet. Why didn't anyone warn me that he was going to be here today? I would have put in for some vacation time.

Paul couldn't help but notice how trim and firm Sara was as she stood in front of him in her tight black skirt and loose white blouse. He could even just make out the top of her breasts as they slightly showed just above her second undone button of her shirt. Damn he had almost forgotten how beautiful women could be sometimes. Not to mention sexy, when they weren't even trying.

Paul had to quickly look away before he started to get worked up over someone that he probable shouldn't. And sure. it had been three years since Lynn was killed. But he still wasn't sure if he was really ready to start off fresh again. And he certainly couldn't decide if he was ready for the whole relationship thing. Or if he would go back to his old ways one night stands only.

Of course that had been how he meet Lynn. At that time he was known for always being in a bar or at a club with his friends almost every night, picking up a girl or two for the night. Only to leave them the next day. He slightly shook his head as he tried to refocus again.

"I'm sorry. I'm interrupting your work." Paul said as he nervously rubbed his hand behind his head.

"No, not at all." Sara said as she watched him.

Shit. I had forgotten how sexy he is when we're this close. But I need to back off before this goes too far. She thought as she started to back out of the room. Even though the gods know that I would love for exactly that to happen.

No no no. She thought as she shook her head. That's not why I'm here. I'm suppose to be uncover so that I can protect him. Not so that I can secretly seduce him.

"Is there something that I might be able to help you out with?" Sara said as she fought to get her composure back.

"I appreciate the offer. But Korn already gave me enough by offering his office this week while I'm waiting for mine to get set up." Paul said as he faced her again. "Is that going to be okay with you?"

Damn is she hot. Paul thought as his eyes trail over her body before he fought to keep his eyes focused on her face and not wondering to her other areas. This could be a tricky week.

"Oh." She said in surprise. "Well no. And I certainly won't argue with Mr. Scientia decision."

"Well you could." Paul replied as he leaned up against the corner of the desk. "But it might not end well."

Her heart almost stopped as she looked at him as he leaned on the desk and crossed his arms across his chest. All she could think of was if he still looked good now as he did back then. Especially since she could practically see his firm, tone, and dead sexy body as he stood there in his blue jeans and silk black shirt that had the top two buttons undone.

"No, I suppose it wouldn't." She said as she felt her cheeks start to heat up.

"Is it a bit warm in here?" She asked and started to fan herself.

"Let me go check on the thermostat while you get to work." She said then seemed to stumble over herself as she walked out.

Paul watched her leave the room on wobble legs and pull the door closed behind her. He was glad that she had, since he wasn't sure how well his legs would hold him at the moment. That was why he had leaned on the desk.

He had forgotten how long that it had been since he had looked at another women beside Lynn. At least in that sense. Sure he had worked with hundreds of women though the years. But he hadn't looked or even started to want them the same way that he did Lynn. But with her, perhaps Korn was right. Perhaps it was time.

~~~~~~~~~~0~~~~~~~~~~

The food court at the mall was half full of people by time everyone sat down to eat their lunch. But you could still see Nyx and the other glaives on watch at they were at the four corners of the room. You had hoped to not standout this time around at the mall. But King Regis insisted on the protection considering what had happened last time. This time though, Noctis was wearing normal street clothes and a ball cap, while the glaives were also in street clothes. It seemed to make it feel a bit better, even though everyone knew it was the same thing all over again.

"So now that the tuxes and dresses are taken care of," Noctis said with a smile "we can enjoy the rest of the mall this time."

"Let me guess?" You asked as you grabbed a fry. "You want to go to the arcade?"

"Well, yeah." He said as he smiled at you.

"But I still need to shop for clothes." You said as you shook your head at him. "But I can see why you wouldn't enjoy that."

"How about we split up for a bit then?" Ignis proposed before taking a drink. "I'll take (y/n) shopping while you head to the arcade for a bit. We can meet up there once we're done getting her clothes."

"Now that's a plan I can get behind." Gladio said as he beamed from beside Monica as he had his arm over her shoulder.

"I won't unless U get to take her myself." Noctis said firmly to Ignis.

"Very well." Ignis said as he looked down and adjusted his glasses as he means of hiding the disappointment on his face.

"Sounds like a great plan." You said as you picked up your hamburger. "First things first though."

You then took a big bite of your burger and immediately purred your delight to the sensational flavors as they once again brought you to a new heights of enjoyment. Noctis smiled as he watched you. His heart rate started to increase as he started to wish that he was the reason for your delight. Then he leaned over and whispered in your ear.

"Keep that up and you'll have a visitor in the changing room with you." He growled.

"Promise?" You asked as you seductively sucked the burger juice off of one finger.

He felt the blood rush his groan as he was now starting to get heated. He narrowed his eyes at you as he fought to keep it under control. Your satisfied glance back at him told him that you knew damn well what you had just did to him. Now he was usually a very private person. But today my be a day where he might make an exception with you.

The group broke up into two parties once everyone was done eating. Ignis, Gladio, and Monica headed one store. While Noctis, yourself, and the entire security detail headed to the clothing store. You felt a bit off that you were practically surrounded by his security team. But when you looked at Noctis and saw his warm smile, they didn't seem to exist anymore.

You stood in front of the clothing rack full of new school uniforms. You knew that you had to get the new uniforms for high school. But since you hadn't worn any for about three years, you didn't have any idea what to get at this point. You were running your fingers down the soft fabric of the short pleated skirts as you thought about the pending year. This would be the only year that all of you would be in the same school at the same time.

You smiled to yourself as you let that thought run through your head as you grabbed a couple skirts in your size. The skirts felt warm and looked to be slightly more comfortable then the middle school ones had been. You then grabbed a couple white button up blouse as well. Then as you were putting those into the shopping cart, you jumped as you felt something slide smoothly around your neck.

You started to tense up, until you felt a finger gently graze your neck along with a soft piece of cloth. You glanced down and saw that it was a blue neck tie. You looked over your shoulder and say Noctis standing behind you.

"High school girls get to wear blue neck ties." He whispered in your ear as he bright blue eyes seemed to match the neck tie's color perfectly. "You look good in blue."

Your skin tingled as he attached the tie in the back to make sure that it fit correctly. You were surprised that he had gotten the size correct. But then again, Noctis had been with you all morning as you went through all of your clothes. Perhaps he remembered your size from your other neck ties. After all, neck sizes usually don't change that much from middle school to high school.

You ran your fingers over the tie and smiled. He then ran his fingers along your neck again, leaving your skin tingling in his wake. Then he ran his hands up and fanned out your hair as he pulled it over your shoulders and back onto your back. The sensation sent a chill down your whole back.

"You still get to choose the color for your hair tie. I hope that you choose to keep it blue." He said as he whispered in your ear before he backed up again. "When we would match."

You smiled then turned around and faced him. He smiled back at you. Then he got a smile across his face as he locked his eyes with yours.

"I'm beginning to think that my first year in high school is going to be thee best year ever." He said with a heated smile.

******Author Note******

Now that our school uniforms are all in order, blue neck tie and all. It's time to get the rest of your new wardrobe together. And perhaps a little extra for a special moment with your handsome prince.

But I hope that you enjoyed this chapter and will continue on with me into the next one. And perhaps see how the celebration is starting to take shape. With the help from you and your friends of course. And what's a celebration without a little excitement.

See you in the next chapter.

Thanks for reading. :)

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