THE next day brought with it a lot of alone time. Except for seeing the doctors who had wanted to run some final tests just to make sure that you would be ok to head home. You were starting to wonder if your head was going to glow from all of the scans that they were conducting. These were not the easiest either, especially if you have never had to stick your head into a tube that is inches from you face. The lights and noises alone were enough to leave you shaking. Now you aren't claustrophobic or anything, but that doesn't mean that you like to have, something like that, in your personal space.

Once all of the tests were done, you had to wait for the results to come back. This took the longest since they didn't seem to want to talk to you without your parents being present. They had told them over the phone, but they wouldn't talk to you until they were present. But they did at least remove the bandages though, so you no longer looked like a train wreck.

By time your parents arrived, you were ready to go. No news is good news right? They hadn't mentioned that you were going to have to stay another night. This should also mean that you could go back to school. Which means that you could see Ignis, Gladio, and even visit Noctis at the Citadel.

You were dressed in your school uniform again and you had your backpack, suitcase, pillow and blanket on the floor by the door so that you could grab them as you walked out of the room. You were sitting on the bed playing a game on your phone as you waited for your parents to finish talking to the doctor. They were all standing just outside of the room.

Oh, hurry up already. You thought anxiously.

You wanted to make that phone call to Noctis as soon as you got in the car to head home.

Finally they came into the room to talk. But you were just ready to get out of there. You didn't really care what they said, just as long as you got out of there. As they entered, you jumped off of the bed and walked over to them hoping that it would lead to leaving sooner.

"Well there's our anxious patient." The doctor said as you came up. "I imagine that you're ready to leave us aren't you?"

Now whatever gave you that idea. You thought as you watched he push his glasses put on the bridge of his nose.

You stared at him as you watched him.

That's just like Ignis? Does he know him? No, don't be silly. You thought as you watched him.

"I'm just ready to get back home and back to school is all." You told him as you looked away.

"Yes. Well that was the original plan. But I'm afraid you will not be able to go to school just yet." The doctor said as he looked at your chart.

"What do you mean?" You asked as you looked back to him.

"Well, the tests show that you have improved. But we're concerned that spending a whole day at the school might be a bit too much for you just yet. So we've decided that you will be staying with us for the next two days." He said as he put the chart down.

Seeing your shocked face, he chuckled out loud. "I'm just kidding. You won't be staying here."

"Then why would you say that?" You almost yelled at him.

"Well that's because you may be leaving the hospital. But I don't want you to go back to school just yet. You do still need time to recuperate. The crack on your skull could still cause you a few issues to include possible dizzy spells which could cause you to pass out. And the last thing that you need is to become dizzy and pass out while your at school. I feel that it would be best for you to relax at home for the next two days. After that we'll take a look again to see how your coming along." He concluded as he looked at you.

"Great." You said as you dropped you gaze as you stared at the floor.

"I suppose that means that now instead of being stuck in this bed, now I have to stay in my own bed." You signed as you kept your gaze down.

"Well, at least the food will be better." You said as you looked up at your mom and smiled.

She smiled back and nodded.

"Well, thank you doctor we really appreciate your help. We'll see you in a few days for her follow-up." Your dad said as he grabbed your belongings.

"Well do." He said to your dad. "Call me if anything changes."

"We will. Thank you doctor." Your mom told him.

"Come on (y/n). Let's go home." Your mom said as she put her hand on your back and guided you out the door.

The car ride home started off quiet as your dad drove home. You sat in the back seat and just stared out the window. This was not how you pictured the car ride home. You had hoped to be talking to Noctis about visiting him. But now, you weren't even sure if you could leave the house.

I hate this. I want to call him and tell him I'm out. But if I can't leave the house, how am I suppose to visit him if I can't leave? You thought as you felt your heart sink.

"So, honey. Are you going to call Noct, I mean 'Prince Noctis'?" Your mom asked with a smile.

"What's the point?" You asked as you put your head on your palm as you continued to look out the window. "It's not like I can go visit him or anything."

Your dad gave a chuckle. "Who said that you couldn't visit him today?" He said as he glanced in the rear view window.

You looked back at him in shock. "But the doctor said that I had to stay home."

"No. What the doctor said was that you couldn't go to school for the next two days. He never said that you couldn't go and visit anyone. Besides, we'll be there too. Remember?" Your dad said as he watched your face light up.

"So we can go?" You almost shouted.

"Not unless you call him. We can't go over unannounced after all." Your dad said as he smiled back at you.

You were so excited that you undid your seatbelt and gave him a huge hug from the back seat. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" You repeated as you squeezed him.

"Alright honey. Alright. But sit back and put your seatbelt back on." He said as he lightly squeezed your arm.

"You're just lucky that we're at a stop light." He said as he gave you a pat on your arm.

You released him with a smile and returned to your seat and re-buckled your seatbelt. Then you nervously grabbed your phone. Your hands started to shake as you pulled up his number.

Why am I nervous. You thought to yourself as you stared at the Call button.

It's just Noctis. It's not like I don't know him or anything. Then you paused.

But then again, he's not just Noctis is he. He's Prince Noctis Lucis Caelum of Lucis, the next successor to be king. You thought as it was starting to fully register with you again.

It won't be the same as it was at the park. Back then he was just a normal kid to me. I must have looked so stupid to him. I have no idea how to act in front of royalty. I only bowed when the King came in because everyone else did. What if I do something wrong at the Citadel? What if I screw up in front of him? He'll never talk to me again. And we'll be right back where we were. You thought as you stared at his name on your phone.

"Honey, are you ok?" Your mom finally asked which broke you out of train of thought.

"I don't know." You half said to yourself as you continued to stare at your phone.

"What don't you know?" Your dad asked.

"I don't know if I can do this." You said nervously as you looked back up. "I mean, he's not just some kid, he's the Prince. He's thee Prince of Lucis."

"So. He's still a person like us." Said your dad. "And he's still your friend. His title and lineage shouldn't change your relationship with him."

"But what if I screw up while we're there? What if I say or do something wrong?" You said as you started to wring your hands together. "I don't know how to act in front of royalty. That's not to say that I don't know my manners, but this is different."

"Just be yourself." Your mom said from the front seat as she turned to face you "You have very good manners and you would never intentionally do anything wrong. Prince Noctis will understand if you don't get it right. They all will. It's not like we knew from the beginning who he was anyway."

"Besides, we'll be right there with you if you need us." Your dad added. You could see your dad's smile in the rearview mirror.

"Thank you. Both of you." You said as you smiled at them.

Their support helped you feel your confidence rise. And with that you pressed the call button and put the phone to your ear. Your heart pounded as you heard the phone ring in your ear.

"Huh. Hello?" Asked a male voice.

"Huh. Hi. Is this Noct?" You asked nervously. "It's me, (y/n)."

"Oh. Hey (y/n)." Noctis said. "Are you out of the hospital yet?"

"Yeah. We just left." You answered as you started to feel your nerves calming down.

"That's great!" He replied.

"Did you still want to come over?" He nervously asked.

You paused for a moment.

Did he just get nervous? You just thought to yourself. No, I'm just hearing things.

"That would be amazing." You replied. "That is, if you'll still have us?"

You heard him laugh over the phone. You heart skipped a beat from the delightful sound. You hadn't heard him laugh in a long time. It made you smile and relax even more.

"I wouldn't be asking if I didn't want you over." He replied in a teasing voice.

"No. I suppose you wouldn't." You replied as you felt your cheeks heat up.

"How about dinner tonight?" He asked.

"Umm." You answered out of shock. Tonight?

"If that's too soon we can do tomorrow night if you wish?" He quickly returned. "I don't want you to overexert yourself. You did just leave the hospital."

"No. No. That's fine. We can do dinner tonight." You said as you looked up and saw your dad nod his approval in the rearview mirror.

"Great. I'll send the car for you around seven." He returned.

"Seven o'clock?" You said out loud.

"Sounds good." Your dad said. "Let him know that I'll drive us over though. He can give his drivers a rest tonight."

"Yeah, seven sounds great. But my dad said that he'll drive us over." You told Noctis.

"Are you sure?" He asked. "We don't mind."

"No, that's fine." You answered with a smile. "Give your drivers the night off instead."

Noctis laughed again. "Alright. I'll see to it that they do."

"Thank you Noctis." You said as your cheeks heated up again.

"Anytime." He returned in a much smoother voice. "I'll see you tonight then."

"Yeah." You returned in a soothing voice.

"See you then." Your face heated up as you hung up the phone and stared at it for a few minutes.

"So, seven tonight?" You dad asked.

"Yeah." You quietly returned in almost a daze as you continued to stare at your phone.

"Well that gives us about four hours to get ready." He said. "That will be plenty of time for you to get some rest before we head over."

"Yeah." You returned as you stared out the window again as you heart rate raced.

How am I supposed to rest when I'm so nervous? You asked yourself. In less than four hours we will be driving through the gates of the Citadel.

The rest of the drive was quiet as your dad navigated the car through the streets and to your house. Once he pulled into the driveway everyone got out. Than your dad carried your suitcase and backpack to your room, while you followed with your pillow and blanket.

"Alright. I want you in bed for the next two hours." Your mom said as she walked in after you and your dad.

"But mom." You tried to argue.

"No butt's, young lady." She said as she put her hand on your arm. "You'll want to be at your best tonight. So get some rest and then we can get ready for dinner. Ok?"

You smiled back at her. You were feeling tired. But it was mainly because of all the laying around and not being able to do anything. But perhaps she was right. You had missed your bed last night. Even if the company had made it feel more relaxed. You knew that nothing beats sleeping in your own bed.

"Alright mom." You answered as you gave her a warm smile.

"Good." She said then pulled you into her embrace. "Now get some sleep."

"Alright." You said as you hugged her back.

She returned with a slight squeeze then released you. Then she went over to the windows and closed the curtains.

"Get some rest." Your dad said as he walked out.

"I'll wake you up in two hours." She said as they both left the room.

"Ok." You returned as you watched them close the door behind themselves.

Finally back in your room, you looked around and noticed that nothing had been moved. Your twin bed sat in the corner next to the door. The nightstand was right next to the headboard with your book sitting there waiting for you to finish reading it. Your dresser was against the opposite wall with a full mirror that stretched the length of the dresser. Right next to that was the sliding glass door that led to your balcony that overlooked the street in front of your house. In the far corner was your vanity with your hamper right next to it.

After glancing around you noticed that it looked like your mom had cleaned it up last night for you. You smiled to yourself as you shook your head. Your mom never did like it when you were away. She always seemed to worry. And when she worried, she would clean. You didn't mind her cleaning your room. Other then sometimes she would put your things in places that would take you awhile to find again.

Oh well. No need to worry about it now. You thought to yourself as you sat down on your bed.

You removed your jacket, shoes, socks, and your necktie. You hung up your jacket on the back of your chair, then placed your necktie on your vanity and your socks in your hamper. Your shoes you left by your door at the foot of your bed. Then with you pillow and blanket in your hands, you went over and sat on your bed.

Your bed felt a lot better then high steel caged bed at the hospital. Your started to feel your body get groggy. So you laid down on your bed with your head on your pillow and you pulled your blanket over you. The soft cushion of your mattress and the familiar smells of you room soon engulfed you in a deep sleep.

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

As promised, your mom came in an woke you up in two hours so that you could start to get ready. As soon as you got up, you took a shower and did your hair. You had decided on pull only half of your hair into a ponytail. You had thought about a bun, but decided that the pressure on your scalp might be a bit too much right then. When you were done putting put your hair, you went back to your room to look through your closet.

What should I wear? I don't really have any formal dinner dresses. You thought as you started looking through your closet. I wonder how formal he will be dressed?

Just then your mom walked in wearing a beautiful black velvet floor length gown that had a slit on the side that stopped just above her knee. Her long brown hair hung loose, with a few strains pushed back over her ears. Her black high heels could just be seen under the edge of the dress. And she had her black and gold shawl draped over her shoulders.

"Wow mom!" You said as you stared at her. You hadn't seen her look like that in a long time. Her hair and dress were perfect. Even her make-up was enough to bring out the natural glow of her tanned skin. "You look gorgeous!"

"Why thank you dear." She smiled back at you as she did a seductive pose.

You just smiled and nodded back at her. "Oh mom." You laughed to yourself. Sometimes it was hard to believe that she worked in the Human Resources Office for Insomnia.

"Have you found your dress yet?" She ask as she turned her attention to your closet.

"Not yet." You said as you turned back to the closet of depression. "I don't think that I have anything as nice as yours."

"Well let's see what I can find in here." She said as she went through your closet with you.

After a while it was decided that you would wear your favorite ocean blue dress that now seemed to hug your curves as it covered you body. The fabric showed the slimness of your waist and hips as it continued down to your knees. It was being held up by the thin spaghetti straps that wrapped over your shoulders. You didn't remember it doing that before.

But then again you have noticed some changes that your body had been going through. The front of it was just low enough to show off the heart pendent necklace that your mom had gotten you for your last birthday. But not so low that it would show off your laced bra that hugged your breasts against your chest as they extended out. You then finished off the attire with your favorite heart earrings and a silver bracelet. Then you started to do your make-up.

"Wow. I came in here looking for my baby girl, but instead it seems that I have walked into a beautiful young women's room instead." Your dad said as he walked wearing his favorite black suit, white shirt and black tie while beaming with pride.

"Thanks dad." You said as finished off your make-up with your pink lipstick.

After blotting your lips on a piece of tissue. You looked in the mirror again to make sure that it look alright. Your dad walked up behind you and placed his hands on your shoulders.

"Does it look alright?" You asked as you kept scanning your face to make sure that you covered up the pimples there were threatening to ruin your smooth appearance.

"You look gorgeous." Your dad said with a loving smile as he slightly squeezed your shoulders. "When did you grow up on me?"

"Oh dad. Stop it." You joked back as you dropped your head as you started to blush.

He sighed as he just stood there and smiled at you. "Well, come on. Let's head out." He said as he removed his hands and walked out of your room.

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

The car ride over seemed to be one of the shortest trips that you had ever been on. You knew that is wasn't that far from the house, but it seemed like you blinked and then you were looking up at the gates as your dad pulled up to be let in. Your hands started to shake as the car pulled into the gate. The entranceway towered over the car as your dad drove up. The guard checked your names then granted permission to enter.

As you entered you were greeted with the spender of the large turn-around that was at the center of the court yard. The bi-level of the entrance and the three-story wall that surrounded the area gave it a cathedral appearance. The lights that lined the street put off a warm yellow glow that made the courtyard shine like gold against the black marble. Never in your life had you seen anything so beautiful and intimidating at the same time. Everyone was in awe as the car seemed to glide across the smooth concrete as your dad pulled in front of the stairs to let you and your mom out.

There were two gentlemen standing on the curb waiting, as your dad brought the car to a stop. One gentleman came towards your side of the car and opened the door for your mom first and then for you. The other one went around to your dad's side and opened his door. This surprised your dad.

"Sir, if you'll just leave the keys in the car we'll go ahead and park it for you." The valet said as he held the door open for your dad and bowed to him.

"Oh." Your dad hesitated.

"Oookay. But just where are you going to park it?" He asked out of curiosity.

"Dad." You hissed at him.

"What?" He said as he looked at you with his hands up. "I just wanted to know. There isn't exactly a parking lot right here."

The valet laughed. "That's very true sir. The lot is just below here. But not to worry though. Your car is in safe hands." The valet reassured with a smile.

"Now that part I'm not worried about." Your dad returned as he patted the guy on the shoulder.

"Thank you. Just don't spoil her to much." Your dad told him as he headed over to you and your mom.

"You bet sir." The valet returned with a slight laugh before getting behind the wheel and closing the door.

When your dad joined you and your mom, the car slowly drove off.

"His Majesty King Regis and his Highness Prince Noctis are waiting for you inside. Please proceed up the stairs and through the front doors." The other gentleman instructed as he moved off to the side and swung his arm out and gestured towards the two flights of stairs that were in front of you.

"Thank you." Everyone said then turned to proceed up the stairs.

"This is pretty exciting." Said your dad with a childish grin as you reached the first landing.

"Dad stop it." You returned as you stared at the ground to make sure that you didn't trip on the way up. Heels were still something that you hadn't quite mastered yet. "I don't want you embarrassing me tonight."

"I won't honey." He said in his normal tone as he glanced your way. "I'm just trying to get you to relax before you rub the skin off of your hands."

You paused for a minute and realized that he was right. Your nerves had you practically ripping the skin off of your hands as you nervously wrung they together. You shook out both hands before forcing them to your sides. You were fine for a bit but then had to ball them up to keep them from shaking.

This is stupid. You thought to yourself. Why am I so nervous? You would think that I was walking onto the world largest stage to perform a solo or something.

Then your dad reached down and grabbed your closest hand. His touch shocked you for a moment. You looked up at him. He looked back at you and just smiled.

"It's alright honey. We're here for you." He softly said to you.

Then you felt you other hand being grabbed by your mom.

"Remember, it's just Noctis. The same sweet boy that you had so much fun with that one summer." Your mom said in her motherly voice that you loved so much.

"I know mom. But this place............". You started as you glanced straight up to see the Citadel walls reaching for the heaven above you.

"Then perhaps you should picture yourself at the park again." She said with a smile as she lightly squeezed your hand.

You looked back down to the ground as you sighed.

Oh mom. If only it was that easy. You thought to yourself as you gave her a weak smile.

When you reached the top landing there were two doorman who opened the heavy double doors for everyone to enter. When you stepped inside you were greeted with a huge open foyer. The shiny marble floor looked like glass and the large wood doors leading out of the room looked as if they weighted more than twice you weight. The pedestal type lights that lined the floor put off a bright glow as the light reflected off of the shining wood finish and highly polished floor. You stood there in awe as you looked around the room. Then a butler came up to you.

"May I take your coat ma'am?" The butler asked bluntly.

This brought you out of the trance that the room seemed to be pulling you into as you looked around. You looked at him for a moment. He stood as straight as an arrow a he looked down at you with his dark brown eyes. You could tell from his posture, that he was person who took his job very seriously.

What with his sweater vest over his white button up shirt, that was tucked in neatly into his black slacks. Everything was perfectly neat. Not a single thing was out of place. Not even his short brown hair was parted neatly to one one side and his mustache stopped just short of his top lip.

As he looked at you with his steadily judging eyes, you remembered that you only had on your shawl that you had grabbed just as you were leaving the house. You tighten your grip on it as if you felt a slight chill. Or was that the butler's cold gaze that was causing a chill?

"No. That's ok. Thank you." You said as you pulled it further over your shoulders and wrapped your arms under it.

"Are you sure ma'am?" He asked again in a more stern voice. "I can ensure you that the building is quite warm."

"I said, 'No'. But thank you." You returned with a hint of tension in your voice.

All of this formality was nice. But now it was starting to make you uncomfortable.

"It's perfectly alright Jared if she wants to keep her shawl." You heard a familiar fatherly voice say.

"Yes. Your Majesty." The Jared said as he bowed towards him.

But you thought that you saw disappointment and perhaps a bit of anger on Jared's face as he glanced towards you. But he had turned and was walking away when you glanced back again.

"Good evening your Majesty." You said courteously as you bowed with you hand on your heart, towards the King as he approaching.

Both of your parents greeted him the same.

"Good evening. And welcome. I'm so glad that you could join us tonight." He said with a big smile.

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

I apologize if this one was a bit dry, but it leads into a much better chapter I promise.

Thanks for reading and I'll see you in the chapter.

All of the pictures for this chapter are from the game play on the Playstation 4 platform. I do not own any of these. These all belong to Square Enix.

Thanks for reading. :)

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