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The bedroom door creaked as you pulled it opened.  You felt like you had just entered the bedroom only a few minutes ago.  Which wasn't that far from the truth considering that you had only entered it a couple hours ago to get some sleep. And that was so you wouldn't have to leave the citadel after finishing up in the kitchen the night before. 

Your dad had actually been the one to suggested it after you had called him really late the night before to let him know that you were ready to leave.  Now He hated to leave you there.  But he also understood that you weren't going to rest until you knew for a fact that everything was done for party. Which is what lead you to staying the night in your old room.  This worked out well for you as far as getting to bed right away.  

Plus it saved your dad from having to drive back and forth since you needed to be back in a few hours anyway.  He even told you that he would bring your dress and anything else that you needed when he came back the next morning to run the security check point.   And he also said that he would let the king know as well.  This way his majesty wouldn't be freaking out if he saw the light on in your old room.

You couldn't help but to smile to yourself as you walked out of the room and closed the door behind you before you started to head for the kitchen.  Your dad really had changed over the last few years.  In the past, your dad would never of let you stay anywhere but at home or at Nicole's house.  Of course that felt like a million years ago now.  

So much had happened since the last time that you had spent the night at her house.  And it all started with your brother's death.  In fact you had to stay at her house when they first brought him into the hospital after the accident.  Of course at the time you had no idea that the accident was actually a preemptive attack from the Nif.

"(Y/n)?"  You heard a familiar voice say from behind you. "What....what are you doing here?" 

You turned around and saw Noctis standing in the hallway just outside his bedroom. He was giving you a surprised look. You smiled back as you looked at him as he stood there only wearing his sleeping pants. You dropped your head when you realized that you must have woke him up.

"Hey."  You quietly replied as you stood still as he walked over to you.  "I'm sorry did I wake you?"

"No."  He quietly said as he stopped in front of you.  "But what are you doing here?"

"Well, I don't know if you know or not.  But Marge collapsed from a heart attack last night in the kitchen while she was preparing the food for today."  You said with you head down as you rubbed your hands together.

"Yeah."  Noctis said as he dropped his head as well.  "My dad told me last night before I went to bed.  He was really worried when the ambulance took her away."

"I can imagine."  You quietly responded.  "Well, after she left.  Apparently everyone in kitchen started fighting and they couldn't seem to get it together on what they needed to do to finish prepping for today."

"So naturally you stepped in and took charge."  You heard Noctis reply as he reached over and grab one of you hands.

You quickly looked up at him surprise.  "How did you know?"

Noctis smiled back at you as he interlaced his fingers with yours.  "Because I know you.  And there's no way that you would sit back and watch them fall apart like that."

You dropped your head as you smiled shyly.  "I can't help it.  Today's a really big deal.  Today Ignis will be the first of us to official link up with you."

You then felt Noctis hand cup your cheek and lifted up your chin so that you looked back at him.  "And your not about to let anything go wrong if you have anything to say about it."

You gave him a surprised look before he gave you a reassuring smile as he moved his hand up and ran his fingers through your hair as he moved your hair behind your ear.  "Am I that easy to read now days?"

"To me perhaps."  Noctis said as he released your hand and wrapped his other arm around your waist and pulled you close as he stepped forward.

"But I wouldn't expect anything less.  Nor would I want you any other way."  He said as he glanced at you before he gave you a kiss on the forehead.  

You closed your eyes from his soft gesture and reached up with both arms and wrapped them around his strong bare back.  "Thank you."

"Any time princess." He said as he pulled you closer as you placed your head on his shoulder.  "And I'm really glad to see you."

"Me too." You said with a smile as you enjoyed his strong embrace.

You stood there for a few moments as you held each other.  Noctis seemed to understand you better then anyone when it came to helping out those you cared about.  Well except perhaps Ignis who always put everyone else before himself.  But as Noctis held you in his arms, you knew that your bond with Noctis was different than what you had with Ignis.

You and Ignis shared more of service to others understanding.  Where you and Noctis had a secret friendship that not even your relationship with Ignis could match.  You both understood loneliness better than anyone.  And what it felt like to be trapped not only behind four walls, but also in your own mind.

"Do you have your change of clothes here for the party?"  Noctis asked as he rubbed your back.

"No."  You replied as you quietly enjoy his gentle strokes on your stiff back.  "But my dad is bringing my stuff when he comes later."

"I can let you borrow a change of clothes if you like?"  Noctis said as he leaned back a bit so that he could see your face.

"No that's okay."  You said with a smile as you leaned back and looked at him.  "I wouldn't want to get your clothes dirty while I'm cooking."

"I think one of my t-shirt can handle anything in the kitchen.  So don't worry about getting it dirty.  Alright?"  Noctis said with a smile.

You smiled at him.  "Fine.  But only a shirt.  I would never fit your pants."

"That's fine."  He half laughed as he released you enough for you to walk with him to his room.  "I can get dressed as well."

"But aren't you going back to sleep?"  You asked him with a puzzled look.  "It's way to early for you to be up don't you think?"

"It's fine."  He said you reached his door and he opened it up for the two of you.  "I can't really sleep right now anyway."

"Really?"  You asked as you stepped into his bedroom and walked over to the couch.  "Are you worried about today too?"

"Perhaps a little."  Noctis said as he walked past you and over to his wardrobe.

You dropped your head for a moment as you though about the events for the day.  And all you could think about was the trial at the end of the day.  The thought of what you had gone through before was very vivid to you and made you very nervous.  You could tell Noctis was nervous as well as he walked away.  Perhaps he was even just as scared as you to the whole thing.  

"Is the Trial of the Crystal similar to what you did with us at the cottage?"  You asked as he went through the drawers and pulled out a t-shirt for you and a change of clothes for him.  "You know, when the four of us held that crystal and linked up with our weapons though you that first time.  Which had been pretty intense as it was.  But will this be just like that?"

"Yes."  Noctis said as he slowly walked back over to you and handed you the t-shirt.  "Except this time it will be with the main crystal.  So it will have a lot more powerful.  What we had done before was only with a small shard.  Today it will be the very crystal that sits in the center of the citadel. It's the one that gives my dad and I our powers.  Without it, we are no different then the average guy on the street."

"Is it the one you showed me before?" You asked as you watched him walk back over to his wardrobe.

"One in the same."  He quietly replied. "Feel free to change right there if you want. I promise I won't look."

"Oh." You replied as you watched him grabbed his shirt and pulled it on his arms before he quickly over his head. "Okay."

You then turned your back to him and nervously grabbed the hem of your shirt. But then as you started to pull it up, you froze.

Should I really be doing this here? You thought nervously. "Umm?"

"What's wrong?" You heard him ask. "Don't worry. I'm looking. And you know I won't do anything.  Besides, don't you have to get downstairs?"

"Right." You said. He's right. I know he won't do anything. And, I do need to get to kitchen and start cooking.  And especially since I have to meet the band when they arrive at the gate this morning.

And with that you quickly pulled your shirt off and grabbed the one he handed you.  Right as you did, Noctis pulling up his jeans and turned sideways so that he could grab his belt.  But as he did, he could just make out semi naked body as you pulled the shirt onto your arms.  He couldn't help the heated thought of feeling how soft that you were.

"So what are you going to do while I'm cooking?"  You asked as you pulled the shirt over your head which broke him out of his semi-trance.

Noctis quickly looked away and started putting on his belt.  He didn't want you to get nervous if you knew that he had glanced your way.  So instead he turned slightly away again and concentrated in his belt instead.  The last thing he wanted was to make you uncomfortable.  Especially since he still had no idea why you had jumped back from him that day at the swim meet.

"I was going to keep you company."  He said as he felt you turn around and look at him.  "If that's alright with you."

"Since when did you want to hang out in the kitchen?"  You asked as you looked at him as he turned around and sat on his bench so that he could put on his socks and shoes.

"Ever since I knew that you were going to be in there by yourself."  He said as he pulled on his socks.

You slightly laughed at him as you gave him a smile.  "You don't have to you know."

"I know." Noctis replied as grabbed his shoes and put them on in a flash.  "But I want to."

"Well I would love the company." You grinned back.

"Perfect." Noctis said as he stood back up. 

"You can tell me all about your trip while you cook."  Noctis said as he walked over to you.

You froze in your tracks.  You hadn't told anyone about the trip since you had gotten back.  Except that it had been long.  But you already knew that Noctis wasn't going to let it go with just that.  But as he grabbed your hand and walked you out of his room, you felt your heart start to race.  Where you ready to share it yet?

"Come on."  Noctis said as he walked you out of his room and towards  the stairs.

"Oh.......okay."  You quietly said as you tried to figure out how you were going to tell him.

But as you walked downstairs you slowly started to feel confident that you could at least tell him about almost everything.  You dropped your head as walked down the stairs as you felt your hands start to shake.  You still weren't ready to share with anyone what happened during the attack.  But you could tell him about everything else.

"Man, that was one hell of a trip."  Noctis said as he sat on the counter in the kitchen as you finished mixing up the final bin of salad for the crisper.   "It's a good thing that I know you as well as I do. Otherwise I would have a hard time believing any of it."

"It does seem more like a movie then reality doesn't it?"  You replied with a smile.

"So did you actually see the pirates hideout?"  Noctis asked as he leaned forward as you walked past with the ben as you headed for the cooler.

"No."  You replied as you reached the door.  

"As you can imagine, they didn't want me anywhere near the place."  You said you opened up the door and walked in.

"But based on what I heard about it." You continued as you walked back out after you put the ben on the shelf.  "It was probable best that I didn't.  Apparently the place was full of mummified corpses."

"Creepy."  Noctis said as did a slight shiver as you walked back over to him.

"Well, now that I've got that done."  You said as you walked over and leaned up against the counter in front of Noctis.  "Would you like some breakfast? Because I don't know about you?  But I'm starting to get a bit hungry."

"Are you going to try and get me to eat any veggies?"  He asked a s he gave you a suspicious look.

"Only enough of them for flavoring in your omelet."  You said with a smile.

Noctis gave you a hard look.  "What do you mean by enough?"

"You'll see."  You said with a smile.  "But don't worry.  You'll like the flavor.  Trust me."

"Fine."  He said as he rolled his eyes.  "But you better join me."

"Of course."  You said with a smile.

"I never thought that I would see the day that my son would eat an omelet that had more then just cheese and ham in it."  You heard a deep fatherly voice say from the door as King Regis walk in.

You quickly stood up and bowed to him.  "Good morning your grace."

"And a good morning it is (y/n)."  King Regis returned with a smile.  "I hope that you slept alright night."

"I did.  Thank you for asking."  You replied as you kept your head down.

"No.  It is I who should be thanking you."  He replied.

"Your majesty?"  You questioned as you slowly looked back up at him.

"I know how much everyone here means to you.  And it shows, by you stepping up and taking control over the kitchen last night and today for the celebration.  And I couldn't be more grateful.  And I know Mrs. Marge will want to repay you for this."  King Regis said as he walked over to you and placed his hand on your arm.

"Thank you your majesty."  You replied with a smile.  "Would you like an omelet?  I can make you up one really quick if you like?"  That sounds like a great idea.  Thank you."

"One omelet.  Coming up."  You replied with a smile.

Then you grabbed your empty plate and went back into the kitchen.  Noctis gave his dad  a curious look as he continued to eat.    Noctis had a feeling that there was a reason that he agree to let you make him one.  Other than just being hungry that is.  And as King Regis sat down, Noctis got his confirmation.

"I'm actually glad that your awake already.  Because I wanted to talk to you before everything today."  Regis said a she gave his son a firm look.

"Can't it wait until after breakfast?"  Noctis asked as he looked back down at his food as he tried to ignore the stare from his father as he watched him.

"I would prefer to talk about it now while we are alone."  Regis said as he slight sat back as he tried to relax.  "After all, this ceremony isn't just about Ignis.  But it very much involves you as well."

"I'm very much aware of that."  Noctis said in a flat tone.  "And I don't need you reminding about it."

"I just want to make sure that you are ready for this today."  Regis said as he watched his son carefully.

"I'm as ready as I'm going to be."  Noctis said as he looked down before he put his napkin down on his plate as he stood up.  "Now if you pardon me, I have to go check on something."

"Whatever it is can wait."  Regis said in a stern tone.  "I want to make sure that you are truly ready for today."

"I already told you that I am."  Noctis said as he kept his head down away from his dad.

"Are you?  Your not just a bit nervous about what to expect?"  Regis pressed further as he watched his son start to tense up.  

"What's there to be nervous about.  It'll be just like the last time."  Noctis said as he grabbed his plate and started to walk away.

"Not entirely."  Regis said as he watched his son freeze in his tracks at his words.

"What do you mean?"  Noctis as in a tone that was steadier then his heart that was now starting to race.

"The trial of the crystal is where the one being tied to the king must go up in front of the gods themselves and have their loyalty tested."  Regis said as he leaned up against the table.  "Ignis will have to prove to them that he will properly serve you and that he will only serve you until he dies.  If they see that he's fit, then they will grant him his full power.  But if not....."

"There won't even be a chance that they won't accept him."  Noctis said in a short tone.  "Ignis has been nothing but loyal since we were kids.  I will never question his loyalty.  And neither should you."

"I never said I did."  Regis said as Noctis started walking away as he headed to the kitchen.  "I just want you to really understand what he's about to do."

"I'm fully aware of what he's about to do."  Noctis said as he reached the door.  "And I have no doubt that he'll be fine.  And you shouldn't doubt him either."

"I never...."  King Regis started to say when you opened up the kitchen door as you carried out a hot steaming omelet.

"Oh!"  You said as you quickly jumped back before you hit Noctis.  "Noctis?  Are you done already?"

"Yeah."  Noctis said in a short tone as he looked at his dad.

Then he turned and looked at you and gave you a quick kiss on the cheek.  "Thanks for breakfast.  I'll catch up with you a bit later.  Okay?"

"Yeah.  Sure.  No problem."  You said in a stunned tone as you watched Noctis moved past you and into the kitchen

Then as the door swung shut behind Noctis as you moved out of the way of the door.  You turned around and gave the king a concerned look.  But he didn't notice since he dropped his head as suddenly became lost in thought.  You sighed before you walked over to the table to server King Regis his omelet.  Sometimes you wished that you could understand their relationship a bit better.

After breakfast was done and the dishes were running through the machine, the rest of the kitchen crew started to come in.  You gave them each their assignments then you went to the front entrance to meet up with the band.  By time you lead the band downstairs to the banquet room so that they could set up your dad had arrived and was handing you your clothes for later.  He gave you a big smile then went about getting everything set up for the security for the evening.

The next few hours were nothing but a blur until you got back on the elevator and head up to your old room to get ready after making sure that all of the food made it down to the banquet.  You knew everything was done that could be done at the moment.  It would now get down to the staff starting to cook the food so that it can be served as soon as the guests arrived.  Which they were already starting when you left.

You couldn't help but you sigh as you rode the elevator up as you tried to calm down your nerves.  You were trying to make sure that everything was perfect.  But the uncertainty of it all was starting to make you second guess yourself.As you elevator smoothly moved, you were lost in thought as you ran everything through you head to make sure that you hadn't miss anything.  

Food?  Check. Music?  Check.  Decorations were finished a couple days ago.  And the guests are set arrive  in about an hour.  You though as you looked back up as the door opened.  That gives me just enough time get a shower before Ignis is suppose to arrive..

Then right as you were exiting the elevator, you heard Korn talking.  Shit!  Are they here already?

And right as you came around you corner you got your answer.  For standing there was Korn, King Regis, your dad and Ignis as they were all talking about the events for the day.  Ignis saw you and gave you a smile as you started to walk over to them.  Then when you got closer, the rest of them turned and noticed you as well.

"Ahh.  There's our party planner."  Your dad said with a smile.  "Is everything set downstairs?"

"The food is being cooked as we speak and the band should finishing up their practice."  You said with a smile.  "I was just getting ready to head up and get ready myself."

"Sounds good."  Korn said as he nodded to you before he looked at Ignis.  "Why don't you head over to Noctis' room so that the two of you can finish getting ready yourselves."

"Yes sir."  Ignis said with a nod then he turned to you and the two of you started to head to the living quarters.

"So how did you sleep?"  Ignis asked as he reached over and grabbed your hands as you the two of you walked across the entry.

"Alright I guess."  You said with a smile.  "At least it was enough to rest my eyes for a bit anyway."

"Sounds like you got about as much sleep as I did."  Korn said as he dropped his head.

"Well we can catch up on our sleep tomorrow."  You said with a smile as you slightly squeezed his hand.  "In the meantime, let's have fun.  Okay?" 

Ignis looked at you and gave you a big smile.  "Okay."

The party started out great as everyone arrived and started to find their seats.  Mary was on the piano and the food was coming out nice and hot.  You stood off to the side and was starting to relax as you watched everyone enjoying themselves as they talked and ate.  That wasn't until you saw Trish walking past you.  You felt your heart drop as you watched her carefully as she slowly looked around the room as if she was slow judging every single thing in the room.

This would be so much easier if she wasn't here.  You though as she walked around sneering at everything.  I still wish that I had had to invite her.  But my dad's right.  If you invite one, you have to invite all.  It's only fair.

"Hey (y/n)!"  Your heard a familiar voice say.

You then looked over and smiled as you saw Nicole as she came running over to you.  "Hey Nicole!  I'm glad you could make it."

"Me too."  Nicole said as she came up and gave you a huge hug.  "I've missed all of you."

"Me too."  You said as you slowly released her.  "Are you ready for regionals?"

"You bet!"  She said back with a determined smile and nod.

"Hey Nicole."  You heard Noctis say from behind you.

"Hi your highness."  Nicole said with a smile.  "You look good tonight."

"You look nice yourself."  Noctis commented back.  "If you like, you can sit with us.  We're at the far table over there.  Just look for Ignis."

"Okay."  She smiled at both of you then headed over to the table.

"How are you holding up?"  Noctis asked as he looked at you.

"I'm good."  You said with a simple smile.  "So far everything is going good."

"I'm glad.  We're ready when you are to really get this started."   Noctis said as he placed a hand on your upper arm.

"Okay."  You replied with a smile as he leaned in and gave you a kiss on the cheek. 

Then he turned and walked away.  You couldn't help but to smile as you watched him walk away.  He seemed more relaxed then this morning.  Which was a good thing.  Perhaps having the party first would make the evening event not so stressful.

"I think that everyone has eatten now."  You heard your dad say as he came walking up to you.  "Are you ready?"

You took a deep breath then exhaled before you looked at him.  "Yeah."

"Alright."  He said with a smile before he gave you a kiss on the cheek.  "It's all you."

You nodded at your dad and then started to had for the dance floor.  Noctis, Gladio and Prompto all looked up when they saw you walk past and gave you an encouraging smile.  You smiled back and gave them a nod as you walked across the dance floor and over to the stage.  Then you stopped in front of the mic.  You took one last breath before you took the microphone off the stand and turned around and faced the crowd.

"Greets everyone."  You said loudly into the microphone as you tried to quiet down the room.

To which your voice seemed to boom out of the speakers.  You nervously smiled as you slightly cringed back.  Then after a few encouraging giggles you spoke a again.

"We want to thank you again for coming to help us celebrate a very special person today."  You said in a calmer voice now.  

"For today our fellow classmate, performer, swimmer, chef, and most importantly.......friend........or boyfriend in my case, takes that first step into adulthood."  You said with a smile as Gladio, Prompto and Noctis all escorted Ignis across the dance floor and over to you. 

They brought Ignis over to you then walked away for a moment as they left him with you.  You beamed at him and took his hand.  He smiled back at you as he gave you a quick peek on the cheek before he turned and faced the audience.  

"For as of today, he is no longer be a teenage boy.  But instead a man.  And not just any man.  But a man who will change the world as he has changed all of us for the better."  You said as you looked at him with admiration.  

He slightly dropped his head as he moved his glasses back on his face with his middle finger.  Then he looked back up and slightly smiled at the audience as he interlaced his fingers with your.

"And to help us celebrate this joyous occasion," you continued as you smiled at everyone, "we will shall continue the night by singing Happy Birthday."  You said right as the others starting to bring over his birthday cake over to him.

You started it off, and by time the song was over, the cake was in front of Ignis and you could tell that he was trying to fight off the smile that was coming across his face.   The reaction of the crowd to the cake was exactly what you had hoped.  Everyone seemed to be blown away with it as they clapped their approval once the song was over.  You loved how the cake reflected his elegant but masculine personality.  

And based on his reaction to the cake, he was very happy with it as well.  Because he beamed at you before he pulled you closer to him and leaned into you and gave you a kiss. The whole audience seemed to be whoed as you kissed before you broke away and gave him a smile. You then gave him a quick kiss before you both leaned back so that you could see the other.

"Thank you love."  He quietly said in your ear.

"Don't thank me."  You smiled back.  "Thank the two bakery assistants.  They did the cake all by themselves."

"I'll be sure to do that.  But first."  He replied as leaned in for another kiss as Gladio stepped right in front of the two of you as he came up and grabbed the microphone out of your hand.

"Let's give one more round to Ignis."  Gladio boomed over the speakers.

They audience replied with a resounded applause as Noctis and Prompto moved the cake back off of the dance floor.  "And I have been informed that the food will still be out for those who have not yet eaten or for those who are still hungry.  So please eat and enjoy while our star entertains us with the first dance of the night."

Ignis stopped for a moment as he raised one eyebrow at you as he looked at you.  "A dance?"

You didn't replied with anything other than a smile as suddenly the band started to play behind him.  He gave them a quick glance before he turned back to you and smiled.  Then right after the song started, Ignis slowly reached up and took one of your hands as he reached his other around your waist.  Then he placed his forehead on yours and closed his eyes for a moment as he pulled you closer to him. 

https://youtu.be/pbejuSmgeBM

Then when the drums started, he started moving you through a slow sensual dance.  Only to pick up the pace as the beat increased.  Which he had you spinning away from him as you both started quickly dancing as you matched the beat to the song.  You both perfect matched the music as you movements reflected the tempo changes with each beat. 

You don't remember seeing anyone else in the room during that time since it seemed to only be the two of you as you danced across the floor.  Each of you dancing for the other as you poured your heart into each move and with each touch.  You feet seemed to be floating as your heart soared.  You had loved it when he danced with you like this.  

And as the song came to an end you let him know through a kiss as you poured your love into.  He seemed to understand perfectly as he matched the same love as he held you close and passionately kissed you.  You wrapped your arms around his neck as you kissed.  You never wanted to let go again.  And as he pulled you closer, he told you the same.

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

Okay.  So one more dance.  I couldn't resist.  These two have way to much fun dancing and I love music.  (If you couldn't tell.)

But now that the dancing has started, with it be enough to keep everyone calm before the group heads up to the crystal room and onto the main event?  We'll just have to wait and see what happens in the next chapter.

Thanks for reading.  :)

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