[ The last thing she ever expected when studying in the kingdom of Lucis' formidable performance Academy, was to have met her future husband. It was a bit of a shock when King Regis and her fathers came together, but with the only other living Oracle in the land having foregone her title, choosing to live a normal life with a former Glaive in Galahd, she was the next option as the Oracle of her own land- and a royal.
Granted, it meant having to move to a foreign land, but even in this arrangement, she was happy- even if at the time, she didn't know Prince Noctis very well at all, aside from having been his dance partner in her university classes. To suddenly be his wife- well.
She's never been anything but adaptable, and it's not like he's a bad person at all. He's rather sweet, actually, even if they're still getting to know each other, but in their time together, she has begun to notice some things she's finding endearing about him. How he lights up when talking about fishing, for example, or playing videogames... she likes them herself, and they also ended up training together. He's a fine warrior, and her own style of fan dancing- a fighting style using projectile fans, certainly kept him on his toes, and his own moves on hers.
This union has felt like a dance so far-
So tonight, a rare evening when they don't have to make any public appearances or charity donations, she's tapping on her phone screen, co-op playing his favourite King's Knight game with him- she laughs as they defeat the boss, and folds her legs properly. She's dressed casually, a cozy lounging top and shorts in red, her long hair pinned back- she looks more like a student than a princess at the moment, and she sits up as she looks over at Noctis. ]
All those debuffs! You've been leveling without me, I see.
[ It's a light tease, as they lounge in his bedroom. They have their own bedrooms, of course, but lately, she's been spending more time in his-
Even if they've yet to be intimate, but she likes spending time with him when he's not with his friends or showing up to official appearances with her. ]
Are you ready for the next stage or do you want to call it for the night? You look like you're going to fall asleep any moment!
[ Somehow, she's managed to keep this marriage as comfortable as possible- she treats Noctis as her friend first, even if they've had to be proper as status requires. He does look terribly cute like this, though- not a prince, not a noble-
Just Noct. She tilts her head curiously at him, though- ]
You seem distracted. Something on your mind?
[ Gentle as ever, she's been trying her best to open up to him herself, even with her own reserved nature. ]
[ The thing is, Noctis has never had much of a problem being married to her -- he has always accepted that his life and his personal desires take a backseat to the crown and the kingdom he will one day inherit. There will be a queen for him, handpicked and chosen for the good of Lucis, and as far as matters of the heart go, he's always been reticent about it; you can't miss what you never had.
If he were to be honest, however, it's that things have been pretty much working out in his favor. Kitsuno is beautiful, kind, graceful and fascinating. Most importantly, she's interesting, and puts up with his prickly moods and awkwardness and actually shares his interests instead of simply tolerating them.
She's strong, too, a match for him when they spar, and it's a dance that he's appreciated in the months since their wedding. He takes to her easily, and often reminds himself to look out for her as well, to help to make sure that she's just as comfortable in this marriage. Theirs is a smooth partnership, and it helps, of course, that he's entirely smitten with her.
She's gorgeous, and he finds that he likes it when she lights up with laughter, when she's into the same games that he is. Tonight, she's especially stunning in her casual clothes; as gorgeous as she is in Lucian finery, he prefers her like this, uninhabited and genuine, unfettered by the trappings of royalty. Frankly, he hasn't been paying much attention to the game, his gaze caught on the curve of her smile, the way her hair catches the light. Without thinking, he reaches out to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, calloused fingers brushing over the shell of her ear as he does. ]
No. I mean -- just.
[ He's pretty sure this is going to be awkward, if he were to ever admit to what he feels to her; which is stupid when she's his wife, but still. Things are complicated. Lamely, he continues: ]
[ In all the while she's been married to him, she's come to understand one thing for certain about her husband: He's terrible at expressing what he truly feels. He'll act as though he doesn't really care (when he absolutely does) or stay quiet if something is bothering him.
It took her some time, but she figured out some tellsβ some she's noticing now, rather. Though there's the slightest flush of colour that warms her ear and cheeks when he touches her, and she releases a shy chuckleβ ]
Goodness, we've been married half a year and this is the first time you've complimented my appearance. I don't know whether to be happy or worried it's when I'm in my pajamas.
[ She's teasing him, though she's flattered internally. Placing away her phone, she presses her hands to the ground and moves closer, bumping her shoulder against his. It's a lot bolder of a move than she'd usually make, and she brings her face in front of his. ]
You're being cute, your highness. It's going to make me want to stay and ruin your precious sleep time.
[ Though, she absolutely wouldn't mind staying the night- but Noctis always feels like a shy kitten sometimes, so she's been treading carefully. ]
[ He's not! He's a full grown adult man, Kitsuno. Still, he can't resist the flush high on his cheeks as he fights the urge to retreat -- good thinking about trying not to make Noctis feel shy, because then he gets prickly and defensive and that's the last thing either one of them need right now. ]
I mean, you've always been pretty. [ He's defending himself! And trying to salvage the tatters of just how cool he is. She's moving closer now, and from here, he can see just how lovely she really is, the softness in her eyes and the bow of her lips, and he's fighting not to look down when she moves closer, because he's damn sure if he does, he's never going to be able to look away, and he doesn't want her to think he's some sort of filthy pervert. ]
And maybe you should just stay. [ He tells her recklessly before he can think of stopping himself, because he's wanted to say this for a long time now, ever since she'd started coming into his room -- saying goodnight to her and seeing her to hers at the end of the night has been something he'd been growing not to like, and why not, if she stays in his room? ] If you want to.
[ Ah, there it is. She's trying her level best to not giggleβ he really is being cute like this, even more when he protests. She is watching him curiously, though when he says she should stay, she can't help but feel a flutter rise in her chest.
If only he'd stop looking awayβ she wouldn't be coming into his personal space or being this bold if she didn't want his eyes on her. He'd probably know she's just as shy usually and though she's capable of putting on a professional, royal appearance, she usually needs to withdraw after some time to recover her energy.
Being an introvert is a little more difficult as a royal celebrity.
So once he's spoken, she lifts a hand to his cheek, her golden eyes watching him for a bit- he's been filling out, even if he's retained that fresh faced beauty she remembers from their university days. But there's a masculinity to his jaw now- his features sharper, even if his eyes are just as soft, and she moves her thumb over his cheek. ]
All you needed to do was ask, Noct. It's not like I wanted to leave.
[ Spoken with a softer edge to her voice, she turns his face towards hers and moves in to kiss the corner of his mouth gently. ]
I was beginning to think I wasn't your type.
[ Okay, she never had that fear, but she is teasing gently, as she pulls back to watch him. ]
You're allowed to look closer, you know. Just in case you wanted a better opinion.
[ She's just waiting for him to get exasperated, but Naya and Beni did say if he didn't make the first move, then it was up to her to encourage it. ]
[ Not his type? Kitsuno is so his type it makes his teeth ache, but then again, Noctis has always had problems initiating these types of things, ever sensitive to what Kitsuno would and would not be comfortable with, alert to her preferences and erring on the side of caution. The last thing he wants is to impose himself on her in any way, because he knows it's hard enough on girls when they get married to boys they're matchmade to.
But they're not children anymore, and Noctis feels a lump rise in his throat when the words echo in the space between them. All you had to do was ask. Is it really that simple, that all he had to do was ask her to stay, and she would? She's not pulling away now, reaching for him and making him look back at her. Her golden eyes are as lovely as she is, and he's leaning closer despite himself, slowly sealing the distance between them.
Oh, she's teasing now, and he exhales as he chooses to take her up on her offer, to look ever closer as his hand comes to cup her jaw, gentle and tentative. ]
You're even prettier close-up. [ He says at length, his thumb moving briefly over her plump bottom lip, hesitating only for a moment before he gently touches it, the softness of her mouth like rose petals budding in early spring. ]
[ He does have the right of it- it was something she had to get used to, especially since it's not like she was going to have the opportunity to go meet someone out of the blue and fall for them.
So she's thanking whatever higher power gave her a husband as sweet as him, because this could have gone so much worse. When he cups her face, she leans into it, brushing her lips against his thumb.
And when he speaks-
She doesn't wait, reaching forward with her hand and closing the space between their mouths, softer lips against firm ones, and her hand slides into his hair. Gentle as always and yet, there's an intensity in her touch- an urgency as she slides her free hand down to his thighs, gently parting them so she can slip in between his legs.
Her kiss is affectionate, gentle and warm, welcoming and encouraging. Wanting, and for him to not want any barriers between them. She continues until he's breathless, and her cheeks are flushed red by this point from how flustered she's feeling.
It felt so right in that moment, that she almost didn't want to stop. ]
I'm sorry... I've wanted to kiss you for so long, Noct.
[ The way she says his name, it's almost like a reverent prayer. She avoids using first names unless she absolutely has to, a leftover from the traditions of her land, and she meets his blue gaze with her gold one- ]
I know... this is an arrangement, but it's more to me than just... that. Noct, I-
[ She moves her thumb over his cheek. ]
Gods, I'm in love with you.
[ It's so sudden for even her that she just ducks her head, almost terrified, and mostly happy she said it. ]
[ She kisses him, and it's softer and even more incredible than he's ever imagined. Her lips are sweet as honey, sweeter than her confession, and he's wanted to do this, too; he's wanted to kiss her for the longest time, ached to hold her in his arms and have her want him in turn.
His heart skips a beat at the raw desire in her voice, and he can't help groan, low and heartfelt as his hand slips easily to the back of her neck, grasping her firmly and drawing her to him again. This time, he's the one who seals the distance between them, passionate and heated as he deepens the kiss. He wants to be with her too, can she tell? He's never been very good with words, his confession all but stolen by her as he nudges her into another kiss, and another. Now that he's had a taste, he's loathe to let her go. ]
Me, too. [ How nice it is, to hear his name from her lips just like that. Noct, she calls him, like a friend, like a lover, and he can't help but smile as he pulls her onto his lap and leans back, taking her into his arms with a soft sigh. ]
I want you to stay with me. Always. [ I love you is what he means, because this marriage is something he treasures, something that he will guard to the end of his days. ] Sleep here tonight.
[ Benisato and Naya would certainly enjoy knowing she made the first moveβ but right now, all she can think of is how sweet Noctis feels, his excitement and want becoming all too obvious in how he kisses her. Perhaps there had been a worry- the slightest, that he might not enjoy her as he would a lover of his choosing- but the fact that he's doing this nowβ
And so enthusiastically, makes her heart race.
He wants her to stay with him, and her own heart hammers from his sweet kisses until he draws her into his lap. Her hands go to his shoulders, steadying herself as she straddles his lap. Leaning in, she slides her hands to under the back of his head and kisses him once more, her lips lingering on his as she hums softly in her throat. ]
Keep me here, then. I'm yours to have as you please, Noct.
[ She wants to say his name, a shiver of desire going through her at how intimate the moment feels. Her hand slides down from his face, over his chest and his shirt-
Moving down to his waist as she slides her fingers over the skin just over the waistband of his slacks. Teasing, as she moves her face to his throat, laying soft kisses over the side of it. β ]
You don't have to hold back with me. Because I want you so much I can barely contain myself.
[ And she isn't, if the way she's sliding her lower body against his groin is any indication. ]
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Β« au Β» in happier times
Granted, it meant having to move to a foreign land, but even in this arrangement, she was happy- even if at the time, she didn't know Prince Noctis very well at all, aside from having been his dance partner in her university classes. To suddenly be his wife- well.
She's never been anything but adaptable, and it's not like he's a bad person at all. He's rather sweet, actually, even if they're still getting to know each other, but in their time together, she has begun to notice some things she's finding endearing about him. How he lights up when talking about fishing, for example, or playing videogames... she likes them herself, and they also ended up training together. He's a fine warrior, and her own style of fan dancing- a fighting style using projectile fans, certainly kept him on his toes, and his own moves on hers.
This union has felt like a dance so far-
So tonight, a rare evening when they don't have to make any public appearances or charity donations, she's tapping on her phone screen, co-op playing his favourite King's Knight game with him- she laughs as they defeat the boss, and folds her legs properly. She's dressed casually, a cozy lounging top and shorts in red, her long hair pinned back- she looks more like a student than a princess at the moment, and she sits up as she looks over at Noctis. ]
All those debuffs! You've been leveling without me, I see.
[ It's a light tease, as they lounge in his bedroom. They have their own bedrooms, of course, but lately, she's been spending more time in his-
Even if they've yet to be intimate, but she likes spending time with him when he's not with his friends or showing up to official appearances with her. ]
Are you ready for the next stage or do you want to call it for the night? You look like you're going to fall asleep any moment!
[ Somehow, she's managed to keep this marriage as comfortable as possible- she treats Noctis as her friend first, even if they've had to be proper as status requires. He does look terribly cute like this, though- not a prince, not a noble-
Just Noct. She tilts her head curiously at him, though- ]
You seem distracted. Something on your mind?
[ Gentle as ever, she's been trying her best to open up to him herself, even with her own reserved nature. ]
no subject
If he were to be honest, however, it's that things have been pretty much working out in his favor. Kitsuno is beautiful, kind, graceful and fascinating. Most importantly, she's interesting, and puts up with his prickly moods and awkwardness and actually shares his interests instead of simply tolerating them.
She's strong, too, a match for him when they spar, and it's a dance that he's appreciated in the months since their wedding. He takes to her easily, and often reminds himself to look out for her as well, to help to make sure that she's just as comfortable in this marriage. Theirs is a smooth partnership, and it helps, of course, that he's entirely smitten with her.
She's gorgeous, and he finds that he likes it when she lights up with laughter, when she's into the same games that he is. Tonight, she's especially stunning in her casual clothes; as gorgeous as she is in Lucian finery, he prefers her like this, uninhabited and genuine, unfettered by the trappings of royalty. Frankly, he hasn't been paying much attention to the game, his gaze caught on the curve of her smile, the way her hair catches the light. Without thinking, he reaches out to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, calloused fingers brushing over the shell of her ear as he does. ]
No. I mean -- just.
[ He's pretty sure this is going to be awkward, if he were to ever admit to what he feels to her; which is stupid when she's his wife, but still. Things are complicated. Lamely, he continues: ]
You're very pretty.
no subject
It took her some time, but she figured out some tellsβ some she's noticing now, rather. Though there's the slightest flush of colour that warms her ear and cheeks when he touches her, and she releases a shy chuckleβ ]
Goodness, we've been married half a year and this is the first time you've complimented my appearance. I don't know whether to be happy or worried it's when I'm in my pajamas.
[ She's teasing him, though she's flattered internally. Placing away her phone, she presses her hands to the ground and moves closer, bumping her shoulder against his. It's a lot bolder of a move than she'd usually make, and she brings her face in front of his. ]
You're being cute, your highness. It's going to make me want to stay and ruin your precious sleep time.
[ Though, she absolutely wouldn't mind staying the night- but Noctis always feels like a shy kitten sometimes, so she's been treading carefully. ]
no subject
[ He's not! He's a full grown adult man, Kitsuno. Still, he can't resist the flush high on his cheeks as he fights the urge to retreat -- good thinking about trying not to make Noctis feel shy, because then he gets prickly and defensive and that's the last thing either one of them need right now. ]
I mean, you've always been pretty. [ He's defending himself! And trying to salvage the tatters of just how cool he is. She's moving closer now, and from here, he can see just how lovely she really is, the softness in her eyes and the bow of her lips, and he's fighting not to look down when she moves closer, because he's damn sure if he does, he's never going to be able to look away, and he doesn't want her to think he's some sort of filthy pervert. ]
And maybe you should just stay. [ He tells her recklessly before he can think of stopping himself, because he's wanted to say this for a long time now, ever since she'd started coming into his room -- saying goodnight to her and seeing her to hers at the end of the night has been something he'd been growing not to like, and why not, if she stays in his room? ] If you want to.
no subject
If only he'd stop looking awayβ she wouldn't be coming into his personal space or being this bold if she didn't want his eyes on her. He'd probably know she's just as shy usually and though she's capable of putting on a professional, royal appearance, she usually needs to withdraw after some time to recover her energy.
Being an introvert is a little more difficult as a royal celebrity.
So once he's spoken, she lifts a hand to his cheek, her golden eyes watching him for a bit- he's been filling out, even if he's retained that fresh faced beauty she remembers from their university days. But there's a masculinity to his jaw now- his features sharper, even if his eyes are just as soft, and she moves her thumb over his cheek. ]
All you needed to do was ask, Noct. It's not like I wanted to leave.
[ Spoken with a softer edge to her voice, she turns his face towards hers and moves in to kiss the corner of his mouth gently. ]
I was beginning to think I wasn't your type.
[ Okay, she never had that fear, but she is teasing gently, as she pulls back to watch him. ]
You're allowed to look closer, you know. Just in case you wanted a better opinion.
[ She's just waiting for him to get exasperated, but Naya and Beni did say if he didn't make the first move, then it was up to her to encourage it. ]
no subject
[ Not his type? Kitsuno is so his type it makes his teeth ache, but then again, Noctis has always had problems initiating these types of things, ever sensitive to what Kitsuno would and would not be comfortable with, alert to her preferences and erring on the side of caution. The last thing he wants is to impose himself on her in any way, because he knows it's hard enough on girls when they get married to boys they're matchmade to.
But they're not children anymore, and Noctis feels a lump rise in his throat when the words echo in the space between them. All you had to do was ask. Is it really that simple, that all he had to do was ask her to stay, and she would? She's not pulling away now, reaching for him and making him look back at her. Her golden eyes are as lovely as she is, and he's leaning closer despite himself, slowly sealing the distance between them.
Oh, she's teasing now, and he exhales as he chooses to take her up on her offer, to look ever closer as his hand comes to cup her jaw, gentle and tentative. ]
You're even prettier close-up. [ He says at length, his thumb moving briefly over her plump bottom lip, hesitating only for a moment before he gently touches it, the softness of her mouth like rose petals budding in early spring. ]
Kitsuno, I --
no subject
So she's thanking whatever higher power gave her a husband as sweet as him, because this could have gone so much worse. When he cups her face, she leans into it, brushing her lips against his thumb.
And when he speaks-
She doesn't wait, reaching forward with her hand and closing the space between their mouths, softer lips against firm ones, and her hand slides into his hair. Gentle as always and yet, there's an intensity in her touch- an urgency as she slides her free hand down to his thighs, gently parting them so she can slip in between his legs.
Her kiss is affectionate, gentle and warm, welcoming and encouraging. Wanting, and for him to not want any barriers between them. She continues until he's breathless, and her cheeks are flushed red by this point from how flustered she's feeling.
It felt so right in that moment, that she almost didn't want to stop. ]
I'm sorry... I've wanted to kiss you for so long, Noct.
[ The way she says his name, it's almost like a reverent prayer. She avoids using first names unless she absolutely has to, a leftover from the traditions of her land, and she meets his blue gaze with her gold one- ]
I know... this is an arrangement, but it's more to me than just... that. Noct, I-
[ She moves her thumb over his cheek. ]
Gods, I'm in love with you.
[ It's so sudden for even her that she just ducks her head, almost terrified, and mostly happy she said it. ]
I want to stay with you always.
no subject
His heart skips a beat at the raw desire in her voice, and he can't help groan, low and heartfelt as his hand slips easily to the back of her neck, grasping her firmly and drawing her to him again. This time, he's the one who seals the distance between them, passionate and heated as he deepens the kiss. He wants to be with her too, can she tell? He's never been very good with words, his confession all but stolen by her as he nudges her into another kiss, and another. Now that he's had a taste, he's loathe to let her go. ]
Me, too. [ How nice it is, to hear his name from her lips just like that. Noct, she calls him, like a friend, like a lover, and he can't help but smile as he pulls her onto his lap and leans back, taking her into his arms with a soft sigh. ]
I want you to stay with me. Always. [ I love you is what he means, because this marriage is something he treasures, something that he will guard to the end of his days. ] Sleep here tonight.
no subject
And so enthusiastically, makes her heart race.
He wants her to stay with him, and her own heart hammers from his sweet kisses until he draws her into his lap. Her hands go to his shoulders, steadying herself as she straddles his lap. Leaning in, she slides her hands to under the back of his head and kisses him once more, her lips lingering on his as she hums softly in her throat. ]
Keep me here, then. I'm yours to have as you please, Noct.
[ She wants to say his name, a shiver of desire going through her at how intimate the moment feels. Her hand slides down from his face, over his chest and his shirt-
Moving down to his waist as she slides her fingers over the skin just over the waistband of his slacks. Teasing, as she moves her face to his throat, laying soft kisses over the side of it. β ]
You don't have to hold back with me. Because I want you so much I can barely contain myself.
[ And she isn't, if the way she's sliding her lower body against his groin is any indication. ]
Tell me... did you ever imagine this?