Disclaimer: Don't own Final Fantasy XV, nor any of it's characters.

Rating: T

Semi-retelling of FFXV, supporting NoctisXIris and a few hints to other, hetero-only pairings; primarily written from Iris's POV

Insomnian border

Noctis remembered the last time he'd been on this overlook, with the guys and Iris struggling alongside him, trying to register the horror of their lost home, their loved ones... or so he realized in hindsight; he'd been purely anguished at the time. Now though, things were different and there's much to do, many people relying upon him to help get things back on track - this included the refugees, who could either choose to go back to their home countries, even if it might mean starting over, or (properly) assimilate into the Lucian continent. And then later, there'd be a lot of questions: how he ended the eternal night, the story of the journey itself, and perhaps even more personal questions like how/why he's currently 'taken'- mmh. No matter what though, he knew eventually he'd have to give the full story to interviewers, and so he'd have to be prepared for a lot of questions.

First though, the priorities.

He turned around, seeing that everyone had gathered, standing in a loose semi-circle of sorts: from right-to-left was Aranea, Gladio, Ignis, Prompto, Cor, and Iris. While they had varying expressions, all were expectantly waiting for him to get down to business - for a moment, Noctis thought how this could seem like a psuedo-council meeting, if everything was officially established.

But it'd have to do for now; practicality mattered more than pure formalities right now.

"As of now, eternal night and all daemons are gone forever" he started, focused on his words. "Many are no longer with us, but many have also managed to live, thanks to everyone's combined efforts, for which I am immensely grateful. It won't be easy rebuilding, but providing for everyone's needs is the unconditional priority at this time. The Crown City, the various settlements in the outlands; we'll use whatever lodgings are available, but people should still be prepared to continue resting at havens, in makeshift tents, and so on until things improve in time. And it will take time, but I believe that working together, we'll all make it work out."

"If I may, Your Highness" Cor spoke, but determined. "While this works for Lucis, what about the other continents?"

A little smile. "I haven't forgotten about them" Noctis acknowledged, turning toward him. "Cor, unless you have objections, I'd like to make you my second-in-command at this time" he continued, to some surprise, but also a fair amount of approval from all parties. "I would have you assist me with my various matters, both at home and abroad. I'd consider it an honor if you'd accept."

Cor gave the Lucis salute, determined; he hadn't even hesitated.

"I hope to serve you well, King Noctis, to honor the memory of King Regis" he spoke, intent. "Just tell me what needs to be done, and it will be done."

Noctis inclined his head. "Of course. For now, I'd like you to spearhead small expeditions to Accordo, as well as Tenebrae - if any organized groups of people are still living there, be they in the cities or wilderness, note their locations and see about providing for their safety and care, as best you can overtime. We will send relief efforts and open up dialogues as needed, along with inform the refugees here, just in case any would like to return to their former homes and start over. For the moment, the Kingsglaive can remain here in Insomnia under my command, seeing to the safety of the city's people, but also helping with various tasks that need doing."

"Yes sir. I'll tell them to treat these missions appropriately."

"Aranea" Noctis spoke then, looking toward her- she raised an eyebrow, if collected. "As you and your men have the most experience with Niflheim technology, I'd like you to be in charge of handling such tech. Both here in Lucis, via clearing out the empire's former bases for our own use, and overtime, helping salvage Nifheim's tech from the other continents. What we'll do with it will be determined at a later date."

Judging by the approval, he'd had her well before he'd gotten halfway through those lines.

"If I'm hearing that right, I've been put in charge of Lucis's newest fledgling military, temporarily or otherwise" she said, almost mild. "Talk about changing sides. I accept."

Were he not required to maintain some dignity, he probably would've laughed at how she put that; the smile had to do. "Currently in-name-only, since their - and your - focus isn't to fight anything for now. For the foreseeable future, it'll be focused on supply, rescue, and transport duties instead" he said, if inwardly showing that he appreciated her acceptance. "We'll need all the help we can get, since the troop transports can fly pretty fast, carry lots of people or other things we may need. And what we can't use, we'll recycle in rebuilding efforts - plus, if anyone's gonna properly handle the non-daemon weapons lying around, it should be you guys."

Aranea smirked a little, but imitated Cor's salute. "Yes, Your Highness" she said, almost playful.

This time, Noctis did smirk in return, but kept it low-key (and brief).

"Cor, Aranea, go forth with haste" he said then, and with nods, the two of them walked down the path, appearing to start discuss a few things. Soon though, it was just him, Iris, and the guys - while the serious air was maintained, the others did relax a little, since they knew they could be casual around him.

Even as King, he'll allow that.

"Prompto?" he said, his friend standing straighter. "If I heard correctly, you're now part of Hammerhead's garage, along with Cindy and Cid."

"Yes, I am now" Prompto said with a smile, hands together. "In fact, I'm sure Cindy will be beside herself, having to learn all about these new machines. It probably won't be long before she's having stuff hauled to the garage, eager to 'take 'em apart and see how they work'. And I'll definitely be there to help her, to do my part and help fix things."

"She'd be ecstatic either way, for sure" Iris said, almost mischievous; Prompto gave a little chuckle.

Remembering that he still had to hear that particular story, Noctis wondered for a sec before moving on. "Well, if you and Cindy - and Cid, if he feels up to it - wanna take part in salvaging empire equipment for the garage, including distribution to other garages, you can ask. I'm sure no one will object" he said, giving a little smile. "I know that thanks to the thirty-year Wall around Insomnia, to say nothing of the damages brought about by eternal night, everything will need a overhaul; better to get started now. And without the Ring of the Lucii or the Crystal, we must make do with what we have... including with the empire's former equipment, which will all have to be re-purposed."

"Yes, I daresay that will go over nicely, Noct, if not overnight. Or easily." Ignis said, approving. "Spoken like a true King."

Gladio gave a smirk. "At the cost of repeating myself, it's about damn time" he said, almost knowing- most of them shared little chuckles. "And of course, you can count on all of us to do our part as well.'

Naturally.

"Speaking of your parts though" Noctis admitted, drawing their attention. "I understand Prompto's found a good place for himself at Hammerhead's garage, but what about you, Ignis? Gladio? Can I hear your plans?"

Didn't want to step on their toes regarding such plans, even by accident.

Ignis gave off a hum, glancing up in thought. "Well, there always was the suggestion of opening my own restaurant, which could have demand once things settle down" he said, considering. "On the other hand, I'd also like it if I were in an intellectual role, perhaps as adviser."

Prompto gave a smile, tapping Ignis's arm with his fist. "You'd make a great one, buddy."

"But of course."

Noctis gave a brief smile. "Well, things will need time to settle, but I'll keep my options open, Iggy" he said, slightly knowing. "But as King, my standards will have to be fair and unbiased."

"They'd better be, or else I would feel slighted by any result" Ignis answered, fairly teasing- Noctis gave a little chuckle. "Yet I'm glad that I have time to consider the answer."

"And you, big guy?"

Gladio gave a small, knowing scoff as he crossed his arms. "Well, my family job of protecting the royal family is being passed on" he said, trying to sound amused. "At least, the one who'll directly do it all of the time now; I'll move on to training the other Hunters, and make sure they get taught a thing or two, especially the newbies. The Kingsglaive may have learned everything I and Cor can teach them, but if these guys are gonna be part of it, they gotta learn the big stuff."

"Being passed on" Noctis repeated, slowly glancing at Iris-

-who was smiling, hands behind her back, looking fairly pleased.

"You, Iris?"

A little hum. "Well, I am an Amicitia, and I've made a name for myself as a Daemon-Slayer" Iris said with some pride, smile and all, "Gladdy hasn't lost a step, but this way it'll kill two birds with one stone, for both of us. Though of course, we'll all do our part in the rebuilding efforts too; I've just got to make sure you keep up your skills, Noct."

...okay, clearly the two siblings had chatted prior to this meeting, or so he thought. Rather than be exasperated or surprised though, he only felt approval, as Iris must've proved herself to her brother, to be able to arrange that - even if Gladio did want to help train the Hunters, Noctis knew he still had that overprotective big brother instinct deep down.

Which he didn't want to test, even now.

"I'm glad to hear that" Noctis agreed, slightly more warm. "Yet for now, you guys should all get back."

...

Even though she hadn't said much, seeing Noct be smooth, flexible, and commanding - as a King should - made her feel warmly content. Iris always knew he'd be a great one, just like his father, but to see it happening before her eyes was another thing; she even felt little happy-tears coming on at one point, though she'd managed to hide them with an effort.

"-yet for now, you guys should all get back."

Prompto, Gladdy, and Ignis all turned to leave with little nods, and Iris was about to follow before Noct stepped up beside her.

Curious, she looked at him, seeing his lip curve as he glanced at her, hands at either side of his.

"I did say 'you guys'" Noct ventured after a moment, rather mild.

Iris giggled after a moment, happy with this development. "Well, who am I to argue with His Highness?" she breathed, slightly teasing.

A small sound, but the lip curve remained. "I realize you're teasing, but in private, don't call me that" he said, sincere. "I'll get enough of that as King."

"Yeah, probably."

After a few moments, Noct touched his fingers to hers- she easily returned the gesture, stepping closer, standing more at his side. Noct didn't move, but his other hand did brush against her hair for a little - that gesture was starting to become a regular thing, and she didn't mind at all.

"So, besides just being my bodyguard and keeping my skills sharp" he outlined, after a moment. "Any plans, Iris?"

"Mmh" Iris breathed, gentle as she worked her fingers in his grip. "Well, for one thing, I do want to learn how to raise chocobos one day. I want to help make sure everyone can enjoy them, and help build up their numbers again"

A small, knowing smirk, though he glanced down at their joined hands.

"You always were a little crazy about them, though Prompto expressed it louder" Noct said, chuckling briefly. "I can't say I'm surprised, and I do approve. Chocobos are pretty cute, and all that."

The warmth slowly built in her chest. "Even now I can imagine it" she said, putting on a fake dreamy tone, which Noct seemed to get right away if she saw his expression right. "In the Crown City or elsewhere, the house I choose to live in might have technology, but it also has a rustic charm. Outside, a lot of grass, trees, and nature in general... places Chocobos can nest if they like, or perhaps even an outright home for them."

"Wow, you've really thought that through" he breathed to her, a little snarky.

Iris grinned, and both of them began laughing for a little; with all the hard work ahead of them, it just felt so good to let it out.

"Well, maybe not that extreme, but I'd definitely like something close to it" she admitted, before squeezing his hand a little tighter. "Though of course, that's still just a dream right now."

"One day it could be a reality" he assured, half-turning toward the sight of Insomnia - after a second, she did the same. They spent a moment just looking at the city, which even far-off in the distance still showed signs of obvious damage, though many buildings were still intact. "With everything as it is, there's a lot of rebuilding to do. You could buy a piece of land, and make sure it whatever you like."

"Well, maybe" Iris breathed, before getting a little playful. "But why are you so interested in my future plans, Noct?"

Noct's mouth twisted, but he looked at her well enough. "Not falling for that" he breathed, snarky again. "Besides, you're one to talk Iris, with those implied forward teases."

"Oh, but what are they? I never said them out loud."

He moved a little, belaying some inward sensations. "It's kinda obvious, knowing you" he said, some effort showing. "You'd say something like... that technically you're- you're the Queen-to-be, because you're involved with me."

Iris nearly gasped, flustered that he guessed it that 'easily', enough that she let go of his hand- her cheeks quickly felt warm. However, despite what she expected, Noct followed up that statement by kissing her - rather quick, not exactly with ease, but still he tried; this cut through her surprise, and she tried to return the favor.

"It's alright, Iris."

She slowly half-opened her eyes, breath a little heavier.

"Really" Noct breathed, before giving a small, slightly-sheepish smile. "I- we both know it's just a verbal tease. After all, you want things to happen naturally. And- and so do I."

If the warmth could get any better, it just did.

"I'm glad to hear you say that, Noct" Iris whispered, gently cupping his cheeks. "It makes me happy."

She physically felt his cheeks grow warmer, if low-key- he didn't seem surprised by her affection, but that didn't change his being flustered. And also, having heard him say that to her, she realized something: she didn't think she's going to tease such big things very often, if at all... because it just doesn't feel 'okay', as if she'd be overstepping her boundaries or something.

And also, because clearly Noct was flustered enough with her regular-level teases.

Smiling, she kissed him again- it seemed to help Noct, for his grip soon tightened around her back, and he returned her kiss.

Mentally: "I love you, Noct."

After a time, they pulled apart, and Noct took in a breath.

"Still, as I said, it'll take awhile for me to fully adjust" he breathed, half-knowing-

-and she hummed, settling against his body, feeling his arms adjust to that.

"Not that long" Iris breathed, slightly playful.

"Still teasing, I see" he observed, but with a half-chuckle.

Hammerhead; nighttime

Even now, days after eternal night had ended, people still had... various reactions whenever 'regular' night showed up, and daytime to a different extent. Noctis noted he's the only one who didn't react that way, but it's because he'd literally slept through 99% of it. As he looked out over Hammerhead, seated beside the caravan with Iris for a little catch-up/hanging out, the night sky stimulated his thoughts - the sight reminded him of those darkened soul fragments, those daemons who used to be human. Even now somewhere out there, Luna worked hard to purify them, simply because that's what she felt she had to do, and would continue to do even if no one knew of her work.

Well, not if he can help it; when he tells the story to everyone, she'll definitely be part of it... not just for the work itself, but because she's the reason he's still here to tell it.

"Mmh" Iris breathed, drawing him out of his thoughts - she was glancing up at the sky, yet again. "I'd hoped that I wouldn't need to adjust to this. I'm glad to see the sun, and the stars again after so long... but my body keeps expecting the constant darkness."

"Soon it'll be natural again" Noctis said, trying to reassure her-

-Iris gave a little smile, nodding.

"Hopefully soon, and not just for me" she breathed, sipping at her drink. "Still, I know there's a bunch of very confused children; some were born during eternal night, for various reasons. For them constant darkness was normal, just as daemons being everywhere was... they've never seen daylight before, or the actual night sky."

The way she spoke with heavy familiarity, along with the undertone of doing her best to care for/protect everyone- he made sure to take special note of those, feeling a lot as he jotted this down on his phone's app. After all, there's so much to do in the days to come, and he needed to be aware of every possible element as King- perhaps he'd make a point to speak to some of these children, to help assure them that everything is okay.

Though once they hear that he caused the daylight to come back, no doubt there'll be plenty of questions why...

"Yeah, I can only imagine how those kids are feeling right now" Noctis admitted, sincere; Iris looked at him. "And not just here in Lucis; it's no doubt the same all over the world. I'm holding onto hope that it is."

She nodded slowly, if still with a sad quality in her gaze- then she glanced down, and rested one hand on the table beside them. After a moment spent looking at this (and her), he moved his own hand and took hers, hoping to be assuring - it worked, as she did smile a little. Surprisingly though, rather than squeeze his hand back, she instead adjusted it so that her hand was lined up with his, before she intertwined her fingers with his. At first he was a bit surprised, as this was the first time they'd done this version... then he slowly, even gently returned the favor, and they stayed like that.

Her hand was warm, just like he was slowly feeling inside.

"Well, I never lost my hope that people survived on the other continents, somehow" Iris whispered, with a lot of emotions. "And I'm not going to stop hoping now."

Noctis nodded, giving a little smile that (hopefully) said it all.

After that, they said nothing more for awhile - he slowly looked out across Hammerhead again, sipping at his drink, and feeling Iris's fingers move against his (which he did his best to return). The place was still semi-walled up from before, with preparations to continue that work still ongoing, while over at the garage he saw Cindy's legs sticking out from underneath a car, with Prompto inside said car and apparently talking with her 'through' the open door.

Oh yeah...

"Iris?"

"Hmm?"

He looked at her again, semi-sheepish but intent all the same.

"...I think I'd finally like to know the meaning behind 'Pumpkin'" he ventured, a little knowing as he motioned toward Cindy and Prompto.

After briefly looking that way, Iris gave a small giggle, seeming more content. "Well apparently it's Cindy's nickname for Prompto, based off how red his face can turn sometimes" she said, a touch warmer. "When it slipped out, she actually seemed briefly embarrassed, a little. But not so much after-the-fact."

Then she leaned forward a bit. "Still, I think it's proof, Noct: something official is going on between them" she whispered, winking.

Half-chuckling, Noctis rubbed his head with his free hand, briefly anyway. "Somehow, with all the time I missed, it doesn't surprise me" he said, if with a smile, glancing in Prompto's direction. "But I'm glad for him; he's been crushing on Cindy for forever."

"Yeah. Still, with you and me, Prompto and Cindy, Gladdy and his girlfriend, I think Ignis is the only one who hasn't found someone yet."

That surprised him: "Gladio has a girlfriend too?" he asked, curious.

"Well yeah, though it seems recent" Iris breathed softly, glancing down at their intertwined fingers. "'Last couple of years' recent, I mean. Though at first, I thought he and Aranea might have had a thing together."

Wow, clearly he needed to catch up on a lot- he's probably gonna be out-of-the-loop for at least a year, at this rate.

"But let me guess, she has no interest in romance?" he asked, slightly knowing again-

-she nodded, smirking slightly.

"Even worse than Cindy's high standards, if that's possible" she said, teasing. "Though despite that, she and Gladdy do work well together, and they often shared a drink as hunting partners. I just hope Gladdy's girlfriend wasn't jealous."

That got him to laugh a little, if thinking the big guy would be (and was) fine. In his mind, he tried to imagine Gladio with someone, but had difficulty figuring out the guy's preferences in looks alone - but if nothing else, she'd probably have to be strong, physically or personality-wise, as well as patient.

"Hopefully" Noctis answered, more easily now - perhaps he can meet her soon.

"Oh" Iris breathed then, gaze half-lidded as she looked around Hammerhead; he noticed this after a second. "You know something, Noct?"

"Yeah?"

"This moment right now... it's reminding me of when we were camping, before everything happened."

He slowly let out a breath, vividly remembering that night himself.

"Just that night near Galdin Quay, where I was glad that I got to go with you guys, to have what I thought would be some harmless adventuring" she continued, even more gentle. "And then of course, the talk we had near the shoreline."

Noctis gave a little 'mmh'; his heart was beating faster, adding to the warmth (and his nervousness).

"Where you confessed" he whispered, if gentle. "Were you- were you scared at all?"

Surprisingly, Iris gave a little head shake. "Nervous yeah, but not scared" she whispered, her thumb moving across his knuckles now. "With Gladdy as your brother, you tend to not get scared easily. And though it was hard in a way, I knew I needed to get it off my chest, even as I planned for nothing to change between us. ...Or at least, that was my plan at the time."

"Heh, yeah" he breathed, knowing things are quite different now.

When she looked at him, Iris had this mischievous little smile, and a playful glint in her eyes.

"You could at least say more than that, Noct" she said, teasing-

-and he half-chuckled in response, thinking that she hadn't changed at all in that regard, except maybe to be more forward with said teases. He looked at her for a little, again taking in the fact that she's grown in the ten years since, if not overly much.

"Well then... thank you, Iris."

Her smile was soft then, and this quality extended to her eyes. "For?"

A little half-smile, feeling the warmth slowly grow. "For always standing by me, and for loving me" Noctis managed to say, with only a small hitch. "And for, well everything else."

Iris gave a small hum. "That'll do, for now" she said, soft and teasing. "But you're welcome, Noct."

He did appreciate it, but he was a bit surprised that Iris wasn't trying to kiss him, despite how soft she sounded. When she kept playing with his fingers, and again sipped at her drink (as he's been doing), he ventured that she's purely enjoying the moment right now... and that kissing would probably come later, and a lot of it.

The thought made him a little nervous, but also fed into his slow-growing warmth here- Noctis looked at their intertwined hands for awhile.

He could definitely get used to this... and h-he intended to, even as he enjoyed the moment too.

With the Crystal gone, they'll definitely have less magic than they used to, though it probably won't be gone period. So salvaging from the empire's remains seemed only fitting, as well as practical - everything will take time to go back to a decent level, let alone a stable one, but they can handle it.

Still, that about does it for the relationship of NoctisXIris in this fic. Anything more would probably require a separate fic, just to give proper attention and such :P Still, hoped you enjoyed.