A short story (in three parts) where Noctis does meet up with Luna, their marriage taking place and the night that follows, before the treaty takes place in Insomnia. Smut in the second chapter, because honeymoon and 12 years of longing and the whole game makes it impossible not to wish Noctis and Luna's interactions goes a bit further than a complicit nod. Just enjoy the father/son heartache and the beginning of the wedding.

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We were meant to be

Part I – Don't be late

The boy would never agree with it. He had always been difficult. Princes were usually difficult. Raising a child was already hard but raising him alone…

And now, they think I can ask him to forsake his entire life?! Scientia barely manages to have him eating vegetables!

The fact he himself hated most if not every vegetable was irrelevant. He'd never let Noctis know of it, being the best role model and father he could with the life he had. Being the king of the last free bastion in the world had never felt good. Regis grew with big shoes to fill and not much normal in his life. His childhood friend and only love had given him a beautiful son, dying not long after the boy's birth… and from that point on, his family had felt as broken as the crystal he protected.

It wasn't like he didn't try. But there were other sons, and daughters all over Insomnia, and past the walls he'd built over the older protections. There were other rulers, like Iedolas Aldercapt, who thought they knew how to fix the world better. The war had lasted for decades. The peace might appear during his reign, if only he folded his hand. Forfeiting meant peace. His own father was surely spinning in his grave.

He limped to his throne, hating his weak leg, hating far too many things, like the aches in his bones and the weightless crown on his head. His cane, no matter how stylized, didn't look as good as his sword. The magic ate him from the inside, threatening to kill him in his sleep. Strength came with a price. And peace's price was his son's future.

Clarus exchanged a look with his king, sensing the turmoil behind the twitch of his brow. Regis, 113th king of Lucis, had summoned his only heir to the Citadel to ask… or more rightly put, demand his agreement to marry lady Lunafreya of Tenebrae. The entire exchange was a secret, and Noctis had no idea what to expect as he left his flat, despite having a few doubts. Secret summoning like this were never good signs. And somehow, it had turned into the only way he could meet with his father over the years.

When the doors opened to let the dark prince into his home, Regis looked serious and every bit of the king he was. He gestured for Amicitia to leave, and when Noctis finally got across the wide room and half of the stairs, the father and son were alone.

"Father." Noctis started, giving a curt reverence, not sure which decorum Regis expected from him.

They hadn't talked for months and the prince hadn't even been warned of his recent wound. He was half angry, half worried and wasn't sure which side to show.

"Noctis… It is good to see you."

Regis was sincere, but the young man didn't feel up for pleasantries.

"What did I do this time?"

"It's not about anything you did wrong. It's about something you could do. That might help me."

Noctis frowned, shocked to realize his old man was struggling to get the rest out. He was used to receiving orders. He was his subject too, despite being family. But the man seemed to hesitate, looking for words. He had almost never seen his father lose his cool, but Regis looked… less grounded. And since when could he help him? He walked up a few more steps, knowing no one usually did. But he used to play next to that throne in between sessions, driving Regis or the maids wild with worry as he tried jumping down the steps or sliding down the dangerously stylized rail. That was lightyears ago, but it still helped as a justification to be bold.

"Is it about the treaty?" he asked, staying on the last step, his eyes barely higher than Regis'.

"You heard…? Of course you did. I've recently been given the empire's conditions." The king went on, running one hand on his perfectly trimmed beard.

Noctis tried not to think of how much he hated his grey hair. It had greyed far too soon. And the golden cast on his leg reminding him of a wheelchair and many things he'd rather forget. Regis tried not to think how he'd reacted if he'd been in Noctis' place, at the same age.

"Among their conditions, the empire requested that you'd marry Lunafreya Nox Fleuret. Now, I know this is a lot to…"

Noctis cut him off with words he'd never expected from his son.

"I can do that."

The cane slipped from his hand and clanked on the marble floor as he gaped in shock.

"You…You can?!"

Noctis didn't fight the light smirk on his face at his surprise, taking the last step and catching the cane before it rolled down the stairs. His father looked flabbergasted.

It will be awkward, but if it means stopping the war…

"I'll do it."

"Wait… You would have every reason to be angry or…"

"Reg… Dad, listen. We haven't always seen eye to eye and I know you still believe I'm a spoiled brat, but this is more important than what I could think or want. And its Luna we're talking about. At least I know her."

Were a few weeks spent together as children enough for such an attachment? Regis could swear he saw longing in Noctis' eyes at the mention of Luna. He got up from his throne, trying to regain his countenance, or at least to mute his surprise.

"You're sure, Noctis?"

For a second, the man standing in front of him was no king. Half a stranger, half his father and the young prince wondered if one of them would have the nerve to take the two steps still between them. His old man needed his help, but he had prepared himself to be refused or argued with. And for the first time, Noctis hadn't followed their rules, hadn't protested or complained. It was as though his father had no bearing, as though he didn't know him anymore. Noctis wanted to think that made him a good son for once. A good prince and the rightful heir to Lucis. Maybe just a good person, someone Regis could be proud of. But he had doubted so much before to even ask him… His face turned hard with resolve as he tried to make his point:

"I'm sure, your majesty."

"Very well. The ceremony will take place in Altissia. A compromise for the territory…"

Regis took his cane back and turned away, going over more details. He still sounded nervous, but colder somehow. The moment was gone. His father was gone. They were back to their respective stations. Noctis could have been back down the stairs instead of standing right next to him. But there was too much at stake to permit emotions.

Inwardly, Regis hated the life he'd bound Noctis too. And even though Noctis would have told him it wasn't his fault if asked, the questions remained in their head and their heart. Never to be spoken.

…

By the time the four friends finally got to Altissia, Noctis was a nervous wreck. The road had gone by smoothly, the boat ride had been fun and despite the desolation he'd seen in Lucis outside of Insomnia, he was growing more and more impatient to finally see Luna. It had been years. 12 freaking years. Their connection had started strong and the letters had indeed help, but the more the guys teased him and the more worried he grew. He had seen pictures of her, heard her voice on the radio. But whenever he closed his eyes and tried picturing Lunafreya, he saw that blond girl, taller than him, walking around with grace. A 12-year-old. A childhood friend. Now she was 24 and in a few hours, she'd be his wife.

"Feeling up for the honeymoon, Noct?" Gladiolus asked as they let the gondolas take them from one part of the water-city to the next.

"Shut it."

"Someone's got stage fright." Prompto observed.

"Or maybe perform…"

Ignis cleared his throat, feeling bad for their liege.

"The maids at the Citadel gave me enough blackmail for me to suggest you keep it quiet, Gladio."

"What kind of…?" The large man froze in the middle of his sentence, remembering a few first life experiments where he'd been far too emotional to be reminded of.

The wedding's planner was Gentiana and treated everyone like soldiers on a review. Noctis didn't even manage to catch a glimpse of Luna before reaching -being dropped in front of- the altar, dressed in his best suit, his hair having gone through a dozen different styles before he'd kicked the guys out of his room. His locks were drawn out and according to the many thumbs-up or swooning looks he got from the most demonstrative members of the crowd, he was every bit the dashing prince.

The prince couldn't remember what the flowers' arrangements or the room looked like. He had many other things on his mind and the most important of them walked into the room as the music started, instantly drawing his eyes.

Dressed in white as always, her hair braided into a tight bun, a short veil covering her face, shoulders bare, long gloves on her hand and a moon pendant shining above her cleavage, Luna was nothing short of an angel. Their eyes met on her first step inside, and her serious face smiled at him. She looked bright, pure, perfect.

…

L.N. When I'll walk down the aisle, don't make faces at me. You have to promise.

N.C I'll be too busy worrying about looking my part. Don't walk too slowly.

L.N. As if you wouldn't stare at me!

N.C. I think staring is mandatory on our wedding day. But I'll do my best to keep you comfortable. You think you'll try being late?

L.N. The bride must always be late, doesn't she?

N.C. Don't be late. If you do, I'll worry.

L.N. I'll be there, Noct. Nervous and over-excited, but I'll be there.

N.C. Don't forget to breathe.

L.N. Are you going to kiss me after the vows?

N.C. Well… I think I should. Wish I could see you before it. Talk face to face. Give you a kiss without a crowd staring.

L.N. Our lives are always going to be public. And if it makes you feel any better, it'll be my first kiss.

N.C. What about the cute imperial guard that was flirting with you two years ago?

L.N. You still remember that?!

N.C. Blame the newspaper.

L.N. Don't get sidetracked. I asked you a question.

N.C. Definitely kissing my wife at our wedding. Can't wait to see you.

L.N. Now I'm all flustered. Can't wait to see you either.

…

As she stood next to him, he wondered how any of this could be real. The first words he heard from her were:

"I do."

How crazy was that? He kept trying to sneak glances at her. He had memorized every detail of her dress, of her face. Her hand held his. Before he knew it, they were turning around to face each other. Him all black, her all white. Her eyes were filled with questions and happiness despite the seriousness exuding form her. He tentatively wrapped one arm around her, gently lifting her chin. He wanted to let her know he wasn't half here. He wanted this. Although he was uncomfortable and unsure. Although the people watching didn't know them and had no idea how close they were with all the thoughts exchanged for the last few years. She cupped his face with her hands, the gestures coming almost naturally. Their lips brushed in a gentle kiss, two smiles melting into each other. They'd both fear it would have felt wrong. Out of place. But it pulled at their heart's strings instead, yearning for more touches, since the only things that could link them before were words.

As they parted, declared husband and wife, safeguarding the potential peace with their end of the bargain, the crowds cheered and the smile on both of their faces grew, their fingers entwining.

…

Back in Insomnia, Regis saw the moment replaying on the TV screen. The point where he realized he hadn't entirely wrecked those kids' life. Noctis would never be a good enough actor to fake a smile in the middle of a kiss with an almost stranger. His son was sensitive and too shy for that. Those two shared something. It was clear as… crystal. Sighing his relief, he wondered if everything could turn out fine. The treaty would be signed tomorrow. And maybe after that he could rest and catch his breath.

To be continued…

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So here it is. Something short, but that's been on my mind for a while. I should be writing on Unexpected and school, but Unexpected doesn't give me this kind of liberty. Next chapter should be longer and include the first half of the wedding night. The one after that would be the after-treaty part. AKA hell breaking lose. Rest assured that I plan to kill only one character here. The one voiced by Sean Bean. Please review to let me know what you think.