A/N: So I know I said Chapter 2 would be the end but then I read all of your comments...and then my muse got to thinking...and then this happened. This may or may not be the end. I have a few ideas for a chapter 4 but unsure if I will continue. I appreciate all of your reviews and let me know if you think I should continue with another drabble or two.
For reference, I made a wedding aesthetic for Iris's wedding ensemble which can be found on my Tumblr page. My user name is Geochic03.
Disclaimer: I don't own FFXV, I wish I did because I would be rich off of all the DLC profits, but alas I do not.
It all happened so fast that Iris barely had any time to process what was going on around her. She felt like only yesterday Noctis had purged their star of it's scourge and ascended as the one true king. How this all lead to her looking down into his brilliant blue eyes as he got down on one knee before her was still baffling.
Shortly after the events of her brothers wedding, her relationship with the king had finally been formally announced to the rest of the world. In doing so meant that in addition to her responsibilities behind the scenes, she also had a social responsibility in public by his side, not that she minded one bit. She loved her role as the king's right hand lady, as much as she loved kicking his ass in Kings Knight.
But everything that has happened in this last year and half…no…much longer than that, had all lead up to them being here, alone, where it all began…the palace gardens.
Iris's breath hitched as she watched him open the small velvet box in his hand, reveal a stunning ring with a large princess cut ruby stone surrounded diamonds at the center that shinned in the moon light.
"Is this happening right now…" Iris whispered to herself.
Noctis chuckled as he took her hand in his and gave it a squeeze "Hey…breath it's ok…I told you I wasn't kidding when I said I wanted to make you my Queen someday."
"I know I know I just…didn't expect this." She said choking out a whisper.
She really hadn't. It was his first day back after a month long tour of the Niflheim continent in support of the on going rebuilding effort. In that time the only contact they had together was via spotty video chats over their smart phones while. He had barely been back a day when he asked her to go to dinner with him, figuring they would just go back to his suite to relax and watch a movie. She should have known something was up when Ignis showed up with the newly restored Regalia, and when he insisted on taking a walk through the gardens so late at night. But she didn't. He had completely fooled her and she couldn't be happier.
Noctis gave her a sleepy smile as he brought her hand up to his lips and gave it a light kiss before turning his head upward to her to stare into her bright amber colored eyes.
"Iris, the day I followed you into the palace gardens was just the beginning. From that day on you had been nothing but a shining light for me in a darkening world. Whether it was cheering me up when things were tough, to being one of my biggest supporters. You've stood by my side through thick and thin, light and dark…even when I wasn't around to see it. You're friendship…your loyalty…your love is everything to me. I don't want another moment in my life to go by without you by my side." Noctis said as he squeezed her hand.
Iris chocked back tears as he continued "Noct…"
"Iris Amicitia I love you more than anything in this world. Second chances are hard to come by and astrals knows I won't let mine go by the wayside. So please…Iris…will you marry me?" he finished, holding his breath as he awaited her response.
Iris let out a small laugh as she looked down at him "You know for a guy who says he's bad with words, that was quite the speech."
Noctis chuckled as he removed his hand from hers and nervously rubbed the back of his neck "Well…I am…but that came from the heart."
Iris gave a loving smile as she bent down to meet him eye to eye "Yes…"
Noctis's eyes widened in shock as he gulped nervously "You will?"
Iris rolled her eyes and playfully hit his shoulder "Of course you dork, I love you…and you know, I've only just wanted to marry you since I was five."
Noctis couldn't wait any longer as he surged forward and locked his lips with hers in a passionate kiss. He almost forgot he was holding the ring until Iris broke apart from and lifted his hand with the ring in it up.
"Well are you going to put this on me or what?" Iris laughed.
Noctis blushed in embarrassment "Oh, uh right…forgot I was holding it…"
Iris held her hand out as Noctis placed the large ruby ring on her left finger. Iris smiled as she looked down at the ring.
"Oh Noct…it's beautiful…this looks almost exactly like my mother's…" she began but he cut her off.
"Because it is…Gladio found it while he was going through the manor. When I asked him for your hand he gave me the ring, saying your dad would have wanted you to have it." he explained.
Iris cocked her head to to the side intrigued "You asked him for my hand?"
"Damn right he did!" a gruff voice said
Iris and Noctis looked up to see Gladio smirking as he approached them "And I almost didn't agree to it. But then you know, he gave this sappy speech to me about how much he loved you and wanted to make you his queen and what not…well, not as sappy as the one he just gave you."
"Wait…were you watching the whole time?" Iris said shocked.
Suddenly she heard the shutter of a near by camera as she looked over to see Prompto standing up from behind a bush "Alright! I just love candid photos."
"Prompto's here too?" she said even more confused.
She then looked to her left to see Ignis giving a heavy sigh and he pinched the bridge of his nose as he approached them "Honestly Gladio, could you not wait a few more minuets to allow them to enjoy this moment?"
"Ignis?" she said still confused by what was going on.
Noctis looked down nervously as he ran his hands through his hair "Sorry I needed their help to set this up…and I wanted Prompto to capture the moment."
"And that I did…" Prompto said shoving the camera in her hand for her to look through his work.
"Did you really think I would miss out on my sisters big moment? Besides, needed to make sure this guy didn't get cold feet." Gladio said swinging his arm around the king's shoulder.
Iris smiled as she looked through Prompto's pictures, each one was better than the next. She wiped a tear from her eye as she handed the camera back to him "Thank you guys so much…this all means so much to me."
"To us…" Noctis said wiggling out of Gladio's grasp and wrapping his arm around his bride to be.
"On that note, I believe congratulations are in order." Ignis said with a smile.
"Yeah I can't believe it! My best buddy is getting married and to the best girl in all of Eos! Well…next to my girl at least." Prompto said cheerily.
"Yes I am sure Cindy wouldn't take to kindly to being put in second place." Ignis quipped.
Gladio smirked "Yeah after all that wooing you did over the years."
"Ten years of wooing." Noctis added.
Prompto waved them off "Yeah, yeah I know. But you all thought I was crazy! I knew I would win her over in the end."
"With Gladdy already married and the two of us now engaged which one of you is going to be the next on the docket hrmm." Iris smirked as she pointed between Prompto and Ignis.
Ignis didn't need to see to know she was pointing towards him. He nervously cleared his throat "Come now…one wedding at a time. A royal wedding at that."
"Don't avoid the question Specs." Noctis teased.
Gladio chuckled "Yeah you and Aranea have been a hot item for years now. Ain't it time you finally nailed her down."
Ignis frowned "There will be no nailing anytime soon."
"That's not what I've heard. According to Aranea there has been plenty of…" Iris began but Ignis cut her off.
"As I've said in the past, Aranea and I are perfectly fine with the way our relationship has evolved with time. I would like to think you all would have been more eager to see Prompto finally 'put a ring on it' as they say after over a decade of courting." Ignis said deflecting the comment.
Gladio roared with laughter "That's it, now you have to propose to her. If anything just so I can hear you say that again in front of her!"
Everyone laughed at the thought of the adviser saying such a phrase to his no nonsense girlfriend.
As the group continued their chatter Noctis couldn't help but look down at Iris, the love of his life…his queen. Her eyes lighting up in the sun light, her long wavy chestnut hair slightly waving in the breeze.
This moment was perfect...she was perfect. He wouldn't change anything that happened in his life thus far…if only because in the end it brought her to him. Together he knew, they could concur anything and to think it all started on a rainy day…in this garden, and all because of a run away cat.
Later that night…
"You know…that was really nice of Ignis to offer to go to the council and make them hold off on a press release until we were ready." Iris said as she looked out from their bedroom balcony onto the skyline of Insomnia.
Noctis wrapped his arms around her pulling her close to him "Yeah, we talked about it before hand. I wanted us to enjoy this to ourselves for a bit before going to the masses."
Iris turned to face him in his arms "I wouldn't have said yes if I wasn't ok with going to the masses you know."
"Yeah I know…one of the many reasons I love you." Noctis smiled as leaned down to close the gap between them, pressing his lips lovingly to hers.
Iris sighed happily as he she kissed him back "Oh yeah? And what are those other reasons?"
Noctis moved his lips to her neck and kissed it gently "Let me count the ways…"
Iris giggled as she shook her head "Now that was cheesy."
"What can I say…I'm a dork." Noctis responded playfully.
"True…but you're my dork." Iris sighed happily.
Noctis parted slightly from her, looking deep into her eyes. As she starred back at him she couldn't help but notice Noctis deep thought.
"What?" she said confused, snapping him out of his trance.
"Nothing I just…do you remember that night when you called me? After I came back?" he asked her tentatively.
Iris's eyes widened in surprise recalling the memory "Yeah why?"
He pulled her closer to him kissing the top of her head "You were going to tell me something but said it could wait."
Iris bit her lip remembering the conversation "Yeah..I was.."
Noctis gave her a chuckle "Well..what was it?"
"I…it doesn't really matter now…" Iris replied.
Noctis pulled away, forcing her to look up at him and his knowing smile "You were going to confess right?"
Iris could feel her cheeks burning in embarrassment "I…yes…"
Noctis pulled her to him once more, holding her close to his chest "You should have said something."
"I couldn't…not when you had to go and save the world…besides, I had faith you were coming back." she said smiling into him.
"You always had faith in me…thank you Iris." Noctis breathed as he held her.
Iris wrapped her arms around him, giving him a squeeze "Thank you for loving me…"
Noctis pulled away once more and lifted her chin up, rubbing her cheek gently with his thumb.
"Always…" he whispered as he closed the gap once more, kissing her under the moonlight, over looking the kingdom they were rebuilding together.
The second the press release went out the kingdom was buzzing with the news of the impending royal wedding. Citizens were over joyed knowing that their king had finally found his queen. After she and Noctis gave their first official interview to Meteor publishing, with Prompto taking the official engagement photo, the kingdom went to work readying themselves for the wedding of the century.
Noctis and Iris spent the next four months doing public appearances together all over Insomnia. She even accompanied him on his trips outside of the Crown City, on what Prompto dubbed their 'pre-wedding honyemoon'. Ideally they wanted to wait a little longer before tying the knot, but the council was insistent they expedite the process, claiming the world needed something joyful to celebrate.
Which brought them to today, a crystal blue sky on a mild April morning. After only three short months the preparations were complete and the world waited with baited breath for the king of light to marry his queen.
Ignis tapped his smart phone screen as it read out the time to him "Nine thirty and I still haven't heard anything regarding the extra floral arrangements ordered for the reception hall."
Prompto stood in the corner snapping away as Noctis readied himself, the king would never have hired anyone else to capture his big day. He offered to pay Prompto but the blonde vehemently declined saying it was a wedding present to he and Iris.
"Relax Iggy, everything is fine. You were up until four in the morning orchestrating all the prep, there is nothing to worry about!" Prompto said trying to relax the adviser.
Noctis cocked his head intrigued "Four in the morning? How are you still standing?"
"This is nothing. I once pulled an all nighter preparing a report for you to present to the council on the state of Insomnia's youth." Ignis said nonchalantly.
Noctis laughed nervously "Oh yeah…I forgot about that…thanks by the way…"
"My pleasure…" Ignis said sarcastically.
Prompto smirked "Aranea always makes sure has a bunch of Ebony to support his workaholic lifestyle."
"Say what you will but one does not put together a royal wedding overnight." Ignis scoffed.
Noctis chuckled "Well throwing one together in four months is pretty close. I am sure you did good Specs. Iris and I told you we didn't need much."
"And I kept it as simple as I could…this is being televised all over Eos you know." Ignis said adjusting the cuffs on his Kingsglaive jacket.
"Don't remind me…I mean…I am all for being a symbol of the dawn of a new age, but we could have kept things more…private." Noctis argued.
Ignis looked up and smirked towards his direction "Now we both know that's a lie."
Noctis sighed "Yeah I know…I am just grateful Iris has been so understanding…she's amazing, nothing seems to phase her."
"Well I mean, she is only marrying her literal prince charming…and you know the guy she has been crushing on for like twenty years." Prompto teased.
Ignis sighed "It's besides the point. Iris knew what she walking into when she started a relationship with you. She has embraced her roll and the people have embraced her. She is as much theirs as she is yours."
"Well you know I don't like sharing." Noctis teased.
Prompto looked down at his watch and quickly grabbed his camera "Crap I gotta go…I gotta get to the cathedral to make sure I get to take some pre-ceramony pictures, later best buddy!"
As Prompto left Ignis turned to his long time friend and charge "Will you be alright on your own for a moment, I need to make sure the catering staff have the correct ice trays. The shell fish costed quite a large amount of gil and I would be re-missed to see any of it go spoiled."
Noctis laughed "Somethings never change…I will be fine Ignis don't worry."
With that Ignis took his leave, leaving Noctis alone with his thoughts as he straitened his tie in the mirror, it was almost time. He took a deep breath as he ran his fingers through his hair shaggy raven hair. He couldn't believe it…he was finally getting married, to the girl who opened her heart to him not as the prince or king but as his equal.
He had to admit, the last time he was in this position…when he was betrothed to Lunafreya, he never even got close to walking down the aisle. The situation forced upon them by the empire didn't end well but here he was, moments away from Iris and he becoming husband and wife. He frowned as he thought of the tragedy that had befallen the Oracle. It pained him to know Lunafreya never got the chance at true happiness that he did. She should have gotten that chance too. He couldn't help but wonder, what would she have thought of all this?
Dear Noctis…
Noctis snapped from this thoughts, frozen in place in front of the mirror. He knew that voice well, but it couldn't be, could it?
Noctis looked up at his reflection in the mirror and his eyes widened at the sight of the figure before him. He slowly turned around to see the faint figured…looking just as poised and gentle as they did the last day he saw them…giving him the same gentle smile.
"Luna…" he breathed. He couldn't believe it.
Lunafreya smiled back at him and gave him a small nod, her long white gown flowing slightly as she tucked a piece of her long blond hair behind her ear.
"How…how can you be here?" he whispered still in shock.
How have I ever been able to appear before you any other time? She quipped.
Noctis gulped nervously "You're…you're a ghost right?"
Lunafreya chuckled as she had when they were small before responding Not quite…I am the last Oracle after all.
"So, you get special privileges or something?" he said confused.
Something like that I suppose… she said with a smile.
Noctis looked down with a frown…even though it was the happiest day of his life, he knew Lunafreya never got hers.
"Luna, why are you here…why now after so long?" he asked her.
Lunafreya gave him a reassuring smile It is a big day for you after all…and I want to make sure nothing stands in your way towards true happiness…even guilt.
"Luna I…" he began but she stopped him.
None of that now. Noctis, I always knew you and I were never to be. Our fates had chosen different paths for us, and that's alright. I never regretted my fate, and all I ever wanted for you was to be happy. And if I am to be frank, I always knew that Iris made you happy. Lunafreya explained.
Noctis eyes widened "What…"
Lunafreya smiled once more It was quite clear in your notebook entries after all, even if she was just a friend then.
Noctis blushed as he looked down, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
Lunafreya shook her head as her figure approached him, taking his hands in her's once close enough. Noctis could barely feel her presence but knew she was there.
Noctis look at me… she said sternly.
Noctis brought his head up to face her, not knowing what to say.
It is alright to be happy. This is all we have ever wanted for you. She began.
"We?" Noctis said confused.
Myself, your father…even Ravus wishes you well. You have overcome so much…even that what was banded by the astrals. Please don't feel sadness for those who got you to where you were to be, for our happiness is that of your own. Please enjoy this life my king, if anyone deserves this happiness it's you. She said giving him one last smile.
Noctis looked back her, his frown slowly turning upwards as he nodded "Thank you Luna…for everything."
Lunafreya nodded before stepping back I wish you and your bride a life time of happiness…Congratulations…dear Noctis…
"Noct who are you talking to in here?" Ignis said as he walked into the room.
Noctis looked up to see Lunafreya's form gone, a smile left on his face from seeing one of his first cherished friends.
"Nothing…just talking to myself." he explained as he straitened his sash.
Ignis cleared his throat "Alright then…are you ready? The procession will start any moment."
"Yeah…let's do this Specs." Noctis said putting a hand on his long time friend's shoulder as he walked out of the room.
As they walked down the hall Noctis couldn't help but smile at the parting words from the world's last Oracle.
Thank you Luna…for everything.
Iris couldn't believe her eyes as she starred back at herself in the full length mirror in her dressing room. Her petite form was beautifully accented in the long, flowing lacy gown she wore. Iris was never much for being over the top, but she had to admit, she really felt like a queen in her wedding gown. Maybe it was the diamond tiara that sat upon her head as her long veil cascaded down behind her, or the crown jewels that she was wearing. Even then, it still all seemed like a dream to her. Here she was, about to marry the love of her life…her prince charming, to be more accurate, king charming. She was about to live out every girls dream when she walked down that aisle.
The attendants around her continued to fuss over her as they put the final touches together, finishing her make up and making sure the slight wave in her hair stayed still. One of the aides put a final bobby-pin in her hair as she heard a knock at her door.
"Yeah?" Iris said as she turned her head to see who it was.
She gave a small smile as she watched her older brother walk in wearing his Kingsglaive outfit, his long dark hair tied back in a slick ponytail. Her attendants gave each other knowing looks and excused themselves, busying themselves with other preparations.
"Damn…I still can't believe my little sister is getting married. It seems like only yesterday you were still wearing moogle dresses." Gladio said smiling at his sister.
Iris looked up from her vanity and rolled her eyes "Please, I'm a grown woman now Gladdy."
Gladio smirked "Yeah, but that doesn't mean I still can't be in denial."
Iris stood up and walked over to him, adjusting his collar "You always cleaned up well big brother. I think you actually look better than at your own wedding."
"Well yah know…I am walking the future queen of Lucis down the aisle after all." Gladio chuckled.
Iris turned around and looked at herself in the mirror once more "I can't believe today is actually happening…it's like a dream. I thought about this day for so long…since I was a little girl."
"Well, I am happy king charmless finally woke up and saw what was right in front of him. But I have to admit…it was a rocky start but he didn't turn out half bad. He's a pretty decent King." Gladio said as he helped Iris flesh out the long train at the back of her wedding gown.
Iris smiled "I always knew he would be."
"If anyone could keep his majesty on track it's you kiddo. So, you ready to become queen Iris Lucis Caelum? Astrals I can't believe I'm saying it." Gladio said shaking his head.
Iris gave her brother smile from the mirror as she finished applying the last coat of lipstick to her lips "I guess as ready as anyone would be. But I love Noct, and he loves me and that's all that matters. That we are here…together after everything that's happened."
Gladio watched as her eyes casted down as she suddenly frowned. Concerned he put his hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze.
"You ok?" he asked as she composed herself.
"Yeah…I was just…thinking about dad. I wish he could have been here…" Iris sighed.
Gladio chuckled "Yeah…I know I can't replace the real thing…but thanks for letting me try."
"I wouldn't have it any other way. Besides…your almost a dad, it won't be long now. And you're getting pretty close to that dad bod I always hear people talking about." Iris joked.
Gladio frowned "Hey! I do not…besides, I can't help it, I live with a pregnant woman, what she eats I eat!"
Iris giggled as she poked his slightly soft stomach "I think you're indulging a tad bit much."
The two siblings laughed as Iris straitened up and posed in front of the full length mirror in her dressing room.
"Well…what do you think?" Iris asked him with a bright smile.
Gladio leaned forwarded and gave her a kiss on the cheek "The most beautiful bride I've ever seen…I mean besides my own. Noct's jaw is going to be on the floor when he sees you."
"Now that is something dad would have said." Iris said smiling.
Gladio held his hand out as Iris grabbed her flowers, a bouquet of white roses mixed with her favorite flower, one only found near the Rock of Ravatogh that some how managed to survive the ten years of darkness. She took his hand in hers and headed for the door.
"Do you think dad would be happy about all this?" Iris asked him contemplatively.
"What? You mean getting married to the son of his best friend? As far as I'm concerned the man arranged the whole damn thing." Gladio said as they walked down the hall way and into position.
"Now way! Dad never would have arranged marriage." Iris said.
Gladio smirked "No…but I am sure if he was around he would have definitely been dropping hints. King Regis too, he always did like you."
Iris smiled as she looked down into her bouquet "Do you think their watching today?"
"Without a doubt, and I am sure he is very proud of you sis." Gladio smiled.
Iris nudged him playfully "You too you know. Running the Crownsguard, protecting and guiding Noct…being a leader in rebuilding this world. Dad would have been happy to see it all."
"Yeah, I know." Gladio said soberly as they approached the staging area.
As they awaited their queue Iris couldn't help but smile as she snuck a peak into the cathedral, seeing Noctis standing in his King's garb at the end, calmly overlooking the scene before him. She had to admire how strong and confident over the years he has become. But she knew no matter what happened…where this life took them, they were in this, together.
"Well, yah ready sis?" Gladio said extending his arm out as the music began to play.
Iris nodded her head with a bright smile as she took his arm "Let's do this big brother."
The ceremony was long, but they both didn't mind. The cathedral was beautiful, decorated with the most beautiful flowers from all over Eos. There was barely a dry eye in the house as the couple recited their hand written vows to each other. Iris was pretty sure she even saw her brother with a tear in his eye. When they were finally pronounced husband and wife, the kiss they shared in front of the world was everything either of them could ever imagine. They were both so happy this day had finally come.
After taking pictures in he palace garden, sneaking a few stolen kisses in the process, the newlyweds headed to their reception. Being royalty did have its advantages, and in this case it was the exceptional catering they indulged in. Ignis even managed to make sure there were a few foods that didn't have vegetables in them, much to his dismay.
As the guests finished their refreshments the band began to play, ushering in the rest of the nights festivities.
Ignis sighed as he finally sat down for what had to be the first time all night. He had decided in that moment that this would be the last wedding he would ever be involved in planning.
"Nice of you to finally join me four eyes." Aranea said with a smirk as she sipped her glass of wine.
She wasn't much for formal affairs, but when you're invited to the royal wedding, you make an exception.
"Apologies, there was some trouble with the seating arrangements between the Accordo delegation and the delegation from Lestallum." Ignis said adjusting his tinted glasses.
Aranea smirked "I thought the gal's from Lestallum and whatever government Accord through together go along."
"They do, it was more of a tactical snafu that…to be honest it doesn't matter now, it's been resolved." Ignis said clearing his throat.
Aranea shook her head and chuckled "Even during the wedding of the century you can't seem to stop talking about politics. It was the same at muscle heads wedding too. You need to relax Iggy, enjoy the party, have a glass of wine…or two…better yet, let's get you a shot!"
Ignis sighed "I would much rather prefer to be sober through the night…besides, I would rather deflect such conversations from Noctis tonight, it is his wedding after all."
"Yeah, yeah I know…the life of the adviser. Trust me I get it Specs. But I have to say…you really pulled together a miracle with this one. If I didn't see you go through it I would never have believed you did all this in four months time. But you do know how to work miracles." Aranea said admiring the reception.
Ignis gave a small smile "So you're enjoying yourself then?"
"When have I never not enjoyed one of your fancy parties? Free food, free booze, top shelf at that." Aranea quipped.
"Well, and all this time I thought you were with me for my charm and good looks. In reality it was the free high end refreshments that kept you coming around." Ignis joked.
Aranea couldn't help but laugh "No all those things too. And you're a good lay."
Ignis blushed at her comment as he adjusted his glasses "Well I…"
"No need to get flustered Specs. Just take he compliment." Aranea said patting his knee.
The two sat in a comfortable silence as they observed the guests mingle about the dance floor.
"You know…I don't know how they do it…putting themselves out there like that for the whole world to see. But I have to admit, pretty boy does look happy…Iris too. Can't say I'm not happy for them." Aranea said as she watched the newlyweds entranced with each other on the dance floor.
Ignis smiled "Yes, they certainly are a perfect match."
There was a moment of silence between the two again before Aranea suddenly spoke up again.
"I mean…this wedding is kind of over the top…but I guess I couldn't say that one day I wouldn't mind it." Aranea said casually.
Ignis turned to her and cocked his head to the side in confusion "I beg your pardon?"
Aranea rolled her eyes and sighed as she huffed in her chair "Men really are clueless. What I'm getting at here four eyes is I wouldn't mind getting married one day, and if you need me to spell it out even more, I wouldn't mind if it was to you!"
Ignis's breath was caught in his throat as he processed what she just said. It wasn't that the thought never crossed his mind, he just always got the impression that she never had an interest in such things.
After not getting a response from him Aranea sighed and got up from her chair "It's fine…forget I said anything. I'll just…."
Ignis grabbed her by her hand and pulled her down so she was seated next to him again. He pulled her close to him wrapping his arms around her tightly in an embrace.
"Specs…" Aranea said in surprise.
"I would love nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you." Ignis whispered into ear as he held her.
Aranea couldn't help but smile into his chest as she wrapped her arms around him in return, giving him a squeeze "You sure you want to be stuck with me for that long?"
"If I'm being frank, you've had me from the moment I laid eyes on you in Steyfill Grove." Ignis smiled as he pulled away from her.
"Come on now none of that sappy crap." Aranae teased him.
Ignis laughed as he leaned forward and pressed a light kiss to her lips "Once things settle down, let's see to it that we fix the one thing that has eluded us all these years."
Aranea shrugged "I guess a happy ending wouldn't be so bad."
Ignis smiled as he pulled her up with him and gestured towards the dance floor "Shall we?"
Aranea put her wine glass down as she took his hand as she followed him "Let's show these kids how it's really done."
"Huh, I wonder what's got Ignis and Aranea so happy?" Iris commented as she continued to dance with Noctis.
"Who knows, Aranea's had a few glasses of wine, anything's possible." Noctis teased.
Iris giggled "True."
The newlyweds continued to sway to the music as they blocked out the rest of the world. In their eyes it was only the two of them out on that dance floor, everyone else was just a blur in the background. Iris smiled as she looked up at her husband while gliding across the floor. Noctis gave her a loving smile back before pulling her closer to him, resting his head on her shoulder.
"You know…the older council members are really getting on me to hurry up and produce an heir…" Noctis smirked into her as he held her close.
Iris gave a small laugh "Already? We haven't even been married for six hours yet."
"Yeah I know…why do you think they were so persistent on having a short engagement." He said kissing the nape of her neck, being sure her wavy chestnut hair shielded the intimate moment from prying eyes.
Iris suddenly pulled away and looked up at him wide eyed "Wait Noct, what are you trying to say?"
Now that she was looking at him his earlier confidence started to waver out as he nervously cleared his throat.
"I uh…well…I mean it wouldn't be so bad if we…you know, had a little one around..." Noctis said, his cheeks reddening by the second.
Iris cocked her head to the side confused "Noctis Lucis Caelum are you saying you want to start trying for a baby?"
Noctis sighed in relief, she always understood what he could never put into words "Yeah…yeah I am…I mean, if you want to…no pressure or anything I…"
Before he could finish Iris excitingly threw her arms around her new husband "Oh Noct of course I do!"
Noctis wrapped his arms tighter around her, giving her gentle kisses in her hair "I am so happy to hear that. I was worried I bringing it up so soon."
"What do you mean too soon? I think you're forgetting I waited a whole ten years for you to finally return…and not to mention another two years for you to propose. If I had things my way we would have gotten married right after you kissed me that night on Ignis's balcony." Iris said smirking as she pulled away.
Noctis laughed "So you think we are ready to do this?"
Iris gave him a loving smile "No doubt in my mind. I want nothing more than to raise the next king or queen by your side."
"You seem so sure our first child will be a girl…" he said as they continued to dance.
"Oh I'm not just sure…I know…" Iris said confidently.
Noctis chuckled as he lifted her chin up to look in her eyes "I can't wait to find out…"
With that he leaned down and captured her lips with his, stroking her cheek gently with his thumb. As they pulled away the two newlyweds couldn't help but smile happily as the music ended and making their way to their table.
Gladio greeted them with a smirk as he held his wife close, rubbing her swelling stomach with pride "What were you two talking about out there?"
"Stuff…" Noctis said with a smirk as he pulled out Iris's chair for her.
Iris smirked as she sat down "Yeah stuff that's none of your business Gladdy."
"You know Gladio they don't have to share everything with you." his wife hummed as she leaned back to look up at him.
Gladio scoffed "I'm just saying…you guys seemed pretty enthusiastic over whatever it was."
At that moment Gladio's wife lunged slightly forward clutching her her stomach "Whoa, seems like these little guys want to party too."
"They've been kicking up a storm lately…good strong leg muscles these kids got there." Gladio said proudly.
Gladio's wife took a deep breath before leaning back into his embrace "More like lunges…for days."
Noctis smiled as he held Iris close to him "Yeah…good to know they will be strong enough to protect the future line, both of them."
"Hey, don't forget any kid you have with my sister will be half Amicitia through and through. You're own kids will probably be able to protect themselves!" Gladio proclaimed as the group laughed. He did have a point.
As the group continued to converse as the night went on Noctis held Iris close to him, his rock, his lover, his queen. Today was the first day of their forever. As long as it took to get them to this day, he knew deep in his heart that wouldn't change a damn thing…it really was worth the wait.