Never Ever (continued - Storm/Stella/Alex)

[Noctis Lucis Caelum]

~ There is Nothing either Good or Bad, but thinking makes it so ~

[/size][/font]
[/center]

Neon lights segregated the sections of the city. Highways wound overhead, lacing over many tiers supported by chunky pillars. From the rear view mirror, Noctis could see his serious self, the face staring back at him with the same haunting glare he had when he preferred to remain undisturbed.

It bothered him that he could glimpse his own reflection and he tilted his head to look out the window, eyes cast to gaze out in no particular direction as he sat in the backseat of his car. It wore him out, not resting his head and he lifted his hand to support his cheek in the habitual position he always sat with as he pondered. It was the pose of a thinker, and he frowned outside at the City lights flashing around the glass.

The tinting of the windows darkened the interiors of his car more than in the daytime now and he glanced to his left at the empty space that was normally occupied by Storm. Tonight, he traveled alone and the driver of the car was not his friend but one of the castle's chauffeurs; they were put on standby for the council members and he decided not to take a good evening of fun away from his friend by demanding him drive around.

Noctis never made note of the slow drumming vibration of the engine's motion, nor the bump beneath wheels as it hit rocks on the road but he did now; his senses were heightened as he worried over Stella. He had no way of contacting her and did not know what had happened after their meeting... it had been a week ago and he was sure she would send him a sign of some kind in her love to reassure him that she was safe. His eyelids squeezed together as he guessed, some irritance building up as he lost sleep over the general troubles on top of this; his brain was complaining about the strain.

Along the tarmac the wheels grinded to a screeching halt; even he could hear it despite the excellent sound proofing. His journeys were silent but he never heard anything either, as he was shaken out of his position to stare around at what had happened in complete shock. The car had swerved slightly off course because they had passed a traffic light without stopping as the transition from orange to red had been too fast; the brakes had burned patterned lines of the tyres onto the surface of the road.
It was only in time that it stopped before another speeding car flew by them from the opposite direction, almost colliding but also braking awkwardly to congest the junction they were at. Noctis straightened himself and got out of the car to inspect whether there was damage; they had driven straight down a highway of hell only to end up here. Attracting unwanted attention, being the reason for an impending traffic jam.

This only further annoyed him; how could he have not seen the flashing lights overhead in the first place and probably prevented this type of thing. It was near midnight now, the usual time he was to be out and about promenading; he was missing it for this.
What's more, there would be things to explain and he knew the council never liked speaking with him formally as he loathed their regulations over how he handled his responsibilities.
This was preposterous as Noctis looked around, his driver bowing to him in apologetic gestures which he ignored. Instead, he gazed upon the other cars that had all stopped, skidding to random angles and held up a hand to silence the needless honking. Not all sounds ceased, but the front rows were no longer deafening his ears and provoking him; this night felt uneasy. Everything was wrong... and he turned to shake his head a little at the chauffeur, throwing his rarely used mobile phone to him in obvious instruction that he called for assistance.

This was no place for him to be, and he would have to stay or at least be here until they cleared up the other crashed car that had hit a hydrant and sprayed a sparkling fountain over a street. As people ran out to see, holding cameras to make silly videos, he rolled his eyes to himself; scorning the commoners as his mood dampened and he decided to leave the scene to avoid conflict, until he would check back later.
There were two streets forking from the centre as he stood, and he felt drawn to one which people didn't flock to as he noted, liking the mystery; the solitude of his time of the night.

Vanishing, he left, not discreet with his powers as he wanted no one to question the authority he had, especially when an accident like this had happened and he would have to back up as witness. He appeared at the very end of this block; it was almost near the Fleuret's barrier, near Stella's world... the division... and he couldn't help but stay there longer, dreamy until he heard ruffling somewhere.

Interruptance? Today was bound to make him crack and his eyes glimmered, slowly melting the shade of bloodlust.
Stalking, he wondered round corners in hopes to get away and he was always cautious, but something made his ears prick up with special sensitivity.
It chilled him and he froze, turning in a spin trying to gather where it came from, and when he did, he ran headfirst to it because he knew, it was the sound of a tortured woman. A sound he was familiar with, sadness, pain and abuse that his life didn't miss...

His heart dropped. The red eyes nearly fell out as he opened them so wide before he felt the anger he'd bottled all day unleash itself at a rabid figure, holding down the woman he'd been worrying about being harmed day and night the past week.
Noctis was motionless, rooted from the intensity of his emotions and also because he was in a state of panic and hurry. The summon morphed like shapes moulding out of transparent wax and displayed itself gloriously to this man... a tramp for what he was sacrificing another's virtues to his own lust...
It only infuriated him, not because he was biased towards how he cared for her, but mainly for how he could let law enforcement have slipped by in this way on his grounds when he had been able to say confident things to her about it. The magic didn't even require his hand to move, his mind itself was strong enough to direct charge, his hair metallic silver blue in the elegant frenzy of attack.

Noctis' steel flew, piercing flesh after it threw the man off and pinned him like a fly to the wall of the dead end; he was ruthless with his victims, it did terrorise people who saw but often, they didn't live to tell the tale. It was to be a slow death, and shameful examplar as the man was semi-dressed, impaled and sliding from the deliberate angle he'd shot weaponry.
When daylight came, his assault would be known and his death penalty unquestioned.
He had forgotten Stella was present, she would probably be traumatised and that was when he realised; she had not fought back for herself...

Winter in his heart put out the fire in him as he remained mute, in disappointment that she had fallen out of self respect. It made him able to move, and he walked over to the dropped, half torn blouse and picking it up, held it out to her, not looking at her. She was uncovered and he swallowed in uncertainty that chivalry even took him anywhere. Not a hero... Inwardly, he scoffed, anger dying down to simply sadness and waited for her to put on what was left of her clothes to avoid disgracing herself in public, should anyone chance to walk in on them.

[stella]

Stella never ever tried to fight back her attacker. She was so full of hatred and disappointment...She was running away from her problems...But a new one came to her....As she let the over sized man continue with her....Until she felt his heavy body being pulled off her...She was stunned by the street light...As she could not tell who had come to her rescue. Until all was over she stood up. And at once covered her upper self...So no one would see her. She was ashamed. And now really ashamed as she saw who rescued her....

"N....Noctis....." He handed her her blouse that was only ripped open.......Tears started to fall from her eyes just then. She was in shock as to what had happened to her....If Noctis had not come she would've been raped or worse...And that was when she lowered her head in shame...She could've fought back. What would Noctis see of her now? A whimpy little girl....? She hoped not....She would've fought back but only she did not...She was depressed after that wiping her father laid on her...Great what was she going to tell Noctis now....?

Stella turned away from him....As she folded her arms across her chest....He would then see the bruises on her back....And held her blouse in her arms as she started to cry..Her long hair flowed over her shoulders....Luckily the guy did not get further and she was still wearing her skirt....And her long boots....
"Stay away from me Noctis....I'm not worthy for your eyes....."

[Noctis Lucis Caelum]

~ There is Nothing either Good or Bad, but thinking makes it so ~

[/size][/font]
[/center]

Guilt swept him off his feet now. She had turned away and folded the material over her, hair in a turbulent mess. He knew without looking directly that she was conscious of how he felt or rather how he might perceive her. Initially he would have let his mixture of disdain and sorrow show but when she spoke, degrading herself on his presence, he couldn't help but look at her.
His face was quite fixed with the same seriousness he had on when he had been in the car; it was sliding though as he both wanted to tell her off and comfort her.
What it felt for him to see her being assaulted, was entirely something he allowed himself to feel and it was bad; she was no possession of his but he still resented this. Should he have not come here, who knows what would've happened...

The scowl was not going to make her feel better and whatever made her depressed like this involved him; self blame targeted him as a result.
Noctis faced her so finally, trying to relax and cooled down a considerable amount in a short period of time, even from fury; it symbolised control over himself more than anything else. It was going to be difficult for him if he stood by and watched, why was she out here...? Not looking for him? He hoped as it'd be even more of his fault.
His questions needed no answers and he glimpsed black and blue shades along her back that was deep in her skin; he couldn't see it all nor believe his eyes and yet something told him in the back of his mind that punishments harsh as they were, happened in life. It was just her life that he had wanted to be different wasn't it...?

Staring for a moment, he went to her in swift movement and solidly held onto her along her upper arm, careful that the grip was not too forceful as he began studying the bruising that he sighed over. They were more real and serious than it looked from afar and he felt a surge of distraught and loathing enter him again, only to find he had to pretend to be unaffected.
In this sense, Noctis was grateful for his quiet stoicism, it would not scream emotional at her nor would it show anything about him that her feelings were going to be devastated by.

The gist of things was after all, just that he felt sorry, relieved and mad at the same time. What it came down to was, he still had to handle her with care, and possibly even more now as how fragile she'd become by the run of events. On his part, it would taint his own values if he were to not do what he could...
"Forget what could've happened... if you realised you should've fought back, you are worthy of anything to me... why were you out here? These bruises, they're not from him... "
Her telling him to stay away? when somehow his life tied knots around hers... how was that possible unless he let it be? There was no need to think so much... or he just might, he was certain.
"There's no use in telling me to stay away... save your breath." Noctis shook his head at her in how ridiculous she was being, and looked all around to gather what he should do; she was wounded and traumatised but he had to know some details first to decide what was best.
"Stella... I... let you out of sight for this to happen... which part of maybe resolving everything did you want me to believe? Answer me what you will... perhaps your life is one you just want to throw away now... "
What if she had died? He wanted to sigh again but simply turned her to him, reflecting that simply being hard on her was only going to make her retreat; it was why he spoke with a desperate tenderness unlike before.

[stella]

"Forget what could've happened... if you realised you should've fought back, you are worthy of anything to me... why were you out here? These bruises, they're not from him... " She stumbled back...And groaned as his hand was released from his grip. "There's no use in telling me to stay away... save your breath." Stella looked up when she when he said that...He was right...He was always right...The tenderness and firmness in his voice....He did care about her...She could see things in him that most could not...."Stella... I... let you out of sight for this to happen... which part of maybe resolving everything did you want me to believe? Answer me what you will... perhaps your life is one you just want to throw away now... "

And that was when she walked back up to him and placed her head on his chest....She buried her face in his chest as well....She was not what he thought...The only reason she looked like a fighter was because of her father..."It's true.....I didn't attack him because.....I....I...I can't live in this world any more..." She said with trembling lips....She was ready to die....She was in so much pain....

"And no....These bruises are not from that man...But.....my father....I told you he'd find out Noctis....I lied just as you asked....And he knew any way....Where am I going to go now? I can't go home....I'd die before I go back to that hell hole....Noctis....Please...Help me....."

She was dramatized....He would see it in her eyes...Noctis knew more about Stella than any one else ever did....She looked at him the same way they first met as kids....That look was special to both of them....She was needing his help...And she was willing to accept help....She was actually pretty much independent....But tonight she was the exact opposite.....She was scared...But not alone...At least not now....She was safe....She knew Noctis would protect her....

[Noctis Lucis Caelum]

~ There is Nothing either Good or Bad, but thinking makes it so ~

[/size][/font]
[/center]

Had he held her too hard to make her groan? He unhanded her at once, only to have her buried in his arms like a lost child. The trembles; she was shaking and he felt the weakness that ran through her, with his own pang of heartbreak that melted his hostile attitude.She was ready to die after all, he was going to have to change her mind and had stood in her way again, which two sides of the picture was he supposed to look?

Noctis made his own luck mostly but not tonight and never with Stella, only when she was happy to be with him and now was not that sort of moment. Now was a wounded lady who needed some sort of cleansing, of her own mind and the harm she thought was sin... She stood there and he let her lean on him as much as she liked; was he opening up to her? Or was this just because he mirrored the same drama and desire to be nurtured.

Back and forth his thoughts went, like rolling pin balls knocking into each other, and he reached around, tucking her hair away from her face and neck, smoothening her appearance. It would tingle if he touched her back, the bruising and he needed a medic quick as he didn't take injuries lightly for he felt none himself, except under the hand of his father too.
It made him stronger and he pitied not himself, but only those who couldn't get over it... on the other hand, he still hated it when women were abused or just dominated by, simply because they were physically not capable... He was going in circles, Stella was capable and it drove him insane that she was suicidal; it was going to take a lot of therapy and Noctis guaranteed no retribution in his help. Saintly was how he needed to transform, and prayed for a way out until it came...

"You will stay with me..."
Breaking off, he grew less tensed and rested his cheek beside her head as they fit snugly in form of an embrace. He wasn't used to hugging her or touching her, but it had lingered since the last time he did... the sensation... and now she was pleading for help, it could have come no later. "Don't ever say you can't live anymore if you're not ready to... you're always welcomed by me... this was not how I wanted things to go, but I won't let you go home now that it's happened... I am sorry for asking you to lie..."

Closing his eyes briefly, he breathed in and the perfume of her scent drifted to him, having had an inkling of suspicion that her father had not believed her, this eased him from his guilt slightly. Her sign to him that things were okay had never come and this was why... he wanted to recoil in disgust at how she was treated over his problem; his determination to stick with his duties... "You may have anything you want later, and my time as I can give, if that helps... for what it's worth... Stella do you feel well enough to come with me right now...?"

He was definitely sure that she understood what he meant by going with him, he didn't want people to see her like this;teleporting was the only way, although it often made others sick to the gut... Perhaps she needed to rest but he couldn't ditch her here to get other means of transport. His sub conscience cursed at the fact that he'd dumped the phone away and didn't bother to remember numbers either...

[stella]

"You will stay with me..." Stella rubbed her eye with a finger as she tried to dry her own tears..."Don't ever say you can't live anymore if you're not ready to... you're always welcomed by me... this was not how I wanted things to go, but I won't let you go home now that it's happened... I am sorry for asking you to lie..." She sighed as he pulled her hair out of her face and placed it on her back....She was a mess...She hardly ever looked like this in his presence....But she knew now that she could not walk away from him as she did last time. She was going to have a new home? With him...? They were going to share a roof together? Stella's spirits went up a notch. As she smiled finally looking into his eyes....

"You may have anything you want later, and my time as I can give, if that helps... for what it's worth... Stella do you feel well enough to come with me right now...?"

She nodded at what he was offering her...."Just take me to your home...That's all I ask for now...If you are the only reason for my living then....I'll live a bit longer...And yes....I think I can manage it....He did not break my legs....Just my heart...." She was now pulling on her blouse....Even though she was a mess she would not walk out of the alley with her upper breast area covered up....She was getting better now as she wrapped her arms around Noctis as she was on the side of him now.....A new home...What would her father have to say about that? Would he find out? That terrified Stella....But she could not do any thing about that at the moment....And started to follow Noctis out of the dark alley....."So...Have you been riding around tonight? Is that why you found me?"

[Noctis Lucis Caelum]

~ There is Nothing either Good or Bad, but thinking makes it so ~

[/size][/font]
[/center]

Noctis was uplifted. He had made her smile and now she nodded to him, agreeing with what he'd suggested; some of their previous inhibitions fading. It seemed that whatever he did, he was getting the hang of it and she rewarded him with improvement by the slightest gestures of approval, such as that she linked her arms around him again, as she had the other night.

It was a minor issue, bringing her home with him and he realised that they were still a little way from the car and there was no way he knew whether it had begun moving from that traffic. Though he should be back there to check up on it as he'd promised himself, he didn't want to and how was he to go there with her like this. If it was him, a wreck that he could be every morning, he wouldn't appreciate it at all... The only solution was, let her be in the car; if it had moved from where it'd been, he would accredit the assistance that had been called upon... on the other hand, if it was still there, then he would just drag her home... "Very well... while you live for me, I hope your heart will mend..."

Doing the maths and prioritising, Noctis gave up on taking her to another problem he didn't need to handle. Teleporting twice was also going to make her head spin... some people just would never get used to it... everything was just longwinded. Getting home now before anyone else was there, since he had been so sure his friends had gone out on their own errands, would give them some time alone to get stuff sorted...

"I had a feeling today was bad... and yes, though my ride is now probably still in a jam it had caused. I got out of there to avoid the noise..." Noise of the streets, every car engine vrooming and honks melodiously bursting eardrums... It was despicable a time, he just didn't like that because he wanted to stay calm and yet there was all this tension that people began yelling at each other for, just because they were stuck for another good hour or more.
He now valued his magic as a gift, what would he do without it... "Never would I have thought I'd find you... I found no sign of you, nothing about you ever since that night... I had begun to think seeing you again was a lost prospect."

How much more honest could he be about things; never would he admit he'd lost sleep over her, and had bad mood swings for the answerless questions that involved her...
Noctis imagined no more of that, but visualised what they were; together, as he stopped just outside of the dark alley and held her hand. It was bare and smooth but all she would feel was the strange texture of his gloves, but it soon was nothing he made note of.

His visualisations had brought her home with him, and they were still together in the casual quarters where only his friends, himself and familiars graced. it had not been a dream... or nightmare...
This was a hall and a lounge area, smaller than that of the formal living which was built to intimidate even guests, in the other side of the castle, though here was just as dark...
Releasing her hand, he walked a pace and motioned with his hand, drawing a ceiling topping, framed window's curtains, open which was filled with the night sky. They were very high above ground now as this floor was mezzanine to connect from the other side of his home. Clapping once, the chandeliers that loomed overhead and aligned above them, and on stands beside the railing of a wide staircase that led to a forked out aisle on a higher floor, light up with candlelight that effectively contrasted all the cold colours of his home.
White light was everywhere else but here and the bedroom chambers; it was one of the places Storm had told him, did not look too depressing... his memory gave Noctis good reason to let her here to be served, until he had everything she needed prepared.

"Stella... as you've been forced to flee your home, you must miss it... at least without the terrorising side of things. If you request of anything to resemble what you miss, it can be done... I will send for new clothes."
He had turned to her, sideways speaking to her a little lowly with the traces of pride emerging as he wanted to demonstrate what his life was to her, a first impression... and what he wanted her to share; it was complicated but he was unable to fully show this.
Being watched... he understood his arrival was not unknown and he placed a hand on her shoulder, slipping it away as he went over to an intercom, hidden by a revolving patch in the wall. What he said was too far from her to be heard...
and he closed it, approaching her again but looking around the area until he was in front."Come with me..."
This was short notice but there so many hands to help him out, why would it take too long? He led her, not a second thought of what she wanted to do, up the deep black blue carpeted staircase to an open door further down the aisle which could not have been seen from where they were downstairs.
Uniformed women fussed over his instructions but they backed away in his presence; he was a misunderstood tyrant to his subjects, demanding and not explaining much.

The room there were currently entering, had a walk in closet that sectioned half of it with a wall and he stopped, contemplations a mock within. "That bath is for you; A medic will check your wounds... they will be healed now. Don't disagree with me now Stella... This is my home... and yours now. It will have the same respect for you, as your own."

With that, he glanced away and retreated towards the entrance with a pause in his step and some sense of formality they didn't have when they were in privacy but authority was important and she had the same command of his subjects as himself, hereafter.

[stella]

"Very well... while you live for me, I hope your heart will mend..." She hoped more than he did about her heart....Would she just be able to forget what her father put her through? "I had a feeling today was bad... and yes, though my ride is now probably still in a jam it had caused. I got out of there to avoid the noise..." "Never would I have thought I'd find you... I found no sign of you, nothing about you ever since that night... I had begun to think seeing you again was a lost prospect."

"Stella... as you've been forced to flee your home, you must miss it... at least without the terrorising side of things. If you request of anything to resemble what you miss, it can be done... I will send for new clothes." He was being such a gentlemen to her right now how would she ever pay him back for all this....?

They arrived shortly after all went down....And Stella was feeling better already....He showed her around the huge mansion. It was remarkable to think that this is where he grew up at.....She only got stares from the maids....And sure Stella had to think that that they thought it was not a good idea what Noctis was doing....Brining the enmy inside his very home....But they did not know the whole story between them yet.....

The room he had showed her next was remarkable...Elegant...."That bath is for you; A medic will check your wounds... they will be healed now. Don't disagree with me now Stella... This is my home... and yours now. It will have the same respect for you, as your own." Stella smiled at the details that were placed out in every corner of the room....It was nice....She had not thought that tonight she would she have a nice big bed to sleep in like this....She was ready to be left out in the cold...For her father left her with no money....She actually left without him knowing....But...she was less worried about him now....as Noctis took her under his wing....She was left alone in her room when Noctis left....And she walked into the full bath room....And started to run her some water....As she slipped out of her clothes when the tub was filled with warm water....she slipped her body into it....And just soaked there for a few minuted as she sighed at the feeling....

After a while she came out wearing a white bath robe....As she saw the medical assistance waiting as Noctis informed her....And she sat on the bed and let the medic look her over.....She was ashamed to let him see her wounds on her back...."Hm....A lot of bruises here....Can you breathe for me?" He placed a cold insterment on her chest and breathed slowly for him....."Good....Very good....You have no damage there...Now let look at the bruises okay...." It was a long process....But soon it was over....And that was when Stella changed into clean clothes....It was a simple little white gown....But she felt like a lady when she finished fixing her long hair....And walked out of her room....She leaned over the railing looking down....This place was amazing.....

[Noctis Lucis Caelum]

~ There is Nothing either Good or Bad, but thinking makes it so ~

[/size][/font]
[/center]

The little cogwheels in the tall antique clock, turned with short clicks as he waited downstairs, sitting on a sofa that linked with a couch. He always sat in the one that faced the corner of the room so that he could watch the stars twinkle outside without going to the glass window that made part of the wall.
The medic had entered to check on her as he had paced until he'd arrived before it did no good to stand all the while, thinking of knocking. His coat had been discarded as he fumbled about in his own room until ten minutes ago when he'd expected her to be out and still couldn't muster enough to knock when she wasn't; it left Noctis with a plain black shirt that was still longer than normal, drifting above his odd cut, harem pants and combat boots. Belongings of his was to no surprise, militaristic with a touch of dark elegance.

Thinking... It was exactly what he did now in solitude, one hand hung over the arm rest and the other supported his tilted head. Noctis never liked to sit upright, it was too stiff and made him more cranky than anything; no one knew the reason he got into this habit because they'd never considered the flatness of his throne chair. It was only one time Storm suggested he placed a cushion and by some joke tried to fix it on permanently.

His eyelids were lazily drooped as he listened to the whispers between the maids, upstairs; it provoked him to snap but they were not wrong to be talking about what was happening. It was all these needless nosing about that made Noctis unable to show kindness to his subjects; they could never understand anyway, his breath would be wasted. Impatient with her healing naturally, he went all out at the medic to have the wounds cleared up instantly; they would scar her skin like the bearings of a slave otherwise and he wasn't going to stand for it.

Something jingled and it was the sound of touch over the bronze lining of the dark wooden railing. The hand dropped from beside his chin and pushed him off so he stood up, legs uncrossing so that he could look over his chair up...
Stella was shining like she always did, leaning out above...

Around the back of the seat, he walked and made his way towards the middle forking point of the staircase, a platform at which led up to more stairs and her on one side. This was the foot he stood at, eyes transfixed at her in the gown; it was her most becoming colour and though it was absurd, he was thankful to see her again like the day they met as adults.
"How do you feel...?"
Noctis wanted to shower her with questions but he would have to throw all that at the medic some time as he watched the man bow at him in the background and leave by the escort of the women who were now to be at her dismissal. The eyelids had folded wholly as his eyes widened to marvel at her, more picture perfect than any painting in his collection.
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask..."
Her room had a balcony, that opened up in a half moon porch, he always liked that room but it remained empty, white chrome and rose gold in streamlined shapes made it fit for a princess. No quality in his chamber compared to that one, it had been a guest room ever since his mother despaired over having another child; a sister he would never know. The crystal was enough to lead to the destruction of their world, and a family like his own, they could not stand for another like him, compatible with such cursed magic. Now he felt no shame over it, this room was made for her... to be with him... He was awed as he spoke, inept with what to comment on by the angelic bedazzling she charmed him with and carefully reached a now ungloved hand to her to take if she came down to him.

[stella]

"How do you feel...?"


"Like a new woman..." She stretched out her arms and observed her clear skin again. She smiled warmly at him as she let her arms fall to her side.....

"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask..."

"Hm, some food would be nice...Noctis....You always know what I like to wear...Thank you for the dress....I love it..." She smiled again at him...."I love my room...I never had a balcony....I would love to play Romeo and Juliet some time...But I never had a balcony for the setting...It just was not suited right....Can you come and show me around your gigantic mansion?" Stella had yet to meet Noctis friends....She hoped that they would act as though she wasn't the enemy....And invite her to remain where she felt safe....In Noctis's arms...In a way her fairy tale was coming true....She fell in love with her Romeo....And would her father ever accept this...? Probably not....Stella also knew that Noctis cared...It would just give him the time to show more love to her....who knew what it would make her feel....? As she dreamed about this day happening....Her being with her dear prince.....And hiding it was much more exciting....At least she thought so....

Noct looked more relaxed in his home....as she saw him in casual clothing....But he was still more handsome looking in her eyes...No matter what he wore....That beautiful face of his was so intoxicating....But she knew her true feelings when she kissed his good bye on that bridge.....It said it all to her....she was not lying about her feelings then and not now.....

[Noctis Lucis Caelum]

~ There is Nothing either Good or Bad, but thinking makes it so ~

[/size][/font]
[/center]

Surefire, where was he to search for such a time. Had she truly believed she would survive without help at all on the streets in the cold, dead of the night with no food or money and absolutely no one to know she disappeared?
Inside, he was appalled and yet considerate because he didn't want her to stay a minute longer with the abuse; though maybe it would have meant she wouldn't almost be raped either. Whatever the case, he still would find her somehow if his day was so bad; his instincts just told him he could not avoid fate more than he procrastinated his feelings on it.

Noctis nodded once at her comment, and listened to her request, all the more glad she was being herself again. Food, it was late but supper was served normally regardless of whether he wanted to have anything; he never really went back down stairs no matter how much he starved in the room at midnight. It was a diet rule he had and because he wanted no part of him to be seen by his subjects more than he could avoid, when he'd already rolled into bed and carried no airs.
"Anything particular you would want? It will not be long..."

He had a knack of making answers to other people, especially a guest like her, before he'd even instructed the deed be done; it was a silent promise that he could ensure it be done to how he would want to please them.
She had not come down to him, appearing to be pleasantly abstracted from the immediate reality of things as she stood upstairs; he walked a few towards her to take her hand, or rather her wrist which he usually did. It was his way of bringing her anywhere he wanted her to go without a wait, nor an intimacy he was going to be shy with if he touched her hand too often.
"I am glad you like your room. If you didn't, I would have you rest in another."
It delighted him that she felt surrounded by the beauty that he hoped someone would once be able to share, and she suited it like no other; he wasn't going to put up with arguments in his head even since this was something he felt decisive about.
However, romeo and juliet...

Downcasting his eyes, he wondered why she would revel with such a tragedy, though an ancient tale spread amongst the worlds in many versions, love could not offer happiness in such a script.
Never before had he really thought too much about Romeo and Juliet but now he saw she could compare themselves to it, and felt a little stab in his side telling him to wake up; he was too far off from being Romeo but she could be the finest Juliet, any Romeo would die for. Noctis mainly associated himself with fighters, or ones with strict rules, and level heads although he did have a temper that he only let out at his enemies; it just made sense he was the type of prince who sat on a mountain of sins in the underworld, undead and numb.
"I suppose you could see all the other rooms... and then make our way downstairs... farther, closer to the other side. I will have the food sent, instead of making you go to the dining hall... it will be open to you from tomorrow onwards and be nothing special."
Lacing his grip around her dainty wrist, she was like a swan and he knew not where his place was, by her side. The dress she wore, was one he thought resembled what she would like from the memory but in no way had he expected her to realise he put some heart into it; perhaps the shopping drills from Tifa had grown on him. Although, the lightening up and being casual lesson from Cloud and Zack hadn't been as successful because now he inhaled deeply and stuttered in contrast to his previously determined speech.
"I...well...Thanks... I hoped you would like it after I'd seen you wear white so often..."

Everyone in the castle had been surprised when he had spoken over the intercom, demanding everything white; his personal things were always black, dark blue or likewise just dark, never white. It called for a revolution and made his subjects dazed. Now he was leading her up the stairs, back over the carpeted marble that was, here natural in pattern and unglossed down the aisles of the chambers, on one end his own room and the other shut doors, just empty; he would have to notify a chef through another intercom.
They were on duty twenty four seven with half shifts, he didn't really care because he himself slept so little but he wondered if Stella would feel bad. A short cut close by would surprise her and he suddenly asked, not turning to her but simply taking her on tour towards the opposite end where he would begin to explain... it was Storm's room...
His heart stopped and realised his friend would be all too frozen with her being here, but soon this brother of his would accept it if he explained... if he could explain properly at all after seeing the expression he would have... "Was your home not like this?"

[stella]

"Anything particular you would want? It will not be long..."

"Hm, just a simple plate of pasta with sauce would be nice if you can manage it....That always fills me up...." She smiled again....And felt her stomach grumble slightly as she grabbed it with one hand....

"I am glad you like your room. If you didn't, I would have you rest in another."


"I do...."

"I suppose you could see all the other rooms... and then make our way downstairs... farther, closer to the other side. I will have the food sent, instead of making you go to the dining hall... it will be open to you from tomorrow onwards and be nothing special."

"I...well...Thanks... I hoped you would like it after I'd seen you wear white so often..."

"Was your home not like this?"

"Not as nice as this....Even though my father is wealthy, I've never seen a home this majestic....You must be very well taken care of financially....I like it here already...My bed is twice as big as the one I used to have....I suggest it is a king size....Mine was a basic queen size....."

She walked along as he started to pull her along with a tour he was giving....she was looking every where at every thing...It was so amazing....She would probably get lost in this place with out a map....

"And don't change a thing....I love it just as it is...My father was in to color and some of the things never was color coded....I think white is my favorite color any way....It's simple and easy ya know what I mean....?" She felt the grip he had on her wrist....But she noticed a couple of times too that instead of grabbing her hand in his....He would reduce to this...Which she did not mind at all....She was still amazed at how well that medic made her bruises disappear....She glanced down at her arms from time to time....It was as though her father had nothing to show for it....

[Noctis Lucis Caelum]

~ There is Nothing either Good or Bad, but thinking makes it so ~

[/size][/font]
[/center]

Barren of homely comfort, this castle was shadowed with foreboding. It was dark and a landmark that stuck out from the city, a thorn on a hill to tower in impressive aggression. The inside was hidden with darkness that loomed overhead around the grounds but on sunny days, it became a gothic structure, too executively rustic for a trespasser's liking.

On this side behind the grand stature, the block of the building faced the river and caverned waterfalls from the forbidden realms where factories were located within the mountain that sistered the one they stood upon. At times he felt that only this part was arranged like it used to be, tribute to his memories that had been a disapproved taste for the council though he remained unquestioned on what he chose to keep and did not.

Most of his household treasures were really only priceless to him and lost with the fading of the Caelum dynasty. His name had passed down great things in ancestry but now, those great things were hardly around after the deaths of his parents and trusted people; this new council was appointed to confiscate and store what was in the past to create a new time.
A time for him to end a tradition and begin a new, for this place and the people. Where the hope was that he could take care of things, only lay with the power of the Crystal in the eyes of the city and council; Noctis never explained to anyone this, a drugging influence for him to obsess over his responsibilities and the magic. The better part of this was that no one controlled him, no one made him inferior or helplessly insane with criticisms, his family now left him to stand on his own feet and it inspired him.

Someday, day break would be bright, and he would walk out onto his porch without seeing an intrusion; he would bring a name back to this dynasty and die for his heritage, sacrifice what was in his soul in order to make the legacy. Not conquering, not by raising an heir... he had all that motivated him and the people who stood by him to encourage it; he would be a ruler as far as he could stop troubling himself.

The hallway now was private, enclosed and warmer with radiation; paintings hung on walls, depicting scenery like photographs but painted with utmost precision to record the journey of years for this city, they would walk down this aisle as though it were a memory lane and every day and night, he did.
On the way, he opened a few doors that were similar spare rooms but none equipped to host someone of her grand significance; they would peer into it without seeing any thing to be curious of to pick up. In the end, he pondered whether it would still be polite to show her his own room; she would be the first lady to enter it, welcomed by him to merely relish in the architecture. Noctis left a lot to her imagination when he spoke so little but his bedroom was quite untouched and not too shabby to be kept from her, in the generousity he was trying to give. "Pasta and sauce? Well after wards, if it hasn't filled you up as you say it would... there's something I want you to try some time... your feedback would intrigue me greatly..."

There was an intercom along a wall that slid, which was beside his now opened room; there was a passage he used in emergency and when he didn't want to be seen, leading directly to the ground floor by a glass elevator that was hidden on the outside perspective between a slot of the tower.
There was a touch panel that verified his fingerprint and automatically created a profile in the mini flat screen as he typed a message instead of speaking. Stella and Noctis were engaged in conversation after all, nevermind the lack of contribution he was making to it. When that was done, he held out a hand to indicate she may enter his room if she liked or simply stay beneath the door frame although something told him she had seen enough of this little corner; Storm's room had been locked which assured him, his friend was out with the shotgun.

As the sliding door was about to turn invisible and shut to blend with the wall, he added, appropriate that she was hungry so they would not stay long and motioned, dragging her into it before it would close with them inside.
"The finance... all things here are gathered from a long line of traditions, and many sources people overlook; some, I am not proud of..."

The council ran the state as a mob, purging and foraging, he should realistically cease it but lost the chance to now that he went along without a suggestion to fund them all by other means. Only this, the best of the best could be offered just like the medic's abilities, to her wounds; he sighed as he looked out the glass bullet of a lift they traveled down in. "Colours... I understand... it is interesting, you like white so much... but it is pure... timeless."
The voice of his became crisp in the contained area and he figured out how much he resented hearing it, being bashfully alone with her, not spied upon.

[Prompto (Storm) Zarxen]

{{Storm Zarxen}}

Storm walked quietly in the night air that surrounded him. His shotgun was cradled in his arms, cocked and ready. Noct and his other friends were out. His two friends had gone to have some fun, and Noct had said something about business he had to deal with. Normally he would have gone with him, but tonight he had told himself he was going to practice his marksmanship. He glanced toward his target, walking quietly, he raised the shotgun to his shoulder. Taking a running dive, he came up on one knee and the other leg bent, lifted his shotgun and fired twice at two targets that had flashed up quickly.

Immediately reloading his gun, he glanced around, old habits died hard. Quickly walking up to the targets, using the small light he had, he glanced at the target. They had special targets, that though they wouldn’t break from the impact of the bullets, they showed him exactly where he had hit them. A lopsided grin showed on his face, “Perfect!” Nodding in satisfaction, he stood up and stretched. He was a long ways from the mansion that they resided in. Yet, still he had somewhat of a silencer on the shotgun, to make sure it didn’t wake anyone when he practiced with it.

Looking toward the mansion now, he noticed some lights were on. “Someone must be home now!” Now that he was thinking about it, he remembered hearing the sound of a car coming back into the property. Taking out his cell, he glanced at the time. It was late, maybe Noct had something major going on. Sometimes when he came home from the business trips he went on he had thing to discuss. Though some might not know it from his outgoing, live a little attitude, but Noct actually told him a lot, and he listened well.

Coughing, he started the long walk back to the mansion. He felt a little odd, but he didn’t think anything was there. He knew better then to ignore the feelings he got though, so instead of just walking back to the house, he checked out the mansion’s grounds for an intruder. After about 20 minutes of searching, he decided nothing must be out there. Shrugging a bit, he wondered what Noct might want to speak about, if anything. Maybe he was just worried that none of them were there? It wasn’t like Noct to stay up and be worried about them however, since he knew they were all able to take care of themselves, besides, they would phone if they needed help!

His steps were light, the moon shining down on him, lighting up his blonde hair. The shotgun rested on his right shoulder. He glanced in by where the cars were kept to see which car was back, either the one Noct had left in, or the one his other two friends had taken. Noct’s car was back. He walked away from them toward the house, a faint breeze rustled his hair, and his steps had a little swagger in them. He didn’t go through the front door; one of the back doors was the closest to the cars, so he decided to walk in through there. Opening the door and closing it softly behind him, he walked into the mansion.

Turning to walk up the stairs, he chose not to simply ride up on the elevator they had. He glanced down when he had reached the top, suddenly hungry. He hadn’t eaten in awhile; maybe he should grab something? Turning, he started trotting down the steps again, shaking his head at himself. He yawned as he walked, “I wonder what’s in the fridge…I’m starved!” He whistled to himself as he walked. He hadn’t seen Noct, but he might be in the library, or his bedroom. He might even be in the kitchen.

He heard ‘the chute’ whirring, so it must be going. Noct must have been upstairs, and now he was coming down? He was walking by just at the moment it came to a stop at the entrance right by Storm. Stretching, he closed his eyes and yawned again. He was awfully tired; his eyes drooped for a moment. If Noct had something to talk about this it might become a long night, maybe he should grab some coffee to stay awake. As the door opened, he was looking away, down one of the halls that led to the kitchen, his stomach growled. He started to speak before he looked, who else would it be other then Noct? No one! “Hey Noct…ya know I…” Turning his head, his jaw suddenly dropped open, his blue eyes got as big as dinner platters. “NOCT?!” He burst out, finally, his arms fell to his sides, the shotgun banged against the floor.

Yes, it was Noct, but he wasn’t alone. Though he had never actually met her, he knew full well who she was. “Noct…what…how…why...?!” He stuttered, trying to make sense of what was happening. He shook his head. What the hell was Stella No Flueret doing in their home?! She was an enemy…they were enemies, she and Noct had fought each other numerous times, so what the hell was she doing standing there next to Noct?! His mouth formed a perfect oval as he stood there staring at them…or rather her. Blinking, he thought it might be a mirage. But no, it wasn’t! He still stood there with a stupid expression on his face, before he exploded. “Noctis!” He never called him by NoctIS…ever! “What the hell? Why? What is she doing here?" he hadn’t meant to come of sounding mean, because that wasn’t him, it was just that…well if your best friend’s ‘enemy’ suddenly appeared with him in their elevator in their home, what would your reaction be?

Shaking his head, the look he sent Noct said he had some explaining to do…or rather a LOT of explaining to do. Seeing the look on the woman’s face, he cringed. Now that he thought about it, he had come off sounding really bad, “Uhhh….I…sorry….I just…” Still staring at Stella, he sent an apologetic look at her, before giving that look to Noct again. He could now feel the tension in the air as he stuttered, trying to cover over his outburst. It wasn’t her fault after all, that they were supposed to be enemies, but the shock… “Uh…hi…”

[stella]

"The finance... all things here are gathered from a long line of traditions, and many sources people overlook; some, I am not proud of..."

Stella just listened quietly. Nocts was always smart. He knew how to do everything right. It seemed that way any way. She smiled at him as he explained money situations.

"Not proud of?" She asked puzzled now. Where some things so bad that he did not wish he had them? Were they from other family members....Like his father for instance? Stella was dumb struck now. She was confused as to why he had he held on to them and not rid of them...That would make a lot more money in the bank possibly....some of theses things looked to be antiques...priceless gems he held on to....Some may even have sentimental value....

But she did not ponder on the subject for long....a new face had seemed to find them...“Hey Noct…ya know I…” That was right then, Stella hid behind Noctis...A bit shyness came over her...This had to be Storm. It would be natural that she knew his first name....But never his last....In battle no words were hardly ever said.... “Noctis!” “What the hell? Why? What is she doing here?" Stella looked down and shyed away even more....She wanted to run away and hide back in her bed room. She was not over the dramatic event that took place with her in that dark alley...., “Uhhh….I…sorry….I just…” “Uh…hi…”

That was when Stella peered from behind Noctis side and looked up at the man to get a better look at him....Noctis would say this probably that she was staying here now to let Storm know what was going on....Stella was scared....The only man that had ever showed her companion ship was indeed Noctis....She was dramatized and did not need another to judge her or hurt her....That was why she was scared about meeting new men....But eventually she got a good look at Storm's expression...He was trying to apologize....Or she could tell that he wanted to...Stella then grabbed Noctis hand in hers....To reassure herself that he was here....That she was here....That this was not a dream....and she would not wake up from another horrible night mare...