Having a father is so much more of an adjustment than Vanitas first thought it would be.
Thankfully, Noctis assured him that any change between them doesn’t have to happen overnight; that Vanitas doesn’t need to treat him differently, or call him father or dad right now.
Or at all if he doesn’t want to.
“Nothing between us has to change. I promise.”
This notion, at least, was a great comfort through the many busy weeks to follow.
Naturally, Ignis, Prompto and Gladio were the first ones to know about the happy news.
‘I have a nephew! A nephew!’ Prompto had exclaimed once Vanitas had gotten up that morning. He wasted no time in scooping the child up into a bone crushing hug.
Vanitas only grumbled tiredly and let it happen, barely awake as Gladio tussled his hair.
‘Congrats, shorty.’ Gladio grinned. His enthusiasm was more subdued than Prompto’s, though he appeared no less happy about the prospect of finally becoming an uncle himself. ‘Already broke the news to Jaida and Poppy. Little girl’s literally over the moon.’
‘What?’ Vanitas asked, more awake but still no less dazed.
‘And why wouldn’t she be?’ Ignis asked as he gently fixed Vanitas’s disheveled hair. ‘Finding out that you’ve now acquired yourself a cousin is a big announcement, to be sure.’
‘… Cousin?’ Vanitas’s reaction was delayed. ‘Wait… uncle? Nephew?’
‘Yea!’ Prompto squeezed Vanitas tight. ‘Not every day we get a new addition to the family!’
Vanitas could only look at him with surprise.
It never occurred to him that this whole adoption thing would net him not only a new father figure, but apparently other family members as well, whether blood related or otherwise.
Prompto gave Vanitas another tight squeeze, and by then the child had reached his limit and asked to be let down. Prompto, though, didn’t look inclined to oblige, not even when Vanitas squirmed and protested to be let go.
That is, until Noctis cleared his throat.
Noctis didn’t say anything as everyone turned to him, and merely stood in the doorway as he gave his best friend a hard stare. That alone was enough for Prompto to finally put Vanitas down.
‘Whoops, uh, so sorry about that Papa Bear. Won’t happen again.’ He says, holding up his hands in surrender. ‘Uh… congrats by the way?’
Noctis only huffed and walked past him towards the dining table, rudely knocking Prompto’s shoulder as he went, and causing Vanitas to snicker.
Breakfast was surprisingly normal after that, but the true work began once the plates were cleared.
Ignis pulled countless strings to allow Noctis the necessary time off to focus on the beginnings of the adoption proceedings, and both Noctis and Vanitas were called in to endless appointments from then on. Vanitas’s picture and thumb prints were taken more times than he could count, and he talked to dozens of people he never got the chance to know the names of.
A few days later, the adoption forms came in. Once signed by Noctis, approved by the Lucis Department of Children and Families, the Royal Legal Processing Team, and other appropriate organizations, the adoption process reached its final step, and was brought up to the royal council.
As Ignis had predicted, the few surviving members of the council were open to the idea, though were a bit suspicious.
‘So, this is the child we have been hearing those rumors about.’ An exceedingly elderly woman that was seated on both King Regis and King Mor’s councils said while looking over a picture of Vanitas with a critical eye. ‘The people of Lucis are saying that the boy is a miracle. A new oracle bestowed upon us as a final gift from the crystal and the astrals to the chosen King.’
‘Is there a blood relation between this child and His Majesty?’ Another one, this time a gentleman, piped up suspiciously. ‘The child’s eyes are blue, though resemble more of the Tenebrae royal lineage. Perhaps if this boy is a gift from the astrals, he could be the child that would have naturally been bestowed upon Lucis from the union of His Majesty and Lady Lunafreya Nox Fleuret.’
‘I had been thinking that as well.’ The final and third member of the council said, looking over the documents and photos with interest. ‘An oracle in Lucis? Truly extraordinary. Though if the child was born of that sadly ill-fated union, then perhaps it might not be so surprising.’
‘Though, the question of the child’s age does come to mind.’ The elderly woman hummed. ‘The boy is four years old currently, where had he been up until this point exactly?’
Ignis appeared to have been anticipating this question.
‘Vanitas was bestowed upon Lucis at his current age, as two eyewitnesses accounted for on the day of the child’s birth in Gauldin Quay.’ Ignis explained, handing over some forms filled out by Monica and Talcott and the photo “evidence” Prompto had taken of Vanitas and Shiva that day. ‘His Majesty surmises that the astrals did so on purpose. That the number of years old symbolize his sacrifice of death to restore the light to our star.’ He said smartly, knowing that the number 4 is coincidently associated with death. He kept his voice even, making sure that none of them could tell he was lying through his teeth. ‘Truly a thoughtful gift from the astrals, if I do say so myself.’
The council murmured at this, unable to fully refute Ignis’s claim, especially now that the astral’s influence is involved. They’d already seen pictures of Vanitas’s encounters with the ghosts of Lucis. Now seeing the evidence showcasing the favor bestowed onto him by Shiva, who was known to have a strong bond with the last oracle, Lady Lunafreya, it was hard to deny the otherworldly influence that Vanitas must possess.
It took a few minutes for any of the three council members to respond.
‘I see no reason to dispute this child.’ The youngest of the three answered. ‘I am fully convinced that he will bring nothing but prosperity to our beloved kingdom of Lucis.’
‘I am inclined to agree.’ The elderly gentleman hummed. ‘The actions of the people speak for themselves. I have not forgotten their exuberance at the prospect of an oracle in Lucis.’
The hall went silent then, everyone turning to the head of the council.
The elderly woman had a complicated expression as she looked over the papers again.
‘I will disagree.’ She spoke after a few minutes of heavy silence. ‘The child’s credentials are astounding, but the royal line of Lucis goes back centuries. Without a blood relation, I cannot condone this action.’
Once again, Ignis seemed prepared for this, as he pulled out his final piece of evidence. He had been hoping to save Vanitas a bit of grief, but it seemed there was no other choice.
As the council read the document, all talking ceased.
It was not so difficult for Ignis and Dr. Senju to call in a few favors to forge a positive paternal DNA test between Noctis and Vanitas. The document was also signed by both the Surgeon General of Lucis as well as the Commissioner of the Lucis Department of Children and Families. That paper was indisputable. It made this meeting no longer about adoption, but of something else entirely, as it would now be Vanitas’s birthright to take up the throne, whether he ever changed his mind or not.
‘I reaffirm my statement of approval.’ The youngest councilmember eventually said, with the elderly gentlemen following suit.
The head of the council then turned to King Noctis, who had been silent throughout the proceedings but attentive all the same as he let Ignis present the evidence on his and Vanitas’s behalf. The child himself was not in the room but instead in one adjacent nearby, more out of courtesy as the boy is much too young to be expected to sit in on such long meetings.
‘Tell me, is this a happy adoption between the two of you?’ She asked.
‘It is.’ Noctis answered with no hesitation. ‘I wouldn’t bring this up to you otherwise.’
The woman nodded then looked toward Ignis.
‘May we meet the child?’
‘Of course.’ Ignis had bowed, before returning not a few minutes later with Vanitas in tow.
Vanitas had looked upon the council members with interest. He had heard about them before, ‘the old Q-tips’ as Gladio liked to refer to them, and he felt odd standing in front of them. Sort of like the way he felt whenever he was called to stand before Master Xehanort and the other Organization members for judgement back in the Keyblade Graveyard. Like a bug under a microscope.
‘Vanitas, it is a pleasure to meet you.’ The oldest one said as she looked upon him. Her expression was neutral and hard to read. ‘I wish to ask you something, young one.’
‘Yes?’ Vanitas kept his voice even and calm, remembering the extensive talks he had with Ignis and Noctis regarding royal etiquette.
Even without that, though, he would have reigned in his sass anyway.
These were the only people standing between him and Noctis being a true family, as while the King has final say in just about anything, something like this would be beyond Noctis’s control.
Vanitas wasn’t about to blow it.
‘Are you happy?’ The elderly councilwoman asked.
Vanitas blinked, having not expected that question.
‘Happy?’ He parroted.
The elderly woman nodded, expression serious.
‘Are you happy when you are with His Majesty, King Noctis?’ She asked again.
Vanitas wanted to laugh in her face. Really, she didn’t know anything. Of COURSE he is happy whenever he is with Noctis. That’s the whole damn reason he’s here in the first place! But as he looked at Noctis, the King had a weird expression on his face. One that Vanitas did not expect.
‘I am.’ Vanitas’s words were aimed at Noctis as he looked at the King, causing the man’s expression to soften. ‘Always.’
The councilwoman stood up then in a formal address, having gotten what she was after.
‘We will welcome Lucis’s new prince at dawn.’ She smacked a hammer against the black marble gavel on her desk.
‘Congratulations to the both of you.’
There was not a peep of protest in Lucis on the day of Vanitas’s coronation. Vyv and his magazine were given front row picture privileges as His Royal Highness, Prince Vanitas Lucis Caelum, was sworn in as the 115th in line for the Lucian throne. A gala was later thrown welcoming the newest royal, and the kingdom partied for days both in Insomnia and around the countryside.
‘I’m pleased with how well Vanitas’s reception has gone over.’ Ignis sipped his coffee while reading the newest headline in the morning paper.
‘It’s not surprising.’ Prompto grinned. ‘A lot of people met Vani already when we were out on the road.’
‘As if anyone would protest Noct on something like this anyway.’ Gladio said. ‘Guy literally died for the world and then some.’
‘That’s what I’m saying!’ Prompto snapped his fingers. ‘Plus with the DNA ‘proof’ and the Lady Lunafreya angle, it was a win win. No contest!’
‘Right.’ Noctis nodded before turning to Vanitas, his son. ‘No going back now, Van.’
Vanitas looked up at Noctis, his father.
‘Wasn’t planning on it.’
The changes were there, happening unbelievably fast in an avalanche.
Some were good, others bad.
The crown headband for the Prince of Lucis was officially his now, bestowed upon him by his father during the official coronation gala. From there, it was as if a switch went off overnight. Everyone started talking to Vanitas more formally, most often not using his name at all but instead saying ‘Your Highness’. Cor, Prompto and the rest of the Crownsguard started treating him like glass, and he couldn’t go anywhere without at least one of them always following him around.
Speaking of Cor, Vanitas was surprised to learn that Noctis had asked him to be his godfather. It was a term that Vanitas had never even heard of before, and he was admittedly more than a bit confused by it.
‘Think of it like a bonus parent.’ Noctis had tried to explain it the best he could. ‘If something ever happened to me, Cor will take care of you. It’s as simple as that.’
Vanitas couldn’t really find any fault with this notion. He and Cor got along very well anyway as it was, so he had mostly just shrugged it off without any protest. Though, when Cor was officially announced as Vanitas’s Godfather in a special ceremony following the gala, Vanitas was surprised to see that Cor had seemed a bit out of sorts.
And if he had held Vanitas a bit longer than normal, neither of them ever brought it up.
Months went by after that. Vanitas’s calling as oracle became public knowledge for the first time as Noctis cautiously allowed Vanitas to scatter Unversed to a few select places in Lucis. It was on the condition that the creatures be monitored closely as they fulfilled their duty, and only until Vanitas came of age. The people at first were understandably wary, though soon came to accept the Unversed as part of their community as they worked to reconnect spirits with their loved ones and save countless people from long suffering illnesses. The most prominent being the infertility that had been plaguing adults ever since the Endless Night. Vanitas had eventually figured that one out with a bit or trial and error, and soon a huge baby boom had spread throughout the land.
The people were blessed, forever grateful to their Prince for their newfound prosperity, and were eager to show it in any way that they could. Somehow, Vanitas’s bond with the young pink chocobo, Princess, became public knowledge, and there was suddenly no shortage of pink letters and pink chocobo paraphernalia sent to the Citadel.
Noctis eventually had to put a hard stop on all gifts other than letters at some point, too, as the amount of pink had made everyone’s eyes cross.
Even so, Vanitas read all the letters that were sent to him. And cherished every single one.
Truly, it was plain to see that although it had only been a few months, Vanitas was very much beloved by all in Lucis already. Noctis had said that Vanitas gave them hope. Hope for a new generation to grow and make Lucis what it once was.
Perhaps even better.
Through it all, though, all the crazy ups and downs of becoming royalty and gaining a new family, the one thing that meant the most to Vanitas, was simply that his name was now permanently etched on the door to the nursery.
Months after his coronation, Prince Vanitas wakes to a new sunrise. From his bedroom, he can hear people mingling in the living room, more than likely discussing the game plan for today.
Today is Vanitas’s 5th birthday, exactly one year since he was reborn in Lucis.
There was to be a gala tonight to celebrate with those of the royal family’s choosing, while an open invitation was extended for everyone in the kingdom to join the festivities in Insomnia by way of street vendors, special events, musical entertainment, and so much more. The gala itself will take place in the nearby Lucian Historical Hotel, with those invited being those of nobility, other important guests to the Crown, and of course any that the guest of honor wanted to be there.
Vanitas, though, didn’t offer much input on this front when Ignis was sending out invitations, only that he didn’t want a bunch of stuffy old people there.
He already had enough of that at the official coronation gala; rich, boring people talking to him and Noctis for hours about literally nothing at all. It had been literal hell in a handbasket, and what’s worse, he didn’t even get to spend any time with the people that he had actually wanted to see that day.
Yea, he didn’t want a repeat of that, thank you very much.
Ignis, though, had said that this gala would be much different than the last, since this was a birthday party first and foremost and a formal Lucian event second.
But that was the problem, though.
Vanitas has never had a birthday party before, and has no idea what to expect other than that all attention would be solely on him today. To say that this notion unsettled him would be an understatement, and even now he was trying desperately not to think about it.
Instead, Vanitas gets up and pads over to the door separating his room from the master bedroom, ignoring the chatter coming from the living room for now.
‘Noct?’ Vanitas knocks on the door before pushing it open.
To this day, he still refers to Noctis by name. He hasn’t yet been able to muster up the courage to call him anything else.
It just… doesn’t feel right. Not yet.
Noctis is already awake and looking over something on his phone. His eyes soften as Vanitas enters the room, and he beckons his son to join him.
‘Happy Birthday, Van.’ Noctis kisses his child’s forehead.
‘Thanks.’ Vanitas hums, but the word is hollow, still unsure what’s so special about it.
‘Do you feel older?’ Noct asks curiously.
‘Not really.’ Vanitas shrugs. He’s gotten taller but can’t say much else about his appearance.
Mentally, though, he could not be any more different from the Vanitas that first crash landed on Eos all those years ago. Having a permanent home, with family and friends, has done wonders for his mental state. No longer is Vanitas the anxious, rage-filled teenager who needs to snap at everyone just to feel safe. No longer is there any thought about giving the astrals their gift back, either, as he’s slowly grown more confident in his own skin.
Turns out that time, patience and trust was all that was needed.
He still protests about some things, but others he’s just slowly stopped caring about, like expressing his emotions in front of family or friends, being coddled or held, sitting in booster seats, or allowing others to hold his hand or pick him up.
He’s trying to relish the youth he’s been given. If not for himself, than for Noctis most of all.
‘To me, you’re already growing up too fast, guppy.’ Noctis chuckles. ‘You should slow down a little, pretty soon I won’t even be able to pick you up anymore.’
‘You know, that kind of sounds like a you problem.’ Vanitas teases.
‘Cheeky. You’re lucky it’s your birthday.’ Noctis teases right back and tickles him in retaliation, earning a laugh and genuine smile out of his child.
The rest of the morning is a flurry of preparations. Cor and Prompto are on surveillance duty along with the rest of the Crownsguard, while Gladio will be, as always, right by Noctis’s side.
Gladio’s job as the King’s Sheild has changed a bit ever since Vanitas was crowned as Prince, and he now often switches his time between protecting Noctis and Vanitas. This would all change once Vanitas was older with an assigned a Shield of his own, though. As far as Vanitas knew, he and Noctis were discussing candidates, but it wasn’t a priority at the moment. For now, though, Gladio doesn’t seem to mind the extra workload, and noticeably takes great pride in protecting his one and only nephew.
Like Gladio, Ignis’s role is mostly the same except that he now has two schedules to manage instead of one. Granted, Vanitas doesn’t have much going on right now besides some short accessory classes with a governess. They were Ignis’s idea, and are meant as practice for Vanitas to learn in a classroom setting. Whether that classroom be in the Citadel, as is traditional, or in a public school is up to Noctis, but it’s been made clear that Vanitas needs all the help he can get. Adjusting to learning new things has never been his forte, and the only teacher he’s ever had was Master Xehanort, after all. As a result, Vanitas can be very… touchy when someone he doesn’t know tries to teach him anything.
It’s a process that will take time, to be sure, but for now they still have a few more months until Vanitas will be set to start kindergarten.
For today, at least, there will be no classes and Ignis will be manning Vanitas’s schedule extensively, as for once the Prince is the main focus of the day and not the King. Vanitas is not to set foot in the hotel until a specific time, specifically when all of the guests have had the opportunity to mingle to their hearts’ content before the event truly starts. Vanitas will enter the hotel alongside his father, but only after the pair have made a public appearance addressing the public gathered in the streets of Insomnia. From there, the party will commence as normal, followed by dinner, after which Vanitas will blow out the candles on his cake and open presents.
As this is Vanitas’s party, though, he has full control over when it will end, and will inform Noctis of when he would like to return to the royal suite.
‘Any questions?’ Ignis asks as he finishes bullet pointing today’s schedule.
‘Not really.’ Vanitas shrugs as Noctis helps him into his little waistcoat. ‘Just, it’s a lot.’
‘It’s your birthday.’ Gladio chuckles from across the room. He’s in his standard Crownsguard uniform, though it’s a somewhat fancier version with a pocket square and a broach of the Lucian Shield symbol. ‘Of course it’s a lot.’
‘Yea!’ Prompto pipes up while getting a candid shot of Noctis fitting Vanitas up for the day. He, too, is wearing an outfit similar to Gladio’s. ‘Only the best for our Vani on his special day.’
Vanitas makes a face at this. He’s already had it out with all four of them about how he doesn’t want such splendor and attention directed at him.
‘It feels like a normal day.’ He can’t help but mumble as a tie is fitted onto him. Thankfully it’s only a clip-on, so it doesn’t bother him too badly, not like the general uncomfortableness of the rest of the outfit. ‘What’s so special about it?
‘What makes the day special is how you spend it.’ Cor says from his spot near the door. He is wearing the broach of the Crownsguard, just like Prompto, though he also has another in the shape of a gold antler. It shines in the afternoon light, symbolizing his status as Vanitas’s godfather.
‘That’s right.’ Noctis agrees as he looks Vanitas over. The two of them share the color scheme of black and gold, that of Lucian royalty. Only Vanitas is missing one thing. ‘A birthday is a great memory.’ He retrieves Vanitas’s crown from its case. ‘Today is gonna be amazing, especially since we already missed your other four birthdays.’
‘That wasn’t your fault.’ Vanitas crosses his arms, though remains still as his father places the headband atop his head and smoothes out his black hair.
‘I know.’ Noctis hums. ‘Still, is it so bad that we all want to give you a happy day?’
Vanitas can’t really argue with that, so instead diverts his attention elsewhere. In doing so, his senses pick up a certain someone that wasn’t there before over by the window.
‘Gramps!’ Vanitas calls, rushing to meet his grandfather. ‘When did you get here?’
‘Only just now. No need to fret.’ Regis smiles as Vanitas uses his dark powers to make him tangible. ‘Hello, Vanitas.’ He cups his grandchild’s cheek fondly. ‘I came to see you on your special day.’
‘Ugh, not again with the special day thing.’ Vanitas complains, clutching onto the golden brace on Regis’s knee and slumping against him.
‘Hey, Dad.’ Noctis greets with a casual smile. ‘Didn’t know you were coming.’
The late King’s visits have grown more frequent ever since Vanitas was adopted, and it’s through him that Vanitas learned that there are different types of ghosts. Most spirits tend to visit their loved ones and then pass on, but there are some that simply need a pep talk or a good kick in the pants to get it together. Others are more stubborn, though, and instead choose to reside near their living loved ones for the rest of their lives. It’s rare, and Vanitas has only seen one other ghost like that thus far besides Regis; a mother that refuses to leave her two daughters.
Ignis has been a great source for understanding all of this mumbo jumbo, too, as he was able to procure multiple books outlining the different types of ghosts, and it gave both Vanitas and Noctis a lot of comfort to learn that Regis would not be going anywhere anytime soon.
‘I wouldn’t miss it.’ Regis hums. ‘How are the preparations coming along?’
‘Swimmingly.’ Ignis looks at his watch. ‘Vyv should be along any moment now to take Vanitas’s photos for the paper.’
‘Wish you could come to the party.’ Vanitas says with an impish grin. ‘Could scare the hell out of the guests?’
‘You know as well as I do that, I do not have much time at this early hour.’ Regis says, to which none of them are surprised. Ghosts are most prominent at night for a reason, after all. ‘And besides that, what have I told you about using such language?’
Vanitas blanches and turns away in response to his grandfather’s stern tone.
‘Noct lets me do it.’ He mumbles.
Regis hums disapprovingly at his son.
‘Don’t look at me.’ Noctis raises his hands in surrender. ‘That argument is like beating a dead horse at this point.’
Regis lets out a disapproving breath, before looking past Noctis towards Cor. The Marshal is watching their interaction, stone-faced as always.
‘As godfather, I only have so much leeway.’ Cor admits. ‘Though, I have told him to cut back.’
At this, Vanitas sticks his tongue out at Cor like a brat, before looking back at his grandfather as Regis puts a hand onto his small shoulder.
‘On that note I suppose I must be going. Seems your day is about ready to begin.’ He nods towards the door where he no doubt can sense that someone is coming. ‘Happy Birthday, Vanitas.’ He crouches down to give his grandchild a hug.
‘Thanks gramps.’ Vanitas hums, before Regis fades away just as there is a knock on the door.
The sun had not even begun to sink into the horizon when Noctis and Vanitas make their fated appearance to the public gathered in Insomnia. As Vanitas is still young, events such as these need to start earlier so that he can properly attend, but he isn’t particularly bothered by this. Especially not when there’s the added bonus to his age now in that he doesn’t have to give any speech today. He will eventually have to address the public when he is older, but for now he only has to sit there while Noctis does all the talking.
Noctis’s speech is short but simple, conveying how grateful he and Vanitas are that they could attend, and that they have welcomed Vanitas with such loving arms. The crowd is massive, even with the deduction of all the lives lost during the Endless Night, and the thundering applause is deafening once Noctis finishes. Apparently, this is more or less the same crowd as during the coronation gala, but back then Vanitas hadn’t been able to catch a glance at the amount of people in the city. There are more people here than Vanitas has ever seen in his life and knowing that all of them are here today just to catch a glance of him, to celebrate him, has the nerves hitting full force.
It’s overwhelming to think of, so he tries not to.
The Lucian Historical Hotel is every bit the posh and grandiose venue that the guys said it would be. Apparently, it was the first hotel that ever opened on Lucian soil, and hosted many of the royal family’s gatherings over the years, including that of Somnus Lucis Caelum, the founder King.
Today it is filled to the brim with people holding fancy cocktails in fancy outfits. Vanitas has seen this crowd before, when he was officially sworn in as the Prince of Lucis, and it brings a bad taste to his mouth as he and his father are bombarded by people as soon as they enter the hall.
This part is the worst part by far. Vanitas has always been gifted with emotions, both his own and those of others, and can immediately tell whose smile is real and whose is fake. Too many of the nobility that survived the Endless Night were nothing but liars and brownnosers trying to foster a good relationship with the crown, too focused on raising themselves up rather than rebuilding what was lost.
‘I can’t say I’m surprised.’ Noctis had said with a sigh when Vanitas told him as such after the coronation gala. ‘Some things never change, I guess.’
A lot of those same people were here now for Vanitas’s birthday gala, but surprisingly it wasn’t as packed as he thought it might be. In fact, as the initial crowd melts away, Vanitas notices that there are quite a few people here that he is genuinely happy to see.
‘Howdy there, pudding pop. Happy birthday!’ Cindy grins. She’s wearing a dress! A dress!!
Cid is right next to her, too, wearing a button-down shirt and slacks. His pants have a grease stain and part of his shirt is untucked, but Vanitas is more touched that the old man made the effort to come out at all.
‘Happy birthday, kid.’ Cid says by way of greeting. ‘You causin any trouble for your old man?’
‘Always.’ Vanitas grins, ever the mischievous imp.
‘Sounds about right.’ Noctis says good naturedly and places a hand atop Vanitas’s head. He doesn’t ruffle his hair, though, not after he’d already done so earlier and Ignis ripped him a new one.
‘Surprised you guys came.’ Vanitas says, still a bit in awe.
‘We wouldn’t miss it.’ Cindy winks before there is the abrupt sound of running footsteps.
Vanitas barely has any time to look up before he is tackled. Thankfully, he stumbles backwards against his father’s legs and not onto the floor, as a familiar boy squeezes him tight.
‘Vanitas!!’ August cheers, crushing him in a hug.
‘August?’ Vanitas asks in disbelief. ‘What are you doing here?’
He hasn’t seen August since they parted ways in Lestallum months ago.
‘Mom and I got a letter!’ August says proudly, still squeezing Vanitas. ‘From I… Ig..’
‘I took the liberty of sending the invitation in your stead.’ Ignis says, gaining Vanitas’s attention. ‘Wouldn’t seem right to have your first birthday party without your first friend, after all.’
Vanitas blinks at this notion and can only stand there dumbly as August hugs the daylights out of him.
‘August, dear, remember to control yourself. We talked about this.’ His mother, Olivia, calls as she finally catches up to her son. ‘I’m so sorry, Your Majesty.’ She apologizes with a small curtsy.
‘No worries.’ Noctis waves off her concerns. ‘Glad to see you could come.’
‘Oh, we’ve been looking forward to it.’ Olivia assures. ‘August has been so excited to meet Prince Vanitas again.’ She says before her attention is stolen away as another child runs past her.
‘Leave Vani alone!’ Poppy yells, rudely getting in between Vanitas and August.
‘But-!’ August protests as Poppy holds out her arms, shielding Vanitas from him.
‘Poppy.’ Vanitas sighs at his cousin with exasperation. ‘It’s fine.’
She’s grown a lot over the past year, and has developed a very prominent, very annoying protective streak over Vanitas ever since he was adopted. While they are both technically not related, Poppy was very excited to learn that she now had an older cousin, and from seemingly out of nowhere she had decided that nothing and no one would ever hurt Vanitas. Now, the Prince can’t tell for sure, but somehow, he just knows that Gladio and Noctis have something to do with this. They are still looking into candidates for who will be Vanitas’s Shield, after all, and who is a better candidate than the daughter of the current King’s Shield?
‘No it’s not!’ Poppy protests, pointing rudely at August. ‘I saw it! He didn’t ask first!’
‘Well, I’m asking now.’ August frowns with an upturned brow, shyly trying to placate her. ‘Please can I hug Vanitas?’
‘No!’ Poppy says stubbornly, glaring at him.
‘Poppy.’ Gladio says, voice stern in that parental kind of way, and it’s now that Vanitas realizes that Jaida has also arrived, having probably followed her daughter when she ran like a bat outta hell. ‘Van is allowed to make new friends. You don’t have to shield him from that.’
‘But…’ Poppy frowns with protest.
‘Speaking of new friends, I think I saw your Aunty Iris over there.’ Jaida offers as a distraction, pointing towards the crowd of people. ‘Why don’t we bring her over to say hello to everyone?’
‘Aunty Iris?!’ Poppy’s face brightens. ‘Okay!’ She agrees immediately.
Once the two of them are out of sight, August cautiously resumes his hug with Vanitas, who only sighs and pats his back reassuringly.
It’s going to be a long day.
Vanitas ended up reuniting with Iris again, along with more familiar faces like Talcott, Wiz, Holly, Dave and Takka. He also finally got the chance to meet some of the people that had helped the guys during their journey.
There was Aranea, the ex-commodore from Niflheim that traveled all the way here from Gralea. Vanitas has heard a lot about her in passing, but they never had the chance to meet until now. She’s here today along with her two confidantes, Biggs and Wedge, and she has this sort of spunky attitude that he takes to right away.
‘Aint you a little short to be a Prince?’ She had sassed.
‘Aren’t you a little nosy to be asking?’ He sassed right back.
That got a laugh out of her, and the two of them got on like a regular house on fire after that.
Besides them, there was Sania, who is a renowned biologist and very eager to talk his ear off about frogs for some reason. And Navyth, who is Noctis’s not-so-secret fishing mentor.
There’s also Weskham, who made the voyage across the seas from Altissia. He apparently was a part of King Regis’s retinue, and seeing him interact with Cid and Cor, who were also a part of that team, is very interesting to say the least.
‘Can you believe it?’ Weskham asked with a chuckle after he was formally introduced to Vanitas. ‘Reggie’s finally got himself a grandbaby.’
‘I know.’ Cor had said simply with a nod.
‘About time.’ Cid hummed. ‘A right good one too. Not like his slack-jawed old man over there.’ His words get a laugh out of Weskham and a shake of the head from Cor. ‘Shoulda seen the look on his face when he rolled up pushin’ the Regalia like it was some beat-up old clunker.’
Vanitas doesn’t even try to hide his snicker as Noctis sighs deeply.
‘Why do you always have to tell that story?’
The party went into full swing as the sun started to dip beneath the golden horizon and the hall was in the process of being prepared for dinner, cake and presents. It seemed like as good as time as any for Vanitas to sneak away now that he and Noctis had made their rounds.
He’s horrible with crowds, and at this birthday party, where it was all about him, it was easily becoming twice as unbearable. At the coronation gala, there had been plenty of people there, sure, but it was about Noctis just as much as it was about him, as they celebrated becoming a family.
This time, though, everyone couldn’t give a rat’s ass about Noctis.
They all wanted to talk to him, wish him a Happy Birthday, tell him how cute he is, and how he looks so much like his father. There are other kids here too, a lot of them. Most were younger than him, too; mostly likely due to the baby boom that surged after the First Dawn.
Overall, this whole place is just too damn loud. Children’s laughter, screams and cries fill the gala space without end, and it’s exhausting Vanitas’s very limited social tolerance.
He was able to scope out a secret spot, though, while making his rounds with his father. It was hidden behind a large table that was currently being used for an assortment of hors d’oeuvres, and as Vanitas lifts up the white tablecloth and crawls into the small corner space, he can’t help but sigh with relief as he’s finally out of sight from the crowd.
Naturally, August followed him, with Poppy finding them soon after. Vanitas didn’t really mind those two, but when a third person came into his haven, he noticeably got a little miffed.
Denzel is the first-born child of one of the former Dukes of Lucis and they’ve met quite a few times now already. Each interaction made Vanitas hate him even more, though. Denzel is a brownnoser, just like his father, who is always wearing a fake smile and trying to get in good with Noctis in some vain attempt to re-establish the higher social class of Lucis. Noctis hasn’t been having it though, as he’s reiterated many times that rebuilding what was lost comes first, and that the comfort of the former elite members of society is not the highest thing on his to do list right now.
Vanitas can’t stand the guy or his kid, who has been relentlessly trying to impress Vanitas ever since Ignis announced he was looking for a young advisor to the Prince. Tonight, Vanitas was having a hard enough time as it was behaving himself in front of so many people, and having to put up with Denzel on top of everything else was grating on his last nerve.
‘Hello, Your Highness.’ Denzel says with a smile. ‘Here’s where you ran off to.’
‘Hello Denzel. Thought you got lost.’ Vanitas says from his spot sitting casually next to August and Poppy, who have since gotten over their earlier spat and are now playing some game.
‘No, I haven’t gotten lost.’
‘Well you should, honestly.’ Vanitas rolls his eyes while focusing on his latest drawing.
Denzel pauses at this for the briefest of moments, before laughing in an obviously fake way.
‘Oh you’re so silly, Your Highness.’ He says, before looking the three of them over. ‘People are gonna be looking for you. It’s almost time for dinner.’
‘They can keep looking.’ Vanitas says, unbothered.
‘What if I told the King where you ran off to?’ Denzel asks cheekily.
‘Go ahead.’ Vanitas shrugs. He’s already told his father exactly where he’s going to be.
Noctis had no qualms about it, knowing firsthand that Vanitas has spent most of his life in isolation. So much so that being around so many people now is overwhelming, and that he needs time to escape and reorient himself in such a crowded space.
He’s getting better at it, but it takes time. Like most things, as Noctis keeps reminding him.
Denzel pauses, his brow furrowing in that stupid way that lets Vanitas know he’s not happy.
‘Come on, Your Highness. Let’s spend time together!’ Denzel says, reaching for Vanitas, but the Prince can see right through him.
Denzel doesn’t want to be Vanitas’s friend. He only wants to show off to the adults how fit for the advisor position he really is. The worst part is that Vanitas can’t really do anything about it, either. Ignis made him promise to behave himself around those of nobility, as it could only lead to worse problems down the line, and he has new responsibilities now as the Prince of Lucis.
He knows that, truly he does, but Vanitas still has a hard time fighting the urge to just punch the stupid kid right in the face.
Poppy, though, is able to pick up on Vanitas’s annoyance and steps in between them.
‘Go away.’ She glares at him.
‘Y-yea, can’t you just leave us alone?’ August also stands up, his actions surprising Vanitas.
August is not known for confrontation, after all, and Vanitas can tell that the other boy is not comfortable with this situation, but the notion of him doing so anyway is not lost.
‘Yea! Vani doesn’t like you!’ Poppy says as she puts her hands on her hips.
‘That’s not very nice.’ Denzel says, returning her glare.
Vanitas sighs, fed up with this nonsense. Before he can step in, though, someone else does.
‘Denzel. There you are.’ Another boy comes into their hideout. One that Vanitas recognizes. He is older than Vanitas by a few years, and has familiar pistachio-colored glasses.
‘Hey, you’re…’ Vanitas notices that it’s the boy he helped that night back in Meldacio.
‘Hello, Your Highness.’ The older boy bows. ‘I’m sorry, but I need to steal Denzel away.’
‘What?’ Denzel frowns. ‘Why?’
‘Your mother is looking for you.’ The boy says calmly as the bigger boy stares him down.
‘And why should I believe you, four eyes?’ Denzel glares.
‘Believe me or not, but do you want to ignore her and get into trouble?’
The two older boys are silent then, sizing each other up.
Vanitas takes this opportunity to sit up and address this ridiculous situation.
‘Should probably run along now Denzel.’ Vanitas says with grating forced politeness, gathering their attention as he sneers. ‘Wouldn’t want you to get in trouble.’
‘But!’ Denzel protests. ‘Your Highness…’
‘Listen kid, can’t you take a hint?’ Vanitas snarls, exasperated. Even Ventus hadn’t been this clingy, and the two of them were two halves of the same person! ‘Go bother someone else already.’
Denzel looks shocked, as if Vanitas had just slapped him across the face. Granted, this is one of Vanitas’s very milder insults, but it’s enough to cause the boy to stutter for a moment, looking over each of them in turn, unsure of what to say.
In the end, he stamps his foot and leaves with a childish whine.
‘I’m gonna tell my dad!’
‘Good! My dad can beat up your dad anyway!’ Vanitas calls, relief settling over him as the nuisance is finally gone.
‘Was his mom really calling him?’ August curiously asks once they’re sure Denzel has left.
‘No.’ The new boy admits. ‘Denzel and I are classmates, and I noticed when he was following the Prince earlier. I thought I might help but sorry, my plan failed.’
‘It was a good shot.’ Vanitas acknowledges, looking him over with an impressed sheen in his eye. ‘What’s your name anyway?’
‘Haley, Your Highness.’ The boy says with a bow.
‘Ugh, don’t do that.’ Vanitas makes a face, hating being bowed to. It was weird as hell.
‘Sorry.’ Haley apologizes again. ‘I’ll head out now then.’
‘Wait.’ August says. ‘He can stay right?’ He turns to Vanitas and Poppy. ‘We can play.’
Poppy purses her lips and looks over Haley with a critical eye.
‘I don’t know him.’ She says with suspicion.
‘I do. He can stay.’ Vanitas rolls his eyes as he returns to his drawing. ‘Just keep it down.’
‘Okay!’ August brightens up.
He pulls Haley down to sit in their circle, the four of them tucked away together in their small haven in the crowded hall.
When the call for dinner finally sounded, Vanitas was happy to see that Denzel and his mother have left the party. Figures that she probably didn’t want to deal with the embarrassment of her son throwing a temper tantrum in front of the King. The brat’s father is still here though, an ever-annoying fly trailing behind Noctis, but Vanitas can put up with him at least.
Dinner consists of many fancy dishes, though notably some are Vanitas’s favorites. Probably courtesy of Ignis, if he had to guess. The birthday cake that follows is huge, and Noctis helps Vanitas to cut it as everyone sings a song that he doesn’t know to wish him a happy birthday.
Presents were next after cake. There were tons of them, too. Of all colors and shapes packed in a neat mound underneath a black and gold balloon arch. Prompto had let slip earlier that this wasn’t even all of them either. There were more in the suite, and even more were still being gathered from the citizens of Lucis partying in the streets of Insomnia.
Seems the entire kingdom went all out for their Prince’s birthday.
Vanitas himself had already seen the looming mound of presents, but it didn’t really register that all of them are for him until he’s suddenly standing right in front of it. Thankfully, so as not to be rude to the guests, he’s only tasked with publicly opening a traditional select few; one from the Crownsguard, one from the Council, and one from his father.
It isn’t that much, only three, but still, the task of opening them has Vanitas tensing.
He’s never been given a birthday present before.
Sure, there were some presents at the coronation gala, but those were addressed to him and Noctis, and they opened them together.
These presents, though, they’re just for him. No one else.
Cor presents him with the first gift, the one from the Crownsguard, and the fact that it comes from his godfather makes it easier for Vanitas to force his shaky fingers to tear apart the wrapping paper. He had earlier told Cor and Prompto that he’d rather have a gift he could use, and as such he isn’t surprised to find a new set of headphones for the gun range inside the box. There are other things too, including books, small trinkets, and candy. But there’s also a smaller box inside, and it houses a picture of the entirety of the Royal Crowsguard. Vyv had snapped it a few weeks ago, with Vanitas positioned right in the middle, and the picture is signed by all the guards. Vanitas carefully puts it back into the box, afraid that he’ll somehow break something so special.
The next present is from the council, and it’s even easier to open as Vanitas knows exactly what’s inside. It’s a necklace presented to the Princes of Lucis, with a pendant of the Lucian symbol made from obsidian metal. He’s learned that the Council are very traditional, and there is a specific present they are to give at these events. This year is a necklace, next year will be a broach etc.
At least there are no surprises there.
The next and final present gives Vanitas the most trouble; the one from Noctis. It’s not an overly big present and is not nearly as flashy as some of the others stacked in that mound of colorful boxes. It’s simply a moderately sized box wrapped in his favorite colors of black and pink, but knowing that it’s from Noctis, his father, has something churning in his heart. He has absolutely no clue what it could be, and he doesn’t want to risk damaging the gift by opening it.
‘It’s not gonna bite, Van.’ Noctis tries to lighten the mood as Vanitas stares at the present with great hesitation.
‘I know…’ Vanitas says, his voice quiet so as not to have their audience of onlookers overhear.
Noctis is silent for a moment, looking his son over.
‘You want to open it together?’ He offers.
‘Please.’ Vanitas says before he truly thinks about it.
Together, father and son carefully tear open the gift, Noctis letting Vanitas take the lead to pull apart the paper with care. When Vanitas opens the box and looks inside, he gasps.
Inside is a plethora of professional quality art supplies. Crayons, markers, sketch books, paints, paper, canvases, colored pencils, watercolors. Everything an artist could dream of. Vanitas takes out a collection of markers, looking over the bright colors with awe as those watching on from the audience coo at the thoughtful gift.
It is no secret that Vanitas has taken to artistry. He has a natural talent for it, too, even with the added limitation of his stunted hand-eye coordination in this new body. When he wasn’t with the guys, he could often be found with a drawing pad. The fridge in the suite is littered with his pictures, and many of the staff and guards in the Citadel have been gifted one of his pieces already.
Clearly, from this present, Noctis is hoping to encourage Vanitas’s budding passion for art, and the child is speechless as he looks from the supplies then up to his father. He swallows, feeling a lump in his throat, and turns away with a light dusting of pink on his cheeks, feeling touched.
Instead of addressing it, though, he turns to the one other gift tucked away inside the box. It’s wrapped in pink tissue paper to differentiate it from the art supplies, and as Vanitas pulls away the paper it’s revealed to be a… hammock?
‘It’s a canopy.’ Noctis explains. ‘Think of it like curtains for your bed.’
Vanitas looks at the canopy with a raised brow. It’s dark blue, with small white stars scattered throughout the fabric. He curiously flips the package over to see a picture of it all set up.
‘So it’s like… I can close myself in every night?’ He slowly recognizes that he likes the sound of that.
‘I know you still like to hide yourself away sometimes, even if you try not to for me and the guy’s sake.’ Noctis hums. ‘I thought this should make that easier.’
Vanitas blinks, feeling seen and heard from one small simple gift.
‘It’s…’ He starts, having a hard time getting the words out as his emotions overwhelm him. He’s gotten much better about expressing them lately, but still, he swipes at his eyes, unwilling to let the strangers surrounding them see him be vulnerable. ‘Thanks.’ He offers instead with gratitude, clutching the canopy and the box of markers tightly to his chest.
Noctis smiles, his expression soft as he pulls his son into a hug.
‘Happy Birthday, Van.’
The rest of the party goes off without a hitch. There is fancy dancing and fancy adult chatter, but there is also a lot of childish fun going on. An adjacent hall is opened for the children to play in, fitted with dancing and games to keep the little ones entertained. Vanitas, though, ignores all of that and wastes no time in releasing his art supplies from their plastic confines. He sets to work doodling at one of the empty tables as the other kids run around playing some sort of laser game. Poppy and August had run off some time ago to play with the other kids while Haley chose to hang back and color alongside the Prince.
Vanitas doesn’t mind his presence, not at all. Haley isn’t as quiet as August, or as loud as Poppy. He’s somewhere in the middle. He has a calm, reliable nature that has grown on Vanitas during their short time together, and the Prince finds that he rather enjoys coloring side by side.
Eventually, though, the party has to end. By now Vanitas has had enough social interaction to last a lifetime, and sets about finding his father so that they can leave.
Noctis is among a throng of people, much like he always is at these sorts of events. Vanitas, though, has no problem rudely cutting into the crowd to wrap his arms around one of Noctis’s legs as he hides his little face in his father’s pant leg.
Noctis pauses mid-speech and looks down, recognizing Vanitas’s demeanor instantly.
‘Had enough, guppy?’ Noctis asks, putting a hand atop his son’s head.
Vanitas only nods in response, causing Noctis to sweep him up into his arms.
‘If you’ll excuse me,’ Noctis says politely. ‘I must attend to my son.’
The guests are more than happy to excuse them, and within no time, Noctis is making his final exit speech. He thanks all in attendance for coming out to wish Vanitas a wonderful birthday and encourages them to continue enjoying the rest of the festivities to their heart’s content.
It’s torture for Vanitas’s limited patience to keep quiet as Noctis finishes his speech, but when it’s finally over, he allows himself to relax as they head down through the bowels of the hotel towards the garage.
‘That sure was a nice birthday party.’ Prompto grins. ‘That parachute game the kids were playing was insane.’
‘How did they ever procure that past the check in anyway?’ Ignis inquires.
‘If I had to guess, someone probably folded it up inside a bag.’ Gladio shrugs, unbothered.
The kids had a blast, that’s all that matters.
‘Too bad Vani didn’t wanna play.’ Prompto laments. ‘I could have gotten some good shots.’
‘Where’s my art stuff anyway?’ Vanitas asks, holding no guilt about being an antisocial recluse at his own party.
‘I got it.’ Gladio says while carrying a box of already opened gifts. ‘The other stuff’s gonna be moved up to the suite for you to open later.’
Vanitas makes a face, not having the energy to even think about that right now.
Opening only three birthday presents was already enough for one day.
‘Did you have a good time?’ Noctis rubs his son’s back absentmindedly. ‘Iggy and I saw you made a new friend.’ He says, referring to when they had visited Vanitas and Haley’s coloring table.
Haley had been visibly flustered to be speaking with the King so suddenly, but otherwise he seemed to have gotten on with Noctis and Ignis just fine. So much so in fact that Ignis had pulled him aside for a minute. Vanitas hadn’t been able to hear what they were saying at the time over the boom of the music, but then again he really wasn’t that interested anyway.
‘Yea it was okay.’ Vanitas says, clutching his arms around his father’s neck. ‘Once Denzel left.’ He sneers mischievously.
‘I had heard about that.’ Ignis says with a disapproving sigh. ‘Something about a scuffle between the two of you?’
Vanitas only snorts and turns away.
‘What went down?’ Gladio asks accusingly. ‘Poppy didn’t spill the beans either.’
‘He was being annoying.’ Vanitas says with no remorse. ‘I told him to buzz off. And he said he was going to tell his dad on me.’ Vanitas sticks his nose up with a haughty huff. ‘And so I said good! And that my dad could beat up his dad any day.’
Prompto laughs at this, along with a chuckle from Gladio and a drawn-out sigh from Ignis.
Noctis, though, visibly pauses at his child’s words. Vanitas notices as his father abruptly stops walking and looks at him curiously, but Noctis quickly recovers after a moment.
‘Now you’re picking fights for me?’ He teases, a genuine smile on his face. ‘I see how it is.’
‘Wouldn’t even be a fight.’ Vanitas teases back. ‘I’ve seen his dad, and that fight would be so unfunny, there wouldn’t even be a punch line.’
That comment has another round of laughter booming as they board the elevator to the garage floor.
Bonus Scene:
‘Hey… Noct?’
‘Hm?’ Noctis curiously looks up as Vanitas enters the study one night. He had already tucked Vanitas into bed ages ago and had thought that he would have been fast asleep by now.
Instead, his child has a frown on his little face, and a worried expression is marring his features as he holds something tightly in one hand.
‘I… um…’ Vanitas hesitates as Noctis gets up and approaches him.
‘What’s up, guppy?’ He asks.
‘I’m hurt.’ Is all Vanitas says in response.
‘What?’ Noctis asks in alarm, crouching down to look Vanitas over for injuries. ‘Where?’
‘Look.’ Vanitas opens his hand, revealing a small white object.
Noctis stares at it for a few moments before sighing with relief.
‘Oh, you just lost a tooth.’
‘If fell out.’ Vanitas frowns. ‘I don’t know what happened.’
‘Let me see.’ Noctis says, causing Vanitas to reluctantly smile. ‘Well, you’re not bleeding or anything. Seems like a clean break.’
Noctis takes the tooth from Vanitas, but the child doesn’t look relieved.
‘What do you mean clean break? What’s happening?’
‘Don’t worry, Van. It’s perfectly normal.’ Noctis reassures him. ‘Your baby teeth are falling out to make room for your adult teeth, that’s all.’
‘What?’ Vanitas closes his mouth as if to protect the rest of his teeth. ‘They’ll all fall out?’
‘Yea, but not all at once.’ Noctis’s relaxed tone of voice causes his son to calm as they look at the tooth. ‘Besides, it’s a good thing. Means the tooth fairy’s on her way.’
‘The tooth… fairy?’ Vanitas tilts his head.
‘Yea, when I was a kid, Dad used to-‘ Noctis suddenly stops then as he looks at his small child. ‘He um… he used to tell me about her.’ He changes the course of the conversation. ‘You put your tooth under your pillow at night, then when you’re sleeping the tooth fairy comes and poof the tooth is gone and there’s gil instead.’
‘Why would a fairy want my tooth?’ Vanitas asks suspiciously. He’s seen a fairy before, that blonde one with the green dress in that world with the pirates and mermaids.
She seemed nice enough, by why would one of her kind want any of his teeth?
‘She’s the tooth fairy.’ Noctis shrugs as he gets up to leave the study. ‘She collects them.’
‘But why does she collect them?’ Vanitas asks, hot on his heels.
‘Uh…’ Noctis hesitates. He opens one of the kitchen drawers to take out a plastic bag and put the tooth inside. ‘Probably for her magic or something like that?’
‘Hm.’ Vanitas frowns, seemingly taking the offered explanation. He completely misses his father’s relieved expression in response. ‘So like, is this something she does just for our family or…?’
Noctis pauses for a moment, unable to stop from smiling as Vanitas says ‘our family’.
‘No, the tooth fairy goes to every little girl and boy that loses teeth around the world.’
‘Every girl and boy?’ Vanitas asks in disbelief.
‘Yup.’ Noctis hands Vanitas the bag. ‘But she’s very shy and flies away quickly. She’ll only come when you’re for sure asleep.’
Vanitas looks at the bag curiously before looking back up at his father.
‘Like Santa?’ He asks hesitantly.
Santa had been a very interesting concept to explain to Vanitas over the past year. Naturally, Vanitas had not easily been convinced that there was a jolly old man out there that wanted to give him presents. He had asked every question under the sun about the legitimacy of Santa, and had him, Ignis, Prompto and Gladio making up Santa lore and stories left and right.
In the end, Poppy had been the one to convince Vanitas that Santa was real. A sort of, ‘I believe this and if you don’t you’re wrong’ sort of deal, and by that point Vanitas had more or less stopped caring about the whole thing anyway. He still seemed suspicious on Christmas morning when there were presents under the tree that weren’t there the night before, but he had kept his thoughts to himself.
‘Exactly. Just like Santa. Right.’ Noctis nods, then steers them both towards the nursery. ‘So why don’t you head back to bed so she can visit?’
‘If you say so.’ Vanitas places the bag underneath his pillow as instructed and Noctis tucks him in. ‘Are you sure gramps didn’t just make this up?’
‘Nope.’ Noctis pokes his child’s nose teasingly. ‘She’s real.’
‘You ever see her?’ Vanitas raises an eyebrow.
‘No, I didn’t even try.’ Noctis says, to which Vanitas looks at him with surprise. ‘Cuz if you try to stay awake and see her, then she won’t come, and you won’t get any gil.’
‘Hm…’ Vanitas ponders.
‘Don’t overthink it, Van.’ Noctis kisses his child’s forehead. ‘It’s late, you should get some rest.’
‘Okay…’ Vanitas huffs and lies down. ‘Goodnight Noct.’
‘Goodnight Van.’
The next morning, Vanitas is surprised to find that his tooth is no longer there, and instead the plastic bag is filled with a few coins and bills. He explained the whole story to Ignis, Gladio and Prompto over breakfast, and earned some excited gasps and congratulations for his first visit from the tooth fairy.
In all of the excitement, though, he completely misses the smile that Noctis hides behind his coffee mug.
Dream Eater Allyphant Creations 
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