Chapter Text
“Nope.”
“It’s the law.”
“And? When have we ever obeyed by the law.”
Ardyn sat still at the dinner table shaking his head refusing to back down from his original statement. Under no circumstances did Ardyn want his precious little Sunbeam going to school. It didn’t matter if it was private, public, free whatever else, Prompto was not going. Yes, Prompto and Noctis were now at the legal age to go but… there were so many dangers and hazards that could hurt either one of the boys. If something bad happened to Prompto, Ardyn could never forgive himself for not being present, plus his child was a delicate soul. The poor dear wouldn’t last the day if he saw himself in the mirror. If something happened to Noctis, as much as it was selfish, Ardyn was going to be on Eos for a very, very, very long time. Also, he loved his nephew to pieces having him getting hurt was unthinkable. But Cor was not seeing it like that. The Marshal was sitting across from Ardyn at the table covering his face with his hands as this argument had gone on far too long now. They shouldn’t even be having it. Prompto was enrolled in the best elementary school in all of Insomnia and he was going first thing in the morning. End of. That was how it had to be, but Ardyn was still refusing to listen to reason.
Cor tapped the table with his index finger and said strongly and slowly.“ Ardyn, he has to go to school.”
“No, he doesn’t, My Marshal. I can home school him.” Ardyn suggested. He’d done it before and he could very easily do it again.
Cor slammed both his hands on the table and gave his husband an evil glare. “Over my dead body am I ever letting you teach our son.”
“I was a good teacher!” Ardyn protested, feeling a little offended.
“In your dreams maybe.”
“That’s just mean.”
“Ardyn, if you teach him he will only get fucking confused.” Cor said, remembering a time where Regis and Clarus made fun of him for getting stuff wrong. It was all thanks to his husband. Well, Cor was not letting Prom be laughed at for similar things. He was going to school and being taught by professionals. That was the end of it.
But Ardyn kept finding ways to try and make Cor alter his decision. None of them worked, but it was worth a try.
“But… but… he is shy.” Ardyn stuttered, trying to think of any excuse in the book to get Prompto to stay with him.
“Going to school will help him overcome that.”
Ardyn hummed and with this one, he thought he would catch Cor out. “He might use his powers in front of the other children.”
“I have already told him not to.” Cor shrugged. The Marshal had already had a very long and in-depth conversation with Prom about teleporting. His son was as good as gold as normal and promised he wouldn’t do that. “But nice try.”
“Prom might cry.” Ardyn said quickly, hoping emotional blackmail might sway it in his favour.
“So do most kids on their first day of school.” Cor would admit to himself that, that one nearly got him. But no. For Prom and any future career he might have, putting him in a mainstream school was going to be beneficial. No matter the tears this had to be done. “Anyway, Prom is lucky. He won’t be on his own Noctis is going too.”
“Ha! People will know that the Princes are going to school and they might target them when we aren’t there.”
Okay, even Ardyn knew that was a little below the belt. But again it wasn’t wrong. A lot of people within Insomnia hated Regis, Somnus and himself for many, many reasons. Putting the future heir to the throne and the Adagium’s son in a school was dangerous. Anyone could get to them. There wouldn’t be any guards protecting them and it wasn’t like a teacher could hold off an assassin. Nope, it was better that both Prom and Noctis remained in the safety of their homes and got homed schooled.
Cor let go of a massive sigh and stood up. This was such a pointless debate and did Ardyn honestly think that the Marshal of the Crownsguard would let his son and nephew go if there was nothing put in place. Cor didn’t get the job for being an idiot. Cor stood next to his husband and explain that.
“That is why guards are going to be within, at least, a one-mile radius of the school’s grounds. Ardyn Leonis. Prompto is going to school, tomorrow, and there is nothing you can do about it.”
“What am I going to do all day? I will be lonely without him here!” Ardyn started to sulk.
That was what it really boiled down too. Ardyn just didn’t want to be alone in this house all day. He wanted to sit with his wonderful son and do what he could to make him happy. Ardyn couldn’t exactly do that if Prom wasn’t here.
Cor rolled his eyes and decided to make some suggestions. “Tidy the house, write a book, or you know, go back to work.”
“What if the school calls saying he is sick?” Ardyn said. Work was out of the question. Plus Ardyn would be too worried about Prom’s safety to concentrate on anything else.
Cor raised his eyebrows. He was actually impressed that Ardyn had managed to come up with so many excuses to prevent this from happening. “Wow! Ardyn, I know this is difficult for you to understand but he is growing up.”
“Aren’t you sad about this?!” Ardyn sniffed trying to force tears out of his eyes as he knew the emotional blackmail wasn’t working so well.
“Yes of course I am.” Cor admitted, kissing Ardyn on the forehead to prove to him he did empathise with his husband. “But this is just how things are. Now, I am cooking dinner or are you?”
“I will do it.” Ardyn huffed, realising that this was a battle he was not going to win.
Prom got out of bed the next morning with little butterflies in his stomach. For the poor boy was still unsure of this whole school thing. His daddy had told him many times that everything was going to be okay and as long as he was himself, he would have a great day. Prompto of course believed Cor but that didn’t stop the feeling of nerves filling his stomach or an ugly feeling claw it’s way to the back of his throat. The main reason why he was nervous was because neither of his dada or daddy was going to be there. Since he was taken in by the pair, he’d hadn’t gone more than a few hours without seeing either of them. It was going to be tough but Prompto would have Noct. He’d be fine as long as he had Noctis with him. The little boy put on his uniform and waddle down the stairs to find his breakfast all laid up on the table for him. As he ate, Cor brushed his hair and then sent him back upstairs to brush his teeth when he had finished his food. Once that was got of the way, Prompto met Cor in the living room to go through everything Prom needed to take with him.
“Okay mate, are you ready?” Cor smiled at his son. For the time being at least, Cor was to take both of the children to school and Ardyn, Somnus or another guard would pick them up. Cor was very happy with this arrangement as it meant he actually got to see Prom on his first day of school.
“I think so.” Prompto nodded.
“Got your coat on?”
“Yep.” Prom said patting his chest.
“Shoes?”
“Yes, daddy.” Prom said waving one foot in front of his daddy.
“Lunch box and water bottle.” Cor asked.
When Prom looked a little stunned the Marshal looked over to the coffee table giving his son some help. Cor was more than willing to do all of this for Prom, but there had to be a point in Prom’s life when he became independent. And putting his own lunch box and water bottle in his bag was a start.
Prom saw the items and rushed over to the coffee table. When the items were in his hands, he held them up towards Cor with pride on his face.
“Here!”
“Good boy. Now, where is you’re back-pack?”
Prom looked around the room for a second and saw his dada sitting at the dining table looking a little sad. Prom wanted to hug him but his daddy had already said he was being a misery guts for attention. So Prompto went back to looking for his yellow Chocobo bag. When he spotted it, Prom ran over to it, picked it up and placed it in front of Cor’s feet.
“Got it daddy.”
“Good boy. Put your lunch box and water bottle in your bag.” Cor said and waited until Prom did as he was told. Once all of that was out of the way Cor ruffled Prom’s hair to congratulate him. But Cor could tell that Prom was a little worried. That was perfectly normal. He just had to give Prom some advice before Ardyn started the argument that he wasn’t ready to go yet. Cor crouched down and smiled at his son. “Now, Prom listen to me. I know it might be a little scary not having me or dada there, but Noctis will be there. And you will have really nice teachers. You will be safe, I promise.”
“I trust you daddy.” Prom smiled, giving Cor a massive hug. Yeah, he was scared. But everything was going to be okay. He hoped.
“Good.”
Cor said, kissing Prom on the side of his head before standing up and retrieving his car keys from his pocket. They had to leave within the next 5 minutes if they wanted to pick Noctis up on time. Cor looked over towards his husband who was still sulking. What was Cor going to do with this mess of a royal? To make sure Ardyn felt included in this Cor asked.
“Ardyn, are you coming with us?”
“Okay…” Ardyn nodded in a low voice. If this was going to happen, Ardyn might as well be there to see it.
Before Ardyn could take another step, he felt a small pair of arms latch themselves on to him. Ardyn couldn’t help but smile as he looked down and saw a pair of concerned blue little eyes looking at him.
“What’s wrong dada?” Prom asked sweetly, not wanting to see his dada sad anymore.
“Nothing, my sunbeam. Let’s get you in the car.” Ardyn lied. But it was a good lie, Cor would see it that way, because it was making Prom go to school.
This was going to be such a hard day.
Prom had his back-pack on his lap as he sat in the back seat of his daddy’s car. The car seat next to him was empty as it was going to occupy Noctis and both his dads were in the front of the car. Prom looked out of the window and he started to feel worried now. This was going to be a new place, with lots of new people and Prom wouldn’t know if he would be able to cope with it all. It was terrifying, Prom just hoped he was brave enough to pull through the day. Because he was worried, he couldn’t hold it in any longer. He had to tell his dads as they had always encouraged him to talk about his feelings to them. It wouldn’t be fair to keep them in the dark.
Prom’s grip on his back-pack got tighter and he spoke in a small voice. “Daddy? Dada?”
“Yes, my darling?” Ardyn said in a comforting tone, turning around to look at his son. Worry filled his heart. Prompto looked so troubled.
“What if… what if people don’t like me?”
“Than they aren’t worth your time Prom.” Cor responded, looking in the back mirror to see his son.
“My Marshal…” Ardyn whispered, really hating the fact they were going to put Prom through this stress.
“No.” Cor shook his head, so Ardyn would stop. Every child feared the same thing. In a softer tone, Cor spoke to Prom again. “Don’t worry Prompto. Everything will be okay. You trust me right.”
“Yeah.” Prom nodded.
“I promise everything will be okay.” Cor smiled as he parked the car directly in front of the Citadel. He unbuckled his seatbelt before opening the door. “I am just collecting Noctis. I’ll be back in a moment.” Before Cor got out of the car he gave Ardyn a quiet warning. “If you drive off or teleport somewhere with him, we are having a break from each other, got it Ass Hat.”
“You can’t use that to win every argument.” Ardyn protested a little annoyed Cor knew him too well.
Cor kissed him on the cheek. “Not every argument. Just the arguments you know you can’t win without cheating.”
Cor than left. He just hoped that Regis wasn’t as bad as Ardyn when it came to his little boy starting school today...
“Come on Regis!!!” Somnus shouted through the locked door, that the King had sealed himself, and the Prince, behind.
“No!” Regis shouted back.
Yesterday he was up for Noctis going to school. He was the one encouraging Noctis that this was a good thing and that it would do him and Prom a world of good. The main reason why he was encouraging it because he wanted his son to experience what it was like to feel normal before he had to take on any royal responsibilities. But as soon as he saw his son in his uniform, with his little starry back-pack on and excited to go, Regis freaked out and locked them both in this room. He did not want Noctis to grow up this quickly and he did not want him where he couldn’t protect him.
The Founder King was getting so fucking annoyed. “Noctis wants to go and Cor will be here any minute.”
“You are not taking my baby away from me!” Regis shouted back, making sure he put up a little wall of magic so his grandfather wouldn’t be able to phase through the door or warp underneath it.
Somnus’s anger rose. Just for once he would love it if Regis didn’t act like Noctis was the most important thing on Eos. (Even if he literally was) It was time for the little Prince to get an education and Somnus knew his brother-in-law would be pissed if he came all the way up here to witness this. Ardyn was already being a handful for the same reason as Regis, and the Marshal would more than likely explode.
Somnus shook his head and lent up against the door. “I was the one who suggested that Noctis be homeschooled. But you wanted to put him through public school this is your own fault.”
“Daddy, I want to see Prom.” Noctis said, trying to get out of his father’s hold.
Noctis loved Regis so much and he equally didn’t want to leave his dad. But Prom would also be all on his own if Noctis didn’t go into school today. His dad had their grandad, uncle Clarus and uncle Cor to keep him company. So for Prom, Noct was willing to go.
“See.” Somnus said, hearing the guards move from outside another door. Regis better fucking move because that would only mean Cor was here.
“But I…” Regis started and kissed his son’s head. Why was Noctis growing up so fast?
“It’s okay daddy. I’ll be back later and I can tell you about my day.” Noct smiled, hugging Regis one last time.
“You’re right.” Regis sniffed, trying to hold the tears back in. He was okay. Everything was okay.
“Can I go then?”
“Okay.” The King said tiredly, lowering the wall and opening the door for his son to finally leave. Instead, of being met with his grandfather’s evil stare, he was met with Cor’s. Wiping away the tears that started to form in his eyes, Regis greeted his little brother. “Hello, Cor.”
“Morning.” Cor said sternly having enough of both Ardyn’s and Regis’s shit today. He reached out his hand for Noctis to take. “Come on, Your Highness. Prom is waiting in the car.”
“Okay. Bye, dad!” Noctis shouted waving at Regis as he and Cor walked out of the rooms, ready to finally get on the move. Cor bloody hoped Ardyn had listened to his warning.
When Noctis finally left his sight, Regis broke down in a fit of uncontrollable tears. Because this meant that Noctis wasn’t a baby anymore! What had matters worse was that Aulea wasn’t here to witness this massive step in their son’s life. Thinking about his late wife, made the King cry more and he knew he was going to be inconsolable for the rest of the day. Watching his grandson weep, actually hurt Somnus. Instead of telling Regis to grow up and get on with it, he gave him a comforting hug and then tactically told him to get on with the rest of the day. There was only so much crying Somnus could deal with after all.
Prom and Noct talked the whole way to school were as Cor and Ardyn remained quiet. Ardyn was still very upset and worried that both of the boys were going to school and Cor was beginning to feel the protectiveness too. But the Marshal knew that it would not do the boys any good, so he kept quiet and focused on driving. When they got to the school, Cor got the boys out and left Ardyn in the car as his husband didn’t want to cry in front of them. Because Noctis and Prom were royalty, they had to take precautions. Cor took them to the reception, from there all three of them were escorted to the Head Mistress’s office. The boys were a little shy when Mrs. Beames addressed them directly, but that was the norm. Not every kid liked talking to strangers, so Cor chose to ignore it and went over with her what they would be doing today. That was for Ardyn’s and Regis’s peace of mind more than anything else.
“Not to worry Marshal Leonis. Both of their Highness’s will perfectly fine today.” Mrs. Beames smiled shaking Cor’s hand as it was time for him to leave.
“Good to hear it. However, His Majesty has also given me strict instructions to tell you, that both Prince Noctis and Prince Prompto are to be treated like any other child. No use of titles and the fact that they are royalty shouldn’t hinder that.” Cor said, making sure she understood this.
Well, actually Somnus had told Cor to say this, but she didn’t need to know which Royal Majesty he meant. It was already going to be tough on the boys because of their titles, neither Cor or Somnus wanted them to make enemies on their first day because of the family they were born into.
“But of course. Everyone will be treated equally I give you my word.”
Cor nodded and turned to the little Princes who were sitting on the mat. “Right now boys. I need to go to work. Mrs. Beames is going to take you to your classroom. Be good.”
“Okay, daddy.” Prompto nodded, feeling more anxious as he knew Cor was leaving.
“Yes, uncle Cor.” Noctis saluted his uncle, also rethinking his decision to come in now.
“Somn- His Former Majesty is going to pick you up later. See you when you get home Prom. See you tomorrow your High- Noctis.” Cor stumbled on his words. That was going to be difficult to get used to saying.
When Cor had left Mrs. Beames turned to the children and smiled brightly at them. “Okay than Noctis, Prompto. If you would like to come with me.”
The boys stood up and followed her as they walked through the halls of this strange new place. It was big, not as big as the Citadel but big enough to get lost in. They both knew that there were no guards, glaives, Clarus or their parents to protect them if anything went wrong. This was very scary to the two 5-year-olds. They wanted to go home.
“Noct.” Prom whispered, holding onto Noctis’s arm.
“Yeah.”
“I am a little scared.”
Noctis wrapped his around arm Prom’s shoulders and smiled at him. “Me too buddy. But we have each other.”