Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was one of those nights where they were staying in a motel instead of a campsite, which Prompto much preferred.

 A mattress is way better for his back than the thin barrier of his sleeping bag between him and the dirt.  Though, his sleeping bag was usually next to Noct’s so it wasn’t all bad. If Noctis didn’t immediately pass out after dinner then they’d play Triple Triad.

He rolled to the side, never did he think he’d be here. The destruction of Insomnia, being the prince’s- well now king’s royal guard, living on the road with a scary evil man approaching them every once in a while. It’s really not a situation he’d predicted someone like him would be in. He was just some skinny kid that happened to befriend the prince of Lucis.

It’s surreal, traveling with his best friend, said best friend’s nanny, and his friend’s big beefy bodyguard doing commissions and odd jobs. That combined with trying to get Noctis to meet Lunafreya so they could be married. After that Noctis could, would, take over as king. Prompto is now a part of something that’ll be in some history book used to torment high school students.

None of this feels real, but other than the worst bits…Prompto finds he doesn’t want it to end. Becoming better friends with Ignis and Gladio has been amazing. They could be a little intimidating at first, but he’d like to think they’ve warmed up to him. Prompto wouldn’t do without them. He’s never really had a friend group before so this is nice.

Then there’s Noctis, the person he’d wanted to be friends with since middle school. Noctis, the person he only had the courage to be friends with in high school. Noctis, the person who is by his side every day now. Needless to say all this extended time with the man he has fixated on for years has been a treat . Getting to laugh and joke around with Noct for more than just the brief moments during and after school is...something he’s going to be upset having to live without.

Prompto sits up, about to fumble for his camera. Something about thinking of the future made him want to take a peek at his pictures. Being reminded of a future where Noctis is the king and possibly more unreachable. Where Gladio and Ignis are members of his council tasked with duties that occupy all of their time. Where he was alone again. It was making him want to look at memories from now. What would Prompto even do when that happens, be the royal ‘best man’?

He lets out an exasperated sigh...Once they depart for Altissia they’ll be out of Lucis, closer to their goal but...further from their time together.

Hey where’s Noctis?

Prompto had been so caught up in the idea of his time with his friends ending he hadn’t noticed his best friend actually leaving the room. It was the dead of night, 2:49am to be precise, Iggy and Gladio were knocked out but the usually heavy sleeping king of Lucis was gone.

—

Altissia, the next step.

Noctis had climbed his way onto the roof of the motel, something he did with Prompto a while back.  At the time he royally fucked up their conversation. Prompto needed reassurance but Noct wasn’t the best at picking up those feelings. He feels shitty about it to this day, but he made himself clear in the morning to Prompto...he knew it was ok. Didn’t mean it didn’t bother him.

In fact, Noctis has been feeling bothered by pretty much everything. Well it FELT like everything...Gods he still hasn’t properly coped after what happened to dad...and now he’s king. But he’s also dead to everyone other than his higher profile enemies and the few friends of his father’s still left. Add that on top of the fact that he’s still supposed to get married, his bride to be miles away. And what’s he doing, hunting monsters for money? Helping find lost Chocobos?

Noctis groans and leans back against the pillar holding up the motel sign, he fixes his gaze on the night sky, large and unassuming. Exhaustion lies heavy on his eyes and his mind, he’s thinking to much...He doesn’t want to leave, not yet...there’s still much to do here…they have those commissions to wrap up and Cid wanted them to find something he couldn’t remember at the moment...as well as-

*Hnrg *

Noctis whips his head around towards the sound, startled after the hours of silence he has been sitting in. A familiar lanky form and spiky blonde head hoists himself up to the roof beside him.

Noctis hopes he can do a better job articulating himself this time but who knows.

“Dude, it’s like ass o’clock in the morning. Why are you loitering on the roof?”

—

“Speak for yourself. Missing out on your beauty sleep, that’s not like you,” Noct replies but there’s no weight to it. He and Noctis tease each other all the time but right now Prompto can tell that Noctis isn’t really here. His head’s somewhere else.

Street lights dot the road like large stars on the concrete. The motel sign’s glow gives a beautiful outline to Noctis’ frame, with a bit of lighting adjustment it would be a great shot. A cool breeze rips through his loose pajamas. He shivers but to be honest he’d be even colder in his regular clothes, so this is nothing.

Now USUALLY what would happen is Noctis fills the silence with something about what they did today, and they go on from there. But Noct doesn’t seem like he’s going to budge. Something’s keeping his gaze on the horizon. Prompto goes stir crazy during long pauses when there was clearly something to be said. 

“Man, how come that guy in Lestallum always loses his shipments? What’s this the fifth time we’ve picked up his junk? The monsters must have made a pact against him or something. What’d he do to them to get them this riled up?” Prompto tries.

There’s silence for a beat. That's all Prompto needs to over analyze his conversation attempt. Why did you just blame the merchant for his goods being stolen? Isn’t that kind of rude? I don’t think it’s rude, I just think it’s a lame joke. But we DID have to fetch this guy's stuff so many times and it was ridiculous. So no it’s not a weird thing to say it’s a perfectly normal thing to-

“What, you think he struck a killer bee nest once and they resent him for life? At that point it shouldn’t be my problem,”

Noct huffs, but there’s humor in his tone. And not only that but Noctis turns away from the skyline to actually look at him. I can work with this , Prompto thinks. Noctis took the bait now it’s time to reel him in. Oh no. Noctis’ endless hours of fishing have seeped into his brain. Now he’s thinking in fishing terms. He’ll get Noct for it later.

“But it is your problem, oh king of Lucis. It’s your duty to serve your people. Even if he’s made an enemy of every killer bee, your job is to play exterminator,” Prompto prods. 

“I’d probably pay to be an exterminator right about now” Noct sighs. Prompto felt like he lost him again. He was never as good at fishing as the prince- I mean the king.

Prompto decides it’s time to switch gears. Cheering up his friend didn’t work, time to just go for it. 

“Noct is there anything-“

“Do you think we’re wasting our time, Prompto?”

There’s something uncertain in his eyes when he says this. He’s rarely seen this side of Noctis. One without banter, sarcasm, or grit. 

“Wasting our time? With what? I’m not sure what you’re trying to say.” This is the real fishing line, he’ll reel Noct in for sure this time. 

Noctis tears his eyes away from Prompto and shifts it downcast to the asphalt below.

“Luna is waiting for us in Altissa to come get her. And I’m just sitting here in Eos, helping local diners gather spices and doing work for the Hunters Guild.” Noctis replies, voice strained.

Oh, he’s worried about Luna. Something about that resets Prompto. Obviously he’s worried about Luna, his fiancé. The love of his life could be in enemy hands for all they know, this has got to be really hard for him. Noct is talking about end goal stuff too . That seems to be the subject for tonight isn’t it?

“Noct, we will get there, to Altissia. We just have to wrap up our loose ends here and we’ll be right on our way to your bride!” 

Saying this however, didn’t actually have the effect Prompto thought it would. He was hoping for a smile from Noct, a thanks buddy , and maybe a tease if Noctis was really feeling better.

But instead Nocits tightens his grip on the motel's ledge.

“Is it bad that I don’t…..that I don’t want to go?”

—

Noctis stumbles over it, practically chokes it out. He looks at Prompto for a long moment, who seems taken aback. 

This was a bad idea .

 He is the prince, no king, of Lucis. He has a responsibility to marry Luna and take back his kingdom from the Niffs. He and his friends are going to the tombs and obtaining the royal arms for that very reason. His feelings on the matter mean so little in the grand scheme of things, and he should not bother Prompto with any of it.

“Forget I said anything. Prom, promise me you won’t mention this to Iggy or Gladio, especially Gladio.”

This seems to reanimate Prompto. “Noct, it’s-...it’s ok. Talk to me about it? Please?”

Noctis met someone from another world once, her words are echoing in his mind. Be more honest about your feelings. His best friend seems like a place to start. Prompto always stirs something within him that he can’t quite name. He makes Noctis feel like the only person in the room, even when everyone in their school had their eyes on Noctis.

And the way Prompto is looking at him right now, with concern mixed with interest….He’s just going to start.

“I-I like this. I like doing shit like getting car wax for Cid, fighting off killer bees, and finding lost Chocobo’s. I enjoy earning a living off of monster hunting, playing Triple Triad at the end of a long day, and yes even camping outside because anything Ignis makes is so good. I’ve been taking more commissions because I want to continue… living this way.”

He sighs, he finally breaks eye contact with Prompto. “I don’t want to marry Luna…yet. I was ok with marrying her at first, I knew my life was planned out for me. I was always going to get married to some kind of royal or socialite and have royal socialite babies with them. Then eventually take over the throne.”

Noctis tucks his legs to his chest. “When it was announced that Luna was the one who I’d be married to, I was happy. Luna and I had been friends since we were kids, this was going to work out.”

“So, what’s the problem?” Prompto asks.

“The problem is my life went to shit and everything isn’t so cut and dry anymore. My reality…was ripped away from me. It kind of occurred to me that I didn’t quite grasp the weight of everything I was going to do, because it was a given thing.”

He turns back to Prompto again. “Most people get married at what, age 28? Late twenties early thirties right? I’m barely out of my teens and I’m about to marry someone. Hell, I haven’t even talked to her about it really . We’ve never been in the same room for very long. I’ve had a strict schedule all my life but now….we’re on my schedule.”

He let out a dry laugh. “Insomnia is in ruins… nothing is really a set in stone for me anymore is it.”

Prompto looks out at the sky for a minute, with a grim expression. 

“Prompto you have to know I’d….I would die to get it back, to get everything back to the way that it was.”

“I know Noct, I know.”

“Being…in this position gave me time to reflect. I now have an even bigger responsibility than before but somehow…I feel lighter. I’ve never felt more in control of my life. I’m so much more conscious of what I do and who I am, and I don’t want to lose that. Everyday we get closer to Altissia and I feel like that sense of self is going to get locked up. That I’m dying. Prompto I just want to be 21…I don’t know if-“

This time it was Noctis’ turn to look away from Prompto

“If I’m strong enough to be king yet.”

Noctis leans his head against his knees. There was pause. The type that seemed to go on forever even if it had only been a few minutes. 

“Y’know, this all kind of makes sense in retrospect.”

Noctis picks his head up to look at Prompto

“Huh?”

____

Prompto was absolutely reeling from this information. Yeah Noctis was right to keep this quiet from Gladio, he’d eat Noct for breakfast tomorrow if he knew. The words, Noctis and self doubt were never two he in his wildest dreams would have put together. Everyone’s got their demons I suppose , he thought. His just seems to be locked up tighter than most. And he’s only told me.

Noctis is looking at him expectantly, maybe a little awkwardly. He’d never seen the King so frazzled. It feels weirdly good to see him like that, so human. Not much phases Noct. But as his best friend, he badly wants to brush every concern away and make Noctis happy. 

“Prom, you’re staring”

“Oh! Sorry it was just a lot to take in. But as I said, yeah, all that makes sense. You weren’t supposed to be king for a good long while. Everything happened so fast . I’ll admit when I heard about your marriage I was thinking, isn’t this a bit early? Anyway yeah, you need some catch up time to get your bearings. Especially after everything that’s happened these past few weeks. Honestly, it should be mandatory.” Prompto concludes, feeling satisfied.

Noctis seemed to be at a loss almost, he looked like he wanted to say something but was too busy looking at Prompto.

“Now you’re staring,” he said.

“I-… sigh ….thank you Prompto. I don’t know if I can afford this kind of thinking, but I can’t really help myself. Thanks Prom…for still liking me after that.” Noctis looks conflicted, yet warm, happy, when he says this. 

That activates something in Prompto’s brain and gives him an idea. 

“I think I can help you with this Noctis.”

Noctis’ trademark sarcasm finally makes its return. “Oh yeah? You're gonna become king of Lucis? Marry my fiancé before me?”

Prompto waves his hands in a dramatic refusal.

“Gods no! I’d make a terrible king and you know it. My best regards to Lunafreya but I obey the bro-code. ANYway, I was thinking, why don’t you and I do 21 year old stuff after missions? We can bring Gladio and Iggy too. We’ll do enough till you feel like you’ve had enough experience or y’know we have to really get going on saving the world.” He says proudly.

Noctis laughs just a little, breaking his earlier mystified expression into something warmer and bubblier.

“Gods above, sometimes I wonder what I’d do without you. Yeah, let’s do it. But first-“ Noctis lets out a yawn.

That was cute. SHUT UP inner Prompto.

“We need to go to bed Prompto, are you listening to me?”

Prompto tuned Noctis back in at the perfect time. Lucky.

“I am Noct. I’m just tired myself” he says, finding himself returning the yawn.

“Anyway, tomorrow night, let’s do something”

Chapter Text

Are my feelings for Noctis Lucis Calem platonic? The age old question.

When did it start? It was a while after they became friends.

He and Noctis were lazing around on his couch after playing a fighting game for several hours. Their conversations became more introspective throughout the night until Prompto finally spilled it to him. The reason why he lost weight. 

The teasing tone of ‘then why didn’t you just come talk to me dude’ was gone from the room in an instant. Noctis looked at him dead serious. 

“Prompto, you…you would have always been good enough for me. I’m glad that you're healthier now but Gods, don’t change yourself for anyone. We could have been friends much earlier. If I’d known you’d wanted to be friends since middle school-“

He seemed to be getting sad because of this information, Prompto knew he had to say something fast before that turned into frustration.

“Noct, Noct it’s ok! I always ran and hid whenever I saw you. There’s no way you could have known.” He tried to reassure.

“It’s not ok Prompto. Promise me that you won’t do stuff like that again. I mean, get exercise and be healthy but, don’t do it because you think you’re any less than! Do it to take care of yourself. Don’t do it for-. Ugh. Again don’t change yourself for other people. I don’t care about that kind of thing.”

Noctis’ piercing blue gaze stung with frustration as he said it. Prompto didn’t succeed in his task to avoid it but he ended up not minding. Noctis might not have been the most eloquent, but really felt like a prince just then. Commanding and caring. Prompto just nodded. “Thanks Noct.”

A switch flicked in Prompto that day. Was this feeling always there? He didn’t know then and he doesn’t know now. Noctis made him feel like he could be the best version of himself. With Noctis around, Prompto seems to be able to shoot faster, push himself further. It even feels like his photos are better with Noctis around, and maybe that's because half of them are of Noctis.  Prompto wants to be someone Noctis can rely on, as a member of the crownsguard and a friend. Not only that, he also likes it when he can drag Noct into doing what he wants or into goofing off for a while.

Is that what love is? It’s nothing like what he associated with it before. He’s attracted to Cindy, she is tough as nails and beautiful to boot. That’s what he thought it all meant. See someone pretty think oh they look dateable.  

But there wasn’t really any time to think about any of that.

***

It was the weekend, Prompto was heading to Noctis’ apartment. The city of Insomnia was bustling as usual. Advertisements blaring on billboards, and thousands of people having conversations all at once. Then all of the sudden the advertisements cut out. 

This is channel 2 with a live update from the royal family.

The whole crowd stopped. Cars pulled over and people began to look up at the screens projected on the buildings. The king of Lucis came on screen. His introductory statements didn’t really matter to Prompto, but what he said afterward changed the trajectory of his thought process for the past year.

“I am happy to announce, that to form an alliance with Niflheim, my son prince Noctis will be wed to Lady Lunafreya the Oracle”

Prompto’s heart stopped. The screen panned to two images of Noctis and Lunafreya. As a photographer himself, he can say that they got their good sides. He stood there, staring at the giant image of his best friend. As soon as the image switched back to King Regis, he felt like he had lost something. He wanted them to bring Noctis back, back right in front of him. Oh right, Noct’s apartment is a block away. Prompto was the only one to start walking again while Regis was talking. 

Prompto moved in a haze. This information was giving him a lot of feelings he didn’t understand. But if there was one thing he knew, he wanted to see Noctis as soon as possible.

He knocked fervently on the apartment door until it swung open.

“Prompto!” Noctis beamed.

“You’re getting MARRIED?!”

Noctis looked a little spooked at first, but then he seemed to have figured it out. “Oh, they aired the announcement already. I was hoping you’d get here before then so we could avoid that conversation for a while.”

He gave Prompto an awkward smile. Prompto’s energy died down a little, but only a little. “Man, do we have to wait because I really want to talk about this. It seems just a tiny bit important.”

Noctis sighed. “Can you at least come inside first?”

Prompto obliged, basically storming into the apartment and flopping on Noctis’ couch.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Noctis quickly closed the door and joined him. Prompto had spread out to most of the couch so Noctis leaned deep into his corner of the sofa. “I wasn’t allowed to. If I did, they might have put you under surveillance until the announcement.”

At this Prompto sat up a bit straighter. “How long did you know?” Noctis looked a little bit uncomfortable but proceeded to answer anyway. “About a week.”

“You are really good at keeping secrets then. I woulda failed, hard. I will keep this information for the future.” Prompto finally sat up properly and faced Noct. “But the most important part.” He then leans into Noctis’ personal space, “is how you feel about it.”

Noctis fidgets with the hem of his shirt. Prompto’s only seen him do that when Ignis is giving him an earful, and one that he deserves. “I mean it’s Luna. Our parents had been trying to put us together for a while now. She’s pretty great. I couldn’t ask for a better partner to be stuck with.” He smiled a little but didn’t meet Prompto’s eyes. Something about this response never really sat well with Prompto. But Noctis seemed happy, and that’s what matters. That’s always what matters. 

Prompto puts on one of his winning smiles. “Well buddy, as long as you’re happy, I’m happy! You better make me your best man or I swear-“

Noctis laughs at this, finally meeting Prompto’s gaze. “You’ve got a lot of competition, Gladio and Ignis are fighting for that spot.” Prompto pretends to pout, “ah boo! I should get best friend privileges! That aside, did you see the new skins in Kings Knight?”

Prompto’s refused to look too deeply into his feelings since then. He decided he’d consider Noctis off limits because Noctis is marrying Lunafreya. Noct loves Lunafreya. And Prompto is ok with that.

——

We’re going out tonight.

Noctis couldn’t help but feel excited. Prompto had the idea of playing billiards at a bar in Lestallum as their first night life outing. Yeah it’s nothing to major, but it’s still engaging with the city in a way they haven’t really done before. The gang is typically in and out of Lestallum on commissions. They’ve never really stuck around and enjoyed what it had to offer. Gladio and Ignis even agreed to go with them!

It was all Noctis could think about, even when slaying daemons during the day. Weirdly enough it only made him more efficient when taking them down. He had something to look forward to so the daemons went down faster.

“Energetic today, aren’t we Noct?” Ignis asked, while slicing a daemon down the middle with his knife.

“Oh I’m just focused on how I’m going to beat your ass at billiards tonight.” He said with a smug look on his face.

“Have you ever played it before?” Ignis posed, shooting an ice spell at a fire blob.

“Do you even know how to play?” Gladio added, heaving his claymore into another blob.

“Of course I do.” Noctis replied. Noctis in fact doesn’t know the first thing about how to play pool. He’s only seen it in movies and video games. It’s not like he was kept away from it or anything, it's just, it never came up. Apparently it has come up for everyone else though.

Prompto shot a daemon that got a little too close to him for comfort. “Is that all of them?”

Noctis point warped on to a nearby rock to take a look at the field. “Yup that’s all of them,” he says, and warps back to the ground. 

The group heads back to the regalia with idle chatter. Complements on battle moves, reviewing what commissions they had left, etc. As soon as Noctis slid into the car he began looking up the rules of billiards while Ignis drove them back to the city.

A few hours later, a few commissions later, it was time.

It all felt so casual. They headed out, walked and talked, like usual. Noctis was acting like himself, calm, cool, casual. But inside he was bursting at the seams full of anticipation. 

***

Ignis, whooped their ASSES at Pool. Ignis and Gladio played on a team but Ignis practically carried Gladio the whole way. Gladio likely teamed up with him knowing this would happen. Noctis would have done the same so he doesn’t feel bitter about it. He and Prompto did fine I guess but not well in comparison, not by a long shot.

“You said you were going to, and I quote, ‘ beat my ass’, Noct ?” Ignis said smugly, pushing up his glasses. Gladio high-fived his teammate, looking at Noctis with the same amount of self satisfaction as Ignis. Noctis grumbled. He should have known. Those two together were practically unbeatable when they were in their element. It felt like losing to his parents…. his parents huh…  

“Noct! Lets wipe those smug looks off of their faces!” Prompto says brightly.

Prompto is a good motivator for him. Why not throw shit against the wall and see what sticks. “Alright, Ignis, is your team up for another round?”

“That depends. Would you like to put this round up to a wager, Noct?”

Noctis turns to Prompto, who shrugs at him in response. Noctis made up his mind fast and foolishly. 

“Ok Ignis, we’re game. What’s your bet?”

“If we win, you both have to cook breakfast and dinner tomorrow.” Ignis replies. “Oh and you have to buy us drinks.” Gladio adds.

Ignis does know how Noctis hates waking up early. So this bet does have minor stakes to it. 

“I can accept that, give Prompto and I a minute to come up with our terms.”

Noctis pulls Prompto aside. “Alright so it’s unlikely we’re going to win in the first place. So what ridiculous thing do you want to ask of them that won’t anger them?”

“Wow Noctis I am shocked you have such little faith in our team!” Prompto says, feigning being offended.

Noctis just gives him a deadpan look. “Ok ok,” Prompto sighed. “Let me think.”

“Wait Prom, I have an insane idea.”

“Didn’t you just ask me to think of one?”

“Just shut up and listen.”

Noctis whispered the idea to Prompto who looked shocked, but excited. “Dude, if we win, we gotta tell them we aren’t serious.” Prompto responded, more seriously this time. “ Obviously but man this’ll be funny. Prom we’re not going to win, it’s going to be fine.”

Noctis and Prompto turn around to Ignis and Gladio, looking unjustifiably smug. 

“If we win.” Noctis says and then points at Ignis. “You have to legally marry Gladio.”

It looked like Gladio’s eyes were gonna pop out of his head. If you didn’t know Ignis very well you wouldn’t have been able to tell. But the brief raise of his eyebrow told Noctis that he successfully baffled him a bit.

“You guys act enough like parents anyway . Why not make it official!” Prompto adds on.

“That’s a stupid bet. No stakes, not gonna happen” Gladio replied, very matter-of-factly. 

“ Actually I’m the king of Insomnia. My word is law ” Noctis teases. Prompto gives him a fist bump, keeping his eyes on Gladio while he does. 

Gladio rolls his eyes. “Consider it done.” Ignis replied. Gladio just laughed mildly uncomfortably. 

“It’ll be fine Gladiolus, we’ll just have to show them what for.” Ignis smirked.

A chill ran up Noctis’ spine. Though that only made him want to win more.

***

“I’ll be paying for those two,” Noctis sighed.

Apparently Ignis thrives under pressure. Gladio did worse because he was flustered, but Ignis did even better than before. Noctis didn’t feel bad about losing. How hard he tried to win felt good. In fact both he and Prompto were more precise, their strategies seemed more in sync. They were improving. 

His wallet and his sleep schedule would disagree with his current feelings, but that was a future problem.

“Do you wanna go get drinks with them?” Prompto asked. Noctis looked over at his two friends. Gladio looked like he was scolding Ignis, who in turn laughed at him. 

“I think they'll appreciate the alone time,” he said, with a soft smile.

Prompto looked over at them quickly and then looked back at Noctis with a nod. “So what do we do now?”

“I don’t know, this is your project after all. Is there anything else you want to do, or do you want to call it a night?”

——

Noctis shot Ignis a quick text that they knew he would read later. Prompto didn’t want them to go home, not yet. All he and Noctis did was lose to Ignis and he was not satisfied with tonight ending there . 

So he suggested that he and Noctis go to the night market. Noctis didn’t really eat much for some reason before they went out so, he thinks going past all the food trucks might be a good late dinner plan. Not accounting for how picky Noctis could be.

Night in the city was warm and vibrant. The stars could only be seen towards the outskirts but the light pollution looked pretty enough. 

Noctis led the way as usual. They weaved through the crowd, passing by a variety of snack stalls, handmade goods, spices, weapons, one guy was even selling hand painted chocobo figurines. 

“Do you want one?” Noctis asked. They were standing in front of a stall with a row of plushies. Yeah, yeah the Chocobo one is staring into Prompto’s soul. But Noctis is cool! Y’know what isn’t cool? Stuff animals….even if they’re cute and…UGH they are the coolest things ever. But would Noct even think so?

“And here’s your change sir,” the lady said, putting some coins into Noctis’ hand. The king turns around to look at Prompto, the Chocobo plush of his dreams wrapped in his arms.

“Oh uh, you just kind of stared at me for a while. We were already in line and I know what you like so….” Noctis trails off. He holds the plushie in front of him to give to Prompto. 

“Can I take a picture of us with it?” Prompto asks before he even knows what he’s asking. 

“Course,” Noctis replies, going back to his characteristic nonchalance. 

Prompto always had his camera on him. He flipped the camera so it showed the three of them. Noctis pulled Prompto closer to him and put the chocobo plush between their faces. “That’s better” Noct states. If Noctis says that’s better, it’s better . 

To Noct’s credit the selfie is really cute. “Why did you do that?” Prompto asks.

“Do what?” Noctis replies. He doesn’t even realize what he does to Prompto. This is date behavior right? Not him romanticizing Noctis again, right? 

If there was one thing Prompto knew, it was how to pick his battles. “Why’d you buy the Chocobo for me?”

The Chocobo was still in his arms, he squeezed it once and said, “Think of it as a thanks for taking me out.”

Noctis holding his Chocobo in his arms while in perfectly atmospheric lighting…Prompto will die now, yeah now’s a good time. “You don’t have to do that kind of stuff Noct,” Prompto says, a bit flustered.

“I wanted to. It was too cute to pass up and you would appreciate it more than me. But don’t expect this too often.” He says, coming off a bit matter of fact towards the end. 

“Ok, uh, thanks.” Prompto says, really at a loss for what else to say.

“Don’t mention it.” Noctis replies, seemingly satisfied with himself.

Neither of them bring it up after Noctis passes the stuffed animal to Prompto. The two carry on as they did before, talking casually, trading banter and jokes. Somewhere along the way Noctis did get some kind of kebab. Figures, all meat, no veggies . They were there for a good long while until Prompto saw a stall that was selling Altissian olives.

Prompto knew Noctis couldn’t see that. It would remind him of what lies ahead, his burden. And privately, Prompto didn’t like that it would remind him of her . 

He grabs Noctis' wrist, causing him to stop and turn around. “What is it, Prompto?” 

“Ok two things. One it’s 12am so we should head back before Ignis pitches a fit. Two, do you want to go somewhere alone? To do 21 year old activities without mom judging you?”

Prompto doesn’t really know where that last one came from. No he does, it’s from deep down. Some kind of possessiveness came over him after he thought of Altissia. But that’s something he can unpack later tonight.

“Yeah, yeah ok” Noctis agreed. There’s that look in his eyes again. The one where he looks at Prompto like he’s a beacon of light. Like he’s the only one in this city square.

Being alone with him in these scenarios might become a problem. But he doesn’t want it to stop. Ever.

___

Why did he do that?

Prompto is asleep. After accepting the idea for a Prompto-Noctis solo night the two went home. Ignis and Gladio were not back yet. Noctis knows those two can take care of themselves so he’s not too worried.

But that’s not the reason he’s up right now. Noctis was tired, dead tired. He’s an introvert so an entire night's worth of activities takes his energy away. In fact, constantly being in the presence of three other people has taken its toll on Noctis throughout this entire adventure. Not that he doesn’t love them of course.

Even with all this exhaustion, he’s up at one in the morning. 

He wasn’t even fully sure Prompto wanted the plushie, it just felt right. Everything about tonight felt right. He wants to do it again and again for the rest of his life. Except maybe spice it up a little. New locations, new food, new activities. Just him and his three favorite people.

But what about Luna?

He hadn’t thought about her in the past 17 hours. Isn’t it fucked up of him that he didn’t think about her being in his perfect reality? Lunafreya, the love of his life?

Oh he gets it, he didn’t think about Luna because she wouldn’t like any of this anyway. Luna takes her job very seriously, she loves it a lot in fact. She doesn’t really have time for this sort of thing. And soon….Noctis will be in that same position.

His reality has Luna in it. That’s what matters, isn’t it?

Though no matter how many times he tries to picture Luna hanging out with him, Prompto, Ignis, and Gladio…he just can’t. She always feels badly edited in. Her personality had become very serious during the course of their growing up together. She seems completely devoted to being the oracle. She wouldn’t lose to Ignis at Pool and tell him to marry Gladio for fun. She might view the shops though, walking as serenely as she always does. 

That situation would have such a different air to it than when he was with Prompto. He’d be escorting her . Noctis wouldn’t buy her a stuffed animal because he had no idea if she’d even be interested. If she asked he would of course. But she wouldn’t test out the weapons at the weapons stall with him because practicing with the weapons might get her dress dirty or damage it. She wasn't still dirty from fighting daemons earlier that day so it wouldn’t matter if she got sweaty again. She doesn’t carry a camera with her to take pictures of what they do, so their evening would exist without record.

Would she even plan an event like this?

The problem is Noctis isn’t even sure because it’s been about a year since he’s even seen her. More than that maybe but the details get fuzzy after a while. How much does he actually still know about her?

All he can picture when he thinks of her is her visage in white, standing proudly yet calmly. She’s not one to goof off.

So if I were to have anyone beside me on a night out, it would be Prompto wouldn’t it? Since he’s the person I know best. Since he’s…

***

Noctis is sitting on the throne, his fathers throne. He dressed in royal fatigues. There’s a woman standing beside him, elegantly clad in white.

Lunafreya

Approaching them is Ardyn Izunia.

“So you achieved your goal, prince Noctis.”

“It’s king of Lucis to you. You’re not welcome here.” Noctis narrows his eyes at the man.

“Indeed I am not. But you don’t have a choice in the matter. I am where I am meant to be, and so are you.” 

Noctis stands up and summons his engine blade. “I can put you in your rightful place if you need me to.”

“Oh prince Noctis, you have no power here.”

Ardyn with a wave of his arm summons a lance that impales Noctis in the gut. Noctis’s warp abilities allow him to dodge attacks with ease. But he couldn’t dodge the lance, his magic wouldn’t work. Somehow that was scarier than being stabbed at all. 

Noctis was pinned to the throne, blood gushing from his wound and ruining his clothes. He turns to look at Luna, her face with a solemn expression.

“You’re not doing anything. Why aren’t you doing anything?!”

“Oh Noct, it’s our fate.” She replied, a bitter smile painting her features. And with these last words, a sword is flung into her stomach. Her beautiful white dress stained red as she cries in pain, slowly sinking to the floor.

Ardyn’s evil cackle fills the throne room whilst more varied weaponry is hurled at Noctis, trapping him to his fathers chair.

The pain was searing, it almost drowned out Luna’s cries. And nearly all other noise for that matter. His body felt hot, especially around the new sword in his leg and dagger in his wrist. Warm Sticky blood oozed out, staining his clothes in a seemingly never ending stream.

This was it. The end of the line.

Noctis gasped.

All of the sudden, the weapons were gone in a gold mist. His clothes were blood soaked but the pain, the mind numbing pain, was gone.

The gold mist materialized itself into Prompto. Prompto gasped at the state of Noctis. Worry flooded his expression as he reached out to Noct, putting a hand on his cheek. 

“You’re going to be alright.” He said firmly, swiping his thumb over falling tears. Noctis didn’t even know he’d been crying.

“Prompto I-I can’t escape it. And Luna, we've got to help her. Prompto-“ Noctis is breathing heavily and the tears increase in their frequency. 

“Ssh sh sh. Don’t think about them, don’t think about her. Think about me, think about us.” Prompto leans into his space. He cups Noctis’ face in his hands, then he kisses him. Noctis is surprised at first, but then melts into it as the environment changes from the throne room to the city streets in Insomnia. He’s now leaning against a bike rack instead of the throne. He wears casual clothes free of blood. It’s well lit, late at night and buzzing with sound. 

It smells like fresh rain. I can’t have this forever, can I?

Chapter Text

Prompto wakes up naturally at seven. It’s something he trained himself into after living alone for so long. It helped him get places on time back when he couldn’t drive. It’s been an unbreakable habit.

Thing is Ignis usually wakes up at 6…today he’s dead asleep. Prompto will choose not to read into that and move on . They stayed in a hotel suite that night so there’s an actual kitchen for him and Noctis to use.

Prompto sits up from bed. The room was in a quiet lull from a lack of activity.

Waking up Noctis is always a hassle. Gladio is the only one who can do it efficiently. One hardy pat from the bodyguard had Noct up in seconds. He and Ignis were relegated to figuring it out every morning it was their turn. Yeah they took turns. Noctis’ oversleeping is a daily occurrence.

The king was dead to the world, most of his face was smushed into the pillow. After sleeping next to Noctis for about a month now, Prompto noticed that he’s always curled in on himself. Like he’s guarding something with his whole body. 

Prompto shakes Noctis. Nothing. With a sigh Prompto leans down directly above Noctis’ ear.

“HEY BUDDY IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP!”

Even full on yelling in his ear and the most he gets is a groan. Granted sometimes it works so he figured he’d shoot his shot. Prompto begins to go down his mental checklist of things that wake up Noct. Less of them are available when they’re not camping.

Prompto sits down on Noctis' side, hard. He doesn’t weigh that much but it should be enough to send a jolt to his system.

“Prom we…hold on I-…” Noctis' brows furrow. Not enough huh. Wait, wait he said Prompto’s name. He’s dreaming about Prompto. That's not weird, they’ve been living together for a while. But he suddenly is less keen about waking Noctis up.

Noctis turns forward, facing Prompto. His lips twitch and his brow remains furrowed. Prompto sighs. Being in love with your best friend is rough. It’s hard for him not to admit to himself after last night. It’s particularly when your best friend is the king and engaged. But how many people get to sit on and gaze at the sleeping king of Lucis? He can feel special in that regard.

“…don’t” Noctis mumbles, his voice thick with sleep.

A lopsided smile forms on Prompto’s face as he smooths the crease on Noctis’ brow with his thumb.

Noctis’ eyes flutter open. He’s quite the sleepyhead so it takes him a bit to rejoin the land of the living.

“PROM?!” Noctis blushes, blushes? BLUSHES and grips his sheets when he notices the blonde boy on top of him.

“So I heard you were dreaming about me and I figured I’d pay you a visit” he smirks.

“Did I…”

“Talk again? Yeah but not too much. Don’t worry about it. Though I’d like to know what you were dreaming about since I was in it.” Prompto says smugly

Noctis sighs. “It wasn’t a good dream. It was…kinda stressful. You were just in it, is all. I’ll talk to you about it later.”

“Okie dokie. Noct, you know why I’m here don’t you?” Prompto smiles.

“Because of the curse Ignis has placed upon us. Tell Ignis we’ll eat at 10 o’clock.” Noctis groans and turns over to bury his head in the pillow again.

“No no nope wake up sleepy head! It’s your fault we’re doing this anyhow.” Prompto tugs the blankets off of Noctis, who lets out a hiss in response.

Noctis sits up with a grumpy expression. “I seem to recall you encouraging us to play him again.”

“And you had fun. Now we deal with the consequences.” Prompto says matter-of-factly.

“I should always quit while I’m ahead, why don’t I ever quit when I’m ahead.” Noct grumbled to himself.

“Because you hate to lose,” Prompto replied.

“Because I hate to lose,” Noctis sighed. “Let’s eat cup ramen for breakfast. We both know Gladio won’t complain.”

“But I will. We have a suite with a kitchen, we’re making something .” Prompto states firmly. 

“ Fiiiiinnnnneeeee . What do you suggest, I’m not picky.” 

“You are! You are very picky! Sometimes it feels like Ignis was hired because of how picky of an eater you are!”

“Ok! I’ll decide! How about…waffles.” Noctis rolls over on the bed. “…hehe…Can we even make waffles?” 

“I like waffles but we don’t have a waffle maker”

“Pancakes? Those are just flat waffles.”

“Now I don’t know about all that but, hm.” Prompto puts his finger to his chin in thought. “Ignis has a book where he writes down recipes and stuff. I think it’s on the counter. Let's check if there’s one for pancakes.” He grabs Noctis’ arm and begins dragging him toward the kitchen area. 

“I can grab the frozen shit at the store if we don’t have the stuff for it.” Noctis adds, letting himself be pulled. 

“Ignis would never forgive you and you know it.” Prompto chided

Low and behold Ignis did have a recipe for pancakes. Several in fact, each modified based on what ingredients they had or encountered that could work. Prompto had never really looked at where Ignis recorded his recipes but they seem to be organized by who he’s cooking for. Pancakes being listed under the “NOCT” section. They specifically were tagged with “Prompto as well” in parenthesis. 

“No need to leave the hotel! We definitely have the stuff.” Prompto stated. Noctis grinned. “But….that means I actually have to cook.” Noctis frowned.

Prompto and Noctis were both not known for their culinary skill. Noctis told him he’d cooked with Ignis a couple times. Prompto has tried cooking on his own but only basic things. This wouldn’t be hard per say, pancakes are more basic. But in anything with cooking, the pair are out of their depth.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” Prompto says.

___

Noctis isn’t going to acknowledge it. Dreams mean nothing. Though unfortunately that’s not true for him . Noctis is 90% sure that the six would not give him a divine vision about kissing his best friend. So it’s just some shit his brain made up. That’s fine. 

The thing Noctis was best at was not examining feelings that could become problems . He’d had experience with putting shit he’s seen, thought, or dealt with in a box to the left. Shelved away so he can do his job. 

It was weird. That was weird. Things happen. Time to move on.

Noctis let Prompto do the reading in favor of sleeping on the counter. If it was any other time than 7am it would be the other way around.

Prompto shakes Noctis, who looks up at him blearily. “Noct, go get 2 bird beast eggs and 2 cups of cleigne wheat.”

“Kay,” Noct picks up a kitchen knife and throws it, instantly teleporting with it about 5 feet over to the fridge, knife still in hand. 

He had decided against walking today.

“As sick as that is, try not to stab me.” Prompto says as he busies himself with finding the other ingredients.

“My aim is pretty good, don’t worry.” Noctis replied. He opened up the fridge to see a small egg carton and began gathering what he needed. 

“Not better than mine though, so I have a right to be wary,” Prompto added.

“Oh like yours was so good last night. Remember the result of our spar? It seems like my sword hit its target way better.” Noctis reached up to get the wheat from the overhead cabinet after closing the fridge with his foot.

“My aim with a blade isn’t as good and you know that! They wouldn’t let me use my guns, something about scaring the general public .”

“Prompto I’m always aiming with a blade. Do better.”

“Ok then, get better at shooting games, Noct.”

Noctis brought his ingredients to the table, Prompto arrived with his own at the same time. 

“I dunno Prom. I would but the combat is so impersonal . Close range allows for more stabbing,” he smirks.

“It also allows for more Noctis’ being stabbed. ” Prompto responds. There’s humor in his voice. “You whisk it, you’re better at close range after all.” He teased.

Noctis rolls his eyes and takes the whisk from Prompto. They both add their respective ingredients to the bowl and Noctis whisks it together. 

“Go grab a pan from Iggy’s bag,” he orders Prompto.

Prompto does a cheeky little salute and skips over to the common room. 

Once Noctis’ done, Prompto returns with the pan. They work in comfortable silence after that. It’s very…… domestic . It’s easy to think that his world wasn’t turned upside down only a month ago. Drop the batter into the pan, shape it like a chocobo egg, flip it, repeat. That should be his life. Prompto found something to chatter about and he listened. Giving the occasional nod and comment.

Eventually they made a big fluffy stack of pancakes.

“Damn this was easy! What were we so worried about?” Prompto cheered.

“I wasn’t worried.” Noctis said flatly. He was though…. he was .

“As if, I saw it written all over your face when we started!” Prompto shot back.

“No nope wrong. I just hate doing work.”  Noctis replied.

“Well I was worried. But this was a cake walk. It was kind of fun too, wanna do it again?” He asked.

“Maybe if it was later in the day, but still breakfast food.” Noct grumbled.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Prompto grinned.

***

Ignis and Gladio were up around 9, which was suspiciously late for both of them. They slid on to the stools by the kitchen island.

“This is going to sound weird coming from my mouth but, how late did you two stay out?” Noctis asked.

Gladio and Ignis begin talking over each other to explain until Ignis clears his throat, making Gladio go quiet.

“Me and Gladio got into our own friendly competition after you left.”

“Ignis vs. Gladio! I woulda liked to have seen that!” Prompto says.

“It was a lot more evenly matched than our game against you two pipsqueaks.” Gladio smirked.

“I mean yeah, Noct didn’t even know what Pool was before we played.” Prompto replied.

Noctis scoffed, “of course I know what Pool is! Pool, otherwise known as billiards, is any of various games played on a billiard table in which cues are used to strike balls against each other or into pockets around the edge of the table. Pool and billiards are nearly the same game only with a different amount of pockets depending on which game you play.”

“My, I believe that was the exact dictionary definition of billiards. He definitely looked it up.” Ignis smirked.

Noctis blushed a little, he should have embellished his explanation a little but he didn’t want to get it wrong.

“Man, nobody’s ever made Pool feel more like a commoner sport. It always seemed so classy. But you really proved me wrong, Noct!” Prompto teased.

Noctis shoved his arm a little.

“Noct, what’s on the itinerary for today?” Ignis asked, cutting his pancakes into even, triangular slices.

“Well there’s those parts for Cid we need to pick up. They’re by that light house…do you remember where that was?”

____

All Prompto wanted to do was lie down in a recliner and have something cold to drink. They’ve had a long morning. They had spent about an hour or two picking through junk at the lighthouse trying to find whatever tiny machine part Cid’s father wanted. After leaving the premises they had somehow gotten ambushed by voretooths. 

Noctis was the first to react as always. Warping into action. It wasn’t something Prompto noticed all the time, since he was probably too busy fighting, but Noct has a different air about him when he’s in combat mode.

Most of the time they would all fight individually until Noctis or Ignis had a strategy to get the upper hand. Occasionally their conversations from earlier bled into the combat, as battling certain monsters became the equivalent of putting jam on toast. 

However, especially in tougher battles, sometimes Noctis’ eyes…glow. Prompto noticed it enough to understand that he isn’t hallucinating, this is happening. They even change color too! They glow his usual blue, purple, red, he even thinks he’s seen Noct with brown eyes once. Prompto asked Ignis and Gladio a while back if they’d seen it too but they just said it’s normal. 

“Noctis is the only one who can use unprocessed magic. It only makes sense that he’s also glow in the dark. It’s in line with the whole magical royal family thing.” Gladio supplied

Ignis nodded.

This made Prompto think up an image of king Regis lighting up like a glow stick. Fun.

During this fight Prompto swore he saw Noctis’ eyes turn red just before he warped into their first enemy. Just like the other instances when his eyes change, Noctis’ whole energy shifted. It seems to affect, or represent his attitude? This is Prompto’s personal theory anyway. Red shows up when he’s distressed or agitated. Like a beast raising its hackles. It’s not the pissy kind of angry or loud kind of angry Prompto’s used to from Noct. It feels…foreign, and strangely calm. Prompto doesn’t know how to feel about it but, it’s another side of his best friend.

Voretooths aren’t particularly tough but it’s still no fun getting jumped by them. Prompto’s guess is that they spooked Noct as much as everybody else but he saw them first.

The group spent the car ride to Cid’s patching up little scratches they were gifted. Noctis slapped a bandaid on Ignis’ forehead, earning him a stern look in return from the driver's seat. 

There’s no dedicated healer on the team, they tend to lick each other's wounds so to speak. But Noctis gets fussy when anyone’s banged up even a little bit. Something about “protecting his boys” or whatever. Noctis plays off how much he cares about, well anything but his friends know better. Ignis is usually the mother hen so it’s always odd to see Noct take up the role. 

Ignis usually just lectures Noct as he does it. Making sure everything is just so with everyone.

Gladio takes it really well, and with a smile too. It probably has to do with having a younger sister. He just does as Noctis says without complaint. He doesn’t even flinch when Noct uses antiseptic. Gladio just hums and reads his book as Noct puts a bit of gauze and tape on his arm. 

Prompto only wishes he was as calm. When anyone gets in his face overly concerned about him he gets flustered. And this isn’t just a thing about Noctis but Noctis sure doesn’t help. Throughout his life it’s been rare that anyone bats an eye at him. Now that he has people in his life he doesn’t want them worrying over him. He appreciates it! Really he does but he doesn’t know how to handle it. 

Any time Noctis worries over him a flurry of dismissive phrases pour out of Prompto. 

Like right now. 

“Don’t worry about it dude, it’s just a scratch!”

Noctis pursed his lips, “when your leg gets infected and you die, it’s not gonna be my fault.”

Noctis was exaggerating, intentionally too. A voretooth had scratched his knee but honestly it wasn’t that bad, it barely bled at all. They were both in the back seat of the Regalia. Noctis insisted Gladio switch with Prompto after he was done fixing up Gladio.

Gladio agreed, and easily picked up Prompto by his jacket, like a dog being picked up by its scruff, and plopped Prompto in his former seat. Ignis complained that ‘rough housing is dangerous on the road’ but nobody paid that much mind.

Prompto squirmed and Noctis narrowed his eyes at him. “You gonna fix it or do I have to?” 

“Wait, you're giving me a choice this time?”

“Well yeah. You don’t seem to like it when I patch you up. So I’m….giving you your space.”

Oh. That’s a very reasonable assumption. Prompto’s not used to touching or closeness but it was something he’s always wanted. Noctis backing off immediately feels like they both lost. They're supposed to fight and Noctis is supposed to win. This feels like a step backward. So…

“I won’t care about this like you do.”

Noctis looked at him confused, rightfully so. “You’re ok with it? But then…that doesn’t…make any sense?”

“Just do your job, nurse Noct,” Gladio snickered.

“Do NOT call me that!” Noctis glared in Gladio’s direction. 

Prompto threw him an anxious lopsided grin.

Noctis looked at Prompto with a disgruntled expression. “Ok, be good then.”

“Aye aye nurse Noct.” Prompto smiled, giving a little salute. 

“Quit that. And isn’t “aye” for pirates?” Noctis grumbled and…did he blush? Oh Prompto is going to hell .

Noctis begins cleaning his knee and it takes everything he has not to squirm. He watches as a big band aid is placed gently over his cut. Noctis fixed him up so quickly that he almost failed to realize it was done.

Noctis finally broke his focus and looked at him. “Gods Prom say what you mean! You look like you’re about to puke! I hope you’re not doing this to appease me or something.”

“I’m not! I just….I don’t want you to give up on me…”

“What?”

“This is how you show you care right? I like that, don’t stop.”  

Noctis, suddenly looking self conscious, crosses his arms and turns away from Prompto. “Jeez. Where do you get off? Saying shit like that. I’d never give up on you Prom, get that idea out of your head. I was trying to be considerate or whatever.”

Prompto flashes him a big smile.

***

Noctis and Ignis were always better at talking with the old man and Cid. In fact Prompto never has his head straight around Cindy at all. She’s wayyy too pretty to be normal about. So he’s stuck with gathering supplies with Gladio. Gladio often goes straight for the weapon stall or food stuffs, so it gives Prompto time to wander around the store.

Prompto spies some new CDs at the counter, some fish bait, and…a new poster on the wall. A music festival? At Galadin Quay? That’s absurd! In this political climate? Maybe that’s exactly why it’s being held . To get people’s minds off of the impending foreign invasion . You know who else could use that? Noctis. Well all of them could but this will be their solo activity! 

Prompto whipped out his camera and took a picture. He tried not to think about the lack of artistry in his work, it's just a reference photo, it's just a reference photo .

Gladio came back with a new knife, probably for Ignis. Iggy had gone a little crazy on those coerul’s they fought the other day. 

“You done here? Noct seems to be ready to get a move on.” Gladio asked, leaning on the doorway of the store. He held out a soda and Prompto took it.

“Yep all good! Unless they wanted me to pick up anything before we left.”

Gladio dipped his head out the door, “IGGY, NOCT, WANT ANYTHING?!”

“No, thank you.”  Ignis said, slipping into the driver's seat.

“Nah,” Noct replied, hopping over the side of the Regalia into his seat. Ignis sent Noct a look saying how many times have I told you not to do that .

“That’s that then.” Gladio smiled.

“Alrighty!” Prompto replied.

___

We’re running out of time.

Noctis looked down at the notes on his phone. The list of bounties and commissions they had to do before they departed to Altissia was down to three. Three was enough to fill up one day of activity. They had to go across the country, get on a boat, and then they’d be off of Eos’ mainland. Potentially for good. 

Sure Noct could take more commissions, but Gladio has been getting in his case about doing his duty and being a man . 

He’ll know that Noctis is stalling. 

They found an RV to stay at not too far from the coast. Noct was chosen to pack up this time because apparently he “slept through the last two cleanups”. They will head to Cape Caem tomorrow. Their final day before they would be going to Altissia. Noctis didn’t even realize it. He hadn’t told anyone they were this close to being done. Last time Gladio asked for a count they had 10 missions left, so he knows that at least in the next couple of days Gladio will press their status.

At the least, tomorrow is their last day. At most, they’ve got three days if Noct can stretch it. If he can shake off Gladio for long enough, if the missions are long enough. Noct’s good at procrastinating. 

But this is the end isn't it . Noctis gripped the table where he was organizing their game of cards. He’s going to meet the love of his life, Lunafreya, publicly claim the throne, and begin the pushback against Nifelheim. 

Why does it all make him feel so sour? He’ll lose his freedom, he understands his bitterness about that intimately. But he should be clawing at the bit to save Luna. 

After that dream, he’s run it through his head a million times. If it was Ignis, Gladio, or Prompto over there he’d have been to Altissia in a heartbeat. He loved her once but clearly something’s different now. Wasn’t he in love with Luna? Wasn’t he in love with Luna? Wasn’t he in-

“Hey Noct! Buddy, you doing ok?” 

And there he is. The break in his day. Ignis keeps him on track, Gladio keeps him together, and Prompto…Prompto gives him freedom.

He’d put down the deck he was sorting. “It’s nothing. What’s up, Prom?”

Prompto flips through his camera. “So do you remember when I said we’d do 21 year old stuff together?”

Well that plan was short lived . But it was damn fun while it lasted. That one night with the four of them really made Noctis feel alive. He supposes he deserves only one, since he’s shirked his responsibilities for this long.

“Yeah?” He replies

“Wellll,” Prompto slides over to Noct and shows him the picture he selected. 

“A music festival? Tonight?”

“We’re not that far from the beach right? You think we can go?”

Noctis felt like fire was spreading from his toes to his fingertips. This is it. This is what he’s been waiting for. A way to end this journey on a high note. One last night of fun, then back to work for the foreseeable future. Tomorrow he’ll be able to tell everyone that it’s their final few days with ease because he spent that night partying. Tomorrow he’ll be able to love Lunafreya properly again.

“Absolutely.”

“Uhm Noct? You might wanna get your hands away from the table. You’ll burn the cards” Prompto warns looking down at his hands. 

Noctis’ gaze snapped to where Prompto was looking. His hands were literally on fire oh shit . With a flick of his wrists they went out. 

“Sorry about that. I haven’t lost control like that since I was in middle school.”

“Noct are you sure you’re ok?” You seem….” He watched as Prompto struggled to articulate what he meant. “…you seem off. Are you sure you’re up for going out?”

“Yes! Sorry Prom my brain’s a little fried, that’s all. I think I need this tonight.” Noctis trying to sound more aloof and tired.

“Well ok! Should we invite the others?”

Gladio .

As much as he loves Gladio he doesn’t really want to see him till morning. Gladio will remind him of what he’s avoiding. Ignis goes with Gladio. They’re almost a package deal. Not that he hasn’t hung out alone with both of them but it’s kind of hard to just take Ignis without feeling like he’s excluding Gladio. Not like he wants to exclude Gladio he just cannot handle anything that reminds him of his responsibilities right now no matter how absolutist that sounds. He’ll miss him.

“You said you wanted to do some you and me stuff right?” Noctis supplies.

“Right! I’ll still tell them we’re leaving though. You know they’d turn over all of Eos to find you otherwise.” Prompto said.

Prompto popped his head into the RV “Yo Iggy! Gladi! Me and Noct are heading out tonight.”

Ignis’ face twisted into a frown. 

“And before you say anything, we’ll stay out of trouble and call you if we need you.”

The frown disappeared and turned into a schooled neutral expression.

“So where are you kids heading?” Gladio asks.

Prompto animatedly explains their destination whilst Noctis finishes cleaning up.

“So Iggy I’ve done my chores, mind if we head out now?”

Noctis learned himself against the doorframe of the RV.

“I can’t say I like it.” Ignis started

Gladio shot Ignis a look, then Ignis sighed. “But Prompto is a member of the crownsguard and more than fit enough to protect you. But please, be careful and call for backup if you need it.”

“Duh, I just said we would.” Prompto replies.

Ignis crossed his arms and Gladio put a hand on his shoulder.

“Be good, stay out of trouble.”

“Yes sir!” Prompto beamed.

Noctis just exhaled softly. He turned around to face Prompto but stopped just short.

Getting permission to leave. ‘Prompto is more than fit to protect me.’ It’s all so…

“Hey Iggy can we take the car?” Prompto asks.

Ignis inhaled

“Can’t Noct just warp? It’s not that far.” Gladio asked.

Noctis blinked “Only if I throw something. And I’ve never tried to take someone with me.”

“Get a rock.” Gladio grinned

“Oh c’monnnn, it’s Noctis’ car!” Prompto pleaded

“And we’ll be towing it all the way to Cid’s if something happens to it” Ignis scolds.

Familial. It’s all so familial. Prompto is asking his family’s permission to take him out. Would this have happened if his father were still around? He and Prompto usually snuck around dad. Since he was often avoiding royal duties he’s not sure if he’s ever had this kind of conversation. Anytime he and Prompto were brought in front of dad for ditching, their “offense” was merely laughed off by him. 

What would his father say to Prompto now?

A clap on his shoulder shocked him back to reality. 

“You heard ‘em. You’re my ride! Let’s get going.” Prompto gave him one of his lopsided smiles. 

“Alright then let’s see what I can do.” Noct replies, closing the door behind them.

Noctis looks around for something he can throw. It’s sundown so there’s only a bit of natural light that can help him. Though it’s no problem since there are rocks everywhere . He picks up a small one.

“Ok, Prompto, I’m going to put my hand on your shoulder and attempt to warp. If that doesn’t work I’ve got a few other things we can try before we begin begging Ignis and Gladio for the car.”

“Ready to set sail captain.” Prompto jokes.

Noctis hurls the stone. Warping always feels like cold water hitting his skin for a brief moment, then disappearing into whatever temperature he’s faced at the end of it. It’s always occurred to him that in those seconds, he’s not corporeal. It makes his head spin if he focuses on it too much.

Either way, he was on top of a hill without Prompto.

“At that pace we’re never gonna get there!” Prompto yells .

“IT WAS A TEST THROW, A TEST THROW!” Noctis sighs. “I’m coming back! We’re going to try something else!”

Noctis slips the rock in his pocket, whips out one of his weapons, and warps back down next to Prompto.

“Why don’t we warp using the engine blade?” Prompto asked.

“Because I can’t throw a sword properly if we’re touching. That and I don’t wanna accidentally hurt you somehow. I’ve never really warped with anyone but me so I don’t know what will affect what.”

Prompto nods. “We don’t want a Prompto meat skewer, got it.” 

“Ok Prom, this is going to be a bit odd but, can you hold on to me?” His stomach was beginning to knot up. You sound super weird right now.

“Awe Noct, if you wanted a hug all you had to do was ask!” Prompto smiles. Prompto pulls Noct into a tight squeeze and oh…it’s been a while. 

His father was very physically affectionate and apparently his mother was as well. Not that Noct remembers much of her. He did have to be treated more delicately when he had his injury so he got less tight hugs. This was the only time in his childhood where he wasn’t wrapped up in his father’s arms.

This hug felt similar to when Noct was done with physical therapy and his dad scooped him up.

A moment where he was loved after long turmoil. 

It’s not like he’s been starved for physical affection. Gladio loves handing it out, swinging him around and holding him. It always makes him smile uncontrollably. Maybe because Gladio used to do this with him when they were both way younger. Ignis is a bit stiff with it. He gets pulled into group hugs or Noctis has to initiate one, hich admittedly he isn’t good at. Ignis gives good hugs though, solid and firm. He should do it more often. Even Prompto gives him some sometimes whenever he’s so inclined.

But it’s different. Physical affection daily vs. occasionally makes hit different. 

He didn’t know he needed this.

Almost unconsciously he squeezes Prompto back firmly. He closes his eyes and breathes.

“Noct?”

“Sorry. I think this’ll work.”

“Are you sure you’re doing ok?”

“I’m fine Prom.”

“Ok. Sorry for pressing.”

“It’s fine.”

Noct pulls out the rock from earlier and throws it harder than before. He did that not only to spite Prompto but, somehow, he had faith it’d work out this time.

Warping was almost a new sensation with someone else. Warmer, more secure. Like there was someone looking out for him rather than the usual isolation.

Tonight was going to be good.

Chapter Text

Warping felt awful. Why was it so cold?! It was as if he lost feeling in every part of his body, or like he fell asleep for a bit then jolted awake. 

“We’re almost there. Just two more to go. Are you ok?” Oh he took his breath away. The light blue glow was fading from his eyes, it left a faint streak in the air whenever he moved. With one blink the light was gone. Prompto had never gotten that close a look at them. 

It scratched the surface of his brain but never truly permeated, the idea that Noctis is some magical boy. He’s not sure when it’ll ever fully set in that his best friend is a bit less flesh and bone than he thought. That magic hums throughout his entire existence. Not that he’s one to talk.

“Dude, that sucks . And you do it all the time?!”

“It’s that bad for you? Maybe we experience it differently.”

“Or maybe you’ve done it so much it’s like breathing.” 

Noctis shrugs. “My body is different than yours, though not many people other than kings of Lucis have warped so, who fucking knows. Anyway, are we set for another one?”

Prompto sighs, “yeahhhhh.” He feigned aloofness and draped himself over Noctis, who held him normally this time. 

Truthfully he felt great. He would have much preferred the car but he liked hugging Noctis. Noct felt solid, alive, and tangible. They were only sort of touchy, he’s only really skirted that boundary with Noct to stick to “purely homie behavior.” That and again, he’s not used to touch so he doesn’t always know how to reciprocate or initiate it. He wished they could do this more.

Then the warped again.

Prompto does not wish they could do this more actually.

“You good?”

Somehow Prom was hugging Noctis tighter than before they warped.

“Just peachy.” He shivered.

“We can take a break if you want.”

“No no nope, just one more to go! I can do it!” This time he intentionally squeezed Noctis harder, bracing himself.

“If you say so.”

They warped one more time and now Prompto felt dizzy. He pressed his forehead into Noctis’ shoulder which made Noctis stiffen before he relaxed. 

“Just give me a minute.”

“Kay” Noct stood in place; letting Prompto get everything out of him that he needed. Noctis was real and warm in his arms. The repeated loss of his corporeal form was starting to get to him. 

A few minutes, a few deep breaths later, Prompto unwound himself from Noctis. 

They were on the beach, they got to the beach so fast . In the distance he could see lights blaring from that dome hotel on the water. The festivities were just up ahead. Several tents were lined up surrounding the hotel, he assumes that the festival led into it . It was a pretty large party, covering half the coast, just several meters away from the camper they sometimes used.

“Woah! Bigger than I thought. Are you ready to go buddy?” Prompto turns to Noctis.

“That should be my line, I was worried you were gonna puke.” Noctis teased.

“It takes a lot more than that to make me hurl!” Prompto thumped his chest with one hand.

“Like that rollercoaster back in-“

“That was partially YOUR fault because of the slurpees.” Prompto shoves Noctis lightly in the arm.

“Ok, ok! Let’s go then.” Noctis smiled at him which made Prompto beam right back.

Prompto took Noctis’ hand and led him towards the festivities. 

The place was noisy and busy, vendors selling band merch and snacks, people talking and laughing with each other. The hotel bar seemed to be well in use too. Honestly after all the struggling they’ve had to see these past few months, this is a welcome sight. 

Prompto has always felt energized by crowds. Positive crowds specifically. If everyone was excited, so was Prompto. He knew that Noctis didn’t feel the same and that any crowd was a nightmare so while they walked together he kept checking on Noct to make sure he was holding up ok. 

Noctis just kept looking around, eyes round with wonder, lips slightly parted and forming into a smile a few times. Well, he’s happy if Noctis is happy. 

Prompto turns around, pulling away from Noctis. “Well there’s lots we can do. You wanna go to the main stage? Get some food? Drinks?”

“Why don’t we engage in the actual music part of this festival?” Noctis teased, returning to his usually snarky demeanor.

“Alright, and we’re off! Just follow the noise.” Prompto replied.

Noctis took his hand again, “I’ll lead this time.”

Prompto just nods dumbly and smiles because somehow it was different when Noctis reached for him than the other way around.

Noctis did his job following the clamor and they arrived to a sea of people cheering on the performers. 

“Dude! I haven’t heard this song since high school.” Prompto shouts.  He hoped Noct could hear him at all over everything.

“Was this one you showed me?” he shouted back.

Noctis was never really in touch with what was popular ever . So when he made friends with Prompto it was Prompto who exposed him to everything that was topical. The stuff that Prompto liked anyway. 

“Nah, it just played on the radio a lot.” Prompto replied.

“Then how do I know it?” 

“Those annoying kids, Petra’s friend group. They drove to school and blasted it in the parking lot.”

“Dude, I haven't heard that name in a while.”

“I wonder how they’re doing?”

“I don’t care to find out.” Noctis smirked “They fuckin sucked.”

The band seemed to be fixated on playing songs that brought them more high school nostalgia, which led Noctis and Prompto down that same path. Maybe that was the theme? Prompto didn’t read the flier that closely. He kinda just read, concert and starts at 8pm then didn’t look back. It seemed that whatever tension Noctis was carrying evaporated as soon as he and Prompto got talking. They were far back enough that they didn’t have to shout too loud to hear each other. Any time a song triggered a memory they dug into it. Sometimes it led to a fit of laughs, wistful smiles, or petty jabs. 

About an hour or two in Prompto’s stomach growled. Shit, he was too excited to eat much of what Ignis made that night. 

“Yo Noct, I’m gonna get some snacks, want anything?” he asked.

“I can just go with you and see.” Noctis replied

“Dude, if you move, we’re gonna lose our spot.” Prompto emphasized.

“Ok Blondie I hear ya. Fine, if they’ve got any chips I’ll take ‘em.” He said.

“Gotcha, see you in a few.” Prompto waved.

___

Noctis doesn’t know what the fuck he’d do without Prompto. 

After going on that trip down memory lane he realized that most of his happiest memories are of him and Prompto. Even if they’re not just Prompto, they involve him in some way. He didn’t really have friends. When Ignis and Gladio started at the castle, they acted way more like retainers. Only after they started to be less stiff and formal with him did he remember laughing with them. That only started when he was thirteen. Luna left when he was eight. Gladio and Ignis joined his staff when he was eleven. There were a good couple years where he felt really alone, waiting for Luna to write him back. He didn’t have a social life to speak of without her. His dad was always busy and they had few moments together as a family. Not that his father didn’t try. 

Prompto was one the only kids at school who dared to speak with him, the prince of Lucis. The only person who didn’t just talk at him about his status. 

Prompto is invaluable to him and he hopes he knows it. God he was getting emotional but his heart feels so warm! He just wants to take Prompto in his arms, spin him around and-

“Hey Mister, are you prince Noctis?” Noctis felt a light tug on his jacket.

Noctis’ gaze snapped downward to see a little girl with caramel colored hair and big round eyes. Her small hand fiddled with the zipper on his coat.

He figured he’d get recognized, why lie. Even with the spread of misinformation about his death, he still looked like himself. He doubted he was in danger, anyone who uses a little girl as a decoy to get to him deserves to get socked in the face anyway. 

“Yes I am.” He tried his best to look friendly. He never really knew how to deal with kids. This was Gladio’s department. 

She blushed, as if surprised she was correct. “Where’s Lady Lunafreya? Is she with you? Did you find her?”

Noctis’ brain short circuited.  “No, but we’re on our way to pick her up tomorrow.”

He didn’t even process what he was saying.

“Oh! That's wonderful! That means the wedding is soon! Have you seen Ms. Lunafreya’s dress?! I saw it in a magazine one time, it’s the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen in my whole life!” She beams so brightly that the joy positively radiates off of her.

“I’m very lucky.” He smiles.

“Sort of. She’s the lucky one! She gets to wear it! You get to see it so…maybe you’re as lucky as me?” The girl looks up at the sky in thought.

“Oh there you are! Jeez, don't scare me like that.” A man scoops up the little girl causing her to giggle.

“I deeply apologize on behalf of my daughter, king Noctis.” He does his best bow whilst holding a child which only causes her to giggle more. 

“It’s ok. Seriously, don't worry about it.” He again does his best to look friendly.

“Thank you, King.”

The father quickly shuffles away. He can faintly hear scolding from the parent and the little girl excitedly talking about meeting the prince.

Noctis stands there, scene replaying multiple times in his mind.

How many of his best memories include Luna?

He can’t fucking escape.

Noctis begins moving. He doesn’t have a direction in particular he’s going but everything is a bit too stimulating right now and he knows if he keeps staying where he was he’s going to puke up that lovely dinner that Ignis cooked him.

He’s walking fast. It takes every fiber in his being not to warp because if he leaves then he’ll be back at the trailer with Ignis and Gladio. And he doesn’t want that. He sits himself at a far corner by a counter, staring blankly at the table in front of him. 

I should be in Altissia right now. Going to get her. That’s my job . It’s been two months. Did everyone die for you to just give up? Why haven’t you taken Insomnia back yet?

Because I want to feel normal.

Someone from the other side of the counter slides him a red liquid in a glass with some ice.

“It’s on the house, it looks like you need it.” Said a smooth and solid voice.

Noctis looks up. Only now does he realize he’s backed himself into the corner of the hotel bar. The guy who spoke to him was the bartender.

Well, what the fuck’s he got to lose.

He downed it hard and fast. 

Noctis has had a limited experience with alcohol.

He had a drink at a party once at the capital. It was bitter but fruity. He didn’t think much of it at the time. Then Gladio got him a can of beer and it tasted like piss. So Noctis swore off alcohol out of spite. But this drink that he got? It was sweet, and it made him feel good. Noctis is the type to chase what makes him feel good. It mellowed out the voices reminding him of his impending deadline. Like a rowdy evening with friends, it takes your mind off things. Noctis decided he liked that. 

Sometimes, he deserves not to think, he decides. 

He can faintly hear his father’s voice in his head telling him not to overdo it but who the hell cares because his father is dead.  

“Excuse me, can I get your name?”

“Riley.” The man replied. 

“Riley, I’d like another; I’ll pay for it this time.” 

Riley nodded and got to work. 

—

Noctis was fucking gone. Prompto’s heart rate skyrocketed. It had only been like twenty minutes. If anything had happened to him Prompto would fucking-

Snap out of it brain! Nothing could have happened. It would so be noticed by anyone in this crowd if he was attacked. Not to mention Noctis is highly capable.

Noctis isn’t the type to up and ditch him though, he would have done so a long time ago if that was the case. 

The crownsguard part of him took over to prevent the Noctis’ best friend part from freaking the fuck out and maybe screaming. 

Prompto walked around the guardrails of the pit to hopefully where he and Noctis were standing. It was kind of hard to tell since Noctis was gone .

Step one, assess the scene.

Well that’s already done, his boy is gone.

Step two, gather information

Prompto hops over the guard rail and wades his way to again maybe where they were standing. It had somehow gotten busier since he and I guess Noct had left. 

He tapped a person that seemingly took Noct’s spot

“Hey! Did you see anyone rush outta here?!” He shouted. It was very hard to hear much of anything.

“You mean prince Noctis?! I knew he was still around! Those death accounts sounded sooo fake. Yeah he left in a hurry just as me and my friends arrived. I wanted to say something but I couldn’t find the words! He has such a presence, you know?” She shouted back.

Ohsohegotrecignized . Fuck. “Yeah he does, doesn't he? Thank you!” He smiled. It was fake but he wasn’t about to lead on that anything was wrong.

He did expect this since it’s really fucking hard to hide the crown prince and even harder to hide the now king . Most people were chill about it but that’s also because most of the time Noctis was never alone . People got weird about him in school where there was no Ignis or Gladio watching his back. Even when they spread the fake news that Noctis was dead his face alone makes them forget all about that and pinpoint him right away.

Noctis either got aggressive or overwhelmed. No matter what happened he would have left afterward. 

Ignis and Gladio were going to kill him for sure. But before he mourned himself he was going to find Noctis.

Step three, act accordingly . He wouldn’t have warped since he didn’t want to draw attention to himself. He would take the path of least resistance and find somewhere to be alone. Assuming nothing went wrong . The lady didn’t mention him leaving with anyone so presumably Noctis was safe. 

Prompto made his way back to the guardrail and climbed it back outside the pit. 

A security guard went to reprimand him but he quickly flashed his crownsguard badge and he backed right off. Being in Noct’s inner circle had fucking benefits that’s for sure.

Prompto scanned the crowd. He noticed them thinning out to the left, that must be where he went. He moved quickly and calmly. 

“Noctis likes dark places ,” Ignis once told him. “‘ Because people tend to stay away from the unknown.’ His words, not mine.” After reaching the point where the crowd thinned, he located the place with the least bright lights. The hotel’s entrance wasn’t far from here. Noctis told him that he didn’t do a lot of thinking when he was upset, so he prolly made a beeline for the hotel since it looked out to the dark murky ocean.

As soon as Prompto got in he spotted him. Noctis was sitting cast in shadow at the hotel bar, looking unbothered as ever. Prompto doesn’t remember the last time he’s felt this relieved. He slides into the seat right by Noctis. “Hey buddy, did something happen?” Prompto’s doing his best to keep his feelings in check. He wanted to be mad, he wanted to hug him, but something happened with Noct and he had to find out what first. 

Noctis immediately spun around to face him. “Prompto I’m really really fucking sorry I left. You told me to wait and I was going to! I really really was but then I couldn’t do it anymore. They kept asking me about Luna and why I’m not happy with her and I can’t answer that question.”

Noctis was being more animated than usual. Wait, what was that about Luna?

“Is everything alright dude?” he asked, concerned.

“It is now! You found me, I knew you would. You always do.” he grinned. It was hard to see due to the lighting but Noctis was slightly flushed. It highlighted his eyes.

Prompto turned to the bartender. “Did he order anything?”

“Just three Hard Shirely’s. I’ve been keeping an eye on him and he should be fine.”

Hard Shirley’s had vodka . Noctis’ tolerance was zero . The dude clearly didn’t know the latter part of the equation.

“Ok Noct we’re leaving. I think we’ve had enough break time.” He tugs Noct’s arm. However Noctis stays firmly in place. “Do we have to go? Is it because I screwed it up?”

Prompto expression softens. “No dude, we’re leaving because I wanna go home, and Ignis just texted so we probably should get going.” He lied. Noctis wasn’t going to leave if he believed it was his fault. Especially now that he’s all…sappy. 

“Did you have any fun?” Noctis frowns.

“Course I did!” He replies truthfully.

“Fine. Thank you Riley, you’ve been a great help.” Noctis grins and nods.

The bartender, Riley, nods briskly. Good, Noct had already paid him.

Prompto grabs Noctis by the wrist and guides him away from the festival, away from the noise and the lights, until they’re on the beach. The cold, dark, beach. He spins around, still holding Noctis’ wrist. 

“What happened while I was gone?” Prompto tried to sound compassionate and firm.

Noctis’ lips pressed into a line. “Some kid asked me about Lunafreya.”

Oh he misses her. Wait, that's not it, what about what he said earlier? Had he misspoken? 

“We’re going to get her back, Noct.” Prompto assured.

Noctis had a wry smile in response. He looked Prompto up and down, then the smile changed into something devilish. Something he’d only seen on Noctis whenever he was in a competition. 

“Blondie, let’s forget her for now. For a while actually.” Noctis grabs Prompto’s other wrist and pulls Prompto close. 

Prompto’s brain halted. Noctis let go of Prompto’s wrist in favor of snaking his arm around Prompto. Before Prompto could ask he felt them warp. 

“Warping with a rock is far less satisfying than doing it with the engine blade but not having a skewered Prompto is better than even that.” Noctis says practically in his ear.

Prompto nearly forgot Noctis’ chips were under his arm. He had know clue how they survived the warp.

“DUDE! A little warning next time!” he said shakily.

Looking around they were at the trailer at the end of Galadin Quay’s beach. It seemed to be unoccupied. 

Noctis unwound himself from Prompto but grabbed his wrist again. “We’re going in there,” he giggled.

“That’s not our trailer right now Noct. We need to get home or Ignis and Gladio will turn over all of Eos to find you.” Prompto complained.

“I don’t want to see them right now.” Noctis narrowed his eyes.

“Well-” Prompto started before he was pulled into the vehicle. 

Noctis reached behind Prompto and closed the door. He left his arm there, caging Prompto in.

He and Noctis were inches apart. He suddenly became very conscious of his breathing, and how his breath mixed with Noctis’. He didn’t know what to do with his hands, what should he be doing with his hands? What? Why does that matter? He needs to get Noctis back to the right trailer.

“I’ll be good, I promise. For the rest of my years I’ll do everything right and how I’m supposed to. But right now I’d like to be a little self indulgent. That’s what tonight’s about.”

Noctis cups Prompto’s cheek with his other hand. The king’s flush is brilliantly highlighted by the moonlight seeping through the window. 

“Prompto, would you let me?”

He thinks back to their conversation a few days ago. About Noctis not being ready to accept the crown. Prompto thought he was relieving Noctis’ tension but it looks like it had only gotten worse. Why is he like this now? Didn’t they still have time before Altissia? Those questions floated around his head like clouds, but he let them disappear. He couldn’t refuse. Not that he knows what Noct meant by what he said, but it definitely had to do with Altissa. That’s not why he’s agreeing though. 

Noctis was looking at him, soft, impatient, and needy. Prompto was melting. Getting back to the others felt less urgent. 

“Ok Noct.” He nodded. 

Noctis practically lit up. He leaned down towards Prompto and sucked on his neck, hard. 

Prompto yelped in surprise. This is not the direction I thought we were going, a bort, abort! In retrospect what direction did he fucking THINK they were going. Noctis was being oddly handsy. Has Noctis been flirting with him this whole time and he’s just been blocking it out because he knows Noct’s taken? It hit now like a ton of bricks that Noctis was under the influence. Prompto had to stop this sooner rather than later before Noctis did something he regretted.

Noctis laughed and pulled away. “Gods you’ve always been such a scaredy cat. Hold still or it’s going to hurt more than you’d want it to.”

For all Prompto knew Noct had no experience. How the fuck was he so good at it then . Did he ever get to practice with Luna? When would that have happened? Wouldn’t he tell Prompto?

Before Noctis went to leave another hickey, Prompto pulled him away. “Do you realize what you’re doing?”

Noctis looked disheartened, “but you said yes.”

“You were not very clear on your intent.” Prompto scolded.

That devilish look returned, “ok let me be clearer then.” He took Prompto’s hand and led him to where they kept the bed in the trailer. 

Prompto followed him dumbly but filled with anticipation, till he saw the bed. Then he stiffened. Holy shit.

Noctis frowned. “Do I have to spell everything out for you?” Noctis grabbed Prompto’s waist with ease, lifted him up, and tossed him onto the bed. 

Prompto gasped but before he could even do anything Noctis had climbed over him and pinned him down with his thighs.

Noctis had him straddled. He was stronger than Prompto so he could get his way even when inebriated. “You can’t run now.” Noctis smirked. He seemed to be examining Prompto up and down. Prompto became frozen in place under the king’s gaze. That’s how it always is though , he thinks. Noctis has always made him act a bit slow, why should it be any different now. With that in mind, his nerves died down. Whatever Noctis’ goal was, Prompto is along for the ride.

Prompto looked back at him with confidence. Their eyes met, and Noctis’ smug expression gradually melted into a softer one. Almost desperate looking? 

“Come on Prom, you know what I want.”

“Not in the slightest Noct. You always lead, so take me where you want to go. And I’ll watch your back.” 

Why am I baiting him? Prompto got the memo. The kind of stuff that haunted his dreams all through sophomore and junior year of high school could become real. But it wasn’t quite how he’d imagined. Is it even real if he’s slightly out of his own head ? Prompto’s inner consciousness so helpfully chimed in. Even if this was how Noctis felt, Prompto could never take advantage of him. Though it was hard to resist, looking up at Noct made him weak.

Noctis shifted backward and pouted. “Gods you’re going to make me do allllll the work huh? Fine, no complaining if I suck at it then.”

Noct leaned forward till they were centimeters apart. He kept on hand holding one of Prompto’s wrists and placed the other on Prompto’s cheek. His breath is warm on Prompto’s face. 

Noctis looked conflicted, his expression changed from desperation, to despair and back again.

Prompto waited with baited breath, ready to push if Noctis shoved.

“Fuck, I can’t. I’m not….strong enough I..”

“Noct-“

Noctis’ head slumps onto Prompto’s shoulder as he pulls Prompto closer to his chest. “Just please, give yourself to me.” After a few moments of silence, he felt Noctis’ hold on him loosen. His breathing evened out. Prompto wrapped his arms, now both loose from Noctis’ grip, around Noctis’ torso. 

“Noct I’ve been yours.” He murmurs into his ear.

Well that ended prematurely. SHUT UP INNER PROMPTO THIS IS GOOD. But also…They’re going to need to talk tomorrow.

Prompto dug his phone out of his pocket and pulled up the crownsguard group chat. He, Iggy, and Gladio had to get around Noct somehow. 

Chocobo head : ‘hey, Noct wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t warp so we’re staying at the trailer at galadin quay. he’s asleep right now so maybe come around in the morning? he’s in a really foul mood so i’m hoping he sleeps it off. i’ve got everything under control here so don’t worry.’

Mom : I’m on my way.

 Sent 2 minutes ago

Beef : He is not on his way, I stopped him. Take care of Noctis 👍

Prompto sighed. That should keep them away. It was 12am. Shit. Prompto’s lucky he’ll wake up at 7 since Iggy would be there by 9, he knows it. He needs to talk to Noctis before then.

He couldn’t even stop him. He couldn’t tell him no. Only recently had he started admitting to himself that he was into Noctis but that was because he couldn’t help it anymore. When he had no space to drown out the tension Noctis built in him in private, no time away from him, it just drove Prompto crazy. When Noctis was throwing himself at Prompto, who was he to say no? He let it get too far. It didn’t feel real. Why would Noctis want him? 

This beautiful magical otherworldly king wants some skinny blonde boy from his school. Some former fatso who took three years to be good enough to speak to him, let alone be friends with the prince. 

Now Noctis’ head was in the crook of his neck, his arms wrapped around Prompto.

God’s Noctis, how are you real? He threaded his fingers through Noctis’ hair and honestly it calmed him down a little. 

“No need to be so desperate, I was sold a long time ago.” He chuckled, melancholy.

Chapter Text

Noctis woke up uncomfortable. He had a mild headache and he was still in his clothes. More importantly there was a body underneath him. More important it was Prompto underneath him . 

All of last night flooded back into his mind.

Panic.

He can’t say he didn’t mean it because that was a fucking lie. He was perfectly in control of his actions and he didn't black out. But everything he was doing felt right and tipsy Noct thought Prompto was into it. He felt really good about being fully clothed now. 

Noctis spent all night dodging consequences, he wasn’t about to face them now. He began to remove himself from Prompto until an arm shot up and grabbed his jacket.

“Oh no you don’t.” Prompto said groggily.

Noctis’ eyes widened FUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKSHITSHITSHITSHIT

“You woke me up before my designated time. I thought you’d be out forever but this is more convenient.” Prompto rubbed his eye.

Noctis sucked in a breath. It’s over. He turned away from Prompto and sat back down on the bed.

“What do you want to hear first?” he sighed.

“I-I don’t really know. But you clearly weren’t yourself so…” Prompto trailed off.

“Prompto, we're going to Altissa tomorrow. We should be anyway. We’re almost out of stuff to do and Gladio is going to make me take up my duty. He’s right, I need to get moving.”

“You didn’t tell anybody?” 

“No, I wanted to see how long I could draw this out.”

Prompto frowned, “I’m sorry our time was cut so short.”

“When that kid approached me last night I felt like I was choking, but I might as well walk up to death’s door. I can’t avoid it anymore, ready or not I have to do this. I have to become what they want.”

“...maybe you have to become king, but it doesn’t have to be that way.” Prompto says softly.

“What do you mean? I have to marry Lunafreya, I have to wage war on Niflheim and hopefully win. My future has a straight path.” Noctis finally turns to him, voice rough.

“What if, what if you could do your duty, your way?”

“...Huh!?” Noctis looked visibly distressed. It felt like Prompto just slapped him.

“That night on the motel roof, you said that with everything destroyed, your future wasn’t so straight forward anymore. That’s still true. You’ve been building connections all over Eos right? What if you started your revolution here?” Prompto suggested.

Stay in Eos….and fulfill my duty. The idea was so foreign. He’d never thought he could have his cake and eat it too. The crown always seemed too suffocating for that. But without the expectations from others on him…

“You’re the king, you are here helping your people day in and day out. Like you’re supposed to. Just be you, but do it on a larger scale. Tell them you’re alive, make them see you.”

Prompto grabbed Noctis’ hands

“Like I do.” He finished.

“What will Gladio and Ignis think?” Noctis mumbled, looking downcast.

“We should ask them when they get here.”

“When they get here?”

Gladio would never allow him to do this. He wants Noctis to be a proper king, get the crystal, and ‘be the man he’s supposed to be.’ This isn’t viable there’s no way there’s no way there’s no way there’s no-

“They’re getting here around 9. We’ll ask them about it together.” Prompto states firmly, leaning down to meet Noctis’ eyes.

Noctis’ gaze hardened. Is any of what Prompto said even viable? Will the people of Eos listen to him if he hasn’t even proved his worth or gained his full range of abilities?

“Dude you’re worrying me. What happened to the guy who was cutting classes to go to the arcade with me? The guy who wants to get his way no matter what?” Prompto probed.

“But that was me running, avoiding my responsibilities. I always knew where I was going to end up, I can’t picture another way to live. Inheriting the crystal's power and marrying Lunafreya is what I was born to do. Staying in Eos just isn’t an option, it never has been as long as my duty is elsewhere.” Noctis replied

“You’re not only the king! Marrying a princess, connecting with some magic crystal. Those are all components but they’re not you. You are Noctis Lucis Caelum, you also just happen to be the king. And as the king, nobody, not even Gladio and Ignis can tell you what to do! So be king Noctis! No crystal or trip to Altissia will take away you being you, or your birthright. Don’t become the idea, own the title!”

Noctis couldn’t see a way out of everyone’s expectations. Being the king meant you played your part accordingly. There was no room for error. 

It was so like Prompto to take his picture from another perspective.

“Also isn’t the king being away from his people like, way worse.” Prompto added.

“We can try it.” Noctis mumbled. He looked up at Prompto, “promise me you’ll stay by my side when I do this.” He said, looking at Prompto sternly.

“Do you even have to ask?” Prompto smiled.

“God, you’re so good. You’re so good to me, I don’t deserve it.” He felt somewhat relieved. 

“Hey what are you talking about? Dude I’m just grateful to be your friend. You say you’re running from your responsibilities but every day you’re helping people, your people. Your incredible Noct. I just think that maybe to avoid outbursts like this in the future you could talk to us?” Prompto explained

“That being said, there’s something else you and I need to talk about.” Noctis sighed.

Prompto begins to wiggle his legs on the bed nervously. Noctis can’t blame him, he was pretty aggressive and embarrassing last night. Prompto had agreed to let him….right? He’s really worried he crossed boundaries somehow.

Noctis flopped himself down on the bed and draped an arm over his face.

“For a while, I was convinced I was in love with Luna. Everybody told us we were going to make a cute couple since I was like five. So I just started to assume that was what love was. That’s what was . Grass is green, the sky is blue, and me and Lunafreya are in love. That I should look forward to that forever.”

Noctis took a deep breath.

“She’s perfect. She loves being the oracle, she presents herself like a princess round the clock, even in private. As if she was born to do it. She was always better at everything to do with being a public figure than me. The epitome of grace. I am always in awe of her. She would be the perfect queen.”

Prompto turns downcast. He fiddles with the hem of his shirt.

“It took Insomnia crumbling to the ground to make me realize that what I felt for her wasn’t that kind of love. I didn’t know there was another kind of love to feel even. I was always spoken for. I figured out I didn’t want to marry her, but I didn’t know why.”

Noctis dragged his arm down so his hand covered his face instead.

“Having fun with you made me think that I could never be that happy with her. Because she doesn’t fit in this life we built together. This life that’s ours, where I’m just Noctis.”

Promto’s eyes widened.

“You’re so important to me. Sometimes it feels like you’re the only one who picks me first. Not the king.”

Noctis shifted his gaze to Prompto. “I want you to be mine.”

___

“No you don’t”

This was it. The thing Prompto denied himself, that they apparently have been denying each other for one reason or another.

But he couldn’t let it happen.

“You can’t tell me what I want.” Noctis huffed.

“After talking about how perfect Lunafreya is, you’re settling for me? It sounds like you’re going for second best, if you can even call me that. I won’t let you deny yourself the best because you’re getting cold feet.” Prompto grimaced.

“I don’t think she’s better than you or anything. Prompto my point is that I don’t love her I love-”

“You can’t pick me over her, there’s no reason to. Why would you love- I’m not even supposed to be here. I’m nothing like you all. I fumbled my way into being your friend, into this story where I don’t fit. Gladio’s the knight, Ignis is the tactician, and you’re the king to be. What purpose do I even serve? I’m going to get cut out of your life as soon as you reclaim the throne. All I’ve ever wanted is your time of day, and I’ve gotten way more of my fair share. You’ve done enough for me, so please don’t stoop to my level. Not you Noct.”

“Prompto please don’t talk down about yourself. I hate it when you do that.”

‘Please’ was new. The king never pleaded for anything unless it was from his father. Prompto was a bit taken aback by this.

“You just told me that roles don’t define me. Why should you just be one thing? Or any definable thing? You’re my best friend, you’re my sharp shooter, you’re the light of my life. You have an irreplaceable spot in my life because you’re you and I love you. There’s nobody else I want to play your part in my story. The part of Prompto Argentum. I don’t even know who I’d be without you. So shut the up about not being enough, king’s orders.”

He always had a way of lighting fires in people. Noctis really had such a presence. No matter what he was doing he always went at it with this single minded determination. He win’s a lot of arguments he doesn’t deserve because of it, much like this one.

But maybe, just maybe, Noctis is right. Prompto wants him to be right. He always said he wanted to be by Noctis’ side but he never believed he could, even when he was. 

When someone so extraordinary wants you, you feel so small. That you could never measure up. But Noctis wants me to try. He’s always had trouble saying no to Noctis.

“Ok you win. I’ll be yours.” Prompto sighed and plopped down next to Noctis on the bed, closing his eyes. A grin easily formed on his face.

Noctis wiped a tear he found on Prompto’s face. He hadn’t even realized he was crying. 

“Hey this isn’t a game. Don’t think you have to do what I say. Is this, am I what you want?” he sounded concerned. Gods, why should he be?  And he’s calling Prompto an idiot.

Prompto opened his eyes and looked at Noctis. “Don’t be stupid Noct. I’ve probably had a crush on you since sophomore year. How could I not?”

“You bitch, and you didn’t tell me?”

“What was I supposed to do? You were promised to Lunafreya as soon as I even began to figure it out.”

“You wouldn’t have told me anyway though.” Noctis frowned.

“Probably not. I do have a problem of thinking I won’t be enough. You ruined my plans of suffering in silent insecurity though. I have to try for you now I guess.” Prompto chuckled.

Noctis’ frown deepened. 

“I WANT to try for you, ok? Damn you’re needy.” Prompto laughed.

“You love me.” Noctis mumbled.

“Yeah I do.” Prompto said.

They both laid in silence for a few beats, letting the words hang in the air.

“By the way do you remember that nice little gift you left me, on my neck ?” Prompto teased.

“....yeah” Noctis replied weakly.

“Well, now I could be wrong but there’s probably a mark now. Gladio and Ignis get here in half an hour. We gotta do or tell them something. C’mon oh great king, lead us to safe passage!” Prompto smiled.

Noctis visibly cringes. “Gods…I’m sorry by the way I was-”

“No no no I’m gonna stop you right there buddy. That was hot. If we do that under way less confusing circumstances that would be great. Also uh… how did you learn to do any of that?” Prompto blushed as his voice drew quieter during the last question.

“Oh, yeah. Do you remember Luna’s one month visit junior year? We kind of…worked on that. But she insisted that we only make out because she wanted to save herself for our wedding. And if I made any marks they’d have to be below the collarbone. Also you’re acting like I did way more than just leave you with one hickey .”

“She is literally such a traditional princess, is she even real? Were you into it then? And it’s not about what you did, it's the confidence in which you did it.”

“For your second question, honestly yeah but I think it was a lot of hormones.”

“How do you think she’ll feel about this once we see her again? Do you think it’s possible she feels like you do? Honestly that till marriage stuff might mean she didn’t want it.” Prompto half joked. It got a small amused huff out of Noctis.

“I really don’t know. I haven’t seen her properly since I was nineteen. We write back and forth but it’s really hard to tell anything about her without seeing her face. Everything she writes is diplomatic, even to me. I hope I don’t break her heart, she’s been a great friend to me all my life.”

“As long as we tell her before the world, we can try and make things work.” 

“Are we going to tell the world?”

“We’re for sure telling Gladio and Ignis. Which brings us back to our previous problem.” 

“Right.” Noctis sighs. “It’s not like either of us wear makeup, that’s how Luna covered up. Uhhh….”

“I could tell them how you savagely came on to me and-“

“No no no!” Noctis covered his face with his hands and Prompto laughed.

“Ok ok but, honestly why hide it? It’s a great way to tell them.”

“I mean, on our first night alone…and this happens? We’ll seem kind of suspect? I’m not sure.” Noctis said, muffled in his hands. “And we’ll definitely hear it from them.”

“Is that such a bad thing? We can abridge some of our explanation of course, for both our sakes.” Prompto suggested.

“I mean I guess not but we’re still going to get fucking bullied.” Noctis groaned.

“Maybe we deserve it?” Prompto half asked half stated.

Noctis took his hands off his head and looked at the ceiling with determination. “Fuck it we ball.” 

“That’s my boy!” Prompto cheers.

Prompto pulled out his phone. “We’ve got 10 minutes till Ignis pulls up. And you know he’ll be on the dot. Wanna make up for lost time?”

“Gods, yeah.” Noctis huffed.

___

The sound of Ignis’ fussing and Gladio’s steady replies were nearing. Noctis closed out his game of kings knight and Prompto frowned.

“Awe time already?” He complained. 

“Yeah, here we do or die. You ready partner?” Noctis smiled.

“Ready as I’ll ever be!” Prompto returned his expression.

Ignis didn’t bother knocking. They’d left the door unlocked, Noctis cringes internally. That was likely his fault. He swung the door open gracefully and forcefully. If you didn’t know him well, you wouldn’t be able to tell that he was worried. He turned around robotically and Noctis could see the tension in his shoulders ease just slightly once he set his sights on Noctis.

It was just a straight corridor to the bedroom so Ignis was in front of them in just a few strides.

Gladio popped up behind him. He took one look at the two of them, squinted, looked surprised, then whistled.

Noctis pressed his lips into a thin line and furrowed his brow. Sending bite me Gladio through his glare.

Gladio just smirked back.

“Firstly, Noct, are you feeling any better?” Ignis says, eyeing both of them carefully. 

“Yup. I felt like utter shit just a couple hours ago though. Slept it off.”

And y’know he didn’t lie. Noctis remembered what Prompto told him earlier. About what he said to stave off Ignis. They’re going to continue to go with that somewhat.

“Good. Now that that’s settled. Can either of you tell what the devil you were up to?” Ignis pushes up his glasses.

“Well me and Prompto got talking-“

“Prompto and I” Ignis corrected.

“You were talking? ” Gladio seems very amused.

They’re fucking with us, ok.

“Alright let’s get it out of the way so we can have a serious discussion . Nothing actually happened.” Noctis tried to assure.

Ignis raised an eyebrow. Gladio just kept looking at him with that shit eating expression.

“We will discuss this later, ok?” Noctis said hurriedly.

“Sounds good.” Gladio replied.

“Thank you. Ok.” Noctis took a deep breath. Prompto looked over at him hopefully and supportively. 

“I’m ready to take up the mantle of the king and continue our journey. But I don’t want the crystals power, honestly I don’t think I need it. I don’t want to leave Eos or it’s people. I also don’t want to go through with the wedding for-“ he glanced over at Prompto.

“Obvious reasons. That aside I think leaving Eos would be antithetical to my role as king, as protector of this land. I get that the marriage with Luna will provide allies but I think making a stand against the Niffs here would be just as impactful. I’d like to rally our people behind me by defending them publicly. We’ve spread our names around well enough simply by helping others and taking bounties. We’ve taken down a number of Niff generals and bases, people have noticed. We can use our connections, make a statement, and then take the fight straight to them by publicly announcing I am alive. I want to be the people’s king but more than that I want to take the role of king into my own hands. Once we finish kicking most of the Niffs out of here, we can make contact with Altissa, gain their support through Luna, and press on from there. I’ll admit, I get that the logistics sound vague right now, but that’s more so because I can’t do this without you. You guys help me put my ideas into motion so…what do you say?”

Gladio and Ignis turned to each other, then back to Noctis and Prompto.

“Noctis, I commend you for your conviction. It takes guts, and you’ve shown real maturity. But abandoning the crystal is leaving behind a vital source of power and protection for Insomina. You cannot turn your back on something so important. I won’t allow you to.” Gladio replies.

“I never said I would abandon it. It’s in the Niff’s home base right? I’d rather try and get it back when we have more forces than just the four of us. I just don’t think it should be our primary focus.“ Noctis responds 

“He has a point, Gladiolus.” Ignis crosses his arms. “I think he’s taken a real stride taking responsibility for his position. We are clearly done avoiding the task at hand.”

Prompto puts his hand on Noct’s shoulder and oh god he loves him.

“We have to remember that Noct is the king, and despite our reservations we follow his lead.” Ignis finished.

“Our job is also to keep him on track.” Gladio snaps. “I can’t really ignore that he’s just leaving the girl he was supposed to marry to some unknown fate either. How’s that fair to her? It’s just short of leaving her at the altar.”

Ignis began to say something, but Noctis cut him off, “Gladio’s right. This is selfish in that regard. I want to try and get Umbra to send a message to her as soon as possible.”

“It’s the least you can do, jeez.” Gladio huffed.

“Gladio, I know it’s hard to ask of a knight like you, but even if I stray from the ideal path, I need you to know that I will use every fiber of my being to save Insomina, to save Eos. I just need to do it in a way that’s natural to me, something I can handle at my current level. Can you trust me?”

“Helping others in the way that we have, building a movement, spreading news of Noct’s status and claim to the throne. He’s already gained the assistance of most of the six, and has almost every royal arm. I doubt Eos is out of kindness so, I’m inclined to say he can do this.” Ignis points out.

Gladio holds his gaze on each one of them, considering.

“You even managed to win Iggy over and he constantly has a stick up his ass. But he knows you best. Noctis, I am first and foremost, your sword and shield. You have impressed me today with your level of consideration. I may not… understand your path, but I will follow you to the end.” Gladio relents.

“WHOO HOO! Guess we’re campaigning now huh!?” Prompto shouts.

“It’s hard to say that since we’re promoting the only candidate for the job.” Ignis replies, amused. 

Gladio grins again, “don’t think I haven’t noticed how quiet you’ve been Prompto. I’m going to have a talk with you later, alone. ”

“I would like to have one as well.” Ignis says flatly.

Prompto gulped. Noctis thought this would happen. Those two were vicious about him.

“Noctis, they're going to kill me.” Prompto stage whispers to him.

“You’re not allowed to kill Prompto!” Noctis says to them.

“That depends if he behaves,” Gladio laughs.

“No funny business until our meetings.” Ignis reprimands.

“No promises,” Noctis says, then he grabs Prompto’s face and kisses him on the cheek.

“NOCT! Ignis is going to serve me for dinner!” Prompto yells, smiling all the while.

Nocts flops back down on the bed and laughs. He hadn’t laughed this hard since before his dad died. Back when life made sense. He thinks he’s easing off the stress. Having a full mental breakdown, then waking up the next day and everything is ok, probably does this to a motherfucker. 

Ignis and Gladio look fondly down at him. Prompto looks like a ray of sunshine. His best friends are still with him, they accept him, honestly he’d choose to die now if he didn’t have a shitton left to do before his date with the reaper. 

“I suggest we be on our way then. Lot’s to do, never enough time.” Ignis states.

“Iggy’s right. Let’s get going.” Noctis springs right back up and offers his hand to Prompto, who takes it.

The four head to the Regalia, and drive off.

___

Prompto wakes up at 7am in a bed. They were at the hotel in Lestallum, and honestly that’s way better for his back than even a motel. That wasn’t the only benefit of having a bed, it meant that he could comfortably share it. 

Those talks with Ignis and Gladio went pretty smooth with only some light threats.

 They also bullied Noctis about treating Prompto right but not to the same extent as Prompto was. They didn’t, oh for example, pull Noctis aside and tell him that he’ll get his shit rocked if he breaks his heart like Gladio did to him. They so lovingly informed him that they were going to have this talk with Lunafreya too. He just knows they’re extra protective and didn’t mean anything by it….Gladio does scare him a bit though.

Noctis was sleeping face first in the pillow, one arm slung over Prompto’s chest, the other under the aforementioned pillow. Normally he’d just watch Noct for a while but not today. Noct has to get up soon, they’ve got big plans. But how to wake him up…

Prompto removes Noct’s arm from him, rolls over on top of him, and kicks him in the shin.

“Ow! Fuck. WHY did you do that?!” Noct complains groggily.

“Just trying new things. You sleep like a rock and we’ve gotta be up in half an hour.” Prompto grins.

“Ugh, I shower you with affection and this is how you treat me?” Noctis groans.

“Wake up lovey, you’ve got a speech today.” Prompto maneuvers himself so he could kiss Noctis on the cheek.

“Fiiiiine.” Noctis lets out an exasperated sigh. “Move so I can get up.” 

Prompto begins to lift himself off of Noctis until Noctis turns over, and pulls Prompto back down on top of him. He kisses Prompto square on the lips, slow and lazy. “Can we have fiiivvveeee more minutes? I’ll treat you.” Noctis smiles sleepily.

“Nope. Not falling victim to your wiles. We’re going.” Prompto grabs Noctis and uses their combined weight to topple them both off the bed.

“We cannot have one nice moment in this fucking house.” Noctis grumbles.

“Good job Prompto. I dare say we might have found the most efficient way to get him out of bed yet.” Ignis chuckles. 

“Get a room!” Gladio jokes.

“Alright alright! I’m up! I’m professional! Let’s do this.” Noct replies.

After getting ready for the day, the four head down to the lobby and make their way to a back room in the hotel. 

They’re surrounded by staff that bore the crest of Lucis.

“Aaaand done!” A woman, furiously working on a computer, turns towards them. “The live stream is set to take over all mobile devices in five minutes. The Niffs won’t be able to do much about it but just in case, you gotta make your point quick.” She said.

“Thanks Teresa, we’ll take it from here.” Noctis said.

Noctis sits in front of the webcam, takes a deep breath, and waits.

“You got this Noct!” Prompto cheers

“Go get ‘em” Gladio adds.

“As we practiced.” Ignis nods.

“Thanks everyone, for everything.” Noctis replies. 

The timer counts down, and the broadcast begins.

“I address you as your king, Noctis Lucis Caelum. I have a proposition for you. How would you like to take your fate in your own hands?”