#noctis yaoi

Noctis’s injury was substantial. He could barely move, and it took a lot of concentration just to breathe steadily. He was eating very slowly, unable to move much and struggled to sleep. The 4 bros remained in the citadel and spent most of their time in or around the throne room as it was difficult for Noctis to move anywhere. The end of the hall to the toilet was about all he could manage, but even that required a 20-minute sitting break before he could muster the strength to move again. 

Gladio couldn’t really carry him, as the pressure from his own weight would cause him a great deal of pain to the wound on his chest. The only thing that was allowing these boys to sleep was pure exhaustion. Their sleeping patterns for all of them were irregular as three of them had spent 10 years in a world of ruin where the sunlight was blocked by scourge and well, Prompto didn’t own a watch and didn’t spend a lot of time with Gladio, who did. Ignis obviously had no use for one. They slept when they could and when they needed to. 

This night, Noct had managed to settle into one of the chair sat almost upright and was able to snooze lightly, as he was out of pain the way he was resting. Ignis was curled up nearby and so was Gladio. Prompto however, had woken in a cold sweat and had stepped outside the throne room to pace as his heart was racing. He was a little numb to his surroundings as the sweat of his brow ran down his temples to his cheeks. He whimpered and cracked his knuckles under the stress his body was going through. 

This was quite normal for him, it appears Gladio and Ignis had become quite used to it. Occasionally he would go into full meltdown and it would take someone to calm him down. Which the guys would without hesitation. Even Talcott, Cindy, Cor and Iris would sometimes play a part in calming him down. The pacing however, meant that he was reasonably calm if not just uncomfortable and the guys had learned that Prompto would eventually settle himself and in this case, was best left to his own devices. 

Noct, having been absent for the last 10 years, was not used to this. He could hear Prompto’s footsteps and slowly he regained consciousness as his mind suddenly became aware that someone was moving about the building. A quick inspection round him and he learned it must have been Prompto. He slowly pushed himself to his feet, to which Ignis raised his head hearing him grunt slightly. 

“Noct?” He whispered

“I’m fine, Iggy. You go back to sleep.” He said softly. 

“Don’t wander too far.”

“I’m just going to see what Prompto’s doing.” He slowly walked himself to the door. 

“Oh, right. Noct.” “Hm?” “He will be fine.” Iggy said resting his head back down to snooze again. Noctis glanced to his side toward his shoulder and glanced over it slightly to try and cross examine what Ignis meant by that. He wasn’t worried if Prompto was not okay, but now he felt like he had a reason to be worried. He opened the door and stepped out to see the blond pacing back and forth rather quickly. 

“Come back to sleep.” Noct said yawning slowly, folding his arms lightly to keep his chest from feeling the chill of the cool night air. Prompto’s shoulders jerked slightly in fright. 

“Oh, I’ll be back in a bit.” “Something wrong?” Noct sat in one of the chairs so not to push himself. 

“Nothing’s wrong.” He snapped. Noct didn’t take offence to it, he figured Prompto must just be exhausted. 

“Come here.” He beckoned him over patting the space beside him.

“I’m fine-” “Come here.” Noct interrupted him “I want a cuddle.” He chuckled.

“O-oh, right.” Prompto redirected his pacing towards Noct and sat himself beside him into Noct’s arm which he’d held up to gently wrap round his shoulder as he sat. Prompto tentatively cuddled back so not to hurt him. 

“Stop you’re pacing, you’re making me nervous.” He kissed his cheek nuzzling into it slightly. 

“I’m pacing?” He looked at him, his eyes a little red looking. Noct scowled with concern gripping Prompto’s shoulder. 

“How can you oblivious to that? Yeah, Prompto, you’ve been pacing out here for about half an hour already.” He closed his eyes yawning again, pining for bed. 

“Oh, I’m sorry. I guess I’m apprehensive.” 

“It’s been a tough week living up here.” “It’s been a tough 11 years.” Noct sighed at himself and glanced to the floor.

“Right.” He rubbed his shoulder, wondering how he could miss that. He knew they’d all been alone for those 10 years and couldn’t even imagine what they had been going through in the world of ruin. “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be.” Prompto smiled up at him. ” You’re back now, that’s all that matters. You’re gunna make this world a better place.” 

“With you guys, of course.” “Ooooffff course.” The blond grinned. He seemed to have calmed down now. Relieved, Noct yawned again 

“Ohh le-lehtsss go back to sleep.” He leaned back in the chair “Here is good.” He rests against Prompto a little. The blond sat there and allowed his king to lean against him. He took Noct’s hand in both of his own and squeezed it tightly, receiving a reassuring squeeze in return. His heart raced a little, but then Prompto zoned into the sound of Noct’s slow steady breathing and decided to focus solely on that. He could lul himself to sleep with it. 

 Sunlight flooded the hall again, both boys had slept very still so not to disturb the wound, and they had managed a couple of hours rest at least before Ignis and Gladio woke them. He was guided into the room by Gladio who was pushing a trolley of food they’d managed to sort.

“Wake up you two.” Gladio nudged Prompto’s knee with the trolley. The blond groaned and rubbed his eyes as his cam to. Noctis, as usual, didn’t move or respond. It wasn’t out of the ordinary but Prompto still felt a fluster of worry come over him.

“N-Noct!” Noct opened his eyes sleepily

“Huh, what?” He dazed, Prompto sighed slightly with relief.

“Breakfast time.”

“Also, time for your daily elixir treatment.” Ignis said following Noct’s voice, he knelt beside him as Prompto unbuttoned Noct’s shirt.

“Oh, it’s still bleeding.”

“There’s still a few treatments to give him before we can stop it. Elixir can’t close such a deep wound with just one dose.”

“Can’t we just give him, like, 5 elixirs in one go?” Prompto whined

“Do you know what that does, Prompto?” Ignis cocked one eyebrow, as he had already informed him of this some years ago.

“Uhh…”

“The wound would begin to burn, and cause more damage than the sword did in the first place.” Iggy passed the elixir to Noctis and wrapped his hand around Noct’s and helped him break the seal, it popped open and. The kings body absorbed it.

“Ah, okay no let’s not give him 5 elixirs.” He pouted. And nuzzled Noct’s shoulder watching the blue tiny lights burst out from the capsule and shoot up Noct’s arm to his chest causing him to glitter slightly for a few moments.

“How does that feel now?” Ignis asked him. Noct adjusted himself sitting up straight taking a deep breath. He went to stand up but the shooting pain returned, bolting up his chest and he remained seated.

“NGH-ah…” Prompto squeezed his hand tightly.

“Woah, easy buddy.”

“Let us not be too hasty…” Ignis scolded him and pulled himself to his feet.

“Well, breathing is much easier.” He was slightly doubled over trying to calm himself from the sudden pain.

“Take it slowly… please.” Ignis walked back towards Gladio and helped him with serving the food they had. Prompto rubbed Noct’s back gently, still squeezing his hand tightly. The king leaned back slowly looking up at the murals that decorated the room above the doors. The blond followed his gaze curiously.

“What you lookin’ at?” He said softly.

“The paintings. Genesis. Ardyn was supposed to appear in them too.” He looked at the woman with wings holding her hands in front of her, her eyes closed. Prompto looked up, it made him feel a little uneasy. Looking at the 4 men in the painting knowing the blond one on the left was him. He couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling he got when he started to overthink the entire concept. This painting was 2000 years old, it predicted everything they did. Everything that would happen was in that painting.

“It creeps me out.” He blurted. He meant that to be his inside voice.

“Same.” Noctis chuckled softly.

“Oh?”

“Yeah, to think that someone was able to see this. Someone saw us doing everything we did, man, that is kinda weird, don’t you think?” He looked at the blond who was still staring up at the painting. Then followed his gaze to look at the woman in the mural.

“They saw… Luna too.” He mumbled. Noct squeezed his hand, not for reassurance, but more because it still hurt. Prompto looked at their hands. “Sorry, I have had 10 years to grieve, I guess you…” “No I have had the 10 years too.”

“So, it felt like 10 years?”

“Sorta.” He sighed “I knew it was a long time, but really, 10 years…”

“Noct, can I ask you something?” He did not let go of the king’s hand.

“Sure.” “Did you… love… Luna?” He looked back up at the king and their eyes met, and Noct could see that this was something that had plagued Prompto for some time. Maybe he had been selfish or careless but he had forgotten that he had to break up with the one he loved for a peace treaty that ended up being a complete disaster and lie. But at the same time, there were far more pressing matters than romance. This in mind, though, it didn’t stop the two from fooling around. They were in love, and they couldn’t just stop that. There were many nights where the boys would find themselves alone and would crave affection after the battles and arguments. He looked at Prompto in the eyes, to reinforce his sincerity.

“Yes, Prompto. I loved her.” He didn’t loosen his grip, Prompto broke the gaze to look away as he started to well up. He felt like his heart shot up into his throat. Noctis quickly put his other hand to Prompto’s cheek and turned him to look back up at him. “But I was not in love with here.” He said softly.

“H-huh?” He sniffled. Noctis chuckled and wiped his tears off his cheek.

“Prompto, I love you, okay?” He smiled “Nothing’s changed that. If anything, I think we’ve gotton closer.”

“I don’t understand.” He furrowed his brows sniffling again. Noctis chuckled at him.

“Luna was an extremely important person to me. I loved her, a lot. I wanted her to be safe, I wanted Tenebrae to be safe.” He sighed softly. The blond glanced up to him still trembling slightly finding it hard to look Noctis in the eye having just jumped to a conclusion. “I wanted to be with you. Wasn’t that a bit obvious?” “I’m sorry.” He let go of his hand and wipes his eyes quickly “I’m on edge, damnit.” He chuckled pitifully at himself. Noct reached and clasped his hands again.

“After breakfast, I’ve something to show you. Just eat up.” Prompto nodded and did as he was told. He sensed Noctis wanted to be alone with him.

  Afternoon approached and Noctis decided he was fit enough to start to venture to other floors in the citadel.

“Don’t push yourself too far. You ought to be resting, still.” Ignis advised.

“Yeah, yeah.” The king rolled his eyes “I’ll be fine, I’m with Prompto.”

“That does not ease my concern.” He adjusted his glasses.

“Hey! I heard that.”

“Just rest where you can.”

“I will.” Noct linked arms with Prompto to lean on him slightly as they walked.

“He will be fine, I promise, don’t you worry about a thing, I’ll bring him back home before dinner.” Prompto lead him down the hall to the lift.

“Don’t go near any crystals.” Gladio called out, to which Noctis snorted in protest, Prompto giggling just after.

Noct picked a floor that Prompto knew Noct’s old bedroom was on. The doors opened upon arrival and they stepped out still linking arms, the blond taking as much weight as he could for Noct.

“What is it you wanted to show me?” He asked, glancing around the decorated halls which was embellished in the royal arms of Lucis which features a skull.

“Umbra, come here.” He called and before long the black and white Husky cross dog was walking down the hall happily, a book in his mouth which Prompto knew was the journal that Noct and Luna had exchanged between each other for 12 long years. Prompto knelt down to greet him by ruffling the fur on his neck.

“Heyaz lil guy!” He squealed petting him.

“Open the book.” “What? You said never ever to look at it!” He looked up at Noct who laughed at him.

“It’s okay to look now. I want you to look specifically look at page 47.”

“Page...okay.” He gently took the book and flicked it open speeding through to the page requested. On the left side, Noctis had glued in a selfie Prompto had taken of them in school not long after they had started dating. They had cat features drawn on their faces, and the photo was captioned ‘So I have a boyfriend, now.’ In Noct’s handwriting.

“She knew.” Prompto stared at the picture for a while, the events of that day flooded back to him. They’d had an amazing time out that night together and it was the first time Prompto and Noctis spoke about Luna together and how they both knew her. “Read her response.” Prompto looked at the next page to see the familiar cursive that he knew from Luna’s letters to him. The page was filled with stickers of different types of hearts in many colours surrounding her text.

I’m so happy you have found each other, finally.

Prompto gripped the book tightly in his hands. “I look back at that, Prompto…” He put his hand on Prompto’s shoulder and squeezed it “And now I just wonder what took you so long. I think Luna was feeling the same.” He breathed in slowly “You… lifted a lot of weight off my shoulders not long after we started talking, you know?” “How? I didn’t do anything?” Prompto stood still clinging to the book. Noct just smiled and carried on walking down the hall. “Quiddit!” The blond trailed not far behind. “Tell me!” “Nah”

“What??” He pouted. “Tell me… c’mon!” He whined. Noct couldn’t deny he enjoyed teasing him.

“Later. What I wanna know is how you felt about Luna.”

“What I felt?” He hugged the book close to his chest. “She was… kinda like a sister to me.” He smiled. “She would give me advice, she supported me.” He tilted his head to the side linking his arm with Noct’s again. “She was the closest thing I had to family to be honest.” He chuckled “Well her and one other.”

“One other?” “Yeah I…. no, no it’s stupid.”

“C’mon.” “That’s another story for another time.” He grinned “Back to Luna.”

“Right, well… you loved Luna, right?” “Yeah” They stopped and turned to face each other, Prompto still holding the book close to his chest.

“Then as long as we both love her and both understand who she was, then we don’t have to worry about anything. She’s watching over both of us… I really miss her.” His shoulders drooped slightly and he started at the book “I miss her a whole damn lot and I haven’t spoken to her properly in 12 years.” “22 years.” Prompto corrected

“Right.” Noctis laughed. “She’s gone now, but she’s with us.” He put his hand to his chest where the wound was. “She was there for me, through this.”

“I’ll be here for the rest of it, kay?”

“So, like I said all those years ago, wanna help me make this world a better place?” “Ever at your side.” Prompto grinned.

  After a few more days and some more doses of elixr, Ignis finally felt comfortable enough to let Noctis leave the Citadel. At least in this state that he could someone defend himself from any threats. Noctis often grunted at the lack of optimism as the world had its light restored. But he was quickly reminded not to take the events for granted, and to expect the unexpected. Especially as Noctis was struggling to summon his weapons without causing himself pain.

“What’s the plan, now?” Prompto asked as he buttoned his jacket up.

“We get a message to Lestallum. We’re bringing everyone home. I’m going to walk them into Insomnia.” Noctis rubbed his chest lightly.

“Okay… what about…” Prompto stopped mid-sentence. He stared up at the citadel behind him as he walked down its steps.

“Hmm?” Ignis turned his head to listen.

“Nevermind.” He followed behind the others. They had tried several cars in the city in an attempt to speed up transport but they had fallen victim to the 10 years of ruin, and they couldn’t get any car to even turn over let alone run.

“We need a Cindy.” Prompto groaned

“Why don’t you give her a call?”

“Yes!” He pulled out his phone “Now Insomnia is safe, they can come and get us!” Noctis smiled watching him as he called Cindy who was clearly relieved to hear they were okay. He spoke with her for a little while as she got ready to drive down to Insomnia. He held Noct’s hand tightly as they walked through the derelict city streets. Gladio and Ignis were walking not too far behind them, but just out of earshot.

“He’s lightened up a bit.” Gladio said to Iggy, keeping at his pace to make sure he was alright.

“Have you checked his arms lately?” “He’s been with Noctis 24/7 so not really.”

“We should check up on him tonight. I’m confident he’s calmed, now that Noctis has returned.”

“Can never be too sure. I don’t think it was just solely down to the fact that Noctis was missing.” Gladio made a good point. “What ever happened to him back in Niflheim, must have really screwed with his head.” He showed concern in his voice which opposed how he had appeared to feel before.

“Did you mean what you said, a couple of weeks ago?” Ignis slightly cracked his knuckles apprihensivly. He had tried not to let it cross his mind until they had all regained composure.

“No, it was stupid.” He sighed “If I ever suggest bullshit like that again, punch me.” He ordered. Ignis couldn’t help but burst out laughing at the sincerity.

“Honestly, Gladio, if you think for one moment I would even dream of pun-“ “I’m serious, Ignis.” Ignis stopped talking analysing his speech pattern. He could tell Gladio wasn’t smiling as he spoke.

“…if that’s how you feel, then I’d quite happily punch you now, for even thinking it in the first place.” He folded his arms.

“Okay.” “I was joking.” Ignis shook his head.

“Nah, Iggy. Punch me.” “Gladiolus, I will not punch you.”

“Punch me, damnit!” Ignis jumped and shrugged his shoulders. He took a deep breath before swinging with reasonable accuracy and force at Gladio’s jaw, smacking him one.

“AH-!!” The pair of them winced. Ignis was by no means unfamiliar with hand to hand combat, but being blind sometimes made it hard to judge impact.

“What the fuck, guys.” Noctis said. He and Prompto had been watching them since Gladio had bellowed the demand to be punched. Ignis shook his hand and laughed.

“That was satisfying.” He smiled and carried on walking, Gladio was holding onto his jaw.

“I’m gunna feel that in the morning.” He stretched the muscles a bit as it’d gone numb, glaring at Ignis who had a smug look on his face. Prompto snorted and laughed

“Well, Okay then.” He wheezed. Noctis cocked an eyebrow watching the two of them for a moment before Prompto pulled him along again. “Cindy said she’d be here in a few hours, at least at the gate of Insomnia. We can meet her there as she doesn’t really know the city so…”

“Fair. It’ll also give me a chance to see the outskirts of the city in daylight.” Noct was still glancing around him at the ruins. “It really is a mess. I don’t even know where to start.” He sighed deeply gently cracking the bones in his neck as he’d become stiff over the last few days. He’d been holding himself tense due to the pain he had been in. “Hospitals, maybe?” He didn’t sound certain.

“If I may, Noctis.” Ignis caught up with them and guided himself to walk at Noctis’s side. So that he could concentrate less on his walking and more on his advice to his king, he linked arms with Noctis and allowed him to lead him along.

“What ya got, Iggy?”

“As formal as ever.” Ignis chuckled “The first port of call for citizens needs to be shelter, and a source of food and water.” He suggested, Noctis listened carefully. Prompto was watching him, smiling ear to ear as he’d never seen Noctis listen so intently to his adviser before. “We can have them bring some supplies from Lestallum… but that will not last long. However, they will be able to provide the man power we require to survey the city and find adequate means of supplying food and water. Hospitals will be useful somewhat, as there is illness in the town due to how severely over populated it is with citysfolk.”

“Yeah, makes sense. I just hope they want to come home.”

“Oh, they wanna come home alright.” Prompto reassured him.

“Absolutely. You know how small Lestallum is compared to the city. Sure, it’s a sustainable source of power but that is about all it can provide plentifully.”

“Power…” Noct hummed.

“Penny for your thoughts?” “Ramuh.” He nodded

“You’re gunna ask a god for a favour?” Pormpto chuckled “Pretty sure he’s taking a nap after all this.” “He probably is.” He squeezed Prompto’s hand.

“There’s no one to wake him.” Prompto said tentatively as he touched the sensitive subject.

“I’m not so sure.” The king responded. Ignis raised his head deep into thought. Gladio looked at the others.

“You certain, though?”

“No, we’ve had no proof and I don’t even know what to look out for. I don’t know what… an ‘ascension’ looks like.”

“Ascension to what? Where?” Prompto looked between Gladio and Noctis.

“Never you mind.” Gladio ruffled his hair, Prompto protested waving his free arm to bat his hand away.

“Quiddit.”

“So, you think that attempting to awaken Ramuh will enlighten this theory of yours?” Ignis continued. Noctis nodded, and immediately corrected his error.

“Yeah. What have we got to lose?”

  The boys were exhausted, but finally met up with Cindy at the gates of the city. Talcott had accompanied her and both were overwhelmed with joy to see all 4 of them still standing. They greeted them all happily and were excited to hear that Noctis had planned to return what was left of the Lucians to their home in the capital.

“We’ll I’ll be.” Cindy smirked “Y’all definitely a king now.” They all glanced at Noctis who scratched the back of his head, letting out a nervous chuckle.

“I guess I am.”

“Took ya time.” She chuckled. Prompto snorted and pat Noct;s shoulder playfully. Noct shook his head smiling.

“I’m sorry I’m late.”

“Paw paw always sad Reggie wasn’t great f’er punctuality either.” Noct glanced up to her at the mention of his father’s name.

“What else did he say?” “That you were jus’ like ‘im.” She said softly. Noctis hummed and nibbled his lip. Even after all this time, he could still feel an ounce of anxiety building in the pit of his stomach.

“I see… well Cindy, with that in mind, I do want to make a slight detour before we get to hammerhead.” Cindy rolled her eyes but with a smile.

“Pawpaw’s getting’ impatient.”

“I know, but he’ll understand.” He glanced at the blond to his left before leading Ignis towards the truck and helping him inside.

“I’m quite alright, Noct.” Ignis politely refused being guided to his seat.

“R-right.” Noct acknowledged. He still was learning the boundaries. Unable to define the difference between being over helpful and leaving him vulnerable.

Once all seated, Cindy started the truck.

“So, were we headed?” She looked at Noct.

“Theres a runestone, north of here in a cave.” Cindy cocked an eyebrow curious.

“A Runestone? What do y’all need runes for?” She started to drive through the first border and across the bridge. “This particular Runestone holds a special importance to us Lucians.” Ignis spoke, folding his arms tilting his head forward. “Legend had it that one of the six slept there, and it was proven to be true when our very own Lady Lunafreya of Tenebrae awoke him to assist the king in his duties.”

“Sounds like a fairytail.” Prompto breathed.

“Sure does.” Cindy agreed.

“Who coulda guessed they weren’t just bedtime stories.” Noct chuckled and leaned against the door staring out the open window, his hand sat in his lap with Prompto’s fingers entwined in his own. Cindy pulled up at the start of the pathway leading to the familiar cave they had explored several times before. “You sure you’ll be alright, Ignis? It’s slippy down here.” Noct asked, concerned.

“I appreciate your concern, Noct.” He chuckled “But I have learned much these 10 years, Gladio and Prompto have helped me learn my… ‘visual’ environment, if you will.” He walked beside him again.

“Iggy can still cook up a storm.” Prompto chortled.

“Really??” Noct lit up slightly at the idea of being able to eat a decent meal again. Ignis adjusted his glasses.

“But of course. Making best of what we have left is certainly something I can achieve through the art of cooking.”

“I can’t wait to try all of your new recipehs.” Noctis mimicked his accent.

“Wonderful, we have 10 years worth of vegetables to catch up on.” Noctis whined.

“Nothings changed.” Gladio chuckled. They all ventured into the cold cave, quite used to the darkness by this point. They took to it like a Chocobo to water. To Noct’s surprise even Prompto wasn’t complaining.

“You’re surprisingly calm.” “Hm?” The blond looked to him. “Oh I’m just better at hiding it.” He punched his shoulder playfully.

“Some things have changed then. For the better.” Noct smiled, proud of Prompto’s progress, though there was a concerned muffled grunt from Gladio. “What’s up?” “Nothing, you’re right, this is for the better.”

“You suggesting it isn’t?”

“It’s not that, we will explain when we’re a few things off our shoulders. We have a lot of catching up to do still and there’s a lot left unsaid. Right, Prompto?”

“What, who, me?” He wasn’t listening. Gladio sighed.

“We will talk about it when we reach Lestallum.”  Prompto looked at the pair of them bewildered. Noctis shrugged his shoulders in response. They ventured further into the cave where it was slippery and harder to see. Noctis lost his footing and slipped, Gladio grabbing his arm at lightning speed and pulling him back to his feet. “You alright?” Noctis let out gasps of pain as he winced holding his chest. He bent forward, one hand resting on his knee taking deep breaths to regain composure.

“Yeah, yeah.” He nodded and stood up straight again carrying on walking. Prompto went to his side and helped him manoeuvre over some uneven ground. Ignis even slipped a few times but had learned how to catch himself by now.

There was a glimmer of light at the end of the pathway formed by nature having ground through the earth throughout the centuries. This light was where the earth had crumbled and revealed the cave to sunlight, and in this lone spot, flowers were starting to re-grow already. As they passed the spotlight, Noctis stopped and gazed upwards, shading his eyes from the light. Prompto looked back and smiled softly watching him enjoy the sunlight. He followed after them a few moments later, cooping Prompto’s hand into his own as he walked by.

 They reached the runestone. Noctis still had Prompto’s hand clasped tightly into his own, Prompto could tell he was slightly apprehensive.

“You okay buddy?” He said quietly to him, the others stepped back, Prompto glanced over his shoulder to them, but then back to the king as he received a gentle tug on his arm.

“I’m fine. Prompto, I’m fine.” He met the blonds gaze “It’s thanks to you.” Prompto blushes and rubbed the back of his head as a nervous laugh escaped him. “I need to find out why and how I am okay.”

“Whaddya mean?”

“I’m alive, despite a huge prophecy telling me that I had to die. Prompto, a god told me, that for everyone to be safe, I had to die.” Prompto’s grip tightened, his smile from his previous laugh faded. “But I’m here, and it is thanks to you.” “What makes you think that?”

“Because you said you saw my father. You told me he said to you… ‘make the will of man, known unto the divine’ … do you know what that means?” He turned to face him, not loosening his grip.

“N-no.”

“It’s a quote from the Cosmogony.” Prompto’s eyes widened slightly, his pupils shrinking as his mind tried to decipher what Noctis was trying to say. “It’s what the gods said to the first Oracle, when they chose her.” Noctis spoke delicately. You could have cut the atmosphere with a knife, it was so silent as everyone watched Prompto. He could feel the eyes prying on him, yearning for response. Ignis leaned his head toward Gladio.

“What’s he doing?”

“He’s stood there like an Anak in headlights.” Gladio responded quietly.

“I don’t get what yo-!“ Prompto was interrupted by Noctis placing his finger to Prompto’s lips.

“Yes, you do.” Noctis slowly stepped away from him and walked up to the runestone, his hand trailing out of Prompto’s to reach up for the stone.

Prompto expected the same flashy lightshow as before. Purple thunder diving out of the stone, dancing around Noctis before he turned around, his eyes glowing a bright red. But nothing happened.

“He’s sleeping.” He uttered. Prompto raised his eyebrows in worry. “I want to know if it,s your job to wake him up again.” Noctis trailed his hand down the runestone.

“I dunno about this, Noct.”

“Let’s just try.” Noctis held his arm up. The shards of armiger started to appear and glitter around them.

“Noct…” Prompto was concerned, Noctis was still badly injured. Noct took a deep breath in, bracing himself for the recoil he would get from opening the armiger. It was a familiar nostalgic sound, the gentle ringing of the shards of armiger rapidly coming together to form the arms. Suddenly the shards collided flashing almost blindingly, and straight after the trident of the oracle appeared in Noct’s hand, he yelped out in agony, his voice breaking as he shrieked falling on one knee. Prompto ran to him “NOCT!” He bellowed, followed by Ignis and Gladio. “Noct are you okay?!” he rubbed his lovers back gently. “Please stop!” Noct looked up at him, tears flooding out his eyes and streaming down his freckled cheeks. Noctis reached up and wiped them off one cheek. Prompto bit his lip and sniffled “Please don’t hurt yourself purely for a hunch… please.” He wept.

“It may pay you not to be so reckless, Noctis.” Ignis said rubbing his back gently.

“Or…” He wheezed “It’s worth the extra push for the sake of Lucis.” He lifted up the trident, which despite the painful recoil, he’d managed to keep hold of, long enough for the weapon to form fully. Prompto stared at it still sniffling. He licked his top lip nervously.

“Even if I was, NOct, I’d have no idea what to freakin’ do! Luna would have been taught from birth, man.” He shook his head.

“I’ll teach you.” Noct said confidently. Prompto still hesitated. “Take the trident, Prompto.”

“I’m scared.” He bleated.

“I’m here- “ “Its ordinary for you, Noct. All this is normal for you. I can’t do anything like this… I’m not worth anything to a freaking god for them to want to make me an Oracle. You love me, I feel that, I really do but please stop trying to make me something I’m not!” He was shaking “I’m just some kid you went to school with.” His voice shook.

“I’m not calling you an oracle based on your ‘worth’ damnit.” Noctis scowled.

“You’re desperate to think I’m something special, but I’m not.” “Prompto, shut up!!” Gladio bellowed. His shoulders jerked.

“Prompto, listen to me.” Ignis voice opposed Gladio’s by speaking in a far softer tone. “The first oracle was chosen by her willpower and ability to inspire a broken king.” He reached for Prompto’s shoulder.

“My willpower?”

“You’re alive, Prompto. You feared everything, every nerve in your body has been shattered throughout this entire journey. But fear that you may, you never faltered to hold your ground.” Prompto cocked an eyebrow not sure how to translate what he was saying.

“He’s basically saying that despite you shitting yourself every 10 minutes, you kept on going, for Noct’s sake.” Prompto looked down to the floor.

“I don’t get what’s going on. I just wanted to be there for him, no matter what.” Noct gently cupped the blond’s cheek and leaned in kissing him softly. He held the kiss leaning into it. Noctis broke off slowly. “What if I’m not.” He said quietly.

“Then it doesn’t matter. You’ll still be my chocobro.” Prompto smiled through his tears.

He coughed choking slightly on some blood in his mouth and spat it out on the floor below. Some of the splatters had already dried, which implied he had been there for a while. Him gaining consciousness must have changed his blood pressure and opened any wounds he had. He slowly cranked his stiff neck up to look around at the room he was in which looked like a cross between a storage room and a jail cell. He looked to his left and saw his camera was pointing at him. He looked before him and down the hall. It was so dark he couldn’t see any further than about 4 cells or so in front of him. He could make out the outline of a door. His head flopped forward again and he cleared his throat as quietly as he could. He shuddered slightly as his body became aware of the room temperature. He then noticed what he was wearing. 

The last thing he remembered wearing was a Tundra jacket, he knew underneath he had a couple of shirts, and had put thermal trousers over his jeans. He moved his hips slightly to try and get some feeling back into his knees and threw his head back into the frame of the contraption restraining him. It rattled and echoes along with the sharp intake of breath as Prompto felt pain shoot straight up his back. 

I must’a done that falling from the train.

His eyes widened. No it wasn’t that. The pain wasn’t in his back or spine. He closed his eyes, his heart racing. He nibbled his lips furrowing his brow feeling distressed. He was trying to remember what had caused this pain but every time he tried to recall it he would just feel complete and utter dread and regret. He started to sweat and shake. 

Recap. After you were in  the snow, what do you remember then? 

I remember...

He took a deep breath to try and calm himself and collate his thoughts. He tried to clench his fists but the restraints on his wrists prevented any movement in his fingers still. 

Ardyn. 

He took more long steady breaths which only got sharper and shorter as his heart rate sped up again. He started to sob and whimper. The fuzzy chunks of memory slowly creating shapes and figures. He glanced down again and noticed his belt and jeans were open. 

Recap. 

...

Prompto pushed himself up to his feet and glanced around. The temperature was dropping and winds began to pick up as light faded. Ignis was right, the days really were getting shorter and it was becoming increasingly difficult to estimate how much daylight he had left. He could see the shadow of an entrance to something. I can’t be in Gralea yet, surely. He thought. He looked to his right and noticed that one of the runners had bent badly on the snowbike. He groaned loudly and slowly trudged through the snow and wind towards the facility ahead. He couldn’t tell what this building might be, but as the daylight quickly faded, the building suddenly lit up like it was christmas. 

He swallowed hard at the ominous building that towered the area. It’s not like I have a choice. He sighed and went to the door and inspected the panel at its side. It had a number pad, a keycard slot and a glass panel that looked similar to that of the magitek facility he was in before. He rolled up his sleeve and held it up to the panel. Lo and behold the door opened to his glowing codeprint. He stepped inside cautiously looking around, one hand on his pistol. 

Nothing was around at all, but he could hear a faint radio in the distance. Ensuring his footsteps were almost silent he proceeded towards the radio and listened to its announcement, demanding the people to evacuate. It’s slowly overwhelming the young blond. The condition of the world and the people that live in it really is deteriorating by the second. This wasn’t just a simple war of kingdoms. The world is sick, it is dying and the human race is panicking. 

“Scary, isn’t it?” A familiar soft booming voice sounded behind him, and in one swift movement Prompto spun on his heel and had both hands on his pistol aiming it towards Ardyn Izunia who stood without any fear before him. 

“Fuck off!!” Prompto growled. 

“Good evening to you too, m’boy.” He chuckled. “Your poor, poor father-” Before finishing his sentence he received a bullet between his eyes which knocked him back but, not to the floor. Prompto froze in place. This man just received metal at high speed into his forehead- why was he not on the floor? His hands started to shake as his and Ardyn’s eyes slowly met again. “What a waste of ammo.” Prompto didn’t even have half a second to compute Ardyn’s movements but became very aware that he was suddenly behind him. 

Ardyn swung his elbow into Prompto’s back to knock him down to his knees. He pulled off his hat tossing it aside then with his other hand grabbing his hair yanking it back pulling him up so he was standing on his knees. The blond dropped his pistol as his arms automatically reacted to try and prize Ardyn’s hands off his hair. 

“LET GO!!” He yelped. 

“Didn’t anyone ever teach you any manners to let a man finish his sentence before you shoot him?” He whispered softly into his ear. 

“I don’t have to listen to anything you say!!” He struggled pushing himself to stand attempting to twist himself round to loosen Ardyn’s grip. Bad move on his part, he ended up facing him, and down towards the floor. He attempted to correct this error and turn himself away but received Ardyn’s knee to the bottom of his jaw. Ardyn finally let go and Prompto hit the deck covering his mouth groaning. He writhed slightly but scurried up grabbing his gun pointing it at Ardyn again- but he was gone. 

“COWARD!” He screeched. He scanned the room with the aim of his gun. After a few moments of no response he kicked a nearby chair across the room and slowed his breathing to calm. The room was a lot warmer than outside and after this confrontation he was feeling warm enough. He stripped the tundra clothing down to his leopard print jeans and black shirt and jacket, and chucked the winter clothes aside. He kept his pistol in hand and the sword round his waist. 

Long hours passed by and he grew weary and tired of the troopers he was taking out. It was still sending shivers down his spine still, he was very aware of what he was killing. He had decided it was kinder this way. Who was he to decide what lives or dies? No, he’s not deciding that. These... things were dead the moment they became troopers. He was grinding his teeth the entire time, a mix of stress and pain from being kneed in the jaw. He spat out some blood and inspected his teeth with his tongue to feel the blood was coming from his cheek, where his teeth must have caught. 

He wiped his mouth. He was at the edge of his limit right now and decided that he must seek out Noctis and the others before he decides anything else. He had a lot of clouds over his head right now. No matter what happens, he wanted to see Noctis at least one last time before anything. Just to feel his touch again, even if only briefly, as it would heal his shattered nerves, just enough to prepare him for the worst. 

“Prompto!” He spun on his heel. His mouth almost hit the floor. Finally after hours of searching he found who he had been so desperate to find. 

“NOCT!” He beamed, the king stood at the end of the hall, uninjured- much to Prompto’s relief. He ran to him into his open arms. “You’re okay- you’re here!” 

“I’m here.” Was all he said. That’s a tad odd, Noctis didn’t seem at all concerned about the train incident. The blond was too overwhelmed to register it properly. He discarded the thought as being ungrateful. 

“I missed you...”

“I missed you too...” He smiled softly at the blond, his hand cupping his cheek. So warm... Prompto instinctively nuzzled into it, welling up slightly. 

“Where are the others?” “They’re here, somewhere.” Noct’s gaze wasn’t leaving Prompto’s. His eyes glistened slightly, his voice was alluring. 

“S-somewhere...”  

“They’re okay, they have each other.”

“We have to find them..” Prompto’s voice became a whisper as he was finding it hard to break away from Noct’s gaze. He felt Noct’s free hand snake under his jacket to the small of his back, pulling their bodies closer. 

“They’ll be fine, for a bit longer.” He couldn’t pinpoint exactly why he felt so weird, but something wasn’t right here. 

“There’s a time and a place, Noct.” The blond gently pushed the kings arm  away, but his gaze didn’t become any less seductive. Prompto’s protests didn’t even seem to disappoint him. 

“I understand. It’s been so long, and I’m just so relieved. Just a little...? We’re pent up, Prompto. Let’s relieve some stress.” He stroked his cheek again. Prompto blushed and glanced away finally, and he saw Noct’s arm snake back around him again and his hand slide down his back to his bum. He let out a timid whimper, and giggled slightly. 

“Here? Now?” He asked, and Noctis nodded. 

“Is that not... exciting?” Noctis grinned broadly. Prompto couldn’t lie, he had become so frustrated over the last couple of weeks, trying to not think about how upset he was. But he did recall catching Noctis’s face suddenly fill regret the moment his hand lost contact with him right after pushing him off the moving train. 

Noctis’s other hand traced down his cheek and shoulder, and down his arm slowly guiding the pistol out of his hand and placing it down. Their lips met softly, Prompto closed his eyes and kissed him back, but it still felt so strange to him. He knees twitched as he started to get excited. He wanted to be mad at Noctis for what had happened, and maybe that’s why it felt strange that he was kissing him now. He let Noctis open his trousers and slide them down. 

Noctis broke the kiss and turned Prompto round slowly, pushing his back so that he would lean forward against the wall in front. Prompto placed his hands on either side of the pipe that ran down it. He looked down to the shadow cast on the floor by them so he could watch Noct’s movements. He saw him fumble with his own belt

“S-should we really be doing this... here?” He said quietly. He felt something around his wrists, and glanced up to see Noctis was cuffing him to the pipes. He raised his eyebrows “EH?” He looked over his shoulder to Noct “What are you doing??” 

“Adding a bit of excitement, of course.” Noctis lifted up Prompto’s jacket and shirt to kiss his arched back. 

“Don’t you think there is enough excitement, right now, Noct??” He flustered and tugged at the cuffs. “We are in the middle of a random hallway, where we might get caught! Not just by Iggy and Gladio but maybe a trooper?? Have you really thought this through, Noct??” 

“It’s fine, I’ll just take them out.” He pressed his hips against Prompto’s behind, 

“I’m having second thoughts.” His voice trembled. Any bit of excitement he was feeling before drained from him quickly. “I want you, man, but not here... not now.” He whimpered. 

“Don’t get cold feet on me now.” Noct’s voice had changed. Prompto’s pupils shrank and he couldn’t focus on anything suddenly as panic began to set in.

No preparation, no warning. He was invaded suddenly from behind and the pain ripped through him. he screamed tugging at the cuffs trying to twist his body away, but the hands gripped to his hips holding him still were too strong, not that he had a lot of control over his body which was currently at the mercy of excruciating pain. His whole body was pushed up against the wall with movements. He could feel someone kissing at the back of his shoulders. He refused to believe it was Noctis. 

Noctis wouldn’t do this. 

“STOP!!” He started to sob. The one man he had loved more than anything in this world, would he really do this? His head was forced to the side as his hair was pulled, to allow access to his neck. He tried to look at the corner of his eye, and through the tears he could just about make out deep purple hair. It wasn’t Noctis.... it was Ardyn. “PLEASE STOP!!” He begged

“Keep screaming, wouldn’t it be great if he could hear you?!” Ardyn chuckled. 

“PLEASE STOP!!” He cried, completely consumed by the pain surging up his back.

It felt like it was never going to end. What he was screaming now were no longer words, and they became cries to whimpers as he broke down. He was over the edge now. By this point it was becoming impossible to record anything into his mind. His body was in overdrive and had just shut down to all stimulants. His entire environment had become nothing but void as his mind shut the whole world out. Possibly to try and stop the pain. He slid down to his knees, still cuffed to the pipes. Ardyn sat somewhere in the room and finished himself off. 

Prompto didn’t register any of his surroundings at this point, he just sat there, the last of the tears drying to his cheeks. His eyes hurt, his skin hurt, everything hurt. 

After another eternity of nothing, Ardyn un-clipped the cuffs letting his hands drop to the floor limply. He walked away tidying himself up. Prompto’s eyes followed him. 

Recap.... don’t stop now... recap.

It was so fuzzy. He didn’t remember standing or pulling his trousers up. He was so swift, and quiet that even Ardyn didn’t see it coming. 

Recap.... what did I do?

This point in his memory was quite vivid. He had somehow snatched Ardyn’s dagger from its sheath on his hip and had it hilt deep in his gut- the exact point that Ardyn had stabbed Lunafreya some months earlier. He looked up at Ardyn meeting his surprised gaze. Prompto doesn’t remember what he uttered under his breath at Ardyn, whatever it was, it must have burned Ardyn. His confused expression changed to a sight of rage that Prompto had never seen in anyone before. The blow to the side of his face was substantial enough to knock him out instantly. 

So that’s what happened.

Now he understood why his body started to be consumed in pure panic. He was violated, taken advantage of. Any concept of trust he had was currently shattered. He understood why he felt so off. Of course it wasn’t fucking Noctis, since when does he say ‘is that not, exciting?’ anyway? He shook his head. 

He felt humiliated, he felt tortured, but sadly after being left alone with these thoughts they mutated into regret and guilt. How could he have possibly mistaken Ardyn for Noctis. It was painfully obvious from the start it wasn’t him. Noctis would have asked if he was okay, he would have still been concerned for Ignis and Gladio. He knew Noctis was in no mind for having sex. Prompto just hung there and wept. 

“I want to.. hear your voice...” He whispered. He saw a light flash across his face. He slowly looked up, to see three torches coming towards him. 

“...!!!!” He could hear something too, his mind slowly adjusted to his surroundings again. “Prompto! GUYS I FOUND HIM!” That voice sounded familiar. He couldn’t respond or react. He watched the cell doors open, Noctis pushing his way in before they had completely opened and going to Prompto inspecting the restraints on his hands. “Prompto, are you okay? say something!” There was a certain clarity to his voice. He still wasn’t registering it all. Noct cupped his cheek to tilt his head up to look at him. “Prompto, hey...” He said softly, sadly. “Guys, he’s barely conscious...” Gladio started tugging at the restraints to try and break them off. Prompto felt Noct’s thumbs wipe away the tears rolling down his cheeks and he pressed his forehead to the blonds, both hands on both cheeks. 

“It.. really is you...” His voice was broken. But he managed to crack a smile.

“Is he hurt?” Ignis said

“He’s bleeding, but nothing serious.... it’s okay Prom, I got you.” He hushed him. Prompto tugged at his restraints again, ignoring the pain as he had become accustomed to it now. He just wanted to swing his arms round Noctis right now. 

It’s him, it’s really him.

He spluttered slightly again as he tried to take a substantial breath in so he could talk. 

“Noct...” He whimpered. “Noct!!” His trust started to reconstruct piece by piece. There was just something so soothing about the Kings voice. 

“Prompto, I’m so sorry....” 

“Save your sorrys for later, Noct and help find a way to get him out of this damn thing!” Gladio pushed Noct back slightly to divert his attention to the restraints. After some deliberation they managed to disable the power to the unit and all four locks on him released suddenly. Noct placed his hand to Prompto’s chest as he fell forwards to stop his head from smacking the floor as he caught himself on his hands and knees, grunting slightly as his stiff body started to get feeling back in it again. 

“Are you okay? Do you need help??” Ignis felt helpless, unable to survey the situation as all he could hear was Prompto’s staggered breathing. 

“I’m okay, thank you.” He said, starting to come to terms with everything. “Noct... tell me.... where you... worried about me?” He hesitated. 

“What?” Noct tilted his head to the side kneeling with him “What sort of question is that? Of course I was worried about you!” 

“Aha, right.” He chuckled and nodded “I told myself I had to stay alive, so that I could see you.. hear you tell me that I’m not a fake.”

“I’m sorry...” “Don’t be... It’s alright now... you’re here..  you came.. just like.. I believed you would.” Prompto whimpered again and shook. Noctis pulled him into a tight hug. This was more like it. This hug was soft and warm, he could hear Noct’s heart, it was racing. Noctis was relieved to find him, he didn’t want to let go, he could feel every nerve in Prompto’s body shaking. They both let out simultaneous sniffled and laughed straight after. 

“...Let’s find somewhere where he can rest, Noct. We need to see to all those cuts.” Gladio said helping Prompto to his feet. Noct nodded and agreed, rubbing Prompto’s back gently, worried about greater injuries he may have suffered, especially from his fall from the train. 

Prompto grabbed his camera, inspecting it. He noticed the battery was dead. He wondered if Ardyn had been filming him hanging unconscious from the weird contraption that Ardyn had suspended him from.  

They all slowly tailed back down the hall, keeping close to each other, acting as a visual aid for Ignis aswell as themselves and eventually came across one of the sleeping quarters in the building. they secured the door and all slumped onto a bed each, letting some weight of  their anxiety leave them if only for a while. 

“Where are you hurt, Prompto?” Noctis said sitting on a chair next to the bed Prompto had chosen. 

“Oh just these cuts on my arms here, is there one on my face? AH- ow yeah there is.” He winced from poking himself where Ardyn had struck him. 

“What happened...?” Noctis opened up a first aid kid he’d found in a drawer and started to dab the cut on his cheek clean before treating it with an elixr or potion or anything. Prompto looked at Noct and their eyes met. He recognised them, and hated how he didn’t see it before. Noctis smiled at him softly and Prompto smiled back. 

“I don’t really remember.” He lied. He rest his head in the palm of Noct’s hand as he cupped his cheek once again. “Probably best that way.” He closed his eyes, everything felt right now. He felt Noct’s face come near him and he flinched as their lips met. He tensed up a little. Noct quickly and gently broke off, still cupping his cheek. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to catch you off guard there.” He said putting the cotton ball down. The shattered nerves began to heal a little. Afraid that he might never be able to cope with Noct’s touch after being tricked to thinking Noctis had violated him, he felt reassured by Noctis pulling away without even questioning why. “You must be ti-” “Kiss me again, Noct.” Noct looked at him a little puzzled. 

“Huh?” He’d never heard him say that before. 

“Come on, you don’t still think I’m Ardyn, do you?” The blond pouted. Noct chuckled slightly