#notfe

Prompto knew something was burning the moment Noct’s door opened. Something which smelt distinctly like charcoal hung in the air. Gray wisps floated around like steam, giving everything a murky tint. The dissipating smoke was so heavy, it was hard to make out the bowl of fruit which rested on the cabinet in the corner.

On that note, Noct even looked like he’d been in a house fire. He leaned against the door frame, face pink and sweaty. His hair was a mess (well… more of a mess than usual) but he seemed unconcerned. Prompto wished that was more comforting.

“Hayy. You’re right on time,” Noctis said, raising his fingers in a lazy wave.

“Um… hayy? What’s with all the smoke, dude? You building a bonfire or something?” He peered nervously over Noct’s shoulder, wary of flames. Maybe Noct had been practicing with his spells and set the curtains on fire again. The thought played havoc on his paranoia and he fiddled with his wristband, but it would explain the smoke.

Noctis brought a hand up to his neck and began to pick at the small hairs at the base of his head – a nervous habit. Oh, he has been practicing spells, hasn’t he? “You’ll see,” Noctis said, eyes narrowed in uncertainty. “Now, you coming in or what?”

As much as Prompto was beginning to doubt Noct’s ability to keep his student apartment in-tact, even his paranoid thoughts could not convince him that he would willingly lead him into a death trap. Still, thoughts of what would happen if he did played through his mind as he kicked his boots into the corner and wrestled the coat off his shoulders. He could even imagine the headlines. ‘Prince Kills Secret Boyfriend By Luring Him Into Burning House.’

“Right this way,” Noctis said as Prompto placed his bag down. He stood by the living room door, pushing it open with his hand but remaining in the hall with him. 

“Letting me go first? How sweet,” Prompto teased as he passed.

Inside, Prompto half-expected to see black walls and tinged woodwork.

But there was no fire. There were no ruined curtains.

There was simply a roast turkey, blackened at the edges but mostly golden brown. There was simply mince pies and vegetables and pudding. All placed delicately upon Noct’s table, surrounded by Christmas tree confetti and crackers.

“Merry Christmas,” Noctis said, smiling slightly.

It wasn’t Christmas today but Prompto didn’t care about that right now. His first thought was that Iggy had made it all, but his cooking was always without flaw. No, Noctis had made this; and he found himself welling up.

He wasn’t used to such nice things. He wasn’t entirely sure how to react, so he just stared at the table, unable to find the words.

“I got the recipe from Specs,” Noctis admitted. “I wound up burning the carrots through but the rest came out alright. I know you said you’re spending Christmas with your parents but—”

Prompto didn’t give him time to finish. He grabbed Noctis by the shoulders and kissed him hard and hoped it was enough to show just how happy—how grateful he was for the effort. Noctis seemed taken aback for a moment before melting into it, a smirk gracing his face.

The food was flawed in many ways. Burned black in places and cold because it turned out that the food had been on the table for some time.