"Somehow, these burgers are even better than the ones at the Citadel."

"That's because you can't beat good old-fashioned street food, dude." Prompto grinned from ear to ear as he took one final bite of his cheeseburger, before crumpling up the greasy wrapper and dunking it into the nearest bin along the Insomnia street the pair strolled down. The sky was beginning to turn peach, with the sun sinking in the sky as the day came to a close.

"The golden hour." The blond proclaimed.

"What?"

"Sunrise and sunset are the best time to take photos!"

"Then why don't you take one?"

"What, you really want me to photograph you chowing down on that burger?" Prompto grinned, reaching for the camera at his hip. His raven-haired friend proceeded to roll his eyes and turn away from him, mumbling "Not of me you idiot." through a mouthful of food, causing Prompto to giggle. Noctis always ate slower than he did, probably because of his upbringing, but since he had begun to hang out with Prompto, he'd at least loosened up a little. Watching him struggle to speak with how much food he had in his mouth amused the blond, who reminisced of the first time he'd bought Noctis a burger last year. It was their first time outside of school together as friends, and despite his best efforts to uphold proper etiquette, he still ended up with ketchup on his face. Nowadays, even though he still ate slower than the blond, he cared a lot less. Prompto often wondered if he was a bad influence on the prince, but he liked to see him smile, and in his eyes, acheiving that meant he was doing a decent job. Besides, he was still hanging out with him after a whole year, so he must be doing something right, right?

"Just a little bit higher!" A voice from across the street caught Prompto's attention. A man and a woman were stringing up a banner in front of their shop, which read 'Happy Birthday!' in a swirly gold font. It was then that Prompto realised their shop wasn't the only one decorating, in fact, the entire street was covered in celebratory ornaments. Streamers and banners like the couple were styling their shop with were actually present in every shop window they passed. Balloons were tied to benches and tables outside cafes and bistros, where the waiters were laying their tables for the night. The decorations that really stood out though, were garlands made from the most stunning blue flowers, though Prompto was unable to name them, hanging between lampposts, lining the street. The blond took in the scenery, before turning to his friend beside him, seeing that he was doing the same.

"Are you excited?" He asked, quiet uncertainty in his voice.

Noctis shifted his eyes away from the preparations and back to his burger, which he suddenly seemed less interested in. "What? To be smothered for a whole weekend by people I have to pretend I know? Sure."

Prompto's eyes saddened. "C'mon, Noct, it can't be that bad...Think about all the parties and the free food." He tried to humour him, but it seemed ineffective.

"I'd rather spend the entire day in my room." He sighed. "I just wish for once that I could have a normal birthday. One where I don't have to give speeches, or attend parties with people I couldn't care less about." His eyes found Prompto's again, and realising his tone, he tried to lighten the mood again. "You sure I can't just hide out at your's for the weekend?" He cracked a smile, and Prompto followed suit.

"I can't offer you a party or any fancy food."

"It's cool, I'd take another of these burgers over that any day." He let out a laugh and finally took another bite, but Prompto could still detect the sadness in his voice.

As much as he wanted to help his friend, and give him the birthday he wanted, having him stay over was already a bad idea, even without the added complications of Noctis' duties. Despite knowing him for over a year now, Prompto had never once invited him around after school. It wasn't like he didn't want to, it's more like...he couldn't. He couldn't bare the thought of having Noctis, who lived in a freaking palace, come over to his much smaller abode. It's not like his house was bad or anything, it's just he would have a lot to live up to. But that wasn't even the biggest problem. Prompto's parents were very rarely present, so it's not like he could discuss it with them prior to inviting him over. Plus, he'd have to cook for him, which he didn't know how to do. And worst of all, what if he found out his secret?

Prompto's hand slowly moved to clutch the sweatband that covered his wrist, drowning in his thoughts until Noctis spoke up again, snapping him out of it.

"Well, I guess I'll see you later, anyway."

Taking in his surroundings, Prompto realised that they had already made it back to their school, where Noctis was picked up every day. And, right on time, a car pulled up to do just that, the Scientia kid emerging to open the door for the prince.

"Ah, right. Hey, I'll have a slice of cake waiting for you on your desk on Monday." The freckled blond smiled at his friend, managing to get one in return as they moved to give each other a fist bump.

"I'll never stop thinking about it." Noctis winked and moved towards the car, waving his goodbye as he got inside.

The car drove away and it took a second for Prompto to realise that his face was burning. He still didn't understand why that happened around Noct sometimes, like when he winked at him, but he was just happy to be thinking happier thoughts now. He only hoped Noctis would be able to enjoy his birthday as much as everyone else was going to.

On his way home, Prompto stopped into one of the many shops with banners in the window, and purchased some craft supplies, ready to make a gift for the very person those banners were for. As expected, Prompto came home to an empty house, but he was content with the quiet, because he wanted to focus on his project anyway. Changing out of his school uniform into a pair of combat pants and a vest top, the blond settled down on his bedroom floor with his craft supplies and got to work. After just fifteen minutes, his phone alarm sounded, and he scrambled for the TV remote that lay on his pillow. Settling back down on the floor, he turned on the TV, tuning in just in time to see the Lucian Crest displayed in all it's glory.

"And now, for a special announcement on the eve of Prince Noctis Lucis Caelum's 18th birthday." The image of the crest was switched for a live broadcast from the Citadel, a smile crossing Prompto's face as he saw his best friend's face on the screen. Noctis began his speech, and Prompto listened intently, but the longer he watched, the more his smile faded. He felt a weight on his chest as he looked into his friend's eyes, seeing nothing but sadness as he read his script. Despite the smile on the prince's face, Prompto knew he was hating every minute of it, and he couldn't bare it. Noctis had only just said farewell and the boy switched the TV off, leaving his room in silence again, for once preferring it. Looking to the unfinished present that lay on his floor, he felt more determined than ever to make it into something special, and immediately got back to work. Even if Noctis hated his birthday at the Citadel, Prompto would make sure he enjoyed it back at school.

The time that passed by over the next hour was used productively, and by the time the clock had hit 10pm, Prompto was satisfied with the start he had made. He still had a lot to do, but he was determined to get it done before the weekend was over. Taking a quick break, he headed downstairs to the kitchen to fix a drink, which is when a knock came at the door. Prompto looked down the hall, eyeing the front door with confusion. "Who the hell would call this late?" He muttered, suddenly feeling fear bubbling in his throat. Swallowing it down, he put his drink aside and padded over, another knock sounding on his way over. He grabbed the key from the hook and took a breath, before opening the door a crack, keeping the chain on just in case. "Hel-"

"Prompto, you need to let me in."

The freckled boy blinked, "Noct?"