Prompto opened his eyes and peered through the window with hazy eyes. It was already six in the morning, the time he always got up to start doing chores. He had just graduated school and wished to be eighteen already. He really wanted to join the Crownsguard, his friends were already in it after all. He may have been weak, but his training with Gladio seemed to be gradually helping him get stronger. The news about the treaty had been on every single channel almost daily, but never anything new. Only the same things about a ceasefire between Niflheim and Insomnia and that Noctis is to be wed with the Oracle of Tenebrae. He wondered what Noctis thought of it, but he hadn't talked to him in a while due to having to help out at home.
Prompto's mother was a lovely lady, but she never wanted children. She worked hard to earn money for them both as his father had a gambling addiction. Luckily, she had a very high praised job, often traveled to different places as a journalist.
With a sigh, he got up. He did love his mother, but she never loved him back in a way you're supposed to love your child. After all, he was basically handed to them when he was only a few years old. He entwined his fingers and threw his arms in the air, stretching to the point his arms made a cracking sound. Prompto walked downstairs and gulped at the mess his eyes stumbled upon. Large garbage bags filled with half-eaten food, empty cups and Shiva knows what else. There was a slice of pizza left on the table, without the box anywhere near. Upon a closer look, his eyes landed on an object he wishes he'd never see again. A needle. Ever since his mother was murdered in cold blood, his father had been slowly losing it. All the money she'd earned for them, he had been using on drugs. He gulped again and wrapped his hand around his bracelet covering his painful secret. The one thing nobody knew off but his father and he was sure to remind him everytime he was in a bad mood.
After a little over an hour, he had cleaned up the whole place and with a satisfying stretch, he opened the front door. A figure stood in front of him with crossed arms and a sour expression on their face. It was his dad, he just had to come home at the wrong times. He shoved Prompto aside with a groan and seemed to be inspecting the room behind him.
"So, where exactly are you off to this time eh?" He bit his lip, not knowing what he'd reply to it. Whatever the answer he'd be giving, his father wouldn't approve. Should he tell him about his training with Gladios and that he'd been invited to join the Crownsguard? He hoped his father would be happy for him, but he knew deep down it'd have the opposite effect. Someday he'd have to tell him about it, as being in the Crownsguard meant you'd move out to live in the Citadel as Prompto's house was quite far from said place.
With a sigh, he mustered some courage and spoke up, "The King has invited me to join the Crownsguard." And as expected, his father didn't take it lightly. With a huff, the taller man turned on his heels and groaned out a loud "EEH?" The blond took a step back, knowing what he just said stirred something inside the older man.
"YOU? Crownsguard? Ha ha! You're a filthy Niff, if they find out about who you really are, you'd be lucky if they won't pull ya apart!" He continued laughing, but that quickly died down as he noticed the look on the younger man's face didn't change. It was plastered with (an attempt to) courage, confidence and hope. Something that made his father want to gag. He continued, "don't you even think about leaving this place to lick the shoes of your little friend. You have things to do here, a Niff like you ain't wanted among the royals over there. They find out and I'm also goin' to be hung for being a traitor and housing a threat to Insomnia. Might I find out you're attempting to leave this house, I'll make sure you'll wish you'd never even set foot in this place." He clicked his tongue, followed by him spitting on the ground in front of the blond. His head hung at his response, he was right. If they'd find out, he'd be in much bigger trouble. The older man took a seat in his worn-down chair and motioned at Prompto to come closer.
He started to feel a little uneasy now that his old man knew what he wanted. "Y-yes?" Prompto cringed silently as He noticed how foul his face was.
It only took a split second - maybe even less, as the blond was yanked back by his hair and slammed across the wooden floor. He yelped out in pain and rolled over on his side. His father had always been rough and harsh with words, but these actions only seemed to be happening only recently. Ever since he graduated and hung out with the Prince, it was as if it disgusted the older man. Prompto rubbed the side of his face that made contact with the floor and felt it started to swell up. Tiny prickles of blood appeared on his bruised skin and there was no way that would disappear before tomorrow. He and Noctis were supposed to celebrate their graduation by going to the arcade and preparing a few things for his leave to the Citadel - but he wasn't so sure if that would be such a good idea anymore, the way his father handled it. Was he really going to ignore his father's warning and leave home? He didn't want his father to tell anyone his secret. He'd threatened to tell someone before and knowing his old man, he actually would.
"Clean yourself up and make me breakfast." He huffed before sitting down in his recliner again and continued, "you're grounded for a week." Prompto got on his knees and fought back his urge to breakdown, he also had just gotten a part time job for the time being. It wasn't anything worth noting in his opinion, but it was a photography store that printed photos for their customers and touched up old instant photos. He furiously wiped a single tear that managed to escape and made his way to the kitchen.
The blond had made his way into the kitchen and turned to softly mention his job. "I-I have to go to work tomorrow." He didn't have a shift tomorrow though, but he did promise Noct to hang out. The taller man who was now slumped down in front of the news waved his hand to him, which often meant 'no.' With a sigh, he started cracking the eggs in a frying pan and turned on the stove. His mind was absent, which he did on purpose. He just wanted this to be over with.
The next day came quick and as he dragged himself out of bed to check his phone, he realised it wasn't on his nightstand. Panic began to set in as he paced through his entire room to find it. He was sure he left it on his nightstand last night, fully charged and all. "Fuck," he said before opening every single drawer and door he could reach.
"Looking for this?" A voice said leaning against the door frame. "It'd be wise to use a password on your phone next time, if I'd give you a next time." Prompto's face turned pale, as realization hit. His father read the messages between him and Noct, there was no other way. "And here I thought you learnt your lesson about lying." With one foot set in his room, the blond already had a very bad feeling about what's about to come. Luckily he was saved by his phone vibrating in his father's hand. They probably realized he hadn't showed up so they tried to call him to see if everything was alright. His friends never liked his father, they always said he gave them an eerie and dark feeling. Ignis often asked if something was going on, as Prompto used to zone out a lot during school days and when they hung out. "Hah? Seems like one of your friends is trying to call you. I thought not." The older man pressed the 'end call' button and with a swift move, he slammed the blond's phone on the ground. A loud crack was heard among the splintering of glass. He cringed silently as he remembered how long it took to save up for a decent phone. Of course Noctis had offered to buy him one for his birthday, but he had refused; he'd rather save up for something he really wanted.
The taller man let out a breathy laugh, knowing Prompto wouldn't exactly try and go in against him. Prompto was still afraid of what his father would do if he did. The man pointed at the broken pieces on the ground and let out another chuckle before pulling a sour face and grabbing the now kneeling Prompto by his right wrist and squeezed it. The blond groaned and immediately drifted his gaze to the floor. The taller man held up his other hand, readying his fist as a knock on the door sounded through the house.
"Who the hell could that be this early in the morning?" It wasn't early, but the man was just lazy and hated visitors before twelve. With an overly dramatic groan, he let his adopted son go with a huff to open the front door. Not knowing who'd even visit him in the first place.
"Egh, yeah? What do you want at this hour?" A bespectacled man stood in front of the door, pushing back his glasses as he stealthily tried to peer behind the dirty older man. He could tell the man was on something and that he wasn't in a good mood.
"Excuse me for interrupting you at this hour, but I believe my friend Prompto lives here, is that correct?" Such a formal tone made the chubbier man want to vomit. He looked up and down, inspecting the man with the glasses, who's face he couldn't exactly read. "Is he anywhere near, by any chance?"
"He's sick, he isn't able to leave his bed. High fever and all. Is that all ya want to know?" He seemed to be quite satisfied with the answer he gave the bespectacled man, which concerned him. In the distance he heard something being dropped onto the ground, the sound of glass. A breathy 'fuck' followed and the blond suddenly walked out of what seemed the kitchen. His face was covered in bruises and there was dried up blood on his left cheek.
"He does quite look ill, although I believe not due to a 'high fever and all," the taller man frowned and he tried to get Prompto's attention by coughing once loudly. Loud enough to hear, but quiet enough not to seem suspicious. The blond jerked up, looking at the two men who eyed him in a concerned matter. The older man not so much concerned, but the taller man sure seemed frightened as he had a clear idea of what's been happening behind closed doors.
"H-hey, Ignis. What are you doing here?" His eyes seemed empty as he tried to fake a smile. "If you're popping by to see how I'm doing - I'm fine, really." The bespectacled man didn't buy it, but was afraid to make a wrong move. He decided to play the game cautiously. He pushed back his glasses and straightened up.
"What happened to your face, did you have an accident?" He was well aware it wasn't an accident, but he was hoping Prompto would give him a sign, or anything at all that would confirm he wasn't alright. The chubbier man grew impatient and spoke for Prompto instead.
"He's fine, he's just clumsy as hell and fell down the stairs this morning." Again - especially now - Ignis wasn't buying it.
"Why didn't you pick up your phone? Noct and I must've messaged you a dozen times." He crossed his arms and eyes the blond from top to bottom and the more he looked, the more he found. Busted lip, purple swollen cheek, scratches in his neck - which even concerned him more - and blood on his hands.
"Eh, could you now leave? This is private property. He'll be fine, he's grounded so ya won't see him for a while either." This also spiked Ignis' interest.
"May I perhaps ask, what it is that made you ground him?" Cocking an eyebrow, wanting to know more now that a bit of anxiety grew inside of him.
"He didn't listen to me and he lied, now beat it kid. He has cleaning to do." Suddenly, the bespectacled man had an idea.
"I came here on King Regis' demand, he needs to speak to Prompto. It seemed quite urgent." Somehow, Prompto's father's lips formed a small line, trying not to smile. He hadn't a clue why that would make the older man smile, but he'd play along, just to get Prompto out of there.
It was quite obvious the man tried to hide a chuckle. "Did he do something wrong?" The taller man softly nodded, he wasn't one to lie, but it was obvious Prompto was in trouble. His father seemed very content with the response and turned around laughing, as if he had been practicing his laugh for hours before Ignis showed up. The chubbies man nudged the younger man and grabbed him by the wrist.
"This might be the best day of my life! You finally get what ya deserve." The bespectacled man didn't move an inch, nor said a word and just watched his father grabbing him roughly by the arm, pushing him in his direction. Without a single other word, his father slammed the door shut, leaving a vulnerable and now shaking Prompto in front of his friend. He didn't dare look him in the eye, or speak up. He just stood there, shivering, his left hand wrapped around his bracelet, as he was bracing for impact. Ignis touched his shoulder and motioned for him to get in the car. Prompto flinched on concact, it broke Ignis' heart slightly. He had a slight idea of his dad being a bully, but not to the point it'd frighten the hell out of the blond.
"W-what does the King want with me? Did I d-do something wrong?" Still clutching onto his bracelet, looking around anxiously as if someone might attack him.
Once they were at a safe distance from his house, Ignis brushed his brows together, pinching the bridge of his nose. "He didn't send me, Prompto. Perhaps it's best if we go to my place and have a talk." The blond only nodded, but didn't say anything. His lips were trembling and with the way he played with his bracelet, Ignis started getting curious as to what was so special with that band.
After a painfully quiet car ride of roughly half an hour, they came to a stop. None of them spoke, but Prompto seemed content with that, so Ignis didn't want to ruin that. Once Ignis fished his front door key out of his the inside pocket of his jacket, Prompto grabbed his hand.
"A-are you sure, that nothing is wrong?" He still looked and sounded paranoid and he didn't want to fuel it, but he had no choice in the matter. Somehow whatever he'd say, the blond would still stand there shivering.
"Prompto, we both know something is wrong, but no - not with you, if this concerns you. We need to talk about what's going on. You're my friend and I can clearly see you are not alright." The blond let go of his hand and a chilly breeze now brushed over the spot where Prompto's hand just was. The bespectacled man opened the door, took off his shoes and took a step aside to let the skinnier male in. He was always quite thin - from the moment they met, as he knew he used to weigh a lot more. But right now, he looked more worn out - his face skinnier and cheekbones a lot more visible. Had he even been eating? Did his father even give him any food?
Prompto took a seat in Ignis' recliner and gazed outside the window, he'd been at his place before, but never really paid any attention to the view from his window. A clear and wonderful Citadel rose from behind a couple of high buildings.
Ignis didn't seem to be wanting to waste more time and cut to the chase. "Let me treat those wounds. They seem rather fresh and no sign of infection." He sounded formal and kind as always, but this time with a hint of worry. The blond just sighed and bit his lip. His hands were shaky and still covered in blood.
"I know this may be hard, but could you please explain what's been going on? You haven't returned any of our calls, nor have you texted us back." Prompto wanted to run away and hide, but he knew they'd find out one day.
"My phone... Broke. I-I couldn't reach you guys." The taller man huffed in response, not believing a word he said; but not wanting to pry too much in little details, he left it. He cleaned the now black-purple bruise on his cheek and applied cream and gauze to make sure it wouldn't get infected either way. Prompto didn't even wimper or flinch, he just stared mindlessly at his hands. Ignis slowly moved his hand to the blond's neck. His finger slowly brushing against the fingerprints imprinted around his throat. The blond gulped as his lip trembled.
"I presume you somehow 'fell' into a pair of rough hands?" His fingers still trailed across the marks and Prompto softly whined, somehow sparking something inside Ignis. He couldn't tell what he just felt, but he cleared his throat and pulled back his hand.
"Uhm. I just. I angered him, I guess I d-deserved this." The taller man cocked an eyebrow.
"Deserve to be choked? Doesn't quite seem like a suitable punishment if you ask me." He reached out to grab Prompto's hands as they started bleeding again, but the blond slapped away the man's arm. The impact shifted Prompto's bracelet and he panicked as he noticed this. He stood up and whipped around, his legs feeling like jelly and barely able to carry him. He adjusted his band before mumbling 'bathroom' and rushed off though the kitchen - bumped into the kitchen island on his way - to the bathroom in the back. The bespectacled man opened his mouth but couldn't seem to find the words. He wasn't sure what he just saw, but it hit him that Prompto was actually trying to hide whatever it was that stuck out under his bracelet. He pinched the bridge of his nose again, trying to recollect what just happened. He made his way to the kitchen and filled the kettle with water. Maybe some tea would calm down his younger friend. Still, he wasn't completely certain what was going on and what he was hiding. He was afraid of saying the wrong things that might set him off as he was so incredibly vulnerable, yet something had to change.
With a sigh, he opened a few cupboards, looking for some ingredients for dinner later on. He assumed Prompto would stay for a while, so it was only common courtesy to include him for their evening meal. His hand hovered over the kitchen island, trying to feel for his vegetable knife he put away earlier. When he messaged his friend for the eighth time, he had already dropped everything and rushed to his car only to call him just before arriving. He knew something wasn't right earlier, so now he was about to pick up where he left off. If only he remembered where he put his utensils... He was sure he put them in the corner next to the coffee maker. He shook his head, maybe he was just getting tired. Ignis turned around to turn off the kettle as it blared across the kitchen, when it hit him. The blond just passed the kitchen and while he didn't want to think about it, he was getting worried. He had been down for several months, his father was abusing him and he was hiding something. Panic arose inside his chest as he rushed to the bathroom at the end of the hall. He nearly slipped in a rush and knocked on the door.
"Prompto, open the door. Open the door, please." He tried to remain calm, but it was getting harder as he was worried Prompto might harm himself. Seconds seemed like hours as he heard the clock tick in the background.
