Warning: Noctis/Prompto.

Chapter Two

When the bell rang, Prompto walked inside.

The other students stared – watching him curiously, explicitly because he's new. He fidgeted uncomfortably – slightly twitching and trembling, especially while being introduced. He blushed bright red – cheeks coloring crimson, emphasizing his freckles. He hid his face – lowering his eyes, even when he spoke.

"I'm Prompto Argentum. I'm sixteen and I love playing video games. You'll almost always find me at the arcade," Prompto spluttered, his heartbeat racing. "And, I look forward to getting to know you guys."

"That's wonderful!" Mrs. Williams smiled, giving him a textbook. "Now I have an empty desk by the window. Will that be alright for you, Prompto?"

"Yes, mam."

"Let's begin today's lesson, then! Who would like to give me a brief summary of The Crucible?"

XOXO

During lunchtime, Prompto busied himself.

After all, Prompto wasn't hungry. He was anxious – jittery and jumpy, even somewhat claustrophobic. He kept getting stares – studied and scrutinized, especially because he's new. He hated the attention – the subtle glances and glimpses, explicitly standing out. He sat up – trying to escape, equally run away again.

However, Prompto couldn't flee. He backed away – hugging his textbooks, as his classmates jested. He looked down – hiding his face, a common coping method.

"Hey, I'm Alex. You're not from around here, are you?" Alex said, grinning widely. "Where are you from?"

"It's a long story," Prompto sighed, shaking his head. "Is there anything I can help you with, Alex?"

"You said you like playing video games in class. Do you play King's Knights and Assassin's Creed?"

"Of course, I do. Those are my favorite video games."

"You should join my club, then. It's for gamers, like us. Come on, I'll sign you up right now!"

"Okay, okay!"

XOXO

After school, Prompto stood outside.

In due time, Prompto's father arrived. He climbed inside – taking the backseat, as usual nowadays. He sighed and smiled – swinging his legs back and forth, at the beat of his music. He made friends – at the club, also in class. He liked them – each and every one, albeit meeting them today.

In the distance, Prompto heard a chuckle. His father looked over – bushy eyebrows contracting together, while laughing loudly. His father was right – about moving on, when they talked before. He can start again – forget the past, with determination and drive.

"How was school?" his father asked, tapping the steering wheel. "Did you make any new friends?"

"Yup, I did. They're really nice," Prompto assured, pulling his earphones out. "And, I joined a club, too."

"That's great, Prompto! I knew you can. I am so proud of you."

"Thanks, dad! That means a lot to me, that you believe in me."

XOXO

At dinner, Prompto was surprised.

His mother made steak – a rare meal, for special occasions. He cut into it – slicing through the meat, favoring the smell. It tasted better – full of herbs and spices, flavors he hadn't tasted before.

His mother chuckled – ruffling his hair, as she presented dessert. It was brownies – fudge brownies, an enchanting chocolate doused and drenched brownies. It was so surgery – sweet and saccharine, a chocolate delight.

"What's better, the steak or fudge brownies?" his mother wondered, with a giggle. "You can't choose both."

"That's not fair," Prompto piped, pouting his lips. "I like both, the steak and brownies. What's the occasion, though?"

"It was your first day at your new school. I thought I put this kitchen to use, then."

"Thank you, mom."

"You're such a good boy."

XOXO

Then, Prompto went upstairs.

He flopped down – onto his bed, with his homework. He heard barking – energetic and excited barking, which was an annoyance. He sighed tiredly – ignoring his husky, while solving equations.

His dog barked anyway – nosing him happily, as he surrendered. He hugged his husky – petting the beautiful dog, a gift from His Highness.

"You know I can't play. I'm behind in class. I need to catch up," Prompto explained, when his phone vibrated. "N-No …"

Noctis [6:40 PM]: Where've you been? Why weren't you at school today? It was boring without you. I could barely stay awake.

Noctis [6:45 PM]: Are you sick or something?

Noctis [6:55 PM]: Ignis and Gladio were asking about you.

Noctis [7:00 PM]: I don't know what to tell them, Prompto.

XOXO

Again, Prompto ignored the texts.

He held his husky – hugging his big beautiful dog, who seemed confused. He was crying – sobbing and shaking, while his phone chimed away. He always cried – repeatedly resorted to tears, whenever Noctis texted. He hated hurting Noctis – disliked pushing him away, without a warning.

He had no choice – no other alternative, except to move on. It isn't fair – far from fair, explicitly unfair. That's just life – full of misfortune, especially for commoners.

"P-Please stop …" Prompto squeaked, his teeth chattering and chin quivering. "P-Please stop, Noct."

Noctis [7:10 PM]: I hope I'm not bothering you.

Noctis [7:20 PM]: It's just I want to spend time with you. You promised to play video games with me.

Noctis [7:35 PM]: Well, if you're sick, I'll understand why you can't come over.

Noctis [7:50 PM]: You'll be missing out, though.

XOXO

But, Prompto ignored the texts again.

He hated doing so – causing pain, to Noctis. He had to – sever their friendship, their beloved bond. They'll move on – find another, though that'll take time. They'll still move on – into someone else's arms, that happened already.

He had found friends – a new purpose, for himself. He's living once more – flowering and flourishing, full of potential.

He has loose ends – a threatening past, holding him back.

Noctis [8:00 PM]: I'm spamming you again, right?

Noctis [8:05 PM]: It's just you aren't answering my messages. Did I do something wrong, say something wrong?

Noctis [8:15 PM]: If I did, I'm really sorry. I would never do anything to hurt you. I promise you.

Noctis [8:25 PM]: It's so late. I should probably let you be now. I hope I see you at school tomorrow.

Noctis [8:30 PM]: I miss you, Prompto.


A/N: What do you think? Leave me your thoughts.