Chapter 3

This time it was the sun warming his face which Noctis was aware of first, then the slightly damp grass under him and the fresh wet scent of the dew. He contemplated that for a moment, his fingers twitching in the leafy strands. Then the pain kicked in. He lurched up, his body protesting and looked around wildly.

A group of four stood around him in various stages of worry.

Cor's expression was stoic as usual. The Marshall was stooped over him to the left, Ignis was kneeling next to Noctis with a frown creasing his features, pulling his lips downwards and making his already serious features even more solemn. Gladio stood behind the group, arms crossed over his broad chest, his bulk blocking the sun from Noctis' face. Gladio's face was silhouetted against the glare of the sun, Noctis couldn't make out his expression. Prompto was on Noctis' right, the blonde looked upset his eyes were slightly pink and glassy, he was holding Noctis' hand in a tight grip trying to offer some comfort to his friend.

Noctis could feel something wet on his face and made to raise his free hand to wipe it but the movement was painful and he soon stopped trying.

'…What…' He managed, his throat was hoarse and sore – he briefly wondered what had caused that.

His eyes met Promto's seeking out reassurance from his Best Friend who smiled brightly at him but his eyes betrayed his worry.

'You ok dude?' The blonde asked, his expression was so earnest that Noct couldn't bring himself to lie.

'Not really,' He conceded 'sorry.' Noctis quickly followed up with the apology, feeling lame for complaining.

'Don't be – thanks for letting us know buddy. Do you want to try moving?'

Noctis paused and thought about it.

'I don't think my body wants to co-operate right now.' He eventually admitted. Prompto smiled again, his grasp on Noctis' hand tightened.

'That's okay. Here-'Prompto looked at Ignis who nodded and between them, they maneuvered Noctis into an upright position. A small hiss escaped Noctis and a groan but otherwise, he was ok. The group shifted to him and they were all sitting on the grass.

Noctis still felt floppy and unable to totally support his full weight sitting upright, he was slumping back but Prompto and Ignis adjusted and ensured he stayed up. Ignis produced a handkerchief and swiped at Noctis' face. It escaped nobody's notice that the white cloth came away with several red patches blooming across it.

'So, we're probably best finding somewhere to hang for a while until you feel better?' Prompto stated gently.

Ignis nodded and opened his mouth to continue the discussion but before he could speak Noctis cut in 'we don't have time!'

'What we don't have time for is your bullshit!' A gruff voice cut in.

All heads turned to Gladio who had moved to stand apart from the group, his arms dropped to his side with fists clenched.

'You're either fine – or you're not! Stop trying to play the martyr and let us help you!'

'This is nothing!'

'It sure looks like something to me – you've even got The Marshall involved, don't you think he has better things to be doing?'

Noctis winced at the words but held Gladio's gaze. He tried to stand but his limbs simply wouldn't obey. With a groan he managed to get his feet under him, teeth gritted against the pain which this sparked. Noctis strained under the pressure of the action cursing himself for being so pitiful. To rub it in he felt the warm wetness run fresh from his nose.

'This. Is. Nothing. Compared to what my city is going through – our home Gladio, compared to what our fathers went through. They have died our city has fallen!'

Such a Kingly sight he must be Noctis though bitterly. Barley able to stand on trembling legs, pale, nose bleeding and eyes stinging. Despite this Noctis did not look away.

Blazing brown eyes clashed with cool blue.

Gladio was the first to break the stare.

'I seriously don't have time for this.' The shield muttered and turned to stalk away but he was roughly turned by two hands clamping firmly on his shoulders. Cor was there, his eyes were raging steel.

'It's our turn to take a walk.' The Marshall stated, no room for argument, and with one hand still gripping Gladio's upper arm, he marched him out of the clearing.

As they shrunk into the distance awkward silence hung between the remaining three.

Prompto whistled with a slight chuckle in an attempt to break the tension.

'You know how the Big Guy gets – he's just worried but not good at showing it!' Prompto declared.

Ignis and Noctis shared a brief glance, that was all it took for Noctis to feel fresh tears to drip down his face. Ignis grasped onto Noctis' forearms. Prompto tried to help by placing a hand on the small of Noctis' back but it irritated the scarring and Noctis let out a sharp cry of the unexpected pain.

'Shit! Sorry, bro – I totally forgot!'

Noctis was reeling from the pain, holding onto Ignis for dear life. His Advisor did not waiver, continuing to support him despite the tole it must be taking on his arms. Ignis bid Prompto take his place as he moved behind Noctis to lift his shirt and check the scarring, he couldn't help the sharp inhale at the sight.

They seemed worse than they had been just hours ago when they initially assessed the wounds with The Marshall.

Previously the scars had been red and raised, the skin around them pinkish and irritated, but now the scars were more akin to welts, red and raw looking with the skin around them.

Thankfully, Noctis seemed oblivious to Ignis' reaction and he returned to his charges' side and supported him once again.

'Promptos observation is warranted Noctis, Gladiolus has never been the best at dealing with his emotions and I believe that his frustration at recent events has taken the form of frustration and anger with you but please do not take it to heart.'

Noctis slowly eased himself down and with the help of Prompto and Ignis was soon on his stomach lying in the grass. The grove was almost peaceful if you ignored the tomb, the sun was warm on his back, there was a light breeze which ruffled the leaves through the trees overhead and Noctis soon felt his eyes droop.

Prompto chuckled, breaking the silence.

'Naturally "His Drowsiness" will take any chance he can get to sleep.'

Ignis, to their surprise, let out a small chuckle also and added 'It has been a trying time. If you want to use this chance to sleep I suppose we can indulge it – just this once.'

Noctis drifted off to the sound of Ignis and Prompto chatting softly, nobody mentioned Promptos' renewed grip on Noctis' right hand, nobody mentioned the gloved hand which gently smoothed out the Princes' hair finally setting him adrift carefully checking his forehead for any sign of fever.

As sleep took Noctis he heard a familiar chirp in the distance and felt a fuzzy nuzzle at his cheek, a small tongue licked at his temple and his sleep took him.

AN: I'm trying to stay true to the characters as much as I can. Also sorry for all the spam! I've had a hell of a time uploading this story - hopefully all sorted now! :)

As always please R&R - feedback/comments/pointers all welcome.