Warning: Noctis/Prompto.

Chapter Four

Once he had arrived at school, Noctis groaned and forced himself out of the Regalia. He hated his high school, just absolutely loathed it, especially because his title as prince intimidated his classmates and teachers. It's why his classmates rarely ever approached him. It's why his teachers addressed him with such respect and politeness. It's why he didn't have much friends, expect for Prompto.

When the blonde bounced into his life, Noctis just felt completely ecstatic. He felt just so completely normal, like he wasn't a prince anymore. He felt like an ordinary teenage boy, especially because Prompto always kept him outdoors and out of the palace all the time, which he didn't mind. He enjoyed spending time with Prompto and exploring civilian pastime. His presence in the Crown City was also making his citizens feel less intimidated by him, too. It was all because of Prompto. The blonde just change him so much.

However, Noctis noticed that they haven't been spending much time together lately. It was mostly because of his hectic schedule. It wasn't entirely his fault, though. His best friend has been spending more time with his boyfriend, too. The thought just infuriated him with jealousy, especially since he doesn't like sharing Prompto with others, even if Prompto is such a people magnet, and a social butterfly at heart nowadays.

After finding his locker, Noctis grumbled and pulled out his textbooks. He felt ridiculous for being overly protective and possessive of Prompto. He just couldn't help himself, though. He loves Prompto so much, especially because Prompto made his life so bright and beautiful, just like the ray of sunshine he is.

With textbooks in hand, Noctis turned around and sighed, not quite in a mood to hear his teachers' boring lectures or to take notes. He had to bear such torture, though. He just didn't want to bear it alone, however. He started looking around for his best friend, then. The blonde was always at school, not once ever late for class or absent.

"Prompto?" Noctis called out, spotting him entering the bathroom, and quickly following after the blonde. "Hey, I was beginning to get worried about you. You're usually here before me. You seem quiet today. Are you okay, Prom?"

Of course, Noctis noticed his best friend's odd behavior. The blonde was strangely keeping his head down, not meeting Noctis' indigo eyes, which was weird for Prompto. He knows his best friend is sometimes shy, but not to this level.

This was extremely peculiar, even more so than the black beanie atop Prompto's head. He frowned and cornered Prompto against the wall, not liking how Prompto wasn't looking him in the eyes. He knows that this is a behavior of someone who is trying to hide something, especially something troubling and not good.

"I asked if you're okay, Prompto. Why aren't you answering me?" Noctis repeated, placing his hand against Prompto's waist, and noticing the blonde flinch. "What's wrong? It's just me. You know you can trust me."

The blonde still wouldn't talk to him, though. He sighed and lifted up Prompto's chin, then. A horrifying sight of fresh bruises decorated Prompto's face. They speckled Prompto's cheekbones, left blue eye, and neck. It made him gasp in horror. Who could hurt Prompto, after all?

In an instant, Noctis growled and grasped Prompto's waist with both of his hands now. He looked down into the blonde's baby blue eyes, which were watering with teardrops. He tried to remain calm and collected for his best friend's sake, but he just couldn't.

"Who did this to you?!" Noctis asked, but he still didn't get an answer out of Prompto, which made him even more infuriated. "Come on, Prom! They deserved to be punished. No one is ever supposed to lay hands on you."

"I-I'm sorry, Noct. But, I can't tell you," Prompto mumurred, squeezing shut his teary blue eyes afterwards, not wanting to see Noctis' angry facial expression. "Please, just let me go."

However, Noctis didn't actually need Prompto to tell him his abuser's name, not when someone's name was already echoing around in his head. He growled and pulled Prompto into an embrace, but he wasn't concentrating on his best friend anymore. He was staring at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, watching his purplish orbs brighten and glow, just like his anger was growing every passing second from hearing Prompto's abuser's name echoing around in his head.

"Alex!" his reflection snarled, which made him hug Prompto tighter. "I told you should have killed him! So, are you going to shed some blood now?!"

Without hesitation, Noctis nodded and made his reflection smirk. He has no restrain now, not after seeing Prompto in such a state. He sighed and grabbed his best friend's wrist, then. Those bruises of Prompto's needs to be looked at, after all. They're fresh and should get treated right away.

"You're coming with me," Noctis said, his voice gentle and soft, but still harboring firmness and authority, which made Prompto sigh in defeat and follow Noctis out of the bathroom. "Ignis will treat your bruises. And, since you're not willing to talk to me, I hope you at least talk to him."

"Why can't you understand? My relationship … " Prompto stopped, realizing his sudden mistake. "Ugh!"

"I knew it was Alex, " Noctis admitted, his fingers tightening around Prompto's small wrist. "I'm not stupid, Prom. And, for goodness sake, I'm the prince of Lucis. Did you really think I would let this go?"

"Noct … " Prompto cried, his chin trembling. "I'm sorry. I just need time … "

"I know," Noctis replied, softening his hold, and stroking Prompto's bruised freckled cheek. "Come on, I'll call Ignis."

XOXO

Once inside of his penthouse, Noctis sighed and flopped down on to the couch. He could hear Ignis and Prompto softly talking to each other. He hated how Prompto didn't feel comfortable talking to him, though. He didn't understand why, however. They're best friends. They had confided in each other before. So, what's the matter now? Why won't Prompto open up to him instead of Ignis?

Upon loosening his tie, Noctis heard his bathtub filling with water and Prompto sobbing to Ignis. He sighed and squeezed shut his indigo eyes. He never enjoyed hearing his best friend cry. It makes him feel incredibly uncomfortable. It's just he doesn't know what to do with a crying Prompto. The blonde is always smiling and laughing, especially when they're together and having fun. So, of course, a crying Prompt would leave him slightly dumbstruck.

In due time, Noctis stood and walked out into the hallway. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his school uniform pants and watched Prompto sitting inside of the bathroom, with his bruised arms coiled around his legs. His curious observing obviously didn't go unnoticed by Prompto, not when the blonde blushed and tugged the shower curtains into place again.

"Is something wrong, Noctis?" Ignis asked, stepping out into the hallway, especially after hearing the shower curtain rustling. "Your Highness?"

"No, I'm fine," Noctis replied, his purplish orbs slightly glowing in the dingy darkness, which caught the attention of Ignis. "Can we talk, though?"

"Of course, Noctis," Ignis said, eyebrows knitting together at Noctis' strange eye color of late. "What about?"

After returning to the couch, Noctis sighed and sat down, with his royal adviser sitting right across of him. He wanted to talk about Prompto, especially because Prompto had confided into Ignis. He didn't feel bad for asking Ignis, either. He is going to kill Prompto's boyfriend soon, after all. So, what more worse can he do at this point now?

"What did Prompto tell you?" Noctis asked, an arm already draped against the back of the couch. "He won't talk to me. I don't understand why. I'm his best friend."

"He didn't say much. He just said the fight with Alex started over you," Ignis explained, shaking his head in disapproval. "I'm afraid that's the bulk of it. His phone keeps vibrating, though. It must be Alex calling him. It's agitating Prompto a lot."

"Don't worry, I'll make sure he won't agitate Prompto anymore," Noctis assured, his lips curling into a small smirk. "You should go check on Prompto now."

"... Of course," Ignis frowned, staring at Noctis' indigo orbs in concern. "He must be finished with his bath by now, anyway."

"Take him to my room afterwards. He will be staying with me tonight."

"Yes, Your Highness, I will."

"Thanks, Iggy. What would I do without you?"

"Not much, I'm afraid."

XOXO

When nightfall approached, Noctis looked down at the sleeping form of Prompto. He smiled and stroked the blonde's freckled cheek. He wished he could crawl into bed beside Prompto, but he had someone else to take care of right now. He leaned down and kissed Prompto's forehead, then. It was a soft peck, just a goodbye kiss.

"Sweet dreams," Noctis whispered, brushing his thumb against Prompto's lips, which parted open at his touch. "You're so cute. Someone like Alex doesn't deserve you … "

With his resolution burning brightly in mind, Noctis turned around and walked out of his bedroom. He had heard Ignis leaving just a while ago. He didn't have to worry about bumping into him, then. His murderous plot couldn't be exposed, after all.

"Finally!" his reflection exclaimed. "This will be so much fun! You're aren't denying yourself anymore. I like it."

Even so, Noctis worried about his family and friends. How would they take this, if they ever find out, that is?

"They don't need to know. So, what if they suspect, too?" his reflection roared. "You won't leave any evidence behind! Will you, Your Highness?"

"No, I won't," Noctis replied, his indigo orbs fading and flashing red. "Come on, I'm itching to let loose."

XOXO

Upon arriving at Alex's home, Noctis grabbed a discarded baseball bat and smashed it into Alex's bedroom window. He dropped the baseball bat and climbed in through the window, then. His actions seemed to have awakened Alex from his sleep, though. It didn't matter to Noctis, however.

In fact, Noctis just walked towards Alex's bedroom door and locked it. A frightened squeak emitted from the bed and Noctis mischievously grinned. He turned around and stared at Alex, which made the other boy panic and start throwing things at him. He laughed and grabbed Alex's shirt collar, pulling him straight up and at eye level.

"Prince Noctis!" Alex stuttered, eyes widening in surprise. "B-But, I don't understand!"

"Come on, man! We both know that's bullshit," Noctis said, his lips curling into a disgusted frown. "You know why I'm here."

"P-Prompto … " Alex admitted, in reluctance, however. "It's none of your business, though. Our relationship shouldn't concern the likes of you."

"It's like you're asking for it," Noctis threatened, the tip of his dagger dangerously brushing against Alex's throat. "Prompto is mine! He's always have been and always will be. I don't know how you came into the picture. But, trust me, I will literally cut you out of it."

"You're better at this than I thought you'll be," his reflection encouraged, chuckling inside of his head. "Kill him, Your Highness! Kill him, now!"

"W-What are you doing?" Alex panicked, trying to tug Noctis' hand from his shirt. "You're the crown prince! You can't do this! This is murder!"

"Do I look like I fucking care?!" Noctis screamed, slashing his dagger across Alex's throat. "I won't let you live, not after how you hurt Prompto! You're a disgrace to Lucis."

"Yes! I knew you had it in you!" his reflection cheered, laughing loudly inside of his head. "Stay for a while, Your Highness, and watch him bleed out."

XOXO

After Alex bled to death, Noctis rushed back to his penthouse and started to clean up. He stripped out of his bloodied clothes and threw them into the fireplace. He dematerizled his dagger into his Armiger and trudged towards the bathroom, then. The screams of Alex still played in his head. They were so satisfying to hear. It's normal to be pleased with his death. It's what Alex deserved for hurting his best friend.

Once he had finished showering, Noctis stepped out of the bathroom dressed in his pajamas. He saw Prompto sitting awake in bed and clutching his phone. He didn't frown in disgust this time, though. He had killed Alex just a couple of minutes ago, after all.

"What are you doing awake?" Noctis asked, startling Prompto from his thoughts. "You should be resting."

"I can say the same for you," Prompto shot back, his blonde eyebrows knitting together in distress. "I woke up and you weren't there. Where were you?"

"I couldn't sleep. So, I went out for a bit," Noctis lied, sitting down in front of Prompto. "What's wrong?"

"I know Ignis said not to. But, I still went through my messages," Prompto cried, looking towards the fireplace with a confused facial expression. "What … Mmph!"

Without hesitation, Noctis pulled Prompto into an embrace, just to distract him from the fireplace, which was burning his blood splattered clothes. It seemed to be working, especially because Prompto was melting into the hug and sobbing silently.

In an instant, Noctis smiled and pinned Prompto against the bed. He could feel Prompto's teardrops touching his shoulder, which just further fueled the triumphant feelings inside of him, especially because his reflection words were coming alive. The blonde was seeking comfort from him, just like his reflection thought would happen after Alex died.

"Noct … " Prompto cried, clutching Noctis tight in his arms. "Alex is so jealous of you … He didn't even want me to spend the weekend with you … But, I made a promise to you … So, I came to you, anyway. It made him so mad, though."

"Well, I'm glad you chose me," Noctis said, which made Prompto smile and laugh through his cries. "I'm serious, Prompto. You're such a good person, a good friend. He doesn't deserve you."

"Before school started, I went to visit him. He was so angry. He started screaming and throwing things … I tried to leave his house … But, I couldn't. I got trapped, cornered. I felt like an animal," Prompto sobbed, his face buried inside of Noctis' neck. "He kept ranting about you. He said we spend too much time together. I tried to calm him down, but Alex just kept shouting at me."

"It's okay, I promise everything will be okay from now on," Noctis said, his fingers threading through blonde locks. "He won't hurt you anymore. I promise you."

When he had laid down underneath the blankets, Noctis held Prompto in his arms. He was feeling quite victorious, especially because Prompto is all his now. He just needs to rid Alex from Prompto's mind and heart, which he can easily do.

"How can you be so sure?" Prompto asked, rubbing his teary blue eyes, which turned slowly red and puffy. "How, Noct?"

The blonde just gazed at him, but more specifically straight into his eyes. It was as if Prompto was searching for something, like for reassurance and comfort.

"Noct … " Prompto muttered, curling his fingers around Noctis' shirt. "Hold me … tight."

"Of course," Noctis said, tightening his embrace. "I won't let anything happen to you."

"I know you won't … " Prompto whispered, casting a look at the fireplace over Noctis' shoulder, which he remembered seeing clothes burning inside of, but not anymore. "I'm your best friend. What would you do without me?"

"I'd die of boredom, like you said," Noctis admitted, tightening his hold around Prompto's waist, which made the blonde flinch in pain. "You're so special to me."

"Of course, I am. There's no one else like me," Prompto said, staring into Noctis' purple eyes, with a small smile. "Sweet dreams, Noct."

"Yeah," Noctis sighed, closing his eyes. "Goodnight."

"See you in the morning," Prompto murmured, watching Noctis' indigo orbs close. "And, thank you."

"Don't worry about it," Noctis mumbled, resting his chin on Prompto's shoulder, before looking up into the ceiling mirror, with a smug smirk of victory, just as his reflection stared down at him with crimson glowing eyes. "I'll always take care of you."

"The eyes is the window to the soul," his reflection said. "You won't be able to hide from your true self for long. You're already changing. And, once you completely do, I'll be gone. You won't need my guidance anymore."


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