Months of Crownsguard training had finally led to this day. Cor had spoken with the king personally two weeks ago, and Prompto's spot in Noct's retinue had been solidified. That didn't mean that daily training sessions had stopped; if anything, Cor had just ramped up their intensity.

Instead of working alone, however, Prompto was put through the paces alongside Ignis and Gladio. Noct, too, usually in the afternoons when Ignis finally forced him to the Citadel's grounds. Apparently, he could only lie so many times that he was packing before Ignis called him on his garbage and made him to do something productive with his time.

Now, Prompto was ready to pick up his fatigues, and tomorrow he would be off to the world beyond the Wall with his friends. Plural. As in more than one. Gladio and Ignis had become regulars at his sessions, and at this point, Prompto was confident that he could count them among his friends as well.

What else did you call the people you trusted to watch your back if not friends?

Prompto had returned home the previous night so he could pack and get everything in order before the trip. Cor would be picking him up momentarily to take him to the Citadel. Apparently, they thought it pertinent to meet Clarus Amicitia, the king's current Shield and Gladio's father.

That one made him nervous. Sure, he could handle Gladio just fine now, but Gladio was the little Shield—baby bear, if you will. Clarus was the papa bear and more impressive of the two. Prompto did not want to report to a bigger, more imposing version of Gladio.

Tentatively, he reminded himself that Iris had not turned out to be a slightly smaller Gladio in a skirt and lipgloss, so perhaps his father wouldn't be the dread behemoth with an eagle tattoo that he was fearing.

A knock on the door saved Prompto from having to picture a larger, more impressive-looking Gladio, and he quickly made his way down the hallway to greet his guest.

"Hey," Prompto gestured behind himself to the stairs. "Just let me get my bag, and I'll be good to go."

He planned to go to the Citadel, pick up his brand new Crownsguard uniform, meet with Gladio's probably terrifying father, and then head straight to Noct's to help him procrastinate packing his apartment.

Cor didn't respond right away, stepping inside the entryway as Prompto shuffled to move out of the way. "Are you the only one home?"

Prompto rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet, unsure of what to do now that Cor wasn't just going to wait out front while he got his stuff. Apparently, it was going to get all personal. "Uh, yeah?"

What was the big deal anyway? It wasn't like he had to get his parents' permission to go on the trip, right?

Cor made a noise that sounded faintly disappointed. "I just thought I should meet them." He looked back at Prompto. "Are you not planning on returning here before you set out tomorrow?"

No. That had been the whole point of saying he was going to get his bag: there wasn't a reason for returning here. At least not until after the trip, anyway. Prompto was sure his parents at least knew of his current plans; he had texted them when everything became official. He hadn't received a response, but the 'read at 5:47 pm' made it pretty clear they had gotten the message.

"Ah…" Prompto looked around the empty foyer and offered Cor a sheepish grin in response. "I mean, Noct's got a lot that still needs packing at his apartment."

Cor frowned. "I would have thought you'd like to show your parents your uniform. It does, after all, make all this official."

Prompto was quick to bite back a laugh. Sure, normal parents would probably be thrilled to see their sons become members of the prince's personal retinue. Normal parents would have probably wanted pictures and cheesy bumper stickers advertising that fact. Prompto was sure his parents, however, just didn't want to be disturbed on their vacation.

Still, now that Cor mentioned it, the idea sounded tempting. There was the slim chance that they'd both be home that night. Waltzing in and casually showing off his Crownsguard duds would probably leave their jaws on the floor.

"I mean, I guess I could do that," Prompto said, aiming another look back at the stairs. It would probably be better to come back later and make sure the alarms and everything were set in case his parents didn't come home. That was the responsible thing to do, at least.

"Do you plan to return here after the trip?"

"Wusthat?"

"After the trip," Cor started again now that he apparently had Prompto's full attention. "Is your plan to return here and resume life as it was before we began training?"

The question gave Prompto pause. He hadn't planned that far ahead. The entire plan had been to get this far and go with Noct; everything after Altissia was a vague, cloudy blur that Prompto would think about when the time came.

"Uh, I don't know," he shrugged. Felt like a yes—it wasn't as if he had anywhere else to live afterward. Sure, he had been a constant houseguest at Noct's apartment over the past five years, but that wasn't going to be an option anymore. For one thing, Noct wouldn't be living there anymore; for another, Noct would be married, and married future kings didn't live with their smoking hot wife and their weird friend. "I guess?"

"You should consider making your placement in the Crownsguard official." Cor spoke so nonchalantly of the future prospect that Prompto almost had to have him repeat himself. "You have nearly completed the necessary training. It would give you full access to official Crownsguard benefits, including boarding. You should think about it."

If Cor was implying that Prompto was some kind of loser for planning to come hang out back at home once this was all over, then Prompto would have him know this house was practically his—just not in name, deed, or any way legally. Still, what he was suggesting sounded like a pretty good deal.

He'd already had a similar conversation with Ignis and indicated that he was fine with making this his future. Now Cor was opening the door and offering him a chance to make that more permanent. The best part was it meant sticking with his friends, not shuffling off to the background once this was all over.

"Yeah, totally! I'll think about it." Prompto figured they should probably see how the trip itself went first before he held Cor to any promises.

That didn't stop Prompto from daydreaming about his super cool life as an official member of the Crownsguard all the way to the Citadel, a lot of which involved chatting up all the cute female guards. Gladio had always insisted that they were all head over heels for him, but Prompto imagined that going a different way once he stepped onto the scene.

Cor led Prompto straight to his office when they arrived, a walk that Prompto remembered being terrified of his first time here; now he was able to relax and appreciate it without feeling the hand of death on his neck.

"So, we each get one of these, right?" While he waited on Cor, Prompto was busying himself checking out the impressive collection of pictures and other odds and ends on Cor's bookshelf. A photo of what appeared to be Cor and a few others around a car caught Prompto's eye.

"Whoa, is this you?"

Cor walked up behind Prompto, carrying a bag in his hand and appearing to hesitate a moment when he saw the frame Prompto was holding.

"Yes," he finally answered, taking the photo and handing Prompto the garment bag instead, "as well as King Regis, Clarus, and Cid." Cor set the photograph back on the shelf and looked over at Prompto. "That was a long time ago."

"Yeah, still pretty cool though," Prompto added, no longer as invested in the photo as he was in peeking inside the bag with a wide grin. The outfit was just what he hoped for, and admittedly he had set some high expectations for this.

Prompto was now even more set on the prospect of rubbing these in his parents' faces.

"Come on." Cor nodded towards the door. "We shouldn't keep Clarus waiting. He has a very busy schedule with the upcoming treaty signing."

"Oh, right, when is that anyway?" Prompto asked, hurrying along after Cor.

"The date hasn't been set yet." There was no holding back the clear annoyance in Cor's voice at that fact. "But it's safe to say it won't take place until after you all have left for Altissia."

Prompto just nodded along, pressing no more questions about the treaty even if he would have liked to say how weird it was that they didn't know when it was all going to be happening.

Sounded like a planning nightmare, which he figured Niflheim was going for.

Cor stopped outside a door at the end of one of the hallways and knocked, sparing a quick glance and reassuring nod for Prompto before a voice called out, permitting their entry. As he entered, Cor left the door open behind him; Prompto hovered in the doorway, allowing Cor to make the first move.

"Pardon the intrusion." Cor looked back and gave Prompto an encouraging nod. Introducing him to Clarus was what they came to do, after all.

And Prompto was determined to make a good impression. Hopefully, Gladio had talked him up a bit to his dad. Not like Clarus would be able to get him kicked out of the party the day before they left, but that was still a small enough fear in the back of Prompto's mind. If they ever did realize they made some sort of mistake, Prompto hoped to be far enough away and working his ass off to prove otherwise.

"And pardon me—Wait, Gladio?"

Okay, so, failed step one, although Prompto hadn't been expecting to find Gladio here. Which, in hindsight, was stupid: why shouldn't he expect sons to be hanging out with their fathers? That was normal behavior.

"What're you doin' here, Prompto?" Gladio asked in surprise.

Prompto opened his mouth and then quickly shut it, shifting on his feet. If the answer of 'oh, you know, just wanted to meet your super impressive dad' sounded dumb in his head, he could only imagine how idiotic it would sound out loud.

Lucky enough for him, Cor had all social interactions covered. "He's here for his Crownsguard uniform, so I thought it best he meet the captain himself."

Gladio nodded along with Cor's assessment and gave Prompto a smug grin. "Makes sense."

Prompto figured Cor could have offered just about any explanation and Gladio would have nodded in agreement: it would be stupid to attempt to go against the marshal. Still, under the watchful gaze of both Shields, Prompto tried to straighten his posture and look slightly more imposing than a houseplant.

"Prompto Argentum, am I right?" Clarus had his attention focused on Prompto now that he was aware of who was in front of him.

"Y-Yes, sir." Failed step two. Prompto could hardly figure that stammering like an errant grade-schooler was what Clarus expected of him after months of endless training.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Prompto thought he noticed Clarus level a small grin in Cor's direction before his eyes fell back on him. "No injuries from training, I presume?"

"No, sir! It went just fine, I think. Probably." Prompto was inwardly cringing at his own words. He was blowing it—absolutely blowing it. He knew he sounded like a complete idiot but was having a hard time stopping himself. He needed to salvage this babbling nightmare before it was too late.

"A-And I promise to protect Noct if something happens."

Nailed it.

If Clarus thought he was an idiot, he was kind enough to keep that to himself. "Very noble of you. However, you must first and foremost protect yourself on this journey—hence your self-defense training."

Prompto managed to stop himself from rolling his eyes. What was with everyone and those self-defense lessons? If he wanted to be able to take someone out with his bare hands, he would endeavor to look like Gladio. Prompto was rather content with the fact that his arms weren't the size of tree trunks.

"R-Right," he nodded all the same. No need to get into a great debate about stealth takedowns again; it was not one Prompto would win anyway.

"I understand you decided to undertake this journey as his friend. Take pride in your position at his side."

That would not be a problem. While Prompto was sure that Clarus's words were kind ones, his position as a friend rolled around in his head with a far more negative ring to it than he'd have liked. Gladio and Ignis were also Noct's friends, but of course, they had something more beyond that.

Cor's offer for when they all got back was starting to look better and better.

"Right! And, uh, thank you!"

Prompto did not miss Gladio's subtle yet exasperated eye roll from next to Clarus. If it wouldn't be viewed as a great show of disrespect, Prompto would have seriously considered kicking his friend.

"I appreciate your time today. I assume you have some preparations to take care of, so you may be on your way."

Prompto could only assume that was a polite way of Clarus letting him know that he was dismissed. He didn't have any huge plans outside of heading to Noct's and the newly formed idea of showing off to his parents, but he'd let Clarus think he was going to march off and do important things.

"Yes, sir!"

"I better get ready, too," Gladio added, taking a step forward and clapping a hand on Prompto's shoulder.

"Understood. I'll see you soon." Clarus nodded at his son as Gladio led Prompto out of the room.

"You gonna wait for Noct here?" Gladio asked once the doors had shut and they began to make their way down the hall.

Prompto shook his head. "Nah, think I'll head home for a bit," he replied, checking his phone. It was still too early in the afternoon to expect anyone to be home, but his only other choice was just to hang around the Citadel hallways like a goober.

"Why? Forget something?"

Well, Prompto's bag was still at home, but he hadn't forgotten it so much as been convinced not to bring it with him just yet. "No, nothin' like that. Just thought I'd show my parents my new digs."

Gladio paused his steps a moment and glanced at Prompto, apparently a bit surprised to hear his reason. It wasn't as if Prompto could blame him: he hadn't mentioned his parents to Gladio.

Ever.

"Heh, sounds good."

His reaction had Prompto figuring he needed further explanation.

"It's kinda proof that I'm worthy to go on this trip, ya know?" Of course Gladio didn't know, Prompto chastised himself. Gladio had been worthy to go on this trip since he was born. "Just hope they're home," he added with a shrug.

"Not much you can do if they aren't, huh?"

Prompto didn't hold back the small grin that made its way onto his features. At least he could count on Gladio to keep things like this lowkey. The nonchalance put a slight spring back in Prompto's step. "Nah. We don't see each other much, but it's been that way since I was a kid. Anyway, if they're not in, I'll come right back."

"Right. Well, I might be a little late. Got dinner plans."

"Do tell." Prompto froze on the spot for a moment. If Gladio had a hot date the night before they were leaving for outside the Wall, he might just fling himself off the Citadel right now, because that would be all they'd hear about the entire trip.

"My family and I are going out to eat," Gladio explained, raising a brow at the sigh of relief that washed over Prompto. "Hardly ever happens, so I figured I might as well go along."

"Nice! Take your time, and send Iris my regards."

A mocking grin appeared on Gladio's face, and Prompto almost stopped himself to clarify that no, he wasn't hitting on Iris. "Oh, yeah. She mentioned she saw you the other day."

Again, not what Prompto had been expecting. "Huh? Where?"

Gladio shrugged. "In the park. Taking pictures."

Prompto gave a hum of acknowledgment. He had been testing his camera the other day—needed to make sure it was working and in perfect condition for their upcoming trip. He had become the self-appointed wedding photographer; Noct hadn't argued, so it was obviously official. "Sounds like me. Why didn't she come over and say 'hi' if she saw me?"

Gladio snorted. "Said she did."

"H-Hold up seriously?" Prompto groaned, seeing the increasingly amused expression on Gladio's face at his own embarrassment. "Oh man, I can't believe I didn't notice."

Gladio assumed a more concerned tone of voice, even if it was still heavily laced with mockery. "She was really worried about you."

Prompto snorted in exasperation. There was no escaping Gladio's teasing at this point. "You should have told her not to worry!" he shot back. Great, just great. Now both of Gladio's family members thought he was a mess.

Gladio laughed, giving Prompto a slap on the back that caused him to stumble forward a few steps. "So what the hell was that in there?" he asked, nodding back towards the end of the hallway.

"It's called manners, Big Guy, and you usually show them to someone who could snap your neck without even trying."

"Y-Yes, sir! I will do my very best to protect Noct, sir!" Gladio echoed, adopting a higher-pitched tone as he imitated Prompto's display from earlier.

"Ugh, I was trying to make a good impression, you unwashed behemoth," Prompto muttered.

Gladio smirked a bit. "Yeah, well, what happened to that guy from this mornin' who took down a guard and then asked him how the floor tasted?"

"Why, you wanna lick the floor too?" Prompto grumbled, not liking where this conversation had headed at all.

"He would have made an awesome impression," Gladio continued, completely ignoring Prompto's comment.

"Keep talking and I'll embarrass you right in front of all these pictures of your ancestors." For all his talk, Prompto made no move to take down Gladio: he wasn't an idiot and wasn't looking to have his own face smashed into the ground hours before their departure. Besides, he wasn't even one hundred percent certain that the photos that lined the hallway here were of previous Shields.

"Hey." The enthusiasm hadn't left Gladio's voice yet, but it was clear he was done tormenting Prompto for the time being. "You gotta head off now, or you wanna check out the gear I got us for the trip?"

In Prompto's mind, gear purchased by Gladio sounded like impressive weaponry and weight-lifting equipment—maybe rocket launchers to take out hordes of creatures without breaking a sweat. He absolutely wanted to take a look at whatever Gladio had bought.

He didn't want to appear overeager, though, so Prompto pulled out his phone and shrugged. "Yeah, I doubt they'll be home now, so sure, let's see what you got."

The grand reveal did not meet Prompto's expectations.

"Dude, it's a tent."

Gladio huffed, slapping the box and reading off the superlatives on the back. "'The latest in outdoor comfort. Sleeps four adults with room to spare-'."

"You're, like, the size of two and a half adults, but whatever," Prompto muttered, inspecting the tent that Gladio had set up as a practice run in the corner of the outdoor training grounds. "Ugh, what's wrong with sleepin' in a hotel?"

"Hotels cost money."

Prompto just stared at Gladio, unable to process that comment. So, was King Regis not giving them any sort of funding for this political endeavor?

"Besides, we go stayin' in hotels too often, people are gonna know where Noct is. Camping lets up remain anonymous. Plus, you city kids could stand to rough it a bit."

Prompto rolled his eyes. "I've been to your place, Gladio. You aren't exactly roughing it either."

Gladio waved off the comment and directed Prompto's attention over to the cooking equipment. "Check this out: state of the art, outdoor culinary station. Even got 'em to throw in the pots, pans, and all that other utensil junk."

Okay, now he had Prompto's full attention. "Wait, so you mean Ignis can still cook with this?" If he wasn't careful, Prompto would start drooling already.

"Well, I ain't expecting Noct to cook on it." Gladio grinned, his purchases finally getting the appreciation they deserved from his audience. "So, whadda ya think?"

Prompto ran his fingers across the pristine stovetop and flashed Gladio a grin. "I think the Mother of Pearl has fresh seafood every day and beds that individually fit—Ack!" Prompto ducked as Gladio took a swing at his head in response to his sarcasm. "It's great, as long as you picked up some fishing stuff for Noct."

"Nah, His Highness already put together his own stuff. Just assumes that we're going to have time to stop at every puddle for him to cast a line."

Prompto simply shrugged, not wanting to point out that Gladio would be happy to camp at every haven between here and Altissia.

"I mean we'll have time once we get to Altissia, right? I hear they got some nice fishing spots." Not that Prompto was looking forward to standing around and letting his friend fish.

"Yeah, yeah. He'll fish through his own wedding if we let 'im."

Prompto wasn't one hundred percent sure on that one. Though, he figured anyone with a pulse would choose Lady Lunafreya over a trout.

"Well, speaking of Noct, I'd better get home. Sooner I show off these sweet threads to my parents, the sooner I can get back and help him finish packing."

Gladio knelt down and began to take apart the tent. "Yeah, should make him finish it himself after all that time he wasted not doin' it."

That was an interesting approach, but Prompto was sure it would just end with Noct not doing it period. Prompto figured his friend was having a hard time letting go of that apartment. No sense in standing around and explaining that the place was a metaphor to Gladio, though.

"Like that'll happen," Prompto responded, rocking on his heels. "Anyway, enjoy dinner. I'll catch you later."

With Gladio's grunt of acknowledgment, Prompto headed off.

He was only going to give them an hour, but it turned into three. Noct had already sent as many text messages asking where he was and, to his discredit, Prompto hadn't provided much of an answer to any of them.

He had replied, at least, which was more than he could say for either of his parents.

That was why he now found himself with his bag at the front door three hours later with very thinning patience.

"I know you saw my messages," he said, casting an accusatory glare at his phone. "You could at least answer."

At this point, it wasn't even about letting them see his accomplishment: Prompto was no longer that thrilled to share it with them. What he really wanted to do was tell them both in person that he didn't have any intention of returning here.

He wasn't sure if he had what it took to take Cor's offer just yet, but the more he thought about it, the more he knew the last thing he wanted to do was just return here and let things go back to the way they were. Things were going to be changing for Noct and for all his friends; he refused to let things stay the same for himself .

He was going to move on, and it would be for the better.

With that newfound resolve, Prompto took the stairs two at a time back up to his room. Former room, he reminded himself as he did a quick sweep through it. If he really had no intention of returning here, it was best to take everything he wanted now.

It wasn't like he had a ton of things to begin with anyway, but when he had finished, there was something to be said for the satisfaction of looking around a now empty room. When he made it back down to the bottom of the staircase, he couldn't help but think the entire house seemed smaller.

Setting down a second, smaller bag next to the one he'd packed earlier, Prompto pulled his phone out of his pocket. Still no response from either of them, which wasn't a surprise.

Taking a deep breath to strengthen his resolve, Prompto began his own farewell message to the two of them. It took a few tries of starting and deleting, but by the time he hit send, he felt pretty good about what he had done. He wasn't coming back here, and now they would know it too.

They would also have to remember his birthday if they wanted back in their own house, because that's what Prompto changed the home security system's code to before he left.

Was it petty? Incredibly. But it was the cherry on top of his liberating sundae, and Prompto wouldn't take it back for anything. He wasn't even going to bother waiting for a response to his message—he was one hundred percent certain that he wouldn't be receiving one.

Which was why he was not surprised at all that the message chime on his phone was a group text from Noct complaining that they had all left him to pack away his entire life alone. Prompto rolled his eyes and tapped out a quick response that he was on his way before letting the door close behind him and not looking back.

Prompto didn't head directly to Noct's apartment, though. Instead, he decided to stop by the Citadel and drop off his bag with everyone else's luggage for tomorrow. Plus, if Noct's text was any indication, Ignis wasn't yet at the apartment, so Prompto was hoping to catch him and go together.

"Uh, so is Ignis around?" he asked one of the guards who was still giving him odd looks over the amount of luggage he had brought with him.

All Prompto got in response was a quick shake of the head as the guard began to haul everything he owned over to the pile with everyone else's belongings. Prompto shrugged: Noct's apartment wasn't too far, so walking by himself wasn't a big deal.

Really, he just didn't want to get there before anyone else and be forced into doing the majority of the work.

"Prompto, you're still here?"

Prompto looked over as Cor turned away from a retreating guard and made his way to him. He met him halfway, scratching the back of his neck with an embarrassed chuckle. "Uh, yeah. I guess I got a little tied up. Just dropping off my stuff and then heading over to Noct's."

Cor shot a quick glance at Prompto's luggage and then back to him. "Your parents see you off?"

"Uh, no, didn't get to see them." He shrugged, hoping he sounded as nonchalant with his comment as he hoped. He had a suspicion that Cor was reading between the lines a bit better than he wanted him to.

If Cor sensed there was more to Prompto's story, though, he didn't press. Instead, he offered him a nod and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad I caught you here. There is a part of your Crownsguard uniform I forgot to give you."

Prompto scrunched up his face in confusion. He had inspected the entire garment and had not found anything missing. Unless the Crownsguard was also offering official undergarments, he had everything he needed.

"Uh, really?"

Cor didn't answer, not directly, nodding instead for Prompto to follow him back towards his office. What was it with Citadel personnel and just wandering off with the notion that Prompto should follow? Of course, he would do it, but he was going to be snarky about it internally for the duration of their walk.

A few minutes later, Prompto found himself where he had been earlier that day: standing awkwardly in the middle of Cor's office. The marshal didn't seem too keen on him looking through his pictures the last time, so Prompto decided he'd keep his hands to himself.

"It's come to my attention that you don't yet have a weapon of your own," Cor stated, setting a box down on the desk in front of him.

Prompto chewed at his lip. Wait, was that something he was supposed to provide? Because he had not been notified of that fact! "Uh, well, yeah. I mean, I've got a Nerf gun, but I guess that doesn't count."

Cor gave him a small, amused smile and shook his head, opening the box to reveal an impressive-looking gun. Prompto glanced up at Cor with a wide-eyed stare. He couldn't possibly be giving this to him, could he?

"This was given to me when I first joined the Crownsguard," Cor continued, lifting it out of the box and turning it over in his hand. "I never had much of a use for it as I preferred the blade."

With that said, Cor held the gun out to Prompto. "I trust that you will have a better use for it."

Prompto froze a moment before he remembered to close his mouth and reached out to take the gun as carefully as if it were made of gold. "It says Lionheart," he finally managed, looking at the engraving on the piece.

Cor answered with a one-shouldered shrug. As he'd said, it was made for him, so of course it would bear some inscription for him. Prompto wasn't sure he could accept such a gift, although he couldn't bring himself to refuse either.

"It will be in the armory for your use," Cor said, taking Prompto's silence as acceptance. "I trust you'll use it well."

Prompto nodded, handing it back to Cor to allow him to set it in its proper place with a smile forming at the corner of his mouth. "Thanks," he replied, unable to say anything else. The Crownsguard uniform might have made the whole thing official, but the acceptance of Cor's weapon made him feel genuinely worthy of his current position.

Cor gave him a small smile as Prompto met his gaze. "Good luck tomorrow, Prompto."