Prompto knew something was wrong before he was fully awake. The bed he was on was too soft, too warm, and too… safe. Slowing his breathing he tried to listen to his surroundings. There was at least one other person in the room. Probably just one other. He finally opened his eyes to get a better grip on his surroundings.

And felt ridiculous for his anxieties.

This was Noctis's room.

"Noct?" His voice came out more of a croak than anything.

"Mhm…" The Prince's sleepy groan came from right next to him.

His limbs felt heavy.

So he had been drugged.

It took a lot more effort than he would ever want to admit but he finally managed to reach over and poke Noctis in the ribs. "Noooct."

"Proooom." There was a lot of shifting around; the blanket slowly seemed to disappear from where it was covering him.

The Prince never had been an early riser.

What time was it anyway?

How had he even gotten here?

"Prompto!" Noctis's face suddenly bounced into view. "Are you ok?" Bright blue eyes were searching his face with concern.

"I think so. But I can't really move my arms… or legs."

"Right. That's probably lethargy from how long you've been sleeping. Let me get – no wait Specs said to call him when – but maybe - " Noctis froze suddenly half kneeling on the bed half standing, and looked back down at his blonde friend. "Do you want water or Ignis first?"

"Uh… considering I don't think I could lift a cup for water right now… So Iggy I guess?"

The Prince nodded. "Right." He scrambled for the nightstand and found his phone. "Yeah he's awake…"

That's how he starts talking on the phone? No hello? No 'this is Noctis'?

Of course considering he was the Prince maybe he never had to do that. And if he was talking to Ignis, the Advisor likely knew who was calling five seconds before the caller knew to call.

"Iggy will be here in a sec." Noctis sat back on the bed next to him. "Does anything hurt?"

"No. I don't remember fighting much… just that gas stuff."

"Right. I don't remember what Specs called it, but it was some sort of knock out gas. But it was laced with some sort of venom? Not enough to kill, at least not – well you. But maybe a normal human… not that you're not abnormal! But - "

Prompto really was trying to keep up with what Noctis was going on about. But it seemed sporadic. Even to him. "Hey buddy, why don't calm down a bit." Prompto sighed. "I have no idea what you're all worked up over… but my Spidey-senses aren't tingly. So we are safe."

As tired and lethargic his system may be, there was no way he missed the flash of irritation in his friend's eyes, but before the Prince could say anything they were interrupted by the door opening.

"And how are we feeling today Prompto?"

Ignis.

"Days have been better Iggy. Though this might be the nicest bed I've ever slept in." Prompto chuckled.

"I'm sure. Who wouldn't want to sleep in the Princess's bed?" Gladio smirked as they approached the bed.

Noctis's face had a distinct red hue to it, he muttered something incoherent then left toward the bathroom.

After a quick look over Ignis finally nodded his approval. "I'd say you're past the worst of it. Not that you were ever in any real danger, but the toxins definitely did not agree with your system."

Prompto nodded before looking over at the Shield. "Gladio… I'm so sorry. I didn't have any idea that Goblin was remotely aware of my identity. He knows now. He saw Noct. It's all my fault. I should've - "

Gladio sighed loudly over his words and crossed his arms over his massive chest. "Listen kid. I've known this was coming since I first realized it was you under that mask. We can all be on our best behavior and follow everything by the books. But the fact is that those psychos are out there. And they would be targeting the Prince anyway for his status alone. Having a superhero as a best friend can only be a good thing. As his Shield it's my job to make decisions that would benefit the Prince's security. I chose to let this happen. Sure I would have preferred to be there when it all went down. But you did everything right Prompto."

The blonde knew his eyes were tearing up. He had been so worried that Gladio and Ignis were going to tell him to stay away. That his being friends with Noct would be too dangerous in the long run. That they couldn't afford the risks that would come with Prompto's friendship. And Gladio…

The Shield rested a hand heavily on his shoulder and gave it a bit of a squeeze, meeting Prompto's eyes with a proud gaze. "You did good kid."

"R-really?"

"Noct informed us of how you handled the situation. It could not have been handled better. Well done Prompto."

His face felt hot. "Heh. It was nothing. Just protecting my best friend and all that."

"Here's that water." Noctis finally reappeared with a filled glass in hand, a smirk on his face. "And thanks Prom. For everything."

Could he survive thugs, other petty criminals, and the Green Goblin to be killed by embarrassment?

He looked over at three people hovering near the bed, currently discussing living arrangements now that his apartment was trashed.

He closed his eyes, somehow still tired.

But he could survive this much.