Summary: When panic strikes, Noctis is always there to bring Prompto back from the terror.
(Claustrophobia, Hurt/Comfort, Established Relationship)

Something was wrong. Noctis knew it the second he awoke, eyes flying open and adjusting to the darkness of the tent. A clammy hand was draped over his wrist as it lay against his side, and fingers twitched like they wanted to grasp him tighter, but were too weak.

Noctis instinctively turned his head to the left where Prompto lay wide awake, staring at him with terrified eyes. He was breathing heavily, and his expression silently begged for the prince to help calm him down. Noctis rolled onto his side and reached for Prompto's face, finding it just as damp as his hand had been.

"You're okay. We're just in the tent. I know it's small, but try to breathe, okay? You're fine," Noctis murmured, his thumb brushing over Prompto's cheek.

Prompto closed his eyes at the touch, and tried his best to follow his companion's lead as he took in slow breaths and let them back out. He listened to the sound of Noctis' breath and focused on it, only tuning into his own breathing long enough to match Noct's pattern.

"You're doing great. Keep it up," Noct encouraged, and Prompto opened his eyes long enough to catch Noct's gentle smile. They continued their breathing technique for another minute or so, and Noctis noticed Prompto's body—which had been shaking slightly—finally stop.

"Okay," Noct said, softly, brushing his thumb against Prompto's cheek again, and Prompto's eyelids drifted open. "Good job."

Prompto let out a sigh and rolled onto his back, exhausted. Wanting to keep some contact with him without making him feel any more trapped, Noctis reached for the hand that lay closest to him, cupping it gently.

"I'm sorry, Noct. I don't know why I get so claustrophobic in here sometimes," Prompto said, solemnly.

He lifted his head enough to peer past Noct, hoping they hadn't woken the others in the process of calming him down. Gladio and Ignis still appeared to be asnooze with their backs to them.

"It's fine. Not like you can help it."

"I know, but... anyway, thanks."

"Don't mention it."

Noctis continued to keep a close eye on Prompto as he lay there, his body looking so limp and drained, but his face still tense and wide awake.

"Are you okay now? Do you want to go outside for some fresh air?" Noct queried.

"Yeah, maybe. I'm just scared that once I go out there, I won't be able to force myself back in," Prompto whispered, weakly. Noctis squeezed his hand.

"Well, if worst comes to worst, we sleep out in the camp chairs. I can fall asleep anywhere, as you know," Noct smirked, and Prompto gazed at him with awe and appreciation.

He had never imagined he'd be so lucky to find someone like Noct. Despite how high and mighty the prince could have acted, he was instead the most caring and generous person Prompto knew. Noct wouldn't let him go through this alone, and he was grateful beyond words for it.

With a tender smile, Prompto rolled back onto his side and leaned in to meet Noctis' lips. Noct wove a hand into the back of his hair, tousling it gently when the kiss ended and they pulled away.

"Thank you, Noct. You really are the best." Prompto pushed himself to stand after that, and fumbled to find the zipper of the tent before he heard the quiet murmur of Noctis' voice.

"Nah, I think that's you, buddy." Prompto wasn't sure if Noct had intended for him to hear those words or not, but he had, and they meant everything.