AN: Riku: Once again it is the day to get back into this story. Last chapter we left off on some rough stuff, Noct was hurt and had some emotional breakdown moments.
What's going to happen next? Let's find out!

-

Noctis stirred enough to look up at Drusus before he was picked up from the chair. He still couldn't get his mind put together enough to find words or even the will to fight. He was too busy trying to breathe as he was nearly thrown into the cell with Prompto.

"Noct!" Prompto shouted as he scurried over. He looked up at the guards. "What the hell did you do to him?!"

One of the guards laughed. "If only you knew."

"Yeah," the other snickered. "It would be nice."

They then marched off loudly laughing. When they were out of sight, Prompto moved closer to Noctis. "Noct... Noct, can you hear me?"

Noctis nodded before curling up a little bit on his side, ignoring the pain in his back from that. He couldn't bring himself to speak to Prompto, not after what had just happened. The venomous words still lingered in his mind, digging their way into his mind.

"What happened? They didn't hurt you, did they?"

Noctis only gave a head shake. "Just- talked," he then managed to croak out.

"But... you're crying," Prompto said hesitantly.

"It's not that important," Noctis said softly. "Just talked."

"No way. I'm not leaving it as 'not important'," Prompto said as he wrapped his arms around Noctis. "Come on, you can tell me right? You can trust me."

Noctis twisted around a little bit into the hold. He was comfy, but he knew he couldn't just be selfish and stay in those warm arms. "I can't- you'd-" he choked on a new sob.

"No, I'll listen. I'll understand," Prompto replied, his voice growing shaky. "Please Noct, you're scaring me like this. Why can't you tell me what's wrong?"

"Can't- I can't. They'd just... ruin it," Noctis tried to explain. "I'm sorry."

"It's not about them. This is just you and me. W-We got each other's b-backs, right?" Prompto whispered as he rested his head against Noctis's shoulder. "Please... please tell me."

"I've got your back, always," Noctis replied, managing to stop his tears. He better wrapped his arms around his waist to settle comfortably into the hold and pull Prompto close.

"Right, and I've got yours. So if you want to tell me... just tell me okay? I'm not letting you go."

"Not now, please. I just- I can't," Noctis begged quietly. "Can we just, it's warm being like this."

"A-Alright, if you say so," Prompto said. It was clear he was still wary over just what Noctis had talked about. He wasn't ready to push for his answers, he didn't want to hurt Noctis more than he already was. "But yeah, this warmth... it's nice."

Noctis nodded and relaxed into the hold and focused on trying to breathe. Finally he felt aware enough to ask him something else. "How are you doing? They don't- do anything while I'm in the other room, right?"

"No they don't... I'm just left here as they all go to that other room," Prompto sighed. "Didn't panic as much today though..."

"Proud of you. You're being really strong through this."

Prompto shook his head. "I'm n-not strong. I'm still terrified... b-but I'm trying to find things to focus on. Things to keep me calm."

Noctis gently knocked their heads together slowly, starting to forget his worries from before. "That's being strong, really. Trying to get through the thing even if you just- can't."

Prompto smiled. "Well that means you need to be strong too okay? Strength together or whatever."

"Yeah? I guess you have a point there. And, I behaved today, and now we can do this."

Prompto held Noctis a little tighter. "Don't like how you say 'behaved'... I know they are just trying to keep us in line, but it still sounds wrong."

"Yeah, well, I'm trouble, so they'll make sure I behave or more pain will come, I'm sure. And I won't risk you."

"But they're basically treating us like dogs... it's not fair..."

"I mean, I think we're a bit less than dogs. We're livestock held up for auction," Noctis said with an empty laugh.

Prompto whimpered, the words were not so reassuring. "What do they even want? What's their goal?"

"They're anti-royalists. They want to abolish the monarchy, and a lot of money also," Noctis explained.

"It's always about money isn't it...?"

Noctis let out a sigh. "Yep. Money or power. The two greats in the world. And we have far too much of both."

"Y-You're not actually agreeing with them are you? The bad guys that want to destroy your life?"

"No, not really, but we've always been targets for people. But, we try to take care of people, of the country, and the decisions dad makes, well, someone usually ends up mad or hurt."

"Oh I guess that makes sense... I guess I never thought about it that way."

Noctis gave a little shrug. "It's something I've been learning since I was little. Trying to find the best solution, trying to navigate the options that will upset the least amount of people."

"I'm sure you'd be a great king."

"Maybe, we'll see if I get there one day," Noctis said softly.

"I know you'll get there, I'll be rooting for you. You'll be the best king. And probably actually outlaw carrots." Prompto tried to laugh, doing what he could to lighten the mood.

That did get Noctis to crack a laugh. "Iggy would kill me and take the throne," he laughed. "But it's very tempting."

"Ha ha, I forgot about Iggy. He definitely would never let you make any fun laws. He's too boring."

"I bet if I asked nicely enough, I could get in a few though."

"Could you make a chocobo day? For me?" Prompto asked softly.

"For you? Definitely? I'll make it your birthday."

Prompto hugged Noctis and smiled happily. "Thanks. Cause you know I want all the chocobos!"

"And here I thought it was because your hair looked like one," Noctis teased while squeezing Prompto tighter.

Noctis wished he could have more strength to ignore the taunts from their captors. But he knew that would most likely be how much of the public would view him for his feelings. But right now, he could just hold his best friend tight without anyone making him doubt his feelings.

If only he could find the strength to ignore those doubts and actually tell Prompto. He knew that day wouldn't happen. So moments like this would be his favorite times.

"Just because I gelled my hair ONE time like a chocobo, doesn't mean I'm a full time chocobo!"

Noctis laughed at that. "No, I think it's the beginning of the end for you. You're turning into a chocobo."

"If I turn into a chocobo you better make me the royal chocobo or something. Make me famous as the best chocobo."

"It's a deal. You'll be my personal riding chocobo, no more cars for me."

Prompto snorted. "Still as lazy as ever. But wait..." Prompto scrunched up his face. "That makes it sound like you'd be riding me."

"I would be." Nocits smirked.

"Dude! Now that just sounds weird! Couldn't we say it's more like a piggyback ride?"

"Nope, it's there now, forever. You said it."

"Nooooo Nooooct, I take it back!"

Noctis cackled at that. "No, you can't. I won't allow it. It's too good."

"It's going to end up on my gravestone. My infamous misery shall live on!" Prompto sighed dramatically.

"I'll make it at least tasteful on there."

"Sure you will," Prompto rolled his eyes, still smiling.

"Hey, I got taste. You see my taste every day," Noctis teased while tapping their heads gently together.

"You mean the lack of veggies," Prompto laughed.

"That's just rude, I can't believe you would say that to me."

Prompto poked Noctis's cheek. "So what are you going to do about it?"

"Oh you did not just challenge me like that. This means war," Noctis laughed as he started to tickle Prompto.

Prompto couldn't hold in his laughter. "N-No! Ah ha! Noct! Stop it!"

"Nope, suffer the consequences of your challenge," Noctis teased as he kept up his attack.

The two started to laugh even louder, both of them drowning out the situation that they were in. From another room though, Drusus and his men watched from the secret cameras that were set up in the cell. All of them watched the screen curiously, seeing the two boys become lost within their own little world.

"Wow, who would have thought that kid really could change the prince's mood," one of the men said.

"I'm more confused on how they could be that blind to each other," another one of the men said with a little grin.

"It's rather entertaining to watch though," the 2nd in command, Livius, replied.

One of the men leaned forward to watch the scene. "Oh definitely. Think one of them will crack and actually do something about their obvious feelings?"

Another shrugged. "With the way we made the prince cry earlier, I don't think he is ever going to say anything."

"I actually want to have a little faith in the kid, even if he is the prince," Livius added.

"I think either way we should get some popcorn. I didn't think having a hostage could be so entertaining. We could start a proper betting pool and everything."

"If anyone is starting any betting pool, I am going to lead it," Drusus said as he stepped forward. "But I am on the side that thinks he doesn't have what it takes."

"What are you planning? Let the chocobo keep the prince's spirits up like this?" Livius asked curiously.

"Of course not, well, not right away. I want to see just how deeply they care for one another first," Drusus grinned sinisterly. "I want to test just how far we can stretch this."

"I like this idea. Got some ideas on how to make that happen?"

Crackling his knuckles, Drusus nodded. "Oh I have some plans. Let them have their fun for now."

Regis looked up from the most current report on the kidnapping situation when an aide hurried into the room carrying a stick drive. "Your Majesty, we've received another message from the kidnappers."

Regis breathed in deeply, still haunted by the last video of seeing his son tied up. "Show me."

This video started like the other one, showing who they assumed was the leader of the operation, before he stepped aside to show Noctis just slumped over in the chair with the restraints barely tightened around him. The video stayed silent just long enough for the microphone to pick up the small sob.

Regis's fists tightened, his knuckles turning white. He tried his best to remain calm as he watched the video. Even if it was just him, the aide, and Clarus in the room, he didn't want to let his emotions show.

The video progressed with little editing except that beginning scene. When Noctis was unable to speak to the camera, Clarus reached out to put a hand on Regis's shoulder and give it a squeeze. "Thank you, you can go now," He told the aide to let them leave the room, which they did quickly.

When it was just Clarus and Regis left in the room, Regis buried his head into his hands. "What did they do to my little Night Light?"

"I don't know what they did to him, but we will make them pay. They won't get away with this," Clarus assured his King while his hand tightened on his shoulder.

"They won't. I'll never give in to their demands, but seeing my son cry like that..." Regis shuddered. "I've never seen him look so hurt before."

"We'll find out, and we'll be able to heal him from this whole affair. You'll be there the whole time," Clarus said. "For now, we'll focus on rescuing them. Do you think Prompto is alright?"

"I would hope so. He... He is the only one in recent times that has brought a smile to my son's face. Prompto is very precious to him," Regis said, giving a small knowing smile. He had promised Noctis he would never speak publicly of the matter, not until Noctis decided that he would do something about it. It still hurt a little, knowing how much emotion Noctis kept to himself instead of just telling Prompto, but there wasn't a whole lot else he could do about it.

Clarus hummed at that. "Yes, Noctis has been different since they've been friends. I want to believe they're both mostly okay. I want to find them as soon as I can."

"Very soon," Regis replied. "I don't know if I will be able to handle another video like today's. My heart can only handle so much."

"I know Cor and Titus are working their teams as hard as they can to find them. We think we're getting close. Try to- try to keep some heart."

"I try, Clarus. But I can't shake that image from my face. My little Noct, crying. I don't even wish to imagine what they did to cause that."

"I know Reggie, I know. You'll get him back soon, so you can hug him and soothe that hurt," Clarus said softly as he decided to pull his friend into a loose hug.

"Thank you, Clarus. I know once we get him back, I won't let him out of my sight for at least a month."

"I imagine you'll be one of many people who feel that way. I know I won't want to do that either."

"Let's just hope we can get to the bottom of this soon... the tracking device in his shirt hasn't been able to be read. Wherever they are at, it must be highly secure for us not to get a reading on it," Regis said, going over what they had learned so far.

"Yes, but they are working on reading the history of the tracker, so we are getting a good idea of where they might be at. Currently, we're thinking of a large warehouse district in a lower ward."

Regis nodded. "Right right..." he couldn't find much else to say. What else could be said? His son was being held hostage and had been gone nearly a day now. For a father, it was his worst nightmare.

"Have we gotten any contact with Prompto's parents yet?" Clarus asked to help distract his friend.

"Cor tells me he is unable to get any form of contact from them. But perhaps it is for the best to not worry them," Regis admitted.

Clarus felt his brow furrow at that. "Perhaps so. Hopefully we can give them the good news that we've rescued their son soon."

"Yes, but until then, we shall send our prayers to the Astrals and hope that they can hear us."

"You are correct. I have been praying a lot this last day for them to bring both of them back soon and in one piece." Clarus confessed.

"We will get them back, both of them," Regis stated. "That is the only way this can end, with the two of them safe and sound."

"And so many hugs, for both of them. I know both Gladiolus and Ignis are nearly as bad as you are. I don't. . . I don't know if we should show them this video. Just give them the name Drusus Hilarius

Regis nodded. "Those boys are already worrying enough. I don't wish to stress them any further, especially your boy. I know he has taken this poorly."

"A Shield's job is never easy. I've tried, but I'm sure you have an understanding how hard it is to talk down a child," Clarus confessed, feeling the frown on his face grow.

"A child who's been trained his whole life to protect one person... yes I know it probably is hard on the both of you. I only hope he isn't blaming himself too heavily. None of us could see this coming."

Clarus gave a slow sigh at that. "Sadly, it's hard to accept that as the answer sometimes. Gladiolus tries hard to accept his duty and do his best. He wants to be a good Shield, and I know I didn't help with that goal in training him in his duties."

Regis hummed. "You're right. But let's retire for the evening. If we want to solve this case, we'll need our proper sleep."

"Yes, you have a good point. Please, do not hesitate to call me if you need me, even just to talk, Reggie," Clarus told Regis while he stood up properly to leave for the evening.

Regis thanked Clarus before he headed off to his room. His thoughts were still heavy, and the image of his crying son still could not be shaken from his mind.

-

AN: GG: We get to see the magic powers of Prompto in soothing Noctis's woes. And! we finally get to see how the others are reacting to all of this.
Hopefully Regis and everyone will to find them soon!