A/N: Hello, everybody! So, here I am, uploading this massive story that I've had in the works for over two years now. After months of beta searching with no luck, I've decided to simply bite the bullet and give this a go myself. I've made tons of notes, cue cards, and timelines to help me pull this thing together as well as I can, and I hope it comes across as clean and polished as I always wanted it to be.

The idea for this story began back when I first heard one of the game developers say Prompto might not have a long lifespan because of the way he was created. Of course, as a Prompto fan, I could not accept this piece of information, and had to take it upon myself to fix it. The whole game ending needed a fix-it in my opinion, anyway, so after two years of writing, here we are!

I've written over 250,000 words to date, and the story is mostly done, save for a few gaps later on, which I will hopefully have filled in before it's time to upload those chapters. I've never uploaded a major story like this before finishing it 100%, so this is kind of new territory for me, but I think at this point, it's the best way for me to stay committed to it and see it through to the end. Don't worry, finishing this is a bucket-list item for me, so I will not quit until I finish and upload every chapter!

I hope everyone enjoys this first little taste of this story, and enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Without further ado, I present to you... Borrowed Time. Happy reading!

Section 1: The Lost Connection

Chapter 1

"Have a good evening, Highness." Ignis' voice was full of fondness, and so much relief; there was a time when he and his companions never thought they would get to address Noct like that again, but he was here, and he was alive. Gladio gave a nod of agreement as he helped Ignis down the steps of the caravan. They would travel back to Insomnia tonight to reconvene with the glaives who remained there. The sooner they could recruit help for the restoration of the Citadel, the better. Not to mention, they were eager to share the good news: their king had survived, even though he was never meant to bring back the light and still escape with his life.

As the screen door swung shut, Noctis and Prompto exchanged a glance—Noct looking uncertain, and Prompto looking downright nervous. Noct strolled over to shut and lock the inside door; he wasn't sure how much privacy they would want or need tonight, but even if they didn't do anything more than talk, he was sure they wouldn't want any interruptions in this conversation.

"So... we made it, Noct," came a breath of relief from behind. Noctis slowly spun around and took a seat at the small card table across from Prompto. His friend smiled shyly at him before averting his gaze to the window beside him. Sunset was coming much too early tonight, having just gotten the light back, and Prompto hoped with all his heart that the sun would rise without fail tomorrow.

"Yeah," Noct smiled, softly, following his companion's gaze to the pink sky outside. His gaze didn't linger, as he didn't long for this sight as much as Prompto did; he hadn't suffered through the years of endless night. Instead, Noct's gaze travelled to Prompto's face, studying the tiny ways in which it had changed. At least those laugh lines probably meant he had kept his positivity and sense of humour through these tough times, right?

"Prompto?" Noct's voice was so gentle, causing Prompto to look up, though he still looked a little wary. Of what? Of him? Noct bravely reached out for one of his hands that were resting on the table, needing to rid him of whatever tension lay between them. Prompto's fingers were rougher than he remembered, his trigger finger the roughest of all, and Noct swallowed hard as he tried to imagine how many battles Prompto had had to fight without him.

"How have you been holding up all this time? And you can be honest," Noctis murmured, intending to provide some genuine comfort. He was startled when Prompto laughed.

"Sounds like you expected me to fall apart without you."

"I didn't mean it like that— I mean, I know you're strong, and obviously, you made it this far, but..." Noctis trailed off, and averted his eyes. "I know I would have had some trouble... if I'd lost you," Noct admitted, solemnly, his gaze fixed on the table.

The confession made Prompto's heart twinge, and his teasing grin faded as he regretted tormenting his friend. He brushed a thumb over the back of Noct's hand, letting him know he appreciated what he'd said.

"I certainly had some trouble," Prompto said, with a flicker of a smile, but it was sad. Eyes met again before both nervously darted away.

"In the beginning, I was a wreck," he divulged, but didn't feel like dragging Noct down with the details—the way he'd fallen to his knees, crying in despair in front of the crystal until Gladio and Ignis had to carry him away; the way he used to break down at the drop of a hat; the way night terrors ruined his sleep.

"But there comes a point when you've cried yourself dry, and you can either give up or keep fighting." Prompto looked up to meet Noctis' eyes before continuing. "And I knew what you would have wanted me to do."

"Thank you," Noct smiled, squeezing his hand. "For fighting, for doing what you could to keep people safe."

"Come on, it was the least I could do for you," Prompto chuckled, softly. Silence set in, and their other hands slowly wandered across the table to link as well, meeting somewhere in the middle as their owners stared out at the darkening sky. Their actions should have told Noct what he needed to know, but he had to make sure.

"Was there anyone around to help you through this? I mean, like Cindy, or...?" he tried, fumbling with his words.

"What do you mean?" Prompto asked very slowly, his eyes shy and curious. They seemed to flicker uncertainly, or maybe it just looked that way in the unnatural, yellow light of the caravan.

"I mean..." Noct started, sucking in a loud and uncomfortable breath, finding it difficult to properly choose his words. "When it comes to us, do you still...?"

Now Noct was the one with worried eyes, and they stared up at Prompto, seeming brighter than ever with his long hair swept away from his face; those eyes used to be so heavily covered in bangs, which sometimes helped to hide his emotions, but they were out on display for all to see now. Prompto still appeared anxious, but he leaned forward slightly in his seat, his hands clutching Noctis' a little tighter.

"I still," he assured him, giving a tiny, innocent shrug, and before he knew it, Noctis was leaning in across the table. Prompto wasn't about to deny either of them this moment, and he leaned in to meet his king's lips. Noctis' technique, and the feel of his lips was very much the same, but Prompto couldn't help but chuckle as his stubble tickled his skin. He heard Noct give a muffled laugh against his lips, too, and knew he was feeling the same thing—a kiss that was familiar, but new; different, but so very good.

Prompto was the first to pull back, wanting to look into Noctis' eyes again to confirm that this time he wasn't dreaming. This time he wouldn't have to watch as Noct vanished before him, was brutally murdered or sucked into the crystal. He wouldn't have to wake up in a cold sweat, or cry into his pillow when he remembered his prince was gone.

"It's been a long ten years," he laughed quietly, and absentmindedly tugged his bottom lip into his mouth to taste Noctis again, which did not go unnoticed by the man across the table. Noct thought it was endearing, and quite adorable, but it also saddened him that his absence had taken such a toll on Prompto, making this moment so very precious to him.

"I know that, to me, it doesn't feel like ten years have passed, but... I've missed you, too," Noct murmured. He could remember times in the crystal when he would try to call out to his friends—crying out Prompto's name, in particular—so loudly in his head, but never being able to get the sounds past his throat. There were times when Prompto would appear in his dreams. Sometimes his hand would be there in front of him, the rest of his body shrouded in a white light, and Noct would reach out for him, but he was always too far away to grasp. He may not have been fully lucid in the crystal, but his mind certainly hadn't been void of thought.

Prompto smiled at the confession, and Noct leaned in again, noses brushing. He could feel Prompto's quick and ragged breaths on his chin, and could feel the urgency of the moment increase. Noctis wanted nothing more than to pick up where they'd left off all those years ago. They'd parted in Zegnautus Keep of all places, right after Prompto had told the guys about his origins. They had only gotten a brief chance to talk in private after that, during which time Prompto had seemed to keep his distance, sitting across the bed from Noct instead of venturing over to sit beside him. Prompto had deserved about a hundred hugs and kisses that day, after his confession about the MTs and after being held as Ardyn's prisoner, but Noct had been afraid to seek much contact when Prompto had still seemed a little reserved. He could make up for that now, right? Couldn't he at least try?

Noctis unlaced a hand from Prompto's, but only to tangle it in the back of his hair instead. Prompto whimpered weakly, his heart aching as he realized how desperately he had missed this man, and how many of his feelings he had cut off so he would no longer suffer the pain of losing him. Now all of those emotions were all trickling back, and it was overwhelming. He wanted to cry tears of both joy and sadness, of satisfaction and disbelief, but he held back; if Noct saw tears, it might end this blissful moment all too soon.

Prompto could sense Noct standing up across from him, though his lips and hands remained in place. The hand in Prompto's hair tugged upward slightly, and Prompto followed the gentle coaxing, getting to his feet as well. Kisses hastened, and they stumbled away from the table, Noct's hand finding Prompto's waist as soon as the darn thing was no longer between them.

They manoeuvred through the tiny caravan and collapsed onto the bed with very little grace, Prompto narrowly avoiding hitting his head on the upper bunk as Noctis pulled him down. Hands worked together to send Noct's dark grey t-shirt tumbling towards the floor, and Prompto found his hands trailing over Noct's chest as he kissed him. Just hours before, they had been cleaning blood from that spot where the ghostly sword had been thrust through him. Now, there was no sword, no blood, nor wound. There was not even the tiniest mark of evidence that Noctis' life had almost been taken from him that day, and Prompto felt tears stinging his eyes now as he absorbed that fact. He blinked, and pulled back from Noct's lips, earning a confused and slightly disappointed look from the king.

"Everything okay?" Noct asked, his hand settling into the small of Prompto's back and rubbing gently, his blue eyes gaining more worry by the second. Prompto nodded, but his eyes travelled down to Noctis' bare chest. He watched his fingertips rub over the smooth skin, still finding it hard to believe that there was no damage at all after the incident in the throne room. Had the Astrals been the ones to save and heal Noct after his sacrifice? Prompto supposed no one would ever know for sure.

"It all just seems too good to be true, you know?" he said, tearfully, and felt a painful jerk in his stomach that reminded him it was too good to be true. Even if Noct was in the clear, this wasn't Prompto's fairytale ending, as much as he wanted it to be.

Noct stared at his friend with penetrating eyes, trying so hard to read him. There was still that hint of humour in his voice that rarely seemed to leave, yet Noctis sensed there was a darkness behind those words. He couldn't pinpoint what it was, but felt there was something Prompto wasn't saying. Of course, it wouldn't be surprising. He probably had ten years' worth of things he wanted to say, and certainly couldn't pour them all out for him right here and now. Rebuilding would take time. Even trust would take time. They may have known each other better than anyone before, but Noct needed to get to know this older Prompto—the one who had been through so much during his absence.

"Noct, do you mind if we... just take things slow?" Prompto asked, before Noctis could decide what he wanted to say next. The king's eyes widened slightly, and Prompto hoped it was more out of confusion than hurt, but it was hard to say for sure.

"I know. I really want this, too, but we just saved the world. We should probably... take a little time to fix your kingdom before we start fixing ourselves." Noctis let out a breath, which was a poorly disguised sigh, and Prompto lowered his head in regret and embarrassment. He shifted backwards to kneel near the end of the bed, giving Noctis the room he needed to sit up. He rubbed his arm sheepishly, looking like a child awaiting punishment.

"I've let you down," Prompto whispered, sorrowfully, but Noct quickly shook his head.

"Not at all," he promised. "I mean, of course, I wasn't opposed to..." He gave an amused glance at the abandoned shirt on the floor, and it was enough to make Prompto chuckle softly.

"But I understand, this is all happening pretty fast," he said, reaching out for Prompto's hand again—tenderly like he had at the beginning of their conversation. He brought it to his lips and softly kissed the back of his knuckles.

"So, take all the time you need, okay? I'll wait."

"Thank you for coming to see me today," Noctis smiled softly, his eyes scanning over each of the citizens before him. A mother and father were kneeling before the throne, their little girl staring up at the King with wide, curious eyes, her lips parted in awe. Noct scooted forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I hope you enjoy your life in Lucis, little one," he said, addressing the young girl, who swayed timidly at his words, her hands laced behind her back, blonde hair sparkling in the sunlight.

"Thank you so much, Your Majesty," the father said, helping his wife up as he got to his feet.

"You're very welcome. One of my glaives will escort you out." Noctis gave a nod to a young glaive, who stood at the doorway to the throne room, and she strode forward.

"Follow me," she instructed with a brief flash of a smile, and led the people out. As the door shut behind them, Gladio abandoned his post at the other side of the door, stepping forward and stretching an arm across his chest, holding it tight with his elbow before stretching the other arm in the same fashion.

"You did good," he praised, and Noctis rubbed his temples, still leaning forward, but slouching more than when his visitors were present.

"So many people have been through so much," the King breathed, sadly and wearily. Gladio halted when he reached the stairway leading to the throne, looking up at Noctis for permission—who gave an approving nod—before ascending to the next platform up and leaning casually against the railing.

"They were from Niflheim?" Gladio inquired, double-checking what he'd overheard from his position at the entryway.

"Yeah. If the circumstances had been just a little different, they could have ended up in Besithia's laboratory. The girl's parents... they could have easily been snatched up when they were infants, when Verstael was experimenting with the daemonification," Noctis lamented, gaze fixed on the floor. Gladio let out a grunt of agreement, not liking the thought any more than Noctis did, and his thoughts instinctively travelled to their companion who had been far too close to those experiments.

"Speaking of which... you know what today is, right?" Gladio quizzed. Noctis popped back up in his seat, rotating his shoulders in what looked like uncomfortable motions rather than a good stretch. Prompto is coming back today. He'd been trying not to think about it, yet it had been on his mind enough to make him feel sick to his stomach.

"Yeah. I know," he replied, quickly and casually.

"Feeling okay about it?" Gladio smirked at the question.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Because the last time Prompto was here, you got kind of sulky." Noctis' mouth popped open in shock at the accusation, then he pouted sourly.

"I wasn't sulky," he protested, though his current expression reflected the mood perfectly; he'd worn that face all week the last time Prompto had visited. "Things have just been a little strained between us. I'm... not exactly sure why, to be honest."

Gladio peered up at his friend, who looked so pensive as he gazed straight ahead now. He had to admit, he had been surprised as well to see Prompto so cautious around Noctis, so quiet and timid that Gladio thought the kid might actually be avoiding his friend, but he wasn't about to get involved. Gladio knew there were reasons why Prompto might not want to jump right back into things with Noctis, and he didn't want to push the guy; it was really none of his business.

"Well," Gladio grunted. "I guess you can't expect things to fall right back into place. Ten years is a long time. Maybe he'll be more relaxed now that the mission you sent him on is over, and he can settle back in here."

"I didn't send Prompto on this mission. He volunteered," Noct defensively clarified, and Gladio smirked as he threw his hands up in mock surrender. His king may have been trying to play off Prompto's return like it was nothing, but he was wound far too tight to make that act believable. Noctis caught on to that, too, when he saw Gladio trying to hide that amused smile, and he lowered his head in regret. It was childish to pretend this wasn't bothering him, and would be far more honourable to simply admit it.

"Honestly, I feel like he wanted the distance from me," Noctis solemnly confessed, his dark lashes falling down to cover his eyes.

"Don't let this get you down, Noct." Noctis nearly coughed as a giant hand patted him on the back; he'd been so caught up in his thoughts, he hadn't even noticed Gladio climbing the last set of steps to his throne. Now, he stood beside him, his hand remaining on his back in a sign of comfort.

"Prompto will come around. Don't forget, he's been through a lot, too, and he took your disappearance pretty hard," Gladio reminded him. Noctis' eyes flickered up to his Shield for a moment before returning to the floor as he wondered what Prompto had gone through back then. His answers about that time had been so vague when they had talked that night in the trailer, and since then, they hadn't spoken much at all—at least not in private.

"Do you think... he's scared of losing me again?" the king asked, with eyes that reflected those of a young Noctis when they looked up to stare at Gladio. Gladio gave a warm smile, and gave his friend another pat on the back.

"I think you should just talk to him."

It was weird being back in Insomnia, seeing only mere pieces of a city he remembered, and other pieces that had been completely replaced or reconstructed. It was almost familiar, almost comforting, but Prompto felt more sick than anything as he took in the sights—the sushi place where Noctis used to work was now a bank; the vintage camera shop and antique store was now a venue that sold only modern electronics. From the outside, the arcade didn't even look anything like it used to, its familiar sign now lit up with different coloured lights and updated lettering. Prompto wondered if they had managed to salvage any of the old games he and Noct used to play.

"You doing okay back there?" The glaive ahead asked from the driver's seat. It hadn't been the first time he'd caught Prompto looking rather carsick in the rear view mirror during the journey back from Leide, but this time it had nothing to do with the locomotion.

"I'm fine," Prompto promised, but he only felt even more ill when they pulled up to the gates to the Citadel. The driver said his name into the roadside speaker, and a voice responded, giving them the go-ahead to enter. Prompto swallowed hard as the metal gate swung open, granting them passage to the courtyard.

This was it. He had completed the last stage of his mission. He was back for good, and dodging Noctis would be much more difficult now that they would be under the same roof—an extraordinarily large roof, but still... There were only so many places to hide in the Citadel.

"Here we are," the driver announced much too soon. He stopped the car in front of the palace steps, uttering that he would park the vehicle in the back of the building and meet them inside later. Prompto thanked him, and he and the two other glaives that had accompanied him stepped out of the car as he did.

Together they ascended the steps, the two calling quick goodbyes to Prompto once they reached the top, and disappearing inside the heavy doors, probably heading straight for the showers. Prompto wished he could do the same, as they were all a little grimy from a couple of days of driving in close quarters, but he had been instructed to report in as soon as he arrived back. With a sigh, and an unsettled flutter in his heart, he pulled open the double doors and slipped inside.

The lobby was quiet and empty, and he was relieved that his return didn't call for celebration; knowing his friends, it wouldn't have been completely out of the ordinary to see coloured banners and 'welcome home' signs upon arrival. He strode directly to the elevator and hit the button for the eleventh floor, and waited patiently, but the ride was too short. Before he knew it, he was stepping off, his heart pounding now as he headed for the advisor's quarters. Quietly, he gave a knock on the intricately designed black door, and Ignis appeared before him seconds later.

"Hey, Iggy," Prompto greeted softly, his gaze travelling immediately to the man's glasses as he adjusted them over his blind eyes.

"Prompto," Ignis smiled, never questioning who owned that voice. "So, you've returned safely."

"Yep. All in one piece. Happy to report that there were no sour negotiations anywhere, really," he said, trying to muster his chipper tone, but not quite managing. It was flat, containing a poorly disguised sadness.

"That's good to hear. We shall discuss said negotiations further with the council. Shall I inform the king?"

"Sure..." Prompto hadn't meant it to, but the word came out soft and unconvincing. To his surprise, he felt a hand on his shoulder as his solemn gaze tumbled downward. His eyes flickered up towards his friend only for a second or two to gauge his expression, but ever-stoic Ignis was still hard to read. His lips were pulled into a straight line, his brows tugged downward ever so slightly.

"Prompto, if you're concerned about your rapport with Noct—" he started, but Prompto knew by his tone where his thoughts were going. Ignis wasn't wrong in his assumptions either, but Prompto wasn't ready to lay it all on the line just yet. How he was feeling, how scared he was... It wasn't the time for dwelling on any of it.

"Rekindling things can wait until the kingdom is in better shape," Prompto said, before Ignis could get another word in, but the man could sense the uncertainty in Prompto's tone; the boy was doubtful they even would rekindle things.

"Prompto," Ignis addressed softly. His caring tone made the younger man shut up and listen, his blue eyes perking up in curiosity. Ignis gently squeezed his shoulder as he spoke.

"I understand how you must be feeling right now, but I believe it would be best for both of you if you informed Noct of our discoveries concerning your well-being." Prompto appreciated how kind and patient his friend was being with him, but his suggestion was far easier said than done. Prompto shook his head, forgetting Ignis couldn't see the motion.

"No need to drag him down with that right now. He's got enough on his plate," he said, trying yet again to maintain a cheerful front, and Ignis could hear him making a move to leave. He stepped forward as Prompto stepped back, his hand squeezing the young man's shoulder one last time.

"I shouldn't have to tell you not to bottle this up, but I know you will do whatever you feel is best for everyone," Ignis said, with an ounce of accusation in his tone that stung a little, as Prompto knew the man was referring to the past—when Prompto had felt the need to hide his barcode from even his closest friends. "Just promise that if it becomes too much, and you don't feel you can talk to the king about this—"

"I'll talk to you or Gladio. Promise," Prompto swore, with a smile that Ignis could hear in his voice. He sounded honest enough, so Ignis didn't feel he had any reason to doubt him, at least for the time being. The elder gave a nod and released Prompto from his grasp.

"I'll gather the council."

Noctis was a nervous wreck as he sat in the meeting room, feeling like a hundred pairs of eyes were on him as they sat around the long table. In actuality, no more than eight people watched him as he subtly tried to slow his breathing. He hoped to calm himself down as he waited, the anticipation of seeing Prompto bubbling up inside him. He felt like a child waiting for a birthday gift, but with a slight fear that he might not like whatever he was going to get.

He perked up at the sound of the door swinging open, and Prompto hurried in, looking frazzled as he tried to keep what looked like various papers from falling out of his stuffed notebook. He ran a hand through his hair to distract himself from the fact that he had gained a lot of unwanted attention upon entry, only making himself look even less put together. Noctis wondered if Prompto's current state had anything to do with the apprehension of seeing him, too; he sort of hoped it did, so he wouldn't be alone in his anxious state.

"So sorry I'm late," Prompto breathlessly announced, quickly taking his seat in the last empty chair, and setting his notebook down on the shiny black table. "I was just unpacking my stuff, and I lost track of time."

"No worries, Prompto. We understand you're just getting settled in," Noctis addressed him, with a small nod and gentle eyes that Prompto timidly met only for a moment; he wasn't sure if the short bout of eye contact relieved him or not.

"Right, thanks." Ignis could hear Prompto struggling to catch his breath as he sat there next to him, so he spoke up to give him a moment to recover.

"Perhaps not everyone has been properly introduced. We have a couple of guests sitting in with us today—the glaives who were on assignment with Prompto. Meet Elea, a glaive who proved herself to Bahamut on the Isle of Angelgard," he explained, waving blindly towards one of the girls on the opposite side of the table with Iris.

Although Elea had never spoken of that time in her life during their mission together, Prompto remembered being told the stories by others—stories of the glaives who defeated Bahamut on the Isle. After that, it was said that some were chosen to stay and defend Angelgard until Noctis came out of his crystal slumber, and some even died for the cause. A few members of the council eyed the warrior and acknowledged her with a nod.

"And Fae, who played a large role in keeping citizens safe during those ten dark years," Ignis announced, waving to the next glaive.

Prompto's gaze travelled to the young girl with bright green eyes, her cherry-red hair fading into pink as it fell around her shoulders. Her hair was pulled into braids that ran just above her ears and met in the back, and although she didn't wear much of a smile, there was a light in her eyes that had been nowhere in sight when she and Prompto had first met.

"Fae and I go way back. We used to fight together in Lestallum," Prompto informed the crowd.

"It's true," Fae agreed with a curve of her lips.

Noctis found himself leaning forward in his seat, intrigued by this part of his best friend's life that was completely unfamiliar to him. There was this sickening feeling—this worry, even—that he had missed something vital.

"So, let's get to it. What'd you find out?" Gladio butted in, if only to get that perturbed look off of his king's face.

"Well," Prompto started, opening his notebook and flipping through until he found the page he wanted. "Secretary Claustra has agreed to help with restoration efforts of Insomnia, assuming we lend Altissia the same aid. I told her it would be no problem. Uh..." Prompto hummed as he flipped to the next page. "Oh right. Galahd. I think they would like to be part of Lucis again, but it's going to take some time to win that trust back. They don't have much leadership there aside from a guy named Libertus, who seems to be taking charge for now. They also don't have much in the way of funds to support themselves."

He glanced up at the king who nodded pensively.

"Alright, sounds like we may need another visit there in the near future, depending on how things go, I suppose. What else?" Noct queried.

"As for Niflheim, I wasn't quite sure who to speak to," Prompto went on. "The other glaives and I talked to a few town mayors, but there's no real leader there anymore either. Most of the regions I visited are just so happy to be at peace, they're content to be part of Lucis or maintain their own regions themselves."

"How are communications?"

"Good. We can probably maintain healthy long-distance relations. I don't think another visit is necessary at this time," Prompto announced.

"You have contacts in your notes?" Noct inquired.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Noct nearly cringed at those words that seemed so terribly out of place coming from his longtime friend. He caught Prompto's eye, Prompto looking totally oblivious to the fact that he'd done something to cause Noctis so much heartache, so Noct pushed forth a small smile. Perhaps Prompto just didn't feel it appropriate to address him by name in a meeting such as this; it was probably a simple formality in the presence of others, though that had never been a concern for him in the past.

"Alright then," Noctis eventually said, taking a bit longer than expected for him to reply to Prompto's previous comment. "Perhaps we can discuss those names at a later time, if correspondence with any of the regions is necessary."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Prompto nodded, noticing even in the brief meeting of their eyes that there was a wounded look in Noct's. Prompto swallowed hard and tried to ignore it.

The rest of the meeting was fairly uneventful. Ignis asked most of the questions, while Cor and Prompto carried out the better part of the discussions. To be honest, Noctis zoned out the majority of the time, absorbing the odd comment here and there, but mostly, his attention was on Prompto—his strong jaw and facial features that had filled out since he'd seen him last, the goatee that Noctis would have once bet he couldn't even grow, the way his hair was slightly shorter and less wildly styled than it used to be. Noct wondered how much ten years could really change someone. Just because Prompto looked older didn't mean he'd lost his cheery disposition, or his fascination with chocobos...or his love for him.

Some time together was probably all they needed to get back to where they had been all those years ago, and now that Prompto was back in Insomnia for good, finding time to spend together shouldn't be that hard, in theory at least.

It didn't take much effort to recall the way they used to be attached at the hip, the way they used to be able to make each other smile at the drop of a hat, and how they always used to know exactly what to say when the other was feeling down. Noct couldn't forget all the ways in which Prompto had confided in him—about his family, his insecurities, his feelings for him—and Noctis had sought comfort in Prompto just as many times, if not more. He had cried on his shoulder on more than one occasion—about his fears of inheriting the throne, when his father had become increasingly ill, and of course, when King Regis had passed away.

Prompto had always been there, like an extension of Noctis himself that Noct wasn't quite sure how to live without now that he had been blessed with its presence. Prompto was there to comfort him, to love and protect him, and Noctis couldn't forget how well they fit together—emotionally, physically. They belonged together, and if some part of Prompto still believed that, too, then surely their problems would fade to nothing before they knew it.

"Is that alright with you, Your Majesty?" Ignis inquired, and Noctis bolted upright, realizing he might have been staring at Prompto a little too obviously, his head resting dozily in his palm.

"Um, what?" Noct regretfully had to ask. The amused smirks and stifled laughter did not go unnoticed by him either as he glanced around the table, wondering what he had missed.

"Is it alright if we adjourn for now?"

"Yeah, sure," Noct said, nonchalantly, sounding like his spoiled teen self again with that 'do-whatever-you-want' sort of tone. He could feel his cheeks warming up now, as he honestly had no idea how long the meeting had been going on while he daydreamed.

"That's it for now, then. Thank you, everyone, for your attendance," Ignis announced, and everyone got up from their seat, giving Ignis and the king a nod before wandering out.

Prompto was quick to stuff his papers back into his notebook, and gave Noct a brief and rather nervous smile before departing, leaving only Ignis and Noctis behind. Ignis could tell by Noctis' heavy sigh that he was unhappy, and he listened carefully as the last of the attendees shuffled out before he closed the door and spoke up.

"It's Prompto, I presume?"

"It's like we're kids again and he's afraid to talk to me," Noctis mumbled, clearly disheartened. He folded his hands in front of him on the table, his gaze focused on them rather than on his advisor. He didn't want to see what kind of expression Ignis was giving him right now, as it was probably either pity or disapproval, and he didn't want either one.

"Did it occur to you that you could seek him out rather than waiting for him to do so? Good communication requires effort from both parties, after all," Ignis stated, simply, and Noctis felt like he was a student again, being taught a concept far more complicated than this one.

"You really think it's that easy? Remember the last time he was here?"

It had been four months into Prompto's mission—four months after Noct had saved the world—and he had returned for a week of rest and relaxation before travelling to the remaining locations to create bonds of peace. Noctis had followed him back to his room with a smile on his face, hoping to spend some time together, but Prompto had given him an apologetic smile in return, thanked him for the invitation, but hoped to have some time to himself. He never showed up at regular meal times, and always took off as soon as any Kingsglaive meetings were over. Noct had tried once more after that to reconnect with him, only to receive the same type of response. After that, he just didn't feel like setting himself up for the rejection.

"I do, but perhaps he simply needed the rest," Ignis said, with a slight curve to his lips; he knew full well that in the past, spending time with Noctis had led to quite the opposite.

Noctis remained unconvinced of his argument, and Ignis waited patiently for the king to speak again, or even to give him some hint of his reception to his last comment. When he received nothing, he eventually broke the silence.

"Speak with him, Noct. He's been through… much more than you can imagine," Ignis said, softly, and Noctis slowly looked up with worried eyes that Ignis could feel on him even without his vision.

"What does that mean?" the king cautiously inquired, not sure he wanted to know the details.

"You should ask him yourself," Ignis replied, trying to make his point for what felt like the tenth time that day. He stood up, indicating to Noctis that he wouldn't get another word out of him until he took his advice and sought answers from Prompto himself. Noct let out another heavy breath as he stood as well, and followed Ignis toward the exit.

The walk to Prompto's room was a long one. Noctis' feet were heavy as he made his way to the elevator and pressed the button for the eleventh floor. He waited with knots in his stomach, unsure of whether he would be relieved or disappointed if the elevator were to get stuck unexpectedly. The device dinged before he was prepared for it, but he exited with as much courage and confidence as he could as he strode down the hallway toward Prompto's room.

It hadn't been all that long since he'd been here. He hadn't told anyone, but from time to time, he would find himself making his way to Prompto's room, just so he could feel some connection to Prompto when he was half the world away. He would run a hand along the bed where he used to lie, would venture into his closet to see what was left of his wardrobe, and would open up the nightstand to smell the bottle of cologne he had left behind. This invasion of privacy was a secret that he swore would die with him.

Swallowing the guilt and unease he felt from remembering those days at a time like this, he reached a hand out and knocked on the door. He lost count after a few seconds of waiting, all thoughts disappearing as Prompto opened up the door with a tiny smile on his face.

"Hey," he uttered, softly.

"Hey. Just thought I'd stop by to welcome you back," Noct replied, relieved that he had come up with a reasonable excuse for being here. Prompto stepped back, and opened the door a little wider to allow Noct entry.

Noct heard the door shut behind him, and Prompto strolled into the room, pulling out a seat at the desk for Noctis before sitting down across from him on the edge of his bed. Judging by the wrinkles on top of the comforter, he had been relaxing with his feet up before his visitor had gotten there.

"It's good to see you," Noct said, when Prompto merely gave him a smile. Maybe he was nervous. He certainly didn't seem to have much to say, nor did he seem eager to speak.

"You, too," came the man's reply, and he gave Noct another smile to prove his point. Noctis watched him carefully as he reached for the bottle of alcohol that was on his nightstand, unable to look away as he brought it to his lips, his adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed the liquid. Noctis felt his insides flutter at the sight. Prompto looked so much older and more confident in that moment, but both looked good on him.

"You develop a drinking problem while I was gone?" Noct chuckled, softly, hoping the joke would break the ice. Prompto gave a light laugh and lifted the bottle out in front of him, eyeing it as if it had just become a suspicious object.

"I'd hardly say that," he grinned, meeting Noctis' eyes, which filled his friend with relief. As simple a gesture as it was, it had been far too long since Noct had seen him smile that freely—no holding back.

"Just making sure," Noctis smirked. "Because I haven't seen you drunk since, you know, that night at my apartment." He hesitated, hoping the memory of their first intimate experience wouldn't stir up any uncomfortable memories—only good ones. Prompto seemed amused enough at the mention of that night, his lips lifting up slightly at the corners, and a sparkle in his eyes as they met Noct's.

"No, but sometimes after hunts, the glaives and I would crack open a cold one, and I kind of acquired a taste for these," he said, raising the bottle as reference. "It's been a long day, and I felt like I needed to kick back. You won't hold it against me, will you?"

"Of course not," Noctis promised, eyeing the bottle. "So, what's it taste like?"

"Huh?" Prompto asked, his eyes lighting up in curiosity like they used to when they were younger. He held the bottle out to the side a bit to read the fine print, as if it could describe the flavour better than he could.

"It's a Galahdian ginger drink. Do you want to try?"

"Sure," Noct agreed, presuming that having even a swig of liquor in him for this conversation was better than nothing. All they had needed that night at his apartment were some slightly lowered inhibitions to get things moving with them; it had been the night that had started everything, and Noct wondered if that was the key to getting Prompto's guard down again.

He was brought out of his thoughts when he saw Prompto wandering over to his knapsack to find an extra flask. To his dismay, he found none, and hurried over to the wooden cabinet instead where the wine glasses used to reside, only to find it was empty.

"Specs took them to clean them. Said he didn't want anyone drinking out of them when he could feel a good inch of dust sitting inside," Noct said, and Prompto grimaced. "I think it was an exaggeration," Noct added, hoping he hadn't turned Prompto's stomach too much for him to finish his drink.

His own stomach was in knots, however, seeing Prompto fumble around like this trying to find a way to offer him that drink when ten years ago, he would have just handed him the bottle. Maybe they weren't involved right now, but did Prompto really care that much if they drank from the same flask? They'd shared saliva in much more intimate ways.

Prompto shrugged timidly when he found his efforts to be futile, and he strode back over to Noctis, and passed the bottle to him.

"Shoulda' just done this in the first place," he said, flushing. He wished he hadn't looked for alternatives at all. Now not only did he look like an idiot, but he probably also appeared rather rude. Noctis didn't seem to care—or he at least didn't show it—as he brought the bottle to his lips and took a sip.

"Mmm, it's good," Noctis approved, baring his teeth as the last of the alcohol's sting went down his throat. He could taste a mix of lemon and ginger, not a combination he'd ever had growing up within the Wall. He eyed the bottle once more before handing it back to Prompto.

"Take another drink, if you'd like," Prompto smiled, trying to recover from his earlier attempts at keeping him from doing such a thing. "We probably won't get another taste of it for a while."

"Next trip to Galahd, drinks are on me, then," Noctis said, waving a finger at Prompto as he pushed the bottle further into Prompto's hands.

Prompto seemed hesitant this time when he brought it to his lips, though when he finally did take a swig, Noctis couldn't help but notice the way his bottom lip ducked inside his mouth—to taste him or the liquor, Noct wasn't sure, but secretly hoped it was the former.

"So, Prompto? Are... we okay?" Noctis managed to ask, his eyes worried and tender as they met his friend's.

"Y-yeah, why wouldn't we be?" Prompto nervously took another drink and swished it around in his mouth, swallowing hard and feeling it burn all the way down.

"It's been eight months since I came back. I guess I sort of thought... that you and I would be back together by now," Noct said. It was weird. They had never even had an official breakup—only an involuntary ten-year separation—but with the distance between them now, their rapport could hardly be called a relationship.

"I know," Prompto breathed, lowering his head. "And I'm sorry, Noct. But it's complicated."

"Okay..." The response came out sounding more like a question that an affirmation, and Noct began to ramble as he paced across the room. "I just don't get why it's complicated. I mean, was there someone else? Or is there?"

The possibility that Prompto may have been unfaithful to him had entered his mind several times over the past eight months. As much as he hated to think of his Prompto in someone else's arms—or someone else's bed, for that matter—he wouldn't have blamed him for finding someone else. It would hurt, yes, but there would be no blame. Ten years was a long time to be alone.

Noct stopped his pacing, halting in front of Prompto and reaching for his hands.

"Whatever it is, Prompto, I can take it. Just tell me what's going on," the king begged, and Prompto thought it was so strange to see such royalty wanting someone like him so badly. It had always been that way, but the scale had changed somewhat. Instead of the prince yearning for the pauper, the king yearned for the kingsglaive.

Prompto felt this sense of guilt inside him. Would Lucis be proud to see their king begging for him like this? He doubted it, and he hated feeling like he was taking priority over the kingdom. He didn't doubt that Noctis would rule it well—didn't doubt it for a second—but still...

"Noct, there's only ever been you," Prompto assured him, squeezing his hands gently as they wrapped around his own. "But Lucis is just getting back on its feet, and I don't want to get in the way of your duties."

"Get in the way?" Noctis choked out. He'd only ever thought of Prompto as a support system.

It was strange; Prompto had always been Noctis' escape from royalty, his way back into the normal world when he needed to forget about his duties for a little while. While he thought he should perhaps be a little apprehensive about him becoming a part of his life as a royal, he was instead comforted by it. He couldn't run from his duties anymore; he had to embrace them now, and maybe he was ready to do that, especially if he could perform those duties with the person of his choosing.

Although in the past, he wouldn't let himself dream that someday Prompto would rule by his side, he had since allowed himself to at least consider that it might not be so impossible now that they were adults. Maybe Prompto didn't have to be something separate from the world of royalty; maybe he could be a part of it.

"You know, like, I don't want to distract you."

"What are you saying?" Noctis frowned, looking utterly disgusted. "You don't think I can keep my personal and professional life in order? I know what it takes to rule a kingdom, Prompto. I watched my father do it for years!"

"Whoa, I'm not trying to insult you—" Prompto backed up, hands in the air in surrender. Noctis' emotions were on a high, and Prompto knew that he had caused this; avoiding him for so long had finally come back to bite him. Noctis realized how much he had raised his tone now that he saw the vulnerable, frightened look in Prompto's eyes. He released a sigh, and lowered his head in apology.

"Something's just not adding up," he whispered, then his eyes darted back up to meet Prompto's. "You still...?"

"Yes, Noct. Of course, I still. I still love you like we were sixteen years old," Prompto assured him, his eyes watery now as he spoke, his voice soft and desperate.

"Then what...?"

A knock at the door startled them both, and Noct stared at Prompto with pleading, angry eyes, begging him to give him an answer before he even considered opening the damn door. Prompto solemnly shook his head, but his firm voice and stiff posture told Noct that he was standing his ground.

"More time, Noct. I just need more time," he said, before going to answer the door. He pulled it open slowly to see Gladio standing there.

"Hey. Me 'n some of the guys are going out for some drinks. Thought you might want to come with us, so we could catch up," Gladio offered, catching sight of a clearly distraught Noctis further inside the room. Next he analyzed Prompto's face, and quickly decided that Prompto was thankful he had given him an escape from...whatever had been going on.

"Sounds great. I'll meet you downstairs in a few?"

"Yep. See ya there," Gladio said, then dragged his gaze back to the pouting former-prince. "You're welcome to come, too, Majesty, as long as you remove that stick from your ass first."

Noctis scowled at him before he walked away. Prompto turned back to him slowly, intentionally leaving the door open to prevent their earlier conversation from picking up again. With so many high-ranking glaives and council members living on this floor, the last thing Noct wanted to do was shatter their trust, or have rumours start.

"Like he said, you can come with us if you want to," Prompto reminded him.

"No thanks. Too much work to do. Got a kingdom to run, like you said," Noctis muttered, with a sarcastic wave of his arm. He strode out of the room with his cloak billowing behind him, leaving Prompto alone to battle silent tears.