AN: Riku: In our journey of happy times and recovery, Prompto gets to spend time with his new family!
Also thank you again to everyone reading this story, we still have much in story and we love bring you each chapter!
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Prompto sat anxiously in the car. His legs were jittery, bouncing against the floor of the car as they drove away from the Citadel. Currently he was sitting in the back seat and Gladio was on his left. He tried not to look outside too much, otherwise he felt it would only make him more nervous.
Gladio watched Prompto for a few moments before he reached out to put a hand on his knee. "How're you doing?" He asked softly, disliking the tension he felt in his form.
"I didn't realize the manor was this far from the Citadel."
"It's not that much further. We'll be there in no time."
"Okay... if you say so," Prompto said as he pulled out his phone to presumably text Noctis.
Gladio didn't reply to that, just kept his hand on Prompto's knee to try and assure him it was alright. True to his word, the car was slowing and they were pulling up to a stately manor. "Hey Blondie, we've made it. And it looks like Iris is ready to greet you."
Prompto looked up and out of the window. "Whoa... this place is pretty big."
Right away 11-year-old Iris came running over to the car. She knocked on it excitedly until Prompto opened it. "Hi Prompto! Hi Gladdy! Welcome home!"
"Hey Iris, let him breath some so he can get out of the car." Gladio laughed as he got out of the car himself.
Iris sighed as she stepped back. "Okay Gladdy..."
Prompto followed after Gladio, but did his best to smile at Iris. "It's good to see you again Iris."
"It's so good to see you again too! I can't wait to show you around. And your room! I hope you like it, it's right next to mine." Iris bounced on her feet as she babbled.
Prompto couldn't help but laugh at her energy. "It sounds really nice Iris."
"Do you want to go now? Jared is still making lunch, so we have some time."
"Yeah, some food sounds good doesn't it?" Gladio asked.
"Lunch does sound good," Prompto added with a nod.
Iris beamed and took his hand to start guiding him into the house. "Oh, did Gladdy tell you that Talcott is here too? Jared's baby sitting for him, and teaching me how to too."
"Talcott?" Prompto asked. "Who's Talcott?"
"Talcott is Jared's grandson. We don't get to see him often, but you'll like him," Gladio replied.
"He's adorable. I wish he could come by more often." Iris added. She guided them into the manor.
The manor was decorated with various aged items, set up to show off the proud Amicitia heritage. The furniture was large and comfortable, with the place meticulously kept clean. Along the walls were various portraits of different members of the family, slowly morphing into photographs. The photographs showing off more of the close family bonds.
"Wow, I had no idea the Amicitia family went back so far," Prompto commented.
"If what the records say is true, it's as far back as the royal family itself. We've always been their Shields." Gladio mused.
"Since like the dawn of time?" Prompto laughed. "That's amazing though."
Gladio laughed at that. "I suppose it feels like that."
They walked a bit further until they reached the dining area. Connected to that was a living room area that was full of toys and a little playpen, which currently had a little toddler playing with blocks.
Iris ran ahead and hopped over the playpen fence. "Hi Talcott! I'm baaaaack!"
"Hi!" Talcott said cheerfully.
"Prompto, this is Talcott. Talcott, meet our new brother, Prompto," Gladio said seriously while guiding Prompto over to the edge of the playpen.
"Help me solve my pirate puzzle?" Talcott asked.
"Aw okay little guy," Prompto said, smiling warmly. He stepped into the playpen and sat down next to Talcott. "So what's the puzzle?"
"It's a pirate!" Talcott pointed to the box. "I can't find the parrot."
"Hmm let's see," Prompto said as he sat down. "Where could that parrot be..."
Talcott started to flip over different pieces to try and find the piece he wanted. When he did, he held it up. "Look, parrot!"
"Ah ya! You got it little dude!" Prompto said cheerfully.
"Make it fit!" Talcott handed over the piece to Prompto.
"Oh? Me? You want me to do it?" Prompto asked.
Talcott nodded and waved the piece at Prompto. "Make it fit."
"I can't believe how quickly Talcott took to Prom." Gladio whispered to Iris while he watched the pair.
"Yeah, the little guy's usually so quiet around new people."
"Maybe they'll be good for each other? Prom's looking more relaxed than since we walked through the door."
"Yeah, maybe little Talcott is a good helper to help get Prompto's mind off other things."
"Which we need. You've got his room all ready, right? I can't wait to show him after dinner."
Just as Gladiolus spoke, Jared came out to announce the meal was ready for them all.
"Oh, sounds like it's food time little buddy," Prompto said as he stood up. "You ready to eat?"
Talcott pouted at the unfinished puzzle. "Need to finish it first."
"We can finish it after food. Aren't you hungry?"
A pout twisted Talcott's expression for a moment. "Okay, dinner. Then we fix puzzle!"
"Yeah sounds like a plan!" Prompto said as he went to open the playpen gate.
Talcott raced toward the open gate to head toward the dining room. "Food!"
Prompto smiled as he headed over to Gladio and Iris. "He's pretty cute."
"He is. And now you are just going to be a sucker for his tantrums like the rest of us," Gladio laughed as he led him to the dining room.
There, the dining room table was filled with different dishes, many of which were favorites Prompto had told Gladio about.
"Sit with me!" Talcott said, beaming happily at Prompto.
Gladio couldn't suppress his smile at the scene while they settled at the table. Talcott was set up with an easily divided tray for his dinner, while the others were given the usual china for dinner. Jared smiled at all of them as he went to stand behind Talcott to help deal with his messes.
"Oh, please say your curry is spicy." Gladio muttered when he went to inspect the green curry soup in front of them.
"Ooh spicy stuff? I love spicy curry!" Prompto exclaimed.
"Do you like spicy stuff? I forgot to ask, and the house tends towards spice," Gladio asked as he tried to remember the large list of likes and dislikes he had given Jared when they knew the adoption would happen.
"I love all kinds of spicy stuff!" Prompto agreed.
"Then I think you'll like the food a lot. "
"Awesome! Let's eat!" Prompto said excitedly.
"I eat my food! Look!" Talcott declared as he ate his non spicy curry that was on his tray.
"Do try and keep your food on you plate, buddy," Gladio fussed, though he was smiling as he watched Talcott eat.
Prompto began to quietly eat his food, looking around the room. His eyes finally landed on Jared. "So uh, you're Jared right?"
"Yes, I am. It's a pleasure to meet you Prompto." Jared replied with a kind smile.
"This food is so good! Thank you for making it!" Prompto replied quickly.
"I'm glad you like it. I heard this is one of your favorites. Thought it might make a good first meal here," Jared explained with a small smile.
Prompto nodded as he went back to eating. He smiled happily, enjoying every bit he could.
After their meal was done and the dishes were cleared away, Iris reached for Prompto. "Do you want to see your room?"
"Oh uh, sure," Prompto said, moving back slightly before Iris could grab on to him.
Iris jerked a little bit at the move before she nodded. "Come on then, it's upstairs."
Prompto followed quietly up the stairs, looking at every little thing on the wall as they passed. "So uh... when's your dad coming? I realized he wasn't at dinner and stuff."
"Oh, he should be coming home soon. He usually eats with His Majesty when they have late meetings, and then comes home," Gladio explained.
"Ooh. I guess that makes sense," Prompto said as they got to the top of the stairs.
Iris stood in front of one of the doors in the hallway, a wide grin on her face. "Ready to see your room? I hope you like it." She gave a small bow before throwing the door open to show the room to Prompto.
The room had pale yellow walls, with a large bed on one side of the room, the other wall with a large desk and bookcase. The bed had all of Prompto's chocobo plushes sitting along the pile of pillows decorated in his favorite colors.
"Did... did you guys get all my chocobo plushies from home?" Prompto asked, his cheeks turning red with embarrassment.
He looked around and saw what was lined up on the desk and shelves above it. "And all my photo albums too?"
"We did. We wanted to make sure you could feel like you're at home here," Gladio said carefully.
"You didn't... look through the photos did you?"
"Nope. Figured that would be something you would show if you wanted."
Prompto nodded, looking relieved. "Okay. Thanks." He moved towards his bed and sat down, taking one of the chocobo plushes into his arms.
Suddenly Talcott ran into the room. "CHOCOBOS!"
"Oh, looks like you have a fellow fan Prom." Iris smiled.
"But I like Cactuars more!" Talcott declared. He then looked at Prompto again. "Do you have any Cactuars?"
"'Fraid not little buddy. Just a lot of chocobos," Prompto answered.
"Prom really likes chocobos. Hopefully one day we'll convince everyone to let him see one in person," Gladio replied as he watched from where he was leaning on the door frame. He smiled when he heard the door open and close and his father greet Jared downstairs. "Hey, Dad's home."
"Oh? Should... do we like go down and meet him?" Prompto asked as he helped Talcott climb up onto the bed.
"Nah, he usually goes to find us when he gets home." Gladio heard some footsteps on the stairs and nodded. "Yep, he's coming up here right now. Hey Dad, everything alright at the Citadel?"
"Of course," Clarus answered. "And I assume everything has gone smoothly on this end?"
"Yeah. Prom's just looking over his room with Talcott." Gladio explained.
"Hello Prompto. How are you enjoying the tour? Do you like your room?" Clarus asked as he stepped into the room with a smile.
Prompto looked up, his body tensing up for a moment. "Y-Yeah I think I'm good."
Clarus didn't take the tensing personally. "I'm glad to hear that. This is yours completely, so you are welcome to decorate it as you'd like."
"Ooh okay. I'll try then.. guess it could use some more decor."
"Let me know if you need to get anything for your room. This is your space to do with as you please. I'd like to see what touches you'd like to do," Clarus said with a smile. "And, Gladio, make sure Prompto knows how to find me in the Citadel. I want to make sure you can come to me if you need anything."
Gladio nodded. "Can do."
"So," Prompto said. "Could we get some more chocobo stuff maybe?"
Clarus smiled at that before nodding. "Yes, if you'd like. You can either go to the store if you want to get some, or we can order some online."
"And that's... okay?" Prompto asked a little softer.
"Yes, that's okay. If you feel like something might be pricey, you're welcome to ask. But I imagine you manage your expenses rather well."
"Yeah... always had to take care of that stuff on my own. Took me forever to save up for my new camera," Prompto admitted.
"Then I have no worries about allowing you free reign to decorate your room. You've got a good head on your shoulders."
"Uh thank you, uh sir..." Prompto muttered.
"You're welcome. And you can call me Clarus. Until you find some other name works better for me, if that happens," Clarus said warmly.
Prompto started to smile a little. "Thank you."
Suddenly little Talcott flopped against Prompto. "Play with me! Let's play with the chocobos!"
Iris smiled and came over to sit with Prompto. "Yeah, let's play with the chocobos. Do they all have names?"
"Oh yeah I got names for them. Each one of my chocobos is precious to me," Prompto answered as he held up one chocobo that had a top hat. "This is Mr. Sparkles. Don't ask why... I was only 5 when I named him."
"Well I like Mr. Sparkles. I'll play with him," Iris said happily and took him into her lap.
Clarus looked over at Gladio and put a hand on his shoulder before tilting his head toward the hallway.
Gladio followed out, letting the three stay back in the room. Prompto was holding another plush that was very soft to the touch. "This one is Mr. Fluffy. Cliché naming I know."
The soft conversation made Clarus smile some. "How is he settling in? Has today gone well?" He asked quietly.
"He seems to be adjusting, but I think he is still a bit wary of everyone," Gladio replied.
"That doesn't surprise me. They are working hard on their recovery. Anything you've noticed to help assure him? I noticed he did not appreciate my sudden appearance in the room."
"Hmm I don't know. What do you think is causing it?"
Clarus considered the question, thinking of those awful videos they had to watch. "Either my sudden appearance, or perhaps the question. I could have phrased it better?"
"Maybe... can you get into contact with the therapists? Or are we just not going to know how we can help him?"
"I will get in touch with the therapists. Hopefully we will find a way to get him comfortable with everything. There's been a lot going on for him, so this will take time. I'm proud he's been here so long and seems mostly relaxed."
"Yeah he hasn't even looked at his phone to text Noct this entire time. Though I can only imagine how that's making Noct feel right now."
"I believe Ignis was scheduled to spend most of his afternoon and evening with His Highness, to help mitigate any problems at the Citadel. I imagine there is some intense tutoring happening," Clarus replied with a little smile.
"Well I guess that's good. You think this is really going to work out well?"
Clarus reached out to hold Gladiolus's shoulder gently. "I want to believe this will work out well. And that we will work hard until we all get there. How are you doing? I know I forced you to your own therapy sessions."
"It's going okay I guess... I don't really know if it's helping. But, I have thought less about thinking it was all my fault. But now I'm worrying about Prompto," Gladio replied, lowering his head slightly. "I want to be a good brother, but I don't know if he can get used to it."
"Gladiolus, I know you are doing the best you can. If he doesn't get used to it, know that it isn't because you failed in trying. Do not consider his emotions a failing on what you did. We're working from a disadvantage, so don't think you've failed or not been strong enough."
Gladio gave a nod. He knew his father was right, but it still didn't sit well with him. "Just wanna see Blondie be happy again. Like 'not in fear every other second' happy."
"A worthy goal. You know you have me to help you with that as well," Clarus replied as he gave the shoulder a squeeze. "Now, should we see what crazy adventure Iris has gotten them involved in with those chocobos?"
"Sure, they couldn't have let all the chaos loose in these few minutes, could they?" Gladio chuckled.
Clarus laughed along with Gladio. "I think you underestimate Iris."
The two peered back into the room. The three were currently sitting on the floor, surrounded by all the little chocobo plushies that Prompto had. Talcott was giggling excitedly as Prompto made one of the chocobos do a little silly dance.
Clarus smiled at the scene in front of them. "I suppose I overestimated Iris, or underestimated Prompto's ability to enjoy chocobos," He laughed softly.
"Maybe it won't be so bad after all," Gladio replied with a smile. "I think what Prompto really needs is just a good family. And we're going to give him that."
"We will. And I know that because I know I have two, now three, children I can be immensely proud of."
"Thanks Dad," Gladio said. "I'm sure Prompto will be a good Amicitia."
"I think he will be. He has a great guide by his side as his brother."
Gladio smiled again. "I'll do my best."
"I know you will, because you've always been a hard worker. Pushing yourself at the smallest thing." Clarus said softly, while he gave that shoulder another squeeze. "Now, do you wish to join in on the chocobo fun, or just watch?"
"I guess so," Gladio said as he stepped forward into the room to join the others.
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AN: GG: I hope you enjoyed some fun Amicitia family bonding! It's all the family bonding in this story!