A/N: Here goes my version of how the game should have ended. Brace yourself for my super sappy headcanons :)

Summary: Noct has a plan. The Astrals may not like it, but the rest of the world will.
(Hope, Comfort, Romance)

"It's so dark," Noctis commented, staring up at the night sky which seemed blacker than he'd ever seen it. Ever since he had gotten back, even the days were sunless, which only made the nighttime darkness seem especially black.

The cold, unsettled sensation in Noct's stomach lessened a little as he felt a familiar warmth at his side. Prompto leaned in against him, his head finding its way to Noct's shoulder timidly at first, then settled there like he hadn't been away from that spot the last ten years. It felt like they were twenty years old again, sitting atop the rented caravan in Hammerhead, looking over the lit-up garage and diner. It all looked pretty much the same, except for the fact that Takka's was cleaned out, and a heavy-duty fence guarded the perimeter of the area to keep the daemons out.

"It's actually more peaceful tonight than most, buuut I guess you being back has something to do with that," Prompto sang, in that familiar tone of his. Noctis let out a soft chuckle through his nose, and smiled softly as he tilted his head to lean against the top of Prompto's. His arm trailed around Prompto's back and held his waist, pulling him in close.

"I'm glad to know nothing's changed. With us, I mean."

"Yeah. Me, too," Prompto hummed in agreement. He swung his legs back and forth contentedly, being careful not to hit the tin of the trailer, as he would most likely wake up Ignis and Gladio. He didn't need them irritated at him, that was for sure, although it would make it a lot like old times.

Noctis noted Prompto's relaxed behaviour, the swinging of his legs, the way he was now letting Noct's shoulder fully bear the weight of his head. Noct was glad to see he hadn't changed. Of course, he seemed more worn down—his tired eyes alone showed that. Noct had also learned from Talcott that Prompto had been the first to separate from Ignis and Gladio when he had gone into the crystal, but now that he was back, everything seemed to be falling into place. Things were almost like they used to be, and yet everything was different. Both knew it, but neither wanted to mention it.

Their home was gone, along with their families. They had lost ten years together, during which time Prompto had almost lost himself. The grief of losing Noct to the crystal had been too much at first, and it had driven him away from his friends. It was just by chance that Prompto had stopped in Hammerhead one night in the midst of one of his hunts, and Cindy had given him a good talking to. She'd told him to keep pushing through the pain, to keep living because that's what Noct would have wanted, and that he could lean on her if he needed a friend. Looking back, that talk might have saved his life.

He thought he should tell Noct of his troubles—it showed how deeply he'd cared for him, and how strong he'd become for his sake—but he feared they didn't have a lot of time together. Might as well keep the mood light if now was all they had.

"You okay?" Noct asked, feeling Prompto shiver against him.

"Yeah." Prompto smiled and pulled himself back into the present.

"Prompto, you should know... When we go to the Citadel tomorrow, I don't plan on sacrificing myself."

"What?" Prompto's head popped up from Noct's shoulder, his eyes finding his friend's. Noct could see the mix of emotions in Prompto's gaze, a combination of confusion, fear, and hope making his eyes tremor slightly.

"I know, I know. The prophecy," Noctis acknowledged, his free hand waving dismissively. "But during my time in the crystal, I had a hell of a lot of time to think. I realized, what good is reclaiming a kingdom if I can't rule it? If no one can rule it? So, I think I'm needed here."

"What about Ardyn?" Prompto asked, then his eyes widened as he struggled to recover. "I mean, believe me, I'm all for you staying with us, but..."

"I know. Of course, you'd have concerns. You've had to live in this darkness for quite a while," Noctis sighed, almost apologetically, as he gazed at the black sky above which was painted with a sickly green tinge. "But I figure Ardyn won't try to hurt anyone at this point. He's assuming the daemons will take care of that for him. I'll defeat him, but I won't follow him into the beyond. The Gods can take care of him after that. They started this mess, they can finish it how they see fit."

"You think they'll bring back the sun?" Prompto's voice was hoarse as he posed the question. Noctis stared into his weary face, smiling at his innocent gaze that was so comforting and familiar, despite the foreign sight of his goatee and age lines.

"I'm hoping they'll be impressed with my resolve not to abandon my kingdom, and do the world a favour." Noctis looked so determined, so sure of himself. He looked regal, like a true leader, his long hair and scruffy beard giving him quite the resemblance to the former king. Prompto hoped King Regis would be proud of his decision.

Prompto was proud of him, even though he wasn't sure Noctis' plan would actually work out. The Astrals weren't known for their kindness nor their will to negotiate. He did wish with all his heart that they would take mercy on this cursed world, and bring back the daylight so Noctis could begin to repair the damage to his ruined kingdom. He wished, but he wouldn't get his hopes up.

Prompto breathed in and leaned back in against Noctis' shoulder. There was a chance that Noctis wouldn't have another choice, that he would be forced to fulfill the prophecy, and Prompto would be faced with losing him for a second time. He was prepared for that, and his very core seemed to ache with the notion of it, and yet, he was so thankful. The world had given them a chance to reunite, and a chance to say goodbye. He would treasure every second of this night, every moment he spent in his companion's company.

"You really became a king while you were gone, didn't you?" Prompto smiled, fondly.

"Like I said, I had a lot of time to figure out what I was going to do. I know it's been hard without the sunrise. That's why people need a leader, to give them their hope back, to get them through whatever's ahead, whether there's sun or not."

"Spoken like a true king."

Noctis let himself be soothed by the soft, affectionate tone of Prompto's voice, and he allowed his head to rest against his friend's once again. They knew they should turn in soon for some sleep, but being together like this made the top of the priority list. And so, they continued to sit atop the trailer, nostalgically gazing out over their old stomping grounds.

Prompto could hear his heart thudding against his ears. He felt deaf to everything else around him, even as the blades of the Iron Giants clanged against Gladio's, even as his revolver vibrated in his hand as he shot bullet after bullet at their attackers. His chest felt tight, so tight he wasn't sure he could keep breathing for long because somewhere in that throne room, just metres away, Noctis was probably leaving him. The Astrals had probably refused his resolve and demanded their sacrifice. The King was probably releasing his dying breath, and with the state of things on this battlefield, his Crownsguard were next.

"Gladio!" Ignis called out, pausing mid-motion to try and re-evaluate his surroundings. He was positive he'd cast his spell westward, and yet, he felt a warmth on his back from the east. He hesitated, waiting to feel the intense heat of fire magic, but the heat was gentle, and obviously not harmful.

"Has he done it?" he asked, turning his head toward the warmth. Gladio looked to the sky, to see the orange glow behind the tall buildings to the east.

"Well, I'll be damned," he breathed, mouth twitching with emotion at the blessed sight. It was a bitter-sweet victory; it was likely Noct had paid the price for this precious sunrise, but the king had told the group not to lose hope.

"Prompto! Get to the throne room! We'll finish up here," Gladio yelled, and Prompto's hearing seemed to rush back in an instant.

"Huh?" he asked, stumbling back after releasing his Starshell technique. He glanced around to find Gladio. The man was still face-to-face with an Iron Giant, but the swarms of daemons that had begun to surround them were retreating. It wasn't Prompto's flare that was scaring them off. As Prompto felt a warmth on his skin, he realized what had caused the miracle.

"Noct..." he murmured, squinting at the bright light beyond the city.

"Prompto!" Gladio called again.

"Oh, right! Y-yes, sir!" He took off running for the steps to the Citadel, releasing a few more shots at the remaining monsters as he retreated. He couldn't remember making the journey to the throne room; he only remembered the sight of Noct standing there in the centre of the room, the sunshine raining down on him in beams, thanks to the openness of the crumbling structure.

"Noct?" Prompto asked, cautiously, heart pounding hard against his chest. Noctis stood with his back to him, his head tilted towards the sky, eyes closed, and hands out to the sides slightly, soaking in the warmth. He smiled at the sound of Prompto's voice, his breath almost hitching at the excitement and disbelief that bubbled up inside him. He stepped a foot back, and turned halfway towards Prompto.

"They accepted. They agreed to my terms," Noctis beamed.

"Really?"

The King nodded, looking like he was barely able to contain his delight.

"Noct!" Prompto was rushing into Noctis' arms without another moment's wait, and Noctis spun them around as Prompto kicked his legs up behind him, both of them giddy with joy and relief. With tearful laughter, Noctis set his partner down, and they stared at each other, hands coming to rest on each other's forearms.

"Noct... We're really okay?"

"We're really okay," Noct nodded, releasing Prompto's arm just long enough to wipe a spot of dirt from the man's cheek. Prompto smiled weakly and tearfully, and let out another soft chuckle.

"Oh, uh, how rude of me, Your Highness," he said, stepping back out of Noct's hold and raising his hand to his heart, bowing his head in a show of respect.

"Don't be such a dork," Noct shook his head, flicking Prompto's chin with his thumb, making him pick his head up. Once he did, he bumped him gently on the nose, too. Prompto laughed gently and let his hand fall back down to his side. Noctis waved him over to his previous spot in the centre of the room and he tilted his head back up to feel the sun's rays. Prompto joined him, closing his eyes and enjoying the sensation.

"You did it, Noct. You saved us," he softly praised.

"It's thanks to you three," Noctis hummed. "You're my strength."

Two weeks later...

"Wow. You look amazing," Prompto smiled. Noctis stood in the bedroom of the safe-house in Cape Caem, scrutinizing himself in the mirror. He was dressed in his Kingly Raiment attire, which had been cleaned and mended since his fight against Ardyn. He was clean-shaven again, and although his hair remained long, it was trimmed and combed into a neater style.

"Yeah? I hope so. Need to make a good impression today," he said, sounding a little stressed. Today was the day he made his first televised appearance as King. Gladio and Ignis would travel with them to Altissia where he would speak before the people and try to win their trust, although, he'd probably already done that by getting rid of the daemons.

Prompto waltzed into the room, dressed in his Kingsglaive uniform and looking rather dashing himself. He sat on the bed behind Noct, leaning back on his hands and watching his companion in the mirror.

"You're gonna do great. The people are gonna love you."

"Prompto?" Noct asked, sounding serious.

"Mm?" Prompto perked up, watching Noctis carefully as he turned to face him. His face was tight with worry, and Prompto hated that he was so nervous about the day ahead. It was understandable, after Lucis had already lost so much, but Prompto was confident that the citizens would be looking forward to seeing their new leader, and working with him to rebuild their lives.

"Being king is a huge job. It's a lot of work and responsibility, and it's hard to manage everything without a good support system at your side. My father had an entire council. I don't have that luxury."

"Well, yeah, but I'm sure we'll figure it out," Prompto assured him.

"I don't need a council to get started. In time, probably, but right now, I just need someone to be my anchor. My support," Noct said, his eyes digging deep into Prompto's, like he was trying to place his thoughts in Prompto's mind.

Prompto's heart fluttered with anticipation. Was Noct asking what he thought he was asking? Was he going to ask him to be commander of the Kingsglaive? It would have felt a little weird gaining that privilege over Ignis or Gladio when those two had been his appointed Crownsguard long before he was, but it was an extraordinary honour as well. He swore to himself he wouldn't abuse that privilege the way Drautos had with King Regis.

That flutter in Prompto's heart happened again as Noctis knelt down on one knee and took his hand. Prompto's eyes were wide and uncertain as Noct stared up at him, but Noct wore but a simple smile.

"What's it been? Fifteen years or so? My feelings for you have never changed, not during our time together nor our time apart. I know my father suffered without my mother as his pillar of support, and I know I'd be nothing without mine. And so..." Noctis withdrew his hand from Prompto's to reach into his coat's inside pocket. When he reached for Prompto's hand again, he placed in it a small velvet box. One hand pulled open the lid, while his other hand slipped under Prompto's, cupping it tenderly.

Prompto sat on the bed, staring at the silver ring dumbfounded. If he'd thought his heart was going crazy before, it was certainly far beyond that now. It was beating like a snare drum, loud and fierce.

"Prompto Argentum? Will you marry me?" Noctis asked, smiling warmly and hopefully up at him.

"D-did you hit your head?" Prompto weakly stuttered out. Noctis pressed the back of his hand to his lips.

"What?!" He'd imagined Prompto's reaction a hundred different times in his head, but he'd never thought of that one. A 'yes' would have been nice. Even a 'you serious?' would have helped, but Prompto actually thought he was out of his mind for asking.

"Noct, I'm... not a prince, and totally not royalty," he solemnly replied, giving Noct an apologetic look. Noctis could have scoffed at him. How could he be sorry for his origin? As if he could control it. Hadn't they gone over this before?

"I know, but— Oh. Do you not want to?" Noct asked after a moment, realizing maybe that was Prompto's reason for responding in such a manner. Prompto shook his head emphatically.

"No, I want to! Believe me. I just don't know if I'm right for you. You know, right for royalty." He looked small in that moment, slouched and ashamed.

"Remember what I said at the motel that night? You've always been good enough for me. And maybe you forgot, but I'm King now. If I want you by my side, I'm free to choose. Ignis said there were no rules against it. I mean, I will have to produce an heir at some point, and I'm sorry that it can't be with you, but if you're okay with that... I will do everything in my power to make you happy so long as I live."

Prompto's chin quivered at first like he was going to lose the fight against his emotions, but instead he just smiled. Noctis really had grown. He'd become wiser, more open, more eloquent, and Prompto admired him for it. This was his best friend, his Noctis, and despite how foreign and uncertain this road ahead was, Prompto's answer was clear. If Noctis was willing to put up with his silliness and optimism for the rest of his life, then Prompto could definitely put up with the obligations of royalty.

"Yes," he said, simply.

"Yes?" Noct's eyes widened excitedly.

"Yes, I'll marry you, you doofus!" Prompto laughed, and Noctis released his own relieved bout of laughter as he removed the ring from the box. Prompto's finger twitched impatiently as he waited for Noct to slip the band onto his finger. Once he had, Prompto gazed down at the silver piece of jewellery, the small inset diamond glistening in the sunlight coming in through the window, then he pulled Noctis into a kiss. Noctis returned it willingly before they stood up and fell into an embrace. "I want you by my side in Altissia today."

"I'll be there."

"And you can still be one of the Kingsglaive if you want. You don't have to just sit around the palace all day or anything."

"Noct? Don't worry 'bout me, okay? I'm perfectly happy," Prompto beamed, and they were the most sincere words he could have said. The speech in Altissia would be nothing after this. The world was about to know peace. They were at the beginning of forever.