(Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Established Relationship)
I hate being back here. Noctis sat in the royal suite of the Leville, his elbow draped over the back of the red velvet couch, and his chin in his palm. He stared out the curtained windows at the tall, white building across from the hotel, its intricate architecture and detailed archways so unique to Altissia. The last time he'd been here, he'd been amazed by the city's beauty, by its vibrant atmosphere and glistening waterways. Last time, he'd thought he was going to a wedding, that he would bring peace to thousands of people. How wrong he had been.
I really hate being back here, he repeated to himself. He knew he couldn't very well complain to the others. They were only staying for a night or two, to trade in some Oracle Ascension Coins and take care of a few hunts for Wheskam. Besides, returning to the past like this with Umbra's magic meant that Ignis could enjoy a few hours with his vision back. Who was Noct to take that away from him?
"Did someone call for a princess?"
Noct pulled his gaze away from the window at the sound of Prompto's voice. He stood in the doorway to the luxurious bathroom, his bangs—still visibly damp from his recent shower—poking out from under a white towel, which was draped over the back of his head like a veil.
"What?" Noct raised a brow, his expression reflecting utter confusion. Prompto waltzed into the room, his clean skin smelling of soap as he reached Noctis. He outstretched his arms and pulled the prince's hands into his own, coaxing him to stand up.
"I heard you came to Altissia seeking your bride-to-be," Prompto grinned, mustering a half-assed version of a Tenebraen accent and tucking his leg back in a curtsy. He expected Noctis to be laughing by now, but instead, his blue eyes were filled with a sternness—maybe even pain.
"You think this is the time for jokes?" he huffed, irritably, before pulling his hands free from Prompto's and flopping back down to sit on the couch. He folded his hands on his knees, his gaze fixed on the gold, patterned carpet. Prompto recoiled, and solemnly lowered his head. Cursing himself for his stupidity, he reached for the towel-veil and pulled it off of his head, clutching it tightly in his hands. He dared a glance up at Noct, who looked downright cranky, but perhaps he was just sad. Being back here couldn't have been easy.
"I'm sorry," Prompto uttered, softly, making his way towards the couch with cautious steps, not sure if he was welcome or not. "I just wanted to see you smile. I haven't heard you laugh in a long time."
Noctis looked up at the sound of those words, the frustration fading from his eyes. Prompto looked so sad, and so apologetic, and Noct regretted ever making him wear that dejected face. This was his softhearted, loving Prompto, who would never in a million years try to hurt him. His method for cheering him up was perhaps ill-timed, but he'd had only the best intentions.
"I'm sorry, too," Noct sighed, reaching out for Prompto's hand. Prompto looked both surprised and relieved by the gesture, and the corners of his mouth perked up as he was pulled closer to the sofa. He accepted the silent invitation and sat down facing his companion. Gently, Noct swept Prompto's bangs aside, his fingers gliding repeatedly through the damp strands.
"You do make me smile. Things are just... tough right now," he explained. His lips were curved, but not quite enough; it wasn't the genuine smile that Prompto had been desperately trying to pull out of him.
"I know," Prompto sighed. "Sorry for being so insensitive."
"Your heart was in the right place," Noct replied, mouth twitching up into another almost-smile, but this one still held too much sadness for Prompto to call it a victory. Prompto squeezed the prince's hand in another silent apology, and Noct met it by reaching for his other hand. Instead of slipping into Prompto's, it grasped the towel that was still clutched between his fingers. Prompto watched with big, beautiful eyes as Noct situated the towel on his head, one-handedly adjusting it until it looked like a veil again. This time, as he gazed at Prompto's adorably curious expression, he let himself release a real smile.
"For the record, you do make a beautiful bride." The smile transformed into a smirk, but it was a sight that Prompto welcomed perhaps even more. Beaming, he let out a chuckle that warmed Noctis' weary heart.