Summary: There are a few things Noctis needs to clear up before it's too late. (Set during the additional scenes in the Royal Edition)
(Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Established Relationship)

It was strange seeing so many glaives in one place after all these years, all this time after Insomnia had been destroyed. It was a great comfort for the king, as was seeing his three dearest companions alive and healthy, chatting with their fellow warriors. Noct tried to make conversation as well, tried to focus on the tidbits of information the glaives had for him, but his mind was fixed on the conversation from earlier.

"So, how'd things work out with you-know-who?" he'd asked casually, trying to mask his nervousness—not to mention pure dread as he awaited the answer.

"A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell," Prompto teased in response, and Noct regretted that he couldn't read the truth behind those words. He couldn't deny it bothered him not knowing where Prompto had been these past ten years.

"Look at you," Noctis hummed. "Just remember: hold tight to the ones you love and don't let go. Loosen your grip and you lose 'em for good..." He could see the twinges of pain in Prompto's features as he said those words, as if he was wondering why Noct would choose now of all times to dig at wounds that deep. Heaven knew Prompto never would have let go of Noct if he'd known what the crystal would do to him. He would have dragged him out of Zegnautus Keep by his ankles if he'd had to, and would have figured out another way to save the world and his kingdom.

The conversation ended after that, and eventually, after much struggling to pay attention to the instructions given to him by various glaives and even by the Marshal himself, Noct headed for the dormitory, giving Prompto a gentle nudge on the shoulder as he walked by.

"Can I talk to you for a sec?"

"Of course," Prompto sounded like his usual chipper self, but as they entered the room and closed the door, Noct could only focus on how much older he looked. He was a man now, and perhaps the idea that he might have settled down with someone would be fitting. They weren't kids anymore, and this fantasy they had had growing up was probably about to come to a harsh close—if it hadn't already done so while Noct was sleeping.

"What's up, buddy? What's on your mind?" Prompto asked, leaning back against the door, his arms folded leisurely against his chest. His expression was gentle as he stared at his friend. Noct was sitting on the edge of one of the beds now, his light blue eyes so calm and soothing to him even after all that time apart.

"It's... it's stupid, really," Noct chuckled, bitterly as he let his head fall. His hands fidgeted on his lap, his fingers repeatedly slipping between those of the opposite hand in nervous, jerky motions. "This is the last thing a king should be worrying about when he's about to try and reclaim his throne, but... I have to know. About Cindy," he said, forcing his eyes up to meet Prompto's. "I need to know... when this is all over, if I'm... still standing," he paused, seeming to choke on those words. "Will you still be at my side?"

Prompto stared at him wide-eyed for a long moment, looking like he'd just swallowed a bug, then he lowered his head and let out a small and gentle laugh. Ever at your side. That had been his promise back then, and it wasn't going to change now. Not ever.

"Oh, Noct. You still know how to make me feel special," he breathed, smiling softly. In fact, he might have been beaming—his lips were curved into such a look of genuine contentment, and his cheeks glowed just a little bit pinker than they had a moment ago. He pushed himself away from the door and stood up straight, his hands falling to his sides.

"Nothing ever happened with Cindy. Not with... anybody, actually," Prompto admitted.

"Nobody?"

Prompto shook his head.

"I couldn't. Ignis so strongly believed that you would come back to us. He had Gladio convinced of it, too, after a while. I couldn't let myself move on when there was still even a chance you would return."

"Hey," Noct murmured, eyes locking with his friend's. "I never wanted you to be alone. I never will."

"I know. But you were the one, Noct. No one would have compared," Prompto said, honestly; his hand came to rest on his heart as he confessed that, but it hadn't been a conscious decision. Noctis stared at him a minute, taking in the sight of this older Prompto and quickly finding that his same, sweet heart had remained intact, even after all the pain he'd endured—after being Ardyn's captive, after losing him to the crystal, after hunting daemons in a world of darkness for ten years. Noct smiled tenderly, gave a sigh of relief, and got to his feet.

"Like I said, I never wanted you to be alone—or even expected you to be—but... right now, I'm glad you waited. Thank you. For your loyalty," he announced, in that kingly manner of his that Prompto had been seeing a lot of since his return. Prompto shook his head in embarrassment, lowering his eyes to avoid Noctis'.

"C'mon, man, it was nothing."

"Prompto," Noct addressed, almost scolding him, like he needed to gain his attention right then and there. Prompto appeared alert when he looked up at him now, his eyes bright and curious, but there was something else there, too. Worry?

"No one would ever compare to you, either," he promised, reaching for Prompto's jaw, his fingers sliding perfectly into place like they used to. Something about this moment was so foreign—they felt like they were a century older rather than merely a decade—and yet, it was soothingly familiar.

"My first love," Noct cooed, his bearded face curving upward along with his lips. His thumb stroked Prompto's cheek, which seemed to tug those light blue eyes towards his own. "My first, well, everything," Noct shrugged, making Prompto chuckle softly along with him. Prompto's eyes lowered momentarily while he laughed, giving Noctis time to admire his long lashes before streaks of violet flickered towards him again.

"My highschool sweetheart," the king went on, smiling weakly, and this time, Prompto bit his lip to fight back tears. He coughed and lowered his head, hoping Noct wouldn't see the emotions he was pulling out of him, but one glance up at his companion's sad eyes, and he knew he couldn't hide.

"Knock it off, Noct, or you're gonna have both of us bawling here in a minute," he blinked, tearfully, though his tone was teasing. Noct would have teased him right back if he didn't feel such a dire urge to say what he needed to say, to get everything out in the open while he had the opportunity. If this was his last chance to let Prompto know how much he was loved, then he needed to pour his heart and soul into this.

"I'm sorry. I just want you to know that no matter what happens out there, I will always—""

"No," Prompto said, suddenly, and Noct felt a hand on his chest, keeping him at a distance. His hand drifted slowly down from Prompto's cheek as the peaceful moment fell away, like a blanket tumbling from their shoulders. "No," Prompto repeated, finally identifying the reason why Noct had dragged him off for this moment alone. "No, if this is your way of saying goodbye, I don't want to hear it—"

"Prompto—" Noct tried to comfort him, but it was futile.

"You're not going anywhere! Don't even think about it!" Prompto shouted, leaving Noct starstruck. Prompto shut his eyes tightly, and the back of his free hand pressed hard against his lips; he was fighting in every way he knew how, just so Noct wouldn't see him cry. It didn't take long for Prompto's voice to quiet down again, and for his hand to wander back down to his side. When he spoke now, he sounded so defeated, so feeble. "Not after all this. Not after all these years of waiting."

"Prompto," Noct tried again, moving in a little closer, and although Prompto's hand remained between them, it didn't push him away. Instead, it rested on Noct's chest as he slid in against him. One of Noct's hands reached for the small of Prompto's back, while the other found the nape of his neck. "Listen to me, this isn't goodbye. At least, I don't want it to be. But in case it is, I want you to know—"

"Don't," Prompto spoke up, shaking his head. "Tell me when it's over. When we make it out of here alive." His eyes were serious as they met Noct's now, and they begged Noct to oblige. Of course, Noctis had never been too keen on disappointing Prompto, so he simply pushed forth a smile and squeezed the back of the man's neck affectionately.

"Yeah," he agreed, coaxing Prompto closer still. A head of blond hair fell upon his shoulder, and gently they swayed, almost dancing. He pressed a few kisses to the back of Prompto's head, and hummed softly. "When we make it out alive."