Summary: Prompto watches over Noctis in Altissia after the Leviathan incident.
(Hurt/Comfort, Established Relationship)

It had been an exhausting and disheartening five days. Prompto's feet ached from the constant running around, but he didn't mind a bit, certainly couldn't complain under the circumstances, and had brought it on himself anyway. Since he and Gladio had brought both of their injured companions back to Altissia, he had been the one offering to run and do any small tasks that needed doing—like grabbing food for Ignis and Gladio, getting ice or cold cloths for Ignis' face to dull the pain of his burns, and making sure the nurses didn't need any help as they tended to the still unconscious prince. Gladio had been constantly at Ignis' bedside, and while Prompto had tried to alternate between rooms, Gladio had eventually shooed him off, telling him to go where he was most comfortable.

Those words might have meant that Prompto could take a break, that he was allowed to find a quiet spot in the city and just think, just breathe. But Prompto didn't have to think twice about where he was most comfortable, or where he was most needed, for that matter. He'd made his way to Noctis' side and stayed there, perched on the small, red velvet stool alongside the bed, his hand clutching one of Noctis' as the young man slept away.

He found himself scanning his prince's face for what could have been the hundredth time that week, still amazed that after all he had been through in the battle with Leviathan, he had made it out without a scratch. He wished Ignis could have said the same, and yet, he still had to be grateful. Despite his unconsciousness since the incident, the doctor had told them that Noctis was in stable condition, and that he couldn't detect any actual harm done to him. Prompto was thankful for that news; now he simply had to wait for him to wake up.

"Hey, buddy. It's me again," he said, rubbing a thumb over the back of Noctis' hand. Sadly it didn't elicit so much as a twitch from his still fingers. "I know I've been saying a lot of things to you these past few days. Probably too much for you to even take in right now, but something occurred to me."

Prompto paused, and let his worried eyes travel over Noct's closed eyelids, to his parted lips, to the rising and falling of his chest. The latter was the most comforting, as he knew that Noctis was safe, so long as he was still breathing.

"It occurred to me that... maybe you're scared to wake up, after everything that's happened. And I get it. A lot of stuff went down that day that you're probably not ready to face, and that's okay. I'll keep waiting until you're ready. Just know that when you do wake up, I'll be right here, okay? You won't have to deal with any of this alone. I promise," he finished. He pushed himself to his tired feet, and looked down with longing at their linked hands. He raised them a few inches off the bed, and swung them gently, hoping his prince might feel him there, even in dreamland.

Prompto's gaze travelled to the sunlight shining in the window. They were on a high enough floor of the Leville that it would be hard for anyone to spy on them. His eyes wandered next to the door behind him, which remained closed for the time being. If he was quick, he could take this moment that he suspected both of them needed.

With love and determination in his heart, he spun back to Noctis, and leaned in, reaching for black bangs with his free hand and gently brushing them out of the way. Carefully, he pressed a kiss to the cool skin, lips lingering long enough to grant it some warmth. He pulled back with a smile that was full of both tenderness and worry, his eyes sad as he stared upon the motionless form of his dearest friend.

"I love you, Noct," he whispered into the silence of the room. Suppressing a sigh that he wouldn't have wanted Noctis to hear, he lowered himself back down to sit on the stool, his hand still tied to Noctis' like it was a lifeline.

Not five minutes later, there was a knock on the door, and he didn't bother to move a muscle as he called for the visitor to come in.

"Hey, Iggy's worried about you. He's wondering when was the last time you ate something." Gladio's voice was quieter than usual, lacking its usual gruffness. He sounded tired, defeated.

"I'm okay. I'm not hungry," Prompto replied, gaze continuing to display concern as it remained locked onto Noctis.

"You dodging the question?"

"Well... you didn't actually ask a question, per se."

"Prompto," Gladio growled slightly now, and Prompto sheepishly looked over at him standing in the doorway.

"I don't know. I ate... last night, I think?" Gladio tossed his head back in annoyance.

"You think?! It's almost supper time again! You need to take care of yourself!"

"I'll get something as soon as I'm done here. Really."

"Nah-uh. You're coming with me now. We can't have you passing out. Got enough problems to deal with, and enough of the royal retinue out of commission. Can't go adding you to the list," Gladio grumbled, marching into the room. Prompto lowered his head, realizing how close he was to becoming a burden to the group—his worst fear. If he didn't take care of himself, he would only add to their problems.

"You're right. I'm sorry."

Prompto squawked out a noise of surprise as he was scooped up by a giant arm around his middle. Gladio lifted him right up over his shoulder, sadly breaking the contact between him and Noct.

"Wha?! Put me down!"

"I wasn't kidding, Prompto. Now."

"Okay," Prompto groaned, watching Noctis with half-lidded eyes as he was carried away from him. He grew smaller as they proceeded toward the doorway, Prompto resting his elbow on Gladio's back, his chin in his palm as he stared.

I won't be long, Noct, he silently promised, but was distracted as he and Gladio passed Ignis standing in the doorway. Prompto made a noise of surprise, which made Ignis smile—actually smile for the first time in days.

"Yes, Prompto. I'm feeling well enough to be on my feet. I will stay with Noct while you're gone," he promised, turning his head in Prompto's general direction as he spoke. Prompto relaxed slightly—enough so that even Gladio could feel it as he carried him—because at least Noctis wouldn't be alone if he by some chance woke up in the next little while.

"Thanks, Iggy," he breathed, releasing a smile in return, feeling relieved. For a little while, at least, he wouldn't have to worry.

"Alright, you. Food," Gladio reminded him, carrying him off toward the stairs.

"Thank you, both," Prompto murmured, softly, and Gladio turned his ear to listen. "For looking out for me, too."

"You're one of us, whether you believe you are or not," Gladio assured him, and Prompto smiled, feeling stunned, but utterly happy. He belonged, even when Noct was sleeping, even when his prince wasn't there to back him up and validate him.

"Thanks," Prompto whispered, smiling softly in disbelief. "It feels good. To belong."