Disclaimer: Not mine
Chapter 2
Noctis groaned and held on tight to the table as Ignis' strong fingers dug into abused muscles. The problem with attending school was being trapped in the chair all day and his body was letting him know how much it disliked that. He was used to spending the majority of his days in the pools, waterproofed workbooks resting on the ledge for him to work from or lying on his stomach on his Dad's office floor or even his own bed. But if he hadn't started school he'd never have met Prompto and made a friend.
With the way Prompto's place was set up, Ignis had gotten it cleared for Noctis to spend time there after school, he could easily navigate it in the chair or even on foot when he felt up to it. The house may be two stories, but Prom's room was on the ground floor as well, it had been a study until the attack and then it had been made into a bedroom since he couldn't use the stairs while in the chair. The bathroom was even set up to take a chair and there were still handrails at the toilet, not that he was planning to need a shower while there. Still, it was nice to know that things were accessible should he need them.
The massage finally finished, leaving him a lot more relaxed and then he slowly got up and stretched before diving in, sighing in relief as the water closed over his head. Nothing beat open water, but the Palace pools were the next best thing, water piped in from the sea surrounding the island the city had been built on. He wished he could show the pools to Prompto, then again he didn't know if he could swim, but surely it would be good for him, he had seen him wince after hunching over books for too long, stretching to make scar tissue move.
Prompto belonged with them, he felt it, but no one was willing to give the blond access to the Citadel and the secrets within, not yet. They wouldn't have approved of him telling Prom as much as he had, that he could use his legs, so no one but Specs knew that he had. He knew Prompto's heritage would make them even more wary, after all Niflheim were their enemy, home of the Harpy and Isonade, their mortal enemies. As much as he hated to even consider it, it was possible Prompto carried the genes of one of them, though obviously dormant or he would have sensed it the moment Prompto approached him the first day of school. If the gene was dormant and Noctis exposed him to their magic…there was no telling what it might do, it could wake those genes, work as it should, or try to do both or do nothing at all. Without Prompto they would always be incomplete which meant eventually Prompto would need to be told and offered the bond, despite the risks. It would have to be Prompto's choice.
Iggy was doing research, trying to find answers, but there wasn't much solid information on their enemies, despite being at war for so long. And it could all be a waste of time, for all they knew, Prom was fully human. Surely the Astrals wouldn't bind them to the enemy?
He surfaced and went to the edge, resting his arms on it to look up at Ignis. "Coming in?"
"Not this time Noct, I have a meeting to attend," he smiled, kneeling and running a hand through wet black hair, kissing him tenderly, before donning his gloves. "I'll see you later," he promised before leaving and Noctis dove down, letting the water sooth him.
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Prompto lay on the grass beside Noctis, enjoying the rare autumn good weather and a day of no school or work. His backyard was small and not the best kept, but it did have a high fence, letting Noctis out of his chair while outside. They were being lazy, occasionally pointing out funnily shaped clouds as they drifted by. It felt nice, lying side by side with a friend, their hands occasionally brushing. Noct seemed to enjoy physical contact, he'd noticed the way he was always touching Ignis who would touch him in return. Maybe…being a Prince meant not many people would touch him? So when he found someone who would he made the most of it?
"So, what's all the racket about?" Noct asked as he rolled carefully onto his side, stretching, leaning up on an elbow.
"Annual street fair," Prom answered, yawning. "Celebrating the coming winter, up till a few years ago Gralea and most of the surrounding area was arid and hot. So winter was a big thing. Even though the place is frozen now, the refugees here still celebrate it," he explained.
"Do you go?"
Prompto hesitated, glancing at his friend but there was no condemnation there, just curiosity. "Sometimes, the food's good and the games were fun when I was little."
"I've never been to a street fair," Noctis admitted wistfully and Prompto shifted onto his side as well.
"I'd invite you, but I doubt you'd be allowed," he admitted. "And it's not easy to navigate in a chair, tried it one year myself." He stretched out his back, wincing slightly as he felt old scars pull and then sat up. "I could take photos of it, if you want?"
"Really?" Noctis sat up more slowly.
"Sure, not as good as going but…"
"That would be great Prom, thanks," he grinned before sobering, watching him and Prompto knew he was moving a little stiffly. "You know, Specs gives great massages, good at loosening up scar adhesion and muscles."
"He know you're offering his services as a masseuse?"
"He won't mind."
"Did you know he's been sneaking groceries into the cupboards?" Prompto asked and Noctis blinked in surprise before laughing.
"Actually, no, but that's Ignis, he hates seeing empty shelves," Noctis shrugged and then shifted, scooting back towards his chair, pulling himself up into it, wincing, and Prompto moved to help. It was a bad day pain wise, which was why they had been lying down, it took the pressure off his spine.
"Okay?" he asked gently, settling the blanket in place over his friends legs.
"Yeah," Noct managed a smile, slumping back and letting Prompto push him inside.
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Noctis walked down the hallway, enjoying a good day. Prompto had promised to bring photos of the fair to school the next day and he was looking forward to seeing them. Today was a very good day, he wasn't limping or dragging a leg or anything and was walking at a normal pace. He was looking for Gladio, figuring they could get some training in or head back to his room to just spend time together.
Hearing raised voices he hesitated and then ducked into a room as two arguing Councillors approached, curious. He shut the door most of the way and remained still, listening closely only to slowly pale. No… they couldn't…could they? As soon as they were gone he bolted, stumbling slightly now and then but he reached the pools and didn't bother stripping, letting his magic deal with his pants as he dove in, going deep where he curled up in a corner, arms wrapped around himself, eyes closed, trying not to cry.
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Regis looked up as someone knocked on his door. "Enter,' he called absently, he didn't have any appointments for the afternoon. He was surprised to see Gladio, looking worried. "Gladio?"
"It's Noctis, I think you need to come You Majesty."
"What has happened?" He demanded, grabbing his walking stick and hurrying over, cursing his limp as he moved as quickly as he could.
"We don't know. He was having a good day and he even said he might be up for some training once I was free, he said he was going for a walk until then. He's in the pools but he won't come out or talk to us. I…I think he's been crying Sire. He wouldn't come out even for Ignis' cooking and a promise of no vegetables or time to go to Prompto's after school tomorrow."
Regis frowned, it had to be something serious. Noctis did not like anyone to see him cry, which explained the pools, you couldn't see tears underwater. He'd been so much happier this year, what could have happened? It seemed more than a possible argument with his friend. It couldn't be trouble with Gladio or Ignis or else he wouldn't be ignoring them. They entered the main room to find Ignis just getting out and drying off.
"Any change?" Gladio asked and Ignis shook his head as he put his glasses back on.
"None, he won't speak or respond to me," he admitted miserably.
"Leave us," Regis ordered and they both bowed before retreating and Regis stripped out of his Kingly raiment, placing aside jacket and shirt before diving in, allowing magic to deal with trousers and shoes. He swam down and saw the miserable lump that was his son. He wrapped his arms around him and pulled him into his chest, letting out the soft clicking noises used to comfort the young. He ran a hand up and down Noctis' back, careful of fins and scars. The blue/black of their scales seemed to merge together as he held him close. "What has happened?" he asked after he felt some of the tension drain away and Noctis clung to him.
"Please don't send me away," he begged, and Regis tightened his grip.
"I would never send you away Noctis, you are my son and I love you," he swore. "What has brought this on?" Even when Noctis had been half out of his mind from daemon venom, lost in nightmares, being sent away had never been his fear. How could Noctis think he would ever willing part with him? He had nearly lost him back then; he would do all in his power to ensure his sons safety and happiness.
"I…I heard…they said I should be sent to Leviathan," he choked out and Regis' blood ran cold.
"Who said that?" he demanded quietly, not wanting to scare his son further.
"Don't know…Councillors…they were arguing…I heard them. They…they said," he shuddered, burrowing closer, long trailing fins limp.
Regis fought to remain in control of his magic, not wanting to scare the child clinging to him. Noctis may be seventeen but to a long-lived species like their own, he was still very much a child. To even considering sending Noctis to Leviathan…he would have to investigate, see who was talking about such things, and nip it in the bud. Who knew what she would do to Noctis, yes, she could heal him but…she could just as easily claim him as one of hers and he would lose his son forever.
He had seen that happen, once, as a child visiting the waters around Altissia. A local human boy whose parents had been desperate to save their son from the Scourge… she had answered them, a mist had risen from the sea, surrounding the boy, sinking into him and his face had gone blank, eyes golden and then he had walked into the sea, with no reaction to his parents cries. Regis had seen from beneath the waves as his body twisted and transformed into one of her children, nothing human left of him, but what he had become was nothing like his own people either.
The Tidemother was capricious and easily moved to anger, as Niflheim had been reminded of several times over the years. They had taken out Ifrit and Shiva, but Leviathan was a harder target for even the inhuman soldiers of their enemy. Her children protected her against any threat, although she had woken four times in the last century, despite the distance they had felt her wakening's, felt her wrath. And now his Councillor's wanted to risk his son to her intervention.
"I will never let that happen," he promised again.
"I can't take the throne till I'm twenty-one….if anything happened to you before then…"
Regis closed his eyes, knowing it was true. A regent would be installed to rule in Noctis' name until he turned twenty-one and that Regent would have the power to decide if Noctis should be taken to Leviathan for 'healing'. There were safeguards he could put into place to try and protect Noctis should anything happen, name a guardian or five in advance. Clarus, Cor…Cid would surely return under such circumstances, Weskham perhaps would return as well. Titus might be able to step up, though whether or not he could stand against the Council would need to be considered. Of course there was another option….but would he come? It had been so long since he had last come to Insomnia and Regis didn't blame him but surely he would return to protect Noctis. Of course that was all for a worst-case scenario, he was not exactly an old man, even with the Wall draining him. all it took was a lucky assassin though or even an accident.
"I will do everything I can to ensure you will be protected," he swore, kissing the top of his sons head. "You truly believe this young Prompto is your fourth?" he asked and Noctis nodded against his chest.
He knew who the boy was, he hadn't at first but one look at Ignis' security clearance work and he had realised. He had met young Prompto twice, though he doubted the child remembered either of those meetings. The first time, he had been strapped down in isolation, thrashing and fevered, his body rejecting the Scourge he had been injected with since birth, even as the child had screamed at them, terrified because they were the enemy he had been trained to hate. The second time, he had been limp on the bed, wires and tubes everywhere, fighting to keep his body functioning when the child had been unable to even breath for himself.
Breaking the brainwashing had taken time, patience and kindness but it had happened, turning the half feral MT in the making into a bright, inquisitive child. He had doubted Cor's decision to bring the boy to Insomnia until he had seen the reports on how much the boy had changed…and then he'd nearly been killed only a few years later. They had done such a good job that he had nearly died, the boy who had been brought to the city would have sensed the incoming attack and could have dealt with his attackers.
Had they done the right thing? Did they have a right to take a child and make them fit what they saw as the correct way to exist? Perhaps one day he would ask Prompto if he resented what they had done. But it did raise a question, could Prompto be brought in? They had run many tests on him, but not a test for certain DNA traits, it was a test that would have to be run now though. If he carried the blood of their true enemy, the magic could kill him or worse. They would have to be very careful. "We will need to run tests due to his being from Niflheim."
"You don't think he could carry their dormant genes, do you?"
"Without knowing his birth parents we have no way of knowing without the tests," Regis answered. Parents…he had read Cor's report, seen the photos, of rooms of tubes filled with babies of varying ages…babies that all looked identical. The files stolen had mentioned using stored DNA to create the children and that DNA could have come from anywhere. "This won't be an easy process," he warned and Noctis finally smiled slightly.
"I know."
Having Prompto stand with them would be an extra layer of protection for Noctis should Regis somehow perish before he was of age. With their group complete their magic would be stronger than ever. Regis just prayed he could be brought in and that they wouldn't know the pain of a lost bond or one that never fully formed.
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Cor knocked and waited for the kid to answer, smiling slightly when the blond wrenched the door open, already grinning widely at him.
"Cor!" Prompto stepped back to let him in and once the door was shut he had an armful of happy teenager.
He hugged the boy tight; it had been too long since he'd seen him. "You've grown again," he commented as they sat. He needed to make more time to see Prompto, he was growing up way too fast. The kid never resented his long absences, or those of his adoptive parents, despite the fact he should.
"Two inches since your last visit," he announced proudly, curling up on the couch.
"Congratulations," he got comfortable beside him.
"Social visit?"
"Partially," Cor admitted and Prompto froze so he drew out a familiar kit and the teen slumped, dejected.
"They haven't wanted tests since the attack," he whispered. "Is this…cause of Noct?" he asked, and Cor nodded. "Oh."
"He's trying to get you cleared for at least his apartments in the Citadel, this is part of that. They want to be sure nothing's changed through puberty."
"I don't feel any different, except for the whole tripping over my own feet stage but everyone did that," he blushed slightly at that admission.
"Even I suffered that," Cor admitted, though military training had helped deal with it quicker than the average teen. He couldn't tell him what they were actually checking for and he prayed the tests were negative, for his sake and Noctis'. He knew how lonely Prompto had always been, between the Argentum's travelling and his own work leaving him very little free time.
He had wanted to keep Prompto, but he couldn't, no one would let the boy live in the Citadel where he could learn all their secrets. He'd been rescued too young to have been informed of his enemies abilities and the Council had made it clear he was not allowed to know, which meant he couldn't live in the Citadel. If he was Noctis' fourth though, there was nothing they could do to stop him being told.
"Okay, sample away," Prompto sighed, far too used to the procedure, opening his mouth for the cheek swab. He winced slightly when a few strands of hair were pulled, silently clipped his fingernails and then held still as a vial of blood was drawn. For a normal person, taking that many samples was overkill, for an once MT it was standard, not that there really was a standard since he was unique. He then took the offered sample cup and walked off to the bathroom, returning it sealed and in a bag.
"I'm really sorry about this Prom." He put the samples away as Prompto smiled wearily.
"I know Cor." He curled into Cor's side and he wrapped an arm around the kid.
"How's your photography coming?" he asked, relieved when that perked Prompto back up and they were soon surrounded by photos as Prompto showed him the best of the lot. The kid had real talent and he was determined to make sure that potential was nurtured. He'd noticed that Prompto hadn't put in any applications for further education and he had a feeling he knew why. He would not let Prompto be drive out of the city due to xenophobia and the crazy cost of living. Besides, who knew what certain people may due if they discovered he was trying to leave, he could easily see them jumping to conclusions and assuming he was returning to Niflheim with information on the city and the Prince. He was not going to let that happen.
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Prompto gasped and then groaned as the tension released, lying on the portable table Ignis had set up in his living room. He'd been stripped to his underwear and then told to lie on his stomach. He hadn't had a massage since he finished therapy and he'd forgotten how good it felt to have the scar tissue moved, it hurt a little sure, but if it lessened the adhesion then he could take the pain. He knew it would be a lot worse if the scars hadn't received massage in the months post-surgery.
Ignis worked carefully around the scars from his surgery but added more pressure as he worked his way down his spine, arms and legs. He felt tension he hadn't been aware of just melting away. Ignis was really good at it, better than the hospital staff, but he'd obviously had a lot of practice with Noct. He just had to keep his mind from wandering while Iggy worked on him or else he'd have issues when he got up. His stupid brain kept trying to read more into their casual touches then was there, he'd get it under control eventually. They were friends only, at least, he thought Ignis might think of him as a friend now.
Noctis chuckled from where he was curled up on the couch. "Told you Specs is the best."
"Mmm…." It felt sooo good, he didn't think he could move even if he had to. Eventually though, it had to end, and he slowly rolled off the table and yanked his sweatpants back on before collapsing next to Noct on the couch in a boneless lump.
Ignis packed up the table and oil, smiling indulgently at the two teens. "Please let me know when you would like another Prompto, your scars need more work to help loosen up."
"I don't want to be a bother," he tried and Ignis pinned him with a look.
"You aren't," he promised, going to wash his hands before donning his gloves. "I am offering my help in ensuring your optimal health."
"Okay, thanks Iggy."
"You're quite welcome," Ignis smiled gently and then left them alone.
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Cor placed the file on Regis' desk, face blank unless you knew him really well, which Regis did.
"That bad is it?" he asked as he took the file, not sure he wanted to look.
"It appears this idea has been circulating for some time," Cor admitted, enraged by what he had found. As a child, Noctis had called him Uncle, still did occasionally. He took any threat to his boy very seriously, either of his boys. Those who would consider this would be the ones who would try and stop Noctis' friendship with Prompto and especially his becoming the Prince's fourth, despite technically having no say in that.
Regis opened the file and began to read, blanching white in horror before his eyes hardened in rage. "It seems I have been lax in reminding the Councillors of their place," he commented mildly, and Cor felt the urge to flee. Many forgot that under the ever-present calm was a King who had and could face down an army alone thanks to the magic of the line of Kings. He was not easily angered but once he was it was safest to flee. There were signs of such a temper in Noctis, though hidden even deeper in the physically frail teen.
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They lent against the rail overlooking one of the cities canals, eating ice cream and enjoying the oddly warm day for the season. Noctis was dressed in dark grey pants and a green shirt, a jacket on top and a cap on his head. He looked nothing like the Prince in the outfit, letting him walk to the canal two streets away from Prompto's home.
Noctis was distracting Prompto from the fact that his test results would be coming soon, even though Prompto thought they were only to clear him for being allowed to visit Noctis in the Citadel. Noctis knew how important the results were and he was nervous. Would he be forbidden contact if Prompto carried even latent genes, despite Prom being their fourth? If anyone tried he would fight it, he knew Prompto would never harm him, he belonged with them.
They finished their ice creams and began walking along the canal, chatting about school and the upcoming solstice while Prompto took photos. And if he slipped his hand into Prompto's as they walked, no one said anything, Prompto cautiously squeezing his hand in return. He knew it was up to him to begin anything, Prompto hadn't really officially met Gladio and Ignis would hang back so as not to confuse the blond which meant Noct had to be the one to begin 'wooing' him, as Ignis had called it.
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Cor received the sealed envelope and picked it up, he knew Noctis was with his Father in the pools, so he headed down there to find them. He reached into the water and slapped the wall, knowing the noise would carry and soon the two royals surfaced, swimming to lean against the edge, Noctis' eyes widening when he saw the envelope.
"Prom's?" he asked, and Cor nodded, removing his shoes to sit with his feet in the water.
"Shall I open it?"
"I feel horrible doing this behind his back," Noctis muttered.
"I know son, but better to know now, before trying to explain anything. Go ahead Cor."
Cor unsealed the envelope and pulled out the papers within. The top ones dealt with things Noctis didn't know about, comparing various results to previous tests so he put them aside until he came to the extensive DNA work and sighed.
"Uncle Cor?"
"Eighty percent Human, twelve percent Harpy and eight percent Unknown," he read out.
"Oh," Noctis whispered, closing his eyes and lowering his head. Would the magic take? Would it kill him? bring out the Harpy or even the unknown, and how could it even be unknown?
"Twelve percent is not a lot Noctis," Regis offered.
"Yeah but the Unknown takes it to twenty percent, that's one fifth total," Noctis pointed out bitterly.
"I've never seen a test come back with Unknown," Regis admitted, sharing a look with Cor, something about the MT process? Or something else they didn't know about Niflheim?
"How often do we run tests on those from Niflheim?" Cor asked and Regis nodded, that was true. What else may lurk on the other continent, its skies, or its waters?
"So what does this mean?" Noctis pushed, he was scared for Prompto. What if something brought the Harpy genes from dormancy to being active? Would it be enough to physically transform him? Mentally? He could lose his best friend. He never wanted to see those happy blue eyes cold and hard with hatred for him.
"That we move carefully," Regis answered gently. "I believe the magic will take, it may take more to overcome those aspects, it may not. Anything we do will be his choice, fully informed." He did wonder if the boy would open up to Noctis about his own truth in exchange.
"Not yet," Noctis shook his head. "I'll talk to him during the holidays. So…if he wants to be alone to think or even… he won't be forced to see me every day in class right off."
Regis thought Noctis was not giving Prompto enough credit, but his son did not know the secrets Prompto held. "Very well, now, you have a session with Gladio soon, don't you?"
Noctis groaned but lifted up and Cor offered him a hand, helping him from the water. Noctis left them to dry off and dress, before going to find Gladio.
"I would like to meet with Prompto first."
"Regis?"
"It is about time I met the boy while he's aware of it and I want him to know that it is his choice to tell Noctis or not, that he will not get in trouble if he does. The need for secrecy was impressed quite deeply after all."
"Where?"
"His home, I do not wish to make him any more uncomfortable than necessary."
"I'll set it up, I won't tell him you're coming." Cor picked up the other pages to look over. "No obvious changes from his last tests beyond hormone levels within normal ranges for a teenage boy."
"Good," Regis nodded and then dove down, wanting to make the most of his last few free minutes for the day.
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Ignis let Noctis tell them about Prompto's test results, seeing his own worry mirrored in Gladio's eyes. There was nothing they could do but support Noctis until they found out if Prompto could be brought in. Surely the Astrals would not be so cruel?
In the end, Gladio pulled Noctis into his lap and kissed him to distract him from his worries, Noct gradually relaxing. Gladio smirked at him over Noctis' shoulder and Ignis smiled, shifting closer to run his hands over Noctis' back, kissing his neck. They had gotten very good at keeping Noctis distracted over the years.
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Prompto was nervous, Cor had called, he was coming that afternoon. The test results must have come through. He knew it was silly, he felt no different so surely nothing had changed, right? He grabbed a bottle of Cor's favoured juice and put it in the fridge to chill, making sure he had some snacks available as well. No one would ever guess he was addicted to chocolate, but Cor had a real sweet tooth. The knock came and he went to the door, grinning at Cor but then frowning as he spotted a man with him…a man dressed casually yet with a knee brace and beard….his eyes went wide in shock as he recognised him from the TV…
"Breath Prompto," Cor gently nudged him inside so they could come in and then led him to the couch.
"I….you…King?"
That got a warm chuckle as the King removed the cap he had used to help hide his identity. All Prompto could do was watch as the King settled himself in his Dad's armchair while Cor went to the kitchen to get them all drinks. "Relax Prompto, this is an informal visit, you are not in any trouble," the King spoke gently.
Prompto forced himself to take a deep breath and then another. "Your Majesty," he finally got out and the King smiled.
"Please, Regis will do. As I said, this is an informal visit." Regis accepted the glass from Cor and Prompto took his own, glad his hands weren't shaking.
"About…my tests?" he chewed at his bottom lip as Cor sat beside him, leaning into him a little.
"Your tests were fine Prom," Cor immediately told him, catching the glass as Prompto sagged in relief.
"Oh, good…that's good," he whispered, it was a relief. He'd thought they were, but how would he really know?
"Indeed," Regis agreed before sipping at the juice. "I thought it time we meet properly."
Properly? They'd never met at all, had they? No…there had been a time, he had half thought he'd dreamed it, of the King being there as he recovered, confined to the bed and connected to a mass of tubes and monitors, unable to do anything for himself, even his breathing had been controlled by a tube down his throat. He'd liked to think the King had been there and now it seemed that was real and not wishful thinking. The King had stared at him and he hadn't understood what he was seeing back then but now he knew it had been sadness and compassion.
He'd been told the King had ordered him not to speak of his past, that the man knew everything…he just hadn't really realised he'd seen him. "You saw me? After the withdrawal?" he hated the idea that the King had seen him like that, even if the man had shown only compassion
"I did, I also saw you during the early stages, at that point we honestly thought you would not survive," the King admitted.
So he'd seen him while he was going through the withdrawal, wonderful, not just after. Prompto didn't really remember anything after he'd begun vomiting up Scourge but apparently he'd nearly died many times before his body had purged it all and had begun responding to the treatment to bring his fever down and rehydrate him. He'd seen that and had let Noct hang around him? He glanced up at the King…Regis but there was no disgust on his face or in his eyes, no pity either…just compassion, like when he was a kid. "I'm sorry you saw that," he whispered.
"I am not," Regis told him gently. "I have seen your strength and will to live. I also know of the odds you overcame due to the attack, though I did not see you then. I am glad you were able to share your story with Noctis, that you have been a friend to him these last few months. He has lived an isolated, lonely, life since he was injured."
"I...uh…"
Regis smiled softly at him and he blushed, ducking his head. "Noctis does not know of your past before Insomnia. Hiding it was an effort to keep you safe, to allow you to grow up as normally as possible. However, you will be an adult soon, able to make your own choices. For now, you have my permission to tell Noctis and his retainers. It is up to you if you do and who among them you tell if you decide to."
"Oh," Prompto was shocked. He could tell Noct? Did he want to? He didn't like keeping secrets from his only friend but…he was also terrified of losing him. How could Noctis want to be friends with an MT? Even if physically he was pretty much human. He knew mentally he still wasn't quite normal. "But…I'm not normal. I've got a barcode, a port…I take photos cause otherwise I get itchy for a gun…"
"Prompto," Regis called, and he closed his mouth, hands clenched together.
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Hearing the boy babble about what made him 'not normal' in his own eyes hurt. It seemed there was more left mentally than he had believed, he had left such things to Cor. He'd known of the barcode and port obviously; those had been in the initial reports. He had not known the poor boy still felt the urge to shoot, though it did explain the ever-present camera Noctis had mentioned. He glanced at Cor, torn…for the boy sake he had gone through therapy to break his training…but for the Kingdom and his sons safety, would it now be better to let him use that training? Or would such a thing destroy Prompto? Could he find a balance between who he had become and what he had been born to be? "If you wish to test your skills, Cor can take you to the Crownsguard shooting range," he finally offered.
Blue eyes went wide in surprise. "I..I…thank you? I don't know…"
"Testing your skills will not destroy you Prompto, even working on them regularly won't," Cor spoke up.
"How do you know that? What if there's more buried in my mind?" he pleaded desperately for answers they didn't have.
"I don't believe it. You are far stronger than you give yourself credit for," it was all Regis could give him.
"I…I'll think about it?" he said, and Regis nodded.
"Perhaps one day you will consider applying to the Crownsguard," he offered as he stood, he had meetings to attend soon and would need to get back in time to change. Prompto scrambled up to let them out, bowing awkwardly to him before they left.
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Prompto collapsed on the couch, he couldn't believe it. He'd met the King! He had seemed so…normal, except a few times his tone had been impossible to ignore, Regal. His love for Noctis was obvious as soon as he began speaking of him and he hated that he felt even the tiniest bit of jealousy. He was so lucky to have been given parents at all, even if they were rarely home since he had regained the ability to look after himself.
He had permission to tell Noctis the truth about him. could he do it? What if Noctis turned on him? The attack that had nearly killed Noctis had been arranged by Niflheim, though they had never publicly admitted it, which meant there had likely been MT's involved. Even if they hadn't been, they were the frontline troops in every battle, killing Kingsglaive and Crownsguard by the dozen. Unlike the forces of Lucis, they seemed never ending thanks to the way they were made and not truly born. Even if Noct accepted what he was, could Iggy? Could Gladio? Or would they see him as a threat, try to separate them? He didn't know what to do.
The idea of holding a gun again, of shooting, even if only at target sheets…it scared but also excited him. If he could be sure of his skills, his ability to not give in to old training….he could help keep Noctis safe, could joining the Crownsguard which would enable to remain in the city and give him the funds necessary to find his own place. It scared him, what if he got lost in seeing targets everywhere? What if he wasn't as strong as Cor and the King believed? He'd lose everything then; he'd have to be locked up or killed to keep others safe. He'd worked so hard to be a normal person, so hard that he hadn't detected his attackers until it was too late. Could he find a middle ground?
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"Got plans for the holidays?" Prompto asked as he leant against the railing. He didn't know why Noctis was so fascinated with the canals, but he thought it was far too cold.
"Just the usual. There's the normal party and Dad will spend Solstice itself with me in our apartments. Will you be working more?"
"I picked up a few more shifts. Will you be able to come over at some point, there's some stuff I need to tell you," he couldn't help fidgeting a little at the admission, fingers playing with the band on his wrist. He was really going to do it; he was going to tell him everything and pray he wouldn't leave.
"Yeah, I was actually going to ask to come over because there is something I need to tell you too," Noctis admitted from where he was leaning beside him.
One week of school left before vacation began and Prompto was glad for the break but he was nervous. What could Noctis have to tell him? Should he tell his secret first, in case Noctis wanted nothing more to do with him? He spun as he heard Noct gasp, saw his white knuckled grip on the rail. "Noct?" He shifted, wrapping an arm around his waist, were his legs paining him? They'd been out too long; they should have gone back ages ago but Noct had been feeling so good. "I've got you, let's get back to the house."
"Can't," he gasped out. "No time," he wasn't making any sense.
"Should I call Iggy?" he asked and Noctis nodded.
"He…augh! He'll come…get you…it's okay Prom. I'll…be okay," he whimpered and then used his grip on the rail to pull up.
"Noct?" He asked in confusion as Noctis pulled away and then vaulted the rail. "NOCT!" he screamed in terror as his best friend leapt into the canal. He scanned the still water, but he could see no sign of the Prince as he scrambled for his phone, dialling Ignis' number. What had happened?
"Scientia," the absent answer meant Iggy was busy and hadn't checked caller id.
"He jumped! He was in pain and he jumped," he babbled.
"Prompto?" Ignis sounded surprised and Prompto heard him give apologies then a door closing. "Calm down, tell me what happened," he commanded and Prompto forced himself to breath.
"We were at the canal, Noct likes it. We shouldn't have stayed so long without his chair…he was in pain and he...he jumped in. I can't see him," he choked back a sob.
"It's alright Prompto, just keep breathing. Can you make it home?"
"Can I…you have to find Noct!" he demanded, he didn't matter, Noctis did! He couldn't lose him.
"Noctis will be fine. Right now I am concerned for you, you need to get home. I will come pick you up and bring you to the Citadel where what happened will be explained and you can see for yourself that Noctis is alright. If you can, pack an overnight bag," his soothing voice helped calm Prompto a bit. Iggy was good at that, calming him down.
"O…okay," he started walking, stumbling occasionally.
"I shall be there soon," Ignis promised.
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Ignis hung up with Prompto and dialled Gladio, informing him of what had happened and to expect Noct's arrival via the pools. He walked swiftly through the halls, sending the King a message with what he knew had happened. He got in the car and drove for Prompto's home. He found the door unlocked and the living room empty, so he headed down the back hall only to find Prompto in his bedroom with a duffle bag, sitting on the floor with his arms around his legs. "Prompto," he called gently, kneeling down. A glance showed that he had packed the bag at least. "Come now," he held his hand out and Prompto stared blankly, worrying him before he blinked.
"Iggy?"
"It's me, have you got everything you need?" he asked gently and Prompto nodded shakily. "Then let us leave," he reached out and helped the younger boy to his feet, taking his bag for him. They headed back down the hall and Prompto looked over at the couch where Noctis' chair sat. "I'll come back for it once I have you safely in the car," Ignis told him, leading him to the car and getting him secure in the passenger seat.
He then returned to grab the wheelchair and Noctis' school bag and uniform jacket. If he had been in his chair this would not have happened, was Noctis taking too many risks with his extra freedom? What would have happened if they had not been near one of the cities canals? He had risked being exposed had they been on the walk to or from the canal. Did Prompto have the upper body strength to carry Noctis if such a thing happened? Would he have even tried, or would he had 'freaked out'. He packed them in the car and then drove them to the Citadel. Noctis' plan to tell Prompto over the holidays would now have to be brought forward. He only hoped that once past his panic and shock, Prompto could accept them.
He had come to care about the younger boy a lot in the months since meeting him, he could see how well he would fit with them and he was sure he had seen signs of deeper feelings in Prompto than friendship. It had to be confusing for him and he was glad when Noctis said he was going to explain everything over the holidays. He took a hand off the wheel to gently take one of Prompto's shaking ones, offering support and comfort to the confused teen.
TBC…
