Disclaimer: Not mine
Chapter 3
Prompto followed Ignis into the Citadel, he felt so confused and scared for Noct. He didn't know what was going on, barely noticing the grandeur of the building around him. He'd been on a public tour once, before he ever met Noctis, but that had been the public areas. He'd also seen the isolation parts of the medical wing and even a small room before the withdrawal had set in when he'd first been brought to the city. Iggy had brought him up an elevator from the garage into what was obviously not the public sections. They entered another elevator but this one took them down…below the garage?
"Prompto," Ignis called and he blinked, that sounded like he'd been calling his name for a while. "Noctis has fought hard to allow you to know the secrets you will soon be told," he explained gently yet firmly, did he really think he could ever…
"I'd never betray him," Prompto told him immediately and Ignis smiled softly. The elevator stopped and e followed Ignis down a hall, then the older male was pushing open a double door and Prompto stepped in only to stare in awe. The room was mostly water with walkways cross the room. There was a section in front of them that was solid, with benches, two doors he guessed led to changing rooms and a massage table all set up. "This is…" he didn't have words for it.
"Pretty amazing?" a familiar voice offered and Prompto looked around wildly before spotting the head of wet black hair and he ran over, dropping to his knees besides where Noctis was resting on his arms, body in the water.
"Noct…" he choked out. He was okay! "You….I thought….what happened?" he reached out shakily for his best friend, fighting back tears of relief.
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Noctis saw the tears in Prompto's eyes and felt utterly horrible for scaring him so badly. He'd been feeling so good that his transformation triggering had come as a total shock and he'd had no time to think. When Prompto reached out he hesitated but then lifted a hand to take his, squeezing gently, and he saw his friend frown in confusion. He wanted to greet him properly but he didn't dare, not when Prompto didn't know. He fought the urge to tense or pull his hand away as Prom looked down at their joined hands, knowing he had felt the differences.
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Prompto gripped Noct's hand and felt him squeeze back gently but then he looked down, frowning, something felt strange. Yeah, he was expecting his hand to be wet but… his skin was way too cold, and he felt something sharp resting against his own skin. What he saw had his eyes widening in shock and he remembered Iggy's words outside…Royal Secrets…he took a shaky breath. "Noct?" he whispered as he stared at the sharp claws on Noctis' hands and were those scales?
"I was going to tell you over the holidays," Noctis whispered in return. "I… promise not to scream?" he asked and Prompto nodded, not sure if he could speak. "Scoot over," Noctis told him, releasing his hand to brace on the edge and Prompto shuffled sideways on his knees.
He watched as Noctis pulled himself up onto the side, blinking as his mind tried to make sense of what he was seeing, his heart beginning to pound. Noctis had lost his shirt at some point since diving into the canal, rivulets of water running over his skin, dark blue and black flecks littering his skin…not flecks, scales. His eyes followed the water down Noct's body to his bellybutton but then smooth skin with a scattering of dark scales became fully covered in scales, tapering into a long black tail which was still partially in the water.
He looked up at Noct's face, noticing now that hidden in his dark hair were pointed fin-like ears which flicked slightly. He searched his face closely, noticing something seemed different about his pupils before moving down again. He didn't just have a tail, he had fins. Seeing him looking Noct twisted slightly to let him see his back, revealing a fin that trailed down his spine, down towards the mass of scar tissue from his childhood injury.
"Breath Prompto," Ignis' calm voice reached him from far away, and he realised he was almost hyperventilating, feeling gentle but firm gloved hands on his shoulders and he struggled to breath.
Noctis had a tail… and half remembered stories came back to him, things he'd been taught as a child, stories of the monstrous, inhuman, Lucian Royals. Mixed with those were the old myths his Mum had told him at night, reading from a children's book. Of the beautiful mercreatures who would draw sailors in and drown them. That wasn't possible…was it…was that why he felt…
"Prom?" Noctis called his name softly and he looked back up at his face.
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Noctis didn't know what to do but stay still and let Prompto look for as long as he needed, but he saw blue eyes going too wide, his breathing speeding up until he was gasping, and he didn't know what to do. Thankfully Specs stepped in and Prompto's breathing gradually slowed. "Prom?" he called softly, scared that he wouldn't be able to accept him, to accept them. His friend lifted his head to look at him and Noctis felt his heart break as he saw pupils dilated with fear, slight tremors shaking the lanky body.
He fought back the hurt, recalling all of his lessons….fear was a normal first reaction, even if the person knew you. This was a shock for Prompto that had come with no warning. He slowly slid back into the water to give him space, resting his arms on the ledge. Ignis had shown him the kind of stories people told of their kind, of the seducers who used men, the tricky savages who drowned and ate humans… Prompto likely knew those stories too and it would make sense for him to remember them now. Would he think that was what Noct had been doing?
"Prom," he called again, and his friend slowly looked at him.
"N…Noct?" Prompto stammered and Noctis winced, how much worse would it be if he saw Noctis' teeth?
He slowly offered his hand again. He licked his lips but knew he had to talk to him, just hoping he didn't run at seeing his sharp teeth. "Please Prom, I'd never hurt you," he swore. "I didn't want you to find out like this. I was going to tell you over vacation and then show you. I know I look scary," he swallowed hard. He started as he felt warm fingers hesitantly brush his, but he kept totally still. "You're my best friend Prompto. I know what the stories say but I've never drowned someone. Never eaten anyone either." Those stories were more about the Tidemother's children than his people but Prom wouldn't know the difference.
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Prompto watched Noctis slip back into the water, glad for the space, fighting the urge to run. How far would he get when he didn't know the Citadel? Noctis called his name again and he forced himself to make eye contact, seeing something…fear? Why would he be afraid? Prompto was the one outnumbered and on the edge of the water. He could swim, he'd done hydrotherapy as part of his recovery, but that water looked a lot deeper than any therapy pool and in the water he would be at a massive disadvantage.
He hated that he stammered on Noctis' name and then a cool hand was offered to him again even as Noctis spoke and he struggled to listen as Noct promised he would never hurt him. So this was the secret he had been planning to share over vacation. Hearing Noct admit he knew he looked scary, hearing something in his voice, he slowly reached out, brushing cold fingers with his own, feeling them shake but unable to stop it. He felt Noct freeze in place at his touch even as he rushed to assure him he'd never drowned or eaten anyone.
Could he believe him? He glanced down at their hands, resting there but barely touching and then he forced himself to meet Noctis' eyes again. He really was afraid…of Prompto's reaction? He forced his hand to move further, to really hold Noctis' hand. He could feel small scales scattered over the skin, the claws and…webbing between the fingers but the rest of the skin felt normal, other than the temperature. He ran his fingers carefully over the scales and webbing, touching the claws that had replaced the blunt human nails he usually saw. He forced himself to think rationally and if he did then the claws and teeth made sense. If Noct was…was a merman or something…then he likely was adapted for the sea which had a lot of bigger fish and predators. You couldn't cook food under water either which meant catching and eating fish raw.
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Once Prompto had his breathing under control, Ignis remained silent, observing the two. He could feel Noctis' fear and he shared it. He had come to care deeply for the blond and he knew Gladio had as well despite having met him only a handful of times, which made sense if Prompto was meant to be their fourth. The thought of him rejecting them…it would hurt.
He listened as Noctis bungled his way through an explanation that didn't actually tell Prompto much and he found himself holding his breath when Noctis offered his hand again and then Prompto reached back to at least touch his. He felt a surge of hope as Prompto slowly and gently explored Noctis' hand, seeing the slight tremble in pale fingers. It had to be a good sign right? If he was utterly disgusted surely he would draw back, not explore.
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Noctis stared at his hand as Prompto ever so gently touched the various parts that were hidden when he was in human form, or the spelled blanket was over his 'legs'. He lifted his arm a bit as fingers moved down to his wrist, letting Prompto explore as much as he wished, staying silent because he didn't know what to say. Prompto's skin felt hot, even though he knew he wasn't, but it didn't hurt, it felt kind of nice.
He lifted up a little as Prompto's hand moved down his arm to his neck, skimming over his currently closed gills and then up to trace over his left cheek and then back to his ear which flicked at his touch, and Noctis shivered slightly. Prompto immediately pulled his hand back, brow furrowed in concern and Noctis smiled with his mouth closed. "Can't really control them," he admitted softly.
"Sorry," Prompto whispered and it was a relief to hear him say something.
Noctis slowly reached his hand out and up and Prompto froze, eyes locked on his fingers, but he didn't try to pull away. So he rested his hand against Prompto's face, ever so careful of his claws. "It didn't hurt," he promised.
"Is this real?" Prompto asked. "Or a really weird dream?" he licked his lips, obviously nervous and Noctis laughed shakily.
"Real," he assured him.
"You can breathe?"
"Yeah," he tipped his head to show the closed gills better. "They close or open depending on if I'm under the surface." Question were good, right?
"Noct…what…."
"The popular term is merman," Ignis spoke up quietly to keep from startling Prompto.
Prompto turned slightly to see him. "Are you?"
Ignis nodded. "Yes, as is Gladio. Although I gained my form from my connection to Noctis while Gladio was born as one."
"Why are you telling me this?" Prompto asked and Noctis shifted to grip the ledge, ready to push himself up and out again.
"Noct," Ignis chided.
"I'm fine Ignis," he argued and Prompto looked between them.
"What?"
"Breathing above water is fine, leaving it when he cannot shift back is not a good idea for more than a minute or two at a time," Ignis answered before Noctis could insist it was fine.
"What?" Prompto's eyes widened. "Noct stay in."
Noctis felt a flash of relief at the concern in Prompto's voice. He sighed, almost pouting, he wanted to be out with them. He knew why Iggy was staying out, his form would be even more startling than Noctis'. Gladio would be no better, his form even more predatory looking. Better Prompto only see him until he could get used to such things. He offered his hand again and smiled when Prompto took it. Prompto was pretty accepting of physical touch, slinging an arm around his shoulders when Noctis would lean against him on the couch, lying side by side in the grass, he hoped he could accept that mers preferred even more contact. It wasn't even sexual or anything outside of those they bonded to, they just thrived off being able to touch each other. A lack of physical contact could have detrimental effects after too long. "I'll be fine," he tried to argue but Ignis glared.
"You've been pushing yourself too much Noctis."
"What do you mean?" Prompto demanded and Ignis adjusted his glasses.
"The injury to Noctis' back did not just physically harm him, it damaged his magic. It has left him unable to control his transformation. His control has improved, which is why he has been allowed to attend school this year. The blanket he uses has powerful magic in it that hides the changes when he transforms while also keeping her mer form supported despite being on land."
"The pain attacks?" Prompto asked and Ignis nodded. "Noct stay in the water."
"Shall I come in with you?" Ignis offered and Noctis glanced at Prompto. "Ah, yes…."
"What?"
"Mer forms are all different, although they do tend to run in families. My form may be…even more shocking for you to see," Ignis admitted and Noct could hear the discomfort he was trying to hide.
"I just wanted Prom to be able to look and touch," he admitted softly. He wanted Prompto see his true form, to accept it, accept him, them…to love them.
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Prompto blinked at that, he had been willing to hurt himself just so Prompto could try and come to terms with this? What did Iggy look like if they thought it'd freak him out more? Did he want to know? Listening and talking…he still acted like the Noctis he'd come to know. Maybe all those stories were wrong…and he knew better than to believe anything the Empire had taught him. He slipped his free hand down to feel cool water, it felt different to the therapy pools, so he guessed it was saltwater which made sense. "I was meant to be an MT," the words were out before he realised and they both looked at him, obviously confused.
"Prompto?" Noctis pulled himself higher up, eyes narrowed in confusion.
Prompto shifted off his knees, fingers going to his wristband, unable to look at either of them. "I wasn't born, I was made in a lab." He removed the wristband and bared his barcode to them before pulling off the bandana around his arm.
He hesitated but then reached for Noct's hand and he gave it immediately, dark blue eyes still showing confusion. He pressed Noct's hand to the skin, feeling it give way, to reveal cold metal, staring at the ground, not wanting to see his reaction. "I take photos because it keeps me from reaching for a gun I don't have. They…they gave us a number, not a name, trained us every day, failure meant termination. They'd strap us to tables and inject this black sludge…the Scourge…and it burned so much. My eyes were dark purple when I first came to Insomnia….Cor saved me. He was investigating the facility and I was slated for decommissioning. If he hadn't taken me I would have died. Technically I pretty much died a few times in the Citadel medical facilities. Without the treatments my body was rejecting what they'd done to me. I don't remember much, just flashes till eventually I woke up with a tube down my throat and wires everywhere. I had no control of my body, couldn't even breath without help. But I got better and the Argentum's adopted me after a while. All that's left is the port and barcode. I was in therapy for a long time, I didn't know how to act around actual people, how to be a person," he stopped talking, knowing he'd been babbling at high speed, not looking at either of them, not wanting to see them realise just what they had let get close.
Noctis was suddenly pulling and pushing himself up even higher, wet arms wrapping around Prompto, soaking hair resting against his heart, and he froze in shock. Didn't Noct get it? He was less of a person than any merperson. He heard odd noises coming from Noct and he realised they would probably carry well under water. He felt a firm, dry hand grip his shoulder, Ignis' body pressing against his back, his other hand gently stroking his hair and he shook, waiting for whatever wold happen next.
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"This was what was missing from your file, I knew what the Marshal told me was a fabrication, but I never imagined…" Ignis whispered, shocked. Everyone knew of the strange troops the Empire favoured, joked about them being empty….except apparently they weren't. They started out as babies and then were slowly stripped of their humanity in labs and training. That Prompto was seemingly normal, happy….that he could interact with people…it was a miracle and just showed how strong he was. "I cannot imagine the horrors you have gone through…and then the attack…you are one of the strongest people I know," he told him, and he felt the boy sag between them, shoulders hitching with the attempt not to cry.
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Noctis rubbed his cheek against Prompto's shirt, wishing he wasn't wearing it. "Iggy's right," he agreed. He did wonder if this explained the unknown result in his tests. "It doesn't matter where you were born or why. You're Prompto Argentum, Crown Citizen and my best friend." Feeling skin give way to cold metal had been a shock and he'd been glad Prompto couldn't see his face for a few seconds since he knew that had shown, that and fear. He'd wondered just how much metal there was and was relieved it was just whatever was in his arm. He let go, sinking back down, as Prompto pulled away from them, wiping at his eyes. He hated being stuck in the water, wanting to be out there where he could really give the blond a proper hug.
Prompto looked at him and obviously saw what he wanted. "No way dude, you are not hurting yourself for me," he warned shakily. That got a chuckle from Ignis and Noctis rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest. Prompto looked between them and then at the pool and Noctis straightened a bit…surely he wouldn't be willing so quickly? "How deep is it?"
"This bit's pretty deep. There's a shallower section across the room with a shelf for sitting," Noctis answered, working to keep the hope from his voice even as Ignis' eyes widened slightly behind his glasses.
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Hearing there was a shallower section he came to a decision. Noctis had taken his secret so much better than he had the whole mer thing and he hated himself for it. Noctis couldn't come out of the water but there was no reason he couldn't go in, right?
"Prompto, no one expects you to be comfortable with this so quickly," Ignis offered and he managed to grin at the Adviser.
Maybe not…but he'd never forgive himself. "I didn't pack my swimsuit though."
Noctis offered a shy smile at that and pointed over to the doors. "There should be some regulation ones that'll fit you…if you're sure?"
"I can swim, hydrotherapy was part of getting use of my arms and legs back. And you wouldn't let me drown anyway."
"Never," Noctis swore seriously, staring him in the eye, and maybe it was insane, but he believed him.
"Very well, I shall find you a pair," Ignis got up and Prompto followed him to the massive changing room. "You don't have to do this. You have been through a massive shock today."
"I know," Prompto whispered before yanking his shirt over his head, not like Ignis and Noctis hadn't seen his scars already. He caught the glance at his arm and held it out to him. "You can touch it," he offered and Ignis glanced at his face before reaching out to gently probe at the sight, eyes widening as the skin gave way to reveal the metal port.
"I assume it's water proof?"
"Yeah, wouldn't work if we got electrocuted in the showers or something," he managed a small smile and Ignis nodded, handing over a pair of black shorts. Prompto stepped into a stall and quickly changed, putting his things in a locker that Ignis opened for him. He then led him to another section, and they found Noctis already there, obviously sitting on the ledge. Prompto looked down to see where it was and took a deep breath before stepping down onto it, slipping down further the sit on it.
The water was cool, but it felt nice. He glanced at Noctis and then shifted slightly so they were side by side, feeling scales against his leg, it was different but not scary. A hand brushed his and he took it, glancing over to see a small, happy smile on Noct's face. They sat like that for a while before Noctis let go and lifted his arm, moving it behind Prompto and he leant against Noctis, letting him wrap his arm around him. Yeah, there was still a little bit of his brain screaming at him that he was going to be pulled under and drowned or eaten, especially with the coolness of Noct's skin on his, but he could ignore it. He let his head rest on Noct's shoulder and felt Noctis tip his head to rest against his. For a second he could have sworn he felt him kiss the top of his head, but that was silly, right?
"Thank you," the words were barely audible, but he still heard them, and he reached across Noct's body to take his free hand and pull it so that Noctis wrapped him up in a hug. They settled quietly like that and Ignis retreated to a nearby chair with a smile of relief.
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Noctis sat on the shelf, feeling utterly content to have Prompto almost curled against him, his arms around the blond. It felt so right, it would only be better if he could feel a tail pressed against his own, if Prompto was his, theirs. He'd really thought for a few moments that he was going to lose his best friend and then to hear the truth about his past… he needed to give Cor something really nice as a thank you for rescuing Prom and bringing him to the city. Hearing how he'd nearly died several times hurt, and he did wonder what else they had done to him. if he hadn't been born…then who were his 'parents', did he get the harpy DNA off them or was that added in the lab with the 'unknown'? Should he tell Prompto what they had found in his tests or was it too soon?
"Hey Noct?" Prom spoke up quietly after a while of just sitting together.
"Yeah?"
"If I don't move soon I'm gonna freeze, water's a little too cool for me to sit too long."
"Oh, right, guess that means you want to get out," he started pulling back, knowing he was stuck awhile longer unless Specs got his chair and the blanket. He didn't want to let go, know that Prom knew some of the truth he never wanted to let him leave his side.
"I said I need to move to keep warm," Prompto offered quietly and Noctis sat up fully, looking at him as he realised what he was saying.
"You mean it?" he asked shakily, this was more than he could have hoped for so soon.
Prompto grinned slightly and Noct could see the slightest hint of uncertainty. "Well I'm already in here, might as well, been a while since I last swam though."
"I won't let anything happen," Noctis promised solemnly. He slowly slipped off the shelf and then offered his hand to Prompto who took it even as he pushed off the shelf as well, legs kicking to keep his head above the surface.
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Ignis watched in happy surprise as Prompto took Noctis' hand and moved to tread water, the water was a fine temperature for them, but it was a bit cool for a human, especially when just sitting. Those in the Glaive who did not have a mer form still had enough of the magic to not be bothered and so he had forgotten about that. He was once again amazed by Prompto, in the space of barely an hour he'd gone form so terrified he nearly hyperventilated himself into unconsciousness to letting Noctis hold his hand in water too deep for him to stand in. Was that the as of yet uninitiated bond reacting between them? Or did Prompto trust him that much after only months of friendship?
He could feel Noct's happiness, the contentment of having Prompto at his side, and it felt right.
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Prompto grinned at Noctis and then flipped onto his back to float a little, getting used to the buoyancy of the water before he dunked his head under and then surfaced, shaking his hair out. He didn't say anything about Noct holding his hand the whole time as he got used to being in the water again, it felt nice to know he was right there.
"Trust me?" Noctis asked.
He could hear the slight hesitancy, hating that he'd put it there but unable to have helped his reactions. Everything he'd been taught as a child screamed to say no, the same part of him that longed for a gun, but he'd gotten good at deflecting that part of him, first through a camera and now he would do the opposite of what it wanted. "Yeah," he squeezed Noctis' hand. It wasn't like he'd been any safer sitting on the shelf than he would be in the open water after all, or even when he'd been sitting at the edge.
"Take a deep breath," Noctis told him, so he did and then Noctis was gently tugging him under the surface before they were moving through the water, Noct pulling him along at speeds he would never be able to reach himself.
After a while he tugged at Noct's hand and then they were ascending and he gulped in the air as they surfaced, unable to stop grinning. "That was awesome!"
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Noctis was careful not to swim full speed as he pulled Prompto through the water, until he felt him tug at his hand, so he quickly surfaced, watching as Prompto gasped in air…he was grinning!
"That was awesome!"
His words had Noctis laughing, relieved that he wasn't scared by the speed or the risk of drowning if Noctis didn't let go.
"You're fast."
"That wasn't even full speed," he boasted, unable to help grinning back, fighting back the desire to kiss him, it was too soon, too fast, Prom didn't know what it would mean.
"Wow," was all Prompto managed to say. "You're incredible," and then he blushed and Noctis felt his own cheeks flush a little at the compliment.
"I'm not the one who looked past all the legends to get in the water with a mer."
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Ignis shook his head in amusement at the boys. He did wonder how Prompto would take Gladio and his owns forms as they were far more alien than Noctis'. They would have to work up to that, while Gladio's was the more predatory, it may be the best to reveal next.
They would also need to begin easing him into the parts of their lives they had hidden from him before. he would need to be taught about the true history of the Lucis Caelum line and the war with Niflheim…and the truth of his own mixed heritage. How were they meant to tell him that he carried the blood of one of their worst enemies? Then there was being their Fourth, the fact that the three of them were together, that Prompto was meant to be with them too.
What would they do if Prompto's Harpy DNA ever became active? Would they be able to fight past thousands of years of instinct if it did? Would Prompto be able to hold on to who he was if it did? Harpy's…well their name was rather indicative of what they were like, they were vicious, cruel and violent. And he didn't think that just because they were at war, they acted the same to the humans within the Empire as well. Prompto was nothing like that and the thought of him being twisted into one of them, bright blue eyes turned black, features distorted into something so alien… no, they would not lose him to that.
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Prompto followed Ignis through the halls, paying a lot more attention now that he was sure Noctis was okay. The Citadel was truly amazing, it felt old but not cold. His hair was damp from the long swim and he felt a little chilly, but it was nothing a hot shower wouldn't take care of. He could have showered in the dressing room, but a group of Glaive had been coming in and it had made him self-conscious so Ignis had bundled him out of there quickly with the promise of a shower in the room he'd be sleeping in. He blinked as they entered an opulent hallway and then Iggy was unlocking a door and ushering him inside what looked like a multi-room apartment. It hit him then where they were when he saw the game consoles. "This is Noct's."
"Of course, where else would you stay?" he smiled. "Guestroom is here, I'll begin dinner, take all the time you wish," he showed Prompto into a room bigger than the one his parents used when home. "The bathroom is fully stocked with anything you may need."
"Thanks Iggy," he slipped inside and put his bag down on the bench at the foot of the bed. He looked up to find Ignis watching him from the doorway, glasses hiding his eyes. "Ignis?"
The older man walked back to him and pulled him into a hug, holding him close and he tensed for a second before relaxing, lifting his arms to hug him back. "Thank you," he whispered and then he was gone, closing the door after him.
Prompto stared after him before smiling slightly and turning back to his bag. He dug out some clean clothing but left his toiletries in it, going to see what was already in the bathroom, all way better brands than he could ever afford.
He turned the water on as hot as he could stand and stripped off to get in, letting it soak into aching muscles. He was definitely unused to swimming anymore. He closed his eyes and let his mind wander, still trying to get his head around everything. Merpeople were real and his best friend was one of them. how had it been kept from the general populace? Then again, everyone but Noct only transformed in water, that daemon attack had really messed things up for him. Did knowing all of this change anything? He leant against the wall, staring up at the tiles opposite him. The Empire obviously knew because they wouldn't be telling the MT kids bedtime stories. He wondered if that meant the war extended underwater somehow.
He sighed and began scrubbing down, removing the salt from his skin. He hated the Empire and he would not let his childhood training influence his life. No…Noctis, Iggy, even Gladio, they were his friends, human or not. He would not let knowing about their other nature affect that. He did remember Ignis saying he hadn't been born a mer which was interesting, and he wondered if he'd be willing to explain more. That they trusted him enough to have been planning to tell him amazed him. Why tell him though? He would never have suspected a thing if he hadn't seen Noct jump.
They now knew the truth about him too and they hadn't pushed him away. He was an MT, the enemy, the proof literally branded into his skin but they'd hugged him, comforted him. that hadn't helped his stupid emotions any…his friends were highly attracted and wonderful, was it surprising he had a crush on all of them? He could never let them know, he couldn't lose them, not now.
Skin beginning to go red, he got out and dried off before dressing and then heading out to find Iggy in the kitchen, cooking, and he grinned at seeing Noctis sprawled on the couch, hair still a little damp, his legs sprawled limp on the cushions.
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Noctis looked up at Prompto left the spare room, unable to keep from grinning back at him. He'd been nervous about how he'd react now that he'd had time alone to think but now he felt bad for doubting him. "Did you try to cook yourself?" he asked, seeing the red tint to his skin and Prompto rolled his eyes, obviously unsure where he was allowed and Noctis patted the couch he was already sprawled on.
He'd managed to change back, though his legs were utterly useless at the moment. Prompto lifted his legs gently and slid under them, as if they were at the blonds home, fingers automatically digging into weak muscles, working out any knots in them and just helping keep them from tightening up. Noctis sighed and relaxed, feeling utterly content, for the first time not having to fight to remain quiet as the near-silent whistling noises came from his throat.
Prompto looked up in surprise and Noctis felt a flash of concern for revealing that even in human form he wasn't really human. Prom pressed into another muscle and he couldn't help the vocal reaction, relieved when Prompto smiled and kept working.
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Ignis glanced over from the kitchen and smiled softly at the sight of the two on the couch. It was a good sign and he was happy to see them so relaxed after the stressful day they'd had. Hearing the noises from Noctis, Prompto simply continuing to work on his leg muscles, was a relief. He was making Prompto's favourite green curry, figuring he deserved the treat after the day he'd had.
Once sure the boys were fine he slipped away to report to the King in person on what had happened. King Regis' concern for both teens was obvious, as was his relief at how well Prompto had taken it.
Prompto ended up staying the whole weekend at the Citadel before returning home after school on Monday. To keep from overwhelming him, Gladio stayed in Ignis' rooms rather than Noctis'. They would tell him soon, but they wanted to give him time to adjust to knowing what they were.
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Noctis floated in Ignis' arms, relaxing back against him. It was nice, not having so many secrets with Prompto, it had made things much more relaxed over the last few days. He couldn't wait for the break now, when Prompto could be over all the time and they could begin easing him into the idea of the bond and what it meant for them.
Clawed hands skimmed down his body and he shivered in reaction; sensation was so much better in the water. It also meant he could fully participate in anything they did since when he couldn't use his legs, it was from the injury site down which made him rather useless in bed. He felt movement in the water and opened his eyes, seeing Gladio swimming towards them with a predatory grin and Noctis relaxed fully, letting them do as they pleased with him, letting go of all his worries.
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Prompto got up and groaned, feeling his whole body ache. Great, just what he needed. With the temperature dropping he had been expecting it though. He staggered into the bathroom and turned the shower on as hot as he could stand it, getting in to let the water pound into his spine. He glanced at his bed, so tempted to just crawl back in but he forced himself to dress and grab his bag, having a quick breakfast, with painkillers, before leaving, walking slower than usual.
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Noctis grinned in relief when he spotted Prompto, he'd been starting to wonder if he was coming, usually he beat Noctis to school. But then he frowned when he saw how the blond was almost shuffling, back hunched a bit. He quickly wheeled himself closer. "Are you okay?" he asked in alarm, grabbing Prompto's bag before he could argue.
He managed a slightly pained grin. "I'll be okay. It's just the cold."
Noctis frowned before realising what he meant, pulling out his phone to text Specs.
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Ignis glanced down and frowned at the message.
"What's up Iggy?"
"Message from Noctis, asking to be picked up with Prompto."
"Now?" Gladio shook his head as Ignis pocketed his phone.
"Now," he agreed, beginning to walk towards the garage.
"Don't they have class?"
"Of course they do, however today is the first really cold day of the season."
Gladio frowned at him in confusion, what did the weather have to do with them wanting to skip and why was Ignis going along with it? "I don't get it?"
"One of the very few side effects from Prompto's attack is triggered by cold weather."
"Ah," and Noctis hated seeing those he cared about in pain, then again they all did. He got in the car as well, if Prompto was in that much pain they may need his help. He didn't get enough time with the younger male; he was kept pretty busy with the Guard but he wanted to get to know him better. Noctis was insistent he was their fourth which meant he really did need to make more of an effort, he liked Prompto, a lot, but it wasn't love yet. The kid had not had an easy life and was working on top of school which also limited the time he had free to spend with any of them. He'd taken the truth about them pretty well too, despite Noct scaring him half to death with his leap into the canals.
They arrived at the school to find the two younger males waiting for them, Prompto leaning awkwardly against a wall, his schoolbag hanging from Noct's chair with the Princes' own. They both got out and approached, Gladio moving to the blonds side. "How bad?" he asked gently, he knew the kid found him a bit intimidating and yeah, he hadn't been sure of him at the beginning, but the kid had proven himself in how protective he was of Noctis, how much he helped him.
"I'm fine," was the muttered answer.
"Yeah, I hear that a lot," Gladio snorted. He decided to save time and placed a bracing hand against where he knew the old wound was and then slid the other under Prompto's knees, lifting him easily. "You are way too skinny," he muttered even as the kid squawked and tried to argue. He caught Noctis smothering a laugh as they made their way to the car.
Gladio slid Prompto into the backseat and Noctis quickly joined him, reaching over to squeeze Prompto's hand. "Let Gladio carry you Prom."
"Have you taken anything Prompto?" Ignis asked as he drove.
"With breakfast," he answered.
"Shall I call one of the Citadel on-call therapists?"
"I'm okay," he tried to argue, shifting slightly on the seat.
They pulled into the garage and Prompto rolled his eyes, almost sulking, but he didn't try to get away as Gladio lifted him from the car, Ignis pushing Noctis's chair for extra speed. They didn't want to embarrass Prompto by having too many people see him. If Noctis was having a good day they could have simply let Prompto use the chair.
"What has happened?"
Prompto groaned and buried his face against Gladio's shirt as the King, Gladio's Dad, and Cor approached down the hall.
"It's okay Dad," Noctis answered.
"Bad day kid?" Cor asked, moving to ruffle blond locks and Prompto looked up, the three men seeing the signs of pain. He reached out and took Prompto from Gladio, gently rubbing his back with one hand. "Gym pool is heated; the hot water will help. Regis?"
"Go," Regis smiled at the boy. "I hope you feel better soon Prompto." With that the two men were gone.
Cor carried Prompto to the gym, the others following. He helped Prompto into a pair of swimming shorts and then into the heated pool.
Prompto hissed in pain but then slowly relaxed. He looked up to find all four watching as he let the heat soak in and begin relieving the pain caused by the cold. "What?" he looked up at them, feeling sleepy thanks to the meds and his body starting to relax.
"How can you stand that?" Gladio asked and Cor chuckled.
"Mers don't like hot water," he admitted and Prompto blinked.
"It's nicely warm, not hot," he clarified and then his eyes widened as he stared at Cor who nodded. "Oh…so are you…"
"Yes, or I'd be in there helping you," Cor promised.
"I will set up the massage table for once you're out," Ignis told him, going to get what he would need even as Noctis shifted from his chair to sit beside the standard swimming pool, though it was also saltwater rather than chlorine.
"Just don't fall asleep in there and drown," Gladio warned. "I don't want to have to dive in that after you." An hour later he was helping Prompto out where he dried off and then lay out in the table and Ignis went to work, being careful of the still tense muscles around the scars.
Once Ignis was done Cor got Prompto down on a mat to do his stretches and exercises to keep from cramping up, before Prompto fell asleep.
"Is it always that bad?" Noctis asked from where he'd moved to sit by Prompto, running his fingers through still slightly damp hair.
"That's the worst I've seen it since he came off the walking stick," Cor admitted softly. "He used to love winter before."
"Guess I'm lucky I don't get pain like that from the cold."
"I'll call him out sick from school for tomorrow at least," Cor told them. "Let him soak as much as he wants but makes sure he stays hydrated and eats at some point."
Ignis nodded, hydration was no issue for them when in water, but he remembered when he had been human, that staying in water for a long time, especially warm water, would cause him to need water.
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Gladio walked into the pool area, grinning as he watched Prompto trying to dodge the splashing Noctis, the blond spluttering at the salt water. He nodded at where Ignis was lounging, keeping an eye on the boys. It was good to see no signs of pain on the kids face as they played. None of them liked his reaction to the cold so Ignis had bought him an electric blanket and Noctis had managed to sneakily pay his heating bills, ensuring he could keep his house at a warmer temperature. Gladio had begun running with him when he could, helping him with his exercises as well, he did the same for Noctis so it was no trouble. In fact, they had both boys working together when they could to save time. Now it was time for him to be introduced to another mer, and yes, they had asked Prompto this time and he had agreed. He caught the blonds eye as he approached, bare foot and chested already. "Having fun?" he smirked and Prompto clung to the edge, looking half drowned.
"Water fights with Noctis suck!"
"Well what do you expect?" he laughed and Noctis pouted.
"Hey, you're worse," the Prince argued. He swam over to be beside Prompto, a steadying presence and ready to push Prompto out of the water if he freaked or anything.
"Ready for me?" Gladio asked and Prompto nodded, watching curiously. He grinned and then dove in, pants vanishing at the last second as he hit the water.
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Prompto watched Gladio dive in, amazed by the way his clothing vanished magically, literally. He was a bit nervous since he remembered being told that Gladio and Ignis were more predatory and stranger than Noctis', but that didn't change who they were. He knew Gladio and he wouldn't hurt him, in either form.
Gladio surfaced, keeping his distance and Prompto looked him over. The first thing he noticed was that Gladio's ears still looked normal, then he spotted the closed gills. He didn't have scales like Noct did but…his skin was tinted blue. He let his eyes look below the water line, seeing an elongated tail and the end of it…was flipped sideways compared to Noctis'… caudal fin. He'd started looking at pictures of marine animals, learning what everything was. There were two fins at the top of the tail area, one either side of his body, two sets of much smaller ones further down his body, one set close to the caudal. The two higher ones were pectoral fins, the lower… pelvic fins and…so he had some more studying to go. Gladio turned to let him see everything, showing of the brilliant blue colour of the top side of his tail and spreading up over his back, and he had a dorsal fin…a very familiar shape from a lot of movies… "Shark?" he asked and Gladio smirked.
"You're learning."
"Well that fin shape's kinda distinctive."
"And you have a thing for scary movies," Noctis added for him, an arm wrapping around his waist and Prompto relaxed, knowing Noct could hold him above the surface with just one arm.
Gladio laughed at that, revealing rows of razor sharp teeth. "Scared blondie?" he asked, teasing and Prompto found himself grinning back.
"I'd taste horrible," he offered and Gladio laughed again.
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Gladio swam closer, happy to see the kid didn't tense or show any sign of fear, though Noctis stuck by his side, just in case. Though the arm around his waist was unnecessary, sneaky of him to get the contact they could all feel he craved with the blond, the unformed bonds way of telling Noct to hurry up. Humans had an instinctual fear of sharks, not that he blamed them, he knew the damage he could do, how much a full shark could do. "Now starts the fun."
"Fun?" Prompto frowned at his tone.
"Training. By the time I'm done with you, you'll be as at home in the water as on land."
"What? Why?"
"Because you're our friend and you've been seen with Noctis in public a lot, even if not officially. If something happens while you are with us, you need to be able to get to safety."
Prompto grimaced but nodded slowly. "Okay, what do I do?"
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Noctis swam over to where Ignis was lounging in a chair, both watching as Gladio spoke with Prompto before beginning to work with him. "He didn't even flinch," he offered, proud of how far Prompto had come.
"Indeed, he is adapting very well to everything," Ignis offered a small smile.
"But you're still worried he'll freak over seeing you," Noctis pulled himself up and out of the water, changing back, pants appearing for Prompto's sake if he looked over. Casual nudity wasn't an issue for them, but he knew Prompto was body shy, it showed how much he trusted them that he didn't wear a shirt in the water and would strip down to underwear for Ignis to work on his back.
"We need to begin teaching him about the different social norms and behaviours, though he has noticed us all being more physical with him and has accepted it."
"Yeah…he doesn't just accept it Specs."
"He wants it. Have you met his parents yet?" he asked as if changing the subject and Noctis shook his head.
"I don't think they've been home once since the beginning of the school year," he admitted softly. "You think he's…touch starved?" It took him a second to think up the right term and Ignis nodded. Humans needed contact, not as much as them, but they still needed it and it looked like Prom might only be getting it from them. "I'm worried," he whispered and Ignis looked at him.
"Why?"
"His test results and that stupid unknown that showed up. What if the magic doesn't take…or worse?"
"There is nothing we can do Noctis but believe that he will be strong enough when the time comes," Ignis offered and he nodded, unable to help worrying about it.
"We need to speak with him soon about our relationships. If you are that concerned about how he will react to the magic then perhaps if he is already in a relationship with us, it will give him the strength necessary should something go wrong."
Noctis nodded, it made sense…but without the bond and his own mer instincts, would Prompto be able to accept that as well?
TBC…
