Disclaimer: not mine
Chapter 4
The winter break passed too quickly as far as Noctis was concerned. He made sure Prompto was at the Citadel or he was at Prom's house as much as possible. They all knew they had to tell him everything but it was nice enough having him around almost all of the time, training him in the pools.
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Noctis sat on Prompto's couch, enjoying the feeling of Prompto's hands massaging tense muscles. School was back on Monday so they were enjoying their last weekend of freedom by watching movies and playing games while eating junk food. He'd been having a good day until he'd turned funny in the kitchen, his back letting him know it did not appreciate that at all! Prompto had barely caught him, stumbling over to the couch while taking most of his weight which made Noctis feel bad since he knew Prompto's upper body strength wasn't the best.
So now they were flopped on the couch with a new movie and Prompto trying to help the pain by loosening up the muscles in his legs, he wasn't sure enough in his skills to actually work on his back, too worried about hurting him.
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Ignis smiled as the Prompto waited for Noctis to get in the car before handling his chair, it was nice not to have to get out and do it himself every time. Thankfully between time spent in both the pools and the therapy pool, the extra help with exercises, and their help warming his home up, Prompto hadn't had another bad attack. He was a little slow sometimes in the morning but Noctis had been very willing to re-arrange things so that they picked the other teen up on the way to the school, it added some time to the drive but it was worth it to save him the walk in the elements.
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Gladio woke as Ignis left the bed, feeling Noctis latch onto him in the others absence, not that he minded at all. Thankfully it was the weekend so he didn't have to try to get Noctis up just then. He wrapped an arm around his Prince, holding him close and just enjoying the time with him.
They didn't get as much time alone since Prompto had entered their lives but none of them regrated it. they could all feel it now, Prompto was definitely their missing piece. He just wished they could hurry up and explain it all to him, the sooner they added him to the bond the better. He was looking forward to seeing what kind of mer he made and then training him.
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Prompto lay on the floor beside Noctis, working on their homework, the tv on for background noise. Ignis was in the kitchen, cooking and Gladio was lounging on the couch, watching them work. There was two months left in the school year and as the time passed, Prompto became more and more withdrawn. None of them knew what to do about it, most teens couldn't wait to finish high school. They didn't know what to do about it either, they'd tried everything they could think of. They had planned to talk to him the other week but they were now holding off, not wanting to add to whatever was making him so introverted.
A knock sounded and Gladio got up to open the door to Noct's chambers, revealing Cor. He'd called the Marshal earlier, hoping he would have an insight into what was up with Prompto.
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"Good afternoon boys," Cor greeted them, instantly seeing what had them so concerned. He knelt down and reached out to ruffle bright blond hair. "I've got a treat for you."
"Am I five?" Prompto asked, tipping his head back to look up at him and Gladio snickered.
"No. I've got the shooting hall booked, it'll just be us," Cor told him and Prompto's eyes widened, skin paling a little.
"What?" he sat up. "Cor…"
"You're learning to shoot?" Noctis asked, sitting up more slowly and Prompto looked away. "Prom?"
"I know how to shoot, I just haven't, not since coming to Insomnia. I told you, 'bout why I have the camera."
"There aren't many in the guard or glaive who use guns, it'd be good to see someone who knows how to use one. Can we watch?" Ignis suggested, thinking the support may be good.
"What?" Prompto stared at him with wide eyes, terrified, which obviously wasn't what the Adviser had been aiming for. "No! it's too dangerous."
"Prompto, I'll be there, I won't let anything happen," Cor swore, he thought he could use the support as well. He had the feeling he knew why Prompto was acting the way he was, when school ended so did the Argentum's support. If necessary, he would pay Prompto's bills himself, he would not allow him to be driven from the city.
"Promise?" he whispered, almost a whimper, and Cor nodded solemnly, knowing what Prompto was asking, if he became a threat then Cor would do whatever he had to in order to protect the Prince. He didn't believe for a second that it was a promise he would need to keep. "Better grab my shoes…." He quickly left and the boys looked to Cor, worry clear in three pairs of eyes.
"Why is he so worried? It's been years, right?" Gladio asked even as he helped Noctis to his feet, letting him lean against him until he was steady before Iggy grabbed his chair, Noctis slumping down into it, pulling the blanket into place.
"Prompto was in counselling for years, even once he was adopted and started school. His fear is understandable but I, and the King, believe it is unwarranted at this stage. I won't tell you what it was like back then, what he was like, that's up to him. But…had the attack on him happened even two years earlier, he would not have been the one needing an ambulance."
That obviously stunned them and then Prompto came back, having changed clothes into a sleeveless shirt, barcode covered. Since they knew and didn't care he often took off the wrist band when in Noctis' rooms since Ignis had pointed out that skin did need to breath. "Ready," he offered, and they left, heading to a very different part of the Citadel, people occasionally staring at the group and they had shifted so that Prompto was safely in the middle and therefore mostly hidden by the taller guys. Noctis was in front of them, pushing his wheelchair along, meaning the group walked slowly, but Prompto obviously didn't mind taking their time.
Cor swiped his ID card, unlocking the room and they went inside, all hearing Prompto suck in a breath as he looked around.
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This was where they learned to shoot? It couldn't be more different to where he'd learned and that was good, very good. It would help keep the memories where they belonged. Cor moved to one of the cabinets and opened it, removing the necessary equipment, handing out earmuffs to everyone. He then placed a gun down on a table across from a target and then stepped back. Prompto hesitated and then Noctis was gripping his hand, squeezing in support, and he turned his head to look down at him, seeing the confidence in dark blue eyes. Noct believed he could do it and a glance at the others showed the same surety.
He took a deep breath and walked over to where the gun waited, looking from Cor to the guys so he moved to be between them, if anything happened, Prompto would have to get passed the Marshal to get to them. He reached out, running his fingers over the weapon and then he couldn't help laughing slightly. "A Quicksilver?" he glanced at Cor who smirked before rolling his eyes.
He'd never used one before, another good idea. He picked it up, feeling the weight and then he carefully stripped it down before putting it back together, then doing it again, fast. It felt so familiar to do it, something they had drilled in a lot. He slipped the ammo in and then raised the gun, taking aim at the target. He took a breath and then everything faded away till it was just him and the target and he fired once to test the weapon before firing until he was out of ammunition. He blinked and put it down, removing the ear protection, waiting for something…there should be….
"Prom?" Noctis called and he looked over at them, seeing Noctis' eyes widened slightly.
"Prompto!" Cor snapped and he blinked, looking at the Marshal.
"Cor?" His head ached a little, but why had Cor snapped at him? He saw the man relax once he'd responded and then the Marshal walked over to him and gently moved him away from the gun.
"You okay?" He asked and Prompto nodded before rubbing at his arm, no longer used to the recoil of a gun. Cor brought the target up for him to see and his eyes widened, only one shot had been slightly off, his first testing one, the rest where either through the heart or between the eyes. That was good…or wrong?
"How old were you last time you used a gun?" Gladio asked in awe and Prompto shrugged, uncomfortable and not liking the weird distant feeling. An arm wrapped around his waist and he sagged against Ignis and then a hand slipped into his and he looked down to find Noct had wheeled himself over, obviously worried. He breathed in the scent of saltwater that always lingered around them, how he'd missed it with how often he and Noctis touched he didn't know.
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Cor moved in and gently grasped Prompto's chin, making eye contact with the boy, searching. He was a little off and that had him worried though the fact he had relaxed into Ignis' touch and was leaning on him, holding Noctis' hand, was a good sign. Had some buried training kicked in then surely he wouldn't be doing that, would attack or remain stiff and awaiting orders. He looked a little confused but that wasn't too bad a reaction. "Breath with me," he coached the old lesson and Prompto easily fell into it. Cor had been involved in a lot of his early sessions in breaking the conditioning because Prompto was used to him from the journey back from Niflheim, so Prompto was used to following his voice.
"Is he okay?" Noctis asked in alarm, tightening his hold on his hand. "Prompto?"
"Here," the blond answered, turning his head to rest it against Ignis' shoulder.
"How do you feel?" Cor pushed.
"Okay…my head hurts a little."
"I think that's enough for today," Ignis offered and Cor nodded.
"There's no rush, if you want we can do this again, we'll move slowly so you don't get overwhelmed," Cor agreed.
"Sorry," Prompto whispered and Gladio reached out to squeeze his shoulder.
"You did nothing wrong blondie," the Shield assured him as they left the room, Ignis and Cor bracketing Prompto who leaned on Ignis heavily.
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Prompto jolted awake with a gasp, barely biting back the need to give his unit number as he did. He ran a shaky hand through his hair, remembering when it was once shaved close to his head and he reached for his phone with shaking hands. He hesitated, torn over which number…..he hit dial and waited.
"Prompto? Is something wrong?"
"Iggy…." He gasped for breath, "I…I can't…"
"Prompto?" Ignis sounded alarmed now, there was noise in the background. "I'm coming, just stay on the line, talk to me," he urged.
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Ignis yanked on clothing, not caring what it was and grabbed his keys, phone pressed to his ear as he ran from his apartment, heading for the garage. "Are you injured?" he asked, if he was it may be safer for Prompto to call emergency services.
"Pl…ease…."
"Try and slow your breathing down, you're going to hyperventilate," he kept his voice as calm as possible as he transferred to hands free in order to drive safely. Prompto's family home was not close to the Citadel and he worked hard to keep Prompto responding. At a red light he quickly texted Gladio, Noctis and Cor, depending on what he found he may need their help.
He finally reached the small house and found it locked so he got out the spare key Prompto had given him for emergencies, rushing to Prompto's bedroom where he found him tucked into a corner, knees drawn up to his chest, blue eyes wide and glassy. "Prompto? Can you hear me?" he called softly, crouching down opposite the younger boy and he slowly looked at him, blinking dazedly. "That's it, you're safe, I'm right here," he whispered, reaching out slowly to take his phone and end the call, putting it aside before gently cupping a cool cheek, Prompto usually felt warm to him. His other hand went to Prompto's shoulder, easing him forward until he slumped into Ignis' arms.
His phone beeped with incoming messages and he glanced down, seeing one from Cor and one from Gladio, Noctis had likely slept through his. Both said the same thing, bring Prompto back to the Citadel. He stood up, pulling the pliant boy with him, worried by how limp he was, having to take his full weight. Good thing being a mer gave greater strength, then again Prompto was rather skinny anyway. He lifted him up and set him on the bed before moving to pack a bag, taking it out to the car before returning for Prompto. He whimpered and clung to Ignis' shirt when he bent to lift him.
"It's alright, I'm taking you to the Citadel," he promised, carrying him from the house. He settled him in the car and texted them back that he had him and would take him to Noctis' rooms since they were the largest and Noctis would want to be woken for this. It had been one of the rare nights when they had all been sleeping alone. They shouldn't have let him go home, not after his reaction to using the gun. He drove with one hand, keeping the other wrapped around Prompto's wrist. "Come on Prompto, talk to me," he urged gently and Prompto blinked at him.
"Iggy?" his voice was soft, lost but he sounded a bit more coherent.
"I'm here, you're alright," he pulled back into the garage and saw Gladio waiting. He got out and nodded at the Shield. "Give me a hand?"
"Of course," he moved in, kneeling down to see Prompto, undoing his seatbelt and lifting him from the car, feeling him limp in his hold, breathing too fast, eyes a little glassy but then a hand came up to clutch his shirt, that was good, right? "Hey blondie, I've got you," he whispered, carrying him towards the elevator as Ignis followed with Prompto's bag. They headed up in silence and walked to Noctis' suite, grateful the halls were empty except for the occasional guard, Ignis opening the door for him. They went straight through to the main bedroom where Noctis was buried in the blankets. Ignis pulled back the covers and Noctis whined but his eyes slowly opened.
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"Specs?" he mumbled.
"It's Prompto, I need you to wake up Highness," he answered and that had Noctis waking up, pushing himself up as he saw Prompto in Gladio's arms.
He held his own out and Gladio gently settled the blond into Noctis' arms. Noctis looked him over for injuries but there was nothing and he held him close to his chest, rocking gently. He ran a hand through sweat darkened hair, trying to offer comfort. "It's okay Prom, we're all here," he whispered as Prompto shifted to cling to him.
"Not dead," Prompto whispered and Noctis tightened his grip and Ignis and Gladio got into the bed as well, surrounding them.
"All very much alive," Noctis promised. "It was just a dream." He heard a soft knock and the Cor was in the doorway, frowning in concern.
"Is he alright?" Cor asked, walking over to rest on the edge of the large bed. Prompto whimpered and clung tighter to Noctis, as if afraid Cor would take him away.
"It seems he had a nightmare of at least Noctis being dead," Ignis answered, gently running his hand through Prompto's hair.
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Cor reached out and gently tapped Prompto's cheek, getting the teen to look at him, seeing that he wasn't quite with them and he felt a flash of guilt. This was his fault; he shouldn't have pushed Prompto to try shooting. He should never have allowed Prompto to go home alone with how rattled he'd been either. "Hey kid," he called.
"Cor?" Prompto asked. "I killed them…why didn't you stop me?" a tear trailed down his cheek and Noctis pressed his cheek against Prompto's, soft noises coming from his throat, trying to comfort him like another mer.
"It was just a dream Prompto, nothing happened. They are right here, with you," Cor assured him, but he shook his head. Cor frowned at that. "We need something to shock him out of this."
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"The pools, the cold water and my other form are something very real and not linked to the training room," Noctis offered and Cor nodded, reaching out to scoop Prompto up, feeling the kid burrow into his chest. Noctis threw back the covers and got to his feet, wavering, but he forced himself to move, one leg dragging and Gladio simply picked him up so they could move faster. They moved quickly and quietly through the Citadel, down to the pools and Noctis immediately dove in, Gladio following him.
Ignis went to the change room and opened Prompto's locker, removing his swimming trunks and Cor quickly changed him, something he had helped Prompto with before during both of his rehabilitations. They both knew he would not want to go into the water naked. Cor then lowered him into the cool water and Noctis took him even as Prompto gasped at the temperature change. Gladio covered his nose and mouth and then they dunked him fully under, surfacing quickly. Noctis was relieved to feel Prompto gripping his shoulders more firmly.
Prompto coughed and shook his head, eyes clearer, more alert, even as he shivered from the sudden temperature change. "Nnnoct?" he gasped, clinging tightly and Noctis smiled, flashing sharp teeth.
"Welcome back," he pressed their cheeks together again, clicking softly.
"Back?" Prompto looked around in confusion.
"You had a nightmare, thankfully you managed to call me for help, and I brought you back here," Ignis spoke up, kneeling at the side with Cor.
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Prompto paled as he remembered the dream except it had all felt so real, the feel of a gun in his hand, the sound of the shots…Noct lying in a pool of blood, dark blue eyes fixed, face locked in an expression of confusion. Gladio yelling, summoning shield and sword, lunging for him, his bullets slamming into his skull and then Iggy…. He buried his head against Noctis' throat, fighting back tears, feeling Noctis' hand in his hair.
"Shh, it's okay, it wasn't real."
But it could have been. He knew he could do it, even after all these years, he could still shoot without even trying. He disgusted himself. He was a monster, something made to kill. Even with all of the help he'd been given over the years, it wasn't enough.
"You won't hurt us," Ignis reached out to gently stroke his cheek as Noctis hauled them onto the ledge. "You are stronger than anything the Empire did to you. It was just a dream, it doesn't mean anything," he said firmly and Prompto looked over at him and Cor.
"Ignis is right, it was only a dream. I shouldn't have pushed you into it and I am sorry. You never have to shoot again," Cor promised.
Prompto felt ashamed and embarrassed, looking away but Noctis nuzzled at his throat, something that should feel threatening considering his teeth but felt comforting instead. "Sorry," he mumbled.
"You've got nothing to be sorry for," Gladio told him, wrapping an arm around his waist as he floated in front of them. "And don't go thinking you have to handle things like this alone, anything happens, and you call one of us, night or day."
Prompto looked at all the serious faces and nodded slowly, shivering, and Noctis gently nudged him up to stand, Cor helping haul him out while Iggy wrapped him up in a warm fluffy towel.
"Let's get you warmed up and back to bed, good thing it's the weekend, you can sleep in," Ignis told him, pushing him towards the locker room and into a hot shower.
When Prompto got out he found clean pyjamas waiting for him, so he dressed and left the locker room to find Noctis being helped out, wobbling on shaky legs but he had shifted back. Gladio got out as well and Prompto kept his gaze averted, not comfortable with the causal nudity.
Ignis re-joined him and led him back up to Noctis' rooms, and into Noct's bedroom.
"Iggy?" he baulked and Ignis fixed up the sheets.
"You aren't sleeping alone tonight. We will all stay in here."
"I'll be fine, I don't want to be trouble," he denied and Ignis smiled at him, putting his hands on his shoulders, looking him in the eye and Prompto realised he wasn't wearing his glasses and his hair was un-styled.
"You are not trouble Prompto. We all care about you and your wellbeing. Seeing you like that…being unable to help you snap out of it, was distressing. We all want you near as much to reassure ourselves as you. So get into bed, I'll get some hot chocolate for all of us."
"Yes sir!" he mock saluted and then yawned.
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Prompto slipped away and down to where he knew Cor's office was, smiling at Monica when she looked up.
"Good morning Prompto, the Marshal's in his office," she offered, and he nodded.
"Thanks." He walked past and knocked on the door.
"Enter," Cor called and Prompto opened the door, going inside. Cor looked up and smiled at him. "Prompto, how are you feeling?"
"Better," he shrugged and sat down. "I want to try again."
"Prompto?"
"I want to try shooting again. I don't want to let them win," he told him, trying to sound firm but knowing his voice was shaking a little.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive, just…not with the guys there."
"Alright, I'll work up a schedule. But if you get worse, I'll put a stop to it," Cor warned and he nodded, he'd expected that.
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Prompto lifted the gun and took aim, firing at the target, Cor standing within sight to the side, music playing in the background. The less like his childhood training it was, the better. He'd had some nightmares but nothing like after the first session. He stopped and removed his earmuffs, seeing the proud smile on Cor's face. he was beating them, like he had as a kid with the councillors help when he learnt to be a kid. Now he was learning to fight without being what he had been made to be. He would fight to protect those he loved, not as an MT.
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Noctis laughed and tossed popcorn at Prompto who put his hands up in defence before firing back. He was just glad to see Prompto was better, he suspected he was still practising with Cor but that was okay, as long as he was okay. Final exams were approaching far too quickly but they were done studying for the night. Ever since that night, they'd managed to talk Prompto into keeping some things in the Citadel and sleeping over and he thought that had helped him as well. His bed was massive so sharing didn't bother him, and there were nights he had to spend in the pools too so Ignis would stay with Prompto those nights. He knew what they were doing but he never complained, just looked a little awed that they would want to keep him company all the time.
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Noctis flopped onto the couch, eyes closed, as Prompto worked on the muscles in his legs. He wasn't up to Iggy's standards but he was still very good at it. It was a bad day, his legs not so much as twitching as Prom dug into a particularly stubborn muscle that always troubled him. School had been exhausting as well, the teachers cramming as much as they could in before exams.
"Can you feel it?" Prompto asked gently, and Noctis opened his eyes to find Prompto studying his legs, not so much massaging as gently running his hands over the muscles.
"More pressure than anything," he admitted, watching Prom's hands and wishing it was a better day so he could really feel it. "Don't stop," he whispered when Prompto slowed, the blond looking up at him, startled.
"Noct?" he was blushing slightly, embarrassed Noctis had realised he wasn't quite massaging anymore?
Noctis pushed himself more upright and then held his hand out to Prompto who took it, still a little flushed, and he tugged him closer. He lifted his other hand to run through bright blond hair, free of any styling products since they'd been in the pools earlier. He smiled when he felt Prompto shift into his touch, though the position couldn't be entirely comfortable for Prom since he had Noct's legs over his lap. He tugged him closer but he felt Prompto resist.
"Noct…no…what are you doing? I…I saw you and Iggy," Prompto stared at him in confused shock, a little wariness as well.
Noctis swore mentally, they should have talked to him already, now he had to fix this. He pulled himself all the way up, shifting back so he was leaning against the arm of the couch. Now he was stuck explaining alone. "We've been trying to work out the right time, how to explain…" he squeezed Prompto's hand gently, relieved when he didn't pull free.
"That you're dating Ignis?"
"Sort of…it's a mer thing," he looked down at their joined hands, knowing telling him could ruin everything if he couldn't accept it. "I'm with Ignis...and Gladio. We're bonded together with magic, that's what gave Iggy his mer-form. Ignis was first, then Gladio, but we've always known something was missing, that we were meant to be Four….and then I met you." He saw the confusion in Prompto's eyes, the uncertainty and he hated that he'd put it there. "The red book on the third shelf," he let go, pointing to it and Prompto carefully settled Noct's legs on the couch before going to retrieve the book. "I'm making a mess of this so…chapter six. Take your time and you can ask any of us any questions."
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Prompto shut the book and flopped onto his bed, mind spinning. They wanted him in their….pod? He wasn't scared of them but the idea of becoming a mer? That did kind of scare him. There were several types of groups that could form, he assumed that whoever the King's were, it was different to the bond between Noct and the guys.
Did he want that with them? He was attracted to them, loved them, but like that? After he'd seen Noct and Ignis kissing… he'd done his best to push them even more firmly into the friend category.
Noctis had said to take his time and this was definitely not something that should be rushed in any way. It was a lifetime commitment. If he agreed he'd be changing species!
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"Hey Iggy!"
Ignis turned at the sound of his name and smiled as the blond jogged towards him, he was moving much better now the weather was warming up. Noctis had admitted how he'd bungled things and Ignis hadn't seen Prompto since but surely calling out to him was a good sign? "Good morning Prompto," he greeted in return as the younger man fell into step beside him, walking close due to all of the foot traffic. "How are you feeling about your exams?" he couldn't ask what he really wanted to in public.
"The hard ones are done, I like maths and science," he shrugged.
"Unlike Noctis," Ignis chuckled and Prompto grinned.
"He'll do fine. Not heading for the Citadel?"
"I have some shopping to do. On your way to work?"
"Just finished, turned around when I spotted you."
That explained the slight weariness he had detected. "Are you coming over this weekend?"
"Noct asked me to," Prompto glanced at him and then away and Ignis brushed his gloved hand against his, bright blue eyes lifting to meet his.
"An end of exams party I believe, food and video games," Ignis smiled at him. "Nothing more," he assured him gently.
"Why have an exam party when we both know he'll want a graduation one?" they both laughed at that, though Prompto's was a little shaky sounding.
"Have you chosen a university yet?" there were three within the city after all and he watched Prompto's mostly good mood plummet. So they'd been right, it was the upcoming graduation that had been affecting his mood before Cor had started up the shooting practices and then Noctis had put his fins in it.
"I uh…haven't applied."
"Why not?" he pressed and Prompto shrugged awkwardly. "I have seen your grades Prompto, you are more than good enough to get in." was this a lack of confidence due to his origins or something else?
"And pay for it how?" he finally asked, not looking at him. "I….I can't afford to live here Iggy, not after graduation."
Ignis' eyes went wide in shock. How had they not even considered that? No…Cor likely had, and he hoped the Marshal had a plan. "Well…why haven't you said anything?"
"Because I wanted to enjoy finally having friends for as long as I could," Prompto snapped, hands balled into fists.
Ignis took his arm, pulling him down a side street, away from the crowds, towards one of the canals where he knew there was a secluded coffee stall and tables with some privacy. He sat Prompto down and got two coffees before sitting down with him. "This is why you were so withdrawn. Surely you know we would help?"
"No!" Prompto shook his head. "I can't ask that. I won't use our friendship like that." he wrapped his hands around the warm cup but didn't drink.
"Well you aren't asking, I am offering. You are stuck with us Prompto and we will help you find a way to keep living here. Not dependant on how you answer what you and Noct spoke of the other day. With or without that, you are the first friend Noctis has ever made, we were assigned to him and then became friends. We all care about you."
Prompto looked away, hands shaking slightly. "My first friends too," he muttered.
Ignis smiled softly at the admission and reached out to gently clasp his hands, stilling them. "We won't let you be forced out of the city," he swore. "Even if you end up in my spare room."
That got a laugh out of Prompto and he reached for his coffee to sip it. "We'd kill each other within a month, I tend to leave clothing all over the place."
"Perhaps," Ignis smirked. Room could likely be found among where the Glaives lived but they were mostly from Galahad and he wasn't sure the others in that sector would accept Prompto's presence. No, he wanted him closer to the Citadel, somewhere easily accessible so that Noctis could keep up his excursions out of the buildings, though they'd no longer have a private yard. He knew Prompto wouldn't be ready to even consider moving into the Citadel, even if he had made a positive choice by then. Between the three of them they could easily afford a place for Prompto, if he would accept it. Noctis alone could afford to rent or buy a place for him. "Just worry about graduation, something will be arranged, even if you do end up on someone's couch for a week or two. And no matter what you choose."
Prompto stared at him with wide eyes before slowly nodding.
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Gladio grinned and straightened Prompto's tie for him as the poor kid nearly vibrated through the floor. Ignis was dealing with Noctis across the room, several Crownsguard standing around. Thanks to the influx of people into the school for the ceremony, as well as the King's attendance, security was very tight. Prompto wasn't the only one fidgeting, Noctis couldn't sit still and it was obviously frustrating Ignis. "Alright, you're good to go, just don't mess up my hard work," he warned teasingly, patting a tense shoulder, and Prompto grinned nervously.
"No problem."
Gladio went over and took control of getting Noctis ready so Ignis walked over to where Prompto was waiting.
"Excited?" he asked and Prompto shrugged.
"Sorta? Who likes high school? But…"
"It's a big change," Ignis finished and he nodded. "You will be fine, there's no rush in working out what comes next." Hearing the bell he smiled at Prompto and squeezed his shoulder before he and Gladio left them.
"Time to go," Noctis grinned and Prompto nodded. They left the side room to line up with the rest of the students, Prompto only three back from the front while Noctis was near the back. They filed onto the stage to listen to the speeches and then finally accept their diplomas. It felt like it took all night but finally a cheer went up and it was done. They had graduated!
"Good work kid," Cor ruffled the carefully styled blond locks and Prompto dodged, trying to defend his hair as Noctis laughed.
"Dad," Noctis smiled as the King appeared even as the others quickly bowed.
Regis knelt down and hugged his son who hugged him back. "I am so proud of you," he murmured and Noctis' cheeks went red.
"Thanks," he muttered.
"Now, I believe we have a dinner to get to?" The King asked and they were soon in the cars, heading back to the Citadel where a sumptuous feast awaited in celebration.
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Prompto looked around the room he'd grown up in, feeling lost as he took in the bags and boxes. Considering he'd lived there all his life, there wasn't a lot there. Iggy was packing up the food in the kitchen since it was his and leaving it to spoil, even if it had been bought with money from his parents, would be a waste.
He still hadn't given them an answer and he felt horrible about it but they did nothing to pressure him, giving him all the time he needed. Though they were freer with the affection between them and he'd made sure to tell them they should be, that he didn't want to be the reason they tried to hide. He knew they hadn't wanted to make him uncomfortable or anything but…it seemed natural for them to touch and kiss. They kept if PG rated anyway when he was around.
"Okay?" Gladio asked as he walked into the doorway and Prompto looked over at him, unsure. He walked into the room and looked around, all of Prompto's photos and posters were gone from the walls, the desk bare, the closet open and empty, it wasn't a lot for a decade of living there. Lack of feeling like a real home maybe? It'd probably taken the kid a while to feel like he could collect things as well. "Let's start loading up, okay?" he waited for blondie to nod before picking up the heaviest looking box.
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Prompto dove into the cool water, surfacing quickly and shoving his hair back off his face, looking around. He knew better than to rely on sight though, he didn't have the finely tuned senses they did but he could still pick up some stuff, most people never tried and that was why they trained him to feel changes in the water. He yelped and barely got his mouth shut before he was yanked under, glaring at a grinning Gladio before he was let go to surface and breath.
"You're getting better," Noctis called as he joined them in the pool and Prompto groaned, two on one just wasn't fair when he didn't have fins! Gladio had admitted that if he did agree to the bond then he'd have a head start on others since they had been teaching him. He'd even begun learning their native language, he couldn't even come close to making the sounds, but he was learning to tell the simpler ones apart and to translate them.
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Noctis wheeled himself into the apartment, looking around and seeing the work that had been done to it. It was fully accessible so he could get around on bad days but also so Prompto could manage easily in winter if he had a bad day, despite the excellent heating in the building. The best things? It was only five minutes from the Citadel and most of the other tenants were Crownsguard, ensuring Prompto's safety. He looked back as Prompto followed Gladio inside, watching blue eyes widen even further. "Well? What do you think?"
"It's…..guys…" Prompto dropped the bag he was carrying.
"The building is secure and many of the other tenants are Crownsguard. The apartment has been set up to make things easy for both you and Noctis. The lease is in your name, but the rent is being covered co-operatively," Ignis explained as he began unpacking the kitchenware he had decided were the 'basics' Prompto needed.
"By?" Prompto asked and Gladio smirked.
"Us, Cor, and…the King," he answered and Prompto's jaw dropped.
"What?" his voice jumped at least an octave.
"Dad likes you and he could help. He wanted to buy the place outright for you, but Cor talked him down."
"Oh," he whispered as Gladio shut the door and Noctis stood up to help him unpack.
Frames had been bought for the photos that had once been pinned and taped to the walls of his childhood bedroom, so Noctis began unpacking them and putting some on various shelves. They'd told Prompto the place had come furnished and technically for him it was, they'd just supplied the furniture. Prompto hauled the bags into his bedroom while Gladio began unpacking the rest in the main room. Hopefully, he would fill the apartment over the next few months, maybe a year, make it a real home for himself. Though they were all hoping he'd say yes before that much time passed. They were happy that he asked questions occasionally, so he obviously hadn't decided to say no.
It didn't take them too long to unpack and then it was time for pizza and videogames.
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Cor watched as Prompto calmly took out every target, making some incredible shots to do so. He was dealing fine with shooting now, no longer needing the music or anything else to help him remember where he was. Whether or not that would last if he was in an actual fight, Cor didn't know. Next session, Ignis would be joining them, then Gladio and finally Noctis. There would be no rushing or pushing like that first time.
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Prompto walked towards home, smiling to himself. The first day of class had gone really well and he'd enjoyed it. He was doing some mechanical classes, some math and some photography. He wasn't sure what he wanted to do once he was finished but he had time to decide. As long as it kept him close to Noct and the others, he'd be happy.
Noctis was really busy now, taking on more duties, but not as busy as he would be if he could control his transformations and actually walk all the time. The increased time Prompto spent at the Citadel these days meant he'd heard the whispers, people concerned about Noct taking the Crown and not being able to hold the Wall. It was silly, he knew Noctis could do it, people just needed to learn to look past the chair.
They still met up at least every second day, even when Noct wasn't there, Gladio would be, to keep training him in the water or in the gym. He was trying to teach him to use a sword but Prompto didn't think it was going to well. He definitely preferred being at a distance and guns gave him that but it also put him at a disadvantage and he knew it which was why he kept turning up for the lessons. He used to be good at fighting, he knew Cor kind of blamed himself and the counsellors for his not seeing the attack coming, that they had done too good a job of turning him into a normal person, but he didn't blame them. By partway through therapy that had been all he wanted, to be like the children he saw from a distance out the window and in the movies and books Cor brought him. He had buried everything he could of his old life, scared of it, and he'd done such a good job he'd never seen them coming. Maybe it had been the right thing to do back then but now it was safe to begin un-burying it all. He knew who he was, combat abilities couldn't change that. He had people to protect now as well and he needed the skills to do so. He no longer spaced out or had headaches which they all took as a good sign and the nightmares were infrequent and easier to wake up from.
He liked his apartment, even if he had been rather overwhelmed by it at first, he should have expected it when Iggy had told him to let them deal with things. He could never have afforded it, even if he worked ten jobs. He knew why they'd picked it, they wanted him to be safe and it was close to his new University, which was covered by a scholarship. It made getting to the Citadel a lot easier, he could walk there now. He knew they were waiting for him to give them an answer but he just couldn't do it, not yet.
He hadn't heard from his parents once since moving out, but he'd gone by the house and seen the for sale sign a few weeks after graduation. It looked like they either weren't coming back at all or would stay elsewhere when they did. It made sense; they were so infrequently in the city that a house made no sense, plus they had moved there for him, so he would be near others from Niflheim. It was weird but…it did hurt that they hadn't called even once, not even as congratulations for graduating or to tell him to leave or anything.
He waved to a member of the Crownsguard who was leaving as he walked into the building and the woman smiled, waving back.
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Noctis woke up and smiled, cuddling closer. He loved the nights when all four of them shared his bed, it felt right. He could feel Specs at his back, an arm slung around his waist. Prompto had shifted during the night, now sprawled on his stomach, his head on Noct's stomach, legs over Gladio who had been at the blonds back till he moved. He lifted a hand to run his fingers through wild hair, grinning when it bounced back slightly. His hair was just as chaotic as Prompto could be. He'd started staying over after that first nightmare and he was glad that finding out about the bond hadn't stopped the sleepovers. Getting to sleep beside him was better than nothing. Noctis really thought that Prom would be ready to say yes soon, they'd all caught him watching them at various times in a manner that definitely wasn't the way you looked at a friend.
He glanced at the clock and groaned, why was he awake so early? Oh…yeah, he had that breakfast thing today. That meant he needed to get up soon, but not just yet, the alarm hadn't gone off yet.
He'd shared a bed with Specs and Gladio for years, but it had never felt as right as it did now. How did his Dad deal with having had this once but not anymore? He'd seen one picture of his Dad, Clarus, Cor and two other men whose names he didn't know, and his Dad never mentioned. They had to have died before he was born or when he was little because there was no way they could have left. They didn't have the same type of bond Noct's pod had but any type made separation painful.
Noct felt Ignis' arm tighten around his waist as he began to stir, hitting the alarm before it could go off and then he grinned at the surprised look on his face. "Morning Specs."
"Good morning Noctis, how long have you been awake?"
"A few minutes," he whispered and Ignis glanced over, smiling at the way Prompto was sleeping. "Not sure how to wiggle out without waking him."
"His classes are wearing him out," Ignis admitted as he sat up and then shifted to lift Prompto enough to let Noctis get out from under him. They crept out of the bedroom to get ready for the day, leaving the other two to sleep since they had nothing to do except some pool training together.
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Prompto picked up his pace slightly, he was being followed and there was no one around. He'd been stupid, too complacent, and now he might be in trouble. He needed a job in a better part of town, so he didn't have to spend so long on getting home. Maybe he should have taken Cor up on the offer to have him cleared to carry a weapon even in the city. He'd taken a short cut and was close to one of the canals, but he had only just gotten into the better areas, surprisingly he hadn't picked up his followers till then which was a little confusing. Hearing the footsteps increase in speed he grabbed the railing with one hand, flinging himself up and over, dropping down onto the concrete sidewalk along the canal before breaking into a run. His training was definitely paying off, he hadn't been able to pull a move like that since he was at the Facility. Running by the canal meant he was isolated but it also gave him a clear run into the heart of the city and close to the Citadel.
It took a bit, but he heard the thuds of others joining him and he swore under his breath, not taking the time to look back as he focused on running. He hissed as something slammed into the back of his leg, stumbling, throwing his hands out to turn the fall into a roll, pushing back up but now limping. Whoever they were, they meant business. He heard laughter and glanced at the water, considering. The canals were kept clean so that the various mers could use them, but the water was cold and deep, and he was now bleeding. Then again, blood in the water would attract anyone using the canals which would mean he'd have help, if anyone was in them at the moment.
He finally glanced back and saw five guys about his own age, he could deal with five untrained guys, right? There wasn't really any other option, so he turned, prepared to stand his ground, seeing the obviously expensive clothing they were wearing, so not likely to want his wallet or camera.
"Dirty Niff," one of the guys sneered and Prompto mentally rolled his eyes. Great, just what he needed.
His leg was throbbing and he could feel blood soaking into his jeans but he forced himself not to favour it, he knew better than to show weakness. "What do you want?" He asked, keeping his voice calm, trying not to escalate things.
"All of you out of this city or better yet, dead," a second stated and Prompto shifted his stance slightly, those words made this really serious.
"I don't want any trouble."
"I've seen you! In the paper…with the Prince," the third gasped, now looking wary, so at least one of them had some sense. There'd only been one picture, a candid shot taken when they'd been outside of the school, then Cor had made it clear to the press that he was off limits. "Guys…"
"With the Prince? What's a dirty Niff like you think he's doing with the Prince?" the first cut in again.
"He's my friend and I'm a citizen on Insomnia. I can't help where I was born." He ducked as thug one swung at him, grabbing his arm to push him further away. With the first swing the others closed in and he was forced on the defensive, he wasn't used to multiple attackers at once anymore and he tried to drag up the memories of childhood training. He was also hobbled by his injury and the fact he didn't want to kill anyone. He cried out as a strong hit landed on his upper spine, right over the old injury. He struggled as arms wrapped around him, pinning his arms down, slamming his head back, hearing a nose break. He swung the injured leg back, trying to hook it behind his opponents knee to pull him off balance. He choked as a fist landed in his stomach, fighting back the urge to throw up. He screamed as something cracked and then he was let go, falling to the concrete where he forced himself to remain limp, eyes closed, breathing as shallowly as he could.
"What the hell? I think you killed him!" Thug three, the one with some sense yelped.
"Dump him in the canal, he'll wash out to sea with the rest of the trash," number four or five finally spoke up and Prompto mentally swore.
He'd been hoping they'd just leave him. He was trying to gather the strength to do something when he was suddenly being shoved, and then there was nothing beneath him and he took several deep breaths, fighting the reflex to gasp as he slammed into cold water, forcing himself to hold the breath but he couldn't swim, neither leg kicking enough to take him to the surface. He was going to drown after all that work with the guys! He tried to use his arms but the blow to the spine had weakened him and he was sinking….the need to breath growing and then he felt something hit his head and everything went black as he gasped in water.
TBC…
