Disclaimer: not mine

Edited

Chapter 6

Noctis woke slowly, mind fuzzy and body heavy. There was an arm over his hips, a firm body pressed against his back and it felt good. He was so tired and weak…had he been sick? He felt his bed mate nuzzle at his throat and his eyes snapped open as memories flooded back. Prompto…

"Awake?" Prompto murmured, hand gently stroking Noctis' side, calming him and he sighed.

"Yeah. Tired," he mumbled.

"Blood loss," Prompto told him, gently rolling him onto his back and then tugged him up onto pillows so he was mostly sitting up. "Dad cooked; I'll go get it for you. You need to eat and drink to help replace the blood you lost," he nuzzled again and Noctis reached up with a shaking arm to gently run his fingers through messy blond hair.

"You okay?" He asked and Prompto laughed, shaking his head.

"I'm not the one who donated blood."

"Prom…"

"I'm good," he promised, getting up and going to the kitchen where he found the plate of food. He poured some juice and put it all on a tray, carrying it in to feed Noctis.

"I can feed myself," the Prince grumbled and Prompto smiled.

"Let me, please," he pleaded, needing to look after him.

Noctis hesitated but settled in and let himself be fed, something that hadn't happened since the early days of his recovery from the Marilith attack. It actually felt…kind of nice, different to how Specs looked after him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Looking after Noctis just felt right, he hated seeing him weakened by blood loss. He wanted to say that it was a one off thing, but he knew Noct wouldn't let it be. His best friend was stubborn like that. It definitely wasn't helping him ignore those feelings he had for him. His Dad hadn't talked a lot about having a permanent donor and what he had said made it obvious what could happen between them, but that wasn't how he wanted it to be. If they got together, he wanted it to be because Noctis genuinely felt like that about him, not because of his bite.

"How often do you think you'll need that?" Noctis asked after a while of playing Kings Knight together. He still felt weak to Prompto's senses, but he was a lot better since eating.

"I don't know, shouldn't be too often," Prompto shrugged, uncomfortable with the question.

"You'll need to let me know if you think you'll need it soon, cause there's no way I could go to training the same day or possible the day after," Noct explained and he nodded.

He wasn't planning to ask any time soon, he would not let himself get addicted to feeding from an actual person, especially Noctis. Feed on the wrong day and he'd be vulnerable to an assassination attempt or anything. Not that he'd let any assassin get anywhere near Noctis. "Come on, shower time," he tugged Noctis up and gently pushed him towards the ensuite.

"Don't need one," he grumbled.

"Yeah you do, you smell like blood."

"Oh," Noctis made no more complaints and Prompto soon heard the shower come on so he left the bedroom to make sure everything looked normal in the apartment, figuring Iggy would be showing up any time.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Ignis left the Citadel, finally done with everything. It was time to check back in with Noctis and Prompto, to make sure they were dealing alright with what had happened. They had seemed fine earlier but there was the chance of a delayed reaction, especially for Prompto who had done most of the work in dealing with the attackers. He may be a Hunter, but he'd been young, surely not exposed to anything too dangerous, and never fellow humans. The investigation was well under way and there was nothing more he could do. He got in the car and drove for Noctis' apartment.

He parked and headed up, actually having to show his id to the extra guards in order to get inside but he approved. With how close those people had come…if Prompto hadn't had permission to carry weapons…they could have lost both boys. He shook those thoughts off, letting himself inside and removing his shoes. He made his way further in and smiled when he saw them at the table, working on homework. "Noctis, Prompto," he greeted and was met with smiles.

"Hey Specs," Noctis answered and Prompto waved before they went back to work.

Ignis went into the kitchen, finding dishes in the dishwasher, it appeared they had managed to feed themselves and not burn the apartment down. He should have come by before heading to the Citadel, he wasn't sure why he hadn't. He went through the apartment, collecting the laundry to be done and ensuring the place was still secure and moderately tidy.

"How are you both doing?" he asked when he was done, taking a seat at the table.

Prompto just shrugged. "I'm fine, it happened. Kind of surprised it hasn't happened before."

"Are you sure?" Ignis pressed.

"Positive Iggy. Not the first time I've had to…" he shrugged and Ignis frowned.

"What?" he was a bit alarmed by that admission.

"You think I was glued to my Dad's side? The world outside Insomnia is not a nice place. Especially with looks like mine."

Ignis stilled, taking in his words and feeling a rush of rage at what his words hinted at. "I'm sorry," was all he could say and Prompto shrugged. Sensing his discomfort he turned to Noctis. "Noctis?"

"I'm okay Specs. Barely had to do anything."

The medical report agreed with that, only one man had died from a sword blow, it looked like a warp strike, which was impressive since he was still getting the hang of those. "Still, you were threatened."

"Not the first time. Though where were the guards? We didn't see them."

"They were found dead in another alley," Ignis admitted.

"Oh." Noctis looked down.

Ignis knew the Prince hated the idea of people dying for him but it was part of being Royalty. "The men carried nothing to identify themselves or their cause in attacking you. For now, you are in lockdown here, there is talk of moving both of you into the Citadel for a time."

"Me?" Prompto asked in shock and Ignis nodded.

"If there are any others in the city it is likely they will seek revenge on the one who killed their compatriots."

"Right…" Prompto groaned and Ignis hid a smile, moving to make them lunch. "If the Empire sent them, you think there's more here?"

"Likely," Ignis agreed. "Unfortunately the broken word of a dying man is hard to corroborate, he may have been trying to throw us off." He wasn't sure which would be better, if the Empire was behind the attack then it was an escalation, they hadn't tried to kill Noctis in many years. If it had been a misdirect then they had no idea why those men had attacked them and if there were more out there.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Harry watched over the boys from a distance, taking out several people he found were part of the assassination attempt, ensuring evidence of their links made it into the right hands. He did not like people who targeted children, Noctis may be old for his age but he was still only fifteen, heir to the throne or not. The boys being moved to the Citadel wouldn't stop him keeping an eye on them, the security was good but not good enough to keep him out if he wanted to get in.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Noctis grinned as Prompto pulled out a blood pack from the Armiger and bit into it, drinking deeply. "Well?"

"It worked," Prompto grinned and Noctis wasn't at all disturbed by bloody fangs and lips.

"Considering we've been stuck here a week, that's really good to know," he flopped on the couch beside Prompto. He shifted a little closer, enjoying feeling close. He didn't mind missing school, Ignis had arranged for their work to be collected so they wouldn't fall behind. They got it done a lot quicker doing it on their own, leaving them a lot more free time than normal.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Three weeks later they were finally allowed back to the apartment and Prompto could go home to join his Dad. Living in a house with him was great and it meant he could get some solid training in with his slowly growing magic. It meant less time with Noctis who felt a little jealousy but shrugged it off, he had more time with his Dad than Prompto did so he could let him have this time.

Harry loved the time with Prompto, he missed his son most of the year and it was good to be part of his everyday life for a while. Two weeks in though, and he noticed familiar signs. "Heading to Noctis' after school?"

"Why? Did you have something planned? I can call him."

"No, I think you need to go," Harry answered, packing away Prompto's lunch in his bag.

"What?"

"I'll meet you both there with wards in place," he answered and Prompto froze.

"Dad…"

"You need to learn to recognise the signs. You can't leave it too long once that craving kicks in," he warned and Prompto nodded slowly.

He didn't want to…but he couldn't deny that he had enjoyed it….Noct didn't mind…"Okay." He was distracted at school during the day and at lunch they sat together as normal. "Um…Dad's meeting us at yours after school."

Noctis frowned. "Why?"

"That's if…you're still willing?" Prompto looked away and it hit Noctis.

"Oh, yeah, that's fine," he almost babbled. "No training tomorrow either so that works well. Think he'll cook again?"

Prompto laughed, relieved. "Yeah, he will."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Noctis opened the door to his apartment and they went in, to find Harry in the kitchen. "Hope you boys are hungry," he called, and they dropped their bags before going to see what he had cooked. Snacks, all nutrient rich and yet tasty. They happily filled up on them before going to change out of their school uniforms. Noctis put on sweatpants but nothing else since he'd have to loose the shirt for feeding anyway. "Ready?" Harry asked and he nodded.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto emerged, dressed the same and Harry smiled, going to sit in a corner of Noct's room while the teens got settled comfortably on the bed. "You sure?" Prompto asked and Noctis nodded before turning his head. He leant in and nuzzled warm skin before lapping at it, taking in Noct's scent and the taste of his skin.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Noctis closed his eyes, feeling the tingle in his skin as it went numb. He gripped the sheets as he felt the sharp pressure and then he sighed, relaxing as pleasure began spreading through him. Soon the floating feeling washed over him, and he groaned, whimpering as Prompto tightened his grip on him, needing more. He began moving on instinct, wanting more.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto suckled at the wound, listening to the noises Noct was making, shifting their bodies so Noct could move against him, groaning against his skin as he moved with him. He ran his hands over Noct's arms and chest, enjoying the warmth of his skin. He wanted so much more but he would not take it, not without permission. Not to mention his Dad was watching.

He took a deep breath through his nose and then began licking the wound to seal it, lifting his head to look into lust glazed eyes. Shaky arms lifted, wrapping around him, pulling at him and he went with it, nuzzling at his throat, nipping the skin gently as Noct squirmed against him. "Noct," he whispered, moving up to nip his chin and Noctis moved, their lips meeting. He went to pull away, but a hand wove into his hair even as Noct chased his lips, thrusting his hips against Prompto.

"P…Prom..." he whimpered, shocking Prompto.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Harry was surprised to hear Noctis speak, it should take many more feeds for Noctis to adjust to this and be able to focus or be even slightly aware of what was happening and who he was with.

He was looking forward to not having to supervise them, the sights, sounds and smells were not something he needed to be aware of. He had no doubt the two were going to end up together, he'd seen the looks they threw each other when they thought no one was looking. He just hoped it didn't end in broken hearts due to the Throne.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Noctis smirked as they squared off, this was going to be fun. He'd never spared with Prompto since he favoured guns, but a fight where they could both cut loose and use any skill was something he had been looking forward to for months now. Harry had used his magic to create a massive room beneath the Argentum home for them to train in. He could say he was going to visit Prompto's home and yet still train, Gladio would be proud.

Prompto grinned back at him and then Harry gave the signal and they were off. He was surprised by just how fast Prompto really was even as they locked blades and he found himself being pushed back, how was he meant to match that? He shook those thoughts off, Gladio was stronger than him too, he knew how to fight against strength, but Prompto added in speed too.

Half an hour later they staggered upstairs where Harry whipped up a meal that was better than even Ignis could manage…then again, he'd had a lot longer to perfect his skills.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Ignis and Gladio followed Noctis into the house they had only been to once or twice over the years the boys had been friends, since Prompto usually came to the apartment. He hadn't been by as much since his Dad was in the city for a few months. Ignis had been proud of Noctis for not getting jealous over having to share his friend. Mr. Argentum was leaving tomorrow and had invited them, through Prompto, for dinner. Noise from the kitchen had them following to find Prompto chatting with a man that had to be his Dad, even if at first glance they looked nothing alike. The man looked over and smiled at them…they smiled the same.

"Welcome, dinners almost ready," he wiped his hands and offered one first to Ignis and then Gladio to shake. "Nice to meet you both, please sit and relax."

Gladio knew Noctis had already met the man, something that had upset some of the Guard until Noct had pointed out that he'd been checked out when his son was. He'd never met a Hunter before, though he'd heard of them. Travelling across Lucius along or in small groups, ensuring the safety of the people against the various beast and even the occasional daemon…without the advantage of the King's magic. He wasn't sure if they were brave or crazy.

Soon they were settled at the table for a feast that shocked him. He hadn't expected a hunter to be a better chef than Ignis! Even Ignis commented on the man's skills and asked for the recipe since Noctis actually ate the vegetables.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Noctis lay on Prompto's bed, shirtless, waiting for his friend who was in the bathroom, finishing cleaning up after their spar. He fiddled with the blankets, torn. He'd been Prompto's donor for just over a year now and he loved how close they were but…he wanted more. He thought Prom might want it too, but something was holding him back. The wards on the house were active, to ensure their privacy, which meant they could talk without worrying as well. He looked up as Prompto walked out of the bathroom, eyes wandering over pale skin.

"Like what you see?" his friend teased and Noctis shifted his gaze to meet light blue eyes.

"Yeah, I do," he answered, totally serious and Prompto froze, eyes widening. "And I'm pretty sure you like me too," he added, sitting up.

"Noct…I know you think you mean that but…"

Noctis stood and moved into Prompto's space, resting his hands on his hips, feeling the slight coolness of his skin. Prompto tended to be slightly cooler than the average person, especially when he needed to feed. Most people didn't notice, but Noctis was in tune with his needs and health, just like Prompto was in tune with him. He always knew when Prompto needed blood, even if only bagged, and Prom always knew when his back was troubling him, or he was nearing stasis.

"Don't," he whispered and then pressed in for a kiss but Prompto dodged him.

"It's the donor bond Noct," Prompto whispered sadly and Noctis shook his head.

"Maybe it's giving me the push to actually saying something, but it's not making me feel this. I felt like this long before you sank fangs into my neck. You're my best friend and I never wanted to mess with that but…" he trailed off, watching Prompto who was staring at him warily. He lifted a hand and gently touched Prompto's cheek. "Say something, please."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto stared at Noctis, leaning into the warm touch of his hand. He wanted so badly for this to be real and that worried him. Were his desires seeping through the bond to Noctis, making him want him in return? Yes, Noctis' own magic and stubbornness had protected him, but he still got lost in pleasure when he was feeding which meant there was some influence. He said he'd felt it before he'd ever bitten him…but could they be sure?

"How do I know this isn't what I want influencing you?" he finally whispered.

"It's not," Noct answered, leaning in again and this time Prompto let it happen, shivering as he was kissed, Noct's grip on his hips tightening.

He tried to stay still, to make it all up to Noctis but he found his arms moving, wrapping around Noct to pull him closer. They parted to let Noctis breath and his best friend grinned at him.

"And before you argue, there are precedents in the law for a King who prefers other men," he admitted, almost sounding shy.

Prompto blinked, okay, so Noctis had really been thinking about this. He really wanted this, wanted Noct, wanted to be able to touch him outside of feeding. He lifted a hand to run through silky dark strands and Noctis pressed into his touch. He took a shaky breath and then kissed Noctis.

"Okay," he whispered and Noctis grinned in relief before tugging him towards the bed.

They settled easily; they'd learnt the best positions within the first few times. Except this time Noctis clung to Prompto even as he bared his throat. Prompto took his time, lapping at the warm skin and Noctis moaned, shifting to wrap a leg around Prompto's waist.

He lifted his head and met mischievous blue eyes. "Tease."

"Only teasing if I don't follow through," Noctis shot back, cheeks reddening slightly.

Prompto froze, eyes wide, and Noctis reached for his pants. "I…"

"Want to see you," Noct admitted and Prompto swallowed but then nodded, helping Noctis get him out of his pants.

He guessed that in a way, they'd been dating for a year, so this wasn't moving too fast. So he lifted his hips and wriggled once Noctis had undone them and then Noctis reached for his own so Prompto reached out to help, pausing to make sure it was okay and Noct rolled his eyes, so he moved more surely. Soon they were lying in bed, naked, curious hands wandering over skin. He'd dreamed of this ever since hormones had kicked in and he realised he really liked Noctis.

They kissed several times before he shifted, nuzzling his throat, hearing his blood speeding through his veins as his heartrate picked up. Noctis bared his throat and Prompto lapped at the skin to numb it again before allowing his fangs to sink into warm flesh and Noctis moaned, clinging to him, hands running over his back. Prompto stroked Noct's back, careful to keep his hand away from his heavily scared lower back but Noct reached back and guided his hand down.

"Doesn't hurt," Noctis gasped out, euphoria beginning to overtake him, so Prompto gently stroked the scars.

He'd heard of Noct's near death, who hadn't? He'd been just a kid when the daemon had nearly killed him, had killed those with him. If the King hadn't arrived when he did….well Prompto wouldn't have his best friend. He hadn't realised Noct had been left with such reminders until a few months after becoming friends, when Noct had gone to school, moving very stiffly, wincing. Now…well now he could help, fingers lazily drawing runes on warm skin as he suckled the wound; runes for healing and pain relief. His magic was growing, and runes were the easiest way for him to use it, he had books and books on the subject, saved from the world of his Dad's childhood right up until it had ended. He smiled against his throat as Noctis sighed, muscles relaxing as the magic went to work.

He pulled off the wound, licking it shut, before kissing his throat as Noctis moved against him and then he rolled them, so he was on his back on the bed, letting Noct settle on top as they moved. It felt better than anything they'd done before, to feel skin against skin. He locked eyes with Noctis, watching the haze slowly fade from his eyes and awareness seep back in. Noctis grinned shyly but kept moving, reaching a hand down to touch as well.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Gladio stood in the background, watching as a laughing Noctis tried to settle the graduation cap on Prompto's head. It was hard to believe they were finally done with school. He let them mess around though, it wasn't like the ceremony was ready to star yet, not with the King himself in attendance. Security was ridiculously tight though which he had heard some people grumbling about.

Things were going to change now, Noctis would be expected to take on more responsibilities and wouldn't have as much time for his friend…boyfriend and hadn't that been a shock. What about Lady Lunafreya? Then again, they'd met once as kids while Prompto spent most of his time with Noctis. Would their relationship falter now?

Noctis was pushing for Prompto to get clearance for more of the Citadel but while he was a final level of safety for Noct, one who had proven his worth, that wasn't enough for most of the Council and pencil pushers. Prompto wasn't Crownsguard as far as they were concerned and that was it. Gladio had his own ideas about dealing with that, he was going to offer more training to the blond, even Ignis had agreed to help teach him etiquette, when they were done with him, he'd get into the Crownsguard without trying and then he could be an official retainer to Noctis. He knew Cor would help, he liked Prompto.

He'd seen Prompto shoot before, he knew he was better than anyone they had. But Crownsguard were expected to fight with blades, their fists, and even magic. Magic that Noct had already given the kid access to, not that he'd let on that he'd seen them practising. He agreed that it was a smart move, letting Prompto have access to his gun even when at school had been a matter of safety, though thankfully not one that had been needed.

He moved to glance out and grinned as he spotted a man he'd only met once in the audience, chatting with Cor. They'd met before, he remembered from reading Prompto's file all those years ago. The Father and Son hunting duo had helped Cor when he'd walked into their camp injured. He kept silent though, letting it be a surprise for Prompto.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Ignis smiled as Prompto bounced into the apartment, graduation robe already hanging crookedly, dragging his Dad with him. The after party was being held at Noctis' for security sake since the King would be appearing.

Tomorrow they would speak with Prompto of their plan to keep him close to Noctis and hope he would agree. There was a chance he planned to leave the city and return to hunting, but surely their relationship meant he would stay? He knew Prompto hadn't applied to any university either.

Prompto made Noctis so happy…he even took training and Council work seriously these days! Prompto and his knowledge of the world outside of Insomnia had helped the Prince grow up. Something they had been unable to encourage to such a degree. Prompto fit with them and they would do what they could to ensure no one separated the friends.

TBC…