Noctis and Prompto settled into the old routine of going to school and being mostly normal teenagers attending high school and going to the arcade when they could. When they couldn't, they performed as many study sessions and sleepovers with each other as allowed.

Several months passed, nearly to the winter break, when Noctis started to hear the weird rumors floating around the halls about Prompto and the Amicitia family. He froze at the idea of what they suggested and couldn't help but try to figure out how to fix the gossip properly.

So, he went to find his father one evening to try and get some advice.

Noctis was standing outside his father's study when he finally knocked on the door.

"Yes?" his father's voice asked.

Noctis stepped forward into the office to face his father. He tried to keep his face as still as possible. "Dad, I- something's wrong at school." He said softly.

Regis pushed himself up from his desk, walking over to Noctis as best as he could with his cane. "Come," he said as he guided Noctis to the couch that was in the study. "Tell me what's wrong."

For a moment he managed to keep his emotions in check. He had kept his anger and frustration and lingering sadness from leaking out for a few weeks, and now he felt his magic start to seep out of him. "The, our- there's this rumor. A rumor about Prompto." He said softly before burying his head in his hands.

Regis pulled him into an embrace, stroking his head gently. "Tell me all about it. Let's get it off your chest."

Noctis gasped a little as he felt the emotions release from the tight box he had shoved all of this into. "They- no one thinks we could have been dating really. They learned Prompto's new name. I think it's cause something I said. I messed up. So, apparently, he's married to Gladio, and our dating is only allowed because it's just an affair," He sobbed.

"Oh Noct," Regis whispered. "You know that isn't true. Those who spread rumors are only trying to make a mountain out of a molehill."

"But it still hurts. That they think we couldn't date for just- just liking each other. Why is that so hard to believe? We love each other," Noctis said softly.

"Your love is pure and free of royal obligations. Unlike your mother and I who were noble childhood friends, you and Prompto met outside of that social circle. To the public eye it's something they never expected could happen. But it is true no matter what they say."

"I just- how do I- I want them to understand that. To know how much we just like each other."

"Sometimes the public may never understand. It may sound harsh, Noct, but with being royalty it comes with that price. To be honest, we never did announce to the public that Prompto had been adopted by Clarus."

"Should we? To help. . . to help people understand? Or would that just cause more problems for him?"

"I don't know honestly. There will always be negative attention in the pubic no matter what. I will let you two decide on this matter."

"Prompto doesn't know about the rumors." Noctis confessed. "I haven't told him what I've heard."

"And you are certain he hasn't heard it for himself?"

"No, I'm not certain. If he's heard it, he's as good at covering his emotions as I've been trying to keep it covered."

"Oh my little Night Light," Regis whispered, pressing a kiss to Noctis's head. "You know you shouldn't have to cover up your emotions like that."

Noctis sighed against his chest. "I didn't want to bother anyone. Let alone Prompto. We had a lot of tests happening at once."

"I would say your relationship is more important than some tests. I hate to see you so torn."

"I feel like this is how it's just going to be," Noctis said softly. "We're just, doomed to have a lot of talk around us."

"You'll grow used to the gossip over the years. Eventually you will turn away from it and move on. Do you know how many rumors go through the mill everyday that are about me?"

"No, I don't. How bad is it for you?"

"There are still many who disagree with my rules and the laws I implement. Many think of me as a cold hearted man who cares nothing for his people."

"Really? They think that of you? Do they not understand how much you care; how much you pour your life into protecting them?"

"The public eye can be selfish, wanting to make it seem like things are only bad 'cause of what I do. But they don't always look at how much I work to prevent things from growing much worse. I keep the war with Niflheim at bay, but they still think I am cruel in other ways," Regis explained.

"Are there things I can learn and help with to make your job easier?" Noctis offered. He wanted to see the grey slow its advance in his father's hair, and the limp from getting worse as much as he could.

"Only be yourself and live your life," Regis offered. "It makes my heart rest easy knowing that you are happy as you know."

"Okay, I can- I can try to do that. And, can we make a statement about Prom's adoption? To help make the rumors somewhat stop?"

"We can do that. I'll let Ignis know, unless you would rather do so?"

Noctis let out a sigh. "I will talk to him. This is- this is a problem for me. I should take care of it."

"I'm proud of you, Noct," his father said with pure admiration. "You are really becoming a proper young man."

A flush decorated the high parts of his cheeks while Noctis shook his head. "I don't know about that. I'm just- I want to- I want to make your life easier." He hurried.

Regis pulled his son into another hug, stroking his hair lightly. "You being a part of my life has already made it easier."

Noctis melted into the hold for a moment. "Thank you Dad," He said softly. "I want to be like you as a ruler."

"Thank you, Noct. I know you'll be a great ruler; one the kingdom deserves."

"No, thank you Dad. I couldn't do this without you."

"I'm always here for you, son."

"Thanks. Does that mean you approve if I do. . . something crazy to fix the rumors?"

Regis raised an eyebrow. "That depends... what do you define as crazy?"

"I don't know. Confessing he's just adopted, and that we just really love each other."

"That sounds very reasonable. I shall back you as much as I can in your endeavor."

"I'll- I have to make sure prom is okay with it first, but, I think, that's the best plan."

"That sounds like a plan. Do you feel better, Noct?"

"Yeah, I think so. Thanks for listening."

"You're welcome son."