Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 11

It was almost night by the time they finished the assignment, Prompto barely awake as Noct packed his things back into his bag. His phone rang and Prom jerked but Noctis answered. "Hey Specs."

"Highness, where are you?"

"Prompto's," he offered as Prompto blinked sleepily.

"I see…."

"Our teacher already has it out for him Ignis, I wasn't going to let him say Prom didn't do the work."

"Very well, when would you like me to pick you up?"

"Any time, we've got it doen and Prompto's half asleep. Could you bring the leftovers in my fridge or something? I don't think he has the energy to cook even cup noodles."

"Of course, I shall be there in an hour."

"Thanks." He hung up and put his phone away before leaning back on the couch. He reached out and tugged Prompto down into his side, his head falling onto Noct's shoulder.

"Noct?" Prompto stiffened slightly, fighting the urge to sleep.

"Shh, just sleep Prom, I've got you," he whispered, keeping an arm around him and he slowly relaxed, becoming dead weight against him. He shifted an arm to gently rub his back as he waited. He knew he was in for a lecture, for not telling anyone where he was and for coming alone the day after the full moon. When he came, he'd see there was no danger, he doubted Prompto could squash a spider at the moment. When it was close to an hour he carefully got up, guiding Prompto down on the couch before moving to the front window, watching for the car. When Ignis pulled in he opened the door, pressing a finger to his lips.

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Ignis was angry that Noctis had gone to Prompto's without informing anyone. It wasn't just that though. He had come to accept that Prompto meant no harm and was genuinely their friend, but emotions ran high around the full moon, it was dangerous! He parked in Prompto's driveway and saw Noctis open the door. He picked up the bag of food and approached, Noctis motioning for silence and he saw why as soon as he entered, Prompto lying sprawled on the couch, deep asleep.

Prompto looked utterly exhausted, skin pale, bags under his eyes. He shivered in his sleep and Noctis quickly tugged the thrown down over his body, running his hand through messy blond hair, Prompto whining softly, pressing into his touch before settling again.

Ignis turned and went into the kitchen to begin preparing the meal. They would eat with Prompto and ensure he made it to bed safely. Perhaps…neither of them had anything on in the morning, Noctis even had all of his homework done…the scent in the house wasn't overly noticeable and so long as they showered thoroughly and he washed their clothes then no one would notice it, even after a night sleeping in the house. It would be easier if Prompto knew they knew but the last thing he needed while recovering was the stress of them admitting they knew. He took his time preparing the meat heavy, filling, meal and then motioned at Noctis to set the table for three, getting a happy smile. Once it was all ready Ignis went over to the couch and crouched down.

"Prompto? I need you to wake up," he called softly, unsure if he should touch him or not. Prompto shifted slightly but that was it. "Prompto?" he called again and then slowly reached out to touch his shoulder, ready to throw himself back if Prompto reacted. He had been around him enough that he hoped the blond knew his scent well enough to accept his presence. "It's time for dinner," he offered and he glanced up as Noctis walked over, waving a plate close by, Prompto's nose twitching as the smell of meat reached him.

Blue eyes fluttered open tiredly and Prompto jerked back from him before blinking and focusing, relaxing as he recognised him. "Iggy?" he mumbled and Ignis smiled.

"Good evening," he reached out to run his fingers through Prompto's hair, feeling him press into the touch, relieved to find his body temperature seemed in his normal range. "Dinner is ready." Prompto frowned in confusion, obviously too tired to put things together. "Noctis mentioned how tired you are today so I brought food over. We shall eat with you and stay the night in case you need something," he explained.

He saw as realisation hit him and Prompto struggled to sit up so Ignis reached out, helping him. "I'm okay, you don't have to."

"We want to," Noctis cut him off. He'd put the plate back on the table and now leant in to grip Prompto's shoulder. "We're your friends Prom, you don't have to go through this alone. We want to help you."

"Noctis is correct. Our schedules are free tomorrow and I have informed Gladio where we will be. Neither of us feels comfortable with you being alone in your current condition. What if you fell?" Ignis asked and Prompto looked away. Ignis could hear the accelerated beat of his heart, smell the slightest hint of fear. "Do you need any of your medications?" he asked gently and Prompto nodded. "Where is it?"

"Blue bottle in the main bathroom," he answered when it was obvious he wouldn't be allowed up the stairs to go get it.

"On it," Noctis offered a grin, reaching out to ruffle messy blond hair before darting upstairs, Prompto staring after him, worried.

"Alright, let's get you over to the table before the food gets cold. Can you walk or should I carry you?" he asked, smiling gently when Prompto went red in embarrassment.

"I can walk," he insisted.

"Very well," Ignis slipped his shoulder under Prompto's arm and pulled him slowly to his feet, steadying him and taking most of his weight. They walked slowly over to the table where Prompto sat as Noctis appeared with the bottle.

Prompto took out two pills and downed them with some juice. He then stared at the meal Ignis had provided before looking up at him. "Thanks Iggy," he whispered.

"No trouble at all. You need to keep your strength up," he smiled in return.

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Noctis gave Prom his pills, watching him take them, wondering what they were really for since there was no label on the bottle. He hated seeing him so exhausted and he was pretty sure he was even in some pain. It made sense, turning from a human into a wolf had to be rather traumatic on the body. He'd never seen it but he'd heard enough to know it was violent.

They sat at the table and tucked into the delicious stew, Noctis watching Prompto closely, catching his spoon when it slipped from tired fingers. Having already finished his own he simply dragged his chair closer and helped Prom finish, making him go red. "Hey, it's okay. I want to help you, whatever you need," he promised seriously.

"Noct…" blue eyes were conflicted and Noctis knew he had to be worried about giving himself away.

Noctis rested his hand over Prompto's. "You're my best friend Prom, I can't just leave you like this. I never realised it was this bad," he admitted softly and Prompto looked away.

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Prompto felt terrible, not just physically anymore but emotionally too. They were both being so kind and he didn't deserve it, they didn't understand why he was so weak and tired. They thought he was just sick and there was a small part of him that wanted to tell them the truth, to tell his pack leader. He hadn't even marked Noct as pack! How could it affect him so strongly without that bond?

He just…he wanted…he took a shaky breath, eyes itching, and then Noctis was tugging him closer, pulling him down so that his head was against Noct's shoulder, Noctis' arms wrapped around him. he wanted to stiffen, to pull away, it was too dangerous! He couldn't help breathing in deeply, taking in Noct's scent, a small part of him still cringing slightly from the smell of vampire, screaming danger, attack…but he had gotten used to his Mom to the point he could shift around her, he would eventually get fully used to Noctis too. But this close….what is Noct smelt him?

"Shh, it's okay," Noctis murmured, a hand rubbing his back. "We're here, whenever you need us. You're not alone," he promised and Prompto found himself lifting his arms, burying his hands in the back of Noct's shirt.

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Noctis was relieved to feel Prompto's hands in his shirt, ignoring Ignis' stare. He could smell the wolf now, stronger than ever and his fangs itched like mad but he forced himself to ignore the feeling, closing his eyes to just enjoy holding his friend. Prom's body was warm, too warm, though it could be excused as fever from his 'illness', and it felt nice against his own cool temperature. His hand moved to run through wild blond hair and he felt Prompto go boneless, slumped in his arms, rubbing his cheek against Noctis' shoulder.

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Ignis watched, worried. He wasn't concerned that Prompto would attack, in his current condition he'd be little threat even if he did. anything that happened would be instinct, not a true attack, he did not believe Prompto would ever harm Noctis. He had seen the way the younger boy looked at Noctis, the devotion…and it did make him wonder, he knew wolves lived in packs. With his parents gone so much, his birth parents out of his life, having been so isolated…did he see Noct as part of his pack? If he did it could only be good, a way to help his instincts accept being so close to a vampire.

Still, hugging him was not the smartest idea, Prompto avoided prolonged contact to keep from letting them smell what little wolf scent he carried, to keep it from transferring to them. Then again, even Ignis could faintly detect it even from where he was sitting. They would have to shower thoroughly and then he would need to wash their clothing several times, before they ran into anyone else, including Gladio.

Ignis stood from the table and went into the lounge area, pulling the cushions from the couch and chairs. He laid them out and then went to the hall cupboard, finding linens. He got them out and used them with the pillows to make a large sleeping area. He then went upstairs and went into Prompto's room, finding it far neater than the average teenagers bedroom, the walls covered in posters and photos, bookshelves overflowing with books and magazines. He went to the bed and took his pillows, adding them to the cushions on the floor downstairs. He could feel Noctis watching him, Prompto now slumped limply against him, asleep?

He walked back over to the table to find that Prompto had fallen asleep in Noctis' hug. Carefully, he disentangled him from Noctis before lifting him, finding him heavier than he looked but not too heavy for him to carry over the cushion nest. He lay Prompto down and he curled into the pillows. He then went to clean up after the meal, Noctis helping him.

"We will need to be careful on returning to the apartment, even I can smell the wolf scent clinging to him," he murmured and Noctis nodded. When they were down Noctis stripped down to t-shirt and boxers before going to lay down with Prompto, able to fall asleep easily. Ignis couldn't help puttering around, neatening things, before eventually joining them.

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He was really warm and the scent of vampire was strong…had he crawled in with his parents again? No…he hadn't done that in years…they weren't home. He tensed, realising there was an arm around his waist, a cool arm, and he felt his breathing hitch in alarm.

"Shh Prompto, it's alright, it's just us," a familiar voice whispered, a cool hand touching his cheek, cool but not cool enough…for a full vampire.

He forced his eyes open and found himself staring into green eyes, his glasses missing, his hair falling messily about his face. "Iggy?" he mumbled and the Adviser smiled softly.

"Good morning. Noctis is behind you, I don't think he's let go all night. You scared him when you basically passed out on him."

He had? He frowned, dredging up foggy memories of the day before…Noct at his door…homework….stew, Ignis had cooked…then nothing. He swallowed nervously, had he taken his meds? Could they…no, if they had smelt him then he wouldn't be waking up like this. They'd have called the Guard or killed him or something.

"How do you feel?"

"Okay," he lifted his head to look around, finding they were sleeping on the floor downstairs, except it was too soft for the floor…ah, the couch was missing all its cushions.

"Well you look more alert and your colour is better. Feel like a shower?" Ignis asked and he nodded. "Let's see if we can free you from Noctis' grasp then and you can shower while I put some breakfast together," Ignis sat up and began helping him get free of his clingy friend.

He stumbled upstairs to grab clean clothing before getting into the shower and scrubbing himself with the soap before rinsing off and then washing again to be safe. He took his meds only to find a bottle missing…a vague memory of Noct giving them to him and he shuddered, if the bottles had been labelled… he took a deep breath and then got dressed for the day, heading back downstairs, stopping and staring, unable to help smiling as he watched Noct sleep, having sprawled out now that they were up.

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Ignis heard his quite footsteps and glanced out of the kitchen, seeing Prompto standing on the bottom step, staring at where Noctis was still sleeping. He saw the smile that spread across his face and wondered what he could see, the back of the couch blocked his own view. Prompto walked over and knelt down, out of sight as well, yet he felt no concern at all. Prom soon joined him, getting some juice from the fridge.

"What about blood?" he asked quietly.

"I am fine," Ignis assured him. "I will give Noctis some of my blood to tie him over, since I am half human he can feed off me," he explained just as quietly, watching blue eyes go wide.

"You mean…he'll bite you?"

Ignis nodded, would that scare him? Disgust him? "Prompto, Noctis would never bite you, not unless you had talked about it and agreed to allow him to. None of us would do that. You know that don't you?" he asked gently, worried that he'd scared the teen.

To his relief Prompto nodded. "Have you…ever bitten someone?" he asked, sounding curious.

Ignis turned the stove off and began setting their food onto plates. "Once, accidently," he admitted and Prompto frowned.

"Accidentally?"

"A training accident with Gladio when I was thirteen."

"Ouch?"

"He definitely didn't appreciate it but he laughed it off," Ignis explained and Prompto smiled slightly as they sat to eat. It was amazing the difference in Prompto compared to the night before. He was awake and alert, the bags beneath his eyes shrunk considerably, though he was still a little tired looking, maybe a little pale.

They were just finishing cleaning up when Noctis stumbled in, leaning heavily against Ignis. He nuzzled at Ignis' throat, obviously hungry and Ignis stroked his hair. He looked up to find Prompto watching them, something…almost sad about the look. "Should we use the bathroom?" he asked Prompto who blinked and then shook his head.

"Wherever you're comfortable," he answered.

Ignis felt Noctis' press closer, sharp fangs scraping his skin. "Noct…." He closed his eyes, shivering slightly. Vampires usually only bit each other for one reason but because he was half human he could be fed on, to a point, but he still reacted to the bite more like a vampire than human. The venom had no effect on him, it was the bite and pull of his blood he reacted to, though he was struggling to keep it under control because it was Noct and because Prompto was watching. He couldn't hold back a groan as Noctis sank his fangs into the vein, hands moving to clutch his shoulders, his head falling back.

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Prompto watched with wide eyes, he'd never seen Iggy like that before. Good thing he was leaning against the counter or Prom thought the two would end up on the floor. He'd asked his Dad once, what it was like. He'd explained the effect of vampire venom on the human body, how it made his body totally relaxed, made it feel like he was floating, safe. He knew it was to keep the person from struggling and he wondered how it would affect him sometimes. Obviously it didn't cause the same reaction in half vampires and likely full vampires too. This wasn't lethargy and safety, his fought to keep his expression calm as the scents reached his sensitive nose.

Noctis pulled back, licking the wound to close it and then licking his own lips to clean the blood off. "Okay?" he whispered and Ignis nodded distractedly.

Prompto turned away, pouring a glass of juice before handing it to Noct who got Ignis to drink it. He felt like he'd seen something very private, like he was intruding, but then Noct took his hand, tugging him over, hugging him, before he stumbled off to sit down, still sleepy.

Five hours he watched them drive away, feeling better than normal so close to the full moon. It had been amazing to have them there and he wanted to beg them to come back.

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As soon as they got the apartment they made for the showers, scrubbing themselves clan of Prompto's scent, Ignis glad he kept spare clothing there for emergencies. Once done he threw their clothing into the machine with more detergent and sanitiser than for even the dirtiest of washes. Noctis opened the windows too to disperse any scent that may have come in with them. Ignis would clean the car later. When Gladio showed up that evening he gave no indication of smelling anything.

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Gladio chuckled as Prompto managed to trip over his own feet, scrambling up before he could offer him a hand. It was odd being alone with the kid but he'd offered to help him out with his shopping when the teen had said he needed to get home to do it. they were almost back to his house, somewhere Gladio had never been before and of course Prompto chose to trip then, though at least there was nowhere around to see his clumsy moment. He winced as he saw bright red blood on the knee of his jeans and then the wind shifted slightly and his fangs extended in reaction to the scent, even as Prompto turned away. He knew that scent but it made no sense…werewolf.

TBC…