Disclaimer: not mine
So, I've decided this will be deviating drastically from the one shot when it comes to Prompto finding out they know about him, it'll also happen earlier. Dragging the suspense out till there 20 was fine in a one shot, not so much in the chaptered version.
Still haven't chosen pairings though it keeps trying to write itself as the guys together.
Chapter 12
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.
Gladio checked, they were alone, though the houses around them were occupied. He felt…numb. Noct's first friend…the bubbly blond…was a werewolf? The enemy? How? There'd been no attacks recorded in the city so he hadn't been recently infected but it was impossible to hide the monthly change. He'd been left alone with Noctis for months….he'd been in a car with both Prince and Adviser…how had they not noticed? He'd seen Prompto fall asleep, head against Noct's leg or Noctis falling asleep leaning against him. He was just a sickly human, right?
Sickly…..was that how he hid it?
He looked at Prompto to find him gathering dropped shopping from the one bag Gladio had let him carry even as he pressed down on the wound, trying to stop the bleeding. He saw a hand trembling slightly and until that moment he would have taken it as a sign of his weakness but no…it was fear. Of him? He was trained to kill werewolves, to defend his Prince.
Why had Prompto not acted? He'd had plenty of opportunities to do it, Noct had even been to his house alone before, the perfect place to do it and then get away before anyone knew.
He should act, subdue the boy before he could shift, call the Guard…he took a deep breath, the scent was already fading, the wound likely healed since it had basically been a scrape…but now he could pick up the acrid scent of fear. He needed to speak with Ignis.
"You break something?" he asked, keeping his voice even.
Prompto looked up at him and yeah, he was scared but hiding it very well. "No, you only let me carry the light stuff," he offered a little shakily, standing up with the last of the spilt groceries, stuffing them back in the bag.
"Come on or your ice cream'll melt."
Prompto grinned. "But that's the best! When it's all melty around the edges and you can scoop it out with a finger."
Gladio chuckled. "So much for healthy eating," he couldn't help teasing even as his mind reeled.
"Hey, it's light ice cream and it takes me two months to eat a carton."
They started walking again, Gladio fighting down the urge to do something. Prompto obviously thought he hadn't realised and it was best to play along until he could talk to Ignis. He had to know right? But then why hadn't he done anything? If he had driven them to the shops rather than giving in to Prompto's desire to walk because he was feeling good, would he have found out the truth?
He followed Prompto into a small two storey house and then into the kitchen, seeing Ignis' subtle but growing influence from the times he had brought Prompto home or Noctis had visited. He subtly scented the air, there was a scent there…but he could smell a lot of plants, cleaning products and scented candles, to hide Prompto's natural scent? It had taken exposure to his blood for Gladio to smell anything, how did he do that?
He helped put the groceries away and then told him he needed to get home, waving goodbye before heading out. He waited until he was five blocks away before calling using handsfree, unsure how good Prompto's senses would be in human form. "Ignis? We need to talk, now."
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Ignis glanced down at his phone with a frown but put his book away and got out two glasses of blood to warm, Gladio had sounded on edge and the blood would help him keep his temper under control. It wasn't long before Gladio knocked and he let the other in, seeing the confusion and anger in his face. Ignis got the glasses and pressed one into his hand, making him pause and drink it. "What happened?"
"Did you know?"
"About what?" Ignis asked, not sure what he was talking.
"Prompto," he snarled, fists clenching. "He tripped, scraped his knee up good. I know that scent Ignis!"
Ignis closed his eyes. "Where is he?" Please let Gladio not have done anything rash.
"Home," was the curt answer.
"I am well aware of Prompto's status, as is Noctis," he admitted calmly. "Noctis made the connection first, understandable considering what happened so long ago. I came to my own conclusion and confronted Noctis."
"Then why haven't you acted?"
"I have," that got a frown of confusion even as he fought the urge to flash fangs at the older vampire. "I have spent time with Prompto, observing him closely, I have also spent time in his home, including the day after the full moon," he chose not to mention that Noctis had gone hours earlier, alone. "Despite his…condition, everything I have seen says that he is exactly what he appears to be, a wonderful young man who is fiercely loyal to Noctis. He has been raised by a vampire and a human Gladio, while I do not know if he actually is related to them or not, it is obvious he loves them. The other likely scenario is that he is a refugee, found by one of them outside of the city as a young child. If I thought for even a second that he was dangerous or a threat, I would have acted, despite Noctis' order to do nothing."
"Noctis did what?"
"He made the connection the first time Prompto came to the apartment. Despite whatever methods are used to conceal his scent a small amount transferred to where he had been sitting and Noctis picked up on it. Instead of telling anyone, he met with Prompto, in public, the next day. He knew the risks but also that being in public was the safest option. They spent time playing at an arcade and then returned to watch a movie. By the time Prompto went home, Noctis was sure of his assessment, that Prompto is not a threat to him," Ignis reported calmly.
He collected their glasses and took them to rinse and collect his thoughts before going back to sit, relieved to see Gladio had calmed some and was now thinking things through.
"That was when Noctis' behaviour began to shift and he became very protective of Prompto, even helping to cover for him when it came to things such as the silverware. Prompto has never been afraid of Noctis, he responds almost unconsciously when Noctis' instincts are strong. In fact…I believe that Prompto's wolf has come to see Noctis as pack, perhaps even the pack leader."
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Gladio's eyes went wide. Was that even possible? Wolves formed packs with their own kind, sometimes humans were included, though rarely, but a vampire? Was it possible? He forced himself to think it through, going over every interaction he had observed between the two younger boys, how Prompto reacted to everything.
He remembered the way Noctis would subtly ensure Prompto was in a protected position and the way Noctis had pushed the boy behind him that time Gladio had been play wrestling with Ignis, something he could rarely convince the too serious young man to do, and they'd rolled near the couch. Noct's fangs had been very obvious, eyes glowing…and Prompto had let himself be pushed back, gaze down, body relaxed, submissive…what werewolf would show such behaviour to a vampire? To a Lucis Caelum? Was Iggy right? Had Prompto somehow come to see Noctis as his pack leader?
How had he even gotten into the city though? "When did he come to Insomnia?"
Ignis nodded in understanding. "When Noctis heard he had moved from Tenebrae when he was eight, he asked if they had been there at the same time. Prompto admitted that he and Mr Argentum arrived in the days after the attack on Noctis."
"How? Security was so tight…"
"It was, but not right after. Everything was thrown into chaos…perhaps enough that a guard would not think to check thoroughly on someone who regularly comes and goes from the city," Ignis shrugged slightly. "There has not been even a hint of wolf activity within the city since Prompto's arrival. Noctis believes he is a refugee due to his scent also the way he reacts when the Empire is mentioned. He flinches Gladio, no spy or assassin would flinch when hearing the horrors perpetrated by their government, they would be proud of it. I've seen him after the full moon…I've seen healthier looking corpses. He could not even manage a bowl of stew without Noctis feeding him and then passed out on him. Even when he woke with Noctis holding him, he did not lash out."
He didn't know what to do. If he reported Prompto, he would lose all trust from Noctis and likely Ignis too. Noctis would never accept him as his Shield with such a betrayal between them. But his first duty was to ensure Noctis' safety. He could feel Ignis staring at him, waiting with his almost limitless patience. And then he frowned. "Wait a sec, why is everything theory? Didn't he tell you the truth?"
"Prompto is not aware of our knowledge."
"What?"
"Noctis wants Prompto to trust him enough to tell him willingly. I have warned him that no matter how much he trusts us, that may never happen. Paranoid secrecy has likely been deeply ingrained by now."
Gladio groaned, rubbing a hand over his eyes. Great, he couldn't even question the kid…wolf…Prompto without pissing Noctis off.
"Please Gladio, spend time with him, watch him with Noctis and you will see what we have. Werewolves are not automatically the enemy; I know instinct tells you otherwise but we are more than our instincts. Prompto has not once snarled or given any other sign of being ruled by his instincts, it is almost like he doesn't have them when it comes to us, although looking back I can see one or two times where he has left suddenly after one of us has done something very vampiric. He fights his instincts down enough to leave and go home. He has never shown any aggression, even to those who bully him."
"Alright, I'll give it a month."
"Thank you," Ignis smiled softly, so sure that he would agree with them and he hoped Iggy was right.
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Prompto threw his ruined jeans into the bin and collapsed on his bed, trembling in shock and fear. Of all the stupid things to do! He lay there, unable to make himself get up, waiting for the sound of the Guard breaking in to take him away. He buried his face in his pillow, feeling tears in his eyes.
He didn't know how long he stayed like that but he finally heard a knock and he stiffened, glancing at his window. No...they'd have the place surrounded. He forced leaden limbs to move, stumbling down the stairs to open the door, staring at...Ignis?
"Prompto? Prompto!"
He blinked, hearing the alarm in Ignis' voice and then he realised cool hands were clasping his shoulders, shaking him ever so gently and he shook his head.
"Prompto? Can you hear me?" he demanded, one hand moving to gently stroke his cheek and he trembled.
"Ig…" he gasped as he was suddenly off his feet and then he realised Ignis was carrying him. He grabbed Ignis' shirt with a hand, too shocked to do anything else. Then Ignis was sitting down wrapping the couch throw around them, rubbing his arms gently.
"Breath Prompto, I need you to focus on me," he urged and it was so easy to just do as he said. "Good, that's good. You're alright, I'm right here," Ignis just held him, tucking Prompto's head under his chin and Prompto curled into him even as part of his brain screamed to move, that Iggy would smell him.
He breathed deeply, Ignis' scent was different to Noct and Gladio, because he was half human, it barely stirred his instincts. Well no, it tugged at one, the one that said to bite and claim, to ensure everyone knew Ignis was his pack. He felt Ignis' hand on his back, rubbing gently and slowly his body relaxed totally.
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Ignis soothed Prompto as best he could, feeling the trembling slowly stop, the younger boy becoming limp but he could tell he was awake. He'd been terrified when Prompto had opened the door, skin blanched white, eyes glassy. He should have told Gladio to wait and called Prompto. When he finally had and the teen didn't answer, even after multiple attempts, he had rushed to the house, scared he had run or worse.
He hated having to keep quiet, that he couldn't reassure Prompto that they knew and didn't care. He could hear him breathing in deeply…taking in his scent. He felt him shift slightly, rubbing his cheek against his shirt. He would need to scrub thoroughly later but right now helping Prompto was the most important thing.
Obviously, he assumed Gladio had smelt the wolf in his blood and Ignis didn't want to know who Prompto thought was at the door. How to reassure him without giving away what he knew?
"It's alright," he whispered again, moving his hand from his back to his hair. He checked his temperature, relieved to find he was warming up, even with Ignis' lower body temperature.
"Iggy?"
A coherent word was also a good sign. "I'm here, I've got you," he promised and then he felt two hands gripping his shirt. "I was very worried when you did not answer your phone, I called three times," he explained and Prompto lifted his head to stare at him. Ignis smiled gently at him and Prompto swallowed nervously. "I was worried you had become ill and fallen," he offered. He pressed the back of his hand to Prompto's forehead. "No fever, how do you feel?"
"Tired," he mumbled.
"Gladio mentioned you fell while you were out, do you need me to look at it?" that got a headshake. "Alright, have you had dinner?" another shake. "I will prepare you something simple and then straight to bed, I will stay to ensure you are well." So close he could smell the confusion and even a little fear coming from Prompto.
"But…"
"You are a friend Prompto, helping you when you are unwell is not a problem," he promised. He slowly moved out from under him, urging him to lie down, making sure he was fully covered and had a pillow under his head. "Just rest." He gently stroked blond hair, hearing the soft whine he knelt down. "I'm not leaving Prompto, you need to eat." He'd done some research since finding out Prompto's secret, he knew wolves needed a lot more food than humans and while Prompto would eat good sized meals when with them, it wasn't as much as he should eat. He only hoped he ate more when at home since he wasn't dangerously thin. Ignis always made sure there were plenty of snacks in the apartment and had passed on what he was learning to Noctis so that he would know what to watch for as well.
Ignis went into the kitchen and went to work on a filling, nutritious meal and then took it the lounge room rather than make Prompto get up. He found Prompto was awake and watching him. he put the plate down on the table and then tugged Prompto back into a sitting position, sitting beside him to hold the plate. He coaxed Prompto into eating, not liking how quiet he was. Prompto was still scared, he had never seen him so scared, even when they had been there the day after the full mon. He understood why though, the accidental silver burn he had gained at the apartment was able to be explained away, but bleeding and smelling of wolf?
Once he was done eating, Ignis picked him up and carried him upstairs to his room, settling him down on the bed and pulling the covers up to ensure he was warm enough. He went to leave the room only to pause at the quiet call.
"Iggy?"
Only enhanced hearing allowed him to hear the trembling call of his name and he turned back to find Prompto staring at him. He walked back over the bed and sat on the edge, once again stroking his hair and he felt Prompto press into his touch. "Sleep Prompto, I'll stay," he promised and then Prompto shifted in the bed. Ignis smiled and stood, stripping down to his underwear before lying beside Prompto who curled up against him, head over his slowly beating heart. He rubbed his back with a hand before texting Noctis and Gladio to let them know where he was in case he was needed. All he said was that Prompto was ill and he was staying to care for him, before putting it aside.
He held Prompto close, feeling him shaking in his arms. "You're safe Prompto, I'm here," he whispered, keeping up the soothing words until the younger boy finally fell asleep. How much fear must he live with every day? Not just for himself either, if he was discovered his parents would also face punishment for sheltering him.
The scent of wolf was stronger now, the scent clinging to the sheets, and he felt the smallest itch in his fangs but he could ignore it. Vampires did not form packs or anything similar but they were very possessive of those they considered as being theirs, as could be seen from how Noctis was with all three of them. It had snuck up on him but he knew, if anything threatened Prompto, he would defend him. He had felt it when Gladio had confronted him, shocked to find he felt the urge to attack on Prompto's behalf. Prompto was theirs, they would keep him safe, look after him.
He knew he and Noctis would feel better if they could move Prompto into one of their apartments but it was too dangerous. They wouldn't be able to hide his scent enough; someone would eventually notice. As it was, he was going to have to scrub himself multiple times tomorrow.
He finally fell asleep and woke not long after sunrise, grabbing his phone as it began to ring, thankfully vibrating since he had put it on silent. He checked the number and then answered. "Gladio," he breathed, knowing he would be able to hear him.
"What do you mean he's sick? What happened? Are you alright?"
"Shh, he's asleep still and I am unsure how good his hearing is." He glanced down at the mess of blond hair on his chest, all he could see of Prompto since he had burrowed under the blankets. "Hold on," ever so carefully he extracted himself from the blond who whimpered in his sleep. he headed downstairs to begin prepping breakfast, still only in his underthings as he needed to shower off the scent before dressing. "After you left I tried calling Prompto three times with no success so I decided to check on him in person. He opened the door but…he didn't respond to me; he was in shock and so scared…." He took a deep breath. "I could not leave him alone Gladio. He was barely responsive, I had to help him eat and when I put him to bed he literally whimpered when I went to leave. I couldn't leave him after that."
"You're still there?"
"Of course, Prompto will need a good breakfast after yesterday."
"You think this is because he's scared of me?" Gladio asked.
"I think it would be good if you were kind enough to bring me some blood as I did not think to bring any. So long as you will act normally around him. If he sees that then hopefully he will think you did not notice anything due to being outside," he suggested, hoping Gladio would agree. He had promised after all.
"Okay, I'll be there soon."
"Thank you."
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Gladio hung up and sighed. The idea that fear of him had sent the kid into such a state…but the thought of Ignis alone in a house with a werewolf terrified him. Ignis was half human, he was an excellent fighter but against a wolf? He grabbed a thermos and filled it with blood before leaving the kitchen, running into his Dad in the hall.
"Gladio, heading out?" Clarus glanced at the thermos.
"Yeah, Ignis spent the night with Noct's friend because he wasn't doing too well but since it wasn't planned he doesn't have any supplies with him. I doubt Prompto would say no to donating but…" he shrugged and his Dad nodded, drinking from someone so ill would be too dangerous.
"I hope he feels better soon." He knew just how ill the boy was due to Regis, they were all concerned how Noctis and now the other boys would deal as the human continued to deteriorate over the coming years but none of them would interfere, not after seeing how Noctis had become happier, brighter.
Gladio nodded and left, driving back to Prompto's home where ignis opened the door for him and he raised an eyebrow at his rather…casual appearance but handed over the thermos.
"Thank you."
"Casual day?" he asked but then Ignis held his arm up to him and the scent reached him, oh. I will need to shower before dressing. Watch the food and I will wake Prompto."
"I'll do it," Gladio told him and Ignis hesitated but then nodded.
He headed upstairs, following the sound of a heartbeat to find the kids room. He glanced around, surprised by how neat it was, not surprised by all the pictures on the walls. He could barely see Prompto where he was huddled under the blankets. He took a deep breath and blinked as he picked up the faint scent of wolf again but he forced himself to ignore it, kneeling beside the bed so he didn't loom over him. He had promised Ignis he would observe for a month before he did anything, unless Prompto did something that forced his hand.
"Prompto?" he called. "Hey kid, time to wake up," he called, not touching him. He could smell the lingering fear in the room, remembered smelling it on the kid outside and he but back a sigh. "Prompto," he called a little louder, seeing him stir. "You don't want to miss Iggy' cooking do you?" he asked and slowly Prompto's face became visible, blue eyes sleepy until he saw Gladio. He heard his heartrate jump, the fear scent increasing even as blue eyes darted around. "Hey, easy, it's just me. Ignis needed some blood delivered. Even if you agreed and wanted to, you're too sick to donate. He's making breakfast. You up to the trip downstairs or do we spoil you with breakfast in bed?" he asked. He…he didn't like seeing Prompto so scared, especially of him. He'd worked so hard to ensure he wasn't when he'd thought he was human.
"Gladio?" he whispered and Gladio grinned at him.
"Come on, need a hand?" he asked again and Prompto slowly sat up, going to get up, stumbling, and Gladio got up, steadying him. "Take it easy, there's no rush." He glanced at the nervous blond and then simply lifted him, making him squeak. "Relax, I've got you." He carried him downstairs. He was heavier than Gladio would have thought but still fairly light. It made sense, wolves had denser bone and muscle, that was what made them stronger even in human form.
Ignis glanced up, frowning in concern as Gladio set Prompto down at the table, moving to check on the blond who just looked lost now. He gently checked him for fever, smiling softly at him. "Feeling any better this morning?"
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He felt lost and confused. Why hadn't he been arrested or killed? Why were they being so nice? Was it possible…Gladio hadn't smelt his blood? They'd been outside, maybe the scent hadn't been noticeable over everything else? Ignis set three plates at the table and he breathed in the scent of bacon, eggs, sausage and he looked up at Ignis who shrugged.
"I know it's your favourite and you rarely indulge. However you could do with the comfort food and putting on a pound or two," Ignis told him and he managed a small smile.
They didn't know!
When they finished he got up and insisted on helping clean up. He still felt a little off balance but he was okay. He would be okay; he hadn't messed everything up. They just thought his illness had been playing up.
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Noctis snarled, eyes glowing and Gladio forced his eyes down, Ignis had told the Prince everything and it was rather obvious Noct was mad. "I'm going to see him," he stood up and grabbed a backpack, shoving some games into it.
"I'll drive you," Ignis stood to get his keys.
"Noct…"
"Gladio don't," he forced out. "Not now." Despite his anger Gladio was relieved when Noctis brushed his hand against his face as he stalked passed. The fact he was willing to touch him meant he wasn't being cut out of his life. Noctis just needed to see Prompto and have some time to cool off.
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Prompto looked up at the knock, breathing in deeply, instantly recognising the scent at his door. He got up and went to open to find a concerned Noctis, Ignis waving as he drove off. "Hey," he stepped back to let him in. He was feeling a lot better now, he had everything under control.
"Hey," Noctis grinned at him. "Brought that new game over."
Prompto grinned and nodded so they went to set it up. They definitely didn't know because they would never let Noct near him for a second if they did.
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Gladio watched as Prompto laughed, bumping shoulders with Noctis. It had ben three weeks since he had learnt the truth and he had not seen even a second of anything that would make him consider the wolf a threat. It'd taken him several days to bounce back from his fear that they knew and…yeah, he felt horrible that he had caused that. He found Ignis watching him and he nodded. He would keep Prompto's secret.
TBC…
Poor freaked out Prompto.
