Jason was the first to wake.
How did he know that exactly? Because he could hear all four of them still sawing logs in the cramped confines of the tent. There was something to be said about sharing such a small space with four other men. Several somethings actually.
Men snored. Jason knew he was guilty of that himself, but he had to wonder how any of them could sleep at all when the five of them collectively sounded like a chainsaw convention. Well, that wasn't entirely fair. Ignis, Prompto and Noctis were pretty quiet, sounding more like purring cats than anything. It was Gladio that won the award for most obnoxious bedfellow. Small wonder how either Noctis or Ignis could sleep next to him considering he was practically smothering them like a big obnoxious vibrator. Come to think of it, the man had crowded all of them somehow, climbing into the middle of the pile in his sleep and spreading his ridiculous wingspan over all of them. Even Jason wasn't immune, giant hand burning hotly through his shirt against the small of his back.
And my god it was cramped. Well...honestly out of everything, that didn't bother him all that much. It was actually kind of...nice? Jason was jammed against the side of the tent on his stomach, Prompto half lying atop him, cheek resting on his shoulder blade and arm cuddled into his chest. Gladiolus' arm draped over them both, and though Prompto didn't put off that much heat in the chill desert morning, the larger man did, acting as a sort of space heater for everyone. Jason hadn't slept this close to anyone in a long while, his (very) few past lovers not exactly the sticking around types. Not that he'd wanted them to be. They were fleeting, at best.
Awkward affairs, those.
In any case, the closeness, especially after all of the danger and drama he'd faced over the past few days, made him feel surprisingly safe.
But he only had to remember that Gladiolus' touch was not intentional, that everyone in this tent would probably rather he never showed up at all, to abolish any comfort he might have derived over the situation.
Fluffy morning haze ruined, Jason attempted to wiggle away, trying to figure out the best way to disentangle himself without waking up the lot. The second he tried to move, though, two things happened. One, Prompto shifted into any empty space he might have made between them like a damn suction cup, practically plastering himself to Jason's side. Two, Gladiolus fell startlingly silent, waking with a jerk.
Jason fell immediately still, closing his eyes and feigning sleep. He had no desire to face the larger man just yet, especially not when Jason was practically pasted to one of his friends and Gladio's hand was still burning against his skin.
No reason to rush into another day of distrust and hostility, after all.
After a second, Gladio levered himself up and his hand withdrew, leaving the skin where it had been to cool. Jason couldn't help but shiver. In response, Prompto wiggled impossibly closer.
Several moments passed as Jason could feel eyes burning into his person, but Gladio didn't disturb them, much to his relief. He was glad he was facing away, because he didn't think he could keep on pretending for long. Eventually, he heard some shuffling, and the sound of Ignis humming awake as well. After some silent communique Jason couldn't discern, both men left the tent, zipping it closed behind them.
Jason opened his eyes slowly once they'd left, heart pounding with nerves. He knew he would have to face them soon, but he just wanted to enjoy this one peaceful moment, where his body wasn't in pain and his life wasn't in danger, for just a little while longer. It was still just before dawn, so Jason closed his eyes and allowed himself to relax into Prompto's embrace. Soon enough, his still drained body pulled him back into the comforting confines of sleep.
–
It was to the glorious smell of real, honest to god food cooking that woke him some time later. The sun had fully risen it seemed, and he was no longer cocooned beneath Prompto. Rolling onto his back with a groan, Jason rubbed his hands over his face and stretched his sore muscles with several satisfying pops. The temperature had risen considerably, making the tent stifling, though it appeared that only he and Noctis remained. The prince, true to form, was still out cold.
The tent flap hung open, allowing both a breeze and the wonderful smell to waft inside, dispelling the unpleasant musk of too many bodies in an enclosed space he'd been inhaling before. Quiet humming could be heard, and judging by the brightness, Jason had only slept another half hour or so. Somehow, though, he felt infinitely better than he had the first time he woke. There was something to be said about snoozing he guessed.
Steeling himself, Jason propped himself up and ducked out of the tent, resigned to another hostile staring contest with Ignis and Gladio.
He was actually pleasantly surprised. Neither of the men were in camp, the only person around a swaying Prompto who stood over the camp stove messing with something Jason couldn't see from his angle. Taking a cursory look around, confirming that yes, Gladio and Ignis were nowhere to be seen, he stepped closer to Prompto, bare feet slapping the still cool stone of the haven.
"Good morning," Jason said quietly.
Still, Prompto jumped a bit, glancing over his shoulder, startled. He grinned. "Mornin'!" was his cheerful answer before he turned back to what he was doing. Jason walked around the table, curious. Some kind of meat that looked like ham was sizzling away on the small stove, a porridge of some sort already done and steaming in a pot beside it.
"This looks amazing," Jason groaned, stomach practically drowning out his voice as it made its protest over not eating properly for days known.
The blonde chuckled, flipping one of the slices clumsily. "Don't give me too much credit. Ignis made the porridge. I'm just warming up the meat."
"Prompto, at this point, I could eat a horse by myself."
"What's a horse?" The man tilted his head to the side, little wrinkle appearing between his brows.
Huh. Guess those didn't exist in this world. "Uh. It's basically a spiricon without the horn."
"Oooh. Don't know why you'd want to eat one of those. They're kinda nasty."
Jason scrunched up his face, but conceded the point with a shrug. How would he know anyway? It's not like he'd ever eaten one. Or a horse for that matter. Whatever.
"Where are Ignis and Gladiolus?" Jason asked, nervousness creeping into his voice despite his best efforts.
Prompto snorted. "Dude, no one calls him Gladiolus. And they left a little while ago to go look for Cor."
"Yeah, well...I'm not exactly on nickname basis with the guy am I?" Jason muttered, eyeing the hunter camp at the base of the hill not too far away.
Prompto's smile dimmed a little. "Right." But then he perked up. "I wouldn't worry about that for long though. You already promised not to hurt Noct again, and you're here to help us after all! I'm sure they'll come around. You're still alive, right?"
"Real reassuring, Prom…" Jason deadpanned.
"Hey, you used my nickname! That's progress!"
Jason shrugged. "I actually like you. Also, you're the only one who hasn't threatened my life."
"Yeah, I know. I'm awesome," Prompto preened.
That pulled a chuckle from Jason, a giddy feeling behind his sternum. This guy's light just couldn't be dimmed, could it? "Okay, sunshine boy. Your ham is burning."
"Sunshine–? Gah! My breakfast!" Jason's full belly laugh covered up most of Prompto's scrambling, earning him a sharp slap of the spatula the clumsy cook wielded like a fly swatter.
"Haha, ow! Prom!" Jason held up his hands defensively with a huge grin. His mirth faded swiftly though as two piercing blue eyes stabbed him with ice from the other side of the camp. Noctis had awoken sometime during their play and now stood glaring at Jason with a scowl. His narrowed gaze passed between Jason and his best friend and Jason straightened immediately, instinctively stepping away from Prompto.
Prompto's laughter ceased as he absorbed the agitation rising between the two men. With an awkward chuckle, he dismissed the rising tensions and waved enthusiastically at the ruffled prince, dramatics doing a lot to ease the hostility before it could begin. "Noct, you woke up by yourself! I'm so proud!"
"Shut up," Noctis grumbled, expression softening even as he pouted, crossing his arms. When Prompto turned back to his breakfast, however, the glare was back, Noctis walking up to subtly move in between Jason and Prompto before dismissing the man altogether.
Jason's eyebrows lifted. Oh. So that was how it was. Juuuust great. Now he would have to deal with Noctis' jealousy when Jason spoke to pretty much the only person here who didn't hate him. Jason rolled his eyes as Noctis practically draped himself against Prompto's back playfully, demanding to be fed. Jason decided it was time to peace out when Prompto began exchanging a banter with the prince that made little sense to the out of place man.
With an annoyed huff, Jason stalked off the side of the haven, only to slump against its wall and watch the sunrise. He crossed his arms. Jeez, he hadn't realized that all of them were together. Or at least Noctis seemed to think so. Not like it mattered anyway. It wasn't like Noctis would actually be threatened by Jason of all people.
He wondered idly if Noctis actually had a thing for Luna at all. He doubted it, judging by what he just saw. But meh, none of his business. He certainly wasn't close enough to the man to ask.
Didn't matter. He was here to do a job. How exactly was he going to do that, anyway?
The guys didn't believe him. Well, Prompto did, but he didn't really seem to have much say in the group, honestly. And even if they did, what would–should–he reveal?
But he was getting ahead of himself again. He would decide that when the time came they were ready to listen to him. And in order to do that, he would have to gain their trust.
Somehow.
A small scuffle above him interrupted Jason's musings and he glanced up into a bright smile. "What are you doing down there, buddy?"
"Trying not to provoke his royal grumpiness."
"Pft. It's fine, you weren't even doing anything."
"..."
Whelp. That answered that question. Prompto was completely clueless. Good luck to you, Noctis. You're going to need it.
"Here," Prompto handed him a bowl. "You better eat before Iggy and Gladio get back. We probably won't have a lot of time once we find Cor." And he disappeared over the ledge before Jason could thank him.
Jason looked down at the bowl with a frown before quickly stuffing his face. Great. Now he had to deal with Cor again. At least this food actually tasted good. Jason would compliment Ignis on his cooking if he thought he wouldn't get stabbed for it.
He could already tell it was going to be another long day.
–
Prompto stood back up and left Jason to his brooding, humming softly to himself with a little smile. He wandered over to the stove again to check–for the fourth time–that he actually turned it off.
Hey, don't judge! He'd totally done that before and nearly burned down his apartment. Prompto grabbed his own bowl and dug in happily, delighted that the gighee ham was edible. Iggy's porridge was spot on as always, and easily covered up the flavor of the over salted meat. It was a wonder of wonders that Ignis even let him near the stove at all, but Ignis seemed to have more on his mind at the moment than potential culinary disasters.
They all did.
And don't get him wrong, what happened was a terrible tragedy. It still didn't seem real to Prompto though. It felt kind of abstract until he'd actually seen it for himself. If he thought about it really hard, then yeah, he would feel depressed, but Prompto wasn't going to think too much about it only to send himself into a downward spiral. No, that was the last thing any of them needed.
If he did, he'd just become a useless needy lump and then who would make sure Noctis stayed out of the depression he's been known to fall into? Who would make sure someone took care of Iggy when he was too busy taking care of everyone else? Who would calm Gladio's temper with a few well placed jokes?
Who would make sure no one bullied Jason?
Something lighthearted and bright bubbled up in Prompto's stomach at the thought of the extradimensional man, and the feeling quickly tickled him into a smile. Yeah, Jason might have been a complete jerk the day before, but he apologized! Even though what Prompto did to him was definitely worse. And he even owned up to the power drain thing with Noctis, even though it didn't really seem to be his fault! And, and...having someone know Prompto's secret and still accept him anyway. That meant more to Prompto than Jason probably realized.
Well, not that Prompto knew much about that himself. Best not think about that now though, not when his heart felt so light.
It was when Prompto let out a small little giggle that he recognized the fledgeling beginnings of a crush. Huh. Well. He glanced back over to the ledge, even though he couldn't see Jason. His face bloomed into a blush as he buried it back in his food. Jason was definitely attractive with his long black hair–It just looked so silky! Prompto wanted to bury his fingers in it!–and exotic features. And sleeping against his firm back the night before had been...nice. Yes. Very nice.
Worry didn't even cross his mind as he continued to eat. Prompto had a crush on a lot of people after all. It wasn't like anyone ever wanted him back, and with all of them being impossible in one way or another, why stress over it?
He wondered how he should categorize this one.
He had crushes on all of his bros of course, he couldn't deny that. I mean, have you seen them? Yum. Luna was on that list, definitely. Cor, Cindy, that kingsglaive guy with the little braid and the undercut who'd smiled at him in passing a couple times. Even had a little attraction to King Regis–he would take that one to his grave. Those sparkling green eyes, and the way he held himself... A little frown at the thought of Regis pulled Prompto down slightly before he caught himself.
He shook it off. Just keep smiling Prompto.
The blonde decided he would rank it somewhere between Cindy and Noctis; that sweet spot between admiration from afar and 'this could never happen, so just enjoy the burn'. Yeah. That sounded good.
He was a good halfway through his food when he finally noticed the eyes burning a hole in his face from across the dead campfire. Noctis sat completely still, that little frown between his brows that showed up whenever he was thinking too hard about something, food untouched.
"Wha?" Prompto mumbled through a mouthful of food.
"You like him." Noctis said quietly enough that Prompto barely heard him.
Prompto immediately choked on his spoon, fighting for breath around his surprise. Noctis seemed to take that as a confirmation, because his expression stormed over, eyes narrowing.
"Well, yeah. He's actually pretty cool to talk to when you're not screaming at him, buddy."
Noctis bared his teeth, eyes darkening. "He has a lot to answer for."
"No," Prompto frowned. "He doesn't, actually. Iggy said it himself, Jason telling us wouldn't have helped."
Noctis shook his head in denial, but let it go. "Not what I meant Prom. You like him."
Prompto tilted his head curiously at the acid in his friend's voice. He wasn't sure why Noctis seemed surprised about this. Prompto was hardly subtle about his crushes. Like. Ever. "So?"
Noctis' lips twitched. "I don't like it. Stay away from him."
Now it was Prompto's turn to be annoyed. Noctis' possessive behavior over the three of them wasn't new–it was pretty entertaining when Gladio was trying to date with anyone other than Ignis–but this seemed a little overboard. "I don't see how. We kind of have to travel with him." Prompto rolled his eyes over whatever bratty thing Noctis was going to hiss next and talked in a normal voice, ending the hushed conversation. "You better eat up, Noct! I can see the Regalia making it's way over, and you know Gladdy will be chomping at the bit to get going."
Prompto watched in satisfaction as, looking vaguely alarmed, Noctis began scarfing down his food like his life depended on it.
A few minutes later, the crunch of gravel announced the arrival of the Regalia and three figures made their way over the top of the haven. Prompto stood immediately as Cor Leonis followed Gladio and Iggy into the camp, the man's face as serious as Prompto ever saw it. Nerves clawed at his stomach as he held his shoulders as straight as his thin frame allowed.
Prompto had known Cor for as long as he could remember. He'd always been there in one way or another throughout Prompto's life. Of course, when he was a kid, he had no idea who the serious man who showed up every once in awhile to check in on him was, but he wised up about halfway through middle school. While Prompto didn't remember how he came into the care of his foster parents, he had been told that Cor was the one who brought him to Insomnia. Prompto had tried to ask him once–stuttering profusely, as he always did around the older soldier–but Cor was tight lipped about the subject. The man didn't seem to like Prompto at first, regarding him with a distant coldness, but ever since Prompto started hanging out with Noctis and joined the crownsguard, Cor and he had been growing a little closer.
If you could call awkward pats on the shoulder and stilted conversations becoming close to someone. Still, Cor was someone Prompto had always wanted the approval of. Who wouldn't? The man was a legend.
"Cor!" Prompto shouted, too loudly. He winced, but when the man's taciturn eyes landed on him and gave him that barely there smile, something inside Prompto practically glowed.
"Hey, kid," Cor said, smooth voice a welcome familiarity in all the craziness of late. Prompto grinned back. Cor shifted a bundle in his arms–a mess of leather and steel it looked like–and looked around. "Where's Jason?"
"Here," Jason's voice came from behind, and Prompto glanced at him as the man levered himself onto the haven and walked over.
Jason's gaze was as cold as it was uncertain, but Cor hardly seemed affected.
"You're healed," Cor said without blinking. "Good. You're going to need your strength." He tossed the bundle to Jason, who caught it deftly and glanced down at it suspiciously. Cor shrugged at the unspoken question. "You suck at using weapons. I found you some body armor that will protect you and supplement your fighting style when you go hand to hand."
Jason gaped, clearly surprised. "...Thanks."
"This guy can fight?" Gladio asked skeptically, and Jason snapped him an affronted look.
"Yes." Cor answered, monotone. "Quite well, in fact. If he'd been properly equipped, he might have even been useful last night."
Jason muttered under his breath, but didn't complain as he stripped apart the armor and examined it on the ground. Prompto shuffled over curiously as well. It wasn't anything special, just some arm and leg guards, reinforced with bladed steel along the fists, forearms and shins. A faint magic buzzed Prompto's senses, but it didn't feel particularly strong. Prompto tuned back into the conversation as Jason began to pull them on over his clothes.
"Cor," Noctis spoke up, no nonsense tone. "What happened in the city? Were you there?"
"Your Highness," Cor said solemnly. "It is good to see you in good health." He closed his eyes briefly before starting to speak matter-of-factly. "King Regis sent me away from the city before the signing. I left the same day as you."
"What? Why?" Noct said in disbelief. "You are one of his most powerful soldiers. You could have helped!"
Cor frowned sternly. "Regis knew what was coming. He sent me away in the chance that he was killed and the city lost to guide you and lead the resistance."
"That's bullshit," Noctis yelled, losing his temper. "You should have been there, at his side where you belong. I should have been there–"
"If you and I had been there, your Highness, we would be dead," Cor rebuffed bluntly.
Noctis fell silent, hands clenching.
"If the king sent you away, then he must have had some sort of plan," Ignis said, adjusting his glasses before crossing his arms.
"Of a sort. He's tasked you four with collecting the weapons of the Line of Lucius through the royal tombs scattered around Eos. Once you have them, Noctis, you will be able to awaken the crystal's power."
"Oh, and then what?", Noctis said sullenly. "They have the crystal, Insomnia is destroyed, and we don't even know where the Ring of Lucii is. The Empire won."
Everyone's eyes turned to the acidic prince with varying degrees of shock. Cor's frown deepend, tone rising sharply. "Your people need you still, Noctis. Their homes may be destroyed but they remain, waiting for their King to lead them from the tyranny of the Empire."
"The King is dead!"
"The King lives!" Cor stepped into Noctis' space, looming over him and demanding the attention of the recalcitrant young man. In a quieter, though no less stern tone, he said, "He just has yet to wake up." Noctis glared fiercely, body shimmering in his fury, but Cor would not back down. "You are the only one who can deliver them. Would you abandon them, your Highness?"
Prompto trembled as the tension rose, gaze flicking between the two bowed men frantically. He wanted to step forward, to ease the pain he could see in the line of Noctis' shoulders, but when he made to move forward to defend his friend, a sharp shake of the head from Gladio stopped him in his tracks. Gladiolus stood stoically, arms crossed over his chest and observing the confrontation with all seriousness. Prompto wondered why neither he nor Ignis had made a move to intervene, but he could see Ignis standing just as tense, expression grim.
And then Prompto understood. This wasn't about Noctis, not really. Noctis needed to realize on his own that his mission, his people, were more important than his feelings. The prince had been coddled since youth by a sympathetic Regis, the older man wanting to spare his son as much pressure as he could before he was forced to pass on his title and burden. Noctis had been given more freedom than any crown prince could probably afford, and now must come to terms with the mantle of his responsibilities in full, suddenly and irrevocably.
And if any of them intervened, it would only hold him back. Prompto felt sadness well up in him then, reminded once again that Noctis wasn't just his best friend. He was Prompto's Prince. His King, now. The burden of his station had ever weighed on Noctis' shoulders, and he could see them bowing beneath the pressure more than ever.
Noctis' magic dissipated. His chin dropped. "No," he said softly, stepping back. "No, I won't abandon them. Of course not."
Despite the concern they felt for their prince, all three of his crownsgaurd eased at his words. They loved him more than life itself, and yet to have him doubt his own destiny put them all on edge. Pride shimmered in Ignis' eyes, and his nod of approval had Noctis' lips twitch in a small smile, despite the grim situation.
Cor stepped back, satisfied. "Your first tomb is located not far from here, just past the hunter base. The second is in an abandoned underground bunker in the old city."
"You aren't coming with us?" Prompto asked quickly, disappointed.
Cor shook his head. "I need to investigate the Empire's movements. With most of the Kingsglaive and Insomnia's forces destroyed, our spy network is crippled. With any luck, I can locate the crystal and gather what forces remain."
"Alright," Noctis said, a little color returning to his pale face. "Keep me posted."
"Yes, your Highness. Messenger boy," Jason jumped, seeming surprised to be addressed. Cor pursed his lips. "Stay out of trouble." Ignoring the man's stuttered response, Cor gave each of them a look before nodding once, turning on his heel and leaving the camp behind.
Prompto took in a long, deep breath, letting some of his stress go now that that was over with. "Hokay, so what now?"
"You heard the man," Gladio shrugged, shaking out his arms before beginning to pick up the camp chairs to put away. "We find the tombs and get the crystal's power."
"Ah, right, right." Prompto started to follow Gladio's lead, the other two joining him in breaking down the camp. When Prompto passed Noctis, he patted him on the back with a grin, receiving a small smile in return.
"Wait, hold on a sec," Jason interjected. "What about me?" He stood with his hands held out to his sides in question, new gear adorning his limbs and frustration painted in every line of his body.
Movement in the camp stopped. Ignis and Gladio shared a long look before Ignis spoke. "Cor doesn't believe you are a spy, but has no further theories to add to what you might be."
"Well...that's good, right?" Prompto asked optimistically.
"He has advised us to keep you close."
Ignis looked to Noctis for confirmation, but Noctis only grunted. "Whatever," he said, going back to folding the sleeping bags and ignoring Jason completely.
Lips twitching with some suppressed emotion at Noctis' rudeness, Ignis turned back to Jason. "You will be accompanying us for now, until we can discover more about your...situation. Please refrain from using your abilities, as we do not yet know their full consequences."
Jason started to say something, but Gladio cut him off. "Just stay out of our way and you won't get hurt."
It wasn't a threat, Prompto knew, but a warning that Gladio couldn't guarantee his safety, but Jason didn't seem to understand that. The shield might not have seen the flicker of fear in Jason's eyes, as he had gone back to packing the tent, but Prompto did. He winced. Walking over to the dark skinned man, he tried to explain.
In an undertone, he said, "He didn't mean it like that, buddy. He just means that we are sworn to protect Noctis, and might not be able to help you if you get in trouble."
"...Oh." Jason muttered, looking down with his brows drawn.
Prompto didn't like that expression. Not at all. With the most reassuring smile he could muster, he patted the man on the shoulder. "Come on, help us get this stuff packed. We've got a lot of walking to do."
Jason's chocolate eyes met his, uncertain and dark with frustration. They softened when their gazes met, though, and Prompto's smile grew, stomach fluttering pleasantly. "Okay," Jason said.
"Hey. It's gonna be okay! We'll figure all this out, you'll see."
This time, Jason's smile was a bit more genuine. "Yeah."
"Prompto, get a move on!"
"R-right, be right there!" With one last pat to the taller man's shoulder, Prompto threw himself into his tasks, gathering the gear into a pile for Noctis to store in his armiger. What he didn't see was the staring contest between Noctis and Jason, too busy and anxious about the future to give them much heed.
They had their mission now, and Prompto actually felt kind of better? It felt better than the sickening uncertainty of yesterday, that was for certain. A lot of stuff was up in the air right now, but they had a direction to move forward in, and that was just what Prompto needed.
It was time to start setting things right.
–
AN: I really wanted to get to some action, but I feel like I threw a lot of stuff at you guys in this chapter, so the second half will be posted in the next couple days. And Cor is a character with real motivations. Yay!
And hello, romantic tension, it's nice to meet you! Haha, if anyone can guess what's up with Jason, I'll be pleasantly surprised. He's going to be an interesting character to write when it comes to romance. And I always thought Prompto would be a man to love freely and often, but never expect love in return. Idk, that's just how I see him. For those of you who were wondering, this story will be just as much about the relationship as the plot. I happen to find fics with successful polyamorous relationships fascinating, and have accepted the challenge ;). Also, if Square Enix teased any harder about a relationship between the chocobros, they all would have permanent handprint shaped marks on their asses haha.
Next chapter: Jason questions videogame logic. And then gets his ass kicked.
Question y'all. Are you understanding the flow of conversation, as far as who is speaking? I don't always lable quotes, relying on tone to identify the speaker. Let me know if it's working. Please, I really need feedback on this, as it's something I'm experimenting with.
Feedback is craved, devoured, and appreciated.