Warning: Noctis/Prompto.

Chapter Three

A nurse came over, with a stretcher.

His heartbeat fluttered frantically, especially because the stretcher had leather straps. Then, Noctis plucked him up – carrying him towards the stretcher, not bothered by his refusals.

He squirmed and struggled, but couldn't get free. He was therefore strapped down – the tight leather bindings digging into his skin, like the thorns on red roses. He was aware that the prickling flowers growing inside of him were parasitic in nature – feeding off of him, just taking and taking from him. They still symbolized love, even if they had been grown from unrequited love. They're then nevertheless breathtakingly beautiful.

"Please don't, Noct!" Prompto pleaded, as Noctis' frown grew worse. "My memories are all that I have left."

"This is for your own good, Prompto. You can't just leave everyone behind for one person, even if they're the love of your life," Noctis protested, as Prompto hopelessly sobbed. "I'm not losing to them, either."

"What are you talking about, Noct?"

"Who made you smile all the time? Who wiped your tears away at night? Who helped you through panic attacks? It was all me, Prompto!"

"I know, Noct. And, I'm so grateful."

"Why are you then leaving me behind for a person who has done nothing for you, expect cause you so much pain?"

"You just won't understand."

"Maybe because I'm not crazy."

XOXO

He had been sedated, then.

It was taking time to kick in, though. He looked at Noctis, with watery eyes. His best friend was serious, which horrified him. That meant he had no other options, expect confessing to his prince.

A whimper slipped from in-between his lips, but he still called out to Noctis. The prince approached his bedside. His vision was growing considerably distorted and blurry. He hadn't much time left.

"It's you," Prompto squeaked, as Noctis' faltered. "It's you, Noct. I love you."

"What?" Noctis snapped, as Prompto sighed. "What do you mean?"

"My roses match the color of your red eyes."

"You always said they were pretty."

"I'm so tired …"

"It's okay. You can sleep."

"I don't want to …"

"Hush now."

XOXO

A beeping sound hummed nearby.

It was his heart monitor – reading his vitals. He sighed and slowly sat up, with his eyes scanning the room. He soon met Noctis' gaze, who was watching him from afar. His cheeks flushed crimson, especially because Noctis knew about his feelings now.

"Hey there, sleeping beauty!" Noctis smirked, as Prompto bit his lower lip. "Did you sleep well?"

"I guess so," Prompto squeaked, as Noctis stood up. "N-Noct?"

"I can't believe you would rather die than tell me."

"How am I supposed to? You're a prince."

"I'm also your best friend."

"You don't understand."

"You keep saying that. Why don't you help me understand, then?"

"I can't, Noct. It's better if you don't, anyway."

"I think I'm entitled to understand whatever goes on in that pretty, little head of yours. I am in charge of your recovery."

"There's no cure for Hanahaki Disease. You can't save me."

"And how would you know?"

XOXO

He was bleeding.

There were green vines – stemming from his ankles and wrists. They twined his legs and arms – constricting tightly whenever he coughed. His best friend sighed, just before embracing him. He wanted Hanahaki Disease to overtake him, but Noctis won't let that happen.

What's wrong in desiring death? Is it really being selfish? He certainly didn't think so. His death wish was saving everyone from the misery of trying to cure him, especially because there is no cure for Hanahaki Disease. The only way a person could be saved is if their love was requited, except his isn't. The prince was only being kind, like the gentleman he is.

"You look like fairy," Noctis chuckled, as Prompto looked away. "What's wrong? Are you in pain?"

"I-I'm fine," Prompto croaked, as Noctis bandaged his bleeding ankles and wrists. "My condition is only getting worse, though."

"You'll never get better if you keep thinking like that, Prompto."

"It's true, Noct! Please let me go."

"I've already told you I won't. Don't ask me again, Prompto."

"Why are you so stubborn?!"

"Why is my love not enough for you to want to live?!"

"I'm sorry …"

"Stop."

"N-Noct …"

XOXO

A few hours had passed.

The prince was sound asleep – nestled in an armchair, with a blanket draped over him. He sighed and stood up, but his legs gave away. He crumped onto the floor, where he lay there for a while. He hadn't strength left in his body anymore, not when his energy is always being drained away.

He wanted some fresh air, though. He clutched his IV stand and stood up, then. His knees were shaking, but he hated being cooped up in his hospital room. The prince and he would always argue, especially because Noctis wouldn't respect his wishes.

It's his life, but Noctis was still making medical decisions for him. Wasn't he component enough to make such decisions for himself, though?

It just made him so frustrated. He's not mentally unstable, just plagued with Hanahaki Disease. His love would never be requited, so why not then leave Eos behind?

"Why can't you see? I'm doing you a favor. I'm not good enough for you," Prompto sniffled, as Noctis continued sleeping. "After all, I was just holding you back. You have a future, not me."

"You're betrothed to Luna. I'm just distracting you with my problems. It's wrong of me."

"Goodbye, Noct. I hope you forgive me one day."

XOXO

He stood on the rooftop.

The wind billowed around him. His hospital gown rippled in the cold breeze. He looked down – watching the hospital employees leaving, cars driving by, and flickering lights in the distance. He climbed onto the ledge, but someone grabbed his hand. He turned around, his eyes gazing into Noctis' enraged crimson ones.

The prince yanked him down. Then, Noctis grabbed his shoulders – shook him hard again, just before kissing him.

An itch tickled his throat. His mouth filled, with rose petals. His best friend still continued kissing him, not stopping until he absolutely needed air.

"W-Why did you do that?" Prompto stuttered, as Noctis wiped the corners of his mouth. "H-How many times do I have to tell you? Whether you like it or not, I'm going to die!"

"Shut up!" Noctis snarled, as Prompto lowered his head. "I'm transferring you to the Citadel. You'll be staying with me."

"No, I don't want to stay with you."

"You'll do as your prince says, Prompto."

"You can't just do that."

"You're making me. You keeping fighting with me – testing my goddamn patience, and I'm sick of it."

"Noct, I don't like fighting with you. I really, really don't."

"Then don't, Prompto. Either way, I'm going to help you."

"I guess I really don't have a choice."

"Like I said, I'll always take care of you."

A/N: What do you think? Leave me your thoughts.