Warning: Noctis/Prompto.

Chapter Five

He stood in the courtyard.

He was lost in thought, though. His mind was going over the events of yesterday – ditching school, drinking alcohol, and dancing shamelessly. However, Prompto wasn't ashamed of himself for doing those things.

He had fun – something he hadn't experienced in such a long time. But, Prompto has his limits.

"What's wrong?" Noctis asked, tilting his head sideways. "You look … distracted."

"S-Sorry," Prompto apologized, averting his eyes. "I was just thinking about something. We should head to the library now."

"The library is kind of boring," Noctis admitted, his eyes narrowing. "Don't you agree?"

"I … I didn't know you felt that way," Prompto answered, biting his lower lip. "If you want, we could study outside."

"That would be nice. But, I have another place in mind."

"You do? What is it?"

"It's a café. Don't you want to go? Aren't you curious?"

"I … I don't know. I'm not sure."

"You promised to help me study."

"I know I did. And, I'm going to keep my promise to you."

"What's the problem, then?"

"… Nothing."

"Great."

XOXO

What was he doing?

Unfortunately, Prompto didn't know himself. He felt free – free from school, his parents, and his home. He was far from them. They couldn't control him anymore. They had no say, not over him or his life.

His heart felt conflicted, though. He knew Noctis was a bad influence – perhaps even more than that. But, Prompto can't help himself, not when he loves Noctis. If he can indulge in this fantasy of some sorts, then Prompto was willing to push his limits.

"We're here again," Prompto mused, as an ocean breeze blew through his hair. "We were here yesterday. I remember splashing you with water."

"You don't get out much, do you?" Noctis chuckled, as his lips curling into a smirk. "You're such a sheltered kid."

"I … I told you," Prompto stuttered, as his cheeks flushed red. "My parents are overprotective of me."

"Yeah, I wonder why," Noctis sneered, as the sunlight illuminated his handsome face.

"N-Noct?"

"Hmm?"

"Can I take pictures of you?"

"Go adhead, I don't mind. It's nothing I'm not used to."

"Thanks!"

"I said I would be your model, anyway."

XOXO

A painful feeling flowered in his chest.

He lowered his camera, then. He had taken quite a number of pictures, with Noctis in various poses – ones of him looking at the ocean view, ones of him running a hand through his hair, and ones even looking at him.

He genuinely loves Noctis. What does it matter, though?

Unlike Noctis, Prompto is a mere commoner. Their friendship won't last forever. That's why he is indulging – pushing his limits, stepping out of his comfort zone. He wanted memories with Noctis – memories which he will cherish, and won't ever forget.

"Which one is your favorite of me?" Noctis asked, with a small grin.

"I … I like all of them," Prompto admitted, hugging his camera.

"I guess I'm a really good model, then."

"You truly are, Noct. And, I can't wait to sketch these!"

"I didn't know you sketch."

"Yeah, I mostly sketch my friend … and you."

"Why me?"

"You're … You're an artistic inspiration."

"Well, then, I guess I should visit the art department at school more."

"I'm sure they would like that."

XOXO

The Regalia halted.

He let out a gasp – the jolt startling him. So, Noctis took his hand – guiding Prompto through the masses.

However, Prompto felt somewhat uncomfortable. After all, Noctis' mere presence garnered a lot of attention – something Prompto doesn't like, or is even accustomed to.

Even so, Prompto kept his head lowered – ignoring the stares, like Noctis did. It wasn't easy, not when the other customers started whispering among themselves, but Prompto just clutched Noctis' hand tighter.

In return, Noctis also gave his hand a reassuring squeeze – even pulled him closer. It made Prompto's heart flutter.

"Hi," Noctis said, greeting a flustered waitress. "I had reserved a table."

"Of course," the waitress nodded, bowing before Noctis. "Right this way, Your Highness."

"Thank you."

"It's our pleasure, Prince Noctis."

"I'll keep that in mind, then."

XOXO

His golden eyebrows furrowed together.

Unfortunately, Prompto didn't understand the menu. It was confusing, especially for a commoner, like himself.

Meanwhile, Noctis snatched his menu away, his lips curling into a grin. He then studied Prompto – carefully looking him over.

"He'll have a chocolate croissant, muffin, and latte," Noctis sighed, closing his eyes. "And, I'll have a slice of apple pie, cheesecake, and tea."

"They have a great view. I love flowers," Prompto smiled, looking through the window. "This place is so cute. Isn't it?"

"You're cuter."

"N-Noct …"

"It's true."

XOXO

He sipped his drink.

A smile curled into his lips, then. Of course, Noctis watched him, with a small smirk. Without delay, Prompto looked away, his cheeks flushing pink.

"We should start studying now," Prompto suggested, as Noctis tiredly sighed. "Is that okay?"

"Yeah," Noctis shrugged, as Prompto came closer to him. "We were on chapter sixteen."

"This isn't a difficult chapter. I'm sure you'll understand it in no time."

"You're a good tutor."

"Thanks! I'm glad you think so."

XOXO

In the distance, Prompto had heard him yawn.

Without hesitation, Prompto smiled and shut Noctis' math textbook. He felt tired, too. If he didn't take a break now, he would probably get a headache soon.

"You must feel exhausted. We've been studying for hours," Prompto comforted, his cheeks burning brightly. "Let's stop for now. We can study the next chapter later."

"Yeah," Noctis sighed, closing his eyes. "I don't feel like calculating numbers anymore."

"Let's go there, then!"

"You want to visit the meadow?"

"Please!"

"Okay."

XOXO

He had spotted a meadow.

It was filled with beautiful flowers – mostly sunflowers, though. However, Prompto didn't mind, not when his favorite flower is a sunflower. So, Prompto took Noctis' hand, who was obviously amused by him, but didn't mind humoring him, anyway.

"Look at all the flowers!" Prompto squealed, as Noctis sat atop a wooden bench. "Aren't they pretty?"

"I've seen prettier things," Noctis shrugged, as Prompto began snapping away. "You have fun. I'll be here."

As Noctis napped, Prompto plucked sunflowers – weaving them together into a flower crown. He approached Noctis, then.

"Noct?" Prompto smiled, as Noctis' dark blue eyes slowly opened. "You're awake."

"Yeah, I am," Noctis sighed, raising an elegant eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Can I?" Prompto asked, unveiling the flower crown from behind his back. "Pretty please, Noct?"

"Go ahead," Noctis assured, with a small chuckle. "I can't say no to you."

"Yay!"

"You're so sweet."

XOXO

It began raining.

The dark skies were pouring – thunder roaring and rumbling through those smoke colored clouds. As lightning flashed, Prompto gasped and grabbed Noctis' arm, who hugged him, then.

"It's just a storm," Noctis assured, running his fingers through Prompto's drenched golden locks. "It'll go away soon."

"I'm … I'm sorry," Prompto apologized, rubbing his eyes. "I'm such a scaredy-cat. I shouldn't be afraid of storms, not at this age."

"It's fine," Noctis asserted, pulling Prompto wrists apart. "We should go. We're getting soaked."

"You're … You're right."

"My penthouse is closer. We'll wait the storm out there."

"Are … Are you sure? I don't know about this."

"Don't be shy. It's just my penthouse, not the Citadel."

"Okay …"

XOXO

The fireplace crackled.

He sat cross-legged on the floor, with a blanket draped over him. He wasn't freezing, but his school uniform was wet, not as much anymore, though. After all, Noctis' penthouse was warm – equipped with the latest heating system, but Prompto hadn't stopped shaking.

However, Prompto wasn't cold. He was nervous, not comfortable with being inside of Noctis' penthouse. He had wanted to push his limits, though. Is this the farthest he can go, then?

"Here," Noctis said, handing him a mug full of steaming hot chocolate. "It'll warm you up."

"Thanks," Prompto smiled, taking the mug. "Your place is nice. It's just I never thought I would have the chance to actually be here."

"Why?"

"I mean, I'm not a noble or anything."

"Trust me, Prompto. You're better than my nobles."

"How?"

"They're incredibly annoying. My father and I don't like them. We have to tolerate them, though."

"Oh …"

"Follow me, I'll show you to the guest bedroom. The maid is done preparing it."

"I … I thought …"

"The storm isn't letting up. You might have to stay over. So, I had asked the maid to prepare the guest bedroom for you."

"Th-Thank you …"

XOXO

He tossed and turned.

After all, Prompto just couldn't fall asleep, not with the storm still raging on. He had kept jumping – the thunder frightening him. He hugged his knees – rocking himself back and forth.

However, Prompto couldn't comfort himself. He was a nervous wreck. It's apparent now. This is the farthest he can go, right?

He wanted to scream. If someone else was in his place, they would be enjoying the prince's hospitality.

What's wrong with him, then? Is he really such a sheltered boy?

"Are you okay?" Noctis asked, as Prompto quickly wiped away his tears. "I heard you crying."

"I'm … I'm fine," Prompto sniffled, as Noctis touched his cheek. "What … What are you doing?"

"You're not fine," Noctis sighed, as Prompto's chin shook. "I'm sorry. I know you want to go home. Once the storm goes away, I'll drive you myself."

"Th-Thanks …" Prompto sobbed, as Noctis wiped away his tears. "I'm … I'm not really used to sleepovers."

"Yeah, I know."

"Can you please stay with me? You don't have to if you don't want to."

"I don't mind."

XOXO

He grabbed Noctis' wrist.

His hands were shaking. What did he even want to do? Did he want to push Noctis away or bring him closer?

However, Prompto did neither. He couldn't, but why should he? Isn't this what he had wanted for so long?

So, Prompto just closed his eyes, his lips pressed against Noctis'. He had dreamed about this – even envied Noctis' nobles, but this isn't right. He's just a commoner, not someone with a title, like Noctis or his nobles. Didn't the prince say he disliked his nobles, that Prompto was even better than them, though?

Still, Prompto didn't want to end up like Noctis' nobles, with his heart abused and broken. But, Noctis was making him feel good – touching him like no one has ever, caressing his body lovingly like from his dreams. He was melting within Noctis' embrace, like putty almost.

"Noct …" Prompto stuttered, as Noctis' eyes flew wide open. "Noct …"

"We shouldn't," Noctis sighed, as Prompto sat up. "We shouldn't do this."

"W-Why?" Prompto stammered, as Noctis stood up. "Is … Is there something wrong with me?"

"You're perfect," Noctis smirked, as Prompto's eyes watered. "It's just I don't want the emotional baggage."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're a smart boy. You can figure it out."

XOXO

The bedroom door opened.

Of course, Ignis had walked inside – Noctis' royal advisor, who frowned at the scene before him. However, Noctis just sighed and shook his head, not in a mood for a lecture.

"What is going on here?" Ignis asked, as Noctis buttoned up his jeans. "What did you do, Noctis?"

"Nothing," Noctis admitted, as Ignis suspiciously narrowed his eyes. "I did nothing."

"Is that so?" Ignis scoffed, as Noctis walked away. "Where are you going?"

"I want a drink."

"Noctis!"

"Later."

XOXO

He stared into Ignis' eyes.

Obviously, Prompto felt ashamed, especially for falling so easily into Noctis' trap. He couldn't help himself, not when he's so in love with the prince. Does that mean he's no different from those nobles?

He hugged his knees again – rocking himself back and forth. They didn't do much – just kiss each other, but he still hated himself. After all, Prompto had been trying to unbuckle Noctis' jeans, but the prince had stopped him. Why, though?

"What happened, Prompto?" Ignis asked, sitting down beside him. "Did His Highness hurt you?"

"No," Prompto assured, rubbing his eyes. "Noct didn't hurt me."

"Why are you crying, then?"

"We were kissing. I thought we were going to do more, but then he stopped. He said we shouldn't."

"Why does that upset you, Prompto?"

"I asked him what was wrong. I asked him if there was something wrong with me. He said I'm perfect, but that he just doesn't want emotional baggage. What does that mean, though?"

"You know how His Highness is. He hurts people, breaks their hearts. I'm warning you, Prompto. Noctis will only hurt you.

"But, I love him."

"You shouldn't love him. Someone like His Highness shouldn't be your first love."

"Is … Is that why? … Virgins are emotional baggage."

"Honestly, I'm surprised he didn't have sex with you. But, Prompto take this chance. Because, His Highness is not going to change."

XOXO

The storm continued.

And, Noctis watched from his window – raindrops splattering against it, thunder rumbling, and lightning flashing. At least, Noctis didn't have to hear Prompto crying, not comfortable with seeing the blonde sobbing for some reason.

Yet, Noctis didn't mind making his nobles cry. He didn't like them, but Prompto was different. Why, though?

He grew angry – throwing his shot glass into the fire place, just as his bedroom door opened.

"Congratulations!" Noctis said, as he bitterly laughed. "You won the bet."

"You could've won," Ignis sighed, as his eyebrows knitted together.

"But, I didn't," Noctis snapped, as he sat down.

"Why? You had him," Ignis challenged, as he stood by the fireplace. "Why didn't you take him?"

"Like I said, I don't want the emotional baggage," Noctis claimed, running a hand through his hair.

"You care about him."

"Don't twist my words up."

"You love him."

Noctis stood up – smashing his liquor bottle on the floor. However, Ignis didn't flinch. His training taught him how to deal with Noctis' frustration and anger.

"Shut up! There's no such thing as love."

"There is, Your Highness."

"You're dismissed."

"What happened to you, Noctis?"

"Leave me alone."

"Who hurt you?"

"Get out!"

Ignis backed off for now. He was going to get to the bottom of Noctis' emotional issues, but not right now. The prince was obviously upset.

"Goodnight, Your Highness."

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