The rest of the day seemed to slog by at an agonizing, sluggish pace. There were no more texts from the Prince, who was now undoubtedly tied up in royal matters beyond the blond's comprehension. Although he knew he most likely wouldn't hear from Noct until after school, the frequent sight of his empty notification screen left a hollow in Prompto's chest.
Between classes, Prompto made busy work of making himself scarce, in the hopes of dodging Kai who now seemed to be in full pursuit. He owed him an answer, but it just seemed easier to avoid the whole awkward conversation, at least for now. After dashing out of history class to evade the male, Kai had reappeared, approaching Prompto at his locker after third period. The blond, spotting the teen who stood slightly taller than most other students, had just narrowly succeeded in giving Kai the slip in the overcrowded hallway.
Feeling unnaturally shattered when his last class started, Prompto pushed the heels of his palms into his eye sockets and groaned, wishing the cola and chocolate bar he had consumed at lunch had done something other than raise his heart rate and make him feel guilty about the sugar content. He could really do with some proper caffeine right now.
If Noctis had been here, as per usual, they would have skulked off together at lunch to the dead cherry trees ('Zombie Sakura,' as they liked to call them…a term they felt would make an excellent manga title) at the far end of the school grounds, where all the dodgy kids hung around, more interested in their own shenanigans than the conduct of the Prince and his best friend. At least once a week, there was some sort of pubescent cigarette or alcohol deal going on by the wild-worn stone walls that bordered the bland streets of Insomnia.
Today, Prompto had pottered around near the canteen, and then sequestered a mildewed bench near the Language block. He hadn't been able to quite reconcile himself with the degree of despondency that he felt.
When, miraculously, his dormant phone had buzzed in his pocket, he plucked it out, hoping to justify his thrill with the sight of a text from Noctis. It was, however, something else.
Unknown Number – Hey, Prompto. You really are hard to get. It's Kai. If you would rather answer me in a text that's cool. I just really want to get in there before any of your other admirers (^_−) So, it's a yes?
Unable to grasp what all this fuss over admirers was about, the blond had stuffed his phone back into his jeans. Kai would have to wait a little longer for a reply, once he had time to collect his thoughts. How did Kai even get his number?
The rest of the day passed uneventfully, with no further Kai encounters, except for half a dozen more texts, each getting more demanding and revealing more of Kai's perseverance and determination to get a prom date.
Prompto's unsettled mood at the constant and frankly alien attention, was rapidly dissipating by the time the final bell rang, and he thrilled quietly at the thought of meeting Ignis at the gates, his reluctant partner in crime. He got the feeling that Iggy was secretly a little bit excited at doing something 'naughty' for a change. Gods knew the guy had the saintliest stick up his ass at the best of times (well, according to Noct).
He was leaning against a slightly unhinged bit of wire fencing near the front gates, shielding his eyes and pale skin from the lowering sun and its searing heat. He made a mental note to start wearing his sunscreen again, just in case any more of these frickin' freckles decided to take up residence on his face.
Whilst he anticipated the thrum of Iggy's familiar car with subdued excitement, he thumbed through some of the messages he had received whilst subtly glancing over his shoulder every now and then in case the man in question had appeared anywhere in the vicinity. It really did feel like someone was playing an elaborate prank on him.
-Hey Prom, I can see that you read this. Feeling shy? All it takes is one word…say yes (v^ー°)
-I'm not a Prince but I'm pretty deep. My name means 'ocean' after all ꉂ (´∀｀)ʱªʱªʱª
-You haven't said no…but there's a limit to my patience when a pretty face is involved ( ಸ‿ಸ)
Jeez, this guy just didn't quit. Prompto stared blankly at the screen, unsuccessful at conjuring up ideas of how he could turn down his supposed admirer while avoiding the next logical question that would follow - if he wasn't going to prom with Kai, then who was he going with? Before he had an opportunity to tap out any sort of reply, Ignis' dark blue sedan rolled up in front of him, bright sun reflecting off the chrome trim in a blinding display of Crownsguard swagger.
A sudden surge of excitement washed over the blond, and he did the quickest thing he could, typing out two letters and mashing send before shoving his phone away and marching up to the open passenger window. "Hey Ignis! Thanks for doing this, buddy!" the blond piped, leaning inside to flash the man a beaming smile of appreciation.
"Let's make this snappy, shall we? I must return to the palace in an hour. His Highness may become suspicious if I am not present upon the dismissal of the royal council."
"Sure thing, Iggy! If Noct suspects anything, we're both screwed." Prompto wasted no time in pulling open the heavy door and settling himself in, turning up the AC without asking permission and sighing happily at the cool, almost-damp chill that blasted into his face.
Shaking his head and carefully hiding a small smile, Ignis pulled away from the sidewalk smoothly, his leather gloves creaking satisfyingly on the steering wheel before he spoke in his pleasing, aristocratic tone.
"Have you had any thoughts regarding what you're actually looking for this afternoon? If I may say, I know a little of sartorial matters and am happy to offer any assistance."
"I have a few ideas, but I'll look to you for help on this one. This plebe is gonna be in over his head if there's more than one white suit to pick from," Prompto added with a shaky smile.
"I guarantee there will be plenty to choose from. But let me assure you that you are in very capable hands," Ignis guaranteed, adjusting his glasses and glancing confidently at his passenger. "I have been assisting Noctis and the King with their royal attire for many years."
While the whirr of the engine carried them into Insomnia's bustling, upscale shopping district, Prompto recollected upon the many outfits he had seen his best friend wear to formal family events, parties, coronations, and the like. With Ignis' help, this was definitely going to be a piece of cake.
About two hours later and down more than half of his entire life's savings, Prompto arrived home laden down with boxes and designer bags containing what was sure to deliver everything needed to make prom the magical night that Noctis deserved.
He managed to resist taking any pictures of his newly-acquired garments, and certainly not whilst he was actually wearing them; he had this odd feeling that he would jinx things somehow by prematurely trying to capture the honest-to-gods magic he felt about the whole undertaking.
Sending Ignis one final, gushing text offering his gratitude, (with more happy emojis than he had ever sent to the advisor before) Prompto picked up the single small bag among his spoils that had not been obtained from a designer shop…a diversion that he had insisted upon once the idea had occurred to him. With a fiendish grin on his elfin features, he took out the two bright accessories and eyed them speculatively, before posing them on a black leather folder on his desk that he often used for a macro backdrop.
He decided that maybe one little photo wouldn't hurt.
It was unusual for Ignis to be late. At first, Noctis entertained himself with a game of King's Knight while awaiting his advisor. However, as the entertainment value quickly petered itself out, Noctis wandered into the palace garden, opting to squeeze in a brief nap under his favourite maple tree. Only moments after getting comfortable in the soft, freshly cut grass and closing his eyes, the Prince felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Flipping it out, he noticed the text wasn't from any of his usual contacts.
Unknown Number: Hope you treat him good, you lucky prick. And if you don't, I'll be waiting...
Well then.
After blinking sleepily at his screen for a few moments, Noct thumbed back a swift reply. He wasn't exactly a belligerent person, but he was not going to stand for anonymous threatening texts. And, deducing that it was from one of Prompto's weird stalkers, he flattered himself that he could beat any of them if it ever came to a physical scrap over his best friend. As medieval as that sounded, he figured that it also sounded fairly reasonable for a member of the royal family. There was a reason he had been extensively educated in the chivalrous deeds of his family's history and hand-to-hand combat, after all.
N: Dunno who the hell this is but if you start trouble with either of us you're going down
Unknown: Just sayin, dude. You'd better hold on tight to little sunshine. There are plenty of us hoping for a chance to get a suntan. ( ಠ _ ಠ )
Noctis suddenly found his blood running a slow boil as he read the words. Who was this, and how the hell did they get his private cell number? The normally apathetic Prince sprung up from his makeshift bed in the grass, no longer feeling like napping. He irritably stuffed his phone into his jeans and gripped his keys to the Regalia in a white-knuckled death grip. Abandoning all former plans of meeting up with Ignis, the Prince shuffled out of the garden. He needed to go for a ride.
By the time Noctis had fumed his way to the extensive underground garage and unlocked the Regalia with a bright blue pulse of its lights in the gloom, he was beginning to curse Ignis for not being present. If anyone could somehow trace the anonymous texter, it'd probably be him. And Iggy's protective and dutiful instincts would definitely kick into gear if he thought somebody was capable of hacking into the royal's private communications.
That, however, was not the top of his worries right now. Despite his years of silently defending Prompto from his harem of admirers who were (probably) no good for him, one had slipped through the net, at the least fortuitous time. Noctis had three weeks, give or take, to pluck up the courage to damn well do something about his feelings for his best friend.
Gladio had once told him that it was better to regret something that you had done, rather than regret something you hadn't done. Regardless of the shitstorm that might follow if Prompto didn't return his feelings, Noctis felt that he should at least try. If he didn't try, he'd never know, right?
Some things, of course, were easier said than done.
Screeching tires echoed off the walls of the parking garage as the Prince floored the accelerator and skidded out of his usual parking space. The therapeutic hum of the engine did nothing to smooth his ruffled feathers as he angrily wove his way through the busy streets of Insomnia. He turned up the radio in the hopes of distracting himself after having gone through a mental list of potential contenders and quickly realizing the offending texts could have come from any number of people. It was foolish for him to think Prompto would always be by his side. It wasn't that he had taken the blond's friendship for granted all these years, quite the opposite. He had placed it above all else and didn't want his selfishness to jeopardize what they had. Unfortunately, someone else was now moving in on his territory, and there was nothing like a new rival to light a fire under his lazy ass.
Before he had even realized it, Noct found himself sitting in the Regalia outside of Prompto's apartment. He twisted his grip around the steering wheel as the cooling engine ticked in the early evening air.
A cold tremor of dread ran through him – the bass purr of the Regalia was unmistakable – particularly in a calm neighbourhood like Prompto's, where the people who didn't simply bicycle or scooter everywhere zoomed about in quiet, cute little hatchbacks. If Prompto was home (as he should be at this time), Noctis probably had about five seconds to start the car and speed away before his best friend's face appeared, peeking inquisitively through a window.
By the time Noctis had decided that he'd better try and make up an excuse as to why he was there, instead of retreating with the help of his impressive nought-to-sixty acceleration, Prompto was opening his door hurriedly and slamming it behind him.
The blond gave him an awkward wave, glancing down at himself almost as an afterthought, looking relieved that he actually was wearing semi-suitable clothes to be outside of his apartment. He approached the car barefoot, looking behind him to double-check the front door was actually closed.
Noct stared straight ahead, mind buzzing with half-formed excuses, as Prompto leaned to pop his head cheerfully through the open window.
"Hey, dude! Didn't you have a meeting? Whatcha doing here?"
The brief ideas Noctis had for explanations as to his presence disappeared like so much smoke in the breeze as he caught the faint scent of Prompto's warm skin and un-gelled hair.
"Uh…you know. Just…nothing."
"Yeah, right!" Prompto laughed fondly.
"What are you up to? Hiding your new date in there?" Noctis said defensively, nodding at the apartment. His words were blunt and bitter even as his brain was trying to warn him, belatedly, not to speak, and especially not to speak about Prompto's 'popularity.' His face flushed and his eyes closed briefly at the realisation of what a complete idiot he sounded.
"Uh, ha ha. Very funny!" exclaimed the blond nervously as his mind quickly drifted back to the evidence lying strewn about his apartment, and the colourful display showcased on his desk from the impromptu photo shoot he was forced to hastily abandon the moment he heard the Regalia roll up.
Understanding that it was far too late to wish he had planned this better, Noctis apprehensively released his seatbelt and fumbled his way out of the car. He strode around to the sidewalk, heading for the blond's apartment, when suddenly Prompto jumped out in front of him.
"Hey there, buddy! Umm, where you going?" asked Prompto, his high-pitched voice laced with panic.
"I wanna see which one it is," Noct said flatly, placing one hand on Prompto's T-shirt-clad bicep and pushing him gently but firmly aside. His eyes widened in surprise when his best friend grabbed him in return, halting him physically and replacing himself between the Prince and his front door.
"Which one? Dude, what're you talking about? I'm doing something…private. A…uh…project for my portfolio. If you disturb it it'll ruin weeks of work."
Noctis would have believed him, if it weren't for the hopeful and relieved quirk of Prompto's eyebrows and the lack of a camera around his neck. He had always told Noct that he liked to be wearing the camera when he used it for professional stuff or important work. Made him feel more in tune with the process, or some crap.
"So why are you acting so nervy?" Noctis asked, crossing his arms. "What are you taking pictures of, a freaking nest of spiders?" Prompto's distaste (bordering on phobia) of all insects and creepy-crawlies was well documented.
"No, I…it's a secret," Prompto shrugged and blushed, not elaborating.
"I don't like secrets," the Prince muttered, realizing how much of a hypocrite he was after the words had left his lips. If he hadn't been so apprehensive about confessing his true feelings to Prompto all this time, maybe he could have avoided whatever the hell was happening here.
Determined to get to the bottom of the situation, the Prince pushed past Prompto and headed inside. But after taking just a couple steps toward the dimly lit entrance, there was a sharp yank on his wrist that jolted him backward toward his best friend. Prompto didn't loosen his firm grip around the Prince's wrist. The hurt look on his face pleading that Noct go no further triggered a surge of emotion to well up inside the Prince's chest, making him want more than ever before to fight for what was his.
"So why can't I go in? The truth, this time." Noctis muttered, biting his lip at the heart-rending sight of his best friend's face. "Seriously, if there's someone in there with you..." he threatened, his usually husky voice even more gravelly than usual, all grit and smoke and anger.
"Noctis! Get it outta your head, okay!" Prompto suddenly exclaimed, rolling his eyes dramatically and throwing his hands up. The Prince knew he had touched a nerve and caused the blond to apparently flip when he heard his own full name from those thin, pretty lips, a real rarity unless he was in serious trouble.
"And the hell do you care anyway? Not like I got any other offers," Prompto continued, red-faced and voice quavering with frustration and, it seemed, shock that he was even venting his feelings this way, unplanned and bold and blunt. "In case you never stopped to think about it, maybe I wanted to go on all those dates you 'saved' me from. Did that ever occur to you, huh?"
"No." Noctis replied flatly, staring at his suddenly bemused friend.
"'No?' What does that mean?" Prompto asked, looking quite adrift and trembling a little from his outburst.
"I was...they wouldn't have...dammit, don't you get it at all?" Noctis seethed, scrubbing a hand through the hair that fell in his eyes and raking it back in agitation. As he tried to glare an answer out of his dumbstruck friend, Noctis shook his head with finality and grabbed Prompto's face roughly in both hands, cupping his slim jaw without finesse and punishing him with a hasty, hard kiss.
Prompto stood motionless beneath Noctis' hold, mind and body both incapacitated as the Prince's lips smashed onto his in a jarring and unexpected public display of emotion. This wasn't anything like Prompto had envisioned for his first kiss with the Prince, not that he had dared to let himself dream of such things very often. No, this was not soft and gentle in any way. It was brash and possessive, as if filled with raw frustration.
As the Prince pulled away, breaking the contact, Prompto gazed dumbfounded into the intense blue orbs staring back at him. The stunned blond wasn't sure what to say as he struggled to process what had just happened, his fingers absently tracing his own lips, wondering if Noctis' had indeed been there just seconds before. It wasn't the reaction Noctis had expected, and the Prince instantly realized how badly he may have just fumbled up the only good thing he had in his life.
"I- I'm sorry. Didn't mean to..." Noctis stammered quietly, voice drifting off as he backed away nervously from his best friend. Hastily shuffling past the blond, Noctis made a sudden and awkward retreat towards the Regalia.
"Wait! Noct!" called Prompto after his friend who was now boarding the car in an awful hurry.
Before Prompto could get down the walk to the vehicle, the engine roared to life and Noctis stepped on the accelerator, pulling out into the road with a loud, jolting screech.
As he looked upon the taillights of the Regalia as they disappeared down the street, Prompto was left feeling dazed and confused.
What the heck had just happened?