Prompto's leg was tapping erratically in the back of the royal car, and his left hand was twiddling his right cufflink in compulsive circles.
"Hey, Prom," Noctis said gently, giving him a small nudge and leaning closer across the wide, leather-scented backseat.
"Oh, hey!" The blond replied, far too cheerfully, giving Noctis a quick, frightened grin.
Noct smirked, lowering his voice to match the deep silvery darkness of his hair and the encroaching nightfall outside the windows.
"Everything's gonna be fine. You're taking the hottest guy in school to prom," Noctis teased, chuckling. Prompto rolled his eyes and met the tender gaze of his best friend, whose eyes glowed hypnotically between dark purplish-blue and a bright indigo in the intermittent streetlights flashing into the car.
Prompto glanced nervously at the Prince, wondering if this was a bad idea after all. He was right, Noct was the hottest guy in school. The Prince, reading his best friend's mind, grabbed Prompto's hand and squeezed it reassuringly before interlacing their fingers.
"And here we are," announced Ignis, pulling the car up to the extravagant purple carpet that paved the Grand March, where all eager prom-goers streamed past a crowd of spectators as they made their way into the school gymnasium toward the magical wonders that awaited beyond.
"Thanks Iggy," the Prince leaned forward and gripped the advisor's shoulder. "Don't wait up," he added with a wink that set Prompto's freckles ablaze.
Noctis opened his door with ostensible calmness, though a small, bashful grin gave away his nervousness as he stepped out of the car and slammed his door shut behind him. Prompto closed his eyes briefly, ignoring Ignis' questioning glance which he could feel upon his face. Taking a deep, shaky breath, he tried to compose himself. Before he could, Noctis had yanked open his door in a rush of cool evening air and distant loud voices and laughter, and was flashing him a toothy smile, chuckling.
"We can spend time in the backseat later. Party first," he winked.
With a nervous laugh, Prompto was gently extracted from his last confines of safety and familiarity, and placed on display beside Noctis upon the velveteen carpet, amidst a flurry of excited chatter and flashing cell phones. The two had barely made a few steps down the walk before a newspaper photographer sporting an Insomnia Times lanyard around his neck, and a camera that instantly made Prompto salivate, greeted them both with a smile.
"Two good-looking young bachelors on the prowl tonight, I see!" he nodded with a grin as he looked them over. "Let's get a few shots for the ladies, shall we?" he asked, taking up his camera and pointing it at the pair.
"We're not – agh," Noctis scowled as the flash went off in their faces, and he waved his hand irritably in front of his eyes.
"Hey dude, your face is always on the front page, but some of us plebs would love a little exposure!" Prompto laughed rather forcibly and Noctis gave him a glance, well aware that his best friend was as nervous as hell, and he was putting up a front as usual.
Leaning in close to him, trying to keep quiet whilst also having to raise his voice above the clamour of paparazzi and guests, Noctis murmured to him.
"We can go straight in if you want. Unless you really want a picture with little old me?" he grinned, placing a hand on the small of Prompto's back.
The blond nodded, letting out a deep breath. "Yeah, let's do it. Just one," he laughed self-consciously.
The two posed briefly for a proper photograph and Prompto made a mental note to buy the morning paper so he could clip the picture and add it to his collection of Noctis-related keepsakes.
"Thank you, your Highness!" said the man gleefully, letting his camera rest against his chest while pulling a small notebook and pen from his pocket. "For the article, who shall I say is the Prince's wingman this evening?"
"Uh, Prompto Argentum," the blond replied timidly, as if he'd never been asked his name before.
Noctis couldn't help but chuckle. "And for the record, make sure you get it right. He's not my wingman. He's my date," the raven-haired teen clarified with a proud smirk as the photographer dropped his pen and looked up in shock, which appeared to be a combination of disbelief and excitement over landing what might be the biggest headline of his career.
The Prince threw his arm deliberately around Prompto's waist and pulled the blond close as he nonchalantly guided his date around the statue formerly known as the newspaper photographer, and beyond the pack of chattering onlookers.
There was a renewed rush of shocked babbling and camera phone flashes outside the gym as they traversed the darkened front doors, delicately draped in various silvery streamers and white fairy lights. Several voices yelled for them both to come back for more photos, and presumably just to be gloated at a little more.
"Oh man, your dad's gonna kill you. Or me, more likely. He'll think I corrupted you," Prompto fretted quietly as Noct's hand spread possessively, and warmly, at the base of his back, rubbing vaguely.
"Oh great. More photos," Noctis said, rolling his eyes but smiling at the small stage area just ahead of them, where queues of couples were lining up for official photographs. Prompto was biting his thumbnail anxiously when Noctis leaned in close once more, looking enviably calm and collected.
"Look, Prom. Even if you weren't the person I care most about in all of Eos...this is kind of an outreach thing. Why shouldn't two guys go to prom together, and just...be together? Gods know there's always room for a little more tolerance and understanding in this world," the Prince shrugged. "Be good to set an example."
Prompto stared at him, impressed. "...Spoken like a true King," he blushed, beaming.
"And now this future King wants to take you to the party. C'mon," Noct grinned, snaking his hand around Prompto's slim waist once more.
"Welcome to The Secret Garden!" the school's Art Club president greeted the pair joyfully as they stepped up to the photo stage and posed in front of an intricate wrought iron gate in an archway overgrown with thick, leafy vines. The red-head looked at them both for a moment, pausing, and then stepping forward in front of Prompto, giving him a small, handcrafted wreath made of twigs and tiny white flowers.
"For you!" she exclaimed excitedly before whipping around and getting into position behind the camera tripod.
Prompto stared at the foreign object in his hand, wondering what to do with it.
"Think you're supposed to put it on your head," Noctis whispered beneath his breath.
"Seriously? But I spent so much time on this hair!" joked the blond, glancing over and seeing the expectant look on his date's face. Realizing Noctis was serious, and not wanting to disappoint the Prince, the blond caved and carefully placed the floral crown upon his head, positioning it as best he could to where the twigs weren't disturbing his perfectly-styled quiff. "This ok?" he asked Noct, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"Yeah. Looks good on you," the Prince smiled. Without further ado, the official photo was taken and Prompto made to shuck off the verdant tiara and scurry out of sight of the viewfinder.
"Hold your horses," Noctis instructed loudly, grabbing his Prompto's hand and interrupting his hasty departure. The couples who were queueing behind them emitted a ripple of chuckles, the girls cooing sweetly as the Prince retrieved the crown for himself and planted it on his own dark head with a rare grin.
"Can't let you have all the fun. Come on, how bout one more?" he hailed the photographer, his words more a demand than a question. Laughing and nodding, the photographer acquiesced, as Noctis hooked Prompto back in for another picture. He murmured into the blond's ear.
"Don't want you getting all paranoid about being the girl," he smirked, giving Prompto an affectionate, brief kiss on the side of his head, seemingly becoming quite enamoured with the fact that he could show off his best friend as his romantic partner for the evening, and growing more confident and excited about the entire venture.
A minute later, after returning the headdress prop, the two were walking hand-in-hand into the school gymnasium. It was barely recognizable amidst the floor to ceiling green leafy vines, rose bushes, and twinkle lights that draped across the entire roof making it look like they were standing beneath a galaxy of stars.
"Ah wow...it's so pretty," Prompto sighed, gazing up wide-eyed as couples shuffled around them, chattering and giggling in a ceaseless murmuring hum. In the darkened room, people he knew became almost anonymous, random human shapes made restless with adrenaline and glee.
Grinning proudly, as if the whole thing had been his idea, Noctis steered Prompto to a slightly-less crowded area to their left, politely scooting around loudly chatting groups of their peers, and scoffing in amusement at a few conspicuously handsy couples. As they wedged themselves cosily into a shadowy nook under a massive, fairytale-like tree bedecked with tiny crystals, the music abruptly grew louder, leading to whoops and cheers and dispersed clapping.
"I meant to say," Noctis told Prompto loudly, raising his voice over the bassline that was almost vibrating through the floor. "I love the boots. Sexy."
"Th-thanks," the blond said anxiously after realizing the implication of the compliment he had just received from his best friend. Prompto tried hard to quell the obvious smile pulling at his lips, and the onslaught of fleeting thoughts about kissing Noctis who was now standing just mere inches away.
"You know, I never imagined it'd actually work out like this," said the Prince, closing the gap between them even more. "That I'd get to be here with you, like this. Together."
"Ah yeah, it's pretty cool, right?" Prompto squeaked happily, glancing around at the enchanting décor and the bodies moving within the sea of taffeta on the dancefloor. Finally, his gaze landed upon the reflection of starry lights in Noctis' deep blue eyes. The blond stood captivated, entranced by the enamoured look on his best friend's face as the Prince reached out and placed a gentle hand on his neck, bringing him closer until their lips pressed softly together.
Prompto sighed contentedly, smooching his best friend with shy restraint. After a few seconds, Noctis made to run his tongue teasingly along the seam of Prompto's thin lips, seeking entrance, when the blond pulled back, the cosy blush on his skin visible even in the low lighting.
"Hey, Noct, uh...when I came round to your place...I think you were dreaming. You said my name," Prompto chuckled bashfully. "Do you remember what it was?"
"Um, I can't say for sure, but it must have been a good dream if you were in it." Lacing their fingers together, Noctis massaged flirtatious circles into Prompto's palm with the pad of his thumb.
"Tsk. Who knew the Prince was such a smooth talker?" Prompto teased as he leaned against Noctis' shoulder to face the crowd with what he could only imagine was a ridiculously gigantic grin. If this kept up much longer, his cheeks were going to hurt. But he had to admit, it was a feeling he could easily get used to.
Suddenly, as if on cue, the music changed and a familiar song he knew from Noctis' favourite playlist filled the gymnasium. Spinning round, he turned to face the Prince in a low, sweeping bow and extended a hand toward Noct. "May I have this dance, your Highness?"
"...Dance?" Noctis replied, looking a bit sheepish and exhibiting a faint blush on his high cheekbones.
"Yeah, a dance. And don't go all shy on me, I know for a fact that you've been taught how to do it properly," Prompto chuckled. "Me, I'm substituting actual skill for a whole lotta false confidence."
"You might surprise yourself," Noctis grinned, scratching his head and taking the proffered hand. "Let's show 'em how it's done." The Prince let himself be led towards the crowded dancefloor, side-stepping noisy couples and groups of friends. A couple of wolf-whistles accompanied their short trip, and they both chuckled self-consciously.
Finally, the pair stopped in the middle of the dancefloor, taking up residence beneath the giant, glittering disco ball. Upon their arrival, Noctis placed his hands gently around Prompto's narrow waist, barely hovering atop the pristine white fabric. Following Noctis' lead, Prompto positioned his hands loosely around the Prince's neck, fingertips spontaneously and unknowingly fascinated with running along the edge of the dove-grey collared shirt that peeked out from beneath Noctis' black jacket.
The intimacy of the closeness sent both teenagers' hearts pounding and various shades of scarlet painted youthful cheeks. Beneath the intensity of their unbroken gaze, the rest of the world seemed to fade away into the background and their bodies began to move together in time with the slow, thrumming beat.
Soon, Noctis' keen gaze caused Prompto to rupture into sharp, embarrassed giggles, and he tucked his head against the Prince's, nuzzling into the warm, smooth skin of Noct's neck and hiding his hot blushes there. He was gratified that the awkward noise he made when his best friend teasingly squeezed his backside in both hands was muffled there.
"Don't get us thrown out of here, Noct," the blond murmured against the Prince's cool earlobe, letting his lips tickle there. "You might be royalty but there are kids around," he joked.
Prompto could feel Noctis' grin against his cheek, and suddenly, with a rare, momentary spark of confidence, he gave the Prince's earlobe a quick, discreet little nip that drew a sharp breath from his friend.
"What's wrong?" Prompto teased mischievously into the shell of the Prince's ear before repeating the action a second time and enjoying the response even more. Noct tightened his grip around the blond's waist and pulled him into a tight embrace.
Again their lips met, and this time Prompto parted his willingly to permit Noctis' eager tongue to slip inside. Their hot, wet tongues ran slowly over one another, testing, feeling, and becoming familiar with the other's taste while the dance floor around them was reduced to nothing more than a blur of starry lights.
Noctis pulled back abruptly, laughing, his head down and his long, silvery-black hair in his eyes. "Kay, not that this isn't really hot, but, uh...you're kinda gonna make me embarrass myself in front of everyone," the Prince admitted, swatting his friend fondly, and reprimandingly, on his backside.
"Yeah, okay. You're off the hook. For now," Prompto smirked, giving a blinding grin that made Noctis' heart somersault with affection. The song changed, something upbeat, with a heavy bassline that was instantly recognisable to the teenagers in the crowded, darkened gym, and a roar of appreciative cheers deafened the pair briefly.
"You go find us something to drink, okay?" Prompto asked his best friend loudly, scooting him off of the dancefloor as it was inundated with their whooping schoolmates in a crush of excited bodies. "I've gotta go fix my hair!"
"You got it," replied the Prince as he disappeared into the leafy overgrowth in search of the huge punch bowl and table of assorted sweets they had passed earlier.
Prompto's eyes were assaulted by the bright, flickering fluorescent light of the men's room as he slipped inside and away from the crowd. Behind the heavy metal door, the loud beat of the music deadened to a dull thump and his ringing eardrums were instantly thankful.
The teen waltzed happily past the deserted stalls, reminiscing over his last kiss with Noctis and feeling a sense of achievement in the way Noct had reacted to it. Reaching the row of sinks and mirrors at the far end of the room, he leaned over a sink to get a closer look at his reflection. Seeing that his hair needed some perking up after being subjected to the humidity of the dancefloor, he took out the miniature hair balm he had brought with him and got to work. In his deep concentration, the blond barely noticed when the door of the bathroom opened and he was no longer alone.
"Hey sunshine, got a light?" Prompto looked up, startled by Kai's deep voice resonating down the empty room. The larger teen made no effort to hide the way he was sizing up the blond as he confidently propped himself against the wall beside the bathroom door and pulled a crumpled pack of cigarettes from his breast pocket.
Prompto squirmed at the idea of a confrontation.
"You seem to know enough about me already, so you know I don't smoke," the blond shrugged, cautiously eyeing up his interrogator. Kai was wearing a dapper dark-grey suit with matching waistcoat, a dark red shirt and a slightly-askew black tie. His usual subtle eye make-up had been kicked up a notch with thick, smoky black guyliner, and his deep scarlet hair was artfully messed up. The taller boy plucked a cigarette from the packet, his metal-ringed fingers twiddling it teasingly.
"You're welcome to try one," Kai shrugged, smirking. "Unless, of course, your mouth's already occupied. Kinda looked that way from where I was standing."
"Leave it alone, dude. I'm just trying to have a nice time. And quit texting me. How'd you get my number anyway?" Prompto murmured, arranging his hair in the mirror and obstinately avoiding the other boy's penetrating gaze.
"I have my ways. Plus, it doesn't hurt that my mom's the school secretary," Kai chuckled.
"You know, you really shouldn't smoke in here. You'll get expelled," warned the blond angrily.
Producing an ornately-carved ivory Shiva lighter from his pants pocket, Kai defiantly lit his cigarette, savouring a long puff before exhaling the smoky exhaust.
"Nice lighter," the blond muttered irritably. Deciding now was about the time for him to make an exit, Prompto stuffed his hair balm back into his pocket and hastily washed his hands, flicking the excess water into the sink before striding wearily toward the door.
"Going somewhere?" Kai asked the blond with a sneer, smoke billowing from his flared nostrils. He flicked his unfinished cigarette into the adjacent toilet and shifted position, looming threateningly in front of the exit.
"Let me pass," Prompto demanded, attempting to step around the larger male.
"I don't think we're done here," Kai uttered, suddenly grabbing the blond and plastering himself against Prompto's smaller frame as it slammed forcefully backward into the tiled wall.
Wincing at the slight pain and raising a dubious eyebrow, Prompto swallowed gently and did his best not to be intimidated. Against the cold tiled wall, he could feel the bass vibrations of the loud music out in the main hall thudding against his shoulder blades.
"I'm giving you a fair warning," the blond told the taller student evenly. Truth be told, he didn't quite know what he would do if it came to physically fending the other boy off, but he figured a kick in the shin would be a fair place to start. Should give him enough time to beat a wise retreat without seriously hurting the other guy, anyway. In his early teens, when he was being routinely bullied, he'd been kicked between the legs himself and he wouldn't wish the agony on anyone, not even this creep.
"Listen, Prompto...you look incredible. It's a special night. You wouldn't begrudge me one kiss, right? I promise it'll be worth it. Pretty please?" Kai murmured, and narrowed his kohl-lined eyes seductively, one hand tickling gently at the soft hairline behind the blond's ear as he leaned in with ominous, slow surety.
Prompto stood momentarily frozen, his mind reeling with denial at what was happening. But as the uninvited lips continued to advance, accompanied by the stench of ashtray, the blond sprang into action and squirmed to get away. Kai's grip on Prompto's arm refused to let up, triggering the blond's bright red boot to connect with the larger male's shinbone.
"Damn it," Kai spat in pain from the assault, briefly releasing the blond, but then suddenly clenching a fistful of white lapel as Prompto tried to sprint past. "What's your problem?" the dark-haired teen asked, his tone sour and his grip firm. "Don't tell me you're saving yourself for him."
"Let go of me!" yelled Prompto, frantically grabbing a hold of his opponent's wrist in an attempt to free himself.
At that moment, the door of the bathroom burst open, and in a silent vacuum of seconds, the fist of one very angry-looking Prince connected with Kai's porcelain face, sending him toppling backward.
Kai could barely enunciate full words, though his writhing and bitter, blood-soaked mumbles gave a fair impression of pain and shock. He planted his left hand against the sticky floor, using the other to stem the flow of body-hot, dark blood from his nose.
"You, you're a fucking maniac!" He yelled numbly, backing away from the Prince, who was creating a dark-suited barrier between his date and the interloper.
"And don't you forget it," Noctis muttered, smearing drying blood from his knuckles with disdain.
"Stay the hell away from me," Kai sputtered through dripping blood as he hastily picked himself up and staggered around the fuming Prince toward the exit.
"Well you should stay the hell away from my date then." Noctis stood firm, straightening his jacket and glaring down his nose at Kai who hurriedly grasped the door handle and slinked back into the darkness.
"Are you okay?" asked Prompto, shooting Noctis a concerned look.
"I've gotta get some air," replied the Prince as he shouldered the bathroom door roughly, storming out into the frenetic gloom beyond without another word.