It had been nearly a month since Noctis and Prompto had started high school, and it seemed odd now to Ignis that there was ever a time before young Argentum was in their lives.

Stretching out on the couch, the Prince's Advisor allowed himself a minor respite after, once again, fulfilling his role as Noctis' and, to some extent, Prompto's caretaker.

He'd picked them up from school, made them snacks, listened to their banter, asked about their homework, reminded the Prince of his evening duties, reviewed their itinerary for the next day, and started prepping dinner.

He'd honestly been more than a little grateful when the two had decided to skulk off to play video games...although…they should have been starting their homework.

Ignis frowned. He didn't have it in him to nag them just yet. The argument he'd had with Noctis about skipping training with Gladio that evening had been draining enough.

In half an hour, he'd resume his duty as the killer of all things joyful and make the two youths start their math assignment. For now, he just needed a moment to sit.

"You look beat," Gladio said appearing suddenly, handing a can of Ebony over as he plopped down on the overstuffed chair near the couch.

Ignis opened the can and sighed. He knew that denying his fatigue would do no good. "The school's biology lab brought in Chocobo eggs today, and one of them hatched…"

The deep laugh that escaped the Shield filled the room. "Prompto must've been pretty wound up after that."

"For the entire ride here he wouldn't let a moment of silence pass," Ignis replied, rubbing his temple. "His excitement, while endearing, is, shall we say…exhausting." Still, he found himself smiling as he recalled Prompto's play by play storytelling of the hatching Chocobo.

The lad's cheery disposition was rather infectious. The Prince had most certainly been more agreeable since befriending the lanky blond, and even the broody Shield smiled more often now.

"Yeah," Gladio paused, staring thoughtfully at the floor. "Yesterday, Prompto asked if I would be willing to start training him alongside Noct. I'd thought it'd get Noct more excited about training, but his royal pain in my butt seems even more determined to skip." He looked up at Ignis. "I don't get it."

Ignis set his can of Ebony on the side table and shrugged. "I believe Noctis might be worried for his friend's safety. Your training is intense, and Prompto is well…Prompto. He doesn't exactly seem suited for fighting. His camera is the fiercest weapon I can imagine him wielding."

"Well, if he's going to be hanging out with Noctis, he needs to be ready for anything." There was a pensive sadness in Gladio's tone. It was part of the life of being near the royal family. One always had to be prepared for the worst. Gladio, as the Prince's Shield, knew that better than most.

"I'll talk with Noctis." Ignis sat up straight, considered taking the boys some lemonade and then decided against it. They would come to him when they were thirsty. "Did you manage to find out much more about Prompto's parents?"

"A little. Their research is solid and enough of their colleagues adamantly vouched for them, but, even after all this time, I haven't been able to get eyes on them yet. His dad is deep in the wilds studying some rare root system and his mom is somewhere in the mountains tracking the melting of snowcaps and glaciers that are supposed to be feeding a few dying rivers. Honestly, I don't believe Prompto's parents are anything more than what they claim. I highly doubt they would be any danger to Noct."

Ignis took a sip of his Ebony. "It still would be reassuring to actually meet these people at some point though."

"Yeah," Gladio sighed, "but, from the sounds of it, they are just really into their work. They've made some major breakthroughs in the past…saved a lot of lives. From what I've gathered, they can be gone for months at a time. Apparently, when they're traveling, they wire money back home to pay the bills and keep the kid fed."

Ignis considered that a moment.

It was hard to imagine the bright, happy Prompto returning to a dark, empty house every night.

"I think I'll see if he'd like to stay for dinner," Ignis said at last, earning another laugh from Gladio.

"I thought that was a standing invitation at this point. He's here almost every night."

"He'll leave if I don't offer the invite," Ignis replied softly. "I believe he feels that he's intruding otherwise."

"Intruding?" Gladio quirked a brow. "Noctis is a million times easier to deal with when Prompto is around. I'm hoping like hell that Chocobo head starts coming to practice. I don't even care if I can't teach the beanpole a thing, if I can get Noctis to actually start training again, it would be worth it."

It was, Ignis knew, the truth.

Clearing the Prince's schedule to make time for his new friend had been difficult, but the Advisor made it happen. Even with the tightened schedule, life just became easier when Noctis was able to see Prompto more often. The boy's mere presence just made the Prince so much more agreeable.

Then, there were those frustrating times when Prompto mysteriously had plans and could not make time for the Prince.

It was during those days that Noct became utterly miserable to deal with. He turned back into a melancholy, mouthy youth, but Ignis could see through the act. He could see the hurt and fear. Noctis hated being alone, of thinking he might lose someone else–that maybe Prompto didn't need the friendship as much as he did.

"If this friendship fails…" Ignis let the thought trail.

"…Noct will be devastated," Gladio finished, "and…well….I'd be a bit bummed too. The kid has kind of grown on me."

Ignis gave a soft murmur of agreement.

As a general rule, the Advisor and Shield had previously kept themselves at a comfortable emotional distance from Noctis' friends. It was easier to assess them, to watch for signs of unusual behavior, to kick them to the curb when they misused their friendship with the Prince.

Prompto, however, had somehow managed to skirt Ignis and Gladio's emotional barrier. It hadn't been forceful or demanding. He was just always there–smiling, holding easy, light conversations, offering to help Ignis cook or getting all glossy-eyed and slack-jawed as Gladio told the boys about one of his 'adventures.'

"Noctis has procured a ticket for Prompto to go to the Darkhouse Comic Expo with us." Ignis leaned forward.

Gladio gave a sharp whistle. "Pricey tickets, but it'll be nice to have him along."

Ignis nodded. "I agree, but…"

"Noct has been spending a lot on the kid lately." Gladio finished. "I noticed that he's ramped up his buying. Arcade tokens, meals, tickets to events, junk food…"

"I'll talk with the Prince, and, after the Expo, we'll curb his spending…for a bit…" Ignis paused briefly, not enjoying the turn the conversation had taken, but knowing it had to be said nonetheless. "…until we can be sure that Prompto isn't just here for the momentary perks of being close to the Noctis."

Ignis doubted that was the case, but he'd been wrong in the past, and it was Noctis who'd eventually suffered for it. It was best to use caution, after all, they had only known Prompto for a month.

"Yeah," Gladio answered, "It's a good call, Iggy. Just to be safe."

A creak of a hinge had both Advisor and Shield glancing toward the door.

Biting his lower lip, eyes wide, brows scrunched slightly, Prompto stood staring in at them.

"Uh….I…um…" He lowered his gaze, a flush of crimson shading his cheeks. "Noctis wanted to know if we could get some lemonade." He let out a sharp little breath, "I-I…uh…didn't mean to hear…sorry…" His voice was barely audible.

"Prompto…" Ignis halted, realizing he was too late. The boy had already retreated.

"Aw, hell…" Gladio muttered. "Noct is going to be so mad."

Yes, he was, but that didn't bother Ignis near as much as that look of hurt on Prompto's face did. Sighing, the Advisor stood and started for the kitchen. He had lemonade and an apology to serve.

Behind him, Gladio silently followed.

Hurrying back to Noctis' room, Prompto's thoughts raced.

Am I a mooch? Does Noct think I'm a mooch?

He started counting all the times Noctis had paid for their activities and food, and as the number climbed, so did Prompto's panic.

He'd been so grateful, thanking Noct, making sure to let the Prince know that he didn't have to, but, at the same time, it had been so nice to do so many fun things without worrying about spending money that was meant to pay his bills. Truthfully, Prompto wouldn't have been able to do any of the things Noctis wanted to do if he had to pay for himself.

Heck, he didn't even currently have enough cash to feed himself. If he wasn't eating dinner at the Citadel every night, then he would just have to go without.

I am a mooch!

Prompto slowed his pace, embarrassment nagging at him. How had he not seen that earlier?

It's okay…I can fix this!

He'd the opportunity to take on more shifts at the diner. One of the regular busboys had quit and they were hurting for the help. Plus, he could grab an extra paper route in the morning. He'd have to get up stupid early, but he wouldn't have to do it forever. Maybe…like, a couple of weeks?

Prompto knew he couldn't rely on his parents' checks for help. He'd made a few calls and found out the companies they were currently contracted with had the wrong banking account numbers for his parents. Since the company footed all his parent's travel and food bills, they wouldn't have a clue about the banking account snafu until they'd returned home.

At least this meant that his mom and dad hadn't totally forgotten about him–that was a slight comfort.

The check situation was a mess though, and there was nothing Prompto could do about it. Only his parents could fix the issue, and, besides the random, unaddressed postcards he'd received in the mail, no one had heard from them.

From their scribblings, Prompto assumed they both planned to be gone for another few weeks or so, but they'd promised to be back for his birthday. They always made it back for his birthdays.

Hurrying down a corridor, Prompto made a few quick decisions. No more mooching…well…except for the Darkhouse Comic Expo. Noct had the tickets and it would be rude to say no after already agreeing to go.

A stab of guilt struck Prompto. He should have never of agreed to go. He'd known how expensive the tickets were, and he'd still leapt at the chance to go, never considering that he might have been taking advantage of his friendship with the Prince.

Swallowing down his guilt, Prompto tried to plaster a smile back on his face as he neared the door to Noct's room.

If he took on the extra work at the diner and got the additional paper route, he could start grocery shopping again and paying for some of his activities with Noct. Of course, that meant less time to spend with the Prince. It didn't sound like an appealing trade-off, but Prompto could make it work.

Mentally, he ran through what his new work schedule would entail. Get up really early. Complete both paper routes. Get home, shower and head to school. Get a full lunch at school. Go with Noctis to the Citadel after school and do training with Gladio. It would be okay to get a snack from Ignis–but no dinner. He could slip out and catch the bus home while Ignis was cooking. A single evening shift at the diner would get him some grocery, bus and extra spending money.

Prompto gave a little groan as he realized he'd have to get his schoolwork done after the diner shift. That would mean staying up late. Coupled with the early mornings, he was going to be dog tired for a while.

"Just for two weeks," Prompto whispered to himself. "I can do this for two weeks. No problem!"

Smile faltering, his thoughts trailed back to Ignis and Gladio's conversation. He hadn't overheard much, and he knew they hadn't meant to hurt his feelings. This was their job. They protected Noct. Even if it hurt a little to hear their suspicions, Prompto could appreciate how well they looked after the Prince–how much they cared for him.

Noct was so lucky.

Feeling his anger build, Noct stared at the door, waiting. He wasn't sure what had taken place, but he was confident it was Gladio and Ignis' fault.

Prompto's strained smiles and fumbled words had clearly indicated that he was upset. Then, when he announced he had to leave, and he declined the offer of a ride in favor of using the bus, Noct was sure something had happened.

With a hasty goodbye, Prompto fled, leaving Noct with the two player game paused just before the final boss battle. Disappointment quickly gave way to frustration and anger as Noct considered what had spooked Prompto enough to leave at such a pinnacle point of the game. They'd worked pretty darn hard to make it that far.

It wasn't long before Ignis, with a tray of lemonade in hand, came into the room with Gladio close at his heels.

"Where's Prompto?" Ignis asked, looking around.

Noct tossed his controller aside and glared over at his Advisor. "He left."

"He left?" Gladio repeated, his normally gruff expression slipping to reveal a hint of guilt.

"Said he'd take the bus–that he didn't want to be a bother." Noct replied, not caring how cold and angry his tone sounded.

Ignis visibly flinched at that. "I see," he replied. "I…I must apologize, Your Highness. I fear Prompto's departure is my fault."

"Our fault," Gladio corrected. "He overheard us talking."

Noct could feel his stomach drop with his growing sense of dread. "And what did he hear you say?" His words were harsh, direct.

Ignis bowed his head slightly, and Noct found the gesture, so humbling and remorseful, such a foreign, unnerving motion for the man to be making.

"We were discussing how you had increased your spending as of late…after befriending Prompto, and how it would be good to curb that for a bit until…" Ignis paused, as if searching for the right phrasing.

"We just wanted to be sure Prompto was hanging around for the right reasons," Gladio grumbled, "and not because you were paying for everything."

The accusation stung. Noct bit down his anger, his jaw clenched, face aching as he scowled over at the two men before him. Prompto must have felt humiliated. It was no wonder he left.

There were a million hateful words that seemed to bubble inside Noct's head, but he waited until his thoughts calmed before he spoke. In the silence, Ignis stood stock still while Gladio shifted his weight from foot to foot.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Noct shrugged. "I understand why you are concerned, but Prompto isn't like that, and…and…I'm …I don't….You shouldn't have…." He couldn't force the words out, as his anger gave way to grief. What if Prompto didn't want to be his friend anymore? What if he was too embarrassed to hang out with Noct now?

"I'm sorry, Your Highness." Ignis' voice was soft, soothing.

Noct nodded, but didn't look up. "Just go. I want to be alone."

There was a moment of hesitation, where neither the Advisor nor Shield moved, but, finally, they silently left the room.

After a few minutes, Noct scooped up his phone and texted Prompto.

Noctis: Hey. I talked with Ignis and Gladio. I'm sorry. They are idiots.

Ten minutes pasted, Noctis staring at his phone, continually reminding himself to breath as he waited.

Prompto: Srry…was catching the bus. Almost got on the wrong one. It's okay. They're kinda right, I guess? You shouldn't pay all the time.

Noctis: but I'm the one who wants to do all the expensive stuff

Prompto: Well, I wasn't going to say that, but…lol. No worries, dude. We can still go to the arcade sometimes and maybe see a movie, but I can pay for myself. It's no big deal. I just hope you are okay with maybe not doing the really expensive stuff…like go-carts and eating at fancy restaurants. I mean, you can always go do that stuff without me.

Noctis: What, go with Iggy and Gladdy? So boring…I'd rather just hang out at the Citadel and read comics with you.

Prompto: Sounds good to me. See you at school tomorrow?

Noctis: Yeah, see you then.

Noctis tossed his phone aside and flung himself facedown onto the couch. Slowly, some tension eased out of his body. Prompto wasn't mad. He wasn't going to avoid Noct. He was…well, just Prompto still.

Things were going to change, Noct was sure of that. Though the blond would try and hid it, the Prince knew he'd been hurt by the comments he'd overheard. It was unfair, but, at the same time, Noct could understand Ignis and Gladio's worry.

Ultimately, Noct decided the fault was his own. He shouldn't have put Prompto in such a position. He should have realized that this concern would have risen, that Prompto would end up feeling embarrassed and upset.

Exhausted from his whirlwind of emotions, Noct felt the tendril of slumber starting to overtake him. As he drifted off, his last thoughts were on how lucky he was to have a friend like Prompto.

Gladio was more than a little surprised when both Noctis and Prompto showed up for training, on time, the following day. He'd assumed the blond would make himself scarce after the fiasco the previous day, and that Noct would skulking around like an angry cat, but that didn't seem to be the case.

In fact, both boys acted as if nothing had happened. Prompto was all eagerness and smiles, and Noct was calm, smiling and…well…ready to train. It was enough to make Gladio's skin itch.

"You know," he said, approaching Prompto, "about yesterday…"

The blond was quick to interrupt, "No harm, no foul, dude. I get it. Noct and I talked. It's all good. Now, let's train!"

To emphasis his eagerness, the kid tried to pick up a broadsword from the rack. He only managed to raise it a few feet before it clanked to the floor, his arms twitching and shaking as he kept trying to heft the weapon up.

Gladio gave a huff of laughter. "I don't think you're suited for that weapon."

Prompto shrugged. "Yeah, might have to work my way up to this one." He tried to put it back on the rack and failed. Sheepishly, he glanced up at Gladio. "Could I get a little help here, big guy?"

Again Gladio found himself laughing, only this time he heard Noct's quiet chuckles as well. It was nice. He couldn't recall the last time they'd started training in such high spirits.

Prompto, it turned out, did not have much of a knack for any kind of sword or knife play, and his skill level was so far below Noct's that their sparing matching were practically over before they began. No matter how hard the fall though, the kid was up and grinning from ear to ear.

"That move was soooo cool!" Prompto exclaimed as he peeled himself off the floor once again. "Can I learn that?"

"Maybe you should just learn how to dodge first," Noct replied, offering his friend a hand. "You're going to be black and blue just from today."

Gladio couldn't have agreed more. The kid just wasn't built for this kind of combat, but, hell, it was nice having Noct working out as hard as he was.

"Let's try something a little different," Gladio said. He strolled over to a wooden box near the weapons rack and pulled out two training pistols. The weapons fired rubber bullets. They still hurt like heck, but they did very little damage. He handed the guns over to Prompto. "I want you and Noct to fight off me and…" He paused to motion one of the other Glaives over. "…and Timmons."

"Uh…I don't know about this…" Prompto frowned at the weapons in his hands. He was holding them like they were living, dangerous creatures. "I don't want to shoot you!"

As Timmons neared them, he let out a soft chuckle. "No worries, friend. They are practice weapons with rubber bullets. Still, if you could refrain from shooting me in the face, I'd much appreciate it."

Prompto blinked at the redhead for a moment. "I can't promise much. Outside of video games, I've never shot a gun before. So, I'm really sorry if I shoot you in the face. I'll try really hard not to."

Timmons frowned, casting an unsure glance at Gladio. "Oh…"

Honestly, Gladio wasn't sure Timmons had much to be worried about. Prompto was a nervous ball of energy. It would be some kind of miracle if he could steady himself enough to get one good shot in.

"Let's do this," Noct said, taking up a defensive stance. The Prince turned his gaze to Prompto and smiled. "You got this, okay? Just try your best."

Gladio and Timmons sprang forward in a unified sweeping motion. They'd fought together enough times to know how to move as one. Already, Gladio could tell from the redhead's movements that he was planning on taking it easy on the novices, but those plans quickly changed.

Prompto's guns started up, and Timmons instantly winced as bullets pelted his arms and legs. He dropped to the ground, rolling to the side and finding some cover. Gladio faltered in his attack, so stunned by Argentum's shots that he almost failed to notice Noct's incoming attack. Pushed backward, he nearly lost his footing, only his brutish strength kept him upright.

Damn… He was impressed.

The match kept up its frantic pace. Prompto and Noct switching opponents whenever anyone got too close to the gunner. Noct would push the enemy back, forcing them to have to reclaim the ground between themselves and Prompto, all the while being pelted with bullets.

Gladio was breathing hard and sweating profusely, but so was everyone else. Grinning to himself, the Shield was sure this was one of the best sparring matches he'd had with the young Prince, but it was time to end it.

Overpowering Noct with this strength, he managed to trip the kid up, sending him to the floor. Broadsword raised, Gladio was about to bring it down and press it lightly against Noct's chest to take the victory, but then a searing shot of pain struck him between the eyes. Vision blurry, he dropped his sword to the side and blinked over at Timmons as he knocked Prompto to the ground and lightly pressed a dagger to his neck.

Eyes watering, Gladio turned away, hearing Noct give a groan.

"We tied," Noctis grumbled. "I thought we had you for sure."

By the time Gladio's vision cleared and he blinked away the tears forming in his eyes, Timmons was helping Prompto up and Noct was strolling over to the two.

"I can't believe you shot him in the face…" Timmons' voice was low, his gaze darting back to Gladio. "…and don't tell me that was an accident. You made every shot you took today. I have the bruises to prove it."

That overwhelmingly goofy grin that had been plastered on Prompto's face suddenly disappeared, a look of concern swelling in its place.

Trotting to Gladio, the blond was staring hard at a spot between the Shield's eyes. "I'm so sorry," Prompto sputtered. "I wasn't thinking. Well, I was. I meant to shoot you between the eyes, but, I shouldn't have. I mean, it probably really hurt, and it wasn't very nice to do, and this was only a practice. I-I…Oh man….it's all red…I'm so sorry!"

"Prompto," Gladio reached over, causing the kid to flinch, but he relaxed once the Shield's hand settled on his shoulder. "That was amazing, don't apologize." And he meant it. "You and Noct should go hit the showers now. I'm sure Ignis will have something special cooked up for dinner tonight."

Prompto's face went from beaming to disappointed at the mention of dinner, but he regained his bright easy smile quickly and turned away, speeding toward Noctis, excited words spewing out of him as he babbled on about how great the sparring match was.

Gladio watched the two as they departed. Each was smiling, happy.

"You know," Timmons said quietly, as he strolled up beside Gladio, "He's a natural with the guns. The kid could have taken us out at any time. His shots were dead accurate."

"Yep." Gladio had thought the same thing. "But he didn't want to hurt us, so he kept aiming for arms and legs."

They were silent a moment.

"Near the end," Timmons added, "Prompto saw me coming for him. He could have shot at me, but then, from the corner of his eye, he saw Noct fall." Timmons paused, a crooked smile appearing on his face. "The kid didn't hesitate. He just turned and shot, and let me take him down."

Gladio gave a soft murmur of interest.

"Well," Timmons turned, heading for the door, "if it were my call, I'd say he might just make a damn fine Glaive one day, but that's just my opinion." Then, Timmons left.

Alone, Gladio let out a long, weary sigh. The man was right, but, some protective part of Gladio wasn't sure if he wanted that for the boy. It wasn't an easy life.

He spent the rest of the evening pondering whether to approach Prompto with the possibility, but, finally, he decided to hold off. The kid was still young, perhaps when he and Noct graduated, Gladio would bring up the idea, but until then, he'd just keep training the boys and see how they progressed.

Still, there was a slight plumb of pride that Gladio felt when he thought of Prompto's performance that day. He had far surpassed what Gladio had expected of him. In fact, the Shield actually found himself eager to join the others for dinner, just so he could relay the events of the day to Ignis, and give Prompto and Noct all the praise they deserved.

Strolling down the corridor, Gladio hummed to himself as the odor of Ignis' cooking hit him. Whatever it was, it smelled absolutely delicious.

Upon entering the kitchen though, Gladio felt his mood change.

Noct sat slumped at the table, frowning, nose buried in a math book. Ignis stood watching a pan of sizzling vegetables and meat, but his expression was strained. He looked to be taking no enjoyment from his cooking.

Prompto was nowhere to be seen.

"Uh, where's…" Gladio was cut short.

"He left," Noct huffed. "He said he had somewhere to be…that he might have to skip out on dinners here during the week."

Ignis looked up from his pan, his gaze saying it all.

This is our fault.

Gladio shrugged and settled into a seat at the table. Save for the sizzle of the food cooking, the room remained silent. There was no idle chatter, no laughter. There was only sullen silence.

Prompto had to run to catch his bus. He'd underestimated the time it would take to explain to Ignis and Noct that he had to leave. Neither seemed willing to let him go, and Prompto had been fairly surprised to see how hurt both Ignis and Noct looked that he was leaving. He'd expected Noct to be upset, but the look of despair on Iggy's face had him almost rethinking his plans.

Still, he somehow managed to slip away. It was a good thing too. Being late to his first real shift at the diner wouldn't have looked good.

"Sorry, guys," Prompto whispered, staring back at the Citadel as the bus pulled away.

He straightened in his seat and pulled out his math homework. He could at least start it on the bus ride, but his thoughts kept straying back to Noct, Ignis and Gladio. A tinge of loneliness settled over him as he thought of them sitting around the table, eating, laughing, and talking. Vaguely, he wondered if they would miss him. He thought, maybe, they would.