Hello all! Sorry for the delayed post. There have been a lot of wind storms lately where I'm at and the power and internet service have been spotty, so I missed my weekly post last week. To make up for it, the chapter is extra long this week. Enjoy!
That familiar frantic rush came to Prompto as he awoke.
Am I late? What day is it? Which paper route do I have today? Is it a school day? Did I do my homework?
He sat up quickly, wincing at the pain in his arm and leg before he groggily scanned the room. Though it was dark, with the morning light barely penetrating through the thick curtains over the windows, Prompto could still see that he was certainly not in his bedroom.
Gradually, the panic subsided as he recalled where he was and what had happened. There was nothing requiring him to get out of bed. It was Sunday. He was not able to work, and even his morning jog was off the table. Ignis had made it a point to repeatedly remind him of that.
Prompto sighed, slinking back down and wrapping himself tightly in the warm blankets that he'd been cocooned in all night.
He was alone. Gladio had carted the slumbering Noctis off late the night before. Rather comically, the Prince had fallen asleep sitting up, with his hands still clutching his controller.
Prompto had been fighting off sleep until that point, but, after Noctis' departure, and the pain pill Ignis forced him to take, there was no chance that he could avoid sleep any longer.
Though he'd slept fairly deep, Prompto was still vaguely aware of the guest room door occasionally creaking open, of a dim, warm light streaming into the room from that open door, and the sound of quiet footsteps coming near and then retreating.
Twice he was able to see the figure, but only once did he see the familiar face. It was Ignis.
Ignis was checking in on him! The thought was both embarrassing and incredibly reassuring. Prompto hated that he was laying yet another obligation on Ignis, and yet it stilled his fear somehow too. If he needed someone, if he had a nightmare, Ignis would find him. He wouldn't be alone. Thankfully though, no nightmares came.
Prompto wiped some sleep from his eyes and yawned.
It was still early, and, with nothing else to do, he instinctively reached for his phone on the nightstand, but realized it wasn't there.
Oh yeah…broken…that's right. Ignis took it to see if it could be repaired.
Closing his eyes, he focused on how warm and comfortable he felt, despite the slight ache in his arm and leg.
No wonder Noct never wants to get up in the morning. I wouldn't either if I always got to sleep in a bed like this!
And yet, even as his body begged him to stay encased in this sense of security, warmth and comfort, his mind was already wandering, sprinting from thought to thought, peaking curiosities and stirring worry.
Are Ignis and Gladio up? What time is my appointment at the medical center? Should I get up? What if I'm late? When do I have to take the next potion?
He shifted in the bed, uncertainly toying with him. Being so used to taking care of himself, he couldn't help but feel that his current inactivity was wrong somehow.
In one swift move, he flung the covers away and shivered in the morning air. His thoughts weren't going to let him sleep any long, so, he might as well get up, right?
After planting his feet on the floor, he hobbled to the dresser he'd seen Ignis carefully put his clothes in the day before. It took him only a moment to grab what he needed and start his slow trek to the bathroom.
Taking a shower took longer than he'd hoped, but the hot water felt so good on his aching muscles. Hair still damp, he limped back to the bed. Getting dressed had been a slight challenge, and the arm and leg brace had been harder to get back on than he'd thought they would be.
Probably would've been a good idea to pay attention a little more when Ignis was showing me how these worked.
Prompto frowned down at the brace on his leg. The nylon straps were a zig-zagged mess. No doubt Ignis would have a conniption fit when he saw the disaster that Prompto had made of it. At least it was holding everything in place like it was supposed to, so that was a kind of a win.
For a moment, Prompto stood staring at the door, wondering if he should wander out and try to find someone, but what would he do after he found them? Tell them he's bored? That he doesn't know what to do? That he's lonely or kind of weirded out by being in this place all by himself? He could always lie and say he was hungry, but he wasn't really. Ignis had made sure he was stuffed silly at dinner the night before.
With a sigh, he set about making the bed, as it seemed the only thing that really needed doing at the moment. He was sure there was probably a maid or something that came around to clean the rooms, but he felt the need to at least try to pick up after himself.
It took a long while to get the bed looking slightly presentable. Although, it really didn't look near as nice as it had when Prompto first arrived. The pillows looked out of sorts and the blanket weren't quite as smooth, but he figured it wasn't that bad for a guy sporting two braces.
"You're awake."
After letting a slight yelp out, Prompto turned to find that Ignis had been standing behind him. Arms crossed, the Advisor's gaze flickered from the arm and leg brace, to Prompto's wet hair and then to the bed.
"And it seems you've been busy this morning." A small sigh escaped from Ignis, as his gaze again dipped toward Prompto's right leg. "Shall I help you with the braces? If you keep them as they are now, I'm afraid you will lose circulation in your limbs after an hour or so."
Oh, yeah…that would be a problem…
Sheepishly, Prompto sat on the bed, giving Ignis better access to the leg brace.
"I should have realized you'd be an earlier riser," Ignis said, as he leaned down and set to work on the brace, "after all, you were constantly up early for your paper routes." He had the brace straightened, the straps uniformly secured in their crisscross pattern, before he shifted to the arm brace. "Noctis is up so late in the mornings, so you are a bit of a contrast to the usual morning routine of which I have grown accustomed."
"Uh, sorry…" Prompto muttered, wondering if he should just crawl back into bed and hide. "I know you were up late…looking in on me, so…I'm sorry about that too…you didn't have to. I would've been fine, but it was nice of you to do…and…uh…" He fumbled on his words, as he felt his face flush warm.
"It was no problem," Ignis replied softly. "I was up late working on some paperwork that I'd been neglecting, and my office isn't far. Plus, it eased my mind to peek in and make you sure were still comfortable. I hope I didn't disturb your slumber at all. Additionally, as for your habit of rising early, please don't take the comment as me chastising you. It is quite the contrary. Making breakfast at a decent hour, instead of at ten o' clock, would be rather refreshing. I find early morning cooking to be quite relaxing, but it is never the same when I simply do it solely for myself."
"O-okay? I'm happy to help?" Prompto answered, still unsure if Ignis meant this, or if he was just being nice. He had the sinking feeling that he was turning into a bit of a charity case.
"Shall we go to the kitchen? Perhaps you would like to help me prepare breakfast? I would like to try my hand at a new omelet recipe. It will be a lighter dish. I'm afraid I may have overindulged last night with dinner."
Prompto grinned. Leave it to Iggy to be a frigging mind reader. It was like he just knew that the blond needed something to do, that he needed to feel helpful.
"Yeah," he answered, shifting off the bed and taking a few hobbled steps toward the door. He was brought to a halt though as Ignis loudly cleared his throat.
Turning back, Prompto found the Advisor had snagged the wheelchair from the corner of the room and was now presenting it before him.
"I believe Doctor Sharah asked that you remain off that leg as much as possible this week. Perhaps it would be prudent to use the chair?"
Oh yeah…
After Prompto was seated, Ignis wheeled him out the room and down the hall toward the kitchen. They kept up a light, pleasant conversation, even as they arrived at the kitchen and started cooking. Ignis situated Prompto at the table, asking him to cut up tomatoes, mushrooms and onions. The Advisor then started cracking eggs and gathering the spices needed for the recipe.
Gladio joined them not long after that, the big man offering to make some fresh orange juice. The notion seemed odd to Prompto somehow. He'd never had fresh squeezed orange juice at home. It all came out of a carton. Actually juicing the fruit? Wasn't that something that super fancy people did? Oh…oh yeah… he was at the Citadel – which was like the ground zero of fancy people.
For a 'small' breakfast, Ignis had outdone himself. There was bacon, toast, sliced fruit and these amazing omelets that Ignis had crafted. If not for Gladio, they would have had no chance in finishing off the meal.
Noctis was still, unsurprisingly, absent. Ignis only shrugged at that, saying that he would prepare another breakfast once the Prince of Lethargy finally arose.
When they had finished eating, Ignis cleared the table and washed the dishes as Gladio and Prompto chatted. Again, the banter was light-hearted and easy, and Prompto felt relaxed…that was until Ignis announced that it was time to start making their way to the medical center for his appointment.
Even though he knew he was only going to get his next potion dose, there was a faint, deep-seeded terror that stirred within Prompto.
He knew he'd gone too silent as they traveled to the center. Both Ignis and Gladio seemed to be trying their hardest to engage him in conversation, and though he felt badly for leaving them hanging, he couldn't bring himself to join the banter.
They reached the center, were escorted to an examination room, and were told that the doctor would be in to see them shortly.
"Prompto," Ignis said at last, and, from his perch upon the examination table, Prompto offered a lopsided grin back at the man. "You realize there is nothing to be concerned about, right? Your recovery is going quite well. Dr. Sharah will merely want to look you over very briefly before giving you your next potion dose. Then she will hand over a package with your remaining dosages for the rest of the week. With any luck, we may only need to do one more follow up visit after this one."
Grin held forcefully in place, Prompto nodded. "Yeah…yeah…it's all good…" He said, hoping the words weren't hampered too badly by the fact that his heart was trying to pound its way out of his chest.
Gladio scoffed, "That really doesn't sound reassuring. What's bugging you, kid?"
Prompto shrugged, he could feel his smile slipping away, but he didn't force it to remain. "I-I just get a little nervous around doctors and medical facilities…it's just….I don't know…it's stupid I guess…"
"Nonsense," Ignis replied softly, "This same anxiety plagues Noctis. He has no love of the medical facility, I can assure you. I believe this is a quite common fear, so there is no need for apologies. Just know that we are here for you if you need anything."
"Yeah," Prompto answered, "thanks, Iggy…"
A gentle knock at the door announced Dr. Sharah's arrival. After a quick greeting, she set to work examining Prompto – listening to his heartbeat, taking his temperature, checking his blood pressure, asking about his night. She smiled kindly, and spoke gently with Prompto, inquiring if he was a little nervous – that his heartrate was just a bit high.
"I…I'm a little…um…scared of doctors," he replied quietly, not daring to look the woman in eye as he admitted that.
She chuckled softly, "Honestly, I'm not too fond of visiting doctors either. So, I understand, but you are in luck. This should be a short visit. You are doing very well." She paused to hand him a vial. "Just drink this and we're done. I'll send the case of remaining dosages to Ignis later today."
He did as he was told and drank the small bit of potion, and that warm, healing ache took over his body again. It ended too soon though, and he was left feeling the need for that healing to be complete.
Dr. Sharah turned her attention to Ignis, as she explained that Prompto should be in the clear from here on out, but there were instances of people having delayed reactions, and if he showed any signs of distress, they were to call her immediately.
After giving Prompto one last reassuring pat on the shoulder, the Doctor told them that they were free to go. It seemed to take forever though, for them to get situated – with Prompto back in his chair, before they were heading out the door.
Even with as gentle as Sharah was, Prompto still felt a wave of tension leaving him as Gladio wheeled him down the hall, away from the medical center. Ignis parted ways with them not long after they'd left, stating that he felt the need to ensure Noctis was still alive and not in some coma of slumber.
As they reentered the guest room, a warm wave of exhaustion crept over Prompto, but he didn't want to give in to it. He knew it had to do with the taking the potion. Dr. Sharah had explained that patients tended to sleep a lot more when they were on the dosage regiment for the potions – their bodies eager to finish the healing that was started, draining away any excess energy in the process.
Still, Prompto didn't want to nap just yet. He hadn't even seen Noctis yet, and a nap before lunchtime? That just felt wrong. Heck, Prompto rarely took naps at all. He just didn't have time for them.
He felt a flood of relief when Gladio suggested they start playing a video game. Of course, Gladio tended to favor the old school platforming games that Prompto and Noctis had long since abandoned, but that was fine. Honestly, playing these 'old school' games with Gladio was really fun – especially the part where Prompto kept calling them 'old school' just so he could see that indignant look on the Shield's face.
"This was like my favorite game when I was thirteen," Gladio huffed. "It is not old school. I'm not that old…"
Prompto merely chuckled, noting that the big guy was only feigning anger.
They played on until lunch time, when Noctis finally managed to join them.
Ignis ushered them all to the kitchen then, and Prompto's mouth watered as he took in the aroma of grilled sandwiches and a thick tomato soup.
Sitting at the table, Prompto gave a happy little sigh as he took his first bite of the warm sandwich. The bread was toasted perfectly. The cheese was warm, but not scalding. It was melted and creamy and paired so well with the thin slices of ham. There were flavors that Prompto didn't recognize. Ingredients he could begin to decipher, but he could taste each, noting how well the whole of the recipe puzzled itself together.
He still felt utterly amazed that this was just a normal meal for these three. That Noctis had grown up eating food this good all the time. Prompto couldn't even imagine how awesome that had to have been.
No one seemed to note Prompto dreamily munching away, and as he tuned back in to the conversation the others were having, he realized Ignis was lecturing Noctis on his sleep habits.
The Prince merely shrugged and started picking his sandwich apart. Apparently, he was not a fan of the crust. This only elicited another eye roll from Ignis.
The very second they'd all finished eating, Noctis was quick to get Prompto back into his chair and wheel him back to the guestroom. The allure of the new video game, it seemed, was too much for Noct, but, then again, Prompto felt the same way. The graphics were amazing!
They had been playing for almost three hours when Ignis started visiting, announcing an emergency Council Meeting that required the Prince's attention. Noct, for his part, seemed to totally ignore the news four times before Ignis threatened to forcibly drag him away from the game.
It was, Noct explained, not an idle threat. Ignis had done it before.
After one last groan, Noctis paused the game and then stood and stretched.
Prompto reclined back onto his bed. If he was being honest with himself, he really was exhausted, and some small part of him was thankful Noct had some business to attend to. This meant that he wouldn't have to find a way to tactfully ask to put the game on hold so he could nap.
Of course, Noct announced that he was not about to leave Prompto all alone. The Prince made it perfectly clear, declaring that he would not step foot outside of the room unless either Ignis or Gladio stayed behind. It was a nice gesture, but Prompto really didn't see the point in it.
All he was going to do was sleep, and he really didn't think he needed company for that. In fact, he was kind of thinking he'd prefer not to have someone in the room just watching him as he slept. That was really weird, but after Noctis' drawn out argument with Ignis and Gladio – which the Prince, of course, won, Prompto didn't have the heart to speak up against the arrangements they'd come to.
Ignis and Noctis eventually departed, with Noct promising to return as soon as he could.
"You look tired," Gladio said softly. "You should get some sleep while you can. If Noct comes back too soon, I'll take him down to the training room so he can burn off some of his energy."
Prompto grinned back at the big guy, but in lieu of a thank you, he found himself yawning sleepily and nodding.
I guess it's not too bad having someone around looking out for me while I sleep…
The Shield pulled a book from the satchel he'd been toting around. Plopping into a chair, Gladio thumbed open a page and started intently reading.
Pulling up the covers, Prompto snuggled into his pillow. His eyes burned, and his eyelids felt uncomfortably heavy. Letting them slide shut, he listened to the sounds of the room – of Gladio breathing, of the clock in the corner, the quiet rustle of a page being turned. It didn't sound like home, and yet it was undeniably comforting.
Knowing Gladio was nearby, knowing he was somewhere safe, that Noct would be back – wanting to play games and joke around, and that Ignis would cook another delicious meal for dinner – it all felt so unreal, so wonderful.
Feeling incredibly blessed, Prompto slowly drifted off to sleep.
Cor waited until Noctis' duties called him away from his friend's side. The wait was longer than he had planned though, and it wasn't until late in the afternoon that Cor found himself gently knocking on Prompto's door.
"Come in," a gruff, low voice called from within.
He's not alone…
Of course, Cor hadn't expected the blond would be. The kid had been through a lot, and his friends were rallying around him, offering all the comfort and protection possible.
Cor entered, finding Gladio seated beside Prompto's bed with his nose in a book. The man didn't bother to look up, but Cor suspected he knew who was visiting and was actively snubbing him. Their encounter the previous day obviously still grated on Gladio. Amicitias, after all, knew how to hold grudges.
Blind duty had Cor questioning why the Prince's Shield was not as his rightful place – protecting the Prince, but he quieted that voice in his head that enforced those royal obligations. Besides, if he had to guess, Noctis had probably only agree to leave Prompto's side if either Ignis or Gladio stayed with the boy, and, seeing as Gladio had been less than attentive at the last Chamber Meeting, Ignis was the more prudent choice for the Prince to take.
Realizing Gladio intended to finish whatever passage he was on in his book and was in no rush to do so, Cor shrugged and turned his gaze toward the blond.
Looking peaceful, breathing rhythmic, Prompto was curled up in the blankets, sleeping soundly.
It was upon seeing the young man sleeping so contently that Cor felt a wash of hesitation overtake him. Perhaps speaking with Prompto was a mistake? Did he really want to disrupt what little happiness he'd managed to find at this time?
Gladio nonchalantly looked up. The man's gaze was wary, a question almost visibly written on his face.
What do you want?
The big man seemed to tense, his eyes narrowing on Cor. To the untrained, Gladio might have look relaxed, seated as he was, but it was obvious to Cor that the man was in full out protection mode, ready to take action if he needed. Rather than seeing the threat before him though, Cor could only see a man concerned for a friend. Honestly, it was reassuring to see how strong this bond was. Cor could see the wisdom in Lady Lunafreya's words now.
"I was hoping to speak with Prompto," Cor said at last, though he felt the words sounded hollow somehow. He did want to speak with the boy, but everything he really wanted to say, he felt he could not.
Gladio gave a low hum – something that hinted of disapproval. "About what, exactly?"
"I believe I've acquired the possible location of his parents. Search parties are forming to look for them as we speak."
"Where?" Voice low, questions short, Gladio was making it more than clear he was not enjoying Cor's visit.
"The Boulves Mines."
Gladio let out a hissed curse as he set his book aside. "How long have they been down there?"
Cor hesitated, eyeing Prompto, worrying that their conversation wasn't the best thing for the boy to wake up to. Finally, satisfied that the kid was dead asleep, he spoke. "Lillian has been down there three weeks. Ulnic went to find her. He's been gone over two weeks now. There was a small band of hunters, perhaps two or three, with each, but they certainly didn't carry enough supplies for an extended stay."
Gladio groaned, closing his eyes and leaning back in his chair, and for a long while the only sound in the room was the even, calm breathing of Prompto as he slept.
"I'll tell him," Gladio muttered at last. "You can go."
It was an out, an escape from having to be the one to crush Prompto with this news, and yet…
"No." Cor answered softly. "I will tell him. You may go. I know you would probably like to make the evening training with the Glaives."
A gruff, almost angry chuckle escaped from Gladio. "He doesn't know you. What makes you think that you can just…"
"Lillian and Ulnic are my friends," Cor interjected. "You do not know them. They are just names to you right now. You don't know her smile, his stupid laugh that sounds like a dying Chocobo." Cor paused, trying to restrain his grief once again. What if they really were dead? The thought was abrasive, relentless resurfacing. It was a crushing weight repeatedly striking his chest, taking his breath away. It would lift for a while but then return again. The pain was sharp and fresh each time, and yet he kept clinging to hope – no matter how futile it seemed. "You don't know how great they were to Prompto. How much they loved…" He paused, the error of his words turning his blood cold. "…love him."
Gladio opened his mouth as if he was going to respond, but nothing came out.
"I'm glad to see the boy has such good friends," Cor continued, "I believe he'll need you in the days to come, but right now…" Cor paused, his thoughts stirring too many raw emotions. He was amazed at how level he'd managed to keep his voice, how he'd forced his tone to remain firm and calm. If he wasn't careful, that façade would drop away. "…right now he needs someone with a connection to his parents. He needs to not be alone in his grief. He needs me."
For almost a minute, Gladio just stared at Cor. He didn't move. His expression, one of stern concentration, didn't waiver.
"Okay," he said at last, rising from his chair, "just try not to upset him too much." Striding past Cor toward the door, Gladio halted just long enough to give the Immortal one last steely glare. "or you'll have to answer to me."
Cor offered a sad smile back. "I'll keep that in mind."
Jaw set, brow furrowed, Gladio turned away. His hands balled into tight fists as he exited the room, leaving Cor alone to stand awkwardly staring down at the blond dozing so peacefully in the large bed.
Realizing that the youth didn't appear to be about to wake any time soon, Cor made his way to the seat that Gladio had occupied and silently sat down. He considered taking out his phone and checking his e-mails, but he decided to abstain from anything that might be too mentally draining at the moment. He knew what was to come would have him exhausted enough by the end of the day.
After studying the room for a while, Cor's boredom drew his attention to the book Gladio had been reading, Mistress of the Morning.
It was a hardbound book, with the cover sleeve missing, so that the only hint of its contents was the small black title imprinted on the spine.
Cor picked it up and opened to the first chapter. He skimmed a few pages and then skipped ahead a couple of chapters, smiling to himself as he read further into the burly Shield's book. He would have never have pegged Gladio for a fan of romance novels.
"Hello?"
Startled, Cor almost dropped the book. Glancing up, he saw Prompto sitting up in his bed, confusion clouding the boy's expression as he stared back at Cor.
"Where is Gladio? Why…" Prompto paused, as if he wasn't sure how to ask the question he'd started to form. He shifted, pulling a blanket closer to his chest. "Why are you here, sir?"
Cor cringed at the sir. It made sense, he guessed. Prompto didn't really know him. He probably only knew of him.
"I…" he paused, gathering his thoughts. "I am a friend of your parents."
"I know," Prompto answered softly. There was a tremble in his voice. "I heard Gladio talking to you on the phone. I-I thought maybe you might be…"
Cor waited patiently, somewhat afraid of what the boy was trying to ask.
Big blue eyes were staring up at him, pleading. "Were you the one who found me when I was a baby? Who brought me to my parents…Lillian and Ulnic?"
The question was so direct, so clear and yet Cor didn't know how to answer it. What could he tell the boy? The truth? It was so ugly, so much to take in. Prompto didn't deserve that pain, and yet wasn't there harm in not knowing as well?
"I did." Cor answered at last. "I found you…in Niflheim."
Upon hearing that kingdom's name, Prompto shut his eyes, causing rivulets of pent up tears to stream down his cheeks.
Cor sat, silently watching the youth as he pulled his knees to his chest and curled up into a ball, hugging his legs and burying his face in the tight tangle of limbs. After that, Prompto made no move save for the gentle, quiet, shuddering sobs that swept over him.
Perhaps Cor should have offered the boy some comfort – a hug, maybe a hand on his shoulder? Instead, he kept still, watching Prompto slowly regain his composure on his own. Some sad flicker of regret had Cor wishing he'd learned how to interact better with people. He wanted so badly to help Prompto, and yet, he was at a loss for how to go about that.
Looking up, red rimmed eyes fixed back on Cor, Prompt caught his breath and then dared to speak again. "What was it like where you found me?"
No. He can't know…not everything…
"It wasn't good," Cor replied with a shrug.
Prompto waited, staring, obviously wanting more, but the boy seemed unable find his voice.
Cor met that stricken gaze, steeling his heart as much as he could, but still found it breaking. "It wasn't good," he repeated.
More tears escaped, rolling down flushed cheeks, but, this time, Prompto didn't turn away. This time Cor witnessed the sorrowful desolation that overtook the normally chipper blond boy's features.
"Why…?" Prompto's voice was a hoarse whisper, barely forming amongst his grief. "Why did you bring me back here?"
Cor tensed, surprised by the question. Why wouldn't he have brought back a child in need? But, then his thoughts strayed to the children left behind in that facility. They hadn't been so lucky. How many had he left to die, to be tortured, to be turned into monsters?
He wouldn't tell Prompto about the others. That would have been too much. It would have been too hard to understand.
"I…I saw you all alone, looking so small," Cor started softly, "and I picked you up, and you held on to me so tight…so very tight. I couldn't put you back down...I couldn't leave you in that place." A gentle, sad chuckle broke through, sounding so off amongst his melancholy tone. "The alarms were going off…we had to leave…and you just kept holding on, as if your little life depended on it…and, I guess, it did."
Prompto kept his gaze on the Immortal, but his eyes had started to dry and his breathing was becoming more calm and rhythmic.
"It was the best choice I ever made," Cor added, and then closed his eyes, immersing himself in his memories. "You were a quiet baby. I was afraid that you were sick at first, but you weren't." Cor recalled how he'd almost made himself sick with worry as he fretted over the child. He honestly wasn't sure if something that was so small, had been so neglected and experimented on could survive a long, arduous journey. "Travel was easy, for the most part. You were content riding in the sling, sleeping snug against my chest, but you'd leave a swathe of drool down my shirt. It was so gross." Cor smiled and opened his eyes again, looking back to Prompto. "Your favorite thing was when I rented a Chocobo to take us back to Insomnia once we'd reached Lucis. You'd been so silent until then, and then you were nothing but a melody of giggles and laughter. I bought you Chirpy at an outpost after our Chocobo rental had ended, in hopes that you'd get to take a bit of that joy with you."
Prompto smiled, it was a tender, fragile thing, but it was there nonetheless.
"I thought about keeping you," Cor continued, fully aware of the shocked expression flickering across Prompto's face. "I wanted to raise you…but, life doesn't always give us what we want." He leaned forward, holding his sad smile in place. "I realized you'd be in too much danger of being exposed as a…" He paused, stumbling over what he almost said – an experiment…maybe a weapon – and what he wanted to say. "…as someone from Niflheim. It would have been too dangerous, both for you and the Kingdom of Lucis. After all, it was unclear how Niflheim would react if word got back to them that a child of their kingdom had been smuggled across the border." Cor only hoped Prompto didn't catch that pause, that he hadn't noted the near slip up in words. "Raising you within the Citadel would have been foolhardy, and I could not abandon my post, so I did the best I could for you."
"You brought me to your friends…" Prompto finished. "…Lillian and Ulnic."
"They had no ties to the Citadel besides me, and I had been fairly absent from their lives for some time," Cor replied. "It was a lot for me to ask of them…just showing up on their doorstep with a baby, forcing a life altering decision on them with no warning, but I knew…I knew they would love you."
For a moment, they were both silent, as Prompto seemed to be digesting all this new information.
"Who else knows about me?" The boy asked at last. The words seem to hold such trepidation, as if he both wanted to know and didn't all at once.
"The King," Cor answered, not surprised as Prompto went a shade paler as he heard the answer. "But we are the only ones who know. We did not think it necessary or wise to tell more people."
Seemingly encase in shock, Prompto sat, staring at Cor with his mouth slight agape. Taking in a shuddered breath, he finally peeled his gaze off the Immortal and stared, unblinking at his lap.
"The King?" Prompto whispered. "Knows…"
"He had known since your arrival. He was the first person I came to with you," Cor replied. "I could not neglect my duty to inform him of what I had done, and I knew he would see you for what you were."
At that, Prompto glanced up, meeting Cor's gaze.
"You were a baby in need," Cor added. "You were not an enemy. You had no loyalties or duty to anyone. You were a baby, full of warmth and love and happiness." Cor paused to grin back at the boy. "He bounced you on his knee, laughing like a madman as you giggled. He saw so much of his son in you. After all, you and Noctis are so close in age."
Prompto blinked and let out a breath he'd seemingly been holding, but he remained silent.
"Your parents sent us updates on how you were doing," Cor continued. "I looked forward to the letter and photos I received every month. Regis and I would sit down and open them together. I still have them all, locked away in my office, if you'd like to see them."
"Oh…" Only that one simple word managed to slip from Prompto as he continued to stare back at Cor.
This is too much…the kid is shutting down, and I haven't even told him about his parents being in the mine yet.
"Maybe I should go and let you get some more rest." Cor stood, feeling suddenly very out of place.
"No!" Prompto replied quickly, something close to panic crossing his face before he calmed himself down. "I mean…I just…it's a lot, but…I-I…I'm sorry. Please don't go. Not yet. Please?"
Cor nodded and slowly sat back down.
"I've been scared for so long," Prompto added quietly. "I was worried about what would happen if people found out." He paused, holding up his wrist slightly. The wristband was covering the tattoo, but they both knew it was there. "I thought maybe I'd be locked up or sent away. I thought maybe I'd be sent to Niflheim…but I don't know anything about that kingdom…that's not my home." Prompto's voice broke a bit as spoke. "I didn't think anyone would understand though…or maybe I was just afraid they wouldn't…and now…" His brow furrowed and chin quivered slightly. "…and now I find out the King knew about me this whole time."
An undeniable raw guilt seeded itself into Cor's gut. He felt his insides twist and flutter as he listened to the boy. Of course Prompto had been suffering. How had they not considered how frightened he had to have been of being discovered? How had they overlooked something so important? Why did Ulnic and Lillian never mention this?
"I'm sorry," Cor said at last. It came out strained, full of more emotion than he'd intended, but there was no altering that now. "We should have let you know…we should have been able to…"
"Nope," Prompto replied, cutting Cor off. "No way…there was a Kingdom to run. There were probably a million different things going on that were way more important than me." A soft, frail smile found its way onto the boy's face. "It would be pretty selfish of me to think the King of Lucis owed me something more after he let me stay in his kingdom, and you…" Prompto paused as if carefully deciding what to say next. "…you brought me here. You found me a family. I love them so much, and I love my life here in Insomnia. All I have for you is thanks. Thank you!"
It was Cor's turn to be at a loss for words. As he stared back at Prompto beaming an intense, bright smile back at him, there was nothing the man could think of to say.
How does this kid find that kind of strength? How does he manage to find the blasted silver lining in everything?
"Plus," Prompto added, his smile slipping slightly, "I know you are looking for my parents now, so I owe you a thank you for that as well. Have you….have you heard anything yet?"
Damn…yeah, still have to tell him about that…
"Prompto," Cor shifted closer to the boy, "about your parents…"