So, I kind of just completely let this chapter do its own thing...This takes place just before the beginning of the game. Prompto POV.

Prompto sighed. Groping around for the remote, he flipped the tv off in annoyance. As usual, there was nothing on on a Saturday. And daytime tv was the worst anyway.

He sat up, stretching for the ceiling as a yawn escaped him. He wasn't tired. He couldn't be tired. He was bored. Soo very bored.

He hated these Saturday meetings they'd been making Noct attend lately. He probably hated them almost as much as Noct did, in fact. It meant he had absolutely nothing to do during the day.

...And it also made him realize he'd become somewhat co-dependent on Noct over the last few years. What did he even do with his time before they were friends? Oh, right...sat at home alone doing nothing. Like he was doing now. Ugghhh.

He pushed himself up and made his way to the fridge. He'd overcome his whole 'eating out of boredom' issues a long time ago, luckily. But something to drink might be nice. He grabbed a low calorie sports drink and made his way back to the couch.

Swiping his phone off the coffee table, he figured he might as well do some mindless browsing. He brought up his main social media app, checking some notifications. He quickly found it only increased his boredom, however.

Switching to a news app, he brought his drink up for a swig...and upon seeing the main headline sprawled across the top of the page, he proceeded to spew his drink half-way across the room, coating the coffee table with a sheen of purple speckles.

What. The. Hell...?!

Had he read that right? He skimmed the headline again. And then for a third and fourth time. There was no mistaking it—he'd read it right.

He set his drink on the table, spilling a good portion in his haste. Fumbling through his contacts, he quickly found Noct and punched the call button.

Ring...ring...ring...click.

His call was denied. Oh, right. Noct was in a meeting. He was about to bring up their text thread when a message suddenly came through.

Noct: Sorry, can't talk
Noct: Still in a meeting
Prompto: W
Prompto: T
Prompto: F
Prompto: IS IT TRUE?
Noct: ?
Prompto: Dude
Prompto: THE NEWS
Noct: Oh
Prompto: Oh?
Prompto: ?
Prompto: ?
Noct: We'll talk after
Noct: Can you come here? I might not be back to my apt for a while
Prompto: To the citadel?
Noct: Yeah
Noct: Oh and maybe wear a suit
Prompto: ?
Noct: They're doing some congratulatory party thing this evening
Prompto: Oh
Prompto: Ehhh
Noct: Please
Noct: I'm gonna be dying
Noct: Please
Noct: Please
Noct: Please
Prompto: Dude I don't have anything to wear to something like that
Prompto: Plus
Prompto: I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact you're effing GETTING MARRIED
Prompto: WTF
Prompto: And dude
Prompto: Why did I find out about it through the news?
Noct: Look just come here as soon as you can
Noct: I'll explain everything
Noct: I'll have Ignis get one of my suits for you
Prompto: Ehhhhhhhh...
Noct: Don't be lame
Prompto: A fancy get together with all the council members and high society phonies...
Noct: It won't be that bad
Prompto: I dunno dude
Noct: Come on
Noct: You owe me
Prompto: Lol no I don't
Prompto: And I just FOUND OUT ABOUT YOUR ENGAGEMENT THROUGH A SHITTY NEWS APP
Prompto: I OWE YOU NOTHING
Noct: Just get your ass here by this evening

Prompto hesitated, wondering if he had anything more to add to the conversation. Deciding he didn't, he turned the screen off and tossed his phone to the side.

What. The. Efffff.

Noct was engaged?! To Lady Lunafreya of Tenebrae?!

What?!

He just sat there for a moment, stunned, as a million thoughts tumbled over each other through his head. An arranged marriage?! Why?! How did Noct feel about that? Had he had any say in it? Had Luna? He's only twenty...! Should he have congratulated him? Should his congratulations be sincere? Again, he's only twenty..!

He thought they'd have at least five to ten more bachelor years ahead of them to enjoy...

Noct was getting married...?

He just couldn't process it.

He decided the best way to handle the situation at the moment would be to turn his brain off with some video games. He'd try to sort through his own feelings on the matter later. When it all had a chance to sink in a bit more...

Hours later, eyes numb and bloodshot from staring at the screen, Prompto still couldn't bring himself to think about the day's earlier news.

He just...

He hated being selfish, but he couldn't think about it without immediately wondering what it all meant for him. And he couldn't help but feel that was extremely unfair of him to do. Noct was probably reeling from the news just as much as he was. He should be more concerned for his feelings on the matter, not his own.

He just needed more time for it to sink in. More time to convince himself it didn't mean their friendship would be over. That it didn't mean he'd never see Noct again. That he wouldn't be numero uno in Noct's life anymore...

He slumped lower into the couch, capping a few more zombies ruthlessly in the head.

Was he actually upset at the news of his best friend's engagement? Was he really that selfish of a person?

Stop thinking about it. You can't berate yourself for being a selfish bastard if you just stop thinking about it.

Ugghhh...

He slumped to the side, sinking into a pillow, the game forgotten for a moment. Just turn your brain off...Don't think about it for now...Just stop thinking...

A loud knock at the door suddenly drew Prompto from his unintended nap. Pushing himself up groggily, he rubbed his eyes, wondering what time it was. Wiping the drool from his face, he grasped around for his phone.

Upon locating it, he was surprised to see it had been on silent. He was about to unlock the screen when a call suddenly came through from Gladio.

"Hello?" His voice sounded hoarse.

"Prompto? Where are you, are you asleep? Open your damn door, will you? I've been knocking for the last five minutes."

"Huh?" Prompto said, stumbling through his confusion as he made his way to the door.

He unlocked it, letting an impatient Gladio in, whom abruptly ended the call.

"Geez, you're turning into Noct," he said, stepping inside.

"Huh?"

"Don't know how you guys stand wasting so much time sleeping."

"What are you doing here?"

Gladio swung the garment bag he'd been carrying into Prompto's chest. "Here, put this on. I'm here to pick you up."

Prompto flinched a little, grasping the bag, his confusion only mounting. He noticed Gladio was dressed more sharply than usual. And he could guess what was inside the bag.

"Noct figured you were planning on skipping out on his little engagement party," Gladio explained. "And he said if we have to suffer through it, you do, too. Woes of being part of the wedding party."

"Gladio," Prompto interrupted, wishing he'd slow the hell down. "What—why—" He wasn't sure what to settle on asking first, so he went with: "When the hell did Noct get engaged?! And why am I the last to know about it?!"

"Ah, I'll let him go over all the details with you," Gladio replied. "I'm not too sure what the hell's going on myself. I only found out about it yesterday. I think Noct only found out the day before...I'm not sure what the hell the Empire's got in their minds..." He paused briefly. "I just know Iggy chose to stay behind to make sure Noct doesn't overdo the drinking, and I was sent here because I'm the more 'persuasive' of the two of us. So, put the damn suit on so Noct will stop texting me asking where the hell his friends are and why we aren't there to save him." He took a breath.

The empire was behind it...?

"...You deaf?" Gladio asked when Prompto didn't move. "Go change." He gave him a push. "Hurry."

Prompto stumbled upstairs, waking his phone as he made his way to his room.

Four missed calls from Noct as well as several texts.

Noct: Are you here?
Noct: I had Ignis pick a suit out for you, it's on my bed
Noct: Are you coming?
Noct: Hello...?
Noct: Sorry you had to read about it on the news. Please just come, this is unbearable.
Noct: Prompto?

Prompto shut the screen off again, his stomach twisting slightly with guilt. He hadn't meant to ignore Noct. And now he'd gone and made it look like he was butthurt about the whole thing. Which, in truth, he slightly was. But he wasn't going to be a goddamn girl about it. He brought his phone up again.

Prompto: Sorry
Prompto: Passed out this afternoon
Prompto: Be there soon
Noct: YESS FINALLY
Noct: BRO
Noct: U ARE THE BEST

Okay, so Noct was already inebriated. Prompto almost snickered, imagining how Ignis must be handling the situation at the moment. Maybe this party wouldn't be all that bad. Drunk Noctis was usually quite amusing.

Prompto stepped foot out onto the roof terrace of the citadel, eyes wide and fingers unconsciously flexing for his camera. He was glad he'd remembered to bring it with him. He'd only been up there a few times before, but each visit never failed to fill him with the same awe and eagerness at the sheer beauty of it. Thousands of twinkling lights, the calming trickling of endless water features, and the three-sixty degree view of the glittering city—it was breathtaking.

He'd been a little concerned about the camera at first—and he actually had been stopped by one of the crownsgaurd a few minutes ago in the hall, demanding to know if he was a member of the press. Fortunately, he could honestly claim he wasn't, and luckily he had Gladio with him, who easily waved the dude off, hardly paying him much mind. It was nice having connections.

His earlier distress forgotten for the time being, Prompto found himself immediately snapping away at the scenery. And the dignitaries conversing in small clusters. He could even overlook the abundant air of pretentiousness, since most of the haughty figures made for decent subject material.

"Prompto!" Noct had finally spotted him and was waving him over to his corner by the railing. Prompto made his way over to join him.

"Prompto," Noct said again as he approached, a wide smile on his face. He beckoned him closer, till he could throw an arm over his shoulder. "I was just telling so-and-so here," he said, gesturing to the party guest who had been offering her congratulations, "'Here comes my best man now!'"

"Yeah, buddy," Prompto said, smoothly unhooking Noct's arm from his shoulders, while grabbing his champagne glass in the same fluid motion. "I finally made it," he said, setting the glass aside as the woman gave them a snooty half-curtsy in parting. "How has Ignis not cut you off by now?" he muttered.

"What do you think?" Noct asked, leaning back heavily against the rail.

"...About this whole thing?"

"About being my best man!" Noct laughed. He usually ended up so uncharacteristically giggly when he was drunk.

"Oh! ...You mean as in the best man, best man?" Prompto asked, as Noct's request finally dawned on him. Noct leaned back, giggling at the stars. "Wouldn't that be better suited for...someone like Ignis?" Prompto asked. And then a beat later: "And why are we even talking about this?" he asked, not liking how far Noct was leaning back. He grabbed his arm and pulled him forward. "Can't we talk first?" he demanded. "You know, about what the hell is going on?"

Noct was half-ignoring him, looking around for his champagne glass. "Here, dude," he said upon locating it. He shoved the glass into Prompto's hand. "Drink this. This is a party, after all, right?"

Sure, it would be nice to take the edge off the whole situation. But at the moment, Prompto actually preferred a clear mind. He still had a lot to sort through.

"Ignis!" Noct exclaimed exuberantly as his advisor approached from across the way. "Look who finally showed!" he said, flinging his arm around Prompto's shoulders once more, throwing his weight into him.

"Prompto," Ignis nodded a greeting upon joining them.

"So, uh, what happened here?" Prompto asked, tilting his head briefly toward the prince.

"I've been preoccupied with chatty guests all evening," Ignis replied, clearly flustered. He took the champagne from Prompto, wanting to get it as far away from the prince as possible.

"Where's Gladio?" Noct asked, looking around unsteadily, causing Prompto to readjust his stance once more. "We just need Gladio now."

"Ignis," Prompto said, removing Noct's arm from him again and guiding it to the rail. He stepped towards the taller man, blocking out Noct. He was hoping to have an actual, sober conversation. "What is this? What's going on?"

"This," Ignis gestured, "is the Prince's engagement party." There was a note to his tone that suggested he found the whole thing...questionable as well. Prompto might go so far as to say he found it ridiculous, even. Although it was not his position to ever outright say so.

"Yeah, I'm aware," Prompto retorted. "...Are you as confused as I am?"

Ignis sighed, adjusting his glasses. "I'm not yet fully briefed on all the political implications behind it. The news is still fairly recent to me as well."

"Gladio was saying the empire's behind this...?"

Ignis gave a reluctant nod. "One of the stipulations of their peace negotiations."

The empire wanted peace? What?

"...Peace negotiations?" Prompto's brow furrowed. "Since when?"

"Earlier this week," Ignis replied. "The chancellor of Niflheim arrived, seeking an audience with the king."

Prompto remained silent for a moment. The whole thing seemed so sudden. So out of the blue...

The sound of Noct suddenly thudding against the floor drew both their attention. He'd slumped to his rear, flopping carelessly to his back.

"Highness?" Ignis said, taking a quick step toward him.

"I can see them better this way..." Noct replied.

"...See what?" Prompto asked, stepping towards him as well.

"...The stars..." He had a faint half-grin on his face.

"Man, how'd you let him get so wasted?" Prompto asked, looking to Ignis.

"Believe me, it wasn't my intention," Ignis said, exasperated, as he stepped in front of the prince, hoping to block him from view. "Highness, there are still guests present."

"Maybe it's time for the guest of honor to take his leave?" Prompto suggested.

"Past time, I think," Ignis agreed. "Let's get him to his room."

Ignis and Prompto helped the prince to his massive bed, which he promptly toppled into face-down.

"Ughh," he groaned, the earlier giddiness having worn off.

They both stepped back to survey him for a moment.

"What do you think, Iggy? Ready for married life?"

Ignis gave a rare half-snort. "Indubitably." And after a moment he continued, "I'd best go entertain the last of the guests until the evening's over," he said. "Are you staying over?"

"Oh, uh, I dunno..." Prompto didn't want to get too caught up in all the hectic goings-on the citadel was sure to be dealing with the following day. Wedding plans (seriously, wedding plans?), political perplexities, a hung-over prince...

Ignis didn't wait for a solid answer as he backed out of the room. "Kindly see he makes it to the toilet," he said, closing the door behind him.

Prompto gave a derisive snort upon Ignis' exit. Of course Noct would get wasted off his ass and everyone would leave the mess up to him. Not that he minded taking care of his best friend, but he had so much on his mind to sort through...It would be nice to be home in his own bed where he could clearly contemplate everything... There sure was a lot to contemplate.

"Prompto," Noct said, his voice muffled by the comforter.

"Yeah, buddy."

"Prompto," Noct said again.

"I'm right here, dude," Prompto said, stepping forward to sit on the edge of the bed.

Noct lifted his head, the effort seeming great. "Oh good, you're still here."

Prompto snickered faintly. So unlike Noct to be goofy. "Yep. Still here."

Noct forced himself to roll to his back. He stared at the ceiling for a long moment. "So...I'm getting married."

"Yeah, I heard."

"Married, dude."

"Yeah. I heard." Prompto repeated. "Well, more like I read about it, actually. Remember?"

"Read?"

"In the news," Prompto offered.

"Was it in the news?"

"Dude. Yes, of course it was in the news. I told you earlier. It will continue to be in the news for the next..." he paused. "Wait, when exactly are you getting married?" he asked, surprised he hadn't bothered to find out from Ignis earlier.

"Soon," Noct replied. "...You'll be my best man?"

Prompto hesitated. Noct was probably not currently capable of holding the type of conversation he was desperately hoping to have, but what the hell, he'd try anyway. "Noct...what do you think about the whole thing? Did they even ask your input? Are you...okay with marrying Luna? I mean, I know you're fond of her and everything, but hasn't it been at least...ten years or so since you last saw her? And...I mean, dude, you're only twenty!"

Noct was silent in return.

"Look, maybe I'm the only one in my right mind freaking out about this whole thing...but you're my best friend, and I just want to make sure...I just want to make sure you're okay..." He didn't really know how to word what he was trying to say. And he still hadn't had the proper time to process the whole thing and filter his thoughts. He hoped he wasn't too out of line.

Again, Noct was silent for a while. "You're...definitely not the only one freaking out..." he finally replied.

Prompto looked to him.

"I mean, yeah, I'm 'fond' of Luna...I might even go so far as to say I love her, I dunno. As strange as that sounds...I mean, not having seen her in a while...but...we've stayed in touch all these years..."

Prompto stayed silent, hoping he'd continue.

"I dunno, I was just starting to finally get the prince stuff down...And now...," he paused for a moment again. "Things change so quickly..."

Change. The word left a bitter note in Prompto's mind.

They sat in silence for a long time. Finally, Prompto slapped his thighs, readying to stand. "Well, buddy, I guess we can talk more when you've sobered up. Although, I think tomorrow might be a little rough for ya," he offered a sympathetic half-laugh.

"What? Where are you going?" Noct asked, pushing himself to his elbows.

"I better head," Prompto replied.

"You're not staying?" The disappointment was clearly evident in his voice.

"It's getting late, dude. And you're gonna have so much crap going on tomorrow."

"So?" Noct asked, pushing himself fully upright now. "You have to stay!" he exclaimed. "We have to stay up all night. We still haven't beat Zombie Slayer 4 yet. You have to eat a crap ton of junk food with me to help ward off a hangover. You have to help me to the toilet when I puke!"

Who knows when we'll be able to do it all again...

So, the thought had clearly crossed Noct's mind as well. A sad half-grin spread across Prompto's face.

"...Okay, buddy," he said.

Noct relaxed ever so slightly at his best friend's acquiescence.

Prompto paused briefly. "...But...let me grab the wastebasket first real quick. Just in case we don't make it later..." He would have offered a smirk at that, but decided to turn immediately away instead. He flinched slightly at the unexpected stinging behind his eyes...

I'm sorry, I'm not sure how this ventured into Sad Prompto again...*sniff*