noctis lucis caelum 🌙 (![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} noctout) wrote in ![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small} valloic,@ 2020-05-02 17:04:00 |
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| Entry tags: | !: action/thread/log, â‚´ inactive: noctis lucis caelum, â‚´ inactive: prompto argentum |
Log ➢ Prompto & Noctis
Prompto & Noctis
Prompto spent so much time making sure everyone else was okay, he wanted to offer him shelter, too.
WHAT: An emotional reunion between best friends. They're of course being huge dumbasses.
WHERE: Morningside Manor.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 1 (backdated).
WARNINGS: Mentions of death and grief.
STATUS: Complete!
WHERE: Morningside Manor.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 1 (backdated).
WARNINGS: Mentions of death and grief.
STATUS: Complete!
Noctis nearly had to sit on his own hands to stop himself from going to meet Prompto. It shouldn't have been so surprising that he was here, really, considering Ignis showed up only a little bit before, but he'd been trying so hard not to get his hopes up. Besides, Noctis had been in Vallo for well over a year now, mostly by himself. To wish for all of his friends to appear seemed wrong, and he felt guilt about that, particularly in regards to Prompto. He was his best friend, the light in the darkest part of his life, and the warmth that kept them all together as a group. Noctis wanted him to be happy, and when he did finally show up in Vallo, he felt a strong mixture of both indescribable joy and sinking concern and dread. What if this meant disrupting Prompto's life at home? Stopping all the help he'd surely brought to the people who needed it most? Didn't this make Noctis selfish for wanting him here? And what about Cindy? Surely they were together by now, if not married.
Gods, this was a mess. In his own head, anyway, which was generally the case with Noctis. On the outside, he managed to maintain something of a cool demeanor. At least, he was certainly trying not to look as nervous as he felt. It was entirely possible Prompto would decide he didn't feel ready to see him after everything that happened, and that was perfectly fine. Good, even. Noctis would never push him, and if Prompto needed time, he would have all that he needed.
Even if he felt really impatient. And, if he were being honest with himself, a little self-conscious, too. He needed to wear a leg brace full-time now, and his movement was a tad more restricted because of it. Noctis could never predict whether he'd wake up having a bad pain day or not, and as functional as he was, he really hated the fact that his injury was still bothering him, more so now than ever. But he waited in the apartment he shared with Gladio and Ignis, standing despite all that, wishing he could just pace.
Dammit.
He could do this. He couldn’t do this. He could do this. Gods, he really couldn’t do this. Prompto liked to think he was managing. That he was keeping his cool in spite of just how badly he was freaking out on the inside. He still managed to keep a smile on his face, managed to keep his composure and not dance or dart around Gladio too much as they walked. He wasn’t sure if that was better or worse. Could his friend tell that he was trying to contain himself here? Did it even matter if he managed because it was obvious he’d been crying not too long ago?
Thanks to the long walking tour of Vallo, Prompto was pretty sure all evidence of his tears was gone. The smile was definitely coming a little easier and he wasn’t worried this was some sort of trick. Gladio was real and solid enough. The other man would never lie to him. As confident as Prompto felt in his appearance he had still stopped just outside of the apartment and hesitated. Noct was in there and the last time he’d seen the other… No. It was best not to think about it. He was doing good. If he ruined all of that with a stray thought he’d run and delay this reunion more than he wanted to. As much as he was stalling now he really did want to see the other man.
He took a deep breath and checked to make sure the sleeve of his uniform coat was pulled down enough around his wrist. He knew he didn’t have to. They all knew, all remember and still didn’t care, he assumed, but it didn’t matter. He was feeling anxious and nervous and, maybe, none of this mattered anymore and hadn’t since their world was plunged into darkness but the barcode was still a source of anxiety. He took a deep breath, decided he wanted a nap, a shower, and a change of clothes after this (not in that order), and stepped through the door into the apartment.
He didn’t have to try and force the smile that came the moment he looked up and saw Noctis, alive and well, and looking so damn much like he had before he’d gone and sacrificed himself for Eos. “Noct!” He shouted, letting out a laugh as he closed the distance between them. He stopped short of throwing himself at the other, aware that the other had been wearing a leg brace when he came back and seemed to be wearing it even now. For all of his excitability, Prompto had always been thoughtful. The hug that followed wasn’t as energetic as it could’ve been. He didn’t fling himself at the other and expect Noctis to support his weight. It was a careful, gentler hug but still carried with it all the love, relief, and excitement that came with being reunited with a lost friend.
Had it been anyone else, Noctis might have bristled at the implication that he couldn't handle something. He was disabled, sure, and he had to adjust because of it, but he'd been doing that all his life. It was just more obvious now that he was getting older and needed a visible brace. It didn't mean he was delicate, and yet, he knew Prompto didn't mean to imply that. His best friend was far too sweet, so instead, Noctis felt nothing but charmed when he was held so gently. "I'm not gonna break," he insisted, a note of teasing in his suddenly husky voice. To make his point, Noctis squeezed Prompto much harder, drawing his friend in tight so he could hug him properly. Gods, he even smelled the same. A wave of sadness almost overwhelmed him before he managed to push it back down. One thing at a time.
It was a long moment before Noctis finally managed to draw back just a little to let Prompto breathe. He smiled at him, tears in his eyes, and took in the way his friend looked, trying to dedicate every inch of him to memory. "Are you okay?" He choked out in a wavering voice, knowing it was a loaded question and determined to ask it anyway. Prompto was always the one looking after everyone else, bringing hope and cheer wherever he went. More than anything, Noctis wanted to be there for him, too.
And also kiss him. It was a little hard not to do that right now when his best friend was in his arms and they were so close.
Noctis wasn’t delicate. Prompto knew that. Holding himself back wasn’t about thinking his best friend was delicate. It was more about keeping the two of them from tumbling to the floor because he was a little overenthusiastic in his greeting. There may have been a little fear, too. Just before his arrival, Prompto had been gripping too tightly to a Noctis who would never again hug him back. There was a fear, now, that this was all a dream. That Noct would disappear or he’d wake up and find himself back home. That fear settled a little when the other man hugged him back. When he was pulled in and held tightly. He huffed out a laugh to cover up the pain and allowed himself to hug him just as tightly, to cling to him. He didn’t say that he thought he’d never get to do this again. He didn’t say he was afraid the other man would vanish. That was a discussion for later. There was no reason to bring the room down now.
If Noctis hadn’t pulled back first Prompto would’ve been more than happy to stay like that for as long as possible. He very nearly rushed forward to hug the other man again and hide his face at the question that followed. Was he okay? He didn’t know. As much as he wanted to just say that, yeah, he was, it felt wrong to lie to the other after everything that had happened. He also sort of got the feeling that Noctis would be able to tell. He really couldn’t hide the way his lips trembled around the usual cheerful smile or the tears in his eyes. He moved forward, leaned his head against Noctis’ shoulder and let out a soft, sad laugh. “No…”
He didn’t elaborate for a long moment. He just stayed right where he was with his head on his lost friend’s shoulder and hands curled into the shirt he was wearing. It would be easy to pull back and say that he needed a nap and a shower but, again, Noctis would know he wasn’t being completely honest. “I thought…” He started, voice soft and low, quiet enough that only the other man could hear him and, even then, only if he were really listening. Prompto shook his head. “No. I did. I lost you…” Twice. It had been hard enough to move forward the first time. Losing someone who meant so much to him, to the group, had managed to break them. At the very least, however, there were other things to focus on. There were daemons to fight, people to protect, and he could keep busy. He wasn’t sure how they were going to deal with it this time. How they were going to move forward knowing he was really and truly gone and that they had to carry on without him.
He might not have been very observant, but Noctis liked to think he knew Prompto well by now. He could tell when his best friend's smiles were strained, and when they didn't reach his eyes, and when he seemed to be projecting a false sense of cheer just to make others happy. It worried Noctis a lot, and now was no different. He could feel the strain in his best friend, how he was clearly holding back just for Noctis' benefit, and that wouldn't do at all. The fact that there were tears in Prompto's eyes only confirmed his fears, and he was reaching for him the moment he drew close again, rubbing a hand along his best friend's spine. "Hey," he said softly, It's okay on the tip of his tongue. It wasn't okay, though. So, instead, Noctis murmured, "I got you," and hoped that was enough. Prompto spent so much time and energy making sure everyone else was okay, he wanted to offer him shelter and comfort for him, too.
And while it made Noctis' heart squeeze painfully in his chest at his best friend's confession, he was relieved Prompto felt comfortable opening up like this. It couldn't have been easy, and not for the first time, he marveled at his bravery. "I know," was what Noctis said, voice rough. If he nuzzled the side of Prompto's head a little, well. He couldn't be blamed too much. "Do you want to talk about what happened?" Gladio had barely spoken about the darkness that quickly swallowed Eos in the wake of Luna's passing, and Noctis had been asleep for most of it. He knew so little about those long, long nights without the sun, and he couldn't imagine the horrible things Prompto and the others must have faced. If talking about it helped, he would always be there to listen.
If Noct had tried to tell him that everything was okay he may have felt pressured to agree, to pull back and force a smile on his face. It wasn’t okay back home. It hadn’t been okay for a while. Maybe it would get there but he couldn’t be sure at the moment. He wasn’t entirely okay here either but that had more to do with events that were still fresh in his mind. It had only just happened for him and the loss of Noctis was a fresh wound that hadn’t had time to heal.
He breathed deeply, managed to calm himself as Noctis’ hand ran along his back comforting him. The touch, somehow, made it all seem that much more real. Maybe it didn’t cure everything but it was a start. Prompto remained like that for a long moment, just holding onto his best friend and allowing the touch, the soothing words to help him settle his emotions. If he was relieved enough to be momentarily more affectionate, to press his nose against Noctis’ neck or drop the lightest of kisses to his shoulder before pulling back, who could blame him? He’d been through a lot. They all had.
“I’m not sure what there is to tell.” He admitted because Noctis had woken up in that world. He’d travelled some of it on his own and had run into the daemons that had taken over Eos after Luna’s death and in his absence. “We split up.” He said. “It was… We couldn’t really handle travelling together. We tried but it didn’t work. Things were different.” They felt that absence, everyone blamed themselves. “It’s not like we hated each other or gave up on one another. We just couldn’t do it as a group anymore. We kept in touch though. If any of us needed help all we had to do was call.” He had a few times but had worried. They never disappointed him. “I stuck around Hammerhead. Made myself useful and helped Cindy where I could.”
He shrugged as he mentioned the woman he’d had such an obvious crush on. He had never been able to work up the nerve to flirt with her or see where things could’ve gone between them. Even with the help of his friends nothing had really progressed there. He liked her but losing Noctis, falling out of contact with Ignis and Gladio, it had forced him to reexamine his feelings. While he was sure he could’ve loved Cindy he also knew that what he felt for her was different from what he’d always felt for his friends.
Noctis inhaled a sharp breath, surprise and warmth flooding through him at the touch of Prompto's nose against his skin. It was innocent, barely there, and yet it felt as intimate as if he'd actually kissed him—and not just on his shoulder. Slow down, Noctis thought to himself, embarrassed. He was supposed to be offering his best friend comfort, not getting distracted by how beautiful he was and how close they were right now. Gods, this was going to be difficult. It helped when Prompto started talking, and Noctis listened intently, a deep frown knitting his brow. There was so much he wanted to say, so many questions clamoring up his throat. But all he could manage was a soft, "I'm sorry. I should have been there for you guys." For you, he thought, gazing at Prompto with a soft gaze. There was no pity in them, just a warm, deep concern.
He reached out before he could stop himself to gently squeeze Prompto's arm before dragging his hand down and lacing their fingers together. It was loose enough that his friend could let go at any time, but he wanted—needed—to keep that contact somehow. Just for the moment. Then he'd let go. Probably. "You did everything you could to help. I'm so proud of you, Prom." Noctis smiled a little bit, even though there were tears in his eyes. He blinked them away quickly. "Seriously. I'm sure everyone really appreciated you being there—just like I've always appreciated you. I know I wouldn't have made it even three steps on that road trip if it hadn't been for you."
And he meant that. Every word. It had been difficult to communicate when he was still young and overwhelmed, but it wasn't anymore. Noctis wanted Prompto to know how important he'd always been to him, and how much he admired him. The rest ... well. He was still trying to figure out how to say the words.
Prompto tilted his head, offering the other a curious expression at the apology. “That wasn’t your fault.” He said and shook his head. It really wasn’t. He knew that Noctis would’ve been there with them, with him, if he was given the choice. It just hadn’t worked out that way. They’d all been close. They’d all cared about one another. No one would have willingly abandoned the others. Prompto was still a little unsure about admitting just how much he cared about the others. He’d loved Noctis the longest, had developed feelings for the other sometime during highschool (the feelings for Gladiolus and Ignis would come later while training together). He’d attempted to flirt back then only to panic when little things reminded him of the differences between them. His best friend was a prince. Princes didn’t fall in love with orphan nobodies.
It was still a thing. Maybe it was worse now that Noctis was or had been a King. The reminder of both was enough that he found himself running his fingers over the barcode on his wrist to make sure it was covered. A pointless gesture, he knew, but one that had developed out of habit. They already knew and it hadn’t changed anything.
The touch drew him from his own thoughts before they could spiral downward and anchored him in the present. Noctis was alive and safe and holding his hand. He gripped just a little tighter to that hand in his, refusing to let go or pull away for the moment. Maybe they both needed this. The touch was a reminder that they were both here, alive and well. This wasn’t a dream or some trick. It was real. They were together again. “Have a little more faith in Gladio and Iggy. They would’ve seen you through.” He’d tried. He’d taken his training seriously and had even spent hours training on his own in an attempt to keep up with the others. To be good enough for this role he’d been given or to just be worthy of it. He did his best but he still felt like he was lagging behind.
Hearing that he was appreciated back then had helped to boost his confidence in the same way it was helping him now. Maybe he was trying to downplay his own importance but the way he was smiling, brighter but, maybe, a little shyer than before, spoke volumes. He gave Noctis’ hand a squeeze as a silent thank you before stepping back to look around the apartment. He didn’t release the other’s hand just yet. He didn’t want to. “So this is where we’re staying? Want to show me around your apartment?” He asked, deciding that, maybe, it would help if he detoured away from darker subjects for now. They could always talk again later. They had time now.
He shook his head a little, but didn't push further than, "We all need you, Prom. And I'll remind you of that as often as you need to hear it." But that was all Noctis would say about it for the moment. He could tell all of this talk was weighing on them both, and the last thing he wanted right now was to overwhelm Prompto with more awful thoughts, especially with how he knew his friend struggled with self-confidence sometimes. So it was with warm relief that Noctis watched Prompto smile at him, a spark of heat igniting at the touch of his hand. That he didn't let go of. Oh boy, he thought, torn between sheepishness and hope. I feel like a kid again. The two of them sitting together on a motel roof under the stars, his heart hammering in his chest, the words You're so beautiful caught in his throat. If only he'd been a little braver then.
"This is ... wait, what?" Noctis blurted out, shaking the memory of that night off and realizing he'd spaced out a bit there fantasizing. He blushed. "Sorry, uh. Yeah. This is it. We're gonna need a way bigger place, though, now that you guys are here." Noctis didn't release Prompto's hand either when he led him further inside. There wasn't much to show—just a standard two-bedroom, his and Gladio's things mixed together along with what Ignis had accumulated in the short time he'd been there. He could imagine Prompto's things joining theirs soon, and it filled him with a sense of home and belonging that he had to catch himself before getting too emotional again.
And if he was stealing glances and small smiles at Prompto the whole time, well. Who could blame him?
Gods, this was a mess. In his own head, anyway, which was generally the case with Noctis. On the outside, he managed to maintain something of a cool demeanor. At least, he was certainly trying not to look as nervous as he felt. It was entirely possible Prompto would decide he didn't feel ready to see him after everything that happened, and that was perfectly fine. Good, even. Noctis would never push him, and if Prompto needed time, he would have all that he needed.
Even if he felt really impatient. And, if he were being honest with himself, a little self-conscious, too. He needed to wear a leg brace full-time now, and his movement was a tad more restricted because of it. Noctis could never predict whether he'd wake up having a bad pain day or not, and as functional as he was, he really hated the fact that his injury was still bothering him, more so now than ever. But he waited in the apartment he shared with Gladio and Ignis, standing despite all that, wishing he could just pace.
Dammit.
He could do this. He couldn’t do this. He could do this. Gods, he really couldn’t do this. Prompto liked to think he was managing. That he was keeping his cool in spite of just how badly he was freaking out on the inside. He still managed to keep a smile on his face, managed to keep his composure and not dance or dart around Gladio too much as they walked. He wasn’t sure if that was better or worse. Could his friend tell that he was trying to contain himself here? Did it even matter if he managed because it was obvious he’d been crying not too long ago?
Thanks to the long walking tour of Vallo, Prompto was pretty sure all evidence of his tears was gone. The smile was definitely coming a little easier and he wasn’t worried this was some sort of trick. Gladio was real and solid enough. The other man would never lie to him. As confident as Prompto felt in his appearance he had still stopped just outside of the apartment and hesitated. Noct was in there and the last time he’d seen the other… No. It was best not to think about it. He was doing good. If he ruined all of that with a stray thought he’d run and delay this reunion more than he wanted to. As much as he was stalling now he really did want to see the other man.
He took a deep breath and checked to make sure the sleeve of his uniform coat was pulled down enough around his wrist. He knew he didn’t have to. They all knew, all remember and still didn’t care, he assumed, but it didn’t matter. He was feeling anxious and nervous and, maybe, none of this mattered anymore and hadn’t since their world was plunged into darkness but the barcode was still a source of anxiety. He took a deep breath, decided he wanted a nap, a shower, and a change of clothes after this (not in that order), and stepped through the door into the apartment.
He didn’t have to try and force the smile that came the moment he looked up and saw Noctis, alive and well, and looking so damn much like he had before he’d gone and sacrificed himself for Eos. “Noct!” He shouted, letting out a laugh as he closed the distance between them. He stopped short of throwing himself at the other, aware that the other had been wearing a leg brace when he came back and seemed to be wearing it even now. For all of his excitability, Prompto had always been thoughtful. The hug that followed wasn’t as energetic as it could’ve been. He didn’t fling himself at the other and expect Noctis to support his weight. It was a careful, gentler hug but still carried with it all the love, relief, and excitement that came with being reunited with a lost friend.
Had it been anyone else, Noctis might have bristled at the implication that he couldn't handle something. He was disabled, sure, and he had to adjust because of it, but he'd been doing that all his life. It was just more obvious now that he was getting older and needed a visible brace. It didn't mean he was delicate, and yet, he knew Prompto didn't mean to imply that. His best friend was far too sweet, so instead, Noctis felt nothing but charmed when he was held so gently. "I'm not gonna break," he insisted, a note of teasing in his suddenly husky voice. To make his point, Noctis squeezed Prompto much harder, drawing his friend in tight so he could hug him properly. Gods, he even smelled the same. A wave of sadness almost overwhelmed him before he managed to push it back down. One thing at a time.
It was a long moment before Noctis finally managed to draw back just a little to let Prompto breathe. He smiled at him, tears in his eyes, and took in the way his friend looked, trying to dedicate every inch of him to memory. "Are you okay?" He choked out in a wavering voice, knowing it was a loaded question and determined to ask it anyway. Prompto was always the one looking after everyone else, bringing hope and cheer wherever he went. More than anything, Noctis wanted to be there for him, too.
And also kiss him. It was a little hard not to do that right now when his best friend was in his arms and they were so close.
Noctis wasn’t delicate. Prompto knew that. Holding himself back wasn’t about thinking his best friend was delicate. It was more about keeping the two of them from tumbling to the floor because he was a little overenthusiastic in his greeting. There may have been a little fear, too. Just before his arrival, Prompto had been gripping too tightly to a Noctis who would never again hug him back. There was a fear, now, that this was all a dream. That Noct would disappear or he’d wake up and find himself back home. That fear settled a little when the other man hugged him back. When he was pulled in and held tightly. He huffed out a laugh to cover up the pain and allowed himself to hug him just as tightly, to cling to him. He didn’t say that he thought he’d never get to do this again. He didn’t say he was afraid the other man would vanish. That was a discussion for later. There was no reason to bring the room down now.
If Noctis hadn’t pulled back first Prompto would’ve been more than happy to stay like that for as long as possible. He very nearly rushed forward to hug the other man again and hide his face at the question that followed. Was he okay? He didn’t know. As much as he wanted to just say that, yeah, he was, it felt wrong to lie to the other after everything that had happened. He also sort of got the feeling that Noctis would be able to tell. He really couldn’t hide the way his lips trembled around the usual cheerful smile or the tears in his eyes. He moved forward, leaned his head against Noctis’ shoulder and let out a soft, sad laugh. “No…”
He didn’t elaborate for a long moment. He just stayed right where he was with his head on his lost friend’s shoulder and hands curled into the shirt he was wearing. It would be easy to pull back and say that he needed a nap and a shower but, again, Noctis would know he wasn’t being completely honest. “I thought…” He started, voice soft and low, quiet enough that only the other man could hear him and, even then, only if he were really listening. Prompto shook his head. “No. I did. I lost you…” Twice. It had been hard enough to move forward the first time. Losing someone who meant so much to him, to the group, had managed to break them. At the very least, however, there were other things to focus on. There were daemons to fight, people to protect, and he could keep busy. He wasn’t sure how they were going to deal with it this time. How they were going to move forward knowing he was really and truly gone and that they had to carry on without him.
He might not have been very observant, but Noctis liked to think he knew Prompto well by now. He could tell when his best friend's smiles were strained, and when they didn't reach his eyes, and when he seemed to be projecting a false sense of cheer just to make others happy. It worried Noctis a lot, and now was no different. He could feel the strain in his best friend, how he was clearly holding back just for Noctis' benefit, and that wouldn't do at all. The fact that there were tears in Prompto's eyes only confirmed his fears, and he was reaching for him the moment he drew close again, rubbing a hand along his best friend's spine. "Hey," he said softly, It's okay on the tip of his tongue. It wasn't okay, though. So, instead, Noctis murmured, "I got you," and hoped that was enough. Prompto spent so much time and energy making sure everyone else was okay, he wanted to offer him shelter and comfort for him, too.
And while it made Noctis' heart squeeze painfully in his chest at his best friend's confession, he was relieved Prompto felt comfortable opening up like this. It couldn't have been easy, and not for the first time, he marveled at his bravery. "I know," was what Noctis said, voice rough. If he nuzzled the side of Prompto's head a little, well. He couldn't be blamed too much. "Do you want to talk about what happened?" Gladio had barely spoken about the darkness that quickly swallowed Eos in the wake of Luna's passing, and Noctis had been asleep for most of it. He knew so little about those long, long nights without the sun, and he couldn't imagine the horrible things Prompto and the others must have faced. If talking about it helped, he would always be there to listen.
If Noct had tried to tell him that everything was okay he may have felt pressured to agree, to pull back and force a smile on his face. It wasn’t okay back home. It hadn’t been okay for a while. Maybe it would get there but he couldn’t be sure at the moment. He wasn’t entirely okay here either but that had more to do with events that were still fresh in his mind. It had only just happened for him and the loss of Noctis was a fresh wound that hadn’t had time to heal.
He breathed deeply, managed to calm himself as Noctis’ hand ran along his back comforting him. The touch, somehow, made it all seem that much more real. Maybe it didn’t cure everything but it was a start. Prompto remained like that for a long moment, just holding onto his best friend and allowing the touch, the soothing words to help him settle his emotions. If he was relieved enough to be momentarily more affectionate, to press his nose against Noctis’ neck or drop the lightest of kisses to his shoulder before pulling back, who could blame him? He’d been through a lot. They all had.
“I’m not sure what there is to tell.” He admitted because Noctis had woken up in that world. He’d travelled some of it on his own and had run into the daemons that had taken over Eos after Luna’s death and in his absence. “We split up.” He said. “It was… We couldn’t really handle travelling together. We tried but it didn’t work. Things were different.” They felt that absence, everyone blamed themselves. “It’s not like we hated each other or gave up on one another. We just couldn’t do it as a group anymore. We kept in touch though. If any of us needed help all we had to do was call.” He had a few times but had worried. They never disappointed him. “I stuck around Hammerhead. Made myself useful and helped Cindy where I could.”
He shrugged as he mentioned the woman he’d had such an obvious crush on. He had never been able to work up the nerve to flirt with her or see where things could’ve gone between them. Even with the help of his friends nothing had really progressed there. He liked her but losing Noctis, falling out of contact with Ignis and Gladio, it had forced him to reexamine his feelings. While he was sure he could’ve loved Cindy he also knew that what he felt for her was different from what he’d always felt for his friends.
Noctis inhaled a sharp breath, surprise and warmth flooding through him at the touch of Prompto's nose against his skin. It was innocent, barely there, and yet it felt as intimate as if he'd actually kissed him—and not just on his shoulder. Slow down, Noctis thought to himself, embarrassed. He was supposed to be offering his best friend comfort, not getting distracted by how beautiful he was and how close they were right now. Gods, this was going to be difficult. It helped when Prompto started talking, and Noctis listened intently, a deep frown knitting his brow. There was so much he wanted to say, so many questions clamoring up his throat. But all he could manage was a soft, "I'm sorry. I should have been there for you guys." For you, he thought, gazing at Prompto with a soft gaze. There was no pity in them, just a warm, deep concern.
He reached out before he could stop himself to gently squeeze Prompto's arm before dragging his hand down and lacing their fingers together. It was loose enough that his friend could let go at any time, but he wanted—needed—to keep that contact somehow. Just for the moment. Then he'd let go. Probably. "You did everything you could to help. I'm so proud of you, Prom." Noctis smiled a little bit, even though there were tears in his eyes. He blinked them away quickly. "Seriously. I'm sure everyone really appreciated you being there—just like I've always appreciated you. I know I wouldn't have made it even three steps on that road trip if it hadn't been for you."
And he meant that. Every word. It had been difficult to communicate when he was still young and overwhelmed, but it wasn't anymore. Noctis wanted Prompto to know how important he'd always been to him, and how much he admired him. The rest ... well. He was still trying to figure out how to say the words.
Prompto tilted his head, offering the other a curious expression at the apology. “That wasn’t your fault.” He said and shook his head. It really wasn’t. He knew that Noctis would’ve been there with them, with him, if he was given the choice. It just hadn’t worked out that way. They’d all been close. They’d all cared about one another. No one would have willingly abandoned the others. Prompto was still a little unsure about admitting just how much he cared about the others. He’d loved Noctis the longest, had developed feelings for the other sometime during highschool (the feelings for Gladiolus and Ignis would come later while training together). He’d attempted to flirt back then only to panic when little things reminded him of the differences between them. His best friend was a prince. Princes didn’t fall in love with orphan nobodies.
It was still a thing. Maybe it was worse now that Noctis was or had been a King. The reminder of both was enough that he found himself running his fingers over the barcode on his wrist to make sure it was covered. A pointless gesture, he knew, but one that had developed out of habit. They already knew and it hadn’t changed anything.
The touch drew him from his own thoughts before they could spiral downward and anchored him in the present. Noctis was alive and safe and holding his hand. He gripped just a little tighter to that hand in his, refusing to let go or pull away for the moment. Maybe they both needed this. The touch was a reminder that they were both here, alive and well. This wasn’t a dream or some trick. It was real. They were together again. “Have a little more faith in Gladio and Iggy. They would’ve seen you through.” He’d tried. He’d taken his training seriously and had even spent hours training on his own in an attempt to keep up with the others. To be good enough for this role he’d been given or to just be worthy of it. He did his best but he still felt like he was lagging behind.
Hearing that he was appreciated back then had helped to boost his confidence in the same way it was helping him now. Maybe he was trying to downplay his own importance but the way he was smiling, brighter but, maybe, a little shyer than before, spoke volumes. He gave Noctis’ hand a squeeze as a silent thank you before stepping back to look around the apartment. He didn’t release the other’s hand just yet. He didn’t want to. “So this is where we’re staying? Want to show me around your apartment?” He asked, deciding that, maybe, it would help if he detoured away from darker subjects for now. They could always talk again later. They had time now.
He shook his head a little, but didn't push further than, "We all need you, Prom. And I'll remind you of that as often as you need to hear it." But that was all Noctis would say about it for the moment. He could tell all of this talk was weighing on them both, and the last thing he wanted right now was to overwhelm Prompto with more awful thoughts, especially with how he knew his friend struggled with self-confidence sometimes. So it was with warm relief that Noctis watched Prompto smile at him, a spark of heat igniting at the touch of his hand. That he didn't let go of. Oh boy, he thought, torn between sheepishness and hope. I feel like a kid again. The two of them sitting together on a motel roof under the stars, his heart hammering in his chest, the words You're so beautiful caught in his throat. If only he'd been a little braver then.
"This is ... wait, what?" Noctis blurted out, shaking the memory of that night off and realizing he'd spaced out a bit there fantasizing. He blushed. "Sorry, uh. Yeah. This is it. We're gonna need a way bigger place, though, now that you guys are here." Noctis didn't release Prompto's hand either when he led him further inside. There wasn't much to show—just a standard two-bedroom, his and Gladio's things mixed together along with what Ignis had accumulated in the short time he'd been there. He could imagine Prompto's things joining theirs soon, and it filled him with a sense of home and belonging that he had to catch himself before getting too emotional again.
And if he was stealing glances and small smiles at Prompto the whole time, well. Who could blame him?