Chapter Text
As soon as the door closed between them, Noctis regretted letting Ignis leave. That feeling of being unprepared was back stronger than ever. Glancing over at the occupied tent, Noctis swallowed thickly. Prompto had pulled a little flap down over the opening, effectively hiding himself away. Noctis studied it in silence as he tried running through all the things Ignis had said. He’d been assured that Prompto had breakfast and medication that morning so he couldn’t start there. Noctis reached up and scratched his head. Ignis had mentioned just talking to him. The silence was a bit deafening. Even Noctis could feel the tension in the air. After a deep breath, he approached the tent, hands shoved down into the pockets of his jeans.
“So, uh... Pr- Uh, Prompto.” Noctis winced at his own awkwardness. “I’m Noctis... like Ignis said already.” He knew he was absolutely botching this and the shame burned in his cheeks. He was actually rather glad the hybrid was hidden away so he couldn’t see the future King of Insomnia make a fool of himself with small talk. He cleared his throat and tried again. “Um, I’m not all hung up on things so you can treat this place like home. You’re welcome to go anywhere you want. There’s a balcony if you wanna get some fresh air. Just, you know, don’t leave without letting me know. I just want you to be safe, n- not controlling you or anything.” He paused, hoping for some kind of response. After a long stretch of silence, he sighed softly. “Okay, well, I’m going to make breakfast. If you’re hungry, I could make you something too?”
Silence again.
“Right.”
Giving up, and surprised at how disappointed and rejected he felt, Noctis set off into the kitchen where he tossed some bread into the toaster and scrambled a couple of eggs. In truth, he was a horrible cook. Ignis usually took care of things like this for him. Weekends, though, Noctis had to fend for himself. He managed, but he always looked forward to Monday when he could once again enjoy eating rather than just going through the motions.
He sat at the table to eat, facing the living room and keeping an eye on the little tent in the corner. Every now and then it wiggled as Prompto moved but the hybrid never so much as peeked out. Noctis knew he couldn’t sit and stare all day so once he finished eating, he decided to just go back to his normal routine. Maybe Ignis had been wrong and this just wasn’t for him... With doubt darkening his mood, Noctis opted for a bright, cheerful game and loaded Rune Facility 3. It was an older game but he’d always enjoyed it, especially the farming. As he played, his worries faded into silence. He didn’t focus on how he felt like a failure but on completing the small tasks and daily activities the game demanded.
Eventually, he forgot about Prompto all together. And, so, when a small voice, seemingly out of nowhere, said quietly, “The dragon is pretty,” Noctis all but jumped clean out of his skin with a yelp.
“Shit, where did you come from,” he demanded in a single rushed breath, hand pressed against his thumping heart. He looked up to see Prompto’s ears fall and tuck in close as the hybrid scrambled back a few steps. The look of fear on his face pulled hard at Noctis’ heartstrings and he sat the controller aside. “It’s okay,” he said as he stood, taking a step towards Prompto and reaching out in an effort to comfort him.
Prompto shook his head and stumbled, falling hard on his butt. He made a soft whimper of pain then rolled and scampered off back into his tent in the blink of an eye. “Don’t hit,” he said, his first words directly to Noctis, as he struggled to yank the flap back over the opening.
Noctis would swear he heard his heart break right then and there.
“I would never hit you,” Noctis swore, his voice soft but insistent. “It’s okay, you don’t have to be afraid. I’m not mad. You just spooked me. No big deal.” Realizing that standing was probably making him look intimidating, Noctis sat down on the edge of the recliner, facing towards Prompto. “See?” He picked up the controller again. “No big deal,” he repeated.
Prompto stopped struggling with the flap but made no move to come back out. He continued to eye Noctis in suspicion and confusion, his expression switching back and forth almost comically.
“I don’t mind if you watch me play,” Noctis continued, slowly sitting back in his chair. He was slow and careful with his movement. “Maybe one day you can play with me... There’s lots of pretty dragons in this game to see.”
Prompto’s silence continued but, at the very least, he didn’t seem like he wanted to run away anymore. He'd dropped his hand away from the flap of the tent and hovered at the opening. Satisfied that it was probably as good as it was going to get, Noctis simply returned to playing his game. It had drawn Prompto out once and he hoped it would draw him out again. Sure enough, as he played, Prompto slipped out of his tent and, bit by bit, scooted closer to where Noctis sat. He knelt on the floor, his head just barely peeking over the arm of the chair, attention focused on the TV. Noctis watched out of the corner of his eye, just barely resisting the urge to reach over and pet him. His hair looked soft and his ears impossibly softer. His nose wiggled and twitched in the middle of his impossibly cute face, pink lips pursed in deep concentration. Noctis smiled and held in the tiny squeal of admiration. He settled back in his chair and tugged the lever to put the leg rest up. Prompto jumped but didn't run.
Taking the quiet peace between them as a good sign, Noctis played in silence. He was beginning to grow bored when Prompto spoke again. "Why give flowers," he asked, turning to look up at Noctis. There was an almost imperceptible waver in his little voice.
The prince could tell Prompto was nervous, and so, despite how excited he actually felt, he made himself respond calmly. " They're presents, so the people become my friends quicker," he explained.
"What is presents," Prompto asked, head tilting slightly to one side.
Noctis looked down at Prompto in shock. "You don't know? No one ever gave you a present before?"
"Food?"
"Not quite," Noctis said with a smile and soft chuckle. "Something more fun, just for you. Maybe on your birthday?"
Prompto's brows pulled in close, forming a little wrinkle between them. Internally, Noctis was dying. Ignis had totally not prepared him for how cute hybrids would be. He was weak to every expression Prompto made. He'd have to remember to give Ignis a hard time over it.
"No," Prompto answered after some thought. "Why birthday?"
"Wait. You've never celebrated your birthday either?" He couldn't believe what he was hearing. His own birthday was literally a national event. The idea of not acknowledging such an important day was completely absurd to him. "Oh, that's going to change. When is your birthday?"
"October," Prompto announced proudly.
"What day in October?"
Prompto's pride drained visibly from him as he shrugged.
"Don't worry, I'm sure Ignis knows. We can ask him."
The hybrid's face lit up in a smile. "Like Ignis."
"You like Ignis? Yeah, me too. He's a great guy."
"Great guy," Prompto echoed.
"Once I find out your birthday, we're going to throw you the biggest, best party ever," Noctis promised. "We'll make up for all the ones You missed."
"Master had parties," Prompto responded, looking worried. "Prompto stand for a long time. No talking. Bored. Tired. Don't like party."
"You'll like this party," Noctis promised. "It won't be boring. And you can get lots of presents."
Prompto's ears fell and he drew back just a little.
"Oh. That's a lot all at once, huh? How about I get you a present? Just one, so you can see it's not bad? Will you trust me to do that?"
Again, Prompto seemed to fall into deep thinking, and, after a long pause, gave a short nod. "Yes. Prompto trust."
Feeling hopeful and excited, Noctis smiled at Prompto. "Thank you. I won't disappoint you." Caught up in the moment, Noctis reached out to pat Prompto's head but drew his hand back when he saw the fear cross the hybrid's face. "Sorry."
A brief moment passed before Prompto folded his ears back and eased his head forward, eyes closed tight.
"Are you sure," Noctis asked.
Prompto didn't answer but he didn't move away either. Noctis took that as permission enough. He reached out slowly and rested his hand on top of Prompto's head. He curled his fingers and gave a few quick, gentle scratches. The moment he lifted his hand, Prompto scampered away to his tent. This time however, he was less frantic and afraid. Noctis felt good about the interaction, even as Prompto zipped the tent closed between them.
Sitting up again, Noctis pulled his phone out of his pocket and sent a long string of messages to Ignis, going over what had happened so far. Ignis' response was almost immediate.
'Sounds as if things are going well. It was very smart of you to use the game to gain some ground. I have no doubt he is in the right hands. Good work, Your Highness. Oh, and his birthday is October 25th. You have time to plan. I would recommend you think twice about making it a big event, as that may scare him. A small gathering would likely be best. Take your time and give it some thought. I will be over tonight to bring you both dinner and check in.'
Noctis' excitement lasted the rest of the afternoon. Prompto did eventually open his tent again, though he stayed inside and cuddled his carrot pillow protectively to his chest as he watched Noctis play games. Noctis switched games every few hours, watching Prompto to discover which ones he preferred. He seemed to like the colorful ones best. Noctis was in the middle of the first song from Taiko Drummer Extreme when the front door opened and Ignis entered. Noctis almost asked Ignis why he was so early but a glance out the double sliding doors that led out to the balcony confirmed it was early in the evening and he'd completely lost track of time. He was so surprised he missed a string of drum beats.
"Aw, Igs, you messed me up," he accused with a grin as he paused the game.
"Hm," Ignis hummed as he placed a couple of paper bags down on the kitchen counter. "Have you done anything else today, I wonder?"
This time, Noctis didn’t feel guilty admitting he'd played games all day. "Nope! I've got a cheerleader now! We didn't do anything all day but goof off and enjoy ourselves. Right, Prompto?"
The hybrid giggled softly and pressed his face down into the carrot plushie. Noctis was making a pained face before he could catch himself, overwhelmed again at how cute Prompto could be.
From the kitchen, Ignis grinned knowingly as he unpacked the ingredients for dinner. “At any rate, I thought it best I spare him your cooking at least for a few days.”
“Oh, ha-ha,” Noctis answered sarcastically, then immediately added, “You’re probably right though. Whatcha making tonight?” He turned the recliner around, facing the kitchen, the little drum apparatus still in his lap.
“Eggplant caponata,” Ignis answered. “And before you complain, I’m making this for Prompto specifically. The fresh vegetables are good for him and you don’t totally hate eggplant.”
“I don’t totally like it, either,” Noctis muttered.
Ignis chose to ignore his comment and simply folded the now empty bags and slid them behind the trash for later recycling. Noctis, not getting the rise he’d been looking for, rolled his eyes and sat the game accessories aside.
“Hey, I’m gonna run out for a second, okay,” Noctis said as he stood.
“Sure. Any particular reason,” Ignis answered calmly, eyes focused on the zucchini he was currently chopping.
“Yeah, actually, uh, I got Prompto to agree to let me buy him a gift, you know, just to see what it’s like.”
“Ah, then I shan’t ask for more details. Be careful. Supper will be on the table in about an hour.”
Noctis glanced over at the clock, making note of the time. He was still a little discombobulated from losing track. “Got it. Hey, Prompto...” Noctis turned to face the hybrid’s tent, offering a small smile when Prompto didn’t shy away from his attention. “I’ll be back, okay?”
Prompto scooted a tiny bit forward. “Then Prompto will get a flower?”
Noctis laughed. “It might not be a flower. It’s a surprise. Don’t worry, you’ll see when the time comes. I’ll guide you through it.”
Off to the side, Ignis smiled as he listened to the two interact.
Silently, Prompto nodded. “Prompto will be a good boy.”
Noctis blinked, a little unsure of the emotion that shot through him. It wasn’t quite like how he usually felt when Prompto was being cute, but a little more electric and it ran deeper. Not willing to dwell on it, he cleared his throat and quickly stuffed himself into his boots so he could leave. He didn’t bother with a car but chose instead to walk the short distance from his apartment to a nice little shopping area.
Hands stuffed in his pockets and brow creased in thought, he studied the shops around him and debated. Personally he was a regular at the music store but he had no idea if Prompto even liked music at all. He had no idea about Prompto’s size so clothes were out. Perfumes and bath stuff didn’t seem right either. Plus, Ignis had mentioned scent patches and putting scent on top of scent-stoppers just didn’t make sense. Noctis huffed, blowing his bangs out of his eyes. This was harder than he’d expected it to be. Giving up on his usual haunts, Noctis continued walking. He was almost ready to give up and go with flowers when he spotted a Sunrio store. His eyes widened as a smile spread over his face. It. Was. Perfect. Cute, colorful, soft... all things he knew Prompto liked. The adorable characters were reimagined in all sorts of ways: plushies, stationary, decorations, and even kitchen utensils. There had to be something among all that pastel that was perfect for Prompto. Even though Noctis felt like a bit of a sore thumb walking into such a shop, he didn’t hesitate.
“Prince Noctis,” the shopkeeper greeted him, the surprise in her voice very apparent. Ah, how can I help you, your Highness?” She bowed low, her hands folded politely in her lap.
Noctis had to remind himself not to make a face. It was expected of him to be into all this polite crap and so he played along. “I do actually need some help,” he answered, looking around hopelessly. “I’m looking for a present. For a hybrid.” Noctis wasn’t sure if it mattered but better safe than sorry, he supposed.
“Oh, fun! What breed?”
“Bun- Uh, rabbit. He’s a rescue.”
The woman’s face lit up as she smiled. “Oooh my god, that’s so sweet! Um, sorry. I- I forgot myself, Prince.”
Noctis shook his head and waved a hand. “Don’t worry about it. Just treat me like anyone else, okay? It doesn’t have to be anything big or flashy. He’s kind of skittish, you know?”
Nodding, the shopkeeper took a quick glance around. “Hm, maybe something... Does he have a favorite color or character?”
“I just got him. I know he likes watching video games. Uh, the casual ones.”
“Moondew Valley?”
“Yes! I played that for him today and he was very interested.”
“We have a whole section!” She clapped her hands in front of her. “Right this way!” She led Noctis through the crammed shelves into a back corner. “A lot of it is actually on sale right now. N-not that... Ah. It’s an older game, you know...”
Noctis nodded. “Makes sense.”
“Okay, so hybrid, hybrid... Oh, is he pure?”
This time Noctis frowned. “I don’t buy into the purity crap,” he snapped before he could catch himself. “He’s perfect the way he is.”
The shopkeeper covered her face. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean- I just... I need to know if he has hands or paws.”
“Oh. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap. Um, he has hands, yes.”
The smile she offered in response was a bit strained as she began to search the shelves. “Well, if he likes plushies, we have these cute little blue chickens. Or a few Krobuzz left... Oh, there’s also the little laser pointers for them to chase.”
Noctis thought a moment, then shook his head. “Mm, not quite. He’s not super active. He actually spends most of the day hiding.”
“Aw, the poor baby. What about something you can do together? We’ve got coloring books and, oh, the official cookbook just came out a few days ago! Maybe you could make him something special?”
“I can’t cook.”
“Well, Prince Noctis, I am starting to think you are not going to be easy to please,” she said playfully, placing her hands on her hips in an exaggerated manner.
Noctis laughed. “I’m sorry. It’s a special gift so it has to be perfect... Hey, what’s that? A towel?”
“A blanket! And it has the map on it.” She reached to where Noctis was pointing and held out the folded blanket. “Open it up, have a look.”
Noctis unfolded the blanket, looking over it with a sense of nostalgia for the game he actually hadn’t played for a while now. It was cute, colorful, and incredibly soft. “Huh.”
“Oooh, that sounds positive...”
“Yeah. Yeah, it is. This will work. Thank you.”
She smiled widely. “Of course! Anything for Your Highness.” Her praise didn’t sound as sycophantic as most and Noctis returned her smile. Together, they approached the register and Noctis paid. When he offered her a tip, she laughed and refused. “Just promise to come back next time you need to shop for him,” she offered as a counter. “I can’t wait to hear how he likes it! He’s a lucky bunny.”
Noctis smiled. He liked that. Lucky bunny. It was cute. Most people wouldn’t consider Prompto lucky with a past like he had but things were changing now. “I’ll do that. Thank you.”
They exchanged bows and Noctis headed over to the stationary store for a gift bag and tissue paper. The worker there was clearly over pretty much everything and, while they were quick and respectful, there wasn’t much chatter between them as they slipped the blanket down into the bag and arranged the paper on top. Nevertheless, Noctis thanked them as well and began the walk home. He was practically thrumming with excitement. Not even a dinner full of vegetables could keep him from looking forward to getting home.