Chapter Text
“Aaaaand we’re back! As promised, we have with us this morning the up and coming rock group Armiger - fresh faced and ready for their next album release party tonight. How’s everyone doing today?”
“Hey Dino! Thanks for having us here, we’re doing awesome!”
“You know you’re always welcome here, Prompto. You guys have been really lighting up the Insomnia bars. It’s no secret I’m a fan.”
“You are too kind, Dino. We really appreciate your time today.”
“Don’t make a guy blush, Miss Luna! So - it’s been a year since the album release that had all of Insomnia talking.”
“Ya I uh guess I left a bit of an impression, didn’t I?”
“Just a little there, Noct. Can I call you Noct?”
“Uh, sure.”
“Well Noct, that definitely got your faces all over the news that night with your stunt. Prompto, you had no idea that was going to happen?”
“Oh my gods hell no.”
“Prompto was getting ready to move to Altissia.”
“Luna!”
“Hm? It doesn’t matter now.”
“Wait - what?”
“....”
“Wait, Prompto, you never told him?”
“Anyway! It doesn’t matter now because obviously I stuck around.”
“Oookay. So yes, today is your second album release, but a lot has changed for you since, right? Aside from of course the two of you getting together.”
“Yup! We have some new members who joined us since - Gentiana is on keyboard/violin. Nyx is our rhythm guitar. It’s been great having them.”
“They were great additions. I can’t wait to hear what they’ve brought to the new stuff.”
“Thanks, man.”
“So what’s this album about? How different is it from your first one?”
“Well, Short Stories with Tragic Endings was pretty dark - mostly about not being with the person you love for whatever reason.”
“It was very personal, right?”
“Mmmm. We didn’t want to stray too far from our roots and the kind of music we enjoy playing, but we wanted to kinda move the story forward. This album, affectus ex hesterno , is about coming to terms with that loss. But it’s hard, right? So, this is about moving on, about trying to force yourself forward. And the ups and downs with that. Some days you’re like ‘fuck ya I don’t need that person’, but then some days they’re all you want in the world.”
“How did you find the inspiration for these lyrics while having a blooming relationship?”
“...A...a lot of the lyrics we used were written uh, before. And about six months ago, we started working on the next album. But really this album is a group effort. I only had a few songs that really worked, in the end. There's a few written by everyone here in some way.”
“Many people experience heartbreak, unfortunately.”
“Totally, Luna.”
“Of course. And I also noticed that Luna and Noct get to sing more?”
“Ya, Noct kinda ruined that for himself by singing for everyone last year. He couldn’t hide anymore.”
“If only I had known what I was bringing upon myself.”
“But screaming is still your preference?”
“Oh ya, for sure. Harder to fuck up. Shit! Can I say that?”
“Oh my gods you just cursed twice you hot mess.”
“It’s fine it’s fine the kids will deal.”
“It’s totally cool, don’t worry. So, Gentiana, what’s it like being part of this group? You seem so calm compared to the rest.”
“She’s kinda like our mom.”
“Well second mom, next to Aranea.”
“Third if you count Ignis!”
“Guys! Let her answer the question herself!”
“I was a classically trained violinist and pianist. I previously played with the Insomnia philharmonic. But this has been very interesting and new. And it’s basically like this all the time.”
“Can confirm.”
“You too, Nyx?!”
“Wow the betrayal.”
“Haaa, you all seem really close.”
“I mean, Luna and Noct and I were friends when we started the band. And Nyx he was around a lot with Luna...”
“And I saw them play not long after their album release - and I just went up to them after the show -”
“Oh, that’s right, you just walked backstage like you owned the place.”
“I said ‘you're missing something, you need some additional sounds.”
“Oh man Noct’s face was hilarious. He was in shock you just walked up and said that.”
“I mean, you don't get anywhere being quiet. But yes, I gave my pitch, they introduced me to Aranea, and I auditioned.”
“She knew all our songs - it was crazy. We hired her on the spot.”
“Wow, so you really liked their music?”
“Very much. I'm honored to be a part of them, and appreciate they didn't just shoo me off even though I just snuck in really.”
“Honestly it feels like you've always just been a part of the group at this point, just hanging out in the background.”
“You’re too kind, Noctis.”
“And then Nyx, you were part of the original Kingsglaive, is that right?”
“Uh, ya. Way early on though. I may as well not be included in the history books on that one.”
“What made you decide to jump back into the band thing?”
“Their album release show, it really got me missing playing live shows. I was in a place where I could play again if I wanted to. But Kingsglaive had their thing set right? I couldn't just. Go back there. I knew that. But then one night when they were working on a song Prompto whined -”
“Whined?”
“Whined. About not having a rhythm guitar. I just kinda. Offered right there.”
“It’s all very organic how you came to be. Super cool.”
“Thanks man.”
“So now, I have to ask about your tattoos. Listeners I know you can’t see but they are all holding out their forearms for me - wait let me take a quick photo - cool. It’s amazing to see this. But I guess if you are a fan of them you already know what it is.”
“Ya, it’s our logo. Aranea designed it for the first album and it just looks so sick.”
“When we were recording short stories, we had talked about getting matching tattoos.”
“Ya, man, crazy to think we actually did it.”
“And your fans now, a lot of them also have the same tattoo. How’s that make you feel?”
“It’s weird dude. It’s soooo weird. All of this is, really. Sometimes it still feels like a dream.”
“Well I'm getting flagged by my producer that we are running short on time, so I guess all we have left is for you guys to introduce the song. We’ve already heard two others leading up to today, Nemo and Eternally Yours . Today we have another first time exclusive from your new album, up for presale and folks can pick up at the show tonight right?”
“Ya! I know the tickets are sold out tonight, but thank you everyone for your support, seriously.”
“And also, we are giving away tickets on the hour every hour until tonight, Insomnia!”
“Okay so this song is called Note to Self . I wrote this song when I was thinking about what path I should take, and it was kind of the inspiration for the overall tone of the album, I guess. It captures the push and pull of knowing you need to forget someone, but missing them. And -- it’s okay, Noct. I’m good! I’m good.”
“It must be a lot, Noct, to hear these words and know what Prompto was going through.”
“Prompto speaks through his music a lot, and that’s something we have both figured out.”
“We totally talk to each other now though I swear.”
“We do we do.”
“Okay, now both our producers are making eyes at us, so I guess we gotta get this rolling!”
“See you all at the show tonight!”
“Thanks everyone!”
“Here we go, for the first time ever, Note to Self by Armiger!”
Once they had all piled into the band van in the station parking lot, Noctis closed his eyes and leaned against the window. The whole interview had gone by in a fog after Luna had said Prompto was going to go to Altissia, before he had stepped in.
A familiar hand landed on his knee. “Noct?”
“Mm.” He didn't want to talk there, in the van with the entire band. He even debated if he wanted to talk at all about this, but he didn't think his reaction would be something Prompto would let go.
“You tired?”
“Ya, just need a little nap on the drive.”
The hand patted his knee. “Okay, ya. Sure thing.”
Prompto's weight settled against his right side. He did welcome it- he wasn’t mad he just... hadn’t known about Altissia. Which seemed crazy after all this time.
All he had known, when Luna had pushed him to do something, was that Prompto wasn’t doing well, and Noctis had been really worried that he was the cause.
"Noct,” Prompto whispered as the van started moving. The music blared, everyone else was chatting about the interview, about the show.
“I’m...I’m okay.”
“Look, I’m not dumb. I know what’s going on in your head.”
At that Noctis opened his eyes. Prompto had his arm draped across the back of the seat so he was leaning practically over him. His hair poked out from under his beanie over his eyes a little.
“Do you?”
A poke in his ribs. “I didn't tell you because it didn't matter.”
They held eye contact. Noctis looked around the van and whispered. “Look we can talk about it just. Not here okay?”
Prompto scrunched his nose and looked like he would argue, but then huffed and dropped his head to Noctis’s shoulder in defeat. Thankfully.
“Okay but before we go to Luna’s we are so talking.”
“Fine fine.” He closed his eyes once more. Prompto stayed resting against him until they got to their apartment.
Nyx hit the button to open the side doors automatically from the driver's seat. Prompto waved to everyone, Noctis tried to hide behind him.
“Okay see you guys at 3?” Aranea said from the passenger seat. It was probably more a threat than a reminder. But he had been doing better lately. A little. Living with Prompto had helped his timeliness quite a bit.
“Ya, see you!” Prompto tugged at Noctis’s hand to get him moving. They fell out of the van and it rolled away. Noctis didn’t speak as he was led to the elevator, then taken up to their floor.
Doing all this interview stuff always exhausted him anyways, but this was just extra weight on him. What was going to be in Altissia? Why would Prompto have wanted to go there?
Before he knew it, the door to their apartment was open and he was pushed forward. The door shut and he blinked, turning back towards the sound. Prompto leaned against the door, arms crossed, eyes focused on the floor.
“Like I said, it didn't matter.”
Noctis shuffled. He toed off his shoes because he didn't know what else to do. Despite what he said, it did matter, why he would leave them all behind. “Why were you going to Altissia?”
Prompto chewed on his lip. “Before I say anything Noct, just know that this past year has been everything I've ever dreamed of, okay?”
“Prompto, you’re freaking me out more with all this delaying.”
“Okay okay fine, just. I had an offer for an internship out there from someone my professor knew. For photography.”
Noctis stared at the top of his head. Prompto sighed. “I had been about to accept it, when Luna asked me to wait until after the show.”
“Prom…”
At his name Prompto lifted his head up to meet Noctis’s gaze. “But it’s like I said, it doesn’t matter. Because that wasn't what I really wanted. I was just doing it to...get away.”
Noctis thought once more about all the lyrics they had been rehearsing the last few months, the words Prompto already had scribbled in that notebook. Prompto had thought it was pointless and was going to just leave because it was so hard to stay around.
“I know I’ve said it before but. I’m sorry I was so dumb.”
“Hey, we’ve talked about this. You weren't the only one.”
Noctis reached out and threaded their fingers together. Prompto tugged, just a little, but it was enough to get Noctis to relax, to collapse forward onto him, head buried into his shoulder. Prompto held him tight.
“It doesn’t matter cuz we’re here now,” Prompto tightened his grip, “we figured it out, thanks to everyone else catching on more than us.”
That got a laugh out of Noctis. He wasn't wrong. They owed a lot to their friends, especially Luna.
Prompto pressed his lips against Noctis’s temple and he let himself melt into the feeling. They were standing there, in the doorway of their apartment, getting ready for their big show that night for their second album release.
“Sometimes it’s like you said, like, is any of this for real or not?”
“I know,” Prompto kissed him once more, then rolled his shoulder a little. Noctis stood up and Prompto slid his hands up shoulders and to cup either side of his neck softly.
“I'm supposed to be the one with enough anxiety for both of us, remember?”
Noctis laughed. “Sorry, forgot.”
“I’ll forgive you, this time.”
Their foreheads bumped. The churning in Noctis’s chest didn’t stop. “But seriously, you’re happy?”
Prompto shook him a little. “Are you joking right now?”
“Listen just. Humor me.”
Prompto looked him right in the eye. He smiled, and normally it would be infectious to Noctis, but his mind was too busy swimming with worry. “Ya, Noct. I’m happy. Really fucking happy.”
“The music -”
“Is just music.”
“But it didn't used to be.”
“Noct,”
“Just…”
Prompto always knew exactly how to calm Noctis down. They were both messes, but somehow Prompto always managed to still pull Noctis out of the fog he would find himself in so often.
Prompto dug his fingers up into Noct’s hair and kissed his chin. “Hey, I have an idea. For the show tonight.”
Noctis took up the offered distraction. “Ya?”
Even with more people in the band, they held onto their tradition of getting ready at Luna’s place before a show. Although now it was Luna and Nyx’s place, but that just meant they had more room for everyone because they had gotten a place together.
And that it was a bit of a bigger production.
As Noctis and Prompto entered, they were greeted by Aranea, sitting in the dining room of the house working at her laptop, with Cor sitting beside her reading the paper. They both only nodded in acknowledgement of their presence as they moved past. In the kitchen, Gladio and Ignis were making a light meal for everyone to have before they left for the show. In the brief moment they passed by the entryway they could see the two standing hip to shoulder at the oven, heads close as they whispered to each other.
Making their way to the guest bathroom, they passed Ravus and Nyx chatting in the den while sitting on the couch and having a beer. Luna and Gentiana were descending the stairs from her bathroom as they passed.
They smiled and waved.
Sometimes Noctis really did think this was a dream.
He and Prompto got themselves set up in the guest bathroom. Prompto pulled out his Bluetooth speaker and set up their new album to listen to while they got ready.
It had taken some time, but Noctis adjusted to the sound of them - of him, his voice. Prompto, he could listen to every day. And he did that a lot. Prompto still played on his guitar almost every day; Noctis would often spend that time on the couch pretending to play a game, watching his boyfriend out of the corner of his eye.
A lot had happened in a year.
After an hour, the two of them were dressed and ready. Prompto still wore those couerl print pants, paired with knee high combat boots and studded belts, and black tank with geometric shapes. Noctis stuck with the skull motif he had grown fond of over the months, wearing black ripped up jeans held up by a skull emblazoned belt, and a shirt with dark skulls embroidered all over. He was also proud of their makeup skills.
They stepped out and heard the sounds of everyone gathered in the kitchen. The snacks were ready - cheeses and breads and jams and nuts, and lots of tea.
Everyone stood around the wood island in the middle of the kitchen. Even Cindy, their newest addition to the group had shown up while they had been getting ready. She was their head roadie - a genius with any instrument more than Noctis could ever imagine.
They all cheered with their mugs. Noctis looked on as everyone smiled, chatted and ate. Somehow, they had created an entire family of amazing people and Noctis still wasn’t sure how he had ended up in this place, how he was so lucky.
Prompto appeared in his space, chin resting on his shoulder. “You’re thinking again,” he whispered, “I thought we were good?”
Noctis turned his head and kissed Prompto’s cheek. “We are. I’m just really proud of us.”
Prompto wrinkled his nose and smiled. He pulled back and looked around the kitchen, at their friends, and took Noctis by the hand. Their fingers were both calloused, and to him it was perfect.
“Ya, me too.”
They could have booked their show anywhere, Aranea had said. But when they had agreed as a group they wanted to have their record release party once more at The Immortal, she didn’t argue. She did get it, she got them. That was why they worked so well together.
There were no opening acts this time - they had booked out the whole night so they could play their whole album and some of the older stuff, have a signing, sell merch. The whole deal. It was kinda wild, how much had gone into this.
But months of preparing had led to this moment. Their first album release things had been so up in the air. They weren't sure where they were going, what the future was like. And now they had a path, and sure things could still happen but for now? Noctis had never been more sure of anything in his life than where he was, who he was with, as they stepped onto the stage while it was still dark.
The crowd cheered. Noctis looked out over the sea of people. He stopped at his bass, while Luna went to her drums, Gentiana on the riser beside her at her station with keyboard and violin ready. Prompto took center stage, and Nyx the other side.
They were like a legit band now. It was so wild.
He and Prompto shared a look, and Noctis really wanted to kiss him. They had shared a kiss offstage, but early on they had set some general guidelines to not get too cute on stage... too much.
Before the lights went up, Gentiana started the first song off. The light keyboard sounds signaled which song, and the crowd began to cheer as everyone else joined in and the lights came up on the stage.
Prompto stepped up to the mic, both hands on it and singing the first verse. Luna was on backup vocals while the others focused on playing.
Then everyone sang together on the chorus. When they all sang together, it was always a cool moment to Noctis to see everyone in harmony.
As they continued the song, Noctis couldn't help but watch Prompto. His vocal range had really gotten crazy good, and his guitar playing as well. Nemo was one of their tougher songs, which is why they got it out of the way first.
The song ended, and the audience went wild. They all waved.
“Hey everyone,” Prompto spoke into the mic and the room calmed down a little. “Thanks for coming out today. It really means a lot to us. We’re Armiger, and we’re gonna play our whole new album, affectus ex hesterno, and maybe some oldies for those of you who've been around a while.”
The room erupted in cheers. Noctis looked around the room - it had been remodeled some since their first show, a second level added along the back of the room. He caught the stare of familiar eyes from there - his dad, standing among Gladio’s and Luna’s families, all wearing band shirts because of course they were.
His dad waved and made a punk rock sign with one hand. Noctis groaned and laughed. He waved to them and they all cheered like it was a big deal. So embarrassing.
He would probably never admit how much he appreciated their support though.
“This next one is called Note to Self .” Prompto stepped back and counted to three out loud.
Everyone was sweaty and smiling. Noctis thought his arms might fly off, but he would be okay with it. They had played more songs than ever in a show, and had done pretty damn well, if he was honest with himself.
Everyone was shouting for an encore. Noctis hopped over to Prompto with a raised eyebrow.
Prompto grinned and nodded. He turned to the rest of the group and held up his hand with an index finger raised.
Luna rolled her eyes but laughed. They knew which song they wanted to play.
Noctis jumped in front of the mic. “okay, everyone” the room went nuts. “We have one more song. This is a bit like. A special uuh. song. “
Prompto got close to him against the mic. “Ohmygod it’s an anniversary song just say it.”
Noctis blushed and backed away as the room filled with whistles and cheers.
“You are lucky we like you,” Luna spoke into her mic before taking a big drink of water. She was drenched in sweat but smiling wide. He stuck his tongue out at her.
Prompto started the acoustic part . Luna joined in with a few quick snares, and then Prompto started to sing, all breathy and soft.
Breathe in for luck,
Breathe in so deep,
This air is blessed,
You share with me.
He stepped back as Noctis got close to the mic once more. Noctis smiled as the crowd became a sea of cameras recording them.
This night is wild,
So calm and dull,
These hearts they race,
From self-control.
Prompto joined him, but Noctis didn't pull away. Their shoulders bumped and they kept facing the crowd as Prompto took over the next part of the verse.
Your legs are smooth,
As they graze mine,
We're doing fine,
We're doing nothing at all.
They sang the next part together, turning to face each other on either side of the mic. Noctis was almost distracted by Prompto’s blue eyes, surrounded by smudged liner behind his favorite thick rimmed glasses. They both smiled as they sang.
My hopes are so high,
That your kiss might kill me.
So won't you kill me,
So I die happy.
My heart is yours to fill or burst,
To break or bury,
Or wear as jewelry,
Whichever you prefer.
Prompto picked up the next verse. Noctis bounced a little as he played.
The words are hushed let’s not get busted;
Just lay entwined here, undiscovered.
Safe from the hour and all the stupid questions
Noctis jumped in eagerly.
"Hey, did you get some?"
Prompto stuck his tongue out.
Man, that is so dumb.
Stay quiet, stay near, stay close they can't hear
Noctis slid up to Prompto’s side while he sang. In what they had practiced, he just meant to bump him on the shoulder, but...he was feeling something. Brazen, bold, fired up by everything they had accomplished since that time they played here before and he had decided to take a risk and put his heart on his sleeve for everyone.
He kissed Prompto on the cheek and then sang back into the mic.
So we can get some.
Prompto laughed, the room erupted in screaming out for them. They sang the chorus together again.
My hopes are so high that your kiss might kill me.
So won't you kill me, so I die happy.
My heart is yours to fill or burst,
To break or bury, or wear as jewelry,
Whichever you prefer.
Noctis stepped in for his solo. He couldn’t stop smiling as he sang, looking around the room, and then up at the stage at his friends, all grinning like idiots as they played along with them.
Hands down this is the best day I can ever remember,
Always remember, the sound of the stereo,
The dim of the soft lights,
The scent of your hair that you twirled in your fingers
And the time on the clock when we realized it's so late
And this walk that we shared together.
The streets were wet, and the gate was locked so I jumped it,
Noctis looked at Prompto.
And let you in.
Prompto walked back up to the mic. Their foreheads nearly touched.
And you stood at your door with your hands on my waist
And you kissed me like you meant it.
They sang the last part together, eyes on each other, smiling wide with the lights of the stage and the roar of the crowd around them.
Maybe this was all a dream. But if it was, Noctis never wanted to wake up.
And I knew that you meant it, that you meant it,
That you meant it, and I knew,
That you meant it,
that you meant it.
~FIN~