Chapter Text
Prompto looked down at the blood on the carpet. Well that was going to stain no doubt! They were most likely going have to pay for it to be removed, which meant more money spent on him and his stupidity. He could only imagine how annoyed Ignis was going to be. Although, as he looked up, he saw nothing but worry on the advisors face.
"Noct, go get Prompto some tissue from the bathroom" ,the advisor spoke. "Me and Gladio are going to take him down to the car".
"What! Why?" Noct sounded extremely panicked.
"I think it would be best to take him to a hospital. Just to make sure he is alright" Ignis finished before the Prince could cut in.
Gladio moved out of the other double bed, throwing on some random clothes and moving to lift Prompto up. The moment the shield shifted Prompto however, he cried out from being jostled to much. Gladio sat him back on the bed and looked to Ignis.
The advisor looked at the blond sympathetically, "Prompto, I'm going to need you to take your shirt off."
The gunner gasp at the statement, this time not because of the pain. The whole team knew Prompto had trouble with exposing his body, but now he had the added pressure of them seeing what he was hiding under there. Slowly, Prompto reached for the bottom of his sleep shirt, not protesting as Ignis helped pull it over his head. The blond didn't miss Ignis' small 'oh Prompto' as he places the shirt on the ground. The angry purple bruise stood out against his pale, white skin.
Ignis looked to Gladio, who was rubbing Prompto's back while staring at the young man's chest and stomach. "Okay Prompto," the advisor said. "We're going to have to move you, if you would prefer to walk then please say so! We would rather not hurt you".
"I....err...I'll w-walk,” he shakily got to his feet with the help of the older men, grunting every so often as pain was emitted from his bruising. Noct appeared in front of him with a tissue that the blond used to clean the blood of his chin.
The four men slowly made their way to the car through the deserted, late-night streets of Lestallum, helping their injured friend along. Blood kept finding its way out of Prompto's mouth, but Noct was at hand to clean him up. The three older men helped Prompto into the car, Ignis thinking it was best to put him in the back. Lestallum, unfortunately, had no hospital, just a small 24-hour doctors surgery for small injuries and pre-booked appointments. And that was not what Prompto needed. The nearest hospital was a thirty minute drive, not ideal in the dead of night, but Ignis was willing to take any risks to get their blond friend help. Prompto lay in the back of the Regalia, his head in Gladio's lap, facing the roof of the car. Every now and then he would dissolve into fits of coughs, prompting Noct to turn around and look at him, telling the blond that it was going to be alright.
They pulled into the hospital car park, that was rather full for the time of night, and helped the gunner up to the doors. His breathing hadn't improved since leaving Lestallum and he could barely get words out now.
As they walked through the doors, the group was hit with the hygienic smell of the hospital. The white and blue walls a sharp contrast to the blackness of the world outside. They walked into the waiting area, Ignis instructing the other two men to take Prompto to a seat so he could rest.
Prompto sat in one of the battered plastic chairs, Gladio and Noct sitting beside him, gently rubbing his back or his thigh to let him know they were still there. The blond watched Ignis move over to the front desk, oblivious explaining the situation.
While Ignis talked, Prompto scanned the area. There was a decent amount of people in the waiting room. Some sitting down and some moving around. The sound of light chatter was slightly distorted to Prompto's hazy mind.
"Hey, how you hanging down there" ,spoke Gladio as he peered down at the hunched blond. Prompto could only nod, his throat feeling ready to close up.
Ignis walked back over to the group, addressing all of them but looking at Gladio. "I had to pull some strings but we should get him seen to quickly". The advisor knelt down in front of Prompto, pulling out a tissue when blood appeared on his bottom lip, dabbing it away. He got closer to the blond boy, placing a hand on his head to gently stroke his matted hair, whispering a small " I'm sorry" to the other man.
Prompto was about to ask why he was sorry, but the thought soon broke as coughs exploded out of his mouth. As he attempted to control the coughing, he sensed a new presence in his vicinity. Looking up, he saw an older lady in a nurses uniform.
"Right this way young man" she spoke, her voice deep and croaky with age.
Prompto stood with the help of Gladio, the larger man walking him slowly through the hospital corridors, making sure not to touch his abdomen to much in fear of causing him more pain. Ignis walked alongside the old lady, talking to her about his condition. Prompto, however, could barely make out what they were saying, the effects of the last few days taking its toll on him.
The nurse led the group into a corridor lined with blue curtains, slumbering patients behind them. She guided Prompto and his friends to the back end of the corridor, where she pulled back one of the curtains to reveal a small hospital bed, some machinery and a plastic bed side table. "This is the only bed we have available" said the old lady. "We can move you once some space clears up, but right now this is all we can offer".
Prompto nodded, not even attempting to speak.
"Thank you very much, it shall do for now". Ignis said the the nurse.
She looked at him, then back to Prompto. "I will send a doctor as soon as possible", and with that she left, drawing the curtain closed behind her.
"Miserable old bitch" whispered Noct under his breath as he help Prompto on to the bed, clearing away some blood from his mouth.
"Noct, there is no need. We are lucky to even have a bed for Prompto" Ignis stated.
"No, your right!" Noct quickly turned to face the advisor, anger filtered across his face, "It's not her I'm mad at, it's you! Both of you". He turned to look at Gladio who had taken up the chair next to Prompto's bed, "I told you he was ill, I told both of you and you didn't listen! You said he would be fine and he isn't! We're in a damn hospital because you didn't want to give him one fucking potion!"
Ignis looked guiltily at were Prompto was on the bed before he looked back at the Prince. "Noct, perhaps this isn't the best place to start an argument, there are resting patients that we should not wake".
"You just know that I'm right. You know that-".
"Please stop it" Prompto's weak voice cut through the Princes rant, Ignis and Noctis turning to look at him. "Please don't fight".
A deathly silence fell on the group, the only sound was the snoring patients in the rooms next door, and Prompto's deep, heavy breaths as he attempted to get oxygen to his lungs.
The awkwardness was broken when a thirties-something doctor pulled back the curtain, walking into the room. Ignis put out his hand to the man, introducing himself.
The man took his hand in a firm grip while stating his name. "Hello, you can call me Doctor Gill. I believe I'm am here to see a...Prompto Argentum". He looked down at the clip bored he was carrying, then up to the blond boy laying on the bed.
Prompto hated the attention, this was not how things were meant to go! But here he was, sat in a hospital bed with a doctor about to examine him.
"I see here in the notes your friend provided us with, that you are having difficulty breathing, prolonged coughing fits, emitting blood after said coughing fits and deep bruising over your abdominal area".
Prompto hesitantly nodded, before Ignis decided to speak up for him. "That is correct" said the advisor.
However, he barely got the words out before Prompto stared coughing yet again. The doctor reached into the bed side table and pulled out a small plate-like-thing for Prompto to spit the blood into.
He looked over the blond sat in the bed, listening closely to the sound of his coughing, "I do believe this may be more serious than originally thought. I think it would be best for us to move him to a private room, were we can probably examine him and his coughing won't disturb the other patients."
"I was told you did not have any private rooms available", Ignis stated in a slightly annoyed tone.
"It may be a while but I should be able to fit him in somewhere" the doctors went to leave the small curtained area. "I will be back shortly.
He left the group alone once again. Prompto's raspy coughs a small comfort to the awkward silence.
***
"I really don't need all this attention guys. W-why don't we just go back to the hotel and forget about all this", Prompto whined, his voice mumbled through the oxygen mask over his mouth and nose.
The blond had been moved quickly from the small room with the blue curtains, into a bigger room with a bathroom to the side and a lot more machines. After they had performed some tests to diagnose his symptoms, of course. So now, he was sat straight on a hospital bed (the doctor said it was best for him to keep straight to prevent the coughing fits), his friends sat around him as he tried to convince them he was alright.
Gladio grunted, "You feeling better then?"
Prompto glared at the large man, "Y-yeah totally great". The words sounded choked as he held back the coughing that wanted to erupt out of his mouth.
Ignis, who was sat in an arm chair next to the hospital bed, stood slowly making his was over to the small sink in the corner, filling a plastic cup, "As much as I'd like for us to leave and for you to be okay Prompto", he made his way back over to the blond, "I do believe it is in our best interest that we stay till we know you are alright".
The advisor handed the plastic cup to Prompto, "Drink! You will need to stay hydrated".
The gunner graciously excepted the cup and removed the mask covering his face to take small sips.
Prompto looked up from the cups rim to see Noct glaring around the room. The Prince had been quiet for hours now, not having said a word since his little aggressive rant back in the other room. Prompto stared at him, a sad expression on his face. "Noct...", he said in a small and whiny voice.
The Prince looked toward him, the scowl on his face softening some what as he look at his best friend.
Prompto looked down to his lap momentarily before catching Noct's eye again, "You alright buddy?".
The scowl returned to Noct's face when he answered, "No". His gaze focused on Ignis.
The advisor sighed, not making eye contact with the Prince, "Noct, I don't think now is the best time for another argument...."!
"Why not now?". Noct pushed himself away from the wall to walking closer to Ignis, his eyes flaring, " There's no other patients here now, stop trying to avoid what you KNOW I'm going to say to you"!
Prompto watched his friend with a slight tremble in his form. Noct rarely used his 'prince voice', as Prompto called it. The voice he normally reserved for nobleman, or to give commands while on duty. He almost NEVER used it against his friends, least of all Ignis. And that scared Prompto. He didn't want to be the cause of Noct using the 'prince voice'; even if it wasn't directed at him.
Noct took another step toward the seat Ignis was in, "We're all gonna talk about this now". He pause and look up to Prompto's nervous face, "and that means you as well".
Looks like he wasn't getting out of explaining how this had happened! Brilliant!
Ignis' face morphed into one of guilt and sympathy as he rose from the chair, taking a long sigh. He turned to face the blond man that was sinking further into the bed.
Okay, here it comes, Prompto thought! The truth about what Ignis really thought about him, and then the others would agree with him, then they'd probably end up leaving him behind while they...
"I am sorry, Prompto", said an accented voice that broke through the blonds panicked thoughts.
The gunner looked up at the older man, shock and confusion playing across his pale face. He went to ask why, why on earth did Ignis apologise, but a fit of violent coughing broke out of his mouth. Sitting back down, the advisor placed a hand on Prompto's knee gently rubbing until the coughing died down.
Prompto breathed heavy as he looked on, and brought the oxygen mask back to his mouth, trying to convey his confusion in his facial expressions.
Ignis continued to rub the blonds leg to calm him down, while he sighed out again, "I am truly sorry, Prompto".
This time Prompto did reply, "Why" he whined.
The advisor sighed once again, this time looking Prompto in the eyes, "I knew that something was wrong with you and I ignored it, because I was more concerned about how our funds might fair" he glanced to Noctis', "and that your wellbeing is not as important as Noct's".
Still breathing hard, Prompto brought the mask away slowly, listening intently as Ignis continued, "I was more worried that we would not be able to support our Prince if you fell ill, and we had to use our expenses on potions. I tried to tell myself you were being over dramatic, even though I could see you were suffering". His face morphed into one of pure guilt as he leaned forward to look Prompto right in the eyes, "I am sorry for being so cold to you, and ignoring what I knew I shouldn't have".
The younger man had little words to express his feelings, "I-Ignis" said his weak voice, "I thought you...I mean- you don't hate me?"
"What!? Why on earth would you think that", Ignis gasped.
Prompto all of a sudden felt stupid, but he guessed he should explain himself to resolve all...this, "I-I thought you didn't-didn't want me. I know I'm not as strong as the rest of you, and I know I get myself hurt on hunts way to much, and I'm so annoying all the time...! That's why I hid I hurt myself, then maybe you'd see that I'm not such an idiot," he stoped as he released he was rambling, a habit he'd always had, "I just thought maybe you didn't want me round anymore. Then you wouldn't have someone to fuck everything up all the time".
The room was silent for a minute as each the older men looked at Prompto with worried and shocked looks on their faces.
Noct was the first to retaliate with an answer, "Prompto, why would you...you KNOW that's not true".
The blonds head shot up quickly, addressing Ignis instead of the Prince, "I heard you all taking yesterday, w-when I was in the bathroom! And after you told me off for using that potion when those Sabertusks nearly ripped my arm off...I just thought it would be better to hide that I was hurt. So you didn't have to use more potions on me! You know, so you could save then for a more 'life threatening' injury".
"Is that what this is about," Ignis exhaled, "Me informing you that we were running low on potions and we couldn't afford to be using them constantly? Because, yes that is true, but I never meant that we wouldn't use one if you got yourself injured! You are as much a part of our group as anyone else, therefore deserve the same amount of treatment! Prince or not."
Tears had gathered in Prompto's eyes. Slightly from him trying to hold in another coughing fit, but mostly from Ignis' words.
A small laugh broke out of him mouth, "Guess I've been kinda stupid, hu?"
"No Prompto," the advisor argued, "I should have been less aggressive in my forthcoming, and been less stubborn in my recognition of your wellness! I pretended I didn't know you were suffering, so this is my fault. I should have known as this is not the first time something like this has occurred, is it?"
No, it wasn't, Prompto thought! He'd tried similar things in the past, and some how Ignis always got to the bottom of it. So he probably felt extra guilty this time round for ignoring the signs.
The blond readjust his position on the bed. He took a look at Noct and Gladio, who had been silent through most of the ordeal.
He went to ask Gladio's opinion but the larger man cut him off, "Look kid, you don't need to say anything. Iggy and me...we-we were both massive jerks and we should have known better."
Prompto was left a little speakless! Gladio rarely admitted to being wrong. In fact, so did Ignis. There must have been a least some truth in their words then?! Thinking this, his fears slowly began to fall away.
"Are you willing to forgive us?", asked the advisor.
Prompto gasped, "Yes, gods yes! I thought you-you didn't want me around anymore!"
Gladio laughed loudly, "How could we not want you round kid. We've put up with you for 5 years, so don't think your gonna get rid of us that easy." He walked round to the other side of the bed, opposite Ignis, and landed a heavy hand of Prompto's shoulder. The blond coughed and spluttered a little at the hard touch, but didn't have the mind to care.
He glared around at his friends before sighing, "Thank you g-guys. Sorry to be such a pain in the ass".
Ignis shook his head, "Not at all. We just wish for you to be well, and not get hurt again".
Noct walked over the bed and got himself seated next to Prompto, being mindful of his oxygen mask, "I have got one question though, how did you get hurt in the first place?"
The blond was about to answer but a round of sharp knocks came at the door before Doctor Gill let himself in, carrying a folder, "How are you doing, Prompto? Has that oxygen helped at all?"
"Yes, thank you", he grunted a little as he moved his position on the bed, the pain in his midsection still as strong as before, but the heavy weight of his shoulders was now gone and he could relax more.
The doctor stepped further into the room, "Well it was fairly easy to distinguish what you have after the tests we performed, would you like us to tell you privately or are you happy for you friends to stay..."
"Stay", he answered without thinking. The other men smiled at him, all of them reaching to hold his hand or pat his leg.
The doctor smiled too before addressing the four men, "It would appear you have what's known as a Pulmonary contusion".
Noct looked worried as he said, "That sounds bad! Is he going to be okay?"
The doctor walked to the end of the bed with a smile at the Princes concern, "He will be completely fine, with the right care. Pulmonary contusion simply means 'bruised lungs', usually cause but trauma to the chest. Due to the damage, oxygen levels can be inadequate. A fairly easy diagnosis given the symptoms. Difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, and severe bruising over the abdomen are all clear signs. Do you have any recollection of what might have caused this Mr Argentum?"
The three older men looked down at him, his breathing deep and wheezy, "Eeeeerrrr.....yeah!? Umm, we were fighting some Garula, and one of them, kinda...rammed her whole head into my stomach". He ended with a small round a coughs, clearing the blood that came up too.
Gladio, Ignis and Noct all stared at him with various stages of shock and worry. He looked around at them, concerned himself.
The doctor continued however, "Well that certain explains the bruising over your midsection". He took a look at the clipboard in his hands, flicking through the notes, "You thankfully got here not a moment late, as the symptoms you displayed could have easily lead to pneumonia. But haven supplied you with oxygen seams to have cleared up some of the more evident effects of the damage."
Ignis took his leave from Prompto's side, but not before give his thigh a little reassuring pat, addressing the doctor full on, "And what would be the best cause of action to grantee his recovery?".
Tucking the clipboard under his arm the Doctor looked to the advisor, then to Prompto, "Unfortunately, there is not a great deal we can do about it. Like any bruising, it should clear up on its own. As for the compilations of your breathing, I think it's best to keep you in our care until we see clear signs that it's healing. We will be keeping you on the oxygen to help keep your body supplied with it! We will also need to help you clear your airways from mucus and blood with control breathing exercises...!"
"All of which we can discussed in a little while, as I'm sure Prompto would like to rest", Ignis cut in after seeing the blonds eyes beginning to look droopy.
The doctor took at glance at the sleepy boy on the bed with a slight grin, "Of course! A nurse will be along soon to check on you". He nodded to Ignis as he made his way to the door and took his leave.
Ignis went back to his chair, watching as Noct help Prompto fit the oxygen mask over his mouth and nose. The gunner's blue eyes closing slowly. Ignis picked up his hand once again and rubbed a thumb over the others fingers.
Prompto gazed around with squinted eyes, making eye contact with each one of his friends, "T-thank you guys". His voice was muffled and ruff, but conveyed his gratitude and forgiveness towards the older men.
Ignis smiled, "You rest Prompto, and we'll discuss this more when you wake".
The blond smiled lazily back at him, as his eyes began to drift close; days of exhaustion and pain taking its toll. And as he fell into the word of the unconscious, he felt more appreciated than he had for a long while. And that feeling was one he hoped to hang on to.