Chapter Text
The day of the competition, the boys got dressed and made their way to the pool. Noctis was thoroughly excited upon seeing just how huge the Altissia swimming pool was. There was quite an audience in the stands, too and some of the competing teams were intimidating to say the least. Noctis saw Ardyn among them and the two exchanged glares.
''Oh boy. Up against him?'' Prompto frowned, holding Noct's hand as they took their seats to watch the event preceding them.
''I'm sure he's excited to be on one of the teams most notorious for being aggressive. They were also barred from Altissia a few years back because they had cheated.'' Ignis folded his arms, watching them with suspicious eyes.
''Yikes. Wonder why they let them back.''
''Money, perhaps? Nifleheim holds a lot of influence here as well, unfortunately.'' Ignis explained.
''Money talks.'' Prompto sighed in response, wishing he had his camera to take a few shots of the awesome pool.
Noct rubbed his aching shoulder as he watched some of the other competitors go. Prompto glanced at him nervously. He had caught Noct doing that so much recently and it was really starting to worry him. After all, Noctis was more then just his friend or his Captain now. He was his boyfriend. What if he hurt himself while swimming? He bounced his legs anxiously as he waited for their turn.
When it finally came time, the team headed to the locker room to finish suiting up.
''Well, you replaced me. Saw it coming but I can't believe just who it is. The camera boy? Come on. Even you can do better, surely.'' Arydn put a hand on his hip, watching as Prompto settled his goggles in place. Gladio was going to say something when Noct motioned for him to stop.
''Prompto's an amazing swimmer, an even better teammate and a great friend. You were a fantastic swimmer, I'll give you that. But you were a lousy teammate and a crappy friend.''
''So, you're admitting he's not as good as me?''
''Never said that. This guy's a natural.'' He rests a hand on Prompto's shoulder, ''And if we don't win today, not everything is about winning, Ardyn.''
''See, that's why I left. That attitude won't get you anywhere.''
''Really? Cause it got us here just fine.''
''Alright, you two.'' Ignis stepped in between them.
''Typical Noctis. I see Ignis is still the real Captain here.''
''Ardyn. Go back to your teammates. Let's finish getting ready and head out. We don't want to be late.''
Noctis rolled his eyes as Ardyn returned to his team begrudgingly.
''He's the one who quit. Why's he got the attitude?'' Noct scoffed as he followed the others out.
''Maybe he's jealous to see someone else where he once stood.''
''Prompto's probably right, but regardless of his motivation, let's just do our best tonight. Win or lose, we already have our victory.''
''Right. Guys, I...Before we go out there I want to say no matter what happens you're an amazing team. I couldn't imagine being here without any of you. If my Dad died and I didn't have you guys, I probably would've stopped swimming. Or I never would have left the pool. Thanks for being there for me...let's kick some ass.'' Noctis gave them a brave smile that was returned by all three of the others and they put their hands together before pushing them down and raising them to the ceiling.
The medley began shortly, with Gladio being up first. His backstroke was flawless- full of raw power and strength. Gladio's arms carved through the water while his muscular legs followed through. He was the first to touch the wall, setting off Prompto. He was nervous, but determined. He was a little behind, but Noctis was incredibly impressed by his improvement. Prompto really brought his all today, his breathing in between strokes was perfect, his technique was quick and sharp. He touched the wall third and Ignis dove in next. Ignis' butterfly was both graceful and intimidating. None of the others matched the same speed as him as he glided through the water. Last was Noctis. Prompto watched with excitement, cheering on with the rest of his team. However, something seemed off with his routine. His movements seemed less natural and more jerky, and when he tagged the wall, Noctis suddenly stopped and yelped, holding his shoulder. Prompto's heart sank and he raced toward the edge of the pool. Ignis grabbed the blonde and held him back while a lifeguard went in to help Noctis get to the edge safely.
''Noct...!!!'' Prompto raced to him, dropping to his knees and checking his boyfriend's shoulder.
''We'll get him checked out and make sure he's alright. It looks like a rotator cuff injury.'' A few paramedics guide Noctis to a little station off to the side and check him over while his teammates wait anxiously, not one of them concerned with winning the race.
''Just like we thought, it's a rotator cuff tear. He needs plenty of rest. Anti-inflammatories are going to be his best friend right now, and alternate between warm and cold compresses.'' One of the nurses explained.
''I'm...really sorry, guys. I just cost us the race.''
''Who just gave us this heartwarming speech about winning and losing, buddy? Come on, Noct. We don't care about that.'' Prompto's eyes were soft as he let his boyfriend lean on him while they headed to the locker room.
''Noctis, you overworked yourself much too hard. An injury like this normally doesn't happen out of nowhere.'' Ignis began his lecture.
''And I saw you rubbing your shoulder a lot...why didn't you say anything?''
''I was worried you guys might try to talk us out of it, or back out if you knew I was in pain.''
''You should have taken a break from training Prompto the minute you started having pain. You should have talked to us, Noct. We're a team, and we're your friends. That's what we're here for.'' Gladio held the door open for them as they shuffled in to get changed.
''The last events are tomorrow and they'll be announcing placements then. Let's just get back to the room and get heat applied to your shoulder.''
''I'll pick up some pain killers tonight!'' Prompto nodded, eager to help.
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The next day, the team gathered for placements. There was a lot of booing from Prompto when Ardyn's team got first, but their team placed third which wasn't too bad. Ignis mothered Noctis the entire way back to their room, making sure he was going to take proper care of his shoulder. Noct just wanted to get back in the water. The closest anyone would let him get was taking a shower or hanging his legs off the side of the pier.
Prompto joined him, the two of them splashing their legs in the refreshing water and enjoying the nice breeze Altissia offered.
''I'm gonna miss this place.''
''Who knows, maybe we'll come back next year?''
''If not for the competition, let's just come back here to visit. It's beautiful. And I'd like to get more pics.'' Prompto laughed, leaning against him.
''You got it. If we win next year, I hope Ardyn is still on their team.''
''Me too, dude. I wanna rub it in his face.'' They laugh and Prompto presses a kiss to Noct's good shoulder.
''What a wild ride this has been, huh?'' The stars glittered brightly above, reminding Prompto of the Caelum Via.
''No kidding. But you know...I do miss home.''
''Me too. And I know you miss the water, but you'll be swimming again before no time. From now on...maybe don't work yourself sick, okay?'' The way Prompto phrased it eerily reminded Noctis of his Father. He sighed, nodding softly.
''You're right. I promise to be more careful from now on.''
''And if you're not?''
''You can drag me out of the pool by my ear.''
''I'll make Ignis and Gladio do that.''
''Sounds like a plan.'' Noctis smiled, leaning down and sharing a sweet kiss with him. They may not have won the competition this year, but Noct felt like a winner for the first time in a long while. After all, there was always next year. With Prompto by his side, Noctis felt like he could accomplish anything.