Chapter Text
“So, you’re not mad at me?”
Ardyn keeps his eyes on the road. It’s weird seeing his uncle riding a vehicle that isn’t the Vixen. Then again, neither of them wants the press to stir a ruckus and catch wind of the Prince’s return. “Your tomfoolery with my son aside, no. I am not. If anything I am proud of your success in your Divine Quest.”
Noctis blinks intelligently. “Divine what?”
“Your quest that will determine if you’re fit to rule the kingdom. On ordinary circumstances, the Divine Quest is initiated at the age of twenty. From there, the Oracle shall commune with the Astrals, and one of them will hand you your mission. If you succeed, you are more or less ready for ascension; fail, and you’ll not have to worry about lifting a finger and pointing it at the Council.”
Something crosses Noctis’ thoughts then and there. “Wait, does that mean I have to be the king now?”
“Good heavens, no.” Noctis breathes out a sigh of relief, leaning against the headrest. “Although you have accomplished your Quest, you are much too young and inexperienced to deal with the court. Rest assured; you shan’t worry about losing your remaining childhood that early.”
“Oh, thank fuck.”
“Lucky you.”
The morning news station replaces the chatter between them soon enough. For several minutes or two, Noctis spends most of the ride catching up on lost sleep. Waking up at five in the morning is not good for his body clock at all.
“Hey, uncle,” Noctis mumbles under his breath as the first prick of exhaustion ghosts around his mind. “Could I have Prom’s number?”
“I am not the one you are supposed to ask for such request.” Well, at least Noct can say he tried on that one. “However, I can’t dismiss how you have been a positive influence for Prompto. If he asks where you’ve obtained it, tell him the truth. I believe you should know that he prefers honesty above all else.”
“Yeah, I know.” The prince smiles, uncaring if Ardyn’s seen it or not. “You know, you’re not bad sometimes.”
“Such praise from a prince with an affinity for fishing.”
“Was that supposed to be sarcastic?”
“What you choose to do in your life is not my concern. Therefore, no, it was not.”
Noctis squints his eyes, “I’ll take your word for it.”
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Ardyn leads him to one of the Citadel’s many underground entrances. There’s more likely more of where that came from, but the winding paths does lead them inside the comforts of long, familiar halls. Unfortunately, with his uncle having a schedule similar to his father, they have to part ways in the elevator.
Noctis doesn’t know how the fuck are they going to break the news that he’s back, but Ardyn’s got him covered on that ground. To quote the man, he only has to act natural and do whatever. As much as he appreciates the freedom in this plan, Ardyn could’ve divulged a little detail or two on the specifics because Noctis genuinely doesn’t know what he’s going to do for today.
Thankfully, someone else can answer for that.
“Holy shit,” a deep voice rumbles out with a whistle.
Another person speaks in disbelief. “He’s here? Truly?”
Act casual, Ardyn says. So he does just that. “Hey.”
As soon as he turns around, Noctis sees them— Gladio and Ignis, side by side, looking exhausted but nonetheless okay. “After all the drama you’ve caused, that’s what you have to say? ‘Hey?’”
Noctis rolls his eyes light-heartedly. “Lousy, I know.”
Ignis approaches him first with steps so slow and careful that it’d looked like he’s approaching a terrified creature rather than a teenage boy. “Are you alright, Highness? Do you have any injuries we should worry about?”
Still like a mother hen. Some things never change within the course of months, do they? “I’m fine, Specs. No need to worry so much.”
A sigh of relief escapes from Ignis. The peace doesn’t last long though once his worried expression is replaced with an agitated one. “’No need to worry,’ my arse. Where have you been?!”
“It’s a long story.”
Gladio approaches him last, giving Noctis a couple of heavy slaps on his back. “Then it’s a good thing we’re all ears.”
Under the concerned glare Ignis gives him and the sheer relief visible in Gladio’s eyes, Noctis doesn’t hold back his laugh.
It’s good to be back.
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Noctis [12:03]: Hey, is this Prompto?
Prom [12:04]: uh yeah? who is this?
Noctis [12:04}: It’s Noctis.
Prompto doesn’t send a reply for a good minute or two. Time’s passed painfully slow during that absence, forcing Noctis to rethink his decision of being so blunt about the introduction thing. Mercifully, his phone emits a tiny ping and when he looks down, he sees Prompto’s concern etched into his message.
Prom (12:08]: oh hi prince noctis!! uh is it alright to ask where’d you get my number? (◕▿◕✿)
Noctis [12:09]: I asked Ardyn for it. Hope you don’t mind.
Noctis [12:09]: And like I said earlier, you can just call me Noctis.
Noctis [12:09]: Hell, I’d tolerate Moon even. Really, anything that doesn’t have the title slapped into my name is good enough for me.
Prom [12:14]: slr noctis, I’m eating lunch rn (ꈍ ‸ ꈍ✿)
Noctis [12:15]: Don’t worry. I am, too :)
Noctis [12:15]: Thought for a sec that I scared you off though.
Prom [12:15]: oh no you didn’t!! it’s just
Prom [12:15]: today’s very bamboozling and I’m still trying to wrap up head around all these
Prom [12:16]: i mean it’s not everyday i get to say that the cat i rescued turned out to be a person.
Prom [12:16]: outside of talking about anime and all that
Prom [12:16]: ok i’m just rambling at this point sorry (ᵕ̣̣̣̣̣ ہ ᵕ̣̣̣̣̣̣ ✿)
Noctis [12:17]: Prom, it’s fine. Just because I’m a person again doesn’t mean I’ll stop listening to you.
Prom [12:17]: oh fuck I forgot about that I’m so sorry
Noctis [12:18]: Hey, I didn’t reach out to you just to hear you apologize.
Noctis [12:18]: I reached out because I wanted to talk to you more.
Noctis [12:18]: I know you want to have our first meeting perfect, and I can respect that. But hanging out with you even as a cat is fun.
Noctis [12:18]: So here’s what I’m trying to propose is
Noctis [12:18]: We don’t have to meet up until the first day of school, but we can keep in touch via text like this.
Noctis [12:19]: You’re cool in my book, Prom.
Noctis [12:19]: and I want to kick your ass in King’s Knight.
Noctis [12:20]: See, now we’re even in the rambling.
Noctis [12:21]: But yeah, what do you say? You still want to keep in touch, just not irl?
Aware that Prompto will need some time to think about this, Noctis sets his phone down and finishes Ignis’ meal. The warm, pleasant flavors of the chickatrice legs and saxham rice dance around his tongue in a nameless beat, taking away the lingering taste of kibbles eaten the night before. And as always, he inconspicuously pushes the greens away at the edge of the plate, determined to leave those untouched.
He’s missed this small, fleeting moments of being human.
His phone chimes. All it takes is one peek for him to crack a relieved smile.
Prom [12:30]: yeah, I’d love that!! ♡(◕ᗜ◕✿)
Prom [12:30]: gimme your kk friend code? (◕ᴗ◕✿)
Funny how Noct can easily visualize the emoticons Prom’s used in his features. It’s endearing in its own simple way.
Noctis [12:30]: Here you go, dork
Prom [12:31]: gottem thanks!!
Prom [12:31]: and I’m no dork!! (≖ Δ ≖ ✿)
Noctis [12:32]: Yes, you are one B]
Prom [12:32]: no u
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The moon hangs low on one summer evening. The A/C drones quietly amidst the moon’s faint light permeating through the curtained windows. Insomnia remains awake even at the darkest night. Whereas others like Prompto hide away earlier within the comforts of their beds and wait for dawn, Noctis sits idly under the embrace of his dimly lit room in his apartment.
His apartment— not the Citadel. Thank the Astrals Dad has kept this one safe after all the fiasco. It’s a tidy and decent room as spacious as Ardyn, with Noctis’ own personal things dabbled here and there. Comic books, action figurines, movies— stuff that Noctis can proudly claim as his own and that doesn’t represent the Crown—are all arranged meticulously with the help of his retainers. But behind his back, Noctis knows that Gladio’s started a betting pool on when this apartment will stop looking like something featured in an interior design magazine.
Gladio’s wagered in three days. Ignis’s at five. Although Noctis’ not a participant of it, he can bet that it will break loose on the second day.
But just because he’s lazy in keeping the place clean doesn’t mean that he’s inept in cleaning it. There are just some other things that needed tending to.
Like making up missed training with Gladio, going over the reports (can they not be dry as the Duscaen desert?) with Ignis, participating in public events with Dad, getting an earful from his tutors, and of course talking to Prompto on his free time.
So yeah, he has lots of responsibilities on his plate. Cleaning the apartment will consume too much of his time, which would’ve been spent better on other things.
(Oh, who is he kidding? Cleaning sucks).
Noct Noct [01:05]: Prom
Noct Noct [01:05]: Prom
Noct Noct [01:05]: You up?
Prom Prom [01:17]: yeah dude
Prom Prom [01:17]: why u awake tho??
Prom Prom [01:18]: pretty sure u arent a cat unless u are one again
Noct Noct [01:18]: Can’t sleep
Noct Noct [01:18]: Got used to the zoomies and I guess it carried over.
Prom Prom [01:19]: F
Prom Prom [01:19]: i mean oof
Prom Prom [01:19]: imean sorry to hear about that
Noct [01:20]: F is already a good response, Prom
Prom Prom [01:20]: o if thats the case then
Prom Prom [01:20]: F
Noctis snickers under his breath. The last time Prompto’s this tuckered out was his review time during his Finals week. He’s passed, of course, after nights of tears, stress, and worry, and Noctis couldn’t be anymore prouder than that.
Noct Noct [01:21]: What about you? Why are you awake?
Prom Prom [01:23]: your msg woke me up bro
Noct Noct [01:23]: Shit, sorry.
Prom Prom [01:24]: na its cool
Prom Prom [01:24]: just think of it like
Prom Prom [01:24]: the digital version of u doing whatever ur doing at this time while Im asleep
Noct Noct [01:25]: Damn, all this time I thought I was being quiet about it.
Prom Prom [01:26]: u were quiet. i just wake up whenever u jump off the bed or when u open the door
Prom Prom [01:26]: w8 a minute how the hell do u open doors
Noct Noct [01:27]: I jump, bro.
Noct Noct [01:27]: Or phase if I’m too tired for acrobatics.
Prom Prom [01:28]: bro
Prom Prom [01:28]: real shit?
Noct Noct [01:28]: Yeah, real shit.
Prom Prom [01:28]: bro
Prom Prom [01:29]: what the hell
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Chocobutt [15:48]: thx for the tekken 7 again (◕ω◕✿)
Chocobutt [15:49]: u didn’t have to but thanks so much
MEOW Bitch [15:50]: No problem. Did the DLC code work, too?
Chocobutt [15:52]: yeppers! it’s still downloading on my end. gotta wait for two more hours ೭੧(❛〜❛✿)੭೨
Chocobutt [15:53]: Im curious tho… how exactly did you end up in the game? (◕д◕✿)
MEOW Bitch [15:54]: I don’t know, honestly. I don’t pay attention to legal stuff, but I remember they asked for my dad and I’s permission of me being added into the game for “lore” reasons.
Chocobutt [15:54]: （✿ ͡◕ ᴗ◕)つ━━✫・*。“lore”
Chocobutt [15:56]: tekken 7 having lore that resolves around irl royalty like bro what
MEOW Bitch [15:57]: I know right?
Chocobutt [15:57]: honestly tho do u think u’ll look like that in the future? (◕ㅁ◕✿)
MEOW Bitch [15:58]: Maybe. Want me to replicate that look to commemorate me being in the game?
Chocobutt [15:58]: sure why not LMAO
Chocobutt [15:59]: that gonna be a promise once you reach 20 Ⴚტ◕‿◕ტჂ
Chocobutt [16:00]: w8 do they have to talk to you about the costumes, too?? (◕ㅁ◕✿)
MEOW Bitch [16:01]: Na, that part is entirely up to them, but they will also have to be verified by PR. So long as they don’t make me shirtless I think they’re won’t piss off the Crown.
MEOW Bitch [16:02]: Gotta keep myself modest and all that
Chocobutt [16:03]: and hot
MEOW Bitch [16:03]: Like you
Chocobutt [16:03]: aye lmao ignore that
Neither of the two fires a text for a moment. People like to call this five minute of silence as awkward. Based on what’s happening to him on the bright screen of his phone, Noctis can’t fault their logic for that.
MEOW Bitch [16:10]: Ready to get your ass kicked in King’s Knight in the meantime?
Chocobutt [16:12]: ur on!!
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Before Noctis knows it, it’s the first day of high school.
Cramming the lessons he’s missed during his absence has dealt quite a lot of damage to his aching brain over summer. But if he wants to meet Prompto without much hassle in their school schedules, it’s a sacrifice he’s willing to make.
So technically, he’s spent his summer wrecking his brain and now he’ll continue doing that, only this time on school grounds. It’s a fan-fucking-tastic summer, if you ask him (of course, note the sarcasm).
“Before I drop you off, are you sure you have everything prepared?” Ignis calls from the driver’s seat.
Noctis closes his eyes and tries his best to will away the anticipation of what’s to come. “Pretty sure everything’s in the bag.”
“Very well then.” The car skids to a halt, right in front of the gates of the institute. Behind the glass, Noctis can already see the crowd forming outside— pointing, gawking, and whispering to themselves. A normal reaction towards royalty that Noctis brushes with indifference. “Please, for caution’s sake, mind your manners and try to listen to your teachers.”
“I will. I will,” Noctis says as he lays his hand on the handle— one second away from entering a world of high school drama and misery.
One second away from walking down the halls to meet Prompto.
“Don’t forget to submit your report on the Niflheim district by tonight. Although the Council requests for it in three days’ time, I would like for you to see to it that it is done so that I may be able to review it.”
“After it’s revised or whatever, could you pass it to Ardyn and ask for his opinion on it, too?”
“Of course, seeing has he is the one overseeing foreign affairs within the city walls.” Ignis nods, a hint of pride visible in his slight smile.
“Thanks, Ignis.”
“It’s no trouble. Is there anything else you would like to do before you go?” When Noctis shakes his head, Ignis continues, “Good, then I shall see you later.”
Noctis takes a deep breath and braces himself for what’s ahead.
────────────────────────────────────
A hand slaps Noctis’ back on his way to his next class. When he turns his head, he sees him.
“Hey there, Prince Noctis!”
Healthy. Mesmerizing. Cheeks dusted pink under the gleam of the sun, emphasizing the speckles spread libelously on glowing, pale skin. A smile still warm and bright as it had been the last time he’d seen him under morning’s glow.
“I’m Prompto. Nice to meet you!”
He still wears his emotions out in the open. He still bears that nervousness he carries around his shoulder, only this time, it doesn’t appear more pronounced than it was before. But Noct sees a quiet confidence hides behind blue eyes— a tiny thing that can manifest into something greater with enough gentle words and reassurances muttered.
A miniscule smile graces itself on Noct’s lips without the prince ever noticing. “Haven’t I met you before?”
Prompto laughs under his breath and grins. “Maybe.”
Noctis cants his head to the side, a subtle invitation. “Walk along with me?”
“You bet!”
A new dawn breaks, even if the clock’s struck twelve hours ago.
────────────────────────────────────
Hanging out with Prompto flows seamlessly like a river running down a once dry bed, acting as if the stream has never left its place after the drought. It fits into place— them breathing the same air, chilling on Noct’s couch with controllers or their phones at hand, talking about anything and everything under the weather.
As far as Noct is concerned, nothing’s really changed between them. The only difference aside being that Noctis can actually talk back.
“Uh, dude?” Prompto, wearing the most comfortable clothes he has, squeaks underneath him. “You’re kinda squishing me.”
Noctis doesn’t make an effort to move despite the insistent poking on his side. He mumbles incoherently under his breath and tightens his grip around Prompto. “Deal with it.”
“Okay, Moon,” Prompto snorts jokingly. “Can I at least have my arm back?”
“That depends. Name your price.”
“Sheesh, talk about a barter.” A laugh escapes from the blond, followed by a thoughtful hum. “How about my fruits in Creature Crossing?”
“Tempting but no.”
“Uh, resources in King’s Knight?”
“Nah.”
“Kibbles?”
“Nice try.”
“How about…” Prompto hums again, “a tuna sandwich later?”
“Done.” Noctis shuffles in response to a more comfortable position. “Wake me up when it’s six.”
Prompto pouts as he stretches his now free arm to the side. “Aw, you’re just gonna leave me here on guard duty?”
“You can sleep, too, you know? No one’s going to barge in on us anyway, except maybe my uncle. Pretty sure an afternoon nap’s a good bonding experience.”
“Hmm, yeah, you’re right. Beats studying homework at least.” Noctis cracks an eye open in incredulity. “Don’t tell Iggy I said that.”
“Do I look like a snitch to you?”
“No, you’re a cat.”
“Dork.” Noctis buries his nose against the crook of Prompto’s neck and sighs.
“Nerd.” He feels Prompto’s arm slowly curl around his back. “Wait, you have an uncle?”
Noct’s not going to like where this is going. “Uh, yeah.”
Prompto bites his lower lip. “He’s not going to pop in here like what your dad did, right?”
“About that…” Noctis trails off.
Yeah, he’s going to let Ardyn take the fall on this one.
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Grumpcle Ardyn [1:10]: Suppose I have you to thank as to why Prompto knows about my relations to the family?
Grumpcle Ardyn [1:14]: Noctis Lucis Caelum CXIV, I know you are awake at this hour.
Grumpcle Ardyn [1:14]: Your history of sending questionable humor compromising of shortened Lucian lexicon and odd imagery this early in the morning has proven its credibility for years ever since you grew out of your childhood years.
Prince Night Light [1:15]: Maybe 💅
Prince Night Light [1:15]: You can just call them memes like everybody else.
Prince Night Light [1:16]: Besides, you said it yourself, Prom appreciates honesty on both ends.
Grumpcle Ardyn [1:17]: Ah, to see the young ones mature out of their adolescences. It never fails to warm my old heart.
Prince Night Light [1:17]: Stop it, you’re making it weird.
Prince Night Light [1:18]: Royal Decree.
Grumpcle Ardyn [1:18]: As your ancestor and the Founder King of Lucis, I overrule this decree.
Prince Night Light [1:19]: Damnit
Grumpcle Ardyn [1:19]: Language, boy. Have my lessons taught you nothing?
Prince Night Light [1:20]: My sincerest apologies, you out-of-touch 700’s looking egg-headed senile of a dinosaur.
Grumpcle Ardyn [1:21]: Perfect. Here I thought I would be forced to bestow dishonor upon you and your family to the eighteenth generation.
Prince Night Light [1:22]: Can I use that one?
Grumpcle Ardyn [1:24]: Unless you are ready for several assassinations and attempts to overthrow your rule and defile the tombstones of your ancestors, then I implore you to use this as your last course of action.
Prince Night Light [1:24]: Which means…?
Grumpcle Ardyn [1:25]: Wait until you’re older.
Prince Night Light [1:25]: Nice.
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Chocobutt [13:40]: I miss having you around ★~(◡ω◡✿)
Chocobutt [13:40]: oshit ignore that didn’t mean to send ⊹⋛⋋( ●´⌓`●)⋌⋚⊹
MEOW Bitch [13:41]: Are you dating someone else? 🤨🤨🤨
Chocobutt [13:41] noo!! there is only u in my heart ଘ(✿˵•́ ᴗ •̀˵)
MEOW Bitch [13:43]: Sap
Chocobutt [13:43]: it’s just that
Chocobutt [13:43]: i miss having u around
Chocobutt [13:43]: it’s so quiet in here after you left ｡:ﾟ(｡ﹷ ‸ ﹷ ✿)
Chocobutt [13:43]: and omg excuse you I’m trynna have a moment here ( ˃̣̣̥﹏˂̣̣̥ ✿)
MEOW Bitch [13:44]: You know you can always ask Ardyn for a cat right?
MEOW Bitch [13:44]: Ngl he’ll give you anything if you just ask.
Chocobutt [13:45]: u speaking from experience?
MEOW Bitch [13:46]: Lmao no sometimes he gives me the things I want, but sometimes he gives me something else entirely. Ardyn brings home the strangest gifts. That’s why I never really know what to expect when it comes to gift exchanges.
MEOW Bitch [13:46]: But with you though, I doubt he’ll pull off his shenanigans on you.
Chocobutt [13:48]: LOL what kind of stuff did he give u?
MEOW Bitch [13:49]: He gave me some a lot of weird shit. But they’re oddly useful. I’ll show you some when you swing by again.
Chocobutt [13:55]: u really sure he won’t mind?
MEOW Bitch [13:57]: I mean if you want to barter, you can always give him some Ebony.
Chocobutt [13:58]: ooo smart!! I’ll do that then
Chocobutt [13:58]: thnx bb
MEOW Bitch [13:59]: No problem, honey 😘
Chocobutt [16:05]: no homo, right?
Chocobutt [16:30]: right?
MEOW Bitch [16:35]: Come by my apartment tonight?
Chocobutt [16:38]: okie dokie
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The rest of the months blurs, for only a certain memory replays in Noct’s mind. He walks on air and smiles more often, relishing lazy afternoons and random doodles randomly found on his notebook. He’s distracted by the ghost of Prom’s lips against his, even during training and lessons, much to the ire of literally everyone else but him and Prompto. Despite all the reprimands, Noctis brushes them aside and lingers in the euphoria.
Really, how couldn’t he be distracted when everything’s perfect?
“Our lessons will end on an earlier note, Your Highness,” Mrs. Mercedes’ austere voice cuts through his dream-like haze. When Noctis blinks, he’s met with a disapproving frown of his mathematics instructor. “Therefore, I advise you to pay close attention.”
“Any reason for the change of schedule?” Noctis asks.
“It is not my place to disclose.” Of course, why would he expect any other response? Prompto must’ve had a hard time under her tutelage as well, knowing first-hand how demanding Mrs. Mercedes can be. She has a good head in her shoulders, really. But like Gladio—or Astrals, Cor— she doesn’t hold back when it comes to drilling lessons into the mind. “Now, we shall begin our lessons on advanced calculus. Have you accomplished your assignment?”
Fortunately, he does— thank you very much. His reputation won’t be slighted any time soon, his distractedness aside.
He does however learn the reason for the change in itinerary soon enough.
“Aren’t you supposed to be with Dad?” Noctis narrows his eyes at the looming figure walking into the study room with a casual swagger.
Ardyn grins in response— Noct doesn’t like that look at all— and doffs his fedora. “A change of plans has occurred, as you’ve no doubt heard. Instead of enduring the sufferings of your most dreaded subject, I have decided to play the role of the savior and shorten your misery. You are most welcome.”
“But there’s a catch,” Noctis deadpans.
The man snaps his fingers. “Indeed! It is with great delight do I announce that thirty minutes of your time will be allocated to Rules and Etiquettes of Courtship, a subject to be taught by yours truly.”
Somewhere off a distant land, a pin drops.
“Since you have oh-so lacked the decency to not sleep on the same bed as my son, I felt the compelling need to integrate these lessons into your livelihood personally.” Noctis gulps, his eyes briefly scanning the door. Even if he can think about escaping, he knows for sure that Ardyn—despite his age— can outrun him with or without his magic. “You do want the best for him, don’t you?”
“Yeah,” Noctis says slowly.
“Good! Then I shan’t expect any violent reactions in this class. Now, for our first lesson…”
Noctis sits through it all with a painful amount of concentration because holy fuck he does not want to mess around in what is essentially the Meet the Parent stage.
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“Hey, you okay?” Prompto frowns as he pauses the game. “It’s not like you to lose this many times in one go.”
Noctis heaves a sigh and lies his head on the blond’s shoulder. He doesn’t care if the controller on his hands is one step away from colliding against the floor. “I’m just tired.”
“Aw, poor baby.” Once Prompto rests his head atop his own, Noctis closes his eyes. Hours of exhaustion creeps up to him then and there, enticing him to call it a night. The faint brush of Prompto’s lips against his temple doesn’t escape his notice, no matter how weary he is from all the workload on his plate.
“Stay over?” Noctis mumbles under his breath. Within a beat, he adds, “Guest room’s prepared.”
Gently prying off the controller from Noctis’ hands, Prompto sets them down beside him. “It’s getting pretty late, so yeah, a sleepover sounds good. I’ll let Pops know.”
Should Noctis expect a gentle reminder from the aforementioned man living a couple of floors below? Most likely yes.
“Come on, let’s get you to bed.” Prompto teases, nudging Noctis with his shoulder. “Your back’s not gonna like you tomorrow morning if you decide to sleep here, yanno?”
“That’s a problem for tomorrow, not tonight.”
Prompto laughs, “You are so going to regret what you said.”
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Prince Night Light [03:30]: Heads up, Prom wants a cat.
Grumpcle Ardyn [05:31]: Are there any specific attributes he is looking for?
Prince Night Light [12:05]: I guess something as close as me?
Grumpcle Ardyn [19:02]: Ah, then that can be easily arranged.
Prince Night Light [19:03]: You’ve expected this, too, huh?
Grumpcle Ardyn [19:05]: Why, of course! What kind of a father would I be if I hadn’t taken notice of the littler things?
Prince Night Light [19:06]: The weird one.
Grumpcle Ardyn [19:08]: All’s fair in fatherhood, dear Noctis.
Grumpcle Ardyn [19:08]: You will lend a hand in taking care of the cat, will you not?
Prince Night Light [19:09]: Yes. Duh. It’s a cat. Why wouldn’t I help raise it with Prom?
Grumpcle Ardyn [19:10]: Then I will add The Basics of Parenthood in our lessons.
Prince Night Light [19:12]: Please no
Prince Night Light [19:12]: It’s just a cat.
Grumpcle Ardyn [19:13]: Whether it’s a babe or an animal, the act of nurturing one demands responsibility, accountability, and cooperation-- one of which requires more refinement based on the state of your apartment.
Grumpcle Ardyn [19:13]: As I’ve mentioned in our previous lessons, a relationship requires balance and stability.
Prince Night Light [19:15]: Okay, okay, we can talk about that on the next day.
Prince Night Light [19:16]: Please don’t make this chat as a virtual classroom.
Grumpcle Ardyn [19:17]: Fortunately for you, I, too, prefer separating work and personal affairs. And as such, I shall let you go.
Prince Night Light [19:17]: Thank Astrals for that.
────────────────────────────────────
FishKing [09:08]: Your dad and I have a surprise for you.
Promegranate [09:10]: omg really?
FishKing [09:11]: Mhm, I’ll pick you up now.
Promegranate [09:12]: now???
Promegranate [09:12]: gimme five to prepare? (^◇^；)
FishKing [09:13]: Sure bb
Promegranate [09:14]: ur the best!! (✿˵•́ ૩•̀˵)৴♡*
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Prompto, with all the boundless energy he has up his sleeves, doesn’t sit still on the way to Noct’s apartment. He asks one question after another, all met with an amused look.
“It’s not going to be a surprise if I just tell you,” Noctis says, very nearly steering the car to a light post. He does not want to lose his license just after acquiring it.
His response elicits a whine, “I know! But could you please just give me a little hint?”
“We’re almost there, Prom.” He pretends not to see Prompto pout at the corner of his eyes. Less distractions. Eyes on the road.
By the time they do reach the apartment, Prompto rushes out first out of the car and all but tugs Noctis out of his spot. “Come on, come on, let’s go!”
“Eager much?” Noctis laughs, letting the blond lead him pass the stationed glaives and towards the elevator.
Just as the elevator shuts and lifts them up to Noctis’ floor, Prompto sticks out his tongue. “Duh, it’s your and Pops’ surprise! It’s not everyday I see you both scheming up something.”
“Point taken.” Noctis pulls his phone out of his pocket and sends a quick message to Ardyn. As soon as he feels movement on his left, Noctis presses his phone against his chest. “Hey, no peeking!”
That doesn’t stop Prompto from hooking his chin against Noct’s shoulder and pouting, however.
“I promise it’ll be worth the wait.” With a faint chuckle, Noct grasps the blond’s hand and rubs his palm soothingly. They stand in comfortable silence, hand in hand, until the elevator dings. “That’s our cue. Come on.”
The thing about nervousness is that it strikes someone without reason, even if there’s nothing to be concerned about. By all accounts, everything should sail smoothly from here on out. He knows that Prompto’s looking for a companion in his home, and he knows that Ardyn has their best interest in mind. So now, as he and Prompto stand in front of the door to his apartment, his mind thinks of the silliest doubt: what if Prompto doesn’t like the cat?
Like he said, it’s asinine— something so easily random and dismissible that when he feels Prompto squeeze his hand in gentle reassurance, the traces of that doubt fades into obscurity. He looks down at their hands, woven and interlinked without a care in the world. It feels right. They feel right.
Taking a deep breath, Noctis unlocks and opens the door.
They’ll be fine.
As soon as the door swings open, Ardyn’s voice greets them from the living room. “Ah, you’ve finally arrived. I must say, you have taken your time to get here.”
“You can blame the traffic for that one,” Noctis comments.
After briefly leaving behind their shoes, Prompto calls out in response, “Hey, Pops! Where’s the— oh my gods, is that a cat?”
The cat— or kitten— in question is a direct contrast to what Noctis had look like. It certainly won’t take the moniker of any night or moon related names when it’s an orange (floofy) tabby. What does make it selected from all the other cats Ardyn has perused are require simple actually: 1.) it’s gentle, and 2.) it likes cuddles.
On paper, it’s the perfect cat for someone as affectionate as Prompto.
“Yep, your very own cat.” Noctis grins, watching the blond carefully tiptoe towards the couch where Ardyn and the cat sits. He takes a seat at the other edge of the couch, waiting with bated breath for the kitten to grow curious and approach him. Fortunately for them, they don’t have to wait long.
“He’s mine?” Prompto repeats softly. Uncertain whether to lay his hand on the kitten, the blond stays still.
Leaning against the armrest, Ardyn answers. “Indeed. Though I suspect a certain prince would like to lend a hand.”
Prompto’s eyes immediately flies over to Noctis, who sheepishly looks to the side. “I know you can handle him just fine, but if ever you need some help, I’m here.”
“I don’t know what to say. Th- thank you so much.” Blue eyes drift back to the tabby, who’s more or less grew to like Prompto enough to occupy his lap and lie down in peace. “Does he have a name?”
“He has a rather lengthy one, courtesy of his previous owners. If I recall correctly, his full name is Duke Fluffington the First.”
Both Noctis and Prompto blink, but it’s the former who speaks up. “Did you get the cat from a noble?”
“Your phrasing makes me appear as a cat burglar, dear Noctis, which I am most certainly not. That would be you.” Ardyn casually ignores the way Noctis gives him a narrowed stare. “I’ve recalled Miss Elshett expressing her concern over her cats when one of them had given birth to a litter. Duke Fluffington here is the eldest.”
“Huh, you haven’t mentioned it’s from Monica.” Noctis peers down at the kitten leaning against Prompto’s palm, purring. Yeah, he knows first-hand of what it feels like to get head rubs from Prompto. Is he jealous? Of course not.
Maybe.
It’s a cute cat in his defense.
“I haven’t felt the need to, since it would more likely earn a new name.” To Prompto, Ardyn addresses, “Of course, the decision is entirely up to you.”
“I mean, it’s an adorable name, just unexpected.” Prompto chuckles. “Well, if you’re going to be co-parenting with me, what do you think, Noct?”
“I’m fine with either. I’m not going to say the whole name every time, that’s for certain.” Noctis shrugs, stepping closer to the couch and sitting atop the armrest beside Prompto. No one here is going to stop him from sitting like an uncultured swine.
Prompto hums in agreement. “Same here. I think he’s fine just the way he is, isn’t that right, little buddy? Who’s a cute cat? You are!”
The kitten purrs. Behold, Duke Fluffington the First has spoken.
While Prompto’s occupied, Noctis glances over to Ardyn, who in turn gives him a subtle nod of approval.
Mission Get Prompto a Cat is a success.
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Under the blanket of the night, a quiet voice whispers beside him. “Hey, Noct?”
A muffled “Hmm?” is all Noct can muster when his consciousness dances at the edge of a cliff. Just one small step and he’s gone prancing about in the dreamscape.
“Thank you,” Prompto sighs. Noctis feels a tuft of blond hair tickle his chin as the blond snuggles closer. “For everything.”
“’s no problem.”
They’ve come this far, haven’t they?
“Everything’s gonna be okay, Prom. I promise.”
“Okay, I trust you." A beat of silence. "Ever at your side.”
They rest under the full moon’s embrace.