Chapter Text
Cor remembered the first time he met you. (Cor: 14, Reader:13)
He was only fourteen, not long a member of the Crownsguard. The Crownsguard and the Kingsglaives had to function together. So they often trained together. It also meant that when new glaives were due to be selected, the Crownsguard would test their mettle. It was the first time he’d taken part. A fresh batch of potential glaives had come in from the most recent refugees. You were the youngest by a long shot and looked just as out of place as he did within the Crownsguard. He watched as the potential glaives were assigned a partner until the two captains reached you. He was frustrated to be paired with you. A mere girl. But his arrogance had him on his back moments after the practice fight started with your forearm at his neck and your legs straddling his chest. He quickly knocked you off and went for you with his typical recklessness. It wasn’t long before the fight was called off and he had to be peeled from you. Later it would be known that you were the youngest ever to be granted the power of the King required to be a glaive.
Cor remembered the first time he realised you were already his friend. (C: 16, R:15)
Banter between the Crownsguard and the Kingsglaive was a given considering they were two selective branches of Lucis’ military. But he hated the moniker that he’d gained at fifteen. The Immortal. It isolated him further from within the guards on top of his age. He hated that he still had to study. The only blessing was you did too. When Prince Regis was in a particularly long meeting, you studied together.
“Cor?” You asked, bored after only twenty minutes. You were close enough in age that you could just about study the same material and you were working through a particularly tough chapter on the history of Nifelhiem.
“Yeah?” He grunted in reply.
“You wanna bail?” Your question made him look up from the textbook with a raised eyebrow. Where could the two of you go and not get told off? “Kitchens.” You answered the silent question. “The cook says I remind her of her daughter when she was younger.” With a nod from Cor you grinned. You packed up and led him down to the kitchens where you were both handed a large chunk of bread pudding and a mug of tea. Hiding under the table, you sat and talked about anything and everything that came to mind. He felt...
Normal.
Cor remembered the first time he thought you could be more than a friend. (C: 19, R: 18)
You trained together at least twice a week ever since Lucis had started to push back against the Empire. Often more. Cor liked training with you. Your ability to warp and use the King’s magic added a depth to your scuffles that he never had with the other members of the Crownsguard. And the other glaives chose to train almost exclusively with each other. You were both fighting beyond the wall often enough now that you simply enjoyed each others company while training together. Cor brandished one of the training swords while you had one of the knives dancing through your fingers. Your respective jackets had already been cast aside. It wasn’t that they restricted your movements. It was more than you’d managed to rip each others more than than once and been scolded for it.
“Ready?” Cor asked. You smiled at him with a wink before launching yourself at him. Your first slice was lazy and he knew it, blocking with easy. “You gotta do better than that.” He swung wide, forcing you to flip back and away from him. Cor thrust forward to where you were going to land. But it never connected. You warped away at the top of your flip, landing a few meters away.
“And you have to actually try to hit me, good sir.” You called.
“You’re taunting me, my lady?” He chuckled. The pet names were habit that had started to get both of you used to the required etiquette of the Citadel. But with that, he really went for you. The training weapons clashed and skidded off each other. Your after-images added to the distraction of the echoes that bounced around the room. After several minutes of you darting in and out to swipe at him, Cor managed to hook an arm around your waist. He locked you in place against his side and stared you down. He could feel you strain against him, but you didn’t look away. As you struggled in his grip and he could smell the tang of your sweat. His eyes inadvertently followed a bead of sweat roll down your face and cling to your jaw. He could feel you flush against him. He slowly relaxed his arm and you slipped away with a small step back. When had his snacks-under-the-table friend become a woman? You slammed his temple with the heel of your dagger, expecting him to block the move. The almighty thunk that silenced the room shocked you both.
“Shit, Cor.” You yelped, dropping your weapon. Your hands flew up to cradle his head as if you could undo what you’d just done. “You’re supposed to dodge.”
“Yeah... supposed to.” Cor groaned. His head was going to hurt for a good few days.
Cor remembered when he first felt jealous. (C: 20, R: 19)
Cor had met you down in the kitchens for breakfast, shooing away the young boys who’d brought the tea and pastries when you arrived. It was a recent addition to the time he tried to spend with you. You were going outside the city walls more and more often. His little pocket of happiness was interrupted when Clarus strode through the door.
“Good morning.” You smiled, waving a half eaten chocolate croissant his way. Cor frowned at your friendly greeting.
“Good morning.” He bobbed his head in reply. Cor’s frown deepened. Surely it was just the Shield minding his manners.
“Would you like one?” You offered.
“Not for myself, but His Highness might.” At the mention of royalty, the Prince ambled into the kitchen. You jumped off the table and bowed. Cor did the same but much more smoothly, choosing to elbow you in the side as he stood straight again. He didn’t have to bow, he only did it to help your nerves.
“If you’d be so kind as to share, I would be most glad.” Regis smiled.
“Oh... of course, sir. Your Highness.” You corrected yourself. Cor grinned at your panicking.
“You can relax, I know you, [Name]. You serve my father well.”
“Thank you.”
“Your captain praises you often. As do both Clarus and Cor.” The Prince’s words lit up your face but cast shadows over Cor’s. Clarus praised you? To the Prince? How often did he watch you train? “I hope when the time comes you will serve me as you have my father.”
“Of course!” You spoke a little too quickly.
“I will remember your kindness here this day too. I hope one day I may repay it rather than simply continue to ask more of you.” The Prince sighed. “Like your being the escort for my lady.” The Prince’s betrothal had been big news. Cor had almost forgotten. You were part of the guard assigned to bring her into Insomnia.
“Mind yourself when you leave this evening.” Clarus said softly to you. “The Empire is becoming more ruthless everyday.” Cor suppressed the urge to put himself between you and the shield.
“Thank you, sir.” You bobbed a bow.
“Well, must get back to the... um... grind?” Regis attempted to joke. You were the only one that giggled nervously. With that the Prince and his bodyguard left the kitchen.
“Uh... Cor?” You asked, punching his shoulder. “What was that about?”
“Don’t flirt with Clarus, he’s like. Old.” Cor grumbled. “And the Prince’s sworn shield. I don’t think he’s even allowed to date like normal people do.”
“Being nice and respectful is so not flirting.”
“Looked like it from here.”
Cor remembered when he said it aloud for all to hear. (C: 21, R: 20)
You’d promised to call him if there were any problems with a laugh and a smile, swatting at him before leaving the training room after an intense private session. He wanted to go with you, but the Prince needed escorting to a meeting outside of the Citadel and Cor had long been accepted as a glorified assistant and driver. So Cor was stuck in a restaurant on the ground floor of a fancy hotel while important discussions were happening. Every so often you’d send him a photo of you and the girlfriends you were drinking with. He recognised one of the other glaives but the others must have been friends from outside of work. They were all harmless photos, but you were almost always smiling in them. The meeting went on until almost midnight, Cor had been slamming down coffees for the last hour to keep himself awake for the drive back to the Citadel. He’d be awake for hours, but he needed it. When he finally dropped off Regis he switched to his own car and started the drive home, yawning. His phone buzzed in his pocket and Cor ignored it until he got home. He was a safe driver after all.
Help. Asshole won’t leave me alone.
Cor froze, still in the car. It was just after midnight. If he drove quickly he could get to the bar within about 25 minutes.
------------
He saw you before you saw him and he didn’t like what he saw. You were cowering slightly under the gaze of a taller man. You were dressed for a night out, he recognised the outfit from the photos you’d sent earlier, but slightly dishevelled as if you’d wriggled out of someone’s grasp. Cor’s blood started to boil. Who’d dared put his hands on you? He glared at the man hovering over you with a smirk. He knew that face from somewhere. It wasn’t until the mystery man spoke that it clicked.
“Babe, come on. My personal chauffeur will be here soon.” That could only be Lord Hein’s son, well known for using his father’s influence to get what he wanted. “You know you want to.” Cor saw panic flash in your eyes and rage flared inside of him. He strode over, clenching his fists repeatedly. Not many would recognise you out of uniform. Especially the lords. They pretended the glaives were mere weapons. Not human.
“Master Hein.” Cor said as smoothly as he could. He dropped a bow when the young lordling looked at him. “I didn’t expect to see you here.” Cor could see the cogs turning despite the fuzz of alcohol that was clearly in the others system.
“Cor the Immortal.” He blurted. “Crownsguard.” He drew himself away from you and nodded at Cor. “Pleasure.” Your eyes flitted over to Cor, pleading with you silently. “I didn’t expect to see you here either.” He attempted to step in front of you.
“I was with His Highness until only moments ago. I promised to meet my lady.” Cor gestured to you, holding out his hand. “I was supposed to be here hours ago.” You skirted around the lord and slipped your hand into Cor’s. You squeezed his hand in thanks. He’d never planned to come meet you tonight. But he was glad he’d driven like a mad man to come. You half hid behind him, pressing yourself against his arm.
“Your lady?” The young lord spluttered.
“Yes. My lady.” Cor knew it was true. It had been true for years. He’d come out at any hour to come save you. Only you. “[Name], let’s go home.”
Cor remembered asking you. (C: 22, R: 21)
The apartment was pristine, the table set for two, wine at the ready and food mere minutes away from being ready. After Regis’ had become King you’d both become busier. The new King had also lost a friend in Cid as he solidified his position with his council. Cor was his confidant, since the Sworn Shield was somewhat distracted with his new son, and suffered at the King’s not so subtle hints that he really should do something about his feelings. He heard you come through the door, you’d long since had a copy of his front door key. He enjoyed the surprised look on your face when you came into the open plan living room.
“Cor? What’s this for?”
“Happy Birthday.” He smiled. “I thought I’d cook.”
“You don’t cook.” You laughed.
“I had one of the King’s chefs show me a few things.” He admitted.
“For little ol’ me?” You teased, sitting down. For you he’d suffered numerous cuts and burns. He’d do it again. He let you tell him about your most recent excursion with the glaives outside the walls as you ate, glad that you hadn’t clashed with the Empire directly this time. You both moved to the sofa with glasses in hand once you’d finished, leaving the dishes for another time.
“So, what’s really with the dinner?” You asked, turning to face him. “I’ve been here plenty of birthday’s before this one. You’ve never cooked before.”
“I figured it was time.”
“Time?”
“You should live here. With me.” He blurted.
“Cor, don’t joke about this.” You shifted in place. “I know I stay over a lot, but-”
“I want you here. I want you here with me.” He put down his glass and gently took your hands in his. “I should have done this sooner.” He hoped his hands weren’t shaking. “Would you- shit... Give me a second.” He paused, trying to find a moment of calm. “Would you go out with me?” He watched as you process what he said, he thought he saw a flicker of regret on your face before you flung your arms around him, slinging the contents of your wine glass over the floor.
“Oh Six. Cor.” You gasped into his shoulder. “Of course I will.” He carefully kissed you. When you came up he was stunned. You were crying. “You’re such an idiot. I’ve loved you for forever.”
Cor remembered breaking your heart for his King. (C:26, R:25)
He’d been direct to the King’s private office by his captain. Ushered quietly into a room by Clarus he was shocked to see you there, a swaddled babe in your arms.
“[Name] returned this morning.” Regis explained. “And brought back this...” He searched for the right word to use. “Boy.”
“From where?” Cor asked, enthralled by how you gently rocked your small burden.
“An MT production facility.” Regis stated bluntly. “It seems the Empire does not treat it’s subjects with the same care as we do.” Cor didn’t miss the spasm of emotion that flashed on your face. “He, the boy, was one of many-”
“He has a name.” Your voice was raw. “Prompto.”
“Prompto,” The King conceeded, “- was one of many. We believed the Empire had been experimenting on it’s subjects before this. This simply confirms our fears.”
“What will you do with... him?” Cor asked carefully.
“We must keep an eye on him.” Regis sighed. “We do not know what they have done to him. A pair of researchers recently married-”
“With all due respect your Highness, he should stay with me.” You said quickly. “He knows me.”
“You can not have him.” Regis used his King’s voice. The voice that was law. “He will go to the researchers so that they can watch him. You have your duties.”
“No... please.” You sobbed.
“Cor, take the child from her before she does something foolish.” Cor obeyed his King, hating how you looked so broken.
Cor remembered when you told him. (C:26, R:25)
He knew that if you could have, you would have run from him. Instead you trained with the glaives like you were out to get under everyone’s skin so that they would pummel you into the ground. Your captain had shoved you in a taxi and forced you home. You’d sat on the sofa, knees drawn up to your chest, refusing to eat.
“Please. Eat something.” Cor’s voice cracked. He’d never meant to hurt you, never knew how much that little boy meant.
“Tell me they’ll love him.” You whispered, hiding your face in your knees.
“[Name]...”
“He deserves to be loved.” You whimpered.
“He, Prompto, will be.”
“They won’t call him that.” A sob shook you. “Why would they call him that?”
“Because I asked them to.” Cor said softly. Your head snapped up. “This isn’t just about Prompto, is it?” You shook your head and squeezed yourself. “I’ve never seen you so attached to a child-”
“I can’t have one.” You sobbed. Cor felt things click into place. The lack of sanitary goods and your relaxed attitude when it came to sex. You’d never panicked over possibly becoming pregnant when he’d been forgetful.
“How...?” Cor wanted to ask how you knew, when you knew.
“All of us.”
“All?”
“The glaives.”
“What?” His blood ran cold with realization. None of the glaives had ever had any children. Not even the men with the promiscuity they were known for.
“I’m so sorry, Cor.” You cried, unable to stop the tears. He drew you close and held you tightly.
“You didn’t do anything wrong.” He tried to sooth you. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Cor remembered when Prompto turned 10 years old. (C:35,R:34)
He’d kept a close eye on the boy. His boy. Not that he’d tell anyone but you he thought that. He’d seethed when he realised the ‘parents’ had stopped paying attention when it became clear that he wasn’t about to mutate into some daemonic creature on his own. He done his best to be a presence in Prompto’s life without overstepping. The King did not approve of Cor’s presence in the boy’s life, but reluctantly accepted when it became clear that the child was being neglected.
“Is that for me?” Prompto’s eyes were wide. A whole birthday cake, just for him.
“I asked my wife to make it.” Cor grinned. “It’s a bit bigger than expected. I did tell her you were ten.”
“It’s amazing. It’s got a chocobo on it.”
“She wanted to come too, but work.” It was a feeble excuse, but true. Somehow you were always away on week long missions around the boy’s birthday.
“It’s fine.” Cor could barely understand how Prompto handled being ignored by the people who were legally his parents. How a child could be so forgiving.
“I got you something too.” He pulled out a small box from under the table and slid it over. “Well, open it.” Prompto opened the paper carefully, like he was being scrutinised Cor realised. The poor thing had been under a microscope most of his life.
“A camera?” Prompto was stunned. “But my parents said...”
“I’m not your parent.” Cor tried to smile. “And I say you get one.” Prompto nearly threw himself across the table to hug Cor. Sniffles and shaking told him the boy was crying. “Come on, one more present.” Prompto sat back on his heels despite being on the table. “Want to go to a petting zoo?”
Cor remembered saying goodbye. (C:45, R:44)
“Take care on the wall.” You said softly, kissing his forehead.
“Take care of yourself, not just the King.” Cor replied, taking your hands and kissing them. “I still can’t believe that the Crownsguard has been assigned to the walls.”
“King’s have their reasons. We know that better than most.” You said softly. “I’m just glad that Prom isn’t here. Those people from Nifelheim. I just want to run them through.” You’d ended up growling like a mother bear, protective of her cub.
“Do that and the treaty will never happen.” Cor joked. He brushed his knuckle down your cheek. “He will be safe. He is the friend and confidant of the Prince.”
“I do hope so, Cor.”
“Go on, be safe. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”