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Generally speaking, Noctis is a cat person. He doesn’t own one, but he’d like to, and he used to clip a collar and tail onto his boyfriend on occasion, back when they had privacy and access to fetish stores. Now that they’re out in the wild, settling for the odd sighting of a furry four-legged friend is all he can hope for. They’re parked at a gas station in a small stop off the highway, and there are no cats around, but there is a dog. Which is kind of close. Everybody else is busy inside, but Noctis gets bored of cruising the same old utilitarian goods, and he knows Ignis will buy whatever he needs anyway. So he wanders out to pet the dog.
There’s no owner around. The dog has a collar, so it must be attached to someone, maybe a nearby business owner or something—it’s sitting in the corner of the parking lot with a chill demeanor—just how Noctis, the nap king, likes it. The dog doesn’t bark when Noctis approaches, just pants up at him with a big pink tongue lolling out. Its black eyes aren’t as intelligent as Umbra’s, but it still looks nice. And Noctis has had a rough go if it lately—he could use some soft, cheery company. He kneels down and reaches out, hand hovering tentatively in front of its face. It sniffs his fingers, then licks his palm.
With a small grin, Noctis mutters, “Good boy,” and pats its head. It leans eagerly into it, so Noctis scratches behind its ear and pets down its neck, rifling through the fuzzy black-white fur. He vaguely remembers asking his father for a dog once, when he was very small, but his father said no, mainly because he said Ignis would wind up doing all the work. Noctis had stomped his foot and insisted he’d be responsible, but looking back, his father was right—everything would’ve fallen on Ignis’ shoulders. He still barely even feeds and bathes himself. He never gets out for walks unless Ignis or Gladiolus drags him. He argued that he could’ve at least had a cat, which would be easier to take care of, but his father had asked if he’d clean the litter box himself, and even back then, Noctis knew that was a no-go. He doesn’t really want to do all the caretaking stuff. He just wants to pet something cute and know that it loves him.
Something nudges his shoulder, and he glances sideways to find a nest of gold hair rubbing into him. Kneeling beside him, Prompto mewls, “Noooct.”
“Prom,” Noctis snorts, elbowing Prompto aside. The dog peers curiously between them, tail dragging back and forth across the pavement, and Noctis moves on to scratching its back.
Prompto pouts at him—that exaggerated, adorable pout that’s obviously meant to make a point. Noctis tries to feign concern but is just fighting a grin. He asks, “What’s wrong?”
Prompto sniffs, “Nothing.” Noctis nods as though that’s true and starts petting the dog from the very top of its head down to its collar. He barely gets two strokes in before Prompto mumbles, “I miiiight be jealous.” His face flushes pink, more than the usual sunburn, highlight the pretty smattering of freckles crossing the bridge of his nose. He holds up his hand, thumb and forefinger close together, adding, “Just a little.”
Noctis knows he’s teasing. It’s obviously a joke, because he must know that Noctis loves him way more than some stray dog. Noctis just hasn’t pet Prompto much lately because they’re always wedged between witnesses, and he dies of embarrassment every time Ignis tells him to keep it in his pants. In theory, he should be able to ruffle Prompto’s hair and stroke Prompto’s back without taking off his pants. In practice, he can’t.
He glances back towards the gas station, where the glass doors are closed and the vague figures of his retainers are meandering around the isles. The rest of the parking lot’s empty. There may as well be tumble weeds crossing the road.
Noctis has stopped petting the dog, so the dog’s stopped caring about him—it ambles off in a random direction, hopefully on its way home. Noctis grunts, “So much for dogs being loyal.”
“Chocobos are loyal,” Prompto points out. “And kittens.” He winks. “And besties.” Then he ducks and headbutts Noctis’ arms again.
Noctis grins and reaches up to pet through his silky blond hair—he tilts back and preens, sighing in delight. He always melts so fast in Noctis’ hands. He looks beautiful, and so hot, even without his collar on. Noctis still regrets not bringing that. Every time they pass a gas station with pet supplies, his eyes glue to any and every kind of harness and leash. The headband with fluffy ears and the plug with an attached tail will be harder to replicate. He’s still hoping he gets new ones someday.
Prompto’s also just fine how he is, and he responds to Noctis petting him like they’re back in Noctis’ apartment and he’s riding Noctis’ lap. He groans happily, squirming and pushing into Noctis’ hand. Noctis can’t resist murmuring, “Good boy.”
Prompto shivers, like he always does for praise, and he gets that look in those gorgeous blue eyes like he wants to lick Noctis all over. Noctis can feel himself leaning closer, wanting the same thing.
But the door pushes open, and Gladiolus calls, “Hey, we’re heading out again! And we’re having cup noodles tonight!” He pulls one of the plastic packages out of his grocery bag, brandishing it high. It shines in the sun, promising a delicious dinner.
Noctis just wishes he could have a delicious dessert. But he gives his kitty a final pat and settles for spending time with good buds while Prompto texts him hearts from the front seat.