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Day 15: Map
“Fuckin’ Six , this place is big,” Gladiolus grunts, looking at his tri-fold pamphlet. “I never thought I’d need a map to navigate a damn mall.”
“Well, seems pretty normal to me,” Prompto says, shrugging as he peers over Gladio’s arm. “‘You are here,’” he points, reading the text below the little red star at the bottom of the map.
“The old mall had a map, but not one nearly as extensive,” Ignis says, looking at his own pamphlet. He blinks, looking up at Gladiolus. “You never followed a map before the renovations?”
“Didn’t need to, I just followed Iris and all her little friends around. ‘Sides, the only store I ever went to was Camping Depot .” Gladiolus puffs out his chest, amber eyes twinkling. “And I know that place like the back of my hand. Don’t need no map.”
“What ticks me off,” Noctis interjects, peering at the tri-fold in Ignis’ hands, “is why the hell all the stores that I want to go to are on completely separate levels. The video game store and the comic book shop are on the second floor, next to the food court--”
“--Ooooooh, and they have a Kenny Crow Jr.’s!” Prompto exclaims. “Could use a burger later.”
“--and then, the hobby shop is all the way at the third level, like, completely out of the way.” Noctis grunts. “That’s so much walking.”
“What’s at the hobby shop, darling?” Ignis asks.
“Like, anime shit,” Prompto says, dreamy look on his face. “Figures and posters and stuff like that.”
“Like artists’ alley at a con,” Noctis says. “On a smaller scale. Officially licensed merch.”
“And there are so many people here,” Gladio sighs. “Dunno why you brats wanted to come on opening weekend.”
“Duh, because of all the great deals!” Prompto beams. “I’m a coupon kinda’ guy, for sure.” He waves the thick coupon book the mall attendants handed out to the first five hundred customers. “You won’t catch Prompto Argentum paying full price!
Ignis rolls his eyes, but he gazes at Prompto with affection. “As if you are not in a relationship with the prince of the whole country,” he chews. “Who could very well buy out the entirety of this establishment three times over.”
“Aw, well, I know, but I still...feel kinda bad askin’ for stuff,” Prompto laughs. “I do make my own money, y’know. That sweet sweet Crownsguard stipend.”
Gladiolus swats him on the ass. “Come on, Mr. Moneybags. Let’s get going in this damn jungle, if we’re gonna get anywhere today.”
Prompto only laughs, grabbing Gladio’s hand. He reaches out for Noctis, and the prince beelines for his blond best friend, gripping his palm tight.
Ignis sidles up on Noct’s other side, keeping the mall map open. “Oh, would you look at that— Williams & Sonoma isn’t too far down this way. Mind if we take a peek before heading up the escalators to your game shop?”
“Oooooooh,” Prompto says, swinging his & Noct’s arms. “Whatcha gonna get, Igster? New apron? New appliances?”
“Incredibly overpriced, the lot of it,” Ignis laughs. “Though, his Highness has generously agreed to purchase some new baking dishes. Apparently Le Creuset has a new Chocobo collaboration, with seventy-percent of proceeds going directly to Wiz Chocobo Ranch out in the country, to fund care and conservation.”
“Stop, stop stop stop,” Prompto says, fingers wiggling out of Noct’s grip to grasp at his chest dramatically. “That is the coolest freakin’ thing I’ve ever heard. Ignis, you’re wonderful. Please marry me.”
Ignis laughs, color rising to his cheeks as the quartet turns the corner, massive six-row escalator in front of them now, leading up to the second floor of the newly-renovated downtown shopping complex. “In due time, love.”
He leads them into the massive kitchen goods store; Noctis and Gladiolus head straight for the center checkout, where employees are dutifully cooking samples of foods using in-store sauces and spices, while Prompto follows Ignis around to the stacks of shiny new baking dishes, bright yellow with Prompt’s favorite animal emblazoned all along the sides.
Prompto’s eyes sparkle at the cutesy-yet-expensive collaboration, but Ignis’ attention is very quickly captured by a different kind of map: the freckles dotted along Prompto’s pink cheeks, and he can’t resist bending down to press his lips below Prompto’s gorgeous eyes.