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It was a normal day for Noctis Lucis Caelum.
About 7am in the morning, Ignis comes in to rouse him out of the bed after silencing the alarm five times prior to arrival. If Noctis didn’t get up on his own, he knows he will be effectively dragged out of bed by Ignis. After that, it’s time to get ready. Freshen up in the bathroom, brush teeth, take a shower if need be, shove last night’s homework assignments into his shoulder bag, stumble out of the bathroom and join Ignis at the table for a warm breakfast.
The only good thing about getting up in the morning was breakfast. Ignis always made a delicious breakfast (sometimes albeit healthy) but often it was a breakfast pastry, oatmeal, pancakes, or eggs and waffles. Now that is something Noctis would never complain about, it was too delicious.
After breakfast and quickly sorting through his phone, looking at the royal schedule for the day was next. Usually it was filled with reports or meetings, or on very special days, a slot was filled in for Noctis to see his dad.
After that, Noctis locks up his apartment and heads downstairs with Ignis who then drops him off at school. At first, his classmates always gawked and ooo’d when Ignis would pull up in the citadel car, but at this point thankfully, they just had gotten used to it.
Next is waving bye to Ignis, dragging his tired and achy limbs out the car, and waiting for a high-pitched “good morning!” and a slap on the bottom from Prompto (secretly meeting Prompto was his favorite part of the day). However, that didn’t happen.
‘So maybe the day isn’t so normal after all.’ Noctis thought to himself as he noticed Prompto was not waiting for him at the gate.
That was new.
“No way I beat Prompto here.” Noctis scoffed as he pulled out his phone. There were no messages from Prompto, which was strange. Prompto hardly ever missed school and if he was running late he always let Noctis know ahead of time.
Yeah Ignis was a fast driver but no way he had beat Prompto who ran to school every morning.
“I notice Prompto is not here yet.” Ignis rolled down the window.
“Yeah. Weird.” Noctis turned to his advisor. Ignis always left after Noctis joined Prompto because he knew he was with his friend. “Let me send him a quick text.”
Noctis picked up his phone and began typing and as soon as he did, he heard familiar padded footsteps in the distance.
“Prompto!” Noctis said with some relief as he looked up.
Prompto was halfway jogging-stumbling down the sidewalk.
Ignis nodded to him and promptly rolled up the window and drove off.
“H-Hey!” Prompto stopped and hunched over to catch his breath. “Sorry I guess I got distracted on the way here haha.”
“Of course you did you dork.” Noctis shoved Prompto playfully who laughed. “I’m just glad you’re okay, I was getting worried.”
“The Crown Prince of Lucis worrying over a little plebe like me?” Prompto gasped dramatically.
“Yeah but you’re my plebe.” Noctis laughed as Prompto grinned. It was so nice to finally have a friend who liked him for who he was. “Come on, we’re gonna be late.”
“Righto!” Prompto joined Noctis in walking into the school building to start their day.
“Part two of our Calculus curriculum starts today. The problems from page 345 have been written on the board. I expect them to be done by the end of the class. You may begin and you may have a partner.”
Noctis groaned as he sunk further down in his desk. He hated calculus.
The students begrudgingly begin murmuring as they begin shuffling about the classroom to pair up with their partners.
Noctis slid his hands down his face to show his displeasure as that one girl who always wears too much perfume and too little shorts passed in front of him. Once she moved out of his line of vision, he could see Prompto.
Prompto immediately glanced up at him and Noctis just smiled.
Of course they were going to be partners they didn’t even need to ask.
Prompto gathered his things up and headed across the room, depositing himself into the desk next to Noctis.
“Half-n-half and then double check afterward?’”
“Sounds good.” Prompto sat his notebook down and pulled out his calculator.
The two boys begin working through the problems and halfway through, Noctis gave up and started staring outside. There was a particular spot on the ground that the sun was shining on and it was way more intriguing than the other five calculus problems waiting for his attention.
‘Nothing is more boring than calculus.’ Noctis thought mindlessly. The prince continued to stare until something caught his attention.
An unfamiliar sound.
Noctis glanced at Prompto who was diligently working on his own set of problems. But…he was breathing hard. The sound Noctis was hearing was the sound of Prompto breathing way harder than usual.
Noctis hadn’t given it much thought at first but when he realized how much Prompto was shaking it made him worried.
Now, everyone knew Prompto was a natural fidgeter, and he stimmed quite often. Prompto always bounced his leg, kinda like how Noctis always pulled at the string on his uniform shirt- it was normal. But the amount of force and speed Prompto was putting into his leg bouncing was not normal. It was a little more excessive than usual, to the point where Noctis felt his own leg bouncing.
“Prompto.” Noctis spoke softly.
“Wuh-huh?” Prompto nearly dropped his pencil as he looked over. “What’s up dude?”
“Uh, are you good?”
“What do you mean?” Prompto tilted his head.
“You are like, bouncing way harder than usual. I can hear your breathing. Are you okay?”
“Oh uh yeah that’s normal?”
“You’re breathing like you just ran a marathon dude.”
“I’m just a little tired, you know? And the sixes are starting to look like nines, and nines look like fours.” Prompto rubbed his eyes tiredly.
“Take a rest then. Calculus isn’t going anywhere.” Noctis patted Prompto’s shoulder.
“Nah if I don’t get these done I never will…and I’m pretty sure my calculus grade is already suffering.” Prompto looked down as he mindlessly tapped his pencil.
Noctis said nothing but instead sighed. “Then let’s get these done as fast as possible so we both can rest.”
Thankfully, they were able to get them all finished with a few minutes to spare before class was over.
All the students immediately made a beeline for their bags and began packing up, eager to get out and get their five minute break to switch classes. Noctis scooped up his own bag and shoved his notebook inside.
Beside him Prompto also packed up his things, putting them into a nice stack to carry back to his desk. Noctis watched as Prompto pushed his chair back and stood up, only to nearly collapse and have to grab onto the desk.
“Prompto!” Noctis cried as he reached for him.
Prompto gently brushed Noctis' hand away. “I’m okay Noct. I swear.”
Noctis watched with concern, mouth partially open desiring nothing but to protest, as Prompto wrapped an arm around his torso and forced himself to stand up.
“We better head to shop class. Come on.” Prompto grabbed his things and tiredly walked across the room.
‘Something is definitely wrong with him.’ Noctis thought to himself. Prompto was his friend and he wasn’t going to let him keep pretending he was okay when he wasn’t.
In shop class, things didn’t get much better. In shop, the students had to break off into groups and finish their building project. Noctis and Prompto were building a retractable and posable clothing mannequin to help with the community's charity clothing event (it was partly an idea from Ignis as well and Noctis and Prompto ran with it). Their school always supported the charity events and this was a perfect way to get extra credit.
Prompto and Noctis pulled off their goggles and gloves as they flopped down into their desks.
“Next phase is the rendering. We can get a head start on it.” Prompto offered.
Noctis agreed and they both opened their laptops to begin the 3D rendering phase before they actually had to finish printing and building.
“Rendering is so freaking hard.” Noctis sighed.
“Who are you telling?” Prompto added.
They two worked quietly as everyone shuffled about.
“Noct, do you have mint?”
“Uh yeah, give me a sec.” Noctis used his foot to lift his bag and begin digging inside. “Ignis always makes me keep mints in my bag, something about having good breath at all times?” The prince found a non-crushed mint and handed it to his best friend.
“Good ol’ Iggy for you. Always looking out for us.” Prompto laughed rather painfully as he took the mint. “Thanks dude you're a lifesaver.” The blonde hid a hiccup as he popped the mint into his mouth.
“Indigestion?” Noctis asked.
Maybe if he prodded gently, Prompto would stop lying that he was okay.
“Nah. Stomach hurts. Sometimes mints help.”
“I have more if you need them. Did you forget to eat breakfast again?” Noctis shook his head.
“Uh yeah something like that.” Prompto laughed awkwardly.
Noctis raised an eyebrow but decided to let it slide. ‘Tread lightly Noctis. If you keep asking, he’ll shut up completely.’
After shop class was the morning break period.
Noctis and Prompto slumped in front of their lockers as students passed by and also found somewhere to flop down and eat a brief snack or finish their homework that was due in the next ten minutes.
“Ugh. So tired.” Noctis slid onto the ground gracefully as Prompto flopped down beside him.
“For real though. It’s so busy for no reason today.” Prompto ran a hand through his messy hair.
“Oh yeah, you have enough time to eat a quick snack.”
“I don’t have anything in my bag I can eat.” Prompto shrugged.
“Come on Prompto, you know Specs always sends me with snacks.” Noctis grabbed his bag and began to rummage through it.
“Dude it’s fine, you always share your food with me!” Prompto shook his head.
“Prompto. Seriously.” Noctis sighed.
“Look Noct, if I eat something now I might not be able to keep it down. And the last class I need to make a fool of myself in is Mrs.Shandals. You know how she is.” Prompto sighed as well.
“You finally admitted it huh?”
“Admitted what?”
“That you were sick. This whole morning you’ve been faking like you're fine. I was waiting for you to trust me enough to tell me that you weren’t feeling well.” Noctis closed his bag.
“Wha?? Dude Noct it’s…” Prompto stuttered.
“Prompto. You're my friend. My best friend at that. I want to help you but I can’t unless you let me in.” Noctis looked down. “I get it. Being friends with the prince is hard, I know. You never want to ask me for anything out of fear that you’ll be accused of using my rank or being a fake friend. But I know you’re not like that. You would and are suffering in silence just to maintain our friendship.”
Prompto felt his eyes watering as he sniffled. “You’re my best friend Noct, I would never do anything to ruin our friendship.”
“And you’re my best friend Prompto.” Noctis smiled softly. “You’re the first person that I feel like getting out of bed for every morning. You make me the happiest I’ve been in a long time. So please talk to me. I care about you.”
Prompto inhaled shakily. “You know about my anxiety issue?”
“Yeah?”
“I had a really bad anxiety attack last night.” Prompto looked down. “When I finally woke up this morning…I had the worst stomach ache of my life.”
“You should’ve stayed home Prompto. Mental illness is no different than physical illness, you need to rest. And you have both. I remember you telling me you have anxiety-induced stomach aches.” Noctis shook his head.
“Can’t afford to stay home Noct. Gotta make it to school.” Prompto looked down as he wrapped his arm around his torso.
Noctis frowned. “You never miss any days, you would be just fine.”
“Yeah yeah.”
“How about we re-evaluate how you're feeling after lunch? Just try to take it easy for now.”
“...Okay.” Prompto relented. “That’s fair.”
Noctis smiled a bit. “Now come on. I’ll get you another mint and let’s get to chemistry AP class.”
Prompto allowed Noctis to help him up and the two headed down the hall to the next class.
The rest of the day dragged on. Noctis kept Prompto in his sights at all times. Prompto didn’t look any better but thankfully he didn’t look any worse either. Lunch came around and the two headed to the cafeteria.
“Wanna chill on the rooftop today?” Noctis offered.
“Sure, don’t really wanna be with people right now.” Prompto laughed.
Noctis grinned. “And don’t worry about lunch. You know Ignis only lets me eat in the cafeteria every once in a while. He sent some bento boxes with me.”
“Man if my stomach wasn’t actually trying to kill me I would tear through a bento box, ugh Ignis’ cooking is heavenly!”
“Well I’ll save it for you when you are better.” Noctis and Prompto headed around the cafeteria and to the stairs. “Oh yeah I’m gonna sneak the vegetables into yours too.”
“Only if you let me drink the last ChocoFanta when I’m better.”
“Deal.” Noctis smirked as he took his apartment key and warped onto the roof as Prompto begin to climb up the ladder to their usual spot.
Lunch went pretty well, it was always nice to see the clouds pass by and be away from the constant bustle of school. After lunch was over, Noctis and Prompto climbed down and made the quick jog across the building to their next class.
“If we run we should still have five minutes to wash up.” Noctis glanced at his phone and Prompto nodded.
The two made a quick run through the building and into the bathroom. Unfortunately, they did not beat the post-lunch bathroom rush but they both managed to squeeze in.
At some point Noctis had lost sight of Prompto. After a quick hand wash, he decided to wait outside for Prompto to come out so they could walk back together.
Noctis tapped his foot as the many other male students started to leave the bathroom and head to their next class. But no Prompto.
“Prompto?” Noctis called. ‘Did he already leave?’ The prince worriedly looked around but at this point class was starting and the halls were starting to quiet. Noctis called for Prompto once more, and checking the clock he noticed they were already a minute late.
“Oh well.” Noctis shrugged as he opened the bathroom door again. “Prompto? You in here? Or you left me?”
There wasn’t an answer at first but when Noctis shut the door and glanced around he finally found his friend.
“Prompto!” Noctis cried as he ran over.
Prompto was crouched in the corner, arms tightly gripping his sides, eyes screwed shut, completely silent.
“Noct?”
“Yeah it’s me Prompto.” Noctis kneeled beside his friend and put his arm around him to steady him.
“It hurts so bad.” Prompto choked as he gripped his shirt tighter.
“I’m sorry, Prompto.” Noctis frowned. “Where’s your bag? Let me get your medicine.”
“It’s...by...the door.”
Noctis got up and located Prompto’s bag. Once he found it, he began to search through it until he found a clear medicine case. “Found it! Okay hang on Prompto.”
Noctis opened the container and pulled out the clear package labeled "Friday". However, it was completely empty, unlike the other days which were already filled with medication for the next week.
“P-Prompto…you already took your medication?” Noctis asked as he felt his heart sink.
“Took three pills this morning.” Prompto sobbed. “Nothing works.”
Noctis had made up his mind at that moment. “Okay. You’re going home.” The prince put the medication case back and pulled out his phone.
“I-I can’t go home Noct, I don’t wanna be by myself.” Prompto whispered.
“I won’t let you be by yourself silly.” Noctis sighed as he sped dialed Ignis. “Specs?”
“Noct? Is everything alright? You’re supposed to be in Historical class right now.” Ignis picked up immediately and Noctis could tell he was either cooking or cleaning. Good, so he wasn’t in a meeting.
“Can you come pick me and Prompto up? Prompto’s really sick.” Noctis spoke.
“I’m on my way.” Ignis didn’t ask any questions and hung up.
“Ignis is on his way.” Noctis patted Prompto’s shoulder. “By the time we get to the nurse’s office he’ll be here to check us out.”
“I’m sorry for all the trouble.”
“Stop Prompto. You’re in pain and that’s not your fault.” Noctis sighed. “Now how do I get us out of here?”
Thankfully with ironic timing, the bathroom door opened.
Noctis immediately looked up. It was that one boy -Kevin, Devin, Bevin?- but he was generally nice to Prompto and he was one of the few kids who didn’t gawk over Noctis so they had that mutual cool respect even though they never talked (even though he was a sophomore they shared one class together).
“Hey.” Noctis said.
“Oh. Hey Prince Noctis.” The boy turned around. “Everything okay? Mr.Klein is looking for you and Prompto.”
“Actually no, me and Prompto are leaving early. Prompto’s really sick. Would you mind staying with him while I make a trip to the nurse’s office?”
“Sure.” Kevin(?) nodded.
“Nooooooooooo Noct!” Prompto wailed instantly. “Please don’t leave me!!”
“Okay, so new plan.” Noctis said instantly as he hugged Prompto to calm him down. “Can you tell Mr.Klein that Prompto is sick and we’ll be heading home early? I’ll try to get him down to the nurse’s office in the meantime.”
“Okay, I’ll let him know. And I can tell the nurse you guys are on your way.”
“I appreciate it, thank you.” Noctis smiled for once as his classmate smiled back. It was nice to see not everyone was complete jerks.
With Devin(?) on his way to class and to the nurse, Noctis took the time to focus on getting Prompto taken care of.
“Hang onto me Prompto.” Noctis placed Prompto’s arm around his neck in the firefighter rescue position and bracing his arm around his waist, hauled Prompto onto his feet. “Stay here. I’m going to carry you.”
Prompto said nothing as Noctis managed to maneuver him onto his back where he was carrying him, but he instead found himself crying as his stomach made contact with the back of Noctis’ jacket uniform.
“I’m sorry Prompto, it’ll be over soon.” Noctis placed Prompto’s arms around his neck and hung their bags onto his elbow before bracing his own arms under Prompto’s knees.
“Thank you Noct.” Prompto whispered as tears dripped from his face and faintly stained Noctis jacket.
“Don’t mention it. Hold on.” Noctis kicked open the bathroom door and began the slow trek down to the nurse’s office.
Of course by the time they arrived, Ignis was already standing outside talking to the nurse. Noctis missed whatever they were talking about but he roughly heard the mention of “absent parents”.
Ignis immediately ran to meet him, taking their bags and taking off his own jacket to wrap around Prompto. “I’ve already checked you both out and the car is in the front.”
“Alright let’s get going.” Noctis followed after Ignis. Once they made it outside, Noctis helped Prompto into the car and they headed for his apartment.
“Don’t pick me up again Noct.” Prompto sobbed. “I’m a horrible friend, you’re gonna hurt your back like this I can walk.”
“Prompto, His Highness back will be just fine. But to ease your concerns we will place an ice pack on it as well. But for now, our main concern is getting you taken care of.” Ignis spoke as the elevator door opened. Him and Noctis stepped out and Ignis used his key to open the door. “I will do my utmost best to care for you Prompto. However I am concerned that if you start displaying more symptoms that this may be something more serious like appendicitis or a ruptured spleen. If so, that will require a hospital visit.”
“No hospitals Iggy please.” Prompto sobbed as he held onto Noctis tighter.
Noctis flashed Ignis a begging expression knowing full well his friend didn’t need anything else to make him hysterical.
“No hospitals dear Prompto.” Ignis said softly.
“Promise?” Prompto choked.
“You have my word.” Ignis smiled softly. “Noct if you would?”
Noctis sat Prompto down carefully on the couch and pulled off his shoes, placing them by the door.
Ignis promptly went into the storage cabinet and pulled out a clear container. It was the first Prompto had seen it, and that was saying something as he had been to Noctis’ apartment more times than what was countable.
Inside the container was an assortment of items, water bottles, braces, first aid kit, and many other things. Ignis pulled out an ice pack and what looked like a weighted blanket. He then placed the ice pack into the freezer and brought the blanket to Prompto.
“Here. This is an instantaneous thirty second heating pad, it also can act as a weighted blanket.” Ignis plugged it into the wall and gently wrapped it around Prompto’s torso. “I will put it on high for you, however please feel free to adjust the heat.”
Prompto nodded and simply curled up around the heating pad, it was warm and it made his tears want to evaporate.
“Oh! Ignis pulled out the nice heating pad! Straight from my chronic pain kit!” Noctis smiled a little bit as he sat down next to Prompto.
“It’s really warm…”
“Isn’t it?” Noctis grinned as he pulled a blanket from the couch and put it on top of Prompto’s feet.
“A wise investment.” Ignis smiled a bit. “I will prepare coffee for me and you, Noct. Prompto I think some tea would do you well, perhaps ginger or peppermint?”
“Peppermint please.”
“Peppermint it is. Have you eaten anything?”
Prompto seemed to shrink in and Noctis spoke up. “He hasn’t eaten since dinner last night. I tried to get him to eat something but the only thing he ate was three peppermints.”
“Peppermints are stomach soothers so I see why. Peppermint scent can also help with anxiety. However, we need to get some food in your body as well. I will make a very light broth that you can sip.”
“Vegetable broth? Yuck.” Noctis stuck out his tongue which earned a watery laugh from Prompto.
“Is the heat helping you Prompto?” Ignis asked as he began moving swiftly through the kitchen.
“D-Definitely. My stomach still feels like it’s contracted and exploded at my sides though.”
“Have you taken any medication?”
“I took my anxiety medication, it’s as needed. I can take up to three at once…I took some this morning. It’s supposed to be an all day medication.”
“Right. We need to lessen your stress as much as possible. Don’t worry about your schoolwork, you and Noct already had your most important classes so if there’s any makeup work you can finish it next week on your mandated study hall day. And this is your second absence of the year. And I’ve already handled the matter about your parents.”
“My parents?” Prompto peeked out from under the blanket.
“Yes, King Regis signed an authorization form that allows me to attend to all your needs as a guardian figure.”
Tears ran out of Prompto’s eyes as he sobbed. “You didn’t have to go through all t-that. This happens every once in a while, all my stress builds up and I get the worst stomach ache ever. I always just ride it out. I’m sorry for being dramatic.”
Noctis felt his heart sink. To see Prompto like this…all this time, he just suffered at home alone? No one to take care of him? How many tears did he cry and no one saw? No one cared? Just the thought of Prompto suffering and bawling his eyes out by himself in his tiny and cold apartment made Noctis feel sick.
“You’re an idiot you know that right?” Noctis swallowed. “You think I was going to let you just suffer? Go back to your cold and dark apartment and cry by yourself? Never again Prompto. As long as I’m here.”
Ignis found himself smiling. It had been many years since Noctis put in a lot of effort for someone else.
“I know you’re used to being alone Prompto. Your parents haven’t been home in almost a decade. But you don’t have to be, we care about you.” Ignis spoke gently. “And I’m not just saying that. Me and Noctis are here with you. King Regis stopped his paperwork to get your release form signed. Gladiolus is at your apartment picking up things to bring here.”
“My things?” Prompto repeated.
“Yeah you're spending the weekend with us. How else are we gonna take care of you?” Noctis gently patted Prompto’s head. “So rest. The less anxiety you have the better.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Prompto whispered. “Except thank you…and I mean it. I always take care of myself…but I do need help.”
“And we’re here to help you.” Ignis said. “So for starters, I need you to take these pain killers for me. Extra strength acetaminophen.”
Prompto nodded and took the two pills from Ignis who handed him a glass of water. The blonde initially hesitated but swallowed the pills with the smallest sip of water possible. Noctis was convinced he had somehow swallowed those gel capsules without any type of liquid and shuddered at the thought.
“I would think it would be best if you could drink this glass of water.” Prompto immediately looked horrified. “Take your time and take it in small sips.”
“O-Okay.” Prompto took the glass and took very small sips. Every sip of water was like a cold ice pick stabbing into his stomach. It was empty and yet it felt full of flaming shards or one of the burning swords in King’s Knight.
The room remained silent as Prompto slowly drank the water cup. However by the near end of the glass, his stomach decided it was full of enough of nothing.
It was probably one of the most embarrassing moments of Prompto’s life not that he really had even understood what had happened, but at one point he was sipping water, and he hadn’t even been able to swallow it before it came trickling back out his mouth.
Noctis looked extremely worried as Ignis pushed the cup closer to Prompto’s mouth to catch the water he had spit out.
“I-I’m sorry!!”
“Hush Prompto.”
Prompto didn’t have the mental willpower to open his eyes but he could sense Ignis was rubbing his back and telling him it was okay and that he did a good job.
What the heck had even happened? Did the water literally just come out for no reason? And dang whatever that semi-spit episode was seriously hurt. Did he just have a moment like when babies spit out milk? How humiliating.
‘Let me be buried now’ Prompto thought wearily as he was laid back down.
Noctis pulled his jacket sleeve and used it to wipe the water off Prompto’s face.
“What the heck just happened?” Prompto mumbled.
“You kinda like, spit out half the water? You did say you felt like your stomach was bursting. It’s fine dude, Ignis caught most of it.” Noctis sat beside Prompto and used the edge of his sleeve to also wipe Prompto's tears.
“Yes, don't cry Prompto. There's nothing to be ashamed of. We need to work on getting the inflammation down in your stomach. The pain medicine should kick in soon, and once the pain has gone down you’ll find eating and drinking will be easier.” Ignis had moved back into the kitchen and resumed cooking.
“You need a nap bro.” Noctis said as he laughed.
“The Crown Prince of Naps telling me to go to sleep? Unbelievable.” Prompto shook his head. But he was tired.
“Oh whatever, go to sleep already.” Noctis picked up the remote and turned on the TV making sure to keep it on low.
Prompto lightly began to drift asleep, lured by the sounds of Ignis cooking, Noctis soft breathing and the low humming of the TV volume. At some point he vaguely woke up and glanced at the TV. Of course Noctis had put in his favorite superhero movie.
Gladio had also arrived at some point, but he was oddly quieter than usual. And then when Prompto was awoken by Ignis, Gladio was gone and Noctis had migrated to a blanket pile on the floor just below the couch, and changed into his pajamas.
“Prompto. Time for dinner.” Ignis spoke comfortingly. Like a parent consoling a distressed child. The advisor offered his non-soup holding hand.
Prompto tiredly opened his eyes and slowly sat up, using Ignis free arm to brace himself. Afterward, he was given a warm bowl of soup broth. It smelled so freaking good, Prompto could individually recognize the different spices Ignis used.
“It’s just broth today. Perhaps tomorrow we can try solids like noodles and soft vegetables.”
“Ah thank you so much Iggy.” Prompto found himself drooling. Oh yeah, he hadn’t eaten anything besides three peppermints in twenty four hours. The blonde gently sipped the soup. He feared an incident like the first one with the water, but instead the soup was warm and it felt good in his throat.
“Of course. Has the pain lessened any?”
Prompto nodded. “It doesn’t hurt as much…it’s slowly fading out.”
“Good, it should get better with lots of care and rest.” Ignis sat down across from Prompto. “I will be leaving for the night in a few hours but I have left everything within arm’s reach for you. Just be mindful not to step on Noctis when you get up.”
Prompto laughed as he nodded. He felt oddly sad that Ignis was leaving. Was Ignis just dropping him like a hot frying pan? Noctis was his responsibility not Prompto so it made sense. And Prompto was used to being abandoned, it’s what his parents had done as soon as he turned twelve. It didn’t hurt anymore.
Despite that, Prompto felt nothing but fear as Ignis spoke of leaving.
Ignis, as if he was sensing Prompto’s fears, gently placed his hand on his shoulder. “Me and Gladio will be back tomorrow. Gladio is coming at noon but I will be here as soon as the sun comes up.”
Prompto hesitated but nodded. “Okay. Thanks for everything you’ve done for me today.”
“You don’t have to thank me Prompto. You're my dear friend. Now finish your soup. I left a mug of tea for you as well when you're ready for it.” Ignis smiled at Prompto and it was the most genuine smile Prompto had ever seen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Roughly around 3am after Prompto had on and off slept the entire rest of the day, the twinge of a burning stomach ache had mostly burned out and he felt well enough to sit up and get up on his own.
He carefully stepped over Noctis, who had somehow flipped onto his back in his sleep and was laying in what looked like the most uncomfortable semi-dead starfish position Prompto had ever witnessed.
Gladio had left a backpack full of his personal things by the bookshelf. Prompto rummaged through it and happened to see his clothes, toothbrush, hair care products, camera, headphones and phone chargers. Gladio hadn’t missed a thing!
Prompto quietly plugged in his phone and headphones, allowing the heating pad to rest as he went into the bathroom. He was able to lean over just enough to wash his face and get the sweat off his neck. After that he turned on Noctis’ royally amazing shower and took a long nice shower, allowing his mind to focus on nothing. Afterward, he changed into his chocobo pajamas (and tossed his sweaty and smelly school uniform into the laundry bin) and warmed up the tea Ignis had left him. Even though it was 3am it was the best tea he had ever had.
And his stomach seemed to agree as it was less of a raging spontaneous combusting behemoth and more of a hissing cat.
Prompto sipped his tea as he sat with his knees to his chest. Noctis had left some anime running for the night so Prompto watched a few episodes. At some point Noctis shifted (and Prompto could’ve swore he heard his back crack in half) and he barely lifted his head up.
“Prompto?” Noctis slurred as he rubbed his eyes.
“Hey Noct.” Prompto smiled softly.
“Whadda doin’ up? It’s 3am?” Noctis shook his head. “Wait you got up?? Are you feeling better?”
“Yeah I’m feeling a lot better thanks to all of you.” Prompto grinned as he got up and eased himself down on the floor next to Noctis.
“Oh thank god, I was so worried about you.” Noctis closed his eyes as he put his head back on his pillow. “I’ve never seen you like that, I’m just glad you're okay.”
Prompto quickly swiped at his eyes before they had a chance to water. “You guys really took care of me. You don’t know how much that means to me.”
“Mmmmhm. Just let us help you out more m‘Kay?” Noctis yawned. “Alright goodnight.”
Prompto snorted as he finished his tea. “Goodnight Noct. Thanks for being the best friend I ever had.”
And of course as soon as the sun was starting to rise, Ignis Scientia was opening the door to Noctis’ apartment. He glanced and noticed Noctis was exactly where he had left him and that Prompto was sleeping but it seemed he had been able to get up on his own.
Good that meant he was doing better.
About 8am, Prompto had woken up.
“Ah good morning Prompto, good to see you awake.”
"Morning Iggy!" Prompto said as he entered the kitchen. A little color had returned to his cheeks and his voice sounded more chipper. "I couldn't stay sleeping with breakfast smelling so good."
"Well that's with perfect timing because I am just about done. Fresh homemade oatmeal with berries. I don't think you should take a chance with coffee so I made you some more tea."
"You're literally the best Iggy." Prompto hugged the older man tightly.
Ignis seemed a little surprised at first, but he sat down his spatula and returned the hug to Prompto.
"I've taken care of everything else so you focus on just resting until Monday alright?"
"Yessir. Can I help you set the table though?"
"Of course. I must admit I am unused to such an eagerness to help." Ignis smirked a bit as he glanced at Noctis. "It's a nice change, but I would appreciate that statement stay between us."
Prompto laughed knowing exactly what he meant. "Oh of course."
After setting the table Prompto went to wake Noctis.
"Rise and shine Prince of Naps!"
"Shhhh too loud." Noctis swatted Prompto away. "Let me sleep."
"And let all of Iggy's hard work go to waste?? No way! And anyway now that I'm feeling a bit better you owe me a round in Capcom vs Marvel 8!"
"Okay okay." Noctis sighed as he sat up and stretched.
"Morning Highness. Hope you slept well."
"Yeah yeah mornin'." Noctis yawned as he dragged himself to the table.
Prompto laughed as Ignis simply opened a can of ebony and began to drink it.
"Specs, what's on the schedule for today?" Noctis asked halfway through his bowl of oatmeal.
"Well Prompto will be resting and taking it easy. As for you, you're a very busy man." Ignis didn’t even glance up from his phone.
Noctis groaned. "What's in the schedule just tell me."
"To spend the day with Prompto. Designated by the King himself."
"What?" Noctis repeated with surprise as Prompto practically melted in his seat.
"No way King Regis of Insomnia said that. I could die of embarrassment." Prompto sank in his chair as he turned as red as the blanket on the floor.
"Ah no way! Heck yeah!" Noctis was brimming with excitement.
Ignis smiled knowing how happy Noctis was. And he was also proud of him, he had taken good care of his friend. So they deserved the time to rest together.
"Dude Prompto!" Noctis shouted. "We can finally binge the new Spiderman games with nothing to stop us! Not even Gladio!!"
"I guess so!" Prompto laughed. "Better hurry up with breakfast then."
"Oh man I haven't even opened the collection yet, it came with a steelbook and everything!" Noctis hurried and finished his food and then he was gone into his bedroom to collect his gaming accessories.
Prompto chuckled but turned towards Ignis. "Please tell the King how much I appreciate everything."
"Of course. He sends his regards as well. All he asks is that you keep being a good friend to Noctis." Ignis smiled.
"I will. Just like you guys have been so kind to me." Prompto smiled and stood up.
"Prompto hurry up! Turn the Playstation on!"
"Alright I'm on my way!"
Ignis watched with fondness as Prompto got up (not before politely stacking their dishes into the sink with soap) and headed into the living room.
The boy was doing much better physically and mentally, and Noctis was happy.
It was a win-win situation and Ignis didn’t need anything more than that.