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Prompto pushed the caravan door open, shutting it behind him with a harsh slam while Noctis remained still on the bed.
The silence in the room stretched on uncomfortably between them. Prompto stayed standing. Noctis began to open his mouth, yet faltered as he shifted his gaze low. The room was quiet in a way that Noctis hated, he didn't like arguing with Prompto at all. He knew it was his fault, and that he was being immature, but he just couldn't get his head out of his ass and apologize like the responsible prince he was, should.
Noctis settled on pretending to be asleep. His dark hair ruffled because he had actually been napping a moment ago. He moved further under the blankets, fidgeting with his own fingers and internally wondering how long he would have to wait for Prompto to leave.
"You didn't have to lie to all of us, you know."
Noctis shifted in the bed, burying his head under the covers even more. He was not doing this right now.
There was a long silence before Prompto spoke again,
"Noct."
He didn't stir,
"Noctis."
The prince could hear an irritated puff of breath come from the other side of the room, then the noise of the other hotel bed adjusting to Prompto's body weight as he flopped down.
"Do you really think I can't tell when you're pretending to sleep? Man, you can't just… You shouldn't just keep avoiding all of us like this. I don't blame you for what happened but…" He ran a hand through his messy blonde hair, "Okay, maybe I do blame you a little bit, but Noctis. Please, just let us help you instead of fighting us like this. We're your friends! Not your enemies. I can not believe how childish you're acting!"
Noctis moved to cover his ears with his hands, and Prompto immediately threw the pillow off the other mattress at him. The cushion hit him in his side.
Prompto leaned back, letting out another frustrated groan.
Noctis adjusted from the blankets he'd taken refuge in, the sheet falling down from his head, and Prompto could see it all clearly now. Those two angry marks that decorated his neck, Prompto could feel his eyes go wider as he finally saw the changes his friend had been going through and hiding. His skin was almost as white as paper, his inky black hair dangled in his eyes and he looked overall worse for wear, but the worst of it all, was his eyes. Those beautiful blue eyes that Prompto had never seen on another, that had been so full of life and the color of the sky. They were faded, along with his smile. His eyes looked so dead.
The silence between the two dragged on, and Noctis sat up completely now, the dark sheets pooled around his form.
"Happy now?" he barked out.
"Noct. I…" Prom trailed off. He had sat up too at some point, unable to speak like he wanted to. It was like the words were out of reach to him. Prompto opened his mouth, then shut it again. He had meant to be angry. He had meant to keep prying. But, seeing Noctis like this knocked the words out of him.
Noctis wiped at his own eyes,
Just go away.
Prompto wanted to stand up and move next to him, but he couldn't. He felt cautious of what his friend had become. Did Noctis still have control over his body? Was this even his Noctis anymore?
The prince raised his gaze to stare directly at Prompto, like he knew what Prompto was thinking in his head.
Prompto didn't like that.
The person sitting in front of him felt different from the friend he knew. He had actually been the first to notice the changes in Noctis, despite not knowing the truth of the situation. It started small, like Noctis lingering behind after hunts, the small stares he would occasionally give a passerby. He then gradually straight up refused to eat anything at all, or drink water either, for that matter. Ignis had initially been upset, then this emotion grew into concern quickly.
But Noctis could only go so long as pretending to be sick, trying and failing to hide his condition. He must have tried using a potion behind everyone's back in an attempt to get it healed, but things just didn't work that way.
This wasn't some average human sickness, no.
It was starscourge yet Noctis was somehow still in denial.
"I'm tired, Prompto. Leave," Noctis spoke, eyes glued to Prompto's freckled, rosy skin. His voice was raspier than it had ever been. His throat felt like chalk dust.
Prompto had no clue what Noctis was thinking at that moment, but Noctis knew very well. His mind was screaming to attack Prompto, to pin his thin frame down and take his blood. To hurt him, to subdue.
To hunt.
"Buddy, were you not listening? We're in this together." Prompto spoke, enunciating the final word. He tilted his head a little closer, offering a small smile.
The prince stared, "I…"
"I won't leave you like this."
Noctis hated that. He hated how much he cared about all three of them.
He buried his head in his hands, shaking slightly. He'd never felt so cold before, so alone. He didn't want to hurt anybody, especially not Prompto. The boy he loved with all his heart. He laughed dryly against the palms of his hands, "Prompto, I… If you really want to help me, then you'll get out of here before I end up doing something I regret."
The blonde shook his head, "Listen, you've had my back countless times. How bad of a friend would I be if I left you in this state?"
"That doesn't matter."
"Yes it does, you matter the most to me right now, Noctis. We're going to get you some help, I swear."
The prince stayed quiet at that, lowering a hand from his face but keeping one close to his mouth. He looked to the side, and seemed embarrassed.
"Now then, can you tell me how you're feeling right now?"
Noctis shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut as he did so. "I… I'm so cold."
"And?'
"…thirsty." Noctis choked out, voice barely above a whisper.
"Do you want to try drinking water again? I can get you a glass."
"No. That's not what I want…" Noctis interrupted, then he kept his gaze on a plant in the room, avoiding eye contact at all costs.
Prompto leaned to be in his view a little, "Oh."
Noctis stayed quiet.
Then what is it that you want?" He had an eyebrow raised, unsure what Noctis meant.
"I'm not… I'm still human, so I won't— No, I can't." He shook his head pitifully, his shoulders slacked, and he held a hand back up to his mouth to cover it. His teeth were aching, fangs elongating at the scent of Prompto, so close yet so far. His teeth craved to pierce into soft flesh, to take what was his, to take his fill of Prompto's delicious smelling blood.
His blood to him right now was like a juicy steak being dangled in front of someone who had not eaten in weeks. Completely unbearable.
He could get addicted to his scent and no blood had been spilled yet. That crimson river flowing in his veins. It was calling to him, taking his full attention if he would allow it to. He'd never felt this sensation before, like a wild beast inside him, aching to be released.
Prompto stayed quiet before finally getting up from the other hotel bed. He walked closer, cautious as he moved. He was still afraid but refused to let that control him right now.
His best friend needed him.
Noctis jerked his head up at the last minute as Prompto leaned in to hug him, his lanky arms wrapping around him almost in slow motion, he wanted to yell out for Prompto to back away, to run, to lock the door and to never look behind him.
But, it was too late.
Prompto felt Noctis go oddly still, and a sharp hiss met his ears. He blinked as he tried to retract his arms, but Noctis had grabbed ahold of him already. His nails digging into Prompto's flesh, his grip only centimeters above the barcode Prompto concealed underneath his bracelet. Prompto's eyes flew open as he tried to pull away, using more strength against his friend.
"H-haha! Funny one, Noct!" He began to sweat, now frantically trying to get away. "What a funny prank! You got me!"
Noctis didn't reply to him as he continued to awkwardly laugh, only staring at him with a snarl on his face. He opened his mouth to reveal lethal fangs where his canines should have been. Prompto could feel his stomach lurch. He then jerked his arm out of Noctis's grasp with force, scrambling backwards until he felt his back meet the wall of the cramped caravan.
Noctis was standing now, breathing gone ragged like some wild animal. He was holding his shoulder where Prompto had hit him. A low growl forming in his throat.
"Noct! Come on man, cut it out!" He shouted at him, wracking his brain for what to do.
Noctis was walking closer now. The door was on the opposite side of the caravan.
He stared at it.
Should he summon his handgun? No, he could never draw a weapon on his best friend. He could run, But the only exit was too far. Anything else?
He glanced around panicked for something to protect himself with, his hand making contact with a frying pan they'd left out. He held it in front of himself, eyes silently pleading to Noctis for him to snap out of it.
"Please, Noct." he urged. "If that's even you in there."
Noctis outstretched his hand, the armiger bursting to life behind him. The glowing blue magic of the lucid was illuminating the caravan as each weapon swirled. His engine blade materialized in his hand, that familiar metal felt even colder in his palm.
Normally, Prompto could say his magic was beautiful, but right now it was deadly.
Prompto only barely dodged as Noctis hurled his sword at him. Prompto leapt to the side, holding the pan up as if it were a shield. "Noct!"
The raven-haired boy ignored him. Noctis was holding his weapon still as he dashed at Prompto, who was hurrying to get away from him. The weapon made contact with the pan, it might have broken the cooking tool if it wasn't one of the heavy cast-iron ones Ignis preferred for certain dishes. Noctis struck out again and Prompto shoved his shoulder, knocking him off aim. He hissed as the blade slashed into his glove, cutting a slash into it and exposing his skin.
The scent of blood filled the air and Noctis lost focus.
Prompto then kneed Noctis as hard as he could in the stomach, knocking the breath out of his lungs. The older boy fell to the floor, his weapon shattering into small shards as it faded away, his concentration ruined.
Prompto felt bad as he heard Noctis coughing and wheezing out on the ground. He dropped the pan before turning to dash to the door and escape the closed space with a frenzied Noctis.
Though, before he could get far, he felt his back hit the mattress with himself being pinned down by an inhuman strength.
The blood from his cut wrist bloomed onto the sheet below. Prompto was hyperventilating as he tried to push Noctis off, to no avail.
Noctis was leaning close to his wrist, sniffing the air like it was a meal. He opened his mouth and those fangs glistened in the barely lit room, saliva was dripping down as he leaned even closer to sink teeth into his skin.
Prompto squeezed his eyes shut, his heart thumping incredibly hard in his chest. He felt his blood run cold, readying himself for the pain of Noctis's bite. It was going to hurt, right?
He felt Noctis lick his wrist. His tongue warm.
Something heavy and cold hit his face, once.
Then again.
The pain didn't come.
He slowly opened his eyes to see what had happened,
Noctis still kept his grip, yet ice-cold tears were streaming down his face. Immense pain was clear in his eyes, he looked afraid of what he was about to do. "P-Prompto… I-" He released him.
But before Noctis could say another word, Prompto ran out of the room, slamming the heavy door behind him. He was still breathing heavily, trembling as he sunk down against the caravan door. He needed to gather his bearings and process what the absolute hell had just happened.
"How did it go?" Ignis was the one who spoke. He was looking up from a newspaper. He and Gladio were both staring at him, expecting an answer to come out of his mouth.
Prompto only stared past them, hands still shaking as he stood slumped outside the door of the caravan. "Don't make me start."
Hours had passed since Prompto left the caravan. None of his friends had entered or spoken to him through the door since then either. The sun was beginning to set and the light in the caravan had begun to dim. He could see the few remains of sunlight through the window.
He felt so stupid.
Noctis stayed curled in a ball, his hands stayed tight at the base of his hair. He couldn't believe that he had lost control. But what had scared him the most about the events that had just happened, was that he had enjoyed the strength and wildness. It was calling to him.
He couldn't forget the taste of Prompto's blood, it was hot on his tongue with a lingering spicy flavor to it. Like nothing he'd ever tasted before.
He felt horrible for what he'd done and almost did.
He'd never been like this before, he'd been entrusted with great power, but he didn't seek it out like that. For the six's sake! He was going to be king one day, he… could any of that still happen? Had he failed his future by being transformed into a monster?
He choked on his sobs, pulling at his own hair as he let out a cry.
He'd never wanted this to happen.
He didn't want to hurt anyone, he didn't want to kill another human or drink their blood. He was starving and going to be a threat to everyone soon. He had to find a way to fix this, but he didn't know how.
Noctis changed position to lay on the other side, tears streaming down his stained eyes. He shifted his gaze, glancing at the pan Prompto had to use to protect himself.
He was such a pathetic prince.
Scaring his dear friend like that. He wished Prompto had just done the right thing, and summoned his weapon, aiming the pistol he'd gifted him straight between his eyes, or at his heart? Noctis's fingers curled around the blanket, tugging at it lightly. Maybe he'd have to kill himself to protect the others.
But could he really do that?
The passing minutes felt like hours, slowing as he dreaded when they would return. He wouldn't dare think of leaving the caravan in this state.
He desperately wished that this never happened. Even as he closed his eyes, vivid flashes of the daemon that attacked him were dancing through his mind. He remembered how it faded into nothingness once he stabbed straight through it, the final scream it made as if it had died. Maybe it had felt just as he was right now. Starving.
The incident had happened about a month ago, when they were exploring a newly discovered cave dungeon. This one went down lower to nearly endless levels, everyone was exhausted and low on supplies, yet they were so close to the target. Noctis had insisted they continue on.
The prince had been lingering far at the back of the group, quietly kicking rocks as they walked along through a long tunnel. The others were preoccupied by a sudden ambush of the daemon— so nobody noticed when he was suddenly snatched away from behind.
He tried to shout. It immediately clamped a hand around Noctis's mouth tightly to stop him.
The creature's skin was the color of cooled wax and was freezing to the touch, the eyes were unnatural in that they were pitch black and uncanny. He remembered how wide his eyes had been as the daemon sunk its freakish fangs deep into his neck. He thrashed as best he could, but he was too low on Mana to summon his engine blade. He screamed out into its hand, the pain nearly unbearable. He remembered clambering for anything to grab ahold of to fend it off. It didn't help that his vision was getting blurry fast.
The sight of his friends fighting felt so far away. He tried to reach out to them, though he knew they wouldn't be able to see him so easily in the shadows like this.
The daemon's venom stung like fire, burning his veins as it spread through his body.
Noctis clawed at the creature, hands shaking as he finally managed to summon his engine blade, impaling the daemon with one swift action. It shrieked loud enough for the rest of the party to finally realize that they had been separated. Ignis shouted his name, but everything was muffled to him as he fell to his knees. Noctis gasped for breath, small wisps of black smoke flying into the air from where the daemon was disintegrating. His blade followed him to the ground, disappearing into several shards of glowing light.
He barely caught himself on the cave floor, reaching to touch his own neck with a gloved hand. He didn't realize that there was a black smear on his hand.
"Noct! Are you okay?!" Prompto spoke, voice trembling with fear as he hurried over. It looked like Gladio and Ignis were busy handling the higher-level daemons that spawned. An arachne swooped closer to attack at Ignis, but he swiftly deflected the attack with his lance. Gladio stepped closer to launch a counterattack. That giant great sword flashing brilliantly in the cave light.
Noctis tried to stand, and nearly collapsed if Prompto hadn't caught him in time.
"Ah. Hey, does it hurt?" Prompto spoke, taking one of their remaining potions out of the armiger.
"Yes, thank you Prom. I think it poisoned me." Noctis gave a nervous smile as Prompto rushed the bottle over him, the cooling sensation of magic spread through his body, and the fiery sensation of the poison began to fade.
"What even happened? You were just with us, weren't you?" The blond blinked, pointing to where the fight was.
He shook his head, "I… A daemon pulled me away, but I took care of it. Maybe… Maybe we really should leave and give it another try on a different day?" Noctis looked to his friend, the potion had stopped most of the pain in his neck, but he still felt off somehow.
Prompto seemed to freeze up at that a little, the thought of having to restart this entire dungeon had him feeling tired at the thought of it. He sighed. "You know what? I think you're right, Noct. We need more supplies for sure, especially since that was my last potion."
"I used all of mine up too…" Noctis's gaze dropped to Prompto's outstretched hand.
"Alright,"
Prompto took his hand before he could refuse, walking with him to the others who had just finished fighting, "We can retreat but I'm not letting you out of my sight again!" he grinned at him.
Noctis could feel his face heat up as he walked back with him, squeezing his hand tightly as he stumbled over the rubble.
In the end, Noctis had no clearly visible injuries so it was not a hard task to hide his condition in the beginning. He himself hadn't even noticed the marks on his neck, until the next morning and he was combing his hair in the mirror. The wound stung when touched, two light pink marks from where the daemon had bitten him.
What the.
At that moment he thought he might be hallucinating until he remembered that strange daemon in the shadows. He had assumed the marks would fade away at some point, but they only darkened, growing harder and harder to hide.
His symptoms were barely noticeable at the beginning. The only thing he noticed was that eating food made him feel rather queasy, and he caught himself daydreaming as he stared out into the nighttime air a few too many times.
Ignis was more angry that Noctis was skipping meals than he was concerned at first, and whatever, he couldn't blame his advisor, especially his history of avoiding vegetables like the plague.
Now, Noctis was standing in front of the mirror with paler skin than ever before, staring at those marks again.
He reached to touch the mark, rubbing it with his thumb. It no longer ached, and it felt like a part of him at this point.
The prince let out a heavy sigh, gripping the sink with shaky hands. He couldn't feel angry at any of them for leaving him all alone right now, at least they would be safe from whatever their prince was turning into. Noctis splashed cold water on his face, trying not to linger too much over the situation. He had no idea what to do… maybe they would be merciful and put him down before he…
No.
Don't go there.
There was a muffled noise outside.
Noctis lifted his head, eyes moving to the source of the noise on instinct. He instantly covered his ears, collapsing to the ground. Terrified of what he would do with them returning.
There was the sound of multiple footsteps entering the caravan. He could tell it was his retainers by their voices. They were trying to whisper, but there was no point in concealing their words like that anymore. He could hear things from miles away if he really tried.
The caravan went quiet.
Were they looking for him?
There was a moment of silence before a knock on the door rang out, "Noct? Are you hiding in there?" Gladio spoke. Somehow his tone was normal, Like Noctis's world wasn't falling apart right before their very eyes.
Noctis didn't reply, he only buried his head deeper between his own legs. He was so scared.
There was a soft murmur, before he heard another join Gladio at the door.
"Hey, Noct? Can you unlock the door? We got something for ya." The blonde spoke out sheepishly, and Noctis could see the shadow of him leaning back and forth on his toes from under the door.
"I… I can't." he choked out.
"Just open the door Noctis," Gladio said, gripping the doorknob and twisting it as he tried despite it being locked.
"But what if I hurt you?" Noctis spoke, voice shakier than ever.
Prompto leaned against the door with his hands, "You won't, Noct! It's going to be alright. Trust us."
Noctis sat up, staring at the doorknob with tired eyes.
Should he really?
He took a deep breath, the scent of fresh blood was so rich through the door. He didn't dare to question it as he reached up to unlock it, rushing back as he hugged himself. His sharp nails silently digging into his own skin again.
The door opened and Noctis now could see the source of the smell. Prompto was holding a dead rabbit. Ignis was pacing in the other room, and Gladio was standing right beside Prompto, likely to keep him safe.
Noctis's jaw dropped, "What's that for?"
Prompto seemed softly determined, "Well… it's for you."
"Oh?"
Prompto held the limp creature out to Noctis, and the latter did not spare it any more attention, "Hell no. I'm not. I won't— That's so gross!"
"Well, it's that," Ignis paused, "…or you might attack one of us again, Prince." His advisor spoke from the other room. He didn't sound very happy at all.
Noctis took it in his hands, staring down at the small creature, into its cute unmoving eyes. He was wracked with guilt. He tried to open his mouth, really tried, But he just couldn't do it.
He looked at them with pleading eyes, but nobody responded to him. Prompto only silently gave a thumbs up. "It's only food, Noct. You're still you, and all that."
Well,
He couldn't deny that it smelled edible.
He opened his mouth cautiously, and his fangs lengthened on instinct. He wished he weren't going to do this in front of everyone, but it wasn't like he had much choice to begin with.
Noctis bit down onto the creature's neck, right into a vein. He felt a rush of adrenaline as the blood hit his tongue, it was still warm and gushing into his mouth in faint waves. The taste was unlike anything he'd ever had before. Salty and slightly bitter, it didn't taste as good as Prompto's smelled, but it was leagues better than what human food tasted to him now.
He heard a soft gasp from the others when he bit down, it must have been Prompto.
At the start of all this, he'd been able to hold down Ignis's meals through sheer force even though he ate much less than he usually. But, then the food began tasting bland, and then disgusting, like someone had already digested it. This was different.
He let out a soft whine as he drank more blood from the creature, closing his eyes as he took it all in. He swallowed the thick liquid, licking more from the warm wound as he sucked. He continued until there wasn't any liquid left.
This wouldn't be enough.
He dropped the limp rabbit carcass, licking his bloody lips as his eyes shifted around the room. He was embarrassed beyond words, but he wanted more. His hunger had faded some but was not entirely gone. He was just about to stand when Gladio placed a hand on his shoulder, "Calm down buddy, we knew it wouldn't be enough, so we brought more, okay?"
Noctis froze up and seemed to snap out of it. "W-wai…" he mumbled, fidgeting with his own hands.
Prompto smiled before leaving the cabin with Ignis. They returned with what looked to be a container of animal blood. Ignis sighed as he pushed his glasses up, "This was quite a mess to gather in such a short amount of time, but trust me Noct, we'll find a way to supply you with the blood you need. Should this be a lasting issue, I do hope not though."
Noctis almost began tearing up right then and there.
All this time, he thought he'd handle this alone. How could he dare think that? Your now after seeing their support in full bloom.
Some time had passed as Noctis finished the rest of his first vampire dinner, the sun had now fully set, and the group sat in a comfortable quiet as they settled down for the night. Ignis had started cooking a late meal for the rest of them and the place smelled of spices. He was currently leaning against the counter as he spoke with Gladio inside the caravan.
Noctis stayed seated on the stairs to the caravan, quiet as he stared into the forest.
Prompto sat down next to him, holding a can and grinning. "So, Are you feeling better now? Less bitey?"
He sighed at that.
Prom leaned forward a little, "Um… How did it taste? I'm curious."
"Not as good as you—"
Prompto spat out his energy drink.
"I— I…! Not like that!"
There was awkward conversation as Noct scrambled to explain what he meant, and Prompto hadn't even noticed when they had moved to sit closer to another. But, here they were now, his own thigh touching Noctis's. And before he could think of moving away, he felt a familiar weight on his shoulder. The prince was resting his head against him. Prompto's cheeks went pink as he gave Noct's head a pet. His fingers idly running through his spiky black hair.
Noct hummed.
"I think… I'm not mad at you anymore, but. Please just ask us for help next time, you aren't in this alone. Noct." Prompto brushed his bangs out of his eyes, smiling to his sleepy best friend. "I really care about you, you know?"
"I'm so sorry… for scaring you like that."
"Well, Noct." Prompto leaned back, staring up at the stars as he seemed to give it some thought, his boot idly tapped the ground. "You can make it up to me by taking us to go visit the Chocobo post! It's uh… been so long since our last visit, please!"
Noctis smiled at that, wrapping his arms around Prompto as he relaxed against him. "Alright."
Together they sat outside, a cold breeze running past as the night grew old. Prompto wrapped an arm around Noctis to return the hug, somehow ignoring the pounding in his chest. The prince of Lucis being corrupted was a serious issue, but it was one they would have to deal with later, together as a team.
"Ever at your side." Prompto smiled.
Noctis was quiet for a moment, his hair ruffled by the nighttime breeze. He cleared his throat before lowering his voice so the other two wouldn't hear. "I... Prompto."
"Yes?" he leaned closer, their faces only inches away.
"I..." Noctis took a deep breath, "I think I like you."
Prompto stared at him with wide eyes.
Huh?
"Don't look at me like that!" Noctis hissed before pulling away and attempting to cover his face with his dark coat.
Prompto giggled at him before tugging him back with both hands, pressing a sweet kiss to his lips. Noctis leaned into it and suddenly nothing else but his best friend and the taste of his mouth mattered. He was careful with his fangs, not wanting to harm him on accident.
They kissed on the stairs until they ran out of breath, surrounded by stars and shadow.