Chapter Text
Looking in the rear view car mirror, Prompto watched Gladio take a book from under the seat, opening it and letting a bookmark fall to his lap. Noctis was asleep, drool dripping onto the car seats. The prince had his sloppy moments, though they were too often. Fidgeting in his own spot, Prompto reached for his camera, turning around to the back seat. Gladio glanced up from his book, raising an eyebrow.
“And what is it you want?” Inquired the retainer, a grin playing at his lips. Quickly snapping a pic, Prompto smiled. “Oh, y'know, the usual.”
Gladio had his jacket off, which oddly enough he usually replaced with a tank top. Prompto couldn’t help but stare at his muscle, and the tattoos cascading over them. It looked really good. He suddenly had the urge to sit between the two, and after putting his camera safely on the front seat, he clambered over the console.
“Prompto! What on earth are you doing?” Ignis hissed, leaning away from the smaller man clumsily making his way between the front seat. Not answering, Prompto settled in between Gladio and Noctis, who woke up with a start.
“It looked sooo cozy back here, I had to get in on it!” Said Prompto, chuckling as he put his arms around his friend's shoulders. Gladio put his book away, going to grip Prompto’s cheek and tug on it. “Maybe you should do that when we’re stopped next time, blondie?” He mused, smiling nevertheless. “Geeeh.” Prompto made a sound as his face was squished.
Yawning, Noctis looked around blearily. “Are we there yet?”
“Who are you, Prompto?” Gladio laughed, receiving another exasperated noise from said man. Smirking, Noctis let out a chuckle, shoving Prompto more towards Gladio. Ignis sighed in the front seat, giving the three in the back a quick glance.
“Also yes, we are almost at Lestallum. A good thing, too, since the sun is beginning to set.”
“We get to see Iris! And sleep in a hotel bed!” Cheered Prompto, adding, “I can’t wait to sleep in a bed… it’s going to feel so good after days of camping…!”
Gladio scowled. “What, you got a problem with camping?”
They argued playfully for the next few minutes, testing Ignis’s patience, until they arrived in the parking space in front of Lestallum. It was early evening now, the lights giving an orange glow to the city as the four walked through the city streets. Food stalls were everywhere, with Noctis and Prompto trying practically everything that was offered to them. The prince shied away from the spicy foods, though Prompto gobbled them up for him. Finally Gladio ushered them to the hotel, complaining about how they were making his sister wait. With bags of food to eat all together in the room, they made their way over.
They waited in the lobby of the hotel, waiting for Iris to come down the stairs. They heard her before they saw her, as she ran down the stairs.
“Gladdy! SO good to see all of you!” She said excitedly, going to lean on Gladio’s arm. He looked at her, a relieved look on his face. “Looks like you made it here okay, I really owe Dustin.” Iris looked up at him, giving him an affectionate smile. Prompto noted their similarities, and their differences, and wondered if Gladio wasn’t there that Iris would be Noctis’s shield. An interesting thought, especially if it involved a younger gladio not being buff and imposing. Prompto chuckled to himself.
They ate after talking about the events of the Crown City, trying their best to be cheerful despite the grim turn of events that had happened. Iris was always full of energy, and the four friends relaxed for the first time in days. Once everyone was ready to retire, Prompto felt restless, and decided to walk around outside.
The night air felt cool, still with the lingering warmth of the daytime sun. A breeze blew through the streets, and despite the moon up in the sky, the city bustled as busy as ever. Women that worked during the day having drinks with their coworkers, looking forward to a day off or the lunch break of their next day. Most of the food stalls still steamed with fryers and the smell of spices and oil, and Prompto eagerly took any free food. A hot place with hot food, it was awesome. He eventually wandered towards the outlook, popping a coin into the viewfinder to look at the meteor. It was even prettier at night, letting off a supernatural glow. Spinning it around, he suddenly saw a hand block his view.
“Gladio! What’re you doing out here?” Prompto wondered, lifting his eyes from the viewfinder. The large man grinned down at him and scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “Couldn’t sleep. Too much on my mind. His highness is out cold, though. Surprise, surprise.”
They laughed, and went to a bench. Prompto handed Gladio a bag of caramelized fruit, and they both ate while making conversation.
“Boy, never expected… this to happen.” Gladio said suddenly, making Prompto tilt his head. He stared at the larger man, observing the tightness of his shirt, the muscles of his chest… Biting his lip, he averted his eyes, shrugging his shoulders. “Yeah, well, we never know that could happen next! Makes it, exciting, don’t you think?” He tried to make the topic more upbeat, but Gladio only frowned.
“Could get worse. Could get better, though, I guess.”
“Hey, I was trying to make this fun and mysterious!”
“Can’t ignore the truth, Prompto.”
“I’m not ignoring it, just… trying to… ah, I don’t know…”
Prompto slumped down in his seat, letting out a low whine. Gladio sometimes just didn’t go along with anything, what a serious dude. Guess he had to be if he was going to keep Noctis in line. The other man gave him a pat on the shoulder, sighing. “Don’t take it too harshly, I’m honestly a bit stressed out. I’m glad Iris is okay, if anything…”
Oh.
“Your dad… that’s what you can’t sleep over, isn’t it. Man, I’m so sorry, I totally forgot.” Panicking, Prompto sat up, leaning forwards to give his friend a consoling look, who gave him an appreciative nod back. They were quiet after that, until Gladio started talking.
“Even if everything that happened makes me so… so mad… I’m glad I’m out here with the three of you. I’m glad Noct is okay, and camping out under the stars every night is a great change of pace. It’s a different sky than the city.” He closed his eyes, feeling the night air blow against his face.
“Wish it was more comfortable.” Grumbled Prompto, folding his arms. Gladio shoved him slightly, but it sent the smaller man almost to the ground. After regaining his seating, Prompto tried shoving Gladio back, but he was like a statue.
“Prompto… how do you feel about all of this?”
The sudden question surprised Prompto, and he stared at the ground. Twiddling his thumbs, he shrugged. “I’m… not sure. I just lived there, y’know? Didn’t really have anything goin’ for me besides school until I met Noctis. I’m frustrated for his sake.”
“His sake? Dude, your house probably got wrecked.” Scoffed Gladio, giving him a hard stare.
“Not like there was anyone there half the time.” Tone of voice more sad, Prompto frowned.
“Sorry. Hope your parents are okay, kid.”
“Thanks.”
Another awkward silence, until Prompto stood up and stretched. “Aaah, I had some snacks, had a heart to heart with my pal Gladio… and now I’m tired!” He beckoned Gladio to follow. “Come on, Ignis probably knows we’ve been out the past like, what, two hours? He’s probably tearing his hair out right about now.” Laughing, Gladio heaved himself off the bench, walking alongside Prompto back to the hotel.
They passed the the outside of a bar, noticing the drunkards loitering about. Trying to steer clear of them, Prompto went on the opposite side, making Gladio be his shield. What he did best. Even then, a few people were pushing and shoving nearby, their voices raises and slurred, and one managed to get knocked over into Prompto. “Uwah!” Crying out in alarm, he fell to his knees, scrambling forwards to avoid more people falling into him. Gladio meanwhile spun around, picking the other person up effortlessly to snarl in his face.
“Watch where you’re going!”
“Chill out dude! What’s the deal!”
“So drunk you can’t even see where you’re walking!”
Gladio pushed the other man away, immediately going over to Prompto, who was alarmed at the encounter. He put a hand on Prompto’s back, ushering them away from the bar. “You okay, Prompto?” Asked Gladio, eyes both angry and worried. Prompto knew the circumstances for his scar, and figured he just didn’t like drunkards.
“Yeah, yeah I’m fine. Nothing hurts or anything, I didn’t hit the ground too hard, you didn’t have to get so mad.” Prompto soothed, touching Gladio’s arm.
“If I didn’t, you wouldn’t either. We both know that.” The larger man pointed out gruffly.
“Don’t like rowdy people?”
“What? I hang out with you and Noct every day.”
“Hey! That’s not what I mean!”
“Then what do you mean?”
“Why’d you get so mad about that! Like, you looked ready to punch him into next week!”
Gladio gave him a hard look, raising an eyebrow. “Because it was you.” Tilting his head, Prompto scowled. Just because they were friends didn’t mean he had to go full out bodyguard on that poor guy. “Dude… you can’t do that to some innocent guy, even if it’s for me. That’s a situation for Noctis.” After Prompto said that, Gladio stopped walking, giving him a look. Prompto shirked away, seeing something unfamiliar in his eyes.
“Shit… should‘ve just kept my mouth shut…” Gladio massaged the bridge of his nose, seeming like he just realized he was in a situation he didn’t want to be in. “Come with me a sec.” He grabbed Prompto’s arm, tugging him along towards the power plant. It was empty around this time of night, with the fences around the gates hiding the corners. He brought Prompto under a street light, and stopped. Prompto’s back was squished against the wall, and Gladio was close in front of him, and arm outstretched to block escape. He didn’t look mad or anything, more so he seemed… uncertain.
“Big guy… what’s up, this is uh… pretty close quarters?” Prompto stammered, trying not to look the other man directly in the eye. Being this close… he could smell Gladio; recently washed with a flowery soap, clean clothes soft on his skin, muscles relaxed yet tense at the same time. It was making Prompto’s mind spin, and he really really hoped he was not showing his obvious attraction to his friend.
“Yeah, I know.” Gladio’s tone of voice was level and his gaze pierced into Prompto’s.
“Why’re you…?”
Prompto began but, stopped when Gladio cupped his cheek in a hand, leaned down, and kissed him. It wasn’t forceful, but it held years of one-sided pining. Prompto closed his eyes tightly, reaching out hesitant hands to clutch at Gladio’s shirt, gripping it in closed fists. Gladio put his other hand around Prompto’s waist, pulling him a little closer. Feeling his lip being bitten, Prompto’s eyes opened, and he shoved at Gladio.
“Oh em gee, whoa whoa whoa! Hold on…” He mumbled, face red as a tomato.
“Uh… are you okay? Was I too fast, do you not…” Asked Gladio uncertainly, hand still at Prompto’s waist, like he didn’t want to let go.
“Gods, no, it’s fine! I like you! I’ve been staring at you for years, I just thought… you wouldn’t… go for someone like me…” Prompto trailed off, feeling the sweat dripping down his face. He could still feel the kiss on his lips and he just couldn’t believe something like this was happening. After first seeing Gladio during his high school days, he had instantly gotten a crush. Maybe it had been the side shave… anyway, he had been smitten instantly. After becoming friends, Prompto watched Gladio grow into a powerful young man, panicking when he heard about the wound on his eye, feeling exhilarated when he heard they were going to be traveling across the country together.
Gladio abruptly laughed, surprising Prompto. “Someone like you? Man, you really hafta stop with the bad self-esteem.” He grinned when Prompto pouted.
“When his highness first introduced you to me and Iggy, I thought you were real cute. And then when you did that chocobo butt thing with your hair… oh man.”
“Enough with the chocobo butt hair!” Wailed Prompto, hanging his head in embarrassment. He was caught off guard again when Gladio started kissing him again. This time it was purposefully rough, and Gladio held Prompto close to him, the hand that had been holding Prompto’s waist going to slip into the younger man’s back pocket. He felt Prompto gasp against his lips, taking the opportunity to give those lips a nudge with his tongue. Prompto tasted like spices and the caramelized fruit they had been eating before, and he tasted oh so good. Gladio would have loved this to last another few hours.
The noise of a can being kicked rattled through the air, and they both turned, seeing a man a ways off absentmindedly opening the door to his apartment, not noticing the two of them by the corner. Prompto sighed in relief, and leaned his head against Gladio’s chest.
“Alright , uh.... I guess we should get back to the room?” Mused Gladio, giving Prompto a lopsided smile, who gave a bashful nod.
Even though he had said he was tired, Prompto could barely sleep. He stared up at the ceiling, feeling Ignis’s body stir ever so slightly beside him. The room was dark, and the only noise came from outside, and from the other bed next to them. Their bed arrangements were usually Prompto with Ignis, and Noctis next to Gladio, seeing as the two youngest were also the two smallest. It gave both of the taller men a bit more room. Thank god he wasn’t sleeping next to Gladio, Prompto thought, he’d be a total mess. Also Gladio snored, a lot. It was murder when they were in the tent.
He rolled on his side towards the wall for about the 20th time, and he heard a mumble next to him. “Prompto… if you do not stop moving… I will throw you off this bed.”
Ignis was a light sleeper, and Prompto moved a lot in his sleep, so he figured their combo would change soon because of Ignis’s patience. Prompto scowled, meaning he either got Noctis or Gladio, and he didn’t want either of them, seeing as Noctis drooled. Biting his lip, Prompto forced himself to stay still, and finally he fell asleep.