Chapter Text
People are not Prompto’s strong point.
They really, really, really, really aren’t... but, if nothing else, he’s come to terms with the fact he needs to do this if he wants to do what he loves. And, who knows, maybe this will make living in a new city—a freaking huge city—a little bit easier. Maybe he’ll meet people, maybe he’ll actually have friends, maybe... maybe he’ll stop being scared of meeting people.
So, with that sliver of hope as his sole motivation, he sets out as soon as final hour lets out.
Most of the campus files towards club activities or straight home. A few loiter, here and there, but he's really not desperate to try approaching a group. He'd rather just find a singular person, get his assignment done, and call it a day. Not try to pick one person out of a group and listen to them argue over who would be best suited, or try to learn all their names, or deal with people asking for group pictures—which... maybe he could get away with that, but he'd rather not try and really rather not test his luck with a first assignment.
After what feels like forever, he finds someone near the front gates. Alone. Not only alone; but, other people are giving the person a wide berth and making a point to avoid them.
Prompto blinks a few times and, in any other situation, might consider how weird this is. At this particular moment, his only thought is 'Thank the gods, finally.'
A few steps closer and he's trying to look over other guy. His suit is just as prim and pressed as everyone else on campus... which is kind of a humourous contradiction to the mess his hair is in. It may have been styled straight at some point; but, now it just looks rumpled and like he just crawled out of bed. Probably windblown. It's a good look, if not out of place in consideration of the uniform.
"Uh... 'scuse me?"
He sees the tension when the person sits up straight—stiff back, tense shoulders, jaw clenched. It takes a few seconds for him to be acknowledged and, when they're finally facing each other, Prompto is almost immediately distracted by how blue his eyes are.
His own eyes being blue, it's not too alarming; he's seen blue eyes on other people, so it's not obscenely rare. But this blue is... static? Ice? It's a strange shift, like the pigment can't decide what it wants to be. Clear like ice one moment, electric the next, a cloudless sky a moment later—kind of like looking at the faces of crystals.
It takes longer than he cares for him to realise he's staring; and, even then, he only notices because the confused look is turning into a suspicious glower and Prompto quickly coughs and tries to explain himself.
"Sorry—sorry, I didn't mean to—I just... uh, this is going to sound super weird and probably a little creepy; but, do you mind if I take a picture, I—"
He probably should've introduced himself first. He should've explained his assignment first or anything other than the babbling that leaves his lips. He knows he made a mistake a split second before he's on the ground.
It takes him a moment to register what just happened. A moment and then the acute realisation that his nose is bleeding and... and...
There are pieces of his camera's lens next to him. And pieces of his camera. Pieces.
When he looks up, he has every intention of demanding an explanation, but ends up faltering.
Ignoring that he is currently having a crisis—because there is no way he is going to be able to afford a new camera any time soon and he literally had been saving for it for years—the guy above him looks... slightly alarmed. Like he can't believe he just did that, just for a moment, before a phone rings—his phone, specifically—and a careful neutrality takes over his expression. He glares at the camera once more—doesn't even seem to realise Prompto is still on the ground—and turns sharply on his heel, taking his leave as he pulls his phone from his pocket, assuring whoever that he was on his way.
Prompto just stays there for a few more minutes, sitting in the middle of the yard, completely unaware of the fact his nose is still bleeding, that no one tried to stop any of that from happening.
When he looks down at his camera again, devastation doesn't even begin to cover it.
He'll worry about hating this asshole later; right now, he really needs to go start begging his professor for an extension or something.
♣
"You're unusually late, your highness."
Noctis flinches a little.
There's no bite to the words, but he still feels the pierce of Ignis watching his every move and, more so, of Gladiolus doing so.
He peeks up at them through his bangs, tries not to seem to uneasy and covers it by adjusting his grip on his bag, "Sorry."
"It's nothing to apologise for," Ignis assures him, idly gesturing towards the passenger seat, "We've no reason to doubt your safety on campus. We merely worried you'd wandered elsewhere without warning."
The worry is ridiculous.
Noctis doesn't go anywhere. He doesn't have anywhere to go. No one invites him anywhere, not without some underlying purpose. He never accepts those invitations and it's warded off most everyone else—anyone who may have genuinely had his well-being in mind—from inviting him anywhere.
Sometimes, he's pretty sure that Gladiolus and Ignis only ever invite him places because it's their job. He's pretty sure they'd much rather just hang out together—maybe with the other Glaives in training, but mostly each other—and he's tried to dissuade them from inviting him places. He really has. Whenever they ask, he'll come up with an excuse not to go. Sometimes, he just straight up says he doesn't want to. Each time, they take the rejection in stride and resume their posts until dismissed.
Sometimes... sometimes, he thinks he sees worry. Thinks he sees them exchange looks like they aren't sure what to do.
At this point, though, he's pretty sure the worry is that they aren't performing their duties to the fullest of their abilities. Which is ridiculous, because he really couldn't ask for better retainers. He'd love to tell them, but... that just sounds like a line that doesn't need to be overstepped.
... Actually. That worry might not be so ridiculous as it is backwards.
"Hey, Ignis?" He finally works up the will to ask after he's buckled himself into the passenger seat and waits for the confirming hum to continue, "You two went to this school, too, right? Like... lots of nobility goes there."
"We did and you are mostly correct." Ignis stills from where his hand is resting on the keys, a frown crossing his face before he finally turns to regard Noctis with his full attention, "There are noble children of course—Gladio and yourself being prime examples," He's momentarily distracted by Gladiolus kicking the back of his seat with a scowl. It's not much of a secret that Gladiolus hates when people call him 'Lord'. Ignis just gives him a pointedly annoyed look, before continuing, "Likewise, there are children not from noble families. I, for one, have no such lineage—Gladio, if you do not desist, so help me—"
"You already knew that, though, so why ask?" Gladiolus completely ignores the threat and acts like he didn't just kick him a second time, "We didn't graduate that long ago, so...?"
Noctis shrugs a little, leaning on the door, "No real reason."
He could ask... he probably should. But he's confident enough that, given the lineage of some of the students, there's no way a company would send a reporter just to harass him. Probably just a freelance or maybe a student that got paid off by a reporter. Nothing to worry them about. He might feel bad for punching the other guy if he is a student, but... no. Not really. Maybe a little.
Enough that he'll try to apologise tomorrow. If he ever actually sees the blonde again.
♣
"So... that was weird, right? Not just me?"
Gladio leans on the walk next to the front door, watching Noctis disappear towards his room. He throws Ignis a look when the other man joins him and repeats, "Right?"
Ignis gives him a mild glower, probably still a bit annoyed from having his seat kicked, before he nods, "It was. I was hoping the fact he initiated the conversation meant he was willing to be a bit more open with us; but, I suppose that was too optimistic, wasn't it?"
Gladiolus shrugs, "We've given him plenty of opportunities. He doesn't take them, there's not much we can do about it. It's not like we can just throw him in the back of the car and drag him out to town with us." He pauses, considers the words, and adds, "Actually...."
"Absolutely not, you are going to get both of us exiled, if not hanged." Ignis gives him an idle, backhanded slap against his arm as he walks by, "I do wish he would at least consider taking up the offers, but we will not resort to kidnapping."
"... Is it really kidnapping if we're his retainers and not holding him hostage, though?"
"I'm going to pretend you didn't just ask me that."
"Wait, I got it, we tell the King and my dad first—"
This time, Ignis throws his jacket right at Gladio's face; but, not before Gladio catches him struggling to hide the amusement on his face and fight down a smile.
♣
The next day, Noctis tries to find the blonde kid. Mostly to apologise, but also to see if he really is a student. It's not exactly difficult to find replicas of the school uniform, so he's not even really sure the blonde goes to his school... and if not, then... oh well.
He doesn't have any luck throughout the morning. Not until the lunch hour, when he's trying to find somewhere quiet to eat.
Normally, he'd just eat in the classroom but, for whatever reason, it was louder than normal today. Everywhere felt louder and he just really wanted somewhere quiet. Maybe he could take a nap before lunch ended—
"—please! I just need another week, max! I don't get paid until after the due date, please!"
Noctis stops in his tracks and looks around, confused. The voice... sounds familiar. He's not entirely sure it's the blonde, but it strikes the same chord that the initial, nervous greeting had. He peeks into the nearest classroom—one of the art rooms—and is a little relieved to find that it is the boy from the day before. Relieved but... also a little confused and kind of starting to feel a sense of dread.
The blonde is fidgeting, obviously trying to keep from moving around too much and making exaggerated gestures with his hands while he's trying to explain, "Just a week! I can get something in a week!"
"Mr. Argentum, I understand you're a transfer, but I do not make exceptions." The professor doesn't look up from his desk. "If you've damaged your materials, that is outside of my control and my responsibility."
"I didn't damage my camera! Some—" he catches himself before he swears and makes a frustrated noise and another gesture, "I got punched and the camera broke when it hit the ground! How was that my doing!?"
"The circumstances are also outside of my realm of concern. Either you find a way to complete the project or you accept the failing grade and any subsequent failing grades."
"But—!"
"That is final, Mr. Argentum."
Noctis quickly takes down the hall; he's at the end of the hall when he hears the door slam closed and freezes when the other student runs by him, straight for the roof. Thankfully, he didn't seem to even notice he passed Noctis.
So... not a reporter and Noctis officially feels like the worst person on the planet at that very moment. He really should have—probably could have—handled that better.
He probably shouldn't have assumed it was another reporter.
He probably shouldn't have assumed it was someone prying into his personal life.
... That was what he wanted, wasn't it? Someone that didn't pry, someone that didn't care—
Transfer.
The word comes back to him and he feels the dread sinking even deeper. A transfer student. If he was from somewhere else—outside of Crown City—everything suddenly made a lot more sense. He didn't have the same dialect that most Crown citizens did; the regional tics that get picked up in the city. Noctis doesn't go out much, but he can hear the drastic difference when shipments come in, even if it's just somewhere a few hours drive away, like Hammerhead. The tics are so drastically different that Noctis is rarely ever prepared for them.
Reporters always have different dialects—he's almost memorised what each one sounds like, the way people talk from various cities and settlements in the immediate area. And... now that he thinks about it... the blonde didn't have those dialect tics. His were really different. Something Noctis had heard before, but he couldn't figure out where. Nowhere local, though, which meant... there was a really, really good chance he had no idea who Noctis was.
Dread turns into guilt almost immediately and an apology really doesn't feel like enough anymore. He wants to fix it; he does, really. He just doesn't know how. He doesn't know anything about the other student, or about cameras—
But he knew someone who might.
Honestly, the idea sounded completely insane, even as he thinks about it. It also sounds like he is abusing his retainers. But... they were supposed to be able to give him advice right? So... this should qualify, too... right?
He's dialing Ignis' number before he has a chance to talk himself out of this and the man answers before the second ring has finished.
"Your highness? Is everything all right?"
To say Ignis sounds alarmed would be an understatement. He hears Gladiolus in the background, but doesn't pay him mind and tries to find the will to ask.
"I uhm... I need a favour."
"Of course. Name it."
He doesn't even ask for clarification. That shouldn't surprise Noctis but it still makes him want to not do this.
"I... do you... know much about cameras?"
There's a tic of silence. Mostly silence. He hears Gladiolus ask what's wrong from the other side of the phone and tries to imagine what expression Ignis is wearing or if he's just asking about the situation as a whole.
"... May I inquire the intent of this question, your highness? I have limited knowledge of photography, but I am uncertain what this is leading to, to provide you with a more precise answer."
"I... wait, what? No, not photography—well, yes, photography, but I need a camera." Noctis feels colour and heat trying to take over his cheeks as people walk by, clearly interested in who he could possibly be on the phone with. He hates when people take notice of what he's doing but he can't really just hang up. ... Well. He could. But he shouldn't. So, he tries again, "Look, I—you know how I asked about you and Gladiolus going to school here?"
"Yes, though I'm not certain what that line of questioning amounted to, either."
"I... kind of... this is impossible to do on the phone," There's more people staring now and he's getting too anxious to talk, "How fast can you get here?"
"Ten minutes. Should I bring Gladio?"
"Sure, fine, just get here before the lunch hour ends."
He doesn't wait for the confirmation and quickly closes the call, shoving his phone into his bag before he heads for the roof. He needs to be alone, somewhere quiet, somewhere away from prying eyes, somewhere—
He feels his stomach drop, again, when he pushes the door to the roof open and nearly hits another student who was leaving.
Quite specifically, the student he was panicking over.
The blonde looks equally stunned to see him, before his eyes narrow, lips pressed in a thin frown, "Seriously?"
He wants to explain. He wants to apologise. He does, but his brain refuses to cooperate with his mouth and his throat feels like it's trying to close and he just ends up diverting his gaze so he doesn't have to see the anger or the bright, swelling bruise on the student's nose. That doesn't mean he can turn his ears off, though.
"Is this going to be a routine now? I just run into you every day until graduation? Assuming I even get to graduate? Do you have any idea—"
"—n't know—" Noctis frowns and tries to clear his throat. He must have said something loud enough to cut the tirade off, so he tries again, "I... I didn't know you were a student."
"I'm wearing the exact same uniform as you, asshole."
Noctis must give him a skeptical look because the blonde backs down a little. He's still angry, but now he looks more suspicious than anything.
"You don't honestly expect me to believe that someone would spend money to break into this prison."
Noctis blinks, confused and unsettled by the wording, "I... what? This isn't a—I mean, technically, you have to spend money to enroll anyways, especially as a transfer, so—?"
The blonde seems to regard the words for a moment.
"Ok, fine, I walked myself into that one—how'd you know I was a transfer if you didn't know I was a student?"
At that, Noctis just shuffles in his spot. He really doesn't want to admit this—oh. He should. Probably head down to the front gates. He shuffles again and gestures over his shoulder, "Can we walk and talk? I'll... look, I know an apology isn't going to fix this, but at least let me try to explain? I want to fix this."
The looks he receives this time is critical; but, the blonde eventually lets out a long, slow breath that's obviously meant to help find his bearings.
"Fine. Fine, whatever."
"Thank you—uhm... I... never caught your name."
"Prompto."
"Prompto. Right, I'm—" he considers the consequences for a barely a moment before he finishes, "Noctis. I'm... really sorry about yesterday."
A small grunt that more or less says 'you should be' and yeah. He should and he is.
"I didn't know you were a student at the time. Look, I don't know where you're from... but in Crown City, you can't just go up to people asking for a picture." He grips the strap of his bag a little bit tighter as they're heading to the front gates, "I didn't handle it well. I know I didn't and I'm really sorry. But, I'm not the only kid here who spent their entire childhood being hounded by reporters. I still should've handled it better than I did, though. So please let me make this up to you?"
Before Prompto can answer (or maybe he has no intention of answering, because he still looks skeptical), Noctis' phone rings and he quickly digs it from his bag, "Ignis, sorry, I'll be there in just a minute."
"As long as you're all right. You made it sound so urgent that we assumed something had happened, your highness—"
"Look, I'll explain everything when we get home but... can you... not call me that?" He lowers his voice, hopes that Prompto doesn't hear him and that Ignis can.
"I'm... sorry?"
"Just... look, you'll probably figure it out as soon as I get there, just please—"
"Understood, y—Noctis. I'll tell Gladio, as well."
"Great, see you in a bit. I'm sorry for calling you so suddenly, too. Bye."
He stashes his phone again and gives Prompto another look of apology, "I... ok. I overheard you and the professor talking. That's how I found out you were a transfer. But... I don't know anything about cameras, so I asked one of my... friends... and they're meeting me at the gates."
Friends is such a strange word. Referring to them as friends is even weirder. He wants to test the word a few more times, but Prompto interrupts his train of thought.
"... I want you to know that this is the kind of set-up where someone gets jumped. Just saying."
"What? I—what?"
For some reason, his reaction finally breaks the suspicious look and Prompto laughs, "I doubt that's what you have in mind, though. You're obviously pretty sheltered so I can roll with this, I guess. If I'm wrong, I guess it's my own fault, right? Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me and what not."
Noctis is still horribly confused by the time they get out front and he jogs ahead a bit to try giving his retainers a heads up, "I'm sorry, there were people and I just needed a minute to clear my head and I—"
"Noctis—Noctis, slow down, what are you going on about?" Ignis tries to calm him down, obviously still uncomfortable with suddenly addressing him differently, "All right. Now. Can you please explain—who... this... person following you is?"
He suddenly looks suspicious and Gladiolus stands up straighter. Noctis makes a motion for them to back down; but, Prompto interrupts before he can get an explanation out.
"Ok, yeah, that thing I said earlier? This is what I meant." Prompto sighs and sounds a bit put off, "Ok, let's assume I'm being paranoid. What up, I'm Prompto. I just moved here from Niflheim and I'm assuming you're the friends that hopefully aren't going to murder me."
Oh. That would explain a lot. He's still not sure what this jumping scenario he mentioned is, but the fact he's from Niflheim explains a lot.
Ignis and Gladiolus both look thrown off and are giving him looks for an explanation. A fast one, judging by the way Gladiolus is moving around the car to join Ignis.
"Ok... so... I called you because I kind of did something really, really stupid and I needed input but this kind of works out better. I think. Maybe." Ignis gives him a pointed look and Noctis takes a deep breath, trying not to recoil under the look, "I... kind of broke his camera. ... After I punched him—"
"—For no reason," Prompto puts in. His grin turns into a softer smile, like he feels bad for making Noctis feel worse about the situation, "Chill. You already explained to me, I'm cool. I mean, I'm pissed, but I get it now. Chill, bro."
"...Right. So. I broke his camera and I want to replace it."
Prompto's posture immediately changes from relaxed and leaning against the front gates to rigidly standing at attention after he nearly trips over himself in a double take, "Wait, what—"
"Hang on and slow down, both of you." Ignis pinches the bridge of his nose, his free hand motioning for both of them to stop talking, "All right. Let me ensure I've understood this correctly. You assaulted someone you don't know, broke their property, and it's only just now coming to our attention because...?"
Noctis imagines he must look absolutely pitiful because the disbelieving look levels out to a much softer expression, just as Gladiolus joins the conversation, obviously trying to take some pressure off both of them.
"Iggy. Chill button. He's trying to fix it, that's a good thing. ... I do want to hear the rest of this story, though." Gladiolus grins, leaning so one arm is propped on Ignis' shoulder, "Prompto, you said?"
"Uh... yeah, s'me." Prompto sounds baffled, like he's still a bit behind the conversation.
"Right. I'm Gladiolus, this is Ignis. I'm hoping Noctis already introduced himself."
"He... did, look, this is a great gesture but I really couldn't ask you to replace my camera—"
"You need it for class, right?" Noctis gives him a look, clearly confused by why the offer is being refused, "I told you, I heard you talking to the professor. You said you can't get another one for at least a week. When's your assignment due?"
Prompto just flusters further, starting to make gestures with his hands again, like he isn't sure what he's supposed to say, even though he does at least try, "What does that—I'm not telling you that, I'm trying to stop you from replacing my camera!"
"I assure you, it won't be a problem." Ignis adjusts his glasses before folding his arms over his chest, "Noctis is correct and I applaud him for taking responsibility of his mistakes—"
"That we still don't know anything about," Gladiolus interjects, "So... why'd you punch him, exactly?"
"Gladio, now really isn't the time."
"It's the perfect time, Iggy, hush."
"He asked to take my picture and I... kind of assumed he was a reporter and punched him before I thought it through." Noctis answers before the two can continue bickering. They both throw him alarmed looks and he shuffles a little, "That's... also why I asked about when you went to school here. I uh... can we finish this part of the conversation at home?"
"Of... course?" Ignis still looks surprised and Gladiolus... for some reason, Gladiolus looks like he wants to start laughing and is barely resisting the urge to do so.
"So... you guys are... brothers, then?" Prompto asks, clearly lost in the conversation and looking between the three, "Or... roommates?"
"Oh, no, we're not. Our apologies," Ignis tips his head a bit to accentuate the apology, "Gladio and I are friends of Noctis' family. We've been helping out a bit, as his family's been rather busy lately."
"Roommates is a good word for that," Gladiolus puts in, still resting on Ignis' shoulder, "Most days, Noctis stays with us, so roommates is pretty accurate."
"But you two live together?"
"We share an apartment—"
"—we're dating—"
"—Gladio, I won't ask you again to stop interrupting me."
The two are bickering before Noctis has a chance to stop them. Not that he really has a mind to, at the moment. He's still processing the information. Luckily, the surprise doesn't show on his face; if it does, Prompto doesn't mention it and instead just nudges him with his elbow, quietly asking, "Are they always like this?"
No. Maybe? They're never like this with Noctis around. He feels something tight in his chest and wishes this was what he saw from his retainers more. But, given the tiny white lie they just gave about their living arrangement, Noctis swallows and nods a little.
"Yeah. It's... fairly normal. All in good fun, usually."
Maybe they are like this more than he realises.
He tries to think back to their usual conversations; the way Ignis tries to stay on topic, even when Gladiolus is purposefully trying to distract him. Not often, but whenever it's something more mundane, Gladiolus isn't exactly known to stick around very long. Something small, like house work or what dinner should be or plans for the weekend—that's when Gladiolus interrupts, when he teases Ignis a little too much until it results in him getting whacked in the face with the nearest stack of papers. Never violent, never hard, just a dismissive gesture that Noctis had only noticed in passing. Anything related to the throne, to their jobs as retainers, and Gladiolus is nothing but attentive and takes orders in a manner that Noctis always thought was surprisingly easy for how often he teases Ignis.
He makes a note to watch them closer in the future and jumps when the first warning bell sounds, "Oh... guess we'd better get back to class, uh. When are you free next?"
"Tomorrow; I have stuff to do later—wait, why—oh for the love of—stop trying to buy me stuff!" Prompto flusters again, but he's still heading back to class. He waves over his shoulder, "It was nice meeting both of you!"
"You, too, see you tomorrow, kid!" Gladiolus calls, laughing and effortlessly taking a few large steps back to avoid getting hit in the face when Ignis is apparently done dealing with his teasing. Prompto doesn't argue but Noctis can see that his cheeks and the tips of his ears are still flushed in colour.
"We'll see you this afternoon, then, Noctis." Ignis waves, idly shoving Gladiolus towards the backseat before taking the driver's seat himself.
After the car is gone and they're back in the halls heading to class, Prompto grins at him, "Your friends are awesome! Big guy—Gladiolus, right? Dude, he's like—I don't even know, he looks built as Hell!"
Built is certainly a word for Gladiolus. Noctis gives a small laugh, "Yeah. I'm a little surprised he was wearing a jacket. Normally it's an open shirt or a tank top."
"Nice. And glasses—Ignis, yeah, ok. Sorry, I'm bad with names sometimes. Ignis sounds super nice! Is he the mom friend? He sounds like a mom friend."
Noctis must look confused because Prompto just laughs, "Man, I've got a lot to teach you."
"Then... you'll come with us tomorrow?" Noctis tries not to sound surprised, not to sound too hopeful. He can't stop himself from smiling when Prompto grins and gives a lazy nod.
"I don't see why not. At least if I'm there I can stop you from buying the camera."
Even as he's saying that, Noctis has a feeling (a hopeful feeling) that they'll still end up buying one.
♣
"You still mad, Igs?" Gladio leans forward so his arms can rest over the back of the driver's seat and his hands are against Ignis' shoulders, rubbing gently.
"I've warned you before: You cannot simply go about declaring our relationship to people." Ignis glances up to the rearview mirror, "Also, put your seatbelt on."
"It's on," Gladio shrugs the concern off, continuing the massage, "Kid don't even know who we are, what's it matter?"
"And if his highness goes to his father?"
"You think he would?"
At that, Ignis goes quiet, either contemplating the answer or uncertain of it.
"... I do not have enough information for this situation to answer in confidence."
"I don't think he will. And if he does... well, they can't just get rid of us. The Amicitias may be the shields of kings, but you are the single greatest strategist they've had in years. They aren't getting rid of you. Not without both of us raising Hell."
Ignis frowns a little, "Both—?"
"You honestly think the prince is going to let them try to reassign you?"
A moment longer and he shakes his head, "I... want to believe he wouldn't."
"Besides, King Regis wouldn't be able to find anyone else that can handle him and his damn picky eating."
At that, Ignis has to smile and he rolls his eyes, "Perhaps he'll be inclined to speak with us on the matter later this evening. For now, would you kindly return to your seat and stop trying to distract the driver?"
Gladio finally leans back in his seat properly and lets the comfortable silence fill the car.
♣
Noctis isn't sure where Prompto runs off to after classes let out; but, he doesn't see him again. He's not really looking, but he assumes he's going to be painfully aware of where the other student is until he replaces the camera.
So, he heads straight for the front gates, not too surprised to see Ignis and Gladiolus already waiting for him. He gets into the car without fuss, but is still tense in preparation for any potential backlash from earlier.
Neither of them say anything about it, though; instead, Ignis graces him with a small smile. A sight Noctis finds he kind of likes, "I hope the rest of the day went well, your highness?"
He immediately forgets the smile and looks down at his lap in a put off manner. He hadn't really noticed before, but he really liked it a lot more when they were using his name. He shakes the thoughts off and nods a little, "Yeah. Prompto said he'd come with us tomorrow." He smiles a little, thinking about their short conversation back to class, "He really liked both of you."
Ignis is still smiling when he gives a small hum, "He was... pleasant, I suppose. I do wonder about his prior citizenship, but... I do not believe there is cause for worry."
"Niflheim isn't stupid enough to start shit." Gladiolus mumbles in the backseat, obviously not too thrilled about the other nation, "Not with Queen Sylva and King Regis on their thrones."
Noctis gives a passing, agreeing nod, and leans on the window, "Right... so... we can still go get him a new camera tomorrow, right?"
"Of course." Ignis throws him a glance after a beat, concern lining his expression, "... Do you not wish to accompany us?"
"What? No, I do, it was my idea, why?" Noctis frowns over at the driver, confused and a little disappointed when he merely returns his undivided attention to the road. In the backseat, Gladiolus heaves a sigh and Noctis turns his attention to him instead, "What?"
"A few things; but, most importantly, Queen Sylva and her children are visiting. I'm pretty sure one of us mentioned that this morning," Gladiolus gives an idle wave to show he's not too concerned with the visit, "It being close to Lady Lunafreya's birthday and what not. They'll be staying in the palace for a while."
Noctis nods to show he remembers. He's a little excited; it's always great to have Luna visiting. Ravus still doesn't like him much; but, he doesn't take it too personally. He's seen the way Gladiolus glares at people who stare too long at Iris and assumes it's just something similar. If the entire Nox Fleuret family is visiting, that should mean Gentiana, as well, and her presence is always a calming one.
"That being said," Ignis picks up for him, seeming to hesitate before he continues, "There is... something we would like to discuss. Just the three of us. We understand that it will have to wait until after you've greeted the Queen and her children, but... when you're able, we would like a moment of your time."
To say he's surprised is an understatement. Ignis and Gladiolus rarely ask anything of him and he ends up frowning a little, "Yeah, of course. Is... is everything alright?" He doesn't think anything could have happened between lunch and now; but, he's overlooked things before. He's apparently been overlooking their relationship all together, but... if it were something important, they'd want to speak to him right away, right? He feels a small bit of relief when Ignis shakes his head.
"Everything is fine. This is a personal matter, for whenever you have time. But, for the moment, it would be most beneficial if you focused your attention to our guests. Agreed?"
Noctis nods and leans against his window again, "Right. ... Guess it's a good thing Prompto couldn't make it today."
He's not sure why he feels so disappointed, but he does... and, maybe he imagines it, he's pretty sure he just saw Ignis and Gladio exchanging curious looks of interest. He doesn't think on it very long, instead turning his attention to preparing himself for company.
♣
Seeing Luna is always great.
He actually smiles and laughs a little when Umbra and Pyrna run up to him, circling his legs a few times before rolling onto their backs and demanding he pet their stomachs. Luna's laugh distracts Pyrna and the dog immediately returns to her owner, rubbing up against her leg until Luna finally scratches behind her ears. Noctis gives her a wide smile—a smile he doesn't seem to be able to give much anyone else, "You got here earlier than we were expecting."
Ignis had been in a tizzy when they arrived to already find their guests present. He remembers Gladiolus struggling not to start laughing; but, the man had immediately been distracted by Nyx returning, as well. Noctis isn't sure where the three disappeared to, but he also knew there was nothing to worry about in the palace—
"Indeed. Lord Clarus was gracious enough to host us in your absence, your highness."
Ok. Almost nothing.
Thankfully, Noctis has mastered the art of not groaning in Ravus' presence and just sends him a polite, diplomatic smile, when he finally stands. Umbra rolls onto his front, sitting patiently next to Noctis' leg with his eyes trained intently on Ravus. Luna dispels the tension with hardly any effort.
"We all knew you would still be in class when we arrived, don't mind Ravus." Luna spares him another smile, though she looks a bit sad at the same time, "I was looking forward to catching up; but, Lord Clarus informed us you don't normally stay in the palace on school nights?"
He'd almost completely forgotten about that in his excitement to see his friend and he gives a slow nod, a frown crossing his face, "Yeah. I stay with Ignis and Gladiolus. They have an apartment close to campus from when they were attending school, so... it just kind of makes more sense to stay there. I come home on weekends and during break, though. I'll be here for your birthday, for sure."
That's enough to make Luna give him a real smile and he's relieved. Ravus is still making a face at him from over her shoulder, but he ignores it. It's already pretty common knowledge the two don't see eye-to-eye and Noctis doubts he'll ever actually earn a word of praise from his eventual brother-in-law.
He perks up a bit when he hears the doors to the study open and looks over his shoulder. Nyx gives a deep bow, along with Gladiolus and Ignis, and offers a courtesy tip of his head when he regards Noctis, "Prince Noctis, always good to see you. I apologise for the Queen's absence. She requested King Regis' attention almost as soon as we arrived and we've yet to see either of them since."
"It's all right." Noctis assures him, shrugging a bit, "I kind of guessed she would." He sends his retainers a quick glance before clearing his throat, "I really hate to leave so soon, but—"
"No need to apologise, your highness," Nyx's smile is as reassuring as ever and he gives Gladiolus a solid pat on the back, "Gladiolus already told me about your current arrangement and I'm sure the Queen will understand. I'm certain Lady Lunafreya doesn't mind passing your greetings on to the Queen?" The question is accompanied by a courtesy glance towards Luna, though it's more a formality than anything. Unlike his relationship with his own retainers, Luna's shown plenty of times that she's exceptionally comfortable with the familiarity that both Nyx and Gentiana address her.
"Of course. I was just saying the same," Luna gives a small laugh, "Truly, it's not my approval you require, however." She makes a pointed nod towards Umbra and Noctis immediately feels bad, the way the dog is staring at him so expectantly.
He hesitates before giving Gladiolus and Ignis a hopeful look, "Umbra can come, right?"
"He's hardly a nuisance, so I don't see why the complex should have a problem with him." Ignis assures him, "If they do, it can be handled accordingly."
"Or, you know, we just sneak him in." Gladiolus puts in, shrugging and acting like he doesn't notice the annoyed glare Ignis throws him, "He's quiet, he's well-behaved, no one would even notice he was there." Umbra gives a quiet bark to agree, his tail wagging, and he looks back up at Noctis, obviously happy with what's going on. The prince just smiles back and scratches behind the dog's ears.
"Thanks. C'mon, Umbra." He waves a little over his shoulder, "I'll see you this weekend, Luna. Ravus, Nyx." He tips his head to the two as he leaves, Umbra at his heel and Gladiolus and Ignis falling into step shortly after.
"Well. That went well." Ignis comments as they exit the palace, "I believe this is the first time you've managed not to start a fight with Lord Ravus, Gladio."
Gladiolus scowls at that, but doesn't say anything. Noctis frowns a little as he listens to the two.
It's not really a secret that Gladiolus and Ravus don't get along. There's a long-standing grudge in terms of combat prowess and Ravus is definitely more upset than Noctis at never being able to beat the man. Personally, Noctis doesn't mind. Training with Gladiolus is hard—training with either of them is hard, but Gladiolus, especially—and, honestly, sometimes Noctis is just glad he doesn't get knocked head over heels nearly as often as he used to. Gladiolus even spares him praise sometimes—it's not often enough to be called coddling and makes him realise that it's genuine praise when he's done something worthy.
That part doesn't bother him. It's the realisation that Ignis is the only one—outside of the other Amicitias—that doesn't call him 'Gladiolus'. That, likewise, Gladiolus is the only one that doesn't call him 'Ignis'. He really wants to ask about it, but... that's probably not the best subject to bring up. He really does want to know, though.
♣
When they get back to their apartment, Umbra immediately finds his way to Noctis' room and situates himself under the bed with only his still wagging tail sticking out. Noctis smiles at the dog and sets his bag down in a corner. He starts to sit on the bed before he remembers what Ignis mentioned earlier and hesitates. He kind of assumed they would bring it up on their own, but... maybe he should?
He's seen the way Luna speaks with Nyx and Gentiana. If she has any reservations on the matter, it doesn't show; and, both retainers are more than comfortable coming to her without hesitation.
With a slow breath he comes to at least one conclusion; if he wants to have that kind of relationship with his retainers... he needs to make the same effort Luna does.
Still, the second he's in the living area, he's back to feeling anxious. Gladiolus regards him from where he's reading on the couch, obviously confused by why he's out of his room before dinner, and Ignis stops going through the pantry in favour of sating his curiosity as well.
"Did you need something?"
Noctis almost dismisses it.
But, then he remembers lunch.
He remembers seeing the other side—the fun side of his retainers. The way it felt to be on the receiving end of one of Ignis' smiles. He takes a deep breath to steel himself.
"You... said you had something to talk about when we got back." He hopes his voice doesn't sound too shaken. He tries to smooth the conversation out, "I did, too."
Ignis looks surprised, if not pleased, and sends Gladiolus a glance; the swordsman looks impressed and nods in response to the glance before he turns a smile on Noctis, "We did. Well. He did. I'm just along for the ride."
The smile becomes more playful when Ignis finds a kitchen towel to throw at him, though it doesn't quite make the impact he was hoping for. Even so, the strategist soon joins them, taking up a seat close to Gladiolus and gesturing for Noctis to sit as well.
As much as he wants this, he's not sure he's ready for anything too drastically different; so, instead of sitting on the couch with them, he takes up the chair across from them so he can keep a close eye on both. He's a little confused by the disappointment that flashes across Ignis' face; but, it's gone as quickly as it appeared and it leaves him wondering if he imagined the look.
"Right. Well... Gladio isn't wrong, this is mostly a concern of mine... but, it pertains to both of us." For once, Gladiolus doesn't interrupt; instead, he puts a hand on Ignis' shoulder, giving it a quick squeeze in what Noctis can only assume is supposed to be reassurance. Ignis takes a deep breath and continues, "As you know, there are... rules... pertaining to how royal retainers should carry themselves. Quite specifically, rules about their behaviour towards other Glaives."
Oh.
Noctis blinks. Honestly, he hadn't even considered it to be a bad thing. All of the Glaives were pretty friendly with one another and he's heard plenty of whispered rumours about some of them seeing each other... in secret. It makes sense; their lives are supposed to be dedicated solely to the royal family and having a partner in their line of duty... it's generally frowned upon in fear of them placing their partner's life above that of whomever they end up serving.
"Gladio, as you know, is unnegotiable," Ignis continues, not seeming to pick up on the fact Noctis had temporarily stopped listening to him, "The Amicitias have long sworn their lives to the kings. This is something I believe all of us accept without question." He makes a gesture to show he's included Noctis in the statement as well; quite accurately, "I, however—"
"You're not leaving, are you?" Noctis isn't sure why he interrupts. He's not sure why that is what he's stuck on. But the second the thought occurred to him—the very thought of Ignis not being around, just because he technically shouldn't have been dating Gladiolus—he felt something tighten in his chest and his stomach dropped almost faster than when he realised he'd made a horrible mistake in punching Prompto, "You're... you're not, right?"
He feels a flush of embarrassment colouring his cheeks when both retainers regard him with surprise and he tries to look anywhere but towards them, "I don't... I don't want you to go. So... you're not, though, right? I mean. As long as no one says anything, it doesn't matter, right?"
Gladiolus immediately starts grinning. Like he knew this would happen.
Ignis, however, still looks perplexed, like he isn't sure he actually heard correctly.
"I've no intention of leaving, unless you desire to release me. This... doesn't bother you?"
Noctis blinks and imagines he looks painfully confused. He feels painfully confused when he finds the nerve to ask, "... Should it? I mean... honestly, I only kind of started noticing today and not even until you said anything." He looks down, scuffing his toes against the carpet in a sheepish manner, "I always just thought everyone shortened your names like you do. I thought Gladio just—er... Gladiolus just teased everyone the way he teases you." He's not sure if he's allowed to use the nickname. He wants to be able to. He wants that sense of security and involvement they'd played at in front of Prompto.
He wants that to be more than a white lie.
"With all due respect," Gladiolus interrupts his thoughts and he's a little surprised by the man laughing, "I'm pretty sure if anyone teased Iggy, he'd shiv them. He tried to shiv me once or twice when we first met."
"I can't possibly imagine why," Ignis grumbles, though there's a faint hint of a blush in his cheeks when he pointedly looks away from both of them, a sullen frown on his face that almost resembles a pout, "Heathen."
"Love you, too, Specs."
Noctis lets out a deep, relieved sigh, nearly slumping over with the relief and ends up watching the exchange with a small smile. A genuine smile. One that fades when the two finally start paying attention to him again and look surprised.
"... What?"
"You were... smiling." Ignis still looks surprised, but he smiles a moment later and Noctis feels the same warmth from earlier, "It is a fitting expression, your—"
"Please, don't." The feeling is gone again and Noctis feels bad for interrupting but... he doesn't want to lose that feeling. Not permanently. He shifts in his seat, eyes on the floor again, as he tries to find the will to voice his thoughts, "I... right. The thing I wanted to talk about."
"Ah, yes. Your earlier request." Ignis tilts his head, regarding Noctis for a moment before he asks, "Does this have anything to do with why you keep looking so upset with how we address you?" He smiles again when Noctis startles, "I thought so. You've been acting odd since we showed up at lunch. What's wrong?"
His tone is gentle, guiding. He doesn't press for immediate answers and Gladiolus looks equally interested in the answer without offering any input or pressure. Noctis just takes another breath and hopes he manages to make sense.
"Earlier, I just didn't... I didn't want him to know I was... me." He sighs when they look confused and tries to elaborate, "That I'm 'Prince Noctis'. He doesn't know. He just thinks I'm another student—when I told him about how a lot of kids at school have been harassed by reporters their whole lives? That someone buying a uniform just to infiltrate the school was an all too real probability? He thought I was crazy. He thinks I'm just a kid that overreacted to having his picture taken."
Ignis nods a bit, "You want him to keep thinking that, then."
"I do. I'm...." He pauses, hesitates. He's said this much. He can say the rest. He can do this, "I'm sick of that—of people walking on eggshells around me or trying to win my favour for influence."
He goes quiet again, his shoulders sagging as it all hits him. How much he really did enjoy the short time in lunch where he wasn't himself.
"Both of you, too," he finally admits, hopes he's actually speaking loud enough for them to hear, "When you showed up at lunch it was... it was amazing. I've never seen you two like that—I mean... I know it's kind of my fault. I never go out with you when you ask and I get why you can't act like that at home—at the palace, I mean. I can see it, now—when you look at each other. I never noticed before because I wasn't paying attention; but, if someone else did, they could take both of you away. I don't—I don't want that to happen. I want things to be like they were at lunch. All the time."
It sounds ridiculous when he says it out loud.
Utterly ridiculous and he feels like he has absolutely no reason to complain about his situation. All-in-all, Gladiolus and Ignis have always done exactly what was expected of them. They were loyal, they were attentive, and—despite the fact Noctis could see how blatantly taken they were now—they had never once put themselves before him. He was finally realising that all of their invitations to do something fun were genuine. They weren't going beyond their job, they weren't afraid of failing their job; they were genuinely upset that he didn't want to be around them when he didn't need to be.
There's a stretch of silence that Noctis spends worrying he's far overstepped the boundary between prince and retainers. Gladiolus breaks the silence first.
"Well, first thing's first," His voice drawls and, when Noctis looks up, he's wearing a wide grin, "You should probably get whatever homework done, get some dinner, and hope your new friend is still on for tomorrow."
"Agreed. Though, I do believe we should also prepare for the inevitability that Prompto will discover your title, Noctis." Ignis supplies, looking moderately apologetic for bringing it up, "Gladio and I will continue, as you've expressed; but, someone is bound to address you by title sooner or later."
Noctis blinks at them, honestly and pleasantly surprised by how good it feels to hear his name instead of title, "Right. Uh... right. That probably is going to happen, huh... do... do you think I should just tell him?"
"Well, it certainly wouldn't hurt for him to hear it from you," Ignis concedes, despite looking a bit doubtful, "There's really no way to ease someone into that information, however."
"Just go with the flow," Gladiolus shrugs, "It comes up, great; it doesn't, we find a way to bring it up. Easy."
Ignis gives him a pointed look, one that rather clearly says 'you aren't helping'; but, Noctis still laughs. He thinks it's the first time he's ever laughed around them and it feels amazing. Better than amazing.
This is definitely something he can get used to, especially when the laugh doesn't earn him the usual surprised looks. It earns him a pair of smiles, proud and affectionate, and makes him feel even better about the entire situation.
He'll worry about how to explain everything to Prompto later. For right now, he's going to enjoy the new found warmth... and hopefully convince Ignis that curry is the optimal choice for dinner.