A/B/O Promptis Ball/Teach me to dance

[starless_sky]

The newspapers and the internet alike were abuzz with the news about the red carpet gala happening at the the Citadel. It was some charity ball but the tabloids and entertainment news didn't waste a chance to gush about the celebrities who were already confirmed to be attending. The dignitaries, the CEO's, the movie stars, singers, the socialites... and of course the royal family. It was so rare that Prince Noctis showed his face at such events it was an event in and of itself to see him shined up like a new crown and MAN was he a HUNK now. Right ladies? What is he going to wear? YSL? Burberry? Take a look at this edition of Elle~

That garbage was why Noct ignored the news. He stayed offline, didn't have a twitter account, didn't post photos of himself ever. He was comfortable that way. It was just him and Prompto and he needed little else. Things were great at home. They had school and all but they worked on their studies... on Ignis' orders. And they had each other. Noctis couldn't put to words how nice it was to have someone to look forward to seeing, someone to come home to. He had his best friend and his lover all in one and he never knew how lonely he'd been until he wasn't alone anymore. He had Prompto. Not just for sex but to curl up with and to talk to and to laugh with. He was his person. 

His father was well aware of the changes in him and Noctis hadn't made it a secret that he'd taken a mate. Regis wasn't exactly thrilled with his son's choices in bonding so young wihout consulting anyone but he did not say much on the matter. It was done, unable to be undone now. And Regis did not dislike Prompto, quite the opposite. But he wished... he wished for a lot of things. That they had been older, that it had been under less dire circumstances, that they'd talked about it beforehand... but he couldn't regret the marriage. He could not, as a father, regret anything that made his son so happy. 

It was Regis' idea that they hold the charity ball and that Noctis should attend. With Prompto. Officially. It was a positive way to bring Prompto out to the public, it would be a lovely way to take control of the PR moment and stage it in a nice light... and also not allow the reporters to eat Prompto alive. It was a perfect opportunity. Noctis couldn't deny it, but that required getting Prompto Ball-Ready which.... was why he was sitting flipping through music and wondering how he could teach his mate to dance. He didn't know how to dance, he just did it on command, he didn't think about it. How could he explain it? 

He'd tried to get Ignis to teach Prompto only to be shot down. 'He is your mate, you will be the one leading him, he needs to learn how to read you, Noct, not any lead but you.' 

And so here he was trying to figure out how to start this at home. Just them with some music. He had pushed the couch to the windows, the dining table too. The floor was wide open and before he saw Prompto, Noctis just wanted to get the steps in his head. He started a waltz and began stepping across the floor, arms out for an invisible partner. Expertly he danced alone but he was trying to mind his own movements and try to find words to explain them to his mate.

Comments

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto had been starved for touch for years, and the casual pats and touches when they were little more than friends had always been nice, made him feel close and accepted in a way that he hadn't known before. Now, every day was like a feast, and he could indulge to his heart's content, whether it was to curl up at Noct's side, slipping into the crook under his arm as they played the latest video game, or something as intimate as this, where he could hardly tell where one of them ended and the other began. It made him feel bright and warm and happy in a way that was hard to express.

That Noct was also willing to indulge his fantasies? Prompto was going to be spoiled rotten by his mate; he already felt like the luckiest guy on Eos just to be with Noct. He wouldn't have cared if Noct was a prince, or the poorest guy in Insomnia, as long as they made eachother happy, that was all that mattered.

Before he could think too hard about something feeling off, Noct was coming hard, knot swelling as he filled Prompto with his seed. The sound of his name as Noct finished, sweet and thick with lust, it was intoxicating. His body shuddered and he all but collapsed back against his mate as they came down from the high of climax. Where he usually felt peaceful and exhausted in their post-coital bliss, the dizziness persisted, and he let his head loll back against Noct's shoulder as a wave of nausea hit him.

At least it was fairly easy to push the feeling aside, so wrapped up in the moment, content to lay here with his mate, filled and warm and safe.

"Must be all that kheer," he joked, letting his hand trail over his thin chest, where earlier he'd been covered in the sticky rice pudding.

"Can we just... stay like this for a while?" he added, leaning back a little more intentionally, finding one of Noct's arms and pulling it close around him.

[starless_sky]

While he wasn't so aware of it until now, Noctis was touch starved too. Part of being royalty meant that you were surrounded by people who didn't touch you and in fact, couldn't or wouldn't dare touch you. Like a museum piece or something. Someone to just gawk at and tell their friends they went to see him. But Prompto... he felt like a person with him, a real person who got to hug and cuddle and nap together. He had a safe place here, a happy place where he could indulge the same as Prompto. More than himself, though, Noctis was learning how to be a man by being Prompto's mate. Nurturing him was making him feel like a real man and it was setting up his expectations of himself and his gender as a whole. All around he was growing more sensitive and less closed-off. Who would have guessed Love was the answer to his problems?

He would honestly like to see what a spoiled rotten Prompto would look like. He'd be his cute self always, of course. Noctis could not see him any other way. And they'd have all kinds of fantasies to live out or recreate. They can always go back to the throne room as many times as they like.

Noctis was catching his breath and keeping Prompto close, his hands moving over his chest down to his belly. He pressed his nose against the crook of Prompto's neck and inhaled deeply. Something was off... he smelled different. It was subtle but it was there. He wasn't just imagining it.

"Maybe." he pecked Prompto's cheek.

"In the tub? Sure, I am not going anywhere anytime soon... you can sleep if you want. I won't let you drown." indeed he'd be relieved if Prompto slept after this, it would be easier to get him to nap. If they were both awake they tended to get distracted.

[hajimetejanai]

Touch had always come casually between them. Whether it was the hand offered to help him up back in elementary school, or the pat on the back when Noct teased him for not returning as a friend sooner as they entered high school. Prompto loved that sort of easy interaction, and when it was officially announced that they were together? He couldn't wait to be able to hold Noct's hand in public or rest his head on his shoulder at the movies without worrying about someone seeing them.

Prompto can't imagine being demanding or ungrateful for the life Noct has provided them, though he does enjoy teasing his mate on occasion. He would feel too guilty being fussy or expecting gifts, but, as their life in the bedroom has proven, he's not above begging. And Noct, well, he seems pretty damn susceptible to it. But really? He has everything he ever wanted. The only thing he'd wish for is more time with Noct. And maybe a trip together, just the two of them. Somewhere with great landscapes? Or the next Moogle Chocobo Carnival?

He tried to let his muscles relax, and for the most part, they listened, but that knot had him stretched so far, it was hard not to let his overstimulated body react with little hitches of breath and the twitch of muscles. It felt amazing, even if it left him panting and shivering by the time Noct would be able to pull out most times.

Prompto had worked so hard for that flat stomach, to actually have abs after his pudgy tummy as a kid, so it was hard to resolve how badly his body wanted that slight curve of a baby bump to appear as Noct's hand rested there. He pushed the thought aside as Noct kissed his cheek. He didn't usually feel this tired, but they'd been pushing pretty hard, making messes all over the apartment. Noct was right, he should just sleep, right?

"Promise?" he breathed, voice a bit shaky, but the tone was teasing, all the same. He meant to follow it up with a joke about coming back to haunt him, or making sure he stayed awake too, but he was just too tired. He could feel his body growing slack almost as soon as Noct gave him permission. Already he was blinking slower and his eyelids felt heavier, and with the dizziness, it was all too easy to just close them and slump back against Noct.

Maybe he did need a nap. Just a short one, he thought, though it took little effort at all to drift off amid the warm water and heady scent of Noct everywhere around him.

[starless_sky]

While it was casual it wasn't a small deal. Noctis didn't touch people just as they didn't touch him. He had been very open to Prompto when he fell in his hiding place at school. But Prompto hadn't returned, it had made him a bit sad but he was used to that. Prompto had just seemed different. But in his lack of communication skills, he'd started to use his brief touches as ways to confirm he was reaching out, to show he really meant it. Gods, before he patted Prompto at the start of high school he'd probably gone well over a year without human contact. Being able to hold hands in public would be nice, not having to think about it, just being able to be a young couple like everyone else... he couldn't wait really.

Prompto might be surprised by what he can get used to. Or Noctis might be surprised by what Prompto cannot get used to, only time will tell. But he wanted to make a habit of spoiling Prompto in the ways that mattered. Giving in to his mate's begging didn't even count as spoiling him, it was just doing what he had to for his own sake. When Prompto begged Noctis had to respond. He just had to. He couldn't ignore it, his body would betray him if he tried.

A trip together would be nice. He could ask... likely his father would say no due to the current political climate.

Prompto was a champ, he never complained about it even when he knew the knot wasn't comfortable. Even when his legs were shaking when he was trembling. He wondered what it must be like for an Omega in heat, to crave sensations that weren't even good for your body, to still want them even as you were past the point of exhaustion. That's why he had to be a responsible Alpha and take care of him.

Prompto worked hard for his body but he didn't need to. He could have stayed chubby, he could gain all the weight back, Noctis would worry about his health some but he wouldn't reject him. He supposed it was the same as worrying about his health when he was over-dieting. What was the difference? He wanted his mate to live a long time, he didn't want to be a widower. But who is to say he needed to worry about that? His father was aging so fast... maybe it was Prompto who needed to be concerned...

The flat of Prompto's belly was nice... but Noctis held his hand to it even as Prompto fell asleep. He tried to feel his own cock through his muscle... and he kinda did. He thinks. He felt a bit of pressure on the head of his dick as he pet Prompto's belly. Was he really that big when he knotted?

As soon as Prompto fell asleep Noctis wanted to get out. He suddenly felt like a creep. But he waited in the tub and let himself shrink completely before he slid out of his mate and drained the tub. From there he wrapped Prompto in a big fluffy towel and once they were both dry he carried him to bed. Actually, he changed the sheets first then put them both in bed. Naked. No point in dirtying more clothes when they do it again once they wake up.

Whenever Prompto opens his eyes he'll find water and some food on his side of the bed. Noctis is out cold next to him.

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto started to doze lightly, it was hard to do more than that with the knot still swollen inside him. He felt a faint pressure on his stomach as Noct pet him, and let out a breathy whimper, fidgeting, only to remember that moving too much wasn't a good idea at the moment. The nausea wasn't too bad, but it definitely felt worse when he moved around.

He stilled soon after, enjoying the quiet moment. It felt like it slipped by far too fast, and he woke more fully, thoughts feeling muddied, and body feeling heavy and tired. He made a few more quiet whimpering noises as Noct pulled out and his muscles relaxed.

Prompto was content to let Noct help him out of the tub and dry him off, though as he carried him to bed, Prompto felt guilty for not being as pro-active and holding him around the neck. Instead, he just slumped tiredly against his chest, struggling to keep the nausea at bay.

When he felt the cool, clean sheets beneath him and Noct's solid form beside him, he told himself he'd feel better after he slept.

He didn't.

Despite how peaceful and serene it should feel to sleep beside his mate, Prompto just can't get comfortable. His muscles ache strangely, and there's a headache building somewhere at his temples. His skin usually feels fresh and soft after a bath, but he just feels sticky, fever making him sweat, though no matter how close he gets to his mate, he doesn't feel warm enough. His stomach keeps cramping painfully, driving his nausea to near intolerable levels, and it can't handle it for more than an hour or so before he feels the sickness coming on and pushes himself up, making a mad dash for the bathroom.

His legs are wobbly at best, and his dash feels more like a hurried, drunken shamble as he rushes for it, slamming his hip into the doorknob hard enough to bruise in his hurry. He barely makes it to the toilet in time to collapse to his knees, hurling his guts into the bowl and just barely coherent enough to pull his hair out of the way.

He knows he should get back up, climb back to bed, but he's so tired and he can feel his stomach threatening for round two if he moves too quickly. So he just sort of folds his arms on the toilet seat, resting his head on them, and tries to summon up the willpower to get going.

[starless_sky]

Luckily he wasn't totally asleep. That helped Noct not feel like a perv. But still... it was clearly bedtime. He'd failed his promise not to fuck Prompto in the tub. His mate's current state was his own fault, he hadn't set Prompto up for success when he let him sit in his lap. Sex was inevitable at that point. But they got out of the tub, Prompto was a limp noodle. Gods, what had he done to him? Once they were in bed he broke two potions over him to heal his new bite and gods knew what other micro-tears he had suffered.

He had no idea nausea was brewing in his mate. He'd thought they were at the end of this heat. That they'd sleep a nice long time and Prompto would wake up much less feverish. They'd fuck it out a few more times. Shower together, maybe go out for food if they were of a mind to. But instead, Noctis woke up rather suddenly to the sounds of hurried footsteps and retching.

He's throwing up. It hung in his sleep-addled brain for a long moment then he blinked his eyes open and sat up. He's throwing up? Alarm bells weren't quite going off in his mind but Noctis got out of bed and headed to Prompto. He looked pitiful, crouched over the toilet.

He crouched down by him and rubbed his back. "Hey... hey." he leaned in to nuzzle him. "I'm here. When did this start?" he spoke softly. Poor Prompto, he could have been at this for hours while Noctis slept. He assumed this was the case, he could sleep through a bomb going off after all.

"We have some soda in the fridge, it might soothe your stomach. Do you want me to bring you some? Or water?" or both? He pet Prompto's hair back and paused. He reached up into one of the drawers in the vanity and brought out hairpins to hold Prompto's hair back. Quietly and without asking he simply pinned his mate's hair so he didn't have to hold it.

"You want me to bring you something to wear or a towel?"

[hajimetejanai]

The potions helped. They at began to heal his new bite, and soothed most of his minor aches and pains. But whatever was making him feel so queasy, it was something else. Bad curry, maybe? It had tasted so fresh though. Maybe something in his diet, or his meds... Maybe he'd just picked up a bug at school. Ugh, he hoped Noct didn't get it.

He felt guilty when he heard Noct start to stir, and started to get up, only to start heaving again, stomach already empty, but still rebelling against him in dry heaves. He could feel Noct start rubbing his back, and his thin shoulders rose with tension as Noct got closer, nuzzling him. It was usually such a sweet, affectionate gesture, but Prompto couldn't help but worry he might spread whatever this was to his mate.

"Ugh, sorry Noct, I just- don't wanna get you sick," he mumbled into his arm. When had it started? This heat had felt strange, but he wasn't sure he could put his finger on when exactly. The dizziness had started... was it before, or after dinner? The nausea he remembered, that was the worst of it, started sometime while they'd been in the tub, hadn't it?

"I dunno... I was trying to sleep, but- my stomach just felt like shit and- I thought I could just ride it out, but... ugh..." he shook his head slightly, even the small gesture making his headache pound.

"Maybe? Uh... either one... I could try..." he sighed. Anything was better than feeling like garbage. And if soda helped, he'd rather give it a shot, though his stomach clenched slightly at the idea. Usually when he didn't feel well, he just lay in bed and waited the fever out. If he was feeling well enough, he might stumble to the corner market for medicine, but even then, they didn't always let him buy it, not without an adult present. It left him poorly equipped for knowing how to take care of himself while ill.

The hand on his head was soothing though, and he hoped this would all go away. It was probably just some gnarly food poisoning. But... Noct wasn't sick. Why wasn't Noct sick too?

"Just a towel uh... for now. I don't wanna puke on anything, y'know?" It was already taking a supreme effort of will not to start heaving again. His skin felt flushed and feverish, but not with the heady warmth of his heat, more heavy and exhausting, alternating between much too hot and so chill he would start shaking.

[starless_sky]

Honestly, Noctis was just shocked he'd gotten sick at all. This soon after a heat was really strange. Wouldn't the heat have killed off any infection he'd had? Was it possible this was his own fault for pushing them to their limits?

"I'll be fine. Don't worry about it." he got up to grab several towels. One to wrap around Prompto. One for him to sit on the floor under him, and a spare to wipe himself if need be.

"I'll get you both. Be right back." he squeezed Prompto's hand and disappeared, returning with two cups with lids and straws. Easy for sipping and no risk of spilling. "The fizziness of soda can sometimes ease an upset stomach. Just sip a little at a time ok?" and he... Felt a little naked. He wrapped a towel around his waste too and sat at Prompto's side on the floor.

Prompto hadn't been taken care of before. He wanted to make this as good an experience being sick as he could. Being sick sucked but at least Prompto could have comfort of not being completely alone while recovering. If anyone had known Prompto was left alone while sick as a kid it could have been referred to cps. As it stood, Noctis just had to do a better job than his in-laws.

"You know what. If you want... I can carry you back to bed. You're shivering. I'll bring you a bowl you can throw up in if you need to. I'll get some painkillers too. How's that sound? You feel like you can sit up?

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto took the towels gratefully, assembling them around himself while Noct went to grab the drinks. He tried to move as little as possible, wiping the remnants of his sick from his mouth, then sitting on one and pulling the last around his shoulders like a blanket. Even so, the movement riled up his nausea, and he curled in on himself, hugging his knees to his chest and resting his head atop them. It was a big improvement from using the toilet seat as a makeshift pillow, he figured.

When Noct returned with the drinks, he reached out for one, hand shaking slightly. He should just ask for help, he hadn't complained of it when Noct fed him breakfast, but that had been sweet and this... for some reason felt different. Gross or dirty somehow. Like he was useless for taking care of himself. He tried to take the cup and was glad for the lid and straw as he nearly dropped it.

He sipped at it, feeling the bubbles on his tongue and at least getting the pukey taste out of his mouth. Despite Noct's insistence that he'd be alright, Prompto was worried about spreading whatever it was. The offer to carry him back to bed, let him get his nasty plague all over it, and puke in their dishes? Wasn't that too much?

"Don't be silly, I'll just- I'll take the couch," he tried a half-smile. "Probably just food poisoning or something."

He knew it wasn't true as soon as he said it. There was no way. They both ate basically the same stuff. Unless there was a widespread veggie plague, Prompto was pretty sure it wasn't food-related. Which meant... what exactly? He placed a hand over his stomach, the gesture reminding him of how Noct had held him, how he'd thought, at the time, of how much he wanted his mate to put a child in him. But that- there was no way. He'd faithfully taken his medication. This had to be just a flu-bug or something. Right?

Prompto went still at the idea, feeling a bit numb. No, there was no way. He was just getting paranoid, that was all. The sickness coinciding with his heat, it had to be just another side effect of the birth control. That made more sense, he told himself.

"I'll be okay, I just- need a minute."

[starless_sky]

Poor Prompto looked so miserable on the floor. Noctis knew he couldn't just leave him there. To bed he'd have to go. It was too much to watch him look so achey and chilled.

Helping Prompto was letting Noctis feel useful. He wasn't just watching his mate suffer in the bathroom. He could do something about it. Unlike his partner, Noctis had decent experiences being taken care of while sick. He had to set the tone for how being sick would be with him. No abandoning him on the couch to fend for himself.

"Hmm... I don't agree. The bed is better, it's warmer, it's already set up, and it's comfier. Besides. I sleep wherever you sleep and I don't really want to sleep on the couch. And yeah, that's what dishwashers are for. It'll be easier than running to the toilet." or camping in the bathroom.

He hummed a bit at food poisoning. "Do you think so? Wouldn't I be sick too? I mean... As close as I've been to you since we ate last... Unless I got you sick with my eggs!?" he shuddered to think that but he knew his eggs were fine, he knew he'd cooked them enough. That couldn't be... But it wasn't necessarily ruled out.

Then Prompto touched his belly and something clicked. Something he'd read about newly pregnant Omegas. Subconsciously they protect their baby before they even know about it. Prompto... Was he protecting his belly or... Was Noct just reading too much into it?

"Alright... I'm gonna go get you a bowl and I'll be right back." one of the big popcorn bowls would suffice. Plenty of room to catch anything Prompto threw up.

But he kept thinking... Could it be... No. Prompto was on birth control. That wasn't a guarantee. But still... It wasn't true was it?

He could think of a thousand reasons this would be terrible for them at this stage in life but also he couldn't deny part of him that deeply hoped it was true.

But it probably wasn't. He was overthinking it. He grabbed a bowl and returned to Prompto.

"Okay. If you're ready. Hold this and I'll carry you to bed."

[hajimetejanai]

Noctis did make a lot of very valid points. And as much as he wanted to argue that Noct might get sick too, he just didn't have much fight left in him to do so. He'd probably do the exact same thing for Noct, if the roles were reversed, though with a bit more dragging and less actual carrying.

"If you're sure..." he conceded, swallowing another small sip before setting his drink aside to let what he'd had settle.

Noct came to the same conclusion he did, at least, about them eating mostly the same stuff. And there was no way Noct's breakfast made him sick! It was well-made and the eggs had been light and fluffy with plenty of cheese and-

The memory of food turned his stomach and he gave an involuntary jerk toward the toilet bowl, head down as the bile began to rise in his throat. He managed to swallow it back, though the way his stomach did flip flops as he held it down made him wonder if it was better to just let everything out.

"I- um- I don't think so... they were fine- I mean- good, I just-" he shook his head softly, waiting for the nausea to pass and giving Noct an out to grab a bowl.

He didn't want to think about pregnancy either. He had a lot of really complicated feelings on the matter. He definitely wanted to have kids someday, but... now? No way, he couldn't be pregnant.

Prompto took the bowl when Noct returned, and held the towel loosely around him, nodding that he was ready. Laying down in their bed sounded good, warm, at least, and Noct would be closeby. The worst part of being sick was always the being alone part. Feeling miserable and having no one around? He hated it.

[starless_sky]

If he got sick then he got sick, he wasn't about to abandon his mate here in the bathroom. What kind of asshole would do that? And Prompto dragging Noctis would probably be really hilarious.

"I'm totally sure." he smiled. But then Prompto was puking again. He sighed softly. "Just let it out, no sense holding it in. You can eat more when you get better." but there was no sense in discussing it. He headed to get a bowl and set a few more sodas in the fridge so they could be cool when Prompto needed them. Maybe he'd order in for some soup, what places could he think of that just served broth... well the curry place maybe...

If Prompto was pregnant he wondered if he'd be craving strange things. Maybe he'd be sent out at strange hours to go get curry or some bizarre combination of things. He smiled faintly before he knew he was doing it. He shook his head. Away with those thoughts, he had to just be here for Prompto now. Just handle what was at hand.

Prompto was ready and he gently lifted him up, towel and all. Off they went to the bedroom. He laid his mate down, got out some clothes if he wanted them, tucked him in, and set his bowl to the side. He returned to the bathroom and came back with his drinks which also sat on the bedside table. At this point, he pulled on some boxers and an old t-shirt.

He kissed Prompto's head. "Sorry you're sick... I'm here though ok? I'm gonna be right here next to you, tell me if you need anything." and he crawled into bed at Prompto's side. No sense in being apart, the alone-ness... that wasn't Noctis' life when he was sick and he sure as hell wasn't going to let it be Prompto's life with him. He may feel like shit but he wasn't going to be lonely too.

"Try to sleep. I'll be awake if you need me."

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto still felt shaky, but it seemed like he'd got most of the sickness out with that last one, and the nausea had ebbed for the moment. Which was honestly a huge relief, since he had to get from the toilet back to bed. He took a deep breath and clung to Noct as he lifted him, feeling shaky, but a bit better after purging the contents of his stomach.

While he had the energy, he slid into a pair of boxer-briefs and one of his loose-fitting tank tops that Noct had fished out, then lay his dizzy head back against the pillows. The warmth of the blankets helped, but having Noct close by was even better. He turned toward him, tucking himself up close to his mate's chest, head tucked up under his chin, fingers clinging to the fabric of his t-shirt. Normally he might be a little more reserved, but Noct didn't mind being close while he was sick, and all he wanted to do was bury his face in his mate and wait for the illness to go away. Hopefully Noct didn't mind that his fever-heat made him like a mini space-heater, but when the chills hit, it would be nice to have a source of warmth too.

He didn't touch the soda again, hoping his stomach would settle on its own, now that it was well and truly empty. He'd try again after resting, but for now, he'd be happy just to know his stomach wasn't angry at him anymore.

"Thanks Noct."

Prompto fell asleep surprisingly quickly this time. One moment he was blinking sleepy eyes, the next, a couple hours had passed. He relaxed his grip on Noct's shirt, shifting away enough to sit up, using the pillow as a support for his lower-back as he leaned against the head-rest and reached for the soda, taking stock of his body. He still felt achy, the nausea was less potent, which was a relief, though it was kind of hard to tell from hunger pangs, and with his tummy empty, it could be either one really. The dizziness was going to turn into a full-blown headache soon, and he'd like to take medicine for it, but was worried about keeping it all down.

He focused on taking slow sips from the straw, his free hand resting on Noct's head and idly playing with his hair. The sickness honestly reminded him a lot of how he'd felt the first time he'd had to take a morning-after pill. Stomach gross, cramping muscles, headaches and dizziness, though it was to a much lesser extent than this. This was like that stuff on steroids. But it did make it hard to dismiss the connection to his birth control. Was it just something wrong in his medication? Was this a side effect? If so, ugh. But if not, was it just... not working?

His mind was jumping all over with nervous energy. If it wasn't working, did that mean he was pregnant? No, that couldn't be right. He was just a teenager, he didn't know how to be a parent. Sure, the idea had been appealing when he was in the throes of his heat, his body wanted to carry Noct's child, but... realistically? The idea kind of terrified him. Kids with Noct felt like a far-off dream, something they'd do once they were "real" grown ups. Out of school with like, careers and goals and Noct's kingdom to run. Not... not now when he still had finals and reports, and didn't even have a driver's license yet.

Also, what was it gonna do to his body? He already had stretch-marks in places, and while he'd worked for years to minimize them and hide the scars, if he ballooned up, what if Noct didn't like him anymore? What if he couldn't get the weight off again? What if his body just wasn't the same after?

His chest felt tight and he could feel tears threatening. There were good things too, he was sure. So many good things, but everything just felt overwhelming. He needed to know, whatever this was, he had to know. Prompto rubbed the back of his hand over watery eyes and leaned in closer to his mate, brushing his hair back behind an ear and letting his fingers skim Noct's cheek.

"Noct? Hey... um... you awake? I'm just... sorry, I'm just worrying about a buncha stuff and... can I talk to you?"

[starless_sky]

Noct actually preferred that Prompto hold onto him while they slept. Something about the remaining heat in Prompto made him a bit territorial still. He liked the closeness any day but now it just made him happy to have his mate holding onto him for comfort rather than just staying on his side of the bed.

He lay awake for a while thinking about Prompto's illness and what it could mean. It was too soon, far far too soon. He would handle it regardless. They'd do this together, they'd have their baby. Abortion was... well they could do that. It would be Prompto's choice but Noctis wouldn't like it. But could he hold back his distaste for that idea enough to not let his position as Alpha interfere? He didn't want to twist Prompto's arm into this after all. It was just a sign they weren't ready for this yet but here they were.

He was in and out of light sleep, mostly just waiting around for Prompto to need him. He was trying to remain still so Prom could sleep but when he sat up Noctis expected to hear more retching. He got nothing. Then when he thought his mate would lay back down he heard the unexpected. Or was it expected? Was Prompto thinking the same thing he was?

"Yeah, just resting my eyes." he blinked them open and slowly sat up. He looked at Prompto, into his beautiful blue-purple eyes. "You look a bit better." he looked ragged but a bit better than he had in the bathroom. "What's up?"

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto took another sip from the soda, the cool feel of the can feeling nice on his too-hot fevered skin, the bubbles helping, in some small measure, to soothe his upset stomach. Just like being an Omega, there was a lot that Prompto just hadn't considered when it came to pregnancy. He knew what it felt like to be abandoned by parents who didn't want him, only to have foster parents feel the same way. He wouldn't let a kid grow up feeling that way, not ever. In that way, he promised himself, in that way he'd definitely do better than anyone who'd raised him.

But that was all... if any of this was really even... more than just an upset stomach. Right? There was no use getting so riled up if it was just a flu bug. He could put all those worries on simmer in the back of his mind til they knew for sure.

"Do I?" Prompto fidgeted, feeling like a hot mess. He felt pretty exhausted, he knew his hair was a mess, though at least the bobby pins had kept the puke out of it, and while he hadn't been crying just yet, he was sure his eyes were watery and maybe even a little red-rimmed. If he'd looked worse before, ugh, he must have been a disaster.

"Thanks, uh..." he started, eyes focused down on the cup in his hands. These heavy sorta conversations were always hard and it felt like they'd had to have a lot of them lately. He hadn't even rehearsed this one, or thought out what to say. He just... didn't want to worry alone. Was that selfish?

"I dunno, I guess I'm just worried. I... I don't get sick very much, not like this," he started slow, but the words just kept coming faster and faster, "And... I mean, I know I've been taking the suppressants and the birth control and stuff the way I'm supposed to, but this heat was really weird and- and I shouldn't even be having one and it was fun- I mean like... really fun, but what if it's something serious? And there's like, there's so much that could go wrong, they tell you all these side effects, but I mean- what else could I have done? Maybe it works better on Lucians, maybe something's wrong with me or- I dunno, I just- then with the sickness I started to think maybe like... I mean, I heard a lot of Omega get sick for a while right after they get- it's a sign that they might be... um..."

Pregnant.

He couldn't even get the word out, it was like opening a flood gate of possibility that he wasn't sure he was ready for, and he finally let his gaze flick from his white-knuckled hold on the soda cup toward Noctis, trying to gauge his reaction. Would he be upset? Noct would take more heat for something like this than he would, and Noct's reputation was about a million times more important than his. What if they had to be separated? What if he wasn't allowed to see Noct because it might cause a scandal? So many maybes, the low simmer of worry was quickly becoming a dangerous rolling boil.

[starless_sky]

Noct hadn't thought long and hard about what sort of father he wanted to be. He liked his own father he just wanted to see more of him. Maybe that's what he could do differently. Just be there more. He hated how lonely he felt in his own family, granted that was made worse by the fact his mother died. Their kid would at least have Prompto... but then again would it be too hard to be a decent father when he was King? Maybe best not to think about that...

"You look like you feel better is all." he wasn't aware Prompto was taking it as a statement against his looks. It wasn't meant that way, he just was trying to make him feel better actually... maybe that was a bad way to do it.

But Prompto seemed so pitiful. It was hard to tell at this angle with the dim lighting but was he crying? Had he been tearing up? Was he just sick? It sounded like the former when he spoke. He sounded anxious and on the verge of tears. Noctis sat closer to him while he worked out what they were both thinking. So they were of the same mind on this one. He had thought about it. If they were pregnant, they'd had to have conceived about a month ago, right? But they'd been having irresponsible unprotected sex since before then so he couldn't say anything about it. It was certainly possible even if they had taken every precaution.

"You've got more on your mind... come on, talk to me." he put an arm around Prompto. "I'll go get tests tomorrow, you can take them here and that'll ease your mind." because in his mind they were all going to be negative. Surely.

"There's more behind that iron grip now... what's eating you?" he wouldn't be upset, he is the one who made this mess really. It's his fault, he will take responsibility. If he has to hide it until it's too late then he will do that. He won't let Prompto be taken away.

[hajimetejanai]

Sure, Prompto had day-dreamed about their future. If he'd be a good dad, what their kids might look like, what he wanted to do with his life. He loved photography, but it was hard to make a living. If he wasn't potential-future-royalty, he probably would have tried for the Kingsglaive, just to be close to Noct and give him excuses to see his friend. He could take his photography anywhere really, and wanted to, there was so much to see in Eos and if his lens could capture even a fraction of it, he'd be happy. And the thought that it might someday capture their family? As they grew through the years, all the smiles and selfies and dumb things they'd get up to? That sounded pretty damn awesome.

But they hadn't really talked about it. Maybe there were rules, maybe Noct only wanted one, maybe he wanted half a dozen, maybe he'd be banished for having a bastard child out of wedlock, who knew?

"Y-yeah, I mean. I do, a little. I'm not gonna be wrangling chocobos anytime soon, but I don't feel like I'm about to go running for the bathroom, so I'll take it," he said with a faint laugh.

He took a breath, listening and nodding. Tomorrow? It felt like forever to sit in wait, wondering, but there was no use in pushing the issue. That was the soonest, unless they made a late-night run to the pharmacy and that was exactly the sort of thing that would get them scandalous media attention.

The arm around him helped, and he leaned into it, still focused down at his cup.

"Yeah, I mean... I don't know how you're so calm about this," he swallowed, looking up to search Noct's dark blue eyes for a moment before glancing down again. He didn't seem upset by the possibility, was taking everything so logically.

"We haven't really uh... talked about it, I guess, and it's such a big thing to think about. I don't know if I'm ready and... I don't want things to change. I don't want us to change. But... if if it has to, I just... wanna know we'll face it together, y'know?" he hoped it made sense, that Noct didn't think he was just babbling crazily. The idea of an abortion, that was... complicated. But this was the Prompto that tended to strays on the street, that helped lost animals, he wasn't sure he could go through with it. Even if it meant major changes.

"What, um... What do you want, Noct? Maybe I'm a shitty Omega for not knowing, but... tell me? And... and we can figure stuff out from there?"

[starless_sky]

Unlike Prompto, Noctis never daydreamed about a career. His was already decided. He'd probably be a game developer or better yet a fishermen if not for his station. But alas he knew exactly where he'd be in the future. That delightful mystery wasn't one of his many privileges. The only thing he got to fantasize about was who might be at his side in the future and who might his heir be. He knew Prompto was the one... Now maybe he could imagine the latter.

Maybe Prompto should consider the life expectancy of anyone who tried to separate Noctis from his pregnant mate. Noctis was a peaceful man but a dangerous one when need be.

"Good. I'm glad. Maybe we can go chocobo wrangling when you feel better." he chuckled too. Then he pulled Prompto close. Both arms around him now.

"Being tired helps but we'll be ok." he thought they'd be negative. Not really expecting the impossible to be reality. They'd have to wait to find out since Prompto was right. Midnight CVS runs made for great tabloid journalism.

"Well... It's gonna change. A baby is gonna change us. There's no way around it. But I think we'll stay strong together. I want us to get closer, not father apart." something about nighttime made their bedroom seem so closed in and private. Something made it so Noctis could say anything even things he wouldn't say at daytime.

"My dad couldn't spend a lot of time with me growing up. I want to be different with our kids. Or kid... Either one. I want to be there as much as I can... We're not ready for this but we'll get ready..." he stroked the hair at the nape of Prompto's neck.

"You're a great Omega. Give yourself more credit than that. We never talked about it... But... I mean I want kids eventually. I always pictured us being married first. I don't really care about having a baby out of wedlock, I just know that a lot of people will. Life will be harder for our baby even if we suddenly got married. I want to avoid that but we got ourselves here so we need to deal with it." which brings him to the idea that raising a child isn't the only option.

"This is all you though. It's your body, you're the one doing all the work. It's your decision and I'll support what you want. If you want to... If you're needing to abort... I'm with you. No matter what choice you make." but he looked pained.

[hajimetejanai]

"Hey, I'd settle for just seeing one for real, up close," Prompto smiled a little more honestly at the thought. Seeing them in pictures and movies just wasn't the same. Someday though, for sure, he'd get to see a real one.

"Yeah," his voice was a little more somber at Noct's reply. They'd be okay, yeah. He'd do anything he could to make sure that, at least, never changed. Any thoughts he'd had about kids had always been positive, but he'd also never imagined they'd been teenage parents.

"I want it to make us closer too."

Noct didn't talk much about his own life growing up. Where Prompto probably over-shared. But he found himself relaxing slightly in his mate's arms, glad that some of their thoughts did align and that Noct had thought about it too. He still worried his lip, but he nodded in agreement. Getting ready for a someday, now that, he could get behind, even get excited for.

The rest, though, it's hard. Maybe too hard to think about. He can feel his body stiffen at hearing it, the pain in Noct's voice and his own emotions start to overwhelm him as he shakes his head. That sort of decision, the hardest part is knowing there's a list both good and bad, in favor and opposition. He'd hate to put a child through a difficult life just because they'd been born early, but was early better than not at all? Something in him seemed to rebel at that, he'd been unwanted, had a hard life maybe, but he was still glad he had it. And carrying a child, it was what his body was made for, what his heat-fever mind begged for. Protecting it, real or not, felt almost instinctive.

"I don't know, Noct. I don't... want our baby to be something we deal with, I want us to be happy, I want them to know every day how much we care," he said finally, voice breaking over the last words as tears started to spill over. "I don't know, I don't want to think about it yet... I... can we wait, at least until we know for sure?"

[starless_sky]

"Well maybe your boyfriend can make that happen for you if you ask real nice." he's been wanting to do that for Prompto's birthday. As a surprise. There's one chocobo track in the crown city and it's not huge but Noctis would like to take Prompto there. It was better than asking to leave the city to see the larger ranches. His father would never approve.

He hadn't imagined being teenage parents either but at the same time... They're been rolling the dice. He can already hear Ignis lecturing him about responsibility and choices and all that. It was a possibility.

"I think it will." because truly nothing could separate them in Noct's eyes.

But as he talked he felt Prompto stiffen. He... Was already doing it wasn't he? Moving Prompto in the direction he wanted, steering him toward the choice he wanted. It was not yet real and he wouldn't know how he'd feel until it was. He corks speculate all day and right now an abortion seemed cruel and heartbreaking to him. But it was Prompto's choice. Unless it was wrong to make it all his decision?

He didn't want to kill their baby just because of bad timing. Public opinion be damned. But Prompto's quality of life was different. Maybe it was worth making sure they weren't parents so soon. Maybe it would be up to him to vocalize that choice in a way that Prompto could feel safe making it. Even if it broke his heart, it would be the right thing to do if that's what his mate needed.

"I didn't mean it like that. I just meant that we'll be a team and we'll do what we need to prepare for a baby. I want us to be happy too. I would be happy. Any baby you have I'll be happy." because they'd be theirs. Their little brats with blue-purple eyes, messy dark hair, and freckles. Noctis couldn't help the smile that warmed his face. He hadn't imagined their kids before but he could get into that image.

But... He couldn't deny this was a really bad time for kids. They were still kids themselves practically. He certainly was. He knew if Prompto had a baby that Ignis would step in and cover for whatever skills he lacked. Or maybe they'd get a nanny. Maybe they'd have to move into the citadel... His father would probably insist on it.

He hasn't really thought about how much autonomy they'd lose doing this. But still, if they were already pregnant they had little choice. But Prompto was cracking under the stress of it all.

"It's alright. You don't have to think about it. Whatever happens we have each other. Just try to sleep. I'll go get you some soup in the morning." and a few tests. He's wired enough he fish think he'll sleep tonight.

In fact as soon as Prompto is asleep and dawn comes Noctis will slip out of the bed and go to get some breakfast and the pregnancy tests. He goes to a place that has self service checkout and stops on the way home to get some hot soup for Prompto. Once he's back he'll check on his mate and maybe crawl back into the bed with him.

[hajimetejanai]

The smile Prompto managed in return was thin, but he tried, the thought of visiting chocobo together a pleasant one, something he'd been dying to do, really. And it was so sweet for Noct to try to cheer him up like this, but he just couldn't get his smile to stay, not with everything else.

If Noct believed it would help them grow closer, he'd believe it too. He'd fight for it, if he had to.

"I know, I know you didn't," Prompto insisted, "I'm sorry, I'm just..."

He shook his head, trying and failing to not feel overwhelmed. He was making things worse and they didn't even know if they were really having a kid or not. But it felt better to hear Noct his child could make him happy. He let his hands rest gently over Noct's, leaning into him and sniffling a few times, but nodding.

"I didn't mean to freak out. It just felt like so much... everything all at once and... I'm really glad you were here and... I know you'd be a good dad, and we'd be happy. It's just such a big change, it's hard not to be scared, y'know?"

Sleep was hard to come by, but with Noct's arms around him, held tight and comforting, it was like his body remembered how exhausted it was and he finally let go. The symptoms seemed to come and go, but for the moment, he was able to get some rest. He didn't wake until he heard the sound of Noct returning, the door closing, the sound of him moving around the apartment, and the cool place on the mattress where he'd been.

"Noct?" he called, pulling the blanket closer around him, if only to remind him of his mate's scent. "That you?"

[starless_sky]

Maybe he was trying too hard to make Prompto feel better. He'd just better let him have his anxiety and not try to snuff it out. He shook his head when Prompto was trying to placate himself.

"No, it's normal to be anxious. I think I'm scared too but I know we will be together either way and nothing is impossible as long as I have you. Sorry I can't tell you anything more definitive than that. But we can just try to live through it until we can get an answer. Do you think you can sleep or do you want a nyquil to help?" it's all he could offer for the time being, it was the waiting that was killing him.

But come the next morning he was ready for answers. He just had to remember to be patient for Prompto's sake.

"It's me. Just got back." he knocked softly on the bedroom door before stepping in. "I got you some soup if you're hungry. I can bring it to you, do you want some?"

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto would worry regardless. It was something ingrained in him, feeling like he had to apologize for the space he took up, constantly sensitive to changes in the behavior of those around him because before, nothing he did had ever been enough to make them stay. Noct was different, and he'd proven that in every way. Prompto didn't know what he'd do without his best friend, lover, and mate. It was just that they'd been thrown one of life's biggest curves and at an age when he felt far from responsible enough to think it through properly.

"N-no, it's good, I- I needed to hear it and-" he sniffled, trying to get control of himself, telling himself that there was nothing but truth in Noct's words. Together either way. As long as they had eachother. Besides, they didn't even know anything for certain, this was just- just an epic fail in his medication and they were taking the responsible next steps to follow up and figure things out. Right?

"I... I'll take something, yeah," he almost refused, worried it would upset his stomach, but if he stayed up without it, he would almost certainly just remain awake and troubled.

He took the offered medicine and welcomed the heavy, weighted feeling as his body promised sleep.

Waking meant it took a bit to shake off the dregs of the medicine, but he was pushing himself up by the time Noct stepped in, hugging one of Noct's pillows to his chest, obscuring half his face with it as he looked up at Noct.

"Welcome back," he said softly, his blue eyes flicking down over the sheets. He'd had a major meltdown and Noct was here, steady as always, offering him comfort.

"Can't tell if I'm hungry or nauseous," he said honestly. He hoped it was the first, and not the second, but eating something simple, like soup, would probably be a good step, either way.

"I... um- I'd like to try it though, thanks Noct."

He fidgeted a little, pushing the pillow aside and opening his arms, clearly hoping for Noct to come closer, so he could put his arms around him.

"I'm sorry for... freaking out on you like that. Are we... we're okay, right?"

[starless_sky]

That's what happens when you are treated like a burden your whole life by your parents. You apologize just for existing. Noctis hoped to break Prompto of that habit, at least around him. But it was slow going and might not ever fully work. He might be asking too much of Prompto, might be asking him to change when people really didn't do that.

"It's alright... just take it slow. It's alright to be upset but be upset at me not yourself. It's my fault." literally. He kissed Prompto on the forehead then got up to fetch him some medicine to help him sleep. The rest of the night he laid awake thinking about the possibilities. How would they handle a baby? They probably couldn't stay here in the apartment anymore, a baby would be too much of a security risk. Noctis already knew he'd lose that fight if he tried to insist to his father that they remain in the apartment. He'd have to just convince Prompto it was for the best. But that was a lot to ask of him, a lot of change to expect. Not just a baby but a whole new way of life.

He had hoped to ease Prompto into life with servants and wealth. He had hoped to make it slow and comfortable but if they were pregnant they'd have to be thrust into this life with so much changing at once it would make anyone's head spin. Being his prince was not a small ask, and Prompto would have plenty of reasons to regret his choice in Alpha. By the time dawn came Noct was just praying that Prompto didn't leave him from the stress of it all.

So in the morning he was very aware of his tone, trying to be meticulous in his gentleness, trying to be the model partner. Someone Prompto would still want to live with even if their fears were realized. He looked so cute hugging the pillow to him that he didn't have to try though, he smiled warmly at him.

"Well, let me get it, all you can do is try." he disappeared for a short time and returned with the soup, some crackers, and some water on a bed tray. He laid it over Prompto's lap and gently sat next to him on his side of the bed. He reached over and felt Prompto's face.

"...You're warm but I can't tell if it's fever or heat." why he'd even tried to feel his face was suddenly a really stupid point. What had he expected to feel? He knew Prompto would be warm either way. He's not a doctor who could tell the difference.

"Sorry? What are you sorry for, I'm sorry. I..." he doesn't want to say it, that he fears Prompto may need to step away from him, saying that out loud seems insulting. Like he doubts Prompto's dedication. "We're okay, we're more than okay, you have nothing to apologize for." he sat with Prompto until he either finished most of the soup or decided he couldn't stomach it. After that point he'd make mention of his other purchase.

"When I was out I got three ah..." why was this word suddenly hard to say? "Tests." coward, he couldn't even say it. "If you want to use them." 'If' right. Like that question wasn't burning a hole in both of them right now.

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto tried to relax and nodded at Noct's encouragement, smiling softly when he leaned in to kiss Prompto's forehead. As if he could be upset with Noct in the first place. If anything, they had equal share in the blame, but if he could help it, he didn't want to focus only on the negative points. Easier said than done, of course.

He was glad for the medicine to help him sleep or he'd probably be awake thinking through just as many scenarios and wondering how things might affect their lives, all because of a simple oversight. But an oversight was also how they'd finally crossed the bridge from friends to lovers in the first place. And look at how much good had come from it.

Prompto might never get used to the idea of living an extravagant, wealthy lifestyle, but he'd do his best for Noct, and even more, for their future. Whether that meant children right away or not. Whatever the media or public thought of him, Prompto would make sure their future family was loved and happy, but he couldn't regret being with Noct. Noct was the best thing that ever happened to him. Even his worst day with Noct couldn't compare to how lonely he'd felt growing up.

It seemed they were both in better spirits when the morning came. Noct was even smiling, soft as it might be, and Prompto felt his heart squeeze tighter in his chest just seeing his partner's sweet face.

"Thanks love," he smiled and accepted the soup, crumbling some crackers in the bowl, then balancing it on his lap, taking a couple bites before pausing to make sure his stomach wouldn't rebel. It was hard to tell with the bad timing of the sickness, but he did feel marginally better, more rested, at least. His limbs not quite so heavy and aching.

"I think resting helped some. I dunno what it is, but damn..." he sighed. The dizziness felt a bit less overbearing too, at least when he sat still. He'd start to worry if couldn't keep something down soon, especially with the lingering effects of his heat telling him how good Noct smelled.

He leaned into Noct's side, tapping his spoon and stirring the soup absently.

"For getting so worked up, I dunno... I freaked out and... I should have trusted you more, I know you won't let anything bad happen to me, to us, I just... got scared," he explained, hoping it was enough. Noct was right though, they were okay, and whatever life threw at them, they'd be okay together.

He took a few more bites, his stomach uneasy, but holding. Bed was probably a good idea, at least for a little while longer. It took a bit, but he got about halfway through the bowl before the nausea started to return, smaller, and weaker than before, but enough to keep him from finishing the meal. He handed it to Noct with a brief word of gratitude.

It took a moment for Prompto to grasp what Noct was talking about, but his brows shot up when he understood. Pregnancy tests. Astrals, yeah, he wanted to know for sure. To get this thing hanging over their heads over with and at least give them some direction, a real answer.

"Oh!" he started, "Y-yeah! Yeah, of course, I- Um- Yeah, let's figure this out."