A/B/O Promptis School time with aggressive alphas and other tales of teenaged woe

[starless_sky]

Time seemed to be zooming by. It was going so fast for Noctis, his life had never gone so quickly. Perhaps because so many things were happening but honestly he'd chalk it up to being happy. He'd never been so at peace before either. With Prompto everything was right with the world. His days were fun, even when they were awkwardly trying to dance together in preparation for this ball. Even when they had homework and Iggy made them study. He was stupidly happy, life was a big game now and he found himself wondering how it was already spring time. 

How it was already exam season for his advanced courses. While it was not close to graduation, it was something he needed to complete if he was going to have a shot at graduating at the top of his class. Such a rank didn't matter to Noctis but it was something his father wanted and it was expected of a prince and basically he had to. Against his will, he'd add. He just had a few extra sessions of testing away from everyone else. It was normal enough, a group of students did it every year, it was known he was one of these kids attempting the exams since first year. He'd studied for it for weeks and today was the day it would finally be over. He was so looking forward to just going home with Prompto, getting sushi to go on the way, and watching anime on the couch. And napping. And maybe doing it. 

As it stood he was quiet on the way to school. Just ready for this test to be over. Before they entered the building he squeezed Prompto's hand. He was careful not to have any PDA at school. Prompto would be in a difficult position if people thought they could use him to get to the prince. 

"I'll be all morning probably, but I'll see you around lunch." Ignis had made them both a hearty meal for the day, one Noctis was already looking forward to in their hiding spot behind the school. "Meet me in the back, ok?" he leaned in quickly to kiss his cheek before they were in view of anyone else entering school. Noctis made a brief entrance at home room before he and the other students were dismissed to testing. School went on as normal without those kids. The same subjects. The same breaks. 

With one exception.

Their language arts teacher was out sick and the sub replacing her was quite distractable, enough so that they basically had a free hour. Students made excuses and just came and went as they pleased. A few came in from other classes to hang out with friends. Some even stopped near Prompto. Several bigger guys. 

"Hey Argentum... you're into photos, right? Can you come look at something for us? We need an artistic eye."

Comments

[starless_sky]

He wouldn't be comfortable letting Prompto out of his sight for a long time. For now he preferred to stay at home. Maybe they'd take time off from school. Maybe he's request their work be sent to them and they could finish it via correspondence.

"Yeah. I'm not leaving you." this might be one time that Noctis would have trouble falling asleep. But he'd lay with Prompto for his own benefit. Maybe he'd dose but he had a feeling he'd replay today's events instead. Not that he'd let Prompto know about that.

He turned the water off and began to towel them both dry. Then it was off to their enormous fluffy bed. Noct picked Prompto up bridal style and closed their door behind them. They had the high thread count sheets and Noct would just as soon sleep naked in them. He fell asleep after sex so often in this bed he was getting used to sleeping nude.

He crawled into the bed and held his arm out for Prompto. Hopefully they could spoon.

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto didn't kick up a fuss when Noct wanted to carry him, dry him, take him to bed. He knew it helped Noct feel better, and if he was honest, it helped him too. He hoped Noct wasn't disappointed, or upset, they were usually so active together, playful and fun and enjoying one another. It felt different, like things were new and fragile again.

He didn't mind so much sleeping nude anymore, clothing often just seemed a waste of time between them, or made for more work in cleaning things later. He let Noct set him on the bed, then once he'd joined him, Prompto wasted no time in returning to his arms. He got in close, skin to skin, preferring Noct's shoulder to a pillow, and enjoying the closeness of his scent and the safety of his presence.

Though it was hard not to replay the day's events, it all felt like it'd happened days ago instead of hours, and he was exhausted in body and mind. At least his injuries didn't hurt so much, though some remained, they weren't painful, only some tender to the touch. He let his eyes close, his breathing slow and even, and was asleep within minutes.

[starless_sky]

It was a bit ridiculous that he was this... mm... how to say it... controlling of Prompto? Overly nurturing? He knew it was a bit much. Maybe more than a bit. It was so strange, Noctis couldn't be bothered to take care of himself half the time but with Prompto it was so effortless, desirable even. He was taking his mate's agency away by doing this but lucky for him Prompto was forgiving. It gave him a pleasure he had never known to take care of Prompto in such a bodily way. How could he also reconcile the thought that additional things like feeding him weren't unwelcome thoughts? Was he getting creepy???

Clothes were often more things to clean and more time wasted when they had sex. Noctis had come to love when he and Prompto got in the mood and he had no stripping to do. Sleeping with skin contact wasn't bad either. He loved being so close to Prompto and in a time like this it was good for both of them.

He'd have to remember to get another potion when they woke up. He'd made a mental note to get it before they went to bed but then he sort of got caught up in the moment and... here they were.

Noctis slept a bit fitfully. He woke up several times and tried to nod off but he kept feeling like he needed to look around and check for intruders. He knew no one was present but guarding their nest was more important than sleep. He'd wait for Prompto to wake up and when he did he'd find some leftovers to eat or maybe he'd order in. Maybe that curry place they liked.

He could keep replaying the day's events, and he spent a good chunk of time doing just that but he also thought it could have been worse. They could have hurt Prompto more. They could have all raped him, they could have disfigured him, killed him even... Noctis put nothing past those three now. He held his mate close as he thought this and listened to his breathing and pet his hair. It could be so much worse. He had his mate here, they could recover. They were lucky.

Arctus was lucky to be alive.

[hajimetejanai]

Coming from a home of neglect and solitude, one might think Prompto would have a hard time adjusting to all the attention Noct gave him, but really, it was all he wanted. As a kid, he'd craved affection, wanted attention, wanted to be cared for. Noct did all that and more for him, and while sometimes it seemed over the top, it made him happy to know he was so special to the one who meant everything to him.

If anything, it was one of the things he'd learned from this. That being away from Noct was dangerous. That his classmates could be cruel. That Noct was the constant, the one he could count on, the safe place. Maybe it was obsessive or needy or suffocating, but... hopefully Noct would understand.

While it was still early when they went to bed, Prompto didn't take long to fall asleep, though his dreams were anxious and dark, haunted phantoms that kept him from true rest. He felt Noct wake a few times in the haze of sleep, and hoped his own dreams weren't keeping Noct up. He nuzzled closer, clung tighter, til sleep would take him again and let him relax.

[starless_sky]

Noctis could certainly understand. He'd been wanting for attention too. Or rather, he wanted for emotional intimacy and quality time, not exactly for personal time with people. He'd grown up surrounded by people and felt alone which was its own brand of sad loneliness. If doting on Prompto made his loneliness disappear he would dish it out in spades.

Prompto need not stray from him as long as he wanted. It was a lot of pressure to be someone's sole protector but he knew that going into this that being Alpha to someone meant he was responsible for them. He was Prompto's person, he'd always be the safe place, the protection, and the constant. Though, hopefully, Prompto could learn to trust others again and maybe venture out away from Noctis. Someday.

They were worn out, Noctis could sleep all night and then some, especially with his fitful sleep. Eventually, he just stayed up and listened to Prompto. That was enough for now. If Prompto's needs were being met he could be satisfied with that.

Quietly Noct's phone rang in the other room. He knew it had to be Ignis or worse, his father. Or worse... Clarus. He'd have to explain this to them. He needed to go check the thing... but he had to get up. He couldn't leave Prompto but he didn't need to be carrying him everywhere in the apartment.

His phone went to voicemail and began ringing again. Someone needed him badly. Figures. Gently, Noctis extracated his arm from Prompto and he kissed his face.

"...I'm going in the other room for a minute. I'll be back." and he crawled from the bed and headed quietly from their room. His phone was on it's third call by the time he reached it. It was his dad... great. At least it wasn't Clarus. Still, he answered. He had to get his explanation over with. How do you explain away murdering two of your classmates?

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto was just starting to wake as Noctis shifted to free himself, a groggy sleep still clinging to him as his mate kissed his cheek and left the room. The words drifted over him in semi-consciousness, but didn't really sink in until he realized he'd been left alone. He startled into wide awake in a moment, clinging to the light sheets around him.

He tried to remind himself that he was safe here, that this was their home, that Noct would probably be right back, but his heart was already thudding loudly in his chest as panic rose. He pulled the sheets around himself and stumbled shakily out of bed, bare feet pattering over the floor til he saw Noctis. He was busy with a phone call, that was all. He shouldn't be so clingy, he was making a big deal of nothing, he told himself, but he couldn't help but walk over, standing behind Noct and hugging him around the waist, resting his head lightly on his back, but otherwise trying his best to stay out of the way.

[starless_sky]

The room was quiet as Prompto startled awake. Noctis tried to keep his voice down as he answered his father's questions and he was grateful Prompto would be in their room out of earshot as he recounted the attack.

Until he felt hands close around his middle and a familiar figure press into his back. Guilt strabbed through him first. He shouldn't have left Prompto alone. Then he worried Prompto wouldn't appreciate the nature of his call with his father. He was recounting the things he saw but right now he was confirming what the glaives had reported with yes/no answers.

He covered Prompto's hands with one of his own as his father began with the open ended questions. Noctis tried not to sigh but he had to tell his dad something, this was likely the only time he had to discuss this and he knew the king wanted his side before he made any judgments.

"... Yes... No. It was locked... No... They attacked me after I got them off Prompto. I... I dunno... Let me ask."

Noctis looked over his shoulder.

"My dad needs to talk to me. Do you want to have him over here or I'll go to the citadel."

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto could hear the soft buzz of conversation on the other end of the line, but he tried not to focus too heavily on it, focusing instead on his breathing, on escaping the near-panic of waking up to find his mate gone. It wasn't until Noct said his name in conversation that he startled a little, able to focus on the question that followed.

Have King Regis here? Or wait alone while Noct went to the citadel? He had only met the king a few times, more now that they were approaching the party where he was supposed to officially attend as Noctis' mate, but not enough to be completely comfortable, not enough to want to see his face as Noct related the story of what'd happened.

The other option was to wait here. Alone. On any other day, it would be fine, hardly even worth mentioning. But right now, alone was terrifying. Neither option sounded palatable, but those were the only options. His breath hitched and he hugged Noct tighter, his breath shaky against his mate's back.

"I..." he started, uncertain. There was no way he could make the king come to them, it was out of the question. He was nothing, worse than that, after today, how could he impose upon someone as important as Noct's father? No, he absolutely had to let Noct go to the citadel. He was being a baby, he could put on a game or a movie, or sleep, it hardly mattered, he could occupy himself while Noct was away. He could. He had to.

"You can... go see him. It's alright," It wasn't. He tried to force some measure of belief into his voice; he couldn't make Noct worry. He'd given him more than enough trouble today, been the cause of such a horrible mess. It took every ounce of will he had to let go, to take a step back from Noctis.

"I'll be fine," he insisted, stumbling over the rest of his words and pulling the sheet more firmly around himself.

"I... Sorry, I didn't mean to make things... sorry. Of course you can go, you don't... you don't need to ask me."

[starless_sky]

Noctis knew Prompto was already telling an untruth just seeing his face. Not a lie but he was doing that thing where he put everyone before himself again. He knew his father offered to come here for privacy and to not be so invasive. Prompto's step back though... it made Noct feel cold. He wanted to undo the phone call and just tell his dad to wait. This wasn't a good time, it might not be a good time ever for this.

But he needed to talk to his dad, alpha to alpha, father to son. Not that he expected he'd be able to say that to his father. He'd just clam up and offer short or one-word answers as usual.

"But I want to ask you. You're my mate and this is your home. I said I'm not going to leave you so if you don't want my dad coming here then I should meet him at the citadel. Can you come with me? If not then we need to pick a time he can come here or someplace neutral... is that okay?"

He shifted a bit uneasily. He wanted to close the gap between him and Prompto, he reached out to touch his face. Was that too invasive now? "...I want you to stay with me... I want you to come with me, wherever I go. But I won't go anywhere you can't. Just say the word and I'll do it. Whatever it is."

[hajimetejanai]

On an intellectual level, Prompto totally understood the need for Noctis to speak with his father about what'd happened today, even though all Prompto wanted to do was forget about it all. There were consequences, chain reactions spiraling out of control from the simplest of actions. If anyone was responsible for what'd happened to the other Alphas, it was him, wasn't it? If he hadn't gotten into that mess, Noct wouldn't have reacted the way he did. It wasn't fair for Noct to take all the blame, or for him to face his father alone, but...

He licked dry lips, tried to listen when Noct spoke. Tried to believe he wasn't going to leave him, but the thought of going to the citadel felt utterly impossible right now. If the King visited, he could just wait in Noct's room, would that be better? He'd feel awful making the King of Lucis go out of his way to come here though.

"It's alright, really," he insisted, putting a bit more force behind the words in hopes they'd be more believable.

Noct was even giving him the opportunity to suggest something else, but he was just standing there with his mouth half open, trying to decide between hiding in their bedroom or taking a short trip to the citadel. It shouldn't be this hard, this was pathetic.

He felt Noct's fingers brush his face and guilt sank like a stone to the bottom of his stomach. Prompto didn't turn away or pull back, but he couldn't raise his eyes from the floor.

"O...of course, if you want me to come with you, I'll go, anything you need. I- sorry, yes, it's fine, I didn't mean to be so selfish, I'll go get dressed," he used the action as an excuse to pull himself away from the conversation, building up walls to hide those emotions as deep as they would go. He had to keep it together, just to the citadel and back, they'd gone before, it would be fine. It would be fine.

He turned away and headed to the bedroom to find some clothing that was presentable enough to wear to the citadel.

[starless_sky]

This... this felt wrong. Very wrong. Noctis felt like he should both run after Prompto and let him have his space. He sounded like a kicked puppy and every word just stabbed Noctis in the heart. He held the phone up to his ear and hit the mute button.... but it muted the call. It... it muted the call. Oh. Oh no. He hadn't muted it before. His father had heard all of that.

He unmuted the call and sheepishly cleared his throat. Regis was very sympathetic. He had heard all he needed to. He could tell this was a legitimate 'justifiable homicide' just by the sounds of their voices. Prompto was a wreck, he was terrified, Regis could hear it. And Noctis, his poor son... he could hear the heartbreak in Noct's voice. He'd never heard it before but the king knew two things now. This attack was every bit as awful as the glaives reported and Noctis was a responsible alpha to his mate. He hadn't given his son enough credit at his age... honestly it reminded him of himself and Aulea. If Noctis ever wanted to propose marriage to Prompto Regis would offer his blessing without question.

But right now he had to help them.

"I need not intrude, Noctis. I wish for Prompto to be safe and comfortable."
"...Sorry...I... I didn't mean to..."
"There is nothing to apologize for, my son. I am proud of you."
"...How... I... Dad..." tears sprang in Noct's eyes seemingly out of nowhere. "How can you be proud of me? I killed two people today." he went still as he said it, he hadn't said the words out loud but it hung in the air.
"Because I know you did the right thing."
"..."
"This is a lesson I hoped to spare you from so soon but as you have learned... sometimes justice cannot be given, there is no solution that benefits all parties. But the innocent must be protected, Noctis. Do you think... I may be permitted to speak to Prompto? Instead of a formal meeting. I wish to see you both very soon but today perhaps... he will allow me a moment."
"I think he might explode. But I can ask..."

Noctis headed to their room and knocked on the door. He was sure to mute the phone this time.

"Prompto... my dad says don't worry about it. We don't have to go to the citadel. But... he does want to know if he can say something to you on the phone. You don't have to. But I think he wants to check in with you after today." he was sure his father would know the right words that he didn't have but how could he express to his partner that his father wasn't scary. That talking about it wasn't scary?

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto was pushing himself through the motions. Even if he was pathetic right now, he couldn't let Noct down. If Noct wanted him to come, he had to hold himself together and do it. He had to.

He'd found some clean underwear and loose-fitting slacks. He knew he should dress nicely, but the idea of wearing anything that might attract attention had him second-guessing. Maybe a dress shirt and an oversized cardigan? Did he still have his old glasses? It felt silly, but the idea of something to hide behind, even just a pair of glasses, was appealing.

Prompto could hear conversation pick up in the other room, and while he couldn't make out the words, the change in pitch in Noct's voice was enough to prick him with worry. Dammit. He'd done something stupid, something to upset Noct. He hadn't been supportive enough about the visit, he was sure. Gods, he wanted to just melt into the floor so he could stop fucking everything up so badly.

The knock at the door startled him; he'd only managed the underwear and had started buttoning the shirt, but he padded to the door just as Noct's voice called out.

The king wanted to talk to him? Shit. Shit, he'd really fucked up, hadn't he? He nearly stumbled to the floor in his surprise. He was glad Noct hadn't opened the door to see it, his initial shock and fear might have made his mate feel even worse.

He couldn't exactly tell the king, no. Prompto felt like the floor had dropped out under him, but if it would make Noctis feel better, if he could assure the king that none of it was Noct's fault, it was worth it, wasn't it?

He tried his best to school his expression into something more neutral and less terrified as he opened the door. What could the king possibly have to say to him?

"Y-yeah, that's... sorry, yes, o...of course," he held his hand out for the phone, begging it not to tremble, then placed it to his ear.

"I... um- Your Majesty?"

[starless_sky]

Noctis wasn't privy to just how stressed Prompto looked behind the closed door but it was no secret he was frazzled. He wished he could fix it but he knew he just had to roll with the punches so to speak. He felt guilty asking him to do anything else, it seemed like he was burdening him.

But Prompto was strong as usual and he didn't let that stop him. Half-dressed he took the phone and Noctis stepped away to give them space.

The voice on the other end was kindly and gentle. "Prompto? Thank you for giving me a moment of your time. I wished to hear your voice and to know how you are doing. I am terribly sorry for what happened today, none of that was your fault. Please, don't wast a thought thinking otherwise." he knows Prompto will need time. Already the king is preparing support for Prompto. Counselors, he's putting gag orders on the media, and he's getting special security for the ball coming up. Whether or not Prompto still wished to attend.

"My only wish was to see you and Noctis in person, without the pressure or security of the citadel, in the comfort of your own space." that apartment is plenty secure for the prince to live in, it's fine for him to visit. "I do see that was invasive, I beg your forgiveness, my intention was not to pressure you into an audience. My main concern is that you get all the support you need. In that effort I would like to present some options to you... not necessarily today but perhaps soon. If and when you are ready."

Noctis was standing with his back to the wall a ways down from the bedroom. He was trying not to listen but he was standing far enough away he couldn't eavesdrop. Still... he hoped above all that his father was kind to Prompto.

"I want you to know, Prompto, that I am overjoyed you and Noctis found each other. I couldn't be more proud of him or of you and nothing will change that. We have not spoken as much as I would like and this isn't the circumstance I imagined telling you this but it needs to be said now. I think of you as my son. I hope you will forgive me if I treat you as much in the future. I am thrilled you have joined my family. Noctis could not have found a better match and I am at ease knowing you will have each other even when I am gone. No matter what happens, Prompto... you will always have a place in my family."

[hajimetejanai]

Noct began to walk away as soon as the king's voice came through on the phone, and Prompto had to remind himself to breathe. It was a lucky thing Regis seemed to have his thoughts prepared and spoke straightforwardly, it gave Prompto no time to interrupt with odd squeaks or stammers.

"Oh- it's fine, I-" he managed all the same. He wasn't prepared to hear condolences and wasn't at all sure how to take them, but Regis was the king and that meant to be appreciative and humble toward any gesture, even if it felt like going through the motions.

The king had wanted to see him too? Not just Noct? Why? And he was apologizing?

"You don't have to- I mean- there's nothing to apologize for, really, I-"

Had Noct told him Prompto didn't want to go? Or that he wouldn't want him to come over? It was true, but- but he would have gone, he would have forced himself to get through it. Shouldn't he have?

The last hit the hardest. In the past, he hadn't exchanged much conversation with Regis, Prompto still had a hard time seeing him as anything but the most important man in all of Lucis, and not just Noct's dad. But the sentiment was so personal, so heartfelt, Prompto could feel his knees tremble and give out beneath him and he sank to the floor, cradling the phone to his ear. He tried to open his mouth to speak, but his throat was tight with emotion. It was overwhelming and he finally broke, started sobbing, covering his mouth with one hand.

[starless_sky]

Regis wasn't surprised when Prompto began to cry. He knew the boy had a solitary life, his parents had left him to raise himself, he was from Niflheim originally, these things weren't secrets to the king. Still, he expected Prompto hadn't had a lot of love in his life and with all that happened today... he needed the support. If nothing else he needed to know he mattered to someone and not just as an extension of Noctis. How he wished he could be present to hug Prompto then if he'd welcome such a gesture. He was overdue for a hug with his natural son too.

Noctis was in the room as soon as he heard tears. He got on his knees too and hugged Prompto to him.

"Hey it's okay... it's okay... you don't have to cry. What happened?" Noctis' voice was tight. What had his father said? Why was Prompto sobbing?

Gently he took the phone and his father began to talk. Noctis nodded to no one but his face twisted a bit and he started to spring tears too.
"I... we will... thanks... Dad..." and he hung up. He held Prompto to his chest and buried his nose in his hair. He sobbed with him, he couldn't stop it now. He had a huge cry in him after today, he needed to get it out, they both did. Everything that happened, the attack, the despair of being unable to save Prompto, the agony of his now traumatized life... he couldn't hold it back. Hot tears streamed down his cheeks, he was gasping for air as he could but it needed to come out, there was no stopping it until it was all out and he was drained. But he needed this, Prompto must have too.

Maybe they needed to do it together.