![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
starless_skyTime 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."
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."
no subject
Date: 2019-06-14 05:15 am (UTC)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."
no subject
Date: 2019-06-16 02:56 am (UTC)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."
no subject
Date: 2019-06-16 05:41 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2019-06-16 06:30 am (UTC)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?
no subject
Date: 2019-06-16 06:57 am (UTC)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?"
no subject
Date: 2019-06-16 07:26 am (UTC)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."
no subject
Date: 2019-06-16 07:48 am (UTC)"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.
no subject
Date: 2019-06-16 08:08 am (UTC)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.