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starless_skyIt was coming up to the longest night of the year. The one major holiday in Lucis. The Festival of Lights. As a show of comraderie and strength against the darkness and in pious support of the prophecy, the people celebrrated this one night. In support of the gods and the Line of Lucis the citizens of Lucis would turn on lights and hold vigil through the longest night of the year. Some people made a point to stay out all night. Some people prayed in church. Others went to sleep with ceremonial lamps or candles burning. Others made it a family night and stayed up in their homes. The city was lit up like no other time of the year. The streets had beautiful bright white lights strung everywhere, the parks and plazas were resplendantly decorated with lamps and lanterns, and the citadel had never looked so bright even with the wall shooting out of it.
Noct had been waiting for this night. It was dorky... it was stupid maybe... but he wanted to do this tonight. He liked the city like this, it was always so beautiful and it felt like the city was another world for one night. He had the perfect excuse to get Prompto out of here too. He wanted his love to be able to take plenty of good photos of the lights. He'd talked about it for a week or so and then had plans made where they could go eat at Prompto's favorite curry place and then start taking photos. Prompto would be so excited he'd never expect it. Noct would even warp him up to high places so he could get shots from rooftops and such. It would be romantic, right?
Noct put his hand over the ring case in his jacket pocket. He made a point to wear a suit tonight, a wool one since it was cold. Prompto liked him in suits and he wanted every advantage tonight. He'd bought a special flat case for the ring that sat in his breast pocket, thinner than a typical wallet. When it opened the engagement ring inside would spin on its small pedestal and face its recipient. Noct didn't need the cool presentation though he thought it was nice. It was just something he knew wouldn't make an obvious bulge in his pocket. He wanted this to be a surprise. Even though he'd talked to Prompto about marriage before, hell he'd brought up children before. He was confident his mate would say yes, he was in fact his mate after all, but he wanted to see Prompto's face when he realized what this date really was.
Hopefully it went well?
First thing's first. He had to get his mate outside and into the lights. It was dark out, people were starting to mill around.
"Hey... you about ready to go out? I think all the lights are on, we can pick a good spot for you to shoot. Unless you're hungry first."
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Date: 2019-12-21 08:08 am (UTC)"You think? It's not hard to make Insomnia look pretty. I bet a million photographers have captured it in different ways," the thought of doing this every year was enough to make him emotional, but he pushed it into a bright smile, genuine and pleased. He couldn't wait to upload the photos and start going through them when they got back, but for now, he was enjoying taking them just as much. He was sure he looked silly in at least a few, but he was glad to have some of them together.
"Ah- y-yeah? Let's go through them together when we get back, okay? You can pick which ones to keep and we can show 'em to your Dad next time we visit," he suggested. As if they didn't share photos of Cali with him regularly already. Prompto helped pack up as Noct flipped through the last few pictures, and held on for dear life as Noct warped them away once again. The sensation was an odd mix of excitement and terror and he quickly closed his eyes, clinging to Noct all the tighter as they rocketed through the night sky.
The next building was way fancier, and he was sure he'd seen it in some magazine or featured online. Oh- right, Caelum Villa? One of those super ritzy hotels. It definitely had an air of refinement around it, looking dreamlike and beautiful. He could spend an entire day here just clicking away, checking for all the best angles and lighting. It was shockingly empty, and seemed a waste for only the two of them to enjoy its beauty, though he was grateful for it all the same.
Prompto took a moment to steady himself, making sure his dizzy feet had righted themselves after the lurch of warping through the air, then tried not to stare open-mouthed at all the scenery. He clicked a few quick shots just on impulse before deciding on a shot that focused on the staircase, with some of the greenery framing it.
"Noct, Noct, stand on the stairs over there, it's gonna look so perfect, okay?" he insisted, already setting up to suit his vision.
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Date: 2019-12-22 07:37 am (UTC)It's never his imagination. Noct is sweet to him because he's a fool in love and also he's a sweet guy under all the awkwardness. He'd noticed Prompto was growing since they lived together. He likely couldn't go back to the life he had in his parents' house anymore. He was bigger than that now, he had more confidence and Noct wanted to see it grow. He imagined a day in the future where Prompto could hold his head high knowing he was truly wonderful and beloved.
"Yeah but not like you do it. I like your photos." not to say other photographers don't have skill but Noctis never cared much for photography as an art. It didn't grab him but Prompto's work was eye-catching to him. And it wasn't because they were fucking. He liked it in earnest. That had to count for something right? "You got a different perspective I haven't seen before." he paused as Prompto seemed to be processing his feelings. Being a family might make him tear up, it was a shame that such a basic need was only now being given to Prompto. "My dad would really like that, I think. There's some I definitely want to keep. I got a few in mind too." if he can get that camera timer to work in his favor without Prompto catching on.
"I think Dad liked that one of Cali in her bell collar." she was staring at the string lights they hung up in the living room, she looked so enchanted in Prompto's photo too. That fluffy, begging, spider-eating warrior princess.
Once they landed on the Caelum Villa roof Noct took a moment to look around. It was deserted which was good but he wondered if this was the place... he didn't have a significant history here. Prompto had never been before. He ought to propose at home or the citadel roof where they had made memories but those places rubbed him the wrong way. He wanted somewhere new. Somewhere beautiful where they could be alone. He also needed to feel like it was the right moment.
"Hm? The stairs huh? You should join me up here." he could imagine Prompto being the one who takes his photos when he's king. Just them doing this in the citadel, Prompto coaching him on posture, setting the lighting, he'd wear whatever suit his wife wanted... Noct smiled at Prompto setting everything up. He was so busy, he didn't know the wind was blowing his hair so it framed his face or how the lights of this rooftop were making him glow.
"Have I ever told you you're the most gorgeous thing on this star? I ought to be taking photos of you instead."
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Date: 2019-12-28 05:59 am (UTC)"Oh, yeah, we've gotta include that one," Prompto agreed readily. Cali was a new addition and already cherished among the royal family. Regis would love it for sure.
Prompto had just finished setting up the shot and Noct suggested joining in again.
"Are you sure? I feel a little under-dressed for this place," Prompto hesitated, but getting photos with Noctis in such a lavish location was a rare opportunity. At least for him. Noct had probably been here a bunch of times. He was about to shuffle over when the next compliment hit, harder than a stun-spell, and he could feel his face flush.
"I u-um. C'mon Noct, if you tease me like that, I'll look like a mess in these pics," he said, though he couldn't help his smile, it felt like nothing could erase it, tonight had been so much fun already, and the thought of doing this every year made him want to cry. As a kid, he'd never dreamed he might get to spend holidays with loved ones, feeling so warm and special and cared for. He wanted to share the feeling with Noct, and clung close to his side as he joined him in front of the camera, threading their fingers together and resting his head on Noct's shoulder.
"I'm pretty sure Meteor is gonna sell a bunch more copies with you in it than me. How'd I ever get so lucky?"
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Date: 2019-12-28 11:03 pm (UTC)Noct loved his photos. He'd ordered framed for a lot of them, they were the main art around their apartment. He would do the same once they lived in the citadel. Prompto was a great photographer, Noct had half a mind of having him take on official shots at events and whatnot. If he wanted to at least... he'd already asked his dad who thought the idea was worth some merit.
"We can put it in a frame for him." a dorky frame he bought just for his dad that had 'grandbaby' on it. It was stupid but his father would get a kick out of it. And then probably keep it unironically on his desk.
Noct watched Prompto carefully, watched each button he pressed on the camera. He started counting in his head.
"You don't have to dress up for a building. It doesn't care how you look. You could dress up for me... but you know I prefer less fabric than that." or none at all thanks. Then Prompto got all blushy again, it was too cute. Noct figured this was a limited thing, that Prompto wouldn't always blush when complimented. One day he'd likely learn to accept them with grace while knowing they were true.
"Oh, you mean you weren't a mess before?" he laughed. "Come on. I want to remember you tonight, and we gotta take a selfie together if we're gonna do this every year." he pulled Prompto to him and smiled at the camera. He knew how it sounded when it was about to go off.
"Aha. The truth comes out, your master plan was to seduce me and then use me to become a magazine mogul!" as if Meteor would even want to do a spread on the prince. They mostly catered to kids and tweens. The types who were bored by him, surely. "well joke's on you I don't care one bit if you do. Actually that might be kinda cute. If security clears it." he knows better than to let a magazine publish him without going through the citadel first. They'd shit Meteor down temporarily and recall the magazines. It would be bad press and then some.
"I want to talk to you though... there's been something I've been meaning to say."
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Date: 2019-12-29 03:28 am (UTC)"Oh, for sure! He'd flip!" Prompto laughed, leaning into his boyfriend.
He glanced up, still smiling. Noct always seemed to know the right thing to say, the right thing to do. How did he ever deserve someone so amazing?
"Yeah," Prompto replied, smile turning coy and flirtatious, "well, maybe if you're lucky, I'll 'dress up for you' later tonight?"
He'd been shopping around for some stuff online that he was eager to try out, but maybe a little shy. It might be a nice surprise, especially with how well tonight was going. He definitely wanted to show his mate exactly how grateful he was.
"Alright, at least a few," Prompto consented, giving Noct another elbow. As if he wasn't already thrilled at the idea of having so many cute couply pictures with him and Noct. He held a couple poses with the camera's timer before pulling out his phone to get some selfies next.
"You got me," he gasped, "that was definitely the plan, ever since we were kids. All secretly building my empire to take over the magazine business."
He laughed, shaking his head. He was perfectly content to take nothing but photos for their own private use, if he was honest. Meteor had only hired him for some promo of the holiday stuff, and anything beyond that, well. Anything else was just fun. Selling to Meteor was just his way of trying to supplement his income for all the many, many things Noct was always buying him anyway. All the better to save up for his own little surprise purchases and occasional gifts. Or video games. Lots of those too.
Prompto's face grew a little worried though, when Noct took on a more serious tone. The camera was clicking away, but he barely noticed the sound, instead glancing up into Noct's eyes, searching as if he might find the answer there.
"Everything okay, Noct? You know you can tell me anything."
It isn't black. It's the closest image I can find. The ring and stone are perfect
Date: 2019-12-29 07:53 am (UTC)Regis would love a new Cali photo but he'd prefer a photo of his boys. Noctis sent him some of their selfies and those adorn the king's desk as well. He has several frames in his office. One of his father, one of Aulea, many photos of Noctis at varying ages, several of Noctis and Prompto, and one of Cali. He wanted to get a photo of Prompto as a child to add to the childhood photo of Noctis. But Prompto had seemed hesitant when he brought it up. Maybe his parents hadn't photographed him growing up?
"Maybe one of us too." he knows his father likes having photos of them. It helps make the distance less painful. Having Prompto in his life forced him to talk to his dad more and they'd come to an understanding. They both wanted the distance between them to close and they both had obligations that prevented that. They'd formed a more open and expressive relationship. They said 'I love you' more. For that reason alone Noct knew he was the lucky one, not Prompto.
"...Oh really?" he purred softly in Prompto's ear as the camera photographed them. "You gonna put on a little show for me too?" he smiled for the camera like he hadn't just said that.
"We both know it won't stop with magazines, soon it will be brand deals and commercials. Where will it end Prompto??"
Noct thought having a job helped Prompto feel more confident in himself and his abilities. He wasn't just a hobbyist and some of his photos had gotten praise from the Meteor community. The money was no object but Noctis could understand Prompto wanting to at least partly fend for himself. If for no other reason than they had an account that they could buy sex stuff with that wasn't monitored by the citadel. Not that anybody would ever say anything but imagining someone in their billing department having to look over Prompto's lingerie purchases... yeah no.
Then it came. This moment. This was it... Noct heard the camera still clicking and Prompto looked at him almost nervously. He took his lover by the elbow and led him down the stairs to flat ground.
"Yeah, everything's great. Perfect even. I," he took a breath laughing at himself. "I memorized a whole speech and now it's gone from my head. Figures. Well, here goes." he took Prompto's hands in his. His violet eyes were beautiful, the freckles, his hair, the shape of his face. Noct smiled, he was hopelessly in love with Prompto. At least that must be obvious anytime he looked at him. "What you said earlier about family traditions got me thinking. We are family now. In almost every way that matters. You're my partner, and I'm yours. I want us to always be able to tell each other anything." it wasn't what he rehearsed but looking at Prompto with the lights shining behind him and the stars in his eyes the words started tumbling out. "I want to grow old with you, I want to have kids, I want to love you all the days of my life." his voice cracked a bit, his eyes were overbright. Why was this so emotional? "When I'm king I want you by my side. I can't imagine my life without you."
Time seemed to slow down and he felt a bit silly as he lowered down on one knee. He had to let Prompto's hands go to pull the flat ring box out of his jacket pocket. It was a solid black band with a singular floating diamond held in the gap.
"I want to be family in every way. Prompto Argentum, will you marry me?"
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Date: 2019-12-30 07:59 am (UTC)Prompto hadn't felt quite daring enough to try on the lingerie he'd ordered, but tonight might be a good night to try. He chewed the corner of his lip for half a second, still blushing hotly at the suggestion. Put on a show? Well, he'd certainly try. Whether it meant performing for his mate in bed, or just strutting around in the skimpy outfit, he was sure Noct would appreciate it.
"Guess we'll see," he smirked a little, feeling bolder than usual at the flirtatious advances. He laughed off Noct's comments about the magazines and commercials, shaking his head slightly as the tone became a bit more serious.
He was watching Noct's face carefully, failing at first, to put the pieces together. Why would Noct need a speech just to tell him something? He squeezed Noct's hands encouragingly, relieved at least, to hear that he wasn't the only one who thought tonight felt fantastically perfect.
Prompto nodded, swallowing back his nerves. They did feel like family, and starting their own traditions had sparked such a warmth in him that he could hardly stand it. He thought of Noct as his partner, and he'd even shared all of his secrets, even the ones he never thought he'd be able to let go of, and Noct had been nothing but supportive and sweet.
Prompto's mouth started to fall open as Noct continued, talking about their future, kids, even looking over a kingdom together. Their relationship had its ups and downs, and there were plenty of folks who might doubt or think it was just a phase but Prompto couldn't think of going back to life without Noct and-
And then Noct was kneeling down in front of him and time definitely felt like it was standing still, frozen in this one perfect moment on the most perfect night. A ring sparkled faintly in Noct upraised hand, and Prompto felt his breath catch in his throat, thick with emotion, his own knees feeling weak and wobbly. He'd dreamed of this, hoped, clung to the idea, though his anxiety often told him that someday Noct would get tired of him or realize how unimportant he was or-
But this? This was a reminder he could look at every single day, a promise that he was cared for, wanted, special to Noct. It made everything feel both real and like the world was spinning. He took a step forward, throwing his arms around Noct's neck, joyful tears falling unbidden down his cheeks as he clung tightly.
"Yes, yes it's all I've ever wanted, I love you so much Noct."
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Date: 2019-12-31 07:49 am (UTC)Regis wouldn't force the issue but if he got such a photo from Prompto he'd get a nice frame for it and keep it on his desk. Both of his boys and his grand kitten were on his desk. Aulea too of course.
Noct would appreciate anything. He liked that blush and if Prompto wore that tonight then anything else would be the icing on the cake. Just watching his mate take his clothes off would be a turn-on. He could already imagine a little strip tease, it didn't have to be anything fancy. It would be different for him when they were engaged, he'd love it more.
He was aware of Prompto's changing expression as he talked. He wondered if this was going to be too much for him but it was too late now. He couldn't stop the words coming from his mouth, even as Prompto's face turned from anxiety to surprise to crying. He'd been fighting back tears himself and as soon as Prompto broke down he did the same. Hot tears flowed down his cheeks, he opened his arms for Prompto and hugged him tightly. He took a shaky breath fighting a small sob. He had expected Prompto to be emotional but not himself. He couldn't help it. He was trembling, this was so much.
But he'd said yes. Noct had expected a yes as well but imagining it and anticipating it had been like baking out in the hot sun. The longer he planned this the less he could stand the wait. Hearing 'yes' was like falling into a pool. Sweet relief flooded him and all was right with the world. He poked his head out from Prompto's shoulder and grinned. It was real, this was happening. He laughed triumphantly and squeezed Prompto close.
"Me too. You're the love of my life." he leaned back and took Prompto's face in his hand. "Let me see you." he spoke gently and wiped Prompto's tears away, then remembered to wipe his own with the back of his hand. He tilted Prompto's chin up and looked at him for a long moment. He wanted to remember this for the rest of his life. The way his wife looked tonight. He remembered the ring box still in his hand.
"Here." he took Prompto's arm from over his shoulder, sliding his hand up to Prompto's palm as he pulled it in front of himself. Holding it out he plucked the ring from the box and carefully slid it onto Prompto's finger. A perfect fit, he'd gone to a lot of trouble to make sure it was going to be exact. He turned Prompto's hand back and forth to catch the light in the stone then raised it to his lips for a kiss. "There. Now it's official." he smiled at Prompto a moment longer and he couldn't stand it. He needed to kiss him. He leaned foward.
"C'mere."
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Date: 2020-01-02 07:03 am (UTC)He was still a bit shaky with surprise, watching as Noct took his hand and slid the ring onto his finger. The band felt warm, encircling his ring finger perfectly, dark and smooth, the diamond sparkling back at him in the evening light. He'd barely noticed it as Noct had knelt before him, but as Noct pressed a kiss to his hand, he couldn't help but admire how lovely it looked on his finger. Prompto would've been just as happy with a plastic ring won from the arcade, so long as it meant the same thing, but seeing, hearing, and experiencing that feeling of being official as Noct put it, he wouldn't trade that for anything.
The moment Noct leaned forward, Prompto needed no reminding. He sprang forward eagerly, pressing his lips to that of his new fiance and soon-to-be-husband. He could feel his heart hammering in giddy exhilaration at the idea, his hands cupping Noct's face for a moment before twining at the base of his neck. He was breathless and dizzy with excitement.
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Date: 2020-01-05 07:22 am (UTC)He had fretted over that ring for weeks. Months even. He loved it but if Prompto felt the same, he couldn't say. His father had thought it was sharp and offered the wisdom that if he loved it then Prompto would love it. Still, he wasn't against changing it if his mate didn't care for the thing but when Prompto looked at his own hand Noctis thought maybe Dad was right. He kissed him a long moment and when they separated he shivered. Mostly from excitement.
"I dunno about you but I'm freezing. Maybe we should gather the camera and head inside. Maybe... I can take you to dinner." at this late hour normally nothing would be open but it being the holiday a lot of places were in fact open. Including the upscale restaurant they'd been frequenting. "If you're hungry we could go to the curry place you like or... if you're really hungry and don't want to show off the ring just yet we can get a private room at Spruce." the place Prompto learned how to eat at a fully set table. They had killer food especially on a night like tonight.
Noct grinned. "Or you know, I could just take you home and fuck you." he stole a kiss. Then another. Then he got a bit distracted and forgot he was supposed to be talking. Oops.
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Date: 2020-01-07 08:09 am (UTC)Noct was talking food, and practicalities, and all Prompto could hear were wedding bells. How could he be expected to remember to eat when his dream was coming true?
"Dinner?" he repeated breathily. Right. Noct had planned a whole evening out. The festival. Photos. It was so hard to focus. Prompto was torn; he was eager to share the good news, but this moment felt so private, so sweet between them. He didn't want to ruin it with some tabloid trying to scoop them. They'd tell the world on their own terms. And Noct- he'd really gotten the whole story told in photos, Prompto realized, as he heard the shutter click once more.
Prompto didn't object to the follow up kisses, feeling almost drunk on them like sweet wine. This moment belonged to them, he decided, melting into the kiss, eyelashes fluttering softly. He sucked on Noct's lower lip, his own soft and pliant.
"How does delivery sound?" he smirked a little, raising an eyebrow. Noct had given him the greatest gesture of love and caring he could, and Prompto was eager to return the gesture with some of his own.
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Date: 2020-01-22 04:13 am (UTC)Damn skippy he did. He was gonna marry Prompto so hard, he was gonna get their marriage license framed. He'd go one farther than that, he'd post about it on kingstagram if Prompto wanted. If he only knew this was Prompto's dream, he might have tried to make this even more romantic. Maybe music or something. Rose petals, dumb romantic crap.
"We don't have to if you've got other things on your mind." Prompto sounded delightfully distracted, just the way he did when he was drunk. When he was drunk enough to want to fuck all night and then some. He'd been hoping for this response. When Prompto sucked on his lip he knew they needed to head home.
"Maybe we just pack up and eat in. Or skip straight to dessert." he kissed Prompto long and slow, opening his eyes to look at the camera and then wink. Maybe Prompto could keep that one for later.
"Or delivery." he might get Prompto's favorite and fuck him until their food got cold and then reheat it. "Get your camera, I'll carry you home if you want."