Kidnapping a/b/o Promptis

[starless_sky]

 

*I LOVE IT. You're such a genius, Soulmate, I can't wait to see you later! I love you*

He commented on the latest from Prompto on Kingstagram. It was a thrill anytime he posted but today Emil was floating above the ground. Today was the day. He'd prepped everything, every small detail to the letter. He had a backup plan, and backup plans for his backup plans. He was not going to fail today. Before he'd had a failure of will, been close to Prompto and been unable to do anything. Sometimes he'd said a few words and disappeared but not today. Today he wasn't chicken shit, he was heading to the position where he'd meet his soulmate and they'd be off. Life would start afresh. He had a home for them, a steady income, and love. All they'd ever need again. 

The prince was away in Accordo. 

Security was light in this area today. 

No one could stop him. He saw a blonde head and smiled to himself. "Beautiful boy you've come to me here. It's destiny."

***

The apartment is average. Not much better than the house Prompto grew up in. It's decorated plainly, mostly with framed photos of Prompto, Prompto's photos, and photos by an amateur photographer. It's a high rise, while it's inexpensive they are about 20 stories up. The city is in full view on three walls though the windows won't open. The apartment is quiet, the only sound being footsteps around in another room. Emil was pacing reading a magazine and sipping coffee. He wasn't patient, he wanted Prompto to come to him, so they could start, so they could... commune. 

Comments

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto was barely coherent enough to make sense of Emil's attempt at humor. He was foggy with the drugs, and only noticed when Emil's weight was gone, when the thrusting had stopped, the painful pull on his limbs loosened, if only slightly. The rise and fall of his chest was slight, too slow, his eyes unfocused.

He could hear the sounds of impact, shouting, familiar voices. It had to be a dream though, no one knew he was here, no one knew how to find him. And Noct? Prompto had been too paralyzed with fear to read the article. He felt sick just seeing the document that spoke of his mate's supposed death, but everything told him Noct couldn't be here. That this was some illusion, or hallucination, a dream brought on by his fever.

His head lolled to the side, eyes struggling to focus on the blur of dark hair, the familiar silhouette. The arm that wasn't tied to the bed was broken, but he tried to move it anyway, just reaching toward the faintest hope. He was barely able to stir, unable to make sense of the raised voices as he tugged weakly at his bonds. It wasn't until Noct's scent hit him that he seemed to startle, gasping and sobbing and straining against his bonds in a blind, desperate panic to reach for his mate. His body felt on the verge of collapse, but it didn't matter, he had to find Noct.

It took both Nyx and Crowe to pull Noct off of the man, his face already a swollen bloodied mess. Crowe delivered a hard slap to the side of Noct's face, trying to shake him from the bloodlust.

"Blondie needs you. Now," she almost growled.

Libertus had just reached the bedside, pulling a knife free to start on the ropes as Pelna secured the entryway, keeping any curious neighbors or bystanders from getting in the way and contacting local authorities and emergency medical services.

"Shit, he looks bad," Libertus shook his head.

"Highness," Nyx's voice was sharp as he moved to secure Emil, "if you've got potions, there's no time to waste."

[starless_sky]

He wasn't able to focus on much. Emil could be a bloody pulp by now, Noctis wouldn't really notice. He just had to keep going it was a compulsion. Right until Crowe slapped him. When... When had they gotten here? Noctis blinked as if seeing this room for the first time.

Potions. Nyx was here. Prompto needed potions. Right. He had a high potion on him along with several regulars. That's when the sobbing hit his ears. The gasping that could only be Prompto. Noct could tell his sounds even in a crowd.

Suddenly he was at his beside. Prompto... It was bad. It was so much worse than he expected. Why was Prompto trying to move? Noct broke his high potion over his mate, then the others. All of them. It didn't seem to fix it all. Prompto was still a swollen bloody mess. Noct took his hand but the words couldn't come out. What could he say?

"I'm here Prompto. It's over now." he barely forced the words out. He was shaking even in his core. His lips curled up, he felt jittery like he might vomit but he giggled instead. And just like before he couldn't stop.

[hajimetejanai]

Nyx scraped what was left of Emil up from the floor and put him in restraints. He still had a pulse, and Noct was far from the only alpha that wanted to tear a piece out of the man's hide for what he'd done to their Prompto. Crowe looked pissed, watching the situation with impatience and concern as the potions failed to do much. At least they healed that vicious-looking bite on Prompto's sternum. She couldn't imagine having that cruel reminder of his time here. Not that the broken bones and other bruises would be much easier on the kid. She helped Libertus with the restraints, carefully removing them and trying not to irritate the bruises any further.

The potions seemed to help clear away some of the fog, but brought new pain. Prompto tried to sit up, but his body was sore and pain and dizziness from the fever reminded him that he shouldn't move. Prompto clung to the hand that held his, though his grip was weak. He wanted to cling to Noctis, relief flooding him. If this was a dream, that was alright, at least he was with Noct, that was all that mattered. As his restraints were removed, he tried to get closer, but his body didn't seem to want to listen, and his breath became worried and shallow.

When Noct started laughing, Prompto wasn't sure how to respond. He was so relieved to see his mate, but something was so wrong. Noct felt so far away, his laughter out of place. Prompto felt helpless to stop it, worried he'd caused it. Had Noct realized he was so much more trouble than he was worth? Prompto's head lolled to the side, near their intertwined hands, and he licked weakly at his alpha's fingers, offering what comfort he could.

Pelna leaned in, hand to an earpiece, "Medical is on their way, shouldn't be more than two minutes. Is he stable?"

Libertus nodded, rifling through their field kit for bandages, anything better than the crude splints the other man had used. Prompto looked feverish too, and he tried not to feel sick thinking of how he'd gotten to that state. Though there were blankets and sheets around, they were covered in that pathetic excuse for an alpha's scent. He took off his jacket, at least as a beta he didn't need to worry about overpowering scents, and set it carefully over Prompto. It was big enough that the small omega could easily be wrapped in it as they took him out, he was sure the glaives would understand.

Crowe looked about ready to slap the prince again, so Libertus coughed loudly and put a hand on his shoulder, shaking him gently, "Highness, did you hear that? Med team is almost here. We should wait to move him, but- but he needs you, yeah? Don't go to pieces on us, Prompto most of all."

[starless_sky]

The laughter sounded almost maniacal. Noctis couldn't stop it, again it was like his body was taking him for a ride. It wasn't Crowe that sorted him out though. It wasn't Libertus or the others. As soon as Prompto licked his fingers Noctis was silent.

Prompto was showing subservience. Submitting to him here disgusted him. He wasn't in any position to demand submission but regardless, Prompto was in no position to give it. Only a heartless cad would expect it here. Only a complete incompetent would need it now. Prompto needed him yet somehow he managed to give even at his lowest point. Even barely coherent...somehow he finds ways to make Noctis fall deeper in love, even in fucked moments like this.

"I heard. I'm here. I... Sorry about that." Libertus was right. He had to keep his shit together. The alpha wasn't allowed to go to pieces. Not when the omega needed them.

The hand Prompto licked moved in to stroke his cheek. "I'm here. It's over. He can't hurt you any more." he had to stay in the moment. Prompto was here. They were reunited. He could fix this now, they were going to fix this.

"Hold still Prompto. We're going to move you soon. I need you to tell me if it hurts." he pet his hair and squeezed his hand softly. "I'm not leaving you."

He touched his brow to Prompto's, forgetting about the glaives watching. Prompto was so warm. Almost like he was in heat. Had... Had a heat been triggered because of this? He took a deep breath. Calm. Stay calm. Prompto needs you.

He let off a puff of pheromones so Prompto could at least breathe those in instead. He unbuttoned the top of his shirt to let his scent out easier and only then did he remember his hands were still covered in blood. Ah well. They'd deal with it later. He could hear the medical team coming and soon Noctis couldn't hold Prompto's hand. They made quick work of moving him and strapping him on the gurney before heading to the elevator.

For a brief moment Noctis had a second to scan the room again. Only then did he notice the photos of Prompto everywhere. The creepy mosaics of him all over. A chill went down Noct's spine. How long had this been planned? And the photo of him too. Wait that wasn't... That was a newspaper. When was he last in the paper? This wasn't approved by the pr department.

He motioned for one of the glaives to take that with them. He wanted to look at it when he had clean hands and a free second. For now he was hurrying after Prompto into the elevator and then into the ambulance. Once they were packed in and moving he took Prompto's hand and laid his forehead against his on the gurney.

"I love you no matter what. I'm not going anywhere. We're going to the hospital. I want you to relax and let the doctors work. They're not going to hurt you."

[hajimetejanai]

The glaive seemed to visibly relax as Noct came out of it, comforting his omega. Prompto had become special to all of them, and to see how broken they both were over this ordeal had Crowe fuming and Libertus fidgeting restlessly as they waited for the medical team.

Prompto stilled when Noct reciprocated, taking comfort in his touch and scent as his breathing evened out, though it was still shallow and weak. He let his eyes close in exhaustion and didn't move, as he'd been told. He tried so hard to be good. Noct wanted him to be good, and the pain of disobeying earlier was enough to make him tremble slightly.

When Noct let go, panic hit him, and though he didn't disobey or pull away from the medical team treating him, he whimpered and shook until they administered a mild sedative.

His eyes were half-lidded as they hauled him away, softly crying until he caught Noct's scent again and felt their hands intertwine. He nodded a couple times to show he understood, before the medicine let him slip into an exhausted sleep, his grip on Noct's hand slackening as tired eyes closed.

[starless_sky]

Noctis twisted inside to hear the whimpering. Even now Prompto was aware of his absence, even now barely conscious he needed him. Poor thing. He needed Noct so much the past few days. Noctis held his hand tight even after he fell asleep. Even when they got to the hospital and unloaded into the ER. Doctors came, scans were done, Noctis was asked to step back a few times and a lot of complicated words were thrown around. Medical jargon he didn't understand. One doctor stayed with him to translate everything.

Prompto needed surgery to fix his broken bones. He was in critical condition, feverish, possibly entering heat and most likely nursing an infection. He needed high powered-antibiotics and his chances with surgery were okay but if they waited he'd get worse. Noctis wanted to explain to Prompto what was happening but he was gone.

"He needs surgery to repair the fractures, they will not heal on their own even with casts or splints."

"What are his chances?"

"If we act now he has the best chances if we wait, the chance of infection increase by the hour. We have a new technology for bone fractures, an implant that supports the bone and dissolves over time with no need for screws, pins, plates, or more surgery. It's his best chance but we need to act now."

"...Bring me what forms you need to be signed."

And that was that. They took Prompto to surgery and Noctis followed, sitting in the theater watching the entire gruesome thing. Sick as it may be to watch his beloved be sliced open it was calming to know what was happening. He had control in that sense where the last days he would only have his, now improved, imagination.

When Prompto wakes up he's got bandages and stitches where he had broken bones before. Noctis held his good hand in both of his and he was resting his eyes, elbows in the mattress, Prompto's hand against his brow. The entire room smells like antiseptic and Noct.

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto's memories of the hospital were hazy. It felt more like flashes and moments rather than anything he solidly remembered. He knew Noct had been holding his hand, he remembered the overhead lights in the ambulance and the medical personnel trying to ask him questions when he was conscious, but it never lasted long. He thought he remembered someone putting a mask over his face as they told him to count backward from ten. He thought he'd gotten as far as 8 before things got dark again.

When he finally woke, it was in an unfamiliar bed, somewhere with an unfamiliar ceiling and tubes and wires and it struck a fear somewhere deep and instinctual, his eyes widening before locking on to Noctis, who sat at his side, holding his hand. He tried to open his mouth and call out to his mate, but no sound came out. His limbs felt uneven and heavy, even his head was wrapped.

Noct looked so fragile, he couldn't imagine ever seeing Noctis look so lost and small. He could feel his eyes getting hot with tears again, and he squeezed his mate's hand. Though it was weak, he wanted to make sure Noct knew he was okay. He didn't know how to even put into words how relieved he was that Noct was alive and safe and that they were together. Hearing that his mate had died was like a living nightmare, and though he'd held doubts in his heart, it was an overwhelming relief to see him in one piece.

He tried to make a sound, but his throat felt raw, bruised from Emil's rough treatment, yes, but also tight and stifled in a way that made little more than squeaks come out when he attempted. He wanted to reach for his mate, to touch him, make sure he was real, but his other arm was so heavy, and strapped across his chest in a sling, padded and wrapped in a cast. Oh, he realized after a moment, this was... a hospital.

[starless_sky]

Noctis was exhausted to say the least. He'd been bombarded with calls and visits since Prompto got out of surgery. The glaives had given him space and stood guard outside the hospital room. They took turns coming in and sitting with Noctis when he didn't have visitors. His father had come. Ignis and Gladio were still on their way from Accordo after cleaning up from him storming out of his meetings. The people of Accordo will surely understand. Hopefully?

Crownsguard security has been in and out multiple times. Noctis have his testimony, they took photos, they reported on the crime scene and on Emil's condition in the citadel cell block. Only now did they have quiet enough for him to rest his eyes. He was enjoying a quiet moment when Prompto's hand flexed.

His head rose until his eyes were visible over their joined hands. Red and puffy from tears and lack of sleep. Noct's gaze softened and he reached out to touch Prompto's face.

"Hey." a whisper. "How do you feel?" he started to pet the exposed hair on Prompto's head. Where did he start? Apologizing? Promising Emil was gone? Feeding him? Calling a nurse? He settled for kissing Prompto's forehead.

"You did great. I'm proud of you. You needed surgery, they had to reset your broken bones. You'll be in a cast for a few weeks. You did so well, baby. I couldn't ask for better." Prompto needed his approval now and Noct wouldn't deny him. The urge to break down came frequently and even then his heart tightened and he had to swallow a lump in his throat. He's not going to cry in front of Prompto. He had to be strong so prompto could lean on him.

"There's so much I need to say but I've got to do something first." Noctis leaned in wrapping his arms around Prompto as tight as he dare. He said nothing for long moments. He needed a hug desperately so Prompto must need it even more.

"I love you. No matter what. I'm not leaving. I not going anywhere. We're not sleeping apart from now on." he pulled away slowly and sat back down.

"I actually, uh, I have something for you."

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto tried to focus, taking in his mate's tired eyes and leaning in to every touch. He felt worry and guilt hit him, how could he have believed Noct wouldn't come? Couldn't he have fought harder? Been more careful? He opened his mouth again, hoping to reassure Noct, to tell him not to worry, to apologize for making such a mess, but the words wouldn't come, and he let out a few hiccuping breaths before his tears spilled over.

When Noct leaned in to hug him, he clung with his right hand, fingers gripping tightly to the back of Noct's shirt as he nuzzled in to his mate's neck, sniffling quietly and taking comfort in his scent and strong embrace. Even as Noct pulled back, he sought out his touch, reaching for his fingers so they might intertwine.

Prompto's wide blue eyes studied Noct's face, and he tried so hard, the words just seemed to stick, and he was left mouthing that he loved Noct too, that he was sorry, that it wasn't his mate's fault. Why couldn't he comfort the person who mattered most to him when he needed it? What was wrong with him?

He settled for squeezing Noct's hand and nodding, his words unable to reach, and hoped that touch would be enough.

[starless_sky]

He hugged Prompto tight, this was something they both needed on top of being together from now on. The feeling of Prompto's hand on him tight in his shirt was wonderful. Knowing his mate was here, he was alive, and he was present enough to hug him helped more than the doctors promising a smooth recovery. They'd get through this, Prompto still had fight left in him.

When he sat back he thought he'd start to tell Prompto everything that happened but he just... mouthed words. Earlier he thought it had been simply a hiccup and Prompto trying not to cry. He'd held his words in so as not to weep. But he wasn't talking. He seemed like he was trying to. Noct's brow slowly knit together as he observed Prompto's mouth moving and no sound coming out.

"...Prompto... can you speak? Shhh.... slowly. Here, drink some water." he brought a straw to his lips. "Deep sip. There, good boy. Take a minute and swallow, take a breath. Can you say your name?"

And he has high hoped but they drop as it becomes evident that this isn't a fluke. Somehow they were discovering more injuries even now. Noct's hand slid from Prompto's and pressed the call button for the nurse then he tangled their fingers together again.

"We'll figure it out. The doctors will help." he has to believe they will fix it. He has to have faith this will all get better and go away. In the meantime, they could both use something happy.

"I have something for you." he reached into his pocket and pulled out Prompto's engagement ring. He put it in his palm.

"This came to me in a box. With a note... nevermind that. I've had it since... since it started I suppose." it had a note saying Prompto wouldn't be needing it anymore and he'd found someone better. Noct knew then something was terribly wrong, that's when he left Accordo.

"We gotta wait for the swelling in your hand to go down but until then..." he reached under his shirt and pulled out the necklace he wore with his family symbol on it. The skull with a single wing. He unlatched the chain and slid the charm off, then replaced it with Prompto's ring. He stood up and reached around Prompto's neck to fasten the chain.

"There. You can still wear it this why until your hand comes back down."

[hajimetejanai]

He only seemed to add to Noct's worries. He shook his head minutely, and drank as he was told. The cool water felt nice on his parched throat, but when he tried to speak again, to obey his alpha, there was no sound behind the words as he mouthed them. He felt awful, useless, how could he not even manage something as simple as speaking? He lowered his eyes, blond locks falling in front of his face.

When Noct pulled out his ring, Prompto startled, sniffling as he tried to keep his lower lip from shaking. Emil had sent it to Noctis? What had he said? What had he done? How much of his humiliation and betrayal did Noct know about? Despite how they'd cleaned him up, scrubbed his skin of any trace of Emil, it was hard not to feel dirty, used, and disgusting and still... still somehow Noct was offering him that ring again, as if nothing had changed.

He cried as Noct fastened it around his neck, quiet and shuddering, reaching with his good hand, trying weakly to cling to his mate. He'd only been awake for a few minutes, and he already felt exhausted and a little dizzy. So much had happened, so much he didn't want to think about, so much he wanted to push down, down, and forget. Before he could completely dissolve into tears though, a nurse was quick to respond to the call, knocking twice on the door before entering. Nyx was peering in behind her, obviously concerned about why she'd been called too.

"Your Highness? Did you-" she started, before noticing the young blond had finally woken up. "Oh, A...Argentum is awake, that's great. I'll let the doctor know right away. Is there anything you need?"

[starless_sky]

Noct would worry less if Prompto had a big cry about it. He'd cry with him. He expected that's what was happening as Prompto started but then the nurse came and he quietly cursed himself. Maybe they needed just a few more minutes...

"Yes, tell the doctor he can't speak."

The nurse nodded and hurried out. Noctis was sure Nyx heard that but he wasn't concerned, they'd know song enough anyway. He turned back to his mate taking his face in both hands.

"The doctor will help you. She's nice. She did your surgery." he looked in Prompto's eyes. His poor beau. This was a nightmare they were slowly climbing out of.

"It's okay to cry."

Then the door opened again. Noct blinked and looked over. Was Nyx stepping in? The doctor couldn't be here already but there she was. Tall, intimidating, severe, a confident alpha but with a soft smile.

"Hello. I'm glad to see you're awake." she had a gentle tone with Prompto as she approached the bed. "My name is Dr. Adisa. I'm glad to finally meet you. I'd like to perform an examination and ask you some questions now that you're awake. Will that be alright? I understand you're having difficulty speaking. This could be a result of the anesthesia but I'll need to take a closer look. I'd like to spend some time with you asking some yes or no questions and I'd like you to answer me as best you can. Do you think you can do that now?"

If Prompto looks at Noctis for input he'll nod and squeeze his hand. The doctor can be trusted.

[hajimetejanai]

There had always been something nice about the way Noct seemed to anticipate his needs, or know what he wanted before he ever asked, but to put it on Noctis as a duty, rather than an obligation made him feel guilty. His lashes fluttered as Noct took his face in his hands, and he struggled to meet the other's eyes, blinking back tears and failing.

He swallowed hard and nodded though, feeling the warmth and safety of his nearness. It lasted all but a moment before the next person entered. Prompto sucked in a breath and clung tighter to Noct, just the scent of another alpha enough to set him off and put him on edge. He tried not to, but it was impossible to keep the tension from his body as she approached. Prompto looked worriedly to Noct, who nodded reassuringly and held his hand. It was safe, he was over-reacting, he knew it, but he couldn't help the slight shiver as she approached.

Prompto nodded to her, but kept his eyes lowered, trying to shift closer to his mate.

[starless_sky]

Dr. Adisa expected a stronger reaction, she would not have been surprised if Prompto had thrashed in the bed or tried to escape it. His alpha's presence was clearly tantamount to his success in recovery. She stepped forward slowly and sat down on a stool at the foot of Prompto's bed. Noctis was between her and Prompto, she'd keep it that way. Noctis held Prompto's hand in his and put his other hand on Prompto's belly.

Dr. Adisa made a point not to let her scent escape too much, she worked primarily with traumatized omegas, sadly it was common enough to demand a specialist like her exist. She was slow and methodical as she went through her questions, there weren't too many but once they were finished she asked permission to approach Prompto.

"I would like to look at your throat if that's alright." Noctis rubbed his hand on Prompto's belly.

"You can say no if you want to." he said, eyes on the doctor. He was calm, unbothered by the doctor but he sat closer for Prompto's sake.

"He is right, Prompto. If this is too much for you I have a beta assistant who can come instead."

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto's breath was shaky as she neared, but Noct held his hand, and pressed the other to his tummy. His breath remained shallow, body tense and alert, and he tried to curl in closer to Noct, but the cast on his leg was bulky and hurt to move. At least the questions were simple yes and no and she didn't get any closer.

He started to relax his guard after a couple minutes, but when she wanted to approach, he tensed again. Logically, he knew she was a doctor, doctors fixed people who were sick or hurt and he was probably an awful combination of the two right now, but he couldn't help how his body reacted, even as Noct pet him to help him stay calm.

Prompto hated that he was causing trouble, making a fuss, that he couldn't just get over it and let the doctor do her job. She wasn't going to hurt him, he told himself, repeating it like a mantra in his head as he shook it slightly and opened his mouth. He had to keep his eyes closed, and his body still trembled, though he tried to focus on his alpha's calming scent and soothing touch.

"He's still a bit feverish, things are bruised and swollen, probably going to have a sore throat for a few days, but his vocal chords don't appear damaged," Dr Adisa backed up to her stool, adding a few notes to Prompto's chart.

Prompto lowered his head a little at the assessment. Why wouldn't the words come out? Why couldn't he just speak? It made him feel like such a wreck. There wasn't even anything wrong with his vocal chords. It was just him. He was broken, wasn't he? The tears started up again, and he looked down pitifully at his body. Broken inside and out.

[starless_sky]

Noctis was holding on for the end of the test. He hoped the doctor wouldn't stay for long, Prompto's stamina was clearly running thin. But when Adisa gave her thoughts it concerned Noctis. "Not damaged? Then what's causing it?"

"It might be a result of anesthesia but we will need time to see if that is the case it should resolve on its own but here are other causes. The psychological trauma alone may have caused this."

"I see...and if so then what is his prognosis?"

"He'll need psychotherapy but that is already in his treatment once he recovers. For the time being, we will focus on his physical recovery. I've run the titers we discussed and several came back positive. I'll need some time to administer all his doses. My assistant will bring you all the information you need. I think it is time for me to leave." Dr. Adisa noticed Prompto's tears and his trembling when she got too close.

"I understand. Thank you." Dr. Adisa left then and Noctis took a deep breath. So that meant Emil infected Prompto with some diseases. Some perhaps by his bite, others sexually. Great. He can kill him later. For now, he had an upset mate.

"Hey... hey. Can you look at me?" he reached out to take Prompto's hands. Those beautiful eyes shined like jewels when they were filled with tears. Noct hated that he found them pretty like this. He loathed Prompto being in pain. "Prompto, this isn't your fault. We're going to get through it whatever it is. Okay? You don't have to believe that now but we will." it was time for them to catch up on their moment alone.

"C'mere." he sat on the hospital bed and pulled Prompto against his chest. "Let it all out."

[hajimetejanai]

Hearing Noct's surprised response just made him tremble all the more. Noct was going to realize he was broken, that he wasn't worth keeping around, he was too much work, too disgusting...

His breath started coming in short, quick puffs. The other alpha's scent in the air didn't help, it was like an invasive presence, reminding him he wasn't safe. He could barely focus on what the doctor was saying; psychotherapy, positive test results, Prompto couldn't even calm down after the doctor left, his breathing growing rapid, on the verge of hyperventilating, this beep of his heart-rate on the monitor beside them growing faster and faster like a frightened rabbit. He felt like he was crumbling, falling apart.

Noct took his hand though, and that familiar voice was enough to shake him from his downward spiral, and he forced his eyes up, though it wasn't a command. He blinked a few times tears spilling down his cheeks one after another. As if hearing his internal distress, Noct reassured him, even told him it was okay if he didn't believe it, and feeling those strong arms around him was enough to let him know that even if he did fall apart, Noct was waiting to pick up the pieces, to help hold him together.

He sobbed, breath hiccuping, his one good hand tangling in Noct's shirt-front, tears soaking his mate's shoulder as he buried his face. It took a while for him to cry himself out, from shaking and crying so hard he could barely breathe, and slowly fading to the occasional sniffle as he quieted. Prompto could feel exhaustion sinking in, his body slumping, weight shifting against Noct's chest, but at least all the anxieties that had been running around his head had quieted, and while he was left feeling low and empty, it was hard to feel alone or unwanted when his mate was holding him so securely. He didn't have much strength left, but he nuzzled softly against his mate, a weak reassurance, but he hoped it was enough.

[starless_sky]

It's the sobbing that cuts into his soul. Maybe it's just the last thing Noctis can stand. Everything else he's had to let roll off him added up. He couldn't react to any one thing so he can function but the full on bawling hit him hard. Prompto deserved to bawl but it was hard to hear.

He tried to be nonchalant and not react to it. Prompto needed to be the one letting his emotions out, he was the center of the circle of grief. He'd never heard Prompto cry like this. Never heard anyone cry this hard to be honest. Crying so hard he could barely breathe. That has to just scratch the surface of his grief. Noctis had no illusions that this would be short-lived.

Prompto wasn't one to show his wounds. He would rather swallow them and put on a happy face. Noct wondered if Prompto was so hurt by this he couldn't put on a mask or if he still could and this wasn't the true depth of his pain. Who could hurt Prompto? Who could do this to a ray of sunshine like Prompto? A, person who made the world better around him and wanted so little in return, a generous soul who hadn't met a stranger, how could anyone want to crush such a delicate flower? How could Noct allow it?

Hot tears spilled over his cheeks. He laid his head on Prompto's hair and cried with him.

"I'm sorry." he whispered it over and over. He didn't mean to cry, this was supposed to be Prompto's time. "I'm sorry I'm so sorry." he breathed it over and over until he wasn't sure what he was saying it for. He was sorry for crying out of turn? He was sorry for letting this happen? For leaving Prompto alone in Insomnia? Letting an alpha doctor into his room when that that should have been a clear no?

When Prompto got quiet and sagged Noctis laid him back in his pillows. He didn't get out of the bed but curled around him. "I'll always be here for you. No matter what happened." and Prompto nuzzled him. As if to reiterate how pure of heart he was. Noct closed his eyes, a few tears escaping. He couldn't speak for a moment.

"I love you." his voice cracked. "More than life itself."

[hajimetejanai]

Noct had a way of making him feel safe. When he'd been assaulted at the school, it'd been hard, but Noct protected him, rescued him, and built him back up. Things were far from alright, but at least for now, wrapped up in Noct's arms, he felt safe and warm. He wished he'd been stronger, able to fight back harder, wished he didn't cause his alpha so much grief.

Prompto wanted to tell him there was nothing to be sorry for, that he'd been doing his duty as the future king, that Emil had planned this so carefully, had waited for a weak point. But the words just wouldn't come. Prompto was relieved when Noct stayed in the bed with him, despite the tangle of tubes and wires, he wanted his mate near him, wanted to feel his touch, to have his scent surrounding him.

He wanted to speak, but his throat just felt thick and tight with emotion, a few more tears slipping free when Noct's voice cracked. It broke his heart to be silent when Noct needed him. He couldn't offer much, but he brought his hand shakily to Noct's cheek, thumb brushing over wet tears, and stroked his cheek softly.

[starless_sky]

Noct had found a way to move on from that, it was a hiccup on his part that had radical consequences but he'd corrected it as best he could. He rescued Prompto before they got much time with him, he'd killed the offenders. This wasn't the same. Far from it.

Prompto had no need to feel like he'd not done enough, he was a soldier through his abuse. He'd done better than anyone could ever ask. Noctis was beyond impressed with him, he should never have to endure so much. There never should have been a weak point for Emil to exploit. All the planning in the world shouldn't have made a difference.

Prompto was doing it again, comforting him when he didn't deserve it. He'd take it though. "I can get it together, sorry. Sorry... I'm... I'm ok. I'm ok." he wasn't okay at all. "We're gonna be fine, you're gonna get better and we'll go home and we'll be fine." was he convincing Prompto or himself?

"I talked to the school. They said we're off for the foreseeable future as long as you are recovering. They're taking our current grades and freezing them. We're both in the clear to graduate." Prompto did well in fact, moving up several percentiles since he got tutoring. "So you don't have to worry about missing anything except maybe graduation," he smirked. "That won't be so bad right?"

[hajimetejanai]

The silence was the hardest. Prompto was always the one to fill it with idle chatter and dumb jokes and reassurances. Hearing Noct try to reassure Prompto, when it was clear he was barely holding things together himself... Prompto had cried himself out, but the cracks were just starting to show in his mate, as he listened to him try to fill that silence.

Prompto was much less worried about school and more worried about how they'd recover, if they'd be able to be the same again. If anything would ever feel like it used to. But he nodded in Noct's arms, and gave him the faintest smile in reassurance. It wasn't much, not compared to his old sheepish grins and lopsided smirks, but he wanted Noct to know he was okay, maybe not now, but hopefully, like he said, they'd go home and things would be fine again.

[starless_sky]

He wasn't great at filling the silence. Prompto bubbled and he listened. He'd laugh together with him and they'd chatter away but Prompto did the heavy lifting in conversation. It was awkward now to try to be the social nexus as it were.

"You look tired... Close your eyes. I'll be here. Get some sleep." he pet Prompto's head and kissed his temple. "I'm not going anywhere." and he didn't. Come the next meal Noctis is sitting in the bed still, tray of food sitting in front of them, he's got the newspaper Emil made in his hands. He's looking it over closely but his expression is calm.

Also there's breakfast food on the tray.

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto was tired. He'd only been awake for a little while, but his body was healing and trying to catch up with all the things Emil had inflicted on it over the past several days. And with Noct gently petting him, it didn't take long at all for him to drift off, feeling safe and warm in his lover's embrace.

It was a while before he woke again, with a sudden start before realizing Noct was still beside him, his scent was still around him. Noct was quiet, seemed to be reading something, and Prompto shifted slightly beside him. It was hard to tell what it was from this angle, and he didn't want to trouble his mate, so he curled up a little closer, reaching out a hand to rest on his.

[starless_sky]

It was fine to be exhausted, they all were. Noctis could imagine Prompto wasn't getting great sleep in the hospital either. He filled the room with his scent as best he could, claimed this place as much as possible for Prompto's well-being. Come morning it smells much more like him and he needs to recharge too so that he can give more scent later if Prompto needs it.

The hand on his was a surprise.

"I didn't expect you awake for another few hours." he didn't take his eyes off the paper at first.

"You hungry? I got some food, it's not breakfast time but it's eggs, bacon, toast, and a waffle." he turned to his mate then. "Do you think you can try a few bites?" he laid the paper down, showing his face on the front of it as he set it aside.

[hajimetejanai]

Prompto blinked a few times, still tired, but ready to be awake for a bit after his short rest. He tried to push himself up a bit, leaning into Noct, not meaning to pry, but his eyes caught the article in his mate's hands.

The image alone was enough to push him into startled wakefulness, his heart beating faster, memories of that awful place bubbling to the surface as his breath quickened. The awful, heart-shattering moment when he'd been told Noct might be dead, when he'd felt the floor drop out from under him, his world crashing down.

Why did Noct have it? Something in his gut burned at the thought. Though he was Emil's victim, believing in any part of that article felt like a betrayal, like he could still feel those hands on him, still there in that awful place.

Prompto could hardly register Noct's words, and the scent of the food felt overpowering, his stomach curdling. He shook his head, reaching for the paper with a trembling hand. He tried to explain, but the words were only mouthed on his lips in his panic.