Locked to Real_life_rpg

[starless_sky]

Things had been going well in Noct's life ever since he got a boyfriend. It wasn't what most people thought of when that word was used. He was still a virgin and while that was a bitter pill, it was better than being a virgin with no prospects. He had Prompto and they had a promise. Now they waited his father out. Eventually his dad would hand over the throne to him and retire, or worse, pass away. He didn't want to think about that but... it was how his family had worked since the beginning of the nation. Regis was a stubborn old alpha to boot.

 

Noct had been working more in the citadel, attending more meetings, talking to more people, doing his own Working Royal stuff which he had previously shrugged off with the excuse that he was in school. It got Ignis' attention as well as his father's which hopefully would work in his favor in the future. 

 

He had to get the public, the advisors, and the counsel on his side, or at the very least he had to get to where they couldn't oppose him when he took the throne. That meant he was building alliances now so years in the future, whenever he took the throne, he will have built a place for Prompto by his side. A nest of sorts. If that isn't the most omega way to think about it... a nest. 

 

It's what brought him to work most days. Today he was at a public garden maintained by the royal family. He was meeting with some of his citizens, many of them social workers and outreach professionals for the poor and underprivileged. A perfectly banal sort of day. 

 

It wouldn't stay that way. He was trusted enough to handle this on his own so he was attending with his civilians with minimal security. He was within a stone's throw of the citadel after all. It's what the Nifs were counting on. 

 

Some time later there was a great boom and then a siren sounded in the training yard. A voice pinged each glaive and crownsgaurd with earpieces, delivering several codes, each referring to a scenario. This event had several codes; Active shooters, fire, multiple casualties, and a note that Rosebud was not secure. Rosebud was among hostiles. 

 

Rosebud was Noctis' security code the crownsguard and glaives used. Not that he knew that. 

 

Things went to shit real quick and to help it along, there had been a small camera crew playing Noct's talk with the social workers he was with. One channel was broadcasting it from the nearby jumbotron and the chaos unfolded. Noct was talking, suddenly there was an explosion, screaming, fire, gunfire could be heard. Nif soldiers appeared on screen. In seconds it was happening. Other screens around Insomnia began showing the footage. 

 

One could hear the explosions and guns in real time, not from the screen but from the park itself a block over. 

 

Comments

[real_life_rpg]

Unbonded, sexless boyfriends. That was what Noctis and Prompto were. Although the 'sexless' part wasn't exactly true - sure they had kept to their promise to each other not to mate until they were officially able to bond. But that didn't mean they hadn't gotten creative in the bedroom. Sure, Prom had never put his cock inside Noct's ass, but he had gotten his hands and mouth on just about every inch of Noct's body.

It wasn't a traditional alpha/omega dynamic in any sense of the word, but when had anything about them been 'traditional'?

It worked for them. Prom was happy. He was in love. He was doing well in college and had passed his Crownsguard training with ease. He still wasn't as good with a sword or polearm as many of the Crownsguard, and he was still banned from using magic flasks unless it was an emergency. But firearms? He was a natural. The best the Citadel had ever seen.

There had even been rumblings and whispers that Cor wanted to train Prompto up further to be his successor when the day finally came for him to retire. Pft. Retire? He was the Immortal!

Prompto had had an uneasiness in the pit of his stomach all day. His inner alpha had been bristling. And when they got the alert he was furious at himself for ignoring the feeling.

Panic, fear and anger burned through his veins. He was already on his feet and making a mad run for the garden. "I need a visual on Rosebud!! Who has eyes on Rosebud?!?! Tell me someone has eyes on him!!!" He seethed over the Comms device.

The area was chaos. There was no way Prom could get a clear path so detoured to a nearby tall building. If he could get the high ground he could potentially snipe any Imperial troops.

"Somebody get me a fucking visual on Rosebud!!!!"

[starless_sky]

Noct called it "diet sex" but it worked. It kept him sane during his heats and he hadn't withered away into psychosis. He was stronger than ever just waiting until he could be with Prompto properly. When they got married Noct was going to dress up in lace or shear or whatever Prompto liked the most. It might be stupid to dress sexy when Prompto's seen his body but he wanted to be special. He wanted to savor finally losing his virginity.

That fantasy alone was why he worked hard. He was doing well in school, he was in love, he was getting farther in his political career. Things were looking up. Prompto was doing great too! Not many people in Lucis could handle firearms. Most were comfortable with a blade. This made Prompto a rare and powerful soldier which gave him more opportunities than most to be in training and legit missions.

It's why Cor noticed him. He was incredible. He had a good head on his shoulders and he had a hell of a lot of self control for an alpha. That was vital to being a leader. Cor would tell those close to him that he didn't like his nickname and he hadn't earned it in his own eyes. He wanted to be replaced by someone who was also realistic, dedicated, and who didn't have an ego. Prompto was a natural choice. Especially if he proved to be a hotheat who took on the world alone like a certain young Marshal.

The emergency came. People were moving in all directions in an organized chaos. In minutes, roads surrounding the garden were closed, citizens evacuated, and Crown City Police cruisers assembled on site.

The citadel comms dispatcher was startled by Prompto's voice. She had to remember that it even was Prompto. He sounded so different and through the phone he was aggressive. She may have withered in person with him.

"The damn Nifs have it blocked off. Wait-- Argentum, where are you going? You might be the visual. What can you see!?"

As Prompto ascended to his perch, the visual he demanded came on the jumbotron in front of him. A feed of the center of the garden, of Noctis in the center of the field, forcing the soldiers back with his ice magic. A petite omega prince in Armani against a dozen fully armed soldiers.

It wasn't exactly a fair fight but it wasn't unfair either. Noctis had magic and from Prompto's vantage point it was easy to spot bright flashes of light Noct made when he cast spells. He was stopping the bullets shot at him with a wall of ice and he gave as good as he got. He was still alone and the soldiers were getting into formation. They were going to use a pincer attack and get him from both sides.

They slowed down when one newcomer entered the garden. A single man came into the field, walking with his hand over his head holding something. A grenade? No, a detonation trigger.

"That's enough, Highness... Beautiful city you have here. You want to keep it pretty? Don't make me do anything you might regret." Noctis paused but didn't relax.

"How the hell did you get in here!?" he barked

"We've got friends all over the world, highness. Do you know who your friends are?" the guy chuckled. Noct grit his teeth.

On the comms, the dispatcher was calling out "Argentum! What do you see!?"

[real_life_rpg]

A lot of people in the Crownsguard often forgot that Prompto was an alpha. He didn't act like an alpha most of the time. He didn't posture or threaten. He was laidback, funny, and easy-going. At least until it came down to the serious stuff. He hated missions outside of the Wall. Hated being away from Noctis for any length of time. But he always acted as a true professional. Luckily, missions outside of the Wall were rarer for Crownsguard than they were for the Kingsglaive.

No mission he had embarked on so far could possibly have prepared him for this. Every ounce of training was supposed to prepare him for this very possibility, but the theoretical endangerment of the Prince and the real endangerment of the Prince were two very different things.

Rage bubbled under his skin. How dare the Empire target the Prince. His Omega.

Prompto pulled his sniper rifle from the Armiger and stared down the sights to get a better view. Fuck. Soldiers moving in from both sides. Not even a master marksman could take troops out from both sides in one shot - not without risking hitting Noctis in the process at least. And he knew he likely only had one chance.

"Rosebud is surrounded. Pincer attack. We need some Glaives there now!!" He watched the newcomer, readied his gun to take the shot before pausing as the trigger caught his eye. Fuck. He couldn't tell from his current vantage point what kind of explosive it was rigged up to. It may be the kind that goes off when the user stops holding it, when they're shot in the head, say. In which case Prompto making his shot would be a death sentence for Noct and those in the blast radius.

"... Incendiary device... six o'clock," he said over the comms, trying to keep the shakiness out of his voice. "Marshall? Your orders?"

[starless_sky]

Another reason why Prompto was great at his work. People underestimated him and gave him the element of surprise. Enemies often came to him in disadvantageous conditions, thinking he was small prey only to find themselves on the wrong side of a surprise Alpha with a gun. Cor noticed that, planned more than one mission around that very gimick. It worked wonders, the Marshal loved it.

Noct kind of hated when Prompto had to leave but he welcomed him back to the city the best way he could. With a hot meal, a warm bed, and as much of his body he could give to Prompto.

Noct had no idea he was being watched so closely. He knew the glaives and the guard had to be moving but he was busy keeping this from going to shit and to shit it was going. Quickly.

Cor chimed in over the comms. 'Do not fire until we can identify the type of device, Argentum. Keep visual on him. Rosebud knows to fall back, clear a place in the perimeter for ground units to recover him.'.

Noct knew enough tactics to know the only way out of a pincer attack was to retreat. Cor had drilled that into him but there was a problem. His citizens were behind him and they were injured and that didn't stop them. One of the survivors rushed up, screaming.

"You Nif bastards get the hell out of my town! You're not taking my prince!" a woman yelled. She was gunned down before she made it to Noctis, her bloodied shattered head landed on the ground at his feet. He winced at the blood spatter.

"Anyone else want to be brave!?" the soldier yelled across the garden. Noctis growled.

"You're gonna pay for that...You're not gonna kill any more of my people!" he knew he had to leave. He knew he had to escape, Cor would be expecting it. He was outnumbered but he had to get his people a chance to leave. This wasn't just about him so he made another ice wall, one blocking the survivors from the soldiers.

"I didn't want to highness, she ran at me! It was self-defense. Honest." the soldier crossed his heart. "Foolish woman, what did she think she was going to do other than get herself killed?"

"What do you want?"

"Oh nothing, just to press this little button here." his thumb stood out, away from the red trigger on the device in his hand. "I just want to see what it does. The lab boys worked so hard on it at home. I gotta make sure it tests well. You'd be impressed your highness, it took so long to set this up. City-wide perimeter... all with a push of a button." the soldier used his free hand to gesture "Fwoosh." and he laughed.

Noct's eyes didn't leave the trigger in the soldier's hand. He swallowed. How could this happen? He knew of splinters of people in Insomnia who were suspected of being spies or who had been killed and replaced with Nif dopplegangers for years but this? To plant explosives all around the city? How had they missed that? How long had it taken?

He knew what was right, what was stupid, and what he had to do. This guy clearly had the advantage.

Cor came in over the comms

Argentum, shoot him. Now.

"I will go with you." Noctis said at the same time. "If you leave my people alone. It's me you want, right?"

"We-ell look at that, a reasonable prince after all. Or is it true what they say about Lucian omegas being easy?"

[real_life_rpg]

Prompto really wished he could hear what was being said. Even through his scope he couldn't see Noct's lips clear enough to lipread and he didn't have a view of the other guy's face. Fuck.

His stomach twisted at the sight of the bloodied, severed head. He could only imagine what was going through his omega's head.

Shoot him now, Cor said. Ha. Like it was an easy shot. Like Prom didn't risk catching the person he loved most in the world in the crossfire.

Fuck. He aimed his gun again, steadied his sight on his target. As his finger started to squeeze the trigger he felt a blinding white pain radiate through his shoulder.

It took a moment for his brain to register what was happening. For his brain to register that oh... he's just been shot.

He tried to push through the pain, tried to lift his gun again to make the shot, but his shoulder protested the movement, screamed in white hot pain. He needed to make the shot, needed to get Noct to safety. Had to protect his omega.

A second shot rang out, ripping through his skin. He had no choice but to duck for cover. "Quicksilver compromised," he admitted over the Comms, feeling like a failure.

[starless_sky]

They'd placed people all over, dressed as civilians, pretending to run away in the chaos only to scout out people like Prompto.

The camera feed was still going, the jumbotron could not play the sound but the camera was recording, the news station would play it. Prompto could listen to every word later and know that despite his injuries, this wasn't something he could help.

Quicksilver, what's your position? Talk to me. Do you have potions on you? I'm sending extraction for you.. Cor demanded over the comms, he sounded cool, if urgent, but underneath he worried he just lost his protege. As this went on, several runners headed up the tower Prompto had gone to, searching for him. They had a stock of potions Noctis had made for the team which ought to help tide his wounds over until he got to a doctor.


On the ground Noct watched as the soldier pressed the button on his activator.

"No! I already gave myself over to you! Why!?" but....nothing happened. It was silent. Noctis blinked in confusion. Was it a hoax? Was there something wrong?

The soldiers weren't bothered, in fact the one with the trigger was chuckling as he tossed it to one of his men.

"Very good then, prince. Come on." he approached, Noctis stepped back. The solder grabbed his arm. "Oh no, you gave your word... and you'll go without a fuss, doll."

Noctis grunted, calling upon his armiger. Only, nothing happened. No blue light or hovering weapons to choose from. He tried again and nothing.

"What-- what did you do-"

"Just made our commute a little easier. Seemed neater this way. Oh, were you expecting fireworks? Come on." and without his magic, without his weapons, even without the ability to warp. Noctis is helpless to avoid being carried off by a dozen armored men. Into their vehicle and out of whatever rathole they entered the city with.

It was over.

The guard came for Prompto, an emergency team ready to either work on him on the spot or carry him to medical. Yet, sound or no sound. The city of Insomnia just witnessed their prince be taken away.

[real_life_rpg]

Prompto tried to call a potion forth from the Armiger only to come up empty-handed - no flash of crystalline blue and no potion. Fuck. That... That wasn't good.

He leaned back against the balcony wall and sucked in some much needed breaths. Cor should be focusing his attention on Noct, not trying to extract Prom, and Prom told him so much, even if he was risking being insubordinate to a superior officer.

Removing his glove, Prom bit down on it hard, before digging his fingers in the bloody wounds on his shoulder to dig out the bullets. Should he have waited for a team of medical professionals? Sure. Did he? No.

The bullets he pulled out of himself surprised him to say the least. Even covered in blood, Prom could tell they were Lucian Military Issued. Had he been caught in the crossfire? No. Surely not. The shots were too clean. Too accurate. S turncoat maybe? Or an infiltrator? A rat in their midsts. He pocketed the bullets in order to bring it up to Cor later.

What followed was a blur. Prom barely remembered anyone working on his shoulder, but the bandages suggested they had. All he knew was the prince was gone and the Citadel was in chaos.

He tried to listen as people discussed plans of action. But so far none of the plans seemed to be 'go get Noct', which was the only thing Prompto could think about.

When he finally got a moment alone with Cor he slid the bullets across the table to him, hoping he would understand.

"I am going to kill every damn Nif I get my hands on until I get Noct back," he growled. It would be easy to think he was just talking shit, words of anger but his tone suggested he was very, very serious.

[starless_sky]

It was all over the city and the purlieus now. Noct would beat out every headline in every paper tomorrow. The crownsguard had the news clip playing on repeat. Prompto could get his fill of watching Noctis be taken by foreign invaders.

Cor was busy as hell trying to piece together what happened and what happens next.

He already suspected there were double agents in their midst but Prompto confirmed it. He'd have ballistics look at them to confirm just which gun fired them.

"You won't get far in that state." Cor wouldn't argue but he would tell the truth. "If you die out there you're useless to the prince and the king."

Cor knew Prompto was an alpha. He also picked up on Prompto's scent some mornings after he'd been at Noct's. He knew the kid was into the prince. He was mostly sure they had a relationship.

"This is delicate. You rest. I'll write the mission plans. You don't leave until it's finished, you're cleared for duty, and we've had a debriefing."

[real_life_rpg]

Prompto had nothing but the utmost respect for Cor. The man was a living legend. And maybe some of that hero worship Prompto had felt in his youth had bled through into his adult life. That said, the planning was taking far too long for Prompto's liking. Noct was alone, scared and vulnerable. He needed to bring his omega home safely.

"Marshal... Noct is an unbonded royal omega. You know as well as I do that the Empire haven't just invited him around for a chat over tea." Just the thought of anyone trying to put their hands on Noct was enough to fuel Prompto's rage.

"My bet is that they are going to breed him, get an heir of royal blood, connected to the Crystal and then all hell will break loose." Prompto growled in frustration. "He's so close to his heat too." Not that Prom kept track or anything or had it marked out on an app on his phone just like Noct and Ignis did.

Every moment they wasted planning and plotting the further Noct got from them. Prompto knew it was a delicate operation but he couldn't sit idly by when his omega was in danger.

[real_life_rpg]

"Of course you didn't talk. You're a good boy. Such a good boy. Brave and strong. Lucis is so lucky to have a prince like you and I'm even more lucky to call you mine." No one could fault Noct if he had talked. He was a vulnerable omega surrounded by powerful, influential alphas. But he had stayed strong and held his own. He really was something special. Prom's heart was bursting with pride.

The blood was unfortunate. They would both need long, hot baths and brand new clothes. Probably numerous shots or drugs too. But for now, they just had to deal with it. Prom nuzzled his omega, scenting him. Both to calm Noct, and to give a warning to any survivors who may be dumb enough to attack that this prince right here? He belongs to Prompto.

"I'm no hero, Noct. I just did what I had to do to get my soulmate back." And he'd do it all again if he had to.

He pulled out some coins from his pocket and fed them into the machine, making two chilled cans tumble out. "Iggy would cream himself if he saw one!" Actually, now Prompto wasn't hellbent on getting to Noct and had a moment to breathe, he pulled out his phone to snap a shot of it. He didn't have signal to send it to Ignis now, but once they get home? Totally.

"Noct, baby. You need to save your strength. Don't push yourself. Making potions takes a lot out of you." Even so, he handed one of the cans to him, cracking the other open to take a much-needed sip.

"I'm gonna check the console, see if I can get any useful information," he said, before hacking into the system. "Huh... Looks like there's some kind of vehicle dock or bay or something not too far away. Might be able to hijack a dropship and get the hell out here. Back to Insomnia. Oh... crap... Hey uh, Noct? What's the penalty for a member of the Crownsguard breaking rank, disobeying orders and going AWOL because um... I might have kinda done that..."

[starless_sky]

No one could fault him but his people would love him for not talking. It would do a lot for the omega rights movement to show his strength in such a manner. Not that Noctis was thinking about any of that. It would hit him later and boost his confidence that he'd survived and endured all of that without giving the empire what they wanted.

The blood... Well Prompto was already going to be on heavy drugs to prevent infection. Noctis was already too from the drill wounds alone. A hug wasn't going to make or break anything at this point.

Noct purred softly as he was scented. He pushed his forehead into Prompto's neck. He was so happy to be free, so happy to be with the one he loved, so happy to be going home. Today was the best day of his life.

"You're my hero. No matter what you say...and I like it when you call me that."

The cold can was nice. Noctis had no interest in ebony but he held the can against his face, against his darkened eye. He was about to be a disobedient boy. While Prompto took Iggy's literal thirst trap photo and talked about a control room, he consentrated his power. The ebony can reacted immediately and he could feel the contents beginning to bubble and fizz.

The entire container changed in his hand. Before he could be stopped, Noct turned to Prompto, held the new consumable over his love's back and cracked it. That ought to feel better.

His head hurt like recoil. Noct groaned.

"I think it depends on what you went AWOL for. Toppling Niflheim and rescuing the prince helps... If they come for you they're gonna have to go through me first."

He rubbed his temples. "Let's go home."

[real_life_rpg]

The Citadel medical team would be working plenty of overtime in order to patch these two lovebirds up, that was for sure. On the bright side, they still had all their limbs attached and Noct wasn't full of Empire babies so it could be a lot worse!

Prom wasn't a huge Ebony fan. He didn't mind it, especially the blue can that had extra sugar in it. The black can was way too bitter for his tastes. Right now it was cold, wet and caffeinated and that was all that mattered.

The healing magic washing over him caught him by surprise. It felt good. So good. But there was part of him that was annoyed Noct had ignored his request to rest. He cupped Noct's face, pressed a kiss to his temple. "Hey. Take it easy, okay? Thank you. But no more. Best behaviour until we get home." It would royally suck to go to all the trouble of rescuing Noctis from the Empire only for the boy to kill himself by overexerting his magic.

Prompto stole a medikit, holding it in one hand while keeping a firm grip on Noct's hand with the other as he led him to where the dropships were docked. He let go of Noctis' hand and shoved the kit at him. "Stay here." It wasn't a full alpha command but it was a stern request. Prompto lifted his machine gun, before cutting down the MT troopers that were standing guard. Had he mentioned he loved this gun? He loved this gun.

Happy that there were no other dangers lurking, he waved Noct over. "Let's go." He stepped onboard. The controls were like nothing he had ever seen before. But hey, he was a technophile. If anyone could figure it out, it was Prompto. "This is your Captain speaking. Thank you for choosing Argentum Airlines. Our flight to Insomnia will soon depart. Please fasten your safety belts and enjoy your flight."

[starless_sky]

Too true. He really didn't want to have to get an abortion. This could be way worse. He'd be a good boy in the doctor's office as long as he could have Prompto with him.

Noct could drink but he didn't. That bitter stuff was only going to dehydrate him more. So he watched Prompto and he looked like he felt better... Even if he looked annoyed. Noct knew he did the right thing but he withered under that slightly annoyed expression.

Even when he was defiant, Prompto was gentle. It comforted Noctis, he wanted to stay in his hold forever, blood and all, it didn't matter.

"I'll be good, alpha, please don't be mad at me..."

He would be very good after that. He followed Prompto closely, he stayed put in the hangar, didn't dare move a toe. Not that he wanted to. Watching Prompto gun down MTs with merciless precision was enough to stand his hair on end.

He was good but fuck, that was something to see. The MTs were hardier than humans too. No wonder they were shredded apart on the floor.

He hurried to Prompto when he waved him over and got inside. He sighed in relief to sit down. He was so tired. Everything ached.

He huffed softly and smiled at the captain's spiel. The closest Prompto was going to get to a laugh in Noct's current state. He buckled his seat belt.

"Uh... Do you know how to fly this?" he didn't know where to start on the controls but the more he looked it started to kind of? Make sense?

"... I trust you." Prompto was kind of a genius with these things so if anyone could figure it out, it was him.

[real_life_rpg]

Prompto had absolutely zero idea how to fly an Imperial Dropship. But he wasn't going to admit that. As long as he didn't crash and kill them both it'd be fine. Fine. Absolutely, totally fine. "I got this, baby," he bullshitted as confidently as he could. Soon enough, the control panel sprung to life in a mess of lights and buttons. A little longer and Prom had the dropship off of the ground and out of the Keep into the endless sky above Gralea.

He piloted manually until they crossed over the Niflheim border, but in case the Empire decided to try and tail them. Then he set the controls to autopilot, setting the coordinates for Insomnia.

Unfastening his seat belt, he got up and made his way over to Noct. He opened up the medikit and tried to patch his omega up a little better before holding his arms open for his omega to crawl into.

Prompto turned his communication device back on. Hopefully he was back in range or would be soon enough. It crackled in his ear. He took a breath and sighed before speaking. "This is Quicksilver. Rosebud is secured. Repeat, Rosebud is secured. On route to base camp. MT dropship. Do not shoot on sight!"

[starless_sky]

He shouldn't have believed him but Prompto sounded just confident enough for Noct. He bought it. The control panels lit up and it seemed easy to get out of this place.

"We're really getting out of here." he chuckled softly. "Wait. We were in the sky the whole time? I thought they landed the ship on the ground." Noct marveled softly, looking around out the view screen. Then they were over open ocean. He knew it wouldn't be that long.

He tried to hold still as Prompto patched him up. He really was the best alpha. He was sensitive and gentle and kind. He read Noct's mind too. One he opened his arms, Noct crawled in and snuggled close.

"Thank you for saving me." he didn't let go either. Even as Prompto called in to HQ. He just got comfy on Prom's shoulder. All this scent was getting to him. His heat was due in a day or so... This wasn't a good time. Noct couldn't even think about sex with his body in this state and he couldn't stomach leaving his alpha either.

"Are you Quicksilver? Hehe, was I not supposed to hear that? What's Rosebud? Is that me? How long have I been Rosebud??" was it a girly name? Was it very omega? Was that a bad thing?


Prompto's comm crackled on its own. The voice on the other end should be the dispatcher but instead it was the low and sliiiightly frustrated voice of Cor the Immortal.

"Copy that, Quicksilver. ETA to base camp. Search teams have eyes on the east horizon. Over."

Noct hummed into Prompto's shoulder. "He sounds mad..."

[real_life_rpg]

It felt so good to have Noctis safely in his arms. Prompto continued to put out his scent, smothering Noct in it. He pressed tiny kisses to his hair, just letting himself have this moment. His omega was alive and on his way back to Insomnia where he belonged. "We're going home, baby. We're leaving that floating hellhole and going home."

He continued to embrace Noct even as he spoke on the comm device. He couldn't help but laugh softly at Noct's questions. "Mm. I'm Quicksilver. I guess it's okay if you know. Just don't go around telling everyone or I'll have to kill you." Probably not the best joke he could've made given the circumstances, but it came out of his mouth before his brain could engage. "And yeah, you're Rosebud. Come on. It's cute. Just like you are. Besides, roses are tough - they have thorns that can protect them - just like you protected yourself from those assholes."

Prompto flinched a little at the sound of Cor's voice. Mad was an understatement. He gave their ETA. "Requesting immediate medical attention. Over."

He was dead. So dead. Cor was going to murder him. "Make sure I have black chocobos at my funeral, baby."

[starless_sky]

Prompto's scent was like a clean shower washing away all the horrors of Gralea. He felt purified by it. Like it was all just a bad dream. He smiled softly at the kisses in his hair. Everything was as it should be.

"Stay at my place for a while." and just snuggle him like a big teddy. It was Noct's chosen therapy. He'd even watch Prompto play games if he could curl up with his head on Prom's lap or butted against his hip.

"I won't tell, I promise." his voice was relaxed, almost sleepy with comfort. "Mn. Does everyone say it's cute or just you?" but he supposed he liked Prompto's description.

On to the funeral. "If you have the nerve to die on me you don't deserve chocobos." but Cor will assemble a medical response team by the time they land. Preceded by none other than Gladio and Ignis.

The drop ship door opened and Noctis groaned, slowly pulling himself out of Prom's arms with a grumble. He liked having their alone time. There were quick footsteps toward them.

"Thank heavens you're both safe." Iggy looked harried, like he hadn't slept. Maybe he hadn't. Noct felt guilty even though it wasn't his fault. He watched Iggy's expression change from concerned to steely when he looked over both of them and took it all in. Noct rubbed the back of his neck.

"Is it that bad? I haven't looked in a mirror." he fought the urge to be sarcastic but knew that this wasn't a time to play with Ignis. Gladio appeared behind them, looking at Prom and Noct both and tightening his jaw. Ignis continued.

"There's a team waiting outside. Let's get you up."

Noct groaned in pain when he tried to stand. His back got stiff on the ride over and he tried to get up too fast. He hissed. Ignis flinched.

"Don't rush, Noct, take your time."

"Sorry. Just... Gimme a second."

A second was not given. Instead, Gladio reached in and lifted Noctis up.

"I've got you, relax."

"Wait what about Prompto-- hold on, I can't do this." Gladio was about to carry him outside. Ignis would stay with Prompto until medical could look at him. Noct reached out for Prompto's hand but he was already out of reach.

"Gladio, stop. I can't go like this! No!!" his voice ought to be stronger but in his attempt to be stern, Noct's voice was breathy, dry, and weak. It stung Ignis in the heart to hear it. Gladio kept his mask on but he felt even more guilty for failing the kid.

"It'll be alright Noct, he's not going anywhere. Hey hold still!" Noct was squirming trying to get out of Gladio's carry to no avail. As expected. He only managed to awaken some of his wounds and he winced.

"That's the problem, he needs to come with me! I can't do this alone! Stop trying to take him away from me! Put me down!!" tears filled his eyes, looking at Prompto. He didn't care if he looked pathetic. He was terrified without his alpha. He was so strong until they were separated.

"Stop. Noct, quit. Hold still." Gladio walked back over to Prompto just so Noct would quit thrashing. Noct reached for any part of Prompto he could grab. Ignis pet Noct's hair.

"Noct... Prompto needs to see his own doctor. For a short time you will be separated." Noct shook his head, looking every bit like a petulant child other than his eyes. They were wild, wide with fear. He was breathing short quick pants, close to a panic attack if they tested him.

[real_life_rpg]

"Huh. Guess the kid is just full of surprises." He definitely didn't fit the stereotypical alpha mould that was for sure. Nyx had never heard of an alpha going to such lengths for an omega they weren't bonded with. That was some dedication right there. Nyx dumped the soiled water out and watched as Cor stroked Prompto's hair. Seemed it wasn't sure Prompto that was full of surprises. Nyx had never seen Cor act so human.

Prompto leaned into the petting. Tears rolled down his cheeks.

Clarus entered the room and surveyed the scene. Drautos' body, throat ripped out. Argentum looking shellshocked. It explained the how. Now they just needed the why.

"The King and the Prince are secure and the Citadel has been locked down... Care to fill me in on what happened?"

[starless_sky]

"We'd be wise not to underestimate him. He could be the best of us all." he grimaced as Prompto teared up. "Aw kid..." this was heavy on his heart. He was gentle when though he could be strong.

His eyes didn't leave the kid as he answered.

"Self defense. Attempted murder... Remember when you theorized we had a mole? You were right but he was higher up than we imagined. There's your man. Or one of them at least."

Clarus took it in stride, his face have away nothing, though he couldn't help the sense of betrayal.

"More details, Marshal." and Cor gave them. Near as he was able. Finally he looked to Prompto.

"Argentum.... Prompto. Can you talk about it? Say something." only he could tell Clarus what happened in detail.

[real_life_rpg]

The logical part of Prompto's brain screamed at him to salute Clarus. A high-ranking official had entered the room, he needed to show respect. Yet, he couldn't seem to get his body to respond. He picked at the sheets, eyes fixed on the blood still under his fingernails.

It took him a moment, but eventually, he started to talk. He told them exactly what had happened from the moment Cor left. He told them about the poison and about Drautos talking about the daemon attack on Noct and the later attack in Tenebrae. He told them about stabbing Titus and about ripping out his throat.

Prom didn't take his eyes off of his hands. He couldn't bring himself to look at Cor or Clarus or even Nyx. Couldn't bear to see a look of disappointment on their faces.

Clarus took in the words. "I suggest we move Argentum to the Prince's room. But do not let anyone outside of this room and that room know. I'm interested to see who else might pay Argentum's room a visit if they believe he is alone and vulnerable..."

[starless_sky]

Prompto's response was indicative of his condition. Hopefully he realized how they felt about him given they were bringing him to Noctis.

"Understood." Cor set to work arranging for Drautos to be cleaned up. He'd do it himself if need be.

"Nyx, help him upstairs. Be discrete and tell no one. I'll remain here with the body until the coroner can come for it."

Clarus stood firm, looking the kid over. He was a far cry from the one who'd single handedly destroyed their enemy. He strode over, stepping around Drautos' body.

"You did well... Can you make it upstairs?" he knew the kid was at a breaking point. They needed him intact. "Cor why don't you go with him and Ulric? Come back when you're finished. I can mind the room until then."

Cor nodded, petting Prom's hair. That seemed to work.

"Let's go upstairs. Noctis should wake up soon. He will be happy to see you."

[real_life_rpg]

"Come on, kid. Up we get," Nyx said, helping Prompto off of the bed and up onto his feet. Part of him wondered how much of Prom's condition was the aftermath of the poison and how much of it was from the fact he'd just killed a guy. Perhaps it was a crazy combination of everything. He didn't like it. He missed Prompto's infectious smile.

Prompto nodded at Clarus. "Yes Sir. Thank you..." One foot in front of the other. He could do this. He just needed to keep going, then he could see Noct.

It was slow going, but eventually, they reached the secure wing Noctis was being treated in. Luckily they hadn't run into anyone along the way.

Nyx patted Cor on the shoulder. "You got it from here, Marshal? I'm going to head back and give Lord Amicita a hand."

Gladio greeted Cor and Prom at the door. He had been tasked with guarding both Noct and the King while his father was busy. "Marshal. Prom... shit, you look like crap, kid. Come on, let's get you into a bed..."

Prompto let Gladio manhandle him into the room. He smelled Noct before he saw him. His own scent peaking in response. "... Noct?"

[starless_sky]

A miracle that nobody saw them. Nyx would have his hands full later with all the glaives who came to help finish Drautos' work.

Gladio didn't waste time. He saw the haunted look in Prompto's eyes, saw the wounded looking gait he had. He bodily carried him into the hospital suite and over to a bed.

"Hold still." he got a potion out and cracked out over Prompto first thing.

"The hell happened? Yeah. Yeah... Noct's here. He's still asleep... We got a few minutes to get you sorted out ok? Can you tell me what happened?" maybe Prompto couldn't, given his scent was pouring out.

"Dude... Take a breath, the king is in here too. You want to go toe to toe with him in a scent war?" as if Regis would even entertain such a thing. He wasn't against Prompto. It would help Noctis anyway.

"Can you stand to see a nurse here before you go see him?"

[real_life_rpg]

Prompto didn't try to fight Gladio, just accepted that this was his fate now. The potion helped. He was slowly beginning to feel slightly more human again. He let out a heavy sigh as he told Gladio what had happened, telling him the same information he had told Clarus about what had gone on in the room and the things Drautos had said about Noct.

Even now, just thinking about Drautos hurting Noctis caused Prom's inner alpha to bristle. He tried to calm himself. He needed to get himself in check if he was going to be allowed to see his omega.

He shook his head. "M'fine. Cor and Nyx gave me an antidote and a potion. Drautos messed me up pretty bad. But I'll be okay. I just really wanna see Noct. Can I see him? I'll be good. I promise."

[starless_sky]

Gladio listened intently, not letting his reaction show but inside... Inside he seethed. That dirty motherfucker betrayed them. Betrayed them for years.

"The king doesn't know..." unless his father was on call with him which... Gladio got up to check and Regis was in the other room with the door closed, indicating he was on royal business.

So Noctis was alone in his room.

Gladio returned to Prompto.

"Yeah. You're lucky I don't give you another antidote. Come on." he led the way through what looked like a normal apartment only it had the smell of hospital anesthetic. In the last room, Noctis lay in his bed, still bruised as Prompto remembered. His black eye was darker.

"He hasn't woken up since they had to burn his heat. They sedated him." he patted Prompto's shoulder. "He's gonna be fine. I gotta go watch the door. Good job with Drautos by the way."

And then gladio was gone. Cor stepped into the room with king Regis and then it was just Prompto and Noctis. Alone with the beeping of hospital equipment.

Prom's scent was slowly waking Noct up. It took a few minutes but he started to stir.