starless_sky | Locked to Real_life

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

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..."

From:

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."

From:

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?"

From:

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?"

From:

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."

From:

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.

From:

real_life_rpg

The bed looked impossibly too big. Noct looked so small and fragile. Prompto knew that Noctis was anything but fragile - he was one of the toughest people Prom knew - omega, alpha or beta. But in that moment, in that big bed with the crisp white sheets, Noctis looked so vulnerable.

It hurt Prompto's heart more to know that if Drautos had succeeded in killing him he would've come for Noctis and the King next, and Noct would've been completely helpless in his sedated state.

He ached to climb up into the bed with Noct, but settled for sitting beside it instead. He reached out to take hold of Noct's hand gently in his. "I'm here, Noct. I'm right here, baby," he whispered.

From:

starless_sky

He was vulnerable. Noct was vulnerable every day but he was only able to be strong because of the people around him. His friends, his father, Prompto. Prompto made him stronger than ever, Prompto gave him a future to fight for. He was the reason Noct wanted to be a good prince and lead his nation. So he could have his alpha.

Noct had been deep in his sedation. It was wearing off, the hospital staff wanted him to wake up on his own but he was slow to come out of it. Until he sensed his alpha nearby. His scent, his voice, it was enough to get Noct's eyes to open.

He was still sleepy but he blinked, looking around until he found Prompto at his side.

"Is it over...?" he asked, voice hoarse. He was in a hospital bed. "How bad is it?"

From:

real_life_rpg

"You've still got a long road of recovery ahead of you, Noct. But you're gonna be okay. And you're safe. And you got all the people around you who love you most in the world." Prompto brushed his thumb over Noct's knuckles lightly.

"They had to burn off your heat, baby. And sedate you. But you're gonna make a full recovery." He wished more than anything he could take Noct's pain away. If he could, he would take all of Noct's pain on himself to spare his poor omega a single ounce of suffering.

Prom leaned over to press a kiss to Noct's forehead, letting his scent wash over Noct. "You need some water, baby?

From:

starless_sky

He listened. He understood but it was hard, this was so hard. He felt stiff and groggy. He was still on pain meds while his body healed. Prompto was being sweet, he was being his alpha, he must have sat here despite needing his own medical attention all this time. He was the best... Noct had to make it up to him.

"Yeah..." he needed water but more than that.

"...You're so far away." he sounded sad, his eyes were plaintive, more than anything he needed the comfort of his alpha. Same as in the airship, he wanted to snuggle into his scent and feel secure. That kiss wasn't enough. Noct pulled on Prompto's shirt.

"Come here."

From:

real_life_rpg

Prompto wished he had been sat here the whole time. If he'd had his own way he would have done. He'd gladly had ignored his own injuries to stay by Noct's side.

"Drink first," Prom said, reaching to pour a glass of water from the jug and popped a straw in it. It wasn't quite a command, but his tone suggested he wasn't going to budge until Noct had had a least a little water.

"Small sips, baby. Just to wet your mouth." He wasn't a medical professional. He didn't really know if Noct was supposed to be drinking actual water, but he sounded so hoarse, his throat needed liquid.

Once he had safely set the glass aside so it wasn't in danger of spilling, he pulled ack the sheet so he could crawl into bed with Noct. He still had Drautos' blood on him. Regis was in the next room. He probably wasn't even supposed to be touching Noctis, but he couldn't help but climb in next to him, shifting to get comfortable, so his weight wasn't resting on the worst of his injuries.

"Better?" He asked, letting more of his scent fill the room.

From:

starless_sky

Noct would have an interesting day when he learned all that had happened since he was asleep. For now, they were alone. Regis would be in the meeting room all day and we'll into the night. They had plenty of alone time.

Noct did as he was told, obediently sipping his water until the dry sound was gone from his mouth. It felt amazing, just drinking. When Prompto got in the bed Noct snuggled close.

"Better." his blood pressure and pulse went down just breathing in Prompto's scent.

"Sorry about before... I didn't mean to cause a scene..." it was embarrassing to remember but even now he felt an existential need to be with his alpha.

"Is it over? What about you? Are you OK?" under the sheet, Noct held Prompto's hand.

From:

real_life_rpg

"Noct, baby... you have nothing to apologise for. Nothing at all. I'm just sorry I couldn't go with you." Prompto nuzzled against him lightly, scenting him more. It seemed to be helping Noct, which in turn helped Prompto. They really were much stronger together than they were apart.

He laced their fingers together and for the first time since Noct had been taken, Prom felt a proper sense of calm. That maybe things were going to be okay. Sure, the Citadel was currently in turmoil, locked down and trying to flush out the remaining rats. But here, in their little bubble, things seemed okay.

"I'm okay, baby. I'm always okay." That was a lie. But Prom didn't want his omega to worry about him. His omega didn't need to know about his injuries, or that he'd almost just been assassinated by a traitor. All Noct needed to focus on was recovering.

"This is nice," Prom purred as he cuddled closer, eyes closed, but not asleep.

From:

starless_sky

Noct was getting much better. His medicine would be more effective now that he had Prompto nearby. He started to puff his scent out too, scenting Prompto. He sounded tired.

"Have you gotten any sleep at all?" he knew the answer already. "Take a break. It's ok." meaning please take a nap.

Did Prompto want to deal with the fallout when Noctis learned what happened? He'd be mad if he had to hear it from someone else.

From:

real_life_rpg

Prompto breathed in Noct's scent, letting it flood his senses for a moment, grounding him to the present. He toyed with Noct's fingers, never wanting to let go of his hand ever again. "Co--the Marshal made me take a nap. I'm okay. I don't want to sleep and miss a minute of being with you."

Prom pressed a tiny kiss to Noct's shoulder. "It's okay if you wanna sleep though, baby. I don't mind. You need your rest. And I'll be right here."

He fell quiet for a long moment, just listening to the sound of Noct's breathing and the gentle beeping of the machinery. He wondered for a long moment if Noct had gone back to sleep.

"Hey Noct? You know the guy who attacked you in Tenebrae when you were a kid? He um... he... he can't hurt you ever again..."

From:

starless_sky

This was peace too. Just laying here together in the bloom of their combined scent. He could sleep better than ever like this but beside that, it was curing his panic from before. He needed a few hours or a few days like this and he'd be right as rain.

Things seemed like they were all over and he could focus on the future when Prompto started talking.

Noct wasn't sleep, his eyes opened, alert.

"What do you mean? He was here? General Glauca?" his heart beat... Just barely quickened.

From:

real_life_rpg

They smell good together. It was just another way that they fit together perfectly.

Prompto took a deep breath. He focused on not letting his scent sour, needed to keep it sweet in order to keep Noct calm. His grip on Noct's hand tightened ever so slightly and he inched impossibly closer to his mate.

"So... turns out that he was under our noses this whole time. General Glauca is... was Captain Drautos... He, um... he's dead..."

From:

starless_sky

This scent would be his new calming smell, his new safe space, his new smell of home. It used to just be Prompto's scent but he likes them together.

Noct tried to keep himself calm too. He didn't hear anything that involved Prompto leaving the bed or leaving him so he was okay. And Glauca was dead so he could focus on the rest of what he heard.

"What... no... no.... who... how did he die? Did he hurt anyone? What about my dad?" he went slowly, talked slowly, tried not to panic. He held Prompto's hand tight.

From:

real_life_rpg

Prompto swallowed hard as he tried to find the right words. "I um... I killed him. He poisoned me. And said he was going to kill you so... I attacked him. I killed him." Killing people who threatened Noct seemed to be becoming a bit of a habit.

He drew small circles against Noct's hand with his thumb. "The King is safe. He's with the Marshal in the other room. The Citadel is in lockdown. But your Dad is okay." Physically, at least. Having one of his most trusted men turn out to be one of their most feared enemies probably hadn't done a whole lot for Regis' mental health - discovering the man who had killed Queen Sylva and had tried to kill Noctis had been under his nose the whole damn time. Talk about a punch to the gut and the feels.

"Gladio's watching the door. And I'm here. The King is safe and you are safe."

From:

starless_sky

Prompto was saying a lot of things but his voice sort of blurred out. Noct's eyes were wide.

"He poisoned you!? What do you mean?? Are you okay? Give me that water, I'll make an antidote--" he was suddenly active, trying to sit up, ignoring any pain or any tightness in his body. His alpha was in trouble, he'd move mountains.

From:

real_life_rpg

"Woah, woah... Easy baby, easy..." Prom hooked an arm around his omega and tried to get him to lay back. He didn't want Noctis to agitate any of his injuries and lengthen his recovery time. He tried to ease Noctis with his scent. "I'm okay. I'm okay. The Marshal and Nyx already gave me an antidote. I'm gonna be just fine."

He tugged Noct against him and nuzzled him. "All I need to feel better is right here. Just you. That's all I need. As long as I have you everything else is fine."

From:

starless_sky

Noct was still sensitive. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes. He leaned in close, letting Prompto's scent wash over him and letting himself be soothed.

"You promise you're okay?" he whimpered. "I am not going to be okay if you aren't okay." he buried his face in Prompto's shirt. "Please be okay..."

From:

real_life_rpg

"I promise," Prompto said, cradling Noct in his arms. "I'm here, I'm breathing, and I'm healing." He wasn't 100%. Probably wouldn't be for awhile. But he was okay. Noct's health was the bigger concern. He needed his omega to heal and recover.

He carefully uncurled Noct from his chest. "Let's get you laid back down properly, okay baby? I don't want your doctor to kick me out for hindering your healing."

Prompto climbed out of the bed, but only so he could get Noct tucked back in properly. He fully intended to crawl back into his space in a moment. "Need anything while I'm up?"

From:

starless_sky

Noct whined when Prompto left the bed and then again as he straightened him out. His back would feel better but Noctis still hissed. "I liked how I was." a thorough pout was launched at Prompto. "I'll just curl up again anyway." he needed to help his alpha and the best way to help an alpha heal was to smother them in your scent and snuggle up to them and maybe coo in that submissive instinctive way that helped soothe them.

"I need you back here now." he crossed his arms. "...hungry..."

From:

real_life_rpg

"Don't be a brat," Prom said, although there was no harshness to his voice, just good-humoured teasing. He gave Noct's pout a poke with his finger. And then he took a moment to just look at Noct. He was here. He was safe. He was pouting. Everything would be okay.

Prom climbed back onto the bed and wriggled his way in beside Noct, tucking them both up in the blanket. "What exactly are you hungry for?"