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

"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?"

From:

starless_sky

"Hmph." he tried to keep frowning even when he was poked. How dare Prompto poke his frown? How dare he not be susceptible to it! His frown disappeared and he looked neutral, though his eyes were pleading. He was fine but he could easily return to the omega who cried for his alpha in the drop ship when they were separated.

Once Prompto was back, Noct pressed himself against him, ankles to shoulders. He laid flat, didn't want to be separated again if Prompto thought he needed to be re-arranged.

"...kinda want breakfast... but I might even eat Iggy's vegetables at this point. Where is Iggy? Is he okay? Or Gladio?"

From:

real_life_rpg

Prompto nuzzled against Noct's side, draping an arm across his waist. He pressed a few chaste kisses to Noct's scent gland, breathing in his omega's sweet smell.

"You'd eat vegetables? Willingly? Holy shit! You're dying! Are you dying? Do I need to get the doctor?" Prom asked, resting the back of his hand on Noct's forehead.

He pressed a kiss on his cheek right after. "Actually, I have no idea where Iggy is. I figured he'd be with you. Gladio's watching the door. I could go ask him about Igs, or try texting Iggy." Both suggestions meant moving which Prom didn't want to do, but he couldn't have his omega starve to death.

From:

starless_sky

Attention to his scent gland helped. He was soothed and he wouldn't get upset if Prompto got up so long as it was short.

"I don't think I'm dying... Go ask but come back right after?" he would be good and ask rather than make demands of his alpha. "If we're locked down then he's here somewhere."

Prompto would find that Ignis is right outside with Gladio. That he was listening in to the situation with Drautos and came upstairs to watch Noct's room.

... Of course... Nobody had come and if the prince was willing to eat vegetables...

From:

real_life_rpg

Prompto rubbed his own scent on Noct before he got up and padded through the overly luxurious medical wing towards the door. He pulled it open ready to ask Gladio where Ignis was. But then he saw him and whatever brave face he'd been putting on in front of Cor and definitely in front of Noct crumbled as he rushed Ignis for a hug.

The man took one look at him before just holding him, letting Prom take the comfort he needed. He stroked Prompto's back, soothingly.

Eventually Prom pulled back and wiped tears from his eyes. "Sorry..."

"No need for apologies, Prompto."

"So, um... Noct is awake and he's hungry for vegetables..."

From:

starless_sky

Noct would wait mostly patiently. He listened for whatever Prompto was doing.

Ignis had a lot swimming in his head. Drautos as a traitor. Multiple glaives had already been apprehended downstairs. There was an all out purge happening. Through interrogation and inspection of the crew in the citadel.

Ignis had nothing to fear for himself but the audacity of it all shocked him. He was glad to see a friendly face, even if he was traumatized.

"Is that so?" vegetables. Had Noctis had another change in personality after his coma? "I'll go see him."

Gladio opened the door, Ignis moved quickly, a man on a mission.

He's seen Noct already but he stiffened at the sight of his black eye all over again. A short conversation later and he returned to the hallway.

"I will return... Have you gentlemen eaten?" he wouldn't even wait for the reply. He knew they hadn't. "I'll bring the lot." Iggy was motivated now. Noctis would easy vegetables? His body must be crying out for nutrition.

Gladio sighed. "At least he's motivated. A bored Iggy is a destructive Iggy..." he patted Prompto on the back. "Go back inside. You look like shit."

From:

real_life_rpg

"Gee, thanks Big Guy. Way to make a guy feel good about himself," Prom half-joked. He knew he looked awful, but all things considered he could look a lot worse. Not many people could say they wiped out half of the Imperial Army and survived an assassination attack within the space of a few days.

He patted Gladio on the arm before heading back to Noct.

"See? Told ya I wouldn't be gone long," he said, climbing back into his space in the bed beside Noct. He was claiming this spot as his official spot. He would fight anyone who tried to move him.

From:

starless_sky

Gladio expressed his love by ribbing, protecting, and holding people accountable. But rarely... Once in a while... He was gentle.

"Hey, c'mere." he pulled Prompto in with one arm, hugging him.

"I'm as scared as you are OK... But you did fucking amazing. I'm proud of you. Don't let anybody talk shit after what you did for Lucis and for Noct."

A pause.

"OK really, go sleep. Iggy'll wake you both up when he's done cooking."

Noct was waiting. He pushed against his alpha once he was back. He laid flat like a good kid. He held Prompto's hand.

"I think Iggy's really upset... He won't tell me how bad it is. He's upset about you too... You're not leaving here right?"

From:

real_life_rpg

So head pats from Cor and hugs from Gladio and Ignis? Yeah, Prom was definitely a very special guy. He was lucky to be surrounded by such great people. His parents might not have been there for him as much as they should, but it didn't matter because he had carved out his own little patchwork blanket of a family right here in the Citadel.

Prompto gave Noct's hand a gentle squeeze. "It's been a tough time for everyone. But Iggy'll be okay. We all will. Promise." It would take time. Drautos' betrayal ran deep. A lot of people were feeling the hurt. But Lucis would rebuild and be stronger for it.

He nuzzled against Noct, letting his scent wash over him. "The only way I'm leaving here is if the King and the Marshal physically drag me out."

From:

starless_sky

They needed Prompto too. Ignis didn't have much in the way of loving family. He had parents who wanted him to climb socially, they weren't much in the way of affectionate. Cor had the citadel people and basically no one else. Gladio had a family but they were entrenched in the citadel. Noct... This was his world. They need Prompto as much as he needed them.

Noct relaxed then, let the scent wash over him. He was safe. His alpha wouldn't leave. He was secure.

"If they do I'll fight. I'm tired of being away from you. I can't take any more right now..." he was quiet for a moment. "I meant what I said before. I want you to stay with me while we get through this. Don't leave... Please?"

From:

real_life_rpg

Prompto stroked Noct's hair lovingly as he curled up beside his omega. This was where he belonged, beside Noct, beside his omega. "You're stuck with me, baby."

Literally.

The only way Noctis would get rid of him would be for the King to kick him out or for Noctis himself to tell Prom to leave. As much as it would break his heart, he would respect his omega's decision.

He hoped that Noct wouldn't kick him out though.

He continued to toy with Noctis' hair, spidering his fingertips through the dark locks. They both desperately needed a long, hot bath. Both of them were feeling pretty grimy and gross.

"I love you, NOct. I love you so much."

From:

starless_sky

"Good." Noct said with peace and security. He wanted to be stuck with Prompto forever. He'd never send him away unless it was to save his life. And given what Prompto did to the Nifs... That was unlikely to ever happen.

"Love you too..." he tried not to fall asleep. He needed to eat. He wanted a bath too maybe Prompto would be willing to go with him.

Iggy returned not long after. The man was a wizard. He looked a bit eager.

"Vegetables. As requested." Noct could already smell them. What was he thinking!

Iggy was gentle, he raised the hospital bed to a sitting position and set a bowl on the rolling table, one for each of them. He was kind. He'd cut the vegetables up into tiny pieces for the sick boys.

Noct took the bowl. Iggy's eyes were fixed on him. Noct took the spoon... And ate. Soon the bowl was empty.

"Excellent, Noct." he smiled. "More?" Noct nodded. Iggy served him more. He ate that. He looked confused with himself but he ate.

From:

real_life_rpg

Prompto shifted into a somewhat comfortable sitting position and started to eat his food. He let it sit on his tongue, savouring the flavours. "Delicious, as always Iggy. You've outdone yourself. These vegetables? Best vegetables I have ever eaten! I swear!" It was most likely the hunger talking. But it wasn't a complete lie. Ignis' food was far superior to the soup he'd had earlier. No offence to the Citadel chefs, they were incredible. But Ignis was in a league of his own when it came to food.

He watched as Noct devoured his vegetables. Noct's body would thank him for the nutrients. A healing body needed good, healthy food. "Good boy," he purred, loud enough for Noct to hear. He wanted to praise his omega for eating his vegetables without fuss.

Taking another bite of his own, he looked to Ignis. "How's it looking out there? I really caused a shitstorm, huh? Has the news broke beyond the Citadel yet or is it still contained?" He didn't regret killing Drautos - he was a threat who needed eradicating. But he did regret the work and headaches he had created for everyone else.

"How many people are calling for my head on a spike?"

From:

starless_sky

The citadel was intentionally feeding Prompto bland food to assist with healing. Ignis was being himself. Granted, he was still better than citadel fare more often than not.

Ignis himself was impressed and somewhat concerned that Noct scarfed not one but two bowls of vegetables down without a fuss. It spoke to what he'd been through and it hurt his heart.

He offered Noctis one of his latest attempts at the fruit tart from Tenebrae. Noct ate a few bites but didn't finish it. That said it all.

Noct heard Prompto's praise and tried to eat more but he was tired. He liked the compliment though.

"None here in Lucis. None worth bothering with." Ignis had no love for the traitors who came to avenge Drautos. "A small number of glaives who were in concert with Drautos but I don't expect they'll make it out of detainment." they'll face execution. Most likely. Ignis would prefer they died.

"His majesty addressed the public while you were both asleep. He didn't include details of the assault of the imperial flagship. That being said...there was a leak. We're suspecting one of the glaives under Drautos' influence. The security footage from Prompto's entire massacre of the Zegnautus and the barracks is online..." he took a breath.

"The Lucian public have responded remarkably well. There are celebrations for Noct's safe return and there is a great deal of public support for you both. Despite the bloodshed." apparently imperial sentiments were strong amongst the people.

Noct thought about it. "Do they know about us..." he asked horrified. He'd openly acted as Prompto's omega. Prompto had called him his soulmate. Had kissed him.

"Has my father seen that..." he already knew the answer. He was going to throw up all those vegetables.

"... Yes. To both... However there is an overwhelming support for you both amongst the people." while he thought the king agreed, Ignis wouldn't speak for him.

From:

real_life_rpg

"Oh..." One simple word, but it said so much. Prompto hadn't expected what he did in Niflheim would stay secret for long but he hadn't expected it to be posted online so publicly where anyone could see it. His parents. The college staff. Friends. It was a side of him that most people had never seen, that most people didn't know he even had. Would they treat him differently? Would they fear him?

He wanted to believe that he was not like the other alphas. But, when it came down to it, he was just like them. He had torn men apart like they were nothing.

He was every bit as much of a monster as the daemons. Worse. Daemons didn't make a conscious choice to kill.

Worse still, the King had seen him kiss Noct. The royal omega prince who he had no real claim over. Hell, the world had seen him kiss Noct.

Prompto tried to reassure himself that if the King were so disappointed that he planned to have him executed then he wouldn't have allowed Clarus to move him to Noct's room. It did little to quell his fears.

"... I really messed everything up, huh?"

From:

starless_sky

Ignis raised an eyebrow.

"I don't know where you got that notion. You've single handedly wiped out nearly all of Lucis' enemies and you brought Noct home. How could that be interpreted as messing anything up?" he knew Prompto was wont to degrade himself and he wouldn't argue it with Prompto but he wasn't about to humor it either.

"Tensions have been high, Noct's disappearance has been the focus of the entire nation so while your performance in Gralea was gruesome... the feedback from the people has been one of triumph and support." and a lot of 'FUCK THE NIFS' and such online.

More than any of that, the world saw Niflheim's government for what it was. It was undeniable proof that they committed war crimes by torturing and attempting to breed Noct. Nif support had plummeted as a result, there were more than a few riots around the world. Add to that the recordings which were graphic and deeply upsetting to anyone but especially the citizens of Insomnia who knew and loved their prince... and it made for an audience that was glad to see the Nifs get their throats ripped out.

"The kingdom... the world... bore witness to Niflheim's cruelty. They cannot deny their actions now." Noct didn't like to hear it but he already knew. The recordings... everyone heard that. Everyone knew. "They know that despite it all, their prince didn't break under torture. I believe, Prompto that this made for a very happy ending when you and Noctis reunited on tape... you two have your own hashtag now."

He smiled at them both, Noct was unsure what to say.

It wasn't just that Prompto was clearly in love with Noctis and now the world knew he savaged a nation's army for him. It was that he insisted Noct had individual rights, he was a feminist. The progressives in Insomnia were going mad.

"I believe you did the opposite of mess everything up, Prompto. You solved all our problems." or most of them, enough of them that the remainder felt like next to nothing.

Prompto may not know it but more than anything he earned a lot of respect from this.

From:

real_life_rpg

Prompto listened to Ignis' words. He tried to reconcile the things he was saying with the worst case scenarios he had been picturing in his head. He saw himself as a monster, yet the people of Insomnia saw him as anything but.

He didn't regret it. He would've done the same thing a million times over if it meant keeping Noctis safe. But he just wished it hadn't been broadcast in all its gory detail.

Prom reached for Noct's hand, lacing their fingers together.

"We have our own hashtag?" He asked, trying to force himself to focus on the less disturbing parts. "What is it? Hashtag princenpleb? Hm. Noctnpromsadventuresinniflheim? Nocto? No, no, no... Promptis? Are we Promptis?"

From:

starless_sky

Most people didn't think alphas were bad. Most people also saw Prompto as one of the good ones and a hero.

Noct held his hand tight and rested his head on his shoulder. His scent was slightly sour with anxiety but he would calm down after a while in Prompto's bubble.

Ignis nodded. "Ah... The latter. Yes." If Prompto ever looked after the lockdown it was a lot of comparing him to a real life John Wick and a lot of questions of 'when's the wedding?'

"Get some rest... When the king is finished with this latest upheaval... I expect he'll speak to you both." alone. One at a time.

From:

real_life_rpg

"Heh. Promptis." Prompto said, laughing softly. It wasn't a true laugh - the kind that his friends could draw out of him, the kind that made his eyes crinkle at the corners and his chest bloom with happiness. But considering everything they had been through, it was still a rather nice sound.

He traced Noct's hand with his thumb. "Thanks Iggy. For everything." Ignis really was the mama chocobo of the group. Sometimes Prompto wondered what they would do without him.

The thought of speaking with the King terrified him though. Prom tried to push it out of his mind. That was an issue for his future self to deal with. He shifted to lay down, purring softly at Noctis. "You heard Iggy. Let's get some rest, baby. Come on. Come cuddle up to me."

From:

starless_sky

Iggy noted the false laugh but he couldn't say he'd be any different. Even he felt exposed and it wasn't even his press leak. He left them then, giving then a break to sleep.

Noct did as he was told.

"You gonna let me sleep on my side?" as he was already curled up next to Prompto, nose buried against his shoulder. He'd hug Prompto like a teddy and be out like a light. He needed sleep, his body desperately needed to heal and he'd do well. Whenever he woke he'd be a bit stronger than before.

Of course by then King Regis' door was open and the king was ready to see Prompto. When it was convenient of course.

From:

real_life_rpg

"If you're a good boy and go to sleep." Prom wanted Noct to be comfortable. He just didn't want to mess up any of the wires and tubes. He cuddled up to Noct, stroking his hair as his omega drifted to sleep. He pumped out more of his scent to keep his omega calm.

He was almost asleep himself when Regis' door opened. Prom knew the King probably wouldn't hold it against him if he napped for awhile. But he felt like he had already been keeping him waiting long enough. Prom didn't want to make the King wait any longer.

Forcing himself out of bed, he pressed a kiss to Noct's head, and scented him, hoping it would be enough to keep his omega asleep and calm until he returned. He yawned and rubbed at his eyes. He didn't look the most presentable - barefoot, bruised and bandaged, but he hoped the King would understand.

Prom made his way to the door and rapped his knuckles against it lightly. "Your Majesty," he greeted, bowing respectfully.

From:

starless_sky

Noct was sleeping quite soundly and the added scent would tide him over. He was a calm omega and a secure one.

What might surprise Prompto is that the king was in more or less the same manner of undress.

He'd long since removed his cape and pauldron, his crown, his blazer, the cowl... He was sitting in his suit, no vest, no belt, with a robe on.

Looking he hadn't slept in days.

"Enter." he was nursing a coffee. Inside the room was a large table with plush chairs. Piles of records and multiple screens on the wall with news, security footage, and Noct's vitals. This was Regis' war room.

A kitchenette was on the back wall and the counter had both a tea kettle and a coffee maker.

"I'm glad you've come... Would you care for a drink?"

From:

real_life_rpg

Prompto shook his head as he looked around the room. "No thank you, your Majesty." Coffee did sound good, but he was already pretty jittery and on edge without the addition of caffeine. It was a shock to see the King in such a dishevelled way, but Prompto supposed it understandable - Regis' son had been kidnapped. One of his most trusted men had turned out to be a rat. A lot had happened. A lot was still happening.

His attention fell to the piles of records on the table. Everyone kept telling him what a great job he had done, but he felt like all he had done was create work for everyone else.

"Noctis is awake. He ate vegetables," Prom said, not sure if Regis had already been filled in - although he imagined he had been.

"Sir... I apologise for the trouble I've caused. And I realise now is probably the worst time to ask this but I feel like if I don't ask now then I'll regret it forever... Your Majesty... I am in love with your son. I have been in love with him since the moment I met him. I... I wish to ask for your permission to be with him - properly. To bond with him, to marry him, to love him for the rest of my life..."

From:

starless_sky

Regis hadn't really left this room. He was Noct's next of kin, he had to make medical decisions while his son was asleep and remain so he could get updates on his condition.

It was easier to secure this position given his own people were possible traitors. He was informed of everything and he stayed put. Clarus, Cor, and the others were working on it. Soon even Wheskham would come home, if he wished.

He listened to Prompto, let him say his peace but the king wouldn't be moved either way. He'd already made his choice before the boy even woke up downstairs. The fact that Regis even met with the kid in this cheng state of undress said it all.

"To what trouble do you refer?" he slowly sipped his drink. He'd seen Prompto look at the stacks of files.

"It's always that large. A bit of paperwork doesn't constitute trouble to me. Is there something you want to tell me about this adventure of yours? Is there something else I don't know?"

"Apart from the fact that you've toppled an empire and taken hundreds of lives all for the sake of my son?"

From:

real_life_rpg

Prompto shook his head. "Uh, no Sir. That about sums it up. Well, apart from the fact that I disobeyed the Marshal's orders and went against all my training and protocols. For that I'm sorry. But I don't regret my actions, Sir. Noct... uh, that is, I mean... Prince Noctis... he's important to me. He's my best friend. My soulmate. He was in trouble. I did everything I did to ensure his safe return."

He paused, scuffing a bare toe against the floor. "I'd do it all over again if it meant keeping Noct safe." He meant it too. He would topple the Empire a thousand times over for his omega.

"I'm sorry about Drautos too. I shouldn't have killed him. I should have let the Marshal or Lord Amicitia bring him in for questioning but... he threatened Noct... I just... I needed to keep him safe."