Chapter Text
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Chapter 1:
Opening Shot
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“Oh, hi there, opening!”
As soon as the words left Prompto’s mouth, Noct braced himself.
He’d heard that line a thousand times while gaming over the years - and it almost always preceded Prompto doing something wreckless, nearly getting himself killed, and Noct having to rush in and save him.
Sure enough, Prompto got one decent shot in before a hoard of enemies started swarming his character from all sides.
“Oh, shi-”
Noct rolled his eyes, despite the fond smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth.
Called it.
He steered his character across the screen towards Prompto’s, his weapon already drawn.
“On our left, Noct!” Prompto said frantically, all traces of his earlier swagger gone. He leaned forward on the couch, his elbows on his knees and his eyes locked on the screen. The enemies were piling on top of him now, and his health bar was dropping dramatically. “And on our right! Oh god - and coming up behind-”
“Yeah, yeah - I see them,” Noct smirked.
With a flick of his joystick, Noct’s character lunged forward and unleashed a sweeping attack that tore across the battlefield. The screen erupted in light as enemies were caught in the blast one after another, and the words “COMBO BONUS” burst across the display.
Noct’s smirk deepened when he saw that every last one of the enemies on top of Prompto had vanished in an instant.
He knew that weapon upgrade would come in handy.
Prompto stared at the screen, momentarily frozen as the last flashes of the attack faded. His mouth had gone a little slack, as if he was equal parts impressed and offended by how effortlessly Noct’s attack had just wiped them all out. Then, as if remembering himself, he exhaled dramatically and slumped back against the couch cushions.
“Phew. That was a close one.” He turned his head to Noct and slapped him once on the thigh, flashing him a teasing grin. “Good thing you had me to warn you - right, buddy?”
Noct snorted in amusement, trying very hard not to think about Prompto’s hand placement.
“You’ve got one HP left,” he said dryly, gesturing towards the screen with his chin. He nudged his knee into Prompto’s. “Maybe don’t get cocky.”
Prompto laughed and nudged him back - but before either of them could say anything else, a roar thundered from the TV, causing both of them to snap upright.
A massive behemoth had just crashed onto the battlefield.
“Oh no,” Prompto said immediately.
They both lunged for their controllers.
“Uh - any chance you’ve got any healing potions?” Prompto asked, his voice climbing a full octave as the behemoth locked onto them.
“Nope,” Noct said flatly. “I used them all on you in the last level.”
The behemoth ran full tilt towards them, and they both dodge-rolled in opposite directions, just in time to avoid its charge. It skidded to a halt, turned-
-and immediately targeted Prompto again.
“Oh - come on!” Prompto groaned, already rolling frantically around the edge of the map to try and escape. “Why do they always go for me?”
“I guess you’re just too irresistible,” Noct said in mild amusement, already opening his inventory and scanning it for the best weapon for the job.
“Well… that’s true,” Prompto said smugly. “I am pretty irresistible.”
But then the behemoth made another charge, and his smugness vanished instantly.
“But maybe I could stand to be a little more repulsive, right now!” he yelped, violently smashing his dodge button again.
Miraculously, his character managed to dodge just in time again - but his relief was short-lived, because the behemoth was already gearing up for another attack.
“Seriously?!” he cried, slamming the dodge button again. “Go for the guy with more than one HP!”
“But then who’s gonna’ save you?” Noct smirked, still scrolling through his list of items.
While the behemoth recovered from yet another miss, Noct finally found the weapon he’d been searching for. It was an ancient weapon; one that he hadn’t used yet, but that had massive damage potential despite its ridiculous cool-down. He quickly equipped it, then aimed it at the behemoth - who was already running towards Prompto’s character again.
“Not good, not good!” Prompto squealed as his character got caught on a rock. “Noct!”
Just as the behemoth was about to make contact, Noct activated the weapon’s special ability, and a bright burst of blue light catapulted towards the behemoth.
The light stopped the behemoth in its tracks, all of the beast’s health vanishing on the spot. The behemoth collapsed on its side, apparently struck dead from a single hit.
The victory music suddenly burst through the speakers, while Noct and Prompto both blinked in surprise at the screen this time.
“Holy shit,” Noct said quietly. He knew the weapon was strong, but he wasn’t expecting it to wipe out a behemoth.
“Damn, dude,” Prompto said, laughing lightly in disbelief.
“Right?” Noct leaned back into the couch, then turned towards Prompto, a smug smile growing on his face. “Good thing one of us comes prepared.”
Without warning, Prompto flopped sideways across him, one hand clutching his chest and the other to his forehead like some heroine in a stage play.
“So this is what it’s like to be rescued by a prince,” he said with a faux-dreamy voice, batting his eyelashes exaggeratedly up at Noct.
Noct merely snorted in amusement and rolled his eyes, but the warmth spreading through his chest at the sudden weight of Prompto in his lap was much harder to ignore than he’d care to admit. Prompto did this kind of thing all the time - leaning on him, sprawling across him, invading his personal space as if Noct had somehow developed his own gravitational pull. He tried to force the familiar feeling back down and ignore how right it felt.
“Go back to sleeping, beauty,” he laughed - then unceremoniously rolled Prompto off of his lap and onto the floor.
“Oof!” Prompto exclaimed, his body falling into a heap at Noct’s feet.
He looked up at Noct, practically scandalized.
“Uh - least charming prince ever?”
“Your mistake was assuming I was charming in the first place.”
“Yeah - you’re probably right,” Prompto conceded, an amused smirk on his face as he sat up. He held a hand to his heart dramatically and looked towards the sky. “If only the people of Lucis knew what a jerk their future king really was-”
A pillow to the face stopped him from finishing his sentence, knocking him back to the floor.
“Dude!” Prompto sputtered as he sat back up, grabbing the side of his face where Noct’s pillow had landed. He stared back at Noct incredulously, half-amused and half-stunned. “Are you serious right now?”
Noct merely smirked and raised one eyebrow at him in challenge.
“Oh, I’m serious.”
Prompto scoffed in mock-offense, but was unable to fight his smile.
“Oh really,” he replied, slowly reaching for one of the other pillows on the other end of the couch.
“Uh huh,” Noct answered, trying to look bored despite the building anticipation. He already knew where this was going.
Prompto grinned impishly as he finally snatched the other pillow.
“Oh - it’s on.”
He swung immediately - but Noct ducked just in time, laughing as the pillow whooshed past his shoulder.
“Too slow!” he yelled, countering with a hard swing of his own. Prompto shrieked, shielding himself with his pillow to narrowly avoid another wallop to the head.
Not wasting the opportunity, Noct bolted off the couch and ran toward the kitchen.
“Cheap shot!” Prompto yelled, scrambling after him.
“Not my fault you’re such an easy target!” Noct laughed, skidding behind the breakfast table. But Prompto was hot on his heels, pulling up short on the other side of it.
They began circling the breakfast table, both trying to cut the other one off.
“Aw - don’t tell me you’re afraid of a little pillow, Noct,” Prompto taunted.
“With your aim?” Noct breathed out an amused laugh as he dodged another swing over the table. “Absolutely not.”
Prompto gasped in mock offense.
“How dare you speak ill of my aim-”
Noct seized the chance and launched his pillow over the table. Prompto yelped in surprise, but managed to catch Noct’s pillow mid-air.
“Ha!” he grinned. “Nice try-”
Using the momentary distraction, Noct sprinted back towards the living room.
“Wha-? Oh no you don’t!” Prompto yelled.
Noct whipped around the corner, then dove for the couch - trying to re-arm himself with a new pillow.
But a second later, Prompto crashed into his back.
They went down together on the couch in a tangle of limbs, bouncing into the cushions. Noct wheezed out a startled laugh as Prompto landed on top of him, all elbows and knees and chaos. He twisted - more out of instinct than intention - and rolled onto his back underneath Prompto’s sprawled weight. But Prompto recovered fast, bracing his hands on either side of Noct and grinning down at him before grabbing his wrists and pinning him in place.
“Gotcha!”
“Get off!” Noct laughed, trying to twist free and reach the pillow near his head.
“Not until you say you give up!” Prompto insisted, laughing as he fought to keep Noct pinned.
“This is definitely treason,” Noct said, still trying to wriggle free. “Seriously - don’t make me sic Gladio on you!”
“Oh please,” Prompto grinned, fighting against Noct’s writhing as best he could. “I could take Gladio any day!”
“Is that so?”
They both froze.
Prompto released Noct’s wrists immediately - although he was still sitting on top of him. Noct pushed himself upright just enough to see over the couch, where the familiar deep voice had come from.
Gladio stood in the doorway with his arms across his chest, a wide, amused smirk on his face. Behind him, Ignis held a large paper grocery bag clasped against his chest, looking about as close to entertained as Ignis ever allowed himself to appear.
Prompto blinked, then jumped off of Noct, his face flushing.
“Uh…” he started to say, “I think what I meant to say was-”
“Go ahead, Blondie,” Gladio grinned, cracking his knuckles. “I’ll even give you a head start.”
Prompto immediately pointed at Noct.
“He started it!”
Noct scoffed.
“You tackled me!”
“You threw the first pillow!”
Ignis sighed as he stepped into the apartment.
“Twenty years old,” he said, shaking his head. “And yet you act half that age.”
Without another word, he immediately started towards the kitchen, Gladio snickering as he followed.
The second they disappeared, Noct grabbed the nearest pillow and smacked Prompto in the chest.
“Way to get us in trouble with Ignis,” he said with a smirk.
“Shut up,” Prompto laughed, snatching the pillow from Noct. He dropped back down on the couch, his back against the arm rest and his feet stretched out on the seat in front of him towards Noct. “That was totally your fault,” he added with a grin, kicking one of his feet at Noct.
Noct shook his head, laughing under his breath.
Days like this - lazy afternoons with Prompto, spent joking around and playing video games - were his absolute favourite. They always had been. Because when he was with Prompto, things felt simple.
He took in Prompto’s appearance now - his blonde hair still mussed from the earlier struggle, his cheeks flushed pink, and his blue eyes dancing with mischief.
Well…
Being with Prompto had felt simple, once upon a time.
Now? Things were a bit more… complicated.
The problem was that somewhere between all the gaming sessions, late-night junk food runs, and aimless city walks with Prompto’s camera slung around his neck, Noct had gone and done something tragically stupid.
He’d fallen for his best friend.
He’s not sure exactly when it happened. One day, Prompto had just been… well. Prompto. Loud and ridiculous and constantly invading Noct’s personal space. But then the next, something had changed - quietly and imperceptibly - and Noct found himself looking at Prompto differently without understanding why.
He had started to notice things. Ordinary things that somehow no longer felt ordinary. Like the way that Prompto always looked as if he belonged there when he draped himself across Noct’s couch; or the warmth of the other man whenever he leaned too close, knocking their shoulders together like it was nothing; or the way that Prompto’s bright, twinkly laugh always incited something pleasant behind Noct’s chest. Once Noct had noticed these things, he couldn’t stop noticing them - and the next thing he knew, he couldn’t imagine living without this loud, ridiculous man who seemed to fit perfectly into his life.
Unfortunately, just because he had become startlingly aware of his feelings for his best friend didn’t mean that he could actually do anything about them.
For one thing, he had no reason to think that Prompto would ever see him that way. Prompto flirted with practically everyone when he was in a good mood, but it was always harmless and never serious. As far as Noct could tell, he was firmly filed away under “best friend” and nothing else.
And even if he hadn’t already been written off as just a friend, there were… other problems. Not anything anyone had ever actually told him outright, but conclusions he’d quietly drawn for himself over time. There were expectations attached to the crown, responsibilities that stretched years into the future, and a path that had already been laid out long before Noct was old enough to question it. No one had ever said “you can’t have that,” but Noct had long since learned how to read between the lines of what a life like his seemed to allow. Watching his father, he’d never seen much room for anything personal - very few friendships outside of the palace, no real space for something like a relationship - and he had simply assumed that his own future would be no different.
He’d made peace with it, more or less. That’s just how it worked. The crown didn’t leave much time for anything else, and relationships didn’t feel like something that would realistically fit into that kind of life.
So he kept his feelings to himself - quiet, unspoken, and tucked safely away where they couldn’t ruin anything. It was easier and safer that way. As far as he was concerned, he was lucky to even have the friendship that he had with Prompto - it was already more than what his father had. It seemed better to enjoy what he already had than to risk losing it by reaching for more. As much as he might want it, losing what he had now would be much, much worse.
“I should probably go see what those two want,” Noct said, reluctantly pulling himself up off the couch. “Coming?”
“But I just sat down,” Prompto groaned, even though he was already holding one hand up towards Noct. Noct snorted in amusement and grasped it, helping to pull the other man up and off the couch.
“You know,” Noct said as he and Prompto meandered into the kitchen, “breaking and entering is still illegal. Even for you two.”
“I’ll remind you that we both have keys,” Ignis said mildly, already set to work slicing some vegetables. Noct scrunched his nose up in distaste at the sight of them.
“And let’s face it,” Gladio said from the dining table, not looking up from his paperback in his hands, “you probably wouldn’t even be alive still if it weren’t for Iggy coming over and cooking for you several times a week.”
“He’s got you there, dude,” Prompto said with a laugh.
“Fine. Iggy is cooking dinner.” Noct crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at Gladio. “But what’s your excuse?”
Gladio turned a page.
“I’m here for security,” Gladio said with a shrug. “That… and I don’t have anything to eat at home.”
“Yes - quite the inspiring display of sacrifice,” Ignis remarked, the faintest hint of amusement in his voice. He looked up briefly from his work towards Prompto. “Will you also be joining us for dinner tonight, Prompto?”
“As much as I’d love to, I can’t tonight,” Prompto said with an apologetic wince. “I’ve got work in about an hour, and those cameras won’t sell themselves.”
Noct’s chest sank a little. He understood that Prompto had to work to, well… exist. It wasn’t as if everyone had the luxury of never having to pay rent like Noct did. Still, Noct always hated when the other man had to go.
“Yes - I suppose they won’t,” Ignis agreed, returning to his chopping. “I do admire your consistency,” he added, a faint note of approval in his voice. “Between your full-time job and your freelancing, you manage to juggle quite a bit.”
Gladio hummed.
“And somehow still show up with more energy than the rest of us combined.”
Prompto laughed awkwardly, rubbing at the back of his neck.
“Yeah, well - somehow I don’t think my schedule is as crazy as yours.”
“It can be a little hectic, yes,” Ignis agreed. “Which reminds me - Noct, your father will be phoning in for a video chat shortly. I have assured him that you will be available and ready to answer it.”
“Ugh,” Noct groaned, closing his eyes and tipping his head up to the ceiling. “I knew there was another reason you were here-”
A trilling sound from his nearby laptop on the table interrupted his thought.
“Ah,” Ignis said. “That’ll be him now.”
Prompto blinked.
“Wow. That’s some scary timing, Iggy.”
“His majesty is nothing if not punctual,” Ignis replied calmly, setting the knife aside.
Noct sighed again, but still migrated towards the table and plunked himself down in a chair. He pulled the laptop toward him and flipped it open, the other three men gathering behind him like spectators.
As soon as he clicked “accept” on the video call, the screen flickered. Then, his father appeared.
King Regis sat behind the massive desk in his Citadel office, the tall windows behind him dark with the coming evening. His posture was straight as always, but Noct immediately noticed the faint shadows under his eyes.
He looked tired.
This wasn’t exactly unusual. Regis always looked a little tired these days. Still - it caused something unpleasant to stir in Noct. It was always unsettling to see his father like this.
“Good evening, Noct.”
Noct leaned back slightly in his chair.
“Hey, Dad.”
Regis’ gaze shifted briefly behind Noct’s head.
“And good evening to the rest of you, as well.”
Ignis inclined his head politely.
“Sire.”
“Your Majesty,” Gladio added, lifting one massive hand in a lazy salute.
Prompto, who had been hovering further away behind Noct’s chair, perked up and gave an enthusiastic wave.
“Uh, h-hey - Your Majesty, sir!”
Regis’ expression softened almost at once.
“Prompto,” he said warmly. “It’s good to see you.”
Prompto scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.
“T-thank you, sir.” Then, as if suddenly remembering himself, he straightened. “O-oh!” He gave a quick bow toward the laptop. “It’s, uh… n-nice to see you, too.”
Noct couldn’t help the snort of laughter that escaped him. Prompto always seemed so awkward around his dad - as if he wasn’t sure how to act around him. Noct had tried to tell him that it was okay to be more relaxed around his father when it was just them there, but it didn’t seem to make much of a difference.
“Ignis tells me you’ve been keeping busy lately,” Regis said with a polite smile. “How has your photography been going?”
Prompto lit up at the mention of his photography, his stiffness suddenly gone.
“Oh!” It’s been awesome, actually,” he said, already leaning forward as he started talking. “I just did this shoot down by the harbour last week - sunset lighting, you know? The water was doing this really cool reflection thing, and there were these fishing boats coming in at the same time, and-”
He started animatedly gesturing with his hands, like he was trying to physically show them what the light had looked liked. Noct watched him, the corner of his mouth twitching as he did so. It was amazing how much Prompto changed when he got excited about something. His face brightened. His voice lifted. His eyes shone like someone had turned the sun up a few notches.
Noct found himself smiling without really meaning to. He liked seeing Prompto like this; it was ridiculously endearing. Honestly, he could probably sit here and listen to him ramble about camera lenses for hours and not get bored.
“-and then this bird flew through the shot at the last second,” Prompto was saying, practically vibrating with enthusiasm. “Like, perfect timing! I almost dropped my camera!”
“Fascinating,” Regis replied, although the touch of humour in his voice had Noct snapping out of his thoughts and looking back towards the laptop.
On the screen, Regis’ gaze shifted briefly from Prompto to Noct. A small, knowing smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Noct immediately looked away, feeling the heat in his cheeks.
Damn it. He had been caught staring again. He hated when that happened.
He chanced a look towards Gladio and Ignis - hoping that nobody else had noticed - but the wink and smirk that Gladio gave him confirmed the worst.
Prompto, blissfully unaware, continued talking.
“So I’m thinking I might go back there next week if the weather lines up again-”
“Prompto,” Regis interrupted gently.
Prompto stopped mid-gesture.
“Yeah?”
Regis smiled.
“I’m very glad to hear that your work has been going so well.”
Prompto beamed.
“Thanks, Your Majesty!”
Regis leaned back slightly in his chair.
“As it happens, I may have something that might interest you.”
Prompto blinked.
“M-me, Your Majesty?”
“Yes.” Regis folded his hands together. “The Crown will be hosting a fundraising event in several weeks’ time. The Crown Arts Patronage Evening.”
Ignis hummed approvingly behind them, although Noct had no idea where his father was going with this.
Regis continued.
“It’s an annual event dedicated to supporting young Lucian artists and cultural historians. The funds go toward museum grants, preservative research, and scholarships for students pursuing the arts.”
Prompto nodded quickly, his eyes wide.
“We also document the event each year,” Regis said. “Photography, archival materials, press coverage.” He tilted his head slightly. “I was wondering if you might be interested in assisting the royal photographers for the evening.”
Prompto froze. Then, after a few seconds of silence, he spoke.
“A-are you serious?”
Gladio snorted in amusement, and Ignis coughed politely into his hand.
On the laptop screen, Regis chuckled softly.
“I am.”
Prompto immediately nodded, a grin blossoming on his face.
“Y-yes! Absolutely! I mean - if you’re sure you’d want me, I’d love to!”
Noct felt something warm settle in his chest. Prompto looked incandescent. This was huge for him - and honestly? Prompto deserved it. Noct bit his bottom lip to keep his own smile from stretching too big this time, keeping his eyes firmly ahead of him on the laptop.
“Excellent,” Regis nodded. “I will have the details sent to you soon, then.”
Noct could practically feel the energy radiating off of Prompto from where he stood. He looked like he was trying very hard not to bounce in place, his hands flexing like he didn’t know what to do with them.
“T-thank you, Your Majesty!”
A shrill alarm suddenly erupted from the blonde’s pocket, causing all four of the men in the kitchen to jump.
“Oops - sorry,” Prompto mumbled in embarrassment, fumbling to grab his phone from his pocket. He checked the screen. “Oh - shoot. Actually, I should probably get going.”
Noct blinked.
“Already?”
“Yeah,” Prompto said, scratching the back of his neck. “My shift starts in like, thirty minutes.”
“In that case, I will not detain you any further.” Regis gave a small nod of understanding. “We’ll be in touch.”
Prompto gave Regis another quick wave towards the laptop screen.
“Thanks again, Your Majesty!” He smiled apologetically. “I’ll, uh… try not to mess it up.”
Regis chuckled softly.
“I’m sure you’ll do perfectly fine, Prompto.”
Prompto gave him a small smile in thanks, then stepped back from the table.
“Alright - I’ll let you guys talk about your official king stuff, now.”
Noct snorted.
“Yeah. Can’t wait.”
Prompto laughed under his breath, then started back toward the living room.
Noct pushed his chair back so quickly it scraped.
“I’ll, uh… walk him out.” He pointedly ignored the slight smirk on Gladio, Ignis and his father’s faces, his cheeks tinting as he followed Prompto out.
Prompto paused near the doorway and waved toward the kitchen.
“Later, guys!”
Gladio lifted a hand in return.
“See ya’, Blondie.”
“Safe travels,” Ignis added, inclining his head slightly.
At the door, Prompto grabbed his jacket from the back of the couch and tugged it on, still visibly buzzing.
“Dude,” he said with a grin. “That was insane! Did that actually just happen?”
“Sure did,” Noct smirked, leaning one shoulder against the wall and crossing his arms against his chest.
Prompto shook his head in disbelief.
“Your dad just asked me to photograph a royal event.”
“You sound surprised.”
“I am surprised,” Prompto laughed. “I never would have thought the king of Lucis would ever ask me to photograph one of his events!”
Noct shrugged nonchalantly.
“You’re good at what you do, Prom.”
Prompto looked briefly caught off guard by that, but then his grin softened.
“Well… thanks, Noct.”
For a moment, neither of them moved, and Noct willed his cheeks not to darken any more than they already had.
Prompto gestured at the door with his thumb.
“I, uh… guess I better get going.”
“Y-yeah,” Noct nodded, trying to combat the letdown. “Sure.”
Prompto hesitated a second longer, but then he turned and opened the door.
“I’ll, uh… text you later?” he said, already stepping out the door.
“Yeah,” Noct said again, giving him a smile and raising his hand in farewell. “See ya’.”
“Later,” Prompto said, raising his hand back before letting the door shut behind him.
The apartment immediately felt quieter.
Noct lingered there for a second, before gathering himself up and heading back toward the kitchen.
The laptop was still open on the table, and Regis waited patiently on the screen. Gladio had pulled out one of the chairs and sat down backwards in it, while Ignis stood nearby holding a thin folder.
Somehow, the air in the room seemed to have changed.
Noct dropped back into his seat, eyeing the folder in Ignis’ hands wearily.
“Uh - sorry.”
“No apology necessary,” Regis said with a polite smile.
He folded his hands on the desk in front of him, but then his expression shifted slightly, and he became more serious.
“So. There are a few matters that I wish to speak with you about, Noct.”
Noct straightened a little. He had a feeling that something was up, but this was starting to feel especially important.
Regis paused for a moment, as if weighing how much to say - but then he sighed and continued.
“The trade negotiations with Niflheim have stalled again.”
The room dimmed in an instant, and Noct could see Gladio and Ignis’ expressions both darken slightly.
“The media has begun to notice,” Regis continued. “So you may see more scrutiny in the news. For both us and the Nifs - as pressure is increasing on both sides.”
Ignis stepped forward and placed the folder on the table in front of Noct.
“There have also been rising security concerns,” Regis added. “Nothing immediate, but enough that we are taking additional precautions.”
Noct rested a hand on the folder, looking at it questioningly.
“Additional briefing materials,” Ignis said, as if reading his thoughts.
Regis gave Noct a pointed look through the screen.
“And please actually read this one, Noctis.”
Gladio snorted, while Noct merely rolled his eyes.
“I read things,” he insisted defensively.
“You skim things,” Ignis corrected.
Noct crossed his arms across his chest.
“I read the important parts.”
Regis opened his mouth to respond - but then suddenly stopped when a cough interrupted him. It was brief, but sharp. He turned his head slightly, covering his mouth as he coughed again.
Noct frowned as he looked back at the screen.
“Dad? You okay?”
Regis waved it off immediately.
“Yes - my apologies. Just had a bit of a tickle in my throat.” But when he looked back up at the camera, the strain around his eyes was harder to ignore. “I’m afraid I haven’t been taking good care of my voice with all of these extra appearances.”
Noct watched him carefully.
Regis cleared his throat and took a sip of water from a glass nearby.
“Speaking of which,” he continued, putting the glass back down, “there will be a number of additional appearances required of me this month. In times like this, it is important that Lucis appears unified and stable - which means I may be a bit more… sparse than usual.”
Noct’s frown deepened slightly. His father was already clearly stretched pretty thin.
“There is also the upcoming summit regarding the Niflheim negotiations,” Regis continued. Noct couldn’t help but notice Gladio and Ignis both seemed to lean forward slightly at the mention of it.
“A summit?” he asked in curiosity.
“Yes,” Regis nodded. “The council extended an invitation to you as well-”
Noct felt immediate dread crawl up his spine.
“-However,” Regis continued, a faintly amused smile pulling at the corner of his lips, “I informed them that I would be attending alone.”
Noct nearly exhaled in relief.
“O-oh.”
“I am aware that these sorts of events are not exactly your favourite, Noctis,” Regis said.
Gladio snorted.
“Understatement of the century.”
Noct leaned back in his chair and nodded at his dad.
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Of course.” He nodded once more and gave Noct a more sincere smile. “In any case, I simply wanted to inform you all of what was going on, and why things may seem slightly off kilter for a short period of time.”
A voice suddenly cut in from somewhere off-screen.
“Your Majesty - apologies for the interruption.”
Regis paused and turned towards the voice. Noct immediately recognized the familiar broad shoulders of Clarus appearing partially in frame.
“What is it, Clarus?” Regis asked, his tone calm but alert.
Clarus leaned down slightly toward him, though his voice still carried clearly enough for the call to pick up.
“The Niflheim envoy has just arrived at the Citadel, sir. Unscheduled.”
Regis’ expression shifted - almost imperceptibly, but enough for Noct to notice. The warmth from a moment ago faded, replaced by something sharper.
“Already?” Regis said quietly.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Clarus confirmed. “And they’re requesting to speak with you immediately.”
Regis went still for a half second before he straightened in his chair again.
“I see.”
He looked back towards the screen, the polite smile returning - albeit much thinner, this time. The tiredness that had been lingering there earlier suddenly looked a lot heavier, and something tightened in Noct’s chest at the sight.
“I’m afraid I must attend to this immediately.” His voice remained calm, but there was an edge to it now. His gaze flicked across the group. “Good evening to you all. And Noctis - we’ll speak again soon.”
“Dad-”
The call disconnected before he could finish, the screen going dark.
The kitchen fell quiet again. A thrum of concern went through Noct, and when he glanced at Gladio and Ignis, he could tell they were thinking the same thing he was.
After a moment, Ignis cleared his throat and straightened.
“Well…” he said briskly, as if trying to act as if everything was fine. “Back to dinner, then.”
He immediately walked back over to the counter to resume his vegetable slicing.
Gladio sighed slightly, then grabbed his paperback, the furrow between his eyebrows still present even as he went back to reading.
Noct sat there for another long moment, not really sure how to feel. His eyes dropped down to the table in front of him.
The folder was still there, looking a lot more ominous than it had earlier. Normally he wouldn’t think twice about putting the folder away somewhere and forgetting about it. It’s what he usually did.
He stared at it for a few more seconds, a dull weight settling in his chest.
His father looked exhausted. Running negotiations with Niflheim, dealing with the council, holding the kingdom together while pretending that none of it weighed anything.
And Noct?
Noct had spent the afternoon playing video games and throwing pillows at Prompto.
He felt a flush of guilt. He knew he was getting older and closer to the age where people would start to expect more of him. Where he should probably start expecting more from himself.
Slowly, Noct reached forward and picked up the folder, turning it over once in his hands.
Gladio glanced up from his book.
“Iggy,” he said quietly, a smirk spreading across his face. He gestured at Noct with his chin. “Write this down. Historic moment.”
“Shut up,” Noct said, rolling his eyes in annoyance before cracking open the folder.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Prompto slowly picked his way through the crowds, the soft buzz of conversation blending with laughter, clinking glasses, and the distant swell of the Lucian Youth Orchestra somewhere nearby. He scanned the area in search of a good vantage point for his next round of photos, his fingers drifting to adjust his black satin vest as he moved. The gesture was automatic, born from a growing self-consciousness of how well-dressed everyone around him was.
He supposed that was to be expected, considering he was surrounded by diplomats, investors, and people who looked like they were born with a glass of champagne in their hand.
The citadel’s courtyard had been transformed for the Crown Arts Patronage Event. Lantern lights glowed along the stone walls. White linens drifted in the breeze. Flowering vines curled around pillars. Overhead, strings of lights turned the whole place gold.
It was gorgeous - and coupled with the setting sun and the warm breeze, it was the perfect setting for an outdoor garden event.
For Prompto and his nerves, however, it was a little warmer than he’d like.
As he slipped past another cluster of guests, he tugged lightly at his collar, trying to let out some of the warmth. It was hard not to feel like a fish out of water here. He could see the more professional photographers - clad in the exact same attire he was, but with more expensive gear - moving in and out of the crowd, their movements precise and practiced. They hardly looked bothered by the formality of the event, while Prompto felt like he was constantly walking on eggshells.
Don’t screw this up, Prompto, he reminded himself. You’ve got this. Just focus on the work. No big deal.
He finally reached an open vantage point, then lifted his camera and peered through the viewfinder.
Click.
A candid shot of two diplomats in animated discussion.
Click.
Wine glasses catching lantern lights.
Click.
A woman laughing with her hand over her mouth.
He checked the display. Good framing. Nice warmth. Crisp focus.
Okay… Maybe he was doing fine. He took a deep breath to calm himself.
Across the courtyard, King Regis stood with a small group of investors, charming them with his usual smooth talk. The king looked surprisingly at ease in this moment - free from any of the harsh lines and stiffness that he had when he gave his welcome speech earlier in the event. Regis’ smile was confident as he shook hands with one of the men, the sign of a successful deal being made.
Prompto snapped a few candid photos of the interaction, then quickly checked his screen again. He smiled to himself at how well they had turned out. Many of his earlier photos of the king seemed so formal in comparison, but it was nice to see Regis looking more relaxed in these photos.
He scanned the area for something else to photograph, and that’s when he saw it: the single cutest thing to have ever happened.
From across the courtyard, Prompto’s gaze landed on a long table that had been set up near some signage advertising the scholarship finalists who were being supported by the event. On the table, paints, brushes, and paper cups were scattered all over. The kids who were sitting around the table - the scholarship finalists, all of varying ages between six and twelve years old - were happily painting a giant banner together.
And there, in the middle of them all, was Noct - clad in his formal black suit, a paintbrush clutched awkwardly in one hand, sitting in a chair that was clearly too small for him.
Jackpot, Prompto thought to himself, smirking as he immediately moved closer to the table.
Noct didn’t seem to notice as Prompto made his approach. His eyes were trained on the section of the banner in front of him as he assisted with the painting. His section looked… well. Less artistic than those of the kids around him. It featured a crude line of stick figures, clearly outshined by the more intricate and colourful paintings around them.
Prompto snorted in amusement as he took in the scene.
One of the children - a girl with pigtails - was asking him a series of rapid-fire questions, clearly thrilled by whatever awkward answers he was giving.
“Is it true that you have a sword?” she asked, eyes wide with admiration.
“Not right now,” Noct answered flatly. “Security said no weapons around the art table.”
A boy on the other side of Noct piped up.
“Can I be king when you’re done?”
“Sure,” Noct deadpanned. “As long as you don’t mind dealing with endless, boring meetings and people staring at you all the time.”
The kids erupted into giggles, hanging onto his every word, their enthusiasm in direct contrast to Noct’s stiffness.
Prompto’s heart skipped a beat. It was one of the most endearing things he had ever seen. Noct’s awkwardness, the way these kids were totally oblivious to his discomfort - it was adorable.
He bit his bottom lip to keep from smiling too big as he raised his camera, silently snapping picture after picture of the table and Noct’s interactions with the kids.
Click.
One of the kids grabbing Noct’s arm, trying to get his attention to show him a rainbow dragon that he’d painted.
Click.
Another kid asking Noct which colour glitter she should use on her spaceship.
Click.
Noct concentrating far too hard on one of his disfigured looking stick figures, as if anything he could do could possibly save it.
Prompto couldn’t help but grin when he looked at the new shots. Noct looked a little ridiculous, but Prompto couldn’t help but think that there was something sweet about it. He looked like he was trying so hard to make the best of it, even though the kids were clearly light years ahead of him in skill.
Just when Prompto thought he couldn’t possibly fall any harder for Noct than he already had, Noct always had to prove him wrong.
He raised his camera again, this time focusing more on Noct. He zoomed in, his camera clicking rapidly at every new detail he noticed.
The lantern light that caught gently in Noct’s dark hair. His sleeves rolled slightly, exposing the milky skin of his wrists. His tie sat just crooked enough to suggest he’d already fought with it earlier.
When Prompto finally lowered the camera again, the world all rushed back at once - the hum of conversation, the soft music drifting through the courtyard, the gentle scrape of chairs and glasses from nearby tables. He glanced down at the small screen on his camera, and immediately smiled.
The photos were good. Really good. The lighting had turned out soft and warm, brushing Noct in gold and softening the usual sharpness from his features without dulling them. Every shot had caught something different: the quiet curve of his mouth when one of the kids said something stupid; the startling blue of his eyes when he glanced up, bright even through the dim lantern glow; the pale length of his throat above his loosened collar, exposed just enough to draw the eye to the slow movement of his swallow.
Yeah. These were definitely getting printed later.
“Careful,” a deep voice murmured beside him. “You keep staring at those like that and people might start to talk.”
Prompto nearly jumped out of his skin.
He spun around to find Gladio, arms folded across his chest, wearing the most infuriatingly knowing smirk imaginable. Ignis stood beside him, hands neatly clasped behind his back, looking altogether too composed for someone who had clearly just witnessed Prompto mooning over a camera screen. They were both clad in their formal attire like Noct’s - black suits with black dress shirts and ties.
Prompto’s ears burned instantly at the sight of them.
“Uh… H-how long have you guys been standing there?” he asked, his voice going up an octave or two.
“Long enough,” Gladio answered.
Ignis adjusted his glasses, a faint hint of amusement touching his otherwise polite expression.
“The photographs appear to be quite successful,” he said. “You’ve captured His Highness rather… enthusiastically.”
Prompto’s face flamed even hotter.
“J-just, uh… doing my job,” he said, forcing some chipperness into his voice as he gestured awkwardly at his camera.
Ignis hummed lightly, neither him nor Gladio looking remotely convinced. Unfortunately for Prompto, they’d known him long enough - and it wasn’t like his obvious crush on Noct was much of a secret.
At least, not to anyone besides Noct.
“Well - I’m sure the palace appreciates your efforts,” Ignis nodded, blessedly letting Prompto get away with the lie. His gaze drifted back towards the scholarship kids’ table. “I must say, I am pleased to see Noct somewhat enjoying himself.”
Prompto and Gladio turned to look back towards the table, as well. One of the kids had apparently convinced Noct to add something new to the banner. He was now carefully painting what looked to be like a very lopsided crown above one of his stick figures, while all of the children hid their smiles behind their hands as they watched.
Gladio snorted.
“Kid’s doing better than he was earlier,” he said. “He looked like he was ready to fall asleep during the speech.”
Prompto couldn’t help but smile at that.
“Yeah, he looks like he’s having an alright time.”
Ignis watched Noct for a moment longer.
“Today has been an improvement,” he said thoughtfully. “He usually protests these engagements a lot more - but watching him today, it seems like he’s finally learning to settle into it. Slowly, perhaps - but steadily.”
Gladio nodded.
“Good thing,” he added, his eyes moving to something across the courtyard. “He’s gonna need to get used to it, eventually.”
Prompto followed his gaze. King Regis stood among a small circle of diplomats and investors, speaking with effortless composure. His posture was straight, his expression calm and welcoming as he gestured lightly while explaining something. He looked completely at home, as if the centre of the entire event naturally orbited around him.
Ignis’ voice came again, quieter this time.
“One day, that will be Noct’s position.”
Prompto swallowed lightly. But before he could say anything, someone called Gladio and Ignis’ names from across the courtyard.
Gladio tipped his head back dramatically and let out a small sigh.
“Duty calls.”
Ignis glanced toward the voice, then gave Prompto a small nod.
“We’ll see you later, Prompto. Best of luck with the rest of your photos.”
“Yeah.” Gladio gave Prompto a mischievous smirk. “And try not to burn a hole in your camera from staring at them.”
Prompto groaned in embarrassment.
“Just… go away,” he moaned, gently pushing Gladio toward the voice.
Gladio laughed and clapped him once on the shoulder before he and Ignis headed off toward the other side of the courtyard.
Prompto watched them go for a second, then turned back towards the table.
Noct was still there with the kids. One of them had apparently decided that his stick figures needed swords, now. Prompto lifted his camera again automatically, but this time he didn’t immediately take the shot. He just watched.
Noct was laughing quietly at something one of the kids had said, his shoulders loosening a little as he leaned over the banner again.
Ignis was right. Noct was starting to settle into it. At least from what Prompto had seen today.
Prompto lowered his camera again, his eyes scanning the rest of the courtyard. Advisors lingered nearby. Guards stood along the edges of the space, their attention sharp even as they tried to blend into the background. Sometimes it was easy to forget when he was alone with Noct that there was this invisible boundary around him that most people didn’t get to cross.
Now, in a setting like this, he was reminded of the fact that Noct was indeed royalty.
His grip shifted on his camera slightly as he looked back down at it.
I’m lucky to even be here, he reminded himself. He was just the photographer, lucky to be close enough to see any of it at all.
At the table, Noct said something that made the kids burst into laughter again. Prompto looked up, his chest tightening faintly.
The thought hit him square in the chest.
One day, Noct probably wouldn’t have time for him anymore. No time for video games on the couch, or late-night food runs, or just hanging out like normal people. One day, Noct would be king, and everything around him would start to look more like this event. Formal, carefully managed, and surrounded by people for him to please. His subjects, that he’ll be sworn to.
Prompto lifted the camera and took another photo. Noct still hadn’t noticed his presence, too busy arguing with a nine-year old about whether or not stick figures were allowed to ride chocobos.
It made him a little sad to think about, but at the same time… he couldn’t help feeling proud watching Noct in the middle of it all, like he really did belong there as much as Regis did.
As if he’d somehow heard the thought from across the courtyard, Noct suddenly glanced up, and looked straight into the lens.
Prompto startled slightly.
For half a second, they just stared at each other through the distance of the courtyard, nothing between them but the camera - but then Noct smiled fondly, as if realizing that it was Prompto.
Prompto couldn’t help it. He took one more shot, before finally lowering the camera.
Noct rolled his eyes in that familiar, long-suffering way - but he still wore that soft, genuine smile. It wasn’t the polite “prince smile” that he used when at these events. This was a smile just for Prompto.
Prompto felt something warm bloom in his chest as he grinned back at him and winked. Noct shook his head slightly, like he was silently saying “Really?”, before turning back towards the kids when one of them started tugging on his sleeve.
“Okay, but seriously,” the kid was saying. “Do you actually fight monsters?”
Noct sighed, though a smirk tugged at his mouth this time.
“Only the really annoying ones.”
The kids erupted into laughter, and Prompto laughed quietly under his breath as he lifted the camera again.
“You seem to be enjoying yourself.”
Prompto nearly jumped out of his skin for the second time that evening.
He turned sharply, finding King Regis standing beside him. The king’s posture was relaxed, hands clasped loosely behind his back as he watched Noct and the children at the table.
Prompto straightened up immediately.
“O-oh! Your Majesty! I-I’m sorry, I didn’t notice you-” he said quickly, immediately bending at the waist to bow to the king. “Y-yes, I am having a great time,” he added, giving the man a polite smile as he straightened back up. “Thank you again for the opportunity.”
Regis nodded at him, an amused smile tugging at his lips as he looked between Prompto and Noct.
“Good. I’m very glad to hear it.” He gestured lightly towards the camera. “May I see some of your photographs so far?”
Prompto blinked.
“Oh! Yeah - of course!”
He moved beside Regis and turned the camera around, beginning to flip through the photos.
“These are from the beginning of the event,” he explained, showing Regis a few of the early shots of the guests arriving, the decorations around the courtyard, and the speeches.
“Splendid work,” Regis nodded in approval.
Prompto continued scrolling, moving to the photos of Regis speaking with the diplomats.
Regis chuckled softly at one of them.
“You’ve captured my better side, I see.”
Prompto laughed nervously.
“I-I try.”
He continued scrolling, moving into the next set of photos of Noct and the kids painting the banner. As he scrolled, the wide shots of the table started getting noticeably more zoomed in around Noct, until it was clear that Noct was the sole focus of the images.
Oh. Oh no.
Prompto swallowed thickly as he flicked through the last shots. In hindsight, the photos looked a lot more intimate than they probably should have. So many close shots of Noct leaning over the banner, and then that soft, fond smile he wore the moment he’d glanced up at the camera and noticed Prompto.
Prompto felt heat creep up the back of his neck.
“And, uh… t-that’s it so far,” he said with an awkward laugh, quickly pulling the camera away and hiding it behind his back.
“Well,” Regis said lightly, his amused smile from earlier reappearing, “at least there will be no shortage of photographs of Noctis.”
Prompto wondered, not for the first time in his life, if spontaneous death by embarrassment was a real thing he needed to worry about.
“U-uh - well, you see, Your Majesty-”
“Relax, Prompto,” Regis said with another small laugh as he reached out and grabbed one of Prompto’s shoulders. “I’m merely teasing.” He squeezed Prompto’s shoulder once before releasing it. “Your photographs are excellent.”
Prompto blinked.
“They are?”
“Very much so,” Regis confirmed. “You have a remarkable ability to capture people as they are.” He gestured slightly toward the table where Noct was laughing with the children. “Moments like these remind us all that, beneath the titles and the responsibilities, we are simply people.”
Prompto swallowed lightly.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” he said honestly.
Regis looked back toward the painting table again, his voice softening just a little.
“He’s in much higher spirits today than he usually is at these types of events,” Regis said, watching his son intently. “I can’t help but wonder,” he continued, glancing sideways at Prompto, “if your presence may have something to do with that.”
“O-oh,” Prompto stuttered. He felt his cheeks warming again. “I, uh… I don’t know about that,” he said quickly. “I think Noct’s probably just… getting used to these things more.”
Regis hummed thoughtfully.
“Perhaps,” he finally said with a small nod, although he didn’t sound like he believed it.
Before the conversation could continue, another man approached them.
“Your Majesty.”
Regis and Prompto both turned.
A neatly dressed man with silver-rimmed glasses and a museum badge offered Regis a respectful nod.
“Thank you again for hosting this event,” he said. “The museum is incredibly grateful for the continued support.”
Regis smiled politely, his kingly demeanor immediately returning.
“The arts deserve every opportunity to flourish.”
Then, catching Prompto off guard, Regis gestured towards him.
“Speaking of - allow me to introduce Prompto Argentum - the photographer I mentioned to you earlier.”
Prompto blinked in surprise. The king had been talking about him?
“O-oh. Uh… Hi?”
“Prompto - this is Cassian Verro, the curator of the Crown City Museum of Arts and History.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” the curator answered, offering him a warm smile.
“You should really take a look at some of Prompto’s work sometime, Cassian,” Regis continued smoothly. “He comes highly recommended,” he added, winking at Prompto as he said it.
Prompto blinked again, unsure what universe he had wound up in in which the literal King of Lucis was trying to do him a favour by talking up his photography.
Amazingly, the curator looked intrigued.
“Is that so?” He turned his curious eyes to Prompto. “Do you happen to have a portfolio?”
Prompto’s brain rebooted violently, and he shook himself out of his stupor to rejoin the conversation.
“Y-yes! Absolutely,” he said quickly, then inexplicably started patting his pockets, as if he would magically be able to produce an entire portfolio from them. He grimaced when he realized how stupid that was. “W-well, not on me, of course,” he said with an awkward laugh. “B-but I do have a website, and an online portfolio.”
“Excellent,” the curator said with a smile. He pulled out a business card and handed it to Prompto. “Send me a link sometime. We curate a monthly ‘Local Talent’ exhibit at the museum, and we’re always looking for local artists to feature.”
Prompto stared at the card for a half second before carefully taking it.
“W-wow, that’s, uh- T-thank you, Sir,” he said, trying very hard not to sound like his brain had just short-circuited. He gave him an eager smile. “I-I’ll make sure to do that.”
Regis smiled.
“Well then,” he said, glancing toward the curator, “I believe I have a few more guests to greet. Care to join me, Cassian?”
The curator nodded.
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
Regis turned back to Prompto.
“We’ll let you get back to your work then,” he said with a nod. “Do enjoy the rest of your evening, Prompto.”
The two men excused themselves and drifted back into the crowd of guests, leaving Prompto standing there for a moment, still holding the card and trying to process the fact that the king had just casually recommended him to a museum curator.
After a few more seconds, he slipped the card carefully into his vest pocket.
When he finally looked up again, his eyes immediately lingered back towards the table.
As if sensing the attention, Noct glanced over, and their eyes met again. The other man gave him another small, secret smile. Then - very subtly - he lifted his hand and waved.
Prompto blinked in surprise, then huffed out a small laugh as he automatically waved back.
Unfortunately, one of the kids seemed to notice the interaction.
“WHO ARE YOU WAVING AT?” the child unnecessarily yelled at Noct, causing the prince to jump in his seat.
Before Noct could answer, every single child turned in unison toward Prompto.
And suddenly, a dozen tiny paint-covered hands were waving wildly in his direction.
Not knowing what else to do, Prompto burst out laughing and dutifully waved back at the children, while Noct groaned in embarrassment and buried his face in one hand.
Prompto quickly lifted the camera again, catching a shot of the moment before it was gone. Through the lens, Noct peeked out from behind his hand and shot him a mock-annoyed look, but Prompto just grinned as he snapped another picture.
Maybe, someday soon, things would change.
But for right now… they were still just two idiots waving at each other from across the courtyard.
And for now, that was enough for Prompto.