"No rush, bud. I'm good." Normally sitting and waiting with Ignis for Noct to finish up would be a good time. He enjoys spending time with Ignis. But now, with the whole fallout of Operation Vacay he's not quite as enthused, but he doesn't let it show - instead throwing Noct a thumbs up.
"Should've worn my sweats, I could've run laps while I wait. It's cool though. I'll just entertain myself until you're done. Go kick the Big Guy's butt, Noct! You can do it! I have faith in you. I'll be your personal cheerleader. Woo! Go Team Noct."
Prompto shoots Gladio a grin. "You got this, Gladio. Go whip his ass. Go Team Gladio!" Maybe he has a future in polotics and diplomacy yet.
"Betrayer," Noctis mutters into his drink - a carefully chosen word, because Prompto gets enough niff traitor muttered at him from Lucian loyalists to begin with. The word is fond, though, and he reaches up to mess with Prompto's hair before he stands, again, stretching his shoulders and looking at Gladio.
"All right, lets get this over with."
Gladio just shoots him a grin just a tad too vicious to be called fully friendly and starts up their training again once Noctis joins him on the mat.
Ignis, meanwhile, is silent for a moment before he speaks, tone quiet enough to not be heard by Noctis. "Have you given the Crownsguard's offer to train you any more consideration, Prompto?"
It was an offer that had been directed through Ignis himself; all the better to obfuscate that in fact it was an invitation to train with the Marshal, directly from the man himself. Best not to intimidate the young man out of the idea, Ignis reasoned.
Even with Noct's carefully chosen word, Prom can't help but toy with the leather band covering his wrist and the barcode beneath - a constant reminder that he doesn't belong. He has no idea what it means - other than he's from Niflheim. He had always been told to keep it covered though, like a dirty little secret. And he did. It used to be hidden behind a sweatband until Noct gifted him the leather wristband which happened to be the perfect size to cover it.
He doesn't even consider himself a Niff. He can't even remember a time before his adoption - he was only a baby, after all. As far as he's concerned he's Lucian through and through. It does add more fuel to the haters though - a commoner and a Niff as the Prince's best friend? Ouch.
Prompto watches Noct and Gladio go at it, a soft smile curling at the corner of his lips. The offer had caught him off-guard and he had panicked, most likely flailed and spluttered something about needing time. Honestly, it was a no-brainer, right? Operation Vacay would've gone a lot smoother if Prom just knew how to fight.
"Yeah. I mean, I dunno how good I'll be - I'm definitely no Gladio - but I'd like to be able to have Noct's back, y'know? Who knows what's gonna happen with the war and I just... I wanna be able to keep Noct safe. I would literally die for him, Ig."
Noctis is at least doing his best to try and dodge Gladio's hits - or in one case, literally run up and over him instead, which is at least clever. Ignis hums a small sound of approval as he watches and then glances down to Prompto.
In truth they are still more angry with Noctis for taking Prompto along, for playing with an idea he knew to be dangerous. But, Ignis had reasoned to the Marshal, if Prompto could be counted to hold his own, then that was at least one less worry on both of their shoulders.
"That you wish to protect him is something worthy of praise, Prompto." He wants to tell the young man he doesn't have to die, for Noctis, but he's also well aware that seems to be the footnote of Noctis' life; that any and all be willing to give their life for him.
"I will consult with the Crownsguard who offered and see if they have something in mind. Do you have any preferences to what you might train in?" If there's something he has interest in, he may as well alert Cor to it. While the man primarily uses a katana, he also knows the Marshal is trained in many types of weaponry.
Did Ignis and the Marshal stop to consider that if Prom is able to fight he and Noct might take even more risks? Why stop at Hammerhead when they could go to Galdin Quay for a beach and fishing vacation?
The chances of them ever getting by the wall again are slim especially since Noct will probably be watched 24/7 for the foreseeable future. But, although slim, the possibility is there.
"Nah, Iggy. It's not worthy of praise at all. Noct's my best friend in the world. I'd do anything for him. That's just what friends do. Doesn't even matter that he's the prince or anything. I'd still risk life and limb for him even if he was just a pleb like me." That's part of what makes Prompto special. There's no doubt that Ignis, Gladio and all the rest love Noctis but at the end of the day it is their job to be there for him and has been their job for a long time. Prompto on the other hand made the choice to befriend Noct.
He idly wonders who in the Crownsguard has offered to train a nobody like him. Never in a million years would he guess that Cor himself is behind the offer because people like Cor the freaking Immortal don't train commoners like him.
"Hm. Definitely not a greatsword like Gladio - I don't think I could even lift something like that - let alone swing it. And I definitely don't have the grace or balance for a lance. I do have the ultimate hi-score on most of the shooter games at the arcade but do the Crownsguard even use guns?"
Oh, they absolutely considered the possibility of them getting into more trouble. But, privately, Ignis thinks the mission made Noctis more protective of Prompto; even if he learned to fight, he doubts he'll try such a stunt instead, at least for a good while.
"I know plenty of good friends who would save their own hide first, Prompto. You may accept the compliment without having to quantify it." He gives Prompto a bit of a look, even if he understands the truth of the statement. Prompto had chosen to be by Noctis' side, while the rest of them indeed were expected to be.
Sticking to the discussion of a weapon is safer, ultimately, and that's what Ignis considers as Gladio and the prince spar.
"It is rarer, but it is by no means unheard of. And it would be something that would not require you to do much adjusting. I imagine he'll still want to train you in hand to hand, of course, but I think a gun could be arranged."
Prompto picks at a frayed thread on the knee of his jeans, all the while bouncing his foot. "I think guns would be a good fit for me. And if they're rare in the Crownsguard then at least I'll be filling some kind of niche, right?"
A smile forms on his lips but quickly gives way to a furrowed brow. Prom shifts where he's sat to face Ignis more. "Hey... Ignis? Could we like... not tell Noct about any of this? Just for a little while? I know he'll have to know eventually but can we wait? I'd rather not tell him and then the poor sap who's got roped into training me takes one look at me and decides it's a lost cause... If it goes well, then we can tell him."
Not to mention the fact he doesn't want Noctis to try and talk him out of it.
"It also compliments the Prince's style, as well as Gladio's. They tend to rush in where others hold back and assess."
Is that a hint of criticism in his voice? Absolutely. However, when Prompto asks if they can keep it a secret from Noctis, he wars with his loyalty to Noctis, and that budding friendship he has with Prompto. Eventually, he nods.
"We can keep it private, at least for the first few sessions. But if you feel they are going well, we should inform him. Is that a good compromise?"
He doubts even if the Marshal thought Prompto was 'a lost cause' that he would give up on him, though.
"Pft. Exactly! That's why Noct can't beat my hi-scores because he doesn't take the time to analyse the situation. I keep telling him, dude, find cover, check your surroundings but noooooo he has to rush in like a stubborn behemoth!" Of course, Prompto knows there is a huge difference between video games and the real-life heat of battle. And while he kinda hopes he never has to find out, he's sure it's a lot harder to keep your cool when your actual life is on the line.
That smile returns when Ignis agrees to keep his secret. "It's a deal. If it goes well and my trainer doesn't think I'm a total loser then we'll tell Noct. If my trainer does think I'm a loser then we never mention the idea ever again and Noct is none the wiser."
He turns his gaze back towards Noctis and Gladio. "You really think I have what it takes to actually make it, Iggy? Like to be good enough to really be by Noct's side as a proper member of the Crownsguard for real?"
"I have seen plenty of Crownsguard enter for far lesser reasons and become outstanding members. So I think you have what it takes, because you are not just doing this for yourself, or to prove a point," Ignis states after a moment, a small smile on his face. Something a little more real since the trip outside, put there by Prompto himself.
Though, the moment doesn't last long as Noctis and Gladio stop, ending the training, and Noctis bounds up, looking a little sweatier and a little more bruised.
"I heard something about never beating Prompto's high scores?"
"Just discussing your lack of ability in shooting games," Ignis says sweetly, making Noctis glare and groan.
Ignis should definitely smile more. He's incredibly attractive. But then dealing with all of Noctis' shit would probably make any person a little less than smiley. Ignis must have the patience of a saint to put up with Noct on the daily. It just makes the rare smiles all the more captivating.
Prompto offers Ignis a thankful smile for not spilling the beans. "Right. Because dude, you're never knocking me off those sweet, sweet number one spots on like every shooting game at the arcade. Sniper Squad Six totes doesn't count because you cheated and I am going to wipe the floor with your score eventually."
He reaches out to ruffle Noct's hair - immediately regretting his decision as his hand gets covered in sweat. "Ew. Dude. You're gross. And you reek." It just goes to show how unique their friendship is. Very few people - if any - would straight up tell the Prince of Lucis that he stinks of body odour without causing outrage, scandal or something.
Noctis has a vaguely offended look on his face when Prompto tells him he reeks, even if Ignis chuckles and Gladio comes up behind Noctis, ruffling his hair some more.
"He's right, princess. I don't think either of us are particularly fresh right now."
"Yes, you'd be correct," Ignis sighs. "Perhaps the two of you should shower before we head to the gardens."
"All right, fine," Noctis grumbles, ducking away from Gladio's hand. "Meet you guys there? Since you've been sitting around a bunch waiting for me already, Prompto."
Prompto can't help but laugh at the look on Noct's face. He's half-tempted to pinch Noct's cheeks, but decides not to push his luck. Instead, he offers the guy a mock salute.
"Alright bud. Don't take too long in the shower though. You'll turn into a royal prune!" He flashes Noctis a bright, toothy grin as he gets up, swinging his backpack onto his back. "Seriously though dude. Don't take too long or we'll lose all the best light!"
The Citadel gardens are incredibly beautiful. Prompto could spend hours here and never get bored. There are just so many interesting flowers and decorations. It's even more stunning than the park. It doesn't take him long to lose himself in his photography while he waits for Noctis.
Noctis quickly washes off in the showers and changes clothes, out before even Gladio. Since he's not supposed to go without supervision, however, he waits, making annoyed noises into the showers, Gladio threatening to take longer every time he does. (He doesn't make him wait, though, since Prompto had asked Noctis not to take too long).
Both of them changed, Gladio escorts Noctis to the gardens before he takes his leave - citing babysitting - and Noctis steps inside. He brightens seeing both Prompto and Ignis, but it's Prompto he beelines for.
His friend is deep in photo-mode, as it were, so Noctis grins and tries to sneak up behind him, making sure he's not leaning over anything (so if he does lose his camera, Noctis can catch it safely) before he pushes his fingers against his sides, tickling.
Prompto is hyper-focused on a leaf with a butterfly on it, completely oblivious to the world around him - it's something he'll need to work on if he wants to join the Crownsguard. He jumps when Noct tickles him, flailing enough to drop his camera - luckily he had it attached to a lanyard around his neck so it didn't go far.
The yelp that comes out of him is almost inhuman, though. Worryingly enough to have Ignis almost reaching for his weapon before he realises it is just Noct and Prom being Noct and Prom. Someone give the poor man a pay rise, a drink and a vacation. He definitely deserves it.
Prom shoots Noct a death-glare, giving his shoulder a nudge. "Dude! I could've peed myself!" Of course the glare soon gives way to a beaming smile. "Glad to see you're not a prune though!"
Camera not at risk, Noctis gives a little snicker to Prompto as he shoots him a death glare. He nudges his friend's shoulder back.
"No royal prunes here today, buddy," he offers with a smirk, before he rocks back on his heels. "So, what's so exciting about this new lens you got?"
Noctis may not know much about photography, but he tries to keep familiar, at least passingly, with Prompto's interest in it. Plus, the pictures he takes are bad ass.
Prompto appreciates Noct taking an interest in his hobby - he knows a lot of people find it boring, but the fact Noct even tries to understand it is just one of the reasons Noct is awesome. Prom tries to return the favour by listening and paying attention whenever Noct shows him an article in a fishing magazine or talks about a new lure he's seen. He doesn't really understand the difference between them all, but the shapes interest him - especially the ones that look like chocobos.
"It's a macro lens, so it can take really up-close and detailed shots of tiny things. Like this... check it out..." He presses at some buttons on his camera, making a mental note to delete the blurry mess of a photo from when Noct made him jump, and scrolls to a crisp, clear photo of the leaf and butterfly. The details were stunning - the fur, the curled up proboscis, the veins and the tissue-paper thinness of the wings.
"I've been saving up forever for it. Then the shop gave me a huge discount because the box had gotten damaged, plus my 10% staff discount on top of that and it worked out way cheaper than I expected." Which is probably for the best, given Prompto has a list of bills to pay as long as his arm.
"Whoa, dude." Noctis says it appreciatively. Sure, it's a butterfly, and normally who cares about that kind of thing. But he almost gets the interest, seeing how thin the wings are, how weird it looks close up. He bets if Prompto showed Iris that, she'd lose all interest in things butterfly-like.
He grins all the same, looking over at Prompto. "Sounds like you made a pretty good deal, then." And he knows Prompto is working to pay his own way. If Noctis occasionally uses his own pocket money to pay for some bill ahead of Prompto... well, he has a long enough list that Prompto probably chalks it up to paying already and forgetting.
"So have you taken pictures of like, the giant pillows under Iggy's eyes yet?" He asks in a low tone, only teasing about his advisor, but a smirk all the same on his lips.
Prom lets out a soft laugh at Noct's question. He spares a sidewards glance at Ignis, who is sat reading reports, before looking back at Noctis. "Dude. No way. One, I like being alive. And two! The only reason he has it so bad is because of us." Honestly, Ignis isn't given enough credit for babysitting these two dorks.
"Well~ mostly you. But kind of both of us."
If Prompto ever discovered that Noct has been helping out with his finances he'll freak out. He made a promise to Ignis and Gladio - and to himself - that he would never use Noct for financial gain or fame and it's a promise he intends to keep. He still remembers quite vividly the 'talk' Ignis and Gladio had had with him right back when he and Noct first became friends. It had been intimidating to say the least.
He hopes that by now Ignis and Gladio know his friendship with Noct is very real. He considers them both his friends every bit as much as Noct these days. And he's sure if they knew just how bad his money situation gets at times they would be more than happy to help. But he's not prepared to break his promise.
"Hey Noct? You think they'd let us camp out here in the gardens? It's not quite the same as out in the wild, but it could be fun?"
Noctis heaves a sigh after a moment. "I know, I know, I'm gonna give him gray hairs before he hits twenty-five. As he likes to remind me all the time."
Noctis does appreciate Gladio and Ignis, but it's hard, to express that, when at the same time the care chafes. Gladio has already been injured because of him once before. While he learned his lesson there, he still can't help but to rankle under all the supervision.
And it's precisely because Prompto doesn't expect it that Noctis wants to help. He knows if he did it too often or took care of a bill too large, Prompto would catch on and make him stop. So he just makes sure it's occasional, to help out.
Prompto's question, though, has him tilting his head.
"I mean... I don't see why not. This place is pretty well secured, and it wouldn't take too much to have an extra 'guard or 'glaive put out here, I think."
Noctis grins, and nudges Prompto's shoulder. "What, that desperate to rough it?"
"I mean... he wouldn't look that bad with grey hair though, like, a proper silver fox - especially with the glasses and the... everything." Not that Prompto has ever thought about that... ... okay, okay, so he has once or twice. He can appreciate beauty, that's all. Totally doesn't have a slight crush on all his friends or anything. Nope. Nosiree. Not here.
"But we could try to not stress him out quite so much. We totes need OD to go ahead. It'll be good for him to unwind." Prompto knows Ignis hears and sees far more than they like to believe he does so outright talking about Operation Drunknis is a bad idea, then again 'OD' probably isn't a much better codename.
He laughs more when Noct nudges him, giving him a light shove in return. "No, dude. I just, I've never been camping before. Gladio always makes it sound so fun. Sleeping under the stars, surrounded by nature... Well, I mean, I know the starts wouldn't be so clear because of the wall, and the nature is pretty much trees and flowers but... it's kind of the same thing, right? Could be cool." Such innocence. Unaware of how uncomfortable sleeping on the ground can be.
"Quit drooling over Iggy," Noctis says, rolling his eyes a little and pushing his shoulder against Prompto's again, a little harder. That's totally not a little bit of jealousy eking through over hearing him gush over Ignis.
But, his expression softens, because Ignis absolutely needs the time to unwind. Operation Drunknis was originally kind of a joke, but now he really does want his advisor to take some time to unwind and not feel so stressed. Which probably means there will be a similar operation for Gladio in the future.
"He probably won't trust any gifts anyway, unless we behave," he murmurs. And then he looks up at the sky, at the stars he can see through the wall that his father is holding up. Gladio does make it sound pretty fun, but Noctis would never admit that.
"It would be fun, though, you're right. Maybe you could even get Gladio to help you pitch a tent." And the double entendre there is definitely intended, if the twinkle in Noctis' eyes is anything to go by.
Prompto squeaks as Noctis nudges him, followed by a laugh. "Totally not drooling. I just know a good looking guy when I see one." And unfortunately for Prompto's hormones, he happens to be friends with three of the best looking guys in Eos. Noct definitely has no need to be jealous though because he is top of Prompto's crush list. Painfully so.
That said, Prom has never had a best friend before so he's not entirely sure where the line between best friend and more is. Sometimes it seems like they push that boundary given some of the comments they've received over the years.
"We need to like be on our best behaviour, but not enough that Ignis gets suspicious. It's a very fine line. Plus, we totes need to behave so you can get your butt ungrounded and be allowed back to the arcade. The games aren't going to play themselves!" Besides, it's a lot less anxiety-inducing to hang out at Noctis' apartment with him than at the freaking Citadel.
Operation Gladio? Night at the strip club? An overindulgence in carbs? A marathon of cheesy straight to video rom-coms? They should probably wait to see if they survive Operation Drunknis without being murdered first.
Prompto doesn't rise to the bait of the double entendre, save for a hint of pink high on his cheeks. "We should do it. Camping. In the Citadel gardens. All the fun of the outdoors with none of the danger. Not sure the groundskeepers will let us have a real fire though... So, probably no marshmallows... camping stove, maybe?"
It doesn't help that, in the right mood, Noctis is like a cat. He'll lean or drape over Prompto, or drag him by the hand around the arcade or the citadel. He knows he's probably pushing his own luck - he also doesn't know a lot about having a best friend, but he knows there's a spark of more with him and Prompto.
And that it's a bad idea. He's literally supposed to go off and get married to Lunafreya to help establish peace. He might ignore certain parts of his role willingly, but he would never break Prompto's heart on purpose like that. So he keeps it to himself.
"You're right," he says with a soft laugh. If they're too good for Ignis, he'll be just as suspicious as if they were obvious about it. "Plus, I really miss going out to the arcade." Sure, he had plenty of games in his room, but it wasn't the same.
"They might let us have a camping stove. Pretty sure Gladio's got one stored in the Armiger somewhere. Who do you think has a better chance of convincing Iggy to let us stay out here?"
Prompto's no better when it comes to draping himself over Noct, or giving far too friendly butt-slaps and high-fives. It's just bros being bros, right? All too often finding himself staring at Noct's mouth and wondering what it would be like to kiss him is probably a little more than bros being bros though. So he keeps those thoughts to himself.
"Pft. Please. We all know Ignis has been immune to your puppy dog eyes for years. Leave it to the expert!" Prom shoots Noctis a grin before pushing himself to his feet to approach Ignis.
"Heya Iggy. Whatcha up to?" He inches closer until he siddles up to Ignis' side by the fountain. Eyes wide and voice almost singsong in tone and so painfully obvious that he wants something.
Ignis looks up from the reports he had been reading. What did he do wrong in a previous life to be saddled with babysitting these two idiots? "Reading very important and very confidential reports," he responds as Prompto leans in to try and see. "Prompto, it is obvious you require something, so please do stop beating around the bush and get to it while we're both young, hm?"
"Oh, yeah. Right. Well... you know how me and Noct went on our adventure? And well, I just wanted Noct to have a bit of freedom and fun and we were hoping to camp out under the stars and stuff but that never happened and so we were wondering if we could camp, here, tonight?" How on Eos they had expected to camp in the wild with no tent, no supplies and only one scrunched up blanket was anyone's guess. But then they hadn't exactly planned their trip very well.
Ignis pinched the bridge of his nose before adjusting his glasses. "Prompto, need I remind you that Noctis is currently grounded? And that you even being allowed to visit is a privilege that shouldn't be abused?"
Of course Ignis was never going to fall for that obvious puppy dog act. But that had been Prom's plan all along. Time to pull out the big guns. Prompto's eyes welled with tears, his bottom lip wobbled.
"I... I know, Iggy. I'm sorry. It's just... well my parents are away again and I don't want to be at home by myself - especially after that mugging on the street near my place the other day." He folds his arms around himself protectively.
Already Ignis is weakening. "Prompto... you know you are more than welcome to stay at the Citadel for the night."
"I know. I just... I don't want to put the staff out. And the Citadel is so intimidating to a mere pleb like me." He shrinks in on himself more, looking even smaller than usual.
"You realise no one sees you as a 'mere pleb', Prompto? You are a very important part of his highness' life." Oh, Ignis is definitely weakening. A soft sniffle from Prompto and Ignis is well and truly broken. He excuses himself and pulls out his phone, moving out of earshot of both Noctis and Prompto.
A few minutes later he returns. "Gladio shall bring a tent and some supplies over. In exchange, you are both expected in the training room at seven in the morning. Is that understood? No tardiness. And no complaints."
Prompto wipes the tears from his eyes and nods. "Thanks Iggy. You're the best!!"
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"Should've worn my sweats, I could've run laps while I wait. It's cool though. I'll just entertain myself until you're done. Go kick the Big Guy's butt, Noct! You can do it! I have faith in you. I'll be your personal cheerleader. Woo! Go Team Noct."
Prompto shoots Gladio a grin. "You got this, Gladio. Go whip his ass. Go Team Gladio!" Maybe he has a future in polotics and diplomacy yet.
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"All right, lets get this over with."
Gladio just shoots him a grin just a tad too vicious to be called fully friendly and starts up their training again once Noctis joins him on the mat.
Ignis, meanwhile, is silent for a moment before he speaks, tone quiet enough to not be heard by Noctis. "Have you given the Crownsguard's offer to train you any more consideration, Prompto?"
It was an offer that had been directed through Ignis himself; all the better to obfuscate that in fact it was an invitation to train with the Marshal, directly from the man himself. Best not to intimidate the young man out of the idea, Ignis reasoned.
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He doesn't even consider himself a Niff. He can't even remember a time before his adoption - he was only a baby, after all. As far as he's concerned he's Lucian through and through. It does add more fuel to the haters though - a commoner and a Niff as the Prince's best friend? Ouch.
Prompto watches Noct and Gladio go at it, a soft smile curling at the corner of his lips. The offer had caught him off-guard and he had panicked, most likely flailed and spluttered something about needing time. Honestly, it was a no-brainer, right? Operation Vacay would've gone a lot smoother if Prom just knew how to fight.
"Yeah. I mean, I dunno how good I'll be - I'm definitely no Gladio - but I'd like to be able to have Noct's back, y'know? Who knows what's gonna happen with the war and I just... I wanna be able to keep Noct safe. I would literally die for him, Ig."
more iggy than noct for the moment
In truth they are still more angry with Noctis for taking Prompto along, for playing with an idea he knew to be dangerous. But, Ignis had reasoned to the Marshal, if Prompto could be counted to hold his own, then that was at least one less worry on both of their shoulders.
"That you wish to protect him is something worthy of praise, Prompto." He wants to tell the young man he doesn't have to die, for Noctis, but he's also well aware that seems to be the footnote of Noctis' life; that any and all be willing to give their life for him.
"I will consult with the Crownsguard who offered and see if they have something in mind. Do you have any preferences to what you might train in?" If there's something he has interest in, he may as well alert Cor to it. While the man primarily uses a katana, he also knows the Marshal is trained in many types of weaponry.
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The chances of them ever getting by the wall again are slim especially since Noct will probably be watched 24/7 for the foreseeable future. But, although slim, the possibility is there.
"Nah, Iggy. It's not worthy of praise at all. Noct's my best friend in the world. I'd do anything for him. That's just what friends do. Doesn't even matter that he's the prince or anything. I'd still risk life and limb for him even if he was just a pleb like me." That's part of what makes Prompto special. There's no doubt that Ignis, Gladio and all the rest love Noctis but at the end of the day it is their job to be there for him and has been their job for a long time. Prompto on the other hand made the choice to befriend Noct.
He idly wonders who in the Crownsguard has offered to train a nobody like him. Never in a million years would he guess that Cor himself is behind the offer because people like Cor the freaking Immortal don't train commoners like him.
"Hm. Definitely not a greatsword like Gladio - I don't think I could even lift something like that - let alone swing it. And I definitely don't have the grace or balance for a lance. I do have the ultimate hi-score on most of the shooter games at the arcade but do the Crownsguard even use guns?"
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"I know plenty of good friends who would save their own hide first, Prompto. You may accept the compliment without having to quantify it." He gives Prompto a bit of a look, even if he understands the truth of the statement. Prompto had chosen to be by Noctis' side, while the rest of them indeed were expected to be.
Sticking to the discussion of a weapon is safer, ultimately, and that's what Ignis considers as Gladio and the prince spar.
"It is rarer, but it is by no means unheard of. And it would be something that would not require you to do much adjusting. I imagine he'll still want to train you in hand to hand, of course, but I think a gun could be arranged."
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A smile forms on his lips but quickly gives way to a furrowed brow. Prom shifts where he's sat to face Ignis more. "Hey... Ignis? Could we like... not tell Noct about any of this? Just for a little while? I know he'll have to know eventually but can we wait? I'd rather not tell him and then the poor sap who's got roped into training me takes one look at me and decides it's a lost cause... If it goes well, then we can tell him."
Not to mention the fact he doesn't want Noctis to try and talk him out of it.
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Is that a hint of criticism in his voice? Absolutely. However, when Prompto asks if they can keep it a secret from Noctis, he wars with his loyalty to Noctis, and that budding friendship he has with Prompto. Eventually, he nods.
"We can keep it private, at least for the first few sessions. But if you feel they are going well, we should inform him. Is that a good compromise?"
He doubts even if the Marshal thought Prompto was 'a lost cause' that he would give up on him, though.
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That smile returns when Ignis agrees to keep his secret. "It's a deal. If it goes well and my trainer doesn't think I'm a total loser then we'll tell Noct. If my trainer does think I'm a loser then we never mention the idea ever again and Noct is none the wiser."
He turns his gaze back towards Noctis and Gladio. "You really think I have what it takes to actually make it, Iggy? Like to be good enough to really be by Noct's side as a proper member of the Crownsguard for real?"
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Though, the moment doesn't last long as Noctis and Gladio stop, ending the training, and Noctis bounds up, looking a little sweatier and a little more bruised.
"I heard something about never beating Prompto's high scores?"
"Just discussing your lack of ability in shooting games," Ignis says sweetly, making Noctis glare and groan.
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Prompto offers Ignis a thankful smile for not spilling the beans. "Right. Because dude, you're never knocking me off those sweet, sweet number one spots on like every shooting game at the arcade. Sniper Squad Six totes doesn't count because you cheated and I am going to wipe the floor with your score eventually."
He reaches out to ruffle Noct's hair - immediately regretting his decision as his hand gets covered in sweat. "Ew. Dude. You're gross. And you reek." It just goes to show how unique their friendship is. Very few people - if any - would straight up tell the Prince of Lucis that he stinks of body odour without causing outrage, scandal or something.
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"He's right, princess. I don't think either of us are particularly fresh right now."
"Yes, you'd be correct," Ignis sighs. "Perhaps the two of you should shower before we head to the gardens."
"All right, fine," Noctis grumbles, ducking away from Gladio's hand. "Meet you guys there? Since you've been sitting around a bunch waiting for me already, Prompto."
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"Alright bud. Don't take too long in the shower though. You'll turn into a royal prune!" He flashes Noctis a bright, toothy grin as he gets up, swinging his backpack onto his back. "Seriously though dude. Don't take too long or we'll lose all the best light!"
The Citadel gardens are incredibly beautiful. Prompto could spend hours here and never get bored. There are just so many interesting flowers and decorations. It's even more stunning than the park. It doesn't take him long to lose himself in his photography while he waits for Noctis.
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Both of them changed, Gladio escorts Noctis to the gardens before he takes his leave - citing babysitting - and Noctis steps inside. He brightens seeing both Prompto and Ignis, but it's Prompto he beelines for.
His friend is deep in photo-mode, as it were, so Noctis grins and tries to sneak up behind him, making sure he's not leaning over anything (so if he does lose his camera, Noctis can catch it safely) before he pushes his fingers against his sides, tickling.
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The yelp that comes out of him is almost inhuman, though. Worryingly enough to have Ignis almost reaching for his weapon before he realises it is just Noct and Prom being Noct and Prom. Someone give the poor man a pay rise, a drink and a vacation. He definitely deserves it.
Prom shoots Noct a death-glare, giving his shoulder a nudge. "Dude! I could've peed myself!" Of course the glare soon gives way to a beaming smile. "Glad to see you're not a prune though!"
apologies for the delay!
"No royal prunes here today, buddy," he offers with a smirk, before he rocks back on his heels. "So, what's so exciting about this new lens you got?"
Noctis may not know much about photography, but he tries to keep familiar, at least passingly, with Prompto's interest in it. Plus, the pictures he takes are bad ass.
No worries <3
"It's a macro lens, so it can take really up-close and detailed shots of tiny things. Like this... check it out..." He presses at some buttons on his camera, making a mental note to delete the blurry mess of a photo from when Noct made him jump, and scrolls to a crisp, clear photo of the leaf and butterfly. The details were stunning - the fur, the curled up proboscis, the veins and the tissue-paper thinness of the wings.
"I've been saving up forever for it. Then the shop gave me a huge discount because the box had gotten damaged, plus my 10% staff discount on top of that and it worked out way cheaper than I expected." Which is probably for the best, given Prompto has a list of bills to pay as long as his arm.
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He grins all the same, looking over at Prompto. "Sounds like you made a pretty good deal, then." And he knows Prompto is working to pay his own way. If Noctis occasionally uses his own pocket money to pay for some bill ahead of Prompto... well, he has a long enough list that Prompto probably chalks it up to paying already and forgetting.
"So have you taken pictures of like, the giant pillows under Iggy's eyes yet?" He asks in a low tone, only teasing about his advisor, but a smirk all the same on his lips.
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"Well~ mostly you. But kind of both of us."
If Prompto ever discovered that Noct has been helping out with his finances he'll freak out. He made a promise to Ignis and Gladio - and to himself - that he would never use Noct for financial gain or fame and it's a promise he intends to keep. He still remembers quite vividly the 'talk' Ignis and Gladio had had with him right back when he and Noct first became friends. It had been intimidating to say the least.
He hopes that by now Ignis and Gladio know his friendship with Noct is very real. He considers them both his friends every bit as much as Noct these days. And he's sure if they knew just how bad his money situation gets at times they would be more than happy to help. But he's not prepared to break his promise.
"Hey Noct? You think they'd let us camp out here in the gardens? It's not quite the same as out in the wild, but it could be fun?"
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Noctis does appreciate Gladio and Ignis, but it's hard, to express that, when at the same time the care chafes. Gladio has already been injured because of him once before. While he learned his lesson there, he still can't help but to rankle under all the supervision.
And it's precisely because Prompto doesn't expect it that Noctis wants to help. He knows if he did it too often or took care of a bill too large, Prompto would catch on and make him stop. So he just makes sure it's occasional, to help out.
Prompto's question, though, has him tilting his head.
"I mean... I don't see why not. This place is pretty well secured, and it wouldn't take too much to have an extra 'guard or 'glaive put out here, I think."
Noctis grins, and nudges Prompto's shoulder. "What, that desperate to rough it?"
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"But we could try to not stress him out quite so much. We totes need OD to go ahead. It'll be good for him to unwind." Prompto knows Ignis hears and sees far more than they like to believe he does so outright talking about Operation Drunknis is a bad idea, then again 'OD' probably isn't a much better codename.
He laughs more when Noct nudges him, giving him a light shove in return. "No, dude. I just, I've never been camping before. Gladio always makes it sound so fun. Sleeping under the stars, surrounded by nature... Well, I mean, I know the starts wouldn't be so clear because of the wall, and the nature is pretty much trees and flowers but... it's kind of the same thing, right? Could be cool." Such innocence. Unaware of how uncomfortable sleeping on the ground can be.
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But, his expression softens, because Ignis absolutely needs the time to unwind. Operation Drunknis was originally kind of a joke, but now he really does want his advisor to take some time to unwind and not feel so stressed. Which probably means there will be a similar operation for Gladio in the future.
"He probably won't trust any gifts anyway, unless we behave," he murmurs. And then he looks up at the sky, at the stars he can see through the wall that his father is holding up. Gladio does make it sound pretty fun, but Noctis would never admit that.
"It would be fun, though, you're right. Maybe you could even get Gladio to help you pitch a tent." And the double entendre there is definitely intended, if the twinkle in Noctis' eyes is anything to go by.
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That said, Prom has never had a best friend before so he's not entirely sure where the line between best friend and more is. Sometimes it seems like they push that boundary given some of the comments they've received over the years.
"We need to like be on our best behaviour, but not enough that Ignis gets suspicious. It's a very fine line. Plus, we totes need to behave so you can get your butt ungrounded and be allowed back to the arcade. The games aren't going to play themselves!" Besides, it's a lot less anxiety-inducing to hang out at Noctis' apartment with him than at the freaking Citadel.
Operation Gladio? Night at the strip club? An overindulgence in carbs? A marathon of cheesy straight to video rom-coms? They should probably wait to see if they survive Operation Drunknis without being murdered first.
Prompto doesn't rise to the bait of the double entendre, save for a hint of pink high on his cheeks. "We should do it. Camping. In the Citadel gardens. All the fun of the outdoors with none of the danger. Not sure the groundskeepers will let us have a real fire though... So, probably no marshmallows... camping stove, maybe?"
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And that it's a bad idea. He's literally supposed to go off and get married to Lunafreya to help establish peace. He might ignore certain parts of his role willingly, but he would never break Prompto's heart on purpose like that. So he keeps it to himself.
"You're right," he says with a soft laugh. If they're too good for Ignis, he'll be just as suspicious as if they were obvious about it. "Plus, I really miss going out to the arcade." Sure, he had plenty of games in his room, but it wasn't the same.
"They might let us have a camping stove. Pretty sure Gladio's got one stored in the Armiger somewhere. Who do you think has a better chance of convincing Iggy to let us stay out here?"
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"Pft. Please. We all know Ignis has been immune to your puppy dog eyes for years. Leave it to the expert!" Prom shoots Noctis a grin before pushing himself to his feet to approach Ignis.
"Heya Iggy. Whatcha up to?" He inches closer until he siddles up to Ignis' side by the fountain. Eyes wide and voice almost singsong in tone and so painfully obvious that he wants something.
Ignis looks up from the reports he had been reading. What did he do wrong in a previous life to be saddled with babysitting these two idiots? "Reading very important and very confidential reports," he responds as Prompto leans in to try and see. "Prompto, it is obvious you require something, so please do stop beating around the bush and get to it while we're both young, hm?"
"Oh, yeah. Right. Well... you know how me and Noct went on our adventure? And well, I just wanted Noct to have a bit of freedom and fun and we were hoping to camp out under the stars and stuff but that never happened and so we were wondering if we could camp, here, tonight?" How on Eos they had expected to camp in the wild with no tent, no supplies and only one scrunched up blanket was anyone's guess. But then they hadn't exactly planned their trip very well.
Ignis pinched the bridge of his nose before adjusting his glasses. "Prompto, need I remind you that Noctis is currently grounded? And that you even being allowed to visit is a privilege that shouldn't be abused?"
Of course Ignis was never going to fall for that obvious puppy dog act. But that had been Prom's plan all along. Time to pull out the big guns. Prompto's eyes welled with tears, his bottom lip wobbled.
"I... I know, Iggy. I'm sorry. It's just... well my parents are away again and I don't want to be at home by myself - especially after that mugging on the street near my place the other day." He folds his arms around himself protectively.
Already Ignis is weakening. "Prompto... you know you are more than welcome to stay at the Citadel for the night."
"I know. I just... I don't want to put the staff out. And the Citadel is so intimidating to a mere pleb like me." He shrinks in on himself more, looking even smaller than usual.
"You realise no one sees you as a 'mere pleb', Prompto? You are a very important part of his highness' life." Oh, Ignis is definitely weakening. A soft sniffle from Prompto and Ignis is well and truly broken. He excuses himself and pulls out his phone, moving out of earshot of both Noctis and Prompto.
A few minutes later he returns. "Gladio shall bring a tent and some supplies over. In exchange, you are both expected in the training room at seven in the morning. Is that understood? No tardiness. And no complaints."
Prompto wipes the tears from his eyes and nods. "Thanks Iggy. You're the best!!"