All the colour drains from Prompto's face and he looks like he might blow chunks at any moment. Somehow, he manages to hold back. He sucks in a few shaky breaths.
Luckily, the Dualhorn decides the chase isn't worth it and goes back to its previous grazing spot.
"Holy crap. I didn't expect something so big to move so fast. I guess it's like Gladio. A guy his size has no business being as light on his feet as he is!" He looks over at the beast. "I'm calling you Gladio II. That's your name now buddy!!"
His gaze then turns to Noct. "Thanks for saving me... Hey, you think we can trust Crowe or do you think she's already sold us out?"
"Gladio II? Why not Gladio Jr? I'm pretty sure Gladio's actually bigger than that thing."
It's an easy joke at his Shield's expense, and he shrugs a little, reaching into Prompto's backpack for the water he'd watched him tuck away and offering it up.
He looks thoughtful before shrugging.
"On the one hand, Crowe loves watching stuff go up in flames. On the other hand, she kinda actually cares about my dad, and he's gonna have a heart attack once he realizes. So, depends on when Iggy and Gladio notice and tell him, I assume."
He expected his bribery to only go so far.
"If something seriously bad happened, that's why I told her - so she'd know where I was."
"Fine, fine. It can be Gladio Jr. Besides, I think I'd rather face like ten of those things than one angry Gladio. I love the big guy, but he terrifies me. And don't get me started on Iggy - he might be a lot smaller than Gladio but I am certain that guy can make people disappear - if you know what I mean."
Prompto accepts the proffered bottle and takes a small sip. The colour slowly returns to his face, making him look a lot less like he's about to hurl or pass out.
"And let's face it, Ig will know you're gone like super fast - I swear he knows everything. So, we should probably hurry it up a bit if we hope to even reach Hammerhead before we're dragged back and murdered."
He rolls his shoulders, puts his bottle away, readjusts the backpack and starts walking again, shooting Noct a bright, toothy grin. "Well? You coming?"
"Not murdered. Just gonna send Cor to string us up by our toes, probably," Noctis murmurs to himself with a little laugh, shaking his head at the image of his severe uncle-figure doing so.
Prompto's right about Ignis, though. The only delay they have is if Ignis scours the nearby area for him before he tells the king, with Gladio's help. So he runs a bit to catch up to Prompto, pulling out the map on his phone again. He only has a saved one - he turned his location services off in the hopes of delaying being found earlier.
"If we make it to Hammerhead, what do you wanna buy? We should get a souvenir, right?"
He tucks his phone back into his pocket. Why does it seem so close on the map and so damn far now? He squints into the distance.
I'm torn. I want them to have an adventure. But really, Ignis would track them down pretty quick.
"Tortured by Cor the Immortal. At least it'll be one to tell the grandkids one day - if I survive the torture. And if I ever have grandkids. Because like that would mean having kids first which means finding a wife and I don't see that happening like ever." Prompto realises he's rambling and cuts himself off. "Still, being tortured by the Marshal would make for a great story."
At least they both had the sense to turn off their location services. It was probably the one sensible thing they have achieved in this whole crazy plan. "Aw man. I wonder if they'll have any chocobo plushies! Fluffy McStuffins needs a new friend." Ah yes, Fluffy McStuffins, the adorable black chocobo plushie Noct had won at the arcade for Prompto. It was his pride and joy and went almost everywhere with him. Including on this trip, he's safely nestled in Prom's backpack in his rolled up sleeping bag.
"Or a keychain. Or maybe a moogle lanyard or... I dunno. I've been saving my crowns so I can afford all the things." He had even picked up extra shifts at the camera shop. "How about you, Noct? What are you gonna get?"
Noctis listens to Prompto go on about grandkids, and wives, and how it'd make for a great story with a small smile. When Prompto finally comes back to the beginning, he laughs, reaching up to pat his friends back.
"If nothing else, you can tell Gladio's grandkids or mine or something." He shakes his head a little in amusement, smiling at the mention of Fluffy McStuffins, who was definitely one of his favorite wins for Prompto.
"Maybe Fluffy needs a partner. A cute mechanic chocobo from the gas station," he teases Prompto instead. After a moment he reaches out, tugging on Prompto's wrist. "Hey - there's a pretty decent hill over that way. Maybe we'll be able to get a better lay of the land over there?"
"Oh. Em. Gee. A mechanic chocobo plushie? Dude. That would be totes adorbs. Fluffy McStuffins needs a mechanic sidekick in his life!" Or rather, Prompto needs a mechanic chocobo plushie in his life. To be fair though, Prompto needs every kind of chocobo plushie in his life. He is definitely not too old to collect them. No one is ever too old for chocobos!
Maybe if Niflheim had more plushie chocobos then the world wouldn't be at war.
Prompto willingly lets Noct drag him along. "Noct, that's not a hill, it's a mountain." Okay, okay, it isn't that steep, but Prompto had vastly underestimated how much walking they would be doing. Even so, he trudges on, making his way up the hill.
He lets out a low whistle once he reaches the top. "Whew. Now that's what I call a view." He suddenly gives Noct's shoulder a push. "Dude! Dude! I see it! I see the sign!!"
then cor and the crownsguard can string them up by their toes
No one should ever be too old for Chocobos. Noctis is still very concerned with how he's perceived, but even he has a little black chocobo plushie he'd been given as a gift in his bedroom.
Noctis makes plans about getting a chocobo plushie if they don't make it to Lestallum, instead climbing up the hill-mountain with Prompto until they get to the top. He almost misses the sign - he's not sure how, considering it's right there - for looking out on how far the roads and flatland go out past it.
He's having a moment, okay. But he grins wide when he spots it.
"Awesome! That's... a lot further away than I was expecting, actually." The map didn't make it seem that far! He glances back towards Insomnia, then does a double take, pushing Prompto forward a little.
"Oh shit - we should get going. I think I just saw the Regalia."
Prompto stumbles a little, but manages to catch himself before he plummets down the side of the hill to his death. He's about to shoot Noct a death glare when Noct's words sink in.
"Dude... seriously? You're not playing?" He suddenly looks very much like a petrified Anak calf in the headlights and feels like puking, crying or peeing himself - he's not sure which.
But then a fierce look of determination settles on his face. "If we keep away from the roadside and sort of weave through the rocks and scrub we should be able to at least reach Hammerhead before they find us!"
With his newfound determination, Prompto readjusts his backpack on his shoulders and starts off down the hill before breaking into a jog. "You with me, Noct?"
Noctis sinks down a little at the top of the mountain, hopping after Prompto once he's sure the Regalia hasn't seen him. He hopes it's Cor, and not his father. Actually, he's sure it's Cor - his father wouldn't leave.
"With you all the way, buddy," Noctis calls after Prompto before he jogs after him, expression determined.
And Astrals help them, they almost make it. Rather, they make it to the parking lot where Hammerhead is - but the Regalia, and another Crownsguard vehicle, are already parked there.
Prompto skids to a halt, struggling to catch his breath, feeling his hopes and dreams of Operation Vacay just sink. They were so close. The poor kid looks absolutely crestfallen.
Looks like it's over... Unless... Prompto pulls out his phone to study the map. "Maybe we could make a run for it... Maybe we could slip by unnoticed. I mean they're expecting us here at Hammerhead. They're not expecting us not here."
It's a long shot, but Prompto isn't quite ready to give up the dream of a vacation with Noct outside the city walls, away from all royal responsibility. Deep down he knows it's already over though.
Noctis glances up, looking at the Crownsguard that are already there - Cor's definitely there, and that might be Crowe with him, and he's pretty sure he can hear Ignis - and then back to Prompto.
"We should definitely try to make a run for it," he whispers to him. He's not ready to give up the fun little chance at freedom too, even if this is doomed to end in failure. But the depression in Prompto's tone makes him want to try, even if just for five more minutes of it.
Well, that and the fact this is probably the biggest thing he's ever tried to do since the attack in Tenebrae. He takes Prompto's hand in his own after glancing at the map - there looks like a path leading out behind Hammerhead - and starts trying to sneak them that way.
They are definitely going to die. This is how their life ends. Tortured to death by Cor. Ignis is most certainly there and Prom can just picture the look of displeasure and disappointment on his face - the thought of that is almost as bad as the thought of torture.
He swears he hears Gladio too. Oh man, he does not want to see how pissed the big guy is going to be. Prompto knows they should cut their losses, give themselves up and face the music. But he desperately wants to make Operation Vacay work for Noct. He just wants Noctis to get the chance to be a carefree kid for a little while. Is that really too much to ask the Astrals for? Just a few teeny tiny days free in a whole lifetime of responsibility.
Prompto holds tight onto Noct's hand as he follows him. Desperately trying not to make any sound that would alert the others to their presence.
these voreteeth get me every time i try to run to the haven
He knows his father and the others have tried their best to let Noctis live normally - sent him to public school, delayed his involvement in politics. But there's certain things they couldn't change, like the Wall's limits, and Prompto is... Noctis adores Prompto for many reasons. One of them is that he knows Prompto isn't his friend because he's the prince, not trying to use him for some political gain. He's friends because he likes Noctis.
And Noctis appreciates that more than he can bear, most days. It's what makes him willing to keep trying, not to give up, as they move behind the garage, then the store. There's more of a gap between the diner and the store, but that's where the path starts moving away, so he tries to carefully lead them both while keeping cover.
He freezes, though, when he hears a growling sound when they're about a few hundred feet away from Hammerhead.
"Oh shit," he mutters as he looks up and spots a pack of Voreteeth starting to clamber closer.
Scratch that. They aren't going to die being tortured to death by Cor or forced to run laps until their legs snap by Gladio. They're going to be mauled to death by a pack of Voreteeth right here near Hammerhead.
Maybe if Prompto was armed, if he had any kind of combat training then the two of them could take the whole pack on and carry on on their way. But expecting Noctis to face the whole pack alone is too risky. Operation Vacay was supposed to be fun. Getting Noct killed isn't part of the plan.
"Dude... It's over. Let's run back. If they chase us then Cor and the others will intercept them..."
For a moment it looks like Noctis is not about to take that sane advice. His jaw sets, and his shoulders square, and he even goes as far as to summon his favored sword to his side.
... But the reality of the situation is, he doesn't want Prompto to get hurt. His style of battle has never accounted for an unarmed combatant, which is something he'll have to work on. So after a moment he sighs heavily, shoulders slumping.
"Yeah. You're right. I'm sorry, Prom."
Carefully, he backs them both away, hoping the Voreteeth don't notice them before they turn and head back towards Hammerhead.
Noctis doesn't help any situation by, once he's spotted by Cor, Ignis and Gladio, simply going "Hey" with his hand raised and Prompto tucked behind him.
aw lvl 1. Back when everyone was happy. Before the pain.
They may not've made it to the chocobos, but they did make it to Hammerhead without assistance. It might not be the epic adventure they had planned but it was something. Even if Prom is mentally kicking himself for not being able to fight. If he could fight, if he could wield a weapon then maybe they could've made it further. He could've had Noct's back instead of hiding behind it.
If looks could kill then the look on Ignis' face would strike them both down dead where they stood. Prompto half-wishes the voreteeth had eaten him, or at least a giant hole would appear in the ground to swallow him up. At least he has the sense to look somewhat guilty.
The rage rolls off of Gladio like thunder. "Cut the crap, Princess. What the hell do you think you were playing at?! Did you even think at all?! What kind of selfish, spoiled brat do you think you are?! Dragging Prompto into your mess. Putting his life at risk."
Ignis raises a hand. "Gladio. Enough."
Prompto hates that Noct is getting the full force of Gladio's rage. Even though Noct promised to take the fall if they were caught. He can't just stand there and let Gladio yell at him like that. It isn't fair. He steps to Noct's side, feeling every bit as weak and pathetic as a newborn kitten as he tries to find his voice. "It... It wasn't Noct's fault. Itwasmyideait'sallmyfault."
Noctis has his best surly look already in place, prepared to deal with the consequences when Prompto speaks up, his words running together. Noctis immediately turns and slaps his hand over his friend's mouth.
"Yeah, it was a joke that I actually did the planning for and convinced Prompto to come along with."
Gladio looks like he's winding up to unleash another round of yelling when Cor cuts in.
"As much as watching everyone decide whose fault this is may matter later, what matters now is getting the prince and a crown citizen back within the wall before we find trouble," he says smoothly.
Ignis appears to agree, as much as his expression is similarly thunderous.
"Noctis and Prompto can ride with the Marshal and Glaive Altius. Gladio and I can take the other car," he says, glancing over at Gladio when he appears to start to protest and cutting it off again.
Noctis huffs out a breath. He appreciates Cor and Ignis, but he can't show it well right now. "Fine," he agrees after a moment, heading for the Regalia and tugging Prompto along with him.
Prompto doesn't need telling twice to get into a car. Especially when that car doesn't have a very pissed off Gladio and Ignis in it. Although he's pretty certain Cor is more pissed than he's letting on and disappointing the Marshal kinda sucks since Prompto has some serious hero-worship going on when it comes to Cor.
He doesn't particularly enjoy disappointing Ignis or Gladio either - after Noctis they're the closest thing to friends he has.
Normally a ride in the Regalia would be a real treat and a privilege complete with plenty of photos - this time... not so much. He slides into the backseat, sinking down to make himself even smaller than usual. Funny, Prompto has been invisible most his life, yet right now he almost wishes he was still invisible.
If Prompto is sinking down to make himself smaller, Noctis is folding his arms to make himself look even more stubborn than before. Crowe shoots them both a look and gives Noctis a little shrug; he ignores her for the moment.
He doesn't speak for a long moment, and in fact it's Cor who speaks first.
"You're going to be in quite a bit of trouble for this, your highness," He says after a moment, already pulling them out of the parking lot at Hammerhead.
Noctis frowns before he answers. "I know. I was aware of the risks when I chose to go through with this."
"Does that include the inevitable lockdown you both are going to find yourselves under? Even if Prompto is claiming it's his idea, we both know you wouldn't have made it outside the wall without your expertise."
"It wasn't his idea, for the record, and yeah; I'm aware that dad might put me in magical time out for a while."
That was something that Noctis hadn't mentioned to Prompto - that his father could seal away his powers, even temporarily.
The scenery goes by a lot faster this way than it did on the way here. It makes Prom's chest hurt slightly knowing this might be the only time they get to see the world outside of the wall.
He snaps his head around to look at Noct. "Wait... your dad can do that? He can just flip a switch on your powers and no more magic?!" Prompto had wanted Noct to be able to experience life as a regular guy for awhile but actually losing his powers? That's not what he had wanted at all.
Leaning forward he rests his hands on the seat in front. "Marshal! Please. You have to tell the King is was all my fault! Don't let him punish Noct! I'm fully prepared to accept my punishment. Life in prison? Exile? Whatevs. Just don't let him punish Noct."
His eyes shine with unshed tears as he sits back, folding his arms across himself protectively. "I just... I just wanted Noct to have a few days of fun and freedom. I know his Majesty works so hard to keep the wall up, to keep us all safe. You think I don't see what it's doing to him? Ageing him before his time? And I know one day Noct will have to take over and I just wanted him to have some fun before all that..."
It hurts in a strange way for Prompto to, what seems like so easily for him, verbalize all the fears that Noctis holds close in his chest. That his father is slowly dying because of the wall, that eventually it will be Noctis' responsibility to hold up that same wall, potentially to the same fate.
"Prompto, stop," Noctis cuts in after a moment, his tone harsher than he intends it to be. He raises his own hand, rubbing the heel of a palm against his eyes, fighting back the sudden surge of emotions Prompto's words had fought up.
"It's just temporary - like if he punished a Glaive that was misbehaving. And there's no way that my father is going to buy that you somehow convinced me and got me out on your own."
He takes a short huff of breath before he looks at his friend.
"It's worth it, okay? It was worth it to just spend some time and feel like I was just normal for once. Just... let me deal with the consequences instead of taking the fall. That's gonna be my job eventually, right?"
Cor, for his part, is silent for the moment - sensing that this is probably more important to sort out, and quietly relieved that Ignis had sent them to this car instead of theirs.
It's definitely not easy for Prompto to say the words out loud. It might seem like he wears his heart on his sleeve all of the time, but he is a whole mess of hangups. There are so many worries and fears that he has that he keeps locked away behind a huge goofy grin.
He doesn't care that Noct is a prince except for when he does care. He doesn't care in the sense that most people think - he's not interested in using Noctis for fame or money or any of that. But the thought that one day in the not too distant future that Noct will have to step up to the plate and become King? That terrifies him. Noctis is his best friend. Hell, Noctis is his whole world. The thought of watching him age and deteriorate in order to hold up the wall, to watch the stress etch his face and weigh down his shoulders. It's almost too much to bear.
It's probably for the best that Prompto has zero idea about the prophecy because he would probably try to take on the Six single-handedly and unarmed to tell them to fuck off and leave Noct alone.
He stubbornly shakes his head. "I'm not letting you take the fall alone, Noct. You're not King yet. I can help carry the load. We're besties, right? Besties stick together."
Noctis is shaking his head a little, a familiar, firm set to his mouth and shoulders, when Cor finally cuts in again.
"Undoubtedly, blame is going to fall on both of you, but perhaps standing together to take it would be in your best interest." Cor glances to the rearview mirror, and both of the young men sitting stubborn in the back.
"If you will recall, the King was once a young man too. I am sure he would understand both of your desires for each other," what a choice of words, "And would be more inclined towards leniency if both of you were willing to shoulder the burden of responsibility for your actions together."
"... I guess," Noctis admits after a moment, his expression still sullen but a little more relaxed. "He's not going to ban Prompto from being able to see me, right?"
"We all know who the real troublemaker is out of the two of you, and I can say it's not Prompto," Cor says easily, making Noctis splutter a bit.
What a choice of words, indeed. Prom is totally not blushing, it's most certainly the Leide heat and the emotions of the day bubbling to the surface.
He slinks back in his seat again, toying with the straps of his backpack, still worked up but feeling a little better knowing (or rather, hoping) Cor isn't driving them straight to a torture dungeon. Although facing the King is probably as terrifying as torture. He honestly doesn't know why Regis terrifies him so much either - other than the fact he is the King. Regis has never been anything but nice to Prompto.
Prom can't hold back the slight chuckle at Noct's splutter. It's ironic really, that when he and Noct first started hanging out together at the start of high school, during all the background checks and the first few times they hung out outside of school that there were all kinds of worries that he was some kind of delinquent or rebel who would lead Noctis astray. Truth is, he's probably the purest cinnamon roll to ever walk Eos.
Still, there is a niggling worry that the King (or Ignis) will decide it best that Noctis and Prompto don't see each other for a while. "It's okay, bud. Even though you're a terrible influence on me, I got your back all the way!"
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Luckily, the Dualhorn decides the chase isn't worth it and goes back to its previous grazing spot.
"Holy crap. I didn't expect something so big to move so fast. I guess it's like Gladio. A guy his size has no business being as light on his feet as he is!" He looks over at the beast. "I'm calling you Gladio II. That's your name now buddy!!"
His gaze then turns to Noct. "Thanks for saving me... Hey, you think we can trust Crowe or do you think she's already sold us out?"
no subject
It's an easy joke at his Shield's expense, and he shrugs a little, reaching into Prompto's backpack for the water he'd watched him tuck away and offering it up.
He looks thoughtful before shrugging.
"On the one hand, Crowe loves watching stuff go up in flames. On the other hand, she kinda actually cares about my dad, and he's gonna have a heart attack once he realizes. So, depends on when Iggy and Gladio notice and tell him, I assume."
He expected his bribery to only go so far.
"If something seriously bad happened, that's why I told her - so she'd know where I was."
no subject
Prompto accepts the proffered bottle and takes a small sip. The colour slowly returns to his face, making him look a lot less like he's about to hurl or pass out.
"And let's face it, Ig will know you're gone like super fast - I swear he knows everything. So, we should probably hurry it up a bit if we hope to even reach Hammerhead before we're dragged back and murdered."
He rolls his shoulders, puts his bottle away, readjusts the backpack and starts walking again, shooting Noct a bright, toothy grin. "Well? You coming?"
how far DO we want these dumbasses to get
Prompto's right about Ignis, though. The only delay they have is if Ignis scours the nearby area for him before he tells the king, with Gladio's help. So he runs a bit to catch up to Prompto, pulling out the map on his phone again. He only has a saved one - he turned his location services off in the hopes of delaying being found earlier.
"If we make it to Hammerhead, what do you wanna buy? We should get a souvenir, right?"
He tucks his phone back into his pocket. Why does it seem so close on the map and so damn far now? He squints into the distance.
I'm torn. I want them to have an adventure. But really, Ignis would track them down pretty quick.
At least they both had the sense to turn off their location services. It was probably the one sensible thing they have achieved in this whole crazy plan. "Aw man. I wonder if they'll have any chocobo plushies! Fluffy McStuffins needs a new friend." Ah yes, Fluffy McStuffins, the adorable black chocobo plushie Noct had won at the arcade for Prompto. It was his pride and joy and went almost everywhere with him. Including on this trip, he's safely nestled in Prom's backpack in his rolled up sleeping bag.
"Or a keychain. Or maybe a moogle lanyard or... I dunno. I've been saving my crowns so I can afford all the things." He had even picked up extra shifts at the camera shop. "How about you, Noct? What are you gonna get?"
a little adventure, as a treat
"If nothing else, you can tell Gladio's grandkids or mine or something." He shakes his head a little in amusement, smiling at the mention of Fluffy McStuffins, who was definitely one of his favorite wins for Prompto.
"Maybe Fluffy needs a partner. A cute mechanic chocobo from the gas station," he teases Prompto instead. After a moment he reaches out, tugging on Prompto's wrist. "Hey - there's a pretty decent hill over that way. Maybe we'll be able to get a better lay of the land over there?"
They deserve it
Maybe if Niflheim had more plushie chocobos then the world wouldn't be at war.
Prompto willingly lets Noct drag him along. "Noct, that's not a hill, it's a mountain." Okay, okay, it isn't that steep, but Prompto had vastly underestimated how much walking they would be doing. Even so, he trudges on, making his way up the hill.
He lets out a low whistle once he reaches the top. "Whew. Now that's what I call a view." He suddenly gives Noct's shoulder a push. "Dude! Dude! I see it! I see the sign!!"
then cor and the crownsguard can string them up by their toes
Noctis makes plans about getting a chocobo plushie if they don't make it to Lestallum, instead climbing up the hill-mountain with Prompto until they get to the top. He almost misses the sign - he's not sure how, considering it's right there - for looking out on how far the roads and flatland go out past it.
He's having a moment, okay. But he grins wide when he spots it.
"Awesome! That's... a lot further away than I was expecting, actually." The map didn't make it seem that far! He glances back towards Insomnia, then does a double take, pushing Prompto forward a little.
"Oh shit - we should get going. I think I just saw the Regalia."
Which they also deserve
"Dude... seriously? You're not playing?" He suddenly looks very much like a petrified Anak calf in the headlights and feels like puking, crying or peeing himself - he's not sure which.
But then a fierce look of determination settles on his face. "If we keep away from the roadside and sort of weave through the rocks and scrub we should be able to at least reach Hammerhead before they find us!"
With his newfound determination, Prompto readjusts his backpack on his shoulders and starts off down the hill before breaking into a jog. "You with me, Noct?"
no subject
"With you all the way, buddy," Noctis calls after Prompto before he jogs after him, expression determined.
And Astrals help them, they almost make it. Rather, they make it to the parking lot where Hammerhead is - but the Regalia, and another Crownsguard vehicle, are already parked there.
no subject
Looks like it's over... Unless... Prompto pulls out his phone to study the map. "Maybe we could make a run for it... Maybe we could slip by unnoticed. I mean they're expecting us here at Hammerhead. They're not expecting us not here."
It's a long shot, but Prompto isn't quite ready to give up the dream of a vacation with Noct outside the city walls, away from all royal responsibility. Deep down he knows it's already over though.
no subject
"We should definitely try to make a run for it," he whispers to him. He's not ready to give up the fun little chance at freedom too, even if this is doomed to end in failure. But the depression in Prompto's tone makes him want to try, even if just for five more minutes of it.
Well, that and the fact this is probably the biggest thing he's ever tried to do since the attack in Tenebrae. He takes Prompto's hand in his own after glancing at the map - there looks like a path leading out behind Hammerhead - and starts trying to sneak them that way.
no subject
He swears he hears Gladio too. Oh man, he does not want to see how pissed the big guy is going to be. Prompto knows they should cut their losses, give themselves up and face the music. But he desperately wants to make Operation Vacay work for Noct. He just wants Noctis to get the chance to be a carefree kid for a little while. Is that really too much to ask the Astrals for? Just a few teeny tiny days free in a whole lifetime of responsibility.
Prompto holds tight onto Noct's hand as he follows him. Desperately trying not to make any sound that would alert the others to their presence.
these voreteeth get me every time i try to run to the haven
And Noctis appreciates that more than he can bear, most days. It's what makes him willing to keep trying, not to give up, as they move behind the garage, then the store. There's more of a gap between the diner and the store, but that's where the path starts moving away, so he tries to carefully lead them both while keeping cover.
He freezes, though, when he hears a growling sound when they're about a few hundred feet away from Hammerhead.
"Oh shit," he mutters as he looks up and spots a pack of Voreteeth starting to clamber closer.
same!
Maybe if Prompto was armed, if he had any kind of combat training then the two of them could take the whole pack on and carry on on their way. But expecting Noctis to face the whole pack alone is too risky. Operation Vacay was supposed to be fun. Getting Noct killed isn't part of the plan.
"Dude... It's over. Let's run back. If they chase us then Cor and the others will intercept them..."
not a problem at level 60 but level 1....
... But the reality of the situation is, he doesn't want Prompto to get hurt. His style of battle has never accounted for an unarmed combatant, which is something he'll have to work on. So after a moment he sighs heavily, shoulders slumping.
"Yeah. You're right. I'm sorry, Prom."
Carefully, he backs them both away, hoping the Voreteeth don't notice them before they turn and head back towards Hammerhead.
Noctis doesn't help any situation by, once he's spotted by Cor, Ignis and Gladio, simply going "Hey" with his hand raised and Prompto tucked behind him.
aw lvl 1. Back when everyone was happy. Before the pain.
If looks could kill then the look on Ignis' face would strike them both down dead where they stood. Prompto half-wishes the voreteeth had eaten him, or at least a giant hole would appear in the ground to swallow him up. At least he has the sense to look somewhat guilty.
The rage rolls off of Gladio like thunder. "Cut the crap, Princess. What the hell do you think you were playing at?! Did you even think at all?! What kind of selfish, spoiled brat do you think you are?! Dragging Prompto into your mess. Putting his life at risk."
Ignis raises a hand. "Gladio. Enough."
Prompto hates that Noct is getting the full force of Gladio's rage. Even though Noct promised to take the fall if they were caught. He can't just stand there and let Gladio yell at him like that. It isn't fair. He steps to Noct's side, feeling every bit as weak and pathetic as a newborn kitten as he tries to find his voice. "It... It wasn't Noct's fault. Itwasmyideait'sallmyfault."
the paaaaain.
"Yeah, it was a joke that I actually did the planning for and convinced Prompto to come along with."
Gladio looks like he's winding up to unleash another round of yelling when Cor cuts in.
"As much as watching everyone decide whose fault this is may matter later, what matters now is getting the prince and a crown citizen back within the wall before we find trouble," he says smoothly.
Ignis appears to agree, as much as his expression is similarly thunderous.
"Noctis and Prompto can ride with the Marshal and Glaive Altius. Gladio and I can take the other car," he says, glancing over at Gladio when he appears to start to protest and cutting it off again.
Noctis huffs out a breath. He appreciates Cor and Ignis, but he can't show it well right now. "Fine," he agrees after a moment, heading for the Regalia and tugging Prompto along with him.
all the pain and then some
He doesn't particularly enjoy disappointing Ignis or Gladio either - after Noctis they're the closest thing to friends he has.
Normally a ride in the Regalia would be a real treat and a privilege complete with plenty of photos - this time... not so much. He slides into the backseat, sinking down to make himself even smaller than usual. Funny, Prompto has been invisible most his life, yet right now he almost wishes he was still invisible.
no subject
He doesn't speak for a long moment, and in fact it's Cor who speaks first.
"You're going to be in quite a bit of trouble for this, your highness," He says after a moment, already pulling them out of the parking lot at Hammerhead.
Noctis frowns before he answers. "I know. I was aware of the risks when I chose to go through with this."
"Does that include the inevitable lockdown you both are going to find yourselves under? Even if Prompto is claiming it's his idea, we both know you wouldn't have made it outside the wall without your expertise."
"It wasn't his idea, for the record, and yeah; I'm aware that dad might put me in magical time out for a while."
That was something that Noctis hadn't mentioned to Prompto - that his father could seal away his powers, even temporarily.
no subject
He snaps his head around to look at Noct. "Wait... your dad can do that? He can just flip a switch on your powers and no more magic?!" Prompto had wanted Noct to be able to experience life as a regular guy for awhile but actually losing his powers? That's not what he had wanted at all.
Leaning forward he rests his hands on the seat in front. "Marshal! Please. You have to tell the King is was all my fault! Don't let him punish Noct! I'm fully prepared to accept my punishment. Life in prison? Exile? Whatevs. Just don't let him punish Noct."
His eyes shine with unshed tears as he sits back, folding his arms across himself protectively. "I just... I just wanted Noct to have a few days of fun and freedom. I know his Majesty works so hard to keep the wall up, to keep us all safe. You think I don't see what it's doing to him? Ageing him before his time? And I know one day Noct will have to take over and I just wanted him to have some fun before all that..."
my heart hurts for prom /clutches chest
"Prompto, stop," Noctis cuts in after a moment, his tone harsher than he intends it to be. He raises his own hand, rubbing the heel of a palm against his eyes, fighting back the sudden surge of emotions Prompto's words had fought up.
"It's just temporary - like if he punished a Glaive that was misbehaving. And there's no way that my father is going to buy that you somehow convinced me and got me out on your own."
He takes a short huff of breath before he looks at his friend.
"It's worth it, okay? It was worth it to just spend some time and feel like I was just normal for once. Just... let me deal with the consequences instead of taking the fall. That's gonna be my job eventually, right?"
Cor, for his part, is silent for the moment - sensing that this is probably more important to sort out, and quietly relieved that Ignis had sent them to this car instead of theirs.
they both need all the hugs
He doesn't care that Noct is a prince except for when he does care. He doesn't care in the sense that most people think - he's not interested in using Noctis for fame or money or any of that. But the thought that one day in the not too distant future that Noct will have to step up to the plate and become King? That terrifies him. Noctis is his best friend. Hell, Noctis is his whole world. The thought of watching him age and deteriorate in order to hold up the wall, to watch the stress etch his face and weigh down his shoulders. It's almost too much to bear.
It's probably for the best that Prompto has zero idea about the prophecy because he would probably try to take on the Six single-handedly and unarmed to tell them to fuck off and leave Noct alone.
He stubbornly shakes his head. "I'm not letting you take the fall alone, Noct. You're not King yet. I can help carry the load. We're besties, right? Besties stick together."
this is also fun bc i have a cor journal so
"Undoubtedly, blame is going to fall on both of you, but perhaps standing together to take it would be in your best interest." Cor glances to the rearview mirror, and both of the young men sitting stubborn in the back.
"If you will recall, the King was once a young man too. I am sure he would understand both of your desires for each other," what a choice of words, "And would be more inclined towards leniency if both of you were willing to shoulder the burden of responsibility for your actions together."
"... I guess," Noctis admits after a moment, his expression still sullen but a little more relaxed. "He's not going to ban Prompto from being able to see me, right?"
"We all know who the real troublemaker is out of the two of you, and I can say it's not Prompto," Cor says easily, making Noctis splutter a bit.
Cor is awesome
He slinks back in his seat again, toying with the straps of his backpack, still worked up but feeling a little better knowing (or rather, hoping) Cor isn't driving them straight to a torture dungeon. Although facing the King is probably as terrifying as torture. He honestly doesn't know why Regis terrifies him so much either - other than the fact he is the King. Regis has never been anything but nice to Prompto.
Prom can't hold back the slight chuckle at Noct's splutter. It's ironic really, that when he and Noct first started hanging out together at the start of high school, during all the background checks and the first few times they hung out outside of school that there were all kinds of worries that he was some kind of delinquent or rebel who would lead Noctis astray. Truth is, he's probably the purest cinnamon roll to ever walk Eos.
Still, there is a niggling worry that the King (or Ignis) will decide it best that Noctis and Prompto don't see each other for a while. "It's okay, bud. Even though you're a terrible influence on me, I got your back all the way!"
he's around if you ever want a side storyline with training prompto! also went ahead and timeskipped
the kid needs all the training he can get
listen, late arrival uncle cor is great, or smutty if you're into that
I'm not opposed to either
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
more iggy than noct for the moment
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
apologies for the delay!
No worries <3
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)