Chapter Text
There was something there. That much was certain. Its just never been addressed or spoken about. How could they speak about what they didn't know? It started out with just a few erratic heart beats, sweaty palms and clumsy stumbles in the others presence.
Most would just state 'it's a crush, obviously', but for them it wasn't that easy.
Noctis couldn't just admit he had a 'crush' on one of his companions. It really wasn't that easy. He was heir to the throne and betrothed to Luna, there was no getting out of that at this point.
The more he reminded himself of this fact, the more agitated he grew. It was like his mind and his heart were at war. He really really hated what he was feeling when he was around Prompto. That butterfly sensation erupting in your stomach, the beating of your heart as it violently hammers against your ribs and that burning that spreads over your face.
He hated it but at the same time it made him feel so alive, so human. He hasn't felt so strongly about someone since... he couldn't even remember. He was ashamed to say that this feeling occurred far more when he thought of Prompto than when he thought of Lunafreya, his wife to be.
Prompto has felt this for Noctis since he saw the Prince. His pupils dilated, his entire body grew hot and his breathing went shallow. He and Noctis were never close in the early school days, he swore that Noctis never knew he existed. But as years went by, they slowly became accustomed to each other, and the feeling in Prompto's heart only increased. To say that his feelings for Noctis was a mere 'crush' was an extreme insult to the boy. No he was head over heels in love with the future king.
Only when they started their journey, did they come to notice this unspoken thing. They didn't know what it was, but something was there. Maybe it was the stares that lasted a second too long, or the small touches that were unnecessary, but there was something. They were both crazy about each other, but neither of them had any idea of the others emotions.
Not a clue.
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"Hmmm it's nice not to have to kill anything", Prompto hummed peacefully as the four of them rested on the steps before the Lestallum hotel.
"A moments peace is quite rewarding from the daily havoc", Ignis agreed as he fanned himself with his hand.
"I'd like to be able to chill more often", Noctis huffed and leaned back completely, placing his forearm over his eyes as if to shield himself from the sun.
"The more you chill, the longer we keep Lunafreya waiting", Gladiolus pointed out and Noctis waved a hand at him, as if fanning away his negativity. The sound of her name hit Prompto's ears uneasily and he frowned.
"Buzz off, can't a Prince have a moments peace?"
"You are having a moments peace though", Prompto annoyingly retorted and Noctis glared at him with squinted eyes. "You on his side now?"
"Just pointing out the obvious".
"Yeah, no kidding", Noctis scoffed and sat up again, burying his face into his arms. "It's fucking hot here though", he whined and Gladiolus rolled his eyes at his sulking.
"Take up the offer and take off your shirt".
"No thanks, and it's not because I'm afraid to show off my muscly body Gladio", Noctis snapped and Prompto bit his lip as his eyes raked over Noct, imagining what he'd look like bare bodied.
"What muscles?"
"They're there okay!"
"I believe you", Prompto casually spoke and patted Noctis on the back, the Prince peering under his arm at Prompto and smiling.
"With all the running and fighting we do, I'd be confused if you didn't have definition", Ignis added and Noctis lifted his head, pointing a finger at Gladiolus. "See see! Ignis says so as well!"
"Then take off your shirt".
"I don't wanna".
"Pfft, whatever, your highness".
There was a brief silence after that, the three just waiting for Noctis' word so they could continue with whatever he thought was best.
Everyday was tiring, filled with combat and heavy lifting. They were always busy helping people and continuing forth to achieve their main goal to reunite with Luna. A break once in a while wasn't actually the worst thing in the world since Luna wasn't going anywhere at this point.
"We should probably get a move on?" Ignis spoke up and Noctis' shoulders slouched slightly, making it quite obvious that he really really didn't want to do anything. He was especially lazy today it seems.
"Yeah... Lets stop by Cindy and see if she has any information on new installations for the Regalia", Noctis stood up and stretched out his limbs, looking over at Prompto with a teasing stare.
"Excited to see your sweetheart?" He wrapped an arm around Prompto's shoulders as they walked away from the hotel, his hand squeezing the blonde's shoulder blade a little harder than he should've.
"Sweetheart? Cindy? You bet! You think she might wanna have a chat this time?" Prompto asked with fake enthusiasm that seemed real enough. He was sure he'd like Cindy if he wasn't so hung up over Noctis, but since the chances of him getting with Noct were very... slim, he'd have to explore more realistic options, not like Cindy was much more in his reach.
"Can only hope for your sake", Gladio commented and Noct's grip on Prompto's shoulder tightened before he retracted completely and jogged the rest of the way to the Regalia in silence while the three bickered.
"I'll drive", Noctis snatched the keys from Ignis and tossed them in the air before catching them again, claiming his seat behind the steering wheel.
"I hope she hasn't got a complicated location in store for us, I'm not feeling very adventurous today", Noctis stated as the engine roared to life and started their journey to Hammerhead.
"That much was obvious", Prompto crossed his arms over the side of the car and watched the buildings of Lestallum fly by to be replaced by picturesque landscapes.
He smiled and pulled out his camera, adjusting the lens before he took a few snaps of the view, turning the front to face Noctis in the drivers seat, his eyes fully trained ahead which for some reason almost disappointed Prompto, wishing that Noctis could've secretly tried to sneak glances at him taking photos and hurriedly looking away when Prompto turned to him.
Hmmm, perhaps Prompto's ambitions were too cliche for his own good. He lifted the camera to his eyes and snapped a photo of Noctis' trained face, attracting his attention for a second.
Prompto let out a playful laugh and glanced at the backseat, Gladio enjoying a book and Ignis staring thoughtfully to the side.
"Am I that fascinating to take pictures of me while I'm driving?"
"I dunno, just keeping myself busy is all. What do you think I should take more photos of Noct?" Prompto lowered the camera and tilted his head in question.
"Uh... of me I guess?"
"Sure thing!"
"What? No, I was just kidding, maybe take pictures of yourself then", Noctis quickly interjected and Prompto frowned, which Noctis thought looked too cute.
"Myself? How about I take pictures of the two of us then?"
"Suit yourself, just don't take too many of me, seriously, I was just kidding".
"Aww, but you're so photogenic!" Prompto took a risk and squeezed Noctis on the knee, noticing his grip on the wheel tighten a bit.
"Uh thanks?" He said as he exhaled deeply, his grip relaxing once Prompto's hand left him, secretly wishing it could've lingered a while longer. "No problem", Prompto laughed playfully and relaxed in his seat, silence filling the air around them for the rest of the drive.
Of course Cindy didn't have any easy quests for them to do, that would be too simple. It was always in inconvenient places surrounded by even more inconvenient creatures. Whether it be daemons or just the natural wildlife.
"I'm sure y'all will be jus' fine! You hurry on back now so we can make her all bright and new!" She waved to them as they walked to the street.
"That stupid accent really gets on my nerves", Noctis grumbled as he stepped over the street bar. "I think it adds to her aesthetic!" Prompto insisted as he jogged to keep up with Noctis' impatient stride.
"And her aesthetic is being annoying? That sure fits the label, you're only defending her because you like her. Lucky her, you're almost just as annoying".
"No need to be a jerk".
"His royal highness is just grumpy because we have to do work", Gladiolus stated and Noctis growled, throwing a glare him.
"Fuck off, I'm just tired and I wish we could just take a fucking break from these dark and dangerous places".
"You are the one who chose to address her", Ignis pointed out and Noctis yelled with frustration, turning to them with glowing eyes.
"Because you were all on my ass to get a move on! Now shut your traps and keep moving!" He snapped and that ended the dispute on the spot. He really did know how to be a stuck up Prince when he wanted to.
The tension didn't last long, because once approaching enemies, they were too focused to be pissed at each other and once obtaining the new wheels Cindy asked for, the argument was like water under a bridge. The job for Cindy took up enough time for them to call it a day and head for a camp, since Gladiolus claimed they've spent too much time in the luxury of hotels. At least camping meant they could have something prepared by Ignis.
Once everyone had eaten and retired to the confines of the tent, everything was silent. Noctis woke up, feeling rather restless. It was a usual thing for him to get uncomfortable while camping, even though they did it more often than not, he was never fond of sleeping on the ground.
He rubbed his hand over his face and looked around, spotting the sleeping mat that was designated to Prompto completely empty.
Finding nothing better to do, he pulled on his black shirt and crawled out. He stared down at the dead camp fire and stretched out his limbs. It was still dark out and by checking his phone, it told him it was a little after midnight.
Where the hell would Prompto go at this time of the night?
His eyes scoured over the landscape and spotted the only place Prompto could be. A quick jog and a few jumps brought him outside the Regalia, his eyes looking through the window to see the blond lounging on the backseat with his eyes closed. He looked so peaceful and tranquil, Noctis wouldn't have minded staring at him for longer but he could hear the sounds of daemons rising in the distance and he pulled the door open, startling the boy awake.
"Noct? What are you-" Prompto was cut off as Noctis placed a hand on his head and pushed it down, climbing inside and practically on top of Prompto. He slammed the door shut and lay low for a moment, the two of them listening to the heavy footsteps of the daemon wandering around outside the car.
In that moment, despite it being inappropriate, Prompto couldn't get over how close Noctis was to him, his face looking up at the window, his right leg between Prompto's and their chests pressed up against each other. Prompto could feel the erratic heartbeats from Noctis' chest and he was sure Noctis could feel his own.
"Noct..."
"Shhh", he hissed and continued to stare up at the window as if waiting for a daemon to peer inside and down at them.
"Noctis".
"What?" He barked but was taken off guard as Prompto placed a hand behind his neck and pulled them closer, their mouths making contact.
Noctis' eyes grew ten times bigger as Prompto leaned his head up to almost deepen the kiss.
It was embarrassing to admit, but this was Noctis' first kiss. He was never really exposed to this sort of thing back in Insomnia, he was meant to remain completely untouched and untainted for his betrothed. He was even more embarrassed to admit that he was glad that Prompto was his first.
Prompto must've realized what he was doing because he quickly pulled away and his eyes shot wide open as they stared into each other's eyes.
"Uh... I..." He looked away in shame as Noctis' shocked stare continued to bore through him.
"I'm... I didn't mean..." he backed himself up into the door and pulled down the handle, falling to the ground once the surface fell away.
"Prompto!" Noctis called as the blond scrambled to his feet and sprinted off, rushing back to the campsite.
Noctis lowered his hand that was reached out to Prompto and sat up on his knees, his head touching the ceiling of the Regalia. He dazedly traced his fingers over his lips and smiled to himself, pulling the door closed and laying on his back. Subconsciously replaying the scene in his head until he accidentally fell asleep on the backseat of the Regalia.
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"Wake up, Noctis, you little shit", a slap to the forehead forced the prince to wake up, his body jerking forward suddenly and causing his head to slam into the ceiling of the car, a groan escaping his lips. His entire body felt stiff but his lips seemed to still be tingling.
"Gods above, We were looking everywhere for you!" Ignis scolded and Noctis turned in his position to look at them.
"Why the hell were you sleeping in the Regalia?!" Gladiolus demanded but his booming voice didn't sway the young prince in the slightest, his blue eyes searching until they spotted the blond at the very back, his eyes focused on the ground.
"I prefer car seats to the hard ground", Noctis casually proclaimed as he leaned to the front of the car and pressed the button to remove the roof of the Regalia.
"You don't seem all that well rested", Gladiolus grumbled as he climbed into the seat beside Noct, Ignis and Prompto taking their own seats in the front.
Noctis didn't respond as his fingers subconsciously pulled at his lower lip, still buzzing over his first kiss. It was brief and a little awkward but he wouldn't trade it for the world.
He looked at Prompto who fiddled his camera in his hands, obviously trying to avoid looking at Noctis. This made the prince rather agitated, wishing he could pull the boy aside and kiss him again, but he couldn't do that if Prompto was trying to avoid him, and it wasn't like he could force him in front of the others.
He scoffed and sunk in his seat, continuing to toy at his lips as they drove on.
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"Gladdy! Noctis! You're all here again!" Iris did a small spin as she skipped down the steps leading to the lighthouse at Cape Caem.
"Been a while", Noctis smiles as she hugged Gladio then practically tackled the prince in an embrace. He chuckled and wrapped his arms around her, returning the gesture happily.
"Are you setting sail for Altissia now?" She asked as she looked up at Noct, not pulling away from the hug just yet.
"Uh... no not quite yet, we need a few things before heading that way", he looked between his three companions before back at Iris who finally withdrew from him.
"What brings you here then?"
"Just thinking of taking a breather for the day, I'm gonna go fishing and Gladio wanted to chill here with you, I don't know about Prompt and Iggy".
"I think I'll stay here with Gladio, Prompto can join you", Ignis have Prompto a small push towards Noctis, the blond crying out.
"What? Why can't I just stay here with you guys?"
"Noctis can't go out alone, he's a big boy but we can't leave the heir completely unguarded, besides, you've been slacking off the most", Gladiolus ruffled Prompto's head of hair and walked inside with Ignis and Iris as if that concluded the discussion.
Prompto watched them walk off before turning to Noctis who was already at the car, heading off to the docks which forced the blond to rush after him.
The short walk down was tense, the unspoken feelings more profound than before which made things the more unsettling for them. Noctis went to the end of the docks and whipped out his fishing rod, his pale eyes scouring over the rocks and miniature waves before he casted the line.
Prompto busied himself by pulling out his camera and skimming through the photographs he's taken so far. He hated this unspoken thing going on, it was so unnerving. Did Noctis hate him for what happened? He hoped not, he wouldn't know how to deal with himself if he ruined the relationship they had over something as pathetic as his emotions acting up.
He looked up at Noctis, raising his camera and snapping a few shots of him. Noctis really was extremely photogenic, he looked good from all angles, at least in Prompto's opinion.
"Are you just gonna sit there an sulk in silence?"
Noctis' voice startled Prompto who looked up in surprise. Noctis' rod was gone and his eyes were fully focused on Prompto.
"I-"
"Prompto, you're killing me over here. I want to talk about it", Noctis growled and started to walk towards his companion, the blond scurrying to his feet and backing up.
"I don't... I'm sorry for kissing you Noctis... I really didn't-"
"That's not what I want to hear", Noctis snapped and grabbed both Prompto's shoulders and forced him down onto the ground, practically hovering over him.
"I don't-"
"Shut up", Noctis snarled and leaned closer, pressing their foreheads together.
"Just shut up", he whispered before closing the gap between their mouths and initiating a rather forceful kiss, causing the blonde's eyes to widen.
He leaned back until he was laying down, Noctis hovering over him. Noctis let out a small grunt. "I know you want this Prompt... You kissed me first", he pushed his hips against Prompto's slightly which made him moan, Noctis taking the opportunity to slip his tongue into Prompto's mouth.
What the fuck was happening?
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