hadriel_logs | The crown weighs heavy ;; Closed to FFXV Cast

[ After being unceremoniously dropped on the couch, unconscious and battered, Noctis finally comes to. He slowly sits up, groaning softly as he places his hand to his head. As his palm passes over his eye, it's apparent that it's rather bruised due to its sensitivity. The warm trickle of blood dripping from his nose passes over his busted lip, which seems to pool quite a bit of blood itself. ]

[ He recalls slightly what happened, though the memories come back slowly. Gladiolus had worked to beat the sense into him, arguing that he's got his head up his ass and he's acting like a whiny pissbaby. Ah, there it is. As those memories come flooding back, the prince scoffs and leans forward, legs bending at his chest as he tries to gather himself. ]

[ For the moment, he's silent. ]

[Once Noctis tries to move, a gentle hand touches his shoulder.]

Take care. I believe your nose is...broken.

[It's easy to tell who that hand and voice belongs to, especially since that slight accent gives Regis away. Unlike most of the others present, His Majesty does have a different accent quite similar to Ignis' in some regards. It comes and goes at times but it lingers more often than Regis cares to admit. After spending his entire life mimicking the nobles of the royal court down to their slight naunces, Regis certainly sounds like them regardless how much he tries to relax his speech.]

Here. [Regis settles on the arm of the sofa as he presses a tissue to Noctis' nose. It's such a fatherly gesture, one that goes unnoticed by Regis who's wrecked with concern.] I see that instead of speaking with words, Gladiolus and you chosen for fists.

[A slight sigh passes through his lips as he gently squeezes Noct's nose.]

Therefore, may I ask why this reckless contest of fists was exchanged?

[ The room is spinning, his head throbbing. Noctis can't help the way he winces in pain, and it seems to only increase when he tries to take a breath. Noctis is forced to recall the hard strike to his solar plexus when he even attempts a deep inhale, and it almost has him choking on air. But he manages. ]

[ It's then that he hears his father's voice and feels his hand at his shoulder, but he doesn't have time to turn away and avoid what he knows is coming. Not when Regis is quick to start an attempt at stopping the bleeding from his nose. Noctis hisses a pained sort of yelp at the touch, which confirms that yes, his nose is definitely broken. ]

Nngh--

[ He hesitates at the question, brows furrowed. ]

I'd rather not get into it.

[ Noctis' tone carries that claim. Making it very much apparent that he'd rather just go to bed or something. ]

[Something akin to a scoff is heard in response to Noctis' words.]

Somehow I doubt you'll rest easy with this weight upon you.

[He hints while still tending to his son's nose. After the month of Noctis looking after Lunafreya and him, it seems that the roles have finally reversed. Regis is as gentle as he can be trying to align the cartilage back in place. It may hurt for a little bit but thankfully Regis knows what's he's doing.]

Forgive me but this is quite a sight to behold. Clarus and I would fight on occasion, fist to fist, but never quite like this.

[ Noctis eyes wrench tightly shut as Regis starts to move his nose around, seeking to put it back in place. The pain is damn-near unbearable, and the prince exhales a pained sort of grunt. He reaches for the back of the couch, clutching the headrest tight. Tears instinctively gather at the corners of his eyes and start streaking down his face; he isn't crying, merely a reaction to his nose being messed with. ]

Yeah, well, it's-- Agh!

It's business as usual. About time it happened, honestly.

Business as usual? [He questions with a raised brow while still trying to set Noctis' nose straight. Eventually he manages but not after the sheering agony that claims his son, a hint of regret lingers within his gaze.] Do I dare question any further?

[Regis already spoken briefly to Gladiolus about what transpired. He patted the Amicitia's back an vowed to speak with Noctis once he's conscious. The old king been waiting for Noctis to arise the entire time judging from the half consumed cup of coffee on the table.

There's a second warm black mug beside it made for Noctis. It should be room temperature by now.]

Ah, I think it's set. [He mutters once he lets go of Noctis pitiful nose.] Gladiolus has a very strong right hook.

[ Noctis feels his nose snap back into place, and the searing pain that follows is damn-near unbearable. Once Regis lets go, he leans forward, holding his hands to his face for a moment while the room continues to spin faster from the rush it causes. Noctis can't focus on Regis' questions, and it takes him a while to even continue the conversation. ]

[ He huffs. ]

I got a few good hits in. It's nothing.

[Regis shakes his head as he leans towards the table to fetch his mug. He gives Noctis some time to gain his bearings after that horrific ordeal and the silence needed to clear his head. Ordinarily any father would be utmost livid with the party involved in harming their son and on some extent; Regis is quite agitated. However, he considers both Noctis and Gladiolus to be his sons; the latter being a like a son to him thanks to his deep friendship with Clarus.]

[That's why Regis isn't exactly angry with Gladiolus. He's more frustrated with the situation as a whole. None of this nonsense should be happening and the fact that it is annoys him. It annoys him to his very core but Regis, for better or for worse, is quite patient.]

Let us begin this conversation anew without the need for white lies.

[The warning within his tone is evident.]

What transpired, Noctis?

[ Noctis can't even look at his father right now, to be completely honest. He accepts the mug of coffee, and merely adjusts himself so he's sitting with his legs cross on the couch. The prince stares down into the cup, lips pressed into a fine line. ]

I don't want to talk about it. I told you that.

[The prince probably can't see out of his right eye well enough to look at Regis right now. That's how bad Gladiolus socked the young man. It's a nasty bruise to bear witness.]

Noct. [He frowns a little as he lowers his mug. Maybe pushing Noctis to speak will lead to near hysterics but Regis desperately wants to know what's happening with his son. He knows that Noctis isn't doing well given their last tense conversation but now this? Regis has a right be concerned.]

Look at me. [He sets his mug upon the table again.] What could be so dire that you won't even speak with your own father?

[ With his eyelid being fairly swollen, Regis is right to assume that he can't see very well from that side. But Noctis prefers it that way, not quite able to look his father in the eye. He attempts taking a sip of his coffee, but there's a leftover taste of blood in his mouth that makes it foul. He wrinkles his nose as he sets the mug back down. ]

[ Regis uses that tone... Not one of kingly demeanor, but one suggesting a disappointed and angry father. Noctis only fondly recalls it as the tone that usually introduced his being grounded. ]

[ In this context, he just... Can't. Talking about how he's been feeling this entire time seems both horrifying and too heavy to have the energy for it. But he feels extremely torn when Regis tries to get him to fess up about what Gladio had called him out on. Noctis continues to stare on, feeling his throat threaten to close up and his chest to tighten. Noctis' hands clench at his knees, taking in a sharp breath through his nose. ]

[ It's not right that he keeps things from his father, especially in knowing he could be taken away from him any day now. That fact alone makes his blood boil, but he finally looks to Regis. ]

This.

[ He gestures at Regis, at the rest of the apartment with the wave of his hand. ]

This is all dire, Dad. And it's all on me to take care of it. Gladio doesn't think I'm doing enough. So we fought.

[ Noctis quickly looks away, attempting to crack his neck when he realizes how stiff it is from the fight. ]

Can we just leave it there?

['This.' The answer confuses Regis at first. It takes the old king a moment to understand but once he does, his throat goes dry.

This. All of this.

The king sits there stunned. His expression is torn somewhere in between gloom and anger for the brief moment until finally the gloom overtakes him. The dead have no need for anger, especially when there's nothing they can do change their fate. No wonder his son is so angry, so...torn. Regis made no illusion that things would stay like they are but he's hurt nonetheless just at the thought of being separated from his son again. It's enough to make him sick but he won't admit it.

No, he can't admit to the soulcrushing sorrow that keeps trying to take ahold of him. Not while Noctis and his "brothers" are here. Not while Lunafreya still relies upon him to be inspiration he once was. Regis can't breakdown and let that sorrow claim him, not now or ever. Yet despite it all, Regis does feel himself unravel a little at the thought of Noctis having to leave him someday.

The Chosen King must bring back the Light. Noctis is their only hope, the only one who could stop the Long Night that comes. Regis knows this since he forseen it long ago thanks to the Crystal's light.

He knows what Noctis must do but that doesn't make this any less painful.]

...Noct. [His voice is quiet and lacking of the brief fit of annoyance he felt earlier.] Gladiolus is right.

Our renewed time together was bound to be brief.

Edited 2017-02-19 16:50 (UTC)

He doesn't get it!

[ Noctis spits out his argument promptly after Regis, voice hoarse and volume raised. He can't help but feel defensive and argumentative when being forced to face all of this in such a way. And the anger on his features is very much there, even if it's not directed at Regis entirely. ]

[ The prince slams his hand on the armrest of the couch, attempting to stand abruptly. And the shift is extremely hard on his sore body, where Noctis visibly cringes and hisses at the pain. So he draws back in on himself, collapsing back down and placing his hand on his forehead. His head is throbbing painfully, the room still spinning. ]

I don't want to talk about it anymore.

Noctis!

[He's on his feet in mere seconds once his son falls back onto the couch.]

You shouldn't be so hasty! You're wounded. [Gods, Gladiolus. Did you really have to beat him up so badly? A deep sigh escapes Regis as he moves into the kitchen to fetch some ice for Noctis. They need to get the swelling down quickly.]

Fears can be easily overcome with hope, Noctis. As long as hope lingers within you still, you can overcome the crippling fear that claims you.

Edited 2017-02-20 05:33 (UTC)

[ Gladiolus definitely did a number on him, and Noctis only regrets it as far as he couldn't do a better job. He's out of shape, that much is certain. But thinking about that on top of everything else seems to piss him off more. He's stuck on the couch, practically seething in the face of everything. He sits still as Regis fetches the ice. ]

I'm not scared.

[ That's a lie. ]

If everyone would stop trying to read me like a damn book today, I'd really appreciate it.

You're a poor liar, son. [Regis comments a second later once he places the ice within a plastic bag.] Anyone with eyes could tell you're terrified. Fear is a healthy emotion to have but you've let it consume you.

[He pauses for a moment as he returns to the living room carrying the ice filled bag. The old king gives Noct a quick glance before commanding the boy to scoot over. He sits down upon the edge of the sofa as he places the ice upon Noctis' forehead.]

Maybe if you stopped pretending everything is fine, then maybe we'll stop reading through your nonsense.

[ Noctis falls silent at being called a liar, his eyes glazing over when he starts to feel too tired in the face of all this. It's frustrating, hurtful, and with the way he attempts to mentally check out? It's pretty clear that he's about had it. But it's because he doesn't want to lash out at his father that he resigns to being silent. ]

[ But that anger is starting to come to a boil, especially when Regis so plainly says he's pretending everything is fine. ]

[ Though he faces Regis while he places the ice on his forehead, his eyes are deliberately looking away from him. Lips pressed in a fine line. ]

[A faint smile curves at Regis' lips once Noctis goes silent. He knew he hit the nail on the head with his last remark. The poor man is lying to not only himself but everyone around him. It's quite unsightly but Regis isn't without any sympathy here. He's Noctis' father after all. Out of everyone here in this handsome spacious apartment, Regis knows Noctis best. That's why he doesn't get angry or frustrated when the prince falls silent.]

I know you're angry with me and I'm sorry-- [He whispers softly as he soothes that messy black bird's nest that Noctis insists is hair.] But you need to hear the truth, son. You've let yourself fall to the wayside here in this oddity of a city.

[His brows knit together with worry now.]

Make no illusion that I don't understand your fear but I don't want you to succumb to it.

[ He doesn't want to hear the truth. Not now, not ever. And he can't help the defiant sort of scoff as Regis continues to tend over Noctis. The prince refrains from confirming that he's angry at his father, finding himself incapable of doing so. But that desire is very much there, and it takes everything in him not to snap. ]

I told you.

I don't. Want. To talk about it.

[ He's standing his ground on this, still doing everything that he can to avoid it. ]

Are we done?

[A frustrated sigh escapes Regis as he tries to keep some semblance calm here. Try as he might to reach through to Noctis, the boy is being stubborn as all hell. It would be endearing if Regis isn't slowly being driven mad by it. That legendary patience is waning and quickly.]

No, we are not done here. You haven't heard a single word I've said, have you?

[He stares at Noctis with growing frustration now. Just what will it take to reach him?]

Edited 2017-02-20 07:07 (UTC)

[ Noctis scowls as he finally shoves Regis' hand away from his face, pushing away the ice. ]

The problem is I have heard every single word.

[ The prince makes another attempt to stand, slowly doing so despite himself. He hisses as his back starts to crack, the rest of him incredibly sore. ]

[The glare that Regis gives this impudent brat is one that borderlines on malevolent for that rude shove. His legendary patience has been pushed too thin.]

You ungrateful cur! [Regis stands quickly as he reaches for the front of Noctis' shirt in a fit of pure frustration.] Was my faith in you ill-placed? Did I fail as a father instill some sense of morals within that thick skull of yours?

[He questions harshly as he tries to cut through whatever hubris plagues the youth.]

Are you that scared to face the truth? Noctis, everyone here has made a sacrifice and everyone here supports you for the sake of a greater good! We hold faith in you and yet you hold no faith in yourself?

[He's beyonds conversing now, his voice gradually getting louder and louder until he's damn near yelling at Noctis. Try as he might to find calm again, Regis simply can't. He's completely livid with the boy, almost to the point of rage.]

Was my sacrifice in vain, child? Was Lunafreya's sacrifice also in vain? What of your companions? Your friends, your brothers! Is their sacrifice in vain too?! Will you do nothing and let Eos fall into ruin while you sit comfortably here?

[He pauses briefly.]

...Will you shame the entire royal line just for your mere comforts?!

As if I didn't know in the first place!

[ Noctis gives back just as much as his father gives, mostly because the sudden rise in Regis' voice both mortifies the prince and hurts him. None of this is words he hasn't heard before, or thought before. And he's certainly been horrified of completely disgracing the Caelum line. That much has plagued him since well before the fall of Insomnia. ]

[ At this point, he's able to stand, but by nothing short of a miracle. Everything hurts the instant Noctis straightens up, and it shows in the way he's broken out in a sweat. But once this train has started, there's no stopping. ]

So what if I am scared?! Everyone expects me to just get over it and have everything solved [ Noctis snaps his fingers ] just like that!

I get it, I know what my job is, but it's like everyone around me forgets that I'm still human! I was expected to just straighten up and deal with it when I hadn't seen you in months, and what happens when I finally do?

It's over a damn public monitor where you're stuck to a cane!

They murdered you, and I strapped myself up and moved on. I moved on, Dad. I pulled it together and sucked it up because I had no other choice, and now you're in front of me again, and somehow I'm supposed to just deal with the fact that I have to voluntarily throw you back to the dead again?!

[ He's talking so quickly, so loudly, that his words nearly smash together. Noctis normally prefers to stay quiet, to keep his sentences short and sweet. But Regis has essentially teased the bull. ]

Give me a break for once!

[Somewhere between Noctis' ranting and his thundering heartbeat, Regis' hand slips free of Noctis' shirt and falls limpy at his side. The old king falls quiet as Noctis speaks, his mind almost numb from the words spoken. He mutely stares at his son unaware of the hot tears gathered there. His heart aches something fierce now, almost as it had shattered from the weight of his anger and sorrow both. He feels sick, hell, even disgusted with himself now. Regis looks so awful now, so pale and defeated.]

[A pitiful silence lingers between the two Caelums as Regis tries to say something -anything- but the words don't come. They get stuck in his throat each time he tries to mutter them. It's not until the last attempt does Regis realize what he says to Noct had brought him to tears.]

Yes. [He answers at last.] Because I'm dead...and gone, Noctis. I'm gone, never to...return.

[ Noctis' heart is just as broken-- Reduced to ash, actually. The way Regis merely deflates in front of him seems to seal that deal, bring the point home that not only is Noctis not doing what he should be, he's hurting his father in the process. It just seems that Noctis is piling embarrassment upon himself one person after another, and it only serves to make his anger spike. ]

[ He takes a deep breath, the exhale shaken as he tries so very hard to fight off the tears. When he speaks, his voice cracks. ]

And standing right in front of me.

[ Noctis gestures towards Regis. ]

You just expect me to be completely settled with that? Huh? Just immediately ready to lose you a second time.

[ Noctis had managed to storm out of the apartment quickly after a rather unexpected argument with Lunafreya. His blood had still been hot, body tense and sore, but that didn't stop him from rushing off to the furthest bit of forest he could run to. ]

[ He gets it-- He knows what his duty is. What awaits him in Eos. Never once did Noctis wish to completely abandon his fate and his duty. While he never had the opportunity to even attempt escaping what awaited him in his future, he couldn't help but become attached to the idea of being stuck here in Hadriel. His complacency had been completely unexpected, almost too easy to sink into and adjust to. But it's something that he hadn't even realized was going on, and realizing that everything would be ripped away from him eventually is both absolute and horrifying. Noctis had gotten attached to the idea of his father and Lunafreya being with him again, of he and Lunafreya no longer being separated. ]

[ That fear of abandonment and failure has crept up on him so quickly, there's no escape. And Noctis finds himself running from something that will eventually catch up to him. There is no running. The gods had written his destiny long ago, and no amount of travel or change will stop it. One way or another, his destiny will take those he loves away from him again. ]

[ And that horrifies him. His fit of defiance and defensiveness had been unexpected on his end, but there is no redo for the way he raised his voice at Luna or how he struck Gladio. There is no turning back to the disagreements he's had with his father, and he promised to beseech the gods that govern this world on his behalf. He can't forget that, but he so very much wants to. ]

[ Somehow, in that fit of remaining rage, Noctis had taken out quite a few trees and stones with what parts of his Arminger had been available. It was as if he sought to drain the rest of his energy to somehow force himself into a state of exhaustion so he couldn't think about it anymore. Yet all it managed to do was drain his anger for it to be replaced by crushing depression and fear. ]

[ By the time Noctis falls to his knees in the center of the destruction he'd wrought upon the trees, he doesn't realize how hard he's been crying. His throat becomes sore from the hoarse sobbing he'd allowed to escape his lips in the silence that surrounded him. The screaming questions of why it had to be him that go unanswered until he resorts to silence. ]

[ At this time, he's sitting on his knees, staring at the Ring of the Lucii that he's temporarily taken off to stare at with a blank face that is still battered and bruised. Eyes that have glazed over, red and puffy. ]

[prompto had been messing around with his camera in the living room space of their temporary home when the arguments started. he felt caught, as if he shouldn't be here. in a way, he felt that way. no one seemed to notice him, even as noctis stormed off and away.]

[his conversation with gladiolus a few nights ago is part of the reason why he's encouraged enough as to pocket his camera, boot up, and head after noctis. he tells no one and neither does he ask for permission. it's unfortunate, though, that noctis can move with quicker efficiency than prompto can--magic or not--and the unknown terrain did give the to-be king of lucis that advantage over him.]

[but it doesn't take long to find him; determined as prompto could be, he didn't stop until he found sight (or sound) of where noctis could possibly be at. unfortunately a bunch of trees had to suffer over his losing track of the other.]

[prompto doesn't call out to his best friend. instead, he makes it obvious that he is there by stepping over the noisiest of branches and leaves, and upon reaching noctis, puts his hands over his shoulder, then gets down on his knees, too, at his brother's side, arm over his shoulders.]

[he's worried; noctis is in so much pain.]

[...but prompto steels himself. tightens his hold around the other. they hadn't held a normal, easy-going conversation just the two of them in what feels like months. but, despite that, prompto knows exactly where he stands.]

Hey. Noct.

[get used to him; that's what the blond needs from the king now.]

[ Noctis sits in silence for a moment, and he almost doesn't notice that Prompto has found him until he feels an arm around him. In fact, he's so deep into his empty mind that he flinches in a startled fashion. But it passes rather quick. His gaze briefly shifts to Prompto, then quickly looks away, where his free hand lifts up to wipe at his tears. A pained exhale shows that he's still very much screwed up after the fight with Gladio and the wreckage he's just caused. ]

[ He acknowledges Prompto at first with just a brief hum, sitting in another bout of silence as he lets his friend hang on. The affection isn't lost on him, but he can't muster up the energy to return it. Finally, he sighs, slamming the ring onto the ground. ]

I screwed up.

[ He admits it. Prompto is likely the only one he feels somewhat comfortable doing so in front of. His voice is hoarse, almost gone entirely from his shouting. ]

[this much is fine, especially with the admittance to being weaker than what he appears. noctis hates admitting such a thing, even in jest.]

[his arm moves from being wrapped around noctis' shoulder downwards, to press gently but firmly against his back, hand gripping at his jacket a bit. prompto can hardly imagine putting himself in his best friend's shoes, but he knows him enough to understand the kind of frustration that builds up so easily inside him, and sometimes it just needs to burst out. prompto sits more comfortably on his legs, not trying to keep himself up on his knees anymore.]

I heard.

[is what he says instead, quietly. it sucks that his best friend is going through so much and there's so little prompto can do to make it go away. if there is anything he can do at all.]

Gladio really didn't hold back...

[he almost touches noctis' nose, where it's all bruised up, but doesn't. instead, he looks down at the hand keeping the ring slammed down onto the ground.]

What's wrong?

[it's an invitation, to have noctis open up--as if to say that he won't be interrupted. prompto is here to listen to him through to the end.]

[ He could laugh at the question. It's practically a loaded one, potential to have Prompto and him sitting here for hours. And he's not sure if he's completely against that. But he doesn't laugh, doesn't smile, simply stares off to try and mull over the words. It's clear that Prompto isn't here to judge him or lecture him on what's right and wrong; that isn't Prompto. ]

Tch.

[ The click of his tongue is mostly directed at the comment to the damage Gladio left behind. ]

[ His best friend has never held his status first. Noctis was the prince last when it came to his and Prompto's friendship, and it's likely because of this that he feels so comfortable in admitting where he's screwed up. The tension starts to soften the longer the blonde boy sits near him, seemingly increased with the affection he brings. Noctis couldn't be more thankful for his company. ]

[ He sighs when he finally finds some words in his head. ]

None of this is right. It's never been right.

This is the most time I've spent with my dad... Ever. Longest I've even seen Luna. Knowing that once I walk through that Door, it's done with?

[ Noctis shakes his head, then promptly puts his face in his hand. ]

I don't want to. I know I don't have a choice, but...

[ Softer: ]

It's not fair.

[it... had come to prompto's late understanding the role noctis would take in terms of his own destiny and fate. when prompto befriended noctis, he never expected to--lose his friend. the roadtrip and the wedding, albeit a dangerous journey, were like a fun trip. a coming of age kind of thing.]

[he never expected to find himself without a home to return to, without a king, without ever meeting lunafreya, ignis blind, his own grip on reality a joke, and noctis floundering under the pressure of everything he's supposed to carry all by himself. at least prompto knows enough to not intervene in what the six have thought out, but it's ridiculous how much it's not fair resonates with him, too.]

I don't want you to either.

[is what he finally admits, an unhappy twinge to his voice]

I... I want you to be my friend, forever. So, I want you to be happy, and not be burdened by--everything.

Noct.

[from 0 to 100, prompto is all of a sudden growing upset very easily]

Do you remember, when the scariest thing we had in a day was completing the Physics homework minutes before the class started? Or studying all weekend for an Accounting exam we failed anyway? I wish... we could go back to those days...

[where everything was so much simpler]

[his voice bubbles, as he forces his eyes closed to avoid straight up crying. his next words, although not meant to be directed at noctis, might hit a solid nerve.]

I don't care how selfish it is.

[noctis isn't the only one who is thinking like this, basically]

...though I know we can't go back.

[ Noctis can't help but weakly smile and laugh to the mention of their exams. Honestly, he would kill to have only homework assignments and cram school to worry about again. Living as normal as possible was all he had back then, and even if it took away time from his father and from Lunafreya? At least he was completely ignorant to the future he would soon have. ]

[ His hand drops from his face, head leaning back to stare up at the void that is the cave that goes on forever. Noctis is so extremely grateful for Prompto's dreamy perspective, that it manages to calm his nerves. ]

At least you said it. Not me.

[ Well, he pretty much did. Less in words and more in action. ]

[ Noctis guilt starts to get him again, killing that brief moment of comfort. The prince begins to wear a blank gaze yet again, looking forward. His legs cross, and he looks back to the ring that lies in the dirt now. ]

Am I... Really not doing enough?

[that's how they work, don't they? one expresses what the other can't bring himself to (it's usually prompto speaking up). prompto rubs at the back of his head, before letting his hands fall onto his lap.]

Hell if I know...

[a hard question to answer; prompto doesn't know what "enough" is, or isn't. all he knows is that--is that although their story has a predetermined ending, it's not here. it's in eos, painful and heavy as it might be.]

You never really excelled at proactivity back in school. [he shoots noctis a smile, then lightly smacks the other's knee] Do you think you're doing enough?

[...]

[he hums]

Lady Lunafreya is a lot prettier than I ever imagined.

[tackling the beast in the room immediately]

[ Part of Prompto's charm is his lack of propriety and his laid back behavior. While Noctis isn't necessarily seeking validation from his friend, he can't help but desperately reach for reassurance or something lighthearted from him. Everything has been so heavy lately, and even if Prompto is able to point something like that out, it never seems as bad when he's the one to say it. ]

[ Still, the prince looks to Prompto with tired eyes and a sort of deflated posture. The pat on his knee isn't ignored, but only glanced at as he tries to mull over the question. He isn't exactly wrong about Noctis' lack of being proactive. He's been lazy as can be pretty much his entire life, but he hadn't thought his behavior here was due to laziness. He thought, sincerely, that he was doing the right thing for his loved ones. Prompto makes a remark about Lunafreya before he can even really try to answer. ]

Hmph.

[ The scoff is as lighthearted as he can get right now, but he at least smiles. Without divulging any information about his relationship with Luna, he still shakes his head. ]

She's out of your league.

Edited 2017-02-19 00:48 (UTC)

Eh? What's with that! I know she's out of my league... You don't have to rub it in. Besides, [he may initially have sounded angry, but his voice breaks away to amusement seeping through, even more so with the smile on his face] she's your bethro.. [yikes, tongue twist] betrothed.

I wouldn't dream of getting between that. Still... I'm happy I can finally meet her, despite the circumstances...

[it's clear that prompto holds a love for lunafreya that is more along the lines that a brother would to an older sister, and nothing more.]

[sighing, prompto presses his forehead to noctis' arm, rubbing at the other for a bit in an annoyingly way, albeit a weak show of strength; tired and upset, these are sentiments noctis is probably also very familiar with at this point]

...Noct. It's okay if you don't want to talk about some things yet. [pulls himself up] It's been a lot to take in. I just... Just don't keep it to yourself, please? I'm here for you now, and always.

[he leans to his side, to look up at the other's face from an angle]

We walk together as far as we can go, right?

Edited 2017-02-19 20:40 (UTC)

[ Noctis is hardly jealous, nor does he feel threatened by Prompto's knack for falling head over heels for most girls he meets. It's more a joke than anything else, and Noctis doesn't harp on it. Last thing he wants is to appear jealous, or to even allude that something is going on between him and Luna. At least not right away. ]

[ Prompto at least gets a bit of a laugh out of Noctis, which is a step forward. He changes the subject back to the matter at hand for now, and while it rips that smile away from him, the tension is significantly less heavy and tight. Noctis relaxes as Prompto continues his affections, given that he's rather used to them after all these years. He doesn't quite return it, as he normally does, but he nods. ]

Yeah. I'll try.

[ To be more open and honest. To not let all of this overwhelm him in the face of his duty and fate. The hand over the ring he'd so inappropriately slammed into the ground gathers it back up, and Noctis looks at it for a moment before settling on putting it back on. It bears no strength in this world, so there is no pain when he puts it on. But muscle memory still makes his brow twitch a touch in discomfort. It's the principal of the thing, and the prince sighs when the ring is back where it should be. ]

Move forward. It's all I can do at this point. So long as I have you guys? I'll manage.

[ Noctis straightens, his soreness getting to him again and causing him to visibly cringe. The prince taps Prompto with the back of his hand, gesturing towards himself. ]

Help me up?

[prompto smiles as the words that come out of noctis are more optimistic than what they were a moment before--than what his actions have denoted in the vicinity so far. he doesn't need to be told twice, either, to help noctis up to his feet, an arm around his shoulders to help the other balance himself.]

Nothing's going to keep us apart. Not even being here did, however that happened.

[it takes no rocket scientist to try and turn something grim into something pleasant, and prompto is a master at it, even if it's a ridiculous notion they can allow themselves to have for a small amount of time.]

[suddenly serious, he takes a careful step to exit the area, slowly, for noctis' sake and for the prince to figure out his pace.]]

...and even if something did, we'd never stop trying to reach you.

[ As Noctis is assisted in being lifted, he can't control the pained sort of hiss that follows. Everything hurts He's bruised from head to toe, and this little outburst in the woods has done him no favors. Prompto's assistance is greatly appreciated, but boy he can't help but complain. ]

Damn it, Gladio.

[ He groans, but manages to get on his feet. At the remark Prompto makes, however, he softens. ]

Yeah, [ He exhales the word ] Don't... Know what I'd do without you guys, honestly.

Hey.

[ Noctis looks to Prompto, face dirty and bruised. ]

Thanks for... Y'know, not treating me like royalty all the time.

[that kind of comment is one that others have always told prompto that is one of his redeeming qualities in noctis' eyes: to not treat him as royalty. to hear it directly from noctis makes him--feel embarrassed, quite honestly.]

[he dismisses that feeling with a grin, and a playful rub over noctis' face.]

[dude, you're all dirty and messed up]

Implying I can't be friends with royalty?

[a quiet chuckle follows, the arm around noctis' shoulders steady, the other holding onto the other's wrist to keep him balanced. they're going to head back 'home,' at least the one they can call so while here.]

You're my friend first, prince second. No matter what--that's just how it is.

[a genuine sentiment from him]

And, as your friend, I suggest we get your royal mess cleaned up when we get back.

[ Noctis scoffs, despite the way he wears a weak little smile to Prompto's response. That, and the way he starts to rub at his dirty face. Playfully, he smacks away that hand. ]

You know what I meant.

[ Despite that, he laughs. Even though he feels like shit, he's bruised and battered to high hell, and honestly just wants a nap. ]

Sounds good. I'm all sticky and gross.

It's a good thing I got your back, then.

[literally.]

[but, prompto's quite satisfied with the fact that he got noctis to laugh despite all the anger and frustration that seemed to have been stewing inside him for a while. as it were, prompto takes it upon himself to make light conversation, reminiscing about better days, happier days; of silly quests or maybe a dumb injury he got during a battle, or-- or simply mentioning cindy and his otherwise undying love, and chocobos...]

[whatever fills up dead air and lingering silences, as they make their way back to their home.]

[prompto's not sure they'll run into anyone, but they're fortunate enough to make it towards the bathroom without interruption. he sets noctis down on the side of the tub, and make sure his friend doesn't tip on back before letting go of his hold.]

Dude, are you gonna need some help? --do you have spare clothes, even?

[ OTA! ]

The crown weighs heavy ;; Closed to FFXV Cast

Noctis and Regis || Post - Gladio Fight

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Noctis and Prompto || Post - Argument with Lunafreya

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Open to entire cast. Potpourri! Post Gladio fight, Lunafreya argument, and discussion with Prompto!