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Prompto doesn’t know if he’ll ever actually be ready to accept the knowledge that when he turns twenty-one, he’ll have to fulfil his duty as Prince of Niflheim and marry some foreign royal that his father arranged for him to marry in the name of unity.He envies the commoners who can marry for love while he has to marry a complete stranger that will no doubt have nothing in common with him. He’s not even allowed to meet or get to know them beforehand until the day of the wedding—and at the altar, no less.He knows absolutely nothing about them. He doesn’t know whether they’re male or female, what type of shifter they are, not even their freaking name or what nation they’re from. The only thing he does know is that they’ll be an omega.He knows his little disappearing act won’t last forever. He knows sooner or later Aranea will find him. He left home with the pretence of wanting to travel and see the world for a while to have a normal teenage life. His father had agreed, and he left on the first drop ship out of there and left his brother Loqi to deal with his father when he inevitably forgets he gave his permission for him to leave.His father had granted him one year abroad, but it’s been three years since he left home, and he doesn’t regret disobeying his father one bit. Over the past three years, he’s seen everything there is to see between Niflheim and Insomnia. He managed to get across the country without revealing his identity with forged documentation that Aranea had made for him when he needed to remain incognito.Thank the Astrals for Aranea. His shield is an angel disguised as a demon, although he imagines she must be pretty pissed that he’s using his false ID to travel without leaving a trail behind him.Ravens are clever birds; she’ll find him eventually. It’s not like he’s hiding. He got accepted into Insomnia College with his real credentials without any problems. Insomnia has the best photography program in the world, and he’s not the first foreign royal to attend there. It won’t take Aranea long to figure out where he is, if she doesn’t already know and is just biding her time; watching him from a distance.An unnerving thought, Prompto thinks to himself with a shudder, eyeing his surroundings like he expects Aranea to jump out as though she’s been summoned by his thoughts alone. It wouldn’t be the first time.As long as he makes it to Altissia for his wedding day, he should be fine. If not, well… he’s dead. Deader than dead. His father will send his furry ass all the way to the astral plane if his mate-to-be doesn’t do it first for not showing up and leaving them alone at the altar.He just wants more time; time he’s quickly running out of as the date of his wedding approaches and graduation looms a few weeks away. He’ll have to say goodbye to all his new friends. Say goodbye to—Prompto is jolted from his thoughts with a startled yelp as the weight of a body crashes into him from behind, and he goes sprawling into the grass. Prompto flails, trying to get his hands and knees under him. His instincts scream at him to get back onto his feet and fight off the attack, but the weight on his back keeps him pinned down.Warm breath puffs into his ear, and he struggles against the clawed hands pinning his shoulders to the ground. He snarls furiously, hoping it will frighten whoever attacked him into retreating, but sharp teeth nip at his pointed ear in warning, and Prompto freezes. His ear flicks back to lay flat against his skull protectively as he frantically tries to come up with a way to get out of this without using his Armiger and harming a Lucian citizen. That would look just great on his otherwise spotless record.“Got you.” A voice whispers in his ear.
Noctis.
Prompto’s body goes limp with relief, his thundering heartbeat slowly calming and going back to its normal rhythm now that he knows he’s not in any actual danger.“Dude, what the fuck,” Prompto complains, huffing when Noctis lowers himself to lay on top of him. “I thought we talked about the pouncing.”“Did we? I don’t remember,” Noctis says innocently, feigning ignorance.Prompto folds his arms and rests his chin atop his forearms, his tail wagging traitorously between his legs at Noctis’ close proximity. His tail thumps against the ground when he feels Noctis rub his chin against his hair and start purring. Prompto finds himself closing his eyes and basking in the moment as Noctis relaxes against him.“You better not be thinking about taking a nap on me,” Prompto warns, opening his eyes before he risks doing exactly what he’s chastising Noctis for. He may have a free period, but Noctis doesn’t. “I know you have another class in half an hour.”“Urg, don’t remind me,” Noctis groans.Prompto’s ears flick back, shock winding its way through his body as a course tongue drags across his pointed ear; barely concealing a shiver that the action provokes. Noctis’ tiny claws dig into his shoulders slightly as he leans forward to groom the fur on top of his head and nip at his ears.“Noct,” Prompto whines, shaking his head to dislodge him. “Stop that.”Noctis growls low in the back of his throat, and Prompto knows that the feline is just going to ignore his weak complaint and keep grooming him until he’s satisfied that Prompto’s fur comes out sleek and shining.“I’m not a cat, you know.”“Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot wolves don’t groom each other.” Prompto can practically hear Noctis rolling his eyes as he delivers that sarcastic remark.“We do.” Prompto sighs, finally relenting to Noctis’ ministrations, resolving to once again bury the longing and affection that bubble up inside of him. He doesn’t want to scare off his best friend because he’s gone and done something incredibly stupid—like falling in love with the omega prince when they’ve both already been promised to someone else.Noctis already has an alpha out there waiting for the day to wed him. He feels wrong letting Noctis groom him without truly knowing what it means to him. He’s taking advantage of Noctis by not saying anything, especially when Noctis only grooms and scents him to be friendly.“It’s just…” Prompto hesitates, psyching himself up to finally tell Noctis what all the grooming and scent marking is doing to him without revealing that his inner alpha wants to roll them over and claim him as his mate every time Noctis does this. “Usually grooming is for pups and… close friends.”Noctis’ body goes rigid above him, and Prompto closes his eyes with a wince; regretting opening his big, stupid mouth.“I thought we were close friends,” Noctis says quietly, his emotions leaking into his scent and turning it sour. Noctis’ weight leaves his back, and Prompto bites back a whine at the loss.“We are!” Prompto insists, rolling over and sitting up to face Noct; who is staring fixatedly at the ground and plucking grass out by the handful. “We are friends! You’re my best friend.”Noctis frowns unhappily, lifting his gaze to meet his. “Then why do you always shrink away when I try to groom you?”Prompto groans, burying his face in his hands, hoping that it will help cover the blush rising to his cheeks.“I… grooming means something different for our species,” Prompto says haltingly, peeking at Noctis through his fingers.Noctis blinks his dark blue eyes at him, confusion evident. “What do you mean?”Noctis is the smartest guy he knows, but he can be surprisingly obtuse when he wants to be.“Grooming isn’t just…y’know, grooming, for us,” Prompto tries, rolling his eyes to the heavens when Noctis still looks like he doesn’t understand why it’s such a big deal to him. “It’s intimate.”“So?” Noctis scoffs, crossing his arms. Prompto swallows, eyes drawn to the claws flexing on Noctis’ bicep which is never a good sign. “How is it any different from me carrying your scent around school? You’ve scent marked me plenty of times, and I’ve worn your clothes.”“But that’s…” Prompto hesitates, worrying that Noctis will take this the wrong way and get more upset than he already is. He’s aware of how people already look at them; mistaking them for being in a relationship by how much they smell like they’ve rolled around in each other’s bed. Wearing his clothes is just the tip of the iceberg. “Aren’t you worried about what your people think? You’re royalty, Noct. You know how people love to gossip.”“So are you. Since when did hanging out with me bother you?” Noctis hisses, his ears pressing back against his skull. Prompto can see Noctis’ claws leaving indents in his leather jacket, threatening to puncture holes in the fabric. “If you don’t want me to groom you anymore, fine. I didn’t realize that would be the deal-breaker for our friendship.”“It’s not!” Prompto exclaims, wanting to pull on his hair out of pure stress. “That’s not it at all! I wouldn’t—I’d let—I mean—” Prompto stutters, stumbling over his words; trying to explain and reassure Noct all at once and failing. “There are other wolves in school with us, that’s all!”“Who cares?” Noctis scowls. “What does that have to do with anything? Are you afraid to have your wolfy buddies see a feline groom you? I didn’t think you were prejudiced, but I guess I was wrong.”“No!” Prompto growls, flexing his fingers and shaking out his hand when his own claws sprout out of their nailbeds. He’s really got to get that aggression under control before he really does frighten Noct. “It’s for potential mates, okay!?! Wolves don’t just groom each other casually like you do unless they’re courting! There’s nothing casual about what we’ve been doing, that’s why I don’t want other wolves to see!”Prompto sees the exact moment Noctis’ furious expression shifts into one of pure shock. Noctis goes stiff, his sleek black tail hanging frozen in the air as he stares at him with wide eyes. Noctis’ mouth opens and closes, gaping at him in stunned silence, struck speechless.Prompto knows he’s going to start babbling and spewing out all his thoughts with no filter with how much his mind is spinning with all the times Noctis has unwittingly propositioned him, but he can’t stop now that he’s started.“All the scent marking and grooming, stealing my clothes to wear, and not to mention stealing all my blankets to make a fucking nest on my couch when you sleep over—which don’t get me wrong, I love that you feel safe and comfortable enough to do that at my den—but it drives me freaking crazy!” Prompto exclaims, making a conscious effort to stop his voice from rising and drawing attention to them.Noctis’ cheeks slowly turn pink, the color spreading down his collar as his ears begin to flick nervously. His tail curls around his thigh in a way that makes Prompto think of when he himself is nervous or scared and tucks his tail between his legs.“Wolves are possessive and territorial creatures, Noct. Do you have any idea how much you fuck with my instincts?” Prompto says, gentling his tone and doing his best to reign back in his scent; acutely aware of how intense it has gotten, and how Noctis is starting to shrink back in uncertainty. “It makes me think you want me. That you want me to scent mark you and groom you so everyone knows your mine, and we both know that isn’t true.”Noctis covers his face with his hands and makes a mewling sound that Prompto has never heard Noctis make before.“Oh my god,” Noctis mumbles into the palms of his hands. Noctis slowly raises his head to meet his eyes, his cheeks much darker than they were moments before. “I’m so sorry. I—I didn’t mean—fuck. I didn’t know!”“It’s okay,” Prompto says softly, taking the rejection as gracefully as he can. He knows Noctis didn’t know what he was doing. If he had, he never would have done any of it.Noctis makes a distressed sound. “No! No, it’s not! I didn’t mean to-to make it seem like I was—like I was leading you on. Because I would never do that to you! I’m not—I’m not that kind of omega.”“It’s okay, Noct,” Prompto sighs, emotionally exhausted from his outburst. It was a long time coming, and he’s relieved to finally have it out in the open, embarrassing as it is. He could go for a nice long nap curled up in his den right about now. “I know you’re not. I know you weren’t doing it on purpose.”“Why—” Noctis licks his lips, and Prompto’s eyes immediately fall to track the movement before darting away guiltily. “Why didn’t you say something sooner if what I was doing was bugging you? I would have stopped if I had understood.”“It—” Prompto stops, unsure whether this is something he should be admitting aloud or not. “It’s not you, it’s me. I was just… looking too much into it. I know panthers aren’t like us, so it doesn’t mean the same thing to you as it does for us. It’s my own fault I—” Caught feelings “—didn’t say anything.”“That’s… not entirely true,” Noctis admits slowly, his ears drooping as he casts his eyes down. “I… I steal your clothes because I like smelling like you. A-And the nesting is because I feel safe that you’re there. I haven’t actually nested anywhere else besides my room before… but if it bothers you, you can remove it.”Prompto’s heart thuds in his chest at the quiet admission. He doesn’t know too many omegas, but he knows they don’t nest anywhere they don’t feel safe, and certainly not within the prescience of an alpha they don’t deem trustworthy.If Noctis feels safe enough to build a nest in his den, then like fuck is he going to take it apart. A nest is an omega's safe haven, and even the stupidest alpha knows better than to go anywhere near an omega's nest without permission because it will cause extreme distress to the omega.To completely remove an omegas nest? It’s essentially telling them they’re not welcome and don’t belong there.“No. It’s your nest, and it’ll be there for as long as you want it to be,” Prompto says resolutely, knowing he said the right thing when Noctis looks up at him with something akin to yearning shining in his eyes—but perhaps he’s only seeing what he wants to see.Noctis mouth opens, but the bell that signals the return of classes drowns out Noctis’ words.Prompto makes his way to the library to get some work done, trying to piece together what Noctis had said from the movements of his lips but the only word he could make out is forever.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
There’s a week left before the school year ends, and the whole student body is divided between those who are stressed about exams and those that are stressed about finding dates to prom and deciding what to wear, of all things.Prompto’s stuck somewhere in the middle.He’s much too young to consider the possibility that he’s going through a midlife crisis, but he is in a crisis over whether or not it’s utter madness to ask the crown prince of Insomnia to go to prom as his date.It’s utter madness, Prompto decides as he gazes at his best friend who is currently seated comfortably in the nest that he made for himself on his couch, munching away on Cheetos which he deftly plucks from the bag with his claws.“So… do you have a date to prom?” Prompto asks nonchalantly, a jealous part of him hoping Noctis says no so he won’t have to watch Noctis dance with someone else.“I’m not going to the stupid prom,” Noctis grumbles, eyes riveted to the TV screen. They’re watching the new animal kingdom episode about wild cats that Noct insisted they watch since Prompto always makes him watch the one about chocobos. It’s oddly fitting that this episode is about panthers and jaguars. “Everyone’s going to expect me to dance or give a dumb speech because I’m the prince, and I’d rather stab myself in both feet before I do either of those things.”“Isn’t that a bit extreme?” Prompto snorts, only half paying attention to what the narrator is explaining on the TV about how the big cats select a mate.“No,” Noctis deadpans, turning to look him straight in the eyes with a serious expression. “It’s that dire.”Prompto rolls his eyes. “You can’t be that bad at dancing. I know you’ve had tutors just like I have.”“I hate dancing,” Noctis says with a scowl, turning back to the TV. “It’s stupid and sexist. I like to lead the dance, but because I’m an omega I’m expected to follow and let the alpha do that. Fuck that shit.”“I’d let you lead,” Prompto says before he can think better of it.Noctis turns back to him with wide eyes, a Cheeto falling from his limp fingers. “Really?”Fuck, why not? He’s already dug himself into a hole. Why not dig it a little deeper? It’s not like Noctis isn’t already aware of how much his wolf wants him—how much he wants him.Prompto straightens, pulling his shoulders back as he extends a hand to Noctis. If it trembles because of his nerves, he hopes Noctis doesn’t notice. “Will you do me the honour of being my date to prom? I promise to let you lead and even wear a corsage in your place. I’ll even let you pick it out for me.”Noctis inhales a sharp breath, his lips parting in shock as he openly gawks at him. Prompto waits, leaving his hand hanging between them; giving Noctis time to process everything he just said.Noctis slowly closes his mouth, and Prompto hears Noctis swallow noisily before tentatively placing his hand in his. Prompto dutifully ignores the Cheeto crumbs coating Noctis’ claws.“Are you playing with me right now?” Noctis asks quietly, his hand tightening around his like he’s afraid Prompto will pull away and rescind his offer along with it.“I couldn’t be more serious,” Prompto says sincerely, huffing out a laugh when Noctis tugs him by the arm into a hug, upending the bag of Cheetos all over his nest. He curls his arms around Noctis’ waist and hugs him back, smiling when Noctis tucks his face into the crook of his neck.“Thank you,” Noctis says it so softly, Prompto has to strain his ears to hear it over the sounds of cats yowling on the TV.“For what?” Prompto responds just as quietly.“For being you.” And even quieter; so quiet that Prompto knows he wasn’t meant to hear it, and his heart shatters into tiny pieces that scatter like a million glittering stars. “I wish you were mine.”Prompto’s heart feels splintered in his chest, beating unevenly; so loud and fast he can hear it through the blood rushing in his ears. There’s no way he misheard what Noct just confessed to him. No way he can misinterpret those five little words that just tilted his world on its axis as anything else.Prompto’s mouth goes dry despite having taken a sip of water not too long ago. He tries to swallow around the sudden obstruction in his throat. It fails, but he doesn’t want to seem rude by coughing, because Noct has just said something pretty damn important.“You—do you really mean that?” Prompto asks shakily, pulling back to look Noctis in the face.Noctis’ eyes have gone wide and he seems a bit pale, though Prompto is still too stunned to think too deeply about the fact that his assumption had been correct; Noctis hadn’t meant for him to hear that.“Yeah,” Noctis confirms, biting his lip and looking away. Noctis clears his throat nervously. “Yeah, I do.”Noctis hesitantly turns his head to face Prompto again. His blue eyes are full of something Prompto isn’t quite sure how to identify. “What about you?”“W-What about me?”“You once told me that I make you feel like I want you, and I do,” Noctis admits quietly, fearful of being rejected. “Do you… feel the same way?”Do you feel the same way, Prompto repeats in his head hysterically. The answer is yes, the answer will always be yes.“You know I do,” Prompto rasps.“Good,” Noctis breathes. “Because I would really like to kiss you now.”Prompto’s eyes widen. “We… Noct, we can’t.”“You don’t want to?” Noctis asks, sounding insecure now.“You know I do,” Prompto laughs. The thought of not wanting to kiss Noct is absurd. “I haven’t exactly been subtle about my feelings, Noct."“Then why not?” Noctis says stubbornly, his eyebrows furrowing. “What’s stopping us?”“Oh, I don’t know, maybe the marriages that have been arranged for us?” Prompto says a little too hysterically. “In a few weeks? To different people?”“Just once,” Noctis whispers, licking his chapped lips. “I would like to know just once what it would be like to kiss an alpha of my choosing.”“But—but what about your mate?” Prompto stutters, trying to be the responsible one and do the honourable thing despite the increasingly difficult temptation to kiss Noctis and show him just how much he wants the same thing.“I’m not mated yet,” Noctis points out, crawling into his lap like he belongs there. “I haven’t sworn any vows, have you?”“N-No, but—”“Then stop overthinking it and kiss me,” Noctis demands, the harshness of his words ruined by the pleading tone in his voice. “Please. Just once. That’s all I’m asking.”Prompto exhales loudly, his hands hovering in the air before gently settling on Noctis’ waist when he deems that a safe enough place to rest his hands. This is new territory for him and the lines of their friendship are suddenly a blur.Prompto tries not to dwell on it as he leans in to close the scant distance between them, the tip of his nose brushing gently against Noctis'. Noctis makes a soft sound when their lips brush together for a fleeting moment before Prompto pulls back.“Okay?” Prompto whispers.“Yeah,” Noctis whispers back, his eyes fluttering open. “Kiss me again?”Prompto always had trouble telling Noctis no, and this time is no different.Noctis' breath catches in his throat when Prompto leans in to press their lips together again before it settles into a sigh as he kisses him back. It's sweet at first, just a chaste press of their lips, but Prompto can feel the heat radiating from Noctis' body, and it quickly makes him yearn for more than the innocent press of their lips.The way Noctis’ claw-tipped fingers curl into his shirt to pull him closer tells him he’s not the only one feeling the rising tension building between them. It's intoxicating, and Prompto feels like he’s going to combust with how much he craves this gorgeous omega in his lap.To Prompto’s surprise, it’s Noct that takes the next step; swiping his tongue tentatively against his bottom lip. Prompto opens for him, shivering at the soft, warm touch of Noctis’ tongue against his.Noctis’ hand slides up his chest to rest on the side of his neck, and he whimpers into the kiss when the scent of cinnamon reaches his nose. The scent of Noctis’ growing arousal is making his head spin, and it doesn’t stop there. Noctis shifts in his lap, kissing him deeper, pressing him back against the couch, and Prompto loses all sense of reason when he feels the evidence of Noctis’ growing arousal against his belly.Prompto doesn’t know why he was so against this. There’s no one here except for them, nothing but the warmth of Noctis’ body against his, and Noctis pulling him ever closer until their bodies are pressed flush together.When Noctis' mouth leaves his own, Prompto doesn't even have the strength to protest. The world around him falls away and it's only Noctis' soft murmur that keeps him grounded."Just once more," Noctis whispers, his voice low and husky, and then he kisses him again; longer and harder.A needy whine builds in Prompto's throat when Noctis finally pulls away, panting for breath. He wants more. Wants more and more, like he always does when they're together.The truth sits between them; a silent testimony of everything they could have been together if only things were different.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The next few weeks pass by in a blur of studying and exams—and in his case—a mad dash to finish the last art few projects that teachers have assigned before the cut-off date.He’s a mess of exhaustion and relief by the time he turns in his last project and is done with the last class of the school semester. He should be happy that he’s graduating with a bachelor’s degree in visual arts with a specialization in photography, and he is, but...Noctis.It always boils down to Noctis.The last thing he expected to find during his travels is love, and he can’t bring himself to regret it even though he knows this won’t have a happy ending for him. That night on his couch last week watching animal kingdom seems so long ago now, and it hurts that he doesn’t know if they’ll have another opportunity for another sleepover before he has to return home.Noctis appears at the top of the staircase, his face brightening when he catches sight of him.Prompto smiles.No, he can’t regret it at all.“Hey!” Prompto grins, playfully bumping their shoulders together when Noctis reaches his side. “How’s it feel to finally be done with college?”“Like a million bucks,” Noctis grins back, sticking to his side as they make their way through the crowded hallways; students rushing to the busses or their rides home to prepare for prom later tonight.“You feel like a million bucks now, but just wait until you get into your tux for prom tonight!” Prompto hoots. “Then you’ll feel like a million bucks!”Noctis rolls his eyes. “I’ve worn tuxedos before, you know. Anyways, who says I’m wearing a tux?”“Oh c’mon!” Prompto whines, raising his hand to press it over his heart dramatically. “You’re really going to rob me of the chance at seeing you in a tux? Shame. Shame on you.”“You’re a dork,” Noctis laughs, shaking his head. “I don’t know why you’re so excited about going to prom. It’s not going to be much different from the charity balls we’ve been forced to go to.”“Uh, yeah!” Prompto scoffs, gracefully dodging a student who stops walking in front of him before he bumps into them. “For one thing, we get to dance! Think of the absolute scandal we’ll cause when you’re the only omega leading an alpha in a dance. We’ll be the talk of the school!”“Okay, you got me there,” Noctis admits with a small chuckle. “I guess I am looking forward to that juuuust a little bit.”Prompto turns to grin at him and make a retort, but Noctis’ hand suddenly darts out to snag his and he’s being pulled out of the way seconds before he collides with a student. Astrals, navigating the school hallways on the last day of school should be an Olympic sport.Prompto looks down at their entwined hands when Noctis continues walking and doesn’t release his hand; feeling that familiar warmth creep over him. He glances up with a fond smile and smiles brighter when he catches Noctis already looking at him.Noctis quickly looks away, pink tinting his cheeks, but he doesn’t pull away.They make it out of the school together hand in hand without further incident. Prompto squeezes their joined hands gently as they descend the steps into the front of the school, loathing the moment they have to part ways so they can go home, wash up, and change into their suits.“So,” Prompto starts, glancing at Noct from the corner of his eye. “You picked out a corsage for me yet?”“Wouldn’t you like to know,” Noctis says, his lips twitching into a smirk. “Maybe I bought you a nice pink one to symbolise fem—"“Prompto!”Prompto's head turns, searching for the person who called his name. Prompto gasps, quickly pulling his hand free from Noctis’ when he sees the woman the voice belongs to striding towards him.“Aranea!” Prompto is both terrified and thrilled to see her, shocked that after all these years she has suddenly decided to make an appearance. “Wha—how—what are you doing here?”“What do you think?” Aranea asks with a raised eyebrow, hands on her hips and a small smirk playing on her lips. “You didn’t exactly make my job of finding you easy, kid. I’ll give you that.”Noctis’ eyes dart between the two of them rapidly before settling on Prompto. “Who is this?”Prompto blinks at the sharp edge in Noctis’ voice. Going by the cautious look on Noctis’ face and the uneasiness starting to creep into his scent, Prompto thinks it’s highly likely that Noctis thinks he’s in some trouble. He looks a split second away from calling his own shield. Prompto opens his mouth to reassure Noctis that Aranea is a friend and not someone who is here to kidnap him, but Aranea beats him to it.“I’m his shield.” Aranea turns to Noctis with a curious expression before it smooths out. “Or I would be if he ever learns to actually let me do my job and shield him from his reckless decision in life.” Aranea turns back to Prompto with an unimpressed stare.Prompto shrugs helplessly. “Was it really, though?”Aranea rolls her eyes. “Skipping town to run halfway across the world without an escort? You could have gotten injured—or worse. That definitely falls into reckless territory, Your Highness.”“I can take care of myself, you know,” Prompto frowns, crossing his arms. “I don’t need someone to hold my hand every time I leave the citadel. Loqi is younger than me and father lets him do whatever he pleases.”“That’s because Prince Loqi is properly trained in the art of war and excels at… overpowering his opponents, Your Highness,” Aranea says somewhat delicately, her dislike for the younger prince evident. “While you are certainly not.”Prompto scoffs. “Just because I’m not a brute doesn’t mean I don’t know how to defend myself. Loqi is father 2.0, you can just say it. He doesn’t have a life outside of fighting and trying to conquer and scheme every chance he gets.”“Your words, not mine,” Aranea easily agrees. Her eyes fall to Noctis and sizes him up. “Who’s your friend?”“This is Noctis,” Prompto introduces, gesturing to him with a hand. “Prince of Insomnia.”Aranea’s eyes widen, an unreadable expression crossing her face before being carefully hidden behind a mask. Aranea bends at the waist in a deep bow, her large black raven wings fluttering behind her.“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness,” Aranea says politely when she straitens. “I hope my prince hasn’t caused any international incidents in the time he’s been a guest in your great city.”Noctis nods his head in greeting, his eyes sliding toward Prompto and raising a single eyebrow in question. A playful smile tugs at his lips, curiosity shining in his eyes. “Have you caused incidents before that I should know about, Prom?“Of course not!” Prompto sputters, the memory of them making out on his couch flashing in his mind's eye. Does that count as an international incident? If it is, it’s not one that will ever see the light of day.“He once insulted a foreign dignitary’s omega son for, and I quote, ‘behaving like a dog chasing after a bone,’” Aranea says, an expression of delighted amusement on her face when Prompto whines in embarrassment.“It’s not like I said that to his face!” Prompto exclaims, flushing with shame at the insinuation that he would ever insult an omega like that—in public, no less.Omegas already suffer enough under the stereotype of being weak, needy, and only good for one thing. He would never say something so degrading. He’d just been so frustrated that the only omega at the time that was interested in him wanted him for his money.The omega wouldn’t stop flirting and throwing themselves at him even after he’d gently turned them down and let them know he wasn’t interested.“I said that to you in confidence! You know I hate when the council throws their omega daughters and sons at me. Some of them are just so…”“Thirsty?” Noctis supplies helpfully, shrugging when Prompto whips his head around to look at him in shock. Noctis snorts with amusement. “What? I get my fair share of alphas drooling after me, too. You’re a lot nicer than I am. I’d tell them that to their face. Honestly? I’ve said a lot worse than that.”“What?” Prompto says dumbly, mind spinning with the statement Noctis just presented him with. He has persistent alphas chasing after him? A surge of possessive anger rushes through him at the admission and he has to reign in his inner alpha before he growls and lets his displeasure show.“I once called an alpha a knothead right to their face before I accidentally spilt champagne on them so it looked like they pissed themselves,” Noctis admits without an ounce of shame.Aranea shakes her head with a sigh, muttering something beneath her breath that is too low for even Prompto’s heightened hearing to catch.“So, you two seem close,” Aranea observes, the change of subject abrupt.“Huh?” Prompto says eloquently, trying to focus on the conversation and not on the fact that Noctis had told off and humiliated an alpha in public. God, he loves that feisty, spitfire of an omega. He’s never known an omega quite like Noctis.“I mean, yeah?” Prompto agrees, confused by the sudden interest in his friend. “We hit it off fairly quickly. We met at the arcade and found out we go to the same school, and the rest is history.”Prompto turns to grin at Noctis, his tail wagging happily behind him. “He’s my best friend.”Aranea’s features soften, a happy trill leaving her lips at the sight of her charge so happy and free in a way she has never seen Prompto before. Her smile slips off her face when she remembers the reason she came here.“I’m happy for you, truly,” Aran says softly, her voice turning solemn. “And I hate to be the bearer of bad news and ruin your happiness, but your father requests your presence before the trip to Altissia for your wedding.”“What!?” Prompto exclaims, taking a step closer to Noctis unconsciously. He always knew this day would come, but he didn’t think it would be so soon. His wedding isn’t for another four weeks! He has plenty of time to get back home and prepare for his departure to Alitissia.He doesn’t even want to think about what the honeymoon is going to be like. He can’t see himself consummating the marriage and claiming any other omega other than Noctis. He feels repulsed by the very idea. “Today? Right now?”“You’re getting married in Altissia?”Prompto turns to Noctis at the question, shrugging his shoulders bitterly. “Doesn’t everybody? I hear there are at least three other couples getting married on the same day as me.”Noctis winces in sympathy. “Join the club, buddy. Me too.”“Do you know who you’re getting married to?” Prompto asks, an ember of hope sparking in his chest that extinguishes when Noctis shakes his head. Right. None of them ever do. Arranged marriages suck.He’s grown to love Noctis more than is appropriate considering they’re both going to be carted off and married to absolute strangers. He’d like to blame it all on the scent marking and grooming Noctis has been doing; that it’s been fucking with his head, but it’s more than that.He’s caught feelings. His wolf sees Noctis as his mate, and a part of him is fiercely jealous of the person who is to be Noctis’ mate.Prompto doesn’t know if Noctis harbours secret feelings for him, but just picturing Noctis with someone that isn’t him makes him want to snarl and gnash his teeth. He’s not proud of the behaviour; knows that he has no right to feel possessive or territorial over someone that isn’t even his.Was it too much to hope that they were going to be married to each other? Prompto inwardly scoffs at himself. Of course, it is.“I’m afraid so,” Aranea says just as solemnly; answering his earlier question.Prompto wants to put up a fight, but he knows it’s useless to argue. Aranea doesn’t care if she has to drag him back to Niflheim kicking and screaming. She’ll do it if she has to. Anyways, it isn’t fair to her; she’s just doing her job. He’s been on the wrong side of his father’s temper one too many times, he doesn’t want Aranea to suffer his father’s wrath because of him.Prompto slumps dejectedly, tears threatening to blur his vision.“Does it have to be right this second? Can’t we have the rest of the day? It’s prom night, Nea,” Prompto pleads, turning wide puppy dog eyes on her. It helps that his eyes are already watering and his bottom lip is quivering. “It’s not like Father will know the difference.”Aranea visibly hesitates, her eyes darting from Noctis and back to him with a flicker of indecision. Prompto knows before Aranea says anything what her answer will be. He can see it in the apologetic look in her sharp eyes even as she hesitates. Unwilling to deliver the final blow that will have the tears spilling down his cheeks.Noctis must know what Aranea’s response is going to be too because he places a hand on his elbow and gently turns him around to face him.“It’s okay,” Noctis says softly. He smiles at him weakly, looking seconds away from tearing up himself. “You’re the only reason I was going anyways.”Prompto whimpers, and Noctis wordlessly pulls him into a tight hug that Prompto immediately returns.“This isn’t goodbye,” Noctis promises, tightening his arms around Prompto’s waist and pillowing his cheek against Prompto’s chest. “I’ll come and visit, or you can run away from your bride or groom after the wedding to come and see me.”“Don’t tempt me,” Prompto laughs wetly, clinging to Noctis in a desperate embrace; savouring the feeling of having Noctis in his arms for what will likely be the last time. Noctis had walked into his life that day at the arcade as seamlessly as if he’d always been right there at his side, and now he doesn’t know how he’s going to live his life without him.“I might just take you up on that offer. Got to uphold my reputation as a troublemaker, y’know?” Prompto jokes, inhaling Noctis’ soothing scent to comfort himself. “Got to have at least two international incidents under my belt.”“Leaving your intended for another omega after the wedding will surely cause a scandal,” Noctis agrees quietly.“I would,” Prompto confesses quietly, closing his eyes and resting his cheek against Noctis’ soft hair. “For you.”Prompto can feel how much his confession affects Noctis, and not for the first time, he is left in awe that Noctis feels the same way about him. Noctis’ sharp claws dig into his back where he is clinging to him now, tucking himself as close as humanly possible with a whimper.“Promise me,” Noctis says insistently, his voice warbling as it takes on an edge of desperation. “Promise me that no matter what happens you’ll come back to Insomnia to see me. I can’t—” Noctis pulls back slightly to see his face, his jaw clenching as something unspoken passes between them. “Promise me, Prompto.”“I promise,” Prompto swears with all the promise of an oath. “You’re my best friend. Of course, I’ll come back.”“I will escort him myself to see you,” Aranea promises when Noctis accidentally meets her eye over Prompto’s shoulder.Noctis nods and locks eyes with Prompto again.“Can I…” Noctis falters, biting his lip. “Can I scent you before you go?”Prompto’s heart clenches painfully in his chest at the softly spoken request and nods wordlessly, not trusting his voice.Noctis steps back into his arms and nuzzles into the crook of his neck to rub their scent glands together. Prompto’s arms tighten around him, muffling a whine when Noctis tentatively licks across his scent gland. That’s more than scenting, and Noctis knows it. That’s toeing a line that Prompto wishes Noctis could completely cross.Prompto drops his forehead onto Noctis’ shoulder and nuzzles him back; daring to, for the first time, drag his tongue up Noctis’ neck and across his own gland, tasting Noctis’ pheromones explode across his tongue.Noctis freezes in his arms with a surprised mewl before he goes completely boneless in his arms, his scent going all sweet and syrupy, and oh-so addicting.“Alright, that’s enough you two,” Aranea says firmly. “Break it up.”Prompto reluctantly lets Noctis go with one last nuzzle and takes a step back. His heart lurches when he sees Noctis’ pink-stained cheeks. He knows Noctis realizes the importance of what Prompto just did, and he looks devastated and thrilled at the same time at having his affections openly returned.Prompto can’t bring himself to regret what he had just wordlessly expressed with that single gesture, even at the cost of his breaking heart. If their lives had been different, if they weren’t royalty and doomed to be married to other people, he would have taken Noctis as his mate—he needs Noctis to know that even if he can never say it outright.“Prom,” Noctis whispers hoarsely. There are tears gathering in the corner of his eyes, threatening to spill down his cheeks.“I’ll see you on the flip side. Only a few weeks, right?” Prompto says, attempting a smile but it feels wrong on his face. His heart aches.Noctis swallows thickly and nods. “I need someone to complain to when my mate turns out to be as horrible as I know they will be.”We’re in the same boat buddy, Prompto thinks to himself. He’s going to hate whoever his father matched him with.Prompto chuckles humorlessly. There’s nothing funny about the man he loves and can’t have getting married to someone that isn’t him. “I wouldn’t wanna miss that. Let’s hope they have their looks going for them, at least.”“I bet they look like a troll,” Noctis sniffs, wiping underneath his eyes in a sly attempt to cover up the fact that he’s tearing up.Prompto laughs despite himself, snorting unattractively. “With an overbite to match their huge nose.”“Stop!” Noctis laugh-cries, sniffing once more and wiping at his eyes with his hands. He meets his eyes, looking at him somberly. “I’m really going to miss you.”“I’m going to miss you too,” Prompto croaks, his voice thick with unshed tears. He gives Noctis one last smile, closing his eyes and turning towards the waiting car when Aranea says his name. He shrugs off Aranea’s hand when it lands on his shoulder, desperately trying not to succumb to the urge to turn back around to catch one more glimpse of Noctis. If he does, he’s going to lose what little is left of his composure and fall apart right there on the sidewalk.Prompto gets into the backseat of the car, ignoring Biggs holding the door open for him. The sound of the door closing behind him thuds with finality.Aranea slides in beside him, and Prompto has to take a deep calming breath when the Wedge starts the ignition and pulls away from the curb. His tail rests limply beside him on the seat, his ear drooping; broadcasting his sadness.“You love him, don’t you?” Aranea questions softly.Prompto sniffs and swallows around the lump in his throat as he twists around in his seat to look back at the outline of Noctis’ form still standing on the sidewalk, slowly fading into the distance until he can no longer see him.“Does it matter? I can’t have him,” Prompto says bitterly, sniffling hard when Aranea’s question brings a fresh wave of tears to his eyes.“I’m sorry,” Aranea apologizes, crooning softly at him. “I wish I could…” Aranea trails off with a sigh, placing her hand on Prompto’s arm and squeezing in an attempt to comfort him. “Everything’s going to be okay, Prompto. You’ll see.”“I don’t think I’ll ever be okay again,” Prompto whispers.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Being back in Niflheim is just as depressing as Prompto knew it would be.The one thing about being in an arranged marriage that he’s looking forward to is moving far, far away from this winterish wasteland once he’s married. He’s already decided that he’s going to be moving to wherever his mate calls home whether his father approves of it or not.He may not know—or want to really know—the mate that’s been chosen for him, but he’s not so cruel as to subject them to his family. He’s tempted to shit on tradition and give his father a nice big fuck you by taking his omega’s last name just out of pure spite.That’ll show him.Once he’s gone, his father’s opinions won’t matter. He’ll never again have to put up with his father’s brutish temper and emotional abuse or his younger brother strutting around bragging about all his accomplishments that come with being the ‘prodigal son.’The digs about being adopted don’t usually phase him, but he’s growing tired of hearing what a disappointment he is in his father’s eyes—that he’s going to be a disappointment to his mate too on top of everything else.He regrets not putting up more of a fight when Aranea showed up in Insomnia to bring him back home—if he can even call Niflheim home. Insomnia felt more like home in the year he spent there than the eighteen years he spent in this cold and empty citadel devoid of warmth and connections.He’s no different from a wolf without a pack; wandering the vast halls of his childhood home without a soul to call his own. The only people he considers pack is Aranea, Biggs, and Wedge, but that is more out of convenience than choice. It’s not like there is a lineup of people wanting to be initiated into his pack.Flashes of him hanging out in Noctis’ apartment on a Friday night with Gladio and Ignis come to mind, and an empty void opens wide in his chest like a maw waiting to devour him whole. In another life, they would have been his pack; his chosen family.He’s never felt the absence of a pack bond as keenly as he did just then.Despite being in a citadel filled with people… he’s never felt so alone.Prompto had expected his arrival in Altissia to be filled with fanfare and citizens lined up at the airport waiting to catch a glimpse of him. When his imperial drop ship makes it into their airspace and makes its descent to the landing pad, he dreads having to put on a mask of happiness and excitement that he in no way feels.When they land, Aranea and Biggs take their positions at his side and escort him down the runway while Wedge powers down their ship. To his surprise, no one is waiting for their arrival. The workers mill about, going about their business like a royal wedding is just an everyday occurrence to them—which it probably is.There are several other couples that are supposed to be getting married today, along with the common folk that fly in or come by boat for their own big day. Getting married in Altissia has become overrated. Everyone gets married here nowadays.Altissia has come to be known as the city of love, but all Prompto feels is sadness as he looks upon all the colorful banners and flowers that decorate the great city. Taking a gondola is the only way to travel through the city, and while he had been looking forward to that, the excitement is gone.In a matter of hours, he’ll be shackled to someone for the rest of his life, and knowing his father, he more than likely chose an omega that has the power to keep him on a tight leash.His life is going to be miserable. “Come along, Highness,” Biggs says kindly, placing a large hand on the small of his back. “Let’s get you settled in and fed, huh?”Food is the last thing on Prompto’s mind, but he agrees nonetheless.His stomach churns at the thought of food, so nervous that he’s sure he won’t be able to keep anything down. Checking the time on his phone just causes his anxiety to ratchet up again. In less than two hours he’ll be in front of an altar, and a few hours after that, he’ll be expected to consummate the marriage and claim the omega he’ll be married to.The thought leaves him queasy and sick to his stomach. This is supposed to be the day every alpha looks forward to; marrying and claiming their mate on their wedding night, but all he can think about is how he wishes it were Noct.Prompto desperately tries to distract himself by looking around him as Aranea checks them into their suites. It doesn’t work very well, given that he can’t think of anything else. His room turns out to be fairly nice, rising well above Prompto’s expectations.The room is ornate, and decorated beautifully with every kind of flower and plant known to man. A freaking fountain with rose petals stands in the center of the floor, big enough to bathe in, which Prompto guesses is the intention. Even the walls have been painted to look like they’ve grown naturally out of the sea itself.The windows are covered by heavy curtains that have been tied off to the sides to let in the cool summer air. A soft breeze passes through, ruffling his blond hair as he looks for something to focus on that isn’t all his thoughts racing through his head.Finally, Aranea takes pity on him and puts an arm around his shoulders to steer him through the room towards the lone table a little way from the king-sized bed while Biggs helps Wedge carry in his luggage.Aranea grabs a pitcher of water off the counter nearby that has been left out for them and fills a glass; giving it to Prompto without him asking.“Drink up, Your Highness.”She’s still talking to him like he’s a wounded animal and doesn’t want to spook him. Prompto knows it’s due to a misplaced sense of guilt over everything that’s happened—not that it’s her fault she was ordered to retrieve him and drag his ass back home. It’s not her fault he fell in love and broke his own goddamn heart.“It’ll help calm your nerves.”Prompto nods and takes it gratefully, draining half the contents in one go before setting it aside. “Thank you.”Aranea gives him a sympathetic smile before pulling him into a hug, her wings enfolding him like a cocoon. Prompto feels safe, even though he knows it’s temporary. He inhales shakily, breathing in her familiar scent that he’s come to associate with pack.“You don’t have to thank me, kid. I’m always here if you need me, alright?” Aranea says, pulling back and smiling at him gently. “Now how about we order some room service?”Prompto sighs, giving Aranea a reluctant nod. He knows he won’t get away with refusing to eat, so he’s better off just agreeing.It’s going to be a nerve-wracking next two hours.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Prompto stares at the reflection of himself in the bathroom mirror, wearing a black suit that is not altogether different from the one he was going to wear to prom—minus the royal regalia of course.He’s got to admit that he looks striking in it, but no amount of confidence in his looks is going to diminish the mounting panic and fear that’s bringing an unattractive flush to his cheeks.“Prompto!”That’s the third time Aranea’s called his name, Prompto thinks with a sense of detachment. He’s going to be more than what you would call fashionably late. He’s late by ten minutes to his own wedding as it is—and he still doesn’t feel ready.“Prompto Aldercapt if you don’t step out that door within the next five seconds, I swear to the Astrals...”Prompto closes his eyes with a sigh. He can’t hide in the bathroom like a frightened pup forever, no matter how much he wishes he could just to avoid the world.“I’m coming!” Prompto calls out over the sound of Aranea’s cursing; unlocking the door and stepping back into his room. There’s a look on Aranea’s face that spells doom for him if he doesn’t start cooperating and act like the prince he’s supposed to be.“You look nice,” Prompto compliments, trying to ease her anger. Her hair has been combed back and pulled into a ponytail, and she seems to be wearing a dress of antiquity from her noble family for the occasion. The material clings to her frame, highlighting her curves. It’s tight with a scoop neckline to reveal the bare expanse of her neck and shoulders; showing off the stunning jewel hanging from her neck.“Thank you, now quit stalling,” Aranea reprimands. “Time to go.”Prompto turns to cross the room, pouring himself a glass of water and wishing it was something stronger. Much, much stronger. His hand shakes as it brings the rim of the glass to his lips.“Prompto,” Aranea hisses, turning him bodily around to face her when he sets his glass down. “Stop fucking around, we’re already late. You don’t want your omega to think you’ve gone and left them at the altar now do you?”Prompto rubs the palms of his hands against his pants. His hands are clammy and his skin feels feverishly hot despite the cool sea breeze blowing into the room. His shirt collar is tight around his neck like a noose, choking him. The sickening scent of the flowers in the room is overpowering to his canine senses, and his stomach gives a horrible lurch as black spots form in his vision.He’s going to pass out.He can hear Aranea’s increasingly frantic voice. Her hands are on his arms, supporting him when his knees give out and he sinks to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut loose.“I can’t do this,” Prompto chokes out, hyperventilating. “Please don’t make me go out there.”He can’t go through with this. How could he bind himself to a complete stranger he would never love? How can he be expected to give his heart when it already belongs to another? A wave of despair washes over him. Noctis is probably already married to some bigshot alpha a million times better than he is.He’s just a pathetic, scrawny runt compared to the alpha Noctis’ parents have chosen for him. Noctis has always deserved the best, why would his pick of alphas be any different?“Prompto, I need you to breathe, kid,” Aranea says urgently, kneeling in front of him; her large black wings flaring out to keep her balance. “Deep breaths, now. In and out. In and out, that’s it. Keep breathing.”“I can’t,” Prompto croaks, clinging to Aranea’s arms like a lifeline. “I can’t do it.”“It's just cold feet,” Aranea says soothingly, her wings curling forward to wrap Prompto up in a comforting embrace. “Everything’s going to be okay.”“How can any of this be okay?” Prompto whimpers. “I don’t love them—I’ll never love them.”Aranea coos softly in his ear, her talons carding gently through his hair.“You’ll love them,” Aranea tells him confidently.Prompto snorts an ugly sound of disbelief.“When have I ever been wrong?” Aranea challenges softly. “You may not know who they are, but I do, pup. I’ve met them, and promise you, it’ll all be worth it if you can just be brave for a few more minutes, pick yourself up, and walk down that aisle.”Prompto closes his eyes, trying to compose himself. It’s hard to imagine how he could possibly make it to the altar without crying or throwing up in front of all those people.“Okay,” Prompto says shakily, letting Aranea help him back to his feet. “Okay.”“There’s the prince I know,” Aranea says playfully, sliding her arm through his and leading him out the door, Biggs following close behind.The wedding hall is enormous, situated at the water’s edge. The sun shines down on the beautiful white stone tiles underfoot, moss growing out from between the cracks. Prompto stares resolutely at the floor as the guests fall silent at his entrance; walking down the aisle like he’s walking to his own execution.Shame and embarrassment run through him like lava coursing through his veins; the heat of it burning into his cheeks as people around him start to whisper and murmur about how late he is—about how unhappy he looks.
“Prompto!?”
Prompto’s head snaps up at the shout of his name, and he locks eyes with the person the voice belongs to. His feet stop working, forcing Aranea to come to a sudden halt beside him as he stares, and stares, and stares.The sound of his name ringing in Prompto’s ears has never sounded so beautiful. The owner of the voice may be on the opposite side of the aisle, but he hears them clear as day.His heart soars. The rush of elation he feels is so powerful that the only thing keeping him from floating away to the astral plane is Aranea’s hand in the crook of his elbow to keep him grounded.He can’t speak—he can’t even think— because there, at the altar, dressed to the fucking nines, is Noctis.He’s wearing the traditional white suit that omega’s wear for their wedding, which Prompto knows instinctively Noctis must hate. Prompto drinks in the sight of him, still in a state of disbelief. His hand trembles on Aranea’s arm as she steadies him; dragging his unsteady feet down the aisle until he’s so close to Noct, all he has to do is reach out and touch.“I promised I’d escort Prompto to you,” Aranea says with smug satisfaction as she gently removes Prompto’s hand from her arm and places it in Noctis’. “This is me fulfilling that promise.”“It’s you,” Noctis breathes, staring at him with wide eyes. His eyes don’t leave him for a second, not even when Aranea speaks. Noctis’ hand tightens around his own, and Prompto only has a split second to feel alarmed when Noctis bursts into tears before Noctis is tugging him closer by his hand and throwing his arms around him.“It’s you,” Noctis cries into his chest, a sob wracking his slight frame as he holds him in a tight embrace. The amount of relief that floods through Noctis’ scent has Prompto reeling. “It’s actually you!”The moment Noctis is in his arms is like a thundering raincloud that has been darkening his future has suddenly been lifted. He can finally breathe again. Prompto feels the hot prick of tears stinging behind his eyes as he wraps his arms around Noctis’ waist to pull him closer.“I missed you so much,” Prompto says roughly, swallowing past the lump in his throat. He’s so relieved he could cry, but then they’d have two crying grooms, and that just won’t do.“I missed you too,” Noctis hiccups. “I’m glad you’re not a troll.”Prompto chokes out a wet laugh, remembering the conversation they had just prior to him leaving for Niflheim. Prompto buries his face in the crook of Noctis’ neck, inhaling greedy gulps of his scent, uncaring about their audience and whether or not it’s considered inappropriate.“No overbite and big nose,” Prompto agrees.Noctis pulls back from the hug and Prompto reluctantly lets him go, although the disappointment doesn’t last long when he is greeted with Noctis breaking into a large grin, his hand once again grabbing a hold of his as his other hand curls around the back of his neck to pull him into a kiss that leaves him reeling.Whistles and catcalls go up all around them, reminding Prompto that they’re not alone, but Prompto doesn’t have time to be embarrassed because Noctis is kissing him and he can’t focus on anything else. This is Noctis’ lips pressed against his. His mate-to-be kissing him with a desperation that Prompto feels the echo of behind his ribs.“Hey, save that for the ceremony,” Gladio says, laughter in his voice.Noctis pulls away with a playful nip to his bottom lip, and Prompto has to stop himself from chasing after his lips and doing something that would definitely be classified as inappropriate. He’s definitely glad he caught that impulse in time when he notices the shit-eating grin Gladio is sporting from where he’s standing behind Noct. Prompto blinks, only just noticing that Gladio must have been standing behind Noctis the whole time; much like his own shield is still standing by him.How embarrassing.“Sorry,” Prompto stutters, also noticing how everyone is staring at them. There aren’t as many people in attendance as Prompto thought there would be, for which he is grateful. There is the small escort he came with, Noctis’ own escort that includes Gladio and Ignis, and a few government officials and plus ones to witness the union of their two nations.“I’m not,” Noctis says smugly, rocking back on his heels.“I am pleased you two are happy with your chosen.” A soft, amused voice says, drawing their attention to a young woman descending the stairs above them in a flowing white dress. “I was beginning to worry there wouldn’t be a wedding for me to officiate.”Her lips twitch into a teasing smile and she steps down to their level with a grace that is almost supernatural; she appears to float down the stairs. Her long blond hair falls in thick waves, but it is not her voice or her outfit that captures everyone’s attention, but her eyes.Piercing, glowing, crystal blue eyes.An Oracle; a being blessed by the gods themselves.“I realize now that my fear has been unfounded,” The Oracle says softly, staring into their eyes as though she can see into the depths of their soul. “You two are in love. This truly is a blessed day.”Prompto doesn’t know what to say to that so he says nothing. Thankfully, the Oracle doesn’t take offence to their lack of a response.“My name is Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, and I will be officiating your union.” Lunafreya raises her eyes to the assembled guests in the room. “Welcome to all of you who have come to share this important moment in their lives. I ask you to join together in celebrating, acknowledging, and honouring this day and the vows that they will be making. By your presence, you witness and affirm the truth of their love, devotion, and commitment to each other.”Lunafreya turns to them once more.“Are you two prepared, as you follow the path of marriage, to love and honour each other for as long as you both shall live?” Lunafreya asks, her voice ringing through the crowd clear as a bell.“I am.” Noctis and Prompto say at the same time, their eyes never leaving each other.Lunafreya hums, pleased by their quick response. “Since it is your intention to enter into the covenant of marriage, join your right hands and declare your vows before the Astrals in this sacred place.”A few people in the crowd chuckle when Lunafreya gets to the “join your right hands” since they never let go of each other.Prompto opens his mouth but nothing but a wheeze comes out. He… he hadn’t prepared a vow worthy of Noctis. If he had known it was him he was to marry, he would have put in far more effort. He would have taken the time to write the perfect speech to tell him how much he means to him.“Just follow my lead,” Noctis whispers, low enough that only he can hear. Prompto feels a rush of affection and gratitude towards the omega. Noctis always seems to know what’s wrong without him ever having to say a thing.“I, Noctis Lucis Caelum, take you, Prompto Aldercapt, to be my alpha. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honour you all the days of my life.”Prompto sniffs, tears of happiness stinging in his eyes. His hand tightens in Noctis’ as he repeats the same promise to him with all the love he holds in his heart, adding his own endearments.“I, Prompto Aldercapt, take you, Noctis Lucis Caelum, to be my omega. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. May my heart be your shelter, and my arms be your home. I promise to love you and honour you all the days of my life.”“Beautifully said,” Lunafreya praises. “You two may now exchange rings.”Noctis twist around to pluck the ring off the tiny pillow Ignis is dutifully holding out for him. Noctis turns back to him with a smile, letting go of his hand in favour of taking his other hand in his to gently slide the ring onto his finger.“Prompto, please receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity.”Prompto’s heart thuds in his chest, the weight of the ring around his finger tangible proof that this is real and not all an elaborate daydream. He still can’t believe that all of this is real.Prompto takes a deep shuddering breath and turns to Biggs to carefully pick up Noctis’ ring. Prompto takes up Noctis’ left hand and slips the ring onto his finger.“Noctis, please receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity,” Prompto says softly. “I promise to make you happy.”“You already are,” Noctis says sweetly, smiling with happy tears that mirror his own.“What the great Astrals join together, let no man put asunder,” Luna declares with a clap of her hands. “With the Astrals as my witness, I happily pronounce you mates. Prompto and Noctis Aldercapt—”“Lucis Caelum,” Prompto interrupts loudly.The wedding hall falls silent at Prompto’s declaration. Prompto can feel everyone’s eyes on them, but the only reaction he cares to witness is Noctis’—and he isn’t disappointed.Noctis gasps loudly, the hitch of his breath audible. His deep blue eyes widen, and the sudden appearance of his gold panther eyes flashing before they return to their normal color has Prompto’s pulse racing. He’s never seen Noctis so close to losing control before and it sends a thrill through him to have been the cause.“Can he do that?” Gladio hisses quietly.“I believe he just did,” Ignis says, admiration clear in his voice. Prompto definitely won brownie points with Ignis.“Am I correct to assume you wish to take your omega’s last name?” Lunafreya addresses him, her surprise evident.“Yes,” Prompto confirms, voice firm and brooking no arguments.“That’s never been done before,” Lunafreya muses, laughing softly. “Very well. If your mate agrees, you may take his last name if you wish.”“Noct?” Prompto questions softly when Noctis remains silent, gaping at him in astonishment. “What do you think?”“I love you so fucking much,” Noctis say thickly, a few tears escaping to slide down his cheeks. “Yes, Prom. A thousand times, yes.”“With consent established—”“Can we speed things up a bit?” Noctis interrupts, much to the amusement of everybody present. “I would really like to kiss my alpha now.”Lunafreya laughs, waving a delicate hand in a ‘go ahead’ gesture. “You may now kiss the groom.”Noctis surges up to press their lips together before the last word even passes her lips.Prompto didn’t think he would ever have a happily ever after; to have a mate that he would genuinely love with every fibre of his being. That was the stuff of fairy tales for people like him who don’t get the choice of choosing their own mates.The Astrals must really favour him to have blessed him with Noctis.“My omega,” Prompto breathes reverently against Noctis’ lips.“My alpha, my mate, forever,” Noctis purrs.The words taste like a promise against Prompto’s lips.No measure of time with Noctis will ever be long enough for him, but the promise of forever sounds pretty damn good to him.
Fin.