[he says, eyes still fixed on ignis's face. it's -- so strange. like being displaced. a different reality versus his own. he wonders if they're all from different parallel worlds, or if it doesn't work like that? the physics and laws of this universe are so beyond his understanding, and he's starting to wonder if the astrals can hear their prayers at all.]
[it takes him a moment, though, before he's standing, too, helping himself up by putting hands to his knees and pushing.]
I found the fire escape to the supermarket. Wanna head up there?
[reminiscent, perhaps, of a conversation they had what feels ages ago, atop a motel on the side of the road.]
[ It's hard for his own eyes to leave Ignis, as hard as it is for them to leave Prompto once they change their focus. His concern's obvious for both of them in spite of worse experiences together, well aware that Ignis has suffered more debilitating poisons or fits of confusion and Prompto has gotten more serious bruises. Even still, it's hard to shake right now. ]
Ah... yeah, sounds good. [ So he trails after him as Prompto leads the way, navigating the hallways, rooms, and a short stairwell in silence that doesn't suit them. It's only when they hit muggy, hot air that he's willing to speak up. ]
[the muggy air has become the new norm, a lot like lestallum during the day. prompto embraces it as much as he's embraced sleeping without blankets or on the floor to keep cool. and yet it manages to make things so much more uncomfortable -- this silence between them.]
[his reply is calm even if his hands shake so much he has to actually shove them inside his pockets.]
Enough for it to be alarming.
[is what he manages, but it's neither telling nor saying nothing. he walks towards the back of the abandoned supermarket, kicks at the broken fence, and makes his way through before walking the short distance towards the forgotten ladder, sitting pretty. it looks like it might give way, but prompto's confident it'll hold.]
[he holds onto a bar, pulling himself up, fully aware that he's leading them both to a location where he can't run away from saying his peace.]
[at the top, he waits to see if noctis needs help the last couple of steps. his mouth feels dry and his tongue heavy, though, and it's like the words don't want to come out--since so many want to come out.]
Sorry. [it's a good place to start] I've... been a pretty shitty friend about all this.
[ The shudder in those fingers doesn't go by unnoticed but Noctis is kind enough not to comment, brow furrowing instead as Prompto answers but then keeps moving. This is far enough, he wants to say, half-tempted to stay close to Ignis solely because of how recently he's dealt with Ardyn, but... if they're continuing onward, there's a reason. It's something Prompto needs and he's not about to deny him that, not with how hard this is already going to be.
Climbing the ladder one-handed isn't easy but he manages, palm helping to hoist him up the last rung so that he can stand next to him, equal. ]
... listen, I...
I wasn't trying to snap; it's not like either of us got lessons on how to handle stuff like this. I dunno is there's a "right" way... I just know I want to hear what you have to say.
[noctis is cutting straight to the point, and prompto can't help the nervous smile that flickers onto his expression rather suddenly. it's how he tries to cope with how bad he does not want to do this.]
Let's do this, then.
[he doesn't make it very far from where they climbed, taking a few short steps towards the railing and sitting down on the edge, his back facing the rest of the shiny city (his feet feel like lead, this is as far as he can go).]
Y'might... wanna sit down for it.
[is the only thing he manages, but whether noctis actually does or stays standing, he doesn't know, because he's lowered his face and is keeping his eyes on the bandages he so stubbornly keeps around his right wrist.]
[he cannot tell noctis about altissia; that'd be -- too much. there has to be another way to break the news, and it's something he might not want to do by himself. he's been thinking about how, maybe, he could talk about it with ignis first. the man is a lot more composed about delivering terrible news and, besides, he doesn't have the heart to say any of it out loud to noctis--to noctis, who would ask for a hundred details that prompto isn't privy to.]
...when we got on the train to Tenebrae, I went looking for you cuz I saw this huge snow cloud out in the distance while taking pictures. We'd never seen anything like it. You stood up and then ... you tried to punch me, asking me what the hell I was doing there. [he remembers the fight so clearly, even if it happened a long time ago. he's been replaying it in his head constantly, willingly and not, as part of an amalgamation of nightmares when he sleeps.] You chased me down, slashed your sword at me.
[are you seriously trying to kill me? why wouldn't i? what're you after, following me around, this whole time? it's all your fault--]
[he shakes his head]
That much I've told you. I had Ardyn at gunpoint, on top of the train, but you swung your sword at me instead and I fell. [a shaky breath] I thought if I kept following the tracks I'd make it to Gralea and meet you guys there, even though, I didn't know if you'd... You'd be okay with that-- Niflheim is a frozen tundra, y'know? [he remembers how terrible it felt, to be so cold he lost consciousness, even as he saw the imperial soldiers drop from their ships.]
[he pauses, wanting to preface something before he gets into the real meat of this godsawful thing he found out about in the research facilities.]
All I ever wanted was friends, but no one... ever wanted me back. So when I found people who did want me--you, Gladio, Iggy... I did everything I could to make you stay. And [swallowing] ever since I've lived with one fear, a fear that you'd -- find out who I really was, and you wouldn't want me anymore.
[he squeezes his eyes shut and rubs at his eyes hard with the palm of his hand.]
...but it's even worse than that. So much worse.
[keeping his hand there, he takes another shaky breath and continues]
Imperial soldiers found me and took me into a place that I know now was a Magitek production facility. Verstael Besithia. He -- [an abrupt pause and change of direction.] Ardyn was there. Called it 'home sweet home.' [a humorless laugh as he shrinks some more onto himself] Had to walk through the entire place until I reached a lab. Climbed down the stairs, into a room with -- tubes, people inside, totally out of a horror video game.
[this is as much as he can go without thinking too much about it. his hands are trembling uncontrollably now, and his voice is shaking, as he forces himself to keep on.]
I -- shot Besithia. He looked out of his mind. He... said things, things... things like, I--
[he doesn't know if anything that he's said is making any sense at all, but he's clearly real fucking shaken by it. the words stick to his tongue and he can't make them come out. the real meat of the matter--what really frightens him. he's had to deal with it by himself for all these weeks, it's just so hard.]
[ Noctis takes a moment or two to decide to take Prompto up on his offer to sit, unsure of what could possibly be coming after what he'd heard earlier from Ardyn. Is it something related? Would Prompto think that Noctis would judge him for keeping it secret?
No, it seems like more than that, something far more personal and his mind can't work to even supply a hint any longer.
He eases himself down, back against the adjacent wall with enough distance left between them to hopefully keep his friend comfortable. He can't remember ever having seen Prompto so rattled before and it tugs at his chest painfully, wanting to tell him that it's okay to keep lying if it'll ease this discomfort but they both know that's not the case.
It'll only get worse now that it's partly in the open.
He flinches when Prompto begins with a description of his actions on that train again, jaw locking but he doesn't interrupt in spite of the wave of guilt that might make him want to. The train, the trip into Niflheim... Then he says something that catches his attention, head lifting.
I've lived with one fear, a fear that you'd -- find out who I really was, and you wouldn't want me anymore. ]
Prompto-- [ He bites his tongue quieting again even if he shakes his head. ]
If you shot him then you did what you had to do. It's not the first time one of us has had to do something like that, okay? And whatever the rest is, just... Just tell me, okay? I know you don't want to, but I'm not going anywhere.
[and prompto wants to. maybe it's something about what connor had said in their text conversation, maybe it's just wanting to be okay about not carrying this huge, dreadful secret within him, or even just the idea that this much is hurting noctis-- but with one shaky sigh, just says it.]
Verstael Besithia created clones of himself to use them as fuel for the MTs.
A child was 'stolen' from the facility--the Magitek production facility--by Lucians. That kid... was me.
[he unwinds his wrist, removing the bandages that he kept tightly rolled around his skin. it reveals his barcode tattoo, intact, despite the fact that there's a blemish -- red and messy across his skin, like that of a burn halfway through healing. he really should have tended to that.]
The doors opened when it scanned this barcode. Unit 05953234. A production code.
[noctis might remember how adamant prompto had always been about keeping his right wrist under a band or otherwise covered. it never saw the light of day.]
...I knew I was adopted, tha-that I wasn't really Lucian. I suspected I was born in Niflheim. I just... never thought I'd just be created. A copy of the man who created the weapon which destroyed our home.
[his heart beats fast, fear mounting as he turns to look at noctis, a surprising look of calm on his features, as if he's ready to accept judgement.]
All the people inside those tubes-- [he nods a bit] they looked just like me. I don't know what any of it means, I shot him, he said I was created to serve him but I don't know if I was supposed to be of any use to the Empire or if I'm clean or if I'm normal but you gotta believe me Noct, I'd never do anything to hurt you or the guys or our home!
[he's turned towards noctis now, a pleading look on his face, tears threatening to fall]
[ There's a moment of silence as Noctis watches his friend and he knows it to be the calm before the storm, so to speak, knows what it looks like when Prompto is steeling himself for something. He sits up straighter, reminding himself to not to speak a word or interrupt him now that he's found his momentum.
And that's harder than he anticipated.
Clones? What sick experiments was he trying to perform? Why-- why did Lucians gain access, how, and why was he never told? Did they know that the MTs were made using humans?
And then the real bombshell hits, and Noctis is sure he can feel his heart beating in his throat as Prompto starts to hurry, tripping over his words in a sheer rush to just get them out and get this burden off of his shoulders. Keeping the eye contact when his best friend suddenly looks over, practically begging him to trust him, is almost more than he can take.
He remembers how he'd tease Prompto for his silly-looking sweat bands, how his friend would buy new ones after each little taunt and wear them even during swimming events on sports days or when he'd come over just to hang out at his apartment. He remembers, and his gaze finally drops. ]
[ Silence reigns for a few more painful moments as he squeezes his eyes shut, unable to block out Prompto's tortured expression. This secret... Has it been eating at him for this long? For so many years?
His palm braces flat against the rough floor beneath them just so he can ease himself closer, suddenly, knees planting in front of Prompto's with that hand newly hesitating in an extension to his wrist...
before it suddenly deflects to his shoulder, clamping down hard and firm, demanding his attention and focus as he struggles to keep his voice steady. ]
Is that what you were afraid of? That... I wouldn't trust you, or you wouldn't belong with us?
Prompto--
You're Lucian and always have been, no matter where you came from first or how you came to be. What good would I be as a king if I didn't know my own people? I can decide that... and you're one of them.
[prompto's eyes are fixed on noctis's face, even before the other clamps his hand onto prompto's shoulder. they widen at the question, expecting something harsh and mean, just a means to push him away properly.]
[but there's no disgust and nothing loathful in noctis's eyes.]
[suddenly, everything's blurry, and he blinks fast, not wanting to miss a beat (as if sight and hearing were connected, somehow), tears rolling down his cheeks. noctis is speaking to him as his king, the person he has vowed to protect with his life.]
[something catches in his throat]
I, uh-- I... I'm... Lucian.
[like a clambering of strings stretching taut of a musical chord; his lips tremble and he closes his mouth into a tight line, nodding, nodding.]
I'm sorry.
[it's obnoxious how physical contact forces an empathetic connection between them, but for once prompto seems to not care--previous chains shackling him back seemingly gone, as he reaches forward and (carefully, noct's still with a sling), puts himself in line to embrace his best friend, his oldest friend, his only friend, at one point.]
I'm sorry I suck I should've known better I should've trusted you...
[ The emotion he's choked back all day is weighing on him beneath that normally perfectly apathetic exterior, often struggling to access more than a dismissive sound even when it grows to be too much for him but now? That shielding facet of his personality has cracked, brow furrowed as he tenses -- but far more importantly, relaxes -- into Prompto's hold.
It's slow but his arms drops, hooking itself over Prompto's shoulders with another gentle squeeze. ]
Ahh, you're always... You just worry about stupid stuff. You're my best friend, Prompto; nothing's gonna' change that. Definitely not Niflheim or any of the rest of it.
...
It isn't your fault.
how about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uiupfxPvZY
[certain things don't add up, like why noctis retaliated against him in the train, seemingly out of nowhere. but with the weight of noctis's arms around him and the otherwise trend to push away, prompto thinks he can do without thinking too hard about that one mystery. it might come into place one day, but for now what matters is that noctis knows who he is--what he is, where he comes from, and still pulls him close rather than lash out at him.]
[noctis is a gentle soul, the kindest of all, and all prompto has ever wanted is to be worthy of being at his side. his unknown origins now unfolded and the truth of his reality had made him think he wasn't worthy of such a thing.]
[he presses closer into the embrace, feeling lighter and like he isn't choking on air--which is not entirely a nice thing, since this only means that he's crying a bit more freely now, snot at all.]
[it makes him laugh shakily as he pulls his head up and rests his chin on the other's shoulder. this position is kinda awkward--but he wants to bask in it for a bit longer, selfishly so.]
I'm still sorry I didn't say anything sooner.
[he offers that, then remains quiet for a minute, before pulling back, rubbing at his face and sniffling for good measure.]
I thought... I could've swept it under the rug for as long as you weren't caught up with what had happened. Pretend everything was fine. I didn't stop to think it was hurtin' you, too.
--didn't want it to be your burden. [head bowed, he feels ashamed] But ... guess I messed that up, too.
[biting his lip, he glances up.]
You're my best friend too. You're the best friend I could have ever asked for. I wanna be the best you could have asked for, too.
[this is getting into very lame, sappy territory. but prompto's a #scorpio and this is his life]
Eyes squeeze shut throughout the tight hug, trying to conjure up a memory of an embrace this meaningful with him and none come -- lingering physicality isn't a common feature in his life, and what contact they do have is usually instigated by Prompto via a teasing slap to the back or an arm slung over his shoulders. Not like this. Nevertheless he eases up when his friend does, allowing himself another quick exhale. ]
Geeze, listen to you... My burden? It's not... You're not, so don't think stuff like that.
[ The compliments and Prompto's so easily stated goals and shared emotions force his gaze to drop, throat tight for a moment as he tries to force out words of his own. It's never quite as simple for him. ]
You are. You don't have to worry about that either. I've always liked you as just Prompto, so that's all you have to be.
[despite hearing the words that he's wanted to hear--of acceptance and reassurance--prompto still fidgets, somewhat unnerved; he scratches at his hand, nervously, then at the back of his head when embarrassment overtakes his nerves.]
[but although he feels embarrassed, there's a hint of a smile on his features--amidst the sniffles and the remaining tears that he makes a point of rubbing off with the back of his hand.]
[that's all you have to be.]
[for most of his life, he's tried so much to not be something that would otherwise cast others away, especially in these past five years of being noctis's best friend. his hand curled into a fist, he lightly bumps at the other's side, a gentle gesture practiced between them and the other two members of their retinue during their roadtrip.]
...thanks. It, uh, means a lot.
[knowing that he can be freed of having to hide the mark on his wrist, who he is... it's like a 20 year old weight has been lifted from his chest.]
[ A harmless protest to the "blow" that only gets him to half-smile, something in the expression cautiously reluctant as he now searches Prompto's eyes -- he looks the same, feels the same, is the same. ]
You sure you're okay? Just keep me up to date in the future, okay? I'm not the worst listener.
[ And yet...
Right now he's hearing words he doesn't want to, eye contact immediately broken when his best friend elects to bring up Ardyn. ] Yeah, I ran into him. He's a real pain in the ass, huh.
Yeah, I'm okay. I think. [he adds with a bit of a laugh, rubbing at his nose.] For now.
[because they both know that prompto's prone to these moments of self-deprecation that dig too deep, but knowing that noctis has his back no matter what means a lot.]
[there's nervous energy again, though, as he bounces his knee up and down.]
He's bad news. Just -- be careful around him, okay? I don't know what he's trying to accomplish but he isn't as friendly as he made himself appear back in Lestallum.
[he knocks at noctis's knee after a minute, his voice quiet.]
You... can also tell me anything, whenever something's bothering you.
[it's embarrassing, because they've been so sure of just Understanding, a silent mutual agreement, and to put it out there is a bit too personal even for them.]
[ Just hearing those words alone gets a little sigh of relief out of him, faint and aborted but still impossible for his best friend to miss at this distance. It's good news, sorely needed, and it's a huge weight off of his shoulders to know that the air's been cleared between them.
Almost. ]
Yeah... I know.
Listen, Prompto-- [ He can't look him in the eye and lie, he just can't. ]
... there is something, something I need to talk to you about. Just... not yet, okay? But soon, I promise. I just need some time to think about it on my own.
[the words are worrying, and prompto would be hasty to have his expression fall into mild concern and the general build up of panic starting in his gut. but, instead, he shakes his head and manages a smile.]
I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't allow you the time to process whatever it is.
[he'll be brave for the both of them, at this time.]
I'll be here when you're ready, and I'll always have your back.
[it is the same courtesy noctis gave him, and prompto has to honor as much. resolute, he rises to his feet and does a quick fist pump with his hands towards his chest.]
--we should probably sit around Iggy and look after him for once, huh? Don't know when that opportunity will come up again.
[...i mean, altissia, but prompto's trying to remain Positive.]
[ His head lifts when Prompto straightens back up, unable to fight the little twitch at his lips when he sees Prompto's own smile. Sure, there are still heavy thoughts and realities hovering over their heads, but for now? This was a good conversation and the trust between them has only grown. That's something he wants to hold onto for as long as he can. ]
Ahh, no kidding... He'll be up soon and ordering us around, making sure everything's way cleaner. It'll feel good to pay him back a little in advance.
[ So Noctis too stands, careful again to favor his nearly-healed arm through the process. ]
[he kicks lightly at noctis's shoe, to emphasize his point? before making his way back towards the ladder.]
I'll go first in case you fall off, at least we'll both break our heads together.
[snickering--that's nothing to laugh about--and he begins his descent down the ladder. it doesn't take long for them to make it back to the safehouse, in a better mood than the one they left with, talking considerations for their mmorpg characters, quieting down as they reach where ignis is sleeping. they may as well continue their conversation on leveling up and enhancement items through texting. and for now, at least, things are like they used to be.]
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meadowlark ic contact 〉
no subject
[he says, eyes still fixed on ignis's face. it's -- so strange. like being displaced. a different reality versus his own. he wonders if they're all from different parallel worlds, or if it doesn't work like that? the physics and laws of this universe are so beyond his understanding, and he's starting to wonder if the astrals can hear their prayers at all.]
[it takes him a moment, though, before he's standing, too, helping himself up by putting hands to his knees and pushing.]
I found the fire escape to the supermarket. Wanna head up there?
[reminiscent, perhaps, of a conversation they had what feels ages ago, atop a motel on the side of the road.]
no subject
Ah... yeah, sounds good. [ So he trails after him as Prompto leads the way, navigating the hallways, rooms, and a short stairwell in silence that doesn't suit them. It's only when they hit muggy, hot air that he's willing to speak up. ]
... how much don't I know that you do?
no subject
[his reply is calm even if his hands shake so much he has to actually shove them inside his pockets.]
Enough for it to be alarming.
[is what he manages, but it's neither telling nor saying nothing. he walks towards the back of the abandoned supermarket, kicks at the broken fence, and makes his way through before walking the short distance towards the forgotten ladder, sitting pretty. it looks like it might give way, but prompto's confident it'll hold.]
[he holds onto a bar, pulling himself up, fully aware that he's leading them both to a location where he can't run away from saying his peace.]
[at the top, he waits to see if noctis needs help the last couple of steps. his mouth feels dry and his tongue heavy, though, and it's like the words don't want to come out--since so many want to come out.]
Sorry. [it's a good place to start] I've... been a pretty shitty friend about all this.
no subject
Climbing the ladder one-handed isn't easy but he manages, palm helping to hoist him up the last rung so that he can stand next to him, equal. ]
... listen, I...
I wasn't trying to snap; it's not like either of us got lessons on how to handle stuff like this. I dunno is there's a "right" way... I just know I want to hear what you have to say.
Need to hear it, maybe.
no subject
Let's do this, then.
[he doesn't make it very far from where they climbed, taking a few short steps towards the railing and sitting down on the edge, his back facing the rest of the shiny city (his feet feel like lead, this is as far as he can go).]
Y'might... wanna sit down for it.
[is the only thing he manages, but whether noctis actually does or stays standing, he doesn't know, because he's lowered his face and is keeping his eyes on the bandages he so stubbornly keeps around his right wrist.]
[he cannot tell noctis about altissia; that'd be -- too much. there has to be another way to break the news, and it's something he might not want to do by himself. he's been thinking about how, maybe, he could talk about it with ignis first. the man is a lot more composed about delivering terrible news and, besides, he doesn't have the heart to say any of it out loud to noctis--to noctis, who would ask for a hundred details that prompto isn't privy to.]
...when we got on the train to Tenebrae, I went looking for you cuz I saw this huge snow cloud out in the distance while taking pictures. We'd never seen anything like it. You stood up and then ... you tried to punch me, asking me what the hell I was doing there. [he remembers the fight so clearly, even if it happened a long time ago. he's been replaying it in his head constantly, willingly and not, as part of an amalgamation of nightmares when he sleeps.] You chased me down, slashed your sword at me.
[are you seriously trying to kill me? why wouldn't i? what're you after, following me around, this whole time? it's all your fault--]
[he shakes his head]
That much I've told you. I had Ardyn at gunpoint, on top of the train, but you swung your sword at me instead and I fell. [a shaky breath] I thought if I kept following the tracks I'd make it to Gralea and meet you guys there, even though, I didn't know if you'd... You'd be okay with that-- Niflheim is a frozen tundra, y'know? [he remembers how terrible it felt, to be so cold he lost consciousness, even as he saw the imperial soldiers drop from their ships.]
[he pauses, wanting to preface something before he gets into the real meat of this godsawful thing he found out about in the research facilities.]
All I ever wanted was friends, but no one... ever wanted me back. So when I found people who did want me--you, Gladio, Iggy... I did everything I could to make you stay. And [swallowing] ever since I've lived with one fear, a fear that you'd -- find out who I really was, and you wouldn't want me anymore.
[he squeezes his eyes shut and rubs at his eyes hard with the palm of his hand.]
...but it's even worse than that. So much worse.
[keeping his hand there, he takes another shaky breath and continues]
Imperial soldiers found me and took me into a place that I know now was a Magitek production facility. Verstael Besithia. He -- [an abrupt pause and change of direction.] Ardyn was there. Called it 'home sweet home.' [a humorless laugh as he shrinks some more onto himself] Had to walk through the entire place until I reached a lab. Climbed down the stairs, into a room with -- tubes, people inside, totally out of a horror video game.
[this is as much as he can go without thinking too much about it. his hands are trembling uncontrollably now, and his voice is shaking, as he forces himself to keep on.]
I -- shot Besithia. He looked out of his mind. He... said things, things... things like, I--
[he doesn't know if anything that he's said is making any sense at all, but he's clearly real fucking shaken by it. the words stick to his tongue and he can't make them come out. the real meat of the matter--what really frightens him. he's had to deal with it by himself for all these weeks, it's just so hard.]
I don't wanna say. [he chokes out, quietly]
no subject
No, it seems like more than that, something far more personal and his mind can't work to even supply a hint any longer.
He eases himself down, back against the adjacent wall with enough distance left between them to hopefully keep his friend comfortable. He can't remember ever having seen Prompto so rattled before and it tugs at his chest painfully, wanting to tell him that it's okay to keep lying if it'll ease this discomfort but they both know that's not the case.
It'll only get worse now that it's partly in the open.
He flinches when Prompto begins with a description of his actions on that train again, jaw locking but he doesn't interrupt in spite of the wave of guilt that might make him want to. The train, the trip into Niflheim... Then he says something that catches his attention, head lifting.
I've lived with one fear, a fear that you'd -- find out who I really was, and you wouldn't want me anymore. ]
Prompto-- [ He bites his tongue quieting again even if he shakes his head. ]
If you shot him then you did what you had to do. It's not the first time one of us has had to do something like that, okay? And whatever the rest is, just... Just tell me, okay? I know you don't want to, but I'm not going anywhere.
I promise... it's gonna' be alright.
no subject
[and prompto wants to. maybe it's something about what connor had said in their text conversation, maybe it's just wanting to be okay about not carrying this huge, dreadful secret within him, or even just the idea that this much is hurting noctis-- but with one shaky sigh, just says it.]
Verstael Besithia created clones of himself to use them as fuel for the MTs.
A child was 'stolen' from the facility--the Magitek production facility--by Lucians. That kid... was me.
[he unwinds his wrist, removing the bandages that he kept tightly rolled around his skin. it reveals his barcode tattoo, intact, despite the fact that there's a blemish -- red and messy across his skin, like that of a burn halfway through healing. he really should have tended to that.]
The doors opened when it scanned this barcode. Unit 05953234. A production code.
[noctis might remember how adamant prompto had always been about keeping his right wrist under a band or otherwise covered. it never saw the light of day.]
...I knew I was adopted, tha-that I wasn't really Lucian. I suspected I was born in Niflheim. I just... never thought I'd just be created. A copy of the man who created the weapon which destroyed our home.
[his heart beats fast, fear mounting as he turns to look at noctis, a surprising look of calm on his features, as if he's ready to accept judgement.]
All the people inside those tubes-- [he nods a bit] they looked just like me. I don't know what any of it means, I shot him, he said I was created to serve him but I don't know if I was supposed to be of any use to the Empire or if I'm clean or if I'm normal but you gotta believe me Noct, I'd never do anything to hurt you or the guys or our home!
[he's turned towards noctis now, a pleading look on his face, tears threatening to fall]
1/2
And that's harder than he anticipated.
Clones? What sick experiments was he trying to perform? Why-- why did Lucians gain access, how, and why was he never told? Did they know that the MTs were made using humans?
And then the real bombshell hits, and Noctis is sure he can feel his heart beating in his throat as Prompto starts to hurry, tripping over his words in a sheer rush to just get them out and get this burden off of his shoulders. Keeping the eye contact when his best friend suddenly looks over, practically begging him to trust him, is almost more than he can take.
He remembers how he'd tease Prompto for his silly-looking sweat bands, how his friend would buy new ones after each little taunt and wear them even during swimming events on sports days or when he'd come over just to hang out at his apartment. He remembers, and his gaze finally drops. ]
2/2
His palm braces flat against the rough floor beneath them just so he can ease himself closer, suddenly, knees planting in front of Prompto's with that hand newly hesitating in an extension to his wrist...
before it suddenly deflects to his shoulder, clamping down hard and firm, demanding his attention and focus as he struggles to keep his voice steady. ]
Is that what you were afraid of? That... I wouldn't trust you, or you wouldn't belong with us?
Prompto--
You're Lucian and always have been, no matter where you came from first or how you came to be. What good would I be as a king if I didn't know my own people? I can decide that... and you're one of them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXfHooTIReM
[but there's no disgust and nothing loathful in noctis's eyes.]
[suddenly, everything's blurry, and he blinks fast, not wanting to miss a beat (as if sight and hearing were connected, somehow), tears rolling down his cheeks. noctis is speaking to him as his king, the person he has vowed to protect with his life.]
[something catches in his throat]
I, uh-- I... I'm... Lucian.
[like a clambering of strings stretching taut of a musical chord; his lips tremble and he closes his mouth into a tight line, nodding, nodding.]
I'm sorry.
[it's obnoxious how physical contact forces an empathetic connection between them, but for once prompto seems to not care--previous chains shackling him back seemingly gone, as he reaches forward and (carefully, noct's still with a sling), puts himself in line to embrace his best friend, his oldest friend, his only friend, at one point.]
I'm sorry I suck I should've known better I should've trusted you...
NO
It's slow but his arms drops, hooking itself over Prompto's shoulders with another gentle squeeze. ]
Ahh, you're always... You just worry about stupid stuff. You're my best friend, Prompto; nothing's gonna' change that. Definitely not Niflheim or any of the rest of it.
...
It isn't your fault.
how about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uiupfxPvZY
[noctis is a gentle soul, the kindest of all, and all prompto has ever wanted is to be worthy of being at his side. his unknown origins now unfolded and the truth of his reality had made him think he wasn't worthy of such a thing.]
[he presses closer into the embrace, feeling lighter and like he isn't choking on air--which is not entirely a nice thing, since this only means that he's crying a bit more freely now, snot at all.]
[it makes him laugh shakily as he pulls his head up and rests his chin on the other's shoulder. this position is kinda awkward--but he wants to bask in it for a bit longer, selfishly so.]
I'm still sorry I didn't say anything sooner.
[he offers that, then remains quiet for a minute, before pulling back, rubbing at his face and sniffling for good measure.]
I thought... I could've swept it under the rug for as long as you weren't caught up with what had happened. Pretend everything was fine. I didn't stop to think it was hurtin' you, too.
--didn't want it to be your burden. [head bowed, he feels ashamed] But ... guess I messed that up, too.
[biting his lip, he glances up.]
You're my best friend too. You're the best friend I could have ever asked for. I wanna be the best you could have asked for, too.
[this is getting into very lame, sappy territory. but prompto's a #scorpio and this is his life]
a million years later
Eyes squeeze shut throughout the tight hug, trying to conjure up a memory of an embrace this meaningful with him and none come -- lingering physicality isn't a common feature in his life, and what contact they do have is usually instigated by Prompto via a teasing slap to the back or an arm slung over his shoulders. Not like this. Nevertheless he eases up when his friend does, allowing himself another quick exhale. ]
Geeze, listen to you... My burden? It's not... You're not, so don't think stuff like that.
[ The compliments and Prompto's so easily stated goals and shared emotions force his gaze to drop, throat tight for a moment as he tries to force out words of his own. It's never quite as simple for him. ]
You are. You don't have to worry about that either. I've always liked you as just Prompto, so that's all you have to be.
at least it wasn't ten
[but although he feels embarrassed, there's a hint of a smile on his features--amidst the sniffles and the remaining tears that he makes a point of rubbing off with the back of his hand.]
[that's all you have to be.]
[for most of his life, he's tried so much to not be something that would otherwise cast others away, especially in these past five years of being noctis's best friend. his hand curled into a fist, he lightly bumps at the other's side, a gentle gesture practiced between them and the other two members of their retinue during their roadtrip.]
...thanks. It, uh, means a lot.
[knowing that he can be freed of having to hide the mark on his wrist, who he is... it's like a 20 year old weight has been lifted from his chest.]
Did -- you see Ardyn, in the safehouse?
that's all we can hope for
[ A harmless protest to the "blow" that only gets him to half-smile, something in the expression cautiously reluctant as he now searches Prompto's eyes -- he looks the same, feels the same, is the same. ]
You sure you're okay? Just keep me up to date in the future, okay? I'm not the worst listener.
[ And yet...
Right now he's hearing words he doesn't want to, eye contact immediately broken when his best friend elects to bring up Ardyn. ] Yeah, I ran into him. He's a real pain in the ass, huh.
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Yeah, I'm okay. I think. [he adds with a bit of a laugh, rubbing at his nose.] For now.
[because they both know that prompto's prone to these moments of self-deprecation that dig too deep, but knowing that noctis has his back no matter what means a lot.]
[there's nervous energy again, though, as he bounces his knee up and down.]
He's bad news. Just -- be careful around him, okay? I don't know what he's trying to accomplish but he isn't as friendly as he made himself appear back in Lestallum.
[he knocks at noctis's knee after a minute, his voice quiet.]
You... can also tell me anything, whenever something's bothering you.
[it's embarrassing, because they've been so sure of just Understanding, a silent mutual agreement, and to put it out there is a bit too personal even for them.]
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Almost. ]
Yeah... I know.
Listen, Prompto-- [ He can't look him in the eye and lie, he just can't. ]
... there is something, something I need to talk to you about. Just... not yet, okay? But soon, I promise. I just need some time to think about it on my own.
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I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't allow you the time to process whatever it is.
[he'll be brave for the both of them, at this time.]
I'll be here when you're ready, and I'll always have your back.
[it is the same courtesy noctis gave him, and prompto has to honor as much. resolute, he rises to his feet and does a quick fist pump with his hands towards his chest.]
--we should probably sit around Iggy and look after him for once, huh? Don't know when that opportunity will come up again.
[...i mean, altissia, but prompto's trying to remain Positive.]
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Ahh, no kidding... He'll be up soon and ordering us around, making sure everything's way cleaner. It'll feel good to pay him back a little in advance.
[ So Noctis too stands, careful again to favor his nearly-healed arm through the process. ]
... thanks, Prompto.
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[he kicks lightly at noctis's shoe, to emphasize his point? before making his way back towards the ladder.]
I'll go first in case you fall off, at least we'll both break our heads together.
[snickering--that's nothing to laugh about--and he begins his descent down the ladder. it doesn't take long for them to make it back to the safehouse, in a better mood than the one they left with, talking considerations for their mmorpg characters, quieting down as they reach where ignis is sleeping. they may as well continue their conversation on leveling up and enhancement items through texting. and for now, at least, things are like they used to be.]