[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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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.
no subject
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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
[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.]