#;; v - Ninelie

[adisa-miour]

SEASONAL ANIME STORYLINE: ADISA MIOUR

「 Number of Seasons 」

Three seasons!

「 Cour Type/Episode Numbers 」

Season 1: Single Cour (13 episodes) Season 2: Double Cour (24 episodes) Season 3: Double Cour (24 episodes)

「 Cour Type/Episode Numbers 」

MAPPA! As much as ufotable visuals are amazing, Studio MAPPA has a very good character animation that captures many subtles as well as having great action choreography.

「 Openings/Endings 」

Season 1: How to Go - school food punishment (Opening) Rainbow - BIG LEGO MORL (Ending) Season 2: PSI-Missing - Mami Kawada (Opening 1) Open Your Eyes - Asaka (Ending 1) Being - KOTOKO (Opening 2) Tokohana - Nagi Yanagi (Ending 2) Season 3: shadowgraph - MYTH&ROID (Opening 1) Ring Your Bell -  Kalafina (Ending 1) Hemisphere - Maaya Sakamoto (Opening 2) Tsuki to Hanataba - Sayuri (Ending 2)

「 Stand Out Inserts 」

Season 1: Mnemonic - Ray Ninelie <cry-v> - SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] Feat. Aimer

Season 2: Giraffe Blues - Macross Delta Legend of Mermaid - Mermaid Melody Wishing - Inori Minase I Beg You - Aimer (Season Finale) Season 3: Beautiful World - Hikaru Utada Lonely Feather - Haruka Chisuga oldToday -  SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] Feat. mizuki THERE’S A REASON - Konomi Suzuki Tune the Rainbow - Maaya Sakamoto (Series Finale) 「 Image Song 」  

Kimi no Sei - The Peggies

Finished and redone my first RP character prompt. So I guess I get to tag the first people here.

Tagged: @hei-lowell, @theshieldedhero​, @theflowerrabbit​ and anyone else who would love to do it!

[nxctcaelum]

One Step Closer

@rubatosiis​ / @mumsthewcrd​

    The air was tense, that much Noctis could sense. But it was less for the reason that he would expect and more entirely for the frustrated grunts and grumbles coming from across the room. He looked up languidly from the plans he’d been sifting, watching Prompto tap at his screen with the most vexed expression. He sighed. That project was a massive deal, and he could tell, if not from the fourteen times Prompto had mentioned it today, by the litter accumulated around the blond. Discarded, furiously crumpled cans, a small stack of cups that had once been filled with coffee, the veritable library of reference images and help guided that the boy had accumulated for his ease of use...

    Noctis had tried to explain that creative block was normal. Not that he was much of a creator, but he’d been known to pen a few short stories or poems in his time ( none of which were available to the public and all of which were hidden in his notebook, securely stowed beneath his mattress, a very safe and secret place to be sure ). So whatever this collage or whatever it was that Prompto was not making, staring at it and aggressively tapping his screen wasn’t going to make it better. 

    His eyes flicked down to the plans once more. Yup, those were seating charts. His father had asked his opinion, as Noctis’s attendance was mandatory at such events despite his schooling. And while the prince appreciated the gesture, he wasn’t going to be able to get much comprehension done as long as he was more focused on--

    A book fell from the couch, snapping shut loudly, and Noctis shut his portfolio in front of him in tandem. Okay, he advised, and Prompto shot up from his hunched position on the couch at Noctis’s voice. Break time. Now. Stand up.

    The blond looked quizzically at him, then deflated a bit, shaking his head. Can’t, I’ve gotta--

    You’ve gotta stop beating your laptop to death. What’d it ever do to you?

     Prompto shifted in his seat. ... sorry.

     Rolling his eyes, Noctis stood from his seat at the kitchen table. Okay, so leaving Prompto to get up on his own was no longer an option. He walked across the room, reaching into the blanket that the other had curled into and snagging his arm. No sorry, no option. Up.

     It was with little grace or dexterity that Prompto finally did stand, shaking his leg out of the tangled entrapment of the blankets. Noctis lead him back a few steps in the open ground of the living room, holding both his hands as he did. Fine, fine, I’m up! Impatiently, he looked to the prince and scowled. Where are we even going?

    Noctis smirked. Who said anything about going anywhere? he insisted. I said break time. 

    His stress must have been more prevalent than he thought. Surely Noctis had expected Prompto to relax a bit at his tone, to accept his fate and entertain him, but his scowl remained. I’ve got fourteen hours and-

    And you’re gonna get an A brutalizing your equipment?

    Well I’m not going to get it not--... doing... that...

    Noctis sighed. Look, twenty minutes. Twenty minutes, and I’ll help you get that thing done. Deal?

    Prompto cocked a brow, clearly nonplussed. You don’t know the program.

    So I’ll make it fun.

    Meaning you’ll screw it up.

    Fun.

    Failing.

    Relax.

    My whole semester--

    Look, twenty minutes? C’monnnnnnnnnn--

    It was not often that the prince got to use his eyes- you know, those eyes-, but in moments like this, he was glad that he could. Noctis was never something he would label as cute, but apparently his pout was actually pretty effective. And he could see Prompto’s resolve wavering like a house of cards in a light breeze. Three... two.... one...

    Fifteen. Fine. Can’t hurt me that much.

    Noctis grinned. Thought you’d come around.

    Prompto scowled, taking a hand away from Noctis and smacking it. Like you gave me an option.

    You’d never survive in sales.

    You’re not even a salesman!

    You ready for next weekend?

    Ahhh, now that stopped him. Prompto stared at Noctis for a moment, mouthing ‘next weekend’ as if the motion would jog his memory. Noctis wouldn’t prolong his suffering. The benefit. At the Citadel? You told me you’d go with me. Noctis had even asked his father if it was alright. He’d been advised to exercise discretion, bringing Prompto to a public venue. And he would. That did not mean he’d let Prompto off easily.

    The other sighed, dropping his head. Ahhh-- not yet. Ignis said something about a fitting?

    Noctis rolled his eyes. Yeah, still gotta do that too. Don’t worry, the tailor’s cool, but also, not what I was getting at. Taking a step back, he looked the other up and down. You ever danced?

     And for a moment, Noctis had to wonder if he’d actually said something wrong. It was an innocent enough question, wasn’t it? And he hadn’t said it in a weird way; least he thought he hadn’t. But Prompto almost looked baffled, like Noctis had so much reared back and hit him with his portfolio of colors and decor. .... what’d I say?

     Prompto snapped out of his reverie, shaking his head.  N-nothing, I just.... Noct... I- I can’t? He lifted a hand, tapping his ear with an almost meekness. Kinda hard, y’know?

    Oh. Oh right-- that... Noctis felt a rising of heat on his cheeks, momentarily discouraged. But... his moral flipped, discomposure replaced with a crooked grin and confidence. That’s why I’m here. C’mon, I’ll show you.

    H-hang on- Noct-!

    Relax, he insisted. Honestly, such a stick in the mud sometimes... He resisted as Prompto tried to pull his hands back, shifting them into the hold that he’d been taught. Honestly, Ignis had been so strict with instruction, but at least Noctis could be confident now- muscle memory guided him to the first position, one hand at Prompto’s waist while the other sat delicately in his hand. Poise. He remembered how adamant the Adviser had been on poise and the natural fluidity of motion in his teaching. And looking at Prompto, that was not going to happen. The blond stood in rigid contrast to the royal. Noctis maintained a languid smile. Just follow my lead.

    But I-

    Noctis tugged him closer, pressing his forehead against Prompto’s and closing his eyes. He could hear the other gulp. Just follow my lead. He wasn’t going to let him fail. And so he lifted his foot, delicately tapping Prompto’s opposite. Halting and uncertain, the blond took a step back, and Noctis  took initiative.

     He wasn’t going to lie- Prompto was awkward and uncomfortable. The motions were unnatural, as one would expect, but that was fine. Because it didn’t take long to at least attain some semblance of flow, a motion that swept them in small, controlled circles in the middle of the dorm room. No music, no words, just a combined sequence of steps that Noctis dragged Prompto in. After a few minutes of calm silence, Noctis pulled himself back, continuing to guide the other in tow. 

    See? What’s so hard about this?

    Prompto blinked- oh, he’d closed his eyes too? That could have sucked. One of them ought to have been watching if they were going to run into something- oh well, no harm done. Noctis smiled, though, at the way Prompto seemed to grow. There was something in Prompto when he was like this- an innate light that Noctis could have sworn would blind anyone who walked into the room. He had a certain brilliance in him that showed in his smile, in the excitement he drew from every thing that he did. And that ridiculous laugh that spilled out of him, the way that it bubbled out of him- it was contagious. The only music he needed... Noctis snickered too, but stopped when Prompto interrupted, I just never thought I’d do this kind of thing.

     They slowed, eventually crawling to a stop, but Noctis didn’t release his hold. Guilt wound through him like a crawling vine. He took it for granted; really he did. His upbringing, his sense of normalcy. And he’d not even considered- it hadn’t even occurred to him... He pulled Prompto closer, now, flush as he wrapped his arms around his waist. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was certainly not a dance hold. And he buried his face in Prompto’s shoulder. It took a moment for Prompto to catch up, returning the gesture and nervously adding, Now what’d I say? with a little trill of a laugh.

     Noctis wasn’t the sort to coddle. To make excuses. He was lucky, so lucky, that he and Prompto shared the connection that they did, and to that end... Noctis owed him so much. So he did the only thing he could-  he leaned back, smirking as he rapt his knuckles over the top of Prompto’s head. You’re not getting out of this. I’ll sing to you if I have to. He was a bridge, a connection; Noctis could seal the gaps, bring aspects of Prompto’s life to him that perhaps he wouldn’t have access to otherwise. If that meant a little embarrassment... 

     Prompto paused, seeming to debate something before settling on a wolfish smirk. Serenaded by a prince? Aren’t I lucky~

     With a groan and an eye roll, Noctis smirked and tugged away from Prompto. It’s been fifteen minutes. You’ve got things to do.

     No, no, no, but now I’m invested! You said you’d sing~!

    With a scowl, Noctis leered sidelong at Prompto. He looked so excited, so expectant. And for a moment, it was a stare-down. Whoever blinked.......... ehh, Noctis would blink. This wasn’t a competition. And besides, he had an ace... A moment more of silence, and Noctis grinned.

        ♪ It’s a small world after--  ♪

    The pillow flew before Noctis could finish the first line. So, perhaps he’d be taking just a bit longer than fifteen minutes...

[juxtamango]

Tagged by @biguylance

1. WHAT’S YOUR NAME? Bela (nickname of a nickname)

2. HOW OLD ARE YOU? 23 until 7 more days

3. WHAT ARE YOU TALENTED AT??????????? loving cats

4. WHAT IS A BIG GOAL YOU ARE WORKING TOWARDS/HAVE ALREADY ACHIEVED my cats love me Teaching a kid piano

5. WHAT’S YOUR AESTHETIC? V A P O R W A V E idk

6. DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING? embarrassing memories

7. WHAT IS A TOPIC YOU ALWAYS BRING UP IN CONVERSATION? I can’t converse like a normal human being

8. WHAT’S A PET PEEVE OF YOURS? when people are talking and they block you from moving

9. GOOD ADVICE TO GIVE? the only way out is through

10. RECOMMEND THREE SONGS OR MORE oh god i will recommend 100 songs if i could but I’ll try to limit myself to 10 1.)   Ninelie - Aimer 2.)  Flowers - In Love With A Ghost 3.)  So Faded - BEVY MACO 4.) American Money -  BØRNS 5.)  ミュージック - 空想委員会　[Music by Kusoiinkai] 6.)  Maybe - Alina Baraz & Galimatias 7.)  Itch - Nothing but Thieves 8.)  Evanescence? 9. ) Flip - Glass Animals 10.) Art Exhibit (In the Open) - Young the Giant 11.) Take Me - MISO

tagging @likelylynx @speff @adorkablesweetpotato and anyone else who wants to~ (plz recommend me songs)

[actionfaust]

That AMV that I’m planning will either use a medley of opening themes, or ninelie <cry-v> from the KnK movies.

That is if I actually get around to making it.

[ayameyumesaki]

Several Japanese music artists I really like:

1. Kalafina (since Kagayaku Sora no Shijima ni wa’s release, I’ve been trying to follow their every single updates. Kalafina provides pretty good songs. They also have a pretty much different styles than any other group.)

2. Sawano Hiroyuki: nZk (since Seraph of the End, since X.U’s release, I’ve been nZk’s fan! I like Gemie the most, especially at Call of Silence.)

3. EGOIST (since All Alone With You, and have been following the updates since then. I’m EGOIST dork :”) I can’t hate EGOIST’s musics, don’t know why but they just hit my genre right. Maybe chelly’s soothing but soft voice wins me...)

4. Aimer (since ninelie I think, but I’m not following Aimer’s updates. But her recent one for FSN is really good ;;A;; as expected from Yuki Kajiura ;;v;; but Aimer’s other songs are good too!)

5. GARNiDELiA (THE RECENT ONE HAHA THANKS TO DESIR :”) I like them at first just for .lamb, but Desir caught my ears and they ;;v;;)

[jadecitymusic]

✘C r e d i t s ⤫Cover ⤞ J Y O ⤫Instrumental ⤞ SARE @officialsaremusic ⤫Lyrics⤞ SHIMMERAI www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AzCk9FSbAs ⤫ YT Version⤞ youtu.be/_qEhhXGiNa4 ⤫Buy a coffee? ko-fi.com/A607IU5 ⤫Commission a song?: jyolee.co.vu/post/158635855671/…fered-arrangements

[sushivoo]

Japanese Music - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN24W_psMpE

[mosaicfoto]

Aimer with chelly (EGOIST) 『ninelie』(Short Ver.) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjY9bLheJ_Eから)

[acg17z]

【动漫音乐】[161230] 手机游戏「SOUL REVERSE ZERO」OP主题「e of s」｜TV动画「甲铁城的卡巴内利」总集篇ED主题「ninelie 」／SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] [320K]

【动漫音乐】[161230] 手机游戏「SOUL REVERSE ZERO」OP主题「e of s」｜TV动画「甲铁城的卡巴内利」总集篇ED主题「ninelie 」／SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] [320K] 简介:  スマートフォンゲーム「ソウルリバース ゼロ」OPテーマ「e of s」｜TVアニメ「甲鉄城のカバネリ」総集编EDテーマ「ninelie 」／SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] 発売日 : 2016/12/30 収录曲 01. e of s (スマートフォンゲーム「ソウルリバース ゼロ」OPテーマ) 歌 : SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki 02. ninelie ＜cry-v＞ (TVアニメ「甲鉄城のカバネリ」総集编EDテーマ) 歌 : SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Aimer 03. e of s (Game Edit)…

[nxctcaelum]

✿ - Rubatosiis

SEND ME A ✿ AND I’LL GENERATE A NUMBER.         16: neck kiss

    He was healing well. That was good. The cut across the bridge of his nose was starting to fade, his freckles poking through little by little. And the bruising was subsiding too, the greens and yellows fading into the pallor of his skin at last. Noctis smiled as he watched Prompto. Noctis, at present, was laid across the bed on his side, his head propped up in his hand. His bad arm was holding his phone ( sucks to suck, doctors, he could text at least, weakened or not... ). Prompto beamed as he looked up from his phone, and Noctis felt his vibrate in his hand.

    The text message itself didn’t really interest Noct;  he wouldn’t say anything, but he was having a hard time keeping up with the conversation anyway. But Prompto looked amused. He looked down at his screen, seeing the flicker of white text with [  ❥Prom ]. He opened it and looked at it for a moment. Jumbled, the words weren’t cohesive. He blinked in frustration, willing the words to align themselves--

    He did all that work for another damn pun. Noctis turned up a glower, half pouting, and Prompto threw his head back in a laugh. He loved that laugh. It warmed his heart, filled his tight chest with something other than the nagging worry, fear- what if I don’t get him back, what if we never can, what if this is it, can we do it, will it be the same--

    And it was in Prompto’s eyes- the faith, the strength Noctis needed to adopt, to leech from the one that was taking so much hardship in stride. Because as much as Noctis missed his voice... he still had his laugh, right? He still had...

    And maybe it was in Noctis’s eyes- the distant concern, distraction, something more inscrutable; Prompto’s face fell, a worry crossing his face that Noctis was getting far too familiar with to be satisfied. He wasn’t made of tissue- he’d be okay... eventually. He just...

    Prompto laid a hand on his cheek as if he would ask if he were okay, eyes turning down to his phone-- maybe to ask just that. He could just sign it- Noctis at least knew that much. And how to answer it. He needed to practice anyway. But more than that, he didn’t want that message. He didn’t want to be coddled or treated like porcelain in the wake of an accident that had taken far more from him than Noctis. So instead, he set to a distraction.

    With an impish smirk, Noctis threw his arms around Prompto, pulling him into a hug and dragging him down on the bed. His right shoulder screamed in protest. He didn’t care. He knew Prompto would never know how cute his little giggle was, the way that he sounded like he was a little kazoo with a broken valve, the way his pitch spiked when he was surprised. And he twisted, pushing Prompto down onto the bed. He loomed over him with the same grin, chuckling under his breath. 

    Well, Prompto sure looked winded, confused, but still amused no less. Distraction: check. He’d take what he could get. He took the pressure off his right arm by leaning down, pressing a soft kiss to the soft patch of skin right under his jaw. His pulse was right under his lips ( he’s here, he’s still here, no matter what this is here, they’re not going back to before, just... it’s just different, and different doesn’t have to be bad, because they’re still together, he’s still here- ) He could hear his breathing, the spike of a quiet but sudden inhale. And thaaaat was another good distraction. Good for him, good for Prompto-- anything he could keep his mind on. Focus on Prompto. Focus on this. Focus on the way Prompto half laughed through his nose as Noctis peppered another kiss there, as he moved up to his jaw, his cheek, nuzzling there softly. 

     There was so much he wanted to say. There was so much going on, so much he needed to convey. Words wouldn’t reach, though. And signing was frustrating, laborious. But he could kiss him. He could keep kissing him. Because he was still here, too He wouldn’t be going anywhere. He pressed a kiss to Prompto’s lips now, firm, almost desperate, and he was pleased to feel reciprocation in it. For a moment, he pulled back, dizzy ( was it oxygen deprivation or concussion, figured it’s a damn fifty-fifty at this point- ), pressing his forehead to Prompto’s as he rubbed his thumb over his cheek. This... this closeness. It felt like...

    “I’m... I’m sorry, Prom.”

    Anything to feel that still. He needed him to know.

[nxctcaelum]

It Takes Practice

    See below: a completely self indulgent fluff fic based off of this AU**. @rubatosiis for reasons

i.

    It had felt like a dream, when they'd actually met at last. Twelve years of nothing but unbelievable interaction- he'd been told for years that he was insane, there was no Prompto; Prompto was just a figment of his imagination, his method of coping from the accident as a child. Prompto was a voice, a hallucination, and he needed to let him go. No prince would be able to properly serve his kingdom by giving credence to a voice in his head, be it comforting or not.

    But college arrived and with it, so did the proof- a laugh from across the field, the abrupt realization that he'd been heard by that person. And tearing through the courtyard, he'd seen: he was there. He was real. They could finally spend time together, not just pouring over the same book, not just looking at the same sky, not just commiserating about assignments and the unfairness of their teenage years together. There was proximity; there was an intimacy to it. And it made all of his uncertainty, everything he'd been feeling, but unable to reason or articulate for so long.... so real as well. 

    Frankly, that scared Noctis more than he was willing to admit.

        "I love you."

    Lucky that he was deaf. Prompto continued his work, leaned with his hand in his surprisingly mussed hair and glaring at the laptop screen as if it had wronged him. He was editing... something. If he asked Noctis, that sure did look like any other tree that he could have chosen from the courtyard, but apparently it was a piece. He was kind of grateful Prompto didn't ask him to weigh in on this sort of thing. Instead, he just watched Prompto grumble and mutter incoherently. Noctis flipped his pen in his hand, all thought of matrices and getting his homework done before the midnight deadline forgotten.

        "I love you."

    It wasn't said with real vigor, no major inflection in his tone. It was just stated like a fact, like a line delivered by a teenager attempting to navigate Hamlet for the first time. Uncertain, unsteady, experimental, the words rolled off his tongue with a look of scrutiny, as if he were weighing them on his tongue. He'd said these same words to so many others. Ignis, one of his greatest friends, albeit his adviser, had heard him say it ( ruefully, sometimes with a lilt of sarcasm, but sincere no less ). Gladio, who was totally not his bodyguard ( but would be some day ).... okay no, he'd never said it to Gladio. That just wasn't their dynamic. But it was understood- as much as Gladio would sacrifice for him, Noctis would do the same, even if they sometimes got along as well as bricks and dynamite. 

        "I love you."

    His father had heard him say it probably upwards of a million times, if he had to take a guess. Every time he hung up the phone, his father would say it, to which he would respond in kind. It was a habit, a ritual, a morbidly unspoken assurance that if something should happen to one of them, that would be their parting words. Such was the way for a Crown family, but also for a family that had experienced such tragedy in the previous years. 

    And yet for all of the times he had said it... why did it feel weird to say it to Prompto? Why did it feel like his mouth turned to cotton, like his words were not his own? Platonic 'I love you's should roll off the tongue, be as flippant as the weather. He'd seen people, even guys, do it. True, it was usually punctuated with a jab and a laugh, but it happened no less. So then...

         "I love you."

    ... are you sayin' something, Noct?

    Noctis froze, noticing for the first time that Prompto had looked up, quirked a brow. Had he noticed? Had he seen-- crap he could read lips sometimes, had he-- panic, panic, panic!- Noctis said a little too loud, "I uh-- I need to vacuum. Do you mind?"

    A moment of pause. .... Now? Prompto just shrugged, gave a tired smile. Won't bother me. He tapped his head with his finger. A little focused. Just lemme know if you need something.

    Y-yeah.

    As Prompto turned away, he exhaled, practically wilting into the chair. That was way too close. But why did it matter? Why did his heart leap into his throat at the prospect of Prompto seeing? It was true- he loved him. He... he loved...

    He needed to find the vacuum...

ii.

    He'd started viewing it as practice, after a time. Trying to slip it casually into dialogue that he knew Prompto wouldn't see, or saying it as he left a room- out loud, so that it would escape his notice. A few weeks, now, he'd been doing this, and yet it still didn't sit right. Why... For someone he'd known for so long, someone who knew him so well and gave him no allowances for his station, telling him how important he was to him should have been easy.

    "I love you." he announced as Prompto strolled by, whistling again of all things.

    You know the fact that you can still flawlessly whistle the Chocobo song despite not hearing it is kind of baffling.

    Prompto gave a small, chirping laugh, and Noctis's heart turned over in his chest. Yeah well, it was my favorite as a kid. Probably drove Mom nuts with it. Guess it's muscle memory?

You're doing it to spite me.

What you don't like chocobos?

    The look of horror outweighed the gravity of the situation, and Noctis rolled his eyes. No, you dork. He peeked down at his book. He was on the w's... He held his thumb to his lips, putting up his first and pinky finger and feigning to blow into them. Whistling.

    He saw that, Prompto- the little twinkle he got in his eyes when he signs something correctly, the way that his lips quirk, but just on the right side of his face as if he's trying not to be too excited by it. And Noctis couldn't help but return it despite his mild irritation. He never could figure out how to whistle. 

    Another laugh, and Prompto turned away again. I could teach you.

    Take the chance-- "I love you." Nope, still not right...

    The blond turned around. What's not right?

    Shit- Noctis looked back down to the book and reclined in such a way that he hid his eyes. Th-that you can whistle and not me. C'mon, where's that get fair?

    And now Prompto was the one for eye rolling. He strode over, laptop under his arm as he flopped down beside him. He leaned his back against Noctis's shoulder, flipping it open. In what world is it fair that you have an Audi at nineteen?

    This one.

    Then give me whistling.

    ... touché , bitch.

    Prompto laughed again, lightly elbowing him. You've got a foul mouth.

    Coming from you?

    .... touché , jerk.

    "I love you."

    ...... he'd just have to keep practicing.

iii.

    He supposed he hadn't meant it as a joke that first day, that Prompto could stay in his apartment. His reasoning was that, as the Farmer Scholar, he'd gotten his own room. That didn't change that the room was made for two people- a suite with a kitchen, and far too much room for him. And well... Noctis had never much cared for being alone anyway. But he'd also let it be known that there were two beds. So how did they always end up like this?

    The movie wasn't even good. Noctis fortunately always had on subtitles anyway, and Prompto was absolutely rapt in the going's on. It was... some kind of vampire drama. He'd never really been into that sort of occult thing, but at least the blond seemed interested. Noctis peered over. 

    "I love you...?"

    Still sounded off. It'd been a couple of months, and he still.. couldn't get it... Frankly it was starting to frustrate him. How long did he have to rehearse...? 

    Something up?

    .... and he'd been glaring at Prompto. Noctis blinked, a bit embarrassed, then looked back at the screen. Your movie sucks.

Prompto puffed his cheeks, and Noctis couldn't help the smirk. Hey, it's a classic!

    A classic what, flop?

    No!

    Then how is it a classic. It looks recent.

    Jeez, didn't you pick up a book before? Carmilla an older vampire tale than even Dracula.

    And you know that. Color me impressed.

    Color you rude.

    Ouch. My pride.

    Agreed to disagree, then, and Prompto crossed his arms over his chest. He turned his eyes back to the screen. With a chuckle, Noctis slid an arm over his shoulder and tugged him closer. Hey, no pouting.

    Did Prompto get warmer? His shoulders seemed tense, but Noctis wasn't going to look. Maybe his room was just warm. Noctis kept his eyes on the screen. 

    ... h-... hey, Noct?

    Hmm?

    He looked over. Prompto still wasn't looking at him. Cocking a brow, he asked, What is it?

    ... N... Nevermind. I'll tell you later.

    Aww, c'mon, don't do that. He actually kind of hated when people did that stutter-start thing with conversations, but... he hunkered down beside Prompto, squeezing his shoulder a little. Fine, just don't forget.

    Don't worry. I could never.

    Noctis smiled and muttered, "I love you." Prompto laid his head on his shoulder.

    He'd just have to keep practicing.

iv.

    I wanna teach you something.

    It was freezing, Noctis was cramming for finals, and Prompto, who was in none of his classes, wanted to teach him something. Noctis looked up from his book, a look of befuddled disbelief on his face. 

    ... now?! 

    That was some very emphatic nodding going on, Prompto. It was almost worrying- would he get whiplash, nodding like that? He supposed it was possible. Noctis leaned up, gesturing for Prompto to sit across from him. The photographer, instead, slid into the chair beside him, pulling up to sit in front of Noctis with a determined expression. Noctis, in turn, retreated with a small scream of chair legs on linoleum. What had gotten in to him...?

    Prompto reached over, taking a deep breath as he took Noctis's hand. It's a sign. he advised. Here, this one. It's important, don't forget it. Delicately, almost with trepidation, Prompto bent in Noctis's ring and middle finger, pushing the others to extend. He held up the sign himself. Like this!

    Noctis lifted his hand, looking at the sign. This one he kinda recognized, but... What is it? And why was it so important that he had to learn it this second?

    ... and why was Prompto absolutely scarlet? It only showed worse against the light, heather gray of his sweater, his freckles all but vanishing in the flush. He opened his mouth, and Noctis quirked a brow. "I-.." And his eyes widened. Was Prompto trying to talk? 

    He dropped the sign, waving his hands. You don't have to say it, dude-

Yes I do!

    Prompto's eyes squeezed shut, and Noctis swore he could see the start of frustrated tears. His heart sank. What was this? He reached out, placing a hand on Prompto's shoulder. Hey, it's--

        "I- I love you--"

    Noctis froze. The words were halting, almost stumbled over- it was how Prompto spoke, and one of the reasons he tended not to. He hadn't been able to hear since he was six; it'd be hard to replicate sounds from that long ago. And yet... had he just....

    Prompto wasn't looking at him. ... that's... what it means... I...

    ... you son of a bitch.

    Prompto's eyes snapped open, horror rinsing over him as if someone had turned the shower to arctic on him. Noctis, however, was smirking with a wolfish confidence. Well, this wasn't so difficult now-

    He reached over, wrapping a hand carefully around Prompto's neck as he pulled him in. Prompto probably looked as alarmed as ever, and Noctis's heart swelled and hammered between the anxiousness and excitement of the moment. But he didn't pull away- that was what was important as Noctis pressed his lips to Prompto's. He didn't pull away.

    When they did part, Noctis let out a small laugh. He pressed his forehead to Prompto's. ... do you have any idea how long I've been working on that?

    And now he'd been beaten. Practice, it seemed, didn't always make perfect.

    ** As children, both Noctis and Prompto were left comatose, Noctis from a major car accident, Prompto from illness. The illness left Prompto deaf, while Noctis went through major therapy to regain his ability to walk. Through this time, he and Prompto, who had met through this coma, bonded, spoke mentally to one another. Both vehemently defended that the other was real, but had doubts. It wasn’t until the two actually met in college that their doubts were abated and their true relationship could bloom.