#FFXV spare au

[kicksnscribs]

I was looking through my old sketchbooks bc procrastination and !!!!!!

I FORGOT THAT I HAD PUT MOOMBAS IN MY AU AS DELIVERY PERSONNEL OMG!!!

[crystalnovalisredux]

Abandoned Cindy design for the AU

but only bc i draw her completely different than how i draw her now lol The chunky stays bc i think it’s awesome

Fun fact: Cindy was practically the reason why i started this AU bc i was mindlessly doodling her while thinking about my FFXII fic, which made me think about the concept of bringing together the two games

I’m happy that I’ve gotten to the point where I can draw her and her sisters with a bit more confidence now

[mneiai]

Fic that I am currently working on:

The following is a list of the fic that I remembered to list that I am currently working on, planning on working on, or hoping to work on. A fic that does not appear here is not necessarily abandoned, but I cycle in and out of fandoms and back again with a few years between sometimes.

Fic I am definitely working on/currently updating:

A Coin Has Three Sides - ASOIAF no-Rebellion AU with Princess Rhaenys teaming up with Prince Aemon (Jon) to stop a plot to put him on the throne. Jon & Rhaenys & Aegon.

Is it so far from madness to wisdom? - ASOIAF/F&B/HOTD time travel crossover where Jon becomes the son of Daemon Targaryen. Jon & lots of people (but not Daemon).

Eventuality - GOT time travel AU where Jon ends up a trans man and Dany gets to be a King. Danaerys/Jon.

Fic I am definitely working on but maybe not updating for awhile:

Biding Time - TOG time travel AU with part-Valg!Dorian getting caught up in Valg politics and plotting. Erawan/Dorian, King & Dorian.

Play the Part of Savior - ASOIAF time travel AU where Jon travels back to the Great Empire of the Dawn to figure out how the Bloodstone Emperor starts the first Long Night. Bloodstone Emperor/Jon, Sarella/Jon.

Fire in the Rain - ASOIAF modern AU where the Targaryens no longer rule Westeros, but dream of the day they will retake it. Sansa/Jon, Rhaenys/Aegon/Jon.

No Peace No Rest (rewrite incoming) - BFA AU where Stormwind falls (again) and Anduin takes refuge with the Ebon Blade. Darion/Anduin, Bolvar & Anduin.

Cut Strings (rewrite incoming) - BFA AU where, because of the connections forged during the fight against the Legion, Anduin decides that Stormwind and its territories will become neutral. Wrathion/Anduin, Baine/Anduin.

King's Hero - FFXV AU. Somnus and Nyx make a deal, Nyx survives and Somnus goes with him on a quest to save the world and Noctis. Nyx/Somnus.

Lives Stretched From Sleep - FFXV/vsXIII AU. Attempting to mix VS rumors and XV.

Fic I'm hoping to get back to sooner than later:

The Spare - FFXV time travel AU. Noctis becomes Regis' younger brother. Nyx/Noctis, Ardyn/Noctis. Noctis & pretty much everyone.

How Not To Drown - FFVII-R AU. Sephiroth actually did die during the Nibelheim mission, but Cloud still spends four years in Hojo's tender care before getting back to Midgar. Gainsboroughs & Cloud. Andrea/Cloud.

Tearing Through The Seams - FFVII AU. The Turks save Zack and Cloud before Hojo can get ahold of them and they both stay at Shinra. Zack & Cloud. Cloud & Turks.

A Wolf In Dragon's Clothing - ASOIAF soulmate AU. Jon and Oberyn are soulmates. Future Jon/Oberyn/Ellaria.

Dig My Grave - FFXV vampire AU. Somnus and Ardyn are ancient vampires and rivals, Noctis is Somnus' last living mortal descendant. Ardyn/Noctis.

[redfoxline]

WIP Ask Game

Rules: post the names of all the files in your wip folder regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. let people send an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet of it or tell them something about it.

This has been sleeping in my notes for a while but finally I can answer it! Thank you for tagging me @kimievii, you know I love those. <3

My WIP folder looks like this and most of them are abandonned so...

But here are my favourite that I want to start again some day:

The Seer series: FFXV - Noctis is gifted (cursed?) to see omens sent by the Astrals and decides to go on his journey alone to spare his friends. Of course, it doesn't go as planned. (just writing about it makes me want to pick it up tbh >x<)

Capris (sun): it's all about Noctis's capri pants and angst.

You can't see it on the screenshot but if you were to scroll down you would find a Regis and Noctis soulmate AU, in which I treat myself with some gold, old Anastasia AU with Regis finding his son years later on thanks to a soulmate mark. I really want to make this one happen too, if only to fill my FFXV family trope agenda.

And that's it!

I'm shameless and I tag @mementomoryo and @every-lemon because I'm a curious cat (feel free to ignore this if you don't feel like it of course! ^^

[ebonyphotographs]

Beneath the cut here I’ll post a small sneak preview of an upcoming AU chapter I’m writing - one listed as a part of the planned SAviD sequel I’ve obsessively plotted with @his-pair-of-spare-glasses. A small gift to @fangirlig-intensifies to sate their curiosities. I hope this is everything you need and more.  Part 1 is posted to my AO3, with part 2 shortly on the way. Below here is a dip into the waters of... romance?! (o// x //o) Wanna let me know your thoughts? If you’re interested, please PLEASE take a full submergence in the original Shining Ambitions. The author has so much to give. Now, here we go:

“Noct, I could kiss you until all energy has left me.”

The boy gulped. Where had that come from?

Be bold. Let it happen.

“You can tonight.”

“Would you like me to?”

“I’d like to feel more than just your lips.”

Noctis started to lean back, falling into the cushions of the pillows. Following – hungry – Ignis sank ontop of him lustfully and let his body hover, their hands still tangled. What a vulnerable condition.

“I thought things might be easier if we planned this. Guess it still didn’t stop me from being totally anxious. I don’t even know what you’re thinking, Specs?”

“I feel unwell.”

Noctis flinched. “Is this a bad idea?”

Hot air passed from his lungs and brushed across Noct’s skin. “I’ve never been this enveloped by another person. Truthfully, I’m stifled. Having you here like this right now… My strength alone is preventing me from faulter. But I won’t beg for it to stop. Now belongs to us. And if you want me, with your trust Noct, I will help you erase your troubles. I will do what you ask – merely permit that I would be allowed to give into you. I dread I may melt in this flurry.”

Noctis drank in the sensation of Ignis’ legs grinding against his to adjust firmly on the mattress. He ran his hands from Ignis’ elbows to his collar and let his fingers slip inside the seam of his shirt. He applied force to unbutton the slots and revealed his bear cleavage line.

“Then don’t be afraid. Touch me.”

Ignis supported himself with one hand then laid his opposite palm against Noct’s chest just above his heart. With determination, he brought the hand to the bottom of Noct’s shirt that had been preventing their direct contact and lifted it up. The gesture trickled goosebumps along his flesh with their eyes following the movement in its entirety. Ignis pursed his lips from seeing so much of his body come into exposure.

“Is it alright to see this much of you?” he asked.

“It is if I say so, isn’t it?”

Their gazes locked. “Noct…”

As if for the first time, the two closed the gap of their lips and kissed. It lasted long, sweet and smooth. Noct’s eyes rolled as his hands grasped for his lover’s hair. Ignis too caved in with the kiss.

Intoxicating.

[lunarlegend]

the fact that magic is considered to be such a rare & elusive thing in the FFXV universe, usually reserved only for the line of Lucian Kings & the Oracle

...and yet my boy is over here flaunting his elemental daggers & healing abilities; not to mention Ignis can even imbue Noct's weapons with magic

i have two theories on this:

1. Ignis & Noctis are not just stepbrothers, but actual half brothers. as in Ignis is Regis' illegitimate child. that would explain a) why Ignis is able to use magic on his own, and b) why wearing the Ring of the Lucii didn't kill him (he's half Lucis Caelum!)

would also give some clarity as to why Ignis was assigned his role at such a young age, and why he & Noctis were raised as brothers. because...they actually are brothers. but no one would've been allowed to know that.

2. Ignis is related to Ifrit, somehow (a descendant of some sort). this is my favorite theory, and it's "canon" in my FFXV AU. would not only explain why Ignis can use magic & why the Ring spared his life (he's part GOD!), but also the fact that Ignis & Ifrit have the exact same freckle pattern on their faces (and the same base model in the game)....

[noirbriar]

FFXV AU: Eyes On Me

Contrary to what many would think, Cor is not oblivious to feelings and Nyx is more than capable of being serious.

So 2 men simply skipped every step in the dating rule book and jumped straight into having a family because this household is extreme just like that.

It’s Valentines so… *yeets fic of sap and runs*

Part of The Lion, the Coeurl and the Cub AU

——

“Incoming!”

A projectile flies towards Cor’s face but the Marshal is unfazed as he grabs the offending flying object without a glance and spares a look at the unfamiliar beer label. The Lucian deeming it decent enough before pulling the tab open and taking a swig.

“Damn. Probably should have skipped the warning.” Nyx laughs as he finishes putting away the leftover dinner in the fridge and grabbed another beer for himself. “Kid’s asleep?”

“Out like a light. You know he gets all excited whenever you get home after a deployment.” Cor remarks, taking another long drink, though not before noticing the Galahdian Glaive behaving awkwardly in the corner of his eye, while carefully stealing a glance. In an instant, Nyx snapped back to his original task, finishing up and taking his place beside Cor on the couch in the simple living room.

For a person who prefers his solitude and privacy, its oddly unnerving when the realisation kicked in for Cor. That not only does he have a child, but another young and attractive man within the close confines of his home.

Like sure, he had one or two interactions with another person of interest when he was young and dumb, but they certainly did not last. Let alone be allowed to come near his personal sanctuary. The war and duty to the crown demanding his attention more than anything else. Shortly afterwards, he found Prompto and since then, it was just him and his son.

Cor certainly never accounted for the possibility of having a young Galahdian appearing and becoming a permanent figure in their lives. Even though said Galahdian is an entire package of sass, charm and the occasional gremlin.

When Prompto was bullied in his old accursed school for his obvious Niflhimian roots, he did not account for the boy to somehow figure out how to navigate his work laptop containing all of Prompto’s personal and medical files. Needless to say whatever he saw in there sent the tiny 7 year old spiralling into a meltdown and ended up missing for 2 whole days.

The whole incident had taken Cor by surprise that he had no idea how to deal with the situation until Monica managed to grab a hold of the man and shouted some sense into the younger officer, rank be damned. Dustin had scrambled to re-secure his data while the Marshal tracked down his lost child. Much later, one Nyx Ulric was directed to his abode, coddling his distraught and wounded son in his arms. Whose tear filled eyes were glowing in a strange eerie light.

Both father and son had a simultaneous breakdown with each other. With Prompto so upset, that for the first time he hid himself away from Cor’s touch. Which Cor had to admit, that had hurt more than several Tonberry stabbings.

The Galahdian however, stepped forward, crouching low and patiently taught the terrified boy it is fine that he is different and that his father loves him no less. Not then, not now. Nothing but soft words and tenderness which the older man did not expect from the supposedly reckless and cocky glaive. The younger man even went as far as to ensure Cor their secret will remain with him and only him even without an explicit order from the Marshal.

To be honest, once had been pure chance, but finding and saving Prompto twice? Despite the layers of secrecy he had deliberately made on top of a falsified family name? The Lucian is seriously contemplating the probability of coincidences and fate despite his lack of faith in the divine.

Cor personally is also unsure if the man is insane or fearless as his mission reports tend to state. Despite his tendency for insubordination and lack of regard for authority, his mission success rates are always high and have been climbing the ranks within the Kingsglaive division. He had observed and realised that there are multiple layers to Nyx Ulric, and if they were to shove the damn age difference aside, he is intrigued by the younger man.

(He may seem disinterested but it does not mean he is blind, thank you very much, Regis, Clarus.)

Rather than backing away from the infamous Immortal like a normal human, the young man had simply kept in touch with him and Prompto. Over time, becoming a confidant, a safety net and a pillar of support. When he as an immigrant and lower ranked soldier already had so little to give. The younger man did not push in a way that irritated Cor but he gave the Lucian the space to try and reach out.

This all had meant a damn lot for a fellow soldier. Single, and a father on top of that. One who even refused the privilege and goodwill from his King and Lord Shield. Just the thought of letting his young son born from cruel circumstances being near the Crown family and the possible dangers by association with them, it all did not sit well with Cor. But reality is a lot harsher and there are other dangers even in the safety of Insomnia that he cannot protect his son from. The fact that the constant loneliness has a detrimental effect on a growing child did not make the situation better. Slowly, the Marshal himself finds that even his katanas are unable to cut away that feeling of helplessness despite years of self reliance.

Nyx later wryly projected a solution over some drinks one night and Cor, who was really at his wits end, took a chance. He allowed the Galahdian to introduce Prompto to his community in Little Galahd, under his clan name and guise of a foster child who needed help, in a place where Nyx can easily keep an eye. They had hoped that a non-Lucian environment may allow little Prompto find comfort and ease the self doubts and loneliness.

Surprisingly, it worked. The blond child became welcomed by the refugees and adored by the elders despite his roots. To them, a child is a child, Niflhiemian or not. Cor felt relief at long last after months of worry for his depressed child who returned to his cherry self once more.

Here they are now, nearly two years later, two soldiers and a bubbly boy living together in an average suburban neighbourhood. Nyx still keeps his own shabby place in Little Galahd, but its been more empty than occupied lately thats for sure. Even if unsaid, the younger man is part of them now.

“I never thanked you yet, for allowing Prompto to take on your clan name and being part of your community. I know culturally it is significant for you.” Cor turns to the younger man beside him, idly whirling his can of beer.

“Galahd’s definition of family is rather different from the mainland. Children are raised to be accepted and loved by all in the tribe as we raise them together. Its the bonds between people that are more important than blood for a civilisation that used to be nomadic.” Nyx shrugs before he begin to shift awkwardly in his seat.

“I-I should be the one thanking you. For allowing him to be part of my clan. At least, what remains of it. Prom’s a good kid, he deserves good things. If by letting him have my clan name can grant him some of that and the protection of my kin, why the hell not?”

“Thing is, Prompto genuinely enjoys being among your people, and knowing he is welcome and looked after by them… I don’t say this lightly but, the support system you have given to him… you have my gratitude, Nyx.” Cor sighs,”You taught him to accept himself in a way I couldn’t.”

“Don’t discount your own credit. You saved him from fucking Nifelhiem, a damn lab no less. Saved him from being damned when you absolutely had no reason to based on your mission. Gave him a home,a name and a chance to live. It speaks volumes of you, Cor. For that alone, you have my respect as a man.” Nyx looks straight at Cor. ”This isn’t something many are willing to do in such times.”

“Even if divine intervention is involved?” Cor mutters wryly. He had previously told Nyx of the dreams. Or is it safe to call them premonitions..? All prior to him receiving his mission to infiltrate Niflheim. A formless figure leading him into unfamiliar domain as shadows of the dead and dying cling to their every step, whispering in pain. Until, they find a crib amongst hundreds, each filled with varying tubes and needles lodged deep in their tiny host. A soft cry and then, light. Always the same visions, without fail. It was something he had never told Regis and Clarus for fear of being judged. Yet the Galahdian simply listened without a peep.

“You are the one who chooses to act on it regardless.” the Galahdian replies adamantly.

There was silence until curiosity got the better of Nyx.

“Does he still use the Eyes of Etro? At least recently?”

“No, but-should…I be concerned? I don’t sense anything dangerous from this, Etro?”

“Nah. I can’t sense anything unusual from him either, magic-wise. If he’s fine then I say take it as it is. Don’t worry yourself over nothing. If the Goddess wants something, pretty sure we would have known by now. My opinion anyway as someone who grew up listening about her.”

The conversation soon segues to other topics, Prompto’s school, though in a different class from the Crown Prince. The new kebab place Cor thinks Nyx might like. Monica’s new cat. Libertus nearly getting mangled meant he is forced to stay back and train the new glaives for an uncertain amount of time. Clarus starting another alcohol collection. How much Nyx can push Drautos’ buttons till he gets guard duty or a write up for insubordination, again. The boring scouting missions. All of this, an easy reprieve from their responsibilities and settling into the comfortable camaraderie with one another. One that Cor finds himself enjoying. It felt easy, opening up and talking to the younger man, without barriers and treated as an equal.

Sure, living together had some frictions, disagreements and fights are unavoidable for both equally stubborn individuals. But they worked around eventually, and with Prompto around, they strangely found a pace with each other that simply fit.

They sparred together often as well, the first time being some Kingsglaive and Crownsguard inter-division thing. Which Cor had to admit he definitely enjoyed the fight immensely. It was rare that anyone is able to keep up with him.. Nyx was younger, faster and he played dirty as much as he did. Raw and intense, until they got so deep into the match, forgoing the rules of no magic and warping, did the fun really start. Shame that Clarus forcefully cut that match short. The asshole.

There was this sense of ease that he found with Nyx Ulric and his companionship. One he does not find anywhere else, even with his brothers-in-arms. He trusts him, and Cor Leonis does not give his trust to anyone so easily.

The alcohol was starting to make them warm and drowsy, but not enough that they were drunk. Just a fairly comfortable buzz that when Nyx started to laze against Cor, the older man made no effort to push away. He allowed the younger man to lean against him fluidly, greatly reminding Cor of a content Coeurl.

“Hey, Cor?”

“Hmm?”

“What are we?”

“We?”

“This. Us. What…are we doing?”

The air then grows heavy. The implication is not lost on Cor who chews his inner cheek in thought. If there is two things he cannot do well, its emotions and words. These are the two exact things happening right now as Nyx gets up from his spot and face the Lucian. His azure eyes watching Cor intently, searching for something as he leans in, barely a breath away.

Yet Cor does not push him away. Deep down, he acknowledges he is almost eager for what Nyx might do now. Curious. As sounds of the quiet neighbourhood and the occasional vehicle fills the empty space surrounding them.

“Push me away, Cor. Before shit gets real, push me away now. And I promise, I will leave you alone and bring yours and Prom’s secrets to my grave.”

“Why?”

“I-I don’t won’t to be dependent on you. Or Prompto. You both aren’t a replacement for what I have lost. Its not fair to either of you both.”

“Are we though?”

Nyx breathes heavily, wary and cautious, watching Cor intently. Like a Coeurl and Lion both, circling each other, appraising, gauging. Before Nyx arrives at an answer.

“No.”

There it was, a strange tension filling in between the spaces now.

“What are you looking for, Nyx Ulric?”

“I-“

“Am I simply the Marshal? The Immortal Shogun? The King’s Sword or your superior officer? Who am I to you, Nyx?” Cor narrows his eyes at the man before him, his muscles tense as adrenaline rush mixed with the alcohol giving his head a rush.

Nyx does not answer for a long while, letting the silence drag on. Until he readjusts himself, slowly straddling the older man as he leans one hand on the couch for support, careful not to touch, his eyes never leaving Cor’s intense cerulean blue gaze. Soon, he lets his answer be heard.

“ I see you as the man you are, Cor Leonis. I see a man who protects others just as fiercely as he guards his own heart filled with devotion and purity.” Nyx starts slowly. “I see you as a warrior, a father, and...someone to share a hearth with. ”

He swallows down his hesitation and reaches out to touch the Lucian’s cheek gently, in a whisper, he carries on. “And if you are willing, will you allow me to be the one to hold that heart of yours?”

There is silence.

“Will these be one of your so-called flings I heard about?” Cor eyes the man before him.

“No.”Nyx pauses.“Its a commitment.”

“Oh?”

”And I will have you know, we Galahdians commit for life.”

“We have a duty.”

“Not much different from what we have been doing all this while. Duty first, family after.”

“I have a son.”

“Really can’t imagine us without the cub to be frank. We are all kinda like a package deal now.”

Both men held onto their breaths, with neither willing to make a move, waiting.

It was Cor who broke the spell first, his eyes never leaving Nyx’s for a moment as he moved the Galahadian’s hand from his face and placing the calloused palm over his heart. He feels his own heart racing and even in the silence, the Lucian’s next words are barely a whisper.

”Then you may have it, Nyx Ulric. Better keep it well.”

“I can hear an ‘or else’ riiight about there-”

“Damn it! I am trying to keep it together while we are having a moment here, Ulric!”

Nyx cackles like the chaotic menace he is, barely keeping himself upright as he lays his forehead against Cor’s shoulder. Cor himself barely containing his own grin at the ridiculousness it all.

It was a while before Nyx dares to lift his head up to look at the older man once more. Cor slowly leans in and kisses Nyx softly, testing the waters before Nyx approaches for another and it repeats between the two. Until Cor eventually grabs the back of the younger man’s head for a deeper, hungrier kiss which Nyx returns enthusiastically. The men pawing each other and fooling around on the couch until they stopped, remembering that there is a child not far from this shared space.

The bedroom is much comfortable anyway.

——

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

“Dad! Nyx? Are you still sleeping? I made breakfast and its on the table! Remember to eat it before work please! I’m going to school now!” Prompto’s chirpy voice drifts in from beyond the door. Before his little feet pitter patter echoes and fades, the main door slamming shut.

The two figures still nestled in the messy sheets remained awake but unmoving.

“Fuck. I actually feel bad for oversleeping.”

“Whose fault was it?”

“I heard no complaints last night, babe.”

The smart ass retort earns him a kick off the older man’s bed as Nyx laughs from his spot on the floor.

——

“Shiva’s tits, is that a bite mark?!” Libertus exclaims upon arriving, looking at his friend’s neck appallingly while hobbling off his bad leg. The various marks unable to be hidden even by the high collar of their Kingsglaive uniforms. Nyx ignores him as he pulls out their training equipment for the baby glaives, still looking absolutely pleased.

“The hell? You look more like you got mauled.”Crowe hooks open the collar and peers at the damage, grinning at the sight,” damn, someone had a good time yesterday eh?”

“Now now Crowe, a gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell.” The smile still on his face, unfaltering, as he shoves her aside to picks up his folders.

“Yeeeesh look at him Libs, look at how creepy he is. All smiling and glowing,” Crowe shudders, eyeing her teammate before heading into the training grounds.

“Is this why you have not been back your own place? And you won’t even introduce me to her? Seriously?” Libertus asks incredulously as they walked down the corridors carrying various reports. His childhood friend is relentless but Nyx will not budge.

“Naw, don’t be like that Libs, can’t be helped if they are shy right-” And as soon as he finishes that line he slams straight into another figure turning around the corner.

“And care to explain the animated conversation you are having without looking where you’re going, Ulric?”

Opps.

Libertus slowly backs off and begin to look uncomfortable as he hastily salutes the Marshal. Nyx being Nyx simply smirks and gives his own salute to the higher ranked officer smoothly.

“Nothing at all, sir. Just about to tell my fellow glaive of my plans for a date with a lovely partner this evening.”

“You seem pretty full of yourself with this plan of yours.”

“Of course! I live to please, sir.”

“I certainly hope so. Carry on.”

“Yes sir, of course.” With a cheeky wink, Nyx steps around Cor and leaves with a bow. Libertus following behind sheepishly, hissing at Nyx for whatever he did back there.

Cor watches them leave, before heading his way as well but unable to hide a small smirk on his lips either. If anyone saw it, they made no mention of it. After all, who would believe them?

——

Several months later, Cor went on a classified mission, a supposedly simple one. Though there were several missing check ins with Dustin. Not unusual for the Marshal, but still strange. So it led to Nyx’s team, who was returning from another location, be deployed with Monica to locate and extract the missing Marshal.

The Glaives and Major later find Niflheim’s rogue Ruby Weapon running amok with plenty of other daemons. As well as a battered Marshal himself standing his ground against the horde and dozens of MTs.

In a strike of inspiration or insanity depending on who you ask, Cor and Nyx have chosen there and then to take their vows as Life Partners. The Galahdian equivalent of a marriage.

They are kinda not doing this whole dating process thing right but who cares?

Many years down the road, after the Battle for Eos, word down the Kingsglaive-Crownsguard rumour mill was that the missing comms data from that encounter with the Ruby Weapon was never recovered.

An unconfirmed transcript of the recording was later posted on the secure group chat within the military which was swiftly deleted in blink of an eye. Shortly afterwards came a long list of suspensions or deployments out beyond Insomnia. Which later led to even more outrageous rumours within the Citadel.

The original trio of witnesses declined to comment.

Others though ( Read: Regis, Clarus, Libertus ), they are just simply unsurprised, and plainly, unimpressed.

.

.

.

——

Extra:

[Corrupted datalog 04120520 / Partial file recovery]

[1314hrs]: Nyx!

[1314hrs]: I’m a little busy here, Cor!

[1314hrs]: Marry me.

[1315hrs]: WHAT?!

[1315hrs]: You heard me.

[1315hrs]: You are insane - WHAT?!

[1315hrs]: Thats a no then!

[1315hrs]: Azieeh! Fuck! Shit! No! I mean, yes! OKAY! YES GODSDAMNIT! I SAID YES!! WE CAN EVEN DO IT HERE AND NOW!

[1316hrs]: ARE YOU BOTH FUCKING WITH ME RIGHT NOW???

[1316hrs]: Normal people get a nice shiny rock for engagement. You guys have to get a giant, sparkly weapon of destruction huh?

[1316hrs]: Guys, please, the Ruby Weapon?! Daemons! MTs!? Please! Hello!?!

[File Data error / System Override / Contact Administrator]

——

Bonus Extra:

Prompto aged 15, in the middle of an exam revision: *slams down his advance mathematics textbook* HOLY SMOKES THEY WEREN’T SLEEPING TOGETHER THIS WHOLE TIME-THEY WERE SLEEPING TOGETHER!!

Ignis: ?????

Noctis: Dafuq Prom?

——

So let me come to you

Close as I wanted to be

Close enough for me

To feel your heart beating fast

And stay there as I whisper

How I loved your peaceful eyes on me

Did you ever know

That I had mine on you

-FF8, Eyes On Me

——

Song for this ficlet: FF8 Eyes On Me

[secret-engima]

Also on the topic of science bby Oscar, I just imagine that as time passes, as Oscar grows older, that the Grimm start to change. It’s not a quick change, or very dramatic, and it starts with the ones around the farm, ever so slowly, enough that no one on either side notices until it’s been happening far too long for anyone to stop in any capacity, but the natural Grimm start... gaining almost a sense of empathy. Their thirst for destruction and negativity lessens, like the mix of oz’s magic- (1

cactusprisms

said:

And Salem’s sort of corruption, a mix of creation and destruction, has started giving Grimm the ability to, not create, not yet, but to not destroy. (It comes to a head eventually, not a noticeable one, not to those who aren’t looking, but it is a turning point, when a child in the town near the farm gets lost in the woods at night, and is returned no worse for wear save for the shock of having been scruffed by a beowolf.) (2

Me: This is a bit like my Little Song AU from ffxv and ngl I LOVE IT. Just- YES.

It’s only the Grimm who get exposed to Oscar for a certain amount of time at first, but then slowly it starts to spread via the “Natural” Grimm who interact regularly with Oscar passing it on to others who have never met him before. And- they will never be “nice” creatures really, never be able to Create in the same way humans and Faunus do, but slowly they awaken ... a sense of calm. Balance. They are still attracted to negativity, but not mindlessly so. They can choose to kill or to spare, and some of them ... choose the latter. In fits and starts, rare instances over the years that slowly start to increase.

It starts with only the children, the ones most similar to Oscar himself. A lost child scruffed by a Beowolf and returned to his village, an abused little girl running into the woods and her abusers being slaughtered by a pair of Ursa who then gently nudge her along into their den for the night before leading her to a different town of humans.

A truly ancient Goliath that often stopped on the edges of the farm and told Oscar stories of its travels finds a human vehicle with a family in it balanced on the edge of a broken bridge, ready to tip at any moment into the river. It uses its long trunk to pull the car to safety, then slowly plods away with a low trumpeting noise.

Of course, the night of Beacon’s Fall, however temporary, makes history for human, Faunus...

And Grimm.

That was the first time they truly turned against the Unnatural Grimm, the Queen Made. Driving them away from the farm was one thing, Queen Made Grimm rarely came that way anyway, but this- the Queen Made were following ORDERS and they were too. And then Oscar called, BEGGED for their help and they-

Answered.

They FOUGHT the Queen Made, they DEFIED her commands.

More than a few Grimm can be seen in the following days, wandering around in something like a daze, ignoring all humans they happen to find and instead drifting out into the wilds with a near drunken stagger to their limbs, reeling from the unknown Thing that Oscar slammed into their beings and then awakened with his cry.

Doctor Oobleck, who canonically adores studying history and Grimm behavior, is PROBABLY going a wee bit bonkers in fascination, insisting that other Huntsmen LEAVE these dazed Grimm alone so he can follow them and study them and try to figure out why Grimm turned on Grimm that fateful night (since he has no idea it was Oscar’s doing or that Oscar even exists).

At one point he finds a teeny tiny Grimm bird (what are they called, they aren’t Nevermores they’re crow sized), just kinda- spread eagle on the ground making sluggish noises. He pokes with lightly with a stick and it startles. They have a staring contest. “You are *fascinating*,” he informs the Grimm before it flies away rather than fight him.

It takes him a day to realize that the bird is now following him, perching on branches behind his head and staring at him like it’s just as fascinated by him as he is of it.

It takes him a week to name this specimen Dolly. Why? Who knows. But he has named this Grimm and it is following him everywhere now like some vaguely evil looking pet bird, and it is most interesting to have one of the Dazed specimens following him, always available for testing or being talked at.

[labyrinthofleah]

Bodyguard AU -- either butler or FFXV pairing of your choice

Here we go: the BMP butlers...but they’re bodyguards! Well, that’s pretty much Alberto already, right? XD @caughtupinmyownhead

***

"That's the third attack this week." Alberto's voice was grim as he surveyed the bodyguard squad in front of him. "While it's commendable that we've managed to successfully protect Their Highnesses so far, they are quite rattled about this state of affairs--and frankly, so am I."

The squad was silent as they stood before him in the debriefing room, but eventually Jan spoke up. "Is there still no news of where these attacks could be coming from?"

"News? I'd hardly call it that." Beside him, Claude massaged his temples. "Rumors, finger-pointing, wild speculation...but nothing definite. Nothing concrete. Nothing that will help us stop future attacks and bring the culprits to justice once and for all."

Louis said quietly, "I'd heard that Nerwan has been cast into the already sizeable ring of suspects."

"Yes, and Dres Van in particular seemed all too eager to toss them into the flames." Alberto spared a barely-perceptible apologetic glance towards Jan before going on. "But as I said, all are only suspects and nothing has been confirmed. For now, the most we can do as bodyguards is continue to watch over Their Highnesses. We must be even more vigilant than ever if we hope to get them out of this gauntlet alive."

"We're all already stretched to our limits, but if it's for Their Highnesses..." The weariness in Yu's voice was unmistakable, and it reflected on each of his comrades' faces no matter how they tried to hide it.

"We'll do it," Luke declared after a pause.

Alberto nodded firmly. "No matter what it takes."

[blacknovelist]

Justice (FFXV Pyre AU)

Last post of 2019, woo!!! This bit got written around the same time as my pod together fic And The Night Turns, though they can be read independently. This one's a little less pyre-blind-friendly than its other part I'm afraid. But I hope some of y'all can enjoy it anyway, incredible niche-ness of it aside.

[Ao3]

Corruption runs deepest of all in the hearts of those who love their land.

The steel chills Ignis’ skin, even through the fabric of his pants. Noctis grasps at his coat and tries to repress the shudders of pain whenever he forgets his wounds and tries to leave Ignis’ grip behind. No crowds gather to witness this trial. By the time the sun rises, this farce of justice will never have happened at all.

“Mercy is the beating heart of our splendid, glorious kingdom. Mercy enough, even for the foulest of the foul, the most wicked among wicked, the weeds among the brightest blooms.”

The voice of the councilman echoes in his mind, warbles clear like a gong chime for just a moment before it wavers into nothing. Ignis can see it, the moment the words reach Noctis’ ears. The tightness in his eyes, the scrunch of his little nose, how his head tilts ever so slightly. His gaze passes over the few people gathered as though the answers he wants might be found in their faces. 

This pre-dawn morning marks the first time Noctis has been out of his room since the attack, and the boy knows his innocence. Ignis, too, bears no sin in the eyes of the land's laws. Every hollow transgression read out to them justifies nothing. 

But the council does not care. The council thinks only of King Regis’ inheritance, believes only that a crippled prince cannot be king, hopes only that banishment might either consume or make stronger the children they now choose to damn, and that their calls unto compassion will cleanse their hands of the blood that spills.  

For the glory of Lucis. In the quiet part of Ignis’ heart, something burns and roils. 

“Just as weeds might find their way into the cracks and corners, so too does treachery find its place where it may. But like weeds, treachery may be… expelled, once discovered. And so, to those who seek to usurp the peace we here maintain, we swear -- never again will you be welcome here as you are.”

Stars wink out as the horizon lightens. The River Sclorian bellows beneath them, its waters a deep oily black. Ignis curls further over his prince, ignores the halfhearted complaints and stares, bold, into the eyes of what few witnesses there are. He does not blink when they meet his gaze, and he feels no satisfaction when, as one, they look away.

"As mercy guides us, we spare your lives and rid ourselves of you. Begone to the distant lands beneath our own, suited to those of your kind. May you live out your days in penitence and assume the terrible forms befitting your thoughts and deeds, so you might finally see yourselves for what you truly are."

The cage shudders. Noctis’ fingers cinch tighter. From the depths of his soul, in the last beat of solid ground in this land of sun and freedom, Ignis curses the council. May this moment -- the condemnation of children, the future -- haunt them forever. 

And then they fall, both of them in their prison, caught in nothingness. Ignis takes a deep breath, stares one last time into the Lucian sky, and closes his eyes.

When he opens them again Noctis’ black spikes greet him, untouched by river water. Faded dark-blue sky peers through the brambles and branches he'd hidden their shelter beneath the night previous. When Ignis flings an arm behind him, what few things they own meet his palm.

He woke out of a habit for early mornings, then. More sleep won’t come after such a dream, Ignis knows, even if he aches and drowses and tries as hard as he can. The safe option would be to wake Noctis up and spend the day searching for supplies and shelter. Make sure they have time to ensure tomorrow is still an option for them both, in this land of exile and uncertainty.

Ignis settles back down beside his prince, instead, and listens to him breathe, until the sun slips into his eyes. 

[kicksnscribs]

the comic strip this belongs to will forever stay locked away but my god i'd be lying if i didnt say Noctis' face didn't make me laugh each time i look at it

[crystalnovalisredux]

Been having a shit time of it but at least I figured out another plot point for this fic that allows me to implement the biker raider rhonso concept that I’ve been desperately trying to figure out, which eventually lead to including a means to them getting the car upgrade and meeting another Magus Sister which leads them to another tomb…

FINALLY I CAN HAVE MY CAR CHASE SCENE IVE BEEN WANTING!

[beanclam]

A couple weeks ago, I posted some FFXV Become Human AU on Patreon and @asidian is strong-arming me into posting them on tumblr ^^; (although the Prompto-at-Eden-Club-nsfw will stay on Patreon). Adding my headcanon write up as well...

... so let's say in a setting where there's tension with Niflheim and Lucis (but no outright war), the Nifs gift the royal family with IGNIS. an advanced prototype android, as a gesture of Good Will.

And Regis and co are like, "thank you?!" Lucis isn't as techy as Niflheim and they have automated processes but like, what do with high tech android?

And Ignisbot is like, "I know all sorts of stuff, and over 9000 children's stories, and 3721 recipehs..." and Regis is like, YES, GOOD. And Ignisbot becomes tutor/nannybot.

So he takes care of Noctis (and sometimes Gladio) through the years, and Insomnia catches up on tech so Ignis gets upgrades and stuff but still looks the same.

Along the way, Ignis catches feelings and is totally deviant, but the Royals and most of the citadel is totally cool with it, Ignis is family after all...

Anyway, much like Detroit in the actual game, androids are EVERYWHERE in Niflheim. So places like the Eden Club exist, where clients can rent androids for sex.

About a decade after Ignis is given to the Lucian Royals, BesithiaCorp adds a new Prompto model** to it's Pleasure line, and the Eden Club adds a few models to its inventory.

A client gets a llittle too rough with one of the Promptos, so the club tosses it out with the trash. Prompto turns "deviant" in the scrap heap, claws himself out (Markus-style) after scavenging spare parts and make the hard trek out of Niflheim, posing as human.

... he eventually ends up at a garage in Leide where the ornery old owner and his cheerful granddaughter take in the homeless android... who eventually runs into the Lucian crown prince who's on a PR tour :)

** Asidian always encourages Prompto whump

PATREON | INSTAGRAM

[mneiai]

Posted a new short ASOIAF soulmate AU, Outlines (fAegon/Jon), as well as another chapter to my Dark Modern Westeros AU, Fire in the Rain (Jonsa, technically).

Also posted another chapter of my FFXV Time Travel Fix-it, The Spare (Nyx/Noctis).

Will be getting them on tumblr...eventually lol I really need a better alternative to AO3, it's such a pain to crosspost.

[airyravenmaid]

Eye Contact

Back at it again at Krispy Kreme with more FF Versus XV bullshit. This one’s kinda wonky and really bizarre since the AU overall ties in with a KH crossover I helped make up along with personal headcanons, but can also standalone for a FFXV AU in itself. I’m just clearing that up since there is a part mentioned towards the end that nods to a world the Chocobros went to as one of their many “world detours” en route to the one they needed to go to in order to establish diplomatic relations with a potential sister kingdom also of light. ...Oh, and there are implications of another headcanon regarding a certain Immortal Marshal, but that’s a popular HC in itself, so that goes without saying. So, yeah, sorry for that; just warning y’all so you don’t get confused and want me burned at the stake.

Alright, alright, that’s enough idiotic justification rambling from me; I’m already buzzed as is and can hardly think right anyways lol. Just enjoy the crazy piece I wrote so I can try and work on the next tone. This one’s not Lightis and is more platonic bc Light’s making fray-ends with these dumb boys :3c. Maybe I can write more of her befriending the others, but we’ll see. ‘Til then, here’s this one and happy reading for those who see this! 💘

Staring back at Prompto from the caravan bathroom mirror was himself, but more clouded. He only blamed it on having just gotten up and dressed for the day not too long ago, figuring he’d taken care of everything he needed to per his morning routine. The very sight of his dull, everyday mirror reflection made him sigh a tad forlornly, but realizing the time to go was imminent only had him slap two hands to his cheeks once. Putting on his more traditional smile, Prompto gave the mirror two thumbs up as enough motivation to start the day right. No prob! He could do this, he could do this!

Upon going to exit the vicinity for the fresher outside world, Prompto rubbed whatever lingering weariness stuck by away from his eyes to clear his vision. When things still looked slightly blurry as before, he gulped. Fumbling through his smallest bag, he dug for what he thought was taken care of already. Pulling out two connected circles he knew to be his contact lenses case, Prompto opened it to find it empty, to his panic.

“Maybe I’ve still got my spares…?” Prompto hoped, rummaging through the bag to try and find more disposable lenses. He found the source box, but opening it only gave him an empty container and an expectation for a very rough day ahead. “You’ve gotta be kidding me! I’m out already?!”

“Prompto, what’s the hold up in there?” Gladio called from outside. “We gotta move!”

“Be right out! Just— making sure I didn’t forget anything is all!”

“Then do one last good check and hurry. We haven’t got all day either!”

Prompto in response called out a playfully affirmative “Aye, aye, Big Guy!” before going to search what he could of something to counteract his flawed eyesight. There was a definite solution on him, he knew, but the glasses case buried somewhere on his possession was considered a dead last resort. Otherwise, those days of having them as his sole option were over and done with. His investigation was thorough, but unfortunately, his results came up fruitless with no lenses available.

Giving up, he exited the caravan to catch up with the other four and hurry into the vacant passenger’s seat in the Regalia before it finally drove off along the world around it. His only hope now was for supplies to be low enough for warranting a pit stop at the nearest store of some sorts, or at least somewhere he can pick up some new spares. Luckily in recent days, he’d been thoroughly reminded to digitally order replacements by a certain team strategist, but there was no telling when the chance to claim them would come. A gunsman’s aim-precise eyes certainly depended on excellent vision, and in a way, so did the entire team.

“So! Ignis, where’s our next destination?” Prompto asked next to him, knowing subtlety was key in his strategy to get his lens replacements. “Anything we gotta do first?”

“Actually, our first order of business is none too far from the Disc of Cauthess,” Ignis noted. “Seems we’ve run low on a few things, and waiting to get them is out of the question.”

“I couldn’t agree more! The sooner, the better; the more supplies, the merrier! So, no need to wait on it.”

“What’s your hurry for?” Lightning inquired, suspicious. “It’s just a run-of-the-mill supply run. We’ve done them hundreds of times.”

“Oh, I know that, it’s just, umm… you never know what you’ll find there that’s useful. And I’m just curious on what’s ‘in store’ for us.”

Lightning rolled her eyes at the quip and slouched back a bit further in her seat. “I guess. Whatever floats your boat, Prompto.”

Prompto knew the excuse was flimsier than wet paper, but if it got Lightning to not interrogate him any further thanks to her lack of concern, then he wasn’t gonna complain anytime soon. His secret plot was to rightfully claim his contact lenses in the proper place, find a place to hide and put them in, and the others would remain none the wiser without being slowed down in the slightest. Until then, however, he’d be stuck in the car unable to so much as fully enjoy the moving sights around him. And what photographer could be truly happy at being unable to see the full, beautiful world that made their digital easel? So much as thinking about it made him more antsy than usual, Prompto exerting it in the form of impatiently bouncing his leg due to only so much space in the Regalia.

He was too distracted by his hasty need for his contacts that he didn’t notice the sky blue eyes of Lightning staring a hole in his skull from the seat behind him. The only feeling compelling her to stare was her good old friend skepticism. Though definitely none of her direct concern, Prompto seemed up to something. But, what was it? That answer she didn’t quite know just yet.

Ignis pulled the car up next to one of the gas tanks, his suggestion to Noctis and Gladio on filling it up for the road taken without much question from either. Lightning got up to stretch her legs and see if anything was of necessary interest in the Mini-Mart, while Prompto went a little further a distance to see if his guess was correct. To his relief, he found what he’d expected to be in the area’s vicinity. It didn’t let him stray so far from the others that the Regalia was out of sight, but it was still a bit of a walk away on its own.

Okay, en-bee-dee, Prompto kept reassuring himself. Just a little trip to the nearest little pharmacy; in and out, then nothing happened from the others’ perspective. Walking in was a lot easier when only strangers he didn’t feel as self-conscious around were also minding their own business like he was non-existent. They were oblivious to who he was as a person and everything; the perfect getaway, he could say! In and out, then he’s run about!

“Hello, Sir, how may I help you?” the optical center clerk greeted. “Are you here to pick up something?”

“Yeah. I’ve got my prescription,” Prompto told them, surrendering the proof that he was medically approved to be there. “I’m here for my spares.”

The clerk looked it over carefully, nodding once the written prescription was validated and approved. “Just give me a few minutes and I’ll be right back out with the brand. It’s the monthly ones, right?”

“Yup! I know they say ‘daily is healthy’, but… turns out it depends on the person.” Prompto let out a laugh under his breath. That was certainly not an agonizing road he wanted to go back down again. Better safe than sorry!

The clerk took about as long as they’d promised. In “Prompto Time”, however, it felt as though every second passed was a minute wasted. He nervously clung to the hope of the others not having gotten done sooner and were presently waiting on their energetic youngest member. Just when it felt like forever had almost gone by him, back came the solution to his trouble of the day. Prompto mutely sighed in relief, thanking them while taking his new supply of contact lenses and handling what he needed to in regards to officially purchasing them.

So as not to risk hitting the road blind as a bat, Prompto hurried into the nearest bathroom to put them in his eyes. In accordance with his process, Prompto removed no more than his fingerless gloves and washed the hands underneath. His studded wristbands got a bit damp from the watery suds, but he couldn’t have cared less. Under the warm gusts of the hand dryer his palms went, rubbing each other all over to eliminate every layer of water.

And now… the harder part he dreaded so much. Two tiny dome-shaped, colorless terrors waiting to torture Prompto until he was to manage in getting them over the two most sensitive organs in his head. Nonetheless, he opened the box and took out the first pair, peeling off their wrapping and concentrating on his reflection. One wrong move, and it’d be over for him and his vision. Spreading his first pair of lids apart with his thumb and pointer finger, Prompto used the other index one to use as an applicator.

“Just a little further…” Prompto gulped, shakily pressing the contact more towards the rim surrounding the stressed lavender-blue of his eye. When it got too close, he wound up giving into fear and setting his finger down to let him blink for relief. “Wait, okay, time out! I need a second…”

“You did remember to wash your hands first, right?” the sudden voice of Ignis asked from behind, startling Prompto into nearly poking his eye out with the younger’s shriek.

“Ignis! Dude, don’t do that! But, yes, I washed my hands, I promise. What— are you doing here, by the way?”

“Tracking down my AWOL friend, who I knew to be running a bit low on his own supplies. Did you find what you needed?”

“Yep! Should be good for a long while!” Prompto looked behind Ignis, even near spots most wouldn’t detect so easily. “Nobody… followed you, did they? Like say…”

“If it’s Light you’re worried about seeing you, then no, she’s waiting in the car. Even if she had followed me, I believe you’d be more than safe in the men’s bathroom.”

“Right, right! Just making sure is all! You never know, you know…?”

“I ‘know’ that there’s also no harm in her finding out about your poor eyesight. I doubt she’d care too much if she knew, anyways.”

“Well, sure, but… let’s just say some things are just better off totally left behind without the reminder. And besides, there’s no harm in not telling her, either! For now, ignorance is bliss.”

“At least, until she gets too suspicious and finds out one way or another. You aren’t exactly among the best at ‘acting natural’, Prompto. Especially when you’re nervous.”

Prompto dismissed the notion, working on getting the first lens into his eye. “I’ll be fine, Iggy. What Light will never know won’t hurt her~.”

“One way or another, something’s bound to happen. But, on the subject. These lenses? They are not meant to be worn to sleep.”

In response, Prompto first let out a mock-buzzer noise while crossing his arms into an X-shape. “Wrong, Iggy! I was sure to get the monthly ones that are a little safer. Besides, that was like one time I did that!” Seeing the raised brow on Ignis’ forehead made Prompto backtrack, knowing he’d been seen right through like glass. “...Plus— okay, maybe two others, but I know that now! Thanks… anyways, though. It won’t happen again, I promise.”

“I’ve enough faith in you to uphold that, but also give your eyes time to ‘breathe’ to be at your safest. And, do know that there’s no harm in a certain someone learning something new.”

Ignis left Prompto to finish putting his contacts in peacefully, having no need to tell him where to go afterwards. One down, the other to go. His fingers were shaky, but gripped the lens for dear life to do everything in his power not to drop it. At a snail’s pace, towards the other eye it went until its rim made a perfect contact around the iris. Winking a few times to get the plastic to stick, Prompto moved both eyes back and forth behind his lids, settling on a good enough feel for the new contacts in place.

“Ah, that’s better,” Prompto sighed, happy to see everything clearer than before. “Thank the Six for ‘boneless glasses’ to make my life just a little easier!”

Cleaning out his contact lens case with enough disinfecting solution and putting them in the Armiger’s storage system for ultimate safety, Prompto looked both ways and around on the outside of the men’s room. When the coast was clear, he shuffled out of the store uttering the appropriate “stealth music” as if a spy on a deathly mission. He ducked around some of the aisle shelves to hide himself occasionally, holding a long note once at the entrance before springing out of the building.

“Haha! Completely nailed it!” Prompto boasted, hurrying his way back to the Coernix Station - Cauthess while looking back at the pharmacy he’d escaped from. “And just in time to hit the— ROAD!”

“There you are,” Lightning said, knuckles on her hips and slightly hunched forward to show more of her disapproval at the spooked boy. “Missed you at the shop. Where’d you decide to wander off to?”

“N— Oh, nowhere, Light! The shop just didn’t have what I needed to pick up, so I found someplace else!” Prompto grew even more anxious at the well-known glare being as strong as ever thrown right at him. “I’m telling the truth! I didn’t go too far!”

“You’re up to something, Argentum.”

“Yeah, I am. I’d say about… five-foot-eight? Not as tall as Gladio or Ignis, but you’ve got a little catching up to do—”

“—You know what I mean, don’t be wise. What are you hiding?”

“Me? I’d never hide a thing, ma’am! I’m Prompto ‘Open Book’ Argentum, that’s me!”

“If you’re such an open book, then you’ve got no reason to be so scared of telling me the truth. What is it, already? Spill it.”

Just then, the savior in the form of the Regalia pulled up and honked the horn, courtesy of Noctis driving up front. “You two having fun over there? Whatever you’re talking about can be said in the car, too.”

“Can it, Prince,” Lightning hissed coldly, getting in one of the two remaining seats. “This conversation isn’t over, Prompto. I’m letting you know that now.”

Gulping, Prompto sat himself down in the car, giving Noctis wordless permission to drive onwards again. Thankfully, he was separated from Lightning in the back thanks to Gladio sitting between them. A bit of a tight fit considering how large the man was, but nothing close to “excruciatingly unbearable”. Even with a living barrier between them, Prompto got chills tingling his spine in the worst way possible whenever he was faced the brunt of Lightning’s infamous staredown. Six, if looks could kill, then he’d have been vaporized by now for gazing directly at such a goddess in woman form that had as much beauty as she did perseverance. All he had to do for the time being was work his way around her suspicion until she forgot about it enough, and he’d be home free! After all, how hard could that be to try and get away with…?

The next time they stopped for a while to camp out later on in the day, Prompto sought the opportunity to celebrate his new contact lenses. He did so in the form of, what else, taking advantage of the exquisite outdoor scenery. Letting everyone else know he’d return in due time, Prompto set off to a remote area of the woods with his camera in hand, on the hunt for whatever might catch his eye and become a future memory of the past. Such a moment would be even better with someone else there to also experience the magic with him, but— as much as he’d rather stay far away from the nastier parts of it— nature was bound to have something to tickle his fancy within it.

Prompto took in everything about his surroundings to see what he could do for his little “indie photo op”, as he’d put it before stepping away from camp. Tripod, check. Camera, obvious. Light source? “On fleek”! Angling? Top-notch! Alright, everything was in place and nothing nearby that he could see to mess it up. Selecting his first snapshot spot, Prompto positioned his beloved camera in its standing hold, setting the timer for when it’d go off. Counting down the seconds; three, two…!

“There you are,” Lightning interrupted, scaring Prompto into stumbling into his tripod and accidentally taking a blurred photo of the ground instead of the nice view.

“And there goes my shot,” Prompto sighed, filling his lungs with his breath and exhaling to calm himself enough. “Light, at least warn me first before sneaking up on me like a serial killer!”

“If you’re mad about your dinky little photo, just take it again. This place isn’t going anywhere, but neither am I until you tell me the truth.”

“Oi-vey, there’s just no dropping that, is there? Why do you wanna know so badly, anyways?”

“Because if it wasn’t something worth hiding, you wouldn’t be dodging the question so much. Now, fess up, Argentum. I’d hate to resort to ‘less pleasant’ ways of getting you to talk.”

Prompto found himself sweating in the brow and backing away, one step in reverse synchronized with Lightning’s forward. “There’s nothing to say, already! I’m not hiding a thing!”

“I don’t buy it. Either tell me and let me leave you alone, or don’t tell me and only make this harder on yourself. Make the right choice.”

He’d run out of options, and inner shame prevented him from potentially making for an awkward confession. So, between fighting it or flight, Prompto chose the impulsive option of the latter with his beloved camera in hand. He could always come back for the tripod later once he didn’t have a rosy-haired warrior out for his past. Although it was common sense to know Lightning was chasing after him, Prompto gave into looking back at her anyways and running faster before turning his head around again. When he did, all he received was a faceful of tree bark smacking him right against the face, his camera falling to the soft ground unharmed when his hands went to cover achingly where he got hit.

“Looks like you’re out of options, Argen—” Lightning started to say until she realized Prompto sank to the ground covering his face. Her irritation cooled into an odd sense of concern, now going over to inspect the man more carefully. “Wait, are you hurt?”

“Mmm-mmm,” Prompto got out, something crystalline falling from his left eye and sticking to his upper cheek. When he felt it, he gasped. “Don’t come any closer, okay?”

Lightning grew more worried, especially at the sight of what seemed to be a tear. Did she go too far in pressuring him into injuring himself? That was quite a run into the tree he just did… “I have to make sure nothing’s broken. Are you bleeding?”

“No! Stay back! I’m fine!”

Lightning disobeyed and removed Prompto’s hands from his face. To her relief, he didn’t seem to be bleeding or bruised, but strangely, neither eye seemed damp with any tears. How that could be was unknown to her, but then she looked closer at what was really stuck on a freckle. Against Prompto’s further protest, Lightning picked it up and squeezed it between two gloved fingers while examining it a little better. After a few seconds, she recognized what it’d been if not a salted tear of pain like she initially believed.

“...It’s a contact lens,” Lightning pointed out, still looking at it until Prompto snatched it back from her. “Why do you have a contact lens on you?”

“N— Not important,” Prompto mumbled, trying to slip the lens back into his eye, but to no avail without the proper concentration.

“Sounds so to me. Look.” Lightning knelt down in front of Prompto, getting him to look at the new gentleness her eyes now held for him, not a trace of force to be seen on her. “If this was what everything was all about, you can tell me. Unless you really are somehow secretly conspiring against the others, then I have no reason to get that much on your case over a little contact lens.”

“You thought I was—? No! Never!” Prompto sounded almost offended that she’d think that of him, but in all fairness, he was acting a little off his loop from trying to hide his secret from her. “...I dunno if I can tell you, though. I wanted to make a good impression on— well, someone who’s never met me before this.”

“You’d have better luck by being honest. Trust me, I’ve had my share of bad news, so since you’re not putting anyone’s life in danger, whatever you have in you, I can take.”

Before he could think of any other objection, Lightning sat down next to him against the tree, picking up his camera and brushing off the dirt it’d acquired from the fall. She checked it over to see if it’d gotten cracked or anything of the sort, but was pleased to hand it back to Prompto when it looked as intact as ever. Prompto frowned; there was no way out of this, was there? And it’d be rude to leave a lady unanswered when she’d so sincerely asked, so… time to face the music, it seemed. Astrals, this was gonna suck.

“Well, as you could probably guess, my vision’s not the best in the world,” Prompto confessed, a sheepish laugh leaving his throat. “That’s why I gotta wear contact lenses to— ya know, fix that. Can’t be a photographer or gunsman that can’t see, can you?”

“Then how come you don’t just get glasses?” Lightning wondered as Prompto used his phone reflection to fight the lens back over his vision hole. “It seems harder to put those things in, doesn’t it? One wrong move, and you’d never see again.”

“It’s not so tough once you get used to it and take care of them the right way. And I am never going back to wearing glasses again when I don’t have to! They look fine on Iggy, but count me out!”

“So, you did used to wear them? Why’d you stop?”

“That’s kinda where the whole ‘I’d rather not talk about this’ part comes in. When I was a kid, I didn’t just wear glasses. Believe it or not, I also actually used to be pretty chunky and more of a turtle. Always in my shell and whatnot, you know?”

Lightning didn’t say it aloud, but the revelation did surprise her. Trying to picture a younger, slightly more plump Prompto that couldn’t so much as speak his mind sounded completely foreign to her. But, he also sounded… different in telling his tale. There wasn’t the usual buoyancy to really be heard, or too much of the wise-cracking nature she was more familiar with. No, all Lightning could hear was more of a sadder little boy wearing a sunnier mask to hide a past he wasn’t proud of. She logically kept her full judgement in line, wanting to hear more to see what else there was to it.

“You don’t say?” Lightning commented. “First, on you needing glasses back then, why was that? I’d have figured a noble from Lucis would be able to afford something ridiculous like laser eye surgery, or—”

“—Eh? ‘Noble’, who? If you’re talking about me, I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong guy there, Pink,” Prompto laughed uneasily. “I could never be able to pay for that.”

“You’re not a noble? How could that be; you’re travelling with a prince of all kinds of people!”

“I know. I’m as surprised as you are, trust me. But, alack, I am but a commoner in a group of rich men! Even so, I honest to the Six doubt Pop would have been able to afford getting eye correction surgery for me. Shit’s expensive, lady!”

“Fair enough. Then, how did you get into the Crownsguard if you’re just normal?”

Prompto’s face grew even more sullen, looking at the camera between his fingers without a hint of his usual smile. “That’s what I’d like to know. It’d be super nice to think ‘wow, all my hard work paid off, so I got to be worthy of joining’, but… I just can’t believe it’s anywhere close to the truth. Sure, I got in; lost the weight, did the work, yadda-yadda. But really, even with Pop training me to get here today, I just don’t know if I’d have done so well on my own anyways.”

“It… sounds really important to you. Then, why go through so much if you feel this way?”

“To be honest with myself? A big reason’s all because I wanted to be worth something to Noct. Oh, and that’s besides him being a prince dealing with a commoner and stuff, too. My bestie’s kinda my ‘firstie’ too, if you know what I’m saying.”

Lightning scoffed, rolling her eyes more at the mention of Noctis than Prompto’s friendship with him. “Leave it to the little snob of a prince to hold such expectations on you. He’s got two others that aren’t broken, so why rope you into it?”

“What? Oh! No, no, Pink, you’ve got it all wrong!” Prompto’s tone grew more frantic, realizing he’d planted an accidental misconception in the ex-soldier’s head. “Look, I get you and Noct would rather not wanna deal with each other, but believe me. I’ve known the guy since at least high school; he’s a total sweetheart once you see enough underneath the surface! A little crabby, sure, but he’s really not anywhere as bad as you’re making him out to be.”

“More power to you, then, because I’m not seeing it. Whatever, this is about you, not him.”

“In a way, it’s kinda both. If it weren’t for how my friendship with Noct started, then I dunno where I’d be now. Me wanting to both protect him and be a good enough friend to him is what got me started on the road to changing who I was into someone much better. I’m not sure if I’ve totally succeeded yet, but if I’ve been with him this long, maybe I’m doing something okay for once? Maybe you don’t understand what I’m saying, but to put it all simply, Noct’s done nothing but help me all these years. And all I wanna do is do it back and keep doing it for as long as possible.”

...Wow. At that moment, that was the only word Lightning could form in her mind. She may not have understood why Prompto was going to such lengths for someone like Noctis, but if there was something she did get, it was the gunsman’s process. And though Gladio and Ignis she was beyond fine with as people once she’d gotten to know enough of them, something with Prompto resonated with her in a way those two hadn’t quite achieved (at least, not yet to her knowledge). Maybe it was on the fact at not being the only common person after all Now that he’d said that to her, but whatever it was, Lightning was curious enough to know more.

“Let’s just say I wouldn’t go and say I don’t understand where you’re coming from,” Lightning admitted. “To want to change so badly to make someone you care about the most happy… you’re not as off base as you think.”

“Really, now? Anyone back home make you feel that way?” Prompto wondered. “Like a best friend you’ve got yourself?”

“Yes, and no. Just know I’d do anything to see them have a good life. I can only hope I did enough to make that happen, considering every horrible mistake I’ve made.”

“Assuming they’re still around, if they seem to be doing okay because of you, then… well, lo hiciste, you did it!”

“Sh— they’re thankfully alive and breathing, but I can’t help but worry if I ever did enough or not. And even if I did, what now? Will they still need me anymore?”

‘This would be a little easier if I knew how close she was to the person she’s talking about.’ Prompto worded what he wanted to carefully. It wasn’t every day Lightning have off such a vulnerable aura, so the last thing he wanted to do was make her more upset. “If you ask me, just being able to stand by them and know you could help them go far in life sounds like reward enough. Sure, maybe you can’t be together forever and ever, but knowing you made an impact comes just as close.”

“And how would I know if my impact even mattered? For all I can tell, they could be fine without me. Better, even.”

“One way of seeing it? They may be able to live their own life just fine, but it’s hard to forget how they got to that life in the first place. If you impact enough, they’ll be sure to never take that for granted.”

Hardly even realizing it immediately, Lightning felt her heart mellow out a tad melancholically the more she thought about her most cherished protectorate. All the foolish mistakes she’d made along the way she may not have been ready to forgive herself entirely for, but in where everyone from Cocoon and Gran Pulse now were, she’d do anything to keep it how it’d become in the end. Now, of all the people to find that appeared to understand her in that way, it’s Prompto who claims such a spot.

“Those are some wise words coming from you of anyone,” Lightning told him. “Never imagined it’d be from the same person who’s compared gloves to being ‘hand condoms’, either.”

“Light, that’s only the beginning of my endless wisdom,” Prompto said proudly before simmering back down in his tone again. “But, frankly? I’m more surprised you were so willing to listen that easily. I’ve only really said all that to Noct.”

“It’d be ‘pot calling the kettle black’ if I gave you such a rough time about this. But, if you ask me, it really looks like you’re on the right track, even if you think you aren’t.”

“Can’t stop you if you wanna think that, but all I can do is keep trying and see if I can succeed. Until then, there’s no saying for sure.”

“Well, considering you’re already pulling more weight out here than any nobody could hope to, I’d say you’re making the progress you need. Hell, you’d give Sazh a run for his money if he saw how well you work a pistol. And he uses two!”

“Right! Now, for my next question; who the heck is Sazh?” Prompto in asking it sounded closer to his more chipper side, but was just as unfamiliar with the comparison.

“A friend back home. I think you’d like him just fine.” Lightning started counting off a few fingers, fishing out the similarities. “You’re both top-notch gunsmen, wise-cracking even in the tightest of situations, have a fondness for chocobos—”

“—Wait, wait, hold up! This friend of yours also sees the true glory of Eos’ finest creatures?! Do tell, Miss Farron! Don’t keep a guy waiting!”

Lightning couldn’t help but softly laugh at Prompto’s enthusiasm for once. That certainly got his attention. “It’s more his son, Dajh, that’s crazy about them. But, if keeping a chocobo chick in his hair amounts to anything, I’d say he’s a huge fan of them, too.”

“He keeps a chocobo chick in—! Get out! I’ve— that clinches it! I gotta meet this man someday! I just gotta, Pink! I’ve gotta learn his ways! How could I have been so blind?!”

Lightning pat Prompto a few times on the head, appearing to quell his innumerable excitement levels. “Easy does it, Sunspot. I’m sure he’d forgive you for taking a while to do that. But, while we’re on it, how did you get so good at firing a gun?”

“Well, I hate to keep bringing my pop into this, but back when I was still in training, he found my aim wasn’t just top-notch in taking a few snaps. Turns out projectiles are just my calling, too.”

“And I may as well ask this, too, but who is your dad? He sounds a little more than just another commoner. Is he a veteran?”

“You could say that, but you’ve met him already! He’s the same guy who sent you to travel with us in the first place!”

“What? But that was—” Lightning stopped, eyes widening when she realized who Prompto was talking about. She looked at his sunny, almost cutesy-looking mug, then comparing it to the complete 180 of his apparent parentage. “...No way. The Marshal?! Cor Leonis is your dad of all people?!”

“Yes… and no. Obviously, we’re not blood related, but he sorta adopted me as a baby. Then, eventually, he had to give me up to my… other parents. So, I guess I grew up the rest of the way with them.”

“He had to give you up? Why?”

“Guess it had to do with him being leader of the Crownsguard and all. Someone like that can’t balance such a huge responsibility and a kid, so he didn’t have a choice on it at all.”

“Then, how come you still call him your dad if he’s technically not anymore?”

“I try not to when I need to be formal or in front of other Guard members, but honestly, I still pretty much consider him my father even though I had to go somewhere else.” Prompto’s mouth flattened into another frown, this one as wistful as the ones before it. “Hard to admit, but he’s the only older adult figure in my life there enough to earn that title. My… folks weren’t exactly home too much, so I mostly had to look after myself all the time.”

“They left their kid on his own just like that?! Some ‘parents’ ya got there. Actually, I don’t think I should use that word. If they were really your mom and dad, then they shouldn’t leave their kid behind when it’s still in their control. If it wasn’t? Different story. But, that’s not the case here, is it?”

“Well, I— look, Pink, bad mouthing them isn’t the answer. Can’t change how I was brought up, so… what, huh?”

“I don’t care in the slightest. Prompto, you don’t deserve to be practically ignored by the two people meant to be there for you the most. I’m not accepting it, and neither should you, Mister.”

“It’s not like I ‘accept’ it, exactly. It’s— I just wish… you know…”

The words faded on Prompto’s tongue, but were replaced by a quiet gasp at what happened next. Of all the things to get from Lightning for any reason, her arms wrapped around his body in a strangely maternal embrace was definitely not one he expected. But, for once, it simmered his heart into steady, rather sad thumps. He didn’t find it appropriate to hug back, but it appeared Lightning wasn’t going to let go of him just yet. Although it was his primary thought, it didn’t seem to be a hug of empty pity; even at her rare warmest, the woman to him never appeared as the type to go and show something so pointless for another person. Rather, the display felt as comforting to Prompto as it did secretly unearned.

“You’re doing just fine. You just have to not quit while you’re ahead,” Lightning reassured him. “I haven’t been here as long as you four, but I’m sure they’d have said something by now if you weren’t at least close to good enough. Real friends stick by you from start to finish, but also know when you’re falling behind on what’s really crucial.”

“That sounds true and all, but…” Prompto silenced himself, shaking his head without the desire to say too much more. “Nevermind. You’re right; I shouldn’t overreact or turn into a real ‘Debbie Downer’ here.”

“I never said you were. Feeling low’s gonna happen against your control; it’s what you do with it is what makes the difference. I’m nobody to tell anyone else how to feel, but I can at least encourage you not to throw your hopes out the window just yet. Think you’d be able to do that?”

“Hmm, dunno. I’ve already got bad eyesight, so it’s not like I’ve got better ‘future sight’, either. But, man! Would if I could, Light. Would if I could.”

Lightning could feel a delicate little smile tug at her mouth corners hearing Prompto regain the laugh in his voice. “Careful what you wish for. Being able to see into the future might not be as nice as you think.”

“What makes you say that? Having that as a superpower would rock! Unless— yeah, maybe some things are just not meant to be seen before they happen. Is that why?”

“Among… other reasons people wouldn’t like it. Bottom line, I’d rather you waited and saw, and not saw and waited. You got that?”

“I gotcha! Won’t see any ESP from me, lay-dee! But, you mind if we get going? I did say I was only gonna be gone for a little bit. Don’t want everyone thinking I almost became bear chow again.”

“It is a good time to— wait, ‘again’? What do you mean ‘again’?”

“Nothing that’s not best left in the past! It was before you came along, and we’re all fine now! Don’t you worry your pretty pink little head there.”

Having done enough of interrogating Prompto for one day, Lightning left it at that and got herself off the ground. She was about to turn the other way hoping to be followed, when Prompto let out a loud, energetic gasp after looking at his camera again. Without explaining himself, he grabbed Lightning by the wrist and ran in the direction of where she’d originally chased him from. Besides not wanting to leave his poor tripod all by its lonesome, having another person with him in such a great spot was a photo opportunity just begging on its knees for him to take it.

And just who was he to up and refuse it so rudely?

“Really, Prom, we’ve gotta go,” Lightning insisted as Prompto set her up in front of the tripod and camera like a living prop. “Can’t this wait until later?”

“Not a chance!” Prompto chirped, making sure everything on his camera was all set and in position. “Why pass up the chance of a lifetime in getting a nice snap with my favorite photogenic newcomer?”

“If you wanted a selfie, then you don’t need my help with that,” Lightning quipped, hiding her smirk behind a few fingers at the consequent stunned blush on Prompto’s face born from the comment.

“Oh, fair maiden, how you flatter a clown. But, nope! You’ve gotta be in the shot; no way out until this memory’s made!” Prompto set the timer up, running to where Lightning was and readying himself for the shoot. “Smile for the camera, Pink! It loves ya!”

Lightning never really considered herself a “camera person”, but with how little time she had to think about it before the camera went off and captured her appearance in the moment, she did what first came to her mind. Giving off the most modest of her smiles, the shutter went off and immortalized the exact moment and pose the two were in. Prompto went to go look at his new photograph, rather pleased with the almost punkish way he had his tongue stuck out and the peace sign fingers on the hand belonging to the arm he’d wrapped around Lightning’s shoulders without actually making physical contact. As for his female companion in the snapshot, hers didn’t seem like anything to write home about, but nothing of it wiped even a bit away of the smile on his face.

“Another shot gotten! And this one’s the first to be blessed full-on by such a gracious presence!” Prompto beamed, making loops around the moon from how happy he was to have gotten a photo with Lightning. “Hey, why don’t you see how it came out, too? No need to let you miss out on it.”

“Why don’t you show me while we’re heading back to camp?” Lightning suggested, hauling the tripod under her arm and allowing Prompto to follow in her steps. “Nothing against you doing what you like, but we were supposed to head back a while ago.”

“Yeah, yeah, of course! And since we’re doing it now, take a quick look!” Prompto put the camera in front of Lightning’s eyes, the screen still on its most recent picture.

“Easy with— ...oh.” Lightning saw how the photo came out, rather impressed by the expert-level accuracy and the fact that even her more mild expression didn’t lower any of the quality either. “Gotta say, for someone that needs contacts, you’ve really got an eye for the camera.”

“I’ve had two for as long as I can remember. This journey’s not gonna last forever, so I might as well make a way to capture it for as long— WHOA!”

Lightning immediately ducked and caught Prompto by hugging her arms around to his torso, pulling him back up onto his feet hiding her suppressed urge to laugh. “Maybe tell me more on the way back. While looking where you’re going, of course.”

“That can be arranged. See, it all started when…”

Ignis was in the middle of getting the last few minor touches on camp set up, at the same time Gladio and Noctis were preoccupying themselves a distance from him with a harmless sparring match. Their combat reminded him personally to take a good look at his recently acquired Mythril Knives to ensure they were ready for use next time the team was to be under attack by the forces of evil or wilderness. His ears picked up on faint chatter past the sound of swords clashing and a prince rapidly warping, further investigation informing him that the culprits were the previously absent Prompto and Lightning. The ecstatic storytelling from his blond friend was nothing new, but the interested placid smile on his pink-haired one certainly provided some questions on what happened between them in the woods.

“—Then, I got attacked by a horde of angry baboons! As if that wasn’t bad enough, this leopard comes along and tried to take a bite of me in the worst way possible!” Prompto recited to a fascinated Lightning, Ignis recalling exactly the moment in question on one of the detours taken before they’d even officially set out on their current mission. “All because I wanted to snap a pic of this cute little baby monkey I saw, too! Was that so wrong?”

“You might have just scared the thing with your camera,” Lightning guessed. “What’s harmless to people might not be so to a wild animal. It probably mistook you for a hunter.”

“Still no excuse to try and get me killed! The little…” Prompto grumbled, trailing off and ending the bitter sentence in his head. “Any jungles where you’re from, Pink?”

“Not where I’m living now, no. But, where I was born, the closest I can think of is the Sunleth Waterscape. Never been myself; my sister and a few of our friends passed through it, though.”

“Bummer. Was that awesome ‘Sazh’ guy you were talking about one of those people?”

Lightning nodded. “Him and Vanille went at the same time. Speaking of which, you act a lot like her, too. I think you almost have her beat in the ‘perky youth’ department. And… some other more personal things you’ve got in common, too.”

“I won’t make you say things you don’t wanna, but my ‘Light’s friends I just gotta meet’ list is growing!”

“Maybe when I go back home, you can find time to visit. I’m sure they’d get a kick out of you.” Lightning’s voice had a noticeable lightheartedness to it, imagining the sheer chaos of Prompto meeting her loved ones back home.

“It sounds like you two had a good time out?” Ignis inquired, finally getting the two’s attention on him. His glasses-covered eyes were particularly on Prompto asking it, who knew the reason why.

“Definitely nothing I was expecting, that’s for sure. Anything could end a lot worse, but I’m happy this didn’t.”

“That makes two of us, sister!” Prompto agreed, bringing up the new photo of him and Lightning on his camera. “And guess who also finally got the ultimate selfie today? This guy, that’s who!”

“You finally partook in one of Prompto’s photos, Light? I always thought you to be the camera-shy type,” Ignis said, scanning the camera screen with intrigue.

“I’m not much for taking them, but it came out really well,” Lightning admitted. “As long as Prom doesn’t ask me to take too many of them, I don’t mind getting another in for him.”

“Do you really mean that?!” Prompto squeaked, beyond joyous.

“I just might. I don’t have ‘future sight’ either, though. We’ll just see where things go after this.”

Lightning only left it at that after, flashing Prompto another kind glance before going over to request a sparring match of her own with Gladio after Noctis concluded his with him. It hadn’t gone past Prompto’s cleared up eyes at all, the ecstatic shutterbug still feeling his innards doing giddy flips and turns about the events that’d transpired overall. He found himself smiling with his sunny aura after Lightning, freezing when he’d caught the look on Ignis’ face, too.

“Seems you’ve made a friend in her,” Ignis pointed out. “I’d have to be halfway blind to think she isn’t starting to warm up to you.”

“You really think so?” Prompto breathed, scratching one cheek with his pointer finger.

“I’ve more than a feeling. Not as scary as you thought her finding about your contact lenses was going to be, was it?”

“Pish-pish, lucky guess. Turns out, a lot of things that’s bothered me, she’s been on the same ride just as bad.”

“And yet a lot remains a mystery about our newest comrade. However, enough has certainly come to ‘Light’ with her since she joined us.”

Prompto laughed, quickly catching onto the discreet humor. “Can’t know everything about everybody, of course. Especially since there’s some things we just don’t know the answer to.” At the same time he said that, he fixed the black bands covering his right wrist so they wouldn’t reveal anything the mystery mark underneath.

“Which is perfectly fine. Everyone has their skeletons in the closet, big or small. It’s only a matter of how people take them is what makes the difference.”

Prompto couldn’t argue with that, being unable to avoid looking at not just Noctis toying around on a favored game on his smartphone, but also Lightning performing an impressive deflecting of Gladio’s strike. He still couldn’t fully believe what happened today did, nevermind actually reaching this point in his life. And yet, somehow, here he was; still among the Crownsguard of all things, and making a new friend that turned out to be sailing in the same boat as him in a way.

Another person— Lightning, no less, was more than willing to encourage him from her own honest faith alone. She’d joined Noctis in rooting for him, so Prompto had to be a fool to do so much as consider letting her own too because he couldn’t live up to the simplest of expectations. Whether or not he was sure he’d succeed in the end aside from his personal lack of true confidence, nothing was an excuse to stop after every step taken in the first place.

Prompto tapped one closed eyelid each gingerly, making sure what stuck to his eyes behind them were both secure. He laughed once to himself. Of all the ways possible he could have shared such a deep moment in the woods with someone, it had to be over a measly pair of contact lenses. Small world, he thought. Small world, indeed.

[ebonyphotographs]

Hello All!! Semi Long Post Ahead ( o v o)/

I realize I’m literally never on Tumblr anymore? Heard there’s been some wars or something over here, hah~ That’s why I’m a Twitter nerd now (O - O ) Anywho. Figured as it’s coming up on the end of the year/decade, I’d like to leave a grand post of all the writing I’ve created as a fanfiction writer. I’ve literally only made FFXV/mostlyIgnoct content? *sweats* But it’s still brought me great inspiration and lots of love from an ongoing community that supports each other. These thousands of words have gotten me through some dark, terrible times, especially in this past year alone. So here below you can click to just browse or skim through anything you like. Maybe you’ll find something that interests you or helps you to get inspired about writing or weird self-reflective creativity scenarios? *Don’t listen I’m nuts* Just give a gander please I worked very hard I mean, had lots of fun. Careless A drunk one shot, my first posted fic A Little Louder Hotel jealousy smut To Comfort His Highness Angsty stuff about the Crown A Kiss As A Suggestion Noct uses tongue on purpose A Kiss Because They’re Running Out Of Time Their last dance together A King’s Gift ft. @his-pair-of-spare-glasses​ A happy little mistake (I’m kidding) A private moment between King and Advisor Meet Me There Birthday gift for Ignis + friend, unconditional love despite the weight-load of life The Stagesinger: Series Reincarnation vocalist AU designed with alternate endings! Signs of Winter: Series A continuation piece based on Shining Ambitions veiled in Dust: Series, perfume designer meets barista, this is my literal baby A Late Night Call Ignoct Spice-A-Thon phone kink (wiggles eyebrows) Love In Silence Mute AU leaving Noctis unvocal with Iggy as caretaker Back To Titanic A real undertaking... Yeah, I’m going there Portraits: Series Supernatural nightmare centering Noctis as Prompto’s prime artistic prey while Ignis searches to save him

I’m actually a bit impressed to see what I’ve accomplished between divorce, moving and houseflooding, yet I still wish to see myself create more! I have trouble pushing myself. Somehow, these characters managed to kick me into gear. Thanks just for reading this if you did and boo on you if you didn’t. Much love, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 💙