#lol if i'm being honest i'll probably specifically ask neboou

[spacs]

give me shelter (linked if you’d like to read the rest of the fic but haven’t yet) preview is ready. if anyone has any thoughts please leave a comment or send me an ask/message, whichever you’re more comfortable with. I really do welcome honest, constructive criticism and would love suggestions. If you think something could be added or taken out, please let me know so that when I’m reviewing it and while I finish writing the chapter, I have some things to go by. I want to improve and I can only do that through honest feedback. @neboou gonna tag you specifically :) 

Things felt different in the morning.

Ignis was awake, as usual, and the scent of the strongly brewed coffee filled the hotel room. Prompto and Gladio were perched on the bar stools, eating the breakfast Ignis had managed. Noctis rolled over, peering at his friends from the bed while he tried to pretend like he was still asleep. Gladio spotted him however, moving over to him to shake him fully awake.

The night had passed without incident, at least as far as he was aware. Once he’d fallen asleep he had slept through the night, unbothered by any dreams or nightmares. For those precious few hours, he’d been at peace – completely unaware of the troubles that were waiting for him in the waking world.

He watched Ignis carefully after he managed to pull himself from the bed. Ignis was in a decidedly better mood and was calmly sipping his coffee while he prepared a cold breakfast for Noct. Prompto gave up his stool in favor of moving to the balcony to take more pictures, and Noctis observed his advisor closer. Ignis didn’t move away from him and his voice had lost the tightness from the day before. He started up a conversation with Noct, albeit formally, about the upcoming events of the day. His fingers brushed Noct’s as he passed the bowl of oatmeal but he didn’t flinch or react at all.

Noct couldn’t decide if this was better or worse.

There was more physical distance between them today. Ignis seemed to carefully place himself furthest from Noct. On the ride to Maagho’s, Ignis rode at the front of the boat while Noct sat with Prompto in the back. Gladio and Ignis carried a pleasant conversation while he and Prompto discussed what kind of fish they were hoping for when they went down to the docks. It was clear that Ignis was avoiding eye contact with him, but not on the same level of awkwardness from before.

Today it felt like Ignis didn’t care about what happened. Noct decided this was worse.

There was a nice fishing spot near the restaurant that Weskham recommended after Noct asked. Prompto cheered as they took the gondola over, going through his pictures to see if there were any disposable pictures. “I’m expecting a lot from you, Noct,” Prompto smirked, his eyes not leaving the display screen. “I want to see you reel in a monster like you did back home.”

“I don’t think I’m ever going to catch another Devil,” he answered as he led the way off the gondola and towards the spot.

“Not with that attitude you won’t,” Prompto retorted.

“You did catch the Liege of the Lake,” Gladio chimed in.

“Yeah,” Prompto frowned, throwing a glare at Gladio. “That I missed because just the two of you went!”

Gladio nudged Prompto’s shoulder, grinning. “You got a picture of it after.”

“But not the epic struggle! I missed the best part! Noct gets this dorky grin every time he catches a fish,” Prompto complained.

“No I don’t,” Noctis shot back as his fishing rod materialized in his hand. “Now can you guys shut up so I can concentrate?”

Prompto’s camera went off with a click as the line was cast. “Yes you do,” the blond insisted.

“Yeah you should’ve seen him after he caught the Liege,” Gladio grinned, crossing his arms over his chest.

“If you guys want me to catch something, shut up.”

“Ignis back us up,” Prompto called.

Noct glanced over his shoulder. Ignis stood under the bridge, leaning against the pillar, occupied with his phone. He appeared not to have heard Prompto, or was ignoring his request. At the second call of his name, his eyes snapped up and connected with Noct’s. The awkwardness was apparently back as Ignis quickly looked elsewhere, addressing Prompto, “Sorry?”

Scowling, Noct turned back to the water, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the rod tightly. “Doesn’t Noct look like a dork whenever he catches a good fish?” Prompto continued, the camera going off again.

“Ah,” Ignis considered. “I suppose.”

“Three to one, Noct,” Prompto shrugged, declaring victory.

“Okay, I get it,” he replied, rolling his shoulders. “Now can you please be quiet?”

They finally stopped talking and the prince was able to concentrate on the water. He let himself get lost in his fishing, trying not to think about Ignis or Luna or the nightmares. He just wanted this peace and he almost regretted not going down to fish alone the night before. It wasn’t like Ignis was going to talk to him about everything that happened again anyway, so maybe he would take some time to himself tonight after they got back to the hotel.

Eventually, as always, Prompto got bored of watching Noct fish and playing King’s Knight apparently wasn’t able to hold his attention either. He insisted that they go to the market or to get some food, disregarding Gladio’s insistence that they’d just eaten. The breeze blowing gently through Noct’s hair and the smell of the salt water was too tempting to leave. Gladio offered to go with Prompto to walk through the city, apparently before Ignis could.

“You should come with,” Prompto said, bouncing over to him. “Maybe we could find a place that makes those desserts you like so much. Ignis can figure out the recipe!” Even Ignis had to smile at the way Prompto tried to imitate Ignis’ accent.

“Nah,” Noct shook his head. “I’m not done here.”

“Dunno if splitting up is a good idea here.” Gladio uncrossed his arms from over his chest, glancing around the area.

“I can stay,” Ignis offered.

Noct reeled in his line and turned around to the discussion. “It’s fine,” he replied, shaking his head. “Go with them. I’ll just stay here.”

“Not by yourself, you can’t,” Gladio told him.

“I can take care of myself, you know,” Noctis frowned. “It’s just fishing. I don’t think there’s an imperial spy holding their breath under the water.”

Prompto snorted at that but Gladio looked at him pointedly. “It’s not about you not being able to take care of yourself.”

“It’s alright, Gladio,” Ignis insisted, stepping forward. “I will stay behind with Noct. You two go on ahead. We will join you once Noct is finished.”

The prince opened his mouth to argue but Gladio cut him off. “Fine,” he conceded, motioning to Prompto. “Call if you need something,” he said, more to Ignis than to Noct. The advisor nodded in confirmation. Prompto looked like he wanted to try to convince both of them to come but didn’t say anything, following Gladio around the corner.

“You didn’t have—” Noct started.

“I recognize that you’d like to be alone, but right now it’s not possible,” Ignis interrupted. He gripped his phone as he took a few steps back. “I’ll leave you to it,” he gestured towards the water.

Ignis didn’t look at him after that, retreating back under the bridge. He was quietly involved with his phone and Noct watched him for a few moments. He wanted to say something now that they were alone, but the words would leave the tip of his tongue. His mouth clamped shut and he turned back around, casting his line once more.

The minutes passed by slowly without any stir at the top of the water. Noct cast and recast the line, changed his lure a few times, but nothing seemed to be biting. He was about to call it when he felt a tug. He reeled once, feeling the strong pull as the fish struggled beneath the surface. “Oh man,” he muttered, planting his feet as he turned the rod to release the tension on the line.

Ignis heard him, pushing himself off the pillar. His steps on the dock distracted Noct momentarily but the fish thrashed, bringing him back to attention. “My goodness,” Ignis’ voice came from behind him, closer than he thought Ignis would get to him right now.

Noct grit his teeth as he reeled, feeling the fish struggling against captivity. “I got this,” he grit out.

“Careful Noct,” Ignis cautioned.

“I got this,” Noct repeated, reeling again as the fish swam in the same direction as the line.

It took a full minute before Noct was able to bring the fish close to the dock. He glanced down and could see the fish, roughly the length of his arm, struggling at the end of his hook. “Watch the line,” Ignis brought him back. “Almost have it, Noct.”

At the end, the fish thrashed helplessly against the line and Noct knew the line wouldn’t last if he tried to reel it in. He continued turning his rod in an attempt to tire the fish out. Once the fish had slowed, he quickly reeled and heard the splash of water as it breached the surface. “Yes!” he cheered, quickly moving to collect the fish. It had dark red scales and sharp, pointed teeth.

He turned around and beamed at Ignis, holding up his catch with both hands. “Excellent,” Ignis smiled back, moving to him and rested a hand on his shoulder. He bent slightly to inspect the fish. “We’ll have to find out what kind of fish it is,” he considered, his hand still resting on Noct. “Find the safest way to cook it.”

Noct chuckled, adjusting his grip. “Well I think something this big can feed all four of us.”

“Indeed,” Ignis agreed, rubbing his jaw with his free hand. Noct watched his advisor’s face and the way he appraised the fish with attentive eyes and an intent stare. Ignis seemed to have forgotten all tension between the two of them but Noctis was hyperaware of the closeness between them and the hand that still gripped his shoulder. Ignis was listing off traits of the fish that may identify the type, but Noctis was too busy watching the way his lips moved. “What do you think, Noct?” he asked.

Upon looking up, Ignis seemed to notice their proximity. His eyes lingered and he didn’t seem to miss the way that Noct couldn’t help but let his gaze flicker once more down to Ignis lips. The hand immediately left his shoulder as Ignis took a few steps back and cleared his throat. Noct couldn’t remember what was asked of him. “What do I think of what?” he asked dumbly.

Ignis was caught off guard. “I… Of the fish,” he repeated, finding his bearings.

“Oh. It’s, uh,” Noct looked down, finally feeling how tired his arms were. “Big.”

“That it is,” Ignis nodded in agreement.

An uneasy silence fell over them as Noct laid the fish down on the dock. They weren’t looking at each other, instead choosing to stare down at the feebly thrashing fish.

Noct was the one to break the silence. “I still think we should talk,” he mumbled.

Ignis sighed and glanced over his shoulder like he was looking for an escape. “We discussed this last night.”

“Not really,” Noct grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest.

Ignis winced at that, knowing exactly what Noctis meant. “Now is not the time, highness.”

Highness. There was that title again. Noct scoffed but didn’t answer. He let his fishing rod dissipate, pulled his phone from his pocket, firing a quick text to Prompto about the catch. He and Ignis didn’t speak while they waited on the other two to rejoin them. Gladio carried the fish since they’d made the mistake of leaving the rest of the fishing gear at the hotel and they headed back to their rooms.

On the way back, Ignis researched the fish and discovered a skewer he could make with the meat – something Gladio was overly happy about. They took the fish to his and Noct’s room where he began preparations. Still, he and Noct weren’t speaking. It wasn’t an angry silence and the tension between them had, so far, gone unnoticed by Gladio and Prompto, both of which seemed to be in high spirits. They were all smiles and playful shoves, and Noct found himself wishing he could go back to a time when he was younger and he and Ignis had a similar dynamic. It was before Ignis became a sort of guardian, before the king’s health had noticeable deteriorated. Back then, it had just been the two of them. Gladio had been around, but Noct was still too young to require training.

Over the past few days, his friendship with Ignis had felt tested. It wasn’t the first time they’d tiptoed a line, but it had certainly never been this line. When Ignis first got his appointment, there had been an adjustment period where they went from being just friends, to prince and retainer. Noctis often tested that distinction when he was younger, pulling Ignis out when he would sneak around or get in trouble. He’d made Ignis promise that they would always stay friends, no matter what professional relationship was required. Ignis had seemed very eager to agree to that promise. But recently, Noctis wasn’t so sure.

He watched Ignis fussing over the fish from his bed, legs crossed and in the middle while Prompto sprawled out beside him and Gladio lingered in the kitchen waiting to be told to help or to leave. “Dude what’s up with you?” Prompto asked, low enough for it to just be addressed to Noct.

Shaking his head to bring himself from his thoughts, he looked down at the blond. “Nothing,” he lied. “Just tired.” It was a good blanket statement that was always applicable to Noct, whether it was to cover up a lie or not.

Prompto frowned, unconvinced. “Do you wanna go outside?” he asked, pointing over to the sliding door to the balcony. The addition of to talk was left unsaid.

Noctis looked over to the door, considering the offer, then shook his head. “I’m good.”

“Okay man, well… I’m… around,” Prompto stuttered. “Y’know. If you need me.”

That made Noct smile and he reached down, shoving at the blond’s cheek with the palm of his hand. “You’re such a sap,” he teased.

Prompto blew him a kiss as he brushed Noct’s hand out of the way. He sat up on the bed and held up his phone. “King’s Knight?”

Noct hesitated, glancing at Gladio and Ignis. Gladio had been need after all and was busying himself with whatever task Ignis had set him on. They were talking in low voices as they worked. Ignis had unbuttoned the top of his shirt and the sleeves were rolled up above his elbows. Gladio had removed his jacket, wearing only the tank he wore on particularly warm days instead. They looked almost domestic and moved around each other with ease, familiar and friendly. Ignis’ lips quirked up at something Gladio said, his demeanor natural and he was more comfortable than Noct had seen him in days. Something that felt worryingly close to jealousy flickered through Noct’s chest as he grimaced, looking back at Prompto. The blond had his head tilted to the side, his brow drawn in as he watched the prince.

“Sure,” Noct said belatedly.

The phone in Prompto’s hand fell to the bed, unattended. “Dude what’s up?”

“Nothing,” Noct insisted, rolling over the bed to grab his own phone from the table. “Let’s play.”

“Outside,” Prompto insisted, snatching his phone from the bed. Before Noct could protest, he slid off the mattress. “We’re gonna sit outside,” he announced, opening the door. “Let us know if you need help.”

Gladio chuckled. “We’ve got it,” he answered. “King’s Knight after dinner?” he asked, pausing with his work to look up at them.

“Duh,” Prompto grinned. Noct could swear he saw Gladio wink at the blond but maybe it was the light.

He was silent when they got outside, focusing on his phone as it loaded the screen for the game. Prompto sat on the edge of his chair, looking expectantly at him, which he pointedly ignored. “Dude,” Prompto deadpanned.

“I told you I’m fine.”

“Then why were you glaring at Gladio and Iggy?”

“I wasn’t.”

“You’ve been looking at Ignis funny since yesterday.”

“I have not.”

“Dude.”

Noct huffed and locked his phone, glaring at Prompto from the corner of his eyes. “Leave it alone, Prompto.”

“So there is something, then.”

“No,” Noct tried to cover then blew out a frustrated breath. “It’s not something. It’s nothing. It’s fine.”

“Are we, or are we not, best friends?” Noct rolled his eyes. “C’mon Noct, you can tell your buddy Prompto.”

Shaking his head Noct answered, “Just… something weird happened and now Ignis is being kind of dumb, that’s all.”

“Weird like how?”

“Just like…” Noct scratched his cheek awkwardly. Prompto knew he had nightmares – all three of them knew. Ignis was just he only one he went to about them because Ignis had always been the one he went to. But not even Noctis knew Ignis had nightmares, and it wasn’t really a moment he wanted to share. Even with Ignis acting the way he was about his, it was still a moment just between them that Prompto and Gladio wouldn’t understand – and not just the kiss. “Dream… stuff.”

Prompto didn’t immediately get Noct’s meaning. “Like… you had a dream about you and Ignis… doing stuff?”

“What?” Noct exclaimed, snapping his head to the side to stare at Prompto. “No!” He could feel his face heating up a little at implications that Prompto couldn’t understand.

“Oh. Oh, like bad dream stuff. Right. Uh. Sorry.” Prompto rubbed the back of his head and smiled innocently at Noctis. “Why is he being dumb? I mean… doesn’t that happen sometimes? Isn’t he used to it?”

Noct bit the inside of his cheek and gave Prompto almost a desperate look. “I mean it was… a little different,” he tried awkwardly. He was no good at this. Prompto knew he was no good at this.

There was no request for an elaboration. Prompto just nodded and leaned back, considering. “I mean that explains a few things. Me and Gladio talked about it last night – I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s asking Ignis right now.”

So they had noticed that there was some tension. “You guys are good at not giving yourselves away,” Noct complimented. “I didn’t think you’d noticed.”

Prompto scoffed sarcastically. “Give us a little more credit than that, buddy.”

Noct couldn’t stop himself from glancing over his shoulder to look at the other two in the kitchen. Nothing seemed different. Ignis still seemed relaxed and Gladio was still making him smile. The frown on his face must have given him away again as he turned back around and saw Prompto raising his eyebrows at him. “Dude,” he said, amused.

“What?”

“You’ve got it for Ignis, don’t you?”

“What?”

Prompto shrugged, holding his hands up defensively. “I mean it makes sense. You guys have known each other for a while. Like almost your whole life, right?”

“I don’t—” Noct started, stammering. “I mean, yeah since I was three, I think? But – Ignis… He’s great, I mean, but…” He didn’t know what he felt for Ignis. Up until two days ago he thought it was just friendship and a platonic love, but ever since they’d kissed he couldn’t stop thinking about it. He couldn’t stop watching Ignis’ lips or assessing the way his advisor acted strangely around him. Briefly he thought back to the moment on the docks when they’d momentarily forgotten their situation and everything felt normal again, but the way Ignis’ hand felt on his shoulder or the pride in his voice or the way he smiled made Noct’s stomach lurch in a way he didn’t know how to describe.

He bit the skin beneath his lower lip to stop himself from speaking. He couldn’t stop the way he glanced back at Gladio and Ignis in the kitchen. Ignis was standing close to Gladio, showing him something and the way they were touching so informally brought that flutter of jealousy back. He scowled and turned his gaze back out to the sea, trying not to notice Prompto’s knowing smirk next to him.

“Whatever,” Noct said, shrugging and trying to seem more casual than he felt.

“So you admit it then?”

“No,” Noct insisted. “Besides, him and Gladio seem cozy enough so… whatever.” He grumbled and slouched in his seat, crossing his arms.

Prompto’s eyes shot up and he leaned over into Noct’s space to get a look at them. “They look normal,” Prompto said, moving back into his own chair.

Noct jerked his arm as he lifted his shoulders up to touch his ears like he was hiding. “Looks like a thing to me,” muttered.

Prompto made a pffft sound at him. “It’s not.”

“What makes you so sure?”

Prompto’s cheeks puffed out with air and his ears turned red. “I dunno. I just am.”

Noctis looked over at his friend and squinted at him. “Prompto?” He drew the name out, arching his eyebrows.

“It’s not – we just… I…” Prompto stuttered, coughing and looked anywhere but Noct.

“We?”

Prompto dropped his face into his hands and started to laugh awkwardly. “I mean… I think so,” he admitted, unable to face Noct.

“When did that happen?”

“Like… I dunno. Maybe a month ago? A little less?”

“A month?” Noct almost shouted, shooting up in his chair.

Prompto brought his hands up at that, waving at Noct. “Keep it down!”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were crushing on Iggy?”

“Because that just happened!” Noct snapped before he could stop himself.

“HA!” Prompto pointed at him triumphantly. “I knew it.”

Noctis felt his own face reddening this time. “You and Gladio?”

“You and Ignis?”

They stared at each other like a challenge, narrowing their eyes from their individual chairs before both sighing simultaneously in defeat. Prompto chuckled and fiddled with his fingers while Noct pushed a hand through his hair. “We are such a cliché,” he laughed.

Noctis didn’t disagree. “A month?”

“Give or take,” Prompto shrugged. “Or… I guess just take. It hasn’t been more than a month.”

“Well I guess that explains some things too.”

“You didn’t know?” Prompto asked, glancing at him.

“Not a clue,” Noct admitted.

Prompto laughed. “Gladio owes me 500 gil.” At Noct’s questioning look he elaborated, “I told him you didn’t know but he figured you did. We made a bet and now he owes me 500 gil.”

“Does Ignis know?”

“Think so,” Prompto nodded. “When’d you get the hots for Iggy?”

Noct glared at him. “That isn’t…” He shook his head, giving up the argument. “We just had a… thing… two days ago, the night before we left.” With a sigh he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Ignis doesn’t want to talk about it.”

“So…” Prompto started hesitantly. “Lunafreya…”

Another sigh. Noct ran his hands over his face, digging the heels of his palms into his eyes. “I don’t know,” he confessed.

Prompto made an understanding noise, clearly unsure of how to respond. “I’m here for you, buddy.”

“Thanks.”

There was a beat. “Want to play King’s Knight now?”