A Prince's Friend is Hard Work

[chocobosnap]

 Prompto was nervous.

That was not the least bit unusual in itself, he had some terrible anxieties that made his life complicated and challenging all at once, all the time, but he'd had a handle on things, at least, he thought so. 

He received a letter and turned his world upside down.

All of that hard work had come to fruition and he was now a new friend to the prince, someone he got along with a lot better than he used to. He'd seen and met some of his retainers, some of the people around him. They all seemed nice, if wary, and huge. 

Prompto had never been tall, and he was slightly shorter than Noct who seemed short beside his bodyguard Gladio. He was kind of hoping he'd get bigger, but he doubted it. 

The longer he spent with Noctis, they'd begun asking him questions about his skills in self-defense, because there could be danger inadvertently. Ignis had been the one to deliver the message that he should learn, and asked him to report to the Citadel one Sunday morning to meet with Cor Leonis - The Marshal - who was going to test him, or teach him, or something. 

He was on time, had been escorted to the gym and, dressed in his gym clothes, he was waiting nervously, pressed against a wall to avoid any looks from any of the Glaives around. He couldn't have looked more out of place if he tried, with his black track pants and dark purple t-shirt with a frolicking cartoon chocobo on it. 

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[immortalmarshal]

Cor used this time to get his head together. Yes, he's still pissed that Prompto appears to be a victim of child neglect. Yes, there might be racism involved. But he can't just keep losing his cool like this.

Even if Regis had pointed out over drinks that Cor acted more like a parent than a mentor. Which is ridiculous, because Cor doesn't see himself as great father material.

Still, he does need to check up on the lad - jist to make sure they're not giving the kid hell. So he digs up the address on Prompto's public files and drives himself over there. He even brings over some convenience store meals as a peace offering, in case the parents happen to be home a little early.

[chocobosnap]

They are, in fact, in that moment giving him hell.

Prompto was on the phone, pacing a little in his anxiety as he listened to his mom lecture him, when the knock at the door sounds.

"Mom I gotta-" He tried to cut in and winced at her reaction.

He padded over to the door, a little pale an strung out, but Noctis had seen him looking worse a couple of days before when he insisted on going back and he blinked because it was not his friend.

He held up his phone and beckoned Cor in, only slightly embarrassed about the state of his place. He was not Noctis, he wasn't normally terribly messy, but it was a little dusty. He had a couple of dishes in the sink and his school books were strewn on a coffee table, in front of a TV that was on and the couch was covered in a blanket nest.

"Yeah, mom, I know he's the prince, it's just-" He winced as she cut in again. "He likes me. We're friends." He frowned.

[immortalmarshal]

Cor had initially looked neutral, even momentarily pleased to see Prompto again when the front door first opened. But that indication that his mother's on the phone puts a concerned frown back onto his face. The fact that she's not happy with his choice of friends doesn't seem promising, either.

Still, he gestures to the bags of food, and then points to the kitchen to indicate where he's going for the moment. The living room setup doesn't bother him - he's seen Worse from the few times Cor himself had to check up Noctis at the latter's apartment. The dishes in the sink, though, makes him a little more concerned, even as he sets the food down on the kitchen counter. Did his mother call him mid-chore...?

Best to listen in on the conversation, just in case.

[chocobosnap]

"I don't know what he sees in me." He admitted with a bit of a shrug, and an apologetic smile to Cor.

"I don't. I know...I..yeah, he knows I'm a Niff. I don't think he cares mom." Prompto rolled his eyes, and moved to pace back and forth.

"Someone is at-no I'm not interrupting."

He was quiet a few moments. "Yeah. I know you don't want the Citadel calling." He grimaced. "I'm sure he is mad but I couldn't help it."

Another long pause. "Mom, I've been thinking I might want to be a Crownsguard someday."

He flinched a bit at the reaction. "I'm sure if Noct wanted me to be I could-"

[immortalmarshal]

Cor doesn't interrupt at first, just peering thru the doorway into the living room. That eyeroll does make a tiny smile tug at Cor's lips; how typically teenager...

Prompto's wish to join the Crownsguard, though, does make Cor stand up a little straighter - and, oddly enough, create a small yet blooming warmth of pride. The older man could see the blonde as a worthy Crownsguard member someday. Hell, he just needs to walk the lad thru the official paperwork for apprenticeship as soon as he turns 16, and they could just continue training together for the next couple of years.

If Prompto glances over at Cor, he will see the slightly-softer look of approval on his face.

[chocobosnap]

"Yeah. No, I know." He rubbed the back of his neck. "No don't put dad on, I'm kinda..."

He exhaled in light frustration, catching Cor's eye. "Um, I'll be a few more minutes, sorry."

Off the living room was the hallway, with two open doors, one a bedroom and one a bathroom, and two closed doors, one probably a closet, the other his parents' room.

"Hi dad." He answered, resigned. "No, I'm not bothering the prince anymore." He blinked. "I don't think I forgot the heating bill, I was in hospital so I..."

"I'm not trying to cause a problem for you. Yeah, I'll do it today."

[immortalmarshal]

"It's alright," Cor started to say; he's waited on Regis or Clarus finishing up calls before, and this is no different.

Still, as soon as Prompto seems engrossed in talking to his father, Cor is going to slip quietly down the hallway to peer into each bedroom. Maybr even crack open the closet door to see what might be hidden inside. Just how well off are the Argentums, compared to their adopted kid?

[chocobosnap]

Prompto's room had a bed, with a small army of chocobo plush dolls on the comforter, but he hadn't made it that morning; the walls were plastered with photos of Insomnia, various pets from the neighbourhood, but back of the bedroom door were pictures of him and Noct, or Noctis doing one thing or another. He had a computer, one that looked fairly out of date, on a desk where his camera sat perched on top of some photography books. His hamper was completely filled, so he was behind on his chores in there too, but his life had been interrupted by his illness. Aside from that, it was relatively neat, and his school uniform was hanging on a hook.

The closet held extra blankets and a few towels, as well as bulk purchased shampoo, conditioner and soap, and a small basket of laundry detergent, fabric softener and some change meant for the laundromat.

The bathroom was more messy, his toothbrush on the counter, a damp towel on the floor from his shower that morning. He hadn't been expecting company at all. It too was relatively neat, just it looked like Prompto was using it.

The bedroom looked like a hotel room. A large bed, made with firm tucked hospital corners, a lingering scent of dust in the air. The closet in there didn't even contain any clothes. There were pictures in there, a few of the happy couple and none of their son. They hadn't been there in a long time. No one had been.

In the living room, after a bit more bantering back and forth, Prompto hung up. He wasn't worried about following Cor, but he was bewildered by the meals.

"You didn't have to bring me anything." He called. "Sorry about the mess too, it's...I wasn't expecting you and I just...I was lying down for awhile. Wasn't feeling that great and then you know how it is." He was babbling nervously.

[immortalmarshal]

Prompto's bedroom puts a genuine smile to Cor's face. It feels like a working-clads teen's bedroom - something that he could relate to. The photos that include Noct's smiles fill him with more warmth. Their prince had been thru so much in his young life; it's very comforting to see him smile with ease, even in a photograph. Amd speaking of photos...Prompto doesn't appear to be kidding or exaggerating about his love for the camera. It's a good hobby to have, in the older man's mind.

The rest of the house, though, erases his smile completely. One would think that they would at least have a baby photo or something of their kid. Six knows that Regis and Clarus have (more than) their fair share of kids photos. That practically unlived in bedroom and lack of (working?) laundry machines in the house makes it very cleae that this isn't just a case of neglect...

Hearing Prompto speak up jist as he was closing the closet door made him a little jumpy, but he's quick to get himself calm again. At least, calm on the surface.

"It's alright; I just came by to check up on you to see how you're doing. I hope you didn't mind me looking around a little bit. This is a mich bigger place than the one I grew up in." Keep it polite and friendly; don't freak the kid out while he's still recovering...

He's glad, though, that he already handed full control of the investigation and resulting case to Monica, who can be more impartial than he is at this point.

[chocobosnap]

"Oh, I'm fine." He answered with a smile, that was always his answer, even when he was practically dying from appendicitis.

Prompto didn't want to seem like he was anxious, but he was. He hated having those kinds of conversations like he'd been neglecting his house caring duties, or asking for more money, but to be fair he couldn't work while in the hospital. His dad was really disappointed in him.

"Nah, nothing too exciting to see. I have a lot of pictures, that's all!"

[immortalmarshal]

For a brief moment, Cor is torn between hugging him and shaking the lad. Instead, he simply put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Prompto..you don't have to pretend around me. I'm not gonna judge you for not being fully alright."

He then gestured to the bags of ready-to-eat meals. "We can talk about it while we eat. Maybe even with a couple of your yellow friends nearby?" There's some slight teasing on the last part - no different than how Gladio might tease Prompto or Noctis at times.

[chocobosnap]

"Oh...well I mean..." He ran his hand through his hair. "I'm not too bad just...frustrated I guess. Talking to my parents when we're arguing isn't that fun."

Prompto did follow him and he laughed. "They're guarding my bed from intruders!"

[immortalmarshal]

"Your mother alone was frustrating enough to just get her consent," Cor grumbles in agreement. "I'm sorry you had to deal with both before." It doesn't take him long to fish out a couple of boxes for them.

Though that last response draws a small chuckle. "Good idea; pissing off the whole flock of those overgrown birds is never wise."

[chocobosnap]

"Well I have to talk to them, you know? Talk about money and stuff." He flushed. "I didn't really work this month."

"I know, chocobos are amazing. And they're going to protect me, of course."

Prompto sat at the small table, pulling out utensils before he did. "Hey, if you want anything to drink, I think I have water."

[immortalmarshal]

"If you need help, there's no shame in asking from a friend." And knowing Noctis, asking may not even be necessary when it comes to those close to him. Cor knows that Noct would do just about anything for a friend.

...and so would Cor...

"Speaking of work...you mentioned that you wanted to join the Crownsguard someday."

[chocobosnap]

"Oh I can't ask Noct for anything. I don't want him thinking I'm trying to get something."

Prompto shuffled. "I promised Iggy when we became friends that I'd never do it."

As the topic shifted, he smiled brighter. "Yes! I m-mean, if Noct wants me to, I've been thinking lately that I could do it? I mean, maybe. I know it would be really hard and just..yeah."

[immortalmarshal]

Cor goes thru a series od emotions, and settles on an exasperated face-palm. He gets why, logically, but Promtpo has more than proven himself to be a good friend by now, and not some kind of gold digger. He makes a mental note to have a Talk with Ignis at some point.

"...I get that he was trying to protect Noctis back then, but this isn't what he meant by 'asking for things'."

Sighing, he settles down on the other side of the table. "But it is a good choice for you, from my perspective. You're loyal, and you've been doing alright in your training. You still have a long way to go, of course, but I can help you there." Cor doesn't doubt that Noctis will ask him to join at some point. A best friend can make a better bodyguard, sometimes, than a hundred hired guards.

[chocobosnap]

"Well y-yeah maybe, but I don't want to bother him. And I don't need...anything really, usually. I manage okay."

Prompto truly believed everything was fine, as it was intended.

"You...really think so?" He looked shyly at Cor, surprised and pleased, flushing red. "I just think I'd like to help him, and I don't know how else I could."

[immortalmarshal]

Cor, however, knows that he's not okay. He shouldn't be living alone when he's still recovering from surgery. He should have his parents arrange for someone to keep an eye on him until either of them could come home and take care of him themselves...

"...there's a difference been wanting to bother them and truly needing help. It can be hard to tell the difference sometimes; a good friend can usually tell it for you, and step in when you truly need help." If Cor sounds like he's speaking from experience...well, he is.

"That kind of mindset is the first step in becoming a good Crownsguard," Cor points out, gesturing with his fork in-between bites. "And I can help by making you my official apprentice. It's something that's not commonly broadcasted during their recruitment drives, but it is an official process to help you get in the door a little early, if you want."

Cor doesn't mention the fact that he's only had one official apprentice in the last ten years - Gladio. And that's strictly because he promised Clarus to do so.

[chocobosnap]

"...Yeah." Nocits hadn't wanted him to go home, but he insisted. There would never be anyone to 'check in on him'. If his parents had friends, they too were in Accordo, where Prompto was not. He suspected his parents didn't want their colleagues to know he existed. They were deeply ashamed of him, and his heritage. He used to want to please them, but some time ago, he realized that just wouldn't be possible.

It was awkward.

"You'd do that?" He couldn't help but look at Cor like he was the one who hung the stars in the sky.

"I mean yes! I mean..I'd be really honoured. I'd try so hard!"

[immortalmarshal]

Cor, however, is so used to spiting the high and mighty by exceeding expectations that this is just part of who Cor is. It's the one silly habit of his teenhood that he never fully outgrew; if it will drive those old rich bastards (and Prom's parents) insane, he will train Prompto to be the next best Crownsguard for Noctis' sake. And for Prom's sake, too.

Kid deserves so much more than neglectful, racist parents...at least, in Cor's mind.

That look in Prompto's eyes, though...it reminds him of how Gladio used to look up to him so much when the latter was younger. And it brings a little soft smile to his face. "Good. As soon as you turn 16, which is the legal age for apprenticeship, we'll talk to Ignis about the necessary paperwork to be filed."

[chocobosnap]

"Oh yeah, okay!" He said enthusiastically, that was something he could look forward to.

"In October then. I'll do anything, I really want to succeed."

Prompto was not born with the best lot in life, but he got everything by trying so hard until it worked. It would benefit him when Cor took him on.

[immortalmarshal]

"October, it is. We'll arrange a meeting shortly after your birthday, then." Because he suspects that Noctis would want to celebrate his best friend's birthday with said friend. And that is Fair and Right for friends to do that, based on Cor's own experience.

"So, mind telling me about your favorite places to take photos? You seem to have some really good ones." Time to shift into some small talk while they finish their meal, now that Cor feels that he's got Prom's future secured.

[chocobosnap]

"Well, any pictures from Noct's balcony are good, with all the different phases of the sun, great lighting. And I like the outside of the Citadel because it's so pretty, and a lot of mine are taking from where I run in the park."

Prompto was practically glowing, he enjoyed photography a great deal, and loved to talk Noctis' ear off about it. It was telling, perhaps, that Noctis was so patient.

[immortalmarshal]

Very telling, yes; and a good sign that Noctis has some form of patience. One needs that in a good leader, in Cor's mind. Still, he's happy to listen and let Prompto rave on about his favorite spots.

Though there is one part he did speak up on: "Pretty sure Noct picked the balcony because it gets so much sun. And you know how cats are about sunbeams." Teasing their prince, presuming that he's part cat? Surely, there's nothing wrong with loyal subjects gossiping like this.