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Heyaz. You've reached Prompto! I can't get to the phone right now. Totes saving the world - probably. You know what to do. Leave a message. I'll get back to you.

[ This post is for IC and OOC contact, please specify which when you comment. I'm open to possible verses or regular threaders, either comment here or send a PM and we can work something out. ]

How’s My Driving?

Got questions or constructive criticism about the way I play Prompto? Leave them here. While characters are open to interpretation, I really appreciate the time taken to let me know how I can improve my characterization. Please be specific about what you think I'm getting wrong and how I can fix it.

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Prompto had received both the engagement ring and wedding ring from Dino. He couldn't be happier with them. They both looked so much better than even the renders had. Dino really was a master at his art.

It might seem a little presumptuous getting a wedding ring before even proposing, but Prompto and Noct had talked at great length even since he first stayed to help Noct through a heat about how they were looking forward to being able to marry and expand their family. He was 99% certain Noctis would say yes. ... 90%.

Well, maybe closer to 80%.

It had taken Prompto a lot of willpower not to propose on the spot as soon as he had the rings in his possession. Noct deserved better than that. He deserved a decent proposal.

They were both healing well. Most of their physical injuries had mended. Prom was having regular physical therapy on his shoulder to try and regain the full mobility he had in it before the attack. And Noct was still on a cocktail of pills and potions. Noct was also still struggling with going out in public - understandably so. Anywhere that wasn't the apartment or the Citadel had him uneasy and edge.

Luckily, Gladio had agreed to drag Noct's ass to the Citadel training room for a few hours so Prompto could put his plan into motion. With Noct out of the way and distracted, Prompto enlisted Ignis' help to prepare a meal. Meat skewers to start with. Mother and Child Rice Bowl with Grilled Wild Barramundi for main. Followed by a fresh batch of Ignis' delicious tarts. There was wine and champagne that had been checked and double-checked that they wouldn't react badly with Noctis' medication.

Ignis left him with clear instructions on how to finish each dish when the time was right and all the wishes of good luck. Prompto lit candles, put on music and now he was alone with his thoughts, he began to pace nervously.

( You're about to view content that the journal owner has marked as possibly inappropriate for anyone under the age of 18. )

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The days that followed were definitely a learning curve. The group were still trying to wrap their collective heads around the events that happened - the siege at the treaty, the theft of the Crystal, the near-death of the King, the betrayal of Drautos, Noct's new powers. It was a lot for any of them to process and deal with. Not to mention their group had grown from three to four and they were still figuring out the dynamics of it all.

Prompto had been getting better at summoning his gun from the Armiger. And while they hadn't yet found complete synchronicity in battle, they were finding a stable groove. He had also been able to keep up better since he was eating more. Even after just a couple of days, his face looked less gaunt and his eyes less sunken. He would always be skinny, but he looked a lot better. He was still exhausted come time to camp, but he was keeping stride with the group throughout the day. Even Gladio had stopped giving Prompto such a hard time. He was still tough on him, but he wasn't being outright cruel. Prompto was beginning to think that the whole tough guy act was just Gladio's jam.

They had spent time taking on hunts to accumulate some funds for curatives and food. It also gave them a chance to work on their unity in battle.

Cor had contacted Ignis to let him know the King was safe. He didn't reveal his location though. Better to be safe than sorry. Gladio's little sister had also made contact to let them know she was safe and waiting in Lestallum. That would be their next stop.

But then Prompto saw it. The Sign. Wiz Chocobo Post. It wasn't that far away either. His eyes lit up and he shifted in the passenger seat until he was on his knees, leaning over the headrest to get Noct's attention. "Dude!! Dude! Did you see the sign!? Chocobos!! Can we go? Pretty please? Can we?"

Gladio straightened in his seat. "We don't have time for detours. We're heading to Lestallum. Iris is waiting for us. We have more important things to do than see the chocobos. Right, Noctis?"

Prompto frowned. "But... couldn't we just go for a few minutes? Please?"

Prompto sat outside the caravan looking out across the land. Smoke could still be seen rising from the ruins of Insomnia. It hurt his chest to see the once beautiful city reduced to rubble by the hands of the people he once called family.

Noctis, Ignis, Gladio and Cor were in the garage. Two other members of the Crownsguard had joined them and they were currently discussing where the safest place to take the King was and who should accompany him. Monica and Dustin, Prompto was sure their names were. They had also brought word that Gladio's little sister was safe and on her way to Lestallum.

It had been decided that it was best for Prompto to sit out the discussion. The less he knew, the safer everyone was. Regis had corroborated Prompto's story in his moments of lucidness but there was still the chance that he was acting as a mole or spy. Best to play it safe. It hurt, but he wasn't going to argue. He let out a sigh and played a few rounds of Robot Chocobo Attack on his phone to pass the time.

A car pulled up not too long after and Titus Drautos stepped out. That might not seem too strange at first glance, after all he was the captain of the Kingsglaive and one of King Regis' most loyal and trusted men. Practically family to Noctis in all but name. As close to him as Cor, if not closer. If the group were going to tell anyone the King's location then it would be him.

That didn't explain why Prompto practically dropped his phone and scrambled for his gun. He shouted a cautious "Uh guys," as he rushed forward, firing a shot at Drautos. He had hoped to hit him in the head, but fumbled the shot and instead struck his shoulder. Damn it! No worries... he had another sh—damn it! He was out of ammo.

If the group hadn't heard the shout then they definitely heard the gun. Gladio was the first to move, summoning his greatsword as he ran outside. He only had seconds to assess the situation. Prompto with the gun, Drautos wounded.

He ran at Prompto, tackling him to the ground with such force that the smaller man's ribs likely cracked or at least bruised and his arm and face scraped along the asphalt, taking a good chunk of skin with it. He managed to knock the gun out of Prompto's grip, sending it skidding across the ground.

"Iggy! Get your ass out here! Drautos is injured!" He made no attempt to get off of Prompto as he pinned him harder to the ground.

"Tis but a scratch. Do not concern yourself, Gladiolus," Drautos commented. "Though I do recommend taking the boy into custody lest he try to hurt our King or Prince."

"Knew we couldn’t trust a fucking Niff," Gladio growled, hauling Prompto onto his feet none too gently.

"You have to listen to me!" Prompto tried. There was desperation in his voice. "He's the enemy!!"

Gladio scoffed in Prompto’s face. His grip had moved dangerously close to Prompto’s throat. "To you, sure. You’re a Niff. He's the Captain of the Kingsglaive."

"The same Kingsglaive that tried to kill you all yesterday?! Please, just listen to me! He killed your dad! He tried to kill the King! He's General Glauca!!" Prompto's fingers clawed at Gladio's hand, trying desperately to free himself. They were wasting time. They had to get to Noct and the King.

From his first memory until the age of ten, Prompto had had a happy childhood. He had lived in Gralea with his mother. She was a scientist for the Empire so she worked a lot, but she always made an effort to make Prompto feel loved and special. Of course, a lot of that love was shown in the form of junk food and sweets so Prompto had been a plump young thing. His life drastically changed not long after his tenth birthday after his mother died during a freak accident at the research facility. Afterwards, he was sent to live with his father Verstael Besithia - the Empire's Imperial Research Minister. That happiness and warmth he had known in his life were gone. His father was constantly cold towards him. Had the poor boy put on a strict diet and exercise regime.

The only time Verstael ever showed any sign of warmth was when he was showing off his research and projects to Prompto - something the boy had little interest in, which only served to build more barriers between them. The Empire's Magitek army freaked him out. It made him uncomfortable that the clones being used looked just like him. The whole thing made his skin crawl. And don't even get him started on the Chancellor. He just creeps Prompto out.

The two constants in his life, however, is firstly the knowledge that the Kingdom of Lucis is the enemy. He's heard stories all his life about how the Lucians were evil monsters, set to destroy the world, and that Prince Noctis would one day seal the fate of man and purge them from Eos. He had no reason to believe it wasn't the truth. Why would the Empire lie? Secondly, his secret friendship with Lady Lunafreya - their letters sent back and forth via Pryna. Luna, however, always spoke so fondly of Noctis in her letters

When news of the upcoming peace treaty broke, Prompto was so excited. Finally, the world would know peace. He was also exicted that he would be attending the signing in Insomnia. He would get to see the city he had heard so much about, in person. He would get to see the crystal. He would get to see Luna in person. He couldn't be happier.

The day before the signing, King Regis held a gala to welcome the Empire to Insomnia. Somehow during the course of the evening Prompto found himself talking to King Regis. The man was king of an entire kingdom and yet he made time to speak with a nobody like Prompto. Funny, in those few moments Prompto felt more warmth and kindness than he had ever felt from his own father. Either the stories about Regis were greatly exaggerated or he was an evil mastermind who could fool people with facades of kindness.

All too soon it was time to retire for the night. Prompto was still munching on the delicious snacks as he made it back to the guest suite he was sharing with his father. Verstael shot him the most disgusted of looks as he entered. "Boy, do stop filling your face. You're a disgrace. Don't you remember what a vile creature you were?"

Prompto's heart instantly sank and he disposed of the rest of the snacks in the trash, which seemed such a shame given how nice they were. "Sorry Dad." It was then that Prompto noticed Verstael wasn't alone and that Ardyn was also in the room. Prompto excused himself to the en suite to ready himself for sleep. From the bathroom he overheard Ardyn and Verstael talking about increasing the production of the Magitek army. Wait... increase? That couldn't be right, surely? But he had heard correctly, they were talking about increasing the output of troopers tenfold.

He waited until he heard Ardyn leave before he left the bathroom. "Hey Dad? If we're signing a peace treaty... why do we need more MTs? Surely if there's peace we won't need them?"

"Foolish boy. There will be no peace as long as the false king sits the throne and has the Crystal. Do not involve yourself in matters you do not understand." Verstael stormed off to bed, leaving Prompto alone with his thoughts.

No peace? His mind drifted then to just how many MTs the Empire had brought with them. Surely a few to guard the Emperor was normal, but they had brought ships full of them, hovering just outside Insomnia... His father's words replayed over and over in his head - no peace as long as Regis sits the throne and has the Crystal... Crap... This... wasn't a peace treaty at all. It was an ambush.

His ruffled his hands through his hair, tugging at it with frustration. What the hell was he supposed to do now? He couldn't just rest knowing this whole thing was likely a set-up. He felt sick to his stomach. He couldn't exactly just march up to the King and tell him. One, he'd never get close enough with MTs stalking his every move outside of the suite, not to mention the King's own security. Two, even if he could get close, why would the King even believe him?

Think, Prompto. Think. The Prince had already left for Altissia. He remembered the King saying so earlier in the evening. But maybe... maybe... Prompto knew Noctis and Luna communicated via Umbra the same way he and Luna communicated via Pryna. Maybe there was a slight chance he could get a message to Noctis the same way. He didn't even know if it would work or if Noctis would even believe him but he had to try. Sure enough, Pryna was right there waiting for him. He grabbed some paper and wrote a simple note.

' Treaty a trap. King and Crystal in danger. '

He didn't sign it. He doubted it would be intercepted, but just in case... He pet Pryna as he gave her the note. "Please, girl. Deliver this to Prince Noctis..."

Prompto wasn't sure what else he could do but wait. Sleep didn't come easy. The day of the signing arrived and he could only hope Noctis had received his warning. Still, the uncertainty had his stomach in knots. He could barely concentrate, so tense about what could happen.

All too soon all hell broke out in the signing room. Both sides drew their weapons. Without even thinking, Prompto positioned himself in front of the King, his gun pointed at the Empire. "Stop this!! What happened to peace?!"

"Stand aside, boy. This does not concern you." His father's words dripped with loathing. How could Prompto have been so blind not to see the Empire were the monsters all along?

What happened next was a blur. Battle rang out through the room. Explosions elsewhere in the Citadel as the Empire targetted the Crystal. Prompto wasn't sure how, but somehow he found himself at the end of a corridor, beneath a stairwell, covered in blood and cradling a fatally wounded King Regis against his lap. The stench of death, blood and metal filled the air. His once white robes were stained various shades of red and brown. He torn off some of the material to try to stanch the worst of the King's bleeding. Luckily the corridor provided cover on three sides, there was only one direction any danger could come from so Prom was sure to keep it covered with his gun, even as he tried to help the King. He had suffered his own injuries too. Most notably, his shoulder which had been shattered by a gunshot. The bullet still inside. Luckily, adrenaline was keeping the pain at bay for now.

He idly wondered if Noctis had received his note? Maybe Pryna hadn't made it in time... Maybe Noctis just didn't believe him. Either way, Prom wasn't sure what to do now. He didn't want to risk moving Regis and he didn't want to leave him to try and find help in case he was attacked or simply died alone in a freaking corridor. For now, Prom was firmly froze in fear, doing all he could to keep the other man alive.

Ever since their run-in with Ravus, the mood within the group had been off. Even Prom's ever sunshine personality hadn't managed to lift everyone's spirits. In fact, things seemed so bad that he had barely spoken up in fear of making things worse. Last thing he wanted was to sour the mood further or have the group's frustration directed at him. He hated it, though. He lived to make other people smile and the fact he was failing at it so terribly made him feel like he had even less to offer the group than he had up until this point.

But... they had the car back. That had to count for something, right? He so desperately wanted to voice that thought, but he somehow managed to stop himself from blurting it out - wanting to avoid the wrath of Ignis or the terror of Gladio if he could.

Eventually Ignis and Noct departed to fetch ingredients - much to Noct's chagrin; leaving Gladio and Prompto to set up camp. Prompto knew what he was about to do was either suicide or the greatest idea known to man ever - most likely the former, but he had to try...

"Alright, Big Guy. Talk. You have totes not been yourself and I'm worried about you."

Today had been a Day™. It had started out simple enough - pick up a hunt, drive as close as possible trek on foot the rest of the way, kill the beast. It was then that things seemed to go a little... wrong. On the hike back to the car they were ambushed by not one, not two, not even three - but five Imperial dropships one after another with hardly even any time to catch their breath in between.

Still, they made it back to the car and subsequently back to the Tipster with all their limbs intact. The hunt rewarded them with more than enough gil for a room at the motel and a decent meal at the Crow's Nest. Normally Prompto would be first in line for the Crow's Nest, but instead he told the others he was tired and was gonna grab a shower and have an early night instead.

The others exchanged concerned looks but Prompto insisted that really he was fine, just exhausted from all the walking and all the fighting; after all, even with the experience he'd been racking up just recently, he was still nowhere near as experienced as the others.

Honestly though, they had every reason to be concerned because Prompto was very much not alright. He waited for a few minutes after they left just in case they came back because someone had forgotten something (he's looking at you, Noct) before he headed to the bathroom to peel off his jacket and t-shirt - literally peel since the fabric had stuck to his skin thanks to blood congealing and drying from a wound across his abdomen that he picked up in one of the battles with the MTs and neglected to mention.

Peeling his t-shirt away from it only served to reopen the wound, causing fresh bleeding. Not to mention the wound was full of t-shirt fluff and dirt; and already looked well on the way to being infected. Prom whimpered as he examined his injury in the mirror before grabbing one of the first aid kits from their packs.

"You can do this, Prom. You've seen Iggy do it a million times. Patch yourself up and no-one needs to know..." Pep talk over, it was time to actually clean the wound and dress it - easier said than done. It hurt - a lot.