Night Light {FFXV/OT4}

Calamity

Chapter Seven: Calamity

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"Noct! Look how fluffy it is!!" Noctis watched in amusement as Prompto threw himself at one of the many Chocobos in the stable, where they were hidden away from the elements. When Wiz had agreed to let them go inside the stable and pet the giant birds Prompto had been ecstatic. Now they were here and the Prompto was throwing himself at the feathered creatures without a care in the world, clearly enjoying himself.

Noctis ran a gentle hand through soft, yellow feathers, offering his bird a soft smile. His actions were more refined than Prompto's thrilled hugging; the male had his arms wrapped tight around a fluffy Chocobo neck, face buried in feathers. The bird in question was sat on the floor and Prompto was sprawled out next to it, leaning on the Chocobo. It didn't seem to mind.

Gladiolus was sitting in the corner of the pen. The Shield was overwhelmed by the exuberant affection he was receiving from five extra-fluffy Chocobo chicks. The baby Chocobos were 'Kweh'ing excitedly at Gladio as they jumped all over him, the man watching them with a goofy smile on his face. Even Ignis was partaking in the fun, standing to the side and rubbing the head of a bright pink Chocobo. The bird squawked appreciatively, and Ignis couldn't help the smile that made its way to his face at the noise.

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By the time the four finally left the Chocobo stable Ignis was insisting that they needed to get a move on, as they were two and a half hours behind schedule. Even Noctis agreed that they'd spent a little too long petting and feeding the birds, but he didn't regret staying. They'd stayed such a long time because Prompto had ended up falling asleep. He'd been pressed up against fluffy feathers, the bird next to him also resting, allowing the blonde to nuzzle against it.

Even after they'd spent an hour more than planned in the pen, nobody had been willing to wake up the blonde when he'd been so happily asleep. Another hour and a half had passed until Prompto finally woke up and they made their leave.

They were milling around the outpost now, preparing for the hunt and the long journey to Hammerhead which would follow it. Prompto had thanked Wiz for his kindness as soon as they'd arrived at the Wiz Chocobo Outpost, and he'd been a blushing mess while at it. The kindly man had laughed it all off, assuring him it had been no trouble at all and that he was honoured to be of assistance to a friend of the future King.

Prompto had tried his best to hide just how giddy with happiness those words had made him. Friend. He was Noctis' friend.

Ignis was currently busy restocking on ingredients and minor curatives at the outpost's mini-mart, making sure the group were properly equipped for the journey that awaited them. Gladiolus was checking out the wares of the weaponry merchant, his van full of dangerous toys parked at the edges of the outpost.

Noctis and Prompto were sat on a bench, waiting for the Prince's retainers to finish up their shopping. The arms vendor had just about finished convincing Gladio to buy the Blade of Brennaere, a powerful great sword imbued with fire. Ignis had been looking to buy a new pole-arm, but had decided that the new sword for Gladiolus was a priority, especially when they were trying to save money.

"So Prom.. you looking forwards to the hunt?"

"Yeah! It'll be cool to fight something with you guys" Prompto responded to Noctis' question with the usual bright smile on his face, masking any worries he may have had. As far as Noctis could tell though, the blonde genuinely was looking forwards to the hunt. That was nice.

Noctis still remembered his first hunt. He'd been on a rare excursion outside of Insomnia with Cor, on a training exercise. He'd been thirteen at the time and Gladio had gone with them: the Shield had insisted that whenever Noctis left the Crown City he would accompany him. The man had certainly kept to his word. Cor had protested, saying that Gladio wasn't needed for some basic training exercises, but he eventually caved and let him tag along.