Mistaken

Chapter 19: Let Me

Currently, both of you were wrapped in each other's arms, lying on your bed in Dave and Ezma's cottage. Prompto remembered being in a similar position when he first learned about Juno. It felt as if the wild rollercoaster ride of emotions began from that day on, and it only seemed fitting to finish the ride in the same fashion. No one came knocking on the door, respecting the unspoken desire for space.

Both of you had cried your eyes out already while in the dining area earlier. Dalon and his boys tried fleeing the scene, baffling the group by opting to leave their big boss behind. Sol admitted defeat the moment Prompto dragged his beaten self back to face you, therefore did not put up any struggle when Gladio removed the dagger from his hand and tied him up. Since it was now past sundown, Ignis reported the Crownsguard would pick up Sol and his goons the next day. When Prompto asked you earlier whether you wanted to see Sol off, you refused instantly, wanting nothing more to do with the man.

"I've seen enough of him to last me a lifetime. The asshole took Juno away from us,"

Prompto gazed down at your sleeping form, saddened by the exhaustion on your face, mixed with heartbreak. This is when we grieve and process everything, so we can finally accept and move forward. He pulled out his phone to check the time, groaning when he could count the hours of sleep he had on one hand. He was glad he was able to help you to doze off, feeling you were more emotionally exhausted than he could ever be. Knowing he wouldn't be able to get much sleep now, he scribbled you a quick note, leaning it against your lamp and headed out to the caravan where the others were. Marcus was nearby, sitting at the door where Sol and the rest were being held until the Crownsguard arrived. Prompto nodded his head towards the tired Hunter as he continued to his destination, seeing Ignis sitting casually on the outdoor set.

"Hey Iggy," Prompto greeted softly, looking to the caravan, "Where are the others?"

"Noct is still asleep, while Gladio went for a quick jog with Charlie,"

"The usual huh?" Prompto said with a tired smile.

"How is (Your Name)?" Ignis asked gently.

"It took her a while to get to sleep, but she got there in the end. I think she's still in shock," Prompto explained, noticing Ignis' eyes flicker.

"And how are you?" In Prompto's opinion, this question was the hardest to answer. "You don't have to answer..." Ignis stopped when Prompto shook his head with a pained expression.

"I could say I'm 'okay' but that's all I'll be for a while. When it comes down to it, I'm hurting because I never got to experience what it's like to be a Father to Juno. I wasn't there when (Your Name) was carrying the responsibilities on her own and dealing with Sol..." Prompto shared, taking another deep breath before continuing, "So the most I can do is carry on and be there for (Your Name). I can't imagine what's going through her head, nor will I ever understand,"

"I don't think (Your Name) is asking for someone to fully understand her situation. You shouldn't compare your experiences either. You both were living your lives separately. It's understandable that the degree in which what happened has affected you both," Ignis' wise words felt like a blanket of reassurance, making Prompto feel a little warm inside. "As you plan to do, just remain by her side, and carry her when it seems she'll fall into darkness,"

"Will do Iggy," Prompto nodded, feeling a little lighter speaking with the Royal Advisor.

"I remember (Your Name) declaring she refused to be around when the Crownsguard arrives. They will want to question her after collecting Sol," Ignis reminded, "What do you plan to do?"

"Do you have a rough idea when they'll be arriving Iggy?" Ignis was always the person to rely on for an educated guess; he was either on point or off by a small margin.