Mistaken

Finale: Mistaken

"SURPRISE!" Everyone yelled at the top of their lungs. Prompto, despite knowing about the surprise that awaited him, was still surprised. He had been correct in guessing Illaria was in charge of decor, the entire of 'The Florence' was decked in Chocobo-themed items. The banner, the cake, and even the napkins had Chocobos all over them. The three Argentum children came running towards their father, hugging his legs excitedly. 

"Naw! Shucks guys! Did you plan this all for Papa?" Prompto asked proudly, ruffling the two older children's hair. 

"Are you surprised, Papa?" Illaria asked excitedly when Prompto crouched down to her height. "Do you like the decorations?" The million questions that came at record speed out of her mouth made Prompto laugh. He kissed her forehead, feeling completely full in happiness. I have the best kids in the world.

"I was very surprised Princess. How did you guys keep this secret from Papa all this time?" Prompto asked seeing you approach him again with Felix in your arms. "Here's the little guy!" Prompto exclaimed, taking Felix from your arms and lifting him up in the air, relishing in the happy laughter that erupted from the toddler, reminding him of Juno's laughter from the birthday video.

"Papa! You should check out the cake I chose with Mama!" Cruz was not one to be left out in receiving praise.

"All right buddy. Why don't you show me eh?" Prompto chuckled, following the excitable young boy towards the main bar. Having a closer look at it, he noticed each of the four tiers of the cake had each of the children's name, with Juno being the biggest tier.

"Mama thought to put our names on it cause she said you love us that much!" Cruz explained proudly as if he had made the cake himself.

"Your Ma knows me only too well," Prompto's eyes locked with yours for a split second, before turning back to the two kids begging to blow the candles out. "All right kiddos. We'll blow them out now, but be careful when climbing those bar stools,"

The two kids ended up being helped by Gladio, who lifted them up effortlessly with one arm. Who needs a crane when you got Uncle Gladio. With Cruz and Illaria either side of him and Felix in his arms, the entire room sang 'Happy Birthday' and the four of them blew out all the birthday candles, commencing the festivities of the party. Prompto and the rest of the gang watched animately as their kids played a few of the planned party games. The next generation is quite the handful. 

"So," Gladio began, leaning against the bar, sipping his beer as the other three ordered their drinks. "You wanna tell us why your arrival to the party was an hour late?" Gladio's smirk told Prompto he already had an inkling feeling of what transpired earlier. 

"Nothing a father of 3 wouldn't do when alone with his wife," Prompto answered vaguely.

"Heh," Noctis let out, before telling his son, Kristian, to hand over his blazer to Ignis.

"Wouldn't want to get that blazer dirty, Your Majesty," Gladio teased.

"The Queen would kill me with her own bare hands," Noctis groaned as if picturing what awaited him as punishment.

"Speaking of Queen. Where is Clara anyway?" Prompto asked, looking around the room.

"She's in Altissia meeting with Camilla," Noctis informed, his eyes doubling back and forth between Prompto and his son. 

"No wonder you're in full helicopter mode with poor Kristian," Prompto laughed, "It would explain why Charlie isn't here either,"

"Bingo," Gladio confirmed. Prompto looked to the six children playing with one another as the adults chatted. Illaria was currently enjoying a piggyback ride with Gladio and Charlie's eldest son, Laurence. The strapping young lad took after his father with the potential to inherit the wild exterior Gladio had. Prompto could already feel his overprotectiveness consuming him when Illaria giggled happily, planting a kiss on Laurence's cheek.