FFXV × Love and Deepspace ficlet — In which Gladio gets a crash course in a dating sim ft. other chocobros
wc/reading time: 1.5k, 5min
warning: gender neutral reader, Zayne was chosen as the victim of this ficlet lol, gen fic
a/n: "Li" = "love interest"; recently got back to LADS after Valko was announced (and canceled lmao) and thought it would be pretty fun to merge LADS with the FFXV universe since the Chocobros already play mobile games in the their world (and yall liked the previous camping drabble so why not continue wit it)
"So, if you touch him with your finger here, he's probably going to tell you something between the best room temperature to fall asleep to and the measure of your naughtiness today."
"What?" Gladio scrunched his face, cringing as he watched you tap on your phone screen, entertaining yourself to no end. From the shadows, Ignis emerged with his usual composed stride, already in a conversation with Gladio.
"You seem busy," Ignis observed, tone measured but faintly curious.
"They're touching a little dude in their phone," Gladio replied without looking up, casually pointing in your direction as you aggressively spam clicked at your Li like your life depended on it.
"I choose to disengage from this discussion." Ignis sighed at once, as if the conclusion had been inevitable from the start as he drifted away to join Noctis by the fire instead. The flames had grown steadier now, their warmth spreading through the clearing. Prompto crouched nearby, stirring at them with a stray stick, giggling to himself for reasons known only to him, or perhaps not even him.
Meanwhile, you and Gladio remained locked in your own little world. You were enthusiastically explaining the myths and memories, and your careful strategy for leveling up the Li. Gladio listened in silence that gradually shifted from neutral to openly judgmental, his expression saying more than words ever could. He played the weekly kitty cards minigame and unsuprisingly beat your Li 3 times in a row without even reading the rules of the game but struggled and cursed like a sailor while playing the claw machine minigame, unable to press correctly due to his large hands. He tapped on your Li a few times, chuckling when your Li put his chin into the MCs hand. He rolled his eyes.
"I'm convinced that this game is a social experiment."
"It's fun!" you complained.
"I liked the minigames only," he said, handing your phone back. "It's the closest thing to the solitaire app on my phone."
"You have solitaire on your phone?"
"Every grown man does."
"I don't think that's true."
"It is."
"Noct?" you called across the campfire. The prince didn't even look up from where Prompto was poking absentmindedly at the fire.
"No."
"Prompto?"
"I have, like..." He unlocked his phone. "...twenty seven games."
"See?"
"Yeah," Gladio said, folding his arms. "And that's exactly why he can't be trusted."
Prompto gasped. "I'll have you know I have taste."
"You have a game where plants fight zombies."
"It's strategic."
You laughed into your sleeve while Gladio settled back against the log beside you.
"So these guys," he nodded toward your screen, "they all want the same person?"
"Technically, yes."
"They know about each other?"
"...No, I think."
"Huh." He scratched his jaw. "Sounds stressful."
"It isn't like that."
"It literally is."
"It isn't."
"It is."
You sighed dramatically. "You don't understand dating games."
"I understand competition."
You rolled your eyes so hard you almost saw your own brain. "You make it sound like they're all camping outside her apartment."
Gladio looked at you. "They aren't?"
"No!"
Silence settled between you for a moment. The crackling fire filled the space while somewhere in the distance a night bird called. Gladio glanced sideways. He just couldn't understand it why this mattered so much to you, why you were so invested in a game when, in his mind, you were already surrounded by four very real, very present men who would never require a "relationship meter" to notice you were there.
"...So which one is your favorite?"
You looked down at your phone, thumb unconsciously hovering over the familiar Li. The answer came so naturally you almost laughed.
"I mean... him." You tilted the screen toward him. The man on the display looked perfectly composed as always, waiting patiently behind the screen as if he hadn't just been aggressively poked in the ribs for the past twenty minutes.
Gladio studied him. "That's the doctor."
"Yep."
"The one that talks about sleep temperatures."
"Also yes."
"He looks like he'd tell me to drink more water."
"He absolutely would."
"Hm."
There was no judgment in the sound this time. Just consideration. The flames snapped loudly between the two of you, sending a brief shower of sparks into the dark sky. Beyond the camp, the Duscae plains stretched endlessly beneath a blanket of stars, the air carrying the smell of smoke and damp grass. Prompto was now trying to convince Noctis to throw a pinecone into the fire "for science." Ignis, wisely, pretended not to hear either of them. Gladio rested an elbow on his knee.
"So what makes him different from the others?"
You blinked. "Huh?"
"You said you have favorites."
"...Yeah?"
"So why him?"
The question caught you off guard. You had expected another joke. Another jab about fictional men trapped inside a rectangle. Instead, he sounded... genuinely curious.
You searched for an answer. "I don't know."
He raised an eyebrow. "You don't know?"
"I mean..." You scratched the back of your neck. "I do know. It's just hard to explain."
"You've been explaining this game for half an hour."
"I've been explaining the mechanics."
"So explain him."
You looked back at the screen. The idle animation played quietly, your Li adjusting his sleeve before looking directly toward the camera with that calm expression that had somehow survived hundreds of hours of you opening the app.
"...He's comforting."
Gladio didn't interrupt.
"He remembers little things. He checks in on me without making it feel overbearing. He's... reliable." A smile tugged at the corner of your mouth. "And he's kind of a loser."
Gladio barked out a laugh. "The doctor?"
"You wouldn't think it."
"He looks pretty put together."
"He is, until he isn't." You scrolled through a few memories, stopping on one where he'd accidentally fallen asleep over paperwork. "He overworks himself."
"Hm."
"He pretends everything's fine."
"Right."
"He acts like he has everything under control when he clearly doesn't."
Another hum.
You narrowed your eyes. "Why are you making that face?"
"What face?"
"The one where you're connecting dots."
"I'm not."
"You absolutely are."
"I'm just noticing a pattern."
"There isn't one."
"There definitely is."
You crossed your arms. "I don't appreciate being psychoanalyzed by someone with solitaire on his phone."
"It's a classic."
"It's digital playing cards."
"It's timeless."
"It's for people waiting in dentist offices."
"It's for grown men."
"There it is again."
He grinned, entirely unapologetic. Somewhere nearby, a chocobo let out a sleepy, questioning kweh, followed by another from farther away. You absentmindedly tapped the home screen again. Your Li looked at you before speaking in his calm, measured voice.
"You've been staring at me for quite a while. Is there something on my face?"
Gladio heard the line. "...Did he just flirt with you?"
"It's... not really flirting."
"He noticed you staring."
"That's part of the interaction."
"He looked at you."
"It's programmed."
"He waited for you to answer."
"It doesn't actually wait."
Gladio slowly looked at your phone. Then back at you. Then at your phone again. "I don't like how convincing that was."
You couldn't help smiling.
"The technology's gotten pretty good."
"I noticed." He held out a hand. "Give me the phone again."
"What for?"
Suspicious, you handed it over. His large fingers dwarfed the screen as he carefully navigated back to the café. After a brief struggle, and one accidental tap that earned him an amused voice line, he looked at the UI, available interactions etc.
Gladio leaned in slightly. "So."
Silence. Another tap.
"So you're telling me you remember periods..."
A pause. "...schedules..."
Another tap. "...and tell them when to go to bed."
Zayne responded with another gentle line, completely unbothered. Gladio nodded slowly. "Impressive résumé." He tapped once more. "But can you swing a greatsword?"
Zayne just fixed his sleeve.
"No answer." Gladio looked immensely satisfied with himself. "Thought so."
You snorted. "That's your benchmark?"
"It's an important life skill."
"For who except for us?"
"For me." He handed the phone back with a self-assured nod.
"I've decided."
"Oh?"
"The doctor's alright."
You blinked. "...That's surprisingly high praise."
"Don't get used to it."
"And the others?"
"I haven't interviewed them yet."
"You make it sound like you're hiring."
"I am."
"For what?"
"The position of imaginary boyfriend."
You laughed so hard you nearly dropped your phone. Across the fire, Prompto looked over. "...What'd I miss?"
Gladio folded his arms, wearing the unmistakable expression of someone who had reached an entirely reasonable conclusion. "I'm conducting quality assurance."
Prompto frowned. "...On dating simulators?"
"Someone has to."
Ignis adjusted his glasses without looking up from the book he'd finally managed to open. "I fear we've entered a conversation from which there is no graceful escape."
Noctis, eyes still on the fire, spoke for the first time in several minutes. "...Can the cat game be played again?"
You and Gladio exchanged a glance. Maybe there was another victim for the Love and Deepspace introduction after all.
@drxcorelibre - do not steal, plagiarise or repost my posts on any other social media. This is my only account.
summary: shortfic (possibly a start to a longer fic if this goes well on tumblr) in which Y/N and Gladio are book nerds who argue over The Sorrows of Young Werther. Prompto wisely minds his business. Noctis catches some z's.
note: a silly camp dinner moment bc i know gladio reads sad jp poetry in the regalia like he's auditioning for pride & prejudice and y/n's not having it. enjoy the chaos!
"Werther is stupid! Why would a guy kill himself over an unrequited love?" Y/N stabbed their fork into their meal like it personally offended them. "Get over it and go touch some grass. Or in his case, some mud, I don't care."
Gladio raised an eyebrow over his beer bottle, unfazed. "It's called Romanticism, Y/N. Ever heard of it? Feelings? Depth? Tragic yearning?"
"I have, yeah. But dying over a girl who was literally married?" They shook their head, glaring at their toast. "That's not romantic, that's Darwinism in action."
Prompto let out a soft heh from the side, then quickly pretended to drink from an empty mug.
Gladio leaned back in his folding chair, arms crossed. "You're being harsh. Werther wasn't just in love, he was consumed. That era was all about passion, not practicality."
Y/N rolled their eyes. "Well, this era is about mental health and not making yourself a cautionary tale."
"Look, just because you don’t relate to that level of devotion-"
"Oh, I do. I'd just rather suffer with dignity and maybe a face mask."
Noctis muttered in his sleep nearby. The chocobos clucked from their pen.
Gladio smirked. "Fine. But next time I catch you crying over a tragic fanfic, I'm reading Werther aloud at full volume."
"Try it," Y/N said, pointing their fork at him. "I'll replace your poetry stash with Twilight."
"…you wouldn't."
"Wouldn't I?"
Prompto decided it was a good time to go feed the chocobos and leave this literary chaos to them.
@drxcorelibre - do not steal, plagiarise or repost my posts on any other social media. This is my only account.
genre/warnings: gen-neutral reader, intimate sfw shortfic, awkward to lovers, romance, profanity
Put some of that rain asmr in your headphones for the extra flavour x
summary: You and Gavin, both too afraid to make the first move, finally face your feelings for each other after a long, tense silence. Amid the rain and your mutual hesitation, you both stop pretending and take a chance.
The rain came down in relentless sheets, turning the streets of Detroit into a shimmering blur of grey and silver. It hammered against the sidewalks, pooled in the potholes, and clung to the rusted-out curbs in greasy puddles. Car tires hissed as they rolled past, their taillights smearing red streaks across the wet asphalt. The heavy clouds hung low, smothering the city in a dim, bruised kind of light that seeped into everything.
Under the wide stone roof awning outside the Detroit Police Department, Gavin Reed stood with his hands jammed deep into his jacket pockets. His boots were planted firm against the concrete, the hard lines of his body tense against the humid chill. Just a few feet beyond the edge of the cover, the rain battered the world into chaos — but here, in this thin slice of shelter, everything felt suspended. Held together by habit and hesitation.
You stood a few paces away, arms folded tightly across your chest. Your hoodie clung damply to your frame at the edges where the rain had caught you before you ducked under the awning. Stray drops clung to the ends of your hair, curled slightly from the damp. You weren't shivering, but there was a tightness to your posture, like you were holding yourself together by sheer force of will.
Neither of you spoke.
The low drone of rain filled the space between the both of you, broken now and then by the wet hiss of passing cars or the hollow clatter of a far-off train. The neon lights from a diner across the street smeared against the puddled asphalt, painting the world in blurred reds and blues. Somewhere down the block, a siren wailed — thin, tired, distant. The whole city felt blurred, like it was breathing around you — like it was waiting.
Gavin shifted his weight, the slow drag of his boot against the concrete almost lost under the roar of the storm. He shifted his weight, and you couldn’t help but look up. His face was lined with frustration.
"I'm not good at this," he said. His shoulders hunched slightly, like he was bracing for a hit. "I'm not good at... letting people in."
The words hung in the air, raw and vulnerable.
You blinked, slow, the movement making the droplets at your lashes catch the dim light. Your fingers tightened around the sleeves of your hoodie, nails digging into the fabric. Every part of you wanted to armour up, to laugh it off, to turn the fear into something manageable. But you didn't.
"I'm not either," you said, voice steady but small, like you were saying it to the storm instead of to him.
For a long moment, Gavin didn't move. Just looked at you — really looked — the usual edge stripped clean away as his eyes softened. The stubborn, worn-down anger he wore like armour had cracked wide open, like he wanted something more than just the usual fight, the usual distance.
"But I'm tired," he said, the words scraping out of him. "Tired of pretending I don't want to try."
Slowly, deliberately, he stepped closer.
The sound of his boot heel scuffing the concrete was sharp in the thick air. You felt yourself tense instinctively, but you didn't step back. You stayed where you were, rooted in the moment, feeling the heat radiating from his body, the sudden shift in the air. You didn’t trust yourself to move.
He stopped just short of touching you, close enough that you could feel the warmth of him, could see the fine lines of strain around his eyes. Rain blurred the world behind him, but here, up close, everything about him was sharp.
"So..." you said, your throat thick. "What do we do?"
Gavin's mouth twitched, the ghost of a crooked smile pulling at the corner — like he wasn't sure if it was allowed to be there.
"Maybe," he said, voice softer now, "we stop bein' so damn scared."
His hand lifted — slow, so slow it almost hurt to watch. He hesitated halfway, fingers curling slightly, before he finally reached out. The backs of his knuckles brushed against your temple, feather-light, before he tucked a stray lock of damp hair behind your ear.
His touch was careful. Reverent. Like he wasn't sure he deserved it.
Your breath caught, heart hammering against your ribs. You tilted your face toward him without thinking, the smallest shift, eyes half-closing against the electric jolt of the contact. His fingers were tracing the curve of your cheek as though he was memorizing the feel of your skin.
So, he leaned in.
Not all at once — a slow, halting lean, a silent question in every inch of movement. His breath ghosted against your lips, warm against the cool air. Close enough that you could smell the soap on his skin, the faint trace of cigarettes and rain clinging to his jacket.
You didn't move away, but tilted your chin up just the slightest bit more — an answer, wordless and sure.
When his lips finally brushed against yours, it was soft — tentative at first, barely a whisper of contact. The world outside, the storm, the noise, all of it faded into the background, like it didn't matter anymore. All that mattered was the feeling of his mouth on yours, the heat you could feel between you despite the cold air.
Then, Gavin made a small, broken sound low in his throat, and the kiss deepened — not frantic, but aching, full of all the things both of you had never said. His hand slid from your temple down to cradle your jaw, thumb brushing slow along your cheekbone. Your fingers found the front of his jacket, curling tight into the fabric like you were anchoring yourself.
The storm kept raging just beyond the edge of their small, stolen world. Rain battered the city into grey oblivion. The world could have been burning down around you, and neither of you would have cared.
You could feel the press of his chest against yours, the heat of his body, the way his hand slid to the back of your neck, pulling you closer, almost like he was afraid you might slip away.
The kiss was soft, both of you giving in to the quiet intimacy of it. Of the moment. Of each other.
When the kiss finally broke, it wasn't because either of you wanted it to. It was simply that your lungs couldn't take it anymore — the shared breath, the desperate need for air. The world slowly shifted back into focus.
Gavin's fingers brushed your cheek, slow, almost like he was trying to ground himself, trying to figure out if this was real. And when his eyes met yours, he let out a quiet, breathless laugh, the kind that felt like a mixture of relief and disbelief.
"God, we're idiots," he said, voice soft and low, but the tension was gone, "Took us long enough, huh?"
You couldn’t help but smile, "You think?" you said, arching an eyebrow. "I mean, we really nailed the timing, huh? You’re soaked, I'm soaked, and this rain just won't stop fucking pouring.’
"Could've been worse," he said, lowering his voice, his breath warm against your face. "At least we didn't freeze out here like idiots, waiting for the other person to make the first move.”
You laughed — it was a breathless, unrestrained kind of laugh. The tension in your chest eased just a little.
"Yeah," you said, voice a little rougher than usual. "Maybe next time we'll take a class on how to be less of a fucking disaster.”
Gavin's hand slipped down, fingers tracing the edge of your hoodie, a soft laugh escaping his lips as he pulled you in closer, pressing his forehead gently to yours.
"Maybe," he murmured, his voice dipping into vulnerability, "But I'm still glad I'm here.”
"Yeah," you whispered, a soft, confident grin pulling at your lips. "Me too.”
@drxcorelibre - do not steal, plagiarise, or repost my posts on any other social media. This is my only account.
genre/warnings: enemies to lovers, sfw, martinez is a made up char for the plot :^
summary: You hated working with Detective Gavin Reed. He was rude, arrogant, and pushed every one of your buttons—but for some reason, you couldn't stop thinking about him. One late night at the DPD, a teasing conversation turns into something neither of you expected.
It was almost midnight at the Detroit Police Department, and the place had thinned out to a skeleton crew. The only sounds were the buzz of fluorescent lights and the occasional clack of keyboards. You leaned against the vending machine in the break room, sipping on bad coffee that tasted more like regret.
Martinez, one of the other detectives on night duty, stood beside you, eyeing you with that grin that meant trouble.
“So,” she started, voice hushed but playful, “the way you and Reed go at it? I swear, it looks like you two tear each other’s clothes off after shift.”
You snorted. “Gross. No.”
“I’m serious!” she laughed. “All that arguing, the tension? You two have the kind of hate sex energy that melts walls. You sure there’s not a little unresolved tension there?”
“The only tension is me not punching him in the face.
“Uh-huh.” Martinez sipped her drink. “Bet he’s good with his hands though.”
You gave her a warning look, but your ears were burning.
“You’re insane,” you muttered.
“You didn’t say no fast enough.”
“Martinez—”
“Don’t stop on my account,” came a voice from the doorway.
You froze. Slowly, you turned. Gavin Reed leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, his usual smirk firmly in place.
“Didn’t mean to interrupt your girl talk,” he said. “But, hey—good to know I’m living rent-free in your head.”
Martinez laughed and made a quick exit, clearly proud of herself.
You stayed behind, heart pounding with embarrassment and irritation.
Back at your desk, the silence between you two was sharp. You focused hard on your files, pretending you couldn’t feel him looking at you.
“You know,” he said after a while, his voice lazy, “you didn’t exactly deny it with much conviction.”
“Deny what?” you asked flatly.
“That you’ve thought about it.”
You looked up slowly. “Do you want me to tase you?”
He grinned. “Kinky.”
“You’re insufferable.”
“And yet, here we are. Alone. Again.”
You rolled your eyes and went back to reading. A few moments passed.
“You doing anything tomorrow night?” he asked casually.
That made you pause. “Why?”
“Thought maybe we could get a drink. Talk. Argue somewhere with better lighting.”
You blinked. “Are you serious?”
“Deadly.” He leaned in a little. “I asked because I want to. Not because I want to mess with you.”
You stared at him for a long second. “Fine. But if it sucks, I’m writing you up.”
The bar he picked was tucked away on a quiet street. Low lights, soft music, and a few scattered booths. You slid into the one he was already sitting in.
“You’re not late,” he said.
“You sound disappointed.”
“Nah.” He took a sip of his beer. “I kind of wanted to see what you looked like when you weren’t glaring at me under fluorescent lights.”
You raised an eyebrow. “Flatter me again, and I might throw my drink at you.”
“Noted.”
They ordered. The food was forgettable. The banter wasn’t.
“You always been this much of a pain in the ass?” you asked.
“Pretty much. My mom says it builds character.”
You actually laughed, a quiet, surprised sound. “You have a mom?”
“Believe it or not.” He looked at you for a second, eyes more serious now. “What about you? Always been the type to pick fights in the bullpen?”
“Only with guys who deserve it.”
“Lucky me.”
There was a pause. The kind that felt like something unsaid hung just between you two.
“Look,” Gavin said, voice lower, “I know I’m a lot. I give people crap. It’s easier that way.
You tilted your head. “You trying to explain yourself to me now?”
“Yeah. Maybe. Just… I don’t hate you, okay? I might’ve acted like it. But I don’t. I like that you fight back. I like that you’re not scared of me.”
You looked at him carefully, surprised by the sudden honesty.
“You’re not so scary, Reed,” you said softly.
He smiled, just a little. “Good. That’d make this date a real HR nightmare.”
Later, you walked back toward your cars, the chill air sobering after the heat of the bar.
“So…” Gavin started, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “Did I ruin it?”
You shook your head. “Not entirely.”
“Damn. I was going for charming.”
“Debatable,” you smirked.
You stood there, the city buzzing around you. You stepped a little closer.
“You kiss me right now, Reed, and I’ll break your nose,” you warned.
“Noted,” he said, grinning.
You didn’t kiss. But you didn’t walk away either.
Just stood there a little too long.
Something had changed.
And both of you knew it.
The next morning, the DPD was its usual chaotic self. You were already at your desk, coffee in hand, eyes bleary.
“So,” Martinez slid up beside you, eyes glittering, “how was the date?"
You didn’t look at her. “It was fine.”
“Fine? That’s all I get? Come on, did he show up in that stupid jacket? Did he say anything dumb? Did he make you laugh?”
You bit back a smirk. “Yes, yes, and maybe.”
Before Martinez could say more, Gavin dropped a file on your desk without a word. As he walked away, he shot you a subtle wink.
Martinez’s jaw dropped. “He winked. That’s basically marriage in his language.”
You just sipped your coffee. “Shut up, Martinez.”
But you didn’t stop smiling.
@drxcorelibre - do not steal, plagiarise, or repost my posts on any other social media. This is my only account.
⚠ Genre/warnings: situationship to lovers idk i just love prom and he deserves this sm, slight nsfw (heated makeout), pinning, atp cindy4life lol, this is so damnn
✎ Reading time: approx. 16min
₊˚ʚ It was as if the months apart had never happened, the chemistry between you still as strong as ever.
₊˚ʚ Prompto pushed himself away from the garage wall and began slowly making his way towards you. Each step he took was measured, his eyes never leaving yours.
₊˚ʚ Suddenly, it was as if a dam burst. All the pent-up emotions, the months of silence, the questions left unasked, came rushing out at once.
The night was quiet, and the stars above were the only witnesses to your departure. The journey to Hammerhead was cold and lonely, the silence only broken by the crunch of gravel under your shoes.
You made your way along the path, the lights of Hammerhead growing closer with each step. The thought of leaving the group behind weighed heavily on your heart, but you had made your decision.
As you finally reached the base of Hammerhead, Cindy, who was working late into the night, noticed your arrival. She looked up from her project, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of you alone.
"Well, now, ain't that a sight," she remarked in her soft drawl, taking in your state. "What're you doin' here this late and by yourself, darlin'?"
"i left the guys."
Cindy's curious expression quickly turned to surprise. "Left the boys, huh? Ain't that somethin'. What happened there, if you don't mind me askin'?"
"just- realised i never belonged."
Cindy's brow furrowed at your words, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Never belonged? What makes you say that?"
"At the end of the day, we girls can't afford to stay with the boys." you chuckled.
Cindy raised an eyebrow at your chuckle, a puzzled look on her face. "Why's that, darlin'? Nothin' wrong with a girl hangin' with the fellas."
"i caught feelings." you said, gripping onto your belongings.
Understanding dawned in Cindy's eyes as you confessed. She looked at you with empathy, seeing the pain behind your words. She took a seat on a nearby crate and patted the spot next to her, gesturing for you to sit. "Come on, sit down. Let's talk."
You hesitantly joined her, sitting on the crate and placing your belongings beside you. The night air was still and quiet, the only noise coming from the faint sounds of machinery and distant crickets.
Cindy looked at you, her voice soft in the moonlight. "So, you been likin' one of the boys, huh? Can't blame ya, they're handsome fellas. Which one was it, if ya don't mind me askin'?"
"Prompto" The thought of him sent tingles down your spine as you spoke his name out loud.
"Ah, Prompto. He's a good kid. Real peppy, always crackin' jokes. Can't really blame ya for falling for him."
She paused, her eyes studying your face, "But somethin' tells me it ain't as simple as just likin' him, is it?"
You played with your bracelets as you spoke nervously, a bit worried for Cindy's judgement of the situation you put yourself in.
"I felt like my feelings could potentially ruin the group dynamic so i left, realising I don't belong."
Cindy chuckled with empathy, "Sounds like a bit of a mess, darlin'."
"But it ain't your feelings that's ruining things. You have a right to feel the way you feel.
Cindy shifted slightly, turning to face you directly. "You ain't ruined nothin' by likin' Prompto. That's just how the heart works, can't always control who you fall for."
"it's fine! I'll get over it..."
Cindy could sense the resignation in your voice, and it tugged at her heartstrings. "It's not gonna be that easy, darlin'. Feelings like that don't just go away, especially not overnight."
You held your head up, looking at her sheepishly. "That's why I came here to ask you... If i could stay here, work, get my mind off of them?"
Cindy's face brightened at your request. "You wanna work here, huh? Well, we could always use an extra pair of hands. Plus, keepin' busy is a good way to keep your mind occupied."
She patted your back with a warm smile. "Sure, darlin'. You can stay and work. I'll teach you the ropes, and before you know it, you'll be a regular mechanic here at Hammerhead."
"thanks"
Cindy gave your shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "No need to thank me, darlin'. We all need a fresh start sometimes, and that's what Hammerhead's all about. New beginnings."
╴╴╴╴˚ೃ ╴╴
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. You found solace in the rhythm of the garage, the familiar hum of machines and the hum of the desert night lulling you into a sense of peace. Your days were filled with the scent of oil and the occasional banter with Cindy and Cid, the gruff yet affectionate owner of the garage.
The work was challenging at times, but you found comfort in the routine. The distance from Prompto and the guys allowed you time to process your feelings and come to terms with your new life. Despite the occasional pang of friendsickness, you found a sense of belonging in your new role at Hammerhead.
Over time, you adapted to the garage life, your hands becoming calloused and greasy, your laughter and skills familiar to the regular visitors of Hammerhead, who welcomed you as one of their own.
But every now and then, thoughts of Prompto and the group would creep into your mind, like a faint whisper in the wind. You pushed them aside, reminding yourself of the reasons you had left in the first place. Still, the ache in your chest was undeniable, the memories and what-ifs lingering like a bittersweet perfume. It was a constant struggle, balancing the tranquility of your new life with the lingering pull of the past.
As the familiar sound of the Regalia's engine echoed through the air, you looked up from your work on a nearby car, your heart skipping a beat. It was the chocobros, here for some vehicle upgrades.
Noctis led the charge, followed closely by Ignis, Gladiolus, and... Prompto. Seeing them all again, so casually together, sent a pang of nostalgia and longing through you.
Hiding your feelings behind a neutral expression, you quickly tried to push down the emotions welling up within you. You feigned distraction, continuing to tinker with the car in front of you, hoping they wouldn't notice your internal struggle.
Cindy, however, had a keen eye for reading people. She noticed the flicker of emotion in your eyes as the group approached. She sidled up beside you, a knowing look in her eyes.
"You all right, darlin'?" she whispered, her voice low and understanding. "They can't see it, but I can."
"I'll be alright." You said, wiping oil grease from your cheek, giving her a reassuring smirk.
Cindy gave you a supportive smile, patting your back gently. "You've got guts, holdin' it together like this. 'Course you'll be alright. Just remember, I'm here if you need to vent, scream, or just a shoulder to lean on."
The rest of the group had been engrossed in their conversation, oblivious to your momentary struggle. Prompto's laughter echoed in the background, causing your heart to clench slightly as you tried to focus on your work.
The urge to run towards them and hug them all while spilling so many sorry's went through your mind for a split second, but you knew that won't do.
The guys approached the garage, peeking in at your figure working on some badass vehicles.
Everyone had noticed the transformation. With your new outfit, your voice resembling Cindy's Southern drawl, and your mannerisms changing to match hers, you had become a bit of a chameleon, blending into the environment of the garage.
Noctis, Ignis, and Gladiolus glanced your way, their eyes widening slightly as they took in your appearance and demeanour. But it was Prompto's reaction that caught your attention.
He stood there, stunned for a moment, his eyes wide as he stared at you. The gears in his head were clearly turning as he tried to reconcile the 'new you' with the person he once knew.
He seemed to be at a loss for words, the familiar banter and jokes that usually flowed effortlessly from him were nowhere to be found.
As the group settled in and started discussing the upgrades they wanted for the Regalia, Cindy smoothly took charge. She launched into a friendly negotiation with Noctis, Ignis, and Gladiolus, while Prompto lingered in the background, his eyes still resting on you occasionally.
You, however, tried to keep your focus on your work, pretending not to notice his glances. The sounds of the garage faded into the background as you tried to keep your hands steady and your mind clear.
Every so often, you'd catch a glimpse of Prompto in your peripheral vision, his eyes meeting yours before quickly averting them, looking a bit flustered. The air between you both was heavy with unspoken emotions, an invisible thread of tension stretching tight.
Cindy, ever observant, noticed the silent communication between you and Prompto. She suppressed a slight grin, her eyes flickering between the two of you as she continued her negotiations with the guys.
As they finalized the details with Cindy, the conversation wrapped up, and they began to prepare to leave. Prompto lingered a moment longer, his eyes still on you, his expression a mix of longing and hesitation.
The group sauntered out of the garage, heading toward the nearby restaurant, their voices carrying on the warm evening air. Cindy watched them go, then turned to you with a knowing smile.
"You sure you don't wanna join them, darlin'?" she asked, her tone gentle but laced with encouragement.
"it's better this way."
Cindy nodded understandingly, her smile turning slightly bittersweet. "I get it, darlin'. Sometimes, what you want and what you need are two different things."
As you continued to work on the car, your thoughts were a tangle of emotions. Seeing Prompto and the guys again had stirred up feelings you had been trying to suppress, and their departure left you with a mix of relief and a strange pang of emptiness.
Your heart ached with an unspoken longing, a silent plea for just one more moment, one more look into his eyes. The familiar banter, the laughter, the bond you used to share - it all seemed like a lifetime ago.
The hum of the car under your hands was a temporary distraction, but it couldn't drown out the persistent pull in your chest, the deep-seated desire to see Prompto again, to hear his voice, to feel his presence.
The hours ticked by, the sun slowly descending towards the horizon. The guys finished their meal and emerged from the restaurant, their voices echoing through the still night air as they discussed their plans for the night.
Your eyes found Prompto amongst the group, his face illuminated by the soft glow of the sunset. His gaze roamed over the garage and, for a moment, seemed to linger on you.
Your heart skipped a beat as you saw Prompto's gaze fall on you for a moment. Reflexively, you ducked your head, using your long bangs and ponytail as a makeshift shield, hoping he hadn't noticed you watching him.
The sound of the guys' footsteps approaching sent a jolt through you, your senses hyper-alert to every sound and movement. You could hear them saying their goodbyes to Cindy.
Noctis sauntered over to you, an intrigued look in his eyes. He leaned against the hood of the car you were working on, observing you quietly for a moment before finally speaking.
"You've changed a lot, haven't you?" he noted, his voice nonchalant but his eyes studying you with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Still sharp, even in a new shell," he commented, his tone holding a hint of pride. "You're good at adapting."
You couldn't really speak up, although you felt like there was so much to say. You nodded in confirmation, getting back to work.
Noctis watched you silently for a moment, his expression a mix of confusion and a hint of frustration. It was clear he had more to say, but you had already shut him down. He gave a slight shrug, realizing that pushing further would be futile.
"Take care."
The guys climbed into the car, the Regalia's engine roaring to life as they pulled away from the garage, disappearing into the night.
The silence that settled over Hammerhead after they left felt deafening. The hum of the garage, the occasional rustle of the desert wind, and the beating of your own heart were the only sounds left in the stillness of the night.
The thought of them driving off into the night, continuing their adventures without you, stung more than you cared to admit. But you shook the thought away quickly, reminding yourself of the reasons you had left in the first place.
You turned your attention back to the car you were working on, determined to bury yourself in the familiar rhythm of the garage work. The sooner you lost yourself in the work, the sooner you could forget about the ache in your chest.
╴╴╴╴˚ೃ ╴╴
The days were filled with the hustle and bustle of the garage, and the nights were spent catching up over the dinner table with Cindy and Cid, listening to their stories and sharing a few laughs.
Time had flown by in a blur of car repair and tire changes. The days had been long but filled with the fulfilling sense of accomplishment and routine. 11 months had passed since you had left the group, the pain of separation slowly fading into a dull ache you had learned to live with.
The nights were the hardest, when the silence of the garage seemed deafening, and the memory of Prompto's face would surface in your mind, unbidden.
The sound of the Regalia's engine roaring into the garage was a welcome yet unwelcome intrusion one day. You looked up from the car you were working on to see Noctis, Ignis, Gladiolus, and Prompto stepping out of the car, looking a bit weary but no worse for the wear.
They looked more seasoned, their faces sporting a few more scars, but their eyes were still filled with the familiar determination and bond they had shared since the beginning of their journey.
Noctis, Ignis, and Gladiolus greeted Cindy and Cid with some casual banter, their voices familiar and almost comforting. Prompto lingered a bit behind the rest, his eyes scanning the garage until they landed on you, as if time was repeating.
Your gazes met, and that familiar rush of emotions washed over you both. The weight of the past six months hung heavy in the air, a silent conversation passing between you both through the brief exchange of looks.
A mix of surprise, relief, and something else you couldn't quite put your finger on flickered in Prompto's eyes, but it was gone in an instant as Gladiolus said something, drawing his attention away from you.
You returned your focus to the car, pretending to be busy with tuning, but your heart was racing in your chest. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Prompto stealing furtive glances in your direction.
Every glance sent a jolt of electricity through you, reminding you of the chemistry you had shared before you left. The silence between you both felt heavy, filled with unspoken words, emotions, and a thousand questions.
You returned to your work, but the ache in your chest grew more insistent.
The evening descended upon Hammerhead, bringing a gentle coolness to the air. The stars above glittered like diamonds against the inky black canvas of the night sky.
The sound of footsteps in the garage startled you, breaking the peaceful silence of the night. You looked up to see the unmistakable silhouette of Prompto, framed by the dim light spilling in from the outside.
Prompto stood at the entrance of the garage, his lean frame casually rested against the door frame. His eyes were fixed on you, studying you intently. He didn't say anything for a moment, just watched you silently.
The air between you was thick with unspoken words, a thousand emotions swirling in the silence. Prompto's eyes were unreadable, his expression a mixture of curiosity.
You couldn't breathe, you couldn't speak.
Your heart stuttered in your chest as you met Prompto's gaze, and suddenly, you found yourself at a loss for words. Your mouth felt dry, your thoughts a tangled mess. It was as if his presence had sucked all the oxygen from the air, leaving you in a state of breathlessness.
You tried to say something, anything, but no words came out. You stared back at him, your eyes wide, your heart thudding loudly in your ears. The silence between you was deafening.
Prompto's gaze had changed. His eyes shone with a new, more masculine air, his once boyish features now sharpened and matured, giving him a more rugged and handsome look.
His blue eyes were like twin pools of shimmering water, seemingly drawing you into him. You noticed the freckles that sprinkle his tan skin like stars on a night sky. His hair was messy yet attractive, falling effortlessly in shaggy layers around his face.
You noticed this change as he looked at you. His gaze was no longer the playful and innocent gaze you had grown to know.
His gaze held a confidence that hadn’t been there before, and it sent a shiver down your spine.
Prompto seemed to sense your inner turmoil, the way your breath hitched and your eyes widened. His gaze softened slightly, a flicker of concern crossing his face.
Prompto pushed away from the door frame and began slowly making his way towards you. Each step he took was measured, his eyes never leaving yours. With every step, the distance between you seemed to shrink, the tension building silently.
As he closed the gap between you, you could see the myriad of emotions playing out in his eyes. He came to a stop just a few steps away from you, his hands shoved in his pockets.
"h-hello again..."
Prompto's expression softened further, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his lips. "Hey."
His voice was soft, almost hesitant, as if he was trying to gauge your response to his presence. He looked at you quietly for a moment more, his eyes searching your face.
The air was filled with a mix of uncertainty and anticipation, both of you teetering on the edge of something unspoken.
For a moment, neither of you spoke. You just stood there, watching each other. Prompto's eyes held an intensity that sent a shiver down your spine, and there was a vulnerability in his expression that you had never seen before.
Suddenly, it was as if a dam burst. All the pent-up emotions, the months of silence, the questions left unasked, they all came rushing out at once.
Without a word, Prompto closed the remaining distance between you, his hands reaching out to grasp your arms. He pulled you towards him, his grip firm but gentle, his eyes never leaving yours.
You stumbled slightly as he tugged you closer, your body colliding against his. His breath was warm against your face, and you could feel the rapid beat of his heart mirrored in your own chest.
He stood there, holding you tightly, his eyes roaming over your face, tracing the contours, studying your expression. His fingers started to rub small soothing circles on your skin, sending small frissons of electricity down your spine.
The kiss was sudden and intense, his lips claiming yours with a desperate hunger. It was as if months of pent-up frustration, longing, and unspoken words were poured into that single gesture.
Your mind went blank for a moment, surprised by the sudden contact. But then, a wave of desire washed over you, and your body responded on instinct. Your arms reached up to grip his shirt, pulling him closer, as you returned the kiss with equal fervor.
His hands moved from your arms and settled on the sides of your face, holding you as he deepened the kiss. It was as if the months apart had never happened, the chemistry between you still as strong as ever.
The sound of the boys calling out for Prompto shattered the moment, reminding you that the outside world existed.
Reluctantly, you both pulled away from each other, your breaths ragged and your eyes slightly dazed.
You looked into each other's eyes, both of you trying to regain your composure, the passion of the kiss still lingering on your lips. Prompto looked torn, his gaze reluctantly moving towards the sound of the guys' voices.
You could see the struggle on his face, the desire to stay with you and the pressure to return to the group. He gave your hand a gentle squeeze before letting go, taking a step back, putting some distance between you again.
Prompto gave you a small, almost rueful smile, his eyes locking with yours. "Yeah, I'll make sure I do more damage to the Regalia during our trips..." He said, indicating they were all here because of his little mischief.
He glanced back over his shoulder at the direction the guys' voices were coming from. "Duty calls," he said reluctantly, a hint of disappointment in his tone.
Taken by surprise, Prompto stumbled back towards you, his mouth forming a small 'o' as you pulled him in for another kiss. The unexpected gesture caught him off guard, but after a moment, he melted into the kiss, his arms encircling your waist as he held you tightly.
When you pulled away, he rested his forehead against yours, his breath still a bit ragged. "Wait for me?" he asked, his voice a soft whisper.
"like i always do."
Prompto's breath hitched at your words, and for a moment, he just held you tighter, his eyes searching yours. A mixture of emotions flickered across his face - surprise, hope, and a touch of disbelief.
He closed his eyes and let out a slow exhale. "Damn it," he muttered as if he was both frustrated and relieved. "I can't leave now knowing you need me, can I?"
Prompto pushed you against the garage wall, his body pressing against yours as he captured your lips in another fervent kiss. The cool night air was a contrast against the heat between you. His hands explored the curves of your body, his touch leaving a trail of fire in its wake.
The world around you seemed to fall away, the only thing that existed being the two of you, your bodies pressed together, your breaths mingling in the dark. His lips left kisses against your neck, tasting and teasing, igniting a fire that you thought had died months ago.
The moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps followed by a collective gasp. You looked up to see Noctis, Ignis, and Gladiolus staring at you two, their mouths hanging open.
They stood there, completely taken aback by the sight of you and Prompto locked together against the garage wall. You both froze, your eyes widening in surprise and slight embarrassment at being caught.
Noctis was the first to break the silence, a shocked and almost comical expression on his face as he looked between the two of you. "What the hell?" he blurted out.
Ignis and Gladiolus were both speechless, their eyes wide as they tried to process what they were witnessing. Gladiolus whistled low, breaking the silence with a low, appreciative "damn."
Prompto pulled away from you, his hands still holding onto your waist as he turned to face the others. He looked sheepish and a bit guilty, a flush creeping up his cheeks. "Uh, Hey guys..."
Noctis pinched his nose and you pushed Prompto lightly towards them. "You gotta go."
Prompto gave you an almost pleading look, as if he didn't want to leave, but seeing your insistence, he reluctantly let go of you, a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
Noctis, still looking utterly bewildered, just shook his head slightly, mumbling something along the lines of "I can't believe this." Ignis, chuckled at the prince's comment.
Ignis and Gladiolus had similarly surprised expressions on their faces, though Gladiolus just looked amused and somewhat impressed. He clapped a hand on Prompto's shoulder as they started walking back to the Regalia, Prompto throwing one last glance back at you before disappearing into the night.
The ache in your chest was replaced by a feeling of affection as you anticipated your next encounter with Prompto, envisioning another good memory to cherish.
@drxcorelibre - do not steal, plagiarise or repost my posts on any other social media. This is my only account.
I have finally decided to compile all information I have about Prompto’s Tattoos and anything about MTs that I have gathered into one post since I’ve had it scattered across multiple posts.
Anyone who has played FFXV knows that as a child, Noctis suffered from an injury that rendered him unable to walk for a while â the reason for his visit to Tenebrae as a kid, and thus his first meeting with Luna shortly before Tenebrae fell. The Brotherhood anime and Kingsglaive movie expand on it a little bit, giving more information on the extent of the injury, as well as what caused it: a daemon called the Marilith. As a reminder, I mean this thing:
The injury was severe enough that Noctis remained in a coma for an unspecified amount of time (though most likely at least a couple weeks, if not a couple months) and even once he woke and recovered a bit, he was unable to walk, his legs being paralyzed (or he was literally paraplegic, meaning paralyzed from the waist down; thatâs a valid possibility as well, and an even more likely one all things considered). Furthermore, it is a widely assumed headcanon (and rather heavily implied, though never actually stated in the game) that he was infected by the Starscourge through this injury. For these reasons, he was taken to Tenebrae so the Oracle may heal him, though this led to Niflheim attacking and conquering Tenebrae as a result.
Well, fine, he was healed. Thatâs that then. Except itâs not, according to Noctisâ character sheet in the gameâs archives.
âAn injury incurred as a young boy deprived him access to the full potential of his innate powerâ, huh?
Unless there was another âchildhood injuryâ that we donât know about, which is unlikely, this references the Marilith. And that injury, though healed by the Oracle, apparently left marks deep enough that it affected Noctisâ ability to use his magic. But that begs the question: how exactly was he affected? No part of the game or the anime or ANYTHING gives us any real indication on that. So all we can do is speculate. That said, here are some thoughts I had on the matter.
Hoi, I just wanted to say that your Jiyan post is amazing! You’re a super talented writer! As for what I want to ask, do you write Honkai Star Rail? :0
Heyy I'm going to write exclusively for fandoms i am in. Unfortunately, hsr isn't one of them since I don't play hoyoverse games im afraid !
Hi I was wondering when you're gonna do more Jiyan fanfic. Your newest one was so amazing <3 <3
Hi! I appreciate your comment <3
As for now, I do not have a set schedule since I am new to Tumblr, and I would like to keep it that way. I will definitely post more of Jiyi in the close future!
xx
#1 Prompto enthusiast @drxcorelibre - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag
