Au where everyone has wings?
(sorry i forgot this was in my drafts)
In Lucis, wings are considered a status symbol. For example, the Caelum line is known for having black wings, reminiscent of ravens; the Amicitia line boast strong, powerful wings to aid them in battle; the Scientia line have wings built more for speed and grace
In this particular AU, Lucis and Niflheim aren’t currently at war. However, a credible source informs Regis that the people living under Emperor Iedolas’ rule face great mistreatment that is kept hidden from the rest of the world
Regis sends Ignis, Noctis, and Gladiolus to investigate–as far as the media knows, Noctis is going on a cross-country road trip to learn more about life outside of the wall so people don’t question the prince’s absence, and they’re sent on their way
Now, in Niflheim, subjects are kept in line through threats and propaganda
Those who don’t fall in line are taken to the magitek facilities. Nobody knows what happens.
Ignis is the one who finds out
Noctis and Gladio follow one lead elsewhere, leaving Ignis to investigate one of the facilities. He learns that disobedient subjects are tortured. Nobody makes it out alive.
That is, until Ignis comes across a survivor.
The boy is around Noctis’ age. He’s alive, but doesn’t respond to anyone trying to get his attention. He’s in rough shape, but his wings are worst off.
Against his better judgement, Ignis breaks him out
They take him back to Lucis, where he’s brought in for surgery. Unfortunately, though, he’s not likely to regain use of his wings. Ignis takes it upon himself to help the boy–Prompto, he learns–recover, unable to accept the odds the doctors gave Prompto.
Prompto’s initially very withdrawn–he speaks no Lucian, he’s away from the only home he’s ever known, and he’s in constant pain. Ignis is fluent in Gralean, though, so that makes things a little easier on Prompto. He’s calm and patient and that does wonders to ease his tension.
As Prompto begins to recover, Ignis starts teaching him Lucian. They begin to bond over other things–Ignis learns Prompto is fond of chocobos and gets him a chocobo plushie (which does wonders to help him come out of his shell i mean who knew a little kindness could go such a long way)
Eventually, Prompto’s injuries heal. However, there’s still the issue of Prompto’s wings. Ignis personally oversees Prompto’s physical therapy, designing plans with a doctor and making modifications depending on Prompto’s specific needs
This leads to them growing closer. Prompto winds up living with Ignis throughout his recovery, and each day, he makes progress. Little by little, his situation improves until he’s regained enough use of his wings to fly short distances.
The damage to Prompto’s wings prevent him from being able to do much more than that, but Prompto’s over the moon just being able to fly short distances. It’s the happiest Ignis has ever seen him, and it makes him feel good knowing he helped him get to this point.
They fall in love over the course of Prompto’s recovery. Shortly after his injuries have healed up, Prompto makes the first move and they start dating
Also random lil thought bc I couldn’t think of where to fit it in: Ignis and Prompto share a bed throughout this time because he was so terrified of being alone and Ignis would (and still does) wrap his wings around the two of them to make Prompto feel safe enough to go to sleep
