rompto gritted his teeth as he teetered at the very end of the parallel bars, behind him waiting patiently was his physiotherapist. It had been close to two months since Prompto had started living in the Citadel, two months of rehab sessions with the therapists that worked more often with soldiers then children, two months of hard work that slowly gave him back sensations then movement in his lower limbs. ''Come on Prompto, you can do it.'' His uncle's voice was soft and encouraging.

Prompto slowly lifted his head to look in front of him, Uncle Cor was standing a few steps away, precisely 4 steps, with his wheelchair ready to collapse on it but to do that Prompto had to let go of the bars and walk by himself! His legs were shaking from exhaustion, his muscles still weak and not always receptive to what Prompto told them to do but with Cor looking at him, waiting patiently with quiet encouragement, he knew he had to at least try. What was the worst that could happen? His legs collapsed and the therapist had to catch him, that's what. Biting his lips, Prompto meet his Uncle's gaze with determination and keeping his eyes on Cor; Prompto slowly ordered his legs to move.

His right legs first, lift up, move forward, back down and shift his weight to it. He waited a bit to make sure it would suddenly give out under him before repeating the same thing with his other leg. Now to let go of the bars…. Prompto took a deep breath, glancing quickly behind him to see the reassuring smile of his therapist before facing forward again and slowly opening his hands. Arms extended to each side for balance, Prompto waited a few moments, expecting to feel pain and collapse. When it didn't happen, Prompto sighed in relief and went back to slowly taking his first step without any support. It was hard! Lifting his right leg without the help of the bars to keep him balanced had him wheeling his arms to regain his balance, his foot slamming back down harder then he wanted and pain shot through his leg.

Cor and the therapist both started to move, ready to jump and help the boy if it became too much but Prompto shook his head, re-concentrating on his balance and moved. It took him several minutes to complete the four steps to get to his wheelchair, each one taking all his concentration and stubbornness to complete until he was able to collapse in his wheelchairs to the cheers of the other patients and therapist sharing the room with him. Cor knelt down, beaming and ruffled Prompto's sweat soaked hair away from his face, ''You did an amazing job Prompto!''

Prompto smiled, exhausted beyond belief yawning as he murmured, ''Lets not do that again soon.'' The therapist laughed, ''Practice makes perfect Prompto but we'll go slowly. We're done for today so go and get some rest and take a bath tonight ok? It will help prevent your muscles from hurting too much tomorrow.'' Prompto didn't really heard what was said, head falling to rest on his chest as sleep took over. Cor smiled, taking out a small blanket and putting it on the sleeping child. '' I'll see that he does that when he wakes up.'' Said Cor. The Marshall smiled, moving to thank an approaching man who had used his phone to take a video of Prompto's efforts.

He sent it to Sylva and Lance before leaving the room with his nephew. He wasn't too surprised to see the Prince and his retinue waiting outside for them to leave, quickly waving away concerns about Prompto looking so exhausted by giving them his phone so they could see what Prompto had accomplished. ''Bring him over to my room, Cor.'' Whispered Noctis, trying to keep his voice down. Cor looked at the boy questionably, ''He naps there often enough and the bed is more comfortable there anyways.'' Gladio and Ignis smirked as they looked at their charge.

''You just want to be there when he wakes up.'' Teased Gladio. Noctis blushed, giving his Shield a hard glare accompanied with the slightest of pouts. Cor couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him, ''Very well then, I'm sure Prompto would enjoy it too. Try not to exhaust him too much when he does wake up. He's getting a party tonight to celebrate his first steps without help since the attack.'' The boys showed a downcast expression at the reminder of the incident before Ignis sighed and bowed to Cor. '' We'll take it from here then, I believe you are still very busy with the meetings about the fate of the Kingsglaive.'' Cor groaned, ''Don't remind me Ignis, your Uncle is already riding my ass to give him everything we find the moment we do.''

Noct giggled as Gladio grinned; Ignis looking faintly disapproving at the language the Marshall was using in front of the Crown Prince. Cor shook his head, '' You've all heard worst before and I know it so don't give me that look Ignis. Swearing is warranted in this situation.'' With that the soldier handed control of the wheelchair to Gladio as he waved his goodbye to head back to his office and the endless amount of work he had waiting for him.

The boys didn't wait to move Prompto to Noctis' room, Gladio carefully taking the sleeping blond from the wheelchair and transferring him into the fluffy bed. They all made themselves comfortable in or around the bed, playing games and chatting in a low voice about what to do when Prompto woke up. ''Maybe Ignis could cook something for him? He always loves it when you do.'' Proposed Noctis, brushing light fingers through the soft blond hair as he did.

Ignis thought about it, '' I suppose it can be done without too much trouble. What would you suggest I make?'' Gladio grinned, ''Cup noodles perhaps?'' Ignis glared at the larger boy, hand reaching out to pick up a loose pillow and throwing it at Gladio. Gladio gave a laugh as the pillow hit him squarely, simply picking it back up and tossing it back. Noctis giggled at the display that was becoming increasingly common since their emotional talk a while ago. ''Not a chance. Its hardly nutritious nor wise considering Prompto ongoing fight to lose weight in a healthy and safe manner.''

The talk continued, Noctis and Gladio quietly giving Ignis suggestions on what to cook for their friend until Prompto started waking up. ''Hey Prom, how are you feeling?'' Asked Noctis, fingers still moving through Prompto's hair gently when the bright blue eyes opened up. ''Hey Noct,'' A yawn escaping Prompto as he slowly woke up, warm and comfortable surrounded by his friends, ''Tired.'' Gladio chuckled, moving to help Prompto sit up while Ignis reached around to arrange the pillows comfortably behind Prompto's back. Ignis gave the younger boy a soft smile, '' That is no surprise considering what you accomplished today.'' Prompto looked confused for a few seconds, mind addled by sleep before a wide beaming smile emerged and he grabbed Noctis in excitement. '' I did it! I walked by myself!'' He exclaimed, happiness pouring from Prompto. Gladio grinned, leaning back, ''So we saw, the Marshall filmed it and showed us. About time!'' Noctis and Ignis both shot the Shield a glare, making Gladio hurridly add, '' I mean it in a good way!'' Prompto nodded and gave Gladio a reassuring smile, '' I know!''

Noct turned back to his excited friend, ''So we were thinking… Why not celebrate? Cor said your parents were planning something for you later but we can have our own celebration before you go right?'' Prompto's smile got even bigger, '' That would be awesome Noct! Thank you!'' He pulled the prince into a hug, offering the other two a smile in thanks. Ignis had to look away, a straight thought making him blush at Prompto's adorable smile, Gladio looking similarly flustered by the smile as he rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.

'' Noctis proposed that I cook something for you as celebration, is there anything in particular you'd like me to make?'' Ignis finally asked. Prompto thought about it a bit before answering , '' How about fruit parfait?'' Ignis nodded, mentally going through what was in the royal kitchen and what he would have to go pick up from the Citadel's kitchen. ''That is doable. It will take me about half an hour to gather everything I need to make them. So why don't you take the time to go wash up?'' Gladio nodded and offered, '' I'll help you clean your hair if you want. Consider it my congratulations.'' Noctis looked between the two, not sure if he should also offer his friend something.

Prompto picked up on Noct's hesitation as he always did and squeezed his hand, '' Id appreciate the help Gladio. Noct do you mind keeping me company?'' Noctis nodded, ''If that what you want…'' Agreed Noctis. With the plans finalised, Ignis got up and started heading out to find the few ingredients he would need to make the best fruit parfaits that Promto had ever eaten before while Gladio and Noctis helped Prompto to slip into the royal and rather huge bath tub. After moment of hesitation, Noctis slipped in as well. The bath was large enough that both boys had plenty of space and with the added bubbles Gladio insisted in adding to the water, Noctis felt comfortable taking advantage of the warm waters and relaxing atmosphere. Gladio used the detachable shower head to rinse and carefully wash Prompto's hair, keeping his amazement at how soft the hair was to himself while he carefully massaged Prompto's scalp. Prompto groaned in pleasure at the sensation, letting the teasing between Gladio and Noctis help him relax into the warm water, trusting both of them to keep him safe no matter what.

Ignis returned exactly half an hour later, bearing a tray with four crystal cups, each of them filled with their own version of a fruit parfait, waiting to be eaten. While Gladio helped Prompto get out of the bath and get dry, Ignis prepared several fruity drinks that would complement the parfaits without clashing with the taste. Prompto was given the first choice of any of the four parfaits, causing the blond to debate with Noctis which one of them he should pick before settling on a strawberry, banana and orange mix with light vanilla yogurt with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Prompto moaned as he took the first bite, the savors exploding in his mouth. '' Ignis! This is the best thing I've ever eaten before! You should just quit as Noct's adviser and become a chef!'' Prompto complimented as he practically devoured the celebratory snack. Noctis chuckled at his enthusiasm as he picked his own parfaits and took his bite soon followed by Gladio with Ignis taking the last one for himself. ''Impossible Prompto, while I appreciate the compliment it would be impossible for me to leave his highness alone. Someone has to keep him from getting into too much trouble.'' Noctis gave a half moan of annoyance while Gladio laughed, '' I don't think the Prince could survive a week without Ignis by his side.'' Prompto joined the laughter as he looked around to his friends. This felt amazing, he felt at home here surrounded by Noctis, Ignis and Gladio joking around and teasing each other. A quiet determination filled him, no matter what he wouldn't allow anyone to come between them. They were friends for life, his friends!