Vanitas wakes to a world of gentle darkness. He’s in some unknown room, and there is a clock ticking away nearby. He’s on a soft bed, one much larger than he’s ever slept on before, and there is an arrangement of stuffed animals lying across the many pillows surrounding his head. He’s also not wearing the outfit he fell asleep in, and it seems as if his bandages have suspiciously been changed.
His blue eyes naturally adjust to the dark, taking in the room he’s found himself in.
It’s clearly designed for a child. There is a crib against the far wall with various children’s décor, books and toys scattered around in a tasteful way, all of which appear untouched. He sits up, taking in the further details of the colorful toy chests, rugs and curtains, and the child sized table, chairs and playpen.
Vanitas’s brain slowly catches up that he must be in that room that had been closed off earlier.
So it’s a nursery.
But Noctis isn’t a parent? At least, that’s what Prompto had implied earlier. So then, why would this room exist adjacent to the King’s?
Unless… it’s for Noctis’s future children?
Something about that notion causes Vanitas’s stomach to turn. He gets off the bed, suddenly wanting to be as far away from it as possible. There is a source of light shining from under a door to his left, and he approaches it, listening intently as his ears pick up quiet talking.
‘With Galahd?… Yea, I did see that letter.’
Vanitas recognizes the hushed tone as belonging to Noctis and he leans up, having to stand on the tips of his toes to reach the abnormally high doorknob and twist it open.
Noctis can be seen sitting at a desk on the other side of his spacious bedroom, wearing a casual night shirt and lounge pants. The King looks up upon hearing Vanitas enter the room but does not cease his phone conversation as the child curiously takes a look around. Vanitas had caught a glimpse of this room earlier in the day, but upon closer inspection, everything just looks so… luxurious. Expensive onyx black marble everywhere, with gold embroidered paintings, furniture and curtains. The bed itself looks like it could swallow Vanitas whole, and just standing on the carpet feels as if there’s a cloud under his feet.
This is truly a room fit for a King, but somehow it feels out of place for Noctis, whom Vanitas has always known to enjoy the simpler things in life.
‘Couldn’t sleep?’
It takes a second for Vanitas to realize that Noctis is talking to him, having apparently finished his phone conversation.
‘Just woke up.’ He yawns and goes over towards the bed.
It’s huge. Probably something larger than a King size, ironically, and so tall that he struggles to pull himself up onto it. Vanitas refuses to ask for help, though, and ignores Noctis who is watching him with a poorly concealed smirk. Once settled on the bed, Vanitas rolls atop the satin covers, spreading out like a starfish to selfishly take up as much room as possible.
‘Having fun there?’ Noctis asks.
‘Yup.’ Vanitas huffs.
Noctis chuckles as he gets up to approach the light switch over by the door. Vanitas watches him for a moment or two, before looking down at the new clothes he’s now wearing.
‘Why are there dinosaurs on this shirt?’ He absentmindedly asks as he picks at one of the embroidered green reptiles on his sleeve.
‘You’re the one who picked them out.’ Noctis says nonchalantly as he turns off the light, casting the room into a soft glow from only the lamp shining by the bed.
‘I did?’ The child raises a dark eyebrow.
‘You were out of it for a while there. Can’t say I’m surprised you don’t remember.’ Noctis says as he gets into bed. ‘I managed to get you to sit still long enough for me to change your bandages though.’ The King explains as he leans back against the plush headboard. ‘When I asked you to pick out some pajamas, those were the ones you landed on.’
Vanitas wants to make a quip, perhaps mutter with irritation about being stuck wearing something so childish, but a small detail is stuck at the forefront of his mind. A nagging feeling about that room he had woken up in.
‘Why do you have a whole nursery and closet of kids clothes just lying around?’ Vanitas’s tone is far more angered than he would have liked to show, but there’s no taking it back now that the question is out in the open.
Noctis looks at Vanitas with a raised dark eyebrow, then towards the open doorway to the nursery. He noticeably pauses, trying to put the pieces together regarding Vanitas’s sudden prickly tone. It wasn’t out of the ordinary for him to be sensitive and irritable to certain things, but it was clear this had not been one that Noctis was expecting.
‘That was my room when I was your age.’ Noctis eventually nods towards the nursery. ‘It more or less survived the war but the clothes and everything in it are new though.’
Vanitas rolls over and looks at him with interest.
‘Gonna have a kid soon?’
‘Nah.’ Noctis says instantly, shaking his head as Vanitas crawls up the bed to lazily flop down next to him. ‘All of the stuff in there are gifts from the council. But as much as they and probably most of Lucis would want me to, I’ve got more important priorities right now.’
‘Your people?’ Vanitas raises an eyebrow.
He always known that Noctis’s people are his top priority, but he can’t say he understood why. Other people are obstacles to Vanitas, some in more ways than others, and he doesn’t trust them easily. Noctis was always the opposite, willing to spend his time helping others with no strings attached. Whether it be shepherding them safely through a pack of daemons or just lending them an ear. That quality of Noctis always reminded him of Ventus, or Sora, but Vanitas has never felt that same need to help others.
No, there was too much risk of being stabbed in the back if he stuck his neck out too far. Xehanort taught him that, and it wasn’t so easily forgotten.
‘My people and… just living the time I have now to the fullest.’ Noctis admits with a sigh. ‘They don’t understand that feeling.’ The King frowns, his expression unreadable. ‘Of your life slipping away.’
‘It sucks.’ Vanitas frowns. ‘Specially when it’s not quick.’
Noctis looks at Vanitas, his eyes hard.
‘It’s cold.’ Noctis comments.
‘And nauseating.’ Vanitas hums in agreement.
‘Like you’re not tethered to anything anymore.’ Noctis muses.
‘Like you never even were in the first place.’ Vanitas nods, crossing his arms.
Noctis lets out a deep sigh.
‘Come here, Van.’ He holds a hand to Vanitas, coaxing the child closer.
Vanitas allows himself to be pulled into the hug without protest only now that the two of them are alone, away from prying eyes. In fact, Vanitas instantly relaxes into the embrace, letting himself relish the feeling again after over a decade. Noctis is the first person that Vanitas ever let hug him, back when he had been so lonely and touch starved that it felt like his skin was burning whenever anyone laid a hand on him, whether hostile or otherwise.
‘It hurts.’ Vanitas admitted.
That day had been hard. They’d gone on a hunt, but quickly realized they bit off more than they could chew. Vanitas had made a stand, and didn’t listen to the rest of the team when they wanted to regroup. He had been taught never to run from a fight, even if it meant losing his life, and that lesson was so ingrained in him by that point that he just couldn’t bring himself to turn tail.
In the end, they managed to defeat their foe, but Gladio had been rightfully pissed, and had yelled at Vanitas for not falling in line. Naturally, Noctis had defended Vanitas, and a screaming match had ensued, leaving all of them tense when they had returned to town. Prompto had taken Gladio away to pick up dinner and cool off, while Ignis had left to do some last-minute restocking of supplies nearby.
When it was just the two of them, Noctis had pulled Vanitas into a hug, leaving the teen frozen and unsure of how to respond.
‘What hurts?’ Noctis asked, not letting up.
‘You’re touching me.’ Vanitas had said, voice small.
‘I can stop.’ Noctis moved to let go. ‘Today sucked, and it seemed like you needed one.’
‘Don’t.’ Vanitas mumbled. ‘Stay.’
‘If it hurts, then why do you want me to stay?’ Noctis hummed.
‘Not that kind of hurt.’ Vanitas said. ‘All of you, you’re always touching me. Messing with my hair, my shoulders, or slapping my back.’ Vanitas grit his teeth. ‘It hurts because it’s new.’
‘Never been touched before?’ Noctis asked, daring to run a hand through Vanitas’s hair.
The teen trembled but didn’t pull away or respond further.
‘What do you feel right now?’ Noctis asked curiously.
‘I don’t know.’ Vanitas said. ‘It’s warm. Like burning, I guess?’
‘Unbearable?’ Noctis prodded.
‘No.’ Vanitas frowned.
‘Hugs are supposed to be comforting. Does it feel like that?’
‘Maybe.’ Vanitas admitted. ‘I’m still figuring it out.’
‘Well, until you figure it out, let me know if you ever want another one.’ Noctis squeezed him a bit tighter, and Vanitas slowly found himself relaxing. ‘Any time is fine.’
Noctis’s embrace feels the same now as it did during that day, and Vanitas listens to his heartbeat as the King lays down, the child’s much smaller body rising and falling with each breath.
‘I’m sorry you had to go through that, Van.’ Noctis sighs. ‘You shouldn’t have had to die.’
‘Same to you.’ He says after a moment or two. ‘Anyway, it’s over now.’
‘Yea but… not once but twice?’ Noctis struggles to find the words.
‘The second time was easier. Quicker.’ Vanitas shrugs, though his words do not bring any solace to Noctis.
‘Van, what happened after we last saw you?’ The King asks, tone serious.
‘That again?’ Vanitas huffs out a sigh. He feels like he’s told this story too many times now and honestly, he’d rather forget about all of it.
‘Yea.’ Noctis doesn’t budge, though.
Vanitas huffs out another sigh, before obliging and weaving the tale he had told Prompto yesterday, only this time with more detail. He spoke of how Xehanort forced Vanitas to fight Ventus, and how they both died as a result. Then later, how Vanitas was brought back to fight in another war, this time with a lot more at stake and even more bloodshed.
‘That one I wanted no part of at all.’ Vanitas shakes his head. ‘I tried to run, but it never really went anywhere.’ He hums bitterly. ‘I died in the graveyard where I was born. Then I remember drifting for a while, and the next thing I know I’m waking up here by that haven near Gualdin Guay.’
Noctis noticeably pauses, digesting all of this information. From his position, Vanitas can catch a glimpse of Noctis’ eyes, noting that they look absolutely murderous. The last time he’d seen Noctis make such a face was the day that Jared died, after he swore to Talcott that the Empire would pay for what they’ve done.
‘Is there any chance he would come back for you?’ Noctis asks, voice tight. ‘Any at all?’
Vanitas tilts his head, searching inward. Though he and Xehanort never had the best relationship, the tie that bound them together should still be there connecting their hearts. Keyblade wielders have an innate sense of heart and ability to sense the connections they form with other people. Some ties are obviously stronger than others, and ties are still formed whether the relationship is good or bad. To Vanitas’s knowledge, the only way to severe a tie between wielders is if one of them has died.
So, when Vanitas searches for his weak tie to Xehanort, the blank space that he finds there can only mean one thing.
‘No.’ Vanitas says with certainty.
‘You’re sure?’ Noctis pushes further.
‘Yea. He’s dead. I can feel it.’ Vanitas hums then points towards his eyes. ‘If you’re looking for proof, see here. My eyes used to be gold, remember? That was his color, but now it’s gone.’
Noctis looks at Vanitas for a few long moments before letting out a sigh, some of his malicious energy now quelled.
‘Good riddance then.’ Noctis huffs, causing Vanitas to hum with agreement.
‘Your turn.’ Vanitas prods the King next, poking his side. ‘Prompto told me bits and pieces, but what really happened?’
Noctis huffs out a sigh, much like Vanitas had earlier. The two of them never did enjoy talking about their pasts, something more that they share in common.
Either way, Noctis divulges what exactly had happened after Vanitas was taken from them; how they all searched for him as long as they could, before eventually having to move on.
‘Yea, Prompto said how you guys looked for me.’ Vanitas says, still in awe. He had hoped, of course, that they would care enough to look for him, but the darker part of himself mused that they simply wouldn’t care.
No one ever cared about him before. So why would they be any different?
It was nice to know he was wrong.
‘I never gave up looking for you.’ Noctis says earnestly, his expression complicated. ‘None of us did, but we were running out to time to get to Altissia.’ His brow pinches with bitter memories. ‘I wasn’t myself back then. There was way too much going on in my head. Iggy lost his eyesight. Gladio and I got into a fight, a pretty bad one, and Prompto was just trying to hold us all together.’ Noctis looks at Vanitas with a contemplative expression. ‘Looking back on it now, I’m kind of glad you weren’t there. I wouldn’t have wanted you to see all of us like that.’
Vanitas frowns as he tries to understand that notion, and is silent as Noctis continues.
‘Wasn’t long after that when Prompto got separated from us on the train ride to Niflheim. That whole thing is a story for another day.’ Noctis says with a sigh. ‘But then I found the crystal, and I guess you probably already know what happened from there.’
‘Yea…’ Vanitas scrunches his brow, trying to imagine what that must have been like. ‘Ten years in the crystal. How did that even happen?’
‘There was no warning.’ Noctis says, his eyes far away. ‘I called to the crystal, asking for help to stop the daemons, and then the next thing I know I was inside of it.’
‘Did the time go by fast at least?’ Vanitas asks curiously.
He’d spent his share of living in stasis as the world went by, but back then he wasn’t conscious of it.
‘Well, yea. But at the same time no.’ Noctis looks up at the ceiling, trying to think of how to explain it. ‘I saw all the memories of the world, and it helped me reflect to be better as the Chosen King. It must have taken ages to go through it all, but at the time it only felt like a few days.’ Noctis shrugs. ‘Then I was waking up to a world without sunlight and I reconnected with the guys. We fought our way to Ardyn, and I sacrificed myself to destroy his soul in the afterlife.’ Noctis pauses, more than likely remembering the feeling of back then; the feeling of dying. ‘Then… all of a sudden, I’m waking up and Prompto, Gladio and Ignis are all around me, screaming in my face. All of them were crying and laughing, and the sun was shining out overhead.’
‘They must have shit a literal brick when they saw that you survived.’ Vanitas smirks, trying to imagine the scene for himself.
‘Oh yea they did.’ Noctis chuckles, then looks at Vanitas with a smile. ‘Like we all did yesterday when we found out you survived too.’ He says, giving Vanitas a squeeze. ‘You wouldn’t believe our surprise when we got the call from Monica and Talcott.’
‘Thanks for not screaming in my face at least.’ Vanitas says sarcastically.
‘There’s still time.’ Noctis teases.
‘If you do, don’t blame me for what happens.’ Vanitas unveils a weak threat that he knows holds no weight, but Noctis still laughs all the same.
‘Noted.’ Noctis hums before he catches a glimpse of the clock on the wall. ‘Anyway, we should probably get some rest. It’s late.’
‘If you say anything about it being past my bedtime, I’ll murder you.’ Vanitas glares, this time the threat more genuine.
‘Wouldn’t dream of it.’ Noctis says, letting Vanitas go in favor of leaning over to turn off the lamp by the bed.
‘You stayin in here or going back?’ He asks, his finger on the button to cast the room into darkness, waiting for the verdict.
Vanitas looks at the King then towards the nursery, making a face.
He doesn’t want to go back in there. It feels wrong somehow.
‘No way I’m going to let you have this huge bed all to yourself.’ He huffs instead.
‘Suit yourself then.’ Noctis hums before turning out the light.
In the darkness, Vanitas doesn’t bother being shy about pulling Noctis in for another embrace, letting out a content sigh as that ever-elusive feeling of safety overwhelms him. The one that only Noctis could ever bring to Vanitas back during those dark days when both of their worlds were crashing down around them.
The nostalgia has Vanitas falling asleep within moments.
The smell of sizzling bacon and scrambling eggs shuffles Vanitas’s brain awake the next morning. Once again, he is a bit startled as he does not recognize the place he’s woken up in, but his heart senses someone familiar nearby, and the anxious feeling in his half-awake brain is gone within moments.
Bleary blue eyes look across the bed, seeing the King still fast asleep. One thing about Noct is that he always sleeps like the dead, snoring away to all within earshot.
Some things never change.
Vanitas easily wiggles out from underneath the posh covers and hops off the bed. His actions are not exactly quiet, though it seems Noctis hasn’t been disturbed at all as Vanitas heads out into the hallway and turns towards the kitchen.
Unsurprisingly, Ignis is there making breakfast.
‘Good morning Vanitas. Sleep well?’ Ignis greets him. He seems not at all surprised that Vanitas had ended up sleeping alongside Noctis last night, as he merely steals a glance at the ajar door though speaks nothing of it.
‘Yup.’ Vanitas hums, stretching his arms out over his head. There’s no stiffness in his body at all, not even from his back where the wound still lingers. That bed had truly been heaven on Eos. ‘What about you? How’s your eyes?’
‘They’re fantastic.’ Ignis says earnestly. ‘I will admit, I had awoken this morning thinking it might have all been a dream, but truly, I can deny it no longer.’ He turns to Vanitas, placing a hand atop his small shoulder and crouching down so that they are eye to eye. ‘Vanitas, thank you. I don’t know how I could ever begin to repay you for your kindness.’
‘No need.’ Vanitas shrugs the hand off. Having someone thank him so earnestly causes something to stir in his chest, and he doesn’t like it one bit. ‘Honestly? Just give me Prompto’s portion of eggs and we’ll call it even.’ He grins mischievously, opting for humor to dispel the unease.
His words have the desired effect as Ignis laughs and shakes his head.
‘Consider it done.’
Gladio and Prompto show up not long after that, one of which who is shocked to learn his portion of eggs has been given away. Noctis wakes up after the inevitable squabble has ended, content to sleep in as late as Ignis would allow him.
Vanitas happily eats his stolen extra helping of breakfast, only half listening as Ignis goes over Noctis’s schedule for the day.
Ignis takes his job very seriously as both Noct’s advisor and tactician. Everything is always bullet pointed and scheduled well in advance. There’s not a stone unturned in Ignis’s world, and his efforts are plain to see from all involved.
From Vanitas’s perspective, though, Ignis’s job sounds rather boring.
Noctis’s day sounds much the same too.
Despite being a weekend, that urgent phone call Noctis had taken yesterday has really blown up, and their schedule is filled with nothing but a bunch of boring meetings and paperwork, so Vanitas will gladly stay out of their way.
Prompto at least holds more interesting schemes for the day as he mentions wanting to put in some extra work with the Crownsgaurd. Turns out that the Marshal, Cor Leonis, has been training Prompto as an apprentice to one day take over when he retires. This is news to Vanitas, and the boy can’t help but stare at Prompto with wonder when that little secret is divulged. Prompto, while very well experienced with firearms, has never struck Vanitas as a good fighter. Half of their encounters with daemons had Prompto either complaining or messing up in some way, and Vanitas could remember in vivid detail the times when Gladio chewed him out for another screw up mid battle.
Turns out that Prompto has grown up during their time apart, in more ways than one, and Vanitas would be lying if he said he wasn’t a little proud of him.
Not that anyone would hear him ever admit it, though.
In contrast, Gladio’s plans are much of the same as the bullet points Ignis has noted on the schedule transcript. As the King’s Shield, he goes wherever Noctis does. There are limits to be sure, as Vanitas would guess that Noctis would probably rip Gladio a new one if he tried to follow him into the bathroom. Either way, being tethered to one person day in and day out cannot be easy, especially since he’s the only one of their team that has a wife and kid to think about now.
Overall, Vanitas recognizes that they make up a formidable team to be sure when all put together, whether that be on the battlefield or otherwise. Their bond has only grown stronger and their teamwork more cohesive over the years that Vanitas has been away, too. In fact, they’re so enmeshed now that Vanitas is left wondering where the hell he fits in now that he’s been reborn.
That feeling isn’t exactly new though. It has always lingered in the back of his mind and it leaves a bitter taste in his mouth now as Prompto, Gladio and Ignis casually talk together while Noctis leaves the table to go get ready for the day.
This time, though, over a decade later, rather than dwell on that bitter feeling, Vanitas decides to figure out where exactly he fits into this new life on his own. That’s why the Astrals or whatever brought him back right? To pay some price in exchange for the chance to live here in Lucis again alongside the guys.
Might as well make the best of it while he can before it all inevitably comes crashing down.
He’s never been in Insomnia before, either, and has only heard high praise and stories about it in the past. Would probably be worth his while to take a good look around and try to find some direction about what he should be doing from here on out.
‘Where you goin, shorty?’ Gladio asks while noticing Vanitas come out of the bathroom and make a beeline for his shoes. The child is now sporting his freshly cleaned clothes that Ignis had washed and dried the night prior.
‘Out.’ Vanitas says with a shrug as he laces up his shoes, trying not to get frustrated by his ever-annoying lack of fine motor skills.
‘What do you mean, ‘out’?’ Prompto asks incredulously. He and Gladio are still sitting at the table, both of them finishing up their coffee and watching as Vanitas completes his battle with the shoelaces.
‘Out.’ Vanitas repeats, turning to look at Prompto like he’s an idiot. ‘To see the city.’
‘You cannot mean to go on your own? Certainly not while you’re still recovering from an injury.’ Ignis says while cleaning up the last remnants of their breakfast.
His question is not a question, Ignis’s telltale way of scoldings.
‘What’s the problem?’ Vanitas asks, reaching up on his tip toes to pull at the handle to the front door. It doesn’t budge, though, so he jumps and pulls the handle down harder, quickly growing frustrated when the door remains shut. ‘You’ve all got your own boring stuff to do anyway.’
‘Vanitas, you’re four years old. You’re not going out into the city on your own.’ Noctis says while exiting his bedroom, now wearing a black pin stripe suit and tie.
‘Says who?’ Vanitas scoffs, not looking at the King and instead focusing on the annoyance of the locked door, which is made doubly annoying by the fact that he can’t summon his keyblade.
‘I do.’ Noctis’s tone of finality causes Vanitas to pause and look at him.
Noctis is gazing at Vanitas with a raised brow and a tilt of his head, daring the child to refute him. The angle of the sunlight streaming in from the window causes the silver antler of his crown to glisten, and Vanitas looks at it for maybe half a second before saying his next words.
‘You’re not the boss of me.’ The words leave his mouth before he truly comprehends them.
The words are a reflex. Merely a resistance front built up from years of having no freedom to call his own. Even so, this is Noctis he’s talking to, not Xehanort or any of his cutthroat lackeys, and Vanitas does end up feeling something like regret settle in his heart as Noctis looks at Vanitas with a dumbfounded expression.
The whole room is silent for a few moments, no one saying a word, before the sound of Prompto’s snickering can be heard from over by the table. Vanitas has had his fair share of prickly battles with all of them before but never with Noctis. This is the first time that the two of them have had any form of spat before and it shows as Noctis clearly has no idea what to say in response.
‘If I’m not then I’d like to know who is.’ Noctis eventually counters after a moment to collect himself. ‘You’re on Lucian soil, kid, in the Citadel no less.’
‘So? Still not a Lucian citizen.’ Vanitas shrugs, his words a mumble but audible nonetheless as he turns back to that accursed door.
Something in Vanitas’s rebuttal has Noctis noticeably frowning, and Gladio takes this opportunity to step in.
‘I’ll take shorty out for a while.’ He volunteers, going over to Vanitas and ruffling his hair. He doesn’t react when Vanitas predictably swats his large hand away. ‘Iggy, you said he needs some new clothes anyway, yea?’
‘Yes, among other things.’ Ignis answers easily, producing a pen pad from his inner coat pocket. ‘If you could venture to the farmer’s market, that would be most helpful. Give Vanitas a chance to pick out a few things.’ He hums, scribbling a quick list. ‘Seems his palette has changed since last we saw him.’
Vanitas makes a face in response, still incredibly bitter about his sudden distaste for coffee among other things.
‘Either me or Cor can cover for you. Today was supposed to be off the books anyway, so it’s no sweat.’ Prompto offers just as easily, causing Gladio to hum as Ignis forks over the list.
No one makes a move, though, not until Noctis gives his approval. The King admittedly doesn’t look happy with this arrangement, appearing to still be chewing over Vanitas’s words as his retinue turns to him. Noctis is instead looking at Vanitas, who isn’t returning his gaze and is instead glaring towards the door with wanting.
‘… Just be back before sundown.’
The air in Lucis is humid and hot as Gladio pushes open the door of the Citadel. They’d avoided the front door entirely per Gladio’s insistence and have headed out of the building into the secret side entrance that Prompto had driven them into yesterday.
‘We taking a car?’ Vanitas asks as they go down the stairs, noticing that the car from yesterday has been moved and now there are two normal looking cars parked there in its place.
‘Nah.’ Gladio says, leading Vanitas around the fountain and down a gravel path past some shrubs and statues. At the end of the path, Vanitas can spot a secret gate leading out into the city streets. ‘Still can’t drive.’
‘Seriously never learned?’ Vanitas raises a dark eyebrow. ‘It’s literally been over a decade.’
Gladio only snorts in explanation as they pass through the gate. It’s guarded by another member of the Crownsguard, who says nothing but does nod respectfully to Gladio as they pass and head through onto the streets.
‘So you got your wish. Where to first?’ The Shield asks as the hidden gate is closed discreetly behind them.
Gladio has thankfully changed into regular street clothes, so they don’t stick out like sore thumbs as Vanitas takes in the view of the pristine upper-class section of the city. Trees fill every corner, some old and beaten up with scratches or burns, while others are just saplings still growing in their new homes. Blue and gold banners hang from all the signposts, and colorful advertisements flash on display in every storefront window. There are people walking about in all directions, minding their own business as Gladio and Vanitas watch on. Vanitas’s ears pick up on snippets of conversations from the people around them, as well as the honking of cars, dogs barking, endless footsteps, and the sound of ambient music playing from somewhere unknown.
‘Um…’ Vanitas hesitates, struggling to take in all the stimuli his senses are picking up.
He’s never been around so many people before in his life. As Xehanort’s apprentice, he spent his first four years isolated in The Keyblade Graveyard, nothing but wind and sand as his constant companions. The old man would only come around whenever he saw fit, and would leave Vanitas alone for days, sometimes weeks at a time. When he was finally let out to cause havoc among the worlds, there hadn’t been any time to socialize. It wasn’t until he’d met Nocits and the others that he learned how to coexist with people, and even then, there was rarely anyone else around outside of their circle. Lucis’s most populated areas were shelters and rest stops, and even the more crowded places like Lestallum had nothing on this place.
It was dizzying to think that this was only a fraction of the population, too. Only the remaining few that survived the Endless Night. To think that this city was once even more populated has an anxious feeling forming in his gut.
Gladio hums from next to him, watching Vanitas struggle to not be overwhelmed.
‘Well, come on, I know a place you’d like.’
The two of them spend the morning and early afternoon divulging in a whirlwind of new experiences for Vanitas. Gladio had taken him to a place called a museum, where there were lots of paintings and exhibits surrounding the history of Lucis. Turns out that most of the things on display there had either been salvaged from the wreckage of Insomnia or remade entirely.
‘That’s the thing that’s on all the banners outside.’ Vanitas had pointed out one of the exhibits, a work of art made of metal in the shape of a skull with billowing bird feathers.
‘That’s the Lucian symbol.’ Gladio nodded to it with pride. ‘You’ll be seeing it a lot more, especially here in Insomnia.’
‘How come I never saw it back then?’ Vanitas tilted his head.
‘You probably just never noticed it.’ Gladio explained. ‘Besides, we were in the middle of a war. There wasn’t exactly a lot of Lucian pride to go around once Insomnia fell.’
‘Right.’ Vanitas frowned, furrowing his brow to try and understand.
What was it even like to have a heritage like that? To have a community to be proud of?
He had no idea.
After the museum, Vanitas noticed the Lucian symbol a lot more now that he was specifically looking for it. It was carved onto the signs in the park they visited, printed on the gil Gladio had forked over to feed the ducks, and even plastered on the boat they took out for a joyride on the city lake. That symbol was also especially prominent on the different statues that commemorated Noct’s ancestors. Gladio and Vanitas only had time to stop and look at a handful of them, but Vanitas was surprised to learn that there is well over a hundred of them sprinkled across Insomnia.
‘Noct’s gonna have one of those someday too, right?’ Vanitas asked while looking up at the statue of the founder King of Lucis.
‘Sure will. Every King or Queen gets one.’ Gladio gruffed. ‘Won’t be for a long time though.’
Vanitas looked at Gladio, taking in how the Shield has his eyes far away, his face hard.
‘Here’s hoping.’
Quite a few times on their trip around Insomnia, the pair passed by a playground. Gladio asked when they saw the first one if Vanitas wanted to check it out, but after Vanitas adamantly refused, he didn’t bother asking again. Vanitas would barely glance at the children his age having fun under the pleasantly warm sun, feeling no desire to join them. It was already humiliating enough being stuck in this child’s body. He didn’t need to degrade himself further by acting like one too.
He tried to ignore Gladio’s stare whenever they passed one by.
Instead, they ventured to pick up new clothes per Ignis’s instruction. The task seemed simple enough, but Vanitas has never been one to have his own style. He’s always lived with the clothes he was born with, and has never been allowed the privilege to choose any of his own before. When meeting the guys, he merely copied their style. It was too overwhelming to think that he had any other choice.
Today feels the same way, as Vanitas picks out the literal first things he see with a dark color palette, unwilling the open up that mental bag of worms right now.
Gladio only gave him another sideways glance, though said nothing at all.
By the time they made it to the farmer’s market, Vanitas was dead on his feet. They’d stopped to have lunch earlier, but even that wasn’t helping as his legs felt like they could give out at any moment. He was barely any help at all when Gladio reminded him that Iggy was waiting to hear back on his food and snack preferences.
In the end, there was too much hemming and hawing for Gladio, and the Shield decides to cut their time short for now.
‘Alright, if you’re gonna be a zombie we might as well head back.’ Gladio gathers up the very few items that Vanitas had picked out and turns towards the checkout lanes.
‘You lose your sense of time? It’s not sundown yet. Not even close.’ Vanitas protests, looking at a clock on the wall that reads barely 1 in the afternoon.
‘No, but you look like you need a nap real bad, kid.’ Gladio says, not bothering to look at the child behind him as he puts their stuff on the conveyor belt.
‘No I don’t.’ Vanitas protests further, all previous tiredness gone in favor of irritation.
His objections ultimately go unheard, however, as Gladio is unable to be swayed, and they eventually end up back at the Citadel.
‘Quit your whining. We’ll go back out after you get some rest.’ Gladio assures as they enter back through the way they came. Though instead of heading towards the middle of the building, where the throne and the royal suite are located, they enter a hall leading to one of the side towers.
‘Where are we even going?’ Vanitas grumbles as they head into an elevator.
‘Thought you might want some company for your nap.’ Gladio shrugs.
‘I’m not going to nap.’ Vanitas protests again, spitting out the word. Even so, he’s unable to stop himself as his eyes droop, and he rubs at them with a frustrated frown.
This is so humiliating. He’s never had his body betray him like this before, and Vanitas is agitated and frustrated and angered and beyond done with all of this.
Gladio only casts a glance at him and snorts knowingly as they exit the elevator and enter what looks like a residential area. The hallway in front of them ascends into a spiral stairway, centering around an indoor courtyard full of a multitude of colorful trees and flowers. Along the spiral are numbered doors, some having welcoming wreaths, signs or baskets hanging from them.
Gladio stops at one such door. The twinkling bell attached to the wreath of daffodils jingles as he unlocks it, letting himself in with Vanitas begrudgingly trailing along behind.
‘Jaida! Poppy!’ Gladio calls out as Vanitas takes a look around with a raised dark eyebrow.
The apartment they’ve entered is clearly upper class, though overall is far less fancy than the royal suite. There’s something distinctly different in the atmosphere here, though. There are dishes in the sink, shoes strewn about the entrance, various knick knacks lining the shelves, and pictures up on the walls. There’s toys on the floor, colorful blankets askew on the sofa, and the smell of something sweet wafting from the kitchen.
This place is clearly loved and lived in, a stark contrast to the almost clinical pristine presentation of the royal suite.
‘Gladio, I wasn’t expecting you back so soon.’ A woman comes out from the kitchen. She has shoulder length brown hair and a charming smile as she looks from Gladio then down to Vanitas. ‘Oh hello, you must be Vanitas.’
‘How do you know my name?’ Vanitas asks defensively, crossing his arms.
‘Gladio told me that you two went out on the town for the day.’ She simply says, seemingly unbothered by Vanitas’s suspicious glare.
‘We just came back for a rest.’ Gladio explains, giving his wife a kiss on the cheek and pointedly ignoring the face Vanitas makes in response to such an affectionate display. ‘Shorty here looked like he needed a nap big time.’
That comment has Vanitas immediately turning to him with a glare.
‘For the last time…’ Vanitas starts, though it dies in his throat as the sound of running footsteps come from down the hall.
‘Daddy!’ A little girl cries, running towards Gladio. She can’t be more than three years old, and she’s got brown hair just like her parents that’s styled into cute pigtails.
‘Hey Poppy.’ Gladio scoops her up as Vanitas watches with interest.
This is the first time he’s ever seen Gladio with his guard completely down. He looks so relaxed and suddenly about ten years younger in the presence of his wife and daughter.
‘A nap would be perfect.’ Jaida says, watching the two of them fondly as Poppy squeezes him in a hug. ‘Poppy’s just finished her lunch so she’ll be down soon no doubt.’
‘Figured.’ Gladio hums and puts his daughter down, who just now catches sight of Vanitas.
The little girl immediately goes over to him and waves.
Vanitas takes a step back, looking at her with caution.
‘Poppy, this is Vanitas.’ Gladio introduces them.
‘Hi! I’m Poppy!’ She says with a smile, appearing proud of introducing herself all on her own.
Vanitas is ultimately unimpressed, however.
‘Good for you.’ Vanitas huffs, showing disinterest.
Poppy doesn’t seem to mind, though, as she giggles and launches towards Vanitas, pulling him into a hug.
‘Get off!’ Vanitas protests, pushing her away.
‘Aw, that’s so adorable.’ Vanitas can hear Jaida coo, along with the snapping sound of a phone camera.
‘Hey! Delete that.’ Vanitas growls at Gladio, who has a massive grin on his face.
‘No way. I’m sending it to the guys right now.’ Gladio teases.
‘Don’t you dare!’ Vanitas snarls.
He is ultimately saved, though, as a timer goes off in the kitchen, causing Poppy to let go of him and turn towards her mother.
‘Cookies?’
‘Yup! They should be done cooling now.’ Jaida says, turning to head towards the kitchen. ‘C’mon, let’s get you and Vanitas a cookie before nap time.’
Vanitas glares after them, the notion of ‘a cookie before nap time’ further degrading his already low self-esteem.
Vanitas pointedly does not eat the offered cookie, but he does find himself cajoled into joining Poppy in the living room. There’s already a plethora of soft blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals laid there, waiting for them in an inviting heap.
Even so, Vanitas finds himself frozen as Poppy pulls lightly on his arm to join her on the floor.
‘Stop pulling me.’ He hisses.
‘But nap time.’ Poppy tilts her head, confused.
‘No.’ He replies firmly.
Gladio can be heard chuckling behind them from his spot on the couch. His phone is in his hand and there is the telltale snap of a camera sounding in the air.
‘And you. Stop taking pictures.’ Vanitas bites out. ‘Who are you? Prompto?’
Gladio doesn’t answer, and only snaps one more photo of Vanitas’s red face before putting his phone away as Jaida comes into the room.
‘Poppy, why don’t you show Vanitas how it’s done? Where’s your sleep bear?’ Jaida asks helpfully, carrying one last blanket to add to the heap on the floor. She grabs the remote and flips the television to some seemingly random show.
‘Oh yea!’ Poppy races off down the hall, before coming back with a teddy bear. She’s also holding a stuffed orange cat, whom she holds out to Vanitas.
‘What?’ Vanitas merely stares at it with disdain. Poppy doesn’t explain further, though, only thrusts the cat towards him and doesn’t let up until Vanitas takes it from her.
The sound of a drifting melody comes from the television as Poppy settles down into the nest of blankets and pillows to watch the show. Vanitas turns to the television as well, watching curiously as a smiling moon is talking to a bear. The program is obviously aimed towards children, and he looks away from it in favor of examining the cat with a raised brow.
‘I don’t get it.’ Vanitas turns towards Gladio in question, notably not moving to join Poppy on the floor.
‘It’s a cat, Van.’ Gladio says.
‘I know but why’d she give it to me?’ He shakes his head in confusion.
‘It’ll help you sleep.’ Gladio says as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
‘How?’ Vanitas asks, not understanding.
‘You’ve never had a stuffed animal before, Vanitas?’ Jaida asks.
He looks at her, hating the look of pity he sees there in her eyes.
‘No.’ He says bluntly.
‘You’re supposed to hug it.’ Gladio nods towards the cat. ‘It’s a comfort thing, especially for little kids.’
‘I’m not hugging this thing.’ Vanitas makes a face and drops it onto the ground.
‘You don’t have to, brat.’ Gladio huffs in amusement, settling back against the couch. ‘Just relax and sit down to watch the show with Poppy.’
Vanitas leers at Gladio, though reluctantly does as asked. The show on the screen is some program filled with smiling animals and moons, probably to help children fall asleep. As it progresses, the whole apartment slowly grows quiet, the adults lowering their voices down to whispers as nothing but the songs from the television fill the air. In no time at all, Poppy is fast asleep next to Vanitas on the floor, though Vanitas himself is struggling to stay awake as the episode comes to an end.
Once the television turns black, Gladio gets down onto the floor next to Vanitas, placing a hand on his shoulder.
‘Why are you fighting it? The doc said to let yourself rest, yea?’ Gladio asks quietly. It’s one of the few times that he has spoken to Vanitas so gently. The last time was when Gladio apologized to him for yelling after that hunt all those years ago. ‘Plus you got that injury, and you look like you’re about to keel over.’
‘I…’ Vanitas hesitates, looking towards the kitchen where Jaida had wandered off to earlier to put away the rest of the cookies. His entire body feels like lead, like he really is going to drop at any second, but he just can’t let himself relax.
He’s in an unfamiliar place, out in the open and completely exposed. He casts a glance to Poppy, wondering how in the world she can sleep like that. The only time he’s ever been able to sleep without being hidden is around the guys. With Prompto it had been easy to fall asleep, as the adrenaline of the day of his rebirth had swept him away. It was even easier still last night with Noctis nearby.
But now… now there are other people here besides Gladio. People he doesn’t know, and there are even more in the apartments nearby. What if one of them found him while he was trying to sleep?
He had learned real fast from living in the Graveyard that not everywhere is safe enough to be at your most vulnerable.
And right here, right now… he just simply didn’t feel safe.
So even though the blankets look warm and inviting, Vanitas looks away, noticing the crevice in between the couch and the bookshelf. It would probably be just big enough to wedge himself into.
A safe place to be protected on all sides.
With a sigh, Vanitas gives in to his fate and pulls a blanket or two with him over to the crevice. Gladio lets him go, watching with a frown and hard eyes as Vanitas places a blanket on the ground, before draping another one over the couch to curtain the entrance.
Neither of them says anything as Vanitas draws the blanket back and wedges himself inside, the arm of the couch forming a cushy roof overhead as his flanks and back are protected.
Vanitas lets out a sigh as the blanket closes off the entrance, feeling something within him relax as he’s completely hidden. After a few moments he hears Gladio slowly get up and resume his seat on the couch.
This shouldn’t be anything new. Vanitas has done this countless times, hiding away to sleep in between rocks, or in corners of hotel rooms.
Even so, Gladio sounds a bit choked as he places a hand on top of the arm rest, his next words almost a whisper.
‘I’m right here. I promise.’
It doesn’t take more than a few moments more for sleep to finally claim Vanitas.
It’s nearly 3 in the afternoon when Vanitas wakes and decides to escape from his hidden crevice. He and Gladio bid farewell to Jaida and Poppy, and continue their venture in the farmer’s market. By now there are less people around to drain Vanitas’s very limited social battery, and the rest of their shopping is done without further fuss.
Ignis is waiting for them when the duo arrive back to the royal suit. He immediately takes stock of the foods Vanitas had picked out at the market and is already hard at work preparing dinner when Prompto and Noctis arrive.
‘Man. You live like this every day, Noct?’ Prompto complains while shutting the door and stretching his arms and back. ‘Nothing but meetings, meetings, meetings! That was boring as hell.’
‘Welcome to my world.’ Noctis snorts, removing his jacket and heading towards his private study down the hall.
‘There are a few documents that need your signature, Noct.’ Ignis calls after him. ‘I left them on your desk.’
‘Why am I not surprised?’ Noctis sighs.
Vanitas can’t help but snort at their exchange from his spot on the couch.
‘And what are you laughing about?’ Prompto teases. ‘You know, some of us don’t get to just sleep the day away.’
‘I didn’t sleep the day away.’ Vanitas protests.
‘The pictures beg to differ.’ Ignis hums while setting the table.
Immediately Vanitas turns on Gladio, who is just returning from the restroom.
‘What?’ He seethes. ‘You told me you didn’t send them.’
‘I said I didn’t send ALL of them.’ Gladio says, looking guiltless.
‘The one with you and Poppy was adorable!’ Prompto coos, pulling out his phone. ‘Oh, and this one too with you feeding the ducks!’
‘Certainly a keeper.’ Ignis concurs.
‘I hate you all.’ Vanitas hisses before promptly leaving the room to get away from Gladio’s boisterous laughter.
‘Tell Noct it should not be but a few minutes more.’ Ignis calls after him, already knowing Vanitas’s next actions seemingly before he himself does.
Vanitas only sticks his tongue out at Ignis like a brat and instinctively finds his feet leading him into the study. He finds Noctis sitting there at his desk, reading over a document. The King himself doesn’t seem all that surprised by the child’s unprompted visit, and doesn’t even bother looking up.
Vanitas always had a tendency to follow after Noctis like a little duckling, and that much hasn’t changed at all.
‘What are you reading?’ Vanitas asks curiously, circling around the desk to catch a glimpse of the paper in Noctis’s hands.
‘Budget paperwork.’ Noctis sighs, handing the paper to Vanitas. ‘You can take over if you want.’
Vanitas raises an eyebrow, looking over the confusing spreadsheet of numbers for maybe half a second before wrinkling his nose and promptly handing it back.
‘Yea no thanks.’
‘Didn’t think so.’ Noctis chuckles and stands up.
Vanitas watches as the King removes his crown and moves to place it in a glass case on the bookshelf nearby. Something in him is entranced by the shiny silver antler and words leave Vanitas’s mouth before he even truly thinks about them.
‘Can I see?’
Noctis, pauses, turning to him, before shrugging.
‘Sure.’
Vanitas had been told about the crown before, both back then and earlier today when he and Gladio saw a replica of it in the museum. The real crown had been found with King Regis’s body once the dust had settled over Insomnia’s attack. Cor and the rest of the Crownsguard had taken possession of it during the Endless Night, and had returned it to Noctis upon the First Dawn.
Knowing that Noctis would trust him near something so precious has a strange, warm feeling filling Vanitas’s chest as Noctis crouches down to show him the crown.
Xehanort would never trust him with something like this. All of his possessions, including food and water, were always kept far out of Vanitas’s reach. As if his master thought of him as unworthy, or perhaps a monster that would destroy anything his hands could touch.
Vanitas supposes he couldn’t blame Xehanort for that line of thinking.
‘How does it stay in place?’ Vanitas raises an eyebrow, looking over the crown with interest but not daring to touch it.
‘It’s an ear cuff.’ Noct explains, ‘It just hooks onto your ear.’
‘Hm…’ Vanitas scrunches his eyebrows, pondering the weird looking crown. The only other crown he’s seen was atop that mouse queen’s head in Disney Town, and it was nothing like the one in front of him now. ‘Is it heavy?’
‘Nah.’ Noctis says, then moves closer. ‘Here, try it on for yourself.’
Vanitas steps back before Noctis can move any closer.
‘Why?’ He asks, hesitation clear on his face as he looks from Noctis then towards the crown.
He had asked to see it, not to wear it.
‘Why not?’ Noctis counters, and it’s then that Vanitas realizes that he’s wearing the same face as this morning. As if Noctis is unhappy with the distance still between the two of them that Vanitas continues to bring up.
Vanitas lets out a breath and decides not to protest further as Noctis adjusts the crown onto his ear. It must look comically large on his child stature, but if it ends up looking weird, Noctis doesn’t comment and instead smiles upon looking at Vanitas.
‘Suits you, kid.’
‘Yea right.’ Vanitas says, rolling his eyes. Though something in him does feel a little different with it on. The weight surprisingly is not too bad, either, and the crown is light enough to not be cumbersome.
If he was older, it probably wouldn’t weigh anything at all.
That thought brings a bitter taste to his mouth.
‘Guys, c’mon I’m hungry and -… O. M. G.’ Prompto catches both of their attention from the doorway, his eyes locked on the preschooler. ‘Don’t move. That’s so adorable, let me grab my camera!’ He shouts before quickly leaving the room.
‘What’s adorable?’ Gladio can be heard asking before he enters the study as well. ‘Wow, found a replacement already? That was quick.’
‘What can I say? Passed the interview with flying colors.’ Noctis teases while standing up.
Prompto races back into the study then, with Ignis hot on his heels.
‘What mischief are you all conducting now?’ Ignis scolds, though grows quiet as he lays eyes on Vanitas.
‘Look this way, Vani.’ Prompto signals, adjusting his camera. ‘Smile!’
‘Do I have to?’ Vanitas grimaces, hating the thought of getting his picture taken right now in front of everyone. He turns his head away, as if hiding the crown from view.
‘Aw c’mon don’t be like that, dude!’ Prompto whines. ‘Please? For me?’
‘I said no.’ Vanitas sneers. ‘I’ve had enough pictures today, remember?’
Amidst their squabbling, Noctis circles around out of the way of the camera’s view to join Ignis and Gladio near the door.
‘Bet you’re glad you have your sight back for this, huh?’ He lightly elbows Ignis.
‘Indeed. It would be a right shame to miss it.’ Ignis hums, watching Prompto and Vanitas bicker.
‘…You’re never gonna get that back, you know.’
Noctis does eventually get the crown back, and it’s safely tucked away in the study before their group settles in for dinner. Gladio had left to spend the night with his own family now that Vanitas is more or less settled in, but Ignis and Prompto were more keen to stay and hang out for a while.
‘So how’d your guys’ day really go?’ Vanitas asks over a round of cards. It’s been a long time since he’s played, and clearly his skills have grown rusty as Ignis serves him with a draw 2 card.
‘You heard ours. Meetings upon meetings, with more tomorrow.’ Noctis says begrudgingly, watching with bored interest as Prompto throws down a yellow card.
‘Not true.’ Ignis corrects him, a glass of iced tea settled in one hand and his cards in the other. The cards are notched, probably so that he could still play while blind, but the notches are proving to be useless now as he stares at his cards, calculating his next move after Noctis’s turn. ‘Tomorrow there is just the one meeting with the representatives from Galahd. The day after that is meetings upon meetings.’
‘Oh great, how could I forget.’ Noctis huffs and throws down a draw 4, causing Ignis to frown, his plans ruined. ‘Blue.’
‘Do you even like being King?’ Vanitas asks abruptly with a raised brow.
‘It pays the bills.’ Noctis shrugs, getting a snort from Prompto and a sighing breath from Ignis. ‘But in all seriousness yea, I do. It took a lot of time to get here, but it’s always what I’ve sought out to do.’
‘And you’re doing a fine job of it.’ Ignis praises.
‘Yea, like everybody loves you, Noct.’ Prompto agrees with a grin. ‘You could turn the whole world upside down and everyone would still think the sun shined out of your-‘
‘Prompto!’ Ignis suddenly cuts him off, causing everyone to startle. ‘Not in front of Vanitas.’
‘What?’ Prompto asks. ‘Why?’
‘Yea what the hell?’ Vanitas raises an eyebrow, his words gathering Ignis’s wrath.
‘I have been thinking that I would like to rectify this posthaste.’ Ignis scolds. ‘There is no reason for a child your age to either use or hear such language.’
‘Newsflash though, idiot, I’m not a child.’ Vanitas defends himself with a condescending tone.
So he swore a little bit sometimes, what’s the big deal?
‘Well, you know Iggy’s kinda right now that he says it.’ Prompto ponders, agreeing with Ignis for once. ‘You kinda are a kid now, Vani, and we should be setting a good example and all that right?’
‘Since when have you been the perfect role model?’ Noctis asks with a snort.
‘Since never.’ Prompto says. ‘But for Vani, I could be anything.’
‘Whatever.’ Vanitas rolls his eyes, deciding to change the subject and wanting to continue the game as he puts down a blue card. ‘How’d you make out today, Iggy?’
‘I conducted preparations for meetings, various paperwork and the like.’ Ignis says. ‘Quite a few individuals congratulated my newly restored vision, though.’
‘The rep from Old Lestallum seemed really interested in that.’ Noctis comments with a furrowed brow, something about that notion unsettling him. ‘Wouldn’t shut up about it in fact.’
‘It’s truly a marvel, though one I assured her could not be replicated.’ Ignis says with a hum. ‘Would not want to put Vanitas into an awkward position.’
‘Right.’ Noctis immediately agrees, causing Vanitas to tilt his head, not truly understanding their train of thought but deciding not to think anything of it for now.
Bonus Scene:
That night, once Prompto and Ignis have left and Vanitas is safely tucked away asleep in the master bedroom, Noctis receives a text from Gladio as he’s working on some papers in the study. It’s a picture of some blanket fort, and Noctis stares at it in bafflement while Gladio types his next message.
“Shorty’s fort. He wouldn’t sleep without it.”
Noctis’s brows pinch with understanding, and he sighs, looking towards the master bedroom.
“So he’s still doing that…”
“Yea.”
Back when they first met around 12 years ago, Vanitas did not sleep those first few nights unless it was in some secure crevice like the one shown in the picture. When pressed, he begrudgingly explained that it was safer that way, and that they all were crazy sleeping out in the open like that.
Slowly, eventually, they were able to convince Vanitas to join them in the tent or in hotel beds, but the damage was clear to all of them.
Vanitas’s mistrust of others ran deep, so deep that he felt the need to hide himself away while he slept just to feel safe. The realization nearly broke Prompto’s heart, and sent Gladio into a rage like no other. Ignis had responded in a more caring way, mothering Vanitas whenever the boy would allow it. But Noctis… he never forgot, and he never forgave. Hearing of Vanitas’s struggles was personal to him, for reasons he wasn’t sure of but didn’t doubt. He vowed to himself that Vanitas would never feel that way again… but he failed the day Vanitas was stolen from them.
Noctis hasn’t forgiven himself since.
That tinge of guilt settles in his chest now as he looks again at the hidden nook that Vanitas had made for himself, and thinks about the injury the child is still sporting.
Earlier in the night, they had a talk while the Noctis had touched up Vanitas’s bandages.
‘It doesn’t really matter to me, though.’ Vanitas said as he spat into the sink. ‘Whether I’m a Lucian citizen or not.’
‘I know, but it matters to me.’ Noctis said seriously while putting ointment and a large bandaid over the wound. It had closed up a lot in these past two days, and was barely the size of a marble now. The other one on Vanitas’s side was already gone. ‘You came back to Lucis to put down roots, right? You should be instated as an official citizen.’
‘I came back because I wanted to see you guys.’ Vanitas admitted while continuing to brush his teeth. ‘I didn’t think about anything else at the time.’
‘Then let me think about it instead.’ Noctis said. ‘I want you to feel like you belong here. That you’re safe with us.’
Vanitas had looked back at Noctis through the bathroom mirror, both of them silent for a few moments.
‘If you insist.’
Noctis did insist. This time around, no one would be taking Vanitas away from them.
He would make sure of it.
Dream Eater Allyphant Creations 
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