You thought Prompto didn't take much seriously. He laughed too easily, cracked jokes when things got tense and leaned into awkwardness like it was armor. He filled silences with chatter and gave everyone his brightest smiles like it cost him nothing.

You didn't think he noticed how you looked at him. Not really. But Prompto noticed everything.

He noticed the way you looked at him. At first, he pretended not to.

Because it was easier to keep things light, to toss a soda your way during camp breaks and pretend it wasn't because he remembered your favorite flavor. To ask you to pose with him in photos, like it was just for fun, not because he wanted you there framed beside him in his memory. Nope, not at all.

But it got harder to ignore. Like tonight.

It was late and everyone else had already turned in. You sat near the edge of camp. Trying to stay awake, maybe or maybe just trying not to fall apart.

Prompto walked over without thinking.

He didn't say anything. Just crouched beside you, hesitating then sat down, close enough that your shoulders nearly brushed.

"You look wiped." he said quietly, not joking this time.

When you didn't answer he offered a small smile, lopsided and real. "You know, I'm not great at, like... serious stuff. But I'm pretty good at staying. If that helps."

He looked nervous.

"Okay, that was cheesy," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "But... I meant it."

Then he held out his arm in an exaggerated gesture. "Shoulder's free if you want it. No pressure. Totally optional! Just..."

You leaned against him before he could finish. Prompto froze. Then melted, just a little.

"You're really gonna do it, huh? Steal my heart like that."

He just stayed, warm and steady heartbeat loud in his ears because he noticed.

And he always had.