Reunion at Hammerhead

[threevirtues]

Most of his communications with the guys over the past few years have been.... sporadic at best. At first because he was too young and then because what he was working on was just as important as anything that would have taken him out of Lestallum proper. He'd been close with Ignis, initially. Helping the older man learn to manage his disability, to regain his confidence in the kitchen and the field. Learning along side him from Cor and Dave and pretty much anyone that would teach him.

That he took to mechanics so well was a large part of where his focus shifted. Working with Cid, training and learning and figuring out how to better equip the scarce few vehicles they could to combat the Night. By the time he's gotten his truck fully kitted out and both Cid and Cor are confident that he can handle himself to make the trip from Lestallum to Hammerhead to deliver some supplies to Cindy... well... it's been years since he's seen any of them.

He's under the hood of the truck, a penlight in hand as he leans in to show Cindy how they'd altered the wiring to split off to both the headlights and the overhead rack in case of emergencies. "I'm hoping Ignis will let me go with him sometime so I can see how well it works in one of the caves too." The words are quiet, what with the hood and everything else in the way, bent over as he is, one perhaps surprisingly thick arm bracing himself against the hood, toes perched on the edge of the tire so he has enough height to access the area he's showing her.

"Well I'll be, you picked up Paw-paw's teachin real good didn' ya, Talcott?" Cindy's all good cheer and genuinely impressed as Tal looks up at her, a wide enough smile that is makes those hazel eyes squint a little. "Oh I tried my best, Miss Cindy."

Prompto's been doing the best he can manage day to day- or, more properly, night to...more night. He's mainly been sticking around Hammerhead, helping out, and in many cases leading groups of hunters that now use the rest stop station as a base. Really, Hammerhead is one of the last few bastions left against the Night.

Prompto hasn't heard much from Ignis or Gladio. Just the occasional correspondence from the former, and a fling here or there in Lestallum with the latter. Sometimes he really thinks those small moments of pleasure and levity with Gladio are what keeps him sane.

He's returning from a pretty successful hunt when he notices an unfamiliar vehicle at the garage. Not one of Cindy's usual customers. There's a man under the hood, while the lady herself watches him work.

Prompto does one hell of a double-take when he hears Cindy say a familiar name. He does an even wilder one when the guy under the hood pops back up. There's no way. He's broad, decently built, but those eyes are the same as he remembers from all those years ago.

"Tal?!"

If there was any doubt that this is the same boy the way he perks up at the sound of Prompto's voice, that wide genuine smile... they're all very familiar. Just from a young man now. One that, as he steps down off the tire and trots over towards Prompto the blond might be stunned to find is already taller than him.

"Hi Prompto!" All good cheer but the excitable exuberance of his childhood is tempered now by too many years of hard work, danger, and growing up far too quickly. There's a gentleness in his smile that speaks to growing up alongside Iris. But for all the boyishness still in his face he is just as broadly built as any hunter might be. Hell, there's even a darkened tint to his cheeks and length to his sideburns that mean he must actively be resisting growing a beard. It's nothing short of miraculous that he's been able to keep any of that youthful optimism and good nature through the hard years of The Night.

He hesitates for a moment but then reaches out to grasp Prompto's hand, giving it a solid shake whether the blond is prepared for it or not. "It's so good to see you again."

Holy crap- this boy- no, man, is the same boy he so eagerly taught photography back years and years ago. It feels like an entire lifetime, really, and it strikes him over and over just how long it's been seeing how much Talcott has filled out. He's still relatively young- there's a pang of sadness with the realization this bright boy had to grow up far too fast, with the world going the way it has.

"Jeez, buddy, it feels like forever since I saw you. You were like, this big!" He holds an arm up to indicate just about where Talcott stood compared to him when last they met. Prompto hasn't grown a damn inch himself. That ship sailed long ago. "Have you- y'know... Been ok? Well ok as it gets?"

Tal can't help a soft laugh at the gesture, though. Was he really that small? But of course he'd been scrawny as a kid, at that age where he was all limbs but hadn't quite hit his first growth spurt yet. Now he's nearly the same height as Ignis, easily taller than Prompto and that's just as much of a bizarre turn on things. Looking down on the blond who is so much older than him.

"Was I really?" A lopsided, half embarrassed sort of smile and he reaches up with one hand to adjust Cid's his hat.

The other question gets just as positive a response as seeing him in the first place, though. He nods, smile brightening as though they weren't in the middle of an apocalyptic event. "Yeah! I've been great. Cid and Ignis are finally letting me do supply runs solo." He can't help a bit of earnest pride at that, too. Arms crossing over his chest, standing up a little straighter.

It's impressive. There aren't many that would dare face The Night alone, fewer still that would do it consistently. But it seems it's not just physically that the boy has grown. Though, crossing his arms like that sure does emphasize how much of that he's been doing too.

"Yeah, man! Now I have to look up at you. Givin' me an exi-...Exit-stencil crisis here!" Prompto damn well knows the word for existential somewhere in that actually clever brain of his, but he's never been eloquent on the spot, let alone whilst being pummeled with so many emotions at once.

Talcott and he talked a lot- all the time, over the radio comms Prompto helped to set up to keep outcroppings of civilization connected. They worked closely to survey and transport refugees, supplies, and scout for imminent daemonic threats that needed putting down. They worked closely, but not physically closely. It feels like they last saw one another in a different lifetime, which isn't that far off the mark.

This boy really does shine so brightly in person despite everything. Prompto isn't entirely used to being on the receiving end of this.

"Solo runs?!" He's so impressed. Yup, not just grown in stature. "Wow, that training with Iggy must really be paying off huh? Never a peaceful moment on the roads."

Okay the word fumbling earns Prompto a bright smile and a laugh, something so different than the high, giddy laugh of the child he knew. It's more subdued, just a reflection of the quiet, observant man before him, a low chuckle that has him beaming, makes his nose wrinkle just a little. He's always smiled so broadly that it makes his eyes squint and now is no different, even if the sound that accompanies it sounds like it comes from another person entirely.

It's so nice to see Prompto again, actually see him, not just a voice on the radio. It's been nearly 6 years since the Night fell and he's been travelling with Ignis for the last year of it. So rarely in the same places, with Prompto staying near Hammerhead so much. "Nah, no peace but I'll have my baby and Cid and I have gotten her all rigged up." He reaches out to put a hand on Prompto's shoulder, stepping back and to one side as he gestures to the beast of a truck. Never mind the lights and whatever else Tal's going to show him the size of this thing alone is enough to take out some of the smaller daemons easily.

It's just a hand on his shoulder but the ease with which Talcott pulls him along speaks volumes to how that training has been going as well. So do the thick leather bands strapped around each thigh, half a dozen throwing knives in each one. A pair of blades at his waist not unlike the ones the Glaive carries. Another longer one in a sheath down his spine. Well... he's certainly adopted Ignis' love of knives.

"Everything up on the top rack, the headlights, it's all enhanced to mimic UV." He strokes a free hand down the side of the truck appreciatively. "There's another row on the tailgate and a spot up top too. Even got a tent set up against the cab with some supplies, a cot, stuff like that. It's all bolted down too so it won't interfere with the deliveries."

Prompto is, for lack of better words, momentarily stunned by that laugh. It is so decidedly Talcott by the boy's- or, young man's expression, but the sound speaks so many volumes alone. Mellow, grown up. Despite the world, still shining brightly. Were the sun around, Prompto thinks Talcott could give it a run for it's money.

Just when Prompto is regaining his mental footing, Talcott starts to lead him along by the shoulder. He's strong. Really strong. Prompto is used to being playfully roughed up by Gladio, so he certainly knows the feeling of strength like this.

This is a weird thought to have, isn't it? Or, no, no, definitely not. He is just admiring how the kid's grown, that's all! He won't make it weird, so help him-

Ah, the truck. Good, perfect, something to focus on. Prompto whistles low, strolling around the vehicle to check out Talcott and Cid's handiwork. Incredible, as always. "This really is one of a kind, huh," he brings a hand forward to pat the hood in admiration. "Careful, you're gonna have me just wanting to sit in these lights. Not the real deal sun-stuff, but damn close. Did you and Cid come up with the tech for this?"

The boy beams at Prompto once more, proudly patting the brace bar for the lighting rack on one side of the windshield. "Mm-hmm. Well, We modified Miss Cindy's design, of course, but she'll be able to make her little spot just as safe as Hammerhead. Ignis' already come out with me a couple times and we've been fine."

Then he waves to Prompto to follow him around to the back where he drops the tailgate and reaches up for a grab bar that may... actually be just a little too high for Prompto to reach. The blond doesn't have to test it though cause Tal's crouched on the tailgate, holding one arm out to help him up. "C'mon I wanna show you the radio set up I've got on her."

Pronpto really loves seeing Talcott so proud. For a moment, he's on the other end of giving praise to someone and perhaps realizing why it is nice for all parties involved!

Oh, Ignis...Prompto hasn't seen him in a long time. The mention of him a second time in the conversation finally hits him with a small pang. "So uh. Guess he's doin' ok right? You usually keep me pretty updated but I figured I'd ask this time. Bet he's real proud of you, Tal."

Theeeere's more of that existential crisis, needing a boost from Talcott. Prompto was helping him reach higher places by picking him up last time they were face to face. He just gawks somewhat cartoonishly for a few seconds before accepting the assist, easily scrambling up into the truck bed with that extra bit of height. "Alright, lemme see what my teaching led you to do, buddy! Time to put up!"

Oh it's more than just a little bit of height, Talcott easily heaves Prompto halfway onto the tailgate without even really moving. Once they're both up on the truck though he nods and heads to the back. The little tent set up he has is relatively large but not so much that Tal doesn't need to duck to get under the rolled up tent flap. Something Prompto... probably won't have to do, actually.

What he's got for his equipment is one of those massive steel toolboxes designed for pickup trucks but this one has been welded to the side of the truck. He's got a number of machines stored neatly inside, a bar built into it so the lid can open out like a small table, a workspace for when he needs to do repairs. But he can also use what would have once been the side of the toolbox for another table and he's quick to explain that he and Iggy have used it as a dining table when they've gone out. His bed is strapped to the back of the truck so it can be folded up most of the time and only let down when he needs it, not unlike a murphy bed.

In fact everything back here is a little modular and extremely space conscious. Even the little bench he folds out so they can both sit down. It's only then that he actually addresses the other part of what Prompto asked. "Ignis is fine. Better than, really. He finally took Gladio back, y'know? They've been together for a few months now and it's... you can really see the change in both of them."

"It's hard to be so far apart all the time but it's... good. They miss you though, y'know."

Prompto chooses to try and ignore the whole...Needing a significant boost up. Or how easy it seems for Talcott to lift him. Or the tent-flap. How Talcott is already this much taller and this strong at 17. Nope! Nope. Nope. No more existential crisis time.

There isn't time for that when he finally sees the frankly awesome base of operations Talcott has set up in the truck bed. He particularly ooohs-and-ahhs at any and all machinery within, knowing darn well that Talcott built some of them all on his own after Prompto's radio lessons. "Hooo-wee, this is awesome, Tal!!!! This was all by yourself? Okay, color me proud of ya." He shoots the boy a big, sunny grin, and gives him an enthusiastic pat on the shoulder before plopping down onto the bench.

The goofy grin goes a touch more soft, but keeps in place when Talcott brings up Ignis and Gladio.

"Finally back in action, huh. What a relief...I uh- wait. They mention me to ya or something?"

No way. Right? Either that or Talcott has become scary perceptive, which isn't out of the running.

"Okay Cid helped with the welding parts, I can do a lot but that one is not in my skillset." He flashes Prompto a grin, bright and mischievous. "Yet~"

There's a drawer built in under the cot and he pulls it open to hand Prompto a can of cola, unsealing a bag of pretzels to pass between them. He knows better than most that Prompto needs something to fidget with, especially during conversations that might turn stressful. Without some external thing he'll end up hurting himself.

Scary perceptive. Yeah that's a good way to explain it.

"Didn't need to." He's quick to answer, plucking out one pretzel and holding the bag out towards Prompto with a little shake. "But you came up, yeah. Gladio... he knows he screwed up with more than just Iggy. Now that he's finally got his other half back he's gonna have to work on everyone else. I was easy, as long as Iggy's happy so am I." Oh- hm. That is potentially saying a little more than he wanted to but he's hoping Prompto is gonna be focused enough on the Gladio parts of things to not focus on that.

"Both of them have been buried in the work without each other but... I'm working on getting them to find a little more balance now. Part of that means keeping in touch with everyone again."

Prompto has zero doubts Talcott will get the hang of welding easily. A bit of pride hits him again- the boy has always managed to do what he set his mind to. It reminds Prompto of simpler days, like when he taught this very same boy how to use a camera back at the Leville. He caught on crazy fast. "You know, I can't think of somethin' you can't do when you try, Tal."

Sorry, Talcott. He definitely caught something. That kind of as long as the people I love are happy attitude is one Prompto Argentum is intimately familiar with. However, despite himself, he merely wiggles his brows at Talcott in a silly, suggestive way before moving on. A definite note for him to hold onto...

"...Glad you've been there for them, Tal. I sure as heck haven't. Can't really say I'm blameless with how I avoided them so long. Long enough I didn't even know they got back together." He starts to fidget rather intensely at the tab atop the soda can with a sigh. "I uh. Don't even know where to start. Or that I'd be able to show my face, or, well, my presence again."

Just some good old Prompto style paralysis. Nothing new here! There's a tired look in those weathered blue eyes that speaks to more than worry, but to perspective. He has a little more than he would have years ago amongst self loathing and self-defeating. That doesn't make moving past it easy.

"You're not gonna take a no, though, are you?"

Despite his exhaustion, Prompto manages a small, genuine smile to Talcott.

That little bit of pride shows through in his voice and when Prompto praises him like that the casual interrogation sort of mood crumples. Hazel eyes all soft and hopeful, his smile becoming something startled and a little disbelieving. "Y-you think?" It's almost painful how much hope is in those two words. It's never mattered how much people compliment him when he's holding himself to standards he sets by some of the most amazing people in the world, even before half of it was swallowed up by scourge.

Their approval is always what mattered most.

That Prompto follows that so quickly with the little brow waggle about Ignis only makes his face explode in a dark flush and he ducks his head. In that moment he looks very much like what he is. A bashful teenager with a crush. Something he tries to hide behind adjusting his hat and taking a swig of soda.

"Gladio pushed everyone away, y'know." Maybe if he can keep the conversation on track Prompto won't tease him quite so mercilessly. It's always harder to keep his professional demeanor with Prompto. Maybe because he knows how similar they are in this, both just normal people surrounded by legends. The Chosen King, his Shield, his Advisor, The Immortal. It's enough to make anyone self-conscious.

Talcott leans in a little closer, still blushing but his smile taking on a conspiratorial slant as he bumps his shoulder against Prompto's. "C'mon. Who wouldn't be glad to see that face?"

Ah, that desperately hopeful tone. Sometimes Prompto feels like he's looking in a mirror in very specific ways with Talcott. This is one such time, a reversal of sorts, giving the blond perspective. Just like Prompto, Talcott hopes, begs to reach standards no one ought to put themselves to, all for being surrounded by extraordinary people. It gives him pause in his teasing- Tal might notice a shift, an added softness and understanding that flickers through Prompto's expression before returning to something a bit more goofy.

This is not even mentioning his need to unpack the fact that someone so remarkable, resilient, and smart as Talcott looks up to him and seems to like his approval. He's...him. The stiflingly normal school friend dragged on a road trip with awesome people. Tal's better off looking up to them and all they're capable of, Prompto thinks. The full extent of this particular struggle is for Later Prompto. He can't keep making this weird.

Oh ho- seems someone has feelings for Ignis! How could he blame the fellow? His grin grows as he plays along, only for his cheeks to get a little pink at the comment on his face, and doesn't fully realize it enough until he startles himself with feeling the heat that comes with blushing. Crap! Divert! Abandon! Run!!! He plays that off as best he can, placing a hand on his chest as he laughs in mock-dramatic-pride.

"Facts! I am, as they say, irresistible after all."

He's... okay Tal is 99% sure he's never made someone blush before??? Prompto is so stunningly pale, though, it's impossible not to notice. Something that has Talcott's expression brightening as well. He knows a lot of Prompto's playfulness is a mask, a way to hide himself. The occasions when Talcott gets to really make him smile, make that sunshine a little bit more real are something he cherishes. It's-

Astrals it's good to see it again after only hearing it for so long.

(Not that Prompto has ever been as good at controlling his voice as he is his expression, listening for it over the radio was more telling than seeing him in person.)

"Oh definitely~" He teases back, smile broad and eyes gone all squinty with how hard he's smiling. "People say the hunters work out of Hammerhead because of Miss Cindy, her lights. But I think we all know the real draw~"

And then his smile softens a little, hand reaching out to rest lightly on Prompto's arm. Equal parts reassuring and anchoring so the blond doesn't try to flee with the compliment. "Our own little piece of sunshine."

Possibly most damning is that... he means it. Talcott always means what he says. For as good at reading people as he is he can't lie to save his life (or his Grandpa's life for that matter). He's learned, over the years. Oh he's learned very much how to sidestep things, how to word things so he doesn't have to lie. But if he's said the words then they are meant with every fiber of his being. And in this it's clear in the softness of those hazel eyes as well. Prompto is the sunshine they have left and it's very possible Hammerhead wouldn't still be here without him.

Talcott really does have an amazing smile, Prompto thinks to himself, completely derailing his plans to keep it not-weird. Hard to, being this close, this happy to see him, and still unpacking how much things changed in their time apart.

That arm is on his shoulder, an anchor of sorts, and Prompto gives a less-than-quiet laugh, the first Talcott has probably heard in so very, very long. No drama, no bluster, no acts- just simple joy. "If it isn't Miss Cindy, all I can think of is all the supplies we got passin' through, yeah? Wh-" His words trail off and blue eyes widen when Talcott finishes the thought.

For all his upbeat showmanship, Prompto has a hard time believeing kind words spoken of him- shocker. But as of late, certain people have broken through to him in new ways. Was it the time alone? The perspective from growing up? All of that? Hard to say.

With Talcott, it is hard not to believe him. The boy is devastatingly honest in his every word, and it is written so plainly on his face. For a few moments, all he can do is sit there with his jaw slack. The first thought is just to fluster so absolutely, to run off and hide his face. Tal prepped for that clearly, so there's no way for him to flee. Instead he just sort of...Blinks owlishly, shockingly quiet for just who he is. If he was blushing a little before, now he is a lot

Talcott really is such a sweet boy. Prompto wonders what he did to deserve being around such a good egg. He also curses, once more, the circumstances in which he had to grow up.

The second thought, which he immediately shoves under the rug, is was that flirting or is he just really a good dude?

"I-me? Oh come on now, I just am doin' my part best I can. I'm not doing any kind of groundbreaking Daemon research, or planning out supply networks."

Typical Prompto, selling himself short. He is, as far as it goes for many, a veritable pillar of Hammerhead, both as a tech guy and an impressive Hunter in his own right.

Tal- Getting that genuine laugh out of Prompto, something he's only heard once or twice since the guys came back to Cape Caem so very changed and without His Majesty, feels a lot like winning the lottery. And it's not just because of silly stuff because he was a kid back then but... for real this time. It only drives home the exact point he was making. Their own little piece of sunshine. He's pretty sure basking in that sound is hardly different than sitting on a grassy hill in the sun. Something they all took for granted, something it's always getting harder to remember.

As for Prom's second thought? Is there a difference? If there is it isn't one Talcott knows.

But Tal just smiles, chuckles a little and shakes his head. "I figured you'd say that... So I get to tell you what Ignis keeps telling me. Don't devalue your own work. It invites others to do the same. And he's right. Doesn't make it easier, I know but- You do more than you think you do Prompto. What do we have if not hope?" Talcott's hand moves from his shoulder to instead slide around and give the blond a one armed hug, just pulling him in tight for a moment.

"You keep that hope alive. More than you know."

"Oh, gee, you sound just like him there, Tal," Prompto quips, making no moves to leave the hug. He tries not to think all too hard about just how big Talcott is against him, even sidelong like this. Instead he allows himself to really take in what the boy says, and it only makes his heart skip a beat again. That honesty is right there, laid fully bare and nigh impossible to refute when he looks into those soft brown eyes. He's putting his whole heart into it. For just a second, Prompto does feel like he's made something of himself over these terrible years. Talcott believes it. "Hey...Thank you."

His slightly flustered, slightly warmed, and slightly frazzled mind circles back around.

"You...Really think I should talk to the guys, huh. Tryin' to pump me up?" Prompto says it with a soft smile, raising his free hand up in a gesture of defeat. "I don't think I'm gonna hear the end of it if I don't. So how about we make a deal here."

That raised hand sweeps to the side and then forward, to point at Talcott with his index finger and thumb, like a little gun. "Right. I go...do what I gotta," Astrals knows that means sorting some longstanding feelings, and he is starting to get the uncanny hunch that a boy perceptive as this knows that just as well. "And you promise to meet up with me again soon. We can, I dunno. Give eachother updates? Hang out somewhere scenic? I'd say take photos, but the dark sorta sucks for it."

"Buuuuuuut~" Prompto wiggles his brows in that teasing way again, thinking about that little tidbit he caught regarding Iggy.

"Don't get into too much trouble before we hang out again, yeah?"

The gratitude is unnecessary but Talcott just squeezes Prompto again, a little harder this time, rocking back and forth a tiny bit, a gentle shake before he releases the blond and goes back for the pretzels.

"Yeah. You definitely should. And you don't need to do anything for me to hang out with you, Prom." Tal squints suddenly, flashing a playfully suspicious glare at the other man. "But if it'll get you to do it how about... I won't come hang out with you until you talk to them."

The look he gives Prom, sassy thought it might be, brows raised in a sort of playful challenge because they both know Prompto can't retaliate, is so keen though that any doubts Prompto may have had about whether or not Talcott knows how he really feels about Gladio and Ignis are swept aside. If the look doesn't do it, what follows will. "At least get back in their lives, Prompto. If the rest needs to wait so be it. But... they deserve to know."

"I can think of some decent spots we could camp out for a night or two. If we go down to the Cape you can still see a star or two sometimes. Do some hunting, see how many shield shears we can track down. It'll be fun."

King of hard bargains here, isn't he? Prompto finds himself laughing again, whilst a small part of his mind considers Talcott's impressive strength again. Well, this will be one of the first times he gets to see the guy in action, too. He's gotta put up so they can go on a trip together!

"Sheeeeesh, turned my own bargain right around on me. I see Iggy's been teaching you more than just fighting."

And what of that sassy little look?! Firstly, it looks great on Talcott. Secondly, Prompto knows with pretty much perfect certainty that Tal indeed knows about the unspoken feelings between himself and Ignis and Gladio. Feelings Prompto really prays aren't one-sided. With some luck and gusto, maybe, just maybe he can find out otherwise. Talcott helps to give him a little spark of hope to carry along. "I think they waited long enough on me, Tal," he says, a bit softer. "I gotta go for broke. I think I should actually start gettin' those wheels greased now. You better start packing for that camping trip, though!"

It's surprisingly difficult to leave Talcott behind. But Prompto knows now what he needs to do, and has the strength and resolve to look ahead and shove his fears aside.

For that, he will always be grateful.