So, making progress and we are continuing with the story!

Thanks darkangelsasha, Lorelei evans for the follows and favorites!


The streets were wet from a rain the following morning, but it made it more fun for Lexus' driving as she drove through as many puddles as she could. Water splashing onto the pavement, road, the grass, even at one point splashing the Regalia nearly getting the men wet. In response to that, Ignis brought the hood over the car, enclosing them from any more puddle splashes from Lexus.

"I think she might be done for now, Ignis." Noctis told, who had refused to lower the roof through the half of the ride.

"Yeah, the roads are drying up here, no more splashes!" Prompto agreed.

Ignis didn't budge, "Can't be too careful." he told.

Up ahead, a tunnel was coming into view that passed through the large mountain. Lexus looked behind her and moved easing the break to ride beside the Regalia. Ignis noticed she raised her visor so he lowered the window.

"Past this tunnel should be Lestallum!" She called over her and the car's motors. "If Prompto wants some good pics, tell him to keep his camera ready!"

Ignis nodded and decided to lower the roof, finally. The boys sighed as they prepared for the wind to bluster through their hair. Lexus held the break and lagged behind the car.

"What did she say?" Gladio asked.

"She informed us the city of Lestallum should be past this tunnel, and for Prompto to take pictures on the ready." Ignis informed them, just now entering the tunnel.

Prompto oohed as he got his camera out. "It's like we're warping into another dimension!"

"Wonder where we'll end up." Noctis mused.

The sudden loud roaring engine echoed out behind them then blasted past with the sight of Lexus zooming by, doing a wheelie at full speed. Noctis and Ignis winced as they're left ear drums just enjoyed that ringing coming after. Prompto stood from the car and took as many photos of her trick as he could, before Gladio tugged him back down.

"How much more reckless could she get?" Ignis grumbled, trying to ignore the ringing in his ear.

Noctis kept moving his jaw and rubbing his ear. "Aww, getting worried over her, Iggy?" Gladio teased, earning a glare in the mirror.

"That's cute." Noctis added, getting his hearing back. Iginis was tempted to slam the breaks on the two.

Soon the tunnel came to an end, the sun shining once again as the group entered the city. The buildings were tall and the curbs were lined with cars, people walking along the sidewalks and crossing streets. Gladio stood spotting a cable car, Prompto nearly stood with him as Ignis followed Lexus to a lower parking lot. He backed the car in as Lexus parked right beside them. Lexus kicked the stand up and removed her helmet, ruffling her hair to bring its bounce back. The boys got out of the car eagerly and Lexus climbed off her bike and joined them as Noctis was complaining about the change in temperature.

"You'd be much cooler if you just took your shirt off." Gladio advised.

A look was given, as the said member was not wearing a shirt beneath his short sleeve jacket. "Like you? No way."

Gladio turned to him as they walked up the ramp. "What? Too embarrassed to show your scrawny body?"

Lexus snorted, earning a look from Ignis beside her from the sudden noise. Noctis felt his neck turn red, glaring at his shield. "Hey, I got muscle." He defended. "You just can't see it."

The falter of his defence made Gladio not suspiciously. "If you say so."

Nonetheless, the heat was noticeable among the others. Even Ignis prompted to remove his blazer and folded it over his arm, Lexus shed her leather bike jacket hooking it over her fingers tossing it over her shoulder. She was smart to be wearing a tank top letting bare arms cool down from being trapped in the tight jacket.

Gladio almost veered into Prompto when something caught his attention. Lexus looked to see it as a Cup Noodles stand, extremely popular in the city. After her time with them, Gladio had shown his love for the cheap things, Ignis noted to stock up on them or else Gladio would hold it over his head.

Lexus felt anxious and at ease as they crossed the street to the city. She missed city life after the fall of Insomnia, but at the same time, was feeling on guard knowing her parents were in this city somewhere. It shouldn't be too hard to spot them out in a crowd; her mother held her hair the same pine green albeit darker as she remembered, and her father now bound to a wheelchair. At this point, irrationality was starting to set into her mind.

What if they didn't recognize her as the little girl they last saw in Insomnia?

What if they've forgotten all about her and deny her?

What if they've changed their appearance and she won't be able to recognize them?

What if-

"Lexy? You alright?"

Blonde hair and blue eyes were in her view, stepping back from Prompto's concerned face. "Sorry, just… Overthinking things."

Prompto was going to ask more, when Gladio's phone pinged. He looked at the screen, nodding to himself. "Iris is at the Leville." He informed the group.

Noctis took lead with Gladio and Ignis following, Prompto and Lexus lagged behind, with the blond checking on her as she scanned the people they passed by.

They took notice how people mentioned tremors recently, their sisters or wives working for promotions, and side stands selling clothes and foods. Beautiful music of a guitar played by a fountain, children were kicking a ball around and… People were just happy.

At the Leville was seen up ahead, the group froze when a sudden tremor occurred. The loud rumbling spooked Lexus, never having felt this before.

"Woah, did you feel that?" Prompto asked, looking around to make sure he wasn't the only one.

Gladio nodded, "You mean the earthquake?" he asked.

Lexus was tempted to reach out for a pole as if the ground would open up beneath her. "Never felt one before." She told as the tremors started to calm down.

Noctis stumbled a bit, his hand reaching up to grip his head as his face contorted to pain. "What's wrong?" Ignis asked, noticing when Noctis released a tight sigh.

Everyone turned as Noctis shook the feeling off. "My head just started throbbing."

"You alright?" Prompto asked, Noctis nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine." He brushed off, passing them to the Leville. Everyone gave each other a look before following inside.

The fans blowing and AC blasting made it feel so much more comfortable from the sudden heat wave they were slammed with arriving at the city. Lexus sat down on a white cushioned couch as Gladio went to the front desk. He asked the man at the desk to let Iris know he was there, he called on the phone and said she'd be down shortly.

"What's Iris like?" Lexus asked.

Gladio folded his arms, "You'll see, she's a real sweetheart." he told her.

"She's pretty cool," Prompto added, moving to sit next to Lexy. "At times can even hold her own."

Lexus has only heard that Iris is Gladio's little sister and that her Uncle and Ajax helped her out of Insomnia. She wanted to relax on the plush couch and under a cooling fan, but her mouth grew dry and her stomach felt heavy.

"Gladdy!"

Their heads turned as a dark haired pale teenager in black came down the stairs. Her hair was short brushing her ears and eyes brown, she was petite and small compared to her tower of a brother. Her outfit was cute, consisting of black with brown patterns that looked maroon in the light, sleeveless hoodie and a skirt with black calf boots giving her a few more inches in height.

Her smile was bright as she came down the stairs and approached the boys. "Look at you guys, holding your own out there." She teased.

Prompto scoffed, rubbing his nose. "Aw, we had a little help." he motioned to Lexus who nervously waved at the teen standing.

"You must be Lexus." Iris suddenly hugged her, catching the woman off guard. Gladio gave an apologetic smile, but Lexus patted her back and she was let go awkwardly. "So, you helped them get here safely? I owe you my thanks, again."

For a second, Lexus completely forgot that Roland and Ajax saved her from the fall of Insomnia, almost jolting at her from the memory snap. "Yeah-no! It's no worry, it's nothing. If anything, I owe them thanks and too many for my taste."

"That sounds about right." Iris joked, looking at them. "You guys are staying here, right?"

"That's the plan." Ignis confirmed.

"When you have time, we have catching up to do." Gladio told her.

Iris nodded, folding her hands behind her. "Sure, let's get you guys settled in first."

Usually whenever the now group of five got a room, the men were in one while Lexus had her own or if tight, took the couch. The boys didn't seem to bother sharing beds, so long as Gladio didn't steal room from whoever he was sharing with. Lexus was at a point she didn't mind privacy, used to camping with them, staying in caravans and many hotels from low star to five star. This time around, Lexus gladly had her own room next door to the boys. They gathered in their room as two more people greeted them.

A young boy of dirty blonde hair in red plaid, his grandfather beside him using a cane for support. Gladio was very glad to see them, Ignis side commenting to Lexus that they were in the house of Amicitia.

"Jared and Tellcot! Is it good to see you." He greeted.

"As is you," Jared gave a small bow in greeting. "And you, Your Highness."

Talcott grinned as he saluted to Noctis. "Prince Noctis! Iris is safe with me!"

Lexus couldn't help but smile, the boy was sweet and fairly brave during all this. Iris giggled, nodding to the boy. Jared patting his grandson's shoulder, "Please excuse my grandson. He has yet to learn his manners."

Noctis though, he smiled approvingly at the boy. "I like it." He praised him.

Talcott beamed at that, Jared nodded. "Your highness is very kind, but we shan't impose."

"A very good night to you, Your Highness." Talcott said.

The two bowed a good bye and made their leave, Iris shut the door and everyone sat down to discuss what needed to be; Insomnia's fall. Noctis, Prompto, and Iris took the plush leather chairs to sit, focusing on her as Ignis and Lexus sat on the bed.

"So, Iris," Noctis storted, his fingers knotted within each other. "What was it like in the Crown City?"

Iris looked down, remembering that night, but was able to tell as best she could. "Night pretty. The Citadel took a beating. But, the outlying neighborhoods made it through in one piece."

Lexus remembered where Roland's bar and home was, too close to the Citadel. She imagined that street being wiped out.

"The empire had tactical targets in mind." Ignis told.

Iris' eyes caught Lexus, who was staring down at the carpet below her boots. "Lexus," The pine haired girl looked up. "Roland and Ajax, they fought bravely. More people got out because of them, including me." Lexus bit her lip hard, nodding in thanks. "I also found your parents."

Heads shot up at that, Ignis glanced to Lexus seeing her eyes wide. "They really are here?"

Iris nodded, she stood and took out a small patch of paper, handing it to her. "This is the address. I haven't really met them, I thought it wouldn't be right to tell them about you, but you see them yourself." She rambled, shrugging as she sat back down. "If that makes sense."

To Lexus it did- She could show herself, her now adult living self to them and show she was alive and well. She didn't open the paper, but pocketed it. "Thanks so much, I'll head there tomorrow."

Iris turned to Noctis, "You know if there's anything else, you can ask me." she offered, catching him off guard.

"Er, yeah, thanks." Though, he didn't ask anything else. Iris clearly wanted to tell him something else, he leaned forward. "What?"

"So… about Lady Lunafreya. I keep hearing she was in town." Noctis tensed, something bad or good? "Apparently she left right away, but at least it means she's okay." She added.

Noctis released a sigh, "Good to hear. Thanks." he smiled.

Iris nodded, standing to leave them be after informing all she knew. "Well, have a good night's rest."

They all bid her good night and they were left alone.

"Guess we oughta get our things from the car." Prompto said, not wanting to sleep in his day clothing again.

Ignis stood, "I'll fetch them." he opted.

Lexus then stood following behind him., "I'll go with you, need to get my things for a shower." she told.

"Don't get lost, you two." Noctis teased, earning a glare from Ignis as they left the room.


Lexus and Ignis were silent in their walk toward the parking lot. It was growing dark with the sun setting, string lights among the city and lanterns lit up making Lestallum look quite pretty.

"So," Ignis spoke up, Lexus looked to him. "You'll be meeting your parents tomorrow?"

Lexus nodded, "Seems so." she told with a nod.

They paused at a street as a few cars drove by, the silence returning to them. Once clear, they crossed the street and down the ramp where the Regalia and her bike were parked. Ignis popped the trunk and got the bags that held their needed items for showers, clothing and other assortments. Lexus unlatched the seat of her bike where she kept her backpack that held her own personal items. She snapped it back on, pausing as she pressed her fingers against the side, where a painted Chocobo was seen. Ignis was ready to head back, but found her staring off with that look again, a look of uncertainty.

"What's wrong?" Ignis asked, approaching her.

Her tongue was ready to dismiss his concern, but she turned and shook her head. "I'm really scared, Ignis."

He frowned. "Of what?"

"Seeing mom and dad again. I keep trying to calm myself down that everything will be fine, but I'm not so sure." She admitted, feeling dumb for feeling so.

Lexus leaned on her bike as it used the kickstand to take her weight. Ignis didn't like seeing her as such, too many times he's seen her as looking down and long faced instead of seeing her eyes sparkling and smile beaming. He adjusted the bags and nodded his head to follow her. She moved her backpack over her shoulders and did so, as he led her toward the viewpoint of the Disc of Cauthess glowing in the far distance. He placed the bags down and leaned onto the wall, arms cross and elbows resting on the stone. Lexus was a bit confused by his notion, standing there waiting for something to happen or be said.

"I remember when we first met. You were lost and crying, scared of the big city. I wiped your tears and helped you back to that bar." Ignis chuckled, taking his glasses off to clean them with a cloth he kept in his back pocket. "You swung my hand suddenly all happy, as if you had completely forgotten you were lost in the first place."

Lexus felt her cheeks warm, smiling at the memory. "You said you liked my accent, my glasses, and most of all my hair style." She groaned covering her face, but a smile was still seen by him.

"God, Even I forgot I said that." She nervously chuckled, "How degrading." Lexus sighed.

Ignis got a bit of a kick teasing her, it brought her smile back so plus on that. "I also remember you were a tad scared to go back, fearful how cross your mother would be that you wandered off on your own."

Lexus let her hands fall down her face and rested them at her side. She looked up curiously, just missing the sight of Ignis without glasses, as he wore them again. "Yeah, and boy, cross doesn't cut it."

Ignis turned to her, twisting his body to face the city and lean his back against the stone wall. "But, she shed just as many tears as you had, both your mother and father hugged you and were thankful you were alright."

Following his position, Lexus leaned against it beside him. Her hands reached back, flattening at the stone top for support. "I get what you're saying." She nodded. "They'll do just what they did back then; ugly cry and smother me in hugs, thanking the Six I survived the attack, right?"

Ignis shrugged his shoulder. "Can't predict that to happen, but I wouldn't put it past me." He shoved his hands into his pockets, looking down at the metal tip of his shoes momentarily. His lips grew dry, glad he cheered her up and hopefully saw reason. Now, he wanted to ask-

"Will you come with me?"

His head spun at her, a little too fast near causing whiplash in his neck. He subconsciously rubbed it and stood off the wall turning to her. "Go with you?"

Lexus looked away for a moment, once against following his movement to stand before him, closer than beforehand. "To see my parents again. I'm not as scared, but I'm still nervous. You have the tendency to help me see reason, so…" She trailed off, wracking her brain to think of rational reasons for him to join her.

"If you're not busy, of course." She suddenly added. "I don't want to pull you away from anything Noctis or the others might need or what you're planning-"

A soft laugh escaped his lips as he smiled down at her. He brought a hand up and gently placed it over her shoulder. A chill ran up her spine, feeling his bare hand on her shoulder. "It's no trouble, Lexus. I'd be glad to accompany you."

A heavy sigh was released, her shoulder loosened under his palm as they slouched. "Thank you so much, I really do owe you a lot."

Ignis let her shoulder free and pressed his knuckles against his chin in thought. Then he snapped his fingers, Lexus straightened at attention. "I've got it! Accompany me to the market, just before we go meet your parents."

Lexus tilted her head curiously. "How early are we talking? Gladio early or Noctis early?" She asked in a teasing manner.

He released a soft laugh and shook his head, folding his arms. "Let's settle in the middle. Say around nine o'clock?"

Lexus grinned and took her phone out, setting her alarm for said time. "It's a date!"

Ignis' brows shot up at her chosen words, she didn't seem to notice herself as she helped pick up a bag by his feet that was Prompto's and took the lead to get back to the hotel. He shook from the thoughts and picked up the rest, following her through the light crowds of locals.


Lexus got a proper good and long hot shower, letting her muscles relax under the pounding water. The head was removable and she had it set to pulse, giving her back, legs, and arms a good soaking massage. Then gave her pine hair a good thick wash, scratching and rubbing her scalp. It was like she could feel the layers of dirt peel off like a snake shedding its old skin. Abusing her power of having nearly an hour and a half shower, Lexus forced herself out and dressed into a tank top and shorts. It was hot, to say the least, in the city. She was glad to have brought clothing for all different temperatures, sunny hot dessert or cold windy nights. But she started to get a chill from the AC being too high, so she lowered that and opened her balcony.

Sky was dark and some clouds could be seen, but no stars were in sight. Lexus leaned on the warm railing, scanning the skies as if she'd spot the sparkly diamonds in the sky. Voices below made her look down, seeing couples, friends, and family meander about. A lot of women talked of their jobs and some kids chased each other despite the scolding from the parents. The scents of food stands rose up to her, making her sniff and smile at the smell of fried breads and grilled meats. She was almost tempted to get dressed and get some food, not having a proper dinner. Her stomach growled, making her tempt the decision.

A sudden knock on her door, in a weird offbeat rhythm made her turn and walk back into her room. Lexus peeked through the peephole, finding tufts of blond hair and a freckled blue eyed smile.

She opened the door, greeting him with her own. "What's up, Prompto?"

His eyes seemed to have gone from her face to scanning her body, her long legs exposed to the boy, even her tank top had rolled up to show a hint of her belly button. Noticing his distraction, she brought her finger under his chin and lifted his gaze back to her eyes.

"Up here, Blondie."

He blinked, cheeks clearly red as he reached up to rub the warmth of them away. "Sorry! So sorry, my bad! I didn't know you'd be so... re… ready for bed!"

Saving himself, Lexus leaned on the door frame, amused by this. "It's no different than the shorts that Cindy wears, right?"

"Right! No difference what's so ever!" Only that Lexus was wearing the shorts this time, Prompto thought.

"Anyway, did you need something?" She asked, trying to get him back on track.

Prompto cleared his throat, "OH right! Yes, Erm- Since we didn't have dinner, the guys wanted to know if you wanted anything we have premade. Ignis has some sandwiches and Gladio is offering to sacrifice one of his Cup Noodles if you want?"

Lexus' stomach growled, she fixed her tank top. "Funny enough, I was actually thinking of tossing on some jeans and getting food from some stalls down below."

"Oh yeah?"

She nodded, "The smell from the balcony has me tempted."

Prompto nodded, "Well then," He did a dramatic bow, arm behind his back making Lexus snicker. "Allow me to fetch milady's meal."

"You don't have to Prompto." She dismissed.

Prompto stood up, "You look comfy already, and Ignis has scolded us enough times to never go outside with a wet head." Lexus reached up remembering her hair was still dripping from her shower. "Just tell me what you're looking for, I'll sniff it out!"

Lexus couldn't help but giggle, he was too cute. "Alright, you win." She caved, "I smelled some bread, possibly deep fried and grilled meats. I remember us passing by a grill stand selling skewer meats. Maybe it's from that."

Prompto saluted to her, wincing as he rammed his knuckle hard against his forehead. "On it! I'll be right back!" Then he jogged down the hall to the stairs.

Lexus shut the door and rushed to the balcony, seeing Prompto leave the hotel and head toward wherever the food was being made. Thinking he might be a while, she returned to her room and tended to her hair. She ruffled a towel over it, then remembered the bathroom had been supplied with a hair dryer. Taking advantage, she got her hair dry faster with it, also warming her up a bit. Lexus combed and fixed her hair, then put it in a loose ponytail, allowing it to rest over her shoulder.

Just as she sat on her large lush bed, another knock came upon the door. "Prompto must be back." She got up and padded to the door, but found Noctis instead.

"Oh! Noctis!" She shrunk behind the door, feeling her outfit was not the best for him to see with how Prompto reacted.

"Sorry to bother you, but have you seen Prompto?" He asked, clad in his black shirt and black sweatpants. "We thought he would only take a second and has been gone a long while."

"Sorry," She shrugged, "He ran off offering to get me food." Lexus explained. "He should be back any-"

"I'm back!" The sharpshooter had announced as he came down the hall.

"Second." Lexus finished stepping aside to gather the styrofoam container that felt deeply warm in his hands.

"Found you some spicy skewers and fresh deep fried rolls." Prompto told, a wide grin as he got a smile from her.

"Smells sooo good! How much was it?"

"Ah, about 1,600 Gil." He stepped side to side like a kid. To Noctis, it looked like he was talking to a girl for the first time. "Don't worry about paying me back."

"No, I will pay you back. Just wait one moment." Lexus left the door open as she fetched her money.

Prompto then noticed his friend there, "Oh, hey Noct." He waved.

"Hey, yourself." He greeted sarcastically, arms folded. "We've been wondering what's taken you so long. Thought you might have fallen asleep over here." Noctis nodded his head at the room.

Prompto folded his hands behind his back innocently, he shrugged at his best friend. "Just getting the lady a meal, like I said I would."

"Well, you said you'd ask what she wanted and relay back to us." Noctis corrected.

Prompto frowned, "What's the difference?" Lexus returned and handed the Gil to him, now wrapped in a robe. "Enjoy the meal, Lexy!"

She smiled and waved to them both. "Thanks, and you guys have a good night's sleep."

"Sleep well." Noctis told, and she shut the door to have her dinner. He glanced at his friend, staring at the door who needed to be nudged away. "You got it bad, man."

Prompto got defensive as they left toward their room. "What's that mean?"

"It's one thing to crush it on Cindy, with her grandpa being protective and all." Noctis opened the door, Prompto following. "But Lexus too?"

Prompto accidentally slammed the door behind him, "It's not like that!" He told him.

Gladio and Ignis were among themselves when Noctis left, the shield in his gray tank and black sweatpants sitting on the bed, while Ignis in suitable pajamas of dark maroon was reading a book in a chair. Everyone had gotten a shower but Prompto, as Gladio was in when he checked with Lexus. His dark hair slicked back as Ignis' was more in an uncaring ruffled mess after his own shower.

"It's not like what?" Gladio asked, curious like a cat in the conversation.

"Nothing!" Prompto barked, but judging by the tint of blush on his freckles face, Gladio wasn't going to let it go.

The tall mass stood, raising a brow. "Doesn't seem like nothing. What, did you catch her naked or something?"

Ignis' attention suddenly jumped from the pages and toward his friends. "Prompto!" He yelled, ready to scold for doing such a thing.

Noctis laughed as he found his friend caught in a worse situation. "No! I swear, I didn't!"

"Then what's so nothing about Lexus?" He asked.

"Who said it was about Lexus?" Prompto countered.

Gladio threw a thumb toward the Prince. "Noctis said 'Lexus too'. So, she must be involved."

Ignis closed his book, standing. "Is Lexus alright?" He asked with concern.

Prompto felt like a trapped Chocobo, looking between the three before sending a glare towards a grinning Noctis. "It's nothing, it's really nothing!" He insisted, backing towards the bathroom. "All I did was just get Lexus some food and that's it. I'm gonna hit the shower, okay?"

Prompto grabbed his night wear and left for the bathroom, the water running blocking out any noises. Gladio folded his arms and glanced to Noctis. Knowing the Prince would squeal, he shrugged, getting into bed. "Prompto's got a crush on Lexus."

Gladio bellowed a laugh and shook his head, "What happened to Cindy?" he asked.

"Probably saw she was more into cars than him, Lexus does give him more attention." He told.

Ignis placed the book down, walking over to the balcony. He peeked out seeing Lexus' balcony doors here open, so he closed them for her to be deaf to the conversation the two were having.

"What did he get her?" Gladio asked.

Noctis got under the blankets and sighed, resting his head into the nice soft pillow. "Just some skewered meat and fried dough. But, she was happy as hell for it." He told him.

"What a white knight." Gladio joked with a chuckle. "He's got it real bad."

"Yeah-" Noticed yawned, rolling over to indicate he wanted to sleep. Gladio conceded and sat on the bed, awaiting for others to be in bed before he'd go to sleep. "G'night."

Ignis kept staring out the windows, the lights shining from the hanging lanterns and street lights. Prompto had a crush on her? He felt the pit of his stomach sink when Noctis mentioned it, though he was sure Prompto would deny it. Besides, the blond had the tendency to crush on any girl he saw, including ones he'd pass by back on the streets of Insomnia. He probably just had a small crush on her kindness. Maybe from her bright smile and laugh. The way her eyes sparkle when she looks at someone. How she throws herself to protect those she cares for, despite the danger. The lost look she holds when the darkness surrounds her, the kind Ignis wishes to chase away to bring her back to the light.

Hold the breaks! Ignis thought, gripping the handles to the doors tightly. Talking about Prompto here, not himself. He shook his thoughts and let the doors go, maneuvering toward the bed to get ready for sleep. Ignis checked his alarm on his phone and left it on the bed side table, placing his glasses right beside it.

"Night, Iggy." Gladio bid.

"Sleep well." He bid back, digging himself under the blankets and sighing into the pillow.

It wasn't until an hour after Prompto finished his shower and went to bed that Ignis finally got himself to sleep.


Short chapter, but next chapter we get to meet Lexus' parents! And we get a small cute 'date' with Ignis and Lexus!

Comment/review and say safe! Much love!