Thanks Eurus Hawke, MarieReeds, Crystal-Wolf-Guardain-967, OdisIduna, Pokechan123, for the follow and favorite!

LittleGoodThings- Ywah, we are getting cute with Iggy! Trying to find the right spot when the romance will start, and if anyone knows my writing, I love Slow Burns!

Crystal-Wolf-Guardain-967- HERE'S MORE! THANKS!

Enjoy! (got tissues ready?)


The restless sleep Lexus had last night led her to a groggy early morning. She had constant nightmares of the Chocobo Accident and rejection of her parents. Lexus had to guess she had maybe an hour or so of sleep? Her phone's alarm went off, she sat up and reached for it. But a message on her phone woke her up more. She had gotten a text from Ignis that there was a small outdoor restaurant he'd like to treat her for breakfast. That got her out of bed, dressed and down stairs within the next twenty-five minutes.

Ignis stood by the front desk, scrolling through his phone. Once she made her presence known, he turned and smiled, sliding his phone into his back pocket. Just like yesterday, Ignis decided to not wear his blazer with his sleeves rolled up showing his pale arms. Even his gloves were gone, making his hands look larger when bare. Lexus herself wore no gloves, now wearing dark jean shorts and a dark tank top, but with a light blue denim jacket with the sleeves reaching her elbows. The weather was much warmer, one could say hot, in this city. She couldn't wear her usual leather bike jacket in this heat, Lexus would melt!

"So, this cafe?" She asked, rocking on her heels with eagerness.

Ignis couldn't help but chuckle, it was like he was with that cheery little girl he met years ago. "I think you'll like it."

Ignis and Lexus walked from the hotel and through the city toward the center. A small corner cafe had tables and chairs outside, umbrellas up to shade customers from the blazing sun. What really made Lexus mouth water as the two took a seat, was the smell of seafood cooking. She kept watching the smoke fly out of the grill in the shop, the scent of cooked crustacean was really making her stomach growl monstrously.

The menu held many foods that she had never had before. Egg-Fried Crustacean Bowl, Stewed Tripe, Fried Rookie on Rice, and Mother & Child Rice Bowl. Lexus ordered the crustacean bowl while Ignis ordered the rice bowl.

As they waited, sipping water to keep hydrated, Lexus kept looking around nervously. Ignis noticed, crossing his legs and resting an elbow on the small table. "Did you sleep well?" He asked kindly.

She nodded, not wanting to think about the nightmares she had. "Honestly, if you hadn't mentioned breakfast, I might have accidentally gone back to sleep."

"Ah," He leaned back and folded his arms. "So say I were to leave a piping hot dish outside the door and called 'food's here!'?"

Lexus covered her face, laughing at herself. "I might have just swung the door open regardless." She admitted. "How'd you and the guys sleep?"

"Pretty well, as usual." Ignis answered, "Can't say the same for the others. Gladio tends to snore, ear plugs do wonders." he joked earning another laugh from Lexus.

A young waiter approached, dishes ready and placed them down in front of them. The crustacean bowl steamed and the scent of cooked crab made her mouth water. They thanked the waiter, Ignis stirred his rice as Lexus eagerly picked out some crab and egg, blowing on it to cool it off faster. They took the first bite, and loved it! Ignis really favored the way the rice was soft and seasoned, the eggs were fluffy and the meat was juicy. Lexus, when he glanced at her, she was in sea heaven. She had never had crab before, so the tender meat with the seasoned eggs and white rice was the best breakfast this city could offer her!

"Gods, I wished crabs were more common in Insomnia." She said, her cheek bloated with the rice she inhaled. "Can Noctis make it possible? I swear, no where did they sell crustacean."

Ignis chuckled, "I'll bring it up to him." he mused.

Lexus slowed down her eating to savor it, looking around as kids played ball nearby. "What are the guys up to?"

"Is my presence not enough?" He teased, she rolled her eyes. "Gladio and Prompto are having a tour of the city with Talcott."

"And Noctis?"

"He was still asleep when I left."

"Of course." She chuckled, "He's a real sleepy head, isn't he?"

"You have no idea." Ignis chuckled.

The meal went smoothly, both stomachs were filled for the morning. Ignis noted down the two meals, planning to recreate them when the chances and ingredients are present.

"So, to the market?" She asked as Ignis paid for the meal.

"Yes, shall we?"

The two walked side by side toward the Lestallum Market. Lexus looked around, her eyes sparkled in the bright sun as she watched kids play together, hear laughter and kind greetings. Being in a different city felt so foreign to her, the culture so different between here and Insomnia. It reminded her of when she first started living with her uncle, no more rolling green hills, chirps of Chocobos and friendly people. The city she experienced was filled with greedy ignorant people, crowded roads and stores, and loud honking cars. After she adapted years later, she grew to the people's voices, the cafes and arcades, and the city night life.

This city here was almost a good mix of both. Spacious with little vehicles, small shops and friendly faces. Lexus didn't feel crowded nor suffocated by Lestallum's structure or people. It was an even spice of both, she could see possibly her parents were content here. Deeply wishing her Uncle Roland could've made it to this city.

"Lexus?" Her eyes had darted from surveying the city to Ignis, who she honestly forgot was right in front of her. Seeing her eyes meet his, he gave a smile. "Lost your thoughts to Lestallum?"

She gave a sheepish chuckle. "I was thinking why my parents moved here." Lexus looked around, notioning to life around them. "It's not suffocating like Insomnia was, open air and not cut off from the rest of the world."

Ignis took his own glance around, the people conversing over small talk or what was being sold.. "Is that how it felt? As if you were in a cage?"

Lexus leaned back on her heel, tapping the front of her boot onto the pavement. Though she paid no mind raising her sights back up. "At first, Uncle Roland made it bearable. I always felt safe and comfortable at his bar, helping work there, learning to cook, and talking with his old friends. I spent most of my time growing up at his bar than out in the city."

The smile that graced her lips was like a blessing to Ignis. "Makes me regret I never had stepped foot in his establishment."

She gave a teasing raised brow, "Would've stopped by for a drink?" she asked.

Ignis shook his head, shoving his hands into his pockets. "I could've stopped by to see you."

Lexus was caught off guard by this admission. He instantly raised his hands up and crossed his arms."No, I should've stopped to see you." He corrected himself, harshly.

"Should've?" She asked, tilting her head.

Ignis let his tongue skim his lips, forming his words together. "After the accident, I should've been there for you. I was your friend, instead I left." Lexus leaned forward, hands in her lap with her sole focus on him.

"It wasn't until I got home I realized what had just occurred, and what I had done." Ignis sighed. "I never said a word to you, never tried to meet you again. I knew where you lived, for years I passed by and said to myself, 'I'll see her again.' but I never did."

Lexus frowned. "Ignis?" He glanced up, guilt riddled in his green eyes. "You know I don't hate you for that, right?"

"You were then." He told, she nodded. "I abandoned you."

"And you had duties to Noctis, you had your life and I had mine." She tried to reason. Lexus reached to him, hand on his bicep. "Ignis, I'm willing to put what happened behind us. We're here now, that's what matters."

He turned to her, "Lexus-"

She raised a finger at him, silencing him. "There's no changing what happened. What's done is done, now all we can do is move forward."

Ignis swallowed, it was silent for a moment. The conversation was further ended, she patted his arm and turned to walk through the market, arms now at her side and a smile returned to shine in the sun. Lexus had a point, there was no use in begrudging the past. They were friends again now, that's all that should matter.


During their time at the market, Ignis bought some spices he had never seen before, gaining inspiration for some dishes he had lingering in the back of his mind. Seeing him write down the recipe in his little black book, Lexus liked watching the spark in him it gave. Such a passion he had for cooking, and it was always for the guys more for himself.

He was no glutton; without his blazer, Ignis' figure was shown to be extremely lean yet well built compared to the others. Lexus would claim he was the second most built, his upper body was more broad than Prompto's but his waist was for sure smaller than her own. Hell, his shirt still looked looser on him than it should, making him look thinner than he was.

Feeling she was looking over his body a little too long, Lexus turned and asked Ignis about a fruit she spotted. Her cheeks were warm, blaming them on the beating sun and not her wondering eyes.

Ignis himself was content not having to deal with the guys for a day. They were great friends, but having been clogged up in a car for hours and cramped in a tent at camp made a man need space… from other men. Lexus gave him a breath of fresh air, teasing each other and laughing at one another. She groaned at his puns but a smile was spotted, she was amused.

It was when Ignis announced his shopping was done, that anxiety grew in Lexus' stomach. She gave him the address that Iris had provided and took lead in heading towards where her parents resided. Lexus followed him faithfully, silent as music filled her ears. Her eyes were downcasted to the ground, only the cobblestone and Ignis' shoes in her sights.

She wrestled with her mind, trying to tell herself it was going to be okay. Lexus wouldn't be alone in this, she had Ignis with her the entire way and will be there the entire time. Her hands at her side tighten into fists, knuckles white, then stretch out her fingers to try and calm herself.

Ignis led her to the outskirts of town, making a sharp right along apartment buildings. He glanced back making sure she was still with him, since she hasn't said a thing since they left the market. Lexus' eyes were downcasted, her hands knotted in front of her and shoulders tense. He paused, letting her bump into his shoulder, making her look up.

"My bad." She sheepishly apologized. "Are we here?"

"Almost," He read the address and nodded to himself. "The complex after this one, the blue one here."

Lexus looked past, seeing they stood in front of a red building, the blue following beside it. She gulped, her throat suddenly dry and her stomach feeling heavy. "If you want, we could check on the guys. Maybe Noctis needs a wake up call, or-"

Ignis sighed and put his hand on his hip, the look he gave was one a mother to a child. He really had this motherly tendency thanks to Noctis. Lexus dipped her head and nodded, but Ignis stepped beside her with a hand on her back. He gently led her down the street, hand on her back giving her a comfort the entire way. It felt like the walk was a mile long, when it was only half a block away. The red walls cut off into blue and they entered the double doors.

The front desk was small and cheap looking, a small dingy fan to keep the man at the front desk cool was a feeble attempt. He saw the two and sat up, kicking his boots off the desk. "New residents or visiting?"

"Visiting." Ignis answered. "Does Mr. and Mrs. Quintin live here?"

He hummed, nodding. "Yeah, are you family?"

Ignis looked at Lexus, she glanced at him then to the desk man. "I'm their daughter."

The man chuckled, folding his arms. "I can see that, Mrs. Quintin and you have near the same hair." Lexus gave a smile, though it didn't stay long. "Never mentioned a daughter."

That just made Lexus step back and look to Ignis. "Maybe it's best we didn't come."

"Lexus, we're here and they are just a floor above us." Ignis tried to convince her, he turned and placed his hands on her shoulders. "I'll be right here, I promise."

Lexus felt like she was panicking, her breathing picked up and she felt like the walls were tightening around her in the small lobby. She roughly shoved his hands off and bolted out of the lobby outside, Ignis called her, going outside as she sat a few feet from the door against the wall. Her hands pressed against her face and huddling down as she breathed evenly. Ignis exhaled, she was so scared and so perturbed over seeing her parents. Parents she hadn't seen near ten years, never contacted her, and gave the initial thought of not wanting her. Hearing someone not think they had a daughter or that she existed, must have added to those damned thoughts Ignis could not clear her of.

He slowly approached her, walking around and crouching down to her level in front of her. People walked idly by, but assumed it wasn't too concerning since he was tending to her. Ignis raised his hand to tuck his knuckle under her chin and gently tilt her head. Her eyes reached his, brows creased and lips tight, her blue eyes losing the spark it had earlier that morning.

Why? Why couldn't that spark stay? It was like her life was meant to have a short burst of happiness before piled back down to a dark swirling hell.

"If you don't do this, Lexus, you'll never know the truth." He spoke, voice soft as she listened. Her lower lip bitten down as she breathed through her teeth. "You'll always wonder if they thought you dead, if they really abandoned you, or that they've waited for you for so long to return."

"But-"

Ignis shushed her, her hand moving to now cup her cheek as he inched himself closer to her. "No ifs, or buts." He sternly told, voice still as soft she had heard him be. "If it turns out they do not want anything to do with you," Ignis graced her with an encouraging smile. "You've got us."

Her eyes had widened, not realizing that. Her parents could deny her, just slam the door right in her face the moment they see her. But, she wasn't alone- not anymore. Her brain kept forgetting this, she herself had to keep reminding herself that she no longer was alone in this world. She may have lost Roland and Ajax, but she now had Prompto, Gladio, Noctis, and Ignis. Hell, she even had friends in Hammerhead with Cid and Cindy, and Wiz at the Chocobo Ranch with Ferris.

Lexus inhaled deeply and nodded, the warmth of his hand leaving her cheeks and resting on her hand. He held it tightly, standing to help her up as well. She rubbed her eyes, feeling no tears had been produced, taking a few even breaths to prepare herself.

"Okay." She hummed, looking up at him.

"I'll be here, right beside you." He reminded her softly. "We can go whenever you're ready."

With her hand in his, she squeezed and started their way back into the lobby. She apologized and asked for the room once more. The man told them, room 209 on the upper floor.

Taking his time for Lexus, they made their way up the stairs and walked calmly to the second floor. The room closest to them was room 201, so the numbers went up as they ventured down the hall. The two were silent, their shoes only echoing in the hall as they passed one door as a time. Even on the right and odd on the left, eventually reaching 209. The door was blue like many of them, the numbers golden over the little peep whole for residents to see through. Lexus' heart skipped when she noticed the small mailbox beside the door was decorated with little stickers of Chocobos.

Ignis knocked on the door, jolting Lexus as she tensely awaited for a response. A few steps were heard, then a pause, and a lock. The door creaked up, a woman with blonde straight hair reaching her shoulders and brown eyes greeted the two. She… looked nothing like her mother.

"Can I help you two?" She asked kindly.

Ignis has seen Lexus' mother, this was not her. "I'm sorry, is this the Quintin residence?"

The woman opened it a bit more, she was short and looked fairly young, though older than Lexus. "Oh, it is. I'm Carrie, I help Mr. Quintin while his wife is away."

"Away?" Lexus asked, speaking for the first time. "Away to…?"

"To work, she works over at the power plant." She answered, then her eyes focused on Lexus. "You must be family, that hair isn't very common. Only ever seen Mrs. Quintin with it."

In the back of Lexus' mind, a voice screamed at her to tell her it was a mistake and to back out while they could. Ignis seemed to have sensed her urge to back out, and squeezed her hand to remind her.

"We were hoping to see them both," Ignis motioned to Lexus. "This is-

"Carrie! Who's at the door?" Called a woman's voice, Lexus freezing at her spot.

"A young couple, ma'am? They've come to see you and Mr. Quintin." Carrie called back.

The door swung fully open and Lexus came face to face with her own mother. She had clearly aged in the past ten years, but still retained her youth. Her hair was darker and now in thin layers at her shoulder. She looked shorter, but only because Lexus was only ten when she last saw her mother, she felt like she towered over her.

Immediately the mother knew who she was looking at, no mirror or illusion, not a dream or a fake, her own daughter stood before her. She let out a choked gasp, stepped out to see Lexus clearly.

"Little Lexi?" She croaked, voice threatening to crack as the emotions started to rise in her. "My baby girl?"

Lexus took her even breathes, with a deep inhale she answered, "It's me, mom. I'm… I'm alive."

"By the Six!" Hilda Quintin cried, rushing to pull Lexus into a death tightened hug.

She sobbed as she held the stunned Lexus, her hand losing its grip from Ignis. He took a step back, watching as Lexus's brain was figuring what to do. Finally realizing her worst fears hadn't come true, her own tears spilled and she hugged her mother back just as tight.

"Mom! Mom!" She sobbed, rubbing her face into her shoulder, never having felt so happy and relieved to be held by her mother in so long. "I thought I'd n-never see you ag-again!"

"I know, I know!" The mother soothed, she kissed her daughter's head and combed her shaking fingers through her hair. "I thought you were dead when we heard the news."

Lexus shook her head, pulling back to look at her mother. "No, Uncle Roland got me out before anything even happened… He saved my life."

"I feared the worst, oh... Roland." She shook her head, her hand still petting her daughter's head. "My dear brother… You're back in my arms thanks to his sacrifice."

"Hilda?" Called a male voice.

Varian Quintin had drastically changed the most. No longer did he hold a spark of a young man, but he looked to have aged over time. His once blond hair was turning gray and thin, his chiseled features were more caved in and he looked more sickly. Carrie came over to help push him out past the door, finding his wife crying in someone's arms.

"Hilda, what's going on?" He asked, coughing into his arm. "Who…"

When Lexus turned, she saw what her father had turned over time. He gasped, eyes wide and hands shook. "...Could it be?"

Hilda brought Lexus over, she knelt down to her father and held his hand. "Dad, it's me." She whispered, her voice leveling the best she could.

"You're alright… Thank the Six, you're alive!" He cried, cupping her face, as he wiped the tears from her cheeks.

She gave a weak chuckle, tilting her head into his hand, having the gentle touch of her father again.

"All these years… You've grown to be a beautiful young woman." He swallowed back a sob, blinking his wet eyes. "Ten years… I'm so sorry."

Lexus reached over and hugged her father, now crying into his shoulder. He kept apologizing, sorry for not being there for ten years of her life. Not see her grow up, see her become the woman she was before his eyes. He could only imagine what he missed in her life, but now he held her and stroked her head kissing her temple. Hilda joined them, a small family back together after being separated for too long.


"You brought back our daughter all those years ago, lost in that city." Hilda spoke, as the family settled in the small living room of the apartment. "You brought her back to us again, we owe you many thanks."

Ignis sat beside Lexus with her mother on her other side. Carrie was dismissed for the day, who was teary eyed herself at the event. They were offered tea, Lexus' father wheeling back in with a tray of snacks to put on the coffee table.

"Too many," He spoke, earning a look from Hilda as he positioned his chair beside her. "I'm alright- Never better now that our Lexi is back to us."

Lexus smiled, sniffling to keep from crying again. It had taken a good while for the family to calm down. Ignis placed his tea cup down in the fine china saucer before putting it on the table. "She was a pleasure to have on our journey. She's helped us quite a deal ourselves, teaching us the land she grew up in and fighting whatever comes our way."

Hilda froze, "Fighting?" she questioned.

Lexus nodded, "Uncle Roland, before I left, had me learn self defense when I was eighteen. His friend, Ajax, taught me all I need to know. Both outside and inside the city." she explained.

She was eager to fill in every blank of her life to her parents. Sitting at the edge of the couch, Ignis was sure she was going to jump up at any moment to tell the tales in elaborate detail. The spark had returned.

"But, those beasts." Hilda patted her chest, as if she lost a clutch of pearls. "Especially Deadeye, it's why we left the ranch."

Lexus beamed, "No need to worry, Deadeye is gone!"

Her parents looked at her as if she was crazy. "Gone? As in, left?" Her father inquired.

"No, Me, Ignis- the others- we all took the bastard down." Just as Ignis predicted, she jumped to her feet and moved to the center of the room. "He was so huge, as in his entire muzzle was bigger than me- Than Ignis!" She pointed to him, he laughed as did Varian.

"So, so, we saw these big barrels, that caused explosions, right? So Noct threw me a spear and with my crossbow," She pretended to be holding the weapon, aiming at the back door to the patio. "I attached it to my arrow and fired it right when Deadeye was in the right position. It exploded!"

Varian leaned on the arms of his chair, "It killed him?"

"Well," She snickered, hands on her hips. "Noct gave the final blow, but yeah. He went down and stayed down."

Varian cheered and raised a hand for a high five, which Lexus gave him. "My daughter is a bad-ass beast killing machine!"

Hilda was silent during the entire time, she looked anxious while being told the story. "I assume Wiz is doing better?"

Lexus nodded, taking her seat back between her and Ignis. "Much better after that, the Chocobos are out and about now, even taught the boys how to ride them."

Her mother perked up. "Oh, how did they do? I'd imagine the Prince was perfect during the lesson?"

Her daughter snorted, earning a look. "More like he was the worst." She motioned to Ignis as he reached for a snack on the table, curious to dry a crispy ginger biscuit. "He and Gladio did a great job, and Prompto was born to ride."

Hilda chuckled, "He couldn't have been that bad." she denied.

Varian laughed, a wheezy one, but held a grin. "Who cares, my daughter taught the Prince and his friends to ride a Chocobo and take down a Behemoth!" He gave a small cough afterwards.

"No, not too much excitement, Varian." Hilda told him.

He shook his head, "I'm perfectly fine, woman." and waved at his daughter. "How's Ferris doing? Poor old creature."

"He's doing great, I think he's taken me as his rider now, dad." She told, earning a proud smile from her father.

"Loyal old friend, he is. With no one to ride him, it's right of him to pick you." He praised. "What else happened on your travels?"

His wife stood, "Hopefully nothing too exciting, Lexus?" she hinted.

Hilda must have wanted Varian to calm himself, he did cough a few times and whenever he laughed, it sounded dry and wheezy. What had come over her father?

"She can tell us whatever it is she wants, Hilda." He told as she passed him to get to the small nook of a kitchen.

Lexus didn't want her father to strain herself, she looked to Ignis for assistance and help he did. "I must say, your daughter has become an extraordinary help when cooking meals at camp."

His brows shot up, "My Lexi? Cooking?" he asked. Ignis was a tad confused. "She used to vow up and down the ranch how she would never cook."

Lexus blushed, remembering her acting all childish. "That's because Mom told me when I get married, I have to cook meals for everyone. Screw that."

"Well, I see some of it is still there." Varian joked. "Did you teach her to cook?"

"Uncle Roland did," She answered quietly. "Ignis makes it feel more… welcomed when helping him cook. He's the real chef." she praised.

He shook his head, "Come now, Lexus."

Lexus turned to him, "It's true, Ignis!" she insisted. "You always come up with amazing recipes in a blink of an eye and make them to perfection. Makes me excited what dinner will be tonight."

At that, Hilda returned, arms wrapped around herself. "Dinner? You'll be joining us for dinner, won't you?"

Lexus and Ignis looked, they hadn't thought of that. "Oh, um, is that alright?"

"Of course! You'll join us too, won't you, Mr. Scientia?" He offered, catching him off guard. "We owe you so much, we could at least do you that."

Ignis and Lexus felt on the spot, they weren't really in a hurry, right? They had gotten to Lestallum, Iris was alright and they found Lexus' parents -currently pressuring them for dinner- and hadn't found any locations of the next Royal Tomb yet. Ignis didn't think it would hurt, so long as he informed the others of it.

"In fact," Hilda spoke up. "Why don't you all have dinner here?"

"..Erm, all, mom?" Lexus asked, glancing to Ignis then to her. "As in, all the boys?"

Her mother nodded, "They all pitched in to help you get here, we owe all of them a dinner." she placed a hand on Varian's shoulder, he returned the gesture holding her hand.

"If they want to, Lexi. No pressure at all." He assured her.

Lexus twiddled her fingers, kept looking to Ignis who she expected the best answer. But he himself didn't know whether to decline or accept. It would be extremely rude to decline, after all, they wanted to thank them for all they did for Lexus. Would the guys mind this though, hopefully not having plans already.

"How's this." Varian spoke up, letting his wife's hand go and wheeling over to his daughter. "You let them know, and if they wish to come, arrive around six. If they don't, no offense will be made. I'm sure the prince is very busy- With all that's going on."

Lexus took her father's hand, still and always the gentle one with conversations. "Okay, Dad."

"Is there anything your friends are picky or don't favor in foods?" Hilda kindly asked Ignis.

He adjusted his glasses, "Noctis doesn't like vegetables, but he should eat them. Other than that, we're all fine with anything." he answered.

"Understood." She nodded eagerly.

Lexus and Ignis walked to the door, Hilda mentioning how her father should rest for tonight. He did seem tired so Lexus took the word for it. At the door, Ignis paused, turning to Hilda.

"If I may inquire one favor to ask?" Hilda nodded, standing in the doorway. "No one is to know the Prince is here, so far it's assumed he's dead. Despite that being false, we'd like to keep it that way, for his own protection. This, including the protection of Lexus as well."

That last notion seemed to sink in for Hilda, who grew serious at his favor. "I understand, silent as the grave." She froze realizing her mis-wording. "Sorry, I mean- Secret's safe with us."

Ignis gave a kind smile. "Thank you."

Hilda gave Lexus one more hug and wishing to see her tonight, and closed the door. Once the two were outside, Lexus heaved an extremely heavy sigh and leaned on her knees.

Ignis chuckled at her dramatics, "Worried for nothing." he teased.

"It's not over," She raised up, looking at him. "Think the boys will take dinner to my parent's place?"

He shrugged. "Don't see why not. Any free food is good food for them."

"Still, with how my parents are. Seems some things don't change." She lamented.

Ignis raised a brow as they walked down the street to return to the hotel. "Isn't that what you hoped for? That nothing had changed?"

"It's hard to explain," Lexus started, the two entering the inner city. "My mom has always been obsessed with Noctis, as far as I can remember."

"Ah, right." He snapped his fingers, a memory returning. "You hated Noct because of this, if I remember?"

"Exactly!" She confirmed. "If she invited you to dinner, that's fine. But the others, including Noctis. I don't want her to be obnoxious or smother him, y'know?"

"I wouldn't worry too much, as coming King, Noctis must learn to handle such situations." he explained.

"Really?"

Ignis shoved his hands into his pockets. "That's what I'll tell him, if it means he'll behave himself." He joked.

Lexus laughed and nudged his side, earning a chuckle and nudge back. "Seriously though, thanks Ignis. You were right, I never would've known how they were or what would happen if I hadn't gone to see them." she grinned at him. "How much do I owe you already?"

"There's getting you back home in the Crown City, tending to your scraped knee," He started counting off his fingers. "Saved you from the Imperial attack, and tended to your wounds again."

"Hey, that's for saving Noctis." She countered. "That should be a free-be!"

"Saved you from Deadeye, tended to your hand when you fell off the hill, " He continued, onto his other hand. "Convinced you to meet your parents once more. That's about seven favors."

Lexus moved in front of him, walking backwards. "I helped you guys with hunting, remember?"

One finger went down.

"And map lay out."

A second finger went down, leaving his one hand and five fingers.

"Always helping you cook when you need a second hand."

His pinky went down.

"As I mentioned before, I did save Noctis."

Ignis put his ring finger down, unable to deny that.

"Then I taught you guys how to ride Chocobos."

His thumb tucked in, leaving two fingers left. "That leaves two favors."

Lexus huffed, folding her arms. "Dinner doesn't count?" She tried, but he shook his head.

"Afraid not, that's your parents owing back, not you."

She held her head up and turned, just as they arrived at the hotel. "Fine, two favors I owe you." Ignis laughed.


Up in the room, Prompto and Gladio had been back once Ignis and Lexus entered the room. Noctis was out on the balcony, hearing their return.

"Lexus! Ignis, where did you two run off to?" Prompto asked.

"Can only imagine." Gladio teased, though Ignis ignored him.

Lexus sat beside Prompto on the bed. "Long story short; Ignis treated me to breakfast, we walked the market… Then met my parents."

The room became sober as Noctis leaned on the doorway. "Everything go alright?" He asked.

"Perfectly fine." Ignis told, taking a seat in a chair by Gladio. "A very tearful and emotional reunion, but a happy one at that."

Prompto gave her a pat on the shoulder. "I'm glad it all turned out well, they're doing good?"

"Mom's alright, same as usual. My dad, he seemed weaker." She mentioned.

"Is he sick?" The blond asked. "He's in a wheelchair, right?"

Lexus nodded, "But that was just the accident. It was never said his health would deteriorate from it." she told but changed the subject. "Anyway, they wanted to invite you guys to dinner tonight."

Gladio leaned back. "Really?"

"They want to thank us for helping Lexus." Ignis explained.

Noctis scoffed, "She would've gotten here on her own." he told.

Lexus wanted to argue, if they had left her back at the ranch, she wouldn't have had the push or need to go to Lestallum. So, they did play a part in her reaching her parents.

"Nonetheless, it's up to you if you wish to join."Ignis told them, crossing his legs at the knee to await their answer. "It's tonight at six."

Prompto stood, shrugging. "I'd love to meet them. Would also be an honor to meet a real Chocobo racer."

Gladio looked to Noctis, "What do you think?" he asked.

Lexus stood and walked over to Noctis. "You don't have to, it's your choice, Noct."

The Prince seemed indifferent. "I don't mind, they seem like good people for such an offer." He rubbed his neck. "Sort of refreshing, compared to doing favors for people."

"Then I'm in." Gladio told.

It was settled, the boys would be having dinner at the Quintin home. Lexus felt her anxiety rise once more.


So, I know in the game after the tour, Taclott tells the group of a possible Royal Tomb location. We're extending that another day for this little side bit, then back to the main story.

Sorry I've been gone SO long! Two months, so sorry. After classes were over, house cleaning went into overdrive along with job searching and still adjusting to try and live as normal as possible. Got myself set up for a vaccine shot, the Pfizer, terrified but gotta get it done. Also my Y key broke off for the month of April so that was fun. Being deprived of writing, instead I drew.

Also Graduating college May 2nd! YAY!