My family and I got Covid… What better way to handle quarantine than to write?
"So, that's all that went down." Lexus sighed, slouching in the plastic chair. "I wish I had gone to find you guys sooner, if I had known you were using the ranch as a means of refuge."
"To be fair, we couldn't get any contact with you." Noctis told.
"Or Iris for that matter." Gladio added.
The group had exchanged events surrounding the near week since they split at Lestallum. Lexus was explained about the battle with the Archeon, how the Regalia had been taken resorting the boys to using Chocobos as their main use for travel as they collected a new astral to summon in battle. They got the car back, though in the process, met with Ravus Nox Fleuret, Luna's brother.
"Why is her brother on the enemy's side? And going after her?" Lexus asked.
"That we do not know." Ignis answered.
It was then Gladio's phone went off. He answered it, not even checking nor needing to see who the caller was. "Iris? Everything alright?"
Lexus tensed, her hands gripping the arms of her chair, even if Gladio seemed relaxed talking to his sister, Lexus still feared the worst. He smiled and looked at her, walking over to hold the phone out.
"She wants to talk to you." He told.
Lexus stood, taking the phone and pressing it to her ear and she stepped a few feet away from the boys. "Iris?"
"Lexus! Oh, thank goodness! I was so worried when Gladdy didn't call me." She said over the phone.
"Was he supposed to?"
"Yes!" She barked, making Lexus pull the phone away for a moment. "I told him the moment they got you back to call me! We've been worried sick about you!"
She brought the phone back to her ear. "Iris, is everyone alright there?"
Iris chuckled, "We should be asking you that. You're the one that got taken away." she scolded. "We're fine, I promise."
Lexus leaned against the trailer, glancing at the boys finding their eyes on her. She walked into the caravan and shut the door. She didn't mean to block them out, but she felt too ashamed to ask the next question.
"How's Talcott?"
Iris hesitated, "He's okay. Your parents and I have been keeping him company… We've all been keeping each other together."
"My parents?"
"They're fine, just worried to death." She told her. "Do you want to talk to them?"
Lexus rubbed her eyes, she wanted to say yes. Hear her parents' voices to assure her they were safe, but she trusted Iris' word. Her eyes stung threatening to water just imagining the worry her parents would give over the phone.
"No- just tell them I'm resting from everything. But I am fine." She assured Iris. "We're getting the Raglia fixed, so we'll be back first thing in the morning."
"Good! I should probably tell you, Talcott is going to Caem with Monica. She offered me to go with them, but I didn't want to leave your parents alone." Iris told.
"Thanks Iris, really." She told closing her eyes, easing herself of her fear and doubt.
Iris chuckled, "I do owe you." she reminded her. "You risked your life to protect Talcott and me."
But not Jared, Lexus bitterly thought. "Hey, I'm going to get going. Sorry, just-"
"Don't worry! I'll see you tomorrow and call if anything comes up. Be safe!"
The call ended, Lexus put the phone on the counter and slid down to the floor. She huddled her knees to her chest, ignoring the faint ache in her stomach. Her face hid in her knees, letting the tears fall and drip off her nose onto her legs.
How could she go back knowing she's the reason Jared's dead? She was willing to put her life on the line, not his. Yet he's the one who paid the price. Why? Why him!? Why!?
"Hey, Lexy." Called a voice, the sound of boots hitting the steps reaching her ears.
When did the door open? She hadn't heard it closing the world out.
"How's Iris and- Lexy?" It was Prompto, the soft tone of his voice filtered the empty silent caravan. "H-Hey, what's wrong? Are you sick?" He asked, kneeling down to her, his hand on her shoulder.
Scared she might not be feeling good, Prompto jumped to his feet. "I'll get Ignis, he'll know-" But he stopped when she grabbed his wrist. He turned back, seeing the desperate wide glassy eyes of Lexus staring at him.
"Don't- Don't tell them, please." She pleaded with a trembling voice.
Prompto got back down to the floor, his blue eyes filled with worry at her plight. "What's wrong? Does something hurt?"
She shook her head, her hand tight on his wrist that slid down to grip his hand. Prompto adjusted to sit on the floor, holding her hand in return. He let her take a few breaths and wipe her eyes before talking.
"Remember when I got captured, what happened to Jared?" Prompto nodded, hearing the news back from Iris. "It's my fault he's dead."
Prompto frowned, "What?"
Lexus covered her eyes, releasing his hand. "I just kept talking and talking, worried they'd find the others and hurt them. I didn't care what they did to me, so long as they were safe. But Jared- He was with me and he paid the price for my damn mouth!"
"Lexus, wait-" He reached for her but she flinched away.
Her eyes released more tears under her palms as she let out a few sobs. "It's my fault he's dead, Prompto. It's my fault Talcott doesn't have his grandfather anymore."
"No, it's not." He argued.
She looked up at him, "How can it not be? I just wanted to distract them and it led to Loqi… He didn't do anything…!" Lexus hiccuped and huddled tighter in herself, crying harder than before.
Prompto felt he couldn't get through to her, she was too stressed and traumatized to hear his reasoning. Instead, he scooted closer to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. Desperate for contact and comfort, Lexus leaned against Prompto, surprising him as he shot his arm above his head. He gulped, but gently placed his arm around her shoulder, rubbing her arm as he rested his head on top of hers. It was the best he could do for his friend, let her cry it out.
So much guilt riddled her, no amount of talking from Prompto or the others were going to snap her out of it. She witnessed Jared's death and felt soley she was the reason. As if she had put that sword through him herself.
It wasn't until the even rising of Prompto's chest against her cheek and the gentle caressing of his hand on her arm that she started to calm down from her crying. She was shaking less, sniffling, and heaving a whimper wanting to cry more. Lexus had no right to feel this comfort, why should she get it? Talcott's the one in true pain.
With her guilt taking over. Lexus lifted off of Prompto and stood, taking a paper towel from the counter roll to wipe her eyes and blow her nose. The blonde rose to his feet, fixing his shirt to ignore the stains she left by his shirt collar.
"Lexus, maybe talking to us will help. No one blames you for Jared's death, Talcott doesn't for sure." He tried to reason with her.
Lexus sniffled, glaring at the wall. "He should."
From what Prompto remembered, Talcott was guilty himself, unable to stop it all from happening. It seemed he himself felt bad for allowing Lexus to get taken, wanting to have done something.
"Well, he doesn't." Prompto tried to tell more sternly. "I promise Talcott doesn't blame you for all of this."
Lexus didn't respond, she threw out the used paper towel and rubbed her eyes. When Propmpto reached for her again, she stepped away, almost hurting him at the notion.
"It's alright, I would never lie to you, Lexus." He tried to assure, taking that step closer. "I promise, Talcott would be so happy to see you alive and okay. Just as we were when we came to get you."
She looked to Prompto, those pleading eyes returning. "I still could've done something- Anything!" Lexus turned to him. "I… I saw red when Loqi…" She gulped, closing her eyes as she cursed herself when tears stained her red cheeks once more. "I wanted to kill him, I never had that feeling before- I still do!"
Lexus looked down at her hands, they trembled, staring at her palms. "I… I actually summoned my crossbow, like you guys do."
Prompto's brows shot up, "What? You did?" she nodded.
"He disarmed me before I could do anything, then I was taken and woke up in that underground place." Lexus felt her nerves slightly calm down, leaning back against the counter and wrapping her arms around herself. "I tried to summon my weapon again, instead I managed to summon the flasks Noctis' uses."
"Wow, that's amazing, Lexus!" Prompto cheered. "That's how you escaped?"
She nodded, "I used the ice flask and froze the chains, breaking through them. The real terrifying part was the dark halls and fighting off the MTs with no weapon." Lexus expressed. "There were moments I really thought I was going to die."
Prompto's smile fell, her brows furrowed as he moved to sit up on the counter beside her. "But you didn't." He told her, she looked up at him. "You were totally badass, getting out of that all on your own."
"But-"
Prompto took her shoulder, turning her to face him. "Lexus, remember when we first met? I risked myself to save you, because it felt like the right thing to do. You did what you did, protecting those you care about, because it felt like the right thing to do."
Lexus' heart was touched by Prompto's words, she bit her lip. Prompto tensed thinking she'd start crying again, but she took his hand and smiled up at him with glassy eyes. "Thanks, Prompto. How is it you're always there to save me when I need it?"
Prompto chuckled, scratching the back of his head as he looked away. "What? I didn't do anything-"
"You did everything I needed; a shoulder to cry on, an ear to lend to, and encouraging words to make me feel… Normal again."
Lexus leaned up and kissed his cheek, making Prompto's freckles pop out under the blush that sprouted. She washed her face in the sink and took another paper towel to dry her face roughly.
"Alright, let's get back to the others before they get concerned why we're here for so long." She teased, unaware of the stunted Prompto perched on the counter still.
Once Lexus left, Prompto was startled back to reality when the caravan door slammed. He leaned over the sink and out the window, seeing her sit back with the others, smiling once more. Prompto's eyes were only on her, the heat returning to his cheeks. He always liked Lexus, from the first day he met her to even meeting again years later. She was the first kind person he'd ever met and here she was still as kind as ever.
Prompto couldn't admit it, but he knew he had developed a crush on Lexus.
The following morning after a long night's rest, Lexus awoke first and got dressed. She was eager now to get back to Lestallum, and what better way to wait for the other's to wake up then practice her summoning. Lexus was outside the Hammerhead Garage to practice, making sure no one was outside or nearby in case she summoned another magic flask. She did the many hand and arm motions of swinging her arms to try and get the crossbow to appear in her hand. But as many times as she tried, nothing appeared.
"Damnit! What am I doing differently!?" She barked at herself. Lexus waved her hands out of anger but it only exhausted her in payback. Lexus looked over at the caravan, finding the boys emerging. Suddenly, an idea came to her head.
Lexus jogged over as Ignis was serving a small breakfast to them. "Morning, guys. Sleep well?"
Gladio groaned, rolling his shoulders. "I would've preferred a tent. Too crammed in there."
"How is the caravan more cramped than the tent?" She amusingly asked.
Noctis yawned, "At least I wouldn't be able to hear Prompto's snoring as loud in a tent." He told Prompto send a glare.
"I do not snore!" He denied.
Ignis looked at her. "Have you eaten already?"
Lexus shook her head, "Before I eat, I need a favor." she told.
"What favor?" Prompto asked, digging into his breakfast of eggs and toast.
"I need someone to attack me!"
The boys only stared at her, astounded by the request she had just made.
"Er, sorry Lexy. I think my hearing is going, did you just ask us to attack you?" Prompto questioned, tapping his palm to the side of his head.
Her nod affirmed he heard right. "I tried to summon my crossbow like how I told you guys, but it won't come. So I thought, what if it'll appear if I'm in danger?"
"That's too reckless." Ignis declined.
"It's not real danger if it's you guys." She countered as he entered the caravan. "You guys just stop when it doesn't happen. Not like I'm jumping into the line of a rampaging Duelhorn."
Noctis frowned, "Still, we don't want to hurt you." he told earnestly.
"Just one run at me with a sword, that's all I ask."
"That's too much to ask!" Prompto told.
Lexus grumbled, pouting where she stood. But when her eyes fell on Noctis who was picking the vegetables out of his omelet, an idea popped into her mind. "Noctis!"
She ran around Gladio and tugged Noctis out of the chair. Nearly dropping his fork, he stumbled to his feet as he was pulled away a few feet stopping at the curb by the exit. Pleased with his spot, she turned and ran onto the other side giving them a fifty feet distance.
"Noctis!" She barked across the way. "Warp your sword near me, so it gives me the thought of being attacked!"
Noctis frowned, "I'm not doing that." he told.
"What!?"
He sighed, "I'm not doing that!" he repeated louder.
"Just once and I won't bring it up again! Whether I succeed or not- Just once!" She promised.
Noctis looked to the guys for help, but only earned a shake of the head from Ignis and helpless shrugs from Gladio and Prompto. He looked toward her, if he warped just beside her, that deemed harmless enough.
"Alright, ready?" He asked, she gave a thumbs up once her stance was set.
Once he himself got a target, he summoned his sword and spun on his heel, swinging the sword and letting it fly toward Lexus. Prompto bit his knuckle as Gladio stood as the sword flew past them. Ignis felt his throat tighten when Lexus didn't dare move.
She watched the blade coming at her, though she knew it was going to hit beside her, she still threw her arm out to block the danger. The blade slammed into the ground beside her, and Noctis appeared a second later. He pulled it out and let it fade from his grip, looking at Lexus.
Disappointment was in her eyes, staring at her empty palm. Nothing. The idea didn't work like she hoped. Noctis walked up to her, but she gave a smile. "Sorry, guess I was wrong."
Noctis gave her a pat on the shoulder. "You'll get it, just take your time."
She nodded and they walked back to the others, Lexus taking a seat just as her stomach growled. Her cheeks heated when boys chuckled at her. "Sounds like we should start taking your time with breakfast."
Ignis placed a plate of perfectly made eggs and toast, and a glass of juice in front of her. She beamed up at him and started munching down on her meal.
"Oh no…"
Seeing Lestallum wear the flags of the Empire was a sad sight for Lexus to see. She had hoped things would be fine, but the sight of the colors and the tense mood in the city showed differently.
"Was hoping they'd be gone, too." Prompto told as the car pulled into the parking lot.
The moment Ignis got out of the back seat, Lexus near trampled over him bolting toward the stairs. "Lexus!" Prompto called, but she just dashed up the steps two by two.
The boys jogged after her, she hadn't even blinked at the people who did greet her or gave a wave. They didn't blame her, Lexus' mind was tracked to seeing Iris and her parents.
She approached the Leville, Iris found coming down the stairs when she saw Lexus run in. She leaned on her knees, out of breath while the fans on the wall cooled her down.
"Lexus! You're back!" She cried, jumping down the remaining couple of steps.
The girls collided into a hug meeting in the middle just as the boys finally caught up with an out of breath Noctis. Iris was near crying but Lexus pulled back and grasped her shoulders.
"Please don't- I'm just so glad you're alright." She told, smiling at her to assure she was alright.
Iris took a breath and smiled back, "So am I, we were so worried when they took you."
Lexus flinched, Iris moved aside letting her run up the stairs hearing Noctis groan 'not again' from the foyer. She jogged down the hall finding her parents room, pausing at the door. Almost reliving the reunion between her parents about a week ago, Lexus took a deep breath and opened the door. "Mom? Dad?"
Her father turned in the chair she had finished for him before her capture, clutching his chest when he saw his daughter. "Lexus!"
"Dad!"
Lexus rushed over, hugging her father, he pet her hair and kissed her head, holding her as tightly as he could. "Thank the Six!"
When he let go, Lexus was hit with her mother's body as she enveloped her into a tighter hug than her father gave her. She returned the hug, rubbing her face into Hilda's shoulder, her fingers clawing at her cardigan.
"My Baby's home, my Baby's alright." She sobbed, near breaking Lexus' strong hold from crying herself.
Though it was short lived when Hilda pulled her away giving her a stern look. "Don't you ever do a stupid stunt like that ever again!" Lexus blinked at her, feeling like a child at the scolding. "Iris told me what you did, we would've been fine!"
"Fine?" Lexus took a step back, hands curling into fists. "If they had found Iris, Talcott or you, I don't know what they would've done!"
"We had them hidden away, it would've been fine!" She told.
"What about you? That bastard Loqi could've hurt you! Or worse!"
"What would he gain from that?"
"Because they were after me!" She barked, jabbing her thumb at her own chest. Hilda frowned as Varin wheeled himself over.
"What do you mean, Sweetheart?" He asked.
Lexus huffed, "Loqi mentioned me, they know I go around with Noctis and the others. My name is now out there, 'Woman of pine hair and a crossbow was seen traveling with him and cohorts.' That's what he said."
Hilda wrapped her arms around herself, looking away as she feared the worst of her daughter traveling with the Prince.
"If they had found out you were my parents, they might've tortured you to get answers out of me! I couldn't let that happen!" She explained.
Her parents were silent, understanding the risks Lexus took to protect them. "It's a parent's job to protect their child, not the other way around." Hilda muttered.
Lexus sighed, her hands resting at her side no longer tight in fists. Without a word, Lexus hugged her mother once more, this time hugging her tightly. Hilda wrapped an arm around her daughter, rubbing her back as Varin held their hands at their side.
A knock came on the door, letting the small family pull apart as Lexus walked to the door, peeking in. She moved aside, letting the boys and Iris in. She had no doubt some of them were listening at the door.
"Sorry for intruding." Ignis apologized.
"We wanted to make sure everything was alright." Prompto told.
Hilda smiled at the boys and walked over, giving each one a hug. She surprised them at first, Gladio and Noctis more than Prompto who returned the hug. When standing before Ignis, she brought a hand to his cheek where she had slapped him before.
"I apologize; you kept your word and brought my daughter back to me, for a third time." She hugged Ignis last, who patted her shoulder kindly.
"We shouldn't waste too much time here." Lexus told, a serious gaze in her features. "We need to leave Lestallum."
It was decided what would be done to leave Lestallum. Thankfully Taclott was taken to Caem the day before, now it was time to get Iris there. Though the offer stood to Hilda and Varin, they had their own plans of refuge.
"The Chocobo Ranch?" Lexus questioned, as a car was being packed for the couple to travel in. A hunter Noctis had saved a while back offered the ride in thanks for his kindness. "Are you sure?"
Varin chuckled, "It'd be best for me to traverse around the ranch than by the sea and cliffs." He held a hand up blocking his face from Hilda. "Your mother would follow me like a hawk." He whispered.
"I heard that." Hilda nudged his shoulder, then smiled at her daughter. "We talked about it, and it was the best decision to make." She told, placing a hand on her husband's shoulder.
Varin reached up, placing his palm over her's. "We also thought it best that we teach more people to ride Chocobos. They could be used to traverse in case they blockade the roads again."
Lexus knelt down to her father, holding his hand in his lap. "Dad, are you sure? Will you be okay?"
Varin's head left Hilda's to caress his daughter's cheek, his thumb caressing under her eye. "I'll be fine, Sweetheart." He promised.
Lexus smiled and kissed her father's cheek. She stood and hugged her mother once more as the truck was done loading. "All ready!" The hunter called.
Fearing to be separated again. Lexus gulped as she eyed the truck that would take her parents away. "Lexi." She looked to her parents, both reaching up to hold her hands. "This isn't the last time we'll see each other." Hilda promised.
"When this is all over, we'll never be separated again." Varin added.
Lexus nodded, her face turning to one from fear to resolve. "I'll make sure it happens."
She gave her parents one last hug before helping her father into the truck. She and the hunter got his chair in the back and then Hilda climbed in with Varin. The truck came to life and Lexus waved at the side of the road watching her parents ride off to the Ranch.
Standing there for a bit longer, watching the truck disappear into the tunnels to the East. She heard someone approach her, recognizing the footsteps of who it was. "I'm alright, and they're alright."
The hum of confirmation at her side agreed with her. "They certainly are." Ignis told her.
Lexus looked to him, "Ignis, when will we go back to normal? I mean, will we achieve peace?" she asked him.
Ignis glanced at her, pocketing his hands into his pockets. "In due time, it may take longer than we ever anticipated. But Prince Noctis will lead us to those days once more."
She looked at him for a moment, then smiled when his eyes fell on her once more. "Yeah, he will."
"Lexus! Ignis!" The two looked behind them, seeing Iris calling for them as she stood up in the back of the Regalia, hood down and all. "Hurry, we're leaving!"
Ignis sighed, "Is your motorbike ready for take off?" he asked, adjusting his glasses.
Lexus chuckled, giving him a thumbs up. "Always!"
With said bike parked with the Regalia, both vehicles were gassed up and ready for the long drive. "Wow, that's cool right, Lexus!" Iris cheered as they piled into the car.
Lexus grinned as she put her helmet on. "Thanks!" She revved it to life and nicked the kickstand up. "Maybe I'll give you a ride sometime!"
Gladio yelled something of it not happening as Lexus took the lead to pull out of the gas station as the Regalia followed after. Instead of heading East like her parents, the group took the West exit, the same road Lexus took to fix those pylons a while back. Her eyes caught the damned things in the distance, shaking her head at the nightmare of dealing with those. Never again, she thought
It was relaxing to be able to drive her bike once again, now and then she swerved around the road earning a honk from behind. She looked in her mirror, grinning at the stern look Ignis gave as he drove. She imagined his face if she popped a wheelie right now.
"As Lexus always drove a bike?" Iris asked out of curiosity from the back.
"As far as we know." Gladio told her.
Prompto twisted in his seat, "She said she used to work at a bike shop in the city and practically built it herself." he answered.
"Wow, that's awesome!" Iris said.
Noctis gave his friend a look. "How do you know that?" Even she didn't tell them that.
Prompto grinned, folding his arms behind his head in a smug way. "Just the perks of being her bestie!"
Noctis snorted, "Oh, excuse me." he retorted teasingly.
"Must be an honor to earn such a title." Ignis chided, reaching for his Ebony coffee in the cup holder.
Prompto chuckled, "You're just jelly, Iggy. Me and Lexy have a special bond." he boasted.
Gladio scoffed, "Is that what you're calling it?" he teased as well.
Iris elbowed her brother, accidentally elbowing Noctis in the process. "Lay off, Gladdy. We all have a special bond with Lexus. She's like a sister I never had."
The honk of the horn jolted the group, Ignis groaning in frustration. Apparently Lexus has indeed attempted that wheelie. "Reckless…" He grumbled.
Iris giggled, "Much like how Ignis is vigilant over her." she commented.
"You don't know the half of it." Gladio told her.
The ride went on with Lexus done with the stunts, since Ignis was trigger happy with the horn any chance she had. The ride was relaxing to say the least, Prompto took photos when he could of the scenery and passengers, and caught a photo when Lexus popped the wheelie before.
Despite the offers to some stops, Iris assured she was good in the car despite being crunched up by her brother and Noctis. In all, she found it cozy back there riding with the boys.
"Has Lexus ridden with you guys?" Iris asked curiously.
"As in, the car?" Noctis asked. "Once, when she got hurt fighting."
"How bad?"
Prompto turned back, leaning his arms on the headrest. "Some Empierals dropped on us during a ride and she got hurt pretty badly. We were on our way to the Chocobo Ranch."
Gladio nodded, getting his book out to read as the car's hood started to rise. A few raindrops were felt so Ignis decided to go for cover. "So that's where those small scars on her arms came from? I felt it wasn't my place to ask about them."
"She wouldn't have minded, Lexus holds them proudly now." Her brother assured her by sending her a smirk. "Anyway- we had her sit back here. Ignis kept checking her wounds so I sat up front while Noctis drove."
Noctis reminisced. "Oh yeah, yeah, now I remember. Promptolet her snuggle up to her the entire ride to the ranch."
Iris giggled as Prompto's face turned red. "I-I was letting her rest! She blacked out and was in pain!"
"Prompto made his move earlier than I expected." Gladio teased. "What a man."
Prompto humphed. "You guys-!" He turned and plopped back down, folding his arms.
Ignis chuckled, "Come now, ease up on the tormenting." he told with an amused look on his face.
Prompto rolled his eyes and leaned his arm on the door. His eyes fell onto Lexus, driving more safely in the rain. She must have anticipated the weather as she was protected from it with her leather jacket. The blonde hadn't realized the fond look he held in his eyes as he watched her drive.
The rain had eased up by the time they reached a small stop called Old Lestallum. Nothing of a big town or city like the current one, but enough that it had a gas station, market, dinner, and hotel. Lexus and them pulled into the diner, she flipped the kickstand and climbed off the bike. Taking her helmet off, Lexus whipped her hair back, making sure she didn't get helmet hair.
"Lexus, I'm sort of jealous of your hair." She turned as Iris had gotten out of the car leaving the boys behind.
"Really? Why's that?" She asked.
Iris shrugged, "It looks so nice grown out. I lost control of it when I got puberty, so I just keep it short now." she explained. "Do you ever style it?"
Lexus reached back for her hair, feeling it had reached back her shoulders and was touching her mid back, the bangs at chin length. She hadn't noticed how long her hair had even grown since she left Crown City.
"My mom used to braid it, but I think it's too long for that now." Lexus told, putting her helmet on the bike as they entered the diner.
They all sat at the bar, Iris saddling up next to Lexus as with Gladio beside his sister, and the rest down the line. "No way!" Iris denied Lexus' claim. "I can braid it and show you how it'd look."
Lexus was hesitant, when Gladio leaned over. "She'll never let you be unless you say yes." He warned.
She sighed and shrugged, "Fine, what harm could it do?" Lexus relented letting the teen be excited over it.
Ignis had been looking over the menu when he noticed people making a commotion outside. They were gathering around pointing up at the sky, he frowned. Something didn't feel right. He stood and strode out, standing on the step when he spotted a large floating Imperial Fortress overhead. That explained the mild panic to the locals.
"Something wrong, Specs?" Noctis asked, as they had noticed the lack of an advisor with them.
He adjusted his glasses and turned to them. "We have an Imperial base within our range."
This caused the group to tense, Lexus frowned. "Are they coming here?"
Ignis shook his head, "No, but I suggest we take care of it before it becomes a problem in the future." he told.
Eyes fell on Noctis, he nodded and stood from the stool. "We'll go, we're not done with them yet."
He left with Ignis following, Gladio pausing beside the girls. "Iris, I'll need you to stay here."
She looked worried, but nodded seeing it would be dangerous for her to be with them. Taking advantage, Lexus stood up. "I'll stay here, we can take a room at the hotel since you might be a while."
Prompto looked over by the door. "You don't want to kick ass with us?"
Lexus chuckled, "Trust me, I do. But I feel better if Iris was with someone than alone in this little town." she told.
Gladio gave her a thumbs up, leaving with Prompto dragging him by the collar. Lexus sighed once the boys made their leave to the base, resting her forehead on the counter.
Iris leaned over, "You okay?" she asked.
Lexus turned her head, giving a tired smile. "Yeah, I was hoping we'd get to Caem with no problems."
"Such as infiltrating an Imperial base?" Iris asked.
Lexus chuckled, raising her head. "Yeah, sounds right." She reached down, rubbing her stomach. "I'm still sore from the last base I was at."
"Want to rest in a room?" Iris offered.
Lexus shook her head, "I can wait until you eat, I'll just be resting my head if alright. We can still talk." she assured.
Seeming alright, Iris ordered a small plate of fries in case Lexus wanted to steal a piece or too. She was only slightly peckish and didn't really want to have a full meal yet. The girls talked about the town, the ride, and even conversations Iris had in the car.
Soon done with the meal, the girls walked across the street and toward the hotel. Iris glanced around in case the boys were coming around, but no sign as Lexus got two rooms; one for the boys and one for the girls. They entered their room, not as fancy as the Leville but cozy enough for the night.
"Thank goodness there was a hotel instead of a caravan." Lexus sighed, falling back onto one of the beds with a bouncing thump.
Iris giggled sitting on the other bed. "Cramped up with the boys in it?"
"At times." Lexus told, closing her eyes as she spread her arms out. "At first I didn't mind it, but I hadn't realized the loud snoring the early wake up and at times I can hear one of them kicking a well in their sleep."
"I know Gladdy tends to snore now and again, that might be Noctis kicking in his sleep." Iris guessed. "Gladdy has told me Noctis tends to talk or move in his sleep."
Lexus frowned, sitting up fully. "Noctis has been through a lot, more than I realized. I imagine he's not sleeping well compared to the rest of us." She hunched forward, propping her elbows on her knees as she rested her chin in her palms.
"He was supposed to be traveling just to get married. Instead, he lost his father, home, and his friends have to go through things just for knowing him." She told.
"Like what you went through?" Iris guessed, Lexus looked to her then back at the wall. "He felt so bad when I told him what happened, but I think Ignis took it harder." Lexus' brows furrowed. "You're mom was so upset."
Lexus nodded, "I don't blame her." she muttered.
Iris moved to the edge of the bed. "No, I mean, she slapped him!" Lexus shot her head to the teen who nodded. "Ignis vowed to get you back and your mom was so upset and angry she hit Ignis."
The pine haired girl groaned and stood. "Jeez, now I see why my mom apologized too him." She scratched her head frowning. "I should too."
Iris stood, hands behind her back. "It was actually sweet of him." Lexus gave her a weird look. "Ignis only ever spoke like that for Noctis, being his advisor and all. But it was… romantic when he said it about you." She giggled.
Lexus blinked and pointed, folding her arms. "Romantic? Please, Iris."
The teen trotted over, leaning into Lexus to see her face. "Come on, you haven't noticed anything between you too?"
She was about to argue, but her heart suddenly clenched at the thought of Ignis. Moments when the two stared at one another blocking the world around them, the kiss he left her when leaving Lestallum, all the times he doted on her. Even the warning of him hitting the horn when she was fooling around on her bike-
Oh no.
Iris held this grin, a grin of being right by the realization that Lexus held. "You like him."
Lexus stepped back, holding her hands out and shaking her head. "No! No, no, no!" She kept denying the teen's accusation. "He's a friend! We're all friends! I don't like him more or feel any different about him than the others."
Iris didn't seem to believe her, Lexus felt her face heat up and turned away. Her hand covered her mouth and warm cheeks, trying to will the feeling away. The teenager stepped around and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I think you two are cute together, if it's any constellation." She encouraged, only to earn a frustrated groan from the woman.
Did she like Ignis? More than just a friend? Lexus thought of the other boys, she felt an inward reaction. Noctis was alright, Gladio was alright, Prompto was alright, Ignis-
Her heart then clenched and she felt a light tickling in her stomach. Her lips threatened to quirk up, but she bit her lip to keep from happening. The girl growled out and threw her arms out before throwing herself onto the bed letting her face sink into the pillows.
While laying there, she could feel Iris playing with her hair.
LadyAmazon- Hey! Happy New Year, it's been a long while! Thanks, yes. In my original draft, I had her encounter another MT and Prompto or Ignis took them down but I wanted to hint the effects of Ramuh as it gains his summon power during the time they were 'missing' And yes, sadly RIP Jared.
