Wow...I wasn't expecting so much love already! I honestly thought people were gonna hate my stuff! Thank you all so much for showing your support, I nearly cried with joy because of how happy I was...I am now motivated to write more and keep my creativity flowing!

I am planning to write Dawn's origin story and how she originally got here, just have to think of how it's all going to fit in. This was really suppose to be random drabble I made up, but now I think this might turn into a full blown story! We'll have to see.

Merry Christmas everyone, and as always, hope you enjoy!

Since that night, it was a little awkward between Ignis and Dawn. Ignis didn't speak to her alone again, and Dawn tried to preoccupy herself with other tasks to keep from talking to him. No one ever knew that they had even spoken alone at all. However, suspisions were secretley growing bigger and bigger.

Ignis had to outright lie about the extra mug left on the table. He just explained that he was way too tired to focus and ended up getting himself another drink on accident. He felt bad for lying, and knew that it would be better to just say something, but the last thing he wanted to talk about was his relationship with Dawn lest they start teasing him and making the tension worse. Someone like Prompto would never let go the fact that he spoke to her alone, shared a mug of his precious Ebony, and even called her beautiful. He could just hear the hoots of laughter and pestering in his head...ugh.

When the team's advisor had explained himself about the mug, trying his hardest to keep from kicking himself due to being so careless, it was obvious everyone else didn't quite buy it. Ignis was never one to be 'too tired to focus', and he knew it. Prompto was of course starting to crack jokes about the matter.

"Gee, Iggy! I didn't know you had normal human functions! I wish I could have caught it on camera..." He sighed in disappointment. It would have made the picture of a lifetime.

The accused brunette pushed up his glasses gently, the bright sun casting off a spit second glare. "In case you haven't noticed, I am human. However, I would not expect that much from your inferior mind."
"Heeeeyyyy!" Shouted Prompto, like a kid who had their toy taken away. Laughter broke out among the group while the blonde gave the advisor a shove, except for one.
"We should get moving soon." Dawn said in a serious tone after the laughter somewhat died. She stood seperate from the group, arms crossed. "Some of the wildlife might find us here." It was strange to see her like this again after witnessing her softer side. He kept wondering what he could possibly do in order for them to be on aggreable terms again...to be perfectly honest, he wanted to see her like the way he saw her last night. However...he doubted it would ever happen again. What an idiot he was.
"Well said. Let us get our belongings packed and ready." Ignis responded, if with just a hair of hesitation. He silently hoped no one noticed.

After everything was mostly packed and ready to go, Ignis was lost in thought. For the life of him, he still couldn't figure out why calling the redhead beautiful made her so mad and distant...maybe he was a little too forward? Maybe it was the way he said it...sounding like some guy telling her what she wants to hear, just to get on her good side. Noctis' caretaker felt a little disheartened. He meant every word and was trying his best to make her feel better, yet the result was near catastrophic.

Suddenly, Gladio approached Ignis with a look of accusation.

"Iggy. Got a moment?" The tall, dark haired man said with his gruff voice.
"Certainly." Ignis had just finished packing his cooking equipment and spices while again, thinking of Dawn.
Gladio crossed his arms and started leaning on the trailer, making the whole thing tilt a bit. "There's something fishy goin' on here."
"What ever are you talking about?"
"Our newest charge, Dawn. She's acting...strange. 'Specially around you."

"Damn." Noctis' caretaker cursed in his head. He was hoping the cover story would be enough, but true to his suspisions, The redhead's attitude would give everything away. Good thing he came up with an explaination beforehand. "I suspect she has a lot of things on her mind." He didn't miss a beat. Gladio nodded thoughtfully.
"Yeah, guess you're right about that. But...why would she be cold around you but no one else?"
"It is quite the mystery. Dawn seems fickle about many things. Quite possible that all she needs is time."
The taller man's eyebrows creased in thought. That wasn't a good sign. "You didn't do something to piss her off, did ya, Iggy?"
The brunette cursed again. He could have sworn Gladio would be satisfied with the answer and just left it alone for the time being.
"I do not see what I could have possibly done to provoke her. Now we must get going. I saw some beasts nearby." Ignis then started to walk towards the Regalia, only to be stopped by Gladio again.
"Just talk to her, man." He said in a half serious-half playful tone. "Can't hurt to try." He then gave the advisor a slap on the shoulder as he walked away.

Ignis wasn't sure if Gladio had caught on, or if he was just saying that to fix the problem in general. He was hoping for the latter...

"Hey, Specs! You drivin' or what?" Called the dark haired Prince. He was already in the car, looking ready to fall asleep again. The owner of that nickname didn't even notice that he was just standing there, looking at nothing. He quickly gathered himself and headed towards the drivers seat, hiding an ever-so-slight blush of embarrassment.

"This is looking to be quite grim..." Ignis thought with a frown.