Ignis hadn't intended to be brutally honest; he usually kept those things to himself. He would have to make up for his behavior, or lack thereof. As he crawled into the bed near Prompto's, he processed how everything had started. Since Noctis had left, while hunting and trying to learn more about the crystal and what the future might look like, they had run into Aranea. When she would stay at their campsite, he found himself staying up late with her by the fire. Between her interest in his cooking and their mutual interest in the art of the lance, it had been a fast friendship that had begun even before the crystal. He couldn't text, but they would sometimes talk by phone once everyone else had gone to bed. The stories they shared in their many conversations had turned to gentle flirting, but had stalled there. Ignis knew a large part of the stalling was to be blamed on him, and a small part on the circumstances. She had left the Empire but still went on her own trips with Biggs and Wedge often, sometimes for fairly long periods of time without cell phone reception.

Ignis just wasn't sure how to move forward and was astounded by his lack of confidence. He had experience with women, but there was something different about her that unnerved him. It also didn't help that he felt a little like he was betraying the two friends he had left. Prompto always told him, "I just want you to be happy, Iggy," but he knew Prompto had been, and possibly still was, at least somewhat attracted to Aranea. Ignis had continued to keep their, whatever it was, a secret for that very reason.

His thoughts shifted to Gladio as he began to feel sleep tugging at him. He had greeted both Ignis and Prompto with a nod, but treated them no differently than the rest of the people at Hammerhead. Ignis hadn't been sure how to interpret that behavior, but figured he would address it in the morning. Gladio had never said it out-right, but Ignis wondered if Gladio was jealous of all the time spent with Aranea in the past. That combined with Gladio feeling Ignis was a liability hadn't helped the resulting rift. With a sigh, he turned on his side and tried to relax. If only life could be as it once was.

"I know you're awake, Prompto." Ignis said quietly, so as not to wake Gladio and Talcott. He could tell by the blonde's soft breathing; it hadn't sounded quite right.

Prompto let out a puff of air. "Yeah?"

"How long?" When no response came, he stiffened. Had he seen what happened? Ignis could only image what it had looked like. Prompto must have been in the trailer or hidden somewhere because Aranea wouldn't have done it had she known someone was watching.

There was a long pause before he finally answered softly, "Long enough."

Iris was reading on her cot in the garage when the door flew open. Cindy dropped her wrench she was using to work on the armored vehicle and the book slipped out of Iris' hands. It was Aranea, and she appeared to be fuming, but her eyes were red. Had she been crying? She slammed the door shut and stomped off to the bathroom. Cindy and Iris made eye contact with lifted brows. "Now, whaddya 'spose that was about?" Cindy drawled.

Iris just shrugged and went back to her book. The Aranea she had just witnessed was inconsistent with the one Gladio had told her about that evening. He had said she was fun to work with, sarcastic and always had a joke to tell. If Iris didn't know better, she'd thought he had a crush on Aranea. She had teased her brother some, but he hadn't reacted. She hadn't really gotten to meet Aranea, nor fight with her, so she contemplated trying to make small talk when she emerged in an attempt to lighten the mood.

"What are you up to tomorrow, Cindy?" Iris asked, leaving her book where it had fallen.

"More work on this here vehicle, I suppose. How about you?" As Cindy finished her question, Aranea emerged from the bathroom, eyes less red, and headed for the empty cot.

"Not sure yet. Since Gladdy will still be here, I shouldn't go on a hunt. I might do some training though. My brother said he plans to leave in the afternoon," she said as she broke eye contact. It had been nice to see him for a time, though it had been regrettably short.

"Do you have anyone to train with?" Iris turned to her left to see it was Aranea speaking from her place on her cot. Iris looked back to Cindy who shrugged and went back to tinkering with the vehicle.

"I, uh… no. I usually train on my own."

"That's no challenge," she said as she closed her eyes, the cot creaked as she settled in. "I will join you. It would please your brother to know you are continuing to hone your skills."

Iris gulped and laid down in her bed. From what Gladio had said, this would prove to be a very challenging session. "Thank you, Aranea. I usually leave around 6." Though she found the sounds of Cindy working soothing, the possibilities for the next morning kept her awake for another hour before falling asleep.

Aranea was sitting outside the garage, watching the horizon beyond the lights, when Iris finally emerged. She hadn't gotten much sleep for a few reasons. The first reason being she was still pissed at Ignis. She felt she had received mixed signals from him. He hadn't reciprocated, or at least accepted, her display of affection the previous evening, and that had left her feeling ashamed and deeply disappointed; then he had dropped that emotional bit about dreaming about her. She was pretty sure he had feelings for her, but she didn't understand why he didn't act on it. At the same time, she still had goose bumps from what he said and the fact that he said it. A part of her felt sorry for him and his lack of sight. She wondered if the nightmares were still vivid and frequent. It had been awhile since they'd had a conversation of substance.

Aranea hoped that training with Iris would be a positive outlet for her anger. She also felt an obligation to help train Iris, as a payback to Gladio for having had her back the last several days. The second reason she hadn't slept well had been Iris tossing and turning all night, likely dreaming. It wasn't her place, but it did concern her.

"Ready?" Aranea asked and Iris nodded. "Where do you usually go?"

"There is a place not far that we have lit. I can usually make it there safely."

"Lead the way, then," she said as she gestured forward.

The camp seemed mostly still asleep, though a few milled about. As they walked, Aranea slightly behind Iris, she realized she didn't know much about Gladio's sister. After a deep breath to try to help stifle the anger, she decided to make small talk. "I thought the mechanic was coming with us?"

"Cindy said she would come in a little bit, after she finishes the armored car. There is a group leaving later today for Lestallum and she needs to have it ready by then."

"So… how do you like it here in Hammerhead?" Aranea inwardly cringed at her own question; small talk was not her strong suit.

"It's okay I guess. I wish I could travel more and go on more hunts. It is nice when new people come through though."

Aranea sped up to walk side by side with the youngest Amicitia. She was different than Gladio had described her. From what he had said, she had imagined a very bubbly, care-free girl. Who she saw standing next to her was a somber, focused and serious young woman. Aranea wondered if this was due to the circumstances changing her, or the distorted view of a somewhat-detached older brother. Aranea decided she would offer condolences for the former and confront Gladio about the latter. "It must have been hard," she said somewhat softly, turning to face Iris. They were almost where they planned to spar. "Losing your family, not knowing what had happened to your brother, and the prince disappearing. That's a lot to adjust to on top of Eos going to hell in a hand basket."

Iris' features hardened, and Aranea wondered what she had said to trigger the gruff response. "I suppose," Iris finally said. "No use focusing on the past" She pointed to the well-lit clearing ahead. "This is it."

"Well, let's get started."

Prompto and Ignis walked in silence for training that morning. They had left later than usual, and neither had spoken to the other. Ignis walked further behind than usual and Prompto wondered if this was because he was having trouble sensing where Prompto was without the dialog, or if he just wanted to give Prompto space. Prompto hadn't gotten much sleep last night, and figured it was the same for Ignis. He hadn't asked if they were still going to train today, but both had been up on time and headed out wordlessly. The air felt empty without conversation, but Prompto didn't know what to say. He figured Aranea was a subject that should be avoided, out of respect for his friend, but he couldn't get it out of his mind and he had so many questions. He decided to keep the conversation surface level for the time-being. "We should keep it short today, since we have to leave this afternoon. I hope to get a nap and shower in."

"Certainly."

He heard Ignis pick up the pace and realized his insecurity had caused him to be selfish. He decided to keep the conversation going to help his friend. "Are you excited to go on a supply run today?"

"Not the supply run, per se, but it had been a while since we've been to Lestallum."

"Did Iris have anything she would want us to pick up?"

"Good thought, Prompto. I will ask before we depart."

Silence settled again and Prompto was trying to think of where to go next. Ignis had caught up with Prompto and was walking beside him. "I would greatly appreciate it if you kept whatever you saw last night to yourself."

"N… no problem, Iggy. But you know, it's nothing to be ashamed of."

"I'm not ashamed, I just don't think it is anyone else's business," he scoffed.

Prompto put his hands up in a surrender motion, more for his benefit than for Ignis'. "There is no need to be defensive. I understand if you and Aranea have a… thing."

"We do not-" Ignis suddenly stopped, causing Prompto to do the same. "Do you hear that?"

He paused for a moment but heard nothing out of the ordinary. He shook his head but then remembered to verbalize his response. "No."

"Do you see anything out of ordinary?"

Prompto squinted and scanned the horizon. It was difficult to see very far with the darkness. Ignis probably has a better idea than I do of what is out there, Prompto thought. He could see their destination and his eyes lingered there for a moment, noticing movement under the lights. "It looks like maybe someone beat us to the practice area. Maybe Iris?"

"No," Ignis responded quickly. "I hear metal hitting metal, she is not alone."

Prompto furrowed his brow. "That's weird. Who would she be sparing with?"

"Cindy, perhaps?" Ignis smirked.

Prompto playfully punched him in the arm and started walking again. "I wish, but I don't think she has the time or interest for that these days."

Silence settled for the rest of the walk, but this time it felt more comfortable to Prompto. Every time he noticed Ignis lagging behind he would say something like, "Almost there," and he would catch back up. When he got close enough to make out who was sparing, he had the urge to make up an excuse and walk back the way they had come. "Uh, Specs?"

"Yes, Prompto?"

"Its…" He didn't even have to finish before he saw Ignis' jaw stiffen. "We can turn back and come back later."

"No. We are already here. We will wait our turn."

As they drew nearer, Prompto felt the urge to run away grow stronger. If there was one thing he hated, it was conflict. It had been bad enough after Altissia and when Gladio drifted; it seemed that drama followed him and he wished it would stop. He gulped and stepped just inside the lighted area, stopping Ignis with a light hand on the shoulder. Aranea seemed to instructing Iris on a stance and was talking as she moved Iris around. Iris caught sight of them first, then Aranea followed her eyes and frowned.

"What are you doing here?" Aranea asked gruffly.

"Same as you. We shall wait our turn," Ignis responded evenly.

"Still working with Prompto, huh?" Aranea asked, crossing her arms over her chest. Prompto furred his brow, wondering how she knew they had been training prior to the present. Maybe this "relationship" has been going on longer than I thought. Prompto took comfort in the face that Iris looked just has confused as he did.

"Yes. And it is paying off." Prompto noted that Ignis' voice sounded much more calm than Aranea's and he wondered what he had done to piss her off last night.

"Well, why don't you show me some of that new skill? I was about to show Iris a few moves with the lance."

Prompto was about to caution him not to, but Ignis stepped forward, likely using her voice to get in the general area of her position.

"I don't see why not." Prompto couldn't help but shake his head at Ignis' words. Sometimes Ignis could be so stubborn and arrogant. Prompto saw that Iris' eyes were toward him and he was about to approach her, but then he realized she was looking past him and waving. When he looked behind him to see who she was greeting, he sucked in a breath. It felt like the situation couldn't have gotten any worse.

Iris seemed to use Cindy's arrival as an escape and walked toward her, leaving Ignis and Aranea to face off on their own. Prompto wasn't sure which situation would be less dangerous, but decided to take his chances with Iris and Cindy. "Thanks for coming, Cindy!"

"Of course, Iris! I didn't know there'd be so many of ya'll though. Well hey there, Prompto!" He felt his cheeks grow pink at her greeting.

"Hey, Cindy. What brings you out here and away from your cars?" He asked it to be nice, but he was also genuinely surprised; her work was always the excuse when he would try to ask her if she wanted to do something together.

"Well, Iris here said she would show me a thing or two."

"Good luck with that," he muttered and turned to face the two bickering in the center of the lights. They had backed off and were taking fighting stances. Prompto hoped that the lessons would be of aid to Ignis. He had certainly improved, but was not yet at the level he had been. He grimaced as Aranea hit Ignis first, and wondered if she was even trying to pull her punches.

"We could do some work over here," Iris offered. "Prompto, would you want to help?"

He pulled his eyes off of his friend, afraid to continue to watch. "Hmm? Oh, s…sure."

"I can't stay too much longer though," Iris said. "I have to see Gladdy off before he leaves."

Prompto felt remorse for not having said much to Galdio, especially since he was leaving so soon. "Where is he off to now?" He tried not to sound too concerned.

"Lestallum, I think. Supply run."

He felt his eyes get big. "Oh, really? I didn't know he-" A loud yelp and crack from behind him stopped the conversation. All three turned to Aranea bent over Ignis who was flat on his back.