They had left Hammerhead fifteen minutes after Aranea had informed Specs of their run to Lestullum. Ignis' enthusiasm about the inprumptu trip had been more than she'd anticipated. She owed Gladio a "thank you" for asking them both to come. However, she also feared that he had asked for their aid in desperation. In an effort to ease her mind, Aranea checked the rear view mirror and saw that Cindy was still sleeping. They hadn't planned on bringing her, but she said she didn't have any pressing matters, and it didn't hurt to have a mechanic along. Cindy didn't leave Hammerhead often, but she appeared to be coping well so far. Aranea feared for Iris, but she also secretly looked forward to the shock on Prompto's face when he saw Cindy with them.

As the trip continued Aranea did her best to keep her eyes and thoughts on the road in an effort to avoid an incident similar to the one their friends had encountered, but they kept straying to Ignis. He sat in the passenger seat and had been silent for the last 45 minutes. Her mind was still reeling from the intimate contact with his hands on her face. She wondered what he was thinking. She kept stealing glances at him, hoping that he wouldn't notice since he couldn't see. His face continued to be unreadable. His boldness had surprised her, but she hoped it continued. After all, they hadn't been able to seal the kiss they had both anticipated, and she was aching to do so, curious what it would be like.

Ignis cleared his throat suddenly and she had to grip the steering wheel tightly to keep from jerking it in fright. "How much further?" He asked softly.

"Only about half an hour," she said quietly so as not to disturb Cindy. "You can take a quick nap if you like."

"I would, were I able."

Aranea wasn't sure what he meant, but thought it best not to pry. She didn't want to stop him from making any bold moves on his own. After a few minutes, just as she was about to turn some music on, he spoke up.

"It wasn't too much, was it? Touching your face, I mean."

Aranea snorted. "Gods no. Certainly took you long enough," she joked.

"I suppose so. It was nice to see you again, Aranea."

She felt chills on her arms as he spoke her name. She savored his confession, but she was curious. "What was it like? I mean, how does it work?"

He shifted in his seat and leaned back. "It helps that I have seen you before. When I feel your features, it helps to enhance, or brighten, the mental image I have of you."

"I see. I mean..." Aranea inwardly curses herself for her insensitive phrasing. She was surprised to hear him laugh in response.

"It's okay, Aranea. I know I don't talk about it much still, but I promise it doesn't bother me as much as it used to." He paused, then continued in a much more serious tine. "I hope my boldness isn't too little, too late."

"Never, Specs. Like Gladio, I'm currently in the mood for second chances."

Lestullum

Prompto jumped at the knock on he and Gladio's bedroom door. He hoped it was his friends. Gladio had been with Iris most of the day and he was beginning to get bored. Talcott had chores to do and Prompto had been tired, but wasn't sleepy enough for bed. When he opened the door, he gave Aranea a side hug and clapped Ignis on the arm. "Glad to see you guys made it safely. Come on in, and I'll go get Gladio."

As they moved into the room, Aranea leading Ignis into the unfamiliar room, Prompto froze in place at the last voice he expected to hear. "There's Blondie!" Cindy came hurtling toward him and put her arms around his neck.

"C... Cindy! I didn't know you were coming too."

"Well of course, Sugar!" She said as she stepped back from the hug and into the room with the others. "I don't get out much, and I figured my talents might be useful here and on the trip to and from."

"Makes sense, I guess. It is good to see you, I mean, I'm glad you made it safely." Prompto tried to turn his face away from them to hide his heated cheeks. It was hard to ignore the smirk on Aranea's face. Prompto figured she was probably getting a cheap thrill from his discomfort. "Well, you guys make yourselves comfortable, and I'll be right back with Gladio. He'll want to come up with a plan." Prompto quickly exited the room and headed toward Iris'. He took a couple of deep breaths along the way in an attempt to regain composure.

Prompto knocked lightly on the door and Gladio answered quickly. "They're here," Prompto informed him. Gladio nodded and followed him down the hall. Prompto's heart ached at the sight of his distraught friend. He hoped Iris healed, and soon, both for her sake and Gladio's.

Once they entered the room the banter stopped instantly and all eyes were on them. Cindy was the first to act; she gave Gladio a quick hug and told him she was sorry about his sister. He nodded, but remained quiet. Aranea and Ignis murmured their sympathies as well.

"Thanks for coming. I have already checked over the supplies, so they should just need loaded. It's too late to head out tonight, so you guys should stay the night and leave first thing."

Aranea rose from her seat on the bed with both eyebrows high. "I have room in the truck for four, maybe five if we get cozy. Are you sure you and Iris don't want to come back with us?"

"I'm sure," Gladio said confidently. "She is getting good care here, I'm not moving her until she wakes up, and I'm not leaving her."

Prompto broke the silence that followed Gladio's declaration. "So, I guess we should figure out who is leaving tomorrow?" He hoped, whether he went or stayed, it would be with Cindy.

Cindy spoke up first. "I'll drive the old girl back. I'll do what I can here tonight then head back in the mornin'. Blondie, wanna ride shotgun?"

Prompto tried his hardest not to sputter a response. "S... Sure. I'd like that. I can get the truck loaded tonight."

"Great. But two isn't enough. Not with the roads the way they are," Gladio said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Aranea, you want to go with them?"

Before anyone could respond, Talcott appeared in the doorway. "I would like to come. I got permission. I won't be much trouble, and I've gotten pretty good at defending myself."

Prompto smiled. "We would love to have you along, buddy."

Talcott returned the smile and came fully into the room, shutting the door behind him.

"Aranea?" Gladio prompted again.

Aranea hesitated, then glanced at Ignis before answering. Prompto bit the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling. Prompto wondered if something happened after Aranea and Ignis' fight as he noticed that her gaze was soft, not one of hatred or distain. "I'd like to stay."

"Ignis, I assume you are staying too?" Gladio asked drily.

"I believe so."

"Alright then," Gladio said as he headed to the door. "Ignis, you can stay in here with us. Aranea and Cindy, I'll show you where you can sleep. There should be a hot meal available in the lobby soon."

As the three left, Prompto elbowed Ignis. "Things seem a little better between you two, huh?"

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"Or course not. Come on Iggy, I'll show you around."