"I'm glad we're talking again, but I really wish you would remember the time difference when you call me…" a voice mumbled into the other end of the phone.

"I have nothing to wear," Y/N exclaimed, ignoring her friend's complaint.

"Well, that's a lie. I was there when we loaded your suitcases onto the boat. You definitely are not short of clothing."

"This is my engagement party! I need something…spectacular!"

"Why haven't you been out shopping before now?"

"First of all, you forget I wasn't sent with any money!"

"I know damn well you have a hefty amount of money sitting in an account with your name on it!"

"They don't use gil here! I haven't told you this before?"

"You haven't told me a lot of things since moving there, actually…"

"Well, they use something weird called crowns?…Credits?...I don't know. But they just use plastic cards run through machines! That's it! I have no way of accessing my account from here or using the money in it because it's worthless!"

"How the hell have you been living?"

"Well, food is free. At least, if I eat in the Dining Hall. Room and board is free. I don't fucking go anywhere-"

"Didn't you buy new workout clothes that one time you went out to the mall with everyone? And didn't you buy your wedding dress there?"

"The wedding dress was purchased by the King, apparently as a gift-"

"Damn! Thank you daddy money bags!"

"Ew! Anyways, and Ignis bought the clothes for me. He did give me access to his account-"

"Whoa, wait! What? And you haven't bought anything with it yet?"

"I bought a tea from the Citadel Café a few times-"

"Just tea? Girl, you were just handed a man 's bank account and you do nothing with it?"

"Apparently, we're different people because no, I didn't. I suppose I could…see if he would let me use it to get something to wear tomorrow…"

"Well, YEAH! I'm more than certain he would let you buy a nice dress for him to show you off in! And again, you've had a man's money this whole time and didn't tell me? Girl we could be living large right now!"

"It's not gil, remember? It would be useless to you!"

"Well you could at least buy something there and ship it to me or something! I'm still waiting on some kind of souvenir. You've been there long enough. I imagine they have some great shops there."

"Well, I haven't been out much."

The tone of Y/N's voice once again worried LeAnn. Something was going on that she wasn't being told, and she didn't know how to feel about that. She understood secrecy and that her phone was basically tapped. And she wasn't a stranger to royal protocol. But Y/N never held back from talking to her the way she had been since moving to Insomnia.

"So go out! Call me when you do and talk to me as you shop! Ask that Luna girl to go with you. Hell, take your fiancé and ask him to buy you stuff. What's holding you back?"

Y/N still wasn't up for having a conversation about the mad man who had been attacking her.

"This place is way scarier than back home, LeAnn. It's so different. I wish you could understand."

"That's why I'm suggesting you take someone with you! I never said venture out alone."

Little did her friend know, per protocol, she couldn't leave the Citadel alone.

"Maybe I can just ask Ignis is he wouldn't mind letting me buy a new dress. I could…shop online or something."

"Is anything there up to your high standard?" LeAnn laughed.

"I guess we will see," Y/N sighed.

"Well, if you don't find anything, send me pics of what you're thinking of wearing and I'll help you pick. It's been so weird not helping dress you up like a doll every day."

Y/N had staff that specifically helped her get ready at the castle back home, but LeAnn was always present to help, even if just to pick out what she should wear or tell them how they should do her friend's make-up.

"I'll call you later and fill you in."

"If you don't, I'm calling you! And you better answer!"

Ignis was seated at a large, wood table amongst a small handful of council members and staff from the city. Noctis was seated to his right. The Prince looked on the verge of nodding off again, so Ignis kicked his ankle under the table. A small hiss sounded and he could see Noct giving him a sour look from his peripheral.

He had to admit himself, this was one of the meetings he attended he looked forward to the least. He rarely took much away from them. Building repairs, street repairs, a new food shop going up on the eleventh block. City Council and Urban Development wasn't his preferred subjects of conversation.

Noctis kept trying to sneak his phone under the table to open a King's Knight game. Ignis could only roll his eyes and continue to take diligent notes. No amount of under the table kicking would drag Noctis away from his mobile games, unfortunately. And even so, he wouldn't retain any of the information even if he tried to pay attention. Ignis had to admit, Noct was doing a much better job than before at attending these meetings and putting in…well, a bit more effort than before. He almost dreaded what it would be like when Noctis did take the throne.

As talks about a new apartment building to be erected began, Ignis felt his own phone start buzzing in his pocket. He contemplated ignoring what he thought was a text, but the continuous buzzing made him realize it was an incoming call. He discretely pulled the device from his pants pocket. The name on the screen made his heart flutter a moment and a small smile start to creep onto his lips. Seeing his fiancé call him was a rare, and honestly nonexistent, occurrence. The moment of happiness lasted a mere second before he realized she may be calling for help. What if she was being attacked again? Were her guards taken out? Was she hurt? Ignis' heart sunk into his stomach as he quickly stood from the table.

"Excuse me, gentlemen! I must take this!" he informed them, before briskly walking out the door and into the hallway. Before the door could even close all the way, he hit the answer button and brought the phone to his ear. "Are you alright?"

"Um…yes…" he heard Y/N answer timidly on the other end. "Why? Is something going on?"

"I…not that I am aware of," he stuttered a bit. "Your call worried me. I thought maybe something had happened again."

"Oh!" she gasped. "No. I'm terribly sorry. I should have just text you. This is…I apologize."

"No, do not be sorry!" he quickly assured her, afraid she would hang up. "You are welcome to call me anytime. I can't always assure a quick answer, but I will get back to you the moment I am free again if you ever get my voicemail."

"Okay…thanks. Are you busy now?"

"I'm in a meeting with City Council."

"Shit. I knew this was a bad idea. Just forget-"

"No! It's fine. Quite boring, actually. I should be thanking you," Ignis tried making light of the situation. While he really should be in the meeting, it wasn't as important as most he went to. He heard Y/N let out a small breath on the other line as a chuckle and wanted to keep her on the line longer, even though a nagging feeling in his brain was telling him to get back to work. "May I ask why it is you did call?"

"I was just…wondering if it's okay if I…" Y/N hesitated. She hated this. She hated this so much. She never had to ask for anything in her life. Sure, that sounded pompous. But it was her truth. She hated asking people for things and here she was. Asking for money of all things. It was just as bad as the first time she asked him. He had been completely understanding, and it wasn't like she thought he would say no. It was simply a matter of pride. "Would it be alright if I used the money card you gave me to…buy a dress for this weekend?"

Ignis wasn't sure what he was expecting her to say. Nothing, honestly. He never expected calls from her. But he was a bit surprised to hear her ask to buy something. He had given her a card to use his account if ever she wanted or needed. Had she not bought anything yet? He hadn't gone through and did his banking spreadsheets for the month yet, but his account balance did seem to reflect only his personal spending. He had an understanding that most girls loved shopping and fully expected her to be the same. He was more than financially stable and didn't give her any kind of spending limit. He was honestly surprised she was asking.

"O-of course! Did you need someone to escort you to any shops? I can arrange something for you-"

"No, it's fine. I was looking online and they said they can deliver before tomorrow. And they can send their seamstress to make adjustments."

"That sounds wonderful."

"Do you…need to see it?" she asked, unsure.

"I will see it on you at the party. I think I'd like to be surprised," Ignis said, having a hard time hiding his smile as he spoke.

"Do you wanna know how much it is, or…"

"Nonsense. I doubt you will drain my bank account for a dress. If there is anything else you need, any type of accessories or such, you need not ask."

"Thank you Ignis. I appreciate it."

"It is my pleasure."

A few moments of silence past before Y/N spoke again.

"You should probably get back to your meeting. I'm sorry again for interrupting."

"You are far more interesting than discussing pot holes with the road department," Ignis joked.

Y/N let out an almost silent chuckle before saying a bit of an awkward goodbye and hanging up. Ignis pocketed his phone and silently headed back inside the meeting room. As he took his seat, Notcis looked over at him with his brows scrunched wondering what the emergency was.

"Everything okay Specs?" he whispered.

"Perfect," Ignis responded, smiling as he picked his pen back up to resume taking notes.

"What do you think?" Y/N asked after putting the phone back up to her ear. She had just sent a picture through text to LeAnn of the dress she had bought.

"Oh my Shiva! It looks so much better on you than it did online! They tailored it perfectly to your body!"

"They really did an amazing job! I wasn't quite sure what to expect. No one around here, including royalty, wears anything fancy it seems. I feared anyone knew how to properly tailor a gown."

"Did you end up getting anything else to go with it?"

"No, I didn't need anything. I can ask Bernie or Ignis to hold my room key for me, so no need for a clutch. It would just be something I had to carry around and keep track of all night. Those were never ideal for mingling at parties. And I have shoes and hair accessories to match it."

"Purple always was your favorite color."

"As it should and almost had to be."

Y/N was wearing a deep purple ball gown. The sleeves were very short, going only two inches past her shoulders. Y/N hated what her arms and shoulder looked like and usually hid them under longer sleeves. Unfortunately, this was the longest the sleeves came and no time to alter that. LeAnn's comments were making her feel a little better about her insecurities though.

Y/N often wore purple gowns or donned purple accessories. The royal colors in Altissia were white and purple. She didn't often wear such a dark shade of the color, but she thought she may try and blend in ever so slightly tonight.

"So, how much time do you have before the big party?" LeAnn asked.

"Hair and makeup will be here any minute. That will be at least an hour, maybe a little longer probably. And then…I go."

"Are you nervous?" her friend asked.

"…I don't know. Yes. No. But yes." Y/N flopped back on her bed and sighed loudly. "I feel so many emotions I don't even know what exactly I'm feeling. A part of me has gotten used to being here. A part of me never will. A tiny part of me has accepted this is my life now and found a few small things that aren't so bad about this place. A part of me still refuses to ever accept anything about here. I don't know what to do or what to feel or…"

"Let's start with this one…what are your thoughts on Ignis now that you've been there a little while?"

"I…he's not terrible. Could definitely be worse. I mean, he's really nice and caring but…" her voice caught a bit in her throat and she felt tears stinging her eyes. Her voice strained a bit as she started speaking again. "I still just hate all of this. I don't love him. And I don't know if I ever will."

"At least he's nice, right?" LeAnn quietly reassured her friend. Normally she would have something snarky or sarcastic to respond with. But it broke her heart a bit to see her friend so upset and sad. She wasn't herself anymore. She was still stubborn and outspoken but something had changed. Her friend was drawing in and secluding herself more and more each week. "I mean, he could be some asshole who abuses you or something. Like, I'm not gonna lie…Ravus looks like a total douche lord. You could be marrying him!"

"I know, but…"

"I get it. I do. I mean, I can't relate at all. But I know why you're still so pissed. Hell I'm pissed too. They took my best friend away. I was…I was supposed to be there! Right by your side. But I still will be the best that I can. Seriously, call me as you walk down the aisle or something!" she halfheartedly laughed.

"This is all so unfair…" Y/N whispered.

"I know. But try and enjoy what you can out of it! Go eat some amazing food. Drink the night away! Dance your feet off. Show everyone the boss bitch that you are! Ignis may not be anything royal, but go show them that you are, regardless of them taking away the title from you!"

A knock sounded on Y/N's door before she could answer anything back.

"I have to go. They're here."

"Okay. I love you! Remember that! Call and tell me all about it tomorrow. I especially want to know the heinous things you do to Ignis tonight after you get drunk!"

"Bye LeAnn!" Y/N smiled, rolling her eyes.

Y/N took a moment to take a breath and clear her mind before opening the door. The team of about seven women came into her room. Some girls worked on her hair, while others dug out various make-up brushed and pallets from their bags. Curling irons were plugged in. Bobby pins and other various clips were set out on her vanity. Y/N was no stranger to having people help get her ready. In fact, having everyone surrounding her now and primping her was the most normal she had felt since coming to Insomnia, along with the night they got her ready for Noct's engagement party.

She hoped she wasn't expected to make any sort of speech tonight. She should probably ask Ignis if he knew. Her luck, she would be sloshed drunk and asked to speak to everyone and end up telling them all where to shove it. She wondered if Ignis was going to be picked her up tonight, or if Bernie or some Glaive would be escorting her once again. She glanced at the phone in her lap a moment before turning it on again.

Ignis was straightening his tie for probably the eighth time. It looked like it kept leaning to the left for some reason no matter how many times he attempted to retie it. He wasn't sure why he was so nervous. He never got nervous for events like this. Except when Y/N first arrived. Or when he attended Prince Noct's engagement party with her. He supposed the common denominator was Y/N. He always hoped the night went well for her. That he wouldn't upset her or scare her off. Regardless of having a marital contract, he knew at any point she could void it.

He was thankful so far that she hadn't. There were a few times he wondered if they would make it. Arranged marriages sounded easy, but they were a lot harder than he ever imagined. He never wanted to force anyone to marry him. To force feelings that weren't there. To make someone live with him who couldn't even stand him. He didn't think about it often, if much at all, but he wanted love. He wanted a partnership. Companionship. Someone to share life's ups and downs with. To laugh with. To be vulnerable with. And he knew deep in his heart…that wasn't what he had with Y/N. But he also knew these things took time and he had faith they could one day get there with each other. Love didn't happen in just two months.

He knew his friends still doubted him. He could even tell just today by their attitudes and demeanors. The tone in the room didn't feel as serious as it did when they were preparing to go to Noct's party. It actually felt a bit awkward. Prompto was probably the only one not being… weird. Ignis still felt a small pang of jealousy toward the boy. He hadn't asked him yet about the coffee dates with his fiancé.

"Nervous again?" Gladio asked, coming up behind him in the mirror.

"I want tonight to go well," Ignis answered him.

"Well as long as our princess doesn't throw any fits and our mystery guest doesn't make any appearances, things should be fine."

The quick feeling of anger at Gladio's assuming Y/N would be any trouble disappeared as his thoughts were brought back to the man they still hadn't caught. Would he show up tonight? Would he possibly cause a scene in front of everyone? Would he hide in the shadows again and attack her and no one would know? Suddenly the nervous feeling he felt changed completely. He would have to make sure to not leave her side this evening. He also needed to put his trust in the Glaives on duty tonight. He knew they were trained well and would be almost doubled at tonight's event with both the King and Prince in attendance. The sound of Gladio chuckling and moving in front of him brought him out of the deep thoughts he was losing himself in.

"Here, let me do it," Gladio said as he grabbed Ignis' tie and straightened it out for him.

"Thank you," Ignis commented quietly.

"Now come on," he told his friend as he stepped back and turned to walk out of the bedroom door. The four friends were getting ready in Noct's apartment. It was a central location and the closest to the party and seemed the best option.

Ignis wasn't wearing anything too out of his ordinary attire. He chose a deep purple button up shirt. Y/N had told him the color of the dress she ordered and he wanted to match her. He had a black tie and black slacks and simple black suit jacket.

"Iggy!" Prompto exclaimed as the two made their way into the living room. "Lookin sharp, dude!"

Ignis simply smiled back politely. His mind was still racing with thoughts about the night. One he couldn't help but wonder about was if Y/N planned to drink as much as she had last time. And if she did…would any similar incidents happen again. He couldn't say it would be unwelcomed. But with their relationship as fragile and uncertain as it was, he worried too much of that type of random behavior could derail things a bit.

"Wondering if you're gonna get lucky again tonight?" Gladio whispered in his direction, smirking.

Ignis whipped his head quickly to look at his friend with wide eyes and a stern look to tell Gladio to knock it off. But how did he know that's exactly what was going through his mind? Was it written on his face somehow? He would have to school his face tonight if that were the case.

"Who would have thought, huh?" Prompto spoke up again. "We'd all be here getting ready for Iggy's engagement party! I mean, no offense or anything!" he quickly assured his friend. "I mean, we all knew it would happen with Noct. It's like…the law. And Gladio wouldn't be too surprising. Although, I guess you finally settling down would be a bit of a shock, especially so soon."

"Yeah, def not in the cards for me yet," Gladio laughed.

"And me…well…let's say I'm still hunting for Mrs. Right," Prompto continued.

"I mean, it's not too surprising, right?" Noct asked. "Of all of us, Specs is the most mature. Kind of pictured him marrying before even me."

"Ignis is already married," Gladio piped in. "To his work and to you, Princess!"

"Shut up!" Noct complained. "You guys always make it seem like we're more than just friends! Knock it off!"

"Hey, love is love! We're all inclusive here!" Gladio said, holding out his arms.

"You're saying it to be a jerk, though! Stop it!"

Ignis felt his pants pocket vibrating and fished out his phone from inside it. The name on the screen once again both made his heart flip in excitement and dread. He never knew if she were calling for help or…something else. Turning away from the group, he walked off a few steps for some privacy. Opening the text he received made his worries disappear and a small smile appear on his face. He typed a quick response back and returned his phone to his pocket.

"I'm sorry gentlemen, but I will meet you all downstairs in the Hall."

"Specs, we were just joking! Don't be upset!" Prompto assured his friend, worried he was leaving because of their teasing.

"Nonsense. I simply have something I must tend to before arriving."

Ignis cleared his throat and straightened his tie a bit out of habit before knocking on the door in front of him. The sight that greeted him when the door was opened froze him in place. He swore, every time he saw her, she looked more beautiful. The dress she was currently wearing showed her arms off more than he was used to seeing. Something about the extra bit of skin, a part of her once hidden, made his breath hitch a bit.

"Good evening, Princess Y/N. You…look amazing." Ignis hated that he was almost stuttering. He had to get a better grip on himself when around her.

"Thank you," she responded, almost shyly. "I'm sorry for springing this on you I just…I thought maybe…it would be nice…"

"It is no problem at all! I would be honored to escort you!" Ignis bowed slightly.

"Can you hold my key again for me?" Y/N asked, holding it out to him.

"Certainly." Ignis held out his elbow for her to take and the both of them headed for the elevators.

"Just so you are aware, security has been heightened for this event. No hall will have more than fifty feet between glaives. A few extra cameras have been added, although we know he has ways of bypassing them. And you are not to go anywhere alone. Someone will be beside you at all times."

"Even in the bathroom?" Y/N asked, a bit annoyed.

"There are female glaives that will escort you."

"You're serious?" she turned toward him.

"Y/N…your safety is a high priority tonight. They are absolutely professional and simply there to make sure you are not attacked. I…I know this isn't a fun conversation to have right now, but I wished to inform you and get it over with before things began."

"Are there even any guests?" Y/N asked quietly.

Ignis looked over at her, frowning.

"What do you mean? Why wouldn't there be?"

"Ignis…" Y/N sighed. "No one from my side of the family is coming. None of my friends will be there. No one that knows me. That's half the normal guest list right there!"

"Lady Luna's family and friends were not in attendance and there was still a large turnout for their party," Ignis informed her.

"She also married the future King. Of course everyone in town showed up. He's top royalty. I don't mean you aren't important or anything…!" she quickly told him.

"Any time a gala event is mentioned at the Citadel, people flock to attend just to brush shoulders with high standing individuals. I've been shooing off ladies since I was a teenager. While they may not all be here specifically for you…you need not worry about empty seats. Not to mention, many will be there to get a glimpse at the foreign princess marrying into the country. Apparently we are the talk of the gossip mill as of late."

A few moments of silence past. Y/N felt a bit better knowing there would be a full room. She could at least pretend the guests were all there for her. She chose not to dwell on it and instead lighten the mood a bit to shake her nerves.

"So…shaking off the girls for years, eh?" she smirked, turned slightly to look at him. "You never told me you were such a ladies man."

Ignis let out a light laugh.

"Hardly. It wasn't me they were after. It was my position in relation to Prince Noctis. Their mothers practically shoved them at me with orders to get closer to the Prince. There wasn't much about me they wanted to stick around for."

"I…wouldn't say it like that. You make it sound like you're terrible. I'm sure…some liked you too," Y/N quietly commented.

Ignis was sure she was being nice, but the compliments still made him feel warm inside.

As they turned the corner leading to the main doors, Ignis could feel her tense back up a bit. He knew Altissia had many events at the castle. He was never quite sure what made her so nervous and avoidant of them all the time. As they were greeted and made their way inside, he could almost feel the energy drain out of her at the sight of such an empty room.

"Do not worry," he whispered "We are early. All guests have to be heavily screened through security before entering. They are all downstairs right now with security."

Y/N nodded her head and told her self over and over in her mind that tonight would be fine. They walked a bit further into the grand room and she looked around at the décor. Everything was as she wished it to be. Ignis did a great job making sure of that. She needed to thank him later. Right now, her mouth was getting a bit dry as her nerves continued to buzz.

"Would you like something to drink?" Ignis asked her, almost as if he could read her mind.

"Yes please. White wine."

Y/N wasn't sure, but she thought Ignis smirked slightly before excusing himself to the bar in the far corner. It was only a moment she was standing alone before Ignis' three friends approached her.

"Holy Ramah!" Prompto exclaimed. "Not that I expected anything less, but you look amazing, Princess Y/N!"

"Thank you," she shyly accepted the compliment.

"Is that dress new? I don't believe I've seen it on you before?" Luna asked.

"Of course. I found it at a shop nearby online and they delivered it."

"Oh, how lovely! It looks amazing on you! You and Ignis complement each other very well tonight!" Luna gushed.

"Yeah, you look nice," Noct chimed in. It wasn't much, but for him it was the best she would probably get.

"Got our poor Iggy in knots," Gladio chuckled, coming up behind her. His face turned serious a moment before he spoke again. "Remember, if you see or hear anything suspicious, let someone know right away. Don't try and find me or Ignis first. Any Glaive or Crownsguard member here knows what to do."

Y/N simply nodded her head and looked down at the floor. She was trying not to let thoughts of the horrible man ruin her night. Thankfully Ignis returned then, handing her a rather full glass of the white wine she requested.

She couldn't help but notice Gladio giving Ignis a look when he saw her drink and she wasn't sure what to make of it.

"Shall we find our table?" Ignis asked. "I believe I hear guests approaching in the hall outside the doors."

The party went on very similarly to Noct and Luna's. There was amazing food, lots of circling the room and talking with guests, and of course some dancing. Ignis was still as fluid and magnificent as ever at dancing. A few more drinks in and Y/N could feel her mind starting to float a bit. It was helping her nerves but she was trying not to get drunk the way she did before. She needed to keep herself a bit more in check, being the guest of honor. There were more people than she expected. But after conversing with some of them, she realized Ignis was right. Most of the people here just wanted the bragging rights of saying they brushed shoulders with royal members. After a quick snack from a passing plate of crab cakes, she was joined by Ignis out on the balcony overlooking the night sky and the city lit up.

"Are you enjoying yourself this evening?" he quietly asked her.

"I am, actually. Thank you. It all looks very lovely."

"My pleasure. I want you to have the wedding you always dreamed of, or…at least the closest to it you can have. I know…I know this…isn't how you probably planned things growing up. Unless you were some rebel and pictured yourself running off to a faraway country to marry some…no one," Ignis chuckled. "But I still want you to know this is about you. And your special day. I want it to be something you can look back on fondly. Even if you can't look back on any of the other circumstances surrounding it without hatred in your heart…I want you to be able to look back at today, and your wedding…and us…and be able to smile."

Y/N wasn't quite sure how to respond right away. Ignis was standing directing to her right, body almost touching hers it was so close. She turned her head to be able to look in his face. He seemed so sincere. Always did. Everything he told her was borderline cheesy and sappy and sometimes a bit too much, but…never felt forced or fibbed. The wine running through her system was making her face feel flush and her thoughts run wild, but she could swear Ignis' face was inching closer to hers. She felt her own being pulled towards him and her eyes fluttering closed. Their lips were a mere inch apart when she realized neither of them were moving anymore. Her mouth parted as her breathing sped up a bit. What was this? Her heart almost felt on fire and her mind a blank room of warm colors. This is what she always wanted. What she always yearned for. What she sometimes thought she felt when near Ignis. Lov-

Y/N abruptly pulled back and her eyes widened. No. No, what was he doing? The small gasp that left her mouth startled Ignis and his eyes widened a bit in surprise as well.

"What are you doing?" she whispered.

"I…nothing. I was just…checking on you."

"No, you…I….I'm sorry. I can't," Y/N quickly turned and walked back into the main hall, disappearing in the crowd.

"Y/N, wait!" Ignis tried calling after her, but she was too quick. He was sure he could catch up to her, but knew he startled her enough. What was he thinking? He had no control over his body as he began to lean into her. He didn't even realize what he was doing until the gasp left her lips.

"Uh, oh!" Ignis heard a low voice behind him. He quickly turned to see Gladio. "Did I interrupt something?"

"No, of course not," Ignis ground out a bit harsher than he meant to as he wiped the sweat beginning to form on his brow.

"You sure? You look a bit flushed there! And so did Y/N as she ran off. You trying to taint the poor princess before the royal night?" Gladio laughed.

"I don't appreciate the jokes, Gladio."

"Oh come on! We're best friends! Tell me! What happened?"

"Nothing."

"It couldn't have been that scandalous if you're out in the open."

"Nothing happened, Gladio! Nothing. I…almost kissed her, but-"

"What?! That's great news, why are you always hiding this shit from me and looking so upset?"

"Because I didn't actually kiss her! She…she got startled and ran off. And I…."

"You think you scared her away…" Gladio finished for his friend. "I swear, you two confuse me more than any other couple I have ever known."

"I need to give her some time before I go in there."

"Why? So she can stew over it and overthink about it? Because that is what she is going to do. She's a girl. They all do it. You need to go find her, say sorry or just pull her in for one and get it over with. But standing out here will only make both of your heads spin."

Ignis looked at his friend a bit contemplating what to do. Gladio had a point.

"GO!" his friend almost yelled as he grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the entrance back into the Great Hall.

Y/N grabbed another glass of wine from a passing tray as she walked further into the room. She wasn't entirely sure where to go. She wanted to be alone but knew that was impossible. No matter how many times she tried to sneak off for a moment of peace, someone followed her as a bodyguard. After a few moments of standing in place to get her bearings, she felt a presence behind her and turned to look in the face of two people who looked exactly like her fiancé.

"Excuse us, Princess," the tall male spoke. "We apologize for not having a chance to introduce ourselves before now. Ignis seems to always have a full schedule and it has slipped his mind the past few weeks to formally invite you to our home. I'm Ignis' father, Cyrus Sciencia. And this is my wife, Salana."

Y/N was stuck a moment unmoving. This was a pivotal moment in every relationship. Where was Ignis when she needed him? Oh, that's right. She left him.

"Yes, of course!" she smiled. She dipped and bowed her head in respect, though the action still felt foreign to her. "I am Princess Y/N of Altissia. It is wonderful to finally meet the both of you."

The two bowed before her paying their respects back. The man was tall and had the same shade of hair as Ignis. He also wore glasses and was equally lean. She knew exactly where her fiancé got his genes from. His mother was a bit shorter with lighter blonde hair. She looked straight off the streets of Altissia. It almost made Y/N's heart ache to be back home even more. Ignis mentioned it had been a few generations since his family lived in Altissia, but you would never know it looking at the couple in front of her. They looked straight off the boat. Their accents didn't help the burning in her chest.

"We were hoping to have you over a night for dinner before the wedding, but it seems Ignis has yet to schedule it in. Although, we also understand you have been busy as well. Ignis informed us of your busy planning when he visits on the weekends."

Y/N wasn't sure if she was angry or upset, but she could feel a cold negative tug at her heart suddenly. She remembered Ignis' uncle mentioning that he should bring her to his parent's house for dinner sometime. She also remembered Ignis saying he visited on the weekends. Why had he not yet brought her there?

"Yes, well," she started, "We both have been very busy as you can imagine. I'm sure after the wedding when things have settled, yours will be the first place we venture to together."

"That would be lovely!" his mother smiled. "I'll be sure and a have Ignis inform me of all your favorite dishes. It's been a while since I made some of my mother's Altissian recipes."

"I would love that!"

Just then, Ignis approached Y/N.

"Y/N, I need…mother…?" he said with his mouth open in surprise. He expected to find Y/N in the bathroom or at the bar or their table, but not speaking with his parents.

"We were just discussing the two of you coming for dinner when the wedding is over and settled."

"Yes, of course," Ignis answered. "Um…have you been introduced?" he looked between the two of them.

"We got that covered, boy," Mr. Sciencia spoke. "We won't hold the two of you up. We are sure you have many others to converse with. Have a wonderful evening."

Ignis' parents both walked off together and Ignis watched them a moment. He turned back to Y/N to notice her head down a bit and a strange look on her face.

"Y/N, I wanted to-"

"We should make a few more rounds together before the night is over, yes?" she interrupted.

"Uh…sure. Yes. As you wish."

Y/N held up her hand waiting for Ignis' elbow and he stuck it out for her to grab. As the night went on, the two of them made their way around the room, being sure not to miss anyone and thank them for coming. By the time the night was over, Ignis turned to her again.

"Would you like me to walk you to your room, or would you prefer a Glaive escort you?"

"Why wouldn't you?" Y/N asked, almost sounded offended.

"I have some things I need to wrap up here before heading home. But I am more than honored to walk you back to your room first."

"I think it's only best, don't you?"

"Of course," Ignis smiled as he led her out the double doors.

The walk back to her room was mostly in silence. Something had seemed off about her since the balcony incident. Ignis was sure his almost kissing her was what was making her act so strangely. He had to say something about it or else it would eat him up all night. He no longer wanted conflicts between them to go unsolved.

"I'm terribly sorry about earlier," he quietly said after clearing his throat. Y/N looked over at him, almost puzzled. "I didn't mean to frighten you off. I should have…asked or…been more sure before I…I hope I didn't make you feel pressured or anything."

It dawned on Y/N what he was referring to. She had almost forgotten about that with all the other things running through her mind the rest of the night.

"It's fine. Don't worry about it," she said.

"Are you sure? You seemed upset most of the night."

"I've done more than kiss you before so…it's fine."

Ignis could feel his face redden at the memory she was speaking of.

"Yes, well…It was still out of line of me. I appologi-"

"Why haven't you brought me to your parent's house?" she suddenly asked, interrupting him. She stopped in the hallway, almost to her door and turned to face him fully.

"I…" Ignis was unprepared for the question and not sure what to say. "I've been terribly busy. As have you."

"I've been here longer than it seems. I've had plenty of time just sitting by myself in my room. And you've gone there without me and told them I was too busy."

Ignis looked almost hurt and ashamed she seemed to insinuate he didn't want her there.

"I didn't think you wanted-"

"Did you ask?"

"No," Ignis hung his head, looking at the floor. "I should have-"

"Are you…are you ashamed of me?" Ignis' head shot back up and his eyes widened. "Am I not what you pictured bringing home to them? Cause I get it, I do! I'm not…I'm not anything anymore. I'm not much of anything in this city. I'm not a vision of the perfect relationship or wife I get it, but…"

"No! No no no! Please, do not think those things!" Ignis pleaded with her.

"Then why? You go there every weekend. And I'm just mentioned in passing?"

Ignis' heart broke. That wasn't the case at all. He didn't think she was ready for a step that big yet. That she would even be comfortable in someone else's home when she was still getting used to her new one. He didn't want the added pressure on her of trying to impress his parents before the wedding.

"I'm sorry," he almost whispered. "I know I keep screwing this up. I keep thinking I'm doing the right thing and…it never is. I would show you off on the streets to everyone every day if I could. You have no idea how lucky I consider myself. And how much I often wonder what I did to deserve someone like you-"

"Bullshit!" the statement startled him. "I'm sorry but I know I'm not easy to get along with and that I haven't made this easy for you at all. How could you say those things? They're lies."

"Because I look past your hurtful words spoken out of pain and know where they are coming from. I know there's more to you and I just keep waiting for the day I see it. And I have recently. I don't…I don't know, maybe it's me but I feel like I've seen a bit more of YOU lately. And I like it."

"I can't…" Y/N took a breath as tears threatened to gather in her eyes. "I can't tell you if or when I'll be happy again, Ignis. I…I don't know."

"And that's fine. I'll wait."

Silence passed between the two of them, neither knowing what more to say. Ignis felt he was hanging on a cliff with his fingernails, waiting to see if Y/N would stomp his hands making him fall into the abyss. And Y/N felt like her heart was being split in two. The closer she grew to Ignis, the more she wanted to pull away. This was all getting exhausting.

"I think I need to go to my room. I'm tired," Y/N spoke quietly.

"Of course," Ignis answered, pulling her key from his pocket.

She took it and walked the little ways down to her room and opened the door.

"Thank you for a lovely evening, Ignis," she said, before walking in her room.

Ignis turned to leave when he saw her safely go inside. He didn't know that she didn't shut the door all the way yet. She pulled it back open a bit and stood in the threshold, watching him stand at the elevator, waiting on its decent. Something caught her eye a little ways down the other hall and she turned to see the strange man in the fedora standing there. He was leaning against the wall smirking at her. She was completely frozen in place. Not again.

"Ignis…" she whispered out, hoping he would somehow hear her. When there was no reply, she tried again. "Ignis…!"

The man's smirk seemed to widen.

"Did you have a fun night, darling?"

"Ignis!..." she tried a bit louder. Still nothing.

As scared as she was, she dared herself to turn and look back down the hallway where he was standing. The double doors to the elevator had just opened and he was walking in. She quickly looked back to the man, still standing where he was moments ago. He pushed himself off the wall, then, and tiled his head at her. Afraid he would come after her, she decided to simply yell in fright.

"IGNIS!" she screamed, turning back toward the elevators to see the doors shutting firmly as the elevator began it's decent.

She quickly looked back at the man to find him gone. She whipped her head around frantically looking for where he was now hiding. When she didn't see him anywhere, she quickly retreated into her room and slammed the door shut, locking it.

A/N:

I'm terribly sorry for the long wait on this. I thought it was finished and was going to post it weeks ago but it felt short so I decided to add the party in there. Then I cut some of the party out to shorten it. Then I made the party it's own chapter...it felt off so i added it back.,...And pile on a HEAPING mess of personal issues in my life and you have this insanely late update. I apologize. But here we are. WE THOUGHT for a moment things were FINALLY there...and they aren't. We got a few more angsty chapters (and a fluffy chapter or two) before stuff REALLY starts happening lol

Thanks again to everyone for the amazing love and support on this fic. I still can't believe the comments and kudos I wake up to on days I think no one likes my writing as much as I hope they do. And every comment and kudo I get brightens my entire day! And I have needed those kind words the past couple months to get me through. So thank you again to everyone!