THE cool breeze whipped your hair back as the boat speed through the water as your dad drive over to the lighthouse. You were standing just outside the bridge area so that you could watch the black car as it flew across the pavement as it headed for the same destination. You couldn't make out the driver, but you knew that Ignis was behind the wheel of his Majesties' car, the Regalia. You had seen that car once before when you had ridden in it to pick up Noctis that fateful day from school. 

That day was when you finally made up with Prince Noctis, after a falling out. You had never seen a car like that one before, for the hard top folded down flat and tucked itself securely into the truck of the car, which was how it was now. Of course the first time you saw it do this, you and Noctis had been in the back seat.  The motion scared you so much, that you ducked and hide against Noctis.  Noctis had found it quite amusing.  You on the other hand, did not.

But now, you watched as Ignis was guiding the car along the curvy road that ran long the cliffs by the waters edge. You had wished that your dad would have let you ride with him over to drop the boat off so that you could talk to him. But you understood why it was best to make it look like you had all just joined each other for lunch and then went your separate ways. 

You still had to be weary of everyone outside of the city, and even with a few within. For you couldn't take any chances of being caught again by Niflheim. Last time you had lost your mom.   Who knew what would happen the next time.

As you watched the car, you tried to steady yourself as you remembered the rough departure from Insomnia.  Noctis had practically gone off the deep end when your dad had decided to leave.  You had never seen him that upset before. The thought of seeing him that fired up to the point that his eyes glowed a deep purple made your heartache.  You never wanted to see that look associated with anger towards your dad again.

I wonder what happened after we left? I never could properly see his face on the news to know for sure if he was still upset or not. You thought as you dropped your head and started to gently rub the crystal on the necklace that he had given you.  I hope he's been okay.  I would hate for him to still be upset after all this time.

Touching the crystal always calmed you down as you remembered the day that he give it to you.  It had been right before the winter concert when he had given it to you.  He had surprised you with in in your bed chambers before you headed over to the middle school.  And it hadn't left your neck once.

You slightly smiled as you felt the smooth cool stone in between your fingers and the gentle touch of the silver chain as if it seemed to kiss your neck.  The sensation always took your stress away.  But now as you rubbed the pendant, you couldn't help but to think about how you had tried over the last few months to prepare yourself for seeing him.  But now after seeing how much Ignis had changed, you were starting to doubt yourself.

Maybe I should ask Ignis about him.  You thought as you tightened your grip on the crystal.  Ignis is always great for advise when it concerns Noctis.  Perhaps talking with him will give me an idea of how he's been this whole time.

"We're almost there!" You heard your dad shout from the bridge area.

You looked away from the car as it disappeared around the bend and turned back to your dad. You walked back into the bridge area and stood beside him as he started heading towards a lighthouse that sat at the top of the cliffs. He slowed the boat as he started to make his approach to the rocks. As you looked ahead, you couldn't see where this dock was that they were talking about. In fact, you didn't see anything that looked even remotely close to a dock.

Then as your dad brought the boat closer, at a much slower speed, you saw the break in the rocks. At first sight the opening looked too small for the boat to fit through. But then as you got closer you could see that the entrance was more than big enough. As your dad brought the boat down to a slow crawl when it was within a few feet of the entrance you could see what looked to be a dock of some sort inside.

As the boat entered the cave, you dad put the engines in reverse as he turned the boat to port before turning it hard to starboard so that the boat would turn to the right in the cave. The motion made the boat turn around in the cave. Your breath caught as you looked around that cave. The sight was amazing as you looked out the back and saw that the whole area was one huge hallow steel structure that was made to look like a solid rock cliff. You wouldn't have believed that this was hollow on the inside if you weren't looking at with your own eyes.

After the boat came around, your dad switched to the bow thrusters on the starboard side of the boat to slowly bring it over to the pier. Once the boat was close he stopped the engines and went out to toss the mooring lines over again. That was when you saw that Korn and Ignis were both standing on the pier. You stopped and watched them as they grabbed the lines and started tying them down to the pier so that the boat wouldn't pull too far away from the pier. You stood there for a moment before you turned and looked back at the structure again.

I wonder what this was build for.  You thought in wonder as you studied the wall more.  Did the royal family have this built?  

You stepped out of the bridge area and immediately noticed that the air temperature was much cooler than outside the cave. It reminded you of Maagho since it was hidden from the burning summer sun. You looked over towards the water's edge on the far side and noticed what looked like a second wall on tracks.  It appeared to be a hidden door.

Well that's one way to keep people from coming in.  You thought with a slight smile before you turned back around.

That was when you noticed the pier and saw Ignis smiling back at you as he walked towards the back of the boat with his uncle.  Most of the pier seemed to covered with a heavy canvas like pavilion.  But right by the back of the boat,  there was a nothing but wood crates that were stacked up and off to the side.  It made it look like a solid wooden wall as Ignis and Korn walked around the corner.

You then watched Korn and Ignis come back around with a gangway that attached to the boat so that you could safely walk off. You noticed that it was a simple metal walkway that attached the boat to the pier.  The gangway extended to the boat from the pier and set across the back walkway. The boat end of it locked in place to the boat.  Where the part that was on the pier had a roller on it.  This way as the boat moved with the tide, the gangway would move along the pier.  But it would still stay in place on the boat.

You smiled as you marveled at how such a simple thing made it so much easier to get off of a boat. Ignis saw you staring intently at the gangway as he walked across it as he tested it to make sure that it was safe before having you get on it. Then once he was sure that it was secure, he boarded the boat and walked up the stairs and joined you on the boat. He gave you a gentle gaze as he walked up to you. You smiled again at his gaze. And you were about to approach him, when you heard your dad behind you.

"Ignis.  Good. I'm glad your here." Your dad said as he opened up the storage compartment under the dashboard. "I could use your help with the luggage.  Let's get these to the car.  We don't want to forget them."

"Certainly." Ignis responded as he walked over to your dad.

"Ignis and I can get that dad." You said as you turned around and faced your dad.

"As much as I appreciate your assistance honey," your dad began as he handed Ignis your suitcase while he grabbed his. "There's simply no way that you will be able to help.  Not with those with heels on at least."

"But..." You started to argue.

"The terrace leading from the car to the lighthouse is kind of rough, is what he's trying to say." Ignis quietly said to you as he walked past you with your belongings.

You dropped your head and slightly rolled your eyes. 

"Okay dad." You said as you followed them to the end of the boat.

Ignis was the first one off. Once he reached the pier, he sat down the suitcase. Then he reached back and gave you his hand so that he could lead you across the gangway. You smiled as you took his hand and carefully made your way across the gangway and onto the pier. Your dad was next as he handed Ignis his suitcase then made his way across as well.

Once everyone was on the pier, Korn led the way inside the tent that was on the pier. You noticed that there were more crates and what appeared to be equipment and ammunition all lined up along the walls of the large canvas tent. Then you saw that right in the middle of the room was a hideously yellow couch. Then you saw a few stools that matched the couch as well in the room. And they all seemed to be around two shipping crates that acted as a makeshift coffee table.

"The elevator is right this way." Korn said as he led the way up the stairs that made their way to a high platform and what you could only assume was the elevator.

You followed Korn as he led the way. Ignis was right behind you with your suitcase and your dad was bringing up the rear as he carried his. Once you boarded the elevator Ignis set the suitcase down in front of him as he stood beside you. You slightly smiled up at him as you tried to keep your nerves calm.  You weren't sure why you were nervous.  But something was telling you that you were missing something. and it had something to do with Ignis.

He did a quick glance at you with a slight smile.  But then he looked away so that he could maintain his control. He was afraid to look to long at you since his will power was already being pushed towards his breaking point. For his entire body was screaming at him to reach out and touch your beautiful body. He closed his eyes for a moment as he fought to stay focused.

He opened his eyes back up as the elevator came to a stop at the next stop. Then he grabbed your suitcase again and led you off of the elevator. The minute you walked out of the elevator you saw what Ignis was talking about with the terrane. For the lighthouse was on the end of a very rickety peak that was covered in various rocks that led all the way up. Even the stairs and walkway were nothing by jagged rocks.

You sighed to yourself. 

So much for all of those lessons in heels. That don't teach me shit about how to handle these type of situations. You thought to yourself as you carefully started making your way over to the first patch of grass that you could find.

"Are you alright?" Ignis asked as he watched you struggling.

"Heels were never meant for this type of terrane." You said as you finally reached the grass.

But then you almost fell as the back of your heels sank into the soft dirt. You quickly swung your arms out to steady yourself.

"Whoa." You said as you steadied yourself again by holding your arms out to the side as you stood more on your tiptoes then usual.

Everyone else stopped and stared at you for a moment as if they were waiting to see if you were going to move further. Or fall flat on your face instead. But you just stood there as you tried to figure out how in the world you were going to get down from there. Let alone how you were going to get to the car.

"Here," Korn said to Ignis as he indicated for Ignis to hand him your suitcase, "Hand me that. We're not going anywhere for a bit. So why don't you two enjoy the view while Paul and I talk. Then you can take your time coming down."

You and Ignis both gave them a startled look. You looked at your dad as he looked back at you and smiled. Ignis gave Korn a questioning look. But he handed over your suitcase as requested.

"Go on." Korn said as you both stood there. 

"Paul and I will put these in the car.  Then we'll be in the house over there if you need us." Korn said as he pointed out the little light keepers house that sat off to the side from the lighthouse.

You almost fell again as you tried to look over at the house. So instead you just turned back around and started to slowly make your way back up to the concrete path that ran around the front base of the lighthouse and elevator. Ignis quickly walked over to you and wrapped his arm around you to help steady you until you reached the pathway. Then he released you once you were back on smooth ground again.

You looked down and blushed with embarrassment at not being able to walk in heels after all of this time. 

So much for impressing anyone with my new found grace and poise. I'm still nothing but a stumbling kid. You though as you shook your head out of frustration as your ankles kept giving out on you due to the small pebbles that littered the ground.

Ignis saw this and placed his arm back around your waist, right as your ankle gave out and started to take you down. But right as you were starting to fall, Ignis bend down and pick up your legs so that he could bridal carry you. This startled you at first, so you quickly wrapped your arms around his neck as he picked you up.

After he stood back up with you securely in his arms, you gave him a grateful smile as you finally started to relax again. He didn't say anything as he stood there looking at you. Instead he simply smiled at you. Then he took you around to the back of the lighthouse so that you could see the ocean view.

When you reached the seafront of the lighthouse, that was when you noticed a bench. Ignis set you back down on your feet right in front of the bench. You shyly smiled at him then took a seat to steady your nerves.

"So much for all of those lessons in grace I took with Camelia." You said as you held your head down. "They did nothing to prepare me for this place."

Ignis slightly smiled at you as he sat down beside you. 

"No amount of lessons would prepare anyone to walk in heels on this hill." He said as he turned to you.

He could feel his heart start to race as he looked longingly at your (H/C) hair as it gently moved with the breeze from the ocean.  His fingers started to tingle from wanting to touch it to see if it still felt like the finest silk.  But he couldn't seem to move as he marveled at the heavenly glow from your beautiful skin as the sun bathed you in it's warm rays.  There honestly wasn't anything about you that he would change.  Except perhaps the fact that you weren't his girlfriend.

"Your just saying that so that I won't be embarrassed."  You said as you started to rub your hands together.

"Not at all."  He said with a smile as he turned sideways on the bench.

"Maybe I shouldn't have worn this."  You thought as you started to get upset with yourself.  "It was stupid to think that I could handle this."

Ignis was taken back by your comment as you started to fidget with the silky skirt.  "Why would you say that?"

"Because I... "  You started to say before you dropped your head more and looked away from him.  "I guess I'm just frustrated.  I wanted to impress everyone.  But all I seem to be doing is making a foul of myself."

Ignis felt his heart drop as he watched you.  Then he slid closer to you and placed his hand on yours.  You stopped fidgeting immediately and stared at his hand as it slightly squeezed your hands.

"I don't think you're making a foul of yourself." He said in a low tone.

"In fact," he continued as he released your hands and placed his fingers on your chin and slowly turned you to face him.  "I couldn't be more impressed with you.  Even though you've been away from everything, you have been able to keep up with us.  And you may not believe it yet.  But I can see you surpassing everyone.  Including me."

You gave him a stunned look for his statement as you looked into his eyes. You could tell by his eyes that he honestly believed his statement.  You couldn't help but to gape at him as he slightly smiled at you as he looked at you.  It was as if he was memorizing ever detail of you. Your heart rate increased as you looked back at him.

"I...I...I find that a bit hard to believe."  You stumbled as you tried to calm down your thumping heart.

"You shouldn't."  Ignis said as reached up and slowly moved your hair behind your ear.

You slightly trembled as his fingertips sent chills through you as they brushed gently across your ears.

"You are a very intelligent woman, (Y/N)."  Ignis said in a tone that seemed to get deeper with each word and motion of his hand, as his fingers traced your chin.  "And very beautiful."

"Thank you."  You half whispered as he slowly leaned closer to you.

"No thanks is needed love."  Ignis said as he tiled his chin up slightly before you felt his lips on your forehead.

Immediately your heart started pounding as his lips slightly paused as he kissed your forehead.  You couldn't help your eyes from fluttering closed as you fell under his quiet spell as he kissed you.  Even after he pulled away and dropped his hand.  Which left you frozen in place for a moment as he sat and slowly opened his eyes and looked at you.

You really are an amazing woman.  Ignis thought as he looked at you.  And I would be more then happy to show you how amazing, if you were my girlfriend.  But I suppose I will just have to settle for being by your side for the time being. "And I think you look absolutely stunning today."

Your eyes shot wide open because your eyes softened into a blush. "Thank you again. But I wouldn't go that far."

"I don't know why you wouldn't." Ignis replied in his usual tone.  "That dress looks like it was made for you.  Was it a custom fit?"

"No, nothing like that." You shyly replied.  "It was just on the rack like all the others."

"Well it looks amazing on you." Ignis said with a smile as he sat back against the bench.

"Thank you."  You said with as a smile creep across your face as you smoothed back out your dress.   He's awfully  chatty today.  Perhaps now would be a good time to talk to him about Noctis.

"So..."  You nervously started out as you slowly turned your head towards him. "How have things been?  I haven't been able to talk to anyone since I left."

"Well, ". Ignis started as he  cross his legs.  "There have been quite a few changes since you left.  And I hate to say this, but not all of them have been for the best."

"What do you mean?"  You asked as you turned more so that you could hear and see him better.  "Is Noctis in trouble or something?  He's not hurt again is he?"

"No, he's fine."  Ignis said as he felt his heart crack from hearing the concern in your voice.

"It was someone else, wasn't it?"  You asked in fear.  "Someone else is hurt?"

Ignis dropped his gaze.  "Yes, in a sense."

 "Who?"  You asked as you gripped the edge of the bench as you braced yourself.

"I don't know how to tell you this."  Ignis began as he slightly shook his head.

"Just tell me."  You quietly said as you pleaded with him.  "I can handle it."

Ignis took a deep breath before he slowly looked at you.  "It's about Mr. Jim."

"Oh my six." You gasped.  "Is he okay?"

Ignis slowly shook his head.  "No.  He's dead."

You looked at him as the shock of hearing the news made your whole body freeze.  "Dead?  But...but how?  What happened?"

 Ignis took another deep breath before he looked up and stared out at the ocean in a daze as he talked.  "We were all cleaning up one night in the kitchen after serving dinner.  He started to act a bit off and started bumping into things.  Then he collapsed on the floor and was grabbing his chest."

You stared at him as you could pictured the whole scene.  "Mrs. Marge ran over to him and started talking to him.  But he kept groaning in pain.  I quickly called the paramedics and doc.  The others started to move stuff out of the way.  Ms. Marge gave him something to take.  But I don't know if he actually took it or not."

"He was in a lot of pain." Ignis continued as he dropped his gaze again.  "Nothing seemed to help.  Even when the paramedics arrived, it didn't seem to help.  He fell unconscious right after they had him strapped onto the gurney.  That was when Mrs. Marge started to cry."

"I don't really know much about what happened after they left for the hospital."  Ignis quietly said as he could feel his throat starting to swell up.  "All I know for sure is that he never came back.  Not alive anyway."

You looked down as you felt your heart crack as you pictured the kitchen without him cooking.  "I take it they had the funeral at the citadel."

"Of course."  Ignis said as a slight smile tried to cross his face.  "He was practically family to all of us.  It wouldn't have been right to have it anywhere else."

"I'm glad it was there."  You said as you fought against your throat as it was trying to close up on you.  "He deserved to be where he was loved."

"I agree."  Ignis said as he slowly loved over at you.  "And so do you."

You slowly looked over at him as you could feel a single tear roll down your cheek.  

"And I'm glad you're home."  Ignis said as he reached over and wiped your tear away.

"Me too."  You said as more tears started to roll down your cheek.

You tried to smile at him as you felt your lower lip tremble.  Ignis then reached over and pulled you into his arms.  You reached around his neck and held him close as you started to cry.

Ignis held you close to his chest as he slowly started to pet your head as you trembled in his arms.  He knew that you would be upset about learning about Jim.  He had had some time to recover from it himself, considering that it had happened the previous year,  But then again, it felt just a raw again as he felt you sobbing your grief.

After a few moments, you were finally about to calm back down again.  But Ignis didn't release you.  Instead he kept you against his chest as they two of you both gazed out at the ocean as the sun started to reach the top of the sky.  Which was fine with you.  You really didn't want him to let you go just yet.

"Is there anything else I should know about before we get back?"  You quietly asked once your throat was clear enough to speak again.

"I think the rest of it is best left unsaid."  Ignis as he moved your hair behind your ears.  "Besides, you soon see for yourself once we get back."

You quickly backed up and looked at him in shock.  "No one else died, did they?"

"No."  Ignis calmly replied.  "Only Mr. Jim."

"Okay."  You replied as you dropped your gaze.  "Thank you for telling me.  I know that had to difficult for you."

Ignis dropped his eyes for a moment.  "You have a right to know.  And I'm glad that you found out now rather than later."

"Me too."  You half smiled.  "That would have been disastrous otherwise."

"Not for you."  Ignis said as he looked at you.  "I think you took the news rather well."

"Sure....I guess."  You said with a slight frown before you looked over at him.  "Enough about me though.  Let's talk about you."

"Me?"  Ignis asked in surprise.

"Yes you."  You said with a smile.  "You look totally amazing right now."

"I..I..I do not.."  Ignis stumbled as he nervously released you as he sat back.

"Are you kidding me?  Have you looked in a mirror lately?"  You said with a huge smile.  "If you thought you had a problem with Gwen before, I bet she's practically drooling over you now."

"Gwen...?"  Ignis asked in shock.

"Yes Gwen."  You teased back as you tapped him on the shoulder.  "You know, the super obsessed curly haired blonde who was super jealous that I started hanging out with you."

"I know who she is."  He replied in a flat tone.

"So are you two dating now?"  You asked as you smirked at him.

"No."  Ignis as he pushed his glasses back on his face.  "And I don't really feel like discussing this right now."

"Alright."  You slowly replied as you could tell that there was something that he wasn't telling you.  I wonder if that's one of those things that 'I'lI have to see for myself' that he was mentioning.

"Are you already to head out?"  Ignis asked as he quickly stood up.  "I can certainly help you down from here if you like."

"I'm ready to go, if you are."  You replied as you looked up and gave him a smile.

I hope that's really true.  Ignis thought as he gave you a slight smile as he reached out his hand.  "Shall we then?"

******Author Note******

Okay so that was totally different then the first story.  And a bit shorter as well.  But that's the point.  This isn't a story mainly about Ignis, even if he is a total gentleman.  And especially to someone he cares about.  

I do apologize that this chapter took longer to come out though.  And it might be like that while I'm trying to straighten out my other stories.  At least for a bit.  But I can promise, the next chapter will get back to more of the story line as we continue with our adventure.

Now on to Insomnia!  So be sure to keep an eye out for next chapter as we head back home after three long years.

Thanks for reading. :)

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