You were on the patio with Ignis setting up the tables and chairs when you heard a commotion of voices.  The sound was coming from the living room and increased as Monica opened up the sliding glass door leading to the patio for your dad to exit the house. You looked up and beamed at your dad as soon as you saw him. But your smile quickly turned into a frown after he stepped out onto the porch and you watched Sara follow him out. She smiled as she nervously looked around. But her smile was soon replaced by a frown as well as soon as she realized that you were staring at her.

"Everything alright?" Ignis asked as he placed a hand on your waist as he step over to you.

"Looks like I was right about an additional dinner guest." You calmly said as you finished setting down the silverware before you stood back up.

"That was very nice of him to invite her." Ignis said as he smiled at her.

She sweetly smiled back at him as if relieved that both of you weren't upset by her being there. Your dad then placed his hand on her waist as he gilded her over to where Korn was standing. You could feel your heart beating fast as you watched her smile back at your dad as he gave her a huge grin.

"I kind of wish that she had turned him down." You quietly said as you stared at her.

"Don't you think that your being a bit hard on Sara?" Ignis asked as the two of you watched her starting to talk to Korn as she stood beside Paul. "She hasn't been anything but nice to you since you meet her."

You dropped your head for a moment. "I know. And your right. I have been a bit much lately."

"But there just seems to be something off about her when she's with him." You said as you looked at Ignis then back at her.

"How so?" Ignis asked as he pulled you closer and dropped his head by your neck so that he lips were right by your ear.

"I can't describe it." You said as you shook your head. "For it's more like a feeling opposed to a fact."

"Feelings and sensations can cloud one's judgement when it comes to someone you care about." Ignis said as he brushed his lips across the skin behind your ear.

Instantly you felt a thrill fly through your body as you shivered from the touch of his soft lips.

"See what I mean?" He whispered before gave you one long simple kiss on that spot.

Your whole body ignited as you felt his passionate kiss launch you into a whole different world. 

"That's not fair?"  You gasped at him.

"No more fair then you teasing me at the condo."  He said then he pulled away. 

"Besides, it helped to prove my point."  He said as he walked back towards the house to check on the food.

You stood still for a few moments as your body trembled from his touch and your mind raced as you thought about what he had said.  Perhaps he was right.  Perhaps you were so close to your dad that you honestly didn't want to let anyone near him.  Hell it made sense.  He was all you had left, as far as your family goes anyway.

"I'm really glad you came." Paul said to Sara as he handed her a beer as they stood in the kitchen.

"Thank you for inviting me." She said quietly as she took the bottle from him. "I just wish that your daughter shared your same sentiments."

"Just give her time." Paul said as he moved about the kitchen as he started grabbed everything that he needed for the grill. "This is all new territory for her."

"I know."  She said before she took a drink. 

The smooth taste seemed to glide down her throat. She slightly smiled as she looked at the bottle. She was surprised at how good it was to enjoy a drink with him again.

She took another drink before she continued.  "I just wish she wasn't so upset by it."

"She wasn't like this with you before, right?"  Paul asked.

"No."  Sara said as she looked up and followed him with her eyes as he moved about the kitchen.  "But then again we didn't really talk much.  She would just come in, talk to Korn about her assignments and then leave.  And even then.  I usually only saw her leaving the room since I would arrive while they were in his office."

"Then there's no issue."  Paul said as he smiled at her as he paused and took a drink from his beer.  "She'll relax about it soon enough."

"And what about you?" She asked as she looked up at him.

"What, with her attitude?" He asked as he glanced at Sara.

"I've been dealing with that for years." He said as he nodded towards you.

"No. Not that." She said as she dropped her gaze again.

"Then what?" He asked as he turned to her after he placed the last item on the tray to take out.

"You know." She said as she nervously rolled the bottle between her hands. "The whole hanging out with someone new and possibly dating later on perhaps."

Paul was slightly taken off guard with her response.  But then smiled back at her.  So she was interested in him.  His hunch had been spot on.  But if that's the case, then why is she so nervous?  Most women that he had dealt with, had all seemed to know exactly what they wanted from him.  Sure most of the time it was strictly physical.  But they knew what they wanted nonetheless.

Although with all the others, he had seen right through their advances and had been turning down every single one of them.  Now don't be mistaken, some of those women had been very attractive and tempting. But none of them interested him.  Which was why he just couldn't seem to bring himself to do anything with them.

But it was different with Sara for some reason.  For there seemed to be something about her that none of the others had had.  Which was why they hadn't really caught his true attention like she had. For it was like she had a secret that she was hiding. And it was his curiosity that had him really wanting to find out what it was.  Especially since there seemed to be something very familiar about her and he was determined to figure out what that was.

"I have no issues with meeting new people or even with taking someone out on a date for a night or two. Even though it hasn't exactly been something that I have been able to do freely for the past three years." Paul said as he leaned back against the counter.

"But why do you ask?" He asked as he searched her face with his arms crossed over his chest.

"I was just curious." She quietly said as she kept her eyes from his as she took a drink.

"Hmm." Paul said, then he slowly stood back up, picked up the tray and headed for the grill on the patio.

He seems to still be very comfortable with all of this.  Unlike myself. She thought as she followed him out.  So perhaps this could work out after all.  He does seem to want to spend a lot of time with me.  Or perhaps he just has one thing on his mind. After all, him and Lynn used to have sex almost every night. Or maybe he knows who I am and he's fucking with me just to see what I'm going to do.  Although he doesn't seem to remember me.  Which might be better that way.  I would hate for him to distrust me already.  At least not now.  Besides, it's not like there won't be plenty of time for that later.

While the food cooked, Gladio and Noctis had decided to get in some practice time.  You and Ignis stood by the stairs as you encouraged them.  Both were using wooden swords that Gladio had brought.  You cheered for Noctis as he welded the wood great sword as if it was his engine blade.  The sight of him swinging it around as if it was a stick blew you away.  You knew that he had gotten stronger over the last three years, but you never expected him to bring Gladio to his knees.  Which is exactly what he did with his last blow.

Noctis stood over Gladio who was kneeling before him as they were both panting.  Noctis had gotten Gladio by disarming him and knocking out his legs.  Which is how he ended up on his knees with the blade to his throat.  You couldn't help but to give Noctis a loud cheer.  Noctis slowly smiled at Gladio.  Gladio smiled and gave him a slight nod.  

Noctis then straightened back up and jammed the sword into the grass before he turned to you as you gave him a huge grin.  Gladio sat there on his heels and sighed as he dropped his head in defeat.  You and Ignis then both walked up to them.  Ignis gave Gladio a hand up as you gave Noctis a huge hug.

"That was amazing."  You said in his ear as you held him tight.  "You have truly gotten stronger.  And you will be an amazing King some day."

"A King is only as strong as the people who support him."  Noctis said in your ear as he tried to calm his breathing back down.  "Which means you can never leave me again."

"That won't be a problem."  You said back as you slowly released him.  "Because I won't leave.  Unless of course, you dismiss me."

"Well that will never happen."  Noctis said as he smiled back at you as he released you completely.

"How about some burgers for our hungry guests?"  You heard your dad say from the porch.

"Best words I have heard all day."  Noctis said with a smile as he took a towel from Ignis as he handed one each to Noctis and Gladio, so that they could wipe off the sweat.

The rest of you smiled and shook your heads.  Then the four of you returned to the porch and sat down to enjoy a filling dinner of burgers, fries, macaroni salad, fresh fruit, and even a veggie tray.  You weren't sure who had brought the veggie tray.  But you knew who for a fact wouldn't be eating any of it.  Then as if to prove a point.

"Are you going to at least try some of the veggies?"  Ignis asked Noctis as he was serving the macaroni salad.

"Not a chance."  Noctis said just before he took a huge bit of his burger.  

All you could do was giggle at the two of them.  For you knew that that fight would end just as quickly as it started.  And the results would always be the same.  The veggies would all be left untouched.  And Ignis would be upset with him for not eating any of them.

"She cares a lot for them doesn't she?"  Sara said to Paul as she watched you trying to control your giggles as you watched Ignis and Noctis arguing over the veggies.

Paul looked over and smiled as he took a drink.  "That she does.  But it's hard not to, after what they have all been through already."  He said right before he took a bit from his burger.

"I see your point."  She said as she grabbed a fry.

"Those kids have proven themselves time and time again that they can handle every challenge that they have had to face."  Korn said as he grinned at Ignis as he dropped his head in defeat over the veggie argument. "Well perhaps not all of them."

The three of them slightly laughed at Ignis' frustration.

"I won't lie that I had my doubts about her at first."  Korn said before taking a drink from his wine glass.  "But your daughter has proven to be just as strong and as stubborn as you."

"I'm not sure if I should be flattered or insulted by that remark."  Paul said as he gave Korn a slight smirk.

"In your case, I would take it as a complement."  Korn said before he wiped his mouth with his napkin.  "And I still want to know how you and Lynn were able to raise two very strong willed kids."

Paul slightly smiled then he dropped his head as he fought with his thoughts about his late son and now wife. 

"Most of that credit would go to Lynn."  He quietly said then took a long drink and drained his beer.  

"Anyone need another?"  Paul asked as he gestured with his bottle as he stood up.

"No I'm good.  But thank you for asking."  Korn said as he took another bite of his burger.

Then Paul looked at Sara. 

"I shouldn't.  I still have to drive home."  She shyly responded.

"Don't worry about that part."  Paul said with a smile.  "We'll can make sure that you get home safe."

Sara's heart skipped a beat as she felt it start to soar as she looked at him.  "I wouldn't want to be a burden."

"It wouldn't be a burden."  Paul smiled at her.  "We can always call a driver.  Or you could crash here for the night.  We do have a guest room.  So whichever you prefer."

"Perhaps another time."  Sara looked away as she spoke with a dry mouth as if someone else was talking.  

For what she wanted, was the total opposite of what she said.  But she didn't dare said it out loud.  Not yet anyway.

"Well let me know if you change your mind."  Paul said then stood up and walked away.

Sara looked back up at him and followed him with her eyes.  She couldn't help her heart from racing as she watched him walk towards the sliding glass door.  She would give anything for this to work.  But her fear of the past had her almost petrified. 

"You okay?"  Korn asked as he looked at her as she watched him walk away.

Sara quickly looked back at Korn then dropped her head.  "Yeah.  I'm fine."

"You're still hoping that he will remember you?  Aren't you?"  Korn said as he searched her face.

Sara gave Korn a shocked look.  

Was I that readable?  Damn it.  She thought.  I thought I  had hidden it pretty well around them.  But then again, I kept forgetting that Korn knew all too well what had happened before. After all, he had helped me while I was there.

"Why don't you just talk to him about it?"  Korn said as he took a drink from his wine glass.

Sara dropped her head and started to fidget with the napkin in her lap.  "I can't.  If he knew what had happened, he would only hate me."

"You don't know that."  Korn said as he watched her.  "You did everything that you could that day.  No one could have saved his son from those injuries.  And who knew that they would be attack in their own home like that."

"It's not just that."  She said as she took a drink.  "I don't think that he even remembers all of those training sessions and missions afterwards either.  It's as if I never existed in his world after that day, even though I was there for most of it.  Of course he had no idea it was really me to begin with.  So I shouldn't really be surprised."

"Just give him time.  He's been through a lot lately.  What with losing Lynn and all."  Korn said as he took another drink.  "Besides, he did just get back to Insomnia.  It's like a new clean slate for him."

"Perhaps you're right."  She said as she took a quick drink.  "Maybe everything just needs to run its course."  She finished, then drained her beer.  

"I see you changed your mind already."  She heard Paul's voice say from behind her which jarred her out of her thoughts. 

"Here," he said as he replaced her empty bottle with a full one, "you can have mine.  I'll go grab another one."

Sara stared at the bottle in a slight state of shock.  Was destiny trying to tell her something?  Or was karma trying to jump up and kick her ass.  Either way she slowly turned and followed him again with her eyes as he walked back into the house.

She was afraid to get her hopes up, that there might still be something there.  But then as she looked over at him, she caught your eye.  But when she did, she quickly looked away as you gave her a stern look.  She knew the bond between the two of you was very strong.  And she didn't want to come in between the two of you.  She wouldn't be able to live with herself if that ever happened.

After dinner, everyone had headed home.  Well, all but one.  The last one to leave was Sara as she stood by the front door.

"Are you sure that you don't want to stay the night?"  Paul asked as he searched her face.  She had only had that second beer.  But still....

"I'm sure."  Sara said as she grabbed her keys from her purse.  

"I only had two.  And besides," she started as she looked back up at him, "I think most of it was absorbed with your fabulous burgers."

Paul smiled back as he slightly dropped his eyes.  "Well thank you."

Then he looked back up at her.  "Perhaps you could come by again and I could let you try one of my famous steaks?"

"I would like that a lot."  Sara said as she felt her heart flutter.

Paul then looked her up and down for a moment.  He hadn't quite realized that she was about as slim as Lynn had been.  Before having the kids of course.  Her slim waist and tight ass were starting to make him think of other things that he might enjoy doing after having dinner with her again.  He wasn't sure why he was feeling this way towards her.  Was it because he felt a connection to her somehow?  Or was it simply lust?  It had been a long time since he had been with someone.

Sara glanced up at him and saw his eyes darken as he looked at her as she stood there.  She could feel the heat starting to rise up in her from him looking at her like that.  She then knew that she had to leave, before she wouldn't be able to walk away.  So with great effort, she put her hand on the door and pushed it open.

"Well I suppose I should get going."  She said as she took a step outside.  

"Yeah, I suppose your right."  He said as he slightly shook his head.  "Let me walk you out to your car."

"Okay."  She said and continued on down the sidewalk.  

She felt her hands slightly shake as she was aware of how close he was as he walked with her.  

"I'm really glad I came.  I had a good time tonight."  She said after a deep breath.

"I'm really glad you came too."  Paul said as he smiled back at her.

Sara smiled back as she hit the button on her key fob so that they heard the car unlock.  Paul opened up her door for her.  She shyly smiled at him as she slid behind the wheel.  Then she pushed the button and started up her car.  As she rolled down her window, Paul closed her door for her.

"I guess I'll see you in the morning then."  She said after she put on her seatbelt.

"You sure that I can't talk you into staying the night?"  Paul said in a deeper voice as he leaned on her door frame with one arm.

"I'm sure.  But thank you."  Sara said as she smiled back.

"Alright."  Paul said in a slightly disappointed tone as he stood back up.  

"Good night Paul."  She said as she put the car in drive.

"Night Sara."  She heard him say in an even deeper sexier voice as he stepped away from the car.

She slightly shivered from his sexy toned voice.  She forced herself to press the accelerator to make the car move.  She fought with herself to keep going and not to look back.  She would never leave if she didn't.  He might not remember what had happened.  But her mind, body and soul was never going to forget.

"Alright one last check to make sure that everyone is in place.  Then we'll start the procession."  Paul said into the hands-free receiver as he looked at the monitors in the security van.

"Section A?"  Paul said as he looked at the monitors that overlooked section A.  He saw three  officers standing there.

"All good here."

"Section B?"  Paul saw three more officers.

"All good sir."

"Section C?"  Paul saw three teams of officers and three cars.

"Ready to go."

"Section D?"  Three more officers.

"All set sir."

"Section E?"  Paul asked as he was looking down at his clipboard as he was marking off the sections.  

But when no one answered.  He looked back up at the screens and saw the empty streets there were suppose to be section.

"Section E?  Where are you?"  Paul said as he started scanning over the other monitors.

"We're here.  Keep your shirt on."  Paul heard over the head set.  

Then he saw Jeremy come walking out of a store with his team.

"Why weren't you on post?"  Paul asked in a stern voice.

"We had to take leak and you were taking to long for us to wait any longer."  He said in a short voice as they slowly walked back over to their positions.

"Paul,"  Korn quietly said in Paul's ear as he placed his hand on his shoulder, "not now."  

Korn could see the steam starting to rise from Paul as he glared at the monitor.

"Section F?"  Paul growled out.

"All set boss."

"Alright, now that everyone is in place."  Paul impatiently said as he sat back in his seat.  "Let's run through this.  Release the chocobo.  I repeat, release the chocobo."

"That's us."  You heard Ignis say.  "I'll try to keep a good pace for you. Let me know if it's to quick."

"Got it."  Both you and Gladio responded.  

Noctis was back at the citadel with his dad as they watched the proceeding from the security office's main surveillance room.  King Regis was watching closely so that he understood how it was set up.  He was to be equipped with a headset during the actual parade and for the entire day for safety and quick communications.  But for the run through they didn't want to take a chance with something going wrong.  So for now they were safely watching from inside the citadel while the rest of you were running through the parade procession.

Ignis started slowly driving the Regalia from the turnaround in front of the Citadel towards the front gate.  You and Gladio were on either side of the car as you kept pace with the backseat of the Regalia.  You were both jogging easy by the car as Ignis kept the car at a steady pace.  You had a hand on the car to steady yourself as you jogged so that you could keep your head constantly moving as you looked at everything as you looked to see if you noticed anything suspicion.  For that could prove to be deadly for both King Regis and Prince Noctis.

"Are you sure this is safe?"  You heard a nervous voice say from the back seat as they sat right in the middle of the back seat with their feet on the leather seat and their butt on the back cover behind the head rest.

"You're fine Gina."  You heard Ignis say as he kept a steady foot on the gas.  "We won't let anything happen to you."

"I still don't see why you're having me do this."  She said as she nervously shifted on the back of the car.

"Well, you were the only who could pass as Noctis with your black hair and all."  You said as you kept your eyes scanning everything on your side of the car.

"And besides, everyone else is busy at the moment."  Gladio said from the other side of the car.

"Great."  She said as she dropped her head.  "Chosen by default."

"Although, you know not everyone can say that they got to ride on the back of the Regalia as if they were in a parade."  You said as you gave her a quick smile.  "So why not have some fun with it?  Or would you rather be racing around,  setting up for the ball?  At least here all you have to do is ride."

Gina smiled back at you as you grinned back at her before turning back to your scanning.  Gladio and Ignis both smiled as well as they continued with scanning the area as well as keeping a good pace.  Gina looked down for a moment.  Then she looked at Ignis and grinned.

"I have always wanted to be chauffeured around by you."  She said to Ignis.

"Then consider this a pleasure drive then."  Ignis smiled back, before turning his attention back to the road.

"Just don't fall out.  We wouldn't want anyone thinking that I can't handle sitting in a car."  You heard Noctis' voice say across the headset.

"Oh ha ha Noct."  Gina said as she sat back and relaxed.  "I think I can handle this better than you any day."  She said as she crossed her legs and tossed her head back as she started to relax and enjoy the ride.

"Can we stay focused please?"  You heard your dad say across the headset.

"Yes sir."  You all responded then went back to scanning the area as the car passed by people and buildings as it progressed to the site where the benediction was to be delivered.

After Ignis pulled in front of the stage by the train station everyone started to relax for a bit.  The run had been a success and fun considering the seriousness of the situation.  After a few minutes you heard your dad over the headset one more time.

"Alright so I think we're good for tomorrow.  Let's call it a day."  Paul said.

"Great job everyone."  You heard King Regis say.  "Now for those of you who will be on the security detail for tonight, head home and get ready.  For everyone else, we hope you have a great evening and we will see you in the morning for the real thing."

"Yes your grace."  Is all you heard from all the other teams.

"Alright."  Ignis said with a smile as he took off his head set.  "Let's head back to the citadel so that we can get ready for tonight."

"Can I stay where I am?"  Gina asked as she followed suit.

"Of course."  Ignis said with a smile as you climb into the front seat after taking off your headset.

Gina smiled big and slightly shifted again, only to have Gladio climb in next to her.  She smiled down at him and placed her hand on his shoulder.  He smiled back at her before turning his attention to removing head headset and setting it down with everyone else's in the backseat of the car.

After a quick snack and a shower, you found yourself standing in front of your mirror as you admired how soft your mom's old dress felt.  It looked almost as good on you as it had on her that night that you saw her wear it.  The only difference was that your mom definitely had a bit more upstairs compared to you.  But other then that, you thought that you looked pretty good in it.

"You look amazing."  You heard your dad say from your door.

You quickly spun around and saw him leaning up against the door in his suit, minus the jacket.  You could see the pain mixed with the pride in his eyes as he looked at you.  You smiled back at him as you fought to keep the tears down.  Then you walked up to him and wrapped your arms around his neck.

"Thank you dad."  You whispered in his ear.  "That means a lot to me."

Paul dropped his head over your shoulder and wrapped his arms around you as he held you tight.  He could feel his throat start to tighten up as he held you.  He didn't care how many times that the two of you fought, he couldn't be prouder or happier then when he sees you happy.  All of those long nights at Altissia as he fought with his own grief, he knew that he had to hold it together because of you.  For you were the most important thing in his life.  Nothing else mattered.  And he would always protect you, no matter what.

After a few moments you slowly pulled away and looked back up at him.  You could see the pride winning over the pain as he smiled back down at you.  You smiled back then released him as you looked at him.  You loved seeing him in a suit.  They seemed to fit him perfectly every time.  You always thought that he should have been a fashion model for half of the suits that you had seen him in.

"I can say the same thing about you."  You said with a smile.  "Sara may have a hard time keeping you to herself tonight."

Paul slightly shook his head as he gave you a stunned look.  "I thought that you didn't like Sara?"

"I never said that."  You said as you looked down.  "I said that I wasn't use to seeing you with anyone other than mom.  That's all."

"Are you comfortable with me being with her?"  Paul asked as he carefully watched your reaction.

"Not completely."  You said before looking back up at him.   "But you could do a lot worse."

Paul slightly chuckled at you.  "Thanks."  He said sarcastically.

"Plus, Sara is very nice."  You said in a more serious tone.  "She's been nothing but sweet to me this whole time.  So I suppose I could give her a chance."

Your dad smiled back down at you as he felt a calm wave wash over him.  He had been so worried about you having a difficult time with all of this.  But after seeing your resolve towards Sara, he was starting to feel a lot better about the whole situation now.  Perhaps this was meant to happen. Of course only time would tell.

"Thank you."  He said.  Then he gave you a quick kiss on your head.  "I'll be in the living room when your ready.  But don't take too long.  I need to check on the security for tonight."

"Right."  You smiled back to him.  "I'll be down in a moment."

"Alright kiddo."  He said then stepped away from your door.  

"I'll be downstairs."  You heard his say as he walked back towards his room.

"Alright dad."  You called after him with a huge smile.  

Then you turned around and started putting on your jewelry.  Tonight you decided to go with both heart pendants that you had gotten.  The one from your mom and the one from Ignis.  You smiled as you looked at how well they both laid across your chest.  You mom's was just slightly higher then Ignis', so both pendants could be seen and neither of them was blocking the other.  After gentling touching each as they laid across you, you smiled to yourself then went on to putting on your makeup.

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

Ok, so I couldn't resist but to add a bit more to the story behind Sara.  But I think that your going to really like where it's going.  ;)

I do hope that you enjoyed this chapter and will continue as we come to the grand ball to celebrate the founder's day celebration as well as the hidden welcome home party for you and your dad.  The night will prove to be full of heightened emotions and plenty of surprises.

And now without further ado, onto the party!

Thanks for reading.  :)

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