You quietly sat down beside him as he took a seat for his final song for the night. He had a different look to him this time as he sat there and got situated to play. You had never seen this look from him before. But then again, you hadn't heard him even play this song until this very moment. He had been practicing this one privately while you had been in your other classes. You weren't quite sure why. But if his face was any indication, it had to be due to the intensity of the song that made it hard for him to relax with it.

https://youtu.be/zRvhQ5Rf6-U

You had no idea how right you were until his fingers started gliding across the keys once more. The song started out very slow and almost sad as he seemed to pour his heart into each and every note as it came from the piano. You could tell that this song meant a lot to him. For you could see it in the painful emotions on his face as his intensity increased as the song continued.

"Korn?" Mary asked as she carefully watched Ignis. "Who taught him this song? I don't remember going over this one before the concert."

"His mother did." Korn quietly responded. "She was a concert pianist and a beautiful soloist.  That is before she got really sick when he was five and passed away that same year."

You could almost feel his heart breaking as he played each note and chord. The emotion looked to be very raw coming from him as he continued to play by what looked to be shear will. Then he seemed to get angry as the song started to speed.  Then he seemed to get angrier as the song sped up greatly and got louder as he slightly pounded on the keys until it seemed that he might break something. Then after a quick slow down. The song sped up even faster and faster until he almost completely stop as it drastically slowed back down again.

"I haven't seen him play this in a long time." Korn said as he watched his nephew pour all of his emotions into the song.

Then Ignis sped up again and got even loud as he pounded the keys even harder and faster then before. You could feel the passion and emotion as his finger flew across the keys as he fought to keep himself under control as he played.  Only to quickly slow back down again. Only this time as he slowed down, he dropped his head as well as the song once again became very slow and sad. As he hit the last few keys you thought that you saw him slightly tremble as he fought to gain control again.

"When did she pass away?" Mary asked as a tear ran down her cheek.

"The night of the Winter Festival." Korn quietly said as he slightly squeezed her hand as he fought to control his own emotions.

"Tonight......?" Was the only thing she could say before her throat closed up with the emotions.

Ignis slowly looked up at the ceiling. You watched him as a single tear rolled from his eye. Then he took a deep breath as he quickly gained control again before you really register what had just happened. Then you heard nothing but the loud applause as the entire auditorium was on their feet for his solo. Praises and cheers were coming from all sides as Ignis sat there quietly. He looked back out at the audience as he dropped his hands. Then he slowly stood up and moved out from behind the piano as he turned to the crowd and bowed to them.

You sat there clapping with a huge smile on your face. Even though you weren't quite sure what he had been thinking as he played that. You could tell that that song was more than just a solo to him. The emotions were too intense to be just a song that he had learned. No there was something way more intimate behind it. You could feel it.

Ignis slowly stood back up as the choir director came out. She was still clapping for him as she came to stop right by him. She gestured towards him one more time and the applause increased again. Then they both turned to you and gestured towards you and the audience clapped again. You sat there in shock for a moment before you slowly stood up and did a quick bow.

Ignis smiled back at you as he dropped his hand and turned towards you as he started walking your way. You smiled broadly at him as he reached out his hand to you as he walked past the piano. You gladly took his hand and the two of you walked back towards the curtain. You entered the backstage area as you walked around the curtain so that you could take your places on stage for the second half of the concert.

"How about one more round of applause for all of our soloists?" The choir director said as she started clapping one more time.

Her claps were quickly drowned out by the large crowd as they joined in. You could just barely make out what she was saying as you and Ignis took your places towards the front of the stage. The director had wanted you there so that the other students could watch the two of you for the different cues to the steps. You didn't mind though. In fact you were thrilled to be showing everyone what the two of you had learned.

"Great job Ignis." Prompto said as you came to a stop right beside him.

He was standing in his position as he had his arms around Gwen. They had been placed up front as well because of how well they performed. Which made the whole thing even more enjoyable for you. Prompto and Gwen turned out to be a great couple. Even though neither of them would actually admit it.

Gwen was pretty and classy. Where Prompto was handsome and very reserved. They were different enough to show that there could easily be a spark that would ignite a strong love. If only they could see what you did.

You smiled at Prompto as he interlaced his fingers with hers as he held her on stage. You couldn't help but wonder if Chad knew how much Prompto really seemed to like Gwen. Then you watched as she looked back at him and slightly smiled as she seemed to lean into him a bit more. You smiled again. Perhaps Gwen really liked Prompto as well.

"So are we game for tonight?" Prompto asked with a huge grin.

"Game for what?" You asked as you took your spot as Ignis wrapped his arms around you.

"The Winter Festival of course." Prompto said with a huge smile. "What else would I be talking about?"

"Um?" You asked again.

"Perhaps now is not the time to talk about it." Ignis said as he seemed to get a bit nervous.

"Why not?" Prompto asked as he searched both of your faces. "You are going? Right?"

"Well..." Ignis started to say as he straightened his glasses. "I wanted to..."

"Ignis has something planned for us already." You said as you dropped your head.

"Oh." Prompto said as he slightly dropped his head as well. "I see."

"Prompto," Ignis started as he nodded towards him. "Might I have a word after the performance?"

"Yeah." Prompto said with a bit of a confused tone. "Sure."

You looked back at Ignis and gave him a curious look. But he just simply smiled at you and interlaced his fingers with yours as he held you. You knew that he had something planned. But he still hadn't told you anything about what 'that' was. All you could do was stand there silently hoped that it was the festival.

But the thought was soon put out of your head as the music started to play for the first song. The curtain began to open back up as the song began and soon revealed the entire choir on stage. Everyone on the floor was paired up with a partner, while those on raisers were broken up into lines as they stood just behind each other. You smiled when you felt Ignis tighten up his grip as he dropped his head closer to your ear.

"Ready love?" He asked in your ear.

"Always." You said back with a huge smile as you squeezed his hand.

Then with the next beat, the whole stage seemed to come alive as everyone started singing and dancing to the music. The whole audience seemed to erupt as the whole choir danced across the stage as they became lost in the song as everyone danced and sang out loud. All you were aware of was Ignis as the two of you were once again dancing as you twirled and your feet quickly moved as you did a quick two-step type of twist. Soon you fell under the excited spell of the song. Since all you heard, was the music and all you saw was him.

https://youtu.be/TxjIZfWXW2I

You both seemed to be singing and dancing only to each other as you become lost in rhythm of the music as much as you were becoming lost in each other. Then half way through, you happen to notice the rest of the choir as everyone started to get into as they danced and sang out. The whole floor sounded from the steps as everyone danced across the stage to the rhythm of the song.

Then you saw Prompto and Gwen moving and dancing as they matched your moves perfectly. You couldn't help but smile at them as you danced. You didn't think that you had ever seen those two have this much fun with this until then. This made you smile broadly at Ignis as you noticed that he seemed to be thinking that same thing.

Then in what seemed like the blink of an eye, the first song was over, and the choir was going into the next one. But unlike the first one, this one was slower and was more of a full choir song as it was done more as an individual dance as everyone sang their part. The choir slowly moved across the stage as they were slow dancing and interacted with each other. Even several of the seniors walked up and did the solos that were scatter throughout the song. It looked more like a play then it did a choir concert.

https://youtu.be/WbGfIocR4Ao

"I'll have to remember this one for my choir for next year." Mary said to Korn as she soaked up the beautiful music and the wonderful voices as they filled the room with their perfect harmony.

"I'll be sure to attend that concert." Korn said as he smiled back at Mary.

Mary simply smiled back at him as she slightly dropped her head. Then she almost jumped as Korn reached over and grabbed her hand. She watched as he slowly brought it up and gave it a soft kiss. Then she grinned as she leaned over and gave him a kiss.

"I'll save a chair for you up front."  She said sweetly into his ear.

"I'll be there."  He almost whispered back.

Then he gave her a kiss back.  Then he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her up against him.  he smiled to himself as he held her.  Only she could make him felt like he was back  in high school school again as he sat there holding her like in the old days. 

The next song was a bit more upbeat and had everyone on their feet as the couples smoothly danced around their partners as they did a type of slow jazz type square dance. The choir members in the lines did a similar type dance, but didn't move quite as far as those on the floor. But they did do more side to side motions that were opposite of their partners. Giving a flowing movement for everyone in the back.

https://youtu.be/htVarK0ZZdM

You loved the smoothness of this one since is was easier to move from one step to the next.  Including the deep dip that required the guys to dip the girls down so that they were almost all the way to the floor, before picking them up.  Ignis was the only one who had you within an inch of the floor.  Everyone else wasn't quite so low.  Before he lifted you back up and spun you back around and into his arms once more.

Then just as smoothly as the song started, the song came to an end. The crowd did a light applause as everyone lined back up with their partners. As the clapping died down, the choir director came out and addressed the audience again. As she talked, you each got into position for the last song.

"We have a very special song for you tonight.  This song has a very deep meaning for several of our students." The director was explaining. "And even though this one may not be a true holiday song. But I believe that you will agree with me when I say.  That this one fits them, better than any other song  I could find for this time of year."

https://youtu.be/9eTBb5zAxts

As the music started, the director walked up to Gwen and gave her the microphone before she headed off stage. You quietly stood there as you watched Gwen start the song off beautifully with her solo. Then as Gwen sang she turned towards you on the last word of her solo. You smiled back at her as the choir joined in.  As the song continued, you felt a different feeling coming from the choir.  You could feel that there was suddenly a lot more meaning behind the words, then you ever thought there could be.

As the choir sang, they slowly joined hands as with those beside them. As you sang, you suddenly felt a microphone in your hand. You then raised it up and sang your solo as you looked back to Gwen and Ignis as he stood just behind her. Then after your solo, the choir joined again.

Then towards the end, you joined in with Gwen as you now sang a duet. Then as the choir joined back in for the remaining portion, you turned and gave Ignis a loving look as you sang straight to him as you grabbed his hand. And he sang straight back to you with the same love as he slightly squeezed your hand. Then as the song was coming to an end, Gwen, Prompto and Ignis looked right at you as they sang the last measures.

Once the music ended, the whole room erupted with applause as the whole audience was on their feet. The crowd cheered as you give Gwen a hug and Prompto a huge smile. You then released her and turned back to Ignis as you handed the stage hand your microphone. He smiled back at you as everyone took hands once more. Then the choir turned to face the crowd and as one, they all bowed.

The choir director walked out and the applause got a bit louder. She smiled over at Gwen and gave her a hug as she took back the microphone. Then she walked out to the front of the stage again. You could see the tears already starting in her eyes as she looked back at the choir.

"They say it gets easier each year to see the students move up and out into the world." She began as she slightly laughed as she fought back the tears. "But if they could of seen the growth and strength that I have seen come from these students as they have grew up before my very eyes. They might have a better idea as to why I struggle so much with this. And especially for this year, as I will lose some very talented students."

"For this concert, most of our seniors were our soloists. And I would like to thank them by recognizing them tonight. They are Darren Adams, Amanda Clark..." The director said as she started to name off the seniors.

As she called their names, each senior moved to the front of the stage as their families cheered for them. You clapped and smiled as the front of the stage, soon had a line of students. Each one beaming as their family and friends cheered loudly for them.

"And Gwendolyn Yeagre." Several people shouted and cheered for her.

"The last one I will miss the most. He has stepped up numerous times to help out in more ways than one. And has played a double role as a tenor and as our very talented pianist since he was a freshman." She was saying as she looked right at Ignis.

Ignis slightly dropped his head as he swallowed as he tried to maintain his emotions. But then he felt you squeeze his hand. He looked over at you and saw you give him a huge smile. He smiled back and gave you a kiss on the cheek right as his name was called.

"Ignis Scientia." She proudly announced.

The whole crowd roared after the director called out his name. Ignis slowly made his way to the front of the stage and stood fast as he looked out over the crowd as he waved to everyone. Then he saw King Regis and Noctis clapping for him with a smile. He smiled back and bowed to both of them.

As you clapped you couldn't help but to let a tear roll down your cheek as you watched. You knew his talent and wasn't surprised that he had been playing since day one of being in the choir. Heck, she would have been a fool not to use his talent in the classroom and on stage. Although you were a bit surprised that the drama team hadn't tried to snatch him up as well for their shows.  But either way, you were almost overwhelmed with pride for him as you watched him stand there in front of the crowd.

After a few more closing remarks. The choir director finally had everyone do one last bow as the curtain was drawn shut. As soon as the curtain closed, Ignis walked back over to you and Prompto. Gwen followed behind him as she walked back to join the group as well.

You smiled proudly at Ignis as he strolled over. He smiled broadly at you as he came up to you. Then he glanced at Prompto for a moment and nodded to the side. Prompto nodded back.

Then the two of them stepped away from you by a couple feet. Gwen watched them walk away and briefly cracked a smile. But this quickly disappeared as she dropped her head as she walked over to you. You could almost see disappointment in her face as she glanced away at Prompto.

"Great job on your solo Gwen."  You said as she stopped in front of you.

"Thank you."  She quietly said as she kept her head down.  "You too."

"Thanks." You quietly said as you watched her.

"Is something wrong?" You asked as you watched her glance slowly back over to Prompto.

"No. I just...." She started to say, but stopped short as Ignis and Prompto started walking back over.

"Everything okay?" Ignis asked as he saw Gwen's face.

"Yeah." She said as she fought to smile.

But she wasn't fooling anyone. Not even Prompto. For even he had gotten use to seeing her real personality as they had worked together to learn the dances. Her harsh, selfish attitude had long been replaced with one that really does appreciate everything that she has and the people around her.

After almost losing her parents and everything she has grown to expect. She had had a hard reality check as she had desperately tried to save them on her own. Only to be deceived herself and injured in the process. But what did she except when she tried to negotiate with the Nif by herself and without any adults there to guide and protect her.

"Are you sure?" Prompto asked as he searched her face as he placed a hand on her arm.

"Yeah." She said with a honest smile.

You smiled as you saw the sparkle in her eyes as she looked at him.

"So is Chad waiting for you?" You asked as you watched her.

Gwen then slowly dropped her head as she shook it. "No. Only my parents."

"Is he working or something?" You asked as you further pressed her as you tried to find out what was going on.

For you could tell that she was trying to hide something. Even though she was trying not to look at you. And you had a feeling that it had something to do with Chad and Prompto. Since she had seemed down the past few weeks.

"I don't know." She quietly said. "I haven't talked to him since we broke up three weeks ago."

"I'm sorry." You quietly said as you placed your hand on her other arm. "What happened?"

"I'm not exactly sure. But I think it had something to do with his job and college.  And me still being in high school, or something." She quietly said as she kept her head down. "But he won't tell me. So I can't be certain."

You could almost see the excitement and sadness on Prompto's face as her words hit him. If she broke up with Chad, that meant that he could ask her out and not have to worry about Chad going after him. He slightly smiled at the thought as he slid his hand down her arm to her hand. Then he grasped her hand.  You saw this and dropped you hand completely.

"Would you be up for a bit of fun then? You know, to take your mind off of him?" Prompto asked as he nervously smiled at her.

She looked back up at him with a slightly stunned and slightly excited look. She searched his face as she tried to see if he was just messing with her, or if he was serious about it. When he simply smiled broader at her for not shooting him down immediately. She then knew that he was really being sincere.

"What did you have in mind?" She asked as she searched his eyes.

"A night out at the Winter Festival to start." He said as he lightly rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. "Then perhaps, ice cream afterwards?"

"How about ice cream first?" She said as she turned more towards him as her eyes started to shine back at him.

"Then the Winter Festival." She said as she grabbed his other hand.

"This way we can watch the fireworks together." She said as she interlaced her fingers with his.

Prompto looked back into her eyes as he could already see a firework display in her eyes. He smiled broadly back at her. Then he tighten his grip on her hands as he slightly squeezed them. He felt like he was in a dream. He couldn't believe that she had said yes. But now that she had, he was starting to get a bit nervous and excited at the same time.

"I like that plan better." He nervously said back.

You smiled at the two of them. You were glad that it seemed that they might actually get a chance to let that spark ignite a strong love between them. Then you felt two arms wrap around you from behind. You slightly glanced back at Ignis as he pulled you in close to him.

"Speaking of plans for tonight." Ignis started as he dropped his head closer to you ear.

"Would you like to attend the festivities tonight as well?" He whispered in your ear. "After ice cream of course?"

You turned your head more so that you could see his face better.

"And the fireworks?" You said as you grinned back at him.

"Of course." He returned with a grin.

You gave him a wide smile back. "I would love to."

He smiled broadly back. Then he gave you a kiss on your cheek before dropping his head into your neck. He held you tight as he relished in your scent. He wanted as much of you tonight as he could get. For he wanted your scent, touch, love and every interaction that he could from you, so that he could try and finally have some happy memories for that night.

"Paul?" Paul heard a sassy voice say from behind him as he stood up to head out of the auditorium.

He turned as soon as he got in the isle and came face-to-face with a long blonde haired, blue eyed face as she smiled at him. Tracy gave the blonde a stern look as a warning as she watch the blonde come up to Paul and grab his hand firmly as she pulled him towards her. Paul stopped short of touching her. But just barely since she had caught him off guard with her pull.

"I had nearly forgotten that your charming daughter was in our wonderful choir." She said with a chipper, yet provocative voice as she clasped his hand with both hands now.

"Good evening Ms. Richards." Paul said as she shook her hand and took a step back from her so that he could breathe again.

"It's nice to see you that you attend these type of functions."  He said as he tried to pry her hands off of his.

"Of course I would attend one of the best choir concerts this school as ever seen." She said as she glanced just behind him as she noticed Korn and Mary coming to a stop right by Tracy. "I always support my best students."

"I see you're still attending the concerts." Korn said in a slightly annoyed tone.

"Of course Mr. Scientia." She replied back to Korn. "Ignis is the best pianist this school has ever had after all. Why wouldn't I want to be here to support him? You know it's a shame though.  That he'll be going to school for a Political Science degree instead of Music. He has a unique talent you know."

"I appreciate your concern." Korn said in a flat tone. "But I assure you, the choice was his to get it in Political Science.  Not mine."

"Whatever you say, Mr. Scientia." Mrs. Richardson said as if she was bored with the conversation already.

"Sandra, there you are." Came a sweet, but timid voice from behind Ms. Richards.

"You ran off and didn't say where you were go....," The woman trailed off when she stopped in her tracks when she saw who Sandra was talking to.

Paul looked over and smiled when he realized that it was Cathy Jones, your high school guidance counselor.  She was dressed in a simple knee-high black patterned skirt and white blouse with a sweater jacket over her shoulders.  Much like what he had seen her in the first time that they had talked face-to-face when he had to re-enroll you for school.  He liked that about her.  Simple, and smart.

Cathy gave him a nervous look back.  She was blown away with how good he looked as he stood there in his black blazer, shirt, and jeans.  Then she saw someone standing right behind him.  She felt her heart drop as she watched the woman grab Paul's hand as she stood there in her white sweater and black jeans.  They looked like a married couple.  She thought then that perhaps she was your mom.

But I don't remember there being a mother listed on (y/n)'s paperwork?  And where was she when they came in?  Cathy thought as she dropped her gaze as she thought.

"Nice to see you again Ms. Jones."  Paul said to Cathy as he watched her gaze drop.

He could tell that she was very uncomfortable.  But the wasn't sure if it was because of Sandra.  Or because of him.

"You as well Mr. (l/n)."  She quietly responded as she slowly looked up.  "(Y/n) performed beautifully tonight.  I had no idea she had such talent."

"She gets that from her mother I can assure you."  He smiled back.

Tracy dropped her gaze as she started to get uncomfortable now.  They hadn't talked about Lynn much lately.  Good times or bad times.  She knew that he would still talk about her.  Lynn had been his first true love and his wife after all.  But it still hurt to hear about her from him.

Cathy saw Tracy get uncomfortable as she became lost in thought.  Perhaps she's just a date?

"Well she definitely gets her charm from you."  Sandra said as she tried to step forward again.

Tracy quickly looked back up at the movement and gave Sandra a warning look.

Paul stepped back further and raised his hands in front of himself.  She's very insistent isn't she.  Or she's extremely dense.

"I think you're mistaken charm for stubbornness."  Korn said from behind them.

Paul turned his head towards Korn and slightly laughed at him.  He knew exactly what Korn was trying to do.  Korn was interjecting so that Paul could get out of there before a cat fight started.  For even he could feel the tension starting between Tracy and Sandra.  Then there was poor Cathy stuck in the middle.

Mary shook her head and stepped forward in between everyone.  "They are both very talented indeed."  She said then she reached out her hand to Cathy.

"You must be Cathy?"  She said as she smiled at her.  "I've talked to you a few times on the phone about (y/n) and a couple other students.  I'm Mary.  Mary Julius.  I'm (y/n) and Ignis' old choir director from Salem Middle school."

Cathy looked back up at her and grabbed her hand as she started to smile brightly.  "Mary.  It's so nice to put a face to the name.  How have you been?"

"Busy as always."  Mary smiled back as she dropped her hand.  "But you know how that goes."

"All to well."  Cathy said as she slightly rolled her eyes.  "It's good to meet you finally."

"So your Ms. Julius."  Sandra said as she gave Mary a slightly stuck up look.  "I've heard a lot about you."

"All good I hope."  Mary said as she watch Sandra carefully.

She knew all too well about her snake in the grass personality.  She would act nice around others.  But the minute that she felt threatened she would strike.  And the strike usually ended in someone being terminated or removed for their position.  

One of her closest friends had come under her rath and was let go over something that had nothing to do with them.  But since they just happen to be there at the time of incident, they were let go.  She never forgave Sandra for that.  And she wasn't about to sit back at watch her do it to someone else.

"Of course."  She said in a sly voice.  "But it is much easier to handle middle students then it is high school students."

"Students are students."  Tracy interrupted as she stepped in front of Paul.  "Grade level has nothing to do with it.  What matters is  who supports and teaches them.  After all, we all learn slightly differently and mature differently as well.  Some just do it faster than others."

"Oh.  And I suppose you are some type of expert when it comes to kids?"  Sandra asked as she crossed her arms in front of herself.

"No one is an expert when it comes to kids."  Tracy said as crossed her arms as well.  "It's not like they come with a owners manual or anything.  If they did, we wouldn't have these talented students."

"Ms. Richards?"  Paul heard from behind him.

Everyone but Sandra and Tracy, turned and saw you, Ignis, Prompto, and Gwen walking up to them.  Paul smiled when he saw you.  He loved your timing sometimes.  Something.

"There's our talented kids."  Paul said to you with a smile.

"We're not kids anymore dad."  You corrected as you quickly took in the sight before you.

You weren't one hundred percent sure what was going on.  But you could tell that the conversation was starting to get a bit heated between Sara and Ms. Richards.  You could a feel the tension between them as they stared each other down.  You knew that you had to do something to diffuse the situation before it got worse.

"We were thinking about going out for ice cream and were wondering if everyone wanted to come?"  You asked as you met your dad's eyes again.  

"My parents are treating everyone."  Gwen said in a nervous voice as she looked at each person in turn.

She knew this scene all too well.  She had been an initiator of it for a long time.  Of course she had never seen it from this side before.  

No wonder why no one trusted me at first.  She thought as she almost cringed from the sight.

"That sounds like a fine idea."  Korn said to the group in a firm voice.

"Shall we." Korn said as he held out his arm to Mary.

"Yes.  That sounds splendid."  Mary said as she took his arm.

"Have a good evening ladies."  Korn said to Sandra and Cathy. 

"Enjoy your break."  Mary called back as they turned towards you.

Then they started for the Exit door as they followed Gwen and Prompto who had already started to leave.  Gladio and Monica followed, along with the rest of the citadel staff.  This left only Paul, Tracy, Sandra, Cathy, Ingis and yourself standing there as you tried to break them up.

"Come on dad."  You said in a sweet voice as you walked up and grabbed his hand.  "We need to follow you there.  I can't remember how to get to your favorite place."

"Alright. we're coming."  He said as he gave you a big smile.

"We're being beckoned."  He said to Tracy as he wrapped his hand around Tracy's side.

"Alright."  Tracy said as she turned her head and looked back at him as her face softened.  

"I hope you have a good Winter Break."  Paul said to Cathy.and Sandra.

Then turned around as he started to follow you and you slightly pulled him with you as you headed for the door.

"Night."  Tracy said to Sandra as she turned with Paul as he steered her towards the door.

"Have a good one Cathy."  Tracy called back as everyone walked away from them.

"You too."  Cathy called back with a smile.

"Come on."  Sandra said in a short tone as she turned the opposite direction of you.  "Let's go."

"Can we go get ice cream as well?"  Cathy asked Sandra as they headed for the front doors.

"That was a wonderful performance you two."  Marge was saying to you and Ignis as she had her hand on both of your cheeks.  "I couldn't be prouder of you two."

"Thanks."  You said as you dropped your head as you started to blush.

You weren't use to getting the kind of attention that you all been receiving since you stepped outside with the citadel staff.  Everyone was talking excitedly about the concert and how well that everyone had performed.  Ignis seemed to be getting the most attention.  Which he was taking in great stride.

Even Gwen and Prompto were getting praises from the kitchen staff.  Gwen was taking it with grace as she smiled and pushed her hair behind her ears as she thanked them.  Prompto on the other hand, nervously chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head.  You couldn't help but smile at the two of them.  They were such a cute couple.

After a few moments, everyone started to head out.  Gladio and Monica were heading home so that they could put Talcott to bed.  While the rest of the staff was heading home themselves.  Even King Regis was headed back.  This left Noctis by himself as he tried to figure out what to do.  He wanted to tag along.  But he didn't want to be a third wheel.  Or ninth in this case.

"You can still come out with us."  You said to him as he stood there with his head down.

"I don't know.  It's not as much fun when your without a date."  He said as he run his hand through his hair.

"I could be your date if you like?"  Noctis heard from behind him.

Noctis turned around and saw Iris standing there with a big smile on her face.  "As friends of course."

"I wouldn't want to upset Miss Lady Lunafreya or anything."  She quickly interjected.

Noctis smiled back at her.  "I would love to have your company tonight."

"Great."  Iris said with a huge smile.  "Now that that's settled.  Let's go.  I'm craving a chocolate sundae."

Everyone chuckled at her.  You really liked Iris.  She was like a female version of Prompto to you.  Pretty, smart, funny, and whitty.  There was never a dull moment around her.

"You heard the lady."  Noctis said with a smile.  "Let's head out."

Everyone nodded in agreement then everyone piled into the waiting cars and followed your dad out of the parking lot.

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

I apologize that this one took so long.  But I had to make sure that I wasn't missing anything.  There was a few things that I had to put in to help set the stage for the next few chapters.

But I do hope that you enjoyed this chapter.  It's more difficult that you might think to come up with holiday music that had nothing to do with religion or christmas.  For these are totally different in the FFXV world.  But at least I was able to find a way to put in the song that I have trying to place for Ignis to play for quite some time.

All of the songs included in this are Copyrighted.  They have been included in this for entertainment purposes only. 

Please be sure to come back and join us as we head to the Winter Festival for some fun and a fireworks display that you'll remember for the rest of your life.

Thanks for reading.  :)

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