YOUR heart raced as you looked up at Ignis as he released you and sat back on his feet. You gripped his hands firmly in your lap as he looked at you with love and fear mixed in his eyes. He almost seemed to be holding his breath as he waited to hear if you were going to share your feelings or if he was going to be shot down. For he had just confessed that you were the most important thing to him. Coming from him, this carried more weight than a two-ton tank.

You couldn't seem to say a word as your throat tighten up from emotion. The tears started to fall once more from your eyes, but this time they were from love and not from pain. Everything in your body screamed out in joy at knowing that he felt the same way that you felt. You reached out with your right hand and placed it on his face, then you sat up quickly and kissed his gently on the lips.

"Hey, hey you two." Noctis interrupted. "There are prying eyes everywhere." He said as he smiled at the two of you. "Besides, it doesn't look good when my retainers are making out in front of me now does it?"

You broke off as you gave a slight laugh to the comment.

"No. I suppose not." You said as you sat back with your hand still on Ignis' cheek.

Ignis smiled back and placed his left hand on your right wrist. You instantly winced from the touch, then gasped from the pain as he applied a small amount of pressure. He quickly slid his hand down towards your elbow as he pushed your sleeve back to relieve your black and blue wrist. He then gripped your arm again and turn it over so that he could see the bruising around your wrist. You cried out from the pain as he gave you a stern look.

"What happened?" He said is a stern voice. "Who did this to you?"

"I fell, that's all." You lied as you looked away from him.

"Bull shit!" Ignis said as his temper was starting to rise.

"These bruises aren't normal bruises. These are caused from someone twisting a wrist to the point of breaking it!" You heart dropped at his harsh words.

"Ignis, what the hell!" Noctis said as he reached over and grabbed Ignis' arm. "Let go of her."

Ignis relaxed his grip, but didn't let go as he looked over at Noctis.

"Someone attacked her after she had left the pool area." Ignis said as he gave Noctis a stern look. "She was fine when she exited through the locker door, but when she came back out to the pool, she was favoring her wrist."

Holy shit. Was he watching me afterall? You thought as your heart fell further.

"How do you know that she didn't hurt it during her warm up? Or that she didn't fall on it?" Noctis said back with a stern voice. "What makes you so sure?"

"Because.." Ignis started to say.

"Because he's right." You quietly said as you kept your head down.
They both stopped and looked straight at you.

"I was attacked in the girl's locker room." You said then dropped your head. "I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to cause a scene."

"Then who the hell attacked you?" Noctis said as he felt his own heart rate starting to rise.

"I'll give you one guess, but you won't even need that one." You sighed as you dropped your shoulders and relaxed your arm.

"Gwen." They said in unison with the same angry tone.

You dropped your head more as you slightly nodded your head as you felt like shrinking out of sight. Even after all of the training that they have been doing with you. You still got hurt. Perhaps you weren't meant to be a retainer. How were you suppose to protect Noctis when you couldn't even protect yourself from a bully? Suddenly you felt a gentle kiss on your forehead.

"Wait here love." Ignis said then stood up.

"Let me get something for that." He said then walked off.

You looked up at him with surprised. Then you turned and looked at Noctis who slightly smiled then followed Ignis with his eyes as he walked up to one of the Glaves. You turned back towards Ignis and watched as they handed him something. Ignis patted him on the arm then turned and walked back to you.

When Ignis came back over, he was holding a roll of tape. You gave him a confused look as he knelt back down in front of you. He smiled back at you then gently took your right arm and laid it on his leg. Then he took the tape, after finding the end, and started wrapping up your wrist. You winced slightly at the pressure, but the more he wrapped it, the better it felt. After one full wrap around, he wrapped some taped around your thumb so that you couldn't move your wrist anymore then necessary to race. Then he finished it off with one more wrap around your wrist then he torn off the end and smoothed it down with the rest of the tape.

"We'll apply a wrap for now since we are still racing." ignis said as he ran his hand over the bandage tape to make sure that it was smooth and secured to your hand. The last thing you needed was resistance while you raced. "But we'll give you a potion once we get to the car."

"I..I don't understand?" You said as you gave Ignis a puzzled look.

"You deserve to show her that your stronger than her in the pool. Here's how you can." Ignis smiled back at you as he brought your wrapped wrist to his lips and gave it a gentle kiss.

You stared at him for a moment as you let the words sink in. Then you let a smile cross your face as you realized that he wanted you to beat your bully the right way. You nodded then put on a determined face as you looked back at Ignis. He grinned back and nodded in return.

Shortly after that Coach Rick came over and told everyone to start to warm up. Coach Rick was a bit concerned though when he saw your wrist. But after a quick stop by the judges table so that they could inspect the wrap and make sure that that was all it was, you were cleared to race your final races for the day.

The team races went faster than the rest of the races since there were less teams to race for each age group. They had to group them up this time based on times and not by ages. This made it to were there were two teams for the girls, which consisted of everyone from high school and middle school for each team. There were even less guys swimming, so they put Noctis with Ignis since they both knew a couple strokes, and were fast.

For these races were some of the fastest for the teams as well. Each person only had to do one lap each, which made it 50 yards per person. The first race for everyone was the 200 yard team freestyle relay race. The final race was the 200 yard team mixed relay that consisted of each swimmer doing a different stroke. That one was to be your challenge since they had you doing the butterfly for that one while Nicole was doing the breaststroke.

Ignis and Noctis were going to be doing the same races. Ignis was doing the backstroke while Noctis was going to be doing the breaststroke. But they had one more team member that had really pulled his weight so far in the meet and that was Chad. He had been put on their team as their butterflyer for the mixed and a third swimmer for their freestyle. This made everyone a bit nervous at first. But after seeing him flying down the lane during his individual races, you weren't very worried about them winning. You were more concerned with what he would be saying to them during the race.

For the first race, Nicole would start off followed by two other swimmers and you were bringing up the end. You were hoping that Nicole would be able to get a good head start so that the other two wouldn't have to struggle quite so hard as they maintained the lead. Then you would make up the difference in the end. But what you had planned, wasn't quite fool proof since the other team was hitting it hard from the beginning and ended with the weak. Their idea was to take a long lead and keep it through their speed.

This plan was apparent when Nicole stepped onto the starting block and was looking at Gwen as their starter. Nicole gave you a nervous look.

"Don't let her psych you out. Give it your all and the rest will be worked out." You said out loud to her. She nodded back and turned back around.

"Swimmers take your mark. The announcer said.

BEEEEEEEEEENK! The horn sounded and sent the swimmers flying off of the starting block.

The next set of swimmers quickly got on the block and waited anxiously for their teammate to come back and touch the wall so that they could go. Nicole came up to the surface and started flying down the lane. Gwen come up right after her and made chase and they raced down the lane. You anxiously watched and cheered her on as she took the lead as she approached the wall.

Then after a quick flip turn you saw that she was still in the lead. But Gwen wasn't giving up, she was pushing herself to catch up. Slowly she was catching up to Nicole until they were neck and neck as they thundered down the lane. Then right at the last second Gwen touched just before Nicole, sending her teammate into the water a fraction of a second before Nicole sent hers.

Nicole climbed out and gave you an upset look. "I'm sorry (y/n). I couldn't keep the lead."

"Are you kidding?" You said with a huge smile. "That was your fastest time ever. That was awesome!"

"Really?" She said in shock until she saw her time. "Holy...."

"Now let's finish just as strong." You said as smiled back at her.

The third swimmer was on the block and ready to go. The second swimmer was keeping the same distance and pace. But it wasn't enough to gain any ground. The third swimmer was ready as the second swimmer came flying down the lane.

"Come on Lisa!" You screamed at the swimmer in the water. "You got this!"

Your cheers seemed to help a bit as she picked up the pace, but the other team did as well. The third swimmer was starting to get nervous now.

"Don't worry Patty. Lisa's kept us at a good pace." You told her. "Let's keep it there."

Patty nodded and gripped the block as Lisa came flying up to the wall. Then right as Lisa touched, Patty went flying. The noise from the crowd was getting deafening as the two teams were neck and neck for the third swimmer. You stretched your arms one last time before climbing onto the block yourself. Then right as she came thundering down all you heard was her splashes as you focused on the lane. Then right as she touched you flew off of the block and entered the water. Once you came back up your flew forward with everything you had.

Your team was just behind enough to make you have to push yourself harder so that you could regain the lead and more so if possible. As you thundered down the lane you saw what you had hoped for and that was the other swimmers were starting to fall back. So right after you turned, you tightened up and stretched out your stroke. Slowly but surely you started to gain some ground on the other team as you inched forward. Then right at the last second you pulled ahead enough to touch the wall and won the race for the team. The whole room erupted into cheers.

Ignis, Noctis and Chad did very well for their heat as well. They seemed to fly past the competition as they all flew through the water and won with little difficulty. So before you knew it, you were back behind the block again as you were getting ready for your final race for the meet. Once again you saw Gwen was with her team, but you weren't sure what stroke that she was going to be doing just yet.

This time the first swimmers were standing off to the the side of the starting blocks as they waited to be told to enter the water. Then once they were told so, they entered the water then grabbed onto the front of the block as they prepared to start the race. Lisa entered first and was in a tight ball as she waited for the horn.

"Swimmers take your mark. The announcer said.

BEEEEEEEEEENK! The horn sounded and sent the swimmers flying off of the starting block.

Lisa flew off of the block as she dove backwards off of the wall as she entered the water. Then she did several dolphin kicks as she rocketed back up to the surface. Once she reached the surface, her arms started flying as she flew down the lane. She had a huge lead compared to the others as she flew down the lane. Then after a quick turn she came thundering back down the lane.

Nicole took the block as she waited for Lisa to touch. As Lisa got closer, Nicole got lower on the block until she flew off of the block right as Lisa's hand touch the wall. You watched Nicole glided gracefully down the lane as you climbed up on the block. Then you looked down the lane and saw that Gwen was matched up with you this time.

Shit! This is going to be a challenge. You thought as you turned your attention back to the lane in front of you as Nicole was turning to head back down. You stretched one more time and shook out your arms before you grabbed onto the edge of the starting block as Nicole came flying towards you. As she flew up you leaned back in your stance. Then right as she touched, you flew off of the block. You entered smooth and quick, then you pounded the water as you did your dolphin kicks to push you forward.

Once you reach the surface, you brought both hands down to get a breath. Then you threw your hands in front of you as you started throwing yourself into the stroke. You started out fine, as you raced down the lane. But then as you were doing your touch turn, you hit the wall harder then you wanted to with your right wrist and sent a shot of pain going straight through your arm. You had your eyes closed as you did your dolphin kicks while holding your wrist in front you as you tried to power through the pain.

But as you surfaced, your first stroke showed you how bad that you had hit as the pain intensified each time your hand slammed the water in front of you as it entered the water. You tried to make up for the weakened hand by using a stronger kick, but it didn't seem to be enough as you were started to loose ground as Gwen came flying up on you. It seemed that nothing that you did was enough as you were falling back. Then right as you touched the wall, Patty went flying down the lane to try and make up for the ground that you lost. You almost crumbled in the water as the pain shot through your wrist as you tried to get out. Nicole saw your cringing face and reached down to help you back out.

Then after getting out you, both you and Nicole turned back around and watched in surprise as Patty went thundering down the lane as she regained the lead from the other team. The three of you started screaming for Patty and she rocketed down the lane. The other team was right on her heels as they struggle to keep up. But it just wasn't enough as Patty came flying up and touch the wall first and won the heat. The whole crowd erupted with cheers, but none louder than the four of you as you congratulated each other and celebrated your hard fought victory.

You and Nicole were still beaming when Ignis, Noctis and Chad were standing behind the block as they were waiting for theirs to start. Ignis was standing beside the block and Noctis was behind the block followed by Chad and Brett. When told to do so, Ignis entered the water then held onto the front of the starting block as he prepared to start them off. His tall lean stature was perfect for the backstroke and it was by far his fastest stroke.

"Swimmers take your mark. The announcer said.

BEEEEEEEEEENK! The horn sounded and sent the swimmers flying off of the starting block as they entered the water with their back dive off of the wall.

You held your breath as you watched him enter the water and disappear for a moment. But then he surfaced just before the flags and started flying down the lane. Instantly you started cheering when you saw how far ahead that he was compared to the rest of the swimmers. You watched as Noctis got on the block as started to get ready for his turn as Ignis quickly reached the wall and did his flip turn as he started back towards Noctis.

You and Nicole both screamed for Ignis as he pulled further ahead of the crowd as he thundered down the lane. Then you watched as Noctis leaned down and grabbed the block as he watched Ignis get closer and closer. Right as Ignis touched, Noctis went flying off of the block which shook slightly from the motion. You watched as Noctis smoothly entered the water and disappeared from sight.

Then right before the flags, Noctis came up and started to smoothly push his way down the pool. Only his head popped up long enough to grab a breath before pushing forward again. His rhythm was perfect as he smoothly cut through the water and kept their strong lead. Then after a quick touch turn, he headed back down. Now Chad was on the block as he watched Noctis coming back down. He rolled both of his shoulders just once before Noctis touched the wall, then he flew off of the block and entered with a powerful splash.

You watched in awe as Chad seemed to be flying out of the water with every stroke as he hammered away at the water with his powerful strokes. You had no idea that he had that kind of power when he swam during practice. You smiled to yourself as remembered how you had told the coach to let him stay on the team. You knew that he had the right skills, he just needed a chance. He was proving to everyone that he was worth every chance that they gave him.

Brett was the last to go. He had been with the team for a few years now and was one of the fastest freestylist that the guys had. And this was proven again as he flew off of the block as Chad pounded the wall as he came to an abrupt stop. For Brett, not only did he prove that he was fast, but he also proved that this team deserved to win by winning the race with a body and a half length gap, compared to the other team. This win was enough for the team to win the meet since they had more swimmers place then their opponent.

The car ride back to the citadel was anything but quiet as the three of you talked excitedly about the races and about some of the other swimmers that you had meet while you were there. There was just two swimmers that you purposely left out of the conversation and that was Gwen and the female diver. At this point you had talked enough about those two that you never wanted to mention them ever again.

That night as you prepared dinner, Ignis was telling the kitchen staff how the meet had gone. They insisted that he gave them every detail. They said not to leave anything out. But to your relief, he left out the fact that you wrist was hurt before the final race. You couldn't tell now that it had been hurt since you used a potion on it which fixed that issue.

You smiled to yourself as Jim and Marge excitedly listened while they worked. They acted as if they were listening to their son tell them how his day at school had gone. It was quite endearing to hear as you chopped up the veggies for the side salad to go along with the cheesy ravioli that you had made. It was one of Korn's favorite dishes that you had made for him so far.

"Well it sounds like you kids had a great meet today. We couldn't be prouder of you." Jim said in his gruff voice.

"It seems to be that you should be celebrating right now." Marge said as she looked back and forth between the two of you.

"Celebrating what?" One of the assistant asked.

"Celebrating, celebbbb....have you not been paying attention?" Jim said with a bit of agitation as he looked at the assistant. "These two have just won tonight at the swim meet. Let alone the that team whole team own over all."

"Ohhhhh." The assistant said. 

"Well in that case. How about some dancing?" He said then turned around to the radio that was behind him that had been quietly playing in the background. 

He grinned back at Ignis and cranked up the music and started dancing around as he went back to his work.

Both you and Ignis just grinned at the guy as he started dancing as he was 'tossing' the salad that he was preparing for King Regis and Noctis. Everyone started laughing and dancing around as they continued to work. Even you couldn't help but nodded your head and sing along as you finished prepping the plates. After the song was done he turned it back down again.

"Speaking of dances?" Marge started as she walked over to Ignis. "I never did hear if that young lady accepted your invitation to be your date or not to the Sweetheart Dance."

You heart stopped at her question as you remembered that night. You were both outside of the citadel after having dinner with everyone. It had been right after the tryouts for the swim team. You were holding hands as you were both walking to your cars to head home.

"Are you asking me to go with you, like as your date?" You had nervously asked as our heart fluttered.

"Well you would be the only reason that I would even consider going." He had calmly stated.

"Well?" He had said then turned and looked at you with his dark emerald eyes. "Will you be my date for the Sweetheart Dance?"

"Why don't you ask her yourself." Ignis said as he looked over at you as you stood frozen to the sudden change in topic.

Marge looked over at you in surprise then got the biggest grin on her face. Then she slightly screamed as she ran over to you and grabbed both of your hands. 

"I knew it! I knew I had a good feeling about you." She said as she beamed at you. 

 You couldn't help but smile at her in spite of yourself.

"Oh please tell me that you have your dress already picked out." She said excitedly.

Your heart stopped again as you realized that you didn't have a single dress there at the citadel. Everything was still at the house. Then you heart fell as you remembered the conversation in the car with your parents after you told them the news about the dance.

So I suppose that means we'll have to get you a nice dress now." Your dad had teased.

"Well of course." You returned with a smile.

"I think that I can handle a nice dress for my little girl." He answered back and gave you a kiss on your head.

You stood there for a moment as tears started rolled down your cheeks. 

"We never got the chance to look." You quietly said as you dropped your head.

The whole room was quiet, with the exception of the radio in the background. Ignis quietly walked over and wrapped his arms around you from behind. You felt your body start to tremor as your emotions were fighting to get loose. Marge then released you and Ignis turned you around and pulled you into his embrace. You had your arms tucked up in front of you as you fight to maintain control. Ignis wrapped his arms around your back and dropped his chin by your cheek.

"Not to worry love." He quietly said as he held you. "I can get you one. If you still want to go."

"I can't ask you to do that." You quietly said as you ran your fingers along his shirt. "It's not your responsibility to help me get one."

"No. It's not my responsibility." Ignis said as he ran his hand through your hair. "But I would consider it my pleasure to get you one."

Your breath caught in your throat at his words. You looked up and meet his dark emerald eyes as they shined back down at you. He meet your (e/c) eyes as he smiled back at you. Then he gently moved your hair behind your ear as he brought his hand down to your chin. Then he lifted your chin and gave you a kiss on your forehead. You felt your whole body melt under his gentle kiss.

"Well good then." Marge chimed in as she tried to break the silence and the eyes that were staring at the two of you. "Now that that's settled. Let's get back to work. Dinner doesn't cook itself after all."

You and Ignis both half laughed, half smiled at her remark. Then he hugged you one last time before he released you. You both shyly smiled as you started portioning the food on the plates. Ignis then gave you one more quick kiss on the head before walking away.

"I'll let my uncle know that it's ready." Ignis said as he took out his phone and started heading for the door. You nodded back with a smile.

During dinner it was decided that the next day everyone would relax with a shopping trip to the local mall. This would include Gladio and Monica as well, since they were both going to the dance as well. Noctis even said that he would come along, if for nothing then to just hang out. He didn't feel like spending all day in the citadel by himself while everyone else was out. Besides, he heard that there was a new arcade at the mall and he was dying to check it out.

After dinner, the three of you decided to watch a movie in Noctis' room before turning in for the night. It was some action movie that had been out for a while, but none of you had had a chance to watch it yet. So after getting some popcorn and drinks, the three of you settled in to watch. But shortly after it started, Noctis was already asleep as he relaxed on one of the chairs with his feet on the foot stool.

You and Ignis just smiled at him as you snuggled on the couch and watched the movie. You were leaning against his chest as he had his arm over your shoulder and around to your back as you sat next him on the couch with your legs stretched out on the foot stool in front of the couch. You weren't sure if you liked the movie or not. You were way too distracted by the handsome person that you were laying on to really pay attention to the anything else.

You were soothed by his steady breathing as his chest rose and fell with each breath that he took. You could feel his warmth through his team t-shirt and warm-up pants. There was even still a hint of chlorine coming off of him, even though he had showered after the meet. You turned your head towards his and noticed something that you never thought that you would ever see. His eyes were closed. He had actually fallen asleep. A smile slowly spread across your face as you looked at his truly relaxed posture. Even sleeping, he was picture of perfect poise.

You slowly reached up and grabbed the bridge of his glasses and slid them off of his face. He slightly stirred as they left his face, as he turned to face you. But his eyes never opened up. You smiled again at his sweet face. Then you turned around as you placed his glasses on the table behind you. Right after you set them down you were pulled back by him as he stirred again and tighten his grip on you. You smiled as you let him pull you slightly closer to him again. His grip on you aided you in bringing you closer to the blanket that was on the back of the couch.

You reached up and grabbed the blanket.  Then you slid it down and used it to cover up the two of you. Once you had the blanket covering your feet and bodies, you snuggled under it and brought it closer to your chin as you pulled it up to his chest. Then you laid your head and hand on his chest as it still slowly moved.

Then you laid your left leg over his hip as you let your body fully relax against him. You heard a slight moan from him as you leg seemed to brush up against something unexpected.  Suddenly you felt his hand on your leg as he turned to face you.

"Unless you intend to take this a step further." Ignis said in a low growl.

"I would suggest not placing your leg there." He voice sounded deep as his thumb rubbed against your leg.

"Oh." You quickly jerked back. "I'm sorry." You said as you slowly moved your leg away which caused him to release your leg. "I always sleep like that.  I was just getting comfortable. I didn't mean to wake you up."

Ignis looked at you with his heated gaze, then moved his hand up to your face as he brushed your hair behind your ear.

"It's fine. We should be going to bed though." He said in husky voice as he tried to calm himself back down from his almost instant erection from your touch.

"Are you still staying the night?" You asked as you rubbed your hand against his chest.

He placed his hand over yours to stop the motion.

"Yes. But I think I'll be staying in the other room tonight." He said as he wrapped his fingers over your hand. "I don't think it would be a good idea to share a room tonight."

"Oh." You said as you dropped your gaze.

You had hoped to fall asleep in his arms like last time.

"Is it something I did?" You said as you looked down.

"Not at all." Ignis said as he slightly squeezed your hand. "It's just not appropriate at this point."

His mind started racing to what it would lead to.  Which didn't help his increasing heart rate and growing arousal.

You lifted your head up and gave him a curious look.

What's that suppose to mean? You though as you looked at him.

But then you saw that heated gaze of his as he lifted up your hand and sensually kissed it.

Oh. OH! You thought as you immediately knew what he meant.

Holy shit. Does that mean I just touched his...... You thought as your whole face turned red.

"Do you understand now?" He asked as he lowered your hand to his chest again.

"Yeah." You quietly said as your mind started racing.

But what if..... Could I...... It would just be a look....... or possible a touch... You thought as you felt your heart start to race as your body seemed to want to do things to him that you never wanted to before.

Everything seemed to want something else.

What the hell is wrong with me. We can't do that now. Especially with Noctis laying right there. Not that he would notice, but still. You thought.

Then you shook your head. Then you quickly released him as you rolled away from him and stood up.

2"I think I'll head to bed now." You quickly said with a shaky voice as you grabbed your jacket and headed for the door. "Night Ignis."

******Author Note******
They said that every Disney movie had a scene in it that make teenagers want to do the dirty every time they watched it. I personally think that its just the closeness of watching a movie with someone that your attracted to, that causes the extra physical activities. Especially when it's in a private residence. ;)

I know this chapter was suppose to be about the school dance. But not to worry, I just had to end that swim meet and the day for them. Next up, shopping for that perfect outfit that will knock the others socks off.

Thanks for reading. :)
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