Paul anxiously sat in the waiting area for the emergency room as he waited to hear word about Tracy. So far they said that she looked to be in good shape and that it was only the cut on her neck and her forehead. But they couldn't be sure until they did a few x-rays of her neck and back to ensure that she didn't have any internal spinal injuries that they couldn't see. They had told Paul that they should know after that. Then if all was well, she would be allowed to leave with him.

Paul stared out the window of the waiting room as he sat there thinking about everything that had happened that day. He couldn't recall a day like this since his last mission that he had done with Lynn. And that had been when they had gotten Prompto away from the empire. Which was a day that he had relived so many times in his dreams and nightmares that he could still feel the glass shattering under his elbow as he rescued Prompto from the chamber as it was filling up with water.

Paul was so lost in thought as all of the events for the day played through his head. From the final preparations for the trip to Tenebrae, to the Winter concert. Then skating with Tracy as they had guiding across the ice. Then everything seemed to fall apart after that. Three separate attacks on three different people. The street thugs on you and the others. The assassination attempt on Korn at the condo. And now this. It was as if someone was trying to take out everyone or at least separate them.  But who?  And why?  What were they trying to do?

"We really need to stop meeting like this." Paul heard a familiar voice say from beside him.  "And I mean that you know."

"I thought you went home for the night Doc?" Paul asked as he slowly looked up at Doc as he stood before him.

"How can I with all of you getting yourselves into trouble at all hours of the night?" Doc said as he sat down beside Paul in one of the chairs. "And besides, it's morning now."

"What?" Paul asked as he gave Doc a stunned look. "What time is it?"

"Hmmm" Doc groaned as he stretched as he tried to push the sleep away. "Last clock I saw said 3am."

"What?!" Paul said as he gave him a stunned look. "And how long ago was that?"

"That was when she went in for the x-rays. Which was about an hour ago I think." Doc said as he rubbed the back of his neck as he tried to wake back up.

Paul slumped further down in his chair. "That explains why I can't function anymore."

"Well that's okay." Doc said as he sat back up. " I just saw Tredd come in about half an hour ago to take both of you home. I'm kind of surprised that he's not sitting with you or at least didn't check in with you."

"Yeah. Here too." Paul said as he tried to focus. "But Korn did say that he would be sending him to keep an eye on Sara. Perhaps he just went straight over to see her instead. Which is fine. As long as she's safe."

"Most definitely. But it shouldn't be long now and I can get you both out of here so that you can head home and get some sleep." Doc said as he stood back up. "I'll let you know when she can leave."

"Thanks Doc." Paul returned as he closed his eyes as he relaxed in the chair.

Within a moment he was fast asleep as pure exhaustion took over. Doc smiled at him then he walked up to the reception desk.

"Wake him up in about half an hour and send him to room 108." Doc told the girl behind the counter.

"Yes doctor." She quietly said.

"Okay Ms. Long.  We'll let the doctor know when the x-rays are ready.  Then after he has had a chance to look at them. Then he'll come in and will let you know if he noticed anything.  In the meantime, just relax and let us know if there is anything you need."  The nurse was saying after they got Tracy back onto one of the beds in one of the short procedure rooms.

"Thank you."  She said as she got settled again.  "Can I have my visitor wait with me please?  I don't like him sitting out there by himself."

"I think we can do that at this point. I'll be sure to send him in."  The nurse said with a smile as she nodded and walked back out of the room.

"Thank you again."  Tracy said as she smiled to herself as she tried to get comfortable on the bed in her hospital gown.

After a few moments Tracy heard the door open up again.  She slightly smiled as she heard footsteps walking into the room.

"I'm sorry about them making you wait out there."  She was saying with her head down as they walked over to her bed.  "But they wouldn't let me let you in the room until now."

"No worries Lass."  Said a familiar voice that made her heart stop.  "But I did just get here a short while ago anyway."

Tracy slowly looked up and saw Tredd standing before her in his full Kingsglaives uniform.  She immediately could feel his lips on her neck again as he had restrained her only a few hours ago.  The sight of him in his uniform raised more fear in her as she now started to wonder just how many others had turned their backs on the king and all of Insomnia. 

The thought of it was like being stabbed in the heart herself after serving the king for as many years as she had. For here was a betrayer right before her.  Someone going against everything that she had been fighting for her whole life.  But she wondered, if she was to say anything. Would anyone believe her?  Or would the betrayers just kill her before she said anything to anyone.

"You know."  Tredd said as he walked slowly up to her as she sat ridgedly in her bed.  "I must commend you on your feeble attempt to try and put some barriers around your happy little fake world.  Even if it did hurt my feelings that you would push me away like that.  But I get it.  I do."

Tracy slowly brought her legs up to her chest as he moved over and sat on the edge of her bed.  She had not expected to see him so soon after everything.  She couldn't tell if he was that well protected.  Or if he was just that damn cocky that he thought that he wouldn't get caught.  But then again.  Could she really do anything to him what with him working so closely with Korn himself?

"But that's okay."  Tredd said as he sat on her bed and reached out and started rubbing her feet with his hands.  "I'll forgive you this time.  But next time you try a stunt like that again.  I may just change my mind about going into his house when your both in bed."

Her breath caught and her skin crawled as she tried to moved away from him as he slid his hand up her shins as he tried to slid his hand in between them.  She slid further back as she tried to get away from him as he fingers pushed in between her knees as he tried to force them apart.  She tried to slide all the way over so that she could get out of bed.  She had to get away from him.

"And just where do you think that your going?"  Tredd said as he clamped down hard on her leg and pulled it hard back over towards him.

She slightly screamed as he slightly torqued her hips as he yanked her back over to him.  "I think you owe me for saving you from going to the police department today."

"Owe you?"  She said as she was started to get her fight back as the pain was starting to help her bring herself back under control. 

"I don't owe you anything!"  She spat back at him.

But quick as lightning, he forcefully grabbed her neck right where he had slightly cut her earlier.  "You owe me more than you could ever know.  This lass, is just the tip of the iceberg."

She gasped and grabbed his hand as she tried to pry him off as he started to squeeze.  She could already see sparks in front of her face as she knew that she was getting close to passing out.   But right as she was about to pass out, she heard the door open up again.  He then quickly released her.

"Good news Ms. Long."  She heard Doc's voice say from the door as he started making he way over to the bed.  "We didn't see anything on your x-rays and you are free to go."

Doc was saying as he walked into the room.  Tredd quickly stood up and walked over to the other side of the bed as if he had been on watch the whole time.  Sara grabbed her throat as she fought to breath again.  That was when Doc pulled the curtains away.

"Are you okay?"  Doc said as he saw her gasping for breath as she looked very pale in the face.

Tracy tried to respond, but all she could do was lean over the side of the bed that Tredd was on and threw up right on his feet.  Tredd quickly tried to get out of the way.  But it was to late.  She had nailed both boots.  Laces and all were now covered with regurgitated wafers, ice cream and hot chocolate.

"Gracious.  Orderly!  We need a mop bucket in here!"  Doc shouted towards the door.

Then he leaned over and started comforting Tracy as he rubbed her back.  Tracy just took short raspy breaths in between convulsions.  Tredd started to slowly make his way away from the bed as now the floor was very slippery.  Only to slip in it and fall right on his ass right back in the mess.

"Damn it man!  Get the hell out of here.  You're making it worse."  Doc shouted at Tredd.  "Go home and clean yourself up.  We'll find her another way home."

Tredd sloppily got up and slowly started making his way out of the room as he grumbled to himself. As he was walking out of the room, Paul was walking in.

"Tredd?" Paul said as he looked at him. "There you are."

Then Paul could smelled something foul on him. That was when he looked at his boots. "Hey, you got something on your boots?"

"Fuck you." Tredd growled and continued out of the room.

Paul just gave him a startled look at his lash out. But then he just continued into the room. That was when Paul saw Doc sitting on Tracy's bed as he was rubbing her back as she had her head down. One of the orderlies was cleaning up something on the floor as he walked in.

"Did I miss something?" Paul asked as he looked around to try and figure out what just happened.

"I think we both did." Doc said as he stood back up as he gave Paul a concerned look. "But not to worry.  It's not enough to keep her though. Just as long as you keep a close eye on her today."

"Of course." Paul said as he searched Doc's face.

Then Paul sat down on the edge on her bed. Tracy looked up at Paul and quickly threw her arms around him and pull him in tightly.

"Hey."  He said as he wrapped his arms around her.

He was surprised to feel her trembling in his arms as she held on as if her life depended on it.  He rubbed his hands up and down her back as he tried to get her to calm down.  He wasn't sure what had happened.  But it was clearly upsetting to her.

"I got you." Paul said quietly as he held her tight.

"I'll get started on her discharge papers so that you can head out." Doc said as he gave them a slight smile.

"Thanks Doc." Paul said as he kept her close.

Doc then nodded and headed out of the room as he followed the orderly.  Paul watched him walk out with a slight smile. Then once he was out of the room, Paul slight leaned back and looked at Tracy. Her color was still slightly pale and her eyes looked very distant. He brought his hand up and moved her hair over her ear.

"Hey." He quietly said as he searched her eyes. "Are you ready to go home?"

Immediately her heart rate shot through the roof again. He could be waiting there for them. She had just puked on him. He wasn't going to go easy on her after that. Even if he had asked for it.

Paul saw the fear suddenly in her eyes as she seemed to space out as her breath became very short. He knew then that something had happened with Tredd. He made a mental note to himself to keep an eye on him.  He would find out what was going on with him.  And in the meantime, he would also make a few precautionary changes around him.

"Let's get you dressed so that we can head back over to Korn's house." Paul said as ran his fingers across her cheek.

"Okay." She quietly said as she slowly looked up at him as tears started to form in her eyes.

He then lifted up her chin and gave her a gentle kiss. She quivered as she exhaled as she gently kissed him back as she closed her eyes again.  She could feel him bringing her back as he gently kissed her.  She wanted to feel again.  And only he knew how to do that to her.

After a few gentle kisses he pulled away and saw that her color was returning and the light seemed to be coming back as well as she looked at him.  He slightly smiled then he gave her one last kiss.  She smiled back as him as he pulled away again.  He smiled back.  Then he stood back up and walked over to the door and closed it.

Then he walked over and grabbed her clothes off of the chair by the window before he walked back over to her bed and set the clothes down by her.  He then pulled the privacy curtain completely around the bed.  She watched him with curious eyes as he made sure that the whole bed was closed off from everyone.  Then he came back over and sat back on the edge of the bed.

"I don't want anyone seeing you but me."  He said as he reached around her and pulled her close to him.

She quickly wrapped her arms around him and recaptured his lips as she passionately kissed him.  He pulled her closer and deepened the kiss by sliding his tongue between her lips.  She eagerly welcomed his kiss as she pulled him closer.  He wrapped his arms around her back as he pulled her flush against his chest as he laid her flat on the bed.

She gasped as he pulled away and gave her a kiss on the side of her neck as he started to move away from her.  She looked at him through heated eyes as she watched as he smiled back at her.  Then she watched him slide down to her feet and grab one.  He brought it up to his face and gave it a gentle kiss before setting it on his lap.  Then while he was getting her sock ready to put on.  She started rubbing his groin with her toes.

He looked at her as he put her sock back on and moved that leg off to the side.  Then he grabbed the other foot and also gave that one a kiss.  Then just as before, as he got the sock ready, she started rubbing his groin.  She smiled at him as she could see his eyes getting dark as he kissed the inside of her thighs as he was getting her pants ready to put back on.

She then slightly smiled as she watched as he hocked one arm under her legs and slid her closer to him with her knees propped up.  Then she watched as he slowly slide each leg into the pants legs as he ran his hand over her legs as he slid the jeans over her soft skin.  She smiled as she slightly bit her lip as she watched him getting her dressed.  She had no idea that he could make even this so sexy.  She couldn't help but to fall even harder then she already had just as she watched him.

After he had her legs in her pants he moved so that he was kneeling over her with one leg propped up on one side.  Then he lifted up her hips to meet his with one hand.  While the other hand started sliding the pants up and over her firm ass and curvy hips.  Her breath caught as she could see his struggle to keep going.  She could see in his eyes that he was teasing himself just as bad as her.  Which was promising for later.

After he had the pants back on her hips.  He lowered her waist and his knee.  Then he sat across her lap as he zippered up her fly and fastened up her top button.  Then he leaned down and gave her a deep kiss as he moved his legs and hers so that her legs were apart so that he could get his knees both on the bed and under her legs.  Then he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her up onto his lap as he sat back on his heels.

She leaned forward on him and wrapped her arms around his neck as she deepened the kiss again by sliding her tongue in between his lips.  He deeply exhaled as he embraced her need for him as he pulled her closer.  Then he slid his hands down her and grabbed the edge of the hospital gown and started to gather it up as he slid his hands and the cloth up her back as he exposed her soft delicate skin to the cold air.

She shivered as the cold air made her skin get goosebumps from the sudden chill.  He quicken his movements when he felt her shiver.  So that he was soon pulling the gown over her head and tossing it onto the bed.  Then he quickly grabbed her sweater and put it on her arms as he continued to kiss her.

Then as he was pulling the sweater over her head he couldn't resist grabbed her breast with his hand as he hungrily kissed her neck.  Then he pulled down the bra just for a moment so that he could suckle on her harden nipple.  She gasped from his touch as she was melting into him as he enjoyed a brief taste before covering her back up and proceeding with pulling her sweater down.

As he pulled the sweater down to her waist, he slid his fingers down her sides causing her to slightly giggle from the gentle tickle that he was giving her.  He smiled at her as she squirmed on his lap.  Once he had it down to her waist he rested his arms around her waist as he smiled at her.  She smiled back at him as she pushed her hair behind her ear with one hand.

"Now that's the woman I remember when this whole evening first began."  He gently said as he held her in his arms.

"You can't say evening anymore." She replied as she pointed out the window to the sun starting to shine through the windows.

"Yes I can."  He said as he pulled her closer to him.  "I still haven't slept in a bed with you since it all began.  Which means to me, our date is still on."

She smiled as she dropped her head.  Damn was she going to miss him.  She bit her lip as she fought to keep from crying again.  She had to find a way to get out from under Tredd's threat.  No matter what.  She wasn't giving him up.  Not again.

"So who's ready to head home?"  They heard Doc say as he opened back up the door as he walked in.

"Me!"  Tracy said with excitement in her voice.

Paul laughed at her.  Then he pulled her close to him as he stood up on his knees on the bed before climbing back off with her in his arms.  Then right as Doc moved the curtain off to the side, she placed her feet back on the ground.

"Now that looks like a happy, healthy, woman."  Doc said as he smiled at her as Paul released her and went over to grab her shoes.

"Thanks to you doc."  She said as she smiled at the doctor.

Then she looked at Paul as she smiled again.  "And to Paul."

The sunshine come straight in through the two story windows as it shined right in front of you face.   You rolled over as you tried to block out the light.  But as you did, that was when you realized that you weren't in your bed like you first thought.  For the bed had a different smell to it.  It wasn't a bad smell.  On the contrary, it was one of your favorite scents.  For it smelled just like Ignis. 

That was when you opened up your eyes and realized that you were on a sofa bed.  And not just any sofa bed.  But the very same sofa bed that is in Ignis' front room.  You curled up with the pillow on the bed as you smiled.  He may not have been able to share your bed with you last night.  But at least you both got to share the same roof.

As you laid there with a smile on your face as you enjoyed the comfort on the bed, you happen to catch a whiff of something cooking.  Then you hear the tapping of cook wear coming from the kitchen.  You opened up your eyes and smiled.  Then you slowly pushed yourself up and looked towards the kitchen.  As you did, you caught a glimpse of Ignis as he moved about the kitchen.

You got a huge grin on your face and smoothly slipped out of bed.  Then you half walked, half jogged over to the door leading to the kitchen.  As you reached the doorway, you could better smell the bacon and eggs that he was making.  You paused by the doorway and leaned on the door frame as you peeked in.  That was when you saw Ignis at the kitchen island preparing two plates with bread.

He looked up and gave you a grin as you stood there still wearing his sweatpants and hoodie.  "Morning."

"Morning."  You replied back in a sweet voice.

I could get use to seeing this everyday.  You thought to yourself as he stood there in his sleep pants and a t-shirt as he cooked.

"Hungry?"  He asked as he turned around to check on the eggs and bacon.

"Sure."  You replied as you entered the room and walked over to him.

Then you wrapped your arms around his waist.  "But only if I can help out."

Ignis smiled and placed a hand on yours.  "That would be gratefully appreciated."

You slightly squeezed him as you smiled.  Then you lifted up his left arm as you slightly turned him.  He smiled at you and put down the pancake turner that he had in his hand.  Then you turned to face each other.  You smiled up at him as you placed your hands on his shoulders.  He placed one hand on your waist and the other he used to push your hair out of your face.

"How did you sleep?"  He asked as he traced your chin with his fingers.

"Like a log."  Your smiled back as he dropped his hand.  "What about you?"

"I would have preferred a different bed last night.  But I slept fine nonetheless."  He said as he pulled you closer.

"So what do you need me to help out with?"  You asked as leaned up close to him.

"Hmmmm."  He said as he pulled you closer as he dropped his head to match yours. 

"Perhaps setting the table."  He whispered as he kissed your cheek.

"Then perhaps you could help with the two trays."  He whispered again before gently capturing you lips.

"Hmmmm."  You hummed back as you enjoy the gentle kiss.

I could SOO get use to this everyday.  You thought before you pulled away after a couple moments.

"I think I can handle that."  You whispered as you leaned back and looked at him.

"Everything is on the other side of the island."  He said as he leaned back and loosened up his grip.

"Okay."  You smiled back.

Then you leaned in a gave him one quick peck before you released him completely.  He smiled back at you as you walked away.  Then he turned back to the stove.  You walked around to the other side of the island and saw the two trays he was talking about and the placemats for the table.  You pulled out the placemats first. Then you grabbed the napkin holder from last night.  

Then you walked out of the kitchen and over to the dining room table.  You weren't sure where your dad was since Korn insisted that you go to bed and get some sleep.  Korn had told you that he would let you know once he heard something.  So just to be on the safe side, you had grabbed enough placemats for your dad, Tracy, Ignis and of course yourself.  You figured the two trays were for Mary and Korn since she was in the bed and he was more than likely in his office already.

Once you had them on the table, you walked back into the kitchen.  As you walked in, Ignis was starting more toast at the island.  He smiled as you came in.  He looked like he was enjoying this as well.

"So where is the silverware?"  You asked as you placed your hands eagerly on the island counter.

"It's in the top drawer beside the sink."  He answered as he buttered the two pieces of toast that just came out.

"Got it."  You said and walked over to the drawer.

"You haven't seen my dad yet have you?"  You asked as you grabbed four sets of silverware.  "I never heard him come in last night."

"No."  Ignis said as he kept his head down.  "I'm afraid I haven't."

"Oh."  You said in a disappointing voice.  

You had hoped that perhaps he had came back while you were asleep and was somewhere in the house already.  Like in the office sleeping on the couch or something.  But it looked like that wasn't the case.

"He could still be at the hospital."  Ignis replied as he glanced over at you.  "They did go in awfully late last night." 

"Perhaps your right."  You replied back as you now clutched the silverware in your hands as you started to recall last night.

The last thing you wanted was anymore excitement like last night.  You didn't think that you could take anymore of it.  Ignis looked over at you as you stood there transfixed for a moment as you were once again reliving the events from the night before.  He put down his knife and walked over to you and wrapped his arms around you.

"I'm sure he'll be back as soon as they make sure that Tracy is fine."  Ignis said as he hugged you and gave you a kiss on the head.  "We just have to give the hospital time to make sure that she's alright."

You dropped your head and sighed.  "Your right.  We certainly don't want them to miss anything.  I don't think my dad could handle it if anything happened to her."

"He certainly does cares alot about her."  Ignis said as he looked back up.  

"Just like a certain person does for you."  He said then gave you a kiss on the head.

"And it would be the same for me."  You said as you turned around and looked at him.  "I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you."

"Nor would I."  He said as he smiled back at you.

 "Promise you won't leave me?"  You asked as you searched his face.

Ignis froze as his heart rate immediately increased.

"Now that is a hard promise to make."  He slowly said as he looked at you.  

"And one I might have an issue fulfilling."  He quietly said as he looked at you with a sad look.

"What do you mean?"  You asked as you gave him a confused look.  "Why would it be an issue?"

"Well,  I..."  Ignis started to explain when you heard someone calling from the front room.

"Good morning!  Is anyone awake?"  You heard your dad call from the front room.

Instantly your face lite up.  He was finally back.  You quickly placed the silverware down on the counter.  Then Ignis released you as you turned and ran out of the kitchen.

Ignis watched you race out of the room before he dropped his head for a moment as he tried to calm down his heart rate that was now racing.  How was he going to tell you?  How was he suppose to tell you that he was going to have to study abroad for two years after he graduated?  He was excited about it since they only took the top 5% of the top honor students from the neighboring high schools.  And that was after passing a grueling test and essay that he had had to submit just to be considered.  

The opportunity was one that he couldn't turn down.  And it would be crucial to him for his Political Science degree and for his service to Prince Noctis and King Regis.  He would still be able to come home during the long holiday breaks and during the summer.  But most of his time would be spent studying as he attended classes in Cartanica.

The location was idea since Cartanica was known as the number one location for handling most of the trading wars and political issues.   It was the only neutral location for all three countries since it was the main city to create the rail system for transferring goods and people.  They handled all of the passenger trains and cargo trains that transported all of the supplies and visitors from Nifelheim on down to the waters edge.  From there it would continue by boat after going through customs.  And that part was through the treaty between Accordio, Tenebrae, and Cartanica.

Unfortunately due to the location, he wouldn't be able to have anyone come visit him there.  The area was right outside of Niflheim boundaries and was known for having issues with small scrimmages with the Nif over various issues.  So while he was there, he would have to be under cover himself so that he would be safe.  This included not be able to call or text anyone back home, except his uncle.  But this was by means of an encrypted phone that was only to be used for emergencies.

Ignis shook his head as he tried to clear his thoughts again.  He had been trying to figure out how to tell you for over a month.  Which was when he got the letter stating that he had been accepted.  But there never seemed to be the right opportunity to tell you.  And now with the holiday break and with you leaving for a few days, he was getting more and more nervous about telling you now.

But he needed too.  Especially since it was a recommendation for all Crownsguard to study a abroad so that they can better assist their king with relations for that country if need be.  He figured since you had already been to Alissia and had great relations there, perhaps you could start to think about doing yours in Tenebrae with Lady Lunafreya.  There would be ideal for you since you were thinking of a Public Relations Degree and it would be a fitting location considering they are very well protected themselves.

But as Ignis turned off the heat to the stove and put a cover on the pan he was now even more troubled with how to bring it up without upsetting you.  That and with recent events, this was going to be a very difficult talk.  He dropped his head and clutched his hands as he fought to stay in control as his mind started racing with thoughts of you freaking out.  That was what he wanted to avoid at all costs.  But how?

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

I think it goes without saying now, that things will start to take a turn  in a new direction.  For now it will start to lead into the final part of the book which takes off from the game itself.  I just hope your ready for this ride.  It might be a bumpy one.

Now for the trade agreement and all that. To me, that would be the only thing that would make sense.  Considering we never actually get to see how they get from Altissia to the train in the game at all.  And considering Altissia is surrounded by water......  Well you see where I'm going with this.  So take it as you will, but this is just my interpretation of how they got there.  

But be sure to keep an eye out for the next chapter and we see how the rest of the Winter Break will go.  Will the stress from both the truth about Tracy and the realization of not seeing Ignis for almost two years be to much?  We'll soon find out.

Thanks for reading.  :)

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