NEXT thing you knew, you and Ignis were both being embraced by Marge. She had tears in her eyes as she was hugging each of you with one arm. You shyly smiled as you met Ignis' gaze. He slightly smiled back as he tried to hide his frustration.

"Let go of them Marge, so that they can come in."  Jim said as he walked up behind her and slowly removed her arms from the two of you.

"Please, come on in." Jim said as he moved himself and Marge out of the way so that you could enter the building.

The four of you were walking through the foyer as you headed for the private quarters when you heard the bell for the elevator go off. You glanced over and saw Korn step out as well as King Regis. They had been talking when the door first opened up. But the minute that they saw you and Ignis, they seceded. They both gave you a very concerned looked as they approached. Their looks made you stop dead in your tracks. Ignis stopped beside you when he saw what had caught your attention. He slightly squeezed your hand as he sensed your nervousness as you watched them.

"I'm glad to see that you both made it back safe and sound." King Regis said to both of you as he stopped right in front of you.

"Yes indeed. And I'm glad that you had told me about the earlier incident. Otherwise, this might have had a different outcome." Korn said in a very serious tone as he looked at the two of you.

You dropped your head as you remembered talking to Korn about what you had seen at the school earlier that day. Ignis squeezed your hand as he watched you. You did a quick glance at Ignis as you gave a very quick smile. Before dropping your gaze again. Because you knew that the next part of the conversation was probable going to be about what changes that they were going to do in order to keep everyone safe.

"Shall we move this to the sitting room?" King Regis said as he gestured towards the hallway.

"Where's Noctis?  Is he alright?  Nothing happened there to, did it?"  You asked as you slowly raised your eyes to meet King Regis.

"No."  King Regis said as he gave you a reassuring smile.  "In fact, he should be on his way back now."

"Well that's reassuring." Ignis said with great relief.

"Indeed."  Korn said as he looked at his nephew.  "Now let's head to the sitting room.  We have a few questions that we need to ask you both."

You nervously nodded your head as you glanced back down again.

"Yes sir.  I'm sure you do.  I'll tell you anything you want to know, to get this to stop." You said as you fought back tears.

Ignis moved closer and put his hand on your back as he tried to comfort you as he gave his uncle a concerned look. Korn matched his look and nodded at Ignis as he knew what he was thinking. Ignis sightly smiled before he led you into the sitting room in the living quarters area. Once everyone was seated, Marge served everyone a nice warm cup of tea to help everyone relax.

~~~~~~~~~~0~~~~~~~~~~

You and Ignis were sitting on the couch just like you had been in the car with you sitting beside him with your feet tucked up under you. But this time, his suit jacket was draped over the back of the couch, your shoes were neatly beside the coffee table, and you had a blanket covering you up as you snuggled up with it as you sat beside Ignis. You had your teacup in your hand as you looked at the fluid as you slowly swirled it around as you slowly tilted the cup.  The room was quite after you told everyone what had happened after you had left the gym.  But as everyone was thinking about this, Noctis came walking into the room.

"Will someone please tell me what happened?"  Noctis asked as soon as he walked in.  "Cor was telling me that (Y/n) was attacked at the school?  Is that true?"  Noctis asked as he looked around the room as he searched everyone's face.

"I'm afraid so."  Ignis quietly answered.

"What the hell?!"  He said as he turned towards Ignis.  "I thought that you were protecting her!"  Noctis almost shouted at Ignis as he temper was starting to rise.

"I was..."Ignis started to say.

"Well apparently not!"  Noctis shouted at him.

"That's enough Noct."  King Regis said to his son from the across the room.  He was sitting in one of the arm chairs that was closest to the kitchen.  The couch was to his left and the coffee table in front of him, to which he leaned towards and placed his cup back down on the table.  King Regis could see the frustration in his son's face as he stood behind the chair that was oppose of his.  But he knew that he had to try and keep him calm before the conversation went the wrong direction. 

"What's done is done.  She's here and she's safe.  That's all that matters now."  Korn said as he stood beside King Regis.

"That's easy for you to say!"  Noctis said as he rounded on them.  "You weren't there!"

"And neither were you."  King Regis said back to Noctis in a firm voice. 

"Tst."  Noctis said as he turned away out of frustration.  It had been driving him crazy the whole trip back that he hadn't been with you when it happened.  But he had trusted everyone to keep you safe while he was at training.  Now he was starting to doubt everyone. 

"It doesn't matter who was there or not."  King Regis said as he watched his son very carefully.

"It may not matter to you."  Noctis sternly said back to his dad.  "But someone had made a promise to me."  He finished as he started glaring at Ignis again.

You dropped your head as you tried to shrink into the couch.  You never wanted anyone to get upset.  And especially when it came to Noctis and Ignis.  But you could understand why he would be upset.  After All, Ignis had told Noctis earlier that he would protect you.

You thought back to the earlier conversation between them............

"Just be careful tonight."  Noctis said in a serious tone as he watched you and Ignis

"Not to worry Noct."  Ignis said in a reassuring voice.  "I'll protect her like you would."

Noctis nodded at Ignis, then he looked at you.  "Be sure that you do."

You slowly raised the tea cup to your lips as you took a sip as you remember how intense Noctis had looked at you at that moment.  It brought back the same look that he had given you after he had danced with you in the loading dock area.  He had been serious and almost distant.  But you could see the passion in his eyes as if it hurt for him to see you with someone else.  You glanced up at him now and you could see the fury in his eyes now as he was staring holes through Ignis.

"It wasn't his fault Noct."  You said quietly.  Noctis immediately looked at you as he tried to calm down.  "I had walked away from him.  Gwen had caused me to spill part of my drink on my dress.  I was simply going to clean up."

"Why didn't you escort her then?!"  Noctis half shouted at Ignis as he gave him a stern look.

"I tried to.  But I had to get around Gwen first."  Ignis said back in the same tone.  "She kept blocking my way so that I couldn't get past her.  That's why by time I caught up with (Y/n), she had already put them down on the ground and was climbing out of their grip."

You glanced over at Ignis as he argued back with Noctis.  You could feel the tension in him over the situation.  But you could tell that he wasn't taking it out on Noct.  Instead, you could tell that he had been questioning his own moves ever since he held you in the hallway after the attack.  Even now, you could see that he was still running the situation through his head as he tried to come up with the perfect solution for next time.  Ignis was already taking this a lot more personal than Noctis knew.

"Noct, please."  You said as you looked back up at him as you tried to get his attention again so that you could calm him down.  "There wasn't any indication that anything was going to happen.  Besides, all I was going to do was clean up a small spill on my dress."

"But..."  Noctis started as he looked at you with fear starting to show in his eyes.

"But nothing."  You tried to reassure him.  "If it hadn't been for you linking me up with my bow and for Ignis helping me to learn how to control my fears to escape, I wouldn't be sitting here."

The whole room was silent as your words hung heavy in the air.  They knew that you were right.  All of the training and weapons linking had been the major factors that had helped you to get away from them.  Well that, and a great set of heels.

Noctis tightly gripped the back on the chair as he held his head down.  "Do we at least know who they are or how they got in?"  Noctis asked in strained voice.

"They're still investigating as we speak." Korn said as he watched the young prince struggle to gain control of his emotions again.  He knew the looks, he had watched Ignis go though it with his parents.

"Gladio and Monica are still there assisting with the investigation."  Ignis said as he glanced down at the coffee table that held the tea set.  "They know that school better than anyone.  They'll figure out how they got in.  As to who, that will be up to the Intelligence team."

"But for now.  I want you three to get some rest."  King Regis said as he stood back.  "If you want to stay over again tonight, your more than welcome Ignis.  You can even stay in her room if she wants.  I know the two of you have been through a lot tonight.  And I have a feeling that neither of you will be able to sleep otherwise."

"Thank you, your grace."  Ignis answered back.  Then he turned to his uncle.

"I'll have a change of clothes, as well as your overnights, sent over for you."  Korn said as he gave his nephew a slight grin as he already knew that was what Ignis wanted to do anyway.

"Thank you."  Ignis answered with a slight grin. 

Korn simply nodded back.

"Come on Noctis."  King Regis said as he walked across the room and put his hand on Noctis' back.  "I need to talk to you for a minute before we turn in."

You watched as Noctis rolled his eyes as his dad steered him towards the door and out of the room.  Korn walked up to Ignis and stood in front of him for a minute.  To which Ignis immediately stood up and faced him.  Korn put his hand on Ignis' shoulder and gave him a slight smile as he slightly squeezed his hand.  Ignis gave him a slight smile back.

"I'll see you in the morning."  Korn said to Ignis as he gave him a concerned look.  "Try to sleep if you can.  We'll decide in the morning if it's safe for everyone to return to the school."

"Yes sir."  Ignis said as he met his uncle's concerned gaze.

Korn slightly smiled back and squeezed Ignis' shoulder one last time before he patted it and dropped his hand as he looked away.  Then he walked past Ignis as he headed for the door.  Ignis followed him with his eyes as his uncle walked over to the door.  Korn paused with his hand on the door for a moment.  Then he turned his head back towards the room.

"(Y/n)."  Korn quietly started as he glanced over his shoulder. "I'm sorry that my team wasn't a bit more vigilant."

Your eyes shot open wide at his words.  Did he just say that he's sorry?  You thought in shock.

"For it seems that once again, we weren't prepared enough."  Korn quietly said as he dropped his gaze.  "And for that I apologize."

You dropped your head as you slightly smiled.  "Thank you for that.  But you know that it's not your fault.  No more then Ignis for getting blocked by Gwen, or for me getting punch on my dress."  You said then looked back up.  "No, the only person that I'm upset with is Gwen for starting it.  Everything was fine until she came in."

At those words, both Ignis and Korn both were jarred as if them had been hit by a brick wall.  Korn then looked at Ignis with a serious look.  Ignis matched his look and nodded.  Then Korn looked at you with a slight smiled.

"Well I think that we have a really good idea of where to start now.  So that next time, we can hopefully prevent another incident."  Korn said as he opened up the door.  "I shall see you both in the morning." 

And with that, he walked out leaving the two of you alone once again.  Ignis dropped his eyes as he thought about what he had just heard as he started trying to piece together the events from the evening, as well as the earlier incident.  Then he started recalling other areas where it seemed to connect as well.  Then like a light bulb going off, Ignis quickly left the room and followed his uncle.

You watched in a bit of shock as Ignis quickly left the room.  But then you dropped your eyes again.  For the last bit of magic seemed to die as the door closed behind him.  You felt tears coming to your eyes again as you felt your heart break as you sat there alone.  You just couldn't seem to get a break no matter what you tried.  You felt yourself starting to fall into a depressed state again.  But before you let it take over, you quickly looked up as a tear ran down your cheek.  For you knew that crying wasn't going to do anything.  All you could do now was to keep moving.

And with that you threw the blanket off to the side and put your shoes back on.  After they were back on your feet, you gathered up the used tea cups and placed them on the discarded serving tray.  Then you grabbed the tray and carried it back into the kitchen so that you clean up and put them away.  Perhaps while you washed the dishes, you might be able to wash away some of the grief that you were feeling.

~~~~~~~~~~0~~~~~~~~~~

"Uncle!"  Ignis called after Korn as he ran up to Korn who was walking through the foyer.

"What it is Ignis?"  Korn asked as he stopped and slowly turned to face his nephew.

"Do you think that Gwen's family has anything to do with this?"  Ignis asked as he came to a stop in front of him.

"It's always a possibility."  Korn said as he saw the concerned look on Ignis' face.  "But I can't be sure.  I haven't seen or heard from her parents in a while."

"You don't think..."  Ignis asked as his voice trailed off.

"I don't know."  Korn said in a serious tone as he meet Ingis' gaze. 

"But I will have my agents look into.  Okay?"  He finished as he set his hand on Ignis' shoulder.

Ignis dropped his eyes as he slightly nodded his head.  He may not like Gwen all that much.  But he also didn't like the idea of anyone's family being in trouble.  No matter who it was.

"But let me worry about that."  Korn said as he dropped his hand.  "You should be focusing on (Y/n).  She's the one who needs you right now."

"Yes sir."  Ignis said as the corners of his mouth twitched up for just a moment.  "See you tomorrow."

"Good night Ignis."  Korn said then turned  and continued to the door.

Ignis stood there for a few moments and watched as Korn walked out the door.  Ignis dropped his head as the door closed behind Korn.  He hadn't really thought anything about Gwen in her pursuits.  But the more he thought about it, she had seemed to become more aggressive lately.  But there had also been a bit where she almost seemed to have disappeared.  If he hadn't seen her in class that whole time, he would have thought differently.  But now.......

Ignis shook his head as he became upset with himself that he had become blinded to everything around him like that.  Perhaps he had become distracted after all.  He thought as he looked towards the door that led to the living quarters, where you were at.  But when he thought about trying to distance himself from you, it felt like his heart was in vice that was slowly crushing it.  He didn't want to let you go.  He couldn't let you go.  He didn't think that his heart and mind could handle not having you there.  You were so much a part of him now, that if he did, part of him would disappear forever.

No.  He wasn't going to let you go.  He told himself with determination.  In fact he was going to tell you how he felt tonight before something else happened.  No matter what.  And depending on your reaction, would determine his next step.  So with his heart racing, he walked back towards the sitting room.

~~~~~~~~~~0~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you sure we can't get you anything dear?"  Marge asked with a concerned face as she watched you place the last tea cup in the dish tray before removing the kitchen apron and hanging it back up on the hook.

You dropped your head as you fought off the tears that were threatening to ruin what make-up was still left.  "No.  That's ok.  I'm just going to bed now."  You quietly said then pushed the tray into the machine so that you didn't have to answer anymore questions.

Than you walked past her after you gave her a weak smile.  You weren't in the mood for anyone's company, let alone talk to anyone anymore tonight.  All you wanted to do was curl up somewhere and cry.  The cruel world had won once more and you had already accepted defeat.

But right as you were walking out of the dish area as you were making your way towards the door, Ignis came through the door.  You glanced up at him and saw that he had a slightly panicky look on his face.  Then he saw you and seemed to be relieved.  You stopped in your tracks as he quickly walked over to you.

"I'm sorry I walked away."  He said as he grabbed your hands and brought them in up to his chest.  "I had to ask him a question really quick."

"It's fine."  You said as you dropped your head.  "I was just going to bed anyway."

"No it's not fine.  And I think that you might change your mind about sleeping just yet."  Ignis said as he brought your hands up to his shoulders then slide his fingers down your sides as he moved his hands down to wrap around your waist.

You gave his a questioning look as you gazed up at him as your whole body now seemed to be on fire from his gentle touch.  Then he leaned into you and softly kissed your forehead.  You closed your eyes at his gentle touch as it seemed to calm down your breaking heart.  You moved one hand up and touched the back on his neck so that you could feel his soft hair.  You felt his body tense up as his breath seemed to catch when he slightly pulled away.

"We might want to wait on that darling."  He said in a low voice as he brought his head down to the side of you face.  Then he gently kissed your temple.  "Otherwise we might not be able to do what I was thinking."  He finished as he had his face right beside yours and his breath seemed heavy as he felt the heat starting to rise in him.

His warm breath on your neck ignited the heat that was now rising up from your core. 

"And what might that be?"  You asked as your voice was just as heated as his breath.

He leaned his head back enough so that he could look at you in the eyes. 

"I believe I still owe you a dance."  He said as the heat was starting to take over as he felt his heart starting to quiver.

You smiled back as him as you fought off the tears.  "I believe I owe you the same pleasure."

He slightly smiled again as he felt his heart leap.  Then he leaned in and gave you one passionate kiss before releasing you.  Then he smiled as he held out his arm for you to grab.  You smiled big at him and gracefully took his arm and wrapped your fingers around his arm.  Then just as he was getting ready to walk you out of the kitchen, Marge came running up with his jacket.

"Just in case you don't go back through the sitting room."  Marge said as she smiled broadly at the two of you.

"Thank you."  Ignis said with a big smile.

"Now go on."  Marge said as she started shooing you out of the kitchen.  "Jim has everything ready for you."

You gave Marge a questioning look.  She smiled back and winked at you as Ignis started leading you towards the storage room.  You then looked up at ignis as he led you through the storage room and out to the loading dock.  He looked back down at you as he released you in the middle of the floor that you had taken your dance lessons on. 

"You were the other person that they were teaching."  You said as you gave him a bit of a devilish look.

"Indeed."  Ignis said as you could see the fire starting to ignite in his eyes as he put his coat back on. 

Then after he buttoned it back up and straighten it out so that it was perfect, he reached out his hand.  You shyly smiled but reached out and grabbed his hand.  He smiled then spun you into his arms so that he had one on your waist and the other held one up as he gave you a heated gaze.  You smiled back and matched his heated look.  Ignis then glanced over at Jim and nodded.  Jim smiled back then hit the play button.

Ignis moved you across the floor in a slow and steady pace that perfectly matched the rhythm.  You felt your heart flying as you feet seemed to glide across the floor as you allowed him to take the lead.  His touch was gentle and seemed to be full of passion as he fingers rub against your back after he would bring you back into his grip as he would twirl you around. Ignis even spun with you a few times as you both covered the whole floor.

Your heart was fluttering with each move as he gliding you around the room and through the steps.  You couldn't remember if your feet were even on the ground as he had you moving across the floor.  As the song ended, Ignis pulled you in closer as he pressed his body up against yours.  You could feel his heart beating against his chest as he held you.

"I know that one dance can't make up for everything."  Ignis said as he brought your hand down and placed it on his shoulder.  "But if you will have me" he continued as he ran his hand over your cheek, "I would love to use the rest of my life to make it up to you."

You gasped as your heart leaped to the heavens.  Did he just say what I think he did?  Am I dreaming?

"I care very much for you (y/n).  And I can't stand the idea of spending a day without you by my side."  Ignis said as his heart raced in his chest.  "So if you'll have me,"  he said as he slightly dropped his head as if he was scared of your answer, "I will spend the rest of my life loving you and I will do my best to protect you from anyone and anything who tries to hurt you."

"I love you (y/n)."  Ignis said as he looked you right in the eyes.  "And I would love for you to be my girlfriend.  Will you have me?"

Your knees instantly turned to jello as those sweet words registered with you.  Your heart felt like it was going to leap out of your chest as you couldn't seem to catch your breath.  You knew that you had been fighting your true feelings for him because you were afraid that he didn't feel the same way.  But here he was the one to say it first.

"Yes."  You quietly said as your heart was racing so fast that you thought that it was going to break out of your chest.   "I would love you be your girlfriend.  Nothing could possible make me happier.  For I love you too."

Ignis felt the emotion shaking through the two of you as he face broke into a huge smile.  Then overwhelmed by emotion, he pulled you tightly into his arms as he kissed you deeply and slowly.  You returned the passion as you wrapped your arms around his neck and melted against his touch as he held you close.  You had never felt such intensity before in your life.  It was like it was meant to be for the two of you.  You slightly wondered to yourself if this is what it was like to find your soul mate.

Suddenly you heard the distinct sound of a play button being pressed.  Then as the music started Ignis released you and took you by the hand as he again started moving you across the floor.

But this dance was different.  You both seemed to melt into each other until there was only one of you.  The rest of the world seemed to disappear as you both feel under the trance of the song as it played in your ears.  You tighten your grip on him as if afraid that he might disappear if you let go.  For you never wanted this to end.  Ignis pulled you closer as well as if he understood what you were thinking.

He slowed it down as you moved closer so that you felt his heart as it raced in his chest with each step.  He then gave you a gentle kiss on the cheek as the song was coming to the end.  Then after the music stopped he pulled back so that he could see your face.  You smiled back at him lovingly, then you leaned up gently pressed your lips to his.  He closed his eyes as he felt his body being taken over by your touch again.  You then pulled away and pressed your forehead to his as you tried to catch your breath and bring your feet back down to earth.  

After you had some control back, you leaned back and looked him right in the eyes. 

"I love you Ignis."  You said as you felt your heartbeat match his.  "But I won't be the only one being protected.  For I'll protect you with everything that I can as well.  For as of right now, you are the closest thing that I have to family."

Ignis swallowed hard as he choked back tears as he dropped his gaze as he tried to maintain control.  After a moment, he raised his gaze back to you.  You could see the passion and love that he had mentioned in his eyes as he searched yours.  You could see that yours matched his as you saw it reflected in his eyes.  Ignis then smiled and pulled you in for a close embrace as he let out a deep sigh of relief.  You signed as well as you matched his embrace.

"And now I think that it's time that you two head up for bed."  Marge said as she stood beside Jim as they both beamed at you.

You both smiled at each other then released the grip down to just holding hands again.  Marge and Jim smiled. 

"Thank you both."  You told Marge and Jim.  "For everything."

"Anytime dear."  Marge said with a smile.

"Thank you.  We'll be sure to pay you back with dinner cooked by us."  Ignis said as he looked at Jim and Marge.

"And a dance."  You added as you looked up at Ignis, who smiled back at you.

"And a dance."  Ignis repeated as he said it to Jim and Marge.

"Now that would be a nice payment."  Jim answered.  "We'll take you up on that.  But later.  For now you two need to head up to bed.  Now be off with ya.  We'll be seeing you in a few hours as it is."

"Right."  You both answered back and processed to walk out of the storage room and into the hallway that led to the sleeping quarters.

"Ignis!"  You heard a voice call as you and Ignis came out of the hallway and were starting for the stairs.  You both turned as saw Tredd walking up with a duffle bag and backpack.

"Korn told me to bring this to you."  Tredd said as he walked up to Ignis and handed him the bags.  "Wow do you two look amazing.  You look a lot older now."

"Thank you."  Ignis answered for you both as you dropped your head as you felt the heat in your cheeks.

"Did you two get a picture for your phone yet?"  Tredd asked as he looked at the two of you.

"No."  You answered as you were taken back a bit by the question.  "So much had happened tonight that I never thought about it."

"Well here.  Give me both of your phones and I'll take them for you."  Tredd said as he held out his hand.

So both you and Ignis handed Tredd your phones. He had you both stand right next to each other as you slightly looked at each other.  You then both gazed into each others eyes as you waited for Tredd to take the pictures.  You weren't sure how long you stood there, for you got lost once again in his deep emerald eyes as they stared intently at you.  But after a few moments Tredd said that he got them and he was handing you back your phones.

"Alright you two."  Tredd said with a relieved smile.  "Now you will always remember tonight."

"Thank you."  You said as you pulled up the picture on your phone.  You were a bit surprised at the image on your phone.  Tredd was right.  You both looked a lot older than you were.  You would be sure to save this picture so that you could show your parents when you saw them again.

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

Seeee.  Now wasn't that much better than some old school dance. 

Now we just have to learn how to protect ourselves so that nothing like that can happen again.

Besure to continue with me as we will finally get to see Ignis perform on stage for our choir concert. 

Oh wait, who's that behind the curtain?

Thanks for reading.  :)

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