You couldn't help the butterfly's in your stomach as Ignis pulled up in front of one of the most exclusive restaurant in Insomnia.  Only the richest people seemed to get in.  And even then, it was only after being on the waiting list for a while.

"Are you sure we're at the right place?"  You asked as you stared at the valets as they were ready to open the door as Ignis pulled the car up to the curb.

"I'm positive."  Ignis said with a smile as he put the car in park after stopping in front of the restaurant.

Then he turned and looked at you.  "Shall we."

You smiled back at him with a nervous grin.  "Let's."

Then both valets opened up the doors for you two.  One opened your door held out his hand and helped you to the curb after closing your door.  Where the other one, slid into the driver's seat after Ignis climbed out.  Then after Ignis walked over and joined you at the curb, the valet smoothly pulled the car away.  

Ignis gave you a huge smile as he walked up to you and gave you his arm.  You gave him a huge grin smile in return as you wrapped your hand around his arm.  His eyes slight narrowed as his face turned into a loving look at he placed his hand on yours and slightly squeezed.  You could see it hint of lust behind his eyes as he looked at you, which sent a thrill down your spin as you returned the same look as you put your other hand on his arm as well.

Ignis gently grabbed that hand and brought it up to his lips.  Then he gave the top of your hand a gentle kiss as he looked you in the eyes.  He loved to watch your eyes darken as he teased you.  That was the one look that he had sworn that he would always cherish and love to his dying days.

Your breath caught from his actions as you felt your heart start to race.  Then no sooner did he lower your hand back down again, that you saw a black limo pull up right as Ignis' car pulled away.  You paused for a moment as you watched it pull up and stop.  Then you smiled broadly as you watched Korn and your dad climb out of the car.

You knew that they were going out to eat.  But you had no idea that they were going to be eating at the same restaurant as you.  But as you thought about it, it did make sense for them to eat there too.  After all, the theater wasn't that far from the restaurant or from downtown.

You smiled broadly as Korn helped Mary out of the limo and started to escort her over.  Then your were confused when your dad held out his hand and you saw someone get out that you didn't recognize at first.  That was until you looked at her closer.  For your jaw dropped as you realized that it was Ms. Jones from the high school.   But instead of her usual long skirts and long sweaters that gave her the stereotyped librarian-cat person look.  She looked more like Tracy in one of her professional business dresses.

"Wow."  You quietly said as you watched her walk up.  "She looks amazing."

"Indeed."  Ignis said as he gently rubbed the top of your hands.  "She almost seems to have another side of her now.  As if it was hidden from sight with her long skirts and sweaters."

"Yeah.  Your right."  You said as you watched her looked down as he tried to hide the pink showing up on her cheeks as your dad lead her over.

"You two look amazing."  Mary said as she stopped in front of you with Korn.

"So do all of you."  You said back with a huge smile.

"Thank you."  Mary returned with a smile.  "I didn't know that you were joining us for dinner."

"We're actually not." Ignis responded as he continued to trace his fingers over your hand.  "We're just eating at the same restaurant is all.  It was easier to get a reservation that way oppose to a table for six.  And besides, (y/n) and I aren't on a time crunch for a concert like that."

"Oh."  Cathy responded as her and your dad stopped beside Korn.  "What will you two be doing after this then?"

"We're going to do a little window shopping downtown and take in some of the entertainment of the evening.  They are still some local bands playing at the park.  I can't wait to see who's performing tonight."  You said as you beamed at Ignis.

"That sounds like fun."  Cathy returned with a genuine smile.  "You'll have to tell me about it once we're back in session."

"Will do."  You said as you beamed at her.

Cathy then looked at Paul and watched him smile at you as he saw your excitement coming across your face as you stood there.  She hadn't seen him smile like before, but she knew that that was a content smile.  She could tell that he truly did love you and was only happy, when you were.  She couldn't help but to smile herself before she looked back Mary who was smiling at her.

You looked at your dad as he smiled at you before he looked away again.  Then you noticed your dad seemed to be uncomfortable already as he started glancing around.  You knew that he wasn't going to even try anything with her.  Not with his emotions for Tracy still being so raw with him.  But you couldn't say if he would do a one night stand or not, just to blow off some steam.  You prayed that that wouldn't be the case.  But you never knew with him when he was upset.

"You two will have to tell me how your night goes as well."  You said as you looked at them as you tried to get your dad's attention.

"Well...I don't.."  Cathy started to say when you dad interrupted.

"Not a chance kiddo."  Your dad said as he gave you one of his stern fatherly looks that told you not to press your luck.

"Or not.  You don't have to after all.  I was just simply offering the same."  You said as you tightened up your grip on Ignis' arm.

"Let's head in.  It's time for our reservations."  Ignis said as he turned you towards the restaurant.

You were grateful that your tables weren't right next to each other.  Since this gave you a bit of privacy from prying adults.  Plus you could watch your dad from a safe distance and make sure that he was behaving himself.  You knew that he could be a bit much sometimes when it came to him doing something he was more of less forced into. 

And now was a bad time for that since you had just gotten everything set up for college for when you graduate in two years. The last thing you needed was for her to get distracted by him and not do the paperwork correctly for the college courses through the high school that will be required for the next two years. Because without those courses, there was no way that you were going to get into the college so that you could work with Luna for your specialized training. And there was no way you wanted to miss that.

After the waiter handed you both a menu, you kept looking over the menu as you spied on your dad.  Ignis wasn't pay attention at first as he was looking at the menu items.  But then when the waiter came back with your drinks, he noticed that you seemed to paying more attention to their table then to the menu in your hand.  He slightly sighed as he knew why you were concerned.  But at the same time, tonight you were suppose to be relaxing.  Not worried about what your dad was doing.

"Have you decided on what you want to eat my dear?"  Ignis asked in his smooth accented voice as he carefully watched you.

"Oh."  You said as you quickly started looking at the menu.  "I'm sorry.  I wasn't paying attention."

"No you were paying attention."  Ignis corrected as he slightly smiled at you.  "You just happen to be paying attention to something other than ordering your food."

You dropped your head more as you felt your cheeks start to heat up.  "I apologize.  It's just..."

"It's fine."  Ignis said as he reached over and grabbed your hand.  "But I don't think that he's going to start anything in a restaurant.  In fact I don't think he's going to start anything any where.  He's too distracted by his phone."

"How can you tell?"  You asked as you gave him a curious look.

"Well for one, he keeps shifting where his phone is.  He has moved it from his back pants pocket to his coat pocket and back, twice now.  And he hasn't answered it once which leads me to believe that it is more than likely from Tracy."  Ignis said as you both glanced over at him as he once again shift his phone back to back pants pocket.

"How do you know it's Tracy?"  You asked Ignis as you gave Ignis a curious look.

Ignis looked over at you and slightly smiled.  "He isn't the only person that she has been calling."

You slightly dropped your eyes.  "No I suppose not.  She has been trying to talk to me as well.  But I don't know what to say to her."

"Saying hello is a start."  Ignis said with a soothing tone.

You slightly smiled before you looked back up and meet his sweet smile as he looked at you with his tender gaze.  "Your right.  I'll be sure to answer her next time."

"I know that she would appreciate it."  Ignis returned with a smile.  "Just don't get to involved with it though.  Again this is for them to sort out."

"Oh trust me I won't.  That is a mess that I will not get mixed up in."  You said as slightly shook your head.

"I take if you learned about what had happened with her when she was in Altissia before?"  Ignis asked as he looked at you with a strain look.

"That and a lot more."  You replied as you kept your head down.  "I knew that there was something about her when I saw her with dad.  But after learning what I know now.  I kind of wish that they had never run across each other again."

"Everything happens for a reason love."  Ignis said as he slightly squeezed your hand.  "And all we can do is handle it the best way we can and be prepared to deal with any consequences that might come up from it."

"Those are words to live by."  You said to him as you looked back up at him with a smile.

"Are you ready to order?"  You heard the waiter say as he stood behind you.

You slightly jumped from his sudden interruption.  You had forgotten where you were for a moment as you and Ignis were talking.  But as you looked at Ignis, he gave you a gentle smile. You knew that he didn't mind.  In fact he seemed to like the idea that you were that tuned into him.

"I'm ready."  Ignis said to the waiter.  "What about you love?"

"Oh."  You said as you quickly started scanning the menu again and found the first thing that sounded good.  "Yes.  I think I'm ready."

"So when does the concert start?"  Cathy asked as she started to eat after the waiter just left the table.

"We still have about an hour."  Korn replied.  "But I figure that by time we are finished here, we should have about half an hour to walk over and get settled at the theater.  It is just around the corner from here.  So we won't have far to walk."

"That works out perfectly then."  Cathy said as she beamed at Korn.

Paul slightly glanced at her and saw how excited she was for the concert.  He hadn't seen her excited before when they had talked.  But then again, most of their conversation had been over the phone or through emails.  And seeing her like that was like seeing a whole other side of her.

  He slightly sighed as he was already feeling a nap attack coming from being bored.  He didn't want to be the wet blanket during all of this.   And he had promised you that he would do as Korn asked and would try to behave.  So at least he wouldn't make it obvious that he was bored to tears.  Even though he could already feel it coming on.

"Have you seen a performance done by Insomnia's Orchestra before?"  She asked as she gave him an excited look.

"Uh."  He started to talk before he noticed Korn giving him a firm look.

He quickly dropped his gaze and put on a half smile.  "No.  I can't say that I have."

"Then your in for a real treat."  Cathy said as she looked at him with an excited look.  "They have the best string section in the world.  I just love how how the violins seem to sing out each note as their played.  And don't get me started on the cellos...."

Paul gave Korn a side glance as Cathy went on excitedly about the entire string section.  Korn lifted up one eyebrow as he took a bit of his food.  Paul tried to force a smile as he reached for his glass of rum and coke.  Then he took his time drinking it so that he wouldn't have to respond to her.

"Oh!  I can't wait!"  She excited said as her eyes sparkled as she stared up at the ceiling.  

Then she looked at Paul.  "Aren't you excited to?"

"Yeah.  Sure."  Paul lied before taking another drink as he looked away from her an towards the door as he saw a couple come walking in who seemed to be having more fun then him as the woman was practically attached to the guy's arm.

"Really?"  Cathy almost shouted as she grabbed his arm out of excitement.

Paul jumped back as he flinched from her grabbing him.  Then he looked at her and saw that she was practically begging for his response.  He nervously glanced over at Korn as he silently pleaded with him to help out as he sat his glass back down.  But Korn just gave him a slightly stern look as he seemed to be telling Paul to behave with his hard look.

"Well it's got to be better then a middle school choir performance."  Paul said as he met Korn gaze.

"What?"  He heard Mary say out of shock.

"Not that their bad."  He quickly responded as he looked over and saw Mary's cross look.

"Just what are you trying to say?"  Mary said in a stern voice.

Paul closed his eyes as he tried to keep himself in check.  This was going to be a lot harder then he thought.  And the conversation sure wasn't going the way he had planned at all.

Damnit.  Why did I say that?  I knew that this was going to be a bad idea.  He thought as he locked his jaw for a moment before he stood up and put his napkin on his plate.

"Excuse me for a moment."  He said and walked away from the table.

"Wait?  What just...?"  Cathy asked as she watched him walk away.

"He'll be alright."  Korn said in a reassuring toner as he picked up his wine glass.  "He's just not quite himself at the moment.  But he has just gotten back from a long trip you see.  So he might still be trying to get settled back in again.  But he should be fine by time we head out to the concert."

"Why don't you go check on him dear?"  Mary asked as she looked at Korn with a concerned look as Korn took a drink.

Mary knew that Korn was covering for Paul for Cathy's sake.  But they both knew that it wasn't just the trip was getting to Paul.  They had seen him fidgeting with his phone all night as it seemed to be going off almost constantly.  Which wasn't helping out his disposition any.  Here they had hoped that tonight would be a good distraction for him.  But so far it seemed to be doing nothing but irritating him and making matters worse.

"I suppose I should."  Korn said as he placed his napkin down as well.

"I'll be right back."  Korn said as he stood up and gave Mary a kiss on cheek.

"Thank you dear."  Mary softly responded as she watched Korn walk away from the table.   

"I wonder where he's going?" You asked out loud as you watched your dad leave the table.

"Restroom perhaps?" Ignis suggested as he turned and followed him with his eyes.

"Perhaps." You said at first until you saw Korn get up and follow him.

"Or perhaps not." You continued as you felt your heart drop.

"Don't worry."  Ignis said as he turned back towards you and saw your face drop.  "You can trust that my uncle knows how to handle him."

"I hope so."  You said as you watched them both enter what you assumed was the bathroom.  "Otherwise its going to be a long night for both of them."

"Indeed."  Ignis replied as you both watched the door close behind Korn.

"Would you mind telling me why you left the table?"  Korn asked as soon as he entered the bathroom.

"What the hell?"  Paul asked as he glanced back over his shoulder and saw Korn.

"Can't I take a piss in peace?"  Paul said as he turned back around and headed for the furthest urinal.  "I did say that I would be back in a moment."

"That was not how it looked when you walked away."  Korn said as he went to a different urinal that was two down from Paul.

Paul rolled his eyes as he looked away from Korn so that he could pee.  "I didn't intend for it to look like that.  I just needed to use the restroom.  You rushed me to the table before I had a chance to."

"And so you choose to go now?  Right in the middle of dinner?"  Korn asked as he looked at the wall while he started to relieve himself.

"Well I didn't exactly want to wait any longer."  Paul said as he looked down as he finished up.

"It's not exactly healthy to hold it in too long you know."  Paul said as he zipped his fly back up and flushed.

"Besides."  Paul continued as he walked over to the sink.  "I didn't think I needed to check out with you."

"I never said that you had to."  Paul heard Korn say just before he flushed.

Paul turned on the water and started washing his hands as he tried to ignore the stare from Korn as he came up beside him and started to wash up as well.  He knew that Korn as concerned about him.  And sure he was upset.  But he didn't want to be looked at as if he was about to snap at any second.

"I'm not going to flip out if that's what your worried about."  Paul said as he looked down as he washed his hands.

"Now why would you say that?"  Korn asked as he started to wash his hands.

Paul looked at him with a slight smirk.  "Because I know you."

"And I know you too."  Korn said as Paul turned off the water and walked over to the paper towel dispenser so that he could dry his hands.  "You don't exactly transitioning smoothly from dating to not."

"That may be."  Paul said as he reached over and grabbed some paper towels.  "But this time wasn't just a break up.  And you know it."

 "I'm very much aware of what it was."  Korn said as he thoughtly scrubbed his hands.  "You forgot who was the one who actually oversaw them packing up her apartment and car to have them shipped to Altissia.  Of course you made it seem like she was all for the idea.  Which isn't the way she makes it sound you know.  Based on her tone with me, she wasn't to thrilled with you not asking her first."  

"She never would have agreed to it."  Paul said as he threw the paper towels in the trash.  "But I hated seeing her in constant danger here.  Especially since we still don't know if the attack on her and you were done by the same group or not.  The sniper took away any chance we had of questioning him.  So we never learn his reason why."

"No I suppose he didn't."  Korn replied as he could once again see the bomb strapped to the guy's waist before the camera turned as the wearer tried to run for it, only to be killed from the blast.

"And that's why this is different with Tracy.  I didn't send her away because I don't love her."  Paul quietly said as Korn turned off the water and started to dry his hands.  "I did it because I do.  I want her to be safe and protected.  Even if that means that she's no where near me."

"But then what about you?"  Korn asked as he threw the paper towels in the trashcan.

"I'll be okay after a while."  Paul said as he slowly looked back up at Korn.  "As long as I know that she's safe.  And I know that Bob will make sure of that."

"But are you sure that she won't fall for him again?  They were a item back in the day you know."  Korn asked as he watched Paul carefully.

Paul dropped his eyes for a moment as he slightly bit his lower lips as he tried to stay calm.  "In a way I'm kind of hoping that she will.  All I want is for her to be safe and happy.  Even if that doesn't involve me."

"You truly do have it bad for her."  Korn said with a slight smile as he crossed his arms in front of himself.  "Don't you?"

"Yeah.  I suppose I do."  Paul half laughed as he looked at the ground as he leaned back against the wall as he put his hands in his pockets.

"Well tonight you can rest assured that she is safe.  And that's something."  Korn said as he placed a hand on his shoulder.  "So let's enjoy that for the moment as we enjoy a relaxing night for once.  Shall we?"

Paul half smiled at Korn.  "I would still prefer something other than an Orchestra concert.  But then again.  I could always use an excuse to take a nap."

Korn smiled back at him.  "Please try to restrain yourself from snoring tonight.  I would hate to be kicked out because of you."

"No promises."  Paul said with a slight smile.  "But I'll try."

"That's all I ask."  Korn said with a smile.

"Ahh.  There they are."  You said as you saw your dad and Korn come back out and take their seats again.

"And they seem to be fine."  Ignis added as both men sat back down and continued to eat their dinner.

"Yeah."  You replied with a smile.  "Perhaps you were right after all.  It looks like they only went to the restroom."

"Which means that you can relax for once and enjoy the night for what it is."  Ignis said as he placed down his fork on his empty plate.

"And what would that be?"  You asked as you gave Ignis a curious look as you did the same.

"A winter night filled with music, dancing, love and perhaps a bit of magic."  Ignis said as he placed his hand up on the table.

You grinned broadly at him as you placed your hand in his.  "That sounds almost too good to be true."

"For you."  Ignis said as he brought your hand up to his lips as he slightly stood up.  "Nothing is too good."

You dropped your head as you felt the heat rush to your cheeks as you blushed from his charm.  He certainly had a way with words.  And he knew how to get you everytime with those words. He then lowered your hand and called over the waiter.

"Let's head out and see if we might be able to catch at least one of the bands that you told me about."  Ignis said as the waiter approached with the check.

"Sir, your bill has been paid already."  The waiter said.  "Your uncle wanted me to tell to enjoy the night."

"Oh."  You said in surprise.

Then you both looked over at Korn and smiled.  He simply nodded with a slight smile.  Your dad glanced over as well and also gave you a grin.  You smiled back when you realized that he seemed to be feeling okay alright.

Perhaps I had jumped to conclusions a bit too fast. You thought as you grabbed your shawl off your chair.

Then you both walked over to their table. Ignis went over to Korn. While you walked over to your dad and placed a kiss on his cheek. He slightly jumped again since you caught him while he was taking a drink.

"Ignis and I are heading out.  I hope you have a good night dad." You said as you stood back up and looked at him.

"Ditto kiddo." He replied with a smile.

Your jaw fell open for a minute.  "I haven't heard that in a long time."

"No.  I suppose not."  He replied as he dropped his head.

"But it's okay to say it again."  You said as you placed your hand on his arm.  "I don't think Derek will mind.  And neither do I."

Your dad then reached up his hand and pulled you down to him as he leaned in and gave you a kiss on the cheek.  "Behave tonight.  You understand?"

"I always behave."  You smiled back.

"And you know where the theater is.  Come get me if you need me."  He said in his usual fatherly tone that had a hint of a plea for help.

"I'll be fine."  You said back as he released you again.  "I have Ignis with me."

"I'm serious."  He said with a deeper plea.  "You can just walk in and get me if you have to."

"Dad.  We'll be fine."  You smiled back.  "Now enjoy your dinner.  The concert will be starting soon."

"Ready?"  You heard Ignis say as he placed his hand on your lower back.

You looked over at him and grinned.  "Yeah.  Let's go."

"Night everyone."  Ignis said to the table as he steered you towards the the door as you waved goodbye. 

The cool night air felt good as you walked down the street as you headed for the shops. You tightened up your grip on Ignis' arm as you smiled. Ignis glanced over at you and smiled as he placed his hand on yours.

"So where to first?"  You asked as you came around the corner and into the main strip.

"Well." He said as he stopped and looked around at the streets and smiled at how busy they were as people walking around doing their holiday shopping .  "How about we head towards the park? And we can stop by any shop that we see along the way?"

"I love that idea." You said back to him.   "And maybe we can find Tracy something to help cheer her up."

"If I didn't know better, I would say that you have taking a liking to her."  Ignis said as he let you lead him towards on the many booths that lined the main street.

"I never said that I didn't like her."  You said as you interlaced your fingers on one hand with his while hugging his arm with the other.  "I had just a feeling that there was something more to her then what she was letting on.   And since I found out the truth, I kind of feel bad for her.  She seemed to have gotten the raw end of the deal way too many times.  Which explains why she was so nervous all the time."

"And you're okay with her?  Even after everything that you have learned?"  Ignis asked as you approached a booth that had necklaces with different color jewels hanging from them.

"Well, I'll admit that she's not perfect.  And I'm still not one hundred percent comfortable with her being with my dad."  You said as you looked at a dark purple jewel that was hanging from a thin black leather cord.  

"But I see her like this gem.  She may have her flaws and imperfections like the raw cut in the different faces."  You said as you ran your fingers over the gem before you gripped the sides and held it up to the light.

"But the true beauty is in her."  You said as you smiled as the light shined through and gave the gem a warm purple glow.  "And that's what I like about her.  She accepts her flaws and she isn't afraid to show her true beauty to those she cares about." 

"Then it looks like you found the perfect gift for her."  Ignis said as he wrapped arm around your waist as he took the necklace down from the rack.  "We'll have to be sure to send it via express mail."

"Yeah."  You replied as you looked at the gem and smiled.  "I just hope that she's doing okay."

"I'm sure that she is.  After all, Ms. Tracy is a strong and independent woman."  Ignis said as he slowly turned you round.  "Just like someone else that I know."

 You smiled broadly at Ignis and slowly slid your arms up and around his neck.  "How can I be anything but strong?  When I have you with me, every step of the way."

"Hmmm."  Ignis hummed as he wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you closer to him.  "I have so missed that flattery of yours."

"It's not flattery."  You said as you leaned up towards him.  "It's the truth."

"Hmmm."  Ignis hummed again and placed his lips on yours as he slowly kissed you.

You felt your body start to melt against his once again as you slowly and passionately kissed.  This is exactly where you wanted to be.  Wrapped up in his arms as he stole your breath and heart with a single kiss.  And at that moment, nothing else in the world matter anymore.

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

I apologize for the bathroom scene, but I had to get those two to talk away from everyone else.  And why not in the bathroom.  It's where girls talk all the time.  (And I know that guys do the same.)

So now with the perfect gift for Tracy in hand.  It's time to hear some great music as they celebrate the last night.   But wait a minute?  What are Paul and Cathy doing at the bar?  Did she just....?

Thanks for reading.  :)

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