YOU emerged back out into the night air after cleaning up from the beer that had been spilled on you. You had had to wrap up the shirt in a garbage bag to prevent it from getting everything wet. Let alone keep it from making the rest of your clothes smell like alcohol. That was the last thing you wanted your dad to discover. Even if you weren't the one drinking.

The night sky was now pitch black and seemed to perfectly accent the beautiful white stone-walled mansion. Which made you pause for a moment as you admired it. Then you glanced around and noticed that the crowd had drastically thinned out. Much to you relief, since you had decided to go ahead and put on your two-piece swimsuit for the hot tub.

You walked over to the hot tub and could already feel the hot bubbles bouncing off of your skin as the steam drifting from the gentle churning water. This is going to be awesome.

"Hop on in." You heard Jason's voice say from behind you.

You quickly turned around and saw him walking up with Gwen. They were holding hands and each carrying a bag as they approached you.

"Really? Can I?" You asked with a smile.

"Of course." Jason said with a smile. "Gwen and I will join you in a minute."

"We ah..."He started to say as he glanced over at Gwen and gave her a heated look. "...we just have to change first."

"What about Brady and Trish? Are they coming?" You asked as you started to take off your shoes and socks.

"They'll be down in a minute." Jason said in a heated tone without taking his eyes off of Gwen, who was biting her bottom lip as they started to head inside the pool house.

"Oookay." You replied as you rolled your eyes. I guess I should be grateful that I wouldn't hear Trish and Brady. And that at least I won't see these two.

Well I suppose it could be worse. You thought as you pulled off your shirt and then started to fold it up in your arms. I could be sitting next to them as they all make out. Not that they don't already do that on campus or anything. But I'm just not in the mood to see that tonight. All I want is a nice hot.....

"Ah. I see someone has already beaten us to the hot tub." You heard Loqi interrupt right as you bent over as you pushed your pants down to your ankles. "Mind if we join you?"

You quickly stood up and grabbed your towel and wrapped it around yourself as you stepped out of your pants. Then you turned around and saw Loqi giving you a heated full body scan, while Angel gave you a disgusted look. Both of them made you very subconscious about deciding to bring your two-piece, oppose to your usual one-piece swimsuit.

It's fine. You told yourself as you slowly removed your towel and laid it on the closest deck chair. This is no different then when I would sit in the hot tub in between heats at a swim meet.

"No, not at all." You said as you looked away from them as you moved over to the edge of the tub. "The others should be joining us shortly as well."

But you froze once you reached the edge of the tub. You knew that it was silly to be self-conscious about the whole thing. But you just couldn't shake the feeling that Loqi was giving you a longingly look while the two of them were stripping down to their suits as well. And when you couldn't stand it anymore, you turned around and looked at him. That's when you saw that he was doing just that.

He was slowly looking you up and down as he took off his shirt and pants. And as he stared at you, he didn't seem to be paying Angel any mind. In fact, it was almost as if she didn't even exist at that moment to him. Especially when he slowly undid his fly and slid his hands over his own ass before pushing his pants down to his ankles, revealing his black swim trunks.

You quickly turned back around and climbed into the hot tub before you chickened out. You knew that the water would help you feel better. Let alone it would provide some covering for you so that he couldn't stare at your body like that anymore. And the last thing that you wanted was for him to see that it was physically making you nervous.

But the nervousness slowly disappeared as you sat down on the bench in the hot tub. All the gentle bubbles pushed away the tension in your body as it massaged your skin. The instant relief made you sigh with a slight smile of enjoyment.

Then you sink down into the water so that it was just over your shoulders. You closed your eyes for a moment and simply enjoyed the gentle massage from the bubbles. Soon you were starting to forget all about Loqi and Angel as all the tension for the day melted away. You seemed to float in the hot churning water as if you were on a warm, fluffy cloud.

That was until you felt the air shift beside you as you felt someone climbed into the tub. You slowly sat up and looked to your right. That was when you watch Loqi reach up one hand to Angel as he started to help her step into the water. And that was when you noticed the tattoo that Loqi had on his upper back.

You couldn't help but to stare at him for a moment as Angel stepped down into the water before she sat down on the seat. He didn't seem like the kind of guy who would get a tattoo. But then again, you weren't really sure what kind of guy he was anyway. Let alone what he looked like without a shirt. And why would you? It's not like there was any reason in the world for him to take off his shirt at school or at work.

"Get a good look kid. This is what a real man looks like." Angel said as Loqi turned around and sat down beside her.

You dropped your gaze as you started to get uncomfortable again. You hadn't meant to stare at him like that. It's just that you had never seen a tattoo like that one before. Of course you hadn't actually seen a tattoo on any of the guys before. Except for your dad's right upper arm. But that was a memorial to your brother that had his name and the dates of his life, all surrounded by angel wings.

"Are you okay?" You heard Loqi ask as you kept your eyes from them.

"I..." You started to reply as you slightly squirmed in your seat. Fuck. What the hell am I supposed to say after that? 'Sorry I was staring. But I really like your tattoo.' There's no way I can tell him that. Not after that heated gaze he gave me.

"Who cares about her." Angel said as she reached up and placed her hand on Loqi's chin and turned his head towards her. "I'm more concerned about us at the moment."

Then you knew without looking directly at them, that she had leaned in and started to kiss him. Well, I guess I was bound to have one of the couples make out in front of me. I guess I was just bound to be the fifth wheel. Or seventh in this situation. Perhaps I should just head home. I really don't need a reminder of what I can't have.

Then without saying a word, you climbed out of the hot tub and walked over to your towel. So much for a relaxing dip in the hot tub and hanging out with friends.

"(Y/n)? Why'd you get out?" You heard Loqi ask as you kept your eyes averted from them and walked over to grab your bag as you wrapped your towel around your waist.

"I just remembered. I have somewhere I have to be." You said as you quickly threw your shirt back on.

"Wha...?" He started to ask as you slipped on your shoes without putting back on your socks.

"Besides...." you continued as you started to walk away. ".....the hot tub seems to be at its full capacity."

"Wait, (y/n)! Where are you going?"

"Home." You called back over your shoulder as you headed to the car without so much as a single glance back.

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

You don't really remember much after that night. Except that now Angel seemed to always be at the café, along with all her preppy friends. Which you were happy to hand off to Loqi every chance you got. The last thing you wanted was to start anything with her there at work. Which always seemed to be her goal until he came out to see her.

Which usually lead you to cooking in the kitchen while he served them. But you didn't mind. In fact you preferred it. You didn't want to watch her batting her eyes at him whenever she knew that you were near him.

It wasn't that you were upset that they were dating or anything. More like you hated how she kept rubbing it in your face that they were. And that you were still all by yourself as you tried to wait patiently for Ignis to come back. Which had become harder and harder as the end of summer quickly approached.

That was until you received a certain phone call from your dad. You were sitting in the food court eating lunch one afternoon with the usual gang of Jason, Gwen, Brady, and Trish when he called. Which in itself was very odd since your dad never called you during the day.

"Hey dad. Is everything okay?" You asked with a nervous tone.

"Yeah. Everything's okay."

"Oh good. You made me worry calling like this."

"I didn't mean to worry you. It's just that Korn called me today." You heard your dad say over the phone. "He wants you to stop by his house on your way home after work."

"Really? What for?" You asked as you tried to think of a reason that he would want to see you now.

Especially since you hadn't physically seen or talked to him for most of the summer. All it had been was the usual weekly emailed assignments. And nothing more. Not even a single mention about Ignis or how he's doing.

"I already turned in my assignment for this week." You continued in a low tone. "What could he possibly need now?"

"He didn't really say. But I don't think it has anything to do with your assignments."

"Oh." You quietly replied as you started to think harder.

"Wait." You said as your heart started to race. "Did something happen to Ignis?"

"No. I don't think it has anything to do with Ignis either. Well, not directly anyway. And don't worry. I would have heard if anything had happened to him. So I'm  sure that Ignis is okay."

"Then..." You thought as your mind started racing with a million other things.

"Just stop by after work and find out. And don't worry. I'm positive that it won't be anything bad."

"Huh?"

"Hey, I have to let you go. Tracy's calling me. I'll see you tonight kiddo."

"Oh....okay." You absently said.

But you still couldn't help but to wonder what in the world Korn would want to talk to you about. Especially since he had to do it in person. But what could be so important that he had to see you in person?

"Love you."

"Love you too." You absently replied before you hung up. I guess I'll have to wait until after work and find out.

The rest of the night was nothing but a blur before you heard the bell chime of the elevator, indicating that you had arrived at Korn's top floor condo. You then took a deep breath and stepped into the entryway. All afternoon you had been trying to figure out why Korn would summon you at this hour. Even after leaving your coat and shoes in the entryway before stepping into the main area.

You were immediately greeted by Korn and Mary as they stood there waiting on you.  The room was brightly lite up and was a beautiful contrast to the darkening sky showing through the windows.

"Good evening (y/n). We're glad that you could stop by and see us this evening." Korn said with a smile.

"Good evening." You greeted him back with a nervous smile. "I apologize that I didn't have time to clean up better. I came straight over after work."

"It's fine. And we won't take up too much of your time. We know that you must be tired after class and work." Korn said with a smile. "But we wanted to talk to you in person about something."

"Is it about Ignis? Is he okay? Please tell me that nothing has happened to him." You quickly said as your nerves got the better of you.

"Ignis is fine, dear." Mary calmly chimed.

"In fact he sends his love." Korn said as he watched you physically sigh with relief.

"He does?" You quietly said as you felt your heart skip a beat. "How....how's he doing?"

"He's good." Korn said with a smile. "And he's looking forward to coming home for a bit for the wedding."

"And he certainly can't wait to see you again." Mary said with a smile.

You couldn't help but you smile as you slightly dropped your gaze as you felt a wave of affection sweep over you. "Nor can I."

"And speaking about the wedding. That's actually what we wanted to talk to you about." Korn said as he put back on his usual straightforward tone. "We were wondering if you could do us a favor."

"A favor?" You asked as you gave them a curious look. "What kind of favor?"

"Well, you see. I don't have any nieces who would be old enough to fill in a position for the wedding party." Mary started to explain. "And I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable with having anyone else being paired up with Ignis."

Your heart sopped at the thought of Ignis being with anyone else besides you. Even if it was just for her wedding.

"So I was wondering," Mary continued as she watched you start to get nervous as you shifted your feet. "..would you be my bridesmaid?"

Wait a minute? Did she just ask me to be her..."Bridesmaid?" You asked her as you gave her a curious look. "You want me, to be your bridesmaid?"

Mary gave you a gentle smile. "I not only want you to be. But I would love for you to be my bridesmaid. I can't think of a more perfect person to pair up with Ignis, then you. You both seem to be the happiest when your with each other. And I want everyone to be happy at our wedding."

You couldn't help the huge grin that slowly covered your face as you pictured Ignis standing across from you in the chapel looking as handsome as ever. It seemed like a dream come true. Sure it wasn't your wedding. But it will certainly be worth it.

"I would be honored to be your bridesmaid." You answered with a full grin.

"Wonderful." Mary said as she reached out to you and pulled you into her arms. "Ooooooh. You are going to look soooo cute in the dress that I picked out."

"I can't wait to see it." You beamed back at she slightly released you.

"Can you stop by the boutique this week?" Mary asked you as she nervously looked at you. "I know it's short notice, but the wedding is in a couple weeks."

"I can stop by tomorrow if you like." You said with a smile.

"Hmmmmmm." Mary hummed said as she pulled you into her arms again and gave you a slight squeeze. "I knew that I could count on you."

"Of course." You replied as she released you completely.

"I'll call over there first thing so that they can be expecting you." Mary said with a smile.

"Sounds good." You replied with a huge grin.

"Ooooh. And there are a few other things that we would like you to do as well." Mary said before she went on to explain what was going to happen over the next two weeks.

Apparently there was going to be a dance that she wanted you to learn from Ms. Marge. Then when Ignis arrived, you were going to teach it to him. Which seemed like an easy enough task. Considering the way the two of you worked well on the dance floor together.

Then she mentioned the rehearsal at the church the night before the wedding. And that night would be followed by a rehearsal dinner at the Caelum Via, which just happened to be the most famous and most expensive restaurant in Insomnia.  To which her parents would be in attendance there as well. Which raised the question for you on whether Korn's parents would be there. But you weren't even sure if they were still around considering that Ignis never talked about his grandparents. Or any other family member for that matter.  Except the little bit that he had told you about his mom and dad.

"Thank you again for stopping by (y/n)." Korn said to you as he walked you to the elevator about half an hour later. "And thank you for agreeing to be her bridesmaid. It really does mean the world to her."

"Not a problem." You replied with a grin as you slipped your shoes back on.

"In fact," you continued as you slipped your coat back on, "I think it's the best favor ever."

"I'm glad." Korn replied with a smile. "And I'm sure that Ignis will be thrilled as well."

You couldn't help but to give him a huge goofy grin back as you thought about Ignis once again in a suit and tie. Except this time, the two of you would be playing a much more important role than just running the kitchen or helping out with the entertainment. No, this time you would be very much up in front of everyone else. Which made you wonder who else was going to show up.

"Wow." You quietly said as you looked at yourself in the mirror at the boutique the next afternoon. "Mary certainly has a flair for fashion doesn't she?"

"She does." The owner of the boutique replied as she beamed at you. "And I think she had you in mind when she selected this particular dress."

"You think?" You asked with a smile as you looked at the reflection of the owner in the full sized mirror.

"Most definitely." She beamed back.

"Mary better watch." You heard your dad say from the other side of you. "You might steal her spot light."

"I don't want it." You said as you shook your head at him. "I just want to look nice for Ignis."

"I seriously doubt he's going to care what your wearing. He will simply be thrilled just to see you again." Tracy said as she stood next to your dad.

"Me too." You beamed back at Tracy.

"Well, let me go pay for the dress, since you don't need any alterations done. Then we can head home." Your dad said before he gave you a kiss on the cheek. "You look amazing kiddo."

"Thanks dad." You beamed back at him as he walked away.

"Mary certainly has a good eye for dresses." Tracy said as she smiled at you as she placed her hand on her stomach that was now protruding out like she had swallowed a basketball.

"She does." You said as you watched her smile falter as she absently rub her stomach. "Is he kicking again?"

"Yeah." She replied weakly as she looked down at her stomach and started rubbing it more. "And he seems to be more active than ever."

"Really? Can I feel it?" You nervously asked as your curiosity got the better of you.

"Of course." Mary beamed back at you.

You nervously reached out and placed your hand on her stomach. She grabbed your hand and guided it over to where his feet were. Then your heart leaped as you felt a little bump on your hand. You slightly gasped as he kicked again. Then again before you half laughed as you smiled up at Tracy.

"All right. That's all set." Your dad said as he walked back over to the two of you.

"Wait? What's this?" Your dad asked with a teasing look at the two of you. "Is he kicking again?"

"He is." You beamed back at your dad.

"Maybe it's because his big sister is here." Your dad said as he stepped behind Tracy and wrapped his arms around her waist and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"You think?" You beamed back.

"Why not ask him?" Your dad replied back as he nodded towards her stomach.

"Oh, ha ha dad." You joked back.

Your dad chuckled at you as you stepped back from her and crossed your arms in front of yourself. "I'm just teasing you kiddo."

"Yeah, yeah." You said as you rolled your eyes. "Well let me get changed. I still have some homework to do."

"Alright." Your dad called after you as you walked away.

As you got changed, you couldn't help but to think about how you hadn't been around them much because of work. But you had a feeling that it would be moments like that, that would forever stay with all of you. Especially since her due date was a week after the wedding. To which she was anxiously counting down the days.

It just seemed that your schedule was so busy that it only gave you a few hours in the morning to talk to them. Sure you had a couple hours in the afternoons sometimes as well. But you usually used that time to complete your assignments and homework. This way you weren't up every night doing homework before crashing for the night.

But as you stepped out of the changing room and saw them happily chatting with the owner, you couldn't help to wonder how much time that you would actually have to help them out with the baby. Because your schedule wasn't going to change once he arrived. Well, perhaps it would a bit. But that would only be to add more things to your already crazy schedule. Like diaper changing, bottle warming, and hopefully a little big sister-little brother play time.

I wonder if you felt the same way Derek? You though as you recalled how your brother would always try to make time for you when he was home. Well if you could do it, then so can I.

Your dad glanced over at you and beamed. "All set?"

"Yeah." You beamed back as you draped the garment bag containing your dress over your arm.

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

"Are you sure that we should be the ones performing this dance with them?" You asked as you stood off to the side panting before you took a drink of water. "Shouldn't it be them doing it? It is their wedding dance after all."

"Don't worry. They will be." Marge said with a huge smile as she beamed back at you. "You and Ignis will just be starting it off.  At least until the first tempo change.  Then it will be Korn and Mary who will take the spot light as they continue with the dance."

"And what about the flower girl and ring bearer? Do they have to do this to?" Noctis asked before he took a drink from his water bottle.

"Of course. But they don't come in until the tempo changes again." Marge answered.

"So they get the easy part?" You asked.

"I wouldn't say that it's the easy part. But it is a slower tempo for them to jump into." Marge answered as Noctis took another drink as he rolled his eyes before putting down his water bottle and walked back out to the center of the open floor in the loading dock area.

"And how old are they again?" You asked as you sat your water bottle back down beside Noctis'.

"Stop worrying about them.  You should be more concerned about your part." Marge said as she was starting to lose patience with you. "Besides, I'm counting on you getting these steps down so that you can show Ignis as soon as he gets here.  Otherwise he won't be ready."

"Okay." You said with a slight smile as you walked out to join Noctis. "But I highly doubt that he will need much practice."

"Well let's hope not." Marge said as she got ready to hit play. "The wedding is next week and he should be here this weekend."

You felt your heart flutter at her words. It was finally here. Ignis was finally going to be back in town. And it was supposed to be for about a month, based on what Korn was saying. Which made you even more than excited about the weekend.

"Come on. One more go." Noctis said to you with a smile.

"You got it. Your highness." You beamed back at him.

Noctis gave you a gentle smile as he tried to enjoy the moment for what it was as the song began. Because he knew that he would lose almost all of your attention once Ignis was back. And it wasn't something that he was looking forward to. He had been enjoying the past week of being able to spend time with you every day as the two of you learned the dance moves for the wedding party dance.

But he knew that that would end the minute that Ignis came back. Which is why he couldn't help but to pour everything he had into the dance with you as the two of you smoothly danced across the floor

I may not be your boyfriend. But that doesn't mean that I don't want to see you happy. Noctis thought as he spun you around before pulling you into his arms. For all I want for you is your happiness.  Even if I'm not the one that' you're with.

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

"Are you sure that I can't come with you?" You asked your dad one more time as you followed him and Korn down the driveway and over to the Regalia that King Regis had offered to them to use to pick up Ignis from Gaulden Quay.

"I'm sure." Your dad said for the hundredth time as he popped the locks to the car as Korn reached for the front passenger door.

"Please?!" You pleaded as you fought off the tears that were starting to form. "Ignis had been there when they picked us up. Why can't I be there to pick him up?"

"I promise to be good." You pleaded as you grabbed your dad's hand right as he grabbed the door hand for driver's door.

"(y/n)..." Your dad started to say in a low tone.

"Please!" You said with more force as you wrapped both hands around his.

"Look." He said as he looked back up at you with a concerned look as he reached up his lose hand and placed it on your cheek. "This has nothing to do with you being good or bad. You are always my angel. And you know that."

You closed your eyes as you saw your chance starting to disappear before your very eyes.

"But I need you here to keep a close eye on Tracy." He said as he slightly lifted up your chin and wiped away a stray tear. "She's already considered high risk, and with her being so close to her due date. I just don't want to take a chance of something happening. Okay?"

You slightly nodded as you kept your eyes closed as you fought off the tears. Your dad had told you awhile ago that there was a chance that you might not be able to go due to Tracy being so close. They were afraid that she might go into labor somewhere along the way if she went. Or worse yet, she would go into labor at the house and no one would be around to help her out.

Which wouldn't have been a surprise to anyone at that point, considering she looked like she was going to drop him at any given time. And the last thing that anyone wanted was for her to go into labor and have to do it all by herself. And sure you weren't a midwife or anything. But at least you could help her by driving her to the hospital and by helping her delivery if necessary.

Which had been something you had to learn about through your studies from Korn. Of course that lesson made you question if Korn had actually thought about that one on his own. Or if your dad had had a hand in the topic selection. But either way, you felt somewhat confident that you could do it in a pinch.

Not that you wanted to test that training or anything. You would much rather get her to the hospital instead. But at least you knew the signs to keep an eye out for that would indicate that she was in labor. And how to help her ease the pain until you got her to the hospital.

"Can you swing by here first thing then and pick me up once you are back?" You asked as you heard the front passenger door close behind Korn.

"I'll try." Your dad said with a smile.

Your whole face lite up at his words.

"But there's no guarantee." Your dad quickly added. "It will really be up to Korn and Ignis. And you of all people should remember how long that trip was back from Tenebra."

"I know." You said as slightly dropped your head.

"Besides, he will be here for a month." Your dad added. "Remember that."

"I know. It's just..." You started to say but paused half sentence.

"You miss him." Your dad finished for you. "We know. But let's see how he's feeling after we meet up with him. I'm sure that he has a lot to take care of and talk about with his uncle after we pick him up."

"I know." You said in a lower tone. Not that they haven't been talking this whole time. Where I haven't so much as heard his voice in what seems like forever.

"I'll see you when I get back. Keep Tracy safe for me. Alright?" Your dad asked as he searched your face.

"Of course." You said as you looked back up at him with a smile.

He smiled back at you before he gave you kiss on the cheek. "Later kiddo."

"Later dad." You replied as he slipped into the car and closed the door behind himself. "Now go before it gets late."

Then you walked away and headed to the front door as you heard the car start up. You paused once you reached the front door where Tracy was standing as she watched Paul. Both of you had on a fake smile as you watched the Regalia pull away. Which was evident to each other, the minute that the car was out sight as you both dropped your hands from waving them goodbye.

"Well," Tracy started to say before she glanced over at you. "What say we occupy this time with a good romantic comedy? How's that sound?"

You couldn't help but you give her a warm smile. "That sounds perfect to me."

Then with both of you smiling, you headed back inside the house.

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

Well now that Loqi is preoccupied and Ignis is on his way, things will start to go a bit faster as everything starts to come together. Even if they didn't quite come together the way that you have envisioned them. But are we really ready for the changes that Ignis has gone through. Because it seems as if within those three months, a lot more has changed. Almost like the picture on the cat calendar that was in your bedroom.

But will you be able to spend time with him once he arrives? Or will the two of you be pulled in totally different directions.

Continue with me and find out.

Thanks for reading. :)

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