A light buzzing sound reached Ryella's ears, causing her to stir. Her eyes fluttered open before growing wide. Her cheeks turned red and her whole body stiffened. Directly in front of her face was Prompto, laying quietly with his eyes closed. He was so close that his nose was nearly touching hers. He must've rolled over in his sleep, she assumed. The buzzing sound continued, finally waking the blond from his slumber. His blue eyes snapped open as he remembered the position he'd fallen asleep in. Sure enough, he was still mere inches away from Ryella's face, except that time, her beautiful green eyes were locked onto his. His face flushed and he jolted up, causing the girl to do the same.

"R-Ryella!" he stuttered out. "I-I'm so sorry! I was... I didn't mean..."

"I-it's okay," she softly replied, halting his rambling. "You just rolled over in your sleep, that's all."

"Right, right," he lied, smiling apologetically. "That's exactly it. After all, who doesn't toss and turn in their sleep every once in a while?"

"Ah, I was wondering why the two of you were resting so closely to one another." The two only just realized that Ignis was awake and gazing over at them. "I thought perhaps you were engaged in a moment of intimacy. My mistake."

The pair were blushing, uncomfortable at the bespectacled man's assumptions. Ryella suddenly noticed that the buzzing sound originated from Ignis's phone, and acted as an alarm for waking his friends. Gladio was the next one to awaken, sitting up and stretching his arms. Noctis though, he remained in a half-conscious state, grumbling and groaning as he tossed and turned, trying to ignore the buzzing. But his best friend took him by the arm and pulled him up to a sitting position. Ignis stopped his phone's buzzing and slipped the device into his pocket.

"Good morning, everyone," Ryella quietly said.

"And a lovely morning indeed," Ignis responded, glancing outside.

"Hope you slept okay," Gladio said to her.

The girl smiled. "I slept fine."

Prompto playfully poked Noctis in the cheek, causing the prince to weakly swat his hand away. "C'mon, Noct. Better get up or you won't get any breakfast."

Everyone climbed out of the tent with the gunman continuing to drag Noctis out and to his feet. The prince begrudgingly left the tent and took a seat. Ignis whipped up a quick breakfast for them all to enjoy. Afterwards, the group packed up their things and walked back to the Regalia. Once they were seated, Ignis hesitated to start the car.

"So, where to?" he inquired.

Noctis tiredly shrugged his shoulders, still groggy. "Beats me. No more leads at the moment."

"Oh, I know!" Prompto butted in. "We could go visit the chocobos again!"

"Sure, why not?" the prince replied in an uncaring manner.

Ignis gave a single nod. "Very well, then. Let us be off."

The advisor started up the car and pulled out, leaving Costlemark behind for good. "Wow, I get to see chocobos in person!" Ryella softly exclaimed, her excitement evident.

Prompto got up on his knees and turned around in his seat, facing the girl. "You've never seen chocobos?"

She shook her head. "No, I've only ever heard of them or seen pictures. They aren't native to Tenebrae."

"Well this is your chance," Gladio said with a small smile. "You can see a lot of them at the Chocobo Post."

"Indeed," Ignis added. "Wiz's birds are all quite friendly and accustomed to people."

"Maybe I'll take one for a ride," Noctis said, mostly to himself. "See how I do on the track."

Ryella looked at the prince beside her. "Track?" she repeated.

Prompto grinned enthusiastically. "He means the races. You can ride the chocobos, feed them, pet them, groom them. Trust me, Ryella, you're gonna love it!"

It wasn't a particularly long drive to the Chocobo Post. Once they arrived and parked, Ryella hurried out of the car. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked all around. She saw the large yellow birds in their pens, happily being groomed and fed while the chicks playfully scampered about. There was a cafe area where people could sit and eat, and a shop to buy merchandise. Ryella found her legs moving on their own as they took her over toward a couple of chicks nearby. She got down on her knees and began petting the young chocobos, feeling their soft, fluffy feathers.

"Since we're here," Gladio quietly said once the girl was far out of earshot, "I might invite Ryella out for a bit."

"Wh-what?!" Prompto blurted out. "Y-you wouldn't... You can't..."

"Why not?" the muscular male responded. "She's real cute. It's not like you're making any moves on her."

The gunman fell silent, pursing his lips together and hanging his head down. While he hadn't been actively hitting on Ryella, he really did like her. The idea of her with Gladio made his chest tighten and ache. He prayed to the Six that nothing would transpire between the two if Ryella were to accept the shield's date proposal. But another thought came to his mind.

"D-do you think Ryella would even accept a date?" Prompto sadly asked. "Y'know, after she lost her boyfriend and all."

Gladio shrugged his shoulders. "Dunno, but it can't hurt to ask. She's gotta move on at some point, might as well help her along."

Noctis crossed his arms. "Just don't go pushing her or anything," he warned. "Ryella's already been through a lot."

Ignis gave a single nod. "Noct is correct. Ryella's quite the charming young lady, she shouldn't be put into any unnecessary emotional anguish."

"Hey, this is me you're talking to. I know how to treat a girl."

Prompto stepped in front of Gladio, glaring up at him. "Just...don't do anything to upset her. If I see her crying because of you, so help me..."

The shield chuckled at the gunman's bold, serious remark. "Damn, chill out. You've really got it bad, huh?"

The blond crossed his arms and turned his head away. He truly wanted Ryella to be happy, she was adorable when she was in a good mood. Though he initially had a dream of being the one to make her feel that way, that dream seemed so far-fetched now. But Prompto knew that if anyone could make her smile, it was sure to be someone like Gladiolus, right? After all, he was big, strong, and had a way with women. Therefore, the gunman figured it would be best to force down his jealousy in order for her to find joy. Ryella suddenly approached the boys again, curious as to why they had yet to check out the chocobos.

"Um, guys? Is...something going on?"

Noctis shook his head, giving her a small smile. "Nah, we were just talking for a minute."

"By the way, Ryella," the tattooed man began, "I was thinking of getting a smoothie over at Café Claire. Wanna join me?"

The girl's eyes grew wide and her body stiffened. It wasn't difficult to understand what he was asking. The only problem was that Ryella didn't think she was ready for something like that. It wasn't that long ago that she lost Clement, and she still thought about him often. And while Gladio was pretty nice, tough, and good-looking, he reminded her too much of her brother. Her answer was clear, she just needed to say it without hurting his feelings.

"I...I-I shouldn't, I'm sorry... I mean, a smoothie does sound nice, b-but...just the t-two of us...I don't think I'd be c-comfortable with that..."

Prompto inwardly smiled. Ryella had opened up a lot since she'd met them, but whenever she was flustered, she'd go right back to timidly stuttering and stumbling over her words. Why does she have to be so freakin' cute? he mentally questioned. Truthfully, he had conflicted feelings from her response. Part of him was relieved to hear her decline Gladio's invitation, but a part of him lost hope in her ever accepting any form of date with him either.

"Don't worry about it," Gladio replied nonchalantly. "I just thought I'd ask, is all."

Feeling awkward, nonetheless, Ryella decided to get herself out of that situation. "Um, I might go look around a bit."

"Very well," Ignis answered. "We'll most likely be either here near the caravan or across the road at the track."

With a nod of understanding, the brunette turned and bounded away toward the shop. Gladio suddenly smirked at the gunman. "Well, she turned me down. Good news for you, I guess."

"Good?" Prompto questioned, frowning a bit. "That just proves that I have a 0% chance with her."

"Not necessarily," Ignis interrupted. "She could have simply declined because she holds no affection for Gladio."

Noctis rested his hands on his hips. "Specs makes a good point. That doesn't mean she'd refuse you if you were to ask her. Besides, you seem to have a way of connecting with her. You guys just kinda click."

"You think so?" Prompto inquired, a hopeful gleam in his eyes.

Gladio suddenly gave the blond a strong pat on the back, nearly making him fall forward. "Sure. So why don't you go ask her out?"

Prompto blushed lightly. "I can't do that! She already seemed uncomfortable about the whole idea!"

"That's why you've gotta be sneaky about it," the shield told him.

"Dude, I'm not gonna trick her."

"Didn't say you had to." Gladio moved to Prompto's side and turned him to face the direction Ryella had gone. They caught sight of her at the shop, looking at everything. "Look around. All you've gotta do is get her to hang out with you for a bit. We'll be over at the track and outta your way."

Gladio pushed the gunman forward a bit. "B-but what am I supposed to say? What if she doesn't want to?"

Noctis sighed at his friend. "Look, Ryella's new here. She needs someone to show her around. She can't decline a tour."

Noctis shoved the boy forward before turning on his heel and leaving with his bodyguard and his advisor following. Prompto took a moment to still his trembling body. He gulped down the lump that'd formed in his throat at the mere thought of asking Ryella out. He slowly began heading for the shop where the girl was. His hands were getting clammy and his legs grew weak, but he forced himself to approach the brunette. Ryella twisted around in an instant when she heard someone behind her.

"Prompto," she muttered. "I thought you were going to the race track."

He smiled nervously. "The others went, I wanted to stay here and, uh, get some pics of the chocobos and stuff."

The girl smiled sweetly. "Oh."

"So, uh, have you seen the chocobos yet?"

She sheepishly shook her head. "Only the chicks. I wanted to see the shop first, and...well..." She looked away shamefully, lowering her voice. "I-I never expected chocobos to be so...big. They kind of make me nervous."

Prompto blinked at her for a moment, stunned to hear her say the birds frightened her when she could face a jabberwock without even flinching. He suddenly had the desire to show her just how great and lovable chocobos were. After all, he couldn't let his favorite girl stay afraid of his favorite animal. Prompto laughed lightly, surprising Ryella.

"Is that all? Don't worry, we can go see the chocobos together. I promise they're really friendly."

The girl smiled. "Okay."

Prompto led her over to the chocobo pens. He approached one of the large birds, petting its neck as it leaned its head down over the fence. The bird chirped happily at the attention. Ryella stood back, putting space between her and the animal.

"C'mon, Ryella," the blond urged. "The chocobos won't bite."

"A-are you sure?"

Prompto smiled and gingerly reached out, taking her hand. He steadily pulled her closer, letting her take slow steps toward the bird until she was next to him and standing right in front of the chocobo. The animal chirped and shook its feathers, startling Ryella a bit. But Prompto kept a hold on her hand, not allowing her to back away. With his hand over hers, he guided it up to rest on the bird's head. The chocobo chirped lightly and leaned into her touch. Prompto retracted his hand, watching as a smile broke out on the girl's face and she began petting the bird. Ryella's fear disappeared as she began giggling and hugging the creature, running her fingers through its soft feathers.

"Oh em gee," the gunman mumbled. He took out his camera and backed up a little. "That's adorable!" He snapped a picture. "See? I told you they were friendly. What do you think of chocobos now?"

Ryella pulled away from the chocobo and smiled at him, still rubbing her hand over the animal's head. "They're cute. I don't why I thought they were intimidating before."

The boy laughed. "Right? I love chocobos! So, how'd you like to try riding one?"

The brunette gasped. "Oh, I-I don't know if I could do that. Petting them is one thing, getting on their back is another."

"You'll be fine. Just give it a try."

Unable to refuse the blond, the Guardian agreed to give it a chance. Prompto rented one of the chocobos and led both it and Ryella away from the pens and cafe area. The girl could tell how delighted Prompto was, he was practically bouncing with every step. Seeing him like that caused her to smile to herself. The gunman was cheery for two reasons, not only did he get to have fun with the chocobos, but he also got to spend time alone with Ryella. Though he knew it wasn't officially a date, it sure felt like it to him. Being alone with Ryella and just having fun, it was like a dream. He came to a stop, looking between the brunette and the yellow-feathered bird.

"Alright, you wanna try climbing on?" he asked. "I'll help you if you need."

"As long as you don't let me fall..."

"I won't, I promise."

Satisfied by his answer, Ryella went to the bird's side. She anxiously placed her hands on the saddle. Even though she didn't say anything, Prompto was eager to help her up, thinking she might have trouble. He bent down and took one of her legs, lifting her up and giving her a boost. With his help, the girl got her other leg over onto the other side, and with that, Ryella was on the back of the chocobo. She sat there awkwardly, snatching up the reins and clutching them tightly, fearing she may fall.

"You're doing it!" the boy exclaimed with excitement. "Way to go!"

"Th-thanks, but I'm not really sure how to work the reins."

Prompto paused briefly, not having thought of that before. But he suddenly thought of a way to help her and still enjoy a casual ride. He nervously rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks turning a light pink. "Would you like me to...ride with you?"

"Yes please," the girl answered without hesitation. She'd barely even given it a thought, she just wanted help.

"Scoot forward a little," Prompto told her.

She did as he said and cautiously moved forward as much as she could. Before she could question what he was going to do, the blond abruptly began climbing on behind her. He threw his leg over the chocobo and got himself situated. The saddle was normally only meant for one person, so it left little room for the pair. The two were both blushing madly at the closeness. Ryella's back was pressed against the gunman's chest and Prompto's arms slipped around the girl to take the reins from her hands.

They were both silent, unable to speak because of how flustered they were. Prompto's face was burning. He could hardly believe Ryella had agreed to let him ride with her. His heart was racing and he hoped that she couldn't feel it against her back. Fortunately, Ryella was too caught up in her own thoughts to notice. Her cheeks grew warm, her eyes were wide, and she stiffened at the closeness. She hadn't expected to be in that type of situation. Her heart sped up as she felt Prompto's warmth pressed against her back and his slim, yet strong arms around her figure.

Why am I feeling this way? she mentally questioned, placing a hand over her heart. I thought...only Clement could make me feel like this. She was confused as to why that was happening. At that moment, Prompto gave her the same type of safe, comfortable feeling Clement used to. Despite the pang of sorrow and pain it gave her, she didn't want it to stop. She actually enjoyed the sensation.

"U-um, do you acually want to go for a stroll?" Prompto squeaked out, his voice coming out higher than he anticipated.

Ryella began to relax, lightly placing her hands on his arms to hold on. "I'd...l-like that."

A joyful, yet goofy, grin spread across the boy's lips. He was giddy to hear her reply. He guided the chocobo along for a leisurely walk around the area. Ryella relaxed against him as he leaned his head around her shoulder so he could see better. A comfortable silence fell over them. Prompto steered the chocobo just outside of the Post. Ryella took in the scenery around her, occasionally giving the bird a pat on the neck. Time seemed to fly by for the two, and upon their return to the rest area, they found their friends already outside of the caravan, as if waiting for their return. When seeing the pair riding together, Gladio smirked.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?"

Prompto's face flushed. "I didn't expect you guys to be back already!"

The blond swiftly climbed off the bird before offering Ryella his hand, helping her down. "Thank you so much, Prompto," the girl said. "I had a lot of fun. I never dreamed I'd get to ride a chocobo."

Prompto grinned at her. "No prob, I'm glad you had a good time."

Ryella pet the chocobo, showing confidence in her actions. "I think...I'll take the chocobo back to his pen. He's probably hungry by now."

The guys watched her cheerfully lead the chocobo back toward the pens. Prompto gulped, growing nervous at the inevitable questions he'd most likely be bombarded with. Please don't let them say anything to Ryella, he inwardly pleaded. Please let them keep quiet for once. Despite his wishes, he knew there'd be no escape from Noctis and Gladio.