Angelica examined herself in the mirror. Her dress was perfect and turned out just how she imagined it. She fixed her hair in a style of bun that gave her an elegant appearance. She even applied light makeup - a bit of eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick.

(This is the style of her hair)

(This is her dress)

She left her work room only to be met by her mother, who immediately pulled her into a hug. "You look so beautiful, Angel! I hope you enjoy the ball!"

Angelica lightly pushed her mother back so she could look at her. "You're not gonna be there?"

Valerie sighed. "All the chefs are on cooking duty. Someone has to prepare all that food for the guests to enjoy." She smiled brightly. "But that's alright, I don't mind. As long as you have a good time..." She nudged the girl with her elbow. "And get a chance to dance with some lucky young man."

Angelica rolled her eyes, but smiled. "We'll see."

The two soon separated, Valerie heading to the kitchen while Angelica went straight to the ballroom. Going inside, the enormous room was lit up and already being filled with people. Musicians played and couples danced. Angelica looked around, catching sight of a familiar brunette at the food tables. She walked around to where Iris was, dressed in a simple black dress and holding a glass of punch in her hand.

"Hi, Iris," the redhead greeted, earning her friend's attention. "I didn't know if you'd be able to make it. You look great."

A happy grin spread across Iris's lips. "Hey, Angel! There was no way I was gonna miss an event like this! And I see you finished your dress. It's even more beautiful than the sketch."

"Thank you. Is Gladio here too?"

Iris nodded and pointed across the room. "Yeah. He's over there with Noct at the moment. Said something about getting Noct to loosen up and have fun."

A slightly devious smile tugged at the corners of Angelica's lips. "Well here's a thought, why don't you go ask Noct to dance?" Iris looked at her as if she were crazy, a light pink tinting her cheeks. "What better way to loosen him up? Besides, this IS a ball."

Iris's eyes were suddenly filled with determination but her blush was still visible. "You're right, Angel. I'll ask him, and with Gladdy's help, we can probably convince him."

Neither of the girls had noticed the bespectacled man a short distance away. Ignis had caught sight of them and made his way over as Iris rushed away. He grabbed an extra glass of punch and approached the redhead, who watched Iris now talking to the prince. Angelica was quietly giggling to herself when Ignis stopped at her side.

"Angelica, you're looking quite radiant this evening."

She looked over at him, smiling. "Ignis, thank you. I just barely managed to finish it in time." She glanced over the suit he wore. "By the way, you look very handsome."

He smiled and handed her a glass. "You're too kind."

She graciously took the punch, sipping a bit as her eyes still lingered on her friends a short distance away. Iris was now tugging on Noctis's arm, urging him to the dance floor. And slowly, the prince seemed to be giving in. Angelica placed her fingertips against her lips, struggling to contain her giggles.

"Look at Noct and Iris over there," she said. Ignis followed her gaze, spotting the two and chuckling. "Did he ever successfully learn how to dance?"

"Well, he's still not very good," Ignis admitted, remembering his last lessons with Noctis. "But I suppose his dance skills are... passable."

"I feel a bit sorry for Iris, then."

After a moment, Ignis cleared his throat. "I've never had the opportunity to experience your dance skills before."

Angelica's eyes widened ever so slightly as she slowly looked at him in shock. "What are you saying?"

He held a hand out to her and smiled kindly. "I'm asking if you'd care to dance with me."

Angelica glanced down at his outstretched hand. I guess a mere dance among friends would be okay. She slowly smiled and placed her hand in his. They set aside their drinks and Ignis led the girl out among the dancers. His gloved hand clasped her own while his other went around her waist. Angelica rested her hand on his shoulder and gazed up at the taller man. She noted the way his hold on her was firm, yet gentle. It was in a way that made her feel secure but also comfortable.

Her deep blue eyes were locked onto his emerald ones. With Ignis taking the lead, Angelica followed his steps, and within seconds, they were dancing in perfect sync with one another. Everything that was happening almost felt like a dream to Angelica. She had never felt so happy to be so close to someone. Of course, it's not like people ever normally got that close to her. But also the fact that it was Ignis who was there with her made it even better.

"Seems my previous assumptions were spot on," he suddenly said, tearing the girl out of her dream-like state.

"Huh?" She blinked at him in confusion.

"When you were teaching Noct, you're steps were quite experienced."

She arched an eyebrow. "You were... analyzing me?"

"In a way, yes," he admitted.

"Don't I feel special," she sarcastically replied.

After a quick twirl, Ignis brought the girl even closer than before, leaning his face closer to hers. "Don't get the wrong idea," he softly spoke. "I was simply noting your skill on the dance floor. And I must admit, it's far more pleasant to dance with you than Noct."

She laughed lightly. "I should definitely hope so. I think even a one-legged chocobo could dance better than him."

That made Ignis chuckle as he dipped her. "I'd have to agree."

He paused briefly to study her face before bringing her back up. He caught sight of the joy in her blue eyes and the smile on her lips. It pleased him to see her having fun. After a bit of dancing, the two finally got a couple of drinks and joined their friends. Talking with Iris, they discovered that Noctis did agree to dance with her, but after stumbling and stepping on her toes a couple of times, they both gave up. Angelica felt her stomach growl.

"Anyone wanna join me for a snack?" she asked.

"Now that's an idea I can get behind," the prince said.

"Count me in too," Iris chimed in.

The three headed for the buffet table. Ignis was about to follow when a hand took his shoulder, stopping him. He turned his head to look at Gladio, who had a small smirk on his lips. "Don't think I didn't see all that, Iggy. You were dancing with Angel. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you had a thing for her."

Ignis sighed, knowing that someone like Gladio would notice. "Even if I did, it wouldn't matter. I have my duties to fulfill, as does she. We are merely friends enjoying the festivities."

Gladio let him go, shrugging his shoulders. "If you say so."

Both men joined their friends. After hours spent eating, talking, and dancing, Angelica was growing tired. "I think I'll be heading home soon."

"Would you like a ride?" Ignis inquired. "I'm acting as Noct's chauffeur tonight as well."

"Sure, if you don't mind," she replied.

Soon enough, with people beginning to clear out, the three headed out with Gladio and Iris doing the same. It was a quick drive to Noctis's apartment where the prince was dropped off. Then Angelica's place was the next stop. Ignis's car pulled in front of the girl's house.

"I hope you had a good time tonight," Ignis finally said, prolonging his time with her.

She smiled. "I did, and all of you made it even better. Too bad Prompto couldn't come. He really missed out."

Ignis pushed up his glasses. "Yes, well, his status doesn't exactly allow him to attend such festivities and events."

"Yeah, I know." She climbed out of the car. "Thanks for the ride, Ignis."

"My pleasure. Have a good night, Angel."

"You too."

He watched her go and unlock her front door. As soon as she opened it, he pulled out onto the road again, heading for his own residence this time. His mind went back to the ball and his dance with Angelica. He had thoroughly enjoyed his time with her, despite knowing they couldn't be anything more than friends. He knew it, and Angelica knew it.

They both had too much to keep up with as it was. Neither of them could afford distractions. And yet, at the same time, they were both thinking of the other. But for now, any sort of relationship was out of the question. They would have to be happy with just a friendship to sustain them.