"There you go, you've almost got it," Angelica encouraged.

The following morning after breakfast, Iris and Talcott were in Angelica's room. They had begun talking about how agile and flexible the girl was, and urged her to give them a few lessons. The redhead watched them attempt to copy her poses as best they could. They were currently doing the splits, well, Angelica was doing the splits, Iris and Talcott did the best they could. There was suddenly a knock on the door.

"Come in," the redhead called.

The door opened and the boys walked in. "What the hell's going on in here?" Noctis asked.

From her position, Angelica casually answered, "I'm teaching these two how to improve their flexibility."

"By doing the splits?" Prompto questioned, wincing at the painful-looking position. "Ouch."

"Brute strength is more my thing," Gladio stated.

"Next position," Angelica said, standing. Iris and Talcott followed, sighing in relief. Angelica turned her back to them. She slowly leaned back, keeping her feet in place as she placed her palms on the floor. She gazed at them from her upside down position. "Think of this as a backflip that's been put on pause."

Iris and Talcott tried it, but quickly gave up. "I don't think my back bends that way," Iris said.

"Mine either," Talcott chimed in. "And my legs hurt."

Angelica giggled and pushed herself back up to a standing position. "Alright, break time, then."

"So, Iris, wanna hang out today?" Gladio asked. "I never get to spend time with my little sister anymore."

"Sounds good," she replied.

Prompto had a goofy grin plastered on his face. "Talcott, you've gotta come with Noct and me down to the square! We're gonna have our own little photo shoot!"

"Photos with Prince Noctis? Count me in!"

"Mind helping me with some shopping, Angel?" Ignis asked.

"Not at all," she responded.

The groups all split up to do their own thing. Leaving the hotel, Angelica noted the dark clouds overhead. Probably gonna rain later. She found herself walking to the market with Ignis. There, she helped the bespectacled man carry the bags of groceries. He picked out only the finest ingredients that he planned to use for recipes. Angelica was happy to help out, despite having to lug around a large bag.

Time spent alone with Ignis was rare, especially without having some major goal to achieve. It reminded her of the times when her mother would tease her about having four good-looking guys as her closest friends. Her mind was wandering back to those days, when everything was so tranquil. The two took the groceries back to the hotel. None of the others were back yet.

"How about a walk?" Ignis suggested.

Angelica was snapped out of her thoughts by his question. "Hmm? Yeah, okay."

The two left the Leville for the second time. Ignis immediately picked up on the girl's behavior. "You seem distracted, Angel. What's on your mind?"

Walking side by side, the redhead looked up at him. "Just... thinking back on my days working at the Citadel."

"That certainly brings back memories. Why don't we have a drink and reminisce together?" Angelica nodded and the two went out to Tozus Counter at the outskirts of town. They got a couple of drinks and sat down at a table, sitting across from each other. "Seems we've both been looking out for Noct for years now."

Angelica smiled lightly. "I know, and seems like so long ago when we were all still back at the Citadel."

Ignis was smiling as well. "Do you remember that ball we attended a few years ago?"

"How could I forget? It was a lot of fun, and Noct even had to dance. Though I felt a bit bad for my mom. She and the other cooks had a lot of food to fix for the ball, so she didn't even get a chance to join in the festivities."

Ignis's smile faded. "I see you're still thinking about Miss Valerie. You really miss her, don't you?"

Angelica's smile faltered as well and she turned her gaze down to her drink. "How could I not? We did so much together, and she taught me practically everything. If it weren't for her, I would've never learned to control my assassin instincts."

"The two of you were very close, then," Ignis concluded, sympathizing with her.

"Extremely close," the girl corrected. "She was so kind, and fun, and loved to joke around." Angelica smiled ruefully, memories flooding her mind. "And she loved to tease me. I can't even count how many times she'd mention seeing a guy and telling me how he was 'perfect boyfriend material'. It would get kinda annoying, not to mention embarrassing at times, but I know she only ever wanted me to be happy." Tears formed in her eyes and her voice began to crack. "Why'd she have to leave me?"

Ignis's gaze softened and he reached across the table, surprising the girl by gently wiping the tears threatening to fall. "Tell me what happened that day."

His hand lowered from her face and rested over her hand. "My mom..." Her voice was quiet, just loud enough for him to hear. "She had me sent on errands, away from where the action took place. Once I finally made my way there, I joined the fight. My mom shielded me from an attack... and was stabbed. Burning with rage, I attacked the general that killed her. But his power was too great, and I too found myself at the end of his blade. He was about to kill me, but King Regis saved my life, and yet... I couldn't save his."

"You did all that you could, His Majesty knew that."

"I know, and I'm not saying I was at fault again. But I don't understand why everyone seems to think my life is so important. Why am I so worth saving when I don't even know what it is I'm supposed to be doing? Who am I even supposed to be? Am I the assassin my mom hoped I'd be, or am I the failure I see myself as?" She sighed. "I wish she was here to tell me."

"Angel." She looked up at Ignis, feeling him lightly squeeze her hand. "While you're mother is no longer with us, we're all here for you. To us, you are Angelica Solani, a loyal, dependable friend who's combat capabilities are on a scale of their own. You are you, and quite personally, I find you to be a wonderful person."

Angelica stared at him in astonishment. She didn't know what to say. But silence fell over them and the sound of music from a nearby radio caught their ears. They both seemed to listen, Angelica recognizing the song that played.

This song is by Three Days Grace and is called "The Real You". I thought this song fit the moment so well so I had to add it in.

"I will never give up on you
I see the real you
Even if you don't I do
I do
I will never give up on you
I see the real you
Even if you don't I do
I do

"And I'll show you the road to follow
I'll keep you safe till tomorrow
I'll pull you away from sorrow
I see the real you
Even if you don't I do

"If you're the one to run, to run
I'll be the one, the one you run to
If you're the one to run, to run
I'll be the one, the one you run to"

Ignis smiled gently, as if the words of the song were conveying his own thoughts perfectly. Angelica finally took his hand in return, a small smile gracing her lips as well. She couldn't even contemplate how one person could understand her so well. But Ignis always seemed to know what to do or say to make her feel better.

"Angel, always know that I'm here for you," he finally said, breaking the silence. "If you ever need anyone to talk with you, I'd be more than happy to oblige. I'm certain the others would say the same as well. You are important to all of us. Now, do you feel any better?"

The girl gave a small nod. "A little. I guess just talking does have its benefits." Her expression saddened and she turned her head away, clutching her chest with her free hand. "But I just want to know - does the pain ever go away?"

"I don't know if it ever really does." Ignis abruptly stood, still holding onto her hand. She watched him move around to sit next to her. "But there are ways of coping with it. Spending time with people who care about you is one way to mend an aching heart."

Like before, Angelica suddenly wrapped him in a hug, one that he eagerly returned. "I admit," she mumbled into his shirt, "I actually forget about how much it hurts when you're with me."

"Good to hear," he replied softly.

After pulling away, Angelica smiled lightly at him. "Thanks, Ignis. You're always here when I need you."

"But of course, darling. I can't just leave a lady to grieve."

The girl's heart swelled. He called her by that name again. It was the third time now. "Why do you call me that?" she inquired, finally bringing it up.

"Would you rather I not?" Ignis asked, his smile fading.

A light blush stained her freckled cheeks. She didn't want to admit it, but she actually liked the way he called her that, especially with his smooth, accented voice. She turned her head away in embarrassment.

"N-No..." she stuttered out. "It's just... a bit different, that's all."

Ignis chuckled at her response, a sly grin tugging at his lips. "Well, you may just grow accustomed to it... darling."

Angelica playfully rolled her eyes and gulped down her drink. After finishing their drinks, they both stood and left the outdoor restaurant. Walking side by side, Ignis smoothly slipped his hand back into hers. But they had barely made it anywhere when a droplet of water hit Angelica right on the head. She shook her head at the sudden sensation and the two both looked up at the cloudy sky. Drops of water began falling in quick succession. The rain had finally come.

Ignis and Angelica picked up their pace, running down the streets back to the hotel. They were sure to be soaked by the time they got there. But the time they had together was definitely worth it. They were both beginning to show exactly how they felt, disregarding the duties they both had. For once, neither of them cared, because they'd just had a great time with one another. Of course, they'd be sure to put their feelings on hold when their journey started up again. But for now, they were on a break, so they could spend their time however they wanted.