Zodiac (Final Fantasy XV)

|•XV•|

~Zodia's POV~

As the next morning came, Ignis and I woke up before the other three. Since we were low on curatives and forgot to buy them yesterday, the two of us head into the service station and bought enough for our visit to the Disc. Ignis bought himself a small can of ebony as well to make sure he was completely awake. When I turned around to grab his attention, I was greeted by a smiling Ardyn. I unconsciously took a step back and my back hit the counter. A gasp slipped through my lips at the man's close proximity, which was enough to grab Ignis' attention.

In the blink of an eye, he had pulled me towards him and placed himself between me and Ardyn. The amber eyed man stuck an arm up, signaling he had no ill intentions. "We shall depart within the hour. Best be prepared. There are no more stops." With those words, he left the service station. My hand curled into Ignis' blazer as I remembered I would have to be stuck in a car with that man.

"If it is too much—please, do tell me. None of us will force you to bear a car ride with a complete stranger," he said softly. It's as if he sensed exactly what I was worrying about. I'm not shocked to know he could tell what was bothering me. I've known the man for twelve years.

Sighing, I face Ignis and wrap my arms around his torso. His body relaxes at my sudden hug and his arms slowly make their way around my smaller frame. "The Disc is close. I'll pull through for everyone's sake," I mumble into his chest. His arms tightened around me and he rested his head atop mine. Though we've hugged numerous of times, this one was full of love. The usual hugs we gave back in Insomnia were friendly hugs, but our relationship has blossomed into that of a true couple. The only thing we had yet do is kiss. Just thinking about it made my cheeks ignite with heat.

Click

The sound of a camera shutter drew my attention to the front entrance. The one and only Prompto Argentum stood there with a grin, his camera aimed at us. "Before you say anything, I'm not deleting it!" He declares, pulling the camera close to his chest. Rolling my eyes with a smile, I gazed at the blonde. "I wasn't gonna ask you to delete it. I know how much you love your pictures to ask such a heinous thing," I reply kindly. He smiles and dashes to Noctis and Gladio.

Ignis sighs, loosening his arms and letting them fall to his side. I refused to let go and continued to rest my head on his chest. "I need to hug you longer so I can survive this trip with Ardyn. I'll most likely crush you to death once we're done with the Archaean," I giggle. I heard a rumble of laughter come from his chest at my words. One of his hands threaded through my midnight hair, stroking gently and combing through a few small knots here and there from last night.

Before he could speak, Ardyn returned and informed us of our departure. Reluctantly listening to him, we left the store and headed to the cars. I glared at the old automobile that I would be sharing another ride in with Ardyn. Praying to the Six, I hope he wouldn't talk my ear off. Before departing, Ignis made sure I still had his phone. Luckily, I hadn't forgotten it in the caravan last night. We depart Coernix Station and begin our last leg to the Disc.

As the beautiful scenery passed by, Ardyn said nothing. Though my wish was granted, it did worry me a little. It felt as if he was planning something in silence. Arriving at the imperial blockade, Ardyn pulls over and stops the car. "We're here." The Regalia pulls up next to us and I heard Noctis mumble. "Better not be a setup."

"Have I given you reason to doubt me?" Ardyn said, feigning a hurtful tone.

"You don't really inspire confidence, especially since you basically forced Zodia to come along," Prompto replied.