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Chapter 18: Wordless Conversations

You ended up sleeping wrapped in Noctis' arms, seeing as he refused to let go of you after you entered the hotel room from the balcony. A mixture of amusement, curiosity and relief was what washed over Prompto and Ignis' faces when they returned, making you look away from them shyly. Given the situation neither of them said anything, opting to go straight to bed; Noctis was sleeping soundly with his face tucked into your neck. Since he had done the exact same thing for you back in Malmalam Thicket, you decided you would gladly take in all forms of teasing for the suggestive sleeping arrangement, if it meant Noctis woke up feeling a little better.

The following morning, breakfast was a little lively, seeing as Talcott managed a small smile. The entire day was spent preparing for their move to Cape Caem. Talcott had gone ahead after breakfast with Monica and Dustin, while Iris remained with you and the guys. You once again provided your heightened sense of smell at the market with Ignis, who was in charge of stocking up on food supplies and the like, prior to leaving.

When it came to your day of departure, the Amicitia siblings were suddenly in a disagreement about the seating arrangements. There was hardly any room for five people, let alone six. You offered to transform into a cat during the drive to save the back from being squashy. This offer seemed to work well in Gladio's opinion, but not for Iris and Prompto who exchanged familiar mischevious grins.

"What? I wanted to chat with (Your Name) while we drive!" You heard Iris whine as you all packed your remaining personal items in your duffle bag.

"Iris how the heck are we supposed to fit if we don't follow (Your Name)'s idea? It's the best way without any of us screaming for air," Gladio grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.

"It won't be that bad! How about you sit in the front and Prompto can squish in with the three of us!" Iris suggested, clapping her hands together excitedly.

"If I knew you were going to be plotting something, I should have asked Monica and Dustin to bloody take you instead," You knew the real reason why Iris was traveling with you though. Gladio was fearful for his baby sister's safety. Everyone knew she would be just as safe traveling with Monica and Dustin. It was more peace of mind for Gladio, no matter how much it looked like he regretted his decision to escort her personally.

"I'm not plotting anything! Geez! You'll have (Your Name) all to yourselves once you drop me off at Cape Caem," It would only be a matter of time before Iris broke out the waterworks, making you wonder whether it would work on the stubborn shield.

"Where the hell is (Your Name) gonna sit then?" Gladio pulled a desperate play there.

"Obviously on Noct's lap," Prompto teased, laughing when both you and Noctis shot him a quick glare, "What?" He asked, "It's not like it'd be awkward. You guys were wrapped up in each other's arms in bed the other night and all," Noctis must have chosen that exact time to drink his water, as he spluttered and choked behind you. You didn't bother turning around handing Noctis the box of tissues, feeling your cheeks burn from Prompto's comment.

"Wrapped in each other's-? In bed? Really?" Iris was too excited to even form a complete sentence.

"Oh for Pete's sake. Focus Iris!" Gladio growled, "You're being unreasonable!"

"Come on Oniichan! I dunno when I'll see (Your Name) next!"

"I'll be making it never at this rate," Gladio threatened. You were getting annoyed at the pointless argument, zipping up your duffle bag loudly and turning to face the siblings with a glare. Both Amicitia siblings stopped what they were doing to look at you, both knowing you weren't the type to be so loud.

"AH! MO! Enough from both you," You snapped, "Gladio, you swap seats with Prom. Iris, you sit in the middle and I'll bloody sit, in full human form, on Noct's lap. We good?"