(no subject)

[balthier-strahl.livejournal.com]

Who: Fran, Squall, Balthier, Rinoa and a new arrival
What: Fran has the baby
Where: The Strahl
When: Evening
Rating: R


Fran had been waiting. They were supposed to fly to Balamb Garden for the birth, but once Balthier disappeared, she kept delaying it in the hope he would return, and now, it was too late. Her waters had broken and the baby wasn't going to waste any time getting to freedom.

Squall had tried phoning Balthier at least a hundred times, yet he just couldn't get an answer. Where the Hell was he?! He had gotten Fran settled on the bed, towels and hot water surrounded them and he was currently settled between her knees, trying to keep her calm.

Having managed his way back with minimal injury, and having reassured himself that it wasn't a hallucination, he headed into the Strahl, his shirt still open, covered in sand and scrapes, looking pretty much like death warmed up. "Fran...?" He made his way to the bedroom, pausing at the sight. "What...?"

Fran clawed at the bed, panting hard, trying to relax. Her head snapped around at the sound of Balthier's voice, her eyes filled with fear and unease.

"Where the fuck have you been?!" Squall huffed. "Het your ass over here right now and hold your wife's goddamn hand!"

"Hn, you wouldn't believe me if I told you," he murmured, recalling that Siren and her raping ways. And that little bug-like child he'd murdered. Blinking that away, he shifted onto the bed, grasping Fran's hand with his right one, leaning to kiss her forehead. "I'm sorry. I'll explain later."

Fran gripped Balthier's hand, nuzzling into him. She panted and breathed just like she had been shown. She had been so excited about having a natural birth, and now she wasn't so sure.

Squall petted Fran's thigh lightly. "You're doing a great job, Fran. Just keep breathing like you practised."

"Are you even sure you know what you're doing, Squall?" The younger man never actually told him he'd delivered Loire. He nuzzled at Fran, kissing her cheek. "You're doing great, Fran. I love you," he whispered.

"Balthier... Just so you know..." Fran murmured between her pantings. "If you ever so much as bring that penis near me again... I shall chop it off!"

"I'm getting pretty good at the whole baby delivery thing. At least we have a bed and it's not on the library floor this time..." Squall replied.

Balthier chuckled and nudged her cheek with his nose. "I give you two months, you'll want it again," he teased, knowing it was so not the thing to say, but unable to help wanting to annoy her, even now. "You'd better be careful," he murmured to Squall.

Fran squeaked, giving Balthier's ear a flick. "Hush. Hume. Or I shall rip out your spine." It was hard to know whether she was serious or not.

Squall continued to pet Fran's thigh. "You're doing great Fran, I can see his ears."

Balthier smiled at her, keeping hold of her hand as he leaned to look at the baby. He could see the ears and his heart pounded hard in his chest. "Gods..." he exhaled, squeezing her hand a little tighter.

Fran continued to breath, gripping Balthier's hand tighter. She felt quite tired already, but at the same time, despite the pain, it was one of the most wonderful things ever. At least, until she felt like something was wrong, instantly becoming a little distressed.

Squall's eyes went wide and he tried not to look worried. "Fran... I need you to just relax for me, okay? Just take a rest from pushing and relax."

Balthier frowned and leaned to look at what was wrong. Noticing the problem, he instantly leaned to kiss Fran's cheek, nuzzling affectionately. "You're doing really well, love. Just relax and breathe for a while."

"Something is wrong, isn't it? Squall... BAlthier... what is wrong? What is happening??" She asked, pleading, needing to know what was happening.

Squall continued to pet Fran's hips with one hand, before slipping both hands down to free the umbilical cord from around the infant's neck. Luckily, it wasn't tight enough to need clamping and cutting and only needed unwrapping from his neck. The brunette pressed a kiss against Fran's knee once he was done. "There's nothing wrong, Fran, just take a few minutes rest and then we'll carry on."

"Don't panic, Squall isn't as incompetant as he seems," he teased, curling an arm around her neck and kissing her head. "Just rest a moment and then continue in a few minutes, hm?"

Fran soon started to relax, but she was eager to get the birth over with. She wanted to hold that infant in her arms. To nurse him.

Squall once more resumed his strokin of Fran's thighs. "Okay, Fran. The head is almost out. It'll be easier soon. Now, nice deep breaths, okay?"

Balthier frowned slightly, unable to really help but still just as eager to continue as she was. It really was true that a man became a father when the baby was born, not really when the woman was pregnant.

Fran continued to push, panting through her breaths. She was getting more and more tired by the moment, but it would all be worth it in the end.

After a few more pushes, that felt like a lifetime, the child was out and laid down on a towel. Squall quickly dealt with what needed doing - the umbilical cord, the afterbirth, the ensuring the infant's lungs were working, before wrapping him up in the towel, holding him out to Fran and Balthier. "Congratulations. A healthy baby boy."

Balthier was quick to shift the boy into Fran's arms, knowing she was the one who deserved to hold him first. Hooking an arm around her shoulders, he moved the towel away from the baby's face, his eyes set on his son as a few tears streaked his face. "Gods... he's perfect..."

Fran cradled the baby as though he was the most delicate thing in the world. Beautiful Vieran ears, yet far more Hume in looks than Krja. "He... is so tiny."

Squall cleaned Fran up, making sure she was comfortable, before pulling the blanket up over her. He smiled at the proud parents. "I'll give you guys some space." He murmured, moving to clean up.

"Thank you, Squall..." he murmured, smiling at the man before his eyes found the child again. "I love you, Fran," he whispered, resting his head against hers as they looked at their son.

Fran rested her head against Balthier, fighting the urge to close her eyes. She was so tired, but she didn't want to miss a single moment of looking at the beautiful infant in her arms.

"Heh... he's got such long ears," he muttered, brushing a finger against the baby's cheek, watching that instinctive nerve twitch that all babies had.

"He shall grow tall and strong." Fran murmured, smiling softly. "He's so perfect." She whispered.

He nodded slightly, smiling as he brushed a finger over an ear, watching it spasm slightly. They were pale, as pale as his hair, although there was only a whisp of that on his head.

Fran's eyes drooped a little, yet still she fought the urge to sleep. "Do... you wish to hold him?"

"I can...?" He looked at her a little wide eyed, though it was mostly because he didn't want to take the boy away before Fran had her moment with him.

Fran nodded and shifted to place the boy carefully in Balthier's arms.

Balthier sat properly on the bed, carefully taking his son, his eyes wide as he looked down at him, another few tears streaking his skin.

Fran reached out to stroke his cheek softly, wiping away some of those tears. "Now that is a beautiful sight, father and son."

A smile came to his face, and he looked at her for the briefest moment, soon looking at his son again. "I'm a little overwhelmed," he laughed softly, watching the boy in his arms squirm slightly.

Fran smiled tenderly. "It is natural." She snuggled herself into the pillow watching Balthier with their child.

Squall re-entered the room carrying a tray of tea and a camera, while pushing a crib with his foot. "Here. I thought you might need these."

Balthier looked over at him, smiling a little. "Thanks, Squall..." He raised the baby nearer his face, kissing that tiny nose that so matched his own at that age.

Fran smiled softy at Squall. He'd been so good to her during the past few days, keeping her calm in her time of need. "Squall... Come sit with us, come meet the newest Bunansa properly."

Squall sat on the edge of the bed. He didn't want to intrude on this private, family moment.

"Here, hold him, Squall. He needs to know who his Uncle Squall is, right?" He smiled at the younger man, carefully holding the baby out to him.

Fran took a mug of tea from the tray, taking a sip. Tea had never tasted so good. She shifted to nuzzle into Balthier more.

Squall took hold of the baby, cradling him gently. "Hello there little man, it's nice to finally meet you." He looked at Balthier and Fran. "So, does he have a name yet?"

Balthier curled his arms around Fran, nuzzling her. As Squall mentioned a name, he laughed lightly. "Um... no. Fran, anything in mind? We never did talk about names..."

Fran continued to sip her tea. "I have a few names I like... Arin, Xana, Erian and Nyxx."

"They're all pretty cool names." Squall murmured, watching the tiny infant's face, petting his cheek.

At the last name, Balthier looked at his wife. "Nyxx...? I like that one..." he murmured, nuzzling her gently. He still had copious amounts of wounds and was filthy from his journey.
X
"Mm. Nyxx it is." Fran murmured, laying her head on Balthier's lap. She glanced up at him for a long moment. "You stink." She stated simply, though she knew she was far from flower fresh herself.

Squall gave a laugh. "You do kinda reek, Balth. If you guys wana wash up, I don't mind watching over this one. I'm pretty sure he won't be going anywhere."

Balthier laughed, biting her ear. "You don't smell all too pretty yourself, Viera." He gently slid his arm under her knees, pulling her arm around his shoulders as he picked her up. "Come. We'll bathe and then you can nurse him."

Fran let out a slight squeak, flailing a little as she placed the cup down. "Well then, seems I have little choice, hm?" She replied, resting her head on Balthier's shoulder.

Squall settled Nyxx down in the crib, smiling down at him. "You really are the most perfect bundle of cute."

"Heh, of course he is. Look at his parents," he murmured, chuckling as he carried his wife through to the bathroom, reaching to turn the water on in the bath. "Fran... I'm sorry."

Fran closed her eyes, still trying to fight the urge for sleep. "Sorry? What for?" She asked, sounding exhausted.

"Not being here when it started. I don't even think the truth will sound believable after everything I've done," he murmured.

Fran threaded her fingers through Balthier's hair. "It is fine. Squall was here." She nuzzled against Balthier. "Where were you?"

"I should've been here, though..." he murmured, nuzzling back. "Hn... some she-beast Siren lured me away. They've a taste for pirates, you see. Well, suffice it to say, I dealt with her and the odd little creature she tried to incubate."

Fran rose an eyebrow. "Hm. Viera hybrids are not enough for you now? Siren hybrids too?" She murmured, half joking.

"That is not funny. You didn't see it." He shuddered a little before lowering her into the water, after stripping her off.

A slight hiss escaped Fran as the hot water washed over tired, aching muscles. "So tell me about it, love."

Balthier shook his head slightly, frowning as he stripped off and shifted to sit behind her. "I'd prefer not to. It was disgusting." He settled back, stroking her arms. "I... spoke with someone..."

Fran leaned into him, resting her head back against his shoulder, eyes falling shut once more. "Hm? Who?"

Washing the grime from both of them, he smiled softly. "Judge Zecht himself. Reddas, the late King of Pirates," he murmured.

Fran cracked one eye open. "Reddas? Did you fall through a hole into the Farplane again?" She asked.

"No... he was there, in the Westersand, near the sandsea. I thought it was a hallucination at first... but... something tells me he was really there."

Fran reached an arm back, petting Balthier's hair. "Hm? What is it, love? What did he say?"

"He spoke of Balfonheim. He claimed she needs a new king. Setting foot in the place, we know that to be true," he murmured, washing her skin gently.

"And you are to be her new king, hm?" The Viera asked, tilting her head enough to watch Balthier.

"He says so, but I do not... I do not believe I've the patience. I know how much the sea air bothers your nose and... I do not wish to reside on ground..." he replied, shaking his head slightly.

Fran pressed a soft kiss to the corner of Balthier's mouth. "It is your choice, love. You know I shall follow you anywhere."

Balthier frowned slightly before kissing her cheek. "We'll discuss it when we've both rested, hm?" Finishing washing them both up, as well as washing their hair, he carefully got out from behind her, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around his waist before fetching another for Fran.

Fran pulled herself to her feet, stepping out of the tub and into that fluffy towel, curling into Balthier's arms.

Balthier nuzzled her and dipped his head to kiss her lips. "You go; nurse the boy. I'll be through in a moment."

Fran returned the kiss. "Don't be too long?" She murmured, pulling away to return to the bedroom.

Squall had changed the sheets and got Nyxx settled in the crib. He smiled at Fran. "You look better for that bath."

Balthier smiled and nodded. Brushing his teeth and shaving, he was all of ten minutes at most, soon returning and sitting on the bed.

By the time Balthier returned, Fran was sat in bed, nursing the tiny Nyxx, stroking his ears gently as he suckled.

Squall sat in a chair, eyes closed, but very much awake, just relaxing, and being gentlemanly by not staring at Fran.

Balthier leaned to kiss Fran's cheek, keeping his hands away from Nyxx, mostly because he knew even when Krja was 'born' he distracted her from feeding. "Mmn... Squall, thanks for everything."

Fran smiled at Balthier. "He is a hungry little boy." She murmured, continuing to pet Nyxx's ears.

Squall smiled, folding an arm behind his head, yet his eyes remained closed. "Don't mention it. It's what friends are for."

"Heh... good," he murmured to his wife before moving to the wardrobe and getting on a pair of jeans and a clean shirt, leaving it open. "We should set course for the Golomore Jungle. Krja's holiday is coming to an end."

Fran gave a nod. "I wonder what she will think to her little brother? I wonder what the moogles will think."

Squall blinked his eyes open. "You guys want me to stick around for a few days or do you want me out of your hair?"

Balthier smiled softly, nuzzling his wife's ear lovingly. "It's up to you, Squall. It's always nice having you here but he's going to cry through the next month of nights... can you stand that?"

Fran smiled softly. "The joys of sleepless nights, hm?"

Squall gave a laugh. "Well... I'll stay until you guys get yourself settled, okay? Once you guys find a routine that works with Nyxx and with Krja, then I'll get out of your way."

Balthier chuckled and nudged Fran's cheek with his nose, smiling softly. "Thank you, Squall. For everything," he murmured, unable to keep away from his wife and newborn son.

Once Nyxx was done feeding, Fran winded and settled him once more in her arms. He was so much bigger than Krja and Hana had been, yet he was still so tiny and delicate.

"Don't mention it." Squall murmured. "It's what I'm here for."

Curling his arms around Fran, he couldn't help as one hand wandered to gently stroke a finger along Nyxx's ear. "You should get yourself settled in your room again, Squall."

Fran purred softly, settling into Balthier's embrace once more, letting her eyes drift shut.

Squall nodded and shifted to stand. "If you guys need anything at all, just yell."

Balthier nodded slightly before kissing Fran's cheek. "You should sleep, Fran. I can watch him while you do..."

Fran let out a contended sound and handed the infant to Balthier, smiling at him. "Thank you, love." She murmured, wriggling down to snuggle into the blankets more.

Squall exited the bedroom, leaving the new parents to it, while he went to phone Rinoa to tell her the good news.

Balthier cuddled his son up, curling one arm around Fran as she lay down, petting his hand along her pierced ear. "I love you, Fran."

Rinoa was sat nursing Loire as the phone rang. A smile came as she saw who was calling and she answered happily. "Hi~!"

"Mm. Love you too." Fran whispered as she drifted into an exhausted sleep.

Squall smiled bright. "Hello beautiful! Guess what!!?" He said, voice practically oozing with joy and pride.

Balthier sat quiet, just watching his son as he gently stroked a finger over those tiny ears. He couldn't believe he had a son...

"Mmm... you finally grew chest hair and became a man?" She teased, giggling lightly.
X
"Oh. Ha. Ha." Squall huffed. "You know if I did, I'd wax them off!" He flopped onto the bed he called 'his'. "But no... I delivered a baby!!"

"You delievered a baby? Where'd you deliver it to?" She laughed more, thoroughly enjoying teasing him. "No, really, I'm proud of you! Fran's baby, right?"

Squall gave a playful growl over the phone. "Yeah, he's beautiful. Long, majestic ears and a tiny tail, and otherwise pretty Hume looking."

"That's great, Squall. How's Fran doing?" She shifted a little, wincing at a particularly hard suckle from her own infant.

"She's pretty exhausted, but otherwise she's doing well. It's been a rough few days. We were gonna head back to Balmab Garden for the birth but then Balthier went AWOL, so we waited for him to come back and Fran went into labour..." He said, almost forgetting to breath. "So... How are you? How's my little prince?"

"AWOL? Where'd he go?" She frowned a little but at the mention of Loire she brightened. "He's fine. Feeding at the moment and doing it violently," she laughed.

Squall laughed a little at Rinoa's words. "Soon time to get him on the bottle, hm?" He murmured, folding an arm under his head. "I dunno where Balthier went. He just seemed to vanish and when he came back he looked exhausted and injured and filthy..."

"Definitely time. He's getting to be just like his dad. Vicious but with a cute face to hide it." She chuckled lightly. "Maybe headhunters tried to get to Balthier. He's a wanted man after all."

Squall laughed more. "This face gets me out of a lot of trouble!" He joked, closing his eyes. "I guess that's a possibility. But, he made it back in time so I guess it all worked out okay. I'm gonna stick around for a few days until they adjust to two babies... do you mind?"

"I don't mind. You have your own life, silly." She smiled, moving to settle Loire in his crib. "Besides, they'll probably find an extra pair of hands useful."

"I swear... if I get stuck with nappy changing duty I'm so out of here!" He joked, running a hand through his hair. "Maybe when I get back we should take a vacation? You, me, Loire and the mutt."

"That mutt has a name, Squall." She pouted and settled on the sofa, hugging her knees and resting her chin on them. "A vacation sounds nice. It's been a long time..."

"Okay, okay. You, me, Loire and Angelo. Someplace nice and relaxing away from all forms of work!" Squall replied.

"It sounds like a plan to me!! We should go to the beach! Or... or we could go somewhere rural!!" It was quite obvious she was excited.

Squall gave a soft laugh. "Better pack your bikini then, Rin." He teased, quite excited himself.