(no subject)

[leatheredlion.livejournal.com]

Who: Squall, Rinoa, Balthier, Fran and Nono
When: Daytime
Where: Timber, and Fisherman’s Horizon
What: Awkward meetings
Rating: PG-13



Squall's head seemed to be all over the place. He couldn't get over his encounter with Balthier. He knew it was a one-night stand, that it meant nothing, but he couldn't stop thinking about it. He had made his way to Timber, and now he stood outside the Timber Owl's 'hideout' with a bag in hand, containing a couple polystyrene cups - one of coffee and one of hot chocolate, and a few cupcakes. He ran a hand through his hair, letting out a sigh before knocking on the door.

Rinoa was finally alone to read. The others had gone out but the little girl was tired from some earlier work. She closed her book warily at the sound of the knock. Her heart pounded a little harder as she moved to the door and leaned against it, ready for battle. "Who goes?"

Squall leaned against the wall, giving a soft chuckle. "It's.. me. Do I have to guess a password, or are you going to let me in?"

A squeak came out and Rinoa tossed the door open, diving at Squall and wrapping her arms around his neck. She held tight a moment before realising what a bad move it was and dragged him inside to continue her assault.

Squall let out a soft sound at the hug, chuckling a little as he was dragged inside. "Careful, or you'll crush the cupcakes." He held up the paper bag for her to see.

"Oh my gosh, you brought me cupcakes?!" Rinoa was so excited, she bounced on her tiptoes, beaming at Squall.

Squall gave her a half-smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Why don't you open up the bag and see?"

Rinoa saw that the smile wasn't exactly as bright as it could've been but she took the bag and opened it, squeaking slightly at the contents. "Come and sit down! Tell me how you've been!" She moved back to her chair, curling her feet up under her. Her boots were nearby.

Squall took off his jacket and set it aside with his gunblade, before moving over to the chair to sit on the floor next to the chair arm, legs drawn up to his chest. "Me? I've been okay. I just thought I'd come see you, since it's always you coming to visit me."

"Yeah... but you don't seem too happy. What's wrong?" She asked as she bit into a cupcake, holding them out to Squall. The frosting rubbed off onto the tip of her nose but she just giggled and left it there.

Squall tilted his head back to look up at Rinoa, reaching up to wipe away the frosting gently with a soft smile, before taking one of the cupcakes and biting into it. "Nothing, I'm fine."

"You're so lying!" She giggled, going cross-eyed as Squall touched her nose. She pulled out one of the polystyrene cups and sniffed at it, grimacing at the coffee smell and handing it to Squall before getting the other out. "You can't lie to me, Squall. I know you too well."

Squall took the cup of thick, black, unsweetened coffee and removed the lid, taking a sip. "I'm not lying, I'm just a little out of sorts, that's all."

"Why?" She asked before sipping her hot chocolate. She was a little worried, knowing Squall was always overworking himself.

"A mission I just got back from. It was... draining." He said, staring into his coffee. "And the constant fear of war brewing."

She took a big gulp of chocolate and sighed softly. "There's always a war somewhere. If we become depressed because of that, no one will ever be happy." He wriggled a little in her chair, leaning down to be nearer his level. "What mission?"

"Hm? Oh..." He still kept his gaze fixed on the coffee. "It was a search mission. Had to track down some... materia."

"Materia. Mateeeria. Why would you need that? Is SeeD going to start using it?" She tilted her head slightly.

Squall shook his head. "No, I don't think we'll be introducing it to the students or SeeD's any time soon. It was something the... client required, so it's what we tracked down."

"Who was the client? And by 'we' I assume someone went with you. Who was it?" She wasn't trying to interrogate him. It'd just been so long that she wanted to know everything that he'd been up to.

"No one you know, he's not from around here." He took a sip of his coffee. "No other SeeDs accompanied me, just the client himself. He was a pretty good fighter."

"Really? What was his name? I might know him, y'know! I've been places!" She beamed, then stuffed the rest of her cupcake in her mouth.

Squall nibbled on his own, not really wanting it. He paused for a long moment. "... Balthier. His name was Balthier."

Rinoa's eyes widened. "No way! That pirate that has the bounty on his head! You met him?! What's he like??" She leaned really close, excitement sparkling in her eyes.

Squall chuckled dryly, drinking down the rest of his coffee. "He's... different. His cockiness matches Seifer's. Ad he is suave and charming. Intelligent, funny, open-minded. He knows how to live life to the fullest."

"Wow... anyone as cocky as Seifer has got to be cool." She giggled and swiped her finger over the frosting of Squall's cupcake, licking it off her digit. "You seem to like him, then?"

Squall shrugged and held his cupcake up slightly for Rinoa to attack. "Yeah, he was a nice guy. I felt like I could talk to him. Felt like I'd known him for years. But we finished the job and then went our separate ways."

"Mmm... it'll be a shame when you bring him in to be arrested then, huh?" She spoke as she repeatedly took the frosting from the cupcake.

Squall thrust his head back to look at her with wide eyes. "What?? I'm not cashing in on his bounty!"

"But a criminal that bad!! You can't leave him to walk free, stealing from innocent people for his selfish gain!" She squealed out, looking right back with eyes just as wide.

"He's not as bad as people make out. Besides... he doesn't steal from just anyone, only those who can afford it..."

"Oh, like that makes it any better! You're getting soft, Squall. You'd have taken him down in a second before!" She pouted slightly. "Unless it's him that's actually stopping you. Maybe you like him..." She sipped her hot chocolate.

Squall's jaw tensed. "Like I said... he's a nice guy. I just don't think his crimes are as bad as some that go unpunished. Besides... everyone deserves a second chance..."

"I guess. Wait... what did he need materia for?" She had a puzzled look on her face as she began picking at the cupcake now.

"To save his partner... his lover's life. She was sick. She would have died without it. He risked outting himself, risked getting caught to save her life."

Rinoa sighed dreamily. "Wow... that's so romantic. To think that he'd risk being apart from everyone, even being put to death, just to save her life." She giggled softly then leaned right down to press her nose to Squall's. "Would you do that for me?" Her tone became quite deadly then.

Squall rose an eyebrow and shifted his head to nip at Rinoa's nose. "I already did once. But yes, I would again."

She squeaked at that nip and lightly tugged Squall's hair. "You'd better." She gave him a cute face then stole his cupcake. "So, why did you really come here?"

"I told you. You're usually the one that does the visiting, so I thought I'd change that for once."

"You'd never do that normally! You'd need a reason to visit me." She stood up and moved across the room to put her book back on the shelf. "You'd only stop by if you needed me for a reason. That's how it always is. You come to me for a reason, I come to you for a visit."

Squall watched Rinoa, tilting his head a little. "Perhaps I just wanted to see you."

"That'll be the day." She teased, coming back to her chair. She brushed her fingers through his hair as she sat down. "So, tell me more. What did you do to get this materia?"

Squall leaned into the touch. "We ... um... liberated it from a guy."

"You fully stole it. His traits are rubbing off on you already?" She folded her arms on the arm of the chair and rested her chin on them.

"We did what we had to do to get the job done... that's all..." Squall replied with a huff.

Rinoa pouted slightly. "You really seem protective of him. Did you guys talk a lot?" She titled her head a little.

"Quite a lot. It was a long journey, we were talking most of the time."

"And at which point in this long journey did he seduce you?" She asked, getting up from her chair and moving to wash her hands after the sticky frosting.

Squall choked slightly. "What?! He didn't seduce me! He has a girlfriend!" He flushed.

"I'm not blind. And that reaction tells me exactly what I need to know." She shrugged a little. "I suppose I haven't got claim..."

Squall gritted his teeth. "You've no idea what you're talking about!"

"I know exactly what I'm talking about!" She replied at the same volume. She dried her hands then began cleaning things up, out of pure need to occupy her hands.

"There was no seducing! I don't know what is going on in your little mind, but there was no seducing, no romance. There was, however, a drunken grope in a sleazy hotel. Happy?" He half-hissed.

"Excuse me, but I thought there was something going on between us. And how dare you say I have a little mind!" She snapped, throwing a damp sponge at his head.

Squall caught the sponge and threw it back. "There is... was... I don't know!!" He growled.

She caught it and slammed it into the sink before throwing a dishcloth at him this time. "You're such a flake! You don't give a damn about anything!" She pouted angrily, her face flushed.

"That is not true!! Don't you even say that!" Squall wrung his hands together to stop himself punching something.

"Then don't say I have a little mind, stupid idiot!!" She stormed across the room and into another chair, away from Squall, tucking her knees up and burying her face in them.

Squall sighed and moved to sit on the chair arm beside Rinoa, reaching out to pet her head. "... I'm sorry, don't cry."

"Don't touch me." She snapped from her hiding place, jerking away from his hand. "I'm not a child."

Squall sighed again and cupped his hand over her cheek. "Come on, I'm sorry. Look at me."

"No." She pouted and actually let a few tears slip this time, hugging her knees tighter. "Don't touch me."

Squall pressed a soft kiss against Rinoa's head. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled. I just have a lot on my mind."

"Yeah, like dirty romps in hotels." She glared childishly at him. "And to think that you thought cupcakes would fix everything!"

Squall sighed. "It was a mistake. A drunken mistake. You kow I'm not a heavy drinker, I was out of it. The cupcakes weren't some quick fix, I just thought you'd like them, that's all."

"Well I didn't!" She lied, huffing and squirming to get away from him. "I also didn't like that your response to there being something between us was 'there is... was... I don't know'." She looked away to the floor.

"You know I'm no good at this romance stuff..."

"Damn right, I know it." She sighed heavily, rubbing at her eye. "At least I know why you're not going to turn him in. You're in love with him."

"Don't be foolish, I barely know the guy! I'm never even going to see him again. It was a drunken, stupid, one-night stand. That's all!" He flopped in the empty chair with a sigh.

"And if he turned up some time? If he said he wanted another night?" She looked at him almost blankly.

"It won't happen so why even consider the possibility?" He rubbed his temples. "I'm here aren't I? Doesn't that mean anything?"

"That you feel guilty and had to come see me to tell yourself you have a reason to not go running after him?" She crossed her arms.

"That's not true at all." He sighed and looked at Rinoa, before staring at the floor.

"Yeah. Sure." She got up and picked up the box of cupcakes, taking one out and moving to put the rest in the refrigerator. Once she had, she slipped her boots on. "I'm going for a walk."

Squall sighed. "You want me to come with you? Keep you company?"

"Do what you want." She bit into the cupcake, pulling the curtains aside slightly to see the weather.

He moved to pick up his jacket, slipping it on. "Is the town calm, or should I bring my blade?" He asked.

"Bring it, never know what we might run into." She frowned a little, picking up a cloak to put around her to keep warm.

Squall fixed his gunblade at his hip before looking at Rinoa, holding out his hand to her.

She looked at it and opened the door, stepping out first. She wasn't sure whether she'd take it just yet.

Squall gave her a soft look, wriggling his fingers slightly.

She puffed her cheeks out with a pout before taking it and tugging him out of the door, biting into the cupcake.

Squall gave her hand a gentle squeeze, walking beside her. "So... how have you been?"

"Fine." She replied, glancing around the town. She stuffed the cupcake into her mouth then used that free hand to twirl in her hair.

Squall gave a slight nod, watching his feet as he walked.

"Things have been pretty quiet around here. I... was actually thinking of coming to see you." She twirled a strand of hair tight around her finger.

"Heh. I guess I saved you the trouble, huh?" Squall kept his gaze on the floor, giving Rinoa's hand another squeeze.

"It would've still been nice to get away from here for a while. I'd like to have gone to Balamb for some time." She scuffed the floor with her boot.

"You could still do that..." Squall replied, tilting his head a little to look at Rinoa.

"Mm... I suppose." Her finger slipped from the hairloop she'd made and she looked at her fingers. "It'd be nice to get away."

"Everyone would be pleased to see you." He offered a gentle smle.

"Okay... but don't think this gets you off the hook, Leonhart." She squeezed his hand quite hard but offered a smile back.

Squall stopped, giving Rinoa a tug to pull her into his arms.

She sighed, resting her head on his chest and gripping the back of his jacket. She couldn't think of anything to say.

Squall held onto her gently, kissing the top of her head.

Rinoa nuzzled a little then looked up at him. "You're such a jerk sometimes... but I still love you."

Squall pressed a gentle kiss against Rinoa's lips. "I don't mean to be."

"I know you don't. You're just naturally gifted that way." She teased. She moved her hands to his chest and looked at them. "To Balamb then?"

Squall looked away. "I... there's a detour I want... no... need to make. And I don't think you'll be happy about it."

She tilted her head slightly. "Where do you need to go?" She scrunched her nose as she looked at his face.

Squall frowned, letting out a sigh. "I... need to see him... I need to visit Sei..."

Rinoa shook her head slightly. "I'm not going with you, then." She let go of him and turned to make her way back to the hideout.

Squall made a grab for her. "Rin... He's an important art of our lives, both of us have shared a special connection to him. We can't just abandon him..."

"You don't have to. I'm not going with you!" She made no attempt to pull away from him, however. She really wanted to see Seifer as well.

"Rin... People hate him for his part in the war. They turned their backs on him, I can't do that. I have to see him before... before I lose my heart to the darkness..."

"Lose your... Squall, are you that weak?" She looked at him, frowning. Rinoa shook her head with a sigh. "I'll go with you..."

Squall turned his head away. "I have to become one with the darkness... to sacrifice my heart. To save the king, and the world."

"That's bullshit." She swore, a rare thing for her to do. "Sacrificing yourself to the darkness is just going to throw us deeper into turmoil."

Squall sighed. "But... he said... he said it was the best way... to save everyone..."

"That's wrong!" She shouted. The few people around her looked over. Rinoa blushed, gripping Squall's t-shirt. "It's wrong, Squall. If you... become a heartless... the world... well, the world is fucked. Okay?"

"... Is that truly what you think? My head is all over the place. I don't know what to do anymore. I don't know where the truth lies. And it scares me, not being in control."

"Let me be in control, then." She kissed him softly. "I know that this world will not survive the heartless without you." She looked into his eyes honestly.

Squall pressed his forehead against Rinoa's, resting his lips against hers. "He comes to my dreams. He tells me to join him... no... begs, pleads with me to join him. He looks so small, so scared."

"He's a heartless, Squall. He's trying to confuse you. Listen to me." She kissed him a little more. "Believe me because I love you."

Squall sighed and kissed her back gently. "I shouldn't be landing all this on you."

"I want to help. I love you." She held a little tighter to him. "I'm... unfulfilled here. I need a new cause. This can be it!"

Squall smiled softly and cupped Rinoa's cheek, stealing another kiss.

"Let me help, Squall. I want to be useful to you." She looked up into his eyes. "Let me do this?"

"I don't want to put you in danger. But just, just make sure I keep hold of my sanity, okay?"

She nodded, slipping her hands down to hold his. "I will." She kissed him again. "Let's go see Seifer."

Squall gave her hands a gentle squeeze and kissed the tip of her nose before smiling soft with a nod.

Rinoa let Squall lead here, trusting him wholeheartedly, even after the forced out confession of a one-night stand.

Squall slipped his arms around her waist, giving her a gentle hug. "I do love you, you know?"

"Mm... I know. Just, I don't appeal to you as much as a pirate does." She chuckled, fiddling with her clothes.

Squall frowned. "I told you, it meant nothing."

"Alright." She smiled then fidgeted. "Well, how are we getting to wherever he is?"

"Seifer? Well we could take a train as far as possible and then walk the rest of the way?"

Rinoa shrugged a little, rubbing her eye slightly. "Lead the way." She grinned at him, but it was a tired smile.

"Perhaps we should rest first. Unless you're worried your friends won't let me kidnap you."

"They won't mind." She chuckled, hugging his arm. "Let's go now. I can sleep on the train."

Squall smiled and kissed her head. "Well... Do you want to pack anything or are you ready to leave?"

She smiled. "I've got nothing to really pack, have I?" She chuckled softly. "I'm ready to leave."

Squall laughed soft and kissed her cheek. "What about the mutt?" He teased.

Rinoa giggled. "The others will look after 'the mutt' as you so nicely put it." She pinched his side playfully.

Squall let out a soft squeak. "Fine, fine. Let's get going then." He replied, taking hold of her hand again.

She walked along, slightly behind him, allowing him to take the lead. She was just happy to have him around again.

Squall gave her hand a gentle squeeze as they walked towards the train station.

Rinoa squeezed back, walking along with him. She took a few more glances around as they moved then rummaged about in her pockets for the money for her train ticket.

Squall chuckled softly. "Don't worry about that, I'll sort out all the costs."

Rinoa nodded and stood with her hands clasped behind her back, looking around rather in her own little world.

Squall paid for the tickets before leading Rinoa to the SeeD cabin that most local trains had.

She simply followed after him, smiling softly. She was happy to be with him but that one-night stand was lingering in her mind.

Squall sat down - well more flopped than sat, letting out a loud groan.

"Something wrong?" She asked, sitting down beside him and looking really concerned.

Squall sighed and rubbed his eyes. "I'm fine, just tired I guess."

She nodded then yawned with a squeak. "Me too." She tucked her feet up and rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes.

Squall slipped his arm around her, resting his head against hers.

Rinoa yawned again then slowly started to drift to sleep on him, sighing softly as she did.

Squall drew soothing circles on her back, resting his own eyes.

Rinoa dropped to sleep, whimpering just slightly. She was still so very upset after hearing what Squall had done.

Squall frowned a little, pressing soft kisses to Rinoa's head lightly. "... Sorry I screwed up..." He whispered.

Rinoa stirred slightly at the sound of his voice. "What?" She asked tiredly, lifting her head.

"Nothing, go back to sleep, okay?" He replied, kissing her forehead.

She nodded a little and nuzzled his shoulder, mostly nuzzling the fur trim of his coat, closing her eyes to sleep again.

Squall moved his hand to stroke her hair softly, letting out a sigh.

Rinoa made soft noises to the petting, smiling softly at the scent of the man she loved.

Squall fought the urge to sleep, knowing they would reach their stop before long. He yawned, fighting to keep his eyes open.

Rinoa dreamt hardly anything, not really falling very deeply into slumber beside her man. She clung to his arm, shivering a little.

Squall held her tighter, giving her a gentle nudge. "Rin, hey wake up, we'll be at the train stop soon."

Rinoa squeaked, fidgeting and blinking her eyes slowly. "Up... I'm up." She chuckled softly, rubbing her eye.

Squall smiled soft and ran gloved fingers through her hair. "Want me to give you a piggyback ride when we get off the train? It's a long walk."

She laughed softly. "Yeah... and break your back? I don't think so." She chuckled, nuzzling into his hand.

"It's not like you're heavy. I don't mind if you're tired."

She grinned, nodding. "Okay!" She said happily, hugging his arm.

Squall laughed soft, yet he still seemed troubled.

Rinoa stroked his cheek, looking into his eyes. "You're so not in love with me anymore, are you?" She smiled softly.

"What makes you say that?" He replied, looking back at her, resting his hand on top of hers.

She smiled softly. "I can just tell." She kissed his cheek. "If you want someone else, I won't hold you back." She shifted away then, sat nearby but not right against him. "You get off at the stop. I'll carry on until it takes me back."

Squall frowned a little, shifting to kneel in front of her. "Rin... I do love you. I probably always will." He rested his chin on her knee. "I know I'm not the kind of guy you need... I know I don't make you happy and look after you like I should, but I do love you. Besides, I'm your knight."

She smiled, leaning down to kiss him softly. "Knights aren't supposed to marry the princess. She's supposed to find a prince... and you're supposed to marry another knight. Or... a pirate." She frowned slightly then.

Squall returned the kiss tenderly. "Rin... Balthier and I... it was nothing, just a drunken mistake. Nothing more."

Rinoa put her hands on his face, looking into his eyes. "Then why do you look so put out whenever he's mentioned?"

"I don't. Look, it was just one of those things. I'm not proud of it. I've never been the kind of guy to sleep around and I don't intend to start." He rested his hands on top of hers.

"Then go and find your pirate, knight. I'm stopping on this train." She pulled her hands away, smiling cheerfully, even if it was fake.

Squall frowned. "Even if I wanted to, which I don't, there's no point. I'm nothing to him." He sighed soft. "Rin, I came to Timber, to you, because I wanted to."

She laughed softly. "Well, you won't have to anymore. Sure, we can be friends, and if you need my help with anything, I'm there." She chuckled again. "Go tell him you love him. Or Seifer. Maybe he'll love you."

"I'm your knight, I can't just abandon you, it's my duty to protect you. And I do love you."

"No." She pouted folding her arms. She wasn't saying no to anything in particular, just dismissing everything.

Squall sighed and poked her nose gently with his finger. "I'll always love you."

She swatted at his hand. "Stupid." She huffed, bending her knees up and folding her arms on them. The train came to a stop and she looked out the window. "Go on, then. Go find him."

Squall stood and let out a sigh, looking at Rinoa almost sadly. "Rin..."

"Squall... what do you expect? For me to be okay with everything? I don't want to see Seifer... and I don't want to see you right now."

He frowned a little, furrowing his brow. "But... in Timber... you seemed excited..."

"What? When you said about coming to see him or when you first arrived?" She frowned, looking at him.

"Well... both." He replied, scuffing his boot against the floor.

"When you first arrived, I thought you were still my trustworthy Squall." She squirmed slightly. "And I was trying to be okay with everything when you mentioned Seifer... I can't just be okay with everything all the time anymore."

Squall frowned a little. "I'm still the same person I always was..."

"Except now you sleep with pirates in hotels rather than your supposed girlfriend."

Squall gave an annoyed growl. "It was one time, one stupid time!" He thrust his fist into the wall of the train. "It was a mistake!!"

"Yet your eyes sparkle every time his name is mentioned! You blush!" She stood up and stormed off the train, not caring where she was getting off at.

Squall growled and followed. "That is not true!! It meant nothing! He means nothing!!"

She stopped and turned to look at him. "Balthier. Balthier." She said, looking into those eyes. "You had sex with Balthier."

Squall turned away. "Stop it! What are you trying to achieve?!"

"The truth! I want to know what makes you so damn in love with a man you hardly know! And don't tell me you're not, I can see it in your face!!"

Squall growled. "I'm not in love with him!! I don't even know him! Not properly!!"

Rinoa scoffed slightly. "You don't know him, yet you'll sleep with him?! Great morals there, Squall!"

"I was drunk! I am young! I'm entitled to make mistakes; it's what being a teenager is all about, isn't it? Or did people just forget that since I'm Commander of Garden, that I'm still a kid deep down!"

Rinoa paused. She sighed softly, looking down. "I'm sorry... I guess I did forget that because of that reason." She took one of his hands and squeezed it. "You've still got to understand how hurt I am..."

Squall sighed. "I know, and I'm sorry, and I know if it was the other way around I'd be hurt too." He squeezed back softly.

She leaned up and kissed him softly. "Let's go and see Seifer. I might change my mind about not wanting to once I see him."

Squall returned the soft kiss. "That's if he's still here..."

She chuckled softly, walking with Squall. "Where is he supposed to be?"

Squall pointed towards the large town situated on the bridge in the distance. "Fisherman's Horizon."

She looked over then smirked. "Race ya." She the released his hand and began running towards the town.

"I thought you were tired?!" He called after her, letting out a sigh before jogging after her.

She giggled. "Second wind!" She called back, running a little faster. She was, deep down, excited to see Seifer.

Squall speeded up from a slow fog to a sprint to catch her up.

She squeaked slightly, taking a deep breath to run as fast as she could. She was going to fall if she wasn't careful now.

Squall sighed and stopped, casting a Slow spell over Rinoa so he could easily catch up.

She stopped, feeling the spell slow her down. "Cheater!" She cast Haste on herself and began running again, skidding to stop once she reached the town.

Squall sighed and cast Haste on himself, running over to her before coming to a stop. "Looks like you still won."

Rinoa put her arms up in the air, grinning. "That's because I'm awesome~!" She giggled then hugged into him.

Balthier was stood waiting for Fran. She'd just stepped away a moment, she didn't say why, but he whistled to himself as he waited.

Squall pushed her away playfully. Pausing when he caught the sound of the whistle. He looked about him quickly to see where it was coming from, to check it wasn't a threat. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the source of the sound, a soft squeak escaping him.

Rinoa looked around, frowning and preparing for battle. "What is it? Are we gonna have to kick butt?" She clenched her fists.

Balthier sighed softly, turning around to see if Fran was on her way back. As he did, he saw Squall and his heart stopped for a moment. He laughed a near-silent laugh, putting one hand in his pocket and the other raising to half-wave.

"No, no need for any fighting." Squall replied. "Not a hostile situation. Just a civilian." Squall raised his hand slightly to return the wave, offering a half-smile.

Fran returned a few moments later carrying some seemingly scrap metal pieces.

Rinoa relaxed, looking over at the man Squall waved to. "Who is that?" She was very intrigued. The man looked so very sophisticated.

Balthier smiled back to Squall then looked at Fran as she brought the metal pieces over. "What are those for?"

Squall frowned and stared at his feet. "No one in particular." He replied. "Let's keep moving."

"There was a scrap merchants in town. I picked up a few supplies in case the Strahl needs repairs." Fran smiled a little and looked at Squall and then to Balthier. "You are not going to go over and speak with him?"

Rinoa shook her head. "No! I want to meet him, he looks fun!" She giggled and took hold of Squall's hand dragging him over. "Hello! Are you friends of Squall's?"

Balthier shook his head to Fran. "No, it's best not to." He picked up a piece of the metal but tensed at the sound of the squeaky, girly voice. It was nearly the same as Penelo's. It made him uneasy. "Um... you could say that."

Squall let out a groan, practically facepalming. Half-tempted to say 'this is the man I slept with' but the risk of Rinoa clawing them to death, or Fran clawing them to death made him reconsider. "How are you?" He asked, staring at the floor.

"The fates have other plans it seems." Fran whispered to Balthier, half-smirking. "We are acquaintances of Squall's." She spoke to Rinoa.

Rinoa smiled brightly. "I am Rinoa, Squall's... sort of girlfriend-but-he's-not-willing-to-marry-me person." She giggled a little. "And what are your names?"

Balthier looked at Fran with a half-glare before looking to Squall. "We're both fine. It seems you are, too." He turned the metal in his fingers. "Now, let us part ways." He turned to walk away then.

Squall facepalmed again. He let out a heavy sigh. "... Take care of yourselves." He murmured, before turning to walk away as well. "Come on, Rin."

Fran looked at Rinoa. "Such a long introduction, simply Rinoa would have done, would it not? Unless you have some posessiveness over your hume?" She smiled then. "I am Fran."

Rinoa chuckled again. "No, he does what he wants... hume... that's an odd word. Are you from a far away place?" She wouldn't mention the fact that Fran's ears were truly a wonderous sight.

Balthier almost squirmed, looking at Squall a moment. "I think I'm going to take a walk." He stepped away then, headed to walk away from everyone.

Squall wanted to follow terribly, instead he followed his arms across his chest and kicked at the ground with his boot silently.

Fran smiled a little more. "Originally I come from a place known as the Eruyt Village hidden deep within a wood far from here, but it has been so long since I left. Since then, I have roamed the skies going wherever the wind takes me."

Rinoa gasped in amazement. "Oooh!" She smiled widely then. "Squally, go walk with your friend. I'm alright here. We'll go see Seifer in a minute!" She beamed at Fran. "I don't mean to be rude... but are you... you're a Viera, aren't you?"

Balthier made a hand gesture to Squall, letting him come along, but never once looking at Fran when he did this.

Squall rolled his eyes and walked over to Balthier, falling in step with him, but keeping his eyes fixed firmly on the floor.

"I am. You have heard of my people? Well... those who were once my people. I am an outcast to them." Fran replied.

Rinoa gasped softly. "Wow... yes, your people... or those who were your people, you're beings of legend. I never thought I'd ever meet a Viera." She giggled a little. "Have you done something bad, to make them cast you out? ...I'm asking too much." She blushed, looking away.

Balthier still had a piece of metal with him and he twirled it in his fingers. "So, are you stalking me?" He smirked slightly, hoping it would get Squall to relax. Or at least to talk.

Fran smiled once more. "It is fine. It is no secret. I left the wood. My home. In search of freedom. In doing so, I became Viera no more. Viera must never leave the wood, it is the green word."

Squall gave a soft growl under his breath. "You're the one doing the stalking! What are yo doing here?" He hissed just loud enough for Balthier to hear.

Rinoa nodded, looking up at Fran with wide eyes and a stupid smile. "Wow... that's so very brave of you to go against your people. The green word... what is that?"

Balthier chuckled. "Down boy. I'm only joking." He slipped the metal into his pocket and folded his arms. "Fran and I were just... pirating. It's a lot easier to do so around these parts. No one knows our faces... or so we thought."

"It is the laws by which the Viera live by. The word of the wood. They listen to her call. My ears can no longer hear the green word."

Squall frowned and looked away. "You're not far from Balamb. By air at least. Sorry. We didn't know you'd be here, we were going to visit someone..."

Rinoa nodded slightly. "Are you... unhappy about not being able to hear it?" The young girl was curious and nosy.

Balthier sighed softly. "I didn't know. Fran chose the destination, random co-ordinates supposedly." He stretched slightly. "Are you... alright?"

"Sometimes. But I am happy with my life. I have my partners and the sky." Fran smiled again. "So tell me about you."

Squall shrugged and kept his gaze away from Balthier. "Yeah. I'm fine." He sighed a little. "Hey, Fran looks well, the materia worked, huh? I'm glad."

Rinoa was too private to explain about her. "Nothing much to say. I met Squall a long while ago... we've been sort of dating... he's all that really matters to me. I'm still trying to find my 'cause'. Y'know?"

Balthier nodded, turning down an alley just to get away from walking down one straight road. "Yes... if it wasn't for Nono, we'd still be trying to figure the damn things out." He sighed, stopping a moment and covering his eyes. He wanted to say something but knew how wrong it'd be to do so.

"Sort of dating?" Fran asked, tilting her head. "You are in love with each other, yes?"

Squall smiled a little. "He really is a clever little guy." He shoved his hands in his jacket pocket, shifting uneasily, unsure what to say.

"Yeah... well, I love him... and he says he loves me but... his heart is somewhere else." She looked down to the floor, clasping her hands together behind her back.

Balthier leaned against the wall, rubbing at his eye. "About what happened... I shouldn't have left so quickly."

Fran kept watching Rinoa. "With another? Has he said so? Or do you just guess?"

Squall gave a shrug of his shoulders. "Forget about it, you had to get back to Fran and I... well I had to get back to..." He sighed. "It was a drunken mistake, don't worry about it."

Rinoa fidgeted slightly. "He slept with another person... and even the mention of this person's name makes him blush and his eyes sparkle. I haven't seen that sparkle in a long time."

Balthier put his hand on Squall's shoulder. "It was still rude of me... part... part of me didn't want to leave at all." He spoke quietly and honestly.

Fran shifted a little. "Oh? Well that doesn't mean his heart isn't with you too. My partner... he... he isn't very good at being faithful, yet I know deep down he loves me."

Squall bit his lip and turned his face away. "Don't..."

She nodded slightly. "I know he loves me. It doesn't mean he's in love with me." She squirmed slightly on the spot. "Is he the man that Squall just went away with?"

Balthier moved his hand to tilt Squall's chin up. "I'm sorry. I... I don't know what I'm supposed to do." His confidence was crumbling.

Fran nodded and looked towards the direction the to hume males left in. "That is him."

Squall could feel tears pricking at his eyes. He reached up to stroke Balthier's cheek. "That one's easy. You go with Fran and you put all this behind you."

Rinoa sighed softly, almost dreamily. "He's very attractive. You're a lucky lady." She gestured to the metal pieces. "What are those for?"

Balthier leaned into the touched, half-closing his eyes. "I can't put this behind me. I've had a lot of one-night stands... but this one has... it's just..."

Fran chuckled softly. "Yes, he is rather handsome as far as humes go." She looked over the metal scrap. "These? They are in case we need repairs for our airship."

Tears rolled down Squall's cheeks. "Don't say any more or I won't be able to let go. You have Fran, and she's an amazing woman, you love her and she loves you. That's all there is to it."

Rinoa grinned. "An airship? What is it like? Does it fly fast?" She was oddly excited to know.

Balthier wiped the tears away, lifting Squall's chin to look into his eyes. "Of course I love her... but there's something about you... I can't just forget you, Squall."

"She is a beautful sight, and she fles like a dream. We call her the Strahl."

Squall closed his eyes. "Then just forget the sex and all this mess..."

"Wow! That's such a pretty name! I'd love to see her, if you'd let me?" She beamed at Fran.

Balthier leaned down, pressing kisses to Squall's cheek and stroking his hair lightly. "I'm sorry... I just can't do that."

"Of course. Would you like to go now? Or do you wish to wait for the boys?" Fran asked warmly.

Squall couldn't stop more tears escaping. His hands gripped Balthier's arms as the light sobs escaped him. "...Don't... I don't think I can handle it... I won't be able to watch you walk away again..."

Rinoa nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Your boyfriend can bring Squall along later. Besides, I don't... really want to go where we're headed." She chuckled, beaming up at Fran.

"I am so sorry, Squall. I just can't walk away from you again, either." He tilted the teen's chin up and kissed him softly. "I know how wrong this is... but..."

"Oh?" Fran asked, tilting her head. "Someone you don't wish to see?" She asked, turning on her heel to walk back towards the Strahl.

Squall kissed back, his hands trembling against Balthier's arms, his breathing hitching in his throat. "You... you can't do this to Fran, it's not fair on her..."

"Yeah... an old friend of ours. I just think it'd be way too awkward. Especially since he's my first and Squall has a thing for him, too." She chuckled, walking along beside Fran, practically jogging to keep with her.

Balthier closed his eyes, holding back tears of his own. "I know that... I know... don't you think I feel guilty? I just can't leave and forget you." His breathing shook as he kept his lips near Squall's.

"Squall's heart has many links it seems. I do not think he means to hurt anyone. His soul seems gentle. A little lost perhaps, searching for answers, trying to please too many people at once." Fran replied, slowing her pace slightly.

Squall took Balthier's face in his hands, wiping away those tears. "You have to, there is no other way. Don't risk losing her for me. you barely know me..."

Rinoa nodded a little. "He's the flakey kind. He can't tie himself down because he's too ready to change for someone else. It makes me mad sometimes, but I have to put up with it." She chuckled softly.

"I know enough. I know that... you've dug your way into my heart." He put his hands on Squall's face and kissed him again. His guilt was burning at him but his will to be closer to this man was too strong.

"He seems driven by the desire to fix everything for everyone all of the time. He tries to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. If he isn't careful, he will crumble." Fran warned, leading Rinoa up to an empty space. She turned off the invisibility shield on the Strahl, revealing the beautiful ship.

Squall kissed back, wrapping his arms around Balthier's neck, clinging to him as he kissed him, small kisses over and over again.

"Yes... woah." She had been about to reply to Fran but the sight of that ship appearing made her tremble. "That's incredible..." She walked closer, slowly, staring up at it.

Balthier held Squall around his waist, kissing back just as continually. "Mn... Squall..." He pressed the tean gently against the wall, nipping his lip lightly.

"This... is the Strahl." Fran said proudly, opening the door and walking on board. "Coming?" She called to Rinoa.

Squall panted softly, lips slightly swollen, tear stained eyes fixed on Balthier. "We shouldn't be doing this..." He breathed out.

She nodded excitedly, rushing along behind Fran and looking around with wide eyes. "This is unbelievable!" She looked so excited.

Balthier also panted softly, his eyes on Squall's. "I know." He caught Squall's lips again, holding him close. "I thought it was just the alcohol... it wasn't."

Fran laughed softly and set the metal pieces aside. "She is a rather fascinating ship, is she not?" She led Rinoa to the cockpit.

Squall leaned into Balthier's chest. "You have to tell yourself it was. We can't do this. It'll either hurt someone, or the guilt will drive us insane." He kissed Balthier firmly. "Go and be happy, okay?"

Rinoa nodded again. "She's far more classy than the ones I've seen. She has character." Her eyes widened at all the buttons and levers and switches. "Woah..."

Balthier frowned, resting his forehead on Squall's shoulder. "I won't ever be truly happy, knowing I won't ever have you with me." He sighed softly. "I've never been so pathetic after sleeping with one person." He laughed softly.

Fran moved to sit in her own seat. "She is rather easy to fly when one knows how."

Squall ran his fingers through the man's blonde hair, stealing another soft kiss. "I'll always be with you, in your heart. And for the record, I've never fallen so hopelessly in love so quickly before." He stroked Balthier's cheek tenderly. "You know it's for the best..."

Rinoa stood by her seat, looking at all the buttons. She saw a big shiny red one and half reached for it. "What is that one for?"

"Yes... but when you say you're hopelessly in love... I can't go. I can't leave you, Squall." He looked weakly at his one-time lover. "I can't just walk away."

Fran gave Rinoa a stern look. "It will destroy the entire world if you press it." It was hard to tell whether she was joking or not.

Squall once more cupped Balthier's face. "You have to, there is no other choice. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."

Rinoa squeaked almost jumping back and slipping behind Fran's chair as if the button was going to eat her. "Why would you have a bad button like that?!"

Balthier frowned, looking rather childish. "I'll come and see you. I promise." He kissed Squall softly on his forehead. "I refuse to just let you go."

Fran laughed softly. "It won't really destroy the world. But I still d not suggest pressing it."

Squall leaned in to press a firm kiss to Balthier's lips, nipping lightly. "As friends."

Rinoa exhaled and shuddered slightly. "That was a mean joke... what does it really do then?" She moved to sit in a seat, not realising it was the captain chair.

Balthier sighed softly. "If that's what you want to call it." He turned away then, heading back to where he assumed Fran'd be.

"It activates the ship." Fran rose an eyebrow as Rinoa sat in Balthier's chair, but said nothing. "Everything is controlled from the panels in this room."

Squall sighed soft, sliding down the wall to sit rather than following Balthier, burying his head in his hands.

Rinoa nodded a little, looking at all the controls. "Everything? Wow... the airships I've seen are so much more basic than this."

Balthier turned a moment, to speak to Squall, assuming he'd be coming too. When he didn't see him, he groaned and rushed back, dropping to his knees in front of Squall and holding him close.

"She is a true beauty. She gives us such freedom. And Nono and I keep her in top condition."

Squall buried his head in the crook of Balthier's neck instantly, clinging to him.

She tilted her head slightly. "Nono? Who... that can't be your boyfriend's name..." She giggled slightly, covering her mouth.

Balthier held Squall tightly. "I'm sorry, love. I know I'm being selfish. It's just the way I am... and I refuse to leave you." His voice was soft as he murmured in the teen's ear.

"No, it is not. It is the name of our love-child." Fran teased, calling for the small moogle.

Squall clung tighter, rocking lightly in the pirate’s arms. "We... should go back to the girls."

"Love child?!" She gasped, perking up slightly. "You lave a child alone on an airship?!"

Nono rushed in at Fran's voice, a bit dusty and oily from having been doing the regular checks on the Strahl's engines. "Ah?"

Balthier kissed Squall's cheek softly. "We'll wait until we're both in better states, hm?"

Fran laughed softly. "Rinoa, this is Nono. Nono, this is Rinoa, Squall's lover." She got up from her seat and moved over to the moogle. "Look at you." She rubbed his pompom lightly. "Is she working fine?"

Squall closed his eyes and snuggled into Balthier's embrace. "I'm sorry."

Rinoa looked oddly surprised that it was a moogle and not actually a love-child. "Nono... a moogle. Ah... hello, Nono!"

Nono nodded at Fran then waved at Rinoa. "A little oily... I fixed it." He squeaked happily, holding up his spanner.

Balthier kissed Squall's face gently and repeatedly. "Don't be sorry. I'm the one to blame for all this." He sighed slightly. "I... want you so much that I can't help but ignore the guilt."

Fran laughed and picked Nono up to kiss his nose. "My clever little moogle. You go wash up now, before that oil stains your fur." She turned her attention to Rinoa. "He is so smart."

Squall leaned into the kisses, returned them despite the fact his mind was screaming at him for being an idiot. He looped his arms around Balthier and pulled him into a firmer kiss.

Rinoa nodded slightly. "He's very... different to the moogles we have. Much more advanced than any moogle I've ever seen."

Nono, by this point, had already rushed off to go and clean up.

Balthier made a slight noise to the kiss, his hands holding Squall around the waist. He nipped at the teen's lower lip then slipped his tongue between his lips.

Fran smiled a little. "Squall seemed surprised by him too. He is like most moogles from where we come from. He is just more special to us than any other."

Squall moaned softly into the kiss, circling his tongue around Balthier's, holding onto him firmer.

"He's very cute! I bet it's nice to have a little family. It's almost like a family home onboard this ship, rather than just transport." She smiled softly.

Balthier kissed back, his tongue moving against Squall's. After a moment or two, he pulled away to look at the younger male, slightly breathless. "I think I'm falling in love with you, too..."

Fran nodded. "We think of the Strahl as home, and Nono is very much a part of our family. Just the three of us."

Squall was flushed, eyes half-lidded. He cupped Balthier's cheek, bruching his thumb over the other's lips. "Don't love me, it'll only end in heartache."

Rinoa smiled softly, tucking her hair behind her ears. "That's what I want with Squall, one day. The two of us to have our own family." She sighed slightly. "But as long as there's threat of war, that will never happen."

Balthier kissed Squall's thumb softly. "No... I mean, I know that... but I can't stop what my heart decides. I learned that years ago."

"He wishes for peace, I am sure things will work out for the best. The fates will see to it."

Squall leaned in to kiss Balthier again, before leaning back against the wall.

Rinoa smiled. "The fates, huh?" She chuckled softly. "Hey... maybe we should go get them. They've been gone a long time..."

Balthier slumped down more, looking at Squall with a soft laugh. "We're such pathetic boyfriends..." He shook his head.

Fran tilted her head for a moment, silently, before nodding. "Perhaps we should. Maybe they got lost..."

Squall slipped his hands into Balthier's. "We are. We don't deserve such great girls." He paused a little. "So... what do you think to Rinoa now you've seen her?"

Rinoa chuckled. "Knowing Squall, when he gets talking, he just walks then looks up and is all 'oh... where am I?'" She laughed, getting up and heading to the door.

"She's pretty... I see what you mean about that voice though." He chuckled, looking down at the hands holding his.

Fran got up to follow, giving a light laugh.

Squall smiled and kept hold of Balthier's hand, giving a light squeeze. he closed his eyes and rested his head against the wall.

Rinoa began to lead Fran back into the town, heading in the direction the two males went. "Is your boyfriend better at keeping his bearings? I'd assume, since you have an airship and all..."

Balthier stood up, pulling Squall onto his feet. "Come, we should head back." He smiled, ruffling Squall's hair.

"He often gets distracted by shiny things of interest." Fran commented as she walked.

Squall took the chance to steal one last snuggle, leaning up to kiss Balthier's jaw. "We should."

She giggled, skipping slightly as she walked. "Sounds like he's kinda fickle. Does he just wander a lot?"

Balthier smiled, kissing Squall's cheek before moving to walk out of the alleyway. "Shall we?" He smiled, gesturing to the way they were supposed to head.

"Not always. When his mind is set on something, nothing can distract him. He truly is a wonderful partner."

Squall smiled slightly, following Balthier out of the alleyway.

Rinoa chuckled softly. "Well, I suppose him being headstrong is a good thing... and a bad thing." She smiled a little.

Balthier slipped his hands into his pockets and began walking. As he saw the two women headed their way he tensed slightly. "What beautiful women, coming to rescue me from the evil that is Leonhart!" He teased Squall, loud enough for the girls to hear.

Fran smiled and looked up, raising an eyebrow to Balthier. "What makes you think we are here to rescue you good sir? We were hoping to see the bloodshed."

Squall furrowed his brow, elbowing Balthier lightly.

Balthier raised his gun and aimed it at Fran, smirking. "That can be arranged, Viera." He chuckled softly.

Rinoa squeaked at that, rushing to hug Squall tightly, burrying her face in his shoulder.

Squall let out a squeak of his own as he was grabbed, wrapping his arm around Rinoa loosely. "They won't really kill each other..."

Fran moved closer to Balthier, resting her hand against the gun, pushing it aside to lean in and steal a kiss.

Rinoa lifted her head then let out an 'aww' at the sight of them kissing, hugging Squall a little looser but nuzzling his shoulder.

Balthier kissed back, chuckling softly. He pulled back and hooked his arm around her waist. "You can't escape death that way forever, I hope you know."

Squall kept his loose hold of her, forcing a smile. "We should get going."

Fran poked Balthier's nose. "But by the time it stops working, you'll be too old to kill me anyway, Hume." She turned her attention to the young couple. "Look after each other."

Rinoa smiled, nodding. "We'll keep an eye on the sky! Drop by some time; we're usually around these parts. More often in Balamb..."

Balthier smiled, reaching a hand out to Squall. "See you around, Leonhart." His smile faltered at that.

Squall let go of Rinoa to take Balthier's hand, giving it a shake, letting his touch linger a little more than necessary. "Keep in touch, Pirate." He let his fingers fall away, keeping his eyes fixed on Balthier's.

Fran nodded and smiled. "We will visit some time. We wish to learn more about these places." She rested her arm on Balthier's gently. "Come on."

Rinoa saw the linger in the shake, frowning slightly but not saying a word.

Balthier nodded a little. "I will." He turned to Fran then, smiling at her. "Off to see what else we can dig up, hm?" He looked back at Squall then turned away with Fran, slinging his gun over his shoulder.

Fran smiled and kept hold of Balthier's arm reassuringly. "Of course, is that not what we do best?" She teased as they started to walk away.

Squall watched them for a few moments longer before turning the other way, holding out his hand towards Rinoa.

Balthier smiled a little more. "That, of course, is correct." He glanced at the floor a moment before smirking. "Last one to the Strahl has to be the distraction on our next heist!" He then ran off, towards his pride and joy.

Rinoa took his hand, putting her other hand on his arm. "That was him, wasn't it?"

Fran ran after him, her long legs meaning she could easily catch up. "Cheat. You got a head start, so I win by default!"

Squall frowned a little and sighed. "Yeah... But we didn't do anything, we were just talking..."

Balthier laughed. "Since when were there rules?"

"And now I know you're lying because you felt you had to say that." She huffed slightly.

Fran smiled bright. "Since I just made them."

Squall sighed. "We didn't do anything! We just sat and talked!"

"Wench." He teased, slowing to just walk beside her, taking hold of her hand.

She shook her head a little. "Not even a kiss?" She stopped, turning to brush her fingers over his lips. "They look a little swollen..."

Fran gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "I half expected you not to come back, you know?"

"I think they may be chapped, too much wind and cold weather."

Balthier shook his head slightly. "I'll always come back, Fran." He frowned, looking up at the big ship.

"You kissed. I know what your lips are like after you've been kissing, Squall." She huffed, squeezing his hand slightly.

"You know I wouldn't hold it against you if you went to him, right? I do not wish to make you unhappy. I would let you go if it was your wish." Fran replied, offering him a gentle smile.

Squall squirmed a little. "Fine. We kissed. But it was only once. It was... a goodbye kiss."

"What good would that do me? Following a teen around for the rest of my life? It's as good as marrying Vaan." He laughed, dismissing it verbally, but deep down, wishing she hadn't said it.

"Pfftt... yeah. Whatever, let's go find Seifer." She shrugged a little.

Fran chuckled softly. "He won't always be a teen." She pressed a soft kiss against his cheek before moving onto the Strahl.

Squall's shoulders drooped. He let out a sigh and walked, once more watching his feet.

"I am not marrying Vaan." He replied, refusing to take in that fact and stomping childishly to his seat. "I say... we go to Bhujerba. We haven't seen the little prince in a while."

Rinoa walked along silently, actually wishing she could crawl away right now.

Fran rolled her eyes. "You know very well that I wasn't referring to Vaan." She smiled then, moving to her seat. "Bhujerba it is."

Squall walked beside her, just as silent, save for the occasional sigh.