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Jan. 27th, 2009 08:15 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
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Who: Balthier, Fran, Vaan, Vayne, Squall
When: After the ‘break-up’
Where: Dalmasca Estersands
What: Taking revenge on Vayne
Rating: NC-17
Fran walked towards the entrance of the infamous House Solidor. Her heart was heavy, and she was more than a little nervous. She carried the letter written by Balthier explaining that he loved her as a friend but nothing more. She was unarmed and only wearing her usual armour. So far she had avoided being taken down by Imperials and simply imprisoned.
Vayne was seated in his office. Well, Larsa's office. He had the boy imprisoned in his room and had been careful to ensure only two Judges knew he was there. Mostly at his fullest health, he had seen the almost-hanging of Balthier from his window. It sickened him to see the people of Archades so against the execution. Not wishing for any disturbances, he had ordered all guards and judges to keep away from his office unless called upon.
Fran entered House Solidor with relative ease. it was almost too easy. She made her way to the office that Larsa had once occupied. She took a deep breath, before knocking on the door.
The knock startled him and he glanced to the door. "I asked to be left alone. I suggest you, whoever you are, turn around and rethink your decision." He called out.
Fran tried the door to see if it was unlocked. "You act as though you do not wish for information of the prodigal Bunansa son."
Vayne raised an eyebrow and pressed a button to unlock the door. "Enter." He replied simply, sitting up in his chair and holding back any smirk he had.
Fran entered, closing the door behind herself, walking towards Vayne's desk with her head bowed.
"The Viera pirate. She who rescued the godless thief by diving from a window." He crossed his arms. "What a foolish girl you are."
She mimicked him, folding her arms in the same way. "It gave the city folk something to talk about, did it not?"
"That it did." He leaned forward on his desk, watching her. "What manner of information could his Viera lover bring that would interest me?"
"Ex lover." Fran corrected, moving closer to the desk to rest her hands flat on it's surface. "I know where to find him."
"Well, most certainly. You are partners. But... ex lover you say? Did he finally leave you for a Hume girl?" He smirked, looking her in the eye.
Fran let out a growl, tossing the letter onto the desk in front of Vayne. "Why not see for yourself."
Vayne picked up the letter and scanned it over, letting out a dark chuckle. "A Hume boy? Oh dear... just friends. Could it be that he broke your icy heart, Viera?"
"My reasons are my own! Take your delight in our break up else where." She huffed, once more folding her arms across her chest. "Do you or do you not want the information I have?"
"For what price? I know this is not simply revenge." He rested back in his chair, watching the woman with sharp eyes.
"Wipe clean the bounty on my head. I wish to be sky pirate no more. With such a bounty on my head I shall never be rid of my past." She moved to sit on the edge of Vayne's desk, looking at him.
"So. Your bounty vanishes... and I get the rapist pirate on the gallows until he's finished? You truly have taken a break up so bad?" He tilted his head.
"For close to a decade I have stayed ever faithful by his side. I have picked up the pieces of his broken heart and put them back together. I have seen him lie, cheat and steal his way to riches. I have risked life and limb for him. And this is how he repays me."
Vayne watched her for a long moment. His eyes cold and his face like stone. "Where is he?" He finally asked, leaning forward.
"I shall take you to him. If he suspects something he shall go into hiding. If I am with you, he will come."
"No doubt I need to come alone? Foolish Viera. I see through your plot." He chuckled, resting back in his chair.
"You think I would walk up to your door, into your office, risking being caught and killed by your Imperials. For the sake of a plot? I do not even have a weapon on me. Search me if you do not believe me."
Vayne smirked. "I shall take your word for it." He stood from his seat. "We shall take a fleet ship. A small runabout. No doubt you can pilot it?"
"I know your fleet ships well." Fran commented. "Balthier's death shall be slow and painful, I hope?"
"A short drop and a quick stop, as they say. Unless you'd prefer him to be hung, drawn and quartered?" He smirked, standing up and pulling on a black cloak. "This way, Viera."
Fran followed Vayne. "With his head mounted in the city center I trust."
Vayne chuckled darkly. "No doubt. And if this is a rouse, I will have yours alongside it." He smirked at her, pulling his hood up.
"There is no fear of that. By nightfall you shall have your rapist pirate." Fran replied.
Vayne nodded once then led her to a small Imperial fleet airship. It was small, big enough for only four people comfortably. He gestured to the controls then seated himself in the co-pilot's seat.
Fran moved to the controls, taking a long moment to familiarise herself with them. She took hold of the controls and started to pilot towards the Estersand.
Vayne sat silent, watching her as she pilotted. His instincts to trust had failed and he was exceedingly wary of her but he knew this may be his only chance to bring down Balthier.
She eyes searched the area she could see, an attempt to pick out the Strahl. She landed the fleet ship in a vast expanse of sand.
Vayne stood as they landed, picking up a rather large firearm and checking it to be sure it was in working order.
Balthier was sat on the steps to the Strahl, his gun in his hand and his eyes sharp. His usual cheerful attitude was all but gone and he sat silent.
The teen rested against the ship, leaning on his sword. He was afraid, sure, but he knew that this was the only chance they stood against the Empire.
Fran rose an eyebrow. "I doubt you'll be needing that. Come let us find you your pirate. I have one request. When the corpse is nothing more than sections. I wish for his jewellery. A bitter reminder of a wasted life, if you will."
Vayne chuckled. "As you wish. His jewellery and your freedom for his head on a spike." He nodded then stepped off the ship, walking onto the hot sand.
Fran gave a nod and followed him out onto the hot sand, scanning the area to pick out Balthier.
Vayne also scanned their surroundings; taking in the area to spot the pirate he despised so much.
Balthier stood from his seat and glanced around. "There." He murmured, looking in the direction of the airship his lover and their enemy had arrived on.
Vaan looked over. "Just him and Fran? No others?" He picked up his sword, tapping it against the Strahl to remove excess sand.
Fran rested her hand on Vayne's arms. "No sudden movements or he is likely to flee like the coward he is." She said firmly.
Vayne nodded once. "Lead on, Viera." He gestured to the open expanse, not making a step forward.
Fran gave a nod and started to walk ahead on Vayne towards where the Strahl was docked.
Vayne followed on, silently watching the ship in the distance.
Balthier led Vaan forward, towards where the Viera and that wicked Hume were. Surely this would be a trying battle.
"What happened to our rule of coming alone?" Fran said to Balthier, nodding towards the young blonde, her voice cold as ice.
"I could ask you the same, Viera." He replied in the same tone, gesturing to the cloaked man beside her. He hooked an arm around Vaan's neck. "The boy came to pay me a visit. Should he also sever ties with me because you cannot handle friendship?"
"Do not turn this around on me, Hume. You were the one who threw everything away in the name of lust. A mistake on your part you shall soon see."
Vayne lowered his hood at Fran's words, smirking at Balthier with cold eyes. "It is good to see you, rapist pirate."
Balthier faked shock, his eyes widening. "Fran... h-how? Why?!" He stepped back slightly, bumping into Vaan just a little.
Fran folded her arms across her chest. "You betrayed me and broke my heart, Hume." She looked at Vayne. "One pirate. As promised."
Vayne raised his weapon and aimed for Balthier. "Come along, prodigal son. You have another date with the gallows. One you shall not escape this time."
Balthier smirked at the ground a moment then raised his gun at Vayne. "You think I will go willingly? Hardly."
"Of course, things are never as easy as one would like to think." Fran replied, resting a hand on the small of Vayne's back, seemingly reassuring, before curling her claws dangerously against his spine.
Vayne's back straightened at the feel of those claws and his mind instantly told him how much of a fool he had been.
Balthier chuckled. "No, if things were as easy as we wanted them, you wouldn't even be here, Lord Vayne." Balthier gestured to Vaan.
The boy picked up a bow and quiver of arrows, tossing them to Fran before raising his sword. "You're finished, Vayne."
Fran took a step back, moving her claws away to pick up the offered weapons. "You really thought we would sit back and watch you destroy all of Ivalice? Destroy all of the world ??"
Vayne said nothing. Instead, he simply shot at Vaan, hitting the boy in the shoulder. "A warning." He stated.
Balthier frowned, not allowing himself to look at Vaan. "Inside. Now, Vaan." He ordered. His gun stayed raised at the eldest Solidor.
As he was hit, Vaan growled in pain, staggering back and gripping the wound. "No... I'm not backing down."
Fran readied an arrow, aiming at at Vayne. "Vaan. You heard Balthier. Inside! We do not need any more bloodshed than necessary!"
Vayne took a step back, aiming for Balthier's head. "One move and I shall kill him instantly." His tone was strong but it showed fear.
"If bloodshed is what he wishes, Fran, we cannot deny a dead man his last wish." He cocked his gun.
"I'm staying until the end. I won't let him defeat me so soon." Vaan raised his sword, stepping forward slightly.
"Brave words for a man surrounded." Fran commented to Vayne. "Balthier's bullet is the fastest in the land."
Overhead a massive red dragon shaped airship appeared, causing a huge shadow over the party below.
All three males turned their attentions to the sky, looking up at the ship. None of them knew for certain who, or what, was coming to join the gathering but Balthier had an underlying feeling that it was a good thing flying above them all.
An anchor chain flew down into the sand close to the group, moments later a figure slid down jumping the last few feet. "Sorry I'm late to the party. So. This is the man who's brains we intend to splatter?" It was Squall. Within seconds he had his gunblade coked and aimed at Vayne.
"Good to see you, Leonhart." Balthier smirked, keeping his gun on Vayne. "So, how shall we do this? A count to three then a free for all?"
Vaan chuckled. "I say we take it in turns to run him through." He smirked much like Balthier, keeping his sword raised, despite the blood pouring from his shoulder.
"You shan't get away with this. All of the Empire will be after each of you." Vayne was at his last end. He was certainly terrified.
"We'll take our chances with the Empire." Fran commented dryly. "I suggest we make his death as slow as possible. Painful too."
Squall chuckled at Balthier. "Couldn't leave you hanging, could I, Bunansa?"
Vayne took a few steps back. Unknown to all the Imperials, he had been filling himself with nethecite. He focused, his mind and body transforming. With all his might, Vayne transformed. He grew twice his size, his face contorting to that similar of a beast rather than a man. He truly became evil embodied.
Balthier sighed. "I knew this was too easy." With his gun raised he shot at the transformed Vayne, barely even harming him.
Vaan ran closer, slashing at Vayne's legs, desperately trying to cut him down.
Fran fired a barrage of arrows into the transformed beast. "Nethecite!" She hissed, most of the arrows bouncing straight off with no damage.
Squall fired at the beast. "Not as simple as I was expected, but we can do this! Teamwork, guys!"
"Oh dear lord, Leonhart is one of those upbeat types." Balthier joked, allowing his hand to take control and become completely trigger-happy.
Vaan laughed. "Come on! He's right! Teamwork!!" Vaan began casting thundega on Vayne, hoping it'd work.
The transformed Vayne laughed evilly. "Foolish beings! You cannot defeat me!!" He began to cast Demi on them all.
"Not upbeat. Realistic." Squall replied, sending a Silence spell Vayne's way, before diving at him with his blade, swiping at his legs.
Fran sent more arrows at Vayne, aiming at his throat.
Vayne stomped towards them, kicking at Squall before making a grab for Fran. As the arrows his this throat, he staggered back, growling in pain.
Balthier shot for the same place Fran had hit the beast with her arrows. Perhaps it was a weak spot.
The blonde teen was right beside the brunette one, slashing at Vayne's leg with pure brute force.
Fran took a jump back, creating more space between herself and the beast. She fired a flurry or arrows at that same spot, followed by a Firaga spell.
Squall made a run up Vayne's back, driving his blade into the other's spine, between his shoulderblades.
Vayne swiped his hand out, picking Vaan up and tossing the boy hard into the Strahl. Instantly, the teen was done. His limp body slid down, crumpling at the sand.
Balthier watched Vaan be finished and his anger took control of him. He began to fire violently at Vayne, not aiming for any place in particular, just shooting at the creature.
Fran dodged through the flurry of bullets and limbs, running over to Vaan, she knelt down, pulling the limp boy into her arms, casting a Raise spell.
Squall slashed and swiped at Vayne with his blade, slamming the blade into the beast's back once more, pulling the trigger.
At that, Vayne collapsed to his knees, yanking Squall from his back and tossing him in the same direction as Vaan.
With Vayne on his knees, Balthier picked up Vaan's sword in his right hand and ran at the beast. He stabbed the sword into the back of Vayne's neck then rammed his gun into the beast's mouth and unleashed his fury with a hail of bullets into Vayne.
Vaan took in breath as he was Raised, clinging to Fran with wide eyes as he saw Balthier's move on the creature.
Squall managed to cast a protect spell around himself, absorbing some of the impact. The collision with the Strahl was painful, hurting his neck and back, but it wasn't fatal.
Fran cradled Vaan, stroking his hair like a protective mother, holding him tight against her, eyes fixed on Balthier.
Vayne crumbled under Balthier's attack, falling down and quickly mutating back to his original Hume form. He shook and convulsed for a moment before finally dropping dead.
Balthier stood over him, covering in the man's blood and glaring darkly. Just to be sure, Balthier fired three more bullets into the back of Vayne's head.
Squall painfully pushed himself to his feet, moving over to Balthier with slow steps. He kicked Vayne's head, before looking at his one-time lover. "He's dead. It’s over."
Balthier shot once more. "He'd better be." He wiped his sleeve over his face; his eyes still dark and narrow. "I say we leave him out here for the beasts to devour him."
Squall rested his hand on top of Balthier's, easing the gun from the older man's grip.
Fran still cradled Vaan, rocking him gently. "Balthier. We have to think about Larsa."
Balthier simply let go of his gun, not caring if Squall took it or if it fell to the sand. "Larsa does not need to see the mess I made of his brother." He turned, heading up the steps into the Strahl.
Vaan struggled to his feet, attempting to follow Balthier onto the ship. "He still needs to know..."
Squall set the safety on the gun and moved towards the ship, holding out a hand to help Fran to her feet.
Fran nodded once. "Thank you for coming to aid us." She took his hand and walked onto the Strahl with him.
Balthier sat in his captain's seat, still drenched in blood. He sat silent, looking at the stains on his fingers.
Vaan didn't move closer, he waited until Fran was aboard then looked at her, frowning slightly. "Is he going to be okay?"
Fran gave a nod. "With time. Go bathe Vaan. Use a potion in the bath to ease your wounds." She kissed his cheek tenderly, before walking over to Balthier, sitting in her own chair. "Blood will always wash away. You did what you had to do. For you. For us. For the World."
Vaan slipped away to the bathroom, glancing at Squall as he did. Who was he? Why did he help them? How did he even know where they were?
Balthier said nothing at first, keeping his eyes on his hands. "Blood never washes away. It may fade but it is always there."
Fran took those bloodied hands in her own. "It is the blood of a monster. A fiend. No better than those we hunt down as marks."
Squall watched the pair, silent as he stood. "Perhaps I should leave you guys to it..."
Balthier shook his head slightly, turning to look at Squall with a sad glow to his eyes despite his smile. "How did you know, Squall?"
Squall offered Balthier a smile, resting his arms on the back of one of the empty chairs. "Fran contacted me."
Balthier frowned slightly, looking at her. "Odd. I thought you the last person to wish to speak to him." He rubbed his hands on his thighs, frowning at the blood.
Fran smiled soft and reached out to stroke Balthier's hair, getting to her feet. "I shall leave you two to talk."
Squall moved to sit down, wincing at the pain in his back.
Balthier watched Fran leave then glanced away, unsure of what to say to Squall. He felt awkward and confused when this teen was nearby.
Squall reached out, taking Balthier's hands in his own. "Don't let it eat away at your mind. Sometimes we have to do bad things for the sake of good." He kissed Balthier's bloodied hands softly.
Balthier slipped one away and stroked Squall's cheek lightly. "I've done enough bad things. Were I to let each of them eat at me, I would merely waste away."
Squall leaned in and kissed Balthier softly. "You may have done bad things, but you're not a bad person."
Balthier glanced down at the kiss. "Do not do this, Squall. You know how hard it was to walk away from each other last time..."
"I just want to take your pain away. I cannot stand to see you like this." Squall replied, resting his forehead against Balthier's.
Balthier ran one hand through Squall's hair, looking into his eyes. "You know of my feelings for you. Yet, I wish to remain faithful to Fran. Were you to kiss me again..." He stopped, leaning away slightly.
Squall leaned in more, pressing a firm kiss to Balthier's lips, before pulling away with a soft smile. "My airship's waiting. Keep in touch, pirate. Next time let's meet up when death isn't an outcome, okay?"
Balthier frowned a moment before regaining his composure. "You dare to leave without showing me your airship?" He smirked slightly.
Squall laughed soft and pushed himself to his feet painfully. "Come on then, if you wish to see her." He replied, holding out his hand.
Balthier took Squall's hand and pulled himself up, smiling at the teen. "Whilst we are over there, I am going to force you to have a potion." He commented, noting Squall's pain.
"Perhaps a backrub would be more use." He teased, stepping out intot he blazing sun, shielding his eyes with his free hand.
"You're asking for a lot, churl." He teased back, not fazed by the brightness of the sun, finding it a natural thing to be out in.
Squall walked across the sand towards the anchor chain of his own airship. "Well, here she is."
"You don't have a ladder?" He teased, recalling the same thing Squall had said upon seeing the Strahl. He smirked at the teen.
"I don't usually need to drop in on such occasions." He jumped up, taking hold of the chain, nodding his head. "Coming up? I'll give you the guided tour."
Balthier gave Squall a playful nudge. "I am. As soon as you get moving, that is." He smiled at him, gripping hold of the chain.
Squall pulled himself up the chain, climbing into the airship above.
Balthier followed, stepping inside and straightening his bloody shirt as he did. "Hmm... a nice ship."
"She is not merely an airship, you know? She's a spaceship too." He said proudly, taking hold of Balthier's hand to show him around.
"Mm. Space has never appealed to me." He teased, allowing Squall to pull him around the ship.
Squall smiled and showed off his oversized airship proudly. "So, what do you think to her?"
"Are you overcompensating for something?" Balthier teased, hooking an arm around Squall's shoulders.
"Hmph. You tell me." He huffed and leaned against Balthier. "Although... technically she's not mine. I just 'borrow' her on occasion."
"Oh, Squall... there is nothing like a man's own airship. You should get your own." He couldn't help but nuzzle into Squall's neck lightly.
Squall wrapped his arms around Balthier. "Maybe I'll just steal yours."
"Somehow, I don't think you've got the guts. Let alone the skill." He smiled, looking down at the teen's face.
Squall laughed and kissed Balthier's nose. "Plus I wouldn't want to steal your toy from you."
Balthier swatted at Squall, giving him a playful glare. "You've got a lot of nerve talking this way to a man who just blew another man's brains out."
"Your gun is back on the Strahl." Squall smirked. "Besides, I don't think you'd shoot me."
Balthier smirked back at Squall. "I do not need a gun to kill you." He brushed some hair from Squall's eyes. "Why would I not shoot you, hm?"
"Because you're crazy about me." Squall cooed, half teasing.
Balthier frowned slightly and leaned into Squall's ear. "You do not know how right you are." He murmured.
Squall sighed and stroked Balthier's cheek. "Come on. We agreed. Friends, right? You have Fran, she's crazy about you, you do know that right? And me, well... I have Rin."
Balthier sighed too. "I know that. I honestly do. It doesn't help when you kiss me, though." He frowned, looking to the floor of the airship.
Squall sighed and cupped Balthier's cheek again, brushing his thumb over the man's lips. "Sorry. I can't help myself."
"Yet you're the one who says we agreed to be friends." He stepped back, keeping his gaze on the surface beneath his feet.
Squall rubbed at the back of his neck, kicking at the floor. "It's for the best."
"Mm. Perhaps I should leave." He turned around heading back the way he'd been led, wanting a quick escape from a dangerous situation.
Squall frowned, watching Balthier. "Hey, Balthier? We'll see each other again, right?"
Balthier looked back to Squall. "Is that really such a good idea?" He tilted his head slightly.
"You owe me for two near-death experiences. So don't you go running off to some place I can't find you." He smiled warmly. "Go bathe. You reek."
Balthier gripped Squall by his shirt and kissed him hard. After a moment, he broke away and looked at him. "If you cannot find me, I do not wish to be found, Leonhart." He smirked before stepping out of the ship and sliding down the chain.
Squall flushed and watched Balthier leave, pressing his fingers to his lips. "I'll always find you!" He called after him, with a smirk of his own.
Fran sat on the bed, cleaning blood and sand off of all the weapons.
"That's what you think." Balthier muttered as he made a hand gesture to Squall before heading back to the Strahl.
Vaan was curled up in the bath, half asleep and nursing a bullet wound.
Within minutes, the Ragnarok was out of sight, and Squall with it.
Fran took Balthier's gun to bits, piece, by piece, laying all the parts on the bed, cleaning each one.
Balthier watched that ship fly away then entered his own, heading inside to the bedroom and pausing at the door to watch Fran.
The Viera worked in silence, seemingly not noticing Balthier. She started to piece the gun back together not taking her eyes off it. "Vaan is in the bath. He rests."
Balthier nodded once then began to undress. "It will take work to reach Larsa and convince him of Vayne's demise..."
Fran gave a nod, setting the now clean weapons aside. "We can only hope he understands..." She let out a sigh. "Did you speak with Squall?"
"I did. His ship, he showed it to me. Rather a beauty considering he only 'borrows' it." He replied.
Fran smiled. "Corrupting him into the ways of sky pirating, are you?" She looked at her lap with a sigh. "If you wish to be with him, I understand."
"I wish to be with you, Fran." He looked over to her. "His presence confuses me. I am unsure of what I think about him." He shook his head slightly.
"You are happy around him. You seem more relaxed. It is a nice feeling. I do not wish to take that from you."
"It is... as if I have know him a very long time. I know... I know I have a bond with him. Yet, it is not the kind of bond with which I could live life."
"You do not think you could be happy with him?" Fran asked, starting to remove her armour piece by piece.
"Perhaps for a while. Maybe even longer. Things would end badly, however. He is far too confused for anyone to love." He replied, undressing.
"He is still young, a child in many ways, stripped of his childhood. He will find his way, and if it should be, his path brings him to you. I shall not stand in your way."
"You are deciding the future without considering the variables. His path ties him to his girl and another man." He shook his head slightly. "I wish only for his happiness with them."
Fran reached up, untying her hair to let it fall free, shaking out some of the sand. "And you shall settle for second best." She added to the end of his sentence.
"You are being foolish, woman. I shan't stand by and listen to this." He knocked the door to the bathroom. "You know where my heart lies yet you still question it. How will we ever continue without your trust in me?"
Vaan shifted at the knock, sitting up and eventually getting out of the bath, towelling off quickly.
Fran removed her shoes, kicking them aside with her armour before starting to remove her body suit. "I do have trust in you..."
"Yet you say I am 'settling for second best' over and over. It is enough to drive me crazy." He knocked the door again. "Vaan!"
The boy pulled on his pants and peeked out of the door. "Sorry. I could hear you guys talking. I thought I shouldn't interrupt."
Fran huffed and stood up. "Do not take your frustrations out on Vaan!" She hissed, moving to walk out of the bedroom.
Balthier rolled his eyes then ruffled Vaan's hair. "A lover's spat. Nothing to worry over. Are you quite finished in there?"
Vaan nodded before slipping out of the bedroom, following after Fran silently.
Fran moved to the kitchen, standing at the sink with her fingers gripping the edge and her eyes shut tight.
Vaan followed her in, pulling on his vest as he did. "Uh... Fran? Are you okay?" He tilted his head a little.
Fran let out a shaky sigh, nodding her head. "I am fine."
"What was all the shouting about?" He asked, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
"It was nothing. A misunderstanding." Fran relied, wiping a tear from her cheek.
"Then why are you crying?" He asked quietly, resting his hand on her back gently.
"It is nothing worth troubling yourself over. Simply a foolish Viera and her foolish ways."
"Hey... it's not foolish to cry. It means you're sad. So, tell me why and maybe I can help." He tilted his head to look at her face.
Fran moved to sit on the floor with her back against the counter. "I know he loves me... I do. But... I feel like I trap him, like a caged bird."
Vaan shifted to kneel by her, looking at her face. "He... strikes me as the kinda guy who wouldn't let himself be caged. Fran, if you were trapping him... he'd break away."
Fran wiped away her tears, letting out a heavy sigh. "I do not know what is wrong with me. It sees lately all I do is wrong, and the more I try to fix things, the worse they become."
"What's gone wrong? Balthier is alive because you saved him. You nursed him back to health. We all helped him defeat Vayne." He shook his head slightly. "Everything is right, Fran. You don't need to be sad."
"I smother him, suffocate him with my need. I am always so jeaous and afraid these days. I never used to be. I am scared of pushing him away, yet fear forcing him to stay."
"Hey... if you just relax and trust him... he'll relax too. You know, I can see how much he loves you. Sure, there's something between him and that Leonhart guy but you're who he wants."
Fran drew her knees up, resting her chin on them, hugging them to her chest. "My head is so clouded and confused. I used to be able to see s clearly, and now I cannot. It scares me greatly."
"It's a sign of the times. Things will calm down now that Vayne is out of the way. Life will return to how it should be." He reached out, stroking his hand over her cheek, despite their age difference. "Balthier loves you. Just give him time."
Fran smiled softly, her eyes still damp with unfallen tears, she rested her hand over Vaan's. "Thank you."
Vaan smiled at her. "You're okay, y'know? Before... I kinda thought you were uptight. You're not though." He chuckled, smiling.
Balthier had washed up and changed before making his way to the kitchen. At the sight of the two on the floor he crossed his arms. "What is going on here?"
Fran smiled at Vaan warmly, before turning her attention to Balthier, looking at him with those glazed teary eyes. "Nothing. We were merely talking." She pushed herself to her feet. "The bathroom is free, I assume?"
Vaan stayed sat on the floor, looking up at the two pirates he idolised.
Balthier nodded once. "It is." He then leaned in and kissed her softly. "No matter how things play out, I am not a caged bird." He said seriously, looking at her face.
"It is not polite to listen in on other people's conversation, pirate." She replied, looking away from him, unable to look him in the eye.
"It is not polite to talk about others behind their backs." He replied in turn, stepping around Vaan to pour himself a glass of water.
"We were talking about my feelings, more than the man they are directed at." Fran shot back, before heading towards the bathroom.
Balthier rolled his eyes and sipped his glass of water with a wince at the small pain he still felt in his throat. "You'd do well to keep your hands to yourself, churl."
"Ah? No, wait... I was only trying to comfort her!" Vaan squeaked, trying to look as innocent as possible.
Fran rolled her eyes. "Not everyone is sex crazed and lusting after Viera." She called back from the bathroom. She showered quickly, rinsing away the blood, sand and sweat. She dried quickly, wrapping her hair up in a towel and slipping on a fluffy dressing gown, before returning to the kitchen, shivering slightly.
"Every damn Hume aboard this airship is." He replied, nudging Vaan with his foot. When she returned to the kitchen he crossed his arms. "Do you still believe I want to rush off after Squall and propose marriage to him?"
Vaan sat on the floor still, looking up at the two pirates with a feeling as if he should just slink away quietly.
"No. I believe you wish to rush off after Squall and fuck him right into a wall." Fran replied her voice sickly sweet despite her choice of words. She moved to get a couple of bottles of Bhejerba madhu, handing one to Vaan, and taking one herself, still shivering a little.
"You've got some nerve, woman." He shook his head then turned to leave the room, heading towards the bedroom.
Vaan blushed and took the drink, looking at it as a distraction from the words being spoken between the two older pirates.
When: After the ‘break-up’
Where: Dalmasca Estersands
What: Taking revenge on Vayne
Rating: NC-17
Fran walked towards the entrance of the infamous House Solidor. Her heart was heavy, and she was more than a little nervous. She carried the letter written by Balthier explaining that he loved her as a friend but nothing more. She was unarmed and only wearing her usual armour. So far she had avoided being taken down by Imperials and simply imprisoned.
Vayne was seated in his office. Well, Larsa's office. He had the boy imprisoned in his room and had been careful to ensure only two Judges knew he was there. Mostly at his fullest health, he had seen the almost-hanging of Balthier from his window. It sickened him to see the people of Archades so against the execution. Not wishing for any disturbances, he had ordered all guards and judges to keep away from his office unless called upon.
Fran entered House Solidor with relative ease. it was almost too easy. She made her way to the office that Larsa had once occupied. She took a deep breath, before knocking on the door.
The knock startled him and he glanced to the door. "I asked to be left alone. I suggest you, whoever you are, turn around and rethink your decision." He called out.
Fran tried the door to see if it was unlocked. "You act as though you do not wish for information of the prodigal Bunansa son."
Vayne raised an eyebrow and pressed a button to unlock the door. "Enter." He replied simply, sitting up in his chair and holding back any smirk he had.
Fran entered, closing the door behind herself, walking towards Vayne's desk with her head bowed.
"The Viera pirate. She who rescued the godless thief by diving from a window." He crossed his arms. "What a foolish girl you are."
She mimicked him, folding her arms in the same way. "It gave the city folk something to talk about, did it not?"
"That it did." He leaned forward on his desk, watching her. "What manner of information could his Viera lover bring that would interest me?"
"Ex lover." Fran corrected, moving closer to the desk to rest her hands flat on it's surface. "I know where to find him."
"Well, most certainly. You are partners. But... ex lover you say? Did he finally leave you for a Hume girl?" He smirked, looking her in the eye.
Fran let out a growl, tossing the letter onto the desk in front of Vayne. "Why not see for yourself."
Vayne picked up the letter and scanned it over, letting out a dark chuckle. "A Hume boy? Oh dear... just friends. Could it be that he broke your icy heart, Viera?"
"My reasons are my own! Take your delight in our break up else where." She huffed, once more folding her arms across her chest. "Do you or do you not want the information I have?"
"For what price? I know this is not simply revenge." He rested back in his chair, watching the woman with sharp eyes.
"Wipe clean the bounty on my head. I wish to be sky pirate no more. With such a bounty on my head I shall never be rid of my past." She moved to sit on the edge of Vayne's desk, looking at him.
"So. Your bounty vanishes... and I get the rapist pirate on the gallows until he's finished? You truly have taken a break up so bad?" He tilted his head.
"For close to a decade I have stayed ever faithful by his side. I have picked up the pieces of his broken heart and put them back together. I have seen him lie, cheat and steal his way to riches. I have risked life and limb for him. And this is how he repays me."
Vayne watched her for a long moment. His eyes cold and his face like stone. "Where is he?" He finally asked, leaning forward.
"I shall take you to him. If he suspects something he shall go into hiding. If I am with you, he will come."
"No doubt I need to come alone? Foolish Viera. I see through your plot." He chuckled, resting back in his chair.
"You think I would walk up to your door, into your office, risking being caught and killed by your Imperials. For the sake of a plot? I do not even have a weapon on me. Search me if you do not believe me."
Vayne smirked. "I shall take your word for it." He stood from his seat. "We shall take a fleet ship. A small runabout. No doubt you can pilot it?"
"I know your fleet ships well." Fran commented. "Balthier's death shall be slow and painful, I hope?"
"A short drop and a quick stop, as they say. Unless you'd prefer him to be hung, drawn and quartered?" He smirked, standing up and pulling on a black cloak. "This way, Viera."
Fran followed Vayne. "With his head mounted in the city center I trust."
Vayne chuckled darkly. "No doubt. And if this is a rouse, I will have yours alongside it." He smirked at her, pulling his hood up.
"There is no fear of that. By nightfall you shall have your rapist pirate." Fran replied.
Vayne nodded once then led her to a small Imperial fleet airship. It was small, big enough for only four people comfortably. He gestured to the controls then seated himself in the co-pilot's seat.
Fran moved to the controls, taking a long moment to familiarise herself with them. She took hold of the controls and started to pilot towards the Estersand.
Vayne sat silent, watching her as she pilotted. His instincts to trust had failed and he was exceedingly wary of her but he knew this may be his only chance to bring down Balthier.
She eyes searched the area she could see, an attempt to pick out the Strahl. She landed the fleet ship in a vast expanse of sand.
Vayne stood as they landed, picking up a rather large firearm and checking it to be sure it was in working order.
Balthier was sat on the steps to the Strahl, his gun in his hand and his eyes sharp. His usual cheerful attitude was all but gone and he sat silent.
The teen rested against the ship, leaning on his sword. He was afraid, sure, but he knew that this was the only chance they stood against the Empire.
Fran rose an eyebrow. "I doubt you'll be needing that. Come let us find you your pirate. I have one request. When the corpse is nothing more than sections. I wish for his jewellery. A bitter reminder of a wasted life, if you will."
Vayne chuckled. "As you wish. His jewellery and your freedom for his head on a spike." He nodded then stepped off the ship, walking onto the hot sand.
Fran gave a nod and followed him out onto the hot sand, scanning the area to pick out Balthier.
Vayne also scanned their surroundings; taking in the area to spot the pirate he despised so much.
Balthier stood from his seat and glanced around. "There." He murmured, looking in the direction of the airship his lover and their enemy had arrived on.
Vaan looked over. "Just him and Fran? No others?" He picked up his sword, tapping it against the Strahl to remove excess sand.
Fran rested her hand on Vayne's arms. "No sudden movements or he is likely to flee like the coward he is." She said firmly.
Vayne nodded once. "Lead on, Viera." He gestured to the open expanse, not making a step forward.
Fran gave a nod and started to walk ahead on Vayne towards where the Strahl was docked.
Vayne followed on, silently watching the ship in the distance.
Balthier led Vaan forward, towards where the Viera and that wicked Hume were. Surely this would be a trying battle.
"What happened to our rule of coming alone?" Fran said to Balthier, nodding towards the young blonde, her voice cold as ice.
"I could ask you the same, Viera." He replied in the same tone, gesturing to the cloaked man beside her. He hooked an arm around Vaan's neck. "The boy came to pay me a visit. Should he also sever ties with me because you cannot handle friendship?"
"Do not turn this around on me, Hume. You were the one who threw everything away in the name of lust. A mistake on your part you shall soon see."
Vayne lowered his hood at Fran's words, smirking at Balthier with cold eyes. "It is good to see you, rapist pirate."
Balthier faked shock, his eyes widening. "Fran... h-how? Why?!" He stepped back slightly, bumping into Vaan just a little.
Fran folded her arms across her chest. "You betrayed me and broke my heart, Hume." She looked at Vayne. "One pirate. As promised."
Vayne raised his weapon and aimed for Balthier. "Come along, prodigal son. You have another date with the gallows. One you shall not escape this time."
Balthier smirked at the ground a moment then raised his gun at Vayne. "You think I will go willingly? Hardly."
"Of course, things are never as easy as one would like to think." Fran replied, resting a hand on the small of Vayne's back, seemingly reassuring, before curling her claws dangerously against his spine.
Vayne's back straightened at the feel of those claws and his mind instantly told him how much of a fool he had been.
Balthier chuckled. "No, if things were as easy as we wanted them, you wouldn't even be here, Lord Vayne." Balthier gestured to Vaan.
The boy picked up a bow and quiver of arrows, tossing them to Fran before raising his sword. "You're finished, Vayne."
Fran took a step back, moving her claws away to pick up the offered weapons. "You really thought we would sit back and watch you destroy all of Ivalice? Destroy all of the world ??"
Vayne said nothing. Instead, he simply shot at Vaan, hitting the boy in the shoulder. "A warning." He stated.
Balthier frowned, not allowing himself to look at Vaan. "Inside. Now, Vaan." He ordered. His gun stayed raised at the eldest Solidor.
As he was hit, Vaan growled in pain, staggering back and gripping the wound. "No... I'm not backing down."
Fran readied an arrow, aiming at at Vayne. "Vaan. You heard Balthier. Inside! We do not need any more bloodshed than necessary!"
Vayne took a step back, aiming for Balthier's head. "One move and I shall kill him instantly." His tone was strong but it showed fear.
"If bloodshed is what he wishes, Fran, we cannot deny a dead man his last wish." He cocked his gun.
"I'm staying until the end. I won't let him defeat me so soon." Vaan raised his sword, stepping forward slightly.
"Brave words for a man surrounded." Fran commented to Vayne. "Balthier's bullet is the fastest in the land."
Overhead a massive red dragon shaped airship appeared, causing a huge shadow over the party below.
All three males turned their attentions to the sky, looking up at the ship. None of them knew for certain who, or what, was coming to join the gathering but Balthier had an underlying feeling that it was a good thing flying above them all.
An anchor chain flew down into the sand close to the group, moments later a figure slid down jumping the last few feet. "Sorry I'm late to the party. So. This is the man who's brains we intend to splatter?" It was Squall. Within seconds he had his gunblade coked and aimed at Vayne.
"Good to see you, Leonhart." Balthier smirked, keeping his gun on Vayne. "So, how shall we do this? A count to three then a free for all?"
Vaan chuckled. "I say we take it in turns to run him through." He smirked much like Balthier, keeping his sword raised, despite the blood pouring from his shoulder.
"You shan't get away with this. All of the Empire will be after each of you." Vayne was at his last end. He was certainly terrified.
"We'll take our chances with the Empire." Fran commented dryly. "I suggest we make his death as slow as possible. Painful too."
Squall chuckled at Balthier. "Couldn't leave you hanging, could I, Bunansa?"
Vayne took a few steps back. Unknown to all the Imperials, he had been filling himself with nethecite. He focused, his mind and body transforming. With all his might, Vayne transformed. He grew twice his size, his face contorting to that similar of a beast rather than a man. He truly became evil embodied.
Balthier sighed. "I knew this was too easy." With his gun raised he shot at the transformed Vayne, barely even harming him.
Vaan ran closer, slashing at Vayne's legs, desperately trying to cut him down.
Fran fired a barrage of arrows into the transformed beast. "Nethecite!" She hissed, most of the arrows bouncing straight off with no damage.
Squall fired at the beast. "Not as simple as I was expected, but we can do this! Teamwork, guys!"
"Oh dear lord, Leonhart is one of those upbeat types." Balthier joked, allowing his hand to take control and become completely trigger-happy.
Vaan laughed. "Come on! He's right! Teamwork!!" Vaan began casting thundega on Vayne, hoping it'd work.
The transformed Vayne laughed evilly. "Foolish beings! You cannot defeat me!!" He began to cast Demi on them all.
"Not upbeat. Realistic." Squall replied, sending a Silence spell Vayne's way, before diving at him with his blade, swiping at his legs.
Fran sent more arrows at Vayne, aiming at his throat.
Vayne stomped towards them, kicking at Squall before making a grab for Fran. As the arrows his this throat, he staggered back, growling in pain.
Balthier shot for the same place Fran had hit the beast with her arrows. Perhaps it was a weak spot.
The blonde teen was right beside the brunette one, slashing at Vayne's leg with pure brute force.
Fran took a jump back, creating more space between herself and the beast. She fired a flurry or arrows at that same spot, followed by a Firaga spell.
Squall made a run up Vayne's back, driving his blade into the other's spine, between his shoulderblades.
Vayne swiped his hand out, picking Vaan up and tossing the boy hard into the Strahl. Instantly, the teen was done. His limp body slid down, crumpling at the sand.
Balthier watched Vaan be finished and his anger took control of him. He began to fire violently at Vayne, not aiming for any place in particular, just shooting at the creature.
Fran dodged through the flurry of bullets and limbs, running over to Vaan, she knelt down, pulling the limp boy into her arms, casting a Raise spell.
Squall slashed and swiped at Vayne with his blade, slamming the blade into the beast's back once more, pulling the trigger.
At that, Vayne collapsed to his knees, yanking Squall from his back and tossing him in the same direction as Vaan.
With Vayne on his knees, Balthier picked up Vaan's sword in his right hand and ran at the beast. He stabbed the sword into the back of Vayne's neck then rammed his gun into the beast's mouth and unleashed his fury with a hail of bullets into Vayne.
Vaan took in breath as he was Raised, clinging to Fran with wide eyes as he saw Balthier's move on the creature.
Squall managed to cast a protect spell around himself, absorbing some of the impact. The collision with the Strahl was painful, hurting his neck and back, but it wasn't fatal.
Fran cradled Vaan, stroking his hair like a protective mother, holding him tight against her, eyes fixed on Balthier.
Vayne crumbled under Balthier's attack, falling down and quickly mutating back to his original Hume form. He shook and convulsed for a moment before finally dropping dead.
Balthier stood over him, covering in the man's blood and glaring darkly. Just to be sure, Balthier fired three more bullets into the back of Vayne's head.
Squall painfully pushed himself to his feet, moving over to Balthier with slow steps. He kicked Vayne's head, before looking at his one-time lover. "He's dead. It’s over."
Balthier shot once more. "He'd better be." He wiped his sleeve over his face; his eyes still dark and narrow. "I say we leave him out here for the beasts to devour him."
Squall rested his hand on top of Balthier's, easing the gun from the older man's grip.
Fran still cradled Vaan, rocking him gently. "Balthier. We have to think about Larsa."
Balthier simply let go of his gun, not caring if Squall took it or if it fell to the sand. "Larsa does not need to see the mess I made of his brother." He turned, heading up the steps into the Strahl.
Vaan struggled to his feet, attempting to follow Balthier onto the ship. "He still needs to know..."
Squall set the safety on the gun and moved towards the ship, holding out a hand to help Fran to her feet.
Fran nodded once. "Thank you for coming to aid us." She took his hand and walked onto the Strahl with him.
Balthier sat in his captain's seat, still drenched in blood. He sat silent, looking at the stains on his fingers.
Vaan didn't move closer, he waited until Fran was aboard then looked at her, frowning slightly. "Is he going to be okay?"
Fran gave a nod. "With time. Go bathe Vaan. Use a potion in the bath to ease your wounds." She kissed his cheek tenderly, before walking over to Balthier, sitting in her own chair. "Blood will always wash away. You did what you had to do. For you. For us. For the World."
Vaan slipped away to the bathroom, glancing at Squall as he did. Who was he? Why did he help them? How did he even know where they were?
Balthier said nothing at first, keeping his eyes on his hands. "Blood never washes away. It may fade but it is always there."
Fran took those bloodied hands in her own. "It is the blood of a monster. A fiend. No better than those we hunt down as marks."
Squall watched the pair, silent as he stood. "Perhaps I should leave you guys to it..."
Balthier shook his head slightly, turning to look at Squall with a sad glow to his eyes despite his smile. "How did you know, Squall?"
Squall offered Balthier a smile, resting his arms on the back of one of the empty chairs. "Fran contacted me."
Balthier frowned slightly, looking at her. "Odd. I thought you the last person to wish to speak to him." He rubbed his hands on his thighs, frowning at the blood.
Fran smiled soft and reached out to stroke Balthier's hair, getting to her feet. "I shall leave you two to talk."
Squall moved to sit down, wincing at the pain in his back.
Balthier watched Fran leave then glanced away, unsure of what to say to Squall. He felt awkward and confused when this teen was nearby.
Squall reached out, taking Balthier's hands in his own. "Don't let it eat away at your mind. Sometimes we have to do bad things for the sake of good." He kissed Balthier's bloodied hands softly.
Balthier slipped one away and stroked Squall's cheek lightly. "I've done enough bad things. Were I to let each of them eat at me, I would merely waste away."
Squall leaned in and kissed Balthier softly. "You may have done bad things, but you're not a bad person."
Balthier glanced down at the kiss. "Do not do this, Squall. You know how hard it was to walk away from each other last time..."
"I just want to take your pain away. I cannot stand to see you like this." Squall replied, resting his forehead against Balthier's.
Balthier ran one hand through Squall's hair, looking into his eyes. "You know of my feelings for you. Yet, I wish to remain faithful to Fran. Were you to kiss me again..." He stopped, leaning away slightly.
Squall leaned in more, pressing a firm kiss to Balthier's lips, before pulling away with a soft smile. "My airship's waiting. Keep in touch, pirate. Next time let's meet up when death isn't an outcome, okay?"
Balthier frowned a moment before regaining his composure. "You dare to leave without showing me your airship?" He smirked slightly.
Squall laughed soft and pushed himself to his feet painfully. "Come on then, if you wish to see her." He replied, holding out his hand.
Balthier took Squall's hand and pulled himself up, smiling at the teen. "Whilst we are over there, I am going to force you to have a potion." He commented, noting Squall's pain.
"Perhaps a backrub would be more use." He teased, stepping out intot he blazing sun, shielding his eyes with his free hand.
"You're asking for a lot, churl." He teased back, not fazed by the brightness of the sun, finding it a natural thing to be out in.
Squall walked across the sand towards the anchor chain of his own airship. "Well, here she is."
"You don't have a ladder?" He teased, recalling the same thing Squall had said upon seeing the Strahl. He smirked at the teen.
"I don't usually need to drop in on such occasions." He jumped up, taking hold of the chain, nodding his head. "Coming up? I'll give you the guided tour."
Balthier gave Squall a playful nudge. "I am. As soon as you get moving, that is." He smiled at him, gripping hold of the chain.
Squall pulled himself up the chain, climbing into the airship above.
Balthier followed, stepping inside and straightening his bloody shirt as he did. "Hmm... a nice ship."
"She is not merely an airship, you know? She's a spaceship too." He said proudly, taking hold of Balthier's hand to show him around.
"Mm. Space has never appealed to me." He teased, allowing Squall to pull him around the ship.
Squall smiled and showed off his oversized airship proudly. "So, what do you think to her?"
"Are you overcompensating for something?" Balthier teased, hooking an arm around Squall's shoulders.
"Hmph. You tell me." He huffed and leaned against Balthier. "Although... technically she's not mine. I just 'borrow' her on occasion."
"Oh, Squall... there is nothing like a man's own airship. You should get your own." He couldn't help but nuzzle into Squall's neck lightly.
Squall wrapped his arms around Balthier. "Maybe I'll just steal yours."
"Somehow, I don't think you've got the guts. Let alone the skill." He smiled, looking down at the teen's face.
Squall laughed and kissed Balthier's nose. "Plus I wouldn't want to steal your toy from you."
Balthier swatted at Squall, giving him a playful glare. "You've got a lot of nerve talking this way to a man who just blew another man's brains out."
"Your gun is back on the Strahl." Squall smirked. "Besides, I don't think you'd shoot me."
Balthier smirked back at Squall. "I do not need a gun to kill you." He brushed some hair from Squall's eyes. "Why would I not shoot you, hm?"
"Because you're crazy about me." Squall cooed, half teasing.
Balthier frowned slightly and leaned into Squall's ear. "You do not know how right you are." He murmured.
Squall sighed and stroked Balthier's cheek. "Come on. We agreed. Friends, right? You have Fran, she's crazy about you, you do know that right? And me, well... I have Rin."
Balthier sighed too. "I know that. I honestly do. It doesn't help when you kiss me, though." He frowned, looking to the floor of the airship.
Squall sighed and cupped Balthier's cheek again, brushing his thumb over the man's lips. "Sorry. I can't help myself."
"Yet you're the one who says we agreed to be friends." He stepped back, keeping his gaze on the surface beneath his feet.
Squall rubbed at the back of his neck, kicking at the floor. "It's for the best."
"Mm. Perhaps I should leave." He turned around heading back the way he'd been led, wanting a quick escape from a dangerous situation.
Squall frowned, watching Balthier. "Hey, Balthier? We'll see each other again, right?"
Balthier looked back to Squall. "Is that really such a good idea?" He tilted his head slightly.
"You owe me for two near-death experiences. So don't you go running off to some place I can't find you." He smiled warmly. "Go bathe. You reek."
Balthier gripped Squall by his shirt and kissed him hard. After a moment, he broke away and looked at him. "If you cannot find me, I do not wish to be found, Leonhart." He smirked before stepping out of the ship and sliding down the chain.
Squall flushed and watched Balthier leave, pressing his fingers to his lips. "I'll always find you!" He called after him, with a smirk of his own.
Fran sat on the bed, cleaning blood and sand off of all the weapons.
"That's what you think." Balthier muttered as he made a hand gesture to Squall before heading back to the Strahl.
Vaan was curled up in the bath, half asleep and nursing a bullet wound.
Within minutes, the Ragnarok was out of sight, and Squall with it.
Fran took Balthier's gun to bits, piece, by piece, laying all the parts on the bed, cleaning each one.
Balthier watched that ship fly away then entered his own, heading inside to the bedroom and pausing at the door to watch Fran.
The Viera worked in silence, seemingly not noticing Balthier. She started to piece the gun back together not taking her eyes off it. "Vaan is in the bath. He rests."
Balthier nodded once then began to undress. "It will take work to reach Larsa and convince him of Vayne's demise..."
Fran gave a nod, setting the now clean weapons aside. "We can only hope he understands..." She let out a sigh. "Did you speak with Squall?"
"I did. His ship, he showed it to me. Rather a beauty considering he only 'borrows' it." He replied.
Fran smiled. "Corrupting him into the ways of sky pirating, are you?" She looked at her lap with a sigh. "If you wish to be with him, I understand."
"I wish to be with you, Fran." He looked over to her. "His presence confuses me. I am unsure of what I think about him." He shook his head slightly.
"You are happy around him. You seem more relaxed. It is a nice feeling. I do not wish to take that from you."
"It is... as if I have know him a very long time. I know... I know I have a bond with him. Yet, it is not the kind of bond with which I could live life."
"You do not think you could be happy with him?" Fran asked, starting to remove her armour piece by piece.
"Perhaps for a while. Maybe even longer. Things would end badly, however. He is far too confused for anyone to love." He replied, undressing.
"He is still young, a child in many ways, stripped of his childhood. He will find his way, and if it should be, his path brings him to you. I shall not stand in your way."
"You are deciding the future without considering the variables. His path ties him to his girl and another man." He shook his head slightly. "I wish only for his happiness with them."
Fran reached up, untying her hair to let it fall free, shaking out some of the sand. "And you shall settle for second best." She added to the end of his sentence.
"You are being foolish, woman. I shan't stand by and listen to this." He knocked the door to the bathroom. "You know where my heart lies yet you still question it. How will we ever continue without your trust in me?"
Vaan shifted at the knock, sitting up and eventually getting out of the bath, towelling off quickly.
Fran removed her shoes, kicking them aside with her armour before starting to remove her body suit. "I do have trust in you..."
"Yet you say I am 'settling for second best' over and over. It is enough to drive me crazy." He knocked the door again. "Vaan!"
The boy pulled on his pants and peeked out of the door. "Sorry. I could hear you guys talking. I thought I shouldn't interrupt."
Fran huffed and stood up. "Do not take your frustrations out on Vaan!" She hissed, moving to walk out of the bedroom.
Balthier rolled his eyes then ruffled Vaan's hair. "A lover's spat. Nothing to worry over. Are you quite finished in there?"
Vaan nodded before slipping out of the bedroom, following after Fran silently.
Fran moved to the kitchen, standing at the sink with her fingers gripping the edge and her eyes shut tight.
Vaan followed her in, pulling on his vest as he did. "Uh... Fran? Are you okay?" He tilted his head a little.
Fran let out a shaky sigh, nodding her head. "I am fine."
"What was all the shouting about?" He asked, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
"It was nothing. A misunderstanding." Fran relied, wiping a tear from her cheek.
"Then why are you crying?" He asked quietly, resting his hand on her back gently.
"It is nothing worth troubling yourself over. Simply a foolish Viera and her foolish ways."
"Hey... it's not foolish to cry. It means you're sad. So, tell me why and maybe I can help." He tilted his head to look at her face.
Fran moved to sit on the floor with her back against the counter. "I know he loves me... I do. But... I feel like I trap him, like a caged bird."
Vaan shifted to kneel by her, looking at her face. "He... strikes me as the kinda guy who wouldn't let himself be caged. Fran, if you were trapping him... he'd break away."
Fran wiped away her tears, letting out a heavy sigh. "I do not know what is wrong with me. It sees lately all I do is wrong, and the more I try to fix things, the worse they become."
"What's gone wrong? Balthier is alive because you saved him. You nursed him back to health. We all helped him defeat Vayne." He shook his head slightly. "Everything is right, Fran. You don't need to be sad."
"I smother him, suffocate him with my need. I am always so jeaous and afraid these days. I never used to be. I am scared of pushing him away, yet fear forcing him to stay."
"Hey... if you just relax and trust him... he'll relax too. You know, I can see how much he loves you. Sure, there's something between him and that Leonhart guy but you're who he wants."
Fran drew her knees up, resting her chin on them, hugging them to her chest. "My head is so clouded and confused. I used to be able to see s clearly, and now I cannot. It scares me greatly."
"It's a sign of the times. Things will calm down now that Vayne is out of the way. Life will return to how it should be." He reached out, stroking his hand over her cheek, despite their age difference. "Balthier loves you. Just give him time."
Fran smiled softly, her eyes still damp with unfallen tears, she rested her hand over Vaan's. "Thank you."
Vaan smiled at her. "You're okay, y'know? Before... I kinda thought you were uptight. You're not though." He chuckled, smiling.
Balthier had washed up and changed before making his way to the kitchen. At the sight of the two on the floor he crossed his arms. "What is going on here?"
Fran smiled at Vaan warmly, before turning her attention to Balthier, looking at him with those glazed teary eyes. "Nothing. We were merely talking." She pushed herself to her feet. "The bathroom is free, I assume?"
Vaan stayed sat on the floor, looking up at the two pirates he idolised.
Balthier nodded once. "It is." He then leaned in and kissed her softly. "No matter how things play out, I am not a caged bird." He said seriously, looking at her face.
"It is not polite to listen in on other people's conversation, pirate." She replied, looking away from him, unable to look him in the eye.
"It is not polite to talk about others behind their backs." He replied in turn, stepping around Vaan to pour himself a glass of water.
"We were talking about my feelings, more than the man they are directed at." Fran shot back, before heading towards the bathroom.
Balthier rolled his eyes and sipped his glass of water with a wince at the small pain he still felt in his throat. "You'd do well to keep your hands to yourself, churl."
"Ah? No, wait... I was only trying to comfort her!" Vaan squeaked, trying to look as innocent as possible.
Fran rolled her eyes. "Not everyone is sex crazed and lusting after Viera." She called back from the bathroom. She showered quickly, rinsing away the blood, sand and sweat. She dried quickly, wrapping her hair up in a towel and slipping on a fluffy dressing gown, before returning to the kitchen, shivering slightly.
"Every damn Hume aboard this airship is." He replied, nudging Vaan with his foot. When she returned to the kitchen he crossed his arms. "Do you still believe I want to rush off after Squall and propose marriage to him?"
Vaan sat on the floor still, looking up at the two pirates with a feeling as if he should just slink away quietly.
"No. I believe you wish to rush off after Squall and fuck him right into a wall." Fran replied her voice sickly sweet despite her choice of words. She moved to get a couple of bottles of Bhejerba madhu, handing one to Vaan, and taking one herself, still shivering a little.
"You've got some nerve, woman." He shook his head then turned to leave the room, heading towards the bedroom.
Vaan blushed and took the drink, looking at it as a distraction from the words being spoken between the two older pirates.