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Feb. 4th, 2009 08:58 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
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Who: Balthier, Fran, Jote, Arj and some other Viera
When: A few days after their sexytiems
Where: Eruyt Village
What: Seeking answers
Rating: PG-13
Fran stirred from an uneasy sleep. She was troubled and couldn't settle. She slipped out of the bed silently, leaving Balthier and the moogles sleeping peacefully. She made her way to the cockpit and sat down in the pilot's seat, resting one hand on her stomach. Not knowing was driving her crazy. She needed to know whether or not she carrying Balthier's baby, and there was one person who could tell her. She flipped on the controls and set a course for Golmore Jungle.
Barely waking but noticing Fran missing from the bed, Balthier shifted slightly, nuzzling into the warmth of Nono and Gero, wrapping his arms around the tiny little moogles and cuddling them.
The journey wasn't long, but it felt endless. Fran landed the airship in the clearing on the edge of the jungle. She switched off the power and made her way to the bedroom to put her armour on.
At the sound of her armour, Balthier awoke, shifting slightly but just opening his eyes. "...Fran? We are grounded?" He asked sleepily, looking at her.
Fran tied her hair up and put her armour on piece by piece, nodding at Balthier. "The Golmore Jungle. Rest. I shall not be long."
Balthier sat up, running a hand through his hair as he did. "You mean Eryut. We are at the village, are we not?" He tilted his head, knowing that they only ever really visited the jungle for the village.
"I shall not be long." Fran repeated, picking up her bow, before moving to kiss Balthier's forehead.
He caught her arm as she moved closer. "You shall not leave without me. I dislike you visiting that village alone." He replied, keeping hold of her.
"Oh?" She tilted her head, looking at him. "Afraid I may decide to stay?"
"Perhaps." He shifted off the bed and began to change into his own clothing, letting out a long yawn.
"There is no fear of that. I shall never remain within the wood. You are tired. Rest."
"No. I refuse." He replied, straightening his shirt. "I shall accompany you to the village." He fixed his hair then leaned to kiss her. "For what reason do we visit?"
Fran turned her head away, looking down at her stomach. "I have questions that seek answers."
"I wish to hear these answers also." He took her hand and leaned to kiss her cheek gently. "Do not try to exclude me for 'my own protection'."
Fran gave a nod and gaze his hand a gentle squeeze. "Very well. Let us hope we can find our answers before Jote notices we are there." She smiled soft and began to walk out.
Balthier nodded and followed her out silently. Secretly, his stomach was in knots. He was nervous to find out just exactly what was happening between them.
Fran quickly moved through the jungle towards the hidden path to the village, shooting down any fiends that crossed her path.
As soon as they reached that hidden path, Balthier stood watch for any creatures that may attack whilst Fran worked on freeing their way.
Fran worked on opening up the hidden path, feeling a little nervous as she did. She smiled at Balthier as the path revealed itself, and she began to enter the place which had once been 'home'.
Balthier walked with her, slipping his hands into his pockets, something he rarely did. It was obvious that he was expecting a kick upside the head from Jote if they crossed her path.
Fran rested her hand on Balthier's arm softly, giving a gentle squeeze, before walking deeper into the Village. She walked to a seemingly dead-end.
Balthier rose an eyebrow, looking to Fran silently for a moment before speaking. "A dead end?" He asked quietly, not wishing to make his voice known to Fran's vicious sister.
"Have you not learnt by now that not everythingis as it seems?" She teased, pulling on one of the panels sealing the wall, pulling is aside to reveal another pathway. "No Hume has ever seen past this point."
"Perhaps I should stay here?" Even with how much he had invaded this village, he knew it not right to continue further assaults on the place.
"That is your choice. You can wait for me here. Or you may join me. I cannot force your hand." She smiled warmly at him and began to walk along the path to a building known as the Sanctuary.
Balthier waited only a moment before following after her silently, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. It was pretty much the same as the rest of the village but seemed even more serene.
The trees twitched and moved as bodies moved within the branches, eyes watching as the pair moved. "This is the Sanctuary." Fran stated, knowing Balthier was following her. "It is where the Viera Elders are seated. Those more superior than even Jote."
Balthier watched the trees move and twitch. "No doubt they have not the attitude she has." He commented, crossing his arms over his chest. He fely slightly threatened by the invisible eyes on him.
"The Viera believe strongly in the Green Word, just as Jote does, it is their law. It is just the way of things." She paused at the doorway, before knocking on the door lightly.
Balthier stood beside her, silent and watching. His tenseness was obvious and he felt his hands curl together behind his back, his knuckles turning white.
The trees once more rustled as the beings within them fled to safer hiding spaces. After a moment, the door was opened and Fran stepped inside with her head bowed. "I wish to see the Elders." She stated, voice quiet.
"What business do you have here? You are Viera no more. You bring a Hume within our woods and demand to speak with the Elders? You are nothing but a Hume with ears." The Viera at the door practically hissed.
Balthier's tense atmosphere vanished in favour of an angry one. "Viera are not Viera if they cast aside their own? Then are you not doing just the same?" He asked quite sharply, standing to guard Fran slightly. Even if he was a mere Hume, he couldn't stand by.
"Viera who forsake the Green Word are Viera no more!"
Fran rested her hand on Balthier's arm. "It was my choice to make! I could not live my life by these rules, within the Wood until the end of my days, like a rabbit in a cage!"
An elderly Viera appeared. "Now, now, my children. Do not bring your hate and anger within the Sanctuary." She shoo'ed away the younger Viera and turned her attention to Balthier and Fran. "You, should not be here. If Jote hears of this she will be most displeased."
"Honestly, Jote is the least of our worries. We have face foes far more 'displeased' these passing days." He replied, watching that younger Viera walk away.
Jote was resting nearby, sitting in the branches of a tree with her eyes closed. The Green Word whispered to her softly, blocking out the sounds of her sister and that Hume for now.
Fran let out a sigh, looking at the Elder like a frightened child. "I... We... come to seek your aid. Your knowledge and advice."
The Elder nodded. "I know why you come. The Wood told me. Come through to the back room."
Balthier followed the Elder and Fran, frowning slightly at the expression Fran held. It was not like her to have that sort of look and he disliked it immensely.
The Wood murmured of Fran's presence and Jote frowned, casting a glance down towards her sister, her eyes becoming bitter at the sight of that Hume she consorted with.
Fran took hold of Balthier's hand and walked through with him to the backroom.
"Tell me Child, how many days has it been since you mated?"
Fran hated the word, it was so... unloving. "A few. Two. Maybe three."
The Elder gave a nod and moved closer to Fran, reaching out to rest her hands on Fran's stomach.
Balthier stood rather awkwardly, watching the Elder from the corner of his eye, not finding it appropriate to watch the work of the older Viera.
Jote slid down the tree, brushing her hands over many other Viera as she made her way through. She slipped down to that backroom door and inched it open, peeking inside.
The Elder was silent as she worked, running her hands over Fran's stomach slowly, her eyes shut tight, her head tilted in concentration. After a long while she pulled away and looked at Fran. "You are not with child. However, your body is ripe, should you wish to bear a child, the next month would be the ideal opportunity."
Balthier's eyes widened and he crossed his arms, averting his eyes even more with a blush across his cheeks.
Jote slammed the door open, glaring at those in the room. "You dare to mate with a Hume and even wish to carry his child?! Do you despise the Wood that much?!"
"Jote. Please. Do not bring your hate within the Sanctuary!" The Elder replied.
Fran looked away from her sister. "It is not a case of hating the Wood. It is a case of being in love."
"Love? With a Hume? Disgusting. What of Arj?" She crossed her arms with a smirk, ignoring the words of the Elder.
Balthier frowned slightly, looking between the sisters. "Arj? And this is?" He tilted his head, now finally letting his gaze rest on Fran.
Fran shifted uneasily, almost glaring at her sister at the mention of the name. "Arj is dead to me." She turned on her heel to leave. "Our business here is done."
Balthier gripped her arm lightly. "Who is Arj, Fran?" His voice held obvious jealousy, despite his attempts to hide the bitter emotion.
A chuckle came from Jote. "Arj is the male my sister should be mating with. A male far greater than you could ever wish to be, Hume." She replied before Fran could.
Fran's glare darkened. "Do not do this, Sister! This is not the time nor the place!!"
Arj appeared at the doorway. He had heard the commotion. And the fact that Fran was there was something he could not pass up. He was tall, taller than Fran, and slim. His ears stood tall and straight, his gaze falling directly on Fran. "It has been a long time."
Fran froze on the spot. "Arj..."
At the sight of the first male Viera to grace his eyes, Balthier almost glared, stepping a little closer to Fran as if to make the point clear that she was his. Not this man's.
Jote smiled at Arj, always finding it a pleasure to have the man nearby, even if he was meant for Fran and not her. Perhaps she had a little crush on him, yet she would never say so.
"You have grown, Fran. You are most pretty. So many years I have wished to look upon your face once more." Arj reached out a clawed hand to touch her face, only to have it slapped away by Fran.
"I have no business with you. I made my choice." She moved a little closer to Balthier, pulling his arm around her.
Balthier held onto her, watching Arj rather viciously. A jealous man? But of course. "You heard her. She made her choice. You are not it." He told Arj, clenching his other hand into a fist.
"Hume and Viera are not meant for one another. Do not disgrace yourself further, sister." Jote hissed, leaning towards Arj a little.
"Says who?! Who decided these rules?! Why should our love be cast aside because of race?! Does it not matter that Balthier has been there for me when I need him? Nursed me when I have been sick. Saved me from danger. You can keep your trees and your Green Word. You can keep it all!! Because none of it! None at all compares to the way I feel when Balthier looks at me with love in his eyes!!" Fran growled.
Arj held out a hand. "Fran. Come back to us. The Sky's love is a lie. You belong to the Wood. To me."
"Fran belongs to no one. Not you. Not the sky. Not me." Balthier replied darkly, stepping in front of his lover and crossing his arms over his chest. If that hand continued to reach out much longer, Balthier felt he'd break it off. "Fran belongs to Fran."
Jote leaned against the doorway, smirking slightly. The entire situation was very satisfying for her.
Fran moved towards the door. She glared at her sister. "Move away from the door. I wish to leave."
Arj fixed his glare on Balthier. "This is no business of yours, Hume."
Jote stepped aside. "Run little rabbit. Run from the Wood that loves you so. Into the arms of a man that breaks your heart. Go. Have your litter of hybrid beasts." She snarled.
Balthier glared right back. "The Fran you knew is not the Fran that stands here. It is entirely my business, Viera. I fear you not. You fear all of Ivalice. Hiding away behind a secret door in a place so detached from reality you think all that exists is your Green Word." Balthier smirked. "Green Word be damned."
Fran wiped away some tears and ran out of the door, running up the path, not stopping until she was back into the main part of the village.
Arj felt pain in his chest at seeing Fran's hurt expression. He watched her run, before turning his attention back to Balthier. "The Green Word protects us!" He grabbed Balthier's throat, squeezing. "If you dare to break her heart...."
Balthier swiftly dug his nails into Arj's wrist, yanking his arm away. "If you dare try to come between us I will remove your ears, beast." He snapped before making a quick run after Fran, catching up to her and instantly pulling her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her.
Fran buried her head against his chest, sobbing softly against him.
Arj rubbed at his wrist, turning his attention to Jote. "You were a little harsh. She is still your sister."
Balthier held her close, stroking her hair. "Forget their words. All that matters is you, me and our moogles." He kissed her cheek softly.
Jote hummed slightly. "She needs the harshness to snap her back to reality. Humes are worthless, especially that Hume." She nodded in the direction the two had left for.
Fran stroked his cheek lightly. "Let us leave this place. I should never have returned."
Arj frowned. "He seems to care for her. You feel his love is fake?" He moved out of the room, climbing into the trees to watch the pair.
Balthier slipped his arm around her waist and began to guide her out of the village. "You felt it best. If it was not for that sister of yours, you would not have shed these tears."
She followed him up into the trees, easily moving without even truly gripping hold of anything tightly. "I feel his love is fickle. I have seen what you have not, Arj."
"At least we know I am not with child..." Fran replied, leaning against Balthier. "I just wish Jote could see our love for what it is."
Arj continued to watch the pair. "Tell me what you have seen? I do not wish her heart to be broken by a Hume. Even if she does not love me the way I love her."
"But, apparently, you are primed for... mating." He chuckled softly, petting his fingers over her hip. "Rather tempting prospects, even if we do not plan on 'mating' for a child."
Jote hissed slightly. "Another Hume. A male. The closeness between them made my stomach turn. Their affection mimicked that of his with Fran's. It was... ugh..." She shuddered slightly.
Fran purred and leaned closer against Balthier. "I do believe your head has found it's way to the guuter, Hume."
Arj growled a little. "He would betray my Fran? With another male?!" He continued to move through the trees. "And then dare touch her with those hands? And speak of love?!"
Balthier chuckled, smiling at her as they stepped out of the village and onto the path back to the jungle. "I only wish to make you smile or laugh, to dry your tears and the tears your heart weeps."
She nodded once. "A Hume with a scarred face. Yet... I know he loves her. It confuses me so." She shook her head slightly.
Fran smiled at him softly. "You do. Always. A race back to the Strahl perhaps?"
"Humes are such strange creatures. If he were to break her heart.... I would take matters into my own hands. That much I know."
Balthier laughed and nodded. "Though I know I shan't win." He kissed her cheek before swiftly letting go of her and running back towards their home.
Jote nodded once again. "If he breaks her heart... I shall join your hunt. And Fran will return to us." She smiled slightly at the thought.
Fran ran after him. "You are not playing fair, Sky Pirate. You had a head start!"
Arj looked at Jote. "Do you think she would return? Would the Wood allow it of her?"
"I need one! You are faster by race!" He called back, shooting down a fiend that began to throw itself in his direction.
She smiled a little more when Arj's eyes landed on her. "The Wood cries for her. Can you not hear it, Arj? Listen." She closed her eyes, listening to the sounds.
Fran continued to run, firing an arrow over Balthier's head to strike down a fiend.
Arj shook his head and closed his eyes to listen to the Wood's call.
Balthier ducked slightly as the arrow skimmed past. "Cut that close, Viera!" He called to her, making a jump up to the chain of the Strahl and pulling himself up.
Jote smiled as the Wood's whispers cried out for the missing Viera. Listening as the Wood wept for Fran.
"Oh hush, or the next one won't miss you." Fran replied, grabbing hold of the chain seconds later.
Arj listened to the Wood, a frown forming on his lips, a tear rolling down his cheek. "I do not believe she shall return while her Hume lives."
"Mm, sure. As if you'd dare shoot me down after the times we have had of late." He replied in return, pulling himself into the Strahl and slinging his gun aside.
Jote brushed the tears away then rested her hands on her lap. "The Hume will die long before Fran. She shall return upon his demise." She replied.
Fran pulled herself up as well and smiled at him. "Do not be too overconfident, Hume. I may decide your company bores me." She teased.
Arj gave a nod. "And upon such a time, we shall be there to welcome her. My heart yearns for her. I will wait for the day she returns."
"Hm, yet you cry when I leave. Odd." He teased, heading back towards the bedroom to check on the moogles.
Jote nodded once, resigning herself to resting in the trees again, silently listening to the whispers of the Wood and the other Viera.
Fran gasped and set her bow aside. "Lies! I have never cried over you. Why should I? You are a smelly, cocky, badly dressed Hume." She replied playfully.
Arj slipped through the trees, disappearing from sight to join the other male Viera.
Balthier scoffed. "You are so in love with me, you resort to insulting me? Viera are strange." He chuckled, resting down on the bed and gently pressing his finger in turn on each of the moogles' noses to feel their temperatures. Normal for the most part.
Fran removed her armour and moved to sit on Balthier's lap. "Who says I love you?"
"You've said it. Many times." He replied, running his finger over her thigh. He looked to the moogles. "Perhaps their own beds would be a good place. It is warmer in there and they are slightly chilly."
Fran shivered a little under Balthier's touch. "Are you sure you are not just trying to get the children out of the room so you can have your wicked way with me?" She asked, moving to scoop both moogles up carefully.
"Honestly... no." He looked rather shocked at his own words. He hadn't thought of that. "Perhaps I am ill with moogle flu." He chuckled softly, shifting to change the sheets on the bed. He loved those little moogles but the scent they left behind whilst sick was less than desirable.
Fran chuckled softly. "Perhaps you need medicine and nursing better by nurse Fran?" She teased, before carrying the two moogles to their own room, tucking them both up in Nono's bed together.
Balthier laughed at Fran's words, changing the sheets with a practised ease before moving to get into clothing more comfortable. A shirt and black pants, not the armoured clothes he usually wore. Slipping on his glasses, he lay out on the bed, staring above, out of the sky light.
Fran returned and moved to kneel on the bed. "The moogles are settled and sleeping soundly."
"Good. Now, do I not need nursing, Fran?" He smiled at her lowering one hand down to pet over her thigh slowly.
Fran pressed her hand against Balthier's forehead. "Hm. No fever. I think perhaps you are faking to get my attention." She gave his nose a firm poke.
Balthier smirked at her and tilted his head up to nip her finger, sliding his tongue over it. "Perhaps I am. What will you do about it?"
"Perhaps I shall strip you naked and tie you to the bed... and leave you there." She purred in reply.
"Do as you wish. You would not resist me." He leaned in to nip her lip lightly. "Naked. Vulnerable. Yours." He murmured against her mouth.
Fran pressed a firm kiss against Balthier's mouth, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I have a lot of willpower. Perhaps I wish to see you beg."
"For you, Viera, I may just do so." He almost whispered, stroking his fingers over her sides and leaning for another kiss.
Fran shivered beneath his touch, tugging on his bottom lip with her teeth. "See? I told you that you only wished the moogles to go to bed so you could work your magic on me."
"I shan't touch you then." He raised an eyebrow, resting back on the bed and folding his arms behind his head.
"How long do you think you shall last?" Fran asked, reaching up to untie her hair, shaking her head to let the locks fall loose.
"Perhaps I will sleep. It will make it a lot simpler." He smiled and slipped his glasses off, closing his eyes.
Fran sighed and laid across Balthier's chest, taking his glasses from him, putting them on herself.
Balthier cracked an eye open then smiled, looking at her properly. "They look rather fetching on you, love." He smiled, running his fingers through her hair.
Fran laughed softly, removing them and putting them on the bedside table. "Maybe one day I will need them." She rested her head on Balthier's chest, watching him.
"Mm. I highly doubt that." He smiled at her, watching her watch him. "Well. I do believe we have a discussion lingering over us that we should be speaking upon."
Fran frowned and buried her face in Balthier's chest. "Would this be the discussion of my ready and waiting womb?"
"Putting it bluntly, yes." He replied, petting her hair and moving his face to not be hit by one of those ears. As much as he loved them, he was prone to a smack on the nose or a poke in the eye from them.
Fran leaned into the petting. "Well... how do you feel about things? Honestly?"
"Honestly. I... feel that a child seems daunting but my... my heart wishes for something. I have been thinking upon this for a long time. Children." He chuckled softly. "Before we... started this. I thought of the possibility of my unborn child being carried by some barmaid somewhere." He laughed a little again.
Fran drew lazy circles with a claw on Balthier's stomach lightly, listening to him speak. "I too, wish for something. A yearning deep within me."
"But, as you said, there is always the problem of our lifestyle. You will be 'out of action' so to speak for... however many months Viera are pregnant for." He shuddered lightly at the touches to his stomach.
"If it is what we decide to do, then I am sure you will cope alone, while I live like a queen in an Inn."
"An inn? You would leave the Strahl? Is the sky no place to be with child?" He asked, resting his arms behind his head again, frowning slightly.
"I do not think I would get much rest while you fly like a madman to escape danger." She teased, nudging his chest with her chin. "Of course when you are not working I shall join you in the skies."
"Fly like a madman? You hardly know me." He huffed playfully, turning away from her. "I am but an excellent pilot. The best, damnit!"
"Of course. What I meant to say was... 'while you perform such skilful and precise manoeuvres to escape danger'."
"No. I shan't take that. You have hurt me. Cut me deeply. You must find a way to apologise." He replied, still playfully refusing to look at her.
Fran bit his stomach lightly through his clothing.
"Ah..." He shuddered, looking down at her. "Rude." He commented, pouting cutely at her.
Fran smiled sweetly at him, nuzzling his stomach with her cheek. "So, what do we do?"
Balthier scrunched his nose up slightly. "I shan't make this decision. It is your body, I can only tell you what I wish. And I have done so."
"It is a decision we must make together. It will affect us both, after all."
Balthier nodded a little. "I know. I just do not wish to take the reins in this situation. It is not my right."
"Perhaps we should put the decision in the hands of the Fates you hate so much and allow them to decide for us."
"Meaning...? Do we use contraception from now on or let things go naturally?" He tilted his head a little.
"We let nature take it's course. If the Fates believe we should have a child, then I am sure I shall fall pregnant. If not, such things will be avoided."
Balthier nodded once. "I suppose I should hold off on my harsh words to these Fates everyone seems to believe in." He commented, stroking her ear.
Fran purred, nuzzling his hand lightly. "I doubt the Fates would pay you much attention anyway, dear Hume."
"Well, why not? I am the leading man!" He chuckled before squirming down and nuzzling her ear playfully.
"That is true." Fran threaded her fingers through Balthier's hair, pulling him into a kiss. "Were you jealous of Arj?"
Balthier kissed back before she spoke. "Mm. Very. If he comes near you again I shall gut the oversized beast." He frowned, showing a childish expression.
"There is no need for that. He is rather harmless."
"Harmless. Yet he tried to choke me. Hmm." Since being almost hung to death, Balthier was cautious of his neck and throat. He was wary of unwanted touches.
Fran blinked and sat up a little. "He did what?" She asked, reaching to touch Balthier's neck lightly.
"Mm. He gripped my throat. It wasn't painful as such but it hurt because of... what happened." He scrunched his nose up, tilting his head to let her reach his neck.
"I have never known Arj be aggressive. Save once. I am sorry, I put you in harms way."
"It is not your fault. Worry not." He kissed her softly on the lips, holding her close. "When was this 'once'?"
Fran kissed back and snuggled against Balthier. "Many years ago. Long before I left the Wood. He was, as Jote said, to be my mate. Things got rather messy, he wished me to grow up before I was ready,"
"He... what? Fran." He lifted her chin. "Tell me. What happened?" He frowned, keeping his eyes locked on hers.
Fran closed her eyes. "He... got a little angry toward me, violent. Nothing came of it, I was able to defend myself."
"I suggest we not return to the depths of the wood again. I would surely kill the man. I have blood a plenty on my hands." He murmured darkly.
Fran leaned up to kiss Balthier's chin. "It was a lifetime ago. I hadn't even thought on it for so long."
"I care not. Any man whom dare harm a woman. A woman of any species or class, should be shot where he stands."
"Such a gentleman." She replied, kissing his chin again, resting against his chest. "I am glad the Mjrn did not see what took place today."
Balthier nodded. "As am I. I do so adore her, for her to see that it would be most upsetting." He replied, petting her hair.
Fran gave a nod. "She is the one thing I miss. If there was any reason for me to return, it would be for her."
"Perhaps we steal her?" He joked, knowing it was never going to be an option. Mjrn was where she belonged.
"Some treasures are best left unstolen." Fran replied, pulling Balthier's arm around her, playing with his fingers.
"You are just jealous I may fall for the younger, shyer sister." He teased, pulling her close and nuzzling her lovingly.
"You shall keep your filthy pirate hands off of her, unless you wish to lose them!"
"Hm. Jealous. As I thought." He grinned, nuzzling his nose against hers before kissing her lips softly.
Fran bit Balthier's lip in return. "I am not jealous!"
A slight hiss came at the bite and he flinched. "Says she whom just bit me so hard!" He replied.
Fran tugged Balthier's lip with her teeth, sucking on it lightly, snaking her arms around him.
Balthier hummed a little, holding onto her waist, eventually resting his hands on her lower back. "Fran..." he murmured against her lips.
"Hm?" Fran snaked her tongue over Balthier's lips, threading her fingers though his hair softly.
"I love you." He whispered before slipping his tongue between her lips, hooking one leg over her hip, burying his hands in her silvery white locks.
Fran circled her tongue around Balthier's, humming contently against his lips. She pulled back from the kiss slightly, smiling at him warmly. "I know. I love you too."
Balthier ran his hands over her ears, brushing them back with her hair. "Promise we shall survive everything together, as we have these last days."
"That is a rather big promise to make, Hume. I cannot promise something like that. Although, I can promise that we shall try to."
"You are just supposed to promise. Even if it is impossible." He grinned at her, wrapping both legs around her, trapping the Viera in place.
Fran laughed softly, fixing her eyes on Balthier's. "And risk breaking that promise one day?" She smiled and wriggled. "Looks like you have caught me."
"Mmhm. You are trapped now." He nipped her nose playfully, running his fingers through her white hair.
The Viera laughed again. "And what do you plan on doing with me now you have caught me?"
"Ravishing you." He purred, leaning down to nip and kiss at her throat, both hands moving to cup her backside.
"Mmm, now that I can live with." Fran purred, tilting her head back, bringing her hands to rest on Balthier's shoulders.
When: A few days after their sexytiems
Where: Eruyt Village
What: Seeking answers
Rating: PG-13
Fran stirred from an uneasy sleep. She was troubled and couldn't settle. She slipped out of the bed silently, leaving Balthier and the moogles sleeping peacefully. She made her way to the cockpit and sat down in the pilot's seat, resting one hand on her stomach. Not knowing was driving her crazy. She needed to know whether or not she carrying Balthier's baby, and there was one person who could tell her. She flipped on the controls and set a course for Golmore Jungle.
Barely waking but noticing Fran missing from the bed, Balthier shifted slightly, nuzzling into the warmth of Nono and Gero, wrapping his arms around the tiny little moogles and cuddling them.
The journey wasn't long, but it felt endless. Fran landed the airship in the clearing on the edge of the jungle. She switched off the power and made her way to the bedroom to put her armour on.
At the sound of her armour, Balthier awoke, shifting slightly but just opening his eyes. "...Fran? We are grounded?" He asked sleepily, looking at her.
Fran tied her hair up and put her armour on piece by piece, nodding at Balthier. "The Golmore Jungle. Rest. I shall not be long."
Balthier sat up, running a hand through his hair as he did. "You mean Eryut. We are at the village, are we not?" He tilted his head, knowing that they only ever really visited the jungle for the village.
"I shall not be long." Fran repeated, picking up her bow, before moving to kiss Balthier's forehead.
He caught her arm as she moved closer. "You shall not leave without me. I dislike you visiting that village alone." He replied, keeping hold of her.
"Oh?" She tilted her head, looking at him. "Afraid I may decide to stay?"
"Perhaps." He shifted off the bed and began to change into his own clothing, letting out a long yawn.
"There is no fear of that. I shall never remain within the wood. You are tired. Rest."
"No. I refuse." He replied, straightening his shirt. "I shall accompany you to the village." He fixed his hair then leaned to kiss her. "For what reason do we visit?"
Fran turned her head away, looking down at her stomach. "I have questions that seek answers."
"I wish to hear these answers also." He took her hand and leaned to kiss her cheek gently. "Do not try to exclude me for 'my own protection'."
Fran gave a nod and gaze his hand a gentle squeeze. "Very well. Let us hope we can find our answers before Jote notices we are there." She smiled soft and began to walk out.
Balthier nodded and followed her out silently. Secretly, his stomach was in knots. He was nervous to find out just exactly what was happening between them.
Fran quickly moved through the jungle towards the hidden path to the village, shooting down any fiends that crossed her path.
As soon as they reached that hidden path, Balthier stood watch for any creatures that may attack whilst Fran worked on freeing their way.
Fran worked on opening up the hidden path, feeling a little nervous as she did. She smiled at Balthier as the path revealed itself, and she began to enter the place which had once been 'home'.
Balthier walked with her, slipping his hands into his pockets, something he rarely did. It was obvious that he was expecting a kick upside the head from Jote if they crossed her path.
Fran rested her hand on Balthier's arm softly, giving a gentle squeeze, before walking deeper into the Village. She walked to a seemingly dead-end.
Balthier rose an eyebrow, looking to Fran silently for a moment before speaking. "A dead end?" He asked quietly, not wishing to make his voice known to Fran's vicious sister.
"Have you not learnt by now that not everythingis as it seems?" She teased, pulling on one of the panels sealing the wall, pulling is aside to reveal another pathway. "No Hume has ever seen past this point."
"Perhaps I should stay here?" Even with how much he had invaded this village, he knew it not right to continue further assaults on the place.
"That is your choice. You can wait for me here. Or you may join me. I cannot force your hand." She smiled warmly at him and began to walk along the path to a building known as the Sanctuary.
Balthier waited only a moment before following after her silently, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. It was pretty much the same as the rest of the village but seemed even more serene.
The trees twitched and moved as bodies moved within the branches, eyes watching as the pair moved. "This is the Sanctuary." Fran stated, knowing Balthier was following her. "It is where the Viera Elders are seated. Those more superior than even Jote."
Balthier watched the trees move and twitch. "No doubt they have not the attitude she has." He commented, crossing his arms over his chest. He fely slightly threatened by the invisible eyes on him.
"The Viera believe strongly in the Green Word, just as Jote does, it is their law. It is just the way of things." She paused at the doorway, before knocking on the door lightly.
Balthier stood beside her, silent and watching. His tenseness was obvious and he felt his hands curl together behind his back, his knuckles turning white.
The trees once more rustled as the beings within them fled to safer hiding spaces. After a moment, the door was opened and Fran stepped inside with her head bowed. "I wish to see the Elders." She stated, voice quiet.
"What business do you have here? You are Viera no more. You bring a Hume within our woods and demand to speak with the Elders? You are nothing but a Hume with ears." The Viera at the door practically hissed.
Balthier's tense atmosphere vanished in favour of an angry one. "Viera are not Viera if they cast aside their own? Then are you not doing just the same?" He asked quite sharply, standing to guard Fran slightly. Even if he was a mere Hume, he couldn't stand by.
"Viera who forsake the Green Word are Viera no more!"
Fran rested her hand on Balthier's arm. "It was my choice to make! I could not live my life by these rules, within the Wood until the end of my days, like a rabbit in a cage!"
An elderly Viera appeared. "Now, now, my children. Do not bring your hate and anger within the Sanctuary." She shoo'ed away the younger Viera and turned her attention to Balthier and Fran. "You, should not be here. If Jote hears of this she will be most displeased."
"Honestly, Jote is the least of our worries. We have face foes far more 'displeased' these passing days." He replied, watching that younger Viera walk away.
Jote was resting nearby, sitting in the branches of a tree with her eyes closed. The Green Word whispered to her softly, blocking out the sounds of her sister and that Hume for now.
Fran let out a sigh, looking at the Elder like a frightened child. "I... We... come to seek your aid. Your knowledge and advice."
The Elder nodded. "I know why you come. The Wood told me. Come through to the back room."
Balthier followed the Elder and Fran, frowning slightly at the expression Fran held. It was not like her to have that sort of look and he disliked it immensely.
The Wood murmured of Fran's presence and Jote frowned, casting a glance down towards her sister, her eyes becoming bitter at the sight of that Hume she consorted with.
Fran took hold of Balthier's hand and walked through with him to the backroom.
"Tell me Child, how many days has it been since you mated?"
Fran hated the word, it was so... unloving. "A few. Two. Maybe three."
The Elder gave a nod and moved closer to Fran, reaching out to rest her hands on Fran's stomach.
Balthier stood rather awkwardly, watching the Elder from the corner of his eye, not finding it appropriate to watch the work of the older Viera.
Jote slid down the tree, brushing her hands over many other Viera as she made her way through. She slipped down to that backroom door and inched it open, peeking inside.
The Elder was silent as she worked, running her hands over Fran's stomach slowly, her eyes shut tight, her head tilted in concentration. After a long while she pulled away and looked at Fran. "You are not with child. However, your body is ripe, should you wish to bear a child, the next month would be the ideal opportunity."
Balthier's eyes widened and he crossed his arms, averting his eyes even more with a blush across his cheeks.
Jote slammed the door open, glaring at those in the room. "You dare to mate with a Hume and even wish to carry his child?! Do you despise the Wood that much?!"
"Jote. Please. Do not bring your hate within the Sanctuary!" The Elder replied.
Fran looked away from her sister. "It is not a case of hating the Wood. It is a case of being in love."
"Love? With a Hume? Disgusting. What of Arj?" She crossed her arms with a smirk, ignoring the words of the Elder.
Balthier frowned slightly, looking between the sisters. "Arj? And this is?" He tilted his head, now finally letting his gaze rest on Fran.
Fran shifted uneasily, almost glaring at her sister at the mention of the name. "Arj is dead to me." She turned on her heel to leave. "Our business here is done."
Balthier gripped her arm lightly. "Who is Arj, Fran?" His voice held obvious jealousy, despite his attempts to hide the bitter emotion.
A chuckle came from Jote. "Arj is the male my sister should be mating with. A male far greater than you could ever wish to be, Hume." She replied before Fran could.
Fran's glare darkened. "Do not do this, Sister! This is not the time nor the place!!"
Arj appeared at the doorway. He had heard the commotion. And the fact that Fran was there was something he could not pass up. He was tall, taller than Fran, and slim. His ears stood tall and straight, his gaze falling directly on Fran. "It has been a long time."
Fran froze on the spot. "Arj..."
At the sight of the first male Viera to grace his eyes, Balthier almost glared, stepping a little closer to Fran as if to make the point clear that she was his. Not this man's.
Jote smiled at Arj, always finding it a pleasure to have the man nearby, even if he was meant for Fran and not her. Perhaps she had a little crush on him, yet she would never say so.
"You have grown, Fran. You are most pretty. So many years I have wished to look upon your face once more." Arj reached out a clawed hand to touch her face, only to have it slapped away by Fran.
"I have no business with you. I made my choice." She moved a little closer to Balthier, pulling his arm around her.
Balthier held onto her, watching Arj rather viciously. A jealous man? But of course. "You heard her. She made her choice. You are not it." He told Arj, clenching his other hand into a fist.
"Hume and Viera are not meant for one another. Do not disgrace yourself further, sister." Jote hissed, leaning towards Arj a little.
"Says who?! Who decided these rules?! Why should our love be cast aside because of race?! Does it not matter that Balthier has been there for me when I need him? Nursed me when I have been sick. Saved me from danger. You can keep your trees and your Green Word. You can keep it all!! Because none of it! None at all compares to the way I feel when Balthier looks at me with love in his eyes!!" Fran growled.
Arj held out a hand. "Fran. Come back to us. The Sky's love is a lie. You belong to the Wood. To me."
"Fran belongs to no one. Not you. Not the sky. Not me." Balthier replied darkly, stepping in front of his lover and crossing his arms over his chest. If that hand continued to reach out much longer, Balthier felt he'd break it off. "Fran belongs to Fran."
Jote leaned against the doorway, smirking slightly. The entire situation was very satisfying for her.
Fran moved towards the door. She glared at her sister. "Move away from the door. I wish to leave."
Arj fixed his glare on Balthier. "This is no business of yours, Hume."
Jote stepped aside. "Run little rabbit. Run from the Wood that loves you so. Into the arms of a man that breaks your heart. Go. Have your litter of hybrid beasts." She snarled.
Balthier glared right back. "The Fran you knew is not the Fran that stands here. It is entirely my business, Viera. I fear you not. You fear all of Ivalice. Hiding away behind a secret door in a place so detached from reality you think all that exists is your Green Word." Balthier smirked. "Green Word be damned."
Fran wiped away some tears and ran out of the door, running up the path, not stopping until she was back into the main part of the village.
Arj felt pain in his chest at seeing Fran's hurt expression. He watched her run, before turning his attention back to Balthier. "The Green Word protects us!" He grabbed Balthier's throat, squeezing. "If you dare to break her heart...."
Balthier swiftly dug his nails into Arj's wrist, yanking his arm away. "If you dare try to come between us I will remove your ears, beast." He snapped before making a quick run after Fran, catching up to her and instantly pulling her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her.
Fran buried her head against his chest, sobbing softly against him.
Arj rubbed at his wrist, turning his attention to Jote. "You were a little harsh. She is still your sister."
Balthier held her close, stroking her hair. "Forget their words. All that matters is you, me and our moogles." He kissed her cheek softly.
Jote hummed slightly. "She needs the harshness to snap her back to reality. Humes are worthless, especially that Hume." She nodded in the direction the two had left for.
Fran stroked his cheek lightly. "Let us leave this place. I should never have returned."
Arj frowned. "He seems to care for her. You feel his love is fake?" He moved out of the room, climbing into the trees to watch the pair.
Balthier slipped his arm around her waist and began to guide her out of the village. "You felt it best. If it was not for that sister of yours, you would not have shed these tears."
She followed him up into the trees, easily moving without even truly gripping hold of anything tightly. "I feel his love is fickle. I have seen what you have not, Arj."
"At least we know I am not with child..." Fran replied, leaning against Balthier. "I just wish Jote could see our love for what it is."
Arj continued to watch the pair. "Tell me what you have seen? I do not wish her heart to be broken by a Hume. Even if she does not love me the way I love her."
"But, apparently, you are primed for... mating." He chuckled softly, petting his fingers over her hip. "Rather tempting prospects, even if we do not plan on 'mating' for a child."
Jote hissed slightly. "Another Hume. A male. The closeness between them made my stomach turn. Their affection mimicked that of his with Fran's. It was... ugh..." She shuddered slightly.
Fran purred and leaned closer against Balthier. "I do believe your head has found it's way to the guuter, Hume."
Arj growled a little. "He would betray my Fran? With another male?!" He continued to move through the trees. "And then dare touch her with those hands? And speak of love?!"
Balthier chuckled, smiling at her as they stepped out of the village and onto the path back to the jungle. "I only wish to make you smile or laugh, to dry your tears and the tears your heart weeps."
She nodded once. "A Hume with a scarred face. Yet... I know he loves her. It confuses me so." She shook her head slightly.
Fran smiled at him softly. "You do. Always. A race back to the Strahl perhaps?"
"Humes are such strange creatures. If he were to break her heart.... I would take matters into my own hands. That much I know."
Balthier laughed and nodded. "Though I know I shan't win." He kissed her cheek before swiftly letting go of her and running back towards their home.
Jote nodded once again. "If he breaks her heart... I shall join your hunt. And Fran will return to us." She smiled slightly at the thought.
Fran ran after him. "You are not playing fair, Sky Pirate. You had a head start!"
Arj looked at Jote. "Do you think she would return? Would the Wood allow it of her?"
"I need one! You are faster by race!" He called back, shooting down a fiend that began to throw itself in his direction.
She smiled a little more when Arj's eyes landed on her. "The Wood cries for her. Can you not hear it, Arj? Listen." She closed her eyes, listening to the sounds.
Fran continued to run, firing an arrow over Balthier's head to strike down a fiend.
Arj shook his head and closed his eyes to listen to the Wood's call.
Balthier ducked slightly as the arrow skimmed past. "Cut that close, Viera!" He called to her, making a jump up to the chain of the Strahl and pulling himself up.
Jote smiled as the Wood's whispers cried out for the missing Viera. Listening as the Wood wept for Fran.
"Oh hush, or the next one won't miss you." Fran replied, grabbing hold of the chain seconds later.
Arj listened to the Wood, a frown forming on his lips, a tear rolling down his cheek. "I do not believe she shall return while her Hume lives."
"Mm, sure. As if you'd dare shoot me down after the times we have had of late." He replied in return, pulling himself into the Strahl and slinging his gun aside.
Jote brushed the tears away then rested her hands on her lap. "The Hume will die long before Fran. She shall return upon his demise." She replied.
Fran pulled herself up as well and smiled at him. "Do not be too overconfident, Hume. I may decide your company bores me." She teased.
Arj gave a nod. "And upon such a time, we shall be there to welcome her. My heart yearns for her. I will wait for the day she returns."
"Hm, yet you cry when I leave. Odd." He teased, heading back towards the bedroom to check on the moogles.
Jote nodded once, resigning herself to resting in the trees again, silently listening to the whispers of the Wood and the other Viera.
Fran gasped and set her bow aside. "Lies! I have never cried over you. Why should I? You are a smelly, cocky, badly dressed Hume." She replied playfully.
Arj slipped through the trees, disappearing from sight to join the other male Viera.
Balthier scoffed. "You are so in love with me, you resort to insulting me? Viera are strange." He chuckled, resting down on the bed and gently pressing his finger in turn on each of the moogles' noses to feel their temperatures. Normal for the most part.
Fran removed her armour and moved to sit on Balthier's lap. "Who says I love you?"
"You've said it. Many times." He replied, running his finger over her thigh. He looked to the moogles. "Perhaps their own beds would be a good place. It is warmer in there and they are slightly chilly."
Fran shivered a little under Balthier's touch. "Are you sure you are not just trying to get the children out of the room so you can have your wicked way with me?" She asked, moving to scoop both moogles up carefully.
"Honestly... no." He looked rather shocked at his own words. He hadn't thought of that. "Perhaps I am ill with moogle flu." He chuckled softly, shifting to change the sheets on the bed. He loved those little moogles but the scent they left behind whilst sick was less than desirable.
Fran chuckled softly. "Perhaps you need medicine and nursing better by nurse Fran?" She teased, before carrying the two moogles to their own room, tucking them both up in Nono's bed together.
Balthier laughed at Fran's words, changing the sheets with a practised ease before moving to get into clothing more comfortable. A shirt and black pants, not the armoured clothes he usually wore. Slipping on his glasses, he lay out on the bed, staring above, out of the sky light.
Fran returned and moved to kneel on the bed. "The moogles are settled and sleeping soundly."
"Good. Now, do I not need nursing, Fran?" He smiled at her lowering one hand down to pet over her thigh slowly.
Fran pressed her hand against Balthier's forehead. "Hm. No fever. I think perhaps you are faking to get my attention." She gave his nose a firm poke.
Balthier smirked at her and tilted his head up to nip her finger, sliding his tongue over it. "Perhaps I am. What will you do about it?"
"Perhaps I shall strip you naked and tie you to the bed... and leave you there." She purred in reply.
"Do as you wish. You would not resist me." He leaned in to nip her lip lightly. "Naked. Vulnerable. Yours." He murmured against her mouth.
Fran pressed a firm kiss against Balthier's mouth, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I have a lot of willpower. Perhaps I wish to see you beg."
"For you, Viera, I may just do so." He almost whispered, stroking his fingers over her sides and leaning for another kiss.
Fran shivered beneath his touch, tugging on his bottom lip with her teeth. "See? I told you that you only wished the moogles to go to bed so you could work your magic on me."
"I shan't touch you then." He raised an eyebrow, resting back on the bed and folding his arms behind his head.
"How long do you think you shall last?" Fran asked, reaching up to untie her hair, shaking her head to let the locks fall loose.
"Perhaps I will sleep. It will make it a lot simpler." He smiled and slipped his glasses off, closing his eyes.
Fran sighed and laid across Balthier's chest, taking his glasses from him, putting them on herself.
Balthier cracked an eye open then smiled, looking at her properly. "They look rather fetching on you, love." He smiled, running his fingers through her hair.
Fran laughed softly, removing them and putting them on the bedside table. "Maybe one day I will need them." She rested her head on Balthier's chest, watching him.
"Mm. I highly doubt that." He smiled at her, watching her watch him. "Well. I do believe we have a discussion lingering over us that we should be speaking upon."
Fran frowned and buried her face in Balthier's chest. "Would this be the discussion of my ready and waiting womb?"
"Putting it bluntly, yes." He replied, petting her hair and moving his face to not be hit by one of those ears. As much as he loved them, he was prone to a smack on the nose or a poke in the eye from them.
Fran leaned into the petting. "Well... how do you feel about things? Honestly?"
"Honestly. I... feel that a child seems daunting but my... my heart wishes for something. I have been thinking upon this for a long time. Children." He chuckled softly. "Before we... started this. I thought of the possibility of my unborn child being carried by some barmaid somewhere." He laughed a little again.
Fran drew lazy circles with a claw on Balthier's stomach lightly, listening to him speak. "I too, wish for something. A yearning deep within me."
"But, as you said, there is always the problem of our lifestyle. You will be 'out of action' so to speak for... however many months Viera are pregnant for." He shuddered lightly at the touches to his stomach.
"If it is what we decide to do, then I am sure you will cope alone, while I live like a queen in an Inn."
"An inn? You would leave the Strahl? Is the sky no place to be with child?" He asked, resting his arms behind his head again, frowning slightly.
"I do not think I would get much rest while you fly like a madman to escape danger." She teased, nudging his chest with her chin. "Of course when you are not working I shall join you in the skies."
"Fly like a madman? You hardly know me." He huffed playfully, turning away from her. "I am but an excellent pilot. The best, damnit!"
"Of course. What I meant to say was... 'while you perform such skilful and precise manoeuvres to escape danger'."
"No. I shan't take that. You have hurt me. Cut me deeply. You must find a way to apologise." He replied, still playfully refusing to look at her.
Fran bit his stomach lightly through his clothing.
"Ah..." He shuddered, looking down at her. "Rude." He commented, pouting cutely at her.
Fran smiled sweetly at him, nuzzling his stomach with her cheek. "So, what do we do?"
Balthier scrunched his nose up slightly. "I shan't make this decision. It is your body, I can only tell you what I wish. And I have done so."
"It is a decision we must make together. It will affect us both, after all."
Balthier nodded a little. "I know. I just do not wish to take the reins in this situation. It is not my right."
"Perhaps we should put the decision in the hands of the Fates you hate so much and allow them to decide for us."
"Meaning...? Do we use contraception from now on or let things go naturally?" He tilted his head a little.
"We let nature take it's course. If the Fates believe we should have a child, then I am sure I shall fall pregnant. If not, such things will be avoided."
Balthier nodded once. "I suppose I should hold off on my harsh words to these Fates everyone seems to believe in." He commented, stroking her ear.
Fran purred, nuzzling his hand lightly. "I doubt the Fates would pay you much attention anyway, dear Hume."
"Well, why not? I am the leading man!" He chuckled before squirming down and nuzzling her ear playfully.
"That is true." Fran threaded her fingers through Balthier's hair, pulling him into a kiss. "Were you jealous of Arj?"
Balthier kissed back before she spoke. "Mm. Very. If he comes near you again I shall gut the oversized beast." He frowned, showing a childish expression.
"There is no need for that. He is rather harmless."
"Harmless. Yet he tried to choke me. Hmm." Since being almost hung to death, Balthier was cautious of his neck and throat. He was wary of unwanted touches.
Fran blinked and sat up a little. "He did what?" She asked, reaching to touch Balthier's neck lightly.
"Mm. He gripped my throat. It wasn't painful as such but it hurt because of... what happened." He scrunched his nose up, tilting his head to let her reach his neck.
"I have never known Arj be aggressive. Save once. I am sorry, I put you in harms way."
"It is not your fault. Worry not." He kissed her softly on the lips, holding her close. "When was this 'once'?"
Fran kissed back and snuggled against Balthier. "Many years ago. Long before I left the Wood. He was, as Jote said, to be my mate. Things got rather messy, he wished me to grow up before I was ready,"
"He... what? Fran." He lifted her chin. "Tell me. What happened?" He frowned, keeping his eyes locked on hers.
Fran closed her eyes. "He... got a little angry toward me, violent. Nothing came of it, I was able to defend myself."
"I suggest we not return to the depths of the wood again. I would surely kill the man. I have blood a plenty on my hands." He murmured darkly.
Fran leaned up to kiss Balthier's chin. "It was a lifetime ago. I hadn't even thought on it for so long."
"I care not. Any man whom dare harm a woman. A woman of any species or class, should be shot where he stands."
"Such a gentleman." She replied, kissing his chin again, resting against his chest. "I am glad the Mjrn did not see what took place today."
Balthier nodded. "As am I. I do so adore her, for her to see that it would be most upsetting." He replied, petting her hair.
Fran gave a nod. "She is the one thing I miss. If there was any reason for me to return, it would be for her."
"Perhaps we steal her?" He joked, knowing it was never going to be an option. Mjrn was where she belonged.
"Some treasures are best left unstolen." Fran replied, pulling Balthier's arm around her, playing with his fingers.
"You are just jealous I may fall for the younger, shyer sister." He teased, pulling her close and nuzzling her lovingly.
"You shall keep your filthy pirate hands off of her, unless you wish to lose them!"
"Hm. Jealous. As I thought." He grinned, nuzzling his nose against hers before kissing her lips softly.
Fran bit Balthier's lip in return. "I am not jealous!"
A slight hiss came at the bite and he flinched. "Says she whom just bit me so hard!" He replied.
Fran tugged Balthier's lip with her teeth, sucking on it lightly, snaking her arms around him.
Balthier hummed a little, holding onto her waist, eventually resting his hands on her lower back. "Fran..." he murmured against her lips.
"Hm?" Fran snaked her tongue over Balthier's lips, threading her fingers though his hair softly.
"I love you." He whispered before slipping his tongue between her lips, hooking one leg over her hip, burying his hands in her silvery white locks.
Fran circled her tongue around Balthier's, humming contently against his lips. She pulled back from the kiss slightly, smiling at him warmly. "I know. I love you too."
Balthier ran his hands over her ears, brushing them back with her hair. "Promise we shall survive everything together, as we have these last days."
"That is a rather big promise to make, Hume. I cannot promise something like that. Although, I can promise that we shall try to."
"You are just supposed to promise. Even if it is impossible." He grinned at her, wrapping both legs around her, trapping the Viera in place.
Fran laughed softly, fixing her eyes on Balthier's. "And risk breaking that promise one day?" She smiled and wriggled. "Looks like you have caught me."
"Mmhm. You are trapped now." He nipped her nose playfully, running his fingers through her white hair.
The Viera laughed again. "And what do you plan on doing with me now you have caught me?"
"Ravishing you." He purred, leaning down to nip and kiss at her throat, both hands moving to cup her backside.
"Mmm, now that I can live with." Fran purred, tilting her head back, bringing her hands to rest on Balthier's shoulders.