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[xshatterheartx.livejournal.com]

Who: Fran, Vaan, Balthier & Krja
When: Day
Where: The Strahl
What: Meeting Krja
Rating: PG



Fran walked along the streets of Rabanastre. She had taken a much needed break from the Strahl. She hated to admit it, but she welcomed the break, if only for a short while. She loved Balthier and Krja deeply, but it was just too much to deal with in her current hormonal state, and she didn't know how to talk to Balthier about her feelings without making it sound as though she resented her child. She was stocking up on supplies. The last stop before her return to the Strahl was for ale. And if she had her own way, lots of it.

Vaan had been in the Sandsea most of the day. He was sat on the bar talking to Tomaj and generally bothering patrons. When Fran entered, a grin spread across his face and he hopped down to walk over to her. "Hey, Fran! How're things in the sky? How's Balthier?" He beamed at her childishly, obviously having drank ale without Tomaj's knowledge.

Fran walked over to the bar, ordering a glass of Serpent Wyne as well as a crate of ale. She tilted her head to look at Vaan. "He... is as well as can be expected." She replied, drinking down half of her glass the moment it arrived, welcoming the sharp burn.

He'd reached out to take the glass from her but the Wyne was gone before he had a chance. "Fran!! You can't do that!!" He looked at her with worry, jigging on the spot slightly.

Fran closed her eyes briefly, before drinking the rest, ordering a refill instantly. "I can. It is fine."

Vaan squeaked and took the glass quickly. "Stop it! You can't!!" He was obviously in a panic over this, finding it rather frightening.

"And why not?" Fran asked, simply ordering another glass be filled.

"Uh, the baby!! Are you stupid or something?!?!" Vaan instantly covered his mouth after the words came out, blushing and looking at Fran with fearful wide eyes.

Fran laughed. But the sound wasn't joyous; it was cold, dry, filled with an angered sorrow. She griiped the glass so hard that it shattered in her hand. "The baby is in a box. A cheap, crude, plastic box."

Vaan's eyes stayed wide and he took her by the wrist, removing the shards from her skin, trying to stop any chance of her cutting herself. "A box? E-explain it to me?"

Fran shook her head. "I... it is too painful to explain. I shall... show you." She pulled away from his grasp, placing some gil on the bar, enough to cover the cost of the drinks, the ale, the broken galss and some besides. She picked up the crate, resting the rest of the bags on her arm. "Come."

The young boy nodded and followed the tall Viera out of the Sandsea. He couldn't understand why their child would be 'in a box', it worried him. It made him fear the baby may be dead.

Fran walked in silence, carrying the crate of ale and the other supplies back toward the Aerodrome.

Vaan headed into the Aerodrome with her, instantly knowing to go to the Strahl with her. He could feel his hands shaking, even though he had no idea what was going to come.

Fran walked onto the Strahl, moving to the kitchen area to put down the supplies. She looked at Vaan. "Balthier may be asleep. It has been a difficult time for us both."

With a nod, he stayed beside her, following her like a little lost puppy.

Fran walked to the bedroom, looking in to see if father and daughter were asleep or not.

Vaan kept behind her, peeking his head around the door, too. He wanted to know what was going on.

Balthier was laid on the floor, the incubator beside him. His fingers were gently applying potion to Krja's chest while he hummed an old pirate tune to her.

Fran smiled warmly at him. "Did you get any sleep at all?" She asked, moving into the room a little more. "We have a guest. He wishes to see Krja."

Vaan was sure he could hear Balthier's voice but it was soft and musical, rather than suave and outspoken. He shifted into the room with Fran, eyes wide at the incubator.

Balthier had barely noticed them come into the room but smiled as they did. "I have not slept. She keeps my attention too long." He chuckled softly as Krja squeezed his finger. "Vaan. It is good to see you." There was a tiredness in his eyes that was not caused by his child but more by the experiences of late.

Fran moved over to kiss Balthier's head. "I picked up some ale. Go drink and take a long hot bath. Relax for awhile." She knelt down beside the incubator, looking in. "Do you think she may have grown slightly?"

Vaan moved closer, not saying a word and looking into the case with amazed eyes. He tilted his head, not seeing the wounds where her ears should've been. "I... thought your child would have Viera ears... she looks more Hume."

Balthier smileed at the kiss and lay down on the floor properly. "I shall take the bath... yet the ale does not appeal to me." He chuckled but as Vaan spoke, he frowned slightly, glancing away, towards Krja. "She... did have."

Fran frowned a little, reaching into the box to pet Krja tenderly. "Her ears were... removed. Cut off." She said, finding it harder to speak the words than she expected.

"C-cut off...?! By who?!" He looked horrified at the very idea, looking down at the child again with sadness in his eyes.

Balthier wasn't able to answer, instead, he picked up Fran's question from earlier. "I do believe she has grown. She is larger than before and moves more."

Fran continued to pet Krja lovingly. "It... was a scientist from the Draklore Laboratories..." She answered when Balthier couldn't. "He... cut her from my womb and mutilated her ears. It is a miracle she has made it this far."

The boy slipped down to his knees and looked at the child. "She... she's so little... what's her name?" He tilted his head a little, half wanting to touch her.

Balthier brushed his thumb over Krja's cheek. "Her name is Krja." He smiled softly as the tiny infant opened her mouth to half-lick his finger.

Fran watched, smiling as Krja showed more signs of life. "She looks as though she will soon be suckling of her own accord." It was still a little painful to Fran to think that she would not be breastfeeding her child. But she tried not to think on it. "We will soon have to feed her some of the fluid that Jote prepared for her."

"She's so cute! She looks like you, Fran. But... her skin is paler." He chuckled, hugging his knees as he looked at the child.

Balthier laughed softly. "We will, yes." As Vaan spoke, he laughed again, trying to carefully pull his finger from Krja's grasp. "She is half Hume, Vaan. Of course she is paler."

Fran began to open the incubator slowly. "Vaan, would you like to hold her? She is most fragile, but if you are careful she can be held for a short while."

Vaan's eyes lit up. "Y-yeah! I'll be really careful!" He held his hands out for the child, rather than just pulling her out of the incubator right off.

Balthier sat up, stretching his arms and back. "She is very underdeveloped. Be sure not to press on her flesh."

Fran carefully laid the tiny child in Vaan's hands. "Krja, this is your uncle Vaan. A sky pirate like daddy and I, only not so good." She smiled and nuzzled Balthier. "Bath. Hume."

Vaan laughed softly. "I'll be as good as mommy and daddy soon enough. My airship kinda exploded..." He smiled at Krja, holding her close.

Balthier kissed Fran's cheek and stood up. "Yes, yes. Bath. Hume."

Fran smiled at Balthier. "Take your time. There is no rush. I can cope." She blew him a kiss as he stood, before turning her attention back to Vaan. "We shall have your airship back in the sky in no time."

Vaan smiled at Fran. "Yeah... we might do." He didn't have much faith in his ship anymore. He gently nuzzled his nose against Krja's, watching her move her mouth.

Balthier headed to the bathroom and proceeded to take a long, relaxing bath. Something he truly needed.

Fran kept a watchful eye on Vaan and Krja, shifting a little. "Have faith. Even the Strahl had teething problems." She smiled a little, listening to the sound of running water from the bathroom.

Vaan chuckled a little. "I'm just a little low in spirits... well, I was until I saw Krja." He stroked her cheek lightly. "Seeing a child so small and defenceless... it puts everything into perspective. She is the future of Ivalice, ears or not. She's perfect." He smiled at Fran.

Fran smiled a little, looking at her lap. "I hope the rest of the world is as accepting." She paused, chewing her lip. "Vaan... can I tell you something?"

"Sure... you can tell me anything, Fran." He smiled at her before returning his gaze to the little bundle in his hands. She was truly adorable.

"After we brought her back to the Strahl, and until recently, I found it very hard to bring myself to touch her. I do not know how to describe it. I know I love her, so it is not lack of love, but I could not bring myself to touch her, to be close to her." She shook her head, letting out a sigh. "I fear I am not making much of a good mother."

He shook his head slightly. "You're trying, Fran. That's what counts. If she was cut out of you, the connection was cut. It's only natural to be cautious and unwilling." He carefully held Krja out to Fran, smiling at her. "She's your daughter. She'll love you no matter what."

Fran took Krja carefully, resting the infant against her chest. "I do not know what I would have done without Balthier. He has been so wonderful at looking after her. I do believe he is quite smitten."

A soft laugh came out and he crossed his arms on his knees. "He's going to get himself wrapped around her little finger." He gave a sad smile, thinking of the parents he really didn't remember and the brother he wished was still alive.

Fran continued to cradle Krja against her. The tiny bundle shifting a little. "Mm. A spolit little princess is what she shall be." Fran tilted her head. "Are you okay?"

Vaan nodded. "I'm okay. Just a little melancholy. Y'know, all this talk of parents and... stuff." He laughed a little, shrugging slightly.

"I apologise. I did not think." Fran offered him a warm smile. "You shall always have a family here with us, you know that don't you?"

Krja shifted a little more, opening her mouth wide to yawn.

Vaan nodded again. "I know. I'm glad, Fran. I see you both as people to look up to. You're my family." He smiled at her.

Balthier came from the bathroom in his towel, stretching his arms with a yawn. "The bath was a terrible idea. I am exhausted..."

Fran laughed a little. "It seems your yawn is contagious. Krja yawned as well." She smiled at Balthier, holding his daughter out to him. "Do you wish for a cuddle before I lay her down again?"

Balthier nodded and took Krja, holding her close as he sat on the bed. "Hello my little princess." He whispered to her, kissing her head. "I love you, my precious."

Vaan smiled more, seeing how Balthier was already wrapped around that tiny finger.

Fran chuckled softly, stretching her legs out in front of her, giving a yawn of her own. "As I said. Smitten."

Krja curled against Balthier, the tiniest squeak escaping as she yawned again.

Balthier chuckled at Fran's words, knowing they were about him. He smiled at the noise she made, kissing her cheek. "Sleep for you, little one."

Vaan laughed, still watching Balthier and his daughter.

Fran lifted the incubator onto the bed. "There, you can put her down since you have hold of her." She smiled a little, leaning in to kiss Krja. "Sleep sweet, little angel."

Balthier lowered the tiny child into the incubator after kissing her again. He stroked her cheek, laying her down.

As soon as Krja was laid back in box, the weakest of cries escaped her. Fran blinked and knelt up once more. "Did... was that... a...??"

Balthier nodded once. "She did! She cried!" He laughed slightly, more exhaling in relief than anything else. He looked to Fran, smiling.

Vaan tilted his head. "She... doesn't cry?" He was just a little confused.

Fran lifted Krja out of the box and cradled her once more, cooing to her softly, before looking at Vaan. "Her lungs were not developed enough when she was... 'born'. All of her internal organs were barely functioning."

Balthier nodded once. "She barely breathed, let alone making noise. A cry is a sign of health for her. And a sign of relief for us."

He smiled a little, looking at Krja. "Well, at least she's growing. It's amazing she has survived. Then again, she's your child."

Fran continued to coo softly to Krja until the sings of her cries were gone. It seemed a little strange to wait for the sound of a cry only to silence it. "It was a weak cry, but it is a good sign. It proves she is getting stronger. Soon her lungs shall be strong." She lowered Krja back into the box, petting her lightly.

Balthier smiled and lifted his gaze from Krja to look at Fran. "I am not so certain that is all that good of a thing. She will be screaming at us." He chuckled.

Vaan laughed. "Yeah, she'll keep you guys awake all night with feeds and changes!" He grinned at them.

Fran laughed softly. "As it should be. That is the 'normal' way of things. I am quite looking forward to such things myself. Of course, I could always play the dutiful wife while you drink ale in the nearest tavern." She teased.

Balthier rolled his eyes. "You know I will be with you every step of the way. Even when she is older and attempts to play us against each other." He chuckled.

"Mm. Such fun times to look forward do." Fran smiled and looked at Krja, she smiled warmly as the infant attempted to suck on her own tiny thumb. "Balthier.... Look."

Balthier leaned to look at their child, a smile crossing his lips. "She advances with each passing moment. So small yet so inquisitive."

Vaan leaned in to see too, gasping slightly. "She's so cute!!" He grinned widely.

Fran smiled more. "She is strong. She grows ever stronger." She got up to her feet and exited the room. She returned with two bottles of the ale, handing one to Vaan and taking a sip from the other, before offering it Balthier. "Care for a sip?"

Balthier took a sip before turning away slightly. "Mn... I do believe alcohol truly has lost its appeal to me as of late." He chuckled softly.

Vaan swigged his bottle, smiling widely. "How can it? Aren't you Balthier?! Wine, women and weapons?!"

Fran laughed a little and took the bottle, taking a long drink from it, savouring the taste. "Mm. As of late it has been babies, broken mothers, baths and bed."

Balthier nodded once. "Yet, that does not sound all too unbearable. I have dealt with the baby, had a bath..." He kissed Fran softly. "Dealt with broken mother, and now, bed." He smiled, flopping back on the bed.

Vaan chuckled. "You're so not acting like a pirate! Pillaging, plundering! That's what you should do!"

Fran laughed softly. "Mm. At this rate I shall have to pirate for the both of us. Mayhaps even keep all the treasure for myself."

Balthier half-glared at her. "I do not think so, Viera. Give me a chance to adjust and I shall demand we hunt and explore further in this world."

Fran threw a pillow at his head. "Then you best teach Nono how to babysit. Hume."

Balthier caught the pillow and put it behind his head. "And why would we need to do that? Of course, Krja must begin learning. She shall come on hunts with us as soon as she is viable."

Vaan laughed, standing up. "I have to get back. Tomaj had some work for me to do. Gotta earn the gil to get my ship repaired!" He smiled and took a last look at Krja. "See you soon, guys?"

Fran got up, frowning a little at Balthier. "If a fiend eats my child I shall be most displeased." She headed to the engine room and returned a few moments later with a sky stone. "It is old and used. But it shall still work. A gift. For when your ship is complete." She said, handing it to Vaan.

Balthier rolled his eyes, looking to Krja again. Every time he did, a smile appeared on his lips. He could never hold back his smiles.

Vaan chuckled softly. "Thanks, Fran. This will come in handy." He grinned before making his way off the Strahl, a wave to Balthier beforehand.

Once Vaan had left, Fran moved to sit on the bed beside Balthier and the box. She leaned over, pressing a soft kiss to Balthier's head. "Sleep."

Balthier stroked his hand over her cheek. "Sleep fails me. I have not truly slept in a very long time." He brushed some silvery white hair back from her eyes.

Fran sighed, leaning in to kiss his lips. "You must sleep. You are making yourself ill." She frowned a little. "Shall I cast magicks over you?"

Balthier shook his head slightly. "Magick sleep is never true sleep." He kissed her lips again. "I am perfectly healthy, just a little dampened, slightly wilted." He smiled at her softly.

Fran sighed and shifted closer, leaning in steal another oh so soft kiss. "I worry about you. You do so much and rest so little."

Balthier shifted to place the incubator on the floor, being sure they'd never knock their child from the case that preserved her life. He then smiled at Fran. "I rest when I desperately need to. You need me awake, Krja needs me awake. I stay awake."

"I am fine. I shall watch over Krja. Rest, for my sanity if nothing else?" She sighed and pulled him until his head was rested in her lap, threading her fingers through his hair, one of two of the ways she had always comforted him in their years together.

Balthier settled into her, keeping his eyes open in pure stubbornness. "I am fine, Fran! Sleep in not as necessary as some make out. I am functioning perfectly."

"You are exhausted. I can see it in your eyes. Foolish, stubborn Hume." She smiled down at him, continuing to stroke his hair tenderly.

Balthier still refused to sleep, nuzzling her stomach lightly before looking up to her face. "I am not tired. What you see in my eyes is determination." He knew she'd pull him up on that. His eyes gave him away to no one but Fran.

"Stubbornness and exhaustion are what I see." She smiled, tracing her thumbs over his cheeks. "If you will not sleep, then at least lay and relax awhile."

Balthier smiled at her face. "I am laid and relaxed, my dear." He replied, reaching up to trace his fingers over her cheek.

Fran let her own eyes close for a moment, smiling contently, her thumbs still brushing over his skin.

After only a few more moments of her stroking his face, his eyes betrayed him and his arm fell limp beside him. He had very nearly just passed out on her, that exhausted that his body could not handle being awake any longer.

Fran shifted out from beneath him, leaning down to kiss his forehead, pulling a blanket up over him. "Sleep sweet, my foolish Hume." She whispered, before picking up the incubator to take tot he cockpit to give Balthier some well deserved rest.