(no subject)

[leatheredlion.livejournal.com]

Who: Fran, Balthier, Squall, Sora
When: Day
Where: Balamb Garden
What: Talking about battle plans
Rating: PG



There had come news of a spread of Heartless. Certainly, a few had dotted around Ivalice but, so far, that land seemed pretty safe. However, it was not Ivalice the pirates flew the skies of. Coming to dock at Balamb Garden, Balthier stepped off the Strahl. Sharing duties as parents, Krja was in the sling against his chest, babbling and poking at the decorative holes in his armour. Of course, Balthier and Fran needed to be sure Squall was okay.

Fran followed Balthier off of the Strahl, her bow against her back. She gazed over the magnificent building that was Balamb Garden. Really wishing this was a pleasure trip so she could poke around in the mechanics of such a building.

Squall was sat up in his office. The past few days Squall had done nothing but train and plan strategies and battle tactics. He looked exhausted. But he wouldn't rest. Couldn't rest. Not until Gaia was safe.

As they walked inside, various people attempted to stop them but Balthier would just take a friendly grip of their face and shove them back. Well, he vaguely knew the way to Squall's office and he led Fran to an elevator, and right up to that office. Without announcing himself to Squall's secretary-like comrade, the pirate walked right up to his friend's door, knocking.

Ah! Balthier's good manners and charm! It never ceased to amaze Fran. How they had not ended up imprisoned more times than they had surprised and eluded her.

Squall was slouched over a large map of Gaia, large sections of it covered in black marker pen. "It's open..."

Balthier peeled Krja from his armour and held her, turning the sling around, to hang down his back, before he pushed the door open. "Well. I see someone is hard at work."

Squall looked up from his desk, eyes showing exhaustion and stress beyond his years. "What brings you all the way to Balamb Garden?" He asked, pushing himself up to sit back in his chair.

Fran frowned at the sight of Squall, ears drooping slightly.

Balthier turned to Fran, pressing the child to her, allowing Krja to claw onto her mother. At that, he moved to Squall's desk, resting against it and catching the boy's chin, tilting his head to inspect the dark rings below his eyes. "The state you've gotten yourself in, now." He frowned, moving the paperweight that held the map open, letting it roll up. "Enough."

Fran took hold of Krja, letting the infant cling to her chest, nibbling on Fran's ponytail.

Squall snatched his face away, gritting his teeth, before pushing himself to his feet.

Balthier simply grabbed Squall's t-shirt and slammed the boy back into his chair. "You will listen, and listen well. I understand you've a lot of work and a lot to face. However, you cannot possibly do that when you are this exhausted." His tone was rather forceful and he barely showed any emotion on his face.

Squall's hands balled into fists, his ice-cold glare locking onto Balthier. "You have no idea what I face! You have no idea at all!!"

Fran watched the pair, not able to do much with the infant attached to her without the sling. "...Boys..."

Almost instinctively, Balthier took the sling off and tossed it to Fran. "I know that. You are a far better man for sticking to your guns rather than running as I did." Balthier glanced at Squall's fists, anticipating one connecting with his face at any point. "However, as I say, you cannot survive without rest."

Squall shoved Balthier away and got up, moving to stand by the window. "Rest?! For every second I waste on rest more heartless are spawning, destroying the world!!"

Fran put the sling on and slipped Krja into it. "Squall... You cannot save the world alone..."

Balthier steadied himself with ease at Squall's shove, being considerably larger than him. "Fran is right, Squall. This cannot be done alone and you need to ask for help, sometimes. It is not going to damage your pride or reputation."

Squall gritted his teeth, trying to stop the silent tears that rolled down his cheeks, dripping onto the fur of his jacket.

Fran watched the youth, not sure what to say to help. "We will help in any way we can. We will stand at your side and fight. But you cannot fight if you are too exhausted to stand."

Balthier moved to stand beside the window, silently just reaching out and brushing away the tears. He watched the teen a while, frowning after a moment. "What has truly shaken you? I know you. Your tears would not fall if you were simply tired from planning battle tactics."

Squall lowered his gaze to his feet, refusing to look at Balthier. More tears rolled down his cheeks, yet he could not speak, words failed him.

Fran moved towards the door. "Balthier... Speak with him. I shall go get food for him..."

Balthier gave a nod to Fran and reached out to lift the teen's chin. "Tell me. I will do whatever I can to help you."

Fresh tears rolled down Squall's cheeks and he moved forward, burying his head in Balthier's chest, hands coming up to grip his shirt.

Wrapping his arms around the teen, he ran a hand through chocolate hair, the other hand resting on Squall's lower back. "You can rely on me, Squall." He murmured.

"My Dad..." Squall choked against Balthier's shirt, gripping tighter.

Balthier frowned, eyes falling on the top of Squall's head. "The Heartless?" He muttered, pretty much assuming the answer. If it had been illness or anything else, Squall wouldn't be so Hell bent on revenge against those shadows.

"He... He is one of them..." Squall bunched Balthier's shirt in his hands, clinging to it. "He... is one with the darkness... and it is my fault."

"If it were your fault, that would simply mean you are a Heartless yourself. Stop blaming yourself, Squall." The pirate pressed a kiss to Squall's head. "You are not the one to blame."

"It is my fault..." He tucked his head under Balthier's chin. "It is my fault that King Mickey became a heartless and because of that... Laguna is one too... The world is being overcome by darkness and it is my fault."

Fran reappeared carrying a tray, balancing it on one side and Krja on the other. She had brought simple, easy to digest food such as toast and eggs, not sure how long it had been since Squall had eaten. She also brought water and tea, refusing to bring him coffee.

Balthier frowned, his arms tightening around Squall. "It is not your fault. No matter what happens, I refuse to let you go on believing that. I refuse to let you do this alone. We shall work together. No matter how long it takes. I shall stay here, if I have to." As soon as Fran returned, he lifted Squall's chin. "You will eat something. And drink. Then you will sleep."

Squall shook his head. "I am not hungry. Nor tired." He frowned, folding his arms across his chest.

Fran set the tray on the desk and held Krja out to Balthier. She pulled Squall into her arms, pulling his head into her breast, much like she did when she was trying to comfort Balthier. She petted his hair softly, letting him cry against her.

Balthier breathed out a soft laugh to Fran's actions before pouring a cup of tea and moving to the pair. "Squall. Drink this."

Fran loosened her hold to let Squall pull away, brushing away his tears with her thumb.

The teen moved to sit in his chair once more, taking the cup from Balthier.

Balthier sat on the desk, picking up the map of Gaia and unrolling it, almost wincing at all the black on it. If anything, the only places the Heartless hadn't truly claimed were Ivalice and Balamb. "...I dare say I've never seen so much black in all my years."

Squall rubbed at his temples and sipped the tea. "This is only the data I have... I may have spread since the last time I heard..."

Fran frowned and looked over the map. "... It is certainly going to be a war alright..."

Balthier hummed in thought for a moment. "Fran. I've a task for you. Something I never wished to happen but it must. Seek out weapons for the Strahl. The best you can get."

Fran gave a nod. "Of course. She will be fitted and ready to fly as soon as possible."

Squall frowned. "I do not wish for you to get involved. You have Krja to think of."

"We certainly do. You think we want a world overrun by Heartless for her to grow up in?" Balthier shook his head. "This is as much our battle as it is yours."

"You should concentrate on krja, ensure no harm comes to her. She is too young to see war. Go some place safe with her."

Balthier whacked Squall on the head with the map. "Do you hear the words coming from my mouth or am I speaking to a wall? I am ensuring her safety by fighting the war. We cannot allow this to continue."

Squall frowned and wrinkled his nose, huffing at Balthier a little, sipping more of his tea.

Fran looked over the map, drawing a circle around a nonblacked area. "... We should take her to Eruyt..."

"And we shall never get her back. Half Hume or no, your sister will deem her part of the Wood and refuse to return her." Balthier crossed his arms. "No, it is best she is with us until the final battle."

With a little bit of nervousness, Sora knocked the door to Leon's office, the thing swinging open. Poking his head in, he frowned slightly. "...Can I come in?"

Fran frowned a little. "And how am I supposed to focus on battle when I always have one eye on the child?"

Squall looked up at the door. "Sure Sora, what's up?"

Balthier was about to reply until Sora's voice piped in. At that, he silenced, crossing his arms and looking over his shoulder to the boy.

"I... was just wondering how you are... but if you're busy, I can come back later..."

Squall shook his head. "It's fine. Come in. We were just looking at the map..."

"And arguing over safe places for children during this war." He added, giving Fran a look.

Sora shuffled over to them, looking at the map. "It's... getting pretty bad. I should leave Balamb in the morning. Send me to the most overrun area and give me a group of SeeDs to back me up. I'll try to clear as much as I can."

Fran turned her gaze away from Balthier. "She will not be safe in battle. That is all I am saying."

Squall shook his head. "No. I will not send you out unless I am with you. I dragged you into this, Sora, I won't let you face it alone."

Sora slammed both hands on the desk, the thing actually shaking, despite Balthier's weight being against it. "Damnit, Leon, I'll go whether you like it or not! I'm done with battle simulations and plans! I need to get out there and put that Keyblade to its proper use!"

Balthier raised an eyebrow, looking at Sora before turning to Squall. "The boy has a point. You cannot plan forever. Sometimes, action is a wiser decision."

Squall frowned and rubbed at his temples again. "The both of us leave tomorrow."

Fran frowned a little. "Squall... You should rest..."

Balthier paused for a moment. "Squall. You will stay here. Fran and I shall accompany the boy."

Sora nodded once. "You're in no shape to fight; you're tired, underfed and probably dehydrated. When you're well, we'll take you out with us." Looking to the map, he trailed his fingers on it. "Now, where is the epidemic the worst?"

Squall gritted his teeth. He didn't want to sit back and do nothing. What sort of Commander sat back and made his friends do all the work?! He gave an annoyed growl. "Fine... but you leave Krja with me... and if anything happens... you flee..."

Fran looked to Balthier and then to Squall, before nodding. "Of course." She looked over the map, resting her fingers on a particularly black patch.

Balthier gave a nod. "And if we fall in battle, you protect Krja as though she were your own. But for the love of Nabudis, do not make her a SeeD."

Sora laughed a little, before looking to the map. "Leon, where shall we head first?"

Squall's fingers brushed against Esthar, resting there for a long moment before moving away. "Gold Saucer was lost first... We start there and work our way back..."

Balthier watched Squall's fingers before gazing at his face, frowning slightly. "Right. We shall head there in the morning. Fran. Will the Strahl be accompanying us, do you suppose?"

Fran gave a nod. "I shall take my leave and fly her to fit weapons and meet with you in the morning."

Balthier gave a nod in reply. "I urge you to stock up on arrows whilst you are gone. Mayhaps an automatic weapon, also. For precautions."

Sora inhaled slowly, eyes on the map. "Once the Golden Saucer is clear, we'll head to Esthar."

Fran stood. "Balthier... Walk with me to the Strahl. You can pick up Krja's things, I shall leave her here..." She held out her hand to Balthier.

Squall frowned and crossed his arms. "Esthar... That is where my da... Laguna is likely to be..."

Balthier took Fran's hand, frowning slightly as he took a look at Squall before heading out with his lover.

Sora nodded once. "We'll fight off his Heartless minions before we aprehend him. He might be a Heartless but because his heart still exists he can't make himself vanish into the shadows. The same thing happened to me."

Fran laced her fingers with Balthier's, letting out a heavy sigh as they neared the Strahl.

Squall drummed his fingers against the desk. "You think we can save him?"

"You are... ill at ease?" The pirate tilted his head. "If you wish not to battle, I shan't hold it against you, love."

"Saved me, didn't we? It's not as hard as everyone thinks. All that needs to happen is for the heart to return. That can be done by reminding the Heartless who they really are."

"I will stand at your side and fight, whatever the outcome may be. We are partners, are we not?" Fran stepped onto the Strahl, and collecting Krja's bottles, foods and changing bag. She held the items out to Balthier and then went to fetch Gero, handing him too, to Balthier. "I shall see you in the morning, love."

Squall sighed and looked at the map. "I wonder if we can save Mickey..."

Balthier held Gero close, hooking the bag over his shoulder and leaning to kiss Fran. "Remember. The best weapons you can get." He frowned slightly before turning and heading back towards the office.

Sora sighed slightly, too. "It'll be hard work but... I suppose, it can't hurt to try."

Fran cupped his cheek, before giving a nod and moving into the Strahl, to the captain's seat, setting the co-ordnates for Archades.

Squall nibbled at some of the now cold toast, flopping across the map.

As soon as he arrived at the office, Balthier set down the bag and held Gero out to Squall, cuddling Krja to himself. "Gero. He gives good comfort hugs." He chuckled softly.

Sora smiled a little, settling into a chair silently. Finally, he would get to do something for Gaia other than training for a seemingly unfightable war.

Squall took hold of the tiny moogle, cuddling him up close, nuzzling his pompom. "How is Fran? She seemed troubled..." He frowned a little, scrunching his nose. "And... didn't you have two moogles?"

Balthier gave a slight nod. "She is ill at ease. I have seen this look many times yet never receive an answer." Balthier seated himself on the desk. "Nono will be needed to help fit the weapons. He is far more advanced than Gero."

Squall cuddled the tiny moogle closer to himself. "She does not have to fight if she doesn't want to. No one would blame her. She is, after all, a mother. It is natural that her fears lie with Krja's safety."

"I said as much. She pulled the 'partners' line on me." Balthier reached into Krja's bag and took out a small soft toy in the shape of a moogle and pressed it to her nose. She giggled and grasped it. "It has Fran's scent on it." He knew the scent of that woman's skin above all.

Squall frowned and watched Balthier. "The same goes for you, Balth... You do not have to fight this war if you do not want to.."

"I have to. For Krja." He lifted the child and nuzzled her nose gently with his own, smiling at her coos. "I could not stand to see her live in a world overrun by Heartless when I had the chance to help fix that."

Squall reached up his hand, cupping Balthier's cheek, pulling him down into a soft kiss. "We will win this war. We have to."

With a slight smile, he kissed the corner of Squall's mouth. "Together. All of us. For once, I'm willing to fall into rank."

Sora blinked at their intimacy and was able to silently remove himself from the room, not wanting to intrude or be a problem.

Squall thread his fingers through Balthier's hair tenderly, resting his forehead against the other's. "When I have slept, I shall join you all in battle."

Balthier tilted his head and caught Squall's lower lip. "Sleep, after a back massage." He smiled before pulling away. "Well. I'll head to your room, Krja needs a nap."

Squall nodded and stood, looking around. "When did Sora leave?" He tilted his head and scooped up Gero and his gunblade. "You remember the way to my room, I trust?"

"I do indeed." He replied, having no answer as to the boy's whereabouts. The pirate carried his sleepy child to Squall's room, tugging open a drawer and laying her in it with Squall's clothing and a blanket that had both his own and Fran's scents on it. "I... hope you don't mind. It is just until the battle is won."

Squall smiled and sat on the bed. "It's fine. Though... I cannot babysit and fight... I may have to leave her with a trusted SeeD when I join you in battle."

"You will sit out of this battle, Squall. Join us for the next one." He scooped Gero from Squall's hands and placed him beside Krja, noting his own sleepy expression.

The moogle was quick to fall asleep, snuggling into the infant's side. Squall frowned a little. "I don't want to sit on the sideline. It's not my way."

The pirate seated himself beside Squall and pulled him in for an embrace. "It is your way this time, Leonhart. Sometimes, sitting out it the best thing to do."

Squall leaned into the embrace and shut his eyes. "I feel like I'm letting everyone down."

"You've played your part flawlessly, Squall. Let us play ours." He pressed gentle kisses to the teen's head.

Squall leaned against Balthier more, slowly drifting to sleep.

The pirate moved to lean against the wall, laying Squall's head on his lap and gently stroking his hair, his mind falling upon the battle ahead.