(no subject)

[leatheredlion.livejournal.com]

Who: Balthier, Fran, Squall & Rinoa
When: A few days after Balthier’s Birthday
Where: Balamb Garden
What: Talking and comforting
Rating: PG-13



Balthier had set course for Balamb Garden, the Strahl being cloaked as it came to a stop nearby. If SeeDs spotted them, they'd be dead in minutes. He'd planned a rather dashing disguise. Well, not really. Balthier wore a black cloak that covered his entire outfit. Under the cloak he wore a pair of tight leather pants with three belts. The one with the rare gems and his two with the pouches. He had on black combat boots and a black shirt with silver and red stitching. His glasses were on his face and his gun on his back, though he expected to have to sneak into Squall's base.

Fran hated disguises. It was easy enough to disguise her ears by tying them down and hiding them beneath a hood, but it was harder to disguise her height and her claws. She scrunched up her nose, scratching at the itchy rope that bound her ears.

"Easy, Fran. Once we make it to Squall's side, we may remove what we wish of our disguises." He murmured, pulling the Strahl up near the docking bay and soon moving to the door. "We've a fair drop to jump. Would you rather I have Krja for the jump?" He tilted his head a little, not meaning any insult by it.

"As long as you do not fall and crush her." Fran replied, raising an eyebrow. Her gave another scratch at her ears, shaking her head a little. "You have a plan for getting to Squall's side unseen, I take it?"

"Well, I dare say, I am flying blind right now." He murmured, taking Krja and holding her close before diving from the Strahl, the long drop seeming far too long. As he landed in a crouch, he inspected Krja quickly before standing straight when certain he hadn't harmed her on the landing.

Fran looked down at him, standing on the edge. "Love, please do not think I am questioning your ideas. But if we are both to jump down... how do you suggest we get back up?"

Balthier laughed slightly. "Now, for that, I do have a plan." He shifted to reveal an interesting gun on his hip. "A grapple gun, apparently. I have tested it. It is rather simple." He gave a smirk. "I liberated it off a traveller from Gods know where who'd found his way to Rabanastre."

Fran jumped down at those words, landing in front of Balthier with the grace of a cat. She stood straight and dusted off her cloak. "Glad to know you are prepared, love."

"For most things." He muttered before pulling his cloak around Krja to hide her from view, his other hand grasping his gun and hiding it also as he began to walk. "We try to take the back ways. The paths least walked. You and I know Garden well, Fran. Let's tread lightly, shall we?" He murmured as he walked in.

Fran gave a nod and took hold of Balthier's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. She lifted each foot in turn, removing her shoes so the heels wouldn't make too much noise; carrying them in her free hand.

Balthier smiled slightly and led her on, swiftly guiding her down less used hallways. Occasionally, he would have to pull her up against a wall as SeeDs went by but soon enough they had made it to the elevator and Balthier lowered his hood as he pressed the button for the floor Squall's office was on.

Fran kept her own hood pulled up, even as the elevator came to a stop on the third floor. Once the door slid open, she stepped out onto the corridor, blinking at the sight of young, leather clad commander they sought. She gave Balthier slight nudge.

Squall had just locked up his office and was on his way to the elevator. He was planning on going to visit Rinoa. He looked up at the two figures at the elevator, eyes widening in surprise. "What are you guys doing here? If you get caught..."

Balthier shook his head slightly, uncovering Krja from the cloak he wore to let her see her Uncle Squall. "We came to see how you and Rinoa are. I've been worried." He replied, rocking Krja slightly and looking at Squall from behind his glasses.

Squall leaned in, swiping Krja from Balthier, holding her against his chest with a sad sigh, nuzzling his head against hers. "I was just on my way down to visit Rin. Why don't you guys join me?"

Fran gave a nod. "And you, Squall, how are you coping?"

The teen shrugged and stepped into the elevator, holding Krja against him. "I'm fine."

"Of course you are." Balthier murmured, stepping back into the elevator, pulling the string of his cloak and letting it fall, catching it and wrapping it around Squall playfully. "Has there been much progress with Loire?"

Squall gave a weak smile, shaking his head. "No... If anything he is becoming more Heartless. He... he hisses at the doctor and nurses... He has started to claw..."

Fran let out a sad sigh, shaking her head, staring at her shoe-less feet. "We are sorry."

Balthier furrowed his brow, curling an arm around Squall's shoulders but leaving it at that, not pulling him into an embrace. He wasn't entirely sure what to say, especially considering the fact that Loire was still alive but dead in a different way.

Squall gave Balthier a half smile, pulling away from him once the elevator came to a stop. He chuckled the cloak back at Balthier, but kept hold of Krja, finding the infant's babbles comforting. Once the doors opened, he looked out to check the path was clear. "Let's go."

Fran stepped out of the elevator, following Squall towards the Infirmary.

Balthier put the cloak over his shoulder and walked with them, his brow furrowed.

Rinoa was seated in a chair, next to the small intensive care unit they had put Loire in, her eyes saddened at not being allowed to touch him. They'd even put a sealed lid on the box to stop her getting him out. With a sigh, she tapped at the clear case, smiling lightly as Loire gave a tap back, but letting the smile disappear. She knew if he was a real baby, a human one, he wouldn't have returned the tapping.

Squall handed Krja back to Fran as they entered the infirmary, not sure if Rinoa would handle the sight of him holding a healthy child in his arms. He walked over to Rinoa and pressed a gentle kiss to her head. "Any change?" He asked hopefully. "Balthier and Fran have come to visit you..."

Fran held Krja against her chest, standing at Balthier's side, watching Loire silently.

Balthier's eyes fell on Loire and widened slightly before he settled himself and rested a hand on Rinoa's shoulder. "Are you alright?" He gave her a rather knowing look.

Rinoa gave Squall a half-smile. "Not really. If anything, he's getting a little... responsive. Watch." She tapped the case and nodded once when Loire tapped back. As Balthier rested his hand on her shoulder, she looked to his fingers, soon letting her gaze lift to his face. "I am fine." She mumbled, resting her hand on his a moment.

Squall watched his Heartless child respond to Rinoa, letting out a heavy sigh. If the child were human it would be fighting for every breath, barely moving at all. He swallowed hard, his gaze falling on Balthier and Rinoa's exchange, a slight frown forming on his lips.

Fran didn't move any closer with Krja for the moment. "If there is anything we can do..."

Balthier left his hand there a moment later before slipping it away and crossing his arms over his chest, watching Loire with a frown.

Rinoa looked at Fran, smiling softly. "There's really nothing any of us can do, I don't think." She looked at Krja. "Can... can I hold her?" She offered her hands out to Fran.

Squall moved closer to the box holding Loire, resting his hands on top of the plastic, looking down at his son with heartbreak in his eyes.

Fran gave a nod and placed Krja in Rinoa's arms. The infant instantly giggled and smiled up at Rinoa, no screaming or crying in sight.

Balthier grasped Squall's shoulders gently, kissing his temple. "Would you like to go and talk?" He murmured in his ear.

Rinoa gave a soft, though someone dead laugh, cuddling Krja up. "I... I guess it's not me you didn't like..." She mumbled. She looked to Fran. "How're things in the outside world?"

Squall shook his head, keeping his gaze fixed on Loire, tears filling those stormy eyes, but he refused to let them fall in front of Rinoa. His fingers gripped at the box, tensing against the plastic.

Krja sucked on a clawed thumb, babbling contently against Rinoa. Fran petted Rinoa's hair gently. "You concentrate on yourself. The world can wait."

Balthier pulled Squall back, gripping his shoulders. "Now. We are going to talk." He spoke sternly and rather fatherly, knowing Squall needed to cry but couldn't with Rinoa there.

Rinoa smiled up at Fran, though it was weak. "I'm fine, really. How are things with you all? A-and those sweet kids I met at that picnic?" She wanted to talk about something, anything, other than Loire.

Squall swallowed hard and pulled away from Balthier's hands, walking out of the Infirmary, onto the corridor silently, barely getting out of the room before those tears fell.

"Things are a little hectic, truth be told. Our bounty has been raised quite steeply. It is dangerous for us to even be here." She continued to pet Rinoa's hair in a gentle motherly way. "The children are well. Discovering themselves and their relationship it seems."

Balthier followed Squall out and as soon as he closed the door he pulled Squall into his chest, resting his own back against the wall and kissing the top of Squall's head.

Rinoa offered a seat nearby for Fran, smiling slightly. "I'm glad to hear about them. It's nice they're getting closer." She rocked a little in her chair, holding Krja close. "Squall never told me why your bounty went up... or why you aren't allowed here..."

Squall clung to Balthier, grabbing fistfuls of his shirt, sobbing against his chest.

Fran took the offered seat. "Well... it is a long story. But it boils down to the fact we killed a man in cold blood and Squall was supposed to hand us over for execution."

Balthier kissed gently over Squall's cheek and ear, nuzzling lightly, whispering into his ear. "It's alright... let all those tears out. There is no one here but me."

Rinoa smiled lightly. "I suppose that's just how pirates do things? It sounds exciting. I mean, I know I'd never have the guts to kill anyone but... it still sounds fun to do something so illegal."

Squall's fists soon started to pound weakly against Balthier's chest as those heartbroken tears rolled down his cheeks, strangled sobs escaping him.

"It is a part of the job. If you carry guilt, then you can never be a true pirate. It is just a way of life, Squall has garden and his rules, we have the sky and our crimes."

Balthier held Squall a little tighter, nuzzling his ear. "Would you prefer we go to your room, somewhere more private? Anyone could walk this way..." He didn't want Squall to suffer the eyes of his SeeDs seeing him this broken down.

Rinoa blinked a little before nodding. "I guess that's true. Squall is very straight laced, even if he tries to rebel sometimes. He always follows the rules he knows he should."

Squall gave a nod and let of of Balthier, turning to walk silently along the corridor towards the dorms, wiping his eyes on his sleeve.

"And you, Rinoa? Rule-follower or rule-breaker?" Fran asked with a gentle smile.

Balthier headed along at Squall's side, slipping his hand into the teen's and squeezing it gently.

Rinoa glanced to Loire, who'd began staring at her, tapping the case once to make him blink and break his concentration. "I'm... I'm Squall's light, even with all... this. I have to be a rule-follower. It's the way it is."

Squall led Balthier back to the dorm room, swiping his keycard through the slot, unlocking the door.

"Do you find happiness and fulfilment beside him? You are free to make your own choices, Rinoa."

Balthier let Squall walk in first and closed the door behind himself, shifting to sit on the bed, placing his glasses aside on the table and offering his arms to Squall.

Rinoa nodded slightly. "I know I am... I love Squall. I'm happy with him, all things considered. I just... feel a little... I don't know..." She shrugged slightly.

Squall quickly shifted into Balthier's embrace, once more letting his tears fall freely. "Sorry." He mumbled through the tears.

"Things will get easier with time. It may even strengthen your relationship." Fran reassured her.

Balthier shook his head, snuggling Squall up more and kissing his head. "Do not apologise. It is why I am here." He murmured softly.

Rinoa tilted her head a little, her brow furrowing. "Did... did Hana's death strengthen things with Balthier?"

Squall buried his head more, sobbing softly. "I should be coping. I should be strong enough to handle this... I need to be. For Rin..."

Fran petted Rinoa's hair. "It did. Once Balthier allowed himself to grieve. Besides... Loire is not dead. Do not give up hope that he may be saved..."

Balthier frowned slightly. "Shhh, it is fine. Rinoa would rather you grieve than act like an unbreakable stone. I know this well." He murmured.

Rinoa smiled softly. "I haven't given up hope... I think I'm the only one with any hope for him at the moment..."

Squall nuzzled into Balthier more, sobbing until the tears would no longer fall. He shifted to lay his head on the man's lap.

"Squall has hope. Amidst the heartache I see hope dance within his eyes." Fran replied.

Balthier pet his hand through Squall's hair, humming softly to sooth him. "Are you alright, love?" He asked softly.

Rinoa gave a weak laugh, nodding slightly. "I hope you're right, Fran. He is the only person I can really rely on at the moment..."

Squall gave a soft nod, closing his eyes. "Mm. I feel better now... Thank you."

Fran gave Rinoa a warm smile. "He has a strong heart and a strong mind. He'll stand by your side and help you through this."

Balthier gave Squall a light tug. "Come up here and give me a real cuddle. I hate seeing you so distraught." He murmured.

Rinoa nodded again. "He will. I trust him with that." She settled back into her chair more, petting Krja's blonde hair. "She's getting big now."

Squall wriggled to sit up, shuffling onto Balthier's lap, wrapping his arms around Balthier's neck, nuzzling him. "Better?"

Fran smiled soft at Krja, listening to the child babble happily. "Mm. She can sit up by herself now. And she already knows exactly how to wrap Balthier around her finger."

Balthier nodded, nuzzling him back. "Much better." He held Squall close, chest to chest as he sighed softly against the teen.

Rinoa smiled a little more. "Just as any little girl should do with her father." She bounced Krja on her knee a little. "Has she learnt any new words or is Balthier still the focus?"

Squall kept a tight hold of Balthier, letting his eyes fall closed, almost drifting to sleep in the man's embrace.

"No, it's still about Balthier. I do not worry though, she is a little slow in her development, but it is to be expected from a premature child."

Balthier brushed Squall's hair back, kissing his forehead gently, holding him close. "I love you, Squall. No matter how much it all hurts, I promise everything will be alright in the end." He whispered to him.

Rinoa chuckled lightly, watching Krja on her lap. "She's very intelligent, though. I guess that accounts from your genes, not that Balthier is dense or anything. Just... human babies aren't normally so intelligent so quickly."

Squall nuzzled Balthier's neck, letting out a soft mumble of acknowledgement to Balthier's words, drifting to sleep on the man's shoulder.

Fran smiled soft. "I suppose that is true." She looked at Rinoa. "Have you slept? You must rest."

Balthier eased Squall to one side, gently laying him on the bed before slipping his glasses back on and standing, stretching his arms up. After a few moments, began to lazily wander the room, trailing his fingers over everything that honestly would be so strange to find in Ivalice.

Rinoa shook her head a little. "I sleep enough. i'm not really tired, just... empty." Her voice softened towards the end as she looked to Loire.

Squall whimpered and moaned in his sleep, curling up into a ball. "...thier..."

Fran frowned a little, watching Rinoa with a soft sadness. "I understand. It will ease with time."

Balthier glanced at Squall, his brow furrowing. He picked up a small device as he moved to sit on the bed again, pulling Squall's head onto his lap as he fiddled with the electrical device.

Rinoa frowned, watching Loire a long moment before looking to Fran with sad eyes. "You... you understand the emptiness, right?"

The teen nuzzled into Balthier's lap instantly, his breathing relaxing, his hand gripping at the mna's knee.

Fran gave a nod. "I do. It feels as though nothing shall ever mend this empty hole inside you, nothing will ever ease the ache."

Balthier smiled softly at Squall before pressing a button on the device, blinking as a screen showed what was in front of him. "Odd..." He moved the equipment around, watching the little screen as it showed the room.

Rinoa whimpered slightly, giving a firm few nods. "That's it. That's just it! Gods... and it feels like there is a part of you that someone took and you just don't know how to fix it."

Squall stirred after a few minutes, blinking tear swollen eyes open, looking up at Balthier.

"It is a pain that eases with time. It feels as though it never will, and then, just like that, the pain starts to go and happiness creeps back in."

Balthier was far too distracted to notice Squall wake up, his eyes full of amazement at the simple device. "Hmm..." He tilted his head slightly.

Rinoa looked down at her knees before looking to Loire. "...as long as Loire is like that... I'm not sure how I'll be. Once I know how he's going to be, I'll be able to get on."

Squall shifted to sit up, his head throbbing from his sobbing session. "What're you doing?" He asked, rubbing his eyes.

"That is understandable. It was like that with Krja. With Hana... I knew she was dead, and I was able to grieve."

Balthier blinked at Squall before looking at the device again. "Oddly enough, I have found myself fascinated by this strange contraption." He muttered.

Rinoa nodded a little. "When I know if he'll become human... or if..." She paused, shaking her head. "Well, then, I'll be able to decide what to do with myself."

"The video camera?" Squall asked, flopping back against the bed, watching Balthier.

"No matter what happens... We shall all be here for you, Rinoa. Call us anytime."

"Video. Camera." He gave a slight nod, aiming it at Squall. "What does it do? I'm afraid I've come to a stand still in understanding."

"Thanks, Fran. I will." She smiled softly before settling into her seat.

Squall covered it with his hand, nudging it away from him. "It records things for future viewing." He murmured.

Fran leaned in and took Krja from Rinoa. "Go lay down and rest, I shall sit and watch over Loire."

"It records things?" He shifted to lay down beside Squall, turning the screen to be able to see it as he held it above them both, smiling lightly. "Then why do you nudge it away?"

Rinoa nodded a little, resting her hand on the case and sighing lightly as Loire clawed at the hand. "Thanks..." She murmured to Fran before heading to her bed, settling down in it.

Squall nudged Balthier with his elbow lightly. "Because I look a mess. I'd sooner not have my tear stained cheeks put on show for the world to see."

Fran cradled Krja close to her, watching over the Heartless Loire silently.

Balthier curled his arm around Squall's shoulders, tilting his head up and kissing him firmly on the mouth. "You look beautiful. You always do." He murmured, still holding the camera over them.

Squall gave a soft blush, returning the kiss. "You realise you're still filming? Fran and Rinoa would kill us if they saw that."

Balthier gave a light smirk, nudging Squall's cheek with his nose before slipping his tongue between Squall's lips, kissing him deeply and intensely, taking as much control as he could, still holding that camera up.

Squall kissed back, curling his arms around Balthier's neck, squeezing his eyes shut as his tongue danced with Balthier's.

Balthier set the camera aside, slipping his glasses out of the way and moving to slide Squall underneath him and kneeling above him, kissing him intently, his hand gripping Squall's hip.

Squall turned his head away, closing his eyes to hide his eyes, resting a hand on Balthier's chest. "Balth..."

"I know. We had our last time." He let out a sigh, resting his forehead on Squall's shoulder before shifting to sit up. "I apologise."

"I can't... not know... not while Rin is so broken and Loire is..." He shook his head and rolled onto his side, taking the video camera to watch what had been filmed.

"I understand. Do not try to explain it out." He muttered, watching the teen. He put his glasses back on flopping to lay down. "By any chance, is there a way to erase whatever we just recorded?"

Squall gave a nod. "There is. Do you want to watch it first?" He asked, handing the device over as it came to them kissing.

Balthier looked at it, smiling slightly. "Well... to anyone who didn't know better, we'd seem like the perfect couple." He slipped his left hand into Squall's right, pressing their tattoos near each other.

Squall blushed bright. "We certainly seemed to play the part in Besaid." He murmured, cuddling into Balthier.

"Mm. I did enjoy that so very much. Being at ease with you, not looking over my shoulder in case someone I knew would spot me with you..." He muttered, holding Squall close.

Squall erased the contents of the camera, before pressing record, leaning in to steal a soft, tender kiss from Balthier.

Balthier smiled lightly, returning the tender kiss, his eyes slipping shut as he did.

Squall slipped his tongue between Balthier's lips, recording the whole thing.

The pirate gave a soft moan, returning the kiss, his tongue sliding and writhing against Squall's in the most lewd and erotic of ways.

Squall wrapped his free arm around Balthier's neck, kissing him harder, moaning against his mouth.

Balthier rested a hand on Squall's side, returning the firm kiss, his moans mixing with Squall's as he kissed back a little more firmly.

Squall broke the kiss to trail his kisses along Balthier's jaw, holding the camera awkwardly.

Balthier blushed and his head tilted back slightly, his hand tightening slightly on Squall's side as he let out the most timid of moans.

Squall nibbled on Balthier's Adam's apple lightly, swiping his tongue over it.

The pirate gave another soft moan, his hand threading in Squall's hair. "Aa-ah..." His eyes opened the slightest bit and his face held a light blush still.

Squall locked his gaze on Balthier's, his eyes full of adoration and love. He leaned in to kiss the man on the lips again.

Balthier returned the kiss, his leg curling over both of Squall's as he did. "Mn..." His hand stayed threaded in Squall's hair, toying with it.

Squall moaned soft against Balthier's lips, his eyes fluttering shut, his hips rolling just once.

The pirate let out a low moan, his tongue slipping into Squall's mouth again as he returned the hip roll with a lighter one of his own.

Squall kept his awkward hold of the camera, rocking his hips a little firmer.

Balthier reached a hand up to steady the camera, his own hips rocking against Squall's as he curled his tongue over the teen's.

"I love you." Squall whispered against Balthier's lips, resting his forehead against the other man's to look into his eyes. "I love you so much."

"I know, Squall... I love you, too. I love you so much." He murmured softly, his free hand brushing against Squall's cheek.

Squall dropped the camera as his eyes began to fill with tears again, his head burying against Balthier's neck.

Balthier pressed the stop button and set the camera aside, pushing his glasses to his head and holding Squall close, kissing his ear and cheek repeatedly.

Squall clung to Balthier, burying his hands in the man's hair.

"Tell me, Squall. Tell me what you need. I will do whatever you wish." He murmured, keeping his young love affair close.

"Just... hold me until the pain stops?" He murmured, not able to open up to anyone the way he could to Balthier.

"Always. Even if it takes forever, love." He whispered, kissing him on his head. "I've an idea." He released Squall a moment, placing his glasses aside and pulling the blanket free. He pulled it up over them before reaching into his pouch and pulling out a glow crystal he always carried. It lit up their hideaway just enough. "The world is gone. It is just you and I now." He murmured, stroking Squall's cheek.

Squall blushed a little, toying with Balthier's hair softly. "I'm glad I have you. I don't think I'd be able to cope otherwise, seeing Rin so broken and Loire so... ... It's hard."

He nodded slightly, kissing Squall's nose. "It's what I'm here for. To help you. What kind of man would I be if I pushed you away when you are at your lowest?"

Squall wriggled to reach the video camera, playing back what they had recorded. "Our lips fit together kinda well..."

Balthier smiled as he held squall near, watching the video. "Our everything fits together well, Squall. Like two pieces of a puzzle."

"I... don't think I'll erase this one..." Squall murmured, blushing a little as he nuzzled Balthier.

The pirate smiled lightly and pet his fingers through Squall's hair. "Oh? And why is that?"

"Because... it's a nice reminder." Squall purred.

"A reminder of what exactly, hm?" He chuckled slightly before huffing and pulling the blanket down. "It's so hot..."

Squall gave a soft laugh. "Of a tender, romantic, erotic kiss with a gorgeous pirate." Squall blushed sweat-damp locks from his eyes. "You could always strip..."

"Only if you do." He purred, crossing an arm under his head, his fingers toying at the buttons on his shirt.

Squall shifted to sit up on his kneels, peeling out of his t-shirt. "There, better?"

Balthier gave a tug to Squall's leather pants zipper. "No. Not better." He teased, shifting to unbutton his own shirt.

Squall swatted Balthier's hands away. I'm not sitting on the bed naked. It looks bad." He wriggled off the bed and moved over to the wardrobe, pulling out a pair of worn out, faded, torn jeans. He peeled out of his leathers, a large bruise on his hip as he started to pull the jeans on.

"What the..." He shifted to stand, his shirt unbuttoned but still on. "Squall, honestly, what is that bruise?" He asked, resting a hand over where he'd seen the mark.

Squall gave a slight jump as Balthier rested his hand there. He frowned and pulled the jeans open enough to look. "Heh... Look at that... I guess I must have bumped into something."

"Squall... We cannot take you anywhere." He teased, nipping his nose before moving to sit on the bed, still in his own tight leather pants, though removing his shirt entirely.

Squall fastened the jeans, though they sat low on his hips, exposing half of the bruise. He moved back to the bed and sat down, crossing his legs beneath him.

Balthier yawned and flopped back, holding his arms out to Squall. "Would you mind if I borrow that video camera? I wish to show Fran..." He muttered, smiling up at Squall.

Squall wriggled into Balthier's arms. "Sure. I'll put a blank tape in. I'm sure you don't want Fran to see what's on this one..."

"Mm... besides, you want to keep that one." He smiled slightly and nuzzled the teen a little more. "Let's see if we can't get you to sleep some, hm?"

Squall pulled away and moved over to the desk, taking the tape with 'the kiss' on it from the video camera, putting a blank one in it's place. He moved back to the bed and flopped beside Balthier.

Balthier snuggled Squall up and pulled the blanket over them again, humming a soft pirate lullaby into his ear as he pet his head soothingly.

Squall smiled softly, his eyes fluttering shut. "Mm. I shouldn't be sleeping. I should be with Rin." He purred.

"Rinoa will be asleep by now. Fran knows what is best for her. I know what is best for you." He kissed Squall's head before continuing his tune.

Squall threaded his fingers lazily through Balthier's hair, letting that smile stay on his lips. "I love you."

"I love you too." He whispered, falling silent as he held Squall close in the warmth under the blanket they had over them.

Within seconds, the brunette teen had fallen asleep in the pirate's embrace.