(no subject)

[balthier-strahl.livejournal.com]

Who: Balthier, Fran, Krja, Vaan and Penelo
What: Letting the younger pirates know
Where: The Strahl, Rabanastre
When: Through the day
Rating: PG-13


Fran had awoken early, rolling over in bed, expecting to roll into Balthier's warmth, but instead finding herself met with cold sheets. She blinked and sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Balthier?" She got out of bed, moving to Krja's room, followed by the engine room. "Balthier?!"

The pirate was laid atop the Strahl. Literally on top of the airship, wearing only a pair of pyjama pants. Even despite being so many thousand feet up in the air, thanks to his decision to disembark at four in the morning, he had no fear in him as he lay looking at the sky.

Fran searched every room on the Strahl, including the store room they used as a weaponary, and the moogles' room. She frowned and moved to the hatch, pushing it open, climbing onto the outside the Strahl, dressed only in a lace negliee. "Balthier?"

Balthier shifted to sit up, smiling down at her. "Up here, Fran." He rested back on his hands, straddling the stationary ship, looking up at the sky.

Fran moved over to him, clawed toes tapping against the metal body of the Strahl. She sat beside him, hugging her knees. "You and the Sky been making love without me, hm?" She gave a light smile. "Does she speak?"

"We have, I'm afraid, love." He murmured, soon slipping his arms out from under him, staring at the sky. He was silent after that, not sure what to say. With a soft smile, he shook his head. "Not speak. She laughs."

"She laughs?" Fran asked, tilting her head softly. "For what purpose?"

"She rejoices my imminent return to her arms." He replied, curling his good arm under his head.

Fran rested her chin on her knees. "I see." She was silent for a long moment, her fight to keep her ears from drooping obvious in the muscle twitch. "Then we shall laugh with her."

Balthier gave a soft laugh, before closing his eyes. "There is little else we can do but laugh. She would be angered if I were to cry."

"We shall laugh. We shall pirate. We shall drink. And we shall fly. Together. Until the end, love." Fran murmured, closing her eyes.

Balthier gave a nod. "But first, we should get ourselves dressed." he shifted around her, sliding down the Strahl's hull and slipping inside her, heading for the bedroom.

Fran pushed herself to her feet, taking a long look out over the sku before following Balthier.

The pirate had shifted to undress, his torso still unbandaged, despite how it began weeping again. He pulled on black leather pants and hiking boots before sitting on the bed, taking a moment to breathe. It hurt to even dress himself... great.

Fran stood against the doorway, watching Balthier. "Shall I dress the wound for you?" She asked. "And mayhaps help you into a shirt?"

Balthier looked at her and gave a silent nod. This illness was grating on him. It was killing his pride faster than his body. "Thank you..." he murmured, shifting to head for the bathroom.

Fran picked a shirt from the wardrobe and followed him, setting it aside while she applied balm and bandages to the wound, wrapping it quickly and carefully. She then helped him into the shirt, not sayng a word about it, not wanting to make him feel any worse.

Balthier furrowed his brow and buttoned the shirt. "I suppose it is a blessing I am left handed, hm?" He ran that hand through his hair a moment before sighing heavily and kissing her cheek. "Thanks, love." He then slipped away from her, heading for the cockpit, rolling up his sleeves.

Fran moved to get dressed herself, slipping into a simple sundress. She moved to the cockpit, leaning against the doorframe. "Shall I get you something to eat? Drink?"

"No, I had breakfast earlier." He muttered, though it was a lie. "What is the first thing on our agenda, Fran?" He didn't look at her as he scanned his eyes over the map with the markings for their previous plan.

"Well I have to wake up ad feed a little princess and prepare breakfast for two moogles. After that... well, then it is up to you."

Balthier fell silent then, his brow furrowed as he settled into his seat, crossing his arms over his chest and watching the sky in front of him.

Fran moved over to sit in her seat, twisting to look at Balthier. "You have much on your list. What would you like to do first, love?"

"I am unsure. There is little of excitement on our lists. Mostly getting my things in order for the end." He muttered, frowning a little.

Those claws reached out to thread through Balthier's hair, oh so tenderly. "Are you scared?"

"...yes." He all but whispered, his eyes falling on his knees, his frown setting deeper on his brow.

Fran curled her hand around his cheek, nudging his face up slightly, brushing her thumb across his cheek. "I shall be beside you every step of the way, love."

Balthier swallowed slightly, letting his vulnerable expression last a moment longer before he fixed on a smile. "What say we visit the thief and the dancer, hm?"

Fran gave a nod. "Mm. We have not seen them since the party. I do hope they made it home in one piece. They were both rather sotted."

"No doubt Penelo had her wicked way with the boy." He keyed in co-ordinates for Rabanastre and hit auto-pilot, resting his weakened arm against his chest.

"Mm. Exactly what were the two of you discussing that night, love?" Fran asked, stroking his cheek again before shifting to stand.

"She asked me about sex. Rather on how to know the time was right. I told her how it was physically right and... and that emotionally, there is no right moment, but when you both love each other enough and are willing to hold the weight of that." He replied, watching her stand and giving a soft smile.

"Oh? I am surprised you did not tell her to pin the boy and take what she wants." Fran teased.

Balthier chuckled lightly. "I've a heart under all this bravado, Fran." He joked, soon moving to manually control the Strahl.

Fran smiled at him before exiting to go see to the children. She returned a short while after with Krja and the pop-up playpen, she set it up on the cockpit floor and sat Krja in it with her building blocks.

Balthier smiled at the sight of Krja before setting his eyes on the sky, a frown on his face. "Fran, to your station. We've company." He murmured, his eyes focussing at the sight of the group of head hunters in airships.

Fran instantly moved to her seat, checking the radar and the screen. "Looks like there is four... maybe five... ships out there..."

"Mm. I dare say I've no desire to let them ruin these two months, nor cut them short." He replied, his eyes narrowing as he began to perform evasive moves.

Fran kept her eyes on the screens, checking the ship's vitals. "Let us hope the old girl can handle it, hm?"

"She may be old, but she's still the fastest." He replied, dipping the airship to hurtle towards the ocean. As the hunters followed, he swiftly pulled the nose up at the last moment, chuckling as their airships crashed into the ocean. The pirate smirked a little, momentarily forgetting it all as he headed onwards towards Rabanastre.

"A little like myself, hm?" Fran teased, shifting to check on Krja once they were back on course.

Balthier smiled softly. "You and she have a lot in common. The fastest, the prettiest, both graceful in your age."

"And we are both your girls." Fran added, leaning over the side of the playpen to play with Krja.

Balthier chuckled lightly, swinging the Strahl around and landing her perfectly in the Aerodrome. "Fran... we need to talk."

Fran stood and looked at Balthier. "What is it, love?" She asked, moving back to her seat, sitting down.

"I want not a word spoken to Vaan and Penelo of my coming... departure. We act as though things are as they should be. Alright?" He looked to her then, frowning slightly.

"Balthier..." Fran sighed soft. "I do not think we should keep it from them. Vaan is like a little brother to you, he deserves the truth."

Balthier frowned more, resting back into his seat. "I do not wish for their pity, though, Fran. I've enough sorrowful looks from you and Squall..." He sighed slightly. "Though, you are right. Vaan is greatly important to me, Penelo, too."

"I apologise. I do not mean to look upon you with sadness." Fran murmured, looking at her lap. "Nor do I mean to pity you."

"It is fine. I understand it, Fran. I do not find anger towards you for it." He took a deep breath in. "Alright. We tell them. Yet, if either of them tried to hug me, I shall shove them away. I've far too much pain for one of their crushing embraces."

Fran leaned over and kissed his head softly. "There is another important person we must tell too. One we cannot delay much longer."

Balthier frowned slightly. "I do not wish to tell him yet, Fran. Mayhaps when I am in a worse state. When it is easy to tell I shan't make it..."

Fran gave a nod. "Very well. We shall wait. It will be hard for him, but I shall do all I can to ease his pain once... once you have gone."

Balthier gave a nod and stood, moving to fix his gun on his back. "I've made a decision, Fran. I need to make a will and it must be done soon, while I am 'of sound mind and body'." He murmured.

"Of course, love." Fran murmured, moving to stand, lifting Krja out of the playpen.

Balthier frowned a little. "Where do you suppose we shall find the young ones?" He asked, slipping on a pair of black leather gloves and doing one more button up on his shirt to cover most of the markings.

"Hm. Either in Lowtown or the Sandsea no doubt. A drink or two right about now sounds good."

"It does." He gave a nod before opening the Strahl up and heading out into the Aerodrome, letting his frown ease into his relaxed expression he always held.

Fran followed him with Krja and the baby bag in tow. She kept a smile on her face, despite the emotional pain inside of her.

The pirate walked with his lover and their child towards the inn, greeting those whom greeted him, just as normal. As he headed to the Sandsea, Balthier held the door open for Fran, smiling lightly.

Vaan was sat at a table with a few friends, drinking water instead of alcohol, realising bad things happened when you're drunk.

Fran stepped inside, smiling softly at Balthier, instantly moving to sit at their usual table, letting Krja sit on the table, tiny claws tapping at the wood.

Penelo was cleaning tables on the other side of the room, doing her best to avoid Vaan, trying to pull her top down to cover the bruises across her stomach.

Balthier tapped Vaan's head and smiled. "A word, please?" He then headed to the bar to order drinks before flicking a bottle top at Penelo.

Vaan pouted slightly but soon smiled up at Balthier. "Sure, I'll go wait with Fran." At that, he shifted to stand, heading to the table Fran was at. "Hey, Fran."

Fran gave Vaan a light smile. "Hello, Vaan." She handed Krja a teething ring to chew on. "How are you?"

Penelo squeaked at the incoming bottletop, resting her hands on her hips. "Wel, really, Pirate! I've just cleaned up!" She huffed, but a smile soon kept onto her face. "Hello, Balthier!"

Balthier laughed lightly. "Hello. I've need for a word with you. Join Fran, Vaan and I soon, won't you?" He smiled slightly sadly before heading to the table and sitting beside Fran.

Vaan gave a little shrug. "I'm alright. My back kinda hurts... like someone's punched me there or something." He shook his head slightly.

Fran rse an eyebrow. "Oh? You and Penelo had ... fun, the other night then?" She asked, watching the boy.

Penelo threw her cleaning rag behind the bar and moved over to te pirates' table, pulling a chair over from one of the other's. "What's up?"

Balthier rested his hands on the table, fiddling with the little coaster on it, watching his gloved hands silently.

Vaan blushed and nodded a little. "Yeah... but..." He'd been about to continue until Penelo turned up and he fell silent, blushing more.

Fran watched the two teens for a moment, before turning her attention to Balthier, resting her hand on top of his to stop his fiddling.

Penelo shifted in her seat, wrinkling up her nose a little, folding her arms across her stomach to hide the bruise. "Is... something wrong?"

Balthier gritted his teeth, staring at the hand now resting on his, his frown deep set as he gave a single nod.

Vaan frowned a little, tilting his head. He didn't like how quiet Balthier was. "...what's happened? Is everything okay?"

Fran gave Balthier's hand a gentle squeeze, looking around to check no one else was listening. "We... have had some bad news. It is not to be made public knowledge... but we thought you two should know..."

Penelo frowned a little. "What kind of bad news??"

Balthier swallowed hard before letting himself get the courage to speak. "I've about... two months left." He answered, his voice quiet.

Vaan blinked a little. "Two months left until what?" He tilted his head slightly, not honestly understanding.

Fran held onto Balthier's hand tighter, swallowing hard. "Two months left... to live." She spoke, taking over when Balthier couldn't.

Penelo squeaked and pressed her hands on the table. "What?! But why? What's wrong?"

Balthier furrowed his brow. "I've an illness. A poison that is claming me quickly. Simply, I am sick and I am dying." He replied, his eyes never leaving their hands.

Vaan choked slightly, his eyes wide and full of tears. "No... no, you can't! Isn't there a cure or something?!"

Fran shook her head. "No. There is no cure. Balthier is inflicted with a genetically modified Geostigma, laced with Mist."

Penelo covered her mouth to fight back a sob. "You can't die!! You're... you're not allowed to!! You said!! You said the Leading Man never dies!!"

Balthier grit his teeth harder, fingers tensing into fists. "Then, I suppose, I am not the Leading Man. Hm?" He finally looked up at them, a deep sadness in his eyes.

By the look on the pirate's face, Vaan let a soft sound out and wiped his cheeks as tears ran down his face. "This isn't right... it's not fair..."

Fran watched the teens for a long moment. "Do not cry. There will be time for sadness. A time for tears. But not yet. These months must be filled will happiness." She murmured, yet her own eyes were damp with unshed tears.

Penelo buried her face against Vaan's arm, sobbing a little.

Balthier swallowed hard and slipped his hands free. "E-excuse me a moment." He shifted to stand, hoping to head back to the Strahl alone.

"No, wait!" Vaan instantly shot from his seat, gripping Balthier by both of his shoulders, blocking his path.

At that, the pirate closed his eyes with a pained groan, soon looking to Fran with tears in his eyes from the agony.

Fran stood, resting her hand on Vaan's arm. "Vaan... Please. Do not touch him in such a way. The wound is bad, and the slightest touch causes such pain."

Penelo moved to pick Krja up, giving her a cuddle. "Are you scared?"

Balthier gave a slight nod. "Terrified, if I am completely honest." He pushed Vaan aside and headed out of the Sandsea, his pain still quite evident on his face.

The young teen shifted to sit down again, sighing slightly. "Sorry... I didn't know..." He frowned a little, looking at Penelo with sad eyes.

Fran shook her head. "Do not blame yourself, Vaan." She took Krja from Penelo, downed every drink on the table and grabbed the baby bag before moving towards the door. "Both of you, visit us often..." She murmured, before exiting.

Penelo frowned and pulled Vaan's head against her stomach, petting his hair lightly. "Vaan... I don't want him to die..."

Balthier had already made it back to the Strahl, by which point he was in the bathroom, shirtless, dealing with the dreadful amount of weeping his wound was doing, trembling in pain.

Vaan sighed against her stomach, holding her around her waist. "Me neither... it's just not fair... he's got so much ahead of him and it's... it's not fair."

Fran set Krja down in her crib and made her way to the bathroom. "Let me." She whispered, moving over to him to take over.

"Vaan... let's not avoid each other anymore... I... I don't want to spend life fighting, when death could be just months away... Poor Balthier. Poor Fran..." Penelo let out a teary sigh, petting Vaan's hair more.

Balthier gripped the sink, a few tears escaping down his face as he let her take over, his hands tensed enough to turn his knuckles white.

Vaan nodded softly. "Yeah... I love you, Pen. I'm sorry for whatever I did wrong... let's just stay together like we used to do."

Fran spread the balm over the wound gently, before bandaging it with fresh bandages. "I shall venture to the Wood for more balm."

"I love you too, Vaan. Let's never fight again!!!" Penelo replied, clinging to him.

Balthier shook his head slightly. "Jote would not allow it. With me out of the way, she'd believe it the best chance to coax you back to the Wood's boughs." He replied through gritted teeth.

Vaan shifted to stand, hugging Penelo tight. "Never again." He murmured.

Fran pressed kisses over every inch of bandage. "Yet it was Mjrn who gave you this balm for me, correct? Mjrn would give us more. And if she would not, then i would simply take what I need, even if it meant tearing the Wood apart to find it."

Balthier laughed softly, turning his head to kiss hers. "I love you, Fran." He whispered, resting his chin on her head a moment.

"I love you too, Balthier. With all my heart. I shall stand tall and loyal by your side. I shall support you when you cannot stand. I shall hold your hand until the very end."

"That is more than what I ask for, love. Thank you." He kissed her softly before pulling away. "I ache terribly..." he murmured as he moved to undress, climbing into bed. "I am afraid Vaan has ruined any chances of activity today..."

Fran shifted to kneel beside him, tucking him into the blankets. "Then rest for today, love. We shall try again tomorrow."

Balthier smiled lightly, laying on his left side to ease off his arm and side. "Fran... could you bring Krja to me?"

Fran gave a nod and moved to the nursery to fetch her, sitting her on the bed beside Balthier.

The infant grabbed the blankets with her claws, shuffling on her bum to get closer to Balthier.

With his good arm, Balthier pulled Krja close and snuggled her under the blankets, laying on his back with her on his chest. "I love you, princess." He mumbled to her.

Fran swallowed hard, getting up from the bed to exit the room.

Balthier watched Fran leave before pressing the tip of his nose to Krja's. "You have to look after mommy, alright? Grow up big and strong and look after mommy." He murmured.

The infant giggled and babbled at Balthier, pressing tiny hands against his cheeks.

The pirate smiled, letting a tear slip before he kissed her nose. "You've got to be a little like me, mind. Not all stoic like your mother. I want to watch you from the skies, I want to see you beating up the boys, sprite."

Fran lay back against the wall of the bathroom, silent tears streaming down her cheeks at Balthier's words.

Krja squeaked and babbled more, calling out 'dada', making grabby hands at his face more.

Balthier swallowed hard, more tears running from his eyes as he sniffed slightly. "A-and I want you to watch over your Uncle Squall, too. He's a good guy... he loves you almost as much as I do." He choked slightly on his tears, brushing Krja's blonde hair gently. "You have to be strong like daddy, okay?"

The Viera tried to stop her tears, wiping at them with her hands. She had to be strong. She had to be strong for Balthier!!

Krja's bottom lip trembled a little, she didn't understand understand what was going on, but she could tell her daddy was sad.

Balthier brushed away his tears and nudged her nose lightly with his own. "Hey, little girl. You aren't allowed to cry. You're the strong one in this family." He muttered.

Fran took a deep breath and made her way to the kitchen, getting a bottle of Bhujerban Madhu from the cupboard, taking a long gulp from the bottle; before pouring a glass for Balthier, carrying it to the bedroom.

Krja grasped Balthier's cheeks, pushing his lips into a puckered pout.

Balthier laughed slightly, leaning up to kiss Krja with how she smushed his face, tugging her tail lightly. "Not funny, sprite." He mumbled.

Fran set the glass of Madhu down on the bedside table, leaning over to kiss Balthier's head. "I bought you a drink. I shall leave you two alone together."

Krja squeaked and wriggled as her tail was tugged, kicking little feet about.

Balthier smiled up at Fran. "Stay with us, love? I've said what needs to be said." He smiled a little more, blowing a raspberry on Krja's cheek.

Fran gave a nod. "If you are sure." She sat on the edge of the bed, watching father and daughter.

Krja squealed and wriggled, flailing her limbs.

Balthier smiled softly, nuzzling Krja affectionately. "She is very intelligent, hm? I wonder who she gets it off. Must be you." He murmured, tickling the infant.

Krja gripped Balthier's hair lightly, wriggling more. Fran smiled soft and watched. "No, I am sure she gets her brains from you."

"Fran, I am more of a child than she is, some days. Her intelligence and beauty are thanks to her mother." He lifted Krja up, holding her above him at arms length. "Look at that. The prettiest child in the world."

"Now that Id o agree with." Fran smiled. "She truly is the most beautiful, most precious child in the world." He paused a little. "I... I will make sure she knows all about you..."

Balthier gave Fran a half smile. "Only the good things, I hope... do not tell her of the Neth... nor how I have hurt you, love."

"I shall tell her of all your heroics, and your status as Legendary Pirate. I shall tell her of your love for her."

Balthier gave a single nod. "Thank you, Fran." He kissed Krja's nose before setting her down on the bed beside him, shifting to get comfortable to sleep.

Fran tucked both Hume and child up in the bed, kissing Balthier's forehead. "Rest well, love."

Balthier smiled softly. "I shall try." He murmured, closing his eyes and sighing softly, letting himself relax.

Fran sat on the edge of the bed to watch over her lover and child. Ensuring Krja didn't roll off the bed in her sleep.