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[xshatterheartx.livejournal.com]

Who: Fran, Balthier & Basch
When: Daytime
Where: Rabanastre
What: Basch returns!
Rating: PG-13



The middle-aged Judge had been in dire distress upon Vayne's return and sought a self-discovery pilgrimage in order to ensure he truly could continue his twin's charge. When hearing news of recent events, Basch fon Ronsenburg had found himself in Rabanastre, retracing the steps he took with his dearest friends all those years passed. Striding, clad in Gabranth's armour, through the streets, he carried his helmet under his arm. The man paused. Was that... Fran? Heading for the Sandsea, a soft smile came to his lips. "How fateful, seeing you here." He murmured in his low, gruff voice.

Fran was sat outside the Sandsea enjoying a long, cool drink after stocking up on supplies. Krja was asleep in her pushchair, which also made a wonderful shopping carrier, Fran had found. At the sound of Basch's voice, Fran smiled softly herself. "Judge Gabranth." She greeted, flicking her hair over her shoulder. "Whatever brings you to these streets?"

"A search of the soul, if I am frank." He muttered, shifting to sit at the table, looking across to Fran with nostalgic eyes. "I'd prefer you call me Basch, old friend." He added, his gaze falling upon the pram. "...yours?" He tilted his head a little, attempting to look inside the pushchair.

"Is it safe to use such a name? The streets have ears, dear Basch." She smiled again, lowering the sunshade to reveal the sleeping, earless, Viera/Hume hybrid child. Even though she looked completely Viera, save for the ears, when asleep. "She is. Her name is Krja."

Basch chuckled slightly. "It is safe. I am not a wanted man, these days." He looked to the child and a smile came to his face. "She is most beautiful. She looks just like her mother." He lifted his gaze to meet Fran's. "Who is the lucky man, hm?"

"Balthier." Fran stated simply, a warm smile on her lips. She reached into the pram and lifted the child up, causing her to stir and give a squeaked yawn, blinking those beautiful eyes that looked just like Balthier's open, before closing them again.

The Judge caught sight of those eyes and smiled softly. "Eyes as beautiful as her father's..." He muttered, resting his helmet on the table, brushing a hand through his cropped hair. "May I?" He asked, offering his hands for the child, after removing his gloves.

Fran gave a nod and handed Krja over. She smiled again, taking a sip of her drink. "It is still strange to look upon you with short hair."

The infant blinked at Basch, and despite a few moments of lip trembling at being passed to a strange, no tears or screams came, instead a soft babble came.

Basch chuckled a little, his eyes on the small child. "I dislike this haircut yet my helmet does not fit with my hair longer." He rocked Krja slightly, smiling at her. "I can certainly see her father in her. Where is that fool of a pirate anyway?"

"He rests." Fran spoke, a slight look of sadness crossing her face. She swallowed, and reached for her glass again, taking another drink. "Aboard the Strahl. He sleeps."

"He always was one for sleep during the day." He furrowed his brow at the look on Fran's face. "I do not suppose there is a chance I can see him?"

Fran gave a nod. "Of course. Although he does not look his usual self. You shall see." She murmured, finishing her drink, before taking Krja and placing her back in the pram.

Basch frowned, picking up his helmet and setting it under his arm again. "What do you mean?" He tilted his head, walking at Fran's side towards the Aerodrome.

Inside the Strahl, Balthier was resting. He wore a pair of black pyjama pants and nothing on his torso but his bandages. At that precise moment he was sat on the bed, several pieces of metal in his hands and a spanner in his mouth.

"It shall become clear." Fran replied, pushing the pram towards the Moogling Attendant to whisk them towards the Aerodrome quickly.

Basch used the Moogling with Fran and then continued walking with her, realising how even after all these years, it seemed natural to walk these streets with her.

Balthier had his CD player on the bed, the earbuds in and loud music blasting in his ears as he worked, repairing part of the Strahl that could be done from the comfort of bed.

Fran gave Basch a smile and led him to the Strahl, pushing the pram up it's steps with a practised ease. She lifted Krja out of the pram and looked over her shoulder at Basch. "Come. No doubt he shall be in our room." She moved to the bedroom, pushing the door open, watching Balthier for a moment.

The Judge followed along behind Fran, tilting his head slightly at the sight of the pirate sat on the bed. He noted the bandages but aside from that, he realised just how paler and more tired the man looked. He could see an illness was lingering over Balthier.

The Leading Man caught sight of Fran in the corner of his eye but had yet to notice Basch. Pressing the Stop button on the player, he continued working. "A question. Why are you watching me, Viera?" He drawled playfully.

Fran entered the room and moved to place Krja down in her playpen with her toys, before moving over to Balthier. "I need a reason, hm?" She murmured, leaning in to kiss him softly. "We have company." She murmured, nodding in Basch's direction.

Balthier returned the kiss before glancing over her shoulder. At the sight of the judge, a grin came to his face and he plucked the earbuds out, tossing aside his metal pieces and moving to stand, almost pouncing on Basch with a hug.

The older man laughed, wrapping his arms around Balthier but being careful not to injure the already wounded man. "It has been too long, friend." He murmured, smiling widely.

Fran smiled softly as she watched the two males. There were so few people Balthier allowed close to him, really close, and despite Basch and Balthier being so different, their friendship was unbreakable.

Balthier beamed at the older man, running a hand through his own hair. "How have you been? Where have you been?" He looked almost like a small boy talking to his big brother with the way he seemed to bounce slightly on his heels.

Basch chuckled slightly. "I have been... searching. For myself amongst my brother's shadow." He shook his head slightly before gesturing to the wound. "Is this what you spoke of, Fran?"

Fran gave a nod at Basch's words. "Yes. This is what I mentioned." She gave Balthier a slight look, not sure if she should continue or not. "Love, remove a little of the bandage, show Basch what ails you."

Balthier frowned a little but gave a single nod, unwinding the bandage from around his bicep, giving a wince as he peeled it from his skin. "I suggest you not touch it. It is contagious through passage of bodily fluids. And it is fatal."

Basch's eyes darkened at the wound, his fingers itching to touch it and see if he could cure his young friend. At the final word, he choked on his own breath. "Fatal?! What... what is it?!"

"It is known as Geostigma Mark II. A mixture of Geostigma and Mist. A gift from Draklor." Fran murmured, eyes darkening at the mention of that foul place. "The young sky pirates are also affected."

Balthier began to wrap his wound again, a pout forming on his lips, his lower one jutting out slightly. "It was at my birthday party when they caught it. Penelo gave me a kiss for it, before I knew I had such an illness. From there, she passed it to Vaan." He muttered, resting one hand on a hip.

Basch let out a shaking breath, his eyes on Balthier's bandages. "I will aid you in your quest for a cure. I assume you are on such a quest, yes?" He glanced over Balthier's torso, wondering if there were more 'bruises' elsewhere. The judge reached out a hand and flicked Balthier's navel piercing. "What on earth...?"

"Do not blame yourself, Pirate. The only one to blame is the one who calls himself your brother." Fran spoke, leaning over the edge of the playpen to pet Krja's ear stubs, giving her a teethng ring to chew on. A soft laugh escaped her as she saw Basch tease that navel bar. "A gift. From me."

Balthier blushed brightly with a soft moan, swatting at Basch's hand. "Do not touch it... it is sensitive..." He muttered, leaning into Basch's side, smiling up at him. "It is so very strange to look upon you after all this time."

Basch chuckled lightly, curling an arm around Balthier in a manly, certainly not homoerotic way. He was straight, damnit, but even he was weak to Balthier's slight feminine charm. "It is certainly so. Just like time has not passed and as though we were still on our travels together."

Fran continued to watch the two men, ruffling Krja's light blonde hair. "Basch, can I get you anything to eat or drink? Mayhaps you wish to sit, since Balthier has barely let you get inside." She teased.

Balthier pulled a face at Fran, heading back to the bed and picking up the parts he was repairing, sitting cross-legged with a wince, his face flushed slightly in pain.

Basch smiled at Fran, giving a slight nod. "That would be most welcomed, Fran. Is there any place I may remove some of this armour?" He tilted his head slightly.

"If you do not wish to strip off right here, there is always the bathroom." Fran purred, shifting from the playpen towards the doorway. "Balthier? Can I get you anything? A drink? Some balm? Toast?"

Balthier scrunched his nose a moment before giving a slight nod. "Tea, herbal, no sugar, slightly warm." He murmured, his eyes still on the tools and objects.

The Judge blushed slightly at Fran's purring, heading for the bathroom to remove his armour. Underneath, his more comfortable fighting clothes were. His shorts and red vest with those sandals inside the armoured boots.

Fran returned a few moments later with a tray containing toast and herbal tea for Balthier, ale and wolf meat bites for Basch and wyne for herself, and of course a baby biscuit for Krja.

Balthier had a cold sweat produced on his skin, one he hadn't honestly noticed as they were so usual to him now. He took the tea and sipped it, placing it on the bedside table. "Thank you." He murmured, his eyes still on his work.

Basch continued to change, gathering up his armour and collapsing it all together, making it easier to transport. At that, he looked in the mirror, sighing at his cropped hair.

Fran handed Krja the biscuit, it soon disappearing into the infant's mouth, making a most sticky mess. The Viera moved to the bed and took the jar of balm, opening it, before unwrapping the bandages carefully.

Balthier pouted at her, wriggling a little. "I grow worse, don't I?" He muttered, sighing softly. "My apologies. I did not wish to become a burden..."

Basch scratched at his slightly stubbly face, frowning more. He would let his beard grow in and his hair grow long again. He'd stop pretending to be his brother.

Fran gently spreaded the balm over his wounds. "You are no burden, love. We shall get through this together. There is nowhere else in Gaia I would rather be than at your side."

Balthier sighed, soon giving pained winced and sounds to his wound being treated. Though, the balm did sooth right away.

The older male walked from the bathroom, pausing in the doorway to watch the pirates. With a sigh, he shifted to sit on Balthier's other side. "I was a fool. I should have been here when this began. When everything began. All I can do is offer my sincerest apology..."

Fran redressed the wounds, pressing a soft kiss to Balthier's mouth. She closed the jar and remained sat beside Balthier, looking over to Basch. "Do not apologise. You have done nothing wrong."

Balthier wore the expression of a vulnerable child as he leaned into Fran, blushing a little and soon smiling at Basch. "Fran is right. You had your own life to live. You cannot spend it chasing after others."

Basch smiled slightly, giving a slight nod. "Fine... but understand that my aid is offered for whenever you may need it. I shall do anything that needs to be done."

"I may very well take you up on that offer, Captain. I am in need of a babysitter for Balthier." She teased, clawed fingers stroking Balthier's hair gently. "Just someone to ensure he is well, while I search for a cure."

Balthier pouted at her. "I am no child." He grumbled, wriggling away to continue fixing his project. "It would be pleasant to have company whilst she is off gallivanting with other men." He joked.

Basch quirked an eyebrow before just chuckling. "Well, I am here when needed. It shall not be as it has been these few years. I will not just vanish without word again."

Fran smiled and got up off the bed, moving to check on the sticky little infant in her playpen. She got a wet wipe, and wiped those sticky hands clean.

Basch watched Fran, tilting his head slightly as he did. "It is so... strange to see the infamous Sky Pirates settled with a child..." He muttered.

Balthier noted the rather lecherous look in Basch's eye and frowned. "Eyes to yourself, Captain. The Viera is spoken for." He stated plainly.

Krja giggled and babbled inside the playpen, rocking a little on her rear, bringing a toy to her mouth to chew on. Fran gave a soft chuckle to Balthier's warning, wiggling her left ring finger a little, letting her engagement ring catch the light. "I am."

The captain gasped slightly. "Gods... you really have settled down. I never thought I'd see the day." He chuckled, trying to ignore Balthier's words and tone.

Balthier set aside his work and rubbed one eye. "Bring me the sprite, Fran? I wish to torment it a while." He joked, smiling lightly.

Fran laughed softly at Basch's words. "You and I, both. It was a shock to be asked. A pleasant one, of course." She reached into the playpen, lifting the infant out, carrying her to the bed, sitting her next to her father.

Basch chuckled lightly. "No doubt there is difference between engaged and wed, hm?" He crossed his arms, resting the ankle of one leg on the knee of the other. "This... illness. How long... uh..." He glanced away, pausing.

Balthier refused to answer him; instead, he scooped up Krja and moved to lay back on Fran's side of the bed, resting his daughter on his chest, tickling her tummy. "How are you, sprite?" He muttered, smiling at her.

"We plan to wed. A small affair. Only our most loved ones there. I already have my dress." She scrunched up her nose a little before answering Basch's other question. "A month and half remains... give or take. Though it seems each day is more of a struggle..."

Krja babbled at Balthier happily, resting clawed hands on his chest, talking in her own little way.

Basch smiled slightly but at the words of Balthier's lifespan, his eyes grew sad and his gaze fell. "I... I see." He murmured. "I wish to do all I can to find this cure for you. For all of you."

Balthier smiled at Krja, frowning a moment before letting the smile come back. He knew each day he grew worse and the maximum of a month and a half was beginning to seem rather fanciful to him. He believed a month more at most would be his true limit.

Fran pressed a sad kiss to Balthier's head. "We thank you, Basch. We have more chance of finding a cure with more people involved."

Krja bounced a bittle, continuing to babble at bAlthier.

Basch chuckled soft. "You are right, Fran. As always. Whom else aids your search?" He gave Balthier's arm a gentle squeeze, where there were no bandages of course.

Balthier sighed quietly, glancing at his friend then his lover before tickling Krja more, poking her nose gently. "Sprite, tell daddy your dreams." He murmured, smiling at her.

"A young Hume Commander by the name of Squall, he is... Balthier's lover." The Viera murmured. "Also a Doctor from a place known as Balamb Garden, the place the boy is commander of."

Krja continued to babble, as though she was truly telling him everything he asked. Tiny claws grasped at his bandages.

Basch blinked a few times. "...he? Lover...? You two are not...?" He was honestly confused as to the situation.

Balthier had been about to reply to Basch but as Krja's claws grasped at him, he gave a hiss of pain, trying not to hurt her as he pulled her hands away, wheezing slightly.

Fran lifted Krja off of Balthier, holding her against her chest. "It is... complicated. The only thing that matters is Balthier's happiness."

Basch blinked a few more times, looking between them. "...I do not understand. Are you two not lovers already?" He tilted his head slightly.

Balthier frowned and panted softly, his skin in a cold sweat. "Damnit..." he exhaled, annoyed that he couldn't even stand Krja's clawing. "Ngh... Fran and I are lovers, I've a lover aside from our relationship. It is not a constant, on-going thing, yet Fran knows my affection for him." He stated.

Fran carried Krja back to the playpen. The infant's bottom lip quivered a little. She didn't understand why daddy was acting the way he did. Fran poked her nose gently, handing her a stuffed toy, calming her mood. She returned to the bed and stroked Balthier's hair tenderly. "Breath, love, it'll help the pain." She murmured, opening and rubbing more balm over his chest to allow him to breath deeper without so much pain.

The captain's eyes were filled with worry and sadness at the sight of the once glorious pirate brought to a pained, weakened man nearing his deathbed.

Balthier panted softly, his eyes glazing before falling closed, his hand grasping Fran's arm tight for a moment. "Nghh... I am... alright..." He wheezed out.

Fran nuzzled her cheek against Balthier's, a sad sigh escaping her lips. She closed the jar again and brushed her lips against Balthier's. "Rest now, love."

Balthier nodded slightly. "I apologise, Fran..." He glanced to Basch, his eyes still very glassy. "I am not always this bad... today is just a bad day..." He muttered.

Basch gave a nod before leaning to kiss the top of his head. "Sleep. It will do you well." He smiled at the pirate.

Fran pressed a claw to Balthier's lips. "No apologies, love. Just rest, regain your strength as much as you can. Mayhaps we can take a walk later if you feel up to it." She turned her attention to Basch, offering him a sad smile.

The young pirate rolled onto his good side, his back to his lover and friend as he pulled the blanket over his head. "I shall rest now..." He murmured.

Basch moved to stand, taking hold of his armour and the food Fran had prepared, making for the door and glancing at her to ask for her company.

Fran scooped Krja up and followed Basch, closing the bedroom door as they exited to leave Balthier to rest in peace. She bounced the infant against her chest, letting out a soft sigh.

Basch headed for the cockpit, sitting himself where he had sat before, the seat behind Balthier's. "Fran... if there is anything you need, please, I beg of you to ask it of me."

Fran sat in her own seat, resting Krja on her lap. "I am fine. Please just be there for him. He needs his friends around him now, more than ever."

The captain gave a nod, running a hand through his hair. "I shall. I only feel regret that I was not around when he contracted such an illness. I would have liked to have been there to support him through it..."

"You are here now, that is what is important." She smiled sadly at him. "I have missed your company, Basch. I have missed having you to talk to."

Basch smiled lightly. "You have me now. We can talk as we once did. I must admit, upon the split of our little party and my instant travel to Archades, I was most pained to not know where you... and Balthier were."

Fran petted Krja's ear stubs lightly, a soft smile on her lips. "It seems our disappearing act affected many more people than we expected."

He gave a nod. "It did. Tell me, what happened in that year? You were gone so long and my letters from Penelo mentioned only that you'd claimed back the Strahl..."

"I spent some time recovering while Balthier sought out a treasure. We pirated, laid low, enjoyed a quiet life for awhile."

"Awfully quiet. I heard not a word of you until Penelo wrote of your claiming back this ship." He chuckled softly, ruffling at his hair. "I do suppose I was far too wrapped up in being my brother to take notice..."

Fran smiled softly at him, stroking Krja's ear stubs more. "It must've been so hard for you. I am sorry we weren't there for you."

"It is alright. I managed." He chuckled a little, crossing his arms over his chest. "There is little we can do about it all now. Let us just be grateful for what time we have been given together."

Fran nodded and held Krja close to her. "Hm. That it is true." The infant began her soft babbling again, grabbing at Fran's hair to play with.

"You daughter is certainly fond of fiddling with things, hm? She is so very much like Balthier..." He laughed soft, leaning into the chair more.

Fran gave a light laugh. "She is, and she has a current obsession for biting things. She is teething."

"I see. I suppose it is best to keep my fingers away then, hm?" He chuckled lightly and looked at Fran's face, more precisely at her eyes, a gentle smile on his face.

"Mm. It would be wise." Fran smiled softly, her attentions fixed on her daughter. Krja giggled and babbled happily, bouncing a little.

Basch watched Fran for a good long moment, his heart giving a slightly harder pound before he looked away to his armour. "...this thing... Balthier's other lover... does it not bother you?"

"It does. But there is nothing I can do about it. Balthier loves him dearly. I do not wish to make him choose."

"Has he not chosen by the fact that you wear that ring?" He frowned a little. "If it bothers you, you should speak on it. If only to me to ease your distress."

"He wears the boy's brand upon him. A tattoo. I don't think he knows I have seen it yet. The boy wears a matching one." Fran's nose twitched. "There is nothing to speak on. I am fine."

Basch frowned slightly. "No doubt he must assume you've seen it when treating his wounds or... making love." He sighed slightly. "I wish you to speak openly as you once did with me, Fran. Is that not how we spoke before? Have we not spent many nights sat talking as we do this moment?"

"It is the one thing I cannot speak of. The simple fact remains that he loves the boy. I cannot change that. It is his choice, alone."

"What use will it be not to speak of it? Keeping it bottled up as you are will only serve to damage your relationship with him." He murmured.

"What damage can be done in a month and a half?" Fran asked, her voice laced with heartache. "Whatever I feel must be brushed aside for this time."

Basch scrunched his nose slightly. "By the look of that man in there, I'd say a month and a half is generous." He muttered, sighing slightly. "Speaking of it will sooth you. I am an ear to bend and a shoulder to cry on, as I always was for you, Fran."

Fran swallowed hard, tears pricking at crimson eyes. She choked a little on her breath, trying to force those tears back.

Basch reached his hand out, cupping her face, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Always so stoic until truly given the chance to feel." He murmured, resting his head against hers. "Speak to me, Fran."

Tears rolled down her cheeks, drippign onto Krja, causing the infant to squeak unhappily. Fran pulled back and wiped her eyes. "I am fine."

"Fran... you are certainly not 'fine'. Tell me, I will do all I can to ease you..." He murmured, petting Krja's head to calm her a little bit.

The infant seemed to calm at Basch's petting, making an attempt to eat those fingers. Fran shook her head. "The time for crying shall come. But not now."

Basch sighed slightly. "You give that boy far too much of a leash. You always have." He grumbled, shifting back, saving his fingers.

"Better to give him a long leash than have him break the chain and flee..." Fran murmured.

"Gods damnit, Fran!" He sighed heavily. "That boy needs to be wound in on his chain. You know full well he'd not flee from you. You are the one person he trusted when times were lowest."

"He is a pirate. No pet nor puppet. I cannot control his choices or actions. He is his own man." Fran replied, holding Krja close.

"Man? Bah, he is a child." He replied gruffly, shaking his head a little. "Even you have said that despite his sophistication, he is but a mere boy."

"Mayhaps." Fran wrinkled her nose, shifting in her seat a little. "Though boys make mistakes, it is a part of life."

"A continual mistake? In which he has full knowledge of the pain it causes? Where he willingly bears the mark of the lover he keeps?" He shook his head, scoffing.

"We cannot control who we fall in love with, Basch. Isn't that so?" The Viera murmured.

Basch looked at her, a slight blush on his face before he glanced away. "That is true... but his cruelty is... unreal..."

"With the shadow of death hanging over him, what reason does he have to life by rules and such?"

"Are we suddenly giving up on this search for a cure, Fran? If so, then by all means, allow him life's pleasures and let him sleep with whomever." He looked at her with a frown. "If we aim to cure the pirate, then reel him back in and show him your pain."

"And if we cannot find a cure? These final days he will waste playing happy families in a life he does not truly want..."

"If he does not want this life, then why in Ivalice would he build it, Fran?!" He stood, pacing the cockpit in anger. "I know him well enough to know he would not create a life he did not want."

"If he wanted this life he would have no reason to sleep with the boy." Fran retorted, letting out a heavy sigh.

"He is a hedonist. Always after his own pleasure. We know this well for all the times we made fast getaways upon our travels." He gave an angered sigh, resting his hands on the console. "Perhaps the pirate truly does love you and the boy both..."

Fran nodded. "He does. Dearly. I could not and will not make him choose. For in my heart I fear it is not I, he would choose."

Basch frowned slightly, sighing a little. "If he were to choose this boy, I think he'd sooner die than lose you. Fran, I have spent much time speaking with him upon his feelings toward you." He turned to look at her. "Even before you were lovers, that young pirate was deeply, desperately in love with you."

"He shall not lose me. I shall always stand by his side, whether it e as lover or friend. I shall not leave." The Viera mumbled, looking down at Krja.

"You know full well were he to choose the boy your heart would shatter. Do not put yourself through such torture. You are not a martyr for this age." He murmured, crossing his arms.

"My heart does not even come into this matter. My loyalty is to Balthier, no matter what he does or who he loves. I shall never abandon him."

Basch shook his head slightly. "You are as your sister once said. A fool of a girl." He picked up his armour. "I shall get a room in the Sandsea. That is where you shall find me if I am needed." He muttered, heading for the door.

Fran stood, holding Krja tight against her. "Basch..." She said suddenly, yet any other words dried on her lips, leaving her looking at him speechless.

The Judge looked at her over his shoulder. "You speak my name yet no words follow. What is it you want me to do, Fran?"

Fran swallowed hard, tears pricking at her eyes. "It... matters not. I shall seek you out at the Sandsea."

Basch reached out his free hand, cupping her cheek and kissing the other side of her face. "My door shall remain open for you. And your fool of a lover, if need be." He muttered.

A tear rolled down Fran's cheek. "Thank you, Basch." She whispered softly.

The older Hume pressed the gentlest of chaste kisses to her lips before heading out, off the Strahl and back towards the Sandsea.