(no subject)
Characters: Fran, Balthier
Progress: Complete
Summary: The pirate pair share a drink and talk
Location: The Strahl
Date: February 1804
Warnings: None, unless talk of pirating and murder counts?
Fran made her way to Balthier's bedroom. Her armour and bodice were replaced with a dress. In one hand she carried a bottle of Madhu and a bag of pastry treats. Fresh fruit would've been preferred, but it seemed to be in short supply thanks to the time shift.
Bringing up her free hand she rapped her knuckles against the door, pushing it open just enough to lean against the frame. "You have been hiding yourself away for too long. Do you require some company?"
Glancing over as his door was opened with a small hint of irritation in his gaze, Balthier let his eyes soften at the sight. Fran looked beautiful in dresses. He couldn't help but smile, sitting himself up and neatening his shirt. He'd taken to wearing just a plain white shirt and his leather pants these days.
"I haven't been hiding. I just prefer to be away from the... noise." The noise being the Dalmascan brothers and Fran's sister. They were pleasant in their own ways but, good lord, they got irritating. "...I'll accept company if that's alcohol you're carrying," he finished.
Fran returned the smile, taking the Madhu into her free hand to hold it up, turning the bottle so it caught the light. "It is. Madhu. There are still bottles in the storeroom, so no need to panic just yet."
She entered the room completely, closing the door behind her with her foot, before moving to Balthier, holding out the bottle and bag to him.
His tousled, unstyled hair was brushed back with ringed fingers and Balthier gave a laugh as he took the bottle and popped the cork. "I already checked. I think that may have been one of the first things I did when the Strahl was returned to us," he murmured, taking a long drink and resting back against the headboard.
"How fares the sky? Any signs of storms? I haven't been paying much attention..." And storms were usually his thing to pick up on. He could read the sky like a map.
Fran shifted to sit on the edge of the bed. Balthier seemed... troubled. But she wouldn't press the issue, if he wanted to talk, he'd talk when he was ready. "She is calm. For now."
She ran a clawed hand through those long, ivory locks, separating and combing the strands into place. For such long hair, it was usually quite knot-free.
"Good," he murmured, taking another drink as he tilted his head back to look at the sky. "I take it the rabble are still going about their business on my ship?" Yes that was a little bit of a bitter tone, but really, he just wanted them off. It wasn't that he had anything against even one of them but this was a major invasion of his privacy.
He was used to Fran. Fran was the norm. Anyone else was just added extras and while he'd suffered four extra people during their travels with the princess, it got tiresome dealing with the noise.
"Mm. They are keeping themselves to themselves for the most part." Of course, for all the noise Balthier could hear, for her it was even worse with such sensitive hearing. She could still remember how painful her first few years in the Hume world.
She reached over, taking the bottle from him to take a drink before handing it back. "You could always ask them to leave. I am sure they would understand."
"I plan to, once we weigh anchor in Warjilis. They can take the Decadance, rename her, repaint her, just get off the Strahl." Flopping to lie down, letting out a frustrated grunt, Balthier covered his eyes with his arm.
He was tired of everything these days. Life lacked the excitement it once held. "They mustn't be very pleasant on your ears, either. Adolescents can never be trusted to keep quiet."
A slight smile tugged at Fran's lips. "I have had plenty of practise at drowning out the noise." After all, Balthier had been just seventeen when they had met. Of course, he never was as rowdy or loud as Vaan.
She wanted to reach out and touch his hair as she always had when he was troubled, but she forced her hand to still, instead folding her hands in her lap. "And what of us? What great plans does the Captain have for us?"
Balthier lifted his arm, spreading his hand out above him, in the air, eying his rings against the backdrop of the sky. "For us? Rob the royals blind, of course, but it'd take some work... and we'd have to pick on those we aren't friendly with. I don't believe the princess and her uptight Lord Husband would be particularly amused if we stole from them."
A chuckle escaped and Balthier reached for her hand, grasping it and kissing the back. "Of course, we could always find out just what there is that we may desire most."
"In other words..." Fran began, drawing her hand away. "... We seek sky and treasure the way we always have." Another slight smile curled upon her lips.
"We shall have to research. The lands, the skies, the map. We must learn Gaia as well as we known Ivalice, less we risk getting caught." Of course, it was that risk that made it twice as fun.
"Oh, but Fran, that makes it fun!" He actually whined at her, setting the bottle aside and crossing his arms behind his head. "I suppose you're right. Learning the lay of Gaia perhaps a little better might aid us in the future. I've little desire to be incarcerated. Again." Although, the last time he'd been imprisoned (and actually made it to the prison) it had all been Vaan's fault.
Drumming his fingers against the pillow, he stretched out, his shirt tightening over his toned form. "Perhaps we should use our dear friends to get ourselves information on the other heads of state."
"Use them? Oh you make it sound so cold." The Viera leaned across Balthier to reach the bottle of alcohol. "We would merely be 'sharing the knowledge' they obtain."
She took a long sip from the bottle. "I do not believe Gaia's prisons would be as easy to escape as the Nalbina Dungeon. But I am sure we would find a way."
"Bah, the princess used us, we shall use her." He was still perhaps a tad bitter about the fact that she'd repeatedly promised treasure and wealth whose worth could be measured, but he'd never received anything. She'd used them.
Even if they were friends now, they hadn't been friends at that point and it was still a sore spot in his pride. "We could always kill the guards before we even get arrested."
"It would not be the first time we have killed to get out of a situation, I doubt it shall be the last." She took another sip of the Madhu, reaching to swipe a pastry treat from the bag.
"We have quite an advantage here that our bounties are not hanging over us, and for the most part people trust us. Less Vossler and his mouth spoil that."
"We've already got a man with a sword that over-compensates for his lack of a personality hanging over us." He sighed, rubbing his forehead to release some of the tension.
Shifting slightly, he watched the sky again. "His name is Sephiroth. Vayne hired him to rid Gaia of pirates, yet Vossler was the one to toss names out like sprinkling confetti. Ondore sold us down the river, as well." He was a little irritated over that, but understood that the Marquis often forgot they were rogues.
"The Marquis?" That actually surprised Fran a little, especially after how concerned the man had seemed about Balthier's safety while they were aboard the Bahamut. "Hmph. Well, your gun and my bow can take on any sword, no matter how big."
She bit into the treat, chewing thoughtfully, and swallowing before continuing. "We are partners. As long as we watch each other's backs, we shall be fine."
"Mm, the Marquis. Although, he didn't name names, he aided the man in ideas on how to attack the situation. I believe he forgot just what we are," he replied, chuckling lightly. He vaguely recalled all the shouts for him to get off the Bahamut. He understood why no one made the same shouts for Fran. She never made openly personal connections with anyone. He was always the one to make friends quickly.
Sighing gently, the pirate ruffled his messy hair. Only Fran ever got to see him without it styled to perfection and, honestly, it made him look younger. "Where do you suppose we should strike first, my dear?"
Shifted more onto the bed, Fran curled her legs beneath herself. "Hm. Our best bet would be to frequent the bars and inns and just listen. It may well be that others seek treasures. We let them do our homework for us and steal the prize before they have a chance."
It had worked before. In Ivalice. It was usually by sitting in the Sandsea or other such venues that they learnt of valuable treasures, especially with Fran's hearing being able to pick up conversations from across a room unnoticed.
"I suppose... though I never was one for just sitting and waiting. You know that as well as I do." He'd also read an insane amount of literature about Gaia and taken his time to study the place. He knew its history pretty well.
Shifting in the bed, Balthier set a lazy hand against Fran's thigh, just rubbing absently as he was known to do, even before they'd professed any sort of affections. "I wonder just what we'd be doing in Ivalice right this moment... likely something much the same, hm?"
"Mm. It is true... you are not the most patient of men. Then mayhap we seek information from elsewhere. Doctor Tot? Was that his name? He seemed smart. He may know what relics lie within these lands, and more importantly, where."
At his question, Fran scrunched up her nose, giving a nod. "I imagine our days would be filled with insane amounts of alcohol and piracy."
"Mm... although, I believe that making use of the natives as a whole is our best bet. There are those that are obviously knowledgeable, such as Queen Garnet and Regent Cid." He hid his slight flinch at that name. It made him irritable to think of that name.
Gently plucking at the fabric of her dress, Balthier's eyes watched his hand for a moment until he offered his arms to her. "Come; a hug is well past due, dear."
Fran shifted until she was comfortably placed in Balthier's arms. It was nothing new for them. They had spent many nights like this just talking. Well, more Balthier talking and her listening, but not always.
"Mm. Mayhap it is time we put that charm of yours to good use."
"Oh? And how do you propose we do that?" He cuddled the Viera close, his eyes on the sky as a lazy hand stroked her back, the other tracing light patterns down her arm.
It was no secret that he and Fran were close. Even to those who'd never seen them even slightly intimate. They were best friends to begin with and, now, it was a complicated relationship that was trying to pretend it was normal.
Fran rested her head upon Balthier's shoulder, letting her eyes fall closed. She had to remind herself that this was simply friendship. A mutual trust and bond. Nothing more. Nothing less. "We request audiences with those with knowledge and you use your charm, wit and suavity to get them to open up and pour out knowledge without even realising it."
Balthier chuckled and snuggled her closer, watching the sky with almost a childlike gaze in his stormy eyes. "Then we shall do just that. Work them over until they spill their secrets and rob them blind, right in front of them."
Closing his eyes for a moment, the pirate traced his hand down to her lower back, bringing it back up after a long while. "Do you suppose we'll ever go home to Ivalice?"
"They'll never know what hit them. You are not a legendary Sky Pirate for nothing."
Fran nuzzled until her head was tucked under Balthier's chin, ears pressed back flat against her skull. "I believe it is possible. Penelo has returned. Or so it is believed." She paused, letting out a soft sigh. "Do you miss it? Ivalice?"
Balthier wrinkled his nose, sighing softly. "I miss it sometimes. I suppose Gaia has a lot to offer but her tricks are tiresome and I'd sooner settle for the normality of Ivalice."
Petting his fingers through pale hair, Balthier's gaze wandered the sky again. "I miss the sky there. She was much more beautiful... if only for the fact that I knew the lay of her. This sky is still an unknown mistress."
Fran was perfectly contented to lay there in Balthier's arms. Conversation and an alcohol buzz, what more could anybody need to relax? "You should dance with her, charm and seduce her. Claim her as you have claimed the sky of Ivalice."
"Ivalice will always be important. And Gaia forever strange in her ways. Yet, she has offered many people a second chance."
Balthier nodded slightly, letting his eyes slip shut once more. He was tired and unhappy these days, regardless of how he held her close. Nothing was going right and he just wished Gaia would send him home. He needed to truly see home, and not just spiteful memories.
"I tire of Gaia," he murmured, his voice thick with sleep and his eyes remaining closed. He wanted to rest. He wanted to rest and awaken in Ivalice.
Fran raised a hand to cup Balthier's cheek, her thumb brushing under his eye gently. "You are ill at ease. I wish there was some way I could fix things for you. Mayhap once we are back in the sky and piracy fills our lives that your heart will be comforted."
"Perhaps," he replied, nestling into her and simply sighing gently against her hand. He was fed up of Gaia. He wanted to get away from it all and just find his own purpose once more. Gaia was not home. Never would be home. Would never match the standards of Ivalice, regardless of any amends he and Cid had made.
Fran pressed a chaste kiss against Balthier's jaw, nuzzling against his warmth more. Maybe one day they would return. Hopefully they would return together. She couldn't think of a worse nightmare than one returning without the other.
Progress: Complete
Summary: The pirate pair share a drink and talk
Location: The Strahl
Date: February 1804
Warnings: None, unless talk of pirating and murder counts?
Fran made her way to Balthier's bedroom. Her armour and bodice were replaced with a dress. In one hand she carried a bottle of Madhu and a bag of pastry treats. Fresh fruit would've been preferred, but it seemed to be in short supply thanks to the time shift.
Bringing up her free hand she rapped her knuckles against the door, pushing it open just enough to lean against the frame. "You have been hiding yourself away for too long. Do you require some company?"
Glancing over as his door was opened with a small hint of irritation in his gaze, Balthier let his eyes soften at the sight. Fran looked beautiful in dresses. He couldn't help but smile, sitting himself up and neatening his shirt. He'd taken to wearing just a plain white shirt and his leather pants these days.
"I haven't been hiding. I just prefer to be away from the... noise." The noise being the Dalmascan brothers and Fran's sister. They were pleasant in their own ways but, good lord, they got irritating. "...I'll accept company if that's alcohol you're carrying," he finished.
Fran returned the smile, taking the Madhu into her free hand to hold it up, turning the bottle so it caught the light. "It is. Madhu. There are still bottles in the storeroom, so no need to panic just yet."
She entered the room completely, closing the door behind her with her foot, before moving to Balthier, holding out the bottle and bag to him.
His tousled, unstyled hair was brushed back with ringed fingers and Balthier gave a laugh as he took the bottle and popped the cork. "I already checked. I think that may have been one of the first things I did when the Strahl was returned to us," he murmured, taking a long drink and resting back against the headboard.
"How fares the sky? Any signs of storms? I haven't been paying much attention..." And storms were usually his thing to pick up on. He could read the sky like a map.
Fran shifted to sit on the edge of the bed. Balthier seemed... troubled. But she wouldn't press the issue, if he wanted to talk, he'd talk when he was ready. "She is calm. For now."
She ran a clawed hand through those long, ivory locks, separating and combing the strands into place. For such long hair, it was usually quite knot-free.
"Good," he murmured, taking another drink as he tilted his head back to look at the sky. "I take it the rabble are still going about their business on my ship?" Yes that was a little bit of a bitter tone, but really, he just wanted them off. It wasn't that he had anything against even one of them but this was a major invasion of his privacy.
He was used to Fran. Fran was the norm. Anyone else was just added extras and while he'd suffered four extra people during their travels with the princess, it got tiresome dealing with the noise.
"Mm. They are keeping themselves to themselves for the most part." Of course, for all the noise Balthier could hear, for her it was even worse with such sensitive hearing. She could still remember how painful her first few years in the Hume world.
She reached over, taking the bottle from him to take a drink before handing it back. "You could always ask them to leave. I am sure they would understand."
"I plan to, once we weigh anchor in Warjilis. They can take the Decadance, rename her, repaint her, just get off the Strahl." Flopping to lie down, letting out a frustrated grunt, Balthier covered his eyes with his arm.
He was tired of everything these days. Life lacked the excitement it once held. "They mustn't be very pleasant on your ears, either. Adolescents can never be trusted to keep quiet."
A slight smile tugged at Fran's lips. "I have had plenty of practise at drowning out the noise." After all, Balthier had been just seventeen when they had met. Of course, he never was as rowdy or loud as Vaan.
She wanted to reach out and touch his hair as she always had when he was troubled, but she forced her hand to still, instead folding her hands in her lap. "And what of us? What great plans does the Captain have for us?"
Balthier lifted his arm, spreading his hand out above him, in the air, eying his rings against the backdrop of the sky. "For us? Rob the royals blind, of course, but it'd take some work... and we'd have to pick on those we aren't friendly with. I don't believe the princess and her uptight Lord Husband would be particularly amused if we stole from them."
A chuckle escaped and Balthier reached for her hand, grasping it and kissing the back. "Of course, we could always find out just what there is that we may desire most."
"In other words..." Fran began, drawing her hand away. "... We seek sky and treasure the way we always have." Another slight smile curled upon her lips.
"We shall have to research. The lands, the skies, the map. We must learn Gaia as well as we known Ivalice, less we risk getting caught." Of course, it was that risk that made it twice as fun.
"Oh, but Fran, that makes it fun!" He actually whined at her, setting the bottle aside and crossing his arms behind his head. "I suppose you're right. Learning the lay of Gaia perhaps a little better might aid us in the future. I've little desire to be incarcerated. Again." Although, the last time he'd been imprisoned (and actually made it to the prison) it had all been Vaan's fault.
Drumming his fingers against the pillow, he stretched out, his shirt tightening over his toned form. "Perhaps we should use our dear friends to get ourselves information on the other heads of state."
"Use them? Oh you make it sound so cold." The Viera leaned across Balthier to reach the bottle of alcohol. "We would merely be 'sharing the knowledge' they obtain."
She took a long sip from the bottle. "I do not believe Gaia's prisons would be as easy to escape as the Nalbina Dungeon. But I am sure we would find a way."
"Bah, the princess used us, we shall use her." He was still perhaps a tad bitter about the fact that she'd repeatedly promised treasure and wealth whose worth could be measured, but he'd never received anything. She'd used them.
Even if they were friends now, they hadn't been friends at that point and it was still a sore spot in his pride. "We could always kill the guards before we even get arrested."
"It would not be the first time we have killed to get out of a situation, I doubt it shall be the last." She took another sip of the Madhu, reaching to swipe a pastry treat from the bag.
"We have quite an advantage here that our bounties are not hanging over us, and for the most part people trust us. Less Vossler and his mouth spoil that."
"We've already got a man with a sword that over-compensates for his lack of a personality hanging over us." He sighed, rubbing his forehead to release some of the tension.
Shifting slightly, he watched the sky again. "His name is Sephiroth. Vayne hired him to rid Gaia of pirates, yet Vossler was the one to toss names out like sprinkling confetti. Ondore sold us down the river, as well." He was a little irritated over that, but understood that the Marquis often forgot they were rogues.
"The Marquis?" That actually surprised Fran a little, especially after how concerned the man had seemed about Balthier's safety while they were aboard the Bahamut. "Hmph. Well, your gun and my bow can take on any sword, no matter how big."
She bit into the treat, chewing thoughtfully, and swallowing before continuing. "We are partners. As long as we watch each other's backs, we shall be fine."
"Mm, the Marquis. Although, he didn't name names, he aided the man in ideas on how to attack the situation. I believe he forgot just what we are," he replied, chuckling lightly. He vaguely recalled all the shouts for him to get off the Bahamut. He understood why no one made the same shouts for Fran. She never made openly personal connections with anyone. He was always the one to make friends quickly.
Sighing gently, the pirate ruffled his messy hair. Only Fran ever got to see him without it styled to perfection and, honestly, it made him look younger. "Where do you suppose we should strike first, my dear?"
Shifted more onto the bed, Fran curled her legs beneath herself. "Hm. Our best bet would be to frequent the bars and inns and just listen. It may well be that others seek treasures. We let them do our homework for us and steal the prize before they have a chance."
It had worked before. In Ivalice. It was usually by sitting in the Sandsea or other such venues that they learnt of valuable treasures, especially with Fran's hearing being able to pick up conversations from across a room unnoticed.
"I suppose... though I never was one for just sitting and waiting. You know that as well as I do." He'd also read an insane amount of literature about Gaia and taken his time to study the place. He knew its history pretty well.
Shifting in the bed, Balthier set a lazy hand against Fran's thigh, just rubbing absently as he was known to do, even before they'd professed any sort of affections. "I wonder just what we'd be doing in Ivalice right this moment... likely something much the same, hm?"
"Mm. It is true... you are not the most patient of men. Then mayhap we seek information from elsewhere. Doctor Tot? Was that his name? He seemed smart. He may know what relics lie within these lands, and more importantly, where."
At his question, Fran scrunched up her nose, giving a nod. "I imagine our days would be filled with insane amounts of alcohol and piracy."
"Mm... although, I believe that making use of the natives as a whole is our best bet. There are those that are obviously knowledgeable, such as Queen Garnet and Regent Cid." He hid his slight flinch at that name. It made him irritable to think of that name.
Gently plucking at the fabric of her dress, Balthier's eyes watched his hand for a moment until he offered his arms to her. "Come; a hug is well past due, dear."
Fran shifted until she was comfortably placed in Balthier's arms. It was nothing new for them. They had spent many nights like this just talking. Well, more Balthier talking and her listening, but not always.
"Mm. Mayhap it is time we put that charm of yours to good use."
"Oh? And how do you propose we do that?" He cuddled the Viera close, his eyes on the sky as a lazy hand stroked her back, the other tracing light patterns down her arm.
It was no secret that he and Fran were close. Even to those who'd never seen them even slightly intimate. They were best friends to begin with and, now, it was a complicated relationship that was trying to pretend it was normal.
Fran rested her head upon Balthier's shoulder, letting her eyes fall closed. She had to remind herself that this was simply friendship. A mutual trust and bond. Nothing more. Nothing less. "We request audiences with those with knowledge and you use your charm, wit and suavity to get them to open up and pour out knowledge without even realising it."
Balthier chuckled and snuggled her closer, watching the sky with almost a childlike gaze in his stormy eyes. "Then we shall do just that. Work them over until they spill their secrets and rob them blind, right in front of them."
Closing his eyes for a moment, the pirate traced his hand down to her lower back, bringing it back up after a long while. "Do you suppose we'll ever go home to Ivalice?"
"They'll never know what hit them. You are not a legendary Sky Pirate for nothing."
Fran nuzzled until her head was tucked under Balthier's chin, ears pressed back flat against her skull. "I believe it is possible. Penelo has returned. Or so it is believed." She paused, letting out a soft sigh. "Do you miss it? Ivalice?"
Balthier wrinkled his nose, sighing softly. "I miss it sometimes. I suppose Gaia has a lot to offer but her tricks are tiresome and I'd sooner settle for the normality of Ivalice."
Petting his fingers through pale hair, Balthier's gaze wandered the sky again. "I miss the sky there. She was much more beautiful... if only for the fact that I knew the lay of her. This sky is still an unknown mistress."
Fran was perfectly contented to lay there in Balthier's arms. Conversation and an alcohol buzz, what more could anybody need to relax? "You should dance with her, charm and seduce her. Claim her as you have claimed the sky of Ivalice."
"Ivalice will always be important. And Gaia forever strange in her ways. Yet, she has offered many people a second chance."
Balthier nodded slightly, letting his eyes slip shut once more. He was tired and unhappy these days, regardless of how he held her close. Nothing was going right and he just wished Gaia would send him home. He needed to truly see home, and not just spiteful memories.
"I tire of Gaia," he murmured, his voice thick with sleep and his eyes remaining closed. He wanted to rest. He wanted to rest and awaken in Ivalice.
Fran raised a hand to cup Balthier's cheek, her thumb brushing under his eye gently. "You are ill at ease. I wish there was some way I could fix things for you. Mayhap once we are back in the sky and piracy fills our lives that your heart will be comforted."
"Perhaps," he replied, nestling into her and simply sighing gently against her hand. He was fed up of Gaia. He wanted to get away from it all and just find his own purpose once more. Gaia was not home. Never would be home. Would never match the standards of Ivalice, regardless of any amends he and Cid had made.
Fran pressed a chaste kiss against Balthier's jaw, nuzzling against his warmth more. Maybe one day they would return. Hopefully they would return together. She couldn't think of a worse nightmare than one returning without the other.