Illusions
Illustions
Fandom: Final Fantasy Xii (Ogc)
Arc; The Courage of Being Free
Part; Chapter 11
Hints at: The oneshot 'Other options'
Spoilers: Up to Giruvegan
Characters: Basch, Balthier, Vaan. Mentions of Fran, Penelo & Ashe
Pairing: Basch/Balthier
Rating: Pg
Warnings: Men kissing. Waff and Fluff
Author's notes: Set after the party is able to use the Strahl again but in this Au it happens before Reddas joins them as the group has some matters to attend to before traveling to the Pharos. Sorry about the font, it refused to let go of the text I copied from Word.
When their eyes betrayed them they relied on two things; Fran’s ears and Fran’s nose. Only the Viera seemed unaffected, adapting to the fog and Mist with seemingly no effort at all. She seemed relaxed, more so than he’d seen her since before Draklor.
None of his other companions were able to move without tension when the world had taken the color of soapy water. The Mist was so thick that they could almost touch it and the cold made the fog freeze on their skin.
Vaan was jumpy but Basch wasn’t certain if it was from fright or excitement. Ashelia was constantly pulled out of her thoughts when she instinctively reacted to the strange surroundings before she sunk back into herself again. Penelo seemed curious in a gentle and careful way, Basch wished that her curiosity had been that of any girl her age, wishing to know more, and not that of an adult who wished to inquire further.
This strange forest reminded Basch of the tales he’d listened to as a child and the thought of what could await them behind the next bend filled his veins with adrenaline, he felt like he had done the very first time he had been allowed to explore the woods beyond the fields of his home. He had been eight years old at the time, lost in the beauty of the trees and the promises given by the endless paths.
“It’s magnificent.” He mumbled to himself, not able to keep his lips from turning upwards into a childish grin.
“It is.” Balthier agreed.”This forest is, to my knowledge, the only one of its kind.”
“We are blessed to see it.” He laughed softly. “I feel like I’m walking within a fairytale, it seems as if anything could happen here.”
Balthier chuckled next to him and Basch felt the sudden warmth when Balthier playfully put his arm around the blond man’s shoulders.
“But, my dear Captain, have you not year learnt that reality far surpass fantasy in that department? Are you and I not living proof of just that, hm?” Balthier winked before he removed his arm and turned to face Vaan.
The chilly fog made Basch shiver when it spread across his shoulders, replacing the comfortable heat that had rested there the moment before.
“I think it best we locate the Mark in the morning.” Balthier adviced the youth. “We do not want to lose our way in this mist and thus I suggest we rest somewhere near before heading out into the open field, I doubt you have forgotten how traitorous they are.”
“Yeah, you’re right. This Mark is rumored to be very difficult to find, even without the fog, it would be stupid to make it even harder than it has to be.” Vaan shrugged. “If everyone is okay with that, of course.”
Basch knew that not even Lady Ashe would argue with him, he suspected she was trying to buy time to be able to think. He did not envy her for the decision she would be forced to make, had he been her he too would have needed time to take everything into consideration, but Basch of the Order of Dalmasca knew which decision he hoped she would make in the end. Life was most likely easier as a commoner.
He volunteered for the first watch, wishing to see how the forest changed as the night fell. The dance of the mist was truly mesmerizing and the darkness only enhanced its colors, Basch was eternally grateful that the Mirrorknights did not mind them as long as they remained still, for he had no desire to fight on such a tranquil night.
The frozen lake became a mirror that reflected the endless illusions and Basch watched, enchanted by the strange and simple beauty that seemed meant for this place alone. A soft laughter traveled on a silken wind and Basch turned to see the notorious sky pirate leaning against the ornate pillar that marked the entrance to the deeper parts of the wood.
“Forgive me, Captain” Balthier held up his hands and smiled. “for interrupting and laughing both.”
“Should you not be asleep?” Basch rose from the fallen tree that had served as his seat and slowly crossed the campsite, careful not to make any noise.
The pirate shook his head and waited until Basch stood in front of him before he opened his mouth.
“I did intend to do…” That trade mark smirk of his adorned pink lips again. “But then I saw you sitting there with that priceless expression on your face and I could not resist. You had that same look Vaan invented when he first laid eyes on my Strahl.”
“What can I say? I find it fascinating.” Basch felt his cheeks redden slightly and avoided the pirate’s eyes.
“I also came to apologize.” Balthier reached out to touch Basch’s elbow, causing the fallen knight to look at him again. “I have been avoiding you without any proper reason to do so. Pardon the spoiled and proud child that sometimes takes control of me still.”
“No need to apologize. What happened in Draklor has surely occupied your thoughts.” Basch blinked, surprised to hear such words fall from Balthier’s lips, it was not only the child the pirate once was that held too much pride.
“Not since Draklor. Since Archades.”
“You are no more than human, Balthier.” Basch placed a hand on Balthier’s shoulder, not knowing why he felt the need to comfort the man who apologized to him.
“That’s not for a lack of trying.” Balthier laughed and then looked at Basch’s hand. “How can you remain warm whenever it snows?”
“Landissian blood and all that.” Basch smiled and removed his hand, raising an eyebrow when Balthier caught it mid-air. “It is easier to stay warm if one doesn’t lean against a frozen obelisk of stone…”
“Oh shut it, scarface.” Balthier’s eyes sparkled with mischief even when he apologetically pressed his cold lips to Basch’s palm.
Basch did not know if he surprised himself or the pirate the most when he then leaned in to claim that witty mouth with his own. Balthier made a small sound that Basch knew the pirate would deny afterwards and that pleased him far too much. It did not take long before mouths opened and tongues entwined.