[Blaine]

Balthier showered the very second he placed his feet in his ship, bathing for hours as he just got the grime and filth of the past two days cleaned from his skin and psyche. It would be a lie to say his extra long shower wasn't because of the courtship he shared with Basch, but it would also not be the whole truth to say that was the only reason. As a man who would bathe everyday, maybe even twice, he was a little..jittery to say the least. "Filthy filthy filthy.." He chanted in his head, rubbing his skin hard until it shone a bright red. He could not stand filth, he could not stand stains or dirt...grease in his hair, warrant and unidentifyable bodily smells, everything..he just hated it. Finally, late into the night as he returned from the diner soon after basch, he stepped into the main room of the Strahl and collapsed down on a couch, tired and spent as Fran stepped up behind him.

Her shoes were loud on the metal, unpadded ground as he bent down to stroke at his face. Normally used to this affection of sorts, Balthier jumped lightly but soon calmed as he looked up and over. "Mmm.." He murmured as he shut his eyes, exhausted and dismayed. The female bent down on the back of the couch, leaning on her hand as he tilted her head. "You seem out of it Balthier." She spoke, though she knew full well what had occured. Still, she respected Balthier and wouldn't ask him of it. In time, he would tell her himself and she knew this, so she gave him his space. "You should rest, Balthier. We have to go tomorrow and it is good that you are fresh when we leave."

"Hmmm?" The pirate blinked and re-opened his eyes, he was nodding off even as she spoke. " We leave? To where are we off?" He asked, having utterly forgotten that he had a life and that life what the life of a vigilante. "Back to the Bhujerbian mines. We acquired that map of the hidden aqueduct remember?"
"Aaaaah...yes, I remember...will you be retired as well?" Nodding down at Balthier, she lowered her hand and brushed his cheek. "If you wish me to, I will retire with you..." Smiling, Balthier half-grinned as he forced himself up and took the tan fingers within his own, pullig the other body close as he gently kissed the lips. "Yes, come..." He murmured and led her towards his room...turning in for the night...for now at least..