[Divinitate]

Stirring from bed he wasn't to entirely sure of whether or not he wanted to attend this or not... He'd gotten the invitation from Vaan, but he... wasn't sure how he'd do with the old gang reuniting after so long. He'd been living in Archades since he had assumed his brother's name. It had been a long time since he had had a break from protecting Larsa, so it was a little shocking to him to be ordered by the boy emperor to take a break. It was almost demeaning to him. To be ordered by a fifteen year old boy. That was just how it was.

Before long he was up, heading towards the shower in his apartments. That was one thing that he liked here... It was simple. He had what he needed, and nothing else. Much unlike that snot nosed sky pirate he'd had to befriend. A soft sigh escaped him as he stepped into the shower, hot water creating a fog in the small stall. Yes, that had to be one reason he wasn't looking forward to this occasion...That man was so rambunctious, so over the top... It was almost sickening, still, for him to be near him.

Oh well though... Balthier was a friend too, so there was little that he coul do, or say, about it. Though the thought of that man made his blood boil. Such a childish person, always had to be the center of attention...! Huffing around his home he started to curse as he sat on the floor to do his stretches. Exercise was certainly the thing that kept him sane all this time.

Half the day was gone when he finally dusted off and started to prepare for the party. He rose from the floor, knees creaking as he stood up; a sigh escaped him. Slowly he meandered into his bed chambers, pulling open the closet doors as he thought deeply about the night he had to look forward to. Well, Vaan would be there, and it had been to long since he had seen the boy. A faint grin played on his face as he thought about that. Yes, Vaan would be there and he'd not have to deal with Balthier since the young boy would distract the pirate for stories he was so sure of that...

Pulling out a nice vest he started to dress himself when a thought hit him... Shouldn't he dress in less, since it was cool outside, for once, and he did like the cooler air... Smiling a little he tugged out a loose knit top, slipping it on as he looked at the vest he had taken from the closet. Yes, this would do. It would do nicely, he thought to himself as he pulled it on over his shoulders and buckled the black leather together. Turning from the closet he paced a few moments, stuck in his thoughts before he nodded to himself and withdrew a pair of shorts. They were of matching colour to his vest, a nice black with a dark green trim. They were the nicest that he owned, and he had been saving them for a nice outing. This would have to do.

As he pulled on his shorts he pondered what he'd do, what he'd say, to Vaan. It was nice to see that the boy had grown and had proposed to the woman who had put up with a lot of his crap. It was almost cute. Almost. Though... it brought back memories of Dalmasca, and he longed to return there. Ducking his head he shook the thoughts out of his head as he dug around for his thigh high boots. It wasn't often that he got dressed nicely, and even less often for him to see old friends. Dressed he went to his bathroom, realizing that he had to at least tame the mane of blond hair. Soaking his head in the sink he grabbed a towel and quickly dried most of the water before slicking the front back.

He was ready now. Ready for anything! Well, almost anything that was... Leaving his apartments he made his way down to the streets, hair still wet as he was greeted by a cheery woman on the street. Ah, such was Archades. It was slightly pleasant here, and he liked that the bar they were all to meet up at was so darned close to his apartments here... Stepping into a place called, 'Golden Cactuar' he made himself comfortable beside the wall, waiting for Vaan and Balthier...

[Blaine]

In the mirror he gazed at himself, a faint smile permanently haunted his lips as a gleam of astonishing confidence alighted his eyes. A wrist was lifted as cuffs were placed within the folds of the sleeves of his long, golden tailcoat. Beneath a shorter est of black and inlaid gold was another golden wing-collard shirt that tied itself with ribbons at his sleeves. Only a fraction of this was seen over the jacket which bore golden, onyx and brown accents and twirled to just below the back of his knee. Patterns of spun gold decorated his arms, his chest his back, covering the black in a surprisingly tamed fashion for the pirate as his black pants and golden boots finished the set.

A ring on every other finger added as he stepped away from the pane of glass to fetch his brush and gel. Drying his hair from his two-hour shower previous to this, the time it takes to make sure everything was perfect, Balthier shaped his hair and trimmed any hair that dared intrude upon his face. A total and complete perfectionist by nature, a sudden alert from the sound system above gave note that he was coming in to Arcades.

His shoes clicked against the Strahl's metal flooring as he walked up to the cockpit sitting in the chair to gaze down at the sight. Beside him an equally dolled up Fran though no with no less skin revealed sat and nodded to him as she began to radio in the requests to land in the Rabanstre airport.

"Can you believe it.." He began to speak as soon the Viera set the com down in its holster, her fingers on the co-pilots steering wheel. "That those two would ever be getting married. I hardly knew he was even old enough to know what kissing was let alone love, ahaaaa." He chuckled to himself as he shook his head, Fran merely nodding with a shrug as they brought the Strahl down into the hangar gently in a specifically designated area. Parking the airship, they both looked at each other, checking for any imperfections before they nodded in unison and made their way from the vehicle.

Popping his collar, he grinned widely as he stepped down and into the dusty city with a glint of the sun on his earrings and smile. "Time to say hello to the family~" He cooed.

[Divinitate]

The groom to be was here. Even the bride to be and princess were here. Typical that the pirate was late. Basch was bored of waiting, but showed no outward signs of it as Vaan handed him a glass and smiled his boyish smile. He wasn't sure what to say to him so he gave him a gentle smile before standing and walking to Penelo who was waiting for Fran to come before the ladies could go and celebrate at the bazaar. He recalled Ashe sending word that they were to have that area, for what reason he didn't know, or care.

Nodding to the youngsters he felt... old. "Congratulations, Penelo." He said softly, his voice as soft and steady as ever. The blond grinned widely at him, nodding her head as her eyes went beyond him to Vaan. He honestly didn't know why he had been invited... He had always felt that the young man hated him... After what happened so long ago. Yet here he was. With most of the old gang.

Sheepishly he smiled when Vaan walked up and clapped him on the shoulder. "Anyone heard from Balthier?" The boy asked, looking a little disappointed that the man he idolized so much wasn't there yet. There was no doubt in Basch's mind that the young man would practically jump the other when he came though. He shifted a little and pulled from the young man, meandering back to his corner and his forgotten drink.

Sitting he slowly sipped the liquid, not even sure what was in his glass... What ever it was it was sweet, yet had a nice stout smack to it. Coughing he made it a little obvious that he didn't drink... There was so much that he didn't do. Even Vaan was doing some of what he himself had never done... Looking down at the ground he slipped into his chair, wondering why he'd been alone so long.

What was wrong with him...! This was his friend's party! He should be happy. Grinding his teeth he shook his head of the ill thoughts and sipped his drink.

[Blaine]

"So, as I lied there with my weapon strewn across the enameled floor of the cavern, I--" Looking up, a woman on his arm that he seemingly just picked up, he quickly let her go as Fran followed behind him closely. "Vaan!" He exclaimed, his arms in the air as he gave him a very light very quick embrace, avoiding his initial explosion of emotion. "Congratulations on getting hitched." He added with a wink as Fran nodded her head and smiled softly at the boy. "Yes, I am delighted to here of your reunion. You two are perfectly matched for each other and I wish for a long life of happiness and prosperity."

"..right...that, too." The sky pirate commented with a grin as he made his way straight for everybody else in the bar, especially the lovely little bride-to-be. She was always a spunky girl..one he could..tolerate. Avoiding glancing at Ashe, he found Penelo and bowed to her with almost great exaggeration. The small girl smiled brightly, her hair down and curled, a dress revealing her shapely features as a ring glistened on her fingers. "Balthier, welcome!" She piped with a huge hug though he pulled back and tilted her head. "You look nice. A little much maybe?"

"Darling, for you and Vaan, nothing is too much." He winked as Penelo giggled, sending him on his way when he saw Basch in the corner of his eye. "Ahhh." He said under his breath, guessing that since they nearly died together, he probably should address him in some way. Moving in behind him, he slapped a bejeweled hand on his back and leaned forward, ordering a drink as he turned to the older man. "You seem like the lonely wallflower. Why by yourself? Involve yourself lest people begin to find you, heaven forbid, droll. Ha." Taking his drink, he sipped at his carefully.

[Divinitate]

He couldn't help but laugh at his comment. "Oh? Wallflower, why you'd be the only one here to think such thoughts, Balthier." He replied, slowly looking at the other man, eyes upturned to him. Shifting his shoulders he made the man's hand fall off of his shoulder and he scooted a little in the seat. He wasn't sure if he liked this man being touchy with him...

Grabbing his glass up again he took a swig and finished it off just as Vaan trotted to the table and sat across from him. Basch flashed a happy smile to the boy and waved Balthier to a seat. A bar maid brought another drink to him and one for Vaan. For a long moment he ignored it, but when Balthier stayed standing he grabbed it up and started to sip on it. The other was making him a little nervous... But then again it could be the this drink was taking affect.

He slumped a little, a hazy smile toying on his lips. Looking at Vaan he asked, "Have you picked who you'll have as your best man yet...?" He slowly looked at the other and then at Balthier. He knew that the boy would say the sky pirate. Vaan always had liked the pirate more. But that was to be expected. Basch didn't care...Really. Why should he care. He was loyal to his work, to his country. To peace, not to himself like the low life pirate!

Just as he took another sip he looked at Penelo as she strode forward. "Boys! We're off, don't kill each other!" She said in a chipper voice, holding onto Fran as Ashe stood back behind them. Basch simply nodded and sipped the drink...He didn't care if the women stayed or not...

[Blaine]

"Oh would I now? I don't believe I am the only one in the slightest. I believe I am simply the only one with enough gall to openly say it." Completely downing his drink, he winked and smiled at the barmaid as he blushed and giggled, quickly making him another one and then another for when he was done with that one. She hadn't seen him around before and was simply excited to see him flirting with her.

Looking to Vaan, he glanced as Basch as he commented, then back at the boy with a wry, haughty smiling as the blond eagerly hopped up and down as he drank unprofessionally from his mug. "Balthier, would you do it??" His voice bounced and he grinned from ear to ear, like a puppy waiting for a treat. "You could choose the clothing we need for the groom and Basch! Could you be apart of my groom, too??" Nearly vibrating he was so happy, Vaan chucked another beverage and hiccuped as he tottered off as if he was distracted by something. Reaching hand out, the sky pirate grabbed his protege and clicked his tongue as he turned him right back around and sat him down. "Don't leave your guests as you speak to them. Bad manners you know."

Sighing, he grinned and shook his head with eyebrows high, shrugging. "I do not see why I couldn't be your best man. And no no, you choose what we need to wear just...make it classy." Winking as he finally let the boy go, Vaan nodded vigourously then shot off as he wen tto bade the ladies farewell. Chuckling, the smug pirate took a sip of his fourth drink, finishing it off as a fifth one was close behind. Waving as well to the woman, he smiled before returning to the other blond.

"So, Basch..." He started, eyes narrowing a bit as he paused, waiting before he looked back. Lightly shaking his head, his eye re-opened as he looked over. "..what are you doing with yourself now? Your clothes are that bad, so you must be living nicer than before. No longer hated, it must me nice." Balthier nodded pleasantly to himself as he winked again at the barmaid as he head lightly swayed, something obviously amiss as a seventh drink was pushed towards him. However, he was very much cognizant.

"I don't hear of you often nor do I see any news of you so you must be living a nice and safe life hmmm?" Leaning against the bar, he turned himself fully to the twin as he leaned on his hand. "What is the great Captain Basch up to nowadays? Still a babysitter?"

[Divinitate]

He was relieved, though a little hurt, that the sky pirate was the best man. Before Vaan left he managed out a, "Yes, of course I will." to him. Then he was left alone in his corner of the bar... Shrugging he didn't mind, and was actually used to this. This was his life... He was used to this loneliness. This nagging ache in his heart. He was some what jealous of Penelo and Vaan. They were obtaining happiness.

It was just then that the bar maid slipped him his third drink. Tipping it back just as Balthier wobbled to the booth. When the other sat he suppressed the desire to grin. Why was he happy the other was speaking to him? It made no sense... Shrugging his shoulders at the question he deflected his eyes and looked at Vaan. "I've been working for Larsa, all this time. Its... nice." He said softly, the drink blurring his words a little.

Suddenly he sighed and ducked his head, eyes in his cup. "Yes, I am no longer the hated king killer. I work hard to keep my name out of circulation. After all what good would it do for Larsa if I was well known like you, great sky pirate Balthier." He snorted and downed the glass he had. His head was so foggy. He wobbled and slumped a little, so unused to the drink it was pathetic.

"What have you been doing, Balthier, other then pillaging and taking what isn't yours." He asked as the bar maid brought him another drink. He wished he was as free as the man. That would be so nice. To do what he wanted, when he wanted. Envy pulsated off of him as Vaan wobbled back and collapsed into the booth over Basch's legs. "Hey guys!" He laughed out, obviously drunk, a spilled glass in his hands.

He looked down at him and sighed softly, eyes gentle as he shifted. "I should take him home. Poor child can't hold his dri-drink." He hiccuped out, shocked that he himself was holding down five drinks. His eyes shot to the door and he noticed that time had been passing fast.

[Blaine]

"Well, if you really must know what I have been doing, I have been primarily pillaging and 'discovering' what now is mine." He laughed, a strange true laugh as his ninth drink loosened him up to the point of this laughter. "That is what I do. I find what I want and I take it. By the sweat of my brow, I will do what must be done for nothing is more important than that taste, that thrill of achieving your goal. Aha, should you ever want to break from the droll lifestyle you have, I shall take you along with me. I could use someone who looks like a guard to sneak past a few...obstacles." Smirking, he raised his eyebrow at the man and leaned a little closer. "How does that sound, hm? To be on a trip with the great Sky Pirate, Balthier? Always on edge and nothing ever dull or boring. I saw it is something to try."

Finally taking his fifth class of whatever the hell the barmaid had been giving him, he suddenly blinked and sat back, looking down at the glass as his vision began to swim as the glass was one then suddenly became two as he shook his head. How many was this now...? Five? How long had it been? Certainly long enough to stave of any inebriated effects... Suddenly assualted by the sight of the drunken boy, he frowned and rolled his eyes as he cracked his neck a bit before letting out a deep breath. Only, when he did that, the full force of the alcohol in his system hit him. Utterly disoriented, he fell against the large blond man beside him, his fingers clutching into the fabric of his clothing for stability. "Dear God..." He murmured, holding back a burp which he refused to release out of his own pride and common decency. "I seem...to have over extended..my " -hic!- "..self..!"

Not at all aware of what he held onto, he slowly slid from his seat to stand..or rather what he thought was standing. In reality, he was leaning heavily on Basch, his head bowed into his shoulder as he gazed at the shifting and dancing ground. "Cease...your movements.." He ordered to no prevail as Vaan ousted himself from Basch's grasp, firmly shaking his head. "I dun need tah be taken home...pfffffttttt...!" He whined as he pushed away, staggering to another group of people. Quite possibly the men he was drinking with.

Meanwhile, no longer blocked by the smaller blond, Balthier found himself in free fall as his weight buckled beneath him, unable to even stand as the drinks he consumed utterly dominated him to the point of blindness. "Ngh..." He moaned gently as he fell into Basch. "Bloody...bartender..."

[Divinitate]

It was fairly obvious that Balthier was drunk too. Was he the only one who could hold down his liquor? Sighing softly to himself when Balthier made the offer to take him around the world he couldn't help but smirk to himself. That would be something...To travel with the likes of him. He was about to open his mouth when Balthier stood up and proceeded to fall into him. His eyes roamed up the man's body, lingering at his waist before traveling up to his chest. It took a long moment for his eyes to make it to his slender neck and strong jaw. A slow smile tugged his lips. "A guard type? Don't you mean someone to save you when you trip a trap. Or a pack mule to carry your goods." He sighed out as Vaan then climbed out of his lap and staggered off.

Slowly he himself stood. Just in time too! Since Balthier staggered worse then the boy. Catching him he shook his head and whispered to him, "Who is the dainty little wall flower now." He smirked a little and put his hand around the other, hand on his waist. "Come now, you need rest and I doubt Fran will want to see you this drunk." He said softly, staggering a little as he walked the man out of the bar towards his apartments. He knew that he'd hear how...droll...they were, but at least he'd know that Balthier wasn't getting into trouble.

He felt that it was his duty to make sure that the man made it to Vaan's wedding without being arrested. His hand tightened at his waist as they passed into the streets. God was he glad that his home was close... It wasn't much, but at least he had a home in Rabanastre to return to. Staggering with the other man, he clutched him tight, using him for support almost as much as he supported the other...

[Blaine]

"Pft, someone...to go undercover...but pack mule works..since you, aha offered." His words slurred like mad as he buried his face into his chest a bit as he spoke into it. Completely using the other as support as he shivered a bit from the hand around his waist.

"Dainty my bloody ass..!" He retorted, looking up at Basch to lare daggers into him as he shrugged. "Fran has never seen me in any form such as this. Besides, the woman shall be gone for a good while yet for the night is still young for them. That..Penelo girl has too much spark to let it lay in waste...ngh, God this is awful...when...did you get so tall..?"

Holding tight so he wouldn't fall, his feet were almost propped against the ground as each leg lifted and fell with a loud thud when suddenly Balthier lifted his head fast enough to nearly make him topple as he stood a little straighter."..are you..wearing Bhujerbian cologne...?" Almost snorting, he grinned and began to laugh. "That is adorable...pffft ahhaaa, but it a scent that suits your rough demeanor as it is an aroma of masc...masculinataty...masculinty...masculine...ne ss. Yes...quite...nnnnnnnnnnnmmmmgh." Slumping again he looked around the streets and began to whine as he was wont to do at any time.

"Where are we going? Why did we leave? The party was far from over, God, so aggravating...bloody ground..still jumping everywhere...it's too hot...what city is this?" On and on he went as his grip tightened on Basch, his face rubbing against his arm.

[Divinitate]

His cheek grew hot as the man noticed such a fine detail as that...No one was ever this close to him. It made him a little nervous. "Oh? Its taken you this long to realize I'm masculine has it Balthier." He laughed out, smiling slightly. He felt nice, though...why he couldn't say. He just felt really nice. Hoisting Balthier up so that the other was walking straight he sighed as he reached the proper building. "You... are a lousy man sometimes Balthier." He sighed out, trying to get the door open for several moments.

When he finally got it he drug the other into the building and helped him up the stairs at a painfully slow pace. God he knew he shouldn't have had so much to drink! Cursing out violently he was grateful for his past... Just this once. It was so hard to carry the taller man up to his apartments, but he had the whole second floor... Dropping his hold a moment he got the door open , falling into it as he grabbed Balthier's hand as an instinctive gesture.

A soft gasp escaped him as the other then fell on top of him. All the air rushed out of his lungs and he laid there under him. "Welcome... to my apartments..." He breathed out, pushing the drunk man off of him so he could get the door shut. He panted softly, an obvious blush on his cheeks. He'd had to much to drink... Crawling to the man's legs he pushed him in more before pushing his door shut. That accomplished he fell back to the floor, arms over his head as he let out a sigh.

"I thought it better to take you somewhere you can rest and get the alcohol out of your system rather then have you harassing the townsfolk..." He muttered, looking at the ceiling as internally he hoped that this wouldn't be a mistake or boring. God he was so tired of his boring life...

[Blaine]

Incoherent to his words, a strange feeling came over the pirate as he suddenly began to feel a swell of heat begin to flush over his body, his face flushing hard as his eyes narrowed to see. "Nggh..." When he fell, he fell hard, face smacking the other's chest and then the floor as he was roughly pushed aside. "Bloody hell...?!' He murmured, cursing he forced his arms up, lifting his heavy torso into the air as he crawled towards Basch defiantly.

"H..harassingggghh the townsssfolkuh?" He snorted as he lifted his swaying head to see Balthier, crawling so he was directly over him, slowly beginning to straddle him as he spoke. "Jusss what kind of drunk do you think I am? I am no hooligan nor am I a barbarian so whatevvver the hell itwas you were thinking, pfft, you are wronggh. I jus sit and I think about my life and jus sit and sit and bloody fucking sit so there." Getting really close to his face, his body inadvertently dipped down, his groin rubbing against one of Basch's causing the man to shudder and shake his head.

He had to clear his head from such thoughts for there was no one here to satisfy him..or so he perceived..
"Whaddabout you, ah? Just what manner of drunken mess are you, hm? Surely no...better than I for I consumed double what you did and you sssseem jus as bad..."

[Divinitate]

Eyes widening when he felt the other rub his body against his own like that he jerked up, bumping his head against the other man's harshly. His cheeks were a deep red and he quickly grabbed Balthier so that the other wouldn't fall backwards. Before he knew what he was doing he had the other in his hold so that one of the man's legs was on either side of his body, and his hands were at his hips. "...Lord knows... You'd of weaseled your way into a poor dame's pants and been screwing her...Then undoubtedly her lover would walk in and someone wo-would have to clean up a mess." He breathed out, eyes falling shut a little.

Slowly he leaned forward a little, not really aware of what he was doing. "This...seemed the better choice. Then again... I drank a lot..." He laughed softly, pressing his lips to Balthier's a fraction of a second before falling backwards again. "I...have ne-never been drunk before. This... is a first for me, Captain Droll." He chuckled, rolling his head to the side as he shut his eyes. He wished that the other hadn't done that... It awoke all his silent desires and he was fighting a losing battle at that moment in time.

He just hoped beyond all hope that the man was to drunk to realize what Basch had done. He was a little embarrassed about that and he knew he shouldn't have done that...

[Blaine]

Staggering, he steadied himself just barely as his eyes nearly rolled to the back of his head. He used the hands on his hips for support and squeezed against his waist for further support as he groaned. He looked at the man below him and snorted, "I have been in much worse before involving much more women and lovers alike. You do not give me enough credit for I know what I am do--ah?" A suddenl pressure on his lips snapped his eyes open as he looked down, his face already beat red from the spirits worsening, his head shaking to clear the fog in his mind.

Suddenly, he found himself annoyed..."Was that it? That was all? How deplorable, you call that a kiss? Nonsense, this is how it kiss should be..!" ring his mouth down, Balthier crushed his lips down onto the other, opened the opposite lips with is tongue to sneak it past the barrier into the blond's mouth. He lifted both hands to hold him down as the kiss was hard and strangely passionate. So used to doing this with women, his muscle memory began to seize his limbs as he withdrew for hair.

Gasping, he looked down at the other and smirked, proud of himself for such a good lesson in how to be a great kisser. "See..? That is how...it is down.." He stooped down so that his face was hovering only a mere few inches above his head, eyes completely locked wit his.

[Divinitate]

Jerking a little when he was so viciously attacked by the man's lips he groaned and hesitantly reached up to his shoulders. His eyes rolled shut as he mouth opened without a fight. What was he doing?! He must be drunk to let the pirate do this to him. When the other pulled away he whimpered, eyes slowly opening as he glared at him, his blush vicious. "Jerk..." He muttered, looking away from him. Abruptly he rolled over so he was over Balthier. "...You talk to much..." He whispered, pressing his lips to the others' harshly again.

Nibbling his lip his hand found its way to the man's cheek and he pulled up only to gasp for air, eyes shut as he slowly laid between his old friend's legs. "...You're fortunate. So fortunate..." He muttered into the man's neck, his fingers pulled the fabric away from his neck. "Fortunate to have done this with a woman first..." He licked the skin a little, shuddering at the sweet taste the man's flesh had.

It was obvious the effect Balthier had on him...He could feel the restraint of his shorts already, and was wishing that the other would go further with his attentions... He knew he'd already gone to far... So why not go ahead and try to have... Blushing a little he stopped, unsure of Balthier's drunken boundaries. "I'm horny..." He whispered in his ear, pulling away to see what the other did in response.

[Blaine]

"First...?" Balthier breathed as his eyes widened wide, his back searching for a wall to lean on as he collapsed against it. Oh God...what had he done...he took it from him...he too Basch's virginity..! He'd done tha tplent yof times before, yes but never from anyone older than twenty-five. Nor from a man. The question following the statement jerked him back to reality as he looked out the door, seeing the advent of night. The girls...the girls he knew would be out still, not even close to being done with their adventures, so Fran wasn't going to return anytime soon. Not when she was finally in a group and belonged to a "pack" of sorts..and the sky pirate couldn't bear to take that away from her anyway.

"I..." He began as he looked over, listening as rubbed at his face, scratching the back of his head as he took a step and began to walk towards the knight. Plopping down onto the couch beside him, he turned his head and placed a hand on his back. "It is dreadful seeing you behave this way." He started with a statement that really was unexpected. "I don't very much care for it now...let us see if..we cannot figure a solution. Since it is already nearly too late to do anything...how..about we find some food...I will not leave tonight. Or if I do, I will when you sleep so you do not have to see me go. Come on." Fingers tugged at his sleeves as he watched and tilted his head. "Let us...hn..." He really didn't know..he just wanted to see Basch stop being this way.