[Divinitate]

Looking at Balthier he frowned a little. "Like what...? Emotional?" His eyes went to the hand that was tugging on his sleeve. "What?" He asked softly, acting as he normally would, with utter indifference. He was trying so hard to keep this out of his mind, that he was attracted to his friend. That he had had sex with his friend... he needed someone to talk to. Someone to confide in. But... the only person that he would normally do that with was... Balthier. Biting his lip a blush crawled to his face and he found himself wanting very much to go out with Balthier... even if it was just a platonic thing. Nodding slowly he dropped his legs and looked down at the ground. "Yeah but where. Obviously you won't want to..." he dropped off, stopping himself from saying to much. He doubted that Balthier would want to stay long with him. Standing slowly he looked down at the pirate, trying his best to be how he was before...Before he had tasted what the man had to offer. He was hooked, and he needed to sort it out with someone...but who? Who could he turn to.

Closing his eyes he shook his head and messed his hair up. "Get dressed. If you leave then do it while we're out so I won't miss you you bloody pirate..." He ordered, a sharp tone to his voice as he walked away from Balthier and into his bedroom. He did care... God did he. He had already swallowed his pride, telling the man what he had... That he was falling for him. Why did that even matter. He knew that he would die alone, much as his brother had. Well... less so. He'd not even see the pleasure of being held by someone who cared for him. Washing the tears from his eyes he slipped a wet hand through his blond tresses and made sure that his face showed no signs of sorrow.

When he stepped out into the living room he wore his carefully crafted mask. A small smile crossed his features and he waved to the door. "Food, right?" He asked, keeping his tone soft and indifferent, as it always was. He hoped that Balthier would buy it in time. The man had no right to his life now that he had rejected him. "Do you think they all passed out drunk too?" He asked, shouldering an empty bag, since the sun was kissing the sky lightly. He'd buy some food to bring home. Maybe. "I think... if anyone asks...you should say you got lucky with a pretty woman, and that this should... should just be forgotten..." He told him softly, eyes dropping as the clouded a little. He wouldn't forget... no he'd most likely talk to Fran about it, since she was the closest person to Balthier and knew what the man thought...

[Blaine]

Watching him go off into his room to dress, the sky pirate adorned himself with the clothes he wore yesterday, not too thrilled to re-use his clothing and even worse still that he had yet to shower. Currently, if he left, it wasn't to rid himself of Basch, but rather to rid himself of the filth their bodies generated when he was in communion with Basch. He utterly detested feeling so dirty..

And yet, he sucked it up and redressed minus the overly adorning cape. Such a thing wasn't needed for a night with a..friend. As he waited, he went to the bathroom and styled his hair to make sure he still looked somewhat presentable.


By the time Basch returned, Balthier was waiting outside, the front door open as the man used his hand to beckon him along. "Yes, food. Neither of us have eaten and it's best to eat after you've been drinking..or rather I am just bloody hungry." Placing his hands in his pockets, he waited until the man was right beside him before walking in any direction really. He was hungry..but for what he really couldn't say. He had no obvious cravings which was pretty damn annoying when you were hungry. "Who passed out drunk? The woman? No no, for some reason, they all strike me as those who hold their booze well...or at least Fran and Penelo. Ashe..?" He shook his head as an air of distaste surround the utterance of the name. "And nonsense, I shall say no such thing. What I will say is that a good friend of mine and I "hanged out" together. No one will further inquire my personal life nor yours. So there is nothing to worry about." Stopping, he gazed about the city as a chill filled the air, wondering why it was always cold at this time of night, even in the summer it seemed. "So, what would you like to eat?"

[Divinitate]

The man had such a...way about him. Looking at him blankly Basch said, "Things like that are why I even want you in the first place, Balthier." Shrugging off everything else he locked his door and slipped his key into his pockets, keeping his hands there. At the mention of Ashe he grimaced. That was a whole other memory he'd sooner forget then mention... Yet he found himself saying, "She offered to find me a woman, shortly after the Vayne incident..." His eyes were on the ground as they left his apartment building and started to walk. He wanted to touch the man...to see if he really was there or not. He knew that he was after all Balthier was getting many looks, even if he did smell of sex. He barely hid his blush at that thought. Abruptly he stopped, wondering what the hell Balthier was doing... He was filthy, and he smelled. This was utterly unlike him. Frowning he asked, "Why...why are you throwing what makes you you...to keep me company. We were never close...There were many times I just wanted to lob your head off for something you said...and I'm sure there were many times you wanted to shoot me for my uptight behavior... so why are...why "hang" out with me...I am hardly the type you enjoy being near..." He was so confused. To say the least...

Scrubbing his face he looked around a moment and spotted a rather nice diner. "There. Its secluded, no one you know would be there...and it looks nice...ish." He said, looking at the people who were milling about like they had something to do. He didn't understand why Balthier would...stay. There was nothing in it for him, and it would only make Basch want him more. Didn't the man know that...Shutting his eyes he wished vainly that this had never happened...Then again he wished it would happen again, and again...and again. A small blush crawled to his cheeks at those silent wishes and he was about to turn to Balthier when someone jumped on him, sending him to the ground. "Basch!" Came the high pitched voice of Penelo, Fran close behind her. "Wooow! Balthier too!" She looked between them, noticing Basch's red cheeks instantly.

"Ooooh how cute!" She giggled as Fran watched the spectacle

[Blaine]

ALmost shivering form the reminder, the tactile gunk he could feel trying to lift in a haze off of his body, he looked at Basch and forced an...awakward smile to say the least. It was mixed with both utter disgust at how gross he was feeling as well as a smile to assure the other that he was "A-Okay" with being utterly revolting. "It...is all well.." He almost gaggedout, turning his head back forward as he finally let loose a repressed shudder. In truth, he went out with Basch because, well, he was a little worried what the kngiht would do alone..not that he was an idiot and would kill himself, just...a gut feeling, the same one that told him when a treasure was near and his, told him it was best to put the effort forth to stay. And he felt sorry for him..for what he did. And this wasn't some person or dumb broad he'd never meet in his life again. No, this was someone who frequented his circle of aquaintances. They may not have been close, but it was considered close enough for the pirate. Especially when th eonly other person you ran with was a Viera.

Gazing up at the diner, he grimaced again at the squalor of the establishment, really not wanting to eat with such dirty plates. Conceding for Basch and Basch alone, respecting and appreciating his attempt to maintain the great reputation of Balthier. When he felt the tension return to the air, his eyes shifted beside him, only to see his face in utter blush, opening his mouth to ask what the matter was when he suddenly flinched at the unexpectedly high voices. "Fran?" Was the first name he spoke, despite Penelo screaming first and, in an instant, his face was stitched into the facade the man was best known for. "Aaaah, ladies~!" He said with a wry grin though he stayed beside Basch. "You ladies look well and done, did you not drink? Ahhhaaa-ah!" In front of him the tall woman that was his partner strode up, looking down on him as he examined his clothing and body.

"You smell." Was all she said, staring down at him before taking a passing stare at Basch beside him. To her very keen nose, she could see that he smelledd just like Balthier. Hm.... "We just returned and were about to go eat. Penelo says that this restaurant is one of th best here for its homey, Rabanastre style cooking. We were not expecting to see anyone else."

"Nope! We were just starving so I brought us here! Vaan and I found it last time were in this area and just have loved it ever since." Smiling broadly, the girl bounded and ran towards the building to go put their names in. "Come on!" She beckoned as Fran looked down to the two men. Silently, she strode forward as Balthier came soon behind though, he quickly turned to watch the knight. "Coming chap?" He spoke, holding his hand out.

[Divinitate]

He didn't listen to that two women, just kept his gaze down on the ground all the while. He would let Penelo's innate hyperness infect him. Like it was bound to do before to terribly long... The girl was always so happy and so full of energy! That was one of the things that he had liked about her, as a kid at least. He knew that he was old enough to be her father and that she most likely looked at him like a father. It wasn't until Balthier held his hand out that Basch snapped out of his thought process. Staring at the man he hesitated a moment, slowly lifting his own to take it. Inside he was thinking, "Hand? Why...why is he holding his hand out to me... This is so.. so unlike him. Why would he do this? Have I... ruined him with my...disgusting wants..." his hand slowly slipped into Balthier's and closed around it. He... he liked this. He liked the feeling of the man's hand in his... He was blushing and he knew that he was... This was bad. Really bad... He wished that the girls hadn't come. That he had more of a buffer to put around himself.

Walking with the others to the diner Penelo noticed his red cheeks and grinned widely at him. "He's so cute when he blushes! Isn't he Franny?" She giggled out, hugging onto Basch's arm a little while the man quickly removed his hand from Balthier's. He wasn't fast enough though... Fran's eyes landing on them and she simply stared at Basch a long moment before the waitress came to seat them. "So, what did you boys do once we left?" Penelo asked softly, bouncing as she walked to the table. He didn't know how to respond to that... So he softly said, "We drank." Shrugging his shoulders as the blush finally went away. He sat and looked at the menu, not seeing anything that he wanted... He knew that he had to eat though, or Balthier would most likely round in on him and then Penelo would make a scene...

This was turning out to be a rather miserable outing for him. He'd been okay with just Balthier, knowing that the man was going to walk out of his life...again. That was something that he was prepared for now, but he wasn't ready to face their friends yet...

[Blaine]

The hand was merely to get him to go into the diner, it meant hardly anything more and really couldn't understand the reason for his red face. Well..he could, not from his hand. Taht was...a little strange. "Yes." He spoke, seeing Fran affixed to Basch in her knowing stare, sighing a bit as he was well aware that she knew something if not everything already. Intuitive little shit...

"After you ladies left to do whatever it was you did~" He winked at Penelo and gave a suave smile. "Basch, Vaan and I simply had a few drinks around the bar. Before we could do really anything, Vaan had gone way past the point of all recognition...small kid really can't hold his alcohol. So, Basch, being the samaritian he was, took the boy somewhere safe (whether he stayed there, we shall never know) and then I accompanied him for a few more rounds. Good time, you know." He gave a nod as the waitress came by. He ordered something healthy and rather unfilling when one got right down to it, but was very hasty in his request for tea. As long as he had his tea, he was fine no matter what he ate.

Looking to Basch again who chose to sit beside him, oddly enough, he nudged him in the arm and pointed up to the woman. "Order now Basch, you're turn." Needing only to say those words, he moved to Fran and Penelo with a complacent grin. "So, lovely ladies, what is it that you did, hm?"

[Divinitate]

Quickly ordering a coffee and something simple and filling, Basch looked at the table, not wanting to look at Fran. He knew that she was onto them and that was something that he didn't want He didn't want the women to know. Clearing his throat he listened to them as the talked. Slowly Penelo sadi, "We just went shopping, and did some drinking. Ashe took us intot he palace and let us stay the night. It was so nice! She's going to help me get my fress!" She was beaming and bouncing in her seat while she spoke it was amazing.

Basch couldn't understand the hype and wanted to run away before Fran could question him. Though he knew that the woman would wait until they were alone. Well... he hoped that she waited that long. He had no desire to ruin his or Balthier's image to young Penelo. What would they think if they knew that two of their friends had... done that. And that both were men. Smiling a little when the waitress brought the drinks he seized his cup when it was offered to him. This was what he needed...

Slowly he sipped the steaming liquid, a look of pure calm gracing his features as he sat beside the other man.

[Blaine]

As she waited, Fran watched as Basch pretty much kept to himself and Balthier, as usual, talked it up with Penelo about any and everything, including their last job where they stole a neighboring sky pirate's treasure trove.

Time passed slowly as the Viera nibbled and ate at her salad, watching, ever watching the Knight with vague fascination when the line she had been waiting for sounded in her large ears. "C'mere Batlhier!" Penelo piped as he bounded up from the table, gil on the tabletop as he pulled the younger man along. "I want to show you my sky pirate outfit AND my wedding dress!! I want to know if you approve since you're so fashion savvy."

Being who he was, Balthier was more than happy to oblige, especially after such a flattering compliment, and once he had lifted himself from his seat, the young girl gave a quick glance to the taller as if a secret had just been passed. Silently, they left Basch and Fran alone and without a single moment lost, Fran was on him.

"Basch.." She began, bright red eyes boring down on him. "What did Balthier do to you last night? You do not seem to be able to sit normally and you've been shifting in your seat as if in discomfort. You smell unclean and of...other things. What occurred last night and what is the truth?" True to her penchant for silence, he query was short and to the point. And now, she waited.

[Divinitate]

Sitting was agony.. his ass hurt like there was no tomorrow. The longer he sat the more it hurt. He could almost feel it bleeding again... That was something that he was ashamed of. Nothing else from the night before, just the bleeding and pain he was in now. He silently listened to Penelo and Balthier talk about past escapades. It was... amusing. To say the least. He managed to smile a few times, and was honestly glad when the young woman asked Balthier to go look at her outfits. He could slip away then... Though he knew that leaving Fran alone would be rude so he remained sitting when the other two left.

...He should have left. No sooner were the two gone then the Viera looked at him, much as she had the whole meal, and asked the question he had dreaded the most. Cheeks going beat red, Basch stared at her intently for several moments. Gulping he looked down, then away, shifting once more. "I...It..." He started, chewing his lip a long moment as he gathered his thoughts and tried to make it sound flattering for Balthier... He didn't want Fran to think ill of the man. "We were drunk... so I took him to my place, so that he wouldn't end up doing something foolish... But when...when we got there... He fell on me... I kissed him.. he kissed me... One thing led to another and I..." Cheeks reddening even more his eyes wide at the memory.

He slowly looked at Fran and saw that she was still waiting for his full answer. "I pressured him... He was drunk, and I wasn't nearly as drunk as he... His kiss sobered me, actually... Bu-but I...I..." He looked back down, his shame obvious. "I coaxed him into sex. He took my virginity and made me bleed. When we woke this morning I told him I didn't regret it. And I don't. I... wish it could happen again, only more gently... But Fran... he's...He said it was disgusting, that two men like this..like last night... God I'm so deplorable. I forced him into this and..." He groaned softly, trembling as he laid his head on the table.

This was one of the first times he'd ever been open emotionally to anyone, and it was about him possibly being gay.. In this moment he was so glad that Balthier had left, he knew e'd of broken more if the man was here/

[Blaine]

The crimson glare continued to press onto the Hume as the Viera sat absorbing th emessga eshe was just gifted. She could tell by the mna's heightened sense of shame, sweat and quivering lip that he was in a highly emotional state. If she didn't know better, she could have said this man was a distant relative of the Crying Bangaa of the far, far North.

However, as she listened, she felt a slight stir in her breast, an odd feeling she had never felt before...not until now. Perhaps it was...jealousy? Resentment? Or perhaps the food she just ate was disagreeing with her. Hume food was always deeply disgusting and filthy.

"Balthier believes everything he does not understand to be not worth his time. He probably really does believe that the act you and he enacted in union was a filthy act of shameless morals, but he is only in shock currently. What occured betwixt your two bodies is not something to be forgotten, but it is something to be cautious of when you begin to think for Basch, as a comrade who fought alongside you, in both battle of brawn and battles of love, I shan't like to see you become as so many women that Pirate has slept with before have become. Balthier..." Looking to the side, she, for once, actually faltered, breaking her impenetrable gaze as she tried to collect her thoughts into spoken word.

"Balthier is a man who is difficult with commitment. After his father left, he began to become the man you see today, visiting bars, hearing stories of great treasure, renting small ships to go out and find them...when we first met, he was still young and unexperienced but, like you know now, there is a quality to him that draws you in. The wonton style, the confidence and the attitude..but women fall for him like gil to an Arcadian casino. Don't allow him to see you as he sees those women...if he does...the pain you feel now will be a mere flicker of a candle." Snapping back to attention, her eyes widening and focusing once more, she dropped her chin, this time in an unhappy gaze.

"I cannot say...that I like what you have told me...but I cannot defy your heart as it is not my...not my people's way. And given to our nobility, I will assist you in your endeavours with that man, but heed this, Basch von Rosenberg. We shall be fighting for his love. When you are not beside him, I shall be. Do you understand?" Lifting her head up again, she turned her gaze and nodded in thanks to the waiter who fillled her glass with...what smelled like carrot juice...

[Divinitate]

He looked up while Fran spoke, and he felt more of an intense pain in his chest then he thought was possible. "Fran..." He muttered softly, eyes going down to the table. "I am sorry... I should even think of going after him when you have been waiting so patiently for him. He's your man, your Hume..." He rose his hands and gripped the back of his head, sighing softly as he thought deeply. What to do? He slowly sat up, composing himself as he looked at her intently. "..I won't be one of those women, after all I am a man. A strong man. I understand who is and why he is how he is. I will..see... how I stand with other men before I per sue Balthier." He started, holding his hand over the top of his cup briefly when the waitress came around. he was still deep in thought, and that was rather obvious. Though he had managed to school himself well, and hide the pain he was feeling inside. He felt such guilt for taking any attention Balthier may have held towards the Viera. Though... that was foolish. "I'll talk to him, and if I do feel attraction... I will try to sway him. When and if that happens... I accept your rivalry." He nodded curtly just as a bubbling Penelo bounced back, spinning a little.

He smiled a little and slipped from his seat. "I must go. I have...things... I must attend to." He said in a blank and curt manner. His tone shocked Penelo, since he'd been warming up and acting chummier in the passed two years. Yet now... Now he was back to how he had been when they first met up. Tossing some gil onto the table he brushed passed Balthier as the man entered nonchalantly behind Penelo. He didn't cast a gaze at him, just left. With out a word to either of the two. Leaving the small dinner he started off in no particular direction. He just had to get out of there and that was all that mattered.

His heart was shattered, he felt horrendous guilt, and his misery was reaching a new level. Aimlessly he walked into a park, slowly dropping to a bench as he thought. This was such a mess. What was he supposed to do now...

[Blaine]

The Veira receded back into her natural state of silence as she watched the Humespeak. She nodded her assent, accepting the challenge when she suddenly turned at the scent of two more Humes. "Balthier, Penelo." She spoke tartly in recogntion as the sky pirate only nodded, trying to free his sleeve from Penelo's grasp.

He looked up when he saw Basch pass, seeing a familiar glazed look to his eye as he receded any words he may say. He knew better than to comment or even follow..perhaps he just needed some time alone which was well deserved on his part. Looking to Fran, he could see she had said something, but he would wait until they were alone before he even asked her about it. Feeling the gunk all over his body, his mind began to wander to the night before...though most of it was hazy, he could still hear the screams of the man beneath him, the moans of his voice and the tight heat of his ass...Completely out of it, it wasn't until Penelo began to poke him in the arm did he snap out of his reverie. "What are you thinking Balthier...~?" She gazed at him expectantly when he suddenly frowned. "Bathing. I feel dirty."
Casually gazing at Fran, he could see she picked up on the word, reacting ever so slightly though he didn't know what it meant. "I should go back, I need to bathe before it all sets in...thank you Penelo." Smiling smugly, as he usually did, he nodded and placed gil on the table for his meal as well, strolling out of the small diner not too long after the other man. Huffing in her seat, Penelo crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Men. Always in a hurry to do nothing." Looking at her and nodding, Fran could only agree.

Leaving the diner, Balthier looked about, almost hoping to see the other man, but when nothing returned his sights, he merely sighed and kept walking...he really needed a bloody shower..

[Divinitate]

He didn't know how long he sat there. All he did was stare out at the passing people. No one even stopped to look at him. Though halfway through the day an old lady sat beside him and started to regal him with tales of her late husband. It was... endearing. He wanted to tell her to piss off, but that would be rude and he had no need to be such with her. After all she was just an old woman who wanted company. From noon till just before sunset he listened to her, developing a sick neediness that was very unlike him. When she finally said good night to him he felt like his heart had been stabbed repeatedly. Hand going to his chest his fingers kneaded into the fabric as his whole body slumped into the bench. Why did he have to fall for the one person he knew he couldn't have...? Slowly his eyes closed as he pushed himself forward off of the bench.

This was a good time to find out how much alcohol he could ingest before passing out he felt. It wasn't his week, and he was feeling the tinge of loneliness he'd long since learned to suppress. Frowning he propelled himself to the same ritzy bar they'd been at the night before. His waves fell into his face as he slipped in and got noticed by the woman who had been hit on the night before by Balthier. As he sat in a booth she brought him what he was drinking the night before. "Is your friend not with you tonight sir...?" She asked softly, catching the hurt look on his face before he could hide it. "...No." He muttered to her. Deftly he downed the drink and smiled a little. "Just keep bringing these please." he asked of her, settling into the booth while he thought about the situation more and more.

He knew that Balthier had just been drunk the night before. That was why he'd done what he had done... Frowning as the bottle was brought to him, Basch looked at the slender woman above him. "Here. That's five hundred gil...and you can take the whole bottle..." She told him, holding her hand out for payment, which he shelled out to her. He'd drink her a while, then leave... if he could get his ass back up and moving.

It was only a few more shots before he sought the waitress out. "Thank you angel..." He whispered to her, his words slurring slightly as he slipped her some gil. With that done he wandered outside, tucking the bottle into the crook of his arm. Walking around half drunk was a feat all in on its self... He soon found himself at the park before his apartments. Shrugging he dropped to a bench, pulled the bottle out and started to drink. It didn't matter to him if he passed out here or not.

[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..

[Divinitate]

It was near midnight he figured. The streets were barren and no one was around. Oh well, that was just typical for him. No one was ever around when he needed them. Sniffling as he drank the liquoe Basch watched the stars, wondering why he was doomed to always fall in love with someone that he could never have... By the time he figured that out... the liquid was gone. Smashing it into the trashcan across from him he slowly stood, able to see that the sun was slowly peeking up now.

Great... He'd not slept. Wobbling to his apartment he knew that he was drunk as could be and that his loneliness was still just as intense as before... He barely made it to the frontof his building before his legs gave out and he slid to the ground. Forming a small pile he whimpered a little, since the pain in his lower regions was still there from the night before.

Slowly he pulled himself up, dragging his tired body through the hallway and up the stairs. He didn't make it to his door fully before he passed out. To drunk to care. It wasn't like anyone else would care... nor like anyone else would even be there. Balthier wouldn't be. He knew that all to well... That man had no desire to be near him. He was disgusted with him.