ashmanda

New (actually old) icons!!

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:19:55 GMT

New Default icon!

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:45:10 GMT

the base for my new userpic icon came from A_Rabbit_Heart in the http://community.livejournal.com/alicehatter/

My first batch of Icons!

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:07:05 GMT

thanks to LilMizCady ;) i now know the basics of making some of these mofo's. here's some from my first batch :) and i also made my current icon too :)

Writer's Block: Tinsel town

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:58:07 GMT

Do you put up decorations for the holidays? If so, when do the decorations go up and when do you take them down?

Submitted By carterbecks99

View 771 Answers

normally, we dont, but i think this year my sister is wanting to change that. our tree goes up at Thanksgiving (or soon there after) and comes down...well...that changes. two years ago it came down in March...last year was late january early february...see? we're gettin better at it ;)

A Weeks Worth of Meetings

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:42:40 GMT

Okay, fellas, this is a new story I'm working on. This is only Monday of the week, so there will be more. I'm thinking since the chapters will be so short, I'll either try to put more in to one day, or put the whole thing together to make a really long one-shot. Tell me what you guys think, okies?

Disclaimer: I don't own Marvel, or the X-Men.

A Weeks Worth of Meetings takes place in the X-Men movieverse. The Gambit used in the movie is the one in my story, only I may give him more of the accent he should have had in the movie. I'm not dissing Taylor Kitsch's work as Gambit (cuz he had me burnin' hot on the big screen ;) but his accent was a bit off. Not necessarily his fault as the Cajun accent is a difficult one to master.

The base of this story is that we have Just-lost-the-Cure-and-just-about-to-break-up-with-her-boyfriend Rogue, who has just recently gotten back in to the habit of putting her gloves on in the mornings. Since her powers had such an extended break from use, they came back stronger than ever. Now a simple touch doesn't just reach the surface of someone's mind, it reaches deep and pulls things out that the person may not have thought of in years. Each day of the week, she touches Logan in someway and gets just a little bit more of his past stuck in her mind each time. And a few of those times, she sees a handsome man, smiling one moment and fighting with everything he's got the next. She becomes intrigued with the man named Remy LeBeau and wishes she could see him just once. Logan on the other hand, doesn't want Rogue to get her hopes up over something that would never work out even if they did meet up.

~O*- A Week's Worth of Meetings -*O~

--Monday--

He huffed and grunted as he dodged her punches as they came wailing towards him. She had improved her fighting skills since he'd last seen her two weeks ago. She must have been practicing.

The Cure had worn off two months before, so everyday he saw her wearing the familiar gloves and scarf that she had donned while her mutant gene had been active. Now, she only went without her gloves and scarf when she was:

A. Sleeping;

B. Showering and/or bathing;

Or C. Sparring with him (but only sometimes)

Her relationship with the resident ice maker was on its last leg; she struggling to come to terms with her mutation once more; he struggling with trying to decide who he wanted to be with: Rogue or Kitty Pryde. Logan always just assumed the answer was clear, though he didn't interfere as per Rogue’s request that he "Butt out." He had once told her that he wasn't her father, he was her friend. Now he was wondering why he couldn't be both. Her own father had wanted nothing to do with her when her mutation had kicked up; he seemed to be a worthless waste of air, but then again, Logan may be just a tad biased. After all, wasn't it Logan himself who had saved her when she was travelling alone and penniless up north? He had taken her in to his (mobile) home and given her what he could in their short time in the truck together. He had grown accustomed to her waiting for him by the door when he came back to the mansion. He felt wanted; needed even. It was a feeling he was not likely to give up so soon, though if he were honest to himself he'd never tell a soul.

He dodged a few more good swings that were meant for his head and blocked a couple of well placed kicks that were just a moment too slow to catch him off guard. She danced around him just as he had taught her to, holding her hands in front of her face curled in to fists. He saw the sweat running down her face and neck; could smell the exhaustion that was steadily creeping up on her. She was trying harder today than ever before. In his thoughts he became lost and was unable to catch her fist before it made contact with his cheek. His head reared back as she clutched her hand in obvious pain. He chuckled while she massaged her throbbing knuckles.

"Mah Gawd, Logan! Ah thought you said not to worry 'bout the gloves today. Ya said you wouldn't get hit this time! Jesus!" She turned away from him still clutching her sore right hand. His chuckling stopped when he saw she wasn't moving anymore. She seemed to be focusing on something, though he knew her eyes weren't looking at anything particular. He knew this look well enough to know that she was sifting and sorting through the new memories she'd acquired. Her brows puckered together as her head cocked to the side.

"Logan?"

"Yeah, kid?" he grunted.

"Ah...Ah think Ah saw somethin' from ya past. A...a guy. A really fat guy."

He narrowed his eyes at her, brows drawing close. A fat guy? Oh yeah. He'd known plenty of them in his life. He was sure they weren't just from his new life starting seventeen years back. Fat guys tended to be anywhere you went. They weren't exclusive to just one time period.

"What'd he look like?"

"Umm...Blonde. Weird lookin' teeth and tall, fat. Very fat. Mah Gawd, does he even have a neck? It's just roll after roll after roll. Geez, that cain't be healthy."

"What was he doin' in that memory?" he asked, ignoring her humorous commentary on his memory.

"He was in a boxin' ring with ya. Apparently, you made fun of him for bein' fat and he...didn't like it too much. You were fightin' him for somethin'; somethin' important. It was...it was...information."

"Info on what?"

"Ah don't know. It doesn't go that far. Just that ya wanted to know somethin' that only he could tell ya."

She looked back at him with sympathetic eyes.

"Sorry."

He shrugged before taking another step to her and placing a hand on her back. They walked from the gym, sweating and laughing like old friends.

Writer's Block: The play's the thing

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:35:15 GMT

What scene from a movie, book, or play would you most want to recreate in real life? Who would you play? Who would you cast in the other roles?

Submitted By happilyever_now

View 502 Answers

I would play Sookie Stackhouse in the fourth novel (Dead To The World) of the Southern Vampire series. Except I wouldn't play just one part of it. i would do the whole thing. And Eric would most certainly be Mr. Alexander Skarsgard. :) Just being there to take care of one incredibly hot, and incredibly protective thousand year old vampire is just....ahhhhhh :sighs dreamily:

Unstoppable - Chapter 5

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:58:33 GMT

Disclaimer: I don't own X-Men: Evolution or anything else related to X-Men.

~*-Chapter Five-*~

“Kurt, really. Ah can do this on my own. He’s not gonna hurt me!”

Rogue sighed in exasperation as Kurt Wagner shook his head once again, adamant on keeping his decision final. Sometimes her brother just made her want to scream.

“Kurt, come on! What’s he gonna do? Stare at me to death? Play poker ‘til Ah can’t see straight?”

Kurt shot a glare to Rogue, not finding her sense of humor very funny at all.

“He kidnapped you, Rogue! I can’t, in good conscious, let you leave alone to go see that…that—“

“—That what, Elf?”

Rogue’s heart hammered in her chest and her eyes widened in what most would assume to be shock, and others would know it to be fear. Kurt nearly jumped out of his fur at the sudden interruption. They both turned to the side, looking at their visitor.

“Logan! Thank God you’re here! Rogue has gone crazy! She’s—“

“—Goin’ on a vacation!” Rogue intervened, pressing her gloved hand firmly to Kurt’s mouth, silencing him as best she could.

Logan raised an eyebrow incredulously.

“I ain’t buyin’ it, Stripes. You’ve always been a bad liar.”

Rogue’s eyes frantically searched the hallway, finding it empty. Damn. She had needed a scapegoat…

She finally let her fearful gaze settle on the Wolverine. She swallowed the lump in her throat as she tried to find the words to explain herself.

She began precariously.

“Now, Logan…Ah…”

“Ahh geez, kid. I’m already dreadin’ it! Just spit it out!”

“Ah…Ah wanna go find someone. Alone.”

Logan’s brows drew together in a frown. Rogue? Alone? This never boded well.

“And who is it that’s so important that you gotta go alone?”

She began to fumble nervously, finally taking her hand from Kurt’s mouth. Her fingers fidgeted and her throat ran dry. She was looking at anything but the hulking man in front of her. Logan sighed, placing a hand on his hip and rubbing his eyes tiredly with the other.

“Just…just say it, Stripes. I’m not gonna kill ya. Just tell me who it is.”

Rogue let out a shaking breath, letting her hands drop to her sides as she gathered her strength. This wasn’t going to go well. She needed every bit of strength she could muster.

“Ah wanna find Remy.”

It was a simple sentence; four terms used that usually weren’t a big deal, but to put them together was just asking for trouble and Logan was a man who loved dealing with trouble.

Except when Stripes was involved.

Then things got personal.

Logan growled as the words sunk in.

Stripes wanted to find Gambit?!

“Ah hell no! The Elf had it right, Rogue! You are bein’ crazy! Have you forgotten that he kidnapped you?! Took you away from your home by puttin’ you to sleep? Hell, kid! I had to frickin’ ride with a hysterical Elf and a pissed-off One-Eye just to get you back! You’re not goin’ back there at all! And that’s final!”

Rogue took a deep breath, letting her gaze drop to the floor. Kurt made the mistake of looking up to his sister. He sighed as he took in her appearance; her downtrodden eyes to the small pout in her lips. Her hands were clutched in front of her, holding each other securely. Her bangs had dipped down on one side to hide her gaze from passers by in the hall. A small crowd was walking through, just getting back from a day out in town. The occasional student would glance at the scene, taking in Rogue’s saddened demeanor, Kurt’s confused gaze that drifted between Logan and his sister, and Logan’s slow-coming fearful expression.

Rogue had managed to throw the Wolverine for a loop once again.

All the other students who passed by could only stare slack-jawed and in awe. The same thought was running through all their minds.

Holy cow! Rogue pulled one over on Logan!

Logan sighed again, seeing this conversation wasn’t going to go any further with an audience. He looked around, seeing all the familiar faces gawking at him as though he’d lost his mind. He took a step back, ushering Rogue and Kurt inside Kurt’s room to finish their talk. He slammed the door, obviously warning everyone to steer clear of the room for a while.

He turned to see Rogue sitting on Kurt’s bed, awkwardly looking around, clearly trying to avoid Logan’s and Kurt’s gazes. He sighed again, placing his hands on his hips as he tried to find the words to say that would appease all parties involved. He thought on everyone’s perspectives on the matter.

Rogue obviously wanted to go hunting for that crazy Cajun. Alone.

Kurt wanted his sister to be safe. Not alone.

Logan just wanted that damned pout to go away.

“Alright, you two. Here’s how we tackle this one. Elf, you’re gonna go with her—“

“No way! He’ll just yell at Remy the whole time!”

Logan growled, glaring at Rogue for interrupting.

“Hush it, Stripes. Lemme finish. Elf is gonna go with ya, but he’s gonna keep his mouth shut. I’m goin’ too. There’s no tellin’ what hell’ll be raised with you two there. Someone’s gotta keep things in line.”

Rogue seemed to be pulling off a scheming look, no doubt wondering what other offers she could squeeze out of the feral Canadian. Kurt was looking somewhat pleased with the resulting judgment, though he didn’t like having to keep quiet. He had been hoping to one day give that Thieving Cajun a piece of his mind. He couldn’t complain though, so he kept his mouth shut, just giving Rogue a self-gratifying smile, so cheesy and so full of himself that she gave him something in return: her middle finger. He lost his smile immediately. Logan sighed in front of them, massaging his temples with his forefingers. These kids never made anything easy.

“Alright, Stripes. When did you have this little…trip…planned?”

Rogue looked at him curiously. Her brows drew together in that cute little way that he’d never tell her was one of the best looks she had in her arsenal. He instantly felt the full-part of ‘Protective Father Extraordinaire’. He’d never get used to it after so many years of being alone and not seeing someone in a light special enough to stick around. He inwardly shook that feeling to save it for later as he glared at her.

“You mean ya didn’t even have it planned out? Geez Stripes! I thought I taught ya better than this!”

She sighed ruefully, her hands clenching in her hair.

“Ah figured someone would try ta stop me anyway! Ah was right, so Ah was plannin’ ahead! Don’t start fussin’ at me! Ah know what Ah’m doin’!”

“Then when were ya plannin’ on goin’?!” Logan snapped back.

“Ah don’t know! Ah thought since our summer break was comin’ up soon, Ah’d just go then. Ah got two weeks to plan it all out. If Ah’m gonna have’ta work around studyin’ and finals then Ah’ll have’ta start plannin’ soon. Ah got ‘ta at least get the small stuff outta tha way.”

“And just how do ya plan on gettin’ there?”

Rogue looked up to Logan, frowning.

“Do ya think Ah’m stupid, or somethin’? Ah been savin’ for this trip since it crossed my mind. And that’s been about a month ago or so now. The allowance the Professor gives us was more then enough to save for the trip. Ah’ve been savin’ that to get down there, and Ah’ll use what’s left to get back up here.”

Logan looked at her incredulously.

“And just how much money have ya saved? I know he doesn’t give out that much. He’s generous, not stupid.”

“Ah figured that train tickets are pretty cheap. And the nearest train has a pretty straight route to Tennessee, then from there to Louisiana. Besides, Ah’m not gonna rush to go see’im,” she tacked on in an effort to get the conversation moving. She really didn’t want Logan asking how she had saved that much money in such a short amount of time. She prayed he didn’t know the cost of a train ticket to Tennessee. She really didn’t want to have to tell him that she technically wouldn’t be buying a ticket; instead she planned to hop in to a train car as it was stopped along the tracks. Preferably one of the back ones so no one would see her sneak in. Rogue would ride out the whole trip smelling oils and other fuels or straw as the car she was most likely to pick would be the worst one. It was just her rotten luck.

“Why do you need to see him so bad anyways?” Logan asked, truthfully curious as to why the girl just had to leave to see that damn thief. He hoped she wasn’t stupid enough to actually like the guy. He was bad news.

“That’s none of your business.” She replied in a snarky manner, turning her nose up and looking away.

Logan and Kurt were floored. They both seemed to understand what this meant.

“Oh, no!” They both exclaimed.

She glared back sharply, cutting through them with her dagger-gaze. Her brows lowered as she sneered.

“What?”

“You…you like him…don’t you?” Logan asked precariously. His eyes had widened in wonder and, once again, something akin to fear. He didn’t want to hear the words coming out of her mouth, but something in him just had to know how deep this was for her.

Rogue’s face flushed lightly and she turned to hide it from their view. A light cough escaped her mouth as her throat ran dry. Her blood pounded in her ears as she gave the question some serious thought. Remy was attractive and there was no denying that. The problem was he knew he was. Besides, she didn’t really know him, so she couldn’t honestly say that she liked him. He had just been crossing her mind a lot recently and she just had to know he was okay. If he decided to come back to New York with her, well then, that was just a bonus for the trip. She looked back to Logan.

“No. Ah don’t like him per se. He’s just…he helped me out a lot back then. He made me see that what Ah had here wasn’t so bad. Ah mean, compared to him, Ah have it kinda easy. His dad still tries to tell him what to do. And his dad’s also a backstabbing scoundrel. He used him from the start, ever since he was a little kid and Jean-Luc had brought him home from the streets. He’s been under that man’s thumb since and he hates it.”

Kurt scoffed and sneered at the story.

“Then why doesn’t he just leave? He was up here working for Magneto, wasn’t he?”

Rogue turned to Kurt, frowning at his doubt.

“He loves the rest of his family too much. He has cousins, a brother, a sister-in-law and the best aunt the world has ever seen. He doesn’t want to leave them. As for his workin’ for Mags, he left to get away from the life he had been forced in to. Think about it this way, Kurt. Your parents in Germany loved you, right? They’d do anything for you, right?”

Kurt nodded, confused as to where the conversation was heading. He listened as Rogue continued.

“He’s never known that. His parents abandoned him when he was younger because he had the Devil’s eyes. He had no friends growing up because they were all scared of him and hated him because of it. He would get beat up day after day for something he couldn’t understand. The caretakers at the orphanage just looked the other way because they felt the same way. They would have sooner beat him than they would defend him.”

Logan looked at Rogue suspiciously, one eyebrow quirked up as he turned his head away, warily keeping his gaze on her from the side.

“And jus’ how do ya know all’o this ‘bout the Cajun?”

The girl just shrugged her shoulders. She seemed just as confused as the men in the room.

“Ah dunno. Ah’ve just known it a while now. Ah don’t remember touchin’ him except that once in New Orleans, but all Ah found from that was that he was usin’ my powers to save his Dad.”

Logan and Kurt looked at each other, knowing where she knew it from. It was when she had been controlled, walking around taking everyone’s powers. It must have been when she broke in to Magneto’s base and fought off his Acolytes. Both Logan and Kurt shared the same thought.

I thought Xavier locked those memories away…

Rogue looked between them, clearly confused.

“What is it, fellas? What’s those looks for? Hey! Don’t turn away from me!”

“Kid, we don’t know how you got’em either. I’m almost scared to think if he snuck on the grounds and touched your skin while you were sleepin’.”

Rogue choked and sputtered as her eyes widened. She started shaking her head furiously and her hands came up to emphasize her point.

“He would…he would never! Ah know he can be a little…creepy…but he’s a gentleman. The whole time Ah was down there with him, he didn’t lay his hands on me, not once. Ah…Ah know it’s weird, but…Ah know him. Ah know he wouldn’t do that!”

Kurt glared, still not too happy with seeing the thief again, and with a star-struck Rogue no less. He didn’t believe a word of it, and voiced his objections.

“No Rogue. He’s not a gentleman. Gentlemen don’t kidnap young women from back alleyways. Gentlemen don’t use young mutant women for their powers. Gentlemen keep their hands to themselves when a lady is present. Let’s face it: majority rules. Gambit is not a gentleman.” Kurt argued to the best of his ability, but to no avail: Rogue was adamant on going no matter what.

“Kurt. Tell me something: Are you perfect?”

Kurt’s eyebrows lowered and frowned at her accusatory tone. He shook his head.

“Then what, pray tell, gives you the right to judge someone else? He’s made mistakes in his life, yeah. But he’s had more than his fair share of torment, too. He was raised to be a thief. It’s all he knows other than the fact that most people can’t stomach the thought of looking him dead in the eye.”

“But that still doesn’t explain why you wanna see him so bad, Stripes.” Logan spoke up, bringing the problem-at-hand to light.

She simply looked at him and spoke in a clear tone so he would know she was serious.

“Ah think he would love it here. He sucks at bein’ a bad guy, anyway. Piotr was actually the one who brought the idea to me. He said that there were numerous times that he’d caught Remy doin’ somethin’ that was…well…good. Like…’Helping Old Ladies Cross The Street’ good. Ah think he even told me one time, he saw Remy walk out of a grocery store, helping a single-mother carry her groceries while the mother carried her twin boys on each hip. He just…belongs here.”

Logan and Kurt both were taking this news in slowly. The idea that the Cajun might not be quite that bad had never crossed their minds. All they knew was that he had taken their Rogue away from them and they had to take her back from him. That was all they had to know. They didn’t care that he might possibly actually have a heart; that he might possibly be a not-so-bad guy after all. All they had needed to know was that Rogue had been his “hostage” at one point.

Rogue sighed as she watched the two guys in front of her. Were they seriously debating over this? Did they really have to think hard about Remy and his apparent conscience? She didn’t see what the big deal was.

When they had first met, they had just simply stood and stared at each other at the docks. He had absent-mindedly handed her a glowing card that had been a half-assed attempt at blowing her hand off. He seemed to know that she would toss it in time. She was still sore at him for the thought to even pass through his mind.

Like one’o his damn cards would be what killed me…but…Ah suppose Ah should be glad he wasn’ really tryin’. Ah got a feelin’ he kept holdin’ back in fights back then.

Somewhere between her seeing him for the first time and him kidnapping her, she had gained a lot of his memories and thoughts. She knew his full name. She knew what some of his childhood had been like. She knew that his sister-in-law Mercy was like a true sibling to him. They bickered and fussed as true siblings would, but they also had a great connection. Henri was his brother, and he trusted the man with his life, but if he was in a true pinch, he was certain Mercy would be one of the few to step in for him and help. Only Henri, Mercy and Mattie cared that much.

Rogue also knew what he thought of his position as a thief. He knew for certain that he was one of the best the world had seen. He also knew that he was above the life of a thief. Remy LeBeau was meant for greater things in his life than to take, take, take and never give.

Rogue knew that he was secretly self-conscious of what people thought of him. He was sensitive in a way that was hard to see. That was only because he’d never live it down if anyone did see that side. He hid his eyes from view every time he went out in public, the exception being Mardi Gras, where you could be anyone or anything and no one said a word to you. His eyes had, of course, been the main instigator of grief in his life.

Waking up by blowing up your alarm clock hadn’t been too good either.

Rogue knew by his memories that when he found out he was a mutant, he had been devastated. Not only did he have the Devil’s eyes, now he had the Devil’s touch too? Many nights, Rogue had had depressing dreams of Remy coming to a conclusion while still in his mid-teen years, just after his powers had started. He had been giving serious thought to the idea of just living alone in the mountains. He couldn’t hurt anyone if there was no one around, right? He could keep the world safe by not being a functioning part of society. He wouldn’t blow up forks and knives at the dinner table. He wouldn’t cause lights to burst simply by turning them on, the extra energy flowing from his fingers to the wires that powered them.

He could keep his family safe if he stayed away from them, right?

Rogue could still hear his confused voice running through her head as she heard his thoughts from that time.

Mattie…she’ll be okay…she’ll know she tried her best to raise me, but even she can’t stop someone’s genes.

Henri will be fine. He’s a man. He can handle it. He’ll know his little brother is safe and can handle himself just fine. I lived on my own before, and he knows I can do it again.

Jean-Luc…he’ll hate his prize pony isn’t here at his disposal. What a pity for him…not…

Mercy…oh, no. Mercy’ll be heartbroken. She…she calls me petit frère. I’m her petit frère! What if she hates me for leavin’ her?

Why the hell do I have to be such a freak? First my eyes, now my skin? What next? My mind? My soul?!

Rogue shook her head, trying to dispel the thoughts that were not entirely her own. It was when these thoughts were running rampant in her mind that she remembered what he had said to her during their adventure in New Orleans: “You and I, we could write a book about it.” They had a lot more in common than most people realized. She supposed that was why she felt every moment was just…wrong…without him here. She was still not fully understood by any of her peers. She just wanted someone who understood why she was the way she was.

Who better than someone who had suffered like she had?

Who better than someone who was most definitely on her side?

Who better than the only man (because let’s face it; Scott was no man. Not by a long shot,) who had captured her undivided attention? Who still held on to her with ghost touches that were never real? Who…

Rogue drew in a shaky breath as she diverted her thoughts from that line. She’d best not finish, lest she wanted to wind up as one of the many women that man left in a line, waiting to have their chance with him. If she confessed to herself how she truly felt, then it was finalized and it would be all she could think about. When it got that bad, she got stupid and opened her mouth. That stupid, treacherous mouth would then blurt out everything she tried to keep secret, and that man was the last who needed to know that secret.

Rogue sighed, dread filling the parts of her that weren’t filled with anticipation at leaving to retrieve him.

Being a teenager sucked.

Unstoppable - Chapter 4

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:38:05 GMT

Disclaimer: I do not own X-Men: Evolution, or any other X-Men verse for that matter. If i use specific quotes or what not during the progress of this story that do not belong to me, I will give you the name of who they belong to.

~*-Chapter Four-*~

“Marie, darling! How was school?” A regal voice asked.

The young girl in question lifted her head to glance at the woman by the garden before shaking her head and ducking it back down. She walked straight to the door, opening it and shutting it quietly. Behind him, Remy heard the woman heave a sigh. He turned to watch her enter the house too, just as quietly as the girl before had done.

He had to see where this would take him. He didn’t bother with the door, opting instead to walk through it. He followed the noise to the stairs, taking them two at a time before reaching the landing. He looked around him for a moment, realizing this was a perfect house to hit for a job. Expensive knick-knacks lined the walls along with paintings. A couple of small tables were against the walls on either side of him, holding what appeared to be school pictures and small plants as decoration.

His eyes froze on a family picture.

Better yet…might wanna stay away from dis place…may just get killed for walkin’ on the sidewalk in fron’ o’ it.

There, sitting in the beautiful pewter frame, was a family photograph consisting of what appeared to be the Weather Witch, the Wolverine and a young Rogue. They were all close together with Wolverine in the middle and his arms around the sitting figure of the Witch and the standing Rogue. Wolverine had pasted a grin on his face, while Rogue and Storm both had gentle, yet beaming smiles.

Remy didn’t think the man capable of giving a true smile. He chuckled at that. His eyes scanned over The Witch first, taking in her appearance. It didn’t seem to be much different than how he knew her to be in his world. Her hair was long and flowing around her, every tendril in place. Her eyes were a shocking blue in contrast to the smooth mocha of her skin and her smile was surely the envy of every woman in the neighborhood.

His eyes shifted to Wolverine, his gruff appearance softened slightly by the company he kept in the picture. His eyes didn’t have that hard glare that he’d seen while in battle or when he had been trying to dismantle Remy’s head from his torso. His eyes held a distinct glow in them in the picture. Remy had no doubt in his mind what was going through the man’s head as they took the picture.

“Yeah! That’s right! They’re mine! And I’m damn proud of my family!”

Remy let his eyes travel to the last person in the photo. She looked so much like his own Rogue, he couldn’t say it wasn’t her. Her pale green eyes were shining, the childish smile coming through completely. Her fair complexion was contrasted by her dark hair, pulled back slightly by small silver combs. Her lips were tilted up just so in to a beautiful smile that he was sure would be breathtaking on her older counterpart. He wished he could see it more often. She wore a dark green turtle neck tank top, a silver chain dangling over the top with a small butterfly as a charm. In her eyes he saw the same pride and love in them as the other two occupants held.

She was in a happy family, for a change. In this world, she didn’t have to worry about a horrible mother who wanted to use her; didn’t have to worry about poison skin or voices talking to her when no one was around. Seeing the Wolverine’s bare hand on her pale shoulder was a testament to that.

She was young, normal and she seemed so happy here, with these people.

He heard someone knocking on a door down the hall to his right, so he tilted his head to look past the wall. Storm was standing in front of a plain white door, knocking gently and asking politely if she could be let in.

Finally the door opened, slowly creaking. He saw a shadow make its way away from the door, presumably back to the other side of the room. The Witch disappeared through the door, shutting it behind her.

He took one last glance at the picture before making his way to the door, again walking through it instead of turning the knob. His heart was wrenching once again as he stopped to look at the scene in front of him.

The little girl was standing next to the window, her arms wrapped tightly around her figure, gazing longingly out the window.

“Marie, my dear, what’s wrong? Did something happen at school today?”

He watched a silent tear slip from Marie’s eye. Her hand came up quickly to remove it as she nodded. Storm took a couple more steps towards the girl, her arms held out. Marie moved quietly but quickly to the woman, wrapping her own arms around the woman’s legs. She buried her face in the woman’s stomach as her shoulders shook with sobs. But they were silent. She was making no noise except the quick intakes of breath.

Storm bent to wrap her arms tightly around the girl, swaying back and forth, gently murmuring kind words to her.

“You’re a beautiful person, Marie. The others just don’t understand; that’s all. Children can be so cruel, my darling, I know. Shhh. Shhh. Everything will be alright, my darling child. We love you.”

Remy took a moment to look around. He felt he was intruding upon a personal moment not meant for anyone to see. That and he just couldn’t take seeing more tears from Rogue. Apparently things weren’t as normal here as he’d initially thought.

Storm gently pushed Rogue away from her, the movement causing Remy’s gaze to stray back to their figures.

“Marie. Darling. Tell me what happened.”

Storm led Marie to the edge of a bed, pulling her down to sit on the light blue comforter.

Marie took a moment to catch her breath and Remy waited to hear what was wrong.

He was surprised when her hands started flying around, making gestures as her fingers bent and twisted to form words. He didn’t catch any of it, but Storm seemed to understand it all as she nodded knowingly at her daughter. That was when it really hit Remy:

Rogue was mute.

He took more steps until he was standing in front of the two ladies on the bed. He watched her hands move, his eyes caught in utter fascination. Her hands were moving so fast…and yet, the Weather Witch seemed to understand every bit of it.

“Cher? Marie?! What’s wrong?”

Remy jumped and turned, shock freezing him in his place.

What appeared before him was something he thought he’d never see again: A ten-year old Remy Etienne LeBeau. His form was still lanky, not yet grown in to his own body still. His mousy brown hair was short and wind-strewn, evidence of how fast and hard he had run to get to the house.

Must be a neighbor…

His thin boy’s form was clothed in normal young boy attire: blue t-shirt, a pair of blue jean shorts and a pair of sneakers, his white socks bunched at his ankles.

Remy looked to the boy’s face for the first time to really look at him.

It looked just as his own had when he was younger, except...his eyes. They weren’t the Devil’s eyes. They were a bright hazel, and currently full of worry and confusion.

I bet so, little guy. It’s not everyday ya see a girl cryin’ like dis is it?

If this boy was anything like him, Remy was certain the boy’s heart was breaking just at the sight. He moved to take a step closer to the child as the boy ran to Marie’s side, grabbing her hands in his own.

“Marie? Marie! What happened? Did Bobby make fun o’ ya again? I told ya! Next time he does, I’ll beat him up fo’ ya! Don’ no body mess wit’ ya!”

The child hoisted himself on to Marie’s bed, wrapping a bony arm around her trembling shoulders. He leaned close to her ear, cooing soft words to encourage her.

I understand all too well, little man. Ya just wan’em t’ stop, don’ya? I hate t’ tell ya dis, but…it don’ really get any easier.

“Tu est tres belle, ma Marie. Bobby jus’…Bobby…He’s jus’ stupid! So what?! You can’ talk! Well, apparently I can’ talk eit’er! Dey gonn’ make fun o’ bot’ o’ us den!”

Storm seemed to appreciate the boy’s enthusiasm, though he appeared to be going about it the wrong way. Rogue started crying harder. Little Remy was horrified.

“What?! Wha’d I say? Marie? Wha’d I do now? I…I’m sorry Marie!”

Remy watched the Witch give the boy a soft smile before patting him on the shoulder. She spoke calmly yet not without an edge of wisdom.

“Remy, dear child. She worries for you now. She doesn’t want anyone to make fun of you either, you know? You are her best friend, after all. She just wants to look out for you.”

Young Remy seemed to soak that in, letting it run through his head as his thoughts gathered over a plan. Remy recognized that scheming look. He’d held it quite often himself as a child. Hell…even now he’d catch himself using it. It must be that “Old habits…” quote in its truest form.

What’s eatin’ at ya, little kid?

Storm seemed to notice the look as well, for her face held an inexplicable form of dread, though it was slight. She knew that whatever Remy was planning, it had to involve injuries on someone’s part; and if it didn’t directly involve pain, then injury would become a side-effect. The boy was just a magnet for those sorts of scuffs and fights.

“So…Mrs. Howell…what if…what if I jus’ happen’d t’ be dere when Bobby was skatin’ in de cul de sac? What if he jus’ happen’d t’ trip on a stick?”

Storm’s melodious laughter filled the room as she saw her daughter’s mouth turn up in a grin behind her tears.

“Am I to assume it was a conveniently placed stick, Remy?”

He turned red and looked down to his remaining hand that had busied it self with Marie’s fingers.

“I’m jus’ sayin’. If he tripped…den…I wouldn’ get in t’ trouble, right?”

Storm laughed some more, placing one of her hands against the back of his neck. She pulled him closer to place a comforting kiss on his head. He blushed even harder, clasping Marie’s little hand tightly in his own.

“Remy. I had better not hear of Bobby Drake’s next accident being from a stick in the road, do you understand? I might have to tell your Father about it next time I see him.”

She stood and stretched her long arms above her head. She sighed happily, turning back to the children to place a comforting hand on their shoulders. She gave them both a smile that radiated from her being to their own little bodies. Her eyes rested on Remy with a wink.

“However…I don’t believe anyone will say anything to you if you…just happened to be chasing after something in his path. After all, if you were focused on, say…Marie’s hat blown by the wind, you wouldn’t notice someone in the streets. A collision would be inevitable.”

Both Young Remy and Older Remy stared in shock at the Weather Witch.

She’s…she’s so cool! I…wow…my respect for dat woman jus’ jumped up a few notches.

She sent the children a wave, unknowingly walking through Remy as she left the kids to play while she fixed them a snack.

Remy watched the kids in her stead. Young Remy turned his awed gaze back to Marie.

“Marie, cher, have I tol’ ya dat I jus’ love yo’ momma?”

Marie giggled silently, hiding her mouth behind her hand. This made both boys smile.

“Hey! Garcon? You done in here yet? We gotta get goin’!”

Remy turned his gaze to the doorway, seeing Gambit standing in the doorway. He nodded, turning to give one last wistful gaze back at the two children who sat on Marie’s bed; Remy was teaching her how to play “Go Fish” with the cards he’d had in his back pocket.

“Oui, mon ami. I’m ready.”

With that, Remy turned his back to the kids, walking out the door and through the little blue door neither child could see in the hallway.

With a quiet click of the latch, both men were gone.

~*-End Chapter Four-*~

airo25 -- :D

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:28:13 GMT

I hear that you're birthday's comin up!

soooooo;) cue the party music!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

^_^ hope its a wonderful one!

this pic i got from username carribeary from photobucket, so its not mine, but i thought youd like it :)

http://media.photobucket.com/image/x-men%20happy%20birthday/carribeary/carrie/XMENBDAY.jpg

Unstoppable - Chapter Three

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 05:53:55 GMT

Disclaimer: I do no own Marvel Comics, X-Men: Evolution, or X-men in general. They belong solely to those who created them and to Marvel. Not Me. Never Me. :Cries:
This is Chapter Three for my Romy fic, Unstoppable. Have fun reading :D

~*~ Unstoppable~*~
Chapter 3

Remy sighed again. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately.

“So…Rogue, huh?”

Gambit gave Remy a small smile over his shoulder.

“Ya like her, don’t ya?” He asked, as if he already knew the answer.

Remy looked down, avoiding the older man’s gaze.

Of course he did. She was a true southern belle, only set in a modern time. Everything about her was just so beautiful that even the first time he had seen her, he hadn’t been able to stop himself from staring. Her red hair; light green eyes; her pale, yet flawless skin. She was…different. She was something exotic in a region where southern belles were rare.

She was home, he had wistfully noticed as he thought back to that moment in time.

They had also had a lot in common, and for Remy, that was rare.

They were both used by their parents; both were hardened because of it.

They were both southerners stuck in New York State.

But where she closed herself off from the world, he embraced it. As long as it let him forget his “father”. He could travel anywhere, experience anything and not have to worry about someone worrying over him.

Maybe except his Tante Mattie.

But she had raised him, so she didn’t count.

He began to wonder if Rogue had ever wondered where he was while he had been in New Orleans. He wondered if he had ever crossed her mind, because she had certainly wandered through his.

He felt a hand come to rest on his shoulder. His eyes shifted to the right, seeing Gambit beside him.

“So, mon ami, tell me about your Rogue.” Gambit’s voice asked.

Remy’s eyes shifted to the front again, looking where he was walking, but not really seeing it.

“She’s…bitter. A little spitfire dat loves t’ argue. And one hell of a right hook.”

At this, Gambit smiled.

“Mine too. Not so bitter, dough. She’d give her best southern hospitality to a stray dog if one came to her. S’why she stays wit’ me. She puts up wit’ me, or so she says.”

Remy grinned.

“She sounds great.”

“Oh yeah! Tres belle, aussi. Long red hair with just the perfect curls and waves in it…Mm.” Gambit’s gloved hands were flowing through the air to imitate the traits he was describing to Remy.

“Green eyes?”

Gambit gave a wistful smile and cocked his head to the side to let Remy see his face.

“Oui. Like I said: tres belle.”

Remy sighed. There really were endless possibilities in the personality traits, huh? He wondered how Gambit’s Rogue had become that way, and if there was anyway he could make his own Rogue so at ease with life.

“But what about you, Gambit? What happened to you?”

Gambit turned his head, still walking.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean…what happened to your parents? Did you have a brother too? Or a Tante Mattie?”

Gambit smiled, looking forward again.

“Dat’s it? Not gonna ask me about Belladonna?”

Remy frowned, his brows drawing close.

“I was hopin’ to forget about dat. T’anks, mon ami. I really ‘preciate it.” He exclaimed sarcastically.

Gambit immediately frowned as well.

“Sorry.”

Remy sighed.

“Non. C’est d’accord. I guess we learn from de past, non?”

Gambit gave Remy an apologetic smile.

“At least it’s over wit’, hein?”

Remy nodded appreciatively. He remembered those days in his life when he was sure his freedom was being compromised. His ‘Father’ hadn’t even given a second thought to his own son’s happiness.

“Mon petit fil, you have to do this. The Guild needs you. The Guild needs this. Do you want people to die? Do you want to be the reason we’re all still in danger?”

That guilt trip had worked when he was younger.

Whoo boy, did it ever.

Remy shook his head slightly to dispel the thoughts. He raised his eyes back to his guide.

“Tell me more about y’ Cherie. Is she close to d’ Wolverine?”

Gambit chuckled, thinking back to his own mishaps with the short Canadian.

“Oui. Dose two are inseparable when he’s home. Dat’s his little girl and you don’ mess wit d’ Wolverine’s baby girl. Not dat it would matter. You can’t mess with her no ways.”

Remy nodded, knowing exactly how Gambit felt.

“You ever been on d’ receiving end o’ his shiny little claws?” Gambit asked with a chuckle.

Remy felt his heart leap at that. Oh, he had alright. The night the X-Men had shown up at Blood Moon Bayou, the Wolverine had seemed more than happy to try and remove his head from his shoulders. He still silently thanked Rogue every now and then when that memory would fly through his mind.

“Oui. And it wasn’ pleasant. What else about her?” Remy questioned, sincerely wanting to know the differences between his Rogue and Gambit’s Anna Marie.

“It took me forever t’ convince her t’ let me near. She was so scared o’ hurtin’ me. She was beatin’ herself over every little t’ing and wouldn’ let herself be happy. I had t’ force my way in, but I got in dere.” He lifted a finger to the left side of his chest, just above is heart.

Remy gave a wistful smile.

“Any regrets?”

Gambit gave Remy the biggest smile the young man had seen from him yet as he answered:

“Never.”

Remy looked off in the distance, not really paying attention to where he was walking. His thoughts drifted far away.

I wonder if dat’s why she’s so unhappy.

His Rogue wouldn’ let herself be happy? But she seems so wonderful…

I wonder what she looks like…

Will my Rogue stay dat way? Or will I be able t’ worm my way in t’ her heart too?

What if she truly wants nothin’ t’ do wit’ me?

I kidnapped her. I took her from her family when she was weakened and I knew it. She knows I knew it den.

I wonder what she’s doin’ now…

Is she t’inkin’ of me?

Does she know I’m t’inkin’ o’ her?

His eyesight slowly came back in to focus and he noticed he had an audience. Remy’s eyes snapped to Gambit’s face, grinning and looking so serene.

“I remember feelin’ dat way too, homme. It’s normal. Anyt’ing you’ve done in ya life won’t matter, I swear. She’s a great person and has her own demons dat you’ll have t’ squash for her. She’ll help you wit’ yours no problem.”

Remy felt odd, knowing Gambit had been watching him while he was lost in thought. Damn that empathy mutation. Even if he wasn’t a psychic he could still tell what was wrong with him.

“What does she look like, mon ami?”

Remy needed anything to get the subject off of his own faults for a change. He didn’t need to talk to someone else about them. He was well aware of them on his own.

Gambit thankfully got the hint and turned his gaze back to the path ahead of them. He seemed thoughtful for a moment before he snapped his fingers. Remy nearly jumped, not expecting the sudden movement. Gambit was digging in his back pocket before holding his wallet out with his right hand. He brought it closer, opening it and sifting through money, receipts and photos before slipping a thin picture out. He turned to Remy, handing him the photo.

Remy took it gently, knowing this one item meant more to Gambit than to anyone else in the world.

The woman he was looking at was a knockout beauty. Her long red curls looked as though they would bounce pleasantly around her hips with every step she took, while her white bangs were hanging on her forehead.

Her green eyes were bright and laughing at him under her thick lashes. They were so different than his Rogue’s. Her’s were always so distant and so angry. He wondered if he could make her’s look like this too.

The photo-beauty’s nose was scrunched up as though she had been caught by surprise with the camera, and her delicate yet full lips were turned up and parted, showing him the pearly whites they hid. He wondered briefly, that if he were to kiss her, would he taste the red wine that seemed to color her lips?

Her arms had been raised as though trying to stop the person behind the camera, or to hide herself behind her hands.

Her delicate, thin hands. Her bare hands.

Remy’s eyes trailed up her arms (bare too, he noted) to her slender shoulders then to her smooth neck. He wondered if this was what his Rogue was hiding beneath her many layers.

Photo-Rogue was wearing a yellow tube top, covering up any other parts he may have desired to see. It seemed to form to her torso, showing him the outline to her curves that led to her hips which were clothed in a pair of blue jean shorts. His eyes travelled the length of those dangerously long legs, toned to perfection.

I really gotta find out if dis is what de belle fille is hidin’…

From the middle of her calf down, she was covered by cowboy boots, one knee bent as though she were trying to curl in to herself to hide from the camera.

He thanked whatever God there was that she was unsuccessful.

The photo was yanked from his hands.

He looked at Gambit, frowning.

“Don’ be lookin’ too hard, homme. You gotta go get y’ own t’ stare at.”

Remy sighed and nodded reluctantly before proceeding down the path like before.

Gambit cleared his throat meaningfully, smacking Remy’s arm when he didn’t turn around to look at him.

Remy turned, about to yell at his leader when he noticed another door behind Gambit.

Light blue with a silver knob; seemed to be decent enough.

‘Course dough…look what happened last time I t’ought dat.

Gambit moved ahead of him, twisting the knob slowly and pulling the door open. Both men had to squint to block out the powerful sunlight.

Remy raised an arm to cover his eyes as he stepped forward.

The first thing that greeted him was the sight of a small yard covered in lush green grass. Bushes lined the edge of the light blue two-story house. Climbing Roses were set next to a couple of trellises against the house, blooming in white and pink. Tulips and daises were in beds around the bushes, surrounded by a beautiful healthy green groundcover that Remy recognized as his Tante’s favorite.

To his far left, he noticed someone bent over the edge of the bed, weeds flying from their hands. The figure was obviously a woman, in her tan capris and tucked-in casual blue tank top. Slip-on shoes covered what he was sure would be smooth feet.

As he got closer to her, he noticed the shocking color of her hair: Pure white. She had it high on her head in a ponytail, and the tail trailed the length of her back before shifting over her shoulder as she moved to stand.

He heard brakes squeaking behind him, so he turned to see where it came from. A school bus had stopped in front of the house, and he vaguely saw a figure moving to get off the bus. He waited to see them come around the front of the bus, and froze when they did.

Another Rogue.

~*-End Chapter Three-*~

Remy/Rogue - X-Men Evolution - Unstoppable - Chapter Two

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 23:26:54 GMT

I had to do some tweaking to it, but I'm overall pleased with this chapter's outcome. I hope you all enjoy :D

~*~ Unstoppable ~*~

Chapter 2

Remy sighed again for what had to be the tenth time in less than five minutes. After the third, he’d found it aggravated his guide, so naturally he’d felt inclined to continue doing so.

Another sigh.

Another twitch in Gambit’s hand.

Remy’s eyes roved over the same landscape that he had been viewing for the past hour, or so he thought. Time didn’t really feel the same in this place. It was like it was too slow yet too fast all at the same time. He looked up just as another door appeared to take them to their next destination.

It was a classy gold door; intricate filigree was patterned across its glossy finish. It looked like it belonged in a palace.

Well, this looks promisin’.

Gambit’s hand reached out to the golden handle but froze just above it. He looked to Remy, indifference on his face.

“I think you oughta get dis one.”

Remy’s eyebrows drew close before he nodded slowly, taking Gambit’s place in front of the gilded door. His fingers wrapped around the gold handle, twisting it until he heard a soft click. He pushed the door open, peeking his head in slowly.

A moonlit cliff side was off in the distance. He looked below his feet and saw nothing but murky seawater. He treaded carefully, still not used to the dynamics of the warped space. As he came closer to the shore, he saw a young woman running to the tide’s edge. As soon as she reached it, she dropped to her knees, her hands hiding her face. Her shoulders shook with loud, heartbreaking sobs. The light from the full moon glinted off her hair, giving him the light to see its red tint. He’d know that color anywhere.

Mon chere? But what coulda got her so uspset?

He continued walking towards her until he saw another figure running to her.

The Weather Witch…Storm…

Storm dropped beside Rogue, reaching an arm around the young woman’s shoulders. She rubbed them slowly.

“My dear child, tell me. What has happened?”

Rogue’s sobs tripled in volume. Remy felt his heart constrict and he winced.

“He…he…left!”

Storm seemed to be troubled by this news.

“ But I thought it was what you’d wanted. Is that not what you told him to do?”

Rogue nodded, lifting her head from her hands.

Remy wished she hadn’t, then he wouldn’t have had to see her tear stained face, cheeks and eyes red, lips and chin wet with tears.

His heart clenched again. He suddenly felt breathless; useless; wanting nothing more than to take Storm’s place at Rogue’s side. His lips started moving, but nothing came out.

Nothing got to him quicker than a woman crying. Nothing except Rogue crying, apparently.

Briefly, the scene he had caused at Blood Moon bayou flittered through his mind; watching her walk away was one of the hardest things he had done.

He found his feet moving closer to her of their own will, standing on her other side.

“Ah…Ah did! But…Of all the damn times for that stupid man to listen, and it’s the one time Ah need him here most!”

This brought new sobs from her body. Remy wrapped his arms around his torso, wishing more than anything for the ability to touch this woman right now. To make these tears stop. It just wasn’t like his strong Rogue to cry so freely.

He most certainly didn’t like the sight, and wished he could kill the man who’d left her.

“We was just arguin’! Ah told him that Ah wanted him gone. That Ah didn’t need his protection anymore. Not if it meant he’d waste his life away on a hopeless cause.”

Storm seemed to be confused. She silently pleaded for Rogue to elaborate. Remy did as well, though she’d never know.

“Ah’m selfish. Ah know it. And I want to have something with someone in my life. And he’s the only one who put up with mah moods. He changes himself to fit me and he’s the only one who does. He’s the only one who will and Ah know Ah want him. Ah want him so much. But that’s the problem. Ah want him.”

Storm seemed to be coming to a conclusion in her head as she nodded wisely.

“And he –is- who he is, after all.”

Rogue nodded.

“Ah’m nothin’ special to him. Ah know it. He flirts with anything that moves. He just flirts more with me because he knows it bugs me.”

It was Remy’s turn to be confused. That sounded an awful lot like…

Non…It…couldn’t possibly be…

“Darling, Rogue. He is but one man. There will most certainly be more, as there is at least one, correct?”

Rogue shook her head.

“It just wouldn’t be the same. No one gets to me like he does. He…oh Gawd. This is gonna sound so stupid, but…those cards. Did ya know that every time he saw me before he lived here, he would leave a card out for me? Ya know, to let me know he’d been there?”

Remy’s blood froze. His heart stopped beating as his whole body stood ice-still.

Left…cards…? I decided I wouldn’t…but I was so close to doin’ it. Mon Dieu…

Remy immediately turned and ran back to the door. Gambit was waiting for him on the other side, no emotion showing on his face. Remy glared at him and ran, fists raised. His hands wound themselves in to the lapels of his trench coat. Remy snarled at the man.

“What’s her name, homme?”

Gambit raised an eyebrow.

“Who?”

Remy shook him a little bit.

“You KNOW who, mon ami. Tell me! What’s her name? Your girl! Who is she?!”

Gambit let loose a knowing grin.

“Why? You wantin’ ta horn in on ma cherie? I t’ink she’ll turn ya down, homme. You’re a little young for her tastes.”

Remy’s hands dropped to his side, curling in to fists. His body shook, but from what he didn’t know.

He didn’t know whether he was angry that the man had kept such a big secret from him, or nervous about what he’d do when he got back home. He settled on a little of both.

“Who’s waitin’ for ya when you get outta here, mon ami?” Remy asked, his voice low and steady.

“Ma cherie’s name be Anna Marie. Also known as ‘Rogue’.”

Remy’s heart twisted as he heard the codename. His eyes clenched shut as he paced back and forth.

How could this have happened? How could he have let this get this far? Why the hell wasn’t he waking up already?!

“Homme, you don’t have ta be wit’ her.”

Remy gave a dry laugh.

“But you said earlier dat a balance had ta be kept, non?”

Gambit’s large shoulders shrugged.

“Well, yeah. But you wouldn’t have ta be wit’ de fille. Ya may not like the outcome, but if you really don’ like de fille, then…I can’t make ya stay wit her.”

Remy stopped pacing for a moment and sat down on the ground. It wasn’t that he didn’t like her. Far from it, actually. He took a deep breath before looking up to Gambit.

“Do ya…do ya love her?”

Gambit nodded, a small smile crossing his face.

“Ain’t not’in gonna keep me away from ma cherie. She ma petite amie and j’aime elle.”

Remy/Rogue - X-Men: Evolution - Unstoppable - Chapter One

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 23:11:16 GMT

This is Chapter One of my Romy (X-Men:Evolution) story Unstoppable. I do not own X-Men:Evolution or anything related to X-men in general. This story is rated T for safety, because I feel like language will be hiking up the rating from PG;) maybe not in this particular chapter, but in the future no doubt :) enjoy!

~*~ Unstoppable~*~

Chapter One

Remy looked to the man in disbelief. This couldn’t be happening. Unless he was out cold from an alcohol induced sleep.

It surely wouldn’t be the first time.

The man, ‘Remy’, walked around him slowly. He seemed to be sizing him up. Remy suddenly felt defensive, watching the man’s every movement from cautious and wary eyes. He was keen to the man’s every movement. His long legs, clad in dark, loose fitting jeans, were maneuvering precariously around him. The colors surrounding them were reflecting themselves in the man’s metallic knee-high boots. Remy let his eyes travel further up to see if there were any other significant similarities between the two of them. Apparently, their clothing style stopped at the coat and boots, for under the tan trench coat was a skin-tight black and pink top.

Dere’s no way anyone would eve’ catch moi dead in dat t’ing…

“Can I help you any, monsieur? You seem ta be wonderin’ bout moi.”

‘Remy’ stopped in front of him, looking him in the eye. A few locks of his hair fell in to his face. He brushed them away without even thinking.

“How old are you, Remy?”

Remy quirked an eyebrow.

“Why you wantin’ ta know? It don’t change da problem at hand, mon ami.”

“Just answer da question, garçon.”

Remy glowered at the man. When ‘Remy’ didn’t seem to be affected, he gave up.

“ Nineteen. You?”

The man grinned. Remy instantly recognized it as one of his own. The lips twisted up just-so and the eyes narrowing just a fraction as though he understood some joke that you didn’t hear. Remy suddenly hated it. It wasn’t much of anything until you were on the receiving end of it. Now it was just plain annoying.

“ Thirty-two.”

Remy about choked and his eyes widened considerably. He began to mentally flounder for words.

“Monsieur, I gotta ask you sometin’. An’ I expect an honest answer. Who are you?”

‘Remy’ smiled at him and shook his head.

“Have you ever heard of ‘parallel universes’?”

Remy’s eyebrows drew close as he pondered.

“Not’in’ dat wasn’t some part of a sci-fi story.”

‘Remy’ nodded as he took the information in. He began pacing in front of the young man again, his hands placing themselves just inside his coat to rest on his hips.

“Well, garçon. I’m you. Just…not.”

Remy watched him turn to walk a couple steps away. His eyes followed the man’s ponytail as it swayed across his back. The auburn locks trailed to the middle of his back, the tip of his ponytail ending with a slight swoop. Overall, though, it was well-groomed and clean-looking.

“I’m thinkin’ somebody’s in need of haircut.” He remarked, grinning. The grin widened when the man looked over his shoulder with a grin of his own.

“’ey! Don’t knock it ‘til ya try it.”

“I’ll take ya word for it, stranger. But if you’re from another universe, den why am I here?”

‘Remy’ turned, and the smile that stretched across his masculine face almost made Remy cringe. He felt as though he were about to hear something he didn’t want to hear.

“Remy t’ought you’d never ask, mon ami.”

He made his way back to Remy, who was still suspended in the air. One hand reached in to a pocket of his coat, and pulled out a deck of playing cards. He watched his hands move as he began to shuffle them, not paying any attention to Remy.

“I t’ink I’ve been sent ta teach ya some’tin, garcon. And teach some’tin I will.”

Remy was suddenly cautious.

Teach me some’tin, huh? Heh. I’d like ta see ‘im try.

‘Remy’ lifted a hand, palm open, after shifting the deck of cards to the other hand, and moved it slowly towards Remy’s face. The heel of his palm rested on the young man’s forehead for just a moment before something invisible shifted all over Remy.

He fell to the ground with a ‘thud’. When he looked up, the larger man had his hand extended out to Remy. Without a second thought, Remy reached up and wrapped a hand around the man’s wrist to get a better grip. ‘Remy’ pulled him to his feet and gave him a moment to set himself straight before talking again.

“ Dis Gambit be t’inkin’ we better get goin’.”

Remy looked at the man, the question clear in his dual-toned eyes.

Goin’ where?

“And by da way, Remy: Just call me Gambit. Makes t’ings a little less confusin’.”

Remy nodded and followed the man as he made his way through the swirling space. Gambit put the cards back in his pocket.

“Mon ami, where are we anyway?”

Gambit shrugged.

“Don’t know. Gambit just knows dat you need to be somewhere else. And I’m supposed ta take ya there.”

“D’accord. Den where are we goin’?”

Gambit shrugged again.

“Dat you’ll have to wait ta see for ya self. Don’t wanna ruin no surprises or nothin’.”

Remy sighed. He began to warily follow the man, looking for any possible ways out of the Hell he was in. Maybe if he pinched himself really hard, he’d wake up. At that moment, he heard Gambit clear his throat, shooting a glance over his shoulder to the youth behind him. With a jerk of his head, he continued onward through the colorful haze.

I guess I’ll just have ta follow da man.

“Do you know a way out, monsieur?”

Gambit nodded.

“Course I do. But ya gonna have ta stick wit’ me ta get there.”

When he heard a growl come from somewhere behind him, Gambit smiled to himself.

A black door appeared a short ways off in to the distance. There was nothing special about it except that it had manifested itself out of seemingly thin air. It had no special markings or scratches on the surface. It was just a plain black door with a gold toned handle.

“Hmm. Seems we get to start earlier den I t’ought.”

Remy peered around Gambit’s shoulder to see the door in front of them.

“Where’s it go?”

Gambit shrugged again. Without even pausing, he reached out and opened the door.

The sight behind it blew Remy away.

It was the Institute. Bright and sunny; cheerful and loud; the air was filled with the laughter and chattering of the institutes denizens. And in front of the crowd were many faces that he recognized; the short, hairy man who went by Wolverine; the tall, dark skinned, white haired woman named Storm; the little blue creature who could phase through spaces. He couldn’t quite recall his name, though. But those weren’t the ones that mattered. No. His eyes were stuck to a beautiful red head with white bangs that hung in her eyes. Her emerald eyes laughed and her lips were turned upwards. It was a sight he had never seen.

C’est… magnifique…

Rogue was out right laughing. And shining so brightly in the sunlight that fell around her. So…naturally beautiful.

But something else seemed different about her. She still had her shoulder length hair and it was still straightened. Her skin was still pale. She was still pretty short. Well, compared to him she was. Her makeup was…gone. That was it. Her face wasn’t covered by the daily mask she painted on herself. And it was beautiful. Her full lips were naturally a pleasant shade of pink and her cheeks were lightly covered in a red hue from her blood. Her lashes were dark and seemed heavy as she closed her eyes to laugh harder in her mirth. He was awestruck. This was nothing like the Rogue back at home. This one didn’t even dress the same. Instead of her usual dark, long sleeved shirt and dark pants she opted to go with a light blue t-shirt and a pair of jeans that hugged her hips and thighs but flared around her ankles. Instead of black combat boots, she wore a pair of sneakers. Her gloves were still in place, though.

“Who is dis?”

Gambit looked back to the stunned youth and let his lips turn up to a grin.

“Dis is da Rogue of a whole ‘nother world. Dere’s so many of’em, it’s impossible ta imagine countin’ ‘em.”

Gambit watched in amusement as the youth made his way to the girl. As he moved his hand to touch a lock of the girl’s hair, his hand shifted and moved through it instead of on it. Remy pulled his hand back quickly, looking from his palms to her hair. He tested his physicality again by moving his hands through her head and arms. No effect. She didn’t even know he was there. He took a deep breath.

I got ta be dreamin’. T’ings like dis just don’ happen. I can’t really be lookin’ at anothah Rogue. Can I?

Remy looked from the girl to Gambit.

“Talk, mon ami. Tell me what be goin’ on here.”

Gambit sighed, shaking his head.

“Da Professor of my world said he had a bad dream. Sometin’ about a kid making the wrong choices in life. He showed me what his dream was and it all just seemed ta click. He explained his theories on tha matter and our Beast devised a plan ta help you out a bit. Normally we wouldn’t intervene, but dis one…Mmm. If you don’t make tha right choice, you’ll pretty much be miserable for tha rest of ya life. And not just you.”

Gambit made a motion for Remy to follow him, and Remy complied, if only to hear more of this explanation.

“Dere are some t’ings every parallel universe has in common. You’d think it was nothing major until you realize just what kinda balance dat world has. Even having one person on tha wrong side can tip tha scale too far. But everyone in every planet exists in every other universe. Where there’s a Scott Summers and Jean-Grey in one world, there will be in every other universe after it. But somethin’ else always sticks in every world. We found it through much research and many test runs on tha device Beast made.

“Now, I’m not much of a ‘soul mate’ believer an’ all dat junk, but dis…It made me see t’ings a little more clearly.” Gambit turned his head to look at Remy pointedly.

“In every planet, every person exists, non? Den, what would happen if d’ose same people met in every world, and had tha same interaction? Everyt’ing goes fine until someone makes a wrong decision and blows tha whole place ta shit. I can’t tell you how many times I had nightmares after I learned dat. And I learned it de hard way, mon ami.” He shook his head, looking darkly thoughtful. Remy was afraid to find out what ‘the hard way was’ if it made Gambit look like this.

”Usually, if two people are meant ta be together in one world, dey will find a way in tha others. But every now and den, one makes a wrong decision and tears all dat apart. Take me and my woman, for example. I found that in another world, I had decided to not to be with her. To take her up on her offer to be wit’ someone else. Ya wanna know what happened?”

Remy nodded slowly, but not certain if he really did. He blamed his affirmation on morbid curiosity. Gambit took a deep breath before continuing.

“My lady died alone and crying. She was blindsided by a group of thugs while on her way ta see a movie dat she already had tickets for, but I wasn’t wit’ her. After I left her in dat world, I began a decline; first petty thefts, den on to bigger fish. ‘ventually, I wound up in tha wrong house at tha wrong time and was killed by a man wit’ a shotgun collection like you wouldn’t believe. I died two months after she died. I was shot, and she was beaten ta death. We figure it’s tha balance. You have ta balance each other out. Now, it won’t be perfect, but don’t give up on her. Don’t leave her. If you do, you’ll have not’in but misery comin’ at ya. So, boy, you better do right.”

Gambit looked to the current world one last time, as did Remy. He memorized the look of this world’s Rogue. The happy Rogue.

“So dis world, Gambit. Tell me: Was dat Rogue already wit her man?”

Gambit shook his head.

“Not every Rogue is just alike, mon frère. Every one is different somehow.”

With that, Gambit chuckled, making his way through the door.

Remy shrugged. He didn’t care how things turned up. Once he woke up, he’d know it was all a dream, anyway.

He saw Gambit turn his head to throw a look over his shoulder that was the equivalent of saying, “Hurry the hell up.” He did so without question.

Remy/Rogue - X-Men: Evolution - Unstoppable

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:55:56 GMT

This story is, I believe, one of my better ones so far. I'm very proud with how its turning out as im posting it. and so far, all positive feedback :D GO ME! XD

~*~ Unstoppable~*~

Prologue

He felt as though he were falling. Fast. His breath came in short rasps as he struggled to get a hold of something, anything, that would slow his descent in this warped space.

Colors flew past his face in a multitude of shades and hues, all swirling and spinning, making him feel a little nauseous. His eyes frantically searched through the colors for any sign of difference, and he felt panic set in the longer he found nothing.

As he was falling, he could have sworn he caught glimpses of people off in the distance. They were hazy and misty looking, as though they were but holograms set in the multi-hued walls. They all seemed so damned familiar! There was something about the set in that man’s eyes or that woman’s hips. The way people had certain…mannerisms when they moved about. He saw it all. Suddenly he stopped. Or at least he thought he had. He felt like he was more or less floating or hovering now instead of his full blown free-fall in this empty space.

Where da hell am I?

He looked around, still not finding anything. The colors seemed to have calmed a little since his ‘landing’ and his stomach began to settle once again. He was somewhat relieved for that, but for the most part, he still wanted nothing more than to get out of this place.

How’d I get here?!

The last thing he could remember was walking down a street in the French Quarter. He had heard something behind him and as he turned, he heard someone screaming “No!” before a horrid smell came, then the darkness. Somewhere in that fray, he could have sworn he saw Rogue, though he had only caught just a flash of her presence before unconsciousness weighed him down.

She had knocked him out.

What did I do to her? I haven’t even been back to New York in at least three months! She can’t be mad at me for something I didn’t do! She didn’t even know I was there.

His mind mulled over these thoughts as he caught his bearings. The colors continued to stream around him. He thought back to her. He had done as he’d promised her: watched over her. She had helped him in his time of need, even after she’d found out he was lying to her. The least he could do for her was watch her from afar; keep her safe when that angry little man couldn’t. What was that man’s name again?

“Logan, mon ami.” A voice called from behind him.

In the distance he heard steps; heavy footfalls that were steadily getting closer and closer to where he rested in mid-air. He turned to the origin of the noise and was caught in awe at the figure making its way to him.

A very large man with broad shoulders that were covered by a tan trench coat was walking calmly to him. The man seemed to have a grin spread across his face above a small bit of facial hair. The man’s hair seemed to fall in his face, long auburn bangs hung in his eyes but didn’t completely cover them. This is what made Remy LeBeau forget to breathe.

Black sclera and red pupils gazed back at him.

Just like…just like me…

The man took a few more steps towards him then stopped and crossed his muscled arms across his chest. He was still grinning like he knew something Remy didn’t. Hell, he probably did.

“ ‘scuse me, monsieur. I t’ink I may be a bit lost. Maybe you could help me out?”

The man just continued to grin at him. Remy looked around nervously before letting his eyes rest on the man again. He felt pitiful, floating in the air and unable to ground himself.

“S’il vous plaît?”

The man laughed, and Remy looked bewildered. After a few moments, Remy just gave the man a strange look.

“I know I must make quite a sight, but monsieur, please. I t’ink I may be somewhere I shouldn’t be.”

The man took a couple more steps to Remy’s side, stopping to put a hand on his shoulder. The motion caused Remy to shift in his hovering stance. The man smiled as he spoke.

“Den maybe Remy just might help. Dat is…if ya still wantin’ it?”

Remy looked to the man, puzzled.

“I can’t help ya, monsieur. I was askin’ YOU for help.”

The stranger shook his head, grin still in place.

“Ya just don’ get it, do ya? Here, garcon, lemme introduce myself properly.”

The man took three steps back and placed one arm around his stomach and the other behind his back. He took his time to mock a bow.

“My name be Remy Etienne LeBeau. Also known as Gambit.”

Found You - Refia/Desch FF3 One Shot

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:52:31 GMT

Title: Found You
Characters: Refia/Desch
Summary: On a cold, starry night, Refia makes her way to the local pub to drink him from her mind again. After seven months, and she still hasn’t seen him. Until tonight.
Rating: T – Teen; for some minor language, and a steamy scene at the end.
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy 3. That’s Square-Enix. :pouts: But I DO own Delilah, Carek, and Cornelius Sherrim.

Found You – A Refia/Desch story

She stuffed her hands in her pockets, trying desperately to keep her hands warm in the chill of a mountain winter. The sky was clear, showing every twinkling star. But they didn’t reflect in her eyes tonight. No. Not tonight. Not another night that he crossed her mind. She kept her eyes low and to the ground.

She supposed this was her punishment for running away when she was younger.

The one she loved had disappeared. Probably to go live with that girl in Canaan who was so madly in love with him.

He didn’t even stay to say goodbye. He probably couldn’t wait to get back…home.

She cringed at the last word. His new home. With her.

She opened the door, scaring a drunken old man near the hinges. She ignored him as she made her way to the bar, sitting on an empty stool and pulling her hands from her pockets to rest them on the bar surface. The bartender made her way to the young woman. She immediately saw the discontent that shadowed the young woman’s beautiful face.

“Can I get you something, dear?” The bartender asked in a kind, motherly voice.

Refia nodded as she spoke up, “Just a double of whatever the special is tonight.” She never raised her eyes to look to the woman behind the bar.

When a double shot was placed in front of her, she instinctively reached for it, letting her fingers play on the rim before closing her fingers around the glass and lifting it to her lips. The alcohol was smoothly making its way down her throat, coating her in a warmth she hadn’t felt since…Well, since the last time she’d thought of him. Which had led her to go to the nearest bar, at the time, and do as she will tonight.

The woman behind the bar spoke up softly, busying her hands with cleaning a large mug.

“What’s worryin’ ya sweetie?”

Refia never even looked up from the bar surface.

“A man. Isn’t that usually why a woman comes in to this place?”

The bartender nodded her head knowingly.

“I understand all too well, baby. I worried over a man for years before he even realized there were other people than a girl who had died when we were younger. He just couldn’t seem to get over her. But I think he was just feelin’ guilty. He had a dream one night of her tellin’ him she forgave him and that she wanted him to move on with his life. The next day he was at my doorstep, a bouquet of daisies in one hand and tickets to a play in the other. Even to this day, he still apologizes for actin’ so stupid to me.”

Refia nodded. “What happened to him?”

The woman laughed. “Why, he’s my husband now. We have a little boy. And I couldn’t be happier.”

Refia looked up at the woman for the first time. She was…a knock out. She was most definitely middle aged at least. Long brown hair fell down and around her shoulders in beautiful dark ringlets. She had soft honey colored eyes that belied her age with their endless wisdom. Time had given this woman much gratitude. Her body was slender, but fit. It probably had to be if she ran a bar.

Refia suddenly began wondering what man would be lucky enough to catch this woman’s eye. So much so that she’d stay faithful to him even when he wasn’t her’s.

This woman had to have the heart of a saint.

“So, baby. Tell me ‘bout your man. What’s he look like?”

Refia inwardly flinched. She said the first word that came to mind.

“Beautiful.”

The bartender laughed, her hand coming down to slap her knee.

“I hear ya! But maybe you’d like to elaborate on ‘beautiful’ for me.”

Refia was starting to like this woman. Her charisma was infectious.

“Long dark hair and he’s always got a couple loose bits of his bangs that hang in front. He’s tall, slender, but built. He has these…amazing eyes. They’re the most calming shade of purple. He always wears these gold earrings that just seem to make his tanned skin even sexier.”

The woman watched Refia’s eyes get that far-off look in them.

“So in short, he’s damn near perfect.”

Refia nodded slowly, looking up in to the woman’s eyes.

“But…he’s not mine. Never has been, never will be. He’s got someone else, but she’s alive and was waiting on him to come home. So he went.”

Another double shot appeared in her vision.

“This one’s on the house, honey. I’m gonna fix you up a hot meal, sweetheart, and you just let Ol’ Mama take care of ya, baby.”

After a fabulous meal, two more double shots and what felt like hours but was only a mere forty-five minutes, someone else opened the door. She distantly heard boots clunking heavily on the wooden floor. A form sat next to her, though she wasn’t really aware. She was too caught up in her thoughts of a certain man.

A deep voice ordered two of the special. The bartender warily made her way across the floor again to get more liquor, coming back and placing two shots in front of the man. She eyed him as she stood back away from the couple. He nodded his thanks, and turned in his seat to look at Refia. Her beautiful red hair was just as long as it had been, and still down. He silently thanked whatever Gods there were for that. He’d always loved it down.

Her eyes held a solemn look about them that wasn’t what he remembered her having. He remembered her fiery temper and a deep kindness that never failed to astound him.

“It’s too lovely a night for anyone to be drinking alone in a place like this.” He stated softly, slowly pushing one of the shots to her. She didn’t even look up as her hands reached for it, grasping it and tossing her head back as it came in contact with her lips. She placed the empty shot glass on the bar top.

“So now I’m hearing you too? Aren’t my thoughts enough?”

He looked puzzled for a moment, looking to the bartender for an answer. The bartender only held up four fingers. That wasn’t enough even for Refia to get drunk off of.

He floundered around awkwardly for a moment before continuing.

“What I was hoping for was maybe…’I missed you’? I was expecting some anger, perhaps, at the fact I haven’t contacted you.”

She gave an ironic smile, her eyes never leaving the wood of the bar.

“Missed isn’t the word I’d use. And I must be going crazy.”

Then she turned her head, her eyes looking to the floor before slowly making their way up.

Large black boots, and the dark pants; the indigo jacket. She let out an involuntary gasp. Her eyes continued their path. Past the ends of the sleeves of said jacket was a pair of light purple gloves. One was clutching his own shot glass, while the other rested on the dark pants. Her eyes travelled further up to the unbuttoned collar of the jacket, exposing tanned skin and the beautiful dip where his collarbone met in the middle. Just above his shoulders, she saw the tips of his golden earrings resting above the skin. Looking further up she found soft, masculine lips tilted up in a small smile; a pointed nose, showing the man’s ancestry; and then, her breath was taken away. His beautiful purple eyes that also gave away his bloodline. A lock of his glorious dark mane had fallen in his eyes.

Just like then. Oh God…I don’t feel so good…

He smiled at her as her eyes widened, coming to terms with the man sitting in front of her. Then he saw her eyes roll back in to her head. Her body began to tip to the side, ready to fall off her seat. He threw his glass aside, his arms reaching out to catch her. He pulled her close, glaring at the other men who watched, fascinated with the fiery-headed woman. He looked to the bartender as she opened her mouth.

“Don’t worry, hon. I gotcha covered. I have a room you can put her in.”

The bartender winked at him, and led him upstairs after telling a young boy to watch the bar while she was gone. She took him to a small room covered in children’s art and photo frames.

He looked around nervously.

“Don’t think anything of it, hon. He’s my son, and he’s been around this his whole life. We don’t run an inn, but the young lady here told me her story. Lemme tell ya, sir, you’ve done quite the number on this one.”

He raised an eyebrow in curiosity. ”Oh? How so?”

The bartender smiled, clearing the king sized bed off from the clothes piled on it. Desch gently laid Refia on the covers. The bartender handed him the jacket she had come in with. He placed it over her form then brushed a bit of her hair from her face.

He heard the bartender click her tongue at him.

“Hon…I hope she’s the only girl you’ve devastated like this.”

He chuckled. “I’ve been looking for this one for some time now, she just keeps getting past me somehow. There’s only been one other girl to ever love me, and by the time I got back to tell her I was sorry that I didn’t feel the same, she’d already found another man. Guess she moves on quickly. After that, I made my way around the world, trying to find this one. And I’m not even sure she really loves me…” He gave the bartender a small smile at this.

The bartender smiled, closing her eyes and shaking her head.

“You really are too much, mister. But now that you’re here, please don’t leave ‘til she wakes up, alright? I don’t wanna see her back in here unless she’s partyin’ with ya.” The bartender’s drawl reached his ears faintly as she made her way back down the stairs to serve her customers.

--

She woke sometime later, her eyes groggily opening.

Soft pillow…soft mattress. Ngh…head hurts…

She saw something move from the corner of her eye so she turned her head to the left to see a window. And a figure in front of it.

The man from before. iOh God.

He turned around, his hands in his pockets. He smiled at her.

“Good to see you’re up now. I thought I’d hurt something when I caught you.”

She let out a scream, scrambling back and her hands clutching her coat tighter to her figure. He looked surprised for a moment, looking over himself.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you glad to see me?”

Refia seemed to calm down enough to take a couple of deep breaths. She opened her eyes again.

He was still there.

She got to her hands and knees, crawling over the expanse of bed to get closer to him. Tentatively, she reached out a hand to softly let her fingers run over the cloth of his jacket.

“You’re…you’re really here…”

Tears sprung in her eyes as she looked up. His eyes met her’s as his hands came to cradle her face. His thumbs brushed the bottoms of her eyes, dispelling the pools that had gathered there.

Desch dropped to his knees to be at eye-level with her. The wind ruffled his long ponytail behind him and her eyes caught the ends fluttering back down, still held back with that same light blue ribbon.

“Honestly, you move too much. I couldn’t keep up. I’m surprised I got you here. I thought for sure you’d have left this place by now.”

She looked stunned for a moment.

“Dad just has me delivering some special orders lately. It’s almost like as soon as I get home, he has another lined up for me. Is that what you were talking about?”

Desch’s lips twitched, as though he wanted to smile, but stopped himself.

“That could explain it. It always felt like you were a step ahead of me somehow.”

Refia let out a shuddering breath. His voice. That voice. It was enough to make any woman weak. For Refia, it was worse. She knew what kind of person he was, as well.

Self-sacrificing, chivalrous, kind-hearted, sometimes childish, but always very much man.

Ah, yes. That low rumble that fell out of his mouth was indeed going to be the death of her. She was suddenly aware how close they were, and that one of his hands had made its way into her hair. She closed her eyes at the feeling of his fingers running through her tresses. She let her head fall on his shoulder as he continued to lead his fingers through her hair.

“Where were you? When we turned around after it was all done, you weren’t there. You didn’t even say goodbye.”

Desch cringed at the hurt that resounded through her voice.

“Everyone was busy and practically partying. You think I’d interrupt that? Come on! Ingus was about to get Arc to have his first drink!”

Refia laughed through her tears.

“All the more reason you should’ve stayed. He almost immediately fell to his knees choking on it. But you still didn’t answer me. Where did you go?”

Desch brought his other hand to rest against the back of her neck.

“I went to Canaan. I thought it best to let the girl down easily. Ya know…let her know that I remembered everything and that I just didn’t feel the same. When I got there, however, she’d apparently gotten over me. She was with some strong farm boy. And he watched over he like a hawk while I was there. Never let her outta his sight and she ate that up. Then I left there, and made my way north. I found your hometown, and everyone said you’d left. In retrospect, I think I should’ve just stayed there. But let’s face it: I’ve never been known for my astounding intelligence.”

Refia giggled, bringing her hands up to rest on his arms. After a moment, she became solemn again.

“Why were you looking for me?”

Desch pushed himself away from her to look in her eyes.

“Do you really not know? Ingus caught on to it, and so did Luneth. I’m surprised you didn’t see it. I was looking for you because I knew you’d be upset if I wasn’t the first to tell you why I went to Canaan. I knew you didn’t like her very much.”

He watched her face carefully, seeing panic settle in. He patted her cheeks.

“Now, now, Refia. It’s fine that you didn’t like her. She was kind of shallow anyway. Sort of a flake. I was looking for you to tell you why I went. I wanted you to know that I wasn’t going back to her.”

He pulled her face closer, letting the tip of his nose brush her’s.

“I wanted you to know that I was coming back to you.” He whispered.

Refia’s tears came freely now, quickly closing the gap between their lips, clumsily wrapping her arms around his neck, drawing him closer. It all happened so fast she wasn’t even aware of her movements anymore.

He answered her immediately, throwing his arms around her waist. His hand wandered up to her hair, drowning his fingers in her locks.

Her hands moved swiftly from his neck to frame his face, letting her lips tell him silently (or in this case not so silently) just what she felt. Her answer was the same passion from him.

All too soon, though, he pulled away, his chest heaving with the breaths he was catching up on. Her’s seemed to follow suit.

Once he was finally breathing normally, he spoke calmly.

“I don’t think the bartender would appreciate us very much for doing this in her room. Come to think of it, I should probably go tell her everything’s settled now. She said she didn’t wanna see you here unless you were partying with me. Heh…me…the party animal!” He chuckled and Refia couldn’t help but join him. He gave her one more lingering sweet kiss before helping her off the massive bed and into her coat.

As they made their way down the stairs, a little boy came running up them. Once he was at the top he turned around.

“Mama said that you better fix everything. Oh, and you have to clean the mess you made, Mister.”

Desch looked stupefied for a moment, before walking the rest of the way back to the main part of the bar.

As soon as she saw him, the bartender walked out from behind the bar, holding a broom and dustpan. She pushed them into his hands while he stood there, dumbfounded.

“You practically threw one of my shot glasses on the floor earlier. I would’ve cleaned it, but if my boy saw me clean up after someone else, he’d think I’d clean up after him too. Sorry, Mister.”

Desch looked from the broom to the dustpan then to Refia who was trying to hide her laughter behind her hand. She failed, though, and had to turn her whole body away from as she cackled. It became infectious and he couldn’t stop himself from joining her as he made his way behind the bar where he’d thrown the glass. He carefully swept up the pieces of glass, turning every which way to see if the lights would glare off of any other pieces he’d missed. Once he was satisfied with his completed mission, he turned to the bartender.

“Hon, you better not let her get like that again. Or I may just be forced to hurt ya, ya hear me, hon? And you too, little missy. You come and tell Ol’ Mama if this man gives you anymore grief.”

Refia nodded, and Desch sighed. He looked to Refia, reaching for her hand. His fingers laced through her’s as he looked into her eyes.

“Refia, if I ever do anything to hurt you, please tell me first so I can make it up to you. Please don’t tell her first. I wanna live to apologize.”

Refia smiled wider, nodding to his request.

“But for now, you have to make it up to me for the past seven months.” She squeezed his hand and he squeezed back. Desch took her in his arms slowly, resting his cheek on her hair.

“I’ll make everything up to you, I swear. I’ll surprise you, I promise.”

“You swear and you promise, Mister, But I don’t see that gettin’ ya anywhere. I wanna see it happen. Come on, now! Kiss and make up.”

Desch turned his head from Refia to look to the older woman. He almost felt like telling her she was a mean old woman, but decided against it as he watched her crack her knuckles.

“Forgive me, Refia. When we get home, I’ll make it all up to you.”

She gulped, looking around the bar again. All the bar’s patrons looked at her expectantly, some even motioning her to ‘get on with it’ and to not leave them waiting and wondering over her answer.

She looked back up to Desch’s beautiful violet gaze. She found herself nodding and smiling.

“As if there was any doubt I’d say yes.”

Desch’s lips quickly curved in to a wide smile and wrapping his strong arms around her. They rested their foreheads together, the tips of their noses barely touching.

They heard someone clearing their voice behind Desch, and they both looked to the source of the noise. The woman who’d titled herself Ol’ Mama was standing with her arms crossed. When neither seemed to understand the reason of her irritation, she rolled her eyes and made her way to them. She placed her hands behind both their heads and pushed them together.

“Get with the kissin’, babes. I ain’t gettin’ any younger.”

She finally let go once they’d started on their own, both smiling through the kiss.

Once everyone seemed to be satisfied, Refia pulled away to look at him.

“You said ‘home’. Where exactly is your home?”

Desch looked at her questioningly. “Wherever you take me. If you’d like, I’m sure I can find a place elsewhere so—“

“No! I—I mean. No. It’s fine. I would love to have you at my house. I think my dad hates he only has a girl to talk to at home. I’m sure he would love to have someone to talk to.”

The bartender smiled.

“What she means, sugar, is that she don’t want ya goin’ no where anymore unless she’s there with ya.”

Refia looked around Desch’s shoulders to the woman.

“Miss, I never even caught your name.”

“Why its Delilah, baby. Delilah Sherrim. My hubby’s name is Cornelius, and my boy is Carek.”

“Well, Miss Delilah, I have found that I love you. You’re my new girlfriend.” Refia said, smiling. Delilah clapped her hands together happily as she made her way to the couple. Arms outstretched, she seemed to bypass Desch to head straight for Refia.

“Honey, don’t you hesitate to come see me.” She turned to look at Desch after letting go of Refia.

“And sugar, I wanna see you two back here soon, ya hear? I wanna see you two holdin’ hands and lovin’ like there’s no tomorrow.” She placed a hand on Desch’s face, cradling his cheek in a motherly fashion. “You just never know when life’ll take what’s dearest. You better hold it close and never let it go.” He nodded, smiling.

“Well, Miss Delilah, I think we better get going. He’s gotta start making up for lost time now.”

Desch walked ahead of Refia, moving past Delilah to open the door. Once the ladies were done with their farewells, Refia made her way out the door, turning one last time to wave to Delilah.

“Thank you for everything, Miss Delilah. I really appreciate it.”

“No problem, sugar. Just stay happy. And you better come see me!”

“Of course!”

--

Before the door had a chance to fully shut, another figure walked through it.

A tall, handsome blonde man with endless hazel depths. He came with a bouquet of daisies in his hand. He stopped in front of Delilah.

“Did you make some new friends, honey?”

Delilah nodded, smiling thoughtfully. She felt his rough hands come to rest on her cheeks and turn her face to his. His soft lips met her’s and she sighed.

“Have I told you just how much you mean to me?” She asked, taking the daisies from his hand to smell them happily.

“You’ve told me tons of times, but I never get tired of hearin’ it. Tell me again?”

Delilah smiled, her full lips tilting up beautifully.

“The world.”

--

They began making their way to the harbor for the next ship to Kozus.

“Let’s not do this, Refia. I have a better way to travel, and it’s free.”

Refia snorted, clenching his hand tighter in her’s.

“And how pray tell are we gonna get a free ride?”

Desch placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her body towards the exit of town. She saw a large wooden ship waiting just a little ways outside the gates.

“The Invincible?! How in the world did you manage that?!”

“I told Ingus of my troubles and what I was trying to do, and he said he could let me use it. He said it would be a whole lot cheaper, and I’d have privacy. He had me at cheap.”

Refia giggled, lacing her hand through his as they made their way out of town. Once they were away from the night crowd that wondered around town, Refia cleared her throat.

“I…I really do…love you, you know?”

Desch smiled, bring their hands up so he could kiss the back of her’s.

“I know. And I love hearing it. And for the record, I love you too.”

Refia smiled, feeling as though a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. It felt so wonderful to have that off of her now.

Once they were inside the ship, she sat on one of the beds as he prepped the ship for flight. Once they were air born, she walked to stand next to him as they flew through the night skies.

“So what did you have planned for making it up to me?”

Desch smiled, but didn’t take his eyes off the sky ahead.

“If I tell you, it won’t be a surprise. Then what good will it be?”

Refia huffed, playfully smacking him. He glanced to her from the corner of his eye.

“I promise, though, you’ll love it. I have it all planned out, and you won’t see it coming. I swear.”

Refia smiled. It had been a long time since anyone had surprised her with anything. She was suddenly anxious to see what it was.

“Can I get a hint at least?”

He shook his head.

“Nope.”

They made it home safely, and were laughing as they talked about the adventure.

Since it was still dark, she knew her father would still be asleep. They crept in slowly, trying their hardest not to make any noise. When they both heard an echoing snore rumble through the house, they both relaxed. There was no way anyone who snored like that would wake up from smaller noises.

They made it to her room with no mishap.

“What exactly are you gonna sleep in? My dad’s stuff won’t fit you and I’m sure you don’t want my stuff.”

Desch shrugged looking at himself.

“I usually just sleep in my pants. No problem.”

Refia nodded. She motioned him to leave the room while she changed for bed and he complied, shutting the door softly behind him.

As she was dressing, she thought the night over. It all seemed like a dream. He came back. And he’d been searching for her. She felt like she’d been spineless before, and that just wasn’t like her. If she wanted something bad enough, she went for it. And God knows she wanted him more than anything in the world. She suddenly felt like she had her fire back. She was going to show him, damnit! He would know just how much she’d suffered, and he’d be sorry. She was a take charge kind of girl and it was about time she got her position as top dog back. He was first victim.

She threw the door open, startling him. He turned to her and smiled, looking her over but stopping once he saw her glaring eyes. He became scared.

“…What?”

She didn’t say anything as her hands thrust out to grab the lapels of his jacket and pull him harshly back in to her room. The door slammed behind him, and suddenly he was thrown against it. He felt his head be pulled down, and felt her lips crash roughly against his own. He didn’t waste a moment to kiss her back, but was confused about the change in her attitude. Wasn’t she just dreamily happy just moments ago? She pulled away roughly.

“You’re gonna pay for making me wait so long.” She growled, a hand reaching behind his head to his ponytail. She gave a hard tug, pulling his head back and to the side to reveal the soft skin of his neck. She attacked without mercy. Her lips travelled across his neck, giving a too-harsh nibble here and there, sure to leave marks. His breath caught in his throat.

What in the world changed so suddenly in her…?

His thoughts left him as he felt her hands reach through his jacket to his bare chest. He let out a groan. He started to remove his arms from his sleeves, but she stopped him.

“Not until I say so.”

He silently complied, nodding without thinking about it. Her hands ran over his bare chest, brushing his nipples and running along his stomach. He was suddenly too hot. He pushed her back from the door, clumsily sliding his arms from the sleeves. Orders be damned, he wanted her now. His jacket fell to the floor as he caught her face between his hands, letting his lips roughly massage her’s, coaxing them open with his tongue. She greedily answered, her own lips opening to allow entry and exit at the same time. Their lips fought for dominance, but he won when he did just as she had done earlier, and pulled her head back by her hair.

Her neck and collarbone were open territory now, her pajama top slowly becoming more unbuttoned. His lips flitted across her skin, in too much of a rush to stay in one place too long.

He felt as though he were alive again. More alive then he had ever been, really. She was his elixir, and he wanted to drink until he was inebriated off her scent and her taste. She roughly grabbed his hands and placed them on her hips. He squeezed, lifting her from the floor. She wrapped her legs around him, never losing contact with him.

He pressed her back against the wall roughly.

“Your own medicine.” He said, voice dark and rough.

Another tug on his hair, and he was looking in to her eyes. Though they were normally calm, now they were fire lit ambers that burned. Just like his entire body right now. He made his way back to her neck, sucking and nibbling then letting his tongue roam free over her skin.

Unfortunately for them, another loud snore broke through their heat and through the thin walls of her room. They both froze, looking panicked. Then they laughed. He didn’t release her as he carried her back to the bed, pulling away the covers and setting her in them. He watched her scoot aside to make room. He raised an eyebrow. She nodded, smiling.

He sat on the edge to remove his boots, unlacing them, and quietly placing them on the floor. His socks went next. He was sharing a bed tonight, so that extra article of clothing wouldn’t be needed. He turned to see her buttoning to next to last button on her top.

“I didn’t…tear any off did I?”

She giggled softly, shaking her head.

“No, but I didn’t bite too hard did I?”

He grinned at her. “Nothing I didn’t like.”

She smiled, a blush rising at the memory of what had just happened.

“If that’s what all our moments are gonna be like, I can’t wait until we’re alone.”

She almost choked at the implication. He chuckled, lying next to her on his side. He reached an arm out to her, pulling her closer.

“You’re so beautiful.” He said, stroking her cheek as they looked in to each other’s eyes. She blushed as she hid her face in his chest. He grinned at the top of her head.

“What is it? Don’t like compliments?”

She shook her head, and he faintly heard some mumbling.

“Its not that I don’t like them, I just don’t get them that often.”

Desch placed a kiss on her hair, his hand trying to coax her face out of hiding. She reluctantly complied. He placed a deep soft kiss on her lips, pulling the covers up further and wrapping his arms around her.

“I’m kind of glad we stopped when we did.” She exclaimed.

“Oh? Why is that?”

She grinned, her eyes closing as she rested her head against his chest.

“I’d hate to have to explain to my dad where all the clothes came from that were on the floor. I love you too much to see you die so soon.”

Desch smiled then paled.

“What about me being in the same bed?”

Refia shook her head.

“Only your jacket is on the floor. There aren’t any other loose clothes lying out, so we’re safe.”

Refia yawned, which made Desch yawn as well.

“I’m so sleepy…” She yawned again. He placed a kiss on her forehead.

“Go to sleep, my dear. I’ll be here when you wake up, I promise.”

Refia smiled before closing her eyes. Desch followed in suit, and tightened his hold on her form.

Just to remind myself, he thought.

“I’m so…glad…you found…me.” She mumbled sleepily.

He smiled in to her hair.

Me too, my darling. Me too.

Bully Proof - BaschPeneloBaltheir firendship thing; CUTE!

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:50:02 GMT

Bully-Proof

She had felt like having a little fun; that was all. She had never planned for things to go like this…not at all.

She had been innocently doing her handstands in front of Migelo’s shop, just because she was bored, and all of a sudden, she feels two scaly hands wrap around her ankles and pull her up. She recognized a Bangaa’s skin when she felt it.

“Hey, little girlie! Go do that somewhere else! I’m tryin’ to walk here!”

He dumped her back on the stone streets, leaving her behind to let the silent tears fall down her face as she rubbed her head. It was killing her now.

“Penelo, what’s wrong?”

Balthier walked up to her, kneeling next to her. He took her hand from her head and checked her scalp himself. She heard more footsteps come closer.

“What’s this?”

She groaned. Not Basch too. This was just too embarrassing. She saw him kneel on her other side. He looked to her face, seeing her tears.

“What happened?” He spoke softly, trailing his thumb down her face. She sniffled.

“I was just doing a handstand when a Bangaa picked me up by my ankles and told me not to do that here. He was walking, and I was in his way.”

Balthier and Basch both scowled at each other. This was their little one in the group. They both felt she was in need of protecting, though she’d proven time and time again that she was fully capable of handling herself well on the battlefield. It seemed bullies were another matter altogether.

“And just what did this bangaa look like, exactly?” Balthier asked, letting his hand rest on her shoulder after he was sure her head wasn’t injured. Basch helped her stand.

“Green with a pair of loose-fitting grey pants.”

Balthier looked to Basch.

“It seems we have a bit of a bully on our hands as well. Penelo, lead us through the city. Show us which way he went.”

She seemed cautious as he held his hand out to her. She tentatively let her hand rest in his. She felt her other hand be taken by another strong, rough hand. She turned to look at Basch.

He nodded.

“Agreed. Show us the way, Penelo.”

She blushed before nodding and making her way back to the central area with the gates. She stopped at the fountain, still clutching both men’s hands tightly within her own small ones. Balthier began asking people around the fountain if they had seen a green Bangaa walk through recently. Finally, a civilian gave them a lead that took them to the west gate.

After they opened it, she immediately spotted him. He was standing next to a couple other people, and he was laughing about something. As she led the men closer, she heard what the Bangaa was saying.

“Oh yeah! Silly little girl! She didn’t even do anything when I dropped her on the street!”

The rest of the group began laughing as well. Penelo glared at them all. The men on either side caught the look. This had to be him. They both let go of her hand and made their way to the group. Balthier stopped behind the closest two, while Basch walked around to the opposite two. Balthier cleared his throat, gaining the attention of everyone there.

“So what’s this I hear about you –dropping- some unsuspecting young lady?”

Basch let his large hands rest on the two Bangaas’ shoulders that were in front of him. They swiftly turned their lizard-like heads to see him giving them a glare.

“Yeah! Girl was being stupid. She wouldn’t move! She was in the middle of the street!”

Balthier nodded, adjusting his cuffs a bit before reaching his hands up to rest on the back of the Bangaas’ necks. Basch looked to Balthier and nodded. Both men smirked as they pushed the Bangaas towards each other, causing them all to hit their heads…hard. All four fell to the ground in a heap.

Penelo looked on, stunned. This was what they were planning?

-Wow…-

Balthier turned to her first and smiled, reaching a hand out to her. She took it. Basch came back to her side, taking her other hand once again. They led her out of the west gate and back to Migelo’s shop.

“You guys are the best, I swear!” Penelo laughed.

Balthier smirked and Basch looked pleased as they both turned their heads to her.

“Its what we aim to do, milady.” Balthier exclaimed.

SOOO SORRY!

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:48:27 GMT

holy fudge. i havent been posting like i said i would. and i APOLOGIZE! :bows low: wow. ive gotten a few more things written since last time, so now for the MAC DADDY OF ALL POSTS! I'll put my chapter'd stories up next ;) have fun reading!

Title: The Game

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:34:11 GMT

Just posted this one on FF.net not too long ago (just a couple of days i think...)
it seems to be a success (all 3 reviews show positive feedback...3...:sighs:) maybe ill get a better reception on LJ...let's see...

Title: The Game
Characters: Penelo/? (figure it out!)
Rating: T (for safety more than anything)
Disclaimer: I dont own Final Fantasy 12. Just this plot line, and the words that script it out.

The Game

Penelo made her way through the streets of Rabanastre rather precariously. She was attempting to make her way back to Migelo’s, but the large basket in her arms was obstructing her view of oncoming foot traffic. Thankfully, most of the pedestrians were kind enough (or smart enough) to move out of her way as she walked down the streets among them.

Vaan had told her yesterday afternoon that there were no rumors of treasure and no pressing hunts to vanquish, so they could take a break for a bit to go home. For a week.

Needless to say, she had been thrilled.

It wasn’t that sky-life was bad. Oh no. The riches and sights were more than enough to compensate for any trouble they had come across. She had been thrilled to hear that their break would take them back home because…well. It was home.

It was where all her orphan friends were. It was where kind Migelo lived. It was where Old Dalan stayed, in that same house and in that same chair; still giving advice to the same people that had known and cared for the old man since they could all remember.

It held a lot of memories for her and Vaan, and though he wouldn’t say it, she knew he was just as glad to be back as she was.

Nothing else felt as warm to her as the Dalmascan sun.

She warily made her way to the door to Migelo’s, hollering for someone to open it for her.

Kytes was the first to answer, his eyes bulging at the sight of her two thin legs poking out from behind and under the large basket.

“…Penelo?” He asked, making sure it was in fact her.

A sigh.

“Yes, Kytes. Now, will you let me in? This isn’t very light, ya know?”

He nodded quickly, moving out of the way, telling her when she could go. She shuffled her feet across the floor, making sure nothing was in the way as she cleared a path to the dining table. As soon as she reached it, she plopped the basket down on to it, sighing and stretching her fingers and arms from the tightness of holding something in the same position for too long.

“So Kytes, did any mail come in today?”

Kytes nodded, wandering through the house until he found her pile.

She started sifting through it.

“Junk, junk, junk, I’m a sky pirate, I don’t need bills. Junk, junk, ju- Wait. Kytes? Who sent this one?”

She handed him a cream colored envelope with her name penned neatly across the front.

He shook his head.

“Dunno. It was just in there. Go ahead and open it. I wanna see what it is.”

Penelo took it back from him, slowly letting her fingers glide under the tab that held it shut.

Once it was open, she noticed a neat piece of paper inside. She pulled it out gently so as not to wrinkle it or smudge it. In the same neat script, it read:

To Penelo Lamira Marick
Most Infamous of Navigators
You are most cordially invited
to visit me in Balfonheim.
I await your arrival with
much anticipation.
I Promise to make it worth
your while.

Sincerely,
You shall see me soon

She scrunched her brow together, frowning in confusion.

Kytes spoke first.

“It sounds like you have an almost admirer.”

She looked up to him.

“Almost? That sounded like a definite to me.”

Kytes shrugged.

“I’m a guy. What do I know?” He answered, jokingly.

Penelo giggled, smacking the back of his head lightly as he walked past her to the kitchen. Once he was gone, she stared at the paper, trying to decipher the words. Whoever wrote this, was apparently waiting on her in Balfonheim.

She wondered if she should go, seeing as this was her week long break. She took one last look at the invitation and made her mind up. She began to seek out Vaan.

---------

“Please, Vaan?”

“No.”

“But Vaan!”

“Penelo, no. You said you wouldn’t buy me that stuff, and that’s the only way you’re going.”

Penelo threw her hands in the air. He just wasn’t listening.

“Vaan, I wanna fly the ship to Balfonheim. I won’t be long. I promise to come back and make it worth your while. I’ll buy you that weapon you were wanting so badly. I’ll even get you some new armor to go with it! Now, come on! You know how I am with the purse strings!”

Vaan turned around, sighing as he gave her a once over, checking to see if she was lying. He crossed his arms in thought. He made the mistake of looking to her eyes, and saw them silently pleading. He immediately turned his eyesight to the vase against the wall in the den. He gave one more sigh, shaking his head.

“I can’t believe it, but…okay. Whatever. Take it. God. This is so unfair.”

Penelo gave a happy squeal, launching herself at his form, wrapping her arms around his neck. He instinctively wrapped his around her waist, spinning once as he knew that made her happy. Vaan set her back down, but she didn’t let go.

“Uh. Penelo, you can let go now.”

Penelo gave one final squeeze before taking a step back. She flashed a bright smile to him before turning to snatch the invitation from the small table behind her and made her way to her room to pack.

As she did, she began run the names of people through her head. And as she did that, questions as to why they would do this also ran through her mind.

Why do they want me to go Balfonheim?
Who is it?
Ashe? No.
Basch? Highly doubtful. She giggled at the thought. Basch didn’t play games like this.
Larsa? Also highly doubtful, seeing as he’s Emperor now. He didn’t have the time.
Balthier? That’s a definite no. He doesn’t know my full name.
Fran? No way. I feel bad for even thinking of her name.

She started wondering if the orphans were playing a prank on her. She stopped packing. She knew just who would know. She ran out of the house, making her way to Lowtown.

------

“What is it, child?”

Penelo smiled, feeling like a little girl again in his eyes. He always made her feel like she was eight years old again, eyes bright and full of all the wondrous sights her large city held.

“I need to know if you’ve heard any information of the orphans planning any pranks lately.”

The old man seemed to think for a moment, scratching his chin and looking her over.

“I have not.”

When she seemed to become nervous, he asked her once more.

“What is it, my child?”

Penelo sighed quietly, pulling the invitation out of her bag. She handed him the invitation, and watched his elderly eyes sweep over the document.

“The paper is of a high quality, and the script is of someone well-educated. I believe you may just find some adventure on this trip. And perhaps something…more?”

Penelo looked to him, her head cocked to the side in question.

“You know I don’t tell everything, child. I’ve said all I will. Now, you must go. This person awaits to hear of your departure from the eyes they have set about in this city.”

Penelo’s heart beat swiftly.

“They have…people? Then are you so sure it’s safe?”

He gave a chuckle.

“You doubt my wisdom now? Not a wise decision. Yes, they have eyes in the city, but they mean no harm. They only help the plan along.”

Penelo lifted a hand to her heart, trying to keep it in check. This was already starting to feel like a game.

She nodded, giving him her thanks and telling him she’d come back soon with a homemade meal for him. He nodded, handing the note back to her and sending her off with a wave. As soon as she was gone, he motioned for a young boy to come to him. The boy complied.

“Run and tell Filo that Penelo will be on her way shortly.”

--------

Penelo began the ascent in to the sky, altering the knobs and dials as she saw was needed. Soon, she was flying nearly effortlessly through the skies, marking her path to Balfonheim with the auto-pilot. Once the auto-pilot was set and cut on, she unbuckled herself from the seat and let her feet rest on the chair next to her. She watched the skies fly past her, the clouds parting for her.

This was a magnificent way to live. She understood why Balthier did what he did when he was younger. If she had to choose between stuffy, political figures or the clouds as her preferred company, then she’d choose as he did. She’d take to the skies, just as he had.

She made it to Balfonheim by late afternoon, walking from the Cerrobi Steppe where she had dropped the anchor. She watched with wary eyes, looking for anyone who seemed “well-educated” and at least had some money, since the paper was high quality.

No one came even close to matching that description here. She traversed through the streets to find the bar closest to the shopping area. That seemed to be a popular enough place. There could probably someone who had information here.

It seemed to be full of all kinds of patrons, all here for their “after-work-drink”. She ambled up the bar, asking if anyone had asked for someone by her name. Every bartender said no.

As she was about to walk out, someone called her name.

“Penelo Lamira Marick? Yeah, I ‘eard of her. Viera come in ‘ere not too long ago. Gave me this slip of paper, she did. Tol’ me to give it to a lil’ blondie ‘bout like you.”

Penelo made her way to the old bangaa who held a slip of paper in his hand. When she went to reach for it, he held it further from her reach. She huffed, glaring at him.

“Its important that I get that message, mister. Please hand it over.”

He gave her a look.

“’at Viera tol’ me to give it only to Penelo Lamira Marick. ‘ow do I know you’re her?”

Penelo seemed puzzled.

“Well…what would convince you?”

“The Viera tol’ me to ask sometin’. She said ‘ What would Penelo do at night during watch?’”

Penelo blushed a little.

“I danced. I wasn’t supposed to, but I did. I couldn’t help it!”

The bangaa laughed loudly.

“Hon’, I ain’t judgin’ ya. But, yeah. You danced. ‘ere ya go.”

He handed her the slip. The same cream colored paper was now folded in half. She opened it.

Penelo Lamira Marick
You’ve travelled far,
so I’m sure you must rest.
But I’m still waiting,
and you’ve yet to arrive.
I expect you to show yourself
in front of the Reddas Manse
by sundown tonight.

Sincerely,
You shall see me soon

P.S. I still plan to make this
worth your while.

Penelo huffed. More games. She wondered who was watching her in this city.

She thanked the bangaa for his time, and left the bar, treading across the stones and wood that made the streets in the port city. She passed the weapon shop and the gambit shop before seeing where she needed to turn to get to the Reddas Manse. A guard stood out front just as he had back when Reddas was still living. He was the only person there. Penelo began looking around for anyone else who may be hiding in the shadows. There was no one hiding.

“Um. Sir?”

He looked her way, his eyebrow raised.

“Your name Penelo?”

She stopped a few feet away from him, stunned.

“…Yeah…Why?”

He reached in to his pocket, pulling out a note. She noticed the color.

Cream.

He handed it to her, and once more, it was folded in half. But this time, one the outside of the folded paper she saw her name written neatly. She opened this one as well.

Penelo Lamira
This man who guards this
slip of paper forgets far too
easily. I had to write your
name on the note. Perhaps
you should take a trip to
the weapons shop to pick
up something for Vaan.
Maybe he would like a bit
of armor to go with it.
I’ll see you there, my dear.
Or will I?

Sincerely,
You shall see me soon

She sighed. She was getting tired of this. Who the hell thought they jerk her around like this? Who the hell did she know that would even think of something this in-depth?

Nothing came up in her mind as she walked back to the weapons shop. She opened the door, making her way to the one-handed swords that Vaan seemed so fond of. If anything, she could probably get a better weapon here than in Rabanastre. Vaan had better be happy. Once she had one picked out, she walked to the counter, her bag of gil already out and in her hand. She placed the sword on the counter.

“22,000 gil, please.”

Penelo almost choked, then remembered that as far as weapons go, this wasn’t too bad. She had found more expensive ones during her travels with everyone two and a half years ago. She handed the clerk her money, taking the sword and the strap that came with it. She made her way over to the armor section, looking for anything that she knew Vaan would need. Once again, after she’d made her choice, she walked to separate counter, placing her item on it.

The clerk gave her a scrutinizing look. Penelo looked around to make sure she was the one he was looking at.

“Would you happen to be Penelo Marick?”

Penelo sighed, dropping her gil bag on the counter.

Not again.

She nodded, and started pulling out her latest note.

“Does it look like this?”

He nodded dumbly, pulling another folded slip of paper from underneath the counter. He handed it to her. She opened it, grumbling lowly so the clerk couldn’t hear her cursing an unnamed person.

Penelo,
My darling I know
you must be furious with
me now, but please keep
in mind that I swore to
make this worth your
trouble. Please don’t
give up so late in the game.
You’re almost there.
I expect to see you back
on your ship, posthaste.

Sincerely,
I swear you shall see me soon

She sighed, closing her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose.

“--8,000 gil.” She caught the end of what the clerk said.

“Excuse me, I didn’t hear you.”

“I said this piece of armor costs 8,000 gil.”

He looked at her expectantly as she looked to him in a confused manner. His eyes flashed to her purse and then to the armor before going back to her. She followed his eyes, then it dawned on her.

“Oh, geez! I’m sorry.” As she dug around her purse the right amount she mumbled, “You wouldn’t believe the day I’ve had.”

He didn’t say anything but “Thank you” as she rushed out the door with the weapon strapped to her hip, and the armor under her arm. She saw that the sun was starting to set at the edge of where the ocean met the sky.

Is it really the late already?! This person had better love me.

By the time she made it back to her ship, the sun was even lower, already half way gone. She rushed inside, and stopped as she looked to the wall to her right.

A note was stuck to it.

A cream colored note. She read it.

Dear Penelo,
You’ve held yourself
Together in this so far,
And I appreciate that.
You’re almost done.
One last thing to do.
I want you walk to
Your top deck.
I’ll be waiting,
My dearest Penelo.
I swear to still
Make it worth your
While. Please be
Patient.

Yours truly

She felt her heart skip a beat. They were here. They were waiting.

She dropped Vaan’s things in his cabin on her way to the stairwell that led to the outer deck. As she got to the top of the stairs, she stopped.

Did she want to know who was up here?

What if they were crazy?

What if…what if they were playing some cruel joke on her?

But what if they were serious?

She took a deep breath, evening out her heartbeat. She pressed the button to open the door to the deck. At first, all she noticed was that the deck was lit up with candles of varying sizes and shapes. She also saw the last tendrils of sunlight stretching across the flat surface, making the candles look even more majestic with the dramatic shadows behind them. Her gaze rose to see a figure standing on the far side of the deck, his arms (she knew it was a male by the figure and his short hair) crossed as he stared at the ocean with his back to her.

That outfit…that’s…!

She gasped as realization hit her. The clean white sleeves and intricate vest matched with the tight black pants. His short light brown hair was blowing in the sea breeze. He turned to look at her.

Her heart almost stopped beating.

Balthier was as beautiful as he’d always been. The full lips that were always grinning were grinning as well, now. His sharp, angular face was lit by the remnants of sunlight and candlelight together. His shoulders were broad and his hips were narrow. His toned legs were as long as they had been.

But his eyes were what stopped her breath.

His beautiful hazel eyes. They were shining in the light. They seemed to watch her very intently and very focused.

The only thing left was for him to—

“My darling Penny. It’s been so long.” His voice drawled in that rich accent that no one could copy.

Oh, God. There he went. He did the last thing.

He spoke.

His eyes were laughing at her, she just knew it. He always seemed to, but she had never minded. His teasing was fun and light. Besides, having a sexy man like Balthier pay any attention to her at all was a godsend.

“Yes, it has, Balthier.” Did she just speak?

He leaned back against the railing, uncrossing his arms to place his hands on the rail behind him.

“I was amazed how many people were willing to help me with this. I thought I was on many more bad lists than this, but I’m not below taking what I can get. Are you surprised?”

Penelo nodded slowly, her breath coming in slowly as her eyes widened. He’d practically just confessed to setting up the whole thing.

“A…a little. I was expecting a prank. A joke. For someone to tell me it was all some cruel plan Vaan had set out to get me back for something I may have done to make him pout.”

Balthier threw his head back and let out a beautiful laugh. He was still chuckling as he pushed himself away from the rail to walk calmly to her. He stopped a couple of feet away from her and began his mindless habit of fixing his cuffs.

“But not this? Then I did very well. You weren’t supposed to be able to guess correctly.”

She almost felt like hyperventilating. Almost.

“I followed the notes. But…why?”

Balthier let out a small chuckle.

“There’s the question I was waiting on. I actually had a bet started with Fran about how long you would wait to ask. It seems I’ve lost. Farewell to 100 gil.”

Penelo couldn’t help but notice how lighthearted he was about this. It just seemed so…him.

“You’ve led me to gambling, dear Penny. Dare I say, you’ve made me worse of a man than I was to start with.”

Penelo giggled. This was how their teasing usually went. She remembered the first time he had poked fun at her.

--

She wandered the streets of Bhujerba, trying to find an item shop. Balthier had made a note to tell them how important it was that they were well-stocked for the future, and she had volunteered to do the item shopping.

Now if only she could find the bloody place.

She felt as though she were going around in circles, swearing she had seen that moogle sitting on that rail before. She felt a hand rest on her shoulder. Penelo jumped, spinning around, ready to attack.

A chuckle met her fierce stance, and she stopped and held a hand over her heart.

“Balthier! Oh my gosh! Don’t scare me like that. That’s not very nice.” She scolded. He was still chuckling as he came to rest an arm around her shoulders and began leading her through the city.

“My darling, Penelo. I was on my way to the armory when I happened to see you walking by looking so lost. Now I can’t get my own shopping done. Its all your fault, Penelo. If you hadn’t looked so lost, I could’ve completed my mission without fail.”

Penelo jumped out of his arm’s reach, holding her hands close to her heart. She looked to be on the verge of tears.

“I was just…I mean…I didn’t mean to! I just…I just don’t know where it is!”

Balthier shook his head, coming to wrap his arm around her shoulders once more.

“Penelo, my dear, I was merely joking. You’ll learn in time that I may do that every now and then. Maybe then you’ll be able to keep up, yes?”

Penelo blushed, nodding. She felt so stupid.

“Penelo?” She felt a finger under her chin and felt the pressure of it pushing her face up. Her eyes met his just as they had when she had handed him back his handkerchief. Her blush deepened.

He smiled at her.

“You really are at fault. Perhaps if you weren’t so confoundedly adorable, I could have finished my job.”

She grinned.

“Well, maybe if you had been doing what you were supposed to be doing, instead of watching me, this wouldn’t be an issue, now would it?”

He gave her a grin. She caught on quick. He dropped his hand from her chin, placing his arm back around her shoulders.

“Fine, fine. I’ll take some fault, but my heart still says it’s all on you, my dear.”
--

“Your decisions are your own, Balthier. I had no say over whether or not you gambled with Fran on me. Besides, why would you wanna gamble against Fran? She’s Fran!”

He laughed, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders. She tensed at the contact.

“You’re absolutely right, Penny. Betting against Fran wasn’t my brightest of plans, but I dare say that it helped convince her to play along with my little show. With you as the star, of course.”

Penelo blushed, her eyes finding a far off candle interesting suddenly.

“But to answer your question as to why, Penny, I think if you see I went through all this just to get you here, then you most certainly know why. You must.”

Her heart sped up just a little bit more, if possible. She felt a soft hand come to rest against her cheek. It was warm and gentle. Her eyes met his again before quickly looking far off again. His other hand came to rest on her other cheek, tilting her head to look directly in to his. Her breathing hitched.

Penelo had never seen this look on him before. His eyes were full of…something. Something that no one had ever looked at her with. He took a cautious step closer, watching her response. When she didn’t change, he took another small step forward to bring their bodies flush against each other. He could feel the heat from her face. She was so beautiful.

“If you only knew…dear Penny.” He whispered, his face coming closer to her’s with each passing second. His nose rubbed against her cheek slowly while his lips lingered so close to her own.

“If I only knew…knew what?” She choked out.

He took a deep breath, inhaling her scent. She smelled of the ocean breeze and lilies.

“If you only knew just how long I’ve wanted to do this.”

His lips brushed against her’s as he spoke. That smell was really getting to him, and he began feeling a little lightheaded, but in a good way. Like he was happy and blissful.

He watched her eyes for a moment to see if anything changed for the worse. Once he saw nothing, he took his chance.

His lips met her own softly, pressing gently. His hands still cradled her warm, round cheeks while her own hands had come to rest on his chest.

He pulled away slowly, not really wanting to, but knowing she needed a break to get her thoughts together. Her eyes opened slowly, and he knew they were clouded with desire.

Balthier loved this look on her, and swore to himself to try to get it there as often as possible.

Penelo stared straight in to his eyes as she mouthed something. He couldn’t understand it.

“What?” He asked, confused.

“I…Oh my God. I love you.”

He felt his heart jump as she finally said the words he’d wanted to hear. He smiled, leaning his head down and to tilting it to the side. His hands dropped to her waist as his mouth lingered over her’s again. This time, though, she closed the gap, her arms wrapping around his shoulders. She unconsciously dragged her fingers through his hair, hearing him groan in their kiss.

His arms held her tighter, fingers stretching across her back to claim their territory.

They parted for only a moment until seeing each other’s eyes. They dove right back to it with much more passion than before, hands and mouths never getting enough it seemed.

She pushed him away, though, once everything finally registered. He kept his arms around her, his chest heaving with much needed breaths as her’s followed suit.

“Something wrong?” He asked once he was able to speak.

She shook her head quickly.

“No, dear God no. I just…I can’t believe it’s you. I mean…I…I never thought…I never imagined of everyone you could have had, that you chose me.”

He chuckled, his nose resting against her throat, getting even more of her scent locked away in is memory. He felt her arms wrapping around his shoulders again, and a hand trail up the back of his head to cradle his head against her.

“Penelo.”

“Hmm?”

“I love you, my darling.”

She smiled.

“I’ve waited so long to hear that. But another question. What do we do now?”

He straightened up a moment to look in to her eyes.

“I had hoped you would understand why Vaan asked for those things. It seems you still haven’t grasped just who all was involved.”

Penelo’s eyes widened.

“Vaan was in on this? So me getting the weapons and armor wasn’t necessary?”

Balthier chuckled. His lady love sure had some temper. However, if all things went as planned, he could find a way for her to channel that anger in to something more…productive.

“It’s a peace offering. A trade, per se. I told him what I wanted and he named his price. It’s your going away gift to him, that is… if you want it to be?”

Penelo looked stunned. Vaan was getting to be a better actor in his years as a sky pirate.

Leave Vaan?

But leaving Vaan meant staying with Balthier.

“I…I would love to!”

Balthier smirked.

A sly look came across her face, and Balthier began to feel wary. The girl was too smart for her own good. That look could mean anything.

“So, tell me. When do you plan on making this worth my while?”

He grinned, his hands dropping to her rear as he hefted her weight up. She gasped loudly, her hands seeking out his shoulders to balance herself. She unconsciously wrapped her legs around his waist. She stared at him, eyes wide and curious.

“Oh I plan to start soon, my dear. Very, very soon.”

Title: Truth

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:41:12 GMT

Title: Truth
Characters: BalthierXPenelo
Summary: This is version two that was inspired by the same line "If I don't make you happy, then what good am I?” Still BalPen :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasy 12 or anything related to it in this fic. That's all Square-Enix. ;)

(Truth)

He followed after her, making a comment about helping the busy lady in the kitchen. -" You know, Vaan...Penelo really does do too much for you."- Then he'd winked at Penelo, causing her to roll her eyes to the sky. She briskly turned around, making her way to the kitchen to prepare supper. It had been a horribly busy day.

First came the information gathering, then the travelling, then the horrid hunting that involved the 'hidden door' of someone's tomb. She sighed, hearing Balthier trail after her. Penelo made her way to the counter, pulling out an onion from the vegetable basket and a knife from the block to her right. She spoke as she realized he was trying to find a certain dried herb. After a moment, she heard a soft " Aha!"

“Balthier, really. I think I can manage food by myself."

“My dear, as your friend, I simply wish to lighten your burden. We are friends, are we not?" He said, giving her a dashing smile that so many other women had fallen prey to.

"...I guess...we are."

“And?" He seemed to drop his voice after that simple word.

She paused in her slicing of the onions and looked around confused. “And what?"

“You said 'I guess we are'. I feel suspicious of that phrase, my dear. Please quell my fear that you feel we are not."

She sighed. “You just never seemed like the 'friend' type. You're my friend as long as I can give you what you want. Right? As long as I have something you need, which at this point happens to be food, you'll be my friend. You told us all once that you never did anything for free. I did hear you right, didn't I?"

He looked to her, bewildered. “Am I to assume that you believe I'm here for food? My dear, you give me so little credit. I can fend for myself just fine while you are away. Granted you've a bit more practice at cooking than myself, but I seem to do fine on my own." He said, a little angry. “Am I -that- untrustworthy towards you? Do I give such a bad impression to everyone or just you?"

She sighed, placing her knife down once again. “I like you just fine, Balthier. But really. Can you blame me? I'm barely even on your radar as a -person-, much less a friend. And as far as I know, it's just me."

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him put down the small bottle of dried herbs. His hands clenched around the bottle and the edge of the counter. He turned his whole body towards her." Anything else? Or are you done verbally shaming me?" His arms were crossed; face seemingly in an eternal frown.

That beautiful face. Hm. He looks like he's really upset about this... I wonder why.

“I wasn't saying anything to upset you. I really didn't mean to. But you were the one who said you never did anything for free. I assumed that meant using your time as well." She walked across the small sized kitchen to stand in front of him. She folded her hands together in front of her body while looking up to him. He just looked down at her, frown still in place. She sighed once more for the night.

“Can I ask you something, Balthier? And will you be honest?" He nodded, a little confused. “Do I make you happy?" A look of panic and confusion struck his face. “I beg your pardon?" She giggled, rolling her eyes. A grin stretched across her lips. “I asked if I made you happy. Well...do I?" He seemed stunned for a moment." Why wouldn't you?" She immediately shook her head. “No. I didn't ask for another question. I want a straight answer." He stood, silent.

She gave a sad smile. “See? I don't do anything to make you happy. It's not that I don't like you, Balthier. I just don't see a reason to stick around where I can't do anything for anyone." She walked to her place by the onions, continuing to slice them.

“I’m afraid I don't quite understand your logic, Penelo." He came a step closer before stopping himself. He placed his hands on the island counter to his right.

She looked thoughtful for a moment before beginning to explain.

“See...it's like this. I prioritize my friendships by how much I can do for them. Whether it is a shoulder to lean on, or buying them simple gifts I know they've wanted. In essence, it's how happy I make them. For Ashe, she lost everything, just like me. We connected and she leaned on me for support. Vaan's easy. I'm his best friend. I know that makes him happy. Basch is simple too. I write him letters frequently to let him know how Vaan and I are. I know it makes him happy too. Fran loves that she can teach me things, though she's not verbal about her praise. I know it's there. It's how she looks at me when I've mastered something new that she taught me. But you...what could I possibly do for you or buy for you that you couldn't get on your own? Something that no one else can do better?" She paused, even stopping her chopping of some other vegetable.

His brow was drawn together, a frown marring his handsome face once again. Hazel eyes peered down at the mossy green countertop. He finally stood and faced her.

“So you want to know what you do. Where should I start?" He sighed, placing a hand under his chin. He looked comically thoughtful for a moment before taking a step closer to her, then another, and another until he was standing right beside her. He looked down at her, flashing his trademark sly grin. As soon as he opened his mouth, Penelo cut him off.

“If you give me some loaded crap about how you're happy just by me walking in a room, then I'll have no choice but to slap you. That's lame."

He quickly shut his mouth, then laughed. He turned to wrap an arm around her shoulders. When she looked up at him, he was smiling at her. “That’s how you make me happy, my darling. You know me to a 'T'. Although, I wasn't going to say ' You lighten up every room by just setting foot in it.' No my dear. What I -was- going to say was that your smile is more than enough to satisfy me. But I'm assuming that wasn't what you wanted to hear either." He chuckled.

“So me catching you in a lie makes you happy? Really? 'Cause if that's the case, then I could've made you happy a lot more often. If only I'd spoken up."

He laughed more, tightening his hold on her shoulders. Penelo blushed at the closeness. He took his arm away from her shoulder to stand behind her. Balthier placed his hands on her shoulders, lowering his mouth to her ear. She could hear the grin in his voice.

“The fact that you know me so well just shows you've paid attention to me. And as I'm sure you know, attention makes me happy. But I'll have you know the intelligence is reciprocated to you, as well, my dear. I know your every flaw, every twitch, every imperfection that makes you -you-, and I'll have you know that I enjoy every moment I see of you. Every smile, every blush, every beautiful sigh is a siren's call to my soul. Your motherly traits extend to not only Vaan and the orphans, but to every person in your sight. You take care of everyone as though only they mattered, and my dear, you are the only person who has treated me in such a way," he confessed, leaning closer to her back. His hands slid down her bare arms, feeling the goose bumps rise across her soft skin. Deft fingers slowly took the knife from her hands, placing it further away on the counter. His fingertips ran down the back of her hand to lace their hands together. She shivered against him and he smiled. “The reaction I get from you, in any situation, always makes me happy. I have to admit, I especially love to see you like this." Balthier whispered against her ear, his lips moving swiftly against it as the words escaped him.

Her eyes slowly closed, her pink lips parted softly. To him, she was the epitome of sensuality at that moment. His fingers left hers, traced their way back up her arms, only they didn't stop at her shoulders as she'd thought they would. No. They travelled down her back, never leaving her body, and resting on her hips. His palms covered both of her hips, the heel of his hand digging in gently then stopping. He leaned his head against her shoulder, nose moving gently against the flesh of her neck. He took a slow breath.

“You see, my dear, everything you do makes me happy. Although this is by far the closest I've been to you, I have no qualms in telling you just how happy I am to be here right now." Now his lips were moving against the skin between her neck and shoulder. Her hands balled to fists. His lips began moving again. “Every other woman I've been with has been just that: a woman. One night stands never to be thought of again. But this. Never have I felt so pulled before. I feel as though instead of my charms capturing another woman, you've caught me. Much like being on the receiving end of my own charm. If I have even a fraction of this pull on other women, I pity them." At this he slowly backed away from her, taking a deep breath to calm himself. Penelo turned around to face him, her stormy eyes looking deeply into his own hazel. Since the space between the island counter and the wall counter was so small, they were practically toe-to-toe.

“What else?" She whispered hoarsely. His eyebrow quirked.

“What else to what? If I say much more, things will be awkward I'm sure. After all, Penelo, you are the one treasure this sky pirate can not obtain. I can't steal you away. Who would keep Vaan out of trouble?" He gave a small chuckle.

“I want to hear it, Balthier. I -need- to hear it. It's important to me."

He looked to his shoes then back up to her beautiful, raincloud eyes. “As I said, you are the one treasure in this world that I can't have. I'm drawn to you like no other, and I've found you parading through my dreams countless times. And after every dream, I am left with a hole in my chest that wasn't there before. No other woman has had this effect on me, and I know what it is. I'm not deluding myself into thinking it's nothing. I've seen it happen to others enough times to know the symptoms. But I'm sure you've someone waiting for you at home in Rabanastre. What was that lad's name again? Tomol? No..."

“Tomaj?"

“Yes, that's it! That poor boy must be missing you something fierce by now."

“You think...Tomaj...and me?" She started laughing. She brought her hands up to cover her mouth.

“I don't find it that funny, Penelo. The man watched after you like a bird of prey."

“Balthier, Tomaj isn't a problem. He's my distant cousin or something. Mom's mom's sister's great-grandson or something."

Balthier's brow drew close again, her words running through his mind.

“Just so you know, my dear, to see you walking in to a room -does- in fact make me happy. Then I become irritable that I can't act on what every other part of me wants to do. Coming here alone to help you tonight...this wasn't my plan. I was merely going to see if I could make you smile. When you're near, it's what I live for. While you're away, there's nothing I can do about it, so I wish you the best. It's all I can do."

“Balthier...say it. Please."

He shook his head." I don't believe it will do me much good. After all, you think so poorly of me." He closed his eyes, and lowered his chin to his chest. He let out a breath before raising his head to look at the ceiling. She watched silently as he gave a small, sad smile to the light fixture. Her heart jumped. Even Balthier wasn't -this- good of an actor. He meant it. Without looking down, he continued speaking.

“You see? I've doomed myself to this life. All the other women...I didn't really want them like this. I wanted a fun time and a release. To not worry about anything when I left in the morning. I believe the Gods have an awful sense of humor. The woman I want above all others...and...She thinks I'm not even her friend. The only woman I want to wake up next to. The only one I want to stay with, and...She has no idea what she does to me." He looked at her with a grin on his face, before looking over to the onion still sitting on the counter, sliced up.

“She does now," Penelo said softly, reaching her hand out to hold his face. His eyes darted to her, a question clearly in them.

“The Gods haven't doomed you, Balthier. You should know by now you have got to be the luckiest man alive." Penelo stirred a little as she felt his hand come to rest on her forearm, his thumb rubbing small circles on her tan flesh. She smiled.

“Vaan can take care of himself. He's a big boy. Tomaj isn't a love interest, and neither is anyone else...except one man. And he's so lucky...he just doesn't even know..." Penelo smiled, resting her body against his. His eyes looked down on her, still questioning her silently.

“I have never thought poorly of you Balthier. I say those things to myself to try to talk myself out of things. Like...a sort of cause and effect. I make myself believe that you don't like me. I don't get let down when you leave a room without even looking at me. Earlier, when you asked if we were friends, that was the first time you'd ever made any mention to me about being anything more than just ' Penelo'. It startled me, and then you seemed upset. I didn't know what to do. I panicked. I tried to straighten it out, and all I did was upset you further. That wasn't -my- intention either."

He couldn't hold back a grin." And what of my handkerchief? Was that nothing as well?"

She rolled her eyes." Oh, please. It was obvious you were a ladies' man. No one but you would act like a handkerchief meant the world. At least, in front of a girl." Penelo looked in to his eyes, and whispered softly. "But I'm still glad I got the chance to give it back to you."

He sighed softly, closing his eyes. A small smile covered his face as he leaned in to her touch.

She stood on her toes, tentatively craning her face up to his, softly letting her lips brush his. His smile grew wider still as his eyes slowly opened to reveal a sly, cunning expression that spread across his face.

“Penelo, my darling, you've doomed yourself now, I'm afraid." His lips moved across her's as his words sunk in. “You’ve shown an interest, and I've no intention of letting that attention go to waste."

She'd had enough of waiting. She closed the nearly non-existent space between them, lifting her hands to keep a firm hold on his shoulders. She felt his smile against her lips, and couldn't stop her own from appearing. He moved swiftly but gently against her mouth, hands exploring the stretch of her back, to her shoulders, then back to her hips again, seemingly in a wonderful cycle.

So many things flew through her mind at once that she felt dizzy, and had to grip harder just to maintain some sort of balance. His arms tightened around her, fingers clutching and almost digging in.

It's like...like he doesn't want me to go anywhere...not that I would...

She pulled her lips away from his, taking a deep breath. Penelo most certainly was blown away. Of course, as every other woman on the planet must have, she had always wondered what it would be like to kiss the infamous sky pirate. The sensual curve of his mouth that tipped just so when he grinned; the graceful movements of his body as he did even simple every-day tasks; and that voice! Oh, how she had loved to hear the man talk. Almost as much as he loved to hear himself talk.

When Penelo's eyes finally looked back up to his, she noticed a smug look had come to him now. She gently rolled her eyes and thumped his ear before turning back to the meal that was left unfinished.

“Arrogant...," she started, but all he heard afterwards was mumbles. He grinned, his hands never leaving her body. His fingertips trailed along her side then around her back and up to her neck. He stopped when she twitched and giggled. Her arm reached back to hit him, and she was happy upon hearing a 'thunk' and feeling her knuckles come in contact with his vest.

“I may be sure of myself, but I don't believe I'd call it 'arrogance'. I like to think of it as...self-confidence."

Penelo laughed heartily." Well, Balthier, you certainly have self-confidence in abundance. Sometimes I think you got three people's shares."

She felt his body coming closer to her back, his hands appearing in front of her, resting on the counter. Once his chest was flush against her, he dipped his head to rest his chin on her shoulder, watching her cut the vegetable over her shoulder. She grinned, feeling his breath flitter down her chest. Penelo reached up, patting his head.

“Are you gonna get the other ingredients for me or stand here and admire my masterful chopping skills?"

Vaan's head peeked in the kitchen door then.

“Hey! Is the chow...done?" He stood still. Why was Balthier so close to Penelo? Why was Penelo allowing it?

“What the...?" He started, confused. Balthier just turned to him and smiled. Penelo, for some reason, seemed unable to look at him. Were her ears red, or was he just seeing things?

Balthier's left hand was resting on her hips while his other waved around animatedly as he spoke.

“Vaan, lad! Just in time!" Balthier heard Penelo choke a little.

Vaan watched the couple, wary and on edge. “For...what?" His eyes narrowed.

Balthier's smile never left his face.

“You can be the first witness!"

A confused, “What?" fell from Vaan's lips at the same time as a "W-wh-what!?" sputtered from Penelo's. Balthier swiftly turned her around to face him. He planted his hands on either side of her face, holding it firmly, grinning all the while. The poor girl never saw it coming. He dipped his head quickly, capturing her lips with his own. He heard Vaan fall against the wall, losing himself in the shock. He heard the knife fall from Penelo's hand to the floor. Slowly but surely, her hands came to rest on his waist then moved slowly to his chest.

Balthier pulled back, breathing deeply. His eyes searched Penelo's brightly flushed face. As her eyes opened slowly, he watched Vaan gather himself and clear his throat. Balthier moved his eyes back to her. She was currently trying to talk and catch her breath at the same time.

“W-w....whoa. What...what was that for?"

Vaan looked disbelievingly. Penelo wasn't trying to kill Balthier. Something wasn't...right.

“You’re gonna let him get away with that, Penelo? Seriously, Balthier! What is this about?"

Balthier looked to Penelo's lips longingly before answering their questions.

“I wanted Vaan to see this. What better way for people to figure out than for his big mouth to spread the word." Penelo smiled at his words, still catching her breath. Vaan seemed to gape before answering his remark.

“Hey! I'm not that bad! If you want me to keep it a secret, I will...Seriously."

Penelo looked back at Vaan with an incredulous look in her eyes.

“Vaan, you couldn't keep a secret even if you tried."

Balthier chuckled at that. It seemed they were teaming against the young man, and he almost felt bad...it's just that he was having so much fun for the first time in so long.

“Ya know...if this is what you guys are gonna do when fixing supper, I think I just want Penelo to fix it. Alone." With that Vaan turned around, making his way back down the hall to the cockpit. When Balthier turned his attention back to Penelo, her eyes were watching warily.

“Why’d you really do it?"

He smiled, throwing his arms around her, clutching her tightly. He placed his mouth next to her ear.

“I have bragging rights now, and I intend to implement them as much as possible."

Title: Basch/Penelo Drabbles

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 04:47:38 GMT

Characters: Basch/Penelo, and practically everyone else.
Rating: T for safety
Disclaimer: Square-Enix owns Final Fantasy 12.
Summary: A set of 18 drabbles, all pertaining to Basch and Penelo.

1. Airborn:

Flying in The Strahl was indeed a wonderful experience, but it didn't hold a candle compared how lighter than air she made him feel when they kissed.

2. Easy:

Watching him walk away with Larsa was the hardest thing she knew she'd ever have to do. Though, when they met again a year later, running to throw herself in to his arms was most naturally the easiest.

3. Talking:

They'd kept in touch through letters as though nothing were amiss, so when he and Larsa came to Dalmasca for a ball Queen Ashelia was hosting, it was nothing for them to pick up right where they left off.

4. Friends:

Hi, I'm Penelo. She said nervously, looking at the man that had been labeled a traitor. She smiled, holding her hand out. He took it gently, bringing it to his lips to kiss it softly before bowing to introduce himself. And I am Basch fon Ronsenburg, Captain of the Order. He smiled when he saw she was blushing. She spoke: So...are we gonna be friends? He nodded. It seemed like a good place to start.

5. Ruby:

He was entranced by the sparkling gems that were attached to practically every part of her dancer's costume. What he didn't see was her smile of victory, as the gems were there for that very purpose.

6. Horror:

She woke one night, crying and screaming. Everyone else woke too, but only one bothered to hold her tightly, warmly telling her it was all over; that he would drive the nightmares away too, like he drove the monsters away from the battlefield.

7. Tragedy:

She watched him walk away slowly after his brother's death. He was terribly confused and at odds with himself. She followed him, stood next to him, and slowly wrapped her arms around him as they both let tears fall silently. Tragedy took it's toll on everyone, it seemed. Even the lion-hearted ones.

8. Onyx:

The deep black color of his armor was a change to the usual she saw him in, but...Mmmm, She thought. Black suited him too.

9. Appetite:

He watched in awe, as the Dalmascan orphans ate their fill and possibly two other's as well. How in the World did they fit all that in there?

10. Silver:

On a lucky day off, they had decided to swim at the Phon Coast. She saw a glint coming from something on his person, and creeped up slowly to him, reaching her hand out to touch it. A beautiful silver bird, wings spread. It keeps me safe, his warm, low voice told her. She made a mental note to thank his protector while he wasn't looking.

11. Gold:

He helped as she made their supper, looking down occassionally when a flash of light would reach his peripheral vision. She caught him looking. It was my mother's, she said simply. He only nodded, reaching up to run his fingers along his on personal trinket. He understood all too well about wanting something, anything to remind him of home.

12. Hair:

She always had to help him romove the tangles and debris from the day out of his hair. She thought nothing of it. So when she was having a prticularly difficult day with her own, she was surprised to feel two strong hands take her brush from her hands; see two long legs stretch out on either side of her; hear his voice tell her to just relax and he'd take care of it all.

13. Muscle:

He laughed as he watched the two youngest argue over who had grown more muscle since the beginning of their journey. He decided to settle it. He walked up to them, one arm stretched out. They both stared in awe as he flexed one muscular arm, telling them both they had a while to go. What he didn't see was the blush covering her face as not-so-clean thoughts came across her mind of what she wanted to do with those arms wrapped around her.

14. Elderly:

Hey, Old Lady! Tell us about the Dancer and her Knight again! A child seated himself next to his friends at her feet. She smiled. She toyed with her wedding band, a silver bird with outstretched wings, as she retold the epic story of royalty, love and death. She wondered if they ever thought it to be as true as she knew it was.

15. Chocobos:

She tried again to get on it, but the damn bird just wouldn't hold still. She growled before she felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw his face smiling down at her. Care to share a ride with me, instead? he asked, his eyes laughing at her. She grinned, taking his hand and lifting her self up infront of him on the chocobo.

16. Dance:

The first time he saw her dance was at night around the campfire. Vaan played some sort of tinkling instrument, making a beat. He asked Ashe to participate, hitting her hands against her knees to add more to the music. Balthier clapped in time with it, while Fran just watched quietly. Penelo smiled softly, eyes closed as she twirled around the fire, arms moving gracefully. Even now, as he watches her dance with their three year old son, he is in awe of her movements.

17. Fever:

She sat quietly next to his bedroll in the tent as he slept. She would occassionally take a damp rag to his face, wiping it clean from the sweat. His hand reached up slowly, caressing her face as his eyes opened slowly. I'm better. He said, and all she could do was smile and nod, running her hand over his forehead.

OR

17. Fever:

He dabbed the cool cloth on her head again as she mumbled for another hallucination to go away. He frowned, gripping her hand and squeezing gently. She cried softly, grabbing his hand with her other one. Make it stop, Basch. Please, make it go away. He shuddered in his breaths, leaning down to kiss her forehead softly. As he sat back up, he looked at her. She smiled softly. Thank you. Then she was out again.

18. The Rains:

He watched from an overhang as she danced and twirled, the rain bouncing off her form to the ground below. It was truly something magical to see, and it brought him a new found love for the Giza Rains.