So this is a little fic I've been considering writing for a month or so now that is very close to my heart. I don't really know how long it will be or how it will end yet, but I usually don't when I start these things. I hope you enjoy my freaky little darlings. Solus is latin for "The Only"
Solus
Chapter 1: All I Can Give You
Balthier traced the small icy river of melting snow with a ringed finger as it trickled down the windowpane, watching silently as it dripped from the glass to the street below. The sun had only begun to rise in the East, sending small rays of golden light spilling through the window. He felt a strong hand caress his neck and turned his face toward the warmth of Basch's calloused fingers. He hoped silently that Basch would not speak. That he would let him have this moment of bliss. They were few and far between these days.
"You should get dressed," Basch softened the blow with a soft kiss to the pirate's shoulder.
Balthier rolled away from Basch's touch and sighed, "I suppose you're eager to have breakfast with your wife."
Basch cursed under his breath as he rose from the bed, "Don't do this Balthier, not today."
"Fine."
Basch's expression softened as he watched Balthier slowly begin to dress and he sat down, pulling Balthier into his lap as he did, "I know this is hard lover," he whispered against the pirate's ear, "but you know my marriage to Ashe is a necessity. You know my heart belongs to you."
Balthier let his head fall back against Basch's strong chest, "Do you love her?"
"Goddamnit Balthier stop it!"
Balthier pulled away once again, "I suppose I'll see you at seven then," he grumbled, throwing his shirt on quickly and grabbing his shoes.
Basch frowned, "Fuck I forgot to tell you…"
Balthier crossed his arms, "Tell me what?," he growled.
"I have to go to Archades for a few days, I'll be back before the week is out I promise."
The pirate snorted in anger and turned away, trying his best to blink back the tears that threatened to spill down his cheeks at any moment, "Do you have to go?"
"Ashe insisted on it."
Ashe. Of course she'd insisted on it, Balthier thought to himself. It wouldn't do for the people to find out that the marriage of their beloved king and queen was a farce, no more than a political ploy. And Basch was all too good at playing the part of loving husband.
"I guess I'll see you when you return." The words sounded hollow as he said them.
"You're upset."
Balthier shook his head, "A king has his duties to consider."
He didn't give Basch time to reply before he walked away without looking back.
"Balthier…" Basch whispered after his love, "This is all I can give you."
To Be Continued…