Authors note: This is my first fic so please be firm but encouraging when reviewing :D! Disclaimer: Despite my most feverish wishes I do not own Balthier or final fantasy. It belongs to Square Enix.
Balthier had never been undaunted by the vast depths of the sky. He was the young man who enjoyed a challenge. As he learnt to sail over its hidden emotion the more he understood it. He had once theorized the sky was a woman, alluring and secretive with her many whispering stars. Which would make him her lover...yes, yes, he liked the sound of that. Next time someone – Vaan - asked him where his heart lies he'd recite that little phrase.
But, no, it's just not polished enough for him to recite to his doting audience. Lover was not the correct word. A lover is not fixed...easily displaced. He needed a stronger word, something more permanent...family. He supposed it fitted his criteria but it was a word he detested. The only thing his father had delivered was a flash of steel to be buried in his back. No, he was being biased. There had still been some fatherly affection in the old man's eyes.
Still, the word would not suffice. He knew the word he was looking for. It was on the very tip of his tongue, so close it was dancing on his lips. It was a word he had forged an indefinable bond with. Certainly this was a word to strike awe into that impressionable boys mind.
If only he could remember it. This was not like him. He must be deprived of sleep. The word, loving gift wrapped, would be waiting for him in the morning. Sighing, he turned over in his bed so Fran's hair tickled the tip of his nose.
Ah, he had it! How had it not occurred to him earlier? The very word itself was perfection. Gently he repeated it to himself, lulling him into a blissful, dreamless sleep...
...Fran, Fran, Fran, Fran, Fran...Fran...