A/N:
Well well, here lies 30 ficlets containing our lovely group of Vaan, Penelo, Balthier, Fran, Basch, and Ashe - and I'll be pairing them up like a boss. I know what you're thinking: "But swirlpop! Say it isn't so! Goodness golly jeepers!"
But oh ho ho, that's right! You will be seeing some not-so-unusual pairings, and some rather unusual pairings. Some shall be filled with fluff; others, more subtle. In a nutshell, everyone will get a turn with everyone. Twice. Those fickle bastards.
And as per usual, reviews & messages are always appreciated (and loveraepz'd by all of my penises). :3
Onwards, mateys!
Vaan x Ashe.
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As soon as the woman jumped off the edge of the walkway and into his arms, Vaan was smitten. That youthful tinge of infatuation made him pay no mind to the numerous soldiers chasing her and the incredulous sky pirates behind him. Time stopped in that instant, just for him.
He let out a slow breath; every inhalation she took seemed like the most precious bounty within his arms. Each bead and trinket on her shortened pants stole Vaan's attention like how he stole laden purses. All he could focus on were the heated beads of her perspiration gluing together with the slick sweat of his own body.
He was instantly and thoroughly enamored.
Only when she leaped out of his arms did he leap out of his sudden obsession; the hands of time creaked forward again, and he slammed back into reality's cruel vice.
But the soldiers advancing towards them alerted him that it was time to fight.
Seeing her graceful swordsmanship against the armored enemies was a downright hindrance to Vaan's own performance. Balthier and Fran were doing most of the work while Vaan tossed a few jabs of his dagger here and there. He missed every target.
After they finally defeated the soldiers, Vaan couldn't help wondering about the stranger's well-being. He ran up to her, anxious yet wholly prepared to catch her in his arms once more if need be. "You all right?" he questioned.
The woman turned to face him with an expression that was grateful, proud, and oddly regal. "Thank you."
Vaan cracked a lopsided, shy smile. "Um, I'm Vaan. And this is Balthier," he said while motioning behind him. "And-"
After hearing his name, the man not-so-subtly walked away from the scene, loathe to become mixed up with any of their dealings.
"Hey!"
Balthier stopped in his tracks and gave an exasperated sigh. At least he tried.
Vaan spun back around to look at the mysterious woman once again. "What's your name?"
She hesitated for a moment, warily regarding him with thin-pressed lips. "Amalia," she spoke.
"Amalia, huh?" He smiled at her, alight with boyish exuberance. "Nice to meet you."