Its another day in Rabanastre and Vaan and Penelo are walking around.

"Vaan. Vaan! Are you listening?"

"Hm? Oh yeah. Sure."

Penelo sighed. "Oh Vaan. I said I was going out to dinner with Baltheir tonight."

This got Vaans attention. "What? Isn't he a little old for you Penelo?"

She stifled a laugh. "Whatever." But Vaan was all business.

"Penelo! I mean it!" As he said these lines, Vaan started to wonder why he cared so much. It wasn't like he liked Penelo, right?

So what would explain the quick beating of his heart and the anger he felt when he thought of Penelo with some other guy?

"Vaan, I'm going to be okay. Hey, come over around six to help me get ready?"

He knew only girls did this but he and Penelo shared a house anyway. "Fine. I'll be there. But Penelo he's too old for you!"

Penelo responded by sticking out her tongue at him. "I'll see you in an hour Vaan." With that she kissed his cheek and ran home.

Vaan watched her until she was merely a dot in the horizon. Then he braced against a wall and slid down until he was sitting. What was wrong with him?

He'd never felt this way towards Penelo before. The remembrance of her kiss made his face flame. He sat there for a while until he realized someone's shadow leaning over him. He looked up. It was Baltheir.

"Vaan. What are you doing?"
"I think the better question is what's wrong with YOU?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Penelo is too young for you! Why are you taking her out to dinner? Baltheir, ANSWER ME!" By now, Vaan was on his feet.

Baltheir stood there looking puzzled. "Vaan, I got off my airship two minutes ago. I haven't talked to anyone but Fran for the past six days. What are you talking about?"

"Well, Penelo said you were taking her-"

Baltheir put his hand on Vaan's shoulder. "I'm afraid my dear Vaan, that you've been set up."

"Set up? Why? I don't like Penelo!" As he said those words his heart sped up and his face turned red.

"Ah. I'm sure you don't. Well, it's almost six. I better get going."

"Oh! I promised Penelo I'd meet her at our house to help her get ready for your…ah…um…"

"I told you it was a set up. Go."

With that Vaan ran off, not really sure what to say or do to Penelo. Baltheir chuckled as he watched. This should be interesting he thought.