A/N: This is just and idea that popped into my head. Maybe a side story from a project I'm working on anyway it is a short one shot so take it easy on me with the reviews. Also the first time I write an FFXII fic so again take it easy on me...

Scars

The rains in Cerobi Steppe were never welcomed by anyone but Balthier begged to differ as the cool tiny droplets were welcome on his badly burned back. He and Fran had decided to go on a mark hunt for an ancient wyrm, but the beast proved it was no easy conquest especially when one of the fireballs it threw was aimed at Fran and in order to protect her and take a decisive shot, he used his back as a shield and hence, the reason he had now a burn scar on his back.

He sighed in relief, shirt and vest discarded on the ground though he doubted they would do any better as they were burned at the back. Yet, he wouldn't erase this scar and so many others he bared. Once fully dressed, no one could see them but they were there, his face remains flawless yet his back and chest do not, and the only one to know is the very person he had gained them for. Everytime he had a new scar it was because he had protected his partner, watching her back.

He hissed suddenly as a flare of pain came from his back as Fran ran her hands on it putting salve on the wounds. "Fran careful... I know you mean well but.... a little softer would be appreciated" he said barely above a whisper but he knew she had heard him because her strokes had had grown more delicate. He sighed again, relief washing over him.

Suddenly, he felt her stop and press her head against his back, "Fran--?" he began but she just shushed him. Her eyes were closed as the cool of her helmet eased some discomfort from his scorching back. Balthier only smirked, she was always trying to look out for him as well, tending to his wounds inflicted because of her just as he used himself as a shield receiving most wounds meant for her. "Why are humes such fools? They give away their lives as if it was nothing" she asked her eyes opening but her head still at his back.

Balthier looked at the cloudy skies, it had stopped raining.

A few years ago, when he had first met her she had asked the same question to him and it had gone unanswered then. At first he had thought it was in Viera nature to be this curious but much later he learned that it was just the way Fran was, always going against the current just like him, that just made him smile. "I guess it is our own rejected instincts. We give our lives for stupid things and greater things as well... Treasures, a kingdom, friends or... the love of our life..." he answered her and he turned around to look at her crimson gaze, "Even if we are foolish to do such things... In the end it is worth it, because you protect that which you heart tells you" he said still looking at her eyes seeming to be enthralled by her.

Fran just smiled, it was rare to see her smile at times but Balthier enjoyed the little moments like these, when he managed to mke her laugh or smile. He placed his forehead against hers, "Thank you Fran" he whispered and Fran herself replied the same, "Thank you Ffamran"

The rains in Cerobi Steppe were never welcomed in the Cerobi Steppe but both Fran and Balthier begged to differ...