In Your Arms
DG32173

Sarah: enjoy! Also, this chapter will alternate between Vaan's and Balthier's POV.

DISCLAIMER
This is a fanfic; that means it's written by a fan. If I made the game, I would have put a lot more Balthier/Vaan innuendoes in it. But I don't, so there isn't.

REVIEWER REPLIES
Here are a few shout-outs to those whose reviews earn a reply. Doesn't mean that I don't appreciate all you reviewers! It's just some had things I felt like commenting on.

Sapphirethief
What is Vaan's next move? Hehehe, you'll see soon enough. Next move will be made while he's sober, though!

KEY
(Authors note)
"Talking"
'Thinking'
Scene change
POV change
Memory/dreams
Scene change in memory


Chapter 3
Morning

Vaan

I groan as I slowly wake up. First and foremost is the presence of a severe headache, no doubt a symptom of the hangover that I have from the excessive drinking last night. Second is the memory of what all that liquor led me to do. Dammit! Why the hell had I done that? Sure I enjoy Balthier's company, and sure, I have a bit of a crush on him. But to kiss him without giving him a warning?

"So you're awake," his amused voice sounds from nearby.

"Shut up," I groan.

"You want something for that hangover?"

"Anything."

I can hear the smirk in his voice. "Anything, you say?"

I huff. "You know what I mean," I growl.

He just chuckles and presses a warm cup into my hand as I slowly sit up, keeping my eyes closed. "Drink. It will help with the headache," he says.

Balthier

I watch as Vaan slowly sips on the hot tea, keeping his eyes closed against the bright sunlight coming in the window next to his bed. Typically, I don't share my herbal tea; but considering how much alcohol was in his system last night and how rarely he drinks, I'll make an exception this time.

Once he finishes the tea, he slowly blinks his eyes open. "I am never gonna get drunk again," he complains.

"Am I that bad at kissing?" I tease. I chuckle as he blushes.

"That was my first kiss, so I wouldn't know," he growls.

"I'm honored to be the first," I tell him, my voice filled with my amusement.

"Shut up," he says, his blush deepening.

Vaan

Gods, why did he have to bring that up? I would have pretended that it was just a dream if he hadn't mentioned it! A good dream, I guess, but still a dream. But no, he just had to bring it up! Oh man, and why the hell is he teasing me so much today? He's in an awful good mood for some reason.

And why the hell is he staring at my lips? What on Ivalice could he be thinking? Why is he leaning closer to me? Oh man, what is he planning on doing?

Balthier

Just as I'm about six inches from kissing Vaan, a knock on the door interrupts me. "Breakfast!" the voice of last night's barkeeper is slightly muffled by the thick door.

I back away from Vaan, mentally cursing that girl for ruining my chance, as said girl comes in with a tray laden with excellent smelling food. Again, I'm not certain what the food is, but I'm willing to bet that it tastes better than it smells, just like last night's meal had.

She lays the tray on the table near the door. "Eat up and enjoy," she says, her green eyes twinkling with merriment.

"What's your name?" Vaan asks.

"Everyone calls me 'Affi'," she replies. (Yes, the exact same "Affi" from Red Magic. This is gonna be fun.) "Oh, and check out is in two hours … unless you plan on staying another night and paying full price?" she asks.

Vaan opens his mouth to ask how much full price is, but I cut in first. "No, thank you," I say. "Do you, by chance, have a map of the area? And what is the name of this mountain range?"

"You're in the Olympian Mountain Range," she replies. "Some say this mountain range is closer to the home of the gods than anywhere else in Ivalice. And as for a map, there's a Cartographer's Guild moogle staying here for a few days. You can ask her for one, though I doubt it will be cheap, considering how far the mountains spread."

"Are there any other taverns in these mountains?" I ask.

"Oh, a few are scattered here and there," she replies. "Each tavern has its own merchant that resides there, though, so you can always stock up on supplies and other necessities for the mountains. Just be careful when the snow storms kick up; powerful elementals come out of hiding when those things blow in. And the storms can last for hours or even days at a time."

"Thank you, Affi. We'll be sure to see what this tavern's merchant has to offer before we leave," I reply.

She grins. "Anytime. And if the barkeepers at the other taverns try to tell you there are no rooms, just tell them Affi is on your side. They'll find a room for ya real quick. Well, when you're ready to leave, come down and let me know, I'll have someone from cleaning in here to straighten up and take care of the dishes. Enjoy your meal." With that, she leaves us to our breakfast.

When we're done, we take turns in the shower to wash away the last three days grit and grime from our bodies. Then we pack our bags and leave the room. We stop by the Cartographer's Guild moogle and buy a map of the area for about one thousand Gil. Then we let Affi know that we're ready to leave. She points out the tavern's merchant for us. We purchase as many supplies as our remaining Gil will buy, then we head back out into the snow.


Sarah: well, that's it for this chapter! Hope you enjoyed! The rest of the fic will mostly be from Balthier's point of view. I only put Vaan's point of view in this chapter because it seemed right for the situation.