A/N: I apologize greatly to those of you who have been watching and waiting for additions to this story. Luckily for you, my FFXII bug is back {for the moment} so I'll write as much as I legally can before my CloTi OTP disease comes back. Again, I'm super sorry,but I hope you will find these next additions to the story refreshing and enjoyable...I like this chapter a bunch. I promise I'll make them longer. But I'm tired right now...----MS

Vaan paced throughout the bungalow the night after his meeting with Balthier. His mind was racing with thoughts of exploring the Golmore Jungle in search of the Wild Malboro. He fantasized about slaying the fell creature using the steel blade he cherished, the look on Penelo's face as he said "I told you so." Getting there proved to be rather difficult, as he was sure that Gurdy wouldn't let him or Penelo out of the coast. If they managed to get there with Balthier and Fran, he could take care of himself on the way back. Vaan sighed. It really was too much to think about.

He gazed at Penelo, who was sleeping silently on her bed,her mouth opening with each breath. Vaan bit his lip and gave another sigh, staring out the window to the gentle rythmns of the ocean. He gave in to his instinct and made his way to the shore, wetting his feet in the chilled water. He sat in the sand and gazed upwards towards the unhindered expanse of stars that blanketed the heavens. He loved the coast, it's beauties shared with Penelo. Vaan had never realized the true nature of it, the massive amounts of wonder and amazement he felt whenever he laid eyes on the water. Somewhere within his mind he attributed this to Penelo as well, blushing shamefully afterwards.

"Hey,Vaan!" The girl called from somewhere in the distance. "Vaan!" The boy rolled over on his back and looked for her.

"I'm over here,Penelo." he said. A few moments later he heard her gentle steps in the sand. She looked at him.

"What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?" she asked. Vaan yawned.

"I dunno. I was thinking about sleeping."

"Why don't you sleep inside for a change,Vaan?" Penelo rolled her eyes. "You have a bed,ya know."

"So?" Vaan grunted as he stood up, facing Penelo. "Beds aren't always comfortable, ya know." he poked her side playfully. Penelo grabbed for him, but the boy dodged her hands with a chuckle. "Hey, what're you trying to pull?

"I'll pull your ear if you don't stop messing around." Penelo said softly. Vaan's eyes widened.

"You wouldn't."

"Watch me." Penelo dove for him, and Vaan yelped as he felt himself fall onto the sand with a dull thud.

"No!" Vaan cried as the girl told hold of his ear and tugged. Penelo laughed and released him. Vaan pouted as she climbed off him.

"That'll teach you." Penelo said with a wink. Vaan snorted.

"Lot of teaching that'll do me." he muttered, brushing off excess sand from his hair and pants. Penelo looked at him and smiled.

"What are you doing out here anyway?"

"Nothing. Just thinking." Vaan replied, his eyes for the ocean again. Penelo looked at him thoughtfully.

"About..."

"You..." Vaan said unknowingly. He shook his head with realization as Penelo gave a slight flush. "No, I mean, I wasn't thinking about you like, thinking about you...just,like, how you're like the ocean...I mean you're really cold all the time;even in the summer and you destroy ships and stuff but still have really pretty beaches and sand..." Vaan was flustered, at a loss for words. Penelo said nothing for awhile.

"Vaan,I...thanks." she gave him a smile, and Vaan relaxed. The tension in his body was palpable.

"Yeah. Sure." he said, rubbing his neck. "I think I'll go inside now..." Penelo took his arm gently.

"Good. That way I can make breakfast in the morning and not have to worry about you being washed out during high tide." Vaan chuckled.

"Yeah,yeah,whatever."