Penelo:

Penelo:

I woke up to the sound of clashing iron. I jolted up with a start, knocking my head against the ceiling of my very small sleeping quarters. In the half dream state that I was currently in, I immediately thought there must be a battle ensuing outside of the slim curtain that protected my bed from the rest of the airship. Heart hammering, I slowly peeled back that curtain, to get a closer look. I let out a burst of laughter. Balthier lay on the floor, his right hand massaging his head, where I assumed the large metal rod that now lay on the floor had fallen on him. He looked warily up at me, and then let out a reluctant smile.

"Go back to bed. There's nothing to see," he slowly stood up, swaying slightly.

"On the contrary, I'm sorry I missed whatever happened just then. I think I would have gotten a good laugh out of it."

I hoped gingerly off of my caught, partially flaunting my ability to steadily move my feet. I placed a hand where an enormous red-blue bump was now forming on his forehead. He jerked his head back quickly.

"Sorry! Did that hurt?" I asked in alarm.

His cheeks grew red, or at least more red than they already were.

"No, well, actually yes. Perhaps you could refrain from poking at my injuries in the future. Much obliged."

He bent to pick the fallen rod up, and rested it gently against the wall. Still swaying slightly, he proceeded to leave the sleeping quarters. I followed. Once I was awake there was no way that I would fall back asleep.

"So, how did this all happen?"

He grimaced.

"Frankly, I don't believe its any of your business."

"Well, seeing as how you robbed me of my sleep, I would say it's very much my business."

"Hmph"

He walked to the little parlor that led to the control room, and sank slowly onto one of the couches. I sat in a richly ornamented armchair to his right. With the only light entering the room coming from a foggy lamp in the corner, the room appeared suddenly very eerie. The dark didn't sit well with me. I fidgeted nervously in my chair, and then half walked-half ran to Balthier. I plopped down beside him, barely able to pretend nonchalance.

I looked more closely at his injury. He turned to look at me then, our eyes meeting. Perhaps it was the darkness of the room, but his blush seemed to deepen, and our lips appeared to be very close.

Balthier:

Gods damn it!

Well, I suppose this is what you get when you try to use the lavatory in the dead of night. Had that pole always been there? With a groan, I slowly moved it off my now throbbing head and onto the floor beside me. I heard her laugh before I saw her peeking from behind the curtain.

Perfect.

I felt my cheeks burning, and raised my hand to my face to cover them, pretending I was examining the wound. How does she have the ability to make me feel so stupid?

I was barely able to form coherent sentences before she touched my forehead. Now, I doubt I'll be able to stand, let alone walk. I made for the doorway as quickly as possible. I heard her trailing behind, my head willing her to stop, but the rest of me wanting her to follow. My legs were turning to jelly by the time I made it to the parlor, and decided it was best to stop. For a few moments we sat in silence, though I noticed every slight movement she made. Then, she was next to me. Her eyes were still so bright in the dimness, and her lips looked so soft.

Vaan:

Asleep.