After Midnight
Chapter 2
by Rena-Chan44
Story Name: After Midnight
Author: Rena-Chan44
Summary: From the moment I met him, I had always tried to tell myself it was just a petty little crush. Boy, was I ever wrong. PeneloxBalthier
Disclaimer: I don't own Final Fantasty XII, or any of its characters. Square Enix, does. So please don't sue. Only the plot of this story is mine.
X-X-X-X
"Wake up, Penelo." a smooth voice said. Even in my half-asleep state, I could still recognize it; especially since I had dreamed of its owner all night.
I sighed and kept my eyes closed. Whatever I was resting on was warm and comfortable...I wasn't about to give it up soon.
"Hmm..." I heard him say again, gently nudging me, "I suppose she doesn't want to wake up."
He was either talking to himself or talking to someone else. I went with the latter...unless Balthier had suddenly developed a case of temporary insanity. I doubted that.
"Just wake her up already!!" I heard someone complain. I guessed Vaan.
I now knew I would have to wake up sooner or later, especially if Vaan was involved. Last time I refused to wake up, he had decided to find something that would make a bunch of annoying noises. Allow me to say, it worked.
"Calm down, Vaan." I heard Balthier reply in my--or his, defense. "I happen to recall a certain someone who did not want to take their shift last night. So, in consequence, everyone got to sleep while your girl had to take watch."
Vaan grumbled. "Fine! But we have to leave soon." I heard the sound of retreating footsteps. He was gone.
I decided it was safe to open my eyes now without being complained at by an annoyed Vaan. Sometimes, I found he could get a little annoying. But, regardless, he was my best friend.
I wondered how I had gotten on my mat, instead of by the fire, where I had last fallen asleep. I smiled at the memory.
The first thing I saw was a very amused looking Balthier standing above me. Why did he look like that?
"You were awake the entire time." he told me.
I sat up. How did he know that? Was I that bad of an actress?
"H-How," I stuttered, "How did you know that?"
He smiled. "Hnn…perhaps the fact that you were blushing in your 'sleep' gave it away." I watched in awe as he bent down beside me. He moved his face closer to mine. My breath hitched in my throat and I fought back the urge to gasp. "But...as I told you, it just makes it all the better for me."
And with that, he stood up and walked away, leaving me dazzled there and stuck on the spot.
"Gods," I said to myself, "I swear he knows..."
X-X-X-X
We were finally out of the desert and I was immensely grateful. I know I was being a bit of a brat, but I swear, one more minute in that immense heat, and I would explode. Not to mention that I found it hard to concentrate. I remembered what Balthier had told me before he walked away, and how close his face was to mine, I could feel his breath on my face...it drove me insane that someone had such an effect on me. Needless to say, I was still a little dazed.
The hunt that we had been on (that's what it was, huh?) was a great success and we had found what we were looking for. Back in Rabanstre, Vaan ran straight to the Sandsea to collect our prize, and then to buy some equipment and items with our newly acquired gil, but the rest of us were going to stay behind.
We had waited around for quite a while, until Vaan came back and showed us all of the things we had earned. Finally, the group decided to spilt up and rest a little. It had been a while since we had a chance to rest or have some fun.
Ashe and Basch made up their minds first and told us they were going to go rest at an inn for a little while, and that they would get us rooms as well.
Balthier suggested that he and Fran go to the Sandsea. Fran, of course, agreed and followed him. But then, he asked something that truly surprised me.
"Penelo," he asked smoothly, "Would you like to come along?"
He had asked me to go with...him? I was in awe. I noticed, from the corner of my eye, Vaan's jaw dropping.
"...sure." I said, trying to not to sound too surprised.
He tilted his head to one side, "Vaan? You can come too, if you'd like, unless you are too busy catching flies in your mouth."
I giggled and Vaan smiled sheepishly. "Of course," Vaan answered, "But just because Penelo's going. Got to keep and eye on her."
I groaned inwardly. What a lie. As if he needed to keep an eye on me. I needed to keep an eye on him.
"Well, then." Balthier said, "Let us go."
X-X-X-X
"Come, Penelo." Balthier said, "We'll sit back there." He pointed out the table in the very back on the balcony. I followed him and Fran up the stairs.
I sat, and then Fran and Balthier sat across from me. Vaan sat down beside me.
Fran was silent. I wondered why she was always so quiet.
Soon, Balthier and Fran had ordered drinks, and Vaan ordered something to eat. I had declined.
I watched quietly as they sat and drank, talking amiably. I thought to myself while they were speaking.
I had always wondered how Balthier and Fran had met. It was so unlikely, a Hume and a Viera, but to them, it seemed as if race didn't bother them at all. They fit so well together, they were great friends and partners. But was there more to thier relationship than that? I felt my stomach twist at the mere thought of them being in love. Of course I wanted them to be happy, but, I don't think I could have taken it if they would be together openly. On the other hand, it just kept me wondering.
I pondered on this for a while, until a familiar voice broke me from my thoughts.
"Penelo?" he asked, "Are you okay?" I must've looked really weird, randomly thinking and making faces to myself. I tend to do that sometimes.
"Oh! Yes...I'm great!" I said embarrassed. I flushed.
I saw him grin. I knew why. "Well...you look bored. Are you sure you don't want anything?"
"Of course not." I told him.
"Well, okay." He turned to Fran and Vaan.
Vaan was telling them all about the new sword he had purchased for himself. I nodded and laughed at the appropriate times, but my heart wasn't really in it. He continued on, suggesting that we should also buy some new equipment.
I let my mind wander to other things...Balthier, particularly, and soon enough, it was time to leave.
Vaan yawned loudly, "Okay, do you want to leave now?"
I smiled slightly, "Sure, I will, at least. Ashe said she got us rooms, right?"
I watched as Balthier turned towards us and raised an eyebrow. "Don't you two live in this town?"
"Well...err...yes, but we live with a friend of ours. We don't want to disrupt him though...it's late." Penelo explained.
"Alright."
I smiled. Fran got up and so did Balthier. Vaan grabbed my arm, and soon we were on our way to the inn.
X-X-X-X
When we entered, Balthier went over to the front desk. Ashe had left us a message with our keycards and room numbers. I looked over Vaan's shoulder as we crowded around the note to read it.
"I hope you do not mind that I reserved rooms for you,
Fran and Penelo will be in Room 200 on the second floor.
Balthier and Vaan will be in Room 201 across the hall.
Here are the keycards. I am in Room 203 and Basch is in 204.
-Ashe."
I looked up at everyone else when I was done reading; they seemed to be finished too. Fran distributed our keycards and we followed her upstairs. I looked out a window and noticed that it had begun raining. I sighed. It had been raining a lot of the late in Rabanastre.
When we finally located our rooms, we all entered Fran's and my room so we could talk for awhile. Talking outside would be a bad idea since everyone was trying to sleep. I sure didn't want any grumpy people yelling at me to shut up.
The room wasn't very big, but it had enough room for two beds, a small bathroom and a seating area with four chairs. I sat on one of the chairs and my allies were soon to follow.
My eyes widened when I noticed that Balthier had his arm slung casually on the back of my chair. Now, why was he doing that? I composed myself and tried to follow along with what they were conversing about...I think they were discussing what they wanted to do next before we left for our next hunt.
I honestly could not concentrate on what they were saying if my life depended on it. I groaned. Balthier was such a distraction. Everyone stopped talking and looked at me.
"Oh...hehe, sorry. I'm fine." I rushed out, before they could ask any questions.
Fran lifted an eyebrow and Vaan just stared at me as if I was mentally unwell. Balthier gave me a look I couldn't distinguish.
"Well." Fran suggested, still looking at me, "Perhaps we are tired and should rest now."
Though she said 'we', I knew that comment was probably directed towards me. It looks like all my friends thought I was insane now. Perfect, I thought.
"Okay." Vaan said, "Goodnight then." He left.
Balthier got up and adjusted the cuffs on his shirt. I watched silently as he walked over to Fran and whispered something to her.
She gave him a death glare.
"Okay...okay," he said, "It was just an idea."
"Out." She told him. I giggled.
He walked over to the door, "Goodnight, then." and left.
I walked over to Fran, and tilted my head to one side, hands behind my back, "What did he say, Fran?"
She rubbed her forehead, "Just nonsense, is all."
"Okay..." I replied, not completely believing her. But, I didn't want to push her so I left it at that.
There was a silence. I didn't really know what to say around her. She seemed so mature and wise, that I knew anything I would say would just sound stupid.
I racked my brain. "Uh...do you mind if I have the bed on the right?"
"Sure." she replied politely and sat down on the other bed. Of course, it didn't really bother me, but I needed something to say.
I decided to get ready for bed so I grabbed my bag and headed over to the bathroom. I took my time, knowing that Fran usually wouldn't mind. I started by changing into some sleeping clothes. I brushed my teeth and undid my hair. My hair always had a permanent kink in the back because I braided them every day. I tried to comb it out. It wasn't happening, but I continued. I mind wandered to the event that had just taken place. It was beginning to bug me. Why was he so difficult to understand? He would just go and do things, and I didn't know why. Like the thing with Fran, or that night by the fire. I was very confused.
I gave up on straightening my hair and exited the bathroom. I walked over to my bed and lay down after putting away my things. I pulled the blanket over myself and closed my eyes. I could faintly hear the sound of water running in the other room. It was Fran, no doubt.
I tried my best to sleep...but I just kept thinking about how Balthier's behavior confused me. Maybe I wasn't confused. Maybe I just wished I could act on impulse like he did...or maybe I was over-reacting because I liked him so much. I didn't know.
It was completly dark and silent in the room. Fran must've returned while I was thinking. How long had it been? I looked at the clock on the table between us. Wow, thirty minutes.
The silence was broken when I suddenly heard the sound of footsteps next door to the right. My eyes shot open. I heard someone open their door and step out. It closed. It was quiet again for a few seconds. The footsteps started again.
I got out of bed quietly and tiptoed over to the door. Who was going out this late at night? Ashe? Vaan? Could it be Balthier? I tried to remember who it was in the room to my right. Room...201. Then it was Balthier. Vaan usually slept through the entire night, didn't he?
I felt the sudden urge to go see him, but I stopped myself. What would I say? 'I was just going for a walk' sounded pretty dumb at two in the morning. But then again, if I didn't follow him, I wouldn't be able to find out where he was going. Maybe it had something to do with what he had told Fran earlier? But what if I woke Fran or one of my allies up? Then what would I say? 'I was just following Balthier around because I secretly love him' didn't sound so great either.
I sighed and decided to go against all of my logic. I had been doing that a lot lately. I opened the door and snuck down the hall. No sign of anyone anywhere so I headed down the other end of the hall. It suddenly occurred to me that maybe I shouldn't be doing this while wearing my Pajamas. But I would wake Fran if I was to go back...so I guess I had no choice.
I continued my trek down the hall and looked around the corner. No one there either. It was then that I felt someone place their hand on my back. I gasped and turned around.
I expected to see someone else than who stood before me. Instead, I saw a head of blond hair.
"Penelo?" Vaan asked, "What are you doing out here?"
"Oh! Um..." I said, "I heard this noise and I wanted to...err...check it out?" My answer sounded more like a question. I doubted he would buy that.
"Sure..." he replied."How about we get you back to your room now?"
"I'm not crazy." I scowled.
"I know. Here." I pushed me in the room and said goodnight.
I entered my room quietly and snuck into my bed. I sighed quietly. Maybe I was crazy, expecting Balthier to randomly show up places after midnight.
I closed my eyes and fell asleep soon after.
X-X-X-X
A/n: And there's chapter two. Hope it was good. I bet everyone was expecting Balthier to be the one out in the hall. So was I. I had it planned that way until the very end. I don't know...I just couldn't think of a good enough reason for Balthier randomly sneaking out. (Vaan was getting more pillows from the front desk, I suppose.)
Anyways, if anyone has any suggestions for the story, I would be glad to hear them:)
Thanks for all of the reviews last time. It really helped. Go Banelo/Benelo.
Rena-chan44