Understanding

by Puppy Noelle

Disclaimer: you know the drill
Description: collection of FFXII character drabbles. Mostly Vaan/Ashe.
Genres: General
Pairings: Vaan/Ashe, possible Larsa/Penelo and/or Balthier/Fran in future chapters
Rating: PG/K+

---------------------------------

Her eyelids fluttered open. Reminiscence. As the smile faded from her soft lips, her steel-blue eyes danced along the cold, white stone of the palace walls. It had been far too long since she'd seen his cheerful face. Her duties as queen kept her from such pleasantries. Yet it was also his dream of freedom that kept his pale blonde hair from her sight. She had never before imagined him in such light, yet no longer could she deny his boyish charms. For someone to make her smile again, after the loss of everything she held dear... it was truly a miracle.

Her eyes fluttered shut again. While she rested her body upon the delicate fabric of her throne, she allowed her mind to fly her to the time when she had no worries of how to run her kingdom, when she instead fought for its freedom. She thought of the boy from her very kingdom who gave her the strength to continue forward. Her memories overtook all her senses, and the sudden emergence of a distinct male voice yanked her from her daydream.

"Hey Ashe. Long time no see."

It was him. He was here, in the palace, standing before her in his usual jovial manner.

"Vaan!" She yelled, leaping into his arms. His strong arms did not hesitate to snake themselves around her waist as he returned the embrace.

"What are you doing here? You're supposed to be off pirating." She asked as they finally pulled apart.

"Well I figured I'd drop in and, well... steal you away for one last adventure before everything changes," he replied, a secret hidden behind his silver eyes.

She knew nothing of his intentions until he had properly smuggled her into his airship, and slipped a simple, yet magnificent ring onto her finger.

As the pair merrily strolled through the crowded streets of the capital, fingers firmly laced together, they had not a care but that of their own joy. Of all the trials they had faced, they knew their engagement would only bring more, but it mattered not. The queen received a second chance at true love, and the dreamer received his chance to be seen as more than a common thief.

---------------------------------

I hope you enjoyed! …and the next one is a Larsa/Penelo!

Much love!