Been doing a lot of updating lately, and I think it's getting on my boyfriend's nerves that I've been spending so much time on it, but I'm only one guy, and doing three fics at once isn't the smartest idea I've ever had, so bear with me…my brain is fried. Hopefully my plots aren't getting mixed together, seeing as Balthier is injured in all three fics right now (lol, I can't help it. I must keep him injured) Hope you are enjoying my freaky little darlings.

This Is Who I Am

Chapter 4

He had finally gotten Vaan to sleep, and Balthier was enjoying the first bit of peace and quiet he'd had in what seemed like months. Sitting in the cockpit of the Strahl, his foot propped up on the controls, and a good book in his hands had put him in a surprisingly good mood…for someone who just had to tell the boy he loved that he was dying that is. He tried to focus on his book, "The Essential Airship Maintenance Handbook," but his mind kept wandering. He didn't hear Fran come in, but he knew she was there just the same. He knew her too well, and she couldn't sneak up on him like she used to.

"Still mad at me?" he asked without looking up.

She sat down across from him, "I am your partner Balthier. Why is it that you did not tell me you were ill?"

Balthier sighed and closed his book, "I hate sympathy."

"You do not seem to mind when it comes from Captain Ronsenburg," she said coolly.

"That isn't fair Fran."

She almost looked apologetic, "I thought you valued my counsel more than that is all."

He sat up and took both her hands in his own, "Fran, dearest, you are my closest friend, and I value your counsel above any other, but I haven't had time to deal with this myself yet. I can't be expected to help others deal with it. Vaan is threatening suicide, your mad at me…Basch is…ridiculously paternal all of the sudden, Penelo just stares at me, and Ashe keeps asking me if I'd like chicken soup. You all seem to have forgotten that I just found out I'm dying…it…it isn't the easiest thing to come to terms with you know."

She didn't seem satisfied with his answer.

"I'm sorry, Fran," he said finally, "Is that what you want to hear?"

"Yes, quite frankly it is."

"Fine. I said it. Now stop being mad."

"What do you intend to do next?" she asked.

"Go to the Pharos…kill Seraph, or Garem or whatever the fuck his name is," he said.

"You're a fool."

He sighed; she was starting to annoy him, "What is it now, dear Fran?"

"You do realize what killing royalty will do to the price that is already on your head, and mine. Besides, I meant about your head, what do you intend to do about it?"

He regarded her warily for a moment, "Do about it?"

"The Balthier who is my partner, the sky pirate, would not just lie down and die just because some fool doctor told him he was going to."

"I don't think there is much I can do, Fran," he said, "but any suggestions would be appreciated."

He was smirking, knowing that he was making her mad by not taking her seriously.

"Actually I did have a suggestion, but if you'd rather just die then…" she got up and started to leave.

"Fran!"

She turned around to face him, "Yes?"

"Don't fuck with me. If you have a suggestion then tell me."

"I know of a wishmonger," she said matter of factly, "but there is no time for both. You either give up this stupid revenge mission and save your own life, or give up everything just to kill this man."

Balthier stared at her blankly, "What's a wishmonger?"

"A seller of wishes," she said, "What else would it be?"

"There's no such thing," he said, but his tone wasn't entirely convinced.

"Balthier Bunansa there are a great many things in this world that you don't know about, that doesn't mean that they don't exist."

He shook his head, "I have to find Seraph."

"So you're willing to die so that you can kill him? Are you willing to let Vaan kill himself for this cause too? Because that's exactly what he'll do if you die," she said.

"Don't say that Fran," he said, turning away from her.

"You know it's true."

He did know.

"We'll split up," he said finally, "You, Vaan, and Penelo will find this…wishmonger, while myself, Basch, and Ashe go after Seraph. How's that sound?"

She shook her head, but a hint of a smile played on her lips, "Must you always have your cake and eat it too?"

Balthier frowned, "Don't use expressions I don't understand Fran. Cake is no damn good if you can't eat it, its food for Shemhazai's sake."

She rolled her eyes, "Nevermind. We need to get ready then, my group is headed for the Feywood, and we have a lot to do before we get there. The wishmonger is not easy to find, nor is he fond of visitors."

She left the room, and Balthier smiled to himself. Perhaps there was hope after all.

To Be Continued…

So I know this is really slow paced, but be patient. There will be lots of action in the future. Hope you are enjoying, reviewing lets me know that someone is still reading and waiting for updates. Love to you all.