{ Ten - Phone Call to Celes - Action in Figaro } (Slightly Forwarddated)

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[After escorting Basch and Noah to Narshe and paying Penelo a visit in Lindblum, Balthier has one more order of business to attend to, this time without company. Ring ring, Celes!]

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[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[He offers her a smile of thanks in return -- quite genuine, if weary.]

It's been... better, since he returned to Gaia a second time. Her life is complete once again, and her son has his father. When he had gone, it was difficult, watching her suffer and being truly unable to do anything to ease her pain. But I am truly happy for them. I hope Gaia will be kind to them in the future.

[He glances her way.]

Even the pirates? Perhaps we do.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

Most everyone does, oddly enough. At least, that's what the Returners at home and the people here in Gaia have taught me. A lesson that took... about three years or so to learn, but I think I've managed it.

[That might be a small, teasing smile she's offering to him.]

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[He can't help but chuckle at her tongue-in-cheek assessment.]

Imagine that. Most everyone, you think? I'm quite tempted to agree.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

That puts our agreement factor up a notch. We should be careful, or we might not have a reason to argue in the future.

[Not that... she will honestly complain. When did she get so comfortable with him?]

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[He laughs again, a bit fuller this time, entirely good-natured. She seems to have pulled him out of the short lull he had fallen into.]

I wouldn't worry about that. People like us? We'll always have a reason to argue, however trite it may be. Isn't that part of the fun?

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

[Then they've done so for each other.]

I guess it is.

[Her cheeks might be tinged with a liiiittle bit of red as she glances back out the window, wondering how soon this day will be ending.]

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[He notices and has the good manners not to comment; he doubts very much that Celes would appreciate such attention.

They fly for sometime, and the night sky is pitch black against the stars by the time he brings the ship to a stop just above her balcony. Why use the front door? The balcony was certainly good enough to steal her from, he can return her there just the same. Opening the hatch, he offers her a hand out.]

It's a bit of a drop. May I?

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

[Good call, Balthier. Good call.

She rides in silence, just enjoying the company and the sights. When he offers her a hand, she takes with a nod.]

Isn't that how these things are done? Return the lady the same way you kidnapped her?

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

Traditionally, I believe so. I feel it makes for a good, solid sense of closure. [That said, he takes her hand and puts the same arm around her waist, carefully, to secure her, before lowering the pair of them to the stone floor of the balcony moments later. He releases her and offers her a bow.]

Celes, it has truly been a pleasure.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

How fortunate for me.

[Definitely reminding her of the opera. Such a dramatic flair. She rests against his shoulder, trusting that he won't be an idiot and ruin a perfectly good day by dropping her. At the bow, she hesitates for a moment and gives a mock curtsy.]

That's easier to do in a dress, for the record.

[A pause.] It... was, despite my misgivings earlier... Thank you.

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

I imagine it would be. Perhaps you'll demonstrate for me sometime. [She doesn't seem to be the type to care for dresses, and while he has no preference either way, he cannot deny that she would certainly look lovely in formal attire.]

Your thanks are appreciated, but not necessary. I do hope you'll allow me the chance to surprise you again.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

[She snorts.] You'll definitely have to work to get me to do that.

Somehow I don't think I could prevent that if I wanted to. [Which clearly means she doesn't.]

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[He smiles, straightening his shirtcuffs.]

I think I'm up to the challenge.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

[Her lips twitch in a smirk.]

Good luck, then.

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[He steps forward to take her her left hand and leans forward to place a chaste kiss against the back of it. No reason not to finish out the night as a true gentleman. He releases it immediately afterward, standing and taking a step backwards towards his ship.]

Until we meet again, my lady.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

[Well, that's a little awkward. She's caught by surprise yet again and lets him do it, though she watches in silent surprise.]

Right. Until then.

[And she'll... probably watch him until he's out of sight... because of her surprise. That's all.]

[theleadingman.livejournal.com]

[He says nothing more, only winks at her over his shoulder as he turns back towards the ship, gracefully hoisting himself up to the hatch and disappearing inside a moment later.]

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

[She will watch until the ship has disappeared into the night sky, because he's given her a hell of a lot to think about...]