One Shot 2: Want

Penelo lightly chewed on her lower lip as she continued to steadily fix her gaze on him. Oh, she had to admit it, she wanted him so bad. Since the moment she first saw him, she knew she had to have him, and tonight she was certain to get him.

Earlier in the day on their way to Archades, the group stumbled upon a bustling jubilee taking place at Phon Coast. The Hunt Club was hosting its annual Hunting Festival in which hunters from all across Ivalice competed in various games, declaring the grand tournament winner based on the number of marks successfully vanquished. Originally the group intended to travel straight through since Ashe was determined to reach Archades before sundown. But after much pleading from Vaan, the rest of the party acquiesced to stay the day, giving much opportunity for the fledging sky pirate to join in on the hunts, while the others rested for the remaining trek.

But as the evening drew near, the festivities still hadn’t ceased. Colorful paper lanterns lit row after row of merchant stalls, offering popular local foods, souvenirs and carnival games to visitors. Children were running wildly up and down the aisles, balloons trailing behind them as they raced from booth to booth, while adults kept a watchful eye on them as they talked animatedly amongst themselves. It seemed like the gods of Fate were smiling happily upon Penelo as the party decided to break into small groups to explore the celebration, giving her the opportunity she needed to follow through with her plan. After excusing herself from Vaan, Penelo went in search for him. She knew she saw him earlier in the evening down this aisle, but it had been so crowded she could easily have been mistaken and he may already be gone. Luckily for her she wasn’t too late; he was still there.

He represented every girl’s ideal: kind, witty, adventurous and above all else, chivalrous. He was the true epitome of what an ideal man should be unlike most of the boys she had grown up with in Dalmasca. Sure, Vaan was adventurous and kind, but he definitely lacked wit and was rarely chivalrous. It was fun pretending to slay ‘mythical beasts’ with him and Kytes in the Lowtown sewers, but all that was just play. She wanted to find someone like him and be swept away from the streets of Rabanastre by a true knight in shining armor. But let’s not forget to mention his dashing good looks. How could she not fall for those rebellious green eyes that not only reflected strength and pride, but were tinged with sadness from years of loneliness? A sigh emitted quietly from her lips at her desire to wrap her arms around him.

As she neared the booth, Penelo noticed a beautiful viera next to him. Hesitation began to slow her steps, a frown smearing her features. It was so wrong for her to want him at her age. She was no longer a child; she needed to grow up and get past her childhood fantasies. She needed to try to become a true lady like Princess Ashe, or at least mature and graceful like Fran.

“Something caught your eye?” a deep voice broke into Penelo’s reverie.

Looking up, surprise etched across her face as she met the green eyes of Balthier. “N-no. I’m just watching the children play.” Penelo pointed over to a stall packed with kids, lining up for their chance to win one of the various plushes depicting differing races and job classes.

“Hmm…are you sure?” Balthier cocked an eyebrow at the young blonde, giving her a knowing look. “My intuition tells me different.” Balthier slowly strutted closer to her. “You know, Penelo, it’s perfectly natural for all women to have some wants and desires from time to time.”

Penelo began to nervously lace her fingers together, her eyes downcast away from his. “Is it really okay? I know it's wrong, especially with my age."

"If it's any reassurance, know I more than just accept it; I would want it too," he leaned in over her form, his face hovering above hers.

"Really?" she asked, stunned that they shared the same sentiments.

Balthier slightly nodded his head in response. "It's one of my own secret desires as well. Since we have the same wants, why not satisfy them together?"

"But I’m not really sure how to. I’ve…never been good with these things.”

“Well, allow me the honor of showing you how,” Balthier wrapped an arm around Penelo’s petite waist, drawing her close to him. A light blush stained her cheeks as she felt his hand press into the small of her back, guiding her through the crowd surrounding the plush booth.

“One game for this lovely young lady,” Balthier dropped ten gil on the counter, pushing Penelo in front of him.

“For five more gil you can get three games, a total of nine shots. A much better bargain, in my opinion sir,” the bangaa began.

“No, no,” the sky pirate smirked, “she won’t be needing it.” The bangaa shrugged his shoulders and handed Penelo a heavy toy rifle, especially designed to be more cumbersome and trickier than most normal guns.

“Balthier, maybe you should do this…” Penelo replied, trying to hand it to him.

“Nonsense, you are more than capable of doing it yourself.” Balthier placed the pistol in both of her hands. “Okay, this toy is very similar to a regular gun. You’ve used some of mine before, therefore you have nothing to fear. Now then," Balthier positioned one of Penelo’s small hands on the barrel, “hold it firmly here and,” grabbing her other hand, “here on the trigger. Rest this part on your shoulder to give it some stability. How does that feel?” Balthier kept his hands on top of Penelo’s, his body pressed up behind her.

“Good,” Penelo squeaked, nodding her head hastily.

“So, which is the lucky doll you want?”

“That one, next to the viera plush.” Penelo gestured shyly, embarrassed by her choice. But she couldn’t help it. She has always wanted one for her collection. The viera plush was so adorable too, but she has had her heart set on this plush far too long.

“Ahh! The onion knight. A character of great nobility and strength, as well as an advocator of courtly love. I could see why you would be so enamored by him. I too am a believer of idealized illicit love myself,” he chuckled lowly, close to her ear. “Shall we get him?”

Nodding her head, Penelo felt Balthier hold her hands in place firmly, guiding the sight over the target. Feeling him squeeze the trigger over her own index finger, Penelo closed her eyes, readying herself for the recoil. Pang!!!

“Aww!!! So close!” The bangaa cried out after the resounding bang of the pellet against the back wall.

“You must keep your eyes open, Penelo,” Balthier said in a steady voice, holding her tighter to him.

“Okay…” she whispered quietly, trying to garner some concentration, though it was much too difficult. Too many had gathered and were watching her and not to mention Balthier was close behind her. Penelo ignored the unease and pulled back on the trigger, her arms steadied by the sky pirate once more. Pang!!! Penelo’s arm slightly moved up from the recoil, missing the mark again.

“Ohhhh! You were closer before young miss! You need to get it in this next shot. Now don’t you regret not paying a measly five gil more?” the vendor’s voice raspy and distracting to Penelo’s nerves.

“You’ll have him yet,” Balthier ignored the bangaa’s loud chortles, his voice gentle and soothing in her ear. “That is, if you want him enough.”

“I do.” Penelo answered much firmer with resolution.

“Very well then. I don't think I could stand hearing this bangaa's yapping mouth any longer.” Penelo lightly giggled, a feeling of calm washing over her. Mirroring smirks both graced their lips as Penelo and Balthier aimed the sight, determined to hit the tiny yellow center of the target. Relaxing against the comfortable warmth of his chest, Penelo squinted her eyes over the bullseye. Throughout the time, Balthier’s hands remained on Penelo’s, aiding her like he said he would. 'Just like a true knight,' Penelo idly thought as she pulled the trigger. Pang!!!

Penelo’s eyes widened as the red light above the onion knight flashed brightly in the evening’s darkness, the gathered audience cheering loudly behind her.

“We did it!” Penelo dropped the toy rifle, turning to embrace the sky pirate behind her. “Thank you so much, Balthier! I’ve wanted one of these for so long.”

"It was my pleasure, Penelo." Balthier couldn’t help but smile in return at the young blonde. Her cheeks were rosy with excitement, her eyes glassy from joy. It felt good to make a woman happy, even if it was with something so simple such as this. The vendor handed Penelo her prized onion knight begrudgingly, shooing them away from the booth.

Walking back into the crowd, Balthier regarded Penelo next to him. “I hope you have learned from today's lesson to never hesitate. If you ever want something, make sure to go chase after it without delay. Understood?”

"I will for now on. Thank you so much again for all your help, Balthier. I wouldn't have been able to do it without you," Penelo smiled brightly as she squeezed the plush tightly in her arms. "You know, contrary to your reputation, you really are a good man with noble intentions."

"Yes, I do try, yet people always fail to notice," Balthier replied, earning him another light giggle from the blonde. "Oh, before I forget, Penelo," his steps slowed as he turned to face her, a mischevious smirk curling his lips. "Let me know if you ever desire a sky pirate. I could probably help you with that as well."