"Incognito" FFXII (Vaan/Larsa)
Title: Incognito Author: nanthimus Rating: PG-13 Warnings: None, really. Crack-addled and awkward boytouching? Word Count: 2,768 Summary: Larsa's not very good at this seduction thing. Neither is Vaan. Prompt: Final Fantasy XII, Vaan/Larsa: luxury - music and masks
Larsa sat at the desk in his massive bedroom, quill scratching against the paper as he wrote. His mind wasn’t actually on his work, however; Larsa was thinking about the plans he had put into play.
It truly was a ridiculous idea, hosting a masquerade ball in hopes that it would help bring together the kingdoms in glitz and pomp. When he’d brought the idea up with Queen Ashe, she’d hid a smile and told him that she would make an announcement to Dalmasca, encouraging her people to attend. He knew what she thought: that he was naïve, even childish, to believe such a thing would work.
While Larsa hoped that it would help, the real reason for this event was to see his comrades again. Though he saw Basch every day, Balthier and Fran were in Archades only one or twice every few months, while Vaan and Penelo were around less than that. And really, the one that he wanted, ached, to see was Vaan.
Fingers tightening around the quill, Larsa sighed and put it down. He had insisted on being a part of all the planning and, though it was quite interesting, it was also rather exhausting. Basch had told Larsa that it would be better if he just trust the planners but Larsa, wanting everything to be perfect, had decided to stay in charge of everything.
Perhaps I should have listened to him, Larsa thought wryly, taking in all of the paperwork scattered across his desk. It lay in two distinct, if hopelessly messy, piles: party planning and empire duties. Oddly enough, the party stack was larger. Now how did that happen, I wonder? Larsa shook his head and began tidying up. He didn’t know whether he should feel exasperated with himself or not; he knew Basch was beginning to feel so.
It’s not as if I can explain myself to him. If I did, what would I say? “Basch, I’ve somehow developed feelings for one of your old comrades and have decided to throw this extravagant party, not to help relations between Archadia and the other nations, but to bring him here so I can perhaps tell him how I feel.” Larsa shook his head. Wonderful plan, that is.
However, Larsa was beginning to believe Basch suspected something. Whenever he spoke of Vaan, he would look up to see Basch watching him with a smile on his lips and one eyebrow raised high. Every time this happened, Larsa would change the subject quickly and will the blush away, although he knew it showed on his fair cheeks.
Sighing again, Larsa shook his head and stood. It’s too late now, he thought, walking over to the bed and slipping in, pulling the blanket over his shoulders and curling up. The ball is tomorrow. I can only hope that everything goes well.
***
“I hope that you all enjoy your time here,” Larsa said, standing at a podium. He smiled down at the large crowd, all bedecked in colorful clothes and sparkling masks.. “And I hope that these festivities become a tradition from now on. Our kingdoms will always be neighbors and it is time for us to truly act neighborly towards each other.” A surprisingly enthusiastic cheer met this speech and Larsa smiled, relieved. He nodded his head and stepped down.
“Well done, Lord Larsa,” Basch said, a small smile on his lips. “They seem to be willing to give this a chance.”
“Or maybe they just want to enjoy a large party, no matter who’s hosting it,” Larsa said, a wry smile on his lips. “Have…have you seen any of them?” He knew Basch would know who he was talking about.
Basch nodded his head. “Balthier and Fran. They were standing near the southern exit. I spoke to them briefly; they would like to speak with you sometime.”
“Of course,” Larsa said before hesitating. “And…Penelo and Vaan?”
Basch raised an eyebrow. “They’re easy enough to find,” he said. “They’re scuffling at the edge of the dance area. He’s wearing a black mask while she is wearing bright red.”
Larsa nodded. “Right. Do you have my clothes?” he said, slipping off the decadent, multicolored mask and cloak he’d been wearing and handing them over. Basch produced a dark blue, heavily feathered mask and equally dark cloak.
“I’m not sure this is a sound plan,” he said, even as he gave them to Larsa. “Should someone find out who you are-”
“I will be with Vaan soon enough,” Larsa interrupted smoothly. “ Don’t worry, Basch. He’ll not let anything happen to me. He’s a rather accomplished pirate now, so I think he’ll be able to handle things of anything should happen.”
Basch sighed, clearly unhappy with the plan. “Fine,” he said. Just don’t leave his side unless you’re coming straight back to me.”
Not a chance, Larsa thought but aloud said, “Of course. Now,” he slipped on the mask - it covered over half his face - and slipped the cloak over his shoulders. “How do I look?”
Basch nodded. “No one should recognize you,” he said. “I will be here when you’re ready to come back.”
“Thank you,” Larsa said, grinning before slipping past the heavy curtains and politely pushing through the crowd towards Vaan and Penelo.
They were very close, Larsa noted, perhaps more now than ever. But Vaan didn’t touch her intimately and his eyes held only joy and friendship; when she was pulled away from him by a tall man in a peacock feathered mask, there was only good-natured laugh and wave forward.
Larsa sighed deeply, throwing his shoulders back and steeling his spine, before making his way to Vaan. While he’d planned his words the night before, they left him now; as he stepped up beside Vaan he had forgotten everything he’d wanted to say.
Vaan didn’t notice Larsa immediately. They were of equal height now and Larsa could clearly see Vaan’s eyes as he laughed and pointed at Penelo. He was loud and teasing, as was she as she took the lead from her dance partner, swinging him wildly across the dance floor and bumping into other couples.
“Having a good time?” Larsa finally spoke, and Vaan turned, blue eyes startling against the black of the mask that sat precariously on his nose.
“Yeah,” he said, grinning. “Even though I know she can dance better.” He gestured out at Penelo, who was apologizing to one couple who had not taken kindly to her raucous gyrations, a wide, sheepish grin on her face.
Larsa laughed softly. “Yes, Penelo has always struck me as a young lady that would be a fine dancer,” he said, and then held his breath as Vaan peered at him.
“Who…Larsa?!” he asked, and Larsa held a finger over his own lips, calling for silence. Vaan obediently closed his mouth, head cocked to one side.
“I’m attempting to keep somewhat a low profile at the moment,” he said, ignoring the thrill he got in knowing that Vaan recognized him, even behind the large mask. “I would prefer mingling with the people without them knowing my status.”
Vaan nodded and grinned. “Nice mask,” he said, reaching up to flick a particularly long feather on Larsa’s mask. “Looks a little plain for the emperor.”
“Then it’s working,” Larsa said. Vaan laughed and Larsa smiled. He looked over at Penelo, who had stopped her flailing and was leading her partner in the current dance. Larsa took a deep breath and glanced at Vaan.
“How have you been doing?” he asked, and Vaan grinning, launching into a riveting tale about his and Penelo’s exploits. Larsa was certain that most of what Vaan was telling him was heavily exaggerated but that didn’t stop him from getting thoroughly sucked in to the stories, listening with wide eyed concentration.
“Yeah, it was kind of crazy,” Vaan finished up, nodded. “I couldn’t believe everything happened like that.” He grinned and looked out at Penelo, who was whispering at her partner before giggling against his chest. “Looks like she finally settled into it.”
Larsa hummed in agreement. Sudden inspiration hit and he cleared his throat. “You and I could do much better than that,” he said.
“What, you want to go find a dance partner?” Vaan asked, before grinning. “ I should find you someone to dance with!” He made to leave and Larsa caught him but the arm, resisting the urge to laugh.
“No, I mean, you and I could dance better than that,” he stressed.
Vaan mulled that over for a moment before blinking. “You mean, you and me, dancing together?” he said, and his expression was one that made Larsa’s heart sink for a moment. “Uhm…well, okay. Might be fun!” Vaan grinned.
Ignoring the way his heart was hammering, Larsa led Vaan out into the dance floor. He glanced at Vaan, who had a rather sheepish expression on his face.
“Uh, I guess this isn’t a great time to mention that I don’t actually know how to dance. You know, like you nobles do,” he said, biting his lip. Larsa watched him for a moment before clearing his throat, feeling a bit of color flush his cheeks.
“Well, it’s not terribly difficult,” Larsa said, taking Vaan’s hands. Putting one firmly over his shoulders and holding the other tightly in his hand, Larsa smiled up at him. “Okay, now just follow me. Foot for foot, alright?”
Vaan nodded and away they went, slowly at first, with Vaan watching Larsa’s feet studiously, biting his tongue. It was an adorable expression and Larsa watched him, taking in the nuances in his face, the changes in expression as he made a mistake. Gently, Larsa let go of Vaan’s hand and lifted up his chin.
“Eyes on me,” he said, and Vaan nodded. Larsa took back hold Vaan’s waist, tugging him closer. “Are you ready?” At Vaan’s nod, Larsa led them through the dance floor, expertly dodging the other couples as he did so. He and Vaan were pressed so close that he could feel Vaan’s body heat, his heart beat, his breath upon his temple.
“You…you’re doing very well,” Larsa said, pulling back slightly to look up at Vaan, and nearly gasped. Vaan’s eyes were dark, an unfamiliar emotion in them, and a light sheen of sweat peppered his upper lip. “Vaan…are you alright?”
Vaan blinked and then blushed. He let go of Larsa abruptly. “Ah, I’m okay,” he said. “I’m just gonna…you know, get some water.” He brushed past Larsa, hurrying off in the direction opposite the refreshments area.
Larsa watched him go. What…what just happen? he thought, running over what had just happened and gasped, one hand going to his mouth. He…he must have realized how I felt. He must have notice something, perhaps the way I looked at him, the way I touched him. Larsa shook his head and followed Vaan, intent on explaining it to him.
He followed Vaan into a darkened hallway, away from the party. Larsa could hear Vaan muttering under his breath furiously, pacing back and forth, mask pushed up over his forehead. He didn’t notice Larsa’s approach.
“Vaan?” he said and Vaan looked up at him, eyes wide.
“Larsa!” Vaan stared at him for a moment before shaking his head. “Larsa, I’m sorry, I-I really didn’t mean to-”
“To what?” Larsa said calmly, though his heart was racing. What is he talking about? He thought.
Vaan bit his lip. “I mean, I…I’ve kind of like you for a while now,” he said. “And I know that this is bad and stupid and you’re an emperor so you probably get all kinds of invitations for stuff like this and I’m just a sky pirate - although I’m one of the best, if that makes a difference - and I tried to not let it show but then we were dancing and everything and-” Larsa cut him off, reaching up and pressing his lips softly against Vaan’s, heart pounding so hard that he thought his chest would burst.
Time stopped for a moment and Larsa reveled in the feel of lips pressed against his, before hands gripped his shoulders tightly and slammed him backwards. Larsa felt the cool marble at his back and the shocking heat of Vaan at his front and they were kissing, sloppy and messy and Larsa couldn’t get enough, clutching at Vaan and pulling him closer.
Suddenly Vaan pulled away, panting. “Larsa, what…” he began, breath hot against Larsa’ s face. “I-Is this okay? I mean…I…” he stumbled over his words, eyes wide, and Larsa took pity on him.
“It’s more than okay,” Larsa said. “It’s perfect, Vaan.” He stroked Vaan’s cheeks, smiling up at him. “It’s absolutely perfect.” And, at the moment, it really was.
A smiled slowly stretched across Vaan’s lips; it was a pleased smile, Larsa noted, before pulling Vaan back, resuming the kiss that he’d envisioned and fantasized about. He didn’t know how long they stood in that secluded hallway, lips parting only to whisper or laugh softly, hands touching and stroking through clothing, eyes meeting often, but Larsa knew he would have been perfectly happy staying there for eternity.
A cleared throat brought reality sharply back into focus and Vaan jerked back, a blush high on his cheeks as he stared into the darkness. Larsa followed his gaze and gasped, suddenly wishing that he could sink into the wall.
Basch stood across from them, arms crossed over his chest, brow arched. “Vaan,” he asked after a moment. “What are you doing?”
Larsa wanted desperately to come to Vaan’s aid, to explain that he was the one who had started this, not Vaan. However, arousal and embarrassment caused his throat to close up and he knew that if he tried to speak, it would simply lead to more embarrassment. So he left it up to Vaan.
“Well?” Basch asked.
Vaan cleared his throat. “Uhm, well…” he began. “You see, uh, Larsa was choking on something and I was…trying to get it out.”
…oh my. Larsa wasn’t sure what he was expecting but it really should have been something like that.
“With your tongue?” Basch pressed. There was obvious amusement on his face and Larsa sighed, knowing that they weren’t in trouble. A glance at Vaan told him that he hadn’t quite caught on yet.
“Yeah! Because, I…my hands are dirty?” he offered. Basch snorted and turned to Larsa.
“Lord Larsa, you’re expected to make a speech,” he said. “I have to insist that you get back to the main ballroom.”
Larsa nodded. “Please give us a moment,” he said, before turning back. “Vaan,” he murmured, and Vaan came closer, bowing his head to hear Larsa’s words for clearly. “After the party, I would like to see you again. Would you be willing to meet me in my personal study?” Say yes, say yes.
Blinking, Vaan smiled. “Really? Yeah, I’ll be there.”
Larsa smiled widely and resisted the urge to pull him down for a kiss- now that Basch was there, it would have been unseemly. He couldn’t resist squeezing Vaan’s hand in his before turning to Basch. “I’m ready,” he said.
Basch nodded. “Oh, and Vaan?” he began. “Penelo was looking for you earlier. It seems she’s hiding from a particularly angry woman who didn’t appreciate her dancing skills.”
Vaan blinked. “Oh, great,” he said, hurrying out. As he passed them, Larsa heard him muttering, “I thought I was suppose to be the one who got us into trouble.”
Larsa laughed. “They’re incorrigible,” he said.
Basch tilted his head. “It seems so,” he said. He paused for a moment and Larsa knew what he was going to say.
“Basch, please don’t worry,” he said softly. “I…I have been planning this for a very long time. I know that this will be difficult and troublesome but…I believe that it’s worth it.”
Basch sighed. “I am not going to try to persuade you out of this,” he said. “But do you really think you know what you’re doing?”
“Not at all,” Larsa said with more confidence than he truly felt. “But I believe Vaan and I are on even footing. After all, it doesn’t seem like he knows what he’s doing either.”
Snorting, Basch shook his head. “Does he ever?” he said, before straightening. “Come, Lord Larsa. You must take care of the other guests before enjoying your evening with Vaan.”
Larsa refused to blush, instead nodding at him. “Of course.” Though he couldn’t pull his thoughts from Vaan.
And, if he was going to be completely honest with himself, he didn’t really want to.
NOTES: Okay, so. Larsa was incredibly difficult to write. I mean, seriously. I hope he's okay. As for the music part of the prompt, well, they're at a ball, so the assumption is that music and luxury is there. Uhm. Yes.