FFXII Fic: In Opposites

[aorin]

For Ringo and mariagoner. A drabble for now, but this might eventually grow into a longer one-shot (And I definitely have enough ideas for something more). And Maria, thank you so much for the unnecessary brain-provocation of Basch having a ‘definite sex drive’, I could almost kill you for it.

Well, I use to think that I'll be able to write more for this drabble, but *sobs* maybe not. Still, what else can I do with my spare time, but sit down and try to write some fics. Anyhow, something might show up eventually, given time, since I took up the springkinkchallenge and IJ Kinkfest challenge :)

Title: In Opposites
Fandom: Final Fantasy XII
Characters: Basch/Ashe
Rating: PG
Summary: The one where truth are often spoken in contradiction

 

He stank of a heady cheap perfume, artificial and sense-dulling, Archadian perhaps, she deduced. An unexplainable fury emerged to her head, while a knowing sense of betrayal sunk deep into her bones.

 

Indeed, he confirmed, the woman was Archadian born. A whore, he had said, flaccid in appearance but worldly in the desires of men. A woman, he had not said, grey-eyed, vulnerable and piercing, mirrors of her very own, and yet, contrasting in all others and unable to quench his wants.

 

Anger was evident as she lashed out that she doesn’t have the time of the day for this nonsense. His nightly private debaucheries were of no interest to her, and it was his capability to perform his services to her which was her utmost priority. At length, he was calm, sucking in her insults, sensible enough not to contradict her, and had admitted failure to make better judgment with much honesty.

 

That had quieted her outburst, and she hastily turn to leave, her shoes clacking loudly without restrain. He stayed, rooted, and his hands reached slowly to remove his clothes, releasing his sandals, he need to cleanse himself of the any defile.

 

As soon as they were adequately prepared for the wilderness, they made their swift leave from the town. During their journey through the dense forest, she remained aloof, but brave to battle the approaching fiends – even those who tried to steer clear of her deadly blade. While, he, interfered, defending her in all ways possible, giving chase to those who escaped, for fear, they might gather a larger host to retaliate.

 

She gave him no heed, and was reluctant to his willing aid. He accepted. In time, the moon rose to the sky, whilst the sun’s heat remained on the ground. The night was warm, a soothing rarity, nights in the woods were often cold of norm, and beyond harsh.

 

He requested for the first watch, and she permits. Keeping his distance from the group – her, his eyes clear, vigil and ever alert for the coming assails of roaming beasts, and beside him, he laid his sword, his defense against the vengeful claws of the unknown fouls. She had kept close to them, certainly not for the generous warmth of body and neither for man’s company. Absent in her own thoughts – the past, eyes clouded, she fingered her remaining ring, shuddering from the chill it brings. Then, picking up then shard, clutching it to her heart, her only means of offense against the living foes, recognizing all of Archades as her enemies.

 

Soon, after, one by one drifted off to slumber, everyone weary of the day, save the vigorous fire, blazing and alive. Though, surrounded by constant companionship and weak warmth, she felt the solitary and chills stronger than ever. Furtively, she cast a glance at him, only to catch him gazing openly at her, and her mind realized it takes but one step for them to be together, and her heart told her to neglect the thousand steps that separates them.

 

Gradually, but surely, she lifted her hand towards him when he suddenly lowered his head, and turns hesitatingly away from her. Her heart shattered at his denial, but to acknowledge everything would be dishonor, and she was left with naught but her pride to mend.

 

She drew the light coverlets to shield her body, and to shove away her exposed dark emotions. Beneath her covers, her sobbing was muffled but echoed upon the silence of the night.

 

Comments

[diorelli.livejournal.com]

Hee. Regarding Basch's sex drive - I definitely think it exists. I don't know why in our fandom, Basch seems to be very sexually repressed. I don't think he would pursue women as he would think he has more important things to do with his time BUT I don't think he would say no if someone offers. And really, with a face/body like that in Dalmasca and no woman/lady/tart/male/she-male didn't throw themselves at him? Pfft unlikely.

[aorin107.livejournal.com]

Either women in Ivalice were damned with poor eyesight, or they are just plain crazy. I find it absurd that men like Basch, Noah and Vossler didn't get a proper woman (whether out of duty, love, or breeding), with their looks, they could get a harem if they want to.

And yes, this was from an earlier discussion with mariagoner where I told her that I deem Basch to be asexual and an easy target for both sexes. She disagree and held a similar view as you. Actually, it is my mistake, I agree with you that Basch does have a definitely sex drive, but he's no playboy or sex maniac, and has good self-control (ugh, with Ashe pink mini, who wouldn't?).

My view is that he wouldn't pursue woman out of lust because he respects them, also, he's not one for loose relationship. If he pursue a girl, it would be one that he's committed to, one that he trust, love and cherish. Of course, he'll probably be the most faithful bloke to have ever lived as well XD

In this fic, the only reason Basch actually did take a whore is because the prostitute reminds him of Ashe, otherwise, he wouldn't have submit to his lust. This idea came to me after the discussion and just wouldn't leave me alone, so I sat down one night and penned the fic, just to get rid of the idea. I have more in mind for this, but it's quite low on my to-do-list at the moment.

[skipper (from livejournal.com)]

Sorry about not getting here sooner >_< Something weird was happening with LJ for me ('post comment' kept timing out / sticking. Grr!)

Oooh I didn't think Basch the type to visit ladies of the night. O_o I know I'm butting in the comments kind of, but I've got to say that I agree here:

My view is that he wouldn't pursue woman out of lust because he respects them, also, he's not one for loose relationship. If he pursue a girl, it would be one that he's committed to, one that he trust, love and cherish.

I can't really imagine him any other way, for some reason. Perhaps it's because the idea of him being a loyal person is already embedded in my mind...I didn't find it surprising either that Ashe rejected him for so long, but when she finally wants him he doesn't take to her...

It was a pretty powerful thing to read.

[aorin107.livejournal.com]

Sorry, retyped a bit, the earlier post made me sound like an ungrateful fool D:

No problem, glad to have you back ^^ I understand what you mean by LJ being picky, once I typed a comment that broke word limit and when I posted it, everything disappeared, and I banged my head to the nearest wall

I suppose it stems from the idea that Basch is loyal and faithful to his country and queen even after it has fallen into the enemy's hand. What more, Basch didn't want to give up Dalmasca even after he heard that Ashe had committed suicide. And once he's jail free and prepared, he went straight back to the enemy's lair to save her. There's other things he did, but everything he does, he did it for her, without even asking for reward or acknowledgement.

I didn't consider Basch a man of loose morals, but if he had a sex drive and can't have it from the woman he loves, what will he do? I suppose wet dreams and masturbation helps, or either he get a lady to ease him of his pain. But with his honourable reputation among us, highly impossible, unless circumstances warrants him, and in this case, it was because the prostitute condition.

Ashe wants him, but Basch's actions made her believed that he feels nothing for her but fealty (how wrong she is!). Same thing with Basch, he wants her, but when she kept her distance, he presumes that she's disgusted with him. Simply put, they are both idiots who misunderstand each other actions. They care too much about the others feeling to actually see what is before them.

Oh. Almost forgot, thank you for reading, and that you find their actions plausible. I do hope it has made an impact on you regarding this Basch/Ashe... *whistles*

[mariagoner.livejournal.com]

Am I the dumbest person on the face of the earth for missing a fic from you like this? Mayhap, mayhap, mayhap. ;)

But yay, I'm glad you posted this up! I'm hoping you can start a trend of Basch-as-sexual-aggressor in the fandom now, since I find that view of him to be pretty damn fascinating. What can I say... I'm interested in alternative ideas! ♥

[aorin107.livejournal.com]

Nope, you are just the busiest person I know at the moment. Grad school, wedding, fic-writing, how you manage it all, I shall ponder about it till the day I die XD

I need to seriously come up with more reasons why Basch couldn't handle his urges, and decide to take Ashe's advances head on. Now that's a sexy thought ;D