Balthier had napped in and out the last day, basking in Aerith's company and eating when he could. The magic is taking, but it takes a good deal of energy to support and he's wiser than to fight it.
The result is that he's entirely ruined his sleep schedule, and after waking and watching Aerith rest against him for awhile, peaceful contentment across his face, the aches began to bother him, so he carefully extracted himself to go bathe and shave and reset himself a little in the privacy of the night.
He's halfway through brushing his teeth when Aerith's cry startles him. He spits the excess, dropping the brush in the running sink and wiping his mouth on the back of his arm as he bolts for the room, still only clad in his towel. He's beside her in a second, pulling her tight to him.
"Aerith, it's alright, I've got you," he says like one would to a startled animal, rocking her even as his eyes go to the door, magic simultaneously checking the locks. All in tact. "You're safe. It's alright."
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The result is that he's entirely ruined his sleep schedule, and after waking and watching Aerith rest against him for awhile, peaceful contentment across his face, the aches began to bother him, so he carefully extracted himself to go bathe and shave and reset himself a little in the privacy of the night.
He's halfway through brushing his teeth when Aerith's cry startles him. He spits the excess, dropping the brush in the running sink and wiping his mouth on the back of his arm as he bolts for the room, still only clad in his towel. He's beside her in a second, pulling her tight to him.
"Aerith, it's alright, I've got you," he says like one would to a startled animal, rocking her even as his eyes go to the door, magic simultaneously checking the locks. All in tact. "You're safe. It's alright."