"Thank you," she says quietly, gratified in ways she didn't even think to expect that he's so accepting, and so patient. Everything Aerith's learned about people and relationships while living in the palace was so counterintuitive to the tenderness Balthier's shown her, and it fills her with happiness every time she realizes it.

Curling up against him, she moves so that she can press herself against his chest, bringing her legs up so that her knees can rest on the edge of the bed, aiding her in getting them wrapped around his hip.

"I'm so lucky." Her hand traces his shoulder, following the contour of his collarbone as she tilts her head up to peer at him. "You really are the most wonderful person I've ever met Balthier."