It felt amazing to wake up beside him, and better still to not have to worry that she shouldn't be there, still half-draped across his upper half, her hair everywhere. At first, she doesn't move at all past opening her eyes so she can peer up at his face, enjoying the slow depth of his breathing as the morning light warms up his face. She didn't think Balthier could get any more beautiful, but she's never been happier to find out she was wrong about something.

When she does finally move it's to stretch out against him, her lips pressing against his jaw while her hands brush over his shoulders. "I love you," she whispers against his skin, following the words up with another kiss, perfectly happy if he took a while to wake. Aerith had nothing but time for gently lavishing affection on Balthier.