Experimental Genshin Oneshots

Recovery Part 4 (Aelou)

Side: Aelou

And that's a wrap!

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The morning sun slowly rose from it's slumber, giving warmth and light to the inhabitants of the world known as Teyvat. It's rays reaching every corner, and it's inhabitants begin to stir, welcoming the promise of a brand new day.

The very same can be said for our once sleeping beauty. Although her eyelids felt heavy, she managed to open them and laid eyes on a roof. Her head felt like it was being stabbed by a thousand needles, and her body felt heavier than anything she had ever felt before. Yet, she felt that her mind was clearer, and while the pain was apparent, she found a strange kind of solace within it.

With a soft groan, she slowly lets her vision adjust to the soft light filtering into the room. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, she took in her surroundings. The familiar walls and furnishings of her temporary quarters greeted her, and slowly, her memories started to piece themselves together.

She remembered the dreams, visions, and emotions that she was forced to carry. The library of memories that were projected, and the entity that nearly brought her into an eternal slumber. 

Despite the lingering ache in her head and body, a sense of lightness had settled within her. It was as if a weight she hadn't even realized she was carrying had been lifted. She shifted slightly, wincing at the discomfort, but the pain was accompanied by a newfound sense of liberation.

Gathering her strength, she carefully sat up, examining her surroundings. It was then she noticed a figure asleep by the edge of her bed. Aether. His presence there sent warmth flooding through her chest, a mixture of surprise and gratitude. He had a tight grip on her hand, despite being asleep. She didn't mind it though. His touch gave her a sense of comfort and reassurance no one else could. Only the person she loved could make her feel like this.

And in that moment, as she observed him in the soft morning light, as her thoughts began to dance between the memories of their interactions, the shared moments that now felt like a tapestry woven into her very being, a realization bloomed within her. Aether's presence in her life had become something she cherished more than she had anticipated. The light banter, the comfort he provided for her, and the way he risked her life all just to save her, it all held a significance that she couldn't ignore.

She slowly inched her face closer to him. She watched the rise and fall of his chest, the peaceful expression on his face. It was a moment of vulnerability that she had rarely seen from him.

Suddenly, as if driven by an impulse she couldn't resist, Nilou reached out and gently brushed a lock of hair away from Aether's forehead. Her touch was feather-light, a soft caress that held a world of unspoken emotions.

Aether stirred slightly, his eyelids fluttering as he gradually woke from his slumber. His gaze met hers, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "You're awake."

Nilou's lips curved into a faint smile, her hand dropping back to her side. "Yeah. Thanks to you, I think."

Aether sat up fully, his expression a mix of concern and relief. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been trampled by a Ruin Guard." She joked weakly, though her attempt at humor was accompanied by a wince.

Aether chuckled softly, the sound like a soothing melody in the air. "You've been through quite the ordeal."

"Yeah." She agreed, her smile fading as she looked at him. His concern for her was palpable, and she felt a rush of warmth in her chest. With a newfound courage, she decided to express the thoughts that had been lingering in her mind.

"Aether, there's something I want to tell you. Something that I should've realized long before all of this happened."

His eyes held a gentle curiosity, encouraging her to continue.

"Everything that I saw in that world, from the memories that were projected, the words that you said to me, even the way you nearly died just to save me. They made me realize, just how much you meant to me. You've been a source of comfort for me, no matter if I'm at my highest or lowest."

Aether's smile grew warmer, his gaze unwavering as he listened intently.

"I love you, Aether. More than just a friend." Nilou's cheeks warmed as the words spilled from her lips, the vulnerability of the moment mingling with a sense of relief.

Aether's smile widened into a grin, a glimmer of something deeper sparkling in his eyes. "I'm glad you feel the same way."

As he spoke, he reached out and gently held her cheek in his hand, his touch sending a jolt of warmth through her.

"I love you too, Nilou. Somehow, you've become such a significant part of my journey. Every conversation, every ups and downs that we faced, they all meant the world to me."

Tears shimmered at the corners of Nilou's eyes, a mix of emotions overwhelming her. She squeezed the hand that was on her cheek gently, her heart feeling as though it might burst from the weight of her feelings.

With a tender smile, Aether leaned in, his lips brushing against her forehead in a soft, lingering kiss. 

"Now let's make sure we'll be here for each other. Every step of the way."