Eyes on you
Dance. The ultimate art with no true level of entry, yet a limitless ceiling of possibilities that brought inspiration and wonder blooming. Just now, Nilou did her final twirl of her performance that hopefully sprouted new and old visitors alike that cheered for her. The young dancer humbly smiled and took a bow before exiting the stage. Another show well done.
As she walked behind stage, Nilou was pleasantly caught off guard by Aether holding a bouquet of red and white flowers she wasn’t familiar with. This made her smile grow all the wider with interest.
Aether:There’s the birthday girl.
Nilou:Awe, these are gorgeous! You didn’t have to get me these. I would’ve been thrilled seeing you cheer for me.
Aether:I watched from back here.
Nilou:*red* Oh. Well hehe, what did you think?
Aether:I always find myself going quiet when you dance. It kinda feels like you’re telling a story. I couldn’t tell you exactly about what…but I always find myself feeling relieved, happy even. *blushes* I love your dances.
Nilou knew she was smiling like a fool, but she couldn’t help it! If she was being honest with herself, she would love to know everyone’s personal thoughts to this extent. Not just for self improvement or any form of ego, but to better understand the connections she built. With Aether, she was glad their connection was so genuine and joyful.
Aether:Are you free the rest of the night?
Nilou:I am. Why~
Aether:Let’s walk together, just the two of us.
xxxx
How could she possibly say now? After the final curtain call and her fellow performers convincing Nilou to not help clean up on her birthday, the girl walked with Aether through the forest path while holding onto his arm as they talked; catching up all the way until they made it to shifting sands.
Nilou:So they’re from Mondstadt?
Aether:Yeah. Windwheel Asters and Cecilias. I thought they’d match us pretty well and give you new flowers to learn about.
Nilou:I see. If that’s the case…
She took an Aster and put it in Aether’s hair while placing a Cecilia tucked into her hair on the right. Aether blushed again, smiling as the stopped at an oasis where they both sit.
Nilou:Now we both carry a bit of each other.
Aether:Keep saying things like that and I might pass out. It’s embarrassing…
Nilou:Says the one telling me my performance leaves them speechless. That’s some flattery. So, overall, how’d you rate your time here?
Aether:Do I count the five months I was here on loop?
Nilou:Ah, forgot about that. Okay so things for you must be pretty surreal.
Aether:It wasn’t all bad. Definitely wouldn’t want to loop again but it was pretty interesting meeting you so many times. I think it’s the only reason I was able to talk to you comfortably so quickly when it ended.
Nilou:Anything back then you still haven’t gotten the chance to tell me again?
Aether:Ummmmm
Nilou:Oooo c’mon deep breaths. If you did it once then you know you have the courage.
Aether:It’s just…it felt a little awkward to say it. Also putting it into words last time was hard to describe, but now that we know each other more, it makes what I said feel truer. Feels heavy.
Nilou:You’re beginning to make it sound as serious as “I love you.”
Aether:……
Nilou:…..*crimson* You said that five months into knowing me?
Aether:We talked a lot, and the loops were very stressful. Near the end I sorta blurted it out. It was pretty embarrassing.
Nilou:Well then, may I ask why?
Aether:To be honest, it solidified when you broke the loop. Before that point, seeing you put your all into your passion, thinking of the ways to make good on your promises despite risks, it let me see how serious you were. Then after you finally learned the truth, you did something. Even after such a grand revelation and the dangerous circumstances at play, Nilou, you never stopped wanting to deliver a performance that would last a lifetime. Dance is your passion and you never waver from it. You took what was meant to be a nightmare and turned it back into a dream doing what you wanted. People like the Sages said your life was mundane but you didn’t care. Even in the grand scheme of things, you acknowledge the normal way of life is beautiful and should be treated as such. There’s nothing wrong with being just a shopkeeper, actor, or a dancer. Because it’s all you wanted to be; a dream come true.
Nilou:….
Aether:..*red* Sorry. That was a lot. I told you it was hard to put into wor-
She put her arms around his shoulder and kissed Aether gently, her heart raced as he kissed her back deeply. Every part of her body felt lighter. Almost like butterflies were in her stomach and chest and refused to go away. Nilou ended the kiss but stayed a breath away to gaze into Aether’s eyes passionately. It was if he managed to wash away countless repeated doubts that crept into her from time to time. Many people noticed Nilou’s efforts and she was thankful for all of them. Yet when it came to Aether, Nilou truly felt as if he was looking at her. Flustered, she hid her face in the crook of his neck.
Nilou:Aether, I can’t remember the last time I’ve been so…so happy by words alone. It feels like I’m back on stage.
Aether:Hehe, good. I’m so glad. Last time I definitely think I jumped the gun.
Nilou:Hehehe well put your worries away. Thank you. This birthday has been wonderful.
Aether:Don’t mention it. It’s nice remembering to enjoy the little things, the community and its connections. Thanks for reminding me of that.
Nilou:…..
Nilou:Aether?
Aether:Yes?
Nilou:Can I show a private performance?
His heart nearly stopped. He could her arms tremble like on their first date. Nilou finally looked at him. Her hair matched the color of her face and he wasn’t far off either. Perhaps they were a little brash but both kissed again. This team Aether leaned further until Nilou fell backwards, pulling him down with her. Aether put his hand against the ground as they fell to create a lush bed of flowers in their color to land softly in. Tonight, Nilou had a captive audience of one. They couldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Aether:I love you.
Nilou:I love you too.