This was far from the first time Celesia had been hurt. But somehow, this time felt much more… tangible. The pain so much more… real.

As her awareness flickered back on and her eyes fluttered open, the memories came rushing back.

So many things. The Knight, Aliceteria. The Military Uniform Princess, Altair. The cold steel of a lance piercing her stomach. Her Creator kneeling over her limp form, ordering, begging her not to die. The brief, but incredible rush of power that had flown through her.

And yet, one thought above all others rushed to the forefront of her mind. One thing she had to know…

"Where's… Meteora…?"

She's still only dimly aware of her surroundings, but Celesia is still able to make out Matsubara's fuzzy image next to the bed she's laying on. But somehow, Celesia hears her Creator's words with perfect clarity.

"She's fine. Meteora's resting in the room next door. Don't worry."

And just like that, Celesia feels the growing tension in her stomach fade away. Even though it feels like every part of her body is sore, aching or numb, Celesia feels relaxed, and content. Somehow, knowing that she is safe makes it all worth it.

When Matsubara leaves to let her get some rest, Celesia finds her thoughts drifting once again to the blue-haired mage. This isn't the first time Celesia has seen friends get hurt, not the first time she's fought and raged against those who hurt them. But somehow… this time is different. Back home, when her friends got hurt, Celesia would fight and rage and worry for them, but once the fight was over, once Celesia knew her friend was okay, that would be it. The worry would cease and Celesia would focus on something else.

Right now, it's different. Celesia finds herself still thinking about Meteora. Is she awake yet? Is she feeling alright? How badly was she hurt?

When can I see her?

Somehow, Meteora is different from other people Celesia has called 'friend' in the past. Maybe it's the fact that she's a kindred spirit, the first person Celesia met in this world that she could really relate to. Maybe it's the fact that Meteora has saved her life several times now and been so much help in figuring out just what is going on with Creations like them and their Creators.

Or maybe it's because ever since Celesia came to this world, Meteora has been there with her. Maybe it's the fact that Celesia knows she can trust Meteora with anything, knows that in a fight, Meteora will have her back.

Maybe it's the way Meteora's face lights up when they go out to eat and get to try a new kind of food. Like that time the other day when they went to that amazing pastry shop and shared that delicious milkshake. How even with her stoic look, Meteora's eyes had sparkled with delight.

The fact is… Celesia feels something for Meteora. It's a feeling she can't describe. A feeling unlike any that Celesia has ever felt towards any of her friends. The closest feeling Celesia can think of is how she sometimes feels about… him.

Oh.

Celesia would have laughed, but she's pretty sure that would hurt right now. Instead she simply smiles.

She's honestly not sure how to take that. It's certainly not what she expected. But then again, it's not like Celesia ever expected to have a conversation with the man who quite literally created her entire universe either.

They're all assembling in a meeting room, though Rui and Sota will be a bit late. Apparently Rui took Sota for a ride in his Gigas Machina. Celesia can't help but giggle when the Director tells her. That sounds just like the young pilot, and knowing Sota, the young artist must have had quite the ride.

As her chair is wheeled into the room, Celesia can't help the wide smile as she sees Meteora for the first time. She didn't doubt Matsubara's word, but seeing Meteora for herself… Seeing that she's okay drives away the last of the worries she's held. Meteora looks to be in good shape, at least in much better shape than Celesia is in. She's even standing on her own feet and doesn't need one of these supremely awkward chairs.

Unfortunately, while Celesia is happy that Meteora elects to stand next to her as they wait, Celesia can't think of anything to talk about. It's not like her. Celesia has always enjoyed her talks with Meteora, whether talking about their respective home-worlds or the many oddities of this new one or simple small-talk. But with these new feelings… Celesia's still not sure what to do with them…

"Celesia." The red-head looks up to the quiet voice of Meteora. Sota and Rui still haven't arrived, and the others are chatting amongst themselves, leaving the two girls some space for a somewhat private conversation.

"Yesterday, I found a new restaurant four blocks from Ms. Marine's residence. After we are recovered I thought we… that is, the two of us could might…" Even through Meteora's typically quiet stoicism, Celesia could still make out the minute reddening of her cheeks and the slight bending of her lips into an embarrassed pout that Celesia could do naught but find adorable.

"Yeah, that sounds fun." Celesia replied, giving the blue-haired girl a warm smile.

Then she slowly places her hand over the one Meteora has resting on Celesia's chair.

Meteora seems slightly startled for a brief moment. But then her eye's meet Celesia's, and she returns the smile.

And then all that confusion Celesia has had towards these feelings doesn't matter anymore. It doesn't matter. Because nothing has really changed between them. These feelings are the same as they've always been. The only thing that's new is that Celesia finally knows what to call what she feels for Meteora.

It was in that moment, that Celesia knows things would turn out okay. They'd get through this.

Together.