Shinu and Nioelle walked into the brand new start of the art library Balamb Garden boasted. So many seating areas and workspaces took up the space, Shinu wondered how many students would be coming here. He led Nioelle over to a large comfy looking brown couch and plopped himself down.

Before she could sit he asked her a question.

So what do you like to do on Sunday mornings?

He laughed lightly at the randomness of the quesiton, but Sunday morning was his favorite.

Nioelle couldn't help but laugh also.

Sundays? Well, usually I'd get up and make myself something to eat, and spend most of the day talking to my mom. It was her favorite day since Dad was off at work, and we would go to the park together.

Nioelle sat next to Shinu and tried to hold back her tears. Her mom had died a year ago, and the wound was still deep for Nioelle.

Mama's girl huh? You should talk to Cid about the times he tried to convince me to come here. He had to convince my mom more than he did me! Ha, she's a crazy one. I wonder what she's doing right now. Knowing her she's at some restaurant, telling people her son is hero even though I haven't saved anyone!

Shinu was saddened now. He missed his mom, but talking to Nioelle took his mind off of it until now.

What does your dad do if you don't mind my asking? I'm not sure what dad's do, I didn't exactly have one growing up. My mom said I'd be a better man for it. I used to hate when she said that. I always thought it was a lie she would tell me to make me feel better when things went wrong.

He sat back in his seat and stared at the rows and rows of books that lined the library's walls. It was a very comfortable feeling for him to be surrounded by so much knowledge, his brain is like a sponge. Not only was it easy for Shinu to process information when he was doing research, but he actually ENJOYED it. He would save that for another time though, now he could only think about his mother.

You know one time, a couple of kids in my school beat me up, and she said I would be a better man for it! Can you believe that? The funny thing is though, she is always right. I'm still not sure about that particular incident, but more times that not, it's amazing how right she is. Mothers are strange huh?

Shinu tried to manage a laugh, but he was clearly not feeling as happy as he was an hour ago.

Nioelle nodded, trying not to cry. She adjusted herself in her seat, sitting up straighter.

Yes, I suppose. My mother...well, she died a year ago. My father's with the Galbadian Army. He didn't even come home for her funeral...

Nioelle looked away and wiped her eyes. She hated being sad more than anything else. She was always so upbeat and cheerful, it actually surprized her when she was upset.

I'm sorry. I must seem so odd now for talking with my mother. She isn't even around anymore.

Well Shinu sure had to come down from his high horse. He was riding smooth until he just got promoted to the world's biggest jerk.

I'm very sorry Nioelle. I had no idea at all. I can't even understand how you're here right now, you're much stronger than I am, that's for sure.

He wasn't quite sure what to do now. He was leaning back and now she had sat straight up in her spot. He didn't know whether to comfort her or not, it was not typical for a girl to share emotions with Shinu. Actually, he never even got close enough to a girl to give her a chance. He was a flirt no doubt, but actually getting to know a pretty girl usually didn't happen. He definitely had issues with commitment, he just wasn't a big enough man to admit it.

Now he was in a foreign situation. He wanted to console her so bad, but how could he? What could you say to someone who lost their mother? Especially since he still had his loving mother to write to and hear from. He had no moral authority to speak on the matter. This was another first, Shinu had no words.

Acting out of instinct, he stopped thinking and just pulled her back. For the second time today, she was in his arms, and he didn't mind. He just wanted her to feel better. It was definitely the first time he wasn't think about himself when he had someone in his arms.

Don't feel bad. I don't know how I would feel if my mom died. Just... don't worry about any of that. You can cry as long or as little as you like.

Nioelle nodded into his chest, and tried to forget all her saddness.

Sorry, I don't normally act this way in front of people. I hate not being happy in front of others.

Nioelle wiped her eyes and looked up at Shinu. She was happy that in ten minutes or so she had met a guy who wasn't only nice to her, but rather handsome, too.

I'll be okay now. Thank you!

Nioelle smiled at him and laughed a little, to show she was going to be alright until she thought of her mother again.

Don't worry about that. We all have our moments. I'm not exactly the king of hiding my emotions, and it's nice to have someone there with you in your moments that you're at your worst.

Shinu looked up at the ceiling, knowing that what he said was something he didn't usually live by. He only shared his emotions with his mother, and he felt bad for it. He wasn't sure if Nioelle would be someone he shared feelings with, but only time would tell.

You know, I wrote something a while back that you might like...

Rain and lightning fill the sky and damper the air.
Helping harness the unwanted feelings of despair.
The world turned back on you and no one cares.
Your emotions bottled, no one is there to share.

Please don't be so down, cut yourself some slack.
Be ready to receive help, try to restrain your attack,
On those who are there for you until time itself cracks.
Know your soul is healed, when the sun comes back.

Shinu gave a nervous gulp. He hoped she liked it, he wasn't exactly used to sharing his poetry, much less out loud. Only his mother read it, but he thought the time was appropriate.

Nioelle was smiling the entire time he recieted his poem.

It was beautiful, Shinu! I had no idea someone like you could write poetry!

Nioelle cocked her head to the side and smiled at him.

I'd love to hear more in the future!

Shinu gave a weak smile, trying to figure out if she really liked it or not. Since she hadn't stopped smiling yet, he decided it was safe to finally give her his full smile back.

Well I'm a different kind of man for sure. You can't judge a book by its cover! Even if it's a huge book.

He laughed, never having a problem making fun of himself. He and his mom constantly went at it cracking jokes at one another.

I would love to show you more things that no one else knows about me. Hopefully, I'll get to know some things about you too! I know, why don't you tell me your favorite thing about you that no one else knows!

Nioelle's face scrunched up in confusion.

Hmm, something no onw knows? Let's see...

Nioelle thought for a moment, and then nodded.

When I was a little girl, I ran around the house, shouting that I was the hero of a great war, that I was a member of the Galbadian army like my dad. That's what I always wanted to do, but now I'm not so sure.

Nioelle was slightly embarrased by the secret. Only her parents knew that about her.

Okay, your turn!