Nioelle smiled and blushed a bit.

I'm glad you think so. People have never been this nice to me in the past.

Nioelle gave him a quick kiss and smiled at him.

But that's okay, about the religion. My faith left when my father left.

Shinu knew now that their cheeks would be sore tomorrow, he hadn't stopped smiling yet, and he didn't think she did either.

Well all the people of your past who didn't appreciate you can stay right there, in the past. Now we have a new home, and a lot of new friends, and most importantly, we have each other.

He thought about what she said about her faith leaving with her father. He didn't know what he'd do without parents. Well without the only one he ever had.

Nini, how can you be so tough? You're studying at the greatest place in the world and you don't have any parents left. I wish I could be as strong as you.

Nioelle shrugged, her smile fading.

I don't know. I guess I just talk to my mom enough now that it seems like she never left.

Nioelle sat up to retrieve a picture of her mom she had in her back pocket.

If I have you, I wouldn't need anyone else. Here, this is what my mom looked like a month before she died.

Nioelle handed him the picture, lying back down.

Well you'll have me for sure, I wouldn't spend any time worrying about that, just leave it up to me.

Shinu was about to put his head back down before he noticed Nioelle sitting back up. He wanted to ask if everything was ok, but he got his answer soon.

Ah, this is your mother? Those green eyes... I see where you get them. You know, I hope you aren't mad at me for saying this, but your father is a fool. How could he leave two beautiful women that loved him? I would kill to have the family he did and he didn't even appreciate his. If I ever get to have kids, they will know their father, that's for sure.

Nioelle's eyes teared up.

It was hard in the beginning, but we got through it.

She wiped her eyes and looked at Shinu, her usual smile back on her face.

If we're together when we get older, you'll have the family you want. I promise.

Nioelle thought for a minute on what she just said. It wasn't like her to plan something big like this until she were older, like the decision to go to Garden, which didn't happen until about a month or so before it opened. She was scared to what Shinu would say.

Yeah? Well that's quite the interesting promise, but I guess it's about the same as all of mine tonight.

Shinu thought about it too, though he didn't think she was hung up on the same idea.

You know, I used to think I'd just be a researcher, I could work from home, have time for my wife and kids... the works. Now though, GF hunting, space travel, invincibility, SeeD Academy, it's all changed. The last thing I want is to have a family that I can't even enjoy. This hero thing is really scary...

His voice trailed off, for the first time, he was tearing up.

Nioelle took his hand and held it.

Please, don't be sad. It'll all work out, I'm sure of it.

Nioelle felt her own tears forming. She knew he was probably right, though, and if they were together their whole lives, she may not get to see him as much as she would like to.

Slowly he rubbed his index finger along the side of her thumb.

Maybe someone else can do it! Yeah, there are others studying my work to be summoners. They are good right? Maybe we can just quit all of this!

I don't want you ruining your plans over me, Shinu. I don't know if I could live with that.

Nioelle said, and kissed him lightly.

Promise me you won't change everything just for me!

It's not just you... but what about the family? If you're the one I'll be with, what about our kids? I know what it's like to be without a father, and you know what that's like too, so why would you want that for your kids? I'm going to put my entire soul into finding a way to save this world and ours.

He looked down and gave her another kiss.

I think I have to tell you... about a girl that used to be in love with me, and probably still is. I have told no one else about this girl, but she could be the reason why everything can go downhill from here for this world.