Disclaimer: It's too bad I don't own Tales any of the games or characters, because I would definitely make a second one… oh well!

Author's note: Please don't flame me, I know that Senel x Norma wasn't meant to be, I just thought it would be interesting, and it's been stuck in my head for a while now. Thanks all! Oh, and before I forget, this contains spoilers if you haven't gotten through most of the Character Quests yet. Also thanks to my beta reader for reading it beforehand, although she had no clue what it was about.

I Couldn't Tell

I never thought that I'd still be here on the Legacy. It seems that things just rolled out of control before I knew it. I found the Everlight, well, sort of. I also was able to teach him some manners, the Jerk. Always calling me a Monkey…

That wasn't the only thing that kept me here though, now that I think about it. I guess… I just didn't want to admit it. I always act like a kid, it's true. I find it more fun that way. I don't have to be anyone but me.

I guess that's why I make nicknames for everyone too. It makes me feel unique. You do too, but of course, I'll never tell. You like Shirl. Well, even if you and her don't work out, I still couldn't tell. I'd just play the part of a good friend, and encourage C to go for it.

You're so stupid sometimes, Senny! I mean, sure, Shirl's nice and all, but she's still your sister, isn't she? I mean, why did it all turn out this way? I never would have guessed all these crazy adventures would happen when I met you and Teach and C in the Crystal Forest.

Back then all I cared about was treasure. I just wanted to find the Everlight. Not only to prove it exists, but because I was greedy. I wanted to be known as the greatest treasure hunter ever. I was such a fool. I only made jokes about it at first, you know. Like when we were on the boat before Hattie interrupted, it's not like I actual thought we'd fall for each other or anything.

I guess I didn't see it. Over time I became part of the group, and you all just accepted me, even though you got angry, you never pushed me away. I guess I fell for you without knowing it. And since me and Red and JJ always seemed to work better, I just tried to ignore it. I really tried with all my heart.

But I failed… Even though C was able to accept it, and continue just being your friend, I guess I can't. I guess I'll never be complete. I'm sorry everyone, maybe someday you'll forgive me… for what must be done.

Norma.

Senel was wondering what was wrong, when he entered Will's house that day, something just didn't seem right. Turns out Norma hadn't arrived yet, which was weird considering she never missed the opportunity to bug him about sleeping too long…

"Then again… She does sleep heavily. Do you think she stayed up too late or something?"

"I don't know Coolidge, but how about we go get her? We'll be back shortly, Raynard."

"Right, don't take long."

"We won't."

Senel and Chloe ran to the inn. Will obviously had something important to say to them if they had to hurry. Then again, the Legacy hadn't been having many problems lately, so maybe it wasn't as urgent as they thought it was. They just wanted it to be urgent. And let's face it, after all the events that had taken place, how could they not get bored?

They ran up to Norma's room, knocking on it only twice before entering to wake her. But the room was empty, with only an open window as evidence.

"She's not here? That's weird… did she go out or something?"

Chloe picked up the piece of paper lying on the desk, looking it over carefully. Slight tears filled her eyes, but she kept her voice level. This was too hard to believe.

"Coolidge, look at this."

Chloe handed over the piece of paper, and Senel took it, slightly confused. He was pretty dense on matters of love, so Chloe wasn't even sure if when she confessed he understood, that day in the rain, but this he had to. It was too clear.

"I don't understand… she's…"

"Coolidge, open your eyes and read it!"

"…gone."

Chloe staggered slightly, that wasn't quite what she expected, but he got the general picture. That was enough to go on.

"And it's my fault?"

He wasn't as dense as she thought. That was a relief.

"I don't think it's your entire fault Coolidge. Come on, we'd better tell Raynard…"

"Not yet."

"What?"

"Just… let's say she left a note… she went treasure hunting or something… please Chloe, I just need time… to think about this…"

Chloe smiled. Maybe he wasn't always smart, but he understood this was important.

"Sure Coolidge, take your time."

"Thanks."

They left the inn, heading back to Will's house.

"Will Norma come back?"

"To be completely honest with you Coolidge, I don't know.

"…Right."

Fin?

Afternote:

Will: Well that was depressing.

Jay: What do you expect, my information clearly confirms that there is no way Senel and Norma would ever work.

Norma: Aww come on JJ, let the guy dream!

Tatsu: Actually, Jay has a point.

Senel: Then why did you right this! It's…

Shirley: Something you should be hurt for!

Tatsu: Right, because everyone loves the Senel/Shirley stuff

Shirley: They do too!

Moses: Sorry Toots, he's got a point. Senel and Chloe work better.

Senel + Chloe: W-What?

Jay: For once, I agree with Moses.

Shirley's Battle Aura flares

Tatsu: Okay, time to go now! This is Tatsu and the Fun Bunch, signing out!

Sounds of people getting hurt by Shirley and Senel trying to stop her

Grune: Oh my, everyone looks like they're having so much fun!

Of course Grune would get the last laugh…. Anyway y s, I hope you all liked it! I'm planning on keeping this a one-shot deal unless people who read it want me to continue. Senel and Norma would be interesting to try and make work… anyways; I hope you all enjoyed it, R+R!