Title: What was once there
Disclaimer: Tales of the Abyss © Namco Tales Studio
Jade's solemn crimson eyes stared at the boy, hassling over his invention as he fiddled with the gear mechanism. Idiot. All he needed was a support around the cog and wheel and he would have been done. But his judgment was being clouded by petty details that really didn't matter in the end. There was only five minutes before the professor would come to check on each of their work and here he was struggling on something as little as that.
He tapped his finger on the table and glanced down at his own workstation, particularly at a single item. Looping a rubber band around his finger, he flung it hard towards him, deliberately aiming at his head to make sure he got his attention. Startled, the boy almost ended up dropping a piece of his work in the process but it was out of good intention. It was the only way without getting caught himself after all. When the other turned his head towards him in fury, Jade simply gave a knowing grin and pointed down to his solution. It wasn't long before he realized what it was for and immediately applied it to his invention.
Viola. A praise of word and a pat on his back later, the boy shyly looked his way again and sheepishly smiled, mouthing the words "Thank you." which took Jade by surprise. Though he couldn't hear it, it clearly showed on his face how sincere he was. Helping his fellow students was something that was always expected of him as the genius throughout the academy. Not once did he receive a true gratitude for his aid until now. He couldn't help but smile back as it marked the beginning of a new friendship -- A small connection that lead to big things in the past. How wholehearted and naive he was. Who would have thought fate would be so cruel for them to end up fighting for different causes in the end.