a/n: Tis my first attempt at a Star Ocean: Till the End of Time ficcie... Please be gentle... I don't mind flames, but nothing to harsh, ne...?

Disclaimer: If Albel lived in my bed I'd be the happiest woman alive. Which I'm not. Which means he doesn't live there. -tear-

Misunderstanding

It was late.

Albel was walking around Airyglyph Palace's many corridors when he heard her. She was crying. He shook his head and sighed. It wasn't like Fayt or Maria would be in there with her... After fighting himself for a few moments, he stepped in fort of her door. He almost knocked twice and decided against it before finally sucking it up and just tapping his knuckles against the wood.

He heard her stumble in the room and the noise of her crying stifled, but she didn't come to the door. With another sigh, he knocked once more.

"Nel?"

"I... um, I'll be right there!" she whispered loudly and he heard her shuffle about behind the door again before it opened.

"Yes?"

"Are you all right?"

She laughed quietly. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"You were crying," he stated bluntly, softly brushing his index finger down her moist cheek.

"I-I was not!" she replied.

"Then why are your cheeks wet?" he asked, an eye narrowing.

A giggle burst forth from her throat as she stared at his serious expression until it seemed she could hold her laughter no more and she started laughing outright. Albel raised a confused eyebrow, wondering if she was okay.

"No, no, I was laughing," she corrected him.

"Laughing?" It didn't sound like he believed her.

With another giggle she said, "I was just reading something that Fayt wrote and it was... Well, it was entertaining."

Silence met her ears.

"Besides, what would I have to cry about?" she asked him carefully. "I'm happy."

"Really."

"Yeah. The war with Airyglyph is over and I've got you, Fayt, Maria..." She smiled. "I'm happy."

"I see," he said, suddenly uncomfortable.

She frowned. "Why'd you come here in the first place?"

Now he was definitely uncomfortable. "I merely wanted to know why you were distressed, but it seems I was wrong."

"Awww, were you worried?"

"Not at all-"

"It's all right to worry, you know."

"I was not-"

"I worry about you," she confessed.

"I- You do?" he asked, taken aback.

"Of course, just like I worry about Fayt or..."

He had stopped listening, his hopes sinking. She obviously didn't feel the same. Of course he worried about her. All the time. Every time they were in a battle, he wanted to rush to her side and defend her, but he knew she could take care of herself and he didn't want to interfere. She obviously cared for Fayt.

"Albel?" she asked as his eyes glazed over. "Hello?"

"Oh. Sorry, I spaced."

"I just... I want you to know," she started.

"Yes?"

"I... You mean a lot to me, you know?"

"I... You mean a lot to me, too, Nel," he told her, bowing his head.

"I... I love you, you know," she murmured. His head raised and shock was clearly written in his eyes.

"Nel-"

"I just wanted it out there... So I don't have to feel so awkward around you anymore..."

"But Nel-"

"I know you don't feel the same, but... It's off my chest now."

"Nel, I love you too!"

"I know it's- you do?" she asked, stopping mid sentence, as his words dawned on her.

"Yes. I have, for a while now..." he told her, a hot blush rising up his cheeks. "I just never thought that..."

"Neither did I," she answered, smiling brightly. Her arms enclosed his body and he hugged her back, not sure what to do next.

"Ahem."

They separated and looked at the person who had made the noise. "Fayt," they both said.

He laughed. "I suggest you two get some sleep. We're leaving early tomorrow morning."

They both nodded and shared another hug before heading to their respective bedrooms. It was the beginning of a beautiful journey.

Owari (end)

a/n: I heart reviews