A Magical Bond

by RionZanes

A little love tale of the two mages Erk and Nino of Fire Emblem 7. A story about the maturation and bonds between both friends and how it would change their lives forever. The amount of love this pair gets is unsettling, so this is is just another contribution to show how their story would be like. I'd love to hear reviews! And thank you for reading this, I hope you all enjoy!

2. Ch 1: Teacher and Student

Chapter 1: Teacher and Student

"Erk..? Um, are you.." A soft voice ran through my ears.

It shocked me, up to the point where I almost fell of my chair. Had I dozed off again? I looked at where I was, trying to remember what I was doing. A flicker of bright green ran passed me as I looked. To the left of me sat a girl, wide-eyed and worried. She stared at me for a moment, looking a bit troubled. I noticed I was staring back at her, feeling allured by the gaze... Wait, what? Redundant thoughts again.. Well, anyways, I broke the small moment of silence, shaking of those weird thoughts and returned back to the girl. She looked away as well, probably embarrassed because of my random moment of awkwardness. Good grief, Erk..

"N-Nino, uh.. My apologies..." I managed to say, the nervousness breaking into my voice.

"O-oh! No problem, but uhm... Are you alright?" Her head was slightly turned still, but I saw her eyes peeking from the sides. Her cheeks were a bit flushed, I expected mine to be the same.

"Y-yes. I was just thinking.. I didn't mean to jump at you like that.." I sighed, trying not to show how annoyed I was. She giggled, apparently that was funny. Looking down, I felt something thin in my hands. A piece of paper? Oh.. That's what we must have been doing, Nino's lessons. Taking a closer look, I felt her watching me. She must've been anxious for my review.

"I-It's alright, really!" She pleaded, "But.. What do you think..?" Nino said that a little more quietly. She fiddled with her fingers, poking the index's against each other. "Is it any better?"

I looked back up at the green-haired girl, she still looked a little nervous. Patting her head a bit, I couldn't help but to grin just a little. It didn't surprise me that she was acting this way. With all her lessons, she often came nervous or determined, just like how she usually acted. She gave me a small smile as I patted her, what a silly girl. She always was looking for approval, someone to tell her if she needs to improve on anything. Kind of reminds me of.. Well me. Other times, she's usually very outgoing and bubbly, very cute if you ask me. It's just so surprising that she acts this way, considering her past. That's just another thing amazing about her. Her eagerness always gets me too, and it makes me happy to have a such an enthusiastic student like her. I handed her back the paper. Most of it was very legible, almost as neat as mine even. Why am I not impressed?

"It's not much better than the last few lessons, Nino..." I started, seeing her face droop a little, "But. It's in fact better." Her head perked back up again, looking a lot more brighter.

"R-really?!" I nodded, her smile returned at full, "Yes! Thank you, Erk!" She pulled me closer to her, my neck being gripped in between her arms. "I worked even harder this time around! I'm sorry, but this made my night!" She exclaimed, leaving me to chuckle weakly.

"A-ah, if you may.. I'd like to breathe now.." She quickly loosened up and let me go. Her cheeks were a bit darker now, making a silly face at me. "Alright then.. Now, don't let this get to your head, you hear me?" She simply nodded, like a little girl responding cutely to her parent. "Anyways, that's enough for tonight. You need to get some sleep."

"Already?"

"Hey, what have I told you? Do you want to end up like me?" She rolled her eyes and smiled, "You've told me yourself that sleep keeps the mind healthy, and that being tired will just make things worse. Practice what you preach, hmm?"

"Alright, alright.." She pouted a bit. As we got up, she gave me another hug before she began to leave. "Good night, Erk! I'll write even better than this tomorrow!"

"I know you will. Good night yourself, Nino." She let go and we waved at each other as she left my room, closing the door behind her. I let out one more sigh before I started moving around. Today turned out longer than expected, my lessons on top her own was tiring, annoying even. Of course I've never said that out loud, a teacher needs to test his patience. I guess that's the price of being a teacher. Pent must have had a hard time with me a long time ago, haha...

I cupped my hand over my mouth a little as I yawned and moved to my wardrobe. Inside held various clothing, obviously. One side held more formal clothing, like for balls and gatherings, those kinds of things. At the end of the rack was my old attire, that cape that was as red as my fire, along with the blue tunic and ankle shorts. I've cleaned them for old times' sake, yet it still looks old and rough. Behind all the cuts and stains on each piece covered my story in the war. It seems like ages since I've last seen it, let alone wore it. That war was like living a whole other life entirely, but at least we've found peace. I felt my robe one last time, the silk had roughened up. Heh, enjoy your rest, old friend. The other side of my drawer held my everyday clothes. From clothing I wore around the castle to whatever I wear when I want to go out. Lately, the only time I'm out of the castle is when I run an errand or I'm somewhere with Nino. Sometimes I treat her for her good work and other times she just drags me out for fresh air. Probably the only person I'd allow to drag me wherever, knowing her intentions. Anyways, I suited up in plain, sleeveless tunic and some baggy pants. Switching off my light, I folded up the blanket to the end side, It was sort of warm and I knew that wouldn't help me sleep. Finally, I simply plopped myself onto it. Yes, my bed was just heaven, nice and cozy. Fixing myself, the ceiling is the last thing I see before my eyes start giving in. All in a day's work, another full day ahead of me awaits. Good night, world. I'll deal with you in a couple of hours. Until then, let this boy dream..

Alas, it was to no avail. My eyes were closed, but I didn't feel like sleeping. Opening my eyes was no different from closing them, all I saw was darkness for nearly ten minutes. It seems my mind is playing tricks on me again... Jeez, another night where I can't sleep. I wonder what's going on with me? I felt a bit restless, too active. My head hurt a little, maybe I'm too stressed from all this work? Though, it's not like I've never let that get to me before. It has to be something else, but what? I need something to calm my nerves. Ugh, I hate it when this happens. What can I do to calm me down, though? Tea is soothing but not enough to put me to sleep or keep me from being too jittery. What to do, what to do.. Oh! Maybe an old hobby can be my solution. I haven't done that in a while. That will surely be enough to calm me down. Hopefully I can be quiet enough to walk through the halls so I don't wake anyone up. Alright, brain. Time to calm you down so I can get some damn sleep for once..

I crept quietly out of my door, closing it ever so gently. The torches and candles of the hall were still lit, so perhaps some of the other students and servants were still awake. That's a relief, makes this much easier. Before I moved out of my hall, I glanced at one the opposite side of my own. Nino's room was a few doors from the end of the hall, not so far from mine actually. I hope she's sleeping well, maybe being so happy would help her? Or not, knowing her. Oh well, I don't want to disturb her. On to the next, I guess.

I traversed through a few more halls, passing by a few of the student ones. The students here studied various types of magic, like the use light spells and staff mastery. Wouldn't it be useful to know multiple forms of magic? I'm a long way from that path, there's much more for me to learn.. A few of the candles were unlit around here, so I made my way past a bit more quietly. Outside the next hall was the Grand Stairs, leading a long way down to the main floors. Still looking as regal as ever, much like most of the castle. The castle life sure is fancy, but it can get boring at times. Who am I to complain? As I was making my way down the stairs, a familiar face caught my eye. A golden-haired woman with her hair neatly braided in a fishtail style over her shoulder, wearing her usual pink and flowing night-gown. As soon as I spotted her, she rushed over to me with a gentle smile.

"Erk! I didn't know you were still up, is something troubling you, dear?" She asked sweetly with a hint of worry in her tone. "You better not be off to the library again, especially not at this hour!" I scoffed at her comment, chuckling. I wouldn't even think about that, reading is the last thing that would help.

"My apologies, Lady Louise. I just didn't feel tired yet."

"That's a surprise, knowing how much sleep you used to get, if any~" I frowned a bit, but I knew she was just teasing.

"Yeah, yeah.." I sighed.

"Anyways, Erk. What do you plan on doing about it?"

"It's not so windy outside, so I was thinking I could head over to the garden and-"

"Commune with the spirits?" Another voice added. Coming up the stairs was my silver-haired mentor. We were slightly surprised by his comment, but not so much. That man knows me too well, heh..

"L-Lord Pent?"

"You didn't forget about me now, did you dear?" He laughed a bit, soon joining Louise and sharing a smile with his wife. "That's splendid news though, Erk. It's always nice to connect with nature every now and then."

"Of course. It's very... soothing." I shrugged, he responded with a nod. "I'm sure it'll help me clear my head." I haven't done it in so long, I almost forgot how it felt.

"Say, where's your little student? If memory serves correctly, you told me she too has communed?" Pent asked.

"Nino? Yes, she's said she has, but I don't know how long ago since. Either way, she's probably asleep now. I told her to so she could be ready for tomorrow's lesson."

"Shouldn't her teacher be doing the same then?" Louise giggled, "But you're wrong, Erk." I was wrong? Me and Pent looked over to her when she said that. "I saw her around here before I headed to the stairs. Nino passed by not too long ago, asking for permission to garden.." I felt the two of them eyeing me, both showed a coy smile. They're thinking of something mischievous, I bet.

"Is that so...?" Pent chuckled, what in Elimine's name are those two thinking..?

"W-what is it?"

"What you said. I assumed you were accompanying her when I saw you, and when you told me that, my thoughts were set. It surprised me, you two seem to always be getting closer." She giggled again, along with Pent.

"W-what are you?! It's not like that! I-It was merely a coincidence!" I almost yelled, the two's expressions were left unchanged.

"Getting quite defensive, aren't we, my boy? Look, you're reddening like a tomato!" He laughed a bit harder, patting my back. My cheeks did feel more tense.. Dammit, why did I say it like that?!

"Calm down, Erk!" His laughing began to cease, "We shall leave you two to your own matters. Why don't you join her anyways? Communing is much better as a couple.." He snickered again, I couldn't tell if he was being serious or not. All I knew was that this whole mistake just kept on getting worse.

"Oh, hush now, Pent. That's enough teasing now, leave the boy alone. Take that advice though, sweetie. You both seem like you can use the refreshment." She chimed, winking. I felt a little less tense, but this still was irksome..

"Alright, alright, you don't need to tell me twice. I'll find her." I groaned a bit, they just nodded and went past me.

"Good night, son. Don't stay up too late now, either of you." He and his wife waved as they went farther up. I bid them good night as well and continued down, trying to calm down. From upstairs I can hear them laughing still.

"What was that about..." I shook my head. One of these day I'll die from their teasing, haah..

I reached the dining hall a few minutes later, walking through the huge and quiet room. There were tall windows in the room, for which we can see the garden and let the sunlight in as we ate during the day. I walked over to the door leading outside and gazed upon the greenery. There were some sort of lanterns hanging upon clothes lines across many parts of the garden, lighting up the garden and giving it a more radiant feel during the night. Very pretty. I closed the door behind me and began walking down the dirt roads, looking around for that silly girl. As I did, I came across many types of flowers, varying in an array of colors and type. Some I didn't even remember being there, Louise must have added them while I was gone during the war. They were pretty, all came from different sides of Elibe. Heh, if only the continent could reside peacefully together like their flowers are here..

Looks like the garden has grown since my travels started, I hardly recognize parts of it. I almost forgot how big it was and how much roads were in it. Someone could get lost in here, it's like a maze. Why would anyone need a backyard that's this big? It went around the back of the castle, almost as large as the fields the farmers of nearby villages use. Even so, I still knew my way around. I looked further, where could have she have gone? She couldn't haven't gotten too far, based on what Louise told me. That surprised me though, what she said. The last time she told me she communed was when she was younger, but she never mentioned if she has since. Maybe she'll need help? I pressed on, still no sign of the green-haired girl. Did she get lost? She has gone in here with Louise a couple of times, but it's still possible. Normally I'd feel rather irritated by her ignoring my advice. Well, her advice. That girl's curiosity has no bounds, yet, it's one of the things that make her, well.. her. I can't stay mad at her, but where could she be hiding..?

"No, no, no...!" A voice groaned nearby. I spurned around and looked, a quick jolt of bright green hiding in my sight. That color, I knew it almost instantly. Nino's hair..! She sat under a large tree that's branches reach outward, casting a shadow over some portion of the bushes and other plants in this area. Stepping quiet and cautiously, I crept behind a bush and watched her progress. She looked upset, with her arms wrapped around her legs and eyes gazing up at the stars. She didn't do it right, I bet. Oh, Nino..

"Hmm..." She grumbled a bit, still looking up. "That wasn't right either.." She sighed, frowning. "Maybe I've grown out of it..? Can you hear me, spirits?" There was silence for a couple of seconds, was she waiting for a response?

Well, this was no surprise. She may be an exceptional mage, but she's just as human as everyone else. Poor girl, it pains me to see her like this, but what can I do? Actually, I know exactly what I should do. A little surprise won't hurt her..

"Hello, Nino." I said somewhat softly. I talked a little lower to disguise my voice. She turned her head, wide-eyed with her head turning in various directions. I felt like a little kid doing this, but it seemed to have worked.

"H-huh? Who said that?! Are you.. a spirit?"

"Indeed I am, milady." I chuckled under my breath, "You called for a spirit, did you not?"

"O-oh, yes! I called, I called!" Her frown had transformed to her usual smile, making me chuckle a little more. She sounded giddy like a little girl, I almost couldn't stand it. "Mr. Spirit, I-I'm Nino and.." She stopped, "Huh..?" She slowly began to stand up. Damn, she'll see me! I tried to move around, but the bush was in my way. It began to rustle and it made me more obvious, until I ended up tripping out of it and in front of Nino. Smooth one, you dolt..

Nino yelped, jumping back a little when I fell. "E-Erk?!" She gasped. When I looked up, I saw crossed arms and a slightly intimidating glare coming down at me. "Erk...! Y-you scared me!"

"Oof.. M-my apologies, Nino.. I.. I didn't mean for that to scare you or anything."

"You're such bad liar." She sighed, pouting. She knelt down and helped me up, "You were trying to surprise me, huh? You're a knucklehead, Erk." She giggled, expressions returning back her usual demeanor.

"I'm not the knucklehead that fell for it." We both laughed this time, leading each other to the foot of the tree. "Hopefully that didn't get your hopes up too much." She sat down, same position as a few minutes ago with her back against the tree.

"I'll get over it, I guess.." She sighed as I took a seat next to her. "I didn't get think you'd come out here, after what you told me. You were coming here for the same reason too, weren't you?" I nodded.

"I was planning to. I would've come sooner if I hadn't bumped into Lady Louise and Lord Pent.. Those two are up to no good again.." I sighed tiredly, turning away. If I showed her my embarrassment, she might develop some strange ideas, along the lines of those two's thoughts.

Nino tilted her head, looking confused. "Huh? I ran into Lady Louise too. What did those two do?"

"Well, you know how were here, right? When I bumped into the two, I told them I was going out to commune so I wouldn't be so restless. That's when she told me that you were communing too, and seeing how were doing the same thing, the two of them somehow got the idea that I was doing so to join you.." I looked over to her again and saw that her cheeks were growing a little red herself, much like mine did. "D-Don't get me wrong, Nino. It's not that I didn't want to, it's just that.. Well, they caught me off-guard when they said that.."

"O-oh no, it's okay, I understand!" She responded rather quickly. "I probably would've acted the same way.." She sighed a little, looking away for a moment. "B-but it's nothing bad, really! I-I mean, they always talk like that when we're together, haha.." Her head turned back to me, a little flustered still.

"Trust me, I was very red. Redder than an apple even! I swear, they just like aggravating me sometimes.." She giggled a bit at my comments, showing that tiny grin of hers.

"Heheh, that sounds funny! I would've loved to have seen that!" Her smiled widened, "What else did they say?"

"... Let's... Save that for another time.. Okay?" I winked. She pouted again, making me grin this time. "Don't look at me like that, things like that are embarrassing!"

"Oh, fine.." She returned with a smile, "You win this time, but I you'll tell me next time, alright?" I rolled my eyes and nodded. She giggled again, and scooted closer to me. "Thank you. Since we're out here, let's enjoy the scenery a little more.. How does that sound..?" Her head laid on my shoulder, looking up at me. Her eyelashes fluttered as her eyes locked on me, as if she was half-awake. Either she's really tired or she's just trying to get me to show my red face again. Either way, the second idea was definitely working.. Hoo, what is this girl doing to me..

I couldn't say no with either case, not when she looked at me like that. Surprisingly, this isn't even the first time she's done this.. Whatever, it's.. It's nothing. We ended up looking up at the starry sky, luminous and filled with those tiny specks of light. It was actually very soothing, sitting quietly like this and just admiring the night sky. I looked down at her a few times, seeing that she had done the same. We met eyes a few of those times and when it happened, we just smiled. Her cheeks flushed rosy pink, mine likely to e the same. I couldn't think of a reason why that didn't bother me, but I didn't pay too much attention to it. Whatever this is, it felt nice. Nino awed and pointed at the sky after one of my glances.

"What is it, Nino?" She closed her eyes and smiled for a moment, soon opening them again as she turned back to me.

"It was... A shooting star.. Hehe..."

"Wow, really? Just my luck, I missed it...!" She giggled, "Next time, maybe. I take it you made a wish?"

"Can't tell." She chimed, making her fingers pinch and zip around her lips. "Or else it won't come true." I shook my head and laughed, she really is something else.

"Fair enough.." She winked at me this time, I just sighed. We laughed again for a bit, soon breaking into silence again, looking back at the stars for another moment. I wonder what she wished for? Knowing her, it could be anything really. She'll be thinking about it for a while now, I know it'll distract her. Oh well, let a girl dream..

"Hey, Nino." I said softly.

"Yeah..?" She said back, neither of us turning from the view.

"Were you having trouble communing?" She looked down, turning a little pinker in the cheeks. Touched a nerve, did I?

"H-huh? I... Um.." She mumbled a little, poking her fingers together. I chuckled and patted on her shoulder lightly.

"It's alright, I understand. There's no need to get so worked up about it.."

"Mhmm.. She turned back to me, "I'm sorry you had to see that. I was just irritated, I guess. It's been a long time since I last communed.."

"I suspected so. It's only natural that you would forget something after so long. There's no need to apologize." I said softly, trying to sound reassuring. She turned her head back to the sky and sighed.

"At least let me apologize for taking time out of your communing and for not doing what you told me.." She looked down. I stayed quiet, looking at her. It got me worried that she's belittling herself again. I didn't realize failing at communing would've made her so sad. If she could do that again, I'm more than sure she would be more confident. That's what I was looking for; this is what I can help her with..!

"Erk?" She looked back at me, sounding a little worried herself.

"When's your next field lesson?" I finally responded.

"H-huh? Oh, well, in a week? Why?" Her eyes were curiously looking at me, waiting for an answer as I thought a bit more.

"Alright. We're going to have a change in plans for that lesson."

"Wha-?" She replied; a bit confused still. "What do you mean?"

"Think about it, Nino." I grinned, "What were you just apologizing for?" She blinked as I watched her.

"What I apologized.. Wait, my communing?" She looked over to me again and I saw her eyes widened yet again. This time, they were filled with excitement. "D-do you mean?!"

"Bingo~" I answered in a silly tone, which actually sounded more... Dorky, perhaps. In any sense, both our smiles reached our ears; I'm glad that worked out well. She clapped and cheered like a child. Sometimes when she acts this cute, I can barely handle it. As long as she smiles, I can too I guess.

"Awwh! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Erk!" She squealed, hugging my arm as she laughed. Whoops, looks like my nervous meter is close to breaking. I must have been redder than when I talked to Louise and Pent. I'm just causing my problems now, haah...

"N-no problem… Just think of it as a treat. You've been working harder and harder, you deserve this." I patted her head as the nervousness broke into my tone.

"I don't even think thank you is even enough anymore. You're the best teacher ever!" She exclaimed. At that, I felt something quickly press on my cheek. Sweet Elimine, she did what I thought she did..! A kiss, on the cheek..!

"N-Nino?! W-why-, What- H-huh?!" That was the only things I could say. I mean, how could I do anything after that?! Oh, now my nervous meter broke. I can't handle much more of this, I'm just heading down a road full of trouble… What have you caused, Erk?

"Ooooh, is this how your face looked like? It really is redder than an apple!" She giggled, patting my cheeks. Her cheeks were a bit red themselves; I guess I'm not alone. At least she was happy about this. I'm probably not as happy but.. I'm glad to just have her with me.

As the two mages laughed their way into the starlit night, two figures had watched the garden from a balcony of the castle. They saw the whole scene, closely trying to make out what the mages were saying, but their faces and actions told them everything. The golden-haired figure spoke first,

"Oh, dear... Our boy is growing up! I told you I felt something else happening between those two. Just three years ago, he would have never considered bringing anyone over, let alone a girl." Louise giggled, taking a sip of her tea-cup.

"But look at him now, he has been all over her since he brought her." Pent grinned, crossing his leg over as he watched the two mages. "She is quite the catch, after all. I didn't know Erk was even interested in anything but his books, let alone have an eye for women. It's like he's changed into someone different, he's not the same boy who shut himself in his room anymore.."

"He learned a lot from his journeys, that including the noticing of girls and being ale to actually have a decent conversation with people. And cute girls, at that. You're right, she's just a little sweetie.. No wonder he's fallen for her. Knowing how charming Erk can be, it's easy to see that she harbors her own feelings for him. Have you seen it too, dear?"

"Of course. He's grown into a fine, young man... I'm proud of him. I've never seen that girl so happy either, especially what she's been through. Erk really does know how to make a girl happy." He chuckled, "I didn't think he had it in him.. Where have we been, dear? Our boy is gone, he's.."

"He's in love. You should know, honey. Love knows no bounds, it can change anyone. It's so cute, how they are hiding this from each other. It's only of a matter of time, though.. Love does wonders to a person, even him." She leaned onto her hand, watching the two still. "I might just cry, love.. Sniff, he grew up too fast for us.."

"Yes, but it's for the best.. Nino, she's already the center of his attention. Erk's a smart boy, he will find a way.. When that happens... O-oh, I might cry myself.." He sighed, "Erk, my son..." He swooned, his wife laughing.

The lights of the castle began to darken as we walked out of the garden. It really is lights out now, especially for us. Me and Nino quietly made our way to our hall and I walked her to her room. She looked both happy and tired, much like how I was feeling. I didn't get to commune, but this was just as good..

"Um, sorry again for keeping us up both so late.."

"Don't worry, Nino. If this is what you're out doing at night, I'm fine with it." She smiled at that, I did too. "And.. Just know that.. You can always talk to me if you're having any problems, alright?" She nodded, "Alright.. Well, good night Nino.." As I took my leave, I felt something tugging on my arm.

"W-wait, Erk!" I turned back, looking at her again.

"Is something wron-" I started, but I was stopped in my tracks. Her arms wrapped around me, like a.. Hug..?

"N-no, nothing's wrong.. Just... Just let me thank you, Erk." She finally said. Her head rested on my chest and she buried her face into it. She has never hugged me like this before, it really made me feel hot in the cheeks again..

"Nino...?" I managed to say after a short moment.

"I'm sorry, Erk.. I just realized something out there. You do so much for me, and it makes me so happy.. But sometimes, I just feel like.. Like a burden. That all I do is take up everyone's time and space in the castle and.." She was crying a little, I can feel it on my chest and hear it in the cracks of her voice. I took her into my arms before she can say anything else.

"Shh.. Don't ever say that again. You're not a burden. Nino, your.. your anything but that!" Her eyes peered up at me, "Why have you been keeping this from me? How can you even say that?"

"Haha.. Y-you know me better than anyone else here, Erk.. You know that I'm just a big crybaby sometimes. I just.. I feel as if I'm wasting so much for everyone here.." I frowned.

"Nino..." I petted her, stroking some of her hair away from her eyes. They were still looking at me, as curious and bright as when I first laid eyes on them. "You know I worry for you.. I don't want you to belittle yourself, alright? Tell me something, didn't you tell me not to do the same? To believe in myself more?" I lightly wiped a tear off, "You know I've wanted you to stop doubting yourself too. I told you in the war, and I'll tell you again and again until it gets through to you. I believe in you, Nino.." Her grin slowly began to form again, causing me to smile back.

"Besides, don't you remember why I invited you? Why I did? Not only are you an exceptional mage, but you're my friend. You have a lot of potential in you, I've seen it ever since the war up until now. You're anything but a burden.. " There was silence for a moment, it was just us looking at each other again.

"E-Erk.." She stuttered a bit, resting her head back on my chest. "Y-you're just too nice to me.. Thank you so much.. Thank you .. For being my friend.." I just smiled again, holding onto her. It didn't surprise me that she acted this way, her child-like demeanor never went away. So modest and humble..

"You don't ever need to feel like that again.. Remember that my offer still stands, always for you." She giggled and looked up again, and I chuckled.

"I-I know... Thank you again, Erk.. I needed this.." She kissed my cheek again, much to my expense. However, her bright smile came back, which brought ease back to me. Without thinking, I kissed her on the forehead. She squeaked a little when I did, surprised I assume. Her cheeks flushed brightly, much like how mine must have been. I didn't care at the moment, all that mattered to me was that I got that through her and she won't think like that again, like I used to think about myself. She helped me realize my own skills, it's my turn as a teacher to do the same. We both calmed down after another moment and we finally said good night again.

"Sweet dreams, Erk! I'll see you in the morning..." She said, giving me one last hug. She looked as if she wanted to say something else, but she just shook her head and grinned again.

"I'll be waiting. Good night, Nino.." I smiled, hugging back. We chuckled at each other with one last look, and then we parted finally.

I felt better in my bed this time than I did earlier. So much that I instantly fell asleep. Tonight really came about a lot differently than I expected. Nevertheless, I couldn't be more satisfied with the outcome of it. When I was with Nino, I felt different somehow. Just sitting there in the garden, gazing upon the cloudless night… It felt like euphoria. Actually, it was exactly that. I couldn't explain why, but being with her always made me feel at happy and at ease. That's the effect of being with a girl like her, I guess. She really is something special. Tch, what's happening to me? I'm thinking about her like that again! Haah, it doesn't matter. She seemed really happy tonight with what I said. Even if all we could be was friends, I would be fine with that. All I really want is for her to be happy, like how she's made me. She already seems like she likes me too, it would be a miracle if that were true. Well... One of these days I'll come out of my comfort zone and just confess. How would a hopeless boy like me pull that off? Ah, actually.. I'm glad I planned that day for communing.. It seems perfect. That way, it could be a bit special. She would definitely like that, considering my assumptions to be true.

But for now, I need some sleep. Hopefully I'll be prepared for that day. If not, or if I somehow make a fool out of myself... No, I can't be thinking like that. What Nino said.. Heh, sometimes I feel like a student when I'm around her. Alright, I can deal with these problems when it comes. I.. I need to relax.

Author's note~

Hey again, hope you're liking the first chapter! A little back story for my interpretation of Erk, for those who's wondering. Remember that these events happen over a year since the end of Nergal's war and he had been living with Nino's natural caring and kind influence. If you haven't figured out, Erk has been taking his own lessons from Nino. With her deameanor rubbing off on him, Erk's been becoming more mature and calm and less uptight and annoyed by everything. I hope I'm showing that well.

That's pretty much all I have to say~ So if you're confused why my Erk doesn't hate the world, it's because he's in love and he's softening up, hehe! 3 Enjoy and please leave reviews if you'd like! Thank you for reading so far!