We know how Husk and Al met...What about Niffty?

I am interested in some theories about how Al and Nif met. He is so tolerant of her and is one of the very small few who is allowed to touch him. We know that he sees her as entertaining and she does her job and does it well...But, he keeps Husk on a much shorter leash than he does with Nif from what I've seen. So, what do you all think?