Author's Notes: I haven't been very productive at all here at in terms of actually writing… So here's a drabble. -nervous laugh-

Set right after Yuan spoils Kratos's true identity to Lloyd.
Slight Kratos and Yuan

Disclaimer: Characters are own by… their respective owners and Tales of Symphonia belongs to Namco.

I think my ass is covered now.

Kratos PoV.

Hate. Despise. Empathy.

Hate.

Is not even one fourth of a word to eloquently describe my current emotion. No, you can do much better than that, Kratos.

Despise.

It will suffice.

I looked into his eyes, remaining completely silent. He knows what I'm thinking. Why did he do it?

"I did it for your sake, Kratos." He said, trying to justify his actions. Liar. Goddamned liar.

I still said nothing, what is there to say? Oh, I thank you for thinking about me? It was so very kind of you Yuan. You really shouldn't have.

"Is that so?" I finally ask.

"Kratos… how long were you going to keep Lloyd in the dark?" Be quiet Yuan. You don't give a damn about my kid.

"He didn't need to know now."

"Then when?" Hypocrite. Don't sympathize with me.

"When I decide. Yuan, don't meddle into my life."

"What life? Following a brats orders!?" I wanted to strangle him. But he continued. "Then leading the blind Chosens to their deaths, killing your wife and leaving your own son to a dwarf?!"

Despise.

Is not even one fourth of a word to eloquently describe my current emotion.

He could see that I was on the edge of drawing my sword and slicing him into two equivalent halves. But he was unafraid. In fact, after his talking fit, he went into a sudden state of gloom and melancholy. It threw me completely off guard…

"At least you have a son Kratos…" I remained silent. He had more to say.

"I couldn't do that with Martel. I could never be a father." He… wanted a kid?

"I suppose… I wanted to be like you…" …What?

"So you've doomed me to certain death." I mused.

Despite the lighthearted comment, the cloud of discomfort was thick. I cannot understand his inner conflicts, but I can understand their severity. So having limited or no options, I did the complete unordinary. I hugged him. Yes, I, Kratos Aurion hugged Yuan.

He was confused, but I softly silenced him.

"Things happen for a reason."

Empathy.

Is the correct word.

Author's Notes: More of a friendship thing, I suppose. I don't know, I needed to write something.