Well, I'm sorry about the long wait, and for the shortness of this chapter. Writer's block didn't treat me very well, along with schoolwork. So, I'd like to quickly thank everyone that's reviewed. Also, make sure to read the author's note at the bottom.

Disclaimer: I don't own Tales of Symphonia.


Chapter 9- All right

The atmosphere around them was, Sheena noted happily, calm. It was a change from the normal tense, suffocating feeling she usually sensed was around them. Now, the ninja was afraid to say anything. She did not want to ruin this feeling. She would let Zelos speak first; hopefully he would not allow their conversation to be stressful.

"Thanks, Sheena."

Sheena was brought of her reverie by her lover's voice saying something that she was not expecting.

"What for?" She questioned, confused.

"Dragging me there against my will." The two laughed at his teasing voice, "I think that… it helped a little."

Unable to contain her smile, she said, "No problem, Zelos. I'm happy that it helped."

"Honestly, I thought you were pretty crazy for doing it." She knew he did not mean it as an insult, so she allowed him to continue, "It just seemed like it wouldn't work, but I really think that it… did."

"That's good. I was afraid you weren't going to give it a chance."

With a small frown, Zelos replied, "I almost didn't. But… I just changed my mind. Figured you knew what you were talking about."

Sheena smiled, pleased with what she just heard. It was not often when he would admit that she was right. "You just have to trust me sometimes."

"I do," The ex-Chosen said defensively.

"I know you do," she amended. "Sometimes, you just have to a little more."

"I'll try and remember that."

It was quiet for the rest of the walk. Sheena did not mind the silence. She found no point in trying to fill it with pointless chatter. It was not awkward, which she found was a relief.

Catching quick glances at Zelos's face, Sheena was happy by the fact that the swordsman's eyes looked at peace and not the typical broken look they had adopted a few weeks ago.

Arriving at the mansion faster than she had expected, Sheena was pulled out of her daze when Zelos pressed his lips against hers. Looking around at her surroundings, the girl was surprised to find herself inside and sitting on the couch.

Closing her eyes, she returned the kiss. They remained like that until she pulled away, causing him to frown.

"What's gotten into you?" Sheena asked, her voice, however, not holding any accusation.

"Part of an apology. Here's the other part: I'm sorry for everything that I've put you through. I shouldn't have pushed you away like that."

"I understand why, Zelos. It's your way of coping. You don't have to apologize."

"It used to be my way," he corrected. "I shouldn't have to do that anymore; not when I have you. You were always there for me, and I-"

"Stop," the ninja gently commanded. "I don't blame you. Sure, you said some pretty hurtful things to me, but I know you didn't mean them. I've gone through grief; I know what it's like."

"I know that. Sometimes I think the only reason we're together is 'cause of our similar guilt complexes."

Rolling her eyes, Sheena replied, "That could be, I guess."

Shrugging, the swordsman said, "I'm not complaining. As long as I'm with you, that's good enough."

"Well that's reassuring," Sheena responded sarcastically. "So if you stop loving me, you'll still stay with me? Because of our guilt?"

"Come on hunny, you know I don't mean that." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Besides, I don't plan to stop loving you anytime soon."

"That was a very sweet thing to say."

"Yeah, I know. What else can you expect from the great Zelos?"

Smiling at his old nickname, she answered, "I all ready know what to expect, so this isn't too surprising."

"So now I'm predictable?" Zelos whined. "Next you'll be telling me that I'm boring. What a sad day this is in our relationship."

"Stop being so dramatic. You're not… that predictable. I just know you too well."

Giving a small chuckle, the ex-Chosen asked, "Do you have to go back to Mizuho soon?"

"In a couple days," she sighed. "Sorry."

"Actually… I was wondering if I could come."

"Really? You never want to come," Sheena stated.

"I don't like being glared at. I don't like constantly looking over my shoulder there."

"Well, all they know about you is that you're a womanizer."

"And that I'm going out with their future chief. They probably think I'm not good enough for you or something."

"Most of them don't like outsiders. You know how Mizuho isn't that popular. I'll admit, it's more now than it has been, but still."

With a small smile, replied, "Well, I'll ignore glares and silent death threats for you. You're worth it."

"Even though you don't anymore, I might even be able to ignore you flirting with every female that's alive," Sheena replied, even though she was truly serious.

"I wouldn't do that to you," Zelos answered seriously.

"I know you wouldn't," she said just as serious.

After a period of silence, Zelos spoke, "I still know that it wasn't my fault… that Seles died." Ignoring Sheena's confused gaze, he continued, "I was just letting you know that I don't blame myself anymore. It was just a sickness, something I had no control over."

"That's right; something that wasn't your fault."

"It still didn't give me the right to treat you like that. Or to screw with you like that."

"Don't blame you," she replied simply.

"I know you don't, but it doesn't mean that it was right. I won't do it again, and if I do, you should leave."

"Do you really mean that?" Sheena asked skepticism evident in her voice.

"I do. You shouldn't deal with that. If I was you, I would have left a long time ago."

"Idiot, I stay with you because I want to, and… because I love you. That's not gonna change anytime soon."

"I love you too, Sheena."

"Hey Zelos?" She questioned after a small pause in conversation.

"Hmm?"

"Remember when you said that we'd be all right?" He nodded. "You were serious, right?"

"Of course. I wouldn't lie to my favorite girl like that, especially about something that important."

Pulling her into another kiss, Zelos silently vowed to himself that he would not give her another reason to doubt whether they would be all right or not. The ex-Chosen was quite far from being an optimist, but he would allow himself to be hopeful about that. He had unintentionally hurt her too many times for him to let himself do it one more time.

He did not know what would happen in the future, nor did he know what other tragedies would befall them. He did know that one would happen because life just was not perfect, but he would prevent himself from falling to rock bottom once again.

Don't worry Sheena, we'll be all right. I'll make sure that we will be.


Well, I hope that wasn't too bad. Please review and let me know. Also, I'd like everyone to know in advance that the next chapter is the last. Hopefully, the ending doesn't seem too abrupt. Even if you think that it is, I hope that you read and review it anyway!

I'll try and have the next chapter up as soon as I can, but no guarantees. Maybe the review amount will persuade me to write more (hint, hint).