Listening to Ain't Nothing About You by Brooks and Dunn and The Way by Rascal Flatts. I apologize for the long wait. School finally caught up to me and October just had problems piling up one after another. November doesn't look much better, so I'm sorry if there is another long delay. I'll write when I can.
Thank you everyone for read, your reviews and your patience. I hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: Namco owns Tales of Symphonia.
Chapter 36:
It was restless again. Turning this way and that, forcing her to stop every few minutes and grip the table. Her hand rubbed her belly, the once small baby bump expansive and large. It was becoming rather hard to move around now and it made doing simple things difficult. Especially when the little one never stopped moving.
She smiled at her belly. "Settle down in there."
With a sigh, she straightened, moving carefully through the kitchen as she began to prepare herself a meal. Sophia and Pietro often stopped in with fresh supplies from the store for her. She felt extremely grateful for their kindness, knowing she'd never be able to carry any large amount home with her.
She was nervous. As the due date loomed closer, it was becoming more and more evident that she would soon be a mom. She didn't think she was ready for it. She didn't even know the first thing about caring for a baby. And Lloyd, well, Lloyd wouldn't know much either. She had considered writing a letter to Raine, asking her to come. She knew Lloyd wanted her location a secret, but being alone all the time made her anxious. Raine would know what to do, she had taken care of Genis since he was just little.
Another kick in her belly nearly made her spill the milk she was pouring and she gasped, placing her free hand on her belly. She frowned slightly at her belly, the movements coincidentally ceasing as she did so, and she laughed gently to herself.
Perhaps she was just being paranoid. She had heard before, that raising a child comes naturally to the parent. She hoped that was case.
She hummed quietly to herself as she set pots on the stove, stirring the sauce when she heard footsteps at the door. Pausing, Colette glanced at the door, hesitating before turning down the heat and wiping her hands. In the couple of weeks she had been here, Luin had shown no threat of Desians searching for her. Still, the wariness she had developed over the years always resurfaced and she waited for the knock.
There was none.
The door pushed open and her heart leapt to her throat as a tall figure filled the entranceway. It took her but a moment to recognize him and she hurried towards her husband with relief. "Lloyd!"
He straightened, a smile transforming his face and he gently embraced her, lowering his head to kiss her cheek. "Hello, Colette."
She smiled and then blinked, pulling back slightly as her hand lifted to his face. His puzzled expression lasted only a moment until he chuckled deeply, rubbing scratching his cheek. "Yeah, I haven't had a chance to shave lately."
Tilting her head, what she had taken for a shadow now revealed itself as the beginning of a beard. It was nothing more than a short scruff covering his cheeks and chin; nevertheless, an unusual sight.
"You shave," she said it slowly, not a question, but simply a realization. He gave a small smile, chuckling as he kissed her, leaving a slight prickle against her skin as he did.
"Yes. Don't worry, I'll shave tonight," As he spoke his eyes lowered to her belly, lowering to a knee as he placed his hand upon it. "So big..."
Cheeks pink, she nodded, watching as he caressed her belly, his brown eyes usually so sober, filled with amazement and wonder. She smiled, grasping his hand. "And very active."
His eyes lifted to hers, presenting her with a question. "I mean he moves around a lot. He's been restless," she elaborated.
Concern replaced his expression immediately and he stood, gripping her hand. "Are you alright? You aren't hurting are you?"
Her eyes widen for a moment and she laughed, causing him to frown in confusion and uncertainty. "No, Lloyd. I'm alright. It just catches me off guard sometimes. That's all."
She knew he wasn't reassured completely, but he didn't press. He guided her to her rocking chair by the window; making sure the blanket covered her lap and the pillow wasn't slipping behind her head. He did it all with a quiet resolution, his brow furrowed slightly in concentration as he assessed his work.
"Thank you, Lloyd." She smiled, leaning her head against the pillow.
He nodded, still surveying her. He was so protective it was adorable, though she would never tell him that. She knew he was trying to do everything right. He didn't know anything about his new role either. Even now that they were married, neither of them really knew how to fit into those positions.
She sighed, watching as he finally drifted away from her, checking on the pots on the stove. He shuffled them around with a concentrated frustration, keeping the heat low as he stirred the oatmeal. He had been as such, ever since the burnt pancakes. Sometimes it would take him forever to cook something, but his caution and determination only made her smile.
He glanced over at her occasionally, giving her a scruffy smile. They talked quietly, mostly her answering his questions about her time in Luin. She told him of Pietro and Sophia, how the townspeople were friendly and generous. But the entire time, she could sense his distraction, the quietness in his responses and quiver in his weak smiles.
"Lloyd, what's wrong?"
He didn't answer right away, he never did, but she waited as he turned the heat down on the stove more, setting the pot aside. He moved with a stiffness and nervousness she hadn't seen in him before. She pushed herself up, noting he didn't attempt to stop her.
Her arms encircled his body, pulling him against her. He responded with a frightening reaction. His arms clasping about her fearfully, embracing her even closer and his face bent and buried against her neck and hair. He shook and she ignored the awkward position of her belly against his. She said nothing, her hand reaching up, stroking the back of his head. No words were needed. Whatever demons he fought, he'd tell her when he was ready.
He still hadn't spoken when the pot started to bubble behind them on the stove. He released her reluctantly, turning his attention back to the stove. His face was shadowed, a distracted look haunting his eyes.
"I murdered someone."
She waited, looking at him expectantly. His words chilled her, but she didn't fully believe them. Lloyd wouldn't just murder someone. He killed for a reason, to protect. Not slaughter. But when he didn't elaborate, she touched his arm gently. "Who?"
"The old Pope of Tethe'alla." His flat tone hung around them heavily.
"Why?" she found his hand, clasping her hands around it and he responded instantly.
"Kate was his daughter. Do you remember her? She helped us save Genis and Raine, but she had been arrested for doing so. I thought she had died in the coliseum prisons."
"She's alive?" Colette's eyes widen. She vaguely remembered the young woman. She had been afraid to help, but had done so regardless. "Where is she, Lloyd?"
"In Rodyle's Ranch?" He answered. She gave him a puzzled look and he sighed. "He has a ranch on an island near Palmacosta. He doesn't raid that city in particular. His victims are more carefully chosen."
"Chosen?" Colette frowned, the old word still held an old sting. The idea of being selected for a purpose, for a reason...
"He experiments on them. He obtained Kvar's old research somehow. Now he's resuming where Kvar left off with the Angelus Project. He's trying to recreate my mother's exsphere." He still wouldn't look at her directly.
"Lloyd?"
"He handed her over." His hands clenched, pulling free of hers. "That man handed over his daughter like she was just a piece of property. He didn't give a damn about her when I went to his cell. He only cared about his own miserable life. But Kate did care. She volunteered because Rodyle said her father suggested her. She wanted his approval. That's all she wanted." His eyes narrowed, frowning and Colette took his hand again.
"Because he was her father. She wanted to believe that he cared."
"But he didn't! He didn't give a damn about her!" Lloyd snapped and Colette flinched. She knew his anger wasn't directed at her, but she had yet to hear him raise his voice like that since he had returned. She could only watch as he rubbed his face. The paleness to his cheeks and darkness under his eyes told Colette he had been struggling with this knowledge for awhile. She frowned and stepped over to him, wrapping her arms around him tightly.
"Lloyd, you were just protecting her. Don't blame yourself for this."
He shook, but his arms pulled her close. "But she's still there. She's still suffering at Rodyle's hands. I killed the Pope, because I couldn't kill Rodyle. I should have... I shouldn't have listened to Yuan. I should have run him through when I had the chance. I should have protected her—"
He stopped when Colette pulled back, her hand holding his to her stomach. He stared down at it, trembling. She looked up at him with a soft smile, cupping his cheek with her other hand. "You won't be like that man. You're a good father. You'll never abandon your child. And I know you won't abandon Kate either." Her eyes met his. "You've never abandoned anyone, Lloyd."
Lloyd frown, the uncertainty evident in his eyes. "But Colette, I—"
Then it kicked again, against Lloyd hand. She watched his eyes widen with startled surprise and Colette could only laugh at the expression on his face. She placed her hand over his, smiling. "Even the baby doesn't want you to blame yourself. You're going to be a wonderful father, okay?"
He found her eyes, struggling to resist the tears she saw forming. In the end, he merely lowered his head, pulling her close once again, whispering in her ear. "I love you both."
Insanity. He was positive it was contagious, and if it weren't for her gorgeous body, he'd have stayed away from her. But, Sheena was his babe, though she'd ever deny it and Zelos wasn't about to let her rush off on a wild mission of self-reflection on her own. He had been there once or twice when the insomnia and fear kept her awake at night, when she wouldn't even arise to his flirtatious advances. Sure, Sheena was older now, but that didn't mean the memories went away.
They never went away.
"So now you come begging me for assistance. Again. After all the years I spent trying to convince you to do this in the first place?"
The damn half-elf enjoyed watching Sheena fidget uncomfortably, the embarrassment she felt inflamed her face. She looked cute.
"Yuan, can you just lend us some rheairds. You're benefiting from this." She scowled, hands on her curved hips, cocking her body to the side. Damn he loved her body.
"Remind me." Yuan narrowed his eyes, leaning back in his chair. "And what changed your mind?"
The Ass seemed to wallow in others uncertainties. It was probably why Yuan hated him so much. Zelos wasn't one for showing his uncertainties. What was the point? Lie, act indifferent and even pretend. It's what the half-elf did all the time no doubt. Backstabbing prick.
"You wanted me to awaken all the Summon Spirits, why do I have to repeat that?" She snapped, her face flushed even more so. "And what difference does it make, why I decided."
"Is Lloyd involved?"
There it was, Zelos thought. He frowned, glancing at Sheena while she narrowed her eyes, huffing. She was hesitating again, making it obvious Yuan was right.
"He doesn't know."
They both looked at him, Sheena slightly surprised by his answer. Yuan not as much, rather he just had blatant curiosity. "Is that so?"
"Not really his problem is it? Sheena's the one who can summon."
"Still holding resentment, Zelos?" Yuan's lips twisted into a smirk, but his eyes were cold and narrow. The guy was probably still sore from when Zelos pulled out of his deal with the Renegades. Not that it was Zelos' problem. The Renegades had even less to offer than Cruxis and when it was obvious that everything had come to a standstill, he chose to stand with Sheena. The Renegade's badgering her had been the last straw.
Still, he only smiled and shrugged, glancing at his girl. "Sheena came to this decision all on her own, didn't you, Babe?"
She glared at his mocking tone, before looking at Yuan. "Zelos is right. Lloyd doesn't have any involvement with this."
"I see. Well, I'll rectify that."
"What?" Sheena demanded.
"You failed your first attempt with Volt, who I'm assuming is your first choice, considering how you will need his mana to use rheairds." He gave her a glance.
Zelos clenched his hands, watching Sheena's face darken in humiliation, but she offered no retort. She wouldn't deny the truth.
"Besides, he'll understand Volt's language. Kratos schooled him in the ancient tongue. Not sure how that man found the patience," he muttered, earning puzzled looks from them. "Regardless, he can intervene if things get out of hand."
"I can handle—" Sheena started, flustered and insulted, but Yuan intercept her smoothly.
"Like last time."
She fell silent, her eyes lowering, hands balled tightly at her side. Zelos narrowed his eyes on the half-elf, easily slipping his arm about her waist.
"Come on, Babe, forget about it. Old Man obviously doesn't need as badly as he—"
"I'm not leaving without those rheairds, Zelos." Her tone was icy, but she wore a distant expression. The fear in her eyes was unmistakable. She was reliving it again.
Her bit back a growl, relaxing his face, but easily locking eyes with Yuan. "Well, let's go get those rheairds then, Yuan. Sheena, just wait here."
She nodded and Zelos sauntered over to the door, waiting for Yuan to follow. The half-elf glanced at him, indifferent to the insults he had thrown around.
"You need her, don't forget that." Zelos hissed through his teeth as they walked through the door.
"She's not doing it for me." Yuan replied flatly. "I want this excursion to succeed. I care little about her personal problems. That is why Lloyd is going to go along with you. To make sure it succeeds."
Zelos narrowed his eyes, grabbing the half-elf's shoulder, shoving him against the wall. "What makes that bastard so damn impressive? He can't even sort out his own problems. Sheena doesn't need him."
"Jealously, Zelos?" Yuan looked at him with amusement."
Zelos easily met his taunt. "You've been talking to Raine lately?"
Instantly his demeanour changed, humour gone, masked with indifference. "I have little need for her, now that Lloyd has regained your trust."
"Not mine."
"Oh?"
Zelos smiled bitterly, releasing Yuan's shoulder. "You can't fully trust a traitor."
"Only a traitor would truly know that."
Zelos looked away, frowning. He was a traitor. He didn't pretend to believe anything else. He was just tired of going nowhere. At least with Sheena, it felt like he was somewhere. Still, she didn't know everything...
"So you know where Lloyd is then." He glanced back at the half-elf.
"I'll find him on Derris Kharlan if that's what you mean, which I assume it isn't." Yuan returned the look. "He hasn't informed you either where he ran off too?"
Zelos let the smile spread across his face, lacing his words with condescending venom. "Men don't tell people where they go for their honeymoon, Old Man."
Yuan narrowed his eyes, but ignored the laugh Zelos released. They both knew there had been no honeymoon, not with Cruxis breathing down Lloyd's neck and the baby nearly due. Still, Zelos couldn't resist.
The floorboards creaked as the runners rocked back and forth and had become a rhythm he had grown used to. It was comforting sound and he moved his hands in time with the steady rocking. They didn't talk, but she did hum. They were short little tunes, but she hummed one more than others. It was their song, he decided. He recalled the tune from the Journey of Regeneration, sitting upon the cliffs. Before he knew the truth about her illness. Before he knew a lot of things...
He tilted his hand, the other gripping the wood firmly as the sand paper rubber across the grain. The gentle scraping blended with the other sounds. He couldn't say he regretted what happened, during that year. They had been together and he learned much. More than he'd cared to. His life had turned dark quickly after that. Reality was cruel, a lesson he learned all too well. However, he found out, recently, there were a lot of smaller joys. Being here with Colette was one of them.
Pausing in his movements, he lifted his eyes to gaze upon his wife. Her hands busily worked, knitting yarn together. He didn't know when she had learned to knit, but she had mentioned Sophia teaching her new things. The trail of yarn trickled down and around her bulging stomach. She was huge, and Lloyd marvelled at how women managed to stretch like that. It didn't seem possible.
He must have been staring, for she soon lifted her eyes, catching his gaze. She giggled, but went back to her needles, the gentle click resuming along with the creak of her rocking chair. He cleared his throat, turning his eyes back upon the wooden spindle in his hand. Running his hands along the shaft, he gently smoothed out the rough edges before setting it aside with the others. The collection of spindles was done and he turned his attention to the sweeping curves of the banisters. With deft fingers, the sand paper worked smoothly against the wood. His thumb continuously brushed against the wood, checking the smoothness.
Time was lost until he heard the groan of the rocker and Colette pushing herself up. He glanced up, watching her prepare lunch. He would have offered to help, but the last meal he attempted was blackened to the bottom of the pot and had taken hours to scrub out. Therefore, he focused on his work, imagining the outcome.
It wasn't long before Colette called his name and he sighed, stretching as he set his materials aside.
"You've been working at that all day." She let him kiss her cheek before sitting himself down. He wasn't exactly hungry, but he had become accustom to sharing his meals with others again. The added nutrients didn't hurt either.
"I want to finish it before I have to go back."
They both understood the importance. It was an unspoken anxiety they both felt. To Lloyd it was a heavy burden. The baby was due in less than a month and Lloyd had no idea where he would be within that month. The last thing he wanted to do was miss his child's birth.
"I'm sure it'll be beautiful, Lloyd." She smiled, beautifully and he couldn't help but return it softly.
"I hope."
Talk ventured to the gossip of Luin news that Colette gathered from Sophia and Pietro. It seemed the city was still constantly expanding and fortifying itself. There had been rumours of the Asgard Ranch sending out a possible raid in their direction, but it was just speculation. Lloyd felt uncomfortable about it, but kept silent. He had known the risks, but Kratos had been incessant upon the safety of this city and Lloyd would trust his word.
Lighter news brought news of the increasing trade between Asgard and Luin. It seemed that both cities were trying to maintain a level of communication. Asgard had flourished even more as a tourist town, than when they first passed through it. The Desians haggled the windy city, cornered as it was among the chasm and mountains; however, the threat wasn't as great as it was with Luin and Hima. Asgard had recently become more of a trade city, where passbyers would exchange goods and wares as they stopped in from the Hakonesia Peak mountain path.
However, Luin and Hima rarely received such visits and instead made dealings through Asgard instead. Luin and Hima would send the minerals, fish and other resources less common in the Asgard region in exchange for their goods. Luin, though more so Hima, also offered mercenary protection to the few merchants that'd attempt to travel between the cities.
Lloyd was impressed with the cities abilities to adapt to the declining world's position, though it was more obvious how the mana levels had risen since the seals had been broken. Perhaps that had something to do with it.
However, he suddenly thought of that little girl, Natalie. Being the Chosen had its own stress, but this added pressure would surely be hard on the young child. It made him sick, how adults placed full responsibility upon a six-year-old child, when they didn't realize the sacrifice they were condemning her to make.
He would keep that promise he made to her.
"You're awfully quiet, Lloyd. And you haven't eaten a thing."
Looking down at his plate, Lloyd sighed slowly. "Just thinking."
"About what?" She tilted her head, concern in her eyes.
He considered telling her the truth. His concerns for Natalie and the world depletion, but he didn't. He didn't want to remind her of that responsibility she had relinquished years ago. It was nothing she should be guilty for, but he knew she would feel that guilt all the same. It was the way Colette was. It was why he loved her, for that compassion and strength. But this wasn't her responsibility. It was his and he'd protect her from it.
He finally met her questioning gaze and smiled weakly. "Just wondering if you thought of anymore baby names."
It wasn't long before lists of names filled his mind, leaving him chuckling in exasperation as she prattled on. Yet, he eventually hushed her, noting the tired look in her eyes and bid her to rest while he tidied up. She argued, but it was weak and wasn't long before she found her bed, falling asleep quickly.
Stacking the last dish in the rack and drying his hands on a towel, he quietly moved to the door of the bedroom, leaning on the frame as he watched her sleep. He knew it was an ironic metaphor, but she was an angel. His angel. It wasn't the wings that made her so. It was the gentleness that encompassed everything she did or said. It was that he fell in love with.
His head rested against the frame, smiling as he took in her blond hair curving her face, her arm and hand cradling her belly. Even in her sleep was protective of others. He longed to lie beside her, to hold her and forget the world. However, he still had things to do.
Moving away reluctantly, he went back to work. Taking the sandpaper in hand, he fell back into a methodical rhythm of smoothing the wood. It didn't take long before he began to assemble the pieces, forcing the notches together, the spindles inserted into their respect holes. He gave the wood a light tap, wedging it tighter together, adding nails for security. He found himself humming as he worked, smiling to himself as it came together.
Just as he was checking its sturdiness, he heard Colette's soft footsteps and muffled yawn.
"Oh! Lloyd you finished it!"
He turned, loving the way her face lit up. He stepped back letting her get a full view.
It was a simple crib, with simple curves and structure, but he could tell Colette loved it. She ran her hands across the smooth wood, smiling brightly. "It's perfect. Lloyd, you're amazing."
He chuckled, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Not exactly. Are you sure it's steady enough? I don't want it falling apart..."
She laughed at his nervousness, reassuring him, she'd test it out before putting the baby in it. Immediately her concerns changed to the color of paint it would need, the color of blankets and sheets. Of course, he had to help her with the choice of patterns.
"Whatever you want." He answered, keeping his arm around her. "I'm not exactly an expert on fashion if I recall correctly."
She giggled, looking up at him. "I thought your clothes were cute."
"Suspenders weren't cute, Colette." But, he chuckled, leading her away from the crib. "But we can go shopping later if you like."
The answer was obvious on her face, but she voiced it anyway. "Of course!"
Lloyd smiled, but then frowned, glancing at the door moments before someone knocked. He narrowed his eyes instantly.
"It's probably just Sophia and Pietro." Colette suggested, but she still had a wary uncertainty in her voice.
Lloyd rose, approaching the door. He opened it, and then blinked in surprise. "Dad?"
"I see, so you are here. I was just checking on Colette." He spoke calmly, but Lloyd could see subtle hints of how uncomfortable he was. "If you are here, I'll just—"
"Come in?" Lloyd cut him off. It wasn't really a suggestion, more of a challenging dare. He smirked at his father's sudden inner conflict. "She is your daughter-in-law, now, Dad."
A strange expression came over the older man's face, but before he could respond, Colette appeared at Lloyd's arm, smiling brightly. "Of course, come in, Kratos! Come see the crib Lloyd made for the baby."
Lloyd smiled down at his wife then watched his father in amusement. They stepped aside, offering him room to enter. Lloyd knew Kratos had little choice but to do so.
The stoic man entered stiffly, his hand gripped around his sword almost as if he was expecting danger. Family relationships weren't his strong point. Even his relationship with Lloyd was unstable and awkward. Lloyd wondered how he'd handle having a daughter-in-law now and soon a grandchild.
"I don't want to intrude—"
"Kratos, you're always welcomed here." Colette smiled brightly. "Look, Lloyd just finished it. I think I'll paint the wood white, that way the blankets won't clash with the frame. Thought I'm not sure which colors would be..."
Lloyd watched Kratos' usually masked face, look disgruntled as Colette voiced her concerns about colors and patterns again. Even if Kratos had experienced similar conversations with Anna, Lloyd doubted Kratos had much of a role in coordinating color schemes.
"I see..." Kratos offered quietly as Colette paused. He glanced at Lloyd for assistance, but Lloyd simply lifted his shoulders, leaning against the wall.
"Oh...Sorry, Kratos. I didn't mean to ramble." Colette's cheeks flushed. "Um... Let's sit down. I'll put on tea..."
Kratos didn't move right away as Colette hurried back to the kitchen, but his eyes narrowed, glancing over at his son as Lloyd chuckled. "That was not amusing."
"Didn't Mom ever get like that when she was pregnant with me?" Lloyd pushed off the wall, leading his father to the dining table.
"No, not exactly. She'd ramble, but I was usually able to walk out of the room unnoticed. She never wanted to hear my opinion anyway."
Lloyd looked thoughtful. "Strange. Colette appears to be the exact opposite. She insists on my opinion."
Kratos grunted, giving him a look as he sat down. They watched Colette move about the kitchen slowly, before Kratos frowned facing Lloyd. "Yuan has another job for you."
"Grunt work, no doubt," Lloyd muttered, watching his wife with a careful eye.
"It has to do with Rodyle."
He must have stiffened, for Kratos grabbed his shoulder firmly. "You don't have to—"
"If I see that man, he's dead."
The words were louder than he intended. Colette had paused, frowning at him, but she said nothing, quietly setting the kettle on the stove.
Lloyd growled, rubbing his face, facing Kratos. Kratos released his shoulder, but his eyes were hard. "You know you can't just kill him, Lloyd."
"Why not?" he asked bitterly.
"Because, you are already on a short leash with Yggdrasill." He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I'll tell Yuan, I'll deal with it—"
"What do I have to do?"
Kratos fell silent, his eyes on the table. It took him a while to speak, but when he did, he kept his voice low. "Yggdrasill wants someone to gain more detailed information about Rodyle's experiments. The man has failed to send any reports himself, but has agreed to let someone observe."
The table and chair clattered as Lloyd shoved himself from the table. "Lloyd—"
"I won't do this anymore! I won't be a part of this!" He snapped, glaring at his father.
"That's why I'll do it—"
"Just like you did with Mom," he snapped.
The room went silent and Lloyd looked away. Instant regret filled him but it was too late to take back the words. He lowered himself back into the chair, not meeting his father's eyes. There wasn't need for an apology and neither of them wanted it.
"I can go in and observe and question Rodyle, Lloyd. It's only one time. Yggdrasill isn't really interested in the work; it's more to just keep an eye on the man. And for some unknown reason, Yuan defends the damn half-elf. So Yggdrasill wants a report, that's all."
Lloyd stayed silent. He knew the reason why Rodyle wasn't already dead. Thor's Hammer was too important piece for Yuan to just leave unfinished. Lloyd didn't give a damn about what Yuan planned to do with such a weapon. He wanted no part in it.
Still...
"Fine," Lloyd said.
"Good, I'll let him know—"
"I'll do the job. It's just one time right?" He met Kratos' eyes, his expression impassive. "If I want to show Yggdrasill my loyalty, I need to prove to him I can do this job."
Kratos' eyes narrowed, but he let out a heavy breath through his nose. "Fine."
They both leaned back, the discussion done as Colette carried mugs and the teapot over. She was frowning and Lloyd wished his father hadn't brought up that issue in the same room as her.
He tried to meet her eye, but she wouldn't, pouring Kratos his tea before speaking.
"Kratos, would you mind if you could tell me what your wife did to prepare for..." Her face flushed once again.
Clearing his throat, Kratos set his cup down, frowning. "I can...tell you what I recall, but perhaps having Raine or a midwife—"
"It's kicking again. Kratos here!" He didn't finish as Colette had suddenly grabbed his hand, pulling it over to her stomach. Her eyes lit up, as she waited, not noticing the pale, startled look on her father-in-law's face.
Lloyd coughed, choking on his tea as Kratos' face darkened to red, despite the nostalgic look on his face when the baby finally kicked again. He didn't look so stricken after that, his hand awkwardly placed on Colette's belly as she laughed happily.
"I do hope you come to visit often, Kratos. Already the baby seems like it'll be a handful."
"Excuse me?" Kratos lifted his eyes up to her face.
Lloyd smirked, lifting his cup to his lips. "You're the babysitter, Grandpa Kratos."
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