(Forever with Maria)

*September 7th, 1918*

*4:00pm*

Bartok rested on the bed as he was recovering from a cold while Maria was taking care of him.

"It has been two days since Kaede has left and I dearly hope she is okay" Maria pondered as she laid a warm wet towel on Bartok's forehead.

"I'm sure she is safe and knowing Kaede. She may already have found that sword.." Bartok said as he coughed loudly while Maria patted him gently on his back while Bartok smiled back.

"Thank you Maria and You always have been having our backs" Bartok said warmly as he managed to have a smile.

"You're welcome and My kind heart will always reach out to those in need and If you ever need to talk to anyone or just open up then I will always be there to listen okay?" Maria replied with a smile as she got up and prepared Tea for Bartok.

"Thank you and I will keep that In mind…" Bartok answered back with a smile as he looked at Maria preparing Tea for him.

"Maria. You are so kind and loving towards me. You accepted me on that train when nobody else didn't and I will forever cherish that love and warmth" Bartok thought to himself as he looked around the room to see the beautiful sun shining across his face as he smiled.

"My Life was filled with sadness and bitterness mainly since my parents abandoned me and that the orphanage people didn't treat me right. They shoved food on my face and manly treated me like garbage but It was when I met you Maria. I was touched by your kindness.

"Bartok thought to himself once more as he smiled as he looked at Maria preparing his Tea as she walked over towards his direction.

"Please be careful. The tea is pretty hot however It should make you feel a little better" Maria said with a smile as she sat the tea down on the table and proceeded to sit down next to him.

"Thank you very much Maria and Could I ask you a question?" Bartok said as he blew some steam from his tea and slowly took a sip out of it before putting it back down.

"Of course Bartok and what do you wanna know?" Maria replied back with a smile.

"What do you wanna do with your life once we get to America?" Bartok asked as he blushed in the process.

"Well, I want to have many children and probably live in the countryside somewhere that's peaceful and to simply live a wonderful life with that wonderful guy…" Maria answered back as she got up and folded her hands together and looked up towards the beautiful and sunny sky.

"That's wonderful," Bartok said as he smiled back at Maria.

"If I may ask. What made you wanna ask me that question?" Maria asked as she walked over to the sink to wash her hands.

"I had that same mindset as well and It's comforting to see that there are other people who would like to settle down and just have kids" Bartok said as he lightly chuckled while looking down with a smile as Maria looked back at him.

"That's truly wonderful. Children are beautiful gifts from God and we must cherish them forever until the day we die and I'm glad that you are on the same boat with me" Maria said while smiling as well.

"Maria?" Bartok simply said as Maria turned around.

"Yes?" Maria replied back as she walked towards Bartok and sat down right next to him.

"Why are you so kind to me?" Bartok asked while Maria was surprised at his question.

"I know it's a dumb question but I'm just not used to being treated with such beautiful warmth and love" Bartok spoke once as he looked down.

"It's not a dumb question and It's always important to show love and kindness to everyone. Please know I am not doing this out of pity as well but I'm doing this because I truly want to" Maria replied back as she sat next to Bartok on the bed.

"Are you sure? I just don't want anyone's kindness to be out of pity but rather from the heart and soul" Bartok said to Maria.

"Rest ensure Bartok. My kindness will forever and always will be from my heart and I will always be by your side forever" Maria said warmly as she smiled as Bartok looked back up to see the beautiful young woman's smile.

"A-Are you sure?..." Bartok uttered while Maria nodded her head.

"Maria, You ARE light itself. Your kindness will always be something I'll forever cherish until the day that I die…"Bartok thought to himself as he slowly felt himself begin to shed tears.

"Bartok, What's wrong? You can always tell me anything" Maria said as her face turned into a more concerned look as Bartok hugged Maria tightly.

"Maria? After all of this is over and done with. Do you wanna spend the rest of your life with me…" Bartok asked Maria which shocked Maria greatly.

"Y-You want to spend your days living with me…" Maria replied as she put her hands over her mouth in surprise and shock.

"I do. Maria, I love you so much and your kindness and warmth has touched me greatly and I just want to ensure that me and you enjoy a bright and happy future together with many beautiful children and d-do you wanna get married as well after?" Bartok added on as he was met with a tearful but happy Maria who gladly accepted his proposal.

"Yes!...Yes! Yes! I'll accept!" Maria cried out in joy as she fell to her knees and began to sob but not out of sadness but rather joy and happiness.

"All of this is rather sudden however I trust Bartok with my life and I feel like he'll make a wonderful husband and father to me and my future children" Maria thought to herself as she hugged Bartok before kissing him on the lips in a rather heartwarming way before the pair let each other free.

"I swear to you! I will protect you with my life! My sweet Maria…" Bartok promised as the pair embraced in a hug before kissing each other once more before letting go of each other.

"Should we tell the others?" Bartok asked with a smile.

"Not yet. I want to keep this as a surprise once we get to America my sweet Pumpkin" Maria answered back with a smile.

"We are still far away from our futures but I have full faith that we will defeat John Claude and ensure everyone's safety. Good luck with your sword searching Kaede!" Bartok thought to himself.

As he and Maria embraced in one final hug as the sun shined beautifully on the romantic couple.