Beware this AWESOMELY k/y chapter! And lemons of doom! MY T KEY IS BACK! I spent two hours putting it back on. I am so happy, I feel like crying. No more hard typing, I ran around my house screaming, "T KEY IS BACK!"and then I hugged the computer and went "I love you t key!" and now I am watching the Video Music Awards, I keep having heart attacks when The Killers come on. I basically choked myself when they were nominated! I love them so much! And when they performed live, I screamed so loud and was like jumping in the air trying to breath.

Nall: Shut up about the sun tan lotion and start with the warnings and disclaimer crap you always bore us with.

Me: Whatever. This chapter will be in Yuan's pov, and the next one also. I dunno, maybe Kratos' all depends on how I feel.

Warnings: Strong Shonen-Ai; Some Language, Sun Tan Lotion (Nall: How did I know she was going to do that?) and mild spoilers. Actually there is no sun tan lotion in the story xD Just my random thoughts. SO beware of my random thoughts!

i would have given you all of my heart
but there's someone who's torn it apart
and he's taken just all that i have
but if you want i'll try to love again
baby, i'll try to love again, but i know...

the first cut is the deepest
baby i know
the first cut is the deepest
but when it comes to bein' lucky, he's cursed
when it comes to lovin' me, he's worst...

i still want you by my side
just to help me dry the tears that i've cried
and i'm sure gonna give you a try
if you want i'll try to love again, try
baby, i'll try to love again, but i know...

the first cut is the deepest
baby i know
the first cut is the deepest
but when it comes to bein' lucky, he's cursed
but when it comes to lovin' me, he's worst...

i still want you by my side
just to help me dry the tears that i've cried
but i'm sure gonna give you a try
cuz if you want i'll try to love again
try to love again, try to love again
baby, i'll try to love again but i know

Eternal Souls
Chapter 13: If You Believe
Yuan's POV

"Welcome back home Yuan!"

Home. How I loved every part of that word. Just arriving back home with Kratos made up for all the painful memories shared in this house. My base lacked that 'feeling' you got when you walked into a place you called home. I longed for that feeling all my life, and it was right in front of me the whole time. I glanced at Kratos who was stupidly standing in the doorway of the house like I had just won this or something. Rolling my eyes, I walked in slowly, and glanced around. Everything was the same, nothing changed. Before my mind could dart off into any other thoughts, Kratos had grabbed me by the hand and dragged me into the kitchen.

"Cooking for yourself can get boring, you know that?" Kratos hummed as he let go of my hand and set down a plate of 'food'. Glancing at it mysteriously, I sat down next to him and just starred at it, sizing it up. I could tell Kratos was a bit taken back at my, um curiosity towards his food. But he did have miserable cooking skills, well except for his pancakes.

"What, is it?"I asked, jabbing the plate with my fork. Raising an eyebrow, I sighed heavily and looked over at Kratos who was already eating. How could he eat this crap? Just the smell wafting from it sickened my stomach majorly.

Kratos shook his head and gave a stiff nod, as to say it was food. But what kind of food, sure it could be food, but was it edible food for humans? Or was it pack mule feed. Just thinking of that possibility made me shove the plate away from myself. Kratos sighed and shoved his from his place as well, almost in agreeance.

"It wasn't that good anyhow," Kratos admitted. He was so modest about it. Rolling my eyes, I dared to look back over at Kratos who was fiddling with his glass, nervously. Usually he never shut the hell up, so this silence was odd. But so much appreciated.

"So..." I began, yawning. I hadn't got sleep for about twenty-four hours now, so my fatigue was catching up on me and it was apparently showing. Looking over, I watched as Kratos got up and walked into his room. Tilting my head with curiosity, oh so much curiosity, I waited for a few minutes before following in pursuit.

"Kratos what are you-" I began as I pushed open the door. At first I was expecting him to be changing, but he was rummaging through a few draws busily. Raising an eyebrow, I walked over to where he was crouched down, and just watched him closer.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to plan a trip to Altamaria," Kratos answered, daring a look over his shoulder. He returned back to whatever he was doing at the time. Staring blankly at Kratos, I got up from my uncomfortable position and sat on the bed.

Why a trip all of a sudden? Did he have any money? Was he expecting me to pay for his petty pleasures, surely he wasn't thinking that. He wasn't that self-centered. Yawning, I looked back down at Kratos and thought for the right words to ask him.

"Uh yea, sure, but why?" I questioned, trying not to act like it was a bad idea. Usually I gave off the 'feeling' that I disliked everything. And to be honest I usually did dis-like a lot of things, but I did enjoy the finer things in life. But why plan a trip to such a gaudy resort? Kratos had never liked it before. Humans have the oddest minds sometimes.

"No reason, just felt like getting out for a bit,"Kratos replied, packing a few clothes in a suitcase I never knew he had. Or had he just bought it when I was gone? Either way I was still curious about his intentions even though he had told me there was no reason. There was always a reason, always.

"Right," I replied, trying to sound positive. I didn't really care for Altamaria that much, but maybe I could open up a bit and try to see it in a new light? Nah, that was too much effort, and if this was a vacation, or trip as he called it, it was supposed to be stress free. Ah the irony of things like this.

"I'll pay of course," Kratos added in, still not looking me in the eye. He was, none the less, packing his clothes even if I had any objections. Ruby glance was fixed sternly on getting his clothes in that small suitcase.

Tilting my head I pondered for a few minutes. He was paying? when did he ever get enough gald for something that expensive. Either way, it was still a nice gesture, and at least I could give him that credit. Well, what it was worth anyhow. Looking back at Kratos, I attempted a softened flicker of amusement.

"All right," I replied, watching Kratos hard at work with his packing goals. Possibly I should pack also? Looking over at the cabinet array from his, I twitched an eye uneasily. Last time I went through that was when we had our 'quarrel'. But those things had to be forgotten and I had to move on, and forget about things like that. Ugh, my life has changed so much.

"Then I would propound that you start packing as well?" He asked, in a relaxed tone. He looked at me for a few seconds, then darted his looks rapidly back at his suit case and stood in front of it, blocking my view of all the clothes he had managed to stuff into the leather carrying case.

Packing, I hated packing. If you're just going to put the clothes back, why take them out? It was such a waste of time. Lowering my gaze at the cabinet, I got up and saw a suitcase on the side of the dresser. So Kratos had bought one for me as well? With a flicker of gratitude towards Kratos, I stuffed the small amount of clothes into the suitcase and snapped it shut. This was easier then Kratos made it look.

Glancing over my shoulder, I saw Kratos, still hunched over his suitcase, and what looked like was shoving clothes in an order. He was so picky about his things. Getting up, I walked over to him and he snapped his suitcase shut suddenly, stood up, and beamed at me.

I found that extremely odd. Kratos, beam at me innocently. Something was up, or he was just high on something. I was betting my 'suitcase' on the fact Kratos found pleasure in dragging me somewhere I hated. With a sigh, I looked up at him and held my suitcase in my hand weakly. It wasn't that heavy, but the material used in the handle was awfully scratchy and it was starting to annoy me.

To be honest, I had never gone a real 'vacation' before. Sure I've been to countless places in both adjoining worlds, but they were all for business or things I had to attend to. So this would be my first 'real' vacation. So how could I say I hated a vacation when I never had been on one before. I guess giving this a shot was the only choice I had in mind.

"Ready?" Kratos asked, returning back to his normal; care-free but stern attitude I have grown accustomed to. Slightly shaking my head, I held my suitcase and watched as Kratos tightly held his in his left hand. He had such a strong grip on that handle I was sure it would break from the pressure, but it stood firm.

"Yea, yea," I muttered, in a yawn of annoyance. I watched Kratos lightly kick his cabinet shut with his right hand and turned back to me. Shifting positions, he what seemed like marched out of the bedroom with a determined look on his face. I was left standing there, in boredom and dread of this so called get away.

Kratos was the weirdest human I had ever seen, possibly because all these years living together might have driven him insane. Or maybe he had changed for the better because of the time spent together and the fact that I was still by his side. Either reason, he was still strange in my book. Strange like a duck.

Walking out into the kitchen and to the forier, I watched Kratos fling his suitcase into the cargo hold of his Rheaird from the window. He was rearing to get going, as if he honestly wanted this vacation more then anything. shrugging off any doubt, I walked outside into the bright sun and trudged up to my Rheaird.

At first the stupid cargo holder wouldn't open, so a sufficient kick helped it spring open. Shoving my suitcase in with a thousand time less care then Kratos did, I jumped onto the Rheaird and glanced over at Kratos who was looking up at the sky. More so for any weather patterns.

Kratos didn't say anything before he kick started his take off and shot into the air. I at first thought he'd fly off without me but he hovered in the air awaiting me. Rolling my eyes, I slowly gathered height and flew by side the seraphim. Why did we use these wretched machines when we had wings? That questioned lingered for me for what seemed like two seconds before Kratos darted off to the east. Being dragged back to reality, I sped after him, not really in a race, just to make sure he didn't get too ahead of me.

We landed in Altamaria around ten minutes after our departure. It was as crowded as ever, and just the sight of so many, humans, made my stomach lurch. Even after the fight to end the discrimination against half elves, just the news that Mithos himself was one and he had attempted to bring world havoc sent a shiver down humans spines and made their hate for us return. More brutal then ever. But with Kratos by my side, I guess I could ignore it.

"Nice day isn't it?" I heard Kratos speak contentedly as he swung off his Rheaird. First thing he did was take out his suitcase and grab it's handle with that maniac grip he had before. Sighing, I got off, less dramatic and got out my suitcase. Kratos walked slowly into the resort, probably waiting for me. Following leisurely, I caught up to him as we entered the hotel. Or whatever the building was.

"You know what you're doing right?" I asked, a tad alarmed at Kratos' knowledge of hotels. But my fears were disintegrated as Kratos proudly walked up to the hotel manager and waited for me to follow. Starring blankly at the humans who were congregating in the main hall, I stood beside the swordsmen.

"How may I help you," The manager spoke with the most fake voice I had ever heard. I mean, no one was that perky in real life, and I knew that. Squinting awkwardly, I glanced at Kratos who had already taken out an amount of gald I didn't see, and was speaking clearly.

"A room for-" My mind drifted off as he began to talk. Just the people looking at me, with those look on their faces, made me hate humans even more. I wanted to smack every last one of them, or possibly even kill. I glanced over at Kratos and heard the words a room for. I was praying he would say two, seeing just saying one would sound even weirder. Too weird. "two." He finished.

With a sigh of relief, I watched the manager and Kratos exchange gald for two passes to a room. He looked over at me, content with his people skills and slowly walked towards the elevator. This slow walk was an opportunity to talk, so I took it right off the bat.

"What level?" Was all that came out of my mouth. Real smooth. What level? That was like asking a starving animal to wait a few more minutes for fresh kill. Lowering my gaze, I heard Kratos contentedly speak something.

"Four, but we're only going up to the room for a few minutes. Time would be wasted if we stayed up there all day, correct?" He asked, looking for my opinion. Those words just stunned me. For once Kratos wasn't looking for his usual interests that he always found so appealing. That relieved me thousands as I finally gave the smallest smile.

"Yes, that's right," I replied, looking at the elevator. Kratos flicked the button for up and it was a breath before it flung open. I was alittle startled but Kratos walked straight on. He must have come here a lot on the journeys with the others, so knowing what to do was his specialty. Actually, his specialty in alot of things.

"The room's over-looking the ocean. I didn't want to spend good gald on a poor view," Kratos announced as followed him on the elevator and the doors shut tightly. We began to move up but my mind was still fixed on the suitcase and a few other random thoughts. Turning his head, he watched me with what seemed like curiosity.

"Oh, really," I replied quickly, daggering my eyes off the suitcase and back to Kratos. With a swift nod, he adjusted his hold on the suitcase and waited for the elevator to stop. Taking my eyes off Kratos and his possessions, I also eyed the door.

The doors sharply opened at a small hallway. There was only was seemed like three doors. But the distance in between each was enormouus, a good hundred feet. Whatever Kratos had gotten it must have been a reasonable amount of gald. Which brought me back to the idea on where he had gotten so much.

"The last door," Kratos declared walking alongside me. With a bit of curiosity, I bit down on my lip and continued to walk alongside Kratos until we finally made it to the door. Flick of the wrist and Kratos had slid one of the passes through the lock on the door and it pushed open. He walked in leaving me to follow in pursuit.

At first I was expecting a 'run-of-the-mill' room but just looking at the luxieres accessories with the room was simply breath-taking. Shaking my head lightly to stop from staring, I walked into the room and found a bed adjacent to the one Kratos had set his suitcase down on. At least he had the manors to get two beds. It had been a few months since I had my own room, or bed for that matter, and the simple thought of ones privacy lightened the mood.

"Just set down your stuff,we'll unpack later," He spoke lightly. It wasn't a demand, but a request. Lightly setting down the suitcase on the bed, my eyes flickered back to Kratos' suitcase. What was in it that he didn't want me to see. Knowing him it was something stupid, like another pet. But I could deal with that, I mean you couldn't hold anything life-threating in a suitcase!

"Were you planning on going anywhere before unpacking?" I asked, letting a yawn escape from my mouth in between words. I sat down on my bed, and the usual feeling of being sucked into your furniture was no more as I sat firmly in the same position I was in. I could honestly get used to this.

Kratos glanced over, and thought for a few moments. He slid his suitcase to his side and took out a few items, which seemed like a comb and brushed his hair quickly and shoved it back into his suitcase. Since when did he care so much about his hair? Afraid that he'd attempt to brush it again, I added in the slightly compliment.

"Your hair's fine," I pointed out kindly. Kratos looked over, stunned to see I had watched him stroke through his auburn hair. What seemed like the smallest blush overcame Kratos, but he quickly replaced that with a stern look then stood up.

"Well, since you seem to have a dislike for my cooking, I'd thought we'd eat something other then my cooking tonight?" He suggested. Finally! For once some real food! Between the furniture and the idea of gourmet food, I was warming up to this idea of a getaway every second.

With a sharp odd, I stood up also and stretched my arms in the air. Kratos looked over at me and walked to the door and waited for me there. Pausing for a few seconds to look at his suitcase, in wonder of what it hold, I followed him. Extending his hand, he handed me the second pass to the room.

"Here," He spoke as I felt the pass slip into my hands. Nodding, I led Kratos out of the room and to the elevator.

We stopped at the second floor and got out. To think that the restaurant was as nice as the hotel rooms was farfetched, but it was true. All the tables in my sight were hand decorated with the nicest linings and had gold silverware. Just looking at in awe, I felt Kratos tug lightly on my arm after what seemed like seconds had passed.

"Come on, you can stop drooling now. We're being seated," He made clear as I took my eyes off the looks of the place and followed Kratos and what seemed like a nicely dressed waiter to a seat farthest in the back, next to a window.

"Why are we sitting so far away?" I hesitated as I took my seat. Kratos sat down and the waiter disappeared momentarily. Almost immediately, Kratos looked over at me and just lightly smiled then looked at the view.

"Just a stroke of luck I assume," He spoke. Right, that was a lie, but a good attended one from what I saw. Sighing, I looked out the window at the setting sun over the waves. It was truly a magnificent sight, Martel would have loved something this grand. Looking back at Kratos who had picked up a menu from the table and buried his face into it. Doing the same I attempted to read over the words. What the hell were these things? Truffle Sufleau. Bet it tasted as odd as it sounded.

"Good day gentlemen, how are you doing this evening," The waiter suddenly spoke appearing out of what seemed no where. Trying not to seemed startled, I glanced back down at the menu, hoping Kratos would take the hint that I wasn't to thrilled on the idea of talking to a human.

"Fine, just on a trip," Kratos spoke vaguely. I still had my face buried in the menu, so I could see neither Kratos or the waiter. Just like I wanted it to be. Careless humans. The waiter gave a stiff chuckle then I heard a wisp of paper being taken out.

"Ah, business brings you to Altamaria, must be related to the Leranzo," The waiter chimed. Business sure, whatever. I just looked back down at the menu and sighed heavily, ears keen on the conversation even though it looked like I could care less.

"Exactly. Anyway, we'll take two of the house special of the night with the finest drink," Kratos murmured, not sure what to order. He seemed as nervous as I was at the moment. Possibly he had never ordered food before. Hearing a pen scrape annoyingly at the paper the waiter chuckled again. Man was he getting annoying. But why had he said drink. Oh well.

"Ah, yes nice choice. I'll put those in for you. Enjoy your meals," And with that he left. With a sigh of relief I withdrew from the shield of the menu and looked at Kratos who was staring at the golden silverware. Gulping uneasily at the fact at being at a restaurant, I cleared my throat.

"Thanks for erm, ordering or whatever you call it," I thanked him. Kratos looked over at me, surpised to see that I was thanking him. Within a few minutes, the waiter returned with the drinks and scampered off. I couldn't stand if he had stayed.

"Don't worry about it," Kratos spoke taking a sip of his lightly colored glass. Shrugging, I picked up mine and just eyed it. Whatever it was, it smelt strong. Fighting back the instictent to not drink, I took a sip against my will. Well, I was sure it wasn't alochol, it didn't have that strong taste. Raising an eyebrow at Kratos I set it down then looked out the window.

Remaining silent, I watched a few waves crash against the sandy beaches. Every minute the sun was setting farther down and the area seemed to alumnight more beautifull every passing second. Glancing back at over at Kratos, I noticed he seemed troubled but I didn't want to anything to offend him at this point in time.

Ten minutes passed by soundly and the waiter appeared with what looked like a gourment beef stew. It smelt, looked, and I bet it tasted better then Kratos' cooking. I didn't take my eyes off the food, but Kratos glanced up at the waiter countless times before he left us in peace. I took a bite, damn it was good, and looked up at Kratos who only took a bite here and there but remained watching me.

"Do you like it?" Kratos asked nervously. Slightly nodding my head, I went back to eating before my gaze caught Kratos, jabbing at his food. I knew it wasn't the quailty of the food, but it was the fact something was troubling him. Taking a quick sip of whatever was in my glass, I looked at Kratos curoisly.

"You ok?" I asked casually. Kratos looked back at me and seemed emotionless for a few seconds then gave a distant nodd. Tilting my head, I stopped eating and watched Kratos shift positions a couple times before straighteing up and just looked at me.

"Never been better..." He spoke softly. Never been better? Was that just a play on words? I was hoping seeing that I doubted this dinner could go against anything else we ever did. I took another bite before getting annoyed that Kratos wasn't eating.

"Is something on your mind? Or are you just spacing out like a idiot?" I spoke, with a hint of amusement. Kratos had a flick of amusement on his face and he looked very sternly at me. I was starting to become as nervous as him. But why to be nervous at such a relaxed time. Slowly the pieces of the puzzle were starting to work together. The table far away, the quiet vacation, the secret of the suitcase, and his nervousness. It was all pointing to... But was that really on Kratos' mind! I was shaking a bit as I looked at him.

"Actually, yes there is," He spoke, stuttering. Holding my breath, I watched Kratos' gaze. Slowly I watched Kratos extend a black box. My heart sank and I starred at him. Possibly that was a box of mints? Or box of, something. Biting down my lip I watched him.

"That's," I began. Kratos shook his head, and seemed less nervous. He looked very passiontaely at me and set it down on the table, tightly shut. My eyes scanned it. Was that really what he was hiding so intently. This whole vacation was based on this moment. Flickering a gaze to him I picked it up. My hands were shaking so I was afraid I'd drop the box.

Flipping it open my eyes melted and I looked at Kratos intently as he seemed awfully embarrased. Lightl smiling I looked at the contents of the box. It was silver, and gleamed in the dim candle light.

"Kratos is this?" I began. Kratos smiled, for the first time fully on this vacation, and nodded softly. And I smiled for the first time also and just starred at it. A sinking feeling overwhelmed me and dread loomed around me. It was true, but it could never be set in stone. There was no possible way to.

"You do know that we couldn't possibly-" I began I said sitting the box down. It wasn't a rejection, just an obstactle in the road. Kratos took my hands and closed his eyes for a few minutes. I thought he had fallen into a light slumber but then gazed at me and whispered softly.

"It's possible if you believe it is," He whispered rubbing his hand across mine. His words... It would never be possible, but if we thought it was possible. Maybe that would make up for it. Possibly. Smiling once more, I nodded softly.

"I do believe, I do," I spoke lightly, and just looked back down at the box. Our lives finally meant something after those times so long ago with Anna, and Martel. Finally a meaning in life. And now we had something that bonded us together. And now, I never felt more close to Kratos. I did believe it, and that was all that mattered. If we believed it was possible, it was.

Author's Note:

Whoah! It sounded like I ended the story! No I didn't end the story! No no no! There are still many more plot twists. I just found this chapter so fluffy and airy after all those angst chapters.

Nall: Why would Kratos want to get engaded to yuan O.O

Me: -.-; Because. And shut up, everything was so calm and relaxed before you said it in the open.

Nall: Oh really? Then let me say this! It was a silver ring! Ha ha ha!

Me: SHUT UP! You're not suppossed to come out and say that you idiot. I hate you sometimes you know that. Anyways, I do have a few ideas for the next chapter, so I'll be thinking. Two day wait at the most reviewers. I'll have to talk to all my buddies.

Nall: Knowing her she'll make them do something odd.

Me: Cut it out.

Nall: Oh I get it now. The boat has taken it's monthly rounds.

Me: Boat?...

Nall: You don't get metaphor's do you? No wonder you're dumb.

Me: HEY! I get good grades in language.

Nall: Mhm, sure. Whatever.

Me: Anyways review. Or... I'll make the Killers dress up as something and chase you down. Final Note; I LOVE THE KILLERS! YOU GUYS ARE SO FREAKING HOT AND TALENTED!