Hi again. Yay, Chappie 2! Actually, I already had this written, but I wanted to know how people liked the first chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own Tales of Symphonia...


She didn't even put on a jacket, she just ran as fast as she could out of the house, still in her slik nightgown. Kratos was still there, like he could move in the condition he was in. "First Aid!" She chanted with her eyes closed. The blood slowly disappeared and his face returned to a healthy color. His eyes didn't budge, though. She grabbed his wrist and placed two fingers. His pulse was normal. The only problem was that she would never be able to get him into the house, he was too heavy for her. She bit her lip nervously, before running inside to get Genis.

A few seconds later she came out with her brother, who was still half-asleep. His eyes widened when he saw Kratos.

"What's he doing here!" He asked.

"My guess is as good as yours..." Raine answered. "Quickly, let's get him inside."

The two struggled to get him into the house. They knew it wouldn't be possible to get him upstairs. The couch would have to do for now. While Genis ran into the kitchen for some water, Raine covered Kratos with a blanket. She then sat beside him, not letting go of his hand. "Oh Martel, please. Please let him wake up soon." Raine whispered. Her eyelids were heavy, but she forced herself not to fall asleep. Not now. The only vital signs he showed were his slow but steady breathing and the way his lips were slightly parted. He looked so innocent, right there.

A few hours passed and he still hadn't woken up. Raine was still fighting the urge not to fall asleep. Her eyes closed themselves on their own, against her will. Then she heard his voice. Her eyes quickly opened, to see Kratos looking at her, his eyes only slightly opened.

"You're awake! Thank Martel." Raine said, relieved.

"I'm alive? The mana loss didn't kill me?" Kratos asked, slightly confused.

"You were on the edge of death when I found you. Just what did you do?"

"I came back from Derris Kharlan. I guess I didn't make a smooth landing..." He said, smirking.

"You almost died! Thank goodness I was awake when you crashed into the road..."

"You should get some sleep. I'll be fine."

Even with his cold, emotionless voice, Raine knew he was worrying about her. Of all people...her. Before leaving, she kissed him on the forehead. She slowly walked upstairs, leaving Kratos laying there, blushing like an idiot.

"I...I'm blushing. What is this...feeling taking over me? It's so similar to how I felt with Anna. Is it...love?" He sat up and shook away those thoughts. "No. I can't love...it only causes pain"

The next morning, Raine woke up later than usual. Probably from the lack of sleep, she thought. "Was what happened last night just a...dream?" There was only one way to prove it. She made her way downstairs to find the place where Kratos was sleeping empty. The only factor that proved there had actually been someone there was the blanket that was folded and laying on the couch.

"Good morning, sis!" Genis' voice came from the kitchen.

"Good morning Genis. I could've handled the cooking" Raine said, as she entered the kitchen.

"Your cooking would've killed us all! Kratos insisted on making breakfast, but I told him he should rest."

Raine was relieved. The thought of the night before not being just a dream had made her smile.

"Speaking of Kratos, where is he?" She asked.

"Outside." Genis answered, flipping one of the pancakes.

Raine walked outside, still in her night gown. Kratos was sitting on the stairs that led to the road. She approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder. He turned around, startled, then let out a sigh of relief when he saw who was standing behind him.

"Are you sure you're well enough to be out here?" Raine asked, worry in her voice.

"I'm fine." He answered coldly.

She sat down besides him, her head resting on his shoulder. "Maybe love isn't bad after all. Maybe..." Kratos thought, as he wrapped his arm around Raine, pulling her a bit closer. He wished he could stay like this forever. But he knew it wouldn't last; Genis' voice came from the house, telling them breakfast was ready.

Raine felt Kratos' arm unwrap around her. She was disappointed, though. If only that moment would've lasted longer. She was just about to give up and head inside, until the little voice in her head, her conscious, acted on its own -- she grabbed Kratos' hand. He turned around, facing her. Her periwinkle eyes stared into his dark brown eyes for a moment, before she felt herself being pulled closer to him. She closed her eyes until finally, their lips met. She wrapped her arms around his neck and they stood there, kissing, until Genis yelled "Hurry up you two" from inside the house. Their lips parted and they continued to gaze into each other's eyes, not quite knowing what had just happened.

Breakfast was silent, Raine and Kratos seemed very interested in their plates, for it was the only thing they looked at. Genis, who was at the end of the table, watched the two with a confused look.

Suddenly, the door burst open. "Guys! Guess what!" Lloyd yelled across the house. Genis ran to the door, Raine and Kratos behind him. As soon as Lloyd caught a glimpse of his father, he seemed to forget what the big news was.

"Dad! What are you doing here?" He asked, surprised since last he knew his father was on a meteor.

"I came back."

"Why didn't you come to our house?"

"It's a long story. Now, wasn't there something you wanted to tell us?"

"Oh yeah! The rest of the gang is coming for a reunion party at our house today. You're all welcomed to stay for the night!"

"W-w-will Presea be t-there?" Genis asked, slightly blushing.

"Yup!" Lloyd replied, chuckling from the change of color in Genis' face.

The group had to go through the Iselian forest to get to Dirk's house.

The brown-haired woman had walked all night. "I have absolutely no clue where to go...I'm hungry...tired..." She said outloud. Indeed, it was getting hot out. "I'm sure I've been walking around in circles!" Suddenly, she started hearing some noises. Voices. She wasn't alone in the forest. "Oh my gosh! What if those are Desians? I have to hide!" She thought to herself as she jumped into the nearest bush. The voices became clearer, as she realized who was passing by.

"K..Kratos? Lloyd!" she whispered. She didn't have time to do much before the group was gone. She had absolutely no strenght left. All she could do was watch helplessly as her husband and son passed by.

The group arrived at Dirk's house almost right before Zelos arrived. When the hellos and how were yous were said, they entered the house. Everyone was already there. They had a great party, with lots of drinking and laughing, until they decided to call it a night. The girls had one room and the guys had one room. Of course, the rooms were big. There would've been space enough for a few more people in each of the rooms. Inside the girls' room, there was one bed, which Presea took the honor of sleeping in, and the rest of them had their sleeping bags. Same for the guys, except Regal slept in the bed.

Inside the girls' room...

Sheena was drunk, Presea was sleeping, Raine was irritated by Sheena's...drunkeness and Colette was...well...herself.

"So, how's it been going with -hic- you and Kratos hm?" Sheena asked to Raine, a bit drunk from all the sake.

"I seriously don't know--" Raine began.

"Aw c'mon! It's so -hic- obvious that something's going on between -hic- you two" Sheena cut her off.

"Sheena, you're drunk! Go to sleep."

"Aaaw man. Party -hic- poopers! I'll go join -hic- Zelos or something..."

That said, she walked towards the door, having to hold herself on the wall to make sure she wouldn't fall. Raine sighed in disappointment and followed Sheena to make sure she wouldn't collapse on the way there. She opened the door for her. The boys' room was no better -- Zelos and Lloyd were drunk, Kratos trying to stop Lloyd from drinking more sake and Genis was with Regal, they both were reading. As soon as Kratos saw Raine, he let go of Lloyd.

Raine didn't hesitate to "save him out of that hell".

"Kratos, do you want to go take a walk or something?" She asked, helping Sheena get to the drunken gang.

He nodded and as he passed by Raine to get out of the room, she could've sworn hearing him whisper "Thank you" into her ear.

Yesh, I know their relationship develops quickly, but I need it so that I can bring Anna in the picture...

LloydIrvingisMine: -hands you a cookie because you reviewed-