Chapter 14: Lasting Impressions
The next six weeks went by with no event. Kratos did not hear from Yuan or Yggdrasill, and that gave him assurance that Yuan had taken him seriously.
When all was said and done, Kratos and Anna had been to Iselia, back to Izoold, to Palmacosta, and back to Asgard.
"I love traveling all over Sylvarant with you, Kratos." Anna said one day in the Asgard market.
"Oh? And why is that?"
"Because if I was traveling alone, I wouldn't last a day." She grabbed his arm and nestled her head against his shoulder. For some reason, Kratos made no effort to shake her off. "What with all the monsters around. And besides, your cooking is the best food I've had in a long time!" At that, Kratos laughed.
"I'm not sure about that…" he looked down at her. "I'm not exactly a master chef."
"But you are good. I'll give you that." She led him over to the food shop, still holding on to his arm. "Which reminds me…we need to restock!" So they did, and then headed back to their hotel room.
Kratos POV
I had no idea what had come over me. I had grown to enjoy spending time with her. I guess it all ties back to those two weeks I spent in isolation. I don't know why, but I feel…happy…when she's there. I like it when she holds onto my arm or puts her head on my shoulder. I've never felt this way about anyone before. I don't know if she feels this way too or not, but I'm afraid to ask.
Normal
The next morning, Kratos resolved to ask her. He wasn't entirely sure how, though. They were both up before the sun.
"Um…Anna?"
"Yes?" She looked up at him and blinked.
"I have to ask you something…" he put his arm carefully around her.
"So do I. Do you want to go first?"
"No…you can." Kratos hoped that he wouldn't have to do this.
"Do you…you know…like me?"
"Of course I like you…" Kratos blushed. She had saved him the trouble.
"That's good." She snuggled into his arm. "Now, you had something to ask me?"
"It's not important."
"Oh. Ok." And they settled in to watch the sunrise.
Later that day, they were on another of Anna's shopping sprees.
"I'll meet you at the customization shop, okay?" Kratos asked as they entered the market. "I want to see what I can get customized."
"All right." Anna smiled. "See you!" With that, she reached up and kissed his cheek. She ran toward the various shops.
"Um…" Kratos blushed again, then smiled and headed for the customization shop.
They met up a few hours later.
"Ready to go?" Kratos asked, sheathing his new sword.
"Yes. Are we going back to Hima?" Anna put her purchases into the bag on Noishe's back.
"If we want to watch a real sunset, then yes." He jumped onto his pet's back and helped Anna up behind him. "Let's go, Noishe. To Hima."
They were there in no time. Bringing Noishe with them, they walked up the path to the peak. Sitting down, Anna snuggled close to Kratos. He smiled and put his arms around her. Noishe lay down next to them, not wanting to be left out.
The sun sank lower and lower in the horizon. Anna moved closer and closer to her knight. As dusk set in, he looked down at her. She smiled up at him.
The sun was almost gone as they leaned in closer, eyes drifting closed. At the exact moment the sun disappeared below the horizon, their lips met, then shifted, then fused. The heat of the dying sun was locked in the kiss, and the two refused to set it free. The last bit of heat of the day was theirs and theirs alone.
They broke the kiss when Noishe whined. Kratos shifted and petted the dog's head.
"Don't worry, Noishe. We haven't forgotten you." Anna said, smiling at the animal. Then she turned her attention to her violet knight. "Shall we head to the hotel?"
"Yes." Kratos stood and helped Anna to her feet. "Are you paying this time?" he asked, discreetly placing three hundred Gald into her hand.
She looked at it and laughed. "I suppose I am." She took his hand and laced their fingers together. She leaned up and kissed him again before leading the dazed and blushing swordsman back down the path toward the hotel.
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