A/N: 2024.07.25

I've been on a Kratos x Freya ship binge, especially post the Valhalla DLC. After that first trilogy, I had idea after idea after idea. To be honest, I'll never be convinced they don't have some kind of feelings for each other. I hope you guys like this. The title for this story is not only influenced by the story itself but by the Trailerhead: Saga (2010), track 14 "Surrender to Hope" by Immediate.

An Unexpected Hope

"This may be the craziest mission you've ever decided to undertake, brother," Mimir admitted.

"Perhaps," Kratos adjusted his gauntlets.

"Sure you'll need the weapons?"

"I don't. But I'd rather be prepared at all times."

"Fair enough," Mimir replied. Once Kratos was ready, he picked up Mimir and they headed out.

A small festival was being held in Vanaheim to celebrate most of the territorial disputes had been resolved and peace was truly beginning to settle in among the Vanir and the Aesir. Kratos and Mimir arrived at the festival and stood off from the rest of the group. While they stood, they noticed Sigrún was in attendance, immediately seizing Mimir's attention.

"I thought she was still traveling," Mimir gasped.

"Perhaps she wanted to see the peace for herself," Kratos suggested.

"Aye. I'm not complaining, either way."

Kratos grunted in agreement. His eyes then caught sight of the person he needed to, urgently, speak to.

Freya.

Freya looked over at Kratos and smiled, giving him a small wave.

Kratos nodded in return.

"Go do what you have to do, brother," Mimir advised. "I would like to speak with Sigrún anyway."

"I'll return shortly," Kratos said.

"If all goes well, no, you won't." Mimir smiled, knowingly.

Kratos went over to Sigrún, presenting Mimir once they were close.

"General!" Sigrún greeted Kratos. She paused when she saw Mimir. "Mimir."

"Hello, Sigrún," Mimir greeted, somewhat shyly.

"It is good to see you," Kratos complimented.

"You both as well," Sigrún nodded.

"Sigrún, I have some business to attend to. Will it be alright to leave Mimir with you?"

Sigrún swallowed the lump in her throat. "If… you're both alright with that." She looked at Mimir. "As long as you don't mind."

"I prefer it," Mimir replied. "Vehemently."

Kratos handed Mimir to Sigrún then looked over to where Freya was sitting and talking with other Vanir. He steeled himself and walked towards her.

Kratos had an issue he needed to clarify with Freya. And only with Freya. Though, initially, he wasn't sure if he should even speak to her about it. However, he had been wrestling with the problem for a while now and knew that some kind of resolution was necessary.

This decision of how to resolve it was one Kratos made two days ago, after another trip to Valhalla.

Two Days Ago. Valhalla.

It had been over six months since Kratos had last made a visit to Valhalla. He started his role with the council, beginning his duties as the new god of war. It still felt surreal for Kratos to be in such a prominent role. Most of the time, he barely had to say anything. Freya had been right; just Kratos's presence was enough.

But, now, there was another rather important issue, unironically concerning Freya, that coming to Valhalla would help Kratos work through.

"Forgive my ignorance, but why exactly are we here again, brother?" Mimir asked.

"Combat…" Kratos answered, "allows my mind to… clarify certain issues."

"Yes, we've established that. But care to discuss those issues with the disembodied head dangling from your hip?"

"Hm. Yes. But…" Kratos looked up. "Týr! Can you hear me?"

"Indeed, Kratos," Týr's voice echoed from elsewhere in Valhalla. "Good to 'see' you, as it were. I must admit, I'm surprised you're back so soon. It's been some time."

"Yes. I wasn't sure you'd be here."

"I have my own matters to work out, as well. I'll probably be traveling soon."

"Alright," Mimir said. "All parties, present and accounted for. Now, can you tell us what's so bloody important we had to do this again?"

Kratos considered what he was about to say next. Despite all he openly discussed in Valhalla and with these two, it felt strange to verbalize this particular issue. "In the past few nights, I've had…" he stopped. "…interesting dreams."

"I did notice your sleep patterns were a bit different lately. Wait, we're here because ya can't sleep?"

"I believe it is far more than that, Mimir," Týr suggested. "Please, Kratos. We're listening."

"The sleep isn't the issue," Kratos admitted. "In fact… I… find myself… sleeping more peacefully than I have in some time. Despite the instances of waking up. It's the dreams that concern me."

"How so?"

Kratos paused. "This information… will stay amongst the three of us. Yes?"

"Of course," Týr confirmed.

"Absolutely, brother," Mimir agreed. "If, for no other reason, you have my curiosity at its peak."

Kratos paused a moment. Once he admitted this, there was no going back. After another moment, he was ready. "The dreams. They are of Freya."

For the next minute, in all of Valhalla, one could've heard a stone fall.

"Sorry," Mimir broke the silence. "I believe my hearing is starting to go. 'Cause I could've sworn you just said you're dreaming of Freya!"

"I did," Kratos confirmed.

"Hmm," Týr said. "I believe it is safe to assume, these dreams are not of a… combative nature."

"They are not."

"The opposite, I suspect," Mimir noted.

Kratos grunted, verifying Mimir's suspicions.

"Oh, my!" Mimir paused again, still somewhat at a loss. "Well! I imagine none of this can be easy for ya, brother… given we live with Freya and all."

"I see," Týr said. "Seek me out, Kratos. Let us talk."

Kratos fought his way through Valhalla and, soon, arrived at his usual location to meet Týr. Týr was sitting, cross-legged, as he usually did. "Are you certain, Kratos?" Týr asked.

"Yes," Kratos answered.

"Best battle him, Týr," Mimir advised. "I honestly think he really needs it."

"Alright." Týr stood, forming his spear and shield. "Let us begin."

Kratos charged at Týr. They battled for a while with Kratos's mind going to the dreams. Kratos didn't verbalize his dreams in detail, but he couldn't get them out of his mind. They were simple and tended to vary a bit, but the most frequent dream was of Freya and Kratos in Alfheim, simply enjoying their time together. The dream's sequence of events would differ, but the ending would always be the same. Freya would turn to Kratos, kiss his cheek, and whisper, "It's fine now. We can have this." She would lean closer, "We can have each other."

It was after those words when Kratos would awaken. The first time he had the dream, he tried to equate the dreams to missing Faye. However, after having the dream every night for a week, Kratos stopped denying it to himself. He had strong feelings for Freya. He was almost ready to admit he loved her.

He could admit to himself. Kratos fell in love with Freya. He knew it. He accepted it.

But could he and should he admit to Freya?

Kratos and Týr dueled for a few more minutes before Kratos finally found himself able to best Týr, causing them to stop and catch their breath. They settled down and stood to their feet.

"Better?" Mimir asked.

Kratos grunted a bit.

"Good," Týr exhaled. He summoned his cauldron and images of Kratos's past appeared again, as they had previously.

"Your dreams of Freya," Týr began, "I'm sure, invoke feelings for you that you're not accustomed to. Or, I should say… some you haven't felt in a long time."

Kratos nodded.

"Has this duel helped at all?"

"It has."

"You did not come here for anyone to tell you what to do," Týr informed. "Or, rather, how to feel. Your mind… your heart… has made this decision for you. Your concern is how to proceed, if you should… and, if you decide to proceed, if any betrayal is taking place."

"You're worried about betraying someone, brother?" Mimir asked.

Kratos remained silent.

Mimir thought for a moment. Then it all became clear. "I finally understand. Forgive me, brother. I should've realized what truly plagued you all along."

"You do not need to apologize." Kratos sighed. "This is… difficult."

"Understandable."

"Happiness, in any form, has been fleeting for me. Taken, more often than not. I fear this will be no different."

"That's only part of the concern," Týr replied. "However, I don't deny you have valid reasons for that concern. But that is all part of living, Kratos. A risk we all take. But the true reasons for your apprehension… are Lysandra and Faye."

Kratos looked away, not sure how to respond.

"You really do have a kinder heart than you let yourself believe, brother," Mimir noted.

"Agreed." Týr studied Kratos, noticing the new god of war still had some concerns. Visions of Lysandra and Faye appeared in the cauldron. "You loved Lysandra. You carried her with you all your life. You still do. Did meeting and loving Faye mean you betrayed Lysandra?"

Kratos considered that. "I was concerned it did."

"Were you proven right? Did your love for Faye discredit or devalue your love for Lysandra?"

Kratos paused for a few moments. "No."

"Then how is this any different?"

Kratos shook his head, "I have taken much from Freya."

"Stop blaming yourself for Baldur," Mimir insisted.

"Should I not?" Kratos asked.

"Baldur was a mad dog. Driven that way by Odin. That's to say nothing of the part Freya played in Baldur's insanity."

"He was still killed by my hand."

"You've taken accountability for that, Kratos," Týr reminded. "More than once and in every way possible. You don't need to punish yourself further for a crime you've already atoned and been forgiven for."

"I will not pretend Freya doesn't still grieve for her son," Kratos countered.

"I'm not asking you to. I'm saying you've accepted responsibility for it. That's all you can do. More than anyone, Freya knows that."

"And again," Mimir countered, "Baldur was a mad dog. Someone had to put him down."

"Freya could've reached him," Kratos argued.

"You don't know that, brother."

"That death plagues you," Týr noted. "Not simply for the act against Baldur. But for the pain you brought Freya."

"The mere fact that she trusts me as she does speaks volumes," Kratos admitted. "But… I fear that is the limit. Not this. Not…"

Týr pondered a moment. "We've been discussing your feelings in this matter, which are clearly and unwaveringly established… but you've yet to consider if Freya feels the same way."

"She does not."

"You don't know that," Týr and Mimir fired back, simultaneously.

Kratos looked at them both. "Was that necessary?" he asked, dryly.

"It wasn't intentional, I promise," Týr insisted with a smile.

"Great minds and all that, brother," Mimir joked.

"Of course," Kratos replied, wryly.

"You have uncertainty, not about your feelings, Kratos," Týr declared, "but how Freya will react. You're even uncertain about whether or not you should even approach the subject with her."

"Bollocks!" Mimir argued, immediately. "Tell her."

"It is not that simple," Kratos replied. "This is a far more… personal matter than any she and I have discussed before."

"Again, we live in the same house as her."

"That is not the same."

"A marginal difference, at best."

"Kratos," Týr spoke up. "If you didn't think even approaching the subject with her was a possibility, you wouldn't have come here."

Kratos stopped, considering that.

"Speak to her. Let Freya decide how to proceed. I know the outcome you want. Allow yourself to believe… she wants the same."

"Is that not dangerous thinking?" Kratos asked.

"Kratos!" Týr jerked his head back. "I'm surprised." He smirked. "Since when have you been one to shy away from danger?"

Kratos thought that over. Then nudged his head a bit, conceding that point.

Present.

Kratos hoped Týr and Mimir were right. But then stopped himself. Mimir and Týr did not make this decision. Kratos did. In his heart, he knew that this was the best way to approach this. Come whatever may.

When he was close to Freya, Kratos was about to speak when Freya turned toward him. "Good evening, Kratos," Freya smiled.

"Good evening," Kratos greeted.

"I must admit, I'm surprised to see you here."

"You, yourself, said it would be better that I am seen at events such as these."

"Yes, but who knew you would listen to me?"

Kratos groaned while Freya giggled behind her hand.

Freya calmed down and noticed something about Kratos's stance and the look on his face. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes," Kratos confirmed. "But… may I speak with you? Alone?"

"Of course."

Kratos and Freya walked away from the celebrations to a nearby hill, overlooking the festival. They were far enough away to where the music and merriment was still audible but not loud enough to prevent the private conversation that was about to take place.

Kratos and Freya gazed down at the festival, unable to ignore the simple fact that everyone seemed to be getting along.

"It's incredible," Freya mused.

Kratos looked at her.

"There's… actual peace."

"You said it was possible," Kratos noted.

"Possible," Freya confirmed. "But to see it…" She huffed. "I almost can't believe it."

"The peace you sought has been attained."

Freya looked at him. "Thanks to you."

"I did only what was required of me," Kratos admitted.

"And that was more than enough. Thank you, Kratos."

Kratos nodded.

Freya looked up at the stars. "It's a beautiful night."

"Mm," Kratos nodded.

Freya smiled and looked at him. "To be clear… I'm helping you stall. Until you're ready to tell me what you wished to speak with me about."

He glared at her, "You did not have to help me 'stall'."

She shrugged, "It wasn't all stalling. It is a beautiful night… and I am very grateful for all you've done."

Kratos nodded in appreciation at her.

"Whatever you wish to say… you can say it. After the Valhalla incident, I'd prefer if you didn't keep secrets from me."

He nodded. "Understood." He took a silent, deep breath. "In recent days… I've… had dreams."

"I have noticed you wake up at odd times. Even for you."

"I apologize if I disturbed you."

"You didn't," Freya replied. "Not in the way that you need to apologize. I just… grew concerned. But it never seemed to affect you adversely, so I didn't want to mention it." She studied him a moment. "May… I ask… what the dreams were about? Or would you rather not say?"

"That is actually why I wanted to speak with you," Kratos admitted. "The subject of the dreams… were very sensitive in nature."

"Oh?"

"I've been…" Kratos steeled himself again. "The dreams have been of you."

Freya froze. Her eyes slowly widened. "Of… o-o-of me?"

Kratos nodded.

"I must ask… in what way?"

Kratos thought he had his response prepared. But being in front of Freya caused his thoughts to jumble a bit. While every bit of her was beautiful, it was her eyes. Her eyes had an influence on him lately he wasn't ready for.

Kratos refocused. "The dreams are… of a more gentle nature."

"Gentle?" Freya leaned her head to the side.

"Yes."

Freya understood the hint. But wanted to be sure before she continued this in the way she hoped it was going. "Kratos… why are we here? Alone?"

"Because I must tell you the truth," Kratos declared. "You may do with it what you wish afterwards."

"Alright."

"The dreams… they revealed a truth to me. About feelings I thought myself incapable of feeling again." Kratos paused. "Emotions I have for you… that I almost feel I have no right to feel."

With that, Freya didn't need Kratos to say anymore. He just confirmed what she suspected. For a long time now.

"Kratos?" Freya asked. "Are you attempting to tell me you've fallen in love with me?"

Kratos stopped. She said it so easily. Those same words seemed so difficult to utter but there they were.

He slowly nodded. Perhaps not the best admission but, at least, it was there.

For Freya, that was more than enough. After all, he admitted it. Freya almost couldn't believe it.

But she was thrilled all the same.

Freya smiled a bit. "Well!" She exhaled. "I must admit… this is a relief."

Kratos eyed her, suspiciously. "Relief?"

"Yes. Because I was growing immensely irritated thinking I was the only one in love in this relationship."

Kratos froze, again, as all words left him.

Freya's full smile came to her face. "Is it that much of a surprise to you? We do live together."

Kratos looked away, "That means very little. I feared these feelings were wrong."

"Why?"

"Our history… is full of strife."

"That's true," Freya admitted.

"I know what I've taken from you. Despite the mended wounds, I do not believe it is my place to feel the way I do. More… my concern is such feelings… much less telling you… would drive a wedge against us." Kratos shook his head, "That is something I absolutely do not want."

"Nor do I. Simply telling me all of this, however… has done the exact opposite."

Kratos felt a weight fall of him.

"Kratos. You're right. Our history… has so much conflict in it. That much is clear. A great deal of pain attached. But… you and I… we've come so much further than where we started. As for what you've 'taken'… I see now… you were trying to do the right thing. Something you've made every effort to do for a long time now. Yes… it hurt me. Some of that hurt is still there… but that is not because of you." She walked closer to him, "You're no monster to me. Not anymore. I know all of the doubts you have, that we both have. The future, the past, the pain. But… I truly believe we have so much more than that now."

"Hope," Kratos whispered.

Freya's smile grew.

Kratos gazed into her eyes. "We… have hope."

"Yes," Freya confirmed. "We have hope. Among many other things." She placed her hand on his chest. "I love you, Kratos. I want to move forward with you."

Kratos exhaled in relief. "I love you, Freya. Yes. I want to move forward."

"Then let's move forward." She lifted closer, "Together."

Freya pressed her lips to Kratos's. The kiss was innocent but powerful. The simple action eradicated most of the doubt either of them had. They separated and Freya smiled.

"I must confess," Freya whispered, "I didn't expect you to be good at that." She exhaled. "That was amazing."

Kratos gave a small smile. But the smile fell a bit. "Freya… are you certain this… is alright?"

"Do you want this?" Freya asked, immediately. "This is not only my choice. It's ours. I know I want to do this. I believe… we can move forward." She stared into his eyes, almost desperately. "Do you?"

"Yes," he answered without hesitation.

A bright smile came to Freya's face. She took hold of his hands. "Then we'll move forward. Together."

A/N: So! What did you guys think? Let me know!