A/N: 2024.07.25

This story is something of a logical conclusion to all of my Kratos x Freya stories. How I see it, if Kratos and Freya ever became canon, Kratos would have a natural concern about Faye. Like in the games, I feel like Faye would give Kratos a relief to his concerns. The title was inspired by the runes you find in the game. I hope you guys like it!

The Blessing of Faye

Kratos woke up in the forest of Midgard. But it resembled when he first arrived in the realm.

He knew was dreaming. He was all too familiar with this scene and the feeling he was experiencing.

More to the point, he knew who was here waiting for him.

Kratos sighed. "I know you're here."

"Of course you do," Faye replied.

Kratos turned around to see her standing behind him.

Faye smiled. "It's somewhat difficult to sneak up on you."

"Faye…" Kratos whispered.

"I know why you're here, Kratos," Faye stepped towards him. "You're afraid. You're afraid… that I will hate you. That I would hate you. Hate you… for finding peace. For finding happiness. For finding love."

Kratos looked away.

"I'm here to tell you…" Faye smiled again. "…to stop being foolish."

Kratos let out an annoyed grunt.

Freya giggled, softly. She sighed. "I know you. I know how you think. That's why you and Freya… have not discussed, at length at least, your plans for a future. She fears pushing things too far… and you fear brought too much hurt to her. And you fear you're betraying me."

Kratos remained silent.

"Kratos. You have nothing to fear. There is no betrayal in finding love again. I never expected you to live in depression forever. In fact… I hoped you would be happy again."

Kratos couldn't lift his eyes to look at her. He did feel guilty because he did, indeed, feel happy again.

Faye contemplated for a moment. "You grieved me. You honored me. When I was alive, when we were together, you loved me. You loved me so much." She stepped closer. "The most important… you raised and loved our son."

Kratos looked at Faye. "I miss you."

Faye smiled. "But not as much as you used to."

Kratos looked down again.

Faye put her hand on his arm, causing him to look back at her. "Say it." Her smile remained. "It's alright."

"I miss you," Kratos repeated. "But… not as much as I once did."

"The pain is there… but infinitely smaller. Correct?"

Kratos hesitated but he nodded.

Faye's smile widened. "Embrace that. Enjoy it. Treasure it. And treasure who is the reason you have that feeling. Freya opened her heart to you. You've done the same. It's a good thing. But don't stop there. Open your heart further."

Kratos had considered all of this. The confirmation was reassuring but still worrying in its own way. "Faye…"

"You can stop worrying about me, Grumbles. If someone had to have a place in your heart like this… you could've done for worse than another woman who's bested you in combat. I still consider myself the best in that regard, though."

Kratos set his jaw.

Faye let out a quick giggle. She studied him intently. "Our days together… were some of the happiest I've known in my entire life, Kratos. But they are over. The memories remain. Go. Make more memories."

"And when these days become memories?" Kratos asked, a touch of sadness in his voice.

"Remember how fortunate you are. Some go their entire lives and never find love once. Some go their entire lives and never find redemption."

"This will all end one day, Faye. I know it."

"Yes," Faye agreed. "Such is life. Perhaps… Freya will have to know the pain of life without you, first."

Kratos froze for a moment. He hadn't even considered that.

"Binding yourself to the past… is something you've moved beyond, Kratos. If you had not… you would not have spared Thor, you would not have given Odin over to Freya. You would have razed Asgard to the ground, regardless of how many innocence were there. If you kept yourself bound to the past… you would not be the new god of war. A god of hope. Someone the people of the realms can trust. They can believe in. The man that Freya has grown to love. You would not be the man… our son is proud to call 'Father'." Faye put her hands on his shoulders. "I know you will always carry me with you. Just as you do Lysandra and Calliope. But… it's time… to free yourself from the guilt. Keeping the memory is fine. Stop holding on to the pain. There is a future waiting for you. A love you can have and enjoy. Deny it, no longer. Embrace it. See where it takes you."

Kratos considered that. He knew Faye was right. He looked at her. "I will always love you."

"And I, you." Faye took hold of his hand. "But you don't have to miss me anymore. You don't have to feel guilty for not missing me either. Don't feel guilty… for feeling ready to move on. Live, Kratos. I beg of you… live."

Kratos thought for a few moments. He nodded. "I believe… I am ready."

Faye smiled, brightly. "I believe you are." She kissed his cheek. "Live, Kratos. Allow yourself to… be happy."

Kratos stared at her. "I'm sorry, Faye."

"Never apologize for finding happiness, Kratos. You earned it."

Kratos stared at Faye. Then took a step back. It wasn't easy to do, but it also wasn't as hard as he thought it would be. "Goodbye," Kratos whispered.

"Farewell," Faye whispered.

The world began to grow dark.

Alfheim.

Kratos awoke in bed alone. He slowly sat up. He hadn't dreamed of Faye in some time. He still missed her. That he never lied about, not to anyone. Not himself and especially not to Freya. Freya and Kratos made that agreement almost as soon as they made their feelings for one another clear; they would never lie to one another about their emotions, whatever they may be. But this time, missing Faye wasn't devastating as it had been. In fact, it was hardly painful at all.

He got out of bed, dressed, and headed outside. While they lived primarily in Vanaheim, Kratos, Freya, and Mimir tended to find different places to rest in the other realms. It lessened the stress of knowing they had to trek home after a particularly long day. Arriving outside, Kratos found Freya speaking with Mimir, Gunnr, and Hildisvíni. After they were done speaking, Gunnr and Hildisvíni bowed and they departed with Mimir through a Yggdrasil gateway.

Freya sighed and turned towards Kratos. She smiled, "That was tedious."

"It usually is when Mimir and Hildisvíni are near each other," Kratos replied, dryly.

"Hopefully, Gunnr will keep them pleasant as they negotiate with the dwarves."

"One can hope."

"You know," Freya's smile became slightly playful, "dealing with those two bickering, old men would've been much easier if you were awake."

"You could've summoned me," Kratos advised.

"I'd rather not disturb you when you're asleep."

"You haven't had that problem before."

Freya smirked. "Different reasons. Ones we both tend to enjoy."

Kratos chuckled, softly.

Freya noticed something about his stance and his expressions. "Is everything alright?"

Kratos paused for a moment. "A dream. One that… alleviated a fear."

Freya studied him more. "About us?"

"Hm," Kratos nodded.

Freya smiled. "We really are quite the pair…" she walked closer, "…aren't we?"

Kratos gazed into her eyes.

"Do you want to talk about the dream?"

Kratos held his gaze. "Perhaps another time. I'd rather discuss the future."

Freya gasped. His response completely caught her off-guard. "Fu… future…"

"I wish to continue what we have. I wish it to grow. If… this is your wish, as well."

Freya stared at him in wonder. She uttered a shuddered gasp. "There is nothing I want more."

"That is a relief to hear," Kratos said.

"I know we haven't discussed our future in… extensive detail. I… didn't want to presume too much."

"I feared discussing our future for… many reasons. I do not wish to let that fear control me any further."

"Kratos…" Freya felt tears forming. They weren't from sorrow.

"Whenever you wish to discuss this, Freya, we can," Kratos reassured. "We will. I just want it to be clear… our future together… is one I truly want."

Freya felt her emotions swell up. This hadn't happened in some time, not until she and Kratos admitted their feelings for each other. She loved this feeling. She rushed at him, pressing her lips to his. Freya and Kratos shared a deep, passionate kiss for several minutes before stopping. They kept their foreheads gently pressed together.

Freya smiled. "There is no need to rush. All of this… this!" She giggled a bit. "This is enough."

"But we will have more," Kratos reassured. "I swear."

Freya's smile grew. "We'll figure it all out. Together."

"Yes." Kratos let out a sigh of relief. "Together."

A/N: What did you guys think?! I hope you liked it! I don't know when I'll do another Kratos x Freya story. I have some other stuff to work on. So, we'll see. Either way, see all of you soon! Take care!