New love in the new world

ㅤ He always made her face blush and her heart flutter. From their very first meeting, she felt a kindred spirit in the stranger, calm and reasonable, acting clearly and decisively—a true military leader. But they didn't meet on the battlefield. He wasn't her captain or subordinate, so Tear gave in to destructive thoughts, influencing her will and decisions. Her attention didn't go unnoticed. Nor did the mention that Tear was "not herself". Eventually, she attracted his attention, which was hidden more carefully. Kratos didn't want to torment the girl further, so one day he came to speak frankly, wanting to set the record straight. "I was married and I have a son," he didn’t hide. "Ah… I…" Tear hesitated, unsure of what to say. Kratos was too dear to her heart for her to let go of her feelings so easily. "I don't mind taking care of him…" "That's not necessary: ​​he's in another world." 'Another world…? Died…?' Tear didn't understand, not knowing the whole story, the importance of which Kratos hadn't even thought about. "…Just because you have someone left in another world doesn't mean you have to be alone in this one," she said heartily. "I don't want to bring you pain and suffering. I once failed to protect those dear to me…" "I can protect myself," Tear interrupted firmly, not allowing him to sink into the melancholy of the past. "And together, we can make each other stronger." Kratos didn't reject her, which especially warmed Tear's heart. Through the thick layer of doubt, she saw that he, too, was drawn to her. And it would be a sin to deny reciprocity because of a burdensome past. After all, everyone had something deep inside them… She had to press harder, dispelling his doubts: "You'll hurt me more by refusing. Pain is inevitable—it's part of our lives. But depriving us of the right to happiness—is it fair?" There was so much determination in her eyes that Kratos couldn't help but smile. Softly, barely noticeably. 'I've always been a coward, giving up easily…' he thought, turning back to the past. But this time to its brighter side. To Lloyd's courage and determination, which had taught him so much. What he should have taught him as a father… 'Thank you.' "I'm afraid I'll be the happier one in our relationship." Kratos extended his hand to Tear, palm up, as if inviting. And there was no smile more sincere and warm than on the face of a girl in love who received a response to her feelings. ㅤ