Loud House Experience Chapter 9

Chapter 8

I didn’t know what to say in response or even if I should say anything, but before I could, Atreus approached us even if crestfallen and repentant.

“I’m sorry” There was his soft voice again, and the kind look in his eyes returned to them as well. “I… I owed you both an apology”

“You did” Kratos was cold as usual, and he left us alone as he scouted the area.

I still didn’t agree with Kratos’ tough love but I was a little hurt by Atreus’ words still and he needed it at the moment. Besides, I understood it was his father’s best way of educating him.

“Y/N, I’m really sorry” The boy wouldn’t meet my glance, and his voice sounded genuine and regretful. “I didn’t mean anything I said, and… I’m really happy that you’re with us, because you’re my friend and you’ve always been so nice to me”

I remained quiet, torn between the compassion and the resentment. I wanted to immediately forgive him, yet I was still hurt by the things he said. Probably noticing this, Atreus kept on talking and hence apologizing.

“And I just wanted to say that… you’re not useless, you never were. You don’t actually need us, you helped us a lot. And that… I really enjoy being with you because you’re probably actually my first friend and-“

“Stop” I knew he wasn’t playing with my emotions trying to make me pity him, I knew every word came directly from his heart, and I couldn’t stand watching him feel so miserable anymore. “I know you weren’t yourself, Trey, it’s okay”

He paused for a moment, but grinned to relief the tension.

“I like the nickname”

“A friend’s gift, kid”

“But I don’t have one for you… Give me time, I’ll come up with one!”

“You don’t have to, boy”

We both laughed at my impersonation of Kratos, mimicking his deep voice and all. But we immediately stopped when he turned around to see what we were laughing about and silently followed him.

As we reunited with Kratos to hopefully get out of Helheim as soon as possible, I felt Atreus’ staring at me with gratitude.

“Thanks for forgiving me, Y/N”

“No problem”

*

We had come a long way, we had travelled through the realms and had even went through Helheim in order to arrive to our destination, but we were finally there.

I was moved as I watched Kratos and Atreus spreading Faye’s ashes together. A heartwarming moment between father and son, between man and boy. I was nearly moved to tears when I watched them truly bonding, accepting each other and Kratos being supporting and loving despite everything.

Then, we turned around and left, feeling somewhat accomplished that we had done what we needed to. I looked down, suddenly feeling overcome with sadness. A moment ago, I was moved by the beautiful moment I shared with them, by the accomplishment of making Faye’s last wish come true. Of witnessing such a sweet moment between father and son. But then I realized something: I didn’t fit in, I wasn’t part of their family. I was a stranger that they allowed to accompany them, and now that their journey was over, I had no place to go to again.

“Y/N?” Atreus asked me as we went down the stairs, breaking the silence. “You okay?”

“What?” I felt absent and drained because of this terrible sadness. “Oh, yeah… Yeah… I’m fine”

I noticed he exchanged a glance with his father, who let out a soft sigh and spoke up himself then.

“Speak up, child” Kratos mumbled, stopping on his tracks to properly address the issue. “What is on your mind?”

“I… well, actually…” I decided that it was a good chance to let them know how I felt, to say goodbye. “I have some things to say”

“Then speak” Kratos insisted, crossing his big arms over his chest.

“I… I just want to thank you… It was amazing meeting you. And I’ve learnt so much, not only fighting from you, Kratos but… Patience and discipline. And kindness and hope from Atreus. And wisdom from Mimir”

“Good” Kratos solely said, giving me a head nod.

“And Atreus” I put a hand on his shoulder, causing him to look up at me with his soft blue eyes. “I know he’s strict but… your father loves you and wants the best for you, and even if I had someone who looked after me, I was alone when he passed and I never met my parents… So…”

I paused when I felt very sensitive, my eyes growing teary as I tried not to get too emotional.

“What are you implying, child?” Kratos urged me to keep talking.

“That…” I deliberately avoided his glance, instead looking at Atreus. “You’re lucky to have a father like Kratos. And even though she has passed, I’m sure Faye was a wonderful mother and… she will always be with you in your heart, and she will always look after you”

“Why are you saying this?” The boy asked me, staring at me in concern and a bit of sadness as well.

“Because… The time has come to say goodbye” I gave a sad smile, pausing.

None of them said anything, not even Atreus with his usual upbeat nature. But I could feel their eyes on me as I looked down. I took a deep breath and gave Atreus a last hug, not being brave enough to do the same with Kratos.

“Goodbye” I said with watery eyes and a shaky voice. “This journey was incredible, thank you for everything”

Not wanting to drag out the painful farewell any longer, I started walking away. But then, when I was only a few meters away from them, the now familiar deep voice of Kratos called me.

“Wait” He said, making me turn around and look at him.

I waited as he said, with my heart pounding in my chest. He couldn’t possible say what I thought he would, right? What I hoped and longed for him to say.

“You are coming with us” Kratos walked closer to me until he was close enough, and then he softly put his hand over my shoulder. “You are family now, Y/N”

I felt a tear falling down my cheek, but even though they had welled up in my eyes due to sadness, now I shed them in happiness.

“Thank you!” I screamed cheerfully, throwing myself to hug him.

I gasped when I realized what I was doing, I hadn’t stopped to think. I was hugging Kratos, without his permission, without any warning either. It surely bothered him.

“I’m… I’m sorry” I stuttered, about to break the hug.

But Kratos chuckled, he actually let out a soft fond chuckle! And his big hands gently rested in my back, he was hugging me back! When we broke the hug, I looked up at him.

“Let us go home” He just said, with a surprisingly friendly expression I had never truly seen in his face before. I somehow got under his skin, which was a achievement.

Atreus suddenly chuckled excitedly and jumped around, tugging at my arm and hugging me. I grinned happily, infected by his energetic mood.

The two of us continued our way down the stairs to get back, Kratos closely following us. We were going home. I was going home, with my new family.