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C1812

As Emery approached Klea outside the arena, his heart was filled with a complex mix of emotions. Seeing her again had awakened memories of their time together, bringing forth a deep longing that he hadn't expected. He stood before her, wanting to speak, but words seemed to escape him in the moment.

Klea, on the other hand, was overwhelmed with emotion. Tears welled up in her eyes as she gazed at the person she had waited for so long, the one who had been missing from her life for eight years. She reached out and placed her hand on his chest, as if trying to confirm that he was truly there.

"This is really you... Isn't it?"

Her touch gave Emery the courage to finally speak.

"It's me," he managed to say, his voice filled with remorse. "I have kept you waiting... I am sorry."

Klea's eyes glistened with tears as she moved closer, wrapping her arms around him and resting her cheek on his chest. It was a heartfelt reunion that left the surrounding magus in stunned silence, witnessing the rekindling of a long-lost connection.

Realizing the attention they were drawing, Klea composed herself, wiping away her tears. With determination in her voice, she spoke to Emery, "Let's go somewhere to talk."

Emery, not wanting to draw any more attention than they already had, decided to create a spatial gate to leave the arena. However, the unfamiliar surroundings made him hesitant to open a portal just anywhere. Instead, he gently took Klea's arm and began to lead her away from the arena, leaving behind a crowd of bewildered onlookers, some of whom couldn't help but smile at the heartwarming reunion.

The two of them walked hand in hand for several minutes without exchanging words, their silent connection conveying the depth of their emotions. Eventually, they stumbled upon a serene garden nestled within the facility and decided to take a seat there.

As they sat together, both feeling the weight of eight long years apart, they exchanged awkward glances. Klea, breaking the silence, decided not to speak and simply rested her cheek on Emery's chest, seeking solace in his presence.

"Let me stay like this for a while," she murmured softly.

Eight years had been an eternity, filled with uncertainty and the constant hope that he was still alive. The words she spoke next were filled with genuine longing and longing. "I really miss you," she confessed.

With Klea's head resting on his lap, Emery couldn't help but feel the overwhelming weight of the emotional turmoil she had endured in his absence. He felt guilty and undeserving of her unwavering love.

While Klea slept peacefully, Emery took the opportunity to contemplate their relationship and what he could be for her. His feelings for her were undeniable; he cared for her deeply and would go to great lengths to ensure her safety and happiness. However, when it came to matters of the heart, Emery couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pain and conflict. It was as though there was a terrifying chapter in a book that he had been avoiding, afraid to open.

Gently touching her hair, Emery whispered softly, "I'm sorry... I can't."

To his surprise, as soon as he uttered those words, he found himself connecting with her soul without having to activate his [Spirit Walk] ability.

They entered a spiritual realm, standing by the edge of a tranquil pond within a Fey forest. On one side of the pond stood Emery, while Klea was on the other. Together, they watched a shared memory of their younger selves swimming in the pond.

In the memory, the young Klea had spoken with determination, "I want you... I've decided you will be my first."

However, the young Emery had responded with a heavy heart, "I'm sorry... I can't."

"Tell me, what do you feel about me?"

"My heart is too conflicted. I cannot... This way will be the best for both of us."

It was a bittersweet shared memory of the past, a moment when she had revealed her feelings to him, and he had reluctantly turned her down, believing it was for the best. The pain and longing in both their hearts were palpable at that moment.

The shared memory of their past made Emery reflect on how similar their current situations were. The older Klea spoke with a sense of regret, saying, "I was too hasty back then... I should have for each other.

"I love you, Emery. I can't imagine living in a world without you. I been more understanding of your feelings."

Emery nodded and admitted, "Me too, I was too indecisive."

Right after, they arrived at another significant moment in their past. It was a time when Emery had frantically searched through the Zodiac City to find her before leaving for a dangerous secret mission, and when they met, they had finally confessed their love for each other.

"I love you, Emery. I can't imagine living in a world without you. I beg you, don't go."

"No, Klea, it was me. I was the fool who kept running away from you... I love you too"

The memories served as a reminder of the depth of their feelings for each other and the challenges they had faced. It gave him the strength to open up a particular memory he had hidden deep in his heart, and what followed was a surprising sight.

In this memory, they watched a beautiful wedding ceremony, where a radiant bride walked down the aisle. Emery felt a mix of happiness and pain as he recalled this moment. It was a beautiful memory, followed by the heart-wrenching memory of the bride's funeral.

Klea awoke from their shared memory journey and looked at Emery with a mixture of sympathy and understanding. "She's so beautifull...i am sorry for your loss," she said gently.

Their eyes met, and without the need for words, they both felt the profound connection between them. Klea leaned in, and they shared a warm embrace, followed by a heartfelt kiss.

----

Author Note

"It took me all day to write this chapter, and I finally left it to the last hour to express what I truly want for them. I decided the two had enough growth, and it was time for them to share their love in a more mature way.

To be continued