[Kratos is more fascinated by the emotions Yuan is trying so very hard not to show on his face, but which ring loud and clear nevertheless. How long has it been since Kratos has seen Yuan moved to laughter for genuine mirth, to the point where it shows outwardly; how long since it hasn't contained bitterness?

[You love these people, Kratos sends, and it isn't a question. Threaded beneath that are twines of pride and affection and a desire to know these people as well as Yuan does. He had wondered, before, what he had to live for; but even the wonder of knowing his son is alive couldn't dull the doubt in him, that he isn't whole.

[Seeing the camaraderie now, as the children get out their slates and chalk with varying degrees of enthusiasm; seeing Yuan react this way to them; for the first time in years, Kratos can actually see a possible future for him. For them both.

[Yuan's remark only makes Kratos smile, a smile he hasn't worn even with Anna; it's a smile not of tender love, like Anna and Lloyd regularly used to see, but a flash of understanding contentment he hasn't felt since ... since ...

[Maybe not since all the way back then.

[Kratos pushes off the jamb and takes the last seat at the table, beside Lloyd, but he speaks to Raine.]

You said Lloyd's been having trouble. May I sit in on this lesson?