The next few days passed in a blur. Kano did nothing special at that time because he needed time to mentally prepare himself for the festival. Monsterphillia was an absolute killer on his hearing. Still, he was a man of his word. If Freya wanted an outing, she would get an outing. However, he felt that she had another plan.

He didn't like doubting her but he couldn't help being paranoid, even more so now. The world with Gods has done good but most people seem to forget the history surrounding them. Not every God or Goddess has good intentions, which makes the world go round. Evilus was a perfect example. The deities backing them had done so out of boredom and a need for conflict.

That didn't stop Kano from nervously pacing around his room. Three steps forward, turn, three steps forward, he repeated to himself as he worked up the nerve to leave.

The festival, Monsterphilia—speaking of, sounds wrong, actually being pronounced Monster Feria—was here. What makes this even worse was that Freya never told him where to meet her.

Such a simple thing but was crucial to making this outing work. He did plan on going to the Hostess just in case. Since it seems the staff or at least someone is knowledgeable about Freya's whereabouts.

So, Kano got dressed, following his routine like normal. He managed to feel out for his better clothes. They weren't the highest quality but certainly higher than what he usually wore.

The clothes still fit, if only slightly tighter on the shoulders than when he last wore them. Maybe I'll go buy more. Valis was never a concern for him. He always seemed to receive a hefty amount of valis from an anonymous donor. The name would be the same, having the receptionist read out the name, Z&H. That didn't mean anything to Kano so he just quietly accepted it.

Even if his mind said that he was being pitied.

Once Kano stepped outside his door and the inn, he immediately felt eyes on him. "Ahh…I see my worries were unfounded."

Purposefully loud footsteps reached Kano's ears, "My Lady is waiting."

"Have I offended her? I was given no specific time when to be ready," Kano said as he tilted his head up, the voice being above them.

The man's tone did not change, "No…My Lady has been excited since you accepted."

Kano felt his eyebrows raising, "Really?" His voice dripped with curiosity, "Did my answer mean that much to her? Perhaps I've misunderstood something. Well, let's not keep her waiting, shall we, Warlord?"

"Ottar is fine," the man named Ottar replied. The Boaz was the Captain of Freya Familia, the strongest adventurer in the city of Orario. The blind boy who has held his goddess' attention was unique, Ottar's first impression of the boy was not of envy. Ottar internally praised his strength to carry on without letting his disability get to him. Such a small thing to the Boaz but it was an everyday constant for him. The bulking man decided then and there to start training his senses, starting with his eyes closed.

Kano gave a small half-smile, pleased that things wouldn't be as awkward as he thought. Then again, it was probably a sight for some people to see the strongest adventurer leading the 'newest hot topic' of Orario around. The stares did increase but many wondered what the whole point of it was.

As they headed toward the Coliseum on West Main Street, where Monster Feria was being held, it was no surprise that people wondered if he was being inducted into Freya Familia. Rumors often held some semblance of truth but this time was not the case. Kano's stance was firm, he didn't want a Falna or a Familia. Even if his thoughts were contradicting, he would stay true to at least one thing.

"What is Lady Freya like?" Kano found himself asking before he could stop.

"…" Ottar blinked at the boy, perplexed by his meaning.

Kano seemed to notice he had to elaborate, "What does she like to do in her free time, which might be all the time in the world?"

"Mou, Kano, didn't I tell you that you didn't have to be so formal with me?" Freya's voice came from his right, making him turn to 'face' her, a gesture she very much appreciated judging by the tone of her voice.

"You did," the blind boy admitted, "But the stares I'm now receiving state that if I did, I'm sure I would suddenly go missing and the only thing you would get back is my aid."

"Then they would cease to be," Freya replied just as easily, with that same cheerful tone. He barely heard Ottar shifting in response to that.

"…noted, Freya," Kano said tentatively, picturing that he did a perfect face fault at her casual declaration that she would get him back by any means necessary. "You aren't worried that I'm referring to your goddess so casually?" The question was directed at Ottar, even as Freya gently asked for permission for his hand.

"If my Lady is happy, then I am in no position to complain," he said.

"Thank you, Ottar, stay in the area and keep watch, Kano shall guide me."

"Don't know how I'm going to do that if I'm blind," he quipped under his breath, missing Ottar's faint twitch of his mouth at his dry sense of humor.

"As you wish, My Lady," Ottar said before turning and merging with the crowd, which was quite the feat.

Freya was giddy and giggling, she finally got to spend time with…she couldn't call him a possession…nor a favorite person…but a growing interest. "Come along."

"I'm placing my trust in you, Freya, please don't abuse it," Kano said with a slight tremor in his voice that revealed very little. It was still enough to make the Goddess frown. Who hurt you to be so wary?

A question she didn't want to damper on her date! He may not be her Odr, but she can at least treat others with respect. "I would never," she said, desperate honesty leaking from her as she squeezed his arm against her bust.

Kano felt his face flush as the prolonged contact made his senses duller. For once, he didn't seem to mind but the stares from the many observers got hostile. Many voices echoed in his mind as the sheer volume of tourists overwhelmed him. "Can we…move along? Everyone's a little loud."

Freya squeezed his arm a little before pulling him along down a small side street that didn't have as many people. Even though the stares followed in the alley, he still breathed a sigh of relief. "Feeling better?"

"Much, thank you," Kano said, letting his aid scuff the ground.

"Well, I have heard that the monster taming will be fun," Freya mused. She wanted him to at least experience this once. If he has, then this will be perfect.

"I'll have to ask you to describe it to me," Kano said, taking a thoughtful stance. "Again, I just usually sit inside and wait for it to be over."

The walk through the side streets proved to be fruitful, as it allowed Freya to ask a few questions, "You had mentioned the theory about the brain, could you go into detail?" Her tone suggested that she was okay with him not answering.

To which he was thankful and answered her, "Certainly. How I believe the brain works goes off on theories. Humans are often told they can adapt to anything given the chance. So, that means we have to think, which goes into a portion of our brain that controls that. But for me, I have to work differently because I am without one of the five main senses. My brain has to translate what's around me differently. So, for example, the smoothness and softness of your hand in mine."

He did say this with a healthy blush, feeling his cheeks burn. Strangely, the blurring of his senses was absent. Freya positively beamed at this.

Kano continued, "While others may find your hand smooth, I can feel the contours and grooves of your hand and fingers; how you even wore a ring on the middle finger at one point in recent times."

"Ara, feeling me up?" Freya asked, her smile turning seductive and her voice going low.

He grinned, even with the blush on his face, "Please, you'd know if I was 'feeling' you up. I'm just stating what I've come to understand. My senses improved with the loss of my sight."

Their walk continued into the Coliseum, "How have you lived like this?"

He shrugged with his left arm, "I'm just used to it. It would be a different story if I was able to see and then go blind. Being born with the affliction, I didn't have to adjust as much. Now it's my turn to ask you some questions. Do you realize how much charm you ooze out?"

Genuinely caught off-guard, Freya could only respond with, "I…think?"

"Meaning no," he deadpanned. "This level of charm could easily get children ensnared and I honestly think you don't want to be known as a pedo."

"I have limits!" She said, lightly hitting his shoulder.

"I'd hope so. I am eons younger than you, a mere drop in the bucket. Why the interest in me?" Kano smoothly followed up. He didn't get by without being a little paranoid and suspicious of everyone and everything. Just because he had a sit down with her once means that he was going to suddenly trust her wholeheartedly. Even the Hostess staff wasn't fully trusted but they were closer than anyone, especially Ryuu of all people. Mia was a close second.

However, Mikoto…was different.

"Did I not tell you before?" Freya asked worriedly. She swears that she did.

Kano blinked, only feeling his eyelashes touching, before answering, "…maybe you didn't but this does give you a chance to give me a proper answer."

Freya went silent as if she needed to pick her words. Kano did not make assumptions about what she was going to say and how she hadn't responded. To be fair, this would be a question that he would ask someone who fancied him—if that ever happened.

Ottar had heard this conversation, his level seven hearing wouldn't let him tune it out—on top of his Boaz ears—so he did wonder what his Lady's response would be. Idly, he answered it himself within the confines of his mind. You are someone who can get people to change and explore new perspectives.

The Boaz only stood in the corner of the luxurious box they were now in. They took a different entrance than the general one for everyone else's sake. The Coliseum was set up with a few private boxes, thanks to small modifications over the years. Thankfully, no one paid any attention as many of Orario's deities were out and about…some of them were on the hunt for a certain blind kid.

…they never learn.

"While I will admit that the color of your soul interested me…and after having a conversation with you…and learning you're somehow immune to my charm…I think…I…" Freya trailed off, scared of the realization that she was having.

Kano gently squeezed her hand in a show of silent support. He would not force her to answer nor attempt to ask. If she chose to speak or not was entirely up to her. Freya spoke up hesitantly, "I think it's because I was lonely…no one would talk to me because of my excess charm…and because they fear me…"

Kano kept his grip on her hand, even in their sitting positions. If anyone else saw them, they would assume that it was a King and Queen having a moment. Feeling that Ottar was in the room, Kano inclined his head in the direction of the mountain man, "Et tu?"

"My answer does not affect your opinion," Ottar said stoically, glancing at the blind boy for a moment.

Freya squeezed Kano's hand tighter, who to his credit, didn't flinch. "My Familia loves me and will do anything to help me…but I always felt the disconnect. Ottar, my dear Captain, you know to which I refer?" Her violet eyes shone in the little light within the room.

"Yes, Lady Freya. They see you as an unattainable woman with your word as gospel. I follow you because you helped me long ago," Ottar said, letting Kano get insight into Freya's struggle.

"You think of yourself as a figurehead, not as a person…" Kano whispered. He stood from the chair, prompting Freya to be fearful. She thought he was going to leave. She couldn't force him to stay. Her heart couldn't take it. "It's a good thing I don't…despite my misgivings of deities as a whole."

"Wha?"

Freya was yanked from her chair and two arms rested around her back, a firm hold. Her arms had wrapped around Kano's torso. A genuine hug. Feelings that she had thought she would never be able to find again were beginning to resurface. "I think you're a great person, someone who is worth more than she thinks herself to be. While I know I can't be the 'one' I can at least be a shoulder you can lean on…for as long as I'm around, anyway."

True, his lifespan was a mere drop in the bucket for someone like Freya. "You…you can't say such things…" her retort was weak.

"But I haven't lied to you," Kano said, letting his lips twitch into that small smile. Small. To Freya, that was progress. Ottar dutifully slipped out of the room with ease. His hearing would be able to know if anything went amiss.

Freya's detection found that he was being truthful. He meant it. Why did the room become so blurry? Her breathing hitched, "You…"

A hesitant hand gently cupped her cheek, seeing the blurry visage of Kano frowning, "I made you cry…am I incorrect? Was that not the right thing to say?" He was speaking aloud to himself, internally panicking, despite the leveled voice.

Monster taming was the furthest thing from their minds. Kano was sweating bullets. All he did was tell the truth, and she hadn't said anything so he couldn't deduce if she was happy or genuinely upset. Gods hold grudges for literal eons, so if he upset her, then he was royally and inconceivably fucked.

"…how I wish you could be my Odr…but even I would not go that far just to keep you."

In all of Orario, no one saw nor heard this discussion.

A few minutes later, the two were sitting in their private booth, even though their seats that were pushed apart were together. Freya was taking the time to describe the events going down below in the arena.

Ottar was also helpful in the fact that he would describe the monsters to Kano, helping the blind boy gain somewhat of a mental picture. Imagination is different from reality, so only Kano knew what he was thinking, "And he brings the whip down to pause the performance. He turns and bows to the audience and the platform lowers."

Kano felt a warmth in his chest, one of elation. One that he has not felt before. He turned his head in Freya's direction. The woman's silver eyes twinkled curiously as he met his murky eyes. Then…

He smiled.

Freya looked into his soul and found it to be radiating. "You're…you're smiling."

"Huh?" Kano asked as he put a hand to his cheeks to feel it. "I am? But I-"

"You found something to be happy about," Freya surmised, "And…" I got to witness such a handsome boy looking happy. This is what you meant, Hecate? To see such a pure emotion that it blinds me? Freya grimaced, Poor choice of words considering the present company.

"I guess I have never found a reason to smile before," Kano said with a shake of his head. "Is it over?"

Freya glanced over, "Yes, the main attraction is over but Orario will be in full swing for the next day or two. For now, I need to go and check something, and unfortunately, I cannot take you with me."

Kano nodded, "I understand…and thank you…"

"No," Freya said, reaching out and grabbing his hand, "Thank you for enlightening me and reassuring me. I feel as if I owe you."

Kano waved it off, "No, you made me smile…something I felt as if I was never able to do before." He stood up, his aid in his left hand, "May I be excused? I felt as if your business was of importance and I do not wish to involve myself in Familia matters."

She was about to tell him that it was not that important but she figured that something in her voice gave away her true emotions. While she couldn't refute him, she decided on a different path, "Do you want to meet up again sometime soon?"

Kano cracked a small grin, "My my, is the lovely Freya asking me out?" He did withhold his teasing attitude for the day and now he just needed a chance to let one out.

"Ara Ara~, what if I am?" Freya countered, easily getting into her flirtatious mood. Unlike other times, she genuinely found this fun for the first time in recent memory.

Kano hummed, feeling her natural charm lick his skin, "Perhaps. I did enjoy myself. You catered to my disability while also not pitying me, and you gained an insight as to who I am."

"I did," she sighed, pleased with herself. "I know you're a boy that will have Orario talking for quite a while."

Kano turned toward the door, having remembered which way the entrance was, "I will admit, it is not something I am looking forward to. I fear that some may not take no as an answer…"

"If that happens, I will help," Freya declared. "We are…friends, right?"

Kano felt his mind slow at that. He did have friends, didn't he? Acquaintances? "Yeah…we can be friends. Until then, Freya." With that, he exited the room and continued on his merry way, his mood brighter than before. While it wasn't noticeable off the bat, he had a small pep in his step. East Main Street was too crowded, so he opted to take the previous paths they did to get there.

Despite the noise levels from the festival, he was currently retracing his steps from hours earlier. The sun was still high in the sky, judging by the warmth but it was aiming directly at his shoulder, not his neck, telling him that it was late afternoon. People who saw him gave him a little space, letting him walk without pause. While some were speaking of the rumors surrounding him, others ignored him, thinking it was just some fluke.

He did not care what they thought. He was his own person and he would be able to control what he does. Instead, Kano decided tomorrow that he would cook for the Hostess girls again since he was in such a good mood.

"Kano?" He knew that voice. After all, it was the voice that made him happy, for reasons that he wanted to find out.

Mikoto.

What the young Far Eastern Swordswoman turned around to was a smiling Kano and her heart pumped a little bit harder at that. Even though his eyes were murky and he couldn't see him, she still found the sight to be one she wished to preserve.

That, and his lips were moving. Mikoto shook her head, her ponytail swaying with the movement. While she still wore her purple kimono and sarashi, she opted to not have her shoulder guard or arm guards. Today was a relaxing day since Monster Feria was here. She didn't expect to see Kano—even though she wanted to see him—but she certainly didn't expect to see him with a smile. A real smile. "Mikoto? Are you paying attention?"

"Uhmmm…you…I-you…smiled?"

The smile was still there as he nodded, pleased with hearing her voice, "Yes…and I don't know how to properly process this…" The smile slowly went away but his jovial mood stayed. "It is nice to hear from you again, your Dungeon trip went well?"

"We returned alive and no injuries," Mikoto said, slowly falling into step beside him, which he allowed. "Were you just at the Coliseum?"

"Yes, myself alongside…" he paused, wondering if he should say it. He knows that Freya was feared and revered for many things but he didn't see that nor did he believe it, "…I do believe if I say this person's name, you might have an inverse reaction."

Mikoto turned to look at Kano confused. She idly wondered who that could be. "…you aren't in any danger, are you?"

He shook his head lightly, deftly avoiding someone before righting himself. Many people wondered if he was an adventurer. Even the person he avoided looked shocked.

"Not by a long shot, can I put my hand on your shoulder?" Kano asked, hearing her footsteps to his right. The streets thinned out the further they walked from the Coliseum. Mikoto allowed him to set his hand on her shoulder if only to guide him. His hand settled on her shoulder before leaning close, admittedly giving her a chill down her spine; not a chill that sparks fear but a pleasant one. "Lady Freya personally invited me for an outing, and I accepted."

Mikoto's eyes widened and turned to him, the motion throwing his hand off her shoulder, "With La-mmmf!"

Kano's hand quickly covered her mouth before she shouted out in public that the blind kid was with a Goddess of Beauty who has less than stellar views from the outside. "Apologies, Mikoto but shouting that out would not be a swell idea. I'm telling you this because I trust you enough to do so, please don't make me regret that. The list of people I trust I can count on my two hands and still have fingers left over."

What he was hiding was his reaction to her lips on his fingers. Having an increased sense of touch made him feel things. He certainly wasn't invincible when it came to these kinds of things. In fact, he was walking around with a half-concealed tightness in his pants when Freya was around.

Mikoto's amethyst eyes widened when she felt his hand over her mouth. His visage showed that he was serious, even with the murky eyes. His hand on his aid was tight, almost a death grip. "Many depict her as someone who does what she wants when she wants. I admit I had less than stellar views of her…despite my optimism to look for the positive in people." He would keep the conversation with Freya to himself, if only because it was personal. "If I let my hand drop, will you be calm, nod yes or no."

Mikoto finally regained her senses before nodding once. Kano pulled his hand away, feeling the motion, and chose not to inquire about the warmth that was her cheeks being bright red. "You…went out with her?"

"Not in the sense you are thinking," Kano said, their walk resuming. Mikoto gently encased her arm with his after asking permission. The feeling from before welled up in his chest, this time, it was because he knew that she was close to him. His heart flooded with adrenaline from the wonderful angel beside him. The selfish desire to see her face, just to look at her beauty.

Unbeknownst to his thoughts, she continued, "As friends?"

Kano nodded, "I don't desire a relationship with an immortal being, since it would only bring them sadness in the event of my passing."

So, he's single?! Mikoto thought.

"I am…and yes, you said that aloud," Kano chuckled and he could feel her embarrassment. Mikoto felt mortification wash over her and she wanted nothing more than to hide and never leave her room. "But, Lady Freya did describe the Monster Taming section and she was good at getting the exact details, and Ottar was helpful as well."

"Do you realize how casually you are referring to the?" Mikoto asked, her curiosity overtaking her embarrassment for the time being. "Are you still unblessed? Did she charm you?"

Of course, Kano did not take these questions in any negative way. It only made the feeling in his chest bloom to new heights. He smiled again. "I thank you for worrying so much but unlike the rumors, Lady Freya does not like exercising her charm so frivolously. The only charm she uses is natural. I believe she is one of the misunderstood Goddesses."

Mikoto gently pulled Kano to a Jagamarukun stand, swiftly ordering two of the delicious snacks. "Could you elaborate? I felt that…hard to believe."

"As you should," Kano confirmed. "But no, she, I feel, is often misunderstood; like I am. People believe that since I'm blind that I want special treatment. That's the opposite of what I want. I want to be treated like a normal person, and I believe that's where Lady Freya and I are similar. That's why I can talk to her so freely. She and I can come to common ground despite her immortality and my frailty."

"Are you not worried about being charmed?"

"A little, I'm afraid but she is proving to be more than the rumors, Mikoto. Thank you for the snack, by the way," Kano thanked the girl before munching down on the potato snack. "In return, I can cook a meal for you."

"Really?" She sounded both excited and curious. Kano was happy, seeing that there was something in common between them. His heart soared at this. He hasn't felt this kind of closeness with anyone since his parents.

Don't get him wrong, Freya was nice and someone he could call a friend but…truthfully, he didn't know what Mikoto did to him, and like any person, he wanted to know more, to discover this warm feeling. His steps became just a bit peppier.

The topic shifted away from their original discussion and both were secretly glad for it, as neither wished to ask or elaborate any further. "I even got Mama Mia's gruff half-hearted compliment if that means anything. I do not know the exotic dishes of each culture but give me something to work with and I can usually get something above average to something you can eat at least once a week and never get tired of. My sense of taste got better over the years, so my palette is much more refined than the average person my age."

Mikoto's voice was vibrating with enthusiasm, something Kano noted as she spoke, "Perhaps we can try together?"

"Okay, it's a date then," Kano said, only realizing after he spoke that he just pulled a Freya on Mikoto. She's a bad influence, he thought with a half-grin. She had done the same thing to him and well, he did enjoy himself, which he found to be…nice. "If I get to spend time with a beautiful girl, then any man would be happy."

The reaction from the pure maiden was as expected, she flushed and looked aghast but she did not outright deny it. "You…You…h-how c-"

"Can I call someone as beautiful as you despite not being able to see you?" Kano asked her the question she was trying to ask.

The Far Eastern girl nodded, which made her hair sway in such a manner that if Kano was able to see, he would have fallen in love. With the bright eyes, the expectant look, and the sheer joy on her face—mixed with red cheeks—he probably would have attempted to kiss her.

"Since my blindness is a constant, I had to develop skills to make myself look normal…well, as normal as normal is defined. Cooking and baking were something I found that I needed less assistance than I thought. As funny as it sounds, I have to smell my ingredients to find them. I don't even know what any of my creations look like but…having someone to share it with would be nice."

Mikoto then did something very bold of her, she threw herself at him, hugging him. Kano immediately tensed but did nothing, their snacks long since devoured. Right now, he was focused on what he felt was her very generous chest pressing against him. He felt wrappings underneath it and knew she had a lot more going on with her.

He was a stranger to what being intimate was like but his parents did give him an 'education' on what to do. "I would love to! This will be so much fun!" Mikoto's tone was one of exuberation. She was so happy! While she did hold love for her God, Takemikazuchi, she found herself drawn to this boy.

His arm, his right hand, gently encompassed her, and she let out a sigh, feeling the warmth that he was providing. That was when she realized how intimate she was being. Her body tensed and as she left, his arm was already down. The amethyst eyes saw his face was flush and he was shifting from foot to foot. His walking staff was placed directly in front of him, shielding his…oh…

…OH!

Mikoto flushed hotly, "I'm sorry, I didn't think about how you didn't like to be touched. I was just so happy that you also like cooking!" He muttered something under his breath, which even with her Falna-based hearing, she didn't understand it. "Did you say something, Kano? Ehh, S-Sir Kano?" She fell back into the habit of addressing him formally. At least she didn't say Master.

Kano's mind was filled with fantasies. She embraced him in a way that a loving girlfriend or wife would do. Kano was a hot-blooded young man. He was aware of how beautiful the women sounded, not how they felt. So, in essence, Mikoto was the first woman, aside from Freya, who had hugged him in a manner that was pure innocence.

"I…didn't mind that. It felt…peaceful," he eventually said with emotion lacing his voice. "S-So, do you want to go out on a date?" He asked seriously this time. "I-I know that I can't s-see you nor can I help you when you go into the Dungeon b-but…I like hearing you…" By the Gods, his cheeks felt like they were melting off of his face!

Mikoto's hands clutched over her chest, watching this boy, who seemed to be just a year or so older than her, look every way that was not in her direction. She found it cute. Kano was by no means unattractive. Many just wrote him off because of his blindness. Mikoto didn't think that way. He was much more than what he appeared. She inhaled and exhaled. "Yes, I would like to go on a date with you."

Kano's eyes widened and his mouth was agape as he turned in her direction. He closed his mouth, licked his lips, and spoke, "R-Really?" The pure hope in his voice was so unlike him.

If any of the waitresses from the Hostess saw him, they would question if this was Kano Yamabe. He was acting like a boy three years younger instead of the mature boy they knew him as. Kano found his hand reaching out, one that Mikoto met with both of hers, her smile just as wide and radiant.

"Of course, in such a short time…you are different from what I originally expected. I mean, who calls someone beautiful despite not even knowing them?"

"I do," Kano retorted but it lacked the usual bravado. He knew she was messing with him so he went along with it. "I don't like lying to people who think otherwise."

The kimono-clad warrior brought his hand to her cheek, so he could feel her smile. Kano blinked, using his senses to engrave the feeling of her soft cheek, the dimple she had when she smiled, and the way her lips curved up as his fingers gently glided across her mouth.

To the outside observer, it looked like a lover's caress. While they would not be wrong, they would not be right either. To Kano, this means so much more. To Kano, this was an ultimate form of trust. He never tried to touch anyone's face as he did with his parents because that was how he learned how to discern expressions. His heart was beating in his chest so wildly, he could almost feel it pounding against his chest, desperately begging to be released. To show this girl in front of him how much this small little action meant. To give her a piece of himself that no one has obtained.

To her, the expression of pure joy on his face showed that he had another side of him that was often not brought out, perhaps even repressed unintentionally. A small part of her wanted to see what color his eyes were, to complete the whole expression but somehow, those murky eyes expressed more than he had before. "Then, shall we discuss what our date plans should be?" The bashfulness in Mikoto's voice brought him out of his epiphany.

"Y-Yeah…that would be beneficial, wouldn't it?" Kano finished with a small chuckle and a smile. He dropped his hand from her supple face, his fingers twitching to go back and gently stroke her face. He was so distracted by his internal musings that he failed to notice something coming from the side.

The next thing he knew, he was in something's hands and Mikoto's shouts slowly faded from his hearing.

...

HAHA! Did you really think it would be that easy? Nope. I will enjoy your reactions to this cliffhanger. But my plans are known to me. Mind you, this fic was mostly made on the fly but I use canon as an anchor. So, we have this!

Sorry for the delay but you should be getting a Delicate Balance Redux Chapter at the same time as this. You're welcome.