The melody of the classical music was now a blur as the chatter of pedestrians, with occasional Vespas and the ripples of Reuss, poured in.

Everyone around her was carrying a joy that Kiana had yet to comprehend. Children tugged onto their mothers while couples held each other, walking down the street towards the Chapel Bridge or downtown. Their expression was extreme joy; Christmas was just around the corner, and then the New Year.

Kiana smiled—sadly—she who could never wholly drown in the joys of festivities; for her, this was a foreign concept. Yes, she participated in all the festivals that St. Freiya held, and yes, she celebrated Christmas with her squadmates, but to be able to connect with a larger crowd and become part of unified happiness was what she wanted to attain. Or at least she had wished for.

But during her fight against the Hersscher Of Binding, she was reminded yet again how powerless she was when it came to saving people and their hearts. Her kindness had brought more harm to individuals than good. And that was why she feared to connect with others. But she no longer had the comfort to feel that way anymore.

With someone as troublesome as Sal by her side, she could no longer take a step away from communicating and understanding others. She might not be able to understand the world's pain or even connect with everyone, but at the very least, she could try to understand the pain of the one she loves. And connect with him.

It might be for her self-satisfaction—No, she was sure it was—But then again, she was a selfish girl; she wanted to know all about the person she loved and do everything to ensure his happiness.

She, who had chosen to protect all that is beautiful in this world, had finally realized it was not the entire world she was protecting but that one person who was her whole world, and by defending him, she also protected everyone else.

"Kiana?" Sal called. His hands were covered in black mits as he donned his brown trench coat. He offered Kiana her black beanie, who lowered her head, allowing Sal to place it over her head.

"Thanks." She murmured, her sapphire blue eyes strained over the Chapel bridge and towards the old town nestled on the other side of Reuss. That was where the Iustisia Palace rests. The place that threatened her world, and yet she had to accept that this one time she was powerless to fight this enemy, but would that stop her from defending him in other ways?

"You will do fine tomorrow." Kiana turned towards Sal, who was dusting off the snowflakes from his coat.

"I guess?" He replied, unsure, only to get a stern look in return.

"Sal Apocalypse," she said, pointing her fingers at him. "As long as I am around, I won't allow anyone to hurt you. Let it be Honkai or fellow humans or even aliens."

"How can you say something so embarrassing with a straight face Dumbo," He tried to avert the subject by brushing it off, but today, Kiana wasn't letting him go.

"I mean it," She continued. "Even if I must go against Schiksal or the entire world, I will do so." She took a step forward, reaching out for his hand. "I, by the honour of Kiana Kaslana, will never allow you to slip away from me."

Sal stood there, his legs planted on the sidewalk. He had neither taken a step forward nor backwards. Hearing Kiana's words had no doubt made him happy. So much so that he wanted to hug her tight and never let go, but it was impossible for someone like him.

He didn't deserve her. He was an anomaly, a mistake in the grand scheme of things. And that is why he would have to deny Kiana's feelings no matter how much it ripped his heart.

"Something like that is wasted on me, Kiana," He replied and stepped backwards.

"What do you mean?" Kiana asked, her eyes filled with concern and maybe a tinge of hurt.

"You will make me spell it out, won't you?" Sal sighed.

"Yes." She replied sternly.

"Kiana," He started, his voice breaking as he lied. "Whatever you think you are feeling is nothing but just a lie. It is only a matter of time before Mei returns to you; once that happens, you will remember to whom you should be saying these words. It is not me who deserves this, Kiana; it is her. Don't mistake me for her-"

Sal's speech was cut short as he felt a strong tug on his collar. Kiana had jerked him back to her and sealed his lips with her own. He was caught off guard. This was different from how this was supposed to go. He was expecting a slap across his face. But now, all his plans had gone to waste as her soft, almost silken lips rested on his own. He wanted to push her away and deny her, but he couldn't.

Closing his eyes, Sal leaned into the kiss. Allowing himself, for this instance, only to hold the one he loves in his arms. Because once they part, this miracle would have ended. And he would have to let her go because that was the only way to ensure she would be safe.

But just this once, Sal Apocalypse surrendered himself to her.

I am sorry Kiana. But I am not the man you deserve. I am not worthy of your love or affection. That is why I promise you that once this miracle is over, I will push you away. So, just for this moment, let me hold you; let me make sure I never let you go.

A/N And that's a wrap. It's perfect down to the most minute detail perfect. Or at least that is what I believe, haha. Now, let me say this out loud. I am grateful to every reader out there who has been reading my work despite my absence and making sure it remains relevant. When I started this story nearly a month ago, I had never hoped to get as much support and love as I had hoped. To each and every comment, thank you! What can I say thank you? You guys allow me to do better when I sit before the typewriter. You allow me to challenge myself every time I write a new chapter. Anyway, I will cut this short because, like usual, I have pulled an all-nighter 'Sighs' but we have a NEW CHAPTER!

I will now take my leave and get some sleep. Once again, I thank all of you following our dear Tuna and Sal on this journey. Also, from now on, I declare this ship name to be KiaSal.