Chapter 28: Triple Synergy? Night on the Town, First Flight
Chico slowly stirred beneath the comfort of his sheets. His limbs felt heavy, his body perfectly at ease. The warmth next to him…still there.
Demeter's gentle breathing beside him was steady. Eyes still closed, Chico let the silence stretch. After his nap yesterday, he'd shared dinner with Demeter and Persephone, followed by a quiet night alone with Demeter. Nothing much.
Just calm.
And then…
Milestone Reached! Receive a total of 75 rewards from the Gatcha!
Reward: Triple Synergy Unlocked.
Description: You can now fuse up to three abilities. The result will be unique, based on synergy.
Chico's eyes opened slowly, brain catching up to the notification. A blink. Then another. His brow rose as he quietly mouthed, "…Three?"
He had a few good two-way combinations in mind already…but three? That opened up a lot of possibilities. Strong possibilities.
He was already planning trios before he realized someone was shifting beside him. Demeter rolled over slowly, her bare shoulders peeking out from under the blankets, her golden hair tousled from sleep. Her eyes opened just a sliver, still groggy. Then, they softened.
"Good morning, dear," she murmured.
"Good morning, Demeter," he replied with a smile.
Chico shifted, sliding one arm beneath her waist and the other over it, gently pulling her in. She didn't resist, simply resting against his chest with a content sigh. He began to stroke her back with a slow rhythm, fingers moving up and down the center line of her spine.
"Mmm…you're in a good mood this morning," she teased, voice still raspy from sleep.
"I am," he admitted, a small hum escaping him. "I unlocked the ability to combine three of my magics now…and I get to spend the day with my favorite Goddess."
She chuckled warmly, then pressed her face against his chest, hiding a smile. "Flatterer…"
Eventually, the two got up and started the morning routine. Chico grabbed a fresh outfit, something casual but fitted well. A short-sleeved navy shirt with white edges around the collar and sleeves, matched with dark fitted pants and light boots. One of the pieces he and Ariel had picked out together a few days ago. It had good range of motion and looked clean enough to wear in public.
He liked it.
After dressing and tidying up, Chico made his way to the dining room. Demeter was already there, hair up in a loose braid, dressed in a very familiar pink dress that complemented her warm aura.
Persephone arrived shortly after in a top and some shorts, greeting them both with a tired wave.
"Morning," she yawned, plopping into a chair beside them.
"Morning, Captain."
The three of them shared a relaxed breakfast, fruits, porridge, eggs, fresh wheat bread with honeyed butter. Most of the conversation was light, dungeon talk, new tea leave shipments, and the absolute mysterious disappearance of quite a few of the home grown fruits and vegetables among the familia gardens…signs are pointing to the most adorable sheep in the world. The familia's new mascot.
By the end of it, Demeter rose from her chair and reached for Chico's hand. He took it.
"Shall we?" she asked.
He nodded, and they stepped out together, arms linked.
The sun had climbed to its peak by the time they exited the Wheat Manor. Warmth bathed the street, and the soft wind tugged lightly at their clothes and hair. The streets were alive with chatter, the rhythm of a busy Orario afternoon.
It was time to hit the town.
It was apparent to enjoy the peaceful days of Orario…
…
Because in the near future, danger would make itself known…
——————————————————————
The first hour passed with ease.
Chico and Demeter strolled through the upper district markets, pausing here and there to sample fresh sweets and peek into boutique stalls. Demeter seemed particularly drawn to the flower carts, brushing her fingers along bundles of silver lilies and firepetals.
At one point, she tucked a small blue bloom into Chico's hair with a mischievous smirk. He left it there without protest.
By the second hour, they found themselves near Orario's eastern promenade, where artists and musicians gathered.
They sat on a shaded bench while a young bard played a soft tune on a stringed instrument neither of them recognized. Chico rested one arm behind Demeter's shoulders, watching quietly as she swayed gently with the music.
The third hour was more active—Demeter dragged him into a tailoring shop to "just look." That turned into trying on a new tunic, which turned into getting measured for a potential future commission, which turned into a long discussion with the elderly shop owner about whether olive green or storm gray better suited Chico's eyes.
Demeter insisted on olive.
The fourth hour arrived quietly. They shared a cold drink under the shade of a balcony, watching people bustle through the town square below. The breeze had cooled. The shadows stretched longer across the cobblestones.
Demeter stood first, brushing her tunic lightly.
"I think I'll freshen up at the divine bathhouse," she said, adjusting the strap of her small satchel. "And a few of the goddesses are gathering there…I'd like to join them for a bit."
Chico nodded. "Of course."
She smiled, leaning in to kiss him softly on the cheek. "Meet me at Armor's Square around six?"
"I'll be there."
With one last glance and a little wave, Demeter turned and disappeared into the flow of the crowd, her presence slowly swallowed by the afternoon.
Chico stood alone now, hands in his pockets.
"Armor's Square, huh…guess I'll head there now."
If he recalled correctly, there were a few blacksmith shops there…maybe even some armory's. It wouldn't hurt to peruse.
——————————————————————
The first shop Chico visited in Armor's Square was…underwhelming.
Not that it was bad, far from it. The wares were polished, the gear well-maintained, and the staff helpful. But everything catered more toward seasoned mid-tier adventurers. Practical gear. Reliable. But none of it pulled him in. And for the prices they were asking, he wasn't about to force himself to be impressed.
He exited with a polite nod and a quiet sigh, slipping back into the square and weaving past smiths, adventurers, and the occasional courier shouting about finished commissions. Then he spotted it.
A building set a little deeper into the plaza, brick-and-metal with a refined finish, and the unmistakable flame-and-anvil crest above the door.
Hephaestus Familia.
Chico didn't have high hopes. Everyone knew that their works were the most well-crafted in Orario…and the most expensive. Still, it wouldn't hurt to look.
He stepped through the doorway, and a little chime rang from a bell above. Warm air filled his lungs, smelling of oil, steel, and something…older. Almost nostalgic.
The shop was quiet, almost reverent.
Armors lined one wall: chestplates, greaves, gauntlets, all built with care and intention. Another section displayed shields and spears, iron and steel, even the occasional bronze. A few of the weapons shimmered, their prices locked behind small plates. One spear stood out—its head gleamed with a faint bluish sheen.
Mithril. The reason it cost nearly triple the next weapon over.
Chico kept moving.
Row after row, his eyes wandered. Nothing struck him. Some pieces were beautiful, but beauty alone wasn't enough.
He reached the back of the store.
The shelves here were layered with dust. A small corner of items that didn't seem to fit the polished, prime-line image of the front. As if the store itself had pushed them back, forgotten.
That's when he saw it.
A bow.
It rested on a simple stand, its design humble. No flourishes or engravings. Just a smooth, curved body that seemed to shimmer beneath the dust. Chico stepped closer and ran a hand along the grain.
It wasn't…wood. At least, not any wood he knew. It felt like wood and metal had fused. Dense, strong, yet flexible.
"…What in the world are you made of…" he muttered under his breath.
He didn't expect a reply.
"There were quite a few materials that went into the creation of that bow."
Chico jolted upright, eyes snapping to the voice.
Standing behind him…crimson hair, eye patch over one eye, a faint smirk playing on her lips, was the Goddess of the Forge.
Hephaestus.
"H-Hephaestus-sama," he said quickly, composing himself with a short exhale. "It's good to see you again."
She stepped closer, arms folded loosely beneath her chest. "Hmm…you're curious about this bow?"
"Yes," he said, eyes trailing back to it. "Its craft is a masterpiece in my eyes. And its composition…the different materials are implemented to perfection…balanced."
"A smith is always appreciative when one praises their work." Her smirk widened slightly.
Chico blinked, catching on immediately. "…Of course, such a weapon deserves praise."
Hephaestus gave a quiet laugh, then approached.
"This bow is composed of several rare woods, all reinforced by Dir Adamantine, powdered and melted into its core. The string is made from the silk of a Deformis Spider, a monster found deep on the 51st floor. Woven into the strands is refined Mithril."
Chico's eyes widened. He stared at the weapon again, as if seeing it for the first time. "…That's incredible…"
He turned to her. "If you don't mind me asking…who was this originally made for?"
There was a pause. She looked faintly surprised by the question—but answered.
"It was crafted for one of Orario's most legendary marksmen. He was part of the Zeus Familia. Philoctetes was his name…Though he never got to see this weapon."
"…I'm sorry to hear that."
She gave a small, sad smile. "Afterward, I kept it, hoping to find someone else worthy of wielding it. There was one. An archer from the Astraea Familia…But they died during the great feud."
Chico exhaled. The Astraea Familia…A tragic tale of what had happened to them.
"It's a shame that this weapon has yet to find a wielder," she murmured. "Perhaps it's cursed…"
Chico looked at her with a quiet sympathy, then stepped forward and lifted the bow from the stand.
The design wasn't flashy, but it radiated presence. Its limbs were dark, tinged with deep blue and slate gray, subtly reflecting light like obsidian and polished steel fused together. Just elegant, perfectly carved form, ending in slightly hooked tips where the shimmering string was held tight.
He ran a finger lightly across the string.
It was sharp. Not in the metaphorical sense—sharp. It could cut skin without trying.
"I wouldn't recommend drawing it without gloves," Hephaestus said. "At least not unless you're level 3 or higher."
Chico didn't reply.
Instead, he summoned one piece of his armor—a single greave, shimmering and forming over his arm. He took a stance, leveled the bow, and pulled back.
Smooth. Controlled. The tension in the draw was immense, but Chico met it with firm precision. A seamless motion. Then he released the string with a quiet snap.
The air barely shifted.
He turned toward the goddess. Her single visible eye had widened slightly, one eyebrow raised.
"That greave," she asked. "Is it a magic item?"
Chico gave a 'so-so' gesture with his hand, then summoned the rest of his armor—minus the helm. The full set shimmered into existence over his body in one swift, fluid motion.
Hephaestus stepped forward, now genuinely intrigued. She reached out and ran her fingers over the material. "This is… Mithril. And Orichalcum. Blended seamlessly…"
She looked up into his eyes. "Did you upgrade this armor?"
Chico nodded sheepishly.
"…Did you do it yourself?"
He scratched the back of his head, looking away slightly. "I cheated."
That earned a snort and a short laugh from the goddess. "How do you cheat at smithing?"
He shrugged, smiling. "Trade secret."
She gave him a long look, then let the smile settle on her face.
"You seem to have a talent with the bow…Would you like to use it?"
Chico blinked. "…Are you…gifting it to me?"
She shook her head. "Not quite. But I'd like you to take it. As a trial. Perhaps you'll find use for it where others couldn't."
He paused, then smiled genuinely. "I'd be honored."
They spent the next hour talking. About weapons, materials, monsters, craftsmanship. Chico didn't expect to enjoy the conversation as much as he did—but Hephaestus was cool, insightful, and direct. She spoke with purpose, and listened just the same.
Time flew.
Eventually, she glanced at the clock on the wall and sighed.
"I have some duties to attend to," she said, rolling her shoulder lightly. "But…I'd enjoy talking shop again sometime."
Chico smiled, slinging the bow across his back with care. "I'd like that."
She gave him a final nod, then exited through a side door, her cloak fluttering behind her.
Chico stood still for a moment.
It was almost 6.
"…Guess I'm just carrying you around now, huh?"
The bow said nothing, but in his hands, it didn't feel like a burden.
Now that he thought about it…he should probably buy some arrows…
——————————————————————
Chico stepped into the center of Armor's Square, slowing his stride as he scanned the plaza. The space was very relaxed. Couples sat on benches beneath the midday sun, holding hands or sharing quiet laughter. A few even leaned against each other as they watched the fountain bubble in the middle.
It was almost romantic.
Chico narrowed his eyes at the centerpiece.
And sure enough, standing there, nervously fiddling with his fingers…was Bell Cranel.
The kid hadn't noticed him yet.
Chico approached slowly, stopping right beside him, then leaned his back against the stone. Bell didn't even flinch. Just kept looking down like his thoughts were racing.
"You look a little nervous."
Bell jumped slightly, head whipping up.
"S-Sol-san!"
Chico smirked. "Hey, kid."
Bell scrambled to straighten up. "I didn't see you there! Sorry!"
Chico glanced around the square. "You waiting on someone?"
"Y-Yeah. Kami-sama said we'd meet here."
Chico gave a casual nod, then looked around again, this time, more deliberately. The square was full of couples. Hugs, kisses, linked arms…the whole mood was unmistakable.
"…You taking her on a date or something?"
Bell's face went red in an instant. "N-No! I mean—I don't think so! She just said to meet here, I've been making some extra valis, so I—uh—!"
Chico raised an eyebrow. "Mm-hmm."
Bell wilted. "I-I mean, I offered to take her for an actual meal."
Chico held back a chuckle.
"Well," he said, "if it is a date, you might wanna relax a little. You're vibrating."
Bell let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry…I guess I'm still getting used to things."
"You been diving lately?"
Bell perked up at that. "Yeah! I've been going deeper, down to the 8th floor now. It's still scary, but I can manage now, especially with Lili's help."
"Your supporter?"
Bell nodded. "She's reliable. Knows the ropes better than I do."
"You trust her?"
Bell hesitated. Just a second.
"I…want to," he said. "She's been good to me so far. But sometimes, when she looks at me…it's like she's looking past me…and her smile never reaches her eyes."
"You're awfully perceptive. Trust is hard to gain, but I know you treat her well, so I'm sure trust will come with time. Anyway…the 8th floor huh? Seems you're growing."
Bell brightened. "Actually, yeah! Kami-sama says I'm having a growth spurt. She was so surprised after my last update. My stats are going up fast."
"Good. Means you're doing something right."
Bell smiled, clearly encouraged.
But then a familiar voice cut through the air, high and shrill and unmistakably theatrical.
"Beeeell~kuun!"
Chico turned, and so did Bell—just in time to see Hestia bouncing across the plaza like she owned the place. Her hair fell behind her, let down from her usual tails, and she practically flung herself onto Bell's arm as she reached him.
"There you are! I'm so excited for our date!"
Bell flinched. "D-Date?!"
She puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms. "Of course! What else could this be?!"
"I, uh…"
Chico watched the scene unfold with a slight smirk. It really did look like a date.
But the moment didn't last long.
From across the plaza, a sudden ripple of voices caught Chico's attention. A small group of goddesses strolled, well, more like stampeded toward them, colorful, elegant, and loud. Their laughter carried, and a bit to the side was Demeter, walking gracefully with her hands folded behind her back.
Chico blinked.
"What the…"
Demeter noticed him first. She stepped out from the group and walked to his side, smiling.
"Armor's Square," she said lightly. "A classic rendezvous point for couples"
Chico gave her a sideways glance. "You look like you're enjoying this new gossip?"
She smiled. "Naturally."
The other goddesses weren't far behind. Several of them gasped when they spotted Hestia clinging to Bell like a determined vine. One pointed.
"Is that Hestia's date?"
"No way."
"Look at her! She even dressed up!"
Hestia froze. Her head whipped toward the gossiping clique.
"You've gotta be kidding me," she muttered, face already turning red.
Bell followed her gaze, eyes widening in panic. "K-Kami-sama…?"
"Don't move," she whispered. "They hunt on movement."
The goddesses were closing in, armed with playful teasing and wide smiles.
"Hestia~! Didn't know you had it in you!"
"So this is your little secret?"
"Introduce us to your cute boyfriend!"
Hestia let out a squeak of horror and ducked behind Bell, grabbing the back of his shirt like a human shield. "Retreat! Bell, retreat!"
"I—I don't know where we're going!"
Chico turned to Demeter, who was covering her mouth to stifle a laugh.
He sighed. "They're gonna eat them alive."
Demeter nodded, amused. "And she'll fight them every step of the way."
Hestia, still hiding behind Bell, peeked over his shoulder and pointed toward Demeter.
"You! This is your fault, isn't it?! You brought reinforcements!"
Demeter raised a brow. "I've done no such thing. I'm just here to observe."
"Liar! You're always trying to make me look bad!"
One of the other goddesses looped an arm around Hestia with a sly grin. "Come on, Hestia. You finally found yourself a man, you should be proud."
"I am proud! I mean—no! It's not like that!"
Bell looked like he might faint from embarrassment.
Chico gave him a pat on the shoulder. "Good luck."
"Th-thanks…?"
The pair chuckled softly.
They stood there for another minute, watching the chaos unfold. Then Demeter turned toward him, tone casual.
"Let's not get caught in this mess. Come on, love. Let's walk."
Chico nodded, and together they stepped away from the commotion, the sounds of Hestia's protests and goddess gossip echoing behind them.
——————————————————————
Chico let out a soft sigh as he and Demeter strolled side by side, weaving through the thickening crowd of Armor's Square. A few gods and goddesses eyed them from a distance—some with curiosity, others with thinly veiled envy. Still, the air felt different now.
"You know…I really thought I'd be the center of attention today…" he muttered, gaze flicking toward a cluster of divine women whispering behind lace fans.
Demeter smirked as she leaned into him, her voice warm and teasing. "I thought so too, love. You were poised to stir quite the buzz…a mysterious, handsome mortal walking proudly beside me, the Goddess of the Harvest? It would've been a delicious scandal."
Chico exhaled through his nose, a touch of amusement in his eyes. "And yet…"
Demeter finished for him, "…Hestia."
They both chuckled.
"But a date? Her? Is that such a big deal?" Chico asked, shaking his head.
Demeter nodded with mock gravity. "Absolutely. A virgin goddess. Publicly admitting to romance? This could be the hottest topic of the year for the divine."
Chico watched Bell and Hestia from a distance. A few divine tongues were already wagging, but he stepped back, subtly pulling Demeter with him, retreating from the noise. "Well, I hope she enjoys it. But I'm not in the mood to get swept up in their whisper-fest."
Demeter smiled gently. "Neither am I."
They veered toward the quieter side of the square, away from the gawking deities and excited murmurs. The noise dulled. Couples laughed, vendors called out in friendly tones, and the sun dipped low on the horizon. Chico breathed easier out here.
"Is it always like that?" he asked as they passed a shaded bench beneath a tree. "The gods…Always watching each other?"
"Oh yes." Demeter sat gracefully, patting the spot beside her. "They watch, they judge, they gossip. Sometimes it's harmless fun…other times it's more…dangerous."
He joined her, stretching an arm behind her on the bench. "So Hestia-sama, and the kid will be the talk of the town?"
Demeter gave him a look. "Pretty much, I believe that quite a few of the divine would like to know the one who spent a romantic night with a virgin Goddess."
Chico tilted his head, thoughtful. "You ever get tired of all that? All the noise?"
"All the time," she said, almost too quickly. Her fingers brushed his. "In Heaven it was even worse, drama, gossip, and chaos was all too rampant. But down here, with the mortals, life just kept getting more interesting, and now…I have you."
Chico didn't respond right away. Instead, he leaned his head back and closed his eyes for a moment, letting the breeze wash over him.
"…Thank you," he said after a beat.
Demeter blinked. "For what?"
"For treating me like more than just some piece of divine amusement."
She turned toward him, eyes soft. "You're not. Not to me. I chose you, Chico. And I'd do it again, a hundred times over."
He looked at her, lips twitching into a half-smile. "I'm glad I met you."
She smiled back, then slowly rose to her feet, brushing her dress smooth.
"Well now, that's enough philosophy, shall we?" She asked with an outstretched hand.
Chico stood as well. "Oh? What will we be doing?"
Demeter just smiled, playful. "Anything and everything darling."
"Gatcha." Chico smiled
She kissed his cheek, quick, warm, and full of promise, then turned, bringing him along with her.
Well then, let's see where the night takes us.
——————————————————————
The rest of the evening drifted by in warm colors and quiet laughter.
Chico and Demeter wandered Orario's festive streets long after the main square had begun to thin out. They didn't follow any plan, just the simple joy of moving together, step by step.
They browsed vendor stalls, tasted some odd snacks some were too spicy while others were sweet pastries. Demeter laughed at his face when he bit into something unexpectedly sour. Chico smirked when she bought a wide-brimmed straw hate and insisted he try it on too, declaring him "a model fit for the harvest." And with a pull of the mind, his own straw hat appeared, he placed it on her head, saying that "now they matched."
They passed through gardens lit by hanging lanterns, a gentle breeze swaying the trees above. When a quiet tune played from a street musician's corner, Demeter took his hand and danced without shame. Chico followed, clumsy at first, but her smile steadied him, not to mention one of his skills, Savoir Faire. No one interrupted. For a little while, they were just…living.
Later, seated among the grass, they talked about the Dungeon, about life, about the future. Demeter listened closely, her hand resting on his chest as he spoke. He didn't say anything dramatic. Just thoughts. Fears. Hopes.
She didn't offer solutions. She just stayed beside him.
And by the time they walked back toward the central district, the noise of the gossiping gods had mostly faded into background static. Chico didn't care anymore. He already had what mattered.
Then…
A blur shot past them.
"Move, move, MOVE—!" a small voice squeaked.
Chico blinked. Hestia zoomed by in a flash of white, tugging along a panicked Bell Cranel by the wrist.
A dozen paces behind, a pack of goddesses gave chase, dressed in ornate robes and jewels, holding fans, perfume spritzers, and divine curiosity…aka nosiness.
"Hestia, was that a kiss or a hug I saw?!" one shouted.
"Did you say you were in love?!"
"Does Bell~kun actually know what's happening?!"
The poor boy looked utterly lost, cheeks bright red, feet scrambling to keep up.
"WHY ARE YOU CHASING US?!" he cried.
"KEEP RUNNING, BELL!" Hestia yelled, weaving through the crowd. "DON'T LET THEM CATCH US OR THEY'LL ASK ME ABOUT FEELINGS!"
Chico snorted, covering his mouth with the back of his hand.
Demeter gave him a knowing look. "Still think you're the most interesting story of the day?"
"…Nope, not even close."
She chuckled and tugged him along. "Come on, let's find a place to sit before someone accuses us of being the next gossip headline."
And with that, they disappeared into the city lights, hand in hand, smiling as the chaos of the gods trailed off behind them.
Now, it was time to end the night with a memory they would cherish…for all time.
——————————————————————
It started with a whisper.
"Hey…Wanna go somewhere high?" Chico asked, the grin tugging at his lips already giving him away.
Demeter gave him a look, not quite suspicious, but definitely curious. "Define high."
He led her into an empty alleyway. And without preamble, he pulled out a cloak, a deep black that absorbed all light.
He pulled her in close, and draped the cloak over the both of them
Demeter blinked. "Wait, this is—?"
"Invisibility cloak," he said, grinning. "And if I'm correct, I'll finally be able to spread my wings. And my wings will hopefully phase through, and stay hidden, even when I fly."
Her brows lifted.
Chico shrugged. "Shall we?"
Demeter laughed softly. "Let's."
He raised a finger. "Now, fair warning, this is my first time…at least not in a dreamscape."
She wrapped her arms around his neck and jumped up, Chico immediately held under her knees, and her back, a princess carry. "Well then, don't drop me."
"I would never."
With that, he focused, felt the tension behind his back flare to life as faint light and pressure stretched outward.
His wings, beautiful, white, ethereal, spread silently. Even if no one could see them now, Chico could feel every inch of the movement. Like stretching muscles he had neglected, different but oddly familiar. He crouched slightly, held Demeter tighter, and leapt.
The wind caught beneath him.
The city began to fall away.
The two of them rose.
Orario's cobbled streets and glowing lanterns blurred into a soft quilt of amber and gold. Rooftops and chimneys zipped beneath their feet, while wisps of cloud curled around them like threads of silver. Chico adjusted his flight slowly, keeping every movement gentle. He didn't dare go too fast, Demeter was in his arms, and even with all his excitement, he wouldn't risk so much as a sudden jolt.
Demeter clung to him with wide eyes and parted lips, as they slowed, she finally looked around, her hair dancing behind her like a flame in the wind. "This…This is absolutely terrifying, yet absolutely incredible…"
"I know," Chico whispered, smiling. "This is my first, and I'm so glad I could share it with you."
He swooped over Market Row, passed just above the bell tower, and glided along the perimeter of Orario's vast outer walls. They rose higher still, soaring above the Guild Plaza, the streams, the spiraling terraces of noble homes and crisscrossing alleys of the common quarters.
Everything looked so small from up here. And yet…it all shimmered with life.
It was perfect.
Eventually, he aimed for the tallest point in the city.
Babel.
The colossal spire that stretched to the clouds like a monument to ambition. Normally, no one without permission dared to go near the very top. But…well…cloaks were convenient.
He landed carefully on a wide ledge, his boots barely making a sound. It was colder here, the wind sharp and thin. The stars shone clearer than ever before, undisturbed by city smog or torchlight.
Demeter hugged herself for warmth. Without a word, Chico draped his wings around them both, soft, shielding, warm. The cloak still hid them, but within that invisible bubble, it felt like their own little world.
She leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder.
He wrapped an arm around her waist.
They said nothing for a while.
Below them, Orario seemed quiet, but so full of life. But up here, above it all, there was only calm. The moon traced a silver arc across the sky, stars blinking lazily, the night wind moaning in the night.
"…You really are something else," Demeter murmured.
Chico smiled.
So was she.
The pair turned heads, and shared a kiss, so full of love. What a wonderful day. This was a slice of life he would never grow tired of.
Chapter 28 End