[b][i]Ken[/i][/b]

Ken was surprisingly able to take Chinami's diatribe, and the valid points behind it, without feeling more than a pinprick of anger and hurt. Instead, he nodded and said, "I apologize; turning the conversation to myself was a most naive blunder - I'm sorry. As it is, it would be remiss of us not to give you a chance to back away from continuing to know us, given that we put your life in danger by revealing our backstories and goals. After all, you're right that we barely know each other, and a friendship cannot be built by forcing another person to accept a threat to their life and wellbeing."

Then the boy added a hint as to his true feelings, "Nevertheless, Rev is right that he sees many likable traits in you - I do too. And we three [i]have[/i] kept each other from dying before; why can't that same success be repeated and refined? As it is, we offer our loyalty to you - You know how much that's worth..."

He then turned to Reverio and responded to the other boy's question, "Now, I'd love to stay over for dinner, yes. What are you cooking? Vanquelin cuisine is very well-known worldwide, with multiple restaurants in Rhea claiming to have a chef trained in that country."

All the while he glanced at Chinami as he waited for her to leave, or talk about leaving, or, and he secretly hoped for this, stay.

[@Dezuel][@Lewascan2]