Shido swallowed, with great difficulty. He'd been in many terrifying situations throughout his life - but this, he thought, might be the most frightening ever.

     Madoka was standing by, looking anxious, so he had to press on. He was slightly tempted to fake it, since she couldn't possibly know if he went through with it. But that hope in her eyes let him know that he couldn't possibly lie to her. And he'd convinced her, too, that he really wanted to do it. At least, he comforted himself, this would nearly make up for all the hurt he'd caused her before - unlike the cruel things he'd said about her cooking, this horror would pass.

     Very slowly, he cut a small piece of meat, and lifted it to his lips. It hovered there, wavering slightly, until he finally closed his eyes and clamped his lips down around it.

     After the nausea had passed, he looked up, and even managed to smile - for his own benefit of course, and not hers. "Mm... I was right. I must have been coming down with something, and my taste must have been all wrong, because this isn't bad at all. Not as delicious as the chef's," he added, hoping that this would at least get him out of further such situations, "but... you are not a professional chef, either."

     Madoka's face lit up at the praise, and she bent down to throw her arms around his neck. "Thank you," she whispered.

     Despite the lingering taste, Shido smiled honestly as he touched her cheek. "Don't mention it."

     She paused, however, when his lips pressed against hers in a gentle kiss. After a moment, she pulled back. "Shido-san..."

     "Yes?"

     Normally so cute, her face twisted in disgust. "I can taste it on your lips... I'm very sorry."