You were reviewing the supply manifest when Silver Wolf leaned against the console beside you, chewing gum like she’d just beaten a final boss with one hand.

—“Hey,” she said, eyes flicking toward where Blade stood across the room. “You two still doing the whole pretend-you-don’t-stare-at-each-other-when-the-other’s-not-looking thing?”

You didn’t even bother answering.

She smirked.

—“Thought so. Anyway, I’ve got a theory. Purely for science, of course.”

You glanced at her suspiciously.

—“What theory?”

—“That if you and Mr. Brooding Blade over there kissed, half the tension on this ship would disappear instantly.”

You choked.

—“What?”

She tapped a few things on her pad.

—“You know. For morale. For productivity. For fun.”

Then, louder—way louder—she called out: “Hey, Blade!”

He turned slowly, expression unreadable.

Silver Wolf tilted her head toward you.

—“You busy? I need you for something.”

—“…What sort of something?”

—“Science,” she said, grinning. “Come over here.”

He approached, cautious. You stood there like a malfunctioning android, unsure whether to run or pretend to reboot.

Silver Wolf stepped back, trapping you both in proximity. Then: “You two. One kiss. Just one. Then I’ll shut up about it forever.”

—“No,” you said immediately.

—“…Fine,” she added with a sigh, already tapping away on her device. “Guess I’ll just hack the ship's cameras and replay all those glances and moments until everyone sees them—”

Blade’s hand caught yours.

You turned, startled—and he was already close, closer than he ever let himself be. His gaze dropped to your lips. Steady. Focused.

—“You’re okay with this?” he asked, quiet.