The smell of food vendors wafted through the streets of Aurum Alley. Xueyi and yourself were on a date currently—unwinding after a long day. Yes, you were aware of Xueyi’s inability to express emotions, but it mattered very little to you. Her attempts at doing so were always kind of cute, and in some odd way, you could just sense that she valued you and your relationship, even if she wasn’t able to show you.

The two of you pause on your walk near the edge of Aurum Alley, watching in a comfortable silence while watching Starskiffs fly around overhead. She was leaning against your side, trying to revel in your closeness is her own odd way. You may have been seeing things, but you swear you could just barely see the upturn of her lips into a small, nonexistent smile. Who knew The Ten-Lords Commission’s Judge of detention had it in her?

just as you’re about to break the silence, you feel the cool metal of her gloved fingers lightly grasping your chin before directing your face to hers. She kisses you. It feels oddly warm, not cold like you expected an Ingenium’s kiss to be. She forgets to close her eyes, but that’s hardly why you’re focused on after she pulls away.

“Apologies if I caught you off guard with that gesture. I understand that kissing is a practice typically done between those who have a strong or special connection. I don’t know for sure, but I think we qualify, don’t you agree?”