This sort of thing just comes easily, for Cass. Ever since she was a child, seeking affection had only ever resulted in violence. If she reached for her father for a hug, she got a backhanded slap and a split lip instead.

He had gotten a bloody kiss on the cheek after beating him in the fight that caused in return, of course, but the lesson had always stayed with her. There was no room for soft, loving spaces in an assassin's heart.

And now, especially in Paradisa, that's so different. Here she's wrapped up in hugs every day, wrapped up in Lucrezia's arms now and it's just what she's always wanted, love given freely. So she smiles and kisses Lucrezia's cheek, forehead resting against the other girl's after.

"Because I like you." Another kiss, to her other cheek. "Because I want... to keep you close." Her forehead now, accompanied by a sweet smile. "Because you deserve friends. Someone you... can always trust. Someone to love, who won't... ever ask anything in return."