[ (Like sister, like brother. He doubts anyone touching his molten chocolate cake would've received different treatment.) ]

[ At her question, he offers a substantiative headshake. ] Not related at all. The City is like a different world. At least, that's the illusion that's offered. [ His first suspicion had been psychotropic drugs, holograms, controlled environments. Some ploy of the Syndicate's, perhaps. But the absence of the Gate -- so palpable it was jarring -- weakened that theory. You could fuck with a Contractor's mind. But separation from the gate was like amputating a gangrenous limb. You didn't exactly miss it, but you couldn't ignore the negative space of its loss. (Still, Hei tries. Loss and negative spaces -- he'd be lying if he said he didn't know how to deal with them.) ]

[ His gaze dips for a moment to watch Pai's thumb trace the back of his hand. When it lifts to meet hers again, there's a wry smile tucked at the corners of his mouth. ]

The stars here are real, though.