"Perhaps. She is certainly high on the list," Nitocris said.

Hermione made inarticulate noises.

"Still a lot of people you haven't met yet around here, though," Toxie observed.

"You are right, but she does set a high bar," Nitocris said.

"...Are you actually serious?" Hermione asked.  "Don't tease me if you aren't."

"Why would I not be serious?" Nitocris asked.

"...No one has every said anything like that to me before," she said.  "Except to tease me."

"I don't joke," Nitocris said.

"...Oh," said Hermione.  "So... what should we do about that?"

"I don't know how relationships work in this day and age," Nitocris said. "That would be up to you."

"I... I'm not sure..." said Hermione, flustered.

"Come on, at least kiss!" Toxie suggested.

"Ah. I can do that at least," Nitocris said, approaching Hermione.

Hermione swallowed, closed her eyes and tilted her head back.

Not having any other frame of reference, Nitcoris went for a movie style kiss.

Hermione returned it, clumsily but not without passion.  Toxie was cheering them on.

"There," Nitocris said as she pulled back.

"...Convincing," Hermione managed to say.

"And a bit public, don't you think?" came an annoyed voice from behind them.

"Do you have a problem?" Nitocris said, looking at whoever spoke.

It was a striking girl with red-and-black hair and a body posture that spoke of nobility.  Arrogant nobility, specifically.

"I did," she said.  "And yes, it's all very sweet, and do you really have to do all this in public where we all have to see it?"

"It's not that public," Nitocris said. "Besides, people are big on public displays of affection these days."

"I disagree," said Black Rose.  "Being in a locker room makes it worse.  Now, if you'll excuse me, some of us have some actual training to do..."

She went to change into her gear; she carried a sword, suggesting that she thought of herself as a warrior.

Nitocris shook her head.

"Let's go."

They left the locker room.

"So," said Toxie, "now what?  Aside from away from the Prima Donna back there."

"I don't know. Anything you want to see Hermione?" Nitocris asked.

"Well, the science facilities, mostly," she admitted.  "Professional interest.  I'm always looking at ways to improve the parts I have."

"Let's head there then," Nitocris said.