[[Set: During AL, when the group sets out on the Bostonius airship to find the Azran eggs.

Spoilers: Up to Chapter 3 of AL.]]

Defining Affections

"Now, if you would all be seated we will be taking off shortly," Raymond announced from the helm. The propellers whirred to life and with a proud hiss the Bostonius returned to the sky.

Luke could hardly contain his excitement as he hopped on the regal purple settee. The wintery town of Froenborg had only been the beginning— now their true adventure awaited! They would travel all over the world to locate the Azran eggs, divulging the deepest secrets of the lost civilisation. And hopefully this would allow Aurora to recover her missing memories...

Luke cast a glance at Aurora. The green shorts and the orange top Emmy had picked out in Kensington really did suit her. She looked like a schoolgirl a few years older than Luke. Targent would hardly recognise her now. (It would be terrible if that evil agency took her again.)

Aurora was currently gazing out the window at the front of the airship, amazed by the view. Luke got up to see what had captured her attention. From the London Aerodrome platform, Lucille and Roland Layton stood waving up at them. Professor Layton's parents had come to see him off and wish him a safe journey. (Lucille had even baked a cherry fruit cake, which Luke had begged the professor to share later on.) Roland's arm was comfortingly draped across his wife's shoulder. Lucille leant into his embrace. Aurora observed the couple with curious blue eyes.

"That's the professor's mum and dad," Luke informed her, always willing to offer advice.

"Professor Layton or Professor Sycamore?" Aurora wondered.

"Professor Layton." Luke had no idea where Professor Sycamore's parents lived.

"They appear... very content together," Aurora noted in a fascinated voice. "Are they... mated?"

"Wh...what?" Luke had to stifle a chuckle— he didn't want to insult Aurora. After being frozen for millions of years, it was no wonder she was unaware of human activity. "Well, er, yes. You could say that. I think they're married. Usually, that's when two people who love each other make a promise to stay together forever."

"I see... Your people form very strong connections... That's why he holds her so closely, correct?"

Luke nodded as Lucille and Roland shrank to the size of ants. "Yes, he's giving her a hug. She's sad to see Professor Layton leave, so he's probably trying to cheer her up."

"How kind of him," Aurora murmured. "So that is how you display affection... by giving a hug." Suddenly, she turned away from Luke and the window to approach Emmy, who was double-checking their supplies for the journey.

Luke and Emmy released a simultaneous "Huh?" when Aurora wrapped her arms around Emmy from behind. She seemed to have caught Emmy in a rather stiff embrace.

"Once again, thank you very much for your assistance in procuring my new attire, Emmy," Aurora said gratefully into Emmy's back. "I give you a hug to show my affections and appreciation."

Smiling, Emmy patted Aurora's shoulder. "You're welcome. Don't mention it!"

Luke grinned. "Aw, that was your first hug, Aurora." He opened his arms expectantly, but Aurora was already moving on to a surprised Professor Layton.

"Thank you for rescuing me from those Targent ruffians and returning the Azran artefacts to the museum, Professor Layton. Please accept this hug as a sign of my gratitude."

"It's no problem, Aurora," Layton replied. "Thank you for accompanying us on this trip."

Next, Aurora went to hug Professor Sycamore (he allowed her gesture with some embarrassment), Raymond and even Keats the puzzle-keeping cat, who had just joined them. Luke watched, slightly saddened. Didn't Aurora deem him worthy of having a hug too?

Emmy noticed Luke was pouting and took pity on him. Smirking, she whispered something in Aurora's ear. Intrigued, Aurora returned to Luke's side. She began, "I was going to give you a hug as well, Luke..." (Luke perked up, opening his arms wider.) "...For being my wise escort and friend. But Emmy said I should give you this instead." Aurora slowly bent to press her lips to his brow. Luke nearly fell over, blushing uncontrollably.

Aurora was startled by his reaction. She looked at Emmy in confusion. "Is this not a common custom among friends?"

Humans were a peculiar race.