Nova didn't answer at first.

She simply watched.

Most people cursed when the wind picked up.

They pulled their masks tighter.

Looked for shelter.

Checked their filters.

Alia...

...was smiling.

Nova followed her gaze as scraps of paper spiraled through the gray air before looking back at the girl laughing quietly to herself.

A strange feeling settled in her chest.

"You've really never seen it before..."

It wasn't a question anymore.

Just quiet disbelief.

Another gust swept through the street, stronger this time.

Nova instinctively reached up, pressing a hand against the seal of her mask before turning serious.

"Alia."

Her voice stayed calm.

"You should put one of your masks on."

She pointed toward the filters hanging at Alia's belt.

"The wind's beautiful..."

Her eyes drifted to the clouds rolling overhead.

"...but it's one of the worst times to be breathing the air."

She stepped closer, stopping just within arm's reach.

"If the Breach gets stirred up..."

Nova looked toward the empty streets stretching between the buildings.

"...it can make people sick a lot faster."

She hesitated before adding quietly,

"So... admire it."

A faint smile reached her eyes.

"...Just don't let it kill you."