"I never thought magic actually worked," he admitted. "I always thought it was one of those... mind over matter things, you know? Like positive reinforcement or whatever. I guess I was wrong." Clearly, since he'd just witnessed proof that magic existed with his own eyes.
Bran had been severely lacking in physical contact of the female variety since moving to Bellum, and it extended to even before that - although it wasn't something he ever discussed with anyone, and he certainly didn't want to publicize it. That didn't mean that he was inexperienced, however; he was actually far from it. As bitter as he had been and still was, a part of him still craved affection, and it was that part of him that overrode his surprise and uncertainty quickly enough to return her last kiss before she drew back. Just because Erik had zero experience women didn't mean he had or would follow in his footsteps, after all. Besides, it was just a kiss.
Still, it was sweeter than he was used to and unexpected, and he hadn't quite recovered when she went back to preparing the food. "Right, tofu. The vegetables are all chopped - anything else you need me to do?"