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[Ami may as well be part vampire for the hours she kept sometimes. She looked up and removed her glasses, going over the chemical formulas she had in her notes. She had various clippings of various poisonous plants from the public garden, though they were sealed tight in boxes and bags. She was currently trying to come up with antidotes and remedies. Nanoha's comment about tear gas had put her on edge. What if Nanoha was fool enough to do it? She couldn't risk it. She wouldn't. The Mercury Compact had already broken down the chemical composition and she was just writing down possible solutions. Though without actual access to a lab it was all pure theory.

She looked up when she heard Rei.]

Sure, Rei-chan, come on in. Just working on some formulas.

[Rei slid inside and wrinkled her nose a bit, looking a perplexed by the sight of the formulas and plant clippings. Those were awkward, and she was smart enough to recognize the plants for what they are, and at least some of the compounds listed.]

Poison? Are you making antidotes?

Trying to. Nanoha Takamachi-san mentioned about how the Poison Vine Crawlers would probably make good tear gas for "riots." Except last I checked, Cerealia didn't have a lot of those. So I want to circumvent someone foolish enough to do that. I'm sure Cerealia actually has antidotes, but this is also a trial run. If I can make antidotes for these, perhaps I can start making them for the ones in the jungle, make it all readily available in small forms. While there are those who actively go out to the jungle, I want to be prepared for another... forced... vacation as well.

[She leaned back and gestured to the formulas that the compact broke down.] The chemicals are... not uncommon. Honestly, they're almost like what we have at home. The compact even mentioned that some of these could easily be hybrids of hemlock, nightshade, poison ivy, and a few other earth plants. But I can't detect a DNA chain suggesting hybrid pollination, they're native and natural.

[She took a sip from her bottle of water.]

But I have a few ideas on how to counteract some of these.

Ah but, I doubt that's why you came to visit me. Anything I can do for you?

Nanonha-san. [Rei says the name with no small hint of disdain. The woman was irritating at best, and frankly she wished the woman would just leave her and her friends in peace. She's got no doubt that Nanoha's a perfectly nice person but she comes across as awkward and kind of stupid and that combination in someone who clearly expected to be treated like an adult was not good.]

Probably can't make tear gas. I don't think she understands just how to function in society.

[Though all of that sounds good, and Rei nods, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.]

But you are right. I came to tell you about a decision I have made. One that came earlier today, will affect all of us. [She scratches her ear, trying to think of how to begin.] I think...you might have noticed how everything was cleaned, right?

[The disdain isn't hard to miss, but Ami does not join in on it, her focus remains on the possibilities.] Regardless of whether or not she is or isn't, I want to have available cures on hand, and as I said, this is my practice for what awaits outside the colony walls.

[She puts down her pencil and turns her desk chair around to give Rei her full attention.] Most certainly, but you are none of us are the sort to purchase the aid of a cleaning service, you would not waste funds on something you can do yourself.

You're right.

[Rei holds up her left hand, showing the back of it to Ami, in particular three glowing lines of obviously magical origin.]

The work was volunteered, by Archer. His master, Tohsaka-san, disappeared two days ago and he asked if I would be willing to take her place for the time being. Without a master, he'd have faded away, himself.

[She gazes at the marks and leaned her cheek onto her fingers, studying it but as she lacked the ability to sense anything spiritually unless in senshi form (and even then it was an effort) she could not sense anything amiss. Besides, if Rei had trust in it, then she would trust in Rei.]

Very kind of you, but not unexpected. [She smiled. Rei wasn't the sort to allow someone to suffer, not even a man for all her issues with them.] So what does that mean, those seals? How exactly have you taken her place?

[She takes a breath and thinks over what Archer had said specifically.] The seals are a contract between us. He'll do as I ask, within reason and his own morals willingly, and I can force him to perform three commands even if he's unwilling with the seals. In exchange, I give him energy. Mana, magical essence. He's drawing a slow trickle from my Sailor Crystal now.

[And with as much energy as a Sailor Crystal had, it wasn't even noticeable.]

It's negligible to me, but it allows him to stay in this world, and keep a body. In a way? I'm feeding him, I guess, as he's a being that consists solely of energy. It allows him to craft a body for himself.

[A beat.]

As for his tasks, obviously I'll never force anyone to do anything they don't want to do. You know that. He'll cook and clean, but he likes doing that anyway? And he'll watch over our home when we're asleep. He's good at that. And he's sworn to defend me, personally, if enemies attack and he's...well, he's powerful. Experienced. Not that I need a body guard, but it certainly can't hurt.

[She listened and she nodded.]

How will it affect both of you on Tellus? Is he going to... intervene, I suppose, in battle? I certainly have no issue with this, Rei-chan, if that is your concern, but I've questions regarding the extent of this contract.

And is he going to cook and clean all the time? I don't want him to feel taken advantage of, but I also don't want him crossing lines of privacy. [Not the senshi, as he likely had to know about that to be connected to Rei, which meant knowledge of her and Minako.]

I do wonder if his being connected to you will affect the Senshi Planet attack or teleport, in any way, if it will t all.

I'm not sure how it will affect either of us beyond him being sustained and me feeling some of his emotions. But as you well know, I already do that. And he certainly will intervene, I've seen him go out of his way to defend other colonists though so that's nothing new for him.

[She rolls her shoulder.]

As for the cooking and cleaning? That's honestly the only thing I've ever seen make him happy. I don't know why, but something about the domesticity of it must appeal to him on some level. He's a little strange about it, but I know he won't feel taken advantage of. And as for privacy? Well, he's aware of my identity, and he's worked out who Minako-chan is during the flood when he met Venus. He's likely got a guess that would be confirmed when he saw Mercury with Venus and Mars. We...do stand out as a group.

But if you mean your things? Simply tell him to stay out of your room.

[Not that Ami's room was anything short of immaculate.]

And as for the Planet Attack and Teleport? I really doubt it will. The energy he's being given is something a human can provide if they have a single dram of magical or spiritual power. I have that without my Sailor Crystal, presumably, since I had abilities before you and Usagi-chan woke Mars up. But it is a good question. One that bears experimentation, just to confirm or deny.

It's his willingness to intervene I suppose I'm most concerned about. It's not that I doubt his ability to fight, but you are a senshi, Rei.

[She didn't want to discredit the bond, but she was worried about Archer thinking Rei needed protecting above all else. They had a duty to uphold above all else.]

I simply don't wish for him to be hurt by any of my experiments. Though I suppose I may as well rent out actual lab space with how things are going in this place. [She gave a soft sigh.] Very well, I won't argue on the cooking and cleaning, though every once and a while I hope he will allow us to tend to ourselves lest we get too dependent on him.

I would feel much more comfortable on the matter if we did indeed experiment and test it out, something we need to do regardless. I don't want to risk injury to either of you, especially in times of peril. Better it be under control and monitored.

Don't worry about that. [Rei's smile sharpens.] A few weeks ago he and I started a training program. He knows full well what I am capable of doing, and knows that I do not need a babysitter. That was another reason he asked me to take his bond. I can actually defend myself more than adequately.

[Again she nods, already having pushed Archer out of the kitchen earlier today.]

I made the dinner we had tonight, and I'm not going to let him spoil us. Minako-chan especially.

[And...there's something else.]

And...ah...I suppose you may have heard things last night. Forgive me. But I think Minako-chan and I will probably be sharing a bedroom most nights from now on.

Well, then if the understanding is in place, then I certainly can see no problems with the arrangement. Especially since you agree that he cannot be left to do everything. By the way, neither should you. I am able to cook, Rei.

[Ami blushed but looked away from Rei's face.] Ah, well, not, not really. I left for the library and went to look up books on antivenins and antidotes and the process of creating them. So... only... the ah... beginning.

But that's fine, that just means we'll have a room for all of the inner guard and Usagi-chan, if she arrives. But I suppose... ah, congratulations on the next step in your relationship. I'm glad you two are so happy. [She offered a genuine smile, even as her blush was making it a tad hard.]

[Rei isn't going to stop Ami from cooking, she's just usually home first and had fallen into the habit. But she does make a mental note to relax and let Ami take care o things more often. It was different having her than just Minako...and she still hadn't quite fully adjusted to the other, even though she loved her friend dearly.

She blushed in kind, face turning a deep crimson.]

Thank you. That...means a lot to hear. I stand by my promise to be as conscientious of your comfort as possible, too. I...things got hazy last night. [Still, it's no good excuse.]

But it will be more convenient, yes. And if we have to have guests again, another room is nice.

[Ami put up a hand to stop any further statements from Rei, though the smile on her face was a gentle, and slightly amused, one.]

You're allowed to be in love, you're allowed to be giddy and in love, and passionate as well. It is to be expected, I suspect, considering who the two of you are. But you don't ever need to apologize for it. I'm a big girl, and I can handle two of my best friends being head-over-heels for one another. And! [She gave a sharp look, having a feeling Rei was going to try and interrupt.] I'm also perfectly capable of listening to music or visiting the library when the two of you want alone time. You don't need to schedule your feelings around my comfort, and it isn't any insult to give the two of you alone time.

Edited 2015-12-19 10:18 (UTC)

[Rei diverts her gaze, actually, backing down. She let Ami talk, listening instead of arguing. It wasn't completely comfortable for her, thinking that she might be driving Ami out of their shared home, but at the same time? Rationally, she knew that Ami wasn't going to change.]

I understand. And I understand that yes, you are an adult. But inconveniencing you is the last thing that I want, so if it becomes a problem, please tell me? Because you're right. I am in love. I am giddy...and she's so passionate.

Edited 2015-12-19 16:30 (UTC)

It is no inconvenience. I am quite capable of voicing any issues I might have. [Well... she sort of is? She's getting better at mentioning things that upset her outside of people's lack of studying, in any case. She blushed but smiled at Rei's honest admission.]

I'm not going to stand in the way of love, not when I have sworn to protect it, just as you have, just as any senshi has. You two don't need my blessing, but really, I am happy for you. I think you're going to be good for one another.

Thanks. Really.

[Ami's probably never really gotten to see Rei quite this way before, a little nervous, a lot of happy, and just a smidge giggily.]

Because even if I don't need your blessing? I want it anyway.

[Not on Rei, no, but the expression itself is not unknown to her. On more than one occasion, Usagi wore such an expression when she discussed Mamoru. Michiru and Haruka even had the expression though they'd likely never admit it.]

You have it, then. Both of you. I hope Minako knows she has my support as well?

Oh I'm sure she does.

[Really, they're so lucky to have a friend like you.]

[She smiles and nods, worried about Minako and how they didn't spend as much time as she and Rei did together.]

If there's anything either of you need, please let me know.

Of course.

[Rei inclines her head and rises.]

I should...let you go back to work though. Someone has to make sure Nanoha-san doesn't demolish the place.

Have a good night, Rei-chan, sleep well. [She'll maybe sleep... maybe. She's done plenty of all-nighters before.]

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