ic contact;

[psycholawgy]

You've reached Athena Cykes. I'm currently unavailable, but leave a message and I'll get back to you pronto. Danke! (voice/call → text → video → action)

Comments

[psycholawgy]

Look, sorry, can we not talk about this?

[ as she said, even talking about her mom was already a lot for her. ]

We're supposed to be having a good time.

[faithfulflame]

Of course. Another time.

[Rei wouldn't demand anything of anyone. Especially related to a mother. That was a sore point as is, for her. With years of self loathing about her own.

Instead, she opens the box in front of Athena. All three of the foods she'd asked for are there in small quantities. And arranged in a pattern, at that. It looks like Widget, complete with sliced onions for a face. Though its red because of a the roman chicken.]

I made this myself, dear. But you asked for three entrees. So...I had to guess about dessert.

[psycholawgy]

Woah!

[ her sullen mood goes away when the food is presented to her. ]

I can't believe it! It looks awesome! Even though Widget looks kind of mad.

[faithfulflame]

When I put my mind to it...I can get things done.

[And she had the best teacher for cooking. Makoto is a wonderful cook and Rei an apt student.]

Unfortunately, I didn't have any food coloring or he'd be green. And...green chicken sounded odd anyway.

[psycholawgy]

Blue chicken would also be really weird...

[faithfulflame]

A bit. So, he's angry because you're going to eat him.

[Poor Widget. Rei opens her own bento now, and its a similar meal, though instead of Widget, it's arranged to look like a castle, with chicken minarets and pasta clouds.]

You know, I don't think that I know anyone who ever lived on mainland Europe. Where did you live? Italy?

[psycholawgy]

[ athena takes a quick photo of the food using her cerevice before actually digging in - that is, if rei doesn't mind. ]

I travelled a lot, so I wasn't just in England, but I also went to Germany, Italy, and some other countries while studying. I applied to a lot of exchange student programs while I was there.

[ overachiever!!! ]

[faithfulflame]

[Rei absolutely doesn't mind. It was food, and it was meant to be eaten. She does look expectantly though, hoping it's acceptable. Rei's a pretty good cook. Not a gourmet chef, but still good.]

Oh, well that sounds lovely. I've...not traveled nearly so much, though I've always wanted to visit Germany and Greece.

[Lucky!]

[psycholawgy]

Well, I want to visit Japan now! I bet it's great there.

[faithfulflame]

Well I'm sure you'll have the chance. Tokyo is lovely in the spring. And when this is all over I'll happily house you.

[Seriously!]

[psycholawgy]

I'll be sure to hone my Japanese so I'll be able to communicate with everyone better, too.

I only know the basics so far, like how to introduce myself and all that.

[faithfulflame]

Well. If you ever want to really practice? I can help with that. And so can Ami-chan.

[Oh right, the other reason she's so happy.]

[psycholawgy]

Yeah, I'd love that!

[faithfulflame]

Then I'll talk to her about lesson plans. She's easily the smartest person that I know, so she'll be a big help.

[Nevermind that Rei herself has a genius level IQ, and can intellectually keep up with Ami. Ami is that unsinkable ship of logic and brainpower.]

[psycholawgy]

[ COUGHS LOUDLY. eighteen, and already a lawyer? who is the genius here???

she is looking a rei expectantly, waiting for the other girl to make a comment about her intelligence. ]

[faithfulflame]

[It's the empathy that gives Athena away. Rei smiles fondly and pats her friend's shoulder. ]

You're smart too, Athena-chan. Extremely so. I don't think you have a three hundred IQ like her, but there's more to her than meets the eye.

[It's bullshit shoujo, basically.

[psycholawgy]

Three hundred!?

[ tHAT'S JUST INSANE. ]

Well, I guess I know what I'll be doing tonight! [ studying...!!!!! ]

[faithfulflame]

Three hundred. She doubles my IQ and then some. On my last test I scored a hundred forty five.

[Rei shrugs.]

Ami-chan is just naturally gifted. She's also suffered for it, since intellect like that is a double edged sword. I...think you and I got the better bargain.

[psycholawgy]

[ SHE ANGRILY MUNCHES ON SOME CHICKEN...

300... pfft, she can get that in an iq test too. ]

So she's had some troubles, too, huh?

[ probably not enough to HATE HER MOM FOR IT AND THINK SHE WAS A GUINEA PIG. (seriously, why is this a competition???) ]

[faithfulflame]

[Rei actually squeezes Athena's shoulder. Hard.]

Do you remember when I told you that my first friend was Usagi Tsukino?

[This is relevant.]

[psycholawgy]

Yes, I do.

[ she blinks a couple of times before continuing. ]

Is she Ami's first friend, too?

[faithfulflame]

She is the first person who did not treat Ami-chan like she was something different. Like...she wasn't a freak.

[Rei's fingers let go and drop to the table.]

That kind of intellect is as isolating as my power. I...don't know what your own childhood was like, not really. But mine and hers were similar, and we've always had an understanding. It's not a competition. So. Can you please calm down a bit?

[psycholawgy]

[ innocently looks away... ]

I'm not.

[faithfulflame]

Not what? Remember that I can feel your emotions too. You were getting fired up again.

I'd like for you two to be friends, you know. And Minako-chan too. You'd have as much in common with them as you and I do.

Especially Ami -chan.

[psycholawgy]

Just because I want to hit the books now doesn't mean I won't be her friend!