Private conversation

Amelia smiles, and Keith is surprised by the change in her demeanor. The strict expression is gone, replaced by one that seems almost…playful. His surprise must have shown, because she laughs and shakes her head.

“Oh, it seems I’ve caught you off guard. Come now, you’re not one of my students, I can relax a bit.”

Keith chuckles, still a bit thrown by the shift. “I suppose so. I just didn’t expect such a dramatic change.”

Amelia shrugs. “It’s not as dramatic as it seems. As I said, I’m simply able to relax a bit. Now, let’s talk. I have some questions for you, young man.”

Despite her smile, there’s still authority in her voice. Keith straightens in his seat, and Amelia laughs again.

“Don’t worry, this isn’t an interrogation. As I’m sure you’ve been informed, I have an interest in humans. And before you ask, yes, that interest goes beyond the academic.”

She smiles. “My interest isn’t as…intense, shall we say, as the trio who conjured you. Time dulls all passions, after all. But it is still there.”

Keith raises an eyebrow. “Are you insinuating something?”

Amelia shrugs. “I’m not entirely sure. You see, I was never foolish enough to attempt what Ava and her friends did. There are many, many ways that it could have gone horribly wrong. But we considered it, years ago.”

Keith looks at her curiously. “Who is this ‘we’?”

She smiles. “Jen and I go back a long way. I won’t go into details, but she and I are very close. And we share an interest in our roots. Baseline humans. Admittedly, her interest is a lot less clinical than mine. It will be interesting to see how she reacts to you.”

Amelia steeples her fingers, looking into Keith’s eyes. “Especially considering how it feels even for me, having you here. Tell me, are you planning on being…intimate with Ava and her friends?”

Keith blushes at the direct question. “Well, I’m not one to kiss and tell, so to speak…”

Amelia laughs. “No need, your expression says volumes. I can’t deny a touch of jealousy, if I’m honest. If I were younger…”

She trails off, seeming almost wistful. Keith shakes his head. “You’re hardly old, Amelia. I’m not sure where you’re going with this, but it’s hardly an exclusive relationship that I’m in at this point.”

Amelia leans forward, her eyes narrowing and a sly smile beginning on her face. “My my, aren’t we bold. I’m not sure if you know what you’d be walking into…”

She seems to remember herself, straightening. “Ahh, apologies. Nevertheless, that is something you should discuss with Ava. No sense poisoning that relationship, yes?”

Keith nods, swallowing to cover his reaction to the intense look she gave him. “Yeah, that’s a good idea.”

Amelia nods. “It is. All that aside, I do also have an academic interest in you. Would you allow me to occasionally steal you away? I promise that nothing intrusive or unpleasant will happen. The opportunity to study a true human is one I do not wish to squander.”

Keith smiles. “Of course. I’d be glad to help.”

Amelia takes paper and a pen out of the desk, scribbling notes. “Naturally, you cannot read this until Jen fixes you. But afterwards, we will work something out. And perhaps other things may come if that, hmm?”

Keith chuckles. “Possibly.”

Amelia folds the paper and hands it to him. “Very good. I won’t keep you any longer. I imagine Ava and Jen will be waiting. Her office is two doors down.”

She smiles, waving a hand, and her door opens. “Have a pleasant day, Keith. I enjoyed our chat.”

Keith stands, and is surprised to se the faintest of redness on her dusky cheeks. He doesn’t comment, but it seems like she’s enjoyed this conversation just as much as she said. “I did as well. I’ll speak with you soon, Amelia.”

With that, he leaves the room. The door swings shut behind him, and he starts walking down the hallway towards his destination.