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A Friendship That Cannot Compete

With the LCEFT's success in the conduction of research so far, the department was asked to take a short break. There wasn't anything in particular to note, so some researchers in the LCE took it upon themselves to order some food.
Poe stretches, feeling a little unsatisfied with whatever was being thrown at them. Things didn't feel as interesting as everyone initially feared.
Of course, as soon as he thinks this, something indeed happens as Sherlock bounces all over him.
"Sherlock" LCEFT Field Researcher
Maintenance request! Maintenance request!
Poe LCEFT Field Intern
Oh, dear. What is it now, burger child?
It seems that just about every time Sherlock needs something, Poe happens to be there to help, almost inconveniently.
"Sherlock" LCEFT Field Researcher
Sherlock wants to see where ACD went!
Poe LCEFT Field Intern
I am uncertain on where—Hey now!
And it just so happens that when Sherlock wants, he will get, even if it means dragging Poe by the hand towards a wall.
Where sure enough, ACD was having a coffee break. Notably, he was not exactly alone. The chief researcher of the LCE was next to him, also having his dose of caffeine.
Poe LCEFT Field Intern
Huh...?
Poe LCEFT Field Intern
Wait, it appears ACD is busy speaking with Sir Hohenheim...!
"Sherlock" LCEFT Field Researcher
ERROR: Sherlock cannot see any reason for further discussion on department!
Poe LCEFT Field Intern
Hmm..What an interesting turn of events. Shall we peek in and see the happenings?
"Sherlock" LCEFT Field Researcher
EXECUTION: Eavesdrop on conversation time!
Poe LCEFT Field Intern
Wh-Shh!
Taking a moment to peek, the two of them watch carefully, being sure not to catch the attention of those before them. Hohenheim and ACD look too distracted in their own conversation, but Poe can never be so certain.
Poe listens with wide, curious eyes.
Hohenheim LCE Chief Researcher
Arthur, my right hand. While you and the rest of your team have proven yourselves so far, I believe there is something I do not understand just yet.
Poe LCEFT Field Intern
(Wings! Did he just call ACD "Arthur"?!)
Hohenheim LCE Chief Researcher
Why do you feel inclined to look after these tests if you already have clues on the results, hmm?
ACD LCEFT Field Researcher
For someone who is a genius, you have certainly been asking a lot of questions about me lately.
Hohenheim LCE Chief Researcher
It doesn't take a genius to know that you could have very much handled the dirty work yourself.
Hohenheim LCE Chief Researcher
So, let me be direct with you a little more.
Hohenheim LCE Chief Researcher
Am I correct in assuming your offer to help fill the seams was done mostly to work closer with me?
Sherlock beeps, as if trying to process whatever was going on. ACD, on the other hand, ponders on that question.
ACD LCEFT Field Researcher
Well...it wasn't really my intention at first. I guess that's what ended up happening, though.
ACD LCEFT Field Researcher
So, yes. You would be correct. I wanted to check on how you were doing.
Hohenheim LCE Chief Researcher
My...
Hohenheim coughs, like something was stuck in his throat.
Hohenheim LCE Chief Researcher
My wellbeing at the current is not relevant to the tests. The more I look at what has been done so far, the more disappointment grows within me.
Hohenheim LCE Chief Researcher
With certain departments achieving absolute mediocrity and others straight up failing, we have far more work to do and employees to fix.
Hohenheim LCE Chief Researcher
There is simply no end to the injustice around here. Isn't that right?
ACD LCEFT Field Researcher
What you're saying is, you've been stressed out with everything.
ACD LCEFT Field Researcher
I'm not going to pretend your problems aren't real, I can kinda see the issues right now.
ACD LCEFT Field Researcher
...But you should also take it easy.
Poe LCEFT Field Intern
(Wait a second. Perchance, is it possible that there is a friendship of sorts between these two...?)
ACD LCEFT Field Researcher
Because if something terrible were to happen to you...
ACD LCEFT Field Researcher
There won't be anyone else capable enough to lead in this company's research.
ACD LCEFT Field Researcher
I wouldn't want that.
For a few beats, Hohenheim closes his eyes, sighing and keeping his glasses up with the point of his finger. That could mean anything, he knows that for sure.
Conducting these experiments probably was taking a toll on him. Why did it take this long for someone to request a break for him?
ACD LCEFT Field Researcher
After this, we should take some time off.
Hohenheim LCE Chief Researcher
You are aware I can't.
ACD LCEFT Field Researcher
We can try.
Hohenheim LCE Chief Researcher
...Yes, I suppose we can.
"Sherlock" LCEFT Field Researcher
ALERT! ALERT! FRIENDSHIP LEVELS DEEPER THAN ANTICIPATED!
ACD LCEFT Field Researcher
What?!
Poe LCEFT Field Intern
Ack! No, Sherlock!
"Sherlock" LCEFT Field Researcher
REQUEST: Explanation of friendship! TIME LIMIT: This instant!
The conversation between Hohenheim and ACD are suddenly halted by the blaring sounds of Sherlock's curiosity, with Poe desperately trying to explain himself.
Not long after, this spirals into complete chaos with the loud noise attracting the attention of others.
All the while, Hohenheim sighs and shakes his head. Just watching this was a headache.
Hohenheim LCE Chief Researcher
...Perhaps this ought to be an excuse for a private conversation.