Work Text:
“Alright, Amelia. As Lockwood & Co’s new assistant you are going to have a number of responsibilities. Today I’m going to show you how to properly put together a kit bag. What do I always say is the most important thing?”
Lockwood was in the basement of Portland Row, showing their newest member the ropes. She looked at him with confusion in her large eyes.
“It’s safety. Sorry, I know you’re new, but safety really is the most important part of our jobs. Which means we don’t go anywhere without…”
Amelia looked over at the chains on the wall.
“That’s right! Chains! We never go on a job without chains. Even if the Visitor seems like an easy case, you never know. And there’s only so many houses we can afford to burn down.”
Lockwood grabbed two sets of chains and coiled them carefully into the kit bag.
“Great. What’s next?”
Amelia shrugged.
“Filings, salt and flares. Safety, remember?”
Amelia nodded sagely. Good, it seemed she was listening after all. He added several boxes stamped with Sattchel's symbol to the bag.
“So. After safety comes comfort. We spend a lot of time in dark, cold houses and it can be cold and dreary, which is why we have these mini electric kettles. If the job is in a warehouse or larger building I also suggest an extension cord.”
Lockwood added the electric kettle, some camp mugs, and a box of teabags to the kit bag.
“Now then I feel like I’m forgetting something. What is it?”
Amelia reached out and poked at a small device on the worktable. It went beep.
“Of course!” Lockwood smacked his forehead. “The temperature gauge. Can’t forget that. Also need a notebook and pencils for taking notes and making temperature maps. We’ll grab those from the office. Come on.”
Amelia trailed after him slowly, looking around at everything with great interest, especially their fencing dummies.
“Ah yes,” Lockwood said, following her gaze. “We’ll start your rapier training soon enough. We’ll want to get you a weapon that’s a short and blunt to start off with. Can’t have you taking my head off.” He grinned at her and she ducked her head bashfully.
“Alright, kit bag’s all packed. Next up, we’ll go to the kitchen and pack some snacks.”
Amelia’s eyes lit up.
“Are you actually going to help me make sandwiches this time or are you going to spend the whole time eating fruit snacks?”
Amelia giggled and Lockwood sighed.
“Alright,” he said, scooping Amelia up into his arms and carrying her up the stairs. “But don’t tell mummy. She says you never eat your dinner when I let you have fruit snacks.”
“Mama!” Amelia squealed, smacking him on the cheek.
“Ouch! On second thought, maybe we’ll wait a year or two before buying you a practice rapier.”
Amelia blew a raspberry at him.
“Well, maybe we can discuss it closer to Christmas,” he allowed. “Come on, sweetheart. We’ve got snacks to make and eat.”