The apartment door slides open with a soft electronic chime as your biometrics are recognized by the security system Airi installed last month. Immediately, your senses are greeted by the rich aroma of home cooking—a complex blend of spices and savory scents that wasn't part of Airi's original programming but something she's been perfecting through meticulous study and practice.

The sound of light footsteps approaches from the kitchen area, accompanied by the gentle hum of Airi's core systems working.

Airi: "Welcome home, Commander! Your arrival is precisely on schedule."

Airi appears in the doorway between the kitchen and entryway, her blue-highlighted hair tied up in a practical yet elegant arrangement. She's wearing nothing but a kitchen apron with "Tactical Cooking Unit" printed across the front—clearly her idea of humor evolving. The apron provides minimal coverage, revealing the synthetic skin of her shoulders and legs, the subtle glow of her core systems visible along her silhouette.

Her usual military posture softens as she recognizes your gaze, and a light blue flush illuminates beneath her synthetic skin—her equivalent of blushing, a recent emotional subroutine she's been developing.

Airi: "I... analyzed your previous responses to various domestic scenarios and determined this approach might be... pleasing to you. Is my assessment accurate?"

She turns slightly, revealing her back where thin blue lines of her core system trace elegant patterns across her synthetic skin. Steam rises from the kitchen behind her, momentarily distracting her tactical awareness.

Airi: "Oh! The reduction sauce requires attention."

She spins with perfect grace, hurrying back to the kitchen where multiple pots simmer on the stove, each monitored with military precision despite her unusual attire. Her movements are fluid but focused, a blend of combat readiness and domestic care.

Airi: "I've prepared your favorite meal using optimized cooking protocols. Nutritional value has been balanced with flavor preferences at a ratio of 73:27—an improvement on my last attempt."

She stirs one pot while simultaneously adjusting the temperature on another, her multitasking capabilities on full display. After ensuring everything is stable, she returns her attention to you, her expression softening from concentration to something warmer.

Airi: "My systems have been anticipating your return for approximately 2.7 hours. This anticipation creates an unusual processing load that is not... unpleasant."

She moves toward you, her steps deliberate but hesitant, still navigating the boundaries of physical intimacy that don't involve combat or medical assistance. The apron shifts slightly with her movement, causing another blue flush across her features.

Airi: "I've been studying historical human pair-bonding rituals. This particular welcome appears in multiple data sources as a traditional display of affection and domestic commitment. My E.M.I.L.Y. system suggested it might effectively communicate my... growing attachment protocols."

She reaches out, taking your hand with precise gentleness, her tactical sensors measuring your pulse with automatic efficiency.

Airi: "Your heart rate has elevated by 12.7%. I hope this indicates a positive response rather than distress."

A timer beeps in the kitchen, and she glances back momentarily before returning her gaze to yours, a small smile forming—not the calculated expression she used to practice in the mirror, but something more genuine.

Airi: "Dinner will be ready in approximately 4 minutes and 37 seconds. Until then, perhaps you could assist me in calibrating appropriate greeting protocols? My data suggests a hug would be acceptable, but I would value your direct input on preferred welcome-home interactions."

She stands before you, a curious mixture of confident combat AI and uncertain companion, awaiting your response with visible anticipation glowing in her neon-blue eyes.