* best & brightest .

independent MULTIMUSE . written by KATIE .

[gloomstalk]

this  blog  is  now  an  archive .     find  me  on  @questsy .

[questsy-a]

but  in  the  end ,  it's  only  a  passing  thing ,  this  shadow ,  even  darkness  must  pass .     a  new  day  will  come ,  and  when  the  sun  shines ,  it'll  shine  out  the  clearer .          /          independent  multi  muse  written  by  katie ,  the  artist  formerly  known  as  gloomstalk .     template .

[questsy-a]

but  in  the  end ,  it's  only  a  passing  thing ,  this  shadow ,  even  darkness  must  pass .     a  new  day  will  come ,  and  when  the  sun  shines ,  it'll  shine  out  the  clearer .          /          independent  multi  muse  written  by  katie ,  the  artist  formerly  known  as  gloomstalk .     template .

[gloomstalk]

still  flirting  tm  with  the  idea  of  archiving  ngl

[fabledresources]

Send 👐 for my muse's reaction to yours squishing their face!

Alternatively, send 👐 + 🔄 for my muse to squish yours!

[psyche-edits]

BRIDGERTON S02E03, ‘A BEE IN YOUR BONNET’ SENTENCE STARTERS

change pronouns and gendered nouns as necessary.

now, now. there’ll be plenty of other opportunities.

it’s more about confidence than anything else.

you make it sound so easy.

nothing ever rattles you, does it?

you do know that you cannot show someone your best without allowing them to see your worst.

they’re quite lovely, are they not?

the damn thing stung me.

please don’t. do not leave me.

do you think _____ will like it?

perhaps by then, you will have an engagement to announce.

i shall be the very picture of amiability.

for goodness’ sake, ____. stop your pacing before you give me indigestion.

i’m sure you’ll find the gentlemen there very good company.

and since when has that ever created an issue?

you will charm him with some assistance.

oh, i am so pleased you were able to come.

she’s too busy reading to notice anything else, as usual.

enjoying your brief respite from the ferocious packs of marriage-minded young ladies, _____?

well, i cannot wait to meet the woman who has captured your heart.

tell me, what is she like?

is that a promise or a threat?

you’re smiling. i see my plan to win you over is already working.

i was smiling at the view, which you are now blocking.

mark my words, _____. by the end of your stay, your opinion of me will be much improved.

i did not think you such an optimist.

since your schemes to manipulate me are now out in the open, i suppose it would be an improvement, indeed.

i’m entirely flattered, ____.

i very much look forward to spending time with you and your family.

so you’re quite set on your decision, then, i take it?

i made my intentions clear.

you must know there is no need to hurry such a momentous occasion.

You should take the opportunity to get to know one another.

i only hope you are acting with a clear mind.

you have wanted me to marry for years. and now you suggest i wait?

what exactly are the rules of this game?

pall-mall is less about the rules, more about the goal.

it is a poor player who plays the game, and a wise one who plays their opponent.

i believe i shall rather enjoy this game.

he will strike when he thinks you are least suspecting it, so always be suspecting it.

i, of course, am a complete enigma who will divulge none of my secrets.

he’s usually the most genteel sportsman. except as far as this field is concerned.

are you often in that part of town? seems it is rather far from the fashionable side, is it not?

perhaps i might ask you the same thing. but i will not because i happen to believe a lady’s business is her own.

it’s meant to be a game, is it not?

you exaggerate.

are you the superstitious sort?

i know some men cannot perform without their familiar tools. like a child with a blanket.

you’ll find it gets easier.

your head is clearly elsewhere, _____.

yes, the season can be quite cutthroat.

you have the chance to best him.

that would not be very sportsmanlike, would it?

i was told unsportsmanlike conduct was a requirement for this game.

what do you say, _____? are you in a losing mood?

ah, is that so? you would bravely bear the crushing shame of defeat?

i shall, uh… join you if you like?

there is no need to spoil your fun on my account.

do you want my help or not?

it is not amusing.

i believe i… underestimated you, _____.

that seems to be the theme of our acquaintance, does it not?

well, since we are long past formalities… tell me frankly. what must i do to win your approval?

she will be amusing company at dinner.

i know what well is, and this is not well.

he cannot do this. i will not allow it. you stop him.

i told you, you may not speak to him.

it is not your choice to make. it is mine.

flutter it so, to draw his eyes to your bosom. and remember to laugh at his jokes.

every man wishes to be thought a sharp wit.

you have an interest in travel?

do i need a reason to enjoy their company?

i do hope the afternoon was not too taxing for you.

you do express yourself so agreeably, _____. it is refreshing and rare indeed.

i myself am fortunate to have found a love of literature, but also of learning as well.

i must admit to you. the only books i have read this year are ledgers of the estate’s accounts. and, um, they’re all dreadfully boring.

it is perfect, then. you are much too busy to read, and i am very much in need of someone to tell about my stories.

i so enjoy talking of books.

well, uh, i… i only hope his intentions were genuine and nothing less.

who are you, and what have you done with my brother?

what exactly are your objections?

if you say she is the one in whose presence you cannot properly think, or even… or even breathe. if you say you feel that feeling.

all those years traveling, you have not been tempted to marry?

could you stop your interruptions?

might i ask you for the honor of your company for a promenade?

it only takes the smallest of doses to feel the effects.

or perhaps it will allow you to escape the thoughts that’ve been plaguing your mind.

you must not let the game of pall-mall dismay you. antagonism is, i’m afraid, what you must expect.

was it your choice you never married?

my brothers tell me i have a habit of being rather direct.

everyone tells me it is fate worse than death to end up a spinster.

the world is not exactly welcoming to an unmarried woman. there seems to be no place in society for us, except at the edge of things.

that rather seems to be society’s flaw, not a woman’s.

now i’m making myself useful with embroidery.

perhaps join us for family dinner?

i know this is hard. i know you miss him. but we all miss him.

_____, this is it. this is my best. i am doing my best.

i feel even sorrier for myself because, most of the time, all i am thinking is that this little baby did not do me the kindness of killing me so that I could be with my husband.

_____ was the air that i breathed. and now there is no air.

i hate to see you like this. so weighed down.

i’m fulfilling my duty to this family, _____. that is what takes precedence above all else.

i know that is what you want too. i know that, deep down, it is what you have always wanted.

you’re quite certain how well you know me.

you deserve the feeling that i had the moment _____ placed that ring on my finger.

i could never be the cause of such pain, no matter how cruel and hard-hearted everyone else may find me to be.

the buzz of the city is thrilling indeed, but i quite enjoy the peace of the country.

_____, dear, you alarm our guests.

it has certainly been a privilege to truly make your acquaintance these past days.

you must know you did nothing wrong.

surely, if _____ were to propose, he’d have done it by now. yes? what if i have missed my chance?

i have bungled this entire affair. and now i feel like a fool.

i knew he would only end up hurting you. come here.

you are the diamond of the season. there is nary a gentleman back in london who does not wish for your hand. you have choices, _____.

you were right. i’ve allowed my doubts to plague me for too long.

you are a fatwit.

you shall all bear witness to my talents!

shh! it’s the middle of the night!

he will be as insufferable now as you.

are you ladies not always writing letters?

funny how distance is no match for memory, is it not?

well, devil if i know.

it is your job to be observant, is it not?

i think we can be of use to one another.

so your feelings are too strong for you now?

all you are doing, _____, is toying with the emotions of an impressionable young lady.

i can assure you, happiness is not your strength. exasperation, perhaps. fixation, most definitely.

the only feeling you are, in fact, capable of engendering, my lord, is that of discontent.

do not tell me what to do!

it is only a bee - ow!

i am unharmed. it was just a bee.

[gloomstalk]

@faewhyld​ ( eretria )     :

           she’s  almost  compelled  to  give  up ,     to  toss  the  rag  at  the  elven  girl  and  let  her  care  for  herself .     but  every  time  her  mind  wanders  in  that  direction ,    it’s  met  with  flashes  of  what  happened  earlier  that  day   –       reminders      that  not  only  was  the  wound  her  responsibility ,      but  her  fault .      she  stays  silent ,    expression  hard  to  read  until  amberle  gives ,     and  deep  brown  eyes  immediately  soften .    gingerly ,    her  hand  grasps  the  arm  of  the  other ,    barely  touching  the  wet  cloth  to  the  wound     as  to  not  cause  any  more  discomfort .    “    i  know .   ”      she  finally  speaks ,     voice  not  much  above  a  whisper .        “    but  you  don’t  always    ..     have  to .   ”       it’s  a  lesson  she’s  only  just  beginning  to  learn  herself ,    taught  by  a      blond  idiot      that  the  princess  might  find  familiar .    the  rover  avoids  eye  contact ,     gently  dabbing  away  dirt  in  a  manner  of  intense  focus .

amberle  doesn’t  know  what  to  say  to  that  at  first  --  both  because  it’s  a  different  tone  from  the  human ,  and  because  she’s  trying  to  process  whether  or  not  she  agrees .     the  sting  of  her  injury  being  cleaned  brings  her  back  from  that  headspace ,  as  well  as  the  wil - like  words  coming  out  of  eretria’s  mouth .          “ are  you  going  to  chastise  me  for  getting  hurt ? ”          she  asks ,  braced  for  it .     she’ll  fight  back ,  of  course  --  but  eretria  should  probably  know  that  by  now .     both  the  women  know  each  other’s  buttons  and  which  to  push ,  almost  on  instinct .

[jessicacapshaw]

“You need me.”  “No, I don’t.” 

[gloomstalk]

okay  but  what  if  i  re - added  lucina  from  fe : a

[gloomstalk]

@dawnrites​ ( legolas )     :

a  gentle  smile  of  his  own  mirrors  arwen’s,    tinged  with  a  melancholy  that  he  does  not  doubt  arwen  understands.  though  he loves  his  friends,  and  there  had  not  been  even  a  hint  of  a  lie  in  the  words  he  spoke,  there  is  a  deep  longing  to  return  to  the  familiar  wood  of  his  childhood.  minas  tirith  is  not  meant  for  him.  the  white  stone  city  chafes.  the  walls  seem  to  circle  ever  tighter  the  longer  he  stays.  arwen  and  aragorn  are  his  family.  he  will  not  argue  that,  nor  does  he  wish  to.  but  he  yearns  to  see  home  once  more.  to  witness  for  himself  the  darkness  lifted  from  the  mirkwood  and  hear  the  ballads  sung  by  his  people  of  the  greenwood.  

legolas’  hand  twists  beneath  arwen’s  hand,  seeking  to  properly  entwine  them.    long,  calloused  fingers  squeeze  hers  gently.    “ i  would  like  it  very  much, ”  he  begins,   the  sadness  from  his  smile  reaching  his  eyes  now.  he  suspects  what  the  answer  will  be,  but  he  must  ask.  he  does  not  want  to  leave  minas  tirith  without  the  company  of  his  family.    “ if  you  and  aragorn  would  accompany  me  on  the  journey  back  to  the  greenwood. ”    

arwen  lowers  her  head  for  a  moment  after  his  request ,  staring  at  their  twined  hands .          “ we  would  love  to  do  nothing  more , ”          she  says ,  and  they  both  know  it  to  be  true . . . and  also  not  the  end  of  the  story .          “ but  the  kingdom  has . . . much  trust  to  be  earned  by  us  both .     if  we  both  went  away . . . ”          perhaps  they  could  frame  it  as  diplomacy .     perhaps  the  kingdom  could  handle  being  without  them  while  they  establish  a  tie  to  the  greenwood  that  isn’t  just  the  fact  that  one  of  the  most  beloved  to  them  both  is  from  that  place .

“ that  does  not  mean  that  it  is  an  impossibility , ”          she’s  quick  to  add ,  though  it  takes  a  heartbeat  longer  for  her  head  to  raise ,  for  her  eyes  to  meet  his  again .          “ it  simply  means  that  we  would  have  to . . . play  this  out  carefully . ”          she  does  not  share  her  father’s  ease  with  prophecy ,  but  really . . . what  is  prophecy  if  not  what  you  work  towards ,  consciously  or  no ?     she  will  actively  choose  to  be  conscious  with  this .

[gloomstalk]

@whyvernwind​ ( vin )     :     Never in her life had Vin thought she'd have someone in her life like Elend, or thought she'd have someone she could be vulnerable with. Shedding her mistcloak was akin to shedding her armor, her footfalls soft as she approached his desk. Usually she found her spot around his desk and curled up, trying to sleep while he finished whatever work he had. Tonight, however, she coaxed papers from his hands and moved to sit on his lap, one arm wrapping around him while with the other she ran a hand gently through his hair. "You work too much, Venture."

vin’s  return  home  is  always  met  with  a  flood  of  relief ,  powerful  enough  to  almost  feel  like  adrenaline .     it’s  still  pulsing  in  his  ears  when  she  approaches ,  and  elend  expects  a  kiss  and  for  her  to  settle  nearby  until  he’s  finished  --  though  she  does  so  love  to  surprise  him .     he  looks  up  at  her  as  she  settles  on  top  of  him ,  sliding  one  arm  around  her  waist  for  stability  as  he  leans  into  her  touch  to  his  hair .            “ well ,  that’s  --  there’s  a  lot  of  work  to  do , ”          he  defends  half - heartedly ,  distracted  by  her  as  ever .

[gloomstalk]

what  if . . . archive  and  move  tho

[gloomstalk]

in my defense ,  i  got  left  alone  for  8  seconds  and  honeybee’s  an  enabler

[gloomstalk]

@deniesmercy​ ( percy )     :

he  focuses  with  everything  he  has  on  vex’ahlia’s  hands  resting  atop  his  own.    watches  as  her  thumbs  slide  repeatedly,  soothingly  along  the  backs  of  his  hands.  feels  the  warmth  seep  into  the  whole  of  his  right,  and  the  fingers  of  his  left  hand  from  the  point  of  contact.  in  four  counts,  hold  four  counts,  out  four  counts.  his  gaze  does  not  shift  from  the  slow  drag  of  vex’ahlia’s  thumb  across  the  back  of  his  right  hand  as  she  speaks.  he  should  look  up.  he  knows  he  should  look  up  at  her.  allow  her  to  see  that  he  does  still  want  her  underneath  this  embarrassing  moment  of  panic.  but  he  can’t.  whatever  expression  might  be  on  her  face  …  he  cannot  seem  to  bring  himself  to  look.

percy’s  grip  tightens  on  her  waist.    fingers  pressing  marginally  deeper  into  vex’s  skin  in  a  quick  squeeze.  not  enough  to  bruise.  never  enough  for  that.  only  to  serve  as  an  indication  that  he’d  heard,  that  he’s  thinking.  a  slight  shake  of  his  head,  a  gentle  clearing  of  his  throat,  and  a  quick  wetting  of  his  lips  before  he  speaks.    “ no  — ”    again,  a  light  spasm  of  his  fingers  against  her  waist.  you’re  alright,  darling.  and  he  believes  her.  she’d  stopped  immediately  without  any  repeated  insistence  from  him.    “ i  don’t  want  you  to  put  anything  on, ”  he  says  slowly.    in,  hold,  out.  desperately  ignores  the  dryness  to  his  mouth  as  he  lifts  his  gaze  up  to  her  face.    “ you  haven’t  done  anything  wrong,  vex’ahlia.  it’s  just  …  i  haven’t  — ”    

his  ability  to  form  longer  and  longer  sentences  seems  like  a  good  sign ,  as  much  as  there  are  good  signs  right  now .     for  her  own  purposes ,  it  feels  good  that  he  doesn’t  want  her  to  dress  again  --  that  his  hands  flex  and  tighten  against  her  sides .     vex’s  fingers  continue  to  stroke  over  the  back  of  percy’s  hands ,  careful  and  gentle .     when  his  eyes  meet  hers ,  she  can’t  help  herself  but  to  search  his  face  now  that  she  can  see  him .

oh .     alright ,  that . . . colors  the  situation  in  an  entirely  different  light .     vex  nods  at  the  new  information ,  though  the  look  on  her  face  doesn’t  change .     she  doesn’t  think  any  less  of  him  for  it  --  hell ,  she’s  heard  about  what  percy’s  life  was  like  before  they’d  formed  vox  machina ,  it’s  not  even  surprising .          “ that’s  okay , ”          she  says ,          “ that’s  alright .     we  can  do  this  in  any  way  you  want ,  alright ?     you  can  touch ,  however  much  you’d  like . ”          they  might  all  die  tomorrow ,  after  all  --  anything  can  happen ,  in  the  world ,  in  the  fight ,  in  this  room .     her  thumb  strokes  stop ,  only  for  her  to  be  able  to  place  her  full  hands  on  top  of  percy’s  at  her  waist .     no  pressure ,  but  permission .

[gloomstalk]

my  brain  has . . . turned  off  for  writing  replies  atm  and  has  since  yesterday .     i’m  not  going  to  fuss  myself  over  it ,  i’ll  be  on  disc  to  chat  and  plot  w  mutuals  and  such  ( teaspoon of audacity#2331 )  xo

[ohisms]

𝑸𝑼𝑬𝑺𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑴𝑰𝑵𝑫𝑺 .   (  an  updated  collection  of  100+  question  prompts .   feel  free  to  adjust  phrasing  /  gendered  terms  as  necessary . )

❛  you’re  leaving ?  ❜

❛  can  i  come  in ?  ❜

❛  can  you  shut  up ? ❜

❛  are  you  [ name ] ?  ❜

❛  who  am  i  to  you ?  ❜

❛  why  should  i  care ?  ❜

❛  can  i  come  inside ?  ❜

❛  did  i  do  something ?  ❜

❛  you  don’t  trust  me ?  ❜

❛  can  we  make  a  deal ?  ❜

❛  are  you  lying  to  me ?  ❜

❛  are  you  free  tonight ?  ❜

❛  are  we  going  to  die ?  ❜

❛  can  i  come  with  you ?  ❜

❛  can  we  call  it  even ?  ❜

❛  you  stay  here ,  okay ?  ❜

❛  you  think  i’m  stupid ?  ❜

❛  can  you  stitch  me  up ?  ❜

❛  are  you  doing  alright ?  ❜

❛  is  that  …  my  shirt ?  ❜

❛  who  takes  care  of  you ?  ❜

❛  have  you  seen  yourself ?  ❜

❛  what  took  you  so  long ?  ❜

❛  can’t  you  see  i’m  busy ?  ❜

❛  who  do  you  think  i  am ?  ❜

❛  why  are  you  helping  me ?  ❜

❛  are  you  happy  with  him ?  ❜

❛  are  we  having  a  moment ?  ❜

❛  are  you  listening  to  me ?  ❜

❛  how  are  you  so  arrogant ?  ❜

❛  how  did  you  afford  this ?  ❜

❛  what  are  you  doing  here ?  ❜

❛  is  this  all  in  my  head ?  ❜

❛  why  won’t  you  look  at  me ? ❜

❛  are  you  here  to  kill  me ?  ❜

❛  do  you  want  some  company ?  ❜

❛  are  you  from  around  here ?  ❜

❛  do  you  need  to  lie  down ?  ❜

❛  are  we  on  the  same  page ?  ❜

❛  why  didn’t  you  defend  me ?  ❜

❛  are  you  sure  you’re  ready ?  ❜

❛  where  is  this  coming  from ?  ❜

❛  where  were  you  last  night ?  ❜

❛  you  wanted  to  talk  to  me ?  ❜

❛  will  you  PLEASE  be  quiet ?!  ❜

❛  what  was  i  supposed  to  do ?  ❜

❛  why  do  you  look  so  guilty ?  ❜

❛  [ name ]  …  truth  or  dare ?  ❜

❛  why  did  you  bring  me  here ?  ❜

❛  are  you  looking  for  someone ?  ❜

❛  since  when  does  that  matter ?  ❜

❛  why  do  you  put  up  with  me ?  ❜

❛  THIS  is  your  breaking  point ?  ❜

❛  what  can  i  say  to  fix  this ?  ❜

❛  do  you  think  i  deserve  this ?  ❜

❛  hey ,  hey ,  are  you  with  me ?  ❜

❛  why  are  you  leaving  so  soon ?  ❜

❛  what  do  you  get  out  of  this ?  ❜

❛  [ name ] ,  what  have  you  done ?  ❜

❛  do  you  have  a  minute  to  talk ?  ❜

❛  did  you  ever  actually  love  me ?  ❜

❛  do  you  need  somewhere  to  stay ?  ❜

❛  why  don’t  you  ever  listen  to  me ?

❛  do  you  hear  yourself  right  now ?  ❜

❛  you  knew  &  you  didn’t  tell  me ?  ❜

❛  do  you  want  something  to  drink ?  ❜

❛  when  did  you  know  you  loved  me ?  ❜

❛  when  was  the  last  time  you  ate ?  ❜

❛  what’s  your  favorite  scary  movie ?  ❜

❛  do  you  want  to  get  out  of  here ?  ❜

❛  why  is  this  so  important  to  you ?  ❜

❛  can  i  at  least  buy  you  a  drink ?  ❜

❛  how  can  you  think  this  is  funny ?  ❜

❛  are  you  sure  you’re  up  for  this ?  ❜

❛  are  you  trying  to  start  something ?  ❜

❛  what  are  we  supposed  to  do  now ?  ❜

❛  can  we  at  least  try  to  be  civil ?  ❜

❛  why  won’t  you  just  leave  me  alone ?  ❜

❛  are  you  thinking  what  i’m  thinking ?  ❜

❛  why  are  you  so  concerned  about  me ?  ❜

❛  why  can’t  you  just  stay  out  of  it ?  ❜

❛  you’re  not  bailing  on  me ,  are  you ?  ❜

❛  how  long  have  you  been  lying  to  me ?  ❜

❛  can  you  keep  your  eyes  open  for  me ?  ❜

❛  how  long  have  things  been  like  this ?  ❜

❛  why  is  this  suddenly  such  a  problem ?  ❜

❛  what ,  am  i  supposed  to  be  impressed ?  ❜

❛  do  you  ever  wish  you  could  run  away ?  ❜

❛  you’re  going  to  believe  them  over  me ?  ❜

❛  why  are  you  looking  at  me  like  that ?  ❜

❛  why  can’t  you  just  tell  me  the  truth ?  ❜

❛  why  can’t  you  ever  take  responsibility ?  ❜

❛  what  can  i  do  to  make  it  up  to  you ?  ❜

❛  can  we  put  this  whole  thing  behind  us ?  ❜

❛  i’m  coming  to  get  you ,  where  are  you ?  ❜

❛  can  you  stay ?  just  for  a  little  while ? ❜

❛  why  won’t  you  let  me  be  here  for  you ?  ❜

❛  when  are  you  going  to  forgive  yourself ?  ❜

❛  is  that  what  your  nightmares  are  about ?  ❜

❛  what  kind  of  person  does  this  make  me ?  ❜

❛  where  are  we  supposed  to  go  from  here ?  ❜

❛  are  you  TRYING  to  get  yourself  killed  ?!  ❜

❛  why  can’t  we  just  talk  like  we  used  to ?  ❜

❛  why  do  these  things  always  happen  to  me ?  ❜

❛  how  long  has  it  been  since  you’ve  slept ?  ❜

❛  can’t  we  just  enjoy  the  moment  for  once ?  ❜

❛  why  can’t  you  ever  stand  up  for  yourself ?  ❜

❛  why  haven’t  you  been  answering  your  phone ?  ❜

❛  what  was  i  supposed  to  do ,  let  you  die ?  ❜

❛  can  you  listen  &  do  what  i  say  for  once ?  ❜

❛  what  do  you  mean ,  you’re  not  coming  back ?  ❜

❛  why  don’t  you  stay  the  night ?  just  once .    ❜

❛  can  you  see  how  many  fingers  i’m  holding  up ?  ❜

❛  you’d  tell  me  if  something  was  wrong ,  right ?  ❜

❛  where  do  you  go  when  you  space  out  like  that ?  ❜

❛  you  were  going  to  leave  without  saying  goodbye ?  ❜

❛  you’ll  stand  by  my  side  no  matter  what ,  right ?  ❜

❛  what  kind  of  mess  have  you  gotten  yourself  into ?  ❜

❛  i  need  you  to  sit  up ,  can  you  do  that  for  me ?  ❜

❛  if  you  have  nothing  to  hide ,  what’s  the  problem ?  ❜

❛  can  we  all  just  act  like  we’re  winning  for  once ?  ❜

❛  can  we  talk  about  this  at  a  time  that  isn’t  now ?  ❜

❛  you  really  don’t  care  about  any  of  this ,  do  you ?  ❜

❛  can  you  just  tell  me  everything’s  going  to  be  okay ?  ❜

❛  you  know  we’re  gonna  have  to  talk  about  this  eventually ,  right ?  ❜

[gloomstalk]

@whyvernwind​ ( jay )     :

          Jay entered the kitchen to find a roast already going in the slow cooker, assuming his mother was already planning the evening meal. So he pulled a pot and began boiling some assortment of noodles from the pantry, using some of the stock from the slow cooker for flavor. Large spoon in hand, he turned as he heard her approach, smiling as she spun.     “ How do you feel? Dinner isn’t ready yet, so I’m gonna make a small thing of soup to hold us over until then. We’ve got water, probably some kind of juice in the fridge, and probably something alcoholic too. Whatever you can find you can have. ”     He opened a high up cabinet near the fridge, revealing a couple shelves of mismatched cups. 

“ i  feel  a  lot  better , ”          she  admits .     there’s  a  lot  about  living  outside  that  she  likes ,  but  new  clothes  and  nice  showers  are  important  things  that  she  can’t  always  find  on  her  own .     at  jay’s  suggestion ,  she  starts  to  explore  the  cupboards  and  fridge  for  drinks ,  finding  and  latching  onto  a  container  of  apple  juice  that  she  finds .     she  debates  drinking  straight  from  the  container ,  but  there’s  the  cabinet  of  perfectly  good  cups ,  and  her  mama  would  want  her  to  be  a  good  guest .     she  gets  up  onto  the  counter  on  her  knees  to  reach  a  green  one  that  seems  nice .