carve sins on porcelain skin

Moon Ahreum. Healing elf. Doctor.

[stxahreum]

━ ( ✖︎ . FRAIL ❜ › mar & jwi )

[stwheein-deactivated20160728]

( ... )

She was so beautiful.

She laid on top of her, closing her eyes and nuzzling her face into the crook of her neck. She wrapped an arm around her waist, letting out a soft chuckle. “I think I’m starting to feel better thanks to you, unnie. Since you practically expressed how you felt through the kiss, um…please come around more often, okay?”

“Actually,” Wheein looked up at her, eyes glistening. “When you think of me, don’t forget that I love you.”

[stxahreum]

          Hearing those words made Ahreum want to laugh. She was such in a blissful state that she didn’t want them to move an inch, afraid that everything will come shattering down. Decades of living on Earth and yet she only managed to feel this alive once more, turning away from the possibility of being her most authentic self around someone else. Although the pain of the past was in no way forgotten, she felt as if she could be able to live with it because of the words the younger uttered.

          She could only stare in disbelief, eyes beginning to water and lips slightly trembling. Someone was proud of her. Someone noticed her, a mere dot among many others. And it was Wheein. She laughed joyfully, feeling proud of her achievements, no matter how small they were. Wheein was close to overwhelming her and for the first time she didn’t mind. She felt a bursting amount of affection as she heard words she never thought she would hear from another person ever. And because of this, she couldn’t help but kiss her firmly as if she couldn’t have enough of her sweet lips. Squeezing her hand  and following her, she started getting nervous as she stumbled inside her bedroom once more.

          Ahreum had a far from innocent mind and when Wheein pushed her to the bed, she wasn’t sure what was to come next. All she knew was that whatever it was, she would welcome it with open arms. Reaching out for her, she wrapped her arms around her, kissing the crown of her head and inhaling her scent. Ah, she always smelled so sweet and it left her intoxicated, wanting more. “I might catch your sickness now,” she said teasingly, running her fingers gently through the other’s hair. “I will try my best. My uncle...I think he will want to meet you soon.”

          Looking down, she met those eyes with her own, the gentlest and warmest smile painted on her lips. “And when you think of me, I want you to know that there is no one in this world that I would rather fall in love with than you.” Planting a gentle kiss on Wheein’s forehead, she squeezed the other in a tight hug. All plans of leaving were gone and the more she was honest with her feelings, the more her actions reflected them. It was as if they had created their little bubble of happiness and Ahreum had no intentions of having it pop anytime soon by anything. 

[stxahreum]

like this post if you want to plot !

[stxahreum]

━ ( ✖︎ . DISCOMFORT ❜ › mar & csc )

[alecwoodywood]

He was quick to shake his head “ You really don’t have to do any of this ‘paying back’ really, any decent person would help out someone- maybe a different method but really- you don’t have to”

He looks her over  and raised a skeptical brow “ you’re kidding, right?” which is followed by a soft sigh “ You dont have to pretend, I know every in there appeared human but we both know not everyone in there was human. Like me” he shrugs and flashes her a reassuring smile “ Before you ask, I’m certainly not a vampire. Anyway, we should get you some where warm..how about getting some coffee and then I can drive you to where ever you need to be?”

[stxahreum]

          Ahreum felt a pang of guilt in her gut at the other’s words. He had, after all, saved her from the horrific night that she would have to endure. She was sure that once the night was over that she will smell like alcohol, cigarettes and sweat. All scents that she did not find pleasing. She could have at least thanked her knight in shining leather but all thoughts of doing so disappeared. 

          “What? You’re not hu..man?” Shock was clearly seen in her wide eyes and agape mouth. It was not, of course, uncommon. Yet it still surprised her to an extent to find another creature mingling with humans. Especially here. Her encounters with supernaturals were very limited and it was no wonder she found the rather much more interesting now than she did moments ago. It was as if being different somehow tied them together. Not literally, Ahreum hoped.

          “I didn’t expect...” She began, not really sure how she would continue. “I mean... That’s a relief, I suppose. Though I haven’t quite met a vampire myself yet.” She made sure to think of her words carefully, seeing as she wasn’t sure how the other would react. If she had her own set of powers surely he had too. “Coffee would...be nice. I can find my way  home from wherever it is we decide to drink some coffee.” She managed to give the other a polite smile, hoping that her wariness wasn’t sensed, not wanting to offend him.

[stwheein-deactivated20160728]

jung wheein and the things she treasures in her heart: 

↪ the nature, pixie dust, and moon ahreum.

[stxahreum]

━ ( ✖︎ . FRAIL ❜ › mar & jwi )

[stwheein-deactivated20160728]

( ✖︎ )

“I honestly didn’t know you liked me for this long…I thought it was just me who fell for you the moment we met, but I’m glad you do,” Wheein continued, eyes meeting the woman’s, squeezing her hands. A dimpled smile appeared on her face, a soft chuckle soon followed. “You say your heart is tattered and broken, but it seems like it’s being healed right now, because you love me. You just have to let it heal, unnie.” She wrapped her arms around Ahreum’s neck, their faces just inches apart. “Trust me. I won’t let your heart break into pieces like that ever again.”

Closing her eyes, she locked lips with Ahreum’s once again, kissing her with reassurance and passion this time around.

[stxahreum]

          After what seemed to be the hardest thing to say, Ahreum felt her whole body was a rope being tugged on either side, about to snap. She had felt embarrassed telling people about what had happened. Surely, there were worst things that could’ve...but for someone who was as naive as her, it was the first time she ever came close to loving someone.

          Ahreum watched, fear clearly reflecting in her glassy eyes as Wheein let go of her hand and wrapped her arms around her waist. She audibly sucked in a breath, their close proximity new and exciting and scary. She could smell Wheein from this close, making her mind hazy Her voice was soothing, however, making her feel as if she had truly listened. And that she was going to be taken care of, strangely enough. The elf was always the one who took care of people. It was a surprise to see someone so concerned about her. 

          It was both freeing and invigorating. 

          When she smiled, it felt as if she took all of Ahreum’s worries away. Ah...she was always weak for her smile. All the smiles she had seen so far could not compare with how radiant Wheein’s was. Even in her unmade and sickly state, she could see the warmth and strength she had. It made her heart swell and she couldn’t help but carress her cheek once the distance between their faces lessened. She sucked in a breath once again, as if she couldn’t breathe because of how close they were, and met her lips.

          At first, she was still. Her mind still clouded with uncertainty. But the longer time ticked, the more she could feel...it was right. This was right. She tilted her head down, closing her eyes as she returned Wheein’s kiss with her own. At first, hesitant and slow and a bit clumsily, she slowly relaxed and let her kiss tell something she couldn’t tell Wheein. 

          Little pixie. You with your bubbly laughter, dimpled smile and shining eyes. At first I didn’t feel comfortable being around a sunshine like you. I hope you understand that’s why I couldn’t be around you for longer periods of time. The longer I stayed, the more I didn’t want to leave. It’s as if you were pulling me out of the dark, blowing away the dust that had collected in my heart and making it shiny again. Maybe shiny enough that you will find it worth loving. 

          Perhaps you can teach me how to be out in the sun and love again.

[mrlazyputa]

1cm getting less than 1cm these days

[stxahreum]

━ ( ✖︎ . RUNDOWN ❜ › mar & lhb )

[sthongbin-blog]

     he darts through the busy streets of seoul, his eyes wide with panic. he’d completely forgotten that today, they weren’t meeting in yangcheon at the clinic, but rather at the park near the forest. he’d already gotten to the clinic and waited there for a few minutes before one of the other employees had spotted him, asking if he wasn’t supposed to be meeting ahreum at the park today. at that moment, he’d jumped to his feet, stammered out a few words of thanks, and taken off running.

     flying is out of the question, not when the streets are crowded and his speed for long-distance flying isn’t fast enough to stay hidden the entire way. instead, he has to run, and running isn’t one of his strongest points. usually, he’s quite early to the clinic, and now, with the mishap and his unfortunate absentmindedness for the day, he’s in a rush to get to the park in time to meet ahreum. 

     panting, out of breath, he finally arrives at the park, eyes flickering around as he searches for the female. “nuna!” he calls out, jogging towards her, his breath coming in short little pants. “sorry, sorry – am i late?” 

[stxahreum]

        Always patient, Ahreum stared at the panting Honbgin that appeared in front of her. She found herself smiling a little, laughing at his apology repeated twice. Closing her book of notes and unzipping her bag to place them inside, she stood up. “You look like you ran a mile,” she observed, frowning a little. She opened her bag once more and started searching through her bag for a canister of water she always took with her. Once found, she smiled and offered it to him. “No, you weren’t. I was just early.” Closing her bag, she clapped her hands together. “I hope you’re ready for what I have in store for you today!”

        Smiling, she gestured for him to sit down, taking a seat as well. “Ever since I treated Wheein, a pixie, who had a mixture of a flu and cold that lasted for months, I figured we needed more ashwaghanda, echinacea, elderberry and hibiscus. The last two are common finds but the first two...not so much. So we’re going to go on a little hunting.” All smiles and excitement, Ahreum unzipped her bag and looked through her files for pages featuring the herbs she mentioned. She had also drawn them and listed their healing properties and recipes for medicine. “Take a look at them and we can start once you’re done memorizing how they look like. It’s very easy to mistake an elderberry for a blackberry.”

        With no papers in her hand, Ahreum fished some anti-mosquito lotion and started spreading it on her arms and legs. Although mosquito bites weren’t really harmful, she didn’t like the itchiness and the red patches on her skin that would appear. “I’m really glad I’m not doing this alone. It’s much more fun when there are more people involved in the same cause.” She felt uncharacteristically happy whenever they set out for a hike in the woods. It was like she was home yet free at the same time.

[stxahreum]

━ ( ✖︎ . GATHERED ❜ › mar & jsj )

[stsoojung-deactivated20160715]

“oh, well, i don’t mind! i love horror movies. i think they’re fascinating, although sometimes a bit unrealistic,” she quips. “romantic movies are nice, but they’re also too cheesy and set really high standards, y’know? i’m sure the movie’s gonna be great.” soojung can’t help but feel her amusement grow as she watches ahreum constantly divert her attention. it was cute, and soojung liked cute. 

“we can meet a few minutes before the movie starts. you should probably text me the address and i’ll try to get there as soon as i can. and since i need you to text me the address, that means i’m going to need your phone number.” she’s already fishing her phone out of her pocket and holding the device in front of ahreum, head tilted to the side, grin still plastered on her face. “and if something comes up, which i promise i’ll try to prevent anything from happening last minute, i’ll let you know. i wouldn’t want you to have to wait outside for hours.” this was how people asked for each other’s numbers, wasn’t it? it felt odd and silly, but she could also feel her heart swell with satisfaction. she was both surprised and proud of herself for being able to pull that all out almost rather smoothly. 

[stxahreum]

        i love horror movies.

        soojung’s statement runs circles in her head, reminding her at least that the other will have a good time watching the movie. if not with her. she could find herself laughing, nodding her head as she spoke. “i...well i couldn’t agree more. some plots get re-used all the time as well.” she looked back at her countless nights watching movies and documentaries to know more about slang, clothing and how the human race progressed all these years. and she’s seen...enough.

        blinking, ahreum had half the mind to ask if this was soojung’s way of getting her number. but then again, what reason would the other have for that? plus...she...didn’t really own a phone. she was only given a phone for work purposes. “would...you...believe me if i said that i don’t have a phone?” she asked, feeling ten times more stupider than usual. there were countless of times when she wanted to actually own one. but throughout the years she’s stayed, she tried using one and failed miserably. she simply preferred visiting people and interacting with them on the daily rather than texting or calling. however, it did prove to be beneficial at times like this. 

        “i can give you my uncle’s number, if that’s okay? we live in the same place and maybe i can borrow his phone for a bit.” flushing a little, she took the phone and clumsily tapped on the screen. she said the numbers out loud to herself and handed her back the phone. “i suppose it’s time to get my own phone,” she said sheepishly. “i’m glad you agreed to hang out, though. i...honestly thought that you would reject the invitation.”

[gongyoohooo]

Salty Wounds * Yoo & Ahreum

(  ✖︎  )

The case to be only seen one other time during Yoo’s life, where the result is all but returning to a healthy living. In dire confirmation, the small lad convulses and nearly upchucks his lunch, holding the urge down with pained grunts. Sweats dry downward from the newly-feverish skin, an uncommon sight even to the locals in this heat wave day. At once, Yoo runs over, pushing all but the child’s mother aside and allowing her to comfort the shocked boy. Mermaid poison, here!? He muddles in thought as others attempt to rescue the kid.

[stxahreum]

         It was a fine summer afternoon. Though a bit too warm for Ahreum’s comfort. The healing elf was doing errands even if today was her off day from work. It wasn’t even in her vacation schedule yet her boss had insisted. She worked too much, according to everyone. However, this did not stop Ahreum from checking the status of her patients, visiting the library for research and even grabbing her favorite ice cream. The day promised to be uneventful which, for someone like her, welcome yet strangely odd. 

        As she was walking home, she saw a crowd in chaos. Some people were bent down and she faintly heard someone asking for a doctor. Adrenaline rushed through her veins as she ran and in mere seconds she was pushing through the crowd. “I’m a doctor!” She shouted. People stepped back and she was faced with a writhing boy, shouting “it burns, it burns!” through chapped lips. Burns? Ahreum’s eyes widened. She could feel everyone’s gaze on her, waiting for her to do something. Looking at the boys symptoms from up close, she wasn’t sure what was wrong entirely. 

        “You,” she managed to say, looking up at the man who was standing closest to her. “Carry the boy carefully. My clinic is nearby but we need a cab.” Rushing past the crowd, she walked towards the edge of the pedestrian lane, hailing a cab and telling the driver her address. Once he nodded, she thanked him and turned towards the man. “Hurry up!” She called, gesturing him to get inside.

        Whatever was wrong with the child it wasn’t normal. And Ahreum wasn’t sure if she knew enough to save him. Taking him to the clinic would make it so that she was far away from her homegrown herbs. And perhaps her uncle could help her find out what was wrong with the child. He had far more experience and knowledge than she did, having watched her mother heal while she was still alive.

        There was no guarantee for the boy’s life. But she was gonna try. Because that’s the only thing she can do. 

[stxahreum]

stxscoups replied to your post : ooc in the tags

[ tumblr more like DUMBLR]

HOLY SHIT I AM SO SORRY FOR MAKING YOU WAIT THOUGH D:

[stxahreum]

ooc in the tags

[stxahreum]

━ ( ✖︎ . FRAIL ❜ › mar & jwi )

[stwheein-deactivated20160728]

(  ✖︎  )

“If you want to go, then go. Relax and figure things out,” Her voice was gentle, though it came out a bit harsh. “When you’re ready, please come back to me. I’ll be here, waiting for you no matter what. Even if it takes forever.” She chuckled, joking a bit. “I’ll be okay and take the medication you gave me. In the meanwhile,” She caressed Ahreum’s cheek, rubbing her thumb in small circles before she leaned in once again, eyes looking into hers. “Please take care of yourself. I know you overwork yourself, but the one thing I want from you is good health.

You are everything, she wanted to say, but instead she presses another kiss to her lips before standing up, reaching her hand out to her. "Or you can stay. I mean, you’re usually the only visitor.” She shrugged her shoulders.

[stxahreum]

        She could sense how Wheein’s voice became smaller and felt a pang of regret. Mixed emotions bubbled inside her and she wished she could hold the pixie in her arms and comfort her. Everything is alright. Nothing is wrong. But there is still a part of Ahreum so desperately scared of being hurt again. She knew that she was probably thinking way too ahead but...but she couldn’t stop. 

      And it seemed that Wheein didn’t want to either. She could feel her lips against hers still and her own trembled. She felt that desire to kiss her again and it had been far too long since she felt this kind of pull. Even as Wheein moved away, a part of Ahreum wanted to pull her back. All these conflicting emotions were too strong that she was left mute, simply listening to the other’s voice and her suggestions. She couldn’t bring herself to laugh when she did. As their gazes met once again, she could see nothing but warmth reflected in the younger’s eyes. Oh God she wanted to drown in her eyes -- in her.

      Only reacting when Wheein kissed her again, she snapped back to reality and took her hand, using it to stand up. However, instead of letting go, she parted her lips, a tale she’s never told anyone coming to light.

      “I first love a woman -- a human woman -- a few years ago...” She began, fingers tightening their hold on the pixie’s hand. “She had...these eyes that commanded you to look at. A voice that reeled you in like a daydream. Her hands were cold but her laugh was warm. I foolishly signed up for a club she was in charge of after she talked me into it.” A laugh slipped past Ahreum’s lips though it was humorless. “She could talk me into doing anything for her. And I was foolish enough to do everything she asked as she became the center of my world. It...It ended as quickly as it started. Our relationship was a venom that spread slowly. Apparently she had no interest in me whatsoever and simply used me. She mocked me and my love for her.”

      Taking a deep breath, she let it out, voice trembling. “Ever since then I just... I just couldn’t. I know not everyone is like her but being that vulnerable again is so...is so horrifying. Because a species like us only truly love once in our entire existence. Twice, if we are lucky enough.” She looked up, guilt stricken and conflicted at Wheein. “As much as I want to give you the tattered and broken pieces that is my heart...I have always, I feel... Ever since you smiled at me that day we met. I’m scared, Wheein. I’m scared of so many things.”

[stxahreum]

Headcanon #5: "How old was your muse when they had their first kiss?" & Headcanon #17: "What is your muse like without enough sleep?"

SENTNCE STARTERS AND HEADCANNONS

         status: not accepting

5. How old was your muse when they had their first kiss?

Ahreum’s first kiss was actually with the girl who broke her heart. She was in her late 70s to early 80s (elven age) around that time. 

17. What is your muse like without enough sleep?

Surprisingly energetic. She runs on no sleep on weekdays and enjoys working or doing other things. So long as there is something to keep her busy, her focus is actually pretty good. However, once her energy is drained, she can be quite grumpy. 

[stxahreum]

━ ( ✖︎ . FRAIL ❜ › mar & jwi )

[stwheein-deactivated20160728]

(  ✖︎  )

She opened the door and stepped out of her room, realizing Ahreum was in the hallway. “Unnie!” she exclaimed, rushing closer to her. Instead of approaching her from behind, Wheein crouched in front of Ahreum, looking her in the eyes. Her hands rested on her shoulders, and her face was close to the other’s once again. Ahreum was cute like this, all flustered and trying to catch her breath. And yet she was absolutely stunning up close like this, Wheein noticed.

“You didn’t have to apologize. It wasn’t unpleasant.” She giggled softly, closing her eyes and gently pressing her lips against Ahreum’s pair, tilting her head to the side to deepen it.

[stxahreum]

       Ahreum was sure she could just leave. She could make up some sort of excuse and Wheein would accept it. Flashbacks were clouding her vision as she stumbled through the living room and towards the hallway. She recalled nights of whispered sweet nothings, inhaling that luscious scent of vanilla, the kisses and touches ranging from soft to firm to hard. And Ahreum could feel her resolve break. She was suddenly not in the present but in the past. And her whole body could feel everything once again. 

      One of the blessings and curses of not being human was that the memories stayed as vivid and crisp as the day she made them.

      It was only because of Wheein’s voice did she realize that she was back in the present. The pain of the past was the past. She had managed to do well these past few months, not recalling memories of her. Mainly because of Wheein and her tendency to be a bit of a workaholic with her research. “N-No it was...a moment of--” Ahreum tried to explain herself and tried to make Wheein see that once that line was crossed, there was no going back. But the younger kissed her again and she could feel herself wanting to return the kiss. Wheein’s lips were soft, sweet and ignited a tingling sensation that spread throughout her body.

      So she reached out, threading her fingers through the other’s wavy locks and rested it on Wheein’s nape gently. She could tell that the other wanted more from the kiss. And Ahreum was shook with the realization that she too, wanted to kiss the younger more fully, tilting her head back so that their lips melted together. She felt her whole body slowly burning up with desire. However, with the self control she had mastered throughout the years, she pulled away. Breathing heavily, she looked down, rubbing her thumb against Wheein’s cheek as her gaze dropped down. “This is all I can give for now,” she said, voice hoarse. “I can’t...cross that line yet, Wheein.”

[stxahreum]

━ ( ✖︎ . SHOTS ❜ › mar & chy )

@sthakyeon

      There were very few people Ahreum found herself affiliated with. It was her closed off nature mainly that was to blame. Eventually, it took a toll on her social life. However, a person or two will show her that it’s okay to loosen up a bit and abandon the textbooks she so fervently studied. And tonight was one of those nights in which Ahreum, for once, invited someone. For a drink no less. 

      Cha Hakyeon and Lee Hongbin were two men in her life that made her feel very confused. Mainly because the two stuck together quite well and Hongbin was her...”student”, so to say. It was because of that that they now found themselves hanging out more than usual. Which still left Ahreum feeling quite confused. Were they friends or not? It wasn’t really discussed between them what they really were. And as she dressed herself up (quite plainly, mind you) and walked towards the pub she had agreed to meet Hakyeon, she pondered on the possibility that maybe they weren’t friends at all. Just acquaintances.

      Human formalities confused her.

      She took a seat by the bar, ordering a glass of water for starters. She wasn’t well versed in alcoholic drinks. She would have to wait for Hakyeon to enlighten her. He did mention a certain drink that was a beautiful golden brown shade. With all her worries finally crashing down on her, it seemed the best choice.

[spectralkrp-blog]

Casters surround in ritual, the holder of the ancient tome gazing at each of the other five members holding the perimeter of the pentagonal circle and readying their incantations. Suppression of their breaths leave only the sound twinkling of magic as it dances around, exponentially growing as they release gem catalysts and lay them onto the floor, five different colored stones huddled around. Lights beam as words start being spoken, personifying their finely enchanted minerals as they quake and lift off the ground in levitation. The warlock continues the speech, reading deeper into the tattered book and its ancient, hidden meaning. The light around brightens post haste, taking in the life force of the five around the summoning as the sacrifice and merging it with the vocal witch at center, empowering the last words of the curse. All living beings drop, lights dim until dark, and the spell dissipates. Flickers of magic faint ooze out of the circle, leaking through every crevice to escape the underground room of its birth. Despite the failure, Seoul feels a little bit different tonight…

A knock on the door, as a human-veiled faerie orders a late pizza, attending the exact change before coming to open. They exchange items, the faerie content with the order as it thanks the delivery for its swift arrival. It goes on the table, the lid opening up to the sight of a loaded pizza and hands reach for a slice only to be interrupted. Another knock on the door, the tiny being curious of another’s presence. The pizza delivery greets again, the same greeting just a few minutes before having another pie ready to give. Insisting that the faerie had already paid for one, the supernatural being succumbs and pays for a second. There, the box is put next to the other. Alone at last, grabbing a slice and taking one bite down.

Keep reading

[herces-deactivated20160827]

-- helping hand

@stxahreum​ || starter

(*•.¸❀¸.•*´)  The faery did not have lady luck on her side this month. Every month was important to her. Why? At the beginning of each month she had to pay her rent. This month she failed to pay it and needed a small place to stay for now. She had no friend to support her or to even lend her a hand. Cora saw this place that belonged to a lady where elves, pixies, and faeries could go to when they had no home. Almost similar to an orphanage. Cora was almost halfway to her destination. The sad faery was riding her bike there, it didn’t belong to the landlord so she still could use it, thankfully. 

She arrived and parked her bike where it was safe, locking it before slipping the pink key into her pocket. Cora gently knocked on the door of the building and waited for someone to answer and just her luck this time, someone did, and it was a lady. “U-Um…d-do you believe I could stay here for a bit..?”

[stxahreum]

      Ahreum had stopped by the dojang multiple times a week. Mainly because more and more elves and pixies and faeries have been taking refuge. However, it was her first time seeing the young faerie in front of it. With the many faces she’d seen, they were usually in groups of two. Or when alone, they wore a mask of blankness and it was hard for her to read whether or not they needed her help. It was her first instinct, after all. Some of them were still hesitant to talk, even if they were the same species. But she offered them a kind smile whenever she could.

      So when she was walking back to the dojang with a few plastic bags filled with groceries, she could see one knocking on the door. It was way past noon and she looked lost with her bike. Seeing as she was alone and was talking to one of the teachers, Ahreum took the chance to approach her. She jogged towards the large wooden door and stopped just beside the girl. “I’ll take it from here, Hana,” she said, smiling. The older girl nodded and left the door open for her and the stranger. Taking this moment to turn to look at the other, Ahreum could see the face of someone who looked as if she carried the world’s worries on her tiny shoulders.

      “I’m Ahreum,” she said, trying to be as friendly as possible. “Why don’t you come inside and help me cook, hm? You can leave your bike by the door. I’m sure one of the men will carry it in.” She pushed the door wide so that she could pass, only a few steps in front of her so she could catch up. Greeting those she passed with a warm smile, they slipped inside the kitchen, Ahreum placing the bags on top of the countertop. It was empty, seeing as it was her turn to cook tonight. “So what do you think we should make today? Maybe you can tell me why you’re here while we’re at it.”