@downxbyxaxcove
Stevie & Saige
Their house
Stevie found her dad in the kitchen making coffee, exactly where she'd expected him to be. It seemed funny how some things never changed. The house itself felt different somehow. Unfamiliar in little ways she'd never anticipated. But her dad leaning against the kitchen counter with a mug in his hands felt right. She lingered in the doorway for a second before knocking softly against the frame. "...You busy?" Without waiting for much of an answer, she wandered inside and leaned against the counter across from him. "I come bearing absolutely no emergencies. So... don't panic."
She reached for a grape from the bowl on the counter, tossing it into her mouth. "I just..." She shrugged, suddenly looking a little sheepish. "Wanted to tell you something before you heard it from somebody else." She smiled down at the countertop for a moment. "Ryder and I are back together." She wasn't sure what his reaction would be honestly. "We talked. Like... really talked. It turns out avoiding every difficult conversation imaginable wasn't actually the healthiest relationship strategy." Her eyes lifted to his again. "We're taking things slow. Nobody's pretending the hurt never happened. But we're... us again."
She reached over, absentmindedly straightening the handle of his mug on the counter before pulling her hand back and studying him. "...How're you doing?" She tilted her head just slightly. "I know everybody keeps asking me how I am. But nobody's really asking you." She glanced toward the living room and down the halls to the bedrooms. "Mom's home." She smiled faintly. "Which... I know is a good thing. But good things can still be a lot." She folded her arms loosely across her middle. "I guess I just wanted to check on my dad. You've spent my whole life making sure I was okay...I'd like to return the favor if you'll let me."