darker_london | Slink/Jude/Ry Valentine's Evening; PG-13

He stowed away the hemlock carefully in his room till there came such a time when he next saw Renee and could pass it along to her. He wondered dimly what she would think of the two of them sharing the sedative. He had managed to get a hold of it for her on rather short notice, and relaxing was a thing that his mind was not going to be able to manage all on its lonesome. Of course, he was sure to be more subtle about it, more talking to Renee directly and not conversing lightly about it over livejournal.

That was why Slink was coming around tonight. Despite himself, he had found himself missing her sarcastic presence around his person of late. He was actually glad that she was no longer grounded. And if Deirdre ended up joining them later on, more the fun. He certainly didn't have anything he was going to be getting up for early the next morning. Funeral homes were open later in the day as well as the morning. He was not going to be moved out of his usual schedule over this.

slinkster_ghoul
Stephie yawned. Last night she had forgotten that getting up at seven required going to bed before four, which had resulted in her almost falling asleep on her mop. Twice. Thank all the gods in high heaven for short blacks.

She stepped up onto the welcome matt at Ry's place and stuck her finger roughtly into the doorbell. She was used to houses where you could hear it all thr way through the house, but here the house was too big. It was good to know someone had heard you, but if they didn't there was always climbing the drainpipes- she knew which window was Ry's.

firehaunted
When Jude thought about it, she had to admit she hadn't eaten much since she'd been back at Deirdre's. Or, to be completly honest, eaten much while she was at home either. She'd been surviving on the bare minimals and wondered if she looked like what people would have expected of a 'model.' Probably.

It was the thought of hunger that stirred her once more from Renee's room. (She couldn't think of it as hers. Didn't matter how hard she tried. She didn't feel like she really fitted in anywhere.) She had to wonder how many times the school had called her parents to ask why she wasn't there. And the thought that she was going to be so far behind was almost enough to pull her out of her depression.

Not yet.

No, she wasn't ready to deal with school and so many people quite yet.

But she could deal with food. Possibly something with salad. The kitchen was, thankfully, empty when she walked in and began looking for something to eat.

The sound of the doorbell made her almost jump right out of her skin and for a horrible moment panic overtook her. It's him, he's here, I'm dead.

slinkster_ghoul
Two minutes was way longer than any king of manners demanded, thought Stephie- at least any of the manners she was used to using. She turned the handle- it was unlocked, so someone must be home, just slack with answering their doors. "Hullo!" She hollared, in case Deirdre was home and thinking that she was whoever-it-was breaking their restraining order.

firehaunted
"Hullo!"

Jude's heart slowed, at least a little and she stepped out of the kitchen, holding a butter knife, and peeked around the corner to the door.

slinkster_ghoul
Stephie recognised that little nose that came poking round the corner, and waved at it's owner. "Hey, Jude. I forgot you live here now!" Best not to jump into any massive interrogation, she thought, give her her space, girl has a knife. "Way to defend your house, chicklet," she smiled at the butterknife, and closed the front door behind her with her foot.

firehaunted
Jude made a small smile at Slink. "It was for the butter," she explained. She felt her voice crack from lack of use and she coughed to clear it.

slinkster_ghoul
"'Course it was." Stephie smiled. "What'cha buttering?"

firehaunted
She shrugged and looked down at the knife in her hand and then nodded toward the kitchen to motion to Slink she was going back that way and she could follow.

slinkster_ghoul
Stephie fell into step by Jude's side, watching her face as they walked. "Hey listen, I know you went through a lot of crap and you're not dealing well, but I just wanted to tell you that I have a punching bag that's always up for another good roung of pummelling, if ya wanna come over sometime."

firehaunted
Jude actually did smile, really, at the mention of a punching bag. It almost made her mouth hurt and made her realise she hadn't smiled for too long. She cleared her throat again. "Thanks."

There was alot more she wanted to say but couldn't find the words to get out. Hey Slink? I'm sorry I ran away. I'm sorry I wasn't here for when it was one month of you being out. I'm sorry I made you worried. I'm sorry I've made things difficult. I'm sorry I've never told you how much you mean to mean. I'm sorry you have to try so hard. I'm sorry...too much...I love you. She looked down at the table top, feeling unsure of herself.

slinkster_ghoul
Stephie felt an odd wave of sympathy wash over her, but she didn't quite know what to do with it. "S'cool. Anytime." she said, softly, then prodded Jude in the arm. "Weren't you buttering something?"

firehaunted
Jude nodded and began looking around for bread. She craved a sandwich but had no idea where anything in this house was kept. Only slightly annoying as the urge to eat had left her again. She put the knife down on the bench and leaned back against it. "Not hungry," she told Slink and shrugged.

epithet_
Hearing voices was what pulled Ry out of his room. Picking up his half finished glass of straight wiskey, Ry stood and followed the noises that led him to the kitchen.

He only raised an eyebrow at seeing Jude out of her room, then swigged more of the whiskey. "Can I interest you fine ladies in a drink or more?" He said it casually, leaning against the frame of the kitchen door.

slinkster_ghoul
Stephie could smell him coming, the scent of whiskey ran down the hall in front of him and announced his arrival. "Ullo Ry, you look delectibly pissed already."

epithet_
If it took a bit of effort in order to focus his eyes on Slink as she spoke, that didn't mean the alcohol had gone straight to his head from an empty stomach. Oh hell, who was he trying to kid? "I've been drinkin' most of the afternoon. 'Delectibly pissed' is putting it lightly." Yup, that was definitely a slur in his voice.

slinkster_ghoul
Stephie laughed, "oh man, you're wasted! I hope you saved some for me and Jude," she gave Jude an inviting nudge with her elbow.

epithet_
"Saved some? You realise of course that Jocelin doesn't deal in anything other than bulk?" Ry stepped back in what was meant to be a graceful movement, but ended up being a stumble and a sheepish smile.

"Shall we head in general direction of my room then? Jude, you wanna bring some glasses for you guys?"

firehaunted
Jude shook her head, the room feeling suddenly very small. "No thanks. You two go ahead." She slipped quickly past both of them and back toward her room before anyone could stop her.

epithet_
Ry blinked and would have made a comment trying to convince her further if 1. she hadn't taken on a hunted puppy look and 2. he wasn't quite so trashed already.

"Alright," he called out behind her, "But the option's still open for later if you change your mind." He waggled his eyebrows invitingly, and looked at Slink. "Shall we?"