Realistic or Modern Family Ties

[half-blood prince]

Not one for leading, Kat had waited for the two women to go ahead of her before following along after them. Occasionally checking around to make sure she wasn't in any real danger. A small yawn escaping her lips despite sleeping for so long still surprised nobody had yelled at her for what she'd done. The new clothes felt really comfortable as well and didn't irritate her back since they were a little bigger on her. Looking to Eva insisting that her wolf might like having a new friend around. Which was probably true as she thought about before Kennedy suggested they get home now. Suggesting she sleep in the bed this time as she opened and closed her mouth. Still not sure if that was really allowed or not but didn't question them further. Keeping close enough that she didn't lose sight of them, but not so close that they could reach out and touch her. Still quite wary of it as they eventually got her into the car easily enough having been in many a car ride already. Staying fairly silent for the most part aside from shifting to get more comfortable in her seat.

Glancing down occasionally at her new bear still kind of surprised that she'd been allowed to keep it. Maybe he wouldn't be so bad as the other doctors. He didn't even really get mad at her except when she ate too fast. Nor had he restrained her which made her feel a little more at ease. Glancing out the window of the car every so often noticing one of her mothers already nodding off. She probably would have to but she didn't really like to when she could avoid it. Not to mention, she'd just spent several hours in the hospital doing that exact thing. Seeing the car pull back into the driveway of the house as she waited for it to stop before gently unclipping her seatbelt with her good hand. It wasn't that she couldn't move the other, but the brace was there to limit mobility. Eager to get out of the car and return to her bedroom to show Mr.Midnight his new friend. Hiding a small smile when Kennedy had to nudge her awake but refrained from showing it.

Watching the pair for a moment or so before she waited for them to get out first and she followed suit. Her green eyes still glancing around nervously as she slowly made her way back to the house. Glancing back at the direction from which she had run earlier in the day. Then she returned her attention back to open the front door now as she slowly made her way inside once more. Well aware now that she probably wouldn't be permitted to do that again even if it had only been instinctual and not out of any desire to hurt them. Thinking a little about what the doctor had said, but it was just a bit too much for her to take in and grasp. Moving slowly to slip out of her slippers before making the long journey back upstairs to her bedroom. Seeing that it was still just as she had left it as she looked hesitantly from the bed to the floor. Looking back uneasily as she considered whether it would really be allowed to sleep in it or not.

 

[PunkPrince]

The small group parted ways at the top of the stairs, Eva and Kennedy going towards their room, and Kat heading the opposite direction toward hers. Eva made it to the bedroom first, and after fumbling sleepily into her pajamas, flopped down onto the bed with an exhausted sigh. Kennedy had stopped in front of the mirror to take her hair down from her usual ponytail, releasing her thick curls before looking back over her shoulder at Eva, who had fallen asleep within seconds.

Kennedy let out a soft chuckle before turning away to change into her pajamas. She glanced toward the closed bedroom door once before making her way back towards her wife, an amused smile on her face. Eva shifted slightly in her sleep, and Kennedy leaned down to press a kiss tp the sleeping woman's forehead. She gazed down at Eva for a few moments more, and then looked back to the door.

Slipping out of the bedroom, Kennedy made her way down the hallway to check on Kat before going to bed. She found the girl there, standing uncertainly in the doorway as she glanced from the nest of blankets on the floor, to the bed, and back several times. Kennedy stepped up to stand next to the girl before looking down at her. "You can sleep in it," she assured the girl. "That's what it's for, after all. You'll feel better if you do. Sleeping on the floor is just going to make your back hurt worse, and it can't be good for your wrist or your head either."

 

[half-blood prince]

She didn't know how long she stood there in the middle of the room biting her lip in uncertainty. The bed did look really nice, but she was also worried about wetting the bed and getting in trouble for using it. Yet, Kennedy had offered it to her at the hospital so maybe it was alright. Just about jumping out of her skin when she heard Kennedy step into her bedroom now. Looking hesitantly up at her as she insisted that she could go ahead and sleep in it. That it was meant for sleeping in and it would give her a better sleep overall. Turning her head back over towards the bed as she seemed to size it up for a few minutes. Listening as Kennedy mentioned that it wasn't going to help her back or any of her sore muscles. No doubt from prolonged exposure to stress which was what Jack was hoping the sedatives would start doing as well as give Kat the clarity to see past her fear.

Pursing her lips for several long moments as she thought about what Kennedy was saying. Knowing she better hurry up as she was pretty tired despite many hours of sleep. Although, she hadn't really enjoyed it being stuck in the hospital with IV stuck in her hand. Her head still hurt too but she didn't bring it up not sure Kennedy would appreciate it. Slowly nodding her head, Kennedy finally convincing her enough to agree if only for tonight. She still thought this was all temporary as she moved to put the blankets back up onto the bed once more. It took some effort though because of her sore hand but she did manage it even after she kept glancing back at Kennedy to make sure she wouldn't correct her. Feeling even that small walk and ride back home was a bit much not to mention being hit by that car.

Something she still just barely could recall and even then it was foggy at best. Moving to climb hesitantly back into the bed surprised by how soft it was. She practically sunk into the bed as she crawled into it gingerly. Still feeling a bit weird about sleeping in the bed as she touched the sheets with mixed feelings. She hadn't felt the comforts of a bed for a very long time that it almost brought her to tears again. Not sure what she felt about all this as she hesitantly looked back over at Kennedy. For some small hesitant reason she wasn't sure how she felt about being on her, but it felt too childish for her to ask. Opening and closing her mouth a few times clearly wanting something, but she didn't know how to ask as she played with the sheets.

 

[PunkPrince]

Kat still stood there, in the center of the room, appearing uncertain as she stared at the bed. Eventually, she gave a slow nod before reaching down to move the blankets back to her bed, glancing back at Kennedy several times as she did. Kennedy took a small step forward, and then stopped, wanting to help Kat with the sheets but still uncertain about further intruding into the girl's own space. So she remained where she was, simply watching as the girl fixed up her bed, still ready to help her if asked.

Kennedy breathed a quiet, relieved sigh as Kat finally clambered into bed and sank into the sheets. Finally. Now the girl could finally get some proper rest, not on the floor or in the hospital. After a moment or two, Kat sat up and looked at her, fidgeting with the sheets as she opened and closed her mouth, hesitating. She clearly had something she wanted to say. Kennedy took a step towards her.
“What is it?” she asked. She caught sight of Kat’s wolf, still sitting where she had left it earlier. Kennedy reached down to pick it up and handed it to the girl. “I don’t bite.” A small grin crossed her face. “Not family, at least.”

She made no effort to guess what Kat wanted to ask of her. She simply stood, gazing expectantly at the girl. Kat had managed, a few times, to ask for things in the hospital, but she seemed unsure now that they were back at home. Kennedy did want Kat to feel less afraid of her, to feel comfortable speaking to her. To all of them, with time. So she patiently waited for the girl to speak up again.

 

[half-blood prince]

Kat was still playing with the sheets of the bed still getting used to the idea of sleeping in something belonging to her. She was trying very hard not to get her hopes up, but it did really seem like this might be it. That she might finally have a family of her very own. She just didn't know though even if they had been very kind to her thus far. Even when she scared them and went out the door against their wishes, they didn't punish her. They just took her to the hospital where they let her eat food and sleep as much as she wanted. Yet, being back here came with the worries of it being all an act and that they might be angry with her now again. Yet, nothing of the sort had been suggested and Kennedy even offered her the bed which was really nice. Looking down at her Mr.Midnight left on the floor as well as her new black bear. Promising herself that she would be more careful with this one and not let anyone get their hands on it. She didn't want to upset the nice doctor by realizing that Kat wasn't as good a girl as he thought.

Turning her head instinctively when Kennedy made her way over to her, a natural habit of hers. It could have been that she was just too tired or the meds, but she didn't shy away. A small flinch was there but it wasn't as pronounced as normal as Kennedy asked her what she wanted. Biting her lip as she got a little nervous having rarely been asked that question. Not unless her foster parents were using it make her mess up and punish her. Truthfully she used to be a lot more vocal until she learned parents didn't want a talkative child. They wanted one that was obedient, quiet, didn't ask questions and could essentially be used as a punching bag not that she saw it that way. Fidgeting a little more as she saw Kennedy pick up her wolf making her frown for a moment. Thinking that because she had the bear she'd not need her wolf anymore. This wasn't true, but she was loathed to bring that up in case of impending punishment.

Instead, Kennedy gently picked it up and brought it to rest on the bed as Kathleen snatched it up protectively. She had missed her wolfie while in the hospital as he always somehow managed to keep her safe. Kissing his head as she held him close just as Kennedy insisted that she didn't bite. Clearly trying to make a joke of some kind, but it seemed to fail on Kathleen's understanding as she looked at Mr.Midnight. Looking down at him as she played with his nice soft fur for a few minutes. Debating whether or not she really was okay to ask her questions. Being at the hospital, she couldn't almost control what came out of her mouth. Yet, with the sedative wearing thin she had more time to react and close up. Thinking Kennedy may just leave, but it didn't seem that way as she really wanted an answer from her. Taking a deep breath as she gripped her little wolf closer as if might somehow force the words out easier.

"Will....will....erm...can...willyoustaywithmeuntilIfallasleep?" asked Kat going for the fast and quick approach rather than slow and hesitant. Ducking her head immediately after she said it knowing from other siblings that it was babyish to ask. She didn't want her family thinking that of her...but it had admittedly felt so nice not having to watch her back all the time at the hospital. Even if she couldn't really help it with the drugs in her system making her so tired. She just....never had that opportunity in life and well....she really wanted it now after everything. Even if she was very unsure about admitting it in the first place. Already in that mode of bracing herself thinking she would be smacked for such a stupid request.

 

[PunkPrince]

There was silence for some time. Might have been only moments, maybe minutes, but to Kennedy it felt like a long, unending stretch. Kat snatched the wolf from Kennedy, hugging the toy to her chest and fidgeting anxiously with its fur. After some time, she eventually looked up and gave the wolf a squeeze, taking a deep, shaky breath before finally drumming up the courage to ask her question.

When Kathleen finally spoke, Kennedy found herself wondering how many times the girl had wanted to make this request of someone before. Surely she had made it before. Perhaps long ago, perhaps fairly recently, but judging by the way she had asked the question, and her immediate response afterward, someone had, at one point or another, clearly told her that it was not a request for her to be making. That it was wrong of her to even consider asking it.

The child flinched immediately, likely expecting to be struck for even daring to ask such a thing. She ducked her head, clearly embarrassed by her own request, yet she still gazed up at Kennedy, her eyes round and timid. Kennedy's expression softened, and she stepped forward towards the child. "Oh, honey.." she started gently, reaching out to gently caress the girl's cheek for a moment before pulling her hand back. "Of course I will."

 

[half-blood prince]

Her head continued to focus on her lap but every once in awhile her eyes would flicker up. Always needing to know when the blows might be coming yet trying to protect herself at the same time. Unaware just how many signals she was giving off just by her reactions here and now. Something so simple made so complex by years of operant conditioning from a few horrible people that should have loved her. Any childhood Kat might have received had been well snuffed out by this point that she hardly expected anything short of pain and fear. That even something so basic as asking a parent to stay with them after trauma was basically beaten out of her. She didn't even know the difference between what was acceptable at this point and cruelty. Only what was expected of her over the years she had lived in-between homes. No real stability in her life and certainly no consistency in rules either. What might have been acceptable in one home was something horrendous in another. She lived in a constant state of being scared that one bad move would get her into trouble. There was no grey area for Kat as far as she was concerned. You either were good or bad and even those lines seemed to blur quite frequently.

Everything was a gamble as far as Kat was concerned between being on the right and wrong side of her foster parents. Learned helplessness that no child should ever have had to learn, but Kat knew it like it was second nature. She learned fast though and thankfully some of the homes kept a few of the same rules. This one though was completely foreign to Kat and it making everything that much more complex. Having to learn now what the right answer was in situations that in other homes were practically drilled into her. When she could eat, when she could speak, if she could have a shower. So to ask something so childish as asking a parent to stay was completely out of her element. All the tiny little tells that Kennedy was likely picking up now as she looked at Kat laying there so broken and scared of when that next hit would come. That she had even asked was big in itself but she didn't know what else to do. Kennedy had asked her and it hadn't seemed like she'd have left otherwise.

Hell, the last three years of her life she had completely given up talking altogether in hopes of sparing some pain for herself. Until of course, she chose stupid times to try and weasel out of something. Her body was tense and ready to react in any way that it needed to be. Straining her back which was aching from both the impact of hitting the ground and her back being properly treated. Still keeping her eye contact limited knowing some parents preferred it that way as they saw it to be a challenge and an equal when she was not. Thinking that she should probably apologize and retract her statement as the minutes dragged on without being yelled at or hit. Hesitantly looking up once again though her head was still ducked as she noticed Kennedy's face soften a little. Watching her step forward once more as she flinched immediately thinking she was going to get hit. Instead, all she got was a gentle touch to her face that was so light she almost would have missed it. Green eyes looking up as she hesitantly leaned into the small touch.

It was so very subtle someone might have missed it before the hand was gone and she was moving away. It wasn't much of a touch, but it had felt nice at least compared to anything else she'd ever gotten. Her eyes shined like they wanted more, but her body said otherwise as she hesitantly moved to get back under the covers. Hearing that Kennedy would stay at least a little while as she seemed maybe not excited, but a mild pleased at least. A few days of good support did not rectify the years that she suffered at the hands of bad people. Shifting Mr. Midnight into her arms as she rubbed her eyes tiredly moving to get settled as she thought about today. How upset Kennedy had been earlier when they were at the hospital.

"M'sorry I made you upset....I...I didn't mean to...I just...I don't know," she said looking away not sure if she knew how to explain it. Or even if she was meant to explain it. But she had said sorry at least so that had to be good. She really didn't mean to be a bad kid....and didn't even understand why she had done what she had herself. It all just seemed so ingrained within her at this point by now.

 

[PunkPrince]

Kathleen began to apologize for the day’s events again, her voice petering out as she struggled to communicate what she meant. Kennedy offered a soft, apologetic smile. “Don’t be sorry,” she said. “I’m the one who should be sorry. You were already upset and scared and I went ahead and made it worse. Not on purpose, but I still scared you, and I’m sorry. You don’t have anything to apologize for. I know you didn’t mean to scare anyone. I’m not mad at you. I’m just glad it wasn’t any worse.”

Kat’s running out into the street had shaken her far worse than she would show. She had had several incidents in her family, and each time they shook her to her core. Every time Hugo got sick and went into the hospital. The time, early in their relationship, when Eva had left the apartment for groceries and only come back several hours later, stumbling through the door badly injured after being attacked on the street—an incident that had so deeply affected Eva that she frequently flew into a panic whenever Eva was gone for too long without checking in with her. Every time before coming to stay with them, when she’d been forced to let her children go back to their respective homes.

“Your fear response is either fight or flight, and for you it just...tends to be flight. Which is fine. As long as you aren’t running out in front of cars. You’re scared, and that’s okay. It doesn’t make you a bad kid. Remember that.”

 

[half-blood prince]

Despite apologizing already earlier in the day, she did feel awfully bad anyways especially after Kennedy had scolded her. It wasn't often that adults wanted to hear her excuses or apologies, but her manners refused to do any less. Finding it frustrating when she kept struggling through her apology though in fairness it had been a while since she'd spoken to anyone. Keeping her head down as was customary in this situation not quite catching Kennedy's soft apologetic smile all her very own. Still playing with the blanket a little more that was still so nice and soft like nothing she'd ever felt before. Not even the hospital blankets were quite as nice as these though she wouldn't have ever openly admitted that. Keeping that to herself surprised when Kennedy told her not to be sorry. Opening her mouth in shock when she added that it was her that should apologize to Kathleen instead. Puzzling over this as she listened while Kennedy explained why she thought that way.

Telling her that she had already been so clearly upset and scared and had only pushed it further. That she had made the situation worse even if unintentional and that she was sorry for that. Still so surprised by the fact that her mother was apologizing to her of all things. She'd never really had that happened before and it was just another thing to add to her growing list of confusing things about this family. Insisting further that she didn't have to apologize and that Kennedy knew Kathleen hadn't done any of this to scare or anger them. Nor were either of them angry at her for it either which she was relieved to hear yet again. Only grateful that the incident had not been any worse as she nodded her head. Looking slowly up at her mother for a moment or two. Seeing that she really wasn't all that angry which made Kat feel a little better at least as she pressed against her wolfie. She was still pretty sore, but the bed cushioned it a good bit so it didn't irritate the open wounds.

Looking back up when Kennedy explained that most people had a flight or fight response. That she went for the flight which wasn't a bad thing, but that she could probably do it without having to run into traffic. Swallowing thickly knowing how disappointed they had been about the accident. She knew she was pretty lucky that she had gotten away without much injury. They were relatively minor aside from the concussion and even that wouldn't take much to recover from. Another yawn escaping her lips as she played with the fur of the new bear that Jack had gotten her. Telling Kat to remember that just because she was scared didn't make her a bad kid. Nodding her head once more as she slowly settled in against her sheets. Taking a little while before eventually drifting off to sleep worn out from everything and the nice bed felt wonderful on her battered body.

 

[PunkPrince]

Upon realizing Kat had drifted off to sleep, Kennedy smiled and was about to turn to leave. She paused before reaching down to gently stroke the girl’s hair, and then leaned down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. And then she turned and left the room, closing the door behind her and making her way back down the hallway to her own room. She slipped through the door as quietly as possible before climbing into bed and curling up beside Eva, and eventually she too, drifted off to sleep.

***
​

The following morning, Eva and Kennedy both remained in bed, occasionally waking for a moment or two before burrowing back down beneath the covers and dozing off again. Jupiter, Ronan, and Hugo all knew better than to disturb either one of them. They chose not to wake Kat either, all well aware of the events of the previous day. So the three of them simply slipped quietly downstairs, eventually making their way into the basement to work on their respective projects.

The basement had always been Ronan’s favorite room in the house, as he suspected it was true for his siblings as well. A relatively finished space, the entire area had almost always been a mess of costumes, most of them hung on racks, separated by who they belonged to, or hanging from ceiling beams. A few, less frequently used wigs hung from hooks on one of the back walls, and most of the floor was constantly littered with fabrics, feathers, rhinestones, and various other bits of costume supplies, no matter how much they struggled to organize it.

Today, the place was in its usual state of disarray. Ronan crouched on the floor, meticulously placing pieces of broken mirror along his dress, focused apart from the occasional glance up to Pickle, who was perched on the back of a nearby folding chair making frequent beep noises. Jupiter was on the other side of the room, staring uncertainly at their mostly finished coat.

Hugo was sprawled across the couch sketching in a notebook, a black and white spotted rat scurrying around the cushions. The rat soon gave up on whatever it had been searching for and scurried down the neck of Hugo’s shirt, making himself comfortable before poking his head back up through the hole. Hugo grinned and gave the rodent’s head a quick scratch before sitting up. “I’m hungry,” he announced.

Ronan, who had already begun to stand up for the same reason, spoke. “I’ll bring you back a pop tart. I’m going to find the bagels.”
Jupiter snorted. “I like that you say find. Like they’re hidden. They’re not hidden, you just keep eating them all in like, a day.”

Ronan shrugged, leaning down to let Pickle step up onto his finger and then heading up the stairs, humming cheerfully to himself as he entered the empty kitchen. He set the bird down on the counter and began rummaging around the kitchen in search of his breakfast, a process that was accompanied by Pickle stomping across the counter and beeping, the occasional “hiiiii!” interspersed within.

 

[half-blood prince]

Occasionally, Kat had woken up once or twice during the night either for the washroom or general unease. It was taking some getting used to being in the bed like she was, but she found comfort eventually. So there was no real surprise when she did not rise with the early birds that morning. Shifting every so often until her bladder got the better of her. Green eyes sluggishly opening as she cast her eyes around her bedroom once more. Having woken up once already slightly disoriented from her hospital visit. Taking a deep breath to compose herself as she looked towards her closed bedroom door. Surprised she hadn't been scolded for not being out of bed as she figured it was late morning as far as she was concerned. Nobody had come and got her but she also didn't know if that was the plan. Neither of her mothers had exactly told her anything about what they expected of her the next morning. Was she supposed to make breakfast to make up for her bad behavior? Chores? Stay confined to her bedroom?

She tried to recall what Jack had told them at the hospital, but nothing stuck out to her. Sitting up though she winced a good deal as a throbbing pain in her head awakened. Forcing herself to lay back as she put a hand to her head only realizing that she still had those gauze strips there from the cut. Sighing heavily not sure if she should tell someone about it...but it wasn't like she knew how to rest when she was. She hardly ever mentioned pain or illness to any of her former parents knowing they didn't care and Andrew her social worker had struggled to get her to admit when she was at times. The basic cares of food, medicine, and warmth were like pulling teeth from her, though he had faired better than most. So she decided that she better not bring it up unless she was asked and even then it was probably better for her to say what she thought they wanted to hear.

Yet, even her muscles didn't seem to want to cooperate with getting out of bed today. Sore and battered from the events of yesterday as she glanced over to her window. Thinking about the other day and how many rules she'd broken over the course of the day. Still not sure why she had confided so much to any of them. She still just barely trusted them and she could only imagine how much trouble she was in. Wondering if they would reem her for making them take her to the hospital and get all this expensive stuff for her. With that in mind, she considered maybe she should make breakfast. Trying once again to slid out of bed despite the doctor's orders for her to be resting. Without the sedatives, she was reverting back to that constant state of fear and rules that had lived her life. Her head was still throbbing, but she knew she had lived with far worse over the years. Sometimes to the point, she could barely move at all as she took a few unsteady steps on the bedroom floor.

Her head practically swimming as she was forced to press her hand against the nearby bedside table. Taking a few deep breaths as she tried to steady herself a little more. Finding a medium ground as she made her way towards her bedroom door. Mindful not to go too fast as she glanced around noticing the door to her mothers' room still closed. So they weren't awake...that was a good sign at least. Grasping the handle tightly as she slowly made her way downstairs little by little before finding the kitchen. Only to hesitate when she heard someone rummaging through the kitchen cupboards. Biting her lip before realizing she needed to do this and that this wasn't any different than her other homes. Ignoring Ronan and Pickles as she very robotically started to pull things from the fridge.

It was no surprise that at just 9 years old Kathleen was a very independent young girl. Able to make lavish meals and clean like she was a servant to the queen. Just about the only things her family ever praised her for...if you could call it that. Normally, it just meant that they didn't have to be monitoring her for a few spare minutes in the morning or day. Although a few foster mothers had been worried about her eating food without their knowledge and chose to monitor her anyways. She pulled from her thoughts as she started pulling eggs and bacon from the fridge without a second thought. Managing to locate a frying pan that she washed out by hand before putting it down and preparing bacon. Not really acknowledging the other other than a few nervous glances his way to see that he didn't jump her or make her lose focus and burn the food. After that, she'd head back upstairs or do some chores maybe, but that could wait although the throbbing of her head was making this trickier.

 

[PunkPrince]

Ronan was so immersed in his bagel search, he hardly heard Kat enter the room. Upon finding the bagels, he hopped down from the counter—which he had needed to climb up onto to reach the top shelf of the cabinet—and grabbed a strawberry pop tart from the bottom shelf, catching sight of Kat searching through cabinets as he turned around. She looked better than the last time he’d seen him. The boy offered her a cheerful grin. “Hi!” he chirped. “Are you feeling better? I was worried about you.”

As he looked at Kat, Ronan realized she still looked tired, and occasionally seemed like she might pass out and fall into the hot pan on the stove at any moment. The boy moved to pick up Pickle off the counter and sat him on the back of a chair, wary of letting the bird on the counter when the stove was turned on. He turned back to Kat, who was still standing drowsily at the stove. Ronan stepped closer to her, clearly concerned.

“If you want breakfast, I can make it for you,” he offered, leaning back towards the counter to pop his bagel into the toaster. “You look tired. You can go back up to bed if you want and I can bring it to you when it’s done.” He looked back over to the basement doorway, where he could just barely hear Jupiter and Hugo chattering about something, though he was too far off to make out any words. “Or if you’re not tired you can come downstairs with us. We’re making stuff for costumes.”

 

[half-blood prince]

Kat was so absorbed in what she was doing that she barely even noticed she had company. More concentrated on avoiding burning herself and the potential meal she was currently cooking for them. As such she just about jumped nearly out of her skin when she heard a voice to her left calling out a morning greeting. Spinning nearly around as she tried to catch her breathe realizing it was only one of the siblings. Hearing him ask how she was after the days' events as she debated whether or not to say anything. Hearing him mention that he was really worried about her. Not sure if she believed him completely although it was still nice to think someone did care. Shrugging her shoulders instead which did little for her sore back and muscles, but she didn't know how to express herself. She'd already talked way more than was probably acceptable yesterday and no sedatives to lean on either. Turning back to her decision to cook breakfast for everyone as she pulled out the bacon to throw on the pan after washing.

She knew this was dangerous but she had to earn her keep somehow and didn't think being injured was a reasonable excuse. Very aware that she was being watched by the older brother but trying to ignore it. Didn't stop her from anxiously shifting to make sure he didn't encroach any further into her space. Something she hated as she tried to concentrate on the bacon that she was currently frying. Trying her best to ignore the pounding of her head and aching of her muscles. She had been in worse conditions before so this wasn't anything new to her unaware of her sibling's growing concern for them. Only moving about the kitchen as she might have anywhere else. FInding everything relatively okay as she listened to the sizzling bacon mindful to frequently turn it and avoid being sprayed with hot grease. A difficult thing to manage but she was getting better at it, sprained wrist or not. Startled when she noticed Ronan moving closer to her making her flinch a little.

Surprised when her brother offered to make her breakfast instead. A first for Kathleen who never really had supportive family before this house. Even then most of her siblings were fighting for dominance all the time. Not wanting to be lower up on the food chain. A kid eats kid world as far as she concerned as she chewed on her lip. Relaxing a small fraction though when he moved away from her to put the bagel he had in the toaster. Insisting that she must be tired and that he wouldn't blame her for wanting to go back up. But that meant that Ronan would be stuck doing her chores and that was just as wrong. No, she would do it as her way of apologizing to everyone for her behavior. She really didn't mind cooking if she were honest....and not feeling like crap as she was.

"No....I....need to make breakfast," she insisted around the lump in her throat wincing as a small flick of grease hit her skin.

 

[PunkPrince]

Kat only answered his question with a simple shrug, and Ronan didn’t press her any further. He felt bad for startling her. She didn't look very much like she had believed him when he mentioned being worried about her either. She didn't seem to say much, but he couldn't exactly fault her for that, given that his own twin was nearly silent most of the time.

Not wanting Kat to feel like he was staring at her, Ronan continued on with his bagel. He took it from the toaster as it popped up, setting it on a plate and bouncing back toward the fridge, rummaging around for a moment or two before pulling out the cream cheese and starting to spread it across the bagel. He picked the bagel up and took a bite of it, and was about to offer to make Kat one as well, when the girl spoke again, saying she had to make breakfast.

Ronan blinked in surprise. “No you don’t,” he said. “Who told you that? I can make it for you if you're hungry.” He watched Kat struggle to keep the grease from splattering, flinching slightly as a small amount of it splashed onto Kathleen’s injured arm. He wasn’t sure how safe she would be trying to cook with her injured hand. “M-maybe you shouldn’t be cooking with your wrist how it is?” he suggested meekly. “You could really hurt yourself. You did just hurt yourself yesterday. Maybe you should take it easy until you’re feeling better.”

 

[half-blood prince]

The longer she stood there, the more it became apparent to her that she wasn't ready to be up like this. Minor or not, she had still had a concussion though Kat didn't really know what that was. Although she was definitely paying the price for being up instead of recovering. Shifting every so often to try and keep herself focused best she could to make this work. She wasn't tired per se, but she was definitely feeling under the weather. Although the bits of grease helped keep her focus as she frequently turned the bacon to keep it burning. Recalling the last time she had burned good bacon and the lashing she'd gotten as a result of it. Pushing the thought away for the moment to keep her eyes on the meal in front of her. Feeling not nearly as tense when Ronan moved away to focus on his own breakfast for the time being. At least, not making her nervous with him constantly staring her down like that one mother that thought she might steal food. Shivering at the thought mindful of her injured hand still wrapped in the brace to protect her wrist.

Her movements were less fluid and more robotic as she moved to get various things. Trying to figure out how much she should make for the family as she tried to divide it all up. Deciding to make 6 eggs with the possibility of more should it not be as sufficient as she might have liked. Keeping her focus on breakfast as she told Ronan that she had to make it. As if it was the most obvious answer in the world, but no this family didn't follow the normal rules. The ones that she had lived with all her life. Glancing nervously back towards the doorway to the kitchen worried she might not make it in time before the family came down for it. Boiling the kettle figuring someone might like that as well as she paused to set the table unaware of Ronan's confused looks. Not realizing how strange it must be to making breakfast at the mere age of twelve. It was simply all she had ever known except for yesterday, but that was the doctor's decision. She just hoped they weren't mad about having to go there before of her.

Frowning in puzzlement when Ronan asked her who had told her to make breakfast today. Opening and closing her mouth now feeling confused herself as she thought that was proper manners. Although it sure didn't look like Ronan was forced to do any cooking around here. Pushing the momentary envy away as he spoke with her insisting that he could do breakfast this morning instead. Ignoring the small flecks of grease that splashed her as she cooked a little lost in her own memories knowing very little else of how one conducted themselves. Thankful when the bacon seemed almost ready at least as Ronan insisted that maybe she shouldn't be cooking right now. Insisting that she'd just hurt her wrist only yesterday and that she could really hurt herself otherwise. 'Never stopped my parents forcing me before', came a sarcastic voice in her mind. Biting her lip a little in uncertainty as it did feel tempting, but then she knew it'd only be more trouble for her later probably.

"M'used to it. Dealt with worse. Don't want to get in trouble," she said robotically as she plated up the bacon with relief.

Hating cooking the stuff even if it always smelled amazing as she wrapped it in a paper towel which she then set on the table. Moving to set it quickly with plates and napkin in the proper way. Constantly reminding herself about the proper way to set a table before moving to pour the grease into a container until it hardened. Finding her injured wrist struggling to uphold the heavy frying pan but she managed to grin and bear it, only just. Setting it back down as she pulled out some eggs to make debating what if anything she should add to it. Figuring basic was better than overselling herself as she tiredly worked over the cooking eggs. Deciding to scramble them rather than leave them fried as she added salt and pepper to them. All while being watched by Ronan which did not make her any happier telling herself she could lay down after breakfast was served.

 

[PunkPrince]

“What time is it?”

Eva groaned and burrowed deeper beneath the covers, effectively ignoring Kennedy’s question. Kennedy gave an exasperated huff and buried her face into her wife’s chest, her eyelids dropping as she began to doze off again for the fourth or fifth time that morning. She blinked herself awake again, though she made no effort to move. “It’s lIke...ten, probably, right?”

“Shit if I know,” Eva muttered. “I barely know what day it is half the time.” She sat up and groaned again, resting her forehead in her palm, unsure if the ache was from stress, lack of sleep, or a mixture of both. Neither one of them had gotten much sleep. One or both of them had awoken intermittently throughout the night, unable to go to sleep again. They’d talked occasionally. Mostly about Kat. She’d opened up to them. Only slightly, but it was something.

Eva leaned down to kiss Kennedy on the lips and then stood, taking a brush through her tangled hair before starting down the stairs, surprised by the smell of bacon and eggs coming from the kitchen. Kennedy followed after her, entering the kitchen just as Ronan responded to Kat. “Trouble?” the boy asked, his head tipped to the side in confusion.

“Good morning, you two,” Eva greeted, drifting into the room as she noticed Kat in front of the stove. She took a few steps forward, looking curiously at the girl before leaning against the table and reaching out to scratch Pickle’s head—the bird still sitting on the chair Ronan had placed him on. “What are you up to over there, Kat?”

 

[half-blood prince]

Kat would have said something more just then, but the arrival of Kennedy and Eva made her stiffen up immediately. Keeping her head on the eggs once more to avoid ruining them as she cursed herself for not being faster. Feeling an overwhelming pressure now to hurry up with breakfast compared to earlier. At least, before it was just Ronan who didn't really intimidate her much. The worst he may do might be thrown a punch or ruin breakfast on purpose, but she was getting better at avoiding both situations. With both her mothers in the room, she felt more of a necessity to have breakfast on the table. Not quite looking at either grown up as she fought to keep her energy on more important things. Grateful that eggs were much easier to cook and took less time and less effort for the weary child. Debating putting out toast, but she didn't know what everyone else might want. Hesitating before moving away to get some kind of serving bowl to add the eggs too, hoping it might be enough.

Her mouth-watering ever so slightly wishing she could have some, but she didn't want to risk it. With the sedatives, she was far more relaxed and willing to open up. Off them, she had reverted back to her earlier state of constant fear of punishment. Telling herself over and over to focus on the eggs and nothing else. Her head throbbing quite badly, but she never let it be known. Grateful at least the bacon was on the table and the kettle had just boiled. Flinching momentarily as it clicked off leaving the invitation open to anyone wanting drinks. Knowing she should really be doing it, but just didn't know them very well. Not to mention, nobody had asked her for what they wanted as they normally did. At least, when they barked orders at her she could make it as they wanted. She may as well be walking in blind and so went with the basics since just about everyone enjoyed that. Flinching a little when Eva greeted them both with a morning still not used to being treated this way.

More worried about not hurting herself as she knew she really shouldn't be doing this so soon after a concussion. Telling herself that in a few more minutes she could plate it all up and go back to bed. Or start on the dishes and some chores as she quietly chanted something to herself. Going over the rules of her old household over and over, much to quiet for anyone to make much sense of them. Tensing when Eva moved a little closer to her general direction, ducking her head expectantly in preparation for being swung at. Yet, Eva hung back instead to lean against the table and pet the nice bird on the chair. Hearing her ask what it was she was doing as Kat seemed taken aback. Was this not what she was supposed to be doing? 'Maybe it's a test,' suggested her inner voice as she shifted uneasily. Glad when the eggs were done and she quickly moved to plate them up in the bowl. Moving to add the newly made eggs with serving spoon to the table. Using some paper towel to hopefully keep it all warm.

"B...B...reakfast....m....m...ma'am," murmured Kat hesitantly keeping her head down which was hurting her already sore muscles.

Turning her head back to the stove that she switched off as she moved everything to the sink. Only arranging the table for five instead of six once more as she knew she could relax a little. Still keeping her energy on getting the dishes done though she was definitely not at her best. Her head was throbbing a good deal and being on her feet wasn't helping the situation. Just about burning herself in the process though she managed to avoid doing that. Trying to keep herself calm despite being anything but calm. Telling herself that she'd done good. That she might get water if she asked real nicely once the dishes were all sparkling clean. It was a nice thought at least and the only thing keeping her on the task right now.

 

[PunkPrince]

Kennedy blinked, surprised by the girl’s response to Eva’s question. Kat probably assumed she was required to be cooking meals. This of course, was not the case, and Kennedy grew worried as she watched the girl stumble about the kitchen. She shouldn’t be up so soon after her injury. “You didn’t have to make breakfast,” Kennedy told her gently. “Although it’s sweet that you thought to. You should really be resting, Kat. It’s not good for you to be trying to do all this work while you still have a concussion. Leave the cooking to us from now on, hmm?”

Eva flinched anxiously as she watched Kat nearly burn herself as she moved the food from the pan to a plate. She slipped past Kat and took the hot pan from the stove, moving it to the sink. The child, of course, immediately stumbled forward to try and do the dishes, and Eva gently nudged her away from the sink. “I’ll take care of it later,” Eva told her gently. “You sit down and eat. I’m not sure you should be standing while you still aren’t feeling well. You could hurt yourself. But thank you for breakfast, dear. It smells wonderful.” She paused, noticing the table set for five instead of six. “And please don’t tell me you aren’t hungry. You’re still not a hundred percent better. You need to eat to keep your strength up.”

Eva turned back to the counter, where she had left Kat’s medicines the previous night. “And speaking of eating,” she started, taking a pill from the bottle and handing it to Kat. “These say to take them with food. I don’t want you getting a stomach ache on top of everything else.”

 

[half-blood prince]

Kathleen thought nothing of the looks she was now starting to get from both her mothers. To any outsider, it was probably the strangest thing, but Kat didn't know much different, unfortunately. She knew one way of living and that was to follow the rules and avoid punishment at all costs. Not aware of the concerned looks she was garnering from both Kennedy and Eva as she tried to focus on the finished breakfast. Knowing the punishments would be far worse if she screwed anything up. Her head's throbbing only getting worse as she continued to stand on her feet rather than taking it easy. Not wishing to look useless to the family after everything that had happened yesterday. She was pulled from her swirling thoughts as Kennedy told her that she didn't have to make them breakfast. Her face shifting into a frown as she considered this. Opening and closing her mouth as though she might suggest otherwise, but she didn't. Being told that it was sweet, but it really wasn't necessary.

Insisting she should be in bed resting rather than doing all these chores while still injured. Again opening and closing her mouth, but the words never made it out of her mouth. Internally though she was getting more confused and fearful of a looming punishment. Was she not supposed to be cooking breakfast? Nobody had seemed to mind in the other homes...it didn't matter to them whether she hurt or not. She didn't think it was that big of a deal or that it was something to be concerned with. Shrugging her shoulders not really understanding that children shouldn't be cooking and doing chores. She did seem to stall for a moment when Kennedy insisted on letting them do the cooking instead. Giving her pause as she considered this, but went on with the work anyways. Not seeing the way Eva flinched as she transferred the some six scrambled eggs into the bowl. Clearly showing some strain on Kat's part given how heavy the pan was and her injured wrist.

She was just moving to put the bowl of eggs on the table and grab the pan to start washing it when Eva moved forward. Causing Kat to back-pedal a little flinching thinking that she was going to get smacked. Moving instead to go towards the sink to wash it but Eva quickly blocked her from the sink as well. Frowning even more so as the confusion was written all over her face not understanding what was going on. Insisting that Eva would do the dishes later telling her to sit down and eat as she blinked a few times. Looking over at the table for five rather than six having thought she would have to without food. Still listening as Eva told her that it was good for her to be up like this. That she could hurt herself further as Kat tilted her head not understanding this. She did feel a bit proud when Eva thanked her for the breakfast before noticing the table as well. Dropping her head when Eva questioned her choice of setting the table, that she couldn't be hungry and that it'd be good for her to eat.

Feeling tears sliding down her face as she didn't mean to upset her mother again. She was trying her hardest and it seemed like she was messing up every which way she turned. Apparently her hardest was not good enough as she stood there silently crying not sure what they wanted of her. She had made breakfast, but that was wrong. She had set the table, but that was wrong and now she was being upset because she thought Kat wasn't hungry. Of course, she was hungry...she was hungry every day for weeks on end. But nobody had told her that it was acceptable to be part of a family. Nobody had told her that kids got three meals a day instead of one. Looking at the pill being now put in front of her face as she was told to take it with food, not wanting her getting a stomach ache too. Feeling more tears slid down her face feeling very confused.

"I begged them every night for food...and never got it except once a week for good behavior. Wasn't allowed at a table....not good enough...would waste expensive food. Wasn't part of their family. Made to make food and do chores...sick or not and then keep out of sight. Get punished otherwise. Don't know how else to be," replied Kat in the quietest voice ever as she revealed the smallest of tidbits of her life. With that said she turned and left the room feeling a little upset with herself...with them. Of course, she was hungry...but it wasn't her call to make. Leaving the family to do whatever they wanted as she returned to her bedroom. The pill, all but forgotten as she shut her door gently behind her and went to sit back in her corner where she'd first slept. Tugging over Mr.Midnight as she let more tears slide down her face.

 

[PunkPrince]

Kat finally spoke, her voice tiny and hoarse as tears began to stream down her face. Eva's heart sank, and the girl ran off up the stairs in tears. Hearing the bedroom door close, Eva ran after her, with Kennedy following close behind. The pair stopped in front of the closed door, and Kennedy reached out to rap gently on the door.

"Kathleen..." Eva started gently. "We're not upset with you. We just..." She trailed off, looking desperately to Kennedy for help, unable to put her own thoughts into coherent words.
"We don't want you to overwork yourself while you're still hurt," Kennedy finished. The smaller woman leaned up against the wall as she spoke. "We want you to get better. You're part of our family and we care about you. We want you to be happy and feel like this is your home too."

Eva spoke up again. "I know you're not used to that," she told Kat through the door. "I know you're used to people not caring about you. I know you've been treated more like a slave than a family member. But that's not what families do. Having to beg to be fed is wrong. Not being allowed to talk is wrong. Having to beg to have the most basic of needs met is wrong. We're not going to force you to cook or do housework. That's not your job. All you need to do is be a kid. It's our job to worry about and take care of you, Kat. Not the other way around. You're good enough just the way you are."

She was quiet for a moment, thinking about how to phrase what she wanted to say next. "It's kind of like rose bushes. What's supposed to happen is that the bush is nurtured in its seedling days and that sets it up to get bigger and stronger faster. You're kind of like a rose bush someone planted and then left alone. But just because a rose bush was left under the shade of a shed for years leaving it just getting by, doesn't mean that we can't move that rose bush to a good spot, get it some fertilizer and help it grow just as big and strong."

"And the first step to doing that is the bush eating breakfast," Kennedy tacked on.

 

[half-blood prince]

The moment she closed her bedroom door, she knew that she should have apologized to both Eva and Kennedy. Then again, it wasn't like she had raised her voice or yelled at them. She'd stated the facts and then left since it was clear she kept messing things up. When she was going to learn that she was just not meant to have a nice home. Okay, maybe that was just the doubt playing on her, but she didn't have much to back up her words. She didn't know how to not go a day hungry or sit at a table as part of a family. Or what was proper for a young girl at twelve to be able to do at that age. She didn't even have much of an education because she was bounced too often from home to home. It was just always that way to Kat as she sat there on the floor beside her bed. Pressed against the corner of her room as the tears slid down her face more. Although at least she had remembered not to go running off outside again. Wincing as she heard footsteps making their way upstairs and over to her door now.

Swallowing thickly as she flinched expecting for the door to bang open and be punished for talking back to her mother. Only making her tears grow a little stronger wishing she knew what was expected of her. She hated being so uncertain of where she stood in this family. Not having clear directions of rules and punishments she could learn to follow. None of this followed anything she had ever dealt with and it was clear as day on her face how confused she was over it. None of this stress doing any good for her head that only continued to throb more painfully. Surprised when nobody came into a room, but a voice did filter through the room as Eva's voice spoke behind the closed door. Calling her by name, something she didn't think she'd ever really get used to. Hearing her say that nobody was upset with her, they just hadn't wanted her hurting herself. Drawing her knees up to her chest still listening between the sniffles.

Telling her that they only wanted to make sure she didn't overexert herself after yesterday's events. Things she used to wish parents would worry about when she was young. That was until the foster system beat all those little dreams out of her head. Insisting they only what was best for her and hoped she may come to see them as part of her family. That, someone, did care about her, although she wasn't sure she truly believed that yet. It was too soon and there was always a chance that they'd eventually give up on her. She wasn't stupid. There was always some reason she couldn't stay at the other homes before. Still in the belief that this was just temporary before she'd be shipped off elsewhere. Her lip quivering a little still listening though she was torn between what she was being told and what she knew. Everything was a contradiction to what she faced and she didn't know how to deal with it.

It felt so very overwhelming right now to the young girl as there was a slight pause. Then Eva was talking again telling her that it probably was pretty scary right now. That she knew how different this all must be for her. That she probably wasn't used to having parents that cared about her. Stating that she probably came off as a slave than a child in some cases...which was true though they never called her slave per se. Some called her 'girl', others called her 'freak' or 'bitch' or whatever else they thought she deserved. Frowning when Eva told her that all those things were wrong. That begging for food was wrong. Being told not to talk was wrong and even asking for basic things and being punished was wrong. Something that greatly confused Kat there as she seemed to give pause to what they were saying. Was that true? It didn't seem like it. It seemed normal to her until she had come here. More tears sliding down her face as Eva told her she was just a child and that's all she needed to be.

That it was their job to worry about her not the other way around as she'd been told. Still wary about believing that, but she had nothing to lean onto to suggest otherwise. She then made some kind of comparison to that of a rose bush but Kat was more focused on being told all she knew was wrong. That everything she thought she knew thus far wasn't right. She wanted to desperately to believe that, but it was too soon to do so. Swallowing thickly as she heard Kennedy suggest starting with getting her some breakfast as she poked her head around the corner. Looking at the closed door surprised she was allowed breakfast even after everything. Chewing her lip nervously as she considered what she had heard and what she was hearing.

"You....you're not mad?"

 

[PunkPrince]

Kat was silent for some time, and for a moment Eva wondered if she was just speaking to an empty room. But then Kat spoke again, seeming confused that no one was mad at her as she asked if she really wasn't in trouble.

"No!" Eva and Kennedy both blurted. Eva let out a sigh. "Honey, we're not mad at you," she said. "We never have been. We weren't telling you not to make breakfast because we were mad that you tried. We were telling you not to try to cook because you literally just got hit by a car yesterday. You shouldn't be trying to do a million things at once. You should be resting so you can heal and get better. I know you're not used to being allowed to rest or having people that actually want you around, but we want you around. We want you to be a part of our family."

"We're not mad at you," Kennedy reassured again. "There might be times when we get mad at you, and that's okay. Sometimes families argue--without hurting each other--and that's okay. If we're ever mad at you, it's only because we care about you. I have to remind Hugo to take his medicines and do his breathing treatments at least three times a week, if not more than that. You think that doesn't drive me absolutely nuts? It does. It doesn't mean I love him any less."

"We aren't mad at you," Eva promised again. "Please come eat some breakfast."

 

[half-blood prince]

Kat flinched instinctively, just about jumping out of her skin when both ladies blurted out that they weren't mad at her. Jarring her back a little as she inhaled a little bit of air from the small flare-up of pain. She really starting to wonder if she was ever going to get used to such sudden loud noises. Moving back to her corner for a few minutes to try and calm herself down after the small jump scare. Hearing a sigh which never normally boded well for Kathleen making her stiffen up before hearing Eva's voice insisting that none of them were very mad at her. That they had never been mad at her from the start insisting that they weren't even upset that she had tried to make breakfast for them all. Only concerned that she was doing such things after being hit by a car not a few hours ago. Dropping her gaze since nobody could see her aways as she thought about it. Her head really did hurt, but she had always been taught that injuries didn't excuse you from anything. That you worked through the pain like an adult or you risked incurring the wrath of your parents.

Listening as Eva continued to talk to her about how it wasn't right for her to do things while she was sick. Wanting to open her mouth to insist that it was, but was cut off as she seemed to already know what Kat was going to say. That she probably had never known a day of rest in her life or had people looking out for her before. But that they did want her and they did want her to see herself as part of the family. That they wanted to see her healthy and happy, unlike the homes she'd previously been in. Looking at her spot and then in the direction of the door where the two women were waiting anxiously for her. Not that it helped to have them both outside her door like a pack of dogs ready to pounce her at any moment. Hearing Kennedy reassuring her of this fact by repeating that she wasn't mad either. That their might be times when they were mad making her flinch as they insisted that it was alright. Feeling the blood drain from her face as Kennedy pressed on saying that families had their fights, it was natural.

Impressing on the without hurting aspect of it, which eased her worries slightly though not by much. That even if they did get mad at her it was only because they cared about her. Scrunching her nose at that not sure she liked this idea of love. Then again, her ideas of the family seemed a good deal different than what she'd known her entire life. Kennedy then bringing up Hugo and how he drove her nuts when he forgot to do things he was supposed to do. But it didn't mean she didn't love him any less because of it. Making her frown a little more uncertain than before with more questions which she kept from asking. Reminding herself that she was supposed to be the dutiful mute not the questioning chatterbox that her families had hated. She was hungry....she'd all but said she was, but she felt dirty being in a nice kitchen, eating at a nice table. She wasn't sure she was ready for that right now...too many things to take in right now. She still wouldn't say she trusted anyone...maybe Kennedy a little....but that was a big maybe.

Fighting the rules holding her back that insisted she kept quiet and out of sight. Torn between the demands for following rules and the desire to trust someone again. Both very different struggles as her experiences were the only thing to draw from. Worrying her bottom lip as she looked from the closed door to her bed again. Tears still free-falling down her face as she tried to understand what the right answer was. It seemed to be breakfast, but she wasn't sure she could handle a full mean after yesterday. Playing with her shirt for a moment or so as she seemed to deliberate for a while.

"Can.....can I just eat here? Please?" she asked hesitantly and very unsure of herself.

 

[PunkPrince]

"Of course," Eva murmured gently. "I'll bring your food up to you." She followed Kennedy down the staircase and back into the kitchen, where Jupiter, Hugo and Ronan had settled around the table. Ronan looked up as his parents entered the room, his eyes round with worry. "Is Kat okay?" he asked anxiously. The boy had begun to pick nervously at the food on his plate, spooning part of it onto his bagel to make a sandwich. Something else popped up from the toaster, and the boy hopped to his feet to retrieve a second bagel. "I made her a bagel."

Eva smiled at the boy, taking the plate from his hands once the boy had finished slathering it with cream cheese. "I'll take it up to her," she told him. "She'd prefer to eat in her room." Ronan appeared a touch disappointed, but the boy nodded his head and returned to his place at the table. Eva spooned some scrambled eggs and bacon onto the dish before heading back up the steps. At least Kat seemed to agree to the idea of eating breakfast, even if she still wasn't ready to eat at the table. Eva reached out to gently knock on the door once again.

"Knock knock," Eva called, nudging the door open a bit, but not stepping inside the room. "I brought you some food. Ronan sent you up a bagel too. It has cream cheese on it." She was quiet for a moment, and then asked, "Do you want me to stay? I hate to leave you up here eating breakfast on your own." She took a small step back. "Unless that's what you want, of course. Then I'll leave you be."

 

[half-blood prince]

Kat was quiet for several minutes as she waited to see what they may say to her request. Truthfully, she was nervous making it in the first place, but she really didn't feel ready to do much else. Still bracing for the door to slam open any minute now as she chewed her lower lip. Somehow she didn't think they'd allow her to skip another meal. Especially when there was medicine to consider looking up when Eva slowly conceded that she could eat in her room. Feeling a touch relieved at that as she mentioned bring it up for her now. Hearing the pair of them going back down the stairs once more as she poked her head around the corner of the bed. She had to admit the family was a strange one as far as Kathleen was concerned as she sat there on the floor. Looking from the door to the bed that looked awfully inviting again. Kennedy had told her last night that it was meant to be hers, but that was yesterday. For all she knew the rules changed from one day to the next...it was just like a family to do that to her.

Sighing gently as she decided to wait on the bed rather than crouched behind it. Pushing herself up as she moved to grab the bed when she felt a momentary moment of light-headedness. Taking a deep breath as she tried to steady herself, making her wonder if she really had overdone it. Moving to get up on the bed once more as she sat there a moment or two closing her eyes. Hearing footsteps coming upstairs again making her open her eyes once more relieved that the dizziness had faded for the time being. The last thing she wanted was to force her family to take her back to the hospital. Lifting her head a little when she knocked on the door seeing it open a small crack. Once again, Eva stayed outside the door as she gave one more glance to her stuffed companions. Taking a moment to compose herself as she made her way over to the door hesitantly. Eva telling her that she had brought some food as well as an extra bagel that Ronan had made. Thinking that was awfully sweet of him despite her not wanting to be downstairs just yet.

Nobody had ever really gone out of their way to do something nice for her like that. Not sure what cream cheese was, but she wasn't about to ignore it after he'd gone to the trouble of making it. Slowly opening the door knowing she might as well so Eva didn't stand there looking silly. Allowing it to open halfway as she stared at the promised plate. Noting the pill as well that she guessed she was going to have to take sooner than later. Not sure, why she needed them, but she didn't want to upset the doctor or parents by not taking them. Surprised though when Eva then popped the question about if she wanted the company up here. That she hated to think of her eating up all alone unless that was what she preferred. Shifting uneasily for a few minutes debating whether to reject it or not. A part of her really wanted to have the company, another though said it could be a trick. Looking back over to her bed and then back at Eva as she gave a small nod in acceptance.

Moving back away from the door to let her come in when she wanted, her bed nicely made and her two toys on top of her dresser. Dropping her gaze a little as she slowly made her way back over to her bed. Moving to sit down with some effort as she paused really she had nothing for the pill. Was it bad if she asked for some water? Looking down at the plate of food that she'd made for the family still feeling strange about it all. Picking up the fork with her left hand which proved kind of tricky as she looked over at Eva a moment trying to give her a small smile.

"Thank....Thank you," murmured Kat out of habit not wanting to be impolite.