2020-03-09 - House Call

(TXT to Stephanie) Kim : Hi Stepie! When are you free today? I've got a full batch of Sukiyaki and game systems ready to go. Just let me know when works for you. 🙂

(TXT to Kim) Stephanie : Free today if you want to drop in today. Just at home, relaxing.

(TXT to Stephanie) Kim : Sound great. I can head over right now is that's fine. And good you deserve some relaxation as well.

(TXT to Kim) Stephanie : See you soon.

A little while later there is a knocking on Stephanie's house door. Kim is waiting outside with a large kettle pot and her laptop bag over her shoulder. Not really dressed for the chill though it never seems to bother her.

The knock on the door is heard from the bathroom. "Steph you have company! I will get the door for you." He had at least dried his hair as he made his way to the door. Barefoot in a pair of faded blue jeans, his black tee shirt was in his hands when he opened the door and looked down to the person at the door. Standing nearly six and a half feet tall, the muscular man stood there a moment then nodded. "You must be here for Stephanie. Come on in before either of us get sick." He called back over his shoulder "Steph you have a visitor!"

Kim blinks as the unfamiliar man answers the door and it's one more person she really has to look at to see his face. She's such a tiny thing after all "Yeah I'm here for Stepie." assumptions get her into trouble and she is trying not to make any. "Sorry we haven't meet. I'm Kim." she juggles the pot to extend her hand towards him. Oh right she is out in the cold, putting her hand down for a moment she'll step inside before extending it again. "I didn't know Stepie had company." she says offering a bright smile.

Stephanie had been in her room getting ready to have Kim over when she'd arrived, not realising she'd been moving a lot slower than usual until her arrival. Hearing Jake's call, she'd move towards the main floor just in time to see Jake welcome Kim into the house. "Hi, Kim...that's Jake, my little brother." She smiles a small smile.

Jake carefully shook the offered hand. "Jake, it's nice to meet you Kim. Did you want a hand?" He smiled back then looked to Steph when she called him little brother. "Really Munchkin, you are gonna break out the big and little comments now? Anyway now that you are here it's likely bedtime since you are lightning quick. If you want to help your guest so that her hands are not so full, I can go finish getting dressed." He laughed waiting to see if Kim indeed need help or if he could head to his room.

"Oh your brother! In that case really great to meet you Jake." Kim says excitedly, she knows Stephanie has told her she doesn't have the best of relationships with her family. Maybe this is a sign that is changing. "Not sure I made enough for three. I can just eat a little less if you'd like to join us Jake?" she offers a invitation.

Kim light shakes in return "No, no I've got it. It's just a bit big is all." returning it to balance the pot. As she heads in further looking to set it on the table "Don't let me stop you from getting dressed." before looking back at Stephanie "I brought games too...but only two units. Next time I'll bring three."

"Jake was the only one I had listed as an emergency contact so he came around to look after me after what happened..." Stephanie's voice trails off before she adds, "He's the only I've really kept in touch with in the family. And don't worry about the whole video games thing, we can share, take turns, whatever. Like I told you, it's nothing something we had growing up."

Jake waved his hand on the way to the room. "Yeah I did not expect to be here, but while Stteph is recovering I stuck around. We can take turns or whatever, do not worry about it at all. And please eat, I'll make a burger, I was thinking of doing one and was not sure if Stephanie could keep it down so this is perfect."
He heads into his room and closes the door for a few minutes.

Kim setting the pot down on the table and hearing what Stephanie has to say goes over to hug her friend "I know. With what happened and all." she nods to her "Oh I see. I knew things were...strained. Glad he was able to come. Yeah I know you didn't have anything like this growing up. So I need to introduce you to the wonders and fun. Plus the cursing, oh so much cursing." she says playfully.

"Of course. I am sure that will work. And really I've had my own cooking before. Stepie hasn't had Japanese food before and maybe you'd like to try it perhaps?" she says after Jake. Not going to bother him further after he heads into his room.

The hug is received with a smile. "He and I are usually on the same page with most things, he's just been busy out of state." A pause before they talk food. "I'm just glad to have real food, even if it hurts a little on the way down. Hospital food is terrible!" Steph comments casually as she gathers what is needed for the food, whether it's bowls or plates, as well as the appropriate utensils.

Coming out of the bedroom with socks and his tee shirt pulled over his head, Jake grins, even while shaking his head. "You are far to giving Kim and I will make something and take a share of what you made, deal?" He stuck his tongue out at Stephanie. "You really play up the black sheep idea, how about you were the smart and driven one. I left the state for a job, not to get away from you."

Kim nods "Well good thing he is back then. I'm glad you have some around while you get better. I know it helps." she says "Probably need to reheat it a bit. And yeah tell me about it. What I remember was not pleasant. Better than the tubes though...I think. But now there is yummy homemade food." And bowls would be best for.

Her attention back to Jake "Me? I don't think so. Just trying to be friendly and let others enjoy a new experience. But okay whatever you'd like to do." she says with cheerful tone and smile.

"He's tough to negotiate with," Stephanie points out playfully, "He can be a stubborn brat. Comes with being the baby of the family, it seems." She seems, at least at the very surface, a little more lighter, a little happier with Jake around. "By the way, Jake, she's one of us."

"And now you have outed me... I'll think of a suitable penalty. " He laughs. "You see what I am dealing with Kim? She calls me the brat.' He shakes his head again and heads to the kitchen to work on his meal.

Kim laughs and glances over to Jake "I can empathize. I'm the baby of my family as well." she gives a little giggle. It's a feeling she knows all too well but still looks for the humor in it. Face turns back to Stephanie "Oh of us...ah right. Yep I guess I am, but I'm still pretty new to this. I can move things with mind." giving a nod of her head to in Jake's direction as he heads to the kitchen "Well she isn't too bad. I'm sure neither of you are too bratty. I guess outed in more than one way."

"Let Jake handle reheating the food, and we can talk in the living room," Stephanie suggests quietly, gesturing towards the living room.

Kim follows Stephanie into the living room. Taking a seat on the couch "How are you doing Stepie? If I'm honest you didn't seem so great the other day. Maybe that's my imagination. I'm just worried about you. Less worried now that you brother is here." there is still concern in her eyes though.

"It helps that Jake's here, to a certain degree...it's just been hard not to feel the loneliness, even though we have our entire group. I tried to reach out and make friends like you said. It's just hard not to feel insignificant and unimportant sometimes. Especially with Hera. I'm still upset about what she said to me last week. I'm willing to bet an entire pay check that she wouldn't have said that to you or anyone else."

Kim reaches out a hand to Stephanie to hold it, meaning it in a friendly way. "I am sorry you still feel that loneliness. I'm here for you and I know things will be okay." before she nods "I know sometimes it's easy to feel that way. Believe or not I've had to deal with the same thing. It's been awhile and I just want you to know understand. Not trying to make light of you at all." the comments on Hera "Hera can have a bit of temper. I haven't seen it much, but yeah she would say that to other people. It's just how she is and honestly mild compared to what she has said to Everett at times. I can only suggest talking to her and letting her know how it felt like, I'm sure she'd apologize."

"I just opened myself up and it felt like she punched me in the gut for no reason. I'm not like that fucking Everett guy, I'm her friend, or at least I thought I was. All I did was tell her how I felt. I thought if I trusted everyone more, I'd feel less lonely. I just feel like crap. I should have just kept things between you and us. You're the only person who's shown they care, the only one who's been someone I can trust." Stephanie sighs bitterly. "She'd hate it if I did the exact same thing to her if the roles were reversed and I just snapped at her after she opened up to me."

Kim sighs "I'm sorry. Look I know you aren't like Everett and I think you are her friend. People say things when they are emotional and seeing us both like that." she does try to see the best in all of her friends. And really doesn't know what to say when they are fighting. "Maybe it was all a misunderstanding." she offers "A setback doesn't mean you can't. I do care about you Stepie and thank you for saying you can trust me. You know you can with anything. I'm not going anywhere." she winces a bit at the sigh "Probably. I really can't speak for her. I can say you are both wonderful people."

"Hey we are short on some ingredients, do you ladies need anything?" Jake called out from the kitchen having been busy prepping things for dinner.

"Made a list, it's hanging on the fridge. Just take that with you. I'll text you with anything else that comes up," Steph quickly replies before there's anything else that can be said.

"Ah I don't." Kim replies to kitchen Jake. "Actually some sake. It can just be the cheap stuff. It just goes well with the food and I forgot to bring some."

"Sake and list. You got it. I'll be back in a bit." Jake was already on his way out the door.

With a sigh, Stephanie admits, "I'm not trying to get all on Hera's case but it's hard to talk to her sometimes. I don't know what to do, I guess it's because she's highly emotional all the time. Maybe she needs to take her own advice and be strong for those who rely on her. I've seen enough of her outbursts but I have never once scolded her or told her she should calm down. I mean, I'm typically calm and collected, so having that moment, it was hard for me. So it sucks that the rare time I let myself be vulnerable, that's what happens? I don't know how to approach this without coming across as bitter or angry, because quite frankly I am. I know you said I should talk to Hera, but...I don't know."

Kim does nod a bit "I'll admit she can be and I agree she is highly emotional. I've seen her be strong for others and be there. She can also fly off the handle at times. Not that I don't get the desire too and I have from time to time. I always feel so bad about it after. I usually keep myself on tight control and I know she doesn't as much. Honestly I don't what to say here." she says with a sigh "It is hard to open up and it does mean getting hurt sometimes. Really I understand that." she thinks for a few moments "Maybe I could talk to her for you? Sometimes I'm good at smoothing things out. That why I can let her know what you feel and it wouldn't come across a certain. And the reverse with what she has to say."

"I don't know what the right thing to do is, if she cares enough, she'll reach out." Stephanie offers, "There's no point in me being stressed about it. She's stressful to be around and I don't need that emotional volatility. She probably wouldn't even notice if I don't come around for a while."

Kim can only nod "Alright. My offer is still there though. I don't mind being a mediator." well at least she made the offer "If she does add to your stress and loneliness maybe you can avoid her for awhile." at the words of not even noticing she offers another hug to Stephanie. "I'm sure that isn't the case. But at least you have me around."

"She's just stressful." That's all Stephanie says before she accepts the hug from Kim. "In any case, if you think talking to her for me will help, I guess I don't mind it. But if she hasn't felt the need to apologise, I don't know if I want to know what she has to say.

Kim does hug tightly before letting it go. "I get it. I can at least try to. Maybe she'll understand that she hurt you. And apologize for it, I don't think she knows. Maybe she does...I don't know. But if it's good news surely you do. Or after I talk to her she'll apologize herself. I just don't you want to think you are alone at all. You aren't Stepie, even knowing I could never see Grace again. I was willing to sacrifice myself for you. I hope that counts for something in your eyes. You are a dear friend to me."

"I really wish you hadn't, I would have felt like a total asshole if I survived and you didn't." Stephanie smiles a sad smile at Kim as she says, "Of course it counts for something, it counts for everything. I kept telling you to leave because I didn't want you to get hurt. You mean the world to me, you're like, the only close friend I have outside of my brother. Just...please don't do anything stupid like that again."

Kim frowns "Please try to understand how I feel about my friends. They mean everything to me and I wouldn't want you to feel bad...or like a asshole at all. I'd want you to survive and try to lead a happy life. That would be all I'd need. It is a small price to me." she tries to reassure. Not really sure if it helps or not "I do remember you telling me that. But Stepie-chan I couldn't and wouldn't leave you to face it alone. Maybe I should have, but then I wouldn't be true to myself." she gives a bright smile after the words you mean the world to me "Thank you. As I said I'm here for you. And of course family first...I can't promise I wouldn't do it again. With some of what..." she starts and then stops, clearly not wanting to burden her friend further. "I will be less stupid. My mine advantage is my brain. I thought I could outwit it, I was wrong. I can promise to be more careful in the future."

"That's all I'm asking for," Stephanie points out, "All I did was try to defend myself and protect you, and it tore into me. And that's with my versatile gifts. Just...don't go beyond your means. And the Circle takes care of itself so that it doesn't get broken. All of us leave together. Understood?"

"Alright and I will be. I'm so new to this and I thought I was so powerful." her shoulder shrug as she still has a lot to figure out. "I know you were trying. It hurting you so badly should have been my first clue. I learned a lot from it. I've never been in any real violent situation before. I learn quickly and I wouldn't make that mistake again." she blinks and shakes her head "I get being unbroken. But leaving together no. My life before anyone else's."

It's at that point that Kim would likely see Stephanie's fist curl up into a ball, and she's shaking from trying to restrain herself. "You don't get to play the hero, Kim, not when you're the one who has everything I've ever wanted. You have money, you have love, you have a future anywhere you want to go because you have money. All I ever wanted to do was to leave and find a way to heal the world. I wanted to become a doctor, but I couldn't get the money for it. So I went for EMT training and paramedic certification instead. I am here, and I am saving lives. But I don't have someone to live for like you do. So I'm not going to let you do anything stupid like that ever again. And if you think it's your life before anyone else's, maybe you should reconsider what you think an expendable life looks like, because it's not yours."

Kim does see the hand curl up into a ball and the shaking. She just blinks at Stephanie for a time. She absorbs Stephanie's words before responding "Stepie...it isn't about playing hero. My life before any of my friends. I have all those things and the most important thing to me is my friends...Money doesn't mean anything to me. I have it only because I'm great at what I love." she says as lowers her eyes, she knows others aren't as lucky as her. It does hurt her greatly "You can still be a doctor. I'll pay for it." she winces again possibly reminding Stephanie she does have money. She isn't rich, but compared to so many she is well off. "You are saving lives. You are doing something very important...all I do is hack into systems. You deserve life more than me. Yes, I have Grace and she is everything I don't deserve. I won't be as stupid. I know my limits now, but please believe me I'll gladly trade my life for my friends. You can't ask me to be anyone but myself."

"It has to be all of us. I need for it to be all of us." The trembling of the lower lip is the only sign of emotion Stephanie displays. "I mean, I care about the rest of the Circle. Devlin, Hera, Jessica...I care about what happens to them. But you're the only one I need." Stephanie's voice is quiet and her eyes are lowered to the floor, but a resigned sigh follows.

Kim closes her eyes. She hears what her friend needs and know she can't give it to her. "Stephanie-chan." whether she realizes this about Kim, or even knows what it means, honorifics aren't things she uses lightly. "Understand this is just me. Please understand that. If we all fall then together but I'd rather it be just me. Because all of you and especially you have so much more to offer to the world." she starts until she hears the final words "Oh Stepie-chan. If only I meet you before Grace." she breathes a deep sigh, before she tries to put finger under her chin up to lift her gaze up to her's "As long as I can I'll always be there for you. I promise." again words she doesn't give lightly.

For the first time, it's almost like Stephanie has reverted back to childhood, looking like a small child who was just told the family dog had died or something like that. When Kim lifts her chin up to have their eyes lock, she can clearly see this childlike vulnerability. "I've never really had a best friend before, not like you. I mean Jake's my brother, and for a long time he's been the only person I've truly had... but you're the best friend I never had growing up. Don't forget about that."

Kim's eyes mist up at the response. She is determined not to cry, even tears of joy. "That means so much to me. I'm so glad to be able to be there for you. You like others have never said Kim shut up. I know I can go on. I am so happy to be there for you. Best friends it is...I mean I felt that way before. But...I've never been so glad for head injury." she hopes that makes sense. "I think I get it. And I won't forget it. Any way you need or want I am here for you." she says. Some of her feelings are unclear, but she know she cares for EMT friend so much. She'll just sit and think it over. Again something she just does.

At the least moment with chin raised. Kim brings her lips very close to Stephanie's her's very open. But still just friends her mind reminds her. Kim's lips quiver and she manages to pull back. Her whole body shaking. "I'm sorry." she says very quietly. Ashamed of what she almost did. Stephanie needs a friend and that is what she wants to be.

Startled by the sudden turn of events, Stephanie immediately jumps up to her feet, a sense of urgency to her steps as she heads to the kitchen without saying a word. She busies herself with reheating the food Kim brought over.

Kim lowers her head in shame when Stephanie goes off. Her head to tender for her to beat. "Baka." she says to herself. She truly thinks she pushed things too far after Stephanie said nothing. She just sits on the couch. Wondering what it means for people to be close friends with her.

“Kim! Could you come check on this pot? Not sure how long it needs.”

Stephanie’s call is coming from the kitchen, determination in her voice, seeing as she’s determined to pretend nothing happened. If there is a discussion, it won’t start with her.

Kim's thoughts broken as Stephanie calls out to her. She gets up and heads to the kitchen. "It shouldn't take too long. Two minutes in the microwave." lips pursed and trying to show she didn't slip up at all. Still her eye's go up to Stephanie's before lowering them again. "Reheating on the stove at least ten minutes..." and there is the elephant in the room. She flirted before when she was drunk. Now she is sober.

"Stepie-chan I'm sorry. I'm pretty sure you aren't interested in girls...and." she gulps but this is a dear friend "There are things I'm discovering about myself. Things I didn't think I could be...I know that doesn't make sense. I want to kiss you but I don't think you'd like it. I know you want a friend. And I love my Grace-kanojo...I just." she starts and then speaks quietly "I don't think I can be in love with only one." there she said it. And she couldn't have without being near her close friend. It goes against who she thinks she is. Now she is discovering herself and ready for rejection.

Stephanie hates that she's been put in this position, but she can't fault Kim for what she's shared. She knows how difficult it is to be vulnerable. "Can't ask me to be anything more than myself," she echoes Kim's words before she adds, "I am not rejecting you as a person just because I feel like kissing you would be like kissing a sister. This doesn't change the fact that I'm pissed at the fact that when it comes down to it, I can't trust you to fight to keep the Circle unbroken. We're all supposed to take care of each other and you refuse to accept that."

Kim deflates at the first words "No I couldn't ask you to be anything other than yourself. Again I'm sorry. I should have never even thought about it." she is almost ready to beat herself about the head. "Truly it's okay. I was a baka. I didn't think you felt that way about me and still I tried. Stepie-chan I'm so sorry. Feeling like you'd kiss a sister, I know how icky that is."

Kim blinks and hugs herself "Your pissed? I fight for those I care about. I accept my limits and hope it's enough. Is it so terrible for me to admit I'll give my life for any that I love? I don't even mean romantic love...again I'm sorry. You don't want or need this from me. I am still your friend and by your side. I can only hope you see that."

"Fighting for all of us to stay together is fighting. That's what I've been trying to say. You're so focused on this idea of self-sacrifice like giving that up is somehow taking something away from you. All I'm asking for you to fight for you as much as you would fight for the rest of us. Fight for us to stay together. Fight for Grace. Because being left behind sucks and I don't want that for her." And that's all she says while stirring the pot she's overseeing.

Kim deeply sighs "You don't understand the way I was raised. You don't understand what friends mean to me. Sorry I'm not trying to be cruel. Giving of one's self to higher ideal...it's just in my blood. Giving for my friends that is a choice. Something I feel so strongly about. I will fight to my last and survive. If it is a choice at all to those I love...and that includes you very strongly. I'll give of myself until there is nothing left. I know Grace understands that because she feels the same about Faith. She know me and accepts it. Can you please accept that about me as well?" there is pleading in her eyes. She knows she messed up earlier, it still doesn't stop her from being honest.

"I refuse to accept that my life is worth more than the love you have for Grace and hers for you. So let's agree to disagree." Stephanie doesn't expect Kim to listen to her, but she's done talking about it and she's ready to have dinner so makes herself busy by setting the table.

Kim purses her lips ready to fight for her point of view. Still Stephanie just says agree to disagree and really she has little to offer aside from that. Well she has a few words "I ask again understand my culture. There is isn't very much I take from it. But a code to live by I do. Maybe more based in Anime than real life...still it is there." that is her thoughts before she helps Stephanie prepare the food. Both of them willing to pretend her slip never happened. At least it seems so to Kim.