[GP/EP] You're not clear of story out here

[st_arkcrowblack]

Even before she knew for certain that it was the first of a month, Snow’s body had started bracing for it. She was wary and tense, preparing to cope with yet more people in the space of the hotel. It seemed that no sooner had she adjusted to whoever had showed up the last time, there was someone new again.

She didn’t want anything to do with the lot of it. That was what those busy women on the welcome committee were for. She didn’t think the committee was a stupid thing, not at all. Focusing on settling new people in kept the lot of them busy and away from her, and that was where she wanted them. They terrified her.

Snow White had only come into the main building to forage for food. The original plan was of course to turn right back around and escape before the expected rush (small or large) of new people to flood in.

But that was of course not what happened. When a universe was a pocket, it had less to focus on and fewer people to fuck with, and so Snow was entirely certain it was fucking with her when she was the one in the lobby when a new face came through the door.

Comments

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_illunsmeared]

"As if anything could tempt him from your side," Phryne murmured and let the matter drop. Constable Collins belonged to the pleasant, but increasingly distant past. Reminding herself of those they'd left behind and would see no more never boded well, and she could hardly encourage Dot to get over Hugh if she couldn't do so herself.

Jack's question was, by far, the more interesting bit of conversation and required careful consideration. With very little else upon which to spend her considerable energy, she could conceivably spend as much time with Jack as there was in the day. Eventually they might tire of each other's company, but her heart told her that wouldn't happen soon. Still, she might come to resent the constant presence of a man, when she'd formerly made it her business to prevent that from happening. Then there was the matter of Jack's need for privacy. After all they were both strongly independent people. No matter how much they enjoyed each other's company, she imagined neither of them would want it all the time.

"At very least, it should take up the rest of this evening," she replied smartly to buy herself a little space in which to maneuver. "As for tomorrow and the days after, any project worth my attention will naturally have rhythms of its own."

Re: Alcuin (and then Jack)

[st_illunsung]

"Naturally." The answer was as wary as he'd expected, and it reminded Jack that the baggage in this wasn't all his. Phryne had difficulties of her own. He gathered her a little closer, to the extent their linked arms allowed it. "I imagine you'll work out the ideal balance." They both would.