“Ok then...” he scoffed. “Well, here’s your dinner, kid,” he walked up to me, setting a plate of steaming pasta in front of me. “Bon appétit~!” he smiled, setting his beside me, and a bottle of shake-on parmesan cheese.  

“Thank you, sir.” I hesitantly hovered of a fork; I stared at him intently, watching as he dug in. I was alone. She took me in. I truly had no other place to go. But him... he has a life. A rich life-  

“Relax,” he startled me, reaching for my plate, scooping a small pile of noodles onto his fork. “It’s not poison.” he scoffed, eating it. 

I swallowed hard, dropping my eyes to my plate. I've always picked up strays... I sighed gently, twisting a few noodles onto my fork. Me included. I put it in my mouth, noting that it wasn’t so bad; I shook a bit of cheese onto my pasta before digging in fully.  

“So...” he hummed as I finished the last few bites, setting down my fork. “How was it?” 

“I’ve had worse.” I shrugged. “Thank you sir,” I dipped my head.  

“We’ve known each other for all of 2 hours, I think it’s time to introduce ourselves.” he grinned. 

“You go and do that.” I stood, taking his plate as well as mine.  

“Well, I'm Chester.” he followed, holding his hand out. 

“Ok, Mr. Chester,” I placed a soapy sponge into his hand. “You made the mess, you clean it.” I huffed, walking off. 

“Eh?” he hesitated. 

“I bet you rich folk don’t even know how to-” I spoke to myself. 

“What’s your name, kid?” I walked back up to him, grabbing two glasses from the cupboard. 

I didn’t respond. 

“Hell, I can’t tell if you’re a dude or-” I cut him off harshly. 

“I’m a dude.” I snapped. “But must that matter? Everyone asks the same questions.” I huffed, grabbing the filtered water pitcher from the fridge. “If I say I'm a dude, then I am. In a dress, in a suit, with makeup, or with a beard. The only thing that defines a person is who they are, and the only person to say that is them.”  

“Well said.” he smiled. “I apologize, I meant it as lighthearted.” 

“Hm.” I grit my teeth. “It looks like you will stay the night. There are only two rooms, and both are off-limits. I'll set you up with a cot in the hall.” 

“Why can’t I sleep in your room on the floor~?” he whined. 

“I’m pretending I didn't hear that.” I hissed.  

“Worth a shot.” he snorted.