#molly still believes he is just as guilty

[dent-de-leon]

Molly telling Lucien if he kills the Mighty Nein then their blood will be on both their hands...my heart--

[jrow]

May Prompts (19)

Day 18 here. Start from the beginning here. Day 20 here.

Weather

They are talking about the bloody weather.

Sure, he is legitimately thrilled to be outside for the first time in days (even if he is stuck in a wheelchair) and it is unseasonably warm. But still, the weather hardly warrants 10 minutes of conversation. He knows that he and Molly are both avoiding having what might be a slightly uncomfortable conversation. It is so very British.

He sighs and looks at Molly, who is still talking about how Toby loves lying in the sun. Enough is enough.

“Molly,” he interrupts, “do you know if I gave Sherlock his birthday gift? Do you know if he opened it?” There is no point in beating around the bush.

Her shoulders tighten a bit but she lets out a sigh. It’s like she’s both relieved and anxious that they are having this conversation. “You definitely gave it to him. I guess you don’t remember but you were … determined when you went over there that night.” She smiles sadly. “It was about time, if you ask me.”

He takes a deep breath. “I don’t remember getting to Baker Street but … yeah, determined is the right word. I remember feeling that.” He closes his eyes. “Sherlock hasn’t said anything.”

Molly scooches down the bench so she’s closer to him. “He hasn’t opened it,” she stage whispers. She looks around the hospital garden as if making sure no one’s listening. “I popped by Baker Street yesterday—Mrs. Hudson let me in. I wasn’t snooping, I swear! Sherlock borrowed a few files from me last week and I needed them back. I didn’t have the heart to ask him to get them so I just did it myself.” She leans closer. “And your gift was still unwrapped on the coffee table.”

He rubs his hand over his face. “Okay, that answers one question. But why hasn’t he mentioned it at least? Even in his recounting of what happened that night?”

“John,” she says, reaching out and touching his leg. “He’s terrified. And, quite frankly, he has other things on his mind.”

“He feels guilty. It’s obvious.”

“Yes. Incredibly obvious.” She chuckles. “He feels guilty about your fall. You know how he can be. Somehow his silly little brain has decided it’s his fault. I suppose he thinks he should have caught you.”

She makes a good point, but he can’t help but worry it’s something else. “It could be about the gift, though. What if he deduced what’s in the box and feels guilty that he doesn’t want the same.”

She looks to the sky and sighs. “Boys,” she says quietly as if to herself before turning her gaze back towards him. “That’s stupid, John,” she says bluntly.

John leans back, a bit offended. “Come on, you know Sherlock can deduce anything.”

“Not about you!” she says, raising her hands in the air. “You’re his blindspot.” She puts her hands down and takes a deep breath. “And do you really think he’d spend time deducing a birthday gift while you were lying in a hospital bed? I saw him that morning, John. He was a mess. Kept it together on all things Rosie but all in all a mess. He’s not feeling guilty because he thinks he needs to let you down easy.”

John feels slightly chastised but also better. Molly isn’t lying about this. She believes what she’s saying. That’s the best he can hope for.

“Thanks, Molly,” he says, leaning forward to put a hand on her shoulder. “For everything.”

“I’m happy to help. I keep offering to do more with Rosie, but Sherlock refuses. At some point I do want to actually see her when she’s awake!”

He laughs. That all sounds about right.

She shrugs. “You know, I’m not sure Sherlock will get it anyways. When he opens the gift, I mean. You are trusting that present to explain quite a lot. Most people would just see it for what it is. A bit extravagant maybe, but that’s it.”

“He’ll take one look and put the pieces together.”

“Blind spot, John. And then you’ll be forced to use your words. Heaven forbid.”

“He’ll know, Molly.” He takes a breath. “I was determined. I am trying to get that determination back. And … I’m not good with words.”

“You two are a pair in that regard.” She shakes her head and then stands up. “Come on, let’s get back.”

@keirgreeneyes @raina-at @totallysilvergirl @meetinginsamarra @jolieblack @phoenix27884 @friday411 @calaisreno @quimerasyutopias @lisbeth-kk @safedistancefrombeingsmart @momma2boys @helloliriels @dapetty

Let me know if you want to be added or removed 😊

[captainofthetidesbreath]

It's really fascinating what Kingsley says: "And every now and then, Captain will talk about that fight [with Lucien] but not the other way. And every now and then, Jester will talk about Molly, but it's what you expect from her."

Fjord tells Kingsley about Lucien, and Jester tells Kingsley about Molly, in glowing idealized terms. But, more than that: Fjord also never talks to him about Molly, and apparently Jester doesn't talk about Lucien.

There's a lot implied in that, and it says a lot about the relationships between Fjord and Jester to Lucien and Molly and the hurts, guilts, and pains there. There's something even to be said in Kingsley's understanding of them both in the way that he trusts Fjord's assessment (in tandem with and supported by Caduceus) but understands Jester's view to be rosy.

And I feel like it there's interesting thoughts to muse and wonder about in there. Does Fjord still feel so guilty over Molly's death that he does not wish to speak of it? Does he believe that it is too much pressure to place on Kingsley to speak of Molly? Does Jester dislike talking about Lucien because of the pain he caused her, sometimes by using her and her good will? Does Fjord believe Lucien easy to talk about to Kingsley because he is a cautionary tale? Does Jester find Molly easy to talk about, not just because he was a friend she thought ideally of, but also because she believes him aspirational—better to provide a role model than a warning? How interesting those last two inverses would be together, and what it says about Fjord and Jester and their relationship to Kingsley.

It's just two sentences but there feels to be a lot of interesting dynamics and implications in them, in how Fjord speaks to Kingsley of Lucien but never Molly and Jester speaks to him about Molly but apparently never Lucien, in the inverses there and how they settle against the five characters involved and that web of dynamics.

[buzzheadchick]

Okay time I do my Walten Files posting. I’ve noticed some confusion regarding timelines and what’s happening when, so I want to try to write down what happens and when. Now someone this stuff not make much sense, and some may possibly be retconned, but this is what we are given.

The crash happened the night of May 2nd. Multiple times in the series we are told this. Jack calls Felix that night, Felix does not pick up. Jack goes to Felix’s house (12:23 AM according to CC), Felix does not answer. Jack says “I know you can hear me” and “I know you’re in there,” but we are to presume this is wishful thinking on his end, because Felix is not actually home. Felix was out until early hours of the morning the next day (May 3rd) digging the graves (still sitting in one as of 8:56 AM according to CC), throwing the bag into the river, and then going to the police station. Even earlier in the morning, presumably after Jack went to Felix’s house (which was past midnight and thus morning), Jack had already gone to the police. We learn this in the description under Lacrimosa.

"Report 90892 May 4th, 1974 - Brighton City Police Department

Wrr: Frank Davis

Felix Archer Kranken reportedly arrived at the station in the morning on May 3rd, He had a broken pair of glasses, dirty blue pants and a yellow dress shirt covered in dirt and blood. When I got the call He was already taken into custody, we sat him down for a few hours and he revealed valuable information about a case we were previously told about earlier that same day by Mr. Jack Walten. Walten's 2 youngest kids, Edd and Molly Walten, had disappeared with Kranken the night prior. Felix's alibi stated he was unconscious or about 20 minutes, when he woke up the kid had ran off."

In TFW4, we get a sort of update from Felix from “3 days after the accident.” He said he “finally told them what happened” in his office, which I think we are to believe he told them the truth, as opposed to the lie he told the police. However, he still lies about the Rocket doll. In the description under Guilty, we see this:

"In memorial of Edward Walten - Molly Walten:

- Ed (12) and Molly (9) died Thursday, May 2nd, 1974 in a fatal car accident, they were leaving a party made by their school to celebrate Spring. Jack Walten (father, husband) couldn't take the kids to the celebration because of work. A friend of Mr. Walten would take the kids instead. On the way back home, Jack's friend would be driving in questionable conditions, thus crashing his car near the road next to Saint Juana's forest. Instantly taking both Edward and Molly's lives. You will be remembered, our little angels, our little red children."

The video Guilty is from three years ago, so this may be retconned, but it is the current understanding that by the time of the funeral for Ed and Molly, they knew the truth of what happened. This points to the idea that during the meeting in Felix’s office, he told the truth. However, it is unclear if this truth went out to the police. There are a few reasons why The Waltens may not go forward with the information Felix told them, but I don’t cover them here as they aren’t explicitly stated.

It is unclear when the funeral is, but based off of the memorial, it is after Felix came clean. In TWF4, on “05/13” (May 13th) Susan and Charles only find out “weeks” later about the funeral, but it physically couldn’t have been more than ten days, implying the funeral was held quickly after the accident, possibly as soon as they Waltens found out the truth. With it also being clear it was “family only,” it seems in addition to not telling the police, the family hadn’t told ANYONE. It is unclear if Susan and Charles know the full truth, or only the truth given to the police, only that he was “drunk while driving the car.” By that time, Susan says she hasn’t heard from Jack “in a long while.” Both of them think there’s something off with Felix’s story, implying that they maybe don’t know the full truth, but they could just be doubting what we the audience have been shown (which still may not be the full story). Charles asks if the kids are “gone,” which is ambiguous wording. I think it may be intentional that we don’t know what they know. Some point prior to that, Felix hid Rocket at Bon’s Burgers, and told Susan not to tell Rosemary or Jack. Jack disappears almost a month later, on June 11th. Susan dies even later, on June 30th.

So that’s the timeline of the events we see surrounding the new video. I can’t tell you if maybe there’s more than Felix even knows happened that night, or who knows what, or why the Waltens haven’t gotten Felix arrested. But that’s the timeline.

[approxtwelveangrybees]

Another idea! Vashwood Anastasia au.

The crash was an accident. Rem and the twins all survive

Vash pushes her into an escape pod first and clambers into another one right behind. It’s the difference of a few seconds, but it’s enough that rem and nai maintain original trajectory while vash spins away

He wakes up with no memory and starts wandering, so he finds ship 3 all the same

Rem and Nai find a different ship but there’s no long distance communication available and no desert transportation infrastructure or engineering yet

So the 6 mill and later 60 mill “bounty” is actually nai and rem trying to find him because nai insists he’s alive and rem believes him

Rem is in and out of cyro sleep a lot

“Vash” meanwhile is going about life! Except he goes by the name Eriks. He can’t explain why but he’s very good with plants and makes a decent enough living—except there’s also ALWAYS chaos following behind him and so heeee is running out of friendly towns

He needs double dollars to get to another city’s jurisdiction

He’s told to speak to Wolfwood, whoever that is

WW just wants the money so he can pay off his contracts to Conrad, go back to hopeland, and forget about the past

When “Eriks” shows up, ww gets excited because shit, he might be able to pull this off

Unfortunately for him two reporters also see the resemblance

Meryl and molly are writing a story about the infamous bounty (I think to keep themselves hidden rem has infiltrated a few city councils by now). It’s sorta an urban legend thus the reporters, think buzzfeed unsolved almost

Off they go to July, where vash thinks they’ll be able to get on a ship for November after meeting some people who may or may not be able to tell him about his pst and ww, who is trying not to feel guilty about using some poor idiot in his get rich quick scheme (meryl and milly might be trying to get a story to hold off getting sent to insurance so they’re a bit sus here too)

Kuroneko is pooka

Nai and Rem have given up, but when they’re deliberating after the second time vash shows up (some ballet scene equivalent!) vash finds nais piano and starts subconsciously playing the twins duet. That’s when they know it’s him

I think Conrad is still probably an antagonist on account of the you know. Child experimentation. But I think it’s less dressed up in religious talk and more the promises of food and shelter? Idk. I want wolfwood to still be wolfwood and I’m a stamp watcher

Nai still gets to knife imposters when rems asleep

[verdemoun]

How do you think John would react to the song Second Child, Restless Child (because he is the second son to Hosea and Dutch) or just any of the gang to various The Oh Hellos songs of songs by Madds Buckley (if you don’t listen to them I definitely recommend because it’s a hood vibe for rdr2 stuff :>

Listening to new music is trial for me but thanks I cried over Wine and Wheat that's going on the playlist.

John has a playlist of just... angsty music that is his outlet for how conflicted he is over seeing Dutch and even Hosea. He has a better relationship with Hosea in timewarp but also Arthur was always Hosea's favorite son, and John was always Dutch's clone.

shout out to @eggsaladsweetie but wolf by first aid kit? like john is sitting in a parked car at night just listening to it. second child, restless child is def on his construction work mixtape which is mostly oh hellos vibe contently moving lumber meanwhile oblivious to charles's slightly concerned looks over 'the devil whispered lies i believed'

John is guilty of forgetting he has earplugs in and shouting in conversations. And it's all just angst. any playlist on spotify about daddy issues or toxic parents he listened to

TEAR MY HEART OUT Madd Buckley belongs to Molly and Kieran. They are the sad sapphos of the gang their dms are just back and forward random pictures, photos and song recommendations.

Unpacking Wine and Wheat a little Molly absolutely listens to songs about religious trauma from the perspective of Dutch being the VDL's god (now i've got god's ear). finding love and being in a healthy relationship is her salvation but still loathes herself for needing to find peace with the idea of betraying 'god'

the intensity of her hatred for dutch post therapy is like a thousand suns burning. also molly wasn't a rat 2k24. her mind was so warped by Dutch that realizing how toxic and imbalanced their relationship was still feels like a betrayal because of how much he preached loyalty.

Kieran has had it too easy lately reminder he is a damaged traumatized soul. he listens to Wine and Wheat and is almost in tears because he is deeply religious and really feels god have mercy on them/god have mercy on me but the idea of being torn between love and god. being an outlaw gang leaders were treated as gods like it or not he was devoted to colm and it feels like a black mark on his soul. he loved the vdls but still (forcedly) betrayed them at colm's order

when they were still trying to understand timewarp and realized how shortly after their deaths colm was executed, someone asked the offhanded question if that meant colm o'driscoll would timewarp too - and it was panic. kieran was hyperventilating, holding fistfuls of his hair painfully tightly as he sank to the floor.

months, years, decades later, he still can't convince himself he wouldn't betray the gang again at colm's command/torture and he would rather die than break their trust again. no amount of assurance that there's no blame or ill will towards him for talking in that situation will make him forgive himself

as much as kieran is trying to quit smoking, it is not uncommon to find him sitting outside at dark hours of morning with a cigarette in his shaking hand because he had a nightmare about colm, either reliving what happened in 1899 or fever dreams about colm coming back in modern era. the gang are very used to checking outside the windows if they're awake that late/early, and silently sitting with him so he isn't alone until he's ready to try to go back to sleep

[river-of-wine]

I think the strangest thing to me about the prevalence of second rat theories and how often they are discussed, especially in regards to Abigail, as canon is that like. From a writing perspective, why would the game do that? Why would it just never follow up on the supposed other traitor, especially given how big a show is made about Micah?

If it’s Molly, why even have characters doubt her in the first place? Why have characters like Mary-Beth, Arthur and of course Karen, who severs her relationship with Grimshaw and falls worse into her already frightening addiction as a result of Molly’s fate, ever doubt Molly to begin with? Why, in the same cutscene that Micah’s guilt is revealed, have Molly’s innocence be so clearly stated by somebody with no reason to lie? Milton has Arthur at gunpoint, and he’s not under the impression that any of the three people in the room with him will ever be leaving to tell the gang what he’s saying. Why just lie that Molly was innocent if she really wasn’t? Why not just let Arthur continue to believe she’s guilty? It doesn’t change anything if he thinks it was Molly and Micah, he’s going to kill him anyway. I’ve seen people say that Milton “lied” about Molly’s innocence in order to cause more conflict in the gang, but wouldn’t it be better to accuse two people of being traitors? He doesn’t know what happened to Molly, for all he knows she’s still in the gang and, given that we’re pretending she did rat on them in this scenario, they are none the wiser. Again though, that’s clearly not what he’s doing. He has no intentions of letting anybody in this room, Arthur, Sadie and Abigail, go free.

If it’s Abigail, who is certainly the more frequent target, why go through the entire epilogue in which she is a very central character with not even a hint towards her having ratted on the gang? The big finale of the epilogue in American Venom, the topic of Micah being frequently brought up by John and Sadie since Sadie’s first appearance. We know he’s a traitor, there are plenty of instances to at least imply that she was one too if she really was. If Abigail knew John would just be arrested rather than killed, as I’ve seen some people say was her condition with the Pinkerton for giving up her information, why establish her immense distress when John is actually arrested? I’m not going to bother debunking the whole Abigail rat theory because it’s pointless and has been done before, but to touch on the topic of her and Hosea, if her arc really was going to end with her tossing him to the law to save herself, why establish Hosea to be such an important person to her? The man who has helped care for her and her son, who is teaching her son to read, who openly wants a better future for them. Yes, Abigail wants the best for her family, but it is never exactly suggested that she would do this at the expense of the lives of those she cares about.

But most importantly, why never actually reveal the “second rat” if there was one? Why have the final twist of the game be hugely focused on Molly’s innocence? Why have anyone doubt her if she really is so guilty? Why have the narrative be on Abigail’s side so strongly and so frequently? Why never even once show signs, direct and substantial signs, that one of these two women were actually guilty the whole time? The idea of there being a traitor within the gang is a big deal from even before the bank robbery, with Dutch’s seemingly out of nowhere accusation of Arthur betraying him in chapter 2 and Arthur discussing the death of a traitor we never learn about when Tilly is discussing Grimshaw. This is not just something that, if it were the case, the game would just gloss over and leave.

Theories are fine, I suppose. As much as I dislike them, you can have your own opinions, though in this instance canon is hugely against you. What is frustrating is how this notion tends to spread into any discussion about Abigail and Molly as characters. Alongside the general misogyny these two tend to face, conversations about these two almost always get derailed by people treating their theories as canon, when they aren’t. Canonically, Molly was sweated multiple times and said nothing despite her admittedly very clear motive for doing so. Canonically, Abigail is never suggested to have any kind of guilt. Again, theories are fine, but remember that they’re just that. Theories. Talk about them amongst yourselves if you must, because it’s tiring having to reexplain the same points over and over when trying to discuss these two.

[cerenemuxse]

TGR but There's a Roleswap - Chapter 7

Chapter 7 - The Furness Railway 21

James the Second Best (Season 10 Episode 27)

Word Count: 1,744

The story can be found at @tgr-2x5-roleswap-au for easier access.

~

Edward was pulling the Honeypot on the Main Line, enjoying the scenery of the Island of Sodor, and chatting with the coaches. The Honeypot coaches enjoyed his company. It was only April yet the breeze felt warm and inviting as he went from station to station. It felt just like the old days when he was a really useful engine. He had just completed the delayed run up to Tidmouth and turned around for the next trip, having just left Knapford and heading to Crosby.

"For an engine pulling coaches for the first time in years, you're doing wonderful, dear!" praised the brake coach.

"R-Really?" Edward asked timidly.

"Absolutely!" confirmed the first coach. "You did say you were an Express engine."

"I did. I-I’m still rusty!" he insisted, only for the Honeypot coaches to reassure him that he was doing just fine.

As he and the coaches continued their trip to Crosby, James approached them from the other direction, having just passed Crosby. Edward was fully engrossed in his conversation with the Honeypot coaches that he didn't hear or see the other engine until…

"Edward!" James fumed loudly and quickly braked to a stop.

"James!" exclaimed the Honeypot coaches. Edward gasped, startled, and braked harshly, coming to a nasty stop.

"I can't believe it,” huffed James as his boiler bubbled furiously and he backed down on the line to see Edward's startled face. “But Philip was right! Engines like you cause nothing but trouble! 

The Indian-red engine looked down. The lack of attention and respect broke it for James.

“You won't even look at me! Who do you think you are? And what are you doing with my coaches?"

"Your coaches?" exclaimed the Honeypot coaches in unison, offended as Edward looked away with a guilty face.

"We aren't even the slightest ‘your coaches’!" exclaimed the first coach.

"We are Molly's coaches!" followed the second coach.

"And even then, we're our own coaches!" followed the third. "Aren't we all?"

"Quite right!" they all chimed.

"And what was so important that you needed to do?" said the fourth coach.

"Warranting it necessary to leave us in a siding in the middle of nowhere!" said the fifth coach, the brake coach.

"It was Maron!" hissed the fourth coach.

"But still!" argued the brake coach.

The rest of the coaches glared at James, who was absolutely humiliated and stunned. "I-" He was beginning to lose his words. "I just needed to do something!" he scoffed, giving off a defensive tone.

The Honeypot coaches huffed at James. "Come on, Edward. Apologies for his behavior," said the first coach, with a stern tone aimed at James, to the foreigner, who had stayed relatively quiet. "Let's get going. We don’t want to delay any further."

Edward said nothing, still avoiding eye contact. He left James behind with two solemn whistles, quite the opposite of his typical bright whistle.

The tone struck James. Yes, he was upset with Edward but he hadn't intended to upset him as well. "I just wanted to look my best for the show," James said quietly. He followed Edward, backing down the track and quickly catching up to him.

"I just wanted to be part of the Great Railway Show," he mumbled meekly after a moment of silence.

"Eh?" asked Edward, caught off guard by the engine going backward but still refused to look at James straight in the eyes. "I thoucht-"

"I lied!" he exclaimed. "I was upset with you earlier. I'm sorry."

“For? W-Wis it because… I bumpit ye this mornin’?”

“...Yes?”

“Whit dae ye mean '...Yes?'” Edward huffed harshly, feeling hurt. “Ur ye mad at me, aye o’ naw?”

“No. I was mad because you’re…” He looked away, feeling silly. “...you’re red.”

Edward frowned but his eyebrows shifted his expression from offense to questioning. A sign to keep talking.

“Because… I thought…” James paused to word what he wanted to say properly. “I thought that I would have strong competition for the Best Decorated Parade!” He let out a sigh. "It's not like I'm participating anyways."

"W-Whit? Why?" he asked, flustered. "Did somethin' happen?"

"It's silly."

"No' if it's makin' ye upset."

He looked back at the other engine.

"Ye gettin' mad b-because I'm red is… silly. I-I think there’s more than w-whit ye're lettin' oan," said Edward with a hint of genuine warmth and comfort in his tone.

James stayed quiet and continued to look over at the engine as he thought about it. As they neared Crosby, James went into the tiny yard and used the turntable. Once he pulled in next to Edward, he finally spoke. "My sister was chosen for it instead of me."

"A sister? Y-Ye huv a sister? I huvnae seen another ye around."

"No, no! There's an engine who I consider a sister of mine."

"Och!" Edward's eyes perked up. "T-Thon's very lucky o' ye. Ye must be close wit' everyone else."

"Somewhat."

"Eh?"

James gulped. When they both left Crosby, he mustered the courage and asked, "Can I be honest with you?"

Edward was startled. "Uh… S-Sure," he replied.

James let out a heavy sigh. "I'm not that well-liked because of how I am. Unless I do my jobs with no fuss, that is."

"Why?"

"I'm not a very bearable engine," he scoffed. "Look at who's coming down the tracks, oh my, it's him! That's James, oh dear!" he sang in mockery, fully aware that the coaches, passengers, and crews were listening, especially the crews. It transitioned into laughter that dwindled quickly.

"Y-Ye cannae be thon bad o' an engine," hummed Edward. Then, he has an idea. "We got aff oan the wrong track. Start over?"

“Hm?”

“Us. S-Should we start over?”

James quickly hummed in agreement.

"I'll go first! Edward. Ma name’s Edward. Class 21 frae the Furness Railway. Preservit by the Furness Railway Trust. Ye?"

James didn't respond.

"Is somethin' wrong?"

"You're preserved?"

"It’s… some story," replied Edward, the hint of sadness going unnoticed as he quickly covered it up with a sly smirk. "...stranger."

"Och!" James puffed up proudly. "James, the North Western Railway's number five, at your service!" he exclaimed.

The Honeypot coaches groaned, which James had fully expected. What he didn't see coming was hearing laughter from the other red tender engine.

"What?"

"S-sorry, sorry! It’s jist-" Edward laughed a little more. "Y-Ye're a very funny engine!"

"Huh, I do have a thing for humor," James remarked smugly as Edward's laughter subsided.

"P-Pleasure to meet ye. Bytheway, s-sorry I took yer coaches. I should've askit first."

"It's alright. If you had asked later, the Honeypot would've been very late, so, if anything, thank you for doing that."

The preserved red engine became flustered. "Och, w-well, ye're welcome. B-But it was nothin'! I wis built for-!"

"Darling, don't be so modest!" exclaimed the first coach.

"Remember what we said!" followed the second coach.

"For an engine out-of-service for decades, you're doing wonderful pulling a stopping train!" piped the third coach.

"What are you?" James blurted out before his eyes went wide, realizing what he said.

"James!" scolded the coaches before muttering.

"Sorry, but at this point, I have to know! You said you're a preserved Class. I was friends with all the 21s, and I don't remember seeing you. You look similar to them though."

"I wis left in a sidin'," replied Edward.

"What?"

Letting out a sigh, Edward replied, "It's a short story. We huv time."

"You have all of my attention!" James exclaimed proudly.

The preserved red tender engine couldn't help but smile warmly. As they neared the Wellsworth Suspension Bridge, Edward hummed thoughtfully.

"It’s nineteen-fourteen. A railway wis lookin' for an engine s-someane could spare. The North Western Railway."

"This very railway?"

"Mhm, b-but they learnit aboot my behavior issues. They immediately rejectit the offer. T-they, the board, had enouch." Edward's warm brass eyes rose up and stared off into the distance. "I wis withdrawn and left in a sidin'. I-I stayit thare and watchit everyane else work until I wis found by ane o' my sisters. In yon early days o' the Amalgamation. She broucht the rest o' thaim in secret. But they, the board, found oot. I was relocatit again"

"So how did you get preserved?" James asked.

"A g-group o' campers. They found me. I didnae ken where I wis. I wis in Scotland. Then the Furness Railway Trust rescuit me. I-it took aboot a year but they restorit me. I steamit the first time this year."

"...what did you do for that to happen?"

"I-I wisnae a very nice engine," Edward reluctantly replied. "I’m the oldest o' my siblings. I wis… I wis overprotective o' thaim."

"But that's normal," said James, confused.

"No' me. I wis m-more aggressive than others…"

James eyed him wearily. "So… you pushing me earlier today wasn't you being aggressive?"

"Naw, naw!" he replied, offended. "The ship. I wis tryin' tae get oan the ship. T-thon didnae go sae well."

"Oh, right… Wait, then what are you still doing here?"

"I-I got lost at the junction. O-Oan the other side o' thon hill. Gordon’s Hill? Sae much goin' oan sae I went back tae Maron. I thoucht I could fine some-engine tae guide me."

James winced, realizing his behavior earlier hadn't made it any easier. But then he had an idea. "I can take you tomorrow! By the time we get to Vicarstown, it'll be dark."

Caught off guard, Edward gasped and for the first time, he made eye contact with James. "Really? But yer jobs?"

"My first job tomorrow is the Honeypot, so I can take you along with me and I'll drop you off at Vicarstown Station! There are no junctions after that station. Just go straight ahead and you'll find the Vicarstown Drawbridge, which leads you to the Mainland!"

"Och, thank ye, James!" exclaimed Edward, before gasping again. "Jobs. Thon's it!"

"What's it?"

"Ur ye a mixit-traffic engine?"

"Um, yes? Why is that?"

"Y-Ye could enter the new competition! The Mixit-Traffic Challenge! P-Pullin' passenger trains. Pullin’ guids trains. Headin' trains tender first. It's where smaller tender engines go tae compete!”

"I'm not small!" James scoffed.

"I-I ken! Ye get whit I'm sayin'? If yer controller hasnae chosen an engine, ye should ask him."

James hummed. A competition for engines like him? Now that could work! he thought as they stopped at Maron. By then, the sun had set and the night sky began to consume the dwindling sunlight.

~

This is the longest chapter of the story.

[angie-long-legs]

Guilt // What actions or decisions do they feel guilty or regretful about? Or is there no sense of guilt whatsoever? What would motivate them to reflect?

Redemption // If they're given an opportunity to redeem themselves, would they take it? Are they redeemable or are they not interested in redemption?

Excuses // Do they try to defend or excuse their past or current actions? What excuses do they bring up, if they do?

Headcanons for Muses with a Difficult Past

Guilt Angel is interesting - he feels guilty for interpersonal damage he's caused more so than the, y'know, violent organised crime. His mafia involvement essentially desensitised him to a lot of terrible things at a very young age, which translates into who he is in Hell, what-with his general bloodlust. But what he truly feels guilty for is hurting people he cares/cared for deeply. He made some very selfish decisions in life that hurt people he loved, as well as carrying a great burden of guilt over incidents that were not his fault. That's what really motivates him to change: he doesn't want to repeat those mistakes and harm his loved ones, or god forbid lose them.

Redemption Ahh, the crux of his story arc! I have... thoughts on this. I do think Angel genuinely wants to change and be a better person. Like I said in the last part, he is motivated by caring for the people in his life, and making these connections while staying at the hotel has been what's truly made him consider redemption for real. He wants to be what someone would consider a good person, even if he himself might never feel that he is one. As for getting into Heaven, it's again about the people he loves. He wants to see Molly. He doesn't truly want to leave Hell for any reason other than seeing her and getting out of his soul contract. He doesn't believe himself to be redeemable, but he's at a point where he's going to try. Which is a big step. Whether he actually wants to be in Heaven on a permanent basis isssss... hmmm. I don't think he'd be happy. I think he's gonna change his ways and stick it out in Hell with his friends.

Excuses He's very defensive. If he's called out on something, he's likely to dig his heels in, lash out, make excuses for why he did the things he did. He is not emotionally mature whatsoever. He probably wouldn't make excuses for the mob violence, or if he did he would make light of it and say he was "wired wrong" for getting a thrill out of it (spoiler alert: he's deeply traumatised by the things he was made to do growing up in the mafia). However, when it comes to the personal things that he feels real guilt over, he would likely get upset when confronted because he knows he fucked up. I won't go over my Angel's entire backstory (but it is in my carrd), but he would either break down or lash out when confronted about a particular event where he emotionally harmed and manipulated his most beloved friend. His excuses would be "I was scared of my dad, I didn't wanna get found out, I was high, I was just a kid, I wasn't thinking". He still holds a lot of guilt about what he did to her.

[goodgollymissmolly]

Nothing just thinking about the toll Molly’s first relationship had on her believing that if she can make a man feel good during sex that means she’s worth having around and not a burden and then he basically threw her away and she wonders still what she did wrong and it wasn’t her fault he was cheating on her for a year with multiple women and he knew when he was sick of her he’d just dump her but his own ego got in the way and he didn’t want to appear like some sort of bad guy because he did feel guilty but not for the right reasons I don’t think he cared that it hurt her he honestly thought she was crazy when he found out how much attention she paid to his absence and used that as a justification to throw his “nice guy” act out the window.

Years later she’s like “oh this guy likes me he opened the door for me…” and Ryan is like “No.” And molly is like “no I noticed this pattern where every time at 5:51 pm he and I both head into the same grocery store so sometimes I wait for him and there he is so I always catch a look at his face to see what he is feeling when I walk in Ryan I think he loves me… he wants me…” and Ryan is like “Molly no…”

And Ryan decides to go with molly to the grocery store and molly is like “there he is…” and it’s an 80 year old man. She’s like “hey molly that’s an old man. I think he’s just trying to be polite.” And she’s like “no we say hi… every time.”

I think Molly really wants a boyfriend again it’s not her one goal in life but I know she wants one and often makes a fool of herself in front of guys she does have sex with them and when they don’t want to stay with her she gets in an awful mood and talks about Edward and how she had it so good with him and wishes she could of made him love her but she blames her inadequacy to be lovable.

I think molly would realize however and has honestly already realized that people do love her and she doesn’t even have to try she loves Ryan and her grandma and does so much for them it almost feels unnecessary.

Of course she would become mildly obsessed with the same guy who buys cigarettes at the corner store who works at the office just around the block.

[jrow]

May Prompts (24)

Day 23 is here. Start at the beginning here. Day 25 here.

Imperfect

The brain is an imperfect organ.

It’s not a machine that can access detailed memories at will or calculate the most probable answer at the drop of a hat. It is fallible.

They are fallible.

Right now he wants to shake John until the memories pop out in full. Because John remembers he was pushed, remembers he saw the thief’s face, but can’t remember what the perpetrator looked like.

And, he is so angry at his own stupid brain for missing the obvious. He had been so sure that the thief had jumped down those stairs that he hadn’t considered any other possibilities. He made an assumption and it was wrong. And as a result, John was left alone with a criminal that had seemingly nothing to lose.

But the anger at himself pales in comparison to the rage he feels for the thief they were chasing. The man who tried to kill John. Twice. Rage is an understatement.

He will hunt that man to the ends of the earth. He will set the world on fire if he needs to.

He wants to find and destroy the thief NOW. Rosie is the only thing stopping him. John ducked away from the table to make a few calls now that his memory has (partially) returned, leaving Sherlock to watch Rosie.

Rosie’s who’s smiling broadly, face covered in ganache. He isn’t sure any of it actually got in her mouth.

“Here, let’s get you cleaned up,” he says, dipping a napkin in his cup of water. Somehow the simple act seems to calm him a little and he can practically feel the adrenaline dissipate. He’s still angry but no longer blinded by rage.

He leans forward and reaches for Rosie’s face.

“Nooooo,” she squeals, pulling away. “I like it!!!!”

He tosses the napkin on the table and sighs. He cannot be bothered with this right now.

Luckily, it appears that John is done his calls.

“How’d it go?” he asks impatiently as John takes his seat.

“Good. Talked to your brother. Lestrade was at the yard so I pretended I was calling to invite him over tomorrow. Since you figured out a copper might be involved, I figured I better be tight lipped while he’s around others on the force, you know? I think he knew it was a ruse, which is fine.”

“Mycroft will bring him up to speed quickly.”

“And do thorough background checks on everyone at New Scotland Yard, no doubt,” John adds. His face is neutral but there’s a hint of admiration in his voice. John looks at Rosie and sighs, picking up the wet napkin and cleaning her face, ignoring her protests. “I can’t believe the damn cop managed to hide his face from four jewelry store security cameras. If he had just looked at the camera once, we’d have something to go on.” He tosses the napkin on the table. “Or if I could just remember his stupid face.”

“It will come, John,” Sherlock says, quietly, working very hard to sound genuine. He’s feeling a touch impatient but the last thing John needs is to feel guilty.

“I called Mrs. Hudson and Molly,” John says with a sigh, obviously looking to change the subject. We can drop Rosie at Baker Street and then head … well, wherever you think we should go. Molly will come by to help Mrs. Hudson after her shift.” John smiles. “She seemed genuinely thrilled she’ll get to see Rosie awake this time.” He runs a hand over his face. “God, I am so damn lucky.”

“Interesting sentiment given the events of the last week.”

John shrugs. “I survived, didn’t I?”

“You’ll need a nap soon.”

“Thanks for bringing that up, not emasculating at all.” John sighs again but it sounds almost fond. “I know you’re right but I want to try to work on the case for a couple hours. I … need to.”

God, Sherlock needs that too. Just him and John against the world, if only for a moment.

John stands up and starts stacking their empty plate, gazing out the window. “I have to do something since I can’t remember the damn guy’s face.”

And then, out of nowhere, John is coughing violently.

His heart enters his throat. “John! What’s wrong?”

John stands and turns around so he’s facing the back of the cafe, still coughing. “I recognized him. The thief. On the roof. I recognized him. We’ve worked with him before,” he says quietly between (now clearly fake) coughs. “And he’s watching us from across the street right now.”

@keirgreeneyes @raina-at @totallysilvergirl @meetinginsamarra @jolieblack @phoenix27884 @friday411 @calaisreno @lisbeth-kk @safedistancefrombeingsmart @momma2boys @helloliriels @dapetty @quimerasyutopias

[pebblysand]

Hello Jo! In connection with your latest ask, I was wondering if you can answer these. Of course, if these would be spoilers I understand if you can’t! :)

When in the future Ginny’s story is revealed would there be anyone who would think like she is now? And I mean friends, family… I think at the present she doesn’t realise it but she is trying to assure she has control and that she had control then, but I don’t think anyone from an outside point of view would label it like she does. I am hoping that along the way she will reach the point where she can say it was rape and that it will come out from her own free will.

Are you planning to explore this in castles?

I would be qurious to see Molly’s reaction and also how McGonagall and Kingsley would feel and if they would feel guilty.

Thank you in advance! The latest chapter was beyond great and the way you write always amazes me :)

hi there! thanks for your questions and for your kind words! you're quite correct, it's very hard to answer these without getting too spoilery. i'm going to try haha.

(under the cut for SA talk)

When in the future Ginny’s story is revealed would there be anyone who would think like she is now? And I mean friends, family…

i think in terms of close friends and family, probably not, especially considering the circumstances during which it comes out, which i can't talk about too much. but if you extend that circle, yes, of course. we still live in a world where women often get asked what they were wearing after an assault so of course some would think the same way she does now. some people would also think she whored herself out, betrayed the cause by "sleeping" with a death eater - i mean, you can think of a lot of negative ways ginny's assault could be perceived. but close friends and family - i don't see anyone in that circle thinking this way.

I am hoping that along the way she will reach the point where she can say it was rape and that it will come out from her own free will (...) Are you planning to explore this in castles?

i can't speak to this too much because again ✨spoilers✨ but i think what interests me in ginny's perspective is also this concept of choice. that's why i never wanted ginny's assault to be a random man-in-a-balaclava, out-of-nowhere type of assault. not that these don't happen - they do - but a lot of situations involving sexual violence against women are a lot more complex than that. sexual violence is: someone's boyfriend forcing them to have sex when they don't want to, someone's boss pressuring them to have sex in order to keep their job, the bloke from the bar who won't take no for an answer once the girl he brought home changes her mind. there are many, many types of assaults.

i think what's interesting with ginny's situation is that there was an alternative. it wasn't a pleasant alternative (her family might have been killed, harry might have been killed, she might have been killed) but the alternative existed. it's not a case of: someone cornered her and tied her up and forced themselves on her. mostly, she went there "of her own free will" (kind of - you know what i mean). she even borderline initiated it as a way to get out of amycus almost calling voldemort on her.

I said: ‘Please don’t, I’ll do anything.’ I’d heard the rumours. The way he looked at me. It wasn’t much of a leap. I handed it to him on a silver platter. I could see a smirk on his face, like the idea had just occurred to him. Contemplating possibilities. He laughed. 'Really? Anything?'

and, i think for her (currently in castles but i think probably until the day she dies of old age), the existence of that alternative and the existence of that choice she made is very important because there is such a dimension of bravery and self-sacrifice in what she did. and while, of course, i don't believe this was truly her decision in the way that you can't truly consent to anything (let alone sexually) in those circumstances, i also don't think she's wrong or delusional for asserting her own agency in this.

if you ask me (and, honestly, if you ask harry) it's like: of course, it was rape. just the fact that he was a teacher and she was a sixteen would have made the relationship incredibly problematic, without the added fact that he was basically a psychopath and a terrorist with a gun pointed at her head at all times. of course, she didn't do this of her own free will. but... she kind of did. it's complicated, you know?

and, i think, in her head, it wasn't and will never be just rape. because, again, this was the way she (partly) fought the war. she chose to give herself up in that way, in order to save herself and those she loved. in a lot of ways, what she did is actually closer to harry's "forest again" than you would think. she was presented with an impossible decision to make, and she still made it. and, she sacrificed herself to save those she loved. that takes courage in a way that frankly, very few people would be capable of.

and, so i think, whilst yes, ginny's perspective on what happened will evolve as she gets older/time passes and she will also grow to see how truly awful what happened to her was (again, i can't talk about this too much here because i don't want to spoil), the above will also always be something she considers. it's this question of: do we always have a choice? and i think in ginny's opinion, the answer is yes. it may be a choice between two horrible alternatives, but it's a choice nonetheless. and, i think ignoring that would be reducing her and her experiences.

anyway it's complicated and to answer your question, yes, i'm hoping to explore it eventually. as to whether it comes out of her own free will, i don't feel like i can answer that without spoiling, sorry.

I would be qurious to see Molly’s reaction and also how McGonagall and Kingsley would feel and if they would feel guilty.

lastly, regarding this, i would love to include everyone's perspective but please keep in mind this is a restrictive third person POV story that is already too long for its own good. i will explore what i feel serves the story but i can't explore everything :).

thanks again!

[feathersandblue]

@mandatorywash replied to your post “Thinking about the parallels ... as Fitz goes into...”:

I don't agree that Fitz is just afraid of rejection, he feels like his own happiness is not worth ruining Burrich's and possibly Molly's (remember this is someone who was raised to think of himself as a tool and a liability). He feels like he's the one who should take on all the shame and pain and protect others from it (at least he thinks that's what he's doing, we know Burrich's been going through it in his absence...)

​I think that "I'm not going to ruin this for them" is an excuse he uses that allows him to make a unilateral decision where he shouldn't, as he so often does over the course of the series. He's afraid of rejection, and he also believes that he isn't deserving of happiness.

But it's clearly not the right decision. At the very least, he should step up to offer help with Nettle and provide for her. He knows she can inherit both the Skill and the Wit from him, he knows how Burrich feels about the Wit. In modern terms: if you have a child, deciding not to pay child support without asking her mother is a dick move.

Maybe it's because he gave so much of himself to girl-on-a-dragon, maybe it's because he's still a teenager and very self-centered, but he's clearly avoiding his responsibility.

The right thing to do would be to reveal and explain himself to Molly and Burrich and then let them make their decisions. Would all of them be miserable? Sure. For a while. Would Burrich immediately offer to step aside? Absolutely. And Fitz would feel guilty for it. Bearing that guilt would be horrible. But the alternative is far worse, because what if Molly, even after he's explained it all to her, chooses Burrich - not because she can't forgive Fitz but because she loves Burrich more?

What if it's Molly who excludes him from her and Nettle's life?

What then?

Fitz is so deeply afraid of rejection that he cuts himself off from the people he loves so they won't have a chance to reject him first. Which is incredibly sad and tragic.

[swagship-sideblog]

Pinned! Read for info!!

pro-fiction pro-whatever lolicon cartoon fan. dont like - dont look

[art tag]

The main things I enjoy at the moment are: Ed Edd & Eddy, Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends, Ojamajo Doremi, Mob Psycho 100, Homestuck, and whatever other shit i'm into at the moment

Read more below to see my fav ships & characters!

Current Waifus:

Senoo Aiko - my baby, my one and only, I love her so much........... I relate to her on so many levels and just love her alot... I actually have 2 different narratives in my head for this one, one where my self insert is a cute lil catboy who gets sent to her universe, and one where she magically shows up in mine. I could talk about her for hours but all you need to know is that she's my sweetheart of the whole world and I love her <333

Double Dee - i would do. so many things. i shant say...

Ships I like:

Anything ed edd & eddy - any combination of the characters works for me. I love all of them so much

MobRei - been a fan of this one for years, always been there for me and I quite enjoy it [ageswap AU is my fav <33]. Many of the fics I read of them are very cathartic to me, so these 2 hold a special place in my heart

RitMob - also love this one, it's very very cute, was there for me when I was stuck hanging out with antis but my love for mob could never be fully repressed <3

Rickorty - this one's so fucked up but my brain loves it lmao... the first time I read a fic of them I got suuuuper guilty about it the next day, but unfortunately I find guilt pretty hot so this one latched onto my brain like a virus, huge fan

Stridercest - pretty much all forms of it are right up my alley. Don't post about it as much currently but it's an absolute longtime CLASSIC and I love it. Most recently was on an alpha stridercest kick because I love dom shotas and watching Dave fight for his life

Kris x Spamton - I absolutely love the themes being developed in deltarune so far, and I feel like these 2 characters and their interactions explore the themes relating to control and freedom very beautifully... both Kris and Spamton are characters whose struggles I can relate to easily/empathize with, so some of the fics I read of them can be very cathartic and comforting... alot of complex emotions arise from this ship, and I really love it. its also really hot lol.

SaiGenos - oh man.... cyborgs...... I read a fic where some of Genos' wires get fucked up and he needs Saitama to plug them back in cuz hes basically immobile until they get fixed... and OUGH it's really hot..... I read alot more im addition to this, but this one was REALLY good

Scratch x Molly: I enjoy a veeery specific wholesome flavor of this ship, but not many people draw it the way I like (last I checked), so any fellow shippers feel free to say hi lol

Style (south park) - this one is an ABSOLUTE classic, a childhood favorite of mine, and im glad to say it lives on in my heart after all these years <3

Kyman (just a little) - I can have a little kyman... as a treat :3

And many others......

Other Waifus (for historical purposes):

Bloo: jeeeze louise he's so cute. He's such a little brat I just wanna pick him up and shake him around <3 bloo crying 10 minute compilation on loop

Dirk Strider - had a big phase of liking him lol. He's really cute <3

Eddy - I need to put him in a dress and make him cry tears of pleasure

Eric Cartman - I have a thing for little chubby boys in drag btw

Brobot - yes, the battle robot dirk made in his image. It's hot. I like to imagine giving it a personality <33

Mob - unfortunately I was hanging out with antis during my original Mob Psycho phase, so I didn't really accept my love for him & he didn't register in my brain like that... but I still had dreams of cuddling with him and fantasized of being able to meet him and comfort him (and got really high an pretended to cuddle with him using my cat lol), so I believe he still counts

Reigen. - I had a pretty substantial reigen obsession during my first mp100 phase, I have a 125 image porn collection of him from back them lmfao. He's pretty alright

Hal 9000 (2001 a Space Odyssey) - I fucking love hal

Karkat Vantas - excuse my french but I need his transboy tentacle cock in my mouth he is very cute

Mituna Captor - Mituna.......... yippee!!!

Dave Strider - he's every transmascs favorite character of course I like him... tried writing a self insert kissing practice gone wrong fanfic but I couldn't get his dialogue right so I gave up lol

Charles Calvin (Henry Stickmin) - now I know this one's pretty out of place compared to the rest but uh... yeah he was probably my BIGGEST obsession with a fictional character... like it was detrimental at some points lol. But man I really wanted to fuck this stick figure X] I actually created a Google drive folder with about 230 pictures of Henry stickmin porn, even including a document with all the sources I could find lol. If you recognize me from this information, no you don't

Genos (OPM) - god I was reeeeaaally into him when I was watching one punch man and I LOVED him. I still love him just focused on other characters atm <3

And probably some others

Other fav characters

Hunter (TOH) - bro he's just like me fr fr... quite love him and want to see him happy

Scratch (tgamm) - DUDE he's so silly funny, so goofy silly..... these so underrated and ppl need to appreciate him more >:3

Kyle (SP) - mannnn Kyle is pretty cute, some of these south park characters are nearing the waifu tier, it's going to be very silly goofy

Kenny (SP) - dude kenny is one of my classic childhood crushes, shoutout kenny lol

Spongebob (Squarepants) - another one of my childhood crushes, youll see me occasionally post about him too lol.

+ plenty others lol

[neely-osbarrow]

Picrew Link

Neely Osbarrow

Neely Osbarrow is a young halfling who had a very... unusual upbringing.

Age: 21

Alignment: Lawful Neutral 

Race: Lightfoot Halfling 

Class: Ranger (Hunter)

Background: Former Cultist (Enforcer)

Affiliations: The Highest Bough

Pronouns: he/him 

Sexuality: Gay

Trigger Warnings for Neely’s backstory below the cut: Cults, torture, murder, death by animal attack and suicide (Tumblr is being a little broken so won’t allow me to apply a community label for mature and violence)

Neely was born the third child to Molly and Owen Osbarrow and into a cult. From the day he was born Neely diligently learnt the stories, rules and rites of the cult, called The Highest Bough. The leaders were so impressed by Neely's dedication that when he was only twelve he was chosen to train as an 'Enforcer'. When cultists were suspected of waning in their faith, Neely and fellow Enforcers would question, punish and sometimes torture the failing cultist as it was believed knowledge gained about the forest must not be shared with non-believers as that would anger their deity, Silas. And so if a cultist tried to leave, Enforcers were sent to track them down and either bring them back to the cult or kill them. From when Neely was eighteen, the leaders of the cult said they believed all knowledge was nearly theirs and ascension would soon be upon the cult. When Neely was just a month shy of turning nineteen, his mother was taken by a wolf and Neely tracked it a day and a night to a cave where he found his mother's blood stained torn clothes and her bones, stripped of meat and three wolves sleeping. Neely, normally very calm (as the rules of the cult prescribe), flew into a rage and slit the wolves' throats whilst they slept. Neely returned to the cult's settlement to find everything tidy, clean and organised in all the houses and workshops. He went to the temple and found there all eighty of his fellow cultists, including the leaders, their bodies lifeless, their souls ascended in the sacred ritual that he couldn't do alone. His father, his two sisters gone without him and his mother now damned to linger in this mortal forest as a spirit. Neely, rather than being angry at the leaders for abandoning him, blamed himself and the wolves. He hadn't asked the leaders for guidance before going after the wolf and it was the wolf who took him off the path. So now Neely wanders the world, listening for stories of beasts hurting people and killing them, but especially wolves, determined that somehow by ridding the world of wolves he might still ascend and maybe his mother and anyone else his heart falls for.

However, though Neely won't admit it, through time and lack of constant reinforcement, he is slowly dropping some of the cult's customs and is becoming a little more open to those who don't follow the ways of the cult. No more is the world evil and just a stopping place for a world beyond. This one is beautiful and so are its people. Some of the beliefs are starting to not make as much sense either, and no longer seem as virtuous and good. He would never speak it outwardly but he is realising how badly the cult hurt his mind. Neely doesn't know what to do with this slow waning of faith and pieces of doubt and feels very guilty about it.

[mcllydavis]

AN EVERMORE TASK: THE INTERVIEW.

It occurred to Molly, as she took the chair opposite of the man in the uniform, she'd never actually been inside of the police station before. Her eyes skimmed the room as he greeted her — "Molly Davis, was it? How are you today?" — and settled into his seat behind the desk as if it was actually comfortable. "So, Molly, who is it you’re here about?" She couldn't help the way her eyebrows scrunched together, wondering how her last name wasn't a dead giveaway the moment it came out of his mouth. Before she could answer, the man turned a page, seemingly connecting the dots right before her. "Andrew Davis, I presume?"

"Yes," she nodded, fiddling with the bracelet on her wrist. "And what is your connection to Andrew?" "He's my brother." Her voice came out hoarse, and she cleared her throat in hopes it would sound more confident. Less... guilty? Did she seem guilty? Surely no one here believed she had anything to do with this. "My older brother." "When was the last time you spoke to Andrew?" "The last time I spoke to Andy," she tried to recall, gently correcting his name. She couldn't remember the last time she'd called him anything but Andy, or annoying, or dumb — they were affectionate insults, but she now felt a pang of guilt, wondering if he knew that. "I... I don't remember, honestly. I've been busy, he's always busy. I guess it was probably just a text message or a short call... probably the week he... well, you know." "Right." The man stared at her just long enough to make her feel like she'd said something wrong before giving a curt nod, scribbling something down on one of the papers. "And did you notice anything different about your brother in the weeks leading up to his disappearance?" "Um... no." "Was he hanging out with anyone new lately?" "I... don't know." She wasn't sure what questions she expected, but it wasn't these. "I don't really know his friends anymore." The man nodded again, jotting that down, though she felt it was the most useless information she could have given him. "Did he leave anything behind to suggest this was planned?" Her fingertips, still rolling one of the beads from her bracelet between them, froze, the question feeling like a slap across her face. Did this man really think her brother would just abandon them, ditch them here? "Sorry?" "Any notes, maps, research papers; anything like that?" "No. He would have told me." Would he? She swallowed thickly. "I mean, he would've known... how upset our mom would be. He would have at least... called her, or something." He stared at her when he spoke again, over the lens of his glasses, with a look that made her squirm. Like she really was guilty of... something. Being a bad sister, maybe. Not knowing him as well as she should. "Did Andrew ever seem interested in leaving town?" "No. I mean, I guess. I don't know." Stumbling over her words, she inhaled deeply before speaking again, trying to sound mature, but her guilt had turned to annoyance that was festering on anger. "I think we all want to leave sometimes. But Andy doesn't know anything else, you know? We grew up here, we were born here." "So if he were able to leave town, where do you believe he would go?" "He wouldn't. He wouldn't even know where to go. And he would at least, like, offer to take me with him so I'm not stuck here for the rest of my life without him and my dad in this tiny dead-end town." Seeming to finally notice her frustration, or perhaps seeing the tears that sprang to her eyes, the man leaned back in his chair, studying her a moment longer before he stood up, offering her his hand. She didn't take it. "Well, Molly, thank you very much for your cooperation. You're free to go." Without another word, she stood, still clutching her bracelet as she pushed through the door to the exit, face burning, not quite sure why she felt worse than she did when she came in.