third investigation

[stagemanagers]

[At the start of Friday, things are surprisingly calm. There’s no blood on the hall carpet, presumably no bodies ready to fall out of a broom closet, nothing especially incriminating when the cast wakes up and emerges from their rooms. It’s possible this time, even with the palpable temptation of the Phantom’s motive, that no one has taken him up on his offer to kill. Maybe later today you won't have to march yourselves into the trial room to decipher clues and watch more of you die.

But the day is young.]

Comments

[isawallflower]

[ Riley's...forgoing her usual workout today. Not even worried when Stephen doesn't knock on her door. She wants to get some fresh air instead?

That was. Probably a bad idea. ]

Steven...? Steven, what's--

[ Then she sees the shattered gem. ]

...What?

[holyspit]

[Yeah, Steven's fine. He's fine! He's just feverishly trying to assemble the world's worst 3D puzzle.]

I don't know! She was just- lying here, in- in pieces-!

[isawallflower]

In pieces? [ Her breath catches. ] Spinel?

[holyspit]

Yes! I can- maybe this time, she's a Gem-

[Yeah, tears are falling freely, over the as-reassembled-as-it's-gonna-get gemstone. Of course nothing happens, because that might actually be a good thing and we can't have that apparently.]

[isawallflower]

[ ...Riley's going to lean down and just. Put a hand on Steven's shoulder. ]

Steven...

[ What the fuck else is there to say? ]

[holyspit]

Why isn't- why can't I help anyone.

[This is what he's supposed to do, he has one job.]

She didn't- she just wanted to be a friend, Riley, that's what she was made for.

[isawallflower]

[ Oh that's a squeeze to the heart. ]

She told me. [ Her hand on Steven's shoulder tightens and...she tries to pull him back a bit. At least to hug him. ] I'm so sorry, Steven...but this isn't your fault.

[holyspit]

[You know what, he'll not fight the hug. Sorry you're dealing with his gross-sobbing teenaged self, Riley, this is finally offically Too Much for his facade.]

My mom hurt her so bad, and she didn't even know...

[Or. Knew part of it. Depending on backtags.]

[isawallflower]

[ It's okay. It's okay, she'll just. Give him a tight hug, after a brief stare at the shards and- no. No, not looking at them. ]

Shhh. I got you. I got you right now.

I finally get to use this icon

[holyspit]

[Yeah, just. Kind of sobbing for a bit before the investigation really starts.]

[You're a true hero, Riley.]