Reverie [The Distortionist x reader]

Chapter 7

(Art by teethviscera on Tumblr)

Whimsical, dear, your lies are clear

Now who the hell would've ever guessed?

-----*-----

"Did you find his motive?" Stia asks, leaning onto the wall of the jail.

You two are facing the buildings across from the jail. Adres had made you go outside right after the interview, so the cold of the young afternoon bites your exposed skin.

"No," you answer. From this word alone, you feel your visit had been a failure. Sure, you'd gotten Christopher's input on some other subjects, but he couldn't give you his motive. You want your first crime article to be spotless and perfect. Is that even possible?

There's also the subject of the strange dream... Even though you went into REM sleep, it was like Chris and Adres didn't notice any time passing between your falling asleep and waking up, which was strange. At least you didn't have to feel shame for your mishap.

"Well," Stia says, a little after you fell into your thoughts. "Do you suppose it could be undiagnosed hysteria?"

"Nero, the main detective, said he was sane, remember?" you rebut.

"Correct, but..." She tightens her expression. "I don't know, just a dumb hypothesis. Nevermind."

You ponder on whether to tell her about suspecting Bella. The allegation is baseless, though. You'd give your dream a chance and investigate on your own, but talking to Stia is a step too far. Maybe later, if you actually dug up some dirt.

"Anyway... Could I take a look at the answers to your other questions?" she asks.

"Oh! Yes, I'll get them right out for you." You open your briefcase, hoisting it up on your leg to not let everything fall out. You hand her your journal.

She takes out her own notebook and copies what you had written. With nothing else to do but to wait, you study her face. Deep red eyes, concentrating. You notice a resemblance she has towards Adres. Were they related, you wonder? They did seem to know each other and harbor an innate dislike towards the other. Sibling rivalry?

You remember your petty rivalries with [S/N] when you two were younger. They patched up over time, but perhaps Stia and Adres hadn't had the same luck. Their last names are different, but you suspect Stia is a widow since she has a ring but goes by 'miss'.

"Stia, are you and..." you start.

She looks up. "Yes?"

"Well, you look alike to Adres. I was wondering..."

You don't have to finish. Your intention on what to say is obvious. "We're not related, but we do know each other. Please don't ask any more than that." Her usual tone is calm, a bit dry, but her voice quivers ever so slightly this time. It's your job to identify such variations.

"Yes, of course." In the end, you let the subject drop. Meddling with whatever Stia and Adres had against each other isn't in your interest, since they are irrelevant to your current explorations.

She hands you back your notebook. "Goodbye, Miss [L/N]. I wish you luck with your article."

"I hope your future ventures go well, too."

-----*-----

"What do you need?"

"How did you know I needed anything?" You laugh at Kennith's opening line. He's behind the reception desk. You shrug off your coat and hang it on your office building's coat hanger.