Domino and Ardent spend that evening laying out ground rules for the interrogation. Ardent insists that he stays in the room with them, emphasizing that Domino keeps an open mind and heart as they talk to Mellohi— he’s still just a kid, after all— Domino reluctantly agrees. They both agree to do it while Althea is at school and have it on neutral ground in the kitchen. There’s an argument about where the best place to start would be. Does he have a family? Who did this to you? Domino wants to ask the questions– of course– but Ardent is fearful that with Domino’s way of speaking questions might come across as accusatory or hostile. It’s then that a little blob wiggles its way into view from under the book Ardent had placed open faced on the nightstand, drawing the attention of both men for a few moments before they refocus on eachother. They don’t say another word, only sharing a single nod.
By afternoon the following day, Mellohi is quiet. He must have picked up on their moods– though it’s not like Domino was exactly being subtle with his stare practically burning a hole in the kid’s head all morning. Ardent was unusually restless himself, bouncing his leg under the table or keeping his hands busy by wiping the counter for the second time that day. Mellohi sets the crusts of his PB&J onto his plate and nestles his hands into his lap with his eyes fixated on the table before him. He doesn’t dare look up as Domino sits across from him, poised as if he were about to negotiate the terms of a treaty rather than question a scrawny ten year old.
“Mellohi, we need to have a serious talk,” Domino says, firm but gentle.
There’s a beat of complete and utter silence. Ardent catches the way Mellohi squeezes his hands together from under the table in an attempt to self-soothe. He steps away from the counter and into his role, taking his place between the both of them. “We just have a few questions, is all,” He tries to explain, “Domino and I want to know if there’s anyone who misses you—“
“Or if there’s something dangerous we need to—“ Domino interrupts, stopping himself under Ardent’s harsh glare before attempting to rephrase the sentence before it even left his mouth, “— to uh— keep you safe from.” Ardent smiles and nods, satisfied. Domino clears his throat. “Chat is going to ask questions since— well, uhm— since they’re curious. Just be honest.” The aforementioned blob wiggles its way out of the pocket of Ardent’s apron and tumbles down onto the table. It straightens itself up and squeaks a hello to Mellohi.
“We know that this might be a bit overwhelming so it’s okay if you don’t feel comfortable answering certain questions. I’ll be right here the entire time,” Ardent offers his hand for Mellohi to hold, when the kid doesn’t take it he instead folds his hands on the table.
Mellohi looks up from the plate, brows furrowed. “Okay,” he agrees quietly, though this all still seems to make him nervous, “I’ll do it.”
