An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Fandom: The Mysterious Benedict Society - Trenton Lee Stewart Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Summary:
"I have an old friend," Mr. Benedict says. His eyes are kind and his hands are open. Some people might easily confuse him for his brother, but S.Q. has never made the mistake once. "He maintains a farm, a few hours away by train. His name is John Cole, and he's agreed to let you stay with him, if you'd like. How does that sound to you?"
It is another one of their little talks, the ones that leave S.Q. with creaks in his spine from the tense way he holds his shoulders. Always, always, S.Q. remembers the island and the cave, so he considers each question with no small amount of care, poking at it for trickery and subterfuge. He considers his answers with an even greater amount of caution, like they are a stack of porcelain plates that he has to carry from hall to hall.
S.Q. wants to say no, is the truth of it. His place is by Curtain's side. He had said they could do it together, and he had meant it.
Another truth: S.Q. is very good at being prompted by pointed questions, especially by men with a shock of white hair and green plaid suits. S.Q. wrings his clumsy fingers and says, "Alright, Mr. Benedict."
