Firebug, Chapter 2/7

[millstone1005]

Firebug 2

Title: Firebug
Characters: Ryan, Sandy, Kirsten, Seth and other season 1 characters
Timeframe: mid season 1
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I own nothing related to The O.C.. Not for profit.
Description: There is a fire at Harbor. Arson. Guess who is the prime suspect?

Author’s Note: Much thanks to my new beta fredsmith518 for all of her

Comments

[beachtree]

It has to be said, no matter how obvious: poor Ryan. The kid cannot catch a break. This literally epitomizes the vicious cycle that defines his life. He's perceived as a negative stereotype due to one misconstrued event which is then blown out of proportion and communicated and embellished ad nauseum. That means he's misjudged and mislabeled. Suddenly, the burden is on him to prove everyone wrong, despite the fact that he was the victim of rumor, animosity and overactive, mean-spirited imaginations. The kid is struggling to stay afloat, never mind find his footing, and it seems that there's a veritable conspiracy to keep him off-balance, isolated, alienated and a target.

Thankfully, you seem to have the Cohens solidly supporting and defending Ryan as they demonstrate a real commitment to him. He just has to be questioning if they are determined to stand by him and if they would believe him, especially in light of recent events, even if he was vindicated. Even if they would be scrambling all the harder on his behalf in an effort to reaffirm that damaged trust, the insecurities would loom and threaten. The fact that Sandy is proactively pursuing damage control indicates that he won't subject Ryan to unnecessary harassment or potential harm, but it also shows his concern. Even though he obviously read Ryan's reaction from the beginning and knows he wouldn't be involved, he also realizes how quickly and conveniently others will assume what they want to believe. It seems someone either wants Ryan to take the fall, or would be too willing to take advantage of the opportunity he presents.

Protect the woobie!

Thanks for keeping Sandy in character and prepared to listen to Ryan this time- not repeating past mistakes. This could be a real opportunity to heal some past wounds if the Cohens+1 close ranks and bond together to forge a stronger relationship against whoever is trying to pull them apart.

[millstone1005]

Thanks. I try to keep Sandy (and everyone) in character. I'm glad that you think I did. Don't worry, the Cohens are 100% behind Ryan this time.

[beachtree]

You're succeeding with the characterization very nicely.

As for Ryan, at least he's got that in his favor!