Emma Webster (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
badanniversary) wrote2037-11-03 10:16 am
badanniversary) wrote2037-11-03 10:16 am
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EMMA WEBSTER/DAVENPORT
Emma Webster/Davenport
NAME
Pumpkin
NICKNAMES
05/29 **
BIRTHDAY
Female/Widowed/Straight
DATING
Till Death
CANON
New York **
HOMETOWN
New York
CURRENT LOCATION
Alive
STATUS
HISTORY
Please note that anything marked with a ** is headcanon. I will use this sparingly and only when canon lacks details. Weaknesses are combined with Abilities for those looking to get a legup. Also, please note that Emma's story involves physical assault and domestic abuse, though not technically by the same person. There's also mentions of suicide.
Little is known about Emma's past. We know she used to be a carefree girl who tried to be a professional photographer but without success, though we do have hints she actually does have some skill in photography.
12 years prior to the story, Emma is attacked by a man named Bobby Ray, also known as Jacdaw, in what is labeled as an attempted robbery but seems more like attempted murder. She's severely beaten and stabbed before she's able to fight her attacker off by punching him in the eye with her keys. She's left injured (disturbing photo taken after) and frightened.
During her case, she meets Mark Webster, assistant District Attorney. The two begin to date and for all intents and purposes, things seem to initially be fine. However, by the time the story begins 11 years later, she's severely disillusioned in her marriage. While the exact details of what happened are stated, I'll outline my thoughts and assumptions below:
When they meet, Mark is only the assistant District Attorney. 11 years later, we see he's a partner at Webster and Gabor LLC, a job which seems to have made him very wealthy. At one point, Emma asks if he wishes he was still putting criminals away instead of keeping them out of jail in which Mark replies he doesn't miss being poor. By this point, he's also become incredibly controlling, even deciding what clothing Emma should wear. It seems that as his success grew, so did his sense of entitlement until he saw Emma as another one of his possessions instead of his wife. We also know that during this time, he'd cheat on Emma with countless women and even stop trying to hide it.
The story starts out by revealing that Emma, too, has been cheating on Mark with one of his employees - Tom Gormon. Unlike Mark's one-night stands, it seems they've met a few times and have bonded emotionally. However, with their 11th-year anniversary approaching, Emma informs Tom that she can't keep seeing them and ends the affair.
The next day, she arrives in Mark's office to find Bobby's file on his desk. When questioned about the file, Mark says that they're revoking his parole before stating he'd told Emma to wear a different dress; don't worry, they have time for her to change before leaving. At the restaurant, we see that she has, indeed, changed. They exchange gifts: a necklace for Emma and Superbowl tickets for Mark, which he doesn't seem too enthused about receiving. However, judging by Emma's response, this is a common thing, showing he's likely made her feel like many of her choices are wrong. For a moment, Emma's distracted by a proposal from an older man to a younger girl before Mark gets her attention and slips the necklace around her neck.
In the bathroom, Emma hears the girl from crying in the stall. After the girl exits, Emma hesitates but takes the time to let her know that while she may feel like she's made a mistake, it's not too late to change her mind. While the girl seems too upset to accept the advice now, she later gives Emma a grateful stare as they leave. We also see that Mark's left the tickets behind.
Outside, Emma's given a blindfold and told there's another surprise coming. However, the surprise is an hour away, and Mark doesn't seem to care about Emma's complaints of sickness after the long drive. Eventually, she does take it off to find that the surprise is their lakehouse. It's the middle of winter and surrounded by the snow, but they have some good memories of past visits. Inside, Mark seems charming and even states that he wants to make things right before them. They make love and fall asleep
The next morning, she wakes claiming she feels hungover — it's likely Mark drugged her in order to set up his plan. Horrified, she finds that they're handcuffed to each other just seconds before he places a gun to his head and takes his own life. Stunned, Emma can only sit in place for a few seconds before trying to desperately get away. Unfortunately, the handcuff is tight and Mark's body is heavy. Adding to the situation, her clothing is missing. Hoping to find something, Emma goes to the closet, only to find it void of clothing saved for her wedding dress — Mark has a taste for dramatics. Pulling it from the hanger, she also finds a hidden safe.
Deciding she's not going to follow his plan, Emma steals Mark's blood-stained shirt and uses the wedding dress to pull his body downstairs. First, she tries to find her phone, but he's taken it out of her purse and dumped it into a vase with water. Not surprisingly, it doesn't work. All of the sharp objects have been taken out of the kitchen but after searching the trashcan, she finds the key to their car. Ripping up more pieces of the dress, Emma fastens some makeshift shoes and heads outside, also now wearing Mark's pants, only to find that while the car starts, it dies immediately; Mark's drained the gas. However, he's also left her a voice memo, which reveals he knows about Tom. It seems that Mark has been 'called away', and he isn't going to let her live happily ever after with him. Here, we also hear the depths of Mark's entitlement and opinion of her: she should have knelt as his feet as without him, she would have been nothing.
After going inside, she washes some blood from her face and realizes she's still wearing the necklace from the night before. However, while she tries to pull it off, there seems to be no clasp. Giving up, Emma starts to search the rest of the house for anything sharp though without luck. When she moves to check her darkroom, she finds all of the past pictures replaced with pictures of her and Tom, and a picture of Bobby hanging in the dark. A cassette player sits nearby, ready to play a passage from her testimony after Bobby's attack. After destroying the player and taking a moment to break down, Emma hears a vehicle approaching, followed by knocking. She manages to lock it just in time as the door moves to open, but it turns out to only be Tom, who says he received a text from Emma asking for help. However, they were actually sent from Mark before the suicide.
We finally learn that the night before, the DA raided Mark's office under the suspicion that he'd tampered with evidence on multiple cases. Knowing he was going to jail, he wasn't willing to let Emma live without him. Tom suggests they get their story straight, but Emma insists on just telling the truth and points out that Mark would have had an ulterior motive for texting Tom. After all, why would he go through the trouble of removing everything that could help Emma, only to send Tom to save her? He finally agrees and heads for his car, where he left his phone.
Wouldn't that be too easy? As he steps out, another car arrives. Tom says he passed it on the way up but thought nothing of it. It turns out to be a man named Jimmy, who claims he was hired to fix some burst pipes. When Tom doesn't fall for it and refuses to let him inside, Jimmy's brother gets out of the car and proceeds to kill Tom. Seeing the murder outside, Emma hides and as the second man enters the house, it's revealed to be Bobby, Emma's former assailant. Thus begins a game of hide and seek that's made all the more complicated by the chain still tying her to Mark.
Emma manages to make it to the boathouse but has to hide when Jimmy also decides to search the building. Seeing Mark's dead body, while Emma hides in a boat, he runs inside to get Bobby. Using this time, Emma uses the anchor to separate Mark's hand from his body, grab the gasoline from the boat, and sneaks into the garage to pump the gas into the car. During this time, Bobby discovers that Emma has to be nearby but momentarily decides to focus on their newest discovery: the safe. It seems that Mark promised them the diamonds inside, but the safe needs a code and a fingerprint. Knowing that Jimmy wouldn't be able to kill Emma, Bobby sends Jimmy to get Mark's finger while he searches for Emma. Unfortunately for her, he chooses the garage. Though she barely manages to stay hidden, she's able to sneak back into the basement, but that's also Bobby's next target. Soon, she's trapped between Bobby and Jimmy, who's trying to move Mark's dead body. Using the fob on her keyring, she sets off the car alarm, making them both rush back outside and giving her time to hide.
Eventually, he discovers the attic stairs. Emma manages to stay hidden until there's a chance to attack Bobby with a golf club, which knocks him down through the door. Jumping down, she grabs Tom's keys and hides when she hears Jimmy coming up the stairs. Using the same golf club, she knocks him into one of the side rooms, knocks off the knobs, and traps him inside before running downstairs and out to their car. Unfortunately, she's barely even able to get the keys in the ignition before Bobby breaks out the window, opens the door, and pulls her out. Though Emma is able to call 911, he soon breaks the phone and knocks her unconscious.
When she wakes, she's once again handcuffed to Mark. Jimmy drags the safe out and confirms it was Mark's fingerprint. Emma insists she doesn't know the combination, but Bobby says he was told it was the date he proposed to her. Knowing she'll be killed as soon as Bobby has the diamonds, she refuses. In response, he takes off her shoe and threatens to cut off her toes. Unable to handle her pleading and having more of a conscience, Jimmy takes the gun Mark used to kill himself, not knowing it's empty and aims it at Bobby. They finally come to an agreement: Jimmy frees Emma, she gives them the date, and they leave. However, though the plan works and they open the safe, there is only a singular item inside, a saw with an engraved note that reads: the diamonds you seek lay close to her heart'.They realize it's her necklace, but since it can't be removed, Mark meant for them to behead her in order to get their diamonds. While Bobby is happy with this outcome, Jimmy refuses, but he's accidentally killed in the ensuing fight with Bobby. Angrier than ever, he turns his attention. While she manages to handcuff Bobby to Mark, he's able to slice her leg, creating a very slow chase scene.
Emma manages to get to the garage and use the car she'd fueled earlier, but Bobby catches up and causes her to wreck into the frozen lake where the fight continues. He once again catches her and his attempts at killing her cause the ice to break. Weighed down by Mark, Bobby slides through but grabs Emma, who manages to grab the knife that's been embedded in the ice. As they slide beneath the water, she uses the knife to stab him in the eye, mirroring the act that happened 12 years prior. Finally able to break the ice with the same knife, Emma lays on the surface, injured and freezing, as sirens wail in the background.
Though not technically canon, I assume Emma went back to Davenport as I doubt she'd want to cut all ties to Webster.
MEDICAL
She seems to have no canon medical conditions.
PERSONALITY
Please note that the following will have passing mentions of domestic abuse though not of a physical nature. TDLR; damaged, resilent, resourceful, rebuilding, kind
As canon begins, Emma is strikingly unhappy. The feeling is so strong as to be oppressive, even if she doesn't utter a single complaint. The look on her face and the distance in which she seems to feel from everyone exudes from every pore. There are a few moments in which she tries to break out of the life that's become so controlled that she can't find an ounce of joy. The first is by picking out a dress of her own, but she's informed Mark had already chosen her dress and changes. The second is her excitement with the Superbowl tickets — I thought maybe the Steelers would be in it this year, she informs him with a smile — but her gift is brushed aside. Likely, her own choices have been rejected and dismissed so often over the years that she finds little reason to try. I'll go more into this in the 'Warnings' section.
However, we also see that Emma is kind. While we see a sense of politeness in the way she gives thanks to those around her — Mark's secretary, the waitress, etc — we also see it when she approaches the young girl in the restroom. Knowing how unhappy her own marriage is and worried the girl feels forced into the decision, she wants to offer her advice, even if it means it's rejected. Though she can do nothing when Tom is killed, she does take the time to stop and mourn his death later. When her husband says he hopes to fix things between them, she even seems to allow herself a bit of hope. Another point that shows a nicer side to Emma is her approach to money: she really misses the way Mark was before he had money and sees it as a negative change instead of being happy for the increase in wealth. We also know she takes pictures for charitable causes.
After Mark kills himself, we see another side of Emma. She's resilient and resourceful with a strength that might surprise many. Emma refuses to follow the path he set for her; Mark controlled her in life, but he won't control her in death. Instead of wearing the wedding dress while dragging around his body, she strips him and wears his clothing while using the gown to drag his body. When stuck between Bobby and Jimmy, she thinks to set off the car alarm from a distance. While she's no specialist in survival, Emma makes the decisions that we all shout for the protagonist to make in a horror movie.
We also see that while Emma is kind, she's not a saint. After Mark kills himself, after the initial shock, her hatred for him shines through. There's no part of her that seems to be sad. Instead, she even makes the occasional remark at his expense such as 'I thought you'd be lighter without all that blood'. She also doesn't feel any guilt at his suicide. When Tom asks if he killed himself because of them, she remarks that she's pretty sure he killed himself because he was insane. She does also cheat. There are many factors behind this. She's very unhappy, she feels very unloved, it's an assumingly singular affair that she does end, and he cheats so openly that she's washing glitter from his clothing. However, it's worth noting that she does have the affair.
A small aspect of her personality that we do see several times is that while she's calm and collected under pressure, she can also be quite jumpy. Twice, we see sudden noises startle her, one of which she did expect. Both times, she laughs this off, realizing the reaction was out of proportion, but she was attacked and brutally assaulted at one point so the reactions are understandable when viewed through the lens of experiences.
APPEARANCE
Emma is played by Megan Fox, who stands at 5'4 with long black hair and eyes that seem to change from a striking blue to almost black, depending on the lighting. She's a very slender woman but is known for her curves as well. In terms of wardrobe, Emma's a very feminine woman, choosing fashionable and expensive dresses with heels. We see her wear her hair both straight and curled, meaning she's likely fashionable enough to match the hairstyle with the dress. However, she doesn't seem to wear much jewelry. Her nails are short but shaped and painted a neutral color while her makeup suggests some skill and matches with her outfits.
She also has one canonical scar which is located on her back.
I'll include some canon reference images, but the movie doesn't love full-body shots of Emma until she's wearing Mark's clothes so that doesn't help. Clicking on a picture will take you to a larger version.
ABILITIES
THREADING
What: Angst, hurt/comfort, dark, and recovery stories are among my favorite. I'm also open to fluff, slice of life, smut, gen, light-hearted, and most other genres. I like action enough, but Emma is more craft than any kind of skilled martial artist. I'd prefer crack to be limited, but I'm fine with comedic/fun threads.
Who: Canon, cross canon, LAs, OCs, etc are all welcome. Evil characters are just as welcome as nice, and there's no canon exclusion. Basically, if you're worried about tagging me, don't be. I'll work with you.
As a rough example of what to expect if you interact with Emma: if taken from pre-canon, she'll likely be kind and polite, maybe even somewhat sociable if distant. Most notably, she'll have a strong air of melancholy. If taken post canon, I'm going under the assumption that she's trying to rebuild her life and find herself so she'll be a bit more outgoing and adventurous. While not a saint, she'll also reach out if she can help.
Where: She's from the movie 'Till Death'.
A note about AUs: I can AU her into another world within reason. I'm perfectly happy to work with you to figure out how this works, but some worlds will be more difficult than others depending on canon familiarity. However, Emma is very much a product of her past so her backstory will need to be roughly the same which might mean darker elements even in canonically light shows.
When: I'm very flexible with this. Emma defaults post canon but can be taken from any canon point upon request. I headcanon Emma to be 31.
Shipping: Yes, please. I love me a ship. Canonically, she's at least straight, and I'd prefer to stick to M/F for mutual ships.
Canonically, she's married to Mark until he dies, and she has an affair with Tom. Any ship with Mark will be a twisted one, that with Tom was one of love, and any other canonmate would likely be dark.
For crosscanon, please note that she's married pre-canon but does have an affair with a man she develops feelings for. Post-canon, she's a widow and will be cautious when dating. The last one ended badly.
My headcanon age for Emma is 31 so I'd prefer shipmates be 25+ and will stick to M/F for anything mutual.
Smut: Also a yes, both canon and crosscanon. Emma isn't the kind of girl who does one night stands, but assumed CR works for memes. Again, light and dark are both welcome. Please refer to the kink list here for more detailed information.
MISCELLANEOUS
Family: Father (deceased **), Mother (deceased **), no siblings **Mark proposed July 29, 2011.
Per his file, Bobby attacked Emma on 03/05/2010, but Mark's interview is dated 07/02, which is likely a mistake as it implies it's his first time talking to a still-injured Emma about the attack.
WARNINGS
Dark content. Click to expand
SPOUSAL ABUSE - Mark is very controlling. He not only dictates what she wears, but also what she eats, such as ordering her dessert after she informs the waitress she's full. While we don't see Mark hit her, there's an air of threat over the conversation should she try to assert her own opinion. I don't normally like to add words where there are none, the tension he exudes when telling her how things will go speak volumes.
Also present are gaslighting and the constant implication that she's not capable of making her own decisions. When he finds Emma looking at the file of the man who'd attacked her, a file he left on his desk, he physically takes the photo from her and informs her she knows it'll trigger her anxiety in spite of there being no obvious signs of distress even as she rereads the file. Also, he doesn't mind overriding her decisions, telling her to change dresses, ordering dessert she says she doesn't want, and making it obvious he doesn't care for her gift of Super Bowl tickets in spite of obviously being a gift that normally suits his interest. Furthermore, in his recording, he even says she should have been on her knees, thanking him in spite of this behavior and having numerous affairs he didn't bother hiding.
If you wish to opt-out of interactions with Emma, please comment here. If you want to leave a note, please feel free, but an explanation isn't required. For those interested in tagging with her but would prefer to avoid the topics discussed above, I can certainly work around them.
tldr;
kind, determined, dry sense of humor, tired, resourceful; Emma is usually taken from the end of canon where she's working to get her life back together after the events of the movie. Dating isn't going to be her biggest priority though it isn't off the table. She isn't the most outgoing person anymore after years of being controlled, but she is willing to reach out to offer a helping hand.
physical assault, extremely controlling relationships
If you'd wish to opt-out of interactions with Emma, or just with any specific topic, please reply here.