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da-birb-writes-sometimes · 6 months

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One of Us is Guilty; Epilogue (Final)

Azul is now gone, but the actual room is known. Perhaps they will live to tell this tale.

Characters; Vil Schoenheit, Jade Leech, Silver, Azul Ashengrotto, Cater Diamond, Rook Hunt

Content; Murder mystery, the ending of this tale

Content Warnings; Blood, injury, death, murder, kidnapping (aka dead dove content)

Word Count; 1.3 K

Do not put my work into AI If you enjoy my writing, check out my masterlist

Azul was gone, in much a similar manner as Cater — the only evidence serving that he was there being the shattered glasses that now lay on the ground.

“AZUL!” Jade was too late though, and this was the most emotion that he had really shown that night; the bottled emotions finally coming to the surface.

He knelt down and carefully picked up the glasses, paying no mind to the tiny shards that pricked at his skin through his gloves. Paying no mind to the pinpricks of scarlet that had begun to stain the white fabric. And he stared at the broken glass; in a way, it represented their night. Normal enough at first, but once you got too close, it cuts at you and makes you bleed… it hurts you. And Jade was hurting, he had been since he had found the Prefect’s body earlier that night.

There was no time though; to mourn, to panic, to freeze. Time would come later, now was the time for action; to stop this here and now.

“Sorry,” Jade breathed, dusting himself off, and pocketing Azul’s glasses. “Are you both alright?”

Silver and Vil both looked at Jade, taking in the slight tremble of his hands as well as the pinpricks of blood that stained his gloves. The calm mask had slipped for a mere second, but they both knew that this affected Jade just as much as it affected them.

“None of us are alright,” Vil sighed, massaging his temples. “And you don’t need to apologize; it’s okay to not be alright… especially in this situation.”

Silver nodded his head in agreement. “If it were Malleus… I would have the same reaction,” he whispered. “You’re strong, Jade.”

Jade pursed his lips but said nothing, instead just offering them both a silent nod; he got the message, but he also knew this was neither the time nor place to lose control of himself.

“But if the teacher’s lounge wasn’t the room–” Silver mused.

“The library,” Vil exclaimed, eyes widening at the realization. “Think about it; where was Rook at the beginning of all this? The library!” Vil calmed himself down though, since that outburst was quite unlike him. “And if Cater and Azul are being held there, that’s where they will likely be.”

Silver and Jade looked at each other before looking back at Vil, and they followed after him, hands on their pens; ready for the worst, but hoping for the best. Because hope was the only thing that they had now.

…

The library was brightly lit up, almost harshly so. And although it was bright, the brightness cast equally as dark shadows.

Rook was nowhere to be seen, and that was both reassuring and a cause for dread. If he wasn’t here, he could be anywhere — hiding.

“Stay together,” Vil murmured, taking the lead again.

Silver and Jade looked at each other, each of them taking to a side of Vil; Silver to his left, and Jade to his right.

“MhmMMMMM!”

Muffled yelling; at least one of them was alive.

Following the muffled sounds, Vil, Silver and Jade found themselves in a sheltered alcove of the library. And amongst the dusty books that rarely got any use was Cater, who was looking at the trio with tears in his eyes, and Azul, who was currently unconscious.

They were both alive. And while the trio felt tremendous relief that they were both alive, they couldn’t help but question why.

Why did Rook spare them? Why did he kill Crowley? Why did he kill Crowley and Professor Crewel with magic, yet he slit the Ramshackle Prefect’s throat? Expired love potions caused some nasty side effects, but nothing to this level of violence and bloodlust.

Jade acted first though, cutting Cater free of his bounds first; using the broken glass from Azul’s glasses to cut through the ropes.

Once Cater was free of the ropes, he ripped the gag off, taking it heaving breaths. “Get out,” he hissed, gripping Jade’s shoulders. “He’s planning something and you need to get out!”

Jade stared into Cater’s eyes and nodded, and took his hands off his shoulders before moving over to Azul. “We will, but not without both of you,” he said just loud enough that Cater could barely make it out.

Vil and Silver covered Jade as he cut through Azul’s ropes, and then carried his house warden like a bag of potatoes over his shoulder. Yes, he would be livid once he woke up, but this allowed Jade to carry Azul while wielding his pen, should he need to protect himself, Azul, or the group.

And right as they were about to cross the threshold of the library’s doors, they slammed shut, and all the lights died out.

It was a trap, but I already knew that. It was too easy. Vil thought to himself, and brought out his pen, illuminating their immediate area in a purple glow.

“Ah, leaving so soon?” Rook’s voice called out from the darkness, a breathy chuckle echoing off the walls.

Vil grabbed a book, and while the others were looking at him with shock — since now is not the time to read — he paid them no mind. “It seems that you caught us,” he answered, hoping that some banter would allow him to do what he needed to do.

Give me a few minutes of time, please. Vil looked into the darkness, searching for that familiar face. “It is awfully rude of you though, to leave your guests in the dark. After all, you can only see the fairest of them all with proper lighting.”

Leave, get out now. Vil’s message got across though, and using the third-year’s distraction, Jade (still with Azul over his shoulder), Silver and Cater managed to slip through the door.

“Roi du Poison, what are you planning? Do you think I would be so foolish to accept anything from you knowing how your unique magic works?” Rook finally stepped out from the darkness, just enough to where he was faintly visible.

Vil quirked his brow at Rook and shook his head, “No, I know you well enough.” But do you know me when I’ve been backed into a corner? “And I know that the real Rook wouldn’t do any of this. It’s the duty of the beautiful to take responsibility for all of their choices. So — Take. Responsibility.” Vil hissed, his grip tightening on the book.

Rook cocked his head, staring at Vil with empty eyes, the sclera still stained black. “Why does the cat chase the mouse, even though its food dish is full? Why does someone hunt, but not for food?” Rook mused, taking a few steps closer, not breaking eye contact with Vil.

Just a bit closer.

“For sport. For the thrill,” Vil tutted. “Was that what all of this was for then? For you to just have fun hunting down your professors and peers just because you were bored?!”

Rook stopped walking, just an arm's distance away from Vil. “No, it wasn’t fun; they didn’t know…”

Now.

Vil took a breath, stealing his nerves. “You trapped yourself, and you shall remain trapped until we find a way to fix this,” he placed a hand on Rook’s shoulder, and once Rook looked at Vil’s hand in curiosity, Vil pushed the book he was holding to Rook’s chest.

Remain trapped until we find a way to fix this.

And the book sucked Rook into its pages; a prison of paper. And Vil slumped to the floor. Out of relief — that for now, it was over — but also exhaustion. He was so tired.

And while, yes, Rook was now caught, he and the others still had far to go. With reporting everything that had happened. To figuring out how to free Rook and reverse the effects of the potion. To working through the trauma they all had lived through, since this whole ordeal definitely had taken its toll on all of them.

...

Fin!

Author's Note; Thank you to everyone who voted throughout the duration of this event. Without you, none of this would be possible. I hope that you enjoyed this event as much as I've enjoyed writing it.

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hallmarktheheartoftv · 7 months

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Curious Caterer: Fatal Vows

#curious caterer #fatal vows #curious caterer fatal vows #andrew walker #nikki deloach #hallmark movies and mysteries #hallmark

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nevinslibrary · 1 year

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Not A Book Friday

Apparently this movie was actually based on two books by Diane Mott Davidson, Catering for Nobody and Dying for Chocolate. Both books in the Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery series.

In the movie (and the book) Goldy Berry is a caterer, who, when one of her friends dies, finds herself on the case at first because she sees something that the lead detective, Tom Schultz, doesn’t see it (it’s food related, so, it does make sense). And then, she gets bitten by the amateur detective bug, and has to see the case through.

One big difference between this movie and the book is that while it’s based on the books, they have taken the husband character down to a much nicer level. He and Goldy aren’t always best friends in the movie, but, he's not in any way the same sort of character as in the book. Not surprising since while this is a mystery movie, it’s still a Hallmark mystery movie.

Dying for Chocolate: A Curious Caterer Mystery

#notabookfriday #nmlRA #nevins memorial library #curious caterer #dying for chocolate #movie #based on book #based on books #diane mott davidson #goldy series #hallmark movies and mystery #hallmark movie #hallmark

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clemsfilmdiary · 4 months

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Curious Caterer: Fatal Vows (2023, Paul Ziller)

Curious Caterer #3

12/31/23

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mashed-potato101 · 1 year

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If you could give Malleus a different nickname other than Hornton or Tsunotaro in book 3, what would it be? Remember, during this time in-game, the main character, aka you, doesn't know who Malleus is.

This could go both ways for me; I am terrible at giving names or nicknames. So I could see myself calling him Buddy. Although, a part of me is willing to call him... Something more silly. Okay now hear me out:

Calling Malleus something that is non-horn-related will make everyone’s reaction more funny or so. For example, during book 5, Riddle, Trey, and Cater were curious about your mysterious Diasomnia friend. In one of the options, you tell them it’s Hornton/Tsunotaro, which they instantly knew who this person is.

BUT, if you give Malleus a different nickname that doesn't have any horn related in it, they wouldn’t know.

Cater: So, who’s this Diasomnia friend of yours, Mc?

Mc: Billy Bob

Cater, Riddle, Trey: ...

Riddle: Billy... Bob?

Mc: Yeah, he never gave me his name and said I get to call him whatever I want

Lilia: *Smiles as he mentally laughing at the ridiculous name*

And what about after Vil’s overblot?

Mc: Oh, hey BabyGirl.

The VDC group: B A B Y G I R L !?!?

Malleus: UvU

So yeah that’s all, I’m just curious on what you’d call him first…

#twst #twisted wonderland #disney twisted wonderland #disney twst #twst wonderland #twst imagines #twst shitpost #malleus draconia #twisted wonderland malleus #twst malleus #twst x reader #twisted wonderland x reader

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millienia · 2 months

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a thousand faces in a thousand places

synopsis: the housewardens with a Sparkle (from honkai: star rail) reader. (headcanons)

gn!reader + reader is not yuu

RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS

uhm! 😨 (scared)

there is not a single universe where this man, pre-overblot, did not hate you.

so, how did you two meet? considering your mysterious, yet still childish personality- you probably got sorted into heartslabyul!

you’re basically like alice but.. so. much. worse.

pre-overblot he’d, most likely, be very cross with you.

do you know how many times you’ve been off-with-your-head-ed? because it’s happened a LOT. and i mean, a lot a lot.

you were in and out of everywhere, were rather cryptic, and had a strong mischievous streak.

how could he NOT be annoyed? smh.

though, post-overblot, i think he’d be more relaxed.

of course, he’d still be exasperated, but not to the level of annoyance he had before. progress, woop woop !!!

LEONA KINGSCHOLAR

i am still scared. not for you, but for leona.

he’d be annoyed, i suppose. you’re like a creepy, more out there, more literally insane version of ruggie.

so, how did you two meet? it’s similar to how yuu and the lion met, actually. except.. there’s kind of a difference.

whereas yuu stepped on his tail (by accident!), causing leona to go “ooh i’m gonna eat you” like a shark on steroids, YOU were the one who.. tried to eat him.

picture this, leona sleeping on the botanical garden, you seeing his tail and immediately going

how romantic a meeting! be still, my heart! meetcute who?

you immediately started laughing hysterically when his startled awake gaze met your terribly amused eyes, so the impression you left to him.. eh.

you probably started a “Call Leona ‘Unca Weona’” trend on MagiTok (that cater undoubtedly joined in on), so he’s probably pretty annoyed at you.

— you’ve also probably used his money to fund some performances.

AZUL ASHENGROTTO

“you have bewitched me body and soul. 🤩” “HOW DID YOU GET INTO MY HOUSE”

he’s probably mildly terrified of you and your absolutely horrendous schemes.

so, how did this lovely pair meet? WELL.

azul, doing paperwork in his office or whatever he does, looking like he sniffs lint, jolts when jade enters abruptly.

it’s unlike the eel’s usual respectful manner, so he’s pretty confused, immediately going “what is it?”

a sheepish jade smiles awkwardly and goes to say something like, “blah blah vanished into thin air before they could pay.”

azul is BEWILDERED. vanished??

so, obviously, righteously wanting his money, he tells jade and floyd to go look for you.

they did not find you.

fun.

KALIM AL-ASIM

he has a new bestie now!

you two are great friends, your chaotic (one more so than the other) tendencies and fun-loving personalities make you a great pair.

jamil would say otherwise.

you two go on happy little excursions around the campus, terrorizing a few people here and there, and honestly just having the time of your lives.

he was so glad you weren’t his friend just for his wealth, but because you liked his personality as he liked yours.

though, you, as someone who can only have their interest piqued by amusement, didn’t understand why he’d think you were using him.

you wear the most stupid matching shirts (that kalim bought and jamil tacitly approved) and walk around, happily playing and leaving only destruction in your wake.

VIL SCHOENHEIT

you’re fashionable, he likes you.

with your skill in acting, you’re probably in the film studies club, which is most likely how you two met.

he admires your.. cough, dedication. and he also thinks your personality is a bit (is it?👀).

“your dedication to being you is admirable.” “hehe thanks but wtf🥰”

as literally everyone is, kalim not included, he’s pretty exasperated by your chaos-causing tendencies and unhinged personality.

illusion magic is your jam, so just imagine how shocked he was when looking into his mirror and seeing your evilly-grinning visage instead of his own face.

(rook approves.)

talking about rook, a curious vil had asked the hunter to.. stalk you for a while, because he was confused if you were really the person you portrayed yourself as.

a laughing rook gave the report that you had found him out and asked if he was close to his housewarden because he stripped himself naked and apologized for his crime of liking neige.

vil is flabbergasted.

IDIA SHROUD

on one hand, he’s terrified, and on the other- he thinks you’re funny.

you come up with the most unhinged insults, and you always get the last word- he thinks you’re admirable.

your level of extrovertness is shocking to him.

first kalim, now you? he is Shaking His Head™.

how you first met doesn’t matter, what matters is what he accidentally said when first meeting you and having a good short chat.

“mesugaki..” he mumbled in the middle of your sentence.

your ears were good. his ears were working well enough to hear his own damn self.

he wants to cry. he wants to dig a hole in the ground and bury himself in it.

“hikikomori.” you immediately responded.

critical hit! idia will have to stay inside his room for three weeks, tell ortho he loves him..

you’d say you two get along well, idia would say otherwise.

MALLEUS DRACONIA

he enjoys your rambunctious personality. he’s normally chilling quietly in the corner, so having you drag him around probably does wonders for how people see him.

he approves (sebek does NOT).

he’s sometimes concerned. he knows humans don’t live long, will you Doing What You Do somehow make your lifespan even shorter?

you’re just being you and he’s standing menacingly right beside you. imagine how that looks to other people.

your local terrorist gremlin and THE malleus draconia. standing next to eachother. chilling.

you probably call him “that guy with the horns”, or something more animal aligned.

like “ram horns boy”.

lilia probably laughed at it, silver didn’t know if he should’ve felt offended for malleus or if it was a friendly joke, and sebek is going to use it as a horror story for the future generations of his family.

you’re just causing chaos and he’s there like 🧍😄

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twstowo · 3 months

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They End Up In a Universe Where The Two Of You Hate Each Other [Twst]

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗SYNOPSIS: The two of you are happily dating and he couldn’t have asked for anything else, however, one day he finds himself in a strange place only to find that here the two of you are enemies.

♡︎ I wrote Azul's part while listening to 9mm, not the proudest moment of my life lmao.

♡︎Includes: Azul and Jamil

[AU Masterlist]

[Riddle and Leona] ☆[Here] ☆[Vil and Idia] ☆[Malleus]

⋆⋅☆Azul

The fate of this Azul had been written. He would continue to sell wishes in exchange for something in return. However, one day, he would cross paths with the wrong person, leading him to be sent back to live in his octopot, never again able to make a name for himself.

──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────

Azul Ashengrotto had been quite curious about the person that would ruin his life in this universe. Here, he appeared to be the owner of a potion shop, and as a side hustle, he still made contracts. On this particular night, he waited for Jade and Floyd, his associates in this universe, to gather ingredients for a love potion. Azul found the choice of potion rather mundane, considering they were never very durable.

As Azul mixed the ingredients one by one, he heard the door of his shop open. He expected to see Floyd or Jade at this hour of the night, but to his surprise, a mysterious figure in black robes entered. The figure strolled towards him and took a seat. Azul was ready to send whoever it was out of his shop until he saw your face.

"Azul Ashengrotto," you said his name, and he had to hold onto the table to keep from falling out of his seat. Your voice was soft and enticing, almost as if he had been enchanted by one of his potions. Then, to his shock, you pointed a gun at him. "I hate dealing with merfolks like you," you declared, rolling your eyes as you adjusted yourself in the seat, getting comfortable.

In the past, facing dire circumstances, you struck a deal with Azul to secure your impoverished family's safety from the grip of famine and sickness. This decision, fueled by necessity, came at the price of your servitude to Azul, entailing participation in unsavoury tasks that gradually wore down your patience. Now, driven by a growing discontent and a yearning for freedom, you boldly confronted Azul. "What about another contract? I quit working for you, yet my family retains your protection," you proposed with determination, pressing the barrel of a gun against Azul's forehead. "And be warned, any attempt to back out of this deal and I will expose all your nefarious schemes to the world."

He had just never expected it to be you, the wrong person.

⋆⋅☆Jamil

The fate of this Jamil had been written, he was a servant, spending years catering to Kalim, only to eventually poison him. However, his treacherous act would be discovered, leading to his imprisonment for the remainder of his life.

──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────

Even in this alternate universe, Jamil found himself serving under Kalim. He couldn't help but roll his eyes as he performed the routine task of serving Kalim's dinner for what felt like the millionth time. In this reality, he found Kalim even more annoying, and to make matters worse, you and Kalim seemed inseparable. Jamil observed how the two of you did practically everything together, and he couldn't escape the feeling of your gaze on him, almost as if you were aware of his darker thoughts.

A particular incident lingered in his memory — the moment he had to deliver a drink to Kalim. Before he could do so, you snatched the cup, drinking the liquid and making it clear that you didn't trust him. A shiver ran down Jamil's spine as he witnessed your face contorted in hatred.

"I'm keeping an eye on you, Jamil," you declared with a cold tone. Growing up as a noble, you had experienced betrayal from a servant who had tried to poison you. Seeing Jamil stirred memories of that past betrayal. You could sense his ill intentions, and even his eyes seemed void of any emotion when Kalim presented him with kindness.

"That won't be necessary," he responded with a slight smile. Even though he disliked the fact that he now had to live with you hating him, he couldn't deny the thrill of your cunning ways of uncovering him. How refreshing it was to have someone as clever as himself around.

Your gaze never left his as he left the room slowly. It felt like it didn't matter which universe he landed in, you were always the most interesting thing in it. He just didn’t understand why the version of him from this universe couldn’t have seen that.

#twst #disney twst #twisted wonderland #twst wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #twst reader #disney twisted wonderland #twst x reader #x reader #azul x reader #azul ashengrotto #azul ashengrotto x reader #twst azul #jamil viper x reader #jamil viper #twst jamil #twisted wonderland jamil #jamil x reader #twisted wonderland azul

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raven-at-the-writing-desk · 6 months

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Trey, Leona: The Cat's Meow

Ooooh, I see the vision now... Maybe?? It looks like each member of the same dorm might have a similar default image in the bottom frame of their initial art? Both Ace and Trey have the Queen of Hearts… I guess we’ll have to wait until Cater’s birthday to see if the pattern keeps up?

nfdbwjccwbxgak How fitting to see Trey posed alongside a painting of the Cheshire Cat considering who he’s childhood friends with… and also that Trey’s VA also goices Lucius www (Side note: they fr always gotta have Trey claim he’s “normal” right before he pulls the sussy face which is most certainly NOT normal 😭)

A Tale as Old as Time.

A rotund feline stood on hind legs in a platinum frame, one paw curled under its round chin and resting on its fluffy tail, the other flicked out in a devil-may-care gesture. Purple, pink, purple, pink—its fur was striped in a repeating pattern. Eyes raised upward, the cat looked inquisitive among the gnarled trees, as if posing a riddle to the viewer. Why is a raven like a writing desk?, perhaps.

Huh, I wonder what he's wondering about. Trey rested his chin in one hand as he pondered the painting—and the question.

The longer he gazed at the cat, the more familiar its silly smile seemed to be. How difficult he was to read. A thought crept up on him, one lazy stride at a time.

"... Reminds me of a certain guy," he muttered.

"I hope you’re not talking about me," came a sarcastic drawl from beside him. It, too, was cat-like in its own right, a different flavor of feline: more languid than whimsical. “Because I won’t be laughing like a hyena at jokes made in poor taste.”

"Leona." Trey immediately made to step back, making space for the dorm leader. Leona's immense presence practically demanded it. "No, of course not. I was thinking about a childhood friend.“

“Hmph. You’ve got a childhood friend like this?” He made a face at the Cheshire Cat. A frown to challenge its foolhardy grin. “… Now I almost feel sorry for you, having to put up with a guy like that.”

“Oh, Chenya’s not that bad,” Trey said dismissively. “He’s a troublemaker, sure—but he’s got a good heart beneath all of that, and he wouldn’t hurt a fly. The worst is gets up to is playing a trick or two and stealing snacks.”

“What an exciting life,” Leona snorted, clearly not convinced. “He sounds like a real rascal for his age.”

“Like you wouldn’t believe. Sometimes it feels like he never really grew up from the times him, Riddle, and I were rolling around in clover fields and stuffing our faces with cake. Still, he’s our friend—even if we’re far apart for schooling.”

“It was already hard enough to believe you’d be friends with him, but Riddle too?” A smirk rose on Leona’s lips. “Life works in mysterious ways.”

There was a chuckle from Trey. “Ahahah… Does it surprise you? We all come from the same hometown. The community there’s very welcoming. I guess that’s why we ended up reaching out to Riddle one day and… I’m sure you know how the rest of that story goes.”

He didn’t—and nor did he care to know, so he said nothing. Instead, Leona inclined his head. In the dimness of the museum, his eyes glinted a bright green.

He gave a command.

“… Oi, herbivore. Tell me more about this hometown of yours. Tell me what it’s like.”

Trey blinked, slightly flabbergasted at what he was hearing. Leona stared at him expectantly. He clicked his tongue.

“Well? Don’t keep me waiting.“

Huh, I didn’t think of Leona as the curious type. If that’s what he wants though, who am I to deny it?

“Okay. so…”

Trey returned a hand to his chin. His words, he considered. How to best arrange them to paint the most flattering photo?

Green, so much green. A scattering of red dotting the landscape. Saturation, cheer. Something warm and fuzzy whenever he imagined those scenes—like the sun upon his face.

“Imagine a place bursting with flowers. Every color, every shape, every smell. Some remind you of cotton candy that rots your teeth, others of old shoes and skunk."

Leona's sensitive nose wrinkled at the suggestion. "Real poetic there."

Trey continued. "Everyone knows each other not because the community is small--I'd say it's a decent size?--but because people see each other and talk. They ask how you are, how your family and business are doing. They come over with a platter of cookies to welcome new neighbors, ask if your kids want to come over and play with theirs."

Fond memories played out in his head: the time he had eaten a whole bottle of mustard to prove a point, messing up his signature spell and imparting a loaf of bread with a bad flavor, his first cake at four years old. Everyone had told him he had such talent for baking--but looking back on it, hadn't his "cake" been a lumpy, gooey mess?

"You could screw up pretty badly and they'd still pat you on the head and tell you it's fine, it's just an honest mistake or what a good job you did. My parents are like that too. It must come with the territory."

Leona listened and nodded to every piece of information Trey presented. He appeared bemused as he watched the vice dorm leader, a fleck of sunlight caught in his emerald eyes. Like that of a silent predator stalking innocent prey.

“How picturesque. No wonder you’re so well-adjusted and normal,” Leona purred, his gaze half-lidded. “It must be the power of true love at work.”

“You could say that. The community I grew up in was very loving and supportive. I’m thankful for that.” Trey smirked so briefly that onlookers could have easily missed it. "... It lets me get away with a whole lot more."

"You don't strike me as the kind of guy to act out."

"Not often," Trey corrected. "Only little acts when it's deserved."

"You and your bleeding heart." Leona's scoff gave way to an eerie quiet. From it came a soft, contemplative sigh. "... Must be nice, being able to afford to live so contentedly."

"Ah, you probably didn't have that kind of luxury," Trey recognized. "The life of a prince is different from us common folk."

"There’s pressure to perform and social politics to navigate. Complicated webs that span several circles, grace and relations to uphold, airs to wear. Aaaah, it’s such a drag," the lion beastman groaned.

"Yeah, I can imagine that." Trey smiled sympathetically. "But even though we come from very different places, I'm sure that you also had loving and supportive people in your life, Leona. Everyone does."

"Hah. Are you listening to yourself? You sound as mad as him." Leona jabbed at thumb at the Cheshire Cat. "It's the first-born prince--the one destined to be king--that they all adore."

“… That’s not completely true, is it?” Trey adjusted his glasses. A stray beam of light reflected off the face of them, casting the glass in pure white for a fraction of a second.

The reason Leona was asking about my hometown... It must be genuine curiosity. He's never known something like it. But the fact that he asked must mean he wants to learn, right?

The prince's eyes were angry, suspicious slivers now. "What are you suggesting?"

“I heard from Ace and Deuce that you have a cute little nephew that adores you. A lot of the Savanaclaw underclassman as well. And from Lilia—there’s a grand chamberlain you used to be close with as a kid. Playing chess and getting you out of trouble. Your brother too, he must care for..."

Leona bared his teeth, raised his voice. "Don't act like you know--"

Me. What I've been through, what I've suffered.

"Whoa, whoa!" Trey held up both hands. "Sorry. I said too much. I shouldn't have let my own curiosity get the better of me."

A growl--colored with residual anger--emanated from Leona's throat. "If you understand that, then don't stick your hand into a lion's den a second time."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Trey pulled back, the fingers of one hand curling into a loose first. The other hand found its way to perching at his waist as he leaned his body forward. He attempted an apologetic confession--but instead produced something slightly sinister.

"What are you doing now?"

"Cat to cat communication," Trey said, deadly serious. "You know, like 'nyah'!"

A pause.

"... Is that good enough of an apology?" Trey inquired.

"Don't screw with me," Leona muttered, batting away at his peer's poised "paw". "In the first place, your posture's all wrong. Are you trying to piss me off?"

"Looks like I failed to lighten the mood."

"You're really terrible at it," Leona grumbled under his breath. "You sure that childhood friend of yours is the troublemaker of the group? Cuz to me, I see another troublemaker in the trio."

"I'm a normal high school boy. You even said it yourself."

"And which one of us started meowing at the other out of the blue?" Leona expertly countered.

Trey stifled his voice, which had started to work its way up into an awkward laugh. "Pfft, alright. Point taken."

"Here I was, thinking you were 'normal'," Leona simpered. "The red young master sure has a way with picking the company he keeps. You're all odd to balance out his rationale."

"That's the role a card soldier plays for his queen. Friend, baker, cat, trump card--I'm here to be them all."

#twst imagines #Trey Clover #Leona Kingscholar #twisted wonderland #twst #disney twisted wonderland #Trey birthday takeover #spoilers #something no one asked for #twst scenarios #twisted wonderland imagines #twisted wonderland scenarios #this time I basically only referenced the Groovy painting #I didn't find anything super interesting to incorporate from the other paintings mentioned in the vignettes rip #Cheshire Cat

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mikaikaika · 2 months

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Creations last slightly glitchy conversation with sunny genuinely had me tearing up. There's something so sad about an entity that only understands itself in terms of its purpose as a tool and yet can't help but love anyway. Like protecting sunny is his purpose but he would choose to do it too.

Like we see it in the way he seems so curious about the world around him poking about and imitating what others do but he always ends off his exploration by dubbing whatever he was looking at okay or unimportant and going back to his task. He's built to serve a purpose - or at least that's how he sees it - but he has a real sense of life about him.

In his last moments he's telling sunny how to bury him to make sure his mission is completed successfully but he still, with 1% battery left, needs to tell her how loved she is. It's like the humanity comes bursting out of him for lack of better terminology.

Anon THIS. Just all of this. Like your message truly made me tear up.

How even in his last dying breaths - for the lack of a better word - all Creation could had in his mind was his purpose to cater to the eggs.

This is a big reason Creation's end parallels the end of Mars Rover Opportunity for me. Both of them in their last moments questioned if they have aplty served their purpose and reached out in ways that could surely be considered human. A reminder that even a bunch of wires and circuits can carry the spirit of human exploration and love has a way of being displayed in mysterious ways and unexpected places. Its last act wasn't a shutdown; it was a metaphorical embrace to the very child he aimed to protect.

There were so many emotions we could say Creation unknowingly reflected in his last moments like fear, vulnerablity, hope but the one that shined most at the end of the day was truly love <3

#Creation my beloved #Dude #HEAD IN HANDS #Anon I have so many thoughts #Pls send more if you too <3 #Nonnie #Qsmp #Anon #Creation #Mika mumbles #Sunny

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rainbowsillz · 7 months

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Mysterious disappearance 🦢✨

Characters: —Trey, Ruggie, Jade, Jamil, Rook and Lilia.

Genre: — It can be platonic or romantic. . !!

Note: Vice heads' time to shine I guess huehue (^^)／~~~ In summary, you have been 'toying' with them with their things.

A/N: I was inspired by Salmon in L'amour est un oiseau rebelle.

TREY rubbed his head when he was confused to where his outfit went to, he was around 99% confident it was on his table, dispersing his thoughts, he asked Cater and his buddy said he should check in somewhere else because why would it be missing if not because of a sneaky little thief-? The green head merely groaned as he continues on with his journey with looking out to it.

RUGGIE was chewing on a sandwich on his vacant hand, he started counting the things that he (may have gotten from uh Leona) stored in his room. So one necktie, two small necklaces, three bracelets... wait a minute, he seemed taken aback at the oddity, the beastman stared owlishly, partly due to puzzlement. It's not his underclassman doing is it?? Gee, what a mess. Guess he'll have to find out about who has been loitering in his place..

JADE was genuinely surprised to realize his hat was there on the counter and the next, it was gone in a span of thirty minutes he was making foods and drinks for Mostro Lounge's new menu so he can turn it in and have his break after a hectic week of his. His lab-wear also out of sight, much to his bewilderment. My, my, how curious, would you like him to come up to you himself? Well..?

JAMIL was apathetic. As if Kalim wasn't enough of a migraine, his belt was nowhere within his reach. How tedious. The vice leader figured eventually that it has to be you, again with this. While it was meddlesome, pointless, anything is preferable than hearing Azul talking about how wondrous it would be if he were to join hands with the said housewarden... That's literally would not be what he decides on, it's 'annoying' to think about possibilities.

ROOK can trace your footsteps, honey. Why did you think it's a good idea to 'wear' his boots when he's out there? Mon Trickster, if you'd like him to follow you through the forest, you could have just say so, no need to prolong it! He likes, likes a thrilling pursuit, adrenaline in his veins as he called you and if he met with you, he won't be leaving you anytime soon, he'll hold you so close to him.

LILIA was wondering how did his coat vanish~? A treasure hunt venture? He certainly doesn't mind games, so it doesn't seem like it's a member in Diasomnia, who could be 'bold' as to snoop with his belongings? Aw, it takes one to know one, isn't that true? He can piece it together, as long as he can catch the mischievous you of course. He recalls how you would clung on him, a bit intensely. Had you told him directly— he wouldn't have to run in circles.

#twisted wonderland #twst scenarios #twst x you #twst x reader #twst imagines #twisted wonderland x reader #twisted wonderland x you #twst trey x reader #twst ruggie x reader #twst jade x reader #twst jamil x reader #twst rook x reader #twst lilia x reader #twst prompts #twst headcanons #gender neutral reader #etihw.writes

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hallmark-movie-fanatics · 6 months

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#curious caterer: fatal vows #hallmark movies & mysteries #first look #photo preview #nikki deloach #andrew walker #hallmark movies #curious caterer mysteries

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prince-kallisto · 1 month

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The Curious Case of Crowley’s Fangs

A lot of people have been noticing Crowley’s fangs in Grim’s Anniversary Groovy art- and for good reason! Crowley has never been canonically depicted with fangs ever- although it’s a very popular headcanon- until today.

These fangs look less like the regular canines that some TWST boys have- like Cater for example or the beastmen- and more like a fae’s fangs. All of the other Fae in the main story (as in the night Fae specifically) have very sharp fangs, even Sebek who is half-fae.

The only other exception seem to be these background Fae characters, which make sense especially if their masks would be obscuring any fangs they did have. Crowley, despite his pointed ears and mysterious age, is the only likely prominent Fae character not have them (he wasn’t invited to the Fae Fang meeting anxhsbxhh)

But as Alchemivich proved, Crowley’s live 2D model seems to have no fangs whatsoever. Scouring the manga keeps this fact consistent throughout all the books released so far

Now, “inconsistency” with the teeth isn’t unheard of in TWST. Ace most notably switches between noticeable canines and normal teeth. Ortho does as well, but he’s a very good exception from this as his Lab Gear vs Fairy Gala shows his personal development overall with designing his own bodies from then on out. However, the case with Ace reads to me more as a genuine mistake, as even though some cards are more subtle about it, his cards and live 2D model depict him with canines. And of course, it’s completely normal and inevitable that different artists and different mediums would have slight inconsistencies between the character designs! (*^o^*) Crowley’s ears, for example, vary greatly in size depending on the art depicted them.

But with Crowley’s fangs, it feels like an entirely different situation than just a mere mishap. Just look at how pointed his teeth are when he’s never even been given normal canines before! I think the best answer would be to brush it off BAHCJDJF, but you all know me by now- I simply cannot in regards to Crowley! ᕦ(ò_óˇ)ᕤ

The thing is, there is a lot about Crowley’s features that are obscured. The amazing Alchemivich once again showed us that Crowley’s model completely obscures the top of his face and top part of his hair is missing as well- which is interesting considering that his reference sheet is completely fine showing his hair. It definitely feels like his model itself is hinting at revealing more of his features one day. And…if his eyes and even the top of his head could one day be shown in-game…couldn’t fangs be a part of his potential upgraded model as well?

To me, it’s interesting that the mouth in Crowley’s model can’t really open a lot- he just has less expressive mouth movements compared to some other characters despite being a very emotionally expressive character himself. So I’ve been thinking it’s entirely possible that he has retractable fangs, and I’m really in love with this idea!👀 (TW for a snake gif below)

But of course, this would be a rather unique case, wouldn’t it? We have yet to see an example of fae being able to retract their fangs. The concept of retracting fangs is more of a fantasy trope related to vampires, but in Twisted Wonderland this has never been suggested until now. The closest animal in nature having a similar concept of “retracting” their fangs are solenglyphous vipers.

Their teeth function more like a switchblade or a hinge than being actually retractable into their skull. It’s the most elaborate system of venom injection and seen in the Viperidae species. The way this works is when the vipers jaw is opened wide to inject venom into their prey, it causes the fangs to “unfold.” When they aren’t hunting and just not in the mood, these fangs lay flat at the roof of their mouth- except when they’re “yawning” like in this gif 🥰

So for Crowley to never be depicted with his mouth wide open in-game till now…and his mouth being wide open also reveals his fangs…This means…this means!!!!!

…Nothing NAHXJSJHD 😭🤣🤣🤣 It certainly furthers the snake imagery at NRC and how it relates to Crowley…but this was just an extremely convoluted way to explain what is basically a headcanon😭😭 the real reason is probably a stylistic choice where the artist thought he would look cute with fangs, WHICH IS SO TRUE 🤣💖💖

if he really does canonically have fangs, I think it’s most likely they’re retractable just for simplicity of explanation and anatomy. It’s strange either way considering Crowley seems to be a bird Fae, right? I mean…all the examples of Fae we’ve seen so far are based off creatures who do have fang-like teeth, like dragons, bats, and crocodiles. Ravens/crows don’t have teeth of any kind. Perhaps fangs aren’t a general Fae feature that we thought they were??? It’s like how all beastmen don’t have fangs, because bird beastmen like Kifaji exist.

Now I’m even more confused 🤣 Crowley, why do you have fangs?? 😭😭 I have one more option related to shapeshifting, but that’s for an upcoming separate theory and not about his teeth at all andjsjd…

Sebek, please ask your parents to investigate Crowley’s teeth for a dentist appointment! 😭 I need to know! Crowley is so extra to only show off his elusive fangs for a nice photo of him. Perhaps he is wearing those fake plastic fangs that you see for vampire Halloween costumes 💀Or perhaps I should stop thinking so deep into it. That’s the best option for everyone, I think.

#this post is depicting my descent into madness with Crowley #SHAKING HIM SHAKING HIM I HATE HIM WHY IS HE LIKE THIS AUGHHHHHHHH #WHY AM I LIKE THIS????#twisted wonderland #twst #dire crowley #twst analysis #I guess?? headcanon? 😭😭😭#kallistopost #it gets worse because I might have a theory related to hemotoxin venom and blot but in sparing you all form that for now 🤣🤣🤣

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hallmarktheheartoftv · 2 years

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Curious Caterer: Dying for Chocolate

#curious caterer #dying for chocolate #curious caterer dying for chocolate #nikki deloach #andrew walker #hallmark #hallmark movies and mysteries

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agendabymooner · 9 months

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melody || lh44 x ofc (1)

Summary: With her sharp eyes focused on her audience, a burlesque performer who went under the name of Melody returned to Rythme Romantique, an entertainment lounge which exclusively caters to the wealthiest people of Monaco — or in this case, to the people with a status that are recognized by all. Her three exclusive performances were meant to be a closure for her connections in the principality. Still, a certain Formula One driver saw it as an opportunity to reconnect with his former flame after two years of her absence. Felicity Vos learned that this was a rich man’s world and that he could do whatever he wanted, but she also realized that the agreement they settled on years ago was corrupted the moment he expressed his love for her.

Content warning: Age gap, use of explicit language, possible mature content (not in this chapter), mentions of past sugar daddy/baby gone romantic relationship, possessive!asshole!Lewis mentioned, burlesque (2010) movie vibes, really shitty French-translated dialogue.

Note: I have not watched Burlesque for a good while but I listen to shitloads of songs that give performer/singer/showgirl vibes??? I hope this works out lol. Enjoy xx

masterlist

i. million dollar man

"you're screwed up and brilliant look like a million dollar man. so why is my heart broke?"

Felicity Vos couldn’t remember the last time she made her presence known in the principality. She lived in Monaco for years as a nobody — she was just some 24-year-old woman who hoped to get through the day before she put on her best costume and makeup for work. She only performed to put money in her pocket. Living in Monaco wasn’t cheap, after all. She did everything she could to maintain her private space, working at the lounge every night to get the biggest tips from the wealthiest people in Monaco.

Nothing more, nothing less.

She couldn’t remember the last time she was a nobody in Monaco. Had it been for her natural beauty and the typical streetwear of the principality, she would’ve stood out already, and everyone would know that Formula One’s mysterious “lady seducer” made her return to Monaco.

She hadn’t wanted to gather that much attention now. It was bad enough that her three nights coincided with the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. She couldn’t bear the thought of being hounded by journalists curious about her absence/being for the past two years.

I was just a nobody, she told herself. She wasn’t even anyone’s ex-girlfriend. She couldn’t remember the last time she had a stable relationship with a man.

But everyone in the F1 community knew that she was something. That was for sure. The man's popularity and their agreement pulled her away from the anonymity she craved after ending things with him.

2019

The first thing that the bartender, her friend René, had spewed out just as she finished her performance had something to do with the beehive hairstyle she sported and how it coincided with ‘Fuck Me Pumps’ by Amy Winehouse, whose iconic style included the mentioned hairstyle.

René told her Melody was the complete opposite of Amy Winehouse with her tattooless skin, bright blonde hair, and wide-set eyes. But Melody’s voice, René told her, was meant to sing about the men who’d fuck women over.

Then her attention turned away from him when a server approached the speaking young adults, leaning over to tell them both about a lone man sitting on an empty booth, asking for Melody’s company as they all peered at the dimly lit corner booth. They couldn’t see if he was looking in their direction, but Felicity (Melody) could tell he was attractive.

It wasn’t unusual for clients or audience members to request a sit-down time with the singer of the night, so Melody merely asked her coworker to serve them some drinks before walking in his direction.

His genuine smile and curiosity certainly pulled her closer if you were to ask her. She knew who he was. Lewis Hamilton. This place was Monaco, after all. What kind of a caveman would you have to be to not know who Lewis Hamilton was? Even the Neanderthals would ask for an autograph should they see him pass by.

She sat with him and asked how he was liking his stay in Monaco after the new year. In exchange, he provided answers and asked her certain questions.

Is your name really Melody? Mmm… such an in-depth question for a stranger, don’t you think?

Do you just sing Amy Winehouse? She was my inspiration, after all. This is how I pay tribute. Do you have a request? Perhaps I can sing it next time you visit— not that a man like you would be dead seen entering such a place.

How about you? How are you liking Monaco? Whoever said that this place was for easy living would be a liar. I get paid more than I used to, but university and rent still beg for more.

How long have you been doing this? Four years. Singing and dancing at the same time takes a lot of practice.

She was thankful to have been the performer to put on the middle show of the night. She hadn’t needed to worry about being the performer of the night, and her conversation with him seemed to have lasted until the end of the show.

She expected him to not return after that night, with him leaving her two hundred euros in cash and tipping the servers the same amount— she would’ve expected him to hand this as a form of a farewell gift.

But he offered those as a welcoming gift. Because by the next night, Melody’s eyes shifted to where he sat, only to find him leaning back against the booth seat. His head was slightly bobbing as musicians hit those 4/4 beats. He sat there while she sang beautifully, her hair teased into a beehive hairstyle, and her body wrapped around loose strings of pearls and rhinestones.

He returned the night after that… then after… he returned for days. Apparently, Monaco had been so boring for him that he chose to spend his time listening to the beautiful voice of Melody. He later confessed that he couldn’t seem to get away from her.

But instead of offering a date, he offered to fly her to Australia for the first round of the racing season. Fuck that. He offered to pay and give her everything— in exchange, she travels around with him during his races as a “partner.” He said it would benefit both of them if they entered this agreement. She would get the money, and he would have an increase of positivity in his image.

Her mouth quickly slipped out the word “yes,” the next thing she knew, she was saying goodbye to her coworkers of four years. She was always welcome to perform should she decide to, and would pay her good money for her rare performances.

Then her flat was fully paid for the next six months. Right after that, she was driven to a department store to find some clothes and bags to pack for her endless trips. She had gowns tailored and altered for her in case she needed to be in attendance for his formal and black tie events.

She was only meant to be there as an eye candy, one that would hold hands with Lewis as he made his way down the paddock to the Mercedes garage. She had no name besides Melody. She was only Melody, and she was alright with that— she wanted to keep the privacy that she had left, after all.

She was good at avoiding journalists and their questions about Lewis’ past relationships and his title as the Mercedes playboy. She often stayed put and kept her attention trained on him as he raced or Roscoe, who had grown dearly in her heart. She had never gone as far as sharing a conversation with his coworkers, only offering them a small smile before she walked off with a refresher in hand. The only one she seemed to have a good conversation with besides Toto Wolff was his teammate, Valtteri Bottas. But even then, she could feel his body radiate in possessiveness that she didn’t know he had. He’d always hold her close.

He hadn’t even realized that Melody shifted from a nobody to a somebody despite not having a surname. It was quite a shame she had to embrace someone’s fame and be under scrutiny for it.

PRESENT

“Am I seeing things, or is it really the woman who brought the glory in the Ryhtme Romantique?” Felicity shook herself out of her thoughts as she turned around and grinned, watching as René outstretched his arms. She squealed at the sight of him and jumped into his arms, earning a grunt from him as he said, “Mon dieu, ma fille, is this how Zurich and New York had treated you?”

“This is how I greet people I miss,” Felicity exclaimed. “Not that you feel the same towards me, arsehole.”

“Such language,” René scoffed mockingly. “I know I haven’t heard you speak like that before.” They both fell silent before laughing at the joke. She seduced like a siren, yet she swore like a sailor, René once told her.

The 28-year-old woman waved it off, “Tell me you haven’t picked me up in Nice just so you can bring up my lack of manners? Otherwise, I’m walking away.”

“Gah, and who’ll pick you up?” René grinned, now grabbing her suitcase and pulling it next to him. “Besides, you wouldn’t want to go to Monte Carlo knowing that they’ll hound you when alone. People aren't that subtle when it comes to you.”

“That right?” Felicity asked. She'd only performed once throughout those two years of her “relationship” with a Formula One driver. She freelanced because of how much she had missed it. She remembered having to convince him to allow her to do it for once, and she swore she never craved for something more than the lounge's music and atmosphere.

“Yes,” René answered her, “you made your character known by everyone. Everyone knew Melody, not Felicity. Melody became a household name after her one-night appearance when everyone learned about her from Formula One. Wealthy people saw talent… and yeah. Now they’re eager to spend much money just to see you.”

This helped her grow a backbone, somehow. She continued to press on the topic, “And by that…?”

“It will be a full house,” René had already placed her suitcase in the car trunk before he stood with his chest puffed out. “One hour of you and Amy Winehouse on the stage in three nights is worth my mortgage for my house in North America.”

Felicity chuckled and shook her head, making herself comfortable in his passenger seat with the seatbelt buckle snapping.

“So,” Felicity leaned back against her seat before turning to the man beside her, “what did I miss in Monaco?”

“I thought you didn’t miss Monaco?” René laughed, starting up his vehicle.

Felicity scoffed at the comment, “I missed Monaco.”

She just didn’t miss the man that she met in the principality. After all, she would have remained as nothing if he didn’t treat her like she was the only one. She preferred her life before she met him. She liked the way of living she had in Monaco before him.

2019

She probably should have settled for less, but what should she do? It was the only dress that he liked on her. She felt she would impose the mermaid white dress with the intricate baroque style and pearl details, but his praise and encouragement told her otherwise.

Besides, with her making a bet that lasted for an entire season, she really couldn’t chicken out of it now that Lewis got his 6th world championship. She really couldn’t disappoint him like that.

So she became the woman of the awarding night. Wrapped around her neck was a layered pearl choker, letter L carved into gold with three teardrop-shaped pearls dangling off it, much like Anne Boleyn’s.

Unlike the first time she appeared at the paddock, she walked into the event hall with her smile dazzling the crowd— even those photographers who seemed eager to capture the moments of the couple arriving hand in hand. She didn’t feel discomfort at all, not after all those months of feeling lost in the paddock while she tried finding her way around the Mercedes area. Angela Cullen had never worked this hard to guide someone, but she never saw Melody as an obligation or responsibility. She loved the girl, in fact.

She was known to be quiet by the drivers in the grid. She didn’t feel comfortable speaking to everyone during the entire season as she saw how most of them looked at her. Nobody even knew who the fuck she was, just her first name- her stage name. Sebastian Vettel was kind enough to walk up close and introduce himself to her as if she hadn’t known him already. He was the closest thing she had to a comfort zone that wasn’t just Bottas, talking to him here and there whenever they passed by one another in the paddock.

If she was being honest, she felt as if nobody knew what her job entailed as “Lewis’ partner.” Sebastian understood at the very beginning what she was to the Mercedes driver but had said nothing against nor about it. She already didn’t feel comfortable with the other drivers staring, so if he was to say anything about her relationship was just another level of friendship he’d have to reach.

The only thing that Sebastian had offered her was, “If you’d like to have a friend that isn’t just Roscoe, I’ll be at my motorhome. Feel free to stop by anytime!”

So by the time she arrived at the awarding with Lewis, her eyes brightened at the sight of the German driver. Sebastian waved at them, making the girl wave back eagerly.

Lewis chuckled quietly, “I didn’t know you and Seb were friends.”

Melody giggled in the same volume, “He considers me his best friend as of this moment. I suppose that happens when you’re not being looked at or linked to Sir Lewis Hamilton.”

“Cheeky girl,” Lewis grinned, his touch feeling familiar to her skin as he held her soft hand. Pulling her closer, Lewis greeted everyone they’d passed by. Melody merely nodded in their direction while her smile didn’t reach her ears, barely looking away from Lewis as if he was the only man she could focus on.

She probably should have settled for less, but Lewis wanted her to shine as much as he did that night. He was a 6-time world champion, after all. If he was shining, he made sure that she was, too.

PRESENT

With her embellished leotard and shoes sparkling under the spotlight and her face coated with confidence and seductiveness, her eyes zeroed in on the men who had just walked into the intimate environment of Rythme Romantique with a sultry smile. Some of them nearly recoiled at the expression she gave them.

“Formula One driver had reserved tables for tonight,” René told her earlier today, “some might come back tomorrow and Sunday after their race. Their managers told Lita about you and how they’ve wanted to see you perform since they learned about you from the Mercedes team.”

It wasn’t anything fearsome if you were to ask Melody. She only offered them a welcoming (yet seductive) smile, but perhaps they considered it quite daunting and intimidating. It wasn’t as if she was inviting them to her bed.

She supposed that it was because of the fact that they’d stepped into her turf. She was in their place once— being in the paddock and feeling out of business? Yeah, she understood what they felt. Somehow.

“Oh my,” she purred, eyes trained on each driver as some of them visibly gulped at the sight of her. This Dolce & Gabbana did wonders on every man she had encountered at the beginning of her performance. She was only halfway through the hour, and from what she had counted— there should be about eight men who were nervous at her presence.

Her eyes shifted from the Ken-esque man (with his blond hair, blue eyes and pretty face) to the pair of green eyes that stared right at her and her figure. She crouched down to get to their level seeing as she was a stage higher than them.

She did a headcount for a moment. She could see familiar faces— but most of them were older. A grin on the man behind Ken told her that it was Daniel Ricciardo. And the man next to Ricciardo was Max Verstappen. The 2021 World Champion.

“Isn’t this a sight to see,” she chuckled almost breathlessly, her breath softly nearing her bedazzled microphone. She stared at the green eyes ahead of her, “Première fois?” First time?

The man nodded and replied, “Oui.”

“Et tes amis? Ont-ils déjà été ici?” How about your friends? Have they been here before? She asked, looking at the men behind him.

“Certains d'entre eux vivent ici,” some of them live here. The man replied.

“Est-ce que c'est oui?” Is that a yes? Melody asked with a raised eyebrow, leaving the audience to laugh.

“Peut-être,” maybe. Charles Leclerc shrugged with a smile. She let out a giggle for a moment before nodding.

“Bienvenu,” Welcome. Melody winked. They all found their seats, but she couldn’t find the one she was looking for as she was doing a repeated headcount. Then she remembered that the corner booth had been changed to a reserved area when she left. She could only imagine who sat there. It was a seat reserved for the man who only came to the lounge to speak with her.

Her eyes flickered at the table before turning at the drivers, “Welcome to Rythme Romantique. I hope this show eases the tension of tomorrow’s qualifying race.”

“And I hope you’re not offended by the end of this show,” she giggled quietly, “because I’ve had men walk out of shows because of Amy Winehouse.”

“What kind of fuckery are we?” She sang, her hips swaying as she gestured at the drivers with her gemstone-covered gloves, “Nowadays, you don’t mean dick to me.”

Her blonde hair swung as she looked toward the corner booth, “I might let you make it up to me.”

“Who’s playing Saturday?” She winked at the drivers, hearing as the men cheered and pointed at themselves. “One of you better get a pole this time.”

“Mr. Destiny, nine and 14. Nobody stands in between me and my man. 'Cause it's me and Mr. Jones…”

“Me and Mr. Jones…”

The live band had put on an end to the song and her show, every man and woman standing to applaud her. She took a deep breath before letting out a sultry smile, taking in her audience's applause and whistles. Her painted lips puckered up, and she blew a kiss to the audience, her foot picking up the fur coat that she discarded at the beginning of her show to put it on. She offered the drivers one more ‘good luck’ before walking off and heading to the bar.

She hadn’t felt this good about performing at the Monaco Lounge since the last time she appeared in 2020. That extravagant entertainment hall at Hotel Ritz didn’t make her as happy as it should have. The richest of the richest gave her the attention and money she dreamt of when she became an adult, but something about this place made her… happier. Or rather, better about herself.

Sharing a conversation with René hadn’t lasted long enough when a new server walked up to them to let the two know about the guest in the corner booth.

René looked at Felicity with worry as he said, “You really don’t have to go, City.”

“No, no,” Felicity waved off his concern, “he paid to speak and see me. I can’t really disappoint Lita now, can’t I?”

“You’d really let your heart break like that again?” René asked her, “What if he’s actually got a girl this time?”

Felicity merely stared at him, indifference written all over her face. Quite a facade, her face covered. René sighed exasperatedly, “Alright. I’ll get you the rum and coke. Felicity, you can back out anytime.”

“I know,” Felicity nodded, adjusting her corset with a sigh. “I’ll walk out if I want to. He lost me once, and I’ll make sure he knows he can lose me again.”

No amount of alcohol could make her feel as relaxed as she wanted, so she settled for one glass of rum and coke only. There were a lot of things that could have happened within two years, and that didn’t exclude him.

But god, his face remained as young as it was four years ago. It didn’t age as the years went on.

She sat across him, the marble table the only thing separating them. He watched as she made herself as comfortable as she could be. She could tell that a smile threatened to show on his face, keeping his composure as much as an ex-lover could when they met their former flame for the first time in years.

“Lewis,” she nodded curtly, her eyes trained on him before it shifted to the server who dropped off her drink and his. Felicity offered the server a grateful smile before it disappeared just as the younger woman left the booth.

He grabbed his drink and spoke, “Mel.”

She nearly winced at the nickname. Nobody called her Mel but him.

“When did you fly back?” Lewis Hamilton was known for many things - and being civil to anyone was one of them. She remembered how he always had to keep a straight face in the same room as his former best friend. Nico Rosberg had a fairly long history with him that ended poorly, so for him to show indifference? It was a Lewis Hamilton signature. It didn’t surprise her that he’d ask this as if he hadn’t broken their agreement long before she did.

“Just earlier today,” Felicity answered, her voice was equally indifferent. “I flew to Nice and was picked up. I couldn’t miss the ride at the French Riviera.”

“You’ve always liked the scenery,” Lewis chuckled, sipping his drink before setting it on the table. “You did amazing.”

“Thank you,” Felicity nodded.

“Like you always did,” Lewis continued, not even caring about the small expression that eventually fell off as he spoke.

“Hm, really?” Felicity almost scoffed with a shake of her head. “Last time we were together, I wasn’t even allowed to be near a stage.”

“You were with me,” Lewis pointed out, “flying worldwide. As you wanted and had agreed on.”

“I had to get drunk enough to get up the bar counter and sing my arse off just so you’d have no control of it,” Felicity reminisced, grinning at herself when she recalled the moment.

Silverstone GP afterparty, the year 2020. She wasn’t as drunk as he was, but she grew enough backbone to ask for a microphone and Christina Aguilera’s Candyman on the bar’s speakers – max volume. She remembered her feet moving like they were all swing dancing and being hoisted off the bar counter by Daniel Ricciardo while they all drank and her voice hit the falsetto. The drivers were rather impressed regardless of the amount of alcohol they consumed. Lewis wasn’t as impressed as the others. He’d seen it before. He hadn’t appreciated how easily she made friends with the men around her – so seeing her shy away from them the next race was a win for him.

“I couldn’t stop you even if I did,” Lewis laughed as if it was a normal conversation. “Everyone’s way into it.”

Felicity almost laughed at his face. He stopped her when she agreed to become his company, practically handing her her year’s worth of rent and salary just as she nodded. He stopped her rhythm from flowing, but she allowed it as she wanted to live an easier life. One where she didn’t have to be taunted by her family’s constant words of discouragement. It turned out that being someone’s pretty young thing wasn’t as easy if you fell for the unattached man.

He leaned back, observing the sight before him before asking, “Did Switzerland and America treat you right?”

Her head shot up at the question before asking in return, “Do you want the truth?”

“Yes, please,” Lewis answered genuinely. He hadn’t expected to last an hour in the bar, let alone thirty minutes in the same booth as her. He could remember how his lack of commitment and false confessions destroyed her, and he wasn’t sure he could see her in that place anymore. But he stayed in his seat, watching as she practically inhaled her spiked drink before she settled it on the table.

Crossing her legs, she wrapped her coat tightly around her body as the temperature at the booth decreased. She replied, “I was more than surprised that you found someone who could immediately fly me to another country just so I can sing far from the principality.”

Felicity could remember the email sent to her by some management in Zurich and New York. They were interested in meeting with her because of a recommendation from a musician who had seen her perform more than twice. It didn’t take her long to realize it was Lewis’ doing. She had ended whatever it was a week before the email was sent, so it was his doing. But rather than fuming at the thought that he was more than willing to send her away from Monaco, she immediately contacted them and took whatever they had to offer.

“I lived here for four years,” she scoffed, “before I even met you. This was my home. I can’t even consider my flat in New York as such.”

“What’s your plan then?” Lewis asked. “Are you planning to return to Monaco then?”

“And return to this lounge? Where most drivers would probably frequent in when they learn that Melody’s back in town?” Felicity snorted, “I’d rather not.”

“Why not?” He asked, “You love this place.”

“I do,” she stood up, noticing how his eyes became more cautious as she cleared her throat, “I am tired of the chasing I had to do, though. It’s not always me who has to work on it. Sometimes, they have to chase the woman, too. It’s not a one-way street for me anymore. Good luck tomorrow–”

“Wait,” her goosebumps rose when she felt his hand touching her skin, turning back when he pulled on her wrist as she watched him stand. He pulled out an envelope, leaving the package in her hand as she gripped it lightly. Lewis nearly stammered, “Invite whoever you want.”

“I’m not going, Hamilton,” she couldn’t even shove it back to him as he held her wrist, squeezing it lightly as a sign of plea. Just be there tomorrow. And Sunday.

“It’ll only be two days,” his voice might’ve shown nothing of desperation, but his eyes pleaded with her. “Two days of racing and your shows.”

She sighed exasperatedly. She was already exhausted from having to pretend that this was okay. She really hadn’t wanted to see him. But this was Monaco, and this weekend was the principality’s race weekend, so she could have at least prepared herself mentally.

“I’ll see what I can do,” was all she muttered before pulling away from him as she walked out of the booth with a murmur of, “Good night.”

She was certain that this jetlag of hers wouldn’t wear out. Not when this weekend was a case of clusterfuck that was going to leave her restless. She wasn’t excited to know what would come her way at the very end of this week.

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