The Valentine's Dance

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The Valentine's Dance

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Madame La Déchante

Madame La Déchante

@VictoriaJekyll 2 years ago

( Roses.

A fitting way to celebrate Valentine's Day.

It is only understandable that everyone's excited, but each Lodger finds something more under their door: an invitation, possibly scented.

"The Madame invites you to the first annual Bleeding Hearts Ball.

6 PM.

The acoustics chamber in the back of the Society.

Formal dress. NO BARE ANKLES!"

As the last of the warm tones fade from the sky, a different pinkish light seems to reach the halls of the Society. Across the marble floors, the sound of strings and faint chatter carry.

One could even swear they smell something all too enticing. Whatever the party, it promised to be good. )

Monteverdi: L'Orfeo / Prologo - Ritornello-Dal mio Permesso amato

https://youtu.be/ow4rqL_oT98

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group International Monteverdi: L'Orfeo / Prologo - Ritornello-Dal mio Permesso amato · English Baroque Soloists · John Eliot Gardiner Monteverdi: L'Orfeo ℗ 1987 Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin Released on: 1987-01-01 Executive Producer: Dr. Andreas Holschneider Executive Producer: Charlotte Kriesch Balance Engineer, Recording Producer: Karl-August Naegler Editor, Recording Engineer: Gregor Zielinsky Author: Alessandro Striggio Composer: Claudio Monteverdi Auto-generated by YouTube.

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Elaina Hyde • 2 years ago

(No bear ankles?

That's gonna be difficult for Elaina. It's formal and junk, right?

I can't tell say that she'll fit dress code perfectly, but I'll try.

Now, if you hadn't sent invitations the day of the party she could go out and buy a dress. ;P but it's fine, she'll figure smth out.)

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Helen Jekyll  Elaina Hyde • 2 years ago • edited

(Helen and Elaina could use some time together. Maybe they could dance! ^-^

Or shop for clothes first.)

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ATasteForVintages  Elaina Hyde • 2 years ago • edited

She does have pants, doesn't she?

I ask this because the lady said no ankles, she DIDN'T say binary dress code e w e

Victoria's A LOT larger than Elaina but she could probably donate and doctor an old gown for her if she wanted C:>

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Elaina Hyde  ATasteForVintages • 2 years ago

Oh, okay!

Well, I completely forgot that Elaina isn't

At the Society rn. Maybe she'll pop in eventually.

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Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

(Oh dear, this is going to be fun. XD

I'm struggling to imagine Hela in a formal dress... or at least, putting one on without having someone to force her too. XD Perhaps it would be best if she sat this one out and let the doctor take the lead. Though Helen doesn't own any dresses, so she would be going in a suit.

Last note, I love the name of the ball! Bleeding hearts are my absolute favorite flower, they're so beautiful.)

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ATasteForVintages  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

pants will set you free my friend

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Helen Jekyll  ATasteForVintages • 2 years ago

And lucky for Hela, pants are something she does own. Hopefully her enchantment will ensure her plain clothes don't attract any attention.

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chatterghosts • 2 years ago

(( Nicolette's showing up and showing off. ))

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Miss-Dreamerkat • 2 years ago

(Of course, I decide to do my characters leaving arc and start anew right when this happens. Also lovely name of the ball. I'm going to have to sit this one out though.)

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chatterghosts • 2 years ago

One of the earlier arrivals to the scene of the dance come in a pair of one familiar face, and another, more unfamiliar one:

Nicolette, wearing a rather stunning red dress that seemed to show off just enough to emanate both beauty and a sense of class;

...and another person, appearing almost androgynous. Short and lanky, it seems that the idea of formal dress was utterly lost on them: their hair hangs in short, choppy waves at the sides of their face, and they wear a pinstriped shirt, a navy blue vest, a black coat with numerous discolorations, and a glaringly bright yellow ascot.

And judging by the nervous smile on the former's face, and the sleazy expression on the latter's, both are aware of the fact that one of them is a total mess.

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Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

After reading the invitation, Griffin was almost tempted to rip it to ribbons; but placed it on his tabletop, and began pacing the room. Should he go? No, he should try to get all those pesky invisible mice that were loose in Maijabi's place. At that same moment, he heard a knock at the door.

"What is it?" he replied.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

(( Is this an invitation for someone to join, are you waiting for someone in particular? ))

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

((To be frank, anyone honestly...))

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

(( Perfect opportunity for one of my favorite troublemakers to poke around! ))

Truth be told, they were most definitely not expecting a response; most of the other rooms had been left unnattended by now, their respective patrons left long ago for the very same party Griffin was questioning now.

(And... if an owner of one of the rooms had left something even remotely shiny-looking on display, well. It would be missing upon their return.)

The poorly-dressed person instantly draws their hand back from the door, eyes wide. To the person on the opposite side, however, the response is instant, cheerful, and without hesitation:

"Oh, nothing! Simply seeing who has yet to stop by the dance..."

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

Griffin was particularly expecting someone to ask him to attend, the fact being that he resided in the vast establishment to finish his ground-breaking work; and not to attend cocktail parties or vaudeville dancing.

"I don't dance." Griffin sharply replied, tempted to slam the door shut in the twit's smug face. "And who are you, anyway? I haven't seen you around..."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Well, no turning back now. They'd have to keep up the act if they had any hope of getting in.

They tilt their head, expression a convincing display of honest confusion. Quickly, they extend a hand. "Fi Stinemetz."

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

Griffin looked down at the hand, and slowly but roughly pushed it away from him.

"Fi Stinemetz?" Griffin repeated, midly annoyed at the odd name. "What do you do?"

Catering most likely, he thought quickly.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

At least he'll deserve it.

A smirk creeps onto their face. "Thanatology. And you're...a janitor, right?" Additionally, they pout, in a sort of mocking innocence. "I can only assume, what with your apron..."

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Actually, I'm a scientist. And also a busy one. Dr. Hawley Griffin, not at your service." Griffin replied sarcastically. "The apron's for the dangerous chemicals I use, so as not to permanently burn my torso. Would you like to try some?"

Griffin turned his back to the wall, as if to let the guest in, but also to hopefully not.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

She slides straight past him, her 'honest confusion' evident in her face. "Oh, sir. I'm sorry! I didn't mean anything by it. I don't mean to get started on the wrong foot!"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"No, you didn't." Griffin grumbled. "So, thanatology, interesting subject. What makes you interested in the dead? You don't look like the person to be associated with the deceased."

Or the living, for that matter, Griffin thought.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

She shrugs, flopping into whatever the closest possible seating surface is. "No idea how to answer that. 's it my turn to ask a question now?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Fine, but with a sense of moral dread and fear." Griffin replied. Instead of watching her, he walked over to his desk and began working through his papers.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Unfortunately, anything smallish and appearing even vaguely valuable was pocketed while he wasn't looking.

Twirling fingers into her hair, she inquires, "So what do you study here? Curious, of course, since you're so busy."

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Well, I'm studying optics. Specifically the absence or transparency of light. I'm trying to make things invisible, in Layman's terms." Griffin replied, trying to find the adhesive formula notes. "Oh, also, watch where you step."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"And why's that?" she returns absently, hunting for anything of value.

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Well, there may be invisible rat crap on the floor. Another reason why I'm wearing an apron." Griffin found the formula notes.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"The more you know," she responds indifferently.

"So, you can't dance?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

Oh, God here we go, Griffin thought.

"No, I don't. Skip." Griffin replied offhandedly, busy reading the page.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Do you sing?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"If my life is dependent upon it, yes..."

Griffin cleaned his glasses.

"Look, I'll be frank, I'm not going to the party. End of. And... I don't know why you're in my office."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Well, ya let me in, din'cha?"

Her expression grows forlorn. "Oh, no. I'm so sorry, have I been a bother?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"No, no. You're actually quite invaluable to me now." Griffin closed his notes, and made his way to the door.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

She lights up, springing up after him. "Oh, am I?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

Griffin took his room key and quickly locked the door, putting the key back in his pocket.

"Now, I've got a guinea pig, yes. And a guinea pig who's stolen from me." Griffin remarked, more sinister.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Her facade never flickers for even a second, confusion flooding her features. "Um, pardon me?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Oh, come now, don't ask questions you know the answer to. It's not polite. You've taken my various belongings around the room. I may wear glasses, Miss Stinemetz or whoever you are, but that doesn't mean I'm not blind."

Griffin takes out a small pistol. "You made a mistake coming in here on Valentine's."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Her sleazy posture instantly straightens out. "I'll give your stupid stuff back. You can turn me invisible, if you really like. Makes it easier on these sticky fingers--"

Her eyes widen at the pistol.

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"It may turn you invisible, but it doesn't guarantee survival. Don't worry about burials, an invisible body can't really be seen in the Thames."

Griffin looks down at the pistol.

"You're thinking of taking this, aren't you? Aheheh. Are you even a member of this Society? Or are you just a barefaced liar and thief?"

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"If you're gonna shoot me, am I really inclined to answer?" she says with a grin.

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Better to die a good person, than a liar."

Griffin smiled.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"I'm a thief, but I'm still human. No better or worse than the likes of you."

Her head tilts. "I came here with a friend of mine. She'll be seeking me out soon."

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Really? Well, she can watch you get arrested. After you."

Griffin unlocked the door, and gestured for her to go to the door.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

'Fi' snickers, letting out a peal of laughter. "You're a real interestin' one. Full name's Fiona, you know."

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

Griffin snickers childishly, mocking her. "I don't care. Now, out."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

She saunters out with a grin, confidence radiating from her every step. "Can I ask another question, then?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

He gripped the gun tightly.

"With another sense of dread and fear, yes."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Ain't no need to be scared, Dr. Griffin. I was just gonna ask--" By this time, the arrogant inflection in her voice begins to drop. "Where are you from? 'm mostly wonderin' who'd stick you with a name like Hawley, honest."

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"None of your business." Griffin replied.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Could'a said skip," she remarked. "I'm just tryin'ta be friends. I did offer to give your stuff back, didn't I?"

She throws her head back to me. "Say, what was up with the scare tactics? Why threaten with guns? You weren't gonna do it, and you weren't tryin'ta make me all the better. So why do it?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Because you're a thief, a talented thief, I'll give you that." Griffin gritted his teeth. "But still a thief, and thieves need to be punished. So, what we are going to do is leave the building, go to the nearest police station, and hand you over to the peelers."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"What a moral code," she groans out. "Anythin' I can do to get outta this?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

Griffin smiled, as if the query meant nothing to him. "No. Now get moving." He went outside his office, making sure no one saw this. Nobody in sight. Good. Griffin turned back. "Oh, by the way, happy Valentine's."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

(( The aforementioned "friend" is 100% optional - would you care if Nicolette arrived, or would you rather it just be one-on-one? ))

"I've had better. And...this wasn't quite the dance I'd expected," she said with a shrug.

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

((Your character, your choice.))

"You seem quite unfazed by the fact you're about to be incarcerated." Griffin commented as he watched her close the door behind her.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

(( I'll wait, then. ))

"Ain't my first time, and I'd be damn lucky if it was my last," she returned. "Ain't nothin' on you. You're just 'punishing a thief.'"

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

As they started making their way to the door, Griffin grabbed her by the shoulder, place the muzzle of the pistol on her back, and pushed her forward.

"I'm not punishing you, the police do that."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Her demeanor remains lax and loose. "I'm not buying into your white glove philosophy, sorry," she chuckles out.

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

Griffin, upon hearing a door behind him opening, opened the nearest door in the corridor, and pushed her in.

"Don't make a sound!" Griffin hissed.

He slammed the door. The person at the end of the corridor, the South-continental Maijabi was staring at Griffin, entirely confused.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

True to his wishes, not a single noise is made from behind the door.

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Ah, Maijabi, how are you? Going to the party, I presume?" Griffin asked politely, whilst stuffing the gun down one of his pockets.

"I'm quite alright, Griffin. Just locking up the rooms until I return. Have you heard Doddle's made some excellent unmelting iced-cream. Coming?" Maijabi asked, already slowly walking away, as if slightly wary of him.

"Oh, no thank you. Still got to find those invisible rats that Jekyll keeps whining about. Would it be alright if I used one of your mirrors?" Griffin asked, smiling so as not to arouse suspicion.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

There was a thumping scuffle from behind the door.

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"What was that?" asked Maijabi, hopefully not about the loud noise that the idiot girl made behind the door.

"Oh... Aheheh, nothing." Griffin replied. "By the by, which Lodger is situated in this... room?"

"Oh that's Sinnett's place. Said no one was to go in there. Speaking of, he's made a spectacular fire-"

Before Maijabi could tell of Sinnett's wondrous fireworks, Griffin had already dived through the door.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Idiot girl is...nowhere in sight.

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

Griffin, ignoring Maijabi's cries for explanation, tried to look for her.

"Oh, Christ, where did she go?"

He took the pistol from his pocket.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Having been behind the door, she instantly spins out from behind him and darts out the door.

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

Hearing footsteps, Griffin turned around, to see her leaving the room. Before he could lunge at her, she shut the door in his face, which collided with his nose.

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

There was a wicked shriek of laughter, followed by a peppy, "Happy Valentine's!" as the steps retreated.

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"...Ow..." Griffin moaned.

"Griffin? Griffin, you alright?" Maijabi asked. "Who was that woman?"

Maijabi entered Sinnett's office, peering down at Griffin lying down, his nose bleeding.

"...Urgh, just let me, lie down here for a moment, Maijabi."

"Are you coming to the party?" he asked.

"Oh... piss off."

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

(( Aaaand, I suppose that's a wrap! :D ))

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

((Quite right, very good, what-what! Thanks :} ))

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

(( Thank you! Fiona's a...challenging character to play, and worse to interact with, I'd imagine. XD ))

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

((Well... certainly... chall-eng-ing?))

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

(( What's the confusion for? :p ))

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

((Well, didn't want to seem offensive toward your character...))

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

(( It's fine, she's awful. xD I swear, she's got a heart of gold!

...somewhere in there... ))

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Dr. H. Griffin  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

((I'm honestly imagining a scenario where Griffin's invisibility formula is stolen by her... madness, destruction and death *shudder shudder*))

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chatterghosts  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

(( Well, she'll be appearing more and more, so... I'm ready for her to wreak more havoc. ))

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Helen Jekyll  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

(I'm looking forward to her confrontation with Lewis! :D

[*Hela sniffles in a comer.* But I want to wreck havoc...])

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

(XDDD Brilliant!! This was lovely!!)

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Tairais • 2 years ago

(( So if Richard wasn't out of the country chasing cannibalistic kidnapper-mentors enjoying a lovely vacation, he'd love to attend.

As it is, I happen to have a doodle based off a post I saw on tumblr that fits this pretty well.

Enjoy~

Thumbnail

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3eb623bbd0db949744bd7d8443bee53969d483e5535c151442837cf170515cf8.jpg?w=600&h=872

))

see more

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chatterghosts  Tairais • 2 years ago

(( The Elias in the corner is the most accurate thing I've ever seen. ))

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Hyde without a Jekyll  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

((Too true!!! XDDDD <3 )

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Tairais  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

(( XD ))

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Tairais • 2 years ago

((YESSSSS!!!! Also tiny Elias in the background! <3 ))

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Tairais  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

(( Ngl I think I had just as much fun with his chibi as I did the dress XD ))

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Tairais • 2 years ago

( XD Never a bad thing! And both in the same picture is priceless!!)

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Tairais  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

(( ^^ ))

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Miss-Dreamerkat  Tairais • 2 years ago

(This is perfect)

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Tairais  Miss-Dreamerkat • 2 years ago

(( ^^ ))

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Miss-Dreamerkat  Tairais • 2 years ago

X3

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Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Lewis was glad he'd put in those orders for bespoke clothing on his way to Blackfog. His new attire would serve him well at this formal affair: White shirt with starched collar, white bow tie, black trousers, waistcoat, shoes, and tails, all tailored just so. His gloved hands grasped his respectable-looking walking stick as he headed out the door. A black top hat and lavender rose boutonniere completed the ensemble. The vase stood empty.

* * *

Weir arrived at the venue punctually. He walked in with confidence, taking in his surroundings.

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Upon his entry, there's a cackling laugh, followed by a wolf whistle - and a hissed "shhhh".

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 2 years ago • edited

Amused, Lewis made his way over to the source of the sounds.

He was surprised to find Nicolette, whom he hadn't seen in some time, and tipped his hat. The other, he did not know.

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Nicolette flashes a polite smile. The peculiarly-dressed person on her arm, however, lets out a loud laugh. "And you said I dressed funny!"

Nicolette's smile shifts into something more apologetic, gaze briefly moving to her companion. "Fi, please."

Her eyes move back to Lewis. "My sincerest apologies."

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

Well, I needn't worry about formality with this one, Weir concluded of "Fi".

"None needed," he reassured Nicolette.

"'Bit of a monkey suit, isn't it?" he said with a laugh, addressing her companion. "Lewis Weir, by the by." He tilted his head, a small smile playing at his lips. "'This your first soiree?"

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Hopefully my last," they return bluntly.

Nicolette huffs softly. "This is Fio--"

"Fi Stinemetz," they say quickly.

Nicolette rolls her eyes. "She's a very old friend of mine." Glancing to him, she considered quickly what the odds were he knew of the situation with Artemis.

Finding them sufficient, she adds hastily, "I'm looking over Arty's and Elias' room in their absence."

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"A pleasure," Lewis replied to Fi.

"Ah. That's wise," he answered Nicolette. "How are you getting along these days?" he asked, remembering the events they'd been through.

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I'm doing just fine," she replies.

Fi snorts. "'cept her husband's missing.."

She completely ignores that, moving on instead to, "And how are you?"

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Making ends meet, thankfully. About your husband...I've run across an acquaintance of Richard's who's keeping me appraised of what little we know so far. If you like, I could introduce you."

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Wait, y'lot can't keep me in the dark: who the hell's Richard?" Fi asks.

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Elias's beloved," answered Lewis, as if he were speaking of something as mundane as the weather.

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"WHO THE HELL IS ELIAS?"

That shout received a prompt elbow in the ribs from Nicolette.

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Arty's brother," said Lewis quietly.

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Fi's eyes widen. "Why the hell didn't you say so--"

"Fi, why don't you go..mingle?"

They grin devilishly and leave fast.

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Old friends..." said Lewis with wistful look and a shrug which said, "What can ya do?"

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"She's... a handful. Wickedly clever, but a handful." She chuckles softly. "I hope your foot's healing well?"

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Good on her," he said with a grin. "'Foot's well enough. I get around. 'Have an excuse to carry one of these again," he tipped his head toward his cane, "so that's something. How's your hand?"

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Reconstructed well enough." She raises the hand in question - conveniently gloved, but with no visible malformations.

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"I'm glad to know that. It was...quite a time, wasn't it?"

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She smiles. "At least everyone came back alright."

Her hands fold together. "And I'm sure they will this time, as well."

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"As am I." He locked eyes with her, sympathetic and serious. "If you like, when this is over, go to Richard's room and ask for Charracthran. Don't be put off by his appearance. If you've a message for Richard, he can deliver it, as well as bring one back for you."

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I'll keep it in mind."

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Very good. It's--"

He cut himself off as he felt the oddest presence. It was familiar as his own name, but he couldn't place it for the life of him.

"I'm sorry to--please pardon me, I need to tend to something just now."

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She nods. "It's fine. Have a good evening, Lewis."

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 2 years ago

"Thank you. I wish you the same, Nicolette." With that, he took his leave.

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Jekyll1886  Guest • 2 years ago

Lewis had been looking about, trying to get a bead on the odd resonance, when he caught sight of the figure above.

He forgot, in that moment, what it was he'd been thinking about.

A smile crossed his face, and he gave a tip of his hat.

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Jekyll1886  Guest • 2 years ago

Lewis's eyes widened in pleased surprise, and he nodded once.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Meanwhile, the owner of the strangely familiar aura was moving about the mingling party guests, her eyes downcast and shaded by the brim of her cap. With her wearing a plain white blouse and slacks rolled up past her ankles, only the enchanted bracelet around her wrist prevented Hela from causing a scene, a sense of dé·jà vu surrounding her like a cloak. Serval flasks, all filled with pure alchocol, rested in her pockets alongside a matchbook, rewards for her brief conversations with a few of the waiters she found. A pause in the music prompted her to glance up for just a moment before returning her gaze to the ground and strolling towards the buffet table lined with food.

Now's a good of a time as ever. She mused as a new song began to play, a lively tune that pulled most guests to the dance floor. Having reached the table, she surveyed the treats laid before her, her hand dipping into her pocket to retrieve a flask.

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Catt Hatter  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

(Oh heck, what have I been missing?)

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Helen Jekyll  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

(Nothing too important, don't worry! Hela's just going to get a time out for awhile... and flunk a test. ^-^')

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Catt Hatter  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

(Flunk a test?)

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Helen Jekyll  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

(Mhm! The questions Lewis asked along with their follow ups were a test and she got a C. ^^')

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Catt Hatter  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

(I think I need to catch up. Also, C is a fail? Huh.)

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Helen Jekyll  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

(I was actually just about to fix that. She got a D on her test, not a C. Sorry. But if you do catch up, a little fur ball has joined the party!)

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Catt Hatter  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

(Ah, okay.

Yay! Leo!)

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Helen Jekyll  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

(He's so fluffy. ^-^

Maybe Hela wouldn't be so bored if she had string or something to play with him with!)

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Catt Hatter  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

(Fluffy snuggle bundle. :3

I can arrange that! How about one of those feathers on a string on a stick?)

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Helen Jekyll  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

(Those are wonderful! Really fun, too! ^-^

Be careful, at this rate, you'll be spoiling her!)

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Catt Hatter  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

(With a knife and a cat toy? She's gonna be so spoiled!)

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ATasteForVintages  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

Are you sure you wanna do that? e A e

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Catt Hatter  ATasteForVintages • 2 years ago

(Things have shifted, so the knife isn't a knife anymore. Shame, I had fun making/coming up with it.)

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Helen Jekyll  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

(Okay, it might not seem like much, but it's more than she's ever gotten before. ^-^)

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Catt Hatter  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

(True. Also, things have changed a bit with regards to the knife... it's a ring now.)

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Helen Jekyll  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

(Oh, really? I'm intrigued! ^-^)

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Catt Hatter  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

(:D)

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Jekyll1886  Guest • 2 years ago

Lewis found his way to Henry, who was by the bar, not far from the buffet table.

"Dr. Rose," said Weir, gently taking the former's gloved hand to bestow a kiss in greeting. "What a pleasure."

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Jekyll1886  Guest • 2 years ago • edited

"That it is. Everything--everyone--" he said, holding Rose's gaze just long enough, "looks marvelous. May I get you something to drink?"

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Jekyll1886  Guest • 2 years ago

"Do let's," agreed Lewis.

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Background Scientist #37  Guest • 2 years ago

((Sort of irrelevant but I LOVE the dress))

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Wizardblizzard  Guest • 2 years ago

((Am I right, your character is a man, dressed as a woman? Just trying to sort out whether it's that or whether I've got confused about who you're talking about.))

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Jasper Jekyll  Wizardblizzard • 2 years ago

( No offense, but isn't it kind of rude to be asking that sort of thing? )

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Jasper Jekyll • 2 years ago

(I know I just want to make sure to use the correct pronoun when referring to Rosy, so what would they prefer? )

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ATasteForVintages  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

IIII think Rosy can hear us, let's ask him!

HenryRoseQuartz Rosy baby, my child, what pronouns do you want?

And don't just wave off your personal preferences to make people comfortable, tell us what you really feel!

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Wizardblizzard  Jasper Jekyll • 2 years ago

( It's not rude to ask somebody to explain what they're saying. I just wanted to know whether that was what the narrator was after or whether I'd just made a mistake about which pronoun was referring to who. ...unless you mean it's rude to tell someone that you're not clear what they mean ;-) )

( No offense, but isn't it kind of confusing to make your out of character remarks in character? :-D It's OK, I'm (almost) used to it now! )

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Jasper Jekyll  Wizardblizzard • 2 years ago • edited

( It IS pretty rude to call someone "a dude dressed in drag". You could have just asked if it was one person narrating about themselves.

I make my remarks in character because that's who I am. That's why I write this section in italics 😉 )

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ATasteForVintages  Wizardblizzard • 2 years ago

e W e

http://the-roleplaying-scie...

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Catt Hatter  Guest • 2 years ago

(^w^ They look so pretty!)

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Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago • edited

Gemma perched herself atop a table, she'd arrived early, with the food, which she may or may not be guarding like a hawk (It'd taken hours, she had a licence to be concerned.) She was wearing a floor length dress the color of her hair, over which she wore a deep blue suit jacket. All which most definitely had (not) been purchased legitimately. She'd tucked the peach rose from earlier behind her ear and wove the stem into a french braid that traveled along her hairline where it led to a larger braid that went down her back. Her feet were bare, she had no formal shoes. Her feet swung from where she sat, and she gave off an air of pent up energy.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

Gemma's precious nest of food was now infected by the parasite. The parasite in question was Alice who had taken a plate and was happily munching her way through the fantastic dishes.

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Background Scientist #37  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

Gemma hopped off the table and swooped in behind her. "Enjoying yourself?" She grinned, before sweeping her eyes over the dishes, to be sure they still looked as good as they did. She did, and sighed inwardly in relief. She fell back, rocking back a forth on her feet.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

Alice gazed up at the blue haired girl with a face full of food. Unable to talk Alice opted to nod vigorously.

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Background Scientist #37  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

Gemma grinned. "That's good. I'm just making sure no one does anything to it." She scowled and narrowed her eyes before brightening her face. "I'm just kidding, theres enough food here, I shouldn't worry." She picked up a cookie, and stuffed it in her mouth. After swallowing she said, "Tasty."

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

Swallowing the delicious snack, she was finally able to properly address Gemma, "I wouldn't be too sure! They're like vultures!," she gestured to the other lodgers, "I wouldn't be surprised considering how it is during meal times!"

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Background Scientist #37  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Well when its all gone its all gone, I spent long enough on this, unless they want to cater in something," Gemma said, seemingly going 'so there!'.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

"Wait!" Alice called out after her, "You're one of the cooks?!"

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Background Scientist #37  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Yep! I'm the new sou chef, the names Gemma, you are?" Gemma tilted her head, trying to place the person in front of her.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

"Alice!" She replied. Though Alice was in the kitchen most of the time she had never seen Gemma before.

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Background Scientist #37  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Nice to meet you Alice!" Gemma said, giving a warm smile.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

"Nice to meet you too, Gemma!" Alice grinned back.

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Background Scientist #37  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Sorry if this is intrusive, but which one is your favorite?" Gemma asked, "Food that here that is."

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

"Um...." She looked at her plate and then the table and then back at her plate before deciding, "Probably those pink heart shaped fruit?" She pointed to a rose on her plate carved from a sweet pink fruit, the kind was unknown to Alice or what had been done to the fruit besides it's elegant carving.

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Background Scientist #37  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

"I'm glad you like them! I'm actually I have no idea what type of fruit they are, I was just in charge of the carving, someone else flavored them." She probably should have known, but she never really paid much attention.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

"Well they're very very pretty!" She popped another one into her mouth, biting through the sweet flesh as the succulent juices filled her mouth and dribbled down her throat. "Which one's your favorite?"

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Background Scientist #37  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

"The chocolate chip cookies," Gemma said immediately. "They're my mom recipe. They remind me of her, and I haven't seen her in a while." Her expression shifted to a sort of melancholy. "Not to be a Debby Downer," she said in a rush.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

Alice felt the shift in mood and a concern for the chef rose in her stomach, "They were very tasty... Why don't you take a day and go see her?"

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Background Scientist #37  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

A slight feeling of guilt rose in the blue haired girl. "I... I don't know where she is. Our family went bankrupt a while ago and everyone split up. I would visit if I could, but..." she trailed off.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

"Oh...." Alice looked down at her plate of food contemplating the turn of events, "Have you tried using some of the Society's resources to look for them?"

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Background Scientist #37  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

"No... Can you? I don't know if I could," Gemma's eye's showed a flicker of hope. "Do you know how to do that?"

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

"I can't," Alice shook her head, "but some of the other should be able to! Mz. Hyde and Hen and Brian all have tons of friends, maybe of them could help!" She continued in a hopeful tone.

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Background Scientist #37  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

Gemma smiled. "Thanks for telling me! I'll try and get a hold of someone sometime soon."

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

"Of course! Any thing for the cook!" She raises her plate in a toast to Gemma's excellent skills in the kitchen, "And I wish you luck in finding your family."

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Background Scientist #37  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

Gemma smiled once more "Thank you. I hope you have a good time tonight."

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

"And you!" Alice smiled back before taking up a position near the chocolate chip cookies.

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Background Scientist #37  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

((YAY! I feel accomplishedd :) ))

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

(This was a ton of fun!! :DDD I hope to play with you again and I hope you enjoyed yourself! )

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Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

Alice strode into the lavish room dressed in her normal attire (though cleaned and pressed to pristine perfection for the event). She had hoped to find Rose or Mz. Hyde for something more formal but with the suddenness of the party she didn't have time to track them down. Maybe she could find one of them during the event and barrow an accessory?

The thought was quickly pushed to the wayside as Alice's scanning gaze landed on refreshment table. Striding over she began to work her way happily through the hors d'oeuvres.

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Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

Hela lined the flasks along one of the edges of the table, spaced out evenly and their lids now residing in her pocket, the caps soon being joined with several pasteries and party treats she planned to enjoy at a later date. Any and all comments directed at her behavior were ignored, her eyes remaining lowered. Quickly, all to aware of the hundreds of witnesses around her, she strode from one end of the table to the other, knocking over the flasks as she did so their contents spilled onto the table and soaked the table cloth. She reached the far side of the table and pulled a match from its box, striking it against the container and tossing it onto the table, a faint smile tugging at her lips as the dampened cloth immediately caught fire, the flame spreading rapidly along the pools of spirits.

And now, for the reaction. She chuckled to herself and removed the bracelet from her wrist, finally raising her eyes to glance around and see what her actions had caused.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

Alice who had taken up residence next to the pastries after working her way through the main course, jumped back with a yelp as suddenly the entire table was engulfed in flames. Part of her hoped this was from the food, or maybe a planned show...

But another part knew this was malicious.

All thoughts of wrong doing were quickly put aside as she noticed her plate of pastries and fruits was now burning too.

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Jekyll1886  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

Conveniently, there was a pail of sand nearby marked:

FIRE

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Throwing the burning plate or pastries into the growing flames, what a waist of good food, Alice grabbed the nearby bucket and chucked it's contents onto the burning table.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Lewis had been just about to take a glass of wine from the bar just adjacent the buffet when the latter went up in flames. He startled back, instinctively placing a hand on Dr. Rose to keep him out of harm's way. Not a moment later, he felt a very familiar presence slide out of the nagging sense of deja vu which had been plaguing him:

Hela.

He turned to look in its direction.

There she was, taking in the chaos she must have caused.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Hela scanned the surrounding crowd, her smile growing with every expression she saw. Some were shocked, horrified. Others furious. A few even scared when she looked their way. The sight of their faces practically made her chest puff out with pride. She had done this, she made a plan and followed through with it. Nothing could bring her down, not with this feeling burning within her, not with the-

Wait, Lewis?

Her eyes met his, a sudden tormoil overtaking her mind.

He's going to hurt me.

I want to talk to him, rub it in his face.

He'll pin me down, humiliate me.

Not so great are you now, eh, doc?

Run away.

Talk to him.

Run.

Talk.

She took a hesitant step forward, faltering until a hissing sound coming from the buffet table as hot fire met cool refreshments reminded her of all the eyes watching. So she continued at a leisurely stroll, moving closer to the doctor as if she had all the time in the world.

"Enjoying the show, Lewis? I must admit, I hadn't expected to see you here..."

Her hand slipped into her pocket to hide the bracelet held within it.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"And I must admit," said Lewis matter-of-factly yet with an underlying touch of weariness as he shifted his weight to his cane, "your attendance doesn't come as a complete surprise."

He reached behind the bar, and pulled out a large bucket of sand labeled:

FIRE

by its handle. There were several such pails in various spots about the room, a typical Victorian precaution, given the ubiquitous table linens and candlelight.

He approached both her and the flaming table, then swung the bucket behind him, as if preparing to put out the fire. On the upstroke, he made a slight adjustment to its path. The full weight and momentum of metal and sand bore down on Hela as the bottom of the pail impacted her squarely under the jaw, as good as any strongman's uppercut.

He let the bucket continue its circular path even as Hela fell backward, so as not to spill any of its contents. When it came back to its starting point, Lewis leaned against the bar, weight on his good leg, and cast the sand onto the hungry flames.

"EVERYONE GRAB A PAIL AND DOUSE THAT!" he instructed, indicating the buffet flambé with an upward nod of his chin. "NOW!"

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Jekyll1886  Guest • 2 years ago • edited

While the other lodgers were busy with their task, Lewis took the opportunity to tend to Hela's unconscious form. Her vitals were normal, though her heartbeat was a tad rapid.

He checked her person for weapons, lockpicks, and any other items she ought not have. She had several pastries and flask-stoppers in her pockets. The former, he laid on a nearby table; at least some food would be left for the partygoers. The latter, he collected as evidence. He also confiscated a knife, but, more notably...a bracelet with an odd metaphysical signature.

Weir looked about to see if anyone was watching. Everyone was still either distracted by the fire or busy trying to extinguish it.

Good. He didn't want anyone exacting vengeance on Hela.

Bracing himself, he managed to get her over his shoulder. He hobbled out of the room with his burden, heading for another part of the Society.

* * *

When he reached Hela's room, he opened the door with his key, locked it behind them, and set her down on her bed. He put away the key, and did a thorough search of the premises. Every potential weapon he found, he removed and set outside, in the hallway. He laid his top hat, bow tie, tailcoat, and gloves there, too, along with a note reading:

Property of Dr. Lewis Weir.

DO NOT TAKE.

These tasks accomplished, he once again locked the door and returned the key to its proper place. He took a seat in the chair, facing the bed, and waited for Hela to wake.

* * *

Eventually, he felt a change in her energy: Hela was just beginning to come to consciousness. Walking stick across his lap, he brought his hands up, apart...then brought them together as quickly and loudly as he could.

A resounding CLAP! echoed within the small room.

see more

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Hela's eyes snapped open, the clap still ringing in her ears as she pushed herself upright, immediately regretting the action when it resulted in her room spinning before her eyes.

Her room.

The party.

She jerked her head to the side and her gazed locked onto the man sitting beside her bed.

"Lewis... what did you do? Why am I back here?!"

Though the throbbing in her temples and the back of her head hinted at what had happened, she wanted to hear what had happened.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Lewis regarded her silently, one brow ever so slightly raised. His icy stare told her all she needed to know.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Letting out a huff at a lack of verbal response, she swung her legs off of the bed, glowering back into his cold eyes.

"The silent treatment, huh? How mature..."

She reached into her pocket, her face flushing when she found it empty.

"Where's my food?! Lewis, give it back! Those treats were mine!"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"You, young miss, get nothing," said Lewis, rising from his seat with such speed that it sent the chair sliding backwards. He leaned his weight on his good leg for a split-second, just long enough to flip the walking stick. He gripped it by the end of the shaft, its heavy head on the ground in case it became necessary to swing it. "Just like everyone else at the party, thanks to you." A pause as he looked down at her as if she were a speck, a nothing, an unseemly mote of dust. "Children who misbehave do not merit 'treats'."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Hela gawked at him in stunned silence, her mouth opening for a retort, but words didn't follow. His tone of voice had stirred the foggiest of memories within her mind and she felt her heart grow heavy with dread.

"I... I am not a child..."

Far softer than she intended, the words she finally managed to get out wavered and tumbled out of her mouth.

"You're not the one to be judging my actions... and trying to- to punish me!"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Could've fooled me," retorted Weir, in response to Hela's assertion of not being a child. To her latter statement, he countered, "And, on the contrary, I'm exactly the person to judge your behavior. Your punishment is your own doing. It's high time you learned: The world is full of logical consequences. Inescapable repercussions. Some of them merely unpleasant. Others deadly." Count yourself lucky you didn't meet me in times past. "Now. I was looking forward to a lovely party. You have deprived me of this pleasure. Therefore, I deprive you of yours. No treats. No knives. No magic bracelets. And no one to interact with but me." An unpleasant smile turned up the corners of his mouth. "This will be your life, Hela. Until I see progress."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"No... no, no, no, this isn't how this was supposed to go! I need all of those things! You don't understand, the party was just for fun, but m-my knives..."

Hela faltered, searching but finding no pity in Lewis's expression. She brushed her hand against where her sheath had been and an ache began to settle itself in her heart. Despite the new, unpleasant sensation, she regained some of her composure, lowering her gaze.

"Fine then, an eye for an eye. Go ahead, take what you want from me. My knives, my freedom, my peace and quiet. Just, give me back my bracelet. Please. It's the only thing that really belongs to me."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Hela, you're right: The party was for fun." A pause. "And you're the only one who got to have any." Anger welled, but he reined himself into a calmer state, and exhaled before continuing. "But the party's over now. Bracelet and all. Until. You. Learn."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Hela rose to her feet, hands clenched into fists by her sides.

"What exactly do you expect me to learn? Why is this lesson of yours so important?! I just want my d*** bracelet back before you run off to that party again and drink the night away!" She hissed and tilted her chin up, her eyes burning with an anger similar to the flames she had created some time ago.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Did you not hear me, Hela?" asked Lewis calmly, a modicum of sympathy slipping into his gaze. "I'm not going back to the party. I'm here with you, for you, for the duration. I expect you to learn that you don't always have to go on the offensive. That there are people you can trust who aren't weaker than you. And that actions always have repercussions."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"You're already holding me here against my will, taking my belongings, is that not enough for you? Are you that disappointed with how your fancy party turned out? Tell me the truth, Lewis! You're bitter about a ruined night with ladies and wine!"

Hela spat out accusations, his words merely making her blood boil. How dare he talk to her about repercussions.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"The truth?" laughed Lewis. "My darling girl, you can't handle the whole truth. Not at this juncture. But I'll tell you a fraction. Utterly honestly. Am I disappointed with how the party turned out? Naturally. But is that my primary motivation? No, not at all. There will be other parties. There is, however," and here his gaze seemed to intensify, "only one Hela. Keep on as you are, and you'll get yourself killed. It's happened time and time again, to far too many Hydes and Jekylls to count. There has been but one exception, and he had my help. My aid. My counsel. My discipline, when necessary. Do you want to live, Hela? Because that's what I offer you. Hate me for it if you like; I care not."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

A pause followed his words.

"Sometimes I wonder how much you value your own life, Dr. Weir..."

Her voice hardened and grew colder, turning to ice.

"For day after day, you seem to hang around me for the sole purpose of making my existence miserable. I'm sure you won't be surprised to hear that I consider you something of a demon."

She rolled her shoulders, releasing a slow breath and bowing her head. She allowed a faint smile to play on her lips, though she felt no joy.

"Are you Hell, Lewis?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"I can be," he acknowledged, still sticking to honesty. "I can also be Heaven, and everything in-between. Do you understand, Hela?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"What I understand is that you sound like you're using an awfull pickup line..."

Hela grumbled and turned her head aside. "And believe it or not, this 'darling girl' isn't a complete idiot, so you can stop talking to me like I'm five..."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

It was patent she didn't take his larger meaning. Not even a hint of it.

Ah, well... All things, in their time.

"Very well. So long as your behavior will no longer match that of a five-year-old, I'll happily comply. What would you like to talk about, in adult fashion?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Perhaps a negotiation for my belongings...?"

Hela suggested then blinked as she realized what had been said. She nearly began yelling, her mouth already opened before rational thought caught up to her burst of passion.

He definitely won't agree if I start a fight with him again. He doesn't seem to take me seriously when I do.

She clamped her mouth shut, silently flushing and suddenly unwilling to meet his gaze.

I better get my bracelet back for this... She silently hoped.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"You did seem rather concerned about that bracelet," he remarked. "It's truly something special, I take it. Who gave it to you, by the by?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"I don't know who, but... that's why it's special, I guess. Someone gave me a gift and didn't even want to take credit for it." She explained, trying to shake off what remained of her anger. "Most people want you to know exactly which presents are from them, so you'll like them more for their amazing gifts and whatnot."

Hela started to chew on her lip and shifted her weight to one leg.

He just has to make me play by his own rules. Wonderful.

"So, anyways, is there a way I could get my things back, without having to take them off your corpse?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Most of your things are in the hall, actually," Lewis explained. "Not on my person. A corpse would do you little good." He chuckled. "Assuming you could make one of me."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Hela rolled her eyes, folding her arms across her chest. "Haha, you're so clever... just keep your mouth off my neck and answer the d*** question." She murmured. "And the hallway doesn't seem like the safest place to be storing my things."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Not to worry; I've covered them with some of my clothes and left specific instructions. No one will be bothering them, or they'll answer to me. As to your earlier question, 'No.' You lost the privilege to negotiate when you set the buffet on fire." And you didn't even have the patience to wait till they were playing the Burning Love polka, he added silently. If you're going to make a spectacle, at least do it with panache!

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Her eyes narrowed and though she made no other movements, a twitching of her fingertips gave sign of her irritation.

"Are there any other privileges that have been taken away that I should know about, sir? Because before you just said I wasn't allowed to have treats, knives, and my bracelet..."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"The privilege of being free of my company, for one. Though they do have co-ed dormitories in your century, so I hear. So it won't be that different."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"You're... going to be sleeping and living in here with me... always?" A few more twitches. "You've got to be joking, I am not letting you move in."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Oh, not to worry. I'll only be here until I see a genuine change in attitude and understanding. So the length of my stay really depends upon you, Hela."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Hela let out a soft sigh of relief. "Great, let's get started then. What do you want me to do about my attitude and understanding? Do you want me to just not set tables on fire anymore?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"First of all, Hela," he said, with not an ounce of condemnation, "I need to know why you set the buffet on fire to begin with. What were you seeking to accomplish? You obviously took the time to plan this out. What type of reaction were you hoping for? How did you think such an act would affect people's view of you?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Well, boredom can drive you to do strange things, Dr. Weir. I simply wished to end the deary nature of the day and of the party itself. The only reason for my use of fire was the ease at which I could start it." She took on a more polite air, fixing him with a inquisitive gaze.

Why is it that he asks a thousand questions? She pondered as she tried to glean some hint from his expression.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Stop telling me obvious half-truths, Hela," said Weir with a trickle of impatience. In truth, he only just avoided rolling his eyes at her poor excuses. "What did you feel when you saw the looks on everyone's faces?" For therein lies your true motivation.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

A glimmer of amusement twinkled in her eye. "Pity, for all of them had to wear such uncomfortable clothing for hours... Jealousy, too. I hadn't had the chance to taste any of the treats laid out on the buffet."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"As you won't deign to tell me your actual motives, I shall simply have to fill them in myself. Though it is a bit of a relief you're aware enough of them that you can lie in an attempt to cover them up." He smiled, satisfied. "Ignorance of the self is therefore not the problem."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Hela simply gave a shrug, lowering herself back onto the bed and avoiding his gaze.

"No, it's probably the fact that I'm an insane murderer living like a parasite in the beloved Dr. Helen's body." She suggested lightly. "That's what tends to send everyone running, in my experience."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"You're not insane. You simply think differently, and have yet to be properly socialized," stated Lewis, pulling up the chair to take a seat. "Nor are you a parasite. You have just as much right to exist as does Helen. No more, no less."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Her shoulders fell as Lewis moved to sit, frowning faintly as she rolled them to relieve the aching in her muscles.

"It seems you have a rather unpopular opinion, Lewis." She muttered and let out a soft chuckle before continuing in a louder voice. "I do have serveral questions about all of that, if you can stand our roles being reversed."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Very well," he returned peaceably. "What's on your mind?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Let's see here," Hela began. "For one thing, I don't like the sound of this being 'properly socialized' business..." Pause. "Do you actually intend to try and make me act like someone I'm not?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"I intend to show you how to behave in such a way that you won't wind up in Broadmoor or, if you're unlucky, Newgate, nor bring the police to the Society's door and thereby jeopardize everyone here. Do you not understand the perilous nature of your situation?"

((Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wi...

Newgate Prison: https://en.wikipedia.org/wi...

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I guess I don't, because I can't think of any reason why everyone gets so worked up about what I do." Hela snapped, her cheeks flushing. "If anyone else had done what I did- if any of the Lodgers had set that table on fire, they wouldn't have been locked up and their belongings wouldn't have been taken away! If Helen had done it, everyone wouldn't have had a care in the world! They'd all just thank her for warming up the room or some stupid nonsense like that!" Her fists clenched and she rose. "And another thing-!"

A mewl came from beneath the bed, cutting off Hela's rant as the source of the noise came crawling out. Leo, a Turkish Van kitten, paused to gaze up at Lewis before padding to his owner and rubbing his head against her leg.

Hela scowled, bending down to scoop the kitten into her arms. "What are you doing up, you little hairball...?" She muttered as she stroked the kittens ears. The kitten simply purred contently in reply.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Is that a Turkish Van?" asked Lewis, gazing at the little creature.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Hela pressed the fluffy creature close to her chest, shielding him with her hands. "I don't know, Elaina picked him up from somewhere. I've never studied cat breeds."

The kitten squirmed for a few moment before getting comfortable, running his sandpaper tongue over the warm hands that held him.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"I think he--or she--may well be one," remarked Lewis. "Good breed, that. Fond of water, a rarity in felines." He shifted his gaze from the kitten to Hela. "In any case, you were saying?..."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Leo's a boy." Hela murmured and stared down at the kitten in question. "I don't think he's ever been able to see a lot of water." She sighed and set Leo down. "Never mind what I was saying, you can just go back to asking your questions or whatever it is you want."

The kitten went to examine Lewis's shoes, sniffing them with his tail held high.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Lewis didn't bother the cat, letting it sniff his shoes freely.

"Hela, what do you think my aim is in this? Honestly," he said, seeking her genuine opinion. "For whose sake do you think I'm doing all this?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Simply for your own sake, Doctor. Who else would you do this for?" Hela glowered at him. "You're human."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

He gave a merry laugh.

That I am, he thought. As are you.

"Touché, Hela. I don't do anything I don't choose to, that much is true. But I don't do this simply for my own sake. I do it for yours, Helen's, Hastie's, Elaina's, and the other lodgers' as well." He smiled, then shrugged. "It's true I have an agenda. Who doesn't? But it's to everyone's benefit, including yours. Whether you see it or no."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She pressed her lips into a thin line. "It sounds to me like your trying to force your ideas of help on me. The fact that I don't see why I'd ever want you to 'teach me to behave' is a pretty clear sign that I shouldn't have anything to do with it." Hela spoke matter of factly, her arms folded across her chest.

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Elaina Hyde  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

(Awww, is Hela grumpy cuz momma Lewis took away the cookies she snuck into her room? X3)

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Helen Jekyll  Elaina Hyde • 2 years ago

(Yes, actually. XD Planning arson takes a lot of energy and she can't stand an empty stomach.)

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Darting past the door minutes after this, Fiona pauses to stoop down, swiping up the fine clothing (and anything caught within the like), the tophat, and a cupcake. She bolts seconds later.

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 2 years ago • edited

Lewis felt someone's presence in the hallway outside.

Nicolette's old friend, if I'm not mistaken.

However, he elected not to leave Hela unattended.

((Also, there are no cupcakes or other edibles. Lewis left those on a table in the ballroom for the partygoers, as stated in the above post.))

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(( Whoops! Alright, thank you. ))

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Background Scientist #37  Guest • 2 years ago

Gemma's face had been a mix of pure shock, anger, and sadness mixed into the same expression. Lewis's shouting sprang her out of her trace, simply staring at the burning buffet, to running back and forth from table, to buckets, helping douse the flames. Her anger could wait.

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Helen Jekyll  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

(I do hope Gemma has some sort of revenge planned for my she-wolf~

Oh, right, sorry about all the food... 😅)

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Background Scientist #37  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

((Its fine :) not. bewaaaaaaarrrrrrreeeee. Or not. Gemma's not that terrifing. ))

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Helen Jekyll  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

(Still, I have high hopes for her! Perhaps with the help of another lodger, she could come up with a suitable punishment. ^-^)

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Background Scientist #37  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

((perhaps))

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Wizardblizzard  Background Scientist #37 • 2 years ago

((She is a cook after all))

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Elaina Hyde  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

A small blonde girl ran in, wearing a bright green dress and a smile. The smile quickly disappeared when she saw the fire. "....oh."

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Wizardblizzard  Elaina Hyde • 2 years ago

"Wha-!" Isabella quickly seized one of the buckets and emptied it over the burning table.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lewis bending over someone on the ground. She was about to ask what was the matter when a scrap of burning tablecloth fell to the floor. By the time she'd finished jumping on it, Lewis and the other person had gone.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(( Slightly irrelevant but I'm pretty sure this might have happened in a AU....

https://youtu.be/1EBfxjSFAxQ

))

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Helen Jekyll  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

(Oh my gosh, that's amazing. XDD)

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

( Glad you liked it!! XD )

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Background Scientist #37  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

((Beautiful))

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