bonjour

Be our guest.

[blaiselumi]

//closed starter @beastlyadam

Blaise stood outside Adam’s door, leaning casually but with a certain stubbornness in his posture. He had a knack for putting his foot in his mouth—this time by casually mentioning the party to Belle. Deep down, he knew it wasn’t entirely accidental. Guilt? Maybe a little. But there was also a fire in his gut telling him he was right about Belle being the key to fixing their curse. He just needed Adam to stop being so... well, Adam.

The muffled sound of grunts and curses from the other side of the door was almost comical. Blaise rolled his eyes, letting out a sharp sigh. “Come on, man. We need to talk,” he called, his knuckles rapping against the wooden door with a rhythm that suggested he wasn’t leaving anytime soon.

He waited, hearing more irritated muttering inside, before pressing his hand against the door. “This thing with you and Belle? Listen, man to man, I highly suggest you face it. Hiding and sulking isn’t gonna do anyone any good.”

Silence. Typical. Adam was stubborn as hell, but so was Blaise. He leaned closer, lowering his voice in mock-seriousness. “I got beer, bread, and a Maxim magazine because you keep choosing to be a pussy. So open up, man.”

For a moment, the only response was stillness, and Blaise smirked to himself. He could almost hear Adam weighing whether to stay in his brooding bubble or give in. “Look, I’m not saying it’s easy,” Blaise added, his tone softening just slightly. “But this thing between you two? It’s not just about you. It’s about all of us. You think I’m doing this for fun?”

Another pause. And then the faint sound of locks turning. Blaise grinned, holding up the beer and bread in one hand as the door creaked open just enough to reveal Adam’s grumpy face. “That’s my guy,” Blaise quipped, stepping inside like he owned the place.

[blaiselumi]

//closed starter @peloponnesianminute

It was late, the kind of night where the chill bites through layers and the streets are unusually quiet. Blaise stood by the bar’s dimly lit exterior, leaning casually against his car, retracing familiar steps in his mind. He hadn’t been here in a while—not since everything with Meg—and yet here he was, as though drawn by some invisible thread.

A few minutes passed before the door swung open. And there she was, throwing on her worn leather jacket, her movements sharp and unbothered as if she had the whole world to face before she could call it a night. That was Meg—independent to a fault, always hustling, even with Christmas looming just days away. Blaise couldn’t help but smile. He had missed her, even if he didn’t want to admit it.

“Bonsoir, mami,” he called, his tone light and teasing, the grin on his face unmistakable. “Got time for an old friend?” he asked, tilting his head as he gestured toward the car. Before she could respond, he pushed a little further, unable to help himself. “I'll give you a ride. Get in.”

What she didn’t know—what he wasn’t about to say—was that inside his coat pocket, he had a gift for her. Meg had been a massive part of his year, his life. No matter how things had turned out, she still held a space in his heart. “Move faster, dummy,” he added, shaking his head with a smirk. For Blaise, just a moment of her time tonight was more than enough.

[blaiselumi]

//closer starter @morethandusting

Christmas was fast approaching, and for the first time in a long while, Blaise felt genuinely festive. Not that he wasn’t usually in good spirits around the holidays, but this year was different—this year, he had Fifi. His girlfriend. The very word lit up his mood, and he couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by sharing the season with her. Sure, Adam and Claude had planned a grand celebration for everyone, but Blaise, ever the romantic, had a different idea. He’d convinced her to sneak away for a few days, just the two of them, for a ski trip in the Alps—a place that held a special meaning for him.

Flying out early, Blaise had taken care of everything. He’d reserved a quaint, private cabin nestled in the snow-covered mountains, made it warm and cozy, and even baked pastries to welcome her. When she arrived at the airport, he was there waiting, his face lighting up the moment he saw her.

The drive to the cabin was picturesque, the world outside a winter wonderland of white-dusted trees and sparkling frost. When they arrived, he opened the cabin door, revealing a snug and inviting space, softly glowing with golden fairy lights. The smell of freshly baked pastries filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of pine from a small, decorated tree in the corner.

“What do you think?” Blaise asked as he set her bags down, his voice tinged with nervous excitement. Before she could answer, he stepped closer, pulling her into his arms and pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. “I’m so glad you’re here,” he murmured, his arms tightening around her.

[blaiselumi]

//closer starter @angelangeliques

Despite the weight of his curse, Blaise found solace in the simple pleasures, like a perfect cup of coffee on a crisp winter afternoon. The holidays brought an overwhelming flurry of tasks, but even amidst the chaos, he always made time to savor life—something deeply ingrained in him as a Frenchman.

Far from his bustling restaurant, he had stumbled upon a quaint, serene coffee shop that felt like a hidden treasure. It became his little haven, a place where he could sit al fresco with a steaming cup of coffee and a freshly baked croissant, letting the world slow down around him.

This particular afternoon, he pushed the door open, the scent of roasted beans and buttery pastries welcoming him. Blaise had barely taken a step inside when he noticed her—a blonde woman standing by the counter, her familiar deep voice carrying over the hum of the café. “Bonjour,” he greeted with a warm, casual smile, masking his surprise. It was her, unmistakably. He kept his tone light, calm.

She barely looked up, her disinterest clear. Fair, he thought to himself. He hadn’t expected a warm reception. As she ordered, his attention was drawn to her fumbling at the register. He saw it immediately—the hesitation, the quiet frustration. Blaise chuckled softly, stepping closer. “Forgot your wallet again, didn’t you?” he teased, his tone playful but kind. Before she could protest, he pulled out his own card and handed it to the cashier.

“My treat,” he said, offering her a small, disarming smile. “Nice to see you again.”

[blaiselumi]

//closer starter @eveningstarwiishes

Skiing had always been Blaise’s escape, a rare hobby that allowed him to leave everything else behind—the job, the expectations, the curse. It was a tradition deeply rooted in his French household. This year, he had come to the mountains early, anticipating that Claude and the rest of the group would want to spend the actual holiday back at the mansion.

He had invited his girlfriend to join him once her work was done. But for now, the slopes were his sanctuary. Gliding down with practiced ease, Blaise moved like someone who had memorized every turn and shift of the routine. The cold wind against his face and the adrenaline coursing through him cleared his mind in ways nothing else could.

After a few exhilarating runs, he took the lift back up the mountain, his thoughts blissfully blank. That was when he heard it—a voice, soft but unmistakably frustrated, followed by a string of complaints. His curiosity piqued, he turned to see a figure dressed in a striking bright pink ensemble, visibly struggling to find her footing on the snow.

He couldn’t help but notice her. For a moment, he thought she was just another tourist, lost and out of place. But as he got closer, the familiarity struck him. “Allo, are you new here?” he asked, his thick French accent giving the question an air of politeness as he leaned in for a better look. Then, a nervous chuckle escaped him. “Oh, Lottie,” Blaise said, his voice faltering slightly. Of all people. They hadn’t exactly parted on the best of terms. “You need help?”

[livelovecaliforniadreams]

[livelovecaliforniadreams]

[blaiselumi]

@morethandusting

[strangcbeauty]

༝༝༝ 📖 ༝༝༝

He had been the first friend she made within Adam's inner circle. Blaise was the easiest to get along with, actually convinced that he would be able to make friends with a wall if he wanted to. That charm had also gotten the man into some trouble but she had been there to hear about it and help however she could instead of getting involved. While she loved him, he had never tugged at her heart the same way as his employer, having found something special in Adam she couldn't deny. That was part of what had brought her into the restaurant that night with some ulterior motives. "Of course, if you don't mind the company," she said flashing him a small smile, fingers tapping against the paper coffee cup in her palms. The wording needed to be delicate so she didn't reveal too much too early on in their conversation. Blaise was her best hope for some answers but Belle kept her hand close to her chest for the moment to not spoil anything. "It's about Adam, something he said the other night that I just can't get out of my head." The brunette's gaze shifted from her cup to the chef as he continued to work. "He said he ruined my life and that I don't even know that he'd done it. Your whole lot have been so secretive lately, like there's something everyone else knows but me." Belle's eyes caught his to force him to look at her as she spoke. "I know if there's anyone I can truly trust, it's you."

[blaiselumi]

“Uh-huh,” Blaise murmured, his eyes skimming the giant book of inventories that Claude had handed him. As Belle continued speaking, her words began to unsettle him, causing him to pause and clear his throat. A chill crept over him. Their curse had been so carefully concealed, shared only among themselves, relying on each other to navigate the burden. But now, with Belle asking the right questions, Blaise felt an overwhelming urge to unburden everything bottled up inside him. He knew Belle would understand—yet he couldn’t. He couldn’t reveal the secrets. Adam wouldn’t allow it, and neither would Claude. Blaise cleared his throat again, growing more conflicted by the minute.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, hehe,” Blaise replied nervously, snapping the book shut and quickly setting it aside. He met her gaze, then immediately looked away. Lying had never been his strong suit, not at all. “Ah, ouias, I think he’s just in a bad mood, Belle. I don’t know. I don’t know everything.” He stumbled over his words, wiping his hands anxiously.

[morethandusting]

who: @blaiselumi where: blaise's apartment

Things had been routine, besides the attacks littering the Isle. Nothing like chaos to mix up the work week especially when they are after the very man you work for. Fifi had actually been quite worried for Adam but had kept her opinions to herself, knowing he wouldn't listen to her usual fussing over him. Instead, she voiced those concerns to her boyfriend who had no choice but to listen over dinner. "I don't know how he does it, truly. Not that he'd ever listen to me about it, no, I worry too much he says." The girl shook her head as her story came to an end by bringing her glass of wine to fill her mouth instead. Fifi could read something on his face, a thought left unsaid, a word on the tip of his tongue, and she poked the bear. "You're never this quiet," she started giving him a raised brow stare. He was a talker, usually enough for the both of them and now he'd been stuck with his thoughts. "I know the attacks have been overwhelming but what's eating you, mon cher?"

[blaiselumi]

Ever since they were all cursed that night, Blaise's life had changed. He became accustomed to the constant presence of magic among them. It felt like everyone had a quirk, hidden behind a facade of normalcy. However, with the attacks between magic and the mysterious 'killers,' Blaise realized there was more to this world than the little bubble they lived in. It gnawed at his mind. His curiosity drove him to ask questions, hoping that amidst the chaos, they could find a solution to their problems. He wished that among the noise, they could find the cure to their curse. However, Adam was not keen on figuring it out. It made sense to lie low, or else get caught in the crossfire. It wasn't safe, but the biggest 'what if' lingered in the back of his mind.

Blaise had tried to adjust to a normal life. He stopped drinking and only went out occasionally. His lifestyle had completely changed because he no longer felt the need to seek temporary pleasure. While his past still needed some fixing, Blaise was content—or at least he thought he was until the attacks started and rumors began to spread.

"Uh, yeah," Blaise responded, snapping out of his trance as he continued to slice his steak. Fifi was quick to call him out, as she often did. "Ah ouais," he sighed, unsure how to begin. "Fi," he asked, "if the borders open, would you consider leaving?" He tilted his head. "Just a question, is all…"

[strangcbeauty]

who: @blaiselumi where: les trois compères

A sliver of truth had been revealed in the last conversation she had with Adam. Something was being hidden from her, Belle was certain of it now after only going off a hunch prior to that. Now the harder piece of the puzzle would be finding out what it was. The brunette headed to the person she thought would be the easiest to crack, not to mention the one who'd become her close friend. They went to each other for just about everything which gave her all the more reason to come to him for help. Nothing would be going on with Adam, who had gone without Blaise knowing; he was always the center of things at the Bete estate. She came in with a fresh cup of coffee and a smile. "Bonjour," the brunette greeted him while pushing the cup of Joe across the bar. After a long shift, she certainly needed one and hoped he did as well. "Busy day today? Need a hand cleaning up? There's something I wanted to pick your brain about."

[blaiselumi]

"Ah, bonsoir," Blaise responded eagerly, looking down to see the brewed coffee sliding in front of him. It felt as if Belle had read his mind, and coffee was exactly what he needed at that moment. "Oh là là, merci!" he exclaimed, enthusiastic about both her gift and her presence.

"I was just about to finish," Blaise said, wiping down the bar and finally taking off his apron. "You're welcome to stay while I check the inventory," he suggested, taking out the huge booklet that Claude insisted on using. He wished his best friend would automate things, but unfortunately, Claude was too old school for any of that.

"Belle asking for my help? Now that's interesting." He chuckled softly, knowing Belle was terrifically intelligent, and her asking for his assistance was quite a statement. "Tell me about it then."

[hotdamnyeah]

[beastlyadam]

~ timeskip ~

The holiday dinner had gone amazing, just as he had known it would. Not that he really had anything to do with it, Claude and the rest of his employees had organized and followed through with everything with absolutely no help from Adam himself, but he was still going to take the credit as always. It was expected - his father would have his head if he ran around claiming to have had nothing to do with the success of the event that had been hosted under his name. But that was besides the point - he hardly even cared how the night had gone for the rest of the island and everyone that attended. There was only one person that he mattered - only one guest that he needed to ensure was happy and having fun, which he believed was accomplished. Which was great but now left Adam struggling on what he should do next. Everything within him wanted to continue on the good luck streak and asking her to the next big event he was being forced into attending - but he knew better than to trust his own instincts or desires.

Perhaps he should know better than to trust his friends’ opinions as well, but as he stood in the kitchen chewing on a chunk of bread and watching Blaise move about working on whatever it was he was concocting, Adam felt himself needing a word of advice. “Valentines Day is romantic, correct?” he asked, feeling stupid right off the bat at the ridiculousness of the question. Of course it was a romantic day - that wasn’t what he needed to know. “What I mean is… If you attend an event together, one not even meant to be dedicated to the holiday but still landing on said day, would it automatically be considered a romantic gesture?” It was a confusing and vague statement, but he knew the other man would likely see right through the words to what he was really trying to ask. Would asking Belle to join him at the Northwest-Finnegan engagement party be an overly romantic move? Would it be seen as a date rather than just two friends attending an event together?

[blaiselumi]

Blaise sensed Adam's need for something as the tall, brooding man stood beside him, chewing thoughtfully. It grated on his nerves, but he knew Adam would eventually get to the point. When the first question came, Blaise squinted in disbelief at its apparent stupidity. "What?" he asked incredulously, hoping Adam would realize the flaw in his question. Adam persisted, this time with a more coherent inquiry.

"Well," Blaise pondered, considering the significance of Valentine's Day. He'd had Valentine dates before that didn't mean much to him, serving only to pass the day and perhaps lead to a night of passion. Yet, there was something about that day that felt special to him—or at least, he believed so. "I think if you ask them on that day, it eliminates your other options. She's probably your best bet, which I suppose somehow matters?" It felt like the blind leading the blind that he couldn't help but notice from the uncertainty in his response.

"And if you're asking Belle, it's not something to take lightly," he continued, referring to Adam's potential Valentine's Day plans. Unlike the women Blaise had been with before, who were merely seeking a warm body, Belle was different. She valued her solitude, preferring the company of a good book to a romantic date. Thus, asking her out on that day would hold significant meaning, not just to her but to everyone involved. "And you should, you know? She's great."

[wonderherc]

For someone who might've had a thing with Meg, it seemed like he went in the exact opposite direction of her for his current girlfriend. Posh and stuffy clothing sounded like the anti-Meg, actually, which made Herc feel a bit better about him still hanging around his own girlfriend so often. Whoever this Fifi girl was, she sounded like she wouldn't get along with Meg all that well, but he supposed it wasn't off-limits for Hercules to just met her himself. It wasn't like they all needed to be best friends, and go on a double date, or something.

"Yeah? Good for you, man. As long as she makes you happy, and uncomfortable clothes make her happy," he told him with a shrug. Maybe Meg would have a more complex opinion, but Hercules was a pretty simple guy. "I'd love to, actually, of course. How did you guys meet? What does she do? I need all the essentials." For someone who had taken a decent amount of time to get to know Herc, it was time for him to return the favor to Blaise--the chance to find out more about him beyond that he worked as a chef in a fancy restaurant.

[blaiselumi]

As Herc began questioning him, Blaise nervously bit his lip, then grabbed his drink and downed it in one gulp. It was all so complicated, he thought, feeling the weight of it settle heavily on his shoulders. Screw the details, he decided, as long as he was happy.

"We work for my best friend," he added, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes as a smile spread across his face. "And I'm planning on asking for her hand in marriage." Blaise glanced at him, his voice tinged with emotion. "I'm going to marry her, buddy," he repeated, his voice trembling slightly. "She's the love of my life, that's for sure." He followed it with a chuckle and a request for another round of drinks.

"I just need a few months to prepare. No one else knows yet, but eventually, we'll get there. I've been caught up in so much chaos lately, I just…" He sighed, shaking his head. "I'm focused on getting this right. Despite what others may say about me, I want this," he admitted. It was true, Blaise had a reputation, but he knew he wasn't as bad as some made him out to be.

[eveningstarwiishes]

The way in which he hardly seemed pleased to see her sparked the annoyance within her once more. Yet, she couldn’t bring it in herself to leave. It was as if something in her had decided that being near him, even if it angered the life out of her, was better than being apart. Which was ridiculous and logically Lottie knew that. She knew she should be heading back to her own date, spending the rest of the night with Jim Jr. as she had originally intended to when they had arrived together. But something kept her glued to Blaise’s side, following him away from his group of friends and into a quiet corner of the party.

“Nothin’s the matter,” she answers, her lips curling downward into a frown at how obviously clear it is that he wants nothing to do with her right now. “Does somethin’ gotta be wrong for me to talk to you? Is that where we’re at now? You ditch me for another woman with no warnin’ and then decide I can’t even come ‘round and say hello to you at a party if I want to?” It was a strange feeling, being pissed off and wanting to leave yet being unable to do so. Normally Lottie would have never even dignified the man with her presence after what he’d done to her, but the magic in the candy she had taken had done its job far too well. Of course, it couldn’t take away her anger at him, not completely for it was far too strong to just be ignored, but it had the blonde feeling as if maybe she still had a chance anyway. It was pathetic and the exact type of behavior she always refused to allow herself to show towards any man now that she was grown, but since she’d popped that candy in her mouth it was as if she was right back to being a teenager girl again - desperate for a man’s attention, even when it was clear that she wasn’t the girl he wanted.

[blaiselumi]

"Hey, hey, that's not what I meant," Blaise said, taken aback, as he placed both his hands on her shoulders to keep her calm. No, he wasn't going to ruin it this time. "Yes, you can come around and say hello," he reiterated, his eyes fixed on hers. He didn't know what else to say, but Blaise figured this was good news. At least he had a chance to talk to her, and that's what he wanted anyway.

"Lottie, look, I know you're mad at me. I'm really sorry," he repeated, his voice softening with sincerity. There wasn't much else for him to say, and he hoped she would understand that he was genuinely remorseful for leading her on, for falsely raising her hopes. This wasn't his first rodeo, but with Lottie, she was too pure, too naive for her own good—and so he knew how deeply this hurt her as well. "Can I make it up to you? I'll do anything you want, whatever," he suggested, his expression earnest, biting his lip before lowering his hands.

[peloponnesianminute]

༝༝༝ ϟ ༝༝༝

Meg let out a scream into the dish towel she held to her face before looking back at the man who understood her best. It wasn't easy to explain, not even able to find the words for it, but knowing that he wouldn't ask too many questions. Blaise never pushed her to give more than she wanted to and she appreciated it. "It's not that simple though, if I am lying I keep him safe, and if I tell him then he hates me and I don't know if he's safe. I'm not loving my options here," she explained, folding her arms over her chest in exasperation. Whether she wanted it to be true or not Meg knew he was right. The guilt that ate at her gut would only be satisfied if she came clean and hoped he could keep himself safe once she folded her cards. Her gaze averted only when she had to stomach what she'd lose in the end, even if it was for the right reasons. "I won't once I tell him the truth..." The brunette shook her head to force that kind of thought out for the time being. "Not like it matters anyway." Or that's what she'd tell herself.

[blaiselumi]

Blaise was taken aback by her frustration, raising an eyebrow as he shifted his head slightly away, a smirk forming on his lips. Seeing her in such a state was new to him. To evoke such strong emotions from Meg was a rare occurrence, and it spoke volumes about the gravity of the situation. Nevertheless, he remained silent in his seat, allowing her to grapple with her own feelings. Perhaps she needed this emotional release to gain clarity amidst the confusion swirling in her mind.

"Meg," he called out her name with utmost seriousness. Blaise was earnest in his approach, his opinion was absolute, and he had no intention of engaging in an argument with her. "Whatever mess you're in, you're only digging yourself deeper by hiding it. Just admit the truth, accept the consequences—no matter how painful they may be." He wasn't typically one to dole out advice, but through his own series of affairs and personal struggles, Blaise had come to understand the futility of hiding the truth. He knew all too well that lying only led to further pain. "Then forget about him and join me for a drink. At least you can finally breathe," he suggested, offering her a smile.

[peloponnesianminute]

༝༝༝ ϟ ༝༝༝

It didn't come as a surprise that he was thinking about food, some ingredients always being tossed around in his head. Even if he didn't cook for her like he used to he was still the best chef around. Meg enjoyed picking his brain now as much as ever. He was one of the most interesting people she'd come to meet on the Isle, which also went along with how irritating he could be too. This time it had been her who brought up her personal life instead of her male cohort. Usually, it was Blaise who was curious to a fault but today she'd offered it up willingly, in need of his help. "Would you hate someone if they were lying to you but only because they wanted to keep you safe?" The girl asked plainly, looking at him with a frown creasing her features in contrast to his brighter expression.

[blaiselumi]

Blaise paused, his head still down as he contemplated her question. It seemed so easy, somehow — at least to him. “Yes,” he answered firmly, his voice gentle yet filled with certainty. His lips curled into a smile when he looked her in the eyes, and despite the dark shadows around her, Blaise could vividly see how utterly vulnerable she was in her eyes. “Lying never really gets us anywhere,” he added. He was an awful liar, that was quite true. “And if you really love them, you tell the truth. There can be nothing else,” he admitted. He had learned that the hard way, and he could sense that Meg was trying to protect someone. “For what it's worth, you have a partner to figure out the mess with you,” he added, shrugging his shoulders lightly.

[wonderherc]

"Correct," Hercules responded, as though it were obvious. He didn't think he needed any other reason besides simply wanting to spend more time with Meg than to be at the Duckling so often. "Uh, to both of those," he clarified, "I do really like her, yes, and I come by because it's easiest to spend time with her when she's working. I mean, I've probably patronized this bar more than anyone else over the past few months, but I don't care. I know a cut of it goes to her, so," Herc said with a shrug of his shoulders. "I work during the afternoons, mostly, and she works at night, but whatever I can do to make it easier for her, I'll do, y'know?"

He couldn't really tell what Blaise meant by the next comment, but Hercules thought it might have to do with some weird connection that the two had before he'd met Meg. Whatever it was, he didn't really need to know about it: he was happy with her now, what did it matter what she'd done before that? And, as long as Blaise was moved on and happy, too, he didn't see much of a problem. "What about you, though, my guy? You're a literal French chef, who looks like ..." Hercules trailed off, gesturing to him. "You've gotta be seeing someone. Unless you don't want to be, which is completely noble, too. No shame there."

[blaiselumi]

When people praised Blaise for being a French chef, it sometimes went to his head. There was a deep sense of pride in being a chef coming from a rigorous competition where culinary excellence was held in the highest regard. He exuded an air of arrogance mixed with charisma, paired with a relentless work ethic. However, everything changed when the curse struck, bringing disaster to everyone, but particularly to him. The curse disrupted his creative flow, forcing him to abandon his usual experimentation and stick to familiar recipes. He couldn't afford to take risks with his cooking anymore, unsure if his creations would turn out palatable or downright disastrous. For someone like Blaise Lumiere, who thrived on the thrill of culinary experimentation, this stagnation was misery. Despite his inner turmoil, he forced a smile for Hercules, attempting to convey gratitude for the compliment.

"Yes, I am," he admitted, acknowledging that she remained the one bright spot in his life amidst the chaos of sorting himself out. "Her name's Fifi," he continued, looking up at the other boy. "She has a posh accent, speaks broken French, and insists on wearing the most uncomfortable clothes for everyday wear," he added, a genuine smile spreading across his face as he reminisced about his girlfriend. "You should meet her."