Mister Sterling

I am Mr. Sterling I am in my early 40s I’m from New Orleans And I own a successful Alcohol company called Parisian Absinthe!

[horse-head-sterling]

Greetings! I am Mister Sterling. The owner of the alcohol company, Parisian absinthe. I am, also, the sugar d- uh *AHEM* mentor/friend of Berenice and Egaeus. I am the chatty type so feel free to converse with me.

🦄OOC// Hello everyone💖 So, this isn’t my first time doing roleplay but it is my first time making a roleplay blog on tumblr. I decided to do one when I saw the nevermore dance party. I got really excited and wanted to join. I decided on role playing Mr sterling because I saw no one who did it yet. Anyways, I’ve had read most of what’s been going on and I loved the angst and fluff!! Specifically, LUCY, Thomas and Ada, Eulada, Berella, Doppet, Kipley and the wisp Laura, Willtressor, and now Sallie and Thomas. UGH I LOVE THEM ALL!!

Rules:

- No trauma dumping please!

- No NSFW of any kind! Only mild flirting and suggestive comments would be allowed. I will let you know if you have crossed the line with this.

- Absolutely no fastpass spoilers. I am a fastpasser, but others are not. So please be respectful of that.

- No discrimination of any kind which includes transphobia, racism, homophobia, ableism, Zionism, colorism, sexism, featurism, and etc.

- I will try my best to stay in character. We only know so much about Mr sterling, but please let me know if I’m OOC.

- Most importantly, have fun!

Other role play blogs:

Staff💖

Dean Merry- @nevermore-merry-official

Dean Mourn- @nevermore-mourn-official

Ms poppet- @your-favorite-teacher-poppet

Nurse Dolly- @the-only-nurse-in-this-school

Nevermore’s Therapist- @nevermores-therapist

Wisps- @wispsofthenevermoreacademy

Misfits💖

Lenore- @lenorev1901

Duke- @chucksonwithdukelaurent

Pluto- @drowning-cat-personified

Berenice- @berenicenevermore

Eulalie- @eulalie-nevermore-academy

Morella- @angel-in-green

Clusterfucks💖

Annabel- @annabel-lee-whitlock

Prospero- @rats-of-death

Montresor- @asshole-cowboy-devil

Will- @diary-of-a-willy-kid

Ada- @adaa-lovelace

Flashback characters💖

Luca- @way2rich4this

Percy- @teaandcheckmates

Isidor- @isidor-fauntleroy

Ira- @ira-whitlock-official

Theo- @guywhogotcrushedbyatree

Egaeus- @egaeus-exists

Sallie- @the-kansas-kutie

Thomas- @mastertamerlanethomas

Daisy (Montresor’s ex fiancé)- @soon-to-be-wife

Montresor’s mom- @blessedangel666

Prospero’s mom- @motheroftheratman

Others in the story💖

Void kid- @a-boy-in-a-void

Montresor’s dog- @a-worthless-mutt

Prospero rats- @squeak-squeak-bitch

Stag- @youcantrunfromthewildhunt

Hounds- @theloyalhoundsofthewildhunt

The raven- @a-raven-thats-not-so-raven

Lesbians from the manor arc- @victimsofficial

Kipley- @getmeftoutofhere

Nevermore oc blogs💖

Adair- @adair-is-lost

Spencer- @sk8r-boy-spence

Val- @crzy-gh0st

Kane- @b4ckseat-bingo-ch4mp

Lisa- @lisa-maneater

Madeline- @undergroundbell

Odette- @odd-the-believer

Mika- @outside-apple-gurl

Vera- @veranevermore

Victoria- @victoria-has-arrived

Sorry it won’t let me fit anymore🥲

Let’s have fun everyone!!!!💖💖💖💖

Dividers by @uzmacchiato

[horse-head-sterling]

Fiddle mi timbers

{He squints his eyes as he reads what is being said. An expression of disgust appears on his face.}

“What an odd choice of words. Please don’t ever say that again. I will not fiddle no timbers!”

[nevermore-confessions]

I miss nevermore rp before loads of people stopped posting

.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

Like we’ve said before, a lot of nevermore rp blogs (as well as rp blogs in general) revolve around blog interactions with one another and with the audience.

if you have a favorite rp blog, go send them an ask! If you have a blog you haven’t used, go ahead and visit others! Start new chains and storylines! Hell, even make your own blog! Most of the original canon character rp blogs from this summer died off.

[getmeftoutofhere]

👀// feed us asks or we die

[horse-head-sterling]

🦄// I’ve been thinking on coming back. If anyone wants to send Mr. Sterling asks, he’ll be more than happy to answer them

[faithinchristxxnevermore]

🥀//little interaction with other rps

1- a headcanon you made of your character

2- something/someone that you think your character would die for

3- how they would act if the stag is looking directly at them

And that's it, if you don't want to interact there's no problem

[way2rich4this]

1 -> He was way too many clothes.. like an insane amount. He'll proudly admit that he's always keeping up with fashion.

2 -> Hardly anyone, but if he had to, I think we all know who

3 -> Freeze and scream, most likely

✨// tagging other peeps as well teehee @teaandcheckmates @isidor-fauntleroy @berenicenevermore @chucksonwithdukelaurent @drowning-cat-personified

[chucksonwithdukelaurent]

🗝// OOOOO YESSSS

1: Duke loves radio serials, and at night when he can't sleep, he'll get out of bed and go sit in his favorite chair to listen to the midnight shows that most people miss.

2: mf has no sense of self preservation, if anyone is around he's willing to die for them. he thinks it's "being a hero."

3: it seems he goes with "flight" over "fight;" either he's running to protect the people with him, or he doesn't see any value in "fighting"/putting on a show if there's no audience around, so might as well run.

damn who can I tag

@nevermore-mourn-official @nevermore-merry-official @asshole-cowboy-devil

[nevermore-mourn-official]

😒// Thanks for the tag!

1- I have so many headcanons for the deans lol, but one I've had literally forever is that they can both speak fluent French.

2- Merry and black tea.

3- Probably stare back at it, and if it decided to charge him he'd just poof away lol.

Tag list (no pressure to join!):

@nevermore-merry-official @nevermores-therapist @nevermores-other-therapist (ik you two haven't been on in a while but I miss u) @thewildhuntoffical @the-only-nurse-in-this-school @your-favorite-teacher-poppet @touched-in-the-head

[nevermores-therapist]

🎱// FINALLY something to post about thx for the tag!! I just haven't been able to think of anything to post abt for a while

1- They like to collect little shiny things, like buttons or beads or charms

2- @nevermores-other-therapist

3- whack it on the nose with their cane and just poof away or something like that

@drowning-cat-personified @asshole-cowboy-devil @adair-is-lost @thatbumpwasshapedlikeacat @atlantis-in-nevermore @imtheghostnow @wispsofthenevermoreacademy @diary-of-a-willy-kid

idk I'm just spitballing random rps that I can remember y'all don't have to interact if you don't want

[atlantis-in-nevermore]

🐟// Omg thank you for tagging me!!

1 - He went through several hair colours during his first year of college. The exact order being red -> ginger -> pink -> purple -> green -> black -> black and white -> blue

2 - His darling.

3 - Freeze, panic, (if he's accompanied) grab whoever is by his side, and run.

@fionan-james @kingofyourheartsxx sorry if you've already been tagged I didn't know who else to put here abdnnfng

[kingofyourheartsxx]

🎲// AAAAA THANK YOU, I'VE BEEN MEANING TO POST HERE AGAIN-

He has a collection of colognes and wears a corset because he's tad insecure about his figure.

2. His family and partner

3. Run away as fast as possible and seek for somewhere to hide.

Tagsss @isidors-biggest-hater @rats-of-death @horse-head-sterling @good-looking-johnny

[horse-head-sterling]

🦄// OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE TAG! I have not posted on here in a while since I’ve been busy and I did not know what to post

1- He has a collection of expensive smoking pipes

2- His mom or his business

3- Run and hide for sure

Open tags

[berenicenevermore]

{Tick Tock}

{Tick Tock}

{The sound of the clock ticking made Berenice irritated. Her shoulders slumped as she sighed deeply. She stood in front of the mirror to take a good look at her outfit. Her hands clasped behind her back. She was still wearing her uniform, but instead of the jacket showing off the academy’s logo, she was wearing a plain black knitted sweater.}

{Berenice was not looking forward to today. She has a meeting with someone in less than an hour and she doesn’t know how to feel about it. Mostly because… it was someone who she thought she wouldn’t ever speak to again. Especially after what happened that night… at the party. With a heavy sigh, she turned to walk to her bed and picked up the letter from that someone and read it again.}

{𝕲𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼, 𝓑𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓲𝓬𝓮!

𝓘 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓮𝓵𝓵.

𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓘 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓫𝓮

𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪 𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝔂𝓮𝓽 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷,

𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭 𝓲𝓼 𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮, 𝓪𝓶 𝓘 𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽?

𝓦𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓷, 𝓘 𝓪𝓶 𝔀𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮

𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓲𝓷𝓿𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝔂 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮

𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓻. 𝓘, 𝓸𝓫𝓿𝓲𝓸𝓾𝓼𝓵𝔂 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓲𝓽'𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓪

𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓵𝓮 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝔀𝓮'𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓴𝓮𝓭. 𝓑𝓾𝓽, 𝓘 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓲𝓽'𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓼𝓽

𝔀𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓾𝓹 𝓸𝓷 𝓪 𝓯𝓮𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼, 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭𝓷'𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓮?

𝓘 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭

𝓼𝓪𝔂 𝔂𝓮𝓼. 𝓘'𝓶 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾

𝓫𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓲𝓬𝓮.

𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮,

𝓜𝓻. 𝓢𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰}

{Mr. Sterling… @horse-head-sterling His mansion… The place where it all happened. This letter was dropped off to her about a week ago. Of course, she sent him a letter back, confirming to him that she will be there because she knew deep in her gut, she wanted to do this. It didn’t matter if she thought that this was a good idea or not. It didn’t matter how terrified she was. She wanted answers.}

{With a swift, she put the letter in her drawer and made her way out of the dorm, locking the door behind her. While she was slowly walking through the halls with her head tilted down, nerves began to creep up her body. She tugged on her sweater. Was she really about to do this? Meet up with the man who she thought was dead? Who she had unexplainable history with? Sudden appears out of nowhere, sending her a letter? This was a lot for her to take in. Her mind was in scrambles the more she thought about it.}

{Her thoughts came into a halt when she felt a slight breeze hit her face. She was outside of the academy. A long, exasperated sigh escaped her lips. Am I really about to do this? Her eyes were fixated on the cracks in the pavement, counting each one as if it were a crucial step towards her designation. She stopped in her tracks when she noticed a 1920s black Bugatti Royale, waiting for her in front of the building. Her eyes widened when she saw someone familiar standing in front of it. It was one of Mr. Sterling’s chauffeurs.}

“Good afternoon, ma’am. It’s good to see you again.” {His voice was low and raspy.}

{He gently opened the car door for her to gesture to get inside. With a nod and a deep breath, she made her way inside the car. The sound of the car door slamming shut beside her, made her jump a little. She was even more anxious. She was really about to do this. I am really about to do this. The chauffeur immediately started the car and drove off.}

{Berenice leaned her head against the cool pane, the rhythmic hum of the road lulling her into a quiet place as the world whizzed by; Her eyes glued down to her hands. She wasn’t in the mood to glance out the window. She was too anxious and exhausted to get a glimpse of the outside world. No, she thought it would be best for the chauffeur to let her know when they’ve arrived; Hoping she can empty her mind till she gets there.}

{Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, the car pulled into a halt.} “We are here, ma’am.”

{She immediately rose up and looked out the window. And- there it was. Mr. Sterling’s mansion. Her heart beat quickened. Her eyes were blinking rapidly. She can’t believe she was here. Berenice thought for a second if there was a good chance to turn back, but it was too late now. She’s here and she has to confront him.}

[horse-head-sterling]

{Puffs of smoke clouded Mr. Sterling’s face. The rich, sweet, familiar scent of cherry tobacco filled the study. The smooth, worn briar felt comfortable in his hand as he took another drag. Closing his eyes, he blew a perfect smoke that drifted lazily towards the ceiling.}

{He leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath. He felt at peace for a moment. Usually, he would have a bunch of papers to run through right now. It was either bills, or plans for the business. But right now, he needed a break. The work he had to do to keep the business afloat was painfully exhausting. Especially after the literal death experience he had, why drain all his time with work?}

{As he was about to take another drag, there was a knock on the door. Mr. Sterling already figured out who it was when the person spoke.}

“Uh, Mr. Sterling? Are you busy sir?” {Their voice was deep and abrasive as it muffled through the door. It was one of Mr. Sterling’s butlers.}

“No, you can come in.” {Sterling replied.}

“Good afternoon, Mr. Sterling. I just wanted to inform you that Berenice has arrived.”

{Mr. Sterling’s eyes widens as he tilted his head a little to the side. A huge smile formed on his lips.} “Ah! That’s great news to hear.” {He clapped his hands as he was getting up from his chair; the sound echoing through the room.} “I’ve been expecting her. Thank you for letting me know and I’ll be right down.”

{The butler nodded and made his way out the room. Mr. Sterling quickly cleaned out his smoking pipe and set it down on his desk. He immediately made his way downstairs to the front door where the butler was standing waiting for him.}

{He looked through the enormous front windows. He smiled when he saw Berenice walking to the door. The butler pulled open the door and there she was. She still looked the same as I remember her. Beautiful as ever.}

“Welcome,” {Mr. Sterling announced.} “It’s good to see you again, Berenice.”

[berenicenevermore]

{Her eyes widened in shock when she saw him standing in front of her. For a second, she thought she was hallucinating. This nevermore world is strange after all… so why not? But, when the man spoke, reality hit once again.}

{She crossed her arms in front of her chest while she lightly tugged on her sweater. She glanced up at him and all she managed to say was..} “Hey.”

{The way how Sterling looked at her, you can tell he expected her to say more. But, she couldn’t. It felt like her lips were glued shut. Her mind was in shambles. Just seeing him in person, standing before her, alive, made her almost want to drop to the floor and have the world swallow her whole.}

[horse-head-sterling]

{He definitely expected her to say more than a simple ‘hey’. But he decided not to pressure her. Instead, he gestured to the butler to make sure the table was ready. He turned back to Berenice who was still standing by the door frame all awkward-looking.}

{He tilted his head to the side and raised an eyebrow.} “Well, are you coming in or not?” {He asked, growing impatient.}

{Just as Berenice was about to answer, one of Mr. Sterling’s maids approached him.}

“The food is ready sir.” {She announced. Her voice was soft and low, but high enough for everyone to hear.}

“Thank you. We’ll be on our way.”

{She gave him a nod then, went back to her work area. Sterling walked over to the door and pulled it back more to gesture Berenice to get inside.}

“Come along now. We don’t want the food to get cold now, do we?”

[berenicenevermore]

{A heavy sigh escaped from her lips as she made her way inside the mansion. Hearing Mr. Sterling close the door behind her, made her jump a little. The sound of his footsteps approaching her, clacking against the floor, echoed through the room. Her heart was beating so fast, it felt like it was about to jump out of her chest. As he was walking past her, Berenice decided to take a good look at him. He looked exactly as how she remembered him to look. He was wearing a turquoise button down collared shirt; the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and plain black work pants. And of course, he is wearing his favorite pair of shoes, black patent leather Oxford shoes.}

{She tilted her head back to take a good look around at the exterior as well. The familiarity of this place sent chills down her spine. The white walls, the chandelier hanging from the ceiling, the furniture, all of it. Of course, she did live in this place for over 2 years. Before, this place felt like home. Now, she felt out of place; uncomfortable even.}

{They made their way into the dining room and something about it… felt off. Usually, there would be a long dining table next to the fireplace, probably could fit like 10 people. But instead, there was a small dining table for two. Mr. Sterling immediately made his way to the other side of the table and took a seat. He glanced up at her and extended his arm to point at the seat in front of him. He wanted her to sit down.}

{For a second, she felt like she couldn’t move. Everything just felt off. She glanced at the door where it led to the kitchen. There was no noise. No sounds of plates clashing together, no murmuring, no nothing. It was quiet. Too quiet.}

“Berenice, sit.”

{It seemed like Mr. Sterling was growing more impatient. She slowly walked over to the table, basically dragging her feet, and finally sat down.}

[horse-head-sterling]

{The table was set up nicely. Beautiful rimmed porcelain plates, gold flatware beside them, and wine glasses so clear and shiny; when the light hits them, you can see them sparkle a little. The staff did a wonderful job.}

{Sterling glanced up at Berenice who was looking anywhere, but him. A soft laugh escaped him. This is going to be one interesting evening, isn’t it? He cleared his throat.}

“You look lovely this evening. Though, I’m quite surprised– on the attire. You usually would go out of your way to dress up like a doll.” {He says while he leans forward in his chair, folding his hands together on the table.}

[berenicenevermore]

{It felt like there was a lump in the back of her throat, but she tried to muffle up the courage to say something.} “Yeah well, you never said in your letter that this was supposed to be a fancy dinner.” {Her voice was low; her eyes looking off to the side. Welp, she tried.}

{Suddenly, she noticed out of the corner of her eye, two of Mr. Sterling’s housemaids were approaching them. Each was holding a tray of food, covered with a food clove. Taking the tray off, both of them placed the plates of food in front of Mr. Sterling and I. When they took off the cloves, Berenice’s eyes widened in shock. OYSTERS?!}

[horse-head-sterling]

{He looked at his plate, a small smile curled on his lips.}

“Ah, oysters. I love them. Thank you.”

{The butler approached them as well. He was holding a wine bottle. He gracefully poured wine into their wine glasses; the gentle slosh of the liquid echoed through the room as it was being poured.}

“Here you are. The finest red wine of the century. You will definitely will be able to taste a vibrant explosion of wild berry and cherry, with a hint of dread.” {The butler noted. With that, he and the maids walked off, leaving these two alone.}

{He picked up his glass and swirl the wine a bit before taking a sip.} “Ah, you can definitely taste the dread in this.”

{He glanced up at Berenice who had her mouth and eyes wide open while staring at her food. A light chuckle escaped from his lips.}

“Oysters are your favorite, correct?” {He asked, knowing the answer. Without taking his eyes off her, he took another sip of his wine.}

[berenicenevermore]

{Tick Tock}

{Tick Tock}

{The sound of the clock ticking made Berenice irritated. Her shoulders slumped as she sighed deeply. She stood in front of the mirror to take a good look at her outfit. Her hands clasped behind her back. She was still wearing her uniform, but instead of the jacket showing off the academy’s logo, she was wearing a plain black knitted sweater.}

{Berenice was not looking forward to today. She has a meeting with someone in less than an hour and she doesn’t know how to feel about it. Mostly because… it was someone who she thought she wouldn’t ever speak to again. Especially after what happened that night… at the party. With a heavy sigh, she turned to walk to her bed and picked up the letter from that someone and read it again.}

{𝕲𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼, 𝓑𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓲𝓬𝓮!

𝓘 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓮𝓵𝓵.

𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓘 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓫𝓮

𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪 𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝔂𝓮𝓽 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷,

𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭 𝓲𝓼 𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮, 𝓪𝓶 𝓘 𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽?

𝓦𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓷, 𝓘 𝓪𝓶 𝔀𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮

𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓲𝓷𝓿𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝔂 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮

𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓻. 𝓘, 𝓸𝓫𝓿𝓲𝓸𝓾𝓼𝓵𝔂 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓲𝓽'𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓪

𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓵𝓮 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝔀𝓮'𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓴𝓮𝓭. 𝓑𝓾𝓽, 𝓘 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓲𝓽'𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓼𝓽

𝔀𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓾𝓹 𝓸𝓷 𝓪 𝓯𝓮𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼, 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭𝓷'𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓮?

𝓘 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭

𝓼𝓪𝔂 𝔂𝓮𝓼. 𝓘'𝓶 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾

𝓫𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓲𝓬𝓮.

𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮,

𝓜𝓻. 𝓢𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰}

{Mr. Sterling… @horse-head-sterling His mansion… The place where it all happened. This letter was dropped off to her about a week ago. Of course, she sent him a letter back, confirming to him that she will be there because she knew deep in her gut, she wanted to do this. It didn’t matter if she thought that this was a good idea or not. It didn’t matter how terrified she was. She wanted answers.}

{With a swift, she put the letter in her drawer and made her way out of the dorm, locking the door behind her. While she was slowly walking through the halls with her head tilted down, nerves began to creep up her body. She tugged on her sweater. Was she really about to do this? Meet up with the man who she thought was dead? Who she had unexplainable history with? Sudden appears out of nowhere, sending her a letter? This was a lot for her to take in. Her mind was in scrambles the more she thought about it.}

{Her thoughts came into a halt when she felt a slight breeze hit her face. She was outside of the academy. A long, exasperated sigh escaped her lips. Am I really about to do this? Her eyes were fixated on the cracks in the pavement, counting each one as if it were a crucial step towards her designation. She stopped in her tracks when she noticed a 1920s black Bugatti Royale, waiting for her in front of the building. Her eyes widened when she saw someone familiar standing in front of it. It was one of Mr. Sterling’s chauffeurs.}

“Good afternoon, ma’am. It’s good to see you again.” {His voice was low and raspy.}

{He gently opened the car door for her to gesture to get inside. With a nod and a deep breath, she made her way inside the car. The sound of the car door slamming shut beside her, made her jump a little. She was even more anxious. She was really about to do this. I am really about to do this. The chauffeur immediately started the car and drove off.}

{Berenice leaned her head against the cool pane, the rhythmic hum of the road lulling her into a quiet place as the world whizzed by; Her eyes glued down to her hands. She wasn’t in the mood to glance out the window. She was too anxious and exhausted to get a glimpse of the outside world. No, she thought it would be best for the chauffeur to let her know when they’ve arrived; Hoping she can empty her mind till she gets there.}

{Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, the car pulled into a halt.} “We are here, ma’am.”

{She immediately rose up and looked out the window. And- there it was. Mr. Sterling’s mansion. Her heart beat quickened. Her eyes were blinking rapidly. She can’t believe she was here. Berenice thought for a second if there was a good chance to turn back, but it was too late now. She’s here and she has to confront him.}

[horse-head-sterling]

{Puffs of smoke clouded Mr. Sterling’s face. The rich, sweet, familiar scent of cherry tobacco filled the study. The smooth, worn briar felt comfortable in his hand as he took another drag. Closing his eyes, he blew a perfect smoke that drifted lazily towards the ceiling.}

{He leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath. He felt at peace for a moment. Usually, he would have a bunch of papers to run through right now. It was either bills, or plans for the business. But right now, he needed a break. The work he had to do to keep the business afloat was painfully exhausting. Especially after the literal death experience he had, why drain all his time with work?}

{As he was about to take another drag, there was a knock on the door. Mr. Sterling already figured out who it was when the person spoke.}

“Uh, Mr. Sterling? Are you busy sir?” {Their voice was deep and abrasive as it muffled through the door. It was one of Mr. Sterling’s butlers.}

“No, you can come in.” {Sterling replied.}

“Good afternoon, Mr. Sterling. I just wanted to inform you that Berenice has arrived.”

{Mr. Sterling’s eyes widens as he tilted his head a little to the side. A huge smile formed on his lips.} “Ah! That’s great news to hear.” {He clapped his hands as he was getting up from his chair; the sound echoing through the room.} “I’ve been expecting her. Thank you for letting me know and I’ll be right down.”

{The butler nodded and made his way out the room. Mr. Sterling quickly cleaned out his smoking pipe and set it down on his desk. He immediately made his way downstairs to the front door where the butler was standing waiting for him.}

{He looked through the enormous front windows. He smiled when he saw Berenice walking to the door. The butler pulled open the door and there she was. She still looked the same as I remember her. Beautiful as ever.}

“Welcome,” {Mr. Sterling announced.} “It’s good to see you again, Berenice.”

[berenicenevermore]

{Her eyes widened in shock when she saw him standing in front of her. For a second, she thought she was hallucinating. This nevermore world is strange after all… so why not? But, when the man spoke, reality hit once again.}

{She crossed her arms in front of her chest while she lightly tugged on her sweater. She glanced up at him and all she managed to say was..} “Hey.”

{The way how Sterling looked at her, you can tell he expected her to say more. But, she couldn’t. It felt like her lips were glued shut. Her mind was in shambles. Just seeing him in person, standing before her, alive, made her almost want to drop to the floor and have the world swallow her whole.}

[horse-head-sterling]

{He definitely expected her to say more than a simple ‘hey’. But he decided not to pressure her. Instead, he gestured to the butler to make sure the table was ready. He turned back to Berenice who was still standing by the door frame all awkward-looking.}

{He tilted his head to the side and raised an eyebrow.} “Well, are you coming in or not?” {He asked, growing impatient.}

{Just as Berenice was about to answer, one of Mr. Sterling’s maids approached him.}

“The food is ready sir.” {She announced. Her voice was soft and low, but high enough for everyone to hear.}

“Thank you. We’ll be on our way.”

{She gave him a nod then, went back to her work area. Sterling walked over to the door and pulled it back more to gesture Berenice to get inside.}

“Come along now. We don’t want the food to get cold now, do we?”

[berenicenevermore]

{A heavy sigh escaped from her lips as she made her way inside the mansion. Hearing Mr. Sterling close the door behind her, made her jump a little. The sound of his footsteps approaching her, clacking against the floor, echoed through the room. Her heart was beating so fast, it felt like it was about to jump out of her chest. As he was walking past her, Berenice decided to take a good look at him. He looked exactly as how she remembered him to look. He was wearing a turquoise button down collared shirt; the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and plain black work pants. And of course, he is wearing his favorite pair of shoes, black patent leather Oxford shoes.}

{She tilted her head back to take a good look around at the exterior as well. The familiarity of this place sent chills down her spine. The white walls, the chandelier hanging from the ceiling, the furniture, all of it. Of course, she did live in this place for over 2 years. Before, this place felt like home. Now, she felt out of place; uncomfortable even.}

{They made their way into the dining room and something about it… felt off. Usually, there would be a long dining table next to the fireplace, probably could fit like 10 people. But instead, there was a small dining table for two. Mr. Sterling immediately made his way to the other side of the table and took a seat. He glanced up at her and extended his arm to point at the seat in front of him. He wanted her to sit down.}

{For a second, she felt like she couldn’t move. Everything just felt off. She glanced at the door where it led to the kitchen. There was no noise. No sounds of plates clashing together, no murmuring, no nothing. It was quiet. Too quiet.}

“Berenice, sit.”

{It seemed like Mr. Sterling was growing more impatient. She slowly walked over to the table, basically dragging her feet, and finally sat down.}

[horse-head-sterling]

{The table was set up nicely. Beautiful rimmed porcelain plates, gold flatware beside them, and wine glasses so clear and shiny; when the light hits them, you can see them sparkle a little. The staff did a wonderful job.}

{Sterling glanced up at Berenice who was looking anywhere, but him. A soft laugh escaped him. This is going to be one interesting evening, isn’t it? He cleared his throat.}

“You look lovely this evening. Though, I’m quite surprised– on the attire. You usually would go out of your way to dress up like a doll.” {He says while he leans forward in his chair, folding his hands together on the table.}

[berenicenevermore]

{Tick Tock}

{Tick Tock}

{The sound of the clock ticking made Berenice irritated. Her shoulders slumped as she sighed deeply. She stood in front of the mirror to take a good look at her outfit. Her hands clasped behind her back. She was still wearing her uniform, but instead of the jacket showing off the academy’s logo, she was wearing a plain black knitted sweater.}

{Berenice was not looking forward to today. She has a meeting with someone in less than an hour and she doesn’t know how to feel about it. Mostly because… it was someone who she thought she wouldn’t ever speak to again. Especially after what happened that night… at the party. With a heavy sigh, she turned to walk to her bed and picked up the letter from that someone and read it again.}

{𝕲𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼, 𝓑𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓲𝓬𝓮!

𝓘 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓮𝓵𝓵.

𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓘 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓫𝓮

𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪 𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝔂𝓮𝓽 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷,

𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭 𝓲𝓼 𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮, 𝓪𝓶 𝓘 𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽?

𝓦𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓷, 𝓘 𝓪𝓶 𝔀𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮

𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓲𝓷𝓿𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝔂 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮

𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓻. 𝓘, 𝓸𝓫𝓿𝓲𝓸𝓾𝓼𝓵𝔂 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓲𝓽'𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓪

𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓵𝓮 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝔀𝓮'𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓴𝓮𝓭. 𝓑𝓾𝓽, 𝓘 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓲𝓽'𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓼𝓽

𝔀𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓾𝓹 𝓸𝓷 𝓪 𝓯𝓮𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼, 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭𝓷'𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓮?

𝓘 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭

𝓼𝓪𝔂 𝔂𝓮𝓼. 𝓘'𝓶 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾

𝓫𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓲𝓬𝓮.

𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮,

𝓜𝓻. 𝓢𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰}

{Mr. Sterling… @horse-head-sterling His mansion… The place where it all happened. This letter was dropped off to her about a week ago. Of course, she sent him a letter back, confirming to him that she will be there because she knew deep in her gut, she wanted to do this. It didn’t matter if she thought that this was a good idea or not. It didn’t matter how terrified she was. She wanted answers.}

{With a swift, she put the letter in her drawer and made her way out of the dorm, locking the door behind her. While she was slowly walking through the halls with her head tilted down, nerves began to creep up her body. She tugged on her sweater. Was she really about to do this? Meet up with the man who she thought was dead? Who she had unexplainable history with? Sudden appears out of nowhere, sending her a letter? This was a lot for her to take in. Her mind was in scrambles the more she thought about it.}

{Her thoughts came into a halt when she felt a slight breeze hit her face. She was outside of the academy. A long, exasperated sigh escaped her lips. Am I really about to do this? Her eyes were fixated on the cracks in the pavement, counting each one as if it were a crucial step towards her designation. She stopped in her tracks when she noticed a 1920s black Bugatti Royale, waiting for her in front of the building. Her eyes widened when she saw someone familiar standing in front of it. It was one of Mr. Sterling’s chauffeurs.}

“Good afternoon, ma’am. It’s good to see you again.” {His voice was low and raspy.}

{He gently opened the car door for her to gesture to get inside. With a nod and a deep breath, she made her way inside the car. The sound of the car door slamming shut beside her, made her jump a little. She was even more anxious. She was really about to do this. I am really about to do this. The chauffeur immediately started the car and drove off.}

{Berenice leaned her head against the cool pane, the rhythmic hum of the road lulling her into a quiet place as the world whizzed by; Her eyes glued down to her hands. She wasn’t in the mood to glance out the window. She was too anxious and exhausted to get a glimpse of the outside world. No, she thought it would be best for the chauffeur to let her know when they’ve arrived; Hoping she can empty her mind till she gets there.}

{Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, the car pulled into a halt.} “We are here, ma’am.”

{She immediately rose up and looked out the window. And- there it was. Mr. Sterling’s mansion. Her heart beat quickened. Her eyes were blinking rapidly. She can’t believe she was here. Berenice thought for a second if there was a good chance to turn back, but it was too late now. She’s here and she has to confront him.}

[horse-head-sterling]

{Puffs of smoke clouded Mr. Sterling’s face. The rich, sweet, familiar scent of cherry tobacco filled the study. The smooth, worn briar felt comfortable in his hand as he took another drag. Closing his eyes, he blew a perfect smoke that drifted lazily towards the ceiling.}

{He leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath. He felt at peace for a moment. Usually, he would have a bunch of papers to run through right now. It was either bills, or plans for the business. But right now, he needed a break. The work he had to do to keep the business afloat was painfully exhausting. Especially after the literal death experience he had, why drain all his time with work?}

{As he was about to take another drag, there was a knock on the door. Mr. Sterling already figured out who it was when the person spoke.}

“Uh, Mr. Sterling? Are you busy sir?” {Their voice was deep and abrasive as it muffled through the door. It was one of Mr. Sterling’s butlers.}

“No, you can come in.” {Sterling replied.}

“Good afternoon, Mr. Sterling. I just wanted to inform you that Berenice has arrived.”

{Mr. Sterling’s eyes widens as he tilted his head a little to the side. A huge smile formed on his lips.} “Ah! That’s great news to hear.” {He clapped his hands as he was getting up from his chair; the sound echoing through the room.} “I’ve been expecting her. Thank you for letting me know and I’ll be right down.”

{The butler nodded and made his way out the room. Mr. Sterling quickly cleaned out his smoking pipe and set it down on his desk. He immediately made his way downstairs to the front door where the butler was standing waiting for him.}

{He looked through the enormous front windows. He smiled when he saw Berenice walking to the door. The butler pulled open the door and there she was. She still looked the same as I remember her. Beautiful as ever.}

“Welcome,” {Mr. Sterling announced.} “It’s good to see you again, Berenice.”

[berenicenevermore]

{Her eyes widened in shock when she saw him standing in front of her. For a second, she thought she was hallucinating. This nevermore world is strange after all… so why not? But, when the man spoke, reality hit once again.}

{She crossed her arms in front of her chest while she lightly tugged on her sweater. She glanced up at him and all she managed to say was..} “Hey.”

{The way how Sterling looked at her, you can tell he expected her to say more. But, she couldn’t. It felt like her lips were glued shut. Her mind was in shambles. Just seeing him in person, standing before her, alive, made her almost want to drop to the floor and have the world swallow her whole.}

[horse-head-sterling]

{He definitely expected her to say more than a simple ‘hey’. But he decided not to pressure her. Instead, he gestured to the butler to make sure the table was ready. He turned back to Berenice who was still standing by the door frame all awkward-looking.}

{He tilted his head to the side and raised an eyebrow.} “Well, are you coming in or not?” {He asked, growing impatient.}

{Just as Berenice was about to answer, one of Mr. Sterling’s maids approached him.}

“The food is ready sir.” {She announced. Her voice was soft and low, but high enough for everyone to hear.}

“Thank you. We’ll be on our way.”

{She gave him a nod then, went back to her work area. Sterling walked over to the door and pulled it back more to gesture Berenice to get inside.}

“Come along now. We don’t want the food to get cold now, do we?”

[berenicenevermore]

{Tick Tock}

{Tick Tock}

{The sound of the clock ticking made Berenice irritated. Her shoulders slumped as she sighed deeply. She stood in front of the mirror to take a good look at her outfit. Her hands clasped behind her back. She was still wearing her uniform, but instead of the jacket showing off the academy’s logo, she was wearing a plain black knitted sweater.}

{Berenice was not looking forward to today. She has a meeting with someone in less than an hour and she doesn’t know how to feel about it. Mostly because… it was someone who she thought she wouldn’t ever speak to again. Especially after what happened that night… at the party. With a heavy sigh, she turned to walk to her bed and picked up the letter from that someone and read it again.}

{𝕲𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼, 𝓑𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓲𝓬𝓮!

𝓘 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓮𝓵𝓵.

𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓘 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓫𝓮

𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪 𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝔂𝓮𝓽 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷,

𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭 𝓲𝓼 𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮, 𝓪𝓶 𝓘 𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽?

𝓦𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓷, 𝓘 𝓪𝓶 𝔀𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮

𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓲𝓷𝓿𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝔂 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮

𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓻. 𝓘, 𝓸𝓫𝓿𝓲𝓸𝓾𝓼𝓵𝔂 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓲𝓽'𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓪

𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓵𝓮 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝔀𝓮'𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓴𝓮𝓭. 𝓑𝓾𝓽, 𝓘 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓲𝓽'𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓼𝓽

𝔀𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓾𝓹 𝓸𝓷 𝓪 𝓯𝓮𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼, 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭𝓷'𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓮?

𝓘 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭

𝓼𝓪𝔂 𝔂𝓮𝓼. 𝓘'𝓶 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝔀𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾

𝓫𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓲𝓬𝓮.

𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮,

𝓜𝓻. 𝓢𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰}

{Mr. Sterling… @horse-head-sterling His mansion… The place where it all happened. This letter was dropped off to her about a week ago. Of course, she sent him a letter back, confirming to him that she will be there because she knew deep in her gut, she wanted to do this. It didn’t matter if she thought that this was a good idea or not. It didn’t matter how terrified she was. She wanted answers.}

{With a swift, she put the letter in her drawer and made her way out of the dorm, locking the door behind her. While she was slowly walking through the halls with her head tilted down, nerves began to creep up her body. She tugged on her sweater. Was she really about to do this? Meet up with the man who she thought was dead? Who she had unexplainable history with? Sudden appears out of nowhere, sending her a letter? This was a lot for her to take in. Her mind was in scrambles the more she thought about it.}

{Her thoughts came into a halt when she felt a slight breeze hit her face. She was outside of the academy. A long, exasperated sigh escaped her lips. Am I really about to do this? Her eyes were fixated on the cracks in the pavement, counting each one as if it were a crucial step towards her designation. She stopped in her tracks when she noticed a 1920s black Bugatti Royale, waiting for her in front of the building. Her eyes widened when she saw someone familiar standing in front of it. It was one of Mr. Sterling’s chauffeurs.}

“Good afternoon, ma’am. It’s good to see you again.” {His voice was low and raspy.}

{He gently opened the car door for her to gesture to get inside. With a nod and a deep breath, she made her way inside the car. The sound of the car door slamming shut beside her, made her jump a little. She was even more anxious. She was really about to do this. I am really about to do this. The chauffeur immediately started the car and drove off.}

{Berenice leaned her head against the cool pane, the rhythmic hum of the road lulling her into a quiet place as the world whizzed by; Her eyes glued down to her hands. She wasn’t in the mood to glance out the window. She was too anxious and exhausted to get a glimpse of the outside world. No, she thought it would be best for the chauffeur to let her know when they’ve arrived; Hoping she can empty her mind till she gets there.}

{Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, the car pulled into a halt.} “We are here, ma’am.”

{She immediately rose up and looked out the window. And- there it was. Mr. Sterling’s mansion. Her heart beat quickened. Her eyes were blinking rapidly. She can’t believe she was here. Berenice thought for a second if there was a good chance to turn back, but it was too late now. She’s here and she has to confront him.}

[horse-head-sterling]

{Puffs of smoke clouded Mr. Sterling’s face. The rich, sweet, familiar scent of cherry tobacco filled the study. The smooth, worn briar felt comfortable in his hand as he took another drag. Closing his eyes, he blew a perfect smoke that drifted lazily towards the ceiling.}

{He leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath. He felt at peace for a moment. Usually, he would have a bunch of papers to run through right now. It was either bills, or plans for the business. But right now, he needed a break. The work he had to do to keep the business afloat was painfully exhausting. Especially after the literal death experience he had, why drain all his time with work?}

{As he was about to take another drag, there was a knock on the door. Mr. Sterling already figured out who it was when the person spoke.}

“Uh, Mr. Sterling? Are you busy sir?” {Their voice was deep and abrasive as it muffled through the door. It was one of Mr. Sterling’s butlers.}

“No, you can come in.” {Sterling replied.}

“Good afternoon, Mr. Sterling. I just wanted to inform you that Berenice has arrived.”

{Mr. Sterling’s eyes widens as he tilted his head a little to the side. A huge smile formed on his lips.} “Ah! That’s great news to hear.” {He clapped his hands as he was getting up from his chair; the sound echoing through the room.} “I’ve been expecting her. Thank you for letting me know and I’ll be right down.”

{The butler nodded and made his way out the room. Mr. Sterling quickly cleaned out his smoking pipe and set it down on his desk. He immediately made his way downstairs to the front door where the butler was standing waiting for him.}

{He looked through the enormous front windows. He smiled when he saw Berenice walking to the door. The butler pulled open the door and there she was. She still looked the same as I remember her. Beautiful as ever.}

“Welcome,” {Mr. Sterling announced.} “It’s good to see you again, Berenice.”

[egaeus-exists]

“Egaeus, I would like to have a word with you..”

- @horse-head-sterling

"...well! That was a handful of words, wasn't it? What else could there possibly be to discuss?"

[horse-head-sterling]

“What do you mean there isn’t more to discuss? I want to know how things are going. I would also… like to know if you are still using my dimes. I’m looking at my bills and I’m seeing an awful lot being spent on foolish things.”

{He rubbed his temples in annoyance.}

“Was that you?”

[egaeus-exists]

"...I'll have you know I only buy interesting things! Like alcohol, or artifacts that are questionably legal to own!" [Egaeus fumbles through his pockets for something, anything, but most of it still seems to be in his luggage. All he can grasp is a crumpled polaroid from some event he doesn't even remember attending.] "–Sterling, you know I would never waste money! Your wallet is safe with me."

[horse-head-sterling]

{A heavy, deep sigh escaped from his lips.}

“That’s not the point, Egaeus. The point I’m trying to make here is how much you brought. You say, my wallet is safe with you. But-“

{He grabs his paper of bills and starts running through them. He stops when he notices the information he was looking for.} “You see right here. It states alcohol has been brought over 10 times. Expensive ones, if I may add. Also, some expensive jewelry has been brought as well. Not once, but three times, Egaeus.”

{He sets the papers of bills down on his desk.}

“So, you see… I would believe you, but the bills say otherwise.”

[egaeus-exists]

[Egaeus usually likes to believe he can talk his way out of anything– but this interaction had started off on the wrong foot, and he's yet to recover. How are you supposed to react when the man you– uh, certainly didn't kill– is standing in front of you alive and well? This place is strange.]

"Well, would you rather I have stolen it?" [Egaeus grins, hoping it seems more mischievous than anxious as he shoves his shaky hands in his pockets.] "Because that can certainly be arranged. More fun anyway, I'd say."

[horse-head-sterling]

“No. I’d rather you stop buying useless things. Especially with my dimes. Egaeus, have you ever heard of a job?”

{This may seem strange. But, sterling is having a hell of a good time interrogating Egaeus. Catching him by surprise is fueling him with pleasure. Karma is a bitch they say..}

[egaeus-exists]

"a job?!"

[well, Egaeus isn't sure he likes where this is going. The entire reason he'd kept Sterling around was so he and Berenice wouldn't have to work! is there any way to redirect this conversation—? Egaeus clicks his tongue and tries to smile as if he's unbothered.] "I'm sure I've heard of the concept! Can't say I'm suited for it, wouldn't you agree?"

[horse-head-sterling]

{He leaned himself back on his desk and crossed his arms in front of his chest; a smirk curling on his lips.}

“Oh, I believe a job would be perfect for you. It would even help my wallet. It could, also, help you on how to use your money wisely, wouldn’t you agree?” {He asked, almost mocking him.}

[egaeus-exists]

“Egaeus, I would like to have a word with you..”

- @horse-head-sterling

"...well! That was a handful of words, wasn't it? What else could there possibly be to discuss?"

[horse-head-sterling]

“What do you mean there isn’t more to discuss? I want to know how things are going. I would also… like to know if you are still using my dimes. I’m looking at my bills and I’m seeing an awful lot being spent on foolish things.”

{He rubbed his temples in annoyance.}

“Was that you?”

[egaeus-exists]

"...I'll have you know I only buy interesting things! Like alcohol, or artifacts that are questionably legal to own!" [Egaeus fumbles through his pockets for something, anything, but most of it still seems to be in his luggage. All he can grasp is a crumpled polaroid from some event he doesn't even remember attending.] "–Sterling, you know I would never waste money! Your wallet is safe with me."

[horse-head-sterling]

{A heavy, deep sigh escaped from his lips.}

“That’s not the point, Egaeus. The point I’m trying to make here is how much you brought. You say, my wallet is safe with you. But-“

{He grabs his paper of bills and starts running through them. He stops when he notices the information he was looking for.} “You see right here. It states alcohol has been brought over 10 times. Expensive ones, if I may add. Also, some expensive jewelry has been brought as well. Not once, but three times, Egaeus.”

{He sets the papers of bills down on his desk.}

“So, you see… I would believe you, but the bills say otherwise.”

[egaeus-exists]

[Egaeus usually likes to believe he can talk his way out of anything– but this interaction had started off on the wrong foot, and he's yet to recover. How are you supposed to react when the man you– uh, certainly didn't kill– is standing in front of you alive and well? This place is strange.]

"Well, would you rather I have stolen it?" [Egaeus grins, hoping it seems more mischievous than anxious as he shoves his shaky hands in his pockets.] "Because that can certainly be arranged. More fun anyway, I'd say."

[horse-head-sterling]

“No. I’d rather you stop buying useless things. Especially with my dimes. Egaeus, have you ever heard of a job?”

{This may seem strange. But, sterling is having a hell of a good time interrogating Egaeus. Catching him by surprise is fueling him with pleasure. Karma is a bitch they say..}

[egaeus-exists]

“Egaeus, I would like to have a word with you..”

- @horse-head-sterling

"...well! That was a handful of words, wasn't it? What else could there possibly be to discuss?"

[horse-head-sterling]

“What do you mean there isn’t more to discuss? I want to know how things are going. I would also… like to know if you are still using my dimes. I’m looking at my bills and I’m seeing an awful lot being spent on foolish things.”

{He rubbed his temples in annoyance.}

“Was that you?”

[egaeus-exists]

"...I'll have you know I only buy interesting things! Like alcohol, or artifacts that are questionably legal to own!" [Egaeus fumbles through his pockets for something, anything, but most of it still seems to be in his luggage. All he can grasp is a crumpled polaroid from some event he doesn't even remember attending.] "–Sterling, you know I would never waste money! Your wallet is safe with me."

[horse-head-sterling]

{A heavy, deep sigh escaped from his lips.}

“That’s not the point, Egaeus. The point I’m trying to make here is how much you brought. You say, my wallet is safe with you. But-“

{He grabs his paper of bills and starts running through them. He stops when he notices the information he was looking for.} “You see right here. It states alcohol has been brought over 10 times. Expensive ones, if I may add. Also, some expensive jewelry has been brought as well. Not once, but three times, Egaeus.”

{He sets the papers of bills down on his desk.}

“So, you see… I would believe you, but the bills say otherwise.”

[egaeus-exists]

“Egaeus, I would like to have a word with you..”

- @horse-head-sterling

"...well! That was a handful of words, wasn't it? What else could there possibly be to discuss?"

[horse-head-sterling]

“What do you mean there isn’t more to discuss? I want to know how things are going. I would also… like to know if you are still using my dimes. I’m looking at my bills and I’m seeing an awful lot being spent on foolish things.”

{He rubbed his temples in annoyance.}

“Was that you?”

[horse-head-sterling]

What are you going to wear to the carnival Mr Sterling?

🦄// I am kinda late showing off outfits but this is what he is going to wear.

I don’t have no plan or ideas on what I’m going to do for this event. I was just thinking maybe he can scare Berenice and Egaeus while he’s there. Yeah idk..

[egaeus-exists]

Would you rather anon here!

Would you rather be able to speak every language in the world or be able to talk to animals?

"well! at least it's an interesting question! I would much rather speak every language-- very useful for all the vacations I intend to take. on Sterling's dime."

[horse-head-sterling]

“Excuse me?! What was the last part?!”

[horse-head-sterling]

"...Sterling! Hello! I certainly wasn't expecting to see you here. Um. Are you feeling alright? Your head isn't... bothering you too much?"

{He gives Egaeus a stern look.}

“Good evening, Egaeus. It’s shocking, isn’t it? On how your demons can catch up to you.”

{He lets out a faint chuckle.} “Lucky for you, I was just joking. And yes, I’m quite alright now that I’m alive.”

[horse-head-sterling]

You are very very handsome

“Thank you. Your compliment is much appreciated.”

[horse-head-sterling]

you like going to Mardi Gras?

{He stopped to think for a moment.}

“Well, it’s usually hard to go when I’m running my business. Though, I didn’t see the point to because when Mardi Gras returned in the 1920s, the mood was… different. It wasn’t as festive as I remembered it to be and that saddens me.”