twice as twisted

ruby ( ? ) " all the best people are a little mad. "

[hxtters]

onrataxia​:

Another night, another mess to clean up, but it’s not as bad as it used to be. Concerning actually, considering the type of establishment he runs, and the kind of people his regulars are. For these rough and calloused sailors and dockhands to be so subdued must mean things are getting ugly out there beyond his walls.

He’s taken care to make sure Wonderland does not get to him this past decade, and so far, he’s done well to maintain a safe distance between himself, his pub, and the drama of the city. That doesn’t mean he hasn’t kept an ear to the dirt though. Ignorance is a luxury few can afford, and he’s been a part of the game too long to believe any semblance of peace they scrounge up can last.

The door opens again and he looks up, ready to tell the new arrival to come back tomorrow, only to find a flurry of red on white and black filling his vision, already cross-legged on his countertop without invitation. He sighs, the smile he aims at the tiny terror that’s found her way to him again fond, though exasperated.

“That’s the only reason this place is still open,” a shrug and he steps back, gesturing for her to hop down on his side of the bar and follow him into the bathroom. “What have I said about cleaning up after a kill? You look a fright girl, come on.”

He’d heard the hushed re-tellings of how Houndstitch had gone up in flame and smoke not too long ago, and all the superstitions and speculations that surrounded the happening. “It’s possible, but that might be too simple an explanation.” The faucet running fills the silence briefly as he wets a towel for her. “No, I’ve never liked working with fire. Too unpredictable and hard to manipulate into doing what you want it to. Guess I’ve got a bit of a control complex huh?”

While she cleans up, he goes back to the front to wipe away the blood that she tracked onto the countertop. “I haven’t seen you in a while. What mischief have you been up to?”

It’s true  — the residents of this city grasp at any chance to escape the reality of what’s happening on their streets, anything to dull the senses, and alcohol was the most readily available and easily accessible. 

“ Should I cause a little more unrest then? ” It sounds like a joke, but if he said so she would. Ruby has never been one to pass up an opportunity for a little more chaos, but it would also be her own way of showing a little appreciation for all the wisdom he had imparted on her. 

His words make her survey her own body, looking down and twirling around to make sure. “ ‘ve gotten better, none’s on my clothes, see? ” She twirls a second time for him, tone a little proud. “ ‘M barely one though, ya should’ve seen the stage. Set it just like how they wanted, my artistic direction was great, might even give the first audience enough of ‘n impression for a trip to the Vale. ”

Giggling at the thought, suddenly thinking it was a pity she hadn’t stuck around to get a firsthand experience of it, but it would be too much waiting for her, never much patience once the job was done and she had fulfilled the terms of her contract. 

But she still obediently heads to the bathroom, streaks coming off easily, having barely dried on her way over. Nothing around here was ever quite simple, he was right. A little nighttime jaunt through charred rooms were enough to hint at things. “ Mmm, ya probably right. I mean, didn’t find bodies when I went for a looksie, the blueberries didn’t either. The missin’ kiddies was probably why, right? ”

It is not surprising to hear him say that, control was what so many people wanted around here, wasn’t it? The ‘ queens ’ fighting for control over the city, helpless residents always futilely fighting for control over their own fates, information traders looking for control over one more person.

“ I guess ya right ... fire’s really pretty sometimes though ... ‘s fine in some situations, baby ones are easier ta get right. ” Done with making herself more presentable, she pulls a couple of gummy bears out of a pack she swiped earlier, shaking the packet at Poet in offering. “ City’s been busy, so ‘ve been busy too!  Lotsa work got done. ”

Her laugh is full of satisfaction, both at her added wealth and the resignation in some police officers’ eyes when they get called to more crime scenes. Of course, there were many that never warranted calls, tragic accidents and residents moving out wouldn’t need the police’s help, after all.

“ Someone sealed up that entrance from the hotel recently though, ya know who did it? Less of those richy rich idiots as clients, but ‘m not complainin’. Always wanderin’ round like Under’s some kinda exotic tourist trap. Was fun to give ‘em a little welcome sometimes, their faces are kinda funny when I do, but guess ‘m not gonna be able to do it anymore. ”

The smile hangs off her lips, a touch of disappointment in her tone at the loss of entertainment. There were times where the City was generous enough to throw some in the right direction, but children left to their own amusements always had to go out to find their own toys in the end.

[hxtters]

killtherabbits​:

“do you know hard it is to hop faster when ya don’t pick up the phone? ‘s not my fault, really, that ‘m late!” tones are indignant, childish, the two almost sounding like siblings bickering. “and ‘s still tea. i don’t like missin’ it, ya know that.” 

he takes out his frustrations on the poor man under his feet, pushing heads down with just a touch more force than needed. “you should pull ‘em out, obviously. no one’s gonna give ya secrets or nothin’ for free — ya gotta take ‘em out yourself. duh.” almost sniffy, the way he says it. soon enough slight dimples return to cheeks as he steps back slightly, letting the smaller girl do her work. 

theo surveys the man as he considers ruby’s proposal  —  the man was purple-tinged, soaked and sputtering. he thinks he remembers the echo of someone  —  ashley? gus? willie?  —  telling him to stay out of trouble, but the memory is faded, likely from another Time. can hardly be counted for the Present, now, can it? 

“hm. guess a shot won’t hurt  —  oh, can i use one of ‘em fancy knives ya got? ‘ve always wanted to try, y’know  —  it just looks so cool but ‘m never allowed to have ‘em sharp things no more. you gotta teach me, though! can’t be goin’ back home with a finger or two less or else my head’s gonna be had on a platter, i tell ya!” 

“ Huh. ” Glow illuminates her face as she scrolls through her recents, shrugging and turning the screen so he could see. “ Don’t see ‘nything. ” Of course, that might have been because she had gotten a new one over the weekend, but then again, such little details were of no relevance.

“ I could’ve found ya even without a phone. ” An eyebrow raised proudly, smug smile hanging on her lips —  sibling rivalry was always wanting to prove their superiority, but lips turn into a pout at the mention of the tea, cloying sweetness a phantom taste in her mouth. Probably should’ve known better, princess has been a title long lost. “ Would’ve given ya all of it if I knew how it tasted. ”

Perhaps she should start using Theo as a taste tester, but the idea is quickly dismissed. With how wrecked both their tastes are anything on her tongue would likely be wildly different from whatever he thinks he tastes. 

Only watches with an impassive gaze at the struggling idiot in the water, how weak, that he couldn’t even do anything against Theo. There was nothing wrong with Theo’’s words, though. Nothing was free in this city, even those with the appearance of. There was only a delayed collection of debts, something she is all too familiar with. 

“ Oh, this? ” The request produces one of her butterfly knives, titanium coated and mirror polished. There was no practical reason for it, the look was all for aesthetic purposes, but what girl didn’t like pretty things?  “ Ya always want my toys. If ya take this any harm’s ya own fault. ‘M not gonna take the blame for your butterfingers. ” 

[hxtters]

dreamgvrls​:

“ruby… ruby…” she searches something that is already gone - smudged and only seen through mirrors - memories are fickle things like shifting shapes, nothing but shadows in the water, sliding through her fingers, “ruby - hmm… that doesn’t feel exactly right but it’ll just have to do!” her hands clasp onto her as if grasping at these shadow shapes, trying to make sure that the girl in front of her was real, a figure from a past life. a small little giggle escaping from her as she shivers from excitement, from a life bursting for from somewhere lost inside her, pink feathers scattering around their feet. “what clown? you couldn’t possibly mean vin do you?” 

more laughter, childish - at play. “he’s no clown! especially not for taking me in over the last few months and letting me stay here, but i do suppose it has been years since we last even saw each other and names are odd aren’t they?”

she starts guiding ruby down the hallway towards her room, walking backwards as she makes a lazy turn at the end of the hallway. “i was actually - or i am actually married,” a warm flush crosses her cheeks, dawning on her like a rose dawn, remembering perhaps the only memories that come clearly back, “so i’m technically klara vaughn now and not reyes.” an open door, she guides herself back into a room that she has done her best to make resemble her old home, a place where she was in fact klara vaughn.

“ah, here’s my room, i need to change out of this and return it if you don’t mind coming with me - it would be so good to catch up.” she slips out of sequin skin behind a divider, the shadow of her body visible as she places the costume on a nearby chair, instead pulling on a light, dressing robe, silky against her skin though it is hardly that. “where have you been all these years? i remember hearing some awful things but maybe i’m just imagining them? or why are you here right now, i can’t imagine the same thing that happened to me happened to you too!”

What is the significance of a name? How tied to an identity is one? Is it truly as easy to attain an entirely new identity just by changing a few words? A person can never get rid of past lives absolutely, wisps that cling on and slip through tiny cracks will always appear.

Ruby only smiles, all lopsided and eyes blank, because there is not much to say about names that don’t fit anymore, but twist when Klara expresses her gratefulness for Vin. Still too sheltered, too naive, to believe the best of anything in Under. There is no benevolence to be had in these streets, nothing done out of kindness of the heart, no matter how they might spin beautiful stories out of actions that only ever really benefit one.

“ Can’t imagine ya staying for free, though? Ain’tcha payin’ for your room an’ board? ” Raises an eyebrow at the pink so present everywhere around them, thinking that surely the girl knew this was work, despite knowing how Vin had probably swindled her into thinking he was doing her a favour.

She follows, wandering deeper in just like following a hot pink bunny, and blinks at the sudden information. Such a foreign concept, marriage. Of course, it had been what was expected once upon a time, but it was a world away for Ruby herself, to hear that Klara had done just what was expected was a inexplicable sort of feeling.

( You perhaps would have been her, in another timeline. But wonder if you would have been as happy as she seems, wonder how girls like that end up in Under, if everything had gone according to plan. )

“ Oh, belated congratulations. ” The standard reply, and next should be questions about the wedding, gushing over beautiful dresses and decorations, how perfect a spouse would be. Certainly what comes out of her mouth would cause frowns ands whispers about how tactless a daughter in the society they came from. “ What’cha doin’ here, then? Not playin’ keepin’ house or somethin’? Under isn’t the right place for girls like ya. ”

It is all a blur of red and black, silver and white, childhood is hardly a childhood when you grow up like this. There is not much to say, no things that should be heard by someone whose soul still very much belongs in Over. 

And so she shrugs, grins, and makes herself comfortable on the table. “ Not much, just out lookin’ for fun, like always. Wonderland’s taken good care of me. ”  Debatable, of course, depending on how you look at it, but what matters is she’s been trained to survive, she has the means to go off on whatever whim she wishes, and isn’t that enough? 

“ I always come ‘round when ‘m bored. Dollhouses are for fun, and ya favourite doll owner owes me lotsa food. Ya want me ta bring some back here? ‘S not the worst at cookin’, but don’t tell ‘im that. ”

[hxtters]

mdhvre​:

There is something in how no part of her ever sits still that makes him frown, an unsettling. He is no stranger to smiles that should be too wide to fit onto any human face, given the company he keeps, but the way her lips part at angles crooked and decidedly uninviting give off an impression of unease that sits like oil over his skin.

Still, she isn’t the worst to walk through his front door. Should he be grateful for the distinction then?

“I suppose, yes, that is a fair assessment to make,” he watches her closely through her antics, careful to note her actions and reactions—it’s fascinating, in a way, how rapidly she cycles through expressions and displays of emotions. How similar she is to Theo in that sense, and dissimilar to himself. Speaking of whom…

“Theo has been, well, Theo,” a vague shrug is all he offers as elaboration on the matter. All but one of his rabbits are well-behaved creatures of habits, but this is hardly news for little girls who makes such a regular habit of dropping in unannounced. “No, I don’t need your idea of a surprise to accidentally give the customer a heart attack.”

He starts measuring out an equal amount from two of the procured jars, mind ready to turn away from Ruby’s presence and focus on the task at hand, when a thought occurs to him. “You know, Lukas is stopping by soon. Why don’t you try your hand at making something ‘special’ for him?” Digging out an empty container, he slides it over to her. “I doubt even you could kill him…”

It is all too familiar a feeling of being observed, strict eyes had watched her when she was taught to be a porcelain doll, hungry eyes had watched lone figure seemingly waiting to be devoured, frightened eyes had watched tiny angel of death, and so many a time curious eyes that only see an unsolvable puzzle.

Useful, to know when and how to draw attention, when and how to disappear from plain sight.

“ Was whinin’ bout how I didn’t call him out for a ‘venture, ‘s not my fault he can’t keep up, can’tcha brew a lil somethin’ for him ta quit it for a while at least? ” Rabbits are always late in Wonderland, but too many messages were delivered all too often. Scrunching her face, at the refusal, what a pity, another avenue of fun cut off again. Was it then a surprise the city would cook up some excitement? “ Aw, wouldn’t have been that serious. ”

Fortunately, he comes up with something else for her, and a spark is back in her eyes, hands eagerly hugging the container. “ Don’t really want ta kill him, though? ‘S shame if he can’t help ya anymore, ain’t it? Besides, city won’t run too good if he goes splat right now. ”

“ Oh, do I gotta measure or somethin’? ” Says this from the top of the shelves, having made use of them to be able to see at eye level, knowing that for all they appear they will be able to hold her weight. Ashley has always been so precise, and she was here to help, after all. A few jars are selected, but as she bounds down a thought suddenly occurs to her.

“ Hey, ya ever put any of my deliveries inta stuff for ‘im? ”

[hxtters]

queeninwhite​:

i like it when you call me crazy / long as you keep callin’, baby september 19th, 12:41am, wishbone closed to @hxtters​

“You know, you’re always welcome to volunteer for the ring.”

She’s tried this before, time and again. Ruby hasn’t risen to the bait yet, preferring to squirm away from commitment like the electric eel of a girl she is. Still, Cerisse persists through the sense that she’s forever chasing her own scaly tail with this one. 

She has come down from high on her throne, finding the tiny assassin in the crowd with ease - they part for her with little more than a glance, knowing their place beneath their Queen. “The thrill you could offer them is beyond anything most of my fighters has in them. Really, what’s stopping you from this indulgence?”

-

It is always interesting to watch the fighters, whether to belittle them in her mind for stupid mistakes or to maybe get inspiration for future fights she might get into. There was always something new to learn, after all, even if most of them in her opinion sucked.

Almost clockwork, how Cerisse finds her and proposes the same offer again. She’s probably heard the same rejection a thousand times, and yet still perseveres in trying to convince Ruby every time they see each other.

There are enough assassins running around in Under if that was what she was looking for for a matchup, but perhaps it was because it was the fact that Ruby was the top of the top, if she did say so herself.

“ They’re boring. ” she shrugs. “ So slow and predictable. Might be a thrill for ‘em but there’s nothin’ for me, ‘s there? ‘Sides, never liked too much of an audience either, was never meant for much of a spotlight, y’know? ”

It would feel too much like being a subject, and Ruby has never been one for bowing to a queen. Loyalty is a foreign concept, perhaps the only exceptions to be had were to her own self and the City. Stare into the abyss too long and it becomes you, or something like that, wasn’t it?

“ Could tell ya ‘bout a friend or two that might like a round in the ring, if ya like. For a price, of course. ”

[hxtters]

DATE & TIME: september 16th, 4.19am LOCATION: the mangled mermaid STATUS: closed for @onrataxia

The pub had been crowded as always, especially after pieces of news like city hall had released earlier in the day. Curiouser and curiouser, things always seemed, which suited Ruby just fine. it was high time that they had something interesting happen around here.

But the stragglers were finally headed out, whether willingly or unwillingly, as she breezes through and hopped onto the counter, pulling up her legs to fold into a cross, Business had been particularly busy, as she liked to take advantage of the police still floundering in trying to solve the cases that came up last month. The scenes she left behind were always clean of traces of her, though the same couldn’t be said of Ruby herself.

Hands rub at the stain on her knees, but it only serves to smear the red onto a bigger area, fingers coming away with the same marks. Oh well, it isn’t as if her company had never seen blood before.

“ Hiya! Lotsa people in today too, wonder if they’re here ta drown all their uneasiness away. ”

People fall into vices so easily, things to distract, things to lure away, and Wonderland has always been happy to provide. Rabbit holes are dangerous things to fall into, and danger so often comes from the most innocuous of things.

“ Thought someone mighta tried to hide a body by burning the whole church cause they made a mistake, but nothin’ was there. Have ya ever burnt a building? ”

[hxtters]

ofhvmpty​:

“bad luck, indeed.”

certainly, his target in question didn’t deserve what was coming to him, but fairness was never any more of a guiding force here than some peculiar cosmic malice that never felt like malice at all - only hunger. hunger and indifference, and he’d suffered through them both, starved and neglected so he would know what great virtue it is to survive without a mother’s kindness, without anything to tenderize the marrow inside, carved and scarred by forces human and fated. what would he be if he didn’t embody this dogma? oh, he’d be a blasphemous heretic, unforgiven. forsaken. 

“i thought if any corpses would cause such a stir, it would be those of your own making. assumed, really, that they were yours.” he cracks a smile, eyes narrowing with curiosity. he knows better than to underestimate slips of a thing and small girls with sharp teeth - she barely fills the expanse of his chair, but he does not doubt the knives of bone and silver-edged lethality stashed inside of her, the arsenal inside of a girl. “indeed, those pitiable… blueberries. it must feel so undignified, constantly having to play catch up with forces greater than their own. and rest assured, if everything goes smoothly i expect i’ll have more jobs to offer - there are tasks i can’t risk doing myself.” fingers trace blueberries into the condensation fogging his glass. “but of course. i assure you the rate doesn’t matter nearly as much to me as the result, ruby.”

-

Of course, luck could be what you made of it,  and Ruby always made full use of hers, even if others didn’t want her to. Henrik was not the only one who assumed the work was her doing, but how unfortunate that she had not even heard of someone looking for contracts. She could’ve done a much better job of it, but it was their loss, she supposed. 

“ You’re not the only one assumin’ such things, ” she says, blinking slowly with a smile to match. Whole City has been wondering about who  —  so many whos, who did this, who are they, who is behind this  —  and why  —  why them, why this happened, why in this manner  —  but she doesn’t have answers for all of them, only some. But it is also these men with such benevolent appearances that trick you into giving up more than you realize. Not that such answers would be detrimental to her, but it is just like a lawyer to ask without actually asking.

“ Who’s to say, really. Ya know, people give up lots ta keep things confidential. ”

The possibility of more jobs will never fail to interest her, though experience has taught her to never place too much faith in such promises. Even so, it would remain to be said just when said tasks would be accepted. “ S’no worries, I have a hundred percent satisfaction rate! ... Or maybe it’s actually 99.9% there was a dude who wasn’t too happy I put a little baby on the orphanage steps, ‘nstead of a forever sleep, but t’was his own fault for lying that there wouldn’t be littles involved. Should be thankin’ me for even completing the rest of it. ”

The last is said with an obvious air of distaste, but again her mood changes just as quickly when they talk of money. “ Won’t be too much, I’ll give ya a little discount since it’s gonna be easy given the timing, even if it was because I’m good at pickin’ ‘em. ” Vacates the chair as she stretches, and it’s only moments before she’s disappeared off into the night again, only the echoes of her last sentence remaining. 

“ Look forward to hearing about a funeral soon then ... goodbye! ”

[hxtters]

dreamgvrls​:

CLOSED: to @hxtters for event 01  LOCATION: The Dollhouse DATE & TIME: 8/17 @ 1:30am

spotlights dim a few moments after the music stops - the sound echoes around the room still, reverb, a ripple in the faceless dark - a blur of lights and flashes of skin, this all ends only to be replaced by whistling, hooting - other sounds. she descends into the crowd, walking the space between tables and booths like pews.

(lift your leg as you walk, the beginning of it all - a long line of muscle, the slope of your calf, the gentle space behind your knee - something to look at, something to touch.) 

she imagines a face she hasn’t seen in months. lights strobe, casting her own a shadow - all the same, everything in the dark. heading backstage to remove her costume - trailing behind her, pink plumed and sequined - to slip into something entirely more intimate for the remainder of the time tonight, another familiar face emerges - one from a different life, a time nearly forgotten. 

(girls in white, the shine of freshly waxed floors, the clicking of heels down hallways, somewhere just out of view - of sunlight and laughter hidden away in rooms where nothing is demanded of them, a wonderland that is long lost.)

“is that you?” stopped, hallway lights, before rushing forward, hands reaching out for hands, “it’s been so long, ah” pausing, mouth beginning to form syllables, instead stuck at the back of her throat, “this is so embarrassing but i’ve completely forgotten your name! silly me but you remember me, right? klara… well, reyes at the time.” 

It is still considered early for the Dollhouse, or as early as it can be for someplace that exists in  a place where Time is fickle, changing according to fancies, but it is enough for a bored Ruby to drop by looking for some amusement.

No doubt a scolding from Vin would be in the cards if she sneaked another little doll out of their home, but then what can he do, really? Maybe she will play in the confines of the house tonight, maybe she won’t but it’s always up to wonderland to decide, isn’t it?

Merriment, at being spun around as she greets some that she has seen many a time ( though one might wonder how different some of these faces are to you, sometimes dolls painted too many times start to blend together after all. ), but a flash of something  — shiny flamingo darts through her mind  —  and there are unfamiliar familiar hands grasping her own.

( See a alternate world, a different sort of dolls, hair in pretty curls and the sort of freedom that only those that do not know too much have. But such worlds have long been fed to all-consuming flames, shadows greedily devouring any scraps. )

“ Ruby, ” is what comes out, knowing that that is not what is meant to be remembered, but this is all that’s left now. Arms circle around , another familiar yet unfamiliar feeling, an overlap of past worlds trying to merge into the present. 

“ At the time? Did the clown give ya a new one or somethin’? ” Or did it get swallowed by another like hers had, the old still somewhere inside but digested more and more each day. “ When didya get here? ”

( Perhaps the better question would be why, but then perhaps these are the sacrifices meant to keep cities running, girls to grow up and leave their families, to be the ones that help to sate hungers. )

[tigerwillie]

{ ♧ } —- send this for a wildcard! creation for our ship

one-way reflection, nothing in common but a smile - mad hatter & tiger lily - listen

requested by @hxtters // more here

[tigerwillie]

{ ⊙ } —- send this to get an aesthetic for my character.

she wore a smile like a loaded gun - mad hatter

requested by @hxtters // more here

[hxtters]

lily-grl​:

It is loud and she hears all of it. It is unlike the cheering of crowds, soft, growing, distant waves of noise converging to a central point - her, the ring, bloody fists, half-blown knees. Everything is here, subsumes her, pays no attention to her or anything else - completely careless. No one looks here, everyone with their head in their own cups. 

Same goes for her too, sitting at the bar with a third (or fourth?) drink in hand, playing at just another resident of the Over. Dreams of normalcy, whatever that means in Wonderland. 

(One drink per knockout, seems fair.) 

A moment shattered, another player enters. “That’s not exactly my name,” Clementine turns to a familiar face, grinning and raising her glass, nearly empty, “but good attempt. The refs will allow it.” She gestures in the same motion to the bartender to fill her glass, to keep the night going after what was a routine fight - an easy win in her opinion though she’s not one to complain.

Laughing, her drink sloshing as she takes it back from the bartender in a solid grip, “You didn’t miss anything tonight but I am on the calendar more,” another sip, “I guess I did ask for it but it was that or stay cooped up at her place. What was I supposed to do?” Indignant, she gestures, arms coming up in her own defense. 

A little spill, nothing egregious. 

Overcast, her brow wrinkles as she looks at Ruby, voice unable to control itself to dip to a whisper, “Anyways, that fighter you’re referring too, she was okay. I don’t think she would’ve gone down easily so it must’ve been hard for whoever did it but taking her arm? It’s not like those things come off easy… ” 

“ What makes a name a name, really? Like, how’d ya know you owned one, how’d you know it’s really yours? Lotsa people try on different ones ev’ry day ‘nd still don’t find theirs. ” 

( Names are sometimes like the heavy morning mist, all around you, the only thing you know, a burden of a name oh so heavy; and yet, blink and it’s gone, dissipating into nothing and you are left with both endless possibility and sudden emptiness all at once. )

Downs the glass in her hand and starts on a refill herself, eyes shining at the other girl over the gurgling of the liquid. “ I mean, ya coulda just called me. Could break ya out of there, go for a fun lil spin ‘round the city. ” 

“ On like ... a scale from that little scribbler next to the ice queen to ... you? I guess? Where’d she be? ” Arms cross and she leans towards Clem at the prospect of a little more information about the little limb in it’s own coffin, but a perplexed look quickly crosses her face. “ Whaddya mean? Arms come off easily enough ... ”

Surely someone who’d been fighting for so long would know ... wonders if there has never been any sort of such things in the fights, wonders if those few vanilla-ish fights she had just happened to catch were the norm instead of the exception, her inclination to accept any sort of invitation from Cerisse dropping even more.

“ D’you not know? I mean, I could show ya if you wanted, ‘S pretty easy ta take one off, even for a fighter. Pick one. ”

She’s moved to sit cross legged on the counter at this point, and sweeps an arm out as she concludes her last sentence, almost hitting another patron approaching the bar. Keeps the arm out defiantly as she locks glares with the guy, but then dissolves into giggles quickly.

“ Oopsie. But c’mon, pick one, and I can show ya. Have a little fun tonight, yeah? ” eagerly, the rush of a potential thrilling adventure sending a rush through her better than any alcohol would.

[hxtters]

mdhvre​:

He pulls a jar of dried wormwood out of the way in time to save him the annoyance of cleaning broken glass later, knowing too well her proclivity for disobeying rules for her own fancies. Just as well that he isn’t expecting any visitors until late into the evening; having her come by is all the headache he needs for one morning.

“Your definition of careful is rather different from mine.“ Even so, he feels his anger already clearing away, mood ebbing and turning violently as is its wont this time of year. One of the rabbits hops onto the front counter next to them, sniffing curiously at an outstretched hand curiously before making itself comfortable in her opened lap. He sighs and allows it.

“Yes, I have no doubt you could. Then I would have to clean up the aftermath, and I already have too many children I need to do that for to add you to the list,” the look he gives her is decidedly unimpressed as he bends to pull out a large glass bowl. It’s a straightforward and simple brew, fortunately, not many places to go wrong in. “You may help me put the order together, if you wish. I assume you’ve memorized the layout of the shop by now.”

Only rewards him with a bigger smile at precautionary measures, fingers carding through soft furs, as her eyes wander again. Shop always seems to change a little every time she drops by, always something new to be discovered.

Careful: done with or showing thought and attention. One of the earlier words introduced to her vocabulary, tutors must know that all daughters of such families must know the meaning of this words from an early age. 

( There has always been consideration to the things you do, all of them, really. It’s not your fault that most aren’t able to follow logic, and sometimes you wonder at the strange way others’ minds work. Of course, the other definition of careful has been conveniently ignored. )

“ Mmm maybe. Everyone has their own definitions of how thing go, don’t they? ” Makes a kissy face at the rabbit, then giggles. “ Wonder what little bunny thinks of the word? ”

She blinks at him, eyes all wide and innocent, grin from before at the affirmation of her abilities turning into a pout. “ Aw, don’t worry, I can clean up plenty well after myself. And even if there were things left behind that’s ‘cause they’re supposed ta be left behind. ”  Pauses for a moment as thoughts catch up, and then the grin is back, a little glimmer in eyes. “ Did the bigger Bunny get inta more trouble without me? ”

It isn’t long before three jars are on the counter, though her arms that are wrapped around them don’t move. Flops her head on the same counter, top peeking out around the edge of the jar enough to see her eyes. “ Should we add a lil special ingredient too? Give a bit of a kick, nice surprise? ”

[hxtters]

DATE & TIME: august 18th, 11.24pm LOCATION: the mangled mermaid STATUS: closed for @lily-grl

It was more crowded than usual, perhaps the unrest of the City had driven many to drown their worries in alcohol, or perhaps it was the not quite logical thought of safety in numbers. All the better for her to eavesdrop on conversations, though, practically everyone was whispering about queens and bodies, Wonderland had never quite been peaceful, but whatever the temporary uneasy truce had been, things were about to get a lot more interesting.

No matter, it was all the more entertainment for her, and all the more potential customers. Getting rid of a few more extra jobs was a lot more effortless while the police were running around like headless chickens, and it was always a pleasure to add to their burden. 

A familiar face is at the bar, and Ruby slips behind the counter to grab a bottle of something  — pink? who’s to say beneath these lights, anyway; strong smelling, definitely —  to dump into her drink, popping up in front of the other girl. 

“ Heya iron fist! Has your sis got ya fightin’ extra lately? What with a piece falling off the chessboard and all that. ”

[hxtters]

tigerwillie​:

Willie whipped around to fast Ruby might as well have yelled for her.·“Oh, hello! I hardly saw you there!” Her newfound smile was far too sweet for the fog of anxiety that lingered over her head, but she didn’t know another way to greet a friend. Even so, it wavered only seconds later.

“Nothing like that, no. It’s just… I’m sure you saw the news today.” Her forehead creased at the thought.·“Those poor people. I mean- how could something like this happen?”

Big bambi eyes full of concern landed fully on Ruby.·“Are you doing all right? Just hearing the headlines made me sick to my stomach. I can’t imagine anyone feeling any other way.”

She’s heard a similar phase uttered many times, or at least its sentiments, people didn’t tend to be able to talk in complete sentences when she was on a job, and those that were referring to her damn height soon learned to shove those words back in their mouths soon after. But of course, the person in front of her meant something else entirely.

In contrast to poor Willie’s smile, Ruby’s only grew wider. “ ‘Course I did, everyone’s all excited ‘round the city, things are happening. ” Girl is taller and older and yet beliefs are far more naive than is good for someone living in this City.

A shrug as she gazes back with wide eyes, tone all matter-of-fact. “ I mean, I’ve seen lotsa worse things. ” Done worse, too, but those are other stories entirely. “ ‘S not that surprisin’ in the act itself, haven’t you heard of many such things else? ”

It is truly fascinating to watch those who blind themselves to the City’s true nature, and it is always a tossup on how long such soft things last. “ Aw, maybe you should ask Grumpy for some tea, and lot of it. Gotta feeling lotsa things are ‘bout to happen, dunno if your stomach might die if you hear ‘bout them. ”

[hxtters]

mdhvre​:

FOR: @hxtters​ DATE/TIME: 08/19 AM 7:00 LOCATION: the White Rabbit

“You stopped by yesterday.”

He’s not in the habit of raising his voice. Or distorting it with emotions. Indeed, it would be hard for anyone to say with a degree of confidence that they’ve ever heard the inflection of his voice change. Even so, despite the monotonous delivery of the one sentence, only the willfully ignorant could deny that he is angry.

It’s not often he leaves home—for excellent reason, as has been demonstrated far too many times for his liking—and when he does, he always leaves very specific instructions for how the visitors of the shop are expected to behave in his absence.

1. Do not disturb the rabbits. 2. Do not touch the jars or drawers. 3. Do not feed the Cat. 4. Any orders are to be left on the front counter and he will complete them when he returns.

Simple rules, really; a measly handful to burn into their skulls if they don’t want the next concoction poured down their throats to turn them inside out. And yet…

“I believe I’ve warned you about being careful in this shop, Ruby. Multiple times.”

The tea shop is one of her frequent stops, even if you don’t count her delivery of the more interesting ingredients. Something about too many jars all full of surprises and soft little things found everywhere in the shop, perhaps.

“ Mhmm, that’s right. ” She hops onto an empty space on the counter, crossing her legs and opening her arms for a rabbit to hop into, eyes seeming to reflect the same colour as her own. “ ‘ve been careful, very. Even saved one of your jars from becoming little crystals yesterday because someone wasn’t followin’ the rules. ”

Smiles are wide as her thumb and forefinger form a gun. “ You’re welcome. Someone was here ‘bout a sleeptime brew but left when they realized you weren’t here. Bet I could come up with one though. Hey, why don’tcha let me have a go? I could probably make somethin’ that’a let them sleep for a long time. ”

[hxtters]

killtherabbits​:

he’s almost late for such an important thing, can you believe it? though he would be quick to tell you that it’s not his fault ( swear on it! ) - tracking down the girl has never been easy, and messages have been left unread, boy pouting at dim-lit screens. not easy, he would frown, trying to find something that doesn’t want to be found. 

but he’s here, he’s here with limbs in a flurry, hair a tousled mess and wide grins unflickering even at the scene before him. 

“ruby! you got started on the fun without me? you promised you would wait!” pouts deepen as he prods at the man’s body with the tip of worn shoes. “or at least i think y’did. memory’s been real funny lately, but still. you even had tea without me!” 

expressions change almost comically, lips splitting into wide grins as the man before them starts sputtering. reflexes are fast, the boy pressing feet on top of heads to push him back under again. 

“‘nyways - what did this one do again? or is this just for play?” 

Her expression doesn’t change as she watches his rather unsightly entrance. Theo has been a participant of so many of her little adventures, whether invited or not, and it was shaping up to be no exception this time around. 

“ Sorry, Fun waits for no one, ya shoulda hopped a lil faster. ” There is no sign of remorse on girl’s face, but then when was the last time there was? A city like this, soft hearts do not survive long, a lesson she had learned very quickly, and anyway who’s to say she ever had one from the beginning? 

“ T’wasn’t good tea, you should be thankin’ me for saving your tastebuds. ” Arms crossed as she stares at him, one eyebrow raised. The sound of the man going under again doesn’t faze her, gaze never even straying to him as she shrugs. “ ‘s keepin’ lil secrets in his throat, refuses to let them come out to play. It’s been a while and he’s being a big meanie, I’m wondering if I should just reach down and pull ‘em out. ”

Kicks at his leg to let bodies bob up again, big doe eyes blinking all innocent at the form in the water. “ C’mon mista, I just wanna know why the pendulum man in the hotel got a whole body, was it cause he was a guest? That’s not a very nice way to treat guests of the City, shoulda puffed him up bigger. ”

“ Y’gotta know somethin’, ” she huffs, pouting, then turns to the bright eyed boy beside her. “ Ya wanna give it a shot? He looks like he wants to play a lil more before he’ll share. ”

[annabcths]

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE

Now you’ve followed him this far down, and there’s no clawing your way back up to the light, so get comfortable, settle in; you can no longer leave.

                                                    — AND INTO WONDERLAND.

@behindsanityrp as a game.