Chapter Text

June 10 - the birth of come see my musical performances 🎹 (prologue)

                                                                                                                      12:41 PM

@luckyguy123 has created a group chat.

@luckyguy123 has added @a.deross, @JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷, @cavaliernorton, @🎶kreiburg, and 4 others…

@luckyguy123: @ everyone

@luckyguy123: @ everyone

@luckyguy123: [image attached]

ALT TEXT: [a blurry image of a flare gun in large, clammy hands.]

                                                                  3:00 AM

@a.deross: ??? A flare gun? 

@a.deross: May I ask why am I in this group chat?

@luckyguy123 is typing…

@luckyguy123 has added @urlocalmech to the group chat. 

@urlocalmech is typing…

@cavaliernorton: can you pls stop texting. i need to sleep.

@🎶kreiburg: there is an option to turn off notifications, you know.

@a.deross: what’s this even for? @luckyguy123

@🎶kreiburg renamed the group chat to come see my musical performances 🎹

@cavaliernorton: who even are you? 

@a.deross: im alice deross. you may remember me from that interview about the Golden Cave a few years ago.

@🎶kreiburg: [image attached]

ALT TEXT: [a flyer depicting a handsome young man with suave white hair playing the piano. on it are the words ‘nocturne music festival— support your local artists! 3-5pm, June 17]

@cavaliernorton: stop advertising to me, I’ve got a job

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Where is exactly is this performance, M. Kreiburg?

@cavaliernorton is typing…

@🎶kreiburg: 778 McFarlane avenue concert hall, England. tickets are at this website: [url attached]

⤵️replying to @a.deross

@cavaliernorton: good to know. I assume your investigations are all complete?

@notarat: good morning! 🍳

@msmichiko🦋: good morning ! what’s this group chat for?

@a.deross: haha, im curious about the same too… shouldn’t we all introduce ourselves our something?

⤵️replying to @cavaliernorton:

@a.deross: yes, you could say that. your curiosity is much appreciated!

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: What this group chat is for, you ask? Well, it seems to be an advertisement for an up and coming composer, @🎶kreiburg

@🎶kreiburg: come see my performance @msmichiko🦋 @a.deross @notarat

@cavaliernorton: great! you got the hint to not ping me. im going to bed.

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Don’t forget to turn on ‘do not disturb.’ Bonne nuit.

@notarat: am sorry Mr composer am busy on that dya I have probation meeting 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Excuse me?

@urlocalmech added @Keigan.N.Keogh to the groupchat.

@notarat: tracy pls no 

@urlocalmech: go to sleep I can hear your invention next door 

@Keigan.N.Keogh: It is highly recommended you do not discuss such personal legal matters in a groupchat with strangers, Luca Balsa.

@a.deross: uh, good morning Ms. Keogh!

@Keigan.N.Keogh has left the group chat.

@msmichiko🦋: I’d love to see your performance, Mr. Kreiburg, but the trip to that location is too far for me !

@🎶kreiburg: don’t worry, I can always get you a recording. thank you 

@🎶kreiburg: thanks everyone for your patronage, I am going to sleep now

@urlocalmech: good night musical man

@a.deross: aren’t we going to introduce ourselves??? maybe???

@JosephDesaulniers: Don’t worry, Ms. DeRoss. There’s a time and place for everything, after all.

Seen by @a.deross, @notarat, @cavaliernorton, and 3 others.

Chapter Text

June 11

                                   10:00 AM

@luckyguy123 has added @annthedisciple to the groupchat.

Seen by @a.deross, @notarat, @JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷

@a.deross: good morning, everyone!

@notarat: Tracy look [image attached]

ALT TEXT: [a Royal Classic typewriter with sparks flying out of it…]

@notarat: I fixed your typewriter now you can keep fawning over Orpheus books

@urlocalmech: dude this is the groupchat. be respectful luca

Seen by @a.deross and @urlocalmech

@notarat: oh 

@notarat: food morning a.deross and Tracy!

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Bonjour. Have you all eaten breakfast? Remember, it’s the most important meal of the day.

@annthedisciple is typing…

@cavaliernorton: hey @JosephDesaulniers, your account is incredibly sketchy. should a seventeen year old like you even be talking with us right now?

@annthedisciple: GOODMORNONG 

@JosephDesaulniers: You forgot the French flag, my dear prospector.

@annthedisciple: MYN AME IS ROBBBIE WHYTE 

@a.deross: is that a child?

@annthedisciple: NKO THISNT CHKILD 

@notarat: you and I should be friends. do you like engineering, Robbie?

@urlocalmech: what about Ann???

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: I believe we should get the owner of this group chat to remove this… child.

@cavaliernorton: says you! you look sixteen years old!

@mellyp: be polite now, mister. im going to ping lucky guy. @luckyguy123

@notarat: LURKER JUMPSCARE

@urlocalmech: Luca be polite now mister 

@annthedisciple: HLEP THE WOMAN ARE COMMMING 4 ME

Seen by @luckyguy123, @cavaliernorton, @mellyp, and 5 others.

@a.deross: who gave this child a phone?

@annthedisciple: Hello, everyone. This is Ann, the owner of this account. A little boy named Robbie White, whom I visit ever so often at the local Church orphanage, had taken my phone to ‘practiced his language arting skills’. My apologies for the confusion this has caused. Please have a good day. The Eye of Darkness be with you.

@a.ross: Oh.

@notarat: The eye of what 

@urlocalmech: we love you Robbie and Ann ❤️

@notarat: that’s so cute actually

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Indeed. Seeing children being taken in by trustworthy people is always heartwarming.

@cavaliernorton: back to my point! aren’t YOU a minor? @luckyguy123 get this minor out of here

@🎶kreiburg: you really have it out for my number one fan, don’t you?

@cavaliernorton: is it wrong to be a responsible adult??

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Of course not. I’m 60.

Seen by @msmichiko🦋, @a.deross, @cavaliernorton, and 3 others.

⤵️replying to @cavaliernorton

@notarat: dude respect your elders 

@a.deross: …are you serious, Mr desaulniers?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Yes, Mlle. 

@urlocalmech: Mille?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: ‘Miss’.

@notarat: he’s French Tracy did you even lock in when I taught you French

@urlocalmech is typing…

@🎶kreiburg: @cavaliernorton 

@a.deross: @cavaliernorton what say you? 

@cavaliernorton: I have work to do I have no time for these mind games.

@notarat: hey its ok it happens to me too sometimes buddy

@cavaliernorton: we are not friends.

@a.deross: have a good time at work mr campbell 

@cavaliernorton: you too.

Seen by @notarat, @a.deross, @🎶kreiburg and 3 others

@cavaliernorton has gone offline. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: I fear we may have made him upset.

@notarat: thanks captain obvious 

@luckyguy123 added @CaptainBaden to the groupchat.

@a.deross: another member? just what are you getting at, @luckyguy123 ?

@notarat: not to get conspiratorial or anything but maybe it's like that Orpheus book written by Orpheus about that Orpheus Manor

@notarat: *olitus

@urlocalmech: Oletus

@notarat: lettuce

@a.deross: how so?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: [image attached]

ALT TEXT: [A wholesome French breakfast of asparagus and eggs for one, a medley of fresh and distinguished flavors. There is wine to the left of the dish, a deep crimson color.]

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: A beautiful breakfast for a beautiful man.

@cavaliernorton: only if you can afford it. :/

@a.deross: don’t you have work to do?

@cavaliernorton is typing…

@notarat: how you look seventeen jojo?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: A photographer never tells his secrets.

@🎶kreiburg: isn’t it a musician never shares his secrets?

@notarat: a luca never shares his secrets

@urlocalmech: a tracy never shares her secrets 

@magicianleroy: I do believe it's ‘A magician never reveals his secrets’.

@a.deross: this checks out.

@notarat: mama the lurkers behind you

@notarat: *tracy

@urlocalmech: you’ve been weird ever since you fixed my typewriter… its like that Orpheus book where someone gets possessed by a typewriter 

@a.deross: i take it you all like to read?

@🎶kreiburg: you should read some of my compositions 

@a.deross: its a little early for advertisement, don’t you think?

@JosephDesaulniers: I do need time to eat my breakfast. Goodbye now, mon amis.

@urlocalmech: anyone think its strange how Joseph and kreiburg look alike?

@urlocalmech: anyone? 

Seen by @🎶kreiburg, @JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷, @notarat, and 2 others.

—

                                 


                                                                                                           3:00 PM

@annthedisciple: CAN SUM1 PLEESE BUY ME THIS TOY

@annthedisciple: [screenshot attached]

ALT TEXT: [On a website titled ‘Lester’s Toys’, there is a soft, cuddly plush of a kitten with the ability to roll into a ball. It goes for a decent sum of pounds.]

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Oh? It's that child again! 

@cavaliernorton: id love to help you, kid, but im also a little low on money. why don’t you get that deross woman to help you? bet she’s pretty rich.

@annthedisciple: DON'T TLELL ANN BU T AM USING HERR 📱 OK

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: @a.deross, you have a customer.

Seen by @cavaliernorton, @annthedisciple, @msmichiko🦋

@msmichiko🦋: I think she’s offline right now ! Let’s not bother her .

@cavaliernorton: get grandpa to get it for you @annthedisciple

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Is that supposed to reference me? I’m… actually quite honored.

@annthedisciple: I DON’T WANT HAVE NOGRANPA

@mellyp: why are you all engaging with this child? @cavaliernorton I’ve got my eye on you.

@cavaliernorton: what’d I do? its not my fault the kid wants something he can’t have.

@annthedisciple: THETO Y IS VERY CUTE IS SOFT AND CUDDLE 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Lovely. But only good children should get good toys, Robbie. Why do you want this toy?

@annthedisciple: CHILDRIN

@🎶kreiburg: i come back to my phone from piano practice and discover i have several unread messages. why hasn’t anyone kicked this child?

@mellyp: your wording is… interesting, Mr. Kreiburg. and the only one who can will not. @luckyguy123

@🎶kreiburg: @luckyguy123

@cavaliernorton: now wait just a second. don’t any of you have hearts?! this orphan kid doesn’t have any money to buy a toy— would it pain any of your rich butts to buy it for him?

@mellyp: perhaps the child shouldn’t be rewarded for stealing a patron’s phone.

@urlocalmech: where is Alice deross when you need her?

@annthedisciple: NO PLZGIVE ME THE CAR IM SORRY I WILL NEVER STEEL AGAN

@mellyp: …the car?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: The cat. The toy he wants is a plush cat from the renowned toy merchant brand Lester’s.

@urlocalmech: didn’t  they partner with a flower shop last valentines ? ‘flowers in the Woods?’

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: That’s beside the point, dear Tracy. The young man ought to return the phone if he hopes  to get any toys from this.



@mellyp: i have an idea. @annthedisciple, how did you obtain this phone anyway?



@annthediscple: IT WAON THE TABELLE AN I KNNOW ANN SECRETE COD SO I FOUND THE GOUPCHAT



@mellyp: ann said you lived in an orphanage?



@urlocalmech: sheesh melly



@annthedisciple: IT A HOUS  YES



@mellyp: run by a church?



@annthediscple: THERE ARE NONES YES



@mellyp: don’t they teach you not to steal? Isnt that a mean thing to do, mr white?



@annthedisciple: BUT I REEALY REEALY WANT THE CART SO EVERYWON CAN HUG IT AND BE HAPPLY



@mellyp: why ask us?



@notarat: wow ur actually negotiating you must be a teacher or something



@urlocalmech: shh im bringing popcorn to ur room open the door

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Yes… why us indeed?



@annthedisciple: THE JOSEPH IS RICH WITH CASH
Seen by @notarat, @cavaliernorton, @JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷, and 3 others.



@mellyp: still, young  man. you are surrounded with women who presumably care and love you. why not ask them?



@annthedisciple is typing…

@a.deross: did someone ping me?



@annthedisciple: ITS BECAUSE THEIR TOO NICE TO ME I FEEL BIAD FOR ASKING 😭 😭 😢 ILLL NEVER SEEL AGAIN I PROMISE 😡



@mellyp: good. go return the phone to your patron and tell her you're sorry. then, tell her about the toy. perhaps she’ll understand and buy it for you.



@annthediscple: OK  OK 💸



@annthedisciple: BYGUYS
@mellyp, @notarat, and @urlocalmech reacted with 👌



@a.deross: im sorry, what just happened?



@cavaliernorton: i don't think you want  to know.

Chapter Text

June 13

                                                                                                                       3:00 AM

@urlocalmech: @everyone CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHY ORPHEUS FOLLOWS @luckyguy123
Seen by @notarat and @cavaliernorton 

@cavaliernorton: some random rich guy follows him??? are you  serious?

@notarat: tracy go to bed its 3am

@urlocalmech: BUT WHY @luckyguy123 @luckyguy123 @luckyguy123

Replying to @notarat:
@urlocalmech: TELL THAT MINER GUY TO GO TO SLEEP TOO

@cavaliernorton: im a prospector , thank you very much.

@a.deross: why do people keep texting at 3am?

@cavaliernorton: well i can’t sleep. especially when people call me a miner .

@notarat: me second because tracy keeps building robots in her sleep (im not a miner)

@urlocalmech: @luckyguy123 @luckyguy123 PLEASE ANSWER ME 😭

@🎶kreiburg: do you appreciate the musical arts as much as the written ones, @urlocalmech ? if not allow me to change your perspective…

@a.deross: at three am in the morning. mr kreiburg, i sincerely admire your work, but that piano needs to sleep too.

@cavaliernorton: God save ur neighbors

@🎶kreiburg: my music serenades, thank you very much. my work is probably a sleeping aid. i could probably put you to sleep with  my new composition.

@cavaliernorton: so your music is  boring. good to know.

@a.deross: calm down mr campbell, that's quite rude!

@urlocalmech: please lucky guy @luckyguy123 please are you secretly rich can you please get me an audience with him you know how much i love orhepsu he’s my fab aruthor

@luckyguy123 added @Orpheus.new.book.soon

@urlocalmech: afkdjlweifjeoisdjflakjf

@cavaliernorton: he’s probably asleep. don’t get your hopes up.

@notarat: are you always this gloomy?

@mellyp: id say so. i don't trust him.

@a.deross: good morning ms. plinius!

@cavaliernorton is typing…

@a.deross: let's not cause any grievances at 3am…

@cavaliernorton: too late. she’s got a bone to pick with me, that woman.

@notarat: no drama at 3am challenge failed
Seen by @a.deross, @mellyp, @cavaliernorton, and 2 others.
----

                                                   7:00 AM

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Good morning, everyone!

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷  sent an image.

ALT TEXT: [A fancy “ young” man holding up a glass of crimson wine, posing in his chair with sunlight hitting the left side of his face. He sits in a comfy velvet chair with his elegant white hair flowing past his shoulders.]

@cavaliernorton: it's seven am and you’re still flexing your wealth on us. get a life dude.

@🎶kreiburg: excuse him, m. desaulniers. he’s still upset from this morning.

@JosephDesaulniers: Don’t any of you get  any sleep? It's not healthy to be up at  3 AM bickering.

@cavaliernorton: i’ll do more than bicker if you send  another photo  of you drinking wine in the morning.

@mellyp: someone is truly  in a grumpy mood. perhaps you need a digital detox.

@notarat: guysit's 3amw hy are you texting right nbow

@urlocalmech: sorry guys ignore him he  stayed up all night trying to build something

@cavaliernorton: at least  he does something productive with his life. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: I think you really should get off that phone of yours, Mr. Prospector.

@a.deross: good morning everyone!

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Hello, everyone. Whose musical performances  have  I been invited to watch?

@🎶kreiburg: Good morning Mr. Orpheus it's mine

@🎶kreiburg sent an image.

ALT TEXT: [The same image of the Nocturne Music Festival. Frederick Kreiburg looks as focused as ever at his piano.]

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Lovely. I’ll see you there, then.

@urlocalmech: Hi Orpheus it's me tracy renzik irealy love your books

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Ah, wonderful! Always glad to see a fan. Have you preordered the latest installment of Call of the Abyss?

@notarat: LUCA GET OFF MY PHONE

@urlocalmech: rednzik*

@notarat: sorry, mr. orpheus!!! please ignore him. he’s committing identity fraud.

@urlocalmech: IM NOT A cRIMINAL ANYMOR!!

@urlocalmech has gone offline.

@notarat: the phones are mine. this is the Tracy takeover

⤵️replying to @Orpheus.new.book.soon

@notarat: I’m so excited for the next Call of Abysyszzsxzsszzxx

@notarat has gone offline. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Wonderful. Also… is it true there’s an Alice deRoss in this groupchat?

@cavaliernorton: @a.deross rich man wants to talk you 

@a.deross: yes, that’d be me. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Greetings. I’ve read a few of your reports lately— they’re of excellent quality. Your analyses are ever pleasing to read in the newspaper.

@msmichiko🦋: That’s so fun ! Ms. de ross, I think you have a fan !

@🎶kreiburg: welcome back michiko my dear fan

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: You could indeed say that. I look forward to your next scoop, Ms. deRoss. 

@msmichiko🦋: Hi Frederick Kreiburg :) I hope everyone is doing well ! 

@a.deross: thank you Thank you so much, Mr. Orpheus. It's an honor to be complimented by such a renowned author. I also look forward to the next Call of Abyss installment.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Thank you very much. Which reminds me— an author must complete his craft. I’ll talk to you all again soon. Have a nice day, everyone.

@a.deross:  You too, Mr. Orpheus.

@🎶kreiburg: open the music groupchat Michiko I have a new piece to perform
Seen by @msmichiko🦋 and @a.deross

---

                                                                                                             Melly Plinius
                                                                                                               @mellyp

@cavaliernorton: that orpheus guy… he got along with miss deross so easily.
Seen by @mellyp

@mellyp: the famed norton campbell, texting me? but i do agree with you, for once.

@cavaliernorton: do you trust him?

@mellyp: what’s there to be suspicious of? aside from you, of course.

@cavaliernorton: can you stop throwing shade at me for just one second?

@mellyp: well, why are you texting me of all people? time is precious, i must spend it on my research.

@cavaliernorton: oh yeah. because all of them newspapers keep yapping about a big shot entomologist.

@mellyp: ah, yes. miss deross had a few articles on me. i am quite fond of that woman also.

@cavaliernorton: yeah, back to her. noticed by one of the most popular rich guys ever… who would have thought?

@mellyp: are you sure jealousy and envy haven’t blinded you, mr campbell?

@cavaliernorton: i don’t need  a digital detox, melly!

@mellyp: well, why are you texting me of all people?

@cavaliernorton: im just saying… you must have a lot of insects with you as an entomologist, right?

@mellyp: he’s an author, norton. no centipedes, milipedes, or butterflies will be entering anybody’s house anytime soon. don’t waste your money.

@cavaliernorton: whatever  you say, mrs. plinius. 

Chapter Text

                                                                         5:15 PM

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Bonsoir, everyone. I’m currently at the mall looking for gifts. Can everyone please tell me what they want?

@cavaliernorton: feeling generous all of a sudden, grandpa?

@a.deross: thank you for your kindness, mr. desaulniers. i’ll pass-- use your money on an extra person.

@🎶kreiburg: like norton, for instance. or for someone who wants to see my performances!

@notarat: someone mute norton he’s getting too mean

@cavaliernorton: let me enjoy my day off

@urlocalmech: tracy get off my phone i need it right now for my inventions it's really important you have to understand tracy

@notarat: wait this is your phone?

@urlocalmech: i told you making our phones twin was a terrible idea!

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Oh?  Is this some kind of trend? Do you want me to buy you new phones?

@msmichiko🦋: You’re quite kind, Mr. Joseph ! 

@urlocalmech: don’t tell him tracy it's too embarrassing….

@notarat: but it's so funny luca pls 🙁

@urlocalmech: fine… i guess…

@urlocalmech: AS LONG AS YOU REMEMBER  TO GIVE IT BACK LATER

@notarat: so basically i wanted us to have the same looking phones so we could be twins and it would look really cute

@a.deross: but you both just so happen to have the same password?

@urlocalmech: you spoiled it alice :(

@a.deross: just saying…

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: So… does anyone want me to buy them something at the mall? Anyone?

@cavaliernorton: i’d prefer to not be in debt to someone like you, thank you very much.

@a.deross: it's a gift, mr. campbell.

@cavaliernorton: and i’m not buying it, ms. deross.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Good afternoon, everyone! I see everyone’s feeling a little talkative.

@🎶kreiburg: talkative is a word choice, mr. orpheus.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: @JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷 — Apologies for my late response. I now notice your offer. Could this possibly relate to your new lucrative photography business? 

@JosephDesaulniers: I am a photographer, yes. How ever did you find out about my new trade?

@cavaliernorton: and his plan to connect it to gifts from the mall..?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: A detective always knows where to look.

@cavaliernorton: i always forget you’re a detective. 

@a.deross: A fine one at that. Greetings, Mr. Orpheus.

@cavaliernorton: not you too, alice. not the capitals. 

@mellyp: greetings. let her be, norton.

@cavaliernorton: so when mr. orpheus shows up that’s when you decide to stop inspecting bugs?

@mellyp: when you start being a grouch again, mr. norton, know that i’ll be there.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Greetings, Ms. DeRoss!  How are  you doing?

@🎶kreiburg: it seems that out of all the people here, you two get along well.

@notarat: did you forget about me and tracy? you’ve betrayed us, mr kreiburg

@🎶kreiburg: don’t let the digital world take you away from your Muse, luca. 

@urlocalmech: your mechanical muse.

@notarat: you remember my name music notes kreiburg? 

@JosephDesaulniers: From the sheer amount of times your friend has said it, it's all we can call you, Mr. Balsa. 

@🎶kreiburg:…please, call me Frederick Kreiburg or the sort. just not music notes.

@a.deross: Of course, Mr. Kreiburg. Now, photography, how interesting. What got you into that, M. Desaulniers?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Memories are often best preserved in amber, Miss DeRoss. You ought to have your photo taken too.

@cavaliernorton: you’re going to pay us, right?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: I suppose. I am planning to release some job postings soon should  no volunteers show up. 

@cavaliernorton: ‘i suppose’?!

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to have  a hired hand… are you interested in modeling, Mr. Campbell?

@🎶kreiburg: him? a model? i shiver just thinking about it…

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Throwing shade, my good man? What has Mr. Campbell done that is of  ill repute?

@mellyp: with all due respect, Mr. Orpheus, mr. norton is notorious for his grouchy and irritable demeanor in this groupchat. 

Seen by @a.deross, @Orpheus.new.book.soon, and @🎶kreiburg

----

                                                               Joseph Desaulniers - Now Hiring 

                                                                  @JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷

@cavaliernorton: don’t tell anybody but if you pay me i’ll gladly be a model.

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: How splendid! It is as if we have reconciled already, Mr. Campbell.

@cavaliernorton: just norton is fine, cut it with your annoying formalities. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: All right, Norton. You seem as though you'd be a fine candidate. I'm sure most would find you relatively attractive. 

@cavaliernorton is typing...

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Indeed... I do believe this deal will serve to be beneficial for both of us. 

@cavaliernorton: can i ask how much i’m getting paid?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Just read this. [image attached]

ALT TEXT: [A poster with the header ‘NOW HIRING’, detailing Joseph’s search for models for his photography endeavors.]

@cavaliernorton: that many pounds just to be a model? i knew you were rich. i'll bite. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: A pleasure doing business with you  then, Mr. Norton. That wasn't too hard now, was it?

@cavaliernorton: yeah, yeah... when the time comes just take the photo and be done with it. 

Chapter Text

June 14 

                                       5:00 AM

@🎶kreiburg: [video attached]

ALT TEXT: [A video with the camera half blocked by what is presumably sheet music, revealing a bloodshot gentleman whose fingers dance along his grand piano. Occasionally, he nods off— yet his fingers remain playing, and the right notes too.]

@a.deross: mr. kreiburg…

@notarat: mr. kreiburg…

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Mr. Kreiburg…

@🎶kreiburg: truly grogroeus! a fine masterpiece for ages tcome!

@a.deross: mr. kreiburg, please go to bed.

@🎶kreiburg: that!!! that is the piece i wil for siure do at the coencert in three dyas! it is glporious, my dear, deer friends!’ michiko appoved it! yes yes forsure!

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: You’ll be asleep as you stand at this rate, Mr. Kreiburg. Please do what Ms. DeRoss has suggested and go to bed.

@notarat: whatare you doing at 5am, mr jojo?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: A man such as I gets up early in the morning-- or he can’t sleep at all.

@mellyp: i feel as though all of us have sleep issues. 

@notarat: who even has a normal sleep schedule (aside from tracy)

@🎶kreiburg: i big you all good rest night! seep to m wonderful music and see mu performanc on jun 167!

@a.deross: oh dear… at this point, i’d feel bad if i didn’t go to see him.

@mellyp: do it because it would be a good use of your time, not because you feel bad about his concerning life choices 

@a.deross: would you go, ms. plinius?

@mellyp: i’d have to check my schedule, but i wouldn’t be opposed to going.

@a.deross: sounds great. in the case you were free, perhaps you and I could grab a cup of coffee together after the performance…?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Ah, friendship is in the air… how warm and lovely. 

@notarat: you think that friendship is warm? warmth means i messed up my wiring…

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Well, Mr. Balsa, not everyone is a… inventor like you are.

@notarat: well whatever jojo… i think friendship is a very well-built circuit

⤵️replying to @a.deross

@mellyp: again, i’d have to check my schedule, but that sounds lovely, Ms. DeRoss.

@a.deross: wonderful. enjoy your day, ms. plinius.

@mellyp: same to all of you. and please-- if you all need a refuge away from the digital world, my new butterfly garden is open to you. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Thank you, Ms. Plinius. Perhaps this group chat will bring forth beautiful, joyous fruit.

@notarat: not sure that’s how phones work, jojo…

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Okay, Luca. 

@cavaliernorton: you bunch are the most chattiest group i’ve ever met.

Seen by @notarat and @JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷

                                                                            2:13 PM

@luckyguy123 has added @AnniesToys and @perpetuallorenz to the groupchat.

@annthedisciple: Hello, everyone. This is Ann. If you recall, the young boy Robbie White took my phone some time ago and apparently, under your collective guidance, returned it to me and repented of his deeds. While he is, in fact, banned from using my phone, he has been allowed to leave messages for you all. He says ‘thank you’.

@urlocalmech: aww that’s so sweet! please tell Robbie I say hi miss ann!

@cavaliernorton: tell the kid to work hard and maybe someday he’ll get that toy.

@msmichiko🦋: I also send my regards :) !

@a.deross: tell Robbie to keep being a good kid while you’re at it!

@mellyp: do advise him to be open with you about his needs and wants.

@annthedisciple: Thank you, everyone, for your kind and generous words. I’m sure little Robbie will appreciate it. I know I do. The Eye of Darkness be with you all.

@a.deross: thank you for reaching out to us, ann. also, would you mind telling us about the orphanage you visit? im considering donating.

@mellyp, @Orpheus.new.book.soon, and @annthedisciple are typing…

@mellyp: how kind of you, ms. deross. whatever she donates, i will match by double.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: How kind of you, Ms. DeRoss! Whatever she donates, I will match by triple.

@annthedisciple: As I do not run the orphanage, you ought to contact the owner at her website. More so than money, these children could use items such as toys, blankets, shoes, pillows, etc. I’m sure the orphanage and its many nuns and children will appreciate your charity.

@a.deross: its my pleasure. please do send the link :)

@msmichiko🦋: Isn’t this sweet ! I can’t personally donate items but I can inform my friends :)

@msmichiko🦋 added @msmary👑 to the groupchat. 

@annthedisciple: [URL attached] Don’t be afraid to donate what you have. Any little bit counts… Also, Robbie says hi again to everyone. And thanks. 

@urlocalmech: he’s so precious ❤️ Luca says hi too

@mellyp: doesn’t he have his own account?

@urlocalmech: he fried his phone this morning… I entered his room and saw him knocked out with a smoking phone next to his invention….

@a.deross: oh.

@perpetuallorenz: Who added me to this groupchat?

@annthedisciple: Ah, Mr. Lorenz. Greetings.

@perpetuallorenz: Was this your doing, Ann? I am not in the mood for silly jokes— I was in the middle of my morning prayer to the Eye.

@cavaliernorton: um in the wise words of Frederick kreiburg: “you can turn on do not disturb”

@urlocalmech has gone offline.

@perpetuallorenz has gone offline.

@annthedisciple: Excuse him. Thanks again, everyone. The Eye of Darkness be with you all.

@msmichiko🦋: oh ?? 

Seen by @a.deross, @cavaliernorton, and 2 others.

—

                                          5:30 PM

                                     Alice DeRoss

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Greetings, Ms. DeRoss! I hope you’ve been well.

@a.deross: I have been, thank you. How are you, Mr. Orpheus?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: I’m doing well! I was wondering if you’d be interested in joining me for a review of a nearby bakery.

@a.deross: A bakery? As wonderful as that sounds, I usually investigate crime, not cakes.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: As do I, Ms. DeRoss. And yet, I always find myself drawn to such delectable pastries, the likes of which can be found in a bakery.

@a.deross: Pastries such as?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Well, I do enjoy myself a fine truffle cake.

Seen by @a.deross

@a.deross is typing…

@a.deross: Ah, same here. It seems we may have more in common than meets the eye…

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: I’d be glad if you and I could go together, Ms. DeRoss. 

@a.deross: I’d be glad to. Just send me the information— this seems like a good use of my time. 

—

                                                                       7:00 PM

@cavaliernorton: @JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷 im ready for modeling 

@cavaliernorton: @JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷 open the door please 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: The door is unlocked, M. Norton. Do come on in.

@mellyp: just what are you two talking about? 

@cavaliernorton: WHAT why is melly here isn’t this our dms? 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: No, this is the public group chat Lucky made. 

@cavaliernorton: how do I delete my messages

@mellyp: is something the matter, mr campbell?

@a.deross: modeling? 

@msmary👑: ooh, modeling? michiko and i used to dress up all the time together!

@cavaliernorton: its not what you all are thinking.

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: It actually is. Don't be afraid to spread the word, Mr. Campbell.

@cavaliernorton: I’m a prospector. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: And my new model.

@msmary👑: How endearing! I’d love to join, hehe.

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: My, my! How sweet of you. How about I send you the information after I deal with M. Campbell first?

@msmary👑: Naturally! Enjoy your modeling session, Mr. Campbell! 

@a.deross: a prospector turned model… that’ll be a fun news story.

@cavaliernorton: don’t get any ideas, alice. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: No, no, Ms. DeRoss has a point. That would make my day if it were on the headlines.

@cavaliernorton: stop teasing me. this is serious work, you know.

@mellyp: no one is doubting that, mr. campbell. but a man’s beauty is not only in looks alone…

@cavaliernorton: are you being a hater?!

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Ah, your words are always so profound, Mme. Plinius. 

⤵️replying to @cavaliernorton:

@msmary👑: I believe Ms. Melly is being a lover, Mr. Norton! She is truly right! Are you a particularly handsome man?

@cavaliernorton: beauty isn’t in looks alone? what’s that supposed to mean?!

@a.deross: let’s let him be, everyone. he does have a shift to get to, after all.

@cavaliernorton: thank you ms deross. 

@mellyp: of course, ms. deross. go on with your day, norton campbell. 

@cavaliernorton: you too, melly plinius.

@cavaliernorton and @JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷 have gone offline. 

@a.deross: let's be respectful, everyone…

@urlocalmech: luca says you all failed the 7pm no drama challenge…

Seen by @a.deross, @Orpheus.new.book.soon, @mellyp and 1 other(s). 

Chapter Text

June 16

                                                                           10:00 AM

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Bonjour, bonjour, mon amis! [image attached]

ALT TEXT: [As expected of M. Desaulniers at 10 in the morning, he sits at his dining table with a wide smile raising another glass of red wine. In front of him are some fresh-looking chaussons aux pommes. A tiny red wine stain is on his collar.]

@cavaliernorton: this is elder behavior at this point, mr. joseph. why do you always greet us like this?

@notarat: i kinda appreciate it… i don’t think my life would be the same if i didn’t wake up without my daily jojo wine photo

@urlocalmech: it just makes me really hungry honestly 🙁

@cavaliernorton: it hasn’t even been a week since we’ve met him… 

@a.deross: the beauty of the internet. and you fixed your phone already, mr. balsa?

@urlocalmech: don’t worry about it alice :D

@notarat: circuitry is my specialty 

@cavaliernorton: morning, ms. deross.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: What a fine morning! Greetings, everyone! 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Good morning, good morning, Mr. Orpheus! 

@cavaliernorton: what’s got you so trigger happy, mr. joseph?

@mellyp: good morning, everyone.

@msmichiko🦋: Good evening ! I hope everyone is doing well :)

⤵️replying to @cavaliernorton 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: It feels as though my passions have been reignited in the wake of so many people willing to be models for my photography!

@a.deross: i assume that includes mr. campbell. has he been alright to you, m. desaulniers?

@cavaliernorton: yes, yes he has.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Is your testimony really sound, Mr. Campbell?

@cavaliernorton is typing…

@msmichiko🦋: Excuse my interruption, but has anyone heard from Mr. Kreiburg lately ? Just as Mr. Joseph sends us daily wine photos, so Mr. Kreiburg would send me videos of him playing the piano . But I haven’t heard from him yet .

@mellyp: ah, i have not. but don’t be worried. isn’t tomorrow the day of his performance?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Ah, that’d be right, Ms. Plinius. I am quite excited for it! Are you?

@mellyp: i am looking forward to it, yes. 

@a.deross: me too! 

@mellyp: but again, there is no need to worry, ms. michiko. as you saw in his last video to this groupchat… perhaps he is getting some well-needed rest now.

@msmichiko🦋: That makes sense . Thank you , Melly 🙂

@mellyp: anytime, ms. michiko. 

@notarat: melly is like the voice of reason here guys

@urlocalmech: no it's alice imo

@cavaliernorton: and im not? 

@notarat: no, norton… not when you’re grumpy and mean and angsty

@urlocalmech: true beauty isn’t only outer, after all!

@cavaliernorton: oh come on. im a pretty hardworking, honest man… right? 

@a.deross: let's not rub this in… anyways, i say the voice of reason is ms. plinius, and i commend her hard work and upright morals.

@mellyp: you admire me too much, ms. DeRoss. and please, just melly is fine.

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Wait! How could I have forgotten? Mon amis, how would you like to see my photos of Norton from last night?

@cavaliernorton: at least make them pay for it! 

Seen by @a.deross, @Orpheus.new.book.soon, @urlocalmech, and 2 others. 

                                                                                           1:16 PM 

@🎶kreiburg: good afternoon everyone please remember to come visit my performance tomorrow at the Nocturne Music Festival please

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Fear not-- you certainly have my support, Mr. Kreiburg. 

@msmary👑: And mine too! Michiko will be watching on a call with me. 

@mellyp: as you might’ve already known, alice and i will be there, too.

@urlocalmech: and i hope everyone remembers luca can’t go because of legal business… 

@perpetuallorenz: Again with all of these notifications! What in the world is this ‘Nocturne Music Festival’!

@🎶kreiburg: [image attached]

ALT TEXT: [You already know about the Nocturne Music Festival’s posters bearing Frederick Kreiburg’s images if you’re not Mr. Lorenz.]

@perpetuallorenz: Oh. Interesting. I will consider it. 

@notarat has gone offline.

@perpetuallorenz: Is that all?

@urlocalmech: yes yes it is i think you should get going now mr lorenz bye :)

@perpetuallorenz: Local mech? And who exactly are you?

@urlocalmech: umm im tracy rednizk from england

@urlocalmech: *renzik

@urlocalmech: *redznik

@urlocalmech has gone offline. 

@a.deross: Good afternoon, Mr. Lorenz. Yes, this groupchat is named after Mr. Kreiburg’s advertisements for the Nocturne Music Festival.

@cavaliernorton: and the contents of it are anything but…

@mellyp: don’t interrupt, mr. campbell. 

@perpetuallorenz: Why exactly was I added here? And good afternoon to you too, Ms. DeRoss. I can’t help but notice both your and Mr. Orpheus’ presence in this groupchat.

@a.deross: Ah, have you heard of our writing? It just so happens that Lucky added us all here. We’re unsure as to why, but Mr. Kreiburg has transformed this groupchat to be his own.

@perpetuallorenz: I see. And yes, I have. I do enjoy reviewing Mr. Orpheus’ work and keeping up with your reports in the newspaper.

@a.deross: Absolutely wonderful. Thank you for your time, Mr. Lorenz.

@perpetuallorenz: As to you, Ms. DeRoss. 

------

@notarat has created a groupchat. 

@notarat has added @urlocamech, @JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷, @a.deross, and several others.

@notarat has renamed the groupchat to come see my musical performances 🎹 (safe)

@a.deross: oh? what’s this?

@mellyp: safe?

@cavaliernorton: still not safe from desaulniers posting my photos…

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: I am a fair man, Mr. Campbell. Those who ask and offer an appropriate price will receive. And you know you gave your consent. Didn’t we just have a meeting about this?

@cavaliernorton: the most ridiculous online one, yeah…

@urlocalmech: somebody wants photos of norton? that sounds really creepy o.o

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Not if your name is Alice DeRoss and you’re putting in an advertisement for my photography business. I pay well, don’t I?

@a.deross: m. desaulniers…

@cavaliernorton: it's so nortover. 

@a.deross: we made a deal, mr. campbell… don’t sound so dejected…

@mellyp: oh? mr. campbell’s going famous?

@cavaliernorton: none of your business ms plinius now someone tell me what this groupchat is for

@urlocalmech is typing…

@urlocalmech: oh um mr. lorenz and luca have an interesting history together. so we made a separate groupchat without him. thats all. 

@cavaliernorton: oh great. and me and just about everyone else here doesn’t have beef? 

@a.deross: well, mr. campbell, none of us really knew each other until lucky put us all into that strange groupchat…

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Beef is used in many a fine cuisine… But Ms. DeRoss is right. I don’t recall any of us sharing a beautiful feast together.

@cavaliernorton: not what i meant, desaulniers.

@urlocalmech: yeah with mr. lorenz it's a little different. if you guys want to talk to me and luca use this groupchat please.

@cavaliernorton: it's that serious? don’t you think this is a little juvenile?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: I must  agree with Mr. Campbell… What plagues you, Mr. Balsa?

@urlocalmech has gone offline.

@cavaliernorton: that can’t be good. 

@msmichiko🦋: I hope everything gets settled between them …

Seen by @a.deross, @cavaliernorton, @mellyp, and 2 others. 

----

                                                               8:19 PM

@perpetuallorenz: Is there a Luca Balsa in this groupchat?

Seen by @notarat, @urlocalmech, @a.deross, and several others.

@mellyp: why do you ask, mr. lorenz?

@perpetuallorenz: I am simply curious. His name seems to be mentioned quite a bit in this groupchat.

@cavaliernorton: and not norton campbell, melly plinius, or alice deross?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Or the England Times’ Number One Bestselling Author “Orpheus”?

@cavaliernorton: well you only talk with Alice oropheus 

@perpetuallorenz: You humor me, Mr. Norton, Mr. Orpheus. But it is Luca Balsa I am most interested in.

@msmichiko🦋: Why so , Mr . Lorenz ?

@perpetuallorenz: From the way everyone talks about him, he reminds me of someone I know.

@mellyp: is that all?

@perpetuallorenz: Aha, it is almost as if I am being interviewed. Is no one willing to give me a clear answer? This should be simple.

Several people are typing…

@cavaliernorton: well luca balsa is my boss Joseph Desaulniers’ good friend

@a.deross: i have not seen a luca balsa in person before.

@mellyp: luca balsa is an interesting man

@msmichiko🦋: I like to think he is a good friend of mine ! He ‘ s quite funny and good friends with Tracy !

@perpetuallorenz: That local mech woman…

@cavaliernorton: michiko…

@msmary👑: Oh, Luca? You mean @ notarat? What a funny guy!

@a.deross: mary no!

@msmary👑: What…?

@perpetuallorenz: Excellent. Thank you very much, everyone.

@perpetuallorenz has gone offline. 

@cavaliernorton: is it just me or am i getting the creeps right now…?

@a.deross: it's so nortover.

Seen by @mellyp, @cavaliernorton, and 2 others. 

---

                                                                                 11:15 PM

                                                                       Number One Inventor

                                                                                @notarat

@perpetuallorenz: Greetings, Luca. 

@perpetuallorenz: It's been a long time, hasn’t it?

Seen by @notarat

@perpetuallorenz: I won’t bother you for long, Mr. Balsa. But there is no need to be afraid of little old me. If you ever feel the need to respond, you know to reach out to. 

Seen by @notarat

---

                                                                            Tracy Reznik

                                                                            @urlocalmech

@notarat: trace help me i cant sleep at all

@urlocalmech: is it because of alva?

@notarat: i get queasy everytime i think about him and what happened 

@urlocalmech: do you want me to come over? I made ajvar

@notarat: no it's fine i just don't know what to say especially with the probation meeting tomorrow

@urlocalmech: you don’t have to say anything, luca. its your choice and as your friend im here for you no matter what you do. 

@notarat: thanks Tracy but what should I do 

@urlocalmech: what do u think alba wants?

@notarat: i don’t know 

@urlocalmech: do you really want to talk with him, Luca?

@notarat: its complicated

@urlocalmech: i think you got this. and either way, no matter how it goes, you’ll wake up to some ajvar on your windowsill in the morning

@notarat: ok thank you :) ur awesome trace… and sorry for misspelling your last name so much.

@urlocalmech: no worries ❤️ now im going to head off to sleep, alright? 

@notarat: you with your perfect sleeping schedule… 

—

                                                             Alva Lorenz

                                                            @perpetuallorenz

@notarat: hey alva.

@perpetuallorenz: Ah, Luca. So you came around after all.

@notarat: yeah.

@perpetuallorenz: From what I’ve seen in the group chat, you seem to still be inventing. 

@notarat: yeah.

@perpetuallorenz: Excellent. I’d expect no less of you, Luca.

@notarat: thanks.

Seen by @perpetuallorenz

@perpetuallorenz: I would hope you’d take better care of yourself since the incident.

@notarat: im fine, thank you.

Seen by @perpetuallorenz 

@notarat is typing…

@notarat: and um im sorry i guess 

@notarat: sorry for what happened 

@perpetuallorenz: I’m alive again, aren’t I, Luca?

@notarat: i guess so. 

@perpetuallorenz: What’s in the past has passed, Luca. 

@notarat: sorry again

@perpetuallorenz: I know. 

Seen by @notarat

@notarat: im tired

@perpetuallorenz: Go your way. Good night.

@notarat: …good night mr. lorenz.

@perpetuallorenz: Peace be with you.

Seen by @notarat

Chapter Text

June 17 

                                                                                  3:00 AM

@luckyguy123 has added @gravekeeper7, @flowermama🌸, and @MrPostman to the groupchat. 

                                                                                  7:37 AM

@a.deross: [image attached]

In case any of you haven’t heard.

                                          8:00 AM

@msmary👑: Oh my… this is truly a tragedy. 

@urlocalmech: no way :( are you okay Alice?

@a.deross: I’m doing alright… I believe it is Mr. Kreiburg who we should check on right now. Has anyone heard from him?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Good morning, everyone. I am also devastated by this incident. And no, I haven’t heard from Mr. Kreiburg.

@cavaliernorton: this is actually insane. who would even do that?

@msmary👑: I wouldn’t even know where to begin, Mr. Norton… Miss DeRoss, please keep us updated.

@a.deross: It is my duty to do so. Thank goodness no one was hurt.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Normally I’d like to start off our morning chats with a friendly hello and some jest… I send my regards to you all. As a detective myself rest assured we will figure out more on this situation. 

@a.deross and @Orpheus.new.book.soon have gone offline. 

@msmichiko🦋: This is truly horrible … I haven’t even heard from Mr. Kreiburg ! 

@urlocalmech: ooh, he’s online right now. someone really should go check on him… 

@cavaliernorton: better michiko does it. he seems to trust her.

@msmichiko🦋: I ‘ ll do so right away, Mr Norton .

                                     Frederick Kreiburg Music 

                                           @🎶kreiburg 

@msmichiko🦋: Mr Kreiburg ! How are you doing ? I am so sorry to hear about the fire .

Seen by @🎶kreiburg

@msmichiko🦋: Mr Kreiburg , everyone is worried about you ! 

Seen by @🎶kreiburg 

@msmichiko🦋: Please , when you feel comfortable , reach out to us . I know we may only talk on the Internet , but we still all really care for you . And I really appreciate your Music .

@🎶 kreiburg: I cannot bring myself to read the newspaper 

@msmichiko🦋: I  think that is understandable .

@🎶kreiburg: someone has desecrated a monument of musical significance,  or perhaps the heavens above have willed it. but it has rendered my work to nothing. I fear it may never see the light of day again.

@msmichiko🦋: You can always send me your recordings , Mr  Kreiburg .

@🎶kreiburg: it is not the same. it is not the same as having the audience before you in a place so grand, so beautiful.  it is the death of beauty to lose the chance to play my music. perhaps it was unworthy to be played in such a revered place. 

@msmichiko🦋 is typing…

@msmichiko has stopped typing.

@🎶kreiburg: at this current time I am inconsolable, michiko. please, leave me be. and may my apocryphal works bless you always.

@🎶kreiburg has gone offline. 

                                         8:37 AM

@msmichiko🦋: It is not well with Mr Kreiburg , everyone .

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Pray tell, what did he say, dear Michiko?

@urlocalmech: my gosh, there’s no jojo wine photo…

@msmichiko🦋: Essentially , he is inconsolable . I fear for what may happen to him …

@cavaliernorton: id accuse him of being dramatic if I hadn’t seen how hard he pushed for us to come to that performance of his. 

@urlocalmech: what are we going to do???? gosh I hope he’s going to be alright…

@mellyp: Don’t worry, everyone. We’ll find a way to fix this.

@cavaliernorton: and just how do you propose that, ms. plinius? you got a surprise tool up your nose?

@msmary👑: That was not beautiful of you, Norton.

@cavaliernorton: im just saying. 

@mellyp: what an excellent observation, mr. Norton. while I don’t have a “surprise tool” up my nose, I do have the brains to understand that this performance can still go on… by other means.

@cavaliernorton: you think those performers still want to play after all that happened?

@mellyp: im sure a few would, campbell.

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: A striking point, Mme. Plinius. Elaborate.

@mellyp: I propose we reach out to the organizers and musicians, offering to host the festival in an outdoor setting near my garden. Then, all funds for the tickets will go to repairing the building. Perhaps we can also have vendors at the site too… a portion of their profit can also go to the repairment.

@urlocalmech: right… isn’t Annie Lester here for some reason?

@mellyp: Yes, along with renowned florist Emma Beck.

@cavaliernorton: notice how none of them have never even texted anything in here yet?

@flowermama🌸: Hi! Good morning!

@cavaliernorton is typing…

@mellyp: could you text that again, mr. norton?

@cavaliernorton: notice how Annie Lester, Grave  Keeper Seven, Captain Jose Baden and Mr  Postman have NEVER TEXTED ANYTHING HERE YET

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Such fiery passion and astute observations… oh, if only I could get a photo of this right now.

@flowermama🌸: Oh no! I’ve just seen everyone’s past texts. How can I help?

@mellyp: thank you for your willingness, Ms. Beck. as you can see, i am trying to lobby for the Nocturne Music Festival to go on near  my garden and i am curious to see if vendors would be willing to help us out. 

@flowermama🌸: Sure! I don’t mind at all. Could you please DM me more information? With your permission I can spread the word to my affiliates! 

@mellyp: of course. 

                                     10:13 AM

                               FireFIGHTER🔥 

                                @florianbrand

@a.deross: Thank you so much for your time, Mr. Brand.

@florianbrand: Of course, Ms. Deross! Anytime. And please, just Florian is fine.

@a.deross: You are truly a brave man. Please have a great day. 

@florianbrand: Wait, do you have a second? 

@a.deross: Yes. 

@florianbrand: I feel bad for all these performers. Do you think there’s a way for the festival to still go on?

@a.deross: I did see one of my friends trying to advocate for it to go on. Would you like me to refer you to her?

@florianbrand: I’d love that. Anything to help spread miracles in the community. 

@a.deross: Unsurprising of you, Mr. Brand Florian. 

                                          12:11 PM

                                           Frederick Kreiburg Music 

                                                   @🎶 kreiburg

@msmichiko🦋: Mr . Kreiburg !

Seen by @🎶kreiburg

@msmichiko: @🎶kreiburg

Seen by @🎶kreiburg

@🎶kreiburg: what is it now, Michiko

@msmichiko🦋: Everyone is  telling me to tell you to open the groupchat !

@🎶kreiburg: ‘come see my musical performances 🎹’? don’t torture me with those advertising memories.

@msmichiko🦋: Please, Mr Kreiburg ! They won ‘ t stop ! The voices ! c:

Seen by @🎶kreiburg 

@🎶kreiburg: alright, alright. if it spares you from being spammed…

@msmichiko🦋: Thankyou! 

                                                  come see my musical performances 🎹

@🎶kreiburg: what do you people want now? can a musician not play his requiems in peace?

@cavaliernorton: requiem’s can wait, mr. kreiburg. melly’s got some news for you…

@mellyp: right, norton.

@AnniesToys: Hello, Mr. Kreiburg! I’d be glad to participate as a vendor in your fundraiser.

@🎶kreiburg: my what?

@flowermama🌸: Me too! As a florist. 

@MrPostman: I’ll be glad to help too! 

@CaptainBaden: I have also volunteered to help in facilitating commerce. 

@magicianleroy: My services are also available. 

@🎶kreiburg: Excuse me, what?

@cavaliermorton: melly organized the Nocturne Festival while you were away mourning. 

@mellyp: don’t rush to the ending, campbell.

@🎶kreiburg: don’t tell me… she went straight to Antonio Paganini himself?!

@a.deross: by text, yes.

@🎶kreiburg: and what did he say?!

@mellyp: [image attached]

[ALT TEXT: a chain of texts with a red circle around a text from @BWV1043 (Antonio Paganini) that reads: ‘Of course. Anything to promote the goodness of music. You have my permission. See you on the 22nd.’]

@🎶kreiburg: kdksnakelfjfncmakakkssk

@cavaliernorton: you’re welcome. 

@a.deross: that’s not a lot of time to prepare, is it?

@mellyp: well, I’ve been able to gather most of the performers in the festival and we already have some vendors. im not too worried about it— as long as some kind soul like yours helps me to set up.

@a.deross: im on my way.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: You’re incredible, Ms. Plinius. Absolutely incredible.

@cavaliernorton: that woman sure is something…

@msmichiko🦋: Welcome back Mr Kreiburg !!!!

Chapter Text

June 19 

                                           1:13 PM

@a.deross: GUYS!! come to melly’s house to help organize the festival!!

Seen by @notarat, @urlocamech, and @JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷

@notarat: am on my way alice!!! tracy also coming in her pink car 

@urlocamech: you blew the surprise luca :(

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Are you two… texting while driving?

@notarat: no jojo I am a law abiding abiding citizen 

@urlocalmech: don’t worry mr D, we are all responsible adults 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: “mr. D”, you text?

@urlocalmech: it's cute! you’re like everyone’s grandpa c:

@cavaliernorton: none of us are that close, trace. 

@mellyp: if you come help us you get to sample some delicious wine from a wonderful local vendor named demi bourbon

@a.deross: we need all the help we can get! 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: OOH, WIne? I sure do enjoy myself a fine glass of delicious delectable wine…

@urlocalmech: that’s right… we didn’t get the daily jojo wine photo today. or yesterday.

@notarat: ‘delicious delectable wine?’ something seems off about him…

@cavaliernorton: mr. desaulniers, with all due respect, you probably shouldn’t get drunk while trying to help people.

@mellyp: he’s learning, everyone.

@cavaliernorton: you have a BONE to pick with me…

@a.deross: melly, perhaps we should check on the chairs again. 

@a.deross has gone offline.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: A glorious and happy morning to you all!

@urlocalmech: …morning? ALSO HI ORPHEUS

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Greetings, greetings! Ms. Plinius, I am on my way!

@mellyp: thank you very much, mr. orpheus. 

@flowermama🌸: @gravekeeper7 andreww wake up this is what I was taking about! 

@cavaliernorton: Andrew???

@flowermama🌸: Oh good morning guys! Just trying to get my friend Andrew online. He’s really good with flowers and I want him to help me set up shop! @gravekeeper7

Seen by @gravekeeper7

@msmary👑: That’s so amazingly sweet! I do love myself a bouquet of gorgeous flowers… Remind me to stop by your shop, Ms. Beck. 

@flowermama🌸: Oh, thank you so much!! You can just call me Emma :) 

@cavaliernorton: i might lend a hand as well… think i’m off for the next few days. 

@notarat: from modelng or prospectoring?

@cavaliernorton: which one is more physically demanding, balsa. 

@notarat: sorry gotta stop txringg  there sd a green light!

@msmary👑: It's… modeling, right?

@cavaliernorton: do you… know what a prospector is?

@msmary👑 is typing… 

@msmary👑 has gone offline. 

@cavaliernorton: oh. 

@msmichiko 🦋: No , Mary ! Come back ! He does  not bite !

@cavaliernorton: i really don't.

                                                       2:00 PM

@a.deross: don’t miss out on this prep, guys! it's wonderful out here!

@mellyp: [image attached]

[ALT TEXT: a group photo of alice, melly, orpheus, tracy, luca, emma, and so many more all trying to squish into the frame. they all bear unique smiles, staying close together as they throw up peace signs or simply look up at the camera. it radiates the power of friendship-- a warm thing, if you’re not luca.]

@urlocalmech: @cavaliernorton, where r u???

Seen by @cavaliernorton

@a.deross: norton, come help us!! we need a model to help spread  the news, you know…

Seen by @cavaliernorton 

@notarat: never thought someone like you would say that alice

Seen by @cavaliernorton

@mellyp: perhaps he is busy, everyone.

@urlocalmech: GUYS!!! Mr. D is entering the garden!!!!!!

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: tracy, is that you on your phone? 

@urlocalmech: i’m a responsible adult!!!! hey stop trying to take photos of me!!!

@a.deross: @cavaliernorton see how fun it is?? norton we need you!

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: @cavaliernorton If it be Ms. DeRoss’ wish for you to come, I’d highly suggest you come.

Seen by @cavaliernorton

@mellyp: mr. orpheus, are you writing right  now? is that… ink all over the table? 

@a.deross: mr. orpheus????? 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: I have deadlines, Ms. Plinius. Surely someone like you would understand. 

@notarat: JOSEPH I LOVE YOUR DAGUERROTYPE CAMERA!!!! PLEASE LET ME TAKE A LOOK INSIDE IT

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Maybe not with this camera, my dear friend. You ought to take a look at my Le Cent Vue model 1. 

@urlocalmech: luca with caps sure is something…

@perpetuallorenz: I was about to ask why my prayers were being interrupted again, but I am also intrigued by these inventions. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Ah, good afternoon M. Lorenz. Yes, Luca is extremely intrigued by my daguerreotype camera. 

@perpetuallorenz: As expected. Enjoy your day, everyone. 

@a.deross: You’re not coming help us, Mr. Lorenz?

@perpetuallorenz: As a hermit, I rarely leave my premises in favor of spending more time with the Eye. But perhaps I can send a friend to assist you all…

@a.deross: Oh, please do. Thank you very much, Mr. Lorenz!

@perpetuallorenz:  Anything to help bless the community. I will keep you all and the success of this festival you are all so fond of in my prayers. 

@mellyp: thank you, mr. lorenz. and  please, if these texts become too much, feel free to turn on do not disturb. 

@perpetuallorenz: I will keep that in mind. 

@perpetuallorenz has gone offline. 

@urlocalmech: luca don’t take the camera!!! 

@notarat: fine… ill go work somewhere else then.

Seen by @a.deross

@a.deross: we do need someone to pose with the scenery so i can post photos online and spread the news… right, @cavaliernorton ?

@notarat: no one is as fit for the job as he is… 

@a.deross: then maybe you should join emma and mr kreiss at their stand, then. 

@notarat: WHAT ARE THEY DOING TO THE ROSES????

@mellyp: turning them into clay. don’t be shy now, luca. perhaps your innovation is needed. 

@notarat: i don’t know… i don’t really work with flowers… 

@mellyp: do not be afraid, luca. you know how kind ms beck is. and that mr kreiss doesn’t seem so bad either. 

@notarat: fine… guess it won’t hurrt if i go for a sec… tracy, if i die, you get my wrench. 

@urlocalmech: you’re not going to die, luca. i’ll join you in D̶E̶A̶T̶H̶ just a second… 

@urlocalmech and @notarat have gone offline.

@msmary👑: @cavaliernorton Your beauty is needed, Monsieur!

Seen by @cavaliernorton 

@urlocalmech: why not get jojo to do it?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: A photographer stands behind the camera, not in front of it. Besides, better to have a young man like M. Campbell do it-- then people won’t think music is just for old people like me. 

@mellyp: wasn’t there a whole fiasco regarding your appearance  as seventeen year old, beginning with norton himself?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: My point still stands. Plus, I’d imagine his rugged looks would intrigue many. 

@mellyp: i always find that judgement of beauty is based on character. not to throw shade at mr. campbell of course-- even i myself agree he is a man dedicated to his craft. and i can respect that. 

@a.deross: i may be bold to type this, but she’s learning, everyone. 

Seen by @Orpheus.new.book.soon, @mellyp, and @JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷. 

                                                              4:47 PM 

@annthedisciple: Thank you all for allowing me to come. It's a shame Robbie and I have to go so soon. 

@mellyp: your presence was lovely, ms ann. thank you for your kindness. 

@AnniesToys: It was a pleasure to work with you, Ms. Ann! 

@annthedisciple: Same to you, Ms. Annie. And Robbie says ‘HELLO I MISS YOU ALL’.

@AnniesToys: Miss you too, Robbie! See you soon! 

@mellyp: how precious. see you at the festival, ms. ann.

@annthedisciple reacted with :wave:

@MrPostman: Norton, your special package is almost ready.

Seen by @a.deross, @mellyp, and @Orpheus.new.book.soon

@a.deross: excuse me, this happens to be the main groupchat. did you mean to put this here?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: I’m more concerned about the contents of this ‘special package’… Mr. Campbell hasn’t even stopped by to say hello to us.

Seen by @cavaliernorton

@mellyp: he hasn’t even spoken in a while… how unlike him.

⤵️ Replying to @a.deross

@MrPostman: Ah, no, sorry. Can I delete that?

@notarat: sorry mr Victor… there’s no take backs in life for this app.

@MrPostman: Shoot. Please disregard that message then. :)

@mellyp: of course, mr. grantz. thank you for your coordination with vendors, by the way.

@MrPostmam: No need to thank me. :) Wick says hi. 

@MrPostman has gone offline.

@urlocalmech: your dog is so cute!!!

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Don’t let the dog distract you from Norton’s special package.

@a.deross: Relax, Orpheus. It's not as if Mr. Campbell dabbles in crime, much less Mr. Grantz. At worst it's something for his job, or maybe an ore.

@mellyp: he is certainly a man who loves his ores.

@urlocalmech: he is a prospector… 

Seen by @cavaliernorton, @a.deross, @Orpheus.new.book.soon and 1 other(s).

                                          5:50 PM

@a.deross: awesome work everyone! you all free to go soon.

@notarat: you are one hard worker, ms. deross…

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Isn’t she?! What a prime example of virtue and honesty!

@mellyp: you flatter the woman, Mr. Orpheus.

@urlocalmech: maybe it's because they’re both writers! 

@notarat: real this was like Tracy and I when we first met

@urlocalmech: uh, no, actually… i despised you at first.

@notarat: ?!?!?!

@mellyp: friendship stories aside, i also want to congratulate everyone for their hard workIs that Norotn comig into the garden!?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: My goodness! That is Norton Campbell in the flesh!

@notarat: and he’s holding…

@urlocalmech: A CAKE?!?!!!

@cavaliernorton has gone online.

@cavaliernorton: why’re you all looking at me weird?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: The package! My words, the package! A cake!

@a.deross: Mr. Orpheus, please don’t get ink all over the table again…

@cavaliernorton: can you guys get off your phones and, oh, I don’t know… acknowledge my presence?

@mellyp: apologies.

@mellyp and several others have  gone offline. 

                                           ~

     “It’s, uh, truffle cake,” Norton mumbles  he places the cake down on a large, black outdoor dining table. He meets Orpheus and Alice’s eyes as he continues. “I know that some people here like it, so… my treat.”

     “Your generosity is well appreciated, Mr. Campbell,” Melly smiles from behind her white veil, folding her hands together as Victor hurriedly rushes into the garden.

     “Mr. Campbell!” he calls out, screeching to a halt at the table with his tiny but fierce post dog at his heels. “The… the free bread loaves and bottled milk are still in the car!”

     Norton freezes. He slowly looks up to Victor, opening his mouth to speak before Orpheus cuts him off.

     “Come join us, good friend!” Orpheus raises a glass of wine while Alice moves another outdoor dining table to connect it to the one bearing truffle cake. 

     At his loud words, Victor stiffens and attempts to detect whose voice that was before his eyes settle on the ink-stained Orpheus.

      He gives a polite yet reluctant  smile. “Ah, no, I’m good sir. I’m just the postman— speaking of, I ought to get going. Mr. Campbell, I’ll drop off the parcels at your house.”

     “Okay,” Norton nods, avoiding eye contact, not wanting to be reminded of Victor accidentally outing his plain food choices. He’s cheap… so what? “Thanks, Mr. Grantz. Appreciate your baking skills.”

      Mary grins as she whispers to Michiko on a voice call, taking a seat in her poofy red dress. 

     Orpheus tries to speak again, but Melly interrupts him.

     “Let the man have his own cake and eat it, Orpheus,” Melly places a hand on the author’s shoulder while Alice takes a seat and eyes the cake with a rather intense gaze. Victor walks away 

     “You look hungry,” Tracy teases as she, followed by Joseph and Luca, takes a seat. Emma, Andrew, and Demi all eye the group from their stands.

     “We all are,” Luca murmurs as he receives a paper plate from Alice, who continues to distribute them despite her stomach rumbling and begging for truffle cake.

     Within an instant, the rest of the volunteers are already at the table— Emma still making a flower crown, Andrew awkwardly donning a flower crown, and Demi casually dabbing some wine away with a napkin. Mary places her bedazzled, glittery phone against her glass of water, revealing a part of Michiko’s face (whatever you can see behind that fan of hers).

     After all of the action, the table falls silent. They had been running around all day, so tired and so weary… 

     “Okay, eat up,” Norton commands after a while. “I didn’t use up all my money on you folks for nothing.”

     “How expensive was this cake?” Alice immediately asks as she cuts the cake, her fingers nimble and her cuts precise. She steals a brief glance at Norton on her right, wanting an answer.

     “Eat now, ask later, lady,” he rolls his eyes in jest as he nabs a piece of cake.

     “No complaints there,” she chuckles before digging into her truffle cake.

     Across the table, Joseph and Demi clink their glasses of wine before taking large sips. Melly keeps an eye on them, not wanting the pair to get drunk at the truffle cake table.

     “I have deja vu from this,” Luca whispers to Tracy, who is wiping some frosting off her light face. 

     “So you’ve eaten truffle cake in a garden before?” she retorts. 

     “Nah, this just feels like some… fancy banquet. Feels like I’m about to break into a waltz?”

     “You know how to waltz? Anyway… I wouldn’t say fancy banquet. This feels… peaceful. Like an outing with friends who just so happen to be fancy.”

     “Better not get that frosting on your remote, Tracy. And don’t use your robot to scare anyone while we’re eating. Especially me.”

     “Well, maybe he’ll just eat then. Isn’t that right, George?” she smirks, gesturing to her robot behind Luca.

     It takes Luca a few seconds to register the thing’s presence. He glares at him before smiling at Tracy and eating more cake.

     “Thank you for the cake, Norton!” Mary cheerfully smiles at the prospector. “Goodness, it is so delectable!”

     Beside her, Jojo snaps a wine photo. It seems like Demi’s keeping him sober. She even joins him, throwing up a peace sign with a huge signature grin. Norton pretends not to notice and instead looks at Mary.

     “No problem. It was Victor who made it,” Norton answers, trying to stare at Mary’s face and not focus on how underdressed she makes him feel. He drums his fingers over his compass, wondering if he maybe, possibly, should have changed into a tuxedo and not stayed in his work clothes. 

      “Well, it was still a beautiful surprise!” Mary giggles, looking down at her phone. “Right, Michi?”

     “Ah… yeah,” Michiko’s voice is gentle and light as she agrees. She seems to be eating soup, but her fan hides her face. Her eyes peek out as she observes Norton looking back at her.

     He averts his gaze. She does the same.

     “Mr. Orpheus, please don't spill ink on the table,” Alice pleads as she watches Orpheus, with bits of frosting on his cheeks, nonetheless, dip his quill in ink and aggressive scribble into a miniature pocket notebook. Alice raises both eyebrows and observes him, in awe, shock, and concern.

     “He’s just like Mr. Kreiburg when it comes to writing,” Michiko remarks to Mary, quietly laughing as she watches the scene unfold. 

     “Hah… I wish darling Frederick were here now,” Mary nods, thinking of her dear, talented, and somewhat disowned relative. 

     “He wouldn’t have come either way,” Melly catches onto the conversation. “You know how he is, with his work and all.”

     “After the festival,” Alice adds, offering a time. “Then we can get him here with us, Miss Mary.”

     “Perhaps,” Mary sighs before gently taking her glass and taking a light sip of wine. 

     Alice shoots her a small smile, understanding her yearning. While Mary’s cup  is half empty, Alice can’t  help but notice how Andrew’s wine is still completely full. His cake is mysteriously gone, however.

     “I’m full,” he faces Emma, his voice low and scratchy. “Take my wine.”

     “I’m also full,” she hums with a contented sigh, reclining in her chair. “Do you not drink? I can give your drink to Mr. Photographer over there.”

     She points to Joseph, who is eagerly taking photos of Demi one after another. Norton steals glances at them from time to time.

     “I… to be honest, I haven’t had wine in a while,” Andrew answers hesitantly. His eyes move to the red wine before him.

     “Maybe you can have it later,” Emma suggests, her fingers dancing over her now finished flower crown. Her eyes flick up to the crown of irises on Andrew’s head, and she smiles.

     “…Just what’re you looking at?”

     “I should make you a crown of roses next. You know, since you seem so fond of them.”

     “Rosaries. I care for irises more.”

     “Ohh, right! I should have that done by tomorrow.”

     After a second, he looks back at her. His voice is gruff, but gentle. “Thank you, Emma.”

     Alice takes a brief look at her gloves off to her side. She frowns slightly as Orpheus continues artistically strobbling into his notebook to her left, and then Norton to her right. As much as she appreciates the cake, she’s not sure she wants whatever grime from ores he touched on her gloves.

     Seeing her food is done and she is satisfied, she quickly snatches them and begins placing them on, but not before Norton takes notice.

     “Going so soon?” he looks at her professional-looking brown gloves. He’d buy a pair if they weren’t so expensive. 

     “I’m just going to put the dishes away. It seems like almost everyone is all set for the night. Thank you for the cake.”

     “Yep. You need any help with those dishes—?”

     Melly finally speaks. “No need to trouble yourself, Alice, Mr. Campbell. This is my house, therefore I ought to take care of the cleaning.”

     “No, no. I feel obligated to,” Alice replies.

     Orpheus continues scribbling.

     “If she’s gonna do something, then I will, too,” Norton crosses his arms.

     “No, no. It's fine,” Melly repeats. She turns to face the whole table from her special end. “Everyone! Thank you for joining me for dinner and volunteering tonight. Thank you, Mr. Campbell, for your unfounded kindness in providing us truffle cake and thank you, Ms. Bourbon for your wonderful wine. You are all free to go— although I hope you will all join me for another session of volunteering tomorrow.”

     Nobody moves, but all go silent.

     “Allow me to help you clean up,” Mary offers. Her call with Michiko has ended. 

     “George is really good with washing dishes,” Tracy winks at Melly.

     “I’m better,” Luca jokingly grunts, nudging George the robot's elbow.

     “I don’t mind staying,” Andrew rises from his chair, fidgeting with his cross pendant. Emma rises shortly after he does and stacks another flower crown on top of his head. Alice chuckles at how regal this rather tall grave keeper now appears, while red floods the pale man’s cheeks. 

     “Neither do I,” Orpheus finally announces with joy, shutting his notebook and in doing so, spills the ink.

     Everyone groans. 

     “Perhaps I’ll allow everyone to help partake in a little more charity,” Melly finally declares.

Chapter Text

June 22

                                                                2:13 AM

@luckyguy123 has added @soulweaverTM to the groupchat. 

                                                                7:15 AM

@🎶kreiburg: arise, everyone… the day has returned. please come and see my glorious new divertimento in g minor at the nocturne music festival. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Oh, Claude! The music man speaks so early in the morning! Bonjour, M. Kreiburg! 

@cavaliernorton: ‘claude’? ‘early’? boss, I hate to break it to you but this is standard jojo wine time…

@notarat: we’re getting to him, tracy…

@JosephDeusaulniers🇫🇷: Bonjour, M. Campbell! Are you excited for the Music Festival?

@cavaliernorton: yeah sure i guess

@a.deross: good morning everyone! i’m sure we’re all feeling ready for the festival this evening. 

@mellyp: thanks to all of your valuable efforts, we are officially  ready to host such a grand and respected event. 

@🎶kreiburg: thanks to everyone who helped. may my music grace you in melly’s backyard garden. and perhaps, one day, in the new McFarlane concert hall.

@msmichiko🦋: I’m so excited ! Mr . Kreiburg , I’m so glad you didn’t give up on your music !

@msmary👑: Me too. :) Enjoy your day, everybody! Me and Michi are going online shopping today on call…

@cavaliernorton: online shopping? forgot  that was a thing these  days… 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: is typing…

@msmary👑: It sure is, M. Norton! We’re  going to check out some of Violetta’s newest dresses… Ooh, I’m so excited to dress up for the festival!

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Back in my day, the only shopping I was able to do was through the markets! Me and my little brother would often run through the vendors and sing lovely little French folk tunes… he’d be so inspired by our little adventures he wouldn’t stop painting them for weeks! Oh, how I love the market!

@cavaliernorton: …viowho?

@a.deross: ah, thank you, M.  desaulniers. enjoy your  breakfast. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: [image attached]

[ALT TEXT: standard jojo wine photo… but on the  table is a bowl of hearty red soup. the photo captures him in the middle of blinking, but he still holds his casual wine-holding posture.]

@mellyp and @a.deross reacted with :heart:

@urlocalmech: ty jojo <3

@notarat: yay!!!

⤵️replying to @cavaliernorton

@msmary👑: You’ve probably heard of her under the alias ‘Soul Weaver’. She weaves some of the most elegant clothing I’ve ever seen and uses the funds for charity and for her freakshow! 

@cavaliernorton: unique. she sell tuxedos?

@msmary👑: Of course! Why, are you interested in shopping with us?

@cavaliernorton: no way  i’m getting on a call to talk about clothing with you two. im just asking for

@msmary👑: Mhmmmmmmm?

@cavaliernorton is typing… 

@cavaliernorton: luca. 

@notarat: i already have fancy clothes norton clamplell

@urlocalmech: he really does… it's honestly kind of shocking 

@notarat: [image attached]

[ALT TEXT: an image of luxurious, upperclass clothes stored away in a tiny closet. joseph would approve. they’re hung right next to casual rags with oil stains on them. joseph wouldn’t approve.]

@msmary👑: Oh my! Such chic concertwear! Hold on… Is that… Soul Weaver’s logo?!

@notarat: yeah it's on the one that looks like a bug idk where i got  it

@mellyp: cicada. a winter cicada. 

@a.deross: this certainly checks out. 

@msmary👑: So elegant! You should totally wear it to -mon chou-  Mr. Kreiburg’s performance! 

@notarat: ok i trust your judgement ms mary :)

@urlocalmech: wait! can you help me too ms mary?

@msmary👑: Of course, of course! Why don’t we all go shopping together at Soul Weaver’s boutique?!

@cavaliernorton: i think ill pass… 

Seen by @urlocalmech, @notarat, @msmichiko🦋, and several others. 

                                         1:13 PM

                                     Victor_Grantz

                                     @MrPostman

@cavaliernorton: hey, Victor. you don’t think you could quickly, oh, I don’t know, weave a tuxedo in the next hour or so?

Seen by @MrPostman

@MrPostman: I’m sorry, Mr. Campbell. I may be talented in just about everything, but even I can’t make a tuxedo before the festival.

@cavaliernorton: how did you…

@MrPostman: You don’t order truffle cakes from me for no reason. :) I can tell you really care about that Festival.

@cavaliernorton: Victor I have no time for these mind games!!!! How do I get a tuxedo before the festival?!!!!

@MrPostman: Why didn’t you agree to shop with Mary earlier?

@cavaliernorton: you… you’re a lurker, aren’t you.

@MrPostman: Better to sit down and watch the show. Wick certainly likes it when I read everyone’s texts to him.

@cavaliernorton: you’re kidding me. surely you skip over mine… right?  

@cavaliernorton: Right, Victor?

Seen by @MrPostman

@MrPostman: Anyway, I’d say you should get over your pride and ask Luca, Mary, or Joseph to help you. Especially Joseph. He’s your modeling boss, after all.

@cavaliernorton is typing…

@cavaliernorton: you don’t understand just how embarrassing this is for me. i took one look at Mary yesterday night with truffle cake in my mouth and thought, ‘wow, i am so embarrassed and incredibly underdressed’. 

@MrPostman: There’s no shame in shopping at Soul Weaver’s. She’s done me many a favor.

@cavaliernorton: what? she make clothes for wick or something?

@MrPostman: In record time, Campbell.

Seen by @cavaliernorton

@cavaliernorton: do you have any other solutions that don’t have me talking with them upper class people? 

@MrPostman: Just go to Soul Weaver’s. It's really not that bad. Her prices are fair too, since I know you’re wondering. 

@cavaliernorton: but… but everyone will be there. the only person i wouldn’t feel embarrassed talking to is alice. and she’s also old money…

Seen by @MrPostman

@MrPostman: Mr. Campbell, I love you dearly. Be strong, be wise, and get yourself a tuxedo because…

Seen by @cavaliernorton 

@MrPostman: You’re on your own.

@cavaliernorton is typing…

@cavaliernorton has gone offline.

                                           2:17 PM

                                        Alice DeRoss

                                        @a.deross

@cavaliernorton: hey, ms. deross.

Seen by @a.deross

@a.deross: hello, mr. campbell! are you excited for the festival?

@cavaliernorton: about that… you got a dress picked out?

@a.deross: yes, i do. why do you ask?

@cavaliernorton is typing…

@cavaliernorton has stopped typing.

@cavaliernorton is typing…

@cavaliernorton: i still need a tuxedo.

@a.deross: oh! you should go shopping with Mary then.

@cavaliernorton is typing…

@cavaliernorton: you don’t understand please help me MARY SCARES ME actually… i was wondering if you and i could shop at Soul Weaver’s together.

Seen by @a.deross

@a.deross: sure! as in… right now?

@cavaliernorton: -yes please- yep.

@a.deross: alright. see you in a bit, then.

                                            2:38 PM

@a.deross: alright mr. campbell, i see you.

@cavaliernorton: beautiful car, isn’t she?

Seen by @a.deross 

@a.deross: ah… sure, yeah. -did you just pet your car?-

@cavaliernorton: have you been to Soul Weaver’s before?

@a.deross: why are you still on your phone? we’re right next to each other.

@cavaliernorton: maybe no one will recognize me if im using it.

@a.deross: prospectors first, then.

@cavaliernorton: you go first. get off the door, i’ll hold it. or… we can let those other people in first, i guess.

@a.deross: yep. 

@cavaliernorton: WAS THAT ORPHEUS

@a.deross: huh? oh uh kwwkkssjjskaosi

@cavaliernortom: distract him alice!!! ill go look for a tuxedo 

Seen by @a.deross

                                      2:47 PM

@cavaliernorton: [image attached]

[ALT TEXT: Norton dons a rather fancy red outfit, his face covered by a red and gold mask. On his head is a maroon fedora with a smooth white feather on the side. For some reason, instead of a tuxedo, he’s wearing a military-esque coat with a golden cape draped over his back. He doesn’t smile.]

@a.deross: ah, too formal, Mr. Norton. 

@cavaliernorton: you’re kidding. 

@a.deross: keep sending me images. i can’t meet with you right now.

@cavaliernorton: alright, alright. orpheus still bugging you?

@a.deross: don’t worry, just send.

@cavaliernorton: [image attached]

[ALT TEXT: This time, Norton has his phone covering his face. He wears another hat, but this time it's black with gold accents. He also has black gloves. Actually, his own outfit is very black and gold themed. He has a necklace with a large pendant of a silver bird and his chest is slightly exposed by his black poet shirt.]

@a.deross: uh… maybe not that one either. 

@cavaliernorton: for the love of magnets alice…

@a.deross: don’t worry! i think you’re just overthinking it.

@cavaliernorton: i havent BEEN to one of these fancy schmancy events before alice!!! i don’t know what to wear!!!

@a.deross: here… try one more time.

@cavaliernorton: fine. [image attached]

[ALT TEXT: It's very… gold. This time, Norton actually has a suit on with a matching vest over a white silk shirt. There’s a golden brooch pinned to the vest. He also has some light tan breeches on. All of his accessories are gold or fine material like gems, from his compass to his wristband and rings. A big white bow rests above the dip of his vest. Alice thinks it looks rather flamboyant.]

@a.deross: this is actually very you themed, Mr. Norton. But… do you want  this outfit?

@cavaliernorton: doesn’t really matter if i want it. i just need to have something to wear for the festival. which is starting very soon.

@a.deross: you should get a second opinion. maybe check with one of the workers here? im sorry-- melly is talking with me  and im a little busy

@cavaliernorton: melly is here. this has got to be the worst joke ever. -this is what i get for mingling with you rich folk.-

@a.deross: don’t give up, mr melly.

@cavaliernorton: what the…

                                                                               2:57 PM

@soulweaverTM: thank you all so much for  your support of my business! i really appreciate it. C:

@msmary:crown:: A pleasure, Violetta! You always make the most magnifique dresses.

@soulweaverTM: you’re so kind. i hope you enjoy your custom order!

@msmary👑: Of course, Vivi! Do you think you can take another custom request so soon?

@soulweaverTM: ahh… sorry, sorry. someone’s trying to talk— text me right now!

                                      Wonder Spider

                                       @soulweaverTM

@cavaliernorton: hi, im the guy standing in front of you right now. i need a fancy outfit because im going to a festival today. please help me.

@soulweaverTM: i suppose if you text, ill text too. let me take a look.

@cavaliernorton: no there’s a photo on my p

@soulweaverTM: come with me. we’ll get this settled— i already have a few ideas for how we can fancy you up.

@cavaliernorton: well, you’re the weaver. just… hide me behind your back. i don’t want some people to see me here.

@soulweaverTM: …if you couldn’t notice, im rather short. come on, let’s head to my office.

                                        3:15 PM

                                  Norton Campbell

                                     @cavaliernorton

@a.deross: Mr Campbell

@a.deross: Mr Campbell

@a.deross: Norton

@a.deross: Norton Campbell

@a.deross: Norton please pick up are you okay???

Seen by @cavaliernorton

@cavaliernorton: [image attached]

ALT TEXT: [With a bright smirk, Norton unleashes his modeling skills and poses dramatically in his snazzy outfit consisting of a black and wide-brimmed fedora —see the pattern?—, a red v-neck over a white dress shirt, a sharp white waistcoat, black gloves with thick golden rings on his right hand, and a black cape covered in black feathers with golden feathers over his shoulders, and light beige trousers.]

@a.deross: Wow.

@cavaliernorton: i got a “second opinion” from the boutique owner herself. 

@a.deross: well, are you going with it?

@cavaliernorton: haha… probably not, to be honest. it's probably way out of my budget. she seems to like it a lot, though. might get a discount or something.

@a.deross: but do you like it?

@cavaliernorton: a little, yeah.

@a.deross: stay put. im coming!

@cavaliernorton: for what?

Seen by @a.deross

                                        3:37 PM

@mellyp: @a.deross @cavaliernorton come soon. you’ve already missed the opening speech and the first song by Mr paganini 

@urlocalmech: where are they???

@mellyp: i last saw alice at Soul Weaver’s. she hasn’t responded to my texts. i must confess that i am anxious for her safety.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: While I’d chide both of you for your phone usage during such an incredible event, I must say that the matter is indeed concerning. I’m assuming you haven’t received word from Mr. Campbell either, Ms. Plinius?

@mellyp: no, i have not, mr. orpheus. to be fair, the man usually never texts me unless matters concern you and ms deross’ friendship. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Is this really the most helpful evidence you can offer, Ms. Plinius?

@urlocalmech: maybe leave private conversations private… 

@mellyp: regardless, i am also concerned. @a.deross @cavaliernorton please come immediately. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: @a.deross @cavaliernorron Do come quickly, lest you miss Mr. Kreiburg’s performance. It’d be a sorry day to miss it. 

@urlocalmech: hey, wait! i see some cars pulling up! does alice drive a blue car by any chance?

@mellyp: I’m on my way.

@notarat: someone should go greet Norton, too.

@urlocalmech: who said Melly isn’t doing both? they’re all friends, silly goose.

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: I will go greet the both of them. In fact, why don’t we all come?

@notarat: because we’d look rude if we all stood up while paganini plays… what song is this?

@urlocalmech: he’s playing a duet… with himself.

@🎶kreiburg: specifically BWV 1043 the Bach double in d minor 

@urlocalmech: hi Frederick ❤️

@🎶kreiburg has gone offline. 

@a.deross: hey, sorry everybody! me and Norton just came late because of some wardrobe issues.

@msmary👑: My goodness! Norton, you look fabuleux! And you, little Alice, so élégante!

@msmichiko🦋: Wow ! Such pretty outfits ! But what do you mean by wardrobe issues , Alice ?

@a.deross: Well

@cavaliernorton: Alice, out of the kindness of her soul, actually paid in part for my outfit this afternoon.

@mellyp: amazing. come, you two. take your seats next to me.

@a.deross: thank you Melly. you didn’t have to reserve seats for us…

@mellyp: due to both of your extensive efforts in volunteering i felt it was a must. come, come. before mr paganini ends his debut.

@urlocalmech: [image attached] 

[ALT TEXT: Victor, who is lying on the grass in the very back row where Tracy sits, hums with the music and sways his finger in time with it… like a conductor of sorts.]

@MrPostman: I saw you taking that.

@urlocalmech: that’s actually adorable… please don’t get mad at me >.<

@MrPostman: I’ll let it slide this time… >_•

@cavaliernorton: don’t worry. if he didn’t want you to take that then he wouldn’t have posed.

@MrPostman: You know me so well, Mr. Norton.

@mellyp: hush now, everyone. and get off your phones. Paganini’s final song is starting.

Seen by @MrPostman, @cavaliernorton, @a.deross, and several others.

Chapter Text

 5:09 PM

@urlocalmech: [video attached]

[ALT TEXT: A familiar scene plays out— Frederick Kreiburg, on a grand piano out in Melly’s garden, plays his latest composition. His fingers fly across the ivory keys as he shuts his eyes and lets the music speak for itself. The unique minor key the divertimento is in keeps everyone’s attention as a flurry of sixteenth notes fuse into a quieter, gentler melody that slowly develops into moving waves of sound.  This continues for the next six minutes, but at no point does it get boring. When Frederick finishes, the camera rises as clapping resounds from the audience. Several people block the camera as they hoot and cheer for him. At the end of the video, Tracy turns her phone and throws a peace sign and a cute smile appears on her lips. Victor is seen hiding behind a chair.]

@notarat: thank you number one Tracy reznok

@urlocalmech: you’re welcome number one Luca balsa 

@msmary👑: Thank you, dear!! Oh, Frederick is such a talented boy!!!

@msmichiko🦋: Not to burst your bubble , but aren’t you only a few more years older than him ?

@msmary👑: Mon amie, you forget how old I truly am. ;)

@cavaliernorton: great. don’t tell me you’re like mr. boss desaulnier over here who’s 70+

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: I’m 60, M. Campbell. 60.

@a.deross: come on, everyone! we still have to go check on all the vendors!

@mellyp: perhaps we all need a digital detox right now…

@🎶kreiburg: OH glorious!!!!! Glorious day!!!!!! Thank you alll for your support!!!!! And the flowers!!!!!! And the applause!!!!!!!!!!!!

@cavaliernorton: someone’s happy… 

@flowermama🌸: You’re welcome Mr. Kreiburg!!! I love your excitement!!!!

@notarat: my eyes hurt… tracy meet me at the flower stand am gonna talk with andew 

@urlocalmech: about what?

@gravekeeper7: [image attached]

[ALT TEXT: George is sniffing Emma’s flowers in the bushes. He has Andrew’s new rosary made of roses around his neck. Andrew’s hand is caught in the photo.]

Whose robot is this?

Seen by @notarat, @urlocalmech, and several others.

@flowermama🌸, @mellyp, and @a.deross reacted with :flower:

⤵️replying to @urlocalmech: 

@notarat: that. stop trying to hide George in the flowers tracy 

@urlocalmech: fine…

@notarat: Tracy stop looking at perfume and do itHey don’t spray me with it

@urlocalmech: smells good, doesn’t it?

@notarat: ok fine ill join your little buy two get two free scheme 

@a.deross: oh, are you two at Chloe nair’s stand? she has some lovely perfume.

@mellyp: i must confess i myself have been tempted to buy euphoria. 

@flowermama🌸: I’ve heard it's very popular!

@notarat: Tracy move your robot now 

@urlocalmech: ok ok give me a sec

@gravekeeper7: [video attached]

ALT TEXT: [George the robot moves next to Emma and waves at the camera. Emma grins and waves too.]

@luckyguy123 has added @euphoric

@a.deross: lucky!!! you ought to come visit us!

@MrPostman: He’s actually here right now. He’s talking with Ms. Behamfil about flare guns. 

@cavaliernorton: flare guns, flare guns… is that all we’re ever going to get out of this man?

@euphoric: well, he did make a pit stop to my perfume stand. my perfume is selling out rather quickly so come now before its too late. 

@cavaliernorton: i don’t really use perfume…

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: We can tell, my friend.

@a.deross: Orpheus.

Seen by @Orpheus.new.book.soon

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: …Therefore, I’ll buy you five complementary bottles, Norton.

@cavaliernorton: what the…

@mellyp: the friendship is strong between mr. Orpheus and Ms. Alice.

@cavaliernorton: i said it first.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Why don’t you all come and visit my stand? I’m doing signatures!

@cavaliernorton: ill go in a bit. 

@mellyp: we’re on our way, mr. Orpheus.

⤵️replying to @euphoric: 

@msmary👑: Chloe! Comment vas-tu, mon amie? J’adore tes vêtements! 

@euphoric: salut, mary. ça va bien. et merci.

@urlocalech: luca… I’m sorry but I don’t remember anything from your French lessons.

@notarat: its ok me neither 

Seen by @JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: …

Seen by @notarat, @urlocalmech, @msmary👑, and several others.

@urlocalmech: luca watch out jojo’s coming!!!!!! and it sure isn’t a wine photo!!

                                          5:30 PM

@AnniesToys: [image attached]

[ALT TEXT: No way. He did it. Robbie got the cat toy from the renowned toy merchant brand Lester’s. He smiles with the rather fluffy and large thing with Ann behind him, a hand on the little boy’s shoulder.] 

@mellyp: oh my. congratulations, robbie. 

@annthedisciple: I am incredibly proud of this little boy. I text this here so as to not grow his ego, as I cannot hold back my love for this tiny creature. He has worked so hard to make reparations for his actions that I am genuinely astounded. Arranging so many chairs, feeding butterflies, using proper language and social skills to help communicate with vendors before the festival… He has truly earned this toy.

@a.deross, @mellyp, @cavaliernorton, and @Orpheus.new.book.soon reacted with :heart:

@urlocalmech: yes robbie!!!

@AnniesToys: What a precious child. ❤️ Keep up the good work, Ms. Ann. 

@annthedisciple: I sure will. And thank you for the donations, everyone. The orphanage thanks you all very much.

@a.deross: its no problem, ms. ann. its all of our pleasures.

@cavaliernorton: you all donated to the orphanage and didn’t bother to invite me?! 

@a.deross: sorry, mr. Campbell…

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: -Didn’t you see our texts about doubling Ms. DeRoss’ donatio- Apologies, Norton! We… didn’t exactly think you’d have the time to.

@mellyp: perhaps we could make another trip next month, Norton.

@cavaliernorton: that’s one of the nicest things you’ve ever said to me.

@a.deross: i love it ❤️

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Everyone keep talking! All of these heartwarming moments are inspiring my new Call of the Abyss special!

@notarat: from Tracy rizznik: please add Tracy Reznik to the next COA!!!!!

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Just you wait ;)

@urlocalmech: rizznik… I’m starting to think these aren’t just  spelling errors any more.

@notarat: you’re a very good pal Tracy 

@🎶kreiburg: [images attached]

[ALT TEXT: There are several photos of Mary Kreiburg playing with butterflies. Some depict her with a butterfly on her nose. Some rest on her head or her dress or her shoulders. But no matter what, she always looks photogenic.]

@notarat: butterflies….

@urlocalmech: he’s getting the ick he doesn’t like them

@flowermama🌸: Really? Andrew loves them! @gravekeeper7 Melly opened the butterfly garden!!

Seen by @gravekeeper7

@msmichiko🦋: Thank you Mr Kreiburg !! Mary will love these photos !

@🎶kreiburg: my pleasure michiko 

@msmary👑: Your turn, mon chou! Come play with the butterflies now!

@🎶kreiburg:  mary no

@msmary👑: Mary yes!!! Go, go!

@🎶kreiburg: fine… only because we’re family.

@urlocalmech: they’re what?!?!??

@cavaliernorton: anyone want to give me some context…?

@msmary👑: family events, m. campbell! i don’t take it you’re  a kreiburg.

@cavaliernorton: michiko isn’t either… forgetta bout it. ill go and buy some orpheus books.

@notarat: you should totally get the Orpheus book written by Orpheus about the Orpheus manor

@urlocalmech: oletus. lucaaaaa…

@a.deross: I bought an extra copy that you can have, mr. Campbell. 

@cavaliernorton: no its f -how do you walk so quickly?-

@a.deross: in return for the truffle cake.

@cavaliernorton: uhh, sure I guess.

@mellyp: @🎶kreiburg @msmary👑 please leave the butterfly garden soon. some others want to try it.

@flowermama🌸: That would be me, Andrew, and… Victor! :D

@cavaliernorton: mr postman’s made some more friends? 

Seen by @MrPostman

⤵️replying to @mellyp

@msmary👑: Yes, Ms. Plinius! Let me just wrap up some photos…

@🎶kreiburg: mary…

@msmary👑: We’ll be on our way!

@🎶kreiburg: enjoy your time in there, you three. mary what are you doing

@msmary👑: [images attached]

[ALT TEXT: Mr. Kreiburg, despite being an extremely handsome man, does not mix too well with butterflies. After a few model-quality newspaper-worthy photos of him posing with the butterflies (one even lands on his tuning fork), there are several of him in awkward poses and angles with butterflies clinging to random parts of his fancy concert wear cloak. Some butterflies block the camera in some photos. Others take a nap in his hair. One of the photos has his face close to the screen with a butterfly on his nose.]

Magnifique!!!!

Seen by @mellyp, @notarat, @urlocalmech, and several others.

@mellyp and @msmichiko🦋 reacted with :butterfly:

@🎶kreiburg: …

@notarat: this reminds me of why i don’t like butterflies 

@urlocalmech: you’ve always liked more mechanical things… 

@notarat: i could say the same about you, trace. 

@urlocalmech: let’s go look at Annie’s toys

@notarat: don’t tell me you’re going to buy me that big butterfly…

⤵️replying to @🎶kreiburg

@a.deross: you ought to join m. desaulniers modeling sessions, Mr. Kreiburg!

@🎶kreiburg: … i am honored but i have to decline. i have modeled enough for one lifetime.

@mellyp: perhaps you should come join us at the perfume stand. orpheus is feeling extremely generous.

@euphoric: [image attached]

[ALT TEXT: Orpheus carries a big purple bag with Chloe’s brand logo on it. He’s bought about… seventeen perfumes already?]

come before i go out of stock.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: I’m giving these out, no worries. I alone have no need for such immense quantities of perfume.

@🎶kreiburg: what say you, mary?

@msmary👑: Go ahead c: I’m going to visit Soul Weaver’s stand. Meet me there when you’re done!

@🎶kreiburg: alright. coming @mellyp

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Joy, joy! Here he comes!

@a.deross: don’t spill the perfume, orpheus…

@mellyp: allow me to hold that bag for you, Mr. Orpheus.

@cavaliernorton: thanks for the five bottles of perfume, orpheus.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Everyone say hi to Mr. Kreiburg!

@gravekeeper7: [image attached]

[ALT TEXT: He’s playing with butterflies! This six foot one man in all black clothes and five different flower crowns  is playing with butterflies!]

@flowermama🌸: Thank you Andrew!!! Ahh this is so cute!!!!

@MrPostman: Adorable. Don’t turn that camera towards me.

@mellyp: i am amazed at all of these memories taking place in my very own backyard.

Seen by @everyone

                                           7:21 PM

@mellyp: thanks @everyone for coming. have a great night and goodbye.

@msmary👑: Thanks for letting us stay around and clean up, Ms. Plinius! Hope to visit you again sometime. ❤️ And see you soon, Frederick ❤️❤️

@msmichiko🦋: Great job everyone ! Have a great sleep !

@msmary👑 and @msmichiko🦋 have gone offline. 

@annthedisciple: I could say the same. Robbie wants to be an entomologist now…

@magicianleroy: Didn’t he want to become a magician a few hours ago?

@mellyp: i don’t see why he can’t be both.

@a.deross: haha, i agree!

@annthedisciple has reacted with :heart:

@annthedisciple: Love and blessings to you all.

@annthedisciple and @magicianleroy have gone offline.

@euphoric: thanks all for letting me set up shop here. i sold out completely.

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Thank you for the excellent perfume, Ms. Chloe! Please feel free to keep in touch with me or Ms. DeRoss if you need any advertising. Bonne nuit, everyone!

@euphoric: merci, M. Desaulniers. au revoir.

@euphoric and @JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷 have gone offline. 

@urlocalmech: bye everyone :)) luca and i had so much fun!!! 

@notarat: [images attached]

[ALT TEXT: The first  photo is  of Luca and Tracy painting together at Edgar Valden’s painting station. Both of them look equally locked in. The second photo shows them presenting their photos: Luca has painted a photo of blob Tracy wearing flower crowns with mechanical butterflies surrounding her while Tracy has painted Luca inspecting a perpetual motion machine made of butterflies.]

@urlocalmech: thank you, luca.

@notarat has gone offline. 

@cavaliernorton: you two are… certainly interesting artists.

@urlocalmech: thank edgar valden! we asked him for a prompt and he said paint something elegant and beautiful.

@MrPostman: I mean, if that’s what your definition of beauty is…

@urlocalmech has gone offline. 

@flowermama🌸: Thank you Melly and Alice for letting me set up shop here!!! So many lovely and kind faces. I got to make so many flower crowns!

@gravekeeper7: you can say that again.

@MrPostman: [image attached]

[ALT TEXT: Andrew’s black clothing is almost completely covered in floral decorations. His flower crowns have multiplied, he dons several pieces of flower petal jewelry involving Catholic motifs, and he even has an iris behind his ear.]

@gravekeeper7: Emma…

@flowermama🌸: What can I say? You look great, Andrew! See you tomorrow!

@flowermama🌸 has gone offline. 

@gravekeeper7: See you… I’ll be off to the cemetery now.

@gravekeeper7 has gone offline.

@MrPostman: See you all soon. 

@MrPostman has gone offline.

@a.deross: what a great night, everyone. 

@a.deross: honestly? i feel as though we ought to cherish these moments.

@cavaliernorton: never thought that concert hall burning down could lead to so many nice things…

@🎶kreiburg: it wasn’t the concert hall itself, mind you. it was all of the efforts from everyone involved that brought the festival back. 

@mellyp: exactly. i could not have done much without each and every one of you. from the set-ups to truffle cake to the clean-ups, every second was everything.

@a.deross: one part of me can’t believe it's already over.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Agreed. It feels as though all of our lives have drastically changed in such a sort amount of time.

@cavaliernorton: i guess that’s just how it is, big shot.

@mellyp: i suppose. now, everyone have a good night and get lots of rest. especially you, mr. kreiburg. i see you on that grand piano. go home.

@🎶kreiburg: fine.

@🎶kreiburg has gone offline. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: What are we all going to do now that this festival is over? In truth, I have gotten way more invested in musical affairs in a day than i ever thought I would in a lifetime…

@a.deross: I think that goes for all of us, Mr. Orpheus. But there are little projects and plans that still have a long way to go. Like your book, yes?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Yes. The book should be released soon…

@mellyp: im glad the festival could be of some assistance in making it, mr. orpheus.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: As am I, Ms. Plinius. I bid you all good rest tonight. Farewell! 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon has gone offline.

@cavaliernorton: and then there were three. 

@mellyp: indeed. even if this festival is over, i hope to still remain in contact with you two.

@a.deross: don’t worry, Melly. im sure that there’s always something we can all do.

@cavaliernorton: like… visiting the orphanage. 

@mellyp: ah, right. or actually going out for coffee together, like we had planned.

@cavaliernorton: we? the prospector is still here, you know.

@a.deross: you can come too, norton. c:

@cavaliernorton: good. thank you both. have a great night. i have work tomorrow.

@cavaliernorton has gone offline.

@mellyp: i suppose this means goodbye for us two, too, ms. deross.

@a.deross: i suppose it does. good night, ms. plinius.

@mellyp: as to you, my friend.

@a.deross reacted with :smile:

@a.deross and @mellyp have gone offline. 

Chapter Text

June 13 

@cavaliernorton: still not safe from desaulniers posting my photos…

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: I am a fair man, Mr. Campbell. Those who ask and offer an appropriate price will receive. And you know you gave your consent. Didn’t we just have a meeting about this?

@cavaliernorton: the most ridiculous online one, yeah…

@urlocalmech: somebody wants photos of norton? that sounds really creepy o.o

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Not if your name is Alice DeRoss and you’re putting in an advertisement for my photography business. I pay well, don’t I?

@a.deross: m. desaulniers…

@cavaliernorton: it's so nortover. 

                                                                             2:27 PM 

@a.deross has created a groupchat. 

@a.deross has added @cavaliernorton, @BetterGetFred and @JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷. 

@a.deross has renamed renamed the groupchat to Business Endeavors. 

@a.deross: @everyone

@a.deross : @everyone

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷 : Now what may this be, Mlle. DeRoss?

@a.deross: ah, good afternoon m. desaulniers. earlier i recall you were talking about offering us photos of your new model, norton campbell…

@cavaliernorton: what in the world is this. is this some prank set up by melly?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷 : Do you see the handle @mellyp anywhere, M. Campbell?

@cavaliernorton: you never know… that woman could be anywhere….

@a.deross: there is no need to be paranoid, mr. campbell. as i was texting, you were offering us photos of mr. campbell and are in need of advertisements for your new photo startup, yes, mr. desaulniers?

@cavaliernorton: where the freak is this going. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Yes, Mlle. DeRoss. Are you, perhaps, interested in reporting on this subject?

@cavaliernorton: -ALICE- ms deross. No. hes literally rich he doesnt need advertisements -let him work for it alice what do you think youre doing-

@cavaliernorton is typing…

@a.deross: i admittedly am, mr. desaulniers. 

@cavaliernorton: im being ignored!!! 

@a.deross: …of course, as an ethical and responsible reporter, i am not releasing nor asking for photos of your model without his own consent first. hence why i added an experienced lawyer, freddy riley. mr. riley, please be a witness to this conversation at this time. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: How very professional of you, Mlle. DeRoss. 

@a.deross: let's take a moment to wait for mr. riley to come online. he may be attendting to some rather  important business right now. 

@cavaliernorton: thank GOD we  have a lawyer in here. at least someone has their ethics in check. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Do you not trust me to keep your privacy safe, M. Campbell…? 

@cavaliernorton: …

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: And I thought we had made amends, Norton.

@cavaliernorton: in some ways yes, in some ways no, grandpa. 

@a.deross: let's leave personal matters out of legal ones. why don’t you two come to a peaceable conclusion before freddy riley comes? or maybe a digital detox…?

@cavaliernorton: whatever you say, miss reporter. except for a digital detox. 

@cavaliernorton: get on your dms, desaulniers. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: You’re rather demanding to an elder like me. 

Seen by @cavaliernorton 

@a.deross: @BetterGetFred

@a.deross: @BetterGetFred

@a.deross: @BetterGetFred

@BetterGetFred: Excuse me, what is the meaning of this?

@a.deross: Mr. Riley, this is the legal matter I was talking about. 

@BetterGetFred: Oh. Good afternoon Ms. DeRoss. Where are all the others. 

@a.deross: @everyone 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Hello. 

@cavaliernorton: we’re back

@BetterGetFred: Go on, everyone. Speak and continue this legal matter. 

@a.deross: many thanks to you, mr. riley. now… with norton campbell’s permission, mr. desaulniers, i would like to support your startup by posting some of the photos you took in the newspaper as an advertisement. 

@cavaliernorton: you sure have a way with words… you make this sound so professional. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: It is somewhat of a professional matter. And I am all for this plan, of yours, Mlle. DeRoss. But in the spirit of my model, I must ask: how much money are you offering?

@cavaliernorton: why’s that in italics. i don’t speak like that. 

@a.deross: how much do you want me to pay, mr. campbell, mr. desaulniers?

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Excuse us me and Mr. Norton while we discuss this privately. 

                                                                              Norton Campbell

@cavaliernorton

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: I am all for giving you the higher cut, Mr. Campbell.

@cavaliernorton: no need. id feel dirty taking so much for such an easy job

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: ‘easy’ is an interesting choice of word, m. campbell. and besides, consider it a gift.

@cavaliernorton: said it before and ill say it again. i don’t take gifts, even from you, grandpa boss.

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: And why is that, Monsieur?

@cavaliernorton: ive worked hard all of my life and just because i have a side gig doesn’t mean i ought to work any less. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: Then,  how much money do you want?

@cavaliernorton: tell alice that either you or her can decide. whatever suits my work.

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: You truly are a hardworking man, M. Campbell. Your stubbornness is almost admirable, if not foolhardy. Why is that?

@cavaliernorton: havent heard the word foolhardy in ages. and? it's none of your business. but as a little gift ill tell you: im not owing anybody debt. everything i get will be from my own hands. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: I see. Interesting, and possibly a little impossible… Let’s return to the “courtroom” now.

@cavaliernorton: alright.

                                           Business Endeavors

@a.deross: Name the price and I’ll pay it.

@BetterGetFred: With all due respect, Ms. DeRoss… was my presence even needed here? You seem to have everything under control, managing this… photographer and his apprentice/model/prospector. 

@a.deross: I am only one person, Mr. Riley. I thought it would make the other two more comfortable having someone with legal advice around.

@BetterGetFred: You have Ms. Keigan Nicholas Keogh’s contact, yes? I heard of your reports in her firm’s big case last year…

@a.deross: I do, but you’re the lawyer.

@BetterGetFred: How did the case go?

@a.deross: No time for gossip, Mr. Riley. That is a thing a journalist swears off in pursuit of the truth.

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: [images attached]

[ALT TEXT: Information regarding who to pay a check of a hefty sum of pounds to, along with several photos of Norton unleashing the model within and posing in a whole spectrum of flavors. One moment he’s reading a book and the next he’s… dancing? Norton Campbell’s… dancing? Just how much was he paid?]

Extremely well-spoken, Ms. DeRoss. 

@a.deross: thank you very, very much, m. desaulniers. but @cavaliernorton, do you wholeheartedly consent to these photos being put on a newspaper and possibly on the front cover? i ask this with care towards your own emotions. it would be disingenuous of me to publish these if you are only half-heartedly into this— and for the money, nonetheless.

Seen by @cavaliernorton

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: M. Orpheus would be praising you the world over right now, Mlle. DeRoss. 

@a.deross: i am aware of that. and truthfully, i could not care less. 

@cavaliernorton

@cavaliernorton: i consent. do i have to sign anything else?

@a.deross: oh! yes, please…

@a.deross: [URL attached]

Please open the link and sign electronically!

@cavaliernorton: can’t believe im doing this…

Chapter Text

SIDE STORY ⅔: faith, hope, and charity

Tis the  season to do good things 

June 29

                                                                                 2:15 AM

@🎶kreiburg has created a groupchat.

@🎶kreiburg has added @a.deross, @cavaliernorton, and @mellyp.

@🎶kreiburg has renamed the groupchat to da capo .

@cavaliernorton: da who? kreiburg, whats the meaning of this?

@mellyp: da capo. from the beginning. an interesting name, mr. kreiburg… should we ping alice to get you off that piano again?

@🎶kreiburg: no. please don’t. im not playing it right now. 

@a.deross: what in the world is everyone doing awake so early ? i’ll have you all know i’ve been trying to fix my sleep schedule after waking up so early to respond to you all. 

@mellyp: i am just as curious as  you are, ms. deross. mr. kreiburg, dear friend-- explain yourself. 

@🎶kreiburg: well, i created this groupchat as a way for us all to discuss our trip to  the orphanage today…

@mellyp: is that so… where is orpheus, then?

@🎶kreiburg: i knew i was forgetting someone. 

@cavaliernorton: it's all good, mr. kreiburg. i would too. 

@a.deross: funny how we all maintain formalities despite us doing so much together-- not that it's necessarily a bad thing, of course. 

@🎶kreiburg  has added @Orpheus.new.book.soon to the groupchat. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Greetings, friends! I was waiting for this moment. 

@cavaliernorton: is that so… here you are, mr. orpheus. 

@mellyp: mr. norton, have you grown so close to me  that you now imitate my texts?

@cavaliernorton: im closer to joseph than to you. not even in a mean way-- that’s just factual. 

@🎶kreiburg: stop your quarelling and keep it your dms. i made this groupchat in order for us all to remain coordinated during today’s orphanage visit.

@a.deross: wow, thank you, mr. kreiburg! i appreciate that. it's just… two am is an  interesting choice. 

@🎶kreiburg: i understand you do not prefer us talking at three am, so i chose an optimal time, ms. deross. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Mr. Kreiburg… Was this optimal or  obnoxious ?

@mellyp: what an interesting thought process, mr. kreiburg! alice, if you prefer, you can go back to sleep  and i will give you all of the information necessary in the morning. 

@a.deross: …yes, please. 

@a.deross has gone offline. 

@cavaliernorton: her with her perfect sleeping schedule…

@mellyp:  you sound like luca balsa. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Indeed. Perhaps we should all work on attaining such a schedule... 

Seen by @mellyp, @cavaliernorton, and  @🎶kreiburg

@mellyp: how was work, norton?

@cavaliernorton: are we talking about orphanages or what?

@mellyp: if that’s what you wish. 

@🎶kreiburg: so,  im thinking i hold a performance at the orphanage. i will play my latest divertimento and  get them into music theory

@cavaliernorton: are you crazy or what? those kids are probably four! ill give them some ores i have lying around. kids like shiny things. 

@🎶kreiburg: are you a kid yourself?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Or! I could read them my latest snippet of Call of the Abyss…

@cavaliernorton: isn’t that a horror story?!

⤵️replying to @🎶kreiburg

@mellyp: alice would certainly not approve of such remarks, kreiburg. 

@cavaliernorton: yeah, frederick. 

@🎶kreiburg: would you stop  bickering with me like a child, norton?

@mellyp: perhaps this  isn’t the best time for us all to be texting. i do believe we may need some… sleep. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Yes. 

@cavaliernorton: exactly. go to sleep. and don’t play your piano while you’re at it kreiburg. it's… there’s no way that can be  good for you. 

@🎶kreiburg is typing…

@cavaliernorton, @mellyp, and @Orpheus.new.book.soon have gone offline. 

@🎶kreiburg: i did  that one time. one time!!!!

                                                                                                   10:00 AM

                                                                     come  see my musical performances 🎹

@annthedisciple: A message  from Robbie  White: ‘Hi GUYS!!!! I am so EXCITED for YOUR VISIT today!!! Looking forward to YOUR VISIT!!!!’

@urlocalmech: wait, what? 

@annthedisciple: You are all coming to visit Robbie, yes? I remember reading about it being planned somewhere in this groupchat…

@perpetuallorenz: An act of charity. How very fruitful. I commend you all for your good deeds-- I’m sure each of you will receive a blessing in return. 

@cavaliernorton: what are you, a priest?

@annthedisciple: He’s a hermit. What are you all planning to do at the orphanage today?

@notarat: what orphanage

@urlocalmech: lucaaaa! remember robbite white?!

@notarat: oh my bad yeah i remember that's great  hi robbie welcomeback

@annthedisciple: He’s very excited to see everyone. 

@MrPostman: Hello! This sounds  lovely, but I’m not sure what everyone is talking about. When did we plan this?

@a.deross has come online. 

⤵️ replying to @annthedisciple

@mellyp: ah, apologies for the confusion, ms. ann. this was originally a plan for me, alice, norton, and frederick. however, if anyone else so pleases to do some good today, you’re much welcome. 

@cavaliernorton: great, now everyone’s gonna flood the orphanage. 

@a.deross: Excuse me?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: There is nothing wrong with offering the children a whole variety of talents, Norton. Perhaps I really should do a read-aloud of Call of the Abyss… I do love reading to the little children. 

@cavaliernorton: never knew mr. orpheus had a soft spot for kids. 

@urlocalmech: adorable!!

@mellyp: maybe don’t read call of the abyss to the children, orpheus. isn’t it… a psychological horror?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: I forgot about that part. Why don’t I just read the fun parts?

@mellyp: if you so insist, use your best judgement. 

@notarat: wait so are we all going or what… 

@mellyp: you don’t have to, but i’d like you to. 

@annthedisciple: Robbie would appreciate it. But again, everyone, the orphanage would appreciate it if you all donated the following: clothing, toys, books, blankets, hygiene products, school and first aid supplies, and non perishable food. Aside from that, feel free  to make them smile in whatever way you know how. 

@JosephDesaulniers🇫🇷: [image attached]

[ALT TEXT: jojo wine photo no. 17. He is ready to go fencing, posing with a sabre and a half-empty glass of red  wine. He seems to have eaten some brioches.]

@urlocalmech and @notarat reacted with :heart:

@cavaliernorton: so fencing is what rich people do in their free time…

@MrPostman: A timely delivery, Mr. Joseph. 

@gravekeeper7: how do i disable notifcations 

@flowermama🌸: Hi all! I’d love to support. Do any of the kids have allergies to flowers?

@annthedisicple: Not that I know of. Thank you, Ms. Beck. 

⤵️ replying to @gravekeeper7

@🎶kreiburg: i will dm you with screenshots. 

@gravekeeper7: ok thanks 

@flowermama🌸: Andrew wait! You’d love this! 

Seen by @gravekeeper7

@MrPostman: You do seem to like charity, Andrew. Why don’t you give it a try?

Seen by @gravekeeper7

@a.deross: wonderful. see you all at two pm. 

                                                                        ------------

@flowermama🌸 has created a groupchat. 

@flowermama🌸 has added @MrPostman, @mellyp, @gravekeeper7

@gravekeeper7: what is this 

@flowermama🌸: We should all totally go to the orphanage with Ms. Melly! We can give the kids flowers and it’ll be so fun!!

@MrPostman: You can do all the  talking for us, Ms. Emma. What do you think, Andrew/?

@gravekeeper7: i think ill pass, everyone ggoing has something to give. i dont have much. 

@flowermama🌸: You could help me pass out flowers! That’s a good deed, right?

@gravekeeper7: i guess, yeah. 

@MrPostman: I’ll do the heavy liffting and bring all of the other things Ann suggested. 

@flowermama🌸: Thank you Victor!! You may not speak much in person, but you’re so kind. 

@MrPostman reacted with :heart:

@mellyp: good afternoon, everyone. it seems everyone is taking after lucky guy and making new groupchats. what is this for?

@flowermama🌸: We’re trying to gently encourage Andrew to go to the  orphanage with us! He’s always talking about wanting to be a good person and do good deeds. 

@gravekeeper7: emma…

@mellyp: well, this is a great opportunity, isnt it? come along now, andrew. 

@gravekeeper7: …alright. 

@flowermama🌸: Wait! I just realized I forgot to name the  groupchat. 

@mellyp: well, you all seem to love flowers. or butterflies. 

@flowermama🌸: What should we name this, guys?!

@MrPostman: Let Andrew name it. I’m  out of ideas. 

@gravekeeper7: you think i know how to name things?!

@flowermama🌸: Oh! I know what to name  this. 

@flowermama🌸 has renamed the groupchat to Emma & Friends Orphanage Flower Palooza!

@mellyp: …good choice, ms. beck. 

Seen by @everyone

                                                                                2:17

                                                                               da capo  

@cavaliernorton: are all children this tiny? 

@a.deross: norton, the kid to your left is about to eat the ore  again. 

@cavaliernorton: FOR THE LOVE OF

@mellyp: have you all entered  the kitchen yet? i’ve just had the most inquisitive conversation with a child about bugs while eating macaroni and cheese. 

@🎶kreiburg: i am appalled by the sheer talent, curiosity, and approval these kids  have. I played four notes -- four-- and they started clapping. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: I heard the piano doesn’t get used too often. After all, the nuns here mostly sing chants. 

@cavaliernorton: i thought they started clapping because they thought it was over… but what orpheus said was much nicer. 

@a.deross: and realistically speaking, more accurate. good knowledge, mr. Orpheus.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Thank you. A man like me is always in the know. 

@mellyp: as for your earlier question, mr. Norton, yes. children are usually very tiny. 

@a.deross: has anyone seen Robbie, speaking of children?

@cavaliernorton: thought he was just eating the ore i gave him just now…

@a.deross: no, no, that was another child… where is Robbie? 

@mellyp: he was playing with you and Norton, yes?

@cavaliernorton: playing is an overstatement. i stood there giving out gems while alice took photos of him and talked about God remembers what.

@a.deross: you mean you weren’t listening when he was talking about windows being a bad omen for him…?

@🎶kreiburg: did you two find robbie?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: The fact of the matter is that we have to figure out where Robbie is. Did he ask to use the restroom?

@mellyp: are you two being serious about Robbie’s whereabouts or? because i cannot imagine Ann would be too happy if you two were lose him. 

@a.deross: he is a slippery little boy…

@cavaliernorton: here, let me call out for him.

Seen by @a.deross, @mellyp, @🎶kreiburg, and @Orpheus.new.book.soon

@cavaliernorton: okay, so nobody knows where robbie went. he didn’t tell us he was going to the bathroom…

@a.deross: investigation started. 

@cavaliernorton and @a.deross have gone offline. 

@🎶kreiburg: did you ever get to read call of the abyss to the kids, Orpheus?

@mellyp: not the time, Kreiburg. 

                                                          2:17 PM

                                   Emma & Friends Orphanage Flower Palooza!

@flowermama🌸: [image attached]

[ALT TEXT: An image of Andrew in unnaturally casual clothing, posing with a kid holding a bouquet of irises. Andrew is awkwardly smiling and giving the kid a thumbs-up.]

@MrPostman and @gravekeeper7 are typing…

@MrPostman: You’re better with them than you think, Andrew. 

@gravekeeper7: this child is following me around… i do not think this is normal. do you think she’s making fun of me?

@flowermama🌸: I think she wants to play hide and seek with you, Andrew. 

@MrPostman: Rest assured most children are not out to make fun of you, Andrew. 

@gravekeeper7: even in the most well reputed spaces i see horrible behavior… it's always when you’re not watching. 

@flowermama🌸: Don’t panic! I’ve heard Miss Ann rules with an iron fist. She probably lectures the bad right out of them!

@MrPostman: Not too sure that’s how it works, Ms. Emma. But thank you. 

@gravekeeper7: [image attached]

[ALT TEXT: A tiny, no more than eight years old little girl peeks her head out from a corner in a hallway.]

the child is following me again… 

@MrPostman: Oh, it’s that one. Do you want Wick to come and distract her?

@flowermama🌸: Way to avoid confrontation, guys… 

@MrPostman: I can’t blame him, honestly. 

@MrPostman: Andrew, do you want me to send Wick to you? 

Seen by @flowermama🌸

@flowermama🌸: Andrew? 

Seen by @MrPostman

@flowermama🌸: Andrew Kreiss?

Seen by @MrPostman

@flowermama🌸: Andrew Mary Perpetua Kreiss?!

@MrPostman: Time to go save Mr. Kreiss from another dangerous situation. 

@flowermama🌸: We’re on our way, Andrew!

                                                          2:37 PM

                                                           da capo

@cavaliernorton: ive lost alice. 

@🎶kreiburg: ‘lost Alice’? how do you lose alice in an orphanage, Norton?

@mellyp: calm down, calm down. your elbow is one inch away from tipping over that child’s jug of apple juice, Norton. 

@cavaliernorton: we haven’t found robbie. we just lost alice. i think a kid just ate my ore again. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: How treacherous, how narrow, how steep  is the way to heaven!

@mellyp: what?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Mr. Norton, I understand that serving little children can be extremely overwhelming. Which is why I’m stepping in for you. All I ask is that you be me and allow me to be you. 

@mellyp: did this plan come instantaneously or…?

@🎶kreiburg: mr. Orpheus, what exactly are you asking Norton to do…?

@cavaliernorton: YES!!! please orpheus i can’t THINK straight right now. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Very well, my good fellow. Come and sit in the big armchair and read to the kids. I’ll be on my way to relieve you of your babysitting and searching duties.

@🎶kreiburg: always so quick when it comes to Alice… 

@mellyp: well, perhaps Mr. orpheus is searching for his next great adventure for call of the abyss. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Right on the mark, Ms. Plinius! Toodle-oo!

@🎶kreiburg: is Mr. Norton even qualified to read books to kids?

@mellyp: great question mr. kreiburg. we’re simply too late. 

@🎶kreiburg: new song idea. be right back. 

@mellyp: Oh?

                                                         2:43 PM

     “Robbie?” Alice’s footsteps are light and repetitive as she tries to keep that tiny silhouette in her sight. But after many twists and turns —and even losing track of where Mr. Campbell went—, she ends up in a lovely backyard garden somewhat reminiscent of Melly’s. 

     The sun beats down on her and forces her to raise a hand to block such strong light as she squints, looking left and right to try and catch that tiny, mischievous boy. Robbie is incredibly elusive, she realizes, and not just when he wants to use Ms. Ann’s phone. 

     But she does catch him. She sees the singular shadow behind a tree, footsteps clumsily dashing towards a swingset on the edge of the garden. And she knows just where to look.

      She has not had much experience with children before, and being someone who was forced to grow up fast, she has not had much experience being childish, really. But as she creeps through the little flower patches off the cobblestone path a few meters away from the fountain in the center of the garden, she feels the urge to play coy. 

     “Hmm, where could Mr. White be? He’s such a quick little boy…” she muses to herself, well aware Robbie is in the bush to her left. His foot is sticking out and he doesn’t seem to notice it. Alice sneaks a little closer to him, then a little farther, towards a tiny section of irises. “Have you seen him, little irises?”

     She crouches down to face the silent flowers who are unwilling to give up his position. She sighs and then stands up, inspecting the wood on the swing, running her gloves over the smoothened material. Old wood, she notes. Many children must have used this swing before.

     Her eyes flick over to the bush, but she continues to tease Robbie. 

     She sits on the swing and feigns an exasperated expression. “Oh, no, Robbie… I think I have to give up! Where are you?”

     Robbie does not relent. She chuckles to herself and stands up, immediately locking eyes with the bush. 

     She takes one step. Then another. Then a third. 

     “You caughted me!” Robbie excitedly rolls out of the bush and jumps up to congratulate Alice. “You founded me!”

      “I found you, yes,” Alice smiles at him. “Why did you bring me out here, hm?”

     “I wanted to play with you and the other guy for a bit! But I guess Mr. Grumpy Guy lost, heh…”

     “He has a name, you know.”

     “You mean he’s… he’s not always grumpy?”

     Alice chuckles again and walks towards the swing set again, taking a seat on one of the wooden planks. “No, his name is actually Norton and he can give you truffle cake if you’re nice to him.”

     Robbie eagerly follows in her footsteps and takes the other seat available. “M…Mr. Truffle Cake! Is he also rich with cash?!”

     Alice is caught off guard by this remarks and raises an eyebrow. “Don't worry about how much money someone has, Robbie. It's… it's what in their heart that matters.”

     “You sound like Ann.”

     That is the goal, Alice thinks to herself, lest she say something a child shouldn’t hear. “Ann is a lovely person.”

     “Why do you wear gloves all the time?”

     Were children always this nosy? “I prefer to keep my hands clean. I like to investigate things, but I don’t enjoy the feeling of other… unknown and unclean substances— er, things, on my hands.”

     “Can I wear gloves too?”

     “…You don’t need to,” but perhaps Robbie would be a journalist like her someday, what with his relentless questions. He kicks off from the ground and begins to swing, little arcs slowly growing larger and larger as he talks his mouth off. 

     “Your hair looks very good and nice,” he begins, before doing another 180 in topics after a few seconds of silence. “Miss Alice, how are you so nice to everybody? I think some of the kids here are kind of stupid.”

     “Robbie, don’t call people stupid. Every time you want to call someone stupid think something nice about them instead. Or maybe ask yourself if you’re being stupid.”

     “Are you really Alice? Or are you Ann dressed up as her?”

     “I am Alice.”

    “Oh! Do you want to hear about my new toy, by the way? I gave it a name and everything!”

     Alice smiles. 

                                                                      da capo

@a.deross: safe with child in garden. will be inside soon.

@a.deross has gone offline. 

                                                                   3:15 PM

     The garden smells almost exactly like Mrs. Plinius’ garden, Andrew realizes, and for a moment, he thinks he’s back there, watching from the distance as Emma sells dozens and dozens of bouquets and flower crowns and even a handful of rosaries made from roses, despite not being a Catholic herself. 

     For a moment, he dares to be at ease in this world. 

     …Which, seeing as he is not alone in Emma’s garden or his mother’s arms (which are now cold) or at Eucharistic adoration, is always a risk. Outside of those few places, he is usually never safe from the gossip of the public eye. 

     He steps forward, towards the fountain in the center of the garden. It is the only thing that speaks. There are no other creatures he can hear (or see, but his eyesight is no longer a reliable messenger). 

     He should be alone. Just him, God, and the bubbling water fountain. 

    He exhales and walks by the fountain, towards the swing set. He hadn’t seen or interacted with one in ages. Childhood has been a mere afterthought for someone like him, someone forced to grow up fast to know how to deal with the hypocrisy in this cruel world. 

     Emma would have loved to ride on the swing set, Andrew muses, as he awkwardly plops down onto the wooden plank and moves his pale hands to the ropes attaching the plank to the beam above him. 

     Then again, Emma typically loved everything. Andrew does not. 

     He closes his eyes. He thinks he’s lost the child following him, but with losing the child, he has lost contact with Emma and Victor too. 

     It had to be done. Almost every good thing requires a sacrifice after all, even if that sacrifice is hiding out in the bathroom while cat videos play on your phone on the kitchen table. Most kids liked cats, right? Surely it should have distracted that little girl. 

     No child could be as patient as he is. 

     Without even realizing it, Andrew begins to swing. The motion, at first, catches him off guard. But then again, just about everything in this day has. From being forced to wear something from Soul Weaver’s per Emma’s blatant demand (because orphanage visitors don’t go visit children in their grave keeping uniforms, apparently) to being followed by a strange child, Andrew knows this day is far from anything comfortable. 

      Maybe it's a blessing. But Andrew can be pessimistic and kind of sort of maybe thinks it is a curse—

     The swing beside him creaks. 

     His eyes flutter open, and behold, next to him is the young little girl who makes Andrew scream like one. 

     She is unfazed. She stares into his crimson eyes. It makes Andrew uncomfortable. 

     “Hello,” she says. 

     Andrew can’t decide whether to wave or to say something back before the child continues. She wears red shoes and a white, raggedy dress. She has long blonde hair and a tiny doll in her arms. 

     He squints at her, not to be rude, but to make sure he isn’t hallucinating, despite the fact that this girl has been following him around like some kind of phantom. 

     “I like your…” she points to his cross necklace. “And your shirt. And your… your glasses.”

     Andrew always forgets he has glasses now. He always wears them on top of his head, like some kind of hat. Maybe to block out Emma’s flower crown temptations. Except for when he has to wear them and she crowns him ten times over anyways. 

     “Um… thank you,” he awkwardly responds, his voice low. He slowly brings his hand to his neck and massages the area, trying to not sound like he’s about to cough up phlegm. 

     “My name is Alice,” the little girl begins. 

     Alice? He knows someone named Alice. Is he going insane?

     “Good,” is all Andrew manages to say. 

     “What’s your name, Mr. Iris?”

     Mr. Iris…? Andrew absentmindedly picks out the iris behind his ear. Emma’s idea. 

     “You seem to have given me one already,” Andrew looks down, inspects the flower. He offers it to the little girl. 

     “But I want to know your real name.”

     “Um… Call me Andrew.”

     “Andy.”

     “What?”

     He’s hoping this ‘Alice’ gets bored and leaves. At the same time, Andrew feels disappointed that he’s boring. Or maybe just not good with kids. Victor would be better, with that strange dog of his…

     “Andy. It's my second new name for you. I think names make people happy, yeah?”

     “What?” Andrew repeats, and all of a sudden he feels absolutely stupid because he just said the same thing. He’s not catching on at all. He’s not sure why this little girl has targeted him to be subject to her… whatever this is. 

     “Names give people their identity, in a way, right?”

    There’s no way a six year old girl is telling him this right now. Seven? Eight? Andrew can’t tell. 

     “Mr. Iris is you before I knew you,” she continues. “Andrew is your normal name. The you you show yourself to be to everyone else. But everyone has a personal name— it's like when you unlock their heart with a key, and then their heart tells you. Those are all the names I know so far, but there could be many more. Like the name you are when you’re sad. Or when you're so excited your body turns into a big marshmallow and flops around!”

      I’m not sure that’s how the body works, Andrew wants to say, but even he understands that this child has something to say. 

     “So, Mr. Andrew, I want to call your Andy because this will be our friendship name! And you can call me whatever you want. Just not Eurydice, because I don’t like that name,” the little girl concludes. 

     “Eurydice? Like… the Greek myth?”

     “Huh? I don’t know, it just sounds like a grandma’s name. But I’m in my prime!”

     Andrew slowly nods.

     “So, new friend, tell me about yourself!” Alice giggles. Maybe she is about to flop around and do whatever excited little marshmellows do. 

     “Are you not… afraid of me?” the new friend blurts, appalled at this strange, philosophical, and also blonde child. 

     “Huh? Why would I be? I think you’re kind of… cute.”

     His pale, so ‘disturbingly’ pale cheeks flush with a red as deep as that of his eyes. “…You’re kidding.”

     “I like boys who play with flowers and can carry me everywhere because they’re so big and tall. I knew a guy like that once… he kinda looks like my doll. And he wasn’t as tall, but that doesn’t matter because he was so very charming and his  name was, um…”

     Not wanting to hear about her personal love life, Andrew changes the topic. “…I just thought children wouldn’t like the way I look. Because I look… different.”

     “But different isn’t always bad. It's just different.”

     “…Some adults, even the most pious ones, think differently.”

     “What does pious mean?”

     “Devout. Religious.”

     “Oh, so just about every adult I’ve met so far.”

     “Oh,” Andrew hopes he didn’t just make this little girl think her caretakers were like the adults he faced growing up. Those with their bodies in church and their hearts anywhere else. Those who spat on him and accused him and did all kinds of things the devil did—

     “I think you’re a pious, Andy. Because you also look very serious, like Miss Ann when she goes and plants flowers in the garden. Maybe that’s why I like you so much. Because you're a pious.”

     “…A pious what?”

     “A pious,” she shrugs, as if he should already know what she’s trying to say.

     And Andrew, for some reason, muses on what she says. He wishes to be pious. He knows he will never be, at least not in the eyes of man. 

     “Miss Alice, you are truly one of a kind,” he says after a while. 

     “Miss Alice… Yay! My new name!” she suddenly cheers, causing Andrew to flinch. His eyes widen and his glasses slip and rest on his nosebridge. And then he sees, very clearly, the little girl whom he’s been talking to, who tries to stay in sync with him as he swings back and forth. 

     He wishes he could look so carefree. Be so carefree. 

     “ANDREW!” 

     Alice, also caught off guard by this sudden call, slips off the swing. Andrew’s eyes widen as she lands smack dab in the dirt, dropping her doll a few inches away. 

     Before he knows it, he’s off the swing and trying to get the little girl named Alice or Miss Alice or Little Girl to sit up so he can assess the damage. Footsteps rush closer as Alice, still in a state of shock, simply stares up at “Andy’s” extremely concerned expression. 

     Before the two newcomers even speak, Andrew knows who they are. 

     “Emma,” Victor sighs, pinching his nosebridge as he skids to a halt in front of the swing set. “You can’t just scream people’s names like that outside. And were you always able to scream so loudly?”

     Emma casually plops onto the dirt and watches Andrew inspect Alice number two’s wounds. From the fall, she’s sustained an actively bleeding but tiny wound. Must’ve scraped her knee too hard.  

     Victor fetches her doll and gently places it by her side. Alice looks up at him, then at the doll, then at Emma and then Andrew and then the wound which releases a deep red onto her skin. 

     Reality kicks in and Alice begins crying, clutching onto Andrew’s hand like she’s about to fall off a cliff. 

     “Lord have mercy on us,” Andrew mutters as he searches his jacket pocket with his free hand and whips out the first aid kit he was given when he first entered the building. No wonder people carry those things around everywhere. 

    Emma frowns as Alice cries and pats her shoulder. “Hey, it’ll be okay, little girl. See, Mr. Andrew’s going to clean it and put a bandaid on!”

     “I don’t like alcohol!” Alice groans dramatically, shutting her eyes as Andrew hesitantly pats an alchohol pad on the wound before hirredly  placing a bandaid --a plain one-- on her knee. 

     “It's over  now,” Andrew mumbles. “You can open your eyes, Alice.”

     One eye opens, and then another. And  then  she leaps up from the ground and hugs him, and Emma and Victor both realize there was no dangerous situation to recue Andrew from to  begin with. 

     “This is the most social you’ve been in months, Andrew!” Emma excitedly cheers, throwing bouquets of flowers of all different kinds into the air, landing on Alice and Andrew’s heads. 

     Victor sighs and simply smiles at the grave keeper. Andrew says nothing and acknoweldges him with a nod. 

     “Let’s get you back inside, little girl,” Andrew murmurs, hoisting up Alice without a second thought. She gigges and squirms and pretends to fly as the four head back inside. 

                                                                      3:15 PM

                                                                     da capo

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: [video attached]

ALT TEXT: [Norton is reading --genuinely reading-- from Orpheus’ sixth Call of the Abyss story… and he’s actually not too bad. The children are huddled around the big armchair, waiting for more. Occasionally, Norton stops and skips over content he finds unsuitable for children, or makes up things Orpheus knows he did not write.]

@🎶kreiburg: i am opposed to  bothering him. perhaps miss alice can visit him later. 

@mellyp: this is the most domestic ive seen norton in a while. 

@a.deross: this is... actually quite precious. 

@mellyp: indeed, alice.  mr. orpheus, although you weren’t able to find alice on your  own, i must thank you for letting norton be you and letting yourself be him. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: My honor! I can see it in Norton’s eyes-- that man  has a story to tell. 

@a.deross: he only told me his  story after i paid him off all those years ago…

@mellyp: well, go visit him now and hear his story for free. certainly he  wont charge you with all the children around.

@a.deross: i think i’ll survive without hearing him read… he seems very comfortable  as he is. 

@🎶kreiburg: he  was extremely worried about you, if you didnt know. 

@mellyp: im sure she’s read the past few chats, frederick. 

@🎶kreiburg: sorry, i hear children asking me if i am mozart. brb

Seen by @Orpheus.new.book.soon and @mellyp

@mellyp: i am concerned that that man will teach them music theory and there is nothing we can do to stop it, orpheus. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: The children will survive, Melly. 

@a.deross: is that emma beck coming into the orphanage? and who is that kid mr. kreiss is carrying?

@mellyp: my, my… so they really did come after all. 

END OF PART 1 

Chapter Text

3:15 PM

                                                             Emma & Friends’ Orphanage Flower Palooza!

@gravekeeper7: [image attached]

[ALT TEXT: a discreetly taken photo of tiny alice standing next to alice, whose upper torso is cut out of the photo because she’s so tall.]

they really do look similar….

@flowermama🌸: Cute!!

@MrPostman: Adorable.

@gravekeeper7: [images attached]

[ALT TEXT:  three photos: one of alice kneeling down and chatting with little alice; one of them hugging with melly watching in the background, leaning against a wall; and the finally one depicting tiny alice being lifted up by big Alice, pretending to fly.]

@mellyp: send those photos to the main groupchat, please. 

@gravekeeper7: ok

                                                    come see my musical performances 🎹

@gravekeeper7: [images attatched] @a.deross

@🎶kreiburg: she’s a little busy at the moment, mr. kreiss

@mellyp: i do believe they are both on their way to listen to norton’s storytelling…

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: He’s quite inventive… I was not expecting him to avoid the topic of death by saying characters went offscreen to go plant rainbows in Goldland. 

@mellyp: i wasn’t expecting him to avoid the topic of death at all, to be frank. he seems to be quite mature despite all that he has been through.

@🎶kreiburg: aren’t you two… the same age?

@cavaliernorton: everyone stop texting I’m on chapter twenty one I need to concertate the little kids are listening everyone stop 

@🎶kreiburg: the do not disturb button awaits you all with open arms. 

@notarat: but they don’t have arms

@urlocalmech: Luca, why don’t you go play with that little kid over there? he seems to like your, um… contraption

@notarat: no I think he likes yours Tracy

@urlocalmech and @notarat have gone offline. 

@🎶kreiburg: has everyone actually come to our surprise musical festival 2.0 after all?

@mellyp: i believe so, yes. 

@MrPostman: [video attached]

[ALT TEXT: Remember how Orpheus caught Norton locked in, reading to little kids? Well, now Alice (and Alice DeRoss) has joined the fray. The duo sit side by side, inching closer to Norton’s armchair without making so much as a peep as Norton reads about ‘The Great Race’— a time loop tragedy, or according to Norton, the consequences of not doing your homework on time. Or mining enough gold. Or— oh, he’s changed it again. And as he does, Melly and Frederick enter the room hearing the applause from the sea of tiny children. Norton’s saying the moral of the story is…]

     “Hard work, kids. Mr. Cavalier wouldn’t have escaped the time loop if he didn’t put  his whole a-- butt into it. So work hard, okay? And then maybe you’ll be just as rich as… uh… ALICE?! ʸ⁻ʸᵒᵘ'ʳᵉ ᵃˡᶦᵛᵉˀ”

     Alice (the older one), who has been watching Norton in silence, finally makes a peep. And she smiles, and tiny Alice and Norton alike can’t help but think she has a rather majestic and endearing smile. “Yes... I am.”

      Alice places a hand on Robbie White’s shoulder as he begins giggling next to her. “This little guy brought me outside and we went on the swing set. He told me quite a bit of fun facts.”

      “And she also met me when she was back inside!” Little Alice squeals, trying to steal all the attention from Alice’s other side. “I’m Alice, by the way!!”

     Norton simply glitches at the sound of ‘Alice’. He pauses, stands up, sits  back down, pinches his  nosebridge, and lets out the longest sigh the children (and Alice) have ever heard. Melly smiles as she watches Norton in such bewilderment. Frederick nudges her with his elbow. The two stand in back of the room. 

     “And that’s Andy… Andy Kreiss!” Little Alice immediately shifts all of her beloved attention onto Andrew, who absolutely despises attention. “And Victor Dogman! And Emma Beck!”

     Norton leans forward and hides his face. Andrew hides behind Victor, who hides behind Emma. Little Alice steps forward and stands in front of the disappointed, confused, and post-panicked prospector. 

     “Can I have some of your nose magnets too?” she asks, trying to place her tiny hands onto his cheeks to lift up his face. 

     Alice immediately stands up. “Alice, that’s enough.”

     Robbie stands at Alice’s feet as Emma steps forward, trying to distract the little children from bothering Norton any further. 

     “Who wants some pretty flowers?!” she cries, throwing bouquet after bouquet at the children. Victor and Andrew watch in amusement and horror respectively as child after child either catches a bouquet or gets smacked in the face by one. The smacked children giggle right after, causing Andrew distress. 

      “Why are we here again?” he chokes out. 

    “The children aren’t laughing at you, Andy— uh, Andrew,” Victor chuckles as Andrew fails to hide behind the shorter man. 

     “Now you’re calling me Andy, Dogman?!” 

     “Don’t even. Wick! Come and take a look at this guy.”

     As the peaceful chaos implodes in on itself, bouquet after bouquet and jab after jab with Melly and Frederick casually watching in the back, Alice tries to console Norton.

     “I can’t believe I just read a whole novel to a bunch of kids,” Norton slumps backwards in his chair, his eyes barely able to open. His breathing is strained. 

     “I’m… so proud of you?” Alice calmly responds, unsure of how to console him.

     Norton only manages to sign ‘okay’ to her before his eyes flutter shut. Alice watches with intrigue and makes sure to listen for his breathing. To her relief, he still does. His chest rises and falls as some curious children climb onto the armchair (and fail), watching him for just a second before going back to eating and playing with the flowers. 

     The chaos continues. Frederick has half a mind to begin conducting. He hasn’t even taught them music theory yet. Melly side-eyes him, wondering if such chaos is typical of such small children. It probably is, she realizes, and decides to keep an eye on the now asleep Prospector as Orpheus walks in. With Joseph, nonetheless. 

     “Hello there, little children! Who wants an autograph? Or a photo?” Orpheus strides in, immediately catching everyone’s attention. He poses next to Joseph, who hesitantly enters the room. Joseph’s eyes immediately fall to the floor, where petals of flowers are strewn about. It's almost elegant, Joseph thinks. Like the little paintings him and his brother Claude would make before…

     Joseph can’t think anymore as a team of crawling orphans beg for photos and autographs. He almost wrinkles his nose as one of them, just like Luca, tries to touch his precious Le Cent Vue camera. He immediately takes a photo of the kid. 

     The kid smiles and brings all of his friends in as Joseph readies the camera for another photo. The sight makes Joseph’s heart weak. 

     Meanwhile, Orpheus whips out several Call of Abyss books behind his back and, taking inspiration from Emma, throws them into the air. Alice catches them one after another because flying books tend to hurt children more than bouquets of flowers. The children cheer as Orpheus whips out his pen and begins signing all of these books that may not be appropriate for such small children. 

     “What’s with all this noise?” Luca storms in with Tracy right behind him, her on her console while Luca holds some wires in his gloved hands. 

     The noise in question halts as all turn to face the inventor. Luca awkwardly looks back. All say nothing. Mary pokes her head in, a pot of soup in her arms. 

     Tracy whistles, her eyes never straying far from the console. “What noise?”

     Luca stands there, appalled at the flowers and the future inventors staring into the depths of his soul and the sleeping Norton and the beautiful Le Cent Vue camera Joseph happens to be holding (Tracy nudges him as he sees it), as Robbie White himself approaches him. And Luca knows it is Robbie White because for the life of him, his friends won’t stop sending photos of them with the bandaged, spunky kid who hates windows. 

     “Luca!” Robbie immediately cheers, jumping into the air. He… he knew?

     Luca stands there. “Yes—“

     “LUCA!” the rest of the children echo. Andrew looks like he’s about to drop dead from the shrillness of their voices. Frederick puts a finger on one ear. That cheer was… definitely a tritone. Melly flinches. Emma applauds. 

     And then, Ann walks in. 

   “Who’s ready for snack time? Mary has prepared some lovely French soup for us!”

                                                                      ~

                                                                        5:09 PM

     “And just like that, it's all over.”

     Norton takes one final glance at the orphanage behind him; the sun lingers in the sky, illuminating the intricately built building. He dusts his hands off, looking like a father that needs ten more hours of sleep to function, but a proud father nonetheless— one who seems to care about orphan kids. 

     Melly and Frederick look back, too. And they think about all that was accomplished. Melly got to give some butterflies to the children. Perhaps, she thinks, they will grow up to be like her too, and will not be afraid of those who only care about exterior vanities.

      Frederick considers his time with Mary once more. How her affinity for caring for those little children spills out in her kind words, her gentle encouragement, her tender actions… meanwhile, Frederick offered kindness by music. A good little waltz suits some of those little dancers and singers and dreamers. And he admires that. 

     Alice’s footsteps echo as she heads towards her car, but she also ponders over all that happened. Caring for children was… an experience. But having her newfound friends with her only serves to enrich such a delightful experience. 

     Speaking of caring about orphan kids, Orpheus rushes out with Little Alice clinging to his legs. Frederick and Melly, who are also looking at the orphanage, both lock eyes as Norton flinches and stumbles backwards into Alice.

     “Noo! Mr. Orpheus, tell me another bedtime story!!! Please!!! I beg!!” Little Alice cries, her grip unrelenting as Orpheus proudly but hurriedly struts over to the group. She whines and whimpers and growls. 

      “It’s a good day for the virtues of faith, hope, and charity,” Orpheus practically sings as he smoothly slides Alice into his arms and places her down into the ground. “From this day forth I am now a patron of this little girl!”

     Alice waves at everyone. Everyone waves back, all with their own respective mannerisms. Norton’s eyes drift between Alice and Little Alice. Melly chuckles. Frederick sighs.

      “Congratulations,” Alice smiles at Orpheus. “Charity has been the goal, after all… why don’t we all celebrate?”

      “I’m not paying,” Norton immediately interjects.

      “I’ll pay,” A smirk on Melly’s face grows as she places a hand on her hip. Alice sighs and Melly clears her throat.

      “Never mind. I’ll pay a quarter of the bill,” Norton grumbles.

      “How charitable of you,” Frederick dryly hums. His fingers run over his tuning fork, the texture a familiar and soothing feeling. 

     Norton glares. Alice sighs. Melly looks to Orpheus.

     “Everyone, I’m so pleased to announce that my final draft Call of the Abyss shall be wrapped up by… hm, tomorrow,” Orpheus breaks the silence with a pleased grin. “Why don’t we all meet for lunch tomorrow, too?”

     Alice nods and a smile forms on her pink lips. Frederick nods with a raised eyebrow. Melly opens her mouth to speak.

      “I’ll pay,” Norton crosses his arms and tilts his chin upwards. “Because I'm a generous, hardworking man. Plus, I have the money since I’m a mo… since I work two jobs.”

     “…Thank you, but that’s completely unnecessary,” Alice awkwardly replies.

      Little Alice watches until she hears Andrew and friends exit the orphanage. She whirls around, her flower crowns rotating with her (boy, where could those have come from?) as she bounds over to them, leaving Da Capo to tease and squabble and do whatever older people who are very passive-aggressive with each other do. 

     She hopes they have a nice and yummy dinner. And she hopes her other new friends notice her!!

      “Bye Andy! Bye Dogman! Bye Dogman’s Dog! Bye Emma!” she jumps up, trying to catch everyone’s attention. She looks at the trio as they notice her, and she wishes she could stop Andy from slouching so much, stop Dogman’s Dog from tearing at Andy’s clothes, and give Emma more flowers.

     Victor waves back at her. She smiles and dashes over to him as she notices something in his hand.

      “Bye, little Alice,” Victor murmurs, taking a step back as Alice eagerly takes the letter sealed with fresh and utterly delectable— er, utterly beautiful wax. She grins and swells as she waves one more time before Ann appears in the doorway of the orphanage, beckoning her inside.

      Emma can’t hold back a sigh as the trio pass through the gates. Andrew notices Luca and Tracy nudging each other in the distance, to the west. He imagines Joseph is already at home by now, what with his fancy carriage/car/strange vehicle. (Is it really safe to let a man like him drive so fast?)

      He then looks at Emma, who is talking. “I’ll miss all of those little botanists.”

      “I’ll miss all of those little postkids… but not as much as you do,” the postman murmurs, hoisting up Wick into his arms. Wick woofs sniffs Victor’s face. He giggles, much to Emma’s amusement.

     Then the two look at Andrew, expecting him to add something. He shrugs, but as they continue walking, he finds something to say. “I guess children aren’t so bad after all.”

     And with that, everyone’s hearts feel just a bit lighter, even if just for a second. Perhaps all it takes a bit of faith, hope, and charity.

Chapter Text

SIDE STORY 3/3: Truffle Cake

June 14

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Greetings, Ms. DeRoss! I hope you’ve been well.

@a.deross: I have been, thank you. How are you, Mr. Orpheus?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: I’m doing well! I was wondering if you’d be interested in joining me for a review of a nearby bakery.

@a.deross: A bakery? As wonderful as that sounds, I usually investigate crime, not cakes.

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: As do I, Ms. DeRoss. And yet, I always find myself drawn to such delectable pastries, the likes of which can be found in a bakery.

@a.deross: Pastries such as?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Well, I do enjoy myself a fine truffle cake.

Seen by @a.deross

July 6

                                                            8:16 AM

Alice DeRoss

@a.deross

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Good morning, Alice!

Seen by @a.deross

@a.deross: Good morning to you too, Mr. Orpheus. How are you? Can I help you with something?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: I am absolutely well! Are you, perhaps… free today?

@a.deross: I believe so. Allow me to check…

Seen by @Orpheus.new.book.soon

@a.deross: I am after twelve. :) Is there something you needed me for?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: If you recall, I wanted to treat you investigate some truffle cake at a new local bakery before Frederick’s performance. But then the fire happened and everything got quite busy.

@a.deross: Haha, yes, I remember now. Are you planning to invite him and the other two, too?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: I’m thinking I’ll just invite you. After all, the last time we all had some kind of meal together… (if you recall, after the orphanage visit, dear Alice…)

@a.deross: right… you use parethesis?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: [images attached]

[ALT TEXT: That dinner was… interesting, to say the least. Among the multiple photos Orpheus has sent, there is one depicting Norton glaring at Melly with cake on his face and a milk moustache, one of Alice angstily sipping on some noodles, one of Frederick eyeing Alice pouring coffee to the brim in her teacup, one of Orpheus taking a selfie, one of everyone photobombing Orpheus’ selfie, and one of Frederick singing and using his tuning fork as a microphone while Melly watches with folded arms.]

@a.deross: Yes, Mr. Orpheus, I do remember all of this. Why do you still have that photo of me with the noodles?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Please don’t be alarmed. I also have photos of Norton with his noodles.
Seen by @a.deross

@a.deross: …Moving on, what time should we go to the bakery?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Three in the afternoon seems like an ideal time. The Meteorologist says it's going to be wonderfully sunny out today. 

@a.deross: I do enjoy the sun. That time should work for me, too. 

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: A deal is a deal then, my dear friend. See you at the appointed time! 

@a.deross: As to you, Mr. Orpheus!

Seen by @Orpheus.new.book.soon

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Wait, one more thing!

Seen by @a.deross

@a.deross: Yes?

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Please keep this endeavor a secret. 

@a.deross: May I ask wh I will.

                                                             10:00 AM 

Alice DeRoss

@a.deross

@cavaliernorton: [image attached] 

[ALT TEXT: The premium Jojo wine photo… taken by Norton. He wears his ornate Bird of Prey outfit from Frederick’s performance and rests an arm on Joseph’s shoulder as Joseph sips wine with his eyes closed.]

where are you 

@a.deross: im on my way. traffic seems to be big today. im almost at the manor tho.

@cavaliernorton: alright. we’ll be waiting…

Seen by @a.deross

@a.deross: im here. please open the door. 

Seen by @cavaliernorton

@cavaliernorton: hi

@cavaliernorton is typing…

     “Norton, why are you still on your phone?” Alice squints at the tiny phone in the model’s hands. He immediately stops typing and awkwardly slips the phone into a hidden pocket, looking back up at Alice with feigned innocence.

     “Morning,” he answers, his eyes meeting hers. He notices how bright the sun is by now and squints as it hits Alice’s face quite nicely. She has nice eyes, he thinks, and he considers letting Alice be the model instead so he doesn’t have to wear this obnoxiously ornate outfit for too long. It makes him really warm.

     She pushes past him after muttering a greeting he doesn’t comprehend and he slowly trudges after her, raising his fedora so he can see inside better. He catches the way she seems enraptured in every little detail of Joseph’s house, studying every picture on the wall, every flower in a vase, every tacky carpet Norton utterly detests from the bottom of his heart. 

     No wonder she’s an investigator, he thinks to himself, and he snorts. This prompts Alice to raise her eyebrow and look back at him. He shrugs at her as they enter the kitchen where Joseph is washing his wine glass. 

     “Welcome, Mademoiselle,” Joseph doesn’t bother to look back as he wipes water off the fancy glass with a towel. Alice remembers just how abnormally tall the old Frenchman is as he sets the glass down and turns around to face her. “I’m so glad we could finally arrange a time for you to come visit us.”

     Joseph sounds just the way he texts, Alice thinks to herself, and she mutedly giggles, prompting Norton to raise an eyebrow at her. 

     “Yes, yes,” Alice clears her throat, taking her camera out from behind her back. She turns to face Norton. “Don’t worry, this won’t take too long. I just need you to do some poses for me and we can decide which one is the best—“

     “You don’t wish to use my state of the art cameras?” Joseph gestures to several cameras lined up on his kitchen table. “I didn’t take them all out for nothing, Mlle. DeRoss…”

     Alice suddenly notices the rows of cameras on Joseph’s large, rectangular marble table and blinks rapidly. She knows he’s a photographer, but even this is a little…

     “Ah, of course, M. Desaulniers. Excuse my hastiness,” she murmurs, hesitantly approaching the cameras as if they might bite her. She inspects each one with the same intensity throughout and eventually settles on one that resembles her own scratched up camera the most. 

     Joseph seems pleased at her choice. “Much, much better. I will leave the photography to you then?”

     “Yes,” Alice nods and heads over to Norton, who leans on a wall, watching both of them approach him. She smiles at him and he offers something like a smile back before Joseph claps to get everyone’s attention. 

     “Mlle. DeRoss, what is your vision for this photo?” the elderly man slinks behind Alice before eyeing Norton up and down. “Perhaps the scenery should be more vivid, no? It is quite beautiful outside.”

     “Ah, good point, Mr. Desaulniers,” Alice nods, putting a hand to her chin. She looks at Norton, and then through a nearby window. Seeing that beautiful green trees surround Joseph’s estate and that the sun’s light only serves to enhance their loveliness, she locks eyes with the two men and they head outside.

     As they walk through the door and head towards Joseph’s expansive backyard, fit with a pond to the left, a pavilion in the center, and a border of trees to the right, Alice thinks about which kind of setting would best fit the advertisements for Joseph’s photography brand. It doesn’t take long, as she realizes that green might as well be Norton’s color, and so she directs the group towards the tall trees. 

     “It’s so hot today,” Norton grumbles as Joseph tries to adjust the man’s posture. 

     “It is July, my dear prospector,” Joseph rolls his eyes as continues to make any last minute adjustments. “Don't complain so much. It isn’t good for such a young soul like yours.”

     “Grandpa,” Norton murmurs under his breath as Joseph leaves Norton in his dazzling, beckoning pose, as if to say ‘come join Joseph’s photo company!’. Meanwhile, on the inside, Norton wishes he could be anywhere else. The heat reminds him on the mines.

     Alice raises her camera, but she realizes one more thing is missing.

     “Norton. Smile,” she whispers through her teeth. The dissonance between Norton’s grimace and his otherwise snazzy everything is stunning. 

     It takes him a few seconds to understand what she just said. He has half a mind to say no, especially with Joseph around. But reluctantly, shyly, and maybe because it's his good friend Alice, he does so. 

     He shoots her a sparkly grin with clenched teeth. She shoots the photo. 

     She gives him another smile. She’s a smiley person, Norton thinks, because every time he sees her, she’s either investigating or smiling. And he has no idea what she’s so happy about. He decides, as he walks towards her and inspects the photo, that it's probably money. 

     She’s a rich one, after all. 

     And after that, a few more photos are taken, with Joseph forcing Norton to change poses every single time and with Alice encouraging Norton to smile every single time. Norton is sick of doing both things, and he thinks Alice understands, because she decides to go to the bathroom, leaving her belongings in the pavilion. 

     “Break time!” she declares after a particularly horrendous photo of Norton having to do the peace sign with a wink. She heads into the pavilion and drops off her little blue purse and texts someone as Joseph and Norton follow after her. 

     “So much energy… I suppose it's to be expected of someone so spry,” Joseph whispers to Norton.

     “And someone who hasn’t seen the mines,” Norton adds, sweat practically pouring down his face now. 

     “Maybe it's better that way,” both conclude in unison. And then, Alice, who hasn’t heard a word they said as she sets down her open phone, says:

     “Can someone please show me where the loo is?”

     “Of course, Mlle. DeRoss!” and even though Joseph knows Norton wants to go inside where there’s air conditioning, he snatches that opportunity away and practically skips to her side. So much for being spry.

     And then the two walk away, leaving Norton with his own thoughts, Alice’s belongings, and the shade.

     At least he has that going for him.

     But after a few moments, he sees Alice’s still open phone screen light up, showing a text from…

      Oh no. 

     Norton blanches. 

Orpheus

@Orpheus.new.book.soon

@Orpheus.new.book.soon: Sorry to repeat myself, dear friend, but I must remind you to keep our little ‘meeting’ a secret. It is imperative that you do so lest anyone interrupt our special plans at the Bourbon Inspired bakery. But see you at three!

     And immediately after that, Norton’s mind is filled with conspiracy theories. His mind blanks to the Call of the Abyss book Orpheus read to children, and maybe it is the heat or his disdain for Orpheus or both because what if this secret meeting sends Alice into a time loop like it did to Highway Cavalier? Or what if Orpheus forces her to mine all the rainbows in Goldland? Or what if he is a mad scientist all along and is trying to drug her with cakes at the bakery to find a cure for his nonexistent daughter’s trauma? What if the bakery is a secret underground mine?!

     Norton is just about ready to faint, but a strange sense of chivalry overtakes him. Like a knight.

     It is his duty, he decides, to save Alice from the mines.

                                        12:17 PM

                                          Melly Plinius

                                            @mellyp

@cavaliernorton: Melly Melly wake up something horrible is going to happen

Seen by @mellyp

@mellyp: oh? pray tell, Norton?

@cavaliernorton: alice got a text from Orpheus and he wants to meet with her secretly in a bakery and do evil things to her. i told you we should have sic’ed him with insects weeks ago but u didn’t even listen 

@mellyp: are you… alright? and weeks ago, i told you to take a digital detox and you didn’t even listen. even more, you somehow saw through Alice’s personal texts 

@cavaliernorton: her phone was already on its didferent Melly i think alice is really in danger 

@mellyp: hm. tell me more.

@cavaliernorton: at three they r gonna meet at the BOURBON INSPIRED bakery and do something

@mellyp: a bakery? Mr. norton, youre panicking because they are meeting at a bakery? 

@cavaliernorton: Melly Orpheus writes HORROR for a living you should have seen the things he put in call of abyss six it is was crazy he should be advertising that to CHILDREN 

@mellyp: drink some water, norton.

@cavaliernorton: if alice dies or gets hurt I’m putting it on your hands. i should have texted kreiburg.

@mellyp: i never knew norton Campbell could type such words.

@cavaliernorton: ill tell Frederick because at least someone cares about alice 

@mellyp: halt your nonsense, campbell. just to prove i am a loyal friend of alices, —much more than you— i will accompany you to this bakery and keep an eye on them. 

@cavaliernorton: ok .I’m still telling kreiburg though.

@mellyp: alright, alright. 

                             Frederick Kreiburg Music 

                                     @🎶 kreiburg 

@cavaliernorton: get off your piano

@cavaliernorton: get off your piano

@cavaliernorton: get off your piano

Seen by @🎶kreiburg

@🎶kreiburg: someone is being rather demanding today, isn’t he?

@cavaliernorton: listen here Frederick I haven’t had water today I had milk for breakfast and I didn’t even touch my croissant Joseph made for me alice is in danger we need to help her

@🎶kreiburg: really? explain.

@cavaliernorton: Orpheus texted her to secretly meet him at the bourbon inspired bakery at 3 and he will do evil things to her

@🎶kreiburg: Orpheus doing evil things to alice? it is not so, norton. have you been out in the sun for too long?

@cavaliernorton: KREIBURG eveb MELLY is going to come protect alice what is wrong with you?!?!

@🎶kreiburg: ms deross is a wonderfully capable woman, norton. im sure someone like Orpheus wouldn’t do much to her.

Seen by @cavaliernorton 

@cavaliernorton: that makes sense. BUT if she’s hurt and Orpheus knocks me and Melly out who’s going to help her, huh.

@🎶kreiburg: he’s not going to order a hit on his friend, norton. are you okay? do you need me to play a lullaby for you?

@cavaliernorton: enough with your music theory! be a bad friend then and isolate yourself with your piano. me and melly can go by ourselves. 

@🎶kreiburg: goodness gracious, someone is being quite rude today.

@cavaliernorton: sorry not sorry IM a harder worker than you are kreiburg. even alice would agree no matter how much she pretends to like your divertimentos and waltzes and sixteenth notes

Seen by @🎶kreiburg

@🎶kreiburg: we’ll see about that, campbell. count me present.

                                          3:00 PM

     It is exactly three pm when Alice DeRoss and “Orpheus” DeAuthor enter the fine baking establishment ‘Bourbon Inspired’ owned by the sister of master of the theater arts Richard Sterling, AKA Delilah Sterling.

     At 3:05, they take a seat near the big, lovely glass windows depicting the busy streets of England. They sit across from each other in couches. And a few minutes later, they both order truffle cake*.

     Little do they know that the people sitting upstairs, who have a wonderful view of DeRoss and DeAuthor, watch them closely. Melly Plinius, Norton Campbell, and Frederick Kreiburg all inspect the scene with varying levels of interest, leaning against the railing and staring down. They have been at this ever since the truffle cake duo took a seat. 

     “Norton, you seem awfully focused for such a small event,” Melly sighs, looking Norton over. He looks just like Alice whenever she catches wind of a possible story. Perhaps Orpheus was right— maybe the man really did have a story to share to the world.

     “Quiet, Melly,” Norton hisses, trying to capture any little detail he can between Orpheus and Alice, trying to justify his visit and his ‘chivalry’. He refuses to admit this is quite possibly a bad idea. 

     He observes Alice’s smile after she drinks some water in a glass similar to Joseph’s. Even after a few minutes, her face maintains its regular color. Norton knew of the miners who had accidentally drank something less than ideal, and how… deranged they would look afterwards. 

     He shakes that memory off, ignoring Melly’s eyes boring into his face. Norton is even more distracted as Frederick begins blowing dust off his tuning fork instead of watching Orpheus.

     “All is well so far,” Melly murmurs, feeling as though this is a waste of time.  “Perhaps we should just go down there and greet them.”

     “You’re distracting me,” Norton groans as he squints down at the two. Orpheus seems to be cleaning his monocle. Alice adjusts the bow in her hair while they’re talking… were those anything special? 

     Melly opens her mouth to tell Norton his investigation is a bust, but stops before she does so out of respect. She finds his little detail-finding amusing.

     Norton thinks Melly should stop making fun of him and go eat her apple pie if she’s going to be unhelpful. 

     Frederick thinks the two should stop bickering lest he join in while the food gets cold and his tuning fork eats for them.

     “None of you are doing this correctly,” Norton complains. “You have to focus on Alice and Orpheus, not me.”

     “I was focusing on the food, mind you,” Frederick sniffs, adjusting his cane.

     Norton continues watching, being much more vigilant unlike Melly and Frederick. He leans against the railing even more, watching Orpheus sip his tea as Alice begins eating her truffle cake.

     Thankfully, because he was watching so closely, Norton knows Orpheus did not poison the cake. Or the water.

     Melly suggests that Norton should go eat now, because Frederick’s tuning fork is suspiciously close to Norton’s Victoria sponge.

     “Oh, fine!” Norton exclaims, throwing his hands up in the air. “At least I won’t be at fault if Alice gets food poisoning.”

     Melly and Frederick give him an odd look.

     “Eat,” is all Frederick says as the waiter witnesses this… interesting exchange. He is dressed in fancy clothing and everything about him seems sharp. Sharp eyes, sharp jaw. Oh, and he has a mole.

      He dips his head and speaks, “I’ll be walking around if you need anything else. Please don’t hesitate to call me over.”

     As the three sit down, occasionally stealing glances at Alice and Orpheus, they begin to eat.

     “I hope you guys are more helpful after you eat,” Norton mumbles as he eyes his Victoria sponge with a glint in his eye.

     “We may have just embarrassed ourselves in front of the waiter,” Frederick sighs.

     “I’m not too fond of him,” Melly admits as she slices her apple pie into even pieces. “But I heard he’s the owner’s brother.”

     “You’re not too fond of anyone,” Norton points out before looking down at Alice and Orpheus, who seem to be engaged in deep discussion.

     “Fun fact,” Orpheus tells Alice. “Ms. Sterling’s brother actually works here.”

     “Is that so?” Alice, who rests her chin on her hands, replies. She seems focused on all he says, not noticing the truffle cake remains on her face. 

     “Yes. But I’ve heard— from reliable sources— that they have a bit of bad blood against each other, and that Ms. Sterling, who is engaged, intends to transfer her business to someone else as soon as possible to get away from him.”

     Alice’s eyes are wide. “Interesting… Is this place inspired by Demi Bourbon, by the way? I can’t help but notice its name.”

      “It sure is. I was sure you’d catch onto that, Alice.”

     Norton’s eyes follow Frederick’s. “I can’t hear a single thing those two are talking about.”

     “We’re simply trying to watch over her, Norton,” Melly scoffs. “We are not spies.”

     Frederick nods as he dabs crème brûlée off his mouth. “I’m starting to believe this whole plan of yours is a ruse, Norton. They are simply holding a conversation.”

     Norton sighs. He says nothing as he finally gets the nutrients he needs.

     Silence falls over the table.

     “We should apologize,” Melly pinches her nose bridge. She says this after a few minutes of silent eating. Norton is already halfway finished with his entree and is unwilling to give up the same pride that made him deny Joseph’s croissants.

     And the man groans. “Look, isn’t it sketchy how Orpheus asked her to keep it a secret?”

     “Maybe he wants to surprise her with something,” Frederick folds his arms, brushing some hair to the side. He can’t believe Norton is still insistent on focusing on the little details and being inquisitive. 

     “Agreed,” is all Melly says before she sips some tea.

     And of a sudden the prospector feels very, very stupid as logic and reason and truth and inference slowly creep back into his head. And Melly and Frederick don’t need any sort of super dedication to tell that Norton is back to normal.

     “Well,” Melly begins. “It’s time to right our wrong. I can see that we are all almost done with our treats.”

     Norton solemnly nods. Frederick is glad he’s not in investigator mode anymore. He finds that side of Norton disturbing… it gives him a new composition— no! Album idea.

     And speaking of compositions…

     “Alice, the reason I asked you to keep this— all of this— a secret for me is because of this.”

     Alice tilts her head to the side as Orpheus opens his brier case and gently takes out…

     “The new Call of the Abyss,” Alice quietly answers as Orpheus gently places the fresh book into her gloved hands. 

     “It’s… the very first copy. I got it published early in the morning, and seeing as I am fueled by your own great works to write my own, it is dedicated to you.”

     And to Alice, there aren’t as many things as wonderful as being able to write. To use words, to dip the pen in the ink, to spread the truth… those tiny little things make her brain happy. And seeing this written work from someone as talented and as kind as Orpheus puts a smile on her face.

     “Orpheus… thank you so much.”

     Around them, people chatter. Clinks from plates and glasses are heard. Melly, Norton, and Frederick’s footsteps echo as they head downstairs to apologize. Bells chime every time the door opens. And yet, for Alice and Orpheus, the world is still.

     “No, thank you, Alice. There are several people out there who will read this book and enjoy it. There are many people who make a fuss about it and critique it or love it. But sadly, I won’t be able to respond to all of them. It pleases my heart that I am at least able to respond to you.”

     “…How profound.”

     “And, one more thing. Continue writing yourself. I understand we may write in very different genres about very different situations, but all writing matters. Language has power, does it not?”

     “It indeed does.”

     “So keep writing. And one day my Call of Abyss series will end. But your reports… well, you’ll always have something to write about, because this world is infinite. So do write, and be inspired, and finish writing. And do tell me your thoughts on this book once you’re finished, because I’m sure all authors would agree that any sort of feedback makes them happy.”

     Alice nods. Orpheus smiles once more. The two shake hands. 

     And just like that, this part of their story is over. 

                                                                        the end of musically yours, a skibidi idv chatfic

written by hongkes, inspired by You Have One (1) New Notification, dedicated to God & Matthias Czernin & all reading