Scarlet Vision | Twisted Wonderland

i beg you, don't embarrass me, motherfucker, oh (please, please, please)

Everyone began to take their designated seats around the various tables adorned with painted red roses in vases and white tablecloths. [Name] made sure to sit between Ace and Deuce, with Grim comfortably settled on their lap. The atmosphere was charged with nervous energy, particularly emanating from Ace, who sat fidgeting in his chair with the tart box securely on his lap.

"This is a bit nerve-wracking..." Ace whispered, his gaze darting around the room as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. [Name] raised an eyebrow, noticing Ace tugging at his collar. "Is it hot, or is it just me?" he asked, his voice tinged with nervousness, earning concerned glances from the others. They hoped that he isn't going to bail on this because they didn't think he would do this another time.

"Uh, I think that's just you..." Deuce chuckled nervously, trying to lighten the mood. Ace's leg bounced nervously under the table as he continued to fidget and pull at his shirt.

[Name] nodded in understanding, reaching for the teapot placed on the table. They poured a cup of tea and pushed it gently towards Ace, carefully placing the teapot back in its spot. "Maybe drink something to calm your nerves. We don't need you throwing up and then passing out on us."

Ace chuckled awkwardly, his fingers still gripping his shirt collar. "I sure hope not," he joked weakly, taking [Name]'s advice and lifting the teacup to his lips. He took a sip and set it back down, attempting to take deep breaths to steady himself. However, the tension persisted, evident in the way his stomach continued to churn. "So not working."

"Meow, it was worth a try," Grim remarked with a shrug, his paw sneaking towards the scrumptious snacks laid out on silver trays in the center of the table. He pouted slightly as [Name] deftly pushed his paw back, without even needing to look at what he was doing.

"What is the worst that could happen?" Deuce pointed out, attempting to lighten the tense atmosphere, though [Name] couldn't shake the feeling that he might have jinxed it. They kept the thought to themselves, not wanting to unsettle Ace further. They didn't want him running out of the party as if there were wolves nipping at his ankles.

Thankfully, before Ace could dwell on the thought, Riddle grabbed a chair and pulled it back, commanding everyone's attention as he then took a seat elegantly. The field fell silent as Riddle raised his own cup of tea, his posture exuding authority and pride.

"Good, it seems like I have everyone's attention," Riddle began, his eyes scanning the room with satisfaction. He checked that everyone had a tea cup in hand before continuing, his gaze gleaming with intensity. [Name] wondered if this is another rule by the Queen of Hearts and made sure to hold their own just in case. He continued, "A toast. It is no one's birthday but an unbirthday party! Thank you everyone for being here and a merry unbirthday to you all, cheers!"

Responding to the cue, [Name] joined in, raising their tea cup along with everyone else and echoing, "Cheers!" They carefully placed it back on the coaster, anticipating that this would be the moment Ace chose to present the tart to Riddle. They knew Ace would appreciate their support during this crucial moment.

Cater gave Ace a pointed look. "This is your chance to give it to him, Ace!"

Ace nodded slowly, steeling himself. "Right..." He rose from his seat, feeling the reassuring gazes of his friends, including [Name] who gave him a thumbs up for luck.

"Good luck," [Name] said earnestly, their tone conveying their support as the others nodded in agreement.

"Thanks, [Name]," Ace replied with a grateful smile, his nerves visibly slightly settled by their encouragement.

Ace nervously approached Riddle, who had just finished his tea, a subtle sign that he might be in a good mood, [Name] hoped silently. "Um, Housewarden, sir...?" Ace mumbled, his nerves palpable as he stood before Riddle, who glanced at him with a raised eyebrow.