Chapter Text
“ Trop loin dans cette folie. ”
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
December 24th, XXXX
It was a pleasant winter morning, young cookies ventured out of their homes to play in the sugar snow or to shovel their driveways. Others went last minute Christmas shopping and some went grocery shopping for Christmas dinner later on- it was a busy day for others. Quite relaxing for some.
..Yet Roguefort paced their living room, still dressed in their attire from the previous evening, they hadn't slept a wink. Too much on their mind, too much worry for one evening that it permeated into the next morning. Making them neglect their basic care of the evening, including breakfast. By the time they had relaxed they were late for work, they hastily dressed into their uniform. Mumbling curses as they went and bolting out the door with moments to spare.
They arrived at work, apologising to their co-workers and beginning work. Putting out some pastries on display, getting the coffee machine to work. Thankfully today was slow so they didn't miss the breakfast rush, and they didn't miss Almond yet either. They’d have the time to question Almond a little on his evening with Jack's at the very least, hopefully it will ease their thoughts. They spaced out for a majority of their day, sometimes missing someone's order and having to redo it again, they were stressed and it showed. Their co-workers felt bad. Eventually Almond came into the cafe, pausing at the counter when Bleu stared at the kiosk and slowly waved his hand In front of them “Bleu? Mio caro?” He said slowly, brows furrowing in concern before Bleu finally snapped out of their trance-like state and looked up “Ah, Mon Beau– Merry Christmas, many things on my mind today” they chuckled, ringing up Almond’s usual. He didn't look any less comforted by their statement "Add two croissants.” he said whilst taking his wallet out, watching Bleu ring up his order “18.25” They hummed, looking at Almond with tired eyes, taking the given cash and putting it on the register, turning around to get his order ready.
Almond himself was conflicted, having thought about the previous night and his encounter with one of the Brave’s, it was dangerous as it was idiotic. Who knew Roguefort had ties to the council? Almond stared off in thought, Bleu gently poking the detective's cheek to get his attention “Mon Beau? Your coffee’s ready” they said softly, watching Almond take his coffee and croissants. Only staring when Almond hands Bleu a croissant, slowly tilting their head “Eat.” He says simply, grumbling and thrusting it toward them insistently and walking off without a word. Bleu blinked yet again, smiling softly and heading to the break room to eat their croissant, chuckling softly in thought. “How sweet..” they mumble, finishing their croissant. Wiping their mouth and heading back to work, their thoughts now filled with their beloved detective.
Almond headed to work, thoughts taken over by his encounter with The Jack of Cards, mumbling under his breath about work and opening the door to his office. Maybe he’d head to the juice bar after work, he could use whiskey, it's been a while since he drank.. shaking the thought away, he sat at his desk. Sighing and drinking his coffee down before grabbing a new case file placed by a co-worker, skimming it over “burglary.. third offense..” he murmured “broke a restraining order against his husband?” He said quietly, pausing “That's more paperwork.. could probably do that, the guy lives nearby.” He hummed in thought, shutting the file “guess that's my work for tonight” he stretched, back cracking satisfyingly. He quickly finished his coffee and croissant, dusting the crumbs off his shirt and heading out to begin his evening of chasing.
He’d hoped Roguefort would pull off the favour he asked for, finding them was difficult at 5 am after their fake Roguefort heist was already difficult, he could only pray to the witches that Roguefort would consider this one favour for Christmas.
His mind suddenly pounded at the reminder, he winced “damn..” he needed to take paracetamol or something for this damn headache of his. It was getting frustrating, having to work on Christmas- his only benefit being he could leave early since he's the head detective but.. still. He’d prefer spending the day with Walnut, if any. Have dinner with Bleu- but work called and he had a duty to fulfill. So, despite his aches (he really should retire..), he grabbed a case file off the pile of others and skimmed through it whilst grabbing a notepad to note down witnesses and other information to hopefully aid in the case.
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“ Potrei mai smettere di amarti? “
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Bleu got the chance to close up early today, since it was Christmas Eve-- and thank the witches for that! They could plan out their grand heist for the 31st, which would surely have to be grand! It's only natural to end the year with a heist. A testament to their promise to steal the hearts of everyone they could.
They headed down to their vault, opening up a map to decide their next heist location; they had to track every jewellery store and bank. Just so they knew which location they last stole from, and would you look at that, their previous heist was a jewellery store! That would mean they need to contribute more to the bank, and sure they could just.. not steal but where's the fun in not doing anything?
They smiled to themselves, adding another tick to the note labelled “BANKS” for their tally on crimes done. And goodness gracious they were getting to the hundreds! They best have a drink to commemorate, they haven't visited Sparkling in ages.. plus they could help Almond with a small ‘case’ for Walnut. They know their dear Detective must be busy, otherwise they would have planned better.. but it couldn't be helped, they supposed. Plus they’d love to see if Walnut would be capable of taking over in case Almond ever.. retired, but they knew that was far from happening. Almond would never let himself give up so easily so long as they were still around. Roguefort smiled slightly, though this worried them endlessly.. Almonds health was already poor, considering his age and the fact he rarely ate. They could only thank the witches for Almond contributing to his breakfast through their disguise. Bleu could use some work.. Perhaps a new hobby? Should contribute to their disguise more.
They pulled on their cape and hat, adjusting what was needed and doing their makeup as needed. They haven't visited the Juice Bar in ages.. better late than never, they supposed. So with them fully dressed, they left the manor in direction of the juice bar, occasionally adjusting their hat and heading down to the juice bar. Surely tonight should be quiet, knowing that most cookies had work the next day, it was less likely anyone would be out for a drink. So they head out to the Juice Bar.
Meanwhile..
Eclair sipped his tea, nodding occasionally as Latte drunkenly talked (more like yelled..) about Espresso and Madeleine, Earl cleared his throat. “Aha.. Miss Latte we’d best keep our voices down, Yes? We don't wish to disturb the other patrons of this fine establishment.” He offered, trying to calm her. To which she drank more juice and wiped her mouth, her hat leaned against the wall next to her. “Nno! I'mm.. m’not done.” She mumbles, holding the counter as if she’d fall despite the fact she was sitting down. Eclair smiled awkwardly “aha.. how about cutting down the Juice for the evening, at least? I fear 3 glasses won't feel as well the next day.. it is a work night.” Latte waved him off. The pair sighed, continuing to listen to Latte’s drunken ramblings. Though it was difficult to follow her.. ever growing confusing story between her brother and his– boyfriend? Was it? The pair couldn't tell.
Though Latte hushed up once her gaze landed on the now open door of the juice bar, Eclair and Earl followed her gaze, both stiffening.
They allowed criminals here?
Roguefort tipped their hat to Latte, smiling as they wander to the counter, taking an unfortunate seat next to Earl Grey, who shifted uncomfortably. Sparkling glanced up with a smile “Ah, Roguefort! Been a while since you showed your face, take it you and the Detective are still going at it like cats and dogs?” Rogue chuckled, sighing blissfully “every night is always the same, Sparkling~ I wish to have more fun.. just some Juice for the evening.” Sparkling nodded, turning around to grab a bottle whilst Roguefort glanced at Latte “Ah, too much to drink Madame?” They smiled charmingly, she didn't reply but held a thumbs up. Eclair glanced at Rogue, squinting at them. Rogue did the same to the pair, so so familiar.. they were at the cafe weren't they? Ordered tea and croissants, or something similar. They smiled “You stare as if you’ve seen a ghost” they grinned, Eclair blinked immediately looking away in embarrassment from being caught blatantly staring. Earl sighed “My apologies for my brother..--” he paused, unsure how to address them, he thought for a moment before clearing his throat and continuing “--Msr. You are.. quite the image among cookies, it’s only natural to stare.” Roguefort smiled, how kind of them, to stare at Roguefort as if they were a friend.. delightful! They let out a laugh “Take a picture, Monsieur, it should last you much longer.” Roguefort turned their attention back to Sparkling, noticing the lack of the other regulars “Sparkling, your regulars aren't around?” They questioned with a softer smile, he chuckled in response, setting Rogueforts drink down Infront of them “Herb’s busy and Mint choco’s got a rehearsal. Vampire should be coming in tonight if he can get past his sister” Roguefort nodded in understanding “Ah, alchemist cookie yes? Always doing good, even if her brother disregards it.” They hummed, sipping their juice “And what brings you three to the juice bar this evening?” they glanced at them, Eclair stiffened and Latte looked at them “ohh- oh! Weree uhhm.. celebr..celbraci..celebrate..” she tried, though the fog in her mind made it difficult, Earl explained for her “She invited me and my brother out for drinks, for a ‘celebration’ as she says but we aren't precisely certain on her.. description.” Roguefort nodded slowly “Ah, a celebration?” “No I wouldn't think it-” “Delightful! It's always wonderful to celebrate, even when it has no purpose for others! Celebrating yourself is wonderful.” Eclair seemed surprised by Roguefort's answer, but nodded nonetheless “And you’re here because..?” Roguefort grinned, looking much more mischievous, which made Eclair worry internally “Ah, just here for a favour~ Sparkling?” They slid a calling card towards him, smiling devilishly “If Walnut were to come by.. do give this to her~ Assisting Almond with something, she should have a case this evening” Sparkling blinked in surprise but took the card nonetheless “Helping Almond, are you? That's a first” he chuckled, tucking the card somewhere under the counter “Just assisting~ He personally asked me for a favour earlier and I'd decided to entertain his request!” They sipped more of their juice, noting the way Latte dozed off on the counter.
Earl whisperer towards Eclair “I told you, it's definitely him.” Eclair shook his head “I- it couldn't possibly. Mother sent them off to Auntie he wouldn't–” Earl gave him a more stern look “You know fully well she would. She never listened to mother.” Eclair fiddled with the rim of his teacup, “just.. don't say anything, I don't want to get my hopes up for nothing.” Earl sighed in response and leaned back, glancing at Roguefort before turning to them “So.. You steal?” Roguefort blinked at the question, before nodding slowly “I would.. say so, yes. Why do you ask?” Eclair cleared his throat, leaning against the counter slightly “Just.. a strange question, I know you truly wouldn't answer I- I mean you're a criminal so..” Eclair fumbled with his words a little “if you’d.. share about your story, we won't say a word to anyone” he tried, if anything, but Roguefort simply smiled “Aha, you wish for me to talk about myself? How sweet. While I appreciate the sentiment, I couldn't possibly reveal myself.” They giggled, raising their glass to them and finishing their juice “I best get going, and you better get her home as well” they gestured to Latte, who was halfway drooling on the counter now, Earl sighed. “Yes, we best leave. Eclair help me take her home will you?”
The pair hoisted Latte up, putting her hat on her head before awkwardly getting her out the door. Roguefort watched them leave before they sighed “So they knew about it” they mumbled, Sparkling raised a brow but made no attempt to question their comment “Refill?” He offered instead, Rogue nodded “One last, before I head home for the evening.” They hum, jolting slightly when their phone rings. They hastily bring it out, Sparkling looks curious “And who would be calling you?” Roguefort gulped “Aha.. Almond, excuse me for a moment.” They hastily step out of the establishment for a moment, taking the time to smooth out their cape before answering.
“Bonsoir, Mon Amour! Miss me already?” They giggled, waiting for Almonds response.
“Bleu? Buonasera, mio caro. Wanted to ask if you’d be able to come over tonight?"
They stiffened, darn it. They wouldn't be able to prepare Walnuts case properly, they laugh a little
“Ah– so you do miss me! I’d be happy to, though I am taking care of a little business at the moment.. I'll be there soon~” they could hear Almond let out a grunt of acknowledgement on the other end
“No rush, get here whenever you get the chance.”
Roguefort let out a sigh of relief.
“Merci, mon amour. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
They hang up, heading back inside the juice bar to which Vampire has finally made his arrival, already drinking juice down like it was nothing. Roguefort finished their own and offered to pay “Ah, no. Rogue I know you have stuff going on, even if you won't say it directly. On the house tonight” he insisted softly, Roguefort sighed and nodded “Your much too kind, Mes amis..” Roguefort waved and hurried out to finish the rest of Walnut’s case, leaving small cheese trails as they went to somewhat aid her. Though they’d never do this for Almond, of course! Only he’s smart enough to go on with their case without a clue~ So they’d allow Walnut the permission to have a few clues, only for tonight.
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“ Il tuo test, piccina. “
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Walnut sat at home drawing on a sheet of paper, her dad was working again and she wasn't going to her mom's for the holidays since she was busy with work things. She didn't mind it though, she preferred staying at her dad's for Christmas anyway, it's more fun with him! She smiled as she drew, crayons in hand as she pondered ways she could help her dad with a new case.
It's been a while since he assigned one to her, so she'll have to look for the work herself! She gets off her seat and scurries out of her room, looking about and making sure she's being quiet while she sneaks into her dad's office. Even though her dad always warned her never to snoop where she doesn't need to, she can't help it! She wants to help him anyways so that's that. Even if she'll get punished she knows she's doing the right thing by lessening her dad's work load once case at a time!
She pushed a chair over to her dad's filing cabinet and pulled open one of the drawers, looking through each and every available file in her sight to see if she could help with any of them! She hums as she does this, reading the files out loud while mulling each over. "Kidnapping?.. seems a bit too much for me to do on my own.." she mumbled, lifting another file out "Mmm.. Missing person? Yeesh, way too complicated!" She looks over more of the files, disappointment slowly making its way onto her face as she realises these cases are all too big for her to handle. She frowns and pushes the drawer closed, pushing the chair back to where she got it and heading back to her room. "I couldn't find a single case I could do on my own! My dad's gonna be busier now" she huffs, sitting back in her chair while she rests her head in her hands "What can I do to help my dad?" She mumbles, sighing as she resigns to playing with her dolls again. She gets away from her desk (organized to look somewhat like her dad's) and to her toy box, lifting it open before stopping to stare at the placed calling card in the arms of her favourite dollie.
A smile graces her face in seconds and she quickly tore open the envelope to look at the card itself.
" Dearest Detective,
Good evening, inspecteur!
Tonight at 9:30 I shall steal the Diamond belonging to the biggest bank in all of Parfaedia! It's quite dazzling, and it's very very expensive. I pray you stop me before time is up, Mon Beau!~ It would be a pity if you missed the clock.
Try and stop me little detective~ "
Walnut practically beamed as she read the card, practically bouncing off the wall as she grabbed her gear and bolted out the front door, looking up at the clock tower and hurrying her footsteps. 20 minutes late! She shook her head "No! I can help my dad! I don't think they got far!" She says to herself, determination taking over as she makes it to the scene (albeit late).
She ducks under the police tape and makes her way inside, being greeted by cops leaving the scene when they failed to find any evidence. She took her magnifying glass out and went around the scene inspecting things and looking for any clues Roguefort could have left, even the smallest clue counts! She goes around the entire area, sighing as she circled back to the crime scene itself "Dang it! There's nothing here" she kicks the ground, turning around before she notices something in one of the darker corridors. A footprint!
She lit up, smiling as she ran over and inspected it "a clue!" She jumps up and down, following the footprints away from the scene and out behind the building. The footprints went further and further away from the building, trailing down one of the unused alleys at the end of the street and coming to a dead end. She looked around “the tracks just stop,” she mumbled, looking up at the wall “it's too high to jump over– how did they get all the way up there?” She sighs, taking out a small pocket sized flashlight and shining it around. Finding another calling card waiting for her just hidden behind a crate.
” Very good, Little detective! You’ve found my calling card, now you're one step closer to truly catching me. ”
Walnut smiled giddily, jumping up and down excitedly “I’m close to catching them! I can help my dad!” she looked back at the calling card.
” Your next clue. . I may sometimes have a drink alone at a certain bar ! You'll find your next clue with the bartender. Catch me if you can, Le petit!~ “
Walnut stared at the card a moment longer “They know Mr Sparkling?” She thought, shaking her head and heading down to the juice bar. She was getting thirsty anyway! She put the calling card into her pocket and excitedly went where she came, making her way to the Juice Bar. She opened the door, seeing it was almost closing already, she went up to the counter and climbed onto a barstool “Merry Christmas Mr. Sparkling!” The bartender in question was cleaning a glass, cocking his head curiously when he heard her voice, immediately remembering his small deal “Ah, Detective Walnut! What brings you here this Christmas?” Only one other regular was here, that being Vampire Cookie, but he was barely conscious in his seat. Walnut shouldn't question him, then. She smiled “solving a case for my dad!” Sparkling nodded slowly “Ah, is that so? Well, someone left something for you Little Walnut” he reached behind the counter, pulling out a calling card “whoever left this was in a rush, didn't even see them come in” he hummed “I'm sure it’ll be more useful to you though, think it's part of your case?” He leaned against the counter, watching Walnut for a moment with a fond smile “Maybe! I’ll keep investigating, thanks Mr. Sparkling!” She took the calling card and rushed off, hastily opening it.
” Très bien, petit détective ! You're one step closer to catching me, one last clue, to end our game of tag for the evening~ You might find me at my very first heist location, not many know this, but I know you do ! Mon admirateur numéro 1~ “
Walnut thought long and hard about this, she knew this– Her dad told her all about it right after their first heist, it became her nightly bedtime story besides Detective Cookie. She snapped her fingers, of course! The Cheesecake Manor, where Walnut had first found out about the Stealer Of Hearts that fateful evening trying to help her father lower his work load. She smiled and made her way to the manor, which would be locked so hopefully Roguefort’s already broken in so she won't get in trouble– it makes sense! As long as she leaves this part out of her report.. her dad doesn't need to know right? Right. She headed for the Manor, shivering slightly from the cold but otherwise making haste regardless of the weather.
She managed to get through the open gate, looking around for an entry point that didn't involve breaking a window, before she spotted a window left slightly ajar. She lit up and hurried towards it, pulling herself onto the window sill and climbing inside. Landing on the floor with a soft thud before giving a cursory glance around the manor's interior. It smelled old, the people living here were likely on vacation this time or they just left it like this, why they did so was unknown to Walnut but that wasn't important right now. She needs to focus on the case. Walnut ventured around the manor in search of a clue, only to sigh when her search turned up empty “I missed them!” She huffed, kicking a nearby shelf and knocking a book out of it, in which it opened to a page with a calling card in it. She gleamed and picked it up, carefully opening it to check its contents. . Only to pause, there was no card, just a bit of cash and a small hastily written note that simply read;
” Joyeux Noël, petit détective ! Que Dieu te bénisse. “
Walnut blinked, checking the back of the envelope in case she missed something- But it was blank. Was this seriously it? Cash? Was it a gift? She was so confused- why would they just give her money? Even if Roguefort treats her nicely.. this was out of character! Even for them! She pocketed the calling card and left quietly, she’ll give her report to her dad once she makes it! She hurried home in the darkness.
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“ Ce jour de Noël, mon bien-aimé. “
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“Did you really send her off so you could pull this off, Mon Beau?” Bleu chuckled as they handed Almond a roll of wrapping paper, to which the detective took appreciatively “It's difficult gettin' her outta the house to begin with” he mumbled gruffly, crudely wrapping a toy set Walnut asked for awhile ago. Bleu shook their head and gently took the gift from Almond “Mon dieu.. you are terrible at wrapping gifts, Mon tresor” they chuckle “I don't usually wrap gifts.” Almond murmurs with a sigh, before grabbing a different gift to wrap, thank god he called Bleu tonight. He couldn't imagine wrapping a gift decently without them otherwise, and he really didn't want to ruin tonight for Walnut. Almond stood up and headed to the kitchen “Y’ want a snack, Amore?” He opened the cupboard, peering into it and checking the label of some bag of chips he doesn't remember buying. Grimacing before setting it down and opting to find some snack that hadn't expired by 3 years. Bleu tied a bow around the wrapped gift “C'est parfait !” They admired their handiwork, addressing Almond after a few minutes “I’m fine with anything, Cher. I'm not picky in the slightest” they smile politely, setting the wrapped gift aside and attaching a gift tag to it and grabbing another item to wrap while Almond found a bag of chips for them to snack on.
Almond sat back down next to Bleu with a bowl of chips and some fruit in a bowl in case Bleu wanted something “fancier”, fruits were expensive so it could be considered decently fancy… right? They could both get by with some discount chips and grapes for the evening. They are having dinner here anyways- spending it with Almond and Walnut for the night and possibly new years for lunch. It fits their schedules perfectly, which was a bonus. Bleu finished wrapping a second gift and added the gift tag, grabbing some clothes Almond bought for her. Now they wondered how much Almond spent.. seems they'll have to leave him a gift as Roguefort on New Year's as well. Just so he could have something to pocket for later on, toys were expensive even if they were on sale anyways. Even if they were the one to offer Walnut cash after her little case, that wouldn't cover nearly as much as Almond had spent for her- another amount would be better suited. Perhaps 20,000? 50? Maybe a bit too much but they’ll figure something out. After all.. they wish to spoil their dear Detective and Little Walnut further, if things were to work out.
Bleu hummed as they continued to diligently assist Almond with gift wrapping, knowing Walnut would have solved her case by now. They truly should've made a more extravagant ending but they didn't have the time for it, especially not when Almond called them to come over. So they supposed a bit of cash would satisfy her urges for a new case. They smiled to themselves and placed another wrapped gift aside before looking for anything else to wrap “Shall I bring your gift here as well?” Almond looked up, blinking once then twice before his brows furrowed “you.. bought me something?” Bleu nodded, grinning “Of course, amour! What kind of partner would I be otherwise?” Almond smiled at that, rolling his eyes fondly “Whatever, sure. Bring the gifts, A more” Bleu smiled in agreement, pressing a gentle kiss to Almonds temple before standing up to leave. Hurrying out and running back to the manor to collect their gifts before Walnut's return.
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“ À la nouvelle année! “
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January 31st, XXXX
“Good Evening Parfaedia! Time for our nightly news–”
Roguefort smiled to themselves, cape fluttering behind them as they ran across the rooftops in the dead of night. Fireworks painting the night sky in beautiful shades of blue’s and red's, making Roguefort grin as they glow beneath it's lights. Allowing themselves to be visible, which was typically an issue. But they felt tonight should end with a bang, even if enough was going on in their life, all of this would calm down when New Years came.
“--In other news, our new years count down will begin at 11:58 PM! Infront of the clock tower in town square.”
Roguefort checked their watch, 11:36, they if they timed it right they should make it to the Jewellery Store in 6 minutes, otherwise all of this would have been in vain. Tonight was extra daring considering there were more officers around, to prevent them from stealing at all. But they wished to get one more heist in before the New Year's, to appease the Brave’s considering they haven't been up to much crime recently.. hopefully this should keep things settled between them.
“As of tonight, all of M.E.H’s officers will be patrolling the city to prevent any magical mishaps and crimes from being commited this evening!”
Roguefort scaled the rooftop of the bank, looking for any particular ways inside. Grinning to them self once their eyes land on the open skylight, rookie mistake honestly.. must be a new closer, it seems. They climb through the window and land in the center of the bank, looking around, it's a little too silent. But they guess it's because all the guards are patrolling the city, and Almond is likely out as well, this was too easy! They manage to break the vault door down with their ability just as easily, which contributed to the easy entry and the destruction of the alarms. They hum as they head in, producing a sack from their pocket (a little old school, but it works) and stuffing the cash in. They felt Crumbles shake his way out of their hair, they hum as it lands on the ground with a quiet ‘mrow’. Roguefort stuffed more cash into the sack before setting It down Infront of Crumbles “Now, Mon Tresor. Bring this home” they smile, offering their cat a treat before he ate it and took the bag in its mouth, scurrying off with some difficulty.
Roguefort took care of the rest of the cash, stuffing it in a smaller sack and tying it closed, hopping back up from where they came, only to pause when they saw Almond waiting with a few officers around the bank.
. . .
They were tricked.
How delightful, they grinned “Ohoho! That's dirty, detective! Tricking the trickster.. Étonnant!” Almond glared harshly, hand going to the cuffs on his belt “Just drop the cash nice n’ slow, Roguefort. And maybe I'll plead less punishment f’ ya.” He grumbled, watching Roguefort carefully. Another particularly loud set of fireworks go off around them, bathing them in blue light “Awh, but then our game would end~ And I know Mon beau détective would hate for the game to end so soon~” they cooed mockingly, Almonds glare hardened “I offered ya the easy way out, but you never listen do you?” He scoffed, throwing the cuffs at their wrist, managing to capture both their wrists at once. They gasp, looking at their wrists and back at Almond, he wasn't playing around tonight was he? “Tonight will be the last night you ever commit a crime again, Roguefort.” The criminal blinked, before smiling wider “Oh? So the stakes have gone up, without my permission?~ How cruel!” They huffed, adjusting their grip on the sack of cash they had and bolting. Almond readily chased them from the ground, catching up to them easily despite the major height difference.
“More reports have come in! An unknown cookie has been selling fireworks and explosives to minors. Please tread carefully as officers are bound to collect all the explosives and fireworks before any damage is done.”
Roguefort rolled their eyes as they heard the chaos beneath them, Jacks must have done something, contribution to the Braves it seems. They cursed to themselves as more fireworks went off around them, hopping onto a new rooftop, glancing down at their cuffed wrists “This should be a problem..” they murmur, continuing to run across the rooftops in their attempt to escape Almond. He sure was trying this time around, they glanced down at the ground and managed to make out Almonds silhouette in the darkness, they smile in delight “Putting up a fight aren't you, detective!” They called out with a laugh, sprinting across the rooftops as Almond gangs up on them from below “Just give it up, Criminal!” he sounded breathless, Roguefort ought to note that for later. Still, they pressed on. Smiling as they hop onto another rooftop–
They swore they saw Jacks in an alley, trying to sell some other unsuspecting teen some probably illegal fireworks. Typical.
“Almost all the fireworks have been collected, but a few are still missing and some are still in circulation. Please proceed with caution while law enforcement attempts to find the final round of fireworks! Our count down begins!”
“Wait– Roguefort--”
Roguefort didn't hear when Almond yelled at them, didn't even get to react when a firework whizzed past them, exploding behind them in a flash of red and blue. They stumble, and their cape catches fire, panic sets in and they try desperately to take their cape off despite their cuffed hands.
“10! 9! 8! 7! 6!..”
Almond is yelling at Roguefort to relax, but he's not the one burning.
And through the haze, Roguefort realised they truly were doomed.
Crumbles wasn't here, they could only fall, all they saw was harsh concrete beneath them (or was it grassy?). They would die this way, how.. cruel.
“5! 4! 3! 2! 1!--”
All Almond could do is watch, as Roguefort steps on their cape in the chaos and falls off the building, Almond’s only indication was the sound of a harsh thud against concrete.
“Happy New Year!”