Sweet Elite Posting

Following on from the previous post, I wrote what I think each of the Main 10 would do in this au!

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Claire:

She is probably one of Arlington's most renowned doctor/botanists. She loves her work and spends a lot of time in her greenhouse and is used to being ignored by society.

Her family insisted that she accept the Queen's idea to nominate her, she gave in to make them happy although she did not expect much.

She was so nervous and shy at first that she didn't seem to be interested at all, so everyone tried to match Scholar with someone else.

When she and Scholar finally had a chance to interact, they both found understanding and acceptance in each other like never before in their lives.

She has conflicting feelings about Scholar being Lady Whistledown, it seems cruel to spread rumours, but she knows they are not bad people and have meant well from the beginning.

Tadashi:

His family's scandal damaged his reputation and left him in a difficult situation, but being the Queen's protégé has its advantages.

He's not too worried about getting married, but the Queen decided to nominate him so he accepted it as an assignment.

Tadashi: "I have struggled in vain against my good judgement, my own expectations and will, I can't take it anymore. I love you, I cannot live without you. Despite the inferiority of your birth and the scandal surrounding your circumstances." Scholar: "Oh, me too- Wait, against your good judgment?"

Scholar had to explain to their father that they were not being bullied into marriage, Tadashi just has a strange way of courting.

Lady Whistledown helped clean up his reputation after the scandal, he likes knowing that Scholar genuinely cares about him. He has never paid much attention to society gossip anyway, he just hopes Scholar is safe.

Raquel:

She was not willing to marry, it was her parents who made the decision.

She never treated Scholar badly despite initial attempts to match them up, she knew it wasn't their fault.

She began to grow fond of Scholar when they proved to be quite adventurous and fun, but her heart was smitten when Scholar kicked her butt in a shooting competition.

At one point Scholar thought there was really no interest on her part and accepted the courtship of others, Rachel burst into their home at dawn the next day to ask their father for they hand in marriage.

She thinks having Lady Whistledown as a wife is fucking sexy and cool, if she could she'd brag about it, but she will protect Scholar's secret with her life.

Alistair:

He did not expect to be a candidate for the Diamond of the Season, after all, he only rubs shoulders with society because of the inheritance he received from a distant aunt.

He felt he was not a good match for them, after all, his family was still on a slightly higher scale than his own.

His younger brothers were a crucial part of the courtship, they plotted and even forged letters to motivate Scholar and him to meet and fall in love.

His whole family is delighted with Scholar and his father, they treat them as part of their family and often meet at their country house.

He is more concerned about Scholar being caught than the issue of them being Lady Whistledown itself.

Ellie:

As a natural inventor, Ellie knew what it was like to be seen as an outsider and to be constantly questioned by society, so she did not hesitate to extend a helping hand to Scholar from the start.

Neither she nor her family had any urgency for a marriage, but the Queen thought that marriage might appease her mischievous personality.

The moment she discovered that Scholar matched her freak Arlington trembled.

Since their marriage she calls Scholar her muse and tries to name all her inventions after them.

She finds all the logistics behind the gossip and publishing network that Scholar created interesting. She is proud of her spouse's work and will do anything to help them protect and evolve their business.

Axel:

The most renowned musician of the moment in society, hundreds of bachelors line up every season hoping to be the lucky one to become his spouse.

He was definitely not willing to marry, it was all nonsense orchestrated by his benefactors and patrons.

He had a first engagement that ended badly and became wary of romance, he tried to put some distance between them at first, but Scholar was simply too charming.

Right when everyone was about to dismiss the idea, Axel rode dramatically across Arlington on horseback to find Scholar and ask them to marry him.

He was initially conflicted about Scholar being Lady Whistledown, but remembered that Scholar never wrote anything scandalous and cruel about him unlike the mainstream press (he was secretly always a fan of Lady Whistledown because he likes gossip and mayhem).

Karolina:

As the perfect daughter of one of Arlington's oldest families, she and the entire society had very high expectations about who she marries.

‘Of all the beauties and talents of the season, the diamond had to be YOU? Something must be clouding the Queen's judgement’.

“If I loved you less, I could talk about it more”.

Not ONE SINGLE SOUL thought they were really going to get married, the day the church announced it, everyone's jaws dropped.

Scholar swore in front of their father that they would never marry Karolina because she was a heartless person, their father reminds them every time he wants to make fun of them.

She knows talent when she sees it, admires Scholar's brilliant mind and the grace with which they have managed their secret business. Lady Whistledown's publications have become even more irreverent and sarcastic since their marriage.

Neha:

She doesn't have much experience in society as her family is quite new, she became popular as a designer and works with Arlington's most famous dressmakers.

Rather than looking to marry for love, Neha was looking for someone she could count on to deal with the responsibilities of work and family.

She was quite cold at first because she thought Scholar would not understand her due to the difference in their conditions and status, but the moment she saw how hardworking Scholar is she slowly let her guard down.

She feared that Scholar would not like her family, as they are very important to her and Scholar felt the same way, however, the moment the families were reunited it was all laughter and joy.

As someone who started her business from scratch, Neha admires and respects Scholar's career as Lady Whistledown. The two help each other to innovate and expand their businesses.

Tegan:

Despite being from one of Arlington's most prominent families, Tegan always let the spotlight of society fall on his parents and sister.

His parents put pressure on him to marry, he didn't even know the Queen well enough to be nominated.

He felt sorry for Scholar because he knew they both preferred to be invisible and watch from a distance during the seasons.

Scholar became his refuge, they both chose a small wedding and spend the whole day at home after their marriage.

When he found out that Scholar was Lady Whistledown he was surprised, the person he loved was much more amazing and brave than he had imagined, he definitely had to help them continue their dream.

Tyler:

His family has been involved in the arts for generations and the Queen holds them in high esteem, which is why she chose Tyler as a candidate despite considering him a little… unconventional.

The situation made him incredibly nervous by putting him in the public eye, as if the family reputation he had to maintain was not enough.

He always dreamed of a dramatic and epic love story, but the moment he saw Scholar he couldn't help but gravitate towards them without knowing it.

Scholar becomes one of their greatest sources of motivation, they both feel free and supported by being together, so much so that he no longer worry about what society says about him.

➹Tadashi tastes the cake made by his crush.

♥ Couple: Tadashi Nakano x Scholar

➹Words: 1601

♥ Note: English is not my first language and this is my first time writing, I'm sorry if there are mistakes or it's too ooc.

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Tadashi gave a reluctant look to the cake in front of him, it was so deformed that even the cafeteria lady flinched when they both approached to borrow a pair of spoons. Scholar didn't notice it, Tadashi did not bring it to their attention either, he couldn't bear to break all the happiness and illusion that were shining in their eyes.

“I know it seems a bit screwed up. Want me to taste it first?” Scholar asked.

“What? No. It’s all right. It looks cute,” he said. “I-I will eat it now.”

Tadashi gulped as he took one of the spoons. He tried to convince himself that he was just being whimsical, he grew up eating fine pastry, so his speciations about baking were too high and unrealistic. Besides, it was a gift from Scholar, they had made it for him and him only. He only had to think about it to make his heart race. However, as soon as a spoonful of cake touched his tongue, he struggled not to spit it out. It tasted salty, spicy, bitter and cloyingly sweet all at the same time. The mix of flavor didn’t make any sense, and the texture didn't help at all.

Tadashi felt like he was about to puke, but then he met Scholar's big doe eyes. They awaited his reaction with a warm smile on their lips, looking more beautiful than ever.

“Well?” Scholar asked shyly. “Do you like it?”

Tadashi forced a smile and swallowed the cake that felt like sand on his tongue. “It's great. I love it.”

“I’m glad you like it! I have never baked anything before.”

“I can tell.” He responded without thinking, but regretted it as soon as Scholar's smile faltered a little. “I mean, it's a good cake for a beginner, the mixture is a bit stiff though.”

“Yeah, there was no guide, you know, the Wi-Fi went out. I just… I wanted to make something special for you so bad that I couldn’t wait.”

‘Oh, my love, you should have asked Claire to do it for you’ was the only thought Tadashi had while his taste buds suffered. And, in the past, he might have been able to say it out loud or give honest constructive criticism, but he simply couldn’t. Scholar flushed cheeks betrayed how happy and proud they were with the idea of him enjoying their gift, he couldn’t bear to ruin it for them.

Tadashi panicked when Scholar tried to reach the other spoon, so he took their hand on his and squeezed it softly. “Thank you.”

He wasn't going to let Scholar ruin it for themselves either!

“It's no big deal, you've probably eaten better things before,” they said.

“But you made this one. I-It’s better that any of those things”. Tadashi found himself blushing too. He wasn’t lying after all, that cake was the best gift he had been given, although it tasted burnt and raw at the same time.

Scholar let out a giggle that made him feel warm inside. They were so lovely. Pretty bad bakers, put still lovely.

“Oh my. What do we-” Tyler approached them with a playful smile that fade the moment he noticed the cake. “Wow, where did you get that? Looks like someone stepped on it.”

“It doesn't look like that at all. The icing is just a little crooked.” Tadashi retorted instantly as he let go Scholar hand. “Food don’t need to have a good presentation, the flavor is all that matter.”

Tyler was about to argue when the realization popped on his head. His gaze went from Tadashi to Scholar repeatedly until he laughed and said, “I was joking. Food is also an art, and it takes practice, Scholar did very well for a beginner.”

Tadashi sighed in relief.

“You don’t have to lie, Tyler, I know it looks ugly, but it tastes good, Tadashi liked it,” Scholar said. “And thanks for the ingredients, I owe you a big one.”

“Where the hell did you get those things?” Tadashi frowned.

“Why are you thinking about me when it’s Valentine’s Day and they’re right here?” Tyler gestured toward Scholar dramatically. “Relax and enjoy your cake, Tadman, live the moment. Let’s go, take another bite.”

Tadashi gave him a murderous glare for a second before turning to Scholar and smiling. The memory of the hideous taste invaded his mouth and send shivers through his body. Despite that, he took the spoon and tried to gather the necessary strength, it was all about making Scholar happy.

Before he could take a bite, Raquel entered the cafeteria and noticed them. “Hey! Shit, man, that cake is deflating? Are they selling spoi-?”

“Scholar made it,” Tadashi interrupted sharply.

“Oh, I should have noticed, Arlington don’t have this kind of delicacies,” she changed her concerned expression to a smile.

Tyler grinned. “Hey, Raquel, Tadashi said it tastes like heaven. Wouldn't it be great to try it out? It’s a lot of sugar for just one person, isn’t?”

“Really? If Dashi like it, it must be truly good.” Raquel looked the ugly cake with curiosity.

Worried about keeping Scholar happiness unharmed, Tadashi wanted to move the plate away from the others. However, Scholar turned to him expectantly.

“Do you want to share it?” They asked.

Scholar's kindness was in the second row of the Excel that Tadashi named ‘what I like about them’. And he liked it, absolutely like it, but never imagined it would be a double-edged sword.

“I don’t think he minds it, our president has always been a generous soul!” Tyler took the second spoon and gave Raquel a bite of cake.

Tadashi saw in horror how all the color disappeared from Raquel face. Drops of cold sweat appeared on her forehead as she forced the burn-flavored mixture, accompanied by the sugary raw egg icing, down her throat.

“It’s so tasty.” Raquel held back a retch. “Finally some gourmet shit in this school.”

Tyler didn't even laugh as he watched Raquel fight for her life.

“I told you, Scholar, you did great.” Tadashi ate another small piece of cake, this time feeling the uncooked flour sticking in his throat. He coughed to prevent himself from drowning and rubbed his arms. “It’s a little cold in this time of the year.”

Scholars stroked his back as if to warm him, but pulled their hands away when they remembered the presence of their friends. They tried to act normally. “Next time I will bake more for everyone.”

Tadashi's eyes widened when he heard them. As much as he loved them, he could recognize that he would not live long if he had to eat something like that again. It was better if Scholar stayed away from the ovens for a long time.

Still, he endured the sour taste in his mouth and smiled at Scholar. “I would love to try your baking again.”

“I will make cookies for you next time then! That should be easier, and hopefully the Wi-Fi will be working. It’s going to be much better.”

Tyler choked his laugh with his hand. Raquel didn’t even dare to say anything, she was busy wiping her tears after almost passing out.

“Well, I have some study to do. I will see you later, guys.” Scholar stood up from the chair. They gave Tadashi an awkward pat on the shoulders. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“I will see you later.” Tadashi said. “And seriously, thank you. I appreciate it a lot.”

They shared a smile before Scholar left the cafeteria. Tyler and Raquel waved goodbye and waited until they were out of sight to let out their laughs.

“If it wasn't obvious that they liked you, I would think it was an assassination attempt.” Raquel grabbed a napkin and tried to wipe her tongue. “That cake has to be poisonous.”

“Is not that bad. Just a little hard and dry… And sometimes strangely damp,” Tadashi argued. “Scholar did his best for me- I mean, for this to be good.”

“‘Not that bad’, man? It was spicy, and cakes aren’t supposed to be spicy. How did you put up with two bites of that?”

“Now you have my absolute respect. If you eat that whole monster, you can survive anything,” Tyler said.

“No way he’s gonna keep eating it.” Raquel looked at Tyler in disbelief.

Tadashi was too focused on the cake to pay attention to them. It sucked, yes, he couldn't deny it, but he didn't want to throw it away. To tell the truth, he didn't feel like eating it either because it was obvious that he might get sick, but every time he thought of Scholar taking the time to cook for him, he felt both happy and guilty. His crush liked him enough to make a cake that turned out to be the shittiest pastry he had ever tasted. However, it wasn’t just a cake, it was the first one Scholar made in his life, and it was for him. Tadashi he pushed the cake towards him, shielding it from the judgmental eyes with his arms.

Tyler pretended to pray. “Rest in peace. We will remember you as Arlington's greatest president.”

"No fucking way, Dashi, you’re stupidly and absolutely whipped," Raquel said.

AU in which Scholar has always been almost invisible to high society in Arlington, something they have taken advantage of to follow their mother's legacy: Lady Whistledown, an anonymous gossip newspaper that they have maintained with the help of their father. However, one day Scholar makes a mistake that draws attention to them and, contrary to expectations, the Queen (Lady A) is delighted and chooses them as Diamond of the Season. Now Scholar has to marry one of the 10 single candidates elected by the Queen herself, while trying to keep the secret of being Lady Whistledown.

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