#roguefort

The office had been cluttered. Red string had been over your floors, walls, and windows. Your partner had been trying to solve a case on his own but it has taken him ages to figure out the culprit. It was supposed to be a case made for the both of you to figure out but your partner had taken on the duty of figuring it out by himself.

"Crisp, you've been at this for weeks. Allow me to help." You chugged your second cup of coffee that day. Crisp had made you work overtime just to watch him figure it out one day.

"No, no... I must do this or else I won't be able to call myself a detective!" He was determined to finish it himself.

"You know... This case was assigned to the both of us. I can help whether you like it or not." You stood up, taking small steps towards the carefully placed board with all the red string.

Paper hung strategically. Pinned to the board with a thumbtack and all connected to a misleading theory. You knew half of the evidence was incorrect, but you allowed him to live a little. Criticism didn't come easily to him that you have observed. You once asked for a different partner but you were stuck with Crisp for the time being, however he has kind of grown on you.

"FINE! FINE!" Crisp dramatically took three steps away, "HAVE AT IT!!!"

It only took you a few glances to know who it was....

Roguefort.

Roguefort. An unknown criminal mastermind. Robbing places with next to no effort, then sneaking in between crowds with ease. Nobody had seen the true person behind all the crimes. Were they a man? A woman? What was to be expected of them so law enforcement could plan? It was all unknown.

However you knew.

"Roguefort" had been an old childhood friend of yours. A name long forgotten, and you never bothered to ask what exactly they were. They were your friend, and that's all that mattered. However in your later years together the two of you seperated. You had gone for the path of being in law enforcement, a detective. And "Roguefort" had been getting into the illegal side of the world.

--------------

It had been 23:47 at night. Two teenagers at the playground.

"████!!" You turned to them, the two of you on the playground swingset.

"Yeah?" They had been smoking a cigarette, staring at the ground as if there was a staring contest going on.

"Are you gonna go to the same college as me when we graduate?" You had been eagerly awaiting their answer.

They chuckled tiredly, "Hah... You're going to the Blueberry Yogurt Academy, I'll be lucky if I even graduate..."

You halted your next swing, "Oh..."

"Mmm yeah. You think I have everything all figured out, don't you?" They dropped their cigarette, smushing it with their foot before tiredly turning to you, "Well I don't, alright? I don't think I'm going to make it past 25, my lungs are probably terrible, and I'm on the brink of being kicked out of my own home."

████ stood in front of you, slightly pulling on the chain of your swing, "I admire you so... so much. Jealous even. You have a nice family, you have the smarts, you have scholarships, you're a goody-two-shoes. And I... I want those. I want those abilities, I want those nice things, I want your life."

"I... I don't know what to say." You looked up at them, the street light behind them, blocking their face with shadows, "I don't know how to help. W-What could I do? Let you stay over at my house more often? Give you tutoring lessons? What?? Just tell me and I can help." You lightly took their hands.

Their eyes softened, only to quickly yank their hands away, quickly taking leaps away, "Don't touch me. Just please... There-There's nothing that you can do that will help me. Don't try, it will only lead you down the same dark path and I don't want that to happen to you. You are too good for me and I don't want to ruin that innocence."

You quickly stood up, taking small steps towards them, "Please, I can take a little of darkness. Just let me help you. I'm your friend and friends help eachother, right?"

████ ran to the playground's gate, only taking small glances at you, "Please, leave me alone. I know you are trying to understand my situation but you truly don't." And with that, they ran off to where the street lights don't shine.

You ran to the gate, hope fueld your being to try and at least see where they went to.

But to no avail. It was as though they got consumed by the darkness itself.

----------------

Now here you stood, staring at an evidence board all leading to the wrong suspect. You knew it was Roguefort. Little after the two of you seperated, crimes started to increase. The same repeating pattern again and again, however there was the occasional slip up or a mix up.

The main correct evidence that Crisp gathered was a ball that happened not to long ago. Unfortunately the party got crashed by a few drunkards and a robber. Fine jewlery had gotten stolen from the women, pocket watches and small gems from the men in tuxedos, and a whole limousine had been hotwired and driven off.

The go-to style for Roguefort, go where the money is at and take what you can get without suspicion.

"Crisp..." You slowly turned to him, lightly placing your hand on his shoulder, "We are so fucked."

"Eh? How so? Did you already figure out who is behind it all?" He took glances between you and the board, "GOD... DAMN IT!! YOU FIGURED IT OUT BEFORE ME, DIDN'T YOU??!!"

You lightly chuckled, "You'll see. Just get us tickets to the next party from the Beauchêne's and we should have our culprit." You smirked.

"I hate when I know you are right." Crisp scoffed, "Fine fine, you'll have your tickets in a day or two. I'm not happy about it, but we'll get a pretty big paycheck."

"Hehe... Thank you Criiiissspppp~" You giggled, picking some stuff up from your desk and throwing it in a bag, packing up since it was... Well it was 00:13...

"Good night Crisp! Wear nice attire!!" You hopped out of the office, both excited that you would have the chance to go to a formal party and the thrill of potentially chasing down a criminal with a high bounty... Or it could just be the coffee kicking in. Who knows at that point?

--------------

Crisp dressed in his nicest suit. If he only took better care of his attire everyday instead of looking like an office worker who just ran from his home to work every day, then he might have better chances at pulling the girl he has admired since high-school.

You in your formal attire, and Crisp in his, the two of you walked in to the grand room. The ceiling stood well over three floors high, staircases with gold railings to the left and right of the two of you, and long tables of food in the room. Upstairs led to the ballroom where an orchestra was playing.

You didn't want to feel too gluttonous, but you indulged yourself in some small bits of fancy food most likely prepared by gourmet chefs. It was DIVINE!

"Come on now, didn't you say you would reveal the... special guest when we got here?" Crisp was clearly being impatient, let someone live a litte.

"You have to blend in, Crisp. Or else the target will suspect us and make a run for it." You slowly made your way up the staircase, the only way too get information was mingling with the people who are participating, ask questions, maybe even have fun while you're on the job.

A large chandelier dangled above everyone's head, shining like gems. People were dancing to the music, having a couple of drinks, and chatting. Of course there was a specific dress code, gold and blue. Doesn't matter if it was wacky or gaudy, it just had to follow a colour scheme.

You told Crisp to do whatever, you would be taking the lead part in this. Although he was a detective just like you, you didn't hold much faith in him. If he could find out some details by himself, maybe you'll buy him his next coffee.

That is if you're not dead.

Roguefort wasn't known for murdering, although maybe a few were harmed in escapes, no casualties were ever recorded from them. Although when dealing with a criminal and potentally a future intense situation, there was always the looming thought that you could potentially die.

However over your years you learned that it doesn't always lead to injury. You envied the veterans who do strictly paperwork instead of field-work.

With some minor investigation and small questions from your Co-Worker, Walnut Cookie, you learned that the crimes commited for your duo to investigate had always left a calling card. It confirmed your suspicions right away, and made you confident in your request to visit the Beauchêne's Manor.

It should only be a matter of time before some sort of alarm or something gets stolen. You stood there in the crowd of people with a champagne glass, slightly swaying as though you were 'dancing' alongside the others. It was all an act really. Your eyes darted to the faces of everyone, seeing if you knew any of them or if they were on any wanted notices. Nothing of note, they all just seemed like random rich people invited just because the Lady of the Beauchêne's wanted to invite them.

"Hello darling, may I offer you this waltz?" Someone extended their hand towards you.

A long blonde braid with teal streaks was tied up in the back. A pale yellow top hat adorned their head, a yellow coat tied to their back, and a teal suit, "Well, what do you say?" Their hand was already taking a gentle hold of yours, "Ah, I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Swiss Cheese Cookie, pleasure to be your acquaintance." A small bow.

You were flutstered, you didn't expect someone to be so forward tonight, were they trying to deceive you into coming with them? This kind of party wasn't for that... kind of stuff- Oh, don't think too far into it... "I-I uhm... Yeah sure!" Might as well. It will get you across the room without anybody thinking too far into it, meaning more spots for observation.

They giggled, quickly taking your hand and leading you to the balcony. No, no, no! This isn't the direction you wanted!! "Can we stay inside? It's a little cold tonight."

"Oh but what fun would it be if we stayed inside a stuffy room with stuck up snobs?" Swiss Cheese closed the door to the manor, looking up at the sky.

Stars decorated the night sky, faint hues of purple and teal were here and there. The Moon in the center of it all, full, bright, and beautiful.

"The Moon is beautiful tonight, isn't it?" They took off their top hat, letting their hair flow easily.

You glanced at them, then the Moon, "I suppose so. But can we please go bac-" A finger against your lips stopped you.

"Ah, ah, ah! Enjoy the breeze for a little longer. You know we still haven't had our dance yet!" They quickly took your hands and dragged you into a waltz.

You stumbled the entire dance. Accidentally stepping on their nice business shoes. Occasionally even almost tripping the two of you together.

They hopped up onto the railing, holding your hands still, "Let's dance for the rest of our lives together happily." The moonlight shone on Swiss Cheese Cookie at just the right angle.

Safe to say that little remark made you face away from them in either embarresment or just at how cringe it was. Either way, your face felt hot.

They sat down on the railing, "Why do you look so down, doll? Having a bit of trouble?"

"Just... Trying to find someone and having no luck. Nothing you need to be concerned about. I mean, you're just some random person I met at a party." You held yourself while looking down at the ground.

Swiss Cheese took your chin inbetween their fingertips, forcing you to look at them, "Oh but Detective..." They leaned in close enough to make your skin crawl, "I think you've found them..."

The words were caught in your throat, not brave enough to crawl out. All you could do was sneak out quiet sweaks or small noises that were supposed to be words.

'Swiss Cheese Cookie' dragged their finger across your jawline, "What's the matter sugar? Cat got your tongue?" A smirk laid atop their face.

A gasp escaped you, "Y-You!" Confidence slowly flowed through you, "You are under arrest for multiple counts of robbery, armed robbery, petty theft, and other charges." Hidden handcuff were taken out of your pocket, calmy taking Roguefort's hands and binding them together with the cold metal, "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you." You read them their rights.

They just took it willingly, allowing you to drag them off of the balcony and back into the manor, "Wowie Detective, didn't take you for the strong type." Roguefort lightly tugged on the handcuffs just to prove a point.

You were already fed up with them. It was clear that they were pulling the "Charm and Snag" trick as your department called it, and you were not going to fall for it.

The two of you were outside, it had started to sprinkle a bit, soaking your formal attire. You were about to shove Roguefort into the back of your car until they giggled, "Haha... You know the only reason you got me out this far was becaus-"

"Shut it." You forcefully pushed them in. A little excessive force but it could potentially get explained.

The ride to the station was quiet. Only halfway did you realize you left Crisp at the manor... Well he could figure out transportation, right?

Right?

After all, you DID have a clever criminal in your custody. One wrong move of trying to look for Crisp and Roguefort could get away easily if you took your eyes off them for just a moment. Even now in a car, you checked your mirror to see if anything changed with them.

Nothing.

"Detectiveee!" Roguefort rung out.

"I have a name you know."

"Mmm, yes I know but it's more fun calling you by your title! Makes you more aggrivated and those sweet expressions you have, ohoho!" Their face was obstructed by their large top hat, however you knew they had a large grin, "But mind telling me your name love if you want to be addressed by it?"

You looked at the road intensely, "You should already know it, Roguefort."

"Heheh... Just thought I would tease ya, Detective. No need to get all pissy about it." They tilted their head in "innocence."

You stayed quiet for the rest of the ride. Roguefort rambled on about different heists. They didn't even try to deny the accuasations about the crimes they commited, no, they admitted to them all. You have never been so lucky that you installed a dash cam in your private car, it recorded all the audio and it can be used as direct evidence in court.

-----

The mugshot taken of Roguefort was hilarious. You could quite literally see the struggle to get their photo with all the blurriness. It was funny as well, while the court was deciding the sentence, Roguefort got sent to County Jail. You overheard some of your Co-Workers discussing what charges were going to be given to Roguefort, all you could do was cover up some minor giggles.

"The hell you giggling for over there?"

"Nothing Cap'!"

-------------

Prison break, of course. Why wouldn't the new addition to the incarcerated population start a riot and break out? For all you know, dangerous criminals now have freedom.

It was an "everyone on deck" situation, even the old guys who could hardly move from a desk were out in cars searching. Half of the ones that escaped were found and relocated to a different building out of town. The other half was still free and oddly quiet. Strange.

Slowly but surely they came back. Not by choice of course, but to continue their sentence. Roguefort remained a free Cookie. All that effort to catch them just for them to break out? A waste of time.

-------

Every morning when you woke up, there would be a different colour rose on your bedroom's windowsill. A deep red rose was the most common from what you've observed. A mysterious admirer you suppose? But how would they get the flower inside the home?

A camera would need to be set up the next time you go to a hardware store. Buy a pack and set it up inside the house rather than just outside. You already checked the outside cameras after just mere hours of it being placed, nothing. The intruder was careful enough to avoid the cameras.

The day you spent half the night going over Roguefort's case file was the morning that you woke up to a bouquet.

A white rose for innocence.

A black rose for new beginnings.

A peach rose for genuineness.

And an orange rose for passion.

You knew half of these were probably not even ment to mean anything, it wasn't like... you... memorized half of florology.... totally.

It was for a good use like secret messaging such as these. Although it didn't feel genuine as you added the bouqet to the vase filled with the other roses.

The colours being used the entire time of this situation were only colours that were peaceful. If it was ment to start a fight or antagonize, then other ones would be used.

You brought your vase in to be scanned by the lab, test any DNA samples or find any sort of clue.

Nothing except for your very own hands touching the stems.

"Damn it."

"Expecting something?" A Cookie stood in the fenceway between office desks.

Cinnamon Crème Cookie.

She was a recent intern, a new hire. Everyone was told to be on their best behaviour to the new hire's. Although she had a background she would rather not talk about, the Cheif still allowed her to work here.

Cinnamon Crème liked to... doll up, you could say. A stark contrast to the rest of the gloomy atmosphere in the office. Everyone got along well except for her, she was an annoyance to everyone really.

"I was hoping to find whomever it is leaving flowers." You shoved the lab files away, few of the papers falling into the trash.

"Oh? You don't enjoy them? If I were you, I would be flattered to receive them." She leaned against your desk, slightly sitting on it.

"With the recent prison break I have a high suspicion from a certain Cookie that they are fooling me. Messing with me. Toying if you will." You took hold of the white rose, allowing the thorn below to prick your thumb, "Trying to use previous feelings to make me think that what they have done can be left in the past, asking for forgiveness."

"Ooh! Compelling story!" Cinnamon Crème giggled, "Tell me all the deets once this story ends~"

"Hopefully it will end by me locking them up in high-security prison." You stated bluntly.

She snickered, but ultimately left you alone.

You watched as the blood dripped down your finger. Even the Cookies who are the most innocent on the outside can have truly horrible things you don't know about. There's a lot more that goes on under the surface of a mask.

---------

"Darling, won't you stay with me?" Roguefort extended their hand.

You and a group of of other officers were tracking down a group of criminals who had banded together to form a gang. Roaming the streets, driving along alleyways, checking bars, all of the above. Not to mention it was pouring out so it made it a bit more difficult.

The team split into two, one stayed on the lookout, and your group went to respond to a recent call-in for armed robbery.

A large bank known for it's wealth stood high and mighty as if nothing would ever dare harm it. It was quite the contrast inside.

Cookies in expensive attire kneeled under desks, chairs, whatever, all with their hands on their heads. A few of them had already placed out their belongings to the side of them.

A blonde haired individual stood with a gun aimed at an older woman. Seemed to be the one in charge of the vault.

"Drop the gun." You aimed a taser at them while Crisp aimed a gun, several other officers followed suit.

"Oh, Detectives!~" The Cookie turned around.

Cinnamon Crème.

It was a surprise at first, but then again, you didn't fully trust them, "Cinnamon, what sparked you in the life of crime?" You ever so slightly lowered your tazer.

They sheathed the gun in their belt, turning towards you with their hands in the air, "Mm, I dunno!" They still acted like an innocent little brat.

"You know this is for sure getting you arrested, correct?"

"Yup!"

"Then why do you do it?"

"For fun!"

"What." Your whole squad said in union.

"You heard me, Detective..." Their voice dropped down to one of a lower register.

Then it hit you. How were you so blind? A pretty face and new personality was all it took to fool you? "Roguefort you bastard."

They wiped off the makeup with their sleeve, "Oh boo-hoo. I was having fun as Cinnamon Crème. Can't let a Cookie live a litte?" Roguefort Cookie took out the gun again, scaring multiple of the workers who were observing.

"Hey wait, we can talk about this. How about we go outside, just you and me?" You hooked the tazer to your belt, waving down the other officers as well.

"Hmmm... Compelling offer." Roguefort thought about it for a moment, then turned slightly towards the Clerk, "Just let me do a few things here and-" A bullet shot right through their arm.

Crisp's eyes were fixated on Roguefort. You could smell the gunpowder from his gun.

"Crisp... What did you do...?"

Crisp dropped his gun, covering his ears and kneeling down.

"Damn it, damn it, damn it, DAMN IT!" Roguefort Cookie was on the floor bleeding out, their hand being used to hopefully try and stop the bleeding.

The workers of the bank took that chance to escape successfully with their belongings and lives intact. The negotiation went so, so wrong. How could the conversation even recover?

You pressed down the button on your walkie-talkie, "This is... 09517... We need EMS down here pronto. Individual shot in the shoulder with a bullet, over."

"Copy 09517, contacted and on their way."

You approached carefully, kneeling down slightly, "Roguefort... Drop the gun and I can help you. Just please, let me-"

They aimed it right against your forehead, "Don't go on that... that spiel again of "Oh, let me help you. Isn't that what friends are for?" Blah blah blah. I don't need your help. I. Don't. Need. You."

'Stay calm, stay calm... Oh Witches, I'm going to die tonight aren't I...?' You were calm on the exterior, but a mess on the inside. Fear circulated through your very being.

"Roguefort, place the gun down gently and we won't have to use excessive force." An officer stepped up by your side.

Roguefort quickly stole the hardly placed taser off your belt and fired it at the officer, throwing you over their shoulder and running off with you. They may be injured but boy are they quick on their feet.

"████ put me down!!" You squirmed in their grip.

They said nothing, only focusuing on the escape rather than listening to whatever bullshit you had to say.

The two of you eventually ended up on the rooftop of the bank. It appears the staff took breaks up here often as there were chairs, tables, and spilled coffee mugs up here. The rain soaked the both of you but there was a situation far too important for either of you to care.

Roguefort threw you against the brick wall, "You see here, I have been trying so, so, so, hard to get a chance with you. I even resorted to faking as a new hire!" They got all in your face, tugging at your uniform's tie, "Do you know how much it hurts with this idiotic feeling inside my chest? To know that the things that I have done have only made the one person I want in my life to despise me... It hurts, I admit that. It has nagged at me for years even before we parted ways."

You observed the emotion on their face. It was only when you two were younger that you saw the joy, the anger, the sadness, the true emotion. But then things started to get complicated and one large mask was placed, covering up every single thing that made them feel like a real Cookie. It was all an act.

But to see it break so suddenly... That was when you knew it was genuine. The white rose...

"Roguefort-"

They pulled you by your uniform's tie, quickly pulling in for a kiss. It wasn't much, it was made with inexperience. Desperate, quick, but attempting to stay in place with the new found weakness.

You tried shoving them off, but they made a comment, "If I'm never going to see your face again and stare at a boring... concrete wall... Allow me some liberty to see it in a pure light once more." They held onto your face, "I lied. I take back what I said. I need you here with me, I need you."

"HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK!" Officers croweded the balcony.

A broken mask, unveiled emotions, and a psychotic smile, "Hehehehahaha-" Roguefort took you by the waist, slowly inching their way towards the railing, "You even so dare as hit me with one of those guns, taser or bullet, your comrade is going down with me."

'Oh so now this got turned into a hostage situation? I am so fucked.' You prayed for the Witches to spare you mercy., any sort of mercy.

You could tell some of them hesitated, but Crisp spoke up between them all, "Roguefort... You have been nothing but a pain in the ass for this city and the world. If you can't come peacefully..." He inhaled, "Then the sacrifice may be necessary."

What has overcome him? Did shooting someone make him wake up? What happened to his egotisical personality? Suppose that he knows when to be serious when the time calls for it. You couldn't help but feel a little betrayed though. To risk your life just to rid of a mere robber. You would understand if it was a mass killer, but someone charged for thefts...? A little pathetic of a death if you don't say so yourself.

"Oh, how scared I am!" They stepped up onto the balcony, "But fear not! I am merely just on the search for wealth. Nothing that concerns your dainty little minds, rightt??"

"GET OVER HERE!" Rage consumed Crisp and he lunged for the both of you.

"Toodle-oo!" And with that... Roguefort fell backwards.

The ground was approaching fast, quickening with every second. You swore that you saw your very life flash before your eyes in an instant. You didn't have the ability to do anything. As if though life slowed down, you thought over your choices in life. What you could have done better, what responses would have fit a situation, what you wanted to acomplish, what you did acomplish, it was far too much for you to remember it all.

A sudden yank and the fall halted. You looked up at Roguefort to see them hanging by a device. Appears to be a grappling hook. "You little..." You had to take a minute to regain your bearings, "You little shit. Scaring the living daylights out of me just for some leverage?!" You punched them in the chest.

They winced, "Mhm..." The two of you slowly made your way down to the sidewalk thanks to the grappling hook.

Roguefort took you into a dark alleyway, twisting and turning round the turns of the buildings, sticking to the shadows.

"████ are you alright? You need medical attention." You were technically considered a hostage in this situation. They had a weapon, and you didn't dare touch yours. "Just-Just let me help."

Roguefort stopped mid-run, making you slam into the back of them. They quickly grabbed your face, examining it, "I don't need help. Now stop offering when I don't need it. If you even suggest that I go to a hospital, then it won't just be me going." You observed their hand creeping to the gun, but stopped, "Darling, won't you stay with me?" Roguefort extended their hand.

You choked down your next words and just agreed to what they had to say, taking hold of their hand. If you wanted to go unharmed, then it was your best choice. It wasn't like you had GOOD ENOUGH blackmail to hopefully sway the odds in your favor. All you had was their identity, however it wouldn't be useful in this situation if you never got the chance to tell your Co-Workers if you truly got kidnapped.

It appears the words they spoke didn't hold fruit. They collapsed due to loss of jam mere minutes later.

--------------

A little pathetic, isn't it? A doomed relationship from the beginning. There were obvious signs of it going to ruin.

"Hello dear."

"Hello ████."

You sat there on one side of the glass, phone in hand. Roguefort held the phone on the other side of the glass as if it was a lifeline. After they had collapsed, you dragged them to a hospital. It was only after you called Crisp was when officers arrived for when Roguefort woke up. It was for safety, and containment purposes. It wasn't like you enjoyed locking Cookies up, taking them away from families, taking them from the freedom promised to them, taking them away from a life they deserve. However justice was due when needed. To give them a trial of guilt and innocence for the sentence soon to be given. Depending on the crime and the amount of times commited can all affect how long the sentence is.

With the amount of times of robbery, armed robbery, breaking and entering, and several other counts, Roguefort got sentenced to a decade in prison. The one they had got sent to had medium-to-high security so it was much more difficult to escape for a clever Cookie such as a Cookie who broke into luxury banks for a living.

It was deserved, yes, however... You didn't want to see them go.

It would be odd for the arresting officer to go visit the incarcerated individual, however you didn't care. You made sure to visit at least once a month or so. If it wasn't allowed at the time, then it was fine.

Sometimes stories don't have happy endings. They end with questions, unrequited feelings, or leave it one-sided. Sometimes...

They are just tired of writing.

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