What a Cham-PAIN

“That concludes your reading” Silver eyes stayed locked onto the table top as the doll swept their cards back into a neat stack, reshuffling them to cleanse any of the lingering energy from the reading they just finished. Omen could feel the hesitant stare and general uncertainty radiating off the Bun that stood before them, it was a common reaction when one didn’t quite know how to process the information they received from such a reading. After another silent moment the sound of carats clattered onto the surface of the table before the partygoer took their leave, finally silver eyes lifted watching the bun’s form disappear among the others in attendance. A deep sigh followed suit, as Omen’s shoulders slumped ever so slightly, exhaustion starting to set in. They had been contracted to work the entire gala, entertaining the upper-crust of burrowgatory with their turn of hand and foresight. Of course Omen wouldn’t turn their nose up at a paycheck, but long hours being forced to fake a smile and socialize with stuck up, hoity-toity socialites was making Omen second guess how much they really wanted that overtime pay Angora had been promising. 

“Are we enjoying the festivities my wildflower?” The familiar, sultry voice of their current boss cut through the stillness as the click of Angora’s heels against the wooden floors drew closer. Omen’s eyes glanced upwards as they placed the newly shuffled deck of tarot cards off to the side, before placing a gem on top of the deck, a common cleansing method used among many card readers. They leaned against the tabletop before them, arms folded against the surface watching as the older woman approached. Angora was always dressed to the nines, wearing a multitude of expensive jewelry, ears adorned with strings of pearls, and decked out in the most expensive silken fabric that carats could purchase, all carefully crafted by the highest quality designers that burrowgatory had to offer. She looked stunning no matter what the occasion was, but it seemed the Gossamer Gala was a special exception for Angora to crank the glitz and glam up to a fifteen. A charismatic, yet subtly smug smile held tightly to the ebony haired doll’s features as she drew closer, holding two glasses of champagne in her hands. 

“As much as I can while being tucked away in the corner ma’am” The blue haired doll responded curtly, regardless of Angora’s power and status they weren’t necessarily afraid of the woman, they both had a strange, unspoken understanding of one another that made for a very peculiar relationship. In their time of need Angora offered Omen a job, a roof over their head, and a way to get back on their feet while in turn Omen did as Angora requested with minimal complaining and back talk. 

A small tut followed Omen’s comment, as Angora shook her head ever so slightly. “And here I thought I was being oh so generous by allowing you to still attend without the risk of you losing a paycheck on such frivolous indulgences'' the ebony haired doll exclaimed dramatically, an amused, knowing expression took hold of her features before carefully placing one of the champagne glasses down on the table before Omen. Silver eyes glanced at the bubbly before slowly turning back towards Angora, brows arched ever so slightly at the appearance of alcohol. They weren’t typically allowed to drink during their shifts, was this a trap? A way for Angora to pull the strings and withhold their paycheck, or force Omen into a lifetime of debt and servitude like Angora did with Hops? Both dolls knew better than to toy with each other like this, “Oh don’t give me that look wildflower” Angora scoffed before taking a long sip from her champagne flute, purple eyes cast towards the sea of dolls and buns socializing, dancing, and overall having a good time. “This is no trick, I’m not about to swindle you I’m just feeling… generous so to speak” the slightest hint of a smug smile made way to her features, the cool surface of the champagne glass still pressed to her lower lip. “I figured since the gala has almost come and gone you could enjoy some well needed time off to enjoy the rest of the fanfare” Angora paused purple eyes turning to steal a glance from Omen’s silver ones. A look of utter disbelief held tightly to Omen’s features, to aghast to know what to say. 

Angora quickly cleared her throat, attempting to fill the silence after she had not received the reaction she had expected from such news, “Though I expect you back at the casino bright and early come Thursday when all of the celebrations are done and over with, and don’t expect this kind of treatment again. This was simply a one off event where I was feeling nice since you envy buns have never gotten to experience such a luxurious event before!” The ebony haired doll jabbered on a little longer than she normally would 

The corner of Omen’s lips curled into a faint smirk as they straightened up, “Of course my lady, I wouldn’t dream of taking advantage of your kind nature” they remarked, a subtle air of mockery coating their words as they smirked at Angora, a knowing look lingering behind their eyes. They carefully picked up the champagne flute olive branch so to speak and nodded their head in acknowledgement to the unspoken words the older woman was trying to convey. They took a sip, the dry, sparkling liquid stinging their tongue and throat on the way down, not their preferred choice of alcohol but they would certainly save face by accepting their boss’s attempts, “Well, if you’re still feeling generous do you think you’d grace me with the honor of a dance?” They questioned placing the now empty glass down on the table. 

Angora’s purple eyes watched Omen as they outstretched their hand, offering it to the older doll, an amused smile that glistened with mischief followed suit as she placed the back of her hand to her head, “Oh if only, I don’t wish to rob you of what fleeting moments you have left to enjoy my extravagant party” Angora wallowed once again playing up the dramatics, “Plus you wouldn’t even get to enjoy my company, I’d be far to busy with getting whisked away by various suitors wishing to dance as well, or dragged into any and every kind of dull conversation. I’d hate to abandon you on the dance floor my dear '' she waved her hand dismissively, rolling her eyes at the very thought of all the hobnobbing she still had to do. Of course Angora loved the attention and chance to flaunt her ever increasing wealth and success but sometimes it was exhausting not having a moment to revel and enjoy her own party. “Go, enjoy the rest of the party, we can simply take a rain check for another time, right my wildflower?”

“Of course my lady, I look forward to that dance” Omen hummed, a rare smile taking hold of their features. Angora chuckles, taking another long sip from her champagne before turning and disappearing into the crowd. Omen took a moment or two longer to watch the ebony haired doll saunter away before choosing to venture off to finally partake in the festivities of the gala themself, and maybe, just maybe get another glass of champagne.