hallucinogenics [layla]

[FELIX CICERO TELLER]

April 2026

It had been years since Felix had stepped foot in a club. And it had never been of his own volition. He'd never been the club going sort of person, instead drinking his preferred whisky in the quiet of his home or wood panelled pubs. That hadn't changed, at all, and Felix was still gobsmacked that he was frequenting a pub in his thirties. It wasn't even for a very good reason. He'd grown a bit bored of all the long stretches of time which he spent alone, something completely foreign to him. Felix enjoyed solitude, but he missed Melody when she was off on her shipping adventures, and Felix had sought to fill that hole with social activity.

In the end, Felix had joined a social football league that met weekly for matches. He'd quickly grown to enjoy it, and though he wouldn't exactly consider his teammates friends, they were good enough company to make him forget that his wife was not waiting for him at home. They'd won their most recent match, and the captain decided that they ought to this new club in central London to celebrate. When he suggested Club Indigo, Felix nearly choked on his lucozade, sputtering as one of the defenders rapped on his back. Felix knew Club Indigo was a wizarding establishment, but one that accepted everyone. And he knew for a fact that none of his fellow teammates were wizards. It was a bizarre turn of events but rather than argue, Felix focused on swallowing his drink and nodding through his coughs.

The captain, Gaz, led the way to the club, which was thankfully walking distance from the pitch. The team had changed back into street clothes, but that didn't help the stink of sweat that lingered around them, no matter how much aftershave was splashed around. A hygiene freak, Felix had snuck off to the handicapped toilet to perform a quick scourgify on himself, separating his clean scent from the men that surrounded him. He was grateful that they wouldn't have to take the tube, as he didn't think he would survive a journey like that.

The group, laughing and raucous (with Felix the least so, but still more so than usual), pushed their way into the Club after showing their IDs, checking their bags at the counter and paying for entry. Gaz made a beeline to the bar to order drinks, and Felix was left with the dozen other men chattering animatedly about their plays. Felix listened, but said nothing, casting his eyes around the room. He spotted a familiar person - though her familiarity was vague. He excused himself, amid jaunty calls from his fellows, and slid through the crowd towards the young blonde. "Layla?" asked Felix, a half smile curling on his lips.

@layla

[Deleted]

I thought I saw you standing there

All alone with a pretty stare

April 2026
FELIX CICERO TELLER

Layla threw back a shot, placing the small glass back on the sticky bar counter. Tequila. She wasn’t sure what she had expected, but she didn’t mind. It was her usual scene, and the energy in the room was contagious. Naturally, the dance floor was primarily women while the men were distracted by the dancers or were even off to the side where the private dances were. The reason Layla came to this club? Well, it was open to all types of people. Magic wasn’t used outside of some charms already placed in the building or her own natural charm due to her veela heritage.

There were part Veelas much like herself among the dancers, or so she was told. But, it hadn’t been a career move she’d ever considered and not when she had her music now. Unfortunately, the boys all had plans, or she might have been able to at least drag Emrys out for the night, but she was happy with her own company and those around her. She gave a playful grin to the boy with blue eyes who had bought her that shot as he offered another one, and she gladly accepted, but as she took the shot glass in her hand, she was distracted by the song change.

Now, mingling within the crowd, she drank the shot and placed the glass on a random table. The sensation of cheap tequila burning down her throat was not her favorite, but she felt as though she was floating. But then she heard her name. Thinking it was the boy with the blue eyes, she turned, but instead, she saw steely gray eyes, but familiar ones. ”Felix?” Well, this was a surprise. Not that Layla wasn’t happy to see him, she loved to see her friends and acquaintances when she could, but it wasn’t the type of place she would have pictured him in. ”What a lovely surprise! We’re doing shots. Would you like one?” And by “we” she meant herself and whoever else wished to join at the bar. But Layla slipped her hand into his and pulled him to the bar nearby.

template by vee

[FELIX CICERO TELLER]

The jubilance of the crowd was so infectious, even Felix found himself grinning as his teammates jostled about the bar for a better position. Felix hung back slightly, listening but not speaking as the men around him went over their magnificent plays over and over again. It was mere moments after their entry that Felix spotted Layla - the young blonde he had met at the Violet Hound who had apparently played the New Years Eve party. He hadn't seen her that evening having been rather... preoccupied, but now, he crossed the room towards her.

"Shots?" Felix echoed, arching a brow. "Er, sure, go on then," he added with a shrug, feeling more relaxed than he had in a long time. She slipped her hand into his and Felix followed her dutifully towards the bar. Had her hair been this blonde before? Had her eyes been so huge and innocent looking? He couldn't remember, but the buzz of the room surely was having an effect on him. Multiple tequila shots were ordered, and Felix grimaced as he held up the tiny, sticky, plastic cup. "To your good health," he said to Layla, flashing a grin before knocking back the cheap, clear liquid.

"Foul," said Felix, before plucking another from the tray and passing it to Layla. "Would you like a proper drink?" he asked. "How did the New Years thing go? Sorry I missed you," he said almost automatically, not elaborating on the fact that he actually had been there, just distracted.

@layla

[Deleted]

I thought I saw you standing there

All alone with a pretty stare

April 2026
FELIX CICERO TELLER

Felix’s hand in her own hand felt natural, but then again it wasn’t unusual for Layla to place herself in someone’s personal space if they allowed it. It didn’t take them long to reach the bar as Layla found a path outside of the main crowd that was dancing, and the bartender quickly poured them shots of whatever cheap tequila was available, and she picked up her own small cup to toast with Felix. It tasted awful, and Layla’s face contorted slightly for a moment in a grimace as the liquid went down her throat. ”Yes. Please.” Layla cleared her throat, the burning still lingering. A proper drink was more desirable at this point, or at least a better quality tequila.

”Oh, it went well! You’ll just have to catch the next show.” It had been a blast, and after the show had been done, they’d stayed for the party with everybody else. Then again, the party had mysteriously shrunk later in the night, but she’d found out later that there had been a call for Ministry Law Enforcement, so the party ended early for them. ”How have you been? It's been a while since I’ve seen you.” Layla gave him a grin, tilter her head playfully as all the previous liquor she had been drinking began to fuel her slight buzz. She felt good, and as she glanced behind to bar to look for the bartender, she quickly looked back at Felix and those mysterious gray eyes of his.

template by vee

[FELIX CICERO TELLER]

When was the last time he had consumed a shot? Felix couldn't think of it as he plucked the sticky plastic glass from a tray and knocked back the liquor. The burn was unpleasant, and far removed from the familiarity of whisky. He offered Layla a proper drink, one which would be more palatable than the cheap tequila that was currently searing through his belly. Felix ordered two gin and tonics, a simple enough drink that was widely appreciated throughout all walks of life. Felix passed one over to Layla, commenting that it was a shame he had missed her show.

"That's good to hear. I'll come if I can get a meet and greet with the band," he teased, sipping his drink. Felix half wished that he'd ordered a whisky but didn't suspect that there would be any good whisky in this club. A quick glance behind the bar confirmed his suspicions, before his grey gaze flickered back to Layla, a faint smile on his lips. "Only yanking your wand. I'd be delighted, where can I find dates?" he asked. The low thrum of the music moved through the pair, the deep bass pounding through their bodies and linking them despite vastly different characters. "Yeah, not bad, a lot of work and not a lot of excitement, to be honest," said Felix. "And you? Working on a new album yet? Or simply doing the rounds at the local clubs?" asked Felix, his gaze searching her pretty face for any sign of boredom - Fee told him he wasn't the most exciting communicator, usually much more dry. But it seemed Layla could talk to anyone, even a brick wall.

@layla

[Deleted]

I thought I saw you standing there

All alone with a pretty stare

April 2026
FELIX CICERO TELLER

Felix ordered them drinks instead of the shots she had been taking all night since she’d arrived. Honestly, she wasn’t picky and was here for a good time—which any alcohol would help with. She smiled at Felix as she took the cup from him, immediately taking a large drink. ”Thank you.” At the same time a couple approached the bar, they were drunk and almost ran right into her. In order not to spill her drink, she stepped forward closer to Felix, glancing behind her once and then back at him. She gave him a mischievous smile. ”You’ll get the VIP treatment.” She promised him, drinking more from her cup. It seemed more had the same idea of refilling their glasses or getting the next round of shots. Layla grabbed Felix’s free hand and put some distance between them and the growing crowd.

He inquired where he could find tour dates, and she knew there was one of those new websites but didn’t want to search for the link in her phone. ”I can message them to you, but the label made one of those blogs or whatever with the information.” The name of the app escaped her for the moment, but it was there. She felt good. That cheap tequila only had the benefit of hitting her system very quickly, and she felt warm and floaty. Plus, now she had good company, and he was nice to look at. Those mysterious gray eyes were interesting to her, and she wondered what secrets they might hold. She nodded eagerly. "Yes, we’re working on new material. But that’s all I can tell you.” As excited as she was for the new songs, she wouldn’t hear the end of it if she spilled the beans too early. Felix had stated that there wasn’t enough fun in his life, and she turned her head curiously. That wasn’t any way to live. ”Well—I can help you with that.” chugging the rest of her drink, she placed the empty cup on a nearby tall table. ”Do you have a phone?” She asked.

template by vee

[FELIX CICERO TELLER]

Layla knocked back a large portion of the drink in one go - Felix reminded himself to keep his eyeballs in his head. "Impressive," he said, taking a sip of his own drink. He teased about getting a meet and greet with the band, which Layla agreed to at once. "The VIP treatment? I hope that entails what I think it does," said Felix, raising his brows suggestively. "A song dedicated to me. Obviously." His inhibitions had gone by the wayside with both the drink and the delight at winning their match, and Felix felt lighter than usual.

In terms of tour dates, Felix nodded as Layla said she'd message him. "Suppose that's you asking for my number now, is it? Cheeky,." said Felix. "Only joking, what's yours, I'll put it in mine and give you a ring," said Felix, taking out his own phone and tapping in her phone number, ringing it, before replacing his phone in his pocket. Gaz turned up just then with another round of shots, insisting on giving Layla two because she was twice as lovely as you, old bugger. Felix rolled his eyes, before tapping the shot glass against one of Layla's and knocking it back in one go. His nose wrinkled as he discarded the shot glass on a nearby table, returning his attention fully to Layla. His gaze swept over her petite features, a faint light seeming to emanate from her, though Felix thought that was probably just the tequila. "No secrets for the VIP?" he asked, nudging her with his elbow. Really, it was an excuse to get closer to her, and one that she didn't seem to object to. Wordlessly, Felix handed Layla his phone, eyeing her curiously as she worked.

@layla

[Deleted]

I thought I saw you standing there

All alone with a pretty stare

April 2026
FELIX CICERO TELLER

She supposed she was a natural when it came to this lifestyle. The parties and dealing with people. All that had been missing was the simple fact of being part of a band. It was vindication for all the doubt she’d gotten about her chosen career path and the lack of significant academic achievements during school. Nobody expected Layla to come out with enough NEWTs to qualify for Auror training, not that she was even remotely interested in Law Enforcement as a career. Music. That’s what mattered to her. Layla smirked in response to Felix’s hidden insinuation. ”Maybe a solo performance, if you’re lucky.” Layla added, taking another hearty sip from her cup.

They exchanged phone numbers, verified the correct numbers had been punched in (since drinking somehow made a four appear the same as a six), and she placed her phone back in her pocket. A man appeared with more shots, he seemed to know Felix and exclaimed how much lovelier Layla was than Felix, and she couldn’t help but smile in response. But, just as he had arrived, he was gone. Layla held one shot in each hand and took her first shot while Felix took his, she felt the burn and bitter flavor in her mouth, but she took the next one before her brain protested. Her face felt flush and warm, she felt light on her feet, and there was a happy feeling in the room. He stood closer to her, not that Layla minded, and she accepted his phone. She grinned and placed herself in his immediate vicinity with her free arm around his back on his tall frame. The phone screen was facing them. She had opened the camera app. ”How about a selfie? Something to remember me by and a reminder to have some fun.” And she took the picture.

template by vee

[FELIX CICERO TELLER]

Felix grinned devilishly at Layla’s suggestion for a solo performance. ”I think I’ll take you up on that,” he replied, knocking back the rest of his drink. They managed to exchange phone numbers and had to check three or four times to ensure he hadn’t put it in wrong as the tequila was already starting to mess with his head. Gaz returned with more tequila shots and crowed that Layla was much too pretty for Felix. Git. ”You’re an old geezer,” Gaz added after a moment. Felix opened his mouth to reply, but in the same moment, Gaz disappeared, leaving the drinks in his wake.

Layla took down the first shot easily, then the second in quick succession. Felix, on the other hand, spluttered at the burning liquid, and emerged from behind the shot glass with his eyes streaming. ”Chrissake,” he muttered to himself. His brain was fuzzy, and he just enjoyed the fact that he was with Layla. ”Dance with me?” asked Felix, taing Layla’s hand and leading her to the heaving crowd. Usually, Felix wasn’t bold enough to find himself on the dancefloor, but Layla’s presence and confidence seemed to have rubbed off on him. His face was warm as he bopped his head to the music.

When Laya suggested a selfie, Felix couldn’t stop himself from rolling his eyes. ”Well… if you insist,” said Felix, bending his knees slightly so his head was more level with the significantly shorter blonde beside him. He plastered on a smile as she snapped the photo, and Felix turned to her, bending close to the screen. ”Come on, let’s see it,” he said with a grin.

@layla

[Deleted]

I thought I saw you standing there

All alone with a pretty stare

April 2026
FELIX CICERO TELLER

She slowly smiled, Felix was much more sociable than the last time they had spoken, but the shots might have something to do with that. Not that she hadn’t enjoyed that conversation greatly, but Layla loved to be around people that could let loose and have some fun. Enjoy the moment and not worry about tomorrow. In her mind, it was the best way to live, and with that in mind, she felt she could easily smile every day, knowing that she was happy. But there wasn’t much to worry about in the world of a musician. Writing songs, lyrics, and melodies for a new album or upcoming show wasn’t necessarily work for her.

Felix grabbed her hand to lead her to the dance floor. ”I thought you’d never ask.” They didn’t get very far into the crowd before they started dancing, and Layla focused on the music and enjoying his presence and knowing that he was having fun as well. It was likely the shots, but the smile on his face and the light flush of his cheeks confirmed he was enjoying himself. She suspected being part veela might have helped, but she wasn’t even half, so the effect was hardly as strong as others. After they took the photo, Layla kept her arm around him while she opened the picture carefully with her other hand. She wobbled slightly and focused on the screen. It looked good, she assumed, and she turned the phone to show him. ”What do you think?” Standing this close to him, she could feel that he was as slim as he looked, rather lanky, but it suited him.

template by vee