Chapter Text
Exhaustion filled through her body as Ash woke up to the cool morning. The soft warm blankets were calling for her to stay but sadly work as unavoidable. With a groan, she sat up and started her morning routine to get ready for work.
‘I hate going out. Lately it has been too overwhelming,’ she thought as she buttoned up her work shirt, ‘Work is getting busier due to the cold weather and the new circus is stirring up people and gossip. My noise-canceling ear buds just had to die two days ago and I don’t have enough to replace them yet.’
The news was reporting on another disappearance as Ash turned it off. “So many people running off. Part of me is scared something worse is going on. At least I have my pocketknife and some mace,” she muttered as she slipped on her shoes before stepping out the door.
After a small struggle to lock her apartment door, Ash took a deep breath and tried to focus some new crafting ideas as she made her way down to the street for her commute. She shivered for a moment as the chill first hit her, but it didn’t stop her. Seeing the circus flyers were helping her think of a possible Halloween costume when the noise of a loud man broke her from her thoughts.
A large man had hit one of the jesters that was handing out flyers and was screaming, “Get out of our town freaks! I know you are the ones behind the missing women!”
‘WTF! The guy is only doing his job?!’ Ash was shocked for a moment before she stormed in-between the two of them. “Leave him alone! Can’t you see he’s just doing his job! What’s wrong with you?” she cried out mad that anyone had the audacity to do that to a total stranger.
“Hey! I am protecting you! Ever since they came to town women have been going missing,” he yelled in her face. “And what prof do you have sir!? The police have stated that they have simply ran away or gone missing. Just blaming the traveling circus is just shallow. Just because they have a different way of life doesn’t mean they did something wrong without evidence,” she yelled back trying to not tremble from her anxiety and general overload of emotions.
The man backed off and while flipping her off says, “I hope you are one of the next ones to go missing.” Ash watched to make sure he was out of view before turning to look at the poor guy on the ground. “Hey, need a hand?” she asked offering to help him back on his feet. His clawed gloves gentle grasp her hand and with all her might she helped him up.
Once the jester was up, Ash noticed how tall he was and couldn’t stop staring. He tips his head to the side as she takes in his looks. He was dressed as a red peirrot with bells all over his outfit. She couldn’t tell if he was wearing a mask or just thick makeup, but she did notice the mark on his cheek.
“Here, I got something for that. I hope it make things better,” she franticly explained as she pulled out a pink band aid as placed it on his cheek. He looked bashful as he grinned at her. Ash was momentarily lost in that smile but realized she was one her way to work.
“Sorry, I need to get going or I’ll be late for work,” she explained as she started to make her way to the cafe, “Things should be better today. Not everyone is like that creep.” Speeding up so she wouldn’t be late, Ash never noticed the yellow eyes glued to her.
It wasn’t too busy as she stepped into the cafe. Ash saw her boss working some tables and when he saw her come in, he made his way over.
“Morning Ash, glad you could make it. Carol is running late, so I have been working her shift. Can you bring the orders on the counter to the tables?”
With a practiced smile, “Sure thing. I’ll get right on it.” ‘I hope Carol is ok, she is rarely late,’ she thought as she picked up the orders and started to make her way to the tables by the door. Her perfectly masked customer service smile on her face as she went throughout the day. The interaction earlier drained most of her social battery and today being busy isn’t helping her out. The hours ticked by slowly for her, but business got slower and soon the only thing left was to clear up all the fliers that ended up in the cafe. Just as she was about to throw them out, one of the last few customers offered to take them off her hands.
“Thank you, sir. I guess recycling is better than throwing them out,” she replied as she handed them over to him. “Have you been to the circus?” he kindly asked. “No, I haven’t had the chance,” she kindly replied. “It’s very entertaining. I’ve got a ticket here for you. I have somewhere I need to be tonight and sadly can’t make it,” he offered as he pulled out a pink ticket. She hesitated, “Are you sure?” ‘Tickets cost money, more than a usual tip,’ she guilty thought. “It’s yours. Use it or sell it. I have no use for it,” he kindly stated. “Thank you, sir,” Ash replied with a genuine smile cracking through her service persona.
She went back to cleaning up when her Boss called her over. “Hey Ash, I need to step out for an appointment. After that last customer, close up the shop. I don’t want you walking home so late,” he replied concerned but gently. Ash gave a small salute to show she heard as she started to do closing procedures as the man continued to drink his coffee. She was almost done when the customer told her his goodbyes. The excitement of closing soon distracted her until she heard the bell. Her stomach dropped as she called, “I’m sorry, but we’re close-,” she started before the power went out.
The unconsolable panic started to rise in her as she tried to focus on calming herself down. ‘It’s ok Ash. This has happened before. Just need to turn the lights back on,’ she calmly instructed herself, but her paranoia got the better of her as she pulled out her pocketknife and started to check under the tables as she made her way to the counter. ‘Nothing there,’ she reassured herself as she flipped the lights. “Damn, the breaker flipped,” she muttered as she made her way over to the breaker to flip the switch back.
The hum of the power turning back on was music to her ears until she heard the door open, ‘I should have locked that door.’ “I'm’ sorry. We are closed, oh! Hey again,” she replied as she saw the tall red jester walk right in with a smile.
‘I can see why people are unnerved by them, but he looks so harmless. Probably because he is always hurt when I see him,’ she thought as her eyes spotted the blood dripping off his head. He then pulled out a handmade paper flower, still wet from the red paint.
“Oh? Is this for the band aid? Thank you,” her cheeks starting to hurt from the smile breaking across her face and maybe a small blush. Against her better judgment, she cleared her throat, “Uhm, take a seat at the counter. Let's get you cleaned up.”
His bells barely made a sound as he sat down as she grabbed a couple of napkins from the countertop and started to gently wipe away the blood. As she worked, she asked, “So is being quiet part of the act?” When she pulled the dirty napkins away, he looked around before speaking, “Only in public my Lady.”
“So, it is an act. Do all the other performers also hand out flyers,” she casually stated. “Yes, we have a small cast of jesters, pierrots, and ... harlequins,” he almost spat out the last word. ‘He mustn’t get along with the rest of the cast,’ Ash thought as she threw out the napkins.
“Are you a jester?” she kindly asked. He smiled and replied, “No I am Pierrot. I’m the only one who doesn’t speak while preforming. Though I do make the exception when it’s just the two of us.”
“Your secret is safe with me,” she replied happily before noticing the Band-Aid slowly falling off, “here let me get that for you.” As gently as she could, she pulled the pink Band-Aid off and threw it away. “Thank you, My Lady,” Pierrot replied, “I do have one more token of gratitude.” He pulled out a red ticket, “I would love to preform for you, my lady.”
“Oh! I already have a ticket,” She happily replied to the surprise. Shock came across his face before he asked, “May I see it?” With a happy nod, she pulled out her pink ticket. As soon as Pierrot saw it his face looked grim and panicked before he took it. With a way of his hand, it changed from pink to red, “I’m so sorry my lady. It looks like you were given a bad ticket. Please don’t accept any tickets from any strangers.”
Ash was shocked, “You mean that was a fake?” ‘Why would that guy be handing out fake tickets like that?’ she thought before snapping out of it and realizing she still had to close the store. “I’m so sorry Pierrot, but my boss is wanting me to close the store early tonight. I’ll need you to leave so I can lock up soon,” Ash guiltily explained, but the jester didn’t look like he minded. “I meant to come earlier, but I am glad we got to talk,” he stated as he stood up.
‘he’s sooooo tall,’ Ash thought before replying, “Me too. Now I know you won’t be able to answer me in public.” As he stepped out the door, she locked it and started to finish up the closing procedure. The next hour went by quick for Ash and she was back in her apartment exhausted. “Today was a short shift but I feel like a worked a whole shift instead. At least I go in later tomorrow,” she muttered as she went to take a shower and get ready for bed.
~~~~~~~~~~~(Pierrot)~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was just normal. The abuse of the humans. He just had to stay still and let it happen. If he acted, then they would hunt down the circus again. Once he bleeds, they would get bored and leave. It was as Jester said. Humans don’t know love, only pain. But then she appeared.
That small petit woman stepping in, yelling and defending him from the unjust man. When she chased him off, she looked truly concerned for him. She didn’t enjoy his pain. She saw him and helped him. When she noticed his injured cheek, she took care of him. Before he could think, she looked panicked as she explained she was late for work. As she left, she still encouraged him to have a better day.
It had to be love. For once, Jester was wrong. This human was different. A rare kindness out of a mass of hate and pain. She had to be his.
Not caring about the scattered flyers, he started to head in the direction she went. Sticking to the shadows. He needed to see her, learn her name. It wasn’t hard to find her workplace. The glass windows in front made it easy to look into the cafe and see everyone in it. She stood out like a beautiful rose surrounded by weeds. Her smile still ever present as she attentively served each customer with great care. As he watched her smoothly glide through the crowd, balancing the orders with practiced ease, he caught a glimpse of her name tag.
“Ash,” he whispered to himself, and his smile couldn’t be held back. The name suited her perfectly. His lady was just perfect. Oh, how he wishes she was alone in there, then he could finally speak with her. Shower her with gratitude and love. Make it known how she stole his heart.
After a moment of thought, he thought of the perfect gift for her. Seeing that the cafe was still packed, he knew she was safe and secure. He went over to the shadowed alley and pulled out one of the extra flyers he had, then started to fold it with practiced ease. His lady deserved a favor that will never die but was as beautiful as she was. He took his time, restarted if the smallest tear or wrinkle appeared. Finally, he had a perfect paper rose in his hand.
If only he had some paint. She deserved to receive a flower with his colors on it, to show how deeply he felt from her. His hand brushed his cheek with the band aid she applied on him as he contemplated. Then it hit him.
‘I could give her a piece of me. That way she is never without,’ he thought as he carefully made a small cut on his forehead, letting the blood pool a bit before using it to paint the rose. He admired his work. He had made the perfect gift to give along with his ticket.
He finally looked back to see that the cafe was finally down to one customer. He took his opportunity to sneak in while the last guest left. He was quick as he was agile. She looked relived as she started to stretch. He accidently let his bells give him away, but she turned to the door expecting someone to come through. He took the opportunity to flip the breaker to hide himself better, too not frighten her.
She looked scared and confused for a moment before she took a deep calming breath. Her hand trembled a little as she pulled out a small knife from her pocket. She was cautious, checking her surroundings as she made her way over to the lights. Just seeing her on guard made his heart race. She wasn’t ignorant and trusted her instincts. With the danger that follows his circus, it was perfect. She could defend herself until he could get to her.
As she started to mess with the breaker, he made sure to be by the door. As soon as the lights were turned back on, he opened it to make the bell ring. With practiced ease, he walked like he just stepped in. She turned about to turn him away until she saw him. Her face light up as she properly greeted him with her radiant smile.
He proudly bowed towards her with his freshly made present out towards her. The small blush that stained her cheeks stirred a deep hunger he has never felt before. The more she admired his gift, the more he wanted to scoop her up in his arms. After a moment, she noticed his new cut and worry soon replaced her wonder.
“Um, take a seat at the counter. Let’s get you cleaned up,” she motioned for him to sit, which he happily did. Watching her go grab some napkins as she got into a worried mess over him as the most magical thing he’s ever seen. She was so gentle with him and tender, like she could break him if she used too much pressure. Completely unaware that he was so much stronger than her.
It took him a moment for him to realize she started talking again. Asking if being silent was part of his act. He looked around to make sure no one was around before replying, “Only in public My lady.” Her eyes widen as she understood my answer, “So it is part of the act. Do the other performers also handout flyers?”
I happily answered all her questions. She kept her focus on me the whole time. Taking in every precious word like it was candy. Only for her will I take the risk of speaking outside the circus. I kindly warned her I was the only one who had to remain silent and it’s best to not let it be known. She was the only exception. Joy filled her eyes as she smirked, “Your secret is safe with me.”
Her focus then went to my cheek as she noticed the band aid starting to fall off. Ever so gently she removed it, and he remembered his goal. “Thank you, My Lady. I do have one more token of gratitude.” He pulled out his rarely used ticket and presented it to her. “I would love to preform for you, my lady.”
“Oh! I already have a ticket,” She happily replied to the surprise. He felt like he jumped into a frozen lake, for her to have a ticket already meant she met one of the others, or worse, had received a ticket to be devoured. He had to be sure. He couldn’t lose his lady after he just found her. “May I see it?” With a happy nod, she pulled out her pink ticket.
He almost froze in fear when he saw the pink ticket, but to hide the meaning of it he pulled a simple sleight of hand trick to entertain her as well as get rid of the dangerous ticket. He handed her his ticket.
“I’m so sorry my lady. It looks like you were given a bad ticket. Please don’t accept any tickets from any strangers.” She looked shocked and hurt at the thought of being deceived. Which was better for him. Now she won’t take gifts from the others. That way she would be safe as he seduced her into becoming his.
He wished he could have spoken with her more, but her boss had told her to close the store early for the night. He didn’t mind. It meant he could safely learn more about his angel throughout the night.
He became one with the shadows once again as he watched over her as she made her way back to her apartment. It was easy to find which one was hers. He was blessed with luck to find that the door to the patio was broken, so he could easily slip in when she started her shower.
He took his time looking over her home to learn what he could about her. She didn’t possess a lot of furniture. Just a cluttered desk with a laptop, a tv, a small bed covered in plushies, and a kitchen table with a single chair. He took a step into the kitchen to see she had at least six different baking books. Flipping through, he saw that she marked a lot of chocolate desserts. This was a hobby they both had. He put the books back down as he went to observe her desk and closet.
The desk had piles of junk mail, pamphlets, and random notes thrown about it. Besides her computer, there was nothing of interest on it. He started to peak in her closet and saw bags and boxes of various crafting materials and blankets. She had yarn of every color, beads, soft felts, and a tool sharpening kit. She hardly had any clothing at all. Before he could look more, he heard the shower get turned off.
He quietly stepped out through the sliding door and waited in the shadows for her to fall asleep. His lady was defiantly shy and tended to keep to herself. All of her hobbies were ones she could do in the comfort of her home. She didn’t have any pictures in her home, not even of herself. There was some small concern that she only had about a week's worth of clothing. She lived like she was ready to move at any moment.
He continued watching her as she did her routine. She curled herself up in her nest of plushies, arranging them all around her as she turned on the Tv. Watching her slowly fall asleep in her so-called nest was adorable. When he was sure she was in a deep sleep he snuck back in, mesmerized by her beauty as she hugged a long white dog plush.
He kept getting closer to her, “You are even more enchanting as you sleep my Lady.” Brushing the loss hair out of her face, “So fragile. So defenseless. You don’t even know me, but I know you.” His snooping gave him everything he needed to know, “Every step you take, your routines, your preferences. Even the way your brow furrows when you are confused or afraid. Utterly adorable.”
He was practically on top of her now. She didn’t stir just snuggled in closer to her plush. “I knew to moment I saw you ... today. I was just a glance but now something inside me as ignited and now, there is no turning back. Nowhere left to run. I needed to see you with my own eyes. To be certain that you were real. And you are,” he continued softly to her slumbering form. Holding in his urge to hold her close to him.
“You must be mine. You will be mine.” She turned a bit in her sleep, her face now towards him. He couldn’t hold himself back as he went down and gave her a gentle kiss. Slowly sliding his tongue in to try and savor her taste. He wished he could have done more, but she started to stir awake some, so he stopped. He tried to savory the taste on his tongue, but it was so little. He needed more but knew he couldn’t try again just yet. After his performance, he’ll have her. She’ll be so pleased and enthralled by him that she can’t bare to be apart from him.
He stayed and watched over her throughout the night, only leaving her home once the sun started to rise.