Chapter Text
Pierrot didn’t like being on flyer duty, himself. He'd rather have the fools hand them out while he put on a show in the streets. People didn’t get as close during his performances, which was his preference. He knew people looked at him funny as he plastered on that fake grin and handed out fliers. It made his skin crawl, knowing how they were all judging him.
One person caught his eye, rushing down the street in a hurry. They slid on a flyer that someone had discarded not moments after he handed it to them, letting out a small scream as they clutched at a lamp post. Even from here, Pierrot could hear their heart racing from the shock. They peeled the flyer off of their shoe, giving it a pucker-lipped look of annoyance as if the paper assaulted them on purpose. He was sure they’d be angry if he knew he was laughing at them, but he couldn’t stop the silent trembles of his stomach.
Pierrot was so busy watching the clumsy human that he didn’t notice when someone stomped up to him until it was too late. A fist met his cheek with as much force as the man could muster, sending Pierrot to the ground. Papers scattered around the crumpled clown as the attacker shouted.
Pierrot kept his eyes to the ground, slowly trying to gather his fliers with shaking fingers. He just needed to wait it out. If he fought back- defended himself- the authorities would come and they’d have to run. The man would get tired of yelling and threatening him eventually.
“That is ENOUGH,” came a cracking, angry voice. The clumsy human from before had made their way toward the one-sided argument, fists clenched and smelling of fear and adrenaline. Pierrot looked up as they planted themselves firmly between him and the angry man. They looked down at him, giving him a shaky but reassuring smile. Pierrot felt his chest tighten.
“I don’t care what you think of that circus, you can’t attack people over some rumors! Now go on before I call the cops,” they barked, more sure of themselves this time. The man took a step back, glaring. Pierrot’s savior turned toward him, face softening to a worried grimace as they reached out to help him. Pierrot almost took their small, inviting hand when the man moved.
He made to grab their arm, but they flinched back and their fear spiked. An arm went up and they bent down slightly over Pierrot, like they were going to shield them both from another blow. The crowd that had formed began to mutter and murmur, making the man embarrassed.
“I hope that circus takes you, too!” was all he could get out, hurrying away from the scene. His savior took shuddering, quick breaths as they stood up straighter. They turned towards him fully as the crowd dispersed, offering their hand to him again. Wide-eyed Pierrot finally took their fragile little hand and allowed them to help him to his feet. He almost didn’t let go when they pulled their hand back to dig through their adorably-decorated bag.
“The nerve of some people- it’s not your fault some idiot ran off with a partner or something!” They grumbled half to themselves. Pierrot took in every inch of them while they were distracted. He had never given humans too much attention, as interactions always ended the same. Vague unease or a sexual desire for the mysterious, quiet clown that he wasn’t interested in returning. But this one… Their soft hair shone under the sunlight and the fragile skin still smelled of hastily used soap from a quick shower. Their anxiety actually began to decrease in his presence, which he was unused to.
They pulled out a pink bandage, giving him a crook of the finger in a silent command for him to bend down. Pierrot complied, heart hammering in his ribcage as they stepped closer. The bandage was placed on his mask’s cheek with such endearing focus. Pierrot couldn’t help the wide smile from appearing as he stood back up.
“You can still move your jaw, right big guy?” They had to tilt their head upwards to look him in the eye. He nodded, too stunlocked to actually portray as much to them beyond that. Something in his chest burned as their pretty eyes looked him over. He heard blood rushing to their cheeks the longer he stared at them. Those captivating eyes drifted off to the side, and oh how he wished they’d look at him again. He could look at them forever.
“Well, I’m uh… I’m already running late. If you happen to drop by the cafe, I’ll slip you a cookie.” They winked at him, smiling in a way that made their nose crinkle ever so slightly. Pierrot’s heart lurched, nodding so enthusiastically he was afraid his hat would slip. Their laughter mixed with the tinkling of his bells as they waved goodbye. Their voice drifted off as they called someone, saying they were on the way. Pierrot’s claws pierced the ruffled papers with ease. His other hand gripped the fabric over his chest. Pierrot felt like he couldn’t breathe.
Their scent lingered on the bandage, teasing him by being so close to his nose that it overpowered everything else. They didn’t look at him with fear. They didn’t see him as a freak or a monster. They saw him. They helped him, even if they were terrified of the man that attacked him.
He needed to see them again.