That's Not how You Greet Someone-
Uhhhh cross posted on Ao3, I've never posted a fic on Tumblr before so sorry if the formatting is weird
TWs: Stalking, Hallucinations, Paranoia, Mild Blood, (brief)References to Addiction, C! Tommy and his problems in general tbh
Pairing(?): Pierrot x c! Tommy
He was running. Runningrunningrunningrunningrunning-
And then, he was falling. A less than graceful scream escaped his lips as his foot caught on something and down he went, hitting jutting rocks and prickles that stung against his skin through his thin red and white t-shirt.
The torch he was carrying got smothered against the chilled dirt, the area falling to darkness as the last embers went out with a flutter. It was dark. It was quiet.
A choked sob left his lips as he curled in on himself, shaking arms wrapping tight around his middle. He could already feel little droplets of blood pooling up from the various scratches he just gained, quickly forming bruises adding to the overwhelming aches he felt.
With a hiccup, he called out in a hoarse whisper, mind racing, “Phil… Phil please,” no one would respond. Tommyinnit had run from the only home he’s had since nine. He left. He left Phil, Techno, Wilbur. Tubbo. Prime, Tubbo. What would his best friend think of him running away? After everything the two have been through together, Tommy went and chose the coward's way out.
He ran. And now he was lost with- after that fall -no torch, the clothes on his back, and about a dozen invis potions in his inventory. He didn’t even grab a sword or food!
Sure, he hadn’t been thinking when grabbing what he needed. He- Dream was around. He didn’t see the masked bastard, or the quiet swishes of the hybrid's dark tail, he could just feel it. And it scared him. It scared him so bad he left without a word or letter to let anyone know what happened.
… If they cared in the first place.
So here he was, crying into his own arms as a shaking mess, the sounds of mobs distant but closing in as he sat around doing nothing with himself in the dark. He- he needed-
The invisibility was wearing off. He could feel its magic around him shudder and fizzle, before completely going out with the last of the swirling particles blinking out of existence.
With a sharp inhale, he held a shaking hand out, all but ripping out a new potion from his inventory and downing half of it in one go. With the familiar sting of it sliding down his throat, he felt its effects kick back in. The scarred, pale hand that was just visible in the moonlight disappeared again, and despite the tears still falling, relief settled deep in his bones.
He had been running since sunset. Somehow having fallen asleep in the day only to be terrorized back awake.
But he was tired as the adrenaline faded and the magic swirled around him with its comforting embrace. What couldn’t see him couldn’t hurt him ‘n all, right?
Drowsily, he placed what was left of the potion back in his inventory, trying to force his eyes to stay open. To get up instead of lazing around while Dream no doubt caught up.
But… The grass under him was real soft, and if he listened close enough, he could hear a distant stream trickling along with its fresh water.
He… He was tired. So, so tired. He could wait til morning, right? Then he’d keep moving on. Yeah. Yeah that sounded…
“Tha’ soun’s… Nice.” He mumbled out loud, eyes slipping shut the moment he managed to reason with himself.
With a groan, he sat up as the alarm blared for the third time, deciding he couldn’t snooze any longer without being later to work than he no doubt was.
He’s spent enough time reminiscing anyway.
All of that was about as much as Tommy could remember before waking up here. ‘Here’, he quickly figured out, was very much not the Dream SMP. It wasn't the Hive either where he grew up. It wasn’t like any server he had visited, by himself or with Wil.
First of all, magic wasn’t a big thing here, all of it toned down or outright non-existent. He still remembers the time he appeared in front of some poor kid after a potion wore off when he was distracted. The scream that followed after still has him wincing in sympathy to this day.
And, apparently people didn’t have inventories, they had to have bags and pouches to carry their extra stuff in, not even able to gather them in stacks like with food or wool!
But the weirdest part of this place, aside from it being fucking America of all places, was the simple fact that there were no hybrids. None whatsoever. There were only humans, humans, and more humans! It was quite the culture shock the first few months he was stuck wandering here.
He didn’t have to dance around anyone's instincts, didn’t have to worry about saying something disgustingly offensive without realizing. Sure, he wasn’t necessarily normal himself despite being human- at least he didn’t think being made in a tube counted -but… it was sort of nice, in the weirdest of ways.
He didn’t get sideways glances for looking off compared to everyone else, and the only times someone nagged at him for how he was acting was solely because of his bad behavior and not some humiliating offense he committed without even realizing.
Tommy was just… Another human among the masses. That thought probably would have bothered him lots when he was younger, but after all the shit he’s been through? It was comforting.
Comforting enough, apparently, to settle down with a crudely made identity and shabby backgrounds. It was a pain to manage, but when you’re the only person who seems to have access to some of the world's code? It's easy enough.
As long as you ignore his first attempts. No, he would not try to name himself ‘Tommy Danger Careful Kraken Innit’ again after the fiasco that ensued.
Apparently those types of names were unusual here.
Tommy just thought these people didn’t have enough joy in their lives. Instead, he settled for a simple “Thomas Innes”. Close enough to his actual name without sounding entirely stupid for this world.
He adjusted well, if you ignored the first week. And the couple weeks after he ran out of his last invis potion.
Of course, with him paying zero mind to his surroundings while getting ready, he yelped when he stubbed his toe against one of the legs of his bed, nearly getting knocked to the floor but managing to catch himself.
“Fucking christ! You piece of shit, how could you?! After all we’ve been through! Evil bastard making me hurt myself…” That was another thing. He’s been, eh, chatting to himself more since coming here. Surely nothing wrong with that, no siree! He was entirely sane.
He didn't need people around 24/7, he wasn't a clingy bastard like he used to be!
… He was getting good at ignoring the loneliness clawing at him constantly, begging to fill whatever void that's been hollowed out since arriving in this world. Exile seemed to prepare him well enough in that regard, it seems.
He stared down at his hands, not appreciating the uncomfortable clenching in his chest at the mere mention. Welp, time to move on!
He hurriedly dragged himself to the bathroom, shoving away the thoughts trying to surface as best as possible. His hands weren’t shaking. He could ignore the reflection in the mirror well enough. Greens are an okay color these days! The plants all around liven up his apartment, they covered up the bareness of the place just fine and didn't leave his home a sickly white.
With a low breath, he got his tooth brush out, going through his routine mechanically, already dreading the day ahead of him. He’s got a real, proper job now. Nothing fancy, ‘Customer Service’, never his go-to option, but it’s good work that pays decently!
Yeah. Real good work… he was getting better with his temper, at least compared to the last place he worked at. Calling a nasty customer a ‘No good wrong’un’ was a big no-no at these places apparently. Everyone was so uptight here.
He spat out the toothpaste in his mouth, wiping his lips clean before rinsing the brush and putting it away. He turned, hurrying out of the small bathroom and barely remembering to snag the apron he’s required to wear from the counter, along with his keys and wallet before rushing out.
He stepped outside and locked the apartment's original lock behind himself, then the second and third one he added on not long after moving here. Paranoia was a bitch, and he had it in spades.
He snorted at the stupid saying before turning heel and speeding off, attempting to not be too loud but more than likely failing in his haste. “No distractions… Gotta get there on time. You spent too long moping like a damned moron Tommy!” He muttered, going down the steps three at a time.
The pep talk wouldn't work. But he had hope! Hopes and many, many failed dreams.
Grumbling to himself, he finally burst out the entrance door, paced at an easy jog now that he was out of the ‘need to keep quiet zone’.
No distractions! None! Zero, that’s what it’ll be!
Of course, Tommy Danger Careful Kraken Innit was a liar.
There was… A clown guy, on the ground looking right miserable with a reddish mark forming on his face as a man stood over him, shouting about some sorta nonsense. Something about people disappearing since he came.
He should avoid it. He had an easy life now, one without constant violence or eyes watching his every move. He was free to live.
He shouldn't get involved.
That's what he keeps telling himself.
So… Why’d it feel like his feet were stuck in place?
He stared hard at the clown guy, an uncomfortable feeling he couldn’t name settling in. He had to leave. It wasn't important, it wasn't his fight.
But as he twitched in place, trying to move on, he winced, a bolt of guilt tearing through him.
He can't get involved. It’s not his business. It’s not!... And yet, here he was, walking over to make it his business.
Before he could fully process it, his own loud voice cut the man off abruptly, nearly getting in the older guy's face as he stood between the two. “What the fuck are you doing you dickhead? What, do you just go around assaulting anyone over unconfirmed bullshit? Seriously? Why don’t you get a life, mate, it's just sad at this point.”
The man sputtered, backing off with an almost alarmed look at the blonde's sudden appearance. Quick enough though, it changed into anger, teeth grit as he tried speaking again, “stay out of it-” only to be cut off.
“‘OoOohHHhh stay out of it!’ Well maybe I would if you weren’t being a total asshole! How about that, huh?!” A bit vulgar but who cares? The guy deserved it for going around and harassing other people for no good reason!
Tommy expected more of an argument, but instead all he got was a sour “let’s see what you think when it’s you who goes missing next…” Before the bastard simply… Walked off into the crowd. People here were so weird. In the SMP, that would’ve caused at least one bombing.
Rolling his eyes, he turned back to clown guy, suddenly more hesitant as he met the wide eyes staring up at him. They were dark aside from the yellow pupils. It almost threw him off, but he reasoned with himself that it was just contacts.
Hybrids didn’t exist here, and the guy is part of a circus! ‘Course he’s gonna look a little odd. Awkwardly- Hah, him, awkward -he held his hand out for the other to take, eyeing the funky gloves clown guy has got on when their hands met. They were dark but firm fabric with built in claws at the end of each finger. Just what kinda circus was this anyway? He hadn’t been paying much attention to it once he learned he was too damn broke to even afford a ticket in the first place.
Shaking that off, he hauled clown guy up with some effort, offering a smile he hoped was reassuring as he said, “you doing good, big man? Some people really don’t know how to keep their hands to themselves, its fuckin’ nuts!” Rambling helped soothe himself a bit as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans.
But, notably, the clown guy didn’t say a word, just nodding his head and staring intently at Tommy like he was the most fascinating thing in the world. It was off putting, the intense focus in the guy's eyes, it reminded him of-
He tensed, immediately shutting that thought down as a laugh bubbled out unprompted, nails digging into his palms. He needed- distraction. He needed a distraction! He felt in his pockets before yanking out a bandaid he was carrying around for no particular reason, shoving it to the guy's chest in a haste as he spoke, “for uh- your cheek! It’s- you’re bleeding! And I’m- uh- late for work!... Bye.”
Without even checking to see if clown guy caught it, he turned tail and booked it out of there. That was god awful! Since when was talking to people so hard?! Yeah, he hasn't been too social these days but come on, this is just bullshit!
Despite these thoughts, he didn’t stop once, only forcing himself to cool it once he nearly broke the glass entrance in his hurry, muttering a small ‘Sorry’ to no one in particular as he let the doors close behind himself, chest heaving as he finally allowed himself the chance to glance back.
Nothing. Nothing he could see, anyway. Thankfully Clown guy wasn't out there trying to follow after him, he thinks he'd up and die if-
“Tommy?” No, he did not scream as he whirled around at his boss's voice, jumping back against the door and clutching at nonexistent pearls, good eye wide and alarmed.
The handles dug uncomfortably into his back as he sucked in a breath of the cafe's air. The scent of coffee and warm pastries filled his lungs, helping soothe his nerves.
His boss stared at him with narrowed eyes, looking him up and down. It made his skin crawl with unease, but he swallowed past it and focused on what the man said next. “Right… You’re late, but I’ll let it slide this time for good performance as of recently.”
Tommy nodded, looking away briefly and forcing himself to chill out before clearing his throat, asking, “real busy, huh? Where’s Carol?”
The man stared for another moment longer, and right when Tommy went to say something just to fill the silence, he was cut off, “it’s busy with the cold, and Carol is running late. I’ve been covering for her while she’s out,”
That… Was odd. He would have made a comment if he wasn’t aware enough of the fact he was already on thin ice. Instead, he waited for the others' instructions. With crossed arms, the man gestured to the counter, saying “the orders are already on the counter, please take them to the counters.”
With a nod, Tommy readjusted his apron before moving on. Grabbing up the first order, he walked over to the table furthest into the restaurant, placing the plate down and shooting a charming smile towards the pair here, asking “a coffee with cheese break and a cappuccino with a brownie, right?”
“Ya, that’s right!” The first one said, and he tried to avoid getting dragged into conversation, really he was busy… But he was also very nosey, so when they continued with “hey barista! Did you hear about the news?” One could say his interest peaked.
“No, ‘fraid not. I don’t watch the news much.” He didn’t even have a TV in the first place, but that's beside the point.
The person grinned, leaning in and tucking a strand of hair that fell over their eyes behind their ear, whispering conspicuously, “they’re still talking about the lady who went missing. People are saying she ran away with a lover, but no one really knows for sure what happened!”
Their friend must have kicked them from under the table, as it shook and the gossiper gasped, turning back to their friend. Using the increasingly hard kicks back and forth as a distraction, he slipped away, eyes narrowed slightly as he mulled over it.
He went out plenty, so even without a TV to see the news, he's heard about it. It was weird how they would just all just vanish, but it was none of his business. He wasn’t a hero.
Tommy grimaced but forced the thought away, running a hand through his hair before grabbing the next tray.
As he picked it up however, a large shadow dipped away from the window in his peripheral, jerking to the left to try and face it with his good eye. But, it was gone.
Damnit! Something was there! Why is no one else reacting?
A quick glance around showed that, indeed, no one had seen whatever was looming. Fuck. He scowled, warily glancing back. His eyes roved left to right, right to left, searching for anything. He would have watched for longer if the bell didn’t ring and dragged him back down to reality.
With a small scoff, he went to the next table, serving them with more confidence than he felt at the moment. He didn’t pay much mind to their chatter, thankfully being ignored for the most part as he dropped the order off.
Turning back, there was no shadow this time. Was he seeing things? Wouldn’t be the first time. Usually they’re more obvious is all….
Damn. Were they improving? Working harder to make him more insane than he already felt? He glared at the floor, pursing his lips in thought. He saw no horns or a glimmer of a golden crown, so those two couldn't have found ‘im. It couldn't be Boob boy either since again, no horns.
Just who was that? Was it even a ‘Who’ to begin with?
Mulling this over, he hardly noticed his boss walking over, barely managing to respond to the man's next list of what he had to do. Something about cleaning up all the posters.
Posters for the circus. Bloody hell, there really was a lot, wasn’t there? What, are the bastards trying to pollute the city or something?
Grumbling, he started snatching the pages up from different tables and even the floor, eyeing the ones haphazardly taped against the glass outside the establishment.
When the door opened and a rush of cold air followed suit, he decided it wasn't worth it.
With a huff, Tommy shook off his tension, approaching the man who entered after shoving the posters haphazardly in his aprons pocket. Asking as politely as he could manage, “good afternoon sir! What would you like to order today?"
The guy looked off in a way compared to the usual humans he sees. He had dark slicked back hair with a blue business suit of all things, while half his face was somehow shrouded with shadows that managed to obscure his other eye completely despite the light in here. His smile was small and seemingly polite as he spoke his order, "I'd like a strong hot coffee, thank you.”
With a raised brow, Tommy mused to himself, ‘This late into the day? Bizarre.’ however he wasn't here to judge customers, as much joy as it brings him. Instead he held his tongue and nodded, heading off to make the man's drink.
He burnt himself once or twice, muttering bitter curses under his breath with each blotchy red mark etched on his skin. It should go away in a bit, yeah? He already had enough scars as is, he didn't need more over something as stupid as coffee.
Finally done, he headed back out, placing the small plate with the cup down for blue man to enjoy, saying, "here's your coffee sir, enjoy,”
He wanted to get away from this creep as quick as possible, but failed as the other was quicker, "thanks, it's really cold outside,” a sip of the no doubt scalding drink- how is he not getting burnt?? -before he continued, "what's with those posters?”
Tommy blinked, realizing he was focusing too intently on the wrong things, shaking his head and fighting down the urge to smack himself upside the head. Not the time. Instead, he said as he pulled them back out, "some obnoxious pricks left these laying all around in here. I'm havin’ to pick up after them now, nothing big man Tommy Inni- Innes can't handle though!”
Fuck. He almost slipped up there. The man tilted his head, but thankfully brushed past it, replying quickly, "how rude to do that in a place of business, right?" At least this creep was reasonable…
“Yeah, it creates more work for me, but it's whatever. Nothing but a mild annoyance, really," he waved it off easily and glanced back to the windows. He paused when… He saw a heart on the window? Like someone breathed their hot breath on it and drew it out of the condensation. Fucking disgusting…
He startled when the man spoke up again, though, having gotten distracted. "If you want, I can take them for you. I'll toss them out when I leave, no big deal,” smiling again. Smiles are fine but from this guy it's creepy. Everything about him is fucking creepy. He barely managed to catch the last of what the man said, “I was gathering some paper for recycling anyways!”
That would be nice but what the dude said doesn't make much sense. He'll toss it out when he's out of here, but will also keep it for recycling? Whatever.
At least it'd be off his hands, right? With a small huff, he slid them over to the man, watching as he just… Tucks it into the inside of his suit. Huh… alright then.
He eyed where the papers seemingly went to, not hearing any crinkling or spotting any indication of it being in there. Kind of like- “Do you like the circus?" Tommy damn near jumped out of his skin, spluttering slightly and jerking back when he realized he was staring at the man's chest like some fuckin’ weirdo. Now he looks worse than this guy!
Grimacing, he scratched at the back of his neck, looking anywhere but blue-suit-guy, saying, "eh, the circus is a bit too childish for a big man like me, you know? Not really something I'd be into…! Haha.” WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT WHAT'S WRONG WITH HIM?!
Prime, this guy's gonna hate his guts he can just feel it.
But surprisingly, instead of immediately striking Tommy down for his ineptitude at small talk, the man chuckles before refuting his claims. “Nonsense! This show isn't for kids, my dear!" He would be ignoring that, he dutifully decided as the man tilted his head to the right. “They’ve got some pretty creepy stuff!”
Hm. Tommy raised a brow, eyes narrowing slightly as he listened, still unsure as he questioned, “so you've gone already? Went through everything like an old man?"
Blue man gave him a clearly befuddled look, opening and closing his mouth with a blink, lost at what to say for a moment. Whoops… hopefully he doesn't complain to his boss, that'd suck! Especially after he was let off the hook when he got here… Shit.
“Are you even listening?" Tommy blinked and realized he zoned out again, silently cursing himself out and offering a smile, muttering a quick apology.
With a laugh, blue man continued, “thought so. Anyways here, take this!” Is that-? Oh shit! A ticket! What's this guy doing offering this to him for free?! They cost hella money!
Unless- he relaxed slightly, saying quickly, “oh, no no I'm good! I can't even afford that anyway, thanks though, much appreciated big man." Obviously this dude wanted some money for it, no way it's just free.
The man stared. He didn't start talking right away like before, seemingly processing his words. And yet, the man just waved it his way again, more insistent this time around, "Don't worry, I already went. I was thinking about going again, but I'll be leaving town soon, keep it or sell it if you want.”
What the fuck. Just how rich is this guy? He's trying to give this away for free! It has to come with some sort of cost, the guy is even saying to sell it. No way. It's too good to be true.
Hesitantly, he reached out, eyeing the picture and pretty pink of the small ticket. ‘The Freak Circus’ was in bold, golden print right in the middle.
He twirled it around a few times, but snapped back to reality when the bell to the doors jingled, whirling around with a "Wait!” dying on his tongue. The mysterious man was already gone, leaving Tommy with an odd mix of unease and hope. Could he really go? He hasn't really gone to one despite all the traveling he's done, only hearing about how cool it was the one time Tubbo went.
He eyed the ticket again, running his thumb along the letters, watching how they glittered under the bright lights above.
… Yeah. Maybe he could go. It'd be nice to have a free day that isn't just wandering around the city til he knows it better than the back of his own hand.
He smiled, before screeching when his boss's voice started up from behind him once more.
He was closing up early! He could go to his bed and laze around or even knit with the supplies he bought ages ago when he had actual money to spare! He grinned brightly, putting his hands on his hips once he was done sweeping, eyes roving over the layout of the cafe now that it's empty and cleaned up.
Perfect! Absolutely perfect, nothing less from The biggest man ever! This night was just-
The light flickered before shutting off. Everything was still for all of a second before eyes appeared along the windows, under tables, behind the counters. They were watching him.
Watchingwatchingwatching-
He sucked in a breath, dropping the broom before hurrying to snatch up a knife, blue-grey eyes darting from place to place as he shifted cautiously to the breaker, watching the bastards right back.
He could breathe, he wasn't hyperventilating, everything will be fine with the lights on.
He was fine. It wasn't real.
It's not. He's real, the knife in his hand is real.
The eyes aren't real, nothing is watching him the way
He breathes in sharply, the breaker digging into his back and bringing him back to reality. His hands won't stop shaking, but the eyes are gone even with the way his vision blurs.
He all but yanks the damn thing open, somehow managing to get it going again in record time despite how unsteady he feels.
His chest hurts, his hand too tight around the handle of the blade.
He can't take a full breath. Each one stutters and shakes as he wipes roughly at his eyes, slowly lowering himself to the ground, but refusing to fully settle down. Even though no one else is here. No one else is here…
The power was just being a little faulty, no big deal, really. It's happened before.
It was, for all of five seconds before the door opened up with that grating jingle he's listened to since clocking in. Fucking hell…
He grits his teeth, nails of his empty hand digging into the palm. He can't look insane when telling whoever it is to get out.
He should have locked the door.
Taking a deep breath in and standing up, he startles at the sight before him. Clown guy from before, now bleeding from his forehead. This guy seems to have a knack for getting hurt.
“You look like shit," spills out of his mouth before he can stop it, feeling too frazzled at the moment to filter himself better. He tries to correct himself so clown guy can’t and stammers, "I- I mean- you know, like good shit! Wait no-... I am so, so sorry.”
He'll throw himself from his balcony when he gets home, as sadly there's no good ledge nearby for him to use.
With a groan, he leans down, banging his head loudly against the counter, haphazardly letting the knife clatter close by as he releases it from his grip.
The small jingle from the guy has him trying to pull himself together. No time to break down! He could do that in the safety of his bathroom and maybe smash the mirror to make himself feel better. Yeah, yeah… Good plan.
He tenses when he hears the knife make a quiet ‘shinnng’ of movement across the counter, eyes wide as he turns his head ever so slightly to see if he's about to be murdered.
But for whatever reason, clown guy- he needs a better name, this sucks -had reached over the counter while Tommy was collecting himself and just… Moved the knife away. Didn't pick it up, just slid it further from him with one clawed finger. Huh.
Warily, Tommy stood, squinting at big guy- no that sucks too what -before saying, “you're weird as shit, man.”
The bastard just flashed him a close eyed smile, titling his head. It was then as a small trail of blood dripped down to the bandaid did he remember that the man was hurt. Saying a curse under his breath, he went off to the back, digging around hurriedly for the first aid kit.
Hauling it out with him once found, he gestured to Red, yes that's his name now, to come closer while saying, "sit down. I'll clean you up real quick.”
Red stared as a small… blush? Appeared on his face. Must be embarrassed, he thinks he'd be pretty embarrassed himself if he kept needing to be patched up by the biggest man ever.
Instead of just leaning in to get cleaned up, the fucker goes and sits his ass on the counter. The counter! The ones he just wiped down.
Red didn't seem to notice or care for his annoyance, swinging his legs happily.
Miraculously, Tommy manages to bite his tongue, quietly cleaning up the blood. The makeup or whatever on his face was stained a light pink now while the cut was visible. It was small, not long or too noticeable if it weren't for the fact it kept trying to bleed.
Regardless, he put a bandage over the cut before it could bleed any more, smoothing it out carefully. Once it was all the way on he grinned, saying with his usual brash tone, “there you go! Now you're all set for your circus stuff again,”
Red, silent as ever, dragged one clawed finger along the bandage, near reverently before turning his attention back onto Tommy. He took this time to question Red, “you're so quiet. This part of the act or something?"
Instead of answering properly like a normal person, Red leaned in, making Tommy lean back in turn. Before he got too far though, Red spoke. "I can't be seen talking.”
“So it is part of the act!” He exclaimed, way too pleased at getting it right first try, forgetting all about trying to get away from Red for the moment. It was interesting, in a way. Constantly having to play into a role, one so quiet would make him go crazy, personally.
Red smiles back, or- smiled wider? And said politely, "I'm the Pierrot. Nice to meet you!”
Tommy nodded, catching himself before he spoke his real name, saying instead, "'s nice to meet you mate, I'm- ah- Thomas, yup! Thomas."
Tommy stared, wondering whether or not he just heard that right. That's… how? Pierrot stares back, not blinking once before Tommy clears his throat, waving it off as the other having read the name tag he wasn't… Wearing at the moment. “You don't really look like a Pierrot though. Er- wait what-?”
He opened his mouth to speak but was promptly cut off, “indeed, you are right my lord! We were required to… Modernize my attire. But my role remains unchanged.”
This guy just keeps getting weirder and weirder by the moment. It's probably just ‘cause he works at a horror themed circus, right? Yeah. Makes sense he'd be a creepy fuck, he'd be bad at his job if he wasn't!
With a huff, he pushed away the growing wariness over this whole situation, musing as he leaned back against the counter behind him, crossing his arms as he does, “people have been real rough with you guys."
Pierrot tilted his head, leaning even more forward, somehow not falling from where he's perched, agreeing easily. “Yes, I suppose we may appear a touch… Uncanny. That tends to unsettle people."
“Do the pierrots out on the street with the flyers perform too?" May as well try and get as many answers out of this guy before he has to leave. He'd rather know what the hell he's walking into before heading to the circus.
"Indeed. The circus has but a small cast, we both perform and hand out flyers.” Pierrot's face darkened and he looked away with a tense smile, eyes narrowed as he tacked on in an agitated tone and a roll of his eyes, “though I must say, I am the only Pierrot, my lord. The others are jesters and… Harlequins…"
What's with that? With a huff, Tommy said dryly, “what, got problems with others in your little group?"
Pierrot just grinned again, previous anger seeming to melt away as his eyes drifted back onto the blonde. He doesn't confirm or deny the ‘allegation’. Bastard. Rolling his eyes, Tommy chooses a different question to have answered. “Are the others quiet like you, big guy? It'd certainly do me a favor if I wasn't being chatted at too much."
"I am the only one who remains silent. Though I do make exceptions when it's just the two of us.” HAH! He's getting special treatment! Fucking awesome. Maybe if he plays on this he can get special permissions. Ah, the power! He can feel it's calling now.
Straightening up, he offers as warm a smile as he can, hoping it's not off-putting while he sings-songs, “got it. Your secret’s safe with me!"
"Thank you my lord. And I've brought you another small token of appreciation.” Gifts already? Hell yeah! This guy has got it right.
Between two clawed fingers, Pierrot holds out… A red ticket? Damnit! He was hoping it was cash or a gift card. He could have gotten more yarn to work with. Sigh. Regardless, a small smile works its way back on his face despite the disappointment, saying, “no worries big man, I've already got one of those!”
Pierrot froze for a moment, hesitant before speaking, “you… Obtained a ticket? May I see it, my lord?”
Weird question… This dude wasn't gonna rob him of his ticket, right? That'd suck ass if he did! With wary, squinted eyes, Tommy dug around in his apron pocket before pulling out the pink ticket he had gotten, holding it out to the other.
The fuck is up with his face? His vision sucks these days but he could swear his teeth weren't that sharp just a moment ago. Creepy bastard…
The man snagged the ticket and with a flourish, Pierrot waved his hand over it. When he revealed it, it was red. The hell? Sputtering, Tommy reached out, grabbing at his ticket, flipping it around multiple times and exclaiming, “what the fuck! What was that for?!"
Sure, he'd prefer red anyway, but come on! That was his ticket! Why'd he have to go and change it up?! He was scowling now, waiting impatiently for an explanation from the red jingle bell fuck.
"That ticket was incorrect. You wouldn't be allowed in with it. Please, take mine instead.” That was a sound reason, but couldn't he have kept it as a collectible or some shit? Or maybe he could find the bastard that tried scamming him and shove it up his- Pierrot got off the counter and got close, saying in an almost uncomfortably soft tone. “Do not accept tickets from strangers, my lord. I would not want you to encounter trouble at the entrance."
He twitched, uncomfortable with the proximity. Scooting away, he stood to the man's right, muttering sourly, “right. Yeah that's- that's fair. Thanks… I guess."
He seemed to get the hint at least and backed off straightening up as he spoke in an almost too cheery tone, “I assure you, I'll make you smile during my performance."
Still frustrated, he just nodded, eyeing the clock on the wall opposite from him before saying dryly, "my boss told me to close up, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave now.”
Pierrot seemed to wilt slightly, but still manages to say evenly, "I completely understand. I had hoped to arrive earlier but, I did not wish to cause you any distress, my lord.” All the fancy talk just makes his mood more shitty than it already is.
Instead of snapping and urging him to get out faster like he wants to, Tommy says with the last shred of dignity he can manage, "it's… Fine. You wouldn't have been able to respond to me in public anyway.”
"That's true~” smug bastard, trying to look all cute with that blush on his face. He rolled his eyes before stepping around the counter, barely remembering to snag the keys as he made his way past. He gestured for Pierrot to follow, and thankfully he did. Holding the door open, he watched as the man had to duck down slightly to fit, bells jingling a soft tune. Once out, he locked the door behind himself, shaking off the tension in his shoulders.
He could have a meltdown at home.
Not in front of his new, maybe-a-friend here. That'd be a damn disaster…
When Tommy turned to say goodbye, he sucked in a sharp breath as Pierrot was right there in his space, breathing out, "have a good night, my lord. Be safe on your stroll home.”
Wow. Not ominous at all. Forcing a laugh, he nodded, side stepping Pierrot before hurrying away. He could feel the circus bastard's eyes on him, until he turned the corner and sprinted from there.
Fuck that! What's wrong with these guys?!
He just wanted to go home and cry in peace, not worry about all of that shit! Whatever any of ‘that’ is, anyway. Damnit…
He didn't slow down once, not until he was inside the apartment building itself, looking entirely daft as he heaved for breath. The one person still up and out at this hour stared at him like he was crazy as he passed, but he could care less about playing into niceties at the moment.
He just- he needed peace. Peace, quiet, and one long boiling shower.
That'd clear his mind well enough, right?
With shaking hands, he unlocked the front door, slamming it a bit too hard behind himself with an apologetic wince following suit. With a sigh, he locked it again, tossing his keys and wallet onto the counter before simply tossing his apron off to the side.
This whole day was full of too much bullshit. He'd prefer if he got it in micro doses, not all in one evening.
Shaking his head, he went to the bathroom with a groan, barely remembering to kick his shoes off.
He started the shower up quick, but had to let it get warm before he could even enjoy it. Again, too much bullshit for only a few hours.
He just- Tommy wanted the day to be over.
He wanted to be done with it and to rest, but he knew after all this, sleep wouldn't come easy. How obnoxious. He panted his hands on either side of the bathroom counter, breathing in and out with every ten second count. Puffy taught him that.
Puffy- Puffy who he wouldn’t see anymore. Or Tubbo. Ranboo, Michael, hell, he even missed-
He choked on a sob, bringing a hand to his mouth as his shoulders shook, trying desperately to keep it together even as he slunk down and his knees hit the tiled floor.
They were cold and damp, the room filling with steam slowly. How long has he just been sitting here? With a small hiccup, he squeezed his eyes shut, banging his forehead against the cupboard door, catching a small whiff of the cleaning products he keeps there when they popped open briefly.
He knew he had to get up, to stop sulking in his feelings like this. He’s already been through all this, already accepting that he wasn’t going back home. So why did it still have to hurt?
He just wanted to be done.
Done with the hurt, done with the crippling loneliness, done with life always beating him down. When could he be done?
He banged his head against the cupboard again, finding relief with the brief distraction, letting out a shaking breath as the tears slowed their descent down his cheeks, blinking as he reached a hand up and wiped them away.
Slowly, Tommy stood, swaying but refusing to fall as he shucked his clothes off, ignoring the reflection in the mirror as he slipped inside the shower.
A shiver went down his spine, the pleasant burn of the water helping clear his mind for the time being. His skin turned red under the spray, but he could care less. It felt nice, compared to the whirlwind of thoughts in his head.
He could stay here, just for a bit, yeah?
Thomas, or Tommy as he had been referring to himself for the past two hours, didn’t seem tired in the slightest despite it being nearly three in the morning. Pierrot was concerned… And sore from sitting in place for so long, having to sit still to avoid banging his horns against the bed frame.
He had managed to get here before his lord, but even after such a long shower, the human hadn’t gone to sleep.
He had heard crying, and despite how it burned to stay put, he had managed. But now instead… He was stuck. Though, with how talkative Tommy was, it proved to be quite useful in gaining some information. Like now.
“Do you think the others wonder where I’m at? I just up and left ‘n all!... Maybe they think I’m dead. Dream escaped and a week later I vanish? No good, no good at all Clem-en-tine!” He said to the plant, the one across from his bed with purplish leaves. It was large and well loved, with small stick people and googly eyed rocks inside the pot.
Aside from the concerning amount of chatter in a room with one known occupant, what was being said was even more so.
Some ‘Dream’ person escaped from somewhere, and for some reason would be connected to his dearest’s disappearance from another place, to his death.
The thought made him bite back a growl, on edge because of it. He could keep his lord safe! Of course he could! But the idea of someone even being out there trying to harm him… It grated at him. So desperately he wanted to know who, but from a cursory search of the room, he hadn’t found anything helpful.
It made sense, distancing oneself from such negativity, but it still bothered him. How could he help if he didn’t know?
He’ll get more information soon, he was sure. It was only a matter of time, really.
Biting back a sigh, Pierrot forced himself to move past it, hearing the bed creak as his lord yawned, seemingly settling down for the night. Thankfully getting some rest now, despite it being so early.
He waited a while to move, tilting his head slightly to listen in while being careful not to nudge the bed, he heard nothing but slow breathing and a rhythmic ‘ba bumb.. ba bumb.. ba bumb’. Slower than normal, finally resting compared to the unusually erratic tempo of his humans heart.
With a grin, he made his way out from under the bed, cautiously peering over the edge.
And there he lay, face nearly smothered against the thin white sheets underneath him. His hair was a curly and wet mess, body folded over in a way that was surely uncomfortable, and moving to the front of the bed, Pierrot could see his face better.
Scarred, puffy eyed, and perfect.
His heart skipped a beat and he knelt down. He held his breath as though any slight disturbance would wake the slumbering human, staring with unadulterated adoration and love.
His hand twitched out, hesitating to fully reach out, to feel and to have fully.
But, seeing how… jumpy his beloved is, he would rather not find out whether or not he’s a light sleeper. Not now, anyway. All in due time, but if he could avoid it, he would rather not frighten his lord anymore than necessary.
At the cafe, he looked angry and downright terrified. He looked as though he would have leapt out from behind the counter and attacked at any sign of aggression coming from Pierrot, as if he was a threat. It had hurt, seeing that look directed at him.
Not that his dear would know just how precious he really is to Pierrot, not yet. He’d know one day, but not now. He seemed the flighty type.
Staring for a little longer, he stood, eyes trailing across every surface of his loves room. Aside from the many plants, it was quite bare. Sad looking, even. With a small huff, he moved, heading off to explore the apartment more thoroughly. Pierrot had gotten somewhat acquainted beforehand, but now he had full rein!
Maybe he could find out what his favorite food was, or dessert! So much to know, so little time…
Nonetheless, he’d use this opportunity fully! There will always be tomorrow. And the night after that,and even after that. The weeks to get to know him, it just made Pierrot all the more giddy.
Tommy, his love, the kindest human he’s met, a puzzle to put together…
Things will work out. He’ll make it work.
