stars in her lungs and the night in her eyes

Josephine Grayel | Red Room | Dazzling Gem | dependent rp blog for showcasehetalia; if not affiliated then please don't interact.

[breathingstarliight-blog]

eiinsam‌:

-

He had been listening very intently to her words , but her question had his face darkening. It prompted several moments of stillness and silence, contemplative, before a cautious scratching followed the answer he decided to pen. 

MOTHER

NO ONE I WRITE HOME TO

Reading the words caused her heart to sink. 

“…Klaus…” she whispered, gently, leaning towards him. Her hand came to rest atop his, guiding the pen and paper down until it was on the ground. Shuffling closer, Josephine took his hands in hers, palm upwards as she traced the creases with her fingertips. 

There was something within her that just wanted to hold him. No words. No gestures. Just holding him. 

Without thinking, she brought his knuckles to her lips, pressing a gentle kiss to his callous skin. A breath, “I know what losing family feels like. I only wish I could take the pain away from your eyes.” 

[eiinsam-deactivated20201115]

Klaus’ entire body stiffened, his eyes wide with a mix of emotions he couldn’t even begin to name. Josephine was… gentle. Unprecedentedly so. Perhaps it was just that he had been lacking in it, but with each taste he had of it, he was finding it harder and harder to pull back. 

And then she kissed his hand. 

Klaus couldn’t meet her eye. He was filled with the sudden, overwhelming urge to kiss her - or to hold her - or just,something. If he were to move even an inch, he feared he might give into it.  Several moments passed before he trusted himself enough to reach, blindly, for his notebook. 

IT’S FINE. IT WAS FOR THE BEST

[breathingstarliight-blog]

She watched as his hands retreated, eyes softening with sorrow before she brought her own back into her lap. Catching a glimpse of his words, she nodded, “oui, for the best.” 

Though, she supposed those words she repeated were more so reflecting the current situation. 

[breathingstarliight-blog]

eiinsam‌:

-

He had been listening very intently to her words , but her question had his face darkening. It prompted several moments of stillness and silence, contemplative, before a cautious scratching followed the answer he decided to pen. 

MOTHER

NO ONE I WRITE HOME TO

Reading the words caused her heart to sink. 

“...Klaus...” she whispered, gently, leaning towards him. Her hand came to rest atop his, guiding the pen and paper down until it was on the ground. Shuffling closer, Josephine took his hands in hers, palm upwards as she traced the creases with her fingertips. 

There was something within her that just wanted to hold him. No words. No gestures. Just holding him. 

Without thinking, she brought his knuckles to her lips, pressing a gentle kiss to his callous skin. A breath, “I know what losing family feels like. I only wish I could take the pain away from your eyes.” 

[djevelske-blog]

"Um, Nils, excuse me. Do you plan on coming out tonight?" Josephine asked sweetly, "only its the event! Stargazing is going to be fun, don't you think?"

The day off had been a blessing, especially with the increasing heat of the approaching summer. It was getting a tad too warm for Nils’ personal tastes, but it did not impact him too much. There was something about the solstice that calmed him.

Maybe it was the heat that soothed him; or perhaps memories of Midsummer’s past that provided a more nostalgic feeling. Memories of maypoles and bonfires, the purity of the Norwegian mountains, as well as his family had been flooding his mind for the past couple of days.For once, he allowed himself to ease into these nostalgic but somewhat bittersweet visions of the past. His heart alternated between heavy and light, and he’d been lost in thought all day, cooped up in the estate.A voice calling for him was enough to return him to his senses, if not only for a few minutes to pry open the door.

Josephine’s prescence, as well as her question, surprised Nils. He hadn’t viewed them as close enough for her to actively come and find him. Part of him almost felt embarrassed letting her see him in his current state - wearing only trousers and a dress shirt with suspenders, with his tail hanging in clear sight. A few seconds passed before he actually responded.

“I suppose,” he said in a soft monotone, “Don’t ya think it’ll be a bit crowded, though?”

[breathingstarliight-blog]

djevelske‌:

-

“My apologies,” he uttered, giving a gentle nod as he pushed the door closed with his foot. Giving a final tug to the tip of his waistcoat, he turned to Josephine  Nils awkwardly and tentatively grasped the hand offered to him after a few seconds of thought. The point of the action eluded him - she was lucky she caught him in the mood he was in.

Wordlessly, he let Josephine lead the way. While the sun had not yet fully set, Nils could tell that nightfall was soon to arrive. Clouds of red and purple and streaks of yellow and orangle lined the horizon. Shadows grew long on the pavement, reflecting a blackened image of the tall trees that dotted the property, casting themselves on the masses as they lounged around. There was a cool, but not frigid, breeze. Nils’ hold on Josephine’s hand grew tighter as he walked a few paces behind her.The fresh air left a reminder to dust once he got home.

“How’d you find this place, anyway?” he inquired. Of course the obvious answer was she found it while wandering around during the event, but he found himself curious nonetheless.

“Oh, well, Monsieur Showman says that I have to stay out of the way of the public,” she smiled, “it’s for my own safety, so if I’m by myself then I have to find somewhere so I won’t be in sight of anyone unfriendly. It’s not much, it’s only a little bench under a willow but it’s nice enough to sit and take in the night.” 

Soon, the willow branches were seen swaying in the gentle night breeze, each leaf tittering with their own sighs as they rustled against each other. There would be occasional groans from the bark, as though the tree was taking a deep breath while no one was looking.

“Here, just a little place I like to call le siège de l'étoile,” Josephine chirped. 

[thelonelypianist-blog1]

"Monsieur Roderich, how do you fare this evening?"

With summer approaching, the evening air was a bit warmer than it had been in the past few months. Roderich was thankful for this, as it allowed him to enjoy the night’s festivities without worrying too much for his health. 

When Josephine approached, he offered a slight nod and a polite smile. “I’d say I’m faring quite well tonight, actually. And you?”

[breathingstarliight-blog]

thelonelypianist‌:

-

There was something truly gentle and soothing about Josephine. It was a trait Roderich had always appreciated. There weren’t many people who didn’t get on his nerves simply by being near him, so it was always calming to speak with Josephine.

He personally didn’t see himself as too kind, polite perhaps, but that was only for necessity. But Josephine’s words were so heartfelt, it was impossible to not believe them at least a bit.

He smiled softly, a bit sheepish by her affection, but grateful for it nonetheless. “…Thank you,” he said with a sigh. “It’s very kind of you to say that.” He chuckled. “Coming from you, one of the kindest people I know, that certainly means a lot.”

She could only offer the brightest smile she could muster, eyes glittering with admiration for the other; honestly, she was happy to be able to call him a friend. In her heart, she wished that their friendship would stay strong, and also for Roderich to lean on her if ever he needed it. She may appear as though she was inexperienced but Josephine knew how life could be taxing. 

“I only speak the truth,” she breathed. 

[thelonelypianist-blog1]

"Monsieur Roderich, how do you fare this evening?"

With summer approaching, the evening air was a bit warmer than it had been in the past few months. Roderich was thankful for this, as it allowed him to enjoy the night’s festivities without worrying too much for his health. 

When Josephine approached, he offered a slight nod and a polite smile. “I’d say I’m faring quite well tonight, actually. And you?”

[breathingstarliight-blog]

thelonelypianist‌:

-

Perhaps Roderich was a bit too realistic. But regardless, he didn’t want to make a promise that wasn’t guaranteed to be true. He offered a sympathetic smile. “I can certainly understand that feeling.” He too had had too many perhaps moments in his life. “It can seem harrowing at times, but again, do not lose hope.”

He sighed. “You needn’t thank me. I know I am not the expert when it comes to advice like this. But I do hope for happiness to find you. I cannot say what the future will hold, but no one really does. You can be certain though that I’ll be wishing for the best for you no matter what, at the very least.”

Was Josephine comforted? Yes. 

Did she think that Roderich was a wonderful person and deserved the best? Yes. 

Her smile widened, though there was a depth of understanding behind it that one might not have assumed the girl to achieve. It was here that her curious, childlike aura dissipated into something of a wisened mother. The warmth behind her eyes was comforting, caring, and she wanted Roderich to bask in it, even for a moment. 

“Roderich, you are a kind soul.” She said, taking a deep breath as she brought the two to stop. Then, she leaned up and placed a gentle, caring peck to his cheek, “you really are. If souls were stars, you’d certainly be one of them.” 

[djevelske-blog]

"Um, Nils, excuse me. Do you plan on coming out tonight?" Josephine asked sweetly, "only its the event! Stargazing is going to be fun, don't you think?"

The day off had been a blessing, especially with the increasing heat of the approaching summer. It was getting a tad too warm for Nils’ personal tastes, but it did not impact him too much. There was something about the solstice that calmed him.

Maybe it was the heat that soothed him; or perhaps memories of Midsummer’s past that provided a more nostalgic feeling. Memories of maypoles and bonfires, the purity of the Norwegian mountains, as well as his family had been flooding his mind for the past couple of days.For once, he allowed himself to ease into these nostalgic but somewhat bittersweet visions of the past. His heart alternated between heavy and light, and he’d been lost in thought all day, cooped up in the estate.A voice calling for him was enough to return him to his senses, if not only for a few minutes to pry open the door.

Josephine’s prescence, as well as her question, surprised Nils. He hadn’t viewed them as close enough for her to actively come and find him. Part of him almost felt embarrassed letting her see him in his current state - wearing only trousers and a dress shirt with suspenders, with his tail hanging in clear sight. A few seconds passed before he actually responded.

“I suppose,” he said in a soft monotone, “Don’t ya think it’ll be a bit crowded, though?”

[breathingstarliight-blog]

djevelske‌:

-

He scanned over her with his eyes. On one hand, he didn’t mean to upset her, and that flicker of sorrow in her eyes mixed with her downward glance caused a flash of guilt to go through him. On the other hand, however, he didn’t quite understand why she was even here in the first place. Did she not have friends that she’d rather be with right now? Would she even enjoy his company? Was this an elaborate ruse?

Nils sighed those thoughts away - maybe he was just overanylising the situation. There really was no harm in humouring her. Besides he did want to go out anyway…

“Sounds kind of nice,” he mutters, his voice trailed off as he thought out loud, “Might go, only fer an hour or two. Y’mind if I get dressed? It’ll only take a few minutes.” He was already half-way behind the door, anxiety already tightening his chest. Was this really a good idea?

“Oh, of course, Monsieur Nils,” she stepped away from the door, watching with a tepid gaze as the door closed behind him. 

Moments later, once he was ready, Josephine held out her hand to him; when she had first come to earth, she found that holding hands was great comfort! He seemed to be nervous, too, so she wanted to make him feel as alright as possible. 

“There’s somewhere nearby, where there aren’t many people!” She chimed. 

[thelonelypianist-blog1]

"Monsieur Roderich, how do you fare this evening?"

With summer approaching, the evening air was a bit warmer than it had been in the past few months. Roderich was thankful for this, as it allowed him to enjoy the night’s festivities without worrying too much for his health. 

When Josephine approached, he offered a slight nod and a polite smile. “I’d say I’m faring quite well tonight, actually. And you?”

[breathingstarliight-blog]

thelonelypianist‌:

-

Roderich nodded in understand, light smile upon his face. “Ah, I see. I’m certain you’ll think of the right way to describe the feeling soon enough.” He himself could likely offer a few suggestions, but he wasn’t one to meddle in the relations of others, though he did wish her well.

“Perhaps he doesn’t, but then again, perhaps he does. I wouldn’t give up on hope so soon, Josephine. Give it time. Things will turn out for the best in the end.”

“Mhmm, I sure hope so! It’s really... what’s the word? Bedevilling! Yes,” she nodded, quite proud of herself. Remembering such vernacular always made her feel special, especially since remembering human language was such a task. 

At the mention of Klaus, though, she seemed to deflate a little, shoulders sagging sadly, “perhaps is a tormentor to me, Roderich. I’ve lived many perhaps’ in my life and a heart like mine wishes for some certainty.” 

Pricking up the corner of her lips, as though trying to disguise the sorrowful look in her lilac eyes, Josephine added, “but thank you, Roderich, I appreciate that you are trying to make me feel better about it.” 

[thelivingice-blog]

"Ah, come to enjoy some summer night air?"

Heavily bundled up with a winter coat as always, Berwald nodded silently and sat next to the young woman.

“’t reminds me o’ home, an’ o’ Midsommar.” Just without a pole. Or dancing people with flowers in their hair.

Still, seeing people enjoying the sun and the weather, with no one throwing strange or scared glances his way (at least not as far as he could discern) made him happy and contented.

He even had company that was willing to talk to him - which he, unfortunately, still wasn’t quite used to. Hopefully Josephine wouldn’t mind carrying out most of the conversation.

[breathingstarliight-blog]

thelivingice‌:

-

Oh well. And there he had ruined the nice mood. Great going, Berwald. Now how to make it better again?

“Ah, o’course. Didn’t mean ta pry, yer safety is important, after all. So, uh… Shall we jus’… enjoy the beautiful night? Th’ past’s gone, but we can still enjoy th’ here an’ now…”

This was hard. How did you cheer people up? Seeing the girl sad just didn’t seem right.

“Wise words, Monsieur,” Josephine smiled, “here and now is certainly a gift.” 

“Anyway, yes, enjoying the moment would be very nice, especially if spent with a friend!” Josephine chuckled, “would you like to know something about stars? I have a lot to say about them, just not everyone likes to listen! Always told that I should be seen and not... um, I can’t remember the saying. Seen and not bird? No, no that’s not it.” 

Leaning back and pressing a finger to her temple, Josephine closed her eyes, “seen and not...word? That’s not it either.” 

[thelonelypianist-blog1]

"Monsieur Roderich, how do you fare this evening?"

With summer approaching, the evening air was a bit warmer than it had been in the past few months. Roderich was thankful for this, as it allowed him to enjoy the night’s festivities without worrying too much for his health. 

When Josephine approached, he offered a slight nod and a polite smile. “I’d say I’m faring quite well tonight, actually. And you?”

[breathingstarliight-blog]

“That’s something I like to hear,” Josephine chimed, coming to link her arm in Roderich’s. She did this in such a way which made it seem he was escorting her for a brief time, when really she could feel the toll his illness was having on him. She wanted to be support without him realising because no doubt he’d deny it if asked. 

“As for myself,” Josephine was smiling, “I am hoping to find Monsieur Amsel and ask him to watch the stars with me. So I am happy.” 

[thelonelypianist-blog1]

Roderich, in the back of his mind, was aware of Josephine’s intentions, but she was the sort of person he couldn’t be rude to, even on the worst days. So, he allowed her to support him under the guise of escorting her, if at least for the moment.

As they walked, Roderich nodded in response. “Ah, I see.” He glanced to Josephine out of the corners of his eyes, not quite smiling, but a playfulness in his gaze. “I’ve noticed you seem rather fond of Mister Amsel.”

[breathingstarliight-blog]

“Fond?” Her cheeks grew a little rosy, but a soft laugh soon passed her lips. Well, fond was one word for it. By now she supposed that such feelings would be hard to hide. Josephine didn’t quite understand them, but she knew what fond meant and what she felt was a tad stronger. 

“Well, I... fond is certainly one way to describe it.” Josephine admitted, growing sheepish, “but I’m not certain if its the right one. The ways of human affection have often eluded me, Monsieur Roderich... I also don’t think he feels quite the same.” 

[djevelske-blog]

"Um, Nils, excuse me. Do you plan on coming out tonight?" Josephine asked sweetly, "only its the event! Stargazing is going to be fun, don't you think?"

The day off had been a blessing, especially with the increasing heat of the approaching summer. It was getting a tad too warm for Nils’ personal tastes, but it did not impact him too much. There was something about the solstice that calmed him.

Maybe it was the heat that soothed him; or perhaps memories of Midsummer’s past that provided a more nostalgic feeling. Memories of maypoles and bonfires, the purity of the Norwegian mountains, as well as his family had been flooding his mind for the past couple of days.For once, he allowed himself to ease into these nostalgic but somewhat bittersweet visions of the past. His heart alternated between heavy and light, and he’d been lost in thought all day, cooped up in the estate.A voice calling for him was enough to return him to his senses, if not only for a few minutes to pry open the door.

Josephine’s prescence, as well as her question, surprised Nils. He hadn’t viewed them as close enough for her to actively come and find him. Part of him almost felt embarrassed letting her see him in his current state - wearing only trousers and a dress shirt with suspenders, with his tail hanging in clear sight. A few seconds passed before he actually responded.

“I suppose,” he said in a soft monotone, “Don’t ya think it’ll be a bit crowded, though?”

[breathingstarliight-blog]

She smiled, a sense of sorrow behind her eyes. Josephine supposed that not everyone could find crowds all to inviting. A soft sigh passed her lips, eyes flickering to the floor briefly before rising back to Nils. Her voice was extremely delicate, as she murmured, “there are areas just for us, if you would rather not go amongst crowds.” 

A beat. 

“If you want, we could go around somewhere together for a little while?” She chirped, deciding inwardly that if he took the offer, she might just show some more of her true self to make him feel more comfortable. 

“Only if you want!”

[breathingstarliight-blog]

eiinsam‌:

-

He couldn’t help but grin. Josephine’s happiness was infectious, even more so when he was the focus of it. Some might call it being whipped, but Klaus? He was simply happy to cater to her innocent whims. So he sat, gaze flickering over her. He also made sure to keep a respectable distance between the two of them. 

His preferred position was to lean back onto his hands, legs splayed out before him so he could look up at the sky. Unfortunately, it made writing a difficult task. 

ARE ALL THE STARS LIKE YOU?

Shaking her head, she inched a little closer, “we look different. Like humans do. We have families. Like humans do. We feel love and happiness and sorrow. But... I don’t think all stars are like me. In fact, I don’t think they ever would want to be.” 

There was a soft pause, then she was looking up at the sky. There was a very small cluster of stars and she felt the familiar tug drawing her towards it. Home. Pointing a slender finger in that direction, Josephine leaned in close to Klaus, voice barely above a whisper, “that’s my home. Right up there. I have a maman and papa, a brother too! I love them very much.” 

“Do you have a family Monsieur Amsel?”

[thelivingice-blog]

"Ah, come to enjoy some summer night air?"

Heavily bundled up with a winter coat as always, Berwald nodded silently and sat next to the young woman.

“’t reminds me o’ home, an’ o’ Midsommar.” Just without a pole. Or dancing people with flowers in their hair.

Still, seeing people enjoying the sun and the weather, with no one throwing strange or scared glances his way (at least not as far as he could discern) made him happy and contented.

He even had company that was willing to talk to him - which he, unfortunately, still wasn’t quite used to. Hopefully Josephine wouldn’t mind carrying out most of the conversation.

[breathingstarliight-blog]

-

A sombre look swept over her features. She supposed he was right, not celebrating was a sad thing, especially when she had heard of such from his home. But, given that her home was among the constellations of the night, there wasn’t much up there to celebrate. Maybe the birth of a star every now and again or the death of one; other than that, Josephine was hard pressed to think of anything. 

“Oh, well. It’s hard to explain where I am from,” she admitted, “it might be hard to believe. Not to mention I shouldn’t really say... in case other people are around. Monsieur Showman says its best so I can be protected.” 

[eiinsam-deactivated20201115]

@breathingstarliight​ said:  “Monsieur, would you do me the honour of escorting me to a stargazing area? Only I’d hate to watch the stars on my lonesome~”

Ah, Josephine. How ironic that it would be an angel that leads this creature down the path of temptation. Klaus turned to her, blue eyes blazing as he licked at his lips. It was without question that he made a show of a bow, offering her his arm to take without so much as a word against it. 

He hoped she didn’t know just how easily she’d gotten him wrapped around her finger.  So lead her he did; there was no need for directions, he’d helped to set up half of the stuff, so he was well acquainted with where everything was. 

[breathingstarliight-blog]

Her breath was taken away. Such beautiful arrangements of lights and blankets adorned the grounds of the park, making sitting most comfortable. 

“Oh, Klaus, this is just wonderful! Oh- let’s sit. I want to show you where I’m from!” She chirped, taking a seat and patting the spot next to her. As they were sat on a blanket, with nothing behind their backs to prop them up, Josephine sat with her feet tucked to one side of her. It may have been slightly out of character for Josephine, especially when not in her act, but it seemed she had allowed a little bit of her skirt to rise a little over her ankles. 

From what she had been taught, it was improper to show any sort of skin like that in the presence of a gentleman, but Josephine wasn’t entirely as innocent as people might believe her to be. 

“Come, rest with me~” 

[thelivingice-blog]

"Ah, come to enjoy some summer night air?"

Heavily bundled up with a winter coat as always, Berwald nodded silently and sat next to the young woman.

“’t reminds me o’ home, an’ o’ Midsommar.” Just without a pole. Or dancing people with flowers in their hair.

Still, seeing people enjoying the sun and the weather, with no one throwing strange or scared glances his way (at least not as far as he could discern) made him happy and contented.

He even had company that was willing to talk to him - which he, unfortunately, still wasn’t quite used to. Hopefully Josephine wouldn’t mind carrying out most of the conversation.

[breathingstarliight-blog]

“Home? And where is that for you, monsieur?” Josephine asked, a glint of curiosity in her eyes. Leaning forward, she put her elbows on her knees and her chin in her palms, watching him with a studious gaze. 

“For me, I come from some place far away from here,” she chimed, “but we didn’t celebrate anything like tonight. In fact, we didn’t celebrate much at all!”

[thelonelypianist-blog1]

"Monsieur Roderich, how do you fare this evening?"

With summer approaching, the evening air was a bit warmer than it had been in the past few months. Roderich was thankful for this, as it allowed him to enjoy the night’s festivities without worrying too much for his health. 

When Josephine approached, he offered a slight nod and a polite smile. “I’d say I’m faring quite well tonight, actually. And you?”

[breathingstarliight-blog]

“That’s something I like to hear,” Josephine chimed, coming to link her arm in Roderich’s. She did this in such a way which made it seem he was escorting her for a brief time, when really she could feel the toll his illness was having on him. She wanted to be support without him realising because no doubt he’d deny it if asked. 

“As for myself,” Josephine was smiling, “I am hoping to find Monsieur Amsel and ask him to watch the stars with me. So I am happy.” 

[breathingstarliight-blog]

@eiinsam

“Klaus!” Josephine threw herself at the other, a squeal in her throat, “save me!” 

[eiinsam-deactivated20201115]

No time to prepare, Klaus registered only three things:

Josephine

Potential Danger

P  r  o  t  e  c  t

His body moved without him, catching Josephine with a newfound strength and sweeping her out of the potential harm’s way. Somehow, the blue in his unseeing eyes seemed only brighter as his lips curled back , echoing a threatening snarl.

p  r  o  t  e  c  t -

No!

Protect from what?

Shaking himself, Klaus forced his attention to Josephine, fixing her with his slowly dulling gaze.  What’s wrong? He wanted to ask. Yet could only look at her with concern.

[breathingstarliight-blog]

There was panic in her eyes and a shiver up her spine, the feeling of the awful fellow still crawling across her skin. Clinging to Klaus for dear life, Josephine cried out, “it was touching me! It wouldn’t get off- the thing is still in my room, Klaus, please-!”

[breathingstarliight-blog]

@dragxnseye

“Bonjour, Yao! What are you doing today?” Josephine asked, a chipper lilt in her tone. It was not unusual to find Josephine wandering around the park so early on a morning; it was as though she hadn’t been asleep at all throughout the night. Despite this, the assumption that she may be overly tired from working in the Red Room, as well as getting very little sleep, Josephine still managed to hold herself with immense grace. 

She almost seemed to float across the ground when approaching the other, skin aglow with what seemed to be silver light in her veins. Her smile shone just as brightly, “are you off to do some work for the Showman?” 

[dragxnseye-blog]

Since waking up in the Showcase, Yao hadn’t quite grown used to his new daily routine. In fact, he rather hated it. Loathed it, even. But there wasn’t much he could do about it. He’d yet to figure out whatever curse it was that bound him to this place and its owner, but it was a tricky one, that he was certain of. And thanks to it, he found there wasn’t anything he could do but go about his day as instructed. Even if that meant a job he despised.

But even if he couldn’t disobey the schedule given to him, he could get there rather slowly.

As the old dragon shuffled across the grounds, he heard his name called out, and glanced up to see who was speaking. He greeted the chipper woman with a nod. “Good day, Josephine.” He sighed. “Unfortunately, yes, it seems that’s what I’m off to do.” There was a growl in his breath as he spoke. “Really, I would prefer to be doing anything else, but it’s not as if I’ve anything else to do.”

[breathingstarliight-blog]

Oh, he seemed rather upset. Josephine couldn’t have that. 

She fell into step aside him, a gentle but empathetic smile on her features, “you know, Monsieur Kirkland really does care for his people... He would be sad to find you loathing your time here.” 

A beat. 

“I’m sad to find you loathe your time here,” she admitted, “Truly, everyone who ends up here may have been lost or alone, in need of a family, and they find one in the people who stay... and family means we care for each other and look out for each other. Make someone’s day bright when the clouds cover the sun.” 

She slowed the two to a stop, taking Yao’s hand in hers as she spoke, “and you have rain at your parade, Monsieur Yao, I can’t let you be unhappy. Take the day with me! What the Showman doesn’t know won’t hurt him~” 

There was a glint of mischief in her eyes, hoping that Yao would skip the day to spend it with her instead! She liked to misbehave sometimes, even if Arthur might get a little upset with her; sometimes making sure those you care for are happy makes the punishment worth it!