† 𝒩𝒾ℊ𝒽𝓉𝓂𝒶𝓇ℯ𝒱ℯ𝓃𝓊𝓈 @nightmarevenus2002 - Tumblr Blog

nightmarevenus2002

May 31

The Freak Circus: A Sunflower Story

Chapter 2: Red String of Fate

Word Count: 3,710

⚠️TW: Smut/NSFW, dub-con, loneliness, displays of depression, self-harm scars, mentions of suicide, abusive relationships/family, mentions of miscarriages, self-sabatoge, unhealthy relationships, stalking, people pleasing behavior.

Characters: Kay (MC), Pierrot, Harlequin, Boss/Nathaniel, Bob (Marionettist).

Banners by: @/darthsuki & @/circusofdelirium

Writers Note: This chapter was originally going to be the entirety of day 2, however I underestimated how many words this chapter would have hhh, the second part of day 2 will have to wait till the next chapter. Reminder that things are a bit out of order, because the time of events in the game are different from this story. Also the way I showcase Kay's struggles/perspective with depression are directly referenced from my own experiences with depression & self-harm, so if this is too much or too dark for you I'd understand if you wish to scroll away, just fair warning regardless.

🔞 MDNI, Minor/Under 18 = BLOCKED

🚫 Do not reupload, repurpose, use my work.

The following is told in a first person perspective;

(Kay's Dream Sequence)

My eyes open, struggling to make out the haziness in front of me as a familiar heaviness weighs on my shoulders. "Everything... Everything is so dark..." I say as I reach my arms out trying to make anything out, slowly my eyes adjust and things start to become more clear around me. The skies are a somber mix of dark greens and blues blending perfectly with the trees and grassy fields, streetlights flicker down a old cracked road in a place I long to be again, leading towards an old trailer home. "Ah, I've been here before." I say to myself as I start to move forward down this familiar road.

In this gloomy corner of my subconscious, where nothing and no one could possibly find me. It use to bring me comfort, knowing that nothing can hurt me here like all of those times before. But I've started yearning for something more, where other people are supposed to be, no one exists. It's become lonely, so very lonely. As I make it to the stairs leading upward to the door, I grasp the railing and ask myself "I wonder if anyone will be home this time?" as I ascend up the small rickety wooden steps.

After taking the last step, I stop in front of the door to this home that use to be mine. "Should I bother to knock again?" I think to myself, clenching my fist holding it up to the door in hesitation, but eventually putting it back down on the doorknob instead. "There's no point, no one will answer anyway. It's just me here after all." I mumble sadly, wishing it were different for once as I push open the door.

Everything is exactly how I remember it, even with the very subtle and faded lighting coming from the old silk lamps, I can make everything out perfectly. From the shabby floral couches that were long overdue for a good cleaning, to the framed puzzles hanging on the walls that were completed by my mother during late nights, even the outdated and tattered floral wallpaper that has long been out of fashion, everything is how I remember, everything is perfect. The only thing missing from this scene, is the company that will never come.

Looking around for a moment, I slowly make my way towards the couch that has full view of the patio, pointed straight towards the fields with persian silk trees in full bloom, the scent wafting through the netting of the open window. "Such a beautiful sight, as always. If only I had someone to share this moment with" I say as my gaze lingers for longer than it feels. Strangely enough, the skies around me that were a constant shade of dark greens and blues, subtly start changing into a prominent dark golden color. I think to myself "That's strange... the sky is changing colo-" Suddenly my train of thought is broken as there's an unusual sound cutting through the silence.

Knock, knock, knock.

The sound makes me jump, not expecting anything other than the norm, especially not a knock. I take a moment to move, unsure of what I just heard, assuming it must have been a figment of my imagination. But then it happened again, louder this time.

Knock, knock knock.

No, I definitely heard it that time. I practically shoot up from the couch, and creep towards the door in uncertainty. My hand rests on the doorknob once again, slowly turning it and peeking through the door at who could possibly be here other than me. In front of me, as tall as the top of the doorframe, stands a shadowy hornlike figure that is completely obscured by it's own darkness. It stands there, unmoving but with intent to approach. The only thing I could make out is it's clear golden eyes that compliment the skies behind it, not anything I've ever seen gazing at me as if it were staring right into my soul.

We stare at each other for quite sometime, suddenly he tilts his head as his gaze falls to my hand and his pupils dilate. Unsure of why, I lift my hand up to see whatever it's s looking at so intently. "What the-" something was wrapped securely around my pinkie finger, a red thread that wasn't there as far as I was aware. But it's as clear as day, I hesitantly touch it as if something would be become clear if I did. I hear a faint jingle and my attention shoots up towards this thing standing in front of me, he had since lifted his own clawed hand up showing a matching thread wrapped around the same finger as mine, realizing pretty quickly our threads are connected.

I'm not sure what to think, and I don't have much time to before this person steps into my home and puts their hands on my shoulders, pushing me back towards the couch. I don't know if I'm in danger or what to think, everything is moving so fast and before I know it I'm pinned to the seat of the couch, with those same golden eyes looking directly into mine with deep longing.

It's clawed hand moves a stray hair from my face before it lowers it's head towards my ear and starts whispering. Deep mumbling that I can't quite make out, but doesn't sound intimidating, if anything the way it coos sounds almost romantic and loving. My body feels hot as the old silk lamps flicker, as if they're trying to warn me of something, but my mind starts to become hazy and distracted with a strange feeling.

These whispers sound like promises, like an incantation, like a declaration of something I couldn't possibly understand yet, I can't understand a word of it and yet... I can feel the deepness of it all. My mind becomes even more hazy as the world around me becomes lost between us, I start tingling from this mindless rambling that's pressed so closely to my ears, a quiet secret between us. A kiss is placed with purpose right in the center of my ear, as it continues to ramble, gently pressing it's clawed fingers against my lips.

Whatever's about to happen, I want this, I'm sure of it. I don't know why, and I don't know who it is, but I want this. I crave this, I crave this connection, I crave whoever has me trapped in this comfortable vulnerability. I've always longed to be loved and cherished, to be helpless but safe, to be touched gently like a treasure. My eyes struggle to stay open from this tingling feeling I've never felt before, as it leans down to make contact with my lips. My eyes close, ready to accept whatever lies ahead of me right here and now...

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP-

6:15am

Almost annoyingly so, my ears are berated by the alarm from my phone that I purposely chose to pull me out of sleep. I groan, reaching over to my beside table without opening my eyes to try to find the shut off button, half tempted to chuck the phone right at my door. Fumbling around, I eventually find the button and quiet the alarm as I sit up with several cricks in my back and neck as usual. Struggling to open my eyes due to the blinding light invading my space through my window, I grumble in annoyance taking a moment before I get out of bed to get ready for the morning.

Sitting there for a moment, I suddenly think back to the dream I had and end up feeling a warm tickle in my stomach recalling the scene. "What a strange dream... it doesn't usually happen that way either and-" I pause as I feel my mouth, taking note of a weird consistency inside. "...why does my mouth have such a funny taste?" I ask myself baffled. "Hmm.. must be a bad case of morning breath, yuck, I hate when this happens." declaring with a scoff as I hobble out of bed, heading straight towards my closet grabbing my clothes for the day.

After a nice warm shower, brushing my teeth and hair making sure to comb over properly, I look at myself in the mirror before I start putting my clothes on. My gazes falls to my upper arms, frowning at the sight of the many scars imbedded in them. My weakness will always be on full display forever, the battles I couldn't win against myself no matter how many times I tried to beat the thoughts out of my head, permanently branded on my body. I'm ashamed of them, it gives me one more reason why I'm undeserving of love, why I'll forever be alone, why I should give up and fall asleep for the final time.

Trying desperately to disregard those thoughts, I start fumbling to put my work clothes and put on my beaded bracelets. After putting on my coconut oil, lip oil and spraying myself down with my favorite perfume 'Bright Christmas Morning', I step into my wooden clogs and head towards my room again to grab my bag to head straight to my favorite place before work, the library.

Before I leave my bedroom again, I'm stopped by a sudden low voice breaking through the silence; "Good morning, petit oiseau." My gaze turns upwards and, unsurprisingly, my papa hanging from the ceiling above my bed. I smile fondly with a bit of dreariness behind my eyes, "Good morning Papa." I respond while I double check my bag in the meantime.

While we're not related by blood, nor are we actually family, he sort of... reverse imprinted on me? I don't know how to explain it. Long story short, at least from what he told me, before I was born he planned to eat my mother and the fetus inside of her. Gruesome, I know, however his species don't really think about such things regarding humans, they're merely livestock and nothing more. However he formed some sort of attachment to the child that wasn't yet born.

My mother at the time lived in a very abusive relationship with my actual father, scum of the earth really, and he often would physically abuse her while either drunk or shooting needles up... Even while pregnant with me. That resulted in me almost not being born, almost, because without my Papa I wouldn't have been born at all. One of his abilities is something along the lines of reanimation, and while he would usually use this power to toy with the lives of humans, for the first time in his life he used it to save the life of a human that hadn't even taken a breath.

While the side effects and consequences that come from living with these "things" inside of me aren't the best or comfortable, I'm alive, and I'm grateful to him for that. From as far back as I can remember, he'd always been there, with those empty and unblinking eyes staring at me with emotions you could never see. He treated me like his young, his own child without any doubts behind his actions, to him it was certain what he felt as uncanny as it was for him to feel something like that for a creature he'd normal see as a meal.

Overtime it'd become a fact, unspoken and effortless as we treated each other like father and daughter. He asked me when I was very little what I'd like to name him... and I supposedly said Bob. Corny looking back on it, but it's a name he's proud of even now. It's kind of sad though, that something so traditionally terrifying and known for devouring my kind, is somehow the only real loving father figure I'd ever have. He'd been the only real "family" I could count on, that'd love me unconditionally and understand me, not fear or judge me. To me, blood or not, he's the best father I could've ever asked for.

That's why despite what I went through, that day, I could never bring myself to hate all monsters.

He turns his head like an owl and asks simply "Are you already heading off to that new coffee house, little one? Are you certain that place is a good fit for you?" as he inches closer by stretching his sludge like form towards me, dripping black sludge in the process. I sigh absentmindedly and look back up towards him; "Yes I am, but unfortunately there's not many more options I could've taken. As much as I tried with my job coach, it's the only place that would accept someone like me." I say with a defeated tone. "If I had it my way I'd pick the library, but it's not up to me, and I need to make money if I wanna move out."

With a few sad chirps, he relents and responds "I understand, you know I'll support you however you wish, but please stay safe." his voice oozing with concern, then shifting to something a bit darker "I saw something creeping outside your nest last night after all". I pause and look at him, tilting my head as my hand rests on the doorknob. "Are you sure? Not being overdramatic again are you?" doubtfully asking him. "I'm sure, but it seems you're unharmed... even though I can smell the scent of another, I'm not sure what to make of it yet."

Feeling a pit in my stomach, I turn towards the door trembling slightly as I speak again "I'll take your word for it... I hope it'll be okay." quickly opening the door and getting ready to step out. "Bye Papa, try not to go gorging again while I'm gone 'kay?" he slithers closer again, asking laced with desperation, "Are you certain you would not like me to accompany you? I'd make absolutely sure no harm would come to you." reaching a slimy clawed hand towards my much smaller fingers.

I smile at his antics, greatful for his concern but shake my head in response, "I'm sure, it's just to the library, then work, then home, I'll be fine okay?" he pauses wanting to object, but gives in anyway. "Alright... I'll await your return, but if you don't I'll come looking for you." he says with a pang of worry, releasing his claws from my fingers. I smile, touching his slimy beak while giving it a few pats. "Love you Papa, see you after work." he only chirps in response as I take my hand back and leave my bedroom, closing the door behind me.

Grabbing a quick hot pocket before heading out the front door, I'm greated by the freezing cold morning in December, with the grass frosted over looking something out of an art piece. It makes mornings like this easier, especially after such a tedious day yesterday and ESPECIALLY knowing I have work today and the shit I'll most definitely have to deal with. I shudder at the thought as I take a seat on the porch, shooting a text to my case worker letting her know I'm ready to go to our meet up place.

I don't have access to any ubers nor can I drive, however thankfully my case worker, Ms. Mara from my psychiatrist facility offered to give me rides to important things like work and doctors appointments until I get approved for the medicad provided shuttle service by the same place. She's a bit of an airhead and she's VERY loud, not to mention her questionable beliefs, but she's been good to me with trying to get me the help I need to move forward so I'm very thankful for her. One of the only few people in my life who've made an effort to understand me and help with my struggles. After some time waiting, she arrives with a spring in her step and we drive off soon after.

She asks the usual questions on the way; How are things at home? Having any thoughts of harming yourself or not wanting to wake up? Have you been eating, showering, drinking water?

I usually answer the same every time, and this time is no different. I've been having a good streak though so for now I'm making progress at least. After arriving at the library we get to work on things that need discussing and getting done before work; applying for SSI again and registering for programs provided by the psychiatrist office while also discussing home and life problems. We laugh and make jokes a bit, and I'm trying to remind her we're in a library and to be respectful and quiet, although she usually tells me I'm being dramatic.

After getting done what needs getting done, I pull out some paper and doodle a little bit while she types her notes on her laptop. "Be right back, I'm gonna use the bathroom before I take you to work." she says closing her laptop and heading down the stairs, leaving me to my devices.

I continue doodling not saying much in response, engulfed in my own thoughts as I absentmindedly scribble in my notebook. Despite me being inspired by the pretty scenery outside the floor to ceiling windows, I can't help but draw something that in no way reflects that beauty. It's a pretty bad habit of mine, despite wanting to draw things more light and happy I always end up drawing my feelings that are very melancholic. It's one of the few ways I can get my feelings out in a healthy way instead of self-sabotage. Although if it gets too intense it could easily end that way as well.

If I'm being honest with myself, I want more out of life. Not necessarily in a materialistic kind of way, although I think most people want 'things', not like but don't, but what I want is connection. REAL connection, something that lasts a lifetime, something permanent. I've always struggled making friends and especially finding love, despite how much I try to shape myself for others. I try so damn hard and for what? Back as square one, alone, abandoned, an outcast.

All the countless ways I've molded myself to be the perfect person for whatever type of situation and crowd I was trying to please, and whether I had to neglect my physical health by skipping meals, shoving off hygiene and denying myself the things that bring me joy all so I could make sure I give them enough attention so they'd maybe love me more, it was never enough. And it's never my intention, nor do I try to do anything to ruin the friendships I've made, I truly loved them. Still do despite how things turned out.

I sometimes wonder what's so wrong with me that no matter what I do or what I say, it never lasts, I'm always weeded out and abandoned. Whether it's a falling out over a mistake or misunderstanding, or silently fizzling into the background when I thought things were so well between us. No matter what the circumstances are, it ends the same every time. What's wrong with me? What don't I understand about people? When will I find my forever place?

Some time passes and we both finish up our business at the library and head straight to work. Ms. Mara drops me off near the convenience store a few blocks away from the cafe so I can grab some food for my lunch break, we both wave goodbye and part ways. As I secure my bag under my shoulder I head straight for the convenience store trying to be quick so I'm not late for work.

I take note of some clowns handing out flyers presumably from the same circus as that Pierrot I met yesterday. Not giving them much of a glance I almost get to the entrance when I'm cut off suddenly, "Care to visit the circus? I bet you'll be surprised, here take a flyer." says a confidently smug green clown as he gestures a flyer towards me.

Not being prepared enough to interact with anyone yet, I simply freeze in place darting my eyes to find a way out of this situation. The clown tilts his head slightly, chuckling at the sight before him and responds mockingly "What's the matter? It's just a flyer after all, I'm not going to bite your little head off~" I shudder at the thought of that, and manage to get out a meek response; "I-I appreciate it, b-but I already h-have a ticket sir." Amused by my temperament, he simply takes back his hand with the flyer, "Oh wonderful, you've got one? Was it a pink one then?~" he asks with a hint of hunger in his voice.

I shake my head, unable to form anymore words, I reach into my bag and pull out the red ticket that Pierrot gave me yesterday. Harlequin stops in his tracks and his body language changes soon after, "A red one?" he asks bewildered as he closes in on me. I put it back inside and try to move past him without saying a word, not caring much for the convenience store at this point. He let's me pass but persists in following me regardless of my obvious attempt to shake him off, "A red one huh? So that Pierrot gave it to you? Interesting~".

I stop at the mention of that familiar name, and turn towards him clutching my bag, uncertainty written all over my face and heart thumping quickly from my frayed nerves. He reads me like a book and smiles wider, taking delight in the sight before him with this new circumstance he's already willing to play around with. He takes a bow but doesn't break eye contact as he introduces himself, "I'm the Harlequin, ma'am."

I can only respond with a timid wave in response, dreading that there really is no easy way out of this conversation. "Ah! I've got an idea! How about we trade? I give you mine and... you give me that red one~" he asks as he gestures a green ticket towards me.

I pull my bag away from him shielding it with my body, clearly not interested in this proposition as a back away a few steps. I think to myself; "Why the hell is he so interested in me? There's plenty of other willing people around I imagine, and what difference does it really make??" A feeling of unease creeps up my spine as I simply freeze in place, on the brink of another panic.

Taking another tiny step back, I bump into someone else and jolt at the sudden unwanted contact, snapping my head behind me with a shaky gasp, my widened eyes lay on a familiar red figure, Pierrot. His eyes are fixated on Harlequin, practically glaring daggers into him, an intimidating look I've never seen on his face before as he gently places his hands on my shoulders positioning himself in front of me, releasing me in the process. "Oh my..." Harlequin starts looking upward at Pierrot, not faltering in his smugness; "Speak of the devil~." he says with venomous amusement laced in his voice. The Pierrot snatches the green ticket from Harlequin's hand, not breaking eye contact for a moment.

Harlequin simply sighs, almost mockingly performative as the two's attention is locked on one another, tension becoming thick in the air. I think to myself "I think this is my chance to slip away!.." Quickly but carefully, I creep away without drawing anyone else's attention, my heart beating quickly in the process as the distance grows between us.

"Such a shame you don't have a voice, huh, Pierrot?" Harlequin asks mockingly, only causing Pierrot's glare to intensify. "Guess you can't say all those nasty things you're thinking~. Just wait 'til the Jester hears about this, heh!" After enough distance is between us, I pick up the pace as I skip the convenience store stop and head straight to work.

Finally arriving at the café, I exhale as I close the door behind me. "Thank God... I'm not late again today." I mumble to myself, quickly heading towards the counter punching myself in as I call out for my boss, Nathaniel. "S-Sir! I'm here, what should I... start, on?.." I stop in my tracks as I immediately take note of my boss talking with a police officer, my stomach churns at what could possibly be going on. "Just head to the back and grab an apron, I'll talk to you in a sec." he says, then turns back towards the officer.

"What happened this time? The store looks fine, no broken windows or anything, so what's going on?" I think to myself as I nod heading towards the back to grab an apron and tying it tight. Things like this stress me out, but I'm sure everything is under control... hopefully. I sigh heavily, trying to hype myself up for the coming hours, can't afford to mess anything up today, Mondays are usually the most cruel after all, at least around these parts. I head back out to the main floor, prepping each machine for use before the opening hours begin. Looking outside, the hustle and bustle of people going every which way only confirms my previous thoughts, that this is going to be a busy day.

Nathaniel heads towards me after he and the cops conversation had concluded, "Alright, was it a hassle closing the store last week?" I turn towards him and shake my head "N-No sir, it was fine, b-but um... what happened?" I ask looking at the entrance of the cafè where the officer just walked out. "Well... Carol didn't come home last week. Looks like she ran away." I immediately snap back towards Nathaniel, "R-Ran away? Is it because of her family issues, sir?... Running away just... doesn't sound right..." I ask in disbelief, trying to think back to anything that could've indicated a scenario like this.

"She must have her reasons. If she shows up here, we're supposed to notify the police. Carol's probably not in a good state of mind." he turns in the direction of his office, and looks back once more "I'm going to start looking for a new employee, so I'll be in the back doing interviews. Once your shifts over, you can head home. I've got the store covered." he states before heading to the back. "Y-Yes sir, thank you sir." I respond as I continue to prep the machines and wipe the counter down.

That's really weird, Carol supposedly running away like that. Sure she had her issues and all that, but I never took her as a running away type of person. Then again it's not like we were super close, we're just coworkers after all. She helped me a lot despite my timid nature, and led me in the right direction even though I'm super klutzy. I always saw her as responsible despite what she had going on at home, I wanted to be that strong and that brave. On top of all that, this was a job she couldn't afford to lose, so to disappear like that... Doesn't make sense to me in the slightest, regardless of what the situation at home may have been.

I sigh heavily as I make my way towards the neon sign, flicking it on to signify that the café's open. Heading back towards the counter, I double and even triple check all the machines and wipe the counter down one last time, making sure everything's perfect for when people start tunneling in. I know I've probably done it already before, but I often forget things and I don't want to get scolded again for being absentminded. A previous customer already gave me that fat reality check when he complained about my incompetence to the boss. Thankfully he took my side, but it was still stressful enough for me to drill that repetitive habit into my head. You can never be too sure after all.

Breaking through my train of thought, the bell on the door jingles signifying a patron has entered the café, turning my head towards the entrance I greet softly "Good morning, how may I- O-Oh!" I halt my usual autopilot greeting as I lock eyes with someone I recognize, my body language relaxes in response, what a wonderful coincidence meeting him here. "H-Hello again, would you like something to drink Pierrot?" I ask with a soft meekness. He nods, and points at a milkshake. "A milkshake huh? Seems like I'm not the only one that doesn't mind drinking cold drinks in chilly weather haha" I say happily with a soft chuckle, pleased at the choice of beverage being so similar to my own preferences. "Okie dokie, sit tight and I'll bring it to you when it's ready, 'kay?". He nods again and walks away from the counter.

On my way to the frozen dessert machine, I'm stopped by the boss for a moment. "Kay, did he buy anything?" I pause, looking at bit confused at the sudden question then respond simply, "Y-Yes sir, a milkshake." he nods at my answer and says "Good, I don't want those guys hanging around here without buying anything. Let him know we don't allow flyering inside." I nod as he heads back to his office.

Turning my attention back towards the counter to start prepping the order, I'm suddenly met with a sharp gaze, the sudden close proximity made me practically jump out of my skin. "Ah! P-Pierrot, you scared me... I-I thought you went to sit at one of the tables or something..." I say shakily, still coming down from the initial fright. He doesn't say anything at first, simply looking at my face as if trying to search for something, a little to close for comfort as well. He grabs my arm firmly, locking eyes with me, then makes a gesture, calling me closer. "Y-Yes?.. W-What is it?" I ask meekly. He bends down towards my ear and whispers, "Is he... Being mean to you, my lady?"

It took me a moment to understand what he was asking of me, but then it clicks. "M-My boss? O-Oh no no, i-it's fine d-don't worry, h-he was just... U-Um..." I struggle to get out due to the close proximity and his deep gravely voice filling my head, making me nervous but also feel strangely warm. "Will you... come tonight?" he asks. "T-To the circus? I-I'm a bit nervous, b-but I want to try." he smiles wider at my response "That makes me happy, Kay." he coos, the sound vibrating through my core. "Will you promise to use my ticket tonight, my lady?"

"Y-Yes... I promise, pink promise 'kay?" I say gesturing my other hand towards him with a lifted pinky finger. He looks at it for a moment, then locks his much larger pinky finger around mine, with a big silly grin all over his face at the gesture. I try to release my finger, he's hesitant at first but conceeds nonetheless. I look down at my other arm, he's still holding my arm... He has really sharp claws on his gloves... He noticed me staring at the claws on his glove, let go of my arm, and made a silly face. I smile back, he's pretty cute and I can't help but to feel warm by his presence. It hasn't been very long since we met, but I already feel relatively at ease with him for the most part. "That reminds me, what's with the tickets anyway?" I ask wanting to understand the significance behind them.

Before he could answer the door opens again with the usual ding of the bell, signaling more customers coming in. "Mommy look, a clown!" I give up on the question for now, and smile at the child and mother. "It's true, darling. He's quite big, isn't he? But this circus isn't for children, it'll give you nightmares." The child whines in retaliation "Noo!". The scene before me causes me to chuckle slightly, it's super sweet, someday I want something like that. To find the love of my life, get married and have a happy wedding, start a family with them, I never considered the thought before but these past few years I've been feeling quite maternal. It's a sweet thought, and deep down I'd truly love to start a family with my soulmate, a happy family, a loving family. Maybe one day I'll find that special someone.

My daydreaming caught up to me apparently, as some rude woman begins snapping in my face. "Excuse me, I don't have all day! Can't you see me standing at the counter? Bring me my coffee, no sugar. Lazy one." my demeanor shifts completely, feeling anxious and ashamed of myself. "Y-Yes ma'am, r-right away. I-I'm very sorry." I say with an apologetic and meek tone as I put myself back on autopilot preparing the orders. Finishing Pierrot's milkshake, double checking to make sure it's perfect, strawberry, chocolate, coffee... Right. I hand it to him with a slight tremble due to my frayed nerves. "H-Here you are, s-sir... Y-Your milkshake." I say lacking any comfort in my voice that was directed towards him before.

The impatient woman next to me sighs loudly, as she checks her watch. My heart starts beating faster, panicking and stressing about this very unfortunate presence. "Y-You're next ma'am, o-one moment p-please." Pierrot carefully places the money in my hand, along with a small chocolate bar. "O-Oh... t-thank you very much." I softly say with a shaky voice. He quickly nods and waves goodbye. As he turns around, I could have swore he was glaring at the grumpy woman before walking away.

It seems like everywhere I go, Pierrot somehow shows up there as well. It's a refreshing presence, and he is kind of cute. He's been incredibly nice to me since we met, and very understanding of my nervous nature it seems like. And I think it's sweet how he bring me these little gifts whenever he pops up out of God knows where, I'm grateful for the gesture, it's a kindness I'm not very used to. I huff shakily as I make haste trying to prepare the womans order properly and efficiently, despite my trembling fingers fighting against me. I finish and scurry over to the counter, "S-So sorry for the wait, m-ma'am.." I squeak out handing her the coffee.

"Uuuhg, this coffee's as awful as the service. I'm never coming back to this dump." she spits with a huff. I look down, absentmindedly twiddling my finger as a nervous habit, desperately trying to regulate myself and fight back tears. "I-I'm so so sorry, ma'am..." She practically stomps out the door, but that does little to give me comfort. Situations like this cause me to break quite easily, and it'll be hard to get me back on track. I wish people weren't so mean, I really do try my best... I glance down at the small chocolate that Pierrot gave me, trying to cheer myself up at the thought of him. I mumble to myself, "I wish he didn't have to go, I felt a bit less tense with him around..."

Time passes and door opens again with a jingle, but this time a peculiar presence makes himself known. "Oh~ So this is where you work, ma'am?" I look towards the door and immediately recognize the face that's headed for the counter. Harlequin? He followed me too?... G-Great. "G-Good afternoon, sir. W-Would you like something to drink?" I ask unable to hide the discomfort in my voice. "Of course! I'll take an iced coffee." I nod and head towards the brewing station, and start to work on the drink.

He leans over the counter, watching me as I work. "Soooo... Are you finally going to accept my ticket?" he asks plainly. I shake my head as I continue prepping his coffee, "N-No, I have one already and pinky promised I'd use it." I state firmly. He presses a bit more, "You sure? It'd be so much more fun if you used mine~" it wasn't up for debate, regardless of what the reasoning was I stood my ground and refused to say anymore on the matter. I head back towards the counter, coffee in hand. "Here you are, sir."

"Alright, alright, in that case... A little something for you, I'd love for you to wear it." he steps closer to me "Here, let me put it on." he bends down and gently pins the pin to my collar. Caught off guard by the sudden proximity, my breath hitches for a moment. He's not as tall as Pierrot, but he still has to lean down quite a bit to reach. "W-Wha..." I hear the claw of his glove click softly against the metal of the pin as he gives it a tap, chuckling under his breath in a low tone. "I'm going to take you from him~" My body jolts at the sudden declaration. "W-What are you..." he grins mischievously has he locks eyes with mine. "You'll see~"

He backs away and grabs the coffee from the table "Anyway, here's the payment." He says placing the money on the counter. "See you tonight, ma'am. Make sure you don't miss my show, alright?" He says as he makes way for the exit. I don't say anything in response as I watch him leave, trying to rack my brain on what the hell just happened. Take me from him? What the hell is he talking about? Are they just messing with me? I don't understand... are they just making fun of me? That'd honestly really hurt my feelings... I'm not sure about this.

People come people go, and the sun finally sets. Nathaniel comes out of his office and calls out to me, "Your shifts just about over. I'll keep the shop open for another hour. Until we hire someone new, I'll have to cut back the hours a bit." I nod and respond with a simple, "Yes sir." My gaze falls to his arm, noticing a huge scratch across it. "W-What happened sir?" I ask, my voice laced with panic. He looks at his arm and back to me, "This? Oh, something scratched me out back. Pretty sure it was a huge cat or something."

"O-Oh... I-I see.." I take a moment before I reach into my pocket, pulling out a few bandages. "H-Here! I-I hope this helps a little bit at least." He takes the bandages with a smile. "Thanks! Good thing you carry this kind of stuff around." I chuckle nervously and admit "I'm the klutz after all, I always end up hurting myself by accident so it's necessary." He laughs in response, "That makes sense, haha!"

I checked the clock above all the tables, then look back towards the boss. "I-I've got to get going sir, I have somewhere to be tonight and I don't want to be late." he smiles and waves me off "Sure thing, good luck out there tonight. Tell me how it goes later, alright?" I nod and head to the back room, taking off my apron and grabbing my purse, not hesitanting to walk right out the back door. As the cold night air blows against me, messing up my hair slightly, I exhale relieved that the work days' finally over, not bothering to call my mom to pick me up since where I'm headed isn't too far from here and I'm not planning on going home just yet.

Walking with purpose towards where the circus was supposed to be, I look up at the sky, at the clouds painted in various pinks and oranges, with the sun setting almost in the perfect place to compliment the trees and the buildings around it. The cool night air is so refreshing, and all of the troubles from my work day today are almost completely forgotten. I should go home to tell my papa where I'm going, but I don't think I'll be out for too much longer. "It should be fine." I convinced myself as I start heading towards the circus, with it right in my sight.

"It's not like I'll be kept there all night or anything, right?"

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