characters: Marlon, Mitch, Clementine, Violet, Louis, and Aasim
(a/n: first time doing headcanons, kinda nervous... this is also my first time writing for Aasim, Vi, and Clem, so i hope i didn't mischaracterise them 😭)
requested ✅
Marlon:
sure, he puts on this kind of ‘confident’ facade around people, but when it comes to you?? this man can be so awkward
like, at the beginning of your relationship, he invited you to join him in the headmaster’s bedroom
all was good and well until you laid down beside each other, and he realised he had virtually no idea what to do
like does he make the first move and risk making you uncomfortable? or does he wait for you to lean in, but risk him seeming uninterested?
after some contemplation, however, he ended up wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling you into him
loves holding you close and being the big spoon, because it's his way of feeling like he's protecting you — he has to, for his own sanity.
if you asked to be big spoon, he'd definitely be reluctant at first, but after some rather persuasive words from you, he'd agree (also because he can't resist those eyes that you know he's a sucker for)
little did he know that'd be the best sleep he'd had in a while
still prefers the feeling of you in his arms, though
sometimes Rosie joins you, getting right in between you two
you find it incredibly endearing. it’s like a child climbing into bed with their parents
Marlon also loves it, even if he grumbles a little about how Rosie's “keeping you away from him”
definitely a bit of a snorer but not as bad as other people (cough cough, MITCH, cough)
he's always thought of himself as a bit of a heavy sleeper, but when he's with you, even the slightest movement will wake him up
like you really just moved an inch to the left?? where do you think you're going??
the kind of person to say “just five more minutes” when you try to get up in the morning, even when he knows his leader duties are calling him
those 5 minutes somehow turn into 1 hour, and now he's late to the supply run he himself had organised
when you cuddle, he likes you being on the side of the wall, while he prefers being on the side near the door, because just in case something were to happen, he wants to make sure you're safe
Mitch:
will lie on top of you and, no, he will not move
lowkey suffocates you from how heavy he is, but you prefer to just think of it as having your own, personal, weighted blanket ❤️ (if you had about 6 of them all stacked on top of each other)
however, if he's not doing that, he likes to sleep with your head resting on his arm so he can hold you close
on the topic of sleep, this man will SNORE, but in the morning, he will deny any claims of doing such a thing
like he knows he does it, he just won't admit it
he likes always having some sort of contact with you, like a hand on your stomach
which is perfect for winter because his body naturally runs warm, so he's like a little heater
not so great for summer, though, because every time you move away, claiming you're “too hot,” he'll just drag you back towards him
he NEEDS to be close to you
it makes you feel like you're simultaneously both in heaven and in hell
if you run a hand through his hair, or do light scratches up and down his back, he will fall asleep instantly
also, a deep sleeper, so best believe that once he's asleep, he's asleep. there's no waking him up.
which also means good luck trying to escape his clutch in the morning
you need to piss?? too bad. Mitch needs his beauty sleep.
(he will also sleep with a knife under the pillow, because y’know, can never be too safe in the apocalypse!)
Clem:
doesn’t let her guard down easily—surviving in the apocalypse for so long has taught her better—so cuddling is really intimate to her
honestly, you felt like the luckiest person alive the first time you cuddled
instinctively positions herself between you and the door, keeping an arm around you like she’s shielding you
she doesn’t even realise she’s doing it most of the time. It’s like her body is naturally inclined to protect one of the only good things in her life
loves small, grounding touches
stroke her hair, or trace patterns on her arm, and she’s completely yours, and yours only.
more reserved around the others since she doesn’t want to seem ‘weak’, but once you’re all alone?? she totally melts into you. that’s when she feels safe enough to just be “Clem”
if you fall asleep first, she’ll smile to herself and brush stray hairs from your face before kissing your temple. might also whisper some sweet words into your ear about how much she loves you, and how she only falls in love with you more as time goes on
i feel like she naturally runs kinda cold, so when she lays her cold hand on your body and you gasp in surprise, she’ll definitely tease you about it a little
secretly loves how warm you are, though, so she’ll press her forehead against your shoulder, or tuck her face in the crook of your neck, especially on cold nights.
Vi:
not big on PDA, and that definitely transfers to your private time as well
she will be a little (a lot) shy about cuddling because to her, it seems incredibly vulnerable
but once she's warmed up to it, she absolutely LOVES having your head resting in the crook of her neck or vice versa
the feeling of your breath against her neck just grounds her in a way
like her partner, the person she loves most, the most beautiful person she's ever met, is actually real?? and breathing right next to her??
when you cuddle, she loves hearing you just talk about your day
she's an amazing listener, but sometimes she gets so lost in the sound of your sweet voice that she will forget everything, including her own name
like you'll be talking and once you're done, you realise she's just staring at you, the dreamiest look in her eyes
when you ask if she's heard anything you've said for the past 5 minutes, she'll just stammer out a response similar to: “Uh—I—Yeah…”
she knows she's caught
she can't help it though
if you’re the first one to fall asleep, she’ll just stare at you for a while, brushing her thumb across your cheek before whispering something she’d never have the guts to say if you were awake
Louis:
LOVESSS cuddling
one time, you offered to be big spoon, and you've never gone back since
he prefers being the little spoon for sure. to him, it just feels like such a vulnerable thing, so who better to do it with than his own partner???
still will be big spoon from time to time, though. especially when you've had a rough day and just need the comfort
radiates warmth, not just emotionally, but also physically
curling up with him feels like sleeping beside a human furnace, but you wouldn't change it for anything
tends to open up more during cuddles
whether it's just silly little thoughts, or late-night confessions, you’ll hear things that he’d never share in front of anyone else
sometimes sings you to sleep (guys remember ‘Oh My Darling, Clementine’?? that man’s voice was literally MWAH CHEF’S KISS)
and when you do fall asleep, he’ll get a soft, proud smile on his face before drifting off, knowing this is as peaceful as it gets
cuddling is his safe space, an escape from the cruel world outside, which is why when he gets the chance to cuddle with you, he won’t just be seizing the opportunity, he’ll be literally SNATCHING it
if he’s the first to fall asleep, right before drifting off, he’ll mumble some little compliment like: “You’re so… cosy… like a marshmallow…”
sure, they don’t always make sense, but hey, it’s the thought that counts!
Aasim:
i don't think he's really one to initiate touch, or at least nothing big like cuddling anyway, so you'd have to be the one to make the first move
his favourite position is probably you having your head on his chest, so he can just hold your hand
also loves holding you because it makes him feel like he’s actually needed
if you’re cold and tuck your icy hands/feet against him, he will sigh dramatically and grumble about it, but he secretly likes that you depend on him for warmth
incredibly quiet sleeper
sometimes you'll be answering a question he asked you, and mid-response, you notice his breathing has slowed—no snoring, just pure silence
yup, he's gone
beware, however. you will be woken up on approximately six different occasions throughout the night because Aasim has once again kicked you
lowkey crazy how much he moves throughout the night
because why does he fall asleep by your side and then wake up with half of his body hanging off the bed??
when he’s on the edge of sleep, he’ll unconsciously tighten his hold on you and mumble soft things, even just your name. it’s the purest sign of how deeply he cares.
we need to bring back bimbo reader, but with Clementine imagine this clementine is telling bimbo reader about a character from her new novel, and then bimbo reader is just "I think they got married and got two dogs :D.", clementine just sighs and think how did she fall in love with a dumbass (a little bit of her said it was for bimboreaders big boobs)
CW: Bimbo! Reader x Clementine, Reader is described as a little dumb but it’s affectionate
Bimbo! Reader with Clementine of all people is hilarious. Even if you’re a little dumb, Clementine still wants to show off her manuscripts to you because you’re her girlfriend and she cares about what you think. You don’t get the mysteries like 90% of the time, but Clementine finds it amusing to see how invested you get in the story. Even if your guesses are so wrong it makes her wonder how you got that answer in the first place.
Part of me wonders how Clementine would react if Bimbo! Reader somehow guesses the murderer correctly though? Like, despite how stupid Reader appears, they somehow manage to get the killer right first try, and it makes Clementine very surprised.
“How…How did you figure it out, baby? Did you figure out the clues?” She smiles, looking so proud of you.
“No, I just think that guy seems suspicious. I don’t like their hat.”
Actually, what if Bimbo! Reader got the murderer right 99.9% of the time, as she only relies on pure intuition? To think, even a woman as smart as Chief struggled to pinpoint who the killer was at first. Yet Clementine’s dumb little girlfriend managed to figure it out from the very beginning. She’s just very good at reading vibes, even if they’re fictional characters from a book. Clementine is so proud <3
your fingers thread through her hair gently as you lay beside her. AJ was asleep on the bed opposite, his small, quiet snores filling the room. it was dark in their shared room, save the moon light that spilled through the barred window.
clem held you gently against her, her face pressed against your chest, right above your heart. your heart beat calmed her, her breathing calmed you.
you pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head, “your hair’s so pretty,” you whisper, pressing another kiss to her head, “and soft.” you can feel her arms tighten around you just a little.
she shifts her head to look at you, a small smile splayed across her face. “i know. you say that a lot.” she whispers, careful not to wake AJ.
“its true.” you smile back at her, pecking her nose. she scrunches her nose up at the contact but lets out a quiet, small giggle. “and you’re smile. it’s pretty. you don’t do that anymore.” you add.
her smile fades a little at your words and she looks away. “yeah well, there’s not much to smile about anymore.” she mutters, shifting against you so her head rests on the pillow beside you. you look at her with an almost sad expression, hand raising to tuck a curl behind her ear.
“you have AJ.” you remind her quietly, taking your hand away. “and me, if that counts for anything.” she looks back at you and her face softens. “i guess you’re right.”
you frown at her tone, “you brung my smile back.” you mutter, glancing down at her mouth for a second, “you crashed your dumb car and ended up here. i was wary of you at first. but then,” you look back at her eyes, “then i found myself smiling more, laughing, wanting to be around you.” you swallow and inhale shakily, “i don’t know, but you made me feel at ease for the first time since the world went to shit. and i didn’t even know you.”
her eyes were locked on yours as you talked.
“you matter okay? not just to me. to AJ, a-and to the rest. so.. so quit acting like you don’t.” you whisper, wiping your eye with a free hand, letting out a wet scoff. “holy fuck, this is pathetic.”
she smiles, really smiles, and grabs your wrist gently, pulling it away from your face. “you’re smitten, huh?”
“fuck you.” you snort, smiling back at her.
“did you mean all of that.?” she asks, wiping one of your stray tears away. you sniffle and nod. “all of it.”
her face softens again and she places her hand on your side. “i’m glad i met you.” she whispers before pressing a quick, soft kiss to your lips.
you melt against her and kiss her back, your hand moving to cup her cheek. “i love you.” you mutter against her mouth, which earns you another smile and an ‘i love you back’ from her.
“are you guys done? i’m trying to sleep.” AJ’s voice makes you both break apart. you look at her with a grin, she returns it. clem props herself up on her elbow to look at him. he’s sat up, his afro a little tussled from sleep.
“sorry, goofball, go back to sleep.” she apologises, smiling like an idiot. he eyes her up and lays back down. “you guys are gross.” he giggles, rolling on his side to face the wall.
“sleep well, AJ.” you call out as clem lays back down. you press another kiss to her nose and bury your face into her neck, “goodnight, clem.”
she relaxes against you and kisses your temple, “goodnight.” she whispers.
Twdg Season 4 Characters reacting to reader that has unnatural colored hair!
Characters included are MARLON, LOUIS, CLEMENTINE, AASIM AND VIOLET!!!
Marlon
When he first saw you stumbling across the border of the safe zone your hair was the first thing he noticed
Having pink or purple hair normally wouldn’t be weird but in the apocalypse it really did stand out
I mean where are you finding the hair dye???
The entire first week you’d stayed at the school he longingly just stared at it
From somebody else’s standpoint he might of looked like a total pervert but no he was just really interested in your hair
He doesn’t have an issue with it although he is pushing for you to dye it natural
Not because he doesn’t like it but because he doesn’t want you standing out
He couldn’t handle letting you get captured by raiders
He cares about you too much to lose you (fuck minnie and sophie though lmao)
Despite him being cautious, he really does like your hair
It kind of gives off punk vibes and he definitely digs that (not in that way sillies)
Bonus points if it’s red!
Louis
Louis LOVES your hair and I mean loves it
It’s so colorful and different!
If your hair has several colors he’ll trace his fingers through your hair and try to separate the colors (he doesn’t even notice)
On occasions you say something stupid in front of him he’ll joke about how the hair dye is seeping into your brain
He’d recommend other colors and hair styles that he’d think you’d rock
Once you do eventually run out of hair dye… (crazy how you managed to get so much in the apocalypse) he might secretly go past the safe zone
He knows that there’s around a .5 percent chance any hair dye expired or not is nearby but he just loves you sooo much!
If Marlon catches him he’s definitely getting watch duty for the next two weeks
Clementine
She thinks it’s awesome
Like really fricking awesome
She’s been cutting her hair ever since Lee told her too and your hair kinda makes her miss how long her own used to be before she was forced to cut it
She likes doing tiny braids in it
When she was younger she used to watch superhero cartoons a lot and your hair kinda reminds her of the female characters (which gives her a strong sense of nostalgia)
It’s not just her that likes it though
AJ is mind blown
He loves it so much
He’s never seen anyone with hair that wasn’t natural
If you stop dying it he definitely won’t talk to you for a couple days
Aasim
When you first met Aasim he was sorta cautious of you
Aasim doesn’t try to stand out
He’s okay with observing and watching his environment
While your hair has the opposite effect
You are most definitely going to stand out
At first he didn’t talk to you and just watched you silently
That was until you were both assigned hunting duty so you had to make small talk and you ended up having a lot in common
Since then you’ve been close
He likes your hair but like Marlon he does push you to dye it back to your natural hair color
He thinks it’s kinda dumb how you dyed it in the first place
He’s just concerned for your safety and doesn’t want you getting hurt
Violet
Violet tried so hard not to like it
She had to make herself focus to try to not look at it whenever you too conversed
She isn’t the type to give compliments okay?
Once she subtly talks about how much she really does like it you offer to do hers
She was really excited
Like really excited
So excited that Louis had asked what you’d done to her
You both talked about different colors and styles that you could do to her hair and even your own
You joke about dying it the color violet and surprise surprise she wasn’t amused
⊱ Here, Let Me Fix That For You… ⊰ || Cirque des Débuts X Reader
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Character(s): Adelina, Benedict, Clementine, Dartois, and Elliott (Cirque des Débuts)
Reader Type: Human, MC (Gender-Neutral Pronouns)
Warning(s): Besides some brief allusions to the characters wanting to consume the MC (literally… not in a sexy way lmao), none!
Genre: "Headcanons"/Scenario, Fluff, Romantic or Platonic Relationship.
Word Count: ~5,200 words.
Prompt: “Fixing each other's collar/zipper/tie/etc., and getting unexpectedly close… breaths catching when they realize how close you are – light touches burning into the other's skin…” – Prompt List
Author’s Note: I would have to say that the worst fixation a person could possibly have is one that focuses on their own characters/original story, so, in order to cope, I randomly decided to write a little drabble for each of my circus OCs because they have been on the brain™ lately. I thought it would be a fun way to develop their characters a bit and explore how they would act if the MC were to fix something on their person, like a collar or scarf, just because they wanted to help them out. There’s nothing quite like simping over your own characters and wanting to read fanfictions about them, only to realize that none exist because you’ve got to be the one to write them – it’s a different kind of pain... 😔 This is completely self-indulgent fluff because I couldn’t help myself; I was giggling and kicking my feet a few times throughout writing this, so I hope it’s as enjoyable for everyone was it was for me hehe! I had a very stressful on-call week last week at my job (that’s every time I’m on call, really), plus the fact that I can’t focus on writing my thesis hasn’t been helping in the anxiety department, so this was made to escape from the pain of reality!! I feel like I’m going to combust! 😀 (If, uhhh… anyone wants to know more about my characters, feel free to send in asks! I desperately need an excuse to infodump about them). If you're curious about the story, you can read more about it in this post here!
→ The artwork for the banners was created by and belongs to me, as do my OCs. Please do not use them anywhere else — thank you!
→ If you enjoyed my work, please reblog it if you can! Exposure on Tumblr is based on reblogging content rather than liking it, so your support would be much appreciated! ♡
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🎩: Adelina took great pride in her appearance. She always ensured that every hair was exactly where it needed to be, slicked back with gel and woven into a tight braid that pulled almost painfully at the skin of her scalp. They didn’t mind the slight ache, though; her kin weren’t able to feel discomfort the same way humans did. She would triple-check her attire before she left her wagon just to verify there was not a single wrinkle visible to the naked eye, and she regularly made sure that her boots shimmered like stars under the stage light after she shone them for the nth time (she’s almost neurotic when it comes to every aspect of her image). After all, they had a reputation to maintain, and they couldn’t have a single part of their appearance amiss, lest it ruin the façade they had worked so hard to develop. They had to have every aspect of their life organized to the very last detail, or else it would not be acceptable to them. Everyone around her needed to believe that she was perfect – that she was incapable of making a single mistake... She needed to seem untouchable and unreachable to deter people from interacting with her. It wasn’t necessarily because she wanted to be alone, no, but it was for the betterment of everyone if she was. If she were alone, then everyone would be safe, including herself.
🎩: It was right before a show one night when you suddenly called out to her while she straightened her top hat and secured the whip to the belt that was attached to her hip. Odd, they thought, weren’t you also meant to be preparing for the show? She had turned around to ask what was wrong when you suddenly reached forward without thinking, adjusting the ruffled collar of her shirt before pulling away and wishing her luck in tonight’s act… Beneath the mask she wore, you couldn’t see the subtle widening of her eyes, and you certainly didn’t notice the way her gloved hand twitched when your fingertips brushed against her neck. Adelina was not one for physical affection; they never had been, but then you had to come along and throw everything they had ever experienced for a loop (a part of them hated you for it). After taking a second to reel back the strange emotions bubbling inside of her, she performed that night without a hitch, but that was to be expected. Adelina never made mistakes, and they would continue to make sure that they never did. A simple brush of your fingertips against their neck wasn’t enough to make them become a flustered mess, anyway – they weren’t Benedict.
🎩: However, she finds herself thinking about that moment alone in her wagon, her hand lingering where yours had reached out to fix her collar… her fingertips brushed over the exact place where yours had touched her. It made their skin tingle, and, for whatever reason, it wasn't a sensation they could classify as either "good" or "bad." Usually late at night, while the rest of the circus slept, she helped Galen with completing paperwork and documentation needed for the next town the circus would be traveling to, but tonight, she finds herself unable to focus on a single task on her list. They cannot help but curse you silently, simultaneously wishing you would explode where you stood, but also being grateful you had caught something they uncharacteristically seemed to miss. They just lay atop their neatly-made bed, their mind thinking back to that moment that was most likely so insignificant to you, but one that had made a far greater impact on them than they would like to admit. With a sigh, she heads to her desk, hoping that she will be able to get something of significance done tonight. Though, with the way her mind was working, the likelihood of that was low…
🎩: The next day, they search the circus top-to-bottom looking for you, a strange feeling in their body that made their bones vibrate. They still weren’t very good at identifying their emotions, even though you had been helping them expand their vocabulary for such things the past however many months since your fateful, and somewhat traumatic, first encounter. Eventually, they find you helping a few other workers prepare the big top for the evening performance, watching you for a moment before eventually making her way over to where you were kneeling in the dirt. When Adelina comes to ask you to follow her, she is stiff. Her posture is impossibly straight, and her shoulders are pushed back as far as one could get them. However, from the flyaway hairs that shot out of their braid like sprouts, you had a feeling something was up. The other members eye her curiously before she asks if you were free to talk, which you respond by saying you could take a short break (after making sure your coworkers could handle the task at hand, that is). Once you two were away from the other members, tucked into an empty corner of the tent, Adelina thanked you for fixing their collar the night before. Her words are sincere, even if they do sound a bit awkward coming from her mouth, but Adelina always had an air of reservation about her. That wasn’t something that would ever change. You notice the way her clawed hands dig almost anxiously into her palms, most likely hard enough to leave marks in her flesh, before she coughs into her fist, averting her gaze from yours.
“Apologies for pulling you away from your work, but I must… thank you for your assistance last night. Your kind gesture has been at the forefront of my mind since then, and I needed to inform you as soon as possible that your aid was much appreciated. I always try to ensure I look my best, so… thank you, again, for catching something that seemingly slipped my attention. I would like to treat you to a meal to show my gratitude, so please, choose wherever you would like.”
🤡: Benedict, despite his attempts to be as put-together as Adelina or naturally fashionable like Clementine, always had a hard time when it came to making sure he looked relatively put-together. He wore clothes that showcased their wear and tear, with everything he owned either adorned with patches scattered across the expanse of fabric or whimsically-embroidered patterns he sewed to mend any holes. They enjoyed their wardrobe greatly, though, and they took pride in their well-loved sweaters and jeans. To them, it showcased how much they loved and cherished the gifts given to them. As long as he put the effort into his appearance during shows or when working with the public while on the clock, everything was good and dandy (he would never do anything to potentially put the circus’s reputation at risk). However, when it came to his performance attire, sometimes he had a difficult time getting everything where it needed to be. Usually, Adelina or Clementine were able to give him a hand, but he had no clue where they were… He almost started panicking, unable to tie his bow properly as his fingers shook with a sudden and uncharacteristic nervousness when, like an angel descending from heaven, you appeared.
🤡: You motioned for him to lean down so you could tie the ribbon around his neck into a neat bow, and the way that your fingers brush against his neck has his heart racing and his body heating up almost embarrassingly quickly. After all, for humans, the neck was one of the most vulnerable parts of them, and here you were, touching his like it was nothing (he wanted to touch yours, too, but you didn’t need any help with your attire). Then, with a smile and a supportive pat on the shoulder, you leave him where he was standing. He was impossibly still, like a statue, just watching as you left to see if any of the other performers needed help before the show. Benedict can’t help but stare at you walking away, completely breathless and stuck in a state of awe. As soon as you turned away, they immediately covered their face with their hands, almost as though they were afraid the color that was painted on their cheeks would be able to bleed through the mask they always wore. The moment reminded them of a scene from one of their favorite romance novels, and the way you were so nonchalant with it?? He had no idea you could be so suave, and it had his heart pounding! Honestly, despite doing his best, he has a difficult time focusing on that evening’s performance, making a few mistakes here and there. Thankfully, the crowd thought they were purposeful, roaring in laughter whenever he messed up juggling the pins or balls. Sometimes, he was very happy that he was a simple clown and not something more extravagant.
🤡: Once the show was over, he could not help the way his heart beat rapidly inside his chest, almost as if it was trying to break free from the cage his ribs formed around it. He needed to see you again as soon as he possibly could, hoping that you would allow him to be selfish for a brief moment. It doesn’t matter what kind of relationship the two of you have – whether it be platonic, romantic, or something in between – Benedict is the kind of person who is starved for attention and touch. So, as soon as everything wraps up, he’s immediately on the hunt for you. It’s not hard to find you, and sometimes you wonder if they have some kind of inhuman ability to track you down. In a way, though, it would make sense if they did. Benedict was a predator, whether he liked it or not, but in those moments where he craved your attention like a drug, it made getting his fix of you a lot easier. So, in an impossibly gentle voice, he asks if you would be willing to help him once more. He had to wear a lot of different layers for his performance, after all – could you spare some time to aid him? They were so, so tired after tonight, they barely had the energy to do it themselves (lies… they don’t even get tired).
🤡: If you agree to help, he’ll be as happy as a lark, trying not to explode at the way your hands carefully removed the tie from his neck or the way your fingers gingerly unbuttoned his shirt. It’s an innocent touch, one filled with love and care, but they cannot help but wish to be closer to you. After all, you were the only one who knew what he truly was, and yet, you stayed. At pretty much every show after this moment, Benedict finds some thinly-veiled excuse to request your assistance when he’s getting ready for his performance. All of a sudden, his hat is refusing to sit atop his head – would you be so kind as to give him a hand? Oh, his usually deft hands are trembling despite him never once feeling anxious before a show… could you help him make sure all of the bells that hung from his attire were properly fastened? He knows it’s ridiculous that he invents these situations just to ask you specifically to help him – he knows you would help him even if there wasn’t an excuse as to why he couldn’t do it himself – but, at least for now, he’s not ready to admit how selfishly he craves your touch.
“Oh dear! It seems as though I am having a tremendously difficult time tying my bow again! My poor fingers must be shaking from nerves. If only I had someone nearby who would be able to aid me… Ah! Hello there, my dear, what perfect timing! Thank you for coming to my aid once more! I am having some difficulty with my tie again... Oh, I feel horrible having to ask this of you, but would you be able to help me with it once more? I apologize for the inconvenience…”
💬: Unlike Adelina, who would check multiple times to ensure she looked perfect in nearly every sense of the word, or Benedict, who tended to be a bit lax when it came to his appearance, Clementine never struggled with the way they looked or cared much about how others viewed them. They didn’t feel the need to look perfect, nor did they want to make a statement; they just wanted to feel comfortable in their own skin, so they chose clothing that helped them achieve that. Things simply fell into place for them without any issue every time they styled their hair differently or decided to try on a new outfit. They didn’t need to put in as much effort the way that some of their fellow performers did, and it was something they were grateful for. They already had so many things that raced through their mind, and the last thing they needed was something else they had to fuss over. Another aspect of their appearance they particularly liked was their shorter hair, especially on days when it was especially windy. They didn’t have to worry about anything blowing in front of their eyes, or needing to excuse themselves to tame any flyaway hairs… That day, however, as everyone was preparing for the show in the evening, the wind was harsher than Clementine had ever remembered it being before; their eyes squeezed shut behind their mask as it blew against their face.
💬: It was hard to work in conditions like this, but such was life. They simply sucked it up and continued to aid in preparing the tent for the performance. That was, however, until you called out their name. They hum in response and turn to look at you, not having a single moment to comprehend what was happening as your hand suddenly reaches out to fix the bow in their hair. It seemed as though the wind had nearly caused the ribbon to become loose, so you clipped it back onto their locks exactly where it needed to be. Your fingertips, when they brushed against their hair, were so soft and gentle… Their breath hitches in their throat, and their eyes become impossibly large underneath the protection of their mask (they were thankful every day no one could see the expressions plastered across their face). They pull away from your touch as quickly as a bolt of lightning, and before you can rear your hand back to apologize for startling them, they grab your wrist with a bit too much force and drag you underneath the bleachers of the big top. Their mind was spinning, and their heart was racing. They didn’t like this feeling, and as soon as you two were hidden away from peering eyes, they turned you around as their hands gripped your shoulders tightly, their nails digging into your clothing.
💬: Their immediate reaction to the situation is to scold you. If there was something wrong with their bow, you should have just told them, and they would have been perfectly happy to fix it themself. It’s painful for them whenever you do something like this – when you show them kindness, when you show them that you care about them... That deep-seated hunger that resides within them and their kin makes it harder not to devour you whole, that desire to absorb you into their being while the world around marches forward as if you never had existed in the first place, only becomes more pronounced whenever you do something like that. They want to consume you, but at the same time, they want you here with them. They want you to watch them perform, they want to hear your laugh or the sound of your breathing when you fall asleep, and they want to look at the stars together with you. They tell you as much, their voice much deeper than usual, before they quickly pull away as if you had burned them. Their arms cross over their chest, one hand nervously playing with the strands of hair that hang down and frame their face. One day, you were going to be the death of them… or rather, they would be the death of you.
💬: Even after the mild scolding you received, they can’t bring themselves to be angry at you. Their mind flipped between hating your touch and craving it more than anything else in this world. They craved your warmth, and yet, they flinched away as if it had scalded them whenever you attempted to share it… Their hair almost tingles from where you had touched them, and they reach up to run their fingers through the strands, hoping that it would make the sensation fade. The two of you jolt when you hear one of the other performers call your names, and you realize that you two had practically just disappeared without a word. With a slight huff, Clementine tells you that if you notice anything that needs fixing on their person, just let them know… or at least announce that you were planning on touching them in some manner. Before the two of you leave the make-shift private space underneath the bleachers to return to work, they notice how downtrodden you seem, and they can’t help but feel a bit guilty, even if what they were telling you was for your overall safety. So, before the two of you return to your duties, they reach out to smooth down your wind-blown hair, their cheeks burning bright red beneath their mask. If you attempt to tease them for this, they’re just going to camp out in their wagon for a few days to avoid you – their heart can’t handle it.
“Y-You, why did–... Are you trying to kill me?? …No, I’m not – I’m not mad, I just… I wasn’t expecting you to, you know… touch me. It wasn’t a bad touch, but I just–... I’m not used to it, you know that, and it just – it caught me off-guard, is all… Do I want you to do it again? D-Do you hear how ridiculous you sound!? You know how I get when you get too close, and I don’t want to… I think I need to be alone for a little bit. I’ll, umm… I-I’ll see you later.”
🔪: Dartois didn’t care much about whether or not they looked “good.” If he liked the way he looked, he was happy – besides, the opinions of random humans weren’t able to sway him. If someone found their piercings gaudy? Well, that was too bad, and he thought they were missing out on how fun it was to get one. How about if someone didn’t like the way she styled her hair? Clearly, those people were just stuck in the past and needed to get with the times; dyed hair wasn’t anything groundbreaking. What if someone had a nasty comment to say about one of the many tattoos that littered his flesh that he himself carved into his skin? It simply went in one ear and came out the other; there were plenty of humans who had tattoos, some with whole sleeves or intricate, inked designs that climbed all the way up their neck (it was on their bucket list to eventually have every single inch of their flesh adorned with some kind of illustration). Because of this, Dartois never really pays much mind to things being “out of place.” She wears whatever she wants, however she wants. So what if their shirt was inside out or their socks were mismatched? If it didn’t bother them, it certainly shouldn’t bother anyone else.
🔪: That day was the first time he had ever seen snow, and he found the sight both blinding and breathtaking. The way it floated down from the sky, like rain but not quite, had their eyes sparkling with wonder. They didn’t even have to think for a moment before they found themselves frolicking through the ankle-high blanket of white, tripping over their own feet before falling into the piles of fresh snow. Beneath her mask was a smile that stretched across the entire expanse of her face, warm breath causing puffs of fog to fill the air as it slipped past her lips. They hadn’t bothered changing out of their pajamas when they looked out the window of their wagon that morning and saw the sight, lying there in the snow in a simple button-down shirt that reached their thighs. Then, he heard the approaching sound of footsteps crunching in the snow, opening his eyes once more to look up at you. Your nose was red, and your cheeks even moreso despite not having been outside for more than a few moments. Then, when you cross your arms over your chest and ask him to put on some weather-appropriate clothes so he doesn’t freeze his ass off, he cannot help but chuckle. Only you would ever have the gall to talk to them like that, and yet, they didn’t mind. You were their savior, after all – they would do whatever you asked of them with a smile.
🔪: So, she stands up to follow you into your personal quarters at the circus while you dig around in the small dresser you had in your wagon, knowing for sure that Dartois didn’t have anything that was made to withstand such cold temperatures. When you shove a pair of gloves into his hands, he puts them on without complaint, flexing his fingers a few times for good measure. Then, when you toss a fluffy coat at them, they immediately slip it on without a second thought, even if they didn’t particularly enjoy the sensation of such heavy clothing weighing them down. They much preferred to wear light, loose-fitting clothes instead. Though when you come over and zip the coat up until it reaches their chin, then decide to wrap a scarf around their neck for good measure, they find it nearly impossible to breathe. You’re talking to them, they can hear your voice muffled in their ears, but they’re so focused on the warmth of your body and the feeling of your hands so close to their neck, their mind cannot make out a single thing you’re saying. Oh, how they wish they could just wrap you up in their arms and never let you go… Dartios was never one to fight off sudden urges or impulsive thoughts that crossed her mind, though, so she does just that — wrapping her arms firmly around your person and pulling you into her chest with a playful giggle.
🔪: After getting their fill of your body pressed against theirs, they finally go back outside to resume their exploration of such a new experience. You show them how to make snow angels, snowballs (which results in a battle between the two of you), and even a snowman, which they find to be quite amusing – it looks nothing like a human. Then, you’re both lying on the ground, breathing heavy as warm puffs of fog fill the air like smoke. You’d both have to start preparing for the show later tonight, but she didn’t care about that right now. He turns his head to look at you, and you do the same, reaching out to brush some snowflakes that had fallen into his hair. Ah, their heart skipped a beat again, and they wonder how such mundane acts can make their skin flush… They mirror your actions, a mischievous look in their eyes as their hands press against your head before rapidly, and perhaps a bit too harshly, messing up your slightly damp locks. He finds it funny when you let out a sound of protest in response, grabbing a handful of snow and blindly tossing it in his direction. Perhaps they needed to make it a habit to know what humans should be wearing in different weather conditions, just so they could do the opposite – they enjoyed it when you were concerned about their well-being.
“I don’t need all of this, you know – after all, I don’t get cold the same way you do, my lovely human~. Ah, my silly, silly human… I would be lying, though, if I said I didn’t enjoy the way you fuss over me like this. It’s funny, in a way, that you worry over something like me. Why is that, hmm? Surely you must have a reason… Oh? You simply care for me that deeply, do you? Hehe, you just made that thing in my chest do a little flip~... Make it do it again. I quite liked it~...”
💪🏾: Elliott didn’t care much for his appearance, typically finding it to be a waste of his day to spend too much time fussing over it. He didn’t need to buy intricate or eye-catching articles to wear, instead settling for the most bare-bones clothes one could imagine. Most of what was in his closet was bland and uninteresting – simple pieces that made it easier for him to blend into the background and aid him in being completely unnoticeable. The duller he looked, the better. He was what humans would probably call an ambush predator; though, he had to admit that he did like a good chase every now and again… That meant, however, he tended to have very little variety in his closet, resulting in most of his clothing being very well-worn. He didn’t care much about it, but sometimes his hole-ridden jackets and pants tended to catch attention, especially the ones covered in dirt and grass stains he didn’t care much about cleaning off. Such was life. Besides, what was the point in fussing over some dirty clothes when they would simply get dirty again? While he was a performer at night for the circus, he primarily did a lot of physically demanding work during the day due to his size and strength. He enjoyed the work, though, especially the way that the surrounding humans always found themselves in awe by the fact that he could move something that usually took three men all by himself; it was an ego-booster (not that he needed any more of that, as Adelina would probably say).
💪🏾: It was raining that day, but he didn’t mind. He had slept in the middle of the woods in worse weather than this, and besides, it’s not like the chill of the rain affected him the same way it would a human. His species was built to withstand pretty much anything, so getting a little wet wasn’t a big deal. He never understood why the others were so mindful about what they wore and when they wore it; if someone had a problem with what he decided to throw on that morning, they could simply tell him to his face their opinion. He didn’t think much about the weather, either, standing out in the rain as clumps of mud clung to his boot-clad feet while he watched as his newfound coworkers went about setting everything up for the performances later in the week. Most of the employees were either adorned in some kind of rain gear to protect themselves from the sudden storm or panicking as they attempted to flee somewhere the rain wasn’t able to touch them. Elliott can’t help but chuckle at that, finding the reactions of humans to something as harmless as water to be almost pathetic. Then, suddenly, he doesn’t feel the rhythmic tapping of droplets on his coat or hair anymore.
💪🏾: When he glances down, you’re standing there beside him, two umbrellas clasped tightly in your hands – ah, that’s why it stopped raining on him. Then, with a frown, you push one of the umbrellas into his hand, and he takes it from you with little resistance. He raises a questioning brow at you in response, yet you cannot see it under the mask he always wears. When your lips straighten out, that sullen look no longer plastered across your face, your fingers tentatively reach up, brushing a coiled strand of hair from his damp forehead. Well, that was bold of you – he can’t help but smirk, leaning down to your level to tease you a bit for having the audacity to touch him in such a familiar manner. You roll your eyes and scoff at him in response, muttering under your breath that if he gets sick, it’ll be his fault (he doesn’t get sick, but he doesn’t correct you on it) before walking away to resume helping your coworkers set up. As you leave, he finds himself focusing on the way his mind replays the sensation of your fingers brushing against his skin, and a pathetic part of himself wishes you would do it again. Maybe he could chase you down, put on an act to see if you would aid him, but you wouldn’t fall for that — not if he did it, at least. Besides, unlike some of his kin that resided at the circus, he wasn’t going to stoop that low for your attention. He would simply get it in other ways.
💪🏾: The next time it’s raining, you were the one caught off-guard, not having an umbrella or raincoat handy when the skies decided to open up and pour down onto the world below. Then, when the rain suddenly stops beating down on you, you look up and see Elliott hovering over your crouched form, returning the favor from however many weeks ago the first rainy-day encounter was (not that you were keeping track of the time). Beneath his mask, he’s grinning, and then he reaches down to brush your damp hair from your forehead, his warm fingers lingering on your flesh as he mimics your previous actions mockingly. You bat his hand away with a huff, and he can’t help but laugh. He makes it a habit from then on out to pay attention to your hair and clothing, always doing something to get a reaction out of you – from fixing the collar of your shirt, to zipping up your jacket, to smoothing out your hair – he does it all to get some kind of rise out of you (no, it’s not because he cares or enjoys touching you, don’t be ridiculous). If you do the same for him, he doesn’t mind. If you feel the need to worry over him, he’s not going to tell you otherwise, even if he does find it to be a waste of your time.
“You lookin’ out fer me now, are ya? Hehe, how sweet of ya, actin' as though I’m gonna start meltin’ if I get a little wet. Whenever you do things like that, it gives me the urge to gobble you right up… Hmm? Oh, come on, now, no need to give me that look – I ain’t actually gonna eat ya, sweetheart. No need to get so anxious over nothin’. If anythin', that worried expression on yer face makes me even hungrier… Hahahaha! Yer so easy to rile up."
