Run Rabbit, into the Monsters' Den (Eventual Polycirco/Reader) [The Freak Circus]
Read on AO3 here!
Oh, forgive me Lord / Oh, a minor chord You put me in this house / I had to claw right out
Nearly a year since you started your new life, keeping your head down and avoiding trouble. You were finally starting to get some semblance of normalcy- of complacency- when you throw it all out the window to stop the harassment of a street clown. Now he was showing up everywhere. And in a selfish, twisted way you craved him just as badly as he seemed to crave you.
Eventual Polycirco (aka reader gets w all 5 circus members) but starts out VERY Pierrot heavy (w some Harlequin). This was written before day 3 so if there's conflicting canon later, that's why.
Based on a drabble I wrote on my tumblr called "Safe with the Monsters". I was originally just gonna write a second part to it, but then I got Ideas. I dunno how long this fic is gonna be, but it ain't a slow burn. We're goin full Yandere here babey!!! Also as much as I like longfics, sometimes I can't spend 30 chapters til they kiss. I want CLUSSY!!!!!!!!!!!
Like I said in the summary, it'll eventually be EVERYONE x reader but it'll focus on Pierrot mainly for a bit for. Obvious Reasons. The first few follow the game (day 1 plus the first circus visit), then'll veer off into original plot. I lifted some dialogue from the game, but not strictly word for word.
CW for the whole fic: Implied/Referenced Domestic Violence, Unhealthy Relationships (yandere game, duh). Chapter specific CWs will be added per chapter.
If you like it, reblog it!
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You KNEW you were gonna regret the late night netflix binge. You slept through your alarm, leaving you scrambling to get ready for work. You nearly barreled through your neighbor on the way out. The sun beat down on you, counteracting the chill in the air, as you sped towards your cafe. You hoped your boss wouldn’t mind if you made a coffee for yourself when you got there.
Your foot slid on a piece of paper and you barely caught a streetlight to steady yourself. A discarded circus flyer was stuck to your shoe, and you huffed in annoyance. These things were everywhere lately. You knew a traveling circus needed to advertise, but damn. You also needed to not have slipping hazards in the streets.
As you picked it up- to examine or throw away, you didn’t know yet- a heavy thud and shouting got your attention. You didn’t know if it was one of the performers or a street fight. You had seen the circus performers in pink oddly dancing about and handing out flyers. Maybe one got too close to someone.
“Ever since you showed up, people have been disappearing! Go back to whatever fucking hellhole you crawled out of!” A man yelled as you got closer. One of the clowns was on the ground, cheek bleeding from a nasty punch the furious man no doubt threw at him. The red-clad clown was silent, staring at the ground as he was yelled at. There was the faintest tremble in his hands as he tried to gather up fallen flyers. He moved slowly, like he didn’t want to provoke anyone. Your stomach twisted. You knew that look well.
“That is ENOUGH,” you barked, voice cracking slightly as your heart raced. Multiple heads turned toward you, including the injured party’s. You walked to the performer’s side, looking down at him worriedly. His gaze was intense- a mix of fear and awe. You gave him a reassuring smile before you turned back to the enraged attacker.
“I don’t care what you think of that circus, you can’t attack people over some rumors! Now go on before I call the cops,” you demanded. You turned back to the man on the ground, holding a hand out to help him up. He was about to take it when his attacker moved. The man stepped closer quickly, making you flinch. Your other hand moved instinctively, ready to block a blow. That got people muttering. Telling him to back off.
The man scoffed, embarrassed, and stalked off with a vague threat. He hoped you’d vanish to the circus, too. You steadied your breathing, hands trembling slightly from adrenaline, as you gave your full attention to the man on the ground. Slowly, he put his hand in yours. You helped him up, giving him an apologetic smile. Damn, he was huge.
“The nerve of some people- it’s not your fault some idiot ran off with a partner or something,” you huffed as you dug around in your bag. You pulled out a bandaid- a pink thing with a little cat on it- and motioned for him to lean down. He did so obediently, and the bandage stuck to his makeup easily. You assumed it was makeup, anyway. Hard to tell, but it was bleeding either way.
“You can still move your jaw, right, big guy?” you asked. He nodded, although made no move to actually show you as such. He had a smile now, cheeks going red as he examined you. His stare was still intense. The fear was gone, replaced with an excitement and appreciation. You felt yourself get a bit flustered under his gaze, eyes drifting to the side.
“Well, I’m uh… I’m already running late. If you happen to drop by the cafe, I’ll slip you a cookie,” you said with a good-natured wink. His face got more red as he nodded enthusiastically. You couldn’t help but snicker as his bells jingled with his movements. You waved, pulling your phone out to call your boss as you hurried off to work. You told him you were on the way, just got caught up in the middle of a problem. You were thankful he was a decent guy.
You were tying your apron as you rushed through the door. Work’s been busier because of the cold weather and you felt bad leaving your boss and Carol high and dry. Or, really, just your boss. Carol, you were told, was running late. You offered to take over for your rushing boss as an apology for being late. He gave you a grateful smile, going to work on other chores now that he had a chance.
You hummed as you looked over the tickets and grabbed drinks. Your customers had idle talk about the weather, and the circus, and people running off into the night. You could’ve sworn you saw a shadow outside the window at some point. When you went to check, there was a fogged up section of window with hearts drawn into the condensation. It was behind a now-empty table, so you assumed it was for someone who sat there. Either an admirer or partner or some family member. You couldn’t help but find it cute, though. You took a couple pictures real quick, before the hearts vanished. Maybe it was the basic facebook mom that was in you, deep down, but it was pretty so who cares. You nearly dropped your phone when your boss called your name.
“Mind picking up the stray flyers,” he laughed. You grumbled as you stood up and put your phone back in your pocket. You helped him pick up flyers, staring at one for a moment. You thought back to the man this morning, huddled on the ground. Afraid to make a scene or defend himself, for some reason. You frowned a bit.
“You think people are being overly rude to the circus staff? I know a horror circus is a bit unsettling, but… A guy got punched today just for working there.” No one was in the cafe at the moment, so you knew he wouldn’t care about the idle talk. Your boss shrugged, but you could see the disdain on his face as he balled up the flyers. You stacked yours neatly instead.
“The way they act freaks people out. I feel for them, but all this… circus crap is bad for business.” He didn’t really leave any room for argument as he threw his share away. A phone went off in the backroom, and he left you with your flyers. You sighed. You knew he was just trying to keep the cafe a more neutral ground, but it sucked. You hoped that guy was okay.
The bell above the door jingled. You welcomed the new customer- a man in a blue suit and slicked back hair- and took his order quickly. He eyed the flyers on the counter, before giving you a quiet thank you when you set his coffee down. He took a sip, before pointing at the stack of papers.
“I’m guessing those are from the circus?” He set the cup back down, leaning back as he spoke. You nodded with a soft huff.
“Yeah. Customers keep leaving them here, and the circus people put them on the windows outside. I had to clean up the strays.” You grabbed the stack again. The man silently prompted you to hand one over, which you did. He looked it over for a moment.
“How rude, to do that in another business. Makes more work for you, hm?” He half-joked. You nodded in agreement. He motioned for the rest of the stack.
“I was gathering paper for recycling anyway- I can take those for you, friend,” he offered. Thankful they wouldn’t go to waste, you set the stack next to his coffee with an appreciative smile. He took another sip of his drink, setting the stray paper he held on top of the stack. Just as you were about to turn to return to work, he spoke again.
“Do you like the circus?” You supposed it was a topical question, considering the one that set up shop at the edge of town. You really shouldn’t keep the conversation from dragging, but you were never one to be rude to a polite stranger.
“I loved the circus growing up, yeah. But if you mean this horror circus, I’ve never been. It sounds fun, though.” Horror was your favorite genre. You loved going through haunted houses at halloween, and most of your novels were monster based in some way. The man seemed pleased as he pulled something out of his breast pocket. A pink ticket for the infamous Freak Circus of Horrors.
“I had bought another ticket, intending to go back. Unfortunately I have to leave town. I’d hate for it to go to waste when such a lovely person could go in my stead.” He passed it to you. Your eyes almost popped out of your head. You couldn’t accept something like this. You wanted to tell him no, but he was already packing his stuff up. He nodded in farewell, and told you that he hoped you enjoyed the circus. You looked down at the ticket as he left. You thought back to the clown who looked at you like an eager puppy. You finally pocketed the ticket, a small smile on your face. Maybe you could see what his act was all about, and check in on him.
The rest of the day went quickly, people blurring together into a trickle of faceless orders. The clown from earlier in the day didn’t come by, which you found yourself disappointed by. You had hoped he’d at least swing by for lunch, for the solely selfish reason of showing that he was okay. He seemed chipper when you left him, though, despite the blood. You just felt bad for him. Being ganged up on- having people look with pity but not actually step in… It made your blood boil.
The last of the customers were getting ready to leave when your boss stepped out. He already had his apron off, car keys in hand as he got ready to leave. He passed the spare keys to the building to you.
“After they leave, clean and close up. We’re closing early today. I got an unexpected appointment, and I don’t want you going home so late since you’re alone. You fine closing?” No cause you fucking hated closing, but you also knew he was scrambling since Carol was a no-show. You nodded, shooing him out while you grabbed the keys. He headed out, flipping the sign to “closed” on his way for you. You waved at the last couple customers, telling them to get home safely. They wished the same to you as they exited the building.
You set your phone on the counter, letting music play from its speakers as you got to work cleaning. You sang along, dancing around the tables as you wiped them down. You nearly missed the jingling of bells as you belted out the chorus. You cut yourself off, turning to confront an unexpected customer. Your eyes met empty air and the still cafe tables. You frowned, looking for any disturbances.
The lights went out.
Your music continued to play, the phone screen now black as it was idle. You couldn’t tell if the shadows were moving or your brain was trying to find shapes in the dark. You dug your hand in your pocket, grasping the keys between your fingers for security. You knew the switches weren’t flipped, as you were facing that way when the lights went out. So you moved for the breaker. You felt eyes on you every step of the way, but feeling watched wasn’t exactly an unusual thought for you. It was just paranoia. It was always paranoia.
You found the breaker quickly, flipping it and restoring power to the building. You whipped around, yanking your hand out of your pocket, to confront your non-existent attacker. As expected, there was no one. You turned your music off, shakily putting your phone back in your pocket. The door opened right after, and you silently cursed the fact that people can’t read a “closed” sign.
“Sorry, we’re closed-!” You turned with a customer service smile, but it turned more genuine as you realized who it was. The clown from earlier, a grin on his face and blood dripping down his forehead. You did a double take when you saw that, hurrying around the counter and putting your keys back in your pocket. He tilted his head at how fast you moved, seemingly not even aware. It was kinda cute.
“Christ, dude, you’re an injury-magnet aren’t you? Come on, I’ll-” you were cut off. He pulled a well made paper rose out from behind him, presenting it to you. The petals were a deep red, still wet from the paint. You couldn’t help the flattered- and bewildered- laugh that escaped you.
“You’re just a big sweetheart, aren’t you? You didn’t need to do anything for this morning.” You did take it, though. You put it in one of the disposable cups so paint wouldn’t get on the counter. His face went red at the “sweetheart”, and you could almost hear a non-existent tail wagging. You knew people found clowns and all unsettling, but right now he was kinda cute. You smirked a little.
“Alright, buddy, chill out. We still gotta deal with all that- sit down and I’ll help you clean up.” You grabbed the first aid kit from under the counter. He seemed to jump at the order, sitting on a stool quickly so you could reach him. You grabbed some tissues to wipe him up with. It was still hard to tell if this was stage makeup or a mask, but the fact his face was moving swayed you to makeup. Maybe they make their own? It was weird, giving you an uncanny feeling that was only offset by how non-threatening you found the guy.
You smoothed his white hair back, checking his hairline for a cut. You hummed to yourself as you worked, trying to ignore the way his eyes bored into you like he was trying to see into your very soul. You dabbed at the small wound with an antiseptic cotton ball. He didn’t even flinch.
“Alright, it’s not bleeding anymore, so just take this off when you get home,” you told him as you put a new bandage on him. It was just to make sure no debris got in as he walked back, but you doubted it would be a problem. He nodded idly, cheeks in his hands as he leaned on the counter. You left him to his thoughts for a moment while you put the first aid kit away.
“So, is the silent treatment part of your… character?” Your voice knocks him back to reality. He looks out the windows for a moment, before he leans a bit closer to you. You mimic him, bracing your arms on the counter so you two were within whisper distance.
“I can’t be seen talking, yes. I’ve appreciated all your help, my dear.” His voice was deep- low and smooth. You were caught off guard, expecting a more… stereotypical voice, you supposed. But, if he was off the clock, no reason to put on a voice at all. Especially if his whole bit is that he was silent. You nodded.
“It’s no problem, mister…?” You not-so-subtly prompted him for his name. He stood, bowing a bit theatrically and winking at you with those glowing orange eyes. The contacts he had were insane. You were jealous.
“I’m the Pierrot, a pleasure to meet you!” He stood up as you held a hand out. Pierrot stared for a moment, eyes widening, before he grasped your hand like you were porcelain. You squeezed his, amused, as you shook his hand. You gave him your name in return. The sharp claws on his gloves tickled your skin as he held you loosely.
“You don’t quite look like a Pierrot- Is it to fit into the whole… horror circus theme?” you asked as you released his hand, vaguely gesturing to his outfit as you spoke. He nodded enthusiastically.
“You’re very observant, my dear. We had to modernize my attire as the circus changed, but my role remains the same.” You knew a bit about the commedia dell’arte from your late night fixation studies over the years. How the Pierrot was a sad, lovestricken fool and what a Pierrot’s act would usually entail. It made sense, now, as to why he couldn’t be seen speaking.
“Well, now that we can talk, I hope that second bout of blood wasn’t from another fight. You alright after this morning?” You reached up as you spoke, peeling off the loosening bandage from his cheek. His face reddened again, but he nodded.
“I’m fine. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people to be unsettled by my appearance. Physical altercations happen from time to time,” he admitted, albeit like it was just an everyday thing. You could get being freaked out by clowns, but to full-on attack people for dressing like that was outrageous.
“Do the other performers hand out flyers, too? Are you the only Pierrot at the circus?” You hoped he wasn’t bothered by the questions. From how delighted he seemed just by talking with you, though, you were pretty sure he was fine. You couldn’t help but be excited. You loved theatrics of any kind, ever since you were little and you watched trapeze artists on a trip to the circus with your family. You guessed you had a soft spot for circus performers more.
“The circus is a small cast, so yes. I am the only Pierrot. The others are Jesters and… Harlequins,” he explained, gaining a bit of a sneer at the second name as he rolled his eyes. You wondered if that was part of the act as well, or if the guy playing the Harlequin was just a dickhole.
“So, since you’re the Pierrot, are you the only quiet one?” You went back to idly cleaning the counters and workstations as you asked. You knew he couldn’t linger too much longer, and you had to get home soon. You heard his bells jingle as he nodded.
“Yes! You catch on quickly, my dear. But, I do make an exception when it’s just the two of us,” he beamed, sitting back down at the counter. You could feel his eyes follow your every move. You felt yourself get flustered.
“Well, I’ll keep your secret safe, big guy.” You winked at him. Pierrot fidgeted in his seat. You snickered slightly as you finished up. You turned to tell him that it was time to go when he seemed to remember something. He pulled something out of his pocket. A deep red ticket- another token of his appreciation, he said. You were flattered. You pulled out the pink one sheepishly.
“I appreciate it, but someone else gave me one earlier,” you said. Pierrot got deathly serious, however, as his eyes widened. He held the hand out for the ticket. Confused, you handed it over. With a flourish of his hand, the pink turned to red. You couldn’t help but laugh at the trick as he handed the red one to you. You relented and took the red ticket.
“A Pierrot and a magician? Talented man, you are. What was wrong with the pink one?” You put the ticket in with your phone. Pierrot blushed at the praise.
“The ticket was a fake- you’d have been rejected at the entrance. Never accept tickets from anyone that isn’t affiliated with the circus, dear,” he explained. You frowned slightly, wondering what the benefit was to just giving away a fake ticket. If the guy had sold it to you, that’d be shitty but at least he’d have gotten your money. Maybe he was just fucking around.
“Well, at least I got a real one. I was wanting to go anyway- see what your act was all about, if it got people that worked up,” you admitted as you gathered up a box of leftover cookies. He seemed giddy at the fact you wanted to come see him. Maybe he was an unpopular act.
“I assure you, I’ll make you smile during my performance.” The guy was almost vibrating with excitement. It was cute how eager he was to show off his routine. You couldn’t help but smile as you set the box of cookies down in front of him.
“Looking forward to it! Now, I gotta lock up and go- you shouldn’t be in here to begin with- but… Since you didn’t come by for that secret cookie today, you can take these back. Share what you can with the troupe, maybe.” You patted the box, before rounding the counter to prepare to leave. He picked up the box carefully, like it was precious, but you could see disappointment in his eyes.
“Thank you, dear. And I had wanted to come, but I did not wish to cause you any distress.” He followed you to the door. You shrugged in response. You just assumed he had gotten too busy. You doubted YOU would’ve been in distress, though. Your customers and your boss… Maybe it was better that he came by so late.
“You wouldn’t have bothered me. On the bright side, now I know we wouldn’t be able to talk in public. And you got more than one cookie.” You opened the door for him with a little laugh. He hummed in agreement, scanning the area for people as he stepped out. You shut the lights off and locked the cafe door. You maneuvered the keys between your fingers again as you put your hand in your pocket. You looked around, eyes flicking from the dark alley across the way and up the street.
You bid him a goodnight, heading off toward your apartment building. You heard his bells jingle as he walked off. When you looked back and saw he was gone, you pulled your hand back out of your pocket. Keys on display, you hurried off down the street. Your phone rang, making you jump. With an annoyed huff, you answered without even looking at the caller id.
“So you do still have this number.” The voice on the other end made you stop mid step. You clutched the keys tighter, frantically looking around as if he was right next to you. You swallowed thickly.
“I told you to quit fucking calling me,” was all you said, quickly hanging up. You blocked the number, shoving your phone back into your pocket. Your good mood from the conversation before vanished, replaced by ever-consuming paranoia. Your eyes burned with angry, shameful tears. You pushed on home, ready to take a shower and go to bed. You didn’t need this right now. You had a circus to get excited about.
