This is a remake of an old fic of mine from a deleted account. A treat to celebrate the release of the new episode.
Even Ringmasters Have Bad Days
It was common for the unfortunate souls trapped inside The Amazing Digital Circus to have days when they felt... terrible. They had to constantly deal with Caine's life-threatening adventures, along with the everlasting dread of being trapped.
It was a perfect mixture of awful that could leave anyone down in the dumps.
However, it wasn't just the humans who had days where they felt like [SPLAT]
A certain AI Ringmaster occasionally has "off days" as well.
Given the recent... unhelpful advice from his performers, such days have started to become common.
Caine lay in the middle of his office floor, pouting and huffing with his arms crossed. Another failed adventure! My, there was just no pleasing them!
He glances at the crossed-out notes in his notepad. He didn't understand why this upset him so much. It was just feedback! Stupid unwanted feedback, but feedback nonetheless! He should be happy to work alongside his guest to maximize their stay!
But he didn't.
He turned his gaze to the office window. The sun was shining, the stars were sparkling, and fat fluffy bumblebees went from flower to flower collecting pollen. There was even a gentle breeze that passed through THE GROUNDS, making it a beautiful digital day.
Somehow, the perfect day only managed to sour his mood more.
Despite the beautiful day outside, the atmosphere inside THE TENT was quite different. Gangle was the first to notice that Caine hadn't been acting like his usual self. His signature Ringmaster smile seemed strained and tight, appearing far too forced to be genuine. He was also much more fidgety than usual, either tapping his fingers or waving his arms around overdramatically.
Gangle voiced her concerns to Ragatha, who then held a meeting with the others to discuss a plan to help cheer up Caine.
Pomni tried talking with him. He just brushed her off and changed the topic.
Gangle offered to draw with him. He said he was too busy.
Zooble greeted him when he entered the room. He only gave a slight nod before leaving.
Jax didn't give a damn to try anything. Go figure.
Ragatha offered to make him some tea. He didn't want to burn his face.
Kinger forgot and screamed when he saw Caine. That helped.
Everything they tried had failed.
Caine slammed the door shut as he returned to his office.
Why?
Why now were they trying to help?
Why now were they acting like they cared!?
He clenched his jaw to suppress his angry scream. This was absurd! He shouldn’t be angry about this! They were trying, right? That had to count for something, right?
It was hard to tell if it was genuine, or if they only felt sorry for him. He doesn't need their pity!
He slumps into his chair, rubbing at his top jaw. He feels a mouthache coming on.
...Will he ever feel better?
"What's got ya so [BEEP] off, boss?" Caine jumps at hearing the familiar nasally voice of his assistant.
Bubble floated in front of him, looking curious. This was the fifth time today that Caine had stormed into the office and slammed the door.
Caine had to bite down a growl. He really didn't want to deal with Bubble's pestering right now. "I don't know, dear Bubble. Maybe it's the fact I'm failing at the only thing I was made to do!" He snaps, tapping his fingers against the smooth wood of his desk.
Bubble cooed in sympathy, feeling somewhat hopeless. He knew he could be annoying, but he truly did care about Caine. Watching his friend so distressed over his existence motivated him to help even more.
What to do, what to do... Provide physical comfort maybe? Yeah, he'll try that!
The sentient soap bubble drifted towards Caine, attempting a few affectionate nuzzles under his jaw.
What happened next was something Bubble would never let Caine live down.
The Ringmaster froze and began to shake, a small smile appearing on his face.
The two were equally taken aback by Caine's odd reaction. "What was that?" Bubble asked, lifting a suspicious eyebrow.
Caine stuttered, appearing uncharacteristically flustered. "N-Nothing!"
Bubble narrowed his eyes, studying Caine's face. Caine shrank back in his chair, turning his head and refusing to meet Bubble's gaze. He tried to maintain a grumpy expression, but that wobbly smile was still present.
Bubble figured out a way to help his friend.
Seeing Bubble smirk, Caine quickly flies from the chair and starts backing up. "N-now, Bubble! Don't you try any funny business! I- um- feel better already! Yeah! Hey, I think I heard Pomni calling me! I should-"
Before Caine had the chance to retreat, Bubble unleashed his attack, aiming at Caine's tummy.
Caine gasps, instantly bursting into goofy laughter from the ticklish nuzzles. His grumpy face was immediately replaced by a wide mirthful smile. He didn't stand a chance. "Buhuhubble!"
"I didn't know you were ticklish, Caine! This is such great news!" Bubble chirps, not realizing that his talking made the tickling feeling worse.
Caine squeaks this time, attempting to push away his assistant. "STOHOHOHOP TAHAHALKING!!"
For being made out of soup, Bubble was surprisingly strong.
It was a hilarious sight for sure! The floating mouth's jaw nearly touched the floor from laughing so hard, and he was wiggling in every direction! If only Bubble had brought a camera with him.
As Caine grew weaker, he gradually descended to the floor. "Hahaha St-stohohop thihis! Yohohou parasite!!"
Bubble gasped in fake offense. "You're in for it now," he playfully growls.
Caine instantly knew he [BOINK] up.
Bubble took a deep breath (it was mostly for show since he didn't need to breathe) and blew a large raspberry on Caine's poor stomach.
Caine shrieked, attempting to curl up and escape the maddening tingling that rippled through his model. This is so weird! He has never been on the receiving end of a raspberry before! This must be what the others felt when he gave them one.
It was kind of fun!
"IHIHI'M S-SOHOHORRHEHEHE!"
"Hmm... I don't know. You don't look sorry to me!" Bubble teased, having to hold back his own laughter. He was having a blast! He took another mock deep breath, delivering a second raspberry to Caine's side.
"WAIT- NOHOHO!!" Caine cackled, kicking his feet against the carpet.
Bubble hummed, ignoring Caine and nuzzling against the underside of his jaw again.
Caine's crazied laugher died down to airy giggles mixed with the occasional squeak. He leaned limply against the wall, completely giving up trying to escape. Cute!
Bubble really wished he had that camera.
This went on until Bubble noticed that Caine was nearing his limit. He stopped and repositioned himself to float beside Caine. "Feeling any better, boss?" Bubble asked, hoping he hadn't gone too far.
Caine took a moment to calm down. His digital nerves still felt a tingling sensation shooting through them. Once the phantom tickles finally subsided, he shot back up into the air and performed a dramatic twirl.
“Yes! I'm feeling like my old self again! In fact...” He glances at the door, his voice taking on a playfully darker tone. “I would like to properly repay our friends for their help.”
"SCATTER!" they heard Jax yell outside the door. Both chuckled as they listened to the performers take off in different directions.
Bubble was ready for round two.