Stolen Hearts — Epilogue Fragment
Clarification before the minifanfic excerpt
This excerpt is from a fanfic I originally published on AO3, specifically the story's epilogue. However, this version contains some changes, extended scenes, and added details not present in the original.
The story is set in the 19th century and originates from an alternate "what if" scenario I created. In this version, Pierrot never develops any interest in the protagonist. His role in the story is solely related to his obsession, resentment, and the twisted way he chooses to confront Harlequin.
This excerpt takes place after MC's death, as the circus continues its journey and Harlequin must confront the loss of someone he, in his own way, came to love.
The only things you need to know before reading are:
We died.
Pierrot was responsible.
And Harlequin has to move on with something he doesn't know how to feel.
⚠️ Content Warnings:
Horror
Character Death
Graphic Violence
Decapitation
(or I don't know, I exaggerated because it's not really that explicit)
— Harlequin x Fem! reader
___________________________________________________________
Harlequin held your head against his chest as he silently watched a fool dig into the earth.
The carriage had stopped in the middle of the road.
Seven hours had passed since they left the village behind. Eventually, exhaustion had forced the circus to stop and rest, allowing everyone to eat something before continuing their journey. The others had wandered a little farther away to do other things, like cleaning themselves or resting, leaving only silence to cover the place.
A hill.
A meadow stretching as far as the eye could see.
A peaceful place.
Doctor remained by his side, quietly watching him. Harlequin's clothes were stained with blood, although it had already dried onto the fabric.
—Are you sure you want to do it here?
Harlequin didn't take his eyes away from the ground as he watched the hole grow larger and deeper.
—Yes.
His answer was calm as he absentmindedly stroked the hair of the head he was holding.
—It will rot eventually anyway... I'd rather bury it now.
Doctor lowered his gaze toward the head, feeling uncomfortable.
He didn't know what he could possibly say to make him feel better.
When the hole was ready, Harlequin slowly approached.
Carefully, he placed your head into the earth.
For a few seconds, he did nothing.
He simply stayed there.
Looking at you.
Finally, he stepped away, and the fool began filling the hole with dirt again.
Harlequin didn't move until the grave was completely covered.
Then he searched through his belongings and took out the necklace he had made for you, although he didn't know where to place it.
After that, he looked around absentmindedly and noticed a few long, flat stones nearby. He approached them and picked one up without much care, returning to the freshly covered earth.
He placed it over the grave, similar to the tombstones he had seen in the village.
Harlequin stared at it for a few moments.
Then he carefully placed the necklace on the edge of the stone, as if hanging it there.
—Do you like it?
...
There was no answer.
But he still smiled faintly.
—You're not complaining now, are you?
Harlequin murmured.
Before leaving, Harlequin remained there for a little longer.
Then he picked a nearby rose and placed it over the disturbed earth.
—Goodbye...
His voice came out low.
Almost like a whisper carried away by the wind.
Then he stood up.
Doctor watched as Harlequin gave the makeshift grave one last glance before walking back toward the carriage. Doctor and Harlequin walked towards the carriages and the others; Jester approached them.
—Are you done?
Jester asked, offering him a handkerchief so he could clean himself.
—Yes. I just wanted to get rid of that already. I'm covered in blood, I'll go clean myself.
Harlequin said with a smile as he climbed into one of the carriages to wash up.
. . .
The circus continued its journey.
The wheels began turning over the dirt road.
The tents, the colors, and the lights kept moving until they disappeared between the trees.
And that hill was left behind.
With a small stone.
A necklace.
A rose.
The circus left for a new place, continuing its performances.
...
Harlequin seemed to get over it quickly, because soon after, he discovered something he liked even more.
At first, it didn't mean much.
It was just another way to pass the time after the shows.
A brief distraction between performances and endless travels.
He had done it before meeting you, and it had been fun, but now it was... different.
He began spending nights with some of the fools, at first only once a week.
Then twice.
And then almost every day, especially when those thoughts appeared too often.
Sleeping with some of the guests wasn't bad either; it was fun with them too.
He liked the feeling of completely losing himself.
Of letting everything else disappear for a few brief moments.
Of forgetting the past.
Forgetting names.
Forgetting even himself.
There was something almost addictive about drowning himself in that pleasure.
So addictive.
Why hadn't he done this before?
There was something so intoxicating about emptying his mind and simply existing within that feeling of ecstasy and flirtation.
And every time it ended, he always felt the desire to experience that sensation again.
Again and again.
And again.
. . .