Highly inspired by the airing of Kuroshitsuji Book of Circus and my love of the circus setting.
Small stories set within an AU where Eli is a tightrope walker and Nozomi is the newly joined illusionist.


The lights dim and the crowd falls silent as the spotlight lands on the tightrope. No matter how often she sees it, Nozomi's breath catches when she watches Eli flawlessly carry out her routine, the very definition of grace as she captivates the audience, practically dancing across the thin wire. Nozomi is so caught up in watching her that she nearly misses the cue to appear, stumbling forward when Nico not so gently shoves her forward.

"Do you trust me?"

Eli's voice is soft, yet serious as she carefully guides Nozomi through the movements and even though there is a net to break her fall, one can't help but be nervous when the ground is such a long way down.

"Look at me."

Nozomi blinks, eyes meeting Eli's amused gaze and she nods, not trusting herself to speak. One foot in front of the other, slowly, carefully, she follows Eli, gripping her hand tightly and swallowing against the lump in her throat as she moves forward. Being so high in the air is dizzying, though Nozomi thinks that could also be due to Eli's close proximity.


"I don't mind helping you practice. You helped me out last time so it's only fair."

She could still vividly recall walking over the tightrope, Eli's grip on her hand and steady voice the only things that kept her from making a fool of herself. Nozomi offered a smile, swallowing against the nervous fluttery feeling in her chest and silently cursing Umi and Rin for not being around when she needed them.

"If it's not any trouble…"

There was only a slight waver to her voice but Eli didn't seem to notice, too caught up in her own excitement.

"It's no trouble at all." She looked away, a hint of pink beginning to color her cheeks. "Your act is always one of my favorites to watch."

Sleight of hand and misdirection were like second nature at this point but Nozomi couldn't help but add in an extra flourish whenever the chance was presented. With a flip of her wrist and a flick of her thumb, the deck of cards was spread before Eli so she could pick a card and slip it back. Nozomi made a show of shuffling the deck, enjoying the look of utter fascination on Eli's features.

"Is this your card?"

Eli gasps in delight, clapping lightly and Nozomi has to remind herself to breathe when their eyes meet. She is thankful that she's on solid ground this time, especially when Eli grabs her hand.

"That was… amazing!" She pauses, taking a moment to compose herself when she notices Nozomi tense up at the sudden touch. She lets go of her hand, taking a step back and putting a bit of distance between them. A hopeful smile appears on her face. "Would you mind showing me a few more things?"

Fighting the urge to blush, Nozomi finds herself unable to refuse the request.