"'Ave ye forgotten?" His stern gaze matched his firm grip on her shoulders as he stated the horrible truth. "We can no longer turn back."
Beast gritted her teeth, fighting back tears. No, this isn't what she had imagined he would say. But this was Joker. She knew he wouldn't listen. His small smile appeared on his face, and then he did something she hadn't anticipated- he put his scarf around her neck, tying it tightly. The woolly fabric was warm and fluffy, and it smelled like him. Not that she wouldn't mind that at all.
"Best be gettin' ta bed," he went on, finishing the knot. "Keepin' ta late hours; 'tis bad fer ye."
She said nothing, ruby eyes only staring at him and that stupid smile that never seemed to leave his face.
That's when he started walking away.
"But-! Joker!"
"Night!" And he was gone from her sights.
When he was gone, she felt her eyes mist up. Of all the stupid ass gingers she had to fall in love with, it was the idiot who had protected and cared for her since their time on the streets. One of the few people who didn't tease, mock, or abuse her because of her leg.
Her hands gripped the scarf closer, trying to inhale what he smelled like. Cinnamon and violets. It was comforting.
"My, my- are those tears I spy?"
"Whoa, whoa, easy there Chad- 'tis me."
Joker had just finished retying his horse, upon seeing a sight he didn't expect. It was way past lights out; why the hell was Black up and about?
In other words, he had turned around briefly, to give his sister one last fleeting glance.
His horse was skittish, rather, at the appearance of the Rookie. He hardly had time to wonder why, as he was currently hiding behind another rookie's tent during this moment (for he could hear them snoring).
He couldn't make out their conversation, but Black was getting way too close to her for his liking. Way too close, period.
Joker, uncivilized as though most people assumed he was (which was only half true) would never touch a woman the way he saw Black touching Beast now. Quite frankly, it was disgusting, especially since he had seen Beast swing a punch at the raven haired man and miss, only to be caught up in his arms. What was he whispering that made her motionless? Snap out of it, Beast!
When he saw the obvious wasn't going to happen, he stormed out. "OI! BLACK! Leggo 'f 'er!"
Beast's eyes widened in shock at this point in time; he'd actually come back? Sebastian, however, was more angry than surprised. With that damn reaper making him ditch Plan A, it was now apparent that the now rather pissed Ringmaster was ruining Plan B.
Joker was upon them now, snatching a wrist of the slightly taller man and flinging it out to the side. "What th' 'ell 're ye doin', Black!? I though' ye 'ad more dignity than tha'!"
Beast was frozen for a moment, before Joker's flesh and bone arm slid over her shoulders, pinning her close to him.
"I- I just thought-" Damn, now he would have to lie. Easy enough, but the demon's brain was fumbling for one. Finally, it came out. "I thought she would need comfort after you so rudely left her behind, Sir Joker."
"By tryin' ta rape her!? You saw she didn't wanna do it, Black!" His mouth was turned upside down and his small brows furrowed, a strange gesture on his normally cheerful face. Even his one small fang looked quite menacing from this angle. "Look, I know ye 'ave talent. Ye an' Suit, an' maybe even Smile. But-" Joker's voice lowered and octave, glowering at the demon in disguise.
"Get th' Hell outta my circus. NOW."
Sebastian was taken aback by the Ringleader's sudden sentence, but it meant one thing, as he grabbed his things and left, overseen by Joker himself- he could make his way into London and do as the Young Master had asked.
Wonderful.
He could just pick up 'Smile' in the morning. Consider this Plan C.
Beast was in Joker's tent now, where she had been many times before, whether for family gatherings or serious discussions, but never quite so shaken like this. He'd wrapped a blanket on her and sat her on his bed. And he was sitting right next to her.
"Beast," he started, "'M really sorry fer no' steppin' in sooner."
"No, no- it's fine. Father is more important, I guess." At the mention of the elderly man that controlled them, her gaze met his. "Father- Joker, you're going to be late! He's probably going to punish you for it!"
The Ringmaster's classic smile became a sympathetic one, and he rubbed her head with his fake arm. "Wotever 'appens ta me ain't yer concern, Beast. I'll be fine. Remember, we've survived worse." The wink he gave her was more sad than joking, and she looked down.
It was then she felt his nose bury itself in her hair.
"I'll be back as soon as I can, 'kay?" Came his mumble, and another head rub from his real arm. "An' I want ye to stay in 'ere 'til morning. No buts about it."
She was dazed slightly by what he had did, and just as he moved the tent flaps apart, she called out to him.
"Joker, hang on a sec!"
His head turned, eyes curious. "Yea? Wot is it?"
"Um," her hand gripped the blanket tighter, out of nervousness. "Before you interrupted me. Right before you gave me your scarf," she took a deep inhale, preparing to say the words out loud. "I wanted to tell you one thing. I love you."
His eyes widened, and after a pause, his cheerful smile returned, and a giggle escaped from him. "I know. I jus' didn't want ye gettin' hurt, 'tis all." After one final wink, he finished,
"I love ye too, Beast. But, don't tell Dagger, 'kay? It'll break th' poor kid's heart."
Upon seeing her smile and nod, the flaps shut, and off he went.
