Phineas went to the backroom after the show, seeing Stefan sitting on the couch.
"You haven't fallen asleep yet. Good. I thought that punishing you today would have a better effect than waiting till tomorrow." Barnum said and sat on the couch beside the boy.
"Your parents must have done this at some point. I'm sure you know what to do."
Stefan slowly laid across the man's lap and tried to relax. It was a fair punishment really, and nothing Stefan couldn't handle. He had had worse. Besides with his vampire healing, he would barely feel it now let alone tomorrow. Barnum removed his trousers and started bringing down harsh swats making Stefan flinch in pain every now and then.
"What are you being punished for?" Barnum asked.
"I left the circus without permission." Stefan and answered.
"And why do I care?"
"Because if I hurt someone it'll be bad for your business."
"Wrong." Barnum brought down a row of hard swats. "You are part of the family here. I care because how am I supposed to live with myself I let a 17 year old orphan go and get himself killed or what is worse."
Phineas pulled Stefan's trousers back in place and started rubbing his back.
"I have a wife and two small girls at home. However I always wondered what having a son would be like. Then I found Phillip. He wasn't that much like myself. He was from a rich family. He had what he needed, but he was still suffering. Inviting him to join me here is the best decision I ever made. Now he is my son. I didn't see him grow up, but I care for him as if he was my own flesh and blood." Phineas explained.
"My mother died 12 years ago and my father 5. I'm not searching for adoptive parents." Stefan mumbled.
"Well, having someone having your back isn't the worst thing possible. If not family then friends."
Stefan kept quiet. Friends did sound good. Just a little at least.
"I lied to you earlier." He confessed. "I do have family. I have a big brother, but I haven't seen him for a long time. We got in a fight and haven't spoken since."
Phineas nodded.
"I'm glad you told me." The man smiled. "I've made a deal with the local slaughterhouse. They're gonna provide us with all the animal blood you need. Hopefully it'll keep your cravings at bay."
Stefan nodded and got up from Barnum's lap.
"I meant what I said, sir. About not being in your show. It's not me. I don't want any part of it."
"I'm not asking you to." Phineas said. "I just asked you to stay. Settle down and we'll talk things through. We'll figure things out."