A/N:
Hey readers,
I hope you are all doing well during these difficult times. I know it's not easy, but don't give up! The current world events have been making me ponder life in general. Anyway, here is another chapter, hope it takes your mind off things for a couple of minutes and gives you a small laugh.
Take care, you guys.
0o0o0o0o
When the introductions finish, the members begin to disperse and do their jobs. Joker stays with us and beckons us over. We wander over to him and wait for him to speak. After a minute, he crosses his arms with a grin, "Now, I'll take you on a tour of the backstage area. You saw the front stage and beyond earlier. Follow me."
We follow him as instructed and he leads us outside. I glance up and find the stars decorating the skies. It is a little chilly though. I rub my exposed arms to help warm up. Joker leads us to numerous tents all set up in lines. He points to a bunch in front of us with his cane, "First, these're the tents you guys'll sleep in. It's where the backstage workers and newcomers—'The Second-Tier members'— live."
I note that down because I can already feel myself becoming lost within the area. Joker opens one of the tents to show us what it looks like inside. We all poke our head in, and I don't find anything odd about it. I can't help but feel I am going camping. He leads us away after we have our take on the tent and takes us to a busier area. He gestures to a tent with boxes inside it and another one beside it.
"An' that's the mess hall and the storeroom," Joker informs briefly. He lets us go inside and we find other circus members grabbing a bite to eat at some tables inside. Ah, so mess mall means cafeteria basically, I see now. "S'an important job of the new recruits to provide the grub, so good luck!" Joker tells us with a smile. I groan internally, knowing that is going to be a disaster waiting for my brother and I. Cooking is most definitely not my forte, I can do the minor things and some easier recipes.
He leads us back outside afterward and points with his cane to another tent not too far. "An' the center one in this area's the first aid tent," Joker says. He makes us walk past it and guides us to another area which holds some tents which are way bigger than the ones before. He turns toward us with a smile, "The most central one's the main cast's private tent."
I feel my eyes narrow at them in suspicion. What could these tents hold? I am sure we all hope to find answers to the missing children and the circus. Ciel stares at them as well, thinking deeply until he turns his attention back to Joker. "Private?" Ciel asks innocently.
"S'A private room you get if you're really good," Joker explains and points at a certain tent in the distance. "A 'An that's Snake's tent, so stay away from it for your own good. There're a buncha poisonous snakes roaming free, so if you get bit even once, you're off to the underworld."
Sebastian, my brother, and I share a passing look with one another to the new information. We need to be careful, mostly Ciel and I. "Snake and his friends are shy, y'know? Careful of their poison, you three." he warns lightly.
I blanch while peering at the ground, thinking a snake might be nearby. "Why do y'all let them roam free like that? If they are dangerous enough to kill someone, isn't it a hazard to the members?" I ask, a bit nervous.
Joker laughs lightly and pats my shoulder, "Don't worry about it. They don't attack unless you trespass onto the grounds, y'hear?"
I sweatdrop and laugh nervously, "I understand."
"Good! Alright, let's continue with the tour," he says and begins walking away. We pursue him, silent as we go. "By the way," Joker begins to say, "What happened to your right eye, Smile?"
"Eh?" Ciel responds in question, "Ah...this is...there was an accident." he lies.
Joker stops and turns to look at my brother with a frown. He raises his prosthetic skeleton hand and touches Ciel's hair, "Is that so. So young, but you've been through a lot." he observes. He suddenly smiles at Ciel and pats his head then. He grabs him into a hug shortly after and my brother's face screams uncomfortable. "Everyone here has been through something, so you'll get along with 'em." Joker claims with a large smile.
For some reason, relief floods through me. We are in a place where bad things have happened to people. It gives us a base of familiarity in a way. Even if my brother does not see it that way, I do. I would almost call it freedom. However, I know it's not smart to make any connections to the people here. Everyone and everything is under suspicion. My brother seems more confused by Joker's actions. "Yes." Ciel agrees, but he appears lost a little.
We start to walk again, and Sebastian is next to me. His face is blank, but I can tell he is thinking a million things at once. "Did everyone join during the tour like we did?" Sebastian asks eventually.
Joker hums in thought and glances at him, "S'true for most everyone, but the first-tier members're all from the same town. We're all childhood friends."
That makes me think instantly, "Childhood friends?" I voice out my curiosity. Joker looks at me then with a small smile, "Yeah. But Snake's still a new face." he informs us. "His snake charming's none too shabby an' we didn't have a snake-handler, so he quickly became a member. The perks are much sweeter if you're a first-tier member, an' you don't gotta worry about survival of the fittest. You even get a private tent. That's the reason everyone's working too hard to compete to be a first-tier member." he explains.
"Sounds challenging, indeed." I murmur, imagining how many hours these members put in just to get recognized. Joker brings us to a big colorful tent and takes us inside. There is a bunch of people inside, all working out and training for the circus. I am reminded of how this is like a gym. People are everywhere doing tricks and practicing acts. I am left in awe while watching people from above do the trapeze.
"Right. This is the practice tent." Joker mentions. Someone walks by while juggling bottles and I watch until he is out of my peripherals. "New people practice over an' over here. Aiming at making their debut in a real public performance. Work on the basics first. Warm-up carefully and..."
Someone comes into the tent and I recognize it at the animal tamer, Beast. "Joker!" she calls to him and he turns to look at her. "It's almost your turn!"
"Yes'm." he replies and strolls over to her. Beast gives Sebastian a dirty look all of a sudden and I glance at him with narrowed eyes.
"What's her problem?" I ask him. He shrugs with a slight smirk, "Who knows." he responds. I decide to dismiss the weird occurrence. J
Joker looks back at us one more time with a smile, "Go ahead an' go all out, you three!" he tells us before he exits fully.
We stand there in silence until we decide to do as he said. I start to stretch and begin with touching my toes repeatedly. The pull in my back makes my muscles ache but I deal with it. Sebastian and Ciel stretch by using each other to do so. "The fact that the first-tier members have a guarded private area is already suspicious to me, I don't know what you think but that's my first thought." I reason softly, not wanting the other tier members to hear me.
"It has guard snakes instead of guard dogs..." Ciel murmurs in thought. I stop stretching and look at them. Sebastian is pushing on Ciel's shoulders as he sits on the ground with his legs spread apart. I sit down as well and lift my leg over my head. Ciel tosses me a disturbing look when he sees the action, "Doesn't that hurt?" he asks offhandedly.
"Not really, I'm just flexible." I shrug halfheartedly.
He shakes his head and resumes his original train of thought. "To enter the private tent, we have to become first-tier members..." Ciel says.
"Just send Sebastian in, every animal pretty much detests him." I remark with a chuckle. He tosses a glare my way and a flash him a smirk.
Ciel glances behind him slightly, "If it's you," he says to Sebastian, "...poisonous snakes shouldn't be an issue, right? You can see if the children are there or not."
I nod in agreement after switching my legs as my muscles burn slowly. Sebastian looks ahead in thought, "They're not." he voices sternly. "Really?" I question immediately, a little surprised. "I couldn't feel any sign of the children's presence either last night or during today's tour." he recalls shortly after.
I move my leg back down and stand back up. I stretch out my arms next. The boys stand up as well and turn their backs to one another. "Even so, we have no evidence there's no relation to the children's disappearances. You haven't thoroughly searched through every nook and cranny." Ciel comments.
"If I had to make an educated guess, I would say there would be evidence inside those private tents. I mean, why else would they be guarded?" I hint at and begin to do some squats next. Sebastian loops his arms through Ciel's and vice versa. Sebastian bends over with Ciel on his back, stretching both out.
"You are both right. There's always the possibility their current condition is such that I'm unable to sense their presence." Sebastian concludes with a slight smile. "Missy is also correct; the evidence of the children may be contained in the private tents as well."
I frown and stop my exercise as I watch them stretch. Ciel is now trying to maintain his stance when it is his turn to stretch out Sebastian. I can tell Ciel is struggling due to how heavy the demon is. "But Sebastian," I say and come into his vision, "How can you not sense them? If you cannot, that would mean—"
I am interrupted when Dagger is by my side suddenly, "Hey—Don't stretch so sluggishly, you guys." he scolds us.
One of the members notices Dagger nearby, "Boss Dagger, what about your performance?" they ask. Dagger looks at the member with a smile, "Today I was the top batter! I'm already done and observing practice." he notifies.
Dagger faces us once again, "First you gotta decide on your program. What're you hoping for?"
Sebastian and Ciel let go of each other. Ciel sweat drops, "Seriously. A program that doesn't involve using my body for something like tightrope walking would be good..."
I come to his side with a serious look, "I second that for myself."
Dagger laughs, "Both of you seem weak, yeah!"
I scowl at him, "I wouldn't call it that but okay." I mutter under my breath.
Dagger looks back and forth between Sebastian and me with a smile, "What about two?"
"I don't have any preferences." Sebastian states with a serious look. I scratch my head in thought, not sure what I would want to do. "I really don't care either. Maybe the trampoline..." I trial off as look at it in the distance.
"We need people for the trampoline so if you wanna give it a try, go right ahead." Dagger insists and turns to look at Sebastian, "You've got good reflexes, don't you?" he asks Sebastian. How does Dagger know that? I ponder. Did Sebastian fight them or something when we were in the carriage? That must be it or something along the lines. I cross my arms and think that is the reason why Beast gave him a dirty look. That makes much more sense now. "If there's something you see and it looks like you can do it, give it a try." Dagger says while gesturing to the tent around us.
Suddenly, the wind blows my dress and hair back as something black darts forward. My eyes blink rapidly as I watch Sebastian literally zoom across the tent to try and act. Next thing everyone knows, he's swinging from a trapeze set above. "Flying Blanco!" he shouts as he hangs onto the bar with his legs and looking down upon us.
I gawk at him since he makes it look so easy. Dare I say, I find a genuine smile coming from him as he shows off his skills. I don't stop the smile from appearing on my face as I watch. I enjoy seeing him like this. He stops and jumps down from the trapeze set landing on one knee with his arms out. I feel the wind push me back slightly from the force. He zooms across the room again to try out something else. He goes from pole climbing, passing through fire, high wire, juggling, and the trampoline. I forget how amazing he is sometimes. You know, when he's not being an asshole to me.
He abruptly whips out a sword, all the while still smiling, "Next is—" he begins but Dagger interrupts him in a frenzy. "Enough, enough!" Dagger shouts.
A bunch of tier members crowd around Sebastian and appraise his skills. Many of the women especially give him attention, it makes me want to gag. I think he showed off a little too much though. He is putting a lot of unnecessary attention to himself. I spot my brother sneaking up and through the crowd until he is back to back with Sebastian. As if that didn't look suspicious, I think with an eye roll. I can already tell Ciel's a bit pissed from the multiple acts. I can't hear their conversation through the fawning of the members.
However, Dagger breaks it up with a laugh, "C'mon, honestly! Another super newcomer appeared? I won't lose, y'know." Dagger claims. I tilt my head in confusion, "Another?" I voice out loud.
Dagger points behind us and I swivel to look, "There's this amazing guy who just joined. Look over there!" There is a man dressed in a suit and glasses on the tightrope. He is currently walking on it. He is very familiar, who is this again? He holds a pole (?) in his hands, I can't tell from here. "He was some sort of government worker and he's totally serious, see." Dagger rambles in the background. "Heyyy! Come down for a second!" Dagger yells to the man. "Suit!"
What? Isn't that...? I feel my eyes widen and I look at my brother. His eyes are also wide with shock and recognition. Holy shit, it's that grim reaper guy! I totally forgot his name. I shuffle closer to Sebastian and Ciel in case he attacks us. "T-That's..." Ciel trails off in thought.
The grim reaper notices us and I think he sighs, "I thought I sensed an unpleasant aura. So, it was you was it." I hear him say. "Honestly."
Suddenly, the grim reapers pole extends and then I remember his weapon is gardening spears. It flies down towards us. Sebastian grabs my arm and yanks me to the side with him before it strikes the spot where I am standing. I stare at it as I try to process that he tried to kill me just now. We all look up at him afterward, "I did not think we would meet again, but..." the grim reaper trials off. He jumps down from the tightrope and uses his spears to help him down. "Honestly. What did you come to fish around for this time?" he asks us.
Sebastian drags Ciel and I behind him in time when the grim reaper lands. The spears are directed up to Sebastian's throat and I see Suit's glare. "You devilish fiend!" he declares loudly. I forgot about the members around us, but they begin to whisper and talk. I sweatdrop and become nervous. What if they find out about Sebastian? Shit.
"Devil?" I hear Dagger murmur in confusion.
"Even under the best of circumstances, in this time of grim reaper shortages..." Suit complains almost. Ciel interrupts him, "H...Hey, what the Hell are you talking abou—" he tries to say. I could tell he is attempting to change the topic. However, Suit simply talks over him, "With a demon appearing like this, I suppose it will throw off my schedule."
I facepalm, wondering how insane this sounds to the audience. I hear Dagger mutter 'grim reaper' and I almost lose hope we were about to be discovered. "N-No this is—!" Ciel blurts in a panic.
The audience around us begins to burst with laughter abruptly. I stare at them all in disbelief as Dagger joins in. He smacks Suit's forehead and I snort by accident. "Give it up, Forehead! You said it with such a straight face, I couldn't tell you were joking!" Dagger chortles.
I shake with laughter when Dagger calls him 'forehead'. How the mighty have fallen. Suit takes out a comb and brushes his slick hair back without a care. "Since the first day he came here, this guy's been telling jokes. Stuff like 'how about this soul'. He's a real hardcore occult fan." Dagger continues to jest while pointing at him.
"Though they're not actually jokes." Suit claims seriously while adjusting his glasses next.
"I'll introduce you. These guys just joined today. The small one over here is Smile. This big one is Black, and the young girl is Missy." Dagger informs Suit. I peer around from Sebastian's side curiously. Suit's eyes flicker down to me and I frown at him. Dagger pats Sebastian's and Suit's shoulders simultaneously with a smile, not noticing the tension rising. "Well, bond over your hopes and get along well!" Dagger shouts enthusiastically.
Suit stays silent for a moment before swiftly turning around and walking away from us. "Sorry, but there's no way I'll get along with a savage beast."
Dagger chases after him a bit angry, "'No way'?! The circus is about teamwork!"
I release a deep breathe when they are gone a step up to Sebastian's side. The grim reaper gives me weird vibes and I'm not sure if I really like them. I didn't feel this way last time I saw him, but it's different to me now. "Anyone want to question why a grim reaper is here?" I ask.
"A grim reaper personally infiltrating a place is rare." Sebastian answers. "Now we know one thing for sure."
We all stare at each other, "There's something going on in this circus." we say in sync.
"It seems like there could be some value in sounding him out," Ciel suggests with a slight frown, staring at Suit. "Sebastian—"
"Heyy, what're you doing, Smile?" Dagger interrupts by wrapping an arm around Ciel's throat (in a non-threatening manner). "You gotta practice so you don't lose to Black! Practice!" he chants. "Y-Yes," Ciel answers as Dagger drags him off. "You must practice too, Missy!" Dagger shouts from afar before he leaves with Ciel.
Sebastian bows his head at Ciel, "As you wish." he says.
"I'm going to go to the trampoline, so I don't get chewed out too. Good luck." I tell him and walk away.
No one is on the trampoline when I arrive. The trampoline reminds me of the kind the people who train in gymnastics use. I don't really know how to use a trampoline-like that though. I have not used one for a very long time. I take off my shoes and climb onto the contraption. I stand at the edge in thought. I haven't done front and backflips for a while. I wonder briefly if I can still do them. Considering how athletic I am already; I don't think I'll have much difficulty.
I step onto the bouncy part and test my weight on it. I bounce on the spot and I smile as I become giddy. This is going to be a lot of fun. I jump up and repeatedly land stably. I make sure to bend my knees when I come down. I put a lot more strength into it and fly up even higher. This trampoline is meant for this kind of height. I start to laugh like a little girl who found her favorite toy. I jump up high again and try to flip forward. I end up doing the flip, but I land wrong and fall onto my ass with a rough bounce. I rub my back a little since it hurt slightly from the strain.
I stand up again and brush my skirt. I try repeatedly but can never land quite right. I didn't realize how much of a workout this is. I lean over to catch my breath. My legs feel a bit wobbly from not using certain muscles to this extent. Fighting and jumping on a trampoline are two opposite things after all. I push my bangs back and begin to jump again. I try to perfect the skill of the jump sequence. I wonder if this has to do with how I land and how high I go.
After about forty minutes of this exercise, I decided to take a break. I need water, desperately. I don't know if there is any inside the tent, so I exit out to go to the mess hall and find some. I fan myself due to the heat and my sweat sticking to my body. I'm am so happy I opted out of wearing the corset. There is no way in Hell I could do any of that with one on.
I spot my brother walking not too far ahead of me. I raise an eyebrow at his presence and quicken my pace. I come to his side and he jumps a little when he sees me, "Where did you come from?" he shouts.
"Am I not allowed to go outside?" I ask in a teasing manner.
He scoffs, "That's not what I meant, and you know it. I'm looking for Sebastian, Dagger wants him."
"He's not in the tent?"
"He left with William." he replies.
William? I wonder. I remember that's the actual name of the reaper. Eventually, we come across the pair not far from the tent. "Hey!" Ciel calls out to them. They both look at us. "That nosy knife-thrower is calling."
The two men approach us, and William adjusts his glasses while staring at Ciel, "I don't see him being that kind of high-class goods, but..." William trials off, leaving the rest to his thoughts. "Honestly, demons are so—"
"You," Ciel cuts him off with a glare, "stop saying that here. If you make us suspicious to the rest of the circus, we'll do something about it." he warns William.
I cross my arms in agreement, "If they didn't think it was a joke earlier, we'd be screwed." I hint at. I rub my arms unconsciously, not liking his presence almost as much as churches. "Not being able to blend in with humans is worse than blending in even that red-haired grim reaper." I mention.
Sebastian smirks, "Really. We shall not interfere with your job, so will you keep from doing the same to ours?" he asks slyly.
"I'm grateful. Since I do not wish for you lot to enter my field of vision." William replies with a straight face.
"Perfect. Then tonight it's decided that we will absolutely not interfere with each other." Ciel confirms with a smirk as well.
"Sounds good to me." I comment as we all glare at William and he does the same back.
"Then, Smile," William starts. "I'll ask you to keep an iron grip on your pet dog."
I glance at Sebastian, knowing William is referring to him. "I don't want to hear that from some glasses who can't even sneak in properly." Ciel strikes back, his smirk broadening.
Oh, low burn, brother. Nice one.
"It's not glasses, it's Suit." William corrects him.
I snort at the fact he found the need to, "Okay, mister-pole-up-my-ass." I snicker. I think I made a tick mark appear on William's temple with that. Mission: Success.
"Let's go, Sebastian, Rina." Ciel orders and starts to walk back towards the practice tent. We follow behind him, wanting to get away from the grim reaper altogether. I sneak closer to Sebastian, not understanding why I am being so clingy suddenly. He doesn't seem to mind or doesn't notice and that's fine with me.
0o0o0o0o
We wait at the tent, waiting for Joker to arrive. Dagger told us to wait for him as he is coming back with living arrangements. I saw William come back into the tent earlier, but he pretty much ignored us all. Not that I mind, I don't want to be around him anymore than I need to be. Around ten minutes later, Joker bounds in with some papers and a grin too big for this late in the evening. I'm fucking exhausted.
"Thanks for waiting! It's time for the new arrivals' room assignments." Joker boasts.
Ciel sits on a box next to me, appearing dejected and tired as well. "Yeah..." he says lamely.
"Huh, Smile's not very cheerful. ~ Smile, Smile!" Joker cheers to loudly for my liking.
"Y-Yes..." he replies without much life in his voice.
"For fairness, these're the results of a lottery. Smile's in tent eight." Joker announces. "Here's your roommate." he continues while gesturing at an older taller boy nearby. He smiles at Ciel.
"Black and Missy are in tent nine!" Joker declares next.
I blanch as disbelief fills me to the brim. I nervously look over and find Sebastian with a fake smile. But I knew that smile also meant he is so amused he must hide it. "Seba-Black and I aren't rooming together?!" Ciel cries in shock.
"Hm?" Joker hums in confusion. Dagger laughs nearby, "Smile really sticks close to Black, huh? ~"
"I-It's not that—" Ciel starts to protest immediately after.
"You'll be independent soon. ~" Dagger teases.
"How can you let a man and woman who aren't engaged live together in the same tent?!" Ciel tries to argue. I mean, he does have a point. Why let Sebastian and me live together? Why not switch places? "Black and I should be together—" Ciel continues to rant.
Joker smiles a bit sheepishly and scratches the back of his head, "As I said, this was a lottery, and this is how it was drawn. There are no more tents available nor any more roommate openings. Sorry, Missy, I hope it's not too inappropriate in the meantime. We'll try to get a tent up for you soon."
I laugh awkwardly and scratch my cheek, "Oh, it should be okay, temporarily. I trust Black anyway."
Ciel gawks at me but I ignore the look of obvious protest in his wide eyes. I don't think I've ever felt Sebastian so content before either. "No, it's not okay! Why can't she just stay in my tent?" Ciel asks.
"There's not enough room in tent eight due to your roommate's luggage and equipment. While tent nine has plenty of room due to you being newcomers." Joker points out. "Ah, also!" he continues. "Tent nine's roommate is...Suit!"
I feel like somebody dropped an anchor on me. You know, like in those cartoons? The tension in the area begins to rise as we all stare at each other in horror. I could hear Sebastian's somewhat positive emotions snap in half and crumble into itty bitty pieces to be replaced with irritation, disbelief, and anger.
"Whaaaaaa!?" Ciel cries in shock.
"Black and Smile already get along well, so this is your chance to make new friends!" Dagger encourages with a laugh and smile.
Uhm...I don't think they realize how much they despise each other. The air is so heavy, I almost can't breathe. Sebastian's negative aura is practically choking me the most. I glance in between the two as they don't drop their glares.
"Let's all split up," Joker advises.
"Hey...um—" Ciel tries to speak again. "Goodnight!" Joker calls out, cutting Ciel off and leaving us alone. Silence is all that fills the air and I play with my fingers anxiously. I must room not only with two men but two supernatural men who absolutely loathe each other. Great, I can tell God really cherishes me. This is unbelievable, will I ever catch a break?
"This is the worst." William affirms while adjusting his glasses.
"I'll say the same back to you." Sebastian replies with an irritated smirk.
I rub my temples, feeling a headache approaching. "Can't wait to be roommates, really..." I chime in sarcastically.
Ciel's roommate smiles at my brother, "It's nice to meet you, Smile!"
"Yeah..." Ciel responds awkwardly.
0o0o0o0o
We end up splitting up from my brother. His roommate seems very enthusiastic to have someone new to talk to. He ended up dragging my brother away despite his struggles to get away. William leads us toward tent nine. I walk behind Sebastian as my nerves increase. I am totally uncomfortable with the situation. Good thing Joker said it is temporarily, how long is that though?
William brings us inside the tent and it's really cramped. Probably because of the extra bed they put inside. It sits in front of the bunk bed, at least there's some room to walk. William travels to the end of the tent with his spears in hand. He turns to face us after and draws a line in the dirt. It makes a scratching sound as the spear travels to the corner of the bunkbed post. "The beast's bed is the top one," William informs us. "Behind this line lies my private property now, and as of such, please do not set foot in here at any cost." he warns.
I sweatdrop, wondering how much of a tightwad this man is. "Yes, sir." I mock lightly with an unimpressed look.
"Understood." Sebastian says beside me as he inspects the interior.
I sit down on my bed with a small sigh. This is going to be a rollercoaster. I begin to take out the ribbon in my hair. It tumbles down my back in brown waves. I comb it out with my fingers since we did not bring supplies for haircare or any other type really. I don't know what we were thinking, honestly.
"Truly, why must I live together with the likes of a demon..." William mumbles. He glances at Sebastian with a critical eye and adjusts his glasses, "I have previously informed you, but unlike demons, reapers require sleep. I hope that you will not create any noises late at night to interrupt my sleep."
I tilt my head curiously, finding that piece of information interesting. "Reapers sleep?" I ask. William looks at me next, "Indeed." he replies shortly after.
"I should keep this in a book..." I ponder out loud as I note it down for later.
Sebastian sighs softly, "But demons do enjoy sleep as a luxury..." he mutters.
I hum in thought, also putting that down to remember. I stand once I'm done messing with my hair and feel the urge to bathe. I exercised all day long almost; I feel the need to be clean and to soothe my muscles somewhat. "I'm going to the bathes. I'll come back as quiet as mouse." I tell them.
"Let me walk you there." Sebastian offers.
"Hah?" I voice in shock. "Why?" I continue.
He gives me a fake smile, "Something might happen to you on the way. The young master has given me the order to keep an eye on you after all."
I feel my eyebrows dip down and I scoff at him, "Ridiculous, since when? I can go to the showers by myself." I assure.
I don't give him room to argue and head out of the tent. When did he turn into a worrywart? I can get there without assistance. I glance back at the tent and wonder if he just wanted to escape William. I think that over and instantly feel bad. Yeah, that's why he wanted to tag along. Oops. I hope he won't be mad later. I travel to the showers and make sure there is a towel nearby. I don't hear anyone inside the area either. Good for me, I don't want to shower with a bunch of women my age or younger.
I step inside and start to undress. Once everything is off me, I set it aside and turn on the tap. I grab a wooden bucket and have it fill with water. The night air is chilly, but it could be worse. I grab the bucket, thinking for whatever reason the water would be warm. But it's too late when I dump it over my head. I shriek as cold water prickles my skin and I start to shake immediately. Goosebumps cover my skin and I hug myself. It's too cold for this! The weather outside doesn't help either.
I feel like I just jumped into a lake during the winter. I let out a low whine as I set the bucket under the tap again. My teeth chatter as I rub my arms constantly. I look for the soap but find none. Don't tell me I can't even clean myself? The circus is that poor!? What the fuck! I scrub at my skin quickly and rinse out my hair. I grab the bucket again and pour it over me again. I turn off the water the moment I feel somewhat clean enough. My teeth continue to chatter, and I grab the cloth-like towel. It's not even a towel it's just thin cloth! You got to be kidding me.
My hair is so long, there's no way I can dry it. I rub the towel along my body and dry to my hair in the process. It doesn't work out well just like I thought beforehand. I grab my slip for the dress and put that on. It dangles at my knees and I can't wait to dive into the bed to warm up. I slip on my shoes and carry my clothes back to the tent. I tiptoe up to it, not sure if the two men are sleeping or not. I open the tent a little and peek inside. The two are laying in their beds. I think William is sleeping but I'm not sure about Sebastian. I can't see him from this height.
I walk quietly inside and set my clothes down underneath my bed. I take off my shoes and climb into the thin blankets. I try to keep my teeth from chattering as I try to warm up. I'm not sure if it's possible though. I silently tremble in the bed as I keep my eyes squeezed shut. If I fall asleep, I'll eventually shut up. I hear some movement and I peek an eye open. I find Sebastian sitting up in his bed, looking outside. He begins to get up and move toward the ladder. I watch from below, confused why he is doing so. That's not until I sit up in alarm as well.
I could hear people running outside, however, they are far. Who is up this late at night and why are there so many of them? I couldn't think more past this because William's spear shoots up and stops Sebastian from moving. Sebastian stares at it in surprise and I watch as William sits up from his bed too.
"Where are you going? It is long past lights-out time. Truly," William says and adjusts his glasses. "...I cannot tolerate your soul-stealing, so please limit your wandering without a master whilst I sleep."
I shake my head, "All you do is name call and assume, actually that goes for the both of you." I point out. I start to get out of bed as well, ready to chase after them.
"He deserves it, he's a demon after all..." William defends with a glare directed above.
Sebastian smirks, his eyes flash their true nature. He remains silent to the insult as if he enjoyed it. "You two," I sigh. "Never mind, if Sebastian can't go, I will."
I push the blankets off me, freezing in the process as I escape the small warmth the bed provided. However, before I can make a move, William's spear shoots out in front of me next. But it is stopped as Sebastian hangs from the top bunk, clutching the pole with a vice grip. I turn to look at the reaper with wide eyes, "What the fuck, Will?" I shriek.
He adjusts his glasses with the other hand, his narrowed eyes staring deep into me. "Do not call me that and please refrain from such vulgar language."
I cross my arms with a scowl addressed his way, "I can say whatever I want. I'm human, why can't I go investigate?" I ask in an angry tone.
"I'm not letting an unknown soul run around. Not to mention, one connected to a demon." William states with a glare.
"Unknown soul?" I question, not understanding what that means. "Is my soul weird or something? And for your information, I'm not connected to a demon, my brother is." I correct.
William frowns, "To put it plainly, your soul is transparent. For whatever reason, it is clouded that even I a grim reaper cannot fully understand it. Usually, infants are born with transparent souls as they do not have thoughts besides natural instincts. This is also seen in toddlers as they are exploring the world before them at an advanced mindset. I have never seen a young adult with a transparent soul in my entire career nor hear of one either."
"So? Your point is?" I ask in confusion.
He adjusts his glasses with a sigh, "Supernatural beings can see through a human soul. We can see how dark and pure it is. What has affected you the most deeply through your life? Do you have more evil or pure thoughts? This is impossible when I look at you and it deeply frustrates me."
I look down at my hands in thought. Can they not see it because in my world it doesn't exist? I know humans have bad and good thoughts, but does that really affect our souls? It must have to do with something about me from teleporting here. I do not exist in this world anyway. It makes sense that my soul is different as well. "I see," I murmur. "Is it bad?" I ask hesitantly afterward.
"On the contrary, not exactly. It is odd though. Why has your soul not been influenced by your thoughts? I find this question the most interesting."
I hum in response, not having much to say. A thought raced through my mind that differentiates itself from the others. I look at Sebastian next with a glare, "Why didn't you tell me I'm different?" I ask.
He shrugs as a smirk stretches across his lips. His eyes glow their true nature as he looks down at me. "You never asked." he reasons.
I send him a scowl, "That doesn't mean I didn't want to know!" I shout.
"He probably didn't say anything because he wanted to have a taste when he completed his contract." William says with a sneer, staring above him.
"Hah!?" I voice in shock. "Is that true, Sebastian?!"
Sebastian looks away from me, "I never said such a thing. Do not listen to him."
"Don't listen to a demon, they never speak the truth. They only twist it." William refutes.
"Try taking a bite of me, and I'll pull out your teeth one by one, Sebastian!" I threaten as fury washes over me.
"Oh my, how brutal for a young lady." Sebastian mocks, his fangs poking out a little.
I flush and look at the spear still next to me, "Get this fucking thing away from me!" I yell at William. William adjusts his glasses and retracts it, making Sebastian let go of it. I stand up on my bed and point at the stupid demon above me. "I'll show you brutal, you asshole. I'll kill you right here." I declare as my body shakes.
"You look like a kitten from here, all worked up." Sebastian continues as an amused smirk widens on his lips.
I grab the latter and take two steps up, ready to fight him. "Get over here! Kittens have claws!" I hiss. Sebastian laughs, laughs as if this is entertaining to him. I growl in response and make it up the latter. I grab the lapels to his dress shirt as he is already sitting up and shake him in my grasp. "Something funny?!" I bark.
He grabs my chin and pulls me closer, his eyes glowing like they are on fire. I struggle in his grasp, but he tightens his grip, keeping my face still. "It's cute how strong you think you are."
I sneer at him and push his shoulder, "I am strong, you fucker. I'll show you right now!"
Something slams into the bed from below and I think I hear wood splinter. "Stop flirting and sleep!" William shouts from below, irritation and exhaustion dripping from each word.
I feel a tick mark appear on my temple and wrench myself out of Sebastian's grip. I grab the edge of the bed and lean over with a glare. My head dangles and my hair sways, "I'm not flirting with him, I'm threatening him!"
"Whatever you say," William huffs and turns onto his side. "...demon's whore." he mutters lowly.
I feel my eye twitch, "What did you just call me!?" I shriek at him.
My fingers make indents on the wood paneling at the edge. I can't believe this guy! What a prick! He remains quiet and I think about jumping down and teaching him a lesson as well. Something pulls me back though and I land with my back against the tent. I glare at Sebastian again, "Did you hear what he just said?" I whisper shout.
Sebastian still wears that stupid smirk on his face, "I agree it is insulting. I would never have a human as my whore." he states with a fake smile afterward.
Another tick mark appears on my temple, "I really do hate you sometimes, I hope you know that." I grumble as I feel exhaustion settle in after a few seconds.
I slid off his bed and back onto mine. I don't even spare another glance at him and put the blankets over me again. I forgot how cold it is due to how heated that debate was. I glare at the ceiling, not feeling justified whatsoever. I slowly calm down as time passes and my eyes fall shut without me noticing. I wonder when those people will return...where did they go? I think over this deeply, trying to figure out multiple reasons why they would run out of the circus.
Something lands on me suddenly, breaking me out of my thoughts. It's a bit heavy and I blink in confusion. Sebastian sits above still, peering down at me with an amused look. I could smell his scent on whatever he tossed me. I realize it's his jacket and I bring it closer to me. I glare at him again and huff vocally. How did he know I was cold? Oh well, I think. I turn onto my side, knowing I am relatively safe and close my eyes again. I bring the material closer to me until it covers my nose. I don't feel the smile on my lips as his scent and warmth lull me to sleep in no time.
