Cheer up fic written for a friend. No, not stealing Water for Elephants. Seriously, the Shitennou are better than RPatz any day.
Who? R/J
Under the Big Top
She rides a white Arabian, balancing gracefully on the stallion's back – no fear, black hair steaming behind her like a flag. She is off limits to everyone in the company – a pristine young woman who, with her recent engagement, will one day rise above this chaotic life. The daughter of the ringleader, what hope does he have? As part of the trapeze act he is a performer, but not even good enough to share a table with her during mealtimes.
He lives for this moment. The brief second during the show where he spends uncompromised time in her presence is one he looks forward to all day. As applause thunders throughout the tent, she bows and collects some of the flowers and posies showered upon her. She steps out of the bright spotlight and passes him near the entrance. Tonight, she gifts him with a direct look. Catching her amethyst eyes, he savors the image and sends a grin in her direction. The response is one he's received previously - a sad smile - an expression he is desperate remedy.
Surprising himself, he reaches out and grabs her equally callused hands between his own. "The stable car, tonight?"
"Y-Yes."
Following the rest of his team, he stumbles forward - the phony smile on his face is replaced by a beaming natural one as he climbs towards the soaring top of the tent.