*steers a blindfolded Barnum into their home kitchen and sits him down at the table*
…and I figured after all the practice this past year, I’d take a shot at making your birthday cake this year, because I wanted it to be personal and meaningful. I followed the directions exactly, but took some creative liberties with the decoration…
*tugs off blindfold with a flourish, so that Barnum finds a large, oddly-shaped, grey object sitting in front of him on a plate*
Keep reading
*As the blindfold comes off he coughs into his hand to try to mask a laugh at the sight of the cake*
Oh! It’s a…. oh no it’s a…..
*Turns the plate around and squints for a moment before lighting up in delight*
IT IS AN ELEPHANT SHAPED CAKE!
*Chuckles and tugs Phil down by his cravat to give him a sloppy passionate kiss*
Its fantastic, I can really see the likeness. In all my years I have never seen an elephant cake, I love it.
Thank you Phil, its wonderful.
*Stands up and holds Phillip’s nervous wringing hands apart, then throwing his arms around him in a hug and kissing the top of the others perfect hair*
Best cake I have ever been given! By a mile! You must have put so much work into it too.
It seems such a shame to cut into it but I admit I am eager to see what it tastes like. May I?
*Sits back down and takes the knife, waiting for Phillips nod before cutting off the entire length of the trunk and shifting it onto his plate eagerly. Picking up a fork he pokes at the cake inside for a moment curiously*
It look a little heavy but not too bad at all. In fact I prefer a cake with a bit more body to it.
*takes a few mouthfuls eagerly, then furrows his brow just slightly, looking hesitant as he swallows.*
It certainly has a….unique taste. What recipe did you use?
*As he watches Phillip shift self conciously once more he immediatly starts shoveling in more mouthfuls politely*
I mean…it is delicious! Nearly as sweet as you. I was just curious. It is so delightful I would like to try my hand at it too some time. Maybe you can teach me.
*squints and considers, as Barnum chips off another forkful from the rather solid-looking confection*
I might have had to substitute a few ingredients because they either no longer existed or were impossible to find in New York.
*peers at the inside of the cake curiously*
It was a recipe from one of my history books. Created by the French court pâtissier for a birthday feast at Versailles last century. I wanted to make something fit for royalty.
*gives Barnum a peck on the cheek, then starts pulling him by the arm towards the entrance hall*
It might have turned out a little heavier than anticipated. You know what would be a good way to soothe your stomach? A nice, leisurely stroll. We can do that right now!
*glances at pocket watch, trying to be inconspicuous, then pops a hat on Barnum’s head and herds him out the door at a brisk clip*
Such a lovely summer day! Smell that city air. Why don’t we take a different route to work today?
*The usual tremor of mischief and excitement that underlies their show preparations is particularly pronounced as Anne casts an attentive eye over the proceedings; so familiar, and yet washed with a sense of anticipation for the new and unknown. She adjusts the cropped hem of her costume before something catches her eye.*
Charles, if you feed that elephant one more peanut, you’ll be cleaning them up after.
*She levels him with an unfaltering look before she prompts him to his place with a twitch of her brows and a slight nod. She can hear the clatter of the horses’ hooves, antsy and impatient, and the cajoling of the handlers walking them in tight circles to take the edge off. Anne wishes she could do the same.*
*She checks the time on a scuffed old pocket-watch before slipping it into her breast pocket. The sunlight catches red fabric and sequins, reflecting it against her skin as she steps before her lyra. She takes her position in the hoop, and with a nod she’s lifted into the air.*
Places, everyone, the show’s about to start!
*Ignoring the comment about feeding the elephants too much, he sneaks another peanut to the elephant as he pats the giant animal’s head. Sure, he might treat them more than he needed to, but he had to keep them on his good side. He was the one who had to ride on their backs after all, he wasn’t going to change getting bucked off thanks to an elephant sized attitude.* *With a smile, he grabs another handful of peanuts and stuffs them in his pocket before climbing up onto the elephants back. He loved being up this high and able to see all around him. Lifting his hat off his head, he waves it around with happy laughter.* What are we waiting for, let’s get this show on the road! *Grabbing his pistol out of its holster, he jabs it at the sky and fires it off. The sun is shining, there’s a light breeze, and he couldn’t be in a happier mood. He was excited for this adventure with the best family he had ever known.*
