Summary: Everyone gets prepared, mentally and physically, as much as you can expect of them.
Cw: implied sexual content, codependency, mental health issues.
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The stay at the Fifth's tent was infected with chilled quietude, and not the clinical one the Doctor associated with and preferred, a pattern he came to get used to, at least he wasn't woken up for it.
Both Harlequin and Pierrot looked the other way, the latter was always to look the more upset, as per usual.
Pierrot had randomly-placed deep traces of claws that marked his front, and lighter ones on his back muscles, eagerly reckless attempts.
With proper alcohol and bandages, he'll be moving out of here like he always does, even if it wasn't because of a fight with Harlequin.
Pierrot wasn't a fan of coming for medical help, the Fifth's noticed, the lies, the numb expressions, sometimes he wondered if it's because that's the only way the red clown thinks he's capable of deserting them, for a matter he still blames them for and feeling too hopeless to leave the circus for good, be it for a twisted attachment formed by all of the group's suffering or the nihilistic idea that the outside world is no better for creatures like them, and it's not.
But because Doc loves his body unharmed and knows his curiosity's limits, he doesn't question him.
The moment he finished with the latter, before he could advice with anything, " don't forget to— "
Pierrot was already at entrance leaving in a rush, to escape.
" Very well ... " He muttered, accepting that at least, Pierrot got away taken care of.
" What was it this time? " He turned to Harlequin, curious, not frustrated, for that was Jester's thing.
The green menace sighed dramatically, battered and smudged cheek on his bruised knuckles, back laid as if his injuries weren't worse than Pierrot's, " I only gave him a reality check, the coward simply decided to go ballistic on me "
" Anything is rarely accidental with you " Doc informed causally as he pressed the alcohol-wetted cloth on Harlequin's now-bare skin.
He hissed, and hated that something this easy always happened, but his smile never vanished when he tightly closed his eyes momentarily and looked to the roof, if anything, it got more twisted.
" He's barely alive when left on his own " argued the green clown, as if that was his issue to solve more than his reasoning, " what do you think he's gonna be if he stays vacant to the day when everything is over? "
" If you provoke the forbearing to snap, you'll either be attacked or ignored further more, ignoring is what we're liking for the most part "
" Like hell he's gonna leave, " he glared at Doc, " Jester won't allow it, not after everything ..
The Fifth sighed, now softer, " I didn't say that ... "
" ....... " It took a silent while as Doc continued his bandaging, but Harlequin's shoulders slowly slumbered, not that it's done because of genuine easiness.
" .... Ticket Taker did notice someone taking pictures of the circus " the Fifth attempted to rock the boat.
" Oh? " Said Harlequin, hand still on cheek, still not over it, but curious about what's in the table, " and still not with a pink ticket? "
" Apparently not " when the Fifth finished with him, he started cleaning around the place, the night will fall and the visitors will come, he closed a jar with contaminated brain tissues, a cause of Kuru, " a mere moment where the sound of a click was heard, the road was crowded from that distance, so he couldn't catch who, the sound still persisted "
" Speaking of catch, " Harlequin added to the tea as he stood, putting his torn-yet-still-wearable clothes on, " I heard a couple of ladies whispering about a low-class street with reports of people going missing "
" Ones that aren't connected to us? " The Fifth turned to the grinning clown, who winked at him.
" Precisely, " he confirmed, interested, " we've got ourselves a competition, they seem very bold to come this close to us "
" It can be dismissed for the poor simply roughhousing each other " Doc suggested, " but then again, we might get caught up in this if the matter grew out of hand ... "
" Very well if we had to, it's just gonna be a shame to not see what will happen to the other guy " Harlequin knew it was a serious matter, his habit of exploration made him aware of peculiar things happening at certain areas.
The bodies, the shouts that implied a chase sequence, the screams that cut to the point it made the situation unarguable to him.
Strangely enough, no bodies were abandoned by the perpetrator to build their reputation, only the splatters of blood here and there on those dirty walls or grounds, which weren't uncommon.
It couldn't be Pierrot, not that self-fulfilling martyr is above it, and as much as he liked to think he got the higher ground unlike Harlequin, he won't think twice of getting his hands dirty when unwanted emotions come on to him uncalled, leaving behind the scene he causes uncleaned and exposing.
Whoever done it, they didn't want to be caught, smart one.
" And another thing, " Harlequin added while putting on his cloak, " I happened to catch our dear Pierrot following a certain gal to an alley, dark and empty while her boss was too occupied " he sharply grinned in vainglory, " quite the sight to witness when I was on the cafe's roof ..... "
The Fifth stilled in his place, cut short from a previous doing of putting the kuru jar into the " worthy of tests " drawer in his cabinet.
Slowly, he turned to the green menace, " you don't mean what I think you mean, do you? "
" But not about this, " he insisted, " and before I know it, I hear his back hit the wall, gasping for air " he spinned around the place with his cape swaying along, his eyes narrowed softly, his grin didn't lessen its sharpness, if anything, it got wider as his face darkened, " the groans, loud and raw, needy and desperate, with such carelessness I wondered how did anyone not walk in on them wondering where all this noise was coming from, so publicly and shamelessly, and the bites, Doc, the bites! He came out of there with his attire half-done! "
He looked up, grabbing into his neck, imitating Pierrot's act of joy that belonged to a woman's approval of a marriage proposal, " her mask thrown on the ground, I wonder what she looked like .... must've had a good set of teeth to make him whimper like a dog, I'm even surprised that he made it out in one peace, let alone alive "
" Maybe you were too focused with them to notice " Doc suggested, tidying up the place while listening to what he's confident is a bluntly big lie.
He didn't see any marks on Pierrot, let alone deep-seated bites, or at least not in the areas he showed him where he was injured.
The green menace loved to jest about the nasty, whether for the pure fun of it or to use it as a defensive weapon.
He took care of the bigger issue, so whatever side marks made can fade on their own, that if the red clown wants that.
And if Pierrot actually got himself a beloved, the Fifth was certain that he'll have these two over for repeated treatment many times going forward.
" Go! " You whispered in urgency, pushing Clarisse forward by her exposed back to run ahead of you, for tonight you two were chased by cops, a great way to start your day in the darkness.
Wind hit your bodies like a crowd of pushy ghosts as you strode in the sidewalks to be as far as possible, the cops, Collins' men, you've caught on, didn't call out and demand when you've been found with the prostitute, didn't scream, just quickly walked in your direction as you pulled Clarisse to the side and made a run for it.
" There! " You gave her the sign, she understood the assignment, with a valuable bag and purse, she entered the alley on her left with you leading behind.
The cops followed, left and right, left, right, and left and right again, with the wind flying with Clarisse's curses of raging fear, you couldn't make out what she was saying ( or even care less ), but you also weren't ignorant of her circumstances.
And then you reached your destination, the crooked balcony, the moment Clarisse passed below it, you snatched the flawed pipe out of its build, making the whole thing fall on the cops' heads.
With the distance, their pained and angered grunts and screams faded.
" Fucking hell .... " She panted, and let her back fall on the wall, " do they ... do you think they know about—? "
" Keep your pimp's drugs, they wanted me ... " you in turn fall on the ground next to her, elbows on raised knees, " ... earlier in the evening, they were eying me in the crowd with their captain "
" ..... " She sighed as she put down her heels, previously taken off when you anticipated the chase, " what was it even about? " She asked, letting out a cigarette, mildly irritated.
Clarisse was a soft being of beauty, a brown-skinned woman with curls reaching her waist, eyes of sleepy coals, a dress of pale lilac that ends above her knees.
Good-hearted enough to help you after you've rescued her from assault, and the nights you let her be laid on your lap confiding into your equally neglected being.
And most importantly, self-aware enough to not get deeper into what doesn't concern her and her love for breathing.
" A kidnapping, " you tsked, taking the bag she handed you, the smell torturing your stomach, a good amount you've taken, now that was another thing they didn't catch you for, such a shame for a horrendous crime to slide unpunished when it's not the focus, " I was close to her, remember? the woman you've helped me get into the hotel, and because I'm too vacant to be harmless, I would be hard to be let to slide "
" My prayers are with you, " she muttered softly as her long-nailed hand patted your head, you felt good, and relived when her hand didn't stay for long, " it's only a yearly event when I have someone that makes sure they don't want to involve me above my means ... "
" Sweetheart, I can't get myself to see the issue anymore, " you snickered, turning away and see the path you've taken earlier, sat on the ground, taking a cinnamon bun out to eat, your mask taken off to be placed in your lap, eating out of Clarisse's sight, who didn't question it, " God forbid a lady wants to sweeten her tongue, and I don't even look like one, why bother? "
" Now don't you say that, " she gently chastised you, her foot in fishnet nudged your back, " but speaking of ladies ... " She approached you, her shadow looming over you under the moonlight, she was significantly taller than you, just like Carol, purse lifted in her elbow.
Clarisse picked her words carefully, fingertips pressed together, " it's none of my business, and I'm aware, " she started with that as a precautionary measure, you patiently listened, letting her speak, " but about the clown I told you about, the red one that was lurking nearby the building, that clown ... "
" No harm came to you, right? "
Softly you laughed, shaking your head, " my dear .. you worry too much, despite what you should be doing, I love you for that, but I'm still as untouched as before, and this one was rather .... disarmingly harmless "
She saw you tilt your head, resting it in your raised palm, your response eased her bare shoulders from the partial concern for you, " he's very beautiful .... I might take a closer look, see what this chance could offer me "
" You sure about that? " Clarisse arched a wondering eyebrow, pointing to what's behind her, " the dude does look like a virgin, but it doesn't mean he's a sane one "
" Let's just say ... I got myself a slick tongue "
She fell silence, then slowly, narrowed her mascaraed eyes at you, " ... As in? "
Now with the mask silently back on, without turning to her, you simply swing a finger for her to get closer.
Anticipated, ( and kind of scared ) she leans down to your malignant lips to whisper in her ear, " ______________________________________________ "
" Oh—! " She exclaimed, hand on her widely open mouth, shocked and delighted, " it can't be—! "
With half-lidded eyes, you wiggle your non-existent eyebrows at her.
" Ozzy, you dog! " She yelled out, bewildered, then she ended up fallen in an awed fit of hushed laughter.
You shared her in that delighted laugh, even if yours was less simple than hers.
If someone was to lie their way good, they must add a little sugar of truth, and whatever deviancy you whispered to her, as inaccurate as it can be, can be plausible, even possible ...
It also made the weight of your situation rather lighter, easier to manage in your narrative, carnal and transactional, a trade meant to pass without seeing your fellow merchant again ...
Even if the lurking fact in the back of your head, that he's after something that lasts, is still there, hopeful and scared.
" Goodness—! " She shakes her head, " that's serious, after all this time with us, it's actually gonna go beyond flirtation "
" Of course " she shrugged her shoulders, pleased.
The girls tend to fool around with you, teasing and roleplaying, comfortable jokes without preparation for endurance.
You never let them even slightly unclothe you, much to their confusion by your insistence, but they grew to consider it a fortunate thing, good girls.
" Well then, " you stand up, the bag raised in your hand, " I better hurry, I said I'd go to his show tonight "
" Oh~ " she teased, turning her back, " then don't let me hold you back "
" Don't forget me after work, we live in the same neighborhood , remember? "
" Certainly, I'll fill you in, but now enjoy yourself "
She blew you a kiss before leaving, fading into the shadows.
Taking your leave, climbing a balcony to the one above it, your movements much more energetic than usual.
You made it to the building through a broken window, easy to slide in for the lack of glass, you sat your foot into the floor.
Heading to your apartment in spins and grins through silent and neglectful hallways, your happiness were bound to happen in private, for nobody will enjoy it and dance along in earnest.
The moment the door closed, you looked around the flat, an entrance straight to the bedroom that looked more like an antique shop with the dolls surrounding you, the kitchen was in the next room where the sabotaged smell of meat and blood stayed unable to escape.
It feels wrong letting it rot somewhere else, it's like they're gonna come at you in your sleep, watching, anticipating the moment they're paid the act they're owed.
" The ticket ....... " Your eyes fell to your pocket, the one you placed his ticket in, to your immense
relief, you didn't lose it during the chase.
To the mirror before the sink, you applied more powder to your neck, it did melt down due to the sweat, good thing it was too dark for Clarisse to press on about it.
Your focus went to your clothes, the black suspenders and white blouse ...
You weren't one for extravagant appearances, not since a long time ago ....
But, listening to a voice in your head ignored for so long, it was suggested to look like you care, to make him see that you're putting effort into this connection.
For no gain will be earned if you stay in one place, not the best option, but inevitable at times.
And who knows, you might enjoy yourself, just make a mental note to put a coat on, you'll stand out like a sore thumb if glory was all to see. ( If there's really any ).
In his room and safe space, Pierrot managed to sew his costume back in shape, sat on his bed topless, in the radio on his shelf plays out another song of Frank Sinatra's.
He found such human even in death, quite the masterpiece he couldn't feel kin to more in songs.
Jazz always had a way to soothe his troubled being, its easy-toned simplicity, its unafraid touch with emotions.
He listened to My Way when he was sick of the shame and despair his raging outbursts gave him, for not once it made him free for good, hence his need of silence for peaceful comfort, even if his feelings drowned too low for him to reach out for them.
He doesn't blame Jester for such rule, aware it was protection for his sake, even if he couldn't maintain the leader's constant instruction to smile proud and keep his head high despite loving the younger man to bits.
Speaking of love, such wishful grace he adores, his thoughts ran back to you, a shiver ran through his bare spine, sharp fingers against his grinning lips, unable to stop himself from chuckling as he thought of what you just did to him back in the alley, irresistible flattery bloomed to dominate his loving being.
" A great shame, I know it, I didn't accept, believe me, dearest, I crave it badly .... " He muttered to himself, his head lowered, as well as his voice, not more gentle, despite that still being present, " but more what I can see in you "
Pierrot's a dreamer, that's not on the table to question, when he felt that spark that lightens his face when you have his gaze, he knew he had to know you best.
What kind of lover that doesn't know you by heart? What to love if you can't get it right? What kind of heart do you have to think it's okay to run forward unaware of who can break it?
He knew Harlequin before everyone else, and look where that got him.
He colored the sewn parts in replicated redness of his costume, being in low proximity to the audience will be once again of great use.
" A taste for flesh ... " He recapped serenely, " one nightly feast at a time, doesn't chase after the next one before finishing the previous one, and yet .... "
You don't get any better, if you were anything like him, you'd be stronger and in better health, so why do you collapse on unprompted occasions? Why does exhaustion drape all over your face? Is it from another factor or ....
He held his costume close to his chest, a sensation of familiarity and empathy bruised it.
" I better hurry ... " He got back to preparation quickly, out of his room as he was already putting his hat on, hiding the sight of black three horns.
It's quarter to three, there's no one in the place ~
The radio left in the empty room, swept out another song.
Outside the circus as a whole, in a navy-colored night, short ol' you approached it covered in a black coat and top hat, and a red cane in hand, grinning your widest, neck twisted up, staring at the place where tents are out of your reach.
An awaiting meal still untouched, one that doesn't require teeth but eyes.
Harlequin grinned prideful as his paper-puppets were set ready for the show, now that he was in an extra pair of his costume, back as if new, as if nothing happened.
Ticket-Taker punched several tickets, keeping up his dutiful demeanor, and from afar, in a moment he glanced forward, eyes softly narrowing.
We're drinkin', my friend
To the end of a brief episode ....
In the center, smiling Pierrot stood still in the darkness, patient and desirous, only God knows how long it'll last like this.
Make it one, for my baby ...
And one more for the road ~
