One more perhaps? I don’t have anything conclusive to say like I did with Pierrot. This one was definitely more let’s cosplay as researchers rather than me actually trying to guess what’s going on - a yap session if you will- even still I hope you enjoy my thoughts.

Another peak at a freak

────୨ৎ────

≫ The much-requested little bonus bit is here! Thank you all for your support and enthusiasm on my last work, it truly means the world to me! This goes without saying that this post won’t make much sense if you haven’t read the first part lol

≫ This work also makes some HEFTY assumptions about/canon divergences from the lore, backstories, and worldbuilding of TFC which very well may be (and probably will be tbh) proven wrong over time. Please excuse any possible inaccuracies or errors!

≫ Content Warnings: Depictions and descriptions of death, extreme violence, gore, starvation/binge eating, cruelty in several forms, cannibalism, referenced abuse and severe mistreatment, religious allusions relating to Christianity/Catholicism (lines in Latin), and severe trauma.

≫ Mild emetophobia warning! Mentions of nausea and v*

≫ Word Count: 8.7k words. (Leave it to ElectricChair759 to go overboard on a “tiny bonus part” ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ)

New Alight Motion project finally finished!!! This one was more rushed but yeah 👍🏻

Mmmmmmmmmmmm....

1500 notes and I'll be forced to clean up my room of dust and trash. You can spam reblogs and comments, I'm not that popular so I know this should take awhile, maybe give me some time to prepare.

"Why are you demanding a whopping 1500 notes?!"

I got allergies and asthma, I don't have a functioning vacuum cleaner so dust pan and broom will be my colleagues for the cleaning. But I really need to do this, I noticed... Some critters WHO DON'T PAY MY DAD'S RENT IN HERE and so I kinda need to hype myself up to deal with them.

Spring cleaning could really help me after leaving most of my room alone during winter--

Gosh I hope I still have some masks to use, idk where I put them. (it'll save us some hassle)

★ A game of Hide and Seek ★

Imagine playing an elaborate game of Hide and seek with them... But you're really determined not to loose

Not your fault that you're good at their game

★★☆★★☆★★☆★★

A/n: an idea... Hehe enjoy

Oh btw, I think this will have a few endings... I'll post them separately but will try to link them once they're up. Hope you enjoy:)

Tw: mentions of reader being eaten, fear, some dark themes maybe, being chased, Harlequin being Harlequin, slight mentions of explicit things

Disclaimer: This is a work based on an 18+ visual novel, and even though there is not much explicit content here, it is not intended for those underage

★★☆★★☆★★☆★★

"Looks like our little pet is getting agitated" Jester mused after yet again you tried to sneak out of the circus.

"You know, dear guest, this was unnecessary and out of line..."

"This is dumb. I'm allowed to leave the tents. I've left before"

"Not without informing us first" Ticket Taker says. What you hear is 'not without permission'.

"Darling, you know how easy it is to kidnap people," Jester's tone carries slight notes of mockery.

You sigh, "Seeing as I am practically kidnapped by all of you right now... Yeah, I do"

"We just worry for your safety, My Lady" Pierrot's head rests on your shoulder, so you have to turn to grab his face in your hands. A light blush coats his cheeks at your action.

"As much as I love you, Pierrot, and as much as I want to believe it, I'm afraid you're the only one who is actively concerned for my safety in this case. The others... just really like telling me 'no', for some reason"

That earns a chuckle from Jester.

The Doctor cocks his head to the side: "It is hardly our fault your reactions to refusal are so... intriguing. Ranging from bickering and giving a cold shoulder to outright disregarding whatever we say."

"Is that so? Maybe I should add rearranging your supplies to the range... Or running away from the circus and getting married in Vegas?" You cross your arms and pout, feeling even more outraged when Doctor takes out a notebook and jots something down.

"Perhaps your energy should be redirected elsewhere... How about a game, darling?"

"A game? What, like hide and seek?"

"Could be hide and seek"

★☆★

"You'll have an hour to hide... Anywhere, wherever you desire"

You bite your tongue tempted to ask if you could buy a plane ticket and leave the country in that one hour... If you timed it right and was very lucky you'd probably manage it.

"Once the time is up we begin our hunt"

"Weird word choice," you mumble

Their smiles widen.

"Be assured dear, this word choice is intentional" Harlequin leans into your personal space, curling a loose strand of your hair around his finger. He's making it hard to focus.

"Alright... And once you capture me..."

"Once you're caught... You're at the complete mercy of your captor"

"What?" This sounds absurd, so it takes for Jester to reiterate it, for it to trully sink in.

"Once you are caught... We'll do as we please"

"Oh..." You stare at your feet for a few seconds

They all wait patiently for you to say something else.

"Did- did you have dinner tonight? You're... Not hungry are you?"

It takes them a moment to process your question, before they laugh.

"Your worried face is adorable"

"There are different types of hunger, dear... And I'm already starved for you" Harlequin runs his fingers down the side of your face and stops at your pulse point. He presses lightly to feel it beneath his fingers

"My Lady, don't take him seriously, we won't eat you"

"Thanks..."

"It would do you well to remember, darling, that Pierrot can only promise for himself... The night is long... Who knows how we'll feel about devouring you by the end of it..." The whole situation seems to be highly amusing to Jester.

Your eyes widened again at this.

He grins, "I merely jest"

Despite yourself you let out a giggle. It's rare to have Jester in such a good mood... He must be thoroughly enjoying the whole ordeal.

"Be assured, guest, your death would inconvenience us, we shall refrain from harming you, as long as you follow the orders"

"Leave it to Ticket Taker to validate your feelings and make you feel needed" Harlequin laughs.

You send Harlequin a small smile, before asking a question that has been bugging you for half of the conversation:

"And if you don't succeed in getting me?"

"I wouldn't worry your pretty head with that improbability. We have the entire night"

"I don't think this is very fair. You guys have a clear advantage. I mean, there's five of you... And I'm only one"

"Ah, but here's where you're mistaken, darling... We do not like to share." There was a dangerous glimmer in their eyes. You realised they would not be playing as a team... No... For this night they'd be enemies, all striving to win. And you're the prize.

They savour your expression for a moment, before Jester gives you a little shove.

"Now run along little mouse. Hide. Run. Do what you like... We already know how this ends"

His words are enough to send you sprinting out of the tent and into the night.

★☆★

That was 40 minutes ago. Now you were wandering the streets. Still 20 minutes of protected time and you were keeping a steady pace, trying to put as much distance between yourself and them as you could.

You had to silence your phone 10 minutes into the game - it was going off incessantly with messages from Harlequin - brainstorming what he'd do to you once he caught you. Apparently waiting was taking a toll on him if he decided to bombard you with such very descriptive imagery.

At the 45 minute mark your phone rings. You automatically decline. Harlequin has tried calling you 10 times in the past 10 minutes. He really is getting impatient. Apparently just texting you his fantasies isn't enough anymore.

It buzzes with a text. With a sigh you take it out, fully intent on blocking Harlequin for the duration of the night. Will it make him more vengeful if he catches you? Definitely. But at this point you're willing to take your chances. Besides. Him catching you is only a 1 in 5 probability.

There are worse candidates to piss off. Like Jester.

The text is from Ticket Taker. Brief and to the point:

"It would do you well not to decline Jester's calls next time, doll. You wouldn't want to anger the one who could hold your fate in his claws by the end of the night..."

Ah... Guess you jinxed it.

You try dialing Jester again a few times. But apparently he's taking pleasure in declining your calls after you declined his. Great.

Instead, you call Ticket Taker. He picks up, bit it's Jester who speaks, "Darling, learn to pick up your phone. You have it for a reason"

"Sorry...I thought it was-"

"I'm aware. Which is why I'll let this one slide"

"Really?"

"No" there is laughter and mirth in his voice, "I'll consider it. The events of the night can sway my opinion," he muses, "speaking of...There is a slight change in rules"

"Midgame?"

"Yes. We'll start our hunt a bit early"

"How early?"

"Now"

"What? But- that's not-" you sputter.

"Unfortunately your lack of engagement made Harlequin really impatient. He has already started. And we can't have him get an advantage, can we? Besides... Pierrot is not taking the wait well, especially now that Harlequin is out and about"

"Of fucking course it was Harlequin" you mutter.

"I wouldn't waste your breath on curses, darling, now, run along, don't make the chase end too soon... Make it interesting"

★☆★

By the third hour you get an inkling that perhaps this was never meant to be a simple game. Perhaps they treated it as more of an elaborate foreplay than an actual competition. Perhaps you were meant to let them catch you. You debate searching for one of them. But quickly brush the idea aside. Then you debate calling Jester or Ticket Taker... Probably not Harlequin... To ask for clarifications... But you can easily imagine how that conversation would go:

"Hi, I'm a bit dense. Was this meant to be foreplay or something?"

No... You are not ready for that type of humiliation yet.

Besides. You've already made up your mind. You would really love to see their faces at dawn. After you have successfully evaded capture. You can practically taste the sweet flavour of victory... Oh that would be just marvelous... Simply exhilarating. The mere thought of beating those monsters at a game you were never meant to win fills you with adrenaline and it's all you need to keep going...

You always had a bit of a competitive streak. It made everything that much more fun...

★☆★

Four hours in and you get a call from Pierrot. You contemplate letting it go to voicemail, but begrudgingly pick up. He tends to worry more than necessary. And while it's endearing... It's probably not great for his state.

Besides, he should not suffer just because Harlequin annoyed you into not picking up calls (that already happened with Jester and you had no interest in expanding the list of people you ghosted).

"My Lady? Are you alright?" His tone is laced with concern, making your heart swell.

"Of course I am, why? Should I... Not be... Alright?" You laugh nervously.

"We haven't caught you yet, I thought something happened to you."

"Oh Pierrot, I promise I'm alright. I'm just really good at running and hiding."

"You are, My Lady, but I'd prefer you didn't. At least not from me. I miss you already."

"I promise, once the game is over, I'll give you as many cuddles as you want, deal?"

"But My Lady, you could tell me where you are now... And we wouldn't have to wait," he sounds so convincing you're tempted to give in.

You chuckle, "But Pierrot, that's probably against the rules"

You can sense him pouting through the phone. You're about to say something more comforting, when you notice a looming presence out of the corner of your eye. Instead, you say:

"Pierrot? I gotta go, unless you want me caught by someone else"

You turn towards the figure, stuffing your phone back in your pocket. Tall, broad shoulders. Would be very very intimidating if you didn't know him as well as you do, and even now in the dark, illuminated by the moonlight, he still sends shivers down your spine.

"Hey," you try for a casual greeting. You did not expect to be caught so quickly.

He nods in acknowledgement, his soft steps resonate quietly on the ground as he approaches slowly.

"Your little escapade is about to be terminated"

"Interesting hypothesis, I'd love to disproove it"

"I'm afraid you don't have a chance, sweetie, I do not like leaving my patients unattended for a long time" he smiles and approaches you, there is soft fondness in his demeanour, which goes in dissonance with his menacing figure.

"Ah, but tonight I'm more of a riveting experiment, you must agree... And experiments are not to be interfered with"

"I've had enough impartial observations for tonight, dear, I would like to move on to a more hands-on approach"

"How did you track me down?" You try to prolong the conversation, giving yourself precious seconds to find a way out. You can't have this end so soon.

"You will be disappointed, sweetheart, pure chance... Or perhaps good intuition of what my patient likes"

You hum noncomitally, a plan already half-formed in your head. It's only fair you use any and every means of escape you have, you reason. Especially considering you're not caught, yet...

Jester told you to make it interesting... And you will...

You begin your motion, careful not to alert him. Though you're already certain he clocked in that you're up to something.

"You do know me pretty well..."

In fact, you have an inkling he even knows what you're about to do... In vague details... But is letting you proceed, curious to where it may lead...

"Well enough to know you do not intend to give in so easily... Tell me, why is that?"

"A secret," you grin.

"You must be mistaken, sweetheart, a patient does not have secrets from their Doctor... I am disappointed my favourite one would forget such an important rule"

"That's fair... I suppose I just enjoy the thrill and the taste of freedom.. or maybe I just want to win."

The lights right ahead signal the approaching bus, you pay it no mind, afraid even a flicker of eyes in that direction might betray your intentions. No, until the very last moment you will not look.

"You look mesmerising... When your heart pounds in your chest and adrenaline courses through your veins," he observes, "It is a good look on you"

The bus stops.

"I'm sorry, Doctor, but I think I might have to reschedule my appointment," you say before making a mad dash for the already closing doors.

He watches the bus drive off with an almost fond smile. He was always one of the most lenient towards you, somehow.

You get a text message:

"Of course, sweetheart, the Doctor always wants what's best for their patient. But I do hope to rendezvous with you tonight once more... Perhaps you won't run off the next time"

You grin. His response makes your heart beat just a bit faster. That and how he always manages to clock in your every mood and craving - much how right now you absolutely need to continue the game (and to win, of course)

★☆★

You halt at the train station to catch your breath. The lit up sign says the next one out of town is in 10 minutes. Of course you weren't planning on leaving. That's not the point of the game. Which by the way, has really grown on you. But it was a very good opportunity to tease your favourite monsters.

You take a photo, posing where they could see the sign and the ticket purchasing machine.

And scramble to get some distance between yourself and the station before sending it to the group chat.

You: Jester told me to keep it interesting and the prices are low enough... Is that entertaining enough for you?

Pierrot: My Lady?

Jester: I didn't take you for such a fool as to give us a beacon of your location

Doctor: Such an unpredictable subject...

Ticket Taker: An inconvenience is more accurate. I told you she'd pull a stupid stunt like this

Harlequn's was the most concerning. It came a minute after the others and was a photo of the very station with a caption "Nowhere left to run... Since you can't escape anyway, you might as well review the texts I sent you while waiting"

Such a cocky text. It deserves an equally arrogant response:

You: dumbass. You'd think I'd send you a pic from my actual location? Try again:)

★☆★

The forest was a stupid idea after all... You'd think that they all would stick to the city... The actual place you'd most likely to be at... But somehow, Harlequin and you had both ended up in the forest. In the exact same spot. Cool...

His eyes glimmer a menacing green in the dark, like two emeralds. You take a step back, contemplating whether running back was still on the table. Probably not anymore... His agility was something to be envious of.

"Looks like I win, and I'm here to claim my prize"

You purse your lips.

"Technically, you still didn't catch me." You state stubbornly.

"Really? You still insist on not loosing? Hah... Let's wrap this up quickly and get to the fun part, what do you say, hm? What would you count as me catching you?"

If you were going to loose, you might as well make the loss fun for yourself, "You'd probably have to pin me down or wrap your arms around me."

His grin widens, "Oh how I love when you get so bold, my dear," he takes a slow deliberate step towards you, savouring the moment, no doubt, "Let's not make a technicality halt us then."

Neither of you get a chance to get much further, as Harlequin gets struck in the shoulder by a dagger. You yelp in surprise and look around in alarm before spotting a grim looking Pierrot. And he has at least a few more daggers on hand.

"Pierrot... Right on cue to ruin the moment... If I felt more charitable I'd have suggested you join in, but I don't share"

Before you can so much as blink Pierrot is on Harlequin. They merge into a blur of taunts and fists and maybe knives.

You take a tentative step back. They don't notice - too engrossed.

"I'll uh... Leave you guys to it" you give the two fighting figures a thumbs up before running out of the forest.

Technicalities fucking matter

★☆★

You halted only for a few minutes, to catch your breath, and on a rooftop, no less. How in hell did Ticket Taker manage to find you that quickly... You would never comprehend it.

He stood, hands behind his back, calmly surveying as you desperately intake the cold night air. Your whole body felt heavy and tired, so your rather less than graceful leaning on the railing could be excused. It took you embarrassingly longer than it should have to spot him. In fact, you only noticed his presence once he placed his jacket over your shoulders.

The sudden grounding heaviness of it startled you. Your legs almost gave out under you.

It was stupid to think you'd get even a few minutes of a reprieve. With shaking arms you pushed yourself from the railing, stumbling, but ready to run at a moment's notice, he nodded in acknowledgement.

"I wouldn't do that, dearest"

You frown, "Of course you wouldn't want me to start running. I'm easier to catch if I don't"

"You look too tired to even make it down the stairs. It would be advisable to rest"

You heart was still pounding in your chest - undecided whether from all the running, the jumpscare he gave you or from having his jacket over your shoulders, while he stood mere centimetres away from you.

He surveyed the night city, while you were still catching your breath. Now that the adrenaline and the constant anxious pounding in your skull over getting caught subsided, you were immensely grateful for his jacket. Only now did you notice how chilly the air was and how absolutely frozen you felt. You huddled the jacket tighter around your frame.

He glanced at his pocket watch, "Rest time is over. Now, we shall proceed with what I have planned for this eventuality" his lips stretched into a smile, as his gloved hand reached towards you.

Before he could touch you, you pushed off the railing, taking a few steps back.

"Tsk. Didn't I tell you that obedience looks better on you? I shall be disappointed if we waste precious time here because of you"

You were eyeing the exits, your mind running ten miles a second, coming up with escape plans and routes. But help and an opportunity of escape came from the least expected source.

"No need for such haste, Bil," a dark hand fell on Ticket Taker's shoulder. He seemed startled at it and at the silky words of the speaker.

You were already inching yourself towards the exit. Jester crossed the distance, halting your escape and blocking you from Ticket Taker with one arm.

"Jester? I thought we were above such petty squabbles, unlike certain other members of the troupe"

"Rest assured, dear friend, we are. Unfortunately, those very members of the troupe left quite a mess. It must be dealt with."

You take your chances where you can:

"Nice move, Jester, send him away to deal with the mess to have your way with me unobstructed"

Jester narrowed his eyes at you, but snapped his attention back to Ticket Taker:

"Really now, Jester? The girl was mine... And I do not appreciate my schedule being interfered with"

You leave them to discuss it alone. It'll buy you a minute tops - they really are above petty squabbles and can easily spot your attempts to sow discord... But you'll take what you can get... Besides, a busy street is right around here somewhere. Getting lost in the crowd is exactly what you need right now...

You feel two pairs of eyes burn into your back as you disappear amongst strangers and street lights.

★☆★

The two figures on the rooftop sighed at your departure into the night. The taller one clad in dark purple turned to the other:

"I didnt expect her to be so stubborn in her escape. One could think she'd be smart enough to recognise this game for what it is."

A beat of silence.

"You don't think she truly believes we'd devour her? She should know by now that we have no such inclinations towards her"

"Hmm, our inclinations towards her are..." Jester gestured vaguely, searching for a word, before settling on: "Different. That is true..."

"Perhaps your attempt at humour earlier frightened her" Ticket Taker ponders, a quiet jab at his friend

"I think we have simply miscalculated."

"Miscalculated? You?" There is incredulity in his tone

"Our darling Y/n is a bit more clueless and has a far deeper competitive streak than I imagined... Still, makes the victory that much more sweeter."

★☆★

You shivered as the sky slowly turned from midnight to a dark violet, soon to be rosy with sunrise. The jacket Ticket Taker so courteously lent you - what a gentleman - provided meager warmth as you huddled it tighter around you. You walked the empty streets, briefly wondering if the monsters have given up on finding you.

You shoot them a quick "given up yet?" text and see 5 typing bubbles. A few second later you receive your responses:

"Of course not, My Lady" - Pierrot, ever so sweet.

"No, but you should... If you let me get you now, I promise to be merciful~" - Harlequin, the flirt he is...

"Fascinating confidence for someone right within my reach" - Jester, his mysterious and thinly veiled threats that sent your heart racing just like his compliments and affection did. He truly had a way with words.

"No. I have quite a lot in mind I want to do which would require your assistance" - Doctor, ever so blunt, so forward with his intentions

"You have already taken more time out of our schedule than you ought to. Let's not prolong the inevitable, dearest. Now, be a good girl" - Ticket Taker, he can be so uptight... But just as charming when he wants to be

They were persistent. And you've had a lot of close run-ins throughout the night. They remained ever so determined to get you.

You smile softly at the memories. You are rather fond of them. Perhaps fondness is too weak of a word... With the cool night air and sky the colour of violets another word burrows it's way into your mind - Love. It startles you slightly... But settles in so naturally in your mind you can't refute it.

The game is coming to a closure. A shame. It was fun... It would be nice to maybe watch the sunset rise on some rooftop and then show up to the circus beaming with victory. Or maybe it would be more fun to... Let one of them catch you... After all, it's not a complete loss for you if you let them. And there just might be one who really deserves a win...

★★☆★★☆★★☆★★

A/n: let me know what you think and I'll start on some of the endings... Soon... Yeah

Endings:

Pierrot

My first fic about tfc so.... Enjoy it!

Used translator! Sorry.

— “Enough! Stop it, both of you! Shut up, all of you!”

What…?

— “As if we need you to make a mess here.”

What is happening…?

— “You need to be quieter, otherwise—”

You reluctantly opened your eyes. Voices nearby had woken you up. Sitting up on the bed, you squinted. It was dark and you couldn’t see anything. Feeling around for your phone, you lit up your room with its glowing screen. What did you expect to see? Five huge figures were standing in your room. Each of them had glowing eyes, and all of them were focused on you. You turned off the phone and lay back down.

“Nothing unusual… Just five monsters in my room…”

You opened your eyes again.

“FIVE MONSTERS IN MY ROOM?!”

You burst out from under the blanket and turned on the lamp on your nightstand. You lifted it to fully see what was in your room. From the sudden light you squinted, but still rubbed your eyes and looked around again.

“…P-Pierrot…?” — you said, seeing Pierrot first, standing close to your bed. He was only a few dozen centimeters away from you.

“Dear! I can explain everything!” — he said with a guilty look.

In his gaze there was guilt, confusion and… fear. You looked at who was standing behind him. Oh no. The rest of the circus performers. Behind Pierrot stood Harlequin. The smile on his face hadn’t changed at all, but a spark of anxiety flashed in his eyes when you looked at him. A bit farther away, Jester was staring at you with an unreadable look. Next to him, like his right hand, stood the Ticket Taker, whispering something to him. And when you looked at your balcony window, you almost fell. A tall dark-red figure with cyan eyes, clearly intending to drill a hole in your soul, stood right at the exit. The Doctor coughed slightly.

You had thought before, “What if my idols or aliens visited my apartment someday?” But the whole circus coming to you together… That’s total chaos. Shifting your gaze back to Pierrot, you asked:

“For the love of everything holy, what are you doing here?” — you looked at them with complete confusion in your eyes.

No one answered. This silence felt suspicious.

“All my savings are in my bag, the card is in the cabinet. I’m not writing a will for my apartment,” — you said clearly. You were sure this was a robbery, considering the price of their tickets, and the fact that one especially “special” (probably even more expensive) ticket you had gotten for free.

It wasn’t surprising that Harlequin immediately looked around, trying to find the cabinet. But then he stopped and smirked.

“Alright, tell me why you, a bunch of creepy jesters with even creepier masks, came to me,” — you said. Ticket Taker snorted disapprovingly at your words. But you didn’t care. This was YOUR home, and you could say whatever you wanted.

Silence again. Only after exchanging glances did Jester speak.

“We decided to visit our dear guest,” — he said, tilting his head to the side, making the bells on his hat jingle.

He smiled wider. No, not the smile he usually used. A different one, with notes of confusion.

“Visit?” — you turned your head to the digital clock on the table.

2:51.

“And you couldn’t wait until tomorrow?” — your voice sounded exhausted. You sighed, brought your hand to your eyes and started massaging them.

“Oh come on! Does time really set boundaries between acquaintances?” — Jester’s sweet voice rang out. He placed a hand over his heart. “Besides, you’ve already been our guest, so now it’s our turn.”

A guest? For some reason you didn’t remember being warmly welcomed into the jesters’ house and being offered sweets and tea.

“A guest? When did I visit your home?” — you frowned.

“The circus. He meant the circus, milady…” — Pierrot’s voice made you flinch. You hadn’t noticed how he got so close, almost looming over you.

You covered your face with your hands, pulling the skin down. Letting out a deep sigh, you ran a hand through your hair. After blinking for a few seconds, you looked at the clock again, then at the circus troupe. Dear God, help me.

Ask them to leave? That option would have suited you perfectly, if you didn’t know who they were. From the moment you visited the circus, you realized they weren’t human. Kicking them out was like signing yourself up for their list of victims and targets for humiliation.

“Alright, go to the living room… I’ll make some tea…” — you said, heading to the wardrobe and taking out your robe.

“Coffee would be better, beautiful~” — Harlequin said mockingly as he left the room and headed to the living room. No shame, no conscience.

“Alright…” — you answered reluctantly and followed him. Pierrot followed you. Apparently, he didn’t want to leave you alone with the green clown.

“We’ll join you soon, my dear,” — Jester’s voice came from behind.

…

You had already left the room.

“‘Visit’? Couldn’t think of anything better?” — the Doctor said with a smirk as he exited the room. How did he fit through there? Who knows.

Only Jester and the Ticket Taker remained. Jester’s smile vanished from his mask the moment you left. He turned to the Ticket Taker with furious eyes.

“Why did you follow me?” — he placed a hand on his chest, then pointed toward the balcony door. “I was following Pierrot, finding out where he ran off to last night. And what about you?”

“I followed you because I thought you might need help!” — Ticket Taker spread his arms and glanced predatorily at the balcony door. “I didn’t bring Harlequin or the Doctor with me. They followed me on their own… Though I think Harlequin knew about this place.”

“Nevertheless, now we are guests in this…” — he stopped, closing his eyes as he recalled you. “MC… if I’m pronouncing that correctly. Tch.”

He clicked his tongue. He had seen the girl at the circus. Curious, always sticking her nose where it didn’t belong. A mouse, in one word. From the Doctor’s and Ticket Taker’s reactions, it was clear she wouldn’t stop at just one secret. Five times she tried to enter the black tent and was always hovering near it, even though she was told her ticket didn’t allow her inside… A red ticket. He was surprised — he had never seen such a ticket before. And also… A shadow with golden eyes always flickered near her. Jester thought Pierrot had found himself a toy for entertainment. He’d play, get bored, throw it away. But no. He got attached. And for two nights he disappeared somewhere. Jester wasn’t sure if it was because of the mouse, but after following Pierrot, he was fully convinced of his theories.

He saw Pierrot following the girl everywhere, but only when she wasn’t looking. How he skillfully slipped into her home through the balcony. When Jester himself got inside, he saw Pierrot kneeling and stroking his beloved’s hair while she slept soundly.

Pierrot turned his head in fear and almost whispered:

“Jester? W-What… what are you doing here?” — Pierrot stood up and blocked the view of the girl.

“That’s what I should be asking you, Pierrot. What are you doing in this human’s house?” — one of Jester’s eyes twitched.

“Jester… I, I…” — Pierrot’s eyes darted across the purple one’s face, searching for mercy.

“Oh, now I see… Is there something more valuable than family and loved ones?” — his eyes flared purple. “What made you think that ‘she,’ completely uninterested in you, could be better than US, who are trying to survive together in this harsh world? What did she do for you? Helped you? And that’s all?” — his face slowly shifted from harsh to disappointed.

Pierrot shrank his shoulders, biting his lip.

“Pierrot… I can’t believe that after everything we went through…” — he placed a hand on his heart, bending fingers one by one. “After everything that happened… you threw us away like we meant nothing…” — he lowered his hand and sighed sadly.

“Jester! No! I didn’t betray you. It’s just that she…” — Pierrot looked at the girl and whispered, “…she reminds me of HER.”

Jester’s pupils narrowed. He tried not to remember, and not to remind anyone, about their angel. About Columbine. Pressing his lips together, he looked at the girl, trying to find what made her similar. A spark of worry flashed, but quickly dissolved into the purple of his eyes.

“Pff! Nonsense… Pierrot, you know no one will ever be like her.” — those words made Pierrot clench his fists. “Pierrot…”

Calling him, Jester extended his hand. Pierrot bared his teeth, but Jester only grew more serious.

“FORGET ABOUT H—” — but noise interrupted Jester.

“OUCH!”

Both jesters turned toward the sound. Near the doorway on the floor lay the Ticket Taker. He stood up and adjusted his hat.

“Why would anyone leave junk on the balcony? I tripped over an empty pot…” — the Ticket Taker hissed, closing the balcony door behind him.

Jester slapped his mask.

“Bill… Explain your presence here,” — Jester placed his hand on the table, leaning on it.

“You went somewhere, and I thought I might help. I thought you knew I was here,” — he said clearly.

Because of following Pierrot and tangled thoughts, Jester hadn’t even noticed him tagging along. He raised his hands to his head and massaged his temples.

“…Alright… That leaves only—” — but he was interrupted again.

The balcony door opened. A dark green silhouette stepped inside. But after taking a step, he realized he wasn’t alone. Under the furious gaze of the purple and red jesters, he whistled.

“…Alright, I’ll come back another time,” — Harlequin said, but he wasn’t allowed to leave.

A clawed hand in a black glove grabbed the green one by the hair. With the other hand, Pierrot pulled out a dagger and pressed it to Harlequin’s throat. Harlequin, in turn, released several tentacles and wrapped them around Pierrot’s neck.

“Pierrot, Harlequin, don’t forget…” — and an exhausted sigh escaped the purple performer as he was interrupted for the third time.

“A fight is about to start…” — a rough male voice came from the balcony. The Doctor leaned against the doorway and nodded toward the fighting ones at Jester. Despite the mask, it was clear he was grinning mockingly.

A ringing migraine spread across Jester’s temples. It often visited his head, having built an entire empire over his nerve cells. May the Devil grant him patience and strength…

Meanwhile, Pierrot slammed Harlequin to the ground with a crash. He almost cut him to pieces, but Harlequin’s tentacles prevented it.

“Don’t you think this human might wake up? Jester?” — Ticket Taker called out.

“How dare you enter my MC’s house…” — Pierrot growled quietly, struggling against the choking grip.

“I do what I want! You can’t do anything to me!” — Harlequin snapped back.

“Hey, Bill! Let’s place bets on who wins,” — the Doctor said mockingly.

“I don’t think the situation is appropriate for that,” — Ticket Taker stepped closer to the Doctor.

“Enough! Everyone, be quiet… ENOUGH!!!” — Jester suddenly shouted. Everyone turned to him.

“Today’s show workload, following Pierrot, and useless thoughts pushed me over the edge!” — the words came fast and loud. Of course, nerves aren’t made of metal. “Not only am I sick to death of your squabbles in the circus, you also manage to get on my nerves outside of it!”

“Jester…” — Pierrot said quietly, still pinning Harlequin.

“Enough! Stop it, both of you! Shut up, all of you!” — Jester yelled at the top of his lungs. “As if we need you to make a mess here. You need to be quieter, otherwise—” — he didn’t finish as a beam of light illuminated them, albeit faintly.

He and the others looked toward the source of light. You had woken up. After blinking for a few minutes, you turned off your phone and flopped back onto the pillow. And a few seconds later, you jumped up and turned on the lamp. Somewhere I’ve heard this before…

…

“Visit you.” That was the first thing that came to Jester’s mind in such a situation. What else was he supposed to say? That they hadn’t scared you enough that night and wanted a rematch? That would’ve been better than sitting in a filthy human den. Jester pressed a hand to his face, tapping his mask.

“Doctor, please put my medications back,” — you said desperately when you saw the Doctor rummaging through your first aid kit.

As soon as you went to make coffee, he noticed the cabinet stuffed with medicines, injections, and pills. You had long wanted to finally sort through it and throw out the expired ones. But there was no need anymore. He had sorted everything, even alphabetically. Unknown pills and tablets he even tasted.

You placed a tray with large mugs of drinks on the table. Also a plate of baklava.

On the couch by the table sat Jester, with Harlequin shamelessly sprawled beside him. Ticket Taker was examining your photos on the wall, but after you arrived, he sat in one of the armchairs. The Doctor, after his “inspection,” sat in another armchair next to the couch. The mattress creaked pitifully under his weight, as if about to be crushed flat.

“Two espressos, a cold glacé, one mochaccino, and a hot cappuccino. Right?” — you said tiredly, looking at Jester. Without taking his eyes off the drinks, he nodded.

“Thank you, milady!” — Pierrot said with a radiant smile, carrying another tray with fruits and nuts.

Asian upbringing forced you to treat guests like royalty. By tradition, the table had to look festive, which made you imagine that these monsters were celebrating your death.

You waved away unnecessary thoughts and headed to your room.

“M-milady! Where are you going?” — Pierrot immediately stopped you, grabbing your hand.

“I’m going to get ready for work.”

“But it’s still early…”

“After your visit, I won’t fall asleep anyway. Might as well come to my boss earlier.”

Pierrot hesitated but let go of your hand, allowing you to leave. He looked confused, then sat down on the couch next to Jester. Harlequin was the first to take his drink, then the others followed. Only Jester, holding his coffee, was processing what had happened. His face looked like he had witnessed all the sufferings of humanity, and his eyes clearly said “FUCK.”

Only when Pierrot called Jester for the third time did he respond.

“Jester, are you okay?” — Pierrot asked uncertainly. He couldn’t let go of their earlier conversation.

“Yes. Everything is perfectly fine,” — he said and took a sip of coffee.

knock knock knock

The knock on the door made everyone flinch slightly. Pierrot wanted to check who it was, but Jester stood up first. Approaching, he looked through the peephole. A young woman with dark circles under her eyes, in a robe and with messy hair, stood outside. She looked very sleepy. Jester opened the door.

“MC… Why are you making noise? Look at the time! What is this, a circus in your apartment?…” — but instead of her neighbor, the woman saw a tall purple jester.

“Just a circus troupe,” — Jester said, a sinister smile spreading across his face.

The girl staggered slightly, almost falling.

“A-a clown…?” — she stepped back.

Jester took another step toward her.

“Oh dear, I’m not a clown… I’m Jester,” — his eyes flared with purple flames. He grabbed the woman’s face and looked straight into her eyes. “You’d better not remember this moment…”

Thud! Something hit Jester’s head. Not very heavy, but painful. He released the woman and turned around. It was you, holding a slipper.

“What?” — he didn’t finish before another piece of home footwear flew at him. He managed to turn away.

“Get your hands off her!” — you shouted and threw a boot.

This time it hit right in the jester’s forehead, making him fall to the ground. Jester hissed but didn’t do anything toward you. Looking at your neighbor, you noticed her face had gone blank, and purple sparks reflected in her eyes. Bastard. He hypnotized her. You grabbed another shoe — a high heel — hoping to knock the purple bastard out. But as soon as you raised your hand, it was grabbed. Pierrot rushed up behind you, took the heel away and restrained your arms.

“Pierrot…” — the purple one sighed, rubbing his mask’s forehead.

Harlequin giggled, watching their leader’s humiliated face while finishing his glacé. Ticket Taker immediately stepped up and helped Jester to his feet.

“Pierrot, look what he did! Make him remove his hypnosis from my neighbor!” — you protested, glaring at the red one.

“Milady! He didn’t do anything bad! He just hypnotized her so she wouldn’t remember us being here…” — Pierrot knew this trick well and was sure it was the safest option. “This is Jester! He would never hurt anyone, he wouldn’t even think of it! He’s kind and gentle…”

You narrowed your eyes. Looked at Jester being helped up, then back at Pierrot.

“…Him? ‘Kind and gentle’?” — in response, you only got a firm nod.

“Alright. We’re leaving,” — Jester said, sliding his gaze over everyone.

Pierrot reluctantly released your hands. As soon as they all left, you went to work.

5:23

“You’re very early today,” — the boss said, entering the café. You had already cleaned and prepared everything.

“I just couldn’t sleep well… so I came earlier,” — you said tiredly.

“Hahaha, what, did you have a circus in your apartment?” — the boss laughed, looking at your face.

You stared at him gloomily.

(as in... the rabbit.)

DAY 1 - HYDRANGEA

Harlequin's words were tempting, so much so you truly wanted to say yes back then.

But you didn't, said you couldn't run away from your life, your responsibilities. It's not that easy after all...

Right?

You still question it now even a year later. As you stand in the empty field alone at night. Where the circus once stood, where he used to reside...

Only silence and loneliness accompanies you now. Along with a hole in your heart that formed when he left.

It was too late to give your real answer now to him. Too late to change the past.

Yet still to a empty section of the field, where his tent once stood. You say out loud with a heartbroken tone. "I would like to run away with you, Harlequin..." To only be responded to with silence always now.

Though you hope one day you'll hear his response. Hope to see his silly grin again and hear his contagious laughter that filled your life with joy and color.

A hope you keep clinging onto, every night you come to visit this place again.

Everyone was working diligently getting the circus set up and prepared for its grand opening in the area.

Though Harlequin couldn't focus well, as he noticed they were only a few miles away from a town they visited a year ago...A town, you resided in...or used to, for all he knows now.

You might of already left that place. Found someone else. Perhaps already started a family.

The ideas both filled him with a feeling of melancholy and rage.

"Harlequin?" Pierrot tried to get the attention of the green clown, but failed at his first attempt. "HARLEQUIN."

Finally Harlequin looked over, a clear expression of annoyance on his face. "What is it, Pierrot?"

"...Is everything alright? You've been acting...off since we arrived here."

"Yes, I am fine. Now stop worrying about me and focus on fixing that side of your tent. Its looking as pathetic as you are." Harlequin joked with a small grin, but he was right about the tent. It was practically falling at the side because one of the support poles fell.

Pierrot panicked as he ran over to fix that, giving Harlequin the space he needed...Well, for a moment that is, until Doctor arrived.

"You seem to be dealing with the case of the...blues." Doctor said as a light medical joke.

"There's nothing blue here but Ticket Taker." Harlequin responded with his own joke.

"Hmm. Perhaps...I actually came over here to ask of you for a favor." Harlequin raised a brow as he looked up at him. "This town seems to not have some products we need for the circus. I am certain another one near by has them though, a town we visited a year back, if my memory recalls right. Can you head over there for us and get them?"

Harlequin's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the town. "Me? Alone? Is Pierrot not coming along?"

"There's not much to gather and it shouldn't take you long. So going alone should be fine. As long as you stay out of trouble...Here's what we need, and here's the key to the car. Do drive carefully." Doctor pulled out a small piece of paper, on it a list of things to get. Then handed the keys to the car too.

Harlequin took them both, staring at them for a moment. "Very well. I'll go get them then...Are you certain these items can't be obtained here?"

Doctor nods once. "I am certain. Perhaps you should go start driving now. It will take you a few hours to get there. I'll take over some of your duties until you get back."

"Quite generous of you, Doctor. Thank you." Harlequin grinned as he pocketed the list, then twirled the keys on a finger for fun. "I'll be heading off then." He gave a small bow, then started walking off to find the car.

Doctor gave a small wave to him as he walked off, already he could see a shift his mood.

"I do hope your decision was the right one." Ticket Taker said as he stood behind Doctor with a serious expression.

"I hope so as well. Though this might finally put his mind to rest, so he can be more focused on the circus again."

"Perhaps...If it comes to it however. We can always just take a trip over there ourselves and deal with that human. Even as a Fool, they should bring Harlequin some pleasure to have in his life again."

"...Maybe..." Doctor didn't entirely agree with Ticket Taker over that idea. Only because he had a feeling making that human, making you, into a Fool, would upset Harlequin more than please him.

After all, if he didn't mind making you into one, he would of done it long ago.

🎪 💚 🎪

A couple of hours later after arriving into the town, Harlequin already had the car packed with everything the circus needed. Along with some extra stuff he picket up for himself as a treat.

He noticed however how much more quiet the town was, but perhaps it was always like this without the circus or any large events being hosted around.

"A little stroll around the town wouldn't hurt..." He told himself as he closed the door to the car. Then walked off to visit some old places in the area. Some places looked the same as they did before, some others completely changed or gone.

He stopped at the front of the cafe you worked at, or used to for all he guessed. Seeing the lights off, and no one inside, which he expected at this hour.

Then he continued on, tempted to walk the path that led to the field the circus used to stand. Though halted mid way and decided not to.

His feet started to lead him on path that led to your home now, tempted to just take a peek.

He stopped before the building, looking up at the window where your home was...at least he hoped it was still your home. Noticing no lights on, curious if you were already asleep, or just weren't home. Though if you weren't home, then he wondered where you could be at this hour.

Then with a jump up or two, he quietly landed on your balcony floor, then peered inside your home through the glass door.

It was dark, silent, it looked as close to as he remembered. He secretly was glad to see you still where living here by the looks of things.

He attempted to open your door, which was unlocked. Part of him was bothered by this, since he did tell you long ago to start locking it. Never know what kind of creeps could come through it.

Then he let himself inside, moving carefully as he walked around in the dark, looking around with ease.

His eyes then landed on your desk, taking notice of Pierrot's star pin displayed on your wall. Along with his old paper flower he gifted to you long ago. Though his green heart pin was nowhere to be found.

This both sadden him and bothered him. "Typical..." He muttered, then started to dig through your drawers. As if looking around for something, until he stumbled upon a journal. "Well what do we have here? Wonder what juicy secrets lies with in it~."

He opened the journal, a grin on his face as he scanned through a few pages, then stopping on some to read its contents.

Slowly his grin faded as he read on, his eyes fixated on your writing and words. Focused on everything that was said by you in it. Reading your words of regrets, heartbreak, more...All of it connected or about him.

He kept flipping through the pages, not wanting to accept this was your life now. He wanted to see you move on, be happy, live a better life. To put this story and yearning to rest.

He had to.

Then finally something fell out of the journal as he flipped through it more. He paused and looked down to see what it was...

As he picked it up and looked at it in silence. He noticed it looked like a list of days...Countless days in fact. A years worth it seems. Though each day had one little drawn heart next to it, poorly scribbled in black. Though the last day listed, today's date, had a heart draw next to it that has yet to be filled too.

"What is this about?"

Then he heard the front door to your home opening, and quickly he shoved the journal back in your drawer, closing it shut, and ran out of your room, hiding outside on your balcony. Though failed to realize he was still holding onto that list that fell out before.

He slowly peeked inside again, seeing you finally for the first time in forever. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of you, losing his breath for a second.

Though the closer you got to his view for a better look at you, he finally noticed a change in you.

You looked exhausted, depressed even, as you didn't bother to turn on the lights in your bed room. Then you laid down on your bed, silent at first, until you let out a couple sobs in your pillow.

Harlequin stood there silently, hearing your cries. He wanted to go inside and see you, talk to you...But he didn't.

He just stood there for a moment, then started to hear get up and walk to your desk.

You turned on your small lamp on that desk, then open your drawer, pulling out your journal. You silently flipped through it but instantly a wave a panic hit you as you didn't find something in it.

Quickly you started to dig through the drawer, looking for it but found nothing. Then moved to looking under the desk but again it wasn't there.

Then he realized he didn't put everything back in that drawer...He still was holding onto that list that dropped out of it.

"FUCK! It--It's okay...I can make a new one...I can--" Finally Harlequin took a deep breath, bracing himself as he finally stepped into the light. Tapping lightly on the glass door, to finally get your attention, forcing a convincing grin. "H-Harlequin?"

"You look like something the cat dragged in you know?" He said as he opened the door and stepped inside in your now dimly dark room. Though was startled by you rushing over to hug him tightly. Tighter than he expected you to as he noticed your body shaking, hearing your muffled cries against his chest. "...Missed me that badly huh~? You know I gave you a chan--"

"I know! I'm sorry! I--I thought things would change. Get better but--You left and it just..." Harlequin really wanted to take pride in the moment knowing he was right. That you were going to regret your choices before, and you did. But to see you in this state, he felt more hate against himself than pleasure...

He should of just kidnapped you back then if he knew this was going to be the result of your own foolish decisions.

He slowly wrapped his arms around you, pulling you in close for a hug. "It's fine now...It's fine...I'm here now, dear one..."

"Y-you're going to leave again though...aren't you..." You muttered, finally looking up at him with tears still falling.

He felt his heart shatter seeing you like this, knowing taking you back would be reckless, dangerous, but same time...

To hell with it.

He'll accept any form of punishment in return of keeping you by his side now. He'll convince them let you stay, be his Fool if you must but of course different than the rest.

"I am. Though not without you now." He forced a grin, and gave a wink, trying to push out the worst possible things to come from this decision. Then his eyes noticed something that made his heart skip a beat. "You...You're wearing my pin?" He said as noticed his green heart pin on your shirt.

"O-of course...I wear it every day...H-have been since you left..." You wiped some of your own tears away. "Harle...There's so much I have to sa--"

You were cut off short as Harlequin removed his mask to lean in and kiss your lips. Your eyes widened in surprise at first, then slowly softened and shut close as you returned the kiss, pulling him in closer.

"We can talk more on the drive back home." He softly said between the kiss, then kissed you once more, more deeper than the last. Tempted to further this all as his familiar ropes slowly crept from him, slowly inching towards you.

But he knew staying any longer could risk the others coming over to find him and drag him back by force. While in the process, could take and harm you too. So those ropes stopped and retreated, at least for now.

"Okay...I...I should pack huh?" Harlequin nodded at your question, though he really didn't want to let you go now as he pulled you in closer, hugging you more.

You pull out a custom made furby that looks like Harlequin and place it on the table before him.

"...What in the hell is that?"

"Its our son, Harle Jr."

"Our what?!"

You turn it on and it just speaks in demonic tongues with menacing green glowing eyes. As Harlequin just stares at it speechless.

"Maybe he's possessed by a demon..."

I have been getting back into Undertale and I really wanted to mash my two hyperfixations, so here are my TFC if they were in Undertale designs! I did them like... Super late at night. Like I had to draw this otherwise I would not have fallen asleep </3