Chapter Text
Morning came and with it, Sebastian found his eyes peeling open. They stuck from the remnants of sleep, leaving dry fingertips; scratched and worn to rub away the debris before sitting up. His spine cracked loudly, a sign of bad sleeping posture before his legs drifted over the beds edge; heels pressed to hardwood that sent chills up his body. Shook his very core and startle the remaining tiredness from his very marrow. Arms stretched over a head of unkempt brown; tangled as if he'd slept on his head, and perhaps he had. His neck ached as if it was the truth, fingers rubbing the spots before he finally rose from the beds warmth and comfort, almost missing it in an instant.
His eyes ultimately scanned the room itself, dim as the sun had yet to rise. Though, it was to be expected. He had been asked to arrive just a bit earlier today by his boss; who had been busy with other matters. It wasn't as if Sebastian was complaining, but his body definitely wasn't keen on the lacking hours of sleep. He figured he'd nap later for sure; confident that exhaustion would catch up to him sooner today then other days. Luckily however, he wasn't expected to show to practice today, so he supposed luck was playing nice for once.
Shifting to his dresser, he quickly ran a brush through his hair, fixing pieces that stuck up; cowlicks that made him scowl. Only when they were calmed did he work to dress, hands buttoning his white shirt along his tanned skin, folding the collar and tucking the apron into his bag seated on the dresser beside his pants. Adjusting the sleepwear he wore, he discarded the bottoms onto the floor to pick up when he got home and slid his jeans on, sliding the belt into place and snatching a pair of cream socks. Not his ideal color, but a gift from his sister; so just as valuable as his guitar.
Approaching his bed, he took a seat amidst the darkness as he slid on the socks, fishing his shoes from beneath the bed and applying them to his feet. He easily tied them without seeing; as it was second nature at this point. Once finished, he found his gaze drifting to the clock. A heavy dread in his being for some reason. He wasn't too sure why, but he never doubted his gut feelings. He knew something was going to happen today and dare he say it, he was both annoyed and curious to what caused him to become tense.
Dismissing the thought in the end, he rose from the bed before snatching his bag and heading for the door.
Outside in the halls, he maneuvered slowly, avoiding turning on lights as he was planning to leave anyhow. His fingers traced the wall, finding the keys before the door. Pulling it open, he was greeted with yet another stairwell. One that he'd walked far too many times. His daily exercise in his opinion. Such was the life he supposed of being an adult and living on his own. Not that he wasn't in touch with his family. They were only a few blocks away and a quick call if needed, but they allowed him to take his own steps. To achieve what he desired, hence his hobby being his second job.
He worked at the cafe; as well as in a band, leaving him often tired by late nights. But he always had fun in the end, so there wasn't any complaints. Not with his band, as he loved music. Nor the cafe that ultimate felt like another home to him. The heavy aroma of coffee and spice always welcomed, especially on rough mornings such as these.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs, he opened the main door to the apartment complex before stepping out, the cold air biting at his skin. Nipping at his cheeks before he rubbed them, turning and heading off down the roads that were just beginning to crest with people. Within the horizon, the sun slightly poked over. A greeting for the day, and a blinding light that left Sebastian to sneak on some sunglasses as he quickened his pace once he realized he was behind schedule.
He only prayed he wasn't late.
Not that he expected fate to play nice as he crested the street a few blocks from the cafe. By now, the sun rested higher in the sky offering it's unbearable heat. One that had sweat sticking to his neck beneath his hair. He'd debated tying it on the way, but the winds had been brutal until this point.
Running a hand through his hair, he huffed in defiance before he proceeded, his steps only slowing when he heard the shouting. It drew his gaze, disgust cresting his features at the sight. A man harassing someone who was merely doing their job; flyers all over the ground from what Sebastian assumed was the smaller man knocking over the other fitted in jester clothes. It was honestly disgraceful how grimy and cruel humans were to one another. Always picking on the weak or those that seemed odd; and Sebastian would admit the jester looked rather odd. But from the flyers that had reached his feet, the attire fit rather well in cahoots to a circus.
Listening to the man continue to yell and banter, it only drew more eyes and with it, Sebastian's irritation. Everyone saw the issue and not a soul moved to help. It left him shifting his bag, chewing his lip before he stepped forward, his hand throwing his bag before it hit the aggressive mans head. The weight sent the man tumbling, his distress and annoyance prominent as he sat up, rubbing his head. It left enough time for Sebastian to close the distance, standing himself between the jester and the other man, arms crossed in scolding. "What the hell? Why would you hit me?"
Sebastian raised a brow. Wow, he was calling the kettle black it seemed.
"Weren't you the one that struck first? Harassing others seems a bit immature for someone your age; unless of course I'm wrong. I mean, the wrinkles say enough man." The aggressor bristled, attempting to stand. His anger flashed and Sebastian almost anticipated being hit, but it never came. Not when the crowd finally noticed the assault about to happen, their scolding's and yells drowning the man in shame. He practically folded in on himself and Sebastian had to stifle a laugh as the man hurried off, spitting out a warning the fell on deaf ears.
Only when the crowd fanned out, did Sebastian turn around to the jester still on the ground. He offered a hand, his smile small. "You alright?"
The jester nodded, the bells jingling and drawing a small chuckle as he helped the frame to it's feet, noting just how tall the figure was. Easily towering over him by nearly twice the size. A smile was wide on the face; Sebastian somewhat contemplating whether it was a mask or not; though with the wound visible on the jester's cheek, he assumed it was face makeup. It left him grabbing his bag that was on the ground, dusting it off before he scavenged his back for the bandages he often kept for when he cut his fingers on the guitar strings.
Finding one of the few colors he preferred not to use, he offered the pink one forward for the jester. Watched their expression shift from a charming smile that edge something creepy, to a full on gentle one. Something somber. Red crested above the paint on their skin; showing rather abundantly compared to the white flesh. They seemed genuinely thankful as Sebastian scanned his phone, a small panic setting in as he was now aware this encounter made him late. It left him in a hurry. "AH! Shoot... Uh, use the band aid and if it still hurts, go see a doctor! I've got to go, but take care!"
The jester made a small movement, but their hand fell back to their side as Sebastian rushed off; his hands holding his bag to his chest as he dashed off down the road toward the cafe.
Reaching the building, Sebastian practically barreled through the door. He nearly hit the floor if not for a pair of hands that steadied him, his eyes shifting to view his boss who wore a smug grin. One that said a lot; such as the awareness that Sebastian would be late. In his defense though, it didn't happen too often...
Only like twice a week.
Standing straight and calming his heartrate, Sebastian finally greeted his boss. "Morning sir... I thought you were busy this morning?" He was already moving around the counter, tossing his bag under before he put on his apron, working on his opening.
"Initially, yes. But Carol called off. She sent me a text, so I figured with your history, it was best I show. Glad I did, kid." Sebastian frowned.
"I'm not that bad..." A raised brow cut him off. "Alright, I'm pretty bad... It's not my fault this morning though!"
"Oh? Care to explain then?" Sebastian was in the midst of cleaning out the coffee maker, assuring it was ready to go before he explained the situation prior. He didn't leave out a single detail, including him throwing the bag at the guys head. It ultimately left his boss to shake his head, both amused and worried. "Sebastian-"
"I know... I know. I shouldn't have done that part, but he was so rude! He was harassing someone doing their job!" The boss sighed, rubbing his chin.
"Even so, you're an adult. You need to be careful. He could try to sue you, Sebastian." It had been a thought at the time, right before the bag was launched. No, scratch that... It had been a thought after the bag had landed, but he was rather confident that the man wasn't planning on pressing charges. Not when he was ganged up on. His pride definitely took a dive and Sebastian hoped for the better.
"Look, I'll be careful, alright?" A long silence held. One that was insufferable before the boss sighed, waving the conversation off before eyes fell to the clock.
"I'll take your word for it. I do have a meeting this morning, so I'll be heading out for a little. Think you can manage?" Sebastian grinned, tilting his head in mock disbelief.
"You have no faith in me! I've got this big man. Get on out of here!" The Boss chuckled, offering a wave as he headed for the back and left Sebastian to unlock the cafe. He stood behind the counter, watching the shadows pass the windows. Merely waiting and partially praying the day was a slow on.
A couple hours flew by in no time, not many showing today. Only the regulars; Sebastian offering a free extra cup to the few who sat down.
He was working on cleaning, his eyes scanning the clock. His shift was going to end soon, so he figured he'd ready it for the next worker. It left him grabbing a bucket with a rag, shifting to each table and working to clean them; as well as dispose of the flyers that a few guests had dragged in from the streets.
Sebastian held one of them, scanning it. A thought crossing his mind. A mere curiosity that he buried before finishing up his duties and returning the bucket and towel to behind the counter. Shifting for the broom, he paused when he heard the door open, his eyes shifting to a nice dressed fellow. The suit was a rather nice blue and blackened hair was slicked back. The guest took a seat, leaving Sebastian to approach. "Welcome in. What can I get for you, sir?"
The stranger; someone Sebastian had never seen before in the cafe or town, merely considered. A low hum. Something like music before they ordered a coffee. Something bitter and black. It left Sebastian grateful the order was simple, his legs shifting and carrying him once more behind the counter before he heard a chair move. His eyes fell onto the guest who now leaned on the counter, a curious glint in their gaze. Their tone was laced in interest and a desire for conversation. "Tell me; have you heard about the traveling circus in town?"
"Ah, I have actually... Only by the flyers I fear. It peaked my interest a bit; though I'm a rather busy person. Not sure I'll get to go while it stays in town." The man hummed. They seemed to contemplate something, fingers fishing into pockets before they held out a ticket, sliding it onto the counter. A pink one.
"Then I insist. Take my spare ticket and go take a look. I recently went, so I fear I am good about returning once more, but I'd be grateful if this ticket served a purpose." Sebastian's eyes widened. A free ticket? Who was he kidding; refusing wasn't an option for this kind of generosity.
"I appreciate it. I suppose I'll take a peak tonight; appease my curiosity." The man nodded, watching as Sebastian finished the drink, lidding it and sliding the cup onto the counter before he pocketed the ticket. It left the man with a satisfied smile that went unnoticed as te guest stood, holding his cup close.
"Then I bid you farewell and that you enjoy the thrills. Have a wonderful day." Sebastian nodded, his hand lingering where the ticket was stuffed into his shirt pocket.
"You as well. I sincerely appreciate this!" No more words were exchanged as the man left, leaving Sebastian a bit of time to his thoughts. He viewed the ticket a bit more closely. It was strange to him. This morning he had dreaded the day, yet it had offered nothing of ill will to him. It offered him a satisfying scene. A ticket to a circus for free. If he ever doubted his gut, he would say today was that day.
He was worried bad things would happen, but he truly felt that lady luck was watching over him today.
Putting the ticket back into his pocket once more, he shifted around the counter before he startled, the lights turning off and engulfing him in darkness. His hand was luckily still on the counter, so it was easy to guide himself to the light box, resetting it as the lights blinded him for a moment. He blinked the pain away before he heard the door once more, the slight chime of bells turning him where he stood.
In the doorway, towering and hunched was none other than the jester from the morning; a rose tucked between fingers. It was clearly wet with what Sebastian presumed was paint. "Oh, it's you from this morning. Are you doing well?" The jester nodded, offering the rose. An action that startled Sebastian for a few reasons. Firstly was that today seemed to be a gift giving day. A rose made of tissue paper and a free ticket. Perhaps he should play the lottery.
The second was that Sebastian as a whole didn't get many gifts like this. Something usually implied in the romantical sense and if the expression on the jester's face was anything to go by, their view on the moment was definitely more than gratitude. Not that he minded; as he actually found the jester before him interesting at least. Snow white hair that edged silver. A tall stature. Golden eyes that peered to him. All were qualities that Sebastian found drew his interest, whether real or not. All things that strangely, Sebastian considered cute on the other figure.
Shaking the thoughts free, Sebastian leaned on the counter. "So, do you speak; or is the silence a prominent thing?"
The jesters eyes danced the cafe before they leaned in, their face close to Sebastian's. Close enough he could smell the scent of ivory and floral. There was even a hint of spice that tickled Sebastian's nose. "It is part of my act. I can not be seen speaking to anyone, My Lord."
The words were whispered; a heat teasing Sebastian's cheeks at the name he was called. He'd been called much, but that one was new.
"Alright, I'll keep that in mind... So, what are you exactly? A Jester?"
"I am the one and only, Pierrot. There is but one Pierrot, one Harlequin, and One Jester. But many fools, My Lord." Sebastian made the note mentally.
"I see. So I may call you Pierrot?" The tall figure nodded. "Well then, Pierrot; may I get you something to drink?" Sebastian motioned to a seat, though the other stayed at the counter. They leaned once more over the counter, their mouth close to Sebastian's ear as the hot breath touched his ears. He was acutely aware the heat was very much his own skin flushing from the interaction.
"A milkshake, My lord."
"A milkshake it is, then. I'll get that sorted if you don't mind taking a seat." Pierrot stood tall once more, shifting to a chair; the bells on his attire filling the silence as Sebastian noted that the other was watching him with interest. An expression of pure satisfaction strewn over the others face; a truly strange and yet adorable sight.
Only when the milkshake was finished did he place it before Pierrot, who didn't drink it. Instead, they motioned to a chair. There was a small hesitance in Sebastian, but he had nothing better to do he supposed. Accepting, he found himself now observing the other. Noting that the band aid was present but beginning to peel. It left him reaching out, fingers gently removing it. His fingers briefly touched against the cheek of the other; noting that it felt smoother than skin was. Perhaps it was a mask. "So, what had you showing up at the cafe? Surely it wasn't just to give me the rose."
"Oh course not, My Lord. I came to offer you a ticket to the circus!" Sebastian showed his shock, touching his pocket before he pulled out the pink one. Pierrot seemed to pause; his expression heavy as he reached out, grabbing it. Sebastian wanted to argue. To scold the other, but Pierrot's words ultimately silenced his complaints. "Someone gave you a fake. Allow me to offer the proper ticket."
Sebastian watched with interest as the pink ticket with a wave of Pierrot's hand turned a marvelous crimson. "Perfect; a proper ticket for My Lord."
"Wow... I can't believe someone gave me a fake one... I knew it was too good to be true, I mean; nothing comes for free." Pierrot tilted his head, leaving Sebastian to change his words. "I mean beyond this moment. You've my gratitude, Pierrot. I was actually really excited to get to blow off some steam and have fun!"
"Then I will be awaiting your arrival at the circus tonight, My Lord. I do hope you enjoy my show this evening." Sebastian chuckled, giving a nod as Pierrot left with the milkshake in his hold. It was a bit disheartening, as Sebastian wanted to see if the other was wearing a mask or not. Oh well, he supposed there would be other times.
After all, strangely; he felt that he'd have more moments with Pierrot then just today.
The way home had been rather lively for Sebastian.
His shift had ended the moment his replacement came in, the older woman apologizing on her tardiness. Not that Sebastian had room to talk.
Once he had left the building, intending to head home, he found himself once more stopped in his travel. Another figure tall in stature passing out flyers for the circus. Initially Sebastian was intending to ignore the other; though it was made harder the moment they stepped into his path. They bowed, offering one that he refused. "Come now; turning me down before giving me a chance?"
The words were heavily layered in flirtatious intent; a chill running up Sebastian's back.
"I've already been given one and I have a ticket too. I simply don't see a point in getting another." Those words seemed to raise a look on interest.
"Have you now? Might I see the ticket?" Sebastian frowned, but showed the ticket before stowing it back in his pocket. "Well now, that is truly interesting. To have caught his interest... How about a trade? A trade with the one and only Harlequin, Sir!"
"What type of trade?" A Cheshire smile stretched wide on Harlequin's face. Or mask... Sebastian still wasn't sure which it was.
"Give me that red ticket and in turn, you can have mine. It offers more after all." Sebastian judged those words. He wasn't too worried about special situations with the tickets. His was free in the end and in truth, it was given by someone as a sign of thanks. Giving it up; it would be showing he wasn't appreciative of the gift.
"I'll have to refuse. I was specifically given this, so I'll be using this one. I appreciate whatever this is you're doing, but give the green one to someone else." Harlequin's smile dipped for but a moment, their eyes narrowing dangerously. A hand landed on Sebastian's shoulder, the grip firm and yet, it wasn't painful.
"I see. Such a shame, but fret not. I'll be sure to take you from him." Those words were like a hammer slamming into Sebastian's ribcage. He wanted to protest. Hell, even smack the absurdity out of the man. But he never got the chance as another figure approached. One that Sebastian knew.
Hands were quick to grab at Harlequin, the two scuffling as Sebastian dusted his clothes off. The two were drawing a few eyes, leaving Sebastian the chance to slip away. Enough chance to hurry on his way so that he could fit in a shower before the circus tonight.
It left him rushing off; not bothering to see if either noticed his absence. After all, he would see at least Pierrot tonight, he was sure of it.
Slipping back into his apartment a little over a half an hour later, he worked to lock the door behind him before setting his bag down in the hallway. He shifted inward, turning on lights before he wandered into his bedroom where his bathroom sat connected. His hands fumbled with the shirt, slowly undoing it before he set it aside. His pants were next, the belt sliding off before he took the remnants of his clothes off and wandered into the bathroom, a chill coursing his frame. As to why, he wasn't sure. He wrote it off as being cold as he started the water and let it heat for a moment before stepping in.
The water slipped along his tan skin; sweaty and tired. His back ached, but he supposed it wasn't as bad as other days.
Soaping his hair, he scrubbed it deep. Worked the oils out before he focused on washing himself; his body wash a pine scented one. It smelled delightful; leaving him to suds his whole body before he washed it all away, his hair now stuck to his skin. Only after he was sure his hair was clear of soap did he grab the tooth brush from the shelf, wetting it with the shower water before he applied toothpaste. The mint bit at his tongue, but it did the job of cleaning his teeth.
Once done, he set it aside once more and washed his face before turning the water off and stepping out. As he lived alone, he often didn't close the bathroom door. It often left a breeze. A coldness to the room; though the present one was more obvious. It left him peaking outside; spotting the balcony door slightly ajar. It drew a raised brow, but he figured perhaps he'd forgotten to shut it. It wouldn't be a first, he feared.
Drying himself off, he wandered back to his dresser. He figured something simple. A black sleeveless shirt and jacket were placed on him, along with cargo pants that hugged his hips. He slipped on boots; tying them off before looking in the mirror. Observing himself with content and peering to his watch. With the circus already starting, he was pushing it. He made his way back to the front door; grabbing his bag before he stepped out into the hall, locking the door behind him.
Every step he took, it was one laced in excitement. It was seeping enjoyment.
He'd never say it aloud; but he found himself anticipating a good night. A night to remember.
The circus was bustling with life when he arrived, slipping into the line. He had the ticket in his hand, eyes dancing the lights. The tents that stood tall. Strangely, Sebastian felt a bit giddy. His heart pounded in his chest with eagerness. So, one could say he was practically vibrating the moment he reached the front of the line.
"Ticket please?" Sebastian initially didn't hear the words, though his arm on instinct held it out. The Ticket Taker smiled before that smile turned into something hidden. An emotion impossible to note. "Ah, not many of these get out and around. You're a special guest. Keep this ticket with you, as all tents will need to see it."
Sebastian nodded, taking the ticket back after it was punched.
"Have a good night and enjoy the shows, oh Red Ticket Guest."
Without another word, Sebastian was allowed in. He moved slowly, taking in the spectacle. Embracing the night air that he often didn't get to appreciate. Tonight however, things were different. He could enjoy himself and it left him fixated on one of the many tents; mainly the blue one.
His approach was met with countless people within; all vanishing as if they never were there. It left Sebastian blinking in surprise. He looked around, finding only himself before he spotted the moving figure within the mirrors. The Ticket Taker; who stepped out before him. "Not many visit my tent. They dare not linger in the realm of illusions." Sebastian didn't say much; still a bit in shock at the illusion before him. He was a bit curious how they came from a mirror. "Do enter, but do not linger. Sometimes starring too long will reveal monsters within the dark."
With that, the Ticket Taker was once more gone. He vanished like an illusion himself and it left Sebastian to wander further in if not merely on the interest in the design.
The room beyond was layered in differing mirrors. All seemingly captivating his gaze. Each offering an illusion that sank his heart into his stomach. Each showing him either familiar figures or those unknown to him. All illusions cruel and macabre. Gruesome to the very end of the illusion before the mirror either splintered or broke. Before the illusion was swept away as if it was never there.
All leading him to the very last one; a story told to his very soul. Memories that washed through him as he felt almost out of his skin. His mind felt weak. The world spun and his vision swayed as the story fell to it's conclusion; sickness rocking his core before he heard the whispers. A voice offering gratitude to his listening. Words that faded like the winds.
A flash of light blinded him, but the air was suffocating as he brushed past. Hurried out and back into the open where he sucked in heavy breathes. Gulped in too much that his lungs choked.
Catching his breath, he wiped the sweat from his brow before he headed to the next tent. His rush of adventure had dimmed some, but he still found an interest upon reaching the red tent. The music was loud. It was just beginning and Sebastian slipped in quietly. He moved into the front where he could see; his eyes brushing on the darkness before a light illuminated the center where Pierrot stood. Their eyes grazing each others. A small hint of bliss radiating from those golden eyes as the show began. As a wheel was presented forth with a frame strapped on.
It was now making sense as to why the circus was hardly labeled for children. It was grotesque, but most found amusement in the darkness. Sebastian was a bit of both, he supposed.
The first few times the knives nearly hit the figure, he'd flinched. He's felt the swell of excitement. The thrill.
However, the one time the knife hit the frame dead center; it was as if gravity yanked him under. His thoughts spiraled as he heard the chanting of others. Watched the onlookers bask in the moment. All while his eyes stayed locked on the red that flowed far too graciously to be fake. The red was very similar to blood. Thick and pooling and perhaps Sebastian was the only one who considered it real. Either way, it was enough to cause his stomach to lurch. Whether real or not, sickness once more swept through him and he ran from the tent fast. Tried to reach the air to quell the raging anxiety within him.
Only when he found stability amongst the night did he hurl. His throat burned and mind was a mess, leaving him to crouch low to recover.
The night air was gentle. Soothing. It gave gentle kisses to his skin; sweetly disrupted when something cold and wet touched his cheek. It left Sebastian to look upward where Pierrot stood. Worry was crested on his expression. In his hand was a bottle of water, one Sebastian gratefully took as he stood, chugging the contents without an ounce of care. Whatever could help the awful burn and terrible taste in his mouth was welcomed.
Once the bottle was empty, he passed the bottle back and took a deep breath. "Sorry I ran out. Was just a bit shocked at the show..." Pierrot gave a small nod, showing he understood. That it hadn't bothered him. With no one around, Pierrot leaned in. His voice was low. A whisper that made Sebastian's skin crawl for the better.
"Did you enjoy the show, My Lord?"
Had he enjoyed it? He suppose he had, if not with some weariness. It felt a bit too real, but that couldn't be the case. Pierrot hardly looked like a murderer...
Shoving the thought aside, he forced a smile. "It was surprising is all. It was pleasant otherwise. You did great; though is your show already done?" Pierrot nodded, his own smile wide. He hovered close. So close that Sebastian could see the gleam in those eyes.
"Did My lord perhaps desire more of a show?" He was positive that wasn't the case.
"No. It was perfect just as it was... Though, I wasn't ready for such a thing and ended up wasting all I ate earlier..." Pierrot's smile sharpened; a flare of something dangerous in those eyes. A glint that went unnoticed by Sebastian who was working to kick dirt over his mess.
"Does My Lord require food?" Food honestly sounded amazing.
"If you don't mind... That would be great. I'm officially starving now that the tanks empty." A long moment hung as Sebastian felt Pierrot's hand weave into his. A gesture that should have had him pulling away. But the warmth was pleasant. His soul ached and his chest felt heavy. Just Pierrot's presence eased it. So, he allowed the gesture. Allowed the comfort as they moved along toward the food stalls that were left without a line; as most present in the circus had made their way into the green tent where another show was taking a place.
A show that Pierrot assured Sebastian did not take part in.