{The Circus of The Forgotten}

[QueenofDorks]

Dainty feet prowled onto the circus grounds, the Siren shoving past onlookers and questioning acquaintances. Every movement was lethal and cruel. Elbows jabbing aside anyone and legs striding to the far edge of the grounds, forcing fellow carnies to scuttle aside. The lapping flames and drifting smoke could be seen from the Cirque's location. It may be far out of the city's limits, out into the plains and hills of lands, but surely one could easily see that the fire was manmade. Or, rather, supernaturally created. She'd be questioned. Baxter would be questioned. They had been the only two out while others scurried in preparation for the upcoming show.


Oh, Jinx would put on a hell of a show.


"Miette."


The voice snagged her attention, freezing her into an obedience stance upon her birth given name. The Siren tilted her head and, as she met Jacks' disapproving gaze, her emotions became null and void. She swallowed the indignation, the vexation, and the bitterness. She squared her shoulders, and evened a breath. "Can you have a few of the carnies set my tent up for later in the evening? I'm going into the town to gather audience members." Then she was brushing past the leering ring leader, past his countence that twisted and formed in frustration, past the parted mouth that would cease her to stop again.


She ran.


Toes dug into dirt and grass, Jinx spurring herself far from the whispering crowds of carnies and the yelling ring leader. She spurred herself towards her trailer and wrenched open the flimsy door. Up she went, into the dully lighted interior and there she gathered a fresh pair of clothes. She refused to be here when Baxter returned. Refused to be forced into a tent with him, prompted and questioned, grilled ruthlessly. She wanted out, she wanted freedom and breath of air before tonight. She'll pay the consequences later.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

It was sometime before Baxter made his way back to the cirque, his gait shuffling and exhausted. In one hand, he clutched the blackened, charred heart that was once his father's. Though now it looked to be more of an oddly shaped stone if a mortal to have seen it. Those who were like them would know it for what it was. His head hung down, eyes staring blankly at the ground, he made his way to the only place he knew to go at that moment. The only place he knew if he didn't go, he'd have been dragged there anyway. He had to face Jack. He had to prove that he wasn't like his father, that he wasn't going to lose control. That he hadn't lost control. He had regained some strength, having to make the trip back to the circus, his body absently pulling on small portions of emotion as he went. It was a survival instinct, one that Baxter couldn't just turn off. He let out a slow breath when he arrived at the tent where he had been silently directed, knowing Jack would be waiting for him. His head lifted, "Jack." he called, his voice firm and back to his normal self, albeit more calm than normal.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The sky had darkened into a dusk haze by the time Baxter had returned. All carnies had been averted onto the focus of preparing for the night's second show. Although that didn't stop them from appraising the exhausted demon, the whispers spiraling and the rumors stumbling to reach other ears. Wearily all watched as he approached the one tent that many didn't dare go near when the man was prowling with utmost anger. One should never disappoint the man who fed and raised them. The ring leader sat, laid back in his vast chair, eyes closed as, in the background, a reporter on the radio droned over incoming news relaying to the forest fire that still burned and flared. Firefighters had managed to calm the flames and prevent it from spreading but that didn't stop them from advising evacuations from nearby homes and towns, proving that citizens should remain alert and cautious. His eyes flickered open to gaze upon Baxter.


Jack slowly straightened his posture, smoothing a hand over his crumpled attire. "Baxter," he rolled the name off of his tongue. "I'm glad to know you have remained some common sense intact where others have not. Furthermore, it's good to see that you're quite sane." He leaned forward and rested his elbows upon the wooden desk, eyes roving and appraising his dirtied appearance. Pausing only to linger upon the charred heart cliched in his hand. "Care to explain what happened tonight?"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter stepped further into the tent, coming to stop just before the desk. His hand lifted and he dropped the charred heart before Jack. “My father.” He stated, his words cold, “My target.” He corrected, clearing his throat. “There’s your proof. Dead and gone. No humans saw, and there is no evidence.” He stated, sighing. He shifted uncomfortably, until finally he lifted his gaze to Jack. “You’re a rotten bastard, Jack. Just to be clear.” He stated, and the all to familiar smirk was once again on his face. He was finally starting to feel more like his old self. Memories intact this time around. “I’m sorry I took so long to get the job done. It was a bit of… a shock.” He sighed, shrugging his shoulders. “If Jinx’s target still lives, I’ll take all responsibility. Punish me as you should. We broke our rules.” He sighed, lifting his hand and rubbing the back of his neck. He rolled his shoulders.


“It’s my fault Jinx missed her mark. We agreed to team up, and I went a little crazy when I ran into my old man.” He started, his eyes dulling as his mind travelled back to the moment. The memory of the woman and the children, drained and turned into mummified corpses. He shuddered, and plowed into explaining to Jack exactly what happened since the night before. Every last detail. Including his and Jinx’s personal moment before all the trouble had happened. Maybe Jack would be able to help clarify what had happened to Baxter, maybe not. Either way, he wasn’t going to leave anything out. By the end of the story, Baxter was trembling, though why, the demon didn’t know. “So… If I have to take double punishment, I will. It’s not Jinx’s fault things went haywire.” He sighed, having no clue about the interaction between Jinx and Jack earlier that day. As the story stated, he hadn’t seen Jinx since she left him in the forest so that he could stoke the fire back up. He paused, “Oh, and uh…. I absorbed his leftover power…” he added, realizing he hadn’t mentioned that. “To restart the fire. I fed it my sorrow over the old man.” He sighed, shaking his head. “My body kind of acted on it’s own… like I was watching someone else control me…. After seeing that siren rip out his heart.” He finished, glancing down to the charred organ on the desk.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The charred organ landed upon Jack's desk with a thump. The heart scattered up papers and darkened others in soot and ash, dampening the cursive words neatly printed upon documents and letters. Despite the spitten statement, the cruelty that entangled that singular curse; bastard, it didn't nerve the stoic and leering ringleader. It merely made his mouth curve, steel and broad. A grin that revealed glittering white teeth that bared in the amusement of the man's target. His own father. Even though the job progressed slowly, and was late, Baxter completed it quite well. However, some details snagged the calculating Jack's attention.


Most of it that it wasn't he who ripped out the heart but the Siren. Whom, no doubtingly, was lacking presence on the grounds at this very moment. Probably boozing and vvying for attention at bars, slipping specific tickets into the pockets of men. Tickets that wouldn't be for the Cirque's performance but, rather, the one that was saved for later in the eve where adults roamed and played. An event to keep her sated and in control. A questioning idea as she surely had her fill on pleasure and ferocity. Considering her coupling with the very demon in front of him.


Moreover, Baxter preserved that he had completed the job and all punishment should be pinned to him. His fingers thumped emphatically across the curved arms of his robust chair. "My boy, the both of you teamed together. You took both targets upon your shoulders. Jinx will have participation in the punishment, whatever that will be, as well as you." Arms moved and, suddenly, he was rising out of his chair. His shoulders straightened and his gaze pinned and burrowed into the demon's appearance. "I'm quite disappointed that you weren't the one to dampen the final blow. That you had to have your lover do it for you." Cold eyes narrowed. "'Tis all I must say. You are dismissed. Return outdoors to help a few of the men with Miette's tent."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter winced as the words stung his pride, that his lover finished the job for him. Last he heard, that wasn't entirely the case between the siren and he. After the ending effects of the battle, he couldn't be so certain that the woman would even want to discuss anything with him. Much less see him. He stood in silence, glaring at the desk rather than being capable to meet Jack's gaze. Just as quickly as Baxter had regained himself, Jack had stamped him down, putting him in his place. Then again, that was how Jack was the ring leader here and not someone else. He felt like a child again, being scolded for wrong-doing. Which was exactly what he had done, and had drug Jinx into the mix because he hadn't been confident in his own capabilities. As much as he wanted to protest, he found himself that much more incapable of saying anything against the man. "Forgive me. I'll do better next time." he murmured, and turned, leaving the tent. He dared not linger on what his punishment would be, it all depended on Jack's mood and if his actions there after had redeemed him any. He sighed and obliged the order to help continue setting up the tents, starting with the siren's.


Sera leaped up when word came to her about Baxter's return, rushing to Jack's tent. She paused by the door, unsure, and then slipped inside when she realized Baxter had already left. "Sir?" she asked timidly, wincing upon notice of the heart. "Wha--" she started to ask about Baxter and what the ringleader intended, but stopped herself. It honestly wasn't her place, and Jack was already in a foul mood. She bit her lip, "Uhm. My wing is better. I can fly again... I just... thought I should let you know." she said, letting her eyes fall to her feet as she waited for a response. Her cheeks colored with embarrassment from her brash actions.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The ring leader had assumed he had little to deal with anymore. Besides the punishments that awaited for Baxter and Jinx, there was little to none to concern himself over. Jack had just about settled back into the cushions of his leering chair when the flaps of his tent jutted open, the beautiful form of Sera appearing through him. His lips parted, a sigh loosening from the depths of his throat. Excepting to hear the stumbled questions, of that of her brother's health or the burdening punishment he would take upon. His bitter and tired countenance must've thrown the girl off as the angel babbled instead about her wing. His eyebrows lifted before relaxing. "If your wing has mended, Sera, then perhaps you shoulder participate in tonight's show. Gather an act together and be prepared."


His voice softened, then, as he appraised her with a sweetened gaze. "And do assure that Baxter does the same." That seemed to be the only inclination of a dismissal as the ring leader freed papers from under the charred heart, the organ soon thereafter being tucked away inside the drawer of his desk.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera nodded, "Yes sir." she said softly and slipped back out of the tent, releasing the breath that had caught in chest only moments ago. She had never just barged in on Jack before, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt about doing so now. Though it had seemed that he wasn't to angry over the matter, guessing because she hadn't pressed him about Baxter or Jinx. She took a deep breath, and then remembered he had said to prepare an act. She froze for a moment, unsure of what to do. Then she remembered he said for Baxter to do the same, and it had been some time since she and the demon gave their yin and yang performance. She nodded, and rushed to find Baxter.

 

[QueenofDorks]

>>Later in the Evening<<

​

With the destruction of the still burning fire, and the crumbling forest, many citizens and children alike drew to the cirque to hide under the mask of happiness. To let their worries be free and revel at the spectacular performances. There were vastly large crowds and, as the night progressed and the show dwindled, the groups all eventually drifted home; back to where the stressing concerns laid. Some, however, remained and lingered. Married men urging their wife and children along, promising to be home soon after late night shopping or when that very important business meeting let him out. Lies being formulated just to see a particular Siren and her late night act.


Jinx sat poised in the metal chair before her vanity, fingers tucking sparking earrings against her ears, and hands smoothing down the messy short curls of her vibrant and recently dyed purple hair. She preened and pressed makeup across her features, leaving only her scales and gills exposed upon her pale skin. Every movement was with care and delicacy. She drowned herself in every beautifying motion, avoiding all thoughts of the blonde and troubled demon. She wouldn't let herself be swept up in his chaos and impending drama. She wouldn't be weak and let herself be used.


A dainty hand spread out and snatched at the crimson colored lipstick amongst the vast collection she owned. With caring ease she uncapped it and began to apply the cosmetic to her plump lips.


--


With the crowds no longer a bother amongst the carnies, and the minimal group of men awaiting far outside for the vixen Jinx, Nikolai took it upon himself to stay back in the tent. He and several others pursued throughout the set up bleachers, picking up spilled popcorn and cleaning soda stains from the wood. He moved with swift ease, and crumpled up the striped red and white popcorn bags before maneuvering back down to the ground where a few trash cans had been dragged in. Along the sides his wolves laid, sprawled in the middle of the circus tent. Their eyes watched his every move, apparently tired and worn out from his vying peformance as they refused to budge from the spot. Let alone be corralled back into their cages.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter was roving the grounds, several young ladies gathered around him. A mix of college aged ladies, and older, this was his own version of the night life here at the cirque. Jinx was entertaining men, and he had found some ladies to replenish his strength after the battle he had and the fire he had created. He played chivalrous when needed, and when not, he would play the wounded orphan that found his home in the cirque. Easily, he played on each woman’s emotions, carefully feeding off the energies. He needed some way to keep his mind off Jinx, and off the impending punishment that was to be his once Jack decided on it.


~~


Sera stepped into the large tent, knowing Nikolai was the only one at the moment using his time to clean up after the crowds. Many others were entertaining themselves or others as there were still guests present on the grounds. She breathed slowly, having passed on entertaining that evening. She’d used much of her energy healing those wounded on the hunt night, as well as to make sure her wing was healed faster than needed. She bit back a yawn as she took up helping to clean, waving a small hello to the wolves that sat, watching their alpha. “Evening, Nik.” She said warmly. Her performance with Baxter had been spectacular, the angel and demon playing out a pretend battle of good and evil, as well as a combination of the forbidden love between angel and demon. Things that entertained and enthralled both male and female. It was a long performance, but an entertaining one to say the least.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The Siren emerged from her trailer, heels teetering down from the flimsy metal steps. Stockings and lace were rolled up to her thighs, black and see through. Her upper body was tightly held into a satin corset that revealed far too much skin than one would expect. She was a slender figure that projected sensuality and darkness in her chosen attire. Jinx had to move across the grounds to reach her acquired tent. Not that she minded. It provided her more of a way to show off what Baxter could never ever have. Childish as it seemed, the thought quite delighted the minx.


Hips swaying, and legs striding with full confidence, Jinx walked across the cirque grounds. Few carnies whistled appreciatively at her decked appearance, the crooned comments that admired her dedication to her type of entertainment. She simpered and smirked, the monster stretching and rising -- vying to be let out. She raised her chin and pursued the rest of the way to her awaiting audience. On the way, she passed her eyes over Baxter and his clinging entourage. Young ladies and older women surrounded him, following his every movement. Doting on him with emotions and assuring affection. A soft scoff uprooted itself from her mouth and the Siren rolled her eyes.


--


Nikolai inclined his head upwards to appraise Sera and her tired form. He paused amidst his cleaning up then, as if remembering what he was supposed to be doing, dumped the collected trash of balled up popcorn bags and cotton candy wrappers. From the middle of the circus tent, the wolves crooned and howled in greeting to the Angel. Evidently appreciating her calming presence. "Good evening to yourself, Sera," the werewolf commented, only after lightly hushing his pets into silence. "Your performance tonight was quite spectacular if I must say so."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter spotted Jinx as soon as she emerged into sight, the cat calls and other various responses she generated catching his attention easily enough. When he realized her eyes passed over him, he smirked as if in triumph, “Think you might be laying it on a little thick? I mean, it’s not like you’re in search of affection or anything.” He said lightly, almost carelessly, his tone clearly implying a rather hideous insult to the woman. The ladies around him all put a hand to their mouths to stifle the giggles his words enticed, each one looking at Jinx, their gazes clearly having nasty implications. Not that Baxter cared, he was still hurt about their exchange, no matter the fault at hand or whatever happened. She was angry with him, clearly, and he didn’t feel she had any reason to be. Not to mention her intention of getting on the demon’s skin actually worked, not that he’d let her know that.


~~


Sera smiled lightly, waving at the wolves as they greeted her from where they rested. Her attention pulled back to the werewolf, “Thank you. It’s an old act of Baxter’s and mine. Jack said since my wing was better that I had to find an act, and there wasn’t time to think of something new.” She shrugged, laughing lightly. “Though I think Baxter put a little more feeling into it than he used to.” She sighed, slightly worried. “I’ve never actually felt like I should fear him when we put on a show together.” Her lips pursed into worry before she shook herself and focused on Nikolai again. “You and your wolves were in top shape as always.” She added, smiling once again.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The demon's snarky response dug further into her chest. Jinx maintained a steady composure, breathing throughout her nose in a small huff. She wouldn't be dampen down upon by Baxter. She wouldn't be looked at by these women and be thought of ugly, perhaps even branded a vixen or a whore. Her shoulders rolled back, and a sneer bared down on her mouth. "You're right, I am in no search for affection. Not even yours, Baxy." She jutted her chin out, hazel eyes snaking back to the women entourage; gaze roving over them as if to appraise each and every one of their flaws they might withhold. "Your affection is quick and one time only. Not even worth my time or attention. Trust me when I say that, ladies."


--


"Baxter," Nikolai began, then paused, as if reconsidering his words. He huffed out a breath then readjusted himself to stoop down and grope at the ground for any spare trash. "Baxter hasn't been quite the same since the hunt. That's what I think, anyways." Clutching torn wrappers and another spilled soda cup, he quickly deposited it into the open trash that was slowly filling up with the leftover waste. "He should do something about his emotions before he snaps again. Like the night that the tent almost burned down." The werewolf seemed to mull over his thoughts temporarily before he gave her a thin lined smile. "And thank you for the compliment. I'm sure the wolves appreciate it too."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter merely chuckled at the siren's words, "I made my conquest. That's all I wanted." he said as his eyes flashed with anger, referring to their time in the forest before all had gone wrong for the hunt. Of course, this was a lie on his part, but he didn't let that show in his words. He'd never admit that, not even to himself. Well, he did somewhat admit it to Sera once, and if Jack was the intelligent man everyone knew him as, he'd have seen the demon's feelings for the siren in the way he had spoken of it during his explanation of what had occurred. The ladies had turned their wary expressions back to Baxter, clearly bothered by his comment to Jinx. He smiled charmingly at them, "Not that you ladies have anything like that to worry about. On my honor as a gentleman." he said warmly, and they all seemed to swoon and giggle, satisfied. With parting glares at the siren, the ladies and Baxter all moved off to continue their late night stroll.


--


Sera's expression fell as they spoke about Baxter, "You're right, you know." she said softly, sighing as she bent to pick up trash as well. "He is different." she said softly, sadness clear in her eyes. "I don't know what happened, or who his target was... but its..." she paused, her throat feeling as if it was threatening to choke her for a moment. "Its changed him. That much is clear. I don't think he'll ever be my demon brother again." she sighed, shaking her head. She glanced up at Nikolai, and gave a small laugh, "I'm sorry. I don't mean to push my problems on you." she said, lifting a hand to brush hair from her face. The burn scars still clear on her hand. "Jinx is different too. Did you notice?" she asked, quickly returning to clearing the trash from the tent. She nodded to acknowledge that he had thanked her for her earlier compliment, smiling warmly over at the wolves before focusing back on the task at hand.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Anger seethed up and snatched at Jinx's heart. How dare he use that against her? Of all things he had to make a sneering jab against the time they had shared together the previous night. Her heavily colored lips of crimson red dipped and scowled bitterly. As if that wasn't enough, the bitter banter between them, the Siren still sought out words to harm him with. To sink deeper under his skin. She bared her teeth back into a grin. "At least I'm not consumed with jealously," she snapped out, "and trying to vie for attention."


Her heels dug into the dirt and she pivoted, strutting to her tent that was lively and already lit with awaiting audience members. "At least I know that love is a figament of imagination and can never be snared!" Her remaining words were muffled and muted by the tent flaps that fell away behind her disappearing form. Cat calls and whistles soon uprooted from within the tent, men hooting and hollering at her seductive getup. She allowed herself to be swept up into their attention, drowning out all thoughts of the troublesome Baxter.


--


"He'll shake out of it," Nikolai attempted to assure, his fingers stumbling slightly over a stick that had once been wrapped in cotton candy. He pressed his lips together and tilted his eyes upwards. He gave a loose smile, "I don't mind talking about it." Though, as soon as the words drifted from his mouth, he delved back into silence. The first trash can was filled to the brim by now, and he leaned over, wrenching the bag free to tie up and discard. All the while he considered and analyzed her musings about Jinx. "I noticed," he chided softly. "She didn't show up for tonight's performance. And that's disconcerting because..." He paused, wrangling in a breath. "I'd rather have her not slip and fall back into the person she was before Jack trained her and what not."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter watched the siren march to her tent, a glimmer of anger bubbling in his chest when she disappeared from view but the ruckus that ensued after clearly explaining what was going on. He shook himself, and turned his attention back to the women that surrounded him. Several of the older ladies had to excuse themselves, due to children at home or some other reasonings. So he was left with three college aged women, and a mind that lived below the streets. A sly smile formed on his features as he convinced each one to return to his tent. Sera would figure out what was going on and leave him be. It wouldn't be the first time.


--


Sera nodded, breathing slowly as she helped to finish up the cleaning project. Silence spread between the two of them, as the angel wasn't sure what else to talk about in that moment. After a time, another of the carnies came in, "Hey, Sera..." the woman said gently, glancing over at Nikolai before focusing on the angel. "Baxter has, uhm, guests.... in ya'lls tent. I thought I'd let ya know afore ya went back there. Figured ya want ta fin' somewheres else to sleep." she said with an apologetic smile. Sera blushed, and nodded, "Th-thanks, Jen." she stammered, passing a hand over her face in an attempt to calm herself. It was always an embarrassing moment to hear that Baxter had someone sleeping with him, and even more so to hear that it seemed to be multiples. She sighed, shaking her head, "And I can't ask to stay with Jinx... she's in the same situation." she said to herself.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Nikolai tilted his head towards the carnie that had slipped inside the interior of the big top tent. Though his hands still moved, sweeping up what little garbage that remained among the bleachers. In the ounce of silence Sera and him had lapsed into, they had filled two more bags of trash. The wooden surfaces of the benches looked clean and free of any spills and leftover crumpled candy. If Jack noted the admirable work, it certaintly would set him into a good mood. He didn't make it apparent that he was eavesdropping on the two's conversation. However, his mouth did slightly quirk to the side at the mention of particular guests in the shared tent of the angel and the demon. That certainly pinned Sera in an awkward position with nowhere else to go it seemed. Considering that Jinx as well was getting entangled within various men's' grasps. His eyes drifted across the carnie that abandoned the tent shortly after asserting the statement. "You uh," he paused, the words loosening from his mouth, "can take my tent for the evening, Sera. I can find somewhere else to rest."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera jumped slightly when Nikolai started talking to her again, her face turning a deeper crimson. "Oh! No, I... I couldn't put you out of your own tent!" she laughed nervously, shaking her head. "Thank you, but I wouldn't feel right about it. Don't worry about me." she continued, brushing loose hair from her face. She stammered a few times, words nearly rushing from her mouth in babble as she tried to find some excuse not to cause strife to the werewolf. Sera had always been one to give kindness but seemed to have issues receiving kindness in turn. Her thoughts screamed that if she took the offer, he might resent her for it, as well as other such nefarious thoughts. Her memories slipped by, more worry about keeping everyone else happy with her. She finally forced herself to fall silent, sighing. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to act so. I'm just flustered." she laughed softly, covering her face with a hand in embarrassment.

 

[QueenofDorks]

There was a slightest offset to the werewolf's mouth. As if he was suppressing his amusement to the flustered words that seem to just keep pouring endlessly from her. His eyes, however, seemed to reflect such an emotion. Suppressing a snicker, Nikolai distracted himself briefly with removing the filled up trash bag from the can and tying it with swift ease. "No need to apologize," he quipped softly. "But I will have to insist on you taking my tent. I don't mind, really." He straightened up and rolled his shoulders, a grimace setting in on his face. After tonight's performance, and staying behind to clean up, he was quite sore; muscles weak and in simmering pain. "I can bed somewhere else for the night. And I'm sure that Baxter and his guests won't be leaving that tent anytime soon."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera eyed the wolf for a moment, biting her lower lip as she attempted to reign in her thoughts. She sighed, giving up, "Thank you, Nik." she said softly, catching the grimace on his face as he rolled his shoulders. She stepped over to him, "Here. Let me..." she started, placing a hand on his shoulder as it started to glow softly. She sent her magic out slowly, letting it relax his tense muscles and sooth the aches and pains. She didn't normally help so much with her abilities, shying away from the idea because she didn't enjoy everyone coming to her for every ache or pain. Yet, for Nikolai, she'd return his kindness for like. Once she was certain he'd feel loads better, the faint glow died away and she moved her. "That's thanks... for letting me stay in your tent." she said softly, giving him a small smile.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Underneath Sera's touch the werewolf stiffened. Nikolai nearly recoiled away from her touch. Though her fingers were gentle and radiated some kind of warmth. His thoughts lingered upon that and he forced himself to relent, to relax. However, a sense of uneasiness by being touched and brushed upon still remained. Once sore muscles now loosened and became more easy to use. As soon as her hand lifted off from his shoulder, as soon as she had moved back, he scraped his feet across the dirt. Compacting a good distance between the two. "You're welcome," he hushed, his eyes dwindling off to focus upon his pack of resting wolves. "It's no problem really, Sera..."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera, who had been oblivious previously, blinked a few times. She was puzzled by his reaction, the expression on his face, and the uneasiness in his eyes. She frowned slightly, his tone was hushed. Then it occurred to her, and she gasped, pressing fingers to her lips. Her eyes widened. "Oh my. I'm sorry! I didn't even think... You... I..." she stammered, but she didn't let herself blather on. She fell silent, and her eyes dropped to the floor. "I should have asked, Nikolai... I'm so sorry. I never thought that you'd have not liked me to touch you. I didn't mean to cause you discomfort." she said softly. "It won't happen again, I promise." she added, quickly turning on her heels to keep him from being able to see the pain that rose in her eyes. Rejection. What did she do? Why did he feel so? She scolded herself for acting before thinking, and pressed the feeling of rejection down. It was only once. Maybe he wasn't actually rejecting her? It could just be, plainly, that he didn't like being touched. There could be numerous reasons.... Right?

 

[QueenofDorks]

Hesitation settled in upon Nikolai's countenance. He hadn't meant for Sera to stumble over her own words once more, let alone making her reconsider her approaches beforehand. Though apart of him scolded silently for feeling pity. Of course she needed to ask him before he was touched. The thought of a person's fingers, curling and brushing across his skin, made a shudder glide through him. It surfaced horrible memories of his life before, before the circus and Jack's gentle care. A whimper dared to rise at the thought of his parents, but he compressed the noise. Same with the wandering notions.


Squaring his shoulders together, he tilted his eyes across her turned form. "Just ask next time. Alright?" He then whistled shrilly to his wolves, the canine animals gathering upon their feet to follow their master whom had begun his strides out of the big circus top tent.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Yes, of course." she said softly, nodding. It took her several moments before she was able to turn around once again, catching the wolves and Nikolai just before they left the big top, and sighed softly. I hope I didn't distress him to much. Though I am thankful he didn't seem to angry with me. I wonder what happened to cause him to dislike being touched. Her thoughts swam around Nikolai and his reaction to her touch on his shoulder, her curiosity getting the better of her. At least it was better than simmering on the fact that Nikolai didn't like her or some other such notion that would feed her fear of being rejected. Part of her wondered if she should ask Jack, so that she could hopefully avoid any further incidences that would cause Nikolai to push further from her, but then the rational side of her thoughts screamed at her that it would be a devastating trespass on the werewolf's privacy. Perhaps she should just wait and see if Nikolai would tell her himself? But there was no telling when that would occur! She sighed in a slight frustrated manner before making sure the last of the trash had been removed from the tent and trotted off to find the werewolf's tent. It was getting late, and she didn't want to be mistaken for one who participated in such manners that the circus entertained once the sun went down and the children were in bed.

 

[QueenofDorks]

As the angelic woman dawdled about, attempting to uncover the location of the enigmatic werewolf's tent, she seemed to have gain a follower. A man, strung high off of the intense pleasure that Jinx had evidently applied upon him, had stumbled off after picking his way from the siren's tent. He had intended to return home, to the warmth of an unaware wife and sleepy kids that were probably waiting up for their father to kiss them goodnight. He, however, became distracted by the swaying sight of Sera and was immediately attached. His head swam, hazy and in a lustful frenzy. The side effects of her mating had left him dumb and like a fool. Yearning to satisfy just a bit more of the indulgence. His feet picked up dirt and pebbles as he scraped across the grounds, reeling after her. "Hey," he crooned, his hands extending outwards in a stretch, "why don't you come over here for a little while? I can show you wondrous things..."